Harriet Craig (1950) Movie Script

1
Oh, Lottie, did you find
any more tissue paper?
Not yet, Miss Raymond.
I had to brush up these shoes.
These just came back
from the cleaners.
Mrs. Harold.I'm coming.
Did you finish the ironing?
Yes. Here's everything.
Good. I'll take it up.
Would you see if you
could find tissue paper.
Mrs. Craig
can't finish her packing.
I'll try,
but she's going to have
more paper in those bags
than clothes.
You know
how careful she is.
Hello?
Were you able to get us
our reservations?
Good. Uh,
just a minute, please.
Lottie, would you
take these up, please?
She just sent me down
for the tissue paper.
Mrs. Harold's looking for it.
Lottie, please!
Mrs. Harold will do it. Hello?
But I bet Mrs. Craig don't wait
for me to explain that.
I'm sorry.
Would you
answer the doorbell?
All right.
What's the number of that room?
But I told you
she wanted a drawing room.
A compartment's too small.
Well, I don't think
she'll like this.
Mrs. Har--
Oh, I'm sorry.
They won't go away,
Miss Raymond.
Would you give me the number
of the compartment?
Well, I'll try to
explain it to her.
Oh, Good morning,
Mrs. Frazier.
Good morning.
Uh, I hope
I'm not disturbing you.
I was in the garden
this morning,
and these were beautiful.
I thought perhaps--
That was
very friendly of you.
Clare! Clare!
Yes, Harriet?
Will you come upstairs?
I need someone
who can help.
Told you she
wouldn't listen.
Yes, Harriet. Goodbye.
Mrs. Harold!
Here I am, Miss Raymond.
Oh, did you find the tissue paper?
Yes, Miss.
Oh, thank heavens!
Good morning.
Oh, excuse me.
Mrs. Craig's mother is ill.
She's trying to catch a train.
Oh, I'm sorry.
If I'd known, I wouldn't have--
Well, I'll run along.
Mrs. Craig must be so upset.
Everyone is.
Oh, darling, will you
finish with those shoes?
Lottie's completely hopeless.
Yes.
Mr. Craig's office, please.
Did you check the makeup kit
to see everything's filled?
Yes.
Oh, thank you.
Hello, Miss Stanley?
This is Mrs. Craig.
What time did my husband
leave the plant?
But it's been
over an hour since I called.
Did you give him my message?
Well, what delayed him?
I see. Thank you.
Did you find out about
the reservations?
A compartment.But I told you I wanted--
It was the best they could do
on short notice.
I should have called myself.
Harriet!
Harriet!
No, dear, this way, please.
Hello, darling.
I'm sorry, I'm late.
How's your mother?
Is she much worse?
She must be.
I got a call from the rest home.
She has to be moved
to a sanitarium, immediately.
Can I help you
with your packing?
It's done. It's time to leave.
I got here as soon as I could.
We were running a test
on the new amplifier.
I couldn't leave
until it was finished.
This may be the biggest thing
we're putting out this year
and it's my baby,
I couldn't walk out.
I didn't ask you to.
Clare, get your coat and hat.
But I haven't packed my things yet.
Well, why haven't you?
Do hurry!
Well, I--
Go ahead. I'll finish these things.
It'll only take a minute.
I won't need much.
You can see how it's been.
I've just had everything to do.
I'm sorry,
I wasn't here to help.
I suppose it was selfish of me to expect--
No, darling!
It's just that--
It's that at a moment
like this, I'd hoped...
I know, darling.
Oh, I couldn't bear the thought
of not seeing you again
before I left.
You realize this'll be
the first time
we've been separated
since we were married?
I wish I could go with you.
Oh, so do I.
It'll be lonely without you.
Well, you'll have Clare along.
Oh, well, that's hardly
the same, is it?
It'll be kind of lonely
around here too.
How long will you be gone?
A week or 10 days.
We'll be talking
to each other, won't we?
I'll call you every day.Will you?
Darling, you'd better
get the bags in the car.
I have to talk to Mrs. Harold.
Walter?
Yeah?
Maybe you better not call me.
Heaven knows where I'll be
from minute to minute.
But I can always reach you.
If you're not at home
or the office,
you will leave word, won't you?
I'll carry a phone
around with me.
Mrs. Harold!
Yes, Mrs. Craig?
I'd like to go over
things with you.
Lottie's on this Sunday,
and you're on the following.
I want to be sure
there's someone in the house.
Yes, Mrs. Craig.
Where did those come from?
Mrs. Frazier brought them over.
They're the first of the season.
That's a fresh excuse
for a new neighbor
barging into your house.
There's no place for them here.
I'm counting on you, Mrs. Harold,
to see everything continues
as it does when I'm at home.
Try to make Mr. Craig
as comfortable as you can?
I took care of Mr. Craig a long
time before he was married.
Yes, you've reminded me
of that many times. Lottie!
Yes, Mrs. Craig?
Haven't I told you
to use the back way
when you go up and down stairs?
Yes, ma'am.
I just keep forgetting.
Well, try to remember.
Those stairs will look as bad
as they did before
with everyone tramping up and down.
I'm sorry, Mrs. Craig. It's that
today has frazzled me so...
I don't know whether I'm going--
Lottie, would you like
those roses?
You may put them
in your room, if you wish.
Oh, thank you, Mrs. Craig.
They're just lovely.
These blinds must be closed by
at least 11:30 every morning.
I don't want the sunlight
fading things.
Yes, Mrs. Craig.
This vase shouldn't be so close
to the edge, Mrs. Harold.
I've mentioned that before.
I'll watch it, Mrs. Craig.
You can finish the veal tonight,
order a roast for the weekend.
I'll write the menus
on the train and mail them.
Maybe Mr. Craig will want
to eat out now and then
while you're away.
Mr. Craig will dine at home,
Mrs. Harold.
Harriet, you about ready?
Darling, I've just made
Mrs. Harold promise
to fix you a specially
good dinner every night.
That's fine.
We can't let you miss
your home-cooked meals
just because I'm away.
At least that's one thing
I won't be missing.
Clare!
Coming!
Please, hurry!
Goodbye, Mrs. Harold.
Goodbye, Mrs. Craig.
Goodbye, Mrs. Harold.
Goodbye, Miss Raymond.
Is she gone?
She's gone.
I never worked for anybody
like her in my whole life.
She is particular.
Particular? She's peculiar.
I bet if she had her way
she'd wrap up
this whole place in cellophane.
I don't know how you've stood it
all this time.
Mr. Craig is a very nice man.
Now, that's what baffles me.
Why would a nice man like him...
Why do you think?
Oh... Won't men ever learn?
I'm afraid he won't.
She could build a nest in his ear,
and he'd never know it!
Good morning, Mrs. Craig.
Oh, good morning.
Good morning, Mother.
Mother?
How do you feel today, better?
Here's your thread.
And I got you those soft washcloths
you asked for yesterday.
I brought you a present too.
Oh, isn't that pretty!
Don't you want to put it on, Mother?
What?
But it's yours.
There, that's nice.
Would you like me to read to you?
No. No, thank you.
Perhaps you'd like
a walk in the gardens.
You haven't seen them yet.
They're lovely.
No...
I have too much mending to do.
Oh, Harriet!
Did you reach Walter?
No, he isn't at home.
I called the office,
but he'd already left.
How about the golf club?
He'd been there and gone.
Didn't Mrs. Harold
know where he went?
Mrs. Harold's not home either.
There's no answer at all.
You mean there's no one
in the house?
No. I even had the operator
check the line
to be sure the phone is working.
She might be out
shopping or something.
Call Mrs.-- What's her name?
The woman who moved in next door.
Mrs. Frazier?
Yes,
And find out from her
if Mrs. Harold is there.
I don't intend to have my servants
running all around
the neighborhood.
Yes, Harriet.
Come in.
Oh, come in, Mrs. Craig.
Sit down, won't you?
Thank you.
Well, have you seen
your mother this morning?
Yes, I just left her.
I'm terribly worried, Doctor.
She doesn't seem to be
getting any better.
Is there nothing more
we can do for her?
We're doing everything we can,
Mrs. Craig.
You see, some people
find circumstances
too difficult to deal with,
and they take various means
of escape.
One is to withdraw
into a sort of inner world,
where nothing can hurt them.
That's what's happened
to your mother.
Before we can bring her out of it,
we must learn what has caused it.
And that will take a great deal
of time and patience.
You know about my father, don't you?
I only know
what your mother has told me.
It's his fault! That's where
it all started, isn't it.
I'm afraid it's not quite
as simple as that.
Cases like your mother's
are rarely the result
of any single cause.
No, no, I don't blame
your father entirely.
Well, I do.
I was only 14 when he left us.
We could have starved to death
for all he cared.
You have no idea
what my mother went through.
What we both went through.
I'm sorry.
How long have you
been married, Mrs. Craig?
Almost four years.
You're happily married, aren't you?
Yes, of course.
Do you have children?
No.
I hope you don't have any fears
because of your mother.
There's nothing hereditary
in her illness.
No, it isn't that.
Mr. Craig doesn't want any.
He doesn't like children.
I see.
I didn't mean to pry
into your personal affairs.
I was only trying to point out
you have your own life to live,
and apparently
it's quite different
from your mother's.
Yes, it is.
Good day, Doctor.
Good day.
Oh, Mrs. Craig,
you will be here
a few days more, won't you?
Yes, Doctor.
Then we'll be talking
to each other again.
Of course.
Oh, Dr. Lambert,
this is my cousin, Miss Raymond.
How do you do, Miss Raymond.How do you do.
Well, will you excuse me?
Oh, certainly.
Well, what did you find out?
I talked to Mrs. Frazier.
She hadn't seen Mrs. Harold.
Not at all?
No.
She said she hadn't seen
anyone around the house all day.
Strange.
Clare...
I think we'll take
the train back tonight.
There's nothing more
I can do for mother, anyway.
Shall I wire Walter?
No.
No, I think not.
You're not worried
about Walter, are you, Harriet?
I was just thinking.
I don't like trains.
Why not?
I don't like the feeling
of being rushed along
in the darkness.
Having no control.
Putting my life completely
in someone else's hands.
When you got married did you
feel something like that?
No, I didn't.
But the average woman
does put her life completely
in someone else's hands,
her husband's.
That's why she usually
comes to grief.
But don't tell me you were
thinking about marriage?
Oh, no, of course not.
Then why did you ask?
You're not pinning your hopes
on that young man
who works with Walter, are you?
No, I was just wondering.
Oh, every girl thinks
about marriage sometimes.
Yes, but the trouble is
most of them think of it
in terms of romantic illusions.
Marriage is a practical matter.
A man wants a wife and a home.
A woman wants security.
But you had that
before you were married.
Oh, yes, I had a good job.
I'd come a long way
from working in a laundry.
But I don't mean
just economic security,
I mean emotional security.
The assurance that you
can be absolutely certain
of your husband at all times,
without any fears
and without any doubts.
You certainly trust Walter, don't you?
So long as I know exactly
what he's doing, yes.
But if he does anything
I think might lead to trouble,
I find a way to put a stop to it.
You see, no man's born
ready for marriage.
He has to be trained.
Have you done that with Walter?
Well, of course I have.
Doesn't he mind?
You don't think
I'd let him know, do you?
There are some things
you just don't tell men.
Well, you must be right,
because your marriage is perfect.
I've never seen a man
so devoted to his wife
as Walter is to you.
Yes.
Yes, he is, isn't he?
What do you think happened?
Oh, shall I call Mrs. Harold?
She's not here.
Are you sure?
She wouldn't dare
leave things like this.
Oh, don't bother, Harriet,
I'll clean it up.
Clare, take those roses out of here!
Harriet?
Hello, sleepyhead.
You real?
Don't I look real?
You feel real.
Hey!
Haven't seen you for a week, Madam.
It's a good thing
I didn't stay away any longer.
Oh, it sure is.
Hey, Walter.
How's my beautiful wife?
Weary.
Gee, I missed you!
Yes, I can imagine.
From the looks
of things downstairs,
you were all alone last night,
just pining away for me.
Must be a terrible mess
down there, huh?
It is.
You see, Billy blew into town
yesterday afternoon.
Billy?
Yeah, Billy Birkmire.
He just got back from Japan.
How exciting.
You're telling me!
I can't keep up with him anymore.
I thought we'd have dinner
and a couple of drinks,
and instead we wind up here
in an all-night poker game.
I won $30.
Well, I meant to clean
things up this morning,
but it was so late when
the party broke up last night...
Why isn't Mrs. Harold here?
I gave her the weekend off.
I didn't think I'd need her.
That was very generous of you.
Oh, I'm sorry, Harriet.
I know how you feel about the house.
It's more than a house, Walter.
It's our home.
Treating it carelessly
is one thing,
but to turn it into
a cheap roadhouse
for a pack of strangers
the minute my back is turned,
it's not only disgusting,
but disrespectful to me.
What do you think
went on here last night?
I don't know,
and perhaps I'd better not hear.
Well, I told you,
we just had a poker game.
There was no one
here you don't know.
Billy, the Tiltons, the
Schiffers, just the old crowd.
And that was all?
Well, of course that was all.
Well.
Let's not talk about it anymore.
I'm glad you had a good time.
I wish you'd let me know
you were coming.
I'd have met you at the station.
I tried to call you
all day yesterday,
but no one was home.
Well. Well, you see, I--
How's your mother?
Oh, about the same.
The doctor wanted me to stay on,
but when I couldn't reach you,
well, naturally I was worried.
For all I knew,
you might have had an accident.
I guess I shouldn't
have let Mrs. Harold off.
I didn't realize how much
you've been enjoying yourself
without me.
You don't realize how miserable
I've been without you.
I suppose now and then
you long for the old days
when you were a bachelor,
like Billy Birkmire,
with no responsibilities
and nobody's feelings
to consider but your own.
I wouldn't trade the life
I have now
for what it was
for anything in the world.
You should have seen me
moping around this house
all alone last week.
Every night when I went to sleep
I saw you in front of me.
Did you, darling?
Yes. I had some
very interesting dreams too.
Remind me to tell you
about 'em some time.
Am I forgiven?
Have I ever not forgiven you?
Let's not have any more of these
separations for a while, hm?
I'll never let you
out of my sight again.
Oh, Walter.
Walter, you need a shave!
Do I?
And you're all unbrushed.
And undressed.
Harriet, shall
I make some coffee?
Oh, what did you say, Clare?
Darling!
I was wondering if you wanted me
to make some coffee?
Coffee? Is she kidding?
Uh, yes, will you, please?
We'll be right there.
Darling, we have to eat!
Hi, Mr. Craig!
Hi, Danny!
What's cookin'?
Oh, nothin' very much.
How's it with you?
Oh, about the same.
Good morning, Mrs. Frazier.
Good morning, Mr. Craig.
Beautiful morning, isn't it?
Hope we didn't keep you
awake last night.
Oh, heavens no!
You sounded as though
you were having a good time.
We were, as a matter of fact.
Since you're alone, wouldn't
you like to come over
and let me fix breakfast for you?
My wife just got back.
Oh, how nice.
Well, thanks anyway.
Mr. Craig!
Yeah?
Could I please see Dick Tracy?
Why, sure.
He's not in our paper.
They left him a prisoner
in the ice house last week.
Oh, looks like he's
in still worse trouble.
Gosh!
Oh, Danny,
what do you think of that?
Gee, Mr. Craig!
Walter, dear, breakfast.
Uh, coming.
Good morning, Mrs. Craig.
Good morning.
Now save those, Danny.
I want to read 'em too, you know.
Okay.
You know, that kid
is getting cuter every day.
Yes, he is. How's his mother?
Oh, fine, fine.
I found some of her roses in
the living room this morning.
Roses? Oh, Mrs. Frazier,
she brought them over
Friday afternoon.
Her radio was on the blink,
so I fixed it for her.
Really? How did you find out
the radio was broken?
I talked to her a couple of times
while I was getting the car out.
Oh, I'm sorry, dear.
While she was tending
to her roses?
That's right.
As a matter of fact,
that's where she usually is.
Of course she is.
I must say she's
not very ingenious.
The funny thing is,
I don't think she realizes
that everybody knows
exactly why she does it.
Why she does what?
Why do you suppose some women
always go around
with a dog on a leash?
I don't know, why?
Because it facilitates
the approach.
Approach? Approach to what?
To men, to you, darling.
Harriet, you wouldn't
be jealous, would you?
Not at all, dear.
I'm just trying
to save you embarrassment.
I'm suspicious of
well-to-do young widows
who specialize in approaches.
You're kidding, of course?
Walter, you're a very sweet,
guileless person.
Maybe that's one
of the reasons I love you so.
If this routine
wasn't so flattering--
The muffins look delicious.
Thank you. Hello, Walter.
Hi, Clare.
How are you?
Fine.
Say, how was the trip?
Oh, fine, thanks.
Hey, Wes Miller was asking about you?
Really?
He was hoping you'd drop him
a line while you were away.
Why?
Why?
Oh, come now,
he's just fallen for you, that's all.
Oh, Walter, stop teasing her.
I'm not teasing.
The boy wants another date.
Speaking of dates, which blonde
is Billy Birkmire running
around with these days?
Just got in yesterday.
Should be plenty of time for Billy.
Is he back from Japan for good?
No, he's here on vacation.
Oh, it was good to see him again.
I had a wonderful time last night.
I hadn't realized how much
I missed the old crowd.
I thought you said
it was me you'd been missing.
Mary Tilton said they hadn't
seen us in over a year?
The Schiffers haven't been here
in almost two years.
You've been very busy, dear.
Well, not that busy.
There's something wrong.
I know we haven't
been asking them over,
but they haven't asked us, either.
I don't understand.
I suppose it's simply because
they've never liked me.
What?
They resent me,
particularly the women.
Ridiculous! I've always had a feeling,
they were rather suspicious
of my background,
though it's as good
as anything they have to offer.
You're dreaming that up.
If you're gonna
let a notion like that--
It doesn't bother me
because I'm not sure
they're the kind of people
we should be friendly with.
Do you mean you deliberately
haven't been asking them?
I didn't say that, Walter.
Look at it from my point of view.
Would any woman want
that gang in her house?
Look what happened last night.
I don't want my home
turned into a clubhouse.
They're my friends.
They played in this house
when we were kids.
My mother raised the neighborhood.
Perhaps she did, but I'm sure
she wouldn't have
approved of last night.
We played poker in this house
every Thursday
for 10 years, until 2 or 3:00
in the morning.
And my mother loved it!
But, darling, I--
I didn't think we needed other
people around to make us happy.
It isn't that
I don't like to entertain.
As a matter of fact, Clare and I
were talking about that on the train.
I thought we'd give a dinner
party this Saturday night, if...
Well, that is,
if it's all right with you.
All right? That's fine.
I'd love it.
Let's make out a guest list
right now.
I'll get a pad and write.
Coffee?
Please.
Who would you like?
The Tiltons, of course.
Yeah. Oh, Joe said they were
going to be away next weekend.
Oh, that's too bad.
The Schiffers?
And Billy.
The Schiffers
and Billy Birkmire, Clare.
By the way,
shall we get a girl for him?
Oh, he'll bring somebody.
Billy Birkmire and friend.
Now, who else?
It's your turn.
Well, I was thinking
of the Winstons.
You know, that nice woman
I met at Red Cross.
We owe them an invitation.
We've only been
to their house once.
Well, we still owe them.
Since they're such good friends
of the Norwoods,
I thought it'd be nice
to ask them too.
They've got kids
older than we are!
You know who else we should invite?
Who?
The Fenwicks.
Thought we were going to have fun.
Is this party for business
or for pleasure?
Is it so unusual to invite
your boss to dinner?
You like him?
Oh, he's all right,
but they tell me that wife
of his is really something.
Walter, come on,
let's see who we have.
Oh, I'll get it.
"The Schiffers, Billy and friend,
the Winstons, the Norwoods
and the Fenwicks."
I'll call them the first thing
in the morning.
Oh, I don't think you'd better
call Billy and Al Schiffer.
Don't think they'd have a good time.
Why not?
Their arteries haven't hardened yet.
Maybe we can have them
over another time, huh?
Well, all right, dear,
if that's the way you want it.
When the Tiltons get back in town?
That'd be better.It's for you, Walter.
Hello? Oh, hi, Billy!
We just scratched you off our list.
Yeah, I'm only kidding. "We?"
Oh, we is my gorgeous wife
who just blew in unannounced
a little while ago.
Oh, yeah, hold on a minute.
I forgot, I'm supposed
to play golf with Billy today.
Well, that's all right,
darling. You go right ahead.
I'm a little tired.
I think I'll go upstairs
and take a nice warm bath,
and lie down for a while.
Billy, I don't feel like
playing golf today.
Well, I think I ought
to stay with Harriet.
It's her first day home.
Yeah, we'll play next Sunday.
Okay, I'll see you during the week.
Hey, take a look, Wes.
Up to 18. Not bad, huh?
Yeah, it's working like a dream.
Uh, get it, will you?
Hello?
Hello, is Mr. Craig there?
Yeah, he's here. Walter.
Yeah, just a second.
Say, who is this? Clare?
Oh, hello, Wes,
I didn't know that was you.
I knew it was you.
I recognized your voice.
I was going to call you.
How about taking in
the ball game with me tonight?
Oh, we've already been
three times this week.
So what?
There are a lot of points
about the game I have
to explain to you.
Well, all right. What time?
I'll be ringing the bell about 6:30.
Uh, no, you just honk,
and I'll come out.
Bye, Wes.
Bye, Clare.
Hey, wait a minute.
I thought it was for me.
Sorry. Uh, just a minute.
Hello, Clare.
Harriet says, she's sorry
she couldn't talk to you,
but she had to go shopping.
If you should be driving
to the main office
and see Mr. Fenwick,
would you tactfully mention
the party,
to be sure
he remembers it's tomorrow.
Tell her he dropped by here
this morning
and mentioned it himself,
so that's all right.
Got anything else you want
to tell dreamboat here?
Okay, Clare, see you tonight. Bye.
There. Now we've got you
fixed for the evening,
let's get a little work done, hmm?
I don't know whether
she really likes me or not.
It's hard to tell with her.
Oh, she's shy, that's all.
Oh, I don't mind that.
In fact, I kind of like it.
It's nice to know a girl
depends on you--
Ooh, do you know what
that remark sounds like?
A fellow that's working
himself up to matrimony.
Matrimony?
Hiya, Bill.
Naughty word, naughty word!
I'll have to wash
your mouth out with soap.
Hi, Mr. Birkmire.
Don't listen to him.
Misery loves company, that's all.
You don't know
what solid comfort is.
Look at him, Wes.
I used to look like that,
a rolling stone,
undernourished, sloppy.
Well, I like being a slob.
You know, Wes,
your boss is an evil fellow.
He's trying to get you into
the same leaky boat he's in.
How about it, Bill?
Now that you're an old man,
don't you get lonely
for somebody to come home to?
I'll take room service.
You don't know what you're missing.
Wives may be a little extra
trouble now and then,
but they're handy gadgets
to have around the house.
I'll tell you, I like
running water in my house,
but I want to be sure
I can turn it off when I want.
We're still playing golf Sunday?
Sure, why not?
I was afraid
you might be exhausted
after that big jam session
you're throwing tomorrow night.
Oh, you heard about that?
Well, Harriet wanted
to ask you and Al Schiffer,
but I didn't want you to get
stuck with that moldy bunch.
Oh, sure, I understand.
I saved you from a dull evening.
Oh, you're telling me.
Never give it a thought.
So long, boys.
Pick me up about 10:30?
Okay.
Hey, Bill, why don't you have
breakfast with Harriet and me?
Oh, well, thanks, but I'll just
honk and you come out?
Darling, I'm sorry,
I've neglected you all evening
but I've been so busy
arranging for the party and I--
Must you smoke that pipe in here?
It makes everything smell so...
Sorry.
Walter, don't sit on the arm,
it isn't very strong.
And do be careful of the vase,
won't you, dear?
You don't seem very cheerful
tonight. Something wrong?
No.
Billy dropped by the lab
this afternoon.
I think he's a little hurt
about the party.
You were the one who said
we should ask him
some other time.
Yeah, I know, but it was
kind of embarrassing.
Well, we can't very well
ask him now, can we?
Come on, let's go to bed.
I'm tired.
Clare's been absolutely
no help to me all week.
She's been acting
like a giddy school girl.
You better get used
to doing without her.
It looks like you're going
to lose her to Wes Miller.
Why, as serious as that?
Oh, it is with Wes.
I'll be surprised if he gets
through another week
without putting
a down payment on a ring.
It seems a little hasty to me.
Oh, Wes knows what he wants.
They'll be all right.
I hope so.
Clare deserves to be happy.
What's the matter?
Somebody sick?
No, but I think they've gone to bed.
At this hour?
It's early yet.
Harriet's had a very difficult day.
Quite a place!
Yes, isn't it?
Did you have fun tonight?
I had a wonderful time, Wes!
How about tomorrow night?
Oh, I'm afraid I can't.
Why not?
Well, I'll have to
watch things in the kitchen.
I've hardly helped Harriet
with the party at all.
You stay in the kitchen all evening?
Oh, I'd rather.
I'd just be uncomfortable with
a lot of people I didn't know.
Hmm. Say, uh, how come
a smart girl like you
isn't holding down
a good job some place?
Well, for a while--
Oh, Wes!
Please be careful of that vase.
It's awfully valuable.
It means more to Harriet
than anything in the house.
Oh, well, I'm sorry.
As I was saying, for a while
I had a place in the bank,
but there are so many things I
can do around here for Harriet.
You get paid for what you do here?
Oh, heavens, Wes!
I can never begin to pay Harriet
for all the things
she's done for me.
Why, she took me in last year
after my parents died,
when I had nowhere to turn.
I owe so much to her.
All right. It was just
an innocent question.
Oh, Wes!
Oh, don't sit on the arm.
I don't think it's very strong.
I'd rather sit here anyway.
Uh, do you always
have to entertain
your boyfriends in this, uh...
I think it's a beautiful room.
Yeah, but it's not exactly cozy.
Anyway, I never had any boyfriends.
What do you mean?
Well, I just haven't, that's all.
Well, you've got one now.
But we've only known each other a--
Long enough.
Look, you don't have to be
uncomfortable with me.
Oh, I'm not, Wes.
Honest?
Honest.
It's just that sometimes
I don't quite know
how I should act.
I think you're acting kind of cute.
Do you?
Clare!
Yes, Harriet.
I thought you were alone.
I didn't realize you had
someone with you.
Oh, Harriet,
you haven't met Wes, yet.
This is my cousin, Mrs. Craig.
Wes Miller.
How do you do?
Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Craig.
I suppose you know
I work for your husband.
Yes, I know.
Uh, he's quite a guy.
Thank you.
Oh, I hope we
didn't disturb you, Harriet?
No, not at all.
I thought I heard you come in,
and wondered
if you'd fix me a cup of tea.
But it doesn't matter,
I'll get it myself.
Oh, that's all right,
I've got to be going anyway.
Take care of yourself, Clare.
Goodnight, Mrs. Craig.
Goodnight, Mr. Miller.
Oh, Wes, thank you.
Oh, don't mention it.
I'll be seeing you.
Well, you two seem to be
getting quite friendly.
I'll make your tea right away.
No, don't bother.
It was only an excuse.
I've been waiting up for you.
I was worried.
You didn't have to be.
After what Walter told me?
I asked him if Wes
was serious about you.
Walter just laughed and said,
"Well, what if he isn't?
"A fling with a guy like Wes
who knows his way around
might be good for Clare."
Walter said that?
I was just furious with him.
Men are so disloyal.
Is that the way Wes feels about me?
According to Walter, yes.
Wes implied that you could be
carried away by the first man
who looked at you.
Apparently, he's been quite
successful in that direction.
I can't believe it.
He seemed so nice.
Well, obviously
that's his technique.
It seems he uses a different
approach with each girl.
In your case, I guess he felt
he must lull you
into a sense of security.
Did--
Did he say that to Walter?
Men aren't very sensitive
creatures, Clare.
They discuss everything
with great relish.
Now you know why I was worried.
Don't let it hurt you too much.
It's better to find out
about it now, isn't it?
I'll make us both a cup of tea.
No, Harriet, I'll do it.
Please, I'd rather.
All right, dear,
but bring it upstairs, will you?
This has been such a tiring day.
I've had to do everything
for the party myself.
After that dinner, I'll
have to start reducing again.
I'm so glad
you enjoyed it, Mrs. Fenwick.
You've a lovely home, Harriet.
Thank you.
Everything seems so carefully chosen.
Don't you think so?
Yes, very correct.
Walter must be very proud
of what you've done with it.
You know men,
they sometimes like things
better the way their
mothers had them.
No, thank you.
This was your husband's home?
Yes, he was brought up here.
What an exquisite vase!
Yes, isn't it?
Thank you. It's early Ming
dynasty, around 1400.
There's a legend connected
with the vases of that period.
Chinese wives always
fill them with rice
from their wedding feasts.
It was supposed
to protect their homes.
Nowadays it takes more than rice.
I agree that changes will come
in the communications system,
but we must adopt them slowly
or we'll unbalance
the whole capital structure.
That's quite true.
We must be careful.
What do you think, Walter?
Oh, I'm afraid I didn't
get the last part.
I said, "We must be careful
in making changes
or we'll unbalance
the whole capital structure."
Yes, yes, that's quite right.
Henry, stop balancing
the capital structure
on poor Mr. Craig's head.
Yes, please do, because Walter
has difficulty enough
balancing his check book.
Harriet's the family treasurer.
Well, there's a woman
after my own heart.
I expect you and I
are the frivolous type.
Oh, by the way,
are you really as good at gin
rummy as you boasted at dinner?
Do you want me to prove it?
Yes.
I'm sorry, but I don't think
we have any cards.
I bought a couple of decks
while you were away. Remember?
Good. Excuse us.
See you later, Henry.
Watch her, she cheats.
Oh, I will.
Shall we play three across?
Make it easy on yourself.
It looks as though my husband
walked off with your wife.
I'm not complaining.
It's a fair exchange.
Thank you.
Would you like a brandy?
No, I think not.
Would anyone like a brandy?
Oh, no, thank you.
Perhaps I'd better see
what's holding up the coffee.
Excuse me.
Poor Miss Raymond,
she seems so miserable
upstairs all alone.
I'll bet she's having trouble
with her young man.
Probably.
But I'm sure it doesn't make
Mrs. Craig unhappy.
If Miss Raymond
ever goes off on her own,
the madam will have to get along
with only two servants.
Don't you ever intend
to serve the coffee?
We've been waiting quite some time.
Well, it's my fault, Mrs. Craig.
I thought I'd take
a tray up to Miss Raymond.
If Miss Raymond can't have her
dinner at the regular hour,
then she can wait.
But she's hardly
eaten a thing all day.
At a time like this, a girl's
got to keep up her strength.
Really, Lottie?
I didn't know my cousin
had confided in you.
Now look what you've done!
I'm sorry, Mrs. Craig, I--
Being sorry won't mend the cup.
That is my best coffee service.
Lottie didn't do it on purpose.
I didn't ask for your opinion,
Mrs. Harold.
Will you take the coffee in.
My guests are still waiting.
Very well, Mrs. Craig.
I don't know what's the matter
with me tonight.
If you'd spend more time
thinking about your duties,
instead of prying
into other people's--
I felt so sorry for her.
You seem to feel sorry about
almost everything, don't you?
Well, that's not good enough.
I refuse to put up
with your stupidity
and clumsiness any longer.
But--You'll pack your bags
and leave here in the morning.
I'll have Mrs. Harold
give you your wages,
minus the cost of the cup.
Walter doesn't suit you.
Haven't you a nickname?
They used to call me Bink,
but Harriet didn't
think it was dignified.
Bink, I like that.
My name is Celia.
I can't very well call you Celia,
and your husband Mr. Fenwick.
Well, call him Henry.
That's what I call him,
in my gentler moods.
Oh, Celia, I want you
to meet an old friend.
Mrs. Harold, this is Mrs. Fenwick.
Oh, how do you do.
How do you do, Mrs. Fenwick.
Care to, uh, sweeten
that up with a little brandy?
That fool doctor of mine
says that I'll drink myself
into an early grave.
Napoleon is way in back.I know.
Whose draw? Yours.
Mrs. Harold was your housekeeper
before you married, wasn't she?
How did you know that?
Play cards!
No one cares for brandy
tonight, Mrs. Harold.
I've already asked them.
Mr. Craig asked for it.
Oh, you've got me.
492 to 89.
I'll take it over.
I guess I'm in the wrong league.
Well, perhaps you haven't been
playing enough lately.
I'll have to practice
on Billy Birkmire.
Oh, when's he going back to Japan?
Next month, lucky stiff.
Oh, I seem to detect
a slightly wistful note.
I'm interested in the new system
we're installing over there.
I helped develop it.
Is that the only reason?
Well, it would be nice
to take the trip.
I've never been out of the country.
As a matter of fact, I've never
been anywhere very much.
I think I've got a first-class
case of the traveler's itch.
Why haven't you
and your wife any children?
Well, that's our
biggest disappointment.
The doctor told Harriet
she couldn't have any, so we...
Never talk about it anymore.
Two orders of brandy.
Didn't mean to bother you, dear.
No bother, darling.
Thank you.
I thought you would have
finished your game.
We've started another.
Discard, Bink.
Harriet, you haven't shown me
the rest of the house,
may I see it now?
Certainly.
Will you excuse me?
Gin! Oh, no...
How much?
You kill me.
Ten, twenty, thirty, thirty-nine...
Oh, they must have
slipped out of my hand.
I'm getting absentminded
in my old age.
I'd hate to play you
10 years from now.
Well, they say it takes a rogue
to catch a rogue.
If this happens again,
I'm going to have to call
the house detective.
Why didn't you tell me
Walter Craig was so amusing?
Well, I never knew him
socially until tonight.
Well, he's a very
charming boy.
How is he at his work?
He's the best
sound engineer we have.
He's developed several
of our basic patents.
Then he might be a valuable man
in that communications job
in Japan, mightn't he?
Yes, yes. I suppose they would
get the job done faster.
And if he managed it well,
that might lead
to better things
in the company, mightn't it?
Yes, yes. It might.
What's going on in that
conniving brain of yours, Celia?
Well, you've been
looking for a new executive
who understands the technical end,
who can also get
along with people.
Now, it seems to me that Walter Craig
has gone as far as he can
in the laboratory
and is ready for something
more important.
Well, I never thought
of him in that light.
A very good man, but he's always
seemed satisfied where he is.
Walter Craig has more sides to him
than you've had
the opportunity to observe.
Of course he might
not want to leave his wife.
He's devoted to her.
Couldn't she go along?
I'm afraid not.
Army restrictions.
Oh, well that would complicate
matters, wouldn't it?
However, it's worth a try.
A short separation is sometimes
the best thing for a marriage.
I don't think the Craig's
marriage needs anything.
He has a sensible wife
who's made him a fine home.
He's a very fortunate man.
Well, isn't he?
Harriet Craig is a very
good-looking woman.
Mr. Birkmire.
How are you, Mrs. Harold?
Come in. I heard you were in town.
You're a sight for sore eyes.
So are you.
You're getting younger every day.
Come now, Mr. Birkmire,
I'm getting fat and you know it.
Not for me, you're not.
No, sir, you're just right.
Oh, Mr. Birkmire.
Oh, sure. I don't like
these scrawny modern girls.
No, sir.
You been true to me? You know I have.
Good. Where's Mr. Craig?
He's not home yet.
Oh. Well, maybe I'd better go
out and come back again later?
No. Why don't you just wait for him?
He'll be here
in a few minutes, I'm sure.
Well, if you don't think he'll
be too long. Is Mrs. Craig here?
It's all right.
She's upstairs.
Make yourself comfortable.
Okay.
You'll have to excuse me.
I've got a pie in the oven.
I'm cook and housekeeper,
both today.
Oh, no cook?
Not since last Saturday.
Same old reason?
Same old reason.
Oh, hello, Harriet.
Hello, Billy.
It's nice to see you.
Well, it's nice to see you.
You're just as beautiful as ever.
Thank you.
I see you haven't changed any.
Oh, men don't change much
after the age of 12.
Hmm, I'm afraid not.
Sorry we haven't had you over,
but things have been
rather hectic lately.
Yes, I know. Walter told me.
Uh, how is your mother?
Much better.
Fine, fine.
Well, ahem.
Cigarette?
No, thank you.
Mind if I do?
No.
Oh, thank you.
Well, I guess
I don't want one either.
I didn't know I was going
to beat Walter home,
but I had to rush over
to congratulate him.
It's a swell break for him
and for me too.
Yes, sir.
There's nobody I'd rather
take a walk
around the block with,
let alone a plane trip to Japan.
Japan?
That's right.
Walter and I together,
we'll do a great job over there!
Oh!
Oh, you, you haven't...
Oh, Birkmire,
you sure put your great big foot
in your great big mouth.
Look, Harriet,
pretend I didn't say a word.
Pretend I wasn't here,
pretend you never heard of me.
Billy! Walt!
Are we gonna take a little trip,
or are we gonna take a trip.
Sure, Walt, but--
We're going to sail Over the ocean
We're going
To sail over--
Walt!
What's the matter with you?
Oh, Harriet!
Bye, Harriet.
Billy told you, didn't he?
Wasn't I supposed to know?
Sure, but I wanted
to tell you myself.
I was going to phone,
but with news like this.
When did you find out?
Just this afternoon.
Fenwick called me in out of the blue.
I told him I wanted to talk to you,
but I was sure it'd be all right.
How long would you be gone?
Oh, not too long.
Three months at the outside.
That may not seem
very long to you.
Weren't you the one who said
we should never be separated?
Well, I don't like
that part of it either, but...
Well, it's under the Army,
there's nothing we can do.
Well, let's think
about it later, shall we?
There's still plenty of time...
I'm afraid there's not.
I told him
I'd let him know tomorrow.
I've got to take off in 10 days.
So soon?
The sooner I go,
the sooner I get back.
Yes, but shouldn't
we discuss this? You can't--
This is a big promotion.
I'll have charge of the whole job.
It'll get me out of that lab,
I'll see new people, new things.
I'll have a chance to see
one of my jobs in operation.
Yes, I know.
The trip will be
wonderful for you,
but what about me?
Have you thought of what
it would mean to me...
To our marriage?
I've seen this sort of thing
happen before, Walter,
to other people.
A man gets ambitious, restless,
and first thing you know
his job and friends
become more important to him
than his wife and his home.
There'll be other trips,
you'll be able to go with me.
But what about the times
I won't be able to go.
Don't you see, darling,
I don't want anything
to happen to us.
It's easy for
two people to drift apart.
Not if they love each other.
It isn't as though
you need a better job.
We have enough already.
And we've been so happy.
Why do we have to change?
You don't seem to understand.
This isn't going to change anything.
It's just that...
Well, I've been
getting stale lately.
I don't know,
I seem to be in a rut.
Maybe it's middle age
creeping up on me.
This job is the best thing
that could happen to me.
You wouldn't want me
to give it up, would you?
No.
No, of course not.
Now, you go on upstairs
and get ready for dinner,
and I'll mix you a cocktail.
Did you give Mrs. Harold
the shopping list?
Yes, I did.
Well, is she gone?
She just left.Good.
Hand me the phone,
will you, please?
Thank you.
Clare, be an angel and get me
my shoes, will you?
Sure.
Mr. Craig's office.
Hello, Miss Stanley,
is my husband there?
Oh, well, will you
transfer me to the lab?
Hello. Hello, darling.
I hope I'm not disturbing you.
I wondered if you'd like me
to have lunch with you?
My bag and gloves.
You'll be going away soon.
Oh, gosh, honey,
I'm terribly sorry,
but I'm up to my neck here
getting things
ready to ship to Japan.
I can't possibly get out
of here for hours.
Oh, I understand.
But you will try to come home
early tonight, won't you?
These last few days I want to be
with you as much as possible.
Oh, I want to be with you too.
Do you? You're sweet.
Goodbye, darling.
Clare, after I've gone
I want you to lock my door
and see that no one comes in here.
Yes, Harriet.
I've given Mrs. Harold
enough errands to keep her busy.
If she should get back
before I do,
tell her I'm resting
and don't want to be disturbed.
Don't tell anyone that I left
the house this afternoon.
All right.
I don't know
what I'd do without you.
Yes?
Mrs. Craig to see you.
Mrs. Craig? Yes, sir.
Oh, by all means, show her in.
My dear, Mrs. Craig,
I am glad to see you.
I hope you'll forgive me for not
calling for an appointment.
Of course. It makes for
a very pleasant surprise.
Won't you sit down?
Thank you.
Well...
I do hope you won't think me
the typical inquisitive wife, but--
I do want to know more about
this new assignment of Walter's.
I realize, of course, it's a
wonderful opportunity, but--
But Japan seems so far away.
Oh, I see.
Well, I don't think
you need worry about him.
He'll be well taken care of.
Most of the time
our men are put up
at a very good hotel
in Tokyo.
The food is excellent, I hear--
I didn't mean that exactly.
I'd like to know more
about what kind of job it is.
For instance,
will Walter have
many more responsibilities
than he has now?
Naturally.
This isn't just a trip
to Japan, you know,
it's quite a promotion.
Yes, he told me, but--
Will he be responsible for any
of the company's money?
Well, he may have to okay
a few payroll vouchers
and that sort of thing, but--
I mean, will he be handling
any large sums?
Why, no, no.
Well, that's all I really
wanted to know.
Thank you for being so kind.
But just a moment, Mrs. Craig.
Oh, please don't
ask me to explain.
But you've asked
some rather strange questions.
Don't you think you
owe me an explanation?
Yes, I-- I suppose so.
If there's something I should
know I'd be very grateful.
Oh, please understand, Mr. Fenwick,
Walter's a fine man, and no one
knows that better than you.
But, it's just that...
Well, sometimes he just seems
to lose all sense
of responsibility.
Indeed?
I've always thought
him most reliable.
So long as he's
in his present job, yes.
And so long as I'm nearby
to look after him.
But if he was 6000 miles away
with no guiding hand, I--
Well, just what is it
you're afraid might happen?
Well, you see, Walter's very naive
about the people
he attaches himself to.
He likes to have fun.
But with the wrong crowd,
he's apt to go too far.
With a drinking crowd,
he drinks too much.
With a different crowd,
there have been different problems.
Well, I must say
this is a surprise.
I've always imagined Walter
would be able
to take care of himself.
Yes, you would think so,
wouldn't you?
I didn't know about all this
before we were married.
When I came in the house,
Mrs. Harold confided in me.
She told me that Walter
had picked up
with some gambling acquaintances,
and that he'd lost almost
all of his mother's estate.
And what's worse,
as executor of the estate,
he'd even lost
Mrs. Harold's tiny legacy.
Good heavens.
Of course,
since we've been married,
he's behaved very well.
He loves his work,
nobody knows better than you
how loyal he is to the company.
Yes, I do indeed.
Maybe I shouldn't be so worried.
Maybe by now he could
take care of himself.
Perhaps.
But I wonder if either of us
can afford to take that chance.
You're the best judge of that,
Mr. Fenwick.
Well, I-- I've taken up
enough of your time.
Thank you so much.
Oh, just one more thing.
I've always tried to keep Walter
from knowing
how much I worry about him.
You won't tell him
of my little visit, will you?
You were kind enough to take me
into your confidence,
you may also rely on my discretion.
You've been very understanding.
Goodbye, Mr. Fenwick.
Goodbye, Mrs. Craig.
I don't get it.
He calls me in,
talks to me like a father,
then tells me the trip is off.
You'd think he was doing me
the favor of my life.
Then before I can find out
what's up,
he ducks into a conference.
Didn't you get anything out of him?
Only that I'm too important a man
to be far away from the lab.
That's a lot of malarkey.
Of course.
If he needs me here, why didn't
he find out yesterday?
Or the day before?
Why now?
Shorty, two more.
Yes, sir.
What burns me is he won't
level with me.
For two cents I'd throw
the job right in his face.
Whoa, take it easy.
I'm just as disappointed
about this as you are,
but let's not go
into a tail spin, huh?
I don't get it either.
If there is something back
of this it must have come up
between noon and 3:00.
How come?
Well, just before lunch
he was dead set on your going.
In fact, he was bragging
about what a smart dame
his wife was to get the idea.
You know, you just gave me one.
Think you can choke down
those drinks by yourself?
I'll make a stab at it.
What's up?
Mrs. Fenwick is a smart dame.
Smart enough to be able to find
out why her idea misfired.
I'm going to pay her a visit.
If you need me,
oddly enough, I'll be right here.
Aren't you the little Frazier boy?
Yes, Ma'am. I came over to see
if Mr. Craig can fix my radio.
Well, I'm very sorry,
but Mr. Craig isn't home yet.
I know, Miss Harold told me.
Why is he so late?
I've no idea.
But as soon as he arrives
we're having dinner.
We've already had our dinner.
Isn't that nice?
Then why don't you be a good
little boy and let us have ours.
Okay.
Besides, your mother will worry
if you stay away any longer.
I'll come back
after he's finished dinner.
I'm afraid that'll be too late.
And Danny...
Tell your mother,
if the radio needs attention,
I'd suggest she call
a qualified repair man.
Oh, no, Ma'am. I'd rather
have Mr. Craig fix it.
Mrs. Harold!
Yes, Mrs. Craig?
Did you ask the Frazier boy
into the house?
Little Danny?
Well, yes--
I was under the impression
it was up to me
to decide whom to have as guests.
Danny's a well-behaved boy.
There's no harm in--
When will you get it
through your head
this is not your house.
I never supposed it was.
What I sometimes forget
is that it's no longer Mr. Craig's.
What did you say?
It makes no difference
what he wants
or who he wants in this house.
It's only your wishes that count.
Are you trying to suggest
I haven't made Mr. Craig
a good home?
I'm sure you think you have,
Mrs. Craig,
but my idea of a good home
is one that has a little warmth
and friendliness in it.
Why, when I walk through
this house I have the feeling
that these rooms have died
and have been laid out.
I refuse to tolerate
such insolence from a servant.
You won't have to, Mrs. Craig.
From now on
I'm no longer in your employ.
You mean you're leaving?Yes.
I've had my fill for some time.
You see, I am a servant,
but not in the way you mean it.
I've only stayed this long
because of Mr. Craig.
Don't you think the least you
could do is give me notice?
You didn't give Lottie
notice last Saturday.
That was different.
What's different about it?
The only thing was that Lottie
wanted to stay and I don't.
I'm only unhappy
about leaving Mr. Craig,
though I'm sure you'll be able
to explain that.
Oh, come now, Mrs. Harold.
We mustn't do anything
we'll be sorry for.
You won't be sorry, Mrs. Craig.
You'd have liked to have gotten
rid of me long ago,
because I might be
a reminder to Mr. Craig
of how much happier he was
before he ever met you.
You've managed to pull the wool
over his eyes so far,
but I wouldn't count on that
lasting forever, if I were you.
Very well, you can go.
The only reason
I've kept you this long
is because I knew at your age
it would be difficult
for you to find another job.
Don't you worry about me,
Mrs. Craig.
Nobody belonging to me ever
ended up in the poor house.
Clare.
Yes.
You and I will have to serve
the dinner tonight, do you mind?
Of course not, but--
I had to let Mrs. Harold go.
She's become absolutely impossible.
You've dismissed her?Yes.
She's rude and inefficient and--
But Harriet...
I know. It'll be
an awful shock to Walter.
He's so sentimental about her.
So don't mention it tonight.
I'll tell him about it tomorrow.
Thank you.
Hello, darling.
My, but you're late tonight.
What kept you?
Too many goodbye drinks
with the boys?
Could be.
Well, Clare and I have fixed you
a very nice dinner.
Really?
Where is Mrs. Harold?
She isn't feeling well.
She has a terrible headache.
Oh, that's too bad.
Will you try one of these?
No, thank you.
What's the matter.
Aren't they crisp enough for you?
No, they're perfect.
Like everything else you do.
I just don't want any.
Cigarette?
No, thanks.
I'll fix you a fresh drink.
To what do I owe
this special attention?
I feel very wifely tonight.
Oh dear, there's no soda.
I'll get you some ice too.
No, just as it is, please.
All right.
You look tired.
Did you have a hard day?
That depends on what
you'd call a hard day.
I had a conference with Mr. Fenwick.
Oh.
I suppose he wanted to clear
everything up before you leave.
No, he wanted to tell me
I'm not going.
Not going?
But why?
It seems I'm too great a brain
to spend my time traveling.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
But it's very complimentary,
isn't it?
If you believe it.
Don't you?
No!
And neither did Celia.
Celia?
Mrs. Fenwick.
I went to see her.
Since the trip was her idea,
I thought she might have the answer.
Did she?
No.
So she called Mr. Fenwick.
What did he tell her?
Exactly what he told me.
Well, then...
At first.
But Celia's a very persistent woman.
Excuse me.
Oh, good evening, sir.
I'll have the express company
call for my trunk
in the morning, Mrs. Craig.
Mrs. Harold, just a minute.
Where are you going?
I'm leaving.
Leaving?
I'm very sorry, sir.
What's this all about?
I was going to call you tomorrow.
I'll let you hear from me
as soon as I get settled.
What is all this?
Ask Mrs. Craig.
I'll explain it later, Walter.
I want Mrs. Harold to tell me.
It wouldn't be any use, Sir.
That'll be my taxi.
Goodbye, Mr. Craig.
I'm sorry.
So she had a headache.
Darling, I tried
to keep her from leaving.
I bent over backwards to please her
because I knew
how attached you were,
but she's resented me
since I came to this house.
You don't know what
I've had to take from her.
Then, she just suddenly
decided to quit.
Why didn't you tell me she quit?
Why did you say
she had a headache?
I didn't want to upset you.
Tonight? Why not tonight?
I knew you'd be disappointed
about your trip--
But you didn't know
the trip was off
when I first came home,
when I asked about Mrs. Harold.
Or did you?
Well, I--
Harriet.
Excuse me.
Dinner's ready.
Oh, thank you, dear.
Walter, do come in.
Dinner'll get cold,
and we've worked so hard.
I asked you a question, Harriet.
How did you know
the trip was off?
Let's not argue.
Please sit down.
Was it because you asked
to call it off?
Because I what?
Didn't you see Mr. Fenwick?
I don't know what
you're talking about.
I want an answer. Yes or no?
How can I even think
when you're shouting at me so?
I know you're miserable
about the trip,
but you needn't take it out on me.
I'm as unhappy
about it as you are.
I thought you wanted me to stay?
I'm happy you're going--
Which is it? Happy or unhappy?
I wish you wouldn't nag me!
I'm trying to find out
what your attitude is.
I love you.
Your attitude is that you love me?
Of course she does, Walter.
Oh, you know about her attitude?
Do you also know
about this afternoon?
What do you mean?
Where were you?
I was home.
Where was Harriet?
Why, she was--
Oh, you girls stick
together, don't you?
No wonder a man never
knows what you're up to.
While we're at it,
what kind of a game
are you playing with Wes Miller?
Wes?
That's right.
First you lead him on,
and then you're not home
when he calls.
But he never called.
Yes, he did.
He called you three times
and left his number every time.
Maybe Mrs. Harold
forgot to leave the messages?
Wes told me he talked to you.
Harriet!
Dear, I was only trying
to save you embarrassment.
Embarrassment?
Clare decided she didn't
want to see him anymore.
Why not? I thought you were
in love with him?
Well, I was, but--
Harriet said he...
I don't care what Harriet said.
I'm telling you, Wes is serious.
I know he loves you.
Harriet! How could you--?
What did you tell her?
Why would you want to break it up?
I didn't! Why should I?
Think I care what Clare does?
You should. She's family.
Walter, what's come over you?
I'd have gotten rid of Clare
if I'd known you resented her.
I never said I resented her!
I let her stay
because she's a relative
and had no place else to go.
I didn't realize she was neurotic,
she must have dreamed up
something about that boy.
Because heavens knows I
begged her to encourage him.
Harriet, you're lying.
You lied to Clare.
You lied about Mrs. Harold.
You lied when you phoned me
to find out if the coast was clear.
You've been drinking,
and I refuse to talk to you.
Why not? You've put up with
a lot worse than that
since you've been married.
Isn't that what you told Fenwick?
I don't know.
You're a brave woman
to live with a husband like me.
Old 'boozer' Craig
who can't hold his liquor.
'Light-fingered' Craig,
who can't be trusted
near the cash box.
'Stinker' Craig, who gambled
away a widow's savings!
I didn't say anything of the kind,
and I don't believe
Mr. Fenwick told you.
Mrs. Fenwick told me.
I wouldn't put it past her.
She'd distort
everything deliberately.
How could you do it, Harriet?
Were you out of your mind?
To go to my employer,
of all people.
A man who's good opinion can
affect my whole life, your life.
Walter, you haven't given me
one chance to explain.
I did go to see Mr. Fenwick,
but only to make
sure you'd have decent food,
a decent place to live,
and not be over-worked.
And my thanks for that
is that you take
other people's word
against mine,
and turn on me like this.
Not a tear in sight.
How many ways can you lie, Harriet?
You lie when you cry,
you lie when you smile,
you lie when you talk.
Do you also lie when you--
Stop it!
All right, you want
the truth you can have it.
I did ask Mr. Fenwick
to keep you here,
and he understood perfectly.
I explained to him how loyal
you were to the company.
But I also had to tell him
how much you need me.
How much I need you?
I've done everything I could
to spare your feelings.
Look at yourself honestly.
What were you
before I married you?
I was a man as I remember it,
with a pretty good life.
A good job, good friends,
and a good home.
You were completely disorganized
and irresponsible and you know it.
You've told me a thousand times
how much I've done for you.
Sure you have.
So does every wife.
Does that make you my nurse-maid?
Since when have I been such a moron
I couldn't struggle
along without you?
Where do you get the gall
to think you're superior?
Oh, stop yelling.
What are you complaining about?
You've had your share of the bargain.
Bargain?
I never thought of our
marriage as a bargain.
Every marriage is.
You wanted a wife to run your
house, and make you comfortable.
Well, haven't I done that?
Have I ever neglected you?
I've kept myself attractive
and seen to it
that you were never bored.
Whatever you wanted,
no matter how foolish
or inconvenient it was for me,
I've always seen to it
that you were satisfied.
What more do you want?
I've wanted you
to be honest with me,
to trust me.
I've wanted you to love me.
Well, that goes without saying.
Does it?
Hi, Mr. Craig.
Oh, hello, Danny.
Can you come over now?
What?
The radio's on the blink.
Will you fix it?
Oh, how about tomorrow, Danny?
Gee, I'm missing
all my programs.
I was waiting for you,
but Mrs. Craig sent me home.
Didn't she tell you?
It must have slipped her mind.
I'll be right over.
Thanks.
I'm going next door,
where the scheming widow lives.
But I'll be back.
You've given me
a lot to think about.
Clare!
Where are you going?
I'm leaving, Harriet.
I can't stay here any longer.
But why?
I heard what you said to Walter.
I didn't mean it. I only said
that to appease him.
Did you?
You know me better than that.
Why did you lie to me, Harriet?
I would have done anything for you.
I was so grateful.
But for you deliberately
to ruin my chance
for a life of my own,
and to care so little
what happens to me.
I warned you about
Wes for your own good.
You can see how
difficult marriage is.
Your kind of marriage, yes.
But there must be another kind.
But you can't go now.
Walter's causing enough trouble.
You mustn't be angry over
a little misunderstanding.
I'm not angry, Harriet.
I just don't want
to stay here any longer.
You see, I know you now,
and I don't like you.
All right, you go.
But don't come crawling
back when you find out
you can't take care of
yourself alone.
I hope I won't be alone,
now I know the truth about Wes.
Goodbye, Harriet.
Here, Rocky, I'll hold the rope,
brace myself against the tree,
and you swing out over the gorge.
If the rope holds,
and you make it,
you can reach Ellen
in time to save her life.
If not...
Be with us again next week,
same time, when Crisby Crunch
will bring you
another stirring chapter...
That's all, Danny.
Okay, Mom.
...of Rocky Drew.
Gee, Mr. Craig,
I wouldn't want to take the
chance like that. Would you?
Hmm, I guess not, Danny.
Wasn't it neat, Mom?
Yes, it was.
Wasn't it nice of Mr. Craig
to take all this
time to fix your radio for you?
Yep.
Well, then?
Thanks, Mr. Craig.
A pleasure, Danny.
Okay, bedtime.
Goodnight, Mom.
Hmm. Goodnight, darling.
Goodnight, Mr. Craig.
Goodnight, Danny.
Danny's very fond of you.
He's a nice boy.
He's a great comfort to me.
Yes, I can see that.
Shouldn't you be getting back?
We've kept you so long.
Mrs. Craig will be expecting you.
Yes, she is.
Mrs. Frazier,
may I ask you a question?
Of course.
Would you say I'm a man
of average intelligence?
I would say so. Why?
I don't know.
Some things I can't figure out.
Well...
Oh, I'm sorry.
Oh, that's all right.
It shouldn't be in the middle
of the floor anyway.
Our house is such a mess,
and yours is always so tidy.
That's one thing you can
say for the Craig house.
It's always tidy.
Yeah.
Goodnight.
Goodnight, Mr. Craig.
And thank you again.
Is that you, Walter?
Yes.
Are you coming upstairs?
No. I think you'd better
come down here.
I'm very tired dear
and I'm going to bed.
Harriet, I want to talk to you.
Walter, I'm completely exhausted.
If you want to talk to me,
I'll be upstairs.
Harriet, I said come down here!
What was that?
Nothing very much.
What do you mean, nothing very much?
It sounded as though
the whole house fell down.
Maybe it did.
My vase.
What happened?
How did it fall?
It didn't fall. I broke it.
You what?
I broke it.
You must be insane.
Why would you
deliberately destroy
a beautiful thing like this?
I didn't like it.
I've been putting up
with a lot of things
around here I don't like,
and I'm through with it.
Through?
That's right.
I don't like my share
of the bargain.
Walter, I know you're upset
because I went to Mr. Fenwick,
and I can't blame you.
What I did was wrong,
terribly wrong,
but I was so panicky,
I had to stop you somehow.
I realize now I should
have told you the truth.
I should have come to you
the day Doctor Barnes sent for me.
Doctor Barnes?
Yes.
For months now
I've been going to him.
You know how desperately
I've always wanted a child.
I've never given up hope.
Well, two weeks ago he said
there was a very good chance.
What's Dr. Barnes' number?
Well, he wouldn't be in his
office this time of night.
He must have a home phone.
Why, I wouldn't know it.
I've never called him there.
I imagine Information
will give it to me.
Don't you dare check up on me.
You didn't see any doctor, did you?
Nobody told you
you could have a child.
Nobody had to tell me.
Do you mean you can?Yes, I can.
Then you could have all along.
So you lied to me
from the beginning,
about something you knew
meant more to me
than anything in this world.
Oh, Harriet.
I came back tonight
to tell you that from now on
I was going to run things
in this house.
And if you were
willing to accept that,
we might make a go of our marriage.
Because in spite of everything
I still loved you.
But this does it.
I know now you've never loved me.
Tonight you've shown me
just how selfish
and dishonest you really are.
No woman dares to be honest.
She has to think of herself.
Who else is going to protect her?
Does she need protection
from a man who loves her?
You bet she does.
I wouldn't
trust the love of any man
after the things I've seen.
I found out all about
what you men call love
the day my father left us.
He always pretended
to love my mother,
and I worshiped him.
And one day after
school, I went to his office.
I found him with a woman.
A cheap, vulgar blonde.
What a sight they were.
And I saw him
for what he really was,
a fat old fool
with liquor on his breath.
He said he was ashamed,
and tried to tell me
it had nothing to do
with his love for us.
Well, maybe he
could fool my mother,
but he couldn't fool me.
I told him I never
wanted to see him again.
I hated him,
and I'd always hated him!
That night, he didn't come home.
He never came home.
I watched my mother tramp
the streets looking for a job.
And at 14 I had to quit
school and go to work.
First in a factory,
and then in a laundry.
We almost starved!
So don't talk to me
about protection.
Don't try to tell me
anything about love.
I think you're telling me
the truth for the first time.
I believe what you say
about your father.
And I feel sorry for you.
I think I understand you now.
You've hated your father,
and because of him, you hate me.
You hate and distrust everybody.
You're at war
with the whole world.
You'd never feel safe with anybody
until you'd crushed them.
But you're not going
to do that to me.
I'm going to take
that trip as scheduled.
And when I come back,
it won't be to this house.
But you can't just
walk out on me.
I'm your wife.
You have a responsibility.
Don't worry, I'll see
that you're provided for.
And you can keep the house.
You'll come back.
You'll find out you won't be
able to forget me so easily.
I didn't say I could forget you.
But I won't be back.
Walter!
Good evening.
I just saw Mr. Craig drive away.
He left his pipe at our
house, and I thought...
Thank you.
Mrs. Craig, my husband and I
used to have little
misunderstandings too,
and sometimes he'd
slam out of the house.
I remember how I used
to hate being alone then.
If there's anything I can do...
Mr. Craig has gone to get
a newspaper, Mrs. Frazier.
He'll be back in a few minutes.
I see.
Well, good night, Mrs. Craig.