Secrets of an Actress (1938) Movie Script
Could I see Mr Carstairs please?
- Have you an appointment, dear?
No, but ..
- Sorry. You'll have to wait.
I guess six months' steady
work is worth waiting for.
W.P. Carstairs.
Hello, Joe. For the love of Mike
where's that Carter dame?
What? She hasn't gotten there yet?
She must have been caught
in a traffic jam.
She left here over half an hour ago.
We might as well tell him.
- Now be a little patient, Bill.
She'll be along any
minute, old man. So long.
Don't be an idiot, Fay.
It's a good show. A swell part.
Road company.
You can knock spots off
Dolores Stone's performance.
In Sioux City.
Your father wasn't
ashamed to play there.
Neither am I.
I just don't want to. I have played it.
I was carried on in my mother's arms.
I was little Eva in Sioux City.
I've done Desdemona to my father's
Othello in Sioux City. I love it.
I've done every other one-night-stand
from Portland Maine to San Diego.
I've brought down the house
in places no-one's heard of.
Except the post office.
My dear Fay, don't you realize?
Yes, I know. The same old routine.
Have a nice safe job on the road.
I work for a reasonable salary.
My father's name was an asset
but that's not true now.
My father's name doesn't mean
a thing. It died with him.
That's not so, Fay. There are plenty
who remember what a fine actor he was.
Yes. I know.
A few old-timers who knew him
when he was still a great actor.
Before he took to annual farewell tours
because he was too poor to retire.
And don't forget this, Joe.
There isn't any road anymore.
'The road' is now a
double-feature movie ..
A newsreel and a travelogue
on a Friday night.
No.
I am either going to see my
name in lights in New York or ..
Or quit the profession entirely.
What else could you do?
Well.
I suppose I could be a
wardrobe mistress.
That is still backstage.
Come on, Fay. Be a good scout.
Take this part in Carstairs' show.
You may as well draw a salary while
we're looking for something better.
I can wait. I've got
about $3,000 saved up.
Alright. Hold on to it.
And in the meantime ..
It's no use, Joe.
I'm not going to leave New York.
It isn't as if I were some stagestruck
girl that thinks she's an actress.
I was born in the theater.
I was taught my profession
and I know my job.
And I'm thirty years old, Joe.
Six years on the wrong side.
I can't afford to wait.
Neither now or never.
I wish I could be more encouraging.
What will I tell Carstairs?
Tell him the road is dead.
Fay Carter helped to kill it.
And she has no intention of
returning to the scene of the crime.
Goodbye, Joe. I'll phone you tomorrow.
[ Female scream! ]
Marian. Did you scream?
Yes, sir.
- What's the matter?
You rapping the door frightened me.
And when I'm frightened I scream.
I'm no hypocrite.
Anything happen today?
- A big day.
I turned down the lead in the
road company of 'Tenderly Yours'.
You did?
Uhuh.
- Ha.
How long do you think $3,000 will
last in a $150-a-month apartment?
With you buying clothes as if the
government was paying the bills.
Any telephone calls?
The phone rang but you scared it away.
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
Yes, Mr Thompson.
I will see if she'll talk with you.
Thompson and Harrison's office.
Don't be too anxious.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Hello, Mr Thompson.
Fine, thank you.
Oh, you saw me in Rochester.
Is that so?
Thank you so much.
He saw me in Rochester and said I was ..
I beg your pardon?
In half an hour. Goodbye.
What is it?
The lead in 'Aftermath'.
Harrison's new show.
You mean you've got it?
No. I get to read it.
Then you have got it.
Wait a minute, wait a minute.
For good luck.
- Thanks.
I pretended to read.
Hoping to drop off to sleep.
When I raised my eyes ..
They were still looking at me.
He had never taken his eyes off of me.
Poor Bill.
He tried so hard to smile.
But couldn't make it.
Dear.
Dear sweet Bill.
Laughing at his own jokes again.
Alright Miss Carter. Tomorrow
morning at ten o'clock at The Empire.
Is that the rehearsal call?
- But what about the old man?
It's in the bag. Miss Carter
is going to play the part.
She's perfect. It was written for her.
I'll take care of Harrison.
Thank you.
But I tell you she's a great actress.
She will be a sensation.
She'll have them cheering in the aisles.
Not interested.
- Look, Mr Harrison.
She's exactly what I imagined
this girl would be like.
If I tried to write a part for her
I couldn't have done it better.
Don't mean a thing. Times are hard.
Show business is a gamble.
I know, Mr Harrison.
But this girl is an actress.
Look the only protection I
have is the name in the lead.
I'm going to have that even if I
have to go to Hollywood to get one.
And don't be too eager.
Just take your time.
- Yes, dear.
How do I look?
Divine.
Well, here goes Fay Carter.
Funny, isn't it. I Knew something
would happen. It just had to.
Of course, dear. You're entitled to it.
Now run along. Run along.
And ..
If there's a part for you
I'll see you get it.
Thank you, dear.
Your bag and gloves, my lady.
Thank you, Jeeves.
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
Just a minute please.
Thompson.
Hello?
Yes. This is Miss Carter.
Why, I am sure you do
all that you could.
Thank you.
What?
Oh yes.
Yes. Thank you.
Goodbye.
Well .. you heard.
I've lost the part.
They say I'm too sophisticated
to pay a milkmaid.
At least it saved me the cab fare.
'I will keep you in mind'.
He is telling you. You.
He'll keep you in mind.
Who does he think he's talking to?
By what right?
It's all my fault, darling.
I didn't kick you hard enough.
I let sentiment interfere with my duty.
Fay.
Do you need a drink?
Why?
For not getting that part.
Now. That calls for a celebration.
Marian, that doesn't sound logical.
In an hour everything will
sound wonderfully logical.
Now come on, Fay.
Your soul aches with disappointment.
Your nerves are snapping. Your spirits
are low. Your courage is weak.
You need a drink, Fay.
You need a drink.
Almost as badly as I do.
Come on, darling.
I'll be ready in a jiffy.
Another brandy.
- Marian, you have had three.
We are depressed, Fay. Very depressed.
We need to drink our sorrows away.
We need jobs.
- We aren't broke.
It isn't the money. It's just that
being idle does something to one.
I guess I'd better take
that roadshow offer.
No you won't.
If the dust storms don't get
you the double-features will.
Another brandy.
I'm still untouched.
My man, you annoy me.
Please go away.
- So sorry.
My man, I ..
- Let's go home.
A Plantagenet never retreats.
I told you.
- You annoy me.
Please leave us alone.
The lady has only to comment.
Marian.
You shouldn't allow drunks
into respectable places.
Are you hurt?
She packs a mean wallop.
I'm terribly sorry.
- That's alright.
I think she has passed out.
- That's absurd.
It's quite final.
What am I going to do now?
Has she got a home?
- Of course she has a home.
I am sorry. We'd better take her to it.
Here we go.
I never should let her drink.
She can't take it. Three or perhaps
four and she passes out.
She'll be alright.
Peter Snowden.
- Fay Carter.
Miss Marian Plantagenet.
Ah. Is she your mother?
If that doesn't shock her into
consciousness nothing will.
Sorry. Sister?
No.
Just an old friend.
Ever since I can remember.
Architect.
Actress.
Oh? What have you been in?
Nothing on Broadway.
Everything on the road.
What sort of architect are you?
I built an 80-storey building
but I'm afraid to go in it.
You want a fight?
- Wait a second.
Wait a minute. No. Not particularly.
Do you know ..
I was a college boxing champion?
Marian, how do you feel?
- What?
It's me, Fay.
If you want receipts.
Write your conscience.
Dear boy.
Right in here please.
Put Miss Plantagenet there.
Now, would you mind waiting in the ..?
Sure.
I can't thank you enough.
- You're Henry Carter's daughter?
Yes.
For years, Henry Carter was
the great event of my life.
Did you know him?
- I played with him.
Where?
In Rutland, Vermont.
- I played Ophelia in Rutland.
Of course you did.
My father owned the drugstore.
I was one of the soldiers
who helped carry off Hamlet.
I was the soldier whose
voice was changing.
You don't by any chance remember?
No.
Voices changed on us in
every town we played.
Yes. I suppose so.
Won't you sit down?
- Thanks.
You should have your own
company like your father.
And get lost in the jungle
of one-night-stands?
Not me.
It's out of New York or not at all.
- Hollywood?
I'll need a name first.
- But you have one.
Not the right kind.
The latest dancing sensation in any
nightclub has a bigger name than me.
But that's ridiculous.
If you were an architect and came to me
with your architectural background ..
Family, training and experience.
I would hire you in a minute.
It's logic.
That's not show business.
Do you mean to say you can't get a part?
I can get plenty of parts.
On the road. But nothing in New York.
And I .. I've got a good
play with a good part.
But no-one will produce it.
May I read it?
Why?
There isn't an architect living ..
Who doesn't think he would make
the best set designer in the world.
Just a moment. I'll get it.
There you are.
- Thank you.
You know, my friends
sometimes call me eccentric.
I am not. But I do play hunches.
I'll call you in the morning. Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Mr Snowden.
I must thank you again for everything.
Not a bit. I've had fun. Goodnight.
I'll wait to hear from you.
- Alright.
Hello? No, Mr Snowden is not in.
Mr Snowden never gets
in until one-thirty.
No. Never.
Okay, I'll tell him you called.
Goodbye.
Morning.
Well .. good morning, Mr Snowden.
Maybe he should have ducked.
Quite a few messages, Mr Snowden.
Mr Porter called ..
Get me Miss Fay Carter on the telephone.
- Yes, sir. What is her number?
Huh? I haven't the vaguest idea.
If it isn't in the telephone book call
information and if they've not got it ..
Call every apartment house on
55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue.
And tell Mr Orr I'd like to see him.
Mr Orr hasn't come in yet.
Not in yet? That's unusual, isn't it?
- Yes, it is.
He is never later than nine.
I tell you what, Miss Blackstone.
Before you get me that number ..
Get the Jackson blueprints
from Mr Orr's office.
Yes.
Mr Snowden.
Who won?
Hmm?
That's the way they wear them
this year, Miss Blackstone.
Did you find the Jackson blueprints?
Yes, sir.
And I think I found Mr Orr too.
Where?
Underneath the Jackson blueprints.
What?
[ Snoring sounds ]
I am sorry sir, but
you left an 11:30 call.
What happened to you?
A lady gave it to me.
What kind of lady?
I only saw her with one eye.
How do you like the service?
Leave by twelve or we
charge for another day.
Like the view?
Shut up. I was working all night.
This stuff is ready for
the drafting room.
Hello?
Oh.
It's you.
Carla Orr. She says she's your wife.
Do I tell her you just left for Africa?
- Alright.
I'll speak to her.
Not before I get a word in. Hiss.
Hello.
Yes. That was Peter.
Yes.
Tell him that confirms
the rumor he is a snake.
Dick darling. Guess what?
The mortgage on the apartment is due.
Yes. I'm going to be ..
I am going to be 'evicted'.
Whatever that is.
Darling, I know I got my check
yesterday morning but ..
If I'm going to be evicted ..
That means I have to come
back and live with you.
Can you think if anything more horrible
happening to either one of us?
You can.
Isn't it marvelous how we
see eye-to-eye on everything.
Alright then, dear. I'll expect
my check tomorrow morning.
And ..
Tell Peter the curse
of Carla is upon him.
Yes. Goodbye, sweet.
Goodbye.
I know a 2-ton safe that would
simply love to fall on Carla.
Why don't you let me arrange ..
- No. Let's forget about Carla.
Sure.
Say. Did they teach you scenic
designing at Carnegie Tech?
Yes. Two years of it.
Why?
Now what are you up to?
I'm going to back a play.
You can tell me that but don't
let our clients hear you say it.
They won't get an inkling until I
make my speech on opening night.
For information, what do
you know about the theater?
Nothing. But she knows everything.
- Who?
She was born in a trunk backstage
between curtain calls.
What else is there to
know about the theater?
He said he'd call me this morning.
Forget it, darling. You imagined it.
You were drunk.
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
Yes. This is Miss Carter.
Good morning, Mr Snowden.
Good morning, Miss Carter.
I have read your play.
I don't know what the critics
will say but I like it.
It's got a chance.
You ..?
You mean you will produce it?
Actually?
But you can't. You don't know
anything about show business.
No, of course not. But you do.
Look, suppose we have lunch
together and discuss details?
Same place as last night?
Okay, I'll be right over.
Yes, and I am bringing a friend along.
Don't ask me how, but by the look on
your face as you talk to that woman ..
I know exactly the sort of woman she is.
Really?
- Yes.
Suppose you come to lunch and see
what you can do with the tea leaves?
I'll be back this
afternoon, Miss Blackstone.
And take tomorrow afternoon off too,
little boy. You've had a busy day.
She's the sort of woman
you give a wide berth to.
She's the sort of woman you'll
never have lunch with.
You're going to stop me?
- Yes, Me. I've ten years on you.
And I have 15 pounds on you.
Two falls out of three.
Recall what I did to you when you messed
up and put a cellar on the 45th floor?
But do you remember what I did to you?
Yes. Made me junior partner.
That was strictly a hunch, Dick.
And it's still paying dividends.
Now. This play ..
- No. You mean this woman.
This woman if you like.
- Yeah.
A double hunch.
I don't like it.
If you used your head you'll
see it's perfectly obvious.
He's just a rich man.
Without respect for
women of the theater.
He'll probably make some
insulting comments.
That's what you're here for.
- He won't get far with me around.
Now. No rough stuff, Marian.
There she is.
She is beautiful.
- But she would be.
There he is.
He looks like a wolf
in sheep's clothing.
But he would be, the old ..
- Marian.
Hello.
Miss Plantagenet - Mr Snowden.
- How do you do.
We have met before.
I don't remember.
Yes, of course. Yes, most unusual.
Miss Carter, may I present Dick Orr.
Close friend and business associate.
How do you do.
And Miss ..
- Plantagenet.
Plantagenet.
Charmed.
Please sit down. You come over here.
- Thank you.
Cocktail?
Well.
No thank you.
And you?
- Orange juice.
He spent the night with a
20-storey building on his chest.
I'm having a Martini. Come on.
It's your last chance.
No. When we get to discussing business
one of us should have a clear head.
Is Mr Orr coming into the show with us?
No. Because I don't consider a
play a good business investment.
He calls himself my financial adviser
and when I mentioned show business ..
He barked.
Now. I would like to
ask a few questions.
Strictly business.
About how many plays
are produced in a year?
If it's a good season,
roughly about 150.
150. How many of those are hits?
A dozen or so.
The chances of success
are just ten percent.
Oh.
Is it that high?
Say, waiter. Have you got a
knife suitable for throwing?
Suppose I try to sell you some stock?
And frankly said the chance of losing
your money would be 90 percent.
What would you do?
I should probably buy it.
I haven't changed a bit since 1929.
You mean you'd throw me out on my ear?
Oh.
I see your point.
In other words, Mr Snowden
should throw me out on my ear.
You offer him the same proposition.
- We don't have to stay and be insulted.
As soon as we've had
our lunch we're going.
Finished with that pencil?
- Yes.
May I borrow it? Thank you.
I want to ask a few questions.
Strictly business.
What would you consider a safe
return on a sound, safe investment?
Four percent.
- Four percent.
Well.
A hit like Abie's Irish Rose returns
one thousand or two thousand percent.
And nobody throws nobody
out on nobody's ear.
An Abie's Irish Rose comes along
once in how many years?
Twenty-five.
Let's say twenty.
Show business needs no
sympathy from anyone.
Once in twenty-five.
Alright. Let's make it twenty-three.
Multiply 150 plays ..
By 23 years.
Divide that by 1,000 percent and you get
the true return on your investment.
Figures don't lie.
No. But the men figuring them can.
You have got to consider. Now then.
You must remember that ..
That.
He is right.
Any man who puts money in
a show needs a guardian.
Thanks, anyway.
All my life I had one worthy ambition.
To be a stage-door Johnny.
Take that money and put
it in government bonds.
But it's dull hanging around a treasury
waiting for the treasurer to emerge.
I'm sorry, Miss Carter.
You see, nothing personal.
I had wonderful plans.
I was going to form a company.
Fay Carter Productions Incorporated.
Yes. And I was going to buy
stock in it. $3,000 worth.
Why should we live lives
hemmed in by four percent?
Because it's the only sane thing.
- Up the river with sanity.
We'll be the angels. You and I.
A wing each.
But Mr Orr, your watchdog?
He has the logic. I've got the hunch.
Just look at the figures.
- Excuse me.
There you are. No figures.
It's a sign from heaven.
Waiter. Martinis all round.
May I see you for a moment?
- I'm awfully busy.
Sort of hanging between
the 17th and 18th floors.
Can you defy the law of
gravity just for a second?
Hey, don't ..
It is about this set.
It's an exact replica of the
Central Park Observatory.
Telescope for telescope.
- Yes.
It's an astronomer's dream
and an actor's nightmare.
Those beautiful gadgets
cluttering up the stage.
Who will pay any
attention to the actors?
I thought you wanted realism?
- Actors can't compete with scenery.
Especially if it's shiny
and chrome plated.
Another thing.
I have a building that must have
an 18th floor by 5 o'clock.
You've thingamabobs coming out
the floor. We'd have to excavate.
Well, the machines could
slide out of the walls.
I'm glad you mentioned the walls.
Are the doors in the right place?
No.
I never did want to design that set.
It's not my racket. I am an architect.
Give me 20 or 30 storeys and I'm fine.
I can't ..
- Shush.
Don't get excited.
See.
Now.
No echo.
Plenty of room for the actors.
Entrances and exits in the right place.
No collisions in doorways.
I'm awfully sorry. Are you alright?
Fine. How about you?
Great.
I can't understand. Going by the sound
one of us should have a headache.
Wait until tomorrow.
These things take time, you know.
Thanks.
- You really know your job.
I should know something
about the theater.
I played my first part when I was
two and I'm still stagestruck.
Our case histories are similar.
I made my first dog kennel aged three
and I've made nothing to equal it since.
A cigarette?
- No thanks.
When will you start on the park set?
Oh no. I have some real work to do.
I can't be bothered with stage sets.
But didn't Pete tell you? We're trying
to do this show as cheaply as possible.
Regular scenic designers cost money.
I hate parks. I'm an architect.
If I see open ground without
a building on it, it annoys me.
Be reasonable.
A park isn't difficult.
I'll help you. Come on.
No. Get a professional to design it.
Over there. Use my phone.
We can't afford it.
Afford? After the money you
wasted of Pete's already.
What's the difference? Another thousand?
Waste?
What do you mean, 'waste'?
Look it up.
It means to squander.
To wantonly throw away.
I tell you, some of the biggest fortunes
in history were made in the theater.
Yeah? Not by architects.
Compared to a play, digging for oil in
42nd Street is a sensible investment.
You want us to flop, don't you.
All I want is a building with
18 storeys by five o'clock.
When I told Jimmy the boss had gone into
show business he almost died laughing.
Know what he said?
I can't conceive of anything
he said interesting me.
Morning.
Good morning.
Mrs Orr is in your office.
Good morning.
Here he is now.
Hello, Carla.
- Hello, dear.
What's up?
Nothing in particular.
Money?
- Money? Thanks, no.
I am astounded.
- I thought you would be.
I don't wish to be impolite but I'm so
busy and if you don't want something ..
What is it?
I have heard Peter Snowden
is backing a show.
Well?
- I want a part in it.
A part?
Forget it. You're not an actress.
I suppose the woman that Peter
backs is another doozy?
She's the daughter of a great actor.
She was raised in the theater.
Acted all her life. She knows ..
Richard, you seem quite
excited about her yourself.
Do I?
- Yes.
It's ridiculous.
If you must know. You know how I speak.
Why?
Because. It doesn't matter.
Besides, it's none of your affair.
A cigarette?
You know, you're so adorable
when you get petulant.
Won't you please give me a divorce?
If I don't love you enough
to live with you.
I certainly don't dislike you
enough to divorce you.
Just being separated from you
is my happy medium, thank you.
Yes. But you can take your choice.
Now think of it: Reno, Mexico.
All expenses, a staggering settlement.
And custody of your mother.
For that, I should bounce
this off your thick head.
Be careful. Be careful of the carpet.
Why not be reasonable?
We tried to make a go
of this and it failed.
It was your fault.
- Alright. Let's say it's my fault.
The fact is, it's a fluff.
Now you just listen to me, Richard Orr.
I am completely bored.
I want something to do.
I think it will be divine
to be an actress.
And you see to it I get
a part in that play.
I have nothing to do with that play.
I can't get you a part and even if
I could I wouldn't. And that's that.
Now, will you please let me
alone so I can do some work?
Alright.
But.
Don't forget. I'll be around to see how
you get on with this new lady of yours.
Goodbye.
Who is Fay Carter anyway?
I believe she's the
daughter of an old actor ..
Who trailed around the country
putting the ham into Hamlet.
Trial by jury, eh?
Not jury. Inquisition.
Snake. Don't look so surprised.
I prevailed on Dick to bring me to your
I hear she's a splendid actress
both on the stage and off.
Beautiful too.
- Yes. We'll see.
See you after the show?
- I suppose so.
What happens after the show?
We celebrate Miss Carter's success.
- Or console her failure.
I'm sure you'll forgive
me if I don't come.
You're forgiven.
I'm sure you won't be too disappointed.
Come on. Let's get seated.
Miss Carter would like to see you, sir.
- Thanks.
For your information, we're going
to Daisy Lathberry's tonight.
For your information we go Peter's.
- I am going to Daisy's.
If you do, you go alone.
- I'm accustomed to that.
The way you want it?
- Why shouldn't I?
It's more fun when you're not around.
You know, I can't remember a line.
I'll ruin the play. I know I will.
I've never been so nervous in my life.
Nervous? Nervous?
What is there to be nervous about?
It's just another show.
Just another show. That's all.
Only it happens to be in New York
instead of Corpus Christi or Fargo.
Look at me. I've got the
whole play on my shoulders.
Am I nervous? Am I nervous?
- Of course not, darling.
I'm so nervous.
My knees are shaking so
that I can hardly stand up.
I wish I were in a nursing
home in Timbuktu.
But I remember my lines.
I don't go around whining. I don't ..
Oh dear.
Who let you in?
- Blanche.
Blanche. Don't you ever dare let
anyone in without telling me first.
But you sent for
Mr Snowden, Miss Carter.
Did I? I don't remember.
I don't remember.
I can't remember.
- Forget it.
I have.
If you can't remember lines
do Juliet's balcony speech.
That fits into any play.
How do I look?
- Divine.
Perfect.
First act. Places please.
I'm coming.
Coming.
It's come.
It's your show, Fay. Your success.
And my failure.
No. Only successes for you, Fay.
And for you, Peter.
It's your show and it's in the bag.
Now I remember.
That's why I sent for you.
I wanted to give you
something before I went on.
Stand still.
Come along.
The curtain should be down.
They were late ringing up.
- Seen the show?
No. If it's a flop I don't want to.
If it's a hit, I'll end up sick of it.
You're telling me.
- There she goes.
Right.
Not a bad first act.
My dear lady, the road to theatrical
ruin is paved with good first acts.
I liked her.
Not bad but any actress can
get away with one act.
She is magnificent.
What has she done before?
Fay Carter, did you say?
- Yes. Lovely, isn't she.
Mark my words, they liked it.
They didn't exactly stand up and cheer.
- But they listened.
Believe me that's rare
for a first night audience ..
To listen to the actors
instead of each other.
I know. I watched their faces.
- Was he there?
Who?
On stage for second
act please, Miss Carter.
Coming.
Dick Orr.
- Oh, him.
He was there, smug and
glowering in the fourth row.
I hate that man.
We have two acts to prove he was wrong.
Now Marian, be a darling and
kick me again for good luck.
That's the girl. Thank you.
Be sure to drop in later.
Just a tiny little soiree with 400
of my most intimate friends.
Thanks most awfully. Goodnight.
Blanche.
- Yes, Miss?
Guard the door. Say I'm changing.
- Yes, Miss.
Well, gallant Peter?
Well, goldmine?
I don't need to tell you how superb
I thought you were tonight.
Who made it possible?
- I only had the money.
And the hunch.
- And the confidence.
Remember my lecture
on training, background?
And I remember the luncheon next day.
Now Dick meant well. He ..
- Let him do his own apologising.
You're not going to gloat?
- The situation creates the mood.
If you don't leave me alone I shan't
get to your party until after dawn.
I'll be waiting impatiently.
You were great, Fay. See you later.
Make the most of this dance.
- Why?
It's your last dance as a nonentity.
After the morning papers come out ..
You'll be able to dance in public only
with the aid of four 200-pounders.
Who, surrounding you on all sides.
Will beat off autograph
hunters with lead-lined clubs.
I will love it. No dark glasses for me.
I want everyone to know who I am.
An actress who doesn't should never
be allowed inside of a theater.
Dick show up?
- No sign of him yet.
Where's Marian?
She left ten minutes ago with
a bottle under each arm.
She said not to worry. She'd write.
If you ever want to break
a lease, keep Marian in mind.
Dick will be along any minute now.
I thought Mr Orr complements his nights
as well as his days with hard work.
No. You are wrong there.
Dick works like the devil but
he plays like the devil too.
Say, I wish you two got along better.
Dick's a grand fellow when you know him.
Why should I get to know him?
Because ..
- There. You see.
You can't answer.
Peter, don't go round the world ..
Trying to make friends become
friends with each other.
It's fatal.
- In what way?
Either you fail.
That means a lot of
hard work for nothing.
If you succeed, then you
are left out in the cold.
Hey, where did you learn
all this worldly wisdom?
I don't know. Maybe from
some of the parts I've played.
We've found Marian.
Where?
I'll have an awful time
getting her out of there.
Why should you want to?
The music sounds better than before.
I'll ask her to show me her
union card. That will do it.
See you in the bar later, Peter.
Hello, Dick.
- Peter.
Your hunch was a good one.
- You liked it?
You'll get a lot of money
back on your investment.
She knows her stuff, doesn't she.
- Yes. She is brilliant.
You want me to tell her she said that?
- No. Why do you suppose I came here?
Now how do you feel?
Good enough to get back and
make those old drums talk.
You're coming along with me.
I know this man. I know him, I know him.
I can't remember his name but
it will come to me in a minute.
If this eye were black
you'd know me instantly.
Once around the room and
you will be revealed to me.
Good luck, Peter.
Shall we dance?
Yes.
Hello.
Hello.
I suppose you thought I wasn't coming.
I wondered.
Did you really?
Yes.
Then you were actually
thinking about me?
In a way.
I suppose you thought I didn't
have the nerve to face you.
Was I?
If nothing else you've proved
that I was absolutely right.
When I said I didn't know
a thing about show business.
You're evading the issue.
Very clumsily I'm afraid.
Yes.
Anyway, you were superb.
If I were a critic I'd say ..
The inspired performance of Fay Carter
left nothing to be asked for ..
Except her telephone number.
The acting was on a par with the play.
The play should have a nice long run
and anyone who doesn't think so.
Should have their head
bounced for echoes.
And if you still think
I'm evading the issue ..
Is an apology.
- Not bad.
A successful one too.
I see.
Why did we come out here?
I wanted to show you your city.
Mine?
Yes. You took possession of it tonight
as the curtain ran down on the last act.
Look at it.
How does it feel to have that at your
feet and know the city is yours?
I can't say. It never
occurred to me like that.
Has it occurred to you that you
and I may be sitting here alone ..
Actually, may I say, peaceful?
I'd thought of it.
- Great.
I wasn't quite sure it was possible.
It should have been.
I did your sets the way you
wanted them done, didn't I?
That was the day I started thinking.
I couldn't think of anything
but you for days after that.
When did you get time to do the sets?
They were part of you.
Every line I drew had
something to do with you.
And if they were beautiful it
was because they had to be.
To compliment you.
I don't believe it.
It's true.
It's an exciting view, isn't it.
Fay.
It was more than a show.
It was a revelation.
And I thought I needed you.
But you don't?
Of course I don't.
Of course.
It's utterly ridiculous, but ..
I can't think of anything
to say except ..
It's so sudden, Dick.
Lightning never struck faster.
Or with more force.
I just must be tired.
I don't seem to be able to
think clearly right now.
I ..
Here, I have achieved a
lifelong ambition tonight.
It seems so terribly unimportant
compared to this.
And involved.
Fay.
- Dick.
Let's not talk now.
I want to think about
what's happened to us.
Things like this don't usually
happen to grown-ups, do they?
They do.
I'll take a note on it.
What are you looking at?
New York.
It has finally decided to
be completely kind to me.
'Say it with flowers'.
Is Mr Orr in yet?
- He is not.
'Say it with flowers'.
If you must sing that song
will you please keep in tune.
Dear me, we did get out of bed
the wrong side this morning.
Morning, Miss Blackstone.
- Good morning.
Come in please.
Hello? Vogue flower shop?
Yes.
We want two dozen chrysanthemums.
The big giant yellow ones.
And one dozen tiger-lilies.
Yes. On Mr Snowden's account.
At the same address.
Yes. Thank you.
Mr Snowden wanted to be
informed when you came in.
It's extremely good for Mr Snowden
to wait for me just once.
Now these papers ..
- These papers can wait.
Miss Reid, tell me.
When you went to school
did you ever play hooky?
I did not.
- That's a pity.
One of the joys of life. Knowing you
should be away working and you're not.
And for no reason at all.
Yeah. Try it someday.
Here. Take a letter to
Chalmers and Hastings.
Dear sir.
Who's the best florist in New York?
You want that written?
- No. I ask you. Who is?
I believe the Vogue Flower Shop
on Madison is the most expensive.
That's good.
Order a dozen chrysanthemums. Red ones.
Send them to Miss Fay Carter.
You know the address.
Yes, Mr Orr.
Morning, Dick.
- Morning.
Got a minute?
- Sure. Come in.
Do that job.
I'll ring for you if I need you.
Yes, Mr Orr.
Two dozen chrysanthemums?
And where are they to go?
But Mr Snowden's daily order
has already gone to Miss Carter.
Oh.
'Say it with flowers'.
'Beautiful flowers'.
So. In view of the facts we
decided Fay Carter Productions ..
Shall be a permanent thing.
Look. I am me. I've little money.
Don't want dividends.
The perfect stockholder.
Can I get in on this somehow?
A theatrical tradition.
To ensure success ..
The business end of the theater shall
be inefficient, inexpert and muddled.
That's me.
So, in future I'll devote all my time
to Fay Carter Productions Incorporated.
Completely?
- I've drawn my last plan.
The Jackson Building is my last
gift to the Manhattan skyline.
Pete, have sense. You can't quit.
In the end it's all for the best.
Skyscrapers will be straighter.
Foundations will be firmer.
And what about Snowden and Co.?
- That becomes your baby.
I offer you a full-fledged partnership.
- What?
'Snowden and Orr'.
My name is first because I'm handsomer.
You accept?
- Do I accept?
Pete, I don't know how to thank you.
- We'll call a lawyer and make it legal.
Not necessary. I take your word for it.
- Come on.
Tonight you go home and take a shower.
The cold water will clear your head.
You'll realize you're doing all
the work for only half the money.
That's the moment I want your
name on an iron-bound contract.
Now listen to this.
Superlatives.
All superlatives.
'Ecstasy'.
'Exquisite'.
'Divine'.
I have never read such notices
in all my life. Now listen.
'It's a long time since Broadway had
the opportunity to discover an actress'.
'Who actually knows how to act'.
'Fay Carter is unique'.
Fay.
You're not even listening.
Poor darling.
You are worn out, aren't you.
Too tired even to care
about your notices.
But you know ..
If you didn't look so healthy ..
I would ask you if you weren't well.
And I'd say I've never
felt better in my life.
You've every right to be
deliriously happy this morning.
I am too.
Far too happy for an actress who
hasn't even read her press notices.
Impossible.
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
Hello dear.
It's a beautiful day and
not a cloud in the sky.
But there will be stormy weather
if I don't see you today.
You will?
This afternoon.
Yes. I have got something terribly
important to do this morning.
I'll see you about four.
I will expect you.
Don't you dare be a minute late.
Goodbye, darling.
Of course.
I suppose one may say
it's none of my business.
But were you by any chance
talking to the weatherman?
No, darling. Just Dick.
Dick who?
Dick Orr.
No the Dick Orr?
The same.
- But when did it happen?
The last thing I knew, you two were ..
- On our way to the terrace.
That proves what sort of a man he is.
The moment my back is turned ..
- It wasn't exactly your back, dear.
Well. Anyhow.
You're making a big mistake.
Now listen to me.
I am not going to be silly.
If you're in love, you're in love.
You're not the first woman
who has acted like an idiot.
But you're no ordinary woman.
You are a star.
Don't forget that while
one hit can make a star ..
It can't keep her shining forever.
You must start thinking
about your next play.
You can't afford to become
involved with anything else.
[ Telephone ]
Yes. Speaking.
I'll call her.
Are you going to tell him?
You might as well.
You must tell him sooner or later.
Hello Peter.
Yes.
Yes. I would love to
have luncheon with you.
Will you call for me
here at half past one?
Is Mrs Orr in?
- Yes, Mr Orr.
Hello Carla.
Do you know, something about your face
reminds me of a man I once married.
Has the building burned down or
has a certain architect been fired?
I'm glad you remember me because
I brought our marriage license along ..
To identify myself, but now
it won't be necessary, will it.
No. Because I have a
good memory for faces.
How would you like to completely
obliterate mine from your life?
No.
It isn't that distasteful to me, dear.
Besides, I couldn't help remembering
on the first of every month.
Listen, Carla.
We've been married for five years.
The last two didn't work. Isn't that so?
Whose fault was that?
Mine. But it doesn't matter.
The point is it hasn't worked.
We've just drifted along instead of
making the clean break we should have ..
When we first split up.
I know it, darling.
But I can't bring myself to buy
the right clothes for Reno.
How would you like
to start shopping today.
And send the bills to me?
Why the sudden generosity, darling?
Don't you think, as long as we're
no longer man and wife that ..
We should make it official?
Why today?
Because at last I'm in a position to do
the thing properly by you financially.
Peter made me a partner today.
Yes. So, if you'll go I'll have
an attorney draw up an agreement.
Have any settlement you like.
But within reason.
And then we can break off without
any bitterness or without any regrets.
You know, Dick. I have been thinking.
I rather like the idea of being a wife
of a partner in a firm of architects.
It is rather a cosy idea.
But, Carla.
We can have more money. We can ..
Entertain a little.
We can lead our own lives.
Only under happier, more
prosperous circumstances.
It was always understood ..
That if one of us wanted a divorce
the other wouldn't stand in the way.
Now, Dick. Let's be reasonable.
I have waited so long and so patiently.
You can't expect me to
suffer the lean years ..
And then remove myself conveniently
when the fat ones come along, can you?
Let's give it a trial anyway.
I can't.
- Why not?
Who is she?
- You wouldn't know.
I wonder.
It couldn't possibly be Peter
My.
You have become his
partner, haven't you.
That's pretty rotten.
To be expected and we'll
not quarrel over it.
The question is, will you or
will you not divorce me?
Darling, we won't quarrel
about that either.
No.
The theater phoned me this morning.
They have taken a 20-week
buy on Springboard.
You know what that means?
- Sure.
It means I'm a wily old
fox who's backed a winner.
I knew that the first day I saw you.
- No.
It means that very soon I'll be able
to buy you out of Carter Productions.
Buy me out?
- Now don't get excited.
There isn't enough money in the world to
pay you back for what you did for me.
But I'll feel a lot happier when
I'm completely independent.
I won't sell.
I want to feel I have a share in you.
Always.
But you will have.
I'll be an old woman with a long grey
beard before I can pay you all back.
You understand?
No. I'm dense this morning.
I don't understand anything.
What's more, I'm not going to try.
I have other plans.
You don't want to stay in show business?
- But I do. I love it.
In fact, I was thinking of
building a theater for you.
No, Peter. We were lucky this time.
The next play might be a flop.
What if it is? We try again.
What about your business?
Ah, that's been taken care of.
I made Dick a full partner.
Really?
He runs the business while
I play at being a producer.
He tried to buy in on
Carter Productions.
So I gave him the Snowden Company.
He'll make more money but
I'll have much more fun.
I don't think Dick really cares
much about money. Do you?
No. Not for himself.
It takes a lot to keep
that wife of his going.
Wife?
- Hmm. Carla.
Oh.
Didn't you know?
No.
No. I guess he forgot to tell me.
Because he tries to forget it
himself as often as he can.
Fay.
Remember that day, right here
when we discussed your contract?
Yes.
You remember the terms of the agreement?
Not the financial ones. The others.
About falling in love and .. all that.
Yes.
Well?
I love you, Peter.
But I'm not in love with you.
I kind of expected you to say that.
Besides.
I wouldn't give up my
work for married life.
The theater and my job would
always have to come first.
That's alright with me.
It wouldn't be a fair
bargain to you, Peter.
And anyway.
I don't think I'll ever
love anyone again.
Even an angel like you.
Suppose I'm willing to take the risk?
Would it make you very
happy to marry me?
Yes. Very.
Okay, boss.
Your hunches have been lucky so far.
Maybe the luck will continue.
To the luckiest girl in the world.
And it's signed 'Peter'.
Will you stop looking like
the first day of winter.
You get a darned good man in Peter.
If you don't want him, pass him to me.
- Marian, please.
Now, stop thinking
about that Orr person.
Any man who makes a state
secret out of being married ..
[ Buzzer ]
For Miss Carter.
- Thank you.
These will have to go in the Frigidaire.
We haven't got any more vases.
Peter's overdoing things.
But these aren't from Peter.
They're from a man with a state secret.
All he's written is his name.
Not another word.
He probably couldn't think
of anything to say.
Throw them away.
No. I have a worse fate than
that planned for them.
Back to Mr Orr they go.
But I won't be at a loss for words
to put on the card either.
[ Telephone ]
Hello.
Talk of the devil.
Ask him up.
He's on his way.
I don't see how you could
ever see him again.
I don't see how you can stand to have
him in the same room with you.
I want to see him, Marian.
I want to tell him what I think of him.
- Ah.
Then you have my blessing.
I will go.
Hello Marian.
- Hmm.
Hello Fay.
Marian, Dick and I prefer to be alone.
- Yes, but I don't think that ..
Alright. But if you want any help ..
I am in the next room.
What's the matter?
Why didn't you tell me you were married?
Oh. I see.
Peter told me.
I tried to tell you but
you wouldn't listen.
You could have told me when
you telephoned this morning.
I was on my way to ask Carla for
a divorce when I talked to you.
You see, we haven't lived
together for a long time.
Asking for a divorce was something
I wanted to do months ago.
And when you finally did ask her?
She refused.
So you only added another
mistake to the first one.
We'll work it out some way.
After all, two people can't
each other as much as we ..
It's over, Dick.
Done for.
But I love you.
And I'm going to marry you.
It's too late, Dick.
I promised Peter I would marry him.
But you don't love him.
Yes I do .. in a way.
I won't let him down now.
I couldn't hurt him like that.
No.
Will you please go, Dick.
I am going to cry and ..
I don't like people watching me
except across the footlights.
Please Dick.
I still can't believe it's true. Is it?
Stand back while I turn
another handspring.
Who's the woman with Dick?
Uhoh. It's an ill wind that
blows in the uninvited.
Who is she?
- Carla Orr. Dick's wife.
I thought they weren't living together.
- They aren't.
Then?
I suppose she came in alone and
then attached herself to Dick.
She has a way of attaching herself.
Mark my words. She'll be up to some
mischief before the night is out.
But she can't spoil our party.
Let's not worry about her.
Smile, darling.
You can't win all the time.
Don't they look divinely happy.
Don't get up. I'm just here
on parole between dances.
Why is it that only men over
225 pounds want to dance with me?
That's not the worst of it.
They like to dance with me.
One heavyweight tells another.
I know how you feel.
Being lucky at cards is no consolation.
Marian. This is my wife, Carla.
Carla, this is Marian Plantagenet.
Yes, yes. Of course.
Yes. How do you do.
Fay.
What is it, Marian?
- This is Dick's wife.
Fay. This is my wife, Carla.
Carla, this is Miss Fay Carter.
- How do you do.
I'm so glad to meet you, Miss Cater.
I want to congratulate you on
Springboard and on Peter too.
Two hits out of two.
- Thank you.
I've never seen you
looking so smug, Peter.
I feel smug but so would any
man in the circumstances.
Won't you sit down, Miss Carter?
I want you to tell me how you've
made Peter look so happy.
I would dearly love to get the same
expression on Dick's face but ..
I don't seem able to do it.
One doesn't do it, Mrs Orr. It just
happens if the circumstances are right.
I see.
And if the circumstances are wrong?
Shall we dance, Peter?
That is yours, Dick. Fay says she
hasn't danced with you all evening.
I suppose ..
- Go. You have my permission.
Thank you, Mrs Orr.
Yes.
I will dance with you.
I didn't get your invitation, Peter.
Of course I was sure you'd sent me
one but it got lost in the mail.
How are you, Carla?
- Very happy, thank you.
It looks like tonight is a
great night for us, doesn't it.
Us?
Yes. You get your girl
and I get back my man.
You've patched things up with Dick?
- No, not exactly. But we will.
He'll get over her in no time.
Who? Say, what are you talking about?
Fay, of course.
He is madly in love with her.
But he'll get over that.
Now look here, Carla.
Don't be angry with me, Peter.
I'm just an innocent bystander.
All I know is, Dick came to
me and asked for a divorce.
He said he was mad about Fay.
He even tried to make me believe
that Fay was mad about him.
But I didn't go for that.
Thanks for the eye-opener, Peter.
I don't know what you are trying to
stir up but I do know you're lying.
In the Middle Ages they would have
burnt you at the stake for a witch.
I am going to ask for a
year's leave of absence.
Dick.
I just want to see what's left
of the rest of the world.
I don't suppose I'll see
you again for a long time.
You don't still think I ..
- No, Dick.
Then it's too late, isn't it?
Yes, darling.
Fay.
I'll always love you.
Let's go home the long way.
Twice round the park? What do you say?
Harry ..
- Darling.
Mind taking me home right away?
I'm awfully tired.
- My sweet, I'm so sorry.
Never mind, Harry.
We'll take Miss Carter home.
Fay.
I haven't kissed you since 8 o'clock.
[ Door knocks ]
Come in.
Morning, Dick.
A nice time last night?
About as good as can be expected.
You didn't finish the night sleeping
under the blueprints again, did you?
I didn't sleep.
Something wrong?
Everything and nothing.
You wouldn't care to give me
a few highlights, would you?
Just Carla.
All I need at the moment
is a nice long vacation.
But Dick.
I want you for the wedding.
You're going to be my best man.
No.
Not I.
Why not?
Because I have an urge to see
a glacier somewhere in Norway.
It sounds far away .. and cold.
When did you get an urge
to see a glacier in Norway?
I have always wanted to sit on one
and watch the avalanches roll by.
Have you told Fay?
No.
No reason why I should.
She will miss you.
No she won't.
I'm not so sure.
Anyway, I don't want to talk about it.
There's a boat sailing at midnight.
I've booked passage on it.
- Midnight?
Isn't a partner entitled
to two weeks' notice?
Sorry, Peter. I can't wait.
You caught me off guard, Dick.
- No.
In a few weeks the office will run along
as smoothly as if I'd never been here.
I wasn't thinking of the office.
I was thinking of Fay and you.
She warned me, you know.
She said people who try to bring others
together might get left out in the cold.
And not in Norway either.
You're going to marry her.
She doesn't love me.
She told me so.
I'm sorry, Peter.
If there was a way,
I'd make her love you.
I know you would.
But that's not the way it works.
People can't be made to fall in love.
Come and have supper with me, Dick.
We'll have a quiet evening together.
Then I'll take you down to the pier and
wave you off to Norway and the glaciers.
And the avalanches.
You don't have to go all the
way to Norway for avalanches.
Evening, Reynolds.
- Good evening, Miss.
Mr Snowden phoned.
He will be a little late, Miss Carter.
Thank you.
Hello Dick.
Hello Fay.
Reynolds said Peter might be late.
Was he at the theater tonight?
No.
The first performance he
has missed. It showed too.
There wasn't half the usual applause.
How is Marian?
She is well. Marian is always well.
Thanks, Reynolds.
Never had a sick day in her life.
The doctor is going to
do something about it.
I hope Peter gets here pretty soon.
I have to catch a boat in 45 minutes.
A boat?
What kind of a boat?
A regular ocean-going liner.
Going to Norway.
Oh.
Why Norway?
I just stuck a pin in the map and ..
Up came Norway.
Where is it exactly?
I never have been sure.
It's up north somewhere. You know.
With Finland and Sweden.
In that neighborhood.
Will you be gone long?
I don't know.
Until I get homesick.
How long will that be?
I'm homesick right now.
But I will make a tour of it.
I remember now.
Norway is part of a peninsula.
Pretty soon I'll remember
what a peninsula is.
Fay.
You're looking badly.
You are miserable. And so am I.
Here is to health.
Skol.
I can't imagine why you invited me here.
Even less why I came.
I want to apologise, Carla.
You were right. I'm sorry.
- What are you going to do about it?
First thing I'll do is kick
Dick out, neck and crop.
Peter, you can't do that.
That young man will find it hard
to earn a living in New York ..
By the time I'm done with him.
He may be able to start somewhere else.
Middle-west perhaps.
But that's his own affair.
What about this Carter creature?
Fay?
It's easier to forgive a
woman, don't you think?
What about me?
Am I supposed to stay and share poverty
with a man who deserted and shunned me?
What else is there to do, my dear?
I could sue him for divorce and her too.
No, hardly for divorce.
- Alienation of affections.
I'd ruin her name so quick.
If you do that you ruin your own
chance of getting anything out of her.
She's only been in the
big money a few weeks.
You'd get nothing and
make a fool of yourself.
Now, I have a solution.
You can't possibly go on with Dick.
Better divorce him.
Yes? And live on what?
Not so fast, Carla.
You may not know I have
turned Fay into a company ..
In which I hold the bulk of the shares.
It's not in the company's interest that
Fay Carter's name be dragged in the mud.
As president, I might be
able to do a deal with you.
What's your game, Peter?
You want to talk business?
I am very fond of Dick.
Waiter. Two more Highballs.
Alright.
I'll talk business with you.
- Good.
A cigarette?
I can't imagine what
can be keeping Peter.
Does Peter know you're
leaving for Norway?
Yes. I told him this morning.
That's when he asked me to come this
evening for a last-minute bull session.
Don't you see? He has left us
here alone here on purpose.
That's his way of stepping out.
But we mustn't let him, Dick.
It isn't fair, is it?
No.
It's not fair.
Goodbye, Fay.
Make him very happy.
He deserves it.
I'll send you an icicle from Norway.
Hello, Fay.
- Hello, Peter.
Where's Dick?
- He has gone to the boat.
What?
But he can't leave now.
I've just come from Carla.
She agreed to go to Reno. We must
get to the pier before the boat sails.
You can't. I won't let you.
I'm not sacrificing myself.
I use plain common-sense.
I want to marry you.
- No you don't.
You want to be decent and show
your gratitude without hurting me.
That's no good for marriages.
They get on each other's nerves.
I'd be jealous. You'd be resentful.
All for the sake of a quixotic gesture.
We must live our lives, dear.
Not pretend them.
You know I'm right Fay, don't you?
Yes.
Now, we just have time
to make that boat.
I'm not sailing.
Someone aboard I must see.
You missed it. We sail any moment.
I simply must.
- Sorry.
It's a question of life and death.
Dick.
Dick!
Carla is going to get a divorce.
[ Ship's horn. Loud ]
Carla. Divorce!
Carla.
What about Carla?
Dick!
..w-g..
- Have you an appointment, dear?
No, but ..
- Sorry. You'll have to wait.
I guess six months' steady
work is worth waiting for.
W.P. Carstairs.
Hello, Joe. For the love of Mike
where's that Carter dame?
What? She hasn't gotten there yet?
She must have been caught
in a traffic jam.
She left here over half an hour ago.
We might as well tell him.
- Now be a little patient, Bill.
She'll be along any
minute, old man. So long.
Don't be an idiot, Fay.
It's a good show. A swell part.
Road company.
You can knock spots off
Dolores Stone's performance.
In Sioux City.
Your father wasn't
ashamed to play there.
Neither am I.
I just don't want to. I have played it.
I was carried on in my mother's arms.
I was little Eva in Sioux City.
I've done Desdemona to my father's
Othello in Sioux City. I love it.
I've done every other one-night-stand
from Portland Maine to San Diego.
I've brought down the house
in places no-one's heard of.
Except the post office.
My dear Fay, don't you realize?
Yes, I know. The same old routine.
Have a nice safe job on the road.
I work for a reasonable salary.
My father's name was an asset
but that's not true now.
My father's name doesn't mean
a thing. It died with him.
That's not so, Fay. There are plenty
who remember what a fine actor he was.
Yes. I know.
A few old-timers who knew him
when he was still a great actor.
Before he took to annual farewell tours
because he was too poor to retire.
And don't forget this, Joe.
There isn't any road anymore.
'The road' is now a
double-feature movie ..
A newsreel and a travelogue
on a Friday night.
No.
I am either going to see my
name in lights in New York or ..
Or quit the profession entirely.
What else could you do?
Well.
I suppose I could be a
wardrobe mistress.
That is still backstage.
Come on, Fay. Be a good scout.
Take this part in Carstairs' show.
You may as well draw a salary while
we're looking for something better.
I can wait. I've got
about $3,000 saved up.
Alright. Hold on to it.
And in the meantime ..
It's no use, Joe.
I'm not going to leave New York.
It isn't as if I were some stagestruck
girl that thinks she's an actress.
I was born in the theater.
I was taught my profession
and I know my job.
And I'm thirty years old, Joe.
Six years on the wrong side.
I can't afford to wait.
Neither now or never.
I wish I could be more encouraging.
What will I tell Carstairs?
Tell him the road is dead.
Fay Carter helped to kill it.
And she has no intention of
returning to the scene of the crime.
Goodbye, Joe. I'll phone you tomorrow.
[ Female scream! ]
Marian. Did you scream?
Yes, sir.
- What's the matter?
You rapping the door frightened me.
And when I'm frightened I scream.
I'm no hypocrite.
Anything happen today?
- A big day.
I turned down the lead in the
road company of 'Tenderly Yours'.
You did?
Uhuh.
- Ha.
How long do you think $3,000 will
last in a $150-a-month apartment?
With you buying clothes as if the
government was paying the bills.
Any telephone calls?
The phone rang but you scared it away.
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
Yes, Mr Thompson.
I will see if she'll talk with you.
Thompson and Harrison's office.
Don't be too anxious.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Hello, Mr Thompson.
Fine, thank you.
Oh, you saw me in Rochester.
Is that so?
Thank you so much.
He saw me in Rochester and said I was ..
I beg your pardon?
In half an hour. Goodbye.
What is it?
The lead in 'Aftermath'.
Harrison's new show.
You mean you've got it?
No. I get to read it.
Then you have got it.
Wait a minute, wait a minute.
For good luck.
- Thanks.
I pretended to read.
Hoping to drop off to sleep.
When I raised my eyes ..
They were still looking at me.
He had never taken his eyes off of me.
Poor Bill.
He tried so hard to smile.
But couldn't make it.
Dear.
Dear sweet Bill.
Laughing at his own jokes again.
Alright Miss Carter. Tomorrow
morning at ten o'clock at The Empire.
Is that the rehearsal call?
- But what about the old man?
It's in the bag. Miss Carter
is going to play the part.
She's perfect. It was written for her.
I'll take care of Harrison.
Thank you.
But I tell you she's a great actress.
She will be a sensation.
She'll have them cheering in the aisles.
Not interested.
- Look, Mr Harrison.
She's exactly what I imagined
this girl would be like.
If I tried to write a part for her
I couldn't have done it better.
Don't mean a thing. Times are hard.
Show business is a gamble.
I know, Mr Harrison.
But this girl is an actress.
Look the only protection I
have is the name in the lead.
I'm going to have that even if I
have to go to Hollywood to get one.
And don't be too eager.
Just take your time.
- Yes, dear.
How do I look?
Divine.
Well, here goes Fay Carter.
Funny, isn't it. I Knew something
would happen. It just had to.
Of course, dear. You're entitled to it.
Now run along. Run along.
And ..
If there's a part for you
I'll see you get it.
Thank you, dear.
Your bag and gloves, my lady.
Thank you, Jeeves.
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
Just a minute please.
Thompson.
Hello?
Yes. This is Miss Carter.
Why, I am sure you do
all that you could.
Thank you.
What?
Oh yes.
Yes. Thank you.
Goodbye.
Well .. you heard.
I've lost the part.
They say I'm too sophisticated
to pay a milkmaid.
At least it saved me the cab fare.
'I will keep you in mind'.
He is telling you. You.
He'll keep you in mind.
Who does he think he's talking to?
By what right?
It's all my fault, darling.
I didn't kick you hard enough.
I let sentiment interfere with my duty.
Fay.
Do you need a drink?
Why?
For not getting that part.
Now. That calls for a celebration.
Marian, that doesn't sound logical.
In an hour everything will
sound wonderfully logical.
Now come on, Fay.
Your soul aches with disappointment.
Your nerves are snapping. Your spirits
are low. Your courage is weak.
You need a drink, Fay.
You need a drink.
Almost as badly as I do.
Come on, darling.
I'll be ready in a jiffy.
Another brandy.
- Marian, you have had three.
We are depressed, Fay. Very depressed.
We need to drink our sorrows away.
We need jobs.
- We aren't broke.
It isn't the money. It's just that
being idle does something to one.
I guess I'd better take
that roadshow offer.
No you won't.
If the dust storms don't get
you the double-features will.
Another brandy.
I'm still untouched.
My man, you annoy me.
Please go away.
- So sorry.
My man, I ..
- Let's go home.
A Plantagenet never retreats.
I told you.
- You annoy me.
Please leave us alone.
The lady has only to comment.
Marian.
You shouldn't allow drunks
into respectable places.
Are you hurt?
She packs a mean wallop.
I'm terribly sorry.
- That's alright.
I think she has passed out.
- That's absurd.
It's quite final.
What am I going to do now?
Has she got a home?
- Of course she has a home.
I am sorry. We'd better take her to it.
Here we go.
I never should let her drink.
She can't take it. Three or perhaps
four and she passes out.
She'll be alright.
Peter Snowden.
- Fay Carter.
Miss Marian Plantagenet.
Ah. Is she your mother?
If that doesn't shock her into
consciousness nothing will.
Sorry. Sister?
No.
Just an old friend.
Ever since I can remember.
Architect.
Actress.
Oh? What have you been in?
Nothing on Broadway.
Everything on the road.
What sort of architect are you?
I built an 80-storey building
but I'm afraid to go in it.
You want a fight?
- Wait a second.
Wait a minute. No. Not particularly.
Do you know ..
I was a college boxing champion?
Marian, how do you feel?
- What?
It's me, Fay.
If you want receipts.
Write your conscience.
Dear boy.
Right in here please.
Put Miss Plantagenet there.
Now, would you mind waiting in the ..?
Sure.
I can't thank you enough.
- You're Henry Carter's daughter?
Yes.
For years, Henry Carter was
the great event of my life.
Did you know him?
- I played with him.
Where?
In Rutland, Vermont.
- I played Ophelia in Rutland.
Of course you did.
My father owned the drugstore.
I was one of the soldiers
who helped carry off Hamlet.
I was the soldier whose
voice was changing.
You don't by any chance remember?
No.
Voices changed on us in
every town we played.
Yes. I suppose so.
Won't you sit down?
- Thanks.
You should have your own
company like your father.
And get lost in the jungle
of one-night-stands?
Not me.
It's out of New York or not at all.
- Hollywood?
I'll need a name first.
- But you have one.
Not the right kind.
The latest dancing sensation in any
nightclub has a bigger name than me.
But that's ridiculous.
If you were an architect and came to me
with your architectural background ..
Family, training and experience.
I would hire you in a minute.
It's logic.
That's not show business.
Do you mean to say you can't get a part?
I can get plenty of parts.
On the road. But nothing in New York.
And I .. I've got a good
play with a good part.
But no-one will produce it.
May I read it?
Why?
There isn't an architect living ..
Who doesn't think he would make
the best set designer in the world.
Just a moment. I'll get it.
There you are.
- Thank you.
You know, my friends
sometimes call me eccentric.
I am not. But I do play hunches.
I'll call you in the morning. Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Mr Snowden.
I must thank you again for everything.
Not a bit. I've had fun. Goodnight.
I'll wait to hear from you.
- Alright.
Hello? No, Mr Snowden is not in.
Mr Snowden never gets
in until one-thirty.
No. Never.
Okay, I'll tell him you called.
Goodbye.
Morning.
Well .. good morning, Mr Snowden.
Maybe he should have ducked.
Quite a few messages, Mr Snowden.
Mr Porter called ..
Get me Miss Fay Carter on the telephone.
- Yes, sir. What is her number?
Huh? I haven't the vaguest idea.
If it isn't in the telephone book call
information and if they've not got it ..
Call every apartment house on
55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue.
And tell Mr Orr I'd like to see him.
Mr Orr hasn't come in yet.
Not in yet? That's unusual, isn't it?
- Yes, it is.
He is never later than nine.
I tell you what, Miss Blackstone.
Before you get me that number ..
Get the Jackson blueprints
from Mr Orr's office.
Yes.
Mr Snowden.
Who won?
Hmm?
That's the way they wear them
this year, Miss Blackstone.
Did you find the Jackson blueprints?
Yes, sir.
And I think I found Mr Orr too.
Where?
Underneath the Jackson blueprints.
What?
[ Snoring sounds ]
I am sorry sir, but
you left an 11:30 call.
What happened to you?
A lady gave it to me.
What kind of lady?
I only saw her with one eye.
How do you like the service?
Leave by twelve or we
charge for another day.
Like the view?
Shut up. I was working all night.
This stuff is ready for
the drafting room.
Hello?
Oh.
It's you.
Carla Orr. She says she's your wife.
Do I tell her you just left for Africa?
- Alright.
I'll speak to her.
Not before I get a word in. Hiss.
Hello.
Yes. That was Peter.
Yes.
Tell him that confirms
the rumor he is a snake.
Dick darling. Guess what?
The mortgage on the apartment is due.
Yes. I'm going to be ..
I am going to be 'evicted'.
Whatever that is.
Darling, I know I got my check
yesterday morning but ..
If I'm going to be evicted ..
That means I have to come
back and live with you.
Can you think if anything more horrible
happening to either one of us?
You can.
Isn't it marvelous how we
see eye-to-eye on everything.
Alright then, dear. I'll expect
my check tomorrow morning.
And ..
Tell Peter the curse
of Carla is upon him.
Yes. Goodbye, sweet.
Goodbye.
I know a 2-ton safe that would
simply love to fall on Carla.
Why don't you let me arrange ..
- No. Let's forget about Carla.
Sure.
Say. Did they teach you scenic
designing at Carnegie Tech?
Yes. Two years of it.
Why?
Now what are you up to?
I'm going to back a play.
You can tell me that but don't
let our clients hear you say it.
They won't get an inkling until I
make my speech on opening night.
For information, what do
you know about the theater?
Nothing. But she knows everything.
- Who?
She was born in a trunk backstage
between curtain calls.
What else is there to
know about the theater?
He said he'd call me this morning.
Forget it, darling. You imagined it.
You were drunk.
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
Yes. This is Miss Carter.
Good morning, Mr Snowden.
Good morning, Miss Carter.
I have read your play.
I don't know what the critics
will say but I like it.
It's got a chance.
You ..?
You mean you will produce it?
Actually?
But you can't. You don't know
anything about show business.
No, of course not. But you do.
Look, suppose we have lunch
together and discuss details?
Same place as last night?
Okay, I'll be right over.
Yes, and I am bringing a friend along.
Don't ask me how, but by the look on
your face as you talk to that woman ..
I know exactly the sort of woman she is.
Really?
- Yes.
Suppose you come to lunch and see
what you can do with the tea leaves?
I'll be back this
afternoon, Miss Blackstone.
And take tomorrow afternoon off too,
little boy. You've had a busy day.
She's the sort of woman
you give a wide berth to.
She's the sort of woman you'll
never have lunch with.
You're going to stop me?
- Yes, Me. I've ten years on you.
And I have 15 pounds on you.
Two falls out of three.
Recall what I did to you when you messed
up and put a cellar on the 45th floor?
But do you remember what I did to you?
Yes. Made me junior partner.
That was strictly a hunch, Dick.
And it's still paying dividends.
Now. This play ..
- No. You mean this woman.
This woman if you like.
- Yeah.
A double hunch.
I don't like it.
If you used your head you'll
see it's perfectly obvious.
He's just a rich man.
Without respect for
women of the theater.
He'll probably make some
insulting comments.
That's what you're here for.
- He won't get far with me around.
Now. No rough stuff, Marian.
There she is.
She is beautiful.
- But she would be.
There he is.
He looks like a wolf
in sheep's clothing.
But he would be, the old ..
- Marian.
Hello.
Miss Plantagenet - Mr Snowden.
- How do you do.
We have met before.
I don't remember.
Yes, of course. Yes, most unusual.
Miss Carter, may I present Dick Orr.
Close friend and business associate.
How do you do.
And Miss ..
- Plantagenet.
Plantagenet.
Charmed.
Please sit down. You come over here.
- Thank you.
Cocktail?
Well.
No thank you.
And you?
- Orange juice.
He spent the night with a
20-storey building on his chest.
I'm having a Martini. Come on.
It's your last chance.
No. When we get to discussing business
one of us should have a clear head.
Is Mr Orr coming into the show with us?
No. Because I don't consider a
play a good business investment.
He calls himself my financial adviser
and when I mentioned show business ..
He barked.
Now. I would like to
ask a few questions.
Strictly business.
About how many plays
are produced in a year?
If it's a good season,
roughly about 150.
150. How many of those are hits?
A dozen or so.
The chances of success
are just ten percent.
Oh.
Is it that high?
Say, waiter. Have you got a
knife suitable for throwing?
Suppose I try to sell you some stock?
And frankly said the chance of losing
your money would be 90 percent.
What would you do?
I should probably buy it.
I haven't changed a bit since 1929.
You mean you'd throw me out on my ear?
Oh.
I see your point.
In other words, Mr Snowden
should throw me out on my ear.
You offer him the same proposition.
- We don't have to stay and be insulted.
As soon as we've had
our lunch we're going.
Finished with that pencil?
- Yes.
May I borrow it? Thank you.
I want to ask a few questions.
Strictly business.
What would you consider a safe
return on a sound, safe investment?
Four percent.
- Four percent.
Well.
A hit like Abie's Irish Rose returns
one thousand or two thousand percent.
And nobody throws nobody
out on nobody's ear.
An Abie's Irish Rose comes along
once in how many years?
Twenty-five.
Let's say twenty.
Show business needs no
sympathy from anyone.
Once in twenty-five.
Alright. Let's make it twenty-three.
Multiply 150 plays ..
By 23 years.
Divide that by 1,000 percent and you get
the true return on your investment.
Figures don't lie.
No. But the men figuring them can.
You have got to consider. Now then.
You must remember that ..
That.
He is right.
Any man who puts money in
a show needs a guardian.
Thanks, anyway.
All my life I had one worthy ambition.
To be a stage-door Johnny.
Take that money and put
it in government bonds.
But it's dull hanging around a treasury
waiting for the treasurer to emerge.
I'm sorry, Miss Carter.
You see, nothing personal.
I had wonderful plans.
I was going to form a company.
Fay Carter Productions Incorporated.
Yes. And I was going to buy
stock in it. $3,000 worth.
Why should we live lives
hemmed in by four percent?
Because it's the only sane thing.
- Up the river with sanity.
We'll be the angels. You and I.
A wing each.
But Mr Orr, your watchdog?
He has the logic. I've got the hunch.
Just look at the figures.
- Excuse me.
There you are. No figures.
It's a sign from heaven.
Waiter. Martinis all round.
May I see you for a moment?
- I'm awfully busy.
Sort of hanging between
the 17th and 18th floors.
Can you defy the law of
gravity just for a second?
Hey, don't ..
It is about this set.
It's an exact replica of the
Central Park Observatory.
Telescope for telescope.
- Yes.
It's an astronomer's dream
and an actor's nightmare.
Those beautiful gadgets
cluttering up the stage.
Who will pay any
attention to the actors?
I thought you wanted realism?
- Actors can't compete with scenery.
Especially if it's shiny
and chrome plated.
Another thing.
I have a building that must have
an 18th floor by 5 o'clock.
You've thingamabobs coming out
the floor. We'd have to excavate.
Well, the machines could
slide out of the walls.
I'm glad you mentioned the walls.
Are the doors in the right place?
No.
I never did want to design that set.
It's not my racket. I am an architect.
Give me 20 or 30 storeys and I'm fine.
I can't ..
- Shush.
Don't get excited.
See.
Now.
No echo.
Plenty of room for the actors.
Entrances and exits in the right place.
No collisions in doorways.
I'm awfully sorry. Are you alright?
Fine. How about you?
Great.
I can't understand. Going by the sound
one of us should have a headache.
Wait until tomorrow.
These things take time, you know.
Thanks.
- You really know your job.
I should know something
about the theater.
I played my first part when I was
two and I'm still stagestruck.
Our case histories are similar.
I made my first dog kennel aged three
and I've made nothing to equal it since.
A cigarette?
- No thanks.
When will you start on the park set?
Oh no. I have some real work to do.
I can't be bothered with stage sets.
But didn't Pete tell you? We're trying
to do this show as cheaply as possible.
Regular scenic designers cost money.
I hate parks. I'm an architect.
If I see open ground without
a building on it, it annoys me.
Be reasonable.
A park isn't difficult.
I'll help you. Come on.
No. Get a professional to design it.
Over there. Use my phone.
We can't afford it.
Afford? After the money you
wasted of Pete's already.
What's the difference? Another thousand?
Waste?
What do you mean, 'waste'?
Look it up.
It means to squander.
To wantonly throw away.
I tell you, some of the biggest fortunes
in history were made in the theater.
Yeah? Not by architects.
Compared to a play, digging for oil in
42nd Street is a sensible investment.
You want us to flop, don't you.
All I want is a building with
18 storeys by five o'clock.
When I told Jimmy the boss had gone into
show business he almost died laughing.
Know what he said?
I can't conceive of anything
he said interesting me.
Morning.
Good morning.
Mrs Orr is in your office.
Good morning.
Here he is now.
Hello, Carla.
- Hello, dear.
What's up?
Nothing in particular.
Money?
- Money? Thanks, no.
I am astounded.
- I thought you would be.
I don't wish to be impolite but I'm so
busy and if you don't want something ..
What is it?
I have heard Peter Snowden
is backing a show.
Well?
- I want a part in it.
A part?
Forget it. You're not an actress.
I suppose the woman that Peter
backs is another doozy?
She's the daughter of a great actor.
She was raised in the theater.
Acted all her life. She knows ..
Richard, you seem quite
excited about her yourself.
Do I?
- Yes.
It's ridiculous.
If you must know. You know how I speak.
Why?
Because. It doesn't matter.
Besides, it's none of your affair.
A cigarette?
You know, you're so adorable
when you get petulant.
Won't you please give me a divorce?
If I don't love you enough
to live with you.
I certainly don't dislike you
enough to divorce you.
Just being separated from you
is my happy medium, thank you.
Yes. But you can take your choice.
Now think of it: Reno, Mexico.
All expenses, a staggering settlement.
And custody of your mother.
For that, I should bounce
this off your thick head.
Be careful. Be careful of the carpet.
Why not be reasonable?
We tried to make a go
of this and it failed.
It was your fault.
- Alright. Let's say it's my fault.
The fact is, it's a fluff.
Now you just listen to me, Richard Orr.
I am completely bored.
I want something to do.
I think it will be divine
to be an actress.
And you see to it I get
a part in that play.
I have nothing to do with that play.
I can't get you a part and even if
I could I wouldn't. And that's that.
Now, will you please let me
alone so I can do some work?
Alright.
But.
Don't forget. I'll be around to see how
you get on with this new lady of yours.
Goodbye.
Who is Fay Carter anyway?
I believe she's the
daughter of an old actor ..
Who trailed around the country
putting the ham into Hamlet.
Trial by jury, eh?
Not jury. Inquisition.
Snake. Don't look so surprised.
I prevailed on Dick to bring me to your
I hear she's a splendid actress
both on the stage and off.
Beautiful too.
- Yes. We'll see.
See you after the show?
- I suppose so.
What happens after the show?
We celebrate Miss Carter's success.
- Or console her failure.
I'm sure you'll forgive
me if I don't come.
You're forgiven.
I'm sure you won't be too disappointed.
Come on. Let's get seated.
Miss Carter would like to see you, sir.
- Thanks.
For your information, we're going
to Daisy Lathberry's tonight.
For your information we go Peter's.
- I am going to Daisy's.
If you do, you go alone.
- I'm accustomed to that.
The way you want it?
- Why shouldn't I?
It's more fun when you're not around.
You know, I can't remember a line.
I'll ruin the play. I know I will.
I've never been so nervous in my life.
Nervous? Nervous?
What is there to be nervous about?
It's just another show.
Just another show. That's all.
Only it happens to be in New York
instead of Corpus Christi or Fargo.
Look at me. I've got the
whole play on my shoulders.
Am I nervous? Am I nervous?
- Of course not, darling.
I'm so nervous.
My knees are shaking so
that I can hardly stand up.
I wish I were in a nursing
home in Timbuktu.
But I remember my lines.
I don't go around whining. I don't ..
Oh dear.
Who let you in?
- Blanche.
Blanche. Don't you ever dare let
anyone in without telling me first.
But you sent for
Mr Snowden, Miss Carter.
Did I? I don't remember.
I don't remember.
I can't remember.
- Forget it.
I have.
If you can't remember lines
do Juliet's balcony speech.
That fits into any play.
How do I look?
- Divine.
Perfect.
First act. Places please.
I'm coming.
Coming.
It's come.
It's your show, Fay. Your success.
And my failure.
No. Only successes for you, Fay.
And for you, Peter.
It's your show and it's in the bag.
Now I remember.
That's why I sent for you.
I wanted to give you
something before I went on.
Stand still.
Come along.
The curtain should be down.
They were late ringing up.
- Seen the show?
No. If it's a flop I don't want to.
If it's a hit, I'll end up sick of it.
You're telling me.
- There she goes.
Right.
Not a bad first act.
My dear lady, the road to theatrical
ruin is paved with good first acts.
I liked her.
Not bad but any actress can
get away with one act.
She is magnificent.
What has she done before?
Fay Carter, did you say?
- Yes. Lovely, isn't she.
Mark my words, they liked it.
They didn't exactly stand up and cheer.
- But they listened.
Believe me that's rare
for a first night audience ..
To listen to the actors
instead of each other.
I know. I watched their faces.
- Was he there?
Who?
On stage for second
act please, Miss Carter.
Coming.
Dick Orr.
- Oh, him.
He was there, smug and
glowering in the fourth row.
I hate that man.
We have two acts to prove he was wrong.
Now Marian, be a darling and
kick me again for good luck.
That's the girl. Thank you.
Be sure to drop in later.
Just a tiny little soiree with 400
of my most intimate friends.
Thanks most awfully. Goodnight.
Blanche.
- Yes, Miss?
Guard the door. Say I'm changing.
- Yes, Miss.
Well, gallant Peter?
Well, goldmine?
I don't need to tell you how superb
I thought you were tonight.
Who made it possible?
- I only had the money.
And the hunch.
- And the confidence.
Remember my lecture
on training, background?
And I remember the luncheon next day.
Now Dick meant well. He ..
- Let him do his own apologising.
You're not going to gloat?
- The situation creates the mood.
If you don't leave me alone I shan't
get to your party until after dawn.
I'll be waiting impatiently.
You were great, Fay. See you later.
Make the most of this dance.
- Why?
It's your last dance as a nonentity.
After the morning papers come out ..
You'll be able to dance in public only
with the aid of four 200-pounders.
Who, surrounding you on all sides.
Will beat off autograph
hunters with lead-lined clubs.
I will love it. No dark glasses for me.
I want everyone to know who I am.
An actress who doesn't should never
be allowed inside of a theater.
Dick show up?
- No sign of him yet.
Where's Marian?
She left ten minutes ago with
a bottle under each arm.
She said not to worry. She'd write.
If you ever want to break
a lease, keep Marian in mind.
Dick will be along any minute now.
I thought Mr Orr complements his nights
as well as his days with hard work.
No. You are wrong there.
Dick works like the devil but
he plays like the devil too.
Say, I wish you two got along better.
Dick's a grand fellow when you know him.
Why should I get to know him?
Because ..
- There. You see.
You can't answer.
Peter, don't go round the world ..
Trying to make friends become
friends with each other.
It's fatal.
- In what way?
Either you fail.
That means a lot of
hard work for nothing.
If you succeed, then you
are left out in the cold.
Hey, where did you learn
all this worldly wisdom?
I don't know. Maybe from
some of the parts I've played.
We've found Marian.
Where?
I'll have an awful time
getting her out of there.
Why should you want to?
The music sounds better than before.
I'll ask her to show me her
union card. That will do it.
See you in the bar later, Peter.
Hello, Dick.
- Peter.
Your hunch was a good one.
- You liked it?
You'll get a lot of money
back on your investment.
She knows her stuff, doesn't she.
- Yes. She is brilliant.
You want me to tell her she said that?
- No. Why do you suppose I came here?
Now how do you feel?
Good enough to get back and
make those old drums talk.
You're coming along with me.
I know this man. I know him, I know him.
I can't remember his name but
it will come to me in a minute.
If this eye were black
you'd know me instantly.
Once around the room and
you will be revealed to me.
Good luck, Peter.
Shall we dance?
Yes.
Hello.
Hello.
I suppose you thought I wasn't coming.
I wondered.
Did you really?
Yes.
Then you were actually
thinking about me?
In a way.
I suppose you thought I didn't
have the nerve to face you.
Was I?
If nothing else you've proved
that I was absolutely right.
When I said I didn't know
a thing about show business.
You're evading the issue.
Very clumsily I'm afraid.
Yes.
Anyway, you were superb.
If I were a critic I'd say ..
The inspired performance of Fay Carter
left nothing to be asked for ..
Except her telephone number.
The acting was on a par with the play.
The play should have a nice long run
and anyone who doesn't think so.
Should have their head
bounced for echoes.
And if you still think
I'm evading the issue ..
Is an apology.
- Not bad.
A successful one too.
I see.
Why did we come out here?
I wanted to show you your city.
Mine?
Yes. You took possession of it tonight
as the curtain ran down on the last act.
Look at it.
How does it feel to have that at your
feet and know the city is yours?
I can't say. It never
occurred to me like that.
Has it occurred to you that you
and I may be sitting here alone ..
Actually, may I say, peaceful?
I'd thought of it.
- Great.
I wasn't quite sure it was possible.
It should have been.
I did your sets the way you
wanted them done, didn't I?
That was the day I started thinking.
I couldn't think of anything
but you for days after that.
When did you get time to do the sets?
They were part of you.
Every line I drew had
something to do with you.
And if they were beautiful it
was because they had to be.
To compliment you.
I don't believe it.
It's true.
It's an exciting view, isn't it.
Fay.
It was more than a show.
It was a revelation.
And I thought I needed you.
But you don't?
Of course I don't.
Of course.
It's utterly ridiculous, but ..
I can't think of anything
to say except ..
It's so sudden, Dick.
Lightning never struck faster.
Or with more force.
I just must be tired.
I don't seem to be able to
think clearly right now.
I ..
Here, I have achieved a
lifelong ambition tonight.
It seems so terribly unimportant
compared to this.
And involved.
Fay.
- Dick.
Let's not talk now.
I want to think about
what's happened to us.
Things like this don't usually
happen to grown-ups, do they?
They do.
I'll take a note on it.
What are you looking at?
New York.
It has finally decided to
be completely kind to me.
'Say it with flowers'.
Is Mr Orr in yet?
- He is not.
'Say it with flowers'.
If you must sing that song
will you please keep in tune.
Dear me, we did get out of bed
the wrong side this morning.
Morning, Miss Blackstone.
- Good morning.
Come in please.
Hello? Vogue flower shop?
Yes.
We want two dozen chrysanthemums.
The big giant yellow ones.
And one dozen tiger-lilies.
Yes. On Mr Snowden's account.
At the same address.
Yes. Thank you.
Mr Snowden wanted to be
informed when you came in.
It's extremely good for Mr Snowden
to wait for me just once.
Now these papers ..
- These papers can wait.
Miss Reid, tell me.
When you went to school
did you ever play hooky?
I did not.
- That's a pity.
One of the joys of life. Knowing you
should be away working and you're not.
And for no reason at all.
Yeah. Try it someday.
Here. Take a letter to
Chalmers and Hastings.
Dear sir.
Who's the best florist in New York?
You want that written?
- No. I ask you. Who is?
I believe the Vogue Flower Shop
on Madison is the most expensive.
That's good.
Order a dozen chrysanthemums. Red ones.
Send them to Miss Fay Carter.
You know the address.
Yes, Mr Orr.
Morning, Dick.
- Morning.
Got a minute?
- Sure. Come in.
Do that job.
I'll ring for you if I need you.
Yes, Mr Orr.
Two dozen chrysanthemums?
And where are they to go?
But Mr Snowden's daily order
has already gone to Miss Carter.
Oh.
'Say it with flowers'.
'Beautiful flowers'.
So. In view of the facts we
decided Fay Carter Productions ..
Shall be a permanent thing.
Look. I am me. I've little money.
Don't want dividends.
The perfect stockholder.
Can I get in on this somehow?
A theatrical tradition.
To ensure success ..
The business end of the theater shall
be inefficient, inexpert and muddled.
That's me.
So, in future I'll devote all my time
to Fay Carter Productions Incorporated.
Completely?
- I've drawn my last plan.
The Jackson Building is my last
gift to the Manhattan skyline.
Pete, have sense. You can't quit.
In the end it's all for the best.
Skyscrapers will be straighter.
Foundations will be firmer.
And what about Snowden and Co.?
- That becomes your baby.
I offer you a full-fledged partnership.
- What?
'Snowden and Orr'.
My name is first because I'm handsomer.
You accept?
- Do I accept?
Pete, I don't know how to thank you.
- We'll call a lawyer and make it legal.
Not necessary. I take your word for it.
- Come on.
Tonight you go home and take a shower.
The cold water will clear your head.
You'll realize you're doing all
the work for only half the money.
That's the moment I want your
name on an iron-bound contract.
Now listen to this.
Superlatives.
All superlatives.
'Ecstasy'.
'Exquisite'.
'Divine'.
I have never read such notices
in all my life. Now listen.
'It's a long time since Broadway had
the opportunity to discover an actress'.
'Who actually knows how to act'.
'Fay Carter is unique'.
Fay.
You're not even listening.
Poor darling.
You are worn out, aren't you.
Too tired even to care
about your notices.
But you know ..
If you didn't look so healthy ..
I would ask you if you weren't well.
And I'd say I've never
felt better in my life.
You've every right to be
deliriously happy this morning.
I am too.
Far too happy for an actress who
hasn't even read her press notices.
Impossible.
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
Hello dear.
It's a beautiful day and
not a cloud in the sky.
But there will be stormy weather
if I don't see you today.
You will?
This afternoon.
Yes. I have got something terribly
important to do this morning.
I'll see you about four.
I will expect you.
Don't you dare be a minute late.
Goodbye, darling.
Of course.
I suppose one may say
it's none of my business.
But were you by any chance
talking to the weatherman?
No, darling. Just Dick.
Dick who?
Dick Orr.
No the Dick Orr?
The same.
- But when did it happen?
The last thing I knew, you two were ..
- On our way to the terrace.
That proves what sort of a man he is.
The moment my back is turned ..
- It wasn't exactly your back, dear.
Well. Anyhow.
You're making a big mistake.
Now listen to me.
I am not going to be silly.
If you're in love, you're in love.
You're not the first woman
who has acted like an idiot.
But you're no ordinary woman.
You are a star.
Don't forget that while
one hit can make a star ..
It can't keep her shining forever.
You must start thinking
about your next play.
You can't afford to become
involved with anything else.
[ Telephone ]
Yes. Speaking.
I'll call her.
Are you going to tell him?
You might as well.
You must tell him sooner or later.
Hello Peter.
Yes.
Yes. I would love to
have luncheon with you.
Will you call for me
here at half past one?
Is Mrs Orr in?
- Yes, Mr Orr.
Hello Carla.
Do you know, something about your face
reminds me of a man I once married.
Has the building burned down or
has a certain architect been fired?
I'm glad you remember me because
I brought our marriage license along ..
To identify myself, but now
it won't be necessary, will it.
No. Because I have a
good memory for faces.
How would you like to completely
obliterate mine from your life?
No.
It isn't that distasteful to me, dear.
Besides, I couldn't help remembering
on the first of every month.
Listen, Carla.
We've been married for five years.
The last two didn't work. Isn't that so?
Whose fault was that?
Mine. But it doesn't matter.
The point is it hasn't worked.
We've just drifted along instead of
making the clean break we should have ..
When we first split up.
I know it, darling.
But I can't bring myself to buy
the right clothes for Reno.
How would you like
to start shopping today.
And send the bills to me?
Why the sudden generosity, darling?
Don't you think, as long as we're
no longer man and wife that ..
We should make it official?
Why today?
Because at last I'm in a position to do
the thing properly by you financially.
Peter made me a partner today.
Yes. So, if you'll go I'll have
an attorney draw up an agreement.
Have any settlement you like.
But within reason.
And then we can break off without
any bitterness or without any regrets.
You know, Dick. I have been thinking.
I rather like the idea of being a wife
of a partner in a firm of architects.
It is rather a cosy idea.
But, Carla.
We can have more money. We can ..
Entertain a little.
We can lead our own lives.
Only under happier, more
prosperous circumstances.
It was always understood ..
That if one of us wanted a divorce
the other wouldn't stand in the way.
Now, Dick. Let's be reasonable.
I have waited so long and so patiently.
You can't expect me to
suffer the lean years ..
And then remove myself conveniently
when the fat ones come along, can you?
Let's give it a trial anyway.
I can't.
- Why not?
Who is she?
- You wouldn't know.
I wonder.
It couldn't possibly be Peter
My.
You have become his
partner, haven't you.
That's pretty rotten.
To be expected and we'll
not quarrel over it.
The question is, will you or
will you not divorce me?
Darling, we won't quarrel
about that either.
No.
The theater phoned me this morning.
They have taken a 20-week
buy on Springboard.
You know what that means?
- Sure.
It means I'm a wily old
fox who's backed a winner.
I knew that the first day I saw you.
- No.
It means that very soon I'll be able
to buy you out of Carter Productions.
Buy me out?
- Now don't get excited.
There isn't enough money in the world to
pay you back for what you did for me.
But I'll feel a lot happier when
I'm completely independent.
I won't sell.
I want to feel I have a share in you.
Always.
But you will have.
I'll be an old woman with a long grey
beard before I can pay you all back.
You understand?
No. I'm dense this morning.
I don't understand anything.
What's more, I'm not going to try.
I have other plans.
You don't want to stay in show business?
- But I do. I love it.
In fact, I was thinking of
building a theater for you.
No, Peter. We were lucky this time.
The next play might be a flop.
What if it is? We try again.
What about your business?
Ah, that's been taken care of.
I made Dick a full partner.
Really?
He runs the business while
I play at being a producer.
He tried to buy in on
Carter Productions.
So I gave him the Snowden Company.
He'll make more money but
I'll have much more fun.
I don't think Dick really cares
much about money. Do you?
No. Not for himself.
It takes a lot to keep
that wife of his going.
Wife?
- Hmm. Carla.
Oh.
Didn't you know?
No.
No. I guess he forgot to tell me.
Because he tries to forget it
himself as often as he can.
Fay.
Remember that day, right here
when we discussed your contract?
Yes.
You remember the terms of the agreement?
Not the financial ones. The others.
About falling in love and .. all that.
Yes.
Well?
I love you, Peter.
But I'm not in love with you.
I kind of expected you to say that.
Besides.
I wouldn't give up my
work for married life.
The theater and my job would
always have to come first.
That's alright with me.
It wouldn't be a fair
bargain to you, Peter.
And anyway.
I don't think I'll ever
love anyone again.
Even an angel like you.
Suppose I'm willing to take the risk?
Would it make you very
happy to marry me?
Yes. Very.
Okay, boss.
Your hunches have been lucky so far.
Maybe the luck will continue.
To the luckiest girl in the world.
And it's signed 'Peter'.
Will you stop looking like
the first day of winter.
You get a darned good man in Peter.
If you don't want him, pass him to me.
- Marian, please.
Now, stop thinking
about that Orr person.
Any man who makes a state
secret out of being married ..
[ Buzzer ]
For Miss Carter.
- Thank you.
These will have to go in the Frigidaire.
We haven't got any more vases.
Peter's overdoing things.
But these aren't from Peter.
They're from a man with a state secret.
All he's written is his name.
Not another word.
He probably couldn't think
of anything to say.
Throw them away.
No. I have a worse fate than
that planned for them.
Back to Mr Orr they go.
But I won't be at a loss for words
to put on the card either.
[ Telephone ]
Hello.
Talk of the devil.
Ask him up.
He's on his way.
I don't see how you could
ever see him again.
I don't see how you can stand to have
him in the same room with you.
I want to see him, Marian.
I want to tell him what I think of him.
- Ah.
Then you have my blessing.
I will go.
Hello Marian.
- Hmm.
Hello Fay.
Marian, Dick and I prefer to be alone.
- Yes, but I don't think that ..
Alright. But if you want any help ..
I am in the next room.
What's the matter?
Why didn't you tell me you were married?
Oh. I see.
Peter told me.
I tried to tell you but
you wouldn't listen.
You could have told me when
you telephoned this morning.
I was on my way to ask Carla for
a divorce when I talked to you.
You see, we haven't lived
together for a long time.
Asking for a divorce was something
I wanted to do months ago.
And when you finally did ask her?
She refused.
So you only added another
mistake to the first one.
We'll work it out some way.
After all, two people can't
each other as much as we ..
It's over, Dick.
Done for.
But I love you.
And I'm going to marry you.
It's too late, Dick.
I promised Peter I would marry him.
But you don't love him.
Yes I do .. in a way.
I won't let him down now.
I couldn't hurt him like that.
No.
Will you please go, Dick.
I am going to cry and ..
I don't like people watching me
except across the footlights.
Please Dick.
I still can't believe it's true. Is it?
Stand back while I turn
another handspring.
Who's the woman with Dick?
Uhoh. It's an ill wind that
blows in the uninvited.
Who is she?
- Carla Orr. Dick's wife.
I thought they weren't living together.
- They aren't.
Then?
I suppose she came in alone and
then attached herself to Dick.
She has a way of attaching herself.
Mark my words. She'll be up to some
mischief before the night is out.
But she can't spoil our party.
Let's not worry about her.
Smile, darling.
You can't win all the time.
Don't they look divinely happy.
Don't get up. I'm just here
on parole between dances.
Why is it that only men over
225 pounds want to dance with me?
That's not the worst of it.
They like to dance with me.
One heavyweight tells another.
I know how you feel.
Being lucky at cards is no consolation.
Marian. This is my wife, Carla.
Carla, this is Marian Plantagenet.
Yes, yes. Of course.
Yes. How do you do.
Fay.
What is it, Marian?
- This is Dick's wife.
Fay. This is my wife, Carla.
Carla, this is Miss Fay Carter.
- How do you do.
I'm so glad to meet you, Miss Cater.
I want to congratulate you on
Springboard and on Peter too.
Two hits out of two.
- Thank you.
I've never seen you
looking so smug, Peter.
I feel smug but so would any
man in the circumstances.
Won't you sit down, Miss Carter?
I want you to tell me how you've
made Peter look so happy.
I would dearly love to get the same
expression on Dick's face but ..
I don't seem able to do it.
One doesn't do it, Mrs Orr. It just
happens if the circumstances are right.
I see.
And if the circumstances are wrong?
Shall we dance, Peter?
That is yours, Dick. Fay says she
hasn't danced with you all evening.
I suppose ..
- Go. You have my permission.
Thank you, Mrs Orr.
Yes.
I will dance with you.
I didn't get your invitation, Peter.
Of course I was sure you'd sent me
one but it got lost in the mail.
How are you, Carla?
- Very happy, thank you.
It looks like tonight is a
great night for us, doesn't it.
Us?
Yes. You get your girl
and I get back my man.
You've patched things up with Dick?
- No, not exactly. But we will.
He'll get over her in no time.
Who? Say, what are you talking about?
Fay, of course.
He is madly in love with her.
But he'll get over that.
Now look here, Carla.
Don't be angry with me, Peter.
I'm just an innocent bystander.
All I know is, Dick came to
me and asked for a divorce.
He said he was mad about Fay.
He even tried to make me believe
that Fay was mad about him.
But I didn't go for that.
Thanks for the eye-opener, Peter.
I don't know what you are trying to
stir up but I do know you're lying.
In the Middle Ages they would have
burnt you at the stake for a witch.
I am going to ask for a
year's leave of absence.
Dick.
I just want to see what's left
of the rest of the world.
I don't suppose I'll see
you again for a long time.
You don't still think I ..
- No, Dick.
Then it's too late, isn't it?
Yes, darling.
Fay.
I'll always love you.
Let's go home the long way.
Twice round the park? What do you say?
Harry ..
- Darling.
Mind taking me home right away?
I'm awfully tired.
- My sweet, I'm so sorry.
Never mind, Harry.
We'll take Miss Carter home.
Fay.
I haven't kissed you since 8 o'clock.
[ Door knocks ]
Come in.
Morning, Dick.
A nice time last night?
About as good as can be expected.
You didn't finish the night sleeping
under the blueprints again, did you?
I didn't sleep.
Something wrong?
Everything and nothing.
You wouldn't care to give me
a few highlights, would you?
Just Carla.
All I need at the moment
is a nice long vacation.
But Dick.
I want you for the wedding.
You're going to be my best man.
No.
Not I.
Why not?
Because I have an urge to see
a glacier somewhere in Norway.
It sounds far away .. and cold.
When did you get an urge
to see a glacier in Norway?
I have always wanted to sit on one
and watch the avalanches roll by.
Have you told Fay?
No.
No reason why I should.
She will miss you.
No she won't.
I'm not so sure.
Anyway, I don't want to talk about it.
There's a boat sailing at midnight.
I've booked passage on it.
- Midnight?
Isn't a partner entitled
to two weeks' notice?
Sorry, Peter. I can't wait.
You caught me off guard, Dick.
- No.
In a few weeks the office will run along
as smoothly as if I'd never been here.
I wasn't thinking of the office.
I was thinking of Fay and you.
She warned me, you know.
She said people who try to bring others
together might get left out in the cold.
And not in Norway either.
You're going to marry her.
She doesn't love me.
She told me so.
I'm sorry, Peter.
If there was a way,
I'd make her love you.
I know you would.
But that's not the way it works.
People can't be made to fall in love.
Come and have supper with me, Dick.
We'll have a quiet evening together.
Then I'll take you down to the pier and
wave you off to Norway and the glaciers.
And the avalanches.
You don't have to go all the
way to Norway for avalanches.
Evening, Reynolds.
- Good evening, Miss.
Mr Snowden phoned.
He will be a little late, Miss Carter.
Thank you.
Hello Dick.
Hello Fay.
Reynolds said Peter might be late.
Was he at the theater tonight?
No.
The first performance he
has missed. It showed too.
There wasn't half the usual applause.
How is Marian?
She is well. Marian is always well.
Thanks, Reynolds.
Never had a sick day in her life.
The doctor is going to
do something about it.
I hope Peter gets here pretty soon.
I have to catch a boat in 45 minutes.
A boat?
What kind of a boat?
A regular ocean-going liner.
Going to Norway.
Oh.
Why Norway?
I just stuck a pin in the map and ..
Up came Norway.
Where is it exactly?
I never have been sure.
It's up north somewhere. You know.
With Finland and Sweden.
In that neighborhood.
Will you be gone long?
I don't know.
Until I get homesick.
How long will that be?
I'm homesick right now.
But I will make a tour of it.
I remember now.
Norway is part of a peninsula.
Pretty soon I'll remember
what a peninsula is.
Fay.
You're looking badly.
You are miserable. And so am I.
Here is to health.
Skol.
I can't imagine why you invited me here.
Even less why I came.
I want to apologise, Carla.
You were right. I'm sorry.
- What are you going to do about it?
First thing I'll do is kick
Dick out, neck and crop.
Peter, you can't do that.
That young man will find it hard
to earn a living in New York ..
By the time I'm done with him.
He may be able to start somewhere else.
Middle-west perhaps.
But that's his own affair.
What about this Carter creature?
Fay?
It's easier to forgive a
woman, don't you think?
What about me?
Am I supposed to stay and share poverty
with a man who deserted and shunned me?
What else is there to do, my dear?
I could sue him for divorce and her too.
No, hardly for divorce.
- Alienation of affections.
I'd ruin her name so quick.
If you do that you ruin your own
chance of getting anything out of her.
She's only been in the
big money a few weeks.
You'd get nothing and
make a fool of yourself.
Now, I have a solution.
You can't possibly go on with Dick.
Better divorce him.
Yes? And live on what?
Not so fast, Carla.
You may not know I have
turned Fay into a company ..
In which I hold the bulk of the shares.
It's not in the company's interest that
Fay Carter's name be dragged in the mud.
As president, I might be
able to do a deal with you.
What's your game, Peter?
You want to talk business?
I am very fond of Dick.
Waiter. Two more Highballs.
Alright.
I'll talk business with you.
- Good.
A cigarette?
I can't imagine what
can be keeping Peter.
Does Peter know you're
leaving for Norway?
Yes. I told him this morning.
That's when he asked me to come this
evening for a last-minute bull session.
Don't you see? He has left us
here alone here on purpose.
That's his way of stepping out.
But we mustn't let him, Dick.
It isn't fair, is it?
No.
It's not fair.
Goodbye, Fay.
Make him very happy.
He deserves it.
I'll send you an icicle from Norway.
Hello, Fay.
- Hello, Peter.
Where's Dick?
- He has gone to the boat.
What?
But he can't leave now.
I've just come from Carla.
She agreed to go to Reno. We must
get to the pier before the boat sails.
You can't. I won't let you.
I'm not sacrificing myself.
I use plain common-sense.
I want to marry you.
- No you don't.
You want to be decent and show
your gratitude without hurting me.
That's no good for marriages.
They get on each other's nerves.
I'd be jealous. You'd be resentful.
All for the sake of a quixotic gesture.
We must live our lives, dear.
Not pretend them.
You know I'm right Fay, don't you?
Yes.
Now, we just have time
to make that boat.
I'm not sailing.
Someone aboard I must see.
You missed it. We sail any moment.
I simply must.
- Sorry.
It's a question of life and death.
Dick.
Dick!
Carla is going to get a divorce.
[ Ship's horn. Loud ]
Carla. Divorce!
Carla.
What about Carla?
Dick!
..w-g..