I designed that Bridal number
myself, Miss Valerie.
And if I do say so it's
what I call lush.
Your fianc may have fallen in love
with you for your singing voice...
or your kindness to dogs but when he
sees you come down the aisle in that,
he'll know you've got sex appeal too.
All right Bruno, if you guarantee that,
I'll take it.
- How do you like it Joan?
- That depends on the price.
How much do you dare ask
for that Bruno?
Why don't you let your father worry
about that, Miss Joan?
- Don't think I'm not worrying.
- But I only get married once Dad.
- At least in all the trappings.
- Thank goodness,
if you have another wedding.
you'll have to do it on alimony.
You should feel the material
of that model, Miss Valerie.
I literally tingle when I touch it.
What's the grand total Bruno?
I'll find out in just one moment,
Miss Joan.
Now remember, Joan, there's $5.000
for you two girls to get married on.
And I don't intend that you let Valerie
get more than her share.
Oh, It'll be alright.
If I ever get married...
it'll probably be at the City Hall
in a pair of slacks and a turtleneck.
Oh, no you won't.
I'm not that broke.
Oh, I didn't mean it that way, dear.
I know you didn't.
Maybe if I'd done things
a little differently.
Now, darling, everybody's
broke these days.
And if they're not, they pretend to be.
Val and I don't mind a bit.
How can you lie like that
and look so lovely?
Where is Val?
She'll buy out this confounded place
if you don't watch her.
What's that she's trying on now?
Here's the statement, Miss Valerie.
Nine dresses, eight sets of underwear,
three wraps,
seven hats, stockings and everything,
$3.088.
Oh, dear! Now we'll have
to give up something.
Can't you come down some, Bruno?
Well, I have cut the price
on nearly everything, Miss Valerie.
I might have known I couldn't
have what I wanted.
It's alright, Bruno, she'll take them.
We'll come in for our fittings tomorrow...
then the bridesmaids can come in
for theirs on Friday.
Look, Joan, only $600.
I've got to have it!
Not a chance, my child.
Oh, you're way over as it is, Valerie.
Why don't you let me have my way
with you this spring, Miss Joan?
That's right, Joan, why not let
Bruno do you something, something snappy?
Yes, let me make you something
really exciting.
Get all your men friends taking notice.
Something to bring out
the worst in them, I suppose.
Exactly, you'd be surprised
how it would lift your morale.
I'll probably be doing your trousseau
before long.
I hope so. A few more years
and I'll have to advertise. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye, Bruno.
- Goodbye, Miss Valerie.
- Goodbye, Bruno.
Oh, Bruno!
Thank goodness she'll soon be
safely married.
- Don't you wish I would be too?
- Only if you'd be happy, my dear.
You've never been the worry
and responsibility Valerie has.
You're the steady dependable one.
I wouldn't count on that
anymore, darling.
I'm thinking of going frivolous
on you any minute.
- Where's the car, Dad?
- Right out in front.
- Hello, Joan.
- Hello there!
More trousseau? Naughty girl.
Goodbye.
- Well, what's the hurry?
- Oh, hello, Mr. Fletcher.
- The police after you?
- Oh, hello, John.
- Thought you were playing polo.
- Yes, so did I.
But once a year I have to take an interest
in the shipping business
and today was the day.
- How are you, Fletcher?
- How do you do, Colonel?
Did your father hear me prowling around
your kitchen at 2 o'clock this morning?
I don't think so but if he did, he probably
thought it was just burglars.
Hey, big boy! What do you think,
you own the street or something?
Oh, goodbye, Father is
obstructing traffic.
You haven't forgotten I'm coming
again tonight.
No. You better make it 7 o'clock
if we're going to the theater.
I'll be there.
Since when have you and John Fletcher
got so chummy?
Since last night. He brought me home
from Eleanor Weston's.
- We're dining together tonight.
- What's this, Joan?
You running out with a Bay boy
of the West two nights in succession?
Uh-huh, and if I'm good
as I think I am,
it'll be several more nights
in succession.
What about Monica Page?
- What about her?
- Isn't John Fletcher her private preserve?
He isn't married to her, is he?
He isn't married to anyone and never
will be if he can help it.
That boy is fast on his feet when it comes
to avoiding the minister.
- They all slip some time.
- You've got your eye on him, Joanie?
Well, he seems to be favoring me
with a little flicker of interest.
And I've been told that the Lord helps
those who help themselves.
But he's such a lazy beggar.
Look how he's neglected the...
the shipping business his father left him.
Five years ago the Fletcher Line
was famous, now what is it?
And all because he'd rather
play polo than work.
You give me an idea, Father.
From Monica's little boyfriend?
Uh-huh, from Monica's little boyfriend.
You're not in love with John Fletcher,
are you, Joan?
- No.
- Is he in love with you?
- No.
- Meaning none of my darn business.
- Oh, not at all.
- What's it all about then?
Simple, I just made up my mind
I'm going to marry him.
Marry? Why, my poor deluded sister.
You're going to find out he has
something definite in mind too.
- And it isn't marriage.
- I've found that out already.
Joan, and you go on seeing him?
Certainly. And one of these fine nights...
when he thinks I've had enough
champagne for dinner...
he's going to suggest very casually,
oh, very casually,
We might run up to his flat for a quiet
stop after the theater.
'You've never seen my place,
have you?', says he, sort of offhand.
'No,', says Joan, casting down
her eyelids demurely.
'Rather nice little place,'
says he.
'One or two pictures that might
amuse you.'
Oh, so casual.
Not meaning a thing.
Joan, you wouldn't!
I might.
But, Joan, you're my last illusion.
Oh Val, my sweet,
the years roll on and on.
So far all the men who've wanted
to marry me I haven't wanted to marry.
Of course, if I had a talent, like painting,
or music or writing, it woud be different.
But I haven't.
Oh, and I am really ambitious
to accomplish something.
So, I've decided my only chance...
is to marry a man with a future.
And make his future mine.
But how can you even think of marrying
him if you don't love him?
Love? Marriage has nothing
to do with love.
Marriage is a business.
At least it's a woman's business.
And love is an emotion.
A man doesn't let emotion interfere
with his business.
And if more women would learn not to let
emotion interfere with theirs,
fewer of them would end
in a divorce court.
Hm, just love the smell
of meat cooking.
But marriage without love
would be ghastly.
I mean, think of it.
I mean... how could you possibly?
Have you got the salt, dear?
Thank you.
Oh, there's Dennis. Let him in,
will you, darling?
- I've got to change my dress.
- Father will let him in.
Here's Dennis.
Where's Valerie?
Oh, hello, Dennis.
Val will be right down.
Gosh that smells good.
Are we going to eat here?
No, cook's night out. I'm just fixing
something for Father.
And it'll be better than anything
you'll get at your restaurants, too.
- Maybe I'm marrying the wrong sister.
- Oh, no, Valerie can cook if she has to.
- Have a cocktail Dennis?
- Will I?
You didn't think I'd say no,
did you?
- Hello, darling.
- Hello, sweet.
- How do you like me?
- Marvelous.
No cheap speakeasy for us tonight
with this outfit on.
- I thought we'd go to the Little Club.
- I was afraid of it.
Here, Valerie, will you take a little
active interest in these vegetables?
I've got to change.
- Come along, Father, soup's ready.
- Come and get them, children.
Why, Colonel, are you running
out on us?
Yes, I've had a glass of sherry
and my dinner's waiting
- Will you excuse me?
- Yes, sir.
- You know, something tells me I love you.
- Yes, yes, go on.
I ove you, I love you...
I love you.
Darling, I love you.
That's John Fletcher.
He's taking Joan to dinner.
John Fletcher?
Say, that's a swell idea.
John Fletcher and Joan.
I wonder why someone
hasn't thought of that before?
Someone has apparently.
- Is Joan back yet?
- No.
Can I come out too?
I've been in this kitchen before.
Sure, come on, Mr. Fletcher.
- Have a cocktail?
- Thank you.
- Hello, John.
- Hiya, Denny.
Joan will be down in a minute.
We don't always entertain in the kitchen
but this is the cook's night out.
Bring that plate, Denny.
We're going to the Little Club if you'd care
to join us later in the evening.
Oh, it's too noisy and crowded.
Don't expect us.
There's no telling where we'll go.
Thanks for the gardenias, John.
I didn't by any chance tell you that they
were my favorite flowers, did I?
No, you didn't. I just thought
that they were like you,
sort of cooly virginal, yet
exquisitely inviting.
I thought that all out by myself too.
- Just a fool.
- Must I drink alone?
Well, I'm afraid you must.
This is the last one.
I'll share it.
Can you be trusted?
Can you?
In drinking, yes.
- How did you like it?
- Oh, what a lovely play!
Made me want to be all feminine
and clingy.
Good. I hope the effect lasts.
Oh, here comes our car.
We haven't decided where we're going.
Oh, anywhere at ll. As long as it isn't
too noisy and crowded.
I got it. Why don't we go
to my place?
It's quiet and really rather nice.
You've never seen it, have you?
- No.
- The liquor's very good.
And there's a balcony with a grand
view of the city.
I know. On a clear day
you can see Goat Island.
That sounds alluring.
- All right, Freeman, that'll be all, I think.
- Very good, sir. Good night.
Good night.
Of course.
He would.
Would what?
Carefully close the door.
Certainly, I've got him trained.
You even have the moon trained,
haven't you?
Nice, isn't it?
Perfect.
You haven't drugged the champagne,
have you, darling?
No, I'm not that modest.
Thank you.
Oh, my, don't let me fall
asleep here, will you?
That's never happened to me yet.
You're a tremendous success
with women, aren't you?
Almost stupendous. I have to fight
five or six duels a week over them.
- Why, only last Tuesday...
- No, no! Don't tell me.
I'm excited enough for tonight.
You don't act it.
Well, I should hope not.
Do you suppose I want you to think
that this is the first time in my life...
I have ever had supper in a
gentleman's apartment alone at night?
I wouldn't be a bit surprised
if it were the first time.
Are you trying to insult me,
my good man?
Oh, I know you must have had
plenty of opportunities.
But I just like to believe that...
I'm a bit more persuasive than
the other men you know.
You are.
I have to admit I'm completely enamoured
of you. Have been for years.
You've kept awfully quiet about it.
Too much competition.
I knew I didn't have a chance.
Well, now that you have your chance...
I trust you'll make the most of it.
Well, I'm trying to.
Only I don't seem to know
how to go about it.
Suppose I demonstrate.
My flowers.
This crab here is two bits.
What's the jury's verdict in the case
of Mr. Crab?
Immediate execution in the
nearest vat.
- Does that mean you want it?
- Absolutely! Sold for two bits.
- Look!
- Huh?
Isn't that one of your ships?
Well, it's one of the company's.
I can hardly call them mine any longer.
I suppose you're just going to let
that splendid, great business...
slide right out of your hands.
Why not, I don't want it.
These splendid great businesses give
too many headaches these days.
Oh, but the Fletcher Line has been
in your family for so long.
Each generation has built it up.
How can you bear to let it go
into the hands of strangers?
Why not? Rather let the strangers worry.
I've got enough money for my
modest needs.
Oh, but you could be such a tremendous
success, John, if you wanted to be.
- You know you could.
- I like my comfort.
I like all the good things in life
and I like the leisure to enjoy them.
Mind you, I'm not denying that there are
moments when I'm rather tempted...
to dash out and seize the world
by the throat...
and set about making a great man
and a thorough nuisance of myself.
Then I consider the lilies of the field
and how they grow.
And I'm tempted no longer.
After all, why not be a...
lily, when it's so pleasant?
Let's talk about you.
That's much more interesting.
All right.
You know that today is an anniversary?
It's just two months ago tonight...
that I first called on you
in your apartment.
Yes, I wondered if you'd think of it.
Did you?
You want me to lie or tell you
the truth?
Oh, go on, lie.
I want to believe it.
Well, it's no fun to lie to you, Joan.
You know, you uh... you're just about
the only girl I've ever known...
who can stand the honest truth.
You're so darned honest yourself.
Pleased to have met you.
Hey, wouldn't you gals like a nice
bottle of three times two?
I'm fainty.
Now, it's perfectly clear
what you're to do, Val.
Joan, I believe you've fallen
in love with him.
Of course I have.
Makes me so mad I could hiss.
But I thought it was to be
a business proposition.
No emotion to spoil it.
That's what I thought.
Say, how would you gals like a glass
of bear, or a cocktail or something?
- My tongue is hanging out.
- Oh thanks, Denny, no. I have to run.
Besides, I have an engagement.
- Not with John again?
- Yes, with John.
Maybe someone ought to look into this.
- Well, maybe somebody ought.
- Shall I call him up and ask his intentions?
- No, dear.
- Why not?
He might tell you.
But Joan, you haven't seen half
of my new things.
Oh, I'll stop by in a day or two, honey.
Oh, don't come down with me!
I'll turn the lights on.
It's getting dark.
Say, Val, if your telephone rings tonight,
answer it yourself, won't you?
- Sure.
- Yes... of course...
Oh well, I may just scrap
the whole idea.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Mr. Fletcher's apartment.
Oh, yes, Mrs. Page.
No, I haven't forgotten.
Mr. Fletcher hasn't come in yet.
I don't know, but I'll give him your
message as soon as he comes in.
Yes, very well, Mrs. Page,
goodbye.
- Good evening, Freeman. Hot isn't it?
- Good evening, Miss Colby.
It's unusually warm this evening.
- Freeman.
- Good evening, sir.
- Any messages?
- Yes, sir.
That is, no, sir.
Well, make up your mind, which is it,
yes or no?
I think not, no, sir.
- Oh, you think there were no messages.
- Yes, sir.
That is, no, sir.
Well, this interests me. Perhaps you mean
to say that you're not sure, is that it?
I'm sure, yes, sir.
Well, suppose you confide in me, Freeman.
Were there or were there not any messages?
- There were, yes, sir.
- What were they?
Six telephone calls from Mrs. Page, sir.
Oh.
- Only six?
- Yes, sir.
She asked if you'd call her as soon
as you came in, or before.
Thank you, Freeman, very much.
Good night.
Good night, sir.
Is the lovely Monica coming
into the picture again, darling?
Not unless suddenly I lose my mind.
Think you're likely to?
Not while you take an interest in me.
- Do you mind if I ask you a question?
- Certainly not. Shoot.
Why didn't you ever marry
Monica Page?
There was never any question
of marriage between Monica and me.
Haven't you ever wanted
to marry any girl?
Well, not irresistibly.
Satisfied to be a bachelor
all your life, hm?
Madam, you're not by any chance
proposing to me or anything, are you?
Why not?
You could do a lot worse.
- I have quite a number of accomplishments.
- For instance.
Well, I'm a very superior cook,
an economical housekeeper,
I darn an excellent sock, read aloud
very pleasantly, dress quickly,
I'm never late, and in general
I'm clean, sober and industrious.
All the wifely virtues, huh?
I must recommend
you to my bachelor friends.
Thank you, sir, if that's the best
you can offer, let's skip it.
Were you ever a caliph of Baghdad,
do you think?
Possibly.
Tell me, caliph, what becomes of all
your favorites when their day is done?
- The sack, the bow string, the Bosphorus?
- Oh, nothing as prude as that, my dear.
No more gardenias, perhaps.
Perhaps.
Now, see here...
Things are pretty nice just
as they are, aren't they?
Aren't we happy?
Aren't you happy, dear?
Of course not.
I'm in love.
Nobody is ever happy when
they're in love.
Well, I'm in love too.
And I'm so happy I...
I can't believe it.
Ever think of wanting children?
Sure.
Then I pick up the morning paper
and read that the basic cause...
of most of the misery and present
world depression is overpopulation.
A most profound and comprehensive
conclusion, sir. May I congratulate you?
I'm going to get into something cool.
And leave you alone
so you can telephone Monica.
You don't think I'm going to telephone with
you in a room with an extension, do you?
What a nasty, suspicious nature!
Monica!
Hello, darling.
I've been trying to get you for hours.
Don't tell me you were here
all the time.
- No, just got in...
- Oh, Johnny, listen.
A whole gang of us are on our way
to the beach.
And as we were passing here
I thought I'd get you to come along.
Well, that's awfully nice
of you, Monica, but...
- I'm awfully tired tonight.
- Oh, Johnny, do come.
I haven't seen you for weeks.
You're not very hospitable, Johnny.
You might at least offer me a sandwich.
Or a cigarette.
- Help yourself. That's right, isn't it?
- No, my sweet, it isn't.
I'm sorry.
Is that your subtle way
of telling me...
you've quite forgotten me
in the past few weeks?
Now, Monica, you're not the sort
of woman a man forgets.
No?
Well, I used to get kissed
when I called here...
in the good old days before
the depression.
So you did.
Well?
Darling, you are tired, aren't you?
Why don't you come along with us?
The fresh air and the drive
will do you good.
Please, Monica.
Funny, er...
Well, surprising as it may seem,
I have some work to do tonight.
Really.
Rather important work.
Oh...
I see.
Figures, I suppose.
Uh, yes, er...
Well...
I mustn't keep you from your
important work.
But I hope it isn't going to separate you
from your friends altogether.
Oh, no. As a matter of fact it's
making me some new ones.
Men in the shipping business.
Great chaps.
You know, uh...
work isn't nearly so dull
as I used to think it was.
I can see it isn't.
Valerie?
All right. Do you understand?
Right... bye.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
When the work pours, you have my number.
That's right.
Goodbye.
You don't imagine for a moment...
that Monica believed all that about
your work, do you?
She might have if she hadn't
seen that hat.
Oh, my dear, I am sorry.
Oh, I forgot all about it.
I'll never be any good
at intrigue, will I?
Oh, it's all right.
She doesn't know whose it is.
I'll have to give it to the Salvation
Army tomorrow.
Why? She'll never recognize it again.
That shows how little you know
about women.
There's an exact mental photograph of this
hat indelibly imprinted on her memory.
Well, I only hope she sees it
on the right type.
- Poor Monica.
- Why poor Monica?
You loved her once.
It's curious, isn't it?
How you can think you're in love
with someone...
and all of a sudden it's gone.
You find yourself completely cold.
It is curious.
And a little bit frightening.
I wonder...
if once that feeling goes
you can ever get it back.
I don't think so.
Shall I duck?
I won't let anybody in.
Oh.
Hello, John. Is Joan here?
- Why, er...
- I was afraid so.
Joan!
I didn't believe it.
Not you, Joan.
I could trust you anywhere.
Father...
Go and get dressed.
Well, John?
I don't know.
What do you propose I should do?
I should have thought the obvious course for
a gentleman to take under the circumstances...
would have suggested itself
to you before this.
Marriage isn't the happy solution
of all problems, Colonel.
Joan may not care for me
as a husband.
I've never asked her, but...
- I don't see why she should.
- I don't either.
But having gone this far she's probably
ready to take the consequences.
At least may I suggest
that the decision to marry...
or not to marry be left with her?
I don't see how there can be
any two ways about it.
But if she doesn't want you,
I shall not try to force her to marry you.
Quite right.
May I offer you a drink?
Yes, I'll have a straight whisky.
Thank you.
Joan...
I'm sorry, Father.
There seems to me to be only
one thing for you two to do.
But John suggests that you
may not want to marry him.
I can't believe you'd give yourself
to a man you didn't love.
- I love John, Father.
- I'm glad of that, my child.
Then, of course, there's nothing
to prevent the announcement...
of an engagement and marriage
in the near future, is there?
Not if John is willing.
Have you any doubt of
John's willingness?
Do you want to marry me, Joan?
Yes, I do, John.
Very well.
I have a taxi waiting, Joan.
Father, may I speak with John
for just a moment alone, please?
I'll wait for you downstairs.
I can promise you one thing, John.
I'll do my level best
to make you a very good wife.
All I can promise is I'll probably
make you a very bad husband.
Maybe that's more than I deserve.
Well, I'll come around and see you
tomorrow and we'll discuss the details.
All right, dear.
All ashore!
All ashore!
- Goodbye, John.
- Goodbye.
Take good care of my
big sister, won't you?
Say, what about your big sister
take good care of me?
Goodbye, darling.
- Don't you worry now, you hear me?
- No, I won't. Have a good time.
It's time to hurry, Joan.
- Goodbye, dear.
- Goodbye, darling.
- Don't toss pennies now.
- No, darling.
- Goodbye...
- Goodbye...
- Goodbye!
- Don't forget to write.
You see, I've been a bachelor
all my life...
because I realize that you can't
anchor romance.
You can't tie it up like a boat
to a dock.
As soon as you try, something
happens to it.
All of a sudden, like that, it's gone.
Why didn't you refuse
to marry me, John?
- You could have, you know.
- Why should I?
There's divorce or something.
But how could you be sure
that I'd agree to give you one?
I assumed that your sportsmanship
would at least be equal to mine.
How soon would you like to have it?
At your convenience, my dear.
I don't suppose you want to go on
with this any longer than is necessary.
- Would six months be too long?
- Six months would be fine.
Where do you want to go?
Rio? Paris?
Anywhere.
It doesn't matter.
- Oh, good morning, Della.
- Good morning, Mrs. Fletcher.
- Your father's on the telephone.
- Oh, thanks.
Hello, Father.
Never better. How are you?
Oh, good.
Look, did you talk to our friend
the Postmaster General?
When?
Oh, that's splendid.
Then I can call him up and ask him
to have dinner with us tonight, can't I?
Oh, fine.
Well, you come too, of course.
Uh-huh... What's that?
Only nine holes, now.
All right, darling. Bye.
How do you like married life,
Freeman?
I like it.
I'm glad you did it.
Oh, you are, eh?
- Yes, sir.
- Why?
Well., life is much simpler
for me, sir.
At least it has been so far.
I wasn't aware that your life with me
had been so complicated, Freeman.
The life of any, excuse me, sir, lively
young bachelor in your position...
is likely to be complicated
for his man, sir.
Yes, I suppose that's so.
You don't think you'll miss
all those complications, Freeman?
No, sir.
Besides, marriage is good discipline, sir.
Makes a man less selfish.
If you think so highly of it,
why don't you try it?
Oh, it's not for me, sir.
I need to be more selfish.
You may as well understand, Freeman,
that er...
even though I am no longer a lively
young bachelor,
I haven't given up all my
bachelor privileges.
Life may not be as simple for you
as you seem to hope.
- Is that clear?
- Yes, sir.
Now you may bring me another
piece of toast.
Yes, sir.
And tell the cook that
for the first time in my life...
I'm getting toast just the way
I like it.
Yes, sir.
Mrs. Fletcher showed him
how to prepare it.
I suppose Mrs. Fletcher also
showed him...
how to prepare the Indian curry
we had for dinner last night.
I believe she did, sir.
- Good morning.
- Oh, hello.
- Had your breakfast?
- Yes, thanks, had it in my room.
I know you'd rather have
breakfast alone.
Mind if I have a cup of coffee
with you?
Why don't you?
- A cup of fresh coffee, Freeman?
- Yes, Mrs. Fletcher.
- Thank you.
- And a pot of hot water, Freeman.
Is your coffee too strong?
Oh, it's perfect.
I ordered the hot water for you.
Thank you.
Oh...
What's the 'oh' for?
Nothing, I uh... uh...
I was reading a new recipe for...
tomato surprise.
Your... meeting lasted quite late
last night, didn't it?
Yes, it was after midnight
when I got in.
Did your director show
a gleam of intelligence?
No.
- Things just as bad as ever, hm?
- Terrible?
Could have been worse if I'd been running
the business for the past five years.
I have an idea that might help,
I don't know.
Have I ever told you that Father and the
new Postmaster General are old cronies?
I don't believe so.
Well, they are.
And Mr. Lane is in town just now.
And Father and I wondered...
if maybe he might be persuaded to
give you the government mail contracts.
- That would help some, woudn't it?
- Would it? It would be a lifesaver.
Well, that's what I thought.
So I invited him to dine with us tonight.
And he said he'd come.
Say, that's great, Joan.
What a fair-haired little business genius
I'd be if you could pull that over.
Oh, you'll have to pull it over.
All I can do is to get him here.
And Father's told him what wonders you've
already done with the Fletcher Line.
Hmm...
Due entirely to your confounded nagging.
Do you realize I can't play a decent
game of polo anymore?
Did you know your brother-in-law walloped
a tar out of me at golf last Saturday?
Because I'm all out of practice.
I don't do anything but work.
Yes, and your manager says
that you're enjoying it.
I am, sure I am.
I'm getting a kick finding out that
these financial wizards...
I've always been so in awe of
are mostly a bunch of schoolboys.
Outwardly strutting their stuff
and inwardly scared stiff.
Yes, and you're finding out that you have
a better business head than any of them...
and a more intelligent grasp
of modern conditions.
Oh, you could be a leader, John,
if you wanted to.
Little woman's faith spurs husband
on to big things.
Oh, it isn't faith yet, my fine fellow.
Just hope.
I didn't mean to be touchy.
You've really done something for me,
Joan, in getting me to work.
Don't think I don't know it.
I may hate it sometimes, but...
I appreciate it too.
Well, after all, I guess it's none
of my business.
Why isn't it? Your income will be
considerably affected.
You seem to forget that your business...
will have nothing to do with
my income very shortly.
Well, your alimony then.
Do you think I'd take it?
Do you think that's why I married you?
Now...
don't you be touchy.
Well, I've got to dash.
Hello, where is everybody?
Oh, hello, Val.
In here.
- Hello, John.
- Hello, Val.
- Hello, dear.
- Well, I've got to go. You sit here.
- Thanks.
- Excuse me for bolting, won't you.
- Of course.
- Bye.
Bye, dear.
- Well, aren't you out pretty early?
- Yes.
Well, come on up with me
while I change.
What's the trouble?
Oh, I'm in another mess with Dennis.
- About bills?
- Yes.
We never fight about anything else.
How much?
Over a thousand dollars.
Oh, Val!
Oh, you can't possibly owe that much.
Why, I paid everything off for you only...
only two months ago.
Not everything.
I didn't tell you everything.
Joan, I hate to ask you, but I've got
to get that money somehow.
But I don't have any more money
of my own to give you, Val.
I just can't let you have any of John.
But John will never miss it.
Everybody says he's putting
the Fletcher Line back on the map.
Yes, but he isn't making any money yet,
he's only losing less.
- The car's at the door, Mrs. Fletcher.
- Oh, thank you, Freeman.
- You mean you won't help me?
- But I can't, dear.
- I've given you more than I should already.
- But you've got to!
If you don't, what am I
going to do?
- Why don't you tell Dennis?
- No, I can't tell Dennis. He'd leave me.
He told me the last time if I ever
did it again he'd leave me.
Oh, Denny doesn't mean that,
darling, he loves you.
He did once.
But you don't know what a lot
of bills can do to love.
- You going downtown?
- Yes.
I'll go with you.
What's the money for, Valerie?
Oh, you know...
Clothes and things.
Dennis doesn't understand that
a woman has to look decent.
Do you want me to talk to Dennis
for you, Val?
- You do and I'll poison you.
- Well, what are you going to do?
I don't know.
I've got to think.
I'll ride as far as the hairdresser's
with you, if you don't mind.
I tell you what I'll do.
I'll see how much I can raise
on Mother's ring.
Oh, Joan, would you?
You don't happen to know of a good,
reliable pawnshop, do you?
No, but I'll find one.
Where are you having lunch?
At the Rendez-Vous, with Eleanor Weston.
Want to join us?
No. Eleanor doesn't approve of me.
And does that spoil my whole life.
Besides, I'm lunching with Farley Drake.
Farley Drake.
What's Valerie up to, Joan?
Nothing. Farley and Dennis
are great friends.
Well, I think you'd be very foolish
to give her any more money.
Maybe so, but I'm afraid Dennis
really will leave her...
if she doesn't cut out some
of her extravagances.
Well let him. It'll do both
of them good.
No husband and wife can settle down
to a civilized companionship...
until they've fought through
two or three good separations.
It might better be about money
than lovers.
What do we do about that?
Pretend not to see them?
They'll probably see us.
Of course we might hide our heads
in the sugar bowl.
To be utterly tactful, I suppose you know
this isn't the first time...
they've met since she got back.
Meaning what, dear?
Meaning that in my nasty, evil mind...
I think Monica Page is again going
after your husband.
Well, she may get him.
What's the matter, don't you want him?
I'm mad about him.
Going to hand him over
as easy as that, hm?
I'm getting a divorce from him
in a month or two.
What for?
If you're mad about him.
If I have to compete with that siren
I want it to be on equal terms.
But Johnny, you've only got one life.
And you were such a dear playboy.
You'll find others.
Don't you think I've tried
ever since your marriage?
I hate like the deuce to admit it,
but there isn't anybody else
in the world like you, John.
You're sweet, Monica.
Come on, let's get out of here.
Check, please.
I wonder if she'll be as successful
with him this time as she once was.
Who can tell? Men are so flattered when
a good-looking woman yearns over them.
I know how I can tell.
Meet me at the door, will you?
I'm going to stop by and speak to them.
Go ahead. You look ravishing.
Hello, dear, hello, Mrs. Page.
I saw you just as I was leaving.
I wanted to invite Mrs. Page
to come and spend...
the weekend of the 13th with us
out at the ranch.
Will you come, Mrs. Page?
I'm only having six or eight people...
- ...and you know most of them.
- I'd love to. Thanks so much.
That's fine.
Won't you sit down, Joan?
Oh thanks, dear, no.
Eleanor Weston is waiting for me.
I'm so glad you'll come, Mrs. Page.
John will tell you how to get there
and everything.
Oh, I know the way to Johnny's ranch.
Oh, yes, of course you do.
I forgot.
We'll see you Friday night then.
Do come in time for dinner, hm?
- Thanks.
- Oh, excuse me, Monica...
- I'll show you to your car, Joan.
- Oh thanks, dear, no.
Eleanor and I are walking
down to Magnin. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye, dear.
She's a very clever woman, Johnny.
She is.
Why did you marry her?
- Isn't the answer to that quite obvious?
- But you don't love her.
Well, Monica, I think I'm the best
judge of that.
I suppose you know it's common gossip
that she married you for your money.
It's about as true as most
common gossip.
I'm sorry.
Johnny, do you remember the last time
we were together in this place?
No, I don't think I do exactly.
You don't dare.
You loved me then.
I wonder if I did.
Oh, Johnny, are you ditching
me completely?
You little racketeer, will you kindly
remember that I'm married?
Oh, can't you forget it even
for a little while?
I don't want to.
Now, I've had a suspicion for some
time that I've been a bit of a sap.
I've just been waiting for something
to confirm that suspicion.
And has it been confirmed?
I think it has.
By me?
No.
By my wife.
Farley, you're a successful financier
and I've got to make some money.
Could you tell me how to go about it?
- How much have you got to make?
- A thousand dollars.
Well, why don't I let you have it?
I will, you know?
Any strings?
Naturally.
Naturally.
When shall I send it, Mr. Fletcher?
- I'll take it.
- Yes, Mr. Fletcher.
Did you find that pawnshop all right?
Yes, they were very pleasant.
Just like a bank.
I could only get $500 on it, but I thought
that was better than nothing.
That ring was worth a lot more
than a thousand dollars.
What good will five hundred do me?
It won't pay everybody but at least
it'll keep them quiet...
till you can get caught up.
But I can't tell them I can
only pay half.
It's so darn humiliating.
Well, that's the last I can
give you, Valerie.
I mean it.
I'll never ask for any more
if I can ever get out of this jam.
Farley Drake's coming to dinner
tonight, isn't he?
Yes.
He'd uh... like to make love to me.
- Would you like to have him?
- No.
Oh, my gosh, look at the time.
I've got to take off if I expect to be
back here for 8 o'clock dinner.
Is the Postmaster General like royalty,
that your guests have to be here
ahead of him?
It would be nice if you weren't late.
All right, thanks for the five.
Oh, don't say anything about
the new dress I'm wearing tonight.
I'm hoping Dennis won't notice it.
- Oh, hello, Val.
- Hello, John.
- Is Joan upstairs?
- Yes.
You and Denny are coming to dinner
tonight, aren't you?
- Yes.
- Good.
- Uh... John.
- Yes?
Could I talk to you a minute?
Sure.
Serious business?
Very serious business.
- I want to ask you a favor.
- Of course, what is it?
I hate asking you but...
I'm in an awful mess.
I'm sorry to hear that, Val.
What's the trouble?
Well, ever since Denny and I
were married...
his business has been getting
worse and worse.
You know how business are
these days.
Don't I.
Well, Denny's is the worst of any...
and he's lost a lot in some
bank failure...
and the bills have just been
piling up and up.
And for the last three months I've been
using the rent money to pay them.
- Have you told Denny about this?
- No.
He's nearly crazy with financial
worries as it is.
And I just can't tell him
I haven't paid the rent.
The landlord's going to put us out.
Oh, he's threatening that, huh?
- How much do you need?
- A thousand dollars.
I know it's a lot, John,
but I'll pay it back.
I swear I will, just as soon as I can.
Now, don't get excited. I'll give you
a check and all your troubles will be over.
Oh, John, I hate asking you.
You don't know what this
means to me, John.
I've been nearly frantic for weeks.
That's all right, my dear.
Does Joan know you're in this hole?
Well, I told her a little about it...
but you're so generous to her that she
can't understand why I don't go to Dennis.
If I were you, I don't think I should say
anything to her about this.
All right, I won't.
I can never thank you enough, John.
Valerie, give me that check.
- No!
- Give it to me!
- No, it's all right.
- You don't understand, John.
Did you hear me, Valerie?
Give me that check.
My dear, what are you doing
that for?
Because I won't have my sister
sponging on you.
But she isn't sponging, my dear.
Why, it's the first time
she's ever borrowed a penny.
Well, it isn't the first time she's
borrowed from me.
She's been doing it ever since
we were married.
What did she tell you the money
was for?
- Household bills, rent.
- Rent?
Well, I'm afraid you'll find it's for hats,
and dresses and chiffon underwear.
Is this true, Val?
Some of it's for clothes, yes.
The money they're suing you for,
is that for clothes?
- Yes.
- You see, John,
she's got herself into this mess
through her own selfish extravagance.
Now, I've told her that I'm not
going to help her any longer.
And this time she faced it
for herself.
You're a fine one to talk,
you are.
That's true, Val, Joan's right.
There's just one thing for you to do.
Oh, yes, and what's that?
Tell Dennis the truth about
your debts and...
tell him that I'll get him a loan
from the bank to pay them if he hasn't it.
Tell Dennis, tell Dennis, that's all
any of you think of.
Well, I won't tell Dennis.
I'm not going to be treated
like an irresponsible child.
There are plenty of men
who will give me that money...
and I won't have to pay it back either.
Oh, now don't be a fool, Val.
- Valerie, you wouldn't.
- Why not? Is it any worse than you did?
You got yourself a nice rich man
to shell out the money.
Only you tricked him into marrying you,
which makes it all right, I suppose.
- Oh, that'll be enough of that, Val.
- Oh, will it?
Well, maybe you didn't know
that it was a put-up job...
the night Father found Joan
in your apartment.
Valerie, you're insane.
What do you mean?
Why do you think he went
to your apartment that night?
He went because I sent him.
And I sent him because she telephoned
me she was there.
She had it all planned beforehand to make
you come through and marry her.
Ask her if she didn't.
Just ask her.
Is that true, Joan?
She knows it's true.
Joan, answer me.
It isn't true, is it.
Yes, John.
It's true.
John.
John, wait, please.
I've heard enough.
Never mind.
I'm glad he knows.
I let all the servants go.
Shall we go out to dinner
or shall I have it sent in?
Whichever you like.
Oh, darling, I'm so happy.
- I always thought you'd come back.
- You did.
I don't know why you care.
I don't either.
I sometimes think it's a mulish trait
I inherited from my grandfather.
Besides, I didn't like the way you
were lifted from me in the beginning.
I'm awfully sorry to intrude
like this, Mrs. Page.
But there was something
I had to say to John tonight.
I think you and I are better off
without any further discussion, Joan.
I don't think we are, John.
- I don't think you understand.
- I can understand everything.
I was always surprised that you...
Well, I don't want to talk about it.
Certainly not here.
Shall we avoid any kind of a scene,
Mrs. Fletcher. Neither John nor I...
I don't make scenes, Mrs. Page.
I came here to tell you something
that's very important, John.
At least... it's terribly important
to me.
I've admitted that I tricked you into
doing the honorable thing.
Johnny, then you didn't
walk out on me.
You married her because you had to.
I still see no necessity of going
over it all.
Only this necessity, John.
Ever since we were married I've been
deeply and bitterly ashamed...
of the trick I played on you.
It was a rotten thing to do.
And I always knew the day would come
when I'd have to tell you.
So when Valerie burst out with it
this afternoon, I was glad.
- Glad?
- Yes, I was.
I said to myself, well...
at last he knows.
You see, John, when I first met you,
I had a theory about marriage.
I thought marriage was a business,
especially...
a woman's business.
And love was an emotion.
And like a man, who won't allow emotion
to interfere with his business,
I was determined that love
should not interfere with mine.
My theory might have worked
at that, I think,
if you hadn't had one of your own.
In the face of that opposition I...
I let you in for it.
Because I was so sure...
that once given a chance,
I could be useful to you.
And that I could...
really help you.
Well, your theory has got us
in a swell spot.
It's got me in a swell spot.
Because, you see,
I fell in love with you.
That's really what I came
up here to tell you.
I couldn't let you go out of my life...
believing that I don't.
And until this very afternoon I...
I really thought I still had a chance
to win you over and...
and make you happy.
You succeeded in making me
thouroughly unhappy.
If Valerie hadn't lost her temper
this afternoon,
could you have said that?
I think it's only fair to tell you
that I'm sailing for Europe next week...
and John's coming with me.
Oh.
Oh, then um...
Do you still want the divorce, John?
Or would a technical marriage state
suit your plans better?
That's for lawyers to attend to.
Very well.
I want to reserve two compartments for
New York tomorrow on the Golden Arrow.
Oh... Well, will you get them
for me?
Dinner wait too long no good!
Dinner late!
You better keep it good, somehow!
I say dinner no good, dinner no wait.
Is now or everything all wet.
Bouillabaisse is all wet anyway.
They can't eat now!
Mr. Fletcher isn't even here.
I was told to hold everything
until further orders.
I have the bouillabaisse special.
I promise make everything...
very good!
But isn't good... dinner be bad.
You're getting me very tired.
Now that we've got a real Cabinet
member with us...
- ...we should make him explain inflation.
- Oh, I understand perfectly.
Prices are supposed to go up and up,
aren't they, Mr. Secretary?
Well, that's what's supposed to happen.
Well, I feel sorry for the poor
little American dollar...
over in Europe with nobody
to back it up.
It still seems to be popular
with some people, Sam.
- What did the doctor say?
- I couldn't get him.
I left word for him to call.
- Do you think you could use one more?
- I could use a lot more.
- Say, where in thunder is John?
- Gone.
- And it's my fault.
- How could it be your fault?
Well, Denny...
the Fletchers don't seem to like their own
party well enough to show up.
Oh, they'll be here.
That's the old schooner John's
great-grandfather started with.
- I'm so sorry, Mr. Lane.
- Hello, Joan.
Please forgive me for not being here
in time to greet you.
Oh, of course, I was almost
late myself.
How do you manage to look lovelier
every time I see you?
Oh, well it does take a bit of doing,
I can tell you.
- Have a cocktail, Joanie?
- Oh, thank you, Father.
- Where's your glass, Oliver?
- Oh, right here.
- Did you see John?
- Yes.
Is he coming back?
What on earth are you going
to tell Oliver?
Where's this high-powered husband
of yours, Joan?
I'm expecting him any minute, Mr. Lane.
He just had to go out of town today.
He really is a slave to his business.
Do you think you could find me
another drink?
Don't you think maybe you've had
enough before eating?
All right, I'll get you one.
Well, Freeman, why don't we eat?
Mrs. Fletcher asked me to hold
dinner a little while.
But the cook says if we hold it
much longer it will be a bust.
- This dinner is a bust already, Freeman.
- Yes, sir.
When I tell Denny you offered me
a thousand dollars...
what do you think he's going to do?
But you're not going to tell him.
Sure I am.
Let's have another drink.
He should know there are other men
that'll give me a thousand dollars...
even if he won't.
What you need is a little air.
Come on.
I've eaten so much caviar
I don't want any dinner.
The doctor's secretary telephoned,
Mrs. Weston,
and said you'd perhaps better come home
as soon after dinner as possible.
He said it was nothing serious,
not to be alarmed.
Thank you, Freeman.
Leonard, I think we'd better
go right away.
- We'll have to wait for a taxi.
- Well, Farley Drake's is here.
He'll let you take his if you don't
want to wait for a taxi.
- Do you suppose he would.
- Sure, I'll ask him.
Freeman, when I ring twice...
I want you to come in and tell me
that Mr. Fletcher...
has just telephoned from Sacramento.
Say that he regrets that he has
missed the last plane.
And he may not be able
to get here until very late.
- Now, have you got that?
- Yes, ma'am.
Mr. Fletcher regrets exceedingly...
- Regrets that he...
- Regrets exceedingly.
Mr. Fletcher regrets exceedingly that
he missed the last train from...
- Plane!
- Plane from Sacramento...
...and may not be here until very late.
- Yes, that's right.
- Are you sure you got it?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Two rings.
- Yes, ma'am.
Joan, the doctor just telephoned
for us to come home. Lenny's sick.
- Oh, my darling, nothing serious?
- The doctor says not but...
I think we'd better go right away.
I do hope it won't upset
your dinner party.
Oh no, not this dinner party, darling.
The Westons are leaving. Sick child.
Two less for dinner.
Nuts!
And in that case, John will have
to come to Washington.
Oh, I was just saying, Joan,
that if John has to make a trip
to Washington I shall insist...
that he bring you along.
Does he have to go to Washington?
He will, if he wants the government
mail contract.
Oh, does that mean he has
a chance of getting it?
Dinner is served, Mrs. Fletcher.
Ah, at last!
Aren't we waiting for John?
Oh, he'll be along.
Father, will you tell Valerie?
She's er... somewhere.
He said I mustn't tell you, Denny,
and I said I must.
What was it he said you mustn't
tell me?
Now for goodness sake,
don't start hiccuping.
I'm not starting. I... hic... hiccuped
twice before.
What's this, Valerie, you look drunk!
I am drunk. And Farley's gone
with Eleanor and Leonard.
Where's he gone?
For some reason he decided to drive
them home himself.
What's the matter, Valerie?
- You look drunk.
- I am.
Drake's gone too.
Gone? When?
He's driving Eleanor and Leonard home.
Said he'd explain later.
But why, why?
I said I was going to tell Denny
and he said I wasn't...
and I slapped him.
What was it he said you mustn't
tell me?
I've been trying to find out
for ten minutes!
I've been trying to tell you, Denny,
but you won't listen.
Oh...
Denny, take Valerie out in the air.
What's wrong?
Valerie feel faint?
Yes, just a little.
Well, she isn't exactly faint.
She'll be quite all right, really.
Denny knows just what to do about her.
Father, will you please stay
and take care of things...
and bring her in to dinner as soon
as she's able to stand up.
Yes.
Well, we er...
Shall we go in, Mr. Lane?
Well, I... I hope Valerie will be
all right.
Oh yes, really, she's quite all right.
As a matter of fact I think it was
just one cocktail too many...
on an empty head, you know
what that always does.
You mean on an empty stomach.
Oh yes, yes, of course,
what did I say?
Well, I suppose there's just no use
ignoring the fact...
that my dinner party has diminished almost
to the vanishing point, Mr. Lane.
Oh, I hope you don't mind. I haven't had
dinner alone with you for years.
Oh...
You won't need all that.
Drake's gone. Miss Valerie is
what you might call out.
Mr. Moore and the Colonel
are looking after her.
That leaves only two to be served.
Mrs. Fletcher and the Postmaster General.
I...
I'm afraid this dinner was shaded
right from the very beginning.
Some things are, you know.
Don't you worry, my dear.
I intended to wait until John came but...
I think you ought to know now.
He's going to get the mail contract.
Oh, Mr. Lane, that's so splendid.
Oh, John will be so happy.
And so am I.
And you can tell him from me
that it's all on account of you.
I like to put these husbands
in their places.
Oh, that is the most wonderful
news, Mr. Lane.
John really has great ideas
for the Fletcher Line.
I heard he had. Your father told me.
It's quite true that our shipping suffers
from some of our laws,
which ought to be changed.
But you know Congress.
However, I have a plan and I hope
that John feels as I do about it.
Oh, yes, I'm sure you do.
I mean... of course he will.
Freeman,
I rang twice.
Sorry, ma'am.
Freeman.
But you didn't understand.
I said that I rang twice.
Oh, yes, ma'am.
Mr. Fletcher just telephoned
from Sacramento.
He was exceedingly sorry he missed
the last plane...
and would be late getting here.
Oh, what a shame.
John will be so disappointed.
You got me completely sold
on John's business qualifications.
But what I want to know is
how is he as a husband?
Oh...
Oh, John.
I'm terribly sorry, sir,
to be late like this.
But I thought you missed
the last plane.
Yes, you telephoned that you had.
Oh yes, yes, I did.
But I er...
I got a private one that landed me
in Golden Gate Park.
It's still there, I think.
Where's the party?
Oh...
We're all that's left.
Don't ask me what happened
to everybody because...
I can't remember.
Never mind, dear.
You might open that box.
Yes, what's in it?
It should be a bomb.
No, dear.
It's the flowers you telephoned
me to get for you.
I what...?
Oh, yes.
Yes, so I did.
That's what made me late.
My dear Joan, if that isn't the perfect
excuse, you'll never hear one.
You see, sir, Joan and I were married...
four months ago today.
Oh, John!
You must have been away
all those four months, John.