1
Are we going to be late
for the dance, Terry?
Don't worry, Sis'. The "Parker Express"
will get to Newport alright.
It's getting pretty thick, isn't it, son?
Not so bad.
Is anything wrong, Terry?
Not a thing, mother.
Out of gas, son?
Pretty low, Dad.
I've got to find a hole quick.
What's the matter, Terry?
Nothing, mother.
I'm just trying to shake this fog.
[ Tannoy ]
"Nine pursuit planes are to take
off in an echelon "V" formation."
"Captain Ramsay will lead."
Who in the blazes is that?
Watch out for this crate coming under.
We can't understand what's going on.
This plane, that came from nowhere,
is raising havoc with the "V" formation.
Follow me.
He's disrupting the entire
formation .. what a mess.
Land by section.
Now he's waving the plane to the ground.
Either he's a practical joker,
or he's just insane.
Captain .. bring that man to me.
The Major would like
to have a talk with you.
Here he is, sir.
What's your name?
Terence C. Parker.
What the devil were you doing out there?
The "C" stands for Clarence.
Oh, I was doing a bit flying up there.
Oh, you were.
You deliberately made a
mess of our manoeuvres.
You better have a good
explanation and be quick about it.
I'm afraid if I'm quick about it,
it won't be a very good explanation.
However, with a few minutes talk
I'm sure I can give you a Jim-Dandy.
What did you say your name was?
Still, Terence C. Parker.
The "C" stands for Clarence.
Didn't you fly the airmail
a few years back?
Ah ..
Major .. this is the Terry Parker who
flew the New York/Chicago route.
You remember when, for no reason, he flew
the mail to Montreal instead of Chicago.
For no reason at all?
Oh no, that's not fair.
Have you any idea of the monotony of
flying between New York and Chicago?
And Chicago/New York, night after night.
I see .. and I suppose you thought
our manoeuvres were monotonous?
You're right, Captain. There is nothing
more monotonous than a "V" formation.
Hold this man in custody.
Now just a minute, please.
Have I violated a law or an ordinance?
I'm a licensed pilot .. I flew the
prescribed distance above the ground.
There are no speed laws
in the air, and I'm a citizen.
You violated the ..
You broke the ..
Captain, there is a perfectly good
reason for holding this man. What is it?
Sorry, Major.
You see, some good may
result from this episode.
We all realize the need
of laws for the air.
I suggest we all write our
Congressman immediately.
Gibraltar.
Hello Terry.
Lawton told me you showed up
this morning bagging baggage.
Then I discovered that
my plane was missing.
And when I heard on the radio that some
lunatic had joined the Army manoeuvres.
Well, I just put two and two
together and got "Terry".
Ah, the old mathematical genius.
Me, I never could add.
You meant to say that it was
your plane that he was using?
I'm Walter Pritcham .. a very
good friend of General Schwartz.
I'll take charge of Parker here
and see that he behaves.
I assure you we want no part of him.
Shall I warm up the plane?
No thanks. We're going
back by car and I am driving.
If you wait a minute, I'll steal
two bicycles. It's safer.
Come on.
Or a wheelbarrow made for two.
No danger at all if you push gently.
Bye Major, bye Captain, bye Lieutenant.
Bye, Private.
I see .. all in all, a
fine eighteen months.
A trip to Alaska .. thoroughly aimless.
Four months in China. Ten days in jail
for disturbing the peace in Venezuela.
Two plane smash-ups, two
broken ribs, one lawsuit.
And now an uninvited participant
in the Air Corps manoeuvres.
That sums it up nicely.
And money.
You had fifty thousand in the
bank a year and a half ago.
I'll bet you haven't
got ten thousand left.
The exact amount hovers
around five hundred.
Five hundred?
What have you got to show for it?
Cancelled cheques.
And when the five hundred
is gone, then what?
Well ..
No man living on velvet ..
What he does, or how much
he spends .. really doesn't matter.
Oh, it's that thing again.
I know Terry, but that
was two years ago.
I suffered three scratches
and a headache.
But Dad .. mother .. Cynthia ..
Fini.
I really shouldn't have lived.
The three dearest people
in the world were dead.
I have no right to take
advantage of a miracle.
So you see, Gibraltar, I ..
I really died with them.
At that moment.
Every minute since then.
Every minute from
now on .. is Pure Velvet.
Of course, I appreciate
your feeling. Everybody does.
But after all ..
Is all this aimless shifting
about the world necessary?
And this mania for mad flying.
What on earth makes you do it?
I don't know.
It's something ..
Up there.
Something that tried to get
me once .. and didn't.
I'm giving it another chance, that's all.
That's sportsmanship.
That's bosh!
We've a lot of respect for each
other, the heavens and I.
We've even grown sort of friendly.
Lawton, phone Curtis Field and have them
keep my plane in a hangar overnight.
Yes, sir.
Have you any idea why I am shaving?
You're going to a party.
Oh. Who's party?
Amy Prentiss's party.
Who is Amy Prentiss?
The girl I might marry.
Oh. Well in that case, I'll have
to give myself a good shave.
What's she like?
About 45. Weighs a little over 200.
Her eyes are blue.
The good one, that is.
Complexion, spotty. She's ..
I'm sure she's divine.
The exact word.
Surprised?
No.
Oh, congratulations.
Thanks.
Oh, shaving's a nuisance. I'm through.
You mean you are going with only
one side of your face shaved?
Why, certainly. Why not?
Turn around. I'll finish it.
A fine thing.
Do you want to hear the truth about Amy?
No.
She's lovely, charming, gracious.
Intelligent.
A typical barber.
Now, less conversation and more shaving.
Enchanting.
Cultured .. magnetic.
Briefly, you love her.
Briefly, I do.
She loves you?
Oh, about half as much.
But that's enough for me.
Now, let me finish telling you about her.
She's .. she's fascinating.
Breathtaking.
Give me that.
I'll not let any man in the
throws of puppy-love shave me.
That's your own business.
Good evening, Andrews.
How do you, sir.
Silly to bring you,
after tonight's headlines.
There isn't a respectable person
that will say hello to you.
That's a bet.
How do you do, Mr Pritcham?
Hello.
How do you do?
She said "how do you do".
She looked pretty respectable to me.
Yes, but .. she doesn't read the papers.
A very handsome collection
of stuffed shirts.
All I can say is, Amy's aunt's
friends are my friends.
It has been so dull here this year.
Hello.
Evening.
How are you?
Why, she's notorious ..
Hello, girls.
Hello, Eddie.
Hello, Walter.
I saw the most extraordinary gown.
You've never seen anything like ..
Who is he?
Aha .. nice girls.
Once around the room
and only snubbed twice.
This is no time for crowing. Here
comes aunt Martha, the acid test.
How are you, Walter?
Good evening, aunt Martha.
May I present Mr Parker.
Mrs Prentiss. Amy's aunt.
How do you do, Mr Parker?
Amy is somewhere about. She ..
Parker?
Park ..?
Of the Philadelphia Parkers, aunt Martha.
His mother was Peggy Lawrence.
I've never been in an
aeroplane in my life.
We're looking for Amy, aunt Martha.
You'll excuse us, won't you.
Of course.
I'm not built for this kind
of work. You carry on.
Alright, you stay here.
I'll find Amy in a jiffy.
May I help you, Madame?
Please.
Thank you.
Hello.
Hello. Nice night, isn't it?
Splendid.
Having a nice time?
Fine, fine.
I'm so glad.
Warm for this time of year, though.
It's unusually warm.
It seems the weather in New York
is getting hotter all the time.
I read an interesting
article the other day.
It seems the gulf stream is coming closer
and closer to the city all the time.
And it's getting hotter and
hotter all the time now.
I'm willing to agree that we can
blame it all on the gulf stream.
But it's spring.
And we should have some rain.
But where is it? It's inconvenient
at times .. but it makes the heat ..
Because it seems to me that ..
I say, are you listening?
Oh yes. The "gulf stream".
Of course, there are
a lot of wiseacres ..
I love raining. Don't you?
Yes, I'm very fond of rain.
Why don't you tell me the gulf stream
was responsible for the Frisco quake?
Last year, it was Central Asia.
Stella Wright said down there,
it rains 20 out of 24 hours every day.
It's getting on her nerves.
I always say to them "if you knew
the first thing about science."
"You'd know what caused the war."
Virginia is a lovely place.
And speaking of cold spells ..
We're not having the
winters we used to have.
I remember back in 1904,
along about March ..
There's Henry. Excuse me, dear.
Do you think New York will
ever be like California?
Oh, it's nice seeing you. We'll have
to get together again some time.
Could you direct me to some food?
I'm hungry.
A sandwich?
No thanks.
A nice party.
Yes. Very.
Isn't it?
Yes.
A sandwich?
No thanks.
You?
Dance?
Beautiful, isn't it?
Yes, very.
It's a lovely bridge, really.
I'd like to say something.
Something ..
I know.
It isn't necessary.
Do you like travelling?
Yes, that's right.
Let's get out of here.
Let's get some fresh air.
I can't .. well, I shouldn't.
Why?
Well, the party has just begun.
Oh, but that's the ideal time to
leave any party. At the beginning.
Alright .. I'll get my coat.
I'll meet you at the elevator.
Alright.
Shall we go?
[ door knocks ]
Did you ring, Miss Prentiss?
Yes, Travis.
If my aunt or Mr Pritcham ask where I am.
Say that I have stepped out for a
moment with Mr Parker. Mr Terry Parker.
Yes, Miss.
Thank you.
There are wiseacres that have convulsions
every time you mention the gulf stream.
I admit the influence of the gulf stream.
But I can't agree with you that it
causes the rain in Central America.
My friend Stella, who lives there, writes
me it rains 20 hours out of 24 each day.
Yes, that's the gulf stream.
I like the sound of your voice.
I want to hear more of it.
Won't you say something nice and long?
30 days hath September, Apwil, June ..
What?
30 days hath September, Apwil, June ..
Apwil?
Apwil?
Hmm .. I see.
Repeat after me, please.
Around the rugged rocks,
the ragged, rascals ran.
Awound the wugged wocks,
the wagged wascals ran.
There, you see.
Now, you know everything,
Yes .. continue please.
30 days hath September.
April .. June and November.
All the rest have 31 except
February which alone has ..
28 and one day more
we add to every four.
Can't we do something nice tomorrow?
Nice?
Couldn't we hire a couple of chairs
and sit in them .. so I can look at you?
Would that be good?
A lovely morning.
No .. looks like rain.
My toes ache.
It says there "Fair and Warmer".
Well .. in that case we'll have to
resort to the Indian prayer for rain.
The ritual was entrusted to
me by an Old Indian Chief.
Whom I befriended as he lay dying
in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
That's a rattlesnake.
But to make this really effective,
I'll need another rattlesnake.
Do you mind being a rattlesnake?
Come on.
That will do.
It will rain shortly.
I love rain.
Then I can look at you tomorrow?
Well alright, if you don't
look too hard or too long.
You mean like this?
No, that's bad. That says bad things.
Is this bad?
Now, you see .. that's sweet.
Allow me to present an old friend
of mine. General Sherman.
Anybody that is good enough for
Terry Parker, is good enough for me.
Do you know who I am?
Of course.
I knew the very first moment I saw you.
Well .. I don't believe
I caught the name.
Amy.
Of course, you are Amy.
You would have to be, wouldn't you.
You're Gibraltar's Amy.
Just .. Amy.
For every light on Fifth Avenue ..
For every leaf in Central Park,
there is a girl in New York.
Millions of lights, millions
of leaves, millions of girls.
But you are Gibraltar's Amy.
But I'm not. I don't
belong to anyone. I'm ..
I'm just Amy, that's all.
You're engaged, aren't you?
He loves you.
Not too much.
And you love him.
Not enough.
Yes you do. You've got to.
You hear that, Gibraltar's Amy?
It's alright, Officer.
I mean, it's all wrong.
You don't have to worry anyway.
I'll take the lady home.
Listen to me, Terry.
Well?
Have a nice time?
So-so.
The party slumped after you left.
It wasn't very nice of us to go.
Quite alright.
I was a one-man stag line.
Poor darling.
Hold that pose.
A charming couple.
Goodnight.
Wait a minute.
Where are you going?
I don't know.
Any suggestions?
Aren't you coming home with me?
No.
Goodnight, Gibraltar. Goodnight, Amy.
Aren't you going to have any dinner, Amy?
No, thank you.
But you didn't have any luncheon.
Didn't I?
And Travis says you
didn't eat your breakfast.
Well, that takes care of the
whole day, doesn't it, aunt Martha?
You've spent the entire
day at that window.
I like rain.
What's wrong with the Police?
They are trying, Amy.
I've even talked to the Commissioner.
I guess he's .. gone off somewhere.
But his things are at
your place, aren't they?
That wouldn't stop Terry.
You've got to find him, Walter.
Do you understand? You've got to.
I understand.
Why ..
I'm sorry, Walter.
I'm not.
You're happy and that's all that matters.
You know .. you're the
grandest sort of person.
I guess there must be something
terribly wrong with me because ..
I do like you so much.
Really, so much.
But ..
You'll find him for me, won't you?
Won't you?
I'll find him.
I'll fight anyone in the house.
I said I'll fight anyone in the house.
Now listen, pal. I don't want
any more trouble out here.
So, turn around and beat it.
The name is John L Sullivan and
I can lick anyone in the place.
What's the matter?
Isn't there an Irishman in the place?
Casey.
Run down to the corner and
tell the Cop I want to see him.
Oh .. a Cop, huh?
My meat.
Hello, Mr Pritcham.
Say, we got this fellow Parker down here.
No, he won't give his name. But
there's the initials T.P. in his hat.
In your own hat, you brass-buttoned
gorilla. Shut up!
Okay, Mr Pritcham.
I'm telling you again that
T.P. stands for "Third Prize".
I won that hat at a spelling
bee in High School.
47th Street Station. And you'd
better get right down here.
Oh you .. you .. overstuffed pelvis.
Why don't you mind your own business?
Why don't you lock a man up
like you're supposed to do?
Say, what right have you got
to go calling people up?
You fosset-nosed round-faced baboon.
Ah, shut up.
Ah, you said that before,
you web-footed troglodyte.
Anything else?
Yeah. Just this ..
I suppose you know I had to pull a lot
of strings to get you out of that jam.
Why didn't you let me know
you were going off on a binge?
I might have gone with you.
Mr Pritcham is expecting me, Lawton.
Mr Pritcham is upstairs
with Mr Parker, Miss.
But .. Mr Parker is in the shower, Miss.
That's alright, Lawton.
Will you come out of there.
I want a word with you.
Hello Terry.
I know .. you want a towel.
History tells us there is very little use
in declaring war on Police Departments.
Running away.
That's another useless thing.
Hello, Terry.
You know ..
There is a certain class of people,
you just won't be run away from.
It's impossible.
Utterly, utterly impossible.
Why you're not going
to marry this .. this man?
In the lexicon of youth, aunt Martha,
there is no such word as "impossible".
Amy, aunt Martha is right.
It is impossible.
Will you please excuse us.
I want to speak to my niece.
Aunt Martha, I'm afraid you
are going to need my help.
In order to have the best chance with Amy,
we'll have to present a united front.
Mr Parker .. I ask you again to leave us.
But I agree with you. I'm on your side.
On the side of truth,
common-sense and logic.
Oh I see, you are going to be noble.
I'm going to be honest.
Now let's face the facts.
Well, do you mind if I face them
sitting down? I've had a busy day.
Now there is Walter Pritcham.
In love with Amy.
Thoroughly responsible.
A wealthy pillar of the community.
Safe, sane, sound.
Truly a veritable "Gibraltar".
And here is Terence C. Parker.
The "C" stands for Clarence.
A scoundrel without
a single saving grace.
Aunt Martha is only guilty
of understatement.
He's thoroughly irresponsible.
A pauper.
A social outcast and a lunatic.
He'd lead you a dog's life,
this "Parker" fellow.
But I love this Parker fellow.
Oh Amy, you've got to listen to reason.
Now Gibraltar can give you everything.
But I don't want anything.
With Gibraltar you are sure of happiness.
That depends on what you
call "happiness", Mr Parker.
I'm of no account. Worthless.
My life stopped two years ago.
I'm miserable. I'll only
make you miserable too.
You'll never know a minute's
rest, or a day's contentment.
Oh, it all sounds so wonderful.
Alright .. get your hat.
Amy! Where are you going? Amy ..
That you may so live
together in this life.
And in the world to come, you
may have life .. everlasting.
Amen.
Thank you, sir. Thanks for
a beautiful ceremony.
Thank you very much.
Everything went off nicely.
Thank you, sir.
Oh.
My compliments to the organist.
The music was splendid.
I was thinking .. perhaps,
a little wedding breakfast?
Hungry? Uhuh.
Neither am I.
Thank you.
Where were you planning to live?
Funny .. I never gave that a thought.
Do you like Long Island?
Do you? No.
Neither do I.
Thank you.
Thanks.
That settles the housing problem.
Listen well.
I have a little six-room
house out in Patchogue.
Out where the pavement ends.
American colonial.
It has a bed that
Washington never slept in.
And it hasn't been rented
since the Indians left.
I was thinking perhaps,
after the honeymoon.
When you are ready to
sort of, settle a bit.
I'd like you to take it.
It sounds grand.
Doesn't it?
Just a moment, my dear.
There are other things to consider.
Any ground?
A nicely run-down two acres.
Plumbing, heating-system okay?
The Indians never complained.
Well .. what are you asking for it?
Well, let's see now. Patchogue.
Fashionable neighbourhood,
six rooms, two acres of ground.
And .. there's a small car out there.
Tinker with it a bit and it might run.
Would ..
Five dollars a month be too much?
To be perfectly frank, Pritcham, we
hadn't expected to pay quite that much.
You see .. we're very poor.
My husband wouldn't allow me to
take one penny from aunt Martha.
Oh.
Well I might make it four-and-a-half.
But that's rock-bottom.
Well, if it really has a bed that
Washington never slept in.
Does the four-and-a-half
include gardener and water?
Of course.
Well .. we're not promising anything.
Well, we'll look it over.
Terry.
Terry!
Yes, darling. I know you mean well. But
you can finish those pantry-knobs later.
Oh, you can't be too careful
about these things.
That's how the neighbours judge you.
"How are her pantry-knobs?"
That's what they want to know.
Yes darling, I know.
Now come along .. come along.
I want you to get the car and
drive to the nearest phone.
And call the electric company, and ask
them to turn on the lights immediately.
Information will give you the number.
Then call the phone company. Say we want
the phone connected as soon as possible.
Got that straight?
Of course I have. I'm not such
an imbecile as some people think.
You leave my aunt out of this.
Ha, ha, ha ..
And while you are down
town, stop at the market.
We've got to get in some
staples that are necessary.
Make a list there, darling.
Ready?
Yes.
Bread .. salt .. pepper.
Sugar .. flour.
Cinnamon?
Yes, dear. Cinnamon.
Baking soda, cornflakes.
Farina.
Yes, dear. Farina.
Canned soup, canned tomatoes, sardines.
Oh, I saw some sardines once.
In blue cans and red cans.
What colour would you like?
I'll leave the colour
scheme to you, dear.
Then coffee .. milk .. cream.
Butter and eggs. All I can
think of at the moment.
Don't you forget anything, now.
Ney, ney.
Hello.
Oh Terry, there is no light yet.
Should there be?
Well, didn't you?
Oh darling, sorry. But in the excitement
of buying, it must have slipped my mind.
Alright .. it doesn't matter.
At least we've got food.
There we are. All set for the winter.
Where's the bread?
Bread?
Oh yes, bread.
Why, how could I have forgotten it?
Bread, the staff of life.
Tinned shrimps.
Don't bother to look in there
any more. They're all shrimps.
Oh.
Yes.
That's the caviar section there.
All caviar?
That's pate de foie-gras.
All pate de foie-gras.
They must have put anchovies in there.
Anchovies?
Caviar .. pate de foie-gras and shrimp.
Oh there are other staples there too. Now
there's sardines and cinnamon and farina.
Isn't that what you wanted?
Yes, Terry .. that's what I wanted.
Well ..- I'll get some kind
of dinner together.
Amy.
Yes?
It's an engagement ring.
I'm an awful baby, Terry.
But I guess I just was terribly tired.
Because of a sweet idiot.
I'm not a bit tired, somehow.
That's fine, darling.
Tomorrow you have to get up for 6:30.
And look for a job.
A job? What's that?
You will find out, my sweet.
Amy .. we never should
have taken this place.
Gibraltar misrepresented the conditions.
How?
Washington has slept in this bed.
How do you know?
They left his boots and
spurs in the mattress.
We'll fix the place up someday.
Go to sleep now.
You've got to get up at 6:30.
He left his sword, too. If you ask me.
[ snore noise ]
[ snore noise ]
[ snore noise. loud ]
[ snore noise. very loud ]
Goodbye, dear.
Goodbye.
Goodbye, dear.
Bye.
Goodbye dear. Goodbye.
See you tonight.
Darling, when in Rome, you know?
Of course.
Darling, when I come home
tonight I shall be a financial giant.
I'll be known as "Parker,
the Wolf of Wall Street" ..
Or "Parker the Millionaire Magnate".
Or "Parker something".
"Parker the job holder."
That's enough for me.
Bye, dear.
Pardon me. Didn't you just take over
Pritcham's place on Country Club Drive?
My name is Harold Thornton.
I'm practically a neighbour of yours.
Well, I'm Terence C. Parker.
The "C" stands for Clarence.
Always does, doesn't it? Well,
welcome to Patchogue, Parker.
You'll find it a fine place to live in.
I'm sure I will, Thornton.
Oh, there's Jim Smalley and Ted Drew.
How would you like to make a fourth
at bridge? Just to get acquainted.
You sure you want me to?
Of course.
Terry, this is Jim Smalley.
And good old Ted Drew.
Meet Terry Parker, boys.
How are you?
Better known as good old Terry Parker.
Sit down.
Parker has taken over Pritcham's place.
Oh, that's fine.
I see The Tribune is favouring Culbertson
to beat Simms. That's my guess, too.
I don't know. If I was a
betting man, I'd take Simms.
What do you think, Parker?
Well .. I'm inclined to
agree with you, Thornton.
Culbertson is the better boxer.
Simms packs the punch. But give me
the man with the punch every time.
Ah, that's pretty good.
You mean, as bridge players
they are a couple of good fighters.
That's right, judging by
their last scrap at the ..
Oh, are they bridge players?
I didn't know that.
You see, I've never played bridge before.
Pass.
One heart.
Two diamonds.
Oh. I'm supposed to say something?
Six clubs.
What?
Come on now, old man. What
you say we play some bridge?
After all, we've only got forty
minutes for it, you know.
Oh, didn't I say the right number?
Well, frankly, it was the first
one that came into my mind.
As I said, I've never
played bridge before.
Really?
You've never played bridge before?
But I'm perfectly willing to learn.
I'd be glad to teach you sometime.
Yes, I think with a few pointers every
morning, for six or seven weeks.
I should hold my own with you boys.
Yeah.
[ buzzer ]
Oh ..
Ah ..
Hospitality.
Sorry, Walter.
Is Terry with you?
Walter, what's happened?
Where's Terry?
Amy .. promise me you'll be calm.
Walter, tell me what's
happened. Where's Terry?
Terry is ..
In the kitchen.
Oh .. you fool, you.
What's that?
A Dachshund.
A Dachshund drinking milk.
Oh, it's adorable.
I'm glad you like him.
I didn't want to come home again
empty-handed. You know ..
No job?
Not today .. but don't fret little woman.
I'll be the Rajah of rail-roads or the
Merchant Mandarin of something.
And you'll be alone a good deal.
So!
Has he got a name?
There's only one name for him, "Max".
"Max J Dog".
And see, when we get some money,
we can put on a bit of swank ..
And change that to .. "J Max Dog".
Thinking of money, how are you fixed?
I offered your husband a job.
Well, I'll ease your mind on
that my friend. I don't want a job.
Why should I? I have your friendship,
Amy's love, and Max's indifference.
I have 100 dollars in the bank and 400
shares of stock that I'm happy to say ..
Is the most worthless on the market.
"Overland Express Inc". So you see ..
So you see, we're .. just sitting pretty.
What did you say? Overland Express?
[ aircraft noise. flying above ]
Walter .. did you really
have a job for Terry?
Yes .. but he didn't want
that or any other job.
Surrounded by four walls.
I see.
You've worked wonders already.
He is different, Amy.
For the first time since that terrible
accident, I've noticed a change in him.
Do you really think so, Walter?
Now, if we can keep him out of a plane.
And you continue to give unstintingly
of your patient and generous affection.
It's only a matter of time before
you'll have him round to ..
Poor devil.
Flying in the fog.
It is nine-thirty. Are we going
to wait any longer for dinner?
No, aunt Martha.
I think we'd better start. Come along.
You go in, and I'll bring
the food right away.
Alright, dear.
How long is this going to last?
Well, aunt Martha.
Don't try to fool me, Amy.
I know you too well.
Why this man hasn't any fundamental
decency, leaving you here alone all day.
Coming home at any hour.
And not even bothering to phone.
I don't mind. I expect that.
That's Terry .. that's what I knew
would happen when I married him.
And do you think it is quite right
for him to treat you so shabbily?
Darling, listen to me.
I took Terry knowing all about him.
I made a bargain, and I'm going to
stick to it. No matter what happens.
Until I feel that I'm not
doing him any good at all.
That I'm the wrong woman for him.
The same old story, isn't it?
Young, romantic girl marries
a man .. to reform him.
I don't want to reform him just for me.
Oh, it's for me too, I suppose.
But .. most of all, for himself.
Oh, he can be so charming, so fine.
Such a really grand person.
If he'd just get that idea out of his
head that he's alone in the world.
That what he does, or how he
does it, makes no difference.
If I can do that, aunt Martha.
Just that.
Then I'll feel that I've gotten out
of life everything that I want.
And if I can't .. I've failed.
Well .. then I'll give up.
No matter how much I love him.
Now .. now I'll bring the soup.
It's really lovely soup.
Hello.
Evening, sir.
You're aunt Martha's
chauffeur, aren't you?
Mrs Prentiss? Yes, sir.
Oh, right.
Hello, Terry.
Hello.
Aunt Martha's here.
Oh.
Remember, I told you.
Oh yes. Glad to see her.
She'll be going in a moment.
Well, I'll pass the pipe of peace.
I learned how from an old Indian Chief.
Whom I befriended as he lay dying
in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
You must be starved.
Come in and have ..
Oh no. I had a sandwich and a bottle
of beer with an old pal of mine.
A flyer I knew in China.
Now this chap has the greatest idea you
ever heard of for refueling in the air.
Now, listen to this. All you
need is a plane with ..
Hello, aunt Martha.
Good evening.
Aunt Martha's asked us for dinner
and theatre on Tuesday, Terry.
I said I'd ask you. I didn't know
whether you were busy or not.
Well, that's very nice of you
aunt Martha .. why sure.
We're both busy Amy, aren't we?
Don't you remember?
The Schwarnbassles are coming for dinner.
Or was it the Basslechwassels?
Or whatever their name is?
Some other time, aunt Martha.
Thanks, just the same.
Terry, have you any plans for the future?
I don't believe in the future.
I've never had a plan in my life. If I had
one I wouldn't know what to do with it.
No .. you wouldn't.
Let me tell you something,
young man .. it's time you did.
Do you think so?
I certainly do.
I'm not going to stand by any longer
and see Amy miserable and unhappy.
Because of your stupid callousness.
Haven't we been through all this before?
You married Amy against my
wishes and her better judgement.
But that doesn't give you the
privilege of wrecking her life.
I will not tolerate it.
I tell you I will not!
I tell you what you should do.
Mind your own business.
Oh .. Oh!
I quite understand, Martha.
Terry didn't mean it.
My dear, I never want
to see that man again.
Please, aunt Martha.
I'm terribly sorry.
Amy.
Amy .. don't you think
you've made a mistake?
Aunt Martha's right .. it is impossible.
And you are unhappy.
Don't you think you'd better
go back to aunt Martha's?
You'll wake up tomorrow morning
in a lovely room. Another world.
A sane and beautiful world.
Among friends.
With the comfort of security.
And the beginning of happiness again.
Won't you go?
Goodnight, dear.
But Amy, you've got to listen to me.
You mustn't think this is a
temporary idiocy of mine. It isn't.
It is my credo, my platform.
I shall always be on the wrong side
of the road. Outside, looking in.
I'll never change.
Won't you go back to aunt Martha?
Sorry.
I've simply got to stay to see what
makes you tick that funny way.
Goodnight, dear.
Goodnight.
[ doorbell ]
Terry, I'm afraid.
That's the first time anyone but you or
Walter or me has rung that front bell.
It's my theory that it's some
pilgrim who has lost his way.
And is making inquiries
about his bearings.
Or some urchin ringing bells
in rehearsal for Halloween.
Oh, half urchin, half pilgrim.
A telegram for Mr Parker.
Read that, Amy.
Must be the Washington Society
going to put a tablet over my bed.
Thank you.
Terry, listen.
Yes, yes.
Livewright offers twenty a
share for Overland Express.
Congratulations. Walter.
Fancy that, now.
How many shares we got?
I don't know.
Didn't you say four hundred?
That's right.
Terry .. we're plutocrats!
We're worth eight thousand dollars.
Oh, my darling ..
Amy .. Champagne.
But of course, Champagne.
Oh no. Wait. There isn't any.
There never has been any.
But there is milk. Lots of milk.
Grade A? Pasteurized?
Oh, congratulations, Terry.
My lucky star!
My clever husband.
Gentlemen, a toast.
To what shall it be?
Let's be frank. To the $8,000.
No .. no, to the new regime.
Lets see. The upstairs bedroom completely
refurnished. New rugs, drapes, curtains.
I can make most of those myself.
All together about $1,000 and
we'll have a brand-new home.
And do you think we can afford a new
inexpensive car? Is that too much, Terry?
There'll be enough for a new and very
expensive car. We're all through stinting.
Rugs from Damascus,
spices from India ..
Nectar from ..
Oh yes .. and there is
something I must get for myself.
Plaid drapes for upstairs.
Slips for the living room.
What, Terry?
You'll see.
Thank you, madam.
Taxi, ma'am?
No thanks.
Yes please.
Put those there, will you please.
Terry!
Here you are. Thanks.
Terry!
Hello, Terry.
Isn't it great?
What is it? Just what are you planning?
Is this some new irrigation project,
or agriculture on a large scale or what?
It's nothing as primitive
as irrigation or agriculture.
My plan teems with timeliness.
In fact it's as modern
as the morning paper.
It's going to be the
vital force of the future.
Yes, of course, Terry.
Now, just what's it all about?
Aviation, Amy. You've heard of it.
Those worthy men are going to clear the
back-lot and make into a landing field.
When through with that,
they'll put up a makeshift hangar.
And I figure, with the agreed method,
I should be through in about three days.
I see.
Yes. And not only that ..
What do you intend
to put into this hangar?
Well, the most suitable thing to put into
an aeroplane hangar, is an aeroplane.
Don't you think so?
Yes.
I have a surprise for you.
No .. it won't be a surprise.
You've gone and bought
yourself a plane, haven't you?
Yep .. I'm going in business.
You .. you're what?
I'm going in business.
Listen, Amy. With a plane, an amphibian.
I can take commuters
from here to Wall Street.
At so much per person.
Now, it takes an hour
and a half on the train.
And it only takes fifteen
minutes the Parker way.
Why, we'll clean up.
Oh.
Of course, I'll have to be
a little modest for a while.
I don't suppose I'll make anything
in the first year. Probably lose some.
But it's the coming business, Amy.
And .. and I'll be in the air.
The plane .. everything .. how much?
Well, it's second-hand,
but its a beauty.
How much, Terry?
Well, now, that's ..
That's going to take a little
figuring .. let me see.
The cost of the plane.
Leasing the extra ground.
Hangar. Labour. Implements.
And of course, your
salary as field manager.
I hope you're not going to be too
unreasonable about that salary.
You know, I always had to
cheat at math in school to pass.
This brings it all back to me.
The amount comes to ten thousand ..
One hundred and twenty-one
dollars, and seventy-six cents.
Well, don't look so aghast, Amy.
After all, I've got eight thousand.
That means I'll have to dig up a
couple of thousand more, that's all.
That should be easy.
I've spent the last two days
in town buying things.
Furniture .. rugs .. lamps.
Everything that goes into
making a beautiful home.
It's what I've been thinking
of for months, Terry.
A really beautiful home.
That's been my plan.
No .. no, more than a plan.
It's been my dream.
What of that now, Terry?
That is tough.
But after all Amy, this is business.
You know we're ..
Ah .. smile ..
Frown.
Well little Amy, do something.
Information, please.
I want to speak to Stones,
Tower Square, New York.
What do you want me to do, Amy?
I'll do it.
About the plane?
I don't care one way or the other.
Hello, Stones?
I want to cancel an order.
How's this strike you, Amy?
It's fine, dear.
Ah, too bad we haven't any Champagne.
Would you say that was very good ketchup?
It is good ketchup.
Amy, do me the honour.
I christen thee "Amy".
Well done, Amy.
The first of the Parker "Patchogue
to Wall Street" fleet is launched.
Step right in, Madame and
join the inaugural flight.
No fee at all. Compliments
of the management.
Look, I tell you I'd rather not.
But Madame, it's the Amy's first flight.
No, Terry.
Oh well, never mind. I won't
be long. Just about ten minutes.
I'm leaving you, Terry.
Oh, take off those silly clothes, Amy.
And get about preparing the vittles.
But before I go, there is
something I want to say to you.
Yes?
I will ..
I'll try to be simple
and straightforward.
Terry .. this attitude of
yours towards life.
This contempt that you have
for people and the world.
All this dashing around of
yours. All the flying about.
The unhappiness. The unrest.
Can mean just one thing.
There is a void in your life, Terry.
A distinct and terrible void.
I thought when I married you,
that I could fill that void.
I thought that I could take what
was wrong with you and right it.
But I haven't. Oh, understand me.
You haven't failed as a husband, Terry.
It is I who has failed. I haven't
cured you of your troubles.
I haven't righted what
was wrong with you.
Why, I haven't even made you happy.
Really.
I failed as your wife.
You asked me so many times to leave.
Well, now I'm obeying you.
That certainly is beautiful talk, Amy.
It just isn't logical, that's all.
Now I .. I've changed my mind.
I want you to stay.
Don't Terry .. please.
Don't talk.
Don't touch me.
Amy.
Shall I take you to the station, Amy?
No thanks.
I've ordered a taxi.
There is one thing I would like to say.
I love you, Amy.
I don't think you're a failure.
Really, I don't.
I've tried, Terry.
But I just don't seem able to help you.
Perhaps without me ..
Well, don't you see?
It all sounds so absurd but ..
I love you too, Terry.
That's why I'm going.
Did you ring for a cab?
Yes, ma'am.
Bobby Trent was very
funny tonight, I thought.
But you, Amy.
You were positively
the life of the party.
Was I? How awful.
Amy, why don't you and aunt Martha take
a run up to the Adirondacks, or Maine.
Bar Harbor is nice this time of year.
I'd love to, Walter.
But I'm afraid I can't.
Well .. you must be tired.
Shall I run along?
Well, I'm not a bit tired.
But maybe you'd better go, Walter.
Of course.
Goodnight, Amy,
Goodnight, Walter.
"Oh, but that's the ideal time to leave
any party .. in the beginning."
"I like the sound of your voice."
"I'd like to hear more of it."
"Won't you say something nice and long?"
"I'd like to present an old friend
of mine. General Sherman."
"And here is Terence C. Parker.
The "C" stands for Clarence."
"I saw some sardines once.
In blue cans and red cans."
"What colour would you like?"
"I shall always be on the wrong
side of the road. Outside looking in."
"I haven't changed, have I?"
"There is one thing I would like to say."
"I love you, Amy."
"I don't think you're a failure."
"Really, I don't."
I seem to be in the unfortunate position
with you two of "perennial persuader".
A professional fixer.
But I do think you'd better go back
to him .. he's pretty miserable.
So am I .. but I'm not going back.
Oh, I want him.
I want him so very much.
Every human instinct in me cries
out to go running back to him.
I need him, Walter.
But I mustn't think of that.
I've got to think of his needs.
I'm just not made for him, that's all.
Walter.
It was very kind of you
to give Terry that $8,000.
Give?
Yes.
I've been asking people
about Overland Express.
They say it is even more
worthless than ever.
It isn't even listed on the Bourse?
It was very kind of you, Walter.
But it wasn't very nice.
Hello.
Goodbye, Amy.
Goodbye, Walter.
Don't feel badly.
You're such a grand person.
Goodbye.
Will you tell Mr Parker please, that I'm
leaving my car for him. Yes, sir
What do I have to do to get you back?
I don't know, Terry.
One day you'll come to me and ..
Something in the way you stand,
Something in the way you speak.
Just, something about you.
Oh, it won't be anything you've done.
It won't be any visible or tangible
sign that you are different.
It will just be that "something".
And I'll know that you've done, what ..
What I've tried to do and ..
Failed to help you at it.
I'll know that you are no longer
running along a ragged precipice.
On that day.
You won't have to ask me to come back.
I'll come running.
Begging you to take me back.
But you never could like me the way I am?
Oh, I like you.
I love you .. so much it ..
But I can't be on the outside any longer.
Watching you jump about in this,
this cage you've built for yourself.
I won't.
I won't be a nursemaid
to your stupid delusions.
And I won't pet and coddle you.
Oh, don't you understand, dearest?
I want to get inside of you.
Inside of your heart and your brain.
I want you, Terry.
Can't you see?
I want you.
Then I'll never have you back.
You see.
There is no use my taking
up any more of your ..
Your life.
Yes, Mrs Parker. Here he is now.
A request. Mrs Parker wishes
you to return to her apartment.
Give Mrs Parker my profoundest love.
Ah, Mr Parker. Mr Pritcham
left his car for you.
Thanks.
Yes?
Well, let me speak to him.
Terry .. Terry!
Amy, darling .. what is it?
There, dear. There .. don't ..
Was I really as funny as all that?
You weren't funny at all.
I just want to laugh.
Well, come on, let's go to the
Gordon's. I want an early start.
I can't afford to lose one
precious moment, you know.
I'm living on velvet now.
Fashion velvet.
Amy Parker favours velvet this season.
You're wanted on the phone, sir.
We'll drive up in the morning.
No, no. I never want to set foot in a
car again. We'll fly up in the morning.
Alright with me. We'll charter a plane.
Everybody's invited.
That's right.
Yes? Yes, Lawton?
Your car has been in an
accident, Mr Pritcham.
Just a few moments ago.
The other side of Queensboro Bridge.
A little amusement park.
What? How badly?
Thank you, Lawton.
Amy .. may I speak to you a moment?
Excuse me, will you?
Surely.
You and I are going some place
and we've got to go right away.
Something has happened to Terry?
Hurt bad?
I don't know. He's all there, anyway.
That's a miracle.
Eighty miles an hour on this curve.
What's all the tip-toeing about?
What's all the whispering for?
They think I'm going to die, do they?
I'll die when I get good and ready.
Not a minute before.
Nobody is going to tell me how to die.
And when I do ..
I'll be in the air.
Terry.
Terry, listen to me.
I love you .. I want you.
I'll be what you want me to be.
I'll do what you want me to do.
You mustn't die, Terry.
Don't worry about me.
I'm not going to die yet.
And when I do.
It won't be on the filthy ground.
Everything seems different.
Even the General.
Does he?
Amy.
There is something I've
been saving to tell you.
At this moment.
Yes, Terry?
You've been a grand nurse.
And certainly a grand companion.
But ..
The job is over.
You're free, Amy.
But I don't want to be free.
Freedom is overrated.
You mean that, darling?
Do you?
Yes, Terry.
As I lay on the ground that
night, looking up at you.
I realized that I wanted
you more than anything else.
As you lay on the ground
that night, Terry.
I told you that I loved you.
More than anything else.
I said it then, and I say it now.
Do whatever you like,
be whatever you want.
I want you.
I love you.
Amy.
If you love me, you'll stop
talking about a Terry Parker ..
That doesn't even exist anymore.
Love, General.
Something I learned
from an old Indian Chief.
Whom I befriended as he lay dying
in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
T-G
T-G