1
I'm sure this merger will
make commercial history.
With renewed assurances
of my personal regards ..
I am, faithfully yours ..
Get that out right away so that it
can be mailed as soon as we land.
[ Radio ]
"Vienna. 73.12 and a half."
"Budapest 90.80."
"Berlin. 123.6 and a quarter."
"Paris. 20.28."
"New York. 518.45."
Have you got those
quotations down, Ludwig?
Yes, sir. Right on my cuff.
Well, Ludwig. How do you like flying?
Alright. But I don't think it will ever
take the place of the horse and buggy.
What about the oil deal? What were
your impressions of America like?
Did the merger go through?
Did you talk to Mr Rockefeller?
What is the financial
situation in the United States?
Gentlemen, if you see me in my
office this afternoon at 3 o'clock.
I'll give you a statement.
Thank you.
How did you find the Americans, Ludwig?
I took a taxi-cab.
Welcome home from America, Excellency.
You made a short trip this time.
A short trip? I was there four days.
What's happened during my absence?
I installed the new manager
in the branch office.
Send me the reports from all offices.
Excellency. May I say on behalf
of myself and the entire staff ..
That it is indeed a great pleasure
to have us with you again.
It is customary on such occasions ..
Too many words.
But on behalf of the staff I have
prepared an address of greetings.
Archaic inefficiency.
But ..
Send Miss Frey in at once.
Yes, Excellency.
Send me a stenographer as soon
as possible. Get Paris at once.
Where is that stenographer?
Wheres Ludwig?
Does the whole workforce have to die
after I go to American for a day or two?
Hello?
Am I here? Of course I'm here.
Could I answer if I were not?
Oh, Baron Von Ullrich.
I'm so surprised to see you.
Surprised to see me? In my office?
But how can you get back
from America so soon?
On a boat.
Take a cable.
Yes, sir.
To Connor in New York. Arrived. Stop.
You're not stopping.
The stop goes in the cable.
Oh yes, I always forget that.
Directors' meeting Tuesday. Stop.
Cable decision. Stop. Urgent. Stop.
Yes, I see it.
But I've seen better.
Why, I didn't think you could see my ..
No, of course not.
But leave your skirt down.
During office hours.
But you dictate so fast I never
know where my skirt is.
Take a note. Call agency. Ascertain if a
trained, male stenographer is available.
But Baron ..
Take another cable.
Tokyo, London. Arrived. Stop.
Decision Tuesday. Stop.
I have it.
Don't squirm. I know you have hips.
An odor in my office?
What is it?
That's my perfume.
A blend made especially for me.
Called "Love At Dawn".
Dawn?
A good time for it. Make a note.
All employees at this office will cease
from using perfume during banking hours.
Take a letter. Directors, General
Oil Importing Company, Vienna.
Gentlemen, at last I am able
to report to you in detail.
In detail.
Why do you always repeat
after me, Miss Frey?
Pardon me, Baron. I do that
in order to keep up with you.
You dictate so rapidly.
I do everything rapidly.
Oh, Baron.
My trip to American was
particularly successful.
Period .. I saw ..
I say, Miss Frey. Why do
wear your dress so low?
Is it low?
Is it low? You know
perfectly well it's low.
Well, I'm sorry if my
shoulders annoy you.
It's not only your shoulders,
it's the whole area. You're ..
I don't like it.
You mean ..?
Low necks, bare shoulders
and bank hours don't mix.
Make a note. All female
employees of this establishment.
Must wear long sleeves and high necks.
Yes, sir.
Where was I?
Oh, yes.
I saw representatives of
all concerned interests.
Agreed the territorial lines in which
the various companies may work. Period.
Miss Frey. You are much too
pretty to be caged in a bank.
Can I help it if I'm pretty?
No woman who looks
pretty should work in a bank.
It disturbs the bankers.
It takes the eyes of the tellers
from their bills and currency.
The clerks become
confused at their columns.
It's dangerous. It invites disaster.
But I thought it made men happy at their
work to see a pretty woman about.
Men don't come here to be happy. They
come here to earn their daily bread.
Women are for non-working hours.
And you are much too pretty
and soft and seductive.
You distract me.
But why blame me? Just because ..
Think what I lose,
contemplating your charms.
My time is worth five thousand an hour.
Already I've lost ten minutes looking
at you. That's over eight hundred.
In a year I should lose
a million and a half.
Very truly, yours.
All women rob men of their time.
Here, Miss Frey, you are not a woman.
What am I then?
Just a writing machine.
And don't forget it again.
His Excellency Count Von Tolheim.
Ah. Show him in.
Yes, Excellency.
Well, well. Hello, Count.
When did you get back?
Just this minute.
Had a good time?
Well, you're looking fit.
I know who is fitter .. you are.
If you are busy, I'll drop in later.
No, sit down. Be through in a minute.
Ludwig, you will not go
out to luncheon today.
No lunch.
Don't go to dinner this evening.
No dinner.
You will stay tonight at the bank.
No sleep.
Take this material and organize it.
At once, Excellency.
Will you need a stenographer tonight?
No.
Possibly for clerical purposes?
No.
Looks like a rather dull evening.
I could stay tonight if you
thought you might need me.
How could you imagine
that we'd possibly need you?
Well, I thought ..
Pretty women .. should never think.
How old are you?
Twenty-one.
Engaged?
Not yet.
A sweetheart?
Oh no.
Poor child.
Twenty-one and no sweetheart.
Addicted to Love At Dawn perfume.
Smartly dressed.
Silk stockings over perfect legs.
An exquisite pair of shoulders.
In short, a distracting young woman.
Oh, Baron.
Miss Frey, you will report yourself
to the head of the personnel department.
What for?
To tell the manager that you
are no longer employed here.
Your career as a woman.
Is too promising for me to wreck.
Oh, but Baron it isn't fair of
you to discharge me this way.
That will do, Miss Frey.
Yes, sir.
A pretty little darling.
Wasn't that a bit severe, old man?
Oh, you don't have to put
up with her inefficiency.
Ah well, one doesn't demand
much efficiency at my age.
Why you gay old dog.
Tell me about yourself.
How has the world been treating you?
Splendidly, always splendidly.
Thirty years ago I decided to devote my
life entirely to beautiful young women.
And fine old wines .. since then ..
Since then, I've always been
intoxicated by one or the other.
Well, nice work if you can get it.
Tell me, tell me.
Did you .. did you meet many
beautiful ladies in America? Huh?
No, I didn't speak to a woman while I
was gone unless to someone's secretary.
When I'm on business, I work.
When I make love, I keep my mind on it.
But both together .. never.
Well, I'll be running along.
I never keep a man away from his work.
It's advice I never practice myself.
But I am very liberal minded to
those who are addicted to it.
I'll make a financier of you yet.
Suppose we dine together and
talk it over? Your house?
Yes, at eight.
The three of us. Paul, you and I?
No women?
No, no women.
Oh, how strong you are.
And I'm so weak.
Nonsense.
Women are just a habit.
When you've had the
habit as long as I have.
It's a very difficult one to get rid of.
What are you doing here?
Well?
I .. I thought you might want me
to go on with the dictation.
Didn't you understand what I said?
You are no longer in our employ.
You didn't really mean
that I was to go, did you?
I never say anything I don't mean.
It was wonderful taking
dictation from you.
But it wasn't so wonderful reading
what you wrote for the dictation.
Oh, I couldn't help it. Every time
I looked at you I hit the wrong key.
What have I to do with your mistakes?
Well, your hair has such
an adorable touch of gray.
Your eyes frighten me,
but your smile intoxicates me.
That's enough, Miss Frey.
And please consider yourself discharged.
You are going to get another secretary?
Certainly I'll get another secretary.
A plain, practical young woman
who will always strike the right keys.
You may go now.
Goodbye.
Oh, Miss Frey.
Would you sit down?
What .. what did you say?
Won't you sit down?
I don't understand.
You see .. you are no
longer in my employ.
You're just a charming young person who
is giving me the pleasure of company.
Oh, it begins to dawn on me.
We were all wrong you see.
You are a girl for the evening who I
met unfortunately, only in the daytime.
You are a playgirl
that I .. I talk business to.
Then you will see me sometime,
even if you don't employ me?
I .. uh ..
I shall see you in the evening. When
there is no business day to be ruined.
When?
When I have a weak moment.
I suspect it may be soon.
Oh, Baron .. you are very dear to me.
And I suspect before we're finished.
You are going to be dear to me.
Go to the cashier's office.
Tell him to give you six months salary.
And leave your telephone
number with Ludwig.
I'll call you when I'm in a proper ..
Or rather .. an improper mood.
You are a darling. I'm so happy!
No. Save it.
This is not the moment.
I'm too busy now.
Pardon me.
I should like to see the
president of the bank.
He's very busy just now.
I'll wait.
He is going to be very
busy for several days.
Well .. well that's alright.
I'll wait.
But did you .. did you have appointment?
No, sir.
I am sorry young woman.
But no-one can see the president
without an appointment.
Good morning .. I ..
What?
I am ..
Who are you?
I .. I ..
How did you get in here?
I came through the door.
Why weren't you announced?
I never see anyone
without an appointment.
Yes. That's what they told me.
I pretended I was a waitress.
Who are you?
My name is Susie Sachs.
I am nobody at all but I had to see you.
Everyone told me it would be impossible.
Apparently not for you.
Even though I'm little,
I don't give up easily.
Well, that is very praiseworthy
but I haven't time to listen.
Good morning.
Oh no, please.
My condition is urgent.
I must talk to you about it.
Be quick then.
I'm a stenographer,
and I want a position.
What? A stenographer?"
Please give me a job.
You will have to apply
to the personnel manager.
And I am sure there are no vacancies.
Oh yes there is.
I know that you just
discharged your secretary.
How do you know that?
I have the back doormen organized.
And how do you do that? Bribe them?
Oh no, I have no money.
But I'm so poor they take pity on me.
They telephone me when anyone
is dismissed. I rushed right over.
At least 100 girls will apply for that
job, and all as poor as church mice.
Our race is so numerous.
Well, are all the other
mice as speedy as you are?
Oh no. I'm the fastest.
Didn't I get here first?
All I need is a job and I must have it.
Sorry, but you've come
to the wrong place.
And if I were you, I wouldn't burst in
on the next bank president you visit ..
Quite so unceremoniously.
It's .. not done.
You mean that I have to go?
Certainly, I mean it.
You have already taken
up a deal of my time.
I know it. I humbly apologize for that.
But I'm not going.
What?
I can't give up so easily.
It would be cowardly.
I might cry and try to
work on your feelings.
But I won't cry. I won't be weak.
And I will be encouraged to remember
that now the municipal government ..
Is holding an investigation
into my affairs.
An investigation of your affairs?
Yes. And here it is.
An investigation of the
unemployed within this city.
Which the authorities say is
growing more critical each day.
And I am their problem. I personally.
I am the unemployed.
Well, I honestly hope that the municipal
government will arrive at some decision.
If the government doesn't
solve my problem by noon.
We won't have anything to eat
tonight or tomorrow morning, either.
Why, that's unbelievable.
My fortune right now is half a crown in
cash and twenty centimes in corned beef.
Of this my mother receives ten
pfennigs worth for lunch.
I six, and there will be four
pfennigs worth left for my dog.
And that will be the
end of the corned beef.
Go on.
There are some things for
which I always have time
Your life is a hard one, isn't it?
Yes, life is hard. Darwin says
it's a battle for existence.
Do you read Darwin? You?
Yes. I've read that the weak
and inferior must perish.
And the few that are brave
must fight for the race.
In this case the race is mice.
I begin to respect that road.
I had no idea what a game
citizen he or she could become.
But today is a crisis.
Either I get work or else ..
Or else this afternoon ..
This afternoon?
You will do something desperate?
Yes.
Something I've fought
against for months.
What, Susie?
I'll go to the movies with
our landlord's son.
Is that so dangerous?
Do you dislike this young man?
No I don't. I have a future to think of.
And it's not the landlord's son.
So I refused his invitation to stay
home and practice shorthand.
Why, you're really a heroine.
No, I'm not, but I fight. And it's not
easy to fight on an empty stomach.
You .. really are often hungry?
Hungry? That doesn't describe it.
I belong to the poor who press
their noses to the window.
You've seen girls looking in
windows, haven't you, Baron?
Yes, at jewelers.
I belong to the delicatessen group.
I gaze into the show window and imagine
I'm eating the delicious pieces of food.
Oh, that's very touching.
For luncheon I look at
frankfurters and potato salad.
But dinner isn't so simple.
I take a sardine and divide it.
You divide a sardine?
Yes. It is the appetizer.
While I eat that I
look at trout and salmon.
Then I turn my attention to the
English roast beef or fried chicken.
Of course I drink wine with that.
Not out of a glass,
but through the glass.
In the meantime, I've eaten
two thirds of a sardine.
I divide the rest into small bits.
One could learn a great deal from you.
A matter I must speak to you about.
What shall I do with the three million?
Shall I write them out to Capital or
the account or the syndicate?
The first million to Capital,
the second to the syndicate.
And the third?
Credit it as you see fit.
I guess I'll give it to charity.
Is that man crazy?
Crazy?
Speaking of millions in
that easy, offhand manner.
They're just black figures
on white paper to him.
So, you want to work?
Yes, I do.
If you only knew how I love work.
I love work so much, I upset everything
in our house just to put it back again.
You're a very ambitious person.
See Baron, these are
my black office cuffs.
I made them myself as other
girls make wedding dresses.
And here is my notebook
and pencil. I am all prepared.
Please dictate to me .. please.
To regulators. General Oil
Importing Company of Vienna.
Gentlemen.
This time I can inform
you of the full details ..
Faster, please.
Negotiations with various European oil
concerns with which I have been working.
Faster yet. I can get down
150 words a minute.
Have been so successful as to
practically assure my great project.
After the fulfilment of the usual legal
requirements. I feel safe prophesying ..
Faster. Faster!
That this transaction can be
completed to the satisfaction of all
A meeting to be held on the
24th instant in the city of Paris.
Further details will be discussed at our
director's meeting Thursday this week.
When I will explain fully the nature of
the Paris conference. Truly, yours."
Done!
Hello?
I would like to speak to
Baron Von Ullrich please.
Sorry, the Baron isn't in just now.
What? You said I wasn't in?
It was the safest thing to say.
And how do you presume
to reach that conclusion?
It was a woman's voice.
Remarkable .. Ludwig.
Bow down before this young woman.
Did you lose something?
Eh?
Look closely at those cuffs.
Why, they are the equal of yours.
Black. I would have to
make my notes in chalk.
My notes are all here.
Hello? Yes, at once.
Baron. A paper and pencil, quick.
Yes, faster. Shoot ahead.
Vienna 73.5. Budapest 91.8.
Berlin 116.4.
Paris 2100. London 2700.
New York 518.
The final results.
Extraordinary!
The first time since
the bank opened.
That a secretary gets the
international summary straight.
Let me introduce myself.
Ludwig Pfeffer junior.
Delighted.
And now, what hour do you sign the mail?
One o'clock.
It's almost one. Let's get at it.
Please inform departments the president
is ready to sign mail and orders.
Why don't we rearrange
our routines. Let's see.
Mr Pfeffer can hand you the
documents open and ready.
You sign and I'll watch.
We'll get through it quickly that way.
I trust you are quite through
with my lunch, Excellency?
Well, are you ready to go to lunch?
I..?
Well, not until I've signed the mail.
This young person won't let me go.
Paul, look at her.
She's a human dynamo.
She's very small.
She moves like lightning.
She thinks. She arranges.
Susie, this is my brother,
Paul Von Ullrich.
I'm honored.
- And this is the church mouse.
The church mouse?
Well, her full name is Miss Susie Sachs.
And she is my new secretary.
You mean it?
You're going to hire me?
That's taken for granted.
Paul, I'll be right with you.
Oh.
Would you mind if, just for today ..
I had luncheon first and
signed the mail afterwards?
Well.
Alright.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
11751, please.
The Vienna market?
Mr Marks, this is Susie Sachs.
Will you please send some things
up to my mother at once.
Five pounds of flour. Two pounds of
dog-meat. One pound of coffee, the best.
And a dozen eggs and
two pounds of butter.
No. One pound. I mustn't spend too much.
Order what you need.
You shall have an advance in salary.
And six cans of sardines and a half
pound of chocolate and two frankfurters.
The big ones?
Yes, yes. The largest.
Yes, yes. The largest.
Tell her: 30 Kroner.
And some corn and wood from
the other store. Two bags of each.
And would you kindly tell my
mother to get it all ready?
What? Oh, I couldn't afford a goose. No.
Yes, you can.
The salary will be 40 kroner.
Oh yes, Mr Marks. A goose.
A fat one with stuffing, please.
And a bottle of red wine and
a nice big cherry tart.
Please tell my mother I
have a job, a wonderful job.
And tonight she'll have
a dinner. What a dinner.
Tell her to cook everything.
I want it all at once.
Mr Marks, I've just got a wonderful job.
Is the Baron Von Ullrich's plane?
Is the Baron expecting you?
Well .. in a way.
No.
There is the Baron's plane. Over there.
Oh. Thank you.
You're welcome.
Good morning.
Susie, is everything in order?
Yes, sir. Everything is on board.
You'd better get started right away
to be on time for the Paris conference.
Well, Ludwig. We'll be there in no time.
I tell you the aeroplane is the
greatest invention of the age.
Yes, Excellency. But I
still prefer the bicycle.
Is the Baron in?
No, he isn't.
Long distance?
Put the call through please.
When do you expect the Baron back?
I can't say. He never sees
anyone without an appointment.
Hello?
May I speak to Baron Von Ullrich please?
The Baron isn't in just now.
Yes. This is his secretary.
I'd like to speak to the Baron please.
He's in conference now.
No, I can't get in touch with him.
Yes, I understand you. It's important.
Would you like to leave your card?
My card?
What are you talking about?
The Baron isn't in. I don't
know when he will be.
And he's completely occupied with
business during his stay in Paris.
That answers all your
questions too, lady.
Susie.
I've just been admiring you.
Has anyone ever told you
that you're a very lovey girl?
Why .. yes.
My mother.
Well anyhow, why not come on
downstairs and have a dance with me?
You hear the music?
Thanks, but I ..
I have so much work to do.
Oh come on. You'll have plenty of
time to work when you're old and ugly.
Now is the time to play.
But I ..
I haven't the time to play.
Alright, I can take a hint.
Some other time then?
If I can ever get a minute off.
Alright.
Ludwig.
Hmm?
Jupiter syndicate.
Global Corporation, Vienna.
For Frankfurt, five and closing.
Compare these with the latest tables.
These to be translated, revised, edited,
signed and packed. That's all.
You certainly do things in a hurry.
You're not used to my pace, yet?
No, and I never shall be.
The Baron's other secretaries were
fast too. But not around the office.
You'd better get to work on those.
I got some extra work today, too. I must
answer one of those chain letters.
[ Buzzer ]
Come in.
Hello, hello, hello. How are you, Susie?
Oh, it's you. I thought it as the Baron.
You are disappointed, aren't you.
Why no. I ..
Oh, I've seen the way you
look at him .. great big eyes.
He just thinks of me as a machine.
An efficient, painstaking automaton
wanting to do 24 hours a day.
That's what he wants.
And that's what I am.
Oh .. what's this,
what's this, what's this?
Pardon me, Count. Why don't
you ask me how I like Paris?
That's a safe topic of conversation.
Very well then.
What did you like best in Paris?
The food. French restaurants. French
cooking. French pastries and sweets.
I try a new cafe each day. It doesn't
cost me, as it comes out of expenses.
For the first time in my life,
I've had all the food I want.
Susie .. your mind is in your stomach.
It's true. And I'm afraid I'll wake
up hungry and find it is all a dream.
So I eat as much as I possibly can.
[ Buzzer ]
Come in.
Is this the Baron Von
Ullrich's apartment?
Yes. I'm his secretary.
You?
Why you are the girl that
put me on the wrong plane.
We all make mistakes.
So I noticed.
What do you wish?
Nothing from you.
I wish to see the Baron.
Did you have an appointment?
No.
The Baron never sees anyone
without an appointment.
Why it's Olive. Olive Frey.
My dear child, I didn't recognize you.
You have come on.
Why not?
I'm a lady of leisure now.
Would you introduce
me to my .. successor?
Miss Frey .. Miss Susie Sachs.
Who is filling your late
position .. with great success.
How do you do? Won't you sit down?
I am sitting down.
Why don't you?
Or are you waiting for me to suggest it?
So you are the girl the
Baron was looking for.
The ideal stenographer.
What do you mean?
A typist who is part of a machine.
Who never diverts the great
man's attention from his work.
Do you wish to make an
appointment to see the Baron?
Don't bother.
I'll call him on the telephone.
I answer the telephone.
I'll call him in his room. Late.
You won't answer it then, will you?
Of course not.
I didn't think you would.
Oh. And Miss Sachs. When the Baron
returns, tell him that I was here.
That I am staying here.
On this very floor.
Room 15.
Good afternoon.
Good day!
Oh what a pretty type of cat she is.
And what a terrible scent she uses.
I think it's delightful.
Did the Baron like her?
I believe he had his eye on her.
He did? Which eye?
Both of them, my dear.
You think she followed the Baron here?
It's quite possible.
Has he sent her any checks?
He never sends checks to ladies.
But he makes out lots of orders to cash
which he charges to personal expenses.
Thousands and thousands.
Do you think she is "personal expenses"?
She might be.
I must write her name on my list.
She'll wait a long time before I give
any message from her to the Baron.
Excuse me, Count.
Yes.
Yes. This is Miss Sachs.
Yes. Yes. Is it really true?
Yes. Yes.
Oh, that's wonderful news, Mr Chappel.
What is it?
Of course. At once.
I'll attend to everything.
Ludwig. Ludwig!
It was Chappel. The merger is agreed.
That's colossal.
Now what? Did you call me?
We won. Chappel just telephoned.
The merger is through.
Splendid.
All the telegrams must go out.
They must be written first.
I wrote them yesterday. Two sets.
One: merger complete.
The other: merger not complete.
Here is the set. Send
them without delay.
The notices for the newspapers.
The financial editors, to the Austrian
Embassy. The report to the office here.
The invitations to tomorrow's dinner.
The menu cards. The wine list.
Everything is organized. Now hurry,
we haven't a moment to lose.
Excellency, allow me to
express in my humble way ..
No time for congratulations.
It's all set. Take a wire.
To our Berlin and Vienna offices.
Buy all Continental-owned markets.
Accept bids starting 99.
Buy at the price if
forced to 215. Von Ullrich.
Why, you old rascal.
We won a great, smashing victory.
I came and saw and
conquered like Caesar.
I'm delighted. Only I ought to
have been there to help you sign.
I came to Paris on purpose to sign.
Since I've been here I've done
nothing but sign checks for drinks.
Now, Susie. Yes?
My congratulations.
You work like a man.
Morning, noon and night.
Now you must play.
You must enjoy yourself.
I want to show my appreciation.
What do you need? What do you want?
What I want, I can't have.
Of course you can. Just ask for it.
What can I do to make you happy?
Nothing. I'm happy that
the merger went through.
That's what I wanted.
Amazing girl.
Well at least you shall
go out and celebrate.
There now, Susie. You've only seen
the roofs of Paris from this window.
This evening, we'll show you
what's under those roofs.
Eh, Count?
Music. Gaiety. Paris at night.
Have you an evening gown?
Yes. I brought it here.
Are you going to take me out?
Unfortunately I have an engagement.
But I am sure the
Count will take you out.
He will oblige me. Won't you, Count?
I shall be delighted.
If Susie will accept me as a cavalier.
Of course. I'd be honored.
I'll take you to a lot
of amusing places.
Buy you the most delicious
pastries you've ever tasted.
That will be nice
Well, now I'll go and dress
for the great occasion.
Susie's debut.
I'll call back for you about 9 o'clock.
Tell me, what is this perfume, Susie?
It's not yours?
No. I don't use perfume.
Well, it seems familiar.
I wonder why.
This scent gets on my nerves.
Cheap scent is disturbing.
Perfume without a woman to identify it.
It always makes me nervous.
Someone has been here who ..
Did you keep a list of today's visitors?
I .. I..
Don't stammer.
Either you did or you didn't.
I have a list.
Show it to me.
At once, please.
Have all these people been here today?
No. Only the ones on the end.
That's the complete list of visitors
I've not permitted you to see.
What?
Now I understand why I've
seen so few people in Paris.
Why, you've isolated me. I've
been under a formal blockade.
But you ordered me to keep all
disagreeable visitors away from you.
Olive Frey. She was here today?
Yes.
Ah .. that explains the perfume.
May I ask why Miss Frey
was not allowed to see me?
Well, she ..
She .. she looked suspicious.
And dangerous.
Please, hereafter .. judge my visitors
according to my taste. Not yours.
You seem to have forgotten your place.
I will always see Miss Frey.
Yes, sir.
And remember, in future.
A good secretary must
be fair and impartial.
Not biased and narrow-minded.
Make it easy for people to see me.
Don't shut me off from the world.
I won't make the same mistake again.
Do you know where Miss Frey is staying?
Yes.
She's staying in this hotel .. room 15.
You found out all this and
didn't even mention it.
Very well then.
Go downstairs to the florist.
Pick out a handsome bouquet of
orchids and take them to Miss Frey.
I am to do that?
Why not?
Enclose my card. And please
see that there is no mistake.
Have all your secretaries
attended to matters of this kind?
It seems to me rather
outside my list of duties.
Tell the florist I want the most
beautiful orchids in Paris.
Tell him to put in a
dozen gardenias, too.
And to spare no expense.
Gardenias?
And deliver them to her room
yourself with my compliments.
Well, what's detaining you?
Ludwig.
Ludwig, have you your cuffs on?
Yes Excellency, I wear them
constantly. Except in bed.
Then take a note.
In future, all new employees
at this bank shall be men.
Yes, Excellency. Don't
you find women efficient?
Too efficient.
Shall I make a note of that, too?
No.
And, Ludwig.
I am feeling in the humor
for a little diversion.
If I'm not here for breakfast in
the morning, don't be alarmed.
If anyone calls, I'll say you're
doing research, will I?
Yes.
Anything else, sir?
Yes.
Go out and enjoy yourself. Dance.
Have a good time and charge it to me.
Quite so, Excellency.
And what will you do?
Probably a little research work.
Oh, Chappel.
How do you get to 32 Rue Blondel?
That's a very disreputable neighborhood.
It is? Hmm ..
How do you get there?
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
Who is calling?
Miss Olive Frey on the
telephone, Excellency.
Hello, Olive .. I just found
out you were in Paris.
Did your secretary tell you I was here?
No, she didn't.
But I recognized your perfume.
My perfume? I must remember that.
It may give me away some
time at the wrong moment.
Tell me .. what brings you to Paris.
I thought you might like to see me.
Remember what you said
about a weak moment?
Well .. do you feel weak enough now?
Perhaps.
Are you here alone?
Alone and just going to waste.
Splendid.
Put on a discreet evening gown
and we'll go out for a party.
I feel like celebrating.
[ Buzzer ]
Come in.
Your secretary just brought
me some flowers.
Thanks.
You are a darling.
What time will you call for me, Baron?
9 o'clock.
- 9 o'clock? That's fine.
Where will we go?
We'll have cocktails at the Ritz.
And then?
We'll dine and dance and Le Perroquet.
Then?
Visit several places in Montmartre.
And then, Baron?
Well ..
You won't need your typewriter.
Alright. Bye bye.
I was told to deliver these to you.
- Just a minute.
I ought to thank you for all you did.
For getting my message to the Baron.
Don't thank me. I've no wish to help.
What a child you are.
Don't you know that the minute a
man is told he can't see a woman.
He lets nothing keep him from her.
Tonight, you turned me into
a sort of forbidden fruit.
And you remember what happened to Adam?
Yes.
He got mixed up with a snake.
Well, you've thrown him
right into the snake's arms.
How vulgar you are.
You think it vulgar to
be in a man's arms?
If it is, I hope I never get refined.
He's different. He isn't the kind of
a man to fall for a person like you.
What's the matter with me?
Why, you're nothing.
Just beautiful, that's all.
If you're tossing around
bouquets, I'll hand you one.
You're a very pretty girl yourself.
Quite a decent figure.
Really, a sweet little shape.
It's no use to you. You don't
know what to do with it.
What do you mean?
I mean, you don't know how
to make men realize you have it.
Your one ambition is
to be a perfect machine.
But you've never learned
how to be a woman.
Baron Von Ullrich told me I was
the best secretary he ever had.
Yes, and he leaves
you to go out with me.
I don't understand what he
sees in a creature like you.
He sees a woman that's warm and human.
Whose skin is soft and perfumed.
Who isn't afraid to let herself go.
A woman who understands
all his little weaknesses.
He isn't the kind of a man
who has weaknesses.
As if you know what kind of man he is.
You think he's all brain and business,
but I tell you he's full of .. feelings.
He's a live-wire.
Don't talk of him as if
he were an electrician.
He's far above you.
Oh, is he?
Well, he was right down
on my level tonight.
Don't you think his heart beats faster
when I lean against him by accident?
By accident?
By intentional accident.
And how men love it.
It's like this. A quick movement.
Your hand touches his
for a breath-taking second.
You pull away and say
naively, "oh, pardon me".
He murmurs something.
I wonder.
The air is charged with electricity.
He struggles for his self-control, and
just as he most has it. Yes?
You start all over again and then
his arms begin to ache to hold you.
They steal around you and if
you're a smart girl you say:
"Oh no, you mustn't."
And then he stops?
Stop? Of course he doesn't stop.
He goes on, he pulls you closer.
You struggle, but not much.
What does he say?
Oh, it doesn't matter. You don't care.
Your head begins to whirl.
A delicious faintness sweeps over
you as his eyes burn in to yours.
His eyes.
His mouth comes closer. You are limp.
You resist no more.
Your eyelashes flutter down.
You can see no longer.
For all you know is the wonderful
strength of his embrace.
And then?
He kisses you.
And then?
And then ..
Say.
Just how far do you want me to go?
How you tell it. I almost lived it.
You couldn't. You're just a
well-oiled and regulated machine.
You'll probably marry another machine
and have a flock of little typewriters.
Even that would be
better than to be like you.
All you think about is love-making.
What else is there to think about?
I suppose you've won, but it won't last.
Even if you get him, you can't hold him.
Come in.
Excuse me for disturbing you.
But the room is crowded with people
to see the Baron about the merger.
Will you arrange the appointments?
But the Baron goes out this evening.
Yes, I know. So am I. But look, these
gentlemen are very distinguished.
The Baron said he wanted me to
make it easy for him to see people.
Ye. I think the Baron should see these
important people. Don't you, Ludwig?
Certainly.
Count Von Walsburg
and his gentlemen. 8:50.
The Blohm Company
appointment is at 9 o'clock.
The gentleman from the press at 9:10.
And the committee from
the Bourse at 9:20 and so on.
Arrange other appointments as
they are requested until 10.
The Minister of Finance
wishes a whole hour.
By all means, from 10 to 11.
It shall be so arranged.
You really think anyone will notice me?
Even a blind man.
Ooh. What was that?
A salute.
You kissed me on my shoulder.
You really were tempted by me?
I couldn't resist it.
I like to be irresistible to men.
Your kiss was just what I needed
to give me a little self-confidence.
Where does a woman of
the world put her perfume?
Behind each ear, a drop.
A touch on the brow.
On each side of the mouth.
And, if you will permit me.
Where are we going tonight?
I shall take you to all the best venues.
I shall march through Paris
with you, like the Bourbons.
Only they had three
fillies. I've only one.
I don't understand.
Of course you don't. That's what's
so delightful about you, Susie.
You are like a clean, white page
on which no-one has written a line.
And the first inscription
should be .. a beautiful poem.
Susie, I hardly knew you.
Thank you, Baron Paul.
Are you going out to celebrate?
Well, possibly.
Why not come along with Susie and me?
I'd love to. May I?
Please do.
It will be so exciting
to have two escorts.
Susie, you are positively ravishing.
And what a beautiful white shoulder.
I'd love to kiss it just once. May I?
Why not. The Count has already
kissed the left shoulder.
Oh, he has?
Well, we mustn't let the
right one grow jealous.
Susie, you are adorable.
I'm going to live every second
of this wonderful evening.
To dance and sing and be happy.
Oh there is a magic in this Paris.
It's gone to my head.
You little siren.
Am I really a siren?
Oh, I'd rather be called a siren
than anything else on earth.
Well get your cloak. We'll start out.
Alright.
First I must give a
message to the Baron.
You wait in the lounge and
I'll join you in a moment.
Don't be long.
I won't. You are a pair of dears
and I'm in love with you both.
There is safety in numbers.
Hurry up little girl.
Have one drink at the bar and
one cigarette. And I'll appear.
Now don't forget, Susie.
We shall be waiting for you.
I promise you I won't.
Baron. Will you accept my apologies
for the way I acted a little while ago?
Yes, of course. Just forget about it.
I can't expect you to be
entirely without temperament.
After all, you're a woman.
I wonder if you don't
forget that sometimes.
What?
Well, is that the new evening gown?
Yes. Do you like it?
Why, it's very attractive .. very.
How it changes you.
The back of our neck is
delightful. So young.
Your curls are enticing.
Your pretty, round little arms.
I never noticed them.
They've always been
covered up by my cuffs.
Do they feel as smooth as they look?
I don't know.
I wonder.
Yes. They're even smoother.
I'm glad you weren't disappointed.
You .. you haven't gone out yet?
No. I haven't gone out yet.
But you are going?
Yes. With the Count and your brother.
Really?
They will show me Paris tonight.
Susie .. come here.
I'll show you Paris.
She's beautiful in the moonlight.
There is the opera.
And over there in the distance.
Is the river.
And those two tall towers?
The church of Notre Dame.
Oh, that's where the hunchback lives.
Yes.
There is the park.
It's full of lovers.
Paris is singing, isn't it.
What does the city sing about?
On a night like this,
it must be a love song.
That's really the only
kind worth singing.
Why, Susie .. but you are right.
What delicious scent.
Is it yours this time?
Yes. Do you like it?
It's intoxicating.
And so are you.
You're so bright and sweet.
Your skin is like satin.
Perhaps I should put on my cuffs.
It's too late for cuffs.
What's that building over there?
Oh, Susie.
- Pardon me, it was an accident.
Don't you apologize. It was delightful.
Tell me some more about Paris.
Oh yes. It's Paris.
Well .. over there you can see.
Oh Susie, dear.
Oh no, you mustn't.
You darling.
Did you really mean that?
I'll show you whether I ..
You frighten me. Let me go.
What's the matter? There
is nothing to be afraid of.
But I didn't mean it. Let me go.
No, you don't understand.
I'm so ashamed.
Why should you be ashamed?
You haven't done anything.
Oh yes I have. It was my fault.
I'm to blame for it all.
All of what?
You mean my taking you in my
arms and making love to you?
Yes. I did all the things she said
and you gave all the answers.
She? What "she"?
- Olive.
She said I was just like a machine
and no man would ever notice me.
So I tried it just like
she said she does.
I leaned against you
accidentally, twice.
I protested, I got limp, I got dizzy.
I closed my eyes. I almost got kissed.
I want that kiss and I'm going
to have it. I'm mad about you.
Susie, do you know you are enough
to drive a man out of his senses?
That's just woman-hunger. And any soft,
sweet-smelling female could satisfy.
You never thought of me as a
woman until I made you do it.
Women always open men's eyes.
Well, I won't.
I'm not satisfied to sneak into
a man's arms and be kissed.
Just because I happen to be there.
That's too easy for him.
I want a man to climb
mountains to get me.
I want him to pass all the other women
and kick down the door, just to kiss me.
You're wonderful.
When I love a man he must ache
and long and burn for me.
He must be hungry and thirsty forever
unless I come along. I, Susie Sachs.
No other woman on earth must do.
That's the sort of love I want.
I'll show you.
Were you dictating?
Why, no.
Susie and I were just
playing a new game.
That's not a new game.
I should say not.
I've played it many times.
What's going on here?
Just a little research work.
Come Susie. We're waiting for you.
I think I'll go out with you. May I?
We'd love to have you.
I'm afraid you're forgetting your very
special rendezvous at 9 o'clock.
Yes, I'm not keeping that
rendezvous. Ludwig!
You're not?
No.
Call up room 15. Say Baron Von Ullrich
regrets he must cancel his appointment.
Very good, sir.
Then you won't mind that I didn't send
the orchids and gardenias you ordered?
You didn't obey my instructions?
You see, you have changed your mind.
A good secretary always anticipates
the thoughts of her employer.
Come along Joseph. Let's get going.
Yes, Joseph. Hurry.
I'm afraid we shan't have the pleasure
of the Baron's company tonight.
He has a number of other appointments.
Other appointments?
Yes, Excellency. These gentlemen.
Why, who made all these appointments?
I did. I followed your instructions.
You said make it easy for people to see
you. Not shut you off from the world.
May I, Paul? My secretary.
Oh, yes.
Thank you, Baron. It's too
bad you can't come with us.
I'm sure we'll have a marvelous evening.
You deserve a good shaking.
I have two wonderful cavaliers.
We're going to dine and
dance and drink champagne.
You're not really going out
and leaving me here?
Perhaps as all of Paris
is singing a love-song.
One of my cavaliers will
make a little love to me.
You know what I'd like to you?
Too bad you have to
work tonight, Joseph.
Yes, isn't it?
We'll miss you.
Goodbye, Baron. I hope you'll
enjoy all your appointments.
You'll have so many, you'll never miss
the squeak of the little church mouse.
The church mouse doesn't
squeak anymore. It meows.
Ho, jolly, jolly ho!
Muchacha. Hey, hey!
You're the most charming
church mouse in the world.
No. To the church mouse
who turned into a butterfly.
Susie.
Do you look upon me as an old man?
Well, you'd never be old
even if you were a hundred.
Well, I shan't be that
for a day or two yet.
Waiter, some champagne.
Shall we dance?
Certainly. I hope you don't think
I came here just for pleasure.
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
Hello, darling. It's Mimi.
I just had to call you up.
I bet you don't know where I am.
I'm in the bathtub.
You hear me splash?
Go splash in the lake.
Susie, you're a darling.
I'm mad about you.
Give me a kiss.
If you catch me.
That's a bet.
Hey, Susie. Susie!
Hey, Susie!
Hey, Susie. Susie. Susie.
[ Buzzer ]
Come in.
Surprised to see me?
Yes, rather.
I came to bring back your
little remembrance.
Why .. weren't they?
Weren't they beautiful?
That nice little secretary of yours.
I can't see anything funny about it.
No? I think it's rather clever.
That cat should be discharged.
You will discharge her, won't you?
I'll think about it. But don't
let's talk business now.
Baron .. I've been so lonesome for you.
Waiting there alone in
my room all evening.
Have you? I'm sorry.
A lot of business came up.
What kind of business?
Oh .. just business.
I could have gone out with
a dozen men tonight.
Oh, we Viennese mustn't be selfish.
We must show the Parisians.
How charming our women are.
Can't you see?
I'm hanging over your
head like a ripe peach.
If you'd only give the
tree a little shake.
You're very charming.
Very.
Am I?
I know I'm nothing much
out of the ordinary.
A little bit pretty.
A little bit wise.
A little bit willing.
A little bit absent minded.
Are you absent-minded tonight?
Oh, very.
What would you do if a
thief crept into your room?
Would you call for help?
I don't need any help.
Why don't you ask me what I'd
do if a Bank President tiptoed in?
I'd rather be surprised.
Enough. Perhaps you'd better go.
Paul and the Count aren't back.
And it might not be wise for them
to find you here at this hour.
Because of my reputation?
Exactly.
Well, it's dear of you to
pretend I have a reputation.
Is it goodnight,
or shall I see you later?
A little girl shouldn't
ask so many questions.
Don't forget.
I never forget ..
Anything I want to remember.
Oh.
You are forgetting. Your flowers.
I want to thank you
for a very nice trip.
Our service, Monsieur.
Hey, what are you doing?
Walking a tightrope.
But there isn't any tightrope there.
That's alright. I can do
it better without one.
Well, I'm open for a
discussion on any subject.
You look as though
you've had a good time.
Oh, I had a brilliant time, Excellency.
It cost me a pretty penny, though.
Let's see. For supper I
spent 50 francs, 60 centimes.
Champagne, 300 francs.
50 francs? Oh for diversions, 50 francs.
In the morning you'll be lamenting
what the evening cost you.
So I'll remind you that
this evening was on me.
Oh, I hadn't forgotten
that for a minute.
Oh Excellency, if a young lady by the
name of "Kitty" calls, say I'm not in.
Well. What have you been doing?
Where is Susie?
She ran away.
Ran away?
Yes. We were all so gay
and so mad and so young.
What happened?
We were running about in the Boire.
Susie jumped into an open
cabriolet and drove like fury.
Paul and I chased her, but .. I gave up.
Well, did he catch her?
I don't know.
Is Susie here?
No. Isn't she with you?
No, I couldn't catch her. Good heavens,
I thought she'd be here.
This is terrible.
You've got to find her.
Yes, of course. I'm in love with her.
You can't be in love with her.
I forbid it. What?
Now get out of here
and find her. Both of you.
Each take a taxi and drive through
the Boire from different entrances.
I'm not going to take any
taxi. I'm going to bed.
I hold you both responsible for her.
Of all the cruel tricks.
[ Telephone ]
Hello.
Is that Susie?
No, it isn't Susie. And you
are just losing time. Get out.
Hello.
But Baron .. I can't sleep.
Count sheep.
What?
Then count goats!
[ Telephone ]
Hello.
Hello .. is that you, Baron?
Why Susie, where have you been?
I've been here since
one o'clock, in my room.
Just thinking.
Why didn't you tell me you were back?
I went to your door. I almost knocked.
Well, why didn't you?
Then I thought twice. I went to my room
to write to my mother but I couldn't.
My brain was reeling.
Do you know, I think that Paris
has gone a little to my head.
To mine, too.
How do you feel now, Susie?
Dizzy, excited wonderful.
Perhaps the champagne helps.
But it is you who are to blame.
I ..?
You set me loose and took away my cuffs.
You suddenly tore down the wall and I ..
I was free. It was
marvelous in The Boire.
The moon was shining and all around
us was dark and mysterious.
If you only knew what
goes on in The Boire.
The lovers with their whispering and
their kisses. I couldn't listen to them.
I had to get back here.
So, tonight you thought of love.
Perhaps for the first time.
Is that it, little mouse?
Until now, I've only
known the hunger for food.
The delicatessen window
held all I wanted.
But now I'm well fed and I'm still
unsatisfied. So I know that I ..
I really have nothing.
What do you want, Susie?
Something beautiful. Something I
can see through the window of life.
At first I thought I only wanted
to look on, but that isn't enough.
I want to be in it, of it.
Go on, little mouse.
I want beautiful clothes
and shining automobiles.
Love. I want to be filled
to the brim with living.
What's happened to you?
I don't know what has happened to me.
It's such a mysterious, sweet feeling.
It intoxicates me.
But it isn't the champagne now.
You're finally awake, Susie.
You see ahead of you a new world.
A world full of unexpected joys.
Yes .. yes.
It needs only step.
One word .. one kiss.
One word .. one kiss.
Susie, I ..
How long have you been
employed at the bank?
Six weeks.
Your salary each week?
Since you raised it, 75 Kroner.
Tomorrow morning I should
like you to return to Vienna.
Vienna?
To report to the chief of the
personnel department
He will give you six months
salary and you a notice ..
To formally end your employment with us.
But why? Have I not fulfilled the
position to your satisfaction?
Perfectly, and I fully
appreciate your services.
What are you doing there?
I was taking an inventory.
Indeed.
Nothing missing. It's all marked out.
I used up 5 pencils, 9 erasers,
900 sheets of copy paper.
That is not at all necessary.
I'm sure everything is in order.
I hope I haven't forgot
anything. Oh, my cuffs.
Someone has crushed them.
I did. So they couldn't be worn again.
I see. I'll take them anyway
Goodbye, Excellency.
There's no train to Vienna at this hour.
I won't stay here any longer.
If I did, I might ask you why
you've done this to me.
Before you go, would you
do something for me?
I'm asking it, just a favor.
Whatever you say.
I want to dictate a message,
A very important one.
Would that be asking too much?
I'd be glad to do it.
Ready?
Ready. Yes, sir.
Tell my pilot to have the plane ready.
For me and the Baroness, Von Ullrich.
Baroness Von Ullrich.
Whose marriage takes place this
morning in Paris. At the City Hall.
And please see that the
message is delivered at once.
Yes, sir.
May I go now?
Yes, you may go now.
Oh, Miss Sachs.
Won't you sit down?
Would you like liqueur?
Or perhaps a cigarette?
A cigarette? You know I don't smoke.
I know my secretary
Miss Sachs didn't smoke.
But you are not working for me now,
so I can treat you quite differently.
I can talk to you as one talks
to a pretty, charming girl.
Who is not in his employ.
Well, I ..
I might sit down for a moment.
Do you know you have
lovely feet and ankles?
Oh.
And wonderful eyes.
So deep a man could drown in them.
Oh.
And what a mouth.
Miss Sachs, will you take a letter?
Certainly.
Ready.
Dear child.
Dear child.
You will never know what
a struggle it has been.
For me to act as I have done.
Comma.
- Comma.
I wanted to be sure, quite sure.
Before I told you what was in my heart.
My heart.
Forgive me.
Forgive me for being so cowardly.
Comma.
Faster.
That I hid my thoughts from you.
That I did not speak out openly
and honorably. Faster!
That I did not at once say ..
love you.
Period.
- Period.
And now .. the address.
Please, the address
very slowly. Spell it out.
Miss C H U R C H.
M O U S E.
Miss Church Mouse!
And what comes now, darling?
Period, period, period!
Susie.
Hmm .. looks like another merger to me.
T-G