So Goes My Love (1946) Movie Script
Take 'em away.
Put them down in the south pen, Joel.
- Yes siree, Mr Williams.
Good day, Mr Williams.
- Good morning, Miss Jane.
You certainly fix yourself up elegant
to bring your pigs to market.
Howdy.
- Howdy.
Daniel, give me a hand with this.
Jane, you're going on a journey.
I am if you give me a
good price for my pigs.
Well, you got a fine parcel
of pork there, Miss Jane.
They're sound and they're
solid. Grain, milk and acorn.
What is the tare of this wagon?
- 640 pounds, Daniel.
640 pounds.
A standing hitch. That would be... 13...
1322. Net weight for pork.
That's right. At 8 cents per pound...
They're grain, milk and acorn fed.
9 cents per pound. That would be...
Let's see.
118 dollars and 98 cents.
Call it 119 dollars even.
And some people call you a hard trader.
You don't mind taking greenbacks I hope.
- Happy to have them.
Sure. They're just as good
as gold and easier to carry.
Uncle Daniel, bring the bags.
The stage is here.
Thank you, Mr Williams.
Makes you feel kinda sad
selling your pet porkers, eh?
Hurry, Daniel.
If I never see another porker
till the end of my days...
It suits me down to the ground.
Here is your pay, uncle Daniel.
For the grain and the milk.
You travelling south?
- Yes. I'm going to Brooklyn.
Well, Brooklyn is a
mighty high-toned city.
But don't stay away too long.
Because by next spring I hope you bring
me back some more fellows like these.
I've made a vow never to have anything
more to do with pigs from this day on.
Goodbye, uncle Daniel.
Thank you for everything.
- Take good care of yourself, Jane.
What you going to do in
Brooklyn, raise cows?
Oh no, Mr Williams. I'm going
to Brooklyn to get married.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
You must be very fond of weddings, sir.
No. I just like to
throw stuff at people.
I beg your pardon, Miss.
321 Union Street.
Oh, thank you.
Did you say 321, John?
- Yes, Mr Maxim.
Oh, thank you.
How's everything on the farm?
- Sir?
I wasn't aware I had a sign on me
saying I was just off the farm.
You have though.
The bloom in your cheeks.
Complexions like yours do
not grow in the city, Miss.
Aren't you being a trifle forward?
Where did you get those
burrs in your pretty ears?
He must have been standing
on his head to get this many.
That, or he's keeping
his ear to the ground.
He is probably in politics.
There. Feel better?
Now.
Run on home.
That's exactly what I intend
doing. Good day, ma'am.
Is Mrs Allison at home?
She is indeed.
I expect you are the master's cousin?
Yes, I am.
I'll tell Mrs Allison
you are here, Miss.
Thank you.
All I had to wear was
my old brown taffeta.
Mrs Allison.
Your cousin is here to see you.
She is?
Ladies, I have an unexpected visitor.
Mrs Allison's cousin. She is
from up around Boston way.
How nice.
She will probably very shy and
unsophisticated and countrified.
Don't be surprised if she just says...
'Yes, mum' and 'No, mum'.
And blushes every time you speak to her.
Excuse me.
Hello.
You must be Jane.
- Yes.
And you are cousin Garnet.
It was so kind of you to have me come.
Ladies, I want you to meet my
husband's cousin. Miss Jane Budden.
This is Mrs Benfleet and her
daughter Josephine Maria.
How do you do, Mrs Benfleet.
And our next-door neighbor Mrs Meade.
How do you do, Mrs Meade?
And Mrs Dresswell and
her daughter Sarah.
How do you do, Mrs Dresswell?
And Mrs Gorman and her daughter Louise.
Mrs Gorman. Miss Gorman.
And Mrs Lang and her daughter Jane.
How do you do Mrs Lang?
It was so sweet of you to have all your
friends in to meet me, cousin Garnet.
I thought you would enjoy
knowing my friends.
I'm sure I will.
Oh, thank you.
Theodore thought your trip to the
city may be of a serious nature.
It's very serious to me.
Oh, well. If you came to
see a doctor, my dear...
I must recommend Dr Ledner to you.
He is the most marvellous man.
What he did for my sister-in-law
was nothing short of miraculous.
Thank you.
But my visit is prompted by
an ambition, not an illness.
An ambition?
Oh, I do hope you're not one of
those dreadful girls of the future...
We are always reading
about in the periodicals.
The sort that want to
go into trade or politics.
I understand that in one the
New York counting houses...
There is an unmarried woman who
holds a very responsible position.
And does very well at it.
I don't envy her.
Then you are not planning on
employment in a counting house, Jane?
Oh, no.
I'm planning on getting married.
Some gentleman from Boston, Jane?
No. He won't be from Boston.
He is right here in Brooklyn?
I hope so.
My dear, is it someone from Brooklyn?
I don't know.
You don't know?
I don't understand, my dear.
Who is this gentleman?
I haven't met him yet.
I mean, I'm looking for a husband.
And I know exactly the
kind of man I want.
And what type is that, my dear?
He should be in a
substantial profession.
Have a nice house to live in.
Sufficient income to run it.
This is shocking.
Josephine Maria, cover your ears.
I never heard such bull
talk in all my life.
You're jesting?
No I am not, cousin.
I'm being very practical.
Practicalities have no place
in true love, Miss Budden.
I agree.
But it's just as easy to fall truly in
love with a rich man as a poor one.
Hello, Mrs Meade.
As your landlady and well-wisher.
I think I should warn you.
Go ahead. Warn me.
A designing woman has
moved in next door.
Which house?
- She's visiting the Allisons.
The things she said today I
never heard a woman say before.
What did she say?
I don't know whether I can tell you.
Sure you can. If you don't you'll burst.
She said she came to
town to marry a rich man.
Sit down. I want to hear more.
Well... she walked in...
Miss Budden?
Yes.
May I come in?
Yes.
My name is Hiram Stevens Maxim.
Miss Budden, you may recall we
met last week on a horse car.
Oh yes. You helped me with my luggage.
So, you do remember.
Are these for me?
For you alone.
They are lovely.
Miss Budden, I'm told by a mutual friend
your purpose in coming to Brooklyn...
Was to find someone who would
make you a suitable husband.
Oh.
I did say that.
The qualifications I believe
as you stated them...
Were that the man must be a substantial
and respected citizen of the community.
Oh.
Yes. Will you come into the parlor?
Thank you.
I wanted to thank you for being so kind
to me the day I arrived in your city.
I am happy to have been
of any small service.
With your permission?
- Please.
About the man who would lay
suit to your heart, Miss Budden.
He must, I think you said,
be a man of substance?
Have a home ready for you to
brighten with your presence.
A future that's safe and assured and be
well-endowed with this world's goods.
Well.
I have always dreamed of
having a home of my own.
Not a home.
A shrine, you should say.
A shrine to a woman's loveliness.
And now miss Budden, I must say
something that isn't easy to say.
It's something that's awkward in
the face of your radiant beauty.
But being what I am...
A poverty-stricken inventor without
the respect of the community.
With no money. With a 3rd-floor
hall bedroom as my abode.
I came to tell you if you're looking
for a substantial husband...
Don't count on me.
I think I'll wear it
to the musical hall.
I hope you're not going with
that odd fellow across the way.
He's crazy, isn't he.
- Yes.
But in a nice sort of way.
He reminds me of the
boys in the old country.
What in the name of all
the saints is he up to now?
Look.
Hello, Mrs Meade.
I was just working on
this with a curling iron.
I see. Something new?
The curling iron of the future.
Self-heating.
No smudges, even temperature. Keeps hot
constantly when in use and handy to use.
Always inventing and
tinkering and experimenting.
Experiments are just the beginning.
By the way, do you have any coal oil?
- About a gallon.
It's highly inflammable, Mr Maxim.
- Not when you know how to use it.
Alright, I'll get it for you.
It's a dream, Miss Jane. A dream.
Keep it on until the madam
sees how fine you look.
What is that?
A conflagration.
Free the ladders. Man the hose.
It's the Brooklyn Blades
Volunteer Company Number 1.
They are the first on the scene again.
Come on. Back up there, folks.
Let the firemen through.
Step back there, sonny.
There is Captain Josephus Ford.
Scaling crew in action.
They are just like circus performers.
Kinda smoky.
Save the stream.
New station.
That's dangerous.
- It sure is dangerous.
That's why when a man
marries, he has to resign.
Save the stream.
No flames in the house, Captain.
Maybe it's between the eaves.
Secondary hose men.
Where is the fire?
Oh, this?
Oh, there is no flame in here.
It's just smoking a little. That's all.
It is... it's an invention of mine.
It got a little hot.
It smoked up the whole
darn house I guess.
If I had known you fellows were out
here I would have told you sooner.
I guess the laugh is on you.
Let them all go.
You are more than kind, dear Mr Weldon.
It is you who are kind
to me, Miss Budden.
I drink this with the hope that
you will let me call on you soon.
Was I too bold Miss Budden,
to express a wish to call?
Oh no. Not at all.
Will you excuse me?
I'll be back in a moment.
- Certainly.
What were you shaking your head about?
I was just warning you.
He's not the one.
- He's not the one what?
The one for you to marry.
He couldn't give you
the house or anything.
He lives off his father.
- My dear Mr Maxim.
I've tried to make it plain that I'm not
one whit interested in your opinion...
Miss Budden.
If you're free, may I have the pleasure
of taking you to view the gardens?
They're the most beautiful in the city.
They're said to be an enchanting
setting for a lady of real loveliness.
Well, I should like to
very much, Mr Raymond.
But I think...
Some other time, Mr Raymond.
As you say, Miss Budden.
Perhaps I could then hope
to join you at supper later?
Thank you, but...
There you are.
May I have the honor, Miss Budden?
Indeed you may, Captain Ford.
And what is your
profession, Captain Ford?
The law, but I don't
spend much time on it.
No?
I'm more interested in real estate.
I've just built the new docks.
Oh you did? Do you own ships too?
I plan to have quite a fleet in time.
Now, I am acquiring property.
Property that I think in few years
will be the most valuable in the city.
I should like to hear about it.
I think... very soon...
There will be great opportunities again.
For great fortunes.
So do I.
And I aim ma'am, to be ready to
amass one when the time comes.
You are right, Captain Ford.
You are so right.
Wait a minute. I haven't finished.
'But get through the storm we
must, no matter what the cost'.
That was a mean thing I did.
Getting you to go after old ironsides.
Old ironsides?
Josephus Ford.
I have had the pleasure of Mr Ford's
company a number of times since then...
And find him a perfect gentleman.
A perfect bachelor, you mean.
Oh, he'll take you out
on carriage rides.
But to get him in a carriage and getting
him to the altar are different matters.
Then you think he's toying with
my affections, Mr Maxim?
Well, Miss Jane.
If it wasn't the fact I feel responsible
that you accept his spurious attentions.
I wouldn't say a word.
Oh Mr Maxim, I don't know
whether to laugh or cry.
Please Miss Jane, I beg of you...
- Oh, Jane.
Good afternoon, Mr Maxim.
Mrs Allison.
Mr Maxim has been warning me
about one of Brooklyn's great pitfalls.
The design is very agreeable,
don't you think?
It's lovely.
Mr Maxim.
Do you know anything about printing?
I know a little about everything.
Well, it's very neat.
It's good paper.
It must be his money.
- Must be.
How can she possibly prefer
Josephus Ford to me?
Or even me.
For Jane, Captain.
To Jane, sir.
It is very lovely.
We have a lot of witnesses
for the great event.
Everybody who's anybody
in Brooklyn is here tonight.
Sir?
I congratulate you and
wish you the very best.
And you, fair lady.
You have won the prize for
which so many others tried.
Just look at them.
Where on this earth may you see anything
to compare to the fitness of this union?
Miss Budden.
Whose beauty and grace is so radiant.
It makes you hurt inside with
the pain of its perfection.
And melt underneath the
warmth of its glowing light.
And Captain Josephus Ford.
The very picture of
solid respectability.
Solid worth.
In short, a solid man.
Who has given the fruitful
years of his youth.
To gain his present estate.
And those years were not
spent in chasing dreams.
They were not given to the
frivolity of small gaieties.
They weren't spent
revelling in the joys of life.
No, sir.
But to fit himself to take his place.
With the solid, sober, prudent
leaders of our great city.
To make himself like unto them.
And he will be like them.
For he will by day and by night...
Live the kind of life...
That makes men the solid
pillars of our great city.
And so on this joyous occasion.
Almost a public celebration.
I give you that worthy man...
Capitan Josephus Ford.
And Jane.
I give him to you too.
Your eulogy sir, was a masterpiece.
It was nothing. It was in here.
It just had to come out.
You are more than kind, Maxim.
Oh...
Much more, Mr Maxim.
Josephus.
The councillors are here. I think we had
better go to sign the marriage contract.
Is there going to be
a marriage contract?
I thought that sort of
thing was old-fashioned.
Old-fashioned and sensible.
But don't worry your pretty
head about it, my dear.
Your cousin's attorneys and
I worked out all the terms.
Terms? That does sound sensible.
And business-like.
It's just a custom, Jane dear.
That precious little frown
tells me you are thinking.
And women shouldn't think when
they have men to do it for them.
If you will excuse me for a few minutes.
- Mr Ford.
If you will permit me?
My feet hurt.
I am glad of a chance to tell you
I saw no humor in your speech, sir.
I tried only to tell
the truth, Miss Jane.
You were all the things
I said you were and...
He certainly will become all
the things I said he would.
Just as soon as you sign up,
your life will be settled.
Is it an effort for you to be insulting
or does it just come naturally?
Why Miss Jane, I am not insulting.
I approve of a marriage
contract in your case.
I prefer not to discuss my
marriage with you, Mr Maxim.
Alright.
Then I will tell you about my marriage.
Your marriage?
If, as, and when it takes place.
There won't be any contracts.
Because I don't have anything
to protect from a grasping wife.
And there won't be any security for
the poor wretch who marries me.
I have none to give.
But you have your charming self.
And that no doubt will
make up for an awful lot.
It will have to.
All my poor wife will get is
being in at the start of the race.
And she will have to help me.
I will need her.
I'll need her strength when I weaken.
I'll need her love when I'm defeated.
I'll need her laughter to match my own.
Sometimes, I will need her tears.
Why, her tears?
Well, we'll fight.
She'll cry and then we'll make up.
You can't make up unless there are tears
to kiss away, so I'll need her tears.
And she'll probably always want things
you'll never be able to give her?
What she gets will be what we
together will be able to find in life.
It won't be a marriage like yours.
Your life will be ready-made for you.
My wife will marry a pauper.
You are going to marry a king.
Now you are being fantastical.
Josephus is just a businessman.
He is not a king.
Yes, he is.
Hi subjects are all four-footed
but they do him homage.
Is that another insult in disguise?
- No. It's the truth.
Only today he bought out Forman's
packing plant and became the pork king.
King of the pigs.
And just think, you will be their queen.
Did you say 'pigs'?
'Pigs' is vulgar.
'Porkers' is a better word.
Jane.
Jane, it's all settled.
Josephus was most generous.
Why, there isn't a girl in Brooklyn who
wouldn't be as proud as punch...
To be in your shoes tonight.
Just think of it.
Mrs Josephus Ford.
You know, you're a very lucky girl.
Jane.
Your cousin's attorneys
proved be hard traders.
But I am better than
satisfied with my bargain.
Garnet said that you were
more than generous, Josephus.
Can you excuse me?
I want to find Theodore.
Certainly.
Cousin Garnet.
Let me tell you the terms.
- Please, I don't want to hear them.
I am very grateful for everything.
There's nothing I have
that's not to be yours.
My name.
My house.
My fortune.
I understand you engaged in
a new business venture today.
Yes. An extraordinary enterprise.
One I have wanted for many years.
Wait until you see my prize boars.
All champions.
And my sows... and their
beautiful little sucklings.
All soon to become full-grown pigs.
And there are thousands of them.
Thousands?
Come. Let's go in and sign the
marriage contract and set the date.
Oh, you go in.
I have to find out about something.
- Of course, dear.
Don't be long.
You look like a queen standing there.
Bridget.
Have you seen Mr Maxim?
- Yes, Miss. He just left.
Mr Maxim.
Do you want to marry me?
What?
Well, do you?
If you do, please say so
instead of making me ask you.
You are sure you are in your right
mind and know what you are doing?
Positive.
I thought I was crazy but you are
the loveliest lunatic I've ever seen.
Because I am going to marry you?
Yes.
You wanted things only
a rich man can give you.
Now you don't want those things at all.
- Yes I do.
And we are going to
have all those things.
A family. A house.
And each other.
I'm just a tinker.
I should live in a wagon
filled with pots and pans.
You are a great man.
And someday you will prove it.
Me?
Yes.
You.
Suppose I don't?
You will.
You know you would be a lot
safer marrying Josephus Ford.
Miss Budden.
My offer of marriage is withdrawn.
I had great hopes for
our union, Miss Budden.
I thought together we might
accomplish great things.
That we might establish a dynasty that
would grow in stature as the city grows.
That we would be people
of importance in the city.
That our name would be synonymous with
the growth of the city in which we live.
That we would wield our power with
the fullest sense of responsibility.
And with a warm benevolence.
But if that's not to be.
Then I shall go on... alone.
And I tell you both now.
That Brooklyn will be one of the
biggest cities in the United States.
And I will be one of the biggest men...
In Brooklyn.
Perhaps we had better
begin the ceremony.
We are gathered together to
witness before this company.
The joining in the state of matrimony.
Of these two young people.
Ladies and gentlemen.
The public school question.
Is...
Ladies and gentlemen.
The public school question
is one that's important.
To every village, hamlet...
I wish I had said no.
When I asked you to marry me?
- Yes.
Then I wouldn't have to
go through this ordeal.
I dislike speeches or people
who listen to them.
And I hate people who make them.
But the committee on the
establishment of public schools may...
Listen to this and see
if it sounds alright.
Ladies and gentlemen.
The public school question
is one that's important...
For every village, hamlet...
City and township...
In the United States.
All men are guaranteed...
All men are guaranteed
equal opportunity.
For freedom.
The opportunity of education for all.
Is the basis of that guarantee.
I'm going to have a baby, Hiram.
Man needs knowledge to
meet the conditions ahead.
Conditions...
Of the mechanical age. No.
Man needs knowledge to
meet the conditions ahead.
Conditions in the age of machinery.
Hiram, I am going to have a baby.
Please, I am trying to make this clear.
Man needs knowledge to
meet the conditions ahead.
Hiram.
Please.
I've got it now.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the public school question.
Is one that's important
to every village, hamlet...
City and township in the United States.
All men are guaranteed...
Equal opportunity for freedom.
The opportunity of education for all.
Is the basis of this guarantee.
Man needs knowledge.
To meet the conditions ahead.
Conditions of an age of machinery.
And I'm going to have a baby.
I am going to have a baby.
Shush.
Don't cry.
Shush.
Shush. Don't cry.
Just go to sleep.
Let him cry.
You are trying to think.
I'm just thinking he
has a lot to cry about.
Dusty played a mean trick on him
giving him a failure as a father.
Oh, I see.
Do you think he knows it already?
Well, the sooner he
finds it out the better.
I've been working on the simplest
of inventions for 6 months...
And I'm no closer to the solution
now than I was the day I started.
Come on, son. Cry good and hard.
Daddy has come a cropper.
I never was any more than a tinker and
he'll never be more than a tinker's son.
Did you hear that baby boy?
What do you think daddy
is going to do now?
What?
Hang himself?
Oh, no.
Huh?
Throw out the invention and
fix pots and pans for a living?
Oh, son.
How can you say anything like that?
He believes you.
He thinks you've failed.
Well, I have.
I'll tell you what he
is going to do, son.
He is going to call himself
names for a while.
And then he will pick that model out of
the basket and start drawing a new plan.
Oh, yes he is.
That is what he always does.
And then he is going to get an idea
how to overcome his difficulties.
And pretty soon he'll have
a new invention all made.
And then, my little man.
He will be insufferable to have around.
And he will act like a great big
genius until he gets in trouble again.
He is asleep. I'll put him to bed.
Thomas. Thomas, stop that.
Stop it, Thomas, Stop it.
What is your name, young man?
That is what started the fight, sir.
My name is Percy Maxim.
My father doesn't have
wheels in his head.
And I'm not a girl...
Young ruffians. Stop it now.
You must stop it.
Percy.
Thank you, sir.
- Is this your son, ma'am?
Yes, and that's yours I presume?
Yes. I am ashamed to say it is.
He looks like a very nice little boy.
He said Papa had wheels in his head.
Looks are frequently deceiving.
You can stop that nosebleed by putting
a cold key at the back of his neck.
That is how I stop Percy's.
Girl boy, girl boy.
Percy, Percy girl boy.
May I, Mama?
No, Percy. We are going
to see your father.
Aren't you going to put
the beefsteak on first?
No. I want your father to see
it in all its pristine glory.
Jane, I want to show you something.
This is an arc light.
I want to show you something, dear.
Look at Percy.
Oh son, you must learn to dodge.
I tried to, Papa.
- What happened to the other fellow?
The other fellow has a bloody nose,
skinned knuckles and a torn blouse.
Oh good.
- It was Tom Phister.
Phister?
And well-named he is, too.
It seems young Mr Phister
commented without compliment...
On Percy's name, his curls
and a few other matters.
He said you had wheels
in your head, Papa.
He did?
And that you acted like a lunatic.
And your name was 'Mr Crazy'.
A very ordinary sort
of boy, this Phister.
I'm going to show you how to dive
so the next time you meet this boy...
There isn't going to be any next time.
Percy is getting a
haircut thus afternoon.
Like Papa's?
Now just a minute, Jane.
Percy, would you step into the kitchen?
- Hiram. My mind is made up.
Must I go out into the kitchen?
Perhaps it's better if you do.
Hurry along, son.
And close the door.
Jane, another black eye is
not going to hurt that boy.
But it hurts me, Hiram.
The boys all pick on him
because of those silly curls.
That's exactly why I
want him to keep them.
So he'll get plenty of
practice defending himself.
When he grows up he'll
be just like his father.
Never have to take anything from anyone.
- Hiram. The curls must go.
No, Jane.
- Yes.
It is enough to be named Percy.
That will get him a
sufficiency of fights.
And defending your mad little manners
will get him into a few more.
With the curls added.
All he does is indulge in fisticuffs.
Hiram, if this keep up.
He may turn out to be a pugilist.
Curly Percy Maxim.
Heavyweight champion of the world.
Papa.
Is it all settled?
Well, not fully.
I don't think so. Is it Jane?
Yes, dear.
Hiram, hand me those scissors.
Up in the chair, Percy.
Are you enjoying the teacake, Percy?
Do you think it may taste better if you
asked mother's permission to take it?
I don't know. It tasted pretty good.
It is good manners to ask
for something you want.
Even better manners to wait until you're
invited before helping yourself to food.
Am I invited now?
No Percy. You are not.
I can ask for something then?
Done.
Don't you want to be a gentleman?
Like Papa?
Well...
Yes.
Your father is always polite and has
good manners on all occasions.
Well.
Now and then perhaps he forgets.
But he's a lot on his mind and
he's usually most polite.
I want to be like Papa.
- Good.
Then take off your hat.
That's better.
Yesterday your cousin Garnet
told me she met you on the street.
And you didn't take off your
hat when she spoke to you.
She had her hat on.
She is a lady and must
wear a hat on the street.
But you're a little gentleman.
And when conversing with a lady
you must always remove your hat.
Yes, ma'am.
Now, when cousin Garnet
comes this afternoon for tea.
Can I go out and play with my dog?
Not 'can I'. 'May I'.
I want you to stay here and be
extra polite to cousin Garnet.
Can I?
May I?
Do I get invited to have another cake?
Perhaps later.
But remember, you must make your
manners to cousin Garnet first.
Yes, ma'am.
[ Doorbell ]
Now, go and show your cousin Garnet in.
Then do I get a cake?
Go and answer the door.
Never mind Emily.
Percy is going to the door.
Good afternoon, cousin Garnet.
Well master Percy, are you
playing footman today?
No, cousin Garnet. I am being polite.
Then put that up for me.
You weren't very gentile when I
stopped you on the street yesterday.
I forgot to be. I had lot
of things on my mind.
Oh, hello Jane.
Garnet, how well you look.
- And you.
Jane, I love your new house.
Thank you.
How is dear Mr Maxim?
Busy and in fine health.
And Theodore?
- Oh, busy.
Mama, wouldn't it be polite now to
invite cousin Garnet to have some cakes?
Percy, your hat.
Garnet, would you
like your tea right away?
Yes, I believe I would. I am famished.
I've been shop trading all day.
Oh, Jane... that table.
I want one just like it.
But good wood carvers are
so hard to get these days.
They've all migrated out to the west.
Theodore says the wages they
are receiving out there...
Hiram might be able to help you.
He knows where to find good workers.
I'll have to ask him.
Hiram has done remarkably well.
But for certain things
he might do better.
No-one is perfect, Garnet.
I'm not talking about perfection.
I'm talking about being normal.
People have the notion that
your husband is an eccentric.
Otherwise he might be the
head of a great company.
Hiram doesn't want to be the
head of a great company.
If he did I am sure he could be.
Would you like a cake?
You must admit, Jane.
He is rather unconventional.
I think 'progressive' is a better way to
describe him than 'unconventional'.
And I'm sure Hiram wouldn't be one whit
interested in how we described him.
Well I must say love is certainly blind.
Oh, my goodness.
Are you alright?
Yes, but look what I did
to a beautiful teacup.
Don't bother about it.
You couldn't help it.
I am so sorry. I am sure I never
touched this ball of yarn. It...
Percy.
I am sorry, Mama.
Young man.
Apologise to your cousin Garnet.
I didn't mean for it to break.
I'm not talking about what broke.
Apologise for the despicable thing
you did with the knitting needles.
I am sorry, cousin Garnet.
- You are a very bad boy.
If you were mine young man, I would make
you sorrier still where you sit down.
I'll sit on the needle, cousin Garnet.
Your father gave me this tea-set
when you were a little baby.
I just thought it would be a good joke.
Jokes.
Sounds just like his father.
Hello there.
I am glad you are home, dear.
Cousin Garnet.
What is wrong?
Oh. Had a little accident?
It was no accident, Hiram.
Percy is getting more
unmanageable every day.
What did he do?
He put needles on the seat
of cousin Garnet's chair...
Just as she was sitting down.
Spare me further details, please.
- Hiram.
I thought he would take it that way.
Jane, just what do you want me to do?
I want you to give him a
good, sound whipping.
You will have to do something
drastic to curb this kind of mischief.
Well, I have never given
him a whipping before.
That is plain to be seen.
Yes, I suppose it is.
Percy.
Yes, sir?
You have a lesson coming
to you, young man.
Yes, Papa.
We'll have to cut a
switch for it I guess.
Come along.
Now, for this kind of whipping
we need the right switch.
Yes, Papa.
This one looks like it may do.
We don't want one that
is too long or too thin.
A long thin one would sting
alright but it wouldn't last long.
It would break after a few blows.
Hold that will you, son.
We had better get one
that's a little bit stouter.
How about that one?
Yes.
Of course we don't want
one that's too stout.
One that's too stout would...
Bruise you. And we don't
want to do that do we, son?
No, Papa.
There, hold that.
We had better get one that
is a little bit stouter still.
We'll try this one here.
Yes.
This ought to do nicely.
They're going up the back way.
Oh, don't act like a ninny, Jane.
The switching will do the boy good.
Should I do this now?
- No.
No. Not yet, son.
We've got to test the switches first.
No, I didn't think that one would do.
Too thin.
This one is heavier, Papa.
Well, we'll try it.
He will never make Percy cry.
Well, that one didn't seem
to have much spring to it.
We'll try this one.
That's the one I picked out.
Well, they all break.
I got a baseball bat in my room, Papa.
That wouldn't break.
No, son.
We need something with
good spring to it but...
Strong enough to stand
up under heavy blows.
Let me think.
Oh. I know just the thing.
It's a real good one.
This cane that Mama bought you.
It bends a little and
it's good and strong.
Try it.
Well, this might do nicely.
Spare the rod and spoil the child.
You try it, son.
Me?
Yes, you.
Hit it much harder.
No. Put more beef into it.
Harder still.
Stop.
We experimented dear, but we
couldn't find the proper switch.
I guess we'll have to
dispense with the whipping.
Your mother came up
to stop the whipping.
That is how much she loves you.
And I really would have made your
mother suffer much more than you, son.
Because whatever pain you had she
would have had a hundred-fold.
Your mother has been
very good to you, Percy.
But you haven't been
very good to your mother.
I'll buy you a new tea-set, Mama.
I'll spend all the money that Papa made
me put in my bank for a rainy day.
My good man.
You. I am speaking to you.
To me or to him?
- To you.
Is this the home of Hiram
Maxim, the inventor.
Yes. It is.
Confound it, you stupid oaf.
Why didn't you tell me
the paint was still wet?
You didn't ask me.
I am Doctor Willis of
the Hall of Science.
How do you do, doctor?
I am Mrs Hiram Maxim.
How do you do?
Your painter has smeared my hands
and grossly insulted me, madam.
Painter? Why that's mister...
I think your roast is burning.
I'm so sorry.
My colleagues and I are here to confer
a great honor on your husband, ma'am.
Oh? Well that's most
gratifying, gentlemen.
We would like to see him.
Confounded oaf.
My husband isn't in right now.
He is working very hard
on a new enterprise.
Do you expect him soon?
I'm afraid to say when he'll be in.
Won't you...
We can perhaps make the arrangements
with Mrs Maxim, doctor.
But I would like to meet the man.
I admire him no end, madam.
And he has the greatest
respect for you, Dr Willis.
I deem Hiram Maxim one of the greatest
inventors and engineers of our time.
His perfecting of the arc light alone
makes him an international figure.
On the 21st of December we must dedicate
a new wing of the Hall of Science.
In that wing, madam.
We will unveil the portraits of three
of the most outstanding contributors...
To the new age of machinery.
James Watt.
Robert Fulton.
And Hiram Maxim.
Doctor Willis.
This is one of the really
happy days of my life.
This recognition of my husband's work
will do much for him and for all of us.
You will notify Mr Maxim to have the
portrait done as soon as possible.
Indeed I will.
We would like to have it for framing.
By December the 1st.
Never fear.
You will have it before then.
Just so we can hang him before the 21st.
They are going to hang
you before the 21st, Papa.
No they're not, son. You stay here.
This dedication will be a
great occasion, Dr Willis.
A noteworthy occasion, ma'am.
A monumental date of science and
those engaged in its advance.
Just a minute.
I have a question to ask.
How many times to I have to tell you
not to come in here, Ed Patterson?
You've been impertinent to Dr Willis.
Now you come tracking in here to ask a
silly question about what to paint next.
These gentlemen are here to pay
a great honor to my husband.
That is what I thought
but it seems to me...
Please leave before they
change their minds.
Maybe your husband doesn't want
to have his picture painted.
Mr Patterson, that will be
about enough out of you.
If you don't leave immediately I'll have
to ask these gentlemen to assist you.
That ought to be fun. How about it?
Stop playing the fool.
Or I shall have to speak harshly to
my husband about your conduct.
Oh, is that so?
Let me say Mr Maxim will have something
to say about the way you're treating me.
Ma'am.
I am so sorry, but the poor
fellow just isn't all there.
He might be dangerous
to have around, ma'am.
Oh no. My husband likes to keep him
working. He has known Ed all his life.
Ed Patterson?
She was really raring to go on, son.
Well, let's get back to our painting.
Here they come again, Papa.
Are you going to honor
Mr Maxim for his inventions?
Yes, we are.
I thought I should tell you I am the one
responsible for most of his good ones.
Of course.
Of course.
Good day.
Poor man.
Still cross?
I'm not cross.
I am just a little discouraged.
You wouldn't want me to be the kind of
man who had his portrait painted and...
Hung in a public place, would you?
- I certainly would.
Well, I am not going to do it.
- It's a great honor.
People would know what
a great man you are.
Why, I am just plain old Ed Patterson.
Ed Patterson deliberately made Dr Willis
get all smeared with paint, didn't he.
I'll admit old Ed helped.
Hiram.
You shouldn't do things like that.
You can't break all the conventions.
How would you feel if I were to carry
on in an unconventional manner?
What would you do?
Well, I don't know.
Go out in public without a
hat on. Not wear gloves.
Oh. How the tongues would wag.
Or smoke cigars like that woman
in Paris, Madam George Sand did.
Well, I personally don't care for the
taste of tobacco but you might like it.
You wouldn't...
- Goodbye, dear.
See you tonight about five.
Emily.
Yes, ma'am?
I want you to go to this address. Give
the letter personally to Mr Anton Magel.
Yes, ma'am.
He is a very important man,
but insist upon an answer.
Yes, ma'am.
I am asking for an appointment tomorrow.
Tell him I will suit his convenience.
Yes, ma'am.
Is there anything else, ma'am?
- No. That will be all.
Oh, Emily.
On your way back stop in someplace
and get me a good 5-cent cigar.
What did Mr Magel say?
He said he would see you tomorrow
afternoon at 3:30, ma'am.
That's good news.
Not a word of this to Mr Maxim.
- Oh no, ma'am.
Thank you.
Do you have half a lemon, Emily?
Yes, ma'am.
I just want to kill the taste
of something I have to take.
Oh, don't you feel well, ma'am?
I feel alright now, but...
Maybe later...
Jane.
Oh. There you are.
My favorite dress.
My, it looks lovely.
Jane, the ladies of the Purity
Committee to see you.
Come in.
Come in.
Are you Mr Magel?
Yes. You are Mrs Maxim.
What do you want?
I would like you to do a
portrait of my husband.
Good. Tell him to sit
over there in the light.
Then, I see.
But my husband isn't here.
If he's not here where I can see him
how can I tell if I can paint him?
I am Anton Magel.
I Magel, do not paint...
Cats in bags.
Pigs in pokes.
If Magel doesn't find the subject's face
interesting, Magel does not paint it.
You will find my husband's
face very interesting.
Maybe.
Could you look at it tomorrow?
Tomorrow? Perhaps yes.
Yes. Tomorrow I study him very good.
And then Magel tells him... yes.
Orr tells him... no.
Oh.
But...
Could you just study his
face and then tell me?
So?
So that if you do say yes
I can tell him quietly.
Quietly?
I don't want him to even guess that
you're an artist studying his face.
Hmm, some kind of humbug, huh?
Magel makes no humbug.
I know. But I want this
to be a great surprise.
Oh a surprise?
Good, good. Very charming.
Magel make a surprise.
Magel even come to your house.
Oh thank you, Mr Magel.
We'll surprise him no end.
If.
I know.
If you like his face. Good day.
Good day, Madame.
Thanks a lot, Ed.
- Not at all, Hiram.
944 Queen Street?
Yes, it is 944 Queen Street.
- Thank you. I am Magel.
I am Maxim.
- Nice weather, no?
Yes. It's very nice.
Mrs Maxim isn't at home, sir.
- Fine.
Would you like some coffee, sir?
Please. If you would...
In here.
Here, please.
The light is better.
Read your paper. Relax. Go ahead.
You wanted to see me?
Very much, Mr Maxim.
Very, very much.
About what?
About...
You want to see me about what?
Oh. I just wanted to see you.
Oh.
Are you an inventor with an idea?
Please, do not mix it up.
You are the inventor.
Well, what is your idea?
Idea? It is...
It is too early to have an idea.
Magel thinks you are going to be fine.
Oh.
Please... turn the head.
Just a little.
Magel says turn the head.
Get out.
- I am Magel.
Get out!
Hiram. Hiram, stop!
That man is a lunatic.
- What did he do?
He's in there looking all round me.
Looking at my head and my ears...
Saying 'you'll be fine'.
I must find out what he's plotting.
Let him go.
He said you'd be fine, did he?
I've no idea what he was talking about.
- I wouldn't worry about it, dear.
Mama.
That man left his hat.
Put it in the house, Percy.
He'll come back.
I just hope he does.
- So do I.
Jane, I'm not going to do it.
In the first place I don't have time. It
takes weeks to get a portrait painted.
Just an hour each sitting.
Well, I haven't time to sit
around for even an hour.
Oh, Hiram.
It's a great honor, dear.
Let them give it to somebody else.
Hiram.
I am sorry to be stubborn, Jane. But I'm
not going to have my portrait painted.
Not if I can help it.
Do you remember a speech you made...
Once on behalf of free public schools?
Yes.
Remember what you said?
Yes, exactly.
All men are guaranteed equal
opportunity for freedom.
The opportunity of education for
all is the basis of this guarantee.
Man needs knowledge to
meet the conditions ahead.
The conditions of an age of machinery.
And then I realised about Percy.
Then I said 'I'm going to have...'
Jane.
Hiram, you do look handsome.
I was saving this finery
to be laid out in.
It will be a wonderful portrait.
Jane, you took an unfair
advantage of me.
How can you say that?
First, you tell me about
the new addition and...
While I am in a state
of overjoyed imbecility...
You exact from me a promise
to submit to this indignity.
Now don't get in a temper.
Mr Magel is very nervous.
Promise me you won't upset him.
- Upset him?
Madam, I would like to
draw and quarter him.
Percy, Percy.
Please go down the back stairs and
out in the yard and stay there.
But I want to ask Papa something.
You can ask him later.
Now be a good boy.
Now we get the pose.
The head, so.
The chin a little up. Good, good.
The jacket, open.
So.
This hand on the arm of the chair.
Relax.
This hand over the watch chain.
Very natural. Very strong. Good.
Now, the light is too much
so we... bring the dark.
The eye is very far away.
Very mysterious.
The creator in the shadows
of the great pose.
Maybe you aren't the
great thinker but...
My painting will be a painting
of the great thinker.
Move the chin.
A little. Not so like I am. Please.
Good.
What is the meaning of this?
Please.
Well, if you are going to paint
a picture, you need more light.
That is only common sense.
Ah, a connoisseur.
Really?
- A critic.
I do think that one ear is...
- Get out.
Get out.
Get out!
Magel doesn't need more light.
The eyes over there.
Good.
It don't look much like Papa, does it.
It's only the beginning.
[ Whistling ]
Please. The whistling, I do not like it.
Magel cannot stand the whistling. Ever.
Good whistling is bad enough.
Bad whistling is awful.
Will you draw my picture too?
Yes. Someday, but not now.
Take him away.
- His name is Skipper.
Do you know why?
- I don't care why.
Go away, Skipper. Go away.
Stand back. You are in my light.
Okay Skipper. Go away.
Mr Maxim. The pose.
Now you can see him better, can't you.
This is the end.
A portrait painter for 25 years.
But in this house everybody
helps me with the light.
Little boy, now you can see your father.
No you can paint him too.
Goodbye, Mr Maxim.
You don't need Magel.
You have a house full
of portrait painters.
He was excited, wasn't he.
Yes. He was.
What happened?
Mr Magel and Percy had
some differences about life.
Isn't Mr Magel going
to do your portrait?
I'm afraid not. He left.
I'm sure if I speak to
him he'll come back.
Come back?
If he dares madam, I will leave.
And on that you may take a vow.
Papa.
Please.
Oh.
Isn't it lovely.
Beautiful, madam.
Mr Maxim sent it from town.
I'm lucky to have Mr Maxim.
There's some that's worse, ma'am.
Come on, Skipper.
Oh. There is Percy.
Put it away where he won't see it.
- Yes, ma'am.
How many times have I told
you not to use the front door?
Now that you are in you can stay in.
Your hat, Percy.
- Yes, ma'am.
What are you hiding from me?
Me? Hiding something from you?
That is just your imagination.
No it isn't. You are hiding something.
That is just nonsense.
And I have no time to waste on nonsense.
And don't eat so many cookies.
You'll spoil your supper.
Mama.
How do you like Skipper now?
Skipper.
Skipper. Come here.
Don't you like it?
Come here, Skipper.
Skipper.
Skipper, come here.
- Skipper.
Skipper, do you hear me?
Skipper.
You are a bad boy.
Come out of there, sir.
Come out of there right away.
He won't come out, Mama.
- Skipper.
Come out.
Skipper.
Skipper, come out of there.
Alright.
I'll go in after you.
Here he is, Mama.
Percy.
Call Emily.
Are you alright, Mama?
Yes. Get Emily quick.
Emily.
Emily!
Mama wants you.
Percy. What have you
done to your mother?
It was my fault, Papa.
No it wasn't, son.
Now Mama is sick and I can't tell her.
Don't cry, boy.
Mother told me how it all happened.
She doesn't blame you at all.
Does she blame Skipper?
Skipper thought she
was playing with him.
Don't you worry now, son.
Mother is going to be all
better in no time at all.
Look. Stay right here.
How is Jane, doctor?
There is a grave danger, Mr Maxim.
I have sent for Dr Grant
for consultation.
We'll keep her under strong
sedatives until he arrives.
Can I go up to her now?
Don't stay too long. And above all...
Don't let her see how
much you are worried.
Mr Maxim.
The doctor said I could go in.
- Not looking like that, sir.
Please, her spirits are up.
We have to keep her cheerful.
I'll manage.
Darling, I am glad you're here.
I just got home and heard the big news.
Have you seen Percy?
For a minute.
Is he alright?
Oh, he's fine.
Kinda mystified by all the activity.
I think you had better send
him over to cousin Garnet's.
Alright.
I'm glad she has gone.
I want to tell you something.
Doctor Fillmore is worried.
No, Jane.
- Oh, Hiram.
I know he is.
So are the nurses. So are you.
You can't hide it from me.
Jane.
But I'm not.
Not even a little bit.
And I don't want you to be.
Jane, there's nobody
in the world like you.
Oh yes there is.
Every woman feels like this.
Frightened, of course.
But excited.
Underneath the fear.
Excited because of what
this means to all of us.
To you.
To Percy. To me.
And to somebody else.
Is that good for fathers too?
I bet it would be.
Would you like to try some?
No thank you.
Just like his son.
Goodnight, dear.
Goodnight.
Sorry I took so long, doctor.
You're here now and we've a great
deal to do before the night is over.
Now, she is strong.
But she doesn't quite realize
how very bad the situation is.
But that's all we have in our favor.
Is Mama better now, Papa?
The doctors will make her better, son.
I think I'll take you over
to your cousin Garnet's.
Does Mama want me to go away?
Just for tonight.
She is angry with me?
No she is not, Percy.
I made her hurt herself.
No you didn't.
Please let me stay here with you, Papa.
Until she gets better.
Then I will go away.
You aren't going away at all.
You are going to stay
right here with me.
You're not mad at me?
Most certainly not.
I am.
I'm mad at me.
Don't be.
You are a good boy.
Hello Mrs Allison.
I just brought some chicken broth.
I'll leave it in the kitchen.
Thank you.
How is she?
No better.
Then there's nothing we can do?
Nothing but pray.
Well, we are all doing that.
[ Baby crying noises ]
[ Baby crying noises ]
Wait a minute.
FxMar22.
Put them down in the south pen, Joel.
- Yes siree, Mr Williams.
Good day, Mr Williams.
- Good morning, Miss Jane.
You certainly fix yourself up elegant
to bring your pigs to market.
Howdy.
- Howdy.
Daniel, give me a hand with this.
Jane, you're going on a journey.
I am if you give me a
good price for my pigs.
Well, you got a fine parcel
of pork there, Miss Jane.
They're sound and they're
solid. Grain, milk and acorn.
What is the tare of this wagon?
- 640 pounds, Daniel.
640 pounds.
A standing hitch. That would be... 13...
1322. Net weight for pork.
That's right. At 8 cents per pound...
They're grain, milk and acorn fed.
9 cents per pound. That would be...
Let's see.
118 dollars and 98 cents.
Call it 119 dollars even.
And some people call you a hard trader.
You don't mind taking greenbacks I hope.
- Happy to have them.
Sure. They're just as good
as gold and easier to carry.
Uncle Daniel, bring the bags.
The stage is here.
Thank you, Mr Williams.
Makes you feel kinda sad
selling your pet porkers, eh?
Hurry, Daniel.
If I never see another porker
till the end of my days...
It suits me down to the ground.
Here is your pay, uncle Daniel.
For the grain and the milk.
You travelling south?
- Yes. I'm going to Brooklyn.
Well, Brooklyn is a
mighty high-toned city.
But don't stay away too long.
Because by next spring I hope you bring
me back some more fellows like these.
I've made a vow never to have anything
more to do with pigs from this day on.
Goodbye, uncle Daniel.
Thank you for everything.
- Take good care of yourself, Jane.
What you going to do in
Brooklyn, raise cows?
Oh no, Mr Williams. I'm going
to Brooklyn to get married.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
You must be very fond of weddings, sir.
No. I just like to
throw stuff at people.
I beg your pardon, Miss.
321 Union Street.
Oh, thank you.
Did you say 321, John?
- Yes, Mr Maxim.
Oh, thank you.
How's everything on the farm?
- Sir?
I wasn't aware I had a sign on me
saying I was just off the farm.
You have though.
The bloom in your cheeks.
Complexions like yours do
not grow in the city, Miss.
Aren't you being a trifle forward?
Where did you get those
burrs in your pretty ears?
He must have been standing
on his head to get this many.
That, or he's keeping
his ear to the ground.
He is probably in politics.
There. Feel better?
Now.
Run on home.
That's exactly what I intend
doing. Good day, ma'am.
Is Mrs Allison at home?
She is indeed.
I expect you are the master's cousin?
Yes, I am.
I'll tell Mrs Allison
you are here, Miss.
Thank you.
All I had to wear was
my old brown taffeta.
Mrs Allison.
Your cousin is here to see you.
She is?
Ladies, I have an unexpected visitor.
Mrs Allison's cousin. She is
from up around Boston way.
How nice.
She will probably very shy and
unsophisticated and countrified.
Don't be surprised if she just says...
'Yes, mum' and 'No, mum'.
And blushes every time you speak to her.
Excuse me.
Hello.
You must be Jane.
- Yes.
And you are cousin Garnet.
It was so kind of you to have me come.
Ladies, I want you to meet my
husband's cousin. Miss Jane Budden.
This is Mrs Benfleet and her
daughter Josephine Maria.
How do you do, Mrs Benfleet.
And our next-door neighbor Mrs Meade.
How do you do, Mrs Meade?
And Mrs Dresswell and
her daughter Sarah.
How do you do, Mrs Dresswell?
And Mrs Gorman and her daughter Louise.
Mrs Gorman. Miss Gorman.
And Mrs Lang and her daughter Jane.
How do you do Mrs Lang?
It was so sweet of you to have all your
friends in to meet me, cousin Garnet.
I thought you would enjoy
knowing my friends.
I'm sure I will.
Oh, thank you.
Theodore thought your trip to the
city may be of a serious nature.
It's very serious to me.
Oh, well. If you came to
see a doctor, my dear...
I must recommend Dr Ledner to you.
He is the most marvellous man.
What he did for my sister-in-law
was nothing short of miraculous.
Thank you.
But my visit is prompted by
an ambition, not an illness.
An ambition?
Oh, I do hope you're not one of
those dreadful girls of the future...
We are always reading
about in the periodicals.
The sort that want to
go into trade or politics.
I understand that in one the
New York counting houses...
There is an unmarried woman who
holds a very responsible position.
And does very well at it.
I don't envy her.
Then you are not planning on
employment in a counting house, Jane?
Oh, no.
I'm planning on getting married.
Some gentleman from Boston, Jane?
No. He won't be from Boston.
He is right here in Brooklyn?
I hope so.
My dear, is it someone from Brooklyn?
I don't know.
You don't know?
I don't understand, my dear.
Who is this gentleman?
I haven't met him yet.
I mean, I'm looking for a husband.
And I know exactly the
kind of man I want.
And what type is that, my dear?
He should be in a
substantial profession.
Have a nice house to live in.
Sufficient income to run it.
This is shocking.
Josephine Maria, cover your ears.
I never heard such bull
talk in all my life.
You're jesting?
No I am not, cousin.
I'm being very practical.
Practicalities have no place
in true love, Miss Budden.
I agree.
But it's just as easy to fall truly in
love with a rich man as a poor one.
Hello, Mrs Meade.
As your landlady and well-wisher.
I think I should warn you.
Go ahead. Warn me.
A designing woman has
moved in next door.
Which house?
- She's visiting the Allisons.
The things she said today I
never heard a woman say before.
What did she say?
I don't know whether I can tell you.
Sure you can. If you don't you'll burst.
She said she came to
town to marry a rich man.
Sit down. I want to hear more.
Well... she walked in...
Miss Budden?
Yes.
May I come in?
Yes.
My name is Hiram Stevens Maxim.
Miss Budden, you may recall we
met last week on a horse car.
Oh yes. You helped me with my luggage.
So, you do remember.
Are these for me?
For you alone.
They are lovely.
Miss Budden, I'm told by a mutual friend
your purpose in coming to Brooklyn...
Was to find someone who would
make you a suitable husband.
Oh.
I did say that.
The qualifications I believe
as you stated them...
Were that the man must be a substantial
and respected citizen of the community.
Oh.
Yes. Will you come into the parlor?
Thank you.
I wanted to thank you for being so kind
to me the day I arrived in your city.
I am happy to have been
of any small service.
With your permission?
- Please.
About the man who would lay
suit to your heart, Miss Budden.
He must, I think you said,
be a man of substance?
Have a home ready for you to
brighten with your presence.
A future that's safe and assured and be
well-endowed with this world's goods.
Well.
I have always dreamed of
having a home of my own.
Not a home.
A shrine, you should say.
A shrine to a woman's loveliness.
And now miss Budden, I must say
something that isn't easy to say.
It's something that's awkward in
the face of your radiant beauty.
But being what I am...
A poverty-stricken inventor without
the respect of the community.
With no money. With a 3rd-floor
hall bedroom as my abode.
I came to tell you if you're looking
for a substantial husband...
Don't count on me.
I think I'll wear it
to the musical hall.
I hope you're not going with
that odd fellow across the way.
He's crazy, isn't he.
- Yes.
But in a nice sort of way.
He reminds me of the
boys in the old country.
What in the name of all
the saints is he up to now?
Look.
Hello, Mrs Meade.
I was just working on
this with a curling iron.
I see. Something new?
The curling iron of the future.
Self-heating.
No smudges, even temperature. Keeps hot
constantly when in use and handy to use.
Always inventing and
tinkering and experimenting.
Experiments are just the beginning.
By the way, do you have any coal oil?
- About a gallon.
It's highly inflammable, Mr Maxim.
- Not when you know how to use it.
Alright, I'll get it for you.
It's a dream, Miss Jane. A dream.
Keep it on until the madam
sees how fine you look.
What is that?
A conflagration.
Free the ladders. Man the hose.
It's the Brooklyn Blades
Volunteer Company Number 1.
They are the first on the scene again.
Come on. Back up there, folks.
Let the firemen through.
Step back there, sonny.
There is Captain Josephus Ford.
Scaling crew in action.
They are just like circus performers.
Kinda smoky.
Save the stream.
New station.
That's dangerous.
- It sure is dangerous.
That's why when a man
marries, he has to resign.
Save the stream.
No flames in the house, Captain.
Maybe it's between the eaves.
Secondary hose men.
Where is the fire?
Oh, this?
Oh, there is no flame in here.
It's just smoking a little. That's all.
It is... it's an invention of mine.
It got a little hot.
It smoked up the whole
darn house I guess.
If I had known you fellows were out
here I would have told you sooner.
I guess the laugh is on you.
Let them all go.
You are more than kind, dear Mr Weldon.
It is you who are kind
to me, Miss Budden.
I drink this with the hope that
you will let me call on you soon.
Was I too bold Miss Budden,
to express a wish to call?
Oh no. Not at all.
Will you excuse me?
I'll be back in a moment.
- Certainly.
What were you shaking your head about?
I was just warning you.
He's not the one.
- He's not the one what?
The one for you to marry.
He couldn't give you
the house or anything.
He lives off his father.
- My dear Mr Maxim.
I've tried to make it plain that I'm not
one whit interested in your opinion...
Miss Budden.
If you're free, may I have the pleasure
of taking you to view the gardens?
They're the most beautiful in the city.
They're said to be an enchanting
setting for a lady of real loveliness.
Well, I should like to
very much, Mr Raymond.
But I think...
Some other time, Mr Raymond.
As you say, Miss Budden.
Perhaps I could then hope
to join you at supper later?
Thank you, but...
There you are.
May I have the honor, Miss Budden?
Indeed you may, Captain Ford.
And what is your
profession, Captain Ford?
The law, but I don't
spend much time on it.
No?
I'm more interested in real estate.
I've just built the new docks.
Oh you did? Do you own ships too?
I plan to have quite a fleet in time.
Now, I am acquiring property.
Property that I think in few years
will be the most valuable in the city.
I should like to hear about it.
I think... very soon...
There will be great opportunities again.
For great fortunes.
So do I.
And I aim ma'am, to be ready to
amass one when the time comes.
You are right, Captain Ford.
You are so right.
Wait a minute. I haven't finished.
'But get through the storm we
must, no matter what the cost'.
That was a mean thing I did.
Getting you to go after old ironsides.
Old ironsides?
Josephus Ford.
I have had the pleasure of Mr Ford's
company a number of times since then...
And find him a perfect gentleman.
A perfect bachelor, you mean.
Oh, he'll take you out
on carriage rides.
But to get him in a carriage and getting
him to the altar are different matters.
Then you think he's toying with
my affections, Mr Maxim?
Well, Miss Jane.
If it wasn't the fact I feel responsible
that you accept his spurious attentions.
I wouldn't say a word.
Oh Mr Maxim, I don't know
whether to laugh or cry.
Please Miss Jane, I beg of you...
- Oh, Jane.
Good afternoon, Mr Maxim.
Mrs Allison.
Mr Maxim has been warning me
about one of Brooklyn's great pitfalls.
The design is very agreeable,
don't you think?
It's lovely.
Mr Maxim.
Do you know anything about printing?
I know a little about everything.
Well, it's very neat.
It's good paper.
It must be his money.
- Must be.
How can she possibly prefer
Josephus Ford to me?
Or even me.
For Jane, Captain.
To Jane, sir.
It is very lovely.
We have a lot of witnesses
for the great event.
Everybody who's anybody
in Brooklyn is here tonight.
Sir?
I congratulate you and
wish you the very best.
And you, fair lady.
You have won the prize for
which so many others tried.
Just look at them.
Where on this earth may you see anything
to compare to the fitness of this union?
Miss Budden.
Whose beauty and grace is so radiant.
It makes you hurt inside with
the pain of its perfection.
And melt underneath the
warmth of its glowing light.
And Captain Josephus Ford.
The very picture of
solid respectability.
Solid worth.
In short, a solid man.
Who has given the fruitful
years of his youth.
To gain his present estate.
And those years were not
spent in chasing dreams.
They were not given to the
frivolity of small gaieties.
They weren't spent
revelling in the joys of life.
No, sir.
But to fit himself to take his place.
With the solid, sober, prudent
leaders of our great city.
To make himself like unto them.
And he will be like them.
For he will by day and by night...
Live the kind of life...
That makes men the solid
pillars of our great city.
And so on this joyous occasion.
Almost a public celebration.
I give you that worthy man...
Capitan Josephus Ford.
And Jane.
I give him to you too.
Your eulogy sir, was a masterpiece.
It was nothing. It was in here.
It just had to come out.
You are more than kind, Maxim.
Oh...
Much more, Mr Maxim.
Josephus.
The councillors are here. I think we had
better go to sign the marriage contract.
Is there going to be
a marriage contract?
I thought that sort of
thing was old-fashioned.
Old-fashioned and sensible.
But don't worry your pretty
head about it, my dear.
Your cousin's attorneys and
I worked out all the terms.
Terms? That does sound sensible.
And business-like.
It's just a custom, Jane dear.
That precious little frown
tells me you are thinking.
And women shouldn't think when
they have men to do it for them.
If you will excuse me for a few minutes.
- Mr Ford.
If you will permit me?
My feet hurt.
I am glad of a chance to tell you
I saw no humor in your speech, sir.
I tried only to tell
the truth, Miss Jane.
You were all the things
I said you were and...
He certainly will become all
the things I said he would.
Just as soon as you sign up,
your life will be settled.
Is it an effort for you to be insulting
or does it just come naturally?
Why Miss Jane, I am not insulting.
I approve of a marriage
contract in your case.
I prefer not to discuss my
marriage with you, Mr Maxim.
Alright.
Then I will tell you about my marriage.
Your marriage?
If, as, and when it takes place.
There won't be any contracts.
Because I don't have anything
to protect from a grasping wife.
And there won't be any security for
the poor wretch who marries me.
I have none to give.
But you have your charming self.
And that no doubt will
make up for an awful lot.
It will have to.
All my poor wife will get is
being in at the start of the race.
And she will have to help me.
I will need her.
I'll need her strength when I weaken.
I'll need her love when I'm defeated.
I'll need her laughter to match my own.
Sometimes, I will need her tears.
Why, her tears?
Well, we'll fight.
She'll cry and then we'll make up.
You can't make up unless there are tears
to kiss away, so I'll need her tears.
And she'll probably always want things
you'll never be able to give her?
What she gets will be what we
together will be able to find in life.
It won't be a marriage like yours.
Your life will be ready-made for you.
My wife will marry a pauper.
You are going to marry a king.
Now you are being fantastical.
Josephus is just a businessman.
He is not a king.
Yes, he is.
Hi subjects are all four-footed
but they do him homage.
Is that another insult in disguise?
- No. It's the truth.
Only today he bought out Forman's
packing plant and became the pork king.
King of the pigs.
And just think, you will be their queen.
Did you say 'pigs'?
'Pigs' is vulgar.
'Porkers' is a better word.
Jane.
Jane, it's all settled.
Josephus was most generous.
Why, there isn't a girl in Brooklyn who
wouldn't be as proud as punch...
To be in your shoes tonight.
Just think of it.
Mrs Josephus Ford.
You know, you're a very lucky girl.
Jane.
Your cousin's attorneys
proved be hard traders.
But I am better than
satisfied with my bargain.
Garnet said that you were
more than generous, Josephus.
Can you excuse me?
I want to find Theodore.
Certainly.
Cousin Garnet.
Let me tell you the terms.
- Please, I don't want to hear them.
I am very grateful for everything.
There's nothing I have
that's not to be yours.
My name.
My house.
My fortune.
I understand you engaged in
a new business venture today.
Yes. An extraordinary enterprise.
One I have wanted for many years.
Wait until you see my prize boars.
All champions.
And my sows... and their
beautiful little sucklings.
All soon to become full-grown pigs.
And there are thousands of them.
Thousands?
Come. Let's go in and sign the
marriage contract and set the date.
Oh, you go in.
I have to find out about something.
- Of course, dear.
Don't be long.
You look like a queen standing there.
Bridget.
Have you seen Mr Maxim?
- Yes, Miss. He just left.
Mr Maxim.
Do you want to marry me?
What?
Well, do you?
If you do, please say so
instead of making me ask you.
You are sure you are in your right
mind and know what you are doing?
Positive.
I thought I was crazy but you are
the loveliest lunatic I've ever seen.
Because I am going to marry you?
Yes.
You wanted things only
a rich man can give you.
Now you don't want those things at all.
- Yes I do.
And we are going to
have all those things.
A family. A house.
And each other.
I'm just a tinker.
I should live in a wagon
filled with pots and pans.
You are a great man.
And someday you will prove it.
Me?
Yes.
You.
Suppose I don't?
You will.
You know you would be a lot
safer marrying Josephus Ford.
Miss Budden.
My offer of marriage is withdrawn.
I had great hopes for
our union, Miss Budden.
I thought together we might
accomplish great things.
That we might establish a dynasty that
would grow in stature as the city grows.
That we would be people
of importance in the city.
That our name would be synonymous with
the growth of the city in which we live.
That we would wield our power with
the fullest sense of responsibility.
And with a warm benevolence.
But if that's not to be.
Then I shall go on... alone.
And I tell you both now.
That Brooklyn will be one of the
biggest cities in the United States.
And I will be one of the biggest men...
In Brooklyn.
Perhaps we had better
begin the ceremony.
We are gathered together to
witness before this company.
The joining in the state of matrimony.
Of these two young people.
Ladies and gentlemen.
The public school question.
Is...
Ladies and gentlemen.
The public school question
is one that's important.
To every village, hamlet...
I wish I had said no.
When I asked you to marry me?
- Yes.
Then I wouldn't have to
go through this ordeal.
I dislike speeches or people
who listen to them.
And I hate people who make them.
But the committee on the
establishment of public schools may...
Listen to this and see
if it sounds alright.
Ladies and gentlemen.
The public school question
is one that's important...
For every village, hamlet...
City and township...
In the United States.
All men are guaranteed...
All men are guaranteed
equal opportunity.
For freedom.
The opportunity of education for all.
Is the basis of that guarantee.
I'm going to have a baby, Hiram.
Man needs knowledge to
meet the conditions ahead.
Conditions...
Of the mechanical age. No.
Man needs knowledge to
meet the conditions ahead.
Conditions in the age of machinery.
Hiram, I am going to have a baby.
Please, I am trying to make this clear.
Man needs knowledge to
meet the conditions ahead.
Hiram.
Please.
I've got it now.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the public school question.
Is one that's important
to every village, hamlet...
City and township in the United States.
All men are guaranteed...
Equal opportunity for freedom.
The opportunity of education for all.
Is the basis of this guarantee.
Man needs knowledge.
To meet the conditions ahead.
Conditions of an age of machinery.
And I'm going to have a baby.
I am going to have a baby.
Shush.
Don't cry.
Shush.
Shush. Don't cry.
Just go to sleep.
Let him cry.
You are trying to think.
I'm just thinking he
has a lot to cry about.
Dusty played a mean trick on him
giving him a failure as a father.
Oh, I see.
Do you think he knows it already?
Well, the sooner he
finds it out the better.
I've been working on the simplest
of inventions for 6 months...
And I'm no closer to the solution
now than I was the day I started.
Come on, son. Cry good and hard.
Daddy has come a cropper.
I never was any more than a tinker and
he'll never be more than a tinker's son.
Did you hear that baby boy?
What do you think daddy
is going to do now?
What?
Hang himself?
Oh, no.
Huh?
Throw out the invention and
fix pots and pans for a living?
Oh, son.
How can you say anything like that?
He believes you.
He thinks you've failed.
Well, I have.
I'll tell you what he
is going to do, son.
He is going to call himself
names for a while.
And then he will pick that model out of
the basket and start drawing a new plan.
Oh, yes he is.
That is what he always does.
And then he is going to get an idea
how to overcome his difficulties.
And pretty soon he'll have
a new invention all made.
And then, my little man.
He will be insufferable to have around.
And he will act like a great big
genius until he gets in trouble again.
He is asleep. I'll put him to bed.
Thomas. Thomas, stop that.
Stop it, Thomas, Stop it.
What is your name, young man?
That is what started the fight, sir.
My name is Percy Maxim.
My father doesn't have
wheels in his head.
And I'm not a girl...
Young ruffians. Stop it now.
You must stop it.
Percy.
Thank you, sir.
- Is this your son, ma'am?
Yes, and that's yours I presume?
Yes. I am ashamed to say it is.
He looks like a very nice little boy.
He said Papa had wheels in his head.
Looks are frequently deceiving.
You can stop that nosebleed by putting
a cold key at the back of his neck.
That is how I stop Percy's.
Girl boy, girl boy.
Percy, Percy girl boy.
May I, Mama?
No, Percy. We are going
to see your father.
Aren't you going to put
the beefsteak on first?
No. I want your father to see
it in all its pristine glory.
Jane, I want to show you something.
This is an arc light.
I want to show you something, dear.
Look at Percy.
Oh son, you must learn to dodge.
I tried to, Papa.
- What happened to the other fellow?
The other fellow has a bloody nose,
skinned knuckles and a torn blouse.
Oh good.
- It was Tom Phister.
Phister?
And well-named he is, too.
It seems young Mr Phister
commented without compliment...
On Percy's name, his curls
and a few other matters.
He said you had wheels
in your head, Papa.
He did?
And that you acted like a lunatic.
And your name was 'Mr Crazy'.
A very ordinary sort
of boy, this Phister.
I'm going to show you how to dive
so the next time you meet this boy...
There isn't going to be any next time.
Percy is getting a
haircut thus afternoon.
Like Papa's?
Now just a minute, Jane.
Percy, would you step into the kitchen?
- Hiram. My mind is made up.
Must I go out into the kitchen?
Perhaps it's better if you do.
Hurry along, son.
And close the door.
Jane, another black eye is
not going to hurt that boy.
But it hurts me, Hiram.
The boys all pick on him
because of those silly curls.
That's exactly why I
want him to keep them.
So he'll get plenty of
practice defending himself.
When he grows up he'll
be just like his father.
Never have to take anything from anyone.
- Hiram. The curls must go.
No, Jane.
- Yes.
It is enough to be named Percy.
That will get him a
sufficiency of fights.
And defending your mad little manners
will get him into a few more.
With the curls added.
All he does is indulge in fisticuffs.
Hiram, if this keep up.
He may turn out to be a pugilist.
Curly Percy Maxim.
Heavyweight champion of the world.
Papa.
Is it all settled?
Well, not fully.
I don't think so. Is it Jane?
Yes, dear.
Hiram, hand me those scissors.
Up in the chair, Percy.
Are you enjoying the teacake, Percy?
Do you think it may taste better if you
asked mother's permission to take it?
I don't know. It tasted pretty good.
It is good manners to ask
for something you want.
Even better manners to wait until you're
invited before helping yourself to food.
Am I invited now?
No Percy. You are not.
I can ask for something then?
Done.
Don't you want to be a gentleman?
Like Papa?
Well...
Yes.
Your father is always polite and has
good manners on all occasions.
Well.
Now and then perhaps he forgets.
But he's a lot on his mind and
he's usually most polite.
I want to be like Papa.
- Good.
Then take off your hat.
That's better.
Yesterday your cousin Garnet
told me she met you on the street.
And you didn't take off your
hat when she spoke to you.
She had her hat on.
She is a lady and must
wear a hat on the street.
But you're a little gentleman.
And when conversing with a lady
you must always remove your hat.
Yes, ma'am.
Now, when cousin Garnet
comes this afternoon for tea.
Can I go out and play with my dog?
Not 'can I'. 'May I'.
I want you to stay here and be
extra polite to cousin Garnet.
Can I?
May I?
Do I get invited to have another cake?
Perhaps later.
But remember, you must make your
manners to cousin Garnet first.
Yes, ma'am.
[ Doorbell ]
Now, go and show your cousin Garnet in.
Then do I get a cake?
Go and answer the door.
Never mind Emily.
Percy is going to the door.
Good afternoon, cousin Garnet.
Well master Percy, are you
playing footman today?
No, cousin Garnet. I am being polite.
Then put that up for me.
You weren't very gentile when I
stopped you on the street yesterday.
I forgot to be. I had lot
of things on my mind.
Oh, hello Jane.
Garnet, how well you look.
- And you.
Jane, I love your new house.
Thank you.
How is dear Mr Maxim?
Busy and in fine health.
And Theodore?
- Oh, busy.
Mama, wouldn't it be polite now to
invite cousin Garnet to have some cakes?
Percy, your hat.
Garnet, would you
like your tea right away?
Yes, I believe I would. I am famished.
I've been shop trading all day.
Oh, Jane... that table.
I want one just like it.
But good wood carvers are
so hard to get these days.
They've all migrated out to the west.
Theodore says the wages they
are receiving out there...
Hiram might be able to help you.
He knows where to find good workers.
I'll have to ask him.
Hiram has done remarkably well.
But for certain things
he might do better.
No-one is perfect, Garnet.
I'm not talking about perfection.
I'm talking about being normal.
People have the notion that
your husband is an eccentric.
Otherwise he might be the
head of a great company.
Hiram doesn't want to be the
head of a great company.
If he did I am sure he could be.
Would you like a cake?
You must admit, Jane.
He is rather unconventional.
I think 'progressive' is a better way to
describe him than 'unconventional'.
And I'm sure Hiram wouldn't be one whit
interested in how we described him.
Well I must say love is certainly blind.
Oh, my goodness.
Are you alright?
Yes, but look what I did
to a beautiful teacup.
Don't bother about it.
You couldn't help it.
I am so sorry. I am sure I never
touched this ball of yarn. It...
Percy.
I am sorry, Mama.
Young man.
Apologise to your cousin Garnet.
I didn't mean for it to break.
I'm not talking about what broke.
Apologise for the despicable thing
you did with the knitting needles.
I am sorry, cousin Garnet.
- You are a very bad boy.
If you were mine young man, I would make
you sorrier still where you sit down.
I'll sit on the needle, cousin Garnet.
Your father gave me this tea-set
when you were a little baby.
I just thought it would be a good joke.
Jokes.
Sounds just like his father.
Hello there.
I am glad you are home, dear.
Cousin Garnet.
What is wrong?
Oh. Had a little accident?
It was no accident, Hiram.
Percy is getting more
unmanageable every day.
What did he do?
He put needles on the seat
of cousin Garnet's chair...
Just as she was sitting down.
Spare me further details, please.
- Hiram.
I thought he would take it that way.
Jane, just what do you want me to do?
I want you to give him a
good, sound whipping.
You will have to do something
drastic to curb this kind of mischief.
Well, I have never given
him a whipping before.
That is plain to be seen.
Yes, I suppose it is.
Percy.
Yes, sir?
You have a lesson coming
to you, young man.
Yes, Papa.
We'll have to cut a
switch for it I guess.
Come along.
Now, for this kind of whipping
we need the right switch.
Yes, Papa.
This one looks like it may do.
We don't want one that
is too long or too thin.
A long thin one would sting
alright but it wouldn't last long.
It would break after a few blows.
Hold that will you, son.
We had better get one
that's a little bit stouter.
How about that one?
Yes.
Of course we don't want
one that's too stout.
One that's too stout would...
Bruise you. And we don't
want to do that do we, son?
No, Papa.
There, hold that.
We had better get one that
is a little bit stouter still.
We'll try this one here.
Yes.
This ought to do nicely.
They're going up the back way.
Oh, don't act like a ninny, Jane.
The switching will do the boy good.
Should I do this now?
- No.
No. Not yet, son.
We've got to test the switches first.
No, I didn't think that one would do.
Too thin.
This one is heavier, Papa.
Well, we'll try it.
He will never make Percy cry.
Well, that one didn't seem
to have much spring to it.
We'll try this one.
That's the one I picked out.
Well, they all break.
I got a baseball bat in my room, Papa.
That wouldn't break.
No, son.
We need something with
good spring to it but...
Strong enough to stand
up under heavy blows.
Let me think.
Oh. I know just the thing.
It's a real good one.
This cane that Mama bought you.
It bends a little and
it's good and strong.
Try it.
Well, this might do nicely.
Spare the rod and spoil the child.
You try it, son.
Me?
Yes, you.
Hit it much harder.
No. Put more beef into it.
Harder still.
Stop.
We experimented dear, but we
couldn't find the proper switch.
I guess we'll have to
dispense with the whipping.
Your mother came up
to stop the whipping.
That is how much she loves you.
And I really would have made your
mother suffer much more than you, son.
Because whatever pain you had she
would have had a hundred-fold.
Your mother has been
very good to you, Percy.
But you haven't been
very good to your mother.
I'll buy you a new tea-set, Mama.
I'll spend all the money that Papa made
me put in my bank for a rainy day.
My good man.
You. I am speaking to you.
To me or to him?
- To you.
Is this the home of Hiram
Maxim, the inventor.
Yes. It is.
Confound it, you stupid oaf.
Why didn't you tell me
the paint was still wet?
You didn't ask me.
I am Doctor Willis of
the Hall of Science.
How do you do, doctor?
I am Mrs Hiram Maxim.
How do you do?
Your painter has smeared my hands
and grossly insulted me, madam.
Painter? Why that's mister...
I think your roast is burning.
I'm so sorry.
My colleagues and I are here to confer
a great honor on your husband, ma'am.
Oh? Well that's most
gratifying, gentlemen.
We would like to see him.
Confounded oaf.
My husband isn't in right now.
He is working very hard
on a new enterprise.
Do you expect him soon?
I'm afraid to say when he'll be in.
Won't you...
We can perhaps make the arrangements
with Mrs Maxim, doctor.
But I would like to meet the man.
I admire him no end, madam.
And he has the greatest
respect for you, Dr Willis.
I deem Hiram Maxim one of the greatest
inventors and engineers of our time.
His perfecting of the arc light alone
makes him an international figure.
On the 21st of December we must dedicate
a new wing of the Hall of Science.
In that wing, madam.
We will unveil the portraits of three
of the most outstanding contributors...
To the new age of machinery.
James Watt.
Robert Fulton.
And Hiram Maxim.
Doctor Willis.
This is one of the really
happy days of my life.
This recognition of my husband's work
will do much for him and for all of us.
You will notify Mr Maxim to have the
portrait done as soon as possible.
Indeed I will.
We would like to have it for framing.
By December the 1st.
Never fear.
You will have it before then.
Just so we can hang him before the 21st.
They are going to hang
you before the 21st, Papa.
No they're not, son. You stay here.
This dedication will be a
great occasion, Dr Willis.
A noteworthy occasion, ma'am.
A monumental date of science and
those engaged in its advance.
Just a minute.
I have a question to ask.
How many times to I have to tell you
not to come in here, Ed Patterson?
You've been impertinent to Dr Willis.
Now you come tracking in here to ask a
silly question about what to paint next.
These gentlemen are here to pay
a great honor to my husband.
That is what I thought
but it seems to me...
Please leave before they
change their minds.
Maybe your husband doesn't want
to have his picture painted.
Mr Patterson, that will be
about enough out of you.
If you don't leave immediately I'll have
to ask these gentlemen to assist you.
That ought to be fun. How about it?
Stop playing the fool.
Or I shall have to speak harshly to
my husband about your conduct.
Oh, is that so?
Let me say Mr Maxim will have something
to say about the way you're treating me.
Ma'am.
I am so sorry, but the poor
fellow just isn't all there.
He might be dangerous
to have around, ma'am.
Oh no. My husband likes to keep him
working. He has known Ed all his life.
Ed Patterson?
She was really raring to go on, son.
Well, let's get back to our painting.
Here they come again, Papa.
Are you going to honor
Mr Maxim for his inventions?
Yes, we are.
I thought I should tell you I am the one
responsible for most of his good ones.
Of course.
Of course.
Good day.
Poor man.
Still cross?
I'm not cross.
I am just a little discouraged.
You wouldn't want me to be the kind of
man who had his portrait painted and...
Hung in a public place, would you?
- I certainly would.
Well, I am not going to do it.
- It's a great honor.
People would know what
a great man you are.
Why, I am just plain old Ed Patterson.
Ed Patterson deliberately made Dr Willis
get all smeared with paint, didn't he.
I'll admit old Ed helped.
Hiram.
You shouldn't do things like that.
You can't break all the conventions.
How would you feel if I were to carry
on in an unconventional manner?
What would you do?
Well, I don't know.
Go out in public without a
hat on. Not wear gloves.
Oh. How the tongues would wag.
Or smoke cigars like that woman
in Paris, Madam George Sand did.
Well, I personally don't care for the
taste of tobacco but you might like it.
You wouldn't...
- Goodbye, dear.
See you tonight about five.
Emily.
Yes, ma'am?
I want you to go to this address. Give
the letter personally to Mr Anton Magel.
Yes, ma'am.
He is a very important man,
but insist upon an answer.
Yes, ma'am.
I am asking for an appointment tomorrow.
Tell him I will suit his convenience.
Yes, ma'am.
Is there anything else, ma'am?
- No. That will be all.
Oh, Emily.
On your way back stop in someplace
and get me a good 5-cent cigar.
What did Mr Magel say?
He said he would see you tomorrow
afternoon at 3:30, ma'am.
That's good news.
Not a word of this to Mr Maxim.
- Oh no, ma'am.
Thank you.
Do you have half a lemon, Emily?
Yes, ma'am.
I just want to kill the taste
of something I have to take.
Oh, don't you feel well, ma'am?
I feel alright now, but...
Maybe later...
Jane.
Oh. There you are.
My favorite dress.
My, it looks lovely.
Jane, the ladies of the Purity
Committee to see you.
Come in.
Come in.
Are you Mr Magel?
Yes. You are Mrs Maxim.
What do you want?
I would like you to do a
portrait of my husband.
Good. Tell him to sit
over there in the light.
Then, I see.
But my husband isn't here.
If he's not here where I can see him
how can I tell if I can paint him?
I am Anton Magel.
I Magel, do not paint...
Cats in bags.
Pigs in pokes.
If Magel doesn't find the subject's face
interesting, Magel does not paint it.
You will find my husband's
face very interesting.
Maybe.
Could you look at it tomorrow?
Tomorrow? Perhaps yes.
Yes. Tomorrow I study him very good.
And then Magel tells him... yes.
Orr tells him... no.
Oh.
But...
Could you just study his
face and then tell me?
So?
So that if you do say yes
I can tell him quietly.
Quietly?
I don't want him to even guess that
you're an artist studying his face.
Hmm, some kind of humbug, huh?
Magel makes no humbug.
I know. But I want this
to be a great surprise.
Oh a surprise?
Good, good. Very charming.
Magel make a surprise.
Magel even come to your house.
Oh thank you, Mr Magel.
We'll surprise him no end.
If.
I know.
If you like his face. Good day.
Good day, Madame.
Thanks a lot, Ed.
- Not at all, Hiram.
944 Queen Street?
Yes, it is 944 Queen Street.
- Thank you. I am Magel.
I am Maxim.
- Nice weather, no?
Yes. It's very nice.
Mrs Maxim isn't at home, sir.
- Fine.
Would you like some coffee, sir?
Please. If you would...
In here.
Here, please.
The light is better.
Read your paper. Relax. Go ahead.
You wanted to see me?
Very much, Mr Maxim.
Very, very much.
About what?
About...
You want to see me about what?
Oh. I just wanted to see you.
Oh.
Are you an inventor with an idea?
Please, do not mix it up.
You are the inventor.
Well, what is your idea?
Idea? It is...
It is too early to have an idea.
Magel thinks you are going to be fine.
Oh.
Please... turn the head.
Just a little.
Magel says turn the head.
Get out.
- I am Magel.
Get out!
Hiram. Hiram, stop!
That man is a lunatic.
- What did he do?
He's in there looking all round me.
Looking at my head and my ears...
Saying 'you'll be fine'.
I must find out what he's plotting.
Let him go.
He said you'd be fine, did he?
I've no idea what he was talking about.
- I wouldn't worry about it, dear.
Mama.
That man left his hat.
Put it in the house, Percy.
He'll come back.
I just hope he does.
- So do I.
Jane, I'm not going to do it.
In the first place I don't have time. It
takes weeks to get a portrait painted.
Just an hour each sitting.
Well, I haven't time to sit
around for even an hour.
Oh, Hiram.
It's a great honor, dear.
Let them give it to somebody else.
Hiram.
I am sorry to be stubborn, Jane. But I'm
not going to have my portrait painted.
Not if I can help it.
Do you remember a speech you made...
Once on behalf of free public schools?
Yes.
Remember what you said?
Yes, exactly.
All men are guaranteed equal
opportunity for freedom.
The opportunity of education for
all is the basis of this guarantee.
Man needs knowledge to
meet the conditions ahead.
The conditions of an age of machinery.
And then I realised about Percy.
Then I said 'I'm going to have...'
Jane.
Hiram, you do look handsome.
I was saving this finery
to be laid out in.
It will be a wonderful portrait.
Jane, you took an unfair
advantage of me.
How can you say that?
First, you tell me about
the new addition and...
While I am in a state
of overjoyed imbecility...
You exact from me a promise
to submit to this indignity.
Now don't get in a temper.
Mr Magel is very nervous.
Promise me you won't upset him.
- Upset him?
Madam, I would like to
draw and quarter him.
Percy, Percy.
Please go down the back stairs and
out in the yard and stay there.
But I want to ask Papa something.
You can ask him later.
Now be a good boy.
Now we get the pose.
The head, so.
The chin a little up. Good, good.
The jacket, open.
So.
This hand on the arm of the chair.
Relax.
This hand over the watch chain.
Very natural. Very strong. Good.
Now, the light is too much
so we... bring the dark.
The eye is very far away.
Very mysterious.
The creator in the shadows
of the great pose.
Maybe you aren't the
great thinker but...
My painting will be a painting
of the great thinker.
Move the chin.
A little. Not so like I am. Please.
Good.
What is the meaning of this?
Please.
Well, if you are going to paint
a picture, you need more light.
That is only common sense.
Ah, a connoisseur.
Really?
- A critic.
I do think that one ear is...
- Get out.
Get out.
Get out!
Magel doesn't need more light.
The eyes over there.
Good.
It don't look much like Papa, does it.
It's only the beginning.
[ Whistling ]
Please. The whistling, I do not like it.
Magel cannot stand the whistling. Ever.
Good whistling is bad enough.
Bad whistling is awful.
Will you draw my picture too?
Yes. Someday, but not now.
Take him away.
- His name is Skipper.
Do you know why?
- I don't care why.
Go away, Skipper. Go away.
Stand back. You are in my light.
Okay Skipper. Go away.
Mr Maxim. The pose.
Now you can see him better, can't you.
This is the end.
A portrait painter for 25 years.
But in this house everybody
helps me with the light.
Little boy, now you can see your father.
No you can paint him too.
Goodbye, Mr Maxim.
You don't need Magel.
You have a house full
of portrait painters.
He was excited, wasn't he.
Yes. He was.
What happened?
Mr Magel and Percy had
some differences about life.
Isn't Mr Magel going
to do your portrait?
I'm afraid not. He left.
I'm sure if I speak to
him he'll come back.
Come back?
If he dares madam, I will leave.
And on that you may take a vow.
Papa.
Please.
Oh.
Isn't it lovely.
Beautiful, madam.
Mr Maxim sent it from town.
I'm lucky to have Mr Maxim.
There's some that's worse, ma'am.
Come on, Skipper.
Oh. There is Percy.
Put it away where he won't see it.
- Yes, ma'am.
How many times have I told
you not to use the front door?
Now that you are in you can stay in.
Your hat, Percy.
- Yes, ma'am.
What are you hiding from me?
Me? Hiding something from you?
That is just your imagination.
No it isn't. You are hiding something.
That is just nonsense.
And I have no time to waste on nonsense.
And don't eat so many cookies.
You'll spoil your supper.
Mama.
How do you like Skipper now?
Skipper.
Skipper. Come here.
Don't you like it?
Come here, Skipper.
Skipper.
Skipper, come here.
- Skipper.
Skipper, do you hear me?
Skipper.
You are a bad boy.
Come out of there, sir.
Come out of there right away.
He won't come out, Mama.
- Skipper.
Come out.
Skipper.
Skipper, come out of there.
Alright.
I'll go in after you.
Here he is, Mama.
Percy.
Call Emily.
Are you alright, Mama?
Yes. Get Emily quick.
Emily.
Emily!
Mama wants you.
Percy. What have you
done to your mother?
It was my fault, Papa.
No it wasn't, son.
Now Mama is sick and I can't tell her.
Don't cry, boy.
Mother told me how it all happened.
She doesn't blame you at all.
Does she blame Skipper?
Skipper thought she
was playing with him.
Don't you worry now, son.
Mother is going to be all
better in no time at all.
Look. Stay right here.
How is Jane, doctor?
There is a grave danger, Mr Maxim.
I have sent for Dr Grant
for consultation.
We'll keep her under strong
sedatives until he arrives.
Can I go up to her now?
Don't stay too long. And above all...
Don't let her see how
much you are worried.
Mr Maxim.
The doctor said I could go in.
- Not looking like that, sir.
Please, her spirits are up.
We have to keep her cheerful.
I'll manage.
Darling, I am glad you're here.
I just got home and heard the big news.
Have you seen Percy?
For a minute.
Is he alright?
Oh, he's fine.
Kinda mystified by all the activity.
I think you had better send
him over to cousin Garnet's.
Alright.
I'm glad she has gone.
I want to tell you something.
Doctor Fillmore is worried.
No, Jane.
- Oh, Hiram.
I know he is.
So are the nurses. So are you.
You can't hide it from me.
Jane.
But I'm not.
Not even a little bit.
And I don't want you to be.
Jane, there's nobody
in the world like you.
Oh yes there is.
Every woman feels like this.
Frightened, of course.
But excited.
Underneath the fear.
Excited because of what
this means to all of us.
To you.
To Percy. To me.
And to somebody else.
Is that good for fathers too?
I bet it would be.
Would you like to try some?
No thank you.
Just like his son.
Goodnight, dear.
Goodnight.
Sorry I took so long, doctor.
You're here now and we've a great
deal to do before the night is over.
Now, she is strong.
But she doesn't quite realize
how very bad the situation is.
But that's all we have in our favor.
Is Mama better now, Papa?
The doctors will make her better, son.
I think I'll take you over
to your cousin Garnet's.
Does Mama want me to go away?
Just for tonight.
She is angry with me?
No she is not, Percy.
I made her hurt herself.
No you didn't.
Please let me stay here with you, Papa.
Until she gets better.
Then I will go away.
You aren't going away at all.
You are going to stay
right here with me.
You're not mad at me?
Most certainly not.
I am.
I'm mad at me.
Don't be.
You are a good boy.
Hello Mrs Allison.
I just brought some chicken broth.
I'll leave it in the kitchen.
Thank you.
How is she?
No better.
Then there's nothing we can do?
Nothing but pray.
Well, we are all doing that.
[ Baby crying noises ]
[ Baby crying noises ]
Wait a minute.
FxMar22.