1
How many days in your life
can you remember?
As you grow older and lonelier,
you remember more and more
of them.
This day started for me
like every new day,
and then I noticed what
had happened to the flowers,
and I felt somehow today
would be different.
Mrs. Leslie!
Oh, you're up early
this morning, croffman.
Well, I was just coming over
to see you.
The most terrible thing
has happened.
The most terrible things
are always happening to you,
croffman.
But this is really terrible.
You know that lovely...
not so loud.
My roomers aren't up yet.
Well, that bouffant I made
for the little creighton girl...
Well, she's up in Santa Barbara
to be married
in the mission there,
and her mother just called,
and the aisle in the mission
is too narrow for the hoops.
Well, can't she walk sideways
like a crab?
Everything's a joke to you.
But I have to go up there,
and I might not be back
until 2:00, 3:00 in the morning.
I don't know
what to do about pixie.
She can't stay alone
until that hour.
Well, when I was 16,
I didn't need any babysitter.
She has a date tonight
after dinner,
and if I could send over
some chops for her,
if it's all right.
Croffman, you kill me.
A girl old enough
to wear a sweater,
and she can't even broil a chop.
I'd be ashamed
at not having taught her.
- Pixie's such a baby.
- Yeah.
Well, you send her over,
and I'll try and keep everything
on a high plain.
I won't even let her see me
set the table.
I'll just let her think
it comes that way.
Well, I'll leave a note
for her.
- Mrs. Leslie.
- I don't want to wake her.
Good morning, miss roland.
Don't you worry about pixie.
You just run along
and be the schiaparelli
of Santa Barbara.
I'm going to Santa Barbara.
I'm sorry to bother you,
Mrs. Leslie.
Oh, that's all right.
Croffman was just going.
Bye, croffman.
Everybody's up early today.
The gentleman
in the room next to mine,
I think he's sick.
He's been upchucking
for about an hour or so.
Oh, well,
why didn't you say that?
Well, I said he was sick.
But sick can mean anything.
He'll get over it.
They always do.
But he sounds really ill.
Appendicitis
sometimes starts that way.
Take my advice, miss roland.
Let sleeping dogs lie
and hangovers hang.
But how do you know
he has a hangover?
The way he drove in here
last night.
Take a look outside.
There's a tire mark across
every flower along the drive.
Well, aren't you going
to go upstairs
and see what it really is?
Oh, I know what it is.
I learned the hard way.
People who play nursemaids
to drunks are fools.
I had a father who was one.
Yes?
Pressview 5-4124.
Oh, all right, yes.
Hold the wire.
I'll tell him.
The pooles.
Oh, Mrs. Leslie,
is it for us?
Yes, it's the hospital.
They want you to come
just as soon as you can.
Tell them, please.
We'll be right out.
- Is it about Karen, dear?
- Yes, dear.
We've got to hurry.
I gave them the message.
They'll be over
just as soon as they can.
Poor man.
I feel more sorry for him
than her somehow.
There's nothing
can be done about it.
Their daughter's
had another sinking spell.
The hospital doesn't think
she'll last the day.
Must be unbearable.
I've never lost anyone.
You get over it.
Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Leslie.
Oh, that's all right,
miss roland.
You get over it, eventually.
Oh, oh.
Mr. McKay?
Mr. McKay?
Mr. McKay?
Mr. McKay.
What do you want?
I'm Nadine roland, next door.
I want to help you.
Have you got a temperature?
Look, leave me alone, lady.
I'll be okay.
I have some tea in my room.
It might help.
No, no, thanks.
No tea.
I'll be okay now.
Tea, uh, uh.
I don't care for any, thanks.
Maybe this'll help.
- What time is it?
- Round 7:30.
You're pretty darn nice.
I'll have to do this
for you sometime.
Don't worry about it.
It's been done for me.
You?
I wake you up?
I had to get up early anyway.
It's a big day for me, I hope.
I have an audition.
I'm sorry I woke you up.
I'm sorry to be a nuisance.
You sound like a man
with a reason to get fractured.
I've got reasons
I haven't even used yet.
You better go now.
Go on, beat it.
Oh, did I say thanks?
It's all right.
You're nice.
Oh, I said that, didn't I?
Remind me to meet you sometime.
Can't take advice, huh?
I can't take suffering,
even other people's.
In my business, you can't
afford to get involved.
You've got to be a spectator.
I've never seen you
do this before.
Well, it's for the pooles.
I thought you and your husband
would like a little coffee
before you left.
That's thoughtful,
Mrs. Leslie,
but we better not take the time.
Herbert's ready.
But it only takes a minute.
We'd better hurry.
Thank you so much.
It's very thoughtful of you.
I hope everything turns out
all right.
Yes.
Try and pour some of this down
Mr. McKay.
- I'll try.
- Black, no sugar and cream.
Keep the door open.
Good morning, Mrs. Leslie.
Good morning.
I, um... i brought
the coffee cups down.
Thanks.
She's a nice girl, isn't she?
Good instincts.
I was in no condition to tell.
The coffee helped.
I noticed.
You didn't even
cut yourself shaving.
Mr. McKay,
you probably don't realize it,
but when you drove in here
last night,
I don't think
you hit the cement once.
You know, flowers don't grow
wild, even in California.
I'm sorry.
How much?
Oh, I don't expect
you to pay for them.
I'd just like you to be a little
more careful in the future.
You know, it takes time
and effort to grow flowers.
I'm sorry, Mrs. Leslie.
I'll be more careful.
I wish you would.
They add so much
to the appearance of the house.
Beverly hills wouldn't be nearly
as lovely without its flowers.
Mrs. Leslie,
whenever I'm stopped
for speeding or something,
I always tell the cop,
"okay, give me the ticket,
but no lecture, please."
So tell me what you want:
Money, blood?
Just tell me.
Don't lecture.
You're quite a man,
aren't you, Mr. McKay?
You're not afraid of anything,
cops or landladies
or anything in the world.
All I meant was...
Okay, I'll be more careful
about the flowers next time,
Mrs. Leslie.
I'm sorry.
I'm watching.
Isn't that the car
I gave your brother?
Be nice to him, darling,
for mother's sake.
Happy Birthday, mom.
Landon, I knew you'd come.
I told felice you'd come.
What's this?
Well, open it.
Landy, you haven't said hello
to Lewis and your sister.
Hi, felice, Lewis.
Try and be more pleasant.
It's aimez-moi.
When you were
in the perfume department,
I remembered
that was your favorite.
Thank you, dear.
Thank you.
LAN, darling,
where have you been hiding?
You look fine, sis,
real nervous.
It's just an expression.
I wish you'd come back
to live with us, LAN.
Lewis is terribly upset
about the way you ran out.
I've never seen him so hurt.
I'll see
he gets a purple heart.
Get the chip
off your shoulder, LAN.
Try and understand Lewis.
He wants to love you.
He wants to help you.
"He wants. He wants."
How about what I want?
LAN, dear.
Now, look, I spent two years
in Korea taking orders
and nearly a year in this place
jumping every time
he snapped his fingers.
I can't play bridge and golf
and scrabble
with him day and night
and accomplish anything.
I've got to work, do something.
I don't want to be kept.
You don't understand him,
darling.
Lewis is lonely.
They why did you break up
his home?
He had a family
he was getting along with.
Don't you talk that way to me.
Len, why do you fight
with us?
We love you.
I lie awake nights
wondering where you are.
Mother, you can know
where I am every night
if you'll come with me.
Get out of here.
Will you do it, mom?
- Mother.
- "Mother."
Yes, Lewis?
LAN, why don't you come up
and see mother's birthday gift
from all of us?
I bought my own birthday gift
this year, thanks.
With what?
As long as you ask,
I hocked one of those
wristwatches you gave me.
And how do you plan living
after you've hocked
all the other things
you've gotten out of me?
I don't like the way
you put that...
Things I've gotten out of you.
LAN, dear.
When he's got his pockets
full of pawn tickets,
he'll come back here,
but he'll have
to change his attitude.
Or do you want
to start changing it now, son?
Oh, come on, Lewis.
You bought my sister,
and you've got a mortgage
on my mother.
But you can't write a check
big enough
to get even a piece of me.
I belong to myself.
One of these days,
I'll get your watch out of hock.
I'll come by then
and maybe get my mother
out of the pawn shop too.
Come on, mother.
Good-bye, mom.
I'll call you.
You sure scared the paint
off that bus, huh?
Did you dig the look
on the guy's face?
I'll change and be right out.
Do you want me
to help you, pixie?
- Don't you wish you could?
- Shake it up, pixie.
We got to get Diane yet.
- Hey, let me drive.
- No, no.
Aw, come on, come on.
- No.
- Let him drive, Steve.
Hey, come on, my cigarettes.
Hey, how long is it gonna take
that creep?
All she's got to do
is change her pants.
Thank you,
ladies and gentlemen.
Gosh, you're impatient.
It only took a minute.
Will you help me
pick these up, honey?
Well, I can't.
My friends are in a hurry.
But it's
for your dinner tonight.
You're eating with me, you know.
I know.
My mom left a note.
Well, Mrs. Leslie,
you sure rate high
with the hot rod set, don't you?
Fine way for kids to act.
In my day... my day.
These are my days
whether I like them or not,
because I made them
what they are.
When does a person
start building her future?
When did I start?
How did I start?
daddy,
let me stay out late
for tomorrow
is our wedding date
can't the baby kind
of celebrate?
kiss the boys good-bye
daddy, let me wear the mink
what's the difference
what the neighbors think?
let the baby linger
on the brink
kiss the boys good-bye
and while I'm kissing 'em
sentimentally
keep the liberal
point of view
because I'm breaking it
to them gently
that the heart
belongs to you
so, daddy,
please remember this
that tomorrow starts a life
of bliss
let me show 'em
what they're gonna miss
kiss the boys good-bye
bye-bye.
byebye
kiss the boys good-bye
thank you.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much,
ladies and gentlemen.
That's just a little ditty
I learned
at miss pringle's school
for young ladies
just before the cops
raided the joint.
I like her sexy stuff
the best, don't you, Barney?
Yes, baby, that's the stuff.
And now if the boys
of the band...
Band?
If Daniel and his musical lions
will oblige
with some background,
here's a song about which
the composer Beethoven
once said, "stop already."
You shouldn't have done
this, Barney.
It isn't for George.
Why not?
A night on the town,
it's good for him.
How's your drink holding up,
George?
Fine, thanks.
I'm in the mood for love
simply
because you're near me
funny,
but when you're near me
I'm in the mood for love
heaven is in your eyes
bright as the stars
we're under
oh, is it any wonder?
I'm in the mood for love
why stop to think of whether
this little dream
might fade?
we've put
our hearts together
now we are one
I'm not afraid
if there's a cloud above
- sing it, vivi.
- Hi, barn.
if it should rain,
we'll let it
but for tonight, forget it
I'm in the mood for love
vivi, come on over.
It's getting pretty late,
Barney.
Maybe we better call it a night.
Oh, it isn't even 3:00 yet.
What's the rush?
You don't get to New York
very often, do you, George?
Often enough.
Relax, Mr. Finley.
George is a big boy.
He can take care of himself.
Well, hi, Barney.
I haven't seen you
for a long time.
Well, you know Washington
keeps a man pretty busy
these days.
Say hello to jo and precious.
- Hi.
- Hi.
And may I present a couple
of friends of mine?
This is mort Finley,
vivien Keeler.
- Mr. Finley.
- And this is George.
- Uh, Leslie.
- George Leslie, vivien Keeler.
How do you do, Mr. Leslie?
We enjoyed your performance,
miss Keeler.
- Well, thank you very much.
- I'm glad we stayed.
We were gonna leave earlier.
Oh, come on, finney,
just one dance.
Sure, one at least.
Come on, jo.
Sit down, vivien,
and keep George out of trouble.
He doesn't dance.
Come on, sit down,
Mr. Leslie.
Barney's fun, isn't he?
That depends
on your definition of "fun."
- What's yours?
- I'm working on it.
Would you like a drink?
Oh, no, not for me.
Maybe not for you, either.
Is that what Barney meant
when he said
about my keeping you
out of trouble?
You have a nice laugh.
And you have a nice smile.
You don't look like the kind
that'd get in trouble.
Do you?
Get in trouble, I mean.
Depends on your definition
of "trouble."
- Are you working on that too?
- No.
Hi, Keith.
Long time, no see.
The language
of the local jungle.
I bet I can give you
a definition of trouble.
It's when you walk
into a nightclub,
one that you wouldn't have
picked yourself,
and suddenly
some paper hat character
starts toward you,
trying to get laughs
to pay the rent
with a big, fat spotlight
and a gleam in her eye.
That's trouble, isn't it?
That's trouble.
Thanks.
For passing your table?
Oh, I wouldn't want you
in the spotlight, Mr. Leslie.
You give the place
too much class.
The boss doesn't deserve it.
You want another drink,
go ahead, order one,
but I warn you:
This bartender's idea
of a highball
is giving an ice cube
an alcohol rub.
Leo!
"Class,"
that's a terrible word,
isn't it?
In a village smoke pit,
you meet a lot of guys,
but very few men.
When you meet one,
it's only natural
that you'd accept
a luncheon date the next day.
Of course,
it would be drizzling,
and I couldn't get a cab,
so I was a little late.
- Madam?
- I'm looking for a gentleman.
Well, thought you'd given me up.
I couldn't help but notice
the cigarette stubs
in the ashtray.
I knew I hadn't been that late,
but from the looks of things,
he'd been that anxious,
and I was glad.
I'd been wondering
how he'd greet me.
You know, when you meet a person
for the second time,
so often it's hard to recapture
the mood of your first meeting,
but not with Mr. Leslie.
He was easy to talk to,
and I liked him.
But he seemed
to have something special
that he wanted to say.
Over coffee, he suggested a walk
in central park.
Oh, don't forget your book.
Thank you, madam.
Thank you.
You know,
you haven't said a word
since we left the restaurant.
You don't talk very much,
do you?
I'm a listener.
A very important part
of society, listening.
Without us, who would
the talkers talk to, each other?
Talkers don't listen
to themselves,
much less other talkers.
Well, for a listener,
that's quite a lot of gab.
I may not say anything
again until June 14th,
but how else could I
let you know?
- Know what?
- That I like you.
It's coming through.
I'm very flattered.
It doesn't take much
to please you.
Oh, no, no.
It takes a great deal:
Flowers, mountains,
pretty shoes,
children, trees,
and the smell of hot bread.
How about you?
When I find out,
I'll let you know.
The long, hungry search, huh?
One of those deep men.
You think
there's going to be a war?
There's always going
to be a war.
- Why always?
- The long, hungry search.
Man doesn't know
what pleases him yet.
See how lucky you are?
You know.
The other night, a couple
of soldiers came into the club.
One of them was a Southern boy,
just a kid.
He was so excited about
his first night in New York.
And I asked him
if there was going to be a war,
and he said, "you're durn right
there is, lady."
They're not biding us
for no peacetime army."
And then I said, "well, who do
you think we'll be fighting?"
And he thought for a long time,
and then he said very seriously,
"well, I can't say right off,
but you can bet it'll be
one of them foreign countries."
Would you like
to go to California?
Oh, I should say so.
Every year about this time,
I start doodling palm trees.
I've dreamed of a job
in California,
but they only book
high-price acts out there.
Do you make much money?
Oh, I make $200 a week,
when I work.
Is that much?
Is it?
For what I do, yes.
For what I spend, no.
Do you make a lot?
Yes.
- Doing what?
- Manufacturing.
Oh.
Suppose we get a cab.
Why?
Where are we going?
California.
But I have to go
to Washington first.
Wait a minute, you mean
you weren't kidding back there?
You were really serious
about my going?
I'm usually too serious.
That's what a couple
of specialists tell me.
I have to have a vacation.
Could you leave in,
say, four days?
I'll pay your salary
for as long as you're gone.
I tell you what.
Let's you and me
start a pen pal club.
We'll keep in touch that way.
Please, don't be angry, honey.
I don't mean it that way.
Companion is what I want.
We'll even be chaperoned.
The last time
I was chaperoned,
she wound up with my date.
You don't believe me
about just friends.
Are you sick or something?
No, I'm perfectly well,
just tired.
Nerves, I think they call it.
Sorry, vivien.
Sorry for what?
My invitation should at least
have had the chance
of growing
out of a friendship.
Penn station, please.
Why did you ask me
to go with you, Mr. Leslie?
Because I have to get away
for six weeks,
and I don't know
anyone else I could...
I'd want to ask.
Oh.
Please don't make me ask you
again if you'll come, vivien.
It was difficult enough
the first time.
All right.
You've got yourself
a companion, Mr. Leslie.
Plays piano,
sings risque songs,
has wardrobe,
and will travel.
There's something
more than that.
Oh, I know
what I'm letting myself in for.
No, you'll have to contribute
whatever honesty
there is to our relationship.
Well, I'm no boy scout,
but I'm prepared.
Here's enough for two weeks.
There's nothing binding you
if you're not happy
after the first few days.
I'll send the tickets
up to your apartment
this afternoon.
All right.
And a note on making
connections in Los Angeles.
It's up the coastal way.
Well,
good-bye till California.
Oh, it's all right,
Mr. Leslie.
You're lost in the crowd
of a big city.
See you out west, partner.
Mr. Leslie.
Hi, Rick.
Rick, I'm going to California.
- Oh, you are?
- Yes, Monday, for six weeks.
Who's the guy?
Never mind,
it's not what you think,
but you've got to let me
off the hook.
I'll make up the six weeks.
You got a little piece
of paper with me, vivi.
Says you work.
You ain't no hidalgo,
but you work anyway.
Look, Rick, Sam, please.
Well, Rick,
I'm gonnago anyway.
You'll find someone to fill in
the six weeks,
and when I get back...
if you go, don't come back,
'cause you
won't be working here.
You break a contract with me,
you work no place ever.
Follow me?
Well, that's a chance
I've got to take.
You got a contract.
She ain't goin'.
I wondered how I should act.
I decided to let him
make the ground rules.
After all,
it was his ballpark.
Hi, I just came
to make a delivery.
You forgot this.
Glad to have it back.
Oh, you look wonderful.
All tan.
I've had nothing to do
for three long days
but lie in the sun
and wait for you.
So this is California.
Santa hilda... i never heard
of it myself
till two weeks ago.
Jim, would you get
the luggage, please?
Certainly a well-kept secret.
I thought it was going to be
so lush, all palm trees.
Maybe I should have been
more explicit
than just California.
Either way, you were
pretty certain I'd come,
weren't you?
I'm old enough
not to be certain of anything.
Vivien, this is Jim.
He goes with the house.
Welcome to California,
Mrs. Leslie.
Mrs. Leslie.
Had he told Jim that,
or was it just Jim's idea?
I didn't know enough
about Mr. Leslie to be sure.
All I knew was
that he needed me,
and that was enough.
It's longer this way.
The ocean drive is nicer.
Camilla will probably have lunch
ready when we get there.
Won't she, Jim?
Yes, sir.
You'll like the house,
Mrs. Leslie.
It's a wonderful place
for a holiday.
Is it, Mr. Leslie?
Can be.
It's up to us.
It's beautiful, Mr. Leslie.
It's simply beautiful.
Excuse me, Mrs. Leslie,
when would you like
luncheon served?
Oh, well, that's up to you.
Maybe after we...
After a swim.
Yes, that'll be fine,
Camilla.
Yes, ma'am.
I suppose in the future
you'll want
to make out the menus.
And what about the shopping?
Well, I'm on my vacation.
Why don't you tend to all that?
Thank you.
There's just one thing
to remember:
Mr. Leslie likes
just a whisper of garlic
in his salad dressing.
Yes, ma'am, just a whisper.
I'm not sure
I took the course for this.
"Mrs. Leslie."
"Madam."
You must have.
You remembered my instructions
to the waiter.
Well, shall we...
what?
- Go for a swim?
- Now?
Why not?
I'll show you upstairs.
You can change.
Oh, that's my room.
And this is the study,
which I don't intend to use.
And this...
This is your room.
My room.
Oh, it isn't real.
It can't be.
It's like something
out of one of those
house beautiful magazines.
You know,
let the sea be part of you.
I'm glad you like it.
I wonder what the poor people
are doing today.
I don't know whether I'm going
to be able to stand this.
You brought your bathing suit,
of course.
You were really serious
about swimming?
Why do you always question me?
Oh, all right.
I'll get ready.
Meet you on the beach.
- Fine.
- Hurry.
Sometimes I think
that's the first time
I really saw George Leslie.
He was just a little boy,
one of those
poor little rich kids
who didn't have anyone
to play with.
Hi.
How's the water?
Isn't it cold?
No, not really.
Looks kind of cold to me.
Come on, let's go for a swim.
I like to go in gradually.
All right
to leave my shoes here?
- Sure.
- Won't the tide come in?
- No.
- Oh, oh, it's freezing.
The nights are starting
to get cool even down here.
Mm-hmm.
Somebody said
about California...
And it's true...
"no matter how hot it gets
in the daytime,
there's nothing to do
at night."
I'm sorry.
What would you like to do?
- How far is it to Los Angeles?
- About two hours' drive.
You don't want
to drive down there, do you?
Oh, no, what's doing there?
Beat me again.
Would you rather
I didn't read?
No, don't be silly.
Maybe we could do
some surfcasting.
I had you pegged
as the indoor type.
All we've done
for the past few weeks
is swim and fish
and ride and run.
Mr. Leslie, you're
the buffalo bill of the beaches.
Quiet night
around the lit campfire
ain't gonna hurt
this old calamity Jane none.
Calamity Jane
was wild bill hickok's girl.
Are you bored?
Oh, no.
I'm just catching my breath.
I haven't spent
so much time outdoors
since I was dispossessed
in 1934.
Don't you ever read
about anything
except the civil war?
It's been my hobby
for 20 years.
For the love
of Robert e. Lee, why?
For the love
of Robert e. Lee, grant,
Jackson, all the others.
To me, they're as alive
as anyone I know.
But where's the suspense
when you know how the war ends?
Maybe you're looking for a book
that says the South won.
The South won by losing, vivi.
It kept America together.
And as for suspense,
it's full of suspense,
more than any movie.
More excitement
than any mystery story
from poe to Chandler.
Consider Jackson's genius.
Imagine it transferred
to the west.
Do you think grant would ever
have been heard of if Jackson...
hold it, general.
You sound like
the h.V. Kaltenborn of 1864.
I don't know a darn thing
you're talking about.
Believe it or not,
that war was before my time.
I bore everybody with my war.
That's what a friend calls it,
my personal war.
Says I bury myself in it
to escape today.
Is she right?
You know a lot about me,
don't you?
Oh, it's not exactly knowing.
Most of the time,
it's just feeling.
It's probably for Jim
or Camilla.
Why are you
so interested in soldiers,
Mr. Leslie, honey?
Their ability to fight,
I suppose,
to make a statement
for their beliefs.
Maybe because I find it
so difficult to do that myself.
Do you think
men fight to make statements?
I don't.
I think they fight to protect
what they have,
because if they don't,
they get killed
by some other soldiers
who are trying
to take it away from them.
I guess I'm a cynic.
On the contrary, vivi.
I admire your ability to reduce
life to such simplicity.
Pardon me, Mr. Leslie.
There's a long-distance call
for you.
Thank you.
It's nice having you here,
Mrs. Leslie.
Oh, thanks, Camilla.
Has Mr. Leslie
been resting well?
Why, wasn't he before I came?
I don't think so, ma'am.
Of course,
it's none of my business,
but we're quite fond
of you folks,
and we hope
you're enjoying your vacation.
Oh, we're enjoying it
enormously, Camilla.
Yes, ma'am.
Good night.
Night.
Oh.
No, keep it.
I'll get another one.
Oh, no, no, take it.
I'm sorry.
It's all this uncanned air.
You're not going to bed.
Oh, please, my eyelids feel
as if they weigh
40 pounds apiece.
All right, go to sleep.
Have a pretty dream.
Good night, Mr. Leslie.
Good night, vivien.
Poor man.
What was bothering him?
It was like that afternoon
in the restaurant
all over again.
There was something on his mind.
Oh, no!
No, no, no.
No.
No, no. No.
Oh.
No, no!
No.
No, no!
Mr. Leslie, honey?
No, no.
Who is it?
It's me, vivien.
Vivien.
Are you all right?
Must have been dreaming.
It looks
as if you've been fighting
the battle of fredericksburg
right in here.
You're soaking.
You ought to change
into something else.
Come on, I'll straighten
your bed for you.
I'll take care of it.
Go back to sleep.
Go on.
Go on.
Go on.
Oh, I thought
you might like some hot milk.
You're very good to me,
vivien.
That's what I'm here for.
Now, come on, sit down.
Drink your milk.
Why don't we make this
a breakfast?
In a couple more hours,
we can be out trolling,
get some fish for dinner.
All right.
About that phone call
this evening,
thanks for not asking
any questions.
One of your charms
is your fascinating disinterest
in everything about me
that relates to the outside.
I'm very grateful.
Oh, I'm only human.
It's not disinterest,
but when there's something
you want me to know,
you'll tell me.
I want you to know
that I'm very fond of you.
Scrambled?
Isn't this better
than eating at home
on Camilla's night out?
Thank you.
I've had so much fish,
my stomach's going in and out
with the tide.
Have some wine.
Let's drink a toast
to all the fish we didn't catch.
As to every fish
in the pacific,
to their health.
Wait a minute.
No, let's do it this way.
I saw it once in the movies.
To the fish.
Here's something I saw once.
Go on.
Go on, go ahead.
It's fun.
Appeals to everyone's urge
to break something.
Mr. hackley,
some more glasses, please.
Listen, mister, them glasses
cost 26 cents apiece.
Bring all you got.
Ah, here we are.
We're celebrating,
Mr. hackley.
Won't you join us?
Yes, come on, join us.
There's nothing for me
to celebrate.
Another toast to the fishes.
And to the fishermen.
There ain't that much profit
in sea bass dinners.
You'll have to pay
for them glasses.
Now, look here!
I know, 26 cents per glass.
Certainly, Mr. hackley.
No more glasses, Mr. hackley?
What a shame.
There's your bill, mister.
$3.12 extra for glasses.
If I pay for them,
they belong to me, don't they?
Broken or not.
I reckon so.
Well, sweep them up
and put them in a bag
and I'll take them home.
They belong to him.
Here you are, Mr. hackley.
Keep the change.
Oh, thank you, mister.
And here you are.
Would you mind telling me
what you're gonna do with that?
We're yogis.
We sleep on it.
Come on, dear.
Let's make our beds.
See, barefoot can be fun.
So can fish dinners
and cheap wine.
Anything can be fun
if you have someone
to share it with.
Who taught you
how to laugh, vivi?
You must have
had wonderful parents.
I had a wonderful mother.
If she'd been married
to anybody else but my father,
she might still be alive.
I had to teach myself to laugh.
I was pretty well cried-out
before I was 15.
I had to come here;
You didn't.
But you came,
and I'll be eternally grateful.
You've done more for me
than my doctors,
my pills, my everybody.
How can I thank you?
For the first time in my life,
somebody's made me feel
as if I had a purpose.
That's thanks enough.
Sunday, I'm going
to that little church in town,
try to take up
where I left off 15 years ago.
Oh, I just...
I just saw his face,
and I almost died.
I think the funniest thing is,
"so what are you
gonna do with it?"
May I get you something?
Oh, yes, I'd like some coffee
up in my room.
There was a long-distance call
for Mr. Leslie,
and I wanted to tell him
not to answer it,
at least not that night.
Funny how you get hunches
about some things.
Yes?
Oh, come on in.
- Vivi.
- Coffee?
No, thanks.
I'm afraid I'll have to go back.
You mean now?
Tonight?
Jim'll drive me
into Los Angeles.
I have to make a 6:00 plane
in the morning.
I tried to stall them.
Oh, that's all right.
I understand.
Why don't you stay on?
I have the house till the 15th.
No, I'll go back with you.
On another plane, of course.
I hope we can do this again.
Maybe next year.
Vivi, you're the best companion
I've ever known.
And Lee was the best general,
Mr. Leslie,
but they paid off on grant.
Please, vivi.
It was wonderful,
really wonderful.
That's what makes
saying good-bye so much harder.
Yes, an engagement
starts out one thing
and ends up another, all right.
This I hadn't expected.
He'd given me
less than six weeks,
and I knew then
that I'd given him all my life.
Mrs. Leslie?
Mrs. Leslie?
Mrs. Leslie, Mrs. Leslie?
Yes?
I wonder if I could ask
a favor of you.
Nothing ventured;
Nothing gained.
The piano in the living room...
I was wondering if you'd mind
if I used it this afternoon.
Oh, that old thing?
It hasn't been used in so long.
I don't even know
whether it's in tune anymore.
But you're welcome to use it.
I didn't know
you were a musician, Mr. McKay.
I'm not,
but I can get an accompanist.
Oh, you sing?
I had no idea
you were in show business.
You don't seem like the type.
I dance.
At least I'm trying to.
Ballroom stuff,
anything to make
a couple of bucks.
Oh, well, dancing's nice too.
I used to love to dance.
Well, now we'll see
how this sounds.
I usually rehearse
at my partner's house,
but her mother's sick today.
If it's out of tune,
we can use the record player.
Sounds all right to me.
Sound okay for you?
My partner's no paderewski.
He won't mind.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Oh, don't you look nice,
miss roland?
You know Mr. McKay,
don't you?
Hi.
I did tell you to remind me
to meet you sometime, didn't I?
Now we've met again.
Aren't you going to be late
for your appointment,
miss roland?
- I'll get a cab at the corner.
- Maybe I can drop you off.
Oh, thanks,
but I'm going to Hollywood.
Well, I'm going
to Hollywood myself.
Come on, it's the least I can do
after this morning.
All right.
Why don't you
go through the kitchen?
It's shorter.
Good luck.
Thanks.
See you later.
TV center, you said?
Yes, please.
You doing a show there?
No, I'm auditioning.
Casland's starting a new series,
private eye stuff.
They're looking for a secretary.
Secretary?
Well, you know,
those private eye secretaries.
Well, here.
"She walked in,
and her hips moved like swans"
on a silver lake,
"her blue-black hair
gleaming like a raven's wing."
How about that?
That kind of secretary
you could be.
I'll buy a 21-inch set
if you get the part.
If I get the part?
I'd better get the part.
Thank you so much, Mr. McKay.
Let me know how you make out.
Good luck!
Hey, McKay.
Hey, Fred,
what are you doing around here?
Agents can't sell talent
to television?
And speaking of talent,
who was that?
She lives at my place.
It's a rooming house.
Yeah, sure.
What's her name?
Nadine roland.
Say, Fred, remember that act
I was telling you about?
We've got it in good shape now,
I think good enough to show.
Nadine roland,
sure, used to hang around
with gillis kemp.
Real crazy dames, kid.
What happened to her?
Gilly's got a penthouse
on the strip.
Say, when do you think
you can have a look at it, Fred?
- At what?
- My act.
Oh, anytime you say, kid,
if you bring
the roland doll along.
Really?
How about this afternoon?
No, make it tonight.
Okay, there's a room
at the house we can use.
About 7:30 okay?
Yeah, 7:30, 8:00.
Just be sure roland's there.
Oh, she has an agent...
Harry willey.
Look, I ain't always an agent.
When the sun goes down,
believe it or not,
I turn into a man.
Okay.
Look, I'll phone the landlady.
If it's all right,
I'll call you.
I can't promise you nothin'.
Don't forget roland.
Oh, I have to get this part,
Mr. willey.
I've just got to.
It means so much.
You just relax, honey.
Relax.
You'll be fine.
We know you can act, don't we?
I'll be in the control booth
with Mr. casland.
- All right, miss roland.
- Stu harkness, please.
Miss roland,
this is stu harkness,
your leading man.
We're ready anytime now.
All right, now let's not worry
about your moves,
just the lines.
Stu, you're at the desk, please.
Miss roland,
you'll make an entrance.
All right, standby, everybody.
Stu, take it.
What's the deal on corpeau,
willey?
We'll talk about him later,
Mr. casland.
Let's look at miss roland
now, eh?
Was that a shot?
Nobody's popping champagne
this time of day, sweetheart.
The gringold mob,
they sent a torpedo
to rub you out.
Oh, big Joe,
you gotta get out of town.
Blow this berg
before they blast you.
- Have a close-up on the girl.
- Yes.
Sam, remind Maria
to get another note off
before I leave for the Springs.
When big Joe takes on a caper,
sweetheart,
he sticks till it's cracked
or it cracks him.
Look, big Joe,
I'm only a secretary,
but I got a nose for trouble.
Reminds me of that girl
who did the glomall commercials.
What was her name, Sam?
Oh, yeah, Farrell, that was it.
Did commercials
and drove a big convertible.
You still driving yours, Jay?
I traded in one
of those little foreign cars
to race around town in.
Uh, never mind about Lorena.
I better call New York direct.
Mr. casland,
what about the girl?
She's not the type.
Cut it.
Okay, kids, thank you.
Wrap it up, Lloyd.
Casland,
you're missing a bet.
Roland looks the part.
She can play it, I tell you.
Tell her what you want.
Let her try it again.
If she had it,
it'd come through to me, willey.
I want a whole woman
for this part,
no starlet stuff,
all angles and chest, no heart.
Your girl's fluff.
That's all, just fluff.
Sam, get ahold
of that Farrell dame.
Maybe she can play it.
Reminds me of this roland kid.
Oh, good evening, pixie.
I was just thinking
of calling you.
Well, I told you I'd be here.
What are we having for dinner?
I don't like chops.
Put your things in my room
and then come
and sit right down here.
It's all ready.
How was skating today?
All right.
There, nice cold roast ham
and a nice big salad.
Such a warm evening.
Sit down, dig in.
I'll get you some nice iced tea.
I don't like tea.
Iced tea?
Well, milk maybe.
Milk?
Come on, sit down anyway.
Aren't they pretty?
Beautiful things
make you feel beautiful inside.
Here, have a hot buttered roll.
Do you have a root beer?
Yes, I have.
Oh, well?
Well what, pixie?
Well, can I have a root beer?
Yes, sure,
right in the icebox.
Well, I can't get out.
A glass.
You haven't eaten anything,
pixie.
I guess I'm not hungry.
That's the trouble
with you children nowadays.
How do you expect
your brains to work
if you're undernourished?
My brains work.
Turn on the radio, hmm?
Do you like music, pixie?
It's all right, I guess.
Well, good music, I mean,
like Beethoven and offenbach.
Who?
- Dizzy Gillespie.
- It's all right, I guess.
Who's your favorite orchestra?
Gee, I don't know.
Certainly is warm tonight.
I wonder if your mother
found the weather any cooler
up in Santa Barbara.
Gee, I don't know.
Well, it should be
cooler there.
Have you ever been
to Santa Barbara, dear?
Uh-uh.
What places
have you been, pixie?
You ever been abroad?
San Diego, I guess.
Gee, I don't know.
- Oh, no.
- Been all over, I guess.
Well, I mean foreign places.
I mean to ketchikan maybe
or Madagascar.
Do you want to?
Gee, I don't know.
Has iris next door
got a television?
Gee, I don't know.
Iris' little baby had measles.
Did you ever have measles,
pixie?
Gee, I don't know.
Measles are unpleasant.
So itchy, you know?
They're very unpleasant to have.
Well, I better change
my clothes before the kids come.
But I have strawberry
shortcake for dessert.
Berries make me break out.
Uh, can I use your shower?
Yes, pixie, you may.
It's in the bedroom,
right through there.
You sure we're supposed
to pick her up here?
Next door, she said,
at Leslie's rooming house.
Here comes the creep now.
Good evening.
I'm Mrs. Leslie.
Where's pixie?
I said
my name was Mrs. Leslie.
Hi.
I presume
you're oswald fogelmeister.
I'm who?
I'm buddy Boyd.
How do you do, buddy?
Now we're introduced, aren't we?
We're supposed
to pick up pixie.
Yes, I know.
Who's the devoted couple
in the back seat?
That's Diane and Paul.
They're going steady.
Oh, at least.
Don't they ever come up for air?
Hey, Tyrone,
put on the brakes.
In my day,
people only acted that way
with the shades down
and the lights out
and the neighbors
away for the weekend.
- What's with her?
- Hey, where's pixie?
We're in a hurry.
Yes, I see you are.
She's not joining you
this evening.
What do you mean?
Pixie's not coming with us?
Not tonight.
Ah, I bet
she's not even there.
Who does that old queen
think she is anyway?
Yeah?
What time is it?
I'm almost ready.
We're giving sort of a little
party here tonight, pixie.
One of my roomers,
Mr. McKay, is a dancer,
and he's going to show his act
to an agent.
He said he'd like an audience.
Would you like to stay?
I already have a date.
No, I'm afraid you haven't.
I sent them away.
You did what?
Sent them away?
When?
Just now.
They've gone.
You've got a lot of nerve,
Mrs. Leslie.
It didn't seem safe to me.
They're my best friends,
and you've got
some sweet nerve doing that.
Diane's father
is a very wealthy man,
and buddy's mother
has a diamond broach,
and they're very well-known
in society.
Does your mother know
any of them?
What difference
does that make?
Besides,
what's it any business of yours?
Boy, gee, what nerve!
Pixie, put that down.
- My mother lets me.
- I don't believe it.
I take my responsibilities
very seriously.
Tonight, I'm your mother.
How could you be
anybody's mother?
Why, I heard
you weren't even married.
Of course I was married.
Then where's a picture
of your husband?
Who was he?
Mom says you're just an old maid
pretending you were married,
ashamed to own up to you
never did get yourself a man.
If that's
your mother's opinion,
I don't imagine
she'd fancy your repeating it.
It's the truth, isn't it?
Sure, it's the truth,
so don't you tell me
what to do.
I bet I know
where I can find my friends too.
Go on, pixie.
Go on, run.
Find your friends.
I won't stop you.
You're right.
I'm not your mother.
I'm not anybody's mother.
How could I be?
I'm not anybody's anything,
because once I ran too,
all the way to California.
The year since I'd seen him
hadn't been too easy for me
thanks to Rick.
He blackballed me
in the clubs around New York,
and I'd had to pick up
club dates wherever I could:
Jersey, upstate,
the island, one-nighters,
anything to keep going
until Mr. Leslie's phone call.
Oh, I've had a very busy year
this past year, Mr. Leslie.
I've been doing a lot
of reading, history books.
Ask me anything you want to know
about William lowndes yancey.
Where he was born,
when he died, anything.
Go on, ask me.
Vivi, you astonish me.
You mean you really enjoyed
reading about him?
Of course.
Well, if you liked that,
you'd love
corporal si klegg
and his pard.
Written by wilbur f. Hinman,
late lieutenant colonel,
65th regiment, Ohio veteran's
volunteer infantry.
I read it.
Read it?
You memorized it.
I also read
a rebel war clerk's diary
and the wearing of the grey
and Jeff Davis' memoirs.
I even read your precious
Roman's beauregard.
Oh, vivi.
Poor vivi.
Well, good evening,
Mr. hackley.
Good evening.
Those club dates
aren't enough, are they?
For instance, how much rent
do you pay on your apartment?
- $50.
- Okay.
There's phone, utilities,
laundry, eating.
Where do you manage pin money?
Oh, I just buy plain pins,
Mr. Leslie, honey,
not platinum ones.
But suppose you were sick.
You couldn't work for one reason
or another.
Vivi, you're not secure.
I'm secure six weeks
out of the year.
How many women can say that?
You sure there are fish
down there?
The way you live
the rest of the year,
you're on thin ice, vivi,
thin ice.
Oh, well, I'm a good skater.
You should have seen me
when I was a kid.
I was the best skater
on the lake.
I used to love the winters,
because that meant skating.
I started telling him things
I'd never spoken of
to anyone before,
about a house
hidden among maple trees
and a little girl
in a green coat
and a mother who had
hot chocolate and cupcakes
waiting when I brought
friends home from skating,
a woman who made her house
behave like a home
and taught her only child
that good manners
were the backbone
of civilization.
I told him how mama died
and left me with him
and the women he brought home
until I couldn't take anymore
and how I'd finally left
with one of them
to wind up singing
in third-rate hotel ballrooms.
What a rotten break, vivi,
to have such a great start.
Oh, don't be sorry.
I'm a very happy woman now.
I didn't mean this to sound
like the memoirs
of a fallen angel.
You sure there are fish
down there?
That winter,
I knew there was no more reason
for me to doubt or to fear.
I knew he'd come
to Santa hilda again
next January,
and I'd come with him.
For 46 weeks,
I could live somehow
because I knew
that when January came again,
I'd be there.
Good-bye, vivi.
Take good care of yourself.
You too.
Don't work too hard.
Keep your same phone number.
Don't make it hard for me
to find you next year.
I'll try not to.
Good-bye, vivi.
Good-bye,
Mr. Leslie, honey.
The note said, "you told me
you had pin money"
but not enough
for platinum pins."
There was something else too.
About that, the note said,
"hold this for an investment.
If a rainy day comes,
it's nice to have an umbrella."
My investment was a dress shop,
something steady.
That's what I needed,
and that's what I got.
Welcome, partner.
You won't find
the dress business
as exciting as show business.
Oh, I know what I'm doing.
Do I sign here?
Yeah.
How do I start?
Well, first off,
you better get yourself
some flat-heeled shoes.
Those things'll ruin you.
Oh, don't worry.
I will.
9:00, miss Keeler.
Closing time.
Oh, thanks.
Mr. pope, do you think
you could find
Robert e. Lee's autobiography
for me?
Well, no.
Nobody could.
Well, you mean
he didn't write one?
General Lee lived his life
so that he had no need
to explain or apologize.
That's nice.
That's really nice.
Will you charge this
to my account?
And when the jelinek book
comes in, you know,
the diary of the civil war,
will you let me know?
Of course.
You puzzle me, miss Keeler.
Are you writing a thesis
on the civil war?
That's the nicest compliment
I ever had.
That's all
you ever read about.
You know,
if you're not busy this evening,
maybe you'd like to drop in
to the newsreel theater
on the Avenue.
They're showing a very
well-done short on mathew Brady.
- The photographer?
- And artist.
Lots of his civil war pictures.
You might enjoy it.
Maybe I will.
On a night like this,
an air-cooled movie
wouldn't be bad.
Good night, Mr. pope.
Good night.
The marines
are used to being ready,
and the zero hour
means United States marines
over the side
with their long-awaited chance
against the japs.
Marine paratroopers
renew the corps' watchword:
"The first to fight."
Amphibian tanks are part
of the amazing equipment
these sea soldiers
will carry with them.
The devil dog drive
of belleau woods,
the magnificent fight
and bravery of wake island.
America is on the attack.
Speed on, marines.
This united nation
hears your call.
Forward.
In Washington, the president
adds another agency
to the official family:
The committee for aeronautical
production coordination.
Chosen to head up
the vital c.A.P.C.,
upon which rests
the future of allied air power,
is one of the nation's
most brilliant air minds,
George l. Hendersall.
Hendersall,
a farm boy who wanted wings,
flew in world war I
and emerged to build the mighty
hendersall aircraft corporation,
originators of the new army
experimental jet.
His wife is the well-known
one-time flyer Evelyn Bronson,
famed for her books
on air exploration
and the daughter of the late
senator Jonas Bronson,
one of the earliest exponents
of air power.
Both sons, William and Jonathan,
are majoring in aeronautics
at Cornell university.
Mr. hendersall will move
the entire family to Washington
to fulfill his appointment,
including mcdermott here,
who is the son
of the famous pilot
and will be right back at home.
Not defensive war,
but offensive war.
Not since the night
mama died had I felt such panic,
such terrifying loneliness.
Now I've seen her.
"So what, Keeler?"
I kept asking myself.
So her name is Evelyn,
and she's a woman
of distinction.
So what?
I'll tell you what.
Evelyn's husband
said to another woman,
"you're the best companion
I've ever known."
You don't even know
that stuffed-shirt hendersall,
with his money and airplanes
and family.
You know a Mr. George Leslie,
a fellow
who lives in California
and goes fishing.
He did live in California,
but now he's got a big job,
a war to win.
He won't be back,
but you've got to go on living.
Survivors have to find a way
to survive,
and you always do.
Here we are, Mrs. stell.
Thank you.
And I hope you enjoy it.
Good night.
Good night, miss Keeler.
I'm running.
Have to catch my train.
You don't mind, vivien.
Before you close,
you've got Mrs. sims in there.
King and Keeler,
that's right.
Come on in.
When did this happen?
Almost a year ago.
Very attractive store.
You call them shops, don't you?
Is it paying?
We're making ends meet.
I don't like this blue,
miss Keeler.
Let me try
on that black lace, please.
Yes, yes, certainly.
What's wrong, vivi?
I've wired.
I've tried to reach you
by phone.
I've written.
What's the matter?
Don't you want to go out west
this year?
Is there someone else?
Yes, me.
I'm a businesswoman now.
I can't afford to pick up
and take off
anytime I feel like it...
You feel like it.
What about that black dress,
please?
See, I have
responsibilities now.
Here you are, Mrs. sims.
Thanks.
I hope I'm not keeping you.
That's a very complicated
answer.
Now, what's happened?
I just don't know
what my plans are.
I may have to go to Europe,
a buying trip.
If that's what you want to do,
we can go to Europe this year.
The important thing is...
the important thing?
Europe, California?
You see, you don't even know
what I'm talking about.
Will you help me
with this zipper?
I don't think
this does much for my figure.
I have such trouble
trying to... oh!
For heaven's sake,
what are you trying to do
to to me?
I'm sorry.
That was terribly clumsy of me.
It just isn't my day, I guess.
No, no,
I don't like this either.
I'm sorry.
Hand me my dress.
I'm glad you came by, though.
I have some business
to transact with you.
Business?
You would have had it
before this.
I just didn't know
where to get in touch with you.
Here.
Please take it.
And here's a check.
By this time next year,
I ought to be able
to return the balance.
Good night, miss Keeler.
Let me know
when you get some new things in.
Yes, I will.
Good night, Mrs. sims.
I didn't want diamond pins
from you or money.
I didn't want anything.
I'm ashamed to death
of the money I took from you
when I first went down there.
Now you're ashamed, you mean.
Do you think being in business
has given you respectability?
Respectability?
I like to think
I always had that.
You did.
Only then,
you didn't realize it.
You're in love me,
so you went to Santa hilda.
Has that changed?
Look, it's closing time.
I've had a hard day.
The money's yours,
and so is the pin.
You're going out with me tonight
now for a drink or dinner.
Put those things back
in the safe and let's go.
You're making it harder
for me to say
what I wanted to
from the beginning.
I didn't think
I could afford it then,
so I only gave you half my name.
You suspected that,
didn't you?
2/3s, really.
Vivien,
I'm George Leslie hendersall,
one of those dollar-a-year men,
only I don't work a year.
I take six weeks off.
But that isn't what I wanted
to tell you because...
would you care
to order dinner?
We'll order later.
20 years ago,
I married a woman
because her family
could help me.
I told myself then that
you had to put emotions aside
to be a success,
so there was no emotion
in my marriage,
no love.
It was the biggest mistake
I'd ever made.
I built a trap for myself,
and I didn't see any way out
until that vacation with you,
that first one.
I didn't realize
that I'd been on a trip
until I found
a whole new life with you.
It lasted less than six weeks,
but it meant more to me
than all the years before.
There are reasons
why I haven't been able
to do anything about it yet,
pressures in my work,
from my sons...
I have two boys...
From society,
but only with you can I turn
the pressures off for a while.
With you, I'm George Leslie,
the man I'd like to be.
Can you forgive me
for not having told you before?
Thank you for telling me.
It was just what I'd told
myself last spring:
I don't even know
George l. Hendersall.
He was George Leslie,
a fellow
who lived in California
and went fishing,
and I needed him
because he needed me so much.
That year, Jim was being drafted
into the army.
We drank a toast to him.
Jim'll make a fine soldier.
I hope by this time next year,
the war is over,
and he'll be back with us again.
I hope we'll be back.
Is there any chance
that you'll have to go too?
Not for very long, vivi.
They've got me chained
to a desk.
I wish there was something
I could do to help.
Maybe I'll entertain
the troops, sing for them.
That would be helping,
wouldn't it, Mr. Leslie?
They'd love you too.
You'd be something
like the hutchinsons.
The who?
During the civil war,
the hutchinsons went around
singing for the yankee troops,
only it didn't last.
They had to stop.
Stop, why?
The hutchinsons
were singing a lyric
that whittier had just written
to the tune
of one of Luther's hymns.
What was it?
It was pretty stirring.
Went something,
"what gives the wheat
field's blades of steel?
What whets the knife
for the union's life?"
Something,
"hark to the answer, slavery."
That must have been dynamite
in those days.
Dynamite, yeah.
Yes, it was.
What with the men dying
like they did at stone river.
Murfreesboro.
Yes.
We'll be late for dinner.
Yes.
Mrs. Leslie.
Mrs. Leslie.
Mrs. Leslie.
Miss roland,
we've been looking for you.
- Were there any calls for me?
- No.
Mr. McKay is trying out
his ballroom act.
He'd like you to join us.
Oh, i...
Do I look all right?
Sure.
This is still the first number.
That's the girl's family.
Isn't the baby cute?
Thanks.
Thanks a lot.
Before we get
into the next number,
I'd like to explain
to miss roland here
that this isn't
our regular music.
Our pianist had a job tonight,
so we're just
using these records.
And now, the mambo.
How do you like them?
They're excellent.
You don't remember me, do you?
Blue, Frank blue.
No, I'm afraid not.
Thanks, thanks.
You're all very kind.
And now if we can get
the verdict
from the foreman of the jury.
I met you a couple of times
with gilly what's-her-name.
Miss roland, this is Mr. blue.
He's an agent.
We have business to talk about.
Wait a minute.
I got business to talk too.
This kid's
got a lot on the ball.
You didn't know who she was?
One of the most popular chicks
in Hollywood.
Whatever happened to you,
anyway?
You just sort of disappeared.
I'm living here now.
Gilly's knocking 'em dead.
Got herself a penthouse.
I don't figure you
for a joint like this.
How about we drive up
to gilly's for a drink?
No, I'm afraid I couldn't.
Miss roland, you haven't met
Mr. McKay's partner.
Well, how about the act?
Can we get to that?
Let me have an answer, Fred,
an honest one.
All right, kid.
The dame's okay, but no class.
You got class, period.
Honest enough?
Maybe we showed it too soon.
Maybe it needs more work.
What are you trying
to prove anyways?
Nine million guys a year
try to break into show business
because it looks
like a soft touch.
It isn't.
You got a soft touch.
Your brother-in-law,
why don't you get him
to open you up
a men's haberdashery
on the strip?
Anything, kid, but don't dance.
Thanks a lot, Fred.
I figured it
might be worth your while.
Yeah, should have been.
Well, see you around, kid.
How do we get out of here?
Right this way, Mr. blue.
Say, in case I want to give
the little girl a ring later,
what's the number here?
Maria doesn't live here.
No, I mean the roland girl.
What's the number?
It's a long-distance call
from wherever you are, Mr. blue.
I guess this is a day
for turndowns.
I know just how you feel.
Happened to you too?
Like the man said,
"that's life."
What do you say
we go somewhere,
have a drink, a real ball?
Yes, I'll go change.
I better go home.
Shall we?
Would you like me to drive?
No, I can handle it.
Get in.
Are you sure?
Get in.
We might have been killed.
If a drunk driver
kills himself,
it's not a bad day's work.
I might have killed you.
Are you all right now?
I think so.
I don't recommend
that as a way to sober up.
Are you sure you're sober?
Dry... dry as a bone,
so I can't be drowning.
If I'm not drowning,
why is my whole life
passing before my eyes?
Why don't you relax?
Have a cigarette.
It's been quite a day.
Quite a day.
The things I found out.
- Important things?
- Very.
I have nothing
to offer an audience.
I have no talent.
I have nothing to offer anyone.
Everyone isn't an audience.
You must have a lot
to give a lot of people.
You just have to know
who and what, that's all.
Hello, Nadine.
Hello.
Nadine...
Nobody's name
is really Nadine, is it?
I don't know.
Maybe not.
My real name is Alice.
Now, that's a name
a guy could say,
"hey, Alice, are my shirts back
from the laundry yet?"
You couldn't yell like that
at a woman named Nadine.
It doesn't fit very well,
does it?
"Nadine, the chauffeur's
using the station wagon,
so you'll have
to take the town car."
Now, that fits.
I guess I had that
in mind once.
I went to a wedding
last week.
The bride's parents gave them
twin station wagons
for a wedding present.
One was marked "his,"
the other "hers."
I'm not kidding.
That's the gang I've been
trying to keep up with.
You look as if you belong
to the twin station wagon set.
I've got 81 bucks
in the bank,
and I owe 51.
I wrote a check
for a bottle of aimez-moi
for my mother's birthday.
That was today too.
It's been quite a day, Alice.
I haven't been called Alice
in four years.
It sounds refreshing.
You drive, will you, Alice?
It's fine out tonight,
cool and kind of sweet.
Would you like to walk a little?
"No commander has ever enjoyed
a more loyal staff
"or more devoted subordinates.
"On the morning of the 15th,
"the army began
to move through a dense fog
"that blanketed the valley
and completely hid all others.
"In general terms,
"the plan was
for general stedman
"to move out on the extreme left
"and threaten
the rebel's right flank.
"The cavalry
on the extreme right
"and a.J. Smith's corps
"were to make
a grand left wheel
"to assault and overlap the left
of hood's position.
The pivot of this wheel
was to be formed by wood."
Vivi, why did you start
reading all this stuff?
I don't mean tonight.
I mean before.
It made me feel closer to you,
Mr. Leslie, honey.
It's a long time between years.
Yes, it is.
I'm a pretty shoddy guy
to be doing this to you
all these years,
asking you
to make a life with me
that's measured in weeks.
No, I wouldn't have it
any other way.
It's a perfect arrangement.
Think of all the other couples
that have to lead the dull,
monotonous other life:
The same old faces
every morning at breakfast,
the same old quarrels,
habits, boredom,
52 monotonous weeks
of the year.
Vivi, that's the fox
and the grapes.
Oh, no, it isn't, really.
For once in my life,
I have no illusions.
Here I'm warm and alive,
and it's sweet.
Outside, out there,
I don't know what it would be.
If you're happy, we're lucky.
I'm lucky.
If happiness is luck, vivi,
I am too.
You've given me something
I haven't had
since I first saw a plane
in the sky
and began to reach for it...
Peace, vivi.
Peace and contentment.
Camilla is still here.
We could pretend
that was for her.
Sometimes I'm sorry
you gave Washington your number.
Can't they win a war
without you?
Hello?
Yeah, all right.
He never told me,
and I never asked him.
It wasn't necessary
because, when he came back
from that phone call,
I knew he'd have to leave.
He was to take the plane
for Los Angeles at noon.
I had to wait
until the next morning
for a connection to New York.
Well, I guess
that takes care of everything.
Why don't you stay here?
That hotel in the village
isn't much.
Oh, I couldn't, not alone.
But you love the house
so much.
I can see the way
you took care of it this year.
You're quite a hand
with the house, vivi.
You ought to have one.
- Am I, Mr. Leslie?
- Definitely.
I'll buy this one for you.
No, I wouldn't want
to stay here, not without you.
And we're never coming back.
I know it.
I just know it.
Maybe when we're old and grey,
I'll buy another one
for you to take care of,
a little house with a big porch
where we can sit and rock.
I guess the good-bye
was tossed away pretty casually,
but I had my choice
between that and screaming.
It was like that every time
I had to tell him good-bye.
Only that time,
it was harder than ever.
I felt something I was afraid
to admit even to myself.
All aboard!
Good-bye, Mr. Leslie.
Good-bye, Mr. Leslie, honey.
What is today,
the 13th or the 14th?
- August the 14th.
- Oh, thank you.
I need a vacation, honey.
Maybe when you take yours
this winter, I'll go too.
Close the place for a month.
Well, if the war really ends,
maybe we'll get away
earlier this year.
Let's pray.
Here we are, Mrs. fine.
Hey, gee,
turn on your radio!
The war is over!
The japs gave up!
It's all over!
It's all over.
Please.
It's over.
The war's over.
In a specially summoned
press conference,
speaking in a soft,
restrained voice,
president Truman
told the newsmen
the enemy had accepted
the surrender terms.
Simultaneous announcements
were made by government chiefs
in London, moscow,
and chongqing.
In Washington,
it was announced...
isn't this great?
All over.
Oh, wow.
What a binge
this town's going on tonight.
We're collecting kisses
for victory, sweetheart.
How about a kiss, huh?
Fire away, general.
Hey, what...
What's the matter, sweetheart?
I don't quite know
how to begin this, miss Keeler.
Perhaps it would be better
if I just came to the point.
Yes, if you would, please,
Mr. Finley.
I'm not only
the hendersall family lawyer,
but I was also George's friend.
For a long time, I was aware
of his somewhat unconventional
relationship with you.
I can't pretend that I approved.
After all,
those years in California
were dangerous years for George,
if not for you.
Please, why am I here?
Why... why did you send for me?
My instructions
are to say to you...
Perhaps it would be better
if I read it.
"With this money,
you're expected"
"to buy yourself a house."
"It is not known what sort
of a house was discussed"
"or promised."
"If the value of these bonds
is insufficient"
"to fulfill the promise,"
please state now
"what you would
consider adequate."
I'm obliged to say to you
that these instructions
come from someone
who wishes to be known
only as Evelyn.
Now may I go?
But you haven't determined
the value of these bonds.
Oh, it's more than generous,
I'm sure.
Thank you.
Well, if you will please
just sign this,
and our business is concluded.
It's a release.
A release?
That you'll make no claims
on the estate,
make no trouble.
George Leslie's estate?
How can you make trouble
for a memory, Mr. Finley?
Mrs. poole.
I want you to take this.
There's a rebate
on your room.
You've been awfully kind,
Mrs. Leslie, for a stranger.
None of us are strangers,
Mrs. poole.
I know what it is
to lose someone you love.
Here, let me take this for you.
You sure you have everything,
all your things?
Oh, yes, thank you.
Mr. McKay helped us earlier.
Mr. McKay?
Yes, he was going away, too,
and packing his car.
He drove off
while we were still loading.
I hope he didn't owe you
any money.
Oh, no.
No, it's just
that you would have thought...
Oh, well.
Good-bye, Mr. poole.
Goodbye, Mrs. Leslie.
Thank you so much
for your kindness.
Oh, no, that's all right.
Good-bye, Mrs. poole.
Mrs. Leslie.
- Oh, good morning.
- Could I ask a favor of you?
Surely, what is it?
You certainly are beaming.
You look as if you'd swallowed
a gallon of sunshine.
Wouldn't you
if you were about to be married?
Oh, no,
isn't that wonderful?
You hear that, pixie?
Miss roland's getting married.
It's time somebody did
around here.
I hope
it's somebody awfully nice.
He's the nicest person
that ever walked out of a dream.
Honest, if you knew LAN, you'd...
LAN?
Mr. McKay?
Yes.
Last night, we discovered
we've been looking
for each other all our lives.
We tore ourselves away
from each other
at 4:00 this morning.
I'm sorry
we're giving up our rooms.
This is our wedding day.
We're driving to Las Vegas.
I don't think
you'll find him there, honey.
What do you mean?
Had he been drinking
last night?
You know what I told you
about drinkers.
When they're drinking,
they're apt to say anything.
But he was sober.
Well, he's not there.
He's packed up and gone.
You can see for yourself.
He'll be back.
Nadine, honey-
- he'll be back.
He's got to come back.
Listen.
While you're waiting,
why don't you come
and have a cup of coffee
with me?
- Alice!
- LAN!
LAN!
Oh, I knew you'd come back.
We'd better get your clothes.
We're leaving right away.
You don't want to forget this.
Oh, thanks, Mrs. Leslie.
You're a doll.
If I'd remembered this,
I'd have sold it
along with my car
and the other stuff.
That's why he was up so early.
Oh, well,
you better hold onto it.
Everybody needs music sometimes.
- We'll make our own.
- You better hurry.
It's going to be 120
crossing the desert.
Not for us.
We've got an air-cooled cloud.
Any idea where you'll be?
Anyplace I get a job
I can be proud of,
like driving a truck
or pumping gas.
Will that make you proud?
It sure will, both of us.
If that sounds a little silly,
it's because you came in
at the end
and don't know the beginning.
I can guess, Alice.
I bet you can.
I'll bet you know exactly
how we feel.
Hey, you know something?
I'll bet you were
an awfully pretty girl.
Before we go, do you mind
if I kiss you good-bye?
You kiss your bride hello.
Hello, Mrs. McKay.
The world's
going to be all right
as long as we have kids
like you two.
Do you mind
a tip from an old-timer?
Be honest with each other.
Give everything you've got.
Don't settle for half.
You got to have it all:
Marriage, kids, the works.
It cost me a life
to find that out.
All right, Mr. McKay.
I'm not a traffic cop.
I can't give you a ticket,
so I won't give you
any more lectures.
Bye.
Goodbye and thank you.
Good-bye,
Mrs. Leslie, honey.