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Caught (1949)
1
Um... I'll take this one. That one. Oh, look. This. Oh, really? This one's for me. Oh, I want that, too. I like those. You do? Oh, Maude, isn't that stunning? I'd rather have mink. You would? Mink is so every day. I don't care. We're wishing for what we want, aren't we? Yeah. Well, I want mink. Well, all right. Have mink. I want chinchilla. What do you spend on lunches? Depends. Can't you give me an average? Well, 65 cents. (TALKING UNDER BREATH) Four... Two... (UNDER BREATH) 65 times six, that's 3.90 a week. Hmm... How about car fare? 30 cents a day. 30 cents a day. (SPEAKING TO SELF) Well, I'll have to say the same, it's the same... Well, if you don't spend more than a quarter a day for lunch, and if you don't wear stockings, you don't go to the movies, unless somebody takes you, you can go to school. Oh, yes, and you can't buy any more magazines. Gee, maybe it isn't worth it. Maybe you want to spend the rest of your life as a carhop, huh? Oh, don't be a stoop. Ooh, my feet are just killing me. Everything swells up in the heat. It isn't the heat, it's the humidity... It's the humidity, yeah. Whose turn to wash? Yours, I dry. Well, I'll get started. No, I just meant, why couldn't you help me get a modeling job now? I've told you 10 times, I don't want to use my influence 'til you're ready, and you won't be ready 'til you go to school. According to this, I won't need your old influence. Hmm. "Dorothy Dale places all her graduates in the finest positions." Mmm, she looks like a pretty nifty number. MAXINE: Yeah. I'll bet this was retouched. You know, you're not going just to get a better job. A charm school's like college and finishing school combined. I can read, Maxine. Well, all I can say is without a social education, you're never going to meet a real man. And what's the matter with George? He'll never be able to buy you a mink coat. "Girls," Dorothy Dale asks, "What is your most important asset?" Answer, "Your smile. Be charming." Uh-hmm, be charming, that's what I told you. (SIGHS) Oh, dear, I'd love to go back to Denver with a mink coat someday, Maxine. Mmm-hmm. Two mink coats, one for my mother. I guess it won't kill me to have 25-cent lunches. No. You still have to wear stockings anyway. How long a course should I take, Maxine? Six weeks. Gee, wouldn't it be wonderful if... If after I graduate, I start working in the model... And modeling in the store like you for a few weeks and... And then one day, in walks a handsome, young millionaire. Yeah. Wouldn't it be wonderful? And he's standing at the perfume counter and... And then suddenly he turns around and sees me. And we don't say a word for a long time and... And then he says... Will you start drying the dishes? (SIGHS) Okay, but, it could happen. Uh-hmm. Dorothy Dale says, "A charm school girl's future is unlimited. "Once she leaves our doors, she is ready to meet anyone socially "and ready to hit her jackpot." See? Good evening, Miss Chambers. Good evening, Miss Blaine. Good evening, Miss Chambers. Oh, Miss Eames... About your tuition... You know, each week must be paid in advance. Oh, I'm sorry, Miss Chambers. (RINGING) Dorothy Dale School of Charm. Oh, yes, we'd be glad to recommend a model. All of our models are highly qualified. Yes, Mr. Lawrence, she'll be there at 9:00. Thank you. (RECEIVER REPLACED) Look, could I give you five now and... And the other five when I come Thursday? Thursday? Thursday. Certainly. Miss Maude Eames, five dollars. Oh, would you mind making that Leonora Eames? I've changed it. Not at all. "Leonora." "Leonora," that's charming! Thank you. Thank you. It was a lovely luncheon, Mrs. Burton. "Burton." "Bur-ton." Thank you so much for having me. Pick up your bag. Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Bravo that was quite nice. Cross your legs, my dear. Now, may we have Miss Eames? Yes, Miss Dale. More confidence, my dear. Speak out, full tones. What is your favorite fur? Mink. Mink. Mine too. Well, believe it or not, this is a beautiful mink coat. (MOTOR WHIRRING) WOMAN: Fourth floor, cosmetics, jewelry, perfume and furs. Oh, Miss, just a minute. Only 4995, plus tax. Five thousand, that's not too bad. Do you like the full back? Oh, I adore it. The skins are divine. Simply heavenly. Wally signed his contract with Metro yet? No, not yet. Come along, darling. Better have the old one glazed. Oh, you're right. I'd rather make him buy me a new bracelet anyway. Of course you would, darling. Like it, darling? Oh, I hope you're not offended, because I call everyone darling. What a charming coat. Uh, may I see the lining? Only 4995, plus tax. Plus tax, charming, darling, charming. I think we haven't been working here long, yes? Yes. Hold this a moment, will you, darling? I'm giving a party, a lovely party this weekend, on a yacht. There. (BLOWS) We go to Catalina. No, thank you. There'll be lots of people, darling. Fresh air, sunshine, and, if you don't like it, you can leave. No, thanks. Now, don't be a silly bourgeois, darling. You have work to do, I have work to do. Now, we can chat here for hours but... We would still get to the same point, wouldn't we? The yacht belongs to my business associate, charming. We leave from my place at 6:30 on Friday. Uh... It will be divine, darling. Nice relaxation. Toodle-oo. Did you get an invitation? I'm not going. You're out of your head. 9995, handmade from... Sorry, just looking. Don't you know who the party's for? Smith Ohlrig, whoever that is. Only the "Wall" in Wall Street, dearie. The little poodle works for him. Mmm-hmm? Mmm-hmm. 9995, handmade from... Here, darling. Those parties are supposed to be terrific. They'll have to do without me. Poor you. Only 4995, plus tax. I'm not going, Maxine. How else do poor girls like us get to meet guys like Ohlrig? It's just no use, Maxine. I just... Look terrible. I'm not going. All in your head. I'm not the type for this dress and... This zipper! And I'm not the type for the yachting party either. How do you know? You've never been on one. That's the only reason I wanted to go. Just to find out what it would be like, but not with those characters. Any man that goes to a party like that has just one idea, and that's one idea too many for me. You can take care of yourself. I don't want to go to a party where I have to worry about taking care of myself. Unzip me, please. Well, it's up to you. But the party is an investment, Nora. I know, I know, I should think of security. That's right. (KNOCKING) Hi. Who is it? Velma. Velma, see? And what is security? Money. Period. Exclamation point. Hello. Hi. Um, here's the fur, girls, and I'm sorry I'm late, but I had to... Oh, thanks, but... Maybe you ought to go home. Oh, well... I brought some gloves in case you needed them. Thanks. They're stunning, Velma, thanks a lot. Well, I really don't have to go yet... I'll see you tomorrow. What's the matter? Please, Velma, I'll talk to you tomorrow. Can't I see how she goes with my own wrap? Go on now, Velma. Well, have a good time anyway, Honey! Yeah, yeah. And spill some champagne on... Yeah, goodbye. Thanks a lot. And if he has friend, don't forget about me. I'll look terrible in that too. Wait 'til I finish pressing your coat. Well, you can put this around your shoulders and it will look just fine. Please don't get mad, but it's... It's just that... Well, I resent the whole setup. Resent it? Yes, right from the beginning when that slimy little man crawled up to me in the store and wiggled his eyebrows. It... It just makes me feel cheap. Let's face it. Girls like us can't pick the way we meet like men like... Men like Smith Ohlrig. Why, you should be grateful. Well, I'm not. Oh, no, you want to keep dreaming about little ol' prince charming on a golden horse. You feel cheap. Well, that's touching. Now, let me tell you, I'd be very glad, believe me, to be in your shoes. For Pete's sake, here you are with a chance to meet some decent men. Men that could take you out of living in dump like this. You... Oh, you don't know a break when you get it. (WATER LAPPING) (APPROACHING MOTOR) (MOTOR CUTS) Are you from the Ohlrig yacht? MAN: That's right. Oh, thank goodness. I thought they'd never send somebody to pick me up. They didn't send me. Oh. I have some business to take care of. Well, couldn't you take me to the yacht first? Don't say yacht, say boat. Boat, then. Couldn't you, please? It's not a very good party. In fact, it's one of the dullest they've had. Oh, I don't care, I've got to get there. Why? Well, because... Oh, I don't think that's any of your concern. Well, if you're in such a hurry, why didn't you come with the others? Well, I couldn't get off work in time. I'm a model. I phoned Mr. Kartos before he arrived, but he said he'd send a taxi out and then somebody would pick me up. If you want to wait 'til I finish my business, I'll take you out. You couldn't take me now? No. Well, in that case I'll just have to wait 'til you're ready then. Come on. Where? Come drive to the office with me. Oh, I couldn't do that. Why not? Well, in the first place, I don't know who you are, except that you say you're from the Ohlrig yacht, and in the second place, I owe that taxi driver $6.50 which Mr. Kartos said... I'll take care of him. My name is Leonora Eames, what's yours? Smith Ohlrig. MAN: Well, it can't be done that way, Mr. Ohlrig, but if you're willing to spend... SMITH OHLRIG: I do not make money by throwing it away. Good night. Good night. Goodbye, Mr. Ohlrig. Good night. Sorry, it had to be so long, but I'm trying to set up a new organization here. Oh, that's perfectly all right, I was having a delightful catnap. (SHIP HORN) There's so many people on the boat, do you mind if we drive back to town? Oh, not at all, Mr. Ohlrig. I'd love to. Well, that's fine. (CHUCKLES) I don't see what's so funny about learning how to walk with a book on your head. I'm sorry. What did you say the name of that place was? Dorothy Dale School of Charm. (SNICKERS) It's quite famous. It is! I wish you wouldn't drive so fast. I like it, and I'm a good driver. I'm sure you are but... Didn't your Charm School teach you to be agreeable to your escort? Yes. What else did they teach you? Oh, diction and make-up and fencing. Mr. Devough taught that. And posture and social usage. Social what? Usage, you know. Conversation etiquette, how to pour tea, how to listen to music, how to... Please watch the road. Mmm-hmm. Where are you from? Denver. Family poor? Yes. How long have you been in Los Angeles? Almost five years. Doing what? Working. Who paid... Modeling. Who paid for your charm school? I did. How many weekend yachting trips have you been on? None. All right, how many Hollywood parties then? None. Come on. I haven't! Why not? Nobody else asked me. There's some cigarettes in the glove compartment, light one for me. What do you know about me? Oh, uh... I know you're from the east. New York. And I know you're sort of a... Of an international something. Well, that just about describes it. What else? And you're rich. How rich? Oh, very rich. (EXHALES) What else? Well, I know that you've never been married before. And I'm not going to be either. Where are we? At the house, my house. No. Come in and have a drink. Don't be a silly girl, you knew you weren't just taking a drive. Please take me home, Mr. Ohlrig. Come on, don't you think I like you? Take me home. Didn't the charm school tell you how to handle this? I'm sorry. I just want to go home. Skip it. OHLRIG: I took her home and we said good night. That happens three or four more times and then I dropped her. Why? They come a dime a dozen. I thought from what you said before that she was sweeter than most of the girls. Psychoanalysts and elephants, they never forget. Oh, I think this is all pointless anyway. Well, why did you come here? 'Cause I don't like getting upset so easily and you're supposed to be able to calm me. I can, if you'll work with me, not against me. Let's go back to the girl. Well, for your information, she's after precisely the same thing everyone's after, my money. Well, maybe the girl feels that you just want to play around with her. Well, she's right if she does. You don't think I want to marry her, do you? I certainly hope not. If I persisted long enough, I could get where I want. I wish business were as easy. Yesterday, I had to battle with some grubby little man from noon until 2:00 in the morning, and I had one of those idiotic attacks. A heart attack? Yes, and I go to a specialist for that. I think they're just a nervous reaction. About a year ago, you wanted to buy out a rubber company and the owner didn't want to sell. So you had an attack. The next one occurred in that South American... I get it. I get the connection. Whenever I can't get what I want, I have an attack, is that your theory? Yes. There's nothing organically wrong with your heart, so why the attacks? Well, let's consider whether it's just a way of saying, "I'm not all-powerful, I'm weak," "take pity, give me what I want." I have these attacks because I have a bad heart, but that's too simple for you. You have to find some insane Freudian reason. Heart attacks because I want pity. And what are some of your other little gems? I must destroy everyone I can't own? I'm afraid all anyone wants is my money? Well, it... I'll never marry because I'd only be married for my money? I didn't... Don't say you didn't say that because you did, admit it. I only said that... Well, you're wrong, Doctor, dead wrong. I am going to get married. I'm not afraid of anyone. And what's more, you want to know something? (DIALING) I'm going to marry that girl. You don't believe me, do you? Hello, Franzi? We're taking a plane to Yuma as soon as you can get a hold of, uh, Leonora... Uh, what's her name? Yes, Eames. Why do you think? I'm going to get married. Sorry to cut off a major source of your income, Doctor, but you won't see me again. It's up to you. Completely. And I do as I please. Yes, that's why you made your call. I said I didn't think you'd marry, and so you've made arrangements to prove I'm wrong. You don't really want to marry this girl. You've only done this because you're angry at me, and to prove that no one has authority over you. A marriage like this will only ruin the girl, and you. That's your opinion. Beg pardon, Madam, luncheon is ready. Oh, thank you. But, do you mean he actually doesn't get home until midnight? Sometimes even later. What do you do, wait up and polish your jewelry? Thank you. Oh, they look so good, I'll take two. Well, I usually pick him up at whatever warehouse or office he's at. Yes please. Warehouse? Uh-huh. What then? No, thank you. What then? Oh, then we drive to the beach or some little joint. Money and romance, lucky girl. No, thanks. Yes, except that Franzi or one of the other men is always along. Sounds cozy. Well, he's just there, I guess. Altogether, we're a very cozy couple. What's the matter, Hon? Oh, I just think that Smith wishes that he hadn't married me. Oh, the minute you get rich, you get neurotic. No, but I mean it. I don't blame him. I don't know how to fit in to all of this or how to behave. Enjoy it, that's how. And I'm sure he thinks that I married him for his money. No comment. You know I didn't. I could never do a thing like that. You really love him, don't you? Yes. May I have the butter, please? Now, look, so everything isn't billing and cooing. So you didn't have a honeymoon, so you don't see him alone. When you get married, you want... So you think this and he thinks that, who cares? Look at that house! Look at the charge account, look at us! Lunch by the swimming pool, and look at this silver and this glass, look at this table. Oh, honey, you're rich. Yeah, rich but... (SIGHS) Things will be better in New York. The house is on Long Island. Same difference. (PIANO PLAYING) (HUMMING) Franzi, will you please stop playing? (MUSIC STOPS) (MUSIC STARTS) FRANZI: Just this one, darling, it's so lovely. FRANZI: (HUMMING) I wish I could go to bed. So do I. It's almost 3:00, Franzi. Tough, take a pill. I've lived on pills ever since I came east. That's 10 months. I won't anymore. Then play with the necklace he gave you for your anniversary. Yes, instead of that honeymoon trip we'll never take. Instead of going to Denver to see my family, instead of having dinner together, spending time together, and being together like other married people. No. All he wants me to do is sit here and wait until he phones or comes home. And I see him exactly for one hour. Two if I'm lucky. FRANZI: Tough, you got what you wanted, darling, you're wearing it. You mustn't expect him to pick up your handkerchief too. Maybe money is enough for you. Of course, isn't it for you? No. Why else marry a madman like that? But he wasn't like this before we were married. He was a bachelor. He was a human being. Tough, buy yourself a new hat. Tough, darling, tough. (SHOUTING) Will you stop saying that? (SHOUTING) Will you stop playing that piano? Will you stop? You know, you're a greedy little girl, darling, and you're getting greedier every day. This part is divine. (UNDER BREATH) Greedy? How dare you. Greedy? I remember hearing it at... No! (SLAPS) I'm sorry. I didn't mean it, I'm... It's all right. I'm sorry. It saves him from getting hit. (BEGINS PLAYING) It's what I get paid for. Stop playing. (PLAYS FASTER) Will you stop playing? (SLAMS) (CAR HORN BLARES) Here he is, get ready. Report for duty. Where is it? My comb, Franz. It's all right. I think I have it... Here it is, darling. I'm sorry, Franz. No, it's all right. I just... Come right in, boys. Just drop your coats any place. Good morning, Mr. Ohlrig. Good morning. Good morning, Leonora. Tired? No. You look done in. You know where the projection room is? Sure, Mr. Ohlrig. We'll start right away. That's a movie for my new project. Make yourselves comfortable, boys. The picture will be on in a minute. Help yourselves to a drink. You got any food? Well, there's some sandwiches... Nothing hot? I'm sorry. It's all right. Anybody that wants anything to eat, just ask Mrs. Ohlrig. Where do you think you're going? Well, I... I thought you'd be alone. There's so many men, well, I think I'll go to bed. You're my wife, and as my wife, you're the hostess in this house. (INDISTINCT CHATTER) (INAUDIBLE) OHLRIG: Wait 'til the next shot, the one after this. Is this the ones where you had the men working late? (LEONORA LAUGHING) Lights. Turn on the lights. Tell them to hold screen, we're not through yet. FRANZI: Lights, hold the screen, we're not through yet. What was so funny, Leonora? Nothing. Well, I'm glad you can get a laugh out of me, I'd just like to know what it was. I wasn't laughing at you, Smith. It wasn't anything in the picture. What was so funny then? I'm sorry, I'm afraid it was something I said. Something about me? No. Something private, then. Perhaps if you watched the picture, Leonora, you wouldn't be so bored. I'm not bored, Smith. Thanks to Mr. Gentry. Ohlrig, please... Smith... Good night, Gentry. Now look, Ohlrig, I think you're making a mountain... I'm no longer interested in what you think. Good night. Start the picture. FRANZI: Harry, start the picture. I can see now why they install love seats in movie balconies, Leonora. But please try to remember you're not sitting there anymore. Leonora, don't leave this room! (DOOR SLAMS) Get out. Get out, all of you. I said all of you. Of course. (GLASS SHATTERS) Tell my wife to come down. Darling, watch out. You might get slapped this time. Why don't you turn around? You know I'm here. (SHOUTING) Look at me! Look at what you bought! Don't scream. (YELLING) Shall I call your friends back so you can insult me again in front of an audience? You merely got what you deserved. (SHOUTING) I wasn't doing a thing and you know it. You look ridiculous. Yes, I am ridiculous, you made me ridiculous. I don't think you meant to, I just think the moment you married me you were sorry. You don't want me, not really. You just want me to want you. My, aren't we sorry for ourselves? Do you want a divorce? Oh, I get it. It's all clear to me now. You think you've been married long enough to deserve a big settlement. No, I don't want a divorce, but you do. I don't, I want you. Your trouble is you want too much. You want to marry rich, you did. I loved you! This is the sort of thing you tell yourself, don't waste it on me. I thought you loved me, I thought we could be happy. You thought if you had enough money, you'd have everything. Well, it's not that easy. The world is clammy with people who think that way and they sicken me. I was born rich. My father left me four million dollars, but I didn't drink it away, I didn't gamble it away, I didn't marry it away. I know what to do with it. I've got exactly 22 and a half times that much now, and I'll have 50 times that much before I die. That's what everyone wants, isn't it? Well I've got it, and I made it myself. Every one of my corporations, every single one has a different staff, a different lawyer, a different accountant. Not one of them knows anything about each other. I run it all. Each one has his place and he stays there, and why not? They're well paid, and that's what you've got to learn, Leonora. You're better paid than any of them and you've got your place, this house. And that's where you'll stay. But you want more, don't you? Yes, I want more of you. Are you bored? Do you tire of money so easily that you're bored? Oh, Smith, I just meant that... I can't, I... Go away then, take a trip. Go to Palm Beach, Sun Valley, go anywhere, you're rich. You should anyway, there's still some of that charm school paint sticking to you that needs scrapping off. Well, I guess that's all there is to do. Go away, I mean. Do you think I should? By all means. Okay, I will. Not to Palm Beach, and not to Sun Valley. I'm going to get a job. How long will you be waiting table or sweating in the factory, Mrs. Ohlrig? That depends on you. Oh, I see. Cold, tyrannical husband is supposed to miss his loving little wife and beg her to come back to their million dollar cottage. Well, I'm afraid you've picked the wrong husband, Leonora. You've had more than a year of being rich. You like it. I can't live like this, Smith. I can't! (FADING FOOTSTEPS) You'll be back. (BALL KNOCKS) (DOOR SLAMS) (CLATTERING) (GLASS CLINKING) (BREATHING DEEPLY) (BUZZING) Leonora? MAN: This is the projectionist. Is that all for tonight? Yeah. Are you all right, Mr. Ohlrig? Yes, I'm all right. Go home. (WHISTLING) Are you waiting to be... Kevin, will you please be quite? Are you waiting to be examined? No, to apply for the job. Oh, thank heavens! Well, the doctor will see you in a minute, he's busy right now. And Kevin, please stop that whistling! I hope you're looking for work and not for a husband. Oh, work, believe me. And that's what our last receptionist said. We had to fire her the other day. Miss Murray? Yes, Doctor? (WHISTLING) Kevin, please be quiet! Emergency call. Oh, and help Mrs. Dobroeh, will you, Miss. Murray? Yes, Doctor. Oh, what a world. Uh, Mrs. Dobroeh? Mrs. Dobroeh? I'm Mrs. Dobroeh. Will you step into the doctor's office? I was on time. Oh, yes, I know you were, but he's been called out on an emergency but he'll be right back, right back, and I'll go and see if the doctor can see you now, my dear. (WHISTLING) Doctor? (KNOCKING) Dr. Quinada? Kevin, please stop that! Kevin. Will you see Miss... Miss, what is your name? Eames. Miss Eames about that job? Let's do it again. Okay, but do it with me this time. (BOTH) Here is the church, here is the steeple. Open the door... No, open the door like this. That's right. MAN: Miss Eames? Oh, just a minute. (BOTH) And see all the people. That's right, that's good. (KEVIN BLOWS WHISTLE) (WHISTLE) Would you come in, please? Keep it down, Kevin. Kevin, if you don't be quiet, I'll break your neck. You have a knack with kids. I like them. They come pretty tough down here. They did where I came from, too. You weren't born under the elevators. Neither were you. No, a little closer to Park Avenue, but I could hear it. You know what the job is, Miss Eames? Receptionist. Yes, for Dr. Hoffman and me. He's an obstetrician, I'm a pediatrician. He brings children into the world, I try to keep them here. I'm sure you succeed, Doctor. Well, I don't always. It's easier to write prescriptions than to pay for them. What experience have you had? Well, I was trained to be a receptionist. Where? In Los Angeles, the Dale School. Dale School, huh? Have you worked in New York? No. I see. How long have you been here? Less than a year. Well, that's a long time, what have you been doing? Well, I've been living on Long Island... Oh? Yes, but I've got to make some money now, Doctor. I'm sure we have a cup somewhere... Oh, that's all right, I've had my breakfast. Where? Where? Yup. Oh, in the automat. (CHUCKLING) I'll use that one. I'd have I bet you'd never been in an automat. Oh, I was! Now look, Miss Eames, this job only pays 25 a week. That's all right. Well, the work isn't tough, but the hours are long. I don't mind. I've seen you somewhere. Haven't been in a hospital recently? No. You obviously don't live down here. No. Do I look familiar? No. Well, I must be wrong. Look, you've got a little smudge on your cheek right here. Oh, that's a beauty mark over a mole. Well, why cover it up? There's nothing wrong with a mole. Miss Eames, can you type and take dictation? Yes, I can type, some. I could brush up on it. Where? Well, I could go to night school, and study shorthand too. On 25 a week? Well, thank you very much for coming in, Miss... Dr. Quinada, I need the job. So do many people. Please, Dr. Quinada, I've been job hunting for two weeks. I haven't got $25 to my name. Forgive me, you don't look it. But it's true. Honestly. The work isn't very hard, you said yourself it wasn't, and I can answer telephones and keep records. And type? I'll practice... And take dictation? Well, if you didn't speak too quickly I could take it down in longhand. I write very fast and I'm good with children. Yes, you are, and that's important. And for 25 a week, well, I'm sure it's hard to get somebody who's really perfect. Well? I'll give you a try. Oh, thank you. Well, could you start now, or would you like to look around and come in tomorrow, say? Well, I might as well. Start, I mean. Okay. If that's all right with you. Sure, that's fine. I'll get Miss Murray to show you around. I'll wait for her out there. All right. Thank you very much. Goodbye. I mean... (TELEPHONE RINGING) Good afternoon, Dr. Quinada and Dr. Hoffman's office. Yes? Oh, hello, Dr. Hoffman. Will you hold on, please? Any calls, Le? Yes, there was one from... Mrs. Palmer called, and Mrs. Burnstein's in your office with Miss Murray. Oh, thanks. Say, Le, would you mind calling her Burnstein? She said she never knows who you're talking about. Oh, I'm sorry, Doctor. (LAUGHING) It's no tragedy, these days, nobody knows what anybody else's talking about anyway. What a world. Well, Mrs. Burnstein, seems like you're looking fine today. Hello? Yes... DR. QUINADA: If you worried more about her stomach and less about this other nonsense, the child Yes, I will. Would be a great deal better for it. Now, you take her home, I don't want to hear anymore about it. Yes, Doctor, I will. Goodbye. Come on, girl, pick your feet up. DR. QUINADA: Now, Mrs. Rudecki, don't forget to be back here at 7:30 with your husband. Yes, doctor, I will. Some doctor he is! He's a very good doctor. I think you better come in, Miss Eames. Yes, sir. Do you often chat with Mrs. Rudecki and the other mothers? No, not often. Did you suggest to Mrs. Rudecki that she give Lorraine elocution lessons? Yes. Why? Well, Mr. Rudecki has a thick foreign accent, and Mrs. Rudecki is afraid that they might... Yes, I know all about that, but wasn't it some other reason, something about if Lorraine learned to speak well and walk well and do half a dozen other things well, she'd end up by marrying well and that that's the most important thing in a girl's life? Isn't that what you said? Yes, I said that. Now, look. Your beliefs are your own business until you start pumping them into my patients, then they become my business. Where did you get these ideas anyway? Is it your burning ambition to marry rich? Well, is it? (STAMMERING) Is that all, Doctor? No. Do you want this job permanently? Yes. Well, you act as though it's a temporary stopgap for you. Your typing, your filing, all your desk work haven't improved one iota in the two weeks you've been here. I'm sorry. Well, why don't you do something about it? Now, I don't want to irritate you by bringing up your personal standards again, but you're letting them slop over into your work, Leonora. You're a receptionist in a doctor's officer on the East Side, not a hostess on Park Avenue. The way you treat your patients, that way you... For Pete's sake, look at that hairdo. You're so fancy, you're scaring people away. They may be poor, but they're patients and we want them. (TEARFULLY) Well, you can keep them. If everything I do is wrong, I might as well quit. (DOOR CLOSES) Stupid. Stupid. What? She's a stupid girl. Who? I criticized her work so she got mad and quit. Did she? Her work was bad. Was it? The point is, she isn't really stupid. She could be quite good if she wanted to be. Well, put the ad in the paper again, unless you want to ask her to come back. I didn't fire her, she quit. I don't know what's the matter with that girl. You don't suppose there's anything the matter with you. Ridiculous. (KNOCKING) Yes, who is it? (KNOCKING) Just a minute. (SINGLE KNOCK) May I come in? May I sit down? How did... How did you know I was here? I had you watched from the day you left. I know I wouldn't hear from you. I wanted to be sure you were all right. It's not a very nice way, but it's the only way I knew. I guess everything turned out as you predicted, Leonora. Can you hear me? Yes. I've missed you. More than I thought I could miss anyone. Thanks. I've come running after you. To beg you to come back to me. How's doctor... What's his name, Quinada? All right. He works you pretty hard, doesn't he? Not as hard as he works himself. Where does this go? Any place. It's too bad he isn't more successful then. He isn't just interested in success. I'm sorry. That wasn't fair. Truth is, I'm a little jealous of him. You don't have any reason to be, as much as I wish you did. Why? Because I'm glad to see you and I wish I weren't. What are you looking for? A cigarette. I have one here. Leonora. It's no good, Smith. I won't go back to the way it was. I don't want you to. I was wrong. I admit it. No. Please, Smith, no. It won't be that way anymore, Leonora. It won't. We'll make a fresh start. We'll make everything just the way it ought to have been. I'm so used to having my own way that... It was hard for me to come here. But I missed you and I wanted you so much. I missed all the things we ought to have done, like, being together, finding new places, having a honeymoon. Let's go and wander more, Leonora. Let's start over again. I can't see you living in this dirty, little room. It's not dirty, Smith. It's shabby. It's awful. Ragged. Let's get out of here, Leonora. Well, I don't need anything. We'll just take a drive or have a cup of coffee. I don't care. I just can't talk in this room. I'll bring you back the moment you ask me. Is that a promise? Yes. Turn out the light. (CLICKING) Here? No, the other side. You really don't like living here. No one's poor by choice. It really isn't such a bad room. (DOOR CLOSES) Not if you haven't seen better. Darling, good morning. Good morning, sir. Wait, may I relieve you at this moment? Oh, no. I would like to serve breakfast myself today. Oh, no. Just today. I have a special reason. You can trust me. I've done this before. Believe me. (WHISTLING) Good morning, darling. Welcome home. What are you doing here, Franzi? I know you would be hungry so I brought you a lovely breakfast. Three eggs, darling. I don't wanna get up yet. But you must. Smith told me to wake you. He did? FRANZI: Yes. We leave in an hour. LEONORA: Who's we? All of us, darling. Smith, Tim, Charlie, me, the whole crowd. Where are we going? On a great tour of every Ohlrig plant in the country. Publicity tour. FRANZI: It'll be a lovely vacation and I certainly need one. Franzi. When did Smith decide to make this trip? Day before yesterday. You got back just in time. I always said you're a smart little girl. This is a lovely suit and cap and just take this with your mink. Where is the mink? They even buy... (INAUDIBLE) I'm through with that coat. What? I'm through with that coat. Darling, this is an expensive thing. You can't afford, I mean... I can. Dr. Quinada's office? Miss Murray, this is Leonora Eames. I'll wait. Don't be stupid, Leonora. Take this away, please. Look I told you, all these once before. Take it. Darling, be a darling. All right. All right. Some darlings never know when they are well-off. No, but give them time, Franzi, and they'll find out. Dr. Quinada? I'm very sorry about yesterday and I was wondering... Yes, I'd like to come back very much. Yes, I'll be there as soon as I can. Come on. Come on, Le, go home. Beat it. Here, for tomorrow morning. I wanna finish sending these out, the monthly bills. Oh, why bother. Nobody ever pays the doctor, anyway. (CHUCKLING) Has Quinada left? Uh-uh. He hasn't come back from the clinic yet. Well, if he doesn't show up by 9:00, you know how to lock out. Sure. Goodnight. Goodnight, Le. Uh... Don't wait later than 9:30, anyway. (BOTH CHUCKLING) (PHONE RINGING) Dr. Quinada's office. No, not yet, Mrs. Rudecki. Yes, I did tell him, but... Yes, I'll tell him again, Mrs. Rudecki. LEONORA: Yes. Hello. LEONORA: Hi. LEONORA: Tired? Beat. Is this becoming a habit? Staying overtime? Coffee will be ready in a minute. Take your coat off. Mrs. Rudecki phoned again for you to come over. I told her this morning there was no sense in my coming over. Well, this is the 10th time she's called which is a new record for her. You know what I'd like to do with Lorraine next time she comes into this office? Cut off those awful curls. And you know how she could cure that stomach trouble of hers? By sending her mother to a good psychiatrist. Any temperature? No. She says it's normal, but she claims Lorraine's seeing double. Seeing double? LEONORA: Yes. Miss Murray's gone, isn't she? LEONORA: Yes. Le, grab a taxi and get over to the City Drugstore. Okay. You know where it is? Yeah, I'll find it. You have some money, haven't you? (CHUCKLING) Sure. Have this filled and look me up at the Rudecki's right away. Okay. And hurry. Yeah. (MOANING) That light's a little bright for her eyes. Find something to shade it with. I'm afraid it's botulism. Botulism? Yeah, that's a doctor's fancy word for a very bad kind of food poisoning. (SPEAKING POLISH) (SPEAKING POLISH) (SPEAKING POLISH) Mama means... Will she get all right? I don't know. I think so, but I don't know for sure. You're so busy telling me I'm sick, but you haven't got time to come and see for yourself. Can you just keep quiet, please? That canned meat that she had this morning must have been the cause of the trouble. Anyone else eat it? (SPEAKING POLISH) No. Is there any left? Kitchen window. Why did you open the can, you fool? You were not supposed to open. (ARGUING) I'll give her another injection every six hours until it takes effect. If it takes effect. It will. Even when you treat cases like this immediately, 18% of those treated die. I know all the statistics. I'm a very good textbook doctor. What's the matter, Quinada? I slipped up. Just because Lorraine's always had stomach trouble, I assumed that's what it was this time. A doctor has no right to assume. Anyone can make a mistake. Not when it comes to a kid's life. I should have come straight over this morning instead of being such a... What are you doing? Well, you were shouting a little and I didn't want the Rudecki's to hear it. Good idea. You know, you might just as well go home. It's after 1:00. No, no, I'll stay. Okay. LARRY: Well, I'll be back here about noon. To give her another injection, all right? Thank you, doctor. Thank you. Thank you, doctor. Sleepy? Uh-uh, not a bit. I'm used to staying up all night. LARRY: You wait 'til about 9:00. That's when it catches up on you. Aren't you cold? No. Why did you wear that ridiculous coat? Don't you wanna be warm? I thought it was going to rain yesterday. You must be freezing. How much would it cost to buy you a warm coat? Oh, no, please. Now, look, Rudecki has just paid me for the last two months. I don't need an overcoat. I got one. Oh, it's very nice of you but... All right. You go home and get some sleep. I'm going home to take a bath, but I'm coming back to work. What do you think I am, a Park Avenue hostess? No, not a bit. (DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES) Good morning, Le. Good morning. Don't you ever go home? DR. HOFFMAN: Come in. DR. HOFFMAN: It's really too early to be sure. LEONORA: I know. DR. HOFFMAN: Are you worried? (CHUCKLING) That's a silly question. How long will a lab report take? Well, if you went over there now yourself, (SIGHING) they'd probably let you know first thing tomorrow morning. Can I just go? I'll call and tell them you're coming if you like. Please. I... You won't say anything. To Quinada? Yes. No. (CHUCKLING) It's none of my business, Le, but don't you think that you should? I... I couldn't. DR. HOFFMAN: He's really a marvelous fellow. I know, but... It's too much of a mess. DR. HOFFMAN: Okay. Anyway, thanks. MISS MURRAY: I must say you don't look it. Look what? Well, you've been up all night. Mrs. Rudecki just phoned and told me about the seizure. Good morning, Doctor. Good morning, Miss Murray. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning, Mrs... Where are you going? I think I better get some sleep. It's catching up with me. Le? I know you'd rather freeze, but... Will you try it on? It's not mink, but it will keep you warm. That's the main thing. It fits. It doesn't look bad. Turn around. Let's see the front. Now, Leonora. (SNIFFLING) Don't do that. I'm sorry. Thank you. We still have our date tonight? (CLAPPING) (PIANO PLAYING) I was mad at you that day. Did I ever apologize for bawling you out so badly? And what made you think of that? Was that because of the way I talked about marrying rich? It always makes me see red when people talk that way. My parents made themselves absolutely miserable by having an exaggerated idea about the importance of money. Got a light, sweetie? Sure. By the time I came along, they'd lost most of it. Muchas Gracias. Your hair looks good that way. Thank you. You look very lovely. Is something worrying you? No, I'm very happy. Go on about your parents. Oh, they just wasted their lives pretending to be rich, conniving and finagling, never working, of course. Thanks, sweetie. Oh, thank you. This isn't mine. What? Don't you want it? No, thank you. Well, muchas gracias. I can't imagine you pretending to be rich or pretending anything. Oh, I did for a while until I pulled out of it. Two more, sir? No, we're fine. Thank you. Unless... Oh, no. Thank you. Larry, was it very difficult? No. That's because you don't care about money. One has got to care about money to a certain extent. How else could I take you out to the dinner when I want to? Well, I care more about others things like... Doing the kind of work that interests me. Is that why you work in the East Side? Sure. I can learn more of there in one day than I can learn any place else in a month. All right, sweetie. Let's go. I beg your pardon? What? Perfectly okay. Buenas noches. Buenas noches. (CHUCKLING) That's a wonderful smile you've got. Charming. What? Nothing. I was just remembering something. I wish I could remember where I saw you before. I don't think you ever did. Didn't you ever come into town from Long Island? No. Hardly ever. What were you doing there? Oh, I was sort of a paid companion to somebody who was very rich. Let's dance. All right. I'm not very good. Oh, we don't have to. Oh, I'd like to if you would. I haven't danced in ages. Perhaps, you'd rather not. No, not unless you would. Well, I'm just as happy sitting here, but I just... Oh, so am I. Oh, come on. Let's dance. (BOTH CHUCKLING) Oh, I'm sorry. I stepped on your foot. You didn't. (GIGGLING) Good. It's probably somebody else's. This public dancing is quite an invention. You can get away with murder. (GIGGLING) I'm having a wonderful time. (CHUCKLING) Oops. (LAUGHING) We ought to have done this ages ago. Why don't we go out again on Saturday? And then spend Sunday together? And Monday too. Sure. And Tuesday. And we can go dancing again Saturday night. And then spend Sunday again. You know, it would be much simpler if we were married and we wouldn't have to make dates. Did you hear what I said? Yes. I was proposing. You weren't. Sure. Why not? Larry, I... I want to marry you more than anything in the world but... But? Well, there's something I have to straighten out first. Let's not talk about it. Okay. I'll propose again tomorrow. LARRY: What's new? Brought in a nine-pounder this afternoon. Boy. LARRY: Congratulations. It was a madhouse today. DR. HOFFMAN: A rat race. LARRY: Mrs. Cricket at the bar swallowed a dime. DR. HOFFMAN: (CHUCKLING) No news from Leonora. DR. HOFFMAN: Well, maybe she isn't feeling well. She'll be back tomorrow. Yeah, I dropped by her place on the way from hospital. She's moved. Gone. Where to? Long Island, the landlady said. (PIPE CLANKING) You know, there's pipes are on the brink again. We ought to send for the plumber. What's the matter with the landlord? Ah, they'll never catch him. I was out with her last night. Well, didn't she say anything? About leaving? No. You didn't criticize her again? No. (CHUCKLING) I proposed to her as matter of fact. I thought I'd run out to Long Island. Oh. Well, Larry, was last night the first time you went out with her? Yes. Long Island? Hmm... I don't know. I ended up pretty silly anyway. All I can get out of her was that she was a paid companion to somebody rich. (CHUCKLING) Nice work if you can get it. (CHUCKLING) I can just hear the conversation. "Good evening, Mr. so and so. I'm Dr. Quinada." "Are you by any chance keeping one of my former employees,." "A Miss Leonora Eames?" (CHUCKLING) Yeah. Yeah. Well... Why don't you forget her? LARRY: You think so? Well, yeah. LARRY: All right. Good night. DR. HOFFMAN: Good night, Larry. MAN: Well, it adds up to be nothing more Yes? Than a windy analysis which, uh... I'll tell him. SMITH: Which shows absolutely no conception of the problem in plain terms of dollars and cents. As to paragraph four, this too is completely ridiculous. Yes. If you want me to invest one penny... Who was that? Dr. Quinada is calling to see Miss Eames. Who? Miss Eames? I'll get rid of him, darling. Get rid of yourself. Send him in. Of course, darling. If you want me to invest one penny, you will do it my way or not at all. Sincerely yours. That's all, gentlemen. Good night. Good night. Good night, Mr. Ohlrig. Good night, Mr. Ohlrig. (CLOCK CHIMING) (DOOR CLOSES) FRANZI: In here, please. Good evening. I'm Smith Ohlrig. Would you like a drink? Thank you. Is Miss Eames here? She'll be right down. Champagne? I'd rather have something else if you don't mind. Scotch? That'll be fine. I might have known you'd be good-looking. Leonora was very impressed with you. I was very much impressed with her. She started from scratch and learned to a good job very quickly. Soda? Plain water, please. Also, she's very attractive. That always helps. Yes, it does. I'm glad you and Leonora are hitting it off so well together. There's nothing like a little extra curricular romance after office hours, is there, Doctor? It's hardly any business of yours, Mr. Ohlrig. Just interested in employer-employee relationships. After all, Leonora was an employee of mine. In a way, she still is. How do you mean? We're still married. I always had a curious feeling that I'd seen Leonora before. Now I know where. In the newspapers. A picture, right after your wedding. I better go. I'm afraid I've made a mistake. I'm afraid you have. Thank you. (WHISPERING) Larry! Larry, meet me outside. Where? In the garden around the side. (DOOR OPENING) Larry! Why didn't you say anything to me? How could you run away like a child? I tried to tell you, Larry. When? Well, the very first day, but I wanted the job and I... How could you sit at that bar with me and you say nothing? (STUTTERING) I just couldn't. Did you know you were gonna go back to him? No, not then. What you made you do it? I had to. You said you loved me. I do. I... Then what is it? Are you afraid of him? No, I... Then what? Tell me. I'm going to have a baby. Le, listen. Forget that I love you. Larry... No, no, I mean it. Forget that I want you, that I want to marry you. But believe this. You can't stay here. You got to leave him. I can't. I'm not saying this just because of how I feel. I was with that man for three minutes. But I know he's not normal. He's dangerous. You've got to get out of here. Larry, it's his baby. So because of convention, you'll let him destroy you and your child? No, I won't let him. You will help. Without meaning to, you'll help! You sat in my office too many times not to know what happens to a child whose parents are messed up. But I know what happens to a child whose parents haven't got anything. That's why you came back to him, isn't it? No, I came back for my baby, for his future. I want security. You want money. Isn't that why you married him? No, no. For security? I thought I loved him. You mean you made yourself think that. (SIGHING) Don't. You found out it was wrong to marry just for money, so you had to make yourself... No. You still got those same ridiculous ideas. Marry rich, live rich. I didn't know what to do. You know what you want. Yes, I want you, but I... But you want your child to be rich. Well, make up your mind, Leonora. I'd be the last man to say that anyone can be secure without money in this world, but money alone isn't security, as you ought to know it by now. What should I do? Tell me. Grow up! If you're still gonna be wishing for mink coats and houses like this... I don't want you. (CLICKING) Trying to recapture the feeling of the East Side, Leonora? Smith, we were... I understood you were such a moral character, Doctor. Not the type to make passes at somebody else's wife. Of course, Leonora doesn't surprise me. That's about enough! Now, look... And stop clenching your fists. I would be only too glad to take a crack at you but it wouldn't settle a thing. The only one of us who can settle this is Leonora. Smith, Larry was... Don't try to act... I'll tell you exactly what's been going on, Ohlrig. I told Leonora that I love her and I want to marry her. Did you bother to tell him about the child? LARRY: Yes, and I warned her that you'll ruin it. You take a lot for granted. LARRY: Nothing. I don't even want Leonora until she decides how important money really is to her. SMITH: Oh, I can answer that without even... It's not your answer I'm interested in! It's hers. If you make up your mind, you can always call. Whose child are you having? From the moment I came back, I've had to listen to your filthy insinuations. Well not anymore. Come down here, Leonora. I said come down here. You came back to get a divorce, didn't you? You wanted to divorce me and live happily ever after with him on my money. I don't want your money. But you do wanna leave me, don't you? Yes. We're all wrong together, Smith. It's been a mistake from the beginning. You can have a divorce on one condition. Come down here. You know, Leonora, you still walk like a model. And not a very good one at that. Are you in love with your doctor friend? Smith. You are, aren't you? What does... Admit it. Do you care whether I am or not? Yes, I want you to be in love with him. Why? Because then it's easier for me to win. Win what? What is it you want, Smith? You can have your divorce, but I get the child. That's the condition. You know I wouldn't do that! Of course I do. I also know I can get custody of the child anytime I want. How? By suing you for divorce and naming Quinada correspondent. But we haven't done anything wrong. If you have money, you could always get enough people to swear to anything you want. You wouldn't! Oh, yes, I would. And what's more, I will. If you ever so much as talk to him on the phone. You once told me you thought I was sorry from the moment we married. That's pretty mild. I hated myself for being such a fool. I never wanted you in the first place. The more you fought me, the more I began to dislike you. I think now I hate you. All I care about is breaking you. And if I have to use the child to do it, I will. You know enough about me to know that I can't stand losing. Only nice people lose and you're obviously a nice girl. All you came back for is that child. And as long as you want it, you're stuck here. And that's probably for the rest of your life! Smith. Smith, wait! Wait, Smith. Smith! Oh, Smith, you don't mean it. You're just angry with me. (CRYING) LEONORA: Smith, listen, please let me have my baby. Don't take my baby, Smith, don't! LEONORA: Oh, Smith! (RINGING) (CRYING) Oh, Smith. FRANZI: "From the way that multimillionaire" "has been treating his car hop wife the last three months," "we understand she is ready to call the Long Island estate, Wit's End." "Ha! Ha!" I can't even get her on the phone. Tell Leonora I wanna see her. Smith, it's so late. Tell Leonora I wanna see her! Right now. (CLICKING) (CLICKING) (MOANING) (KNOCKING) FRANZI: Leonora. (KNOCKING) FRANZI: Leonora, I know you're awake. Leonora. (KNOCKING) Leonora, he's in a rage. He'll come up himself. You know that. (KNOCKING) FRANZI: Leonora! It's really plain, darling. Why you didn't answer the phone when he called? He's in a terrible rage. I didn't hear. He let it ring for five minutes by the clock and he was in a conference. I pulled it out. I won't let him call me night after night and week after week, every night, never. Yes, yes, yes, I know, darling, but... (SIGHING) But he wants you to come downstairs. No, no. Just a few minutes. No, I won't. Leonora, please, he's terribly furious. I've never seen him so upset in my life. The doctor told him we mustn't... The doctor told him I mustn't go out of the house. I must get some sleep. Darling, I... He knows that. The doctor told him he mustn't call me and wake me, and take me out of the house at all hours. Just this last time. No, I can't. Please. No, no, I won't. I won't. I won't. Larry. Larry, I need you. (CRYING) Larry, they won't let me sleep. I wanna sleep, Larry. I want help. (SOBBING) Please, Larry, make them leave me alone. Smith. Is she coming down? She's very sick. I feel sorry for her. I think it's a mistake. A woman in her condition, to treat her like... Is she coming down? Why the devil do you think I sent you up there, you dirty little parasite? Get her down here. I think I'd prefer to be a headwaiter again, Mr. Ohlrig. You know, you're a big man but not big enough to destroy that girl. Goodbye. Dirty little snake. Not big enough to... If she doesn't come down... (BANGING) (CLATTERING) SMITH: Leonora! (YELLING) (GROANING) SMITH: (WHEEZING) (GROANING) Leonora. Get me some water. Get me some water. Leonora. Please... Please... Get me some... Water. Leonora. Leonora... I need some... Water. Water. DOCTOR: Blood pressure, 110 over 70. EKG, normal. He'll live. Discontinue the oxygen. (MURMURING) Le? LEONORA: I killed him. Le. I killed him. He was lying on the floor and I left him there. I killed him. I called you. I'm here, darling. I'm here. I killed him. I did. I killed him. LEONORA: I wanted him to die. Larry. Larry, I need you. I want... I want you back. Here, take a drink of this. I want you back and... Put your head back. Put your head back. There. One of his pills... And I called his doctor... Now, hold on. Take another drink. There now. You'll be all right. And the doctor... Says he's going to die. He won't. I wanted him to die. Now, be quite. Be quiet now. I'm with you. You're gonna be safe. Nothing's gonna happen to you. Oh, Larry, I wanted you so... Mmm-hmm. When he said he'd take my baby away... He said... (GRUNTING) Oh, Larry. Larry, it hurts! LEONORA: (GROANING) Oh! Stay here. Don't move. I'll be back in a minute. Is there a telephone down here, sir? Yes, sir, the left of the front door, sir. Okay, I got it. Is it over right here? Thank you. MAN: Right in there, sir. Operator. (SIREN WAILING) He isn't gonna die. You didn't kill him. I had a long talk with his doctor. He'll live to be an old man. But you... Hey, listen, can you hear me? You can only live if you want to and you must want to. That's why it's so important that you hear what I'm saying. He wanted to take your child away, maybe he succeeded. Your child will die and it's a terrible thing, I know, but... You'll be free to start living. Isn't that true? He can't hold you anymore. He won't even want to. All he wanted was to dominate you and kick you around like everybody else. Only care about the child was to use it, to keep you under his thumb. But now you'll be free. Free to start living. Free to be happy, doing the things that are worthwhile. You can be happy, darling. That's why I want you to hear me. I hear you, Larry. Larry, Larry. She's okay. Pre-mature birth, the baby died. LARRY: He can't hold her now, even if he wants to. She's free. She shouldn't see anybody. Oh, sure. (CHUCKLING) I'll give you two minutes. DR. HOFFMAN: Where are you taking that? In here. No, no, she can't be disturbed. But Jacqueline doesn't want to be responsible for the darn coat, Doctor. Don't worry about it. If my diagnosis is correct, she won't want that anyway. All right. |
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