DIFF'RENT STROKES {DIFFERENT STROKES}: MOVIN' IN {SERIES PREMIERE} (TV)
Summary
The first in this series of comedies about the family life of wealthy white industrialist Philip Drummond and his adopted African-American sons, Arnold and Willis. In this episode, Mr. Drummond prepares for the arrival of his two new sons, though his new maid, Mrs. Garrett, is less than thrilled at the thought of caring for two rowdy boys as well as Mr. Drummond's teenage daughter, Kimberly. However, Mr. Drummond explains that the boys' late mother was his beloved family housekeeper and that he promised to care for the orphans, and she is won over. Arnold and Willis arrive from Harlem and Mr. Drummond attempts to shake hands "like a brother," and he shows them around and introduces Mrs. Garrett. Kimberly arrives home and is thrilled to meet her new siblings, instantly falling into a familiar banter with the boys. Mr. Drummond shows off the thirtieth-story view, and Arnold declares the penthouse "his kind of pad," though Willis seems doubtful. Mr. Drummond promises them the best opportunities and schools, assuring Willis that it is not charity, because they will have to work hard and do well. He shows them his indoor hot tub and their bunkbeds, which Arnold likes at once. When they are alone, however, Willis tells his brother that they do not belong there and they are not staying. Arnold attempts to point out all the new advantages they have received, but Willis argues that they are "the wrong color" for their fancy new life and says they will return to Harlem first thing in the morning and live with friends. Arnold is disappointed, especially when Mr. Drummond proposes a trip to the circus and to a basketball game. Willis flatly turns down both offers, and Mr. Drummond begins to suspect that they do not feel at home. Mrs. Garrett suggests that he engage them in "family fun," so after dinner, they all gather for some bonding time, in which Mr. Drummond attempts a magic trick and Mrs. Garrett and Arnold dance to some music. Willis remains unimpressed, even when Mr. Drummond surprises them with an avalanche of new toys—and a pony—and tells him that they cannot be bought. Arnold admits that he will follow his brother even though he wishes to stay, and Mr. Drummond tells Willis that he did not give them a chance and is being selfish by not considering his brother's wishes. Arnold tells Willis that he is being unfair, and Willis ponders the matter in the hot tub. When Mr. Drummond finds him, he says that he has decided to stay, and Mr. Drummond says that they can learn from one another as Arnold happily joins them for a swim. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: November 3, 1978 8:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:25:32
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:57470
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Families; African-American Collection - Comedy
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1978-1985; ABC - 1985-1986
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Budd Grossman … Executive Producer
- Howard Leeds … Producer
- Herbert Kenwith … Producer
- John Maxwell Anderson … Associate Producer
- Herbert Kenwith … Director
- Bernie Kukoff … Created by
- Jeff Harris … Created by
- Ben Starr … Writer
- Alan Thicke … Theme Music by
- Al Burton … Theme Music by
- Conrad Bain … Cast, Philip Drummond
- Gary Coleman … Cast, Arnold Jackson
- Todd Bridges … Cast, Willis Jackson
- Dana Plato … Cast, Kimberly Drummond
- Charlotte Rae … Cast, Edna Garrett