Camilla is headed to her grandmother’s 80th birthday dinner, where family tensions and secrets are set to unravel. As they gather for the first time in years, old rivalries ignite, hidden truths surface, and a sudden twist leaves them all reeling.
Camilla and her husband, Scott, were driving to a family dinner at her grandmother’s house. For the first time in years, the entire family was together.
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They had come from different cities because it was Grandma Eleanor’s 80th birthday, and she insisted they all attend. Scott parked the car, and they stepped out into the cool evening air.
“I still don’t get why we’re here,” Scott grumbled as they walked to the front door.
“It’s Grandma’s birthday,” Camilla replied. “She wants to see us all together. She’s the only kind person in our family. I couldn’t say no.”
“I get that, but I could be working right now. You know we need the money more than ever,” Scott complained.
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“It’s just one evening.” Camilla patted her stomach, her loose sweater concealing her figure. “Do you think they’ll notice?”
“They shouldn’t. Even I wouldn’t if I didn’t know,” Scott responded.
“Good. I don’t want Mom to know yet. Maybe I’ll tell Grandma at the end of the night,” Camilla said.
“It’s your choice, honey. I’m here for you,” Scott said, giving her a gentle hug.
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They heard another car parking. Turning around, they saw Camilla’s brother, Michael, and his wife, Stacy, getting out of their car.
“Hey! Wait for us!” Michael shouted, running over.
“Sweetie, I can’t run! I’m in heels!” Stacy whined, catching up slowly. Camilla and Scott exchanged looks, rolling their eyes. It was clear Stacy was with Michael for his wealth, once she even said it herself.
“Can we go in now?” Scott asked. They all approached the door, and Camilla rang the bell.
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A moment later, the door opened, and a joyous Eleanor stood there. “My darlings! I’m so glad to see you!” she exclaimed, hugging each of them. They walked into the dining room, where a beautifully set table awaited, laden with food.
“Why did you make so much? You could’ve waited, and we would’ve helped,” Camilla said.
“Stop it. I enjoy doing this,” Eleanor replied. They all sat at the table.
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“Mom isn’t here yet?” Michael asked.
“She said she wasn’t sure if she could make it,” Eleanor said sadly.
“Typical. She never has time for us,” Camilla remarked.
“Stop it. She’s our mom,” Michael responded.
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“Just because you’re her favorite doesn’t mean anything! She hasn’t even wished me a happy birthday in years!” Camilla snapped.
“Not everyone can be perfect like you!” Michael shouted back.
“She always put her acting career before us! She still does! And look who’s talking about perfection – the owner of several restaurants!” Camilla yelled.
“I worked hard for that!” Michael shouted.
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“Let’s calm down a bit,” Scott suggested.
But Camilla didn’t hear him. “You just got lucky Uncle decided to give the restaurants to you!” she screamed.
“You’ve always been jealous of me!” Michael yelled.
“Jealous?! Of what?! That you’re completely alone, and your wife’s with you only for the money?!” Camilla screamed.
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“As if your situation is any better! Your husband can’t even find a decent job! And how long have you been trying to have a kid? Five? Ten years?” Michael yelled.
“Go to hell!” Camilla screamed.
“Enough!” Eleanor shouted, standing up. “You’re acting like children! I brought you here to have a nice dinner on MY birthday. And I was even thinking about what to do with the inheritance.”
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“What inheritance?!” Michael and Camilla asked in unison.
“The one your grandfather left, and I will leave too. But you can forget about it. You don’t know how to appreciate what you have. I’m not leaving you anything until you learn to value it!” Eleanor declared.
“Wait! What do we need to do to get the inheritance?” Michael shouted after her.
“Convince me you deserve it,” Eleanor said, walking away.
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Camilla started feeling unwell and stepped outside, holding and gently rubbing her stomach. After a few minutes, Michael joined her.
“So we might get an inheritance,” he said to Camilla.
“We might have if you hadn’t ruined everything as usual,” Camilla replied.
“Me? You started it,” Michael said defensively.
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“Michael, I need this inheritance. I really need it,” Camilla said.
“I need it too,” Michael retorted.
“You have restaurants! Leave me something!” Camilla snapped.
“Business isn’t going well, and Stacy threatens to leave if I don’t fix it,” Michael said.
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“That might be good for you,” Camilla said. “I’m not backing down. Scott and I need the money badly right now.”
“And what are you going to do?” Michael asked.
“Prove I deserve the inheritance,” Camilla said, walking back into the house.
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“Hey! That’s not fair!” Michael shouted, following her.
Camilla found Eleanor in her bedroom. “I’m sorry we ruined your celebration with our fighting,” Camilla said.
“It’s not your fault. Your mother didn’t raise you to be friendly,” Eleanor replied.
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“Do you want something? Food? Drink?” Camilla asked.
“Is this how you want to prove you deserve the inheritance?”
“Scott and I really need this money right now,” Camilla said, placing a hand on her stomach. “Because—”
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Michael barged in, interrupting, “Don’t listen to her. She’s lying about me.”
“We weren’t talking about you,” Eleanor said. “Camilla, you were saying?”
“No, nothing important. I’ll tell you later,” Camilla said, not wanting Michael to hear.
“Do you need anything, Grandma? Let me help you with something,” Michael offered.
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“If you think sucking up to me will get you the inheritance, you’re wrong,” Eleanor said. “Let’s go back to the table and continue dinner.”
The three of them returned to the dining room, where Scott and Stacy were still sitting, and saw that Margaret, Camilla and Michael’s mom, had arrived.
“My darlings! I’m so happy to see you!” Margaret said, hugging Michael and then Camilla. “You’ve gained some weight, Camilla,” she commented, making Camilla roll her eyes. They all sat down.
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“Michael told me you’re discussing inheritance. Am I in the list of heirs?” Margaret asked.
“So that’s why you came. Not surprised my daughter only wants money from me,” Eleanor said.
“Not at all. I came for your birthday,” Margaret said.
“Sure, I believe that,” Eleanor replied.
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“I think we should discuss the inheritance,” Michael said, holding Stacy’s hand. “We believe it should go to us.”
“Why you?” Scott asked.
“When was the last time you visited Grandma?” Camilla asked.
“We live far away; it’s hard to get here,” Michael replied.
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“We also live far away but visit at least once a month,” Camilla said.
“I sent groceries to Grandma!” Michael shouted.
“I helped her around the house!” Camilla shouted back.
“I called her every week!” Michael yelled.
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“I called her every day!” Camilla screamed.
“I think the inheritance should go to me as the oldest,” Margaret said.
“No!” Camilla and Michael shouted in unison.
“Oh!” Margaret said, clutching her chest.
“Grandma, are you okay?” Camilla asked.
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“Yes, just…” Eleanor didn’t finish her sentence and fainted. Camilla rushed to her.
“Grandma! Grandma! Call an ambulance!” Camilla shouted, then grabbed her stomach and screamed.
“What’s wrong?” Scott asked nervously.
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“It’s starting,” Camilla said.
“What’s starting? Labor?” Scott asked.
“Yes,” Camilla said, screaming again.
“You’re pregnant?!” Michael asked, shocked.
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“I’m going to be a grandma!” Margaret exclaimed.
Scott called an ambulance, and they took Camilla and Eleanor to the hospital. The rest gathered to drive to the hospital in Michael’s car.
“Let’s take my car,” Michael said.
“Fine,” Scott replied.
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“Michael, maybe you shouldn’t go. You know I hate hospitals,” Stacy said.
“What? My grandma is sick, and my sister is giving birth,” Michael said.
“But I don’t want to go,” Stacy said.
“Then stay,” Michael said.
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Michael, Scott, and Margaret drove after the ambulance.
Camilla was in the delivery room, almost ready to give birth but refusing to until she heard about Eleanor.
“What’s happening with Grandma?!” Camilla screamed. “Tell me about my Grandma!”
Scott sat beside her, holding her hand. “Please, calm down. The baby is the priority now.”
“There’s no time to wait. We need to deliver,” the doctor said.
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“What’s happening with my Grandma?!” Camilla screamed.
The doctors calmed her down, and she delivered a healthy baby girl. She held the baby when Michael and Margaret entered the room.
“I can’t believe I’m an uncle,” Michael said. “I’m sorry for everything I said at dinner.”
Margaret looked upset. “Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?” she asked Camilla.
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“I didn’t want you to be in her life and then disappear like you did with me and Michael,” Camilla said.
“You’re right. I wasn’t a good mom. But maybe I can be a good grandma,” Margaret said.
“Let’s take it slow,” Camilla replied. “Do you know what’s happening with Grandma?”
“Camilla…” Margaret hesitated. “You need to rest and not stress.”
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“What happened to her?” Camilla insisted.
“Her heart stopped,” Michael said. “The doctor said it had been bad for a while. I think that’s why she wanted us all together.”
Camilla started to cry, and Scott hugged her.
A doctor entered the room. “Sorry to interrupt, but we found something in Eleanor’s belongings. I think you should see it,” the doctor said, handing Michael a folded note. Michael brought it to Camilla, and they read it together.
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I know our family isn’t the closest, and I wanted to change that. I hope it can happen with you, but I have more hope for the new generation. Camilla, I know you’re pregnant, even though you tried to hide it. I’m so happy for you and Scott. That is why I want my great-grandchild to inherit everything I have. Teach this child to love and protect our family, as it’s the most important thing we have. Michael, it’s time to leave Stacy. Margaret, it’s time to learn to be a mother and a grandmother. I love you all very much and hope you know that. Learn to love each other too.
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Michael and Camilla had tears streaming down their faces.
“It looks like your little girl is very lucky,” Michael said. “Do you know what to name her?”
Camilla looked at the baby, then at Scott. Scott nodded.
“Her name is Eleanor.”
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Gary Burghoff AKA Radar from ‘M*A*S*H’ Always Kept His Left Hand Out of View – Five Times We Could See It
The hit 1972 sitcom “M*A*S*H” introduced the world to a number of memorable and beloved characters, from the smart-mouthed yet compassionate Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce to his endearing friend, Captain B.J. Hunnicutt. Almost every character had stuck in the minds of the fans.
One of the characters that often featured but was easily overlooked by his military counterparts due to his nervous nature was the 4077 MASH unit’s company clerk, Corporal Walter Eugene “Radar” O’Reilly. Although many of the staff on the base tended to take Radar’s effort for granted, the fans sure noticed him.
Radar was portrayed by the acclaimed actor Gary Burghoff from the start of the TV show in 1972 until the seventh season, which aired in 1979. Although fans clamored for more of the unassuming clerk, Burghoff revealed that he needed to step away from the show to rekindle his personal relationships and fight burnout.
“M*A*S*H’s” Influence and Burghoff’s Personal Identity
Although Burghoff enjoyed playing Radar, the role became increasingly demanding. The actor commented that it became difficult to separate himself from his character in the eyes of the public, which soon became tedious. He also noted that he despised being fawned over by the crowds:
“Aw, I know I’m cute. Cute, cute, CUTE! I was always cute because I was always the smallest kid on the block. I hate cute.”
Everyone saw Burghoff as an adorable, short, timid character as they’d known him on-screen and on the stage for many years. However, after years of being looked down upon, both metaphorically and physically speaking, Burghoff grew tired of the persona so easily attributed to him by scores of people he had never even met.
The actor lashed out against this view of him as a cute little fellow by defending his height. As he so rightly pointed out, 5 feet 6 inches isn’t irregularly short, and he would have seen the tops of Arte Johnson or Mickey Rooney’s heads had they ever met. Nonetheless, the persona stuck.
Luckily for all his fans, Burghoff didn’t let his disability stand in his way, and he pursued his dream of becoming an actor.
Despite his misgivings about how others perceived him, Burghoff’s fellow cast members adored him. The director Charles Dubin recalled working with Burghoff before he left “M*A*S*H,” noting how caring and pleasant Burghoff was to everyone on set. However, Burghoff had another aspect of himself that drove down his self-esteem.
Burghoff had been born with a congenital disability called Brachydactyly, a form of Poland Syndrome. The condition left the actor with three fingers on his left hand that were noticeably smaller than the rest of his digits, and the abnormality had plagued him since he was a small child. The actor commented:
“Of course, this defect affected me while I was growing up. I suppose when I was very young, I knew my disability would set me apart and make me special.”
Luckily for all his fans, Burghoff didn’t let his disability stand in his way, and he pursued his dream of becoming an actor. Yet, becoming a fan-favorite on one of the most iconic TV shows America had ever produced never managed to quell his insecurities about his stout fingers and stocky frame.
Throughout his run on “M*A*S*H,” Burghoff tried to hide his left hand from the camera. He would often position himself so that the camera could only see one side of his body and usually gestured with his right if the scene required it, although the actor would be obligated to use both hands now and again.
In one of the earliest episodes, viewers were introduced to Radar as he stood in an open area, wearing a greyish shirt and his trademark cap. As the actor turned around and looked at the sky — once again hearing approaching helicopters before everyone else — the camera briefly panned over both his hands holding a football.
When Colonel Sherman T. Potter first made his appearance on the show, taking over from the beloved Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake, Radar and the new commander shared a scene where they first met. As Colonel Potter exited the room to find the latrines, the camera centered on Burghoff’s upper body as he opened a box with both hands.
Another infamous scene caught Burghoff with both hands on camera. During a regular morning salute, with the loathsome Major Frank Burns leading the ceremony, Radar does his usual morning salute with a bugle. In a hilarious twist, one of the men fires off the ceremonial canon at Burns’s behest.
Naturally, Radar gets the short end of the stick as the cannonball flies directly at him, knocking his instrument clean out of his hands. In the next few seconds, Burghoff turns toward the camera in a pantomime of rage, balling his fists and stomping in outrage. Here, both his hands can be seen for a brief second.
In one of the later episodes, the writers showed off Radar’s softer side when he cuddled his pet guinea pig, Babette. Naturally, Radar stood with his left hand beneath his right, but just as he started to sing, Father John Mulcahy called for him. Burghoff’s hands were visible again as he put the Babette away.
One of the scenes where Burghoff openly showed his left hand came as part of another gag the show pulled. At the start of the scene, Radar could be seen walking across a dirt road while two other military personnel walked away from the camera. The man on Radar’s right first lifted his hand in salute, followed shortly by one on the left.
Radar, the pleasant character he was, lifted his right hand in response to the first salute, as military etiquette dictates. Caught off guard by the quick second salute, Radar lifted his left hand as well, essentially performing a double salute. Feeling sheepish, he frowned and lowered his hands slowly in one of Burghoff’s classic displays of confusion.
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