1
It's been a long time. A long time.
But it doesn't seem long enough
for all the things I can remember.
From what you tell me, this man gives
one a lot of things to remember him by.
Look at that gate.
Larger than life, huh?
That's him all over.
Are you sure you are not exaggerating?
Darling it's possible to live so much in
the past that it affects one's judgment.
I've never been able to judge him.
Too near him for too long.
Loved him too much.
And hated him too much.
You mustn't feel this way.
He's only a man.
Yes, but a man who can
twist you and warp you.
I'm glad I'm rid of him.
But you're not.
You've never been rid of him. You've
talked of no-one else since we first met.
Darling, you mustn't let him
have such a hold on you.
Good evening.
If you please, sir. May I
have your invitation card?
Of course.
Thank you.
It's quite alright.
I'll not announce you as
Mr Vendig is speaking.
That way, sir.
Thank you.
I'm afraid we're rather late.
Understanding of, and sympathy for,
divergent cultural patterns ..
Are certainly basic to the
attainment of our goal.
Such a foundation, consequently, might
in its small, human and intimate way ..
Serve the all-important
cause of world peace.
That's Vendig.
My friends, I've enjoyed
the battle of life.
And I've tasted defeat.
I've enjoyed the fruits
of victory to the full.
But after the dread lesson
of the last few years.
I think that all of us are a little
weary of victories and battles.
Whether great or small.
We want peace.
I may assure the Under-Secretary and his
colleagues from the State Department.
I may assure our friends,
the delegates of the United Nations.
That I am not proposing.
To take over, alone and unaided.
The functions of their
great organization.
I can offer only .. the Peace Foundation
which I have described to you.
It will need a home.
Mr Secretary and gentlemen, I ask
your joint acceptance of this house ..
And the 3,000 acres of
ground surrounding it.
The Foundation .. will need funds.
I ask your joint acceptance, of an
endowment fund of 25 million dollars.
Thank you.
Impressed?
It must mean a great
deal to own this house.
I wonder why he wants to give it away.
But you miss the point, young lady.
It's for the cause of peace.
Mr Vendig wants peace.
Hello Lambdin.
Terry.
George says it's taxes.
Yes, being a realist,
I've got it all figured out.
To begin with, take
the taxes on this place.
I happen to know them. They're murder.
Yes, but there is the 25 million.
it still has to do with taxes.
George, you've got to learn
to think on a bigger scale.
This beautiful young lady knows
what I mean in a word .. peace.
It seems to me any effort for peace
should be praised, whatever the motive.
It wasn't peace in the
world I was thinking of.
I was thinking of the peace within.
Within Woodruff Vendig's soul.
Paul, which would you rather say?
Vendig's soul or taxes?
Taxes. Every time.
Besides, if he wanted peace,
what are you doing here?
You are all talking as if he just died
and we're here to criticize the remains.
Vendig is still very much alive.
Be so good as to step into
the study, Mr Lambdin.
Mr Vendig's personal request.
Yes.
This way, sir.
I know the way.
Yes, sir.
They're the first businessmen I've met who
are like what businessmen are meant to be.
George told you he was a realist.
A realist has to question the motives
behind a big gesture as this tonight.
Why?
Why not accept it for what it is?
A man's hope for the future.
Perhaps they know Vendig better.
Possibly, a man can change.
I hope you're right.
Because if you're not, there is a very
grim future in store for this world.
Vic.
When a man believes in
something, and it's a good thing.
It's wonderful how his
past can become his past.
Really.
Those men said Vendig
wanted to save his soul.
Perhaps he could.
If he had your charity.
The handshaking must still be going on.
Oh, it's beautiful.
That's his yacht. The Faraway.
His press agents have
been working overtime.
They'd have you believe that
on the stroke of twelve ..
He leaves the house,
steps aboard and sails away.
Nobody knows where.
But he has to go away.
That's part of his new
life, don't you see?
I thought you weren't coming.
I waited and everybody
else came .. but not you.
I meant to be on time, but ..
I took the wrong road.
I thought you still bore a grudge.
All of this wouldn't have meant very
much if you had held out on me.
Maybe you have.
Isn't taking the wrong road one of those
mistakes that occur when you want it to?
Subconsciously.
Sorry, I haven't analyzed
myself in days.
You don't think I'm sincere?
Let's say I'm reserving judgment.
It sounds kinder.
Vic .. when a man is ambitious for the
kind of success that I dreamed about.
It's inevitable that a lot of
people are going to be hurt.
He doesn't know that.
He's too busy .. he's fighting too hard.
Then he .. reaches the top.
Whatever the top may be for him.
And he has a chance to stop .. think.
That's when the pain of all
those people comes back to him.
He starts to think.
That's when he starts
to be a little afraid.
Mallory. This is
Horace Vendig. Our host.
Horace - Miss Flagg.
How do you do?
I'm so glad to meet Vic's oldest friend.
Mallory is quite a pianist, Horace.
You'd have known her name immediately
if you'd been interested in music.
What's the matter?
You see a resemblance?
She's like ..
Like Martha.
I know.
Are you related to the Burnsides?
There is no relationship
with Martha, Horace.
In a way, I'm sorry.
Vic has told me so many
things about Martha Burnside.
What kind of things?
Just nice things.
What else could I say about Martha?
Of course.
You know, it's funny. I do a great
deal of remembering myself.
But I rarely ever talk about it.
We do go a long way back.
Don't we, Vic?
[ Singing: ]
"Now the moon shines
tonight on pretty Red Wing."
"The breeze is sighing,
the night bird's crying."
"For afar 'neath his star
her brave is sleeping."
"While Red Wing's
weeping her heart away."
It's tough paddling. What
would you say the current is?
Five miles an hour? Six?
About four.
Ha, that's what you'd say If
you were doing the paddling.
Alright. I'll paddle.
Do it downstream.
It's easier.
Come on, that's not fair.
I gave you best at swimming as you're
the best swimmer and we all know it.
But I'm the best with the paddle and
you won't let me show Martha.
Give me that paddle.
Look out! We'll be getting a bath.
Help me! Help me!
Alright, Martha. I'll get you.
Help me ..
Hurry!
Help me!
Help me.
As if I didn't have my hands full. Now
you come in looking like a drowned rat.
You're a "Vendig" alright.
Not caring that I have to work my
fingers to the bone, teaching brats ..
Whose mothers I wouldn't let take
in my washing when I was a girl.
Freddie Attwood, you keep on with
those scales until I tell you to stop.
Look at that suit!
A suit I paid nine dollars for that
I didn't pick up in the street.
I couldn't help it, Ma.
That's just what your
father used to say ..
When he came home with
every cent of his pay gone.
I'll make some money, Ma.
I'll make enough for plenty of suits.
He could brag, too.
You talk about earning money.
What do you do?
Sneak off and go fishing.
I wasn't fishing.
Don't you lie to me now.
What were you doing?
Answer me!
Did you hear?
Is Horace alright, Mrs Vendig?
Horace?
Why yes, certainly.
Thank heavens.
Where is he? I must see him.
There you are, Horace.
I'm so thankful.
You're a brave, wonderful boy.
It wasn't anything, Mrs Burnside.
What's all this? What's Horace done?
Why, didn't he tell you?
My Martha would have drowned
if Horace hadn't saved her.
Why didn't you tell me this?
You never game me a chance.
I think he's a hero. I think
you should be proud of him.
I know that. I don't need anyone
to tell me that, Mrs Burnside.
Just thanking him seems so little.
Isn't there something you need, Horace?
Something we can do for you?
Nothing. Nothing at all.
Thank you.
Please let him come to our house
tomorrow night for supper.
Vic and Martha are going to be there
and some of the other girls and boys.
And Mr Burnside will want to see
the boy who saved Martha's life.
It's just for children, you know.
Sure. I'll come, ma'am.
He can't.
He has somewhere else to go.
But Mom .. Shut up.
We've never been good enough for
you up until now, Mrs Burnside.
Because of your money, I suppose.
Mrs Vendig.
Not good enough, indeed.
I'll have you know that before
my marriage I was a Woodruff.
A maid.
If that means anything to you.
That's no way to talk, Ma.
Mrs Burnside don't mean
anything like what you think.
Thank you, Horace.
I know you understand.
Goodbye, Mrs Vendig.
I'll try to come, Mrs Burnside.
Horace.
Come here.
Hello, I was just coming to see you.
Say, you ought to have been
with me when I took Martha home.
You ought to have heard Mrs Burnside
when we told her what you'd done.
Ah, drop it.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Where you going?
Waterfront.
What for?
Not to see your old man?
Yep.
Oh boy.
Can I come with you, Horace?
If you want to.
Hello Miss Bella.
Hello.
"Howard" ain't it?
No, ma'am, it's "Horace".
And this is my friend, Vic.
Good evening.
Is my father in?
Your mother never sends you here.
No. I came myself.
I thought she said that you was never so
much as to set eyes or your Dad again?
I got a right to see my own father.
Well, he ain't in.
If you came after anything,
you may as well skiddoo.
Take a look around.
See the business we're doing.
Well, look .. look who's here.
Horace, my boy.
Hi, Bella.
High time you got back.
Did you lose your shirt again?
Never mind if I win or I lose.
It's my lucky day when
my boy comes here.
Well, well, Horace.
Hello, Pa.
I see you've grown, eh?
And you've brought
a friend. How are you?
Pleased to meet you, sir.
Well, I'll bet you've
got an appetite, eh?
Both of you.
Light up, Bella. Let's make
the place look cheerful.
Now boys, what will you have?
Chowder? Chicken lobster?
The best of everything, eh.
Today I struck it rich. Order up, huh.
No thanks, Pa.
I just came to see you.
I've already had supper, thank you.
And your mother?
Does she know you've come?
Oh, no.
Only, I .. I wanted to.
You miss you father, eh?
That's nice.
I'm glad to see my boy's
got a nice friend like you.
Thanks, Mr Vendig.
We've been friends ever since
Horace came to the school.
Oh, that's fine.
How's it coming, son?
Alright, I guess.
You have .. you have fun there?
Play games? You go to parties?
I could, only ..
It's like that, is it?
Is that the best you got?
It don't matter.
I haven't seen my boy for two years.
So you came to see your father
even though you're not supposed to.
Well, you certainly
came on the right night.
Do you know how much is in here?
Must be an awful lot.
Well, there is fifty-eight dollars.
And it don't smell like clam chowder.
I got the right tip, see.
And I made use of it.
Let me tell you something, son.
Opportunity knocks on
every man's door once.
Just once.
I know.
Well, go after it.
Grab it with both hands.
Don't let nothing stand in your way.
Yes, sir. All you got to do is figure out
what the common people got to have and ..
Grab it tight.
Well, here's ten dollars for you.
For yourself. For a real good suit.
Three for a pair of shoes.
And a couple more for a
shirt and some neck-ties.
Well, where do I come in?
Don't make a joke, Bella.
Give me that money.
No joke about it. You owe
me four weeks pay.
I promise you I'll settle tomorrow, eh?
I'll wait outside, Horace.
Go on, get out!
And you can take your friend with you.
You'll settle, eh? Out of what?
You owe me sixty, you win fifty-eight.
And you give half of that to
somebody else's kid.
Give it here. It's mine!
Here, son. Get out of this, quick.
He's her kid, ain't he?
Let her give him money.
Bella, I give you the
stockings, the perfume.
Come on kid, give it here.
Look.
I've got a chance to go to
a real big house tomorrow.
Go on, get out! Go home and
ask your mother for a new suit.
And as for you, I told you
never to let that kid near me.
If he ever comes here
again, I'm through.
Better go home.
You know Horace, your mother ..
Well, I guess she's sharp
sometimes like you say but ..
Well, you know me. I'm no baby.
Sometimes a fellow can
tell things to his mother.
You'd be surprised how
much they understand.
Good luck.
Thanks.
It's our last chance, Kate.
Horace must not be
allowed to stand in our way.
I can't.
And I won't Alfred, because of the boy.
If we could take him with us, Kate?
But as they say: no children.
His worthless father
could look out for him.
If only he had some relation.
It is cruel, downright cruel.
There .. don't cry.
Oh, Alfred.
Dear one.
Horace.
What's wrong with you? Come in.
No, ma'am. I can't.
I only came to say ..
I can't come tomorrow
night, Mrs Burnside.
I'm so sorry to hear that,
and so will ..
Horace, something bad
is the matter. What is it?
Come in here.
No, ma'am.
No, ma'am, I can't. I'm going away.
Tonight.
Going away? What do you mean?
Not from your home?
I haven't got a home.
Horace, don't say that.
What about your mother?
I haven't got a ..
There, there. Don't cry.
Tell me all about it.
Be brave .. be a man.
I don't want to be a man .. never!
I wish there weren't any
men in the whole world.
Mother, what is it?
Nothing.
Never you mind.
Go upstairs and put on your robe and
tell father to come down here at once.
Then go over to the coach-house and
turn down the beds in the little room.
Yes, mother.
And mother said this
was to be your home.
And father said he'd see
you through high-school.
And into a real good position.
All because you saved my life, Horace.
He says he can never do enough for you.
[ Singing: ]
"As the backs go tearing by,
on their way to do or die."
"Many sighs and many tears,
mingle with the Harvard cheers."
"As the backs go tearing by."
"Making gain on steady gain."
"Echo swells the sweet refrain."
"Dartmouths going to win today,
Dartmouths sure to win today!"
"As the backs go tearing by."
Which one next?
Genevieve.
Your choice. You're the birthday girl.
Well, how about your
kind of song, Mr Burnside?
Well, if you can play it, I can sing it.
Well clear your throat,
because I know them all.
The Colorado school of mine.
Well, I guess I asked for that one.
Well, let's see.
How about yours, Vendig?
Well, the fact is ..
Horace is in business.
Isn't there a class song for financiers?
Harry, you've got the best voice of the
lot. Why don't you sing Fair Harvard?
Sure.
[ Singing: ]
"Fair Harvard, thy sons to
thy Jubilee throng."
"And with blessings
surrender thee o'er."
"By these festival rites,
from the age that is past."
"To the age that is waiting before."
"O relic and type of our
ancestors' worth."
"That hast long kept their memory warm."
Hi, Horace.
Hello, Vic.
I thought I'd join you
for a breath of air.
Come out this way. It's quieter.
It's good to have you home, Vic.
It's good to be home.
How was Dartmouth?
Well, it .. might sound
kind-of disloyal.
But I wish I'd stayed here
and gone to Harvard.
With your father a Dartford man?
I'd have seen Martha more often.
Did you notice tonight?
Notice what?
She wasn't wearing my fraternity pin.
Maybe because I've been away
so long, we've drifted apart.
Of course, some say it was just a boy
and girl affair when I left for college.
Maybe she feels that way. I don't know.
I've done everything I can.
I write every week.
Doesn't she answer you?
Yeah, if you can call them answers.
But she doesn't tell me where I stand.
I tell you, Horace.
I can't study because of her.
I'm way behind in my subjects.
Why don't you have a talk with her?
No, I can't.
Horace.
You know her so well.
Living in the house all these
years, and growing up with her.
You mean, I could do it?
I wish you would.
Tell her that I .. tell her that ..
Well, you'll know what to say.
Sure.
You ought to come into insurance, Vic.
Not a moment then to
even think about girls.
It's not like you to treat Vic that way.
I did answer his letters.
He says you tell him nothing.
I tell him about you.
That's what I mean.
Good friends or not, it's just the thing
I'd resent if things were turned around.
Turned around? How?
Well, you know what I mean.
If I were in love with you.
Don't scold me, Horace.
I don't mean to.
Why make Vic miserable?
You're going to marry him eventually.
Am I?
Well, aren't you?
No.
And it's time I told him.
Hey, I really think you mean it.
I do, Horace.
I mean it enough to go
in right now and tell him.
Well, what is it?
What's come between you?
You.
You've always been there.
Here, I mean.
But it never occurred to me ..
Always, Horace.
Always.
Martha, listen. I never said a word
to make you feel like this about me.
I never did a thing.
But you wanted to.
Tell me you wanted to.
Yes.
For a long time.
Horace, darling.
And I was thinking of
transferring to Harvard.
Well Horace, it's a case
of the best man wins.
I guess you are it.
Say you're happy for us, Vic.
Promise me you'll see us often.
Cross my heart.
Could I talk to you alone for a minute?
Of course.
Well .. good luck to you, Horace.
Thanks, Vic. I can't say I'm unhappy.
And I don't want Martha
ever to be, either.
I'll try my very best.
You'd better, Horace.
Because Martha will never mean any
less to me than she does right now.
So help you, Horace Vendig if
you ever do anything to hurt her.
Horace.
Yes, sir?
I want a few words with you.
Certainly, sir.
In here.
Sit down, Horace.
Thank you, sir.
I've just sent Martha upstairs.
She just told her mother and me that ..
Well ..
She says you are engaged.
I'm glad she told you, Mr Burnside.
On her 18th birthday.
You're not too well settled yourself.
Mr Burnside, I've loved your daughter
ever since that day on the river.
Uhuh.
I'll ask the firm to transfer me.
There's an opening in Pittsburgh.
In time, she'll forget all about me.
What kind of talk is this?
Well, as I understand you, sir.
You misunderstand me, Horace.
Mr Burnside.
It's time to cut out the "Mr Burnside."
Isn't there a shorter word
a man has for his father?
"Father-in-law"?
Thank you, sir.
Daring, huh?
Yes, sir.
Well, there's a lot to consider.
Now you've been at Sherman
Indemnity for .. let's see.
Well .. two years next month.
And .. you look on this
as your future career?
Well, I've been doing very
well there, as you know, sir.
Dad.
But if a man is to provide the sort
of home that Martha ought to have ..
He's got to have a college education.
These days, it certainly
means a good deal.
That's an idea. Quite an idea.
I have a little put by.
You have?
Is it .. is it anything much?
Just over three hundred.
Well done, my boy.
Of course, it won't go a long way with
college costs being what they are.
But in some of these smaller
places, the fees are moderate.
And .. from a business point of
view they are more go-ahead ..
Oh, but .. college means
only one thing to me.
Dad.
Huh?
Harvard.
Harvard, eh?
Hmm.
It's a good school.
Oh, it's more than that, sir.
It's .. it's a good investment.
Can you get yourself entered this fall?
You mean it?
Well, if I could find an
opening to work on the campus.
Oh, no, no.
I look on this as an investment, Horace.
I'm not a wealthy man. I may have
to have a little talk with my banker.
But this is for you and Martha.
And I want you to go through
college on the same basis ..
As Vic and Walt and the rest
of them that were here tonight.
And to come out ahead of them.
I'm two years behind.
You'll catch up.
You've got the brains.
You've given me the
kind of home I never had.
I can't ever repay you.
Not another word about it.
Make your arrangements.
Keep your room on here, until you
get yourself settled at Cambridge.
Martha ..
Huh!
There you are.
Well .. Horace and I have
come to a little understanding.
Daddy, I'm so happy.
Hmm.
Horace.
Don't build your house with keyholes.
A man can't ever plan
a surprise around here.
You have no surprises for me.
Hmm.
Better.
I wasn't asleep.
I could see your light was on.
It's three in the morning.
I know.
Come down.
Come out here.
What's the matter?
You've been walking
up and down for hours.
I couldn't sleep.
I .. I feel ..
You ought to rest.
Because tomorrow.
Harvard.
Yes.
It's not wrong for us to be
here, at this time, is it?
Do you think so?
Not if you feel bad.
Not if you need me.
What is it?
Is it because you're going away from me?
Maybe I'm going away
from everything, that's ..
That's any good.
It's only across the river.
It's not far away.
You'll be home every Sunday.
I don't know.
There is something inside me.
Martha.
It makes me do things that ..
I don't know.
Why are you trembling?
That night at your party.
When I asked you.
You remember?
Yes.
Always.
I didn't love you then.
Maybe because you were Vic's girl.
What other people have, I want.
Maybe I was thinking of Harvard.
But I wasn't Vic's girl. I never was.
Do you love me, now?
Oh, yes.
Oh yes.
So much I'm scared.
But darling.
What of?
Myself.
The harm I could do to you.
And to me.
You're nervous and upset.
That's why you're talking this way.
I love you.
And I love you.
But if the time should come.
It won't .. it can't.
Let me hold you.
Love me.
All my life.
Your attention, everybody.
The last event on the program.
The freestyle relay.
Will decide the winner of this meet.
Representing Harvard.
Luke .. Wright ..
Pennington and Vendig.
Hurray for Woody.
Woody? Who's Woody?
If you don't know the name
of your future son-in-law ..
It's "Horace Woodruff Vendig".
I still like "Horace".
So do I, but here they call him Woody.
Good enough.
"Anderson .. McInnes .. and Touchente."
So that's your great little Vendig.
I tell you, sweet, Woody's going to
rank with Charlie Brickman.
On your marks, get set ..
[ Starting pistol shot! ]
You know Woody Vendig well, you say?
He sits right in front of me
in the economics class.
Three times a week, that is.
Well then, what's to prevent your
asking him to have supper with us?
Well, maybe he has another date.
You'd better do it Brad, or I'll march
in the dressing room and ask him myself.
Alright.
How did you like out team?
You are our team.
Thanks. I'm sure the rest of the
boys would appreciate that.
Let's got to the Puritan to celebrate.
You can have some hot chocolate
and cake at home if you like.
I'm afraid you'll have
to run along without me.
Oh.
Why?
Well, I promised to go over my economics
notes with young Bradford Duane.
He has a quiz coming up tomorrow.
Young Brad Duane?
He's the grandson of old Henry
Bradford Duane. The shipping man.
His mother was a "Sims".
The banking family: Norton Sims.
The Sims sisters.
I'm so proud of you.
Winning a swimming meeting, and teaching
economics all in the same evening.
Are you spending this weekend at home?
Yes.
But, don't anybody wait
up for me .. goodnight.
Goodnight, Horace. Fine swimming.
Thank you, sir.
There you are, Vendig.
The car is right up the street.
Good.
Susan. Help Mr Vendig to milk and sugar.
Mr Vendig likes lemon.
Thank you, Susan.
Bad, eh?
What?
This.
I told you it was going to be tough.
But anyway, now we can ask you here
instead of always having to go out.
Once you've passed one of mother's
Thursday horrors, everything's official.
Official?
Yeah, you know what I mean.
Your calling on Sue.
Oh.
Why haven't you brought him here before?
Well, I didn't think ..
At least this one's a gentleman.
Father likes you. Mother likes you.
That's because mother is a peach.
The acid test is aunt Libby.
And here she comes.
What do I do? What do I say?
You don't do anything.
If she likes you, you'll find it out.
You are not in training now, Woody.
So you don't have to drink this swill.
Brad, take him in the billiard
room, and give him a good drink.
You've arrived, Mr Vendig.
Rail, shipping and steel.
Those three are the backbone
of the country's economy.
And that's precisely
what I told Mr Harding.
Excuse me, uncle Norton.
This is Woody Vendig.
He's at school with me.
Vendig? Vendig?
Yes, sir.
My uncle, Norton Sims.
Mr Sims.
Mr Bigelow, Mr Prescott.
Mr Abbott and Mr Wiley.
How do you do, sirs.
Yes. Some of our clients and some of
yours are interested in aircraft issues.
An interest I very firmly discourage.
Personally, I wouldn't touch them.
Too unstable. Liquidation. Mergers.
Did I hear there's an outfit organized
to deal in airplane stocks exclusively?
It's incredible.
Financial suicide for them and a
fraud perpetrated on their customers.
Oh, but they're very
responsible people, Mr Sims.
Lattimer, Hilton & Morissey of Detroit.
They just underwrote a 4 million dollar
issue to lease planes at 10 dollars par.
That's folly.
Just a moment.
Go ahead, young man.
The books were closed on Tuesday
the 16th with the issue over-subscribed.
And on the current
market today at closing ..
The stock was quoted
at twelve and an eighth.
There may be something
in these flying machines.
Thinking of the brokerage
business as a career?
Well, that depends.
Some of these new firms that are forcing
their way on to the New York exchange.
I'd just as soon join
a bookmaking concern.
Bookmakers. That's it.
Exactly what they are.
But I guess the class of investors in
the market today don't care about that.
So you've noticed that, too?
Yes. Anybody with ten percent of the
price of a share on the current market.
Even my tailor.
It will be bootblacks next.
Mr Sims.
I have learned a great
deal in the last hour.
It's been a pleasure.
Let me see. What's your name again?
"Vendig", sir.
"H Woodruff Vendig".
"Woodruff" eh?
My mother was a Woodruff.
From Maine.
The banking people?
No, sir. Fisheries and lumber.
Oh yes. Yes.
Well, I mustn't detain you.
Well, just a moment.
If you have a morning this week,
say any time after ten, I'd ..
I'd like you to come in for a talk.
Oh, I'd like very much to, Mr Sims.
Goodnight, sir.
Goodnight.
Well, did it happen?
It happened.
It's about time. Tell me about it.
You ought to know. You arranged it.
My title is Assistant Manager Industrial
Securities Division, New York Branch.
You like it?
I like the New York part of it.
I'll be there.
Now, aren't you glad I persuaded
you to give up Harvard?
Just think, an Assistant Manager.
And at your age.
Well, go on.
There's plenty of time for that. I took
the rest of the day off to celebrate.
And?
And pack.
So, we're engaged.
Yes, but secret as the grave.
I don't see why. I'd shout it to you.
So would I, if I were the
one with the money.
Have it your own old-fashioned way.
I'll be in New York by
the first of the year.
We'll have fun.
I'm sorry, but I have to say
goodbye to these people.
Is it really that important?
Well, they've just been very good to me.
I get jealous if you're even
sentimental about other people.
That's why I'm leaving
Boston without any regrets.
What about you? Is there anyone
here you're going to miss?
Here. Take this next road to the right.
Goodnight.
Can't I wait for you?
No, you drive on home. I'll call
you first thing in the morning.
Hello.
I'm awfully late. I'm sorry.
You're tired.
No.
It's too late for a show.
Why don't we stay home?
I'd rather walk.
Down by the river?
I want to talk to you.
I want to talk to you, too.
Anyway, they decided I deserved a boost.
So they made me Assistant Manager
of the bond department.
Horace, that's wonderful.
I have some news today, too.
Only I'm not going around like
an old grump. I'm happy about it.
Martha.
Darling.
I'm telling you something.
In a minute.
Right now, you've got to listen to me.
This job is in New York.
Oh.
Well, I like Boston better, but ..
I've got to tell you straight out.
You won't be with me.
Not if we're married?
Don't they pay enough?
They pay very well.
There, I'll meet the right people and
begin to make deals on my own account.
I'm going far, Martha.
And fast.
And alone.
I can't be with you.
Because you don't want me?
I shall never want anybody else.
But I can see the road I've got
to travel. I can see where it leads.
I can see the sacrifices
I've got to make.
And I'm the first of them?
No.
I am.
You love me?
You really love me .. and yet you
can turn your back on everything ..
Yes! I've got to.
I haven't any choice. I've got to.
I stole you from Vic.
You might have been happy.
I tried to tell you that I
wasn't any good for you but ..
You wouldn't believe me.
I knew it already.
I knew it when you first
came to live with us.
I watched you.
I could see it all the time.
But when I told you?
Yes.
Because you told me ..
I hoped that by loving you and ..
Being close to you.
Like your wife.
I hoped you'd change.
But I suppose I wasn't
a big enough person.
Maybe I didn't love you enough.
And now you hate me.
When you can't help yourself?
No.
I can't hate you for that.
Any more than if you'd
told me you were ..
Terribly ill.
Perhaps you are.
If you want to know.
I love you.
I shall, always.
I'm sure you manage most of your
affairs more cleverly than that.
Thank you.
You are very young.
And very ambitious.
And may I say that ambition is a high
climb with no way of getting down.
You may be right. I'll have
to find out for myself.
You might spare yourself a lot of bumps
and bruises if you listen to Mr Vendig.
His philosophy today is that
success doesn't mean a thing.
You won't give way so much
as an inch, will you, Vic?
No. But that's your fault, Horace.
You've always handled me so
easily that I've got my guard up.
Let's face it.
You haven't done anything but talk.
But I have to talk to somebody,
and you're the only one I can talk to.
All my life I've spent collecting
things that I can't trust.
I have nothing that's part of me.
The money I've made is ..
It's no more than this house, and you
saw how easily that was transferred.
Tell me more about yourself.
There's really not much.
I work rather hard.
As a matter of fact most of my
time is taken up by my music.
All of it?
There is not enough left to share.
If that's what you're driving at.
Surely, you can't refuse your
host the first dance. Please.
Just this one.
Tell me, is Vic to be congratulated?
Don't you want Vic to have
cause for congratulations?
Yes.
Up until ten minutes ago.
Now, I wish he didn't even exist.
Or away exploring another planet or
anything that would leave you with me.
But I might like exploring another
planet. It sounds exciting.
What do you want?
Mallory.
Vic, you've had so many evenings with
Mallory. Give me just part of this one.
Since you put it that way,
and remembering the past.
The only answer I can
possibly give you is "no."
Oh, well at least let's all
have a drink together.
An Old-Fashioned and a Martini.
Christa.
Why, Buck. Did he write to you, too?
He wants to make his peace.
With me before anyone, I would imagine.
And you, what harm has he done you?
You are coarse, Christa.
Did he do that to you?
Your hair was pure gold once.
Now it looks like brass.
The fool hairdresser of
mine uses a hard rinse.
Don't stare at me, Buck.
You make me nervous.
I remember the day ..
I don't want to remember any day.
I came in her for a drink and I ..
And you found a memory.
What else are we here for?
But to remember.
Sit down.
No, Buck.
And we'll remember ..
Ah!
Christa.
He frightens me.
Why do you have him here?
Who?
If this man caused a little
trouble, Mr Vendig, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Christa.
There must be some fun here somewhere.
I'll have him escorted out.
No.
Mr Mansfield is my guest.
I hope your presence here means ..
My letter was taken in the
spirit in which I intended it.
It means I came to see if all this stuff
was another of your confounded tricks.
I'm old.
Maybe you think I'm weak.
And blind too, like Samson, eh?
When Lo ..
He pressed his palms against
the pillars of the temple.
Say the word, Mr Vendig.
Tell this vermin.
To stand away from me.
Let go.
Get me a drink.
Charles, there's a bottle on your left.
Mr Mansfield, you introduced
me to a lot of things.
Including this.
It's 21 years old.
Sorry.
I wish that hadn't happened.
A man doesn't go far in life without
leaving some rag ends behind him.
Who was that?
That's all that's left of an emperor.
Now he's just an old man who's
lost his money and his wife.
Since his wife was all he lived for,
I suppose he's dead.
I understand you do put a little corn
and oil on his grave. Occasionally.
Doesn't that help?
It's still a grave.
We can quarrel. We often have.
But the only time we ever split,
it was you who forced us into it.
I know .. maybe we should
have stayed that way.
Perhaps I didn't know
when I was well off.
Vic.
I've never turned my back on you.
It was you who turned your back on me.
Vic, it's wonderful to see you.
Thanks. We've a lot to talk about.
Of course. The first:
how was South America?
Oh, it makes New York look
like a one-room apartment.
There is air down there and space.
Wherever you look you see the sky.
It's the new frontier, Horace. Maybe the
last one. Did you ever think of that?
But a fortune is made every day.
You ought to be coming back with me.
This stinks of ledgers
and stocks and bonds.
Come down there and breathe.
Did you ever get within grasping
distance of one of those fortunes?
My poor, misguided friend.
See. Observe.
This little bit of paper is
known as a bank draft.
Would you read it to me?
Three hundred thousand dollars.
My partners and I split a cool million.
Not bad pay for a few years hard work.
Well, when do we leave?
Sorry, Vic .. it's not enough.
No .. I didn't think it would be.
I also think Mr Vendig,
that you want too much.
There is no such thing as too much.
You didn't make a fortune, Vic. You were
well paid for your work. That's all.
Fortunes are made here. On Wall Street.
Sure, sure.
Who is the young lady?
Her name is Susan.
Nice.
I like old-fashioned names.
Susan .. Ruth.
Prudence .. Martha.
You've grown very devious, Vic.
You aren't being very
straight-from-the-shoulder yourself.
You expected me to believe what you said
in your letter? That she turned you out?
If ever a girl more obviously threw
her heart and soul at someone's feet.
You do that very neatly.
I've become a wicked old man.
Martha has two very good
eyes and intelligence.
It didn't take her long to see ..
There would always be a struggle
between her love and my ambition.
Well, she was right.
I can say that for her.
Why didn't she tell me?
A letter or even a postcard.
She knows I love her.
I don't know.
Pride, maybe.
I searched everywhere for her. She
seems to have dropped out of the world.
I stopped off in Boston on the way here.
Everything's changed.
Martha gone. Mrs Burnside's
moved away. The old man dead.
Didn't you know he died?
No.
No, that's .. that's wicked news.
He was like my father, Vic.
You mean no-one wrote to you?
No-one told you a thing like that?
What happened between
you and the family? Just because ..
It was very painful for all of us.
I had to make a clean break.
There is one thing you've
got to remember, Vic.
I loved her.
Of course .. don't pay
any attention to me.
I'm not only a wicked old man.
I'm a suspicious one.
I don't care what you are.
You're fine with me.
Thanks.
I'm glad to see you're doing
so well for yourself anyway.
"H. Woodruff Vendig Incorporated."
Sounds big.
Are you going to marry the young lady?
Why?
Why, when a man keeps a girl's
picture on his desk it usually means ..
[ Buzzer ]
Hello .. yes, put him on.
Now watch how we do
it on the stock market.
Hello. Mr McDonald?
Why not take my suggestion and let me
go to the board of directors personally?
The prospectus I sent you
only gave the bare figures.
I see.
Yes, I understand, Mr McDonald.
Thank you, sir.
Goodbye.
Well, Vic. Where were we?
The man said "No".
Yes.
And a big operation, Vic.
A chance that may come only once
in a man's career on Wall Street.
But the Montgomery Trust.
That's the bank in which McDonald is one
of the chief stockholders, can't see it.
That doesn't make sense.
I may be only an engineer.
For an engineer, the interesting
thing is not where I get the money.
But what I do with it.
Have you ever heard of the
Mansfield Utilities empire?
No. Am I ignorant?
It's polite name is Delta Bond & Share.
It's an independent utilities company
that exists in the shadow of one man.
Buck Mansfield.
The issue and utilities empire.
It's one strong man
overriding a lot of weak ones.
Drunk with power, capricious, whimsical.
Thinking his will is nature's law.
That's a monopoly.
What holds it together?
His personality.
And right now, I'm
beginning to wonder just ..
How long that personality
will stand up under pressure.
Pressure? From you, Horace?
You're dreaming.
Of course I'm dreaming.
The same dreams you had when
you went to South America.
Vic. This Mansfield is holding
up communications, power ..
The very gas that a farm woman
needs to cook her meals.
And you need a quarter of a million?
Well, $300,000 to be exact.
It's nothing compared to what his
holding companies represent.
But Vic. This is David and Goliath.
Horace, I'm with you.
How far?
By $300,000.
I believe in power,
and I believe in people.
It's my job as an engineer
to bring the two together.
My partners and I, we took electricity
and we made poor people rich.
We built bridges .. and we turned
enemies into good neighbours.
Vic, we've been marking time
for years, just for this moment.
This buys you a partnership.
You know what we'll call it?
Call it what you like.
Share the power.
Start the mills rolling.
Put prices within reach
of small farmers.
Right.
Come back around 6 o'clock, Vic.
I'll have the papers ready.
Fine.
I'm going to like working
with you, Horace.
You're alright.
Get me Miss Duane.
Hello, darling.
Oh, exhilarated.
Yes, New York is wonderful.
Who?
Bruce Endicott McDonald .. certainly.
You tell your young man there
was a time when Mr McDonald.
Proposed to me on the 1st and the
15th of every month for six years.
She knows him very well, darling.
I want Aunt Libby to make a date for
me with McDonald anyhow, anywhere.
It must be for tomorrow.
This is very important, darling.
Because it's going to decide
when we'll get married.
I'm sorry my bank was
so un-obliging yesterday.
You have an interesting proposition.
So interesting and so sound that
I'm putting in $300,000 of my own.
But you didn't tell us about that.
I don't like doing business with people
who want my word backed by collateral.
You are very proud.
Yes.
I don't mean that as a criticism.
But doesn't this rule hamper you?
It never has and if it ever does,
I still won't compromise.
Bruce, if I lose one fish
because of your chatter.
Let them talk, Aunt Libby.
Vendig, speaking not for
the bank but for myself.
What's your idea with Palmetto?
What would yours be ..
If you had just acquired the largest
single block of stock in a company?
Eventual control.
Control with a purpose.
The rates in Palmetto's territory
will stand a 15% increase.
Can the people pay it?
Where else will they get power?
There is no competition.
Vendig, I'd like to join you.
If you mean that, I'll tell you
how you can participate.
I've taken an option on 50,000 shares
of Delta Bond & Share at twenty.
What's the price of admission?
You put up $500,000 and I'll
give you 20% of Palmetto.
I like it.
I beat you again.
Too bad, Mr McDonald.
We'll do better with Mansfield.
Excellent whiskey, Mr Mansfield.
Yes.
Just old enough to vote.
The wine of the country, my friend.
Bourbon. A name given
to Kings and whiskey.
When the Kings have gone,
the liquor remains.
Shall we resume?
Energy like yours, Mr Vendig ..
Is no doubt, much to be admired on Wall
Street between the hours of 10 and 3.
But in this house, and in this climate.
Well, allow me to say,
it approaches the vainglorious.
It's after 3 now and as much as
I enjoy your hospitality ..
I should have been on my way back to
New York when you sat me down to lunch.
Ah, speaking of lunch.
Did I mention the crayfish for lunch was
taken from the stream on this property?
You did. Now, if you wouldn't
mind checking over my figures.
Oh no need to, Mr Vendig.
I have rather a good memory for figures.
And names as well.
Particularly if they link to financial
operations which affect my enterprises.
But mine are not likely
to affect you adversely.
It would amount to a
sort-of junior partnership.
I have only one partner,
in business as in life.
However, go ahead.
400,000 shares of
Palmetto Light & Power.
Which I and my company,
Vendig Incorporated, hold under option.
Represents a controlling
interest in that company.
Which I am willing to yield along with
50,000 shares of Delta Bond & Share.
Which you also hold under
option at 20 dollars per share.
I see you get around.
Me? Very rarely.
With Delta stock, I must know where it
is and what it's doing at any one time.
As though it were a pet.
Mr Mansfield, it looks as though
your pet had my collar on it.
Are you positive of that, Mr Vendig?
Just confident.
Oh I'm so sorry, Bucky.
I was going to show you my new frocks.
Sorry?
Why, darling?
Mr Vendig. The partner I referred to.
My wife.
How do you do, Mrs Mansfield.
How do you do.
I never would have barged in like this if
I knew we had a visitor from the north.
I'm very flattered.
Mr Mansfield has had the
visitor since before lunch.
Then we must both have you for dinner.
You make us sound like cannibals.
Mr Vendig means to take an early train.
Yes, I'm sorry. Please ask me again.
I will .. right now.
Do stay for dinner, Mr Vendig. Please.
I may suggest that as she represents
another 48% of Delta stock ..
Christa can outvote you.
If I may try your telephone again.
Good .. they may have
repaired the line by this time.
How do you like this one, Buck?
Darling, it is exquisite.
I love to see your little feet.
The line is still dead.
Oh, I am extremely sorry, my boy.
I feel personally responsible.
Meridian Telephone is one
of our Delta enterprises.
But Christ and I will endeavour
to make it up to you at dinner.
Won't we, Christa?
Meanwhile, you've had a long journey.
Perhaps you'd like to relax
and freshen up a little?
Philip will show you to your room.
Thank you.
Ring for anything you want.
You are very kind.
Well, my pet.
What do you think of our
handsome young visitor?
Oh, I don't know, Buck.
What's he here for anyway?
When you and I are so happy all alone.
Are you married, Mr Vendig?
Not yet.
Then I'm sure you must have the
pick of all the beauties in the north.
I'm afraid not.
Perhaps because I'm too
much interested in business.
I'm sure one of them
will change your mind.
I might like that.
To sum up, Mr Vendig.
Let me see if I remember.
For your two options,
you want 20% of Palmetto back.
Presidency in that company.
And a seat on the board
of directors of Delta.
Your memory is perfect, Mr Mansfield.
And if I decline to yield?
What grim alternative
do Christa and I face?
Poverty? Despair?
The most I can threaten you is,
that you'll have some concern.
I've analyzed Palmetto's prospects.
After another year of operation it will
be eligible for additional franchising.
Admirable, Vendig. I wish my own
engineers had been as thorough.
What do you think, Christa?
Oh, you know how little I
know about these things.
I am prepared to make
a counter offer, Vendig.
A cash settlement for your options.
My options cost me $800,000.
You can go ahead from there.
Ahead, Mr Vendig. Ahead.
Oddly enough, I was retreating.
I'm standing fast.
My figure is a million and a half.
This is mine.
300,000?
Full payment.
That is wanton, Mr Vendig. Wanton.
Besides, it is not yet yours.
Not until you endorse it.
If I weren't your guest, Mr Mansfield,
I'd consider this an insult.
But since I am, let me congratulate
you on your sense of humour.
I may not repeat the offer.
I should hope not.
$300,000, Vendig, is a lot
of money .. to some people.
Not to me. My nuisance
value alone, is higher than that.
As your host, I will be glad to recall
that it was you who used that term.
I can't picture you as a nuisance,
Mr Vendig, under any circumstances.
Mr Mansfield's residence.
It's Mr Hilton calling from Atlanta.
Yes, Hilton?
Yes .. what?
A raid?
A raid, you said?
Yes.
Good.
All this old business.
And I wanted so much to talk to you
about New York, Mr Vendig.
I go up there next week for shopping.
Of course, there is
nothing I'd like better.
Good. Thank you, Hilton.
Oh yes, and my compliments to Mr Haskew.
Meridian Telephone .. goodnight.
What are you doing?
Reducing a nuisance to
what it is actually worth.
A rimless zero.
How can you talk that way to Mr Vendig?
That's very neat.
A dead telephone. A dinner party.
I .. I regret to tell you, Vendig.
Some sudden pool of
Stock Market gamblers ..
Raided Palmetto stock and tore
in a few gaps in Delta as well.
So you rigged more than the telephone?
They've hammered Palmetto
down to two, and Delta to sixteen.
You don't seriously mean
to pick up your option?
Three million dollars on stock that has
a market value of one million, six.
I see I have a great deal to learn.
Yes .. this is an expensive
academy you've come to.
For your first lesson.
About you, I mean.
May I use the telephone?
Mr Haskew arranged it that it
operates only on incoming calls.
Are the trains still running north,
or did you rig that too?
No.
Robert is waiting to
take you to the station.
But you must send a telegram of ..
Let us say, condolence.
Are you sure you don't own the
telegraph company as well?
Now let me see.
Oh, no. I don't.
I made a present of
that to Mrs Mansfield.
Remember, my boy ..
The next time you go hunting big game.
Don't use a cap-pistol.
Fetch up the heavy artillery.
Or, try some ambush.
Thank you.
I'll remember that.
Goodnight.
You were wonderful.
The man knows everything about us.
He has sources of information that are
like bulletins from a ticker-tape.
There is no doubt he has us in a corner.
But Mr Vendig, let us hope
this is only the first round.
He's left us without a
move. I feel trapped.
Is it not a case of nerves, Mr Vendig?
Certainly not. It's just that
I can't see an opening.
We have one. We can
exercise our options.
Where would we get that much
money? Montgomery Trust?
It will be a little difficult, but ..
Since I'm an important stock holder,
they'll probably listen to me.
You mean that?
Yes.
Mr McDonald, there is only one
way I can justify your confidence.
And that is, to bring off
my part of the scheme.
I've a couple of surprises for Mansfield
should delight both you and the bank.
You are going to be
a smart operator, Vendig.
How about another outing next week?
I'd like that.
Oh, I have a friend who
is coming into town.
And like them, my time will be
pretty much taken up. But I'll try.
I'll give you a ring, Mr McDonald.
Good evening, Mr Vendig.
Good evening.
The lady is waiting for you.
The third table on the left.
Thank you, Sam.
Good evening, Mr Vendig.
Good evening.
Good evening, darling.
The usual?
Two champagne cocktails.
Sorry I was so late.
Keep you waiting long?
One minute is too long.
That's another thing I like about you.
You make me feel so important.
You are .. so important, I can't
wait to be with you always.
Darling.
It was a little difficult
getting away this time.
There have been too many
of these shopping trips.
Buck doesn't guess?
No.
It's just that he's so possessive,
he wants me with him all the time.
I don't blame him.
I hate going home to him.
I hate the thought
that he might find out.
But darling, you mustn't
be afraid of him.
I'm not afraid.
I feel so guilty.
Darling, that's ridiculous.
He can't hold on to you as though you
were a piece of property he had bought.
But I am. That's just it. I am.
You're going to forget your whole
life with him after we're married.
Darling.
I knew your strength
from the first moment.
That's what I hate.
These speakeasies.
Hiding in corners.
So do I.
But we have to slowly .. darling,
Buck's got me in such a tight spot.
I know.
McDonald has every cent he can
raise behind me, but it's not enough.
If Buck keeps holding that stock
down .. we're overextended.
I've been thinking
about it for a long time.
I can help.
Hello, darling.
I suppose the obvious thing would be for
me to say that I can explain everything.
Well, I can't .. not now.
It's quite alright.
I think I understand.
Susan.
Christa, if you will
excuse us for a moment.
He'll probably make you pay
someday because you saw this.
I imagine this is no
time for clever remarks.
It had to happen.
I'm just sorry you were here.
It doesn't matter, darling.
Christa.
Hmm?
Darling.
Oh.
What's the matter?
You are beautiful, Christa.
Put on the light.
No, please.
Turn it on. I want to get up.
Why did you wake me when
I was finally able to sleep?
Now I'll have a headache until morning.
Buck, sometimes you have
utterly no consideration.
Christa, darling.
Please give me that negligee.
And don't hang over me.
I don't want to be touched.
Not even by me?
I'm sorry, Christa.
I love you so much that
sometimes it just wells up in me.
And I can't control it.
You understand, don't you?
I don't expect you to love
me as much as I love you.
How could you?
And yet that is the very
thing that frightens me.
I want to build a cage around you.
A cage of gold and precious stones.
That's exactly what you've done.
I've been in a cage ever since
you bought me from father.
Along with this land the other chattels.
Darling.
What is it?
I've offended you?
No. You haven't offended me.
You'd rather die than hurt my feelings.
Yes.
I know that .. and you've a
collection of French tapestries.
You would be ill if something
happened to one of them.
I don't know what you mean.
Yes you do.
I don't want to be a collector's item.
Darling.
Your headache.
Please. Please got back to bed.
No .. because now I've the
courage to tell you a lot of things.
I may not have it in the morning.
You have nothing to tell me.
I've educated you.
I've surrounded you
with love and luxury.
I've given you everything.
Not youth!
You knew I'd see it someday.
You couldn't always guard me from it.
Well I have seen it, and
I don't want to let it go.
I'm leaving you.
You tell me after.
Not before.
Yes.
Is it someone I know?
I think you know him very well.
He just had the best of
you in a business deal.
Vendig?
And you're the one ..
Who betrayed me with that land deal.
Buck, I can't trust for my
affection and not my loyalty.
Christa.
Can he love you more than I do?
Can he give you more?
He gives me youth, life.
The things I've needed.
You know what he's like.
You can reach up and pull his hair
and he laughs and fights back.
He's fun, he's alive .. he's like me.
Do you think you could keep me now?
Look!
Look!
Look at yourself!
[ Off ]
"Buck, can you hear me?
This is Ted Mallard."
Who can find a virtuous woman?
[ Off ]
"Will you please sign
this power of attorney."
Who value fire above rubies.
[ Door knocks ]
The heart of her husband trusted in her.
She doeth him good.
Not evil.
All the days of her life.
And all her household
are clothed in the scarlet.
[ Off ]
Buck!
Wait.
Wait!
Let me first find out.
Have the hounds dragged me down yet?
How do we stand?
If you sign over every
control you have ..
You may yet save some
of the board's directors.
It's a little too late to save yourself.
Here's the proof.
Never mind.
The touch of happiness in your voice.
Is all the proof I need.
33. Up.
Well, hello.
Hello, Christa. How was Paris?
Friendly, Vic. Very friendly.
That must have been nice.
44. Vendig Incorporated.
Your floor, Mr Lambdin.
Thanks.
A very warm sort of homecoming.
So many thousands of people down
at the pier to kiss me ashore.
That I couldn't find my own husband.
He's quite preoccupied
these days, Christa.
The market is in a bad way.
Be sure to be with him
on judgment day, Vic.
He'll need you to plead his case.
It's nice to see you back,
Mr Lambdin. We've missed you.
Thanks. It's fine to be welcomed.
I'll wait in my office until Mr Vendig
is free. Let me know, will you.
Yes, sir.
Mr McDonald. How are you, sir?
Rather tired.
Are you in town for another
flying visit, Mr Lambdin?
Yes, I got in late last night.
I'm going to pull out again after
I've had a few talks with Horace.
I've spoken to him on the phone, but I
haven't seen the old pirate in months.
How is he?
A pirate.
I'm very serious, Mr Lambdin.
I've been sitting here for
four days waiting to see him.
I think your partner is
making me walk the plank.
Four days?
And for ten days prior to that.
I called him repeatedly.
He was either out or
too busy to speak to me.
Oh, there must be some mistake.
Are you aware that this is
Mr McDonald of Montgomery Trust?
Why wasn't he shown in to Mr Vendig?
Sorry, Mr Lambdin.
Mr Vendig is extremely busy.
He gave strict orders that ..
What's the trouble? What do
you want to see him about?
My bank needs a loan.
Five million or our
depositors are wiped out.
That bad?
It's very simple.
Too much of our resources
were Dorchester's stock.
Sold to us before this panic.
As part of Vendig's carefully
prepared short-selling campaign.
But he wouldn't do that. Not to you.
We can't even discuss that point.
He's already done it.
It's all my fault.
I'm personally responsible
for what's happened to us.
I allowed my friendship towards him to
blind me to his peculiar ethical code.
Well, he's see you now or you're
going to witness a head-on collision.
Tell Mr Vendig I've arrived.
Yes?
"Mr Lambdin has arrived sir.
He wants to see you."
Just a moment.
Do you wish to carry this on in Vic's
presence, or rather keep it private?
Tell him come in in
just about half a minute.
"Yes, sir."
You've already told this to Vic.
I could see it in his face.
As a matter of fact,
I haven't told him a word.
Now let's see .. where were we?
Oh yes .. you were in Paris.
That boy in Paris was
nothing but a protge.
He paints divinely.
I thought of a very pretty speech
of your own in which you said ..
"People with no creative talent
ought to help those who have it."
Christa .. are you trying to
appeal to my sense of humour?
No, you've never had one.
I asked you to come here because I don't
intend for you to go back to the house.
Everything that belongs to
you is ready and waiting.
As soon as you've
checked into a hotel ..
Let me know and I'll tell my
lawyers where they may serve you.
And with that, may I
consider myself dismissed?
If you care to put it that way.
And without even the
customary 2-weeks notice?
Don't try sarcasm on me, Christa.
I might pull out your Paris record.
How did you expect me to behave?
Like a woman who had a
husband she loved and respected?
Have you given me a better life
than I had with Buck Mansfield?
I left him because I needed you.
Isn't it logical I should leave
you for the same reason?
Quite.
And you have.
What have you given me in the
five years we've been married?
From the first moment,
you weren't kissing me.
You were kissing 48% of
Delta Bond & Share.
Vic.
Just as a matter of curiosity and
because I happen to like you.
What do you think about our divorce?
I'm sorry it had to happen.
And you never said a word about it.
Not even to Vic.
You just had to lie about it,
didn't you darling.
You poor thing .. you can't help it.
What was the idea?
If I tell her, how many
people know the story?
Yes. I suppose you're right.
She trapped me so
easily, I feel like a fool.
Were they very unpleasant?
Naturally. Don't you think
I have any feelings?
I often wonder.
Horace, since when has McDonald have
to wait outside for four days? McDonald.
Now wait a minute. Don't say his name
as though it were something holy.
He's a businessman who
wants a tremendous loan.
Which we can well afford to give him.
Not without collateral.
Collateral?
That's why I don't want to
see him. What's the point?
Horace, I don't understand you.
Everything in this office.
Every good thing in your life was made
possible by McDonald's faith in you.
In you personally.
It wasn't based on collateral.
He didn't ask for
anything but your word.
He made Vendig Incorporated.
Oh no .. I did.
No. It was McDonald
and Montgomery Trust.
You went to him for help a dozen times.
And each time he gave it to you, freely.
Without question. Without collateral.
Now he's come to you.
Vic. Why don't you
stick to building bridges?
The man wants five million dollars.
Very well secured.
His bank is basically
sound unless he goes under.
If he does, he'll take with him every
small depositor on their books.
I don't know what you've got against
him. But think of those people.
I will when I retire. In the meantime,
I'm thinking only of myself.
Alright. I won't talk to you
as a friend, but as a partner.
A silent one, Vic.
Horace, don't joke while
McDonald is suffering out there.
It's vicious. What you made of anyway?
I'm an adding machine.
And as a result you're so rich
you can afford a conscience.
Well, I'm not that rich.
I still need a lot more.
My job is to protect
my interest and yours.
[ Gunshot! ]
Quite a messy business.
Have they taken him away?
Yeah, just now.
There's complications when a man
dies like that. Questions, questions.
Well, here's to you. Killer.
Cut it out.
Didn't you put that gun to his
head and pull the trigger?
I saved this company five
million hard-earned dollars.
Doesn't the fact the man shot himself
prove a thing to you? He was a weakling.
That's why I couldn't help
him without security.
I can't take your liquor. It chokes me.
Everything about you chokes me.
Why did you pull him down, Horace? Why
pull down everyone who gives you a hand?
Don't be a fool.
What respect can I have for myself?
Watching you at work and letting you get
away with it as I share in the profits!
You aren't a realist. That's all.
That's my department.
Well, let me tell you something.
I don't like the people
in your department.
I don't like what they do. I don't like
what they do to me, so I'm getting out.
I need you.
You don't need anyone.
You're the only friend I have.
And I hate your insides.
I had good reason to
break with you, Horace.
But it wasn't only the McDonald
affair that kept me away so long.
Vic.
This must be very
embarrssing for Mallory.
Will you dance with me, Mallory?
Excuse me.
Certainly.
Vendig .. you've gone very far.
You've been very clever.
No cleverer than most men.
But every time I saw something
I wanted, I did say to myself ..
This I must have.
Yes, I underestimated you, Vendig.
You know, that's the first
tactical error I've ever made.
I'm sorry it had to happen.
And I'm sorry too.
Shall we change places again?
Are you a bible reading man?
Oh, when do I get time to read anything?
"How greatly despised .."
"Pride of thy heart hath deceived you."
"You, whose habitation is
high, who sayeth in his heart .."
"Who shall bring thee
down to the ground?"
"You, who thought
yourself as the eagle."
"And set your nest among the stars."
"Whence, will I bring thee down?"
"Sayeth the Lord."
Mallory.
Oh.
Vic's gone to find my wrap.
We're about to say goodnight.
But I don't want you to say goodnight.
I want you to stay.
But you'll be going away.
Be sailing in a few minutes.
Only if I choose.
Nobody says to me: do this, do that.
A very nice position to be in.
I suppose that's what
you've worked so hard for.
Please don't talk away from the point.
I said I wanted you to stay.
Sorry.
Listen to me.
I want you understand what's been in my
mind ever since I first saw you tonight.
I love you ..
you've got to believe that. I love you.
Please don't ..
Nothing that can ever happen
will add to what I know now.
I've been waiting for you, Mallory.
I've waited ever since I was a boy.
I've allowed myself only one dream.
I didn't know what your name was
in the dream. But it was you.
If you'll believe that Mallory, we have
a life ahead that's beyond dreaming.
I think you do love me. I think you do.
Say it Mallory and come away with me.
Mallory!
It's time we left here. Most of
the other guests have gone.
Stop interfering. Not your business.
Don't be a fool.
This is my business.
That makes it unpleasant,
but it doesn't change things for me.
I know. It never did.
Your baggage is ready, Mr Vendig.
And the few papers you wanted.
I'll go on the small launch.
Open the library safe, and I'll
be there in five minutes.
We haven't much time, Mallory.
Alright, Vic.
You see, I won't be with you.
No.
I don't see anything.
Let's go.
The car's that way.
I know. We're going to the pier.
Why?
I want to see him again.
I want you to see him again.
But we've seen him. We've looked
at him for hours. That's enough.
Vic, I don't know what you're afraid of.
I'm afraid of losing you.
And don't tell me I never
had you to lose. I had.
And he's not going to spoil it for me.
Mr Lambdin and the
young lady are on the pier.
He spoils everything he touches.
He takes the life out of
it and leaves it to rot.
And it's not an obsession
with him. He's made like that.
But he won't see me.
We'll hide if you like.
What do you want to do?
Gape at him, get his autograph?
You're so difficult.
And you're building a wall between
us. Don't you understand that?
Let's go back to the
car and get out of here.
No.
Mallory.
Vic, do you know I can't
because you're so afraid?
I've got to show you that you're wrong.
He has no real hold on me
any more than he has on you.
And if I'm right?
You shouldn't want to keep me back.
I knew I wasn't mistaken.
I thought this was the way you'd go.
Just as you are.
Don't make any plans, Horace.
She came down to
see you off. That's all.
I asked you to stop interfering.
You asked me to do a lot of things.
For one thing, to forgive you.
What did you think that would do?
Change your nature?
Get off this pier and off my
property. You're in the way.
Everything fits. Your whole pattern.
Your approach.
The way you dislike people.
The way you trample on them and justify
the rottenest things a man can do.
Because you're not merely
a man, not in your sick brain.
You're much, much more than a man.
Isn't that what you believed
ever since we were boys?
Yes. Don't try to impress Mallory.
She has a mind of her own.
Who has a mind of their own when
a Vendig wants to make use of it?
No, you haven't changed.
The Vendigs in this world never change.
That's what makes them Vendigs.
They take. That's their nature.
Now you want a thing you once threw
away. Then you'll have everything.
You poor failure.
You always had the
mark of failure on you.
Branded on you. The way you give in.
All the ideas you had. The ideals.
What do you know about the
things I think are important?
Now listen to him, Mallory.
This is Vendig.
I tried to teach you things,
but they frightened you.
Nothing that's frightened can live in
the jungle. And that's where we live.
Mr Mansfield.
That was well put, Vendig.
We do live in a jungle.
And it's not a plae where
the weak inherit the earth.
Of course, there is this to remember:
Animals kill only for food or love.
You and I, Vendig,
spoil even the jungle.
Because we kill for profit.
For the taste of victory.
For revenge.
Horace!
Revenge!!
Then we destroy each other utterly.
The tide has pulled them out to sea.
Keep searching.
Keep searching.
Vic.
He wasn't a man.
He was a way of life.
T-G