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Employees' Entrance (1933)
I've dealt with this store for years,
And you were a bunch of gentlemen till you got that maniac Anderson. He wants me to stand the loss. Anderson, Anderson. Who is this guy Anderson, anyway? I thought you were the owner of this store. But I've worked for you for 12 years, Mr. Monroe. I don't deserve to be thrown out for one little mistake. Mr. Anderson has charge of that. I helped your father build this business Through the advertising columns in my newspaper. I was his friend, I've been your friend, And now you suddenly decide to withdraw Your advertising from my pages. Why? Why? I know, I know. I'm terribly sorry, But Mr. Anderson thinks... hello? Send Mr. Anderson in, please. Yes, sir. I... I hope I get away pretty soon, gentlemen. The transatlantic flyers are arriving. I've got to get down the bay to meet the ship. The, uh, mayor is depending on me. Oh. Gentlemen, this is Mr. Anderson, our general manager. How do you do? Good morning. You will find a chair there, Anderson. Thanks. Mr. Anderson, we've been talking about you. Business has run along very nicely, And we would like to give you the privilege to continue with us, But it has been mentioned, however, That your methods have been a little, uh... well, shall we say, overzealous at times? Uh, it might be well For Mr. Ross to supervise your decisions. An excellent suggestion. Otherwise, I congratulate you On having made good with us, And I invite you to continue in your present position. Thank you, gentlemen. I'm glad you're satisfied with the business we're doing here. All we need are bigger and better Welcoming parties on board that yacht, And business will go right through the roof! The day that Lindbergh arrived, there weren't 20 people in the store, And when the prince of Wales And the king of Siam and the president of Cuba came, Gentlemen, we simply touched bottom. There's only one answer to it... either move this store out Onto that yacht or move the yacht into the store. What are you talking about? I'm talking about the business of this store, Ross, In case you don't get me. When I first went to work here, I was a kid, 20 years old, In the shipping department, one of a thousand. I've been through many departments since then. I've seen thousands of employees come and go, And I've come to one conclusion- There's no room for sympathy or softness. My code is smash or be smashed. I took this store When it was a pile of junk without leadership. I converted it into assets, Assets for you gentlemen to pat one another on the back about. Do you think you did it? Ha ha! No! I did it! I don't own any yachts. I'm not on the mayor's welcoming committee. I did it because I know how! This store has got to go on climbing, And I'm here to see that it does. As for commodore Monroe, You're the greatest welcomer this city has ever had And the worst department store executive! Anderson! How dare you? There's only one man That can keep this store at top speed - Me! You know it. You want me to keep it going, don't you? You invite me to continue, don't you? You bet your necks I'm going to continue, But I'm going to be in supreme command and be responsible for what I do. I'll take a new contract at double my present salary And supervision from nobody! Oh, preposterous! I'll give you that one chance to keep me here, Or I sign a contract with Gormley's- Your biggest competitor - Tomorrow morning. The insolent upstart! He's only an employee. How dare he! I warned you. He is a menace to this store. The sooner you let him go, the better. Dismiss him, Ross. Dismiss him at once. Hold on a minute. I've got something to say about this! I've got plenty to say if I can make you gentlemen listen. Are you going to defend him? - Yes! I own this store, and if I see fit To discharge an employee, that's my business. Yeah, but we have millions involved in this store. Exactly. We can't afford to let Anderson go. This is an outrage! But it's business sense, Monroe. - Ohh! Now, look here, no offense, commodore. As outside contact man, you are serving us magnificently. Your social prestige is worth millions in sales. We've got to have you On the mayor's welcoming committee. Why, it's a big job. I'm glad you realize it. But at the same time, We've got to have somebody that can run this store. You can't lose by it, commodore. The more money he makes for this store, The more your common stock is going to be worth to you. Why, certainly. Good heavens, gentlemen! My escort. I've got to go. Yes. Of course you must. But, commodore, you can't go now. We're going to bring this matter to a vote! Gentlemen, gentlemen! The transatlantic flyers! They're waiting for me. Most important. Yes. Success. Success. Thank you. Gentlemen, gentlemen! I propose that we retain Mr. Anderson on his own terms. All those in favor, Signify with the usual sign. Aye! Aye! Aye! No. The ayes have it. Who's this man? I'm Mr. Garfinkle. He's a manufacturer. We gave him an order for swagger coats. Well? I'll be just 3 days late with that order. I've had labor trouble. You know how it is when you've got labor trouble. These were for a 3-Day special beginning tomorrow. The advertising is in the papers today. I can give you some coats for tomorrow. That'll be all right. That'll cover us, and then we can say we've sold out. All right. Take what he can give you tomorrow And cancel the rest of the order. Cancel? Why - Why, you can't do that. Why, all my capital, everything is tied up in that order. 5,000 coats. I've got $30,000 invested. That's all the money I've got in the world. Cancel the order, and we'll sue him For the cost of the advertising And for the estimated loss on the sale. All right, Mr. Anderson. Mr. Anderson, I - I'm telling you, I'm a ruined man if you do this. I shouldn't have undertaken this order, But I did it for you... for the big Monroe department store At a price where I made no profit. I did it because I thought, if I get your order once, Big things might come from it. Now if you cancel the order, Even if you don't sue me, I'm ruined. It's like if you were threatening to kill me. Here. Send these back. What's the report on the men's underwear sale? 618 sales at 1:00. Keep me posted. Don't you hear me, mister? It's my life! Yes, I hear you. Merchandise is the life of this store. When you promise to deliver On a certain day and don't do it, you threaten our life. But it only happened once. It can't happen again. It can't happen once! Now, get out of here. Yes? The men's lavatory on the fourth floor is out of order again. Take a note to the head of the repair department. Fix men's lavatory on the fourth floor or be fired. I won't need my car till 7:30 or so. Tell my chauffeur to wait. Where can I find you, please? I'm going to inspect the fifth and sixth floors. Well, who are you? Don't you know better Than to break into a lady's house without knocking? Oh, you're the lady of the house, are you? Mm-Hmm. Besides, how did you know? I might have been taking a bath or something. Who are you? Oh, I'm only the landlord. You haven't paid your rent this month, lady. I know I haven't, but you wouldn't throw me out On a stormy night like this, Would you, mister? Aw, come on. I was just going to have a bite to eat. Would you like to join me? Come on. Oh, just look at that. A lovely papier-mch chicken. Mmm. I'll bet that's good. How would you like a wax banana? I'd love it. Or perhaps I could make you a sandwich. Mmm. Oh, fresh, too. And look. There's some nice fake milk. Just what we need. I'm sorry I can't offer you anything better, mister. You work here, don't you? Yes, I work here. You're lucky. I've been trying to get a job here myself. Tell me, is it a tough place to work in? Oh, not so bad. By the way, what are you doing here? Don't you know it's after closing time? Be a sport, will you, and let me stay? I'll turn out all the lights and be very quiet. I'll sleep in there on that couch, And no one will ever know the difference. Haven't you got any other place to sleep? No. Well, that is, not as nice as this. And besides, I want to be The first one to the employment office in the morning. Broke? Very. With your looks, you shouldn't have any trouble getting a job. Thank you, but I'd rather be employed for my brains. What's going on in here? Oh, it's you, Mr. Anderson. Beg pardon, sir. I seen a light in here, and I thought- It's all right, Joe. A - Anderson? You mean, you're Kurt Anderson? Mm-Hmm. What of it? Oh. Well, I've been trying to get in To see you all day for a job. I've got all night to listen. How about a little dinner first? What'll we do with all this food? It's too bad to waste it. It'll keep. Come along, miss Whosis. Madeline Whosis, if you please. Good night, Ross. It's getting pretty late, And I guess I'd better go. All I can say is, thanks so much, Mr. Anderson, For everything and for being so nice to me. I suppose I ate like a little pig, But, gee, you don't know how hungry I was. Oh, yes, I was, really. I think I'm going to like working for you, And I'll pay you back that $10 out of my first week's paycheck. Ha ha ha! Oh, yes, I will, really. I wish I could really thank you, But I can't ask you to dinner, and I can't give you a job. So good night, Mr. Anderson, and, well, thanks again. Now, wait a minute. You don't have to go, you know. Oh, yes, I do. No, you don't. Second floor-Lingerie, pajamas, millinery, Women and children's shoes, corsets, Brassieres, girdles, abdominal bands, Air mattresses, bicycle tires, army cots, canoe paint, Shoe stretchers, and boy scout outfits. Your name? Walters. Madeline Walters. Address? Eddington apartments, 34, West 55th street. Have you had any experience modeling? No. Then I expect I better put you with someone for a little while. Will you come this way? Oh, Polly? Polly, this is Madeline. She's coming to work here. Would you mind taking charge of her? Sure. What are you going to do? Oh, model, I guess. You ought to do all right, if your feet hold out. Why? Is it so tough? Not so bad, unless you run into a 42 that wants to get into a 16. You're to go right up to Mr. Anderson's office, Polly. Me? What for? I don't know. He just called for you. Oh. See you later, babe. Uh, does Mr. Anderson call often? Yes. Quite often. Hello, Mr. Anderson. Oh, it's you. I didn't know you with all your clothes on. I'm just giving my face a break today. You think I need a change, do you? You've tried everything else for 6 months, haven't you? 6 months? I'm just getting my second wind. You've been working on me with everything you've got, But I know what you think before you think it. I don't want you or any part of you. I want that understood because I think I can use you. What part of me? All of you. I get it. How much are you getting now? 35 a week when I'm not docked. Could you use 70? 70 a week? What's the gag? I want you to do something for me. It's practically done. What is it? Listen, come here. In the next office sits a gentleman by the name of Mr. Denton Ross. Sure. I know him. Ross is wasting too much of his valuable time watching my affairs. He's much too busy around here. He needs somebody to take his mind off his work. You can do that better than anybody I know. And I get paid for it? Yes. Oh! That'll be wonderful. Save it. Don't waste it on me. Oh! Mr. Ross, I hope you aren't busy, But I just had to see you. What is it, young lady? I suppose I should really talk to Mr. Anderson, But I'd much rather see you. Do you mind? Not at all, not at all. Anyhow, I think you understand better than anybody What we girls have to put up with down in the department. I know you'll protect me. Why, certainly, certainly. Sit right down, miss, uh- Dale. Polly dale. I'm a model. Oh! Have you been having any trouble? Yes. Tell me all about it, my dear. It's about stockings. Stockings? Yes. They don't want me to wear stockings, And that means no girdle. Oh, I feel just awful. And then miss Sibley wants us to rouge our heels. Do what? Rouge our heels, like this. I see. Honestly, I'm so ashamed, Mr. Ross. I didn't want to take this up with Mr. Anderson, Because, well, I'm so afraid of him, And I think you understand how we girls feel about it. Yes, my dear. I understand perfectly, Perfectly. I'll have a talk with miss Sibley about it. But you won't tell her I came up to see you, will you? She'll be awful mad. Promise? I won't tell her. Oh, thank you. You don't mind if I come to you With these little things, do you? Not at all, my dear. Not at all. No. Come anytime you like, anytime. Oh, thank you. You're so nice. Good-Bye. $2,000 a day, 3/4 of a million dollars a year. That's depression. I know we've done $100 million in a year. I know that we employ 12,000 people and that we're a great institution- None of which means a thing unless we can make money. I don't want to throw a couple of thousand people out of jobs, So instead of doing that, I'm going to cut your salaries again. Everybody, including myself, Will take a 10% cut beginning next week. Mr. Anderson, that's the third cut we've taken. It's too much. All right. Try looking for another job, then. You're through. That suits me! And now I want some ideas! Sales ideas that'll sell goods. If you can't sell goods, you're going to have to get out. When the bell sounds at 5:30, everyone stops As though that was what they were paid for. They're paid to work - Not 8 hours a day, But as long as there's anything to be done. Mr. Anderson, Mr. Anderson, I have here a cablegram from my cousin commodore Monroe Addressed to all the executives of the store. I said I wanted some bright ideas. Our biggest loss is in the men's department, Where we're doing 1/3 the business we did a year ago. Higgins, what ideas have you for your men's department? Ideas? Didn't you ever hear of them? Well, uh, I don't know as there's very much to be said. There's a depression, And everybody's affected, everything. Why, I should say the thing to do would be to retrench, economize. I have a letter from the bankers interested in this business. They say the same thing - Retrench, economize. In other words, sit down and do nothing. What do we need you for, then, Higgins? Why do I pay you $15,000 a year? To retrench and economize? That's expensive sitting. I want ideas that are going to cost money, that are going to make money. How about a window-Display contest? Ties, shoes, hats, suits. A contest in putting the things together- The right shoes, the right hats, the right ties. Make them clothes-Conscious. What do you say, Higgins? Why, this is not a little 6th avenue shop. Instead of having bags and shoes And hats and dresses all on different floors, Couldn't we have a small section in my department Where the customer could see the bags and shoes and hats And get them to match the gowns? Do that right away! I'll have to have a crew to shift the department around. Get a crew. Have them work all night if necessary. From commodore Monroe now, Mr. Anderson? Go ahead. Ah! Ahem! "To the executive heads of the Monroe department store. "In these times which try men's souls, "I send you this message to remind you "That the founder of the Monroe store "Was a descendant of James Monroe and Benjamin Franklin. "The Monroe store "Has a great tradition behind it. "We must meet the situation that faces us With high faith and courage. " From our yacht. "We have touched bottom, but it is an elastic bottom, "A bottom from which we can rebound To greater heights. " I've got an idea! I've got a great idea! Oh, I'm sorry. Now, what's the idea? I begged your pardon! I - Bottoms. His saying "bottom" gave me the idea. Men's shorts, men's underwear. Wait. I'll give it to you right. I was watching the tie sale downstairs. Men's ties. Who bought them? Women! All right. Let's sell men's things to women. What do you say, Higgins? Well, I-I don't see anything in that. Women buy men's ties, but what of it? They don't buy anything else for men. Yes, they do! Men's shorts! Right next to men's ties. Right next to the sale, and they hadn't been selling a thing. But today we made 46 sales, to women! Men's drawers to women! Rubbish! I don't think so. Behind every woman's purchase is the shadow of a man. Here's my idea - Use shorts as a leader. Advertise it, or even don't advertise it, But move that department next to the women's ready-To-Wear So that women will have to pass it. We'll try it without advertising. We'll use it as a test to see if we can sell Men's drawers to women. And if we can, we can sell them men's anything. What do you think, Higgins? Fantastic. Not at all in line With the policy of the store, and I've been 30 years in the business. Higgins, get out. You're through. Not publicly like this. Publicly or privately, you're through. You're too old, too set. You don't think. You don't work. You just sit there And obstruct and shake your head. You think a thing can't be done because it hasn't been done. You're deadwood, Higgins. Get out. And my 30 years in this store isn't worth- You've been paid for all your 30 years, overpaid. I'll give you a year's salary. It's worth it to have you out. But I'm not deadwood! Get out! Anderson, this is inhuman! You can get out, too! What, I? The associate executive vice president- I don't care who you are! Get busy and shift those departments. All of you, get back on the job. Work all night if necessary! Yes? The men's lavatory on the fourth floor is out of order again. Well, well. A football. This is just what my Sammy wants. How much? $3.50. They're genuine pigskin. What kind of skin? Pigskin. What's the idea of having a lot of old songs Out in front like this? Take them back to the counter and get some new stuff! Yes, sir. We'll see whether things like this can be done. My husband is the editor of a newspaper. I'll have this spread all over the front page. That's what I'll do. What is it, madam? Are you the head of this store? Yes. What's the matter? I'm Mrs. Lee Hickox. You understand? Well, Mrs. Hickox? This man arrested me. Me! He accused me of stealing my own bag. How did I know it was her bag? It was laying on the counter. I thought it belonged to the store. I bought this bag a week ago At Gormley's. You can verify that. Where was the bag? On the counter with the brassieres. I was buying brassieres. Do we keep handbags among the brassieres, Sweeney? Well, what was I to think? I'll hire somebody to tell you what to think. I'm so sorry this happened, Mrs. Hickox. So am I. It'll make interesting reading In my husband's newspaper. We don't like that sort of publicity. Just what is it worth to you? I beg your pardon? As a token of our appreciation, May I beg you to accept as a gift Some article of merchandise from the store? Just go through the store and let miss hall know- This young lady here. I don't need to go through the store. I've always wanted a concert grand piano. Will you have it sent or take it with you? Sent. Very well. Miss hall, take the address. And do forgive us, Mrs. Hickox. Of course. With pleasure. That's very generous of you. Good-Bye, Mrs. Hickox. Good-Bye, Mr. Anderson. We'll take $10 a week out of your salary, Sweeney, Till that piano is paid for, And I'll give you the wholesale price. $10 a week? Gee, it'll take me The rest of my life, Mr. Anderson. I doubt if you'll live that long. Get out. Eighth floor-Toys, sporting goods, Radios, phonographs, luggage, Rowing machines, punching bags, Bathing suits, bathing caps, sweatshirts, tents, Ukuleles, riding habits, And wood-Burning outfits. Listen, beautiful, I've got two swell seats for the follies tonight. Want to go? Uh-Huh. Dinner? Yeah. Meet you at 6:00 at the side entrance. All righty. Hello, beautiful. Bad news. Sweet, I can't make it. Oh, martin. I gave Mr. Anderson an idea, and now I've got to stay and help supervise it. I should have kept my mouth shut until the morning, but I didn't. When Anderson gives an order, that's that. Here. Take these theater tickets and take a girlfriend. I said a girlfriend, now. I don't want to go without you. You know, someone ought to strangle Kurt Anderson And give us all a vacation. Aw, now, no, you don't. Honey, he's all right when you know him. He's a swell guy. He's swell till you know him. So you know him, huh? I know how hard and cruel he is. Martin, he's dynamite. Honey, when did this happen? It's no secret. Everyone is scared to death of him, And so am I. Aw, just because he's the boss, that's all. Maybe you'll be scared of me, too, someday. You're not my boss... yet. I said someday. Maybe. Good night, honey. See you in the morning. I want half a size larger than this. The last pair of shoes I bought here Scuffed all out in the toes, And I said to Mary- That's my son's wife, you know- I said to her just this morning, "That child should be taught To take better care of her shoes. " I did the best I could with them, Mr. West. If that's the best you can do, You'd better take up plumbing. Look at that figure. Look at this one! And this one. You can't draw women, that's what's the matter with you. I put in two days' work on them. They're as good as any of the stores use. That's not good enough. Aren't you going to pay me something? For what? Mr. West, if you only knew how I needed this money. The only time I'll pay for pictures is when I can use them. Well, that's pretty tough, Mr. West. I never thought you'd treat me like that. It's your own fault. Hello? Is Mr. Gordon there? That you, Gordon? Listen, I've got to have a set of fashion drawings By tomorrow afternoon. Hop in a taxicab and get over here right now. All right. I'll wait for you. That's the way to do it, my boy. Gee, I hated to do that to him. He's a nice fellow. But he's a rotten artist. Yes. I used to feel sorry for them, too, but I don't anymore. It's a tough game, and you've got to be hard to beat it. Yeah. I'm finding that out. You know, I think I could make something out of you. I've been watching you for some time. You've got ideas, you're young, and I like the way you've been working. Do you think you could fill Higgins' job? Me, your assistant? Well, I don't see why not. This has been pretty much of a one man's job that I've been doing here. I like you a lot, young fellow. I think I could train you, Harden you up to the point where you could step into my shoes someday. Would you like that? Gee, Mr. Anderson, I - I don't know what to say. Well, don't say anything. I want you to move up into that office next to mine where I can have you with me. I'll want you 24 hours of the day. You like to work, don't you? Yes, sir. So do I. It's the only thing in the world worth anything. You'll find that out. You're not married, are you? No. No, I'm not. Oh. Well, that's fine. This is no job for a married man. Where would I be with a wife hanging around my neck? Don't you... like women? Sure, I like 'em, in their place, But there's no time for wives in this job. Love 'em and leave 'em. Get me? Yeah, I think I do. All right, martin. You move in tomorrow, And I'll show you what it means to be a success. Thank you, Mr. Anderson. Say, what's the matter with you? You haven't told me you're delirious with joy or anything. Something wrong? No. Everything's great. There is too something the matter. What is it? Say, listen, young lady, do you realize who you're talking to? Good gracious. Who? Kurt Anderson's new assistant. Oh, martin, no. No kidding. Well, I- I think that's marvelous. It's a big job. It means 24 hours a day. See, Anderson wants me with him all the time, and- Yes, I see. You won't have any time for me. Honey, it - It isn't that. It just wouldn't be fair to you to get married right now. You're getting closer and closer to that man all the time. Oh, martin, don't get like him. I couldn't stand it. You mustn't let him dominate your life, too. What do you mean, "too"? Well, I mean he's brutal. He'll take everything you've got and then throw you out. Everybody hates him. And now he's taking you away from me. He's not taking me away. Oh, yes, he is. I thought we were going to be married tonight. Well... we don't have to be married tonight, do we? Oh, listen, sweetheart, I'm crazy about you. Just let me get set in my job. Listen, honey, you don't know that guy like I do. He's been swell to me. Tonight he opened up a little. He's running that store alone, all alone. He wants me to help him. I can't let him down now. Besides, we need the dough, don't we? I guess you know what you can do with that. I'm getting off here. Say, don't tell me this is a wedding. No, no. That couldn't be. Anderson didn't order it. Look. There's the bride and groom. Oh, gee, doesn't she look pretty? Kind of. Oh, they look so happy. Why shouldn't they? They've just been married. Honey, how's your heart? Is it all right? No. It's jumping right out of my mouth. Well, come on. What do you mean? Come on. We're going to do it. Pardon me. Is the head man around? He means the minister. Oh. Just a moment, please. Uh, pardon me. Could I- Or, we- Ask you a favor? Are you newspaper reporters? No. We want to get married. Married? Yes. You know, Like you did to those two who just ran out of here. But, my dear young man, there are certain formalities. Oh, we don't want any formalities. We've got the license. And everything seems all ready here. I mean, all the decorations and you. Oh, please. Well, it's rather unusual... but I'll do it, since you wish me to. Oh, thank you. If you will just stand here. Oh, Swanson and Evans, I want you to witness this marriage. Oh, have you the ring? Did you get the ring? No. I told you to get it. You got the license. Why didn't you get the ring? Use yours. Oh. That's quite all right. Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of god And in the face of this company... martin, I tried to get you last night. Where do you keep yourself lately? Well, you see, I moved to a quiet little place- Yes. Well, don't keep it a secret. Give the number to miss hall, and if you're going out, I want you to leave word where I can get you. All right. I will. Let me know how the men's shorts are going. And get that umbrella sale started. It's raining outside. Defective. Send them back. Send them all back. Yes, sir. Ever since the day you smashed my business. You don't remember that, do you? You taught me a lesson. I thought there was such a thing as honesty And cooperation and sincerity in the business world. I found out differently. It's men like you who crush that succeed. All right. I'm going to succeed, too. I'm here learning more of your methods. Then with what little money I've got left, I'm going to start my business again. Then I'm going to be like you. Trust nobody. Work my people day and night And then throw them out. And someday, maybe I'll get the chance to do the same to you. Here. $5,000. Are you trying to buy me off? No. I want a half-Interest in any business you go into. You've got the right idea now. Take this check. Get out of this store. Get busy. I'm staking you. I'll pick my own partners, if you don't mind. Have it your own way, Garfinkle. I'm doubling your salary and putting you on a bigger job. Er, young lady, Where's the basement? On the 12th floor, madam. You fresh thing! Madeline! Hello, darling. I had to run up to see you. How are you, anyhow? How did you ever get away from Kurt Anderson Long enough to come up and see me? He's out to lunch. I hope he gets indigestion. Oh, now, honey. Close the curtains, martin. Do you know what today is? Sure. Tuesday. Oh, no, stupid. This is our third anniversary. We've been married 3 weeks today. That's right. Oh, martin, I don't get to see half enough of you. It's kind of tough sneaking around like we were strangers. Listen, honey, I'd like to tell the gang here about us being married, But I can't right now. Our future depends on it. Wait till I get a better footing and a little money saved. I'll tell Anderson about us being married, And he'll have to like it or else. Who manufactures these toy dogs? Stern's novelty company, jersey city. Tell them we'll take them if they'll take off the label "made in Germany" And put on "made in Japan. " It'll sell better. Yes, sir. Mr. Higgins is here again. I don't want to see him. He says he must see you. He's been trying to see you for two weeks. That guy's getting in my hair. Tell him to get out and stay out. All right. And call a meeting of the advertising And merchandising departments for 9:00 tonight. Mr. Anderson, you can't do that tonight. Who says I can't? The grand ball of the employees welfare association. You've got to go, too. I left a note on your desk. Is that tonight? Yes. And I bought a new dress. Oh, don't make me work tonight, please. Oh, you bought a new dress? Where? Well, you see, I needed a- Where did you buy it? That little shop on sixth avenue. Sixth avenue? What's the matter with this store? We even give you an employee's discount. Well, they were selling out, and it was cheap, and- If my own employees won't buy here, How can we expect anybody else to? There are 12,000 of them. Multiply your disloyalty by 12,000, and it means something. Don't you realize we're fighting for our lives here? Can't I even spend my money where I please? Whose money? Who pays it to you? You, I suppose. To spend on sixth avenue? Not unless you want to find yourself a job over there. Oh, please, Mr. Anderson. I'm sorry. I didn't realize. I won't even wear it tonight. I'll take it back. No. Bring that dress in here tomorrow morning. I'll use it for a sample. I'll show the head of the women's department What our employees are buying on the outside, And if she can't duplicate it for less money, I'll fire her! And that goes for every department in this store. Sixth avenue will think its throat is cut when I get through. I'll find out at the party tonight how many dresses were bought on the outside. Tell miss Sibley to look them over and give me an estimate. Yes, Mr. Anderson. I hope you have a nice time. Uh. Thanks. Why don't you come back next week? I'm sure he'll see you then. Oh, there's no use. There's no use. Well, thank you again, miss hall, for all your kindness, And... good-Bye. Pardon me. Where's the lampshade department? Why, 4 aisles down and turn to your right, lady. Thank you. You're welcome. How are the sales of men's shorts to women going? Great. 246 sales at 3:00. Fine. We'll extend it to shirts and socks next week. Well, my boy, how do you like your job? Swell. You're just beginning. Wait till you get your stride. Mr. Anderson. Mr. Anderson! What's the matter with you? What is it, Sweeney? Mr. Higgins jumped out of a window on the 9th. Higgins? When? Dead? Yes, sir. They took the body to Campbell's funeral parlor. I found this on the windowsill. Thanks. I'll look after it. "To Mr. Arnold Higgins From the employees of Franklin Monroe & company, 1906." When a man outlives his usefulness, he ought to jump out of a window. That's the trouble with most men. They don't realize when they're through. Higgins was through. I'll be through someday. I hope I find it out before someone else does. But-He's worked here for 30 years! We'll send him a wreath. And I'm in his shoes. I took his job. I feel like it was my fault. Listen, martin, forget Higgins. This is war, understand? War. He's just one of the casualties. Was he... married? Nope. Never had time. All alone. No friends. No job. Must have been awful. I'm alone. I've always been alone. It's the only way a man can get anywhere. Friends can't help you. They're too busy selling their own peanuts. And a wife makes a slave of you. I was alone when I took over this store. I've fought it through alone. It takes brains to do that. Haven't you... any friends? You and I get along pretty well, don't we? Sure, Mr. Anderson. Call me Kurt. All right, Kurt. Haven't you ever loved anybody? Sure. I could have married a hundred women. One would have been enough, wouldn't it? But I didn't do it. I was raised on a farm - A poor little farm in Ohio. I nearly fell for a girl back there, but I was too poor to marry her. If I had, I'd have been there yet. Might have had a son about like you- Brought into the world to struggle in poverty, like I did. But I ran away from it, and I've smashed my way through to where I am now. And I've got you for a son, just the same. Get the idea? Yes, I get it. All right. Now get out of here and come back at 6:00. Can't I meet you at the party? You see, I- 6:00. I don't know how long I'm going to be able to stand this, Mr. Anderson. What's the matter with Ross? All he wants to do is play chess with me. How do you stop a guy from doing that? Try playing post office. I'd much rather go back to the department, if you don't mind. I can't learn chess, and I don't want to learn it. There's nothing like a nice, snappy game of chess to get you down. Give him time, my dear. Give him time. Won't you let me go? Nope. You stay right where you are. There won't be any chessboard at the party tonight. 70 bucks a week for a chess player. Do I have to be true to that guy? Absolutely. Ohh! To the executive heads and employees Of the Monroe department store, I deeply regret that I'm unable to be present this evening To shake the hand of each and every loyal employee That has helped to make the Monroe store a monument of success. In these difficult times which try men's souls, I send you this message to again remind you That the founder of the Monroe store Was a descendant of James Monroe and Benjamin Franklin. We have touched bottom, But it is an elastic bottom, A bottom from which we can rebound to greater heights. Signed, commodore Monroe. You needn't have kept me waiting for two hours, Kurt Anderson or no Kurt Anderson. I tried to get out of it, but he wanted to talk business. Sometimes I think you care more for him than you do for me. Darling, he insisted I have dinner with him. I couldn't tell him about us, and I couldn't say no. You seem to be able to say no to me very nicely. Yeah, I'm a heel. Just a heel. I'm certainly glad we agree on something this evening. What'd you want to marry a guy like me for? I didn't want to marry a guy like you. It was another guy I married, but I never see him anymore. Why, the only night I get a chance to go out with him, he stands me up, And simply because Kurt Anderson asked him to. Well, let me tell you something. I'll try a little stepping out, too. I've got friends. Oh. Going to make me feel sorry, huh? I thought I came here to have a good time! Don't let me stop you. Ohh, all right. If that's the way you feel about it. That's adorable. You look just like a monkey. Ooh, look out. Fall off. Shh, shh. Nope. You have to have an organ for that one. Nope. Can't use it. Let me see. Oh! Just a big man's little hat. Give me a kiss, darling. Give me a kiss. Ohh! You forgot something. You look familiar. I'd like to be. How do you get that way? Very pleasantly. I haven't seen you for a long time. Not long enough, thank you. Well, now that we've seen each other, good-Bye. Are you afraid of me? No. Certainly not. I dare you to talk to me. Well, what about? We might find plenty to talk about, if you'd try. you're the flower of my heart sweet Adeline Ha ha ha! Oh, we ought to go on the stage. Oh, a little went up my nose. I think we'd better have another little drink. Yep. Yeah. For once, I agree with you. I agree with you perfectly. Oh, wait a minute! Maybe I shouldn't have any more. I feel kind of foggy. Go ahead and get foggy. You're among friends. Can I depend on that? Absolutely. Oh, I don't care. Everything's all wrong, anyway. Maybe I'm wrong about you. Maybe I'm wrong about everything. Who knows? I don't know. Oh, look at the pretty balloon. Aah! Ha ha ha! Oh! What's the idea? How about another little drink? No, no. No more. Come on. Pull me up. Ohh. Oh. Oh. Ooh. How do you feel? I feel all right. How do you feel? Would you like to take a little rest? Rest? Yeah. Go up to 1032. It's reserved for me. Just throw yourself down, and when you feel better, come on back. I'll wait right here. Room 1032? Yes. The door's open. Go right in and make yourself at home. Ok. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Uh? You all know what time it is? 6:00. Ohh. 6:00? Yes, sir. Ohh. Have you got any ice water? I'll get you some. Oh. Don't let anything stop you. Yes, sir. I'm on fire. Going down? Oh. Good morning, Mr. Anderson. Hi. Well, how do you find yourself this morning, my boy? Ohh, I just looked under the table, And there I was. There are times for relaxation. Last night was one of them. I relaxed a little bit myself. I hope you did as well as I did. Oh, I did all right. Well, pick yourself up, change your clothes, and get on the job. The party's over. Yeah, but I gotta have an aspirin. Forgive me, darling. Forgive you? I was pretty tight last night. I made a fool of myself. I guess I fell asleep in the linoleum bar. Anyhow, I was there when I woke up this morning. That's why I didn't come home last night. I'm sorry, darling. Do you feel all right now? Sure, I'm all right. Who took you home? Nobody. I won't do it again. I'm sorry. I just blew up, that's all. I said a lot of things I didn't mean. Oh, that's all right, martin. Oh, you're marvelous. Why don't you bawl me out a little? You couldn't help it. Oh, martin, tell me that you love me. That's all I want. More than anything else in the world. Oh, it won't be long now, darling. You can quit the store, And we'll tell people we're married. We'll have enough money to have a baby, If we want one. Oh, martin. Madeline? See you later. Hello, Bradford. Have a seat. I wrote you a letter, Mr. Anderson, Telling you I had an important matter I wanted to talk to you about. You didn't seem to believe me. I knew you'd come in here if it was anything important. I haven't got time to run over to your office to talk about the weather. It's not about the weather, I assure you. Well, let's have it, then. I've spoken to Maclaine of the first national bank And bittle of the farmers national, and my own bank, too. Oh, we're worried, Anderson. At a time like this, there should be retrenchment, Cutting down, not spending and expanding, as you are doing. You bankers make me sick. You don't know how to run your own business, And you want to tell everyone else how to run theirs. I'm running this business. On whose money, Anderson? On the money that my brains and labor have earned in profits, That's whose money. You're a banker, not a producer. You haven't done a thing to earn one penny of the profits This business has paid into your pocket. You couldn't go out and earn a nickel In any business that required ideas. All you have is dignity, and today, you can't get a thin dime for it. Now you listen to me, Anderson. I won't listen to you. When I want ideas, I won't come to you. I'll communicate what you said to the board of directors. You'll probably hear from us. I'm not interested in hearing from you. You're not talking to some scared little manufacturer. It's not you who can let me down, It's me who can let you down. I know my stuff. You don't. Anderson, within 24 hours, There'll be a change in the management of this business. The board of directors will meet in the morning. Yes, sir? Have Mr. Ross come in here right away, please. Yes, sir. Well? Listen, Ross, where's Franklin Monroe's yacht? Somewhere in the Mediterranean. Why? He's got 40 votes on the board of directors of this store, hasn't he? Yes. Enough to beat the bankers? Yes. Then I've got to have those votes. I don't care how you get them, Ross, I've got to have them. Why, what has happened? The board of directors are meeting in the morning. They're going to oust me and take over the store themselves. It means retrenchment, a thousand employees thrown out of a job. I've got to have those 40 votes by 10:00 in the morning to save this store. Anderson... I don't like you. That's mutual. Nevertheless, as against outside interests, You are preferable. Oh, I know what it means if the bankers get in here. I may disagree with you on some points of management- If you're trying to tell me that within a year, It means bankruptcy for the store, you don't need to say it. I know it. Very well. I'll cable my cousin at once. I'll get him to let me vote his 40 votes by proxy, But it won't be easy. Mr. Monroe doesn't like you, either. All right. Give him a chance at revenge. But get busy. All right. Complaints. I asked you to come up at closing time, didn't I? This is closing time As far as I'm concerned. I was going to ask you to come out with me tonight- A nice little dinner in my apartment. What do you say? What is it - Conscience? Why do you want me? I haven't any feeling for you. I don't even hate you. I wish I could. There's just no feeling at all. Like someone you pick up on the streets- That what's I feel like. Why don't you leave me alone? Because you're an attractive woman- One of the most attractive I've ever seen. There's something in us right now that pulls us together. We haven't anything to say about it. If I just lay my hand on you now- Don't touch me! You may not come to me tonight or tomorrow night, But you'll come. You can't help it. No, I won't! Yes, you will! Furthermore, I've had a look at your sales record. It's pretty good - Good enough to make An assistant buyer of you at a bigger salary If you'll just keep your head and work with me. Don't you understand? That's not what I want. What do you want me to do-Marry you? Bunk! When you dames get your claws on a man, you don't let him go Till you've dragged him to some altar and ruined his life! All you're looking for is a soft place to park for the rest of your life! The only thing I've ever asked you for is to be let alone! That's all I want, and as for marrying you, you're safe there, too. I'm married, and I love my husband. What I do with my life doesn't matter, But I won't make a mess out of martin's! Martin? You mean martin west? Yes. Yes. Now you know. Why didn't he tell me? I love martin, Mr. Anderson- More than anything else in the world. You must help me protect him. I didn't mean to tell you about our marriage. He wanted to do that. Don't tell him you know, will you? You owe me that much. I'll take care of it. Yes. Tell miss dale to come in here! I've got a new job for you. Doing what? You know young west? Sure. He's tangled up with a woman. You think he'll live? I want him back, do you understand? I want him. I want you to break that thing up and deliver him to me. I'll fix you up a date with martin. He might just fall for you. Who's the competition? A girl named Madeline in the women's department. Madeline? Yes. The young fool ran off and married her. And you want me to put him back in circulation? Exactly. Well, the answer is no. Huh? I said no. $150 a week if you can get him to look at you. I'm not interested. You've got a price. What is it? There are some things I won't do, and that's one of them. When did you develop principles? Oh, I saved a couple out of the crash. Listen, I've made something of that boy. I need him. I'm giving him the opportunity of his life, And he's throwing it away on a woman! You want to save him from loving a swell girl like Madeline, And you don't care what becomes of her, as long as you get your martin! Say, why don't you keep your nose Out of other people's lives before somebody smacks you down? You let those two alone! You're through! You get your last salary saturday night. Not as long as I can play chess. Yes? The men's lavatory on the fourth floor is out of order again. I have cabled every Mediterranean port. I sent radio messages to locate that yacht. Miss hall, get western union on the telephone. Get postal, too. Yes, sir. The board of directors meets at 10:00. We've got to have those proxies, Ross! Well, I'm keeping the wires open. I spent the night trying to think up some scheme to do our own banking And tell them all to go to the devil. Haven't you been to bed at all? No. Too much sleep makes a man's brain dull. That's why your brain's dull. You sleep 9 hours on one of our double-Jointed springs. Yes. What's the report? Western union has received nothing. I'm getting postal. All right, keep after them. Yes, sir. Well, what's the matter with you, Ross? Oh, uh, nothing, nothing. I - I'm beginning to appreciate you, perhaps. You don't know when you are licked, do you? Beginning to like me, huh? I despise you for that, Ross. What time is it? 16 minutes past 9:00. 44 minutes left, huh? Well, it's all up to little Franklin Monroe. King Monroe. Ha ha! The handshaker. Funny world, Ross. Look at us- A couple of numskulls struggling to keep this store from cracking to pieces. We must be a little mad, aren't we? If we were sane, we wouldn't be able to stand it, would we? You-You mean, uh... we all do insane things once in a while? Yes, I-I suppose you are right. Oh, uh, and listen. Can I ask you for some advice? What about? A woman. A woman? You? Yes. Yes, yes, it's one of those insane things We all do. Well, you know how it is. See, she's blackmailing me. Yes. I'm caught like a rat in a trap. I'll be ruined. Franklin Monroe might hear of it. Anderson, you know all about women. What am I to do? Why don't you kill her? Huh? Yes. Anything from postal? No. If you don't, she'll probably kill you someday. Does she carry a gun in her purse? I don't know. Do you think she might? She might do anything. Oh, heavens, I- Go ahead! Kill her and be done with it. No. No. I'll marry her first. Kurt, I've got an idea. I want to get 10 beautiful park avenue debutantes. Not to sell women's clothes-That's our best department. I want to put them in oriental rugs. We're taking it on the chin in that department! Debutantes selling oriental rugs? Sure! The commission on the sales goes to charity. The debutantes are supporting a bread line. We'll support the bread line if they sell rugs. Do that right away. Oh, by the way... there's going to be plenty of night work. I was just wondering whether it wouldn't be a good idea If you moved over to my hotel. I'll get a couple of rooms next to mine for you. I'd like to have you a little more available. Uh, I'm sorry, Kurt. I... I don't - I don't think It would work out so well. Why not? Well, I... I'm married. Uh-Huh. I should have told you A long time ago, I suppose. Sorry I didn't. I hope it won't make any difference. Kurt, she won't interfere. She won't? She has. I ask you to come and live with me So we can be together and plan and work, But you can't do it because you've got to run home to a woman, And that's only the beginning. She's hogtied you, my boy. You won't be able to think straight pretty soon. But, Mr. Anderson, she's a swell kid. You'd like her if you knew her. She works here, too. All I hoped for is in you. I want you to stick to me - Me, you understand? Let this woman go. What? Sure. Turn her loose. A little money will do the trick. That's all any of them want. Why, you-You don't know what you're talking about! I don't, eh? I've got rid of plenty of them that way. What do they care what man it is, So long as they tie him down for a life contract? Don't be a sucker, martin. You can't talk about my wife like that, Kurt. She's no different from the rest of them. I ought to slam you in the nose for that. Well, why don't you do it? Are you yellow? Yes. Get western union and postal again. Tell that girl Madeline waters To drop what she's doing and come up here right away. Yes, sir. Listen, you think I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm going to show you that I do. I want you to sit right here and get an earful. Yes. Has that girl come up yet - The one I sent for? Yes. She's here now. All right, send her in and keep after western union. I'm getting them. Come in, Mrs. West. I just had a talk with martin about you. Well, I don't think There's anything more to discuss about me. I'm leaving. You're a nice girl. I've nothing against you... personally... but you're interfering with martin's career and with his life. How much is that marriage license worth to you? What do you mean? Are you offering me money? Yes, to let martin go. Listen, when martin goes, he goes with me. I'm leaving this store today, And I want my husband to get away from here, too, You women think an affair with you Is the most important thing in the world, don't you? A man's work and his success is! That's not true. It's I. It's martin. We're the most important things. Please discharge him, do you hear? I don't want him to get like you. Oh, you've changed your mind about me, haven't you? I was all right for you the first night I met you, wasn't I? I was all right for you the night of the party, wasn't I? Let me see. I think you were married to martin at that time, weren't you? And that's what you call love. You women make me sick. Come on, come on! How much? Would you kindly direct me to the ladies' millinery department? I don't work here. Oh, I beg your pardon. Step aside, people. Please move back. Please move back. What's happened? One of the girls fainted. It's nothing at all. They've taken her to first aid. Who is she? Is it Madeline? Come on, tell me! Yes, it is. She's - She's taken poison. But they've taken her to first aid. Don't worry, martin. She'll be all right. I'm sure she will. Yes. Anything from western union? No, sir. I want to see you alone. All right. Well? You see this? Madeline took it! They've taken her to the hospital. You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to pour this down your throat. I'm going to pour this down your throat! Here. You might have a little trouble pouring that stuff down my throat. Go ahead, use it! You think I won't? Well? I'm sorry, Anderson. I'm afraid we're licked. Thanks. All right, go ahead, and don't miss. I told you you were yellow! You can't even shoot straight, can you? Mr. Anderson, what happened? Nothing, nothing. I thought I heard a shot. What do you people want in here? Get out, all of you! But there was a shot. Do I look shot? Get out! Yes, sir. How's that girl who took poison? Oh, she's fine. She'll get better. You hear that? She's going to live. I wish I'd killed you. Sure, that's the spirit. What did you want to save me for? I don't want to be saved-Not by you! You're not going to be saved by me. You're not worth it. I thought for a while I could make something of you, But I've changed my mind. You're yellow. If not being the kind of a man you are Is being yellow, then yes, I'm yellow! If I had to be like you to be a success, then I don't want success! I'm going to take my wife out of here - Out of this hole, out of this town! I don't want to see this store again As long as I live - Or you, either! Yes. Tell western union and postal to forget it. Yes, sir. Here you are, pal. Mud in your eye. Hair off your head. Boy. Hmm! Well, maybe after all, You're the only kind of woman a man should have. Are you just finding that out? How'd you like to go to Paris, the Riviera? With you? Yeah. Oh, stop. You're killing me. Would I? Oh! Well, why not? I'm all washed up here. I don't have to sit at this desk anymore. I don't have to run this store. Let it crack! I don't care. We'll go to Europe and play. I've never really played. Maybe I've been missing something. When I get tired, I'll pay you off. That all right? When do we start? The first boat out. Oh! Love. We don't need love, do we? No. Oh, it's a lot of hooey. Martin fell in love, and the girl turned to me. Go down and order yourself A lot of clothes - Anything you want. Charge it to my account. Darling, oh! Anderson, I- What are you doing with that hussy? I'm saving you from blackmail. Then there's good news for both of us! I just got a cable from my cousin. I'm voting his proxies for you. What time is it? 7 minutes to 10:00! We've just got time to make it, then. Come on! Let her go. Well, these are the times That try men's souls, Anderson. Experiences like this pull men close together. Well, too close for me. What is that stuff the barber sprays you with-Vanilla? Anderson, have you no gratitude? Bah! You've all heard the motion- Oust Anderson and take over The full management of the store. As Mr. Monroe is absent And his party votes are not represented by proxy, We will mark his shares not voting. All in favor will signify in the usual manner. One moment, gentlemen! Just one moment, please! There. By the authority of that cablegram, I cast 40 votes to retain Mr. Anderson In supreme command of Franklin Monroe & co. Sorry to have kept you waiting, gentlemen. You win, Anderson. Where's the report on that dress sale? Are you asleep? Oh. Have Garfinkle's name Put on the office door next to mine. What for? You're my new assistant. Who said I wanted to be? I said so. I broke you once, And now I'm going to make you. Get out! Thanks. If I get the chance, I'm going to break you. Congratulations, Anderson. Get out! Ha ha! You are the limit. I'm ready. What about you? Ready for what? Paris and the Riviera. Never heard of them. But you said- I don't remember what I said. Get out of here and stay out. And tell Stephenson I want him. How's the dress sale? Give me the figures. Yes, sir. Then you mean we're not going? No. I'm busy! Oh! And by the way... take off those clothes And give them back to the women's department. Ooh! I hope you choke! Yes. Men's lavatory on the fourth floor is out of order again. Take it out and use it for a storeroom. Yes, sir. How do you feel, honey... better? Oh, honey, I love you... more than ever. We're going to start all over again. It's been done before. |
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