d d [ Conga ]
Do people in New York always
act like this, Uncle john?
No, not always.
These are
theatrical people.
They're happy because
it's Christmas Eve and
they've all got jobs.
Doing what?
They're going to be in
Oliver Courtney's new show.
He writes the
words and music.
Which one
is Mr. Courtney?
Standing right here.
Where?
Here. See?
With the beautiful girl.
Every time you write a
new song, I could kiss you.
That spurs me to
greater effort, Millie.
Someday I must try
a symphony.
Oliver!
I don't suppose there's a
more successful songwriter
in the country today.
And who is the man
at the piano?
Huh?
That's Mr. Courtney's
assistant, Billy Starbuck.
He's sort of a
Jack-of-all-trades.
Everybody, let's have
a square dance.
Choose your partners.
But, Oliver, we came
to hear your music.
Yes.
Oliver, how 'bout playing
some of the music
for the new show?
Please, Oliver.
I've got nothing
presentable yet.
You said you'd play one
of the songs tonight.
We came expressly
for that purpose.
He's just teasing.
Play my big number in which
I come out of the oyster.
Oyster?
Charlie, what's this
about an oyster?
Oh, I... forgot to tell you.
Grafskaya has done us
a ballet where Millie
comes out of an oyster.
That's just marvelous!
My song is called, ''What Would
Shakespeare Have Said?''
Play it. If it's good,
we'll have her come out of
a big volume of Shakespeare.
[ Woman ]
Oh, that's impossible.
But then I can't wear
my bathing suit.
Never mind that.
Oliver,
we're all waiting.
[ Whistles ]
Charlie, would you
excuse me for a moment?
Excuse me, everybody.
Oh, he's not
going to play!
Keep that other door closed.
Don't let anyone in.
This is a fne time
to be getting here!
Where have you been?
Who me? I've been visiting
my uncle at Tarrytown.
Yes, you.
Don't you realize I've got
a room full of people
waiting to hear the new song?
Well...
here she is!
It's wet.
That's sweat.
How'd it work out?
Don't you want
to hear it?
It's a good idea to know
what you've composed.
All right.
Play it over softly.
Sing the lyrics.
This may be a
little tough for you.
Is this your
handwriting?
Yes, sir.
Want me to play it
the way it's written?
You could surprise me.
I will, honeysuckle.
Hey, hey, hey!
Wait, wait.
Is that in there?
[ Chuckles ]
d What would Shakespeare
have said d
d If he had ever
seen you d
d Well, that's exactly what
I've been trying to say d
d Take charming
and adorable d
d They're practically
obsolete d
d And I think
it's deplorable d
d To depend on a word
like sweet d
d What would Shakespeare
have said d
d If you had lived
in his day d
d I only know how immensely
thrilled he would be d
d I love you
wouldn't be strong enough d
d He'd coin a phrase
instead d
d 'Cause you're oh, so
Darn it d
d What would Shakespeare
have said d d
That's easily
the best thing
you ever wrote.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Have you got
the orchestrations?
Here's the piano part.
Here's the brass.
Here's the reeds.
The strings--
Oh, here's the strings.
Here's the bass part.
There you are.
Thanks.
There's a man writes
a great lyric!
d What would Shakespeare
have said d
d If he had
ever seen you d
d Well, that's exactly what
I've been trying to say d
Lovely!
d Take charming
and adorable d
d They're practically
obsolete d
d And I think
it's deplorable d
d To depend on a word
like sweet d
She doesn't get any life
into it, no bounce.
Don't you think so?
It's lavender
and old lace...
but it's gruesome.
d I only know how immensely
thrilled he would be d
d I love you
wouldn't be strong enough d
d He'd coin a phrase
instead d
d 'Cause you're oh, so
Darn it d
d What would Shakespeare
have said d d
What would you like now?
Some more of my stuff?
Go on,john.
Give 'em some more.
Um, forgive me for
Just a minute, will you?
Say, it went over pretty good,
didn't it?
Oh, pardon me.
I was just going.
No, no.
Wait a minute, Bob.
This being Christmas Eve
and everything,
I have a little surprise
for you.
You have?
You've been writing tunes
for me for about a year.
Mm-hmm.
If it weren't for my lyrics
and my name on them,
they probably would have
never gotten to frst base.
But you've been loyal,
very, very loyal.
I haven't told a soul.
Um, yes, um--
I don't want you to think
I don't appreciate it.
Therefore, Mr. Starbuck and I
have decided to
offer you a contract.
Contract?
Mm-hmm. Fifty dollars a week
for three years, no options.
All you have to do is continue
to keep your mouth shut.
And write good tunes.
[ Chuckles ]
Naturally.
Come on, lazybones.
Come on over here.
Sign right here
on the nervous line.
Thanks.
I'm gonna keep my mouth shut
because that's part of my job.
But I don't want any contract.
[ Together]
You don't want any contract?
No.
Why not?
In the frst place,
I don't like music.
You don't like music?
I like it when you're
feeling like singing.
But I wouldn't want
to make it my life's work.
The poor man's parasite.
What's the matter, haven't
you got any ambition?
Not much.
Good.
Wait, Starbuck.
Surely there must be
something you want?
Yeah, now that you
mention it, there is.
What is it?
A catboat.
A catboat.
Yeah. My uncle runs
this place in Tarrytown.
Yes, yes, yes.
But if you sign this
contract right away,
you can have a catboat now
on the installment plan.
Then you can sail around
and make up songs.
That's very nice.
But I'd rather not be
tied down to anything
unless it's a catboat.
I fgured if I could save
a little dough, I could go
to this place my uncle runs.
If you mention that uncle again,
I'll fre you!
My uncle's
a very nice man.
Here's your fountain pen.
So long.
Say, is that a hep catboat
you want or just a catboat?
Just a plain, ordinary
old catboat.
Don't go too far.
That's why we got you
that cell downstairs.
I did want to visit my uncle--
No. There's a lot of work
in this new show...
and we want you around.
Mr. Courtney likes you
so much he can't do
a thing without you.
He can't, huh?
Well, I'll see you later.
Wait a minute.
What?
What kind of a place is
this your uncle runs?
A nudist farm?
Oh, no, no,
nothing like that.
Just a little hideaway
on the river.
It's called Nobody's Inn.
Feather beds.
Hot and cold folding doors.
Have a card.
Built-in tea wagon.
Take some up to the union
next time you go there.
Ah, Nobody's Inn.
''Peace...It's wonderful.''
Why does he call it
Nobody's Inn?
He's a funny fellow,
my unk.
He won't let anybody in
unless he likes their face.
But you can come up.
I might be able
to do somethin' for you.
And a Merry Christmas
to you too... Scrooge!
Merry Christmas, Bates.
Thank you.
Wait a minute, Bates,
what have you got there?
Telegram for Mr. Courtney,
sir.
Here, I'll take it.
You stay right here.
[ Whistles ]
Bates, are you
a registered nurse?
Why, no, sir.
You better become one.
Got any smelling salts?
I think so.
Don't think, make sure and
have a bucket and sponge.
And, Bates, lock all the
windows and hide his razor.
Thank you so much.
Oh, Oliver--
Give me a glass of
champagne, will you?
I say, everything's fne.
I'm still in the groove.
You better dig yourself
a nice deep one.
Why, what's wrong?
Your lyric writer
Just fell dead.
Oh.
Bates!
Croon. Spoon.
Tune. Soon.
Agh! june.
How about loon
or goon?
It's no use, Billy.
I haven't been able to write
a good song of my own since
''Good-bye To Love.''
Oh! And a good song
must come from the heart.
Not with your ears.
My heart just stopped
singing when she died.
She didn't die.
She got fat.
What?
Why try that sentimental
drool on me?
You know she married
a guy in Naples who ran
a one-arm spaghetti joint.
I prefer to think
of her as dead.
There will never
be another like her.
There's one born every minute!
You're like a swan, only able
to produce a good tune...
when you're getting it
in the neck.
I'm looking for that
Christmas card that girl sent.
What girl?
The one who keeps sending you
her poems, Cherry Lane.
Maybe you could
use her.
Here it is.
Read it to me.
''A Happy New Year to you
is my sincerest wish.
If music be the food of love,
you are my favorite dish.''
[ Chuckling ]
You are my
favorite dish.
I wonder
if she's pretty.
What does that matter?
I thought you were looking
for a lyric writer.
Starbuck, send for her.
I'll see her tomorrow.
I'll have her here
by carrier pigeon.
Pardon me.
Does Mr. Oliver Courtney
live here?
Yes, miss.
Take the elevator to
the 1 5th floor and then
change for the penthouse.
Thank you.
Good morning,
Wilkes.
Good morning, sir.
Little place of my uncle's.
Give it a rumble, will ya?
d d [ Humming ]
d d [ Whistling ]
Oh, pardon me.
Certainly.
d d [ Whistling ]
d d [ Humming ]
Floor please.
[ Together]
Fifteen.
d d [ Whistling ]
That's a pretty
little number.
Yes, isn't she?
Who?
What are you
talking about?
I'm talking about that tune
you were whistling!
- Was I whistling a tune?
- Don't tell me you've
already forgotten it.
d d [ Whistling ]
d d [ Whistling Continues ]
Give me that again,
will ya?
d d [ Whistling ]
Rimsky-Korsakov, 1 888.
You're very clever, my friend,
but on you it's repulsive.
Are you the young lady
that wrote these verses?
Mm-hmm.
Miss Lane,
do you like music?
I adore it.
I can't play well,
but a good tune always
makes me think of lyrics.
They just seem
to pop into my head.
I had that once.
Oh, but I think
your melodies lately have
been perfectly wonderful.
Oh, do you?
Of course...
nothing will ever come up
to ''Good-bye To Love. '?
Ah, I wrote that myself!.
I mean, um--
That really came
from my heart.
Um, Miss Lane,
how would you like
to write my lyrics?
I beg your pardon?
How would you like
to write my lyrics?
I couldn't write your lyrics.
I could write my own lyrics,
but I couldn't write--
Do you mean--
Mm-hmm.
Oh, Mr. Courtney, I couldn't
do that... or could I?
It would give you
an opportunity and an income.
And it will give me something
that I very badly need:
some new lyrics.
Oh, Mr. Courtney,
to be able to write with you,
it's unbelievable!
I must think of a new rhyme
for heaven right away!
Will you?
Of course I will.
Just wait till the girls
in Tulsa see my name
on one of your songs.
They'll simply
curl up and die!
Miss Lane, I don't want
you to labor under
a misapprehension.
Your name won't appear on
the song. My name will be
on it as usual.
But you'll have all the
satisfaction of knowing
that you did write it and...
you'll be able to dine on
something more substantial
than the food of love.
But, Mr. Courtney,
that is misrepresentation.
They'll throw me in jail!
Oh, no.
It's done all the time.
A man reaches a position
where he's paid a big sum
for a song or a story.
He has only two hands
and one brain. What's
the sensible thing to do?
Obviously hire someone else.
It's called ghostwriting,
Miss Lane.
It's a very proftable
business.
For the ghost?
For the writer.
I'll pay you $50 a week
to start with.
Well, what's
the answer?
Well...
the answer's yes.
Remember you're not to tell
anyone you're working
for me, or the deal's off.
It's a matter of honor.
When do we start?
How 'bout dining
with me tonight?
Where?
Here.
I've got to get started.
I've a show in preparation.
Well, Mr. Courtney,
I admit it all sounds tempting,
and I'd be delighted to dine
with you on one condition.
What's that?
Well... that you remember
I'm only a ghost.
[ Whistles ]
How's he doing?
He's got an idea.
That's all I want.
Give it to me.
Can she hear us?
No, no, no.
She's in the other room.
d d [ Whistling ]
[ Stomping Feet ]
d d [ Whistling ]
d d [ Whistling ]
[ Stomping Feet ]
d d [ Whistling ]
What's the rest of it?
That's all he's got,
the front strain.
Stick with him
until he's got the rest.
[ Stomping Feet ]
Don't let that arthritis
throw you.
Go on.
d d [ Whistling ]
[ Stomping Feet,
Whistling ]
That's
a B-flat chord.
Right.
What? No prize?
Aw, stop practicing.
Who's practicing? I'm
trying to get this on paper.
It took Mozart three hours
to compose a whole overture.
Was it any good?
Oh, yeah.
They don't play it anymore.
That's the tip-off on Mozart.
d d [ Piano ]
I just had an idea.
A thought just came to me.
Uh...
a little melody.
See what this does to you.
I thought of it today.
There are no lyrics yet,
but that's where
you come in.
d d [ Piano ]
Why'd you stop?
Uh, that's all
I've got.
I mean, uh, it's all
that's come to me so far.
Well, couldn't you
Just fake it?
No, no.
I'd sooner wait
until it comes to me.
And it will, yes, it will.
There you are, vassal.
Fly to your master
in the tower.
Give him my compliments
and you may keep the change.
Sometimes I wonder
why I put up with you.
That's a cinch.
You put up with me
because he puts up with me.
He puts up with me because
he's out of the groove.
Very sound, very sound.
Why I put up with either
of you, I haven't been able
to fgure out yet.
Perhaps this check
will explain.
Hmm, nice explaining.
And I want to thank you
for a very tedious afternoon.
Not at all.
Come on,
let's try again.
d d [ Humming ]
Sorry to interrupt.
What do you want?
I had a feeling you may have
been forgetting something.
I haven't.
What are you doing here?
Remember that tune
you were working on?
I've been playing it.
I had a feeling you may have
forgotten it as usual,
so I wrote it down.
You wrote it down?
Oh, you mean the, uh--
Oh, the middle!
How perfectly wonderful.
Mr. Starbuck, Miss Lane.
Miss Lane,
Mr. Starbuck.
How do you do?
Mr. Starbuck does
all my thinking for me.
It's only
a part-time job.
He's such a genius that his
own music goes in one ear
and stays there.
He's like all the great
composers. Brahms used
to set fre to his beard.
Never mind about Brahms.
Get on with Courtney.
d d [ Piano ]
Do you mean to say
you've had it all the time?
I don't know.
It's in my head somewhere
and I'd just forgotten it.
It's never happened to me.
With all that babbling,
I might forget it.
Couldn't you play it one
or two times and give me
a chance to think?
Mr. Starbuck,
would you mind?
I have only one
other line to write.
Starbuck, shut up, please.
I was only thinking
of your next song.
Thank you.
There. I think
I've got it.
Could we go over it again
please?
d The lighthearted gay
kind of charm you display d
d That's for me d
d The wonderful sly little trick
with your eye d
d That's for me d
d What a feather in my hat
if I could gratify your wish d
d Do you like the movies d
d Or what is
your favorite dish d
Good.
d The tilt of your chin
when you chuckle or grin d
d That's for me d
d You might as well know
that wherever you go d
d There'll I'll be d
djust make sure you keep
your heart alone
and fancy-free d
Nice.
d No one else
can have it d
d That's for me d
d The lighthearted gay
kind of charm you display d
d That's for me d
d The wonderful sly little trick
with your eye d
d That's for me d
d What a feather in my hat
if I could gratify your wish d
d Do you like the movies d
d Or what is your
favorite dish d
d The tilt of your chin
when you chuckle or grin d
d That's for me d
d You might as well know
that wherever you go d
d There'll I'll be d
djust make sure you keep
your heart alone
and fancy-free d
d No one else
can have it d
d That's for me d d
That's it!
That's easily the best song
you've ever written.
[ Together]
Thanks!
Um, that's enough.
Thank you, Starbuck.
Thank you so much,
Mr. Starbuck, for your
lovely accompaniment.
I'd love to
accompany you further.
That's far enough. Good night.
Thank you,
little white father.
All kidding aside,
that's a swell lyric.
Thanks.
Now, let's see.
Where did you learn
to sing?
In Tulsa.
I'm beginning to admire Tulsa
more every minute.
We ought to go a long way
together, Miss Lane.
I hope so too.
Patsy! Patsy,
come here quick!
What's the matter?
I've got a job.
Ajob. Ajob?
Where have I heard
that word before?
Snap out of it, Patsy.
Isn't it wonderful?
What's all this about
the depression being over?
Mrs. Simpson,
I've got a job.
Ajob?
What have
you got to do?
I can't tell anybody.
But you can tell me,
Cherry, can't ya?
Well, sit down.
I guess I can tell you
half of it.
You see, I just sit in my room
and write verses.
Verses?
You know, poetry.
What's the
other half?
You mean to say
that they pay you
Just to write poetry?
Fifty dollars a week.
Oh, well.
Oh! Say, this isn't
one of those government
projects is it?
Oh, no!
Of course not!
d[ Dixieland Jazz ]
That's all I can tell you now
because I--
What's that?
Just a little band that's
hired the next room to yours.
And are they hot!
Wow.
A little band?
It sounds like the whole zoo.
In the room next to mine!
Cherry,
don't get excited.
d[''Tiger Rag'?]
d d
Boys, boys.
How are ya?
Hello, Auntie.
I want you to meet
Miss Cherry Lane,
your next door neighbor.
Uh-oh. Boys, I'd like to have
you meet our next door neighbor.
Miss Lane, this is
my partner Wingy.
Glad to know you.
You said your piece.
Harry's my
favorite nephew.
I thought it'd be nice to have
some good music in the house.
Yes, I can imagine.
Anytime you'd like to have us
play anything special for you,
Just knock on that wall
three times. You get it?
One, two--
d[''Tiger Rag'?
Continues ]
d[''Tiger Rag'?
Continues ]
Yes, I quite understand.
I don't want to criticize.
But an entire week has
gone by and you still
have nothing on paper.
I'm so sorry, but for
the last week I've been
going nearly crazy.
A six-piece band has moved in
next door to me...
and the only words I can
think of are ''Hold that tiger!
Hold that tiger!''
I agree.
That must be terrible.
Still the score for the show
has got to be ready
in three weeks.
Why don't you
go away someplace
where it's quiet?
I'm still a stranger here.
I don't know of any place to go.
I've got it.
Why don't you go
to Atlantic City?
Oh, no. I promised
my mother I wouldn't.
[ Chuckles ]
Nobody's Inn. What--
'A square deal--'?
This looks rather good.
''Feather beds...Hot and cold
running water.
Peace...It's wonderful.!'?
Peace? It does sound good,
doesn't it?
This may be just the place
you're looking for.
I'll give you a check
with some extra for
travelling expenses.
Go down there and
see what it's like.
Drive around the block,
will ya? I'll be out
in just a minute.
They sent that check back to me
marked ''insuffcient funds.''
I know I have money
in this bank.
Take it to window fve.
But I've had it
at window fve.
Window fve, please.
Could I have two dollars
in change, please?
d d [ Whistling ]
Touchy,
isn't she?
Yeah.
Got any left
for me there?
Taxi!
Grand Central and hurry.
Nice timing.
Grand Central Station, huh?
Driver?
Yes, miss?
Try to lose this cab
next to us, the one with
the funny-looking man in it.
We'll lose him
pretty!
Right here, ma'am.
Give me a round-trip ticket
to Tarrytown, please.
d d [ Whistling ]
There you are.
Gimme one of those
Tarrytown books.
Can you get a couple
of these stuck in the
Albany night boat?
It's a little place of
my uncle's up the river.
Oh, porter, will you get me
a couple of magazines?
Yes, ma'am.
Look here!
You made me
lose my place.
Are you following me?
You certainly are.
Who me?
What makes you think
I'm following you?
You're always where I am.
Oh, yeah? How do I know
you're not following me?
Following you?
Yeah, how 'bout that?
I wouldn't be
caught dead with you.
Is this man
annoying you, miss?
He certainly is.
Come on, you.
Wait a minute.
I'm a taxpayer.
[ Bob ]
I got tickets
on this train.
[ Knocking ]
Come in.
Is everything
all right?
Perfect, thanks.
We don't have many visitors
this time of year.
We were expecting our nephew
on the same train, but something
must have held him up.
That's too bad.
It's too bad.
Hi, Unk!
Well...
bust my gallatin!
Hiya, boy.
Sure is good
to see you again, son.
Where in tarnation
did you drop from?
Off the back
of a delivery truck.
Why, why--
Here's your snuff.
Oh, what happened
to you?
Some dame accused me
of being a masher.
A what?
A masher.
How do you like that?
A masher. Well, well.
What's a masher?
It's got nothin' to do
with potatoes.
She put up such a squawk,
a couple of dicks ran me in.
That's the trouble with women.
Say, take my tip, son,
and stay away from 'em.
You can't stay away
from this one. She keeps
gettin' under my feet!
What did you do with
my whetstone?
It's in the upstairs closet.
Get it and sharpen
that thing, will ya?
It's so darn dull
it won't even cut butter.
I'll give her a lick or two.
Don't do anything
till you hear from me.
Hey, Ruff.
Come on, boy.
There we go.
Hi, there, old boy.
[ Screams ]
Help! Help!
[ Unk ]
Hey, what is this?
Come here quick!
What's the matter
with her?
What are you--
This man's been
following me everywhere.
What are you yellin' about?
[ Unk ]
You'd think you was being
followed or something.
Whoa! Whoa!
Hey!
Don't you dare
come up here.
[ Screams ]
Shut up!
Shut up!
Will you shut up!
What's the matter
with you, you daffy?
No, I'm not daffy.
You keep following me!
I wouldn't follow you
if you're the last woman!
Atta boy.!
Why?
What's wrong with me?
Nothing. just said that
to make you feel better.
Oh, thanks.
Would you mind telling me
why you keep--
Why we keep bumping
into each other?
Who knows? Maybe it's fate
like in the popular songs.
It must be something.
You believe in astrology?
Neither do I.
No.
Why did you go
to that bank?
To cash a check.
Why did you come up
to this place?
I live here!
You bet your sweet life
he does!
I've lived here
since I was a kid.
I suppose you have every right
to be here.
Thank you.
Why did you come here?
I read an ad on a card
about its being peaceful.
It was...
up until now.
I suppose you want me to go.
No, no. Uncle's business
is on the fritz.
You don't want to make
a bum out of fate.
Come on now,
powder your nose.
You're all broke out there.
Come on.
We'll have something to eat.
Get off of my hand,
will ya?
Don't leave your hand
layin' around.
Darn. They had this
undershirt hangin' out
in a sandstorm.
Scratchy, huh?
Yeah.
Would you like
more coffee?
Certainly!
It's all right.
And what do you do
for a living?
I write poetry.
Poetry!
That's what she said!
Poetry like Longfellow.
It isn't very like
Longfellow.
I write more for
popular songs.
Oh, do you
write songs?
I can't write music.
I write words and hope
to fnd music they'll ft.
Well... Bob,
he writes music.
What kind?
Oh, I dream up
a few popular ditties.
Nothing very good.
Have you ever had
anything published?
No, no, not exactly.
That's what takes him
uptown, hoping he'll
get something published.
I keep tellin' him
he's wasting his time.
He's better off if he stays
here where he can relax
and keep out of trouble.
Have you got
a piano here?
Oh, he's got
an offce down near the river.
Bob, why don't you take her
down after dinner and
have her see Arabella?
Arabella! What
are you talking about?
Is Arabella
your secretary?
Arabella's
his best girl.
I don't have a--
Wait a minute.
I'll settle it right now.
Come on.
You'll see her! Oh!
You two try and get along.
Behave yourselves.
She's a sweet girl.
Quiet.
An old ferryboat.
How romantic!
Used to work too.
My uncle sailed her up and down
the river for 30 years.
That's where I have
my conservatory.
Would you like
to see it?
You couldn't stop me.
I set a fre in the stove
for you, Mr. Bob.
Good. Thank you.
Careful now.
Yes, sir, this is
Arabella that uncle
was ribbing me about.
Pretty fancy, huh?
I'm crazy about it!
What kind of music
do you write?
Sea chanteys?
I don't compose anything.
Old Man River's the
maestro around here.
I listen to him roll along.
That's where I get
my inspiration.
I get a few ideas
off the radio too.
Do you mind if I turn it on?
I want to hear a program.
No, not at all.
Oh, look at that moon.
You're talkin'
shop now.
It looks different up here.
Do you suppose it's the
same moon we have in New York?
That's what everybody says,
but I couldn't go for that.
[ Bell Ringing ]
Eight bells.
I gotta take my soundings.
Soundings?
Mm-hmm. Come on deck.
I'll show you.
Oh, this is beautiful!
Just like as advertised:
''Peace...It's wonderful.''
What happened?
Let's see what we get.
Yep, 1 6 inches.
It's always 1 6 inches.
Why do you do it?
To humor my uncle.
It's sort of a gag.
He ran this boat ashore
here about 20 years ago.
He keeps hopin' the water
will rise high enough
to float her off.
Hopin' is all that holds
the old gent together.
I know what you mean.
Everybody has to have something
that holds them together
no matter how young or old.
What holds you together?
Polka dots and moonbeams?
Oh, no.
I guess it's the ambition
to do something, be somebody.
Ambition? You know
what my uncle says
about ambition?
It's the devil in
the garden of the world.
He says, ''Show me a man
with ambition,
and I'll show you
an unhappy man.''
That's what he says?
That's what he says.
I'll tell you what I says.
You show me a man
without ambition,
and I'll show you a tramp.
You wouldn't say that
if I had my glasses off.
Oh, that's what
I wanted to hear.
[ Radio ] One of
Oliver Courtney's new numbers,
''Two Hearts Deep In Love. '?
Do you know
Oliver Courtney?
I met him once.
There's a man I admire.
He hasn't been content
Just to amble through life.
He started from nothing
and worked his way to being
our leading songwriter.
Oh, I think his music
is wonderful.
You like his music?
It just makes me
want to, to--
Oh, I don't know.
I think he's so kind
and considerate and generous.
How well
do you know him?
Well enough to admire him.
A man has to work hard to
turn out as many hits as he has.
You don't think
it's easy, do you?
No, I guess not.
You don't think he got there
by lying down
on the job, do you?
Oh, who cares how
he got there.
What's the difference?
W-What's the matter?
Oh, nothing.
Oh, I just love a man
with ambition.
What's yours?
Mine?
I want to own
a catboat.
Is that all?
Well, isn't
that enough?
I'd like to have a nice
little 25-foot catboat...
with a galley where I can
cook my own groceries...
and sail when I want to
and where I want to.
Is there anything
wrong in that?
No.
I guess not.
I just think it's the most
shiftless thing I've heard of.
Wait. Where do you
come off telling me
what's shiftless?
I don't tell you
what to do.
It's because you don't care.
Of course I don't care.
Why should I care?
Well, it's nice that
we understand each other.
Good night,
Mr. Summers.
Good night.
Huh! Can't knock
catboats to me.
d d [ Whistling ]
Hi, Unk.
Good mornin; Bob.
That's a pretty nice
looking dinghy you got.
What's it for, fshing?
No.
Sailin'?
No.
What for?
I'm gonna fll her full of dirt
and raise geraniums.
I thought it'd look nice
near the wheelhouse.
Not a bad idea.
I got a lot of lumber
left over and a steam oven...
and, oh, a keg of nails
and--
Say, when are you
gonna start building
that catboat of yours?
Oh, I don't know.
I was thinking,
it's kinda silly for a fella
Just to sail around
in an old catboat.
Silly?
What's silly about it?
It's kinda shiftless.
Ohh! Say...
that Lane gal been
talking to you again?
Maybe.
Maybe.
Say, listen, son.
Don't you pay
any attention to women.
Women! All they want to do
is keep you working...
so they can sit home
and knit a lot of didoes
for a lot of poor relatives.
Women, ha!
When Eve told Adam
to climb that apple tree,
that's when all
the trouble started.
You might be right.
Yeah, you get them fool ideas
out of your head...
or the frst thing you know,
you'll be a success...
and then you won't have
a minute to yourself!.
d d [ Piano ]
d[ Piano Continues ]
d Do I want
to be with you d
d d [ Humming ]
d Only forever d
Hey, Cherry.
You still up?
Come on over and
get out of the cold.
What's that you're playing?
Just a tune I've been
foolin' around with.
I hope it didn't
keep you awake.
It did, but I liked it.
You know, there's something
really uncanny about it.
About what?
You know that frst day
when you said something
about fate?
Fate? I don't know
anything about fate.
I must've been kidding.
Were you?
I don't know
if I was or not.
Well, I'm awfully sorry
I called you a tramp.
You don't have to be sorry.
I am a tramp,
always will be.
No, you're not.
Any man who can write
music like that can do
anything they want to.
That piece seemed to say
something to me as if...
well, as if
you'd said it yourself.
What do you got here?
You don't mean you've written
words to this opus already?
Mm-hmm.
Would you mind
playing it for me?
Hold it there for me,
will ya?
Mm-hmm.
Be good if I can remember
the tune, won't it?
d Do I want
to be with you d
d As the years
come and go d
d Only forever d
d If you care to know d
That's good, Cherry.
d Would I grant
all your wishes d
d And be proud
of the task d
d Only forever d
d If someone
should ask d
d How long
would it take me d
d To be near
if you beckoned d
d Offhand
I would fgure d
d Less than a second d
d Do you think
I'll remember d
d How you looked
when you smiled d
d Only forever d
d That's putting
it mild d d
''Less than a second.''
Gee, I love that line,
Cherry.
Bob?
Hmm?
Let's not ever part
with this song.
It's sort of personal
to us.
Part with it?
Oh, Cherry,
I should say not.
From now on, this song's
going to be strictly ours.
Do you really mean that?
I never meant anything
more in my whole life.
Get around this way.
The moon gets in my eyes.
''The moon gets in my eyes.''
That's a great title
for a song!
What do I do with
my empty arms?
''Empty arms''?
Bob, that's two titles
in a row!
You could do this on
your own time. I'm about
to lay my heart at your feet.
Haven't you ever had
an inspiration and had
to write it down?
No, not at a time
like this.
I did get an inspiration
once, though.
You remember going
in a hotel lobby and you reached
for the elevator button...
and a fella reached over and
pushed it just ahead of you?
No.
You don't remember that?
Remember getting in
an elevator and going--
You've been in an elevator?
Those things go up and down.
Remember getting off
at the 1 5th floor--
Fifteenth floor.
You mean the fresh fellow
that stuck his head out the
door and whistled at me?
That was no fresh fellow.
That was me.
Do you know what they do
to people in Tulsa
who whistle at girls?
What do they do?
They scalp 'em.
They do?
Mm-hmm.
That's still Indian country
there, I guess.
Yes... with reservations.
Getting back to the inspiration.
Do you know what happened?
What?
Well, sir, I ducked into
my room, sat at my piano,
and then I wrote--
You mean that I, the flower
ofTulsa, inspired a song?
That's what you did.
Listen to this.
d d [ Piano ]
d The lighthearted
gay sort of charm
you display d
d That's for me
d The wonderful sly
little trick
with your eye
d That's for me
d What a feather in my hat
if I could gratify
your wish d
d Do you like
the movies d
d And what is
your favorite dish d
You wrote that?
For you.
d The tilt of your chin-- d
Hey, wait!
Hey!
Hey, Cherry,
wait a minute.
It wasn't that bad!
Hey, Cherry?
Hey, Cherry,
let me in!
Leave me alone. I never
want to see you again.!
What have I done?
You know very well
what you've done.
I know nothing of the kind.
I try to play a song
I wrote for you...
and you fly off
like Scarlett O'Hara in a ft!
Let me look at you.
How can you stand there
with that baby face and
the soul of a gangster...
and dare to tell me
you composed that song?
But I did!
Suffering cats.!
What's goin'on here?
What's all
the rumpus about?
I don't know.
She's gone into some
sort of a whing-ding.
Get the jalopy out.
I'm goin' to town.
A whing-ding?
Gosh, I thought
it was a cyclone.
Whing-ding!
Not breaking up a
director's meeting, am I?
Not at all. Come on in.
Will you want me,
Mr. Courtney?
I shan't want you, Starbuck.
I won't want you either.
Hiya, thrush.
Hi.
Sit down, Bob.
What's on your mind?
Well, I want
to resign.
What? Resign?
But you can't do that!
Haven't I treated you fairly?
Always used your songs?
Yeah, but I haven't felt on
the level with myself since
I got into this racket.
Lately, it's been
cramping my style.
I ran into a situation
last night that--
Well, I don't want
to be a ghost anymore.
I want to be the real McCoy.
Don't be so silly,
Bob!
You don't realize how lucky you
are, how many responsibilities
I take off your shoulders.
Business arrangements,
interviews,
popularity, income tax,
the headaches of being a success.
While all you have to do
is dream up a few tunes...
and enjoy yourself at your
uncle's. What's it called?
Nobody's Inn.
You know, Bob,
you don't know--
Uh, wha--
What did you say
the place was called?
Nobody's Inn.
It's at Tarrytown
on the river.
My uncle has it.
Nobody's Inn.
Yeah. Want a card?
Feather beds.
We should take a party up.
My uncle's had
a rough season.
Yes, was there, um,
anybody else up there?
Yeah. That's why
I want to resign.
A girl came.
I was tryin' to be a big man
and make an impression.
I played one of my songs
without thinking.
What?
One of your songs.
Thanks.
A fellow's got to show off
once in a while.
Did she, um--
Did she like it?
No. That's the funny part.
She just got mad.
Mr. Starbuck.
I want to see
Mr. Courtney.
You can't see him now.
He's busy.
But I have to see him.
Somebody's been stealing
his songs.
That can't
be right.
He'd be the frst to know.
Mr. Starbuck, don't you ever
take anything seriously?
I've got to see him.
Bates, you better
get two boy scouts
and a stretcher.
Caught with
his pants on.
I thought about it
all night and--
What are you doing here?
I might ask you
the same thing.
I work here.
Doin' what?
Well, I--
I don't want you to get
any false impressions.
I've been writing lyrics
for Mr. Courtney.
You have?
That explains a great deal.
You see, I write his music.
You do?
Mm-hmm.
Then that was
really your tune?
Yeah!
Did you like it?
By the way,
what do you do around here?
I suppose you think
I can't write music anymore.
From now on,
you're gonna have
a royal opportunity.
What do you mean?
If Miss Lane's willing,
we're gonna form a partnership.
Suits me.
If we can write hits for
you, we oughta be able to
write hits for ourselves.
She never wrote a hit
in her life.
Don't give me that.
I know what she's got.
That stuff belongs to me.
I paid for it.
Okay, but from now on--
All right!
From now on, do as you please.
And good luck to you, Bob,
because you'll need it.
Out-of-work songwriters
are a dime a dozen.
I've got a list in there
as long as your arm.
Say, Mr. Courtney,
we didn't think that we
oughta pull out of here...
without telling you how
grateful we are for the
opportunity you've given us,
even though you did
turn out to be a rat.
Well, thanks.
But let me give you
a little friendly warning.
Cherry Lane's a clever girl.
If she stays with me,
she may get somewhere.
I may even let her
collaborate with me later.
But if she goes with you
and she fails and you fail,
the smashing of her career
will be on your head.
I'll risk that.
Yes, of course you'll risk it.
But what about her?
Where do you think
your tunes will be
without my name on them,
without my prestige
to back them up?
I simply want you two to know
exactly what you're doing.
We know what we're doing,
Mr. Courtney.
It's nice to know who
really did write the music
I fell in love with.
And I'll take a chance
on him.
Oh, oh, oh.
Starbuck!
Mr. Courtney,
anytime you want me,
Just holler.
d d [ Piano ]
d Soon the yucca blooms
will grow d
d And the desert winds
will blow d
d Then Old Paint and me
will go d
d We'll be there d
d In the garden
there's a gal d
d That I'm hoping
to corral d
d When the moon
comes over d
d Madison Square d
d There's a clink
of cowboy feet d
d Pounding
Fifty-Second Street d
d And the scent
of fresh mesquite d
d Fills the air d
d And the gal
I long to see d
d Sits in box 1 23 d
d When the moon
comes over d
d Madison Square d
dAnd I know
dIf I can win
Frst prize
d There'll be such
a tender look d
d In her eyes d
d Then the yucca blooms
can grow
dAnd the desert winds
can blow
d And Old Paint
can even go d
d You know where d
d There'll be no more
beans and pork d
d Because the gal
owns half New York d
d Yip-yip
let the moon come over d
d Madison Square d
One more.
d Soon the yucca blooms
will grow d
[ Phone Ringing ]
d And the desert winds
will blow d
d Then Old Paint and me
will go d
Hello. Oh, hello, Eddie.
d We'll be there d
Eddie, did I write the music?
Am I a composer?
d In the garden d
I'm just
a poor publisher.
I know what numbers
are gonna make a success.
What are you
stopping for?
d When the moon comes over d
I've been in the music business
for 20 years.
d Madison Square d
I pulled myself up
from nowhere.
I'm not bothering you, am I?
d And the scent
of fresh d
Would you mind going on?
I lost my place.
I'm listening.
Go ahead.
d Ah, she'll be there d
I know, but when
you stand bawling me out...
because they cancelled
your second week in Moline--
d Oh, because d
d The gal I longs
to see d
Yeah. All right.
d Sits in box 1 23 d
All we have now
is a funeral march.
Yeah.
That's right, Eddie.
Come on.
All right. Good-bye.
Hey, where are you going?
You can't demonstrate
a song here. This is
like fun in a foundry.
I've heard every word.
You have?
How does it go?
There'll be no more beans
and pork, 'cause the gal
owns half of New York.
Let the moon come over
Madison Square.
That's right.
How'd you like it?
I think it's wonderful...
but I can't use it.
Oh... you can't, huh?
Why not?
For the simple reason
I'll be sent to Sing Sing
where you belong.
Why don't you earn
an honest living?
What are you talking about?
Boys, who'd
the music sound like?
There's no doubt.
It's Oliver Courtney.
What was the tune he had
a little while ago?
Wait a minute.
d d [ Humming ]
Yeah, that's it.
Couple of months ago.
That's right.
Courtney never wrote
a song like that.
Wait a minute, lady.
Don't argue with me.
You want it straight?
Yes.
I don't like
half-baked imitations.
Okay.
Oh, ah...
thanks for listening.
Nice listening too.
d I'll take a chance
on him d
[ Phone Ringing ]
Telephone.
d[ Humming ]
[ Ringing Continues ]
Starbuck, telephone!
[ Ringing ]
Stop muttering.
Why don't you articulate?
d d [ Humming ]
Very irritating book.
Hello?
Just a moment.
It's Goodrich.
I'm out, out, out!
I'm sorry, Mr. Goodrich,
Mr. Courtney is--
d d [ Humming ]
d I'll take a chance
on him d
He says there's no use
saying you're out
'cause he can hear the piano.
That infernal invention,
the telephone!
Give it to me.
Hello, Charlie!
How are you?
What?
What?
No, Charlie, I'm not
trying to avoid you.
Why should I?
Listen to me, Charlie.
This tune of yours is touched
with a funeral march.
This show goes into
rehearsal Monday,
rain or shine.
Let me talk to him.
Just a minute.
Millie wants
to talk to you.
Listen, Mr. Courtney.
You oughta be ashamed
of yourself...
treating an artist
in this fashion.
Millie--
Millie, don't believe
everything that
Charlie tells you.
I have an offer to do
a picture...
and unless I see
some music soon,
I'm going to take it!
Listen to me, Millie.
Listen to me, Millie.
Listen-- Oh!
Listen, Oliver.
I have a hundred thousand
tied up in this production.
And if Millie walks out,
I'm going to sue you
for every cent of it!
What did he say?
He says if I don't produce
more music, he'll sue me.
Is there anything else at
the bottom of that trunk?
Nothing but the old master's
pencil and some very
clean manuscript paper.
Ah. I wonder where Summers
and that girl got to.
I thought you'd be wondering,
so I took the trouble
of calling Nobody's Inn.
What did they say?
Nobody's in.
Oh, what's the use?
I just got myself caught
between the switches.
It's what I get
for trying to be a phony.
Now I can't get back
into character.
You're not a phony.
It's Courtney
who's a phony.
You can't expect the publishers
to know you've been writing
his stuff for the last year.
What are we gonna do?
Learn to have patience.
Keep swingin'!
Now, come on, smile.
Give 'em the teeth like
they do in the pictures.
Like that?
And what happens?
Uh-huh.
You just wait and see.
We can't help being a success.
I thought I was the coach
around here with pep talks.
You taken over
my franchise?
That's what
a partner's for.
We can't both be up
at the same time.
That's why it takes two
to ride a seesaw, you know.
That's a very sound
observation.
I'm beginning to like
this partnership angle.
I was thinking,
if we get a break,
maybe you
and I could--
No, you can't do it
that way.
It's gotta be that way.
No, you can't.
Hello, chumps.
Hi, boys.
We're not breaking
up anything, are we?
We've got an idea.
If you two wanna sell
those songs,
I think you should try
a new angle.
We think.
Yeah, we think.
New angle
like what?
You can't sell those songs with
that mail-order accompaniment
you've been playing.
No?
No. What you need
is a good band behind you.
Yeah? Meaning
you fellows, huh?
Well, it might give my band
a break.
Our band.
Our band a break
havin' a vocal.
Mm-hmm. You weren't
thinking of this right
at the beginning?
Oh, no.
Reciprocity.
Reci... who?
Where'd you get that?
Reciprocity.
Just dug it.
What else can you play
outside of''Tiger Rag''
and pinochle?
Anything.
Yeah, anything if we
can get our instruments out of--
Out of what?
Hock.
Oh! So that's why I've
been able to get some sleep.
Fine thing.
Getting us all worked up
and then telling us
your instruments are in hock.
What'd you expect to use
for instruments anyhow?
You gonna hum?
We thought maybe
you could lend us $1 0.
Here it comes.
I carry sort of a sinking fund
for the boys to stop them
from scabbing on each other...
and if one goes in,
why they all go in.
If you give us the $1 0,
they'll all get out.
A musical chain gang?
You know, one for all
and all for one.
And every man for himself.
You boys must have
X-ray eyes.
I just got $1 0
and a quarter.
Well, what have
we got to lose?
Ten dollars
and a quarter.
You can keep
the quarter!
Uh-uh, not so fast.
I wouldn't be sucker enough
to give you ten bucks till
I fnd out what you can do.
I'm gonna run down
there and see I get
my money's worth.
You keep the home fres burning.
You're gonna have your own band.
I've had it.
[ Bob ]
Well, boys,you're
almost to Frst base.
How come?
Three balls,
no strikes.
Here we go again.
I've been in here so many times,
I smell of camphor.
Okay, dig out
the hardware.
All right, boys, but don't
forget we are closed
for half a day tomorrow.
You're short.
There's only $40 here.
I'm gonna be the angel
for the other ten.
Yeah, give out.
Wait. Let's see if you can
play on those joints frst.
Give us those instruments
and we'll rock it and sock it.
And hock it again.
Come on, boys.
Let's get 'em.
Certainly glad to get
that instrument.
Do you mind if we use the shop
for a little jive session?
Sure, make yourself
at home.
Okay.
They might as well.
They're practically
living here anyway.
Every week the same thing.
I guess you've had those
instruments here so often...
you can play 'em better
than they can.
Wait, I wanna
hear this.
d[ Instruments Tuning Up ]
See if they can
bounce a little.
Sounds kinda longhaired.
Hey, wait.
d[ Dixieland ]
Ah, yes, there's
that good fat tone.
That man's all right.
What's these?
Compliments of the house?
Sure!
d When you hear
a real hep cat d
d Take a chorus
in A-flat d
d That's the rhythm
on the river d
d You know what
that means d
d He comes from
New Orleans d
d When a drummer
starts to ride d
d And a rim shot
breaks the hide d
d That's the rhythm
on the river d
d Can't mistake
that beat d
d He comes
from Basin Street d
d Now how do you like
a ''Bugle Call Rag'' d
d Do you like it
played as a waltz
or a Dixieland shag d
d I'll take the words
right out of your mouth d
d You've got to play it
the same as the South d
d In New York
or any town d
d When a band swings out
low down d
d That's the rhythm
on the river d
d Not the Hudson, bud d
djust Mississippi mud d
Ah, make me realize it,
Wingston!
d How do you like
a ''Bugle Call Rag'' d
d Do you like it
played as a waltz
or a Dixieland shag d
d I'll take the words
right out of your mouth d
d You've got to play it
the same as the South d
d In New York
or any town d
d Where a band swings out
low down d
d That's the rhythm
on the river
dNot the Hudson, bud
djust Mississippi mud d d
[ Whistles ]
Come on, boys,
here we go.
Yes! join me,
but do not crowd me.
Yeah!
There wasn't a bandleader left
a message for us, was there?
No, no one's called.
What do you suppose
happened to Wingy and the boys?
Hope they didn't get run over.
Hope they're not
running over a few beers.
Thank goodness Mr. Westlake
hasn't sent for us yet.
Mr. Westlake
will see you two.
Up until now.
Well, here we go.
Don't you think
we oughta stall?
Can't. The man's waiting.
If the band shows up,
will you run 'em into
Mr. Westlake's offce?
A band?
A little band.
It's a hot combo.
Run 'em right in.
I can't use that number.
Put it in the books anyhow.
You might change your mind.
Good morning, Miss Lane
and Mr. Summers.
Hiya.
This is Mr.john Scott Trotter
and his manager, Mr. Keene.
How do you do?
Mr. Trotter is a famous
orchestra leader.
Glad to know you.
You're from the South.
North Carolina.
North Carolina!
[ Auctioneer Call ]
Very funny, young man.
That's what the man
says on the radio.
Yes, we know that.
This is an audition,
not an auction.
We better get at it.
Mr. Westlake, would you mind
waiting a few minutes?
I have a luncheon appointment.
I think I'll be running.
We'd like to have you
hear our song.
I'd like to.
I'm afraid you don't realize
what an opportunity this is.
Mr. Trotter is a pretty big man
in the music feld.
He's a pretty big man
in the bay district too.
You are sharp today.
I was only kidding.
We're all spreading out
a little, you know.
He don't mind.
Course he doesn't.
One thing I like about
Mr. Trotter's music is he gives
us plenty of sweet violins.
Y-You like that.
I like them
very much indeed.
I hate what is known
as hot swing bands.
They tear a good tune
to pieces.
If I had my way, I'd take
all the hot swing bands...
and march 'em off a cliff
into the ocean.
Then we'd have a better world
to live in.
You don't like 'em.
I hate 'em.
I think he does too.
Well, we'll get started.
You ready?
It won't bother you
if I play a few oompahs
on the piano, will it?
If it's only a few.
I'll keep 'em very
feathery for you.
Thank you.
Mr. Westlake, the band,
it's here.
Sorry, we're late.
Just a minute, boys.
I want to--
What's going on here?
Does this roof leak?
It's a little surprise
I had for you.
I don't like surprises.
They're gonna accompany
Miss Lane.
Here's a place of my uncle's
up on the river.
You'll like this place.
It's got hot and cold
running water.
Run up there someday.
I'll get the boys organized.
Johnny, I'm not
responsible for this.
Phil, this may be good.
Can you play sweet?
I'll think sweet; but when it
gets down here, it regurgitates.
Does which?
Regurgitates.
Where'd
you get that?
Ah,just dug it.
See that it don't.
Keep it sweet.
You ready to hear this?
I'm ready,
but not willing.
Okay, honey.
Not too rugged, men.
Okay.
d Can you see
that I'm unhappy d
d Can you tell
that things are bad d
d Of course you know
what happened d
d To the best friend
I ever had d
d Ain't it a shame
about Mame d
d She has only herself
to blame d
d She can't go
to the picnics d
d In Hooligan's Grove d
d No corned beef
and cabbage d
d Is cooked
on her stove d
d She married Sir Reginald
What's-His-Name d
d Ain't it a shame
Poor Mame d
d Ain't it a crime
what she did d
d Sure she's only
a crazy kid d
d Now she has
to talk fancy d
d And eat caviar d
d And look like
those pictures d
d In Harper's Bazaar d
d And try to fnd happiness
Just the same d
d Ain't it a shame
Poor Mame d
d Now she has
to be social d
d Has to go
to the nightclubs d
d Has to dance like a Cuban
and still act like a lady d
d Oh, to think that a child
of Mike O'Grady d
d Would marry Sir Reginald
What's-His-Name d
d Ain't it a shame
about Mame d
How 'bout that?
d Ain't it a shame
about Mame d
d Now she's lost all
her spark and flame d
d She wears sables instead
of a skirt and a blouse d
d And has to keep shoes on
when she's in the house d
d She married Sir Reginald
What's-His-Name d
d Ain't it a shame d
d Looks like a frame d
d How did he tame
poor Mame d d
There you are.
That was swell.
Ain't it a shame we didn't
know about her before.
It certainly is.
Band wasn't too hot,
was it?
Well, maybe not.
Personally, I think it's
the best song Mr. Summers
has ever written.
Time. Time.
We wrote that together.
I wasn't referring to
the number so much as I was
the way you put it across.
Have you ever considered
nightclub work, Miss Lane?
As a singer?
Naturally.
I've never sung before
people except in school.
Even then, they hid me
behind a fern.
That was a big mistake.
[ Westlake ] Any girl
as attractive as you are should
go a long way in this town.
Let's make a date
for a tryout.
- With my band?
- No, maestro.
My boys read music.
Oh... back to
the pawnshop, boys.
What do you say?
Well, thanks.
But I don't wanna be
a nightclub singer.
I belong to the team
of Lane and Summers.
We're songwriters.
We sort of go together
like ham and eggs.
Just a minute, Cherry.
Looks like they want
the eggs and not the ham.
This is a big town,
a tough town. If you
get a chance, grab it.
What kind of money
can you pay her?
I don't wanna do it.
Mr. Westlake, I'm sorry
you don't like the song,
but that's all
we came here to sell.
If you ever change your mind,
you can get in touch with me
through Mr. Westlake.
Phil, good-bye.
Good-bye,johnny.
Good-bye.
Lots of luck.
Watch your weight.
Miss Lane, I'm afraid
you've turned down
a pretty nice offer.
And, Summers, I'd like
to give you a word of advice.
Yeah?
If I were you, I'd try
to develop a style of my own...
because you're not going to
get far imitating a composer
as well known as--
As Oliver Courtney.
Exactly.
Well, thank you
very much.
You're welcome.
Good luck.
You know the way those fellows
went for you,
it looks like you
oughta be in that kind of work.
Funny I never thought
of that before.
Bob, I don't want to be
a nightclub singer.
That isn't what
I came to New York for.
I don't want to be
a ghostwriter either.
I'd just as soon
sail in my catboat
and look up at the blue sky.
But things aren't
arranged that way.
Look, honey, I know what
you're trying to do.
You just don't want
to leave me out on a limb.
I appreciate it,
but I got mixed-up into
this Courtney business...
and I'll get out
the way I got in.
What's the use discussing it?
I haven't an evening gown
and I haven't paid the rent.
I guess it's all
a pipe dream anyway.
Run along home
and get a little rest.
Rest? Listen,
we're going home and work.
I don't feel like work.
You go ahead
and I'll see you later.
I got something I wanna do.
Good-bye.
Bob Summers is here.
Oh, Summers! Oh!
Show him in.
Show him in.
d d [ Humming ]
Okay, Bob.
Hello, Mr. Courtney.
Hello, Bob.
How are you?
If you want me,
I'll be right here.
Okay.
Won't you sit down?
I can only stay
a couple minutes.
I found out you were right
and I was wrong.
Didn't work out,
eh, Bob?
Sorry. Really am sorry.
But I did warn you, didn't I?
I don't need sympathy.
What I need's a couple
hundred bucks... fast.
How 'bout taking me back?
Well, Bob, after all I--
Uh, well, I--
I might be able to use you
for a couple of weeks.
Can you make it four weeks?
Four weeks is
a long ti--
How do I know you wouldn't
run off on me again?
I've learned my lesson.
Oh. No, Bob,
I can't take the chance.
I've got to know where
my music is coming from.
I'll tell you
what I wanted to do.
Got a song here that
Cherry and I wrote.
We did it together.
I think it's the best thing
we've done.
I'd like to put it up
with you as security
if you'll put up the dough.
''Only Forever.''
That's a nice title.
I'm not selling you this.
When I've delivered,
I'm to get it back.
''Here's the evening dress
you need...
''and a little change
for extras.
''Now go in there
and win.
I'm going back to Arabella
where I belong.''
d Each day d
djust about sunset d
d I watch you
passing my door d
d It's all I can do d
d Not to run to you d
d But I don't want
to cry anymore d
d Night time d
d When there is
moonlight d
d The same old moon
we knew before d
d It's all I can do
not to run to you d
d But I don't want
to cry anymore d
d All that I've known
about happiness d
d Darling, is being
with you d
d Then I would fnd myself
losing my mind d
d Over some careless thing
you'd do d
d Why d
d Can't I forget you d
d I know so well d
djust what's in store d
d A moment or two d
d In the clouds
with you d
d Then back where
I was before d
d But d
d I don't want to cry d
d Anymore d d
Where did she come from?
I don't know, Mr. Goodrich.
She's new tonight.
Bring me a phone.
Yes, sir,
right away.
Thank you.
There's a kink in this
and for two years I've
been trying to fnd it.
Say, Unk. Tell me something,
will ya, man to man.
Shoot.
Suppose you took $200
advance payment.
Then you spent the $200
and couldn't deliver.
What would you do?
That depends on what
you promised to deliver.
If it was eggs--
Not eggs.
It's music.
My sister's cat's kittens!
What's eatin' you?
Why, you can produce music
like a hog sweatin' lard.
Not anymore, I can't.
Run aground
in a fog, eh?
Somethin' like that.
I seem to be goin' in circles.
I can't write, I can't think,
I can't do anything.
And you need $200?
I do if I'm gonna save a song
that we wrote together.
Well, I guess I could
dig up the $200 for you...
if I could only remember
where I hid it.
Where's Courtney?
Well, well, well.
If it isn't our old friend
Charlie Goodrich.
Where have you been
keeping yourself?
Listen. I've been trying
to get Courtney
on the phone all morning.
I demand to know
where he is!
He's out.
Then I'll stick here
until he gets back.
You'll have a long wait.
He's out communing
with nature... where
the stiff breezes blow.
He composes best that way.
Is anything the matter?
Millie's walked out!
She took a plane to Hollywood.
Well, our loss
is Hollywood's... loss.
You mean, it's my loss!
And it's all on account
of that loafer Courtney.
I'm going to sue him for
every cent of my investment!
You can't sue
Courtney.
Oh, can't I?
He's lived up to his end.
He's written one of the best
scores since Show Boat.
Then why haven't
I heard it?
I know
I shouldn't do this.
I'll get fred sure.
Come on.
I'll play you
some of his tunes.
Here's a great idea
of Courtney's.
A lullaby
to a monster.
Monster?
Yeah, a dragon.
A dragon coos to
its little dragonette.
Dragonette?
Watch.
d d [ A Funeral March ]
d Coo, coo, coo d
Wait a minute.
Oh, you know
that one.
He's got a great idea
for a ballet though.
Ballet?
Yeah, a prison break.
d d [ Classical ]
And here's where
the prison guard comes into
the warden's offce and says,
''Have you got that reprise
from the governor?''
Reprise?
So he reprises it.
d d [ Classical ]
What's the matter?
You can't whistle it.
Here's something
even a baby can whistle.
Why don't you whistle it?
How can you whistle that?
Can't Courtney write better?
Frankly, no.
But he's got a love song
so sweet, so tender.
He really poured his heart
into this one.
Listen to this one.
You can't fool me.
That's ''Old Blackjoe.''
Oh, no it isn't.
It's ''Carry Me Back
To Old Virginia.''
It's ''Old Blackjoe.''
Whatever it is,
Courtney wrote it frst.
Hmph!
Just as I thought.
He hasn't got anything
down on paper.
As a matter of fact, he has.
Here's something of his
I discovered this morning.
''Only Forever.''
''Only Forever.''
You wanna hear me
play it?
No, thanks.
The way you play things,
they all sound alike!
Where are you going
with that?
I'm gonna let Trotter
try this out at the Club Monaco.
And by the way, tell Courtney
I think I've found
a new girl for the show.
[ Coughs, Hums ]
Nervous?
Goose pimples.
You've got nothing to worry
about after last night.
Goodrich was absolutely
crazy about you.
Did he really like me?
He thought it was wonderful.
To prove it, he brought this
new tune for you to try.
It's by Courtney.
Courtney?
Yes. And if Goodrich likes
the way you do it, he's
gonna use you in the show.
I ran it over
with the boys and...
I think it's right down
your alley.
Yes, it is.
Right down my alley.
Good evening,
ladies and gentlemen
of the radio audience.
We bring you now to
exclusive Club Monaco...
where you'll be entertained
with a half hour of dance music...
played byjohn Scott Trotter
and his orchestra.
Trotter's music is famous
for its smoothness...
Just as Kelso's Cucumber Cream
is famous the world over...
for the smoothness it imparts
to milady's neck and hands.
Scientists agree that
Kelso's Cucumber Cream,
if used regularly--
Oh,jean.
Seen Mr. Goodrich?
Why, he's uh--
Oh, yes.
Thank you.
Charlie, can I speak
to you for a minute?
Hello, Oliver.
Come along please
Just a minute.
Charlie, I want that song
that you took this afternoon.
You do, do you?
That song belongs
to me.
I've paid you good money
to write music which so far
I haven't received.
Yes, but you've no right
to take stuff behind my back.
That song happens to belong--
That song happens to be
one of the best things
you've ever done.
I had Trotter make
an arrangement of it.
And if the others
turn out half as well,
our troubles are over.
Oh, uh--
You, uh--
You really
like it?
Superb.
Now, Oliver,
I want you to come meet
our new leading lady.
And now I have
the pleasure of introducing
Mr.john Scott Trotter.
[ Trotter ]
Good evening.
Tonight we have a special treat.
We're going to play for
the frst time Mr. Courtney's
new number, ''Only Forever.''
Good title,
don't you think?
Excellent.
Thank you,john.
And now just one more word
about Kelso's Cucumber Cream.
[ Knocking ]
Come in.
Miss Lane, I want you
to meet Mr. Oliver Courtney.
How do you do,
Mr. Courtney?
H-How do you do,
Miss Lane?
This is a very lovely song
you've written.
Oh... thank you.
It sounds as if...
as if it had come
from the heart.
Well, uh--
Oh, but it did.!
I know it did.
Very pretty
compliment.
If you two will excuse me,
I'm expecting more guests.
Come along when
you're ready, Oliver.
Right.
I hear you're going to be
our new leading lady.
May I-- May I say
that I'm delighted?
I don't think I'm going to be
your new leading lady,
Mr. Courtney.
Oh? Why not?
Oh, because I just
don't like the company
I've been keeping lately.
It may have been a little slow
back home in Tulsa,
but at least the people there
are on the level.
How much did you pay Bob
for this song?
Bob Summers
came to me--
Uh, the amount
was $200.
''Only Forever.''
Forever isn't very long
in New York...
is it?
Now, Cherry, please!
I'm a little nervous.
Do you mind?
Of course.
Hey, Courtney!
What's this Starbuck tells me
about you using my song?
Oh!
Look here, Bob, there's
been an awful mistake.
Goodrich came to my
apartment and took that
song while I was out.
It can't be helped.
It not only can be helped,
it's gonna be helped.
Here's your $200.
I can't think of a tune.
Now, where's my song?
Bob, you don't understand.
It's already been announced.
Then un-announce it.
I want that song!
I'm tired playin'
second fddle while
you play the czar.
Miss Lane, you're on.
Hurry. Don't be nervous.
Bob!
Cherry,
what goes on here?
Bob, why
did you do it?
Do what?
Sell our song.
I didn't sell it.
That crook stole it.
That's not true.
And don't call me a crook.
I'll double it!
Miss Lane, hurry!
They're waiting!
Tell them to wait.
I'm not leaving until
this thing is settled.
Uh-oh.
Have you ever realized
what a bad impression...
rough, red hands make
on your male escort?
Kelso's Cucumber Cream
does away with that.
And now, I believe we're
ready for that special treat
Mr. Trotter promised us.
Kelso's Cucumber Cream
also has many other uses.
It is so pure, so good,
so double rich...
you can even use it
on salad.
That's all very fancy,
but you're not fooling me.
I don't mind you taking bows,
but this is different.
I'm going out there
and sound off loud!
What are you going to do?
Take the music off the stands
and if they ask why,
I'll tell them.
Good for you.
You can't. It's taken me
20 years to get where I am.
You can't destroy that
Just over one song.
That song is sacred
to me and Cherry.
I'm sick of being
your musical guinea pig.
Bob, there are
people outside.
Come down here.
Bob, you love Cherry.
What's that
got to do with it?
Well, I was in love once.
Her name was Carlotta.
She was the most beautiful
thing you've ever seen.
I... I wrote all
my best music then.
Melodies seemed
to come from nowhere
like gifts from heaven.
Success came with them.
Life itself was a song.
Then... then suddenly
the singing stopped.
[ Bob ]
What happened?
She died.
Oh.
That's too bad,
Mr. Courtney.
What did you do then?
I couldn't write anymore.
I found myself depending
on ghostwriters.
I hated it!
But what else
was I to do?
I think I know
how you feel.
The same thing
happened to me when
Cherry and I split up.
I'm so sorry.
I... I understand too.
[ Whispering ]
Why don't we forget
the whole thing?
After all,
it's only a song.
Tell 'em to go ahead
and play it.
Ah, Bob!
Thanks.
And she would've
thanked you too
if she'd lived.
Who, if she had lived?
Why, Mr. Courtney
was just telling us
about a lady in his life.
A lady?
The one who died.
She didn't die.
She got fat.
Oh!
Why dream that up again?
You know she married a rich
spaghetti man and she swelled.
Starbuck!
She outflanked
everybody.
Well, you big,
triple-distilled ham bone!
That's the fnish!
I'm through catching
around here.
Bob?
Either you tell 'em
who wrote the song
or I'll tell 'em.
Which one of us
is gonna expose you?
Here's your chance to be
the man I thought you were.
Don't take that chance!
Shut up,
Starbuck!
Miss Lane, please!
All right.
I know when
I'm licked.
I wonder.
This oughta be
very confusing!
[ Squeaky Voice ]
Speaking of
Kelso's Cucumber Cream,
many engineers recommend it
as a motor lubricant
for your car...
when your engine refuses
to start on those--
And now, here at last,
is Mr. Oliver Courtney.
I don't know.
What do you think?
Let's see what he says.
Ladies and gentlemen,
you have always received
my songs with enthusiasm.
I've taken advantage
of that to present to you...
a new song entitled
''Only Forever.''
Which...
I did not write.
Oh, Bob.
This song was written by
a couple of youngsters...
who in the past year
have, uh...
have shown me
great promise.
Such promise that I'm having
them collaborate with me
on my new show.
He'd take a bow
at his own funeral.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I give you Cherry Lane
and Bob Summers.
Bob, come on.
Not me.
He means you.
Go ahead!
You asked for it.
Oh, you!
Hold that music.
Folks, we're as surprised
at this as you are.
I don't know what to say
except...
I might mention that my uncle
has a little place at Tarrytown
called Nobody's Inn.
He can't
do that.
Oh, yes he can.
In a couple weeks, you'll have
the chance of congratulating
a newly wedded couple.
Mr. Kelso's not
gonna like this.
Go up there.
It has hot and cold
running water.
''Peace...It's wonderful!''
d Do I want
to be with you d
d d [ Humming ]
d As the years
come and go d
d Only forever d
d d [ Humming ]
dIf you care to know
d Do you think
I'll remember d
d How you looked
when you smiled d
d Only forever d
d That's putting
it mild d d