Alice Adams (1935) Movie Script
Good afternoon.
Yes. I'd like to buy a corsage,
something nice to wear to a party.
That's the Palmer party, I suppose.
We've just had so many calls today...
...that there isn't a great deaI left
except a couple of nice orchids.
They're $5 a piece.
No, I wore orchids to the last party.
How about gardenias?
I can make you up
a mighty nice corsage for $6.50.
I'm afraid not. Gardenias are so ordinary.
I want something different.
When one goes to a lot of parties,
it's so difficult to find something originaI.
Something no one else
would think of wearing.
Those violets are lovely.
Yeah, they're $2 a bunch.
Of course, they're the first of the season.
Really? They're sweet...
...but they wouldn't go
with my gown, of course.
I should have come in earlier
when you had a better selection...
...but I had so many engagements.
I hardly see anything that will do.
Thank you just the same.
Why, Alice, what kept you so long?
These. I picked them in Bellevue Park,
186 of them.
Enough for a darling corsage for tonight.
- Poor child, picking them yourself.
- Never mind. I got them.
How's Dad?
He's better today, much better.
Alice.
It's you, is it?
Want something else, VirgiI? A little fruit?
- You're not eating your soup.
- Don't want it.
You must eat it.
You've got to get your strength back.
You've got to get good and strong
so you can fly around...
...and find something good to get into.
So that's it, hinting at that again!
I'm not doing any hinting.
But of course, when you get well,
you can't go back to that old hole again.
Old hole, is it?
Let me tell you that Lamb's is the best
wholesale drug company in this state.
I don't care what it is.
It's an old hole as far as you're concerned.
If not for me then for your children.
You should look for something else.
Mom!
Yes, I'm coming.
Look at your daughter.
She's going to a big party tonight...
...and she's wearing a dress
that's two years old.
Oh, dear.
- How do you expect her to get anywhere?
- Mother!
For heaven's sake,
can't you wait untiI Dad's up and around...
...before you start hammering at him?
I'm not hammering at him.
Besides, Alice, I think I ought to know
by this time how to handle your father.
Poor old Daddykins!
Every time he's better,
someone talks him into getting mad...
...and he has a relapse.
It's a shame.
Well, it's kind of funny for a man
who's been in business...
...with Lamb and Company
as long as I have...
...to hear it called an old hole.
That's what your mother calls it.
It's a mighty pleasant place to work.
I know, Daddy, but it's that mother feels
they don't appreciate you down there.
They've hoisted my salary every two years
all the time I've worked for them...
...and they took Walter right on
as soon as I asked them last year.
Old Mr. Lamb has been wonderfuI to me...
...holding my job open
while I've been sick all this time.
Don't you think that looks
as if they've thought something of me?
Of course.
It's just that it's kind of funny when
you think you've done pretty fairly well...
...and the man at the head of it
seems to think so, too.
It's kind of funny to have your mother...
...think you're mostly a failure.
You're not a failure, Daddy.
You're not.
I'm going to talk to Mother.
You better not.
- I don't want to start anything.
- Don't worry.
Don't you worry.
Don't you think you and I
are both a little selfish...
...trying to make poor old dad
go out and get something better?
After all, we've got enough, really.
Enough?
I suppose you've got a limousine
to take you to the dance tonight.
I suppose you only got to call the florist
and order up some orchids.
Not orchids.
Violets, the first of the season,
picked fresh today.
I suppose you picked yourself
a new dress, too.
I don't think anyone'll recognize
that organdy with the new flounces on it.
What's Mildred Palmer
going to wear tonight?
I don't know.
Her maize Georgette, probably.
The one she brought back from Paris.
There's your brother.
Are you sure he'll take me
to the party tonight?
Why, of course. Why shouldn't he?
I don't know. He may have one
of his mysterious dates downtown.
Don't worry, Alice.
You just leave him to me.
- When do we eat?
- Now, Walter, there's no hurry.
Is for me. I've got a date.
I'm glad you remembered the Palmer dance.
I've laid out your clothes.
I told you over a week ago,
I'm not goin' to that old dance.
- But, Walter.
- Don't "but, Walter" me.
I'm no society snake.
I'm as liable to go to that Palmer dance
as I am to eat a few barrels of broken glass.
Now, Walter-
Let her get somebody else to take her.
She ought to at least be able
to get one guy. She tries hard enough.
I haven't got time to argue.
I'll grab a bite downtown.
You can't do this. Now, you can't.
It's more than I can bear to see her
disappointed after planning for days.
She's spent hours in Bellevue Park
picking violets to wear...
...because she can't afford to buy a bouquet
like the other girls.
Now you act this way.
Rats!
That's a good boy, darling.
You'll never be sorry.
It's all right, dear.
Walter will be glad to take you.
Yes, he certainly sounded thrilled.
Well, you look mighty fine.
Mighty fine.
- Why, Alice, who's your beau?
- Never you mind.
He treats me pretty well, doesn't he?
Must like to throw his money around.
These violets smell mighty sweet...
...and they ought to
if they're going to a party with you.
Good night.
- Have a good time, dearie.
- Don't worry, I intend to.
Who's taking her to the party?
Walter is, and it's a shame
for a girI as pretty as Alice...
...to have to depend on her brother
taking her out.
She could have any man if she only had
some money for decent clothes.
What's wrong with the dress she's got on?
You would say that,
but you know what I mean.
She's not run after like other girls because
she's poor and hasn't any background.
My, have I got to listen to that again?
Yes, you have, and I'll keep on being at it.
Now, my dear young men,
I cannot dance with all of you.
Why don't you ask
some of the other girls to dance?
Please.
Why not get those dear young men
to take you to the dance...
...instead of dragging me?
Now, you know you love
to escort your little sister.
This is me, Walter, take it easy.
Hurry it up, I'm waiting for you.
You look lovely, Alice.
I do think I look nice enough
not to have to dance...
...with that fat Frank Dowling.
AII I ask is for that to happen just once
so that I can treat him...
...the way the other girls do.
I hope I'll meet someone
tall and dark and romantic.
- Someone I've dreamed of all my life.
- Here, put this on.
- What's that?
- It's your father's raincoat.
I won't need that in a taxi.
Yes, you will, getting in and out.
It's begun to rain a little bit, anyway.
Have a good time.
- Have a good time, dearie.
- I will.
- Walter, what on earth?
- I borrowed it from a friend of mine.
- Gee whiz, I can't go in-
- Come on, get in.
- What's the idea?
- Don't go in there.
Back up. Leave this awfuI mess outside.
Back up.
Look what you've done.
I'll have to drive around anyway.
Shut up.
Well, do you want to go home?
You bet I'm willing.
No, leave the car here.
Wait a minute.
I'll lock her up so none of these millionaires
run off with it.
Wait!
What's the idea?
Leave this with your coat
in the men's dressing room...
...as if it were an extra one of your own.
Joke on us.
Our car broke down outside the gate.
Walter, your coat, back there.
I suppose you want us to dance
the first dance.
Yes, please. I'll be right down.
- Good evening, Mrs. Dowling.
- Alice.
Hello, Ella. You look lovely.
Ready?
Mrs. Dowling.
- I'm so glad to see you.
- Ella, how nice of you to come.
- Frank, good evening.
- Good evening, Mildred.
Relax, nobody's looking at you.
We must speak to Mildred
and Mr. and Mrs. Palmer.
I haven't got a thing to say to them.
You didn't wear the maize Georgette
as I thought you would...
...but you look simply darling.
And those pearls-
You know my mother and father, I think.
Fine, thank you.
Mrs. Palmer, my brother.
Hi.
- Mr. Palmer.
- Hi.
It's wonderfuI, and the mystery is
where you ever learned to do it.
I suppose you think there's no place
to dance besides these frozen-faced joints.
Frozen-faced? Why, everybody's having
a lovely time. Look at them.
They holler loud enough.
You don't call that Palmer family
frozen-faced, I suppose?
Certainly not. They're just dignified.
Besides, I don't like you
to talk that way about them.
They passed you on
like you had something catching.
How fantastic.
Why, Mildred's a great friend of mine.
Poor you.
Hello, Henrietta.
- Hello, Alice.
- How are you?
Henrietta Lamb, isn't her dress divine?
She's too bony.
Hi, Sam.
- What you doin' up here, big boy?
- I brought my sister.
You're kind of getting in
the big time yourself.
Yes, sir.
That's Skinny Sam
and his Hot Shot Stooges.
Yes, you seem to know him quite well.
A great guy.
There's Frank and Ella Dowling.
It's good that his tubby sister comes
or he wouldn't have anyone to dance with.
And vice versa.
- You mustn't forget to dance with her.
- Me?
And Henrietta Lamb and Mildred, of course.
I'm as liable to dance with those sticks
as I'm to buy a bucket of tacks and eat 'em.
What a bunch.
As soon as I'm rid of you,
I'll go to the room...
...where I left my hat and coat
and smoke myself to death.
You mustn't get rid of me too soon, Walter.
Why, you naughty old Walter.
Aren't you ashamed
to be a wonderfuI dancer...
...and then only dance with little me?
You could go on the stage if you wanted to.
Wouldn't it be wonderfuI to have everyone
clapping their hands and shouting?
- Hurrah for Walter Adams.
- Calm down.
You know you'd like it.
Just think, everybody shouting, "Hurrah! "
The joint'll be pulled if you holler
any louder, besides I'm no goat.
- Goat? What on earth...
- I can't eat dead violets.
I've done my duty.
Flag one of these long-tailed birds
to take you on for this dance.
Pardon me, Alice.
Organdy, perhaps we're wrong.
How do you do, Ella?
- I'm fine. How are you?
- Thank you.
- Isn't this a lovely party?
- It certainly is.
But then the Palmers always give...
It's all right.
You can go now, but come back later.
- Can I have this dance, Alice?
- Why, you nice Frank Dowling, how lovely.
Gee, that was great.
Yes. Let's sit out the rest of this,
shall we?
All right.
Don't look now but Mother's trying
to get me to dance with Ella...
...and I'm not going to.
Let's go into the hall.
She wants me to ask Henrietta
and Mildred, too...
...but I'd much rather dance with you.
You're not stuck-up
like those other girls are.
You'd never refuse to dance with me.
Mildred, your party's a grand...
- Hello, Arthur.
- Hello, Mildred.
- I'm glad you finally got here.
- I'm sorry I'm late.
Never mind that.
You look beautifuI tonight.
Thank you.
Who's that man with Mildred?
Why, that's Arthur Russell.
Arthur Russell?
I never heard of him.
He's some sort of a cousin
to the Palmer family.
Second or third or something.
They say he's got wads of money.
He and Mildred
are supposed to be engaged.
No.
Well, if they're not, they soon will be.
My sister says
she talks about him all the time.
- Ella says-
- Never mind what Ella says.
Let's find something better
to talk about than Mr. Russell.
Well, I'm willing.
What do you want to talk about?
Nothing.
Suppose we just sit, shall we?
All right.
We'll be along.
Come with me, Arthur.
Look at the orchestra, Frank.
Aren't they screaming?
Someone told me they're called
Skinny Sam and his Hot Shot Stooges.
Isn't that just crazy?
Don't you just love it?
Yeah.
- Come on, Arthur, you're way behind us.
- There you are, Arthur.
Well, what now?
Talk or sit?
Suppose we just sit some more, shall we?
All right.
Pardon me. I've just seen Henrietta Lamb.
She's promised to save this dance for you
if you'll come right away.
Look here, Mother.
I wish you'd understand
that I can ask for my own dances.
- I'm more than 6 years old.
- Why, Frank...
I just thought I was doing you a favor.
It isn't pleasant to be spoken to like that...
...by your own son, before strangers.
- Now, Mother.
- You'd better go, Frank, really.
There, you see, Miss Adams says so herself.
For goodness sake.
Pardon me, are these chairs taken?
Yes, I'm sorry.
I'm waiting for my partner to return.
No, I can't.
Look, I can't dance with all of you.
- But it's my dance.
- You promised me.
- What can we do?
- Listen, you promised to dance.
Let's match, odd man gets the dance.
That's fair enough.
- I'm sorry, boys.
- Wait a minute.
I wonder if you know which
of the gentlemen is Mr. Walter Adams?
Yes, I know him all right,
but I couldn't say exactly where he is, miss.
If you do see him,
will you please tell him his sister...
...is very anxious to speak to him?
- I will.
- Thank you.
Say, your sister wants you.
Don't bother me, I'm hot.
Here we go, eighter from Decatur.
May I come and talk to you, Mrs. Dresser?
Why, yes, of course.
But why aren't you dancing?
I have been.
I just wanted a chance to catch my breath.
Alice, this is Mr. Russell.
Miss Adams,
he wants to ask you for this dance.
May I?
Yes, indeed.
Will you excuse me?
You're not a very talkative young lady,
are you?
Usually, yes.
Then why not now?
When anyone dances
as beautifully as you do...
...conversation is hardly necessary, is it?
That depends on who's talking.
I guess that's all.
I wish we could dance this next together,
but I guess we're both all booked up.
Where's your next?
Do you see him anywhere?
Yes.
Well, as a matter of fact, I promised
to sit the next one out with my aunt...
...so if you'll just take me over there.
Thank you.
- I wonder if you could do me a favor?
- Anything.
Would you see if you can find
my brother Walter for me?
He may be in the smoking room,
if it isn't too much trouble?
- Certainly not.
- Thank you.
Well, here we are.
I know this disappearing brother of mine
must have been terribly hard to find.
On the contrary, it was easy.
Mildred will probably never forgive me
for keeping you away so long.
- It was a pleasure.
- Thank you so much.
Don't ever do that again,
do you understand?
- Do what?
- Send anyone looking for me.
Well, he found you, didn't he?
Yeah, he found me all right, shootin' dice
with the boys in the cloakroom.
- Did he see you?
- Unless he was blind.
Let's go home.
Leave the door open for me.
Did you have a good time?
Just lovely.
- Good night.
- Good night, dear.
Now what were you thinking about, Dad?
Just planning.
Planning what to do
when I'm able to go back to work again.
Now what are you talking about?
You're going back to your old place
at Lamb's, of course.
I heard you crying the other night,
after the party.
That was nothing, Daddy. Just nerves.
Never mind. I know what was the matter.
No, the only matter was I had a silly fit.
Your mother's right, Alice.
You ought to have as much
as any of these girls you go with.
And I've got to do something about it.
Daddy, you're sweet.
I'm the one
who ought to do something about it.
I've been thinking, what I mean is...
...I ought to be something
besides just a kind of nobody.
- I ought to...
- What, dearie?
Well, there's one thing I'd like to do.
- I know I could do it, too.
- What?
Well, I want to go on the stage.
I know I could act.
What's the matter?
I was just reminded of your aunt
and your mother when they were young.
They always used to spat about
which one would make the best actress.
Sometimes I'd have to go out
in the hall to laugh.
Well, maybe you were wrong.
If they both felt that way...
...why doesn't that prove
that there is talent in the family?
I've always thought there was.
No, dearie.
I expect 90 percent of the women are sure
they'd make mighty fine actresses...
...if they ever got the chance.
Well, they enjoy thinking about it...
...and it don't do anybody any harm.
Why, what's the matter?
Nothing.
Well, one thing I'm sure of...
...you're going back to Lamb's.
You know, Alice,
it's a pretty good place, Lamb's.
Mighty nice boys in our department, too.
We have a good deaI of fun
down there some days.
More than you do at home some days,
I expect.
No, I wouldn't say that.
- There he is, Mr. Lamb.
- Thank you.
Well, Adams.
Why, Mr. Lamb, Father and I
were just talking about you.
Well, you know, speak of the deviI.
Sit still.
What are you trying to be polite
with me for?
Don't you know you're as weak as a cat?
- Have a cigar.
- Thanks.
I'm not sick anymore, Mr. Lamb.
I ought to be ready for work
in another 10 days.
Now, don't hurry it, young fellow.
Just take your time.
Of course we need you,
but we don't need you so bad...
...that we'll let you come down
before you're good and able.
You see, Dad?
We all appreciate
your interest in Father, Mr. Lamb.
He seems to improve
after every one of your visits.
I guess I'd better be running along.
Goodbye, sir.
'Bye, Daddy.
Now, I want you to take it easy.
Remember, VirgiI,
your place is waiting for you...
...any time you want to come back.
But I don't like to feeI that my salary
is going on and me not earning it.
Suppose you let me worry about that.
Goodness knows, you've been with the firm
long enough to have some privileges...
...and I'm going to see that you get them.
Thanks, Mr. Lamb.
You know, Mom,
I can't help liking old Mr. Lamb.
He seems so honest and friendly.
He didn't say anything
about raising your father's salary, did he?
No, I'll bet he didn't.
That's why I want VirgiI to leave that place.
But, Mother, what could Dad do at his age?
He could do what I've wanted him to do
for the last 20 years.
What's that?
He doesn't want me to speak of it to you,
but you may as well know.
Your father has invented a secret formula
for making the best glue in the world.
The best what?
Glue, for sticking things together.
Your father and another man
invented it years ago...
...when your father
first went to work for Mr. Lamb.
Now the other man's dead
so the formula belongs to your father.
At least it belongs to him
as much as it does to anybody else.
Yes, but even if it does,
what good would it do him? He can't sell it.
Well, he could start up a factory
and make the glue and sell that.
Mom, that's nonsense.
Why, Dad's never even seen enough money
to start a factory.
I'm afraid you're daydreaming, darling.
Miss Adams.
This is a coincidence.
I've been hoping I'd meet you.
Why, Mr. Russell.
I've just been embarking
on the most irksome duty.
I have to hire a new secretary for Father.
He's been quite ill, poor man,
and now that he's better...
...and going back to work,
he'll need a second girI.
Can't you let it wait for another time?
I could let it wait untiI tomorrow.
In fact, I will let it wait untiI tomorrow.
That's fine.
I've been thinking about you
since Mildred's dance.
Oh, goodness, I bet I know
what you've been thinking.
Are you a mind reader?
You've been thinking I'm the sister
of a professionaI gambler, I'm afraid.
Then your brother told you,
I thought it was quite originaI...
...his amusing himself
with the cloakroom attendants.
Walter is originaI.
You know, he's a very odd boy.
I was afraid you'd misunderstand him.
He tells the most wonderfuI darky stories
and he'll just do anything...
...to get them to talk to him.
We think he'll probably write about them
some day.
He's rather literary.
Are you?
I? Oh, I'm just me.
I thought you were this sort of girI
when I first saw you.
What sort of girI?
Didn't Mildred tell you the kind of girI I am
when she asked you to dance with me?
She didn't ask me to dance with you.
That was my idea.
No, but who did she say I was?
She just said you were a Miss Adams.
"A Miss Adams. "
I see.
Well, it certainly is unfortunate
that I am so different from Mildred.
Why unfortunate?
Goodness, why because she's perfect.
She's perfectly perfect.
Yes, we all fairly adore her.
You know, she's like some big, noble...
...gold statue way up above the rest of us.
She hardly ever does anything
mean or treacherous.
Of all the girls I know, I think she plays
the fewest really mean tricks.
You say Mildred's perfect,
but she does do some mean things.
Men are so funny.
Of course,
all girls do mean things sometimes.
My own career is just
one long brazen smirch of them.
- Not really?
- Yes.
What, for example?
The very worst sort.
For instance, most people bore me.
Particularly the men in this town,
and I show it.
It's made me a terribly unpopular character.
For instance,
at the average party I would rather...
...find some clever old woman
and talk to her...
...than I would dance with nine tenths
of these non-entities.
But you danced as if you really liked it.
You dance better than any other girI...
Thank you.
I ought to dance well.
When I think of all my dancing teachers,
just endless fancy instructors.
Still, I suppose that's what fathers
have daughters for, isn't it?
To throw away money on them.
But you should've seen me
when I had stage fever.
Every girI has a time in her life...
...when she's positive
she's divinely talented for the stage.
I used to play Juliet all alone in my room.
"O, swear not by the moon,
the inconstant moon,
"That monthly changes in her circled orb,
Lest that thy... "
You do it beautifully.
Why don't you finish the line?
"Lest that thy love prove likewise variable. "
Juliet was saying it to a man, you know.
She seems to have been worrying about
his constancy pretty early in their affair.
Yes, I know.
Don't look so serious.
It isn't about you, you know.
Here you are, Miss Adams.
You know every step I save is gravy.
Here's the foolish little house where I live.
It is a queer little place
but my father is so attached to it...
...that the family
has just about given up hope...
...of getting him to build
a reaI house farther out.
He doesn't mind our being extravagant
about anything else...
...but he won't let us change one
single thing about his precious little house.
Adieu.
- Could I come in for a little while?
- No, not now.
- You can come...
- When?
Almost any time.
You can come in the evening, if you like.
- Soon?
- As soon as you like.
He will call, he won't call.
He will, he won't.
Yes, no.
He'd better call.
Those flowers
will brighten up the room a lot, Alice.
I think so.
I'm going out, Mom.
- Hey, where's the funeraI?
- I thought you were going out.
What's the big idea?
I get it.
It's that Russell guy.
I saw you with him all right.
You mean downtown yesterday, Walter?
Yes, I mean,
"Downtown yesterday, Walter. "
I passed you close enough to pull a tooth
but you never saw me.
You were too busy waving your hands.
I never saw anybody as busy as you get
when you're towing a barge.
What of it, Walter?
If you happen to see her on the street...
...when a nice young man
is being attentive to her.
Wait a minute. You got the parts mixed.
It was little Alice who was being attentive.
What were you doing walking so close
to your old paI Mildred's boyfriend?
- Why, Walter!
- Never mind.
To the horrid, all things are horrid.
Get out. I found out all about
that Russell guy down at the shop.
He's supposed to be tied up with Mildred...
...and when old man Palmer dies,
Russell will be his son-in-law.
He'll barely have to lift his feet
to step into the old man's shoes.
Yes.
You really are vulgar, Walter.
You better take it easy.
The Palmers will have you ruled
off the track when they see your colors.
- Walter.
- I'm her brother, ain't I?
I like the old girI all right.
In fact, sometimes I feeI sorry for her.
What's this all about?
Because you see me downtown
with a man I've only seen once.
Yeah, but I've seen you start before.
Well, good luck. You'll need it.
Walter must be going
with some really dreadfuI people.
All this talk about racetracks
and everything.
I'm sure Walter's a good boy.
Is it true that this young man, Russell,
is engaged to Mildred Palmer?
I don't know.
He didn't seem like an engaged man to me.
Anyhow, not so terribly.
What?
Hadn't you better come to bed?
I didn't know it was so late.
I got so interested in this book.
You mustn't mind, dear.
Mustn't mind?
What are you talking about, Mother?
Never mind cleaning up, Alice.
We can do that in the morning.
Your father can mess things up
quicker than any man I ever saw.
I got no date tonight.
I'll take you to a movie if you want.
No, thanks.
Give me a chance to show you a better time
than we had at that frozen-faced party.
I'll buy you some chop suey afterwards.
No, thanks, honestly.
As the barber says:
"The better the advice,
the worse it's wasted. "
Good evening, Miss Adams.
What luck to find you at home.
Yes.
Did I come too soon?
No, just in time.
Let's stay out here, shall we?
- The moonlight's so lovely.
- Yes.
I've spent two evenings wanting to come...
...but a couple of dinners interfered,
large and long dinners.
You have been in a sociaI whirI,
Mr. Russell.
I envy you.
Father's illness has simply tied me
to the house...
...and everyone has to come here.
That is, if they want to see me.
The worst of it is that the poor thing
has to have peace and quiet...
...and I must entertain on the porch,
as I'm doing tonight.
Though, of course,
now there's just the two of us.
I'm glad there's just the two of us.
I wanted to talk to you alone, Miss Adams.
Miss Adams, how formaI.
What shall we talk about, Arthur?
About you.
No. Don't let's talk about me.
Let's talk about you.
What kind of man are you?
I've often wondered.
What kind of girI are you?
Don't you remember? I told you.
I'm just me.
But who is that?
I've often wondered.
You know, the other day
when you walked home with me...
...I got to wondering
what I wanted you to think of me...
...in case I should ever happen
to see you again.
What did you decide?
I decided I should probably never dare
to be just myself with you.
Not if I cared
to have you want to see me again...
...and yet, here I am,
just being myself, after all.
Alice, I'd like to see you pretty often,
if you'll let me.
Will you?
Well?
Lean toward me a little.
Yes!
Now, when will it be?
I mean, when will I see you again?
Anytime.
You're going to Henrietta's dance,
aren't you?
You mean Henrietta Lamb?
Yes, of course.
I'd forgotten all about that.
Will you let me take you?
You mean to the dance?
That is if you're not already dated up.
No, I'm not.
In fact, I'm not going.
- Why not?
- I told you. It's Father.
You see, Mildred's dance is almost
the only evening I've gone out...
...on account of his illness, you know.
VirgiI Adams, how much longer
do you expect me to put up...
...with that old man and his doings?
Whose doings? What old man?
What other old man would I mean
but J.A. Lamb?
Do you think I'm going to submit forever
to him and his family...
...and what they're doing to my child?
Now what are he and his family
doing to your child?
Your dear, grand old Mr. Lamb's Henrietta
has sent out invitations for a large party.
Now, everybody who is anybody in town
is going to be there, you can count on that.
There's a very fine young man,
a Mr. Russell.
He's interested in Alice and he's asked Alice
to go to this dance with him.
Alice can't go...
...because Henrietta Lamb
hasn't invited her.
Oh, my...
Yes, I should think you would say,
"Oh, my. "
Your child's been snubbed and picked on
by every girI in this town...
...and it's all on account of you,
VirgiI Adams.
Yes, these girls don't like me
so they pick on Alice.
They wouldn't dare do it
to Mildred Palmer...
...because she's got money
and family to back her.
And, you listen to me,
the way the world is now, money is family.
And Alice could have just
as much family as any of them...
...if you hadn't fallen behind in the race.
- How did I?
- Yes, you did.
Twenty-five years ago, the people we knew
weren't any better off than us...
...and look at them now.
It's time for your drops.
Look at those country clubs.
The other girls' families belong to them.
We don't.
Look at the other girls' houses...
...then look at our house.
Yeah, you look at what you're doing.
Don't give me too much of that stuff.
I've counted.
The men in those families
went right on up the ladder...
...while you're still a clerk
down in that old hole.
Now, wait a minute.
Suppose I did leave that old hole,
as you call it.
Where in thunderation
could I get another job?
You know I'm not asking you
to do anything you can't do.
What are you driving at?
You know what I'm driving at.
That glue formula.
So, that's it. Dang, dang!
Not that I wouldn't like to go
and dance with you, if I could.
I'm too worried about Father
to go anywhere.
Why, she's still young.
She's still got a chance for happiness...
...if only she had a father
that had the gumption to be a man.
To be a dirty dog, you mean.
That glue formula belongs to you
as much as anybody.
It belongs to J.A. Lamb. He paid us
all the time we were working on it.
- I'd be like stealing, and you know it.
- What's he stolen from you?
He promised to do something
with that formula 20 years ago...
...and to do something for you, and has he?
You've broken your word
never to speak of that to me again.
What do I care?
You think I'd let my word interfere
with the happiness of my children?
I'm going to keep on struggling for that
till I die!
- Dang, do I have to go through that again?
- Yes, you have to till I die.
Dang!
What's the matter with you two?
Can you get her out of here?
Mother, come on.
Get her out.
- Wait. She says you have a mean life, Alice.
- No, Daddy.
Do you hear her lie?
Look at me.
Things like this Henrietta Lamb dance, now,
is that so hard to bear?
No, Daddy.
Do you hear her? Now, do you see?
Get out of here!
Both of you. And stay out.
- Did you ever smell a glue factory before?
- No.
Brother, you got something coming to you.
Here it is, Mother. The Adams Glue Works.
It looks fine, VirgiI, simply fine.
It's a starter, and some day,
if everything works out all right...
...maybe I'll be able to take over
that big building there.
It used to be an old butterine factory.
Just bills.
It's funny I don't hear something from him.
Who?
Old Mr. Lamb.
He never answered my letter, not a word.
You should have gone to see him
like I told you, VirgiI, instead of just writing.
No, I just couldn't bring myself to face him.
Don't worry, dear. You know you told me
he couldn't do a thing to you.
No, the formula ain't patentable.
There isn't anything
he could make a question of law.
But I wish I knew what he thought
about the whole business.
It's just morbidness, VirgiI.
You don't realize what a little bit of a thing
this is to him.
I bet he's forgotten all about it.
You're off your base.
J.A. Lamb don't forget things.
If he owed you money,
he'd cut off his hand to pay you.
But if he thought you were trying
to get the best of him...
...he'd cut off both hands
to keep you from doing it.
Come on, now,
I'll show you the rest of the works.
It's getting late
and you'll be worrying about supper.
No, not tonight.
Walter phoned, he won't be home...
...and Alice has gone out
with that nice, young Mr. Russell.
What, again?
I shouldn't be surprised
if they'd be engaged before long.
And here we go though all this muck
and moiI to help fix things nice for her...
...and she just goes ahead
and gets what she wants to anyhow.
Things haven't gone as far as that, VirgiI.
Will you have them play that again?
Again?
Play it again.
But we've played that five times already.
They want it again.
- Again?
- Again.
What are you thinking of?.
I think I was just being
sort of sadly happy then.
Sadly happy?
Don't you know?
Only children can be just happily happy.
I think when we get older, some
of our happiest moments are like this one.
It's like that music. Oh, so sweet...
...and oh, so sad.
But what makes it sad for you?
I don't know.
Perhaps it's a kind of useless foreboding
I seem to have pretty often.
I'm afraid I'm going to miss these summer
evenings of ours when they're over.
Do they have to be over?
Everything's over some time.
Don't let's look so far ahead.
We don't have to be already thinking
of the cemetery, do we?
Our summer evenings will be over
before that, Arthur Russell.
Why?
Good heavens,
there's laconic eloquence for you.
Almost a proposaI in a single word.
Well, I-
Don't worry. I shan't hold you to it.
No, but something will interfere.
Somebody will, I mean.
People talk about each other fearfully
in this town.
They don't always stop at the truth.
They make up things. Yes, they do, really.
What difference does it all make?
It's just that I'd rather they didn't
make up things about me to you.
I'd know they weren't true.
Wouldn't it be great if two people
could just keep themselves to themselves?
If they could manage to be friends
without people talking about them?
We've done that pretty well so far,
haven't we?
And if you want
our summer evenings to be over...
...you'll have to drive me away yourself.
No one else could?
No one.
Well, I won't.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Hello, Alice.
Did you ever know a lovelier night
than this, Mom?
Not since I was your age, I expect.
- Walter, what kept you so late?
- Where's Pa?
He's up in his room.
Why...
...don't they stay beautifuI after my age?
It may be different for you.
I think it will, Alice. You deserve it.
No, I don't deserve anything.
I know it. It's just that...
...I'm pretty happy these days.
I don't mean...
I wasn't meaning to tell you
that I'm engaged.
We're not.
It's just that...
...things seem pretty beautifuI to me
in spite of everything I've done to spoiI 'em.
What have you ever done to spoiI anything?
Little things.
A thousand silly little things.
He's so honestly what he is.
I feeI like a tricky mess beside him.
I don't know why he likes me.
Sometimes I'm afraid he wouldn't
if he knew me.
Why, he'd just worship you.
- But what do you want it for?
- I've got to have it.
But what for? Can't you tell me what for?
I've got to have it.
You've got to have it.
You seem to think just saying that
will bring in the money, $150.
- Haven't you got that much?
- No, I haven't.
You know I've sunk every cent
I've ever saved into this factory.
And even what I could raise on the house.
What's the idea
coming to me for money, anyhow?
You've got a job, haven't you?
Not that you'll have it long.
Mr. Lamb'll fire you as soon as he finds out
you're still there...
...after what I've done.
He knows I'm there, all right.
He talked to me yesterday.
What did he say?
Just asked me
how my work was getting on.
Look here, Pa, are you going to do anything
about that $150?
No, I'm not.
I haven't got 150 cents, let alone dollars.
What do you think I am, a mint?
All right.
I don't see as you
ever did very much for me, anyhow.
You know, I think it's time your father
and I showed some interest in Mr. Russell.
Why, I actually don't believe
he's ever been inside the house.
I know he hasn't.
We always stayed out here on the porch.
It's so much nicer.
I was thinking we couldn't wait much
longer to ask him to dinner or something.
Mother, must we?
Don't you see, Alice,
it seems so queer not to do something.
It looks so kind of poverty-stricken.
All right. I'll ask him,
if you think I've got to.
We could get that colored woman,
Malena Burns, to wait on table.
She goes out for the day, you know.
And then we'd have a nice dinner.
Something reaI stylish.
Yeah, but don't you think it would be nicer,
maybe, if we waited?
But, Alice, why should we?
Unless you don't want Mr. Russell
to meet your father and mother.
No, of course I do. Only...
What's the use?
Okay.
Arthur.
What beautifuI flowers.
I didn't realize
you had such a lovely garden.
That's because you haven't been
cousinly enough to get used to it.
You've rather taught us
to forget what you look like.
I'm sorry. But I've been so busy.
We understand perfectly.
- Hot coffee or iced?
- Iced, please.
Iced for me, too, please.
It's really getting warm, isn't it?
Here's the guest list for the garden party.
I think I have everyone.
I didn't know whether or not
to invite Alice Adams.
You remember her.
You danced with her here.
Yes, of course.
A rather conspicuous young woman,
this Adams girI.
Adams?
Isn't her father the VirgiI Adams
who used to work for Mr. Lamb?
I believe so.
- Why?
- It's nothing much.
It's just that I heard VirgiI Adams has stolen
some sort of glue formula from Mr. Lamb.
- Stolen it?
- Yes, it quite upset the old gentleman.
Adams had been his clerk for over 25 years,
and Lamb had been carrying him...
...even though he'd been a dead weight
to the firm. Then to show his gratitude...
...Adams upped and walked off
with the glue formula.
Imagine.
Is this girI some friend of yours?
Every girI who meets Mildred...
...and tries to push the acquaintanceship
isn't a friend.
I shouldn't put it quite like that.
I saw something of her, for a time.
She's not unattractive in a way.
A pushing sort of girI,
a very pushing little person.
But I'm afraid we're boring poor Arthur
with all this.
What?
- I'm sorry.
- There, you see.
Mildred, why not take Arthur out
and show him the garden?
He may find it a relief
to put his mind on something prettier...
...than thieving clerks.
If you like.
The point of this Adams thing
is that Lamb takes a great deaI of pride...
...in his judgment of men, and everybody
thinks this is a great joke on the old man.
All he'll say is, "Wait and see. "
Here's your cap and apron,
and you take care of them. And, Malena...
...when the doorbell rings,
you put the caviar sandwiches on a tray...
...but don't let Alice see them.
I want to surprise her.
Yes.
You ought to slip upstairs
and take a teeny little nap...
...so you'll look fresh for tonight.
I'll look all right, besides there isn't time.
It's after 6:00.
You're the one who ought to rest
with all you've done today.
I'm fine,
and I do want things to be so right.
If it just hadn't turned so hot.
You did all that this morning,
and a dozen times since.
You'll wear yourself out.
I know, but those chairs.
They're all right, and nobody can see
the worn places when we're sitting in them.
The roses help, don't they?
- I left the rest for the dining room table.
- They look beautifuI.
I don't know anybody
that has as good taste as you, Alice.
- Where are those danged things?
- Coming, VirgiI.
Here, suppose you take these
up to your father...
...and you better get dressed
or you won't be ready.
I've only got to slip off my apron.
What about Walter?
About his wearing his evening clothes?
He'll object just like his father,
but I'll talk to him when he comes in.
And get Malena to throw away that
chewing gum before she waits on the table.
Don't worry, dear.
You leave everything to me.
Malena, now remember...
...I want you to have the soup on the table
before you announce the dinner.
Yes, but don't you think
it's pretty hot for soup?
Never mind that.
Then you serve the mushrooms
and sweetbreads...
...then the filet and vegetables.
Miss Adams, I'm afraid the ice cream
ain't going to hold out much longer.
It's about floating already.
Can you sew up a buttonhole for me?
The dang thing's too large
and it keeps popping open.
Okay, I'll get a needle and thread.
Wish I could go to the table like this.
I don't believe I remember
any hotter night in the last 10 years.
My, but that smells pretty strong.
Is it fashionable to have cabbage
for company dinner?
That's not cabbage. It's Brussels sprouts.
Oh, is it?
He's here.
What's happened?
Malena fell down the cellar stairs.
Did she break any of our things?
No, she just bumped herself.
She'll be all right.
The flowers on the table, hurry.
I'll let him in.
Do come right in, Mr. Russell.
I'm Mrs. Adams.
- How do you do, Mrs. Adams?
- I'm so glad to be able to receive you...
...informally this way
in our own little home.
Thank you.
I'm afraid you'll think it's almost too
informaI, my coming to the door this way...
...but unfortunately
our maid just had a little accident.
That's too bad.
It's really awfully warm tonight,
don't you think?
I left everything open,
but it doesn't seem to help.
I didn't mean...
Would you have a cigarette?
Thank you.
You know, the only person I know...
...who doesn't mind the heat
the way other people do, is Alice.
But then she's so amiable,
she never seems to mind anything.
It's just her character...
...and I think that character is the most
important thing in the world, after all...
...don't you, Mr. Russell?
Yes, indeed.
That's what I always say to Alice,
but she never can see any good in herself.
She always sees good in everybody else,
no matter how unworthy they are...
...but she always underestimates herself.
Can you fix this?
Look.
Do you think it looks all right?
Fine, perfect.
Dang it.
Anyway, it lets some air in when it bulges.
You mustn't tell Alice
we've had this little chat about her...
...because she'd be just furious with me.
No, I won't.
But she is such a dear child.
You'd better go and rescue that young man
from your mother.
There.
What's the matter now?
The roses are beginning to wilt.
Maybe I shouldn't have tried
this vine effect after all.
They look pretty, honey.
- No, they don't.
- Come on.
No, don't go in by that door.
It might look as if we-
- What's the difference?
- Never mind. Come this way.
How terrible of me
to be so late coming down.
My father, Mr. Russell.
- How do you do, Mr. Russell?
- Mr. Adams.
I guess dinner's more than ready.
We ought to go sit down.
No, not yet, VirgiI.
- Why not?
- Sit down.
I'll try one.
What in the world...
Have a caviar sandwich, Mr. Russell.
Caviar.
These are delicious, Mother.
Too bad we can't offer you
what ought to go with these...
...but we never have any liquor
in the house. Father's a teetotaler.
Dinner is served.
That's good. Let's go see if we can eat it.
Shall we go in?
I hope you won't hate us for asking you
to dine with us in such fearfuI weather.
I'm nearly dying of the heat myself,
so you have a fellow sufferer...
...if that pleases you.
Will you sit there, Arthur?
Thank you, Daddy.
- Where's Walter?
- Poor Walter.
Yes, he has probably been delayed
at the office.
What a funny thing weather is.
Yesterday it was cooI,
the angels had charge of it.
But today they had an engagement
somewhere else...
...so the deviI saw his chance and started
to move the equator to the North Pole.
By the time he got halfway,
he thought of something else to do...
...so he went off
and left the equator here on top of us.
- I wish he'd come back and get it.
- So do I.
Alice, what an imagination.
Yes, hasn't she?
What a lack of imagination...
...to have prepared anything so hot
on a night like this.
Do take this dreadfuI soup away.
How unfortunate that we couldn't have had
something iced or jellied instead.
Mrs. Adams, this is my favorite dish.
I'm glad.
Father doesn't seem to care much
for sweetbreads.
I'm afraid you're not a reaI gourmet, Daddy.
That's a French word. It means epicure.
Most food terms are from the French.
That's because the French
are distinguished for their cooking.
It's just like most musicaI terms
being from Italian...
...because the Italians wrote
such wonderfuI music.
What are the Americans famous for,
do you suppose?
What do you think, Arthur?
Business, I suppose. Banking,
manufacturing and so on. Isn't it funny?
So these are Brussels sprouts.
They certainly smell up the house.
Now what can have been in Cook's mind
not to have made an aspic...
...instead of a heavy entree
for weather like this?
I'm afraid we let the servants do too much
as they like about the meals, Mother.
Perhaps we should
changer les domestiques, n'est-ce pas?
Here, you.
What is it, VirgiI?
What's her name?
What's whose name, Dad?
That colored woman. I want some water.
Don't give up hope.
She hasn't gone forever.
I don't know about that.
Father simply has to have a heavy meaI
at the end of the day.
He works so hard in his terrible, old factory.
Terrible, new factory, I should say.
He simply must have
lots of food to keep his strength up.
I don't see why most businessmen
can't leave most of the details...
...to their employees, but then
I suppose some of them are like that.
They just allow their help to sit around idle
while they do all the work.
Then, of course,
there's the other type of businessman...
...who drives his employees
and invents things for them to do...
...if there's nothing else,
because he hates to see people idle.
- Which category do you fall into, Arthur?
- I don't know.
I'm sure not the last. You're probably
the idoI of your office boys and secretaries.
Secretaries, Alice?
You know, I may be needing one soon.
Never thought I'd one day
be having one of my own.
Sort of gives a man a feeling of importance,
don't it?
Yes, it certainly does, sir.
Have some sugar in your coffee, Arthur?
No, thank you.
Walter. You know Mr. Russell.
Hi.
Pardon me.
I guess my boy wants to see me.
Walter's such a funny boy.
So abrupt and unexpected.
But then, of course,
you know that about him.
I guess all talented people
are a bit peculiar.
It's part of their charm, really.
What are your talents, Arthur?
Can you play any instruments
or sing or paint?
Or perhaps you have some secret hobby
that derives its chief charm...
...from just being secret.
Something you keep to yourself
and don't like to talk about.
Why you dang little idiot.
Really, I...
Perhaps I'd better go see
if Walter's had his dinner.
If you'll excuse me.
I couldn't help it, it just turned out wrong,
that's all.
You couldn't help it?
Who could help it? Tell me that.
It just happened, that's all.
It just happened.
A penny for your thoughts.
No, I'll bid more.
A rose.
A poor little dead rose...
...for your thoughts, Mr. Arthur Russell.
I'm afraid I haven't any.
Will you ever forgive us?
What for?
For making you eat such a heavy dinner.
I mean, look at such a heavy dinner...
...because you certainly couldn't have more
than looked at it on a night like this.
Cheer up, your fearfuI duty is almost done...
...and you can run on home
as soon as you like.
That's what you're dying to do, isn't it?
Not at all.
You're upset about something.
No, I'm not.
What's the matter, little boy? Tell Auntie.
Nothing.
Let's go out on the porch where we belong,
shall we?
Now...
...tell me what's the matter.
Nothing's the matter.
Of course,
one is affected by weather like this.
It may make one
a little more quiet than usuaI.
Maybe it's this ugly little house...
...or the furniture, or Mother's vases
that upset you.
Or was it Mother herself or Father?
I've told you, nothing upset me.
You say that because you're too nice,
or too conscientious, or too embarrassed.
Anyhow, too something to tell me.
I wonder if they've done it after all.
Done what?
I wonder who has been talking
about me to you, after all.
Isn't that it?
Not at all.
Don't say "not at all" again.
You're not good at deceiving.
- I'm not deceiving-
- Never mind.
Do you remember saying
that nothing anybody else could do...
...would ever keep you from coming here?
That if you left me it would be
because I had driven you away myself.
Yes, and it's true.
But I haven't driven you away,
and yet you've gone.
Do I seem as silly as all that?
I wonder if I have driven you away.
You've done nothing.
I wonder.
You know, I have the strangest feeling.
I feeI as if I were only going to see you...
...about five minutes more
all the rest of my life.
Why, that's silly.
Of course I want to see you often.
No.
I've never had a feeling like this before.
It's just so, that's all.
You're never coming here again.
It's all over, isn't it?
Why, it's finished, isn't it?
Why, yes.
You're awfully tired and nervous.
Yes, you must go.
There's nothing else for you to do.
When anything's spoiled...
...people can't do anything else
but run away from it.
Goodbye.
We'll only say good night.
I'll get your hat.
I'd like to keep it for a souvenir
but I'm afraid you'll need it.
You poor thing,
you can't go without your hat.
- You've-
- What a thing to say.
What a romantic parting,
talking about hats.
Don't bother. We have lots of that
in this funny old house. Goodbye.
He was waiting for this, Lamb was.
But I'll pay him back every cent.
Every last dang dirty penny.
Walter, how could you do it?
I asked Pa for the money
and he wouldn't give it to me.
Give it to you! Where was I gonna get it?
- What's the matter now?
- This little fooI-
Walter's short in his accounts
down at Lamb's.
He took $150.
You took $150?
Why?
A guy, a friend of mine got in a jam.
He said he'd pay it back in a month
and he didn't.
The auditor's already checking
on the books down at the office.
You'll go to jaiI.
Be quiet. Couldn't you see Mr. Lamb
and explain it to him?
Explain it to him?
This is what he's been waiting for all along.
He thinks we both cheated him.
He was just letting Walter
walk into the trap.
But couldn't you raise the money
and give it back to him?
I'll give it back to him all right, every cent...
...every last penny.
I can raise it.
I'll put a loan on my glue factory.
I'll get it for him.
I'm going to see Jonathan,
my bank president.
I'll get that money tonight.
I'm sorry, Pa.
Don't you talk to me,
you danged little idiot.
Thinks we're all yellow, does he?
I'll show him every last danged dirty penny.
To have this come on the night
of your sister's dinner.
Poor Alice.
Don't say "poor Alice," Mom.
Can I come in?
Yes, come in.
I want to talk to you.
Yes, me too.
Have a chair.
- It's Lamb. I'm going to get out of here.
- No, you're not, Walter. Wait in my room.
A fine family you've turned out to be
after all these years.
I'd never have stepped my foot
inside this house...
...except that I wanted to tell you
to your face just how I felt.
I'll pay you every cent Walter took,
Mr. Lamb...
...just as soon as I can get the money.
I was just going down now...
...to try to raise a loan...
...on my glue works.
Your glue works?
I always thought people had to show some
prospects before they could raise a loan.
- Naturally.
- I guess you'll find it a little difficult.
Now that I intend
opening a glue works of my own.
Yes, and a big one.
What's that?
Very convenient to your place, too.
In fact, right across the street.
Do you mean that big, enormous,
old butterine factory?
That's it.
What did you expect me to do,
VirgiI Adams?
Let you walk off with my glue formula
like swallowing a pat of butter?
No, I know what you thought.
You said to yourself,
"Here's this old fooI, J.A. Lamb...
"... he's in his second childhood.
"And I'll just put this over on him. "
I did not.
I worked years on that formula.
It was just as much mine as yours.
And anyway...
...a lot you know about my feelings
and what I said to myself.
But I want to tell you one thing now,
Mr. Lamb.
I don't feeI mean anymore
about what I've done, not anymore...
...because there's a meaner man
in this world than I am, Mr. Lamb.
So you feeI better about yourself?.
You bet I do.
You've spiked my business, all right...
...and now I can't even raise the money
to keep my boy out of the penitentiary.
That's where you worked untiI you got me.
Are you accusing me?
Look at me.
I worked all my life for you...
...and what I did when I quit didn't make...
...two cents worth of difference
in your life...
...and it looked like it'd mean
all the difference...
...in the world to my family.
You think I did you a bad turn...
...and you've got me ruined for it,
and you've got my family ruined...
...and if anybody'd told me last year
I'd say such a thing...
...I'd call him a dang liar.
But I do say it, Mr. Lamb...
...you're a doggone mean man.
Mr. Lamb, wait.
I mean what I say.
- Let him go.
- No, go on.
I gotta tell him what I think.
I'm all right. He's ruined my business.
He's ruined all of us.
You can't go thinking that badly about Dad.
He was so upset he didn't know
what he was saying.
Upset, I shouldn't wonder.
The danged old fooI.
Yes, I guess he is an old fooI.
- What?
- For listening to Mother and me.
It's all my fault, this whole terrible mess.
What are you talking about?
You see...
...Mom was always after Dad...
...and after him
to make more money for me...
...so that I could compete
with the other girls in this town.
I guess parents will make any sacrifice
to see their children happy...
...and when Dad saw how unhappy I was,
he just did what he did.
He always wanted
to go back to work for you.
I guess he almost worshipped you,
Mr. Lamb.
If you'll just give me time...
...I'll get a job and pay you back
what Walter owes you, really I will.
I know I haven't had much experience,
but I can do things.
I was good at English
and arithmetic at schooI.
I won a prize in English once...
...and I know I'd make a good secretary
for somebody.
Now, just a minute, Alice.
If your father can keep from
flying off the handle I'd like to talk to him.
Would you?
I'll do it. Let me do it myself.
Come in.
- What the-
- Now, wait just a moment.
You know you got me awfuI mad
a little while ago, VirgiI Adams...
...and you weren't exactly
purring like a kitten yourself.
You certainly gave me cause.
Just hold your horses a minute, please.
You were saying about this glue
controversy not meaning anything to me...
...but meaning a whole heap to you
and your family.
It did mean a great deaI to me to know...
...that you had gone back on me
after all these years.
I was just talking to Alice
and I can see where...
...maybe you were forced into this thing
by circumstances.
I've lived long enough to know...
...that circumstances
can beat the best of us.
Yes, the best of us.
Maybe I've been
sort of a danged old fooI myself.
Yes, that's what I called you.
You did?
Yes, I did.
Maybe you're right.
If you and I have been transgressing
against each other...
...I think it's about time
we quit such foolishness.
I guess maybe I talked to you once
about doing something for you...
...in connection with this glue business.
I guess I was selfish and forgetfuI...
...but it's never too late to mend.
We won't talk about that now.
Suppose you come down to the office
as soon as you're feeling fit...
...and we'll try and work something out.
And I guess maybe together...
...we ought to be able to show the world...
...something about glue...
...and then we'll talk about Walter, too.
Good night.
- Good night, Alice.
- Good night, Mr. Lamb.
Isn't he a wonderfuI old man, Dad?
He is.
But if it hadn't been for you...
Nonsense, why should you think that?
What I think?
I think you're the smartest girI in the world.
I wouldn't trade you
for the whole kit and boodle of them.
Isn't it funny how things work out?
I've seen it happen in other people's lives...
...and now it's happened in ours.
What's that, Dad?
You think you're going to be pushed
right spang up against a wall...
...you can't see any way out,
or any hope at all...
...and then something
you never counted on turns up...
...and you kind of squeeze out of it.
And keep on going.
I understand, Dad.
I'm afraid you do.
You oughtn't to at your age.
Young people should leave their troubles
to the old ones...
...and concentrate on good times.
He's a fine young man, Alice...
...the nicest and quietest you've ever had.
I know he likes you just for your own sake...
...and not on account
of any dang glue works or anything else.
You'd better go to bed and rest, Daddy.
We've all had enough excitement
for one night. Good night.
Good night.
A penny for your thoughts.
No.
A poor little dead rose for your thoughts,
Alice Adams.
You came back.
I didn't go.
Why?
- I've been waiting for you.
- Then you heard-
Yes, I heard everything.
- What's more-
- But I-
Stop it. Let me finish.
I heard a great deaI
at Mildred's this afternoon, too.
So they did talk about me.
Yes, they talked about you a lot.
And I found out one thing.
I love you, Alice.
Gee whiz.
I love you.
Yes. I'd like to buy a corsage,
something nice to wear to a party.
That's the Palmer party, I suppose.
We've just had so many calls today...
...that there isn't a great deaI left
except a couple of nice orchids.
They're $5 a piece.
No, I wore orchids to the last party.
How about gardenias?
I can make you up
a mighty nice corsage for $6.50.
I'm afraid not. Gardenias are so ordinary.
I want something different.
When one goes to a lot of parties,
it's so difficult to find something originaI.
Something no one else
would think of wearing.
Those violets are lovely.
Yeah, they're $2 a bunch.
Of course, they're the first of the season.
Really? They're sweet...
...but they wouldn't go
with my gown, of course.
I should have come in earlier
when you had a better selection...
...but I had so many engagements.
I hardly see anything that will do.
Thank you just the same.
Why, Alice, what kept you so long?
These. I picked them in Bellevue Park,
186 of them.
Enough for a darling corsage for tonight.
- Poor child, picking them yourself.
- Never mind. I got them.
How's Dad?
He's better today, much better.
Alice.
It's you, is it?
Want something else, VirgiI? A little fruit?
- You're not eating your soup.
- Don't want it.
You must eat it.
You've got to get your strength back.
You've got to get good and strong
so you can fly around...
...and find something good to get into.
So that's it, hinting at that again!
I'm not doing any hinting.
But of course, when you get well,
you can't go back to that old hole again.
Old hole, is it?
Let me tell you that Lamb's is the best
wholesale drug company in this state.
I don't care what it is.
It's an old hole as far as you're concerned.
If not for me then for your children.
You should look for something else.
Mom!
Yes, I'm coming.
Look at your daughter.
She's going to a big party tonight...
...and she's wearing a dress
that's two years old.
Oh, dear.
- How do you expect her to get anywhere?
- Mother!
For heaven's sake,
can't you wait untiI Dad's up and around...
...before you start hammering at him?
I'm not hammering at him.
Besides, Alice, I think I ought to know
by this time how to handle your father.
Poor old Daddykins!
Every time he's better,
someone talks him into getting mad...
...and he has a relapse.
It's a shame.
Well, it's kind of funny for a man
who's been in business...
...with Lamb and Company
as long as I have...
...to hear it called an old hole.
That's what your mother calls it.
It's a mighty pleasant place to work.
I know, Daddy, but it's that mother feels
they don't appreciate you down there.
They've hoisted my salary every two years
all the time I've worked for them...
...and they took Walter right on
as soon as I asked them last year.
Old Mr. Lamb has been wonderfuI to me...
...holding my job open
while I've been sick all this time.
Don't you think that looks
as if they've thought something of me?
Of course.
It's just that it's kind of funny when
you think you've done pretty fairly well...
...and the man at the head of it
seems to think so, too.
It's kind of funny to have your mother...
...think you're mostly a failure.
You're not a failure, Daddy.
You're not.
I'm going to talk to Mother.
You better not.
- I don't want to start anything.
- Don't worry.
Don't you worry.
Don't you think you and I
are both a little selfish...
...trying to make poor old dad
go out and get something better?
After all, we've got enough, really.
Enough?
I suppose you've got a limousine
to take you to the dance tonight.
I suppose you only got to call the florist
and order up some orchids.
Not orchids.
Violets, the first of the season,
picked fresh today.
I suppose you picked yourself
a new dress, too.
I don't think anyone'll recognize
that organdy with the new flounces on it.
What's Mildred Palmer
going to wear tonight?
I don't know.
Her maize Georgette, probably.
The one she brought back from Paris.
There's your brother.
Are you sure he'll take me
to the party tonight?
Why, of course. Why shouldn't he?
I don't know. He may have one
of his mysterious dates downtown.
Don't worry, Alice.
You just leave him to me.
- When do we eat?
- Now, Walter, there's no hurry.
Is for me. I've got a date.
I'm glad you remembered the Palmer dance.
I've laid out your clothes.
I told you over a week ago,
I'm not goin' to that old dance.
- But, Walter.
- Don't "but, Walter" me.
I'm no society snake.
I'm as liable to go to that Palmer dance
as I am to eat a few barrels of broken glass.
Now, Walter-
Let her get somebody else to take her.
She ought to at least be able
to get one guy. She tries hard enough.
I haven't got time to argue.
I'll grab a bite downtown.
You can't do this. Now, you can't.
It's more than I can bear to see her
disappointed after planning for days.
She's spent hours in Bellevue Park
picking violets to wear...
...because she can't afford to buy a bouquet
like the other girls.
Now you act this way.
Rats!
That's a good boy, darling.
You'll never be sorry.
It's all right, dear.
Walter will be glad to take you.
Yes, he certainly sounded thrilled.
Well, you look mighty fine.
Mighty fine.
- Why, Alice, who's your beau?
- Never you mind.
He treats me pretty well, doesn't he?
Must like to throw his money around.
These violets smell mighty sweet...
...and they ought to
if they're going to a party with you.
Good night.
- Have a good time, dearie.
- Don't worry, I intend to.
Who's taking her to the party?
Walter is, and it's a shame
for a girI as pretty as Alice...
...to have to depend on her brother
taking her out.
She could have any man if she only had
some money for decent clothes.
What's wrong with the dress she's got on?
You would say that,
but you know what I mean.
She's not run after like other girls because
she's poor and hasn't any background.
My, have I got to listen to that again?
Yes, you have, and I'll keep on being at it.
Now, my dear young men,
I cannot dance with all of you.
Why don't you ask
some of the other girls to dance?
Please.
Why not get those dear young men
to take you to the dance...
...instead of dragging me?
Now, you know you love
to escort your little sister.
This is me, Walter, take it easy.
Hurry it up, I'm waiting for you.
You look lovely, Alice.
I do think I look nice enough
not to have to dance...
...with that fat Frank Dowling.
AII I ask is for that to happen just once
so that I can treat him...
...the way the other girls do.
I hope I'll meet someone
tall and dark and romantic.
- Someone I've dreamed of all my life.
- Here, put this on.
- What's that?
- It's your father's raincoat.
I won't need that in a taxi.
Yes, you will, getting in and out.
It's begun to rain a little bit, anyway.
Have a good time.
- Have a good time, dearie.
- I will.
- Walter, what on earth?
- I borrowed it from a friend of mine.
- Gee whiz, I can't go in-
- Come on, get in.
- What's the idea?
- Don't go in there.
Back up. Leave this awfuI mess outside.
Back up.
Look what you've done.
I'll have to drive around anyway.
Shut up.
Well, do you want to go home?
You bet I'm willing.
No, leave the car here.
Wait a minute.
I'll lock her up so none of these millionaires
run off with it.
Wait!
What's the idea?
Leave this with your coat
in the men's dressing room...
...as if it were an extra one of your own.
Joke on us.
Our car broke down outside the gate.
Walter, your coat, back there.
I suppose you want us to dance
the first dance.
Yes, please. I'll be right down.
- Good evening, Mrs. Dowling.
- Alice.
Hello, Ella. You look lovely.
Ready?
Mrs. Dowling.
- I'm so glad to see you.
- Ella, how nice of you to come.
- Frank, good evening.
- Good evening, Mildred.
Relax, nobody's looking at you.
We must speak to Mildred
and Mr. and Mrs. Palmer.
I haven't got a thing to say to them.
You didn't wear the maize Georgette
as I thought you would...
...but you look simply darling.
And those pearls-
You know my mother and father, I think.
Fine, thank you.
Mrs. Palmer, my brother.
Hi.
- Mr. Palmer.
- Hi.
It's wonderfuI, and the mystery is
where you ever learned to do it.
I suppose you think there's no place
to dance besides these frozen-faced joints.
Frozen-faced? Why, everybody's having
a lovely time. Look at them.
They holler loud enough.
You don't call that Palmer family
frozen-faced, I suppose?
Certainly not. They're just dignified.
Besides, I don't like you
to talk that way about them.
They passed you on
like you had something catching.
How fantastic.
Why, Mildred's a great friend of mine.
Poor you.
Hello, Henrietta.
- Hello, Alice.
- How are you?
Henrietta Lamb, isn't her dress divine?
She's too bony.
Hi, Sam.
- What you doin' up here, big boy?
- I brought my sister.
You're kind of getting in
the big time yourself.
Yes, sir.
That's Skinny Sam
and his Hot Shot Stooges.
Yes, you seem to know him quite well.
A great guy.
There's Frank and Ella Dowling.
It's good that his tubby sister comes
or he wouldn't have anyone to dance with.
And vice versa.
- You mustn't forget to dance with her.
- Me?
And Henrietta Lamb and Mildred, of course.
I'm as liable to dance with those sticks
as I'm to buy a bucket of tacks and eat 'em.
What a bunch.
As soon as I'm rid of you,
I'll go to the room...
...where I left my hat and coat
and smoke myself to death.
You mustn't get rid of me too soon, Walter.
Why, you naughty old Walter.
Aren't you ashamed
to be a wonderfuI dancer...
...and then only dance with little me?
You could go on the stage if you wanted to.
Wouldn't it be wonderfuI to have everyone
clapping their hands and shouting?
- Hurrah for Walter Adams.
- Calm down.
You know you'd like it.
Just think, everybody shouting, "Hurrah! "
The joint'll be pulled if you holler
any louder, besides I'm no goat.
- Goat? What on earth...
- I can't eat dead violets.
I've done my duty.
Flag one of these long-tailed birds
to take you on for this dance.
Pardon me, Alice.
Organdy, perhaps we're wrong.
How do you do, Ella?
- I'm fine. How are you?
- Thank you.
- Isn't this a lovely party?
- It certainly is.
But then the Palmers always give...
It's all right.
You can go now, but come back later.
- Can I have this dance, Alice?
- Why, you nice Frank Dowling, how lovely.
Gee, that was great.
Yes. Let's sit out the rest of this,
shall we?
All right.
Don't look now but Mother's trying
to get me to dance with Ella...
...and I'm not going to.
Let's go into the hall.
She wants me to ask Henrietta
and Mildred, too...
...but I'd much rather dance with you.
You're not stuck-up
like those other girls are.
You'd never refuse to dance with me.
Mildred, your party's a grand...
- Hello, Arthur.
- Hello, Mildred.
- I'm glad you finally got here.
- I'm sorry I'm late.
Never mind that.
You look beautifuI tonight.
Thank you.
Who's that man with Mildred?
Why, that's Arthur Russell.
Arthur Russell?
I never heard of him.
He's some sort of a cousin
to the Palmer family.
Second or third or something.
They say he's got wads of money.
He and Mildred
are supposed to be engaged.
No.
Well, if they're not, they soon will be.
My sister says
she talks about him all the time.
- Ella says-
- Never mind what Ella says.
Let's find something better
to talk about than Mr. Russell.
Well, I'm willing.
What do you want to talk about?
Nothing.
Suppose we just sit, shall we?
All right.
We'll be along.
Come with me, Arthur.
Look at the orchestra, Frank.
Aren't they screaming?
Someone told me they're called
Skinny Sam and his Hot Shot Stooges.
Isn't that just crazy?
Don't you just love it?
Yeah.
- Come on, Arthur, you're way behind us.
- There you are, Arthur.
Well, what now?
Talk or sit?
Suppose we just sit some more, shall we?
All right.
Pardon me. I've just seen Henrietta Lamb.
She's promised to save this dance for you
if you'll come right away.
Look here, Mother.
I wish you'd understand
that I can ask for my own dances.
- I'm more than 6 years old.
- Why, Frank...
I just thought I was doing you a favor.
It isn't pleasant to be spoken to like that...
...by your own son, before strangers.
- Now, Mother.
- You'd better go, Frank, really.
There, you see, Miss Adams says so herself.
For goodness sake.
Pardon me, are these chairs taken?
Yes, I'm sorry.
I'm waiting for my partner to return.
No, I can't.
Look, I can't dance with all of you.
- But it's my dance.
- You promised me.
- What can we do?
- Listen, you promised to dance.
Let's match, odd man gets the dance.
That's fair enough.
- I'm sorry, boys.
- Wait a minute.
I wonder if you know which
of the gentlemen is Mr. Walter Adams?
Yes, I know him all right,
but I couldn't say exactly where he is, miss.
If you do see him,
will you please tell him his sister...
...is very anxious to speak to him?
- I will.
- Thank you.
Say, your sister wants you.
Don't bother me, I'm hot.
Here we go, eighter from Decatur.
May I come and talk to you, Mrs. Dresser?
Why, yes, of course.
But why aren't you dancing?
I have been.
I just wanted a chance to catch my breath.
Alice, this is Mr. Russell.
Miss Adams,
he wants to ask you for this dance.
May I?
Yes, indeed.
Will you excuse me?
You're not a very talkative young lady,
are you?
Usually, yes.
Then why not now?
When anyone dances
as beautifully as you do...
...conversation is hardly necessary, is it?
That depends on who's talking.
I guess that's all.
I wish we could dance this next together,
but I guess we're both all booked up.
Where's your next?
Do you see him anywhere?
Yes.
Well, as a matter of fact, I promised
to sit the next one out with my aunt...
...so if you'll just take me over there.
Thank you.
- I wonder if you could do me a favor?
- Anything.
Would you see if you can find
my brother Walter for me?
He may be in the smoking room,
if it isn't too much trouble?
- Certainly not.
- Thank you.
Well, here we are.
I know this disappearing brother of mine
must have been terribly hard to find.
On the contrary, it was easy.
Mildred will probably never forgive me
for keeping you away so long.
- It was a pleasure.
- Thank you so much.
Don't ever do that again,
do you understand?
- Do what?
- Send anyone looking for me.
Well, he found you, didn't he?
Yeah, he found me all right, shootin' dice
with the boys in the cloakroom.
- Did he see you?
- Unless he was blind.
Let's go home.
Leave the door open for me.
Did you have a good time?
Just lovely.
- Good night.
- Good night, dear.
Now what were you thinking about, Dad?
Just planning.
Planning what to do
when I'm able to go back to work again.
Now what are you talking about?
You're going back to your old place
at Lamb's, of course.
I heard you crying the other night,
after the party.
That was nothing, Daddy. Just nerves.
Never mind. I know what was the matter.
No, the only matter was I had a silly fit.
Your mother's right, Alice.
You ought to have as much
as any of these girls you go with.
And I've got to do something about it.
Daddy, you're sweet.
I'm the one
who ought to do something about it.
I've been thinking, what I mean is...
...I ought to be something
besides just a kind of nobody.
- I ought to...
- What, dearie?
Well, there's one thing I'd like to do.
- I know I could do it, too.
- What?
Well, I want to go on the stage.
I know I could act.
What's the matter?
I was just reminded of your aunt
and your mother when they were young.
They always used to spat about
which one would make the best actress.
Sometimes I'd have to go out
in the hall to laugh.
Well, maybe you were wrong.
If they both felt that way...
...why doesn't that prove
that there is talent in the family?
I've always thought there was.
No, dearie.
I expect 90 percent of the women are sure
they'd make mighty fine actresses...
...if they ever got the chance.
Well, they enjoy thinking about it...
...and it don't do anybody any harm.
Why, what's the matter?
Nothing.
Well, one thing I'm sure of...
...you're going back to Lamb's.
You know, Alice,
it's a pretty good place, Lamb's.
Mighty nice boys in our department, too.
We have a good deaI of fun
down there some days.
More than you do at home some days,
I expect.
No, I wouldn't say that.
- There he is, Mr. Lamb.
- Thank you.
Well, Adams.
Why, Mr. Lamb, Father and I
were just talking about you.
Well, you know, speak of the deviI.
Sit still.
What are you trying to be polite
with me for?
Don't you know you're as weak as a cat?
- Have a cigar.
- Thanks.
I'm not sick anymore, Mr. Lamb.
I ought to be ready for work
in another 10 days.
Now, don't hurry it, young fellow.
Just take your time.
Of course we need you,
but we don't need you so bad...
...that we'll let you come down
before you're good and able.
You see, Dad?
We all appreciate
your interest in Father, Mr. Lamb.
He seems to improve
after every one of your visits.
I guess I'd better be running along.
Goodbye, sir.
'Bye, Daddy.
Now, I want you to take it easy.
Remember, VirgiI,
your place is waiting for you...
...any time you want to come back.
But I don't like to feeI that my salary
is going on and me not earning it.
Suppose you let me worry about that.
Goodness knows, you've been with the firm
long enough to have some privileges...
...and I'm going to see that you get them.
Thanks, Mr. Lamb.
You know, Mom,
I can't help liking old Mr. Lamb.
He seems so honest and friendly.
He didn't say anything
about raising your father's salary, did he?
No, I'll bet he didn't.
That's why I want VirgiI to leave that place.
But, Mother, what could Dad do at his age?
He could do what I've wanted him to do
for the last 20 years.
What's that?
He doesn't want me to speak of it to you,
but you may as well know.
Your father has invented a secret formula
for making the best glue in the world.
The best what?
Glue, for sticking things together.
Your father and another man
invented it years ago...
...when your father
first went to work for Mr. Lamb.
Now the other man's dead
so the formula belongs to your father.
At least it belongs to him
as much as it does to anybody else.
Yes, but even if it does,
what good would it do him? He can't sell it.
Well, he could start up a factory
and make the glue and sell that.
Mom, that's nonsense.
Why, Dad's never even seen enough money
to start a factory.
I'm afraid you're daydreaming, darling.
Miss Adams.
This is a coincidence.
I've been hoping I'd meet you.
Why, Mr. Russell.
I've just been embarking
on the most irksome duty.
I have to hire a new secretary for Father.
He's been quite ill, poor man,
and now that he's better...
...and going back to work,
he'll need a second girI.
Can't you let it wait for another time?
I could let it wait untiI tomorrow.
In fact, I will let it wait untiI tomorrow.
That's fine.
I've been thinking about you
since Mildred's dance.
Oh, goodness, I bet I know
what you've been thinking.
Are you a mind reader?
You've been thinking I'm the sister
of a professionaI gambler, I'm afraid.
Then your brother told you,
I thought it was quite originaI...
...his amusing himself
with the cloakroom attendants.
Walter is originaI.
You know, he's a very odd boy.
I was afraid you'd misunderstand him.
He tells the most wonderfuI darky stories
and he'll just do anything...
...to get them to talk to him.
We think he'll probably write about them
some day.
He's rather literary.
Are you?
I? Oh, I'm just me.
I thought you were this sort of girI
when I first saw you.
What sort of girI?
Didn't Mildred tell you the kind of girI I am
when she asked you to dance with me?
She didn't ask me to dance with you.
That was my idea.
No, but who did she say I was?
She just said you were a Miss Adams.
"A Miss Adams. "
I see.
Well, it certainly is unfortunate
that I am so different from Mildred.
Why unfortunate?
Goodness, why because she's perfect.
She's perfectly perfect.
Yes, we all fairly adore her.
You know, she's like some big, noble...
...gold statue way up above the rest of us.
She hardly ever does anything
mean or treacherous.
Of all the girls I know, I think she plays
the fewest really mean tricks.
You say Mildred's perfect,
but she does do some mean things.
Men are so funny.
Of course,
all girls do mean things sometimes.
My own career is just
one long brazen smirch of them.
- Not really?
- Yes.
What, for example?
The very worst sort.
For instance, most people bore me.
Particularly the men in this town,
and I show it.
It's made me a terribly unpopular character.
For instance,
at the average party I would rather...
...find some clever old woman
and talk to her...
...than I would dance with nine tenths
of these non-entities.
But you danced as if you really liked it.
You dance better than any other girI...
Thank you.
I ought to dance well.
When I think of all my dancing teachers,
just endless fancy instructors.
Still, I suppose that's what fathers
have daughters for, isn't it?
To throw away money on them.
But you should've seen me
when I had stage fever.
Every girI has a time in her life...
...when she's positive
she's divinely talented for the stage.
I used to play Juliet all alone in my room.
"O, swear not by the moon,
the inconstant moon,
"That monthly changes in her circled orb,
Lest that thy... "
You do it beautifully.
Why don't you finish the line?
"Lest that thy love prove likewise variable. "
Juliet was saying it to a man, you know.
She seems to have been worrying about
his constancy pretty early in their affair.
Yes, I know.
Don't look so serious.
It isn't about you, you know.
Here you are, Miss Adams.
You know every step I save is gravy.
Here's the foolish little house where I live.
It is a queer little place
but my father is so attached to it...
...that the family
has just about given up hope...
...of getting him to build
a reaI house farther out.
He doesn't mind our being extravagant
about anything else...
...but he won't let us change one
single thing about his precious little house.
Adieu.
- Could I come in for a little while?
- No, not now.
- You can come...
- When?
Almost any time.
You can come in the evening, if you like.
- Soon?
- As soon as you like.
He will call, he won't call.
He will, he won't.
Yes, no.
He'd better call.
Those flowers
will brighten up the room a lot, Alice.
I think so.
I'm going out, Mom.
- Hey, where's the funeraI?
- I thought you were going out.
What's the big idea?
I get it.
It's that Russell guy.
I saw you with him all right.
You mean downtown yesterday, Walter?
Yes, I mean,
"Downtown yesterday, Walter. "
I passed you close enough to pull a tooth
but you never saw me.
You were too busy waving your hands.
I never saw anybody as busy as you get
when you're towing a barge.
What of it, Walter?
If you happen to see her on the street...
...when a nice young man
is being attentive to her.
Wait a minute. You got the parts mixed.
It was little Alice who was being attentive.
What were you doing walking so close
to your old paI Mildred's boyfriend?
- Why, Walter!
- Never mind.
To the horrid, all things are horrid.
Get out. I found out all about
that Russell guy down at the shop.
He's supposed to be tied up with Mildred...
...and when old man Palmer dies,
Russell will be his son-in-law.
He'll barely have to lift his feet
to step into the old man's shoes.
Yes.
You really are vulgar, Walter.
You better take it easy.
The Palmers will have you ruled
off the track when they see your colors.
- Walter.
- I'm her brother, ain't I?
I like the old girI all right.
In fact, sometimes I feeI sorry for her.
What's this all about?
Because you see me downtown
with a man I've only seen once.
Yeah, but I've seen you start before.
Well, good luck. You'll need it.
Walter must be going
with some really dreadfuI people.
All this talk about racetracks
and everything.
I'm sure Walter's a good boy.
Is it true that this young man, Russell,
is engaged to Mildred Palmer?
I don't know.
He didn't seem like an engaged man to me.
Anyhow, not so terribly.
What?
Hadn't you better come to bed?
I didn't know it was so late.
I got so interested in this book.
You mustn't mind, dear.
Mustn't mind?
What are you talking about, Mother?
Never mind cleaning up, Alice.
We can do that in the morning.
Your father can mess things up
quicker than any man I ever saw.
I got no date tonight.
I'll take you to a movie if you want.
No, thanks.
Give me a chance to show you a better time
than we had at that frozen-faced party.
I'll buy you some chop suey afterwards.
No, thanks, honestly.
As the barber says:
"The better the advice,
the worse it's wasted. "
Good evening, Miss Adams.
What luck to find you at home.
Yes.
Did I come too soon?
No, just in time.
Let's stay out here, shall we?
- The moonlight's so lovely.
- Yes.
I've spent two evenings wanting to come...
...but a couple of dinners interfered,
large and long dinners.
You have been in a sociaI whirI,
Mr. Russell.
I envy you.
Father's illness has simply tied me
to the house...
...and everyone has to come here.
That is, if they want to see me.
The worst of it is that the poor thing
has to have peace and quiet...
...and I must entertain on the porch,
as I'm doing tonight.
Though, of course,
now there's just the two of us.
I'm glad there's just the two of us.
I wanted to talk to you alone, Miss Adams.
Miss Adams, how formaI.
What shall we talk about, Arthur?
About you.
No. Don't let's talk about me.
Let's talk about you.
What kind of man are you?
I've often wondered.
What kind of girI are you?
Don't you remember? I told you.
I'm just me.
But who is that?
I've often wondered.
You know, the other day
when you walked home with me...
...I got to wondering
what I wanted you to think of me...
...in case I should ever happen
to see you again.
What did you decide?
I decided I should probably never dare
to be just myself with you.
Not if I cared
to have you want to see me again...
...and yet, here I am,
just being myself, after all.
Alice, I'd like to see you pretty often,
if you'll let me.
Will you?
Well?
Lean toward me a little.
Yes!
Now, when will it be?
I mean, when will I see you again?
Anytime.
You're going to Henrietta's dance,
aren't you?
You mean Henrietta Lamb?
Yes, of course.
I'd forgotten all about that.
Will you let me take you?
You mean to the dance?
That is if you're not already dated up.
No, I'm not.
In fact, I'm not going.
- Why not?
- I told you. It's Father.
You see, Mildred's dance is almost
the only evening I've gone out...
...on account of his illness, you know.
VirgiI Adams, how much longer
do you expect me to put up...
...with that old man and his doings?
Whose doings? What old man?
What other old man would I mean
but J.A. Lamb?
Do you think I'm going to submit forever
to him and his family...
...and what they're doing to my child?
Now what are he and his family
doing to your child?
Your dear, grand old Mr. Lamb's Henrietta
has sent out invitations for a large party.
Now, everybody who is anybody in town
is going to be there, you can count on that.
There's a very fine young man,
a Mr. Russell.
He's interested in Alice and he's asked Alice
to go to this dance with him.
Alice can't go...
...because Henrietta Lamb
hasn't invited her.
Oh, my...
Yes, I should think you would say,
"Oh, my. "
Your child's been snubbed and picked on
by every girI in this town...
...and it's all on account of you,
VirgiI Adams.
Yes, these girls don't like me
so they pick on Alice.
They wouldn't dare do it
to Mildred Palmer...
...because she's got money
and family to back her.
And, you listen to me,
the way the world is now, money is family.
And Alice could have just
as much family as any of them...
...if you hadn't fallen behind in the race.
- How did I?
- Yes, you did.
Twenty-five years ago, the people we knew
weren't any better off than us...
...and look at them now.
It's time for your drops.
Look at those country clubs.
The other girls' families belong to them.
We don't.
Look at the other girls' houses...
...then look at our house.
Yeah, you look at what you're doing.
Don't give me too much of that stuff.
I've counted.
The men in those families
went right on up the ladder...
...while you're still a clerk
down in that old hole.
Now, wait a minute.
Suppose I did leave that old hole,
as you call it.
Where in thunderation
could I get another job?
You know I'm not asking you
to do anything you can't do.
What are you driving at?
You know what I'm driving at.
That glue formula.
So, that's it. Dang, dang!
Not that I wouldn't like to go
and dance with you, if I could.
I'm too worried about Father
to go anywhere.
Why, she's still young.
She's still got a chance for happiness...
...if only she had a father
that had the gumption to be a man.
To be a dirty dog, you mean.
That glue formula belongs to you
as much as anybody.
It belongs to J.A. Lamb. He paid us
all the time we were working on it.
- I'd be like stealing, and you know it.
- What's he stolen from you?
He promised to do something
with that formula 20 years ago...
...and to do something for you, and has he?
You've broken your word
never to speak of that to me again.
What do I care?
You think I'd let my word interfere
with the happiness of my children?
I'm going to keep on struggling for that
till I die!
- Dang, do I have to go through that again?
- Yes, you have to till I die.
Dang!
What's the matter with you two?
Can you get her out of here?
Mother, come on.
Get her out.
- Wait. She says you have a mean life, Alice.
- No, Daddy.
Do you hear her lie?
Look at me.
Things like this Henrietta Lamb dance, now,
is that so hard to bear?
No, Daddy.
Do you hear her? Now, do you see?
Get out of here!
Both of you. And stay out.
- Did you ever smell a glue factory before?
- No.
Brother, you got something coming to you.
Here it is, Mother. The Adams Glue Works.
It looks fine, VirgiI, simply fine.
It's a starter, and some day,
if everything works out all right...
...maybe I'll be able to take over
that big building there.
It used to be an old butterine factory.
Just bills.
It's funny I don't hear something from him.
Who?
Old Mr. Lamb.
He never answered my letter, not a word.
You should have gone to see him
like I told you, VirgiI, instead of just writing.
No, I just couldn't bring myself to face him.
Don't worry, dear. You know you told me
he couldn't do a thing to you.
No, the formula ain't patentable.
There isn't anything
he could make a question of law.
But I wish I knew what he thought
about the whole business.
It's just morbidness, VirgiI.
You don't realize what a little bit of a thing
this is to him.
I bet he's forgotten all about it.
You're off your base.
J.A. Lamb don't forget things.
If he owed you money,
he'd cut off his hand to pay you.
But if he thought you were trying
to get the best of him...
...he'd cut off both hands
to keep you from doing it.
Come on, now,
I'll show you the rest of the works.
It's getting late
and you'll be worrying about supper.
No, not tonight.
Walter phoned, he won't be home...
...and Alice has gone out
with that nice, young Mr. Russell.
What, again?
I shouldn't be surprised
if they'd be engaged before long.
And here we go though all this muck
and moiI to help fix things nice for her...
...and she just goes ahead
and gets what she wants to anyhow.
Things haven't gone as far as that, VirgiI.
Will you have them play that again?
Again?
Play it again.
But we've played that five times already.
They want it again.
- Again?
- Again.
What are you thinking of?.
I think I was just being
sort of sadly happy then.
Sadly happy?
Don't you know?
Only children can be just happily happy.
I think when we get older, some
of our happiest moments are like this one.
It's like that music. Oh, so sweet...
...and oh, so sad.
But what makes it sad for you?
I don't know.
Perhaps it's a kind of useless foreboding
I seem to have pretty often.
I'm afraid I'm going to miss these summer
evenings of ours when they're over.
Do they have to be over?
Everything's over some time.
Don't let's look so far ahead.
We don't have to be already thinking
of the cemetery, do we?
Our summer evenings will be over
before that, Arthur Russell.
Why?
Good heavens,
there's laconic eloquence for you.
Almost a proposaI in a single word.
Well, I-
Don't worry. I shan't hold you to it.
No, but something will interfere.
Somebody will, I mean.
People talk about each other fearfully
in this town.
They don't always stop at the truth.
They make up things. Yes, they do, really.
What difference does it all make?
It's just that I'd rather they didn't
make up things about me to you.
I'd know they weren't true.
Wouldn't it be great if two people
could just keep themselves to themselves?
If they could manage to be friends
without people talking about them?
We've done that pretty well so far,
haven't we?
And if you want
our summer evenings to be over...
...you'll have to drive me away yourself.
No one else could?
No one.
Well, I won't.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Hello, Alice.
Did you ever know a lovelier night
than this, Mom?
Not since I was your age, I expect.
- Walter, what kept you so late?
- Where's Pa?
He's up in his room.
Why...
...don't they stay beautifuI after my age?
It may be different for you.
I think it will, Alice. You deserve it.
No, I don't deserve anything.
I know it. It's just that...
...I'm pretty happy these days.
I don't mean...
I wasn't meaning to tell you
that I'm engaged.
We're not.
It's just that...
...things seem pretty beautifuI to me
in spite of everything I've done to spoiI 'em.
What have you ever done to spoiI anything?
Little things.
A thousand silly little things.
He's so honestly what he is.
I feeI like a tricky mess beside him.
I don't know why he likes me.
Sometimes I'm afraid he wouldn't
if he knew me.
Why, he'd just worship you.
- But what do you want it for?
- I've got to have it.
But what for? Can't you tell me what for?
I've got to have it.
You've got to have it.
You seem to think just saying that
will bring in the money, $150.
- Haven't you got that much?
- No, I haven't.
You know I've sunk every cent
I've ever saved into this factory.
And even what I could raise on the house.
What's the idea
coming to me for money, anyhow?
You've got a job, haven't you?
Not that you'll have it long.
Mr. Lamb'll fire you as soon as he finds out
you're still there...
...after what I've done.
He knows I'm there, all right.
He talked to me yesterday.
What did he say?
Just asked me
how my work was getting on.
Look here, Pa, are you going to do anything
about that $150?
No, I'm not.
I haven't got 150 cents, let alone dollars.
What do you think I am, a mint?
All right.
I don't see as you
ever did very much for me, anyhow.
You know, I think it's time your father
and I showed some interest in Mr. Russell.
Why, I actually don't believe
he's ever been inside the house.
I know he hasn't.
We always stayed out here on the porch.
It's so much nicer.
I was thinking we couldn't wait much
longer to ask him to dinner or something.
Mother, must we?
Don't you see, Alice,
it seems so queer not to do something.
It looks so kind of poverty-stricken.
All right. I'll ask him,
if you think I've got to.
We could get that colored woman,
Malena Burns, to wait on table.
She goes out for the day, you know.
And then we'd have a nice dinner.
Something reaI stylish.
Yeah, but don't you think it would be nicer,
maybe, if we waited?
But, Alice, why should we?
Unless you don't want Mr. Russell
to meet your father and mother.
No, of course I do. Only...
What's the use?
Okay.
Arthur.
What beautifuI flowers.
I didn't realize
you had such a lovely garden.
That's because you haven't been
cousinly enough to get used to it.
You've rather taught us
to forget what you look like.
I'm sorry. But I've been so busy.
We understand perfectly.
- Hot coffee or iced?
- Iced, please.
Iced for me, too, please.
It's really getting warm, isn't it?
Here's the guest list for the garden party.
I think I have everyone.
I didn't know whether or not
to invite Alice Adams.
You remember her.
You danced with her here.
Yes, of course.
A rather conspicuous young woman,
this Adams girI.
Adams?
Isn't her father the VirgiI Adams
who used to work for Mr. Lamb?
I believe so.
- Why?
- It's nothing much.
It's just that I heard VirgiI Adams has stolen
some sort of glue formula from Mr. Lamb.
- Stolen it?
- Yes, it quite upset the old gentleman.
Adams had been his clerk for over 25 years,
and Lamb had been carrying him...
...even though he'd been a dead weight
to the firm. Then to show his gratitude...
...Adams upped and walked off
with the glue formula.
Imagine.
Is this girI some friend of yours?
Every girI who meets Mildred...
...and tries to push the acquaintanceship
isn't a friend.
I shouldn't put it quite like that.
I saw something of her, for a time.
She's not unattractive in a way.
A pushing sort of girI,
a very pushing little person.
But I'm afraid we're boring poor Arthur
with all this.
What?
- I'm sorry.
- There, you see.
Mildred, why not take Arthur out
and show him the garden?
He may find it a relief
to put his mind on something prettier...
...than thieving clerks.
If you like.
The point of this Adams thing
is that Lamb takes a great deaI of pride...
...in his judgment of men, and everybody
thinks this is a great joke on the old man.
All he'll say is, "Wait and see. "
Here's your cap and apron,
and you take care of them. And, Malena...
...when the doorbell rings,
you put the caviar sandwiches on a tray...
...but don't let Alice see them.
I want to surprise her.
Yes.
You ought to slip upstairs
and take a teeny little nap...
...so you'll look fresh for tonight.
I'll look all right, besides there isn't time.
It's after 6:00.
You're the one who ought to rest
with all you've done today.
I'm fine,
and I do want things to be so right.
If it just hadn't turned so hot.
You did all that this morning,
and a dozen times since.
You'll wear yourself out.
I know, but those chairs.
They're all right, and nobody can see
the worn places when we're sitting in them.
The roses help, don't they?
- I left the rest for the dining room table.
- They look beautifuI.
I don't know anybody
that has as good taste as you, Alice.
- Where are those danged things?
- Coming, VirgiI.
Here, suppose you take these
up to your father...
...and you better get dressed
or you won't be ready.
I've only got to slip off my apron.
What about Walter?
About his wearing his evening clothes?
He'll object just like his father,
but I'll talk to him when he comes in.
And get Malena to throw away that
chewing gum before she waits on the table.
Don't worry, dear.
You leave everything to me.
Malena, now remember...
...I want you to have the soup on the table
before you announce the dinner.
Yes, but don't you think
it's pretty hot for soup?
Never mind that.
Then you serve the mushrooms
and sweetbreads...
...then the filet and vegetables.
Miss Adams, I'm afraid the ice cream
ain't going to hold out much longer.
It's about floating already.
Can you sew up a buttonhole for me?
The dang thing's too large
and it keeps popping open.
Okay, I'll get a needle and thread.
Wish I could go to the table like this.
I don't believe I remember
any hotter night in the last 10 years.
My, but that smells pretty strong.
Is it fashionable to have cabbage
for company dinner?
That's not cabbage. It's Brussels sprouts.
Oh, is it?
He's here.
What's happened?
Malena fell down the cellar stairs.
Did she break any of our things?
No, she just bumped herself.
She'll be all right.
The flowers on the table, hurry.
I'll let him in.
Do come right in, Mr. Russell.
I'm Mrs. Adams.
- How do you do, Mrs. Adams?
- I'm so glad to be able to receive you...
...informally this way
in our own little home.
Thank you.
I'm afraid you'll think it's almost too
informaI, my coming to the door this way...
...but unfortunately
our maid just had a little accident.
That's too bad.
It's really awfully warm tonight,
don't you think?
I left everything open,
but it doesn't seem to help.
I didn't mean...
Would you have a cigarette?
Thank you.
You know, the only person I know...
...who doesn't mind the heat
the way other people do, is Alice.
But then she's so amiable,
she never seems to mind anything.
It's just her character...
...and I think that character is the most
important thing in the world, after all...
...don't you, Mr. Russell?
Yes, indeed.
That's what I always say to Alice,
but she never can see any good in herself.
She always sees good in everybody else,
no matter how unworthy they are...
...but she always underestimates herself.
Can you fix this?
Look.
Do you think it looks all right?
Fine, perfect.
Dang it.
Anyway, it lets some air in when it bulges.
You mustn't tell Alice
we've had this little chat about her...
...because she'd be just furious with me.
No, I won't.
But she is such a dear child.
You'd better go and rescue that young man
from your mother.
There.
What's the matter now?
The roses are beginning to wilt.
Maybe I shouldn't have tried
this vine effect after all.
They look pretty, honey.
- No, they don't.
- Come on.
No, don't go in by that door.
It might look as if we-
- What's the difference?
- Never mind. Come this way.
How terrible of me
to be so late coming down.
My father, Mr. Russell.
- How do you do, Mr. Russell?
- Mr. Adams.
I guess dinner's more than ready.
We ought to go sit down.
No, not yet, VirgiI.
- Why not?
- Sit down.
I'll try one.
What in the world...
Have a caviar sandwich, Mr. Russell.
Caviar.
These are delicious, Mother.
Too bad we can't offer you
what ought to go with these...
...but we never have any liquor
in the house. Father's a teetotaler.
Dinner is served.
That's good. Let's go see if we can eat it.
Shall we go in?
I hope you won't hate us for asking you
to dine with us in such fearfuI weather.
I'm nearly dying of the heat myself,
so you have a fellow sufferer...
...if that pleases you.
Will you sit there, Arthur?
Thank you, Daddy.
- Where's Walter?
- Poor Walter.
Yes, he has probably been delayed
at the office.
What a funny thing weather is.
Yesterday it was cooI,
the angels had charge of it.
But today they had an engagement
somewhere else...
...so the deviI saw his chance and started
to move the equator to the North Pole.
By the time he got halfway,
he thought of something else to do...
...so he went off
and left the equator here on top of us.
- I wish he'd come back and get it.
- So do I.
Alice, what an imagination.
Yes, hasn't she?
What a lack of imagination...
...to have prepared anything so hot
on a night like this.
Do take this dreadfuI soup away.
How unfortunate that we couldn't have had
something iced or jellied instead.
Mrs. Adams, this is my favorite dish.
I'm glad.
Father doesn't seem to care much
for sweetbreads.
I'm afraid you're not a reaI gourmet, Daddy.
That's a French word. It means epicure.
Most food terms are from the French.
That's because the French
are distinguished for their cooking.
It's just like most musicaI terms
being from Italian...
...because the Italians wrote
such wonderfuI music.
What are the Americans famous for,
do you suppose?
What do you think, Arthur?
Business, I suppose. Banking,
manufacturing and so on. Isn't it funny?
So these are Brussels sprouts.
They certainly smell up the house.
Now what can have been in Cook's mind
not to have made an aspic...
...instead of a heavy entree
for weather like this?
I'm afraid we let the servants do too much
as they like about the meals, Mother.
Perhaps we should
changer les domestiques, n'est-ce pas?
Here, you.
What is it, VirgiI?
What's her name?
What's whose name, Dad?
That colored woman. I want some water.
Don't give up hope.
She hasn't gone forever.
I don't know about that.
Father simply has to have a heavy meaI
at the end of the day.
He works so hard in his terrible, old factory.
Terrible, new factory, I should say.
He simply must have
lots of food to keep his strength up.
I don't see why most businessmen
can't leave most of the details...
...to their employees, but then
I suppose some of them are like that.
They just allow their help to sit around idle
while they do all the work.
Then, of course,
there's the other type of businessman...
...who drives his employees
and invents things for them to do...
...if there's nothing else,
because he hates to see people idle.
- Which category do you fall into, Arthur?
- I don't know.
I'm sure not the last. You're probably
the idoI of your office boys and secretaries.
Secretaries, Alice?
You know, I may be needing one soon.
Never thought I'd one day
be having one of my own.
Sort of gives a man a feeling of importance,
don't it?
Yes, it certainly does, sir.
Have some sugar in your coffee, Arthur?
No, thank you.
Walter. You know Mr. Russell.
Hi.
Pardon me.
I guess my boy wants to see me.
Walter's such a funny boy.
So abrupt and unexpected.
But then, of course,
you know that about him.
I guess all talented people
are a bit peculiar.
It's part of their charm, really.
What are your talents, Arthur?
Can you play any instruments
or sing or paint?
Or perhaps you have some secret hobby
that derives its chief charm...
...from just being secret.
Something you keep to yourself
and don't like to talk about.
Why you dang little idiot.
Really, I...
Perhaps I'd better go see
if Walter's had his dinner.
If you'll excuse me.
I couldn't help it, it just turned out wrong,
that's all.
You couldn't help it?
Who could help it? Tell me that.
It just happened, that's all.
It just happened.
A penny for your thoughts.
No, I'll bid more.
A rose.
A poor little dead rose...
...for your thoughts, Mr. Arthur Russell.
I'm afraid I haven't any.
Will you ever forgive us?
What for?
For making you eat such a heavy dinner.
I mean, look at such a heavy dinner...
...because you certainly couldn't have more
than looked at it on a night like this.
Cheer up, your fearfuI duty is almost done...
...and you can run on home
as soon as you like.
That's what you're dying to do, isn't it?
Not at all.
You're upset about something.
No, I'm not.
What's the matter, little boy? Tell Auntie.
Nothing.
Let's go out on the porch where we belong,
shall we?
Now...
...tell me what's the matter.
Nothing's the matter.
Of course,
one is affected by weather like this.
It may make one
a little more quiet than usuaI.
Maybe it's this ugly little house...
...or the furniture, or Mother's vases
that upset you.
Or was it Mother herself or Father?
I've told you, nothing upset me.
You say that because you're too nice,
or too conscientious, or too embarrassed.
Anyhow, too something to tell me.
I wonder if they've done it after all.
Done what?
I wonder who has been talking
about me to you, after all.
Isn't that it?
Not at all.
Don't say "not at all" again.
You're not good at deceiving.
- I'm not deceiving-
- Never mind.
Do you remember saying
that nothing anybody else could do...
...would ever keep you from coming here?
That if you left me it would be
because I had driven you away myself.
Yes, and it's true.
But I haven't driven you away,
and yet you've gone.
Do I seem as silly as all that?
I wonder if I have driven you away.
You've done nothing.
I wonder.
You know, I have the strangest feeling.
I feeI as if I were only going to see you...
...about five minutes more
all the rest of my life.
Why, that's silly.
Of course I want to see you often.
No.
I've never had a feeling like this before.
It's just so, that's all.
You're never coming here again.
It's all over, isn't it?
Why, it's finished, isn't it?
Why, yes.
You're awfully tired and nervous.
Yes, you must go.
There's nothing else for you to do.
When anything's spoiled...
...people can't do anything else
but run away from it.
Goodbye.
We'll only say good night.
I'll get your hat.
I'd like to keep it for a souvenir
but I'm afraid you'll need it.
You poor thing,
you can't go without your hat.
- You've-
- What a thing to say.
What a romantic parting,
talking about hats.
Don't bother. We have lots of that
in this funny old house. Goodbye.
He was waiting for this, Lamb was.
But I'll pay him back every cent.
Every last dang dirty penny.
Walter, how could you do it?
I asked Pa for the money
and he wouldn't give it to me.
Give it to you! Where was I gonna get it?
- What's the matter now?
- This little fooI-
Walter's short in his accounts
down at Lamb's.
He took $150.
You took $150?
Why?
A guy, a friend of mine got in a jam.
He said he'd pay it back in a month
and he didn't.
The auditor's already checking
on the books down at the office.
You'll go to jaiI.
Be quiet. Couldn't you see Mr. Lamb
and explain it to him?
Explain it to him?
This is what he's been waiting for all along.
He thinks we both cheated him.
He was just letting Walter
walk into the trap.
But couldn't you raise the money
and give it back to him?
I'll give it back to him all right, every cent...
...every last penny.
I can raise it.
I'll put a loan on my glue factory.
I'll get it for him.
I'm going to see Jonathan,
my bank president.
I'll get that money tonight.
I'm sorry, Pa.
Don't you talk to me,
you danged little idiot.
Thinks we're all yellow, does he?
I'll show him every last danged dirty penny.
To have this come on the night
of your sister's dinner.
Poor Alice.
Don't say "poor Alice," Mom.
Can I come in?
Yes, come in.
I want to talk to you.
Yes, me too.
Have a chair.
- It's Lamb. I'm going to get out of here.
- No, you're not, Walter. Wait in my room.
A fine family you've turned out to be
after all these years.
I'd never have stepped my foot
inside this house...
...except that I wanted to tell you
to your face just how I felt.
I'll pay you every cent Walter took,
Mr. Lamb...
...just as soon as I can get the money.
I was just going down now...
...to try to raise a loan...
...on my glue works.
Your glue works?
I always thought people had to show some
prospects before they could raise a loan.
- Naturally.
- I guess you'll find it a little difficult.
Now that I intend
opening a glue works of my own.
Yes, and a big one.
What's that?
Very convenient to your place, too.
In fact, right across the street.
Do you mean that big, enormous,
old butterine factory?
That's it.
What did you expect me to do,
VirgiI Adams?
Let you walk off with my glue formula
like swallowing a pat of butter?
No, I know what you thought.
You said to yourself,
"Here's this old fooI, J.A. Lamb...
"... he's in his second childhood.
"And I'll just put this over on him. "
I did not.
I worked years on that formula.
It was just as much mine as yours.
And anyway...
...a lot you know about my feelings
and what I said to myself.
But I want to tell you one thing now,
Mr. Lamb.
I don't feeI mean anymore
about what I've done, not anymore...
...because there's a meaner man
in this world than I am, Mr. Lamb.
So you feeI better about yourself?.
You bet I do.
You've spiked my business, all right...
...and now I can't even raise the money
to keep my boy out of the penitentiary.
That's where you worked untiI you got me.
Are you accusing me?
Look at me.
I worked all my life for you...
...and what I did when I quit didn't make...
...two cents worth of difference
in your life...
...and it looked like it'd mean
all the difference...
...in the world to my family.
You think I did you a bad turn...
...and you've got me ruined for it,
and you've got my family ruined...
...and if anybody'd told me last year
I'd say such a thing...
...I'd call him a dang liar.
But I do say it, Mr. Lamb...
...you're a doggone mean man.
Mr. Lamb, wait.
I mean what I say.
- Let him go.
- No, go on.
I gotta tell him what I think.
I'm all right. He's ruined my business.
He's ruined all of us.
You can't go thinking that badly about Dad.
He was so upset he didn't know
what he was saying.
Upset, I shouldn't wonder.
The danged old fooI.
Yes, I guess he is an old fooI.
- What?
- For listening to Mother and me.
It's all my fault, this whole terrible mess.
What are you talking about?
You see...
...Mom was always after Dad...
...and after him
to make more money for me...
...so that I could compete
with the other girls in this town.
I guess parents will make any sacrifice
to see their children happy...
...and when Dad saw how unhappy I was,
he just did what he did.
He always wanted
to go back to work for you.
I guess he almost worshipped you,
Mr. Lamb.
If you'll just give me time...
...I'll get a job and pay you back
what Walter owes you, really I will.
I know I haven't had much experience,
but I can do things.
I was good at English
and arithmetic at schooI.
I won a prize in English once...
...and I know I'd make a good secretary
for somebody.
Now, just a minute, Alice.
If your father can keep from
flying off the handle I'd like to talk to him.
Would you?
I'll do it. Let me do it myself.
Come in.
- What the-
- Now, wait just a moment.
You know you got me awfuI mad
a little while ago, VirgiI Adams...
...and you weren't exactly
purring like a kitten yourself.
You certainly gave me cause.
Just hold your horses a minute, please.
You were saying about this glue
controversy not meaning anything to me...
...but meaning a whole heap to you
and your family.
It did mean a great deaI to me to know...
...that you had gone back on me
after all these years.
I was just talking to Alice
and I can see where...
...maybe you were forced into this thing
by circumstances.
I've lived long enough to know...
...that circumstances
can beat the best of us.
Yes, the best of us.
Maybe I've been
sort of a danged old fooI myself.
Yes, that's what I called you.
You did?
Yes, I did.
Maybe you're right.
If you and I have been transgressing
against each other...
...I think it's about time
we quit such foolishness.
I guess maybe I talked to you once
about doing something for you...
...in connection with this glue business.
I guess I was selfish and forgetfuI...
...but it's never too late to mend.
We won't talk about that now.
Suppose you come down to the office
as soon as you're feeling fit...
...and we'll try and work something out.
And I guess maybe together...
...we ought to be able to show the world...
...something about glue...
...and then we'll talk about Walter, too.
Good night.
- Good night, Alice.
- Good night, Mr. Lamb.
Isn't he a wonderfuI old man, Dad?
He is.
But if it hadn't been for you...
Nonsense, why should you think that?
What I think?
I think you're the smartest girI in the world.
I wouldn't trade you
for the whole kit and boodle of them.
Isn't it funny how things work out?
I've seen it happen in other people's lives...
...and now it's happened in ours.
What's that, Dad?
You think you're going to be pushed
right spang up against a wall...
...you can't see any way out,
or any hope at all...
...and then something
you never counted on turns up...
...and you kind of squeeze out of it.
And keep on going.
I understand, Dad.
I'm afraid you do.
You oughtn't to at your age.
Young people should leave their troubles
to the old ones...
...and concentrate on good times.
He's a fine young man, Alice...
...the nicest and quietest you've ever had.
I know he likes you just for your own sake...
...and not on account
of any dang glue works or anything else.
You'd better go to bed and rest, Daddy.
We've all had enough excitement
for one night. Good night.
Good night.
A penny for your thoughts.
No.
A poor little dead rose for your thoughts,
Alice Adams.
You came back.
I didn't go.
Why?
- I've been waiting for you.
- Then you heard-
Yes, I heard everything.
- What's more-
- But I-
Stop it. Let me finish.
I heard a great deaI
at Mildred's this afternoon, too.
So they did talk about me.
Yes, they talked about you a lot.
And I found out one thing.
I love you, Alice.
Gee whiz.
I love you.