The Magnificent Dope (1942) Movie Script

Forty-six. Dawson Institute.
Ha-ha.
All I ask is a 90-day extension
on the note, Mr Collins.
That's all.
I know you ask yourself why I'm
unable to fulfil my obligations.
The reason is, I've gone
through a period of expansion.
Expansion means success Mr Collins.
As Benjamin Franklin said: 'An expanding
business is a never-failing one'.
Have I had any results? Mr Collins ..
You'd be amazed at some
of the wires I've received.
You certainly would.
I'll read one to you.
From my new branch in Chicago.
Quote:
'Enrolments to date exceeding
our wildest expectations'.
'I've already signed 396'.
Unquote. And that's only Chicago.
Alright, Mr Collins. Fine.
I'll call you first thing tomorrow.
Uhoh, here comes Boston.
Let's see what they have to say.
Thanks.
Six.
Look at these, will you?
- May I come in?
Horace, you're just the man I must see.
- Really? Well ..
I leave it to you.
What's your opinion of
this type of advertizing?
Arresting, magnetic, vigorous.
With just a touch of puissance.
That stuff went out
with wall telephones.
No, Claire. I can't agree with you.
Then you went out with wall telephones.
Nowadays, talk isn't enough.
Well, I enrolled hundreds into the
Institute by merely talking to them.
The messenger is waiting, Mr Dawson.
Any reply to that last wire?
Yes.
Yes, Miss Hathaway. Send him in.
Yes, sir.
I'll show you what words can do.
In sixty seconds this boy will be a
student of the Dawson Institute.
It stands to reason. If I inject the
same personality and words into ..
Good morning, young man.
- Morning.
As I saw you through the
open door, I said to myself ..
I wonder if the young man wants
to be a success. Would you?
Sure, anybody would.
- Then, what's to prevent you?
You lack poise and confidence and
haven't learned to think on your feet.
In 8 short weeks I can lift you out
of your rut, and make you a ..
A self-confident, forceful,
dynamic leader of men.
Yeah, but listen ..
- What is it you want to say?
I'm trying to tell you I took
your course last year.
You.
Well .. really.
Isn't that odd? As I saw you through
the door I said to Miss Harris.
Now there is a young man with
leadership written all over him.
There is a man you can't keep down.
Don't be discouraged.
Remember the first rule of the Dawson
system: never be a defeatist.
Last year I gave you self-confidence.
I promise you'll get that back.
Last year I gave you eighty bucks.
I'd be content if I can get that back.
Lazy. Shiftless. I know the type.
Those are the ones you have to sell.
I still say you're not going to
do it by just pointing at them.
The Navy's used that kind of
poster for years. Successfully.
Really, Claire. You can't judge by a boy
like that. He's imbecilic and stupid.
He may be stupid but I think
he solves our problem for us.
He gave me an idea.
You know who our next customer is?
The biggest failure
in the United States.
Biggest failure? Who?
- A friend of yours?
I don't know who it is.
We're going to find him.
We'll run a nationwide contest.
Think of the free publicity we get.
For years there's been
contests for everything.
From corn-huskers to bathing beauties.
This is something new and different.
A contest for the greatest failure.
Yes .. that has possibilities.
It certainly has.
Now, after we find our failure
we put him through the course.
Follow him every step.
With photographs, interviews,
magazine articles, radio broadcasts.
When he comes out the other
end of the line a success.
Everybody will know about
the Dawson Institute.
And people would say: 'If Dawson can
do it for him, he can do it for me'.
That's exactly what they'll say.
Because you won't be telling them.
You'll be showing them.
You know, darling.
I think we've hit on something.
Only one thing wrong.
That word 'failure'. Bad psychology.
Very bad. People hate
to admit they're failures.
Yes.
I think the phrase 'ideal subject'
would be better.
The 'Dawson Ideal Subject Contest'.
The Dawson ..
"Ideal Subject Contest is open to every
man and woman in the United States."
"Just listen to this."
"The first prize is
500 dollars in cash."
"A trip to New York City,
with all expenses paid."
"And a free course of study in
the Dawson Institute Of Success."
"Send in your entry today
to Dwight Dawson."
"261 Fifth Avenue, New York City."
What about this man?
He resides in Cheboygan, Michigan.
He says, quote:
'in 1936 I was appointed General
Manager of the local dairy'.
'I have worked here hard for six years'.
'I am now the janitor
of the same concern'.
Offhand, I'd say he was slipping.
Let me see his picture.
No. This man is sickly and emaciated.
Our perfect failure must be of sound
body and fairly sound mind.
Have the potentialities
of success but alas ..
Get the broom and sweep out the rest.
Here's the winner. Listen.
'Dear sirs'.
'As I'm only allowed 50 words, I guess
we'll have to take a few short-cuts'.
'I don't have to tell you my name.
Find it at the bottom of the page'.
'The return address on the envelope
will tell you where I live'.
'I'm sorry the enclosed
picture isn't very good'.
'But Pete never was
handy with a camera'.
'Now .. about what I do for a living'.
'I got a few row-boats
that people go fishing in'.
'So I guess you could call
me a 'boat renter-outer'.
'Since there's fishing only in summer I
don't do much in the winter except ..'
'Sit around and wait
for the summer again'.
'Now, about my ambition'.
'If I have any, it's just to keep
on doing what I'm doing'.
'And living the way I'm living'.
'Sincerely yours'.
'Thadeus .. Winship .. Page'.
I don't believe it.
And he's just as good in person.
Take a look.
He makes Lester look like
the boy-wonder of Wall Street.
Young, healthy, lazy, shiftless.
Phlegmatic, no ambition, indifferent.
Perfect, perfect.
Imagine. He does nothing at all and
wants to continue doing nothing.
That young man is certainly in a rut.
Rut? He's in a trench.
Horace, what's your decision?
If I may use the jargon of the street
I would say that Mr Page is a jerk.
You're right.
Then we all agree he's the winner of
the Dawson Ideal Subject contest.
We'll send him a wire immediately.
That's fine.
Mr Page, would you move back a little?
Yes, that's it. That's it.
A nice smile now.
This way, Mr Page.
- How about one shaking hands?
Get in closer, Mr Page.
No. Back a little bit.
- That's better for me.
Hold it. Look this way. Big smile.
How about one of Mr Page alone?
With his hat on.
Like he just arrived.
Yes. Holding my latest book.
Here's one right here.
Here we are.
Better have the name clear.
Is that right?
That's perfect.
That's it.
Alright, boys. Just one more.
Where Mr Page is getting the check.
Check? You have the check?
- Yes, here it is.
Hold this right now.
Take hold of the other end, Mr Page.
That's a good one. Hold it.
Steady now. That's fine, thanks.
Okay, fellows. That does it.
Thanks for coming.
That's alright, Claire.
I appreciate this, gentlemen.
Mr Hunter will take care
of the legal issues.
A little spiritual encouragement.
Well Mr Page, you did nobly.
I'm afraid I blinked a
little in some of them.
You see, it's the first time I
had my picture taken that way.
All I got is a box camera.
Come on. Sit down, Mr Page.
Sit down, right here.
Can I get you a drink?
No thanks.
My head is spinning enough as it is.
Is that all?
- That's the works.
I sure thank you for the check.
It comes in handy.
We're raising money at
home for a fire-engine.
A fire-engine? Isn't that nice?
It was nice to meet both of you.
If you're ever up my way, just drop in.
I'll show you some of the
best fishing you ever saw.
I don't quite understand.
Were you going someplace, Mr Page?
- Sure .. home.
Of course, not right away.
I can't get a train until morning.
What about the course?
- Huh?
What about the course you'll take?
- What course?
What course?
Look, Mr Page.
When you entered this contest ..
Do you remember what
the advertizement said?
Write fifty words about
yourself and win 500 dollars.
And a free course of study
in The Dawson Institute.
Yeah .. now I remember.
- Oh sure.
It didn't say I had to take
the course. Did it?
No.
But we just assumed you'd
be only too glad to take it.
No.
See, I just entered the contest to
raise money for the fire-engine.
It was the only way I
had of getting cash.
I must have entered a hundred contests.
- That's fine, Mr Page.
You see, the money was just incidental.
The main part is that you were chosen
as the man most in need of the training.
Mr Page. You don't realize
what I can do for you.
I can make you a leader of business.
A captain of industry.
You can?
- I certainly can.
Look .. look at these men.
All of them my boys.
What were they before they came to me?
Frightened, frustrated,
inhibited misfits.
Look at them today.
Executives, Sales Managers,
Vice Presidents ..
And I did it all in eight short weeks.
Eight weeks?
Think of that.
Amazing, isn't it?
It sure is.
I guess I'd better ..
- Mr Page.
You can't afford to turn this down.
You owe it to yourself.
Maybe so, but I don't like
to put you to any trouble.
No trouble at all.
It's Mr Dawson's business.
Sure.
I don't think I'll bother
with it this time.
If I'm in New York again I
might stop in and take it.
Look, Mr Page.
The Dawson method is not a massage.
Not something you take if
you're in the neighborhood.
No. This is something that
can change your entire life.
I don't think I'd like that.
I kinda like the way I'm living.
I'm pretty happy.
- How can you be?
Now, Miss Harris. That's like asking
a person how he can like rutabagas.
He doesn't know. He just likes them.
All I know is I wake up
in the morning happy.
I go to bed at night happy.
I'm just happy.
Mr Page, you're deceiving yourself.
You have no position,
no authority, no influence.
You have practically nothing.
I wouldn't say that.
Mum and I got a nice house in a
wonderful town. A lot of friends.
I got a car .. four good tires.
But you must rouse yourself.
Drive yourself.
Utilize your powers
and your capabilities.
Personally, I never figured that way.
Tell me how you do figure, Mr Page.
I'd certainly like to know.
Well.
Number 1: You don't live for ever.
So it's no use taking things too hard.
Number 2:
Shrouds don't have pockets, so it's
kind of silly making too much money.
Number 3:
Being a success is a job in itself.
It wouldn't give me the time to
do the things I like to do like ..
Reading or ..
Sitting in a row-boat
out on the lake just ..
Thinking.
Or watching a tree bending
back and forth in the wind.
But that's a lazy man's philosophy.
I know it. I'm lazy.
Well, I'll say goodbye.
Mr Page, let's not be too hasty.
Now, Miss Harris.
If Mr Page doesn't want to take
the course, that's all there is to it.
As Benjamin Franklin said:
'Let people do what they want'.
But I .. I do feel kind of guilty.
After all, if you don't do the course
you won't get all that's coming to you.
I don't mind.
I'm satisfied with just five hundred.
I have it.
I know how to make it up to you.
You said your train doesn't leave
until morning. That's fine.
Tonight, I want you to see
New York at my expense.
Miss Harris will show you around. I know
you won't find a more attractive guide.
I'm sure of that. I'd certainly like
that if it's alright with Miss Harris.
Yes, I'd be delighted.
Splendid. The first thing we do is ..
Put you up at a fine hotel.
And.
You .. you do have some clothes?
Yes.
Just a moment, I've got to get my hat.
Excuse me a minute, Mr Page.
I'll be right back.
Don't tell me what's going on.
Let me guess.
- I got an idea.
Some idea. He can't get away.
If he doesn't take the course ..
This place will smell of
mothballs in a week?
I know that, but I also know
what kind of a person he is.
We won't change him by arguing with him.
He's too contented, too satisfied.
It won't help us by agreeing with him.
- I'm not.
But the first thing we do is make him
dissatisfied with the way he lives now.
The best way to do that is to show him
New York from Avenue A to the zoo.
By 5 o'clock tomorrow morning he won't
want to look at sleepy-hollow again.
That's fine .. but why am I elected?
Darling.
If he stays, we'll be on our
honeymoon in three months.
I'll take you to Guatemala.
It's wonderful down there.
You lie in bed and
reach out your window.
And pick yourself an orchid.
That's the kind of gardening I like.
Come on. Get your hat.
Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?
Bad? It was swell.
Dancing with you is easy.
How about you?
- Thank you.
Well.
There it is, Mr Page.
Manhattan at your feet.
Looks like the sky turned upside down.
It's thrilling, isn't it?
Doesn't it make you want
to be a part of it?
Nope .. not me.
Look at that poor old fellow
over there sitting by himself.
I've seen him someplace before.
He shouldn't be here all alone.
I'm going over to ask him to join us.
- I wouldn't if I were you.
I hate to see anybody looking
lonely like that. Excuse me.
A little more, sir?
- No. Get away, all of you.
Don't hang around like
a flock of pygmies.
Go on, go on.
Hello.
What do you want?
- Nothing, nothing at all.
The first time anybody said that to me.
You look lonesome. I felt sorry for you.
Sorry for me?
- Uhuh.
That's the second thing
nobody ever said to me.
My name is Tad Page. What's yours?
James Roger Barker.
I've got an uncle named Jim.
That's quite a coincidence.
I'm glad to know you, Jim.
The reason I came over is I want
you to join me and my lady friend.
No thank you.
Come on Jim.
We got a whole quart of champagne.
We can't drink it all by ourselves.
It's a shame to have it go to waste.
I am not in the humor for
champagne at this moment.
Come on over. We'll just talk.
Young man, what are you driving at?
I'm not driving at anything.
It's just that we got a saying at home:
'A man eating alone is
the saddest thing known'.
So I just want to be neighborly
and ask you to join us.
Thank you.
But I prefer to remain right here.
Okay, Jim. Suit yourself.
If you change your mind, come on over.
You'll be welcome.
Goodbye. Glad to have met you.
He didn't feel like coming over.
- No wonder.
I just remembered. Know who that is?
That's James Roger Barker.
That's what he said.
He's got more millions than
this champagne has bubbles.
I guess that's why he's worried.
I don't believe it.
- It's alright, isn't it?
Alright? Why, of course.
Well, glad you changed your mind, Jim.
I'm sorry I was so gruff over there.
It seems everybody wants
to try to sell me something.
I just want to be friendly, that's all.
Sit down, Jim.
I'm sorry.
Miss Harris, this is Jim Barker.
How do you do, Mr Barker?
- Sit down.
What are you doing in a place
like this all by yourself?
My doctor ordered me go out and
listen to some music and relax.
That's mighty good advice.
Why don't you?
Relax, I mean.
- I am relaxed.
You don't look it.
You know how I relax?
It's simple but it works.
Think of a piece of raw liver.
You know, raw liver.
Try it.
Say, that's a good scheme.
Some people think of a jellyfish.
But I get better results with raw liver.
Would you excuse me please?
I just remembered I must call my sister.
Please don't get up.
[ Telephone ]
Hello.
Who?
Oh yeah. Claire.
At the Havana room, huh?
James Roger Barker, yeah.
James Roger Barker.
Well, do something. Get a photographer.
I called Charlie. He's on his way over.
You should see Barker. He hasn't smiled
in four years and he's in here laughing.
Imagine. I talk to that
boy for five minutes ..
And he goes right out and makes a
friend out of Barker. It's amazing.
It sure is.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes. Okay.
So he took another look, and he said:
'That ain't a bear, that's a moose'.
That's better.
You know, I shouldn't feel this good.
But I do.
It's the champagne.
No, I've only had two glasses.
It's you.
- Me?
Yeah.
You're so darned happy, a fellow can't
be in your company without catching it.
I don't see any point in
being any other way.
Here you are.
Charlie.
- Claire.
The camera's under my coat.
I figured if they saw it
here I may get bounced.
Where are they?
- Over here.
With the old man.
So, the farmer said:
'Well, that's the best I can do'.
Now, wait until they look
up, and get a good one.
And he says: 'Good morning'.
'Who are you'?
And she says: 'I'm the baby'.
Good morning, darling.
- Good morning, whoever you is.
Good morning, Jenny.
Where's Miss Harris?
- Dressing. She'll be right out.
Claire. You're wonderful.
The picture made page one.
That's fine but ..
- Know what else happened?
Because of the picture, we got
42 new enrolments this morning.
Know what else happened?
Our country cousin is still holding out.
Didn't talking to Barker change him any?
Nope. But talking to him changed Barker.
At 02:52 this morning the old
boy retired from business.
He's going to spend the
rest of his life fishing.
Good morning darling.
- Morning.
No chance, huh?
I didn't say that.
I just said he's still holding out.
I'll call you.
- Where are you going?
To talk to him.
We can't stand by and watch a million
bucks bury itself in the Vermont hills.
High pressure won't do any good.
Come on and sit down.
He calls me at 11 o'clock. We find out
then if it's 'hello' or 'goodbye'.
You mean, there's still hope?
- I don't know.
At 2 o'clock this morning
it was 'Absolutely not'.
At 3 it was 'It might be
alright for some people'.
At 4 it was 'Maybe' and at 5 ..
- Yeah?
It was still 'Maybe'.
Hello?
Your call is ready.
When you're ready, go ahead please.
Hello?
Hello Ma.
Hello, son. Where you calling from?
New York.
I just called to tell you I'm
staying down here for a while.
You are?
What's her name, son?
Can't fool you, can I?
Her name is Claire Harris.
You'd be crazy about her.
Yeah. Well, I thought maybe
Luke can look after the boats.
No, I'm not going to touch that money.
That all goes to the Fire Engine.
They're going to pay my expenses.
Does that mean you have to
take that course he gives?
I've got to go to his classes,
but I don't have to listen.
That's right.
Don't worry. I'll write real soon.
Goodbye, Ma.
Goodbye.
Number please?
S-U-5-7-3-9-8 please.
It's 2 minutes after 11.
Dwight, for goodness sake, you
have to allow a few minutes.
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
Good morning, Mr Page.
Well, that's splendid, Mr Page.
Alright. See you at class tonight.
Good evening, good evening.
Very glad to have you with us.
We are indeed.
- Go right in, sir.
Good evening.
- Evening.
How are you tonight, sir?
- Very fine.
Very glad to have you with us.
Go right on in.
Hello, darling. Where you been?
- Getting rid of a splitting headache.
Has Johnny Appleseed shown up yet?
- Our worries are over.
There he is.
Good. I brought Charlie along.
I thought we'd get some pictures.
And if we ..
- Leaving already, sir?
Yes, I changed my mind. I don't
think I'll take the course, Mr Dawson.
Come, come. Remember what
Benjamin Franklin always said:
'Never say no until you've
tried something twice'.
Of course. Step in my office
and we'll talk it over.
No thanks, I have to be going. Goodbye.
That's the fifth one tonight.
I don't understand it.
We never had anything like this before.
There's something else
you've never had before.
Mr Page.
Why you don't have to take this course.
You're a success already.
Because, according to Mr Dawson's
standards, you are a failure.
That doesn't mean it is so.
Maybe his standards are wrong.
Maybe. Of course, Mr Dawson
is right about one thing.
He says I'm not a go-getter and I'm not.
I've known a lot of go-getters.
I've been a pallbearer
to about ten of them.
They're just so darned busy going or
getting, they don't get time to breathe.
You got a home.
A wife you like.
A family that likes you.
And plenty of time to enjoy them.
It seems to me you've got
everything that's important.
What more can you ask for? Two wives?
Two families?
It's sabotage, that's what.
He's learning how to
influence people awful fast.
Get him out of here. Say we must
take some pictures. Anything.
It'll take me an hour to
get the men back in line.
Goodbye.
Sure glad I met you, Mr Page.
Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
There goes number six.
You'd better hurry or we're going to
be renting this place out for dancers.
Let's take your case, Mr Jackson.
Good evening, Miss Harris.
Mr Page. Sorry to break this up but
I'd like to talk to you for a minute.
Certainly. Excuse me. See you all later.
The newspapers want a story on you.
Can you give me some information?
I'd be glad to. Shall we sit over here?
It's rather noisy.
I thought maybe we could take a walk.
That would be wonderful.
I mean, I'll get my hat.
I give up.
I guess you were just born lazy.
Oh no.
I've got no respect for
anyone who was born lazy.
That's like being born a king.
They didn't do anything to get there.
I had to develop it.
It took me a long time
to get where I am.
It must have been a happy day for your
mother when you came to that conclusion.
Yes .. and no.
You see, I had pneumonia.
I was awful sick. They had my
new suit laid out and everything.
Right then, I said to myself,
there's nothing like being alive.
So, when I got better ..
I just started living.
Nothing else. Just living.
Yeah, I felt that way once.
When I was seasick.
The only difference was,
I wanted to die.
Everybody feels like that
when they're on the brink.
The trouble is, when they get
better, they forget all about it.
I did too until I developed my system.
Now I get pneumonia
regularly, twice a year.
What?
- Pretend, of course. But ..
When I begin to worry and fret
that I'm not president, I just ..
Lie down and say:
Well, you've got pneumonia.
Then it all comes back to me and I
just get up and go on living again.
But if everybody lived like that,
nothing would ever be accomplished.
I wouldn't say that. There's lots of ..
You got a headache?
- A beauty.
That's too bad.
I'll fix it for you.
Come over here and sit down.
Now wait a minute.
Are you one of those people who tell me
to look away and then twist my head off?
No. It's simple. Just sit down.
Now, just lean back and relax.
That's fine.
I'm just going to loosen
up the neck muscles.
Just close your eyes.
And imagine your head is
the second hand on a watch.
Just let it go round .. and .. round.
Slowly.
Like this?
That's it. Just keep it going round.
It seems awfully silly.
Are you sure it works?
This is what an aspirin does
when it's got a headache.
Keep it going around.
The next thing is to
imagine a nice quiet lake.
With a .. soft .. blue .. sky.
You mind a few ducks flying around?
Not if they're not flying too fast.
- Okay.
Take it easy, ducks.
Now then.
What were we talking about before?
About people like you slowing
down the wheels of progress.
That's right. You're all wrong.
Did you ever stop to think what
the world owes to the lazy man?
They say necessity is the
mother of invention.
And if that's the case,
laziness must be the father.
Just think back to a long time ago,
when people used to live in caves.
What did they do if they
wanted a drink of water?
They walked down to the river.
- That's right.
But sometimes the river was a mile away.
They did a lot of walking.
Especially if they just
had fish for breakfast.
Now, the go-getter.
He didn't mind walking.
But there was one fellow, awful lazy.
He didn't like running back and forth.
So what did he do?
He figured out a way to bring back
a whole day's supply in one crack.
He invented the bucket.
Today we've got pots and pans.
Glasses and bathtubs.
But it all started with that bucket.
Maybe so, but that's only one instance.
Alright, what about the boys
that built the pyramids?
They used to load those big, heavy
stones on a sort of flat-bottom sled.
Then a couple of thousand of them
would break their backs pulling it.
But there was one lazy guy in that
road gang and he said 'Look fellows'.
'This is too much work'. He said:
'Let's find some flat stones and ..'
'Cut them sort-of round and put one at
each corner and the thing would roll'.
If not for that no-good, worthless,
lazy lout you wouldn't have wheels.
Then you wouldn't have wagons.
Or automobiles or trains or ..
Miss Harris.
Miss Harris in, Jenny?
- No, Mr Dawson. She ain't home yet.
Where do you suppose she is?
I hoped she'd call me an hour ago.
She should be back directly.
Want to step in and wait?
Yeah, thanks. I will.
Go ahead .. I'm listening.
I didn't say anything.
You were talking about the pyramids.
That was an hour ago.
You've been asleep.
I have?
What have you been doing?
- Just looking at you.
I can't understand it.
I've never dozed off like that before.
You've never been relaxed before.
How's your headache?
It's gone.
That revolving door
technique really works.
Thanks, Mr Page.
After sleeping on my shoulder for an
hour we can forget the 'Mr Page'.
Alright. Thanks .. Thadeus.
That's worse. Try 'Tad'.
Thanks, Tad.
- That's better.
Much better.
You should work hard and get ahead
so you can give yourself security.
Why?
So you can retire someday, get a home
in the country and enjoy your leisure.
But I've got a home in the country.
And all the leisure I want.
Seems silly to me to go all around the
barn to get something you already have.
Is this your house?
- Yes, I have an apartment here.
Looks nice.
What about your mother?
Wouldn't you like to be able to give
her all the things she's wanted?
She's got them.
She likes the same things I do.
But someday ..
You might meet a girl you like.
Yes, I might.
How's she going to feel about it?
I've been wondering.
- You mean, you've met somebody?
Uhuh.
- In love with her?
Yep.
I sure am.
Somebody back home?
Yes.
Her name is.
Hazel.
Hazel?
She's the loveliest thing I've
ever bumped up against.
Well, someday you must
tell me more about Hazel.
Someday I will.
- Goodnight Tad.
Goodnight Claire.
- Goodnight.
Darling, I've been worried about you.
Where have you been?
Finding out if Achilles had a heel.
- Well, has he?
Hmm. Some hometown
girl by the name of Hazel.
'Love'. Of course.
Why didn't I think of that before?
The greatest driving force
the world's ever known.
Makes giants out of weaklings,
commoners out of kings.
Sure, sure.
Give him lecture 37 about working
and winning for the little woman.
And you'll have him right in the sack.
You sound as if you thought I
was taking advantage of him.
It's not that.
It's just that I found
out something tonight.
We didn't pick the biggest failure.
We picked the happiest
guy in the United States.
That's fine. With a little
success he'd be twice as happy.
Maybe, I hope so.
He's such a sweet, honest yokel,
I'd hate to feel we changed him.
Where he's concerned,
any change is for the better.
I wonder.
Don't worry about him.
I'll talk to him in the morning.
You know, he's the most
trusting, naive sort of ..
Will you stop worrying about him?
- I'm not worrying about him.
I spoke to Collins at the bank.
He'll give 90 days more on that note.
On one condition.
That we keep showing new enrolments.
If they stop, so does the extension.
So we must do everything in our power ..
To see that ..
What are you doing?
- Just relaxing.
It's wonderful. You ought to try it.
Just .. just close your eyes.
And imagine your head is
a second hand on a watch.
And let it go round and round .. slowly.
That's it.
Now .. now think of a quiet lake.
With a soft .. blue .. sky.
And no-one around for miles and miles.
You'll find these
books very fascinating.
I wouldn't waste a moment
getting to them.
Right now I'm re-reading Aristotle.
When I finish, I'll dig right in.
That's fine.
Thanks. Goodbye Mr Dawson.
See you in class tonight.
You bet. Goodbye, Mr Page.
What do you know about that?
Speaking to me, Mr Dawson?
No. I was just reading a letter
from a former student of mine.
Oh .. well goodbye.
It was a very interesting case.
This boy was in love with a girl.
Wanted to marry her but wasn't earning
very much. So she kept putting him off.
Then he came to me and took the
course and stepped right into a big job.
They were married shortly after that.
Now he tells me they've
just had their first baby.
A fine big boy.
You mean, she wouldn't marry him
because he didn't have much money?
Yes, that's right.
If she's that kind of girl, he'd be
better off marrying somebody else.
I'm afraid, Mr Page, you're looking at
it only from the male point of view.
You've to consider the
woman's side of it too.
Marriage is a partnership.
It would be plain bad business to form a
partnership with someone who's insecure.
Maybe some women feel that way, but ..
No, They all do.
You don't have to take my word for it.
Ask any woman you meet.
A matter of simple logic.
But after all, he did marry the woman.
So why should we worry about it?
That's right.
- You bet.
Well .. bye.
- Goodbye Mr Page.
See you tonight. Yes, yes.
So, we must be aware.
Of the many pitfalls that lie
in wait for the public speaker.
The most important of these and the
most difficult to overcome is monotony.
And so tonight, we shall learn
voice modulation and expression.
To illustrate, I shall recite first.
With passion.
'Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall'.
'Humpty Dumpy had a great fall'.
'And all the King's horses and all ..'
'The king's men'.
So the poor little dog.
Had .. together .. again.
Excellent speech, Mr Mills.
- Thank you Mr Hunter. Goodnight.
Miss Snyder, don't worry about
nervousness. You get over it in no time.
Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
And .. I got to thinking that ..
Hazel has a right to expect
the better things in life so ..
I figured that in order to give
them to her I'd better change.
Change is hardly the word.
Do you like it?
- Very much.
It's called the 'Junior
Executive' model.
It fits fine.
The shirt's a little tight though.
That's why I was late.
I couldn't get the thing buttoned.
So you decided to actually
go to work for Hazel?
Yep.
You must be awfully fond of her.
I guess you'll do an awful
lot for somebody to love.
You sure will. I ought to know.
Well. Goodnight, Tad.
Claire.
You mean you're in
love with someone too?
Yes, very much.
It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it?
It sure is.
Well. Goodnight, Tad.
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Meet you in the office later.
- Won't be a minute.
Hunter, may as well turn out the lights.
A successful session, don't you think?
- Very. By the way, though.
Watch Mr Mallard's smile.
It seems just a bit forced to me.
You know, I felt that too.
A little more of this.
And not so much ..
That's it. That's it exactly.
Wait a minute.
Looks like Mr Page.
Waiting to see me, Mr Page?
No, I was just sitting and thinking.
That's perfectly alright.
Mr Hunter is here to help. Same as I.
Of course, I want you to look
upon me as a big brother.
Well.
I don't think I'm going to
take the course after all.
Come, come, Mr Page.
You're discouraged because
you were a little nervous tonight.
It's not that.
I've lost my incentive.
You see.
The reason I changed was because
there is someone I'm in love with.
Yes I know. Miss Harris told me.
Hazel is her name?
A beautiful name, Hazel.
There isn't any Hazel. That is ..
Miss Harris is really Hazel
only she doesn't know it.
I didn't have nerve
enough to tell her so.
I just made up a name.
How jolly.
Do you mean you are
in love with Miss Harris?
You bet. Only, I just talked to
her and found out it's hopeless.
She likes somebody else.
Did she say who?
- No.
Well.
I'm certainly glad you talked
this over with me first.
There is absolutely no
reason to be downhearted.
It just means you got
to double your efforts.
Exactly. It means you have
to work twice as hard.
But if she's fond of somebody else ..
- Mr Page ..
You have absolutely
no worries whatsoever.
I happen to know this other man.
You do? What's he like?
Why, he's short, he's fat.
He has lots of double-chins.
Practically no hair.
Most unattractive. Almost a ghoul.
She still loves him though.
- Believe me, Mr Page.
She doesn't.
Like most women, she
likes to think she's in love.
Why, this man is from Hoboken.
She rarely sees him.
I wouldn't want to come
between two people ..
Did Mark Anthony step aside
and let Caesar take Cleopatra?
Exactly.
Did whatsisname, 'Romeo', stand aside
and let Juliet run away with Tybalt?
No, no. Not at all, Mr Page.
You have to throw down the gauntlet.
You have to accept the challenge.
Absolutely.
As Benjamin Franklin so wisely said ..
'None but the brave deserve the fair'.
Exactly, none but the brave.
No-one else.
It means you have to work hard and
prove to her that you're the better man.
We're here to help you.
We'll give you private lessons.
Indeed we will, but ..
You must apply yourself to become the
type of man she admires and respects.
You must use all your ..
Your personality.
Pretty good .. but a little firmer.
Don't forget to smile.
Excellent, excellent.
There.
Ain't that beautiful?
- I guess I spelled everything right.
Can't improve it by me.
I'll go Jenny, it's probably Mr Dawson.
- Yes, ma'am.
Happy birthday darling.
You know that makes being 33 worthwhile.
- How many?
That last kiss took 5 years off my life.
Careful, I'll be too young to vote.
Come and get your coat, we're going out.
No, you're staying here.
I'm giving you a surprise party.
A surprise party?
I had to. Hunter and the bunch
wanted to do something for you.
Oh.
I thought we'd go someplace.
Just the two of us.
I'd love to, darling.
Nothing I'd like better. You know that.
It's just one of those things
I couldn't get out of.
We'll just have to be satisfied with
a few minutes before they get here.
Come on, I've something to show you.
I'm glad you warned me.
When the others arrive ..
I can say 'my, isn't this wonderful'
instead of, 'what are you doing here'?
Happy birthday, Mr Dawson.
- Thank you Jenny.
Jenny, would you put Mr Dawson's
coat in the bedroom please.
And take this wine in the living room.
- Yes ma'am.
There, Jenny made it with her lily
white hands but the lyrics are mine.
That's wonderful, wonderful.
- Nah.
What is it?
It doesn't say you love me. And there's
room for 2 more 'darlings' right there.
Okay, anything to please.
Can you stand a little good news?
I certainly can.
I arranged with Peak Magazine to run
a double spread on our boy-wonder.
That is the nicest
present I've had today.
That's only the wrapping.
NOW magazine wants a whole
section on him. Eight pages.
NOW? They have a
circulation of three million.
Which means a reading
public of ten million.
Ten million. Will they use
pictures of the school?
They'll treat it in a
Horatio Alger manner.
A small town boy makes good in the
big city, with the help of Dawson.
On one condition.
We must pay for it?
No. The editor pointed something
out to me and he's quite right.
The story must have a big finish.
Just graduating isn't enough.
He must have a job so the public knows
that Dawson did him some good.
Of course, of course. He'll get a job
when he graduates. All my students do.
Yes, but he doesn't graduate for ten
days and NOW goes to press on Thursday.
Then we got to do something immediately.
Yeah, I did this morning.
I got him a job with Security Life.
Third district manager
in charge of sales.
That's marvelous.
Third district manager.
He's just a junior salesman.
The title is something I cooked up.
It will look impressive in print.
There.
Is that better? I added two more
'darlings' and 'I love you'.
Fine.
Now shall we have our drink?
Say, I bet the insurance company was
glad to get a Dawson-trained man?
Well, they didn't exactly
declare a holiday.
When I pointed out they'd get a
lot of free publicity they went for it.
At least I hope so.
We won't find out until tomorrow
so don't say anything to Tad yet.
Will you open that?
Yeah, sure.
You know, I'm just thinking.
If ten million people see it ..
Surely one out of every two
thousand will want to take the course.
That's five thousand students.
At 80 dollars a head that's four hundred
thousand dollars. Darling, I love you.
You might at least take a breath
before 'darling I love you'.
I'm sorry, sweetheart.
I didn't mean it that way.
What do we drink to?
To .. to success.
No. Champagne and
business don't go together.
To our honeymoon in Guatemala.
That's what I meant.
Success to us. To Guatemala.
You'd better watch out for me tonight.
Champagne makes me awfully affectionate.
It's wonderful. Drink some more.
There they are.
Don't forget to look surprised.
Like this?
- That will do.
Surprise Dwight. Surprise, surprise!
Well, this is a surprise.
Isn't it? What did I tell you?
I never expected it for a moment.
I never expected it for a moment.
You can knock me over with a feather.
- You can knock me over with a feather.
Why don't you all go home?
- Why don't you all go ..
Just bring your things right in here.
Happy birthday, Dwight.
- Thank you, Horace.
Dwight, I have been working all
afternoon with Mr Page on that speech.
And he is hopeless. I wouldn't
put him on the air if I were you.
He'll discourage people.
I'll cancel the broadcast.
We don't need it.
We're getting an eight page
spread in NOW magazine.
NOW?
Yes, yes.
- That is marvelous.
Wonderful.
If he doesn't find out about the man
from Hoboken in the meantime.
The magazine comes out a week tomorrow.
If we keep him in the dark until
then everything will be alright.
That was awfully close last night
when Claire called you 'darling'.
It's lucky he didn't hear it.
Look, Horace.
Let's not worry about Mr Page now.
Let's just have a good time.
I feel wonderful tonight.
I'll get it.
Surprise.
Happy birthday.
Thanks.
Hello Tad.
Good evening, Claire.
- My, you look handsome.
Thank you.
- Put your hat in the bedroom.
That's enough surprise, dear.
Don't overdo it.
I .. didn't expect to see him here.
He leads a pretty lonely life.
He's been working hard lately.
I felt it can do him good to get out and
meet people and find out about things.
Yes, find out about things.
Dwight, this is terrible.
Shush.
Out in the hall.
He's sure to hear somebody say
something about you and Claire.
We can't let him.
We got to keep everybody from talking.
Well, my wife is here.
She hasn't stopped talking in 20 years.
We can't let her get started.
We got to keep them all occupied.
Entertain them.
Want me to go home and get my mandolin?
- No .. no.
I'll think of something.
Mammy's little baby loves
short'nin', short'nin'.
Mammy's little baby loves
short'nin' bread.
Mammy's little baby loves
short'nin', short'nin'.
Mammy's little baby loves
short'nin' bread.
Put on the skillet, put on the bread.
Mammy's little baby
loves short'nin' bread.
Mammy's little baby loves
short'nin', short'nin'.
Mammy's little baby loves short'nin' ..
Bread.
Marvelous. Encore, encore.
Peace. Peace.
Claire darling, I was wondering.
When are you inviting ..
Oh. Mammy's little baby
loves short'nin', short'nin' ..
Mammy's little baby loves
short'nin' bread.
Mammy's little baby loves
short'nin', short'nin'.
Mammy's little baby loves
short'nin' bread.
Put on the skillet, put on the bread.
Mammy's little ..
I say mammy's little baby had enough
short'nin' bread for tonight.
Don't you think he's liable to get sick?
Mrs Hunter.
Won't you sing for us now?
Please, please, Mrs Hunter.
Do mother. I'm sure they'd enjoy it.
Of course, we all ..
Careful, darling. You have to
be polite but not that polite.
Why don't we listen to the radio?
The Green Shadow is on.
Won't that be fun?
- Not a great deal, no.
Look, Elsa Maxwell. Why not relax
and let people do what they want?
Those two.
Mr Page, you have no champagne.
You better have some. It's my birthday.
More champagne. Come on.
Careful, mother. Just a sip. You know.
What's wrong with him tonight?
He's nervous and jumping all over.
Is he? Why, I hadn't noticed it.
Because you're two jumps ahead of him.
- Yes.
There you are.
Would you like some champagne?
- Sweet of you Tad. Thanks.
Mr Hunter.
- I'll take the empty one.
Enjoying yourself?
- Sure am.
I'm sure glad you asked me.
Who are those people over
there I was talking to?
The Northrops. Friends of Mr Dawson.
He met them on a trip to Guatemala.
I've always wanted to go to Guatemala.
So have I. And it looks
like I'll finally get there.
Planning a trip?
I guess you don't know.
In about three weeks Mr Dawson and I ..
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday dear Dawson.
Happy birthday to you.
Ah, a waltz.
Come on everybody. Dance, dance.
What's the matter with you?
- Not a thing, young lady.
Not a thing.
Waltzing.
Oh, it's mother.
Just look at them, Mr Page.
If ever I saw two more ..
- Our dance, darling, our dance.
You'll pardon us, Mr Page.
Anybody hungry yet?
A wonderful idea.
After all, you can't eat
and talk at the same ..
I mean, who wants to
talk when you can eat?
Horace, will you carry in the cake?
- Is there a cake?
Yes Horace, carry in the cake.
Cake.
Wait a minute. Wait a minute now.
I have a much better idea.
Why don't we cut it out here, huh?
- That's bad luck.
It's worse luck to cut in there.
- Yes, yes.
And besides, it's such a big
cake for such a small room.
Jenny, give me a knife and I'll cut ..
- You'll do no such thing.
You must make a wish when you cut it.
I have. I wish you'd let
me cut it right here.
Nonsense. I spent a long
time decorating this cake.
And I'm going to show it off.
Now, Horace. Take it in.
Alright Horace, take it in.
Happy birthday.
Happy birthday to you, happy birth ..
Oh Horace.
That's fine, Mr Peters.
I'm sure it benefits all of us greatly.
Yes. Thanks again, Mr Peters .. goodbye.
It's all set, darling.
You can tell Mr Page he starts
selling insurance tomorrow.
Excellent. I thought about this
last night and got a better idea.
Instead of telling him
we've got him the job ..
We send him down to apply
and let him sell himself.
But I've just sold him.
I know. I'll call the insurance company
and rearrange the whole thing.
They'll be glad to cooperate.
Dwight, we can't do that.
We have to be honest with them.
- This isn't a question of honesty.
If it were, you know I would
be the first to agree with you.
It's that he has the wrong attitude.
He comes to classes but refuses
to endorse the Institute.
He says he's not quite sold on it yet.
That's not his fault.
He's willing to be sold.
You just haven't sold him.
But .. if he goes down, uses the
Dawson Method and gets the job.
He'll be convinced in a minute.
We'll be doing him a favor.
It will bolster his ego
and self-confidence.
Make him feel he's
accomplished something.
And how will I feel?
I've seen a bit of him these last weeks
taking pictures and interviews.
I've got to know him pretty well.
He's a very sweet guy.
Darling, darling.
Let me do this my own way, will you?
We're just inches from our goal now and
can't afford to let anything stop us.
Alright. Just remember it
was your idea, not mine.
Here you are, my boy.
Your passport to prosperity.
Your visa to success.
Well.
I sorta glanced through
this the other day and ..
To tell you the truth Mr Dawson.
Some of the things in here ..
- Mr Page.
Those are magic phrases.
Thousands of men stepped into lucrative
positions by merely repeating them.
Maybe so. But ..
Getting this job means an
awful lot to me and I ..
Sure hate to say anything to this
fellow that might spoil my chances.
Exactly, and I promise you ..
If you apply this technique, that
position will be yours for the asking.
I hope so.
If it works, I'll be awful surprised.
Well .. goodbye.
Goodbye, Mr Page.
I feel certain everything is
going to turn out just fine.
And.
Don't forget the hearty
handshake and cheery smile.
I won't.
Make two copies.
Take care of it now please.
Yes, Miss Harris.
Claire.
Hello Tad.
I'm going down to apply for that job.
Will you wish me luck?
You won't need it.
I'm positive you'll get it.
Thanks.
You saying that means a lot to me.
Promise one thing, will you Tad?
- Anything you want.
Don't let getting this job change you.
What I mean is .. you're going
to bump up against some men ..
Who get salary checks that
look like Bingo score cards.
I wouldn't worry about that.
It's not contagious with me.
I just want to make enough money
to satisfy Hazel. That's all.
That's fine as long as you don't
choose Hazel for an excuse.
You know, sometimes a girl wonders
whether a fellow wants her or ..
The money he's making for her.
I never could see much fun
in hugging a bank-book.
You'd be surprised.
It's quite a pastime in this town.
Maybe some night soon you
might have dinner with me?
Oh. For the next week I'm
going to be pretty busy.
No hurry .. I don't mind waiting.
Alright .. I'll call you.
- Thanks.
Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Howdy, Mr Blank.
My name is Blank Blank.
That reminds me of a very funny story.
Ha-ha-ha.
Yes?
Mr Page to see you, Mr Peters.
I'll see him in a moment.
- Yes, sir.
I'll call you John. This is the fellow
who's going to sell himself to me.
I'll give you 5 bucks to
hide under your desk.
Get out of here.
Yes, sir?
- Send in Mr Page.
Yes sir. You may go in now, Mr Page.
Howdy, Mr Peters. My name is Page.
Tad Page. Certainly pleased to meet you.
How do you do?
- That reminds me of a funny story.
Know what one cricket said to another
cricket the first time they met?
'Click-click'. Ha-ha-ha.
A good laugh never hurt any
of us is what I always say.
I got a surprise, Mr Peters,
when I walked in and saw you.
I expected to find an older man
in such an important position.
But here you are, at the top
and in the very prime of life.
It's easy to see you haven't let
moss grow under your feet.
I see you're applying
for a position with us.
Exactly right, Mr Peters.
I had a lot of other offers.
When I heard Security Life needed men I
said to myself, that's the place for me.
It's an honor to work in an organization
that has the reputation this one has.
That's fine.
If you wonder if I'm a hard worker,
dismiss it from your mind.
And as far as money goes,
that doesn't matter.
As soon as I prove what I'm worth
I'm sure you'll do the right thing.
The right start doesn't matter either.
As Benjamin Franklin said:
'The bottom is as good a place as any'.
Mr Page, I think you've said enough.
Yes sir.
You're the sort of
man we're looking for.
Yes, sir. Definite, personable.
Enterprising, dynamic.
Forceful, energetic.
Say I'll be right over.
- Yes, Mr Reindel.
Mr Reindel?
- Yes.
Glad to know you.
- What do you want?
I'm from Security Life.
- I don't want any.
Look, won't you let me tell ..
- I don't want any.
I don't want insurance.
Can't afford it.
- I have no children.
Don't believe it.
My wife's rich.
- I'm single.
Costs too much.
I have all I want.
No.
You mustn't be discouraged.
You must have faith
in the Dawson system.
You had amazing results
with Mr Peters, didn't you?
Yes, but I can't sell him insurance.
He works for the company too.
I just wasn't cut out
for this sort of thing.
Nonsense, you can do it
as well as the next man.
Why do I have to sell insurance?
The important thing is I get a job.
It doesn't matter what kind.
Why don't I try to get a job tending
the row-boats in Central Park?
No, no.
Tending boats is something I like.
Something I can do.
You can sell insurance too.
If you just apply yourself.
Certainly.
I've been applying but
I haven't been selling.
What seems to be the
difficulty, Mr Page?
Nothing, except nobody wants
to buy insurance from me.
What do they say to you?
- 'No'.
That's mere evasion.
You must never take no for an answer.
Impress upon them the
importance of insurance.
When they die, what becomes
of their dependants?
I ask that, but they have an answer.
They say: 'I haven't
got any dependants'.
Then you should say to them: 'Mr Smith'.
'In a few short years you'll have an
old man who'll be dependent on you'
'And that man will be yourself'.
Then they say it costs too much.
Insurance doesn't cost money, Mr Page.
You're merely buying money
for a delivery at a future date.
You're not decreasing your
assets but increasing.
Exactly.
That's right. I never thought of that.
- In the meantime ..
They'll be protecting the lovely women
who've stood by them all these years.
Their wives.
Most men say their wives
don't believe in insurance.
Mr Page.
Wives seldom believe in insurance.
But widows always do.
Well.
Alright, I'll try again.
That's it, that's it.
I'm not promising anything.
Remember, everyone needs
insurance no matter who he is.
Insurance is protection, security.
A refuge for the aged.
An opportunity for the young.
I'll try to remember that.
That's fine, Mr Page. Go and face the
world with confidence and assurance.
And don't forget Benjamin
Franklin's advice.
'Above all things, be decisive'.
Alright .. goodbye.
Goodbye, Mr Page.
It's protection and security.
A refuge for the aged.
Everybody needs insurance.
Everybody.
Have you gentlemen ever
thought about life insurance?
We have an endowment life income
policy that's more than just ..
Wait a minute. You're not trying
to sell us some insurance?
Do you know how many men under fifty
die not caring for their loved ones?
I have no loved ones. I'm unmarried.
I have no dependants.
In a few short years you
will have a dependent.
An old man will be dependent on
you and that man will be yourself.
You, Mr Hunter.
You might die any day now.
- But I feel alright.
Are you leaving your wife and
children without anything?
Insurance doesn't cost money.
You're merely buying money to
be delivered at some future date.
My wife doesn't believe ..
- Wives seldom believe in insurance.
But widows always do.
Now, gentlemen.
Suppose both of you die tomorrow.
And if you lose an ear and one
hand, we pay you $92.64 a month.
Of course we have combinations
that pay much more.
If you lose one hand,
one eye and one foot.
You're sitting pretty.
Then, Mr Dawson, we have ..
- Alright.
Alright, Mr Page. You've convinced me.
That's great. Now, Mr Hunter ..
- Me too.
That's fine. I'll get out an order book.
I forgot them. Stay right here.
I'll be back in five minutes.
Don't go away.
And all I said was: 'What seems
to be the difficulty, Mr Page'?
If he goes around selling like that,
he'll need some insurance himself.
He'll get the prettiest collection
of black-eyes you've ever seen.
Trouble is, after the first black-eye
he may get discouraged and quit.
If he quits, the bottom
falls out of everything.
Enrolments will fall off. The bank calls
in that note. What about that magazine?
That publicity is worthless.
I can't keep buying policies every day.
I just can't do it.
What about your brother-in-law?
I'm sure he'd take out a small policy.
And cancel it after the first
quarter, as I'm going to do.
No. One small policy isn't going to ..
What about Frank Mitchell?
- Oh.
He could help us and it
won't cost him a cent.
Exactly.
Get Frank Mitchell on the phone for me.
- Yes sir.
It's a plan for old-age independents
combined with life insurance.
For a few extra dollars I can write
the policy so you'll be protected ..
In case of permanent
and total disability.
All this will only cost
you $51.50 per $1000.
That sounds reasonable enough.
I've been considering life
insurance for some time.
Mr Page, I think you came
along at just the right moment.
You mean you'll take some?
Yes.
Write me out a policy for $250,000.
Thank you, Mr Mitchell.
Did .. did you say ..
$250,000?
Yes.
That's what I thought you said.
I'll .. just make a note
of that so I won't forget.
Sorry, Frank.
I didn't know you were busy.
Come in, Bill. I'm finished.
Mr Carson - Mr Page.
Mr Page.
- Hi.
As soon as you have the policy
made out, Mr Page, just drop in.
Alright I will.
Thanks very much, Mr Mitchell.
I'll see you again, probably tomorrow.
Goodbye, sir. And thank you. Goodbye.
Your hat, Mr Page.
- Oh yes, my hat.
Goodbye, sir.
- Your briefcase, Mr Page.
Yes, my briefcase.
Goodbye. Bye.
Bye. Thanks.
Insurance?
- Yes.
You were turned down by three companies.
- Four.
You're wasting your time, Frank.
- Just helping Dawson out.
Seems this boy was getting discouraged.
Dwight thought that selling a
policy would bolster his ego.
He won't sell.
They'll examine you and see your
blood pressure is higher than a kite.
They'll turn you down like the others.
- I know it. I know.
That's why I'm postponing the
examination for a week or so.
Dawson wants me to wait until
some magazine comes out.
Get me Mr Page at his hotel.
- Yes sir.
You wanted me, Dwight?
- Yes, Horace.
Look here. At last the Dawson Institute
receives the publicity it deserves.
Wonderful.
- Isn't it marvelous?
Another cover too.
- Yes.
It means thousands of students, Dwight.
Just thousands of them.
Look, look.
They show him writing up the big policy.
- A sensational climax.
Every downtrodden man in the USA will
want to follow in this boy's footsteps.
I'm certainly glad it's out.
Now you can clear up about
the man from Hoboken.
I'm telling Mr Page about it tonight.
I have a call-in for him now.
And Claire. Does she know
about Mitchell's blood-pressure?
No. That's something we'll
meet when we get to it.
That reminds me. I must call
Mitchell first thing tomorrow.
Tell him it's alright to go ahead
with that examination now.
What about Mr Page?
I have the hotel now, Mr Dawson.
He's not in his room, they've paged him.
Alright, keep trying.
Really?
- Uhuh.
So they're having a 'Tad Page Day'
at home in a couple of weeks.
Looks like I put the town on the map.
You did alright by the state too.
I haven't heard of Vermont
since the last election.
I'm not joking. All the folks
got together and sent a wire.
Say .. isn't he going the wrong way?
- No he isn't.
I wanted to show you something first.
Mind taking a ride?
No.
We'll be right out.
I must say this is an unusual
location for a restaurant.
This isn't a restaurant. You'll see.
Ring twice and ask for Joe, huh?
Good evening, Mr Page.
- Hello Mr Morton. Thanks for waiting.
No trouble at all. Come in.
- This is Miss Harris.
Miss Harris. Right down this way.
Well.
You remember I told you we
needed a fire-engine at home?
Well .. here it is.
It's a beauty.
- Isn't it?
Excuse me. I'll get that phone.
The reason I wanted you
to come down was ..
You see, on that Mitchell policy,
my commission will be about $7,500.
Tad, that's wonderful.
I was figuring on using it for ..
A nest-egg for Hazel and me.
But we need an engine
like this pretty bad, so ..
I wondered if you thought Hazel
will mind if I put in a few thousand?
Of course not.
From what you told me, I doubt she'd
care if you spent the whole business.
You really mean that?
The money isn't important.
After all, you've proven that you
love her enough to work for her.
That's all that matters.
I guess that settles it then.
Mr Morton, I'm going to pay cash for it.
- That isn't necessary.
The down-payment we
discussed is sufficient.
Your city pays the balance out of taxes.
No, we need that money for a fire-house.
- Alright, suit yourself.
Yes, sir. It's a mighty sweet
little job you're getting here.
What is it? 175 horsepower?
That's right. 185 to be exact.
I imagine it pumps about 750
gallons a minute, doesn't it?
Yes it does.
Uhuh.
Yes, it's a very complete,
practical outfit.
It's siamesed into two
one-and-a-halfs. That's good.
You get more coverage that way.
How do you know so much
about these things?
My uncle was the chief up in
Utica when I was a kid.
I spent all my time in the fire-house.
- You did?
I skinned my hands a dozen times before
I learned to slide down a brass pole.
Can you imagine?
So you like fire-engines too?
Wherever there's smoke,
you'll find me in La Guardia.
See this?
Good and solid.
Makes it easy to hang on.
If you hang on like that you'll find
yourself skidding along on your ear.
I got a good grip.
Not good enough.
This isn't the outfit to demonstrate it,
but come on, get down and I'll show you.
You must hook your arm around, so you
can put on your coat at the same time.
Lady, it's a pleasure to show a
fire-engine to someone like you.
Say, I've a thousand-gallon
tour-quad at the back of the shop.
I'd like you to take a look at it.
I'd love to see it but I'm
afraid we must be going.
We haven't eaten yet.
Any time you have a moment drop round.
It's something you'd appreciate.
Thanks for staying open. I'll be in
tomorrow afternoon with the money.
Alright, Mr Page, I'll be waiting.
Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
Oh, does a hat go with it?
Hat?
Yes. I think we can arrange that.
Okay, then the deal is still on.
I can't get over it.
You liking fire engines.
Does Hazel like them?
- Yeah, she loves them.
That's a pretty fancy step there.
I feel so good tonight I could do
that thing where everybody bumps.
As you told me once.
There's Manhattan at your feet.
Remember that night?
That old frozen-face barker?
I wonder what happened to him.
He's getting along great.
I had a card from him.
You did? What did he have to say?
He caught a 12-pound bass.
- Really?
A lot has happened since
the last time we were here.
It sure has.
You know, you were right
about those lights.
Looking down on the city like
this does give you a thrill.
Especially when you've gotten
ahead a little bit the way I have.
That's the breaks for you.
You know, I'm beginning
to think it is more than that.
Take for instance the day
I got the job with Mr Peters.
Went pretty easily, didn't it?
- No trouble at all.
They must have needed quite a few men.
No. Nobody else was hired.
I guess I just sold myself to him.
He probably liked your face.
No.
I have to admit it. It must have
been Mr Dawson's approach.
No matter how you
got the job, you got it.
And you've made good at it.
And, I think I've ..
Gotten far enough along to ask
Hazel to marry me. Don't you?
I had an idea it was all set.
- No, you see.
She's always thought I
was sort-of a loafer so ..
I figured I'd have a much
better chance if I waited ..
Until I had something to offer
besides just promises.
Well, that's not a bad technique.
You really think she'll
listen to me now?
Of course she will.
Alright. I'll tell her then.
Hazel.
I love you.
Don't you see? There never was a Hazel.
I'd have told you before.
But as I said, I thought if I waited ..
I might sweep her off her feet.
What's the matter?
I'm swept. That's all.
Since the day I arrived, I wanted you
more than I wanted anything in my life.
By nature, I'm not a hard worker but ..
If you want me to,
I'll work eight hours a day.
I'll be the hardest ..
You don't feel the same about me.
I can see that.
This is 'surprise' you're looking at.
Not indifference.
Just give me a couple of minutes
and I'll be as good as new.
I know it's sudden but ..
Do you like me?
Yes, Tad. A lot.
An awful lot.
I'm glad of that.
It wouldn't have been much
fun if it was just one-sided.
But I don't know whether I love you.
I didn't expect you to know right off.
It even took me a few hours.
I've got something for you.
Oh Tad.
It's not an engagement ring. I mean ..
Well .. not right away.
You can wear it on your right hand.
Then if you ..
Change your mind you can
change over to your left one.
Tad, you're probably the nicest
person I've ever met but ..
I know there's someone else.
I've known it all along.
I thought if I threw my hat in the
ring you might look my way.
Don't you see, Tad?
For five years Mr Dawson and I have ..
Mr Dawson?
Is he the one?
Yes.
I thought you knew.
I guess you two have had
quite a few laughs then.
No, Tad.
I'll leave you alone and you can
have a really good one. Goodnight.
Tad.
Down here, Doctor.
His name's Mitchell.
Mitchell? Not Frank Mitchell is it?
- That's right.
I don't know why he keeps trying.
I've had to turn him down twice.
You have?
- Sure. High blood pressure.
Once for Midwest and
once for Cosmopolitan.
You don't think the
policy will go through?
I wouldn't figure too much on
my commission if I were you.
But I've already spent it.
I take it you just started
selling insurance.
I signed a contract to buy something.
If I don't get the money,
they could sue me.
I'm sorry, son.
It seems to me whoever recommended
this man was playing a practical joke.
I wouldn't be surprised.
People do an awful lot
just to laugh at somebody.
Don't take it too hard.
There's other policies.
But this has got to go through.
A lot of nice people depend on it.
High blood pressure, huh?
I knew a man once who ..
Doc, come back in an hour, will you?
What will you do?
- I've tried the Dawson System.
Now I'm going to try my system.
Morning.
Good morning.
You can go right in, Mr Page.
Thank you.
Hello Mr Mitchell.
- Where's the doctor?
He'll be along soon.
Sorry I've postponed this examination
so many times. I've been terribly busy.
What's that for?
The nerves. Helps me relax.
I know a good way to relax.
Huh? What do you take?
Nothing. I just lean back
and close my eyes.
You should try it.
Mr Page, I'm a very busy man.
I haven't time.
You can't do much work
before the doctor gets here.
It won't do you any harm trying.
Go on, just lean against
the back of the chair.
Lean way back.
That's better.
Just let your head go round in a circle.
Real .. slow .. like this.
Does it make you dizzy?
- No. It just loosens up the muscles.
Try it.
Just .. around .. that's fine.
Keep it going .. that's fine.
Do you like to fish, Mr Mitchell?
- Love to.
Did a lot of it when I was a boy.
Haven't done it for years though.
No time.
Too bad. Keep your eyes closed
and your head just going around.
That's fine.
Now just imagine you're a kid again.
You're sitting out in a little
row-boat all by yourself.
The water is as quiet as
midnight in a small town.
It's clear and cold.
You can see a school of perch swimming
lazily around near the bottom.
Of course I realize you're busy.
But after all, even a beaver can't
keep going for ever. And he knows it.
That's why in the spring when
he gets his dam patched ..
He knocks off for a couple of weeks.
He goes to the other side of the lake to
see how the rest of the boys are doing.
That's what you should do.
You ought to come up home next summer.
If only to stand on one peak
on the green mountains.
And just look out over the country.
Then around October.
The mornings begin to get
as crisp as a soda cracker.
And the wind comes
sweeping across the fields.
Biting your cheeks and your ears.
And before you know it, you wake up
one morning and look out the window.
And everything is white and still.
The snow is deep and fresh .. and clean.
Winter is unbelievable up there.
I imagine it's lovely in the spring too.
You've never seen so many different
shades of green in your life.
And all the trees that have been
sad and drooping all winter.
Slowly begin to bud
and stand up straight.
As if they wanted to show they
were proud they lived in Vermont.
Well, there's nothing wrong
with your blood-pressure now.
Isn't there?
That's good.
Of course it's not normal.
But it isn't high enough
to turn you down.
Fine. If you'll sign this, Mr Mitchell.
Let's not talk about business now.
I just want to ..
What did you say?
You are physically okay.
That's wonderful, wonderful.
All we need is a signature, Mr Mitchell.
- Of course, of course.
Only too glad to.
That's fine. Thanks very
much Mr Mitchell. Goodbye.
Don't run away, Mr Page.
I'm very interested in Vermont.
I want you to tell me more.
Where are you going?
First, I turn these papers in.
Then I'm going to get my fire wagon.
Then.
I've got a few things I
want to say to Mr Dawson.
The first thing I'm going to
do is kick over that poster.
Now you're cooking, pal.
I wanted to do it myself for years.
It looks like somebody beat you to it.
Wait a minute, darling.
Don't forget, I've a lot at stake too.
I don't care how much you had at stake.
That's no excuse.
Now, now, darling.
He'll get over it.
Time heals all wounds.
We'll see what time does to your bank
account when the press get hold of this.
Wait a minute now.
You wouldn't do a thing like that?
Want a bet?
Darling, we're both talking nonsense.
How could you put that sweet
guy in a spot like that?
I didn't know he was going
to buy a fire-engine, did I?
I'll make that up to him somehow.
- What kind of spot do you think I'm in?
He believes I led him on and lied.
He thinks I was in on it
every step of the way.
I didn't realize you felt this
way about him six weeks ago.
Six weeks ago I didn't
feel a lot of things.
Six weeks ago I didn't know
there were people like him.
He's the first real ..
- Wait a minute.
Are you in love with this jerk?
Yes. I am in love with him.
And he's no jerk.
You jerk.
Well .. you might have
told me before this.
Here, I've been planning and planning.
What am I supposed to do?
As Benjamin Franklin said:
Go soak your head.
[ Siren ]
Going my way, lady?
Okay, Chief.
Imagine your head is the
second hand of a watch.
Let it go round .. and .. round.
Slowly.
Imagine you're out in a boat.
All by yourself.
As Benjamin Franklin so wisely said:
Relax.
And the world.
Is yours.
..r-o..