Mae, Big Mama, and Reverend Tooker look for Big Daddy. Gooper enters and asks where Big Daddy is. Big Mama thinks he went to bed because being around his family can wear him out, and Gooper suggests they all talk. Maggie enters, talking to Dr. Baugh, and Big Mama remarks on Big Daddy’s appetite at dinner. Gooper hopes his father doesn’t suffer from all the food later, and Big Mama counters that Big Daddy is “sound as a dollar” (2566). She realizes everyone is assembled except Brick, who is outside drinking. She is annoyed that everyone constantly comments on Brick’s drinking, and Maggie adds she doesn’t trust men who don’t drink. She goes out to retrieve Brick, and Big Mama wonders what the family conference is about. She asks someone to open the door, but Mae says they better keep it closed so Big Daddy doesn’t overhear them. The Reverend opens the door anyway.

Suddenly, Mae announces that she thinks Brick might have said something he shouldn’t have to Big Dady. Big Mama wonders what this could mean, and Gooper starts to explain, but Mae stops him. Big Mama starts talking about Skipper’s death and how pained Brick is when he appears behind her.