All language subtitles for The.Whistle.at.Eaton.Falls.1951.1080p.WEBRip.x264-RARBG

More than half the people of the USA

live in small towns,
places no larger than ours,

Eaton Falls, New Hampshire.

With most of us
here in Eaton Falls,

our ties are so strong we just

couldn't be happy
living any place else.

But you never know how
tightly chained you

are to a town until
real trouble sets in.

Like that morning last fall
when our whistle didn't blow.

Why, as long as
anyone could remember,

that whistle marked the beginning

and end of every working day.

It was our curfew
and our fire alarm.

Why, we even set our clocks by it.

Well, we soon found out
the whistle was silent.

The old Granite State Shoe
Company had closed down.

Closed down for good.

And that meant a lotta
folks had lost their jobs.

Therefore, the court
directs the sheriff

of Rockingham County to
sell the said property

of the Granite State Shoe
Company at public auction.

This is now up for sale.

What am I offered?

I knew this would happen when

those strangers bought the plant.

What do they care about us?

How can you keep 'em from
carrying off the machines?

Now they can open some place
with cheap labor and no union.

Sold one time.

Sold two times.

Sold three times.

And sold to the
First National Bank.

That whistle
had become a kind of symbol,

I guess you'd call it, that
everybody in town went by.

So, it was shifted over to
the only place left going,

Doubleday Plastics.

About 20 years ago, Dan
Doubleday took over the empty

textile mill for his new
up and coming business;

turning out buttons, combs,

toothbrush handles and a
lot of other fancy things.

Nobody knew what moving that
whistle was going to mean.

It was just the beginning to what

you might call a
drama of real life.

And before it was over,
every single person

in Eaton Falls was a part of it.

Especially Brad, Brad Adams,
Chief of Machine Maintenance

and President of the
Plastics Workers Union.

It began the last day
of October, Halloween.

Kinda funny that it
should be Halloween.

Good morning, boys.

- Brad.
- Good morning, sir.

- Good morning, Mr. Doubleday.
- Mornin', Miss Russell.

Sit down.

Brad, I want the union to
know what we're up against.

The company's headed for trouble.

Miss Russell's just made
up our quarterly statement.

Business is way off.

If this nose dive keeps up,
we're going to bust wider

than the Granite
State Shoe Company.

Why, what's happened?

Every customer I talk
with says the same thing,

our prices are too high.

And they can't come down
until we lower our costs.

We can do that by
junking our old equipment,

installing new molding machines,
high speed, semi-automatic.

Take a look, Brad.

They'll boost production 30%.

Don't know yet
when we get delivery.

But once they're here,
we can meet competition.

Abbie, Bill, come here.

Ah, gee, this is
terrific, Mr. Doubleday.

The fellas in the shop are
really gonna go for this layout.

There's a catch to it, Brad.

One man has to
operate two machines.

It means laying off half the men

in the molding department.

Hawkins and I have discussed

every conceivable plan
with the engineers.

This is the only way we
can stay in business.

What happens to these men?

Who's gonna pay their
bills, feed their kids?

Brad, I don't like this
any better than you do,

but we either install modern
electric saving equipment

or our competitors
put us outta business.

I can't buck the
future, neither can you.

But junking half the workers
along with the old machines?

Bill, this layoff
won't last forever.

If we're able to get new business,

new business means more production

and the men'll be hired back.

It's just a matter of time.

But time is one thing you
can't pay back, Mr. Doubleday.

If you lay these men off even
for a few months they're sunk.

And with so many out of work,

somebody's bound to get the
bright idea to lower wages.

It's happened
before, Mr. Hawkins.

Not in my company, you know that.

Won't you try to convince the
men that we've got to do this?

I can't very well convince them

if I'm not convinced myself.

Local 145 is supposed to
protect all of its workers.

The union can't
oppose new equipment.

Read your contract.

I don't have to read
it, I know it by heart.

We don't have to argue with you.

We can go right ahead-
Oh, now, Hawkins.

Only a scab would be
run two machines for ya.

Easy, Brad.

Do you think for one
minute that I'd hire scabs?

You wouldn't want
to, Mr. Doubleday,

but you might have to.

Think what would happen to us.

Why, this layoff would
split the union wide open.

It could break us.

Which is better,
half of 'em working

or the whole company bankrupt
and everybody out of a job?

Well, you'll have to figure
other ways to cut your prices.

Go without your
profits for a while.

You can stand the loss
better than the men can.

Our profits have gone
right back into the business,

and we've borrowed money besides.

Look here, Brad.

If the union will go along,
you'll see more money

and more jobs for
everybody in town.

That's a theory,
Mr. Doubleday.

And I won't let my men lose
their jobs to prove a theory.

Mary, can you spare
Jean for a little bit?

I got some new ideas we
wanna work on at the shop.

Sure.

Ted, will you tell your
sister there's a tall,

skinny, ugly looking
ghost waiting for her.

Okay, Eddie.

Look, Brad, if costs
have to come down,

let the union find ways.

We're not dopes.

There's not a single
thing about running

that plant that our
people don't know.

Suppose that 200 of us come up

with ideas for
saving a buck a week.

Eddie.

I've come to your rescue.

Hey, my hair!

What's the matter with your hair?

It's beautiful.

So, the trouble with
the Doubleday products

are they all lack imagination.

Hey, lift up.

Can't get much eye appeal
outta combs and toothbrushes.

Put your arm up.

Yeah.

That's pretty.

Now stay just like that.

Products oughta be jazzed
up a little bit more,

made a lot more dramatic.

What Doubleday really needs
is a high power idea man.

That's me.

Jean, couldn't you
look more tropical?

You know, gentle waves
lapping at the rocks.

You're in Bermuda.

Bermuda my foot,
I'm in Eaton Falls

and there's a draft in here.

Now, can't you hurry?

Hey, that's it.

Hawkins is right, you know?

We can't stop 'em from
bringing in that new stuff.

Nobody wants to.

But he can't make one
man run two machines.

As a matter of fact
there's even gotta

be an agreement
before we work one.

Mr. Doubleday should
know what would happen

to this town if he
laid off half his men.

Oh, I asked him to forget layoffs

if we could show him other
ways of cutting cost.

What'd he say?

He'd give me Hawkins'
job if we could figure

how to save 2,500 bucks a week.

2,500?

Ah, the old man's
got his troubles, Joe.

You know, the Gibson Company
is our biggest customer,

takes more than half our output.

They're not renewing
their contract.

Why, what happened?

Our prices.

Doubleday and the sales manager

are flying to Cleveland tonight.

Wish him luck.

He's one of the first
guys to be laid off.

You got a good union
fighting for you now.

You know who this is?

Could be my grownup daughter.

You know, Mary and I
are wondering whether

we'll wind up with
a Thomas Edison,

Irving Berlin or a Fire
Chief for a son-in-law.

You'll get 'em all, and an
industrial designer besides.

Doubleday's plastic mermaids.

Management, that's just
a fancy name for bosses,

and you can't change
a boss anymore

than you can change a mule.

There's nothing wrong
with us trying to help him.

Look, Doubleday's out
for every penny he can get.

Just what do you
think the union's for?

To look out for the workers,

get 'em fair pay, decent working
conditions, job security.

Then what business
have you got asking us

to worry about
Doubleday's headaches?

Because if he can't
compete with other outfits,

we're all washed up.

Hawkins is getting a good,

fat salary to look
after those problems.

If the factory don't make
money that's his hard luck.

You wouldn't last 10 minutes
in a real union town.

I was a boy scout once,
but I grew up fast.

Nah, don't tell me
about management.

Pretty?

A fink in Seattle gave
me that back in '45.

That was a real fish fry.

It started over layoffs.

Brad says he
won't stand for none here.

I say Brad Adams
ain't got it in him.

Everybody knows he and old
man Doubleday are palsy walsy.

That stuff don't go.

Maybe we oughta run you

for union president
at the next election.

Yeah.

Say, no kidding.

You've made a lot of friends
since you've been around here.

You could sure dish it
out to Doubleday okay.

There's one thing for sure,

you wouldn't catch me
cow tailing to him.

And I'll tell you something else.

A labor leader don't belong
in fancy pants at a gab fest.

The company'll walk all over us

if we just sit around and talk.

Labor's gotta fight
for every inch it gets.

Fight or you don't eat.

The new equipment should
be ready in a few weeks.

I'm going to tell Gibson that

we'll cut our prices
beginning tomorrow.

And gamble on the union
going along with you?

We've never had labor trouble

and I doubt we're going to now,

provided we can
keep Hawkins quiet.

He hates unions and he
doesn't care who knows it,

but Brad sees what
we're up against.

He's asked everyone for
suggestions on cutting costs.

Well, you can't blame
him for fighting layoffs.

We don't want them either.

There's George now.

Good luck, darling.

I know everything's going to
work out just as you want.

Good night, sweet.

Hey, fellas!

The new machines are here.

Take a gander at the babies

that are gonna put half
of us on the bread line.

Starvation Annie's, I call 'em.

You mean one guy's
gotta handle both of them?

Brad says never.

- Got the bugs out yet?
- I think so.

Okay, get 'em started.

Hey, Joe.

Start number two.

Watch this.

Nothing to it.

Try it, Joe.

No thanks, Mr. Hawkins.

That's right, Joe.

You're trying to get
him to set a precedent.

The union hasn't accepted
these new machines yet.

Read your contract.

I'm making this a grievance.

It's under protest, go ahead.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Okay, Joe.

Start it.

You're kiddin',
aren't you, Mr. Hawkins?

Mind your own business.

Go find Brad.

He's the man to decide.

Operate that machine,
London, or draw your pay.

Okay, boys.

Let's walk.

Come on, Joe.

You men, stay on your machines!

Ah, come on, let's walk.

What's the matter, fellas?

Joe's been fired.

Are we gonna lay down
and walk all over us?

Wait a minute, Brad's
the head of Local 145.

Pull that switch.

- Come on, let's go.
- Come on, let's walk.

Yeah, we're walking.

Hey, boys, they fired
Joe London, we're walking.

You stay here, Joe.

Hey, fellas, come here.

They fired Joe London,
we're all walking out.

- Who are they?
- Hawkins.

I'm going down to spread
the message about what's-

- Go.
- Goin' on around here.

- We're walking.
- Why?

Ask Al, he'll tell
you what's going on.

They fired Joe
London, we're walking out.

We're walking, are you
coming with us or not?

- What?
- They fired Joe.

Told everyone to pull
their keys and walk.

- I ain't walking-
- It's unavailable.

Hey, Bob, come here.

We're walking out,
they fired Joe London.

Hawkins fired him for not
running the new machine.

- Are you with me?
- Yeah!

- All right, let's walk.
- Come on!

- Walk.
- Walk!

- Walk!
- Walk!

Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk.

- Let's go!
- Walk, walk, walk, walk!

- Walk, walk!
- You got no right

- to simply walk out.
- Walk, walk, walk.

- Come on back, you fools.
- Walk, walk, walk.

- Go back to your machines.
- Walk, walk, walk.

- Come on!
- Walk, walk, walk, walk.

What's wrong with you?

Hey, what's happening here?

Oh, Hawkins fired me for refusing

to work with them
Starvation Annie's.

- Fired you?
- Yeah.

Well, I'll talk
to Mr. Hawkins.

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

Why are the rest of
you fellas off the job?

Huh?

They wouldn't listen.

I told 'em I'd
take full responsibility.

- Al's right!
- No, no, he isn't.

- Are you crazy?
- It's the only way.

Walk and call a strike.

No, you listen, you'll wreck us.

This is just what Hawkins wants.

What are we, a sewing circle?

We're not moving.

If you stay out you'll
break your contract

and the union won't be able
to do a thing about it.

Come on, get back to your jobs.

- Come on, fellas.
- Come on, boys.

I'll take care of this.

I'll talk to Hawkins.

- Come on.
- That's it, fellas.

You're chicken if
you go back to work.

Stay here!

Quite acting like a hothead.

Grow up, Al.

I want Joe London hired back.

Nothing doing, he
disobeyed orders.

The walkout's a violation
of the union contract.

It was a misunderstanding.

They're all back now.

I've got the right to
fire every one of 'em.

You better not
try it, Mr. Hawkins.

Let's stop kidding each other.

Kidding?

Four new machines
will be ready next week.

One man'll work two of 'em.

That's final.

Are you sure it's final?

Okay, Mr. Hawkins, you
want a fight you'll get it.

- A good one.
- Yeah?

Why don't you and your union
get wise to yourselves?

I've been in touch with Mrs.
Doubleday's lawyer, Dunbar.

He wants the old lady
to sell the plant.

Kit and caboodle.

If you fellas don't get in
line I'll recommend it too.

I've got a buyer.

Is that a threat?

Whoever buys can close the
plant, wait till you're all

down and out and then
rehire on their own terms.

Think it over, Adams.

I don't have to think it over.

But Helen, as your lawyer,

I must urge you to sell the plant.

Put the money into a trust fund

that will provide you
with a comfortable income.

No, Horace.

I might if someone
in town could buy it,

but we know that
people from outside

aren't interested in Eaton Falls.

I am.

Good for you, Mrs. Doubleday.

I'm not worried about the future.

With the money due to the bank

and serious labor
trouble on our hands,

a strike mostly likely.

This meeting was to discuss

the appointment of
a new president.

Well, since you insist on
holding on to the company,

I guess Dwight Hawkins would
be the logical candidate.

He'll keep a firm hand
on the labor force.

I've worked closely with him

for a long time, Mrs. Doubleday.

You couldn't make a better choice.

My choice for
president is Brad Adams.

Adams?

Well, you can't be serious.

Well, the union would
like him of course,

but he's completely unqualified;

no managerial experience,
no knowledge of finance.

It's impossible.

He'll need help, certainty.

But he has you to guide
him with finances.

However, as you say, we
do have a labor problem,

and Brad is better equipped to
handle that than anyone else.

I think my husband would
have agreed with me too.

Mrs. Russell, would you
ask Mr. Adams to come in?

He's in the library.

Helen, I want it
clearly understood

this is entirely on
your own responsibility.

Naturally, Horace.

Good morning, Mrs. Doubleday.

- You've met Mr. Dunbar.
- Yes.

Sit down.

Brad, I'd like you to be

the new president of
Doubleday Plastics.

President?

Oh, Mrs. Doubleday, I...

You really think that I'm
qualified to run your business?

You can learn and you're
the one man the union trusts.

You're putting me on the spot.

How can I switch sides
when I'm just getting ready

to negotiate on the new equipment?

It's either you or Dwight Hawkins.

Hawkins?

I want you because we need someone

who understands our labor problem.

But it may look as
though I've sold out.

And without the
respect of the workers,

I wouldn't be any
use to the company.

Well, will you give me
24 hours, Mrs. Doubleday?

I'd like to talk it
over with the union.

Certainly, Brad.

Well, now's your chance
to be the kind of management

that labor says it wants.

You need to get some sleep.

I'll be expected to do
a lot of entertaining.

We can get a new car now.

Oh, Brad, Brad, you know
that beautiful old house

out on the edge of the river?

It could be bought for
practically nothing.

Just wait a minute.

- Not so fast.
- Oh, why not?

Oh, darling, I feel wonderful.

Well, I'm scared stiff.

That doesn't sound like you.

Holy smokes, sweetheart.

The head of Local 145
stepping into the boss' shoes.

If I have to do something
that's good for the company,

the union'll say I've sold out.

If I make a decision the
boys would cheer about,

Hawkins, Russell and
Dunbar'll say the union's

got me in its here pocket.

Look, I'm not worried
about this one one bit.

Not one single bit.

Does Mrs. Doubleday
think we'll take

the layoff if you're
head of the company?

I hope not.

I've already told her that
Joe has to be hired back.

Thanks.

She won't have no picnic.

Right now you've got
a lot of friends,

and some of 'em just ain't happy

unless they're
battling with bosses.

Don't make much difference to them

whether the name's
Adams or Hawkins.

Oh, Brad, you've gotta take it.

Doesn't he, fellas?

Labor to management's a big jump,

but I think you can make it.

You can't blame
me for wanting to try it.

I'm for it.

Second the motion.

Oh, can't you just see him sitting

there behind old Dan's desk?

Right now I can hear Dan sayin',

That old lady of mine, that Helen,

by golly for 35 years she
made me a mighty clever wife.

Now who'd of thought she'd make
a downside smarter with her?

- Oh, congratulations.
- Hi.

Thank you.

Hello, sweetheart, how are ya?

- Bye.
- Bye.

Hey, Al, I uh-

After the whistle blows, mister.

I got no time to talk to
the boss outside of hours.

Oh, Al, let's forget
about what happened-

I'm forgetting nothing.

In this game, you pick sides early

and play on your own team.

Anybody who changes is a traitor.

Make way for the
finishing department.

Honker down.

This curves right
now ain't doin' it.

Sit down.

Morning', Chief.

Brad, we all chipped in

and bought something
we think you'll need.

Just like Mr. Doubleday's.

Oh, read what it says, Brad.

"To Brad Adams, from his
devoted friends in Local 145."

- Speech, speech.
- Speech.

- Speech.
- Speech.

Thank you, Abbie.

All of you, thanks very much.

I never thought I'd have a
job that needed one of these.

Oh, all big shots carry 'em.

You can bring your lunch in it.

It looks better
than a dinner pale.

Meet the Local's
new president, Brad.

Bill, congratulations.

- Thanks.
- He beat Al Webster

- by a landslide.
- Oh, yeah he did.

I'm gonna need a lot of
help on this job, Bill.

I wanna form a labor
management committee.

You'll get the pick of the union.

- Thanks.
- You sure will.

Hey, Brad.

Are you gonna use the briefcase

for other things
besides sandwiches?

Yeah, a couple of blackjacks.

I may need 'em to
beat a new contract

out of the Gibson
Company tomorrow.

'Atta boy, Chief.

- Go get 'em.
- Thanks, Bill.

- Good look, Brad.
- Come on, everybody.

We'll all be rooting for you.

- Congratulations, Brad.
- Abbie, thanks.

- Good morning.
- Mr. Adams.

Uh, the name's still Brad.

Hey, why don't you sit down?

This the report?

Financial statements.

They're a little technical.

Thank you.

Morning.

I thought you'd like to put
your initials on a few things.

Hi.

These are discharge notices.

Sure.

Some of the men in the
molding department.

Six new machines are ready,
so three men have to go.

Those men are staying and
I'm hiring Joe London back.

You think you can run this
plant with men standing around

getting paid for doing nothing?

There are other
ways of cutting costs.

Did you look these over?

Those dopey things?

Soap's being wasted
in the lavatories.

Remove the pay
stations so the girls

won't fiddle away
time on the telephone.

Some of them are very good.

How about this one?

Grind scrap at the machines.

A conveyor belt to the
finishing department.

What of it?

Shows that everyone wants to help.

Have you forgotten?

You're not in Local 145 anymore.

Meaning what?

That being the patsy
to a bunch of union men

is no way to run a business.

Before you fire
me, buster, I quit.

I got myself a good job with
a real company yesterday.

That suits me fine.

Your check will be mailed to you.

Have your fling, union boy.

It won't last long.

You'll never find
anybody to fill his shoes.

Yes, Mr. Adams?

- Get me Jim Brewster.
- Certainly.

How do we stand with the bank?

We owe them $150,000.

- 150,000?
- For the new machines,

plus interest at 4%.

A payment of 25,000
is due next month.

If not met, the entire amount
becomes payable at once.

What do you suggest?

Try to get an
extension at the bank.

- Congratulations, Brad.
- Thanks, Jim.

- You wanted to see me?
- Yeah.

Hawkins just resigned.

- Well, that was quick.
- Hey, Jim,

you've always been
a very good foreman.

How'd you like to be our
new production manager?

Me take Hawkins' job?

Well... Okay, sit down.

We got a lotta work to do.

You know, Glenn
Sewell, the fella that

put Martin Plastics on the map?

Well, I heard of him.

Well, Mrs. Doubleday
suggested him for sales manager.

Glenn Sewell?

He's tops, but you can't get him.

He wouldn't work
for a small outfit.

I hired him last night by phone.

Now, I've cut the price
to the bone, Mr. Gibson.

You can't get a better
finish at double the price.

Can you tell me which one

of these your company made?

No.

Why should we pay Doubleday

more than we do
other manufacturers?

Would you if you were in my place?

No.

We're assembling television sets.

I can buy these for less money

than it would cost
you to make 'em.

Adams, I'll tell you just
what I told Dan Doubleday.

Get your new equipment
operating efficiently.

When your prices are down,

we'll be able to
do business again.

- Hello, Brad.
- How do you do?

That's just like Dan's.

Oh, yes, the union gave it to me.

That's as of the 30th.

Sales still falling.

Costs up.

Did you renew the Gibson account?

No, sir, but we'll
get somebody else.

We've got to.

I'll be frank, sir.

We can't make the
payment next month

and still meet our payroll.

So, you want an extension?

Yes, sir.

I'd like not to make any
payments for the next three months.

Well, after all, the
bank's money is safe.

The way I understand it,

the machines are worth a
lot more than the loan.

I wish it were that
simple, but it isn't.

No?

The money your company
borrowed belongs to our depositors.

If Doubleday should
do a Granite State,

the people in this
town would start

drawing out their savings.

Business would drop to nothing

and every merchant would go broke.

Would you extend the loan

if a man with more
experience was in charge?

We'll go along
with you for 90 days.

Thank you.

If we don't start showing a
profit by then, I'll resign.

Sure glad you're
here, Mr. Sewell.

I found out at the Gibson
Company that I'm no salesman.

Selling can be an easy game,

unless the other fellow rings
the doorbell when you do,

and offers the lady a
brush at half your price.

When I called you I
didn't know this company

would be fighting for its life.

I hope you won't
regret coming with us.

Right now we have no business.

Give me a quality product
at a competitive price

and I'll sell more
than you can produce.

These high speed machines
will take care of that.

We've only got six of 'em.

It may be spring before
they're all here.

That's not too far away.

A lot of Fridays
between now and spring.

And every Friday a
payroll comes due.

This is what I'm counting on.

An invitation, a
bid and a big order.

Buttons for Navy uniforms.

Doesn't take a sales
manager to sell to the Navy.

You're a low bidder
or you're sunk.

We'll be the low bidder.

That's all there is to it.

Well, we can't make these buttons

for less than 45 cents a thousand.

- Are you sure, Jim?
- I am.

44.98 to be exact.

And if you bid more
than 47 you won't get it.

Is that the correct time up there?

We're opening our bids by it.

Some outfits here
I never expected.

Look at 'em sweat it out.

They trimming their bid?

Probably.

Is 47 as low as we can go?

Can you knock off another penny?

Not and pay off the bank loan.

But you wanna get
the plant running.

Okay, make it 46.

Here we go.

Make it 45.

Bid opening for
invitation 102S-7842,

plastic buttons.

Hench and Lee, 48.

Philadelphia Plastics, 48.

Maybe I didn't have to
take off that last one.

Hutchins, 47.

Doubleday, 45.

Maryland, 46.5.

How long does this last?

Northern
Industrial Chemical, 44.3

Let's go.

Ajax, 45.

Hello, Ruth.

- Hello, Mr.
- Sewell, how are you?

What, I'm driving.

Are you crazy, we
can't afford a new car.

Our car's in the garage
getting a new clutch.

They let me borrow
this to meet you.

I'm sorry.

Guess you didn't get
the Navy contracts?

Let me off at the office.

I've got a lot of work to do.

Not tonight.

You promised to go to the
Granite State benefit.

- I'll have to skip it.
- You can't!

Everybody's expecting you.

# Every other day

# I'm in love with you

# Every other day, it's true

# I'm so completely
sold on you #

# Every other night

# You're my only dream

# Every other night I
seem to figure us a team #

# And on the days
that fall between #

# There's nothing much to do

# But think what
fun to be the one #

# Who's dreamed about by you

# Starting from today

# If you give the cue

# Every single other day
I'll stay here with you #

Okay!

# Pick a partner
and swing her away #

# To stay in your
seats is a crime #

# So, ask her politely and
then hold her tightly #

# And all have a
heck of a time #

Get down with me, folks.

Get your longways sets in order.

# Right hand to your own
and left to your other #

# Just balance,
fall, fall in line #

# Your left hand lady
with the left hand round #

# And now your own with
the right hand round #

# Join your hands
across the floor #

# And dance forward
and light once more #

# Now swing your own and
dance to the fiddle #

# And take the ladies
down the middle #

# Down the middle,
go two by two #

# And bring her right
back home with you #

# And now you're back
as you were before #

# You can't stop, go
right and left four #

# Right and left, go
right and left four #

# Right and left
from shore to shore #

# Now, turn right back
and toss her forward #

# And right and left
back home once more #

# Right hand to your own
and left to your other #

# Just balance,
fall, fall in line #

# Your left hand lady
with the left hand round #

# And now your own with
a right hand round #

# Join your hands
across the floor #

# And dance forward
and light once more #

# Now swing your own and
dance to the fiddle #

# And take your ladies
down the middle #

# Down the middle,
go two by two #

# And bring her right
back home with you #

Think we sang all right?

Oh, I don't know, I got
sorta scared the last minute.

Oh, me too.

Hey, I almost forgot.

What?

Here.

What's the occasion?

Oh, just 'cause I love you.

J.L.

You like it?

I was wondering what
the consumer reaction

was gonna be like.

If this nosedive keeps up,

we're going to bust wider

than the Granite
State Shoe Company.

Our prices are too high
and they can't come down

until we lower our costs.

This is the only way we
can stay in business.

I can't buck the
future, neither can you.

Cut prices, cut
costs, cut, cut, cut.

Brad?

Brad, darling.

Come on, fella,
you need some sleep.

Joe, our ideas,
they're not enough.

I know.

You're up against it.

Things look different
I guess when you're on

the other side of the fence.

A lot of people
are gonna get hurt.

I've been thinking
about you and Mary.

It's not your fault.

Last hired, first fired,
that's labor's rule.

Oh, no, Joe.

Brad, there must
be some other way.

No.

Old Dan was right.

Brad's gotta layoff half
the molders, don't you?

Worse than that, Joe.

The warehouse is jammed with
stuff that we can't sell.

We're losing money in
everything that we make.

I've gotta close down the
plant and layoff everybody.

Everybody?

- Everybody.
- For how long?

For as long as it takes to
turn our inventory into cash

so that we make the
payment on the loan.

To get delivery on the
rest of the new machines,

and they're held up for motors,

probably for a couple of months.

Then we've gotta get
enough new business

to take care of our costs
and meet the payroll.

You can't buck the future.

You've got to become a part of it.

Send them in.

Hello, Chief.

The job seems to be
agreeing with you.

- Sit down.
- Abbie, Pete.

What's the news, Chief?

Everyone here?

Yeah, I think so.

The management regrets
to advise you that

because of critical
business conditions,

all manufacturing activities
are being suspended

for an indefinite period.

The plant will reopen as soon
as the new machines ordered

for the molding department
are delivered and installed.

This drastic action is necessary

to protect not only the
future of the company,

but also the welfare
of its employees.

That's a lotta hooey.

Bill.

Mr. Doubleday only wanted
to layoff half of us.

You come along and
throw us all out.

Either we close down
temporarily or for good.

Why didn't you
tell us this before?

I made this decision at
three o'clock this morning.

Let's get outta here.

I'm sure glad I don't have to live

with your conscience, Mr. Adams.

This is how Brad gives
us a vote of confidence.

First Granite
State, now Doubleday.

What do you say, Joe, Brad
Adams still your best friend?

He's a prince, ain't he?

Bradford Adams, you're a hero.

I just hope the credit
company don't carry off

my new Chevy before I can
crash it into Brad's rear end.

When all our bellies are empty,

Brad'll have one man
run three machines.

Well, they wouldn't listen to me.

I guess they see now Brad's
just out to make a fast buck.

Why don't the union do
something before it's too late?

You know if we stick together,

Brad's racket'll
blow up in his face.

How's it going?

Eddie, you'll have to
look for another artist.

Why, don't I pay you enough?

No, I'm serious.

With Pop laid off, Mom
and I have to find jobs.

Ah, don't be silly.

It's not gonna be for long.

We can't wait, honest.

On the 15th, there's a
payment for the house.

Next, the oil burner and on the
first, Pop's life insurance.

Ah, if we could only hit
the market with these babies.

A cigarette lighter in
every lamp's a wonderful idea.

Yeah, kinda corny though.

Doubleday's plastic mermaids.

Now, that's really a hot number.

Look, if you
don't start doing something

about selling these
things, I will.

We will never have that fortune
you're always talking about

unless we cash in
on our creations.

Ah, if you'd only run
off a few thousand mermaids

we coulda been out on
the road now selling 'em.

Might've helped some.

Here.

How many box tops do you have
to send in for one of these?

Oh, I'm sorry you don't like it.

If Doubleday had anything
half as good as this

the town wouldn't
be in the dumps now.

Oh, Eddie, I didn't say that.

Oh, I think it's swell.

Premium houses'll
really go for it.

For prizes on giveaway programs.

Well, that's not
much of a compliment.

Hey, hey, what's this?

Oh, nothing special.

No, what's it for?

- Hey, Ruthie?
- Hm?

- Got a pie?
- I got a cake.

How many pieces you want?

- Uh, seven.
- Seven.

One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven pieces.

Exactly equal and cut clean.

Cutter, huh?

A cutter that cuts clean.

It's funny, I've been thinking
about a cutter myself.

You have?

The trick is to be
able to sell your stuff

for less than the other fellas.

Let me sleep on it tonight.

I'll talk to you about
it in the morning, huh?

Okay.

I tell you what.

Get ahold of Jim
Brewster and Ike Pinkery.

Tell 'em to meet us at your
shop first thing in the morning,

say seven o'clock.

Seven o'clock.

See you then.

- Night, Ruthie.
- Bye.

Thanks a lot.

Morning, fellas.

Before I explain why
I asked you here,

I want you all to give me
your word that you won't talk.

Certainly.

I don't want any
false hopes to build up

around town and then bust 'em.

Well, I'll go along.

No one's ever been
able to find a way

to trim these sprues
automatically, have they?

We still have to do it by hand.

Every company has tried to
dope out an automatic cutter.

Uh huh, so did we, but
with a traveling slicer.

Eddie's pie cutter
started me thinking.

I wonder what would
happen if we built

the cutter right into the mold.

You know, a contraption like

that gives me a
mighty poisonous idea.

What do you mean, Ike?

I'll tell you.

It could send every girl
in the finishing department

to the county poor house.

That's where you're wrong, Ike.

We'll be able to
turn out stuff faster

and cheaper than anyone else.

Television parts, for instance.

- Ike.
- Yeah?

We'd get enough new
business for a second shift,

and that'll mean everybody works.

Automatic cutter, huh?

That'll take a mighty doing.

But good seed usually
sprouts a rich harvest.

Yeah.

You don't need the money.

Four, long.

Two of your are right, gentlemen.

I'm gonna need one bet.

- You're on.
- One bet here.

Four or an eight,
four or an eight.

This brew gets worse and worse.

Sure, it's absorbing
your personality.

With no paychecks to feed
your kids, you crack wise.

Paycheck, paycheck, you
sound like my old lady.

Yeah, can't blame her
for throwing you out,

losing all your unemployment
dough on the whores.

Want your puss slapped too?

I, uh, I see it's about time
for Doubleday's to open up.

No kidding.

How do you know?

Just by looking at the two of you.

You've touched bottom.

So has the rest of the town.

Now, all Brad's gotta
do is go to the union

and say take it or leave it.

That guy's not gonna
tell us where to get off.

That's the beer talking.

When Brad blows the whistle,

you and all the others'll
come on the run.

Give me the thickness gauge.

Oh, what's the hitch,
what's the hitch?

She's off three
thousandths of an inch.

Open it up, Eddie.

You don't think we
oughta try the jukes, huh?

No, you'd smash the plate.

You know, sometimes
I think we got a big,

fat goose egg here.

Here.

Tighten that lower bolt.

All right, Eddie, close it up.

It seems to do it.

All right, Eddie, turn it on.

All right, keep
your fingers crossed.

There's still something wrong.

It's not cutting clean.

Well, at least it
doesn't jam anymore.

Let's pull the mold up out again.

By morning, we're gonna
have this last bud licked.

Morning?

A lotta folks are
climbing outta bed

and thinking it's that now.

South End, have to go.

Somebody else trying
to collect his insurance.

Three of 'em landed
in the county jail

this week for trying that.

Yeah, I tell ya we're
in a race with the devil.

And if folks don't start
drawing wages pretty soon,

old lucifer is going
to take over this town.

Well, I'm hungry.

Let's get some breakfast.

After that, Brad, we'll help
you find that confounded bug.

Those are the very terms
you told Mr. Doubleday

the union would never agree to.

Yes, you've heard it before,

but you do it this way or
the plant folds for good.

What about those men who
will still be on the streets?

- The other half?
- Unemployment money

doesn't exactly nourish the soul.

- We've found that out.
- Abbie, if the union will

agree to one man at two machines,

I hope, and it's
still just a hope,

that it won't be long before
everyone's back on the payroll.

Yeah, it's just a matter of time.

We've heard that one too.

Bill, the people in this
town are so badly off,

they'd take any offer
that's made to them.

Why don't you admit it?

I don't know what
you're aiming at,

but you haven't been able
to bust the union yet.

You think I've been trying to?

Well, do you?

I took this job with
the union's blessing.

And what said then still goes.

I want a company where the workers

will prosper with the management.

What you don't know is that
I promised myself I'd quit

if I couldn't find a way to
keep the other half working.

If I don't succeed I'll
be without a job too.

Our policy is still
the one you set.

One man to a machine.

Brad, we can't talk for the union.

There has to be a vote.

What are you grinning at?

Every one clean as
a pickerel's tooth.

How do you like 'em, Brad?

We did it, huh?

We finally did it!

We licked it!

Well.

Well, I guess I oughta treat
you guys to something special.

A honeymoon in Bermuda.

You're entitled to it.

I'll settle for a ride down

to Portsmouth and
a lobster dinner.

Okay, Ike.

I'd just like a long,
cool glass of beer.

Anything you want, boys.

Anything you want.

We have all our new equipment

and the union's
voting next Sunday.

I like your plan, Brad.

Now it's up to Mr. Sewell.

Does that mean you approve?

Of course it does.

Got a whole new line of
merchandise for you to sell,

TV parts, bushings,
channel selectors.

I want orders for a million of
these units before we reopen,

and that may be next Monday.

Now, wait a minute.

Look what we're
able to sell 'em for.

But a million?

It'll take me a month
to see enough customers

to ring up that much business.

Mr. Sewell,
wouldn't it be easier

to find us one big customer?

You wanted a quality product

for a competitive
price, didn't you?

Now you've got it.

Very few outfits'll
buy in the millions.

I could put in a call for
Ted Wagner in St. Louis.

He's the head of the
National Company.

Get to St Louis
as fast as you can.

These prices are
sure on the low side.

How can you do it?

It's still a secret.

Has to be until we find
out about the patents.

But you can't promise deliveries

until you hear from the union.

Will you please let
me do the worrying?

I want an order for
one million units

before we reopen next Monday.

I'll try to catch the last plane.

If it should take Sewell a month,

you stand to lose the plant,
your home, everything.

And if he's successful.

Well, that's another story.

But I want you to
realize, Mrs. Doubleday,

just how a big a gamble
you're letting me take.

How soon can you start deliveries?

10 days.

We're way behind,
Philco, DuMont, RCA,

must be six million
units on order there.

Oh, excuse me, Dad.

The production chief wants
to see you for a minute.

We have a new plant,
but it'll be months

before we can get
in the equipment.

I'll be right back.

All right.

How long are you staying in town?

Long enough to get that business.

I think you should try to
buyout Doubleday Plastics.

What on earth would we do
with a factory in New Hampshire?

They're installing a lot
of new molding machines.

We could rip them out and
put them in our new factory.

I'd rather give them our business.

Their prices are just about
what it costs us to manufacture.

You know why?

These things weren't cut by hand.

You mean an automatic cutter?

Absolutely.

Look here, smooth.

We've spent a fortune trying

to develop something like that.

Mr. Wagner, I'm sure
we could buy Doubledays.

Patents, new machines, everything.

They'd be fools to sell.

I understand the new management

is causing a lot of
unhappiness around town.

The lawyers have always been
after Mrs. Doubleday to sell.

If they'd rather
sell than have our business,

I'll make them a good offer.

Let me go up there
and scout around.

I'd like you stall off Sewell
on our orders for a few days.

Be just as well if no one
got wind of our plans,

especially about taking
away the machines.

I couldn't take an offer
like this to Mrs. Doubleday.

It'd be different if the
plant were on the market.

I remember not so long ago

you were urging her to
get rid of the place.

Yes, but that's when we seemed
to be facing difficulties.

The Boston Trust Company
seems to think you still are.

Their money's on deposit.

Just waiting for the due date.

But your labor
troubles are still with you.

Well, that's why we
put Adams in there.

You know that if anyone can
handle a union, he's the boy.

Then, we can't get together?

No, Dwight.

Certainly not with
an offer like this.

You know, Dunbar's
a cagey old cuss.

He wouldn't go to Mrs.
Doubleday with such an offer.

Bet he had her on the phone
before I was outta the building.

Don't misjudge Yankee
shrewdness, Dwight.

You may find you can't
pay what he'll want.

I'm prepared to raise my offer.

Just to be working with you
again is worth something.

You don't fool me, Dwight.

Why after all these
months of complete silence

you suddenly come back?

You guess.

- Good morning, Horace.
- Good morning, Helen.

- Good morning, Miss Russell.
- Good morning.

I'm sorry to have
kept you waiting.

Helen, I'm rather
pleased with myself,

and I want you to know how
helpful Miss Russell's been.

Dwight Hawkins came into
my office this morning.

$400,000 he'll give us.

That's more than
double his first offer.

Good heavens, Horace.

Who's putting up all that money?

Well, I haven't asked him.

But I checked, the
cash is in Boston.

It's yours when we sign.

I presume Dwight Hawkins
will be in charge of the plant?

- Probably.
- Uh, if the sale goes through

he wants me to
continue as treasurer.

Until Brad comes to
me and admits failure-

Helen, if you have any
further labor trouble,

you won't get enough for
the plant to pay your debts.

You may thank Mr. Hawkins,

but tell him I don't care to sell.

Well, I'll tell him you
need more time to consider.

You know, your predators
to force you to sell.

Horace, if this
is a bonafide offer,

a few days delay won't
make any difference.

I have complete
confidence in Brad.

- Mr. Hawkins.
- Hello, Al.

Your message sorta surprised me.

Brought you some news.

I hope it's good.

We've got enough
of the other kind.

I came up here with the
dough to buyout Doubleday.

Very interesting.

When we take over the
plant and we're going to,

there'll be jobs for everyone.

So, lets me and you start off
by understanding each other.

How do you mean?

Old lady Doubleday thinks

the union will do
whatever Brad says.

She won't sell until she
finds out differently.

You oughta know how to
handle this situation.

You want all the
men back on the job.

I'm in a position to do it

if the union turns down
Brad's proposition.

There's not much time.

We're voting Sunday afternoon.

That's why I'd
like you to get busy.

200 signatures demanding that

Mrs. Doubleday
sell her business.

And I'd wager that there's not one

of these people who
knows what he's signing.

Who originated this petition?

Look here, Sewell.

Tell Wagner that
National either signs now

or we're going after someone else.

I don't care how much
business he's talking about,

it'll be no good to us
unless we get it now.

Well, you're darn
tooting I'm impatient.

Okay, so long and
good luck to you.

- Brad?
- Yeah?

Could you take an
hour to go over these

with me at the house?

The contractor wants to
start working the 15th.

The 15th?

You'll have to put him
off a little longer.

Look who's coming.

Our ex-boss, Mr. Bradford Adams.

Let's give it to 'em.

Come on, boys.

Would you look at that.

What do you say, Jack,
5% of his windshield.

How's that pretty boy?

Can you see us out
here in the front line-

How's that big fat paycheck?

What's the matter, can't
you take it anymore?

Come on back here.

Tonight's the most important
meeting we've ever had,

but a lot of 'em won't go.

Crap game means more to
them then the voting.

People are saying things
can't be any worse,

why worry about who's boss?

Mary, what do you
say to our packing up

and moving to where I
can get steady work?

Joe!

Good jobs are going begging

in places like Pittsburgh,
Detroit, Los Angeles.

Leave Eaton Falls
and all our friends?

Take the kids out of school?

We wouldn't be happy
living anywhere else.

That's just why we don't want

an outsider running Doubledays.

Most folks here are
like us, natives,

they own property, have mortgages.

Let's admit it, we're
tied to this town.

We can't escape, we're prisoners.

I keep asking myself why
Hawkins wants the plant.

One thing I'm sure of,

if he gets it he'll make
us work at his terms.

He'll move the
machinery to some town

that's worse off than ours.

If the union votes yes,

half of you will
still be outta work.

Vote no, the old
lady'll have to sell,

then we know we'll go back.

- All right.
- Yeah.

Come on, all of you, you'll
be late for the meeting.

Get away, you're a jinx.

Just started, come on, let's go.

Outta here, Joe, before
you're throwed out.

Look, we got a good union.

This is our last chance
to have good management.

What do we care?

Bosses are all alike.

Ah, come on up and vote.

You'll be playing
with bottle caps.

That unemployment money
can't last much longer.

Mr. Hawkins is
gonna see us through.

Aw, look, fellas.

Are you all right, Joe?

Yeah.

Now, why'd you have to hit him?

You might say history
is repeating itself.

We've gotten together today

to deal with another
Benedict Arnold.

And the funny thing is he's
got the same initials, B.A.,

Brad Adams is a
traitor of Eaton Falls.

He's right!

Order, order, order, order!

This is before the union
is to hear the report

of the executive
committee and vote on it.

- Go ahead, Al.
- I demand the point

of personal privilege.

And I'm gonna keep it anyway.

Is there anyone who hasn't
heard Brad Adams say no layoffs?

That he'd fight and die to
keep one man to a machine?

He's right!

All right, all right.

What'd he do?

- What'd he do?
- He sold us out!

That's right.

Order, order!

Quiet, quiet!

A speaker's out of order
and a sergeant in arms

will remove that man
from this meeting.

Nobody's removing
anybody until I'm finished.

What'd he do?

He sells out.

And with the blood money,
he buys himself a new house.

He's gotta live in style
while the rest of us starve!

That's right!

We're all starving!

- Who's working, no one!
- Shut up, you guys, shut up.

- And you know it!
- You're crazy.

That's not so.

They've given us the
house and once more,

Brad cut his salary the
day the plant closed.

We gotta stick together.

Either none of us goes
back or we all go back!

- Right.
- Right.

Wait a minute!

I say let Doubleday make jobs

and pay half of us
out of its profits.

Isn't it better for half of us

to have a job then for
all of us to starve?

Folks, folks, Brad's
doing all he can

to take everybody back.

When he took this job, we
all gave him a present.

And it said, "to Brad Adams,

from his devoted
friends in 145."

Tell us what Brad's
been giving you, junior.

- I'll knock your teeth out-
- Hey, hey, hey.

Well, we're supposed to vote.

That's what the meeting is for.

Quiet, please, quiet, quiet.

I'm sorry to say that
brother Joe London

has met with a serious accident.

What's happened?

Nobody knows yet.

He was taken out of the
river below the falls.

I guess we're ready for the vote.

No, we aren't.

I say let's postpone the
meeting till next week.

Then we can vote on Mr.
Hawkins's proposition.

I say we vote now.

We know Hawkins isn't buying
the place because he loves us.

The chair recognizes Brother Ike.

In case some of these
Johnny-come-lately's don't know it,

I was the first
person of this Local.

Yes sir, some of us old
timers went up to Boston

to get the charter
from the International.

Ah, sit down, you old goat.

Just a minute, squirt.

Now, I've been around a good bit.

And I generally size up
the bait before hooking on,

and I'm holding with Brad
because he's just doing

what old Dan woulda
had to do anyhow.

- Oh, that's telling, Ike.
- Talking about right here.

Let's vote.

Hold it.

It's been moved and seconded.

All those in favor of
going back to work,

signify by saying aye.

Aye!

- Oppose?
- No!

The aye's have it.

Yeah, well just try
and make it stick!

Al Webster says
that the whole thing

is just a stunt to
make labor look bad.

Anything to say?

How about you, Dr. Payson?

I have a statement to make.

The death of Joe London
is needless, tragic waste.

Tell your readers
that the same violence

and confusion that killed Joe
London can destroy this town.

So far, only one we can prosecute

is the fella who threw the bottle.

I'd better have a
squad of men outside

the factory just in
case there's trouble.

Thanks, Captain,
I'd rather you didn't.

I'll call you if we need help.

Okay, we can get here in a jiffy.

You've sent for me?

Yes, I did.

Have you seen Dwight
Hawkins lately?

My personal life is
none of your business.

Mr. Hawkins happens to be
a very dear friend of mine.

I understand he's
trying to buy this place.

Well that's no secret.

He's dealing legitimately
with Mrs. Doubleday's lawyer.

You'd like him
to get it, wouldn't you?

Yes, certainly.

I've even urged Mrs.
Doubleday to sell.

- Why does he want it?
- Ask him.

I don't need to.

He's production manager
for National Company.

They were ready to
give us a big order

until he came into the picture.

I know nothing about any order.

But you do know that he's
here in town organizing

a campaign against me, don't you?

And he's trying to
corrupt the union.

I hold your friend Hawkins

responsible for
Joe London's death.

Don't you dare say that!

You've wrecked this town.

And unless Mrs. Doubleday
sells she'll be penniless.

I'm quitting.

I'm doing just what
Dwight did, union boy.

Only now, you've had your
fling and it didn't last long.

Did it?

Operator, long distance please.

I wanna talk to Mr. Ted Wagner,

President of the National
Company in St. Louis.

What do you say, Bill?

I never crashed a picket line
in my life and I never will.

But this ain't picketing,
it's wildcatting.

They're a bunch of goons
trying to wreck their own union.

- Let's go.
- Come on!

Duck down and hold tight.

Hey, wait, wait.

This is no ride for a lady.

Mr. Wagner?

This is Brad Adams speaking,
Doubleday Plastics.

You better send for
your production manager

before he gets run outta town.

Yes, I mean Hawkins.

This company is not
for sale, Wagner.

No, not at any price.

No!

You can all go home now.

We've been home long enough.

Why can't we work?

Why?

You see why.

They brought in scabs.

- That's a lie!
- Yeah?

Who do you suppose is
running those machines?

Who, the president of
our union, that's who!

What's the matter with you people?

Look, we voted didn't we?

Are you gonna let this
hooligan wreck our union?

Nobody's going to work until

the old lady gets
rid of your hero.

Webster, I know all the words

and if I wasn't a lady
you'd be hearing them now.

Hello?

Who?

Yes, it is, Mr. Wagner.

I told Sewell to call
on other customers.

Yes, those prices still stand,

but we'll have to have a deposit.

Yes, I'd be glad to.

Just a moment.

All right, what's your order?

You will give us the whole lot?

Yes, at the price
that Sewell quoted.

Will you send us a check
for 30% with the order?

All right, thank
you, Mr. Wagner.

Goodbye.

Yahoo!

National Company,

six million TV channel selectors.

R-U-S-H, rush!

Get me Mrs. Doubleday.

Get me my wife and I wanna
see everyone, everybody!

Isn't there a man here with
guts enough to follow me?

Come on!

Mrs. Doubleday, I
wanna read you something.

Come on, let's start our jobs.

Come on.

- Good to see you.
- Hey, same here.

Yes, Ruth.

Of course it's true, darling!

Yes, they're coming in now.

So long.

Come on in, everybody.

Come on.

Quiet, listen, listen, everybody.

- Everybody's here.
- And we're all ready

to go back to work again.

Everybody?

You don't mean that do you?

All those you need
on the new machines.

Are you willing to go to
work in a night shift, Abbie?

- What?
- We're working at night?

The layoffs are over.

There will be jobs for everybody.

Starting right now,
Doubleday Plastics

will work around the clock.

Three shifts!

Eight million?

Well, that's
what happened in our town,

and it's happened in a
lot of other towns too.

With us here in Eaton
Falls, thank the good lord,

it turned out just fine.