Dolly Sisters, The (1945)

Good evening.
- Good evening.
- My-My- My name is Latsie Dolly.
I just come from-
from Budapest with my nieces.
And-This is Jenny,
and this is Rosie.
I- I look- look my- look for
my old friend, Mr. Tsimmis.
Is- Is he here? No?
I'm new here.
Waiter!
This man is looking for somebody
by the name of Crimmis.
No. No, Crimmis-Tsimmis,
with the "Zis."
Tsimmis, the theater
booking agent?
There is just
one Tsimmis in the world.
Tsimmis! There's
somebody here to see you!
Oh!
Ignatz, my old friend.
Oh!
Since eight long years,
I don't see you.
That's right.
And since eight long years,
you owe me a thousand hellers...
from that last game of clobyosh
we played in Budapest.
Here in America,
that's, uh, $11.
N-Not for the children.
We will play now.
Maybe I win it back.
Come.
Latsie, take that off.
Come here, come here.
So... pincr.
Pincr! Ah! Ah! Pin-
Pincr. Pincr. Pincr, pincr,
pincr, pincr.
Waiter. Waiter.
- Come. Give us, please, a deck of cards.
- Here.
No, no.
New ones, please.
My- My nieces.
What-Wh-Wh-Wh-What are you doing?
Don't make me nervous. Go to the band
and watch the music, darlings.
Children, come here.
Ooh! Yoy! Yoy!
- You deal-
- Ah! What!
Hey.
I am glad we didn't
play dominoes.
Nothing you should play,
you understand?
Mr. Tsimmis was just asking about you.
- Same old trouble, Uncle?
- There is no trouble.
Only I have $42 in I.O.U.'s, all from
your uncle, and I don't get paid.
Look, eight dollars he loses to me
in Zimmerman's back room.
Back room? It wasn't in the back room.
It was in the center of the restaurant.
All right, all right.
Six dollars from Lichau's out by the kitchen.
Kitchen? I never played cards in the kitchen.
That-That was in the back room.
Yes, yes, yes.
Here, $22 when we played in my office.
- In- In your office?
- Yes, in my office.
- All right, all right.
- Not a cent do I get. What is this?
Uncle, aren't you ashamed?
After you promised me.
I give you my word.
Never again I will touch a card.
So help me.
Look, Mr. Ignatz, you'll never
get your money as long as we work here.
So if you find us a real job, why, we could
pay you a little every week for Uncle's losses.
- Wouldn't we, Rosie?
- Of course. You could take it out of our salary.
- Would you go out of town?
- Oh, we'd go anywhere.
All right, girls, uh, here's a date I promised
Miller's Midgets, but I give it to you.
But this is the last time we play clobyosh,
you understand?
- Oh, it's a deal. Where do we go?
- Elmira.
Elmira?
Is it on the map?
You got to catch the 7:30
from Hoboken in the morning.
We're on it. Come on, Jenny. We just have time
to rent costumes before they close.
- Coming, Uncle?
- Li-Little later, darling. Little later.
Uncle, so help you?
Sweetheart.
So help me.
So help me.
Will you have the cards
again in your face?
Later. But first,
we will play one more game.
Tickets.
Tickets, please.
Tickets.
Half fare.
- How old are you?
- I'm 10, and my sister's 11.
Uh, we always travel
half fare.
Hmm.
Tickets, please.
See, I told you we could get by with it.
That's $3.00 saved.
- Oh, uh, just a minute.
- I beg your pardon?
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to-
That's all right, little girl.
No charge for looking.
Uh, are you an actor?
Well, the jury's still out,
but, uh, I think so.
Well, what do you do?
I just finished two weeks
at the New York Victoria.
Hammerstein's Victoria?
There's only one.
Well, then-Then you
must be a headliner.
Mm, yes, when I'm not starring
in musical comedy.
Oh.
Uh, you must know
everybody in New York.
Everyone from Lillian Russell
to Georgie Cohan.
We don't know a soul.
We sing and dance. And when we grow up,
we'd just love to be on the stage...
if we could meet
the right people.
All little girls want to go on the stage.
Oh. I- I wonder, please,
could you introduce us to Mr. Hammerstein?
Oscar? When you're
in New York, look me up.
He has dinner every week
with me at the Friars Club.
The Friars Club?
Oh, how wonderful.
- You're very kind, Mr. - Mr. -
- Fox. Harry Fox.
Well, uh, wouldn't you like
to turn your chair around, Mr. Fox?
We'll all be more comfortable.
I suppose so.
How far are you going,
Mr. Fox?
- Elmira.
- Elmira?
You're playing there
after Broadway?
Oh. I always like to break in
my new material out of town.
Uh, where are
you two kids going?
- Oh, we're going to Elmira too.
- To visit some relatives.
Well, then you can catch
my act while you're there.
I should say we will.
- Mr. Fox?
- Oh, thanks.
Manager!
- I want to see the manager.
- Maybe he don't want to see you.
Ever think of it that way?
Have you met Elmer?
- Where's the manager?
- Stop shouting! There's a rehearsal on!
- Shut up!
- That wasn't him. That was me!
- What's eatin' you anyway?
- I'm Harry Fox.
What's the idea of billing an unknown
sister act over me? And a trained seal!
- Now- - Who are the Dolly Sisters
anyway? I never heard of them!
What's the difference?
Nobody ever heard of you either!
Besides, there's two of them, and there's
only one seal. And there's only one of you!
Now you listen-
- Thank you very much.
- See you at the matinee.
- Oh, hello, Mr. Fox.
- Hello.
- Surprise.
- You, uh, might have told a fella.
Mr. Fox objects
to his billing here.
What's wrong
with the billing?
- I dressed with a trained seal once.
We didn't get along.
- Oh, is that so?
Have you got a college degree?
A. B? B. A? Ph. D?
- What's your alphabet?
- Well, I was lucky to get through high school.
Well, then, don't look
down on an educated seal.
- Let me tell you some-
- Well, he can't help it.
You see, Mr. Fox
is a Broadway headliner.
- Direct from two weeks at Hammerstein's Victoria.
- Rosie, please.
Well, is there any law against
a fella giving himself a little buildup?
- Never heard of one.
- Come on! Who's next?
We haven't got all day! We got an Elks dance
and a wedding to play! Let's go!
Hi, fellas. Look, bring me on
with a fast eight bars of "I Love the Lady."
And there's a new tune there I wrote myself
called "I Can't Begin To Tell You."
- It's a ballad, but I want it played lively, see?
- Everybody does.
No! No! No!
That's not it at all.
Keep it light and gay.
Pick it up in the treble,
like this, in a shoddish tempo.
- Wonderful.
- Thanks.
You ought to be the leader at Hammerstein's
Victoria. I didn't get your name.
- Gilbert Oystermore.
- Oh. Well, I'll make a note of that.
Thanks, boys.
I'll see you tonight.
They went that way.
Hey, they're not bad little babes.
- How about you and me datin' them up tonight?
- You look better with the seal.
Oh, thanks very much.
Oh, yeah?
If Elmer looked anything like you,
I'd make a fur coat out of him.
Stop it. He hates you.
Come on. Come on, hurry up.
- Oh.
- It's a good thing we don't own a trunk.
- It's a good thing we're not a trio.
- That's right.
Dolly Sisters!
I'll get it.
Well?
Oh, for us?
- You're the Dolly Sisters, ain't ya?
- Well, yes, but-
- That's what it says here.
- Thank you very much.
I knew it. That nice-looking gentleman with
the bald head in the third row. Remember him?
How could I forget?
He's been in that same seat for five shows.
Oh. Him.
"My mistake. You two girls
can be billed over me anytime.
How about a cup of coffee?
Harry Fox."
Oh, how sweet.
Let's go have a bite
to eat with him.
There you go again,
Josephine.
- Well, we've got to eat anyway.
And stop calling me Josephine.
This is our introduction.
We're in the wings.
This is the proscenium arch.
And do just like I told you.
Don't get nervous, honey.
Well, shouldn't we be
singing as we come on?
Everybody else does that,
so we'll be different. We'll sing later.
It's a funny feeling
working with a man.
Darling, we're sensational. We're killing 'em.
Let's take another bow.
Okay.
- You picked that up in a hurry.
- Rosie will get it in a minute.
She's awfully quick.
But, Jenny, I-Well, I've been looking for
a girl in my act, and I thought-
Oh. You mean
just you and me?
Oh, Rosie and I
could never separate.
Why-Why we've been an act
ever since we were kids.
But I mean,
a really classy act.
Evening clothes,
Fifth Avenue dresses.
Why, pretty soon,
we'd really be on the bill at Hammerstein's.
Oh, I'm sorry, Harry.
And I'm flattered that you want me...
but, well, you ought to know
what a sister act means.
W-We're tied together somehow,
and nothing else counts.
No matter how
attractive it seems.
- Well, anyway, thanks for the attractive.
- Quiet!
Elmer wants to sleep.
Whew! All that rush
for nothing.
You might have at least waited
long enough to say good-bye.
- Just common courtesy.
- Oh, he's common enough as it is.
Here, you watch the bags
while I go get the tickets.
Psst! Hey, Jenny.
Jenny. Psst.
Hey, come here.
Oh, Harry.
I didn't mean to rush off
without saying good-bye.
Yeah, sure. Say, Jenny,
there's something I got to tell you.
I'm gonna miss you.
Oh. Why, you hardly
know me though.
Yeah, sure, I know,
but I know how I feel.
I'm gonna miss you too,
I guess.
Don't you know?
Gee, I never thought falling in love
would be like this.
It's so- so sudden and-
and all mixed up with trains and things.
So, Jenny, look,
if I don't get to New York right away...
- give me a break and wait for me, will ya?
- Oh, of course I will, Harry.
That's all I wanted to know.
Jenny?
- Good-bye.
- Jenny!
Somebody could have stolen our bags.
Now what have you been up to?
Oh. Oh, uh,
my handkerchief blew away.
There isn't a breeze.
For a lost handkerchief,
you certainly have a peculiar gleam in your eye.
Stanton, Alford, Dover
and Hoboken. All aboard!
Oscar Hammerstein's office.
No, Mr. Caruso,
he's not in.
That could never happen to me
in Saint Petersburg. I'll never wait.
I'm so sorry.
And whether you're playing or not,
keep working.
Practice your singing every minute
and practice your dancing.
Well, uh,
aren't you Flo Daly?
- Gee! I read where Ziegfeld's gonna star you.
- Oh.
We really appreciate every bit
of advice you've given us, Miss Daly.
Well, don't appreciate it. Use it.
Live with and for your work.
That's the only way
you'll get ahead.
That's what I do
every minute I'm awake.
Miss Daly! The bookie says
the horses are at the post.
Oh, tell him hold on.
I'll be there in a minute.
And remember, girls, concentrate on your work.
Nothing else matters.
Oh.
- Mademoiselle Polaire.
- Oh, he's expecting you. Will you come in, please?
Oh!
- The famous Polaire.
- Yeah.
Oh, excuse-
Jenny!
Hello, Harry.
Oh, gee, I'm glad to see you.
- Hello, Rosie. How are you?
- I was fine.
Say, I- I wrote you, but you must have moved,
'cause all the letters came back.
Oh, that's a shame.
I'm so sorry.
- Well, this is great luck. Could
I buy you a cup of coffee? - Uh-huh.
To think, the best offer I've had all day
has to come from you.
Why, you girls have got twice as much talent-
10 times as this Polaire...
and you're a hundred times
better looking.
You just haven't made
people recognize it.
What you need is style,
importance.
Glamour.
Well, um, how do
we get this glamour...
out of a hat
like a magician with a rabbit?
In a way. But if
you girls do as I say...
you'll have Hammerstein
on his hands and knees begging for you.
- I can hardly wait.
- Rosie.
It'll take nerve- plenty of it-
and a heart full of courage.
But if you follow my advice,
you'll never have to play the small-time again.
- What time is it, Uncle?
- 4:30.
He said they would
be here at 2:30.
Well, Mr. Hammerstein's
always a little late.
Oh, he's two days late this time,
and on our money. Borrowed money.
They'll be here.
Harry said so.
Oh, of all the idiotic things
I ever let you talk me into.
And-And the wardrobe
you've charged.
Such fine references
I gave for you.
- What references?
- What references? The Hungarian ambassador.
Oh.
Give it to me.
Give it to me. Hello?
Hello? Hello?
The suite of
the Dolly Sisters.
What? Yes.
Yes, send them right up.
Quick! Quick!
They're coming! They're coming!
- Now, Miss Smarty, who's an idiot?
- I don't believe it.
Girls, don't forget the Hungarian accents
you were born with.
I wish I could show you what I mean.
I'm sorry we're late, ladies,
but Mr. Hammerstein was detained at his banker's.
Mr. Hammerstein,
I want you to meet Miss Jansci Dolly.
How do you do?
- And, uh, this is Miss Rozsicka Dolly.
- What is his name, please?
Hammerstein.
Oscar Hammerstein.
I do not hear of him before.
Is he important manager?
Well, he's only the biggest
and most important manager in America.
- Oh.
- Then we will consider him.
- No, Rozsicka?
- Mm. Yes, Jansci.
Won't you come in, please?
Play, please.
We have been to gay Paris
Trs joli
Gay Paris
Where your heart, she dances
like the bubbles in the wine
Where life is so divine
Where love
she's yours and mine
Mais oui, toujours
Vive la France
Ah, vive l'amour
When we was in Vienna
Vienna
Was so wonderful
We drink, we waltz
we eat, we waltz, we drink
We waltz again
What else can you do
In Vienna
To Budapest
we make a trip
To dance to gyp... sy
music
But when you do
the czardas
Just be careful
what you're saying
A lady can't be too discreet
When violins
Is "playingk"
Yes, we have been around
We've lived
und we have learned
And we'd like to
make it clear
That as far as we're
Concerned
Mr. Hammerstein, you dare to
shake your head at the Dolly Sisters?
From Budapest?
Never.
Never before have I seen
two such lovely girls.
- You mean you like us?
- You'll take us?
My dears, I don't care where
you come from- Budapest or Brooklyn.
You open at the Victoria
in two weeks.
- Oh, Jenny!
- Oh, Rosie!
Harry!
If you're a lonely little lady
And life hasn't been so nice to you
Listen, lonely little lady
This is our advice
To you
Don't be too old-fashioned
Old-fashioned girl
Give yourself that 1915 flair
When you're walking up
Fifth Avenue
And wintery winds are blowing
Don't get too upset
If your petticoat is showing
Be like Irene Castle
And bob your hair
Throw away your flannel underwear
Light a cigarette
Be a suffragette
Be part of the merry world
And order an old-fashioned
Old-fashioned girl
And if you're not as pretty
As the dollies in the Follies
Don't let it worry you a bit
You won't be too old-fashioned
If you wake up
To the magic of a makeup kit
I'm Lady Lipstick
I do well by mademoiselle
But bear this thought in mind
A kiss isn't tellable
If you use the indelible kind
I'm Patricia Powder
I dispose of the shine on your nose
Who would try to deny my repute
I'm adored by belles
But not by their beaus
'Cause, ooh, what I do
To a blue serge suit
Patricia, you're a wonder
and you know your stuff
But I'm the one that's pushed around
and treated rough
I hate to cause dissension
but why don't you ever mention
Your little poor relation
Patsy Powder Puff
I am Rosie Rouge
You won't be called a hussy
Just because you're properly painted
And remember a girl that's quaint
Never gets acquainted
Mascara
I'm Mascara
I can do for you
What I did for Theda Bara
For in my subtle way I emphasize
That gleamy, dreamy
"come and see me" mischief
In your eyes
You must agree that
we've proven conclusively
That powder and lipstick and rouge
Improvises youth
And disguises truth
Powder and lipstick and rouge
Radiates the cold
Rejuvenates the old
What if some freckles may vex you
Just spend some shekels
and freckles will
Never perplex you
Beautiful faces
come out of vanity cases
With powder and lipstick and rouge
What if some freckles may vex you
Just spend some shekels
And freckles will never perplex you
Beautiful faces
come out of vanity cases
So don't be too old-fashioned
Join the merry world
Old-fashioned
Girl
Mademoiselle,
permit me to tell you...
how much I am enchanted that
you're coming to Paris under my management.
- Thank you.
- Here are the contracts and the tickets.
You have the best suite
on the Mauretania.
Oh, thank you, Monsieur Philippe.
We're almost all packed.
Good night, Monsieur Philippe,
and thank you for liking us so much.
Mademoiselle.
- Au revoir.
- Thank you.
And now, monsieur, how would you like
a little snack with me?
- What?
- A little snack.
Snack? I- I don't know,
but if you show me just once, I can play it.
- I mean something to eat.
- To eat? I am not a bit hungry.
But maybe a little steak with some
potatoes and- and a bite of pudding, please.
A suite on the Mauretania.
That isn't the way we came over.
I'll say it isn't.
Is Harry still
on the road?
I don't know.
I just can't understand him.
He used to write me every day
no matter where he was playing.
I guess he's met someone else
and hasn't the nerve to tell me.
Could be. Well, I'm gonna go
tell Flo about Paris.
Oh, don't forget we have a date with her tonight
at Ronnie Warburton's.
- Jenny.
- Harry!
Oh!
- It's really you.
- Uh-huh.
- Oh!
- Darling, darling.
Here, let me look at you.
Yep. You're exactly like
I dream about you.
- Do you know you always smile with your eyes first?
- Do I?
- Yes.
- Oh, darling.
Oh.
Oh, Harry, why didn't you
let me know you were coming?
Well, I couldn't.
I just happened to be in town, and I got
a sudden impulse to drop by and say hello.
You know me-
Always obey that impulse.
Oh.
Well, Rosie and I have obeyed one too.
We're sailing day after tomorrow.
We've signed with Philippe
for a show in Paris.
Paris? Well, gee,
that-that's great.
You're really glad.
Well-Well, of course.
It's- It's what you want,
isn't it?
Of course.
That's what you want too,
isn't it?
Or maybe Paris isn't far enough.
Maybe you'd like it if I went to China.
- Oh, Harry, be honest with me.
What's happened to us?
- Nothing.
- Is- Is there someone else?
- You know it isn't that.
Well, then it must be something.
It- It can't just be the separation.
Then what?
Oh, Harry, it isn't because
I landed on top first, is it?
Oh, you fool.
You darling fool.
How can that
make any difference?
But it does, Jenny.
And it's not just a matter of pride.
But you love me, don't you?
And I love you.
That's all that counts.
Everything else is nonsense.
No, it isn't nonsense,
Jenny.
I've seen other people try it,
dozens of them.
Oh, it's not just
the money or the fame.
It's a lot of other little things
all added up. It just won't work.
Oh, it's all right as long as the stardust
is still there...
but then the stardust blows away
and a kind of poison sets in.
In- In other words, you-
you don't want to marry me.
- More than anything else in the world.
- Oh.
But I can't.
Not till I get someplace.
Not even if I ditch
the Paris engagement?
I can't let you
do that, Jenny.
Oh, I see.
Well, there's no use
dragging things out, is there?
I mean, we-we might as well
make a clean break and say good-bye.
Yeah, I guess so.
- Good-bye then.
- Good-bye, Jenny.
Uh, no more letters.
Not that you've been writing much lately.
No. No more letters.
But- But we'll
always be friends?
Sure, sure.
Good-bye, Jenny.
Good-bye.
Good-bye.
Buy you a cup of coffee?
It's no use, Harry.
Just go, will you?
That Daly woman. She had to dope out
tomorrow's horses at New Orleans.
- Come on. We're late.
- All right.
- I can't. I'm going home.
- But you promised.
That's what I said.
Taxi!
Taxi!
Taxi!
Oh, thank you. Oh!
- Oh, I was looking for a taxi.
- So I see.
I'll get you one, but it'll take time.
You better take me up on that coffee first.
- No, thanks very much, but I-
- Now see here. You're drenched.
Do you want to get
to Paris with pneumonia?
- Well, I guess not.
- All right, then. Come on.
Here you are, Miss Dolly.
That will warm you up.
Thank you, Mr. Dowling.
Never forget the first time
I saw those knees.
On the way to Elmira,
remember?
Sure.
You and your half fare.
- There.
- Thank you.
I think the patient has
an even chance to recover.
Oh, thank you, Doctor.
You have a lovely manner.
Thank you.
- How about a bite to eat?
- No, thank you. I don't care for anything.
Uh, what are you doing
about your songs?
Oh, nothing much.
Except "Rainbows." Remember it?
Oh, yes. I liked it.
Well, it goes like this now.
Well, I knew I was coming to a party,
so I brought my music along.
- Here you are, Mr. Harris. Help yourself, Mr. Tannen.
- Thank you. After you, Sam.
- Hello, Jenny.
- Oh, hello.
- Did you write that song?
- Sure.
- I like it a lot.
- Oh, really, Sam?
Oh. Oh, uh, this is Mr. Harris
of Cohan and Harris.
- This is Harry Fox.
- How do you do?
- Hello.
- Why don't you stop at my office sometime?
- I'd like to talk business to you.
- I'd be glad to.
- When could you come?
- How about right now?
- No. Tomorrow will do. Good night, Jenny.
- Good night, Sam.
- Good night, young fella.
- Good night.
- Good night, Dowling. Good night, Jules.
- Good night, Sam.
- If he puts it in a show, it means half a million copies.
- Yeah.
You see, a twist of the wrist
and you're a hit too.
Oh, Harry, do I have to go to Paris?
I don't want to.
But, Jenny, the Folies Bergre,
think of the chance.
I still don't want to.
Darling, nobody can turn down
an offer like that.
Nobody, darling?
Excuse me, Mrs. Fox, for buttin' in like this.
I'm Morrie Keno- Keno and Kraus.
- Hello.
- We played on the bill with you and
Rosie in Atlanta once.
You wouldn't remember our act.
We were on too early.
Anyway, when war was declared, my partner
enlisted right away. Me, I couldn't make it myself.
I'm putting on shows here
to sell Liberty bonds.
There's one tonight at the hotel.
I'd like to have you and your sister go on for us.
People love you, and you'll
sell bonds like wildfire.
Try and bring Mr. Fox along, but I know
he's singin' at recruiting rallies all the time.
Sure made a big hit at the Palace.
Had it comin' to him. Swell fella.
Thanks for comin' tonight.
I'll announce you myself.
- That's about all I can do to help.
- Why-
My partner enlisted right away.
I couldn't make it.
Nice hearing your voice again,
Mrs. Fox. See ya tonight. Ahem.
- Thanks a million.
- We'll be there, and thanks, Mr. Keno,
for dropping in.
It's all right.
Whew!
- Kathi, do you think it's ready yet?
- Just about.
Oh! Here, let me
take it out myself.
- Ooh!
- Better you should use these, Miss Jenny.
- Ah.
- Jenny, don't tell me you did
that all by yourself?
Mm-hmm. Well, Kathi
helped me a little bit.
Jenny, we have news for you.
Where's Harry? I thought you were
picking him up at the Friars.
We stopped by for him, but he wasn't there.
He's probably at another recruiting rally.
- Oh. Well, what's the big news?
- Guess.
- Twenty weeks around New York.
- Better than that.
That Mr. Philippe from Paris-
such a nice fellow.
He renews his offer
for the Folies Bergre.
Now I can fire that lawyer. Here, I have
the contract. More money than before.
The Mauretania
and everything.
But I can't leave Harry now, just when
he's starting his first New York show.
- He needs me.
- I need you too, Jenny.
After all, you did put
"Rainbows" over for him.
Just because I sang it
for Sam Harris?
Oh, Rosie.
You're not being fair.
Are you being fair?
We turned this chance down once
so you could have your precious Harry.
Now you want
to turn it down again.
If it weren't for my precious Harry,
we might never have had the chance.
You seem to forget that he sold us
to Hammerstein in the first place.
- We sold ourselves to Hammerstein.
- Girls! Girls, please!
Oh, Rosie.
We're fighting.
- We mustn't ever do that. Never.
- Then you'll go?
- Does it mean that much?
- Does it?
Well, just everything
we've ever dreamed of- Paris, London.
It's only 10 weeks.
You would be back before you could say
Jack Robinson Crusoe.
Ten weeks?
Rosie, I'm sure you'd be
just as big a hit without me.
- Couldn't you- Couldn't you-
- No, no, no, no!
No, no, no, Jenny.
That way, it's no good.
One Dolly sister would be
just like one Siamese twin.
Two is something.
One is nothing.
He's right, Jenny.
It's the team or nothing, and you know it.
Yes, I know it, darling.
I hate myself for letting
you down, but it's just-
just that I want
every moment with Harry now.
Oh, Rosie. Suppose
they take him- for the war.
War? It will be over
in a week. War.
Oh, what an idiot
I am.
Of course you mustn't
leave him now.
Well, Paris can wait. We'll stay here
and go into the Dillingham show.
Oh, Rosie.
You angel.
Hey. Careful of my wings.
Any fella who can
make you that happy, I'm for.
Gee, I wish he'd come home.
I'd like to tell him so before I change my mind.
Look, look, look.
It doesn't fit so good, but
they say I'll grow into it.
Oh, Harry.
You did it.
I had to, darling.
I was singin' at the rally,
gettin' other fellas to enlist and...
sang myself right in.
- And what's worse, he sang me into it too.
- And she wouldn't go to Paris.
You don't have to turn down
a good offer on my account.
I'm in a new act now,
a big one-
a million other fellas.
Couldn't you have waited?
Just a little while?
It would've only been tougher, dear,
on both of us.
Don't worry, darling.
I'm not in the trenches yet.
I guess it's the same with a lot of people
all over the country.
But why did he
have to do it now...
just when he got
his first break?
Oh. Come on, baby.
Get your chin up.
You don't want him
to see you like this.
Yeah!
Your house is wonderful-
such lovely things in it.
- None half as lovely as you, my dear.
- Oh, Your Grace, thank you.
And thank you for giving me
this beautiful party.
Thank you, Jenny,
for letting me give you the party.
Thank you.
Who is that man?
He's rather amusing.
- You really don't know?
- No. We weren't introduced.
- Why, he's the king of-
- The king?
You mean he shaved off his beard
since he came to the theater tonight?
No. The king of-
Say, you'd better watch out.
He never pulls his "pinches."
A king?
And you cut in on him?
What's a king or two
these days?
Say, do you mind keeping time
with the music?
Do I mind keeping time?
- Why, I earn my living dancing.
- So they tell me.
But nevertheless,
you were off the beat.
Uh, how about a drink?
Champagne. You know, just
because you're on the stage...
doesn't necessarily mean
you're a good partner on the dance floor.
- Thank you.
- It's all right.
I suppose you're a marquis
or a duke or something, huh?
No. Just an American businessman.
I have a store in Chicago.
Candy store-jelly beans,
gumdrops, chewing gum?
Mm-mmm. Department store.
Third floor- ladies' suits, dresses, lingerie.
Fourth floor- children's dresses,
toys, games.
Jewelry, mink coats.
Name is Netcher-
Irving Netcher.
- And what are you doing here?
- Buying Paris models.
That is, if I can get to Paris.
I was demobilized last week.
- The war's over, you know?
- Oh, yes. I can read.
Beg your pardon, Miss Dolly.
A gentleman to see you.
- Please excuse me, will you, Your Majesty?
- Reluctantly, my dear.
But do come back soon.
I want to hear you sing.
Uncle.
- I have a letter for you.
- Oh! Oh, give it to me.
Give it to me.
Thanks, Uncle.
I'll see you
at the hotel.
Jenny, darling.
Well, it's all over...
but we're being kept here in Germany
in the army of occupation.
Just how long,
no one can tell.
Perhaps it wouldn't be so lonely
if I had more letters from you.
I hope it's because you're busy and not that
you're ill or... that you've forgotten.
Please write me.
I miss you so much, darling.
P.S. I'll buy you
a cup of coffee, baby.
Why, Jenny,
you're positively glowing.
- I ought to be.
- Somebody's a very lucky chap- the dog.
- Dance?
- Love to.
I can't understand, dear,
why you don't get my letters.
I write to you every night.
But you know that I love you and think of you
every minute, and that's all that matters.
If we could only be together.
All my love, now and always.
Jenny.
Hmm? What?
Nein.
- What's eatin' you?
- Nothin'... much.
- Have you heard from Jenny lately?
- Got three letters all at once.
- Then everything's all right.
- Of course. Why not?
I just wondered.
- She's certainly comin' up in the world, isn't she?
- Mm.
Have you seen
this swell picture of her?
Well, why shouldn't they
print her photograph?
She's a big success,
a star.
I didn't mean anything by it.
I only thought-
- I- I-
- After this, keep your thoughts to yourself.
You can't do that to me!
I'm a corporal.
- Bonsoir, madame.
- Bonsoir, mademoiselle.
Merci.
- Hello.
- Hello, Uncle.
- Oh, hello. Remember me?
- Why, Rosie, it's Mr. Netcher.
- Hello. - Hello. -
He plays pinochle good.
Are you still looking
for those Paris models?
Oh, then you do
remember me.
How could I forget a man
who owns a department store?
- Rosie, don't you ever take advice?
- Well, that depends. Why?
Well, I caught a glimpse of you
in the Montmartre the other night...
and you weren't keeping
time with the music.
Now I remember
why I liked you.
What's this? She didn't
cut him to pieces.
It must be love.
Almost I forget.
I got something for you.
Come, come.
Thank me
when you get time.
Don't talk.
Don't move, darling.
I want to remember this
as long as I live.
Buy you a cup of coffee?
You know, I didn't
believe it was possible.
What, darling?
That any girl could be
as wonderful as I remembered you.
I kept telling myself
it was my imagination.
Oh, Harry.
Harry, I've missed you so.
I was wondering if you'd
come out to supper with me tonight.
So you could
improve my dancing?
Well, no,
that wasn't the whole idea.
Well, I'm sorry,
but I have to change and rush away.
Nicky's giving us
a party tonight.
- Nicky?
- The king. Remember?
Oh. Good girl.
Well, how about tomorrow night then?
Oh, I have
an engagement.
- How about Monday, the 10th?
- How about Tuesday, the fourth?
- But that's tomorrow night.
- Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
I got an hour
to make my train.
Better start saying
good-bye.
Oh, darling. Again?
We're always saying good-bye.
Well, it's the last time, dear.
When are you coming home?
Right this very minute.
I'm going with you.
- But your show.
- Oh, it's closing next week anyhow.
Oh, darling.
We'll finally get our honeymoon.
Oh, boy. With you back,
will we take that old town by storm.
- I'll write a new show for you.
- For us.
- I got some new songs.
- Oh, darling. We'll sing them together.
- Harry! Welcome home from the war.
- Hi, Sis.
- You look wonderful.
- Thanks.
Jenny, dear,
we're awfully late.
- This is where I came in.
- What do you mean?
Every time I turn up,
you two have a date.
I'm not going.
I'm leaving for New York
with Harry- tonight.
What? You must be
out of your mind.
Have you forgotten?
We've signed again for the Folies Bergre.
Oh, we can get out of that.
Oh, Jenny.
Jenny, for heaven sakes, be sensible.
This is no time
to throw everything away for-
For what?
For happiness, darling.
Then why can't
Harry stay here?
- A few months in Paris wouldn't do any harm.
- Oh, darling. Could you?
And be the kind of a guy
who sits around...
and maybe opens the door
for a duke when he comes calling?
- Not a chance.
- Harry.
Jenny, I told you before.
You cannot have a sister act
without sisters.
And you can't have a marriage
without a husband and wife.
Oh, I don't know
what to do.
Listen, Jenny. This is the most important decision
you'll ever have to make.
And nobody can help you-
not Rosie or your uncle. Not even me.
- Harry, please.
- My train leaves at 12:40. Gare Saint-Lazare.
I have to check in.
- I love you, Jenny.
- I love you too.
But I can't keep up
this long-distance business forever.
I'll be waiting for you
at the depot.
Funny-looking little monkeys,
weren't we?
Oh, Rosie.
Help me.
You both mean
so much to me.
I can't ask you
to stay, Jenny.
You have all this, and you want to go back
to Tin Pan Alley to chase rainbows.
Oh, leave her alone.
Jenny will make up her own mind.
Company, halt!
Left face!
Entrain!
Company, halt!
Left face!
Entrain!
I told you.
Harry.
Darling. You made it.
Darling. I was afraid you'd be gone.
My chauffeur got into one of those fights.
Just as long
as you got here.
That silly Winnup- He had the nerve
to say you weren't coming.
- Oh, Harry. I-
- Where are your bags?
I haven't any.
Harry, look, I-
- You're not coming.
- Oh, darling. I wanted to, desperately.
You wanted to,
but you're not.
I can't, Harry.
Not now.
But only an hour ago,
you said you would.
- It was your own idea.
- I know. An hour ago, I thought I could.
- Nothing else mattered to me then-
nothing but you. - And what matters now?
If we could just have a few days together,
I know we could work everything out.
Harry, don't get on the train.
Stay here. Please.
Next week, when the show closes,
we'll go off somewhere, just the two of us.
I'm still in the army.
Remember? Under orders.
Beside, I've got a career of my own to pick up.
Or have you forgotten that too?
That's not fair. I told you I wanted to come home
and do a show with you, and I will.
- If you'll just wait a little while.
- A little while.
- Come on, soldiers! Get aboard!
- Another week, another month, another year?
- Come on, Fox. Kiss her good-bye and get aboard.
- Oh, Harry. Please understand.
I walked out on Rosie once before.
I can't do it again.
I understand just one thing.
If you loved me, you'd come with me.
Oh, Harry.
Please be reasonable.
Reasonable? I told you a long time ago
it wouldn't work.
- We're a million miles apart.
- We're not! We're not!
You're the only thing in the world
that really means anything to me.
Don't make me laugh.
And save those tears for the divorce court.
- They'll do you more good there.
- Harry.
Harry!
We have been to gay Paris
Ah, mais oui, gay Paris
There, your heart she dances
like you always knew she would
Where life is so divine
Where love is yours and mine
Mais, oui, toujours
Vive la France
Vive l'amour
And then you may remember-
And then I wrote-
- Have you figured that thing out yet?
- Yeah. It's in French.
Take your bow.
Take your bow.
I know that much,
but what does it say?
Take your bow.
Take your bow.
Hey, Frenchy.
It is an official order
of divorcement from Paris.
Monsieur Fox, he is no more
the husband of Madame Jenny.
The marriage,
she has gone poof.
Uh, did I tell you we're booked
at the Palace week after next?
Yeah, I guess
I did tell you.
Vienna
Ah, so wonderful
We eat, we waltz, we drink
We waltz and waltz
Ooh.
Ooh. Told you I shouldn't
have had that last drink.
I tell you what I think I'll do.
I'll just slip upstairs and take a nap.
- You're running away from me again, Jenny.
- No, I'm not.
I'll be down in an hour- if you promise
not to ask that question again.
Very well, but I suppose you know
what you're doing...
to the scullery maid's
poor little dog.
- What are you talking about?
- The scullery maid beats her little dog.
Well, what's that
got to do with me?
You see, the scullery maid
beats her little dog...
because the cook
is perfectly beastly to her.
The cook's perfectly beastly
to the scullery maid...
because the butler's
perfectly beastly to the cook.
The butler's perfectly beastly to the cook
because the valet's perfectly beastly to the butler.
The valet's perfectly beastly to the butler
because I'm perfectly beastly to the valet.
And I'm perfectly beastly
to the valet because you-
Now, Jenny, you don't want
that poor little dog to be beaten, do you?
- Of course not.
- Well, marry me then.
- Oh, Tony, you're incorrigible.
- Am I?
Well, that's an improvement.
It's better than a plain no.
I'll be waiting for you.
- It's really amazing.
- What is?
This genius you have
for dancing out of step.
You must have studied
for years.
- How about taking a walk along the beach?
- I'd love to.
It's a beautiful night.
Besides, out there,
I can keep you from stepping on my feet.
You'll need a wrap.
Have you told Jenny?
No. There just didn't
seem to be a chance all day.
You'd have found a chance
if you'd really wanted to.
Oh, Irving, you know
I wanted to.
I wanted to, and, well,
I did find a chance.
But when the time came,
I just couldn't.
Rosie, you've gotta be
sensible about this thing.
You love me.
Or- Or don't you?
Oh, you know I do.
It-It's just that I can't take
my happiness at Jennys expense.
Her marriage
is on the rocks, and-
Everything's wrong.
I just can't
leave her now.
Darling, you've been
saying that for weeks.
If you're afraid
to tell her, I'll do it.
Oh, no, Irving.
I'll tell her.
I promise.
But, please, just wait
a little while longer.
All right. But, I warn you,
my patience is practically exhausted.
Oh, darling.
Come on. The moonlight
isn't gonna last forever.
Oh, excuse me,
old boy.
- Jenny, I thought you were taking a nap.
- I couldn't sleep.
I kept thinking of
the scullery maid's poor little dog.
You know, I can't bear feeling responsible
for that dog being beaten.
- Jenny, you mean it? You will marry me?
- Yes, Tony.
- When? Next month? Next week?
- Why not tonight?
Wonderful. I never did believe
in long engagements.
Oh, wait.
Don't let anyone see us.
- We'll drive off to town and surprise them all.
- My dear.
This is the most important
decision you'll ever have to make...
and nobody can help you.
If you loved me, you'd come with me.
It just won't work.
You can't have a marriage
without a husband and wife.
I'll be waiting for you
at the depot.
Save your tears for the divorce court.
It won't work.
If you loved me,
you'd come with me.
I'll be waiting for you
at the depot.
You can't have a marriage without
a husband and wife. It just won't work.
Save your tears for the divorce court.
It won't work.
If you loved me,
you'd come with me.
I'll be waiting for you
at the depot.
You can't have a marriage without
a husband and wife. It just won't work.
Save your tears
for the divorce court.
It won't work.
If you loved me, you'd come with me.
... you'd come with me.
... divorce court.
... you'd come with me.
Look out!
Violets?
Violets?
- Evenin', Tim.
- Oh, Harry.
Harry. Come in.
- This is Miss Baldwin.
- Miss Baldwin, how do you do?
- How do you do?
- Get us a bottle of Pol Roget, will you?
Yes, sir.
- Pol Roget here.
- Violets?
Yes, please.
- Five dollars. I'll have to get change.
- That's all right, Annie.
It's getting late.
You'd better go home and get some sleep.
Oh, thank you, Mr. Fox.
And God bless you.
And your young lady too.
Thank you.
Pardon me, sir.
- Pol Roget, sir.
- Mm, that's fine. I'll take it.
Yes, sir.
I like Annie.
She's sweet.
I like my violets.
I like Dowling's.
In fact, I like just about
everything tonight.
Oh? Does that include
being called my young lady?
I like that best of all.
Then make it come true, Lee.
I want you for my young lady-
for now and all time.
Are you sure?
Really sure?
Oh.
No, darling.
That was a long time ago.
So long ago,
I hardly remember.
But it was such an important part
of your life.
There's only one thing that's
important to me right now.
- That is Miss Lenora Baldwin, and you know it.
- Oh.
Everything all right,
Harry?
Everything's perfect.
- Too bad you don't drink, Tim.
- Yeah?
What's too bad about it,
for instance?
Well, for instance, you might drink
a toast to the future Mrs. Fox, I hope.
You don't mean it?
You're a lucky fella,
Harry.
Tom, when they finish that wine,
set up another bottle on the house.
Don't look at me like that.
I mean it.
I, uh- I have
a little something for you.
Oh, Harry,
it's beautiful.
I won't be satisfied
till it looks like this.
The car went over a cliff.
The man who was with her
fell clear, got off easy.
How will your illustrious father feel
about having an actor in the family?
He'll be delighted.
He's awfully fond of you, Harry.
Besides, he was in love with
a toe dancer once himself.
- Which one did you say it was- Rosie or Jenny?
- It's Jenny.
They still don't know if she'll live.
Even if she does, she may
be crippled for life.
Oh, Harry.
Hey, Tim.
- What is it?
- Jenny. Automobile wreck.
Oh, the poor girl.
How dreadful.
There may be something
I can do. I'd better cable.
- Come with me, dear.
- No, Harry. You go.
- I'll wait here.
- Thanks. I'll be right back.
Thank you, Sister.
From Tony again, dear.
They're beautiful.
- I wish he'd stop.
- Why, darling?
Because it only reminds me-
I might have killed him.
But he loves you, dear.
And it's big love.
That's the trouble.
It's too big
to be hurt by little love.
And that's all
I could ever give him.
I tried to tell him that,
but he- he wouldn't listen.
He doesn't understand.
Tell him
I'll always remember him.
But tell him to stay away.
It's the only way.
I'll tell him, Jenny,
if that's the way you really want it.
Thanks.
Will you do
something else for me?
Anything, baby.
Then marry Irving
right away.
Get married
and take your honeymoon now.
Oh, no, Jenny.
That's something I could never do-
go off and leave you
here like this.
Oh, like what?
Why, I'm fine.
Well, pretty fine anyway.
I'm all in one piece, and...
my face will be all right.
Oh, Rosie.
Please say you'll go.
Are you that anxious
to get rid of me?
Oh, no.
You know it isn't that.
I'm no heroine,
but I want you to go.
It isn't good, you know,
to keep love waiting.
Something happens if you do.
Jenny.
Then you'll go?
Go on, baby.
Keep that chin up.
You don't want Irving
to see you like this.
All right, darling.
We'll come back together
in a little while.
I want to rest...
just rest.
How does it feel to be back in the U.S. A?
- I can't tell you how happy I am.
- How does it feel? Silly question.
What's the name of your new show,
Miss Dolly?
There isn't any.
I've retired, you know.
- What brings you back to America?
- Don't you know what it is to want to come home?
- Besides, my sister's here.
- Is it true, Miss Dolly, you sold all your jewels?
N-No. Only last year's pieces.
They were out of style anyway.
Miss Dolly.
Picture, please.
- There she is! Jenny!
- Hello, Jenny!
- Jenny, darling!
- Uncle! Hello, Uncle! Jenny!
Jenny! Oh! Jenny!
Rosie!
- Hold it.
- Oh, you're home.
Rosie! Oh, it's so
wonderful to be home.
Oh, Jenny.
You look too marvelous.
You'd never think
she was sick a day.
If I were a man,
I'd go crazy for you.
- Jenny, guess where you're going to live.
- Where?
At the Knickerbocker. Did I ever tell you
about the time we sang for Hammerstein?
Oh, must I hear that again?
Let me- Let me tell you
about how it was.
I said to Hammerstein,
"Now, look here."
- Uncle.
- Uncle.
Oh, New York.
Don't tell me I've forgotten
how to unpack.
I'll never forget those horrible
one-night stands.
Sometimes I wish those horrible days
had never ended.
- Ever hear anything of Harry?
- Oh, yes.
He's a big hit
at the Court Theater.
Why? Don't tell me
you're still-
Isn't it natural to be curious
when somebody drops out of your life completely?
- Jenny, where's all your jewelry?
- Oh, it's there.
But there's only a third.
Oh, those stories
are true then.
You have been selling it.
Well, hospitals, doctors,
facial surgery.
And there's always a bill
when it's over, you know.
I had no idea.
You kept telling me
you didn't need anything.
Well, I didn't, darling.
But now I'm back
where I started-
looking for a part in a show,
if I can find one.
- Of course you can.
- I hope you're right.
They wouldn't book me
in Paris.
One Dolly sister
is not enough.
Oh, the fools.
But, Jenny, this is something
I've been dreaming about-
the chance to work again,
the two of us.
Oh, but you couldn't.
You know how Irving feels about it.
He'd never let you.
Oh, he'll do anything for me.
Forty-second and Broadway.
Remember those mornings
we used to walk from office to office...
wondering if we'd ever
get a break?
It's funny I remember
those days so clearly and...
everything since
is just a blur.
Well, pretty soon, you'll have
something new for your memory book.
Confidentially, do you know who will be
the sensation of this town by next week?
The Dolly Sisters.
Baby, we're on.
Oh. Are you sure it's all right with Irving?
Don't give it a thought.
That's my department.
Oh, Rosie!
And now,
two young ladies...
who have found
the amusement world their oyster.
Audiences all over the world
have sung their praises in all languages-
from the roof of the Times Building
in little old New York...
to the top of the Eiffel Tower
in gay Paris.
They're back with us again,
reunited for this night.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Broadway opens its arms...
to warmly welcome home
the Dolly Sisters.
We have been to gay Paris
Trs joli, gay Paris
Nice and Monte Carlo
Saint Moritz and Napoli
Jolly times in London
Where we were always
treated graciously
Oh, will you
have brunch
Oh, will you have tea
Yes, we have been around
And music
has led the way
And musically speaking
there's no greater thrill
Than a hurdy-gurdy playing
- Jenny, darling! That was wonderful!
- They love you.
- Who's on next?
- Frank Tinney. Then Harry Fox.
And now, ladies and gentlemen...
that popular blackface comedian-
Frank Tinney.
- I'll see you in the dressing room.
- All right, darling.
- Well, Jenny.
- You're on next, Mr. Fox.
- Fancy meeting you here.
- Oh, hello, Winnie.
- Hello, Harry.
- Hello, Jenny.
Gee, it's nice to see you.
You're looking wonderful,
prettier than ever.
Thanks.
I was lucky- no scars.
You look grand, Harry.
Life's been treating you very well,
lately, hasn't it?
Well,
we can't complain.
I've been lucky too.
Jenny, this is Miss-
Yes, I know. It's Miss Baldwin.
You have been lucky.
I'm awfully glad to meet you.
I've heard so much about you.
I've wanted to meet you too.
Uh- Uh, they make a great little team,
don't they?
Yes, they-
they certainly do.
- How's Elmer?
- Oh, he's been an overcoat for years.
Well, good luck to both of you.
So long, Jenny.
Don't let it bother you, dear.
I mean my running into
old times like this.
When it's in your heart,
it isn't old times. It's always now.
And you can't fool
anybody about it either.
- Hello, Harry.
- Hello, Frank.
Excuse me.
Now, my friends-And I feel, by this time,
I should call you my friends...
as I know you all too well
to call you ladies and gentlemen.
At this time, I'm supposed to turn over
the gavel of master of ceremonies...
to a young comic
named Eddie Cantor.
But he telephoned
he can't be with us as his wife, Ida...
just presented him
with a baby girl.
This makes three.
Smart fella that Cantor.
Someday he'll have his own chorus.
To get on with the show,
a young man who's come a long way...
since he started
in Tin Pan Alley.
One of the most versatile artists
to hit these roaring '40s in a long time.
And, girls, after you see him,
you're gonna love him.
And if you don't, I will. Whoopee!
You all know him
from the songs he's written.
Here he is, the star of
The Prince of Broadway, Harry Fox!
That was their song.
Harry wrote it
for my sister.
Yes, I know.
He told me.
When are you two
getting married?
We're not.
I'll be right back, darling.
For keeps.
I'll buy you
a cup of coffee, baby.