The purpose of this section of the Quint & Nola Homepage will be to offer specific comments made by Henry in 1982 and 1983 that will prove that Henry was consistently supportive of Quint and Nola's relationship, both before and after he learned that Quinton was his son. This first month will focus on the day that Quint actually told Henry about the engagement. More comments will be added in subsequent months to illustrate Henry's long-term affection for Nola.
| So What Did Henry Say About Nola
|
Quint and Nola are now husband and wife, and the reception at Tony and Company is in full swing. While Vanessa is lurking about, obviously bored and in a very bad mood, Henry is having a fine old time. When the time comes to toast the newly married couple, this is what the groom's father said to all of the guests about his new daughter-in-law:
HENRY: Dear friends, dear family, I don't think it's going to come as a surprise to anybody when I confess that I have a crush on Nola. Now, she's brought a great deal of happiness to my beloved son, and to all of the Chamberlains.
| Nola and Quint announce
|
As those of you who have been reading the Quola History section already know, this is the actual day that Quinton told Henry that he and Nola were getting married. So did Henry actually turn any shade of red? Not on my television screen. Henry was overjoyed that Quinton had finally asked Nola to marry him. As we will see, Henry had been urging Quint to get on with it for several weeks now. The only thing about the engagement that Henry might have been upset over was just how long it took Quinton to propose. So how did Henry's reaction to the announcement actually play out? It went like this:
After Quint and Nola have discussed the whole Mona Enright/Rebecca Cartwright situation with Mrs. Renfield, Henry and Vanessa, Mrs. Renfield then suggests that they both go upstairs and get some rest. Nola taps Quinton on the shoulder and he puts his arm around her shoulder, gives a little chuckle, and says "Alright". Nola is smiling like the cat that got the cream (pretty appropriate under the circumstances), and the scene continues as follows:
QUINT: Uh, Nola and I have something to say to all of you now that you're all here.
VANESSA: Ah, I think I sense an announcement in the air.
QUINT: Yes, as a matter of fact, it is. Nola and I have decided to get married. (He puts both arms around Nola and they hug.)
HENRY: You're going to be married? Oh, Quinton, what wonderful news.
(There is no mistaking the true happiness in Henry's voice.)
VANESSA: (in the nasty-nice, semi-snotty she always uses around
Quola these days) Oh, it's so wonderful, yes, so picturesque. Tell me
Quinton, did you propose in the interrogation room down at
headquearters?
HENRY: Oh, darling, it doesn't matter where they proposed, the
important thing is they're going to be married. You couldn't have found
yourself a dandier girl.
NOLA: Thank you, Mr. Chamberlain.
QUINT: I absolutely agree.
What's really interesting about this episode, however, and most
illuminating about Henry's feeling about Nola marrying into the family,
is the following exchange between Henry and Vanessa after Quint, Nola
and Mrs. Renfield leave the room:
VANESSA: Daddy?
HENRY: Hmm?
VANESSA: You're...you're not really happy about this marriage, are you?
HENRY: Vanessa, how can you even ask such a question? They love each other, they belong together.
VANESSA: (trying to regroup) Oh, well, uh, I guess you
misunderstood me. I was just thinking that, that you must be terribly
hurt, darling. I mean, after all, they, uh, they went to the boarding
house and told Bea, and they, they didn't even call you.
HENRY: (in a very serious voice) Vanessa. I am going to say
something to you, and I hope I shall never have to say it again.
VANESSA: Oh, dear. Can't it wait?
HENRY: No, it cannot wait. Now, you know I love you, but if you do
anything to come between Quinton and Nola, and I mean that, anything,
I'll change my will. I'll disinherit you. Now, is that clear?
VANESSA: Yes, quite clear.
We have already established that Henry was delighted to hear that Quint and Nola were engaged. This is only to be expected, however, given his numerous efforts to push them into each other's arms. These are just two examples.
| Henry and QuintOriginally aired 4-6-83 |
Quinton has been rescued from the cave in Tanquir and has learned that he is not wanted by the Tanquir police in connection with Professor Renfield's death 10 years earlier. He, Henry and Mrs. Renfield attended a memorial service for his friend Gunther, who was killed in the cave-in that trapped Quint. After returning to their hotel, he and Henry discuss what's likely to happen after they return to Springfield.
HENRY: You know, I don't know whether you've noticed this, but that girl's in love with you.
QUINT: And I love her too, very, very, much.
HENRY: I thought as much. Well, I can't help feeling sorry for her.
QUINT: Why?
HENRY: Well, since you were rescued, she's scarcely had a moment alone with you. There've been Tanquirian officials and well-wishers, your long-lost father who doesn't want to let you out of his sight.
QUINT: Father, Nola is very, very fond of you.
HENRY: Thank you. I think she is. And I suppose she can put up with me for the few days we're staying here, but what's going to happen when we get back to Springfield?
QUINT: I'm not sure I follow.
HENRY:You don't think you're going to get off the plane, be driven to your house, and start a quiet life, do you? There are gonna be people pestering you there, too. I'm sure that Vanessa will be very much in evidence now that she knows you're her long-lost brother.
QUINT: You're probably right.
HENRY: Now, this is none of my business, Quinton, because for all I know, what you want is, uh, hordes of people around you, a persistent half-sister, total lack of privacy. It may be exactly what you and Nola want right now.
{They both laugh}
QUINT: Nola and I haven't had much time together here in Tanquir and we probably won't when we get back to Springfield either.
HENRY: Hmm. Well, I was just about to make the arrangements for our flight back to the States. It's going to be very cozy on the Spaulding jet, you know, with you and Nola, Mrs. Renfield, Helena, me. Don't you think it may be a bit crowded?
QUINT: I wonder if there's another way that Nola and I can get back.
HENRY: Well, that is an idea, isn't it?
QUINT: You, my dear father, are an incurable romantic.
HENRY: Who are you calling a romantic? You're the one who's a romantic. So, why don't I just call the pilot and tell him the two of you won't be making the trip with us? And I'll leave the travel arrangements for you and Nola in your capable hands.
| Henry and Quint discuss
|
Quinton and Nola have just arrived in Springfield after thier ocean voyage home from Tanquir. They go to Thornway Road first, then Quinton goes to Spaulding Enterprises to see Henry. His father is, of course, delighted to see him. As they discuss Quinton's plans, Henry is obviously hoping to hear that Quint asked Nola to marry him on the cruise and is concerned when he hears that it didn't happen.
HENRY: Well, now that you're back in Springfield, what are your plans?
QUINT: Well, I have some personal things to take care of.
HENRY: Hmmm, glad to hear that. Going to be a June wedding?
QUINT: I, uh, haven't asked Nola to marry me yet, Father.
HENRY: (rather indignantly) You haven't?
QUINT: No. No, I have these other things I have to take care of first.
HENRY: Well, I hope they're not things that are gonna come between you and Nola.
QUINT: No, no, no. Absolutely not. Nothing will come between Nola and me. And we will be married, and very soon, I promise you.
HENRY: Good, good. Glad to hear that.
"I don't think it's going to come as a surprise to anybody when I confess that I have a crush on Nola.".