Reckless (1935) Movie Script

It's a a beautiful tune you're playing.
Yep. I like the fortissimo
part best, don't you?
I like the white meat with the gravy.
Now comes the hard part.
[ Door knocks ]
So you hung up on me, did you?
It's not my fault.
I'm only taking orders.
Your orders were that the
boss was not to be disturbed?
Certainly.
- Shush.
Don't you shush me.
You can't get in here.
- Out of my way, you gorilla.
Why does she always call me a gorilla?
Ain't I a man like everyone else?
- No.
Who fired that shot at me?
Calm down. Fly out, you bat.
Peek a boo.
I am distracted.
They've put Mona in jail.
Goody. What for?
Reckless driving or something.
Again?
She was late for the theater.
She has to appear tonight.
It's a great big benefit.
Oh dear, dear, deary me.
What are you going to do about it?
Sleep.
- Ned Riley.
My granddaughter is locked up in jail.
You have to get her
out and double quick.
Why me? I'm not her manager.
Why can't Gearhart take care of that?
Gearhart did try.
They laughed at him.
But I'm not a theatrical producer.
I am a ..
A simple sports promoter with
very little or no jail experience.
I'm very sleepy.
You know how Mona always counts on you.
You've always been like a
great big brother to Mona.
My dear Mrs Leslie. You and your
grandchild are breaking my heart.
See here. I've had enough of this.
Come on.
Come on, get up. Get your clothes on.
I told you how important it is.
It's a great big benefit I tell you.
The S.A.M.L.
They have bought the entire house.
It's probably a charity for poor kids.
Oh, kiddies.
Kiddies?
Now you've touched my soft spot.
When it come to kiddies there's
no man like Ned Riley.
No better friend.
No stouter scoutmaster.
I know. Now hurry up.
I'm practically in the cold shower now.
Will you join me?
Come on.
Getting a government job is easier
than getting you out of here.
A letter from a guy in Wisconsin.
His wife was operated on last week.
They found a silver watch, three
silver spoons and two silver dollars.
Can we use her?
Tell him to test for gold.
If he finds any we'll sink a shaft.
Mr Riley.
Eddie. What's on your mind?
- I need backing for my lemonade stand.
A guy down the street gives away free
peanuts. It's knocking my business cold.
How much do you need to put in peanuts?
About 87 cents.
You're sending in your statements?
- Every Saturday.
There's two bucks.
You can put in chewing-gum and
knock him right out of business.
Goodbye.
- Bye.
Ned.
Baby.
Everybody is looking.
It's alright, dear. He's fixed it.
- I am out?
It's about time.
Watch.
Wait a minute.
There's a release to be signed yet.
I can't wait a minute.
Well, suppose you try
filing your way out.
Ned, come back here.
Sweet Ned. Darling Ned.
Listen to her.
People get married on less than that.
I always said that what I needed
was the love of a good woman.
And what she needs is an old-fashioned
fanning with a bedroom slipper.
Let me out. I got a show tonight.
All in good time, my pretty.
Where is the Leslie woman?
- Right here. This cage.
Granny darling.
Darling, hurry. Hurry.
It's curtain time.
- Don't I know it.
Come on, convict.
Ned, I adore you for this.
Shut up. Come on.
Alright, Mr Gearhart. Don't jump on me.
I was arrested, but here I am.
I know. They phoned me.
I had them change the routine.
And hold back your act. Listen.
Pardon me. I'll listen later.
Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
Whoa.
That was marvelous.
Mind taking that entrance over again?
When the music goes .. da, da, da ..
I thought this was a benefit.
And so it is.
It's all for the benefit of me.
Well, what about the S.A.M.L?
What about them?
- Them is me.
I'm the president.
The whole membership.
The society for the admiration of
Mona Leslie is a closed corporation.
Ned. I found out what S.A.M.L. means.
It's a lunatic asylum.
I know you. You're an acrobat.
Go on home. No acrobats today.
I am not an acrobat.
I am Miss Leslie's grandpappy.
Will you tell your family to go on home?
I can't. I'm just an old-fashioned girl.
Never alone with a gentleman
without a chaperone.
How about joining the audience, Ned?
I always wondered what you
look like from down there.
I am a man of honor.
I don't need any chaperone.
You'll find him very liberal.
- I am a charter member of your society.
That's different.
Find yourself a seat.
- Can we find two together?
I think there's a
couple in the 22nd row.
Right you are.
Not bad.
Mister ..?
- Harrison.
All my enemies call me Bob.
Then I'll call you Bob.
Do you two gentlemen mind if
I go ahead with the number?
Let her go.
Pick it up at number four.
What will you ever be?
What will you ever do?
How will you ever know if
you don't take a chance?
You have got to gamble with fate.
I want to live .. long.
Learn a lot.
I'll light my candle
and I'll burn a lot.
You'll have some bad shocks.
Hard knocks.
I'm on my own if I bruise.
And there will be knocks, dear.
Shocks, dear.
But I can take it on the chin if
I lose because I am reckless.
Because she's reckless.
Reckless!
Because she's reckless.
I'm going to go places
and look life in the face.
When I'm in love.
I am reckless.
Each time I'm in love I'm more reckless.
I won't go weeping for lost romances.
As I pay my losses and
I take new chances.
I am reckless.
And I don't want advice.
I'll keep on seeking my true ..
Paradise.
I waste no weeping.
I just keep hoping.
For one who is hoping for me.
[ Gunshots! ]
I've made my mind up.
Wherever I wind up,
I'll take what's coming to me.
Who are you?
I've been around and it's been
well advertised I have lived.
And I have loved.
What is life ..
Without love?
Keep your feet on the ground,
all my friends have advised.
If you'll fly ..
You will fall, so I fly.
And I fall.
Every time my heart beats for me.
I waste no weeping.
I just keep hoping.
For one who is hoping for me.
Hold that curtain. Wait a minute.
That was beautiful.
Let's do that all over again.
Let's just do that one number all night.
We'll do nothing of the kind.
Alright. How about
having supper with me?
We'll call the whole thing off.
And let these poor, tired girls go home.
Do you mind Ned?
What is the S.A.M.L. rule
in a situation like this?
The president always comes first.
Right or wrong,
you're still my president.
I promote you to be vice president.
That's just a little less than me.
This is practically the
happiest moment of my life.
Sure you don't want to come along, Ned?
No. You forgot about those
fleas I've got to interview.
I'd like to come up and
see them sometime.
I'll have to speak to
the fleas about that.
Ta-ta.
Sorry, Miss.
- What's this?
You were only released
for the performance.
Ned.
Fix this up.
What's the trouble, boys?
- We had a phone call to take her in.
They can't arrest a girl
just for going out with me.
Officer, Miss Leslie has very
important things to do.
Entertaining out-of-town buyers.
Noted and filed.
Say, who phoned you?
The fellow who got you out.
A guy named Riley.
You .. you .. Judas!
Come on.
Hold it, Miss Leslie.
Harrison bought the show
just to meet you, didn't he?
We want to buy your diary.
I can't talk.
My mouth is full of soapsuds.
Miss Leslie, is it true Bob
Harrison is your ideal man?
That you dreamed of him for years and
now you've met him your life's complete?
Bob, give us a story.
Can we announce your engagement?
Look at her.
Isn't she marvelous? Page 1.
A fool makes a sap out of himself and
Mona has a million bucks of advertizing.
A young fool indeed.
You're just prejudiced
against all gentlemen.
Yes.
It took Mona Leslie to get him off the
society column and onto the front page.
I wish Mona could move
into the society column.
Should I purl or drop two?
Drop the whole thing.
I don't want it ruined, you nitwit.
Nitwit?
You never used to talk to me like that.
But maybe it is my fault.
Those nights. You and I.
Paris in the spring.
Blossoms on the chestnuts.
- Chestnuts to you.
It's easy for you to lie there
and make wisecracks.
After you double-crossed
poor Mona back into jail.
She should be very glad they
paroled her for the performance.
Speaking of horses.
I just bought myself a new one.
- What's the matter with the old one?
What a gal. Wit like a razor edge.
Well, this nag has got a jinx.
I figure if I change her name,
maybe she'll lose it.
How would you and Mona like to
go out with me to the christening?
Godmother to a horse.
I always knew I would
get somewhere someday.
What are you going to call her?
Mona.
- Ha.
Because she's so hard to handle.
You think you're funny, don't you?
Go and get your coffee.
Hello darling.
- Hello dear.
Granny, this is Mr Harrison. He was kind
enough to call for me and bring me home.
How do you do, Mr Harrison?
That was very sweet of you.
- So you are Mona's grandmother?
Now I know where she
gets everything she has.
Fiddlesticks.
She's got those too?
- Hi, Pappy.
Hi, Prez.
Won't you stay and have a bit of lunch?
We won't have time.
Mr Harrison is taking me to a
charity bazaar in Westchester.
I'll run and change now.
Come and help me, Granny.
Before cops step out from behind
a door and take you off to jail.
I'm upholding the honor of
the society, Mr Vice President.
I see you're doing your share too.
No. I was just visiting with granny.
You should take the club more seriously.
What for? I have no votes.
No. You are the president.
As long as you're here to run the
meetings I guess you won't need me.
Listen, I'm not busting
up anything, am I?
No. Forget it. I am on my way.
I hope the society has a good meeting.
- Thanks. I'll send you the minutes.
I'll send you my seconds.
One way or the other I've spent most
of my life on a merry-go-round.
You won't got very far
going around in circles.
No. But at least you're sure
to get back where you started.
That's something.
I don't like these places.
They think it's awful funny
when you break a leg.
Come on.
Now is the time to collect what you me.
Now you've collected, let's go ahead.
I like the privacy in here.
Now this is something. Thousands of you.
If just one of you drives me
crazy, imagine how I feel now.
Fancy bumping into you.
You got me in here.
Now show me the way out.
You forgive me?
- No.
Go yachting with me?
- In here?
No. On a yacht.
Certainly not.
There's no mirrors on a yacht.
Or any gentlemen either, I bet.
Alright. Let's go home. The fun is over.
I am sorry.
Forget it. I deserved it.
I think we'd better go home.
I'm the only one that
knows the way out of here.
What is a girl to do?
This.
That's very good for a first rehearsal.
Now just follow me.
Bob.
Your new name is Mona.
I wish you luck with it.
Ned, she is beautiful.
Yeah. That's one of the
things I like about a horse.
She can be beautiful without
being a menace to society.
How you flatter.
Here you are, Gold Dust.
This is Miss Leslie.
Hello.
- Hello.
What are you looking so sick about?
Are you in love?
No.
The trainer says he's going to
scratch the horse from the race.
Scratch him, Ned?
You have five thousand on him.
I know. But her ankle is still very bad.
I don't want to cripple her.
Hey, boss.
- Yeah?
Hi, Miss Leslie.
I was talking to a veterinary out
there and he gave me a prescription.
For the horse's leg.
It will fix her up in no time.
Let me have a look at it.
- I'll show it to you. Right here.
It will fix it up. I'll take it to the
drugstore and it will get it fixed up.
A very fine fellow.
He's known well around here.
You rub it on the horse's leg
about five or six times.
And .. the horse will run.
It will make a brand-new
horse out of her.
Ain't that murder?
- What's the matter?
Somebody picked my pocket.
Ain't that awful?
Look what was just made
to order for baby.
Swell.
I'll climb into the upper.
What's the matter? Tired?
- Uhuh.
I guess I can't take it anymore.
Hitting it up lately, aren't you?
A little. But it's been a lot of fun.
Yeah. I imagine.
Say.
I don't want to cut into
your world of gaiety.
But I'm starting professional tennis
matches next Sunday. Maybe you'd like ..
Sorry, Ned. I wish I had known.
But I've got a date with a yacht.
It's nice work if you can get it.
Don't forget your life preserver.
Get this.
'Real love confessions'.
That is a hot one.
I think if anybody was in love they
would sort-of hate to .. confess it.
Wouldn't you?
I said, 'wouldn't you'?
Wouldn't I what?
Can you imagine my saying to anybody ..
'I love you'.
After all these years, you ask me that.
I say these people
must be sort-of sappy.
Nobody will ever say that about you.
'Harold and I went to
high school together'.
'But I looked on him just as a friend'.
'Imagine my surprise one night when
he sat beside me on the porch swing'.
'With a strange new light in his eyes'.
'I could see he was trembling'.
'Vivian', he said.
'Then he suddenly reached in his pocket
and took out a diamond engagement ring'.
Then he said: 'I love you'.
'I want to marry you'.
'I can't live without you'.
Yep. She married him too.
You know.
You know how I'd do it?
If I was going to do it.
I'd cut out all the business about ..
Love and 'can't live without you'.
Say, any girl with any sense
would know that anyway.
I'd simply say:
'How about it, kid'?
Well.
How about it, kid?
Mona.
How about it?
That was close.
Whoo.
I must have dropped off a bit.
Yeah.
I sort-of almost took a tumble myself.
Every time you buy one of
those records I get ten cents.
You know, I've sat here night after
night when you couldn't be with me.
And just listen to it.
I even kept a lamp
burning in the window.
I bet it was an alcohol lamp.
Don't you feel anything?
Sure. The boat is moving.
Gosh, I must be slipping.
Listen. I think we ought to ..
I think we'd better go on deck.
I'm not boring you, as they say?
I'll let you know if you do.
So, the consensus of opinion seems
to be that I'll end on the gallows.
How about it? Do you think I'll hang?
- You might.
I wonder if it's true, Mona.
- What is?
That I am just no good at all.
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
It would be awful if I really weren't.
If I ever once got really convinced
of that, l don't know what I'd do.
You can always step out of a window.
Stop it, Bob.
If I thought I wasn't any
good I know what I'd do.
You would? What?
Get good.
Get good.
And if I needed help I'd take it.
Or grab it from anyone who offered it.
You're a clear, unexpected
sort of a girl.
No. I'm just a big
sister out on a spree.
Save me, sister.
I wish I could, Bob. Honestly I do.
Dear Mona.
I am really terribly fond of you.
I am of you too, I guess.
In fact, I guess ..
And I just thought it was prickly heat.
Behave yourself, you foolish girl.
- But not too well.
And above all.
Don't forget that old weakness of yours.
Weakness?
Wanting to make people happy.
It's a mean one.
How you have.
And how you could.
I could stand a little happiness.
What do you say, Mona?
I say you are awfully sweet
and I'm awfully sorry for you.
That's a dangerous combination for me.
So let's go home.
How dangerous?
Quickly, Bob. Home. I'm asking you.
Aye aye, sir. Home it is.
Taggerty second. Jay Foss third.
Great Gun, also-ran.
Here's your money, Mr Riley.
Another win like this and we
must give you the whole joint.
Fixtures and all.
- Fixtures?
You ain't got a piano around the place?
- Not this week.
By the way, blossom.
How are your piano lessons coming on?
Swell, chief.
What's that for?
- A piccolo.
But.
I don't play a piccolo.
He knows that. Are you daffy?
There must be something in it.
Millions of people getting
married every year.
There's millions of people
killed by trucks every year.
And it's all on account
of them women drivers.
They hadn't ought to let women drive.
Say.
You wait in the car for me for a minute.
I'll be right with you.
Okay, boss. Sure.
Why didn't you ring the bell?
What?
Why didn't the bell ring?
I rang it four times.
Where is Bertha?
I didn't hear it. It's Bertha's day off.
Can't you make that thing any louder?
I can still hear you.
What?
- Where is Mona?
What are you shouting about?
Nothing. I just like to shout.
Mona is at the theater.
A dress rehearsal.
You can get her down there.
Every time I see a nice pear like that,
it looks so good I could bite into it.
Then I'm disappointed.
- What's the matter with the pears?
Nothing.
I was just philosophising.
You know, a pear is a lot like marriage.
If you bite into it
you're apt to find ..
A gold tooth there.
What do you know about marriage?
Suppose you tell me
about marriage, grandma.
It's too late to tell you anything.
Say, you haven't done very much lately.
You've been busy or ..
What do you mean, 'too late'?
Alright. Now it's your move.
Why not ask her yourself?
Ask her what?
What you want to know.
She's fallen for Harrison.
That's an interesting idea.
Tell me some more.
- Ned, Mona is terribly grateful to you.
You brought her out of the carnival.
And you helped her get to the top.
She'll never forget that.
And you know how a grateful woman is.
No I don't. Suppose you tell me?
Alright.
If she knew what I know about you.
What?
That you're just a little bit screwy
where Mona is concerned.
I'm a little bit screwy where
everything is concerned.
What about it? What if she did know?
She wouldn't touch you.
She would never see Harrison again.
Suppose she didn't?
Nothing.
I think it would be a pity for her not
to see the man she's in love with.
She said she's in love with that guy?
No.
But you've seen her.
Her eyes. Everything.
You know what a
woman in love looks like.
What is this? A class in psychology?
I don't know what a grateful woman
or a woman in love looks like.
I don't think you do either.
Ned.
I guess that's about as
far as we can take it.
You'd better get off the train.
Suppose you stick to your knitting.
I am sorry I said that.
Got a drink for me?
- You'll find some over there.
What do you think of the guy?
Ned, look at it from her angle.
You'll never marry her and
if she is in love with him ..
That's not bad Scotch.
Where did you get it?
That's real bootleg whiskey.
I still get it from old Mike.
He was always such a good friend.
There's nothing like an
old friend, is there?
Or is there?
So long.
- Ned.
You're still the best friend that
ever lived or ever will live.
I bet you say that to all the boys.
That's all.
Hi there.
Hello Riley. Up early, aren't you?
Doesn't the sun bother you?
I'm getting so I hardly notice it.
How's the new number coming?
- Terrific. Take a look.
Miss Wilson.
- Yes, Mr Riley?
Everything has been done before.
We share a kiss. A moment's bliss.
And hear you whisper you love me.
Sweetheart, it thrills.
It's as old as the hills.
But it is new to me.
Everything has been done before.
The birds that sing, the song of spring,
are always singing above me.
And yet with you.
Their singing brings
something that's new to me.
Love is strange. We hate to change
from what is right and true.
Though I know I'm only
doing what the others do.
Still, it all seems so new.
Everything has been done before.
But through it all, in spite of all,
that's the reason I am saying.
When I am with you.
I just want to do what's
been done before.
It's not really you?
Long time no see.
- Yeah.
A nice dance.
Everything under control?
- Yes.
I bet you don't know what
I've been doing, daddy.
No.
I've been out on that
great big yacht again.
Catch anything?
- We didn't fish.
Did you catch anything?
Your cracks fall off terribly, Ned.
You got to see more of me.
Yes. That's just what I told granny.
- What did she say?
She said something about how you looked
whenever Harrison's name was mentioned.
All atwitter, huh?
- Yes.
Like a woman in love.
Mr Riley, you know I love only my art.
The joys of real love are
not for us artists. Alas.
The patter of little feet. Alas?
The love of a strong and good man. Alas.
All I want to know.
Is he going to do right by you?
I can only hope so.
She remembers all the things
you and granny talk about.
That's a good girl, my lass.
Miss Leslie please.
Wait for me, I'll tell you all about it.
He's really a swell guy though.
Love is strange. We hate to change
from what is right and true.
And though I know I'm only
doing what the others do.
Yet it all seems anew.
Everything's been done before.
But through it all, in spite of all,
that's the reason I am saying.
When I'm with you.
I just want to do what's
been done before.
That was great, Miss Leslie.
But girls, listen.
Ned.
Ned.
If you're looking for someone,
won't I do?
Who are you, sir? Part of this show?
Certainly. Didn't you know? I'm the
daring young man on the flying trapeze.
I love acrobats.
Fly with me.
- Anywhere.
You won't go back on your word?
- No.
I'm in an uncontrollable impulse mood.
Whoops.
I've waited for that mood for weeks.
Who knows what it will bring?
Hello Smiley.
Boss, want to read this?
All I want to read is a good hand.
It will be a novelty.
Up to you. Ned.
I'm in.
Up to you, Ned.
I'm out.
Well, that is that.
Well.
28 thousand. Minus this.
Come to my place tonight.
I'll give you a check.
Better luck next time, Ned.
- Thanks.
Sorry about tonight.
- So long, boys.
He must have forgot his rabbit's foot.
It's about time.
Hey. Come on. Get up.
Take it easy, will you?
Where is the fire?
Chief.
How was your luck?
It seems to be running out all around.
Here, Blossom. A little present for you.
Well, it's a gold wedding ring.
Who hocked it with you?
Where did you get it?
I got it on a merry-go-round.
That is the free ride.
I was too dizzy though, and I got off.
Gee. Thanks, chief.
Say, suppose you fellows take a day off?
I think I'll take a little air.
But the fellows at the office will ..
Say, how about Mr and Mrs Harrison?
We hear they were so tipsy last night ..
They had to show their marriage
license before getting a room.
They are registered here?
We had to drive 230 miles, all night,
to get this story. So come on through.
Sorry, gents. It's against hotel rules
to reveal information about our guests.
Listen, old boy.
I like that tie you're wearing.
Tell you what, I'll give you
this ten-spot for your tie.
And throw mine in with it.
I'll give you five dollars
for your handkerchief.
You want to sell your pen?
- Now look. Let's get down to business.
Was Mr Harrison drunk when he
brought his bride in last night?
Sorry, gents. It's against hotel rules
to reveal information about our guests.
Why, you dirty double-crossing chiseler.
[ Door knocks ]
Telegram, sir.
I'll catch you later.
Stay where you are, sir.
Keep your distance.
What's the matter with me?
- Where's my wedding ring?
And my certificate? I won't believe
I'm married until I see them.
We're married alright.
Say, Mona.
- Where do we honeymoon?
Mona, I want to talk.
- Let's not talk, Bob.
Let's not talk for the first year.
It will take me all that time to make
myself believe it's really true.
Not that you're such a prize, but I'm
stuck with you. So what can a person do?
What can a person do, is right.
[ Telephone ]
Yeah?
I don't want to see any newspapermen.
Alright. I'll be down..
Mrs Harrison and myself have no comments
to make, so please stop annoying us.
How about Miss Mercer?
- We understand you're engaged to her.
Engaged. We carried the story.
- What about that childhood love affair?
How does it feel to jilt a girl?
- How does a girl feel to be jilted?
I got rid of them alright.
Who is Eddie Wilson?
- Wilson and Wilson. Brokers.
Some of these are addressed to you.
I love reading other people's messages.
May I open them?
- Sure. Go ahead.
'If she is alright with you,
she is perfect with me. Jo'.
Who is Jo?
An old friend.
He sounds nice.
'Am bitterly disappointed'.
'Please come home. Dad'.
Bitterly disappointed?
He doesn't even know me.
I can imagine.
I can imagine what he thinks.
Showgirl. Quick wedding.
Bob. I think we'd better start
for your home immediately.
Dad didn't mean that fast.
No need to rush things.
Are you afraid to face him?
Alright.
I am a Harrison. Come what may.
The fairest daughter of Africa.
I greet you.
- Mister, granny ain't up yet.
Ain't it wonderful about Miss Mona?
I always figured Miss Mona
would catch someone big.
Granny is asleep?
The night is young and I bring ..
Congratulations. May congratulations.
Have a drink.
- No, sir.
No indeedy, sir.
- What?
Miss Mona got married last night and
you don't want to drink to her luck?
You ought to be fired.
Yeah. Right.
Granny.
You can't go in there. No, sir.
Sister, today is Christmas, New Year and
emancipation day all rolled into one.
Everything goes.
Granny.
Granny.
Granny.
Up, up, up.
There is wine to be drunk.
What's the idea?
To the success of a fair lady.
No.
No. That's wrong.
She's already had that.
Let's drink to ..
Longevity.
Gevity.
Gev.
There is a word for you: Lon-gev-ity.
Do you know what it means?
It means.
Until death.
Does us part.
That is a long time.
I can hardly wait to ..
Read about it.
Mona called me last night.
She is very happy.
That's great.
She's happy. Harrison is happy.
You are happy, I'm happy.
Everybody is happy.
Are you happy, Bertha?
- Yes, sir.
Have a drink.
- No, sir.
I insist that everybody who is
happy has to show it like me.
Granny.
We are three jolly good fellows.
With but three thoughts.
Orange blossoms.
Wedding rings.
Long evenings in front of the fireplace.
Yes .. and still longer days.
Knitting little woollen booties.
Little .. woollen booties.
Well, drink it down, my hearties.
Have another?
- That's enough fire-water for me.
Bertha, make some coffee.
- Yes, ma'am.
Promise me someday you and I ..
Will take our love together.
You know, Granny.
I think my voice is changing.
No.
I don't know how to say it, Ned.
But I didn't know.
Honestly I didn't.
That's alright, Granny.
I am a big strong silent man.
I am a clown with a laughing
face and a bleeding heart.
Pagliacci.
This noble face is only a mask.
No it isn't.
You are alright.
You're alright, Ned.
Of course I am alright.
And, toward the dawn.
The stranger turned
his face to the wall.
And dies.
Come in.
Morning paper, ma'am?
- Yes please.
Thank you. Us train folks
want to congratulate you.
We're proud to have you on our train.
Thank you. That's very nice of you.
Here is that awful man again.
What's the matter?
Of course.
That's kid's stuff. You know, the sort
of thing your parents expect from you.
It was all arranged when I was still
in the cradle. I couldn't fight back.
I'm certainly looking
forward to Harrison.
Where is father? Hiding?
It's nearly 2 o'clock, Mr Bob.
Mr Harrison had hoped you'd
come on an earlier train.
We found we couldn't make it.
I've laid out some food
on a tray by the fire.
Fine. Fine.
We'll be glad to tackle it. How about
some of that good old Harrison coffee?
Could you make it a little tighter?
Sure.
If you want a half-nelson or a
hammerlock, just let me know.
What's the matter?
I'm scared, Bob.
Scared stiff.
You are on my side, aren't you?
No matter what happens?
You will be on my side?
You sound like a football coach.
Yes, Joseph?
May I see you a moment?
Certainly.
Your father wishes to see
you alone in his room.
No matter what time you came.
Oh?
I am .. I am going upstairs a minute.
Your father?
- Yep.
I knew he wouldn't go to
sleep without seeing me.
I'll be right back.
If you don't mind?
- Certainly not, Bob.
That's all very well, Bob.
But why marriage?
Dad, did you ever try mixing
Napoleon brandy with moonlight?
You've carried most things
off with a joke, Bob.
But this you can't.
Why not?
I might as well.
The thing is done already.
I don't think Josephine Mercer
laughed very heartily at your joke.
Have you seen her?
- Yes.
How is she?
She's not wearing sackcloth and ashes.
She's too well-bred for that.
Hold on. I'm working out a problem.
I am sorry.
We don't seem to be getting very far.
I suppose you're anxious to get
back to your Broadway bride.
Oh, dad.
Am I hurting you, Bob?
That's too bad.
Hello.
Hello.
Catch anything?
Sure.
That's awfully small.
That's the way I fish.
I throw the big ones back.
When we need a fish,
we go to the market.
Haven't you ever fished?
- No. But I used to hunt.
For jobs.
For jobs.
Tell me, would you like to try?
When I hunt down the
fish they all laugh.
Now, you just throw your arm back,
then forward and snap to it.
Like that?
- Uhuh.
I am sorry.
- That's alright.
The first step toward
being a good fisherman.
I can sling another one.
No thank you. I think that will
be all for the first lesson.
There we are.
Are you going my way?
- I think that's my direction.
I'm really trespassing, you know.
See that sign there?
I saw them all the way down the lane.
You know what Colonel
Harrison would say to me?
He'd be polite and say: 'Young lady'.
'The meek will inherit the earth'.
'But that's not until judgment day'.
'Right now, I own this property'.
He's much more likely to say that to me.
You are Mona Leslie?
I recognised you.
I didn't think Bob had it in him.
- Do you know Bob?
Oh yes. We are old friends.
I am Jo Mercer.
Oh .. I didn't know.
I am sorry. I would not ..
- That's alright.
Now that I've seen you I
can understand my defeat.
Mr Harrison Senior is
on the side terrace.
He asked to see you.
- Thank you.
Here is where I take
a big breath and jump.
I beg your pardon, Miss?
- Nothing, Joseph.
Good morning, Mr Harrison.
I am Mona.
- How are you?
Is Bob up yet?
He was still asleep two
hours ago when I got up.
Oh, isn't he cute?
- I'd rather you didn't pet him.
Shall we do it later, Mr Harrison?
- No. Go ahead.
If he's no good I want to know it.
- Right, sir.
Just signal when I am to shoot.
- Yes.
You're up pretty early for a showgirl.
I've been all over the place.
It is beautiful.
I thought you'd appreciate it.
Won't you come along?
We can talk while I do this.
What are you doing?
I've been trying all week to get this
young'un accustomed to gunfire.
So far, I haven't had much luck.
Well, I think this is far enough.
Bob showed me the telegram you
sent him after we were married.
Well?
I thought you may like to
talk it over right now.
I rather thought you'd be
a practical young woman.
That's far enough, Donovan.
Did you ..
You saw the papers the morning after,
shall I say, your wedding festival?
Yes.
I don't blame you for being angry.
If you had the experience of newspapers
I've had you'd know they twist things.
You must forgive my inexperience.
- Please, Mr Harrison.
Bob and I knew that someday we would.
That night seemed a good time to do it.
That's exactly what the papers said.
You treat me as if I'm something Bob
brought home from the African bush.
But a young man with a good name.
And a few millions, engaged
to a girl he's known all his life.
You knew of the engagement of course?
- No. I did not.
I only found out afterwards
when the papers played it up.
I see.
Anyway, this same young man drinks too
much and marries a Broadway dancer.
With a none too good reputation.
Just a minute, Mr Harrison. You happen
to know nothing about my reputation.
Nor do you happen to
know what my salary was.
It was enough to buy me Paris gowns
and to get my own bracelets and clips.
And pay off the family mortgage.
- Then why did you marry Bob?
Strange as it may seem, I love him
and I think I will be good for him.
But he can do me a lot of good too.
Very kind of you to say that.
Bob told me about himself. How unhappy
and restless he was since he was a boy.
How he needed someone or something
to bring him down from the past.
I thought I'd do the trick.
Your sense of dramatics
is overdeveloped.
You've been in too many plays.
A little nearer, Donovan.
That will be all, Donovan.
I don't think I have any use for him.
He is hopeless.
Bad blood somewhere.
Pardon me, my dear.
I must be getting into town.
I'm sure we shall be seeing
quite a lot of one another.
Come on, 'Bad blood'.
Hi, Bob.
Hi Mona.
- Hi Jo.
Hello Jo.
Hiya, Ralph.
Where did you get that horse?
Are you horse-stealing again?
They'll hang you yet.
I got him out west.
- Congratulations, Bob.
How did you two get to know each other?
- We fished in the same pool together.
Mona, allow me to present
Mr Every and Mr Watson.
This is Bob's wife.
- How do you do?
Gentlemen, meet 'Bad blood'.
Aren't you riding?
All my horseback riding has
been done on a merry-go-round.
I have to report to the hunt secretary.
Who is it this time?
My brother Paul.
You know, the closest I ever came
to riding to hounds was in a show.
I played the fox.
Bob.
There's something I should
like to return to you.
Jo. I am sorry.
I didn't mean ..
I don't know ..
- Why sorry?
Don't be silly.
Sorry? When you are married to her?
She is great. I mean that.
I won't say she's any better than I am,
but at least she does you good.
Lots of luck.
Is Mr Mercer in today?
I want to see him about some magazines.
I'm working through barber college.
Hello Paul.
- Hello Bob.
Come on, Paul.
Outraged brothers went
out with hoop skirts.
Sorry. I don't know what
you're talking about.
What will it be, Paul?
Swords or pistols?
If I remember correctly,
gentlemen never dirty their steel.
I see your name is not on the list.
Carelessness. I'm sure it is a mistake.
Too late now.
Have to take it up with the board.
Who made up the list?
The board left it to me.
You forgot?
No. I remembered.
Take it easy, Paul. That won't help.
Take it easy, Paul.
You'll have the women in here.
Move over.
What's up, Bob?
- Nothing.
What did you do that for?
I asked you, what's up.
- I told you. Nothing.
Somebody said something
about me, didn't they?
It isn't that.
It's just that everybody
around here loves Jo.
They resent what I did to her.
Let them resent. I won't be around.
Listen, we're going back to New York.
Don't run away, Bob.
What do you mean, run away?
Do you think it's easy for me
to stay here and face it?
How simple it would be for both of us
to duck out and go back to my friends.
But sooner or later
we'll have to face it.
I'll do it now if you will.
That's mighty white of you, Cinderella.
Alright. I'll see what
I can do to oblige ..
My other good friends.
I sure am sorry, Mr Riley.
I don't sign up with this
new fellow casually.
You know, he is connected
with that stadium crowd.
I am figuring he can do
more for me than you can.
Right now.
- That's the right way to figure.
Gurney is a good man.
You couldn't do any better.
However.
If you change your mind.
You know the way back.
Just follow the crowd.
Good luck.
Thank you, Ned.
Sure. Follow the crowd.
Away from the rest of us.
That's Ned Riley for you.
Bust at the top or lose. Just the same.
Ah, shut up.
I feel like a heel now, as it is.
It's my luck I'm worried about.
Riley ain't had none since that
Leslie dame gave him the blow-by.
Bad luck is contagious.
Mine started when my old man died.
Of course, that wasn't Riley's fault.
- No.
That was more the warden's fault.
Hey Shorty, get a load of this guy here.
Mr Riley. Mr Riley.
Hello Eddie. How are you?
Fine. Listen. I went over
to the hotel and ..
They said I'd find you over here and
I'd kinda like to see you privately.
Right here. What's the matter with this?
What is it?
I came to split last
month's profits with you.
We did pretty good. $21.23.
$21.23? Let's have a
look at your accounts.
Twenty-one, twenty-three.
It says here you didn't do
much business last month.
What is the idea?
I just thought you might
need a little money.
I haven't got any use for it.
I figured you backed me once.
I could back you for a little while.
Where did you get the
idea that I'm broke?
I'm simply rolling in dough.
If I had any more money I
wouldn't know what to do with it.
But say.
You're a pretty swell partner
and you're a pretty swell pal.
Where did you get the duds?
A nice-looking outfit.
I got it second-hand down Canal Street.
Do you like it?
Sure, sure. That's fine.
The right idea too, Eddie.
Keep up your front.
That's the important thing in business.
Everything.
Keep up your front.
Everything's all packed, boss.
Everything's okay.
Off for the Stuyvesant race track.
Fellows, I want to make a little speech.
About a jinx riding me for months.
All I got left is the horse.
Why don't you both take your share ..
Pull out and go with somebody
who can do you some good?
You think we're foul-weather friends?
You can't get along without our advice.
- Now listen.
You're both gamblers enough to know that
once a guy's luck starts downhill ..
It never stops until it hits bottom.
What you want to do, go boom with me?
Me be alone with this monkey?
We're going with you, chief.
We're going to stick to you.
Like a couple of plasters.
Okay. I guess I'm stuck with you.
[ Door knocks ]
Here's that janitor looking
for a tip for a horse.
I'll give him a tip.
A whack on the head.
He won't know what hit him.
Come in.
Still up to your old tricks, huh?
Granny. What are you doing here?
I met the gorillas loose on the street.
He told me you were leaving.
I wanted to say goodbye.
How long are you going to be gone?
- A month.
And when we get back, you and
I are going to paint the town.
We'll see the dawn come up
like thunder over the east river.
Rubbish.
This place looks like a fairground
after the circus has left.
Where are you going?
The Stuyvesant race track.
- Oh?
If you should meet Mona,
and I don't suppose you will.
If you do, give her my love.
Mona? Why should I meet Mona?
Didn't you know the Stuyvesant race
track is just ten miles from Harrison's?
No. I didn't know that.
I did.
No, no. You didn't know.
Granny, if I'm lying,
I hope he drops dead.
Want to see us off?
- Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Just think.
I'll have the whole month of peace.
I'll send you a postcard, Granny.
Who will you get to write it for you?
The horse?
No.
- No what?
It can't be.
It can't be?
- It just can't be.
What's the matter?
Ned.
Hey, Ned.
- Mona.
Blossom, Smiley.
Gee, I'm glad to see you.
Why didn't you write?
How long you been here?
Why didn't you come to see me?
Wait, Mona. You still talk as if
every sentence was your last.
Give me a chance.
I'll tell you the answers.
Hiya, Prez.
- And secretary.
What do you think I am, a sissy?
Recognise the mare?
We're running her today.
Hi. It's Mona. Hello, beautiful.
Mr Riley.
Well, hush my mouth.
If it isn't Gold Dust.
Hi, Miss Leslie.
How you doing?
- Just fine.
Come and sit with us.
- With these?
You're vice-president. Come on.
Gold Dust, if you don't win the race
I'll send you back to the chain gang.
Ride her high. Stay close to the
rail and come booting along ..
Come on. Let's get out of her
before they put a saddle on you.
Everybody meet Ned Riley,
Blossom and Smiley.
Three bad men.
Come here, you great big man.
Sit next to me.
Me?
- Yes you.
Okay, doll.
- Doll?
With that one word you've won me.
Are you gangsters?
I gave that up since I
got out of Sing Sing.
You've been in Sing Sing?
Girls, this beautiful man
has been in Sing Sing.
That ain't nothing at all.
Did you see granny?
Sure. The day I left.
- How is she? How did she look?
Well, if I were a marrying man,
I'd get hitched up with her.
You know how she looks.
You're an American, aren't you?
What?
I say, you are an American?
What kind of words you giving out?
English, of course.
You are English?
Okay, kid.
Hands across the sea.
You know, the old countries together.
I was in England.
It's a swell country.
I was there. One day I walked
down a main boulevard.
I was cold sober.
Cold sober. A fellow came up to me
and said 'What's the matter'?
I said 'nothing', And the guy smacked
me right in the eye. Hit me right there.
I was cold sober.
The following day I got drunk.
When I mean drunk, I mean drunk.
In the gutter almost.
And I bumped into the same fellow.
I bumped into the same fellow and
I said to him, 'what's the matter'?
He said, 'what's the matter with you'?
What you think happened?
- You smashed him?
You heard that story before?
You kidding me or something?
Let's get this straight.
This goes on our horse to win, see.
One, two, three, four.
Fifty.
Sixty-one. There you are. Wait a minute.
I've carried this ring around for weeks.
I'll bet that too.
- Mr Blossom, not really?
You are not proposing, are you?
- No. That goes for, say, five bucks.
Why not bet that ring with me?
I can use it.
What's this?
I guess we might as well tell him.
Ralph and I are going to be married.
More power to you.
- When is the wedding?
I am so glad, Jo.
- Thanks, Mona.
This calls for a drink.
- That's an idea.
Bob, how about drinks for everyone?
Yeah. They'll get one.
Here they come.
Who is your horse, Mr Riley?
Number 7.
A beautiful start. And a beautiful day.
Tell us about the horses, will you?
- One little horse is running.
Aren't they gorgeous?
- Talk about the horses.
Who's winning, is what I want to know.
Who's out in front? Who's winning?
Come on, Mona.
Don't let 'em get ahead of you, baby.
There's a horse coming
on the outside of the rest.
It's Mona.
- Mona!
Mona.
Come on, baby. Come on.
Come on.
She's dropping back.
I can't stand it. I can't stand it.
You lose your 4 dollars and 61 cents.
I am sorry, Ned.
You can't expect to win all the time.
Anyway, we came in second.
No purse, but think of the honor.
I wonder where Bob is.
I don't know.
Shall I go and look for him?
- No.
Dearest beloved. We are gathered
together here in the sight of God.
And in the face of his company.
I'd better go and look for Bob
as soon as we finish this dance.
Jo.
Excuse me.
Your ex-boyfriend has his sails set and
has enough in them to beat the shamrock.
I told you not to have him here.
Where is he?
- In the bar room.
Don't, Jo.
I have been looking for you everywhere.
Aren't you going to
dance with the bride?
So they were married and
lived happily ever after.
With just a tiny quarrel here and there.
Jo. You look very, very beautiful.
All this ..
You are real, aren't you?
When the clock strikes twelve, I'm going
to change right back into a pumpkin.
So long.
Why, Mr Harrison.
I am a married woman now.
Why, Jo?
Why did you?
You don't seem to understand.
It's very, very simple.
I'm getting along in years.
My parents were frightened
I would remain an old maid.
So I accepted the first man to ask me.
- I can't joke anymore, Jo.
Why not? You started it.
Because thinking of you with
someone else is driving me crazy.
I don't think.
But I've nothing else on my mind.
You're being insulting to Mona.
You can't insult someone who
trapped you into marriage ..
And made you lose the
girl you really loved.
Thanks, Bob.
I'm sorry, Mona.
- That's alright, Jo.
So that's what's the matter with you.
I am glad it's out, Bob.
At least I know how you feel about me.
Sure. I'm glad it's out too.
I wasn't hiding anyway.
Why should I hide anything from you?
Mona.
That old sherbet, ma'am.
Am I intruding?
- No. It's I who did the intruding.
I'm sorry.
What are you talking about?
You know what I'm talking about.
- Bob. Please.
Dad must be serving poor liquor.
I never saw you behave this way before.
- I'm not drunk.
Please don't spoil my wedding day.
- He can't come in here and ..
Shush.
Listen.
Do you hear that?
You hear that music?
Haven't we heard that
music somewhere before?
Honey, ain't that your song?
I believe you're right.
You go and show these folks
how you can hotfoot it around.
I can't dance no more.
These old bones done got the miseries.
Did you hear that?
Them white folks was a-talking.
The pleasure is all mine, boys.
Make it hot, Mona.
- Rock 'em, sister. Go to town.
I've got nobody to blame but myself.
Stop it.
Stop it, I said!
Stop it.
Lovely, Mona.
- Charming.
Just what I'd expect from you.
You think you're back in the carnival?
No. But I wish I were.
- Mona.
How about having the next dance with me?
Sure. The perfect partner.
Show us how it's done in that
carnival you both come from.
Me? I wish you'd dance her right back.
If you mean what I think you mean ..
- No, Ned.
Bob. Time to be going home.
They can't make a fool out of me.
They tried it once.
This should be settled at home.
Ned, take me out of here.
If you don't mind my saying so.
I think what you need is granny.
And more granny and still more granny.
Ned, you're taking the
whole thing too seriously.
These people here are
different than we are.
Yes? I hope so.
So Bob was drunk.
Tomorrow, the whole
thing will be forgotten.
You are not ready to
disband the S.A.M.L then?
I can't.
Why not?
He was willing to resign tonight.
Yes. I know.
But you see.
Sometime next year there's
going to be a new member.
And I'll be his sponsor.
If it's a girl I'll be her sponsor.
What room is Mr Riley in?
Mr Ned Riley.
- 516, sir.
Shall I call, sir?
- No. He expects me.
Five.
Come in.
- Don't get up for me.
Won't you ..
Have some coffee?
I'm not that drunk.
Who said that you were?
Actually, I wouldn't you'd had
a drink. Would you, Mona?
Of course not.
- You are a liar.
Maybe you've had one or two.
What about some coffee?
I don't want anything from you.
Do you mind if I have some myself?
I thought I'd find you up here.
There was nowhere else to go, Bob.
I thought I'd find you up here.
Do you want to go home now?
No.
Do I want to go home?
Come on, Bob.
- Get away from me.
He's right.
He doesn't want to go home.
He doesn't want to go home.
You stay out of this.
You think I'm a heel, don't you?
No I don't, Bob.
Sure you do.
Everybody does.
Sure. What do you care?
I said, you keep out of this.
I just want you to know that
I don't care what you think.
I know that, Bob.
I don't care what anybody thinks.
You think I'm a heel, don't you?
Well, I don't care.
I don't care. You hear?
You can go tell your friends.
You can go tell my friends.
Yeah. What friends I got.
You've got your father, Bob.
- Don't you mention my father.
Don't you mention my father either.
I wasn't going to.
Bob, please.
I'm no good.
Bob dear. We're going home now.
I can't go home.
I am no good.
Come on, old man.
How about a little beddy-byes?
We'd better take him home.
How about it?
- I don't want to go home.
I can't go home.
Alright.
How about a little sleep right here?
Come on.
What do you say?
Yes, sir.
This will be better.
I'm no good.
And that's that.
I think I'd better phone his
father that he's alright.
Yes. He is a little tired.
[ Gunshot! ]
Come on, Riley. You may as well tell.
Mr Harrison has confessed.
She says that you killed him.
You're a liar.
Come on, Mrs Harrison.
You may as well tell.
Mr Riley confessed.
He says you killed him.
That is not true.
Gentlemen, what is your verdict?
It is the opinion of this jury
that Robert Harrison Junior ..
Came to his death by a bullet
fired from a gun by his own hand.
It is a pity that as district
attorney I can do nothing.
Technically it was suicide.
As a member of this community and an
old friend of the Harrison family.
I feel that morally it was murder.
Why don't you save that baloney
for your chamber of commerce?
We don't want it here today.
Get out and stay out!
Get back to Broadway where you belong.
Hello darling.
Say, I have a hot tip for you.
What?
A boy?
Thanks, sweet. I'll see you tonight.
Jean. Levine. Come here.
The Mona Leslie/Harrison
child was just born. A boy.
Hiya, Ma.
That is the topper.
They're calling me unfit.
Say, who brought you those papers?
What's the difference? I got them.
Oh Sid.
They can't do that to me, can they?
Well, I am only a lawyer.
I can't tell what the court will do.
Listen, They haven't got a chance.
This time we'll do a
little fighting ourselves.
And we'll do it in our backyard.
No.
No.
I cannot consent to that.
I assure you, Mr Harrison,
that if we went into to court ..
The decision would go
in favor of my client.
That remains to be seen.
I don't think it would.
However, Mrs Harrison has a
counter-proposition to make.
What is it?
Alright, this is it.
- Just a moment, Sid.
I'll make it my way.
I was left a million
dollars when he died.
The courts might give it
to me but I do not want it.
I can't touch a dollar of it and not be
reminded of the things that happened.
I could draw up a release for you.
- Not so fast.
I want something for that release.
- What?
I want my son.
He is to be mine.
All mine and forever.
Without any claims from you at any time.
Is it a bargain?
Yes.
You draw up an agreement
including all those stipulations.
I'll have it tomorrow.
Okay.
Just a moment.
I'd like to make some reasonable
financial arrangement for the child.
That is very sweet of you.
Not expecting so much kindness,
I am overcome.
You know, Mr Harrison, I never
knew what a father was like.
When Bob married me I thought
you would be my father.
But I received treatment
I did not expect.
Your charity comes a bit late.
When I needed it you made no offer.
Now I don't want it.
So far, I've taken it on the chin.
But if supporting my child my way
and raising him my way means ..
Taking it some more, then
I'll stick out my chin for more.
Gladly.
That's a long speech but I've
been saving it for a long time.
Thanks for everything, Mr Harrison.
I don't imagine we'll be seeing
much of each other so .. good bye.
Mrs Harrison, what happened?
Come on, give us a break.
We must get a story, Mrs Harrison.
Mr Riley. What have you got to say?
I'm not afraid to face them, Ned.
You can print this.
I'm going to keep my baby and support
him with no help from anybody.
But how?
The only way I know. On the stage.
As the chairman of this
chapter of our organization.
I propose that all members unite in a
national movement against this woman.
Let's play Murder. I'll be Mona Leslie.
Well, well.
Hello, hello, hello.
Let me look at you.
My gosh, you look like
a million dollars.
In gold.
You've some courage in sending for
me in the face of that opposition.
Sure. What do we care about
clubs and letters and reformers?
Let them scream. Listen.
The more they scream,
the better it will be for us.
I'm going to have your name all
over town in letters that high.
In the big, black type they use
for newspaper advertizing.
I'll show you some copy I got made up.
Ain't that beautiful?
I bet a pair of suspenders we get a
million dollars of advertizing free too.
Listen.
If you can appear with the kid.
I'll double your salary.
Wait a minute.
No. I am against it, Ned.
Backing shows is a rich man's game.
A very rich man's game.
Anyone who borrows
on his life insurance ..
Sells all he owns and strips himself
to back a musical comedy.
He is crazy.
Well, Gaylord, old dear.
This is my funeral.
Suppose you let me do the crying?
Okay.
I've got nothing to lose.
It's your money.
You know what you want to do with it.
I am curious, Riley. Tell me.
Why are you going into musical comedy?
I thought you never played
anything with girls in it.
Well, I guess maybe didn't know
where all my luck really lay.
Well.
Star of my days. Light of my nights.
Welcome.
- Fiddlesticks.
Granny, this is Mr Gaylord.
How do you do? I know it.
Goodbye.
- Good luck.
Well, what do you want?
I suppose you know I have a great
grandchild at home that needs me.
Everyone knows it.
What is it?
You must promise not to tell Mona
because she'll skin me alive.
She told me not to do it.
What is it?
I've got some money together.
And I'm going to back a
show for her on the QT.
I figured I should have someone close to
her to tell me if she gets suspicious.
So you sent for me?
How often must I ask you to stop sicking
your nose into other people's business?
We're not taking charity from anyone.
You mind your own business
and leave Mona alone.
I never heard of such a thing.
Could you use fifteen hundred?
Granny.
I am dreaming.
Well, I am not. I've really got it.
There's my bank book.
You big sissy.
Tears.
Ned.
I think God's good people
wrote off all your sins today.
Yes.
Wait a minute. I got something for you.
My contribution.
Two hundred iron men.
- Where did you get that?
I just gave a piano recital to
the philharmonic gardens.
Yeah?
That's nothing. I sprained it rendering
Rachmaninov's Strange Interlude.
It's hard on the wrists you know.
A pretty tough guy, that Rachmaninov.
- You said it.
In what round did he get you?
- The third.
You are pretty swell, kid. Thanks.
How did he guess?
Come in.
Ned. How did rehearsal go?
Simply swell.
Baby, you were never better.
If I thought it would do as much
for me I'd become a mother myself.
How you doing?
Hiya, John.
- Hello.
How is everything?
- Everything is fine.
Sit down, Ned.
You too, Mona.
Why the dramatics?
I wanted Mona to be in the
room when I told you this.
As I know she'll be on my side.
Mona.
Ned put up the money for this show.
Ned.
How could you possibly ..?
- What was the idea of that?
This show isn't going to
open on Wednesday night.
Why isn't it?
- We can't open it.
I've just come from my bank.
You don't know what stacked against us.
Petitions have been signed. Thousands
of names, all protesting against Mona.
It is too much, Ned.
I never counted on anything so strong.
John, you exaggerate everything.
The public don't give a hang about that.
- Yes they do.
Mona.
He's lost half of his money already.
If we open, the other half goes.
And it's borrowed money.
You can't let him lose it.
Don't tell me what to do.
You butt out of this. It's my money.
No, Ned.
We are not opening.
John is right.
There's too much stacked against us.
I felt it all along.
We've just been wishing around
and wishing won't do it.
So you're going to be beaten
before you start, eh?
That is swell.
Can't you hear them jeering at you?
How they stopped you.
How they kept you from earning a living.
Are you ready to take
that without even a battle?
You're fighting for what's right.
You have everything to
gain and nothing to lose.
I'm the one to worry about losing.
If we quit now I can't show my face
again in this town. I am lost.
My credit, my friends. My self-respect.
Except in your eyes.
I don't care for your opinion anymore.
That goes for both of you.
Well.
I guess we open Wednesday.
Here we are again. Wish me luck.
Give them both barrels.
- Right between the eyes.
For the first time in
my life I'm scared.
Now, baby. Take it easy.
You've been here before.
This isn't new to you.
I can't do it, Ned.
Now that I'm here I can't do it.
I am too frightened.
Stop it.
You hear me?
Stop it.
Thanks.
That's what I needed, Ned.
I am so afraid for her.
She's in love.
It doesn't mean a thing.
Hear what my heart is saying.
To all of the stars above.
Hear what my heart is saying.
I must fall in love.
All of my nights I'm spending.
In hoping that there may be here.
Somewhere a happy ending.
For me.
She's in love. I can tell.
I like her that way.
[ Hiss ]
My lips are forever burning.
Oh, can this be my chance?
Boo!
Is this the song I've been dreaming of?
Hear what my heart is saying.
It's love.
What about Mona's feelings?
Hear what my heart is saying.
I'd like to murder every one of them.
All of my nights I'm spending.
In hoping that there may be.
Somewhere a happy ending.
For me.
My heart is forever yearning.
The thought of sweet romances.
My lips are ever burning.
Get off.
Get off the stage you murderess.
How dare you.
How do you dare!
I tell you I had nothing to do with
that awful thing that happened.
All I did was to marry
a sweet, unhappy boy.
Loving him.
Hoping somehow to make him happy.
I didn't.
I couldn't.
His.
His unhappiness was too deep in him.
So deep.
He died of it.
I haven't a penny in this world,
if that's important to you.
All I have is my baby.
And my ability to sing and dance.
It's the same. I am the same.
If there is any change, it's in you.
I had hoped to live again by singing.
And dancing as I once did.
That didn't seem too much to hope for.
But if it is.
And if this is the last song
I'm ever to sing for you.
Please have the ..
The decency to let me finish.
Go ahead.
Hear what my heart is saying.
To all of the stars above.
Hear what my heart is saying.
I must find love.
Hear what the music is playing.
The song I've been dreaming of.
Hear what my heart is saying.
It's love.
When I am in love.
I think this is as good a time as any.
I am red hot.
Each time I am in love.
You usually go to sleep
when I propose to you.
I am more reckless.
I waste no weeping for lost romances.
I'm counting on you to make
an honest man of me.
I will pay my losses.
And I will take new chances.
Not that I care so much for you, but ..
But I'm attached to that kid.
And granny likes me.
I won't be much trouble.
I'll take care of the house.
I waste no weeping.
I'll just keep hoping.
For one who is hoping .. for me.
..f-s..