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Operator, would you
check it for me, please?

That line
just can't still be busy.

All right, I'll hang on.

Sign here, please.

Uh, yes, Mr. Groves?

Will you look in your files
and check on that shipment

of hobby horses and pinafores
to Jackson and Company,

find out when they were shipped?

Certainly, Mr. Groves.

Oh, and try my home again,
will you please?

Yes, sir.

Hobby horses and pinafores.

What a dreamy place to work in.

Yes, I suppose it is.
Here's your book.

All right.
Thank you very much.

Well, there he is, huh, Jack?

Yep.

Yes, I like this change
you've made in the head.

Well, thanks.

Now, all we have to do
is find a name for him.

Oh, I have a name for him.

Rex the Walkie-Talkie Robot-Man.

Uh-huh.
Well, that's what he is!

- Yeah, I like that.
- Thanks.

Pass the word around,
will you, Jack,

- and tell everyone how pleased I am?
- Oh, you bet I will.

Rex the Walkie-Talkie Robot.

Yes, Miss Walker?

Mr. Groves, your home number
is still busy.

Oh, well, what about
the theater tickets?

I talked to the box office.
They're sold out this evening.

If you'll stop by the theater
on your way home,

- they may have a cancellation.
- I'll do that.

I hope Mrs. Groves
hasn't made other plans.

I didn't see her
before I left this morning.

I'll try your home again now.

Well, never mind.
I'm leaving.

I'm going home, Jack.
I'll see you in the morning.

- Good night, everybody.
- Good night, Mr. Groves.

Night!

Hello?

This is Ellen.
Oh, Gloria! Hi!

Yes, Mom said I could stay
overnight at your house.

Isn't that absolutely atomic?

Tommy?
Yeah, he invited me to the prom.

I turned him down.

Well, just because
he's a basketball champ

is no reason for him
to think that I'm gonna...

Dreamy-looking?
You call him dreamy?

But he's only 17,
and he's already 6'4".

- Oh, you give that back to me.
- Listen, shrimp.

If you don't hang up that phone,
you've had it.

Yes, Gloria, I'll help you
with your homework tonight.

I get A's in Biology.
It's my favorite subject.

Well, the least you can do
is let me finish!

I'll count 12.
One, two...

- I've gotta hang up now, Gloria, it's my brother.
- Three, four...

- Now that he's old enough to be going steady...
- five...

- he's an absolute mental case.
- Six, seven...

- Well, I'll see you later.
- Eight, nine...

Bye. 10, 11, 12.

Ooh!

Well, when can I call for you?

About ten minutes?
Fine.

Listen, Ann,
are you gonna be wearing

my Kappa Tau pin tonight?

Ah, swell.

Huh?
Well, you, of course.

Well, what about you?

Say it again.

Marion?

Shh!

- Oh, I'm sorry, son.
- Okay, Dad.

I'm either going to have
to put another phone in

for you and Ellen or buy
a flock of carrier pigeons.

I've been trying to call
your Mother from the office

for at least an hour.

Marion?

- Hello, Daddy.
- Hi, Frankie.

What're you all dressed up for?

Mrs. Rogers.
Did you finish ironing my sash?

I'm waiting for the iron
to get hot.

Be very careful with it,
Mrs. Rogers.

The whole effect will be ruined
if my sash is scorched.

Just right.
Suppose you stay and supervise.

- Marion?
- Super what?

- Marion? Well,
see that I do it correctly, hmm?

Hello, dear.
Oh, they're beautiful.

- Happy birthday, Mrs. Groves.
- Thank you.

- Mother?
- Yes, dear?

Mother, can I borrow your...

May I?

May I borrow
your baby-blue scarf?

Of course, it's the right-hand
drawer of my bureau.

- Thank you, Mom. Hi, Dad.
- Hi.

Oh, they're lovely.

I'll put them in a vase.

I'll do that.
You just get yourself dolled up.

- But, Cliff...
- Now I've got it all arranged.

We'll drive into Los Angeles,

have cocktails at the Stoddard,
dinner at Bordeau's,

then I remembered
your mentioning that show

down at the Royal
so I took a chance

and stopped by on my way home.

I was lucky, they'd just gotten
a cancellation.

Two seats,
first row on the aisle.

Oh, I could cry.

Going to all that trouble,
and in the rain, too.

But don't you know tonight
is the world-shaking event?

- What do you mean?
- The first recital of Frankie's ballet class.

- Mother.
- Yes?

- I can't find the scarf anywhere.
- Darling, it's right here.

- There you are.
- Thank you.

Look, I'm very, very grateful
that you were born.

And may I point out that this
is the one day in the year

that belongs exclusively to you?

At my age, a birthday
is only a time

to turn all mirrors to the wall.

Nonsense,
you're the female Ponce de Leon,

the original
Fountain-of-Youth Girl.

Why, you haven't changed
since the first day...

- Mama.
- Yes, dear?

Will my hair glitter
across the footlights?

Like a glowworm, darling.

Come and help me with my sash.

Marion...

Ellen can take her
to the ballet class.

- Ellen has a date.
- Mama!

Coming, darling.
I've got to help her.

Marion, do you know
how long it's been

since we were in a theater?

- Three years.
- Oh, impossible.

It's true.
Now you get ready right now.

I can't.
She'd be so disappointed.

I remember learning
in Child Guidance Class...

Hang Child Guidance.

I'll explain
to our little prima Donna

that her mother's entitled
to a life of her own,

- at least occasionally.
- I promised Frankie I'd take her.

- You'd want me to keep my promise, wouldn't you?
- But...

Princess?

Yes, daddy?
What is it? I'm in a hurry.

I guess your Mother can't go
to the theater tonight.

How about you going with me?

Thanks heaps, Daddy, but I'm not
in the mood for the theater.

Gloria and I have emotional
problems to discuss.

Yes, your mother told me
you were going to be busy.

I'll need some money.

Oh.

Dollar all right?

I guess so.
Thanks, Dad.

Yeah, I'll see you in
five minutes, sweetheart.

Vinnie, I don't suppose
you could drive me to Gloria's?

- Sorry.
- Thank you.

I certainly don't see what
attracts poor Ann to you.

Son, I have a couple of tickets

for the show tonight
at the Royal.

I wonder if you'd like
to go with me.

I'm sorry, but I got
a date tonight with Ann.

Oh, well, why don't you take
the tickets and take Ann?

I hear it's a great show.

I wish we could,
but it's a double date.

- Good night, Dad.
- Yeah.

Hello?
Yes, Phyllis?

Mother!
Come on!

No, Ellen isn't here.
She's gone over to Gloria's.

They're going to discuss
their emotional problems.

Yes. Good-bye.

That's Mrs. Jenkins' car!
Hurry!

Coming, darling.
Oh, Cliff.

Why don't you call Ed
and ask him

- to go to the theater with you?
- That's an idea.

- Mother, please!
- Just a moment, dear.

- Aren't you going to have dinner?
- We had a sandwich earlier.

Oh, don't you worry,
Mr. Groves.

I cooked a veal goulash
just the way that you like.

It's all ready, all you have
to do is warm it up.

- Selma!
- Marion.

Marion, let's go away
some place next weekend.

- Well, why, dear?
- Oh, I'd like a change.

I'm tired of the fog
and the smog and the rain.

I'd like to lie in the sun.

Maybe we can go
to the desert, huh?

- That would be nice.
- Just you and I, alone.

- Absolutely alone.
- How's Tom?

Well, what ails him?

Stones?
Well, how many?

The same thing
happened to a cousin of mine,

only he had four stones
about the size of mothballs.

Well, I gotta hang up
or I'll never get out of here.

Yes, yes.
Well, goodbye, Selma.

Mrs. Rogers, could you use
a couple of tickets

to the show at the Royal?

Oh, Mr. Groves, any other time
I'd just jump at the chance

but I promised
my daughter I'd babysit.

- Good night.
- Good night, Mrs. Rogers.

Yes?

Clifford Groves.

Yes, I-I'm sorry.
I know we've met somewhere.

- But I just can't seem to...
- Have I changed that much in these 20 years?

20 yea...

- Norma Miller?
- Yes.

I can't believe it. Come in.
The rain, you must...

- The rain has stopped.
- Well, come in anyway.

Thank you.

I hope you'll forgive
the way I look.

I, uh, really wasn't
expecting anybody.

I've been cooking.

Turn around, let me help you.

Thanks.

Go in, won't you?
I'll... I'll be right back.

Norma, I must apologize
for not having recognized you,

but you look so different.

Compared to the plain
young lady I was?

- Oh, I didn't mean that.
- Oh, I was plain.

Flat-heel shoes, no make-up.
Very plain.

Norma Miller.

Norma Vail now.

- Norma Vail?
- Uh-huh.

Oh, come in and sit down.

After all these years.

Yes, all these years.

I heard you were in New York.

I have been.

Well, it's certainly wonderful
to see you again.

It's wonderful to see you, too.

How'd you find out where, uh...

Oh, I tried phoning
this house six times,

- but the line was always busy.
- I know.

So I decided to disobey
Emily Post and surprise you.

Well, it's the nicest surprise
I've had in years.

Oh, the house is beautiful...
Warm and cheerful,

just as I had imagined it...

the kind you always wanted.

Yes, I... I guess I did.

Where is Mrs. Groves?
I'd love to meet her.

Poor Marion, it's her birthday
today and I'd sort of planned

a little celebration
for tonight.

I thought we'd go out to dinner,

and I had tickets
for the theater afterwards,

but something came up
and she had to go out.

The kids couldn't go.
They were busy.

I have three of them.
I even invited the cook.

I don't suppose that you'd
like to go, would you?

Why, I'd love to.

Really?
We just have time to make it.

I'll go get my coat.

Want to go out for a smoke?

No, I don't think so.

This is fantastic,
so completely unexpected,

sitting here again like this.

- Don't you remember?
- No.

The day you canceled
all appointments,

closed the office,
and took me to a matinee

- in this very same theater.
- I did?

Mm-hmm, you wanted me to see my
first show direct from Broadway.

But the next day you spoiled
it all and made me cry.

- I didn't.
- Mm-hmm.

You criticized one of my designs
for the Indian doll,

and I burst into tears.

- Well, I hope I apologized.
- No.

Well, then I do now.

Are you still
in the toy business?

Yes, I'm still in it.

Are your offices far from here?

No they're just
a few blocks away.

Why don't you ask me
to skip the second act?

You don't want to see
the rest of it?

Well, I'll let you in
on a little secret.

I saw this show in New York.

Well, why didn't you...

Oh, come on, Cliff.

I'd love to see
what you've been doing.

All right.

Oh!

Oh, what a wonderful display.

I hoped you'd like it.

Oh, Cliff, I...
I'm so proud of you.

The trailer.

Oh, I've always wanted
to live in a trailer.

- Norma?
- Hmm?

Come here.

Yell "all aboard."

All aboard!

Works electronically.
See these lights?

- Here?
- No, right here.

It's an exact scale copy
of a real one.

- It's got a whistle, too.
- Oh, really?

And what about that one?

When it heats up,
the smoke comes out.

Well, end of the line.

Oh, how charming.

Well, I didn't think
you'd still be interested

in the doll business
after all these years.

Why not? I design clothes
for live ones now.

- Oh?
- Mm-hmm, for some time,

I've been in New York
with Therese Originals.

- It's a chain of dress shops.
- Well, come on upstairs.

I have something else
I want to show you.

Your workshop?
Oh, good.

- I want you to meet Rex.
- Rex?

- Our robot man, he's our latest.
- Oh.

Here, I'll get the light.

We manufacture him
down at the other plant.

Oh?

Here he is.

Rex the Walkie-Talkie Robot.

I'm Rex,
the robot, the mechanical man.

Push me and steer me
wherever you can.

I'm Rex, the robot...

Oh, he's wonderful.

- And he talks!
- Yeah.

Oh, I adore him.

Yeah, we have great hopes
for this boy.

Oh, the children
will be crazy about him.

Come on, I'll show you
the rest of the workshop.

I remember this.

That old relic.

Relic? Oh, no.

Oh, I remember it so clearly.

We were walking along
the boardwalk at Redondo Beach,

and there was that little old
Italian organ grinder.

And he was playing a tune.

What was the name of it?

"Blue Moon."

And you suddenly got
the idea for this.

Yeah, then we went
to have dinner

at that little fish place
on the wharf.

Yes. And I made so many sketches
of it on the tablecloth...

What a time we had buying the
tablecloth from the proprietor

because we wanted to get
into production right away.

Do you remember how many
of these we sold?

Uh-huh, two. One to a fellow
who owned a monkey.

Yes, the only trouble
is there weren't

- enough fellows with monkeys.
- Yes.

Oh, but Cliff,
you've done so well.

And you look so well, so happy.

You are happy, aren't you?

Well, sure.
Sure, I'm happy.

You deserve to be.

When I think of
all the disappointments.

Yes, for a while there,
I didn't think

I'd ever get out of the red,
but, well,

I took sort of a gamble.

I tried to use a little
more imagination

than the other toy makers,
and it paid off.

Hey, I'm not giving you a chance
to tell me about yourself.

Nothing much to tell.
Hard work, years of it.

And up the ladder,
step by step, so slowly.

You said your name's Vail now.
You're married then, huh?

- I was.
- Oh.

No one should marry
out of loneliness.

That was a long time ago.

Norma, there's one thing
I've never understood,

why you quit your job
as my designer.

You didn't even give me
a week's notice.

I had my reasons.

Now when am I going to meet
Marion and the children?

Oh, well, why don't you come
out to the house

- tomorrow night for dinner?
- Oh, I have to be in Palm Valley tomorrow.

- Oh, the desert, huh? -
There's a conference starting
at the Palm Valley Inn.

Fashion experts from all over
the country will be there.

I have to make a speech,
and I dread it.

Why don't we get together
over the weekend?

Oh, wouldn't you know it,
Marion and I had planned

to go out of town
for the weekend.

Well, you call me
when you get back.

I will do it.

Oh, Cliff,
it's been a wonderful evening.

Yes, it certainly has.

You know, tonight...

for a little while...

time stood still.

Well.

Cliff?

Oh, I'm sorry.
Did I wake you up?

Unh-unh. Did you go
to the theater?

- Yes.
- With Ed?

No, I didn't go with Ed.

- I went with...
- Did you enjoy the show?

Yes, it was very good.

Frankie was a big success, too.

She was as cute as a button.

Good night, dear.

Good night.

All the new designs are here
in the portfolio, Mr. Groves.

Never mind, Miss Walker.

But I thought you'd like to
study them over the weekend.

This is the first time
Mrs. Groves and I have been able

to get away in over a year.

Now let's leave business
out of it, hmm?

Hello.

Just a moment, please.

- For you, Mr. Groves.
- Tell 'em I'm gone.

It's Mr. Andrews calling
from San Francisco.

Hallo, Mr. Andrews.
Very well, thank you.

How are you?
Good.

Yes, we did have one
of our heavy mists down here.

You know, water in the streets
up over the hubcaps.

How's the weather up there?
Ha, sunny, eh?

You don't tell me.
The Walkie-Talkie spaceman?

Oh, I'm glad you're impressed
with Rex.

I think he's gonna be
a hot item.

Right, well, when do you plan
on coming down?

This weekend?
I'm sorry, Mr. Andrews.

But Mrs. Groves
and I had planned

to go down to Palm Valley
this weekend.

How about next...
Well, that'd be fine.

Good, I'll see you down there.

Saturday afternoon late.
At the inn.

It'll be good to see you, too,
Mr. Andrews, goodbye, sir.

And you were going to forget
all about business

- while you were away.
- I have no objection

to spending part of my weekend
with one of the biggest

department store owners
in the country, Miss Walker.

- Hold down the fort. - I'm
sure you and Mrs. Groves
will have a good time.

Thank you.

- Hi! Ellen, get some towels.

- We'll need compresses and lots of 'em.
- Towels!

- And turn down Frankie's bed!
- The bed!

What's happened?

Cliff,
Frankie twisted her ankle.

- How'd she do that?
- She was skating.

Oh, daddy, it's broken!

I'll never dance again,
never, never!

Sure, you will, honey.
It's probably just a sprain.

- The doctor's on his way.
- Come on.

Come on, Pavlova.
I'll carry you upstairs.

No, I won't be lame!
I can't be! Watch!

Here, dear, let me help you.

- Finally got her settled down.
- Well, that's good.

I'm glad it wasn't
anything serious.

Well, we better get packed.

We want to get an early start
in the morning.

Cliff...
you don't honestly think

I can go to the desert
tomorrow, do you?

Marion, we've planned
this trip all week.

Besides, as I told you,
I have an appointment

with Andrews at the inn.

But I didn't expect Frankie to...

Frankie's enjoying her injury
very much, thank you.

Yes, children are apt
to dramatize.

Dr. Kaufman said the swelling
would be down by tomorrow.

After all, the ankle
isn't broken, you know.

I don't care
what Dr. Kaufman said.

- I want X-rays made to be quite sure.
- Marion, that's ridiculous...

And I couldn't relax
for a single second

till Frankie sees those X-rays
and is convinced.

Ah, look, Cliff,
if I couldn't relax,

neither could you,
so so what would be the use

of my going down tomorrow?

Believe me, I wish I could go,
but Frankie would feel

terribly rejected
with both of us away.

But that mustn't stop
your going.

- I'll pack your things.
- No, never mind.

I'll wire Andrews
and ask him to meet me

in Los Angeles
one day next week.

- No, dear.
- It's just a shame that every time we plan

on doing anything together,
something gets in the way.

I insist that you go.

Two days of sun
and being with Mr. Andrews

will be good for you,

and you'll look so handsome
in your new sport jacket.

Mother! Mother!

- Mother! Mother!
- Yes, dear? What is it?

What's the matter?

Ellen's got the lights on!
She's using my cologne!

Oh, my ankle!
My ankle!

You see, dear?

You give me back
my cologne this minute!

- Mother! Mother!
- Yes, I see.

Girls, stop it.
I've had enough of this.

Both of you get back into bed

and not a word
out of either one of you.

- But mother!
- I want it quiet and now!

Hello, I just have a bag
and a coat in the back.

Certainly picked
a nice weekend sir.

The place is jumping.
Three women for every man.

We call the cocktail lounge
the bachelor's paradise.

I'm from Pasadena, too,
you know.

Oh?

Everyone says
it's such a social town,

but I don't find it so.

You lucky men.
You can always get around.

But when a woman's alone,
she can't.

I suppose that's true.

My, what an attractive jacket.

Well, thank you.
My wife picked it out.

- Oh.
- I think she has pretty good taste.

She even buys ties for me
that I don't mind wearing.

Oh, really? Excuse me.
I think I'll get some sunshine.

- Oh, certainly.
- Another drink, sir?

Aren't you going to offer
to buy me a drink?

Norma!
You stayed on.

Yes,
after the conference was over,

I realized how tired I was,
so I just stayed on.

What on earth
are you doing here?

It was you that gave me
the idea of Palm Valley,

but I didn't dream
you'd still be here.

Now I'll have a chance
to meet Marion.

- Is she unpacking?
- No, she isn't here.

Frankie, our youngest,
twisted her ankle yesterday,

and Marion felt
she shouldn't come.

I'd have stayed home too,

except that I have a business
appointment here this afternoon.

It may mean a fat contract.
A man's interested in Rex.

Oh, wonderful.
Has he arrived yet?

No he'll be here
on the afternoon plane.

- Been horseback riding?
- No, not yet, but I'm going...

Why don't you
come along with me?

Me?
I haven't any clothes for it.

Besides I haven't been
on a horse for...

Oh, come on, what can you lose
except your dignity?

Come on.

Don't worry, Mr. Groves,
just ride her easy,

and everything'll
come back to you.

Amen.

Boy!
That was wonderful.

You know, Norma, it's so easy
for a man to slip into a rut.

And once he's caught in it,

he doesn't dare
do the things he used to do.

He doesn't feel the excitement
he used to feel.

If anything, he feels
a little scared of life.

- But you know something?
- What?

Right now I feel as if I'd
just made my first touchdown.

And not a day older.

Excuse me.

Do you remember a tune
called "Blue Moon"?

Oh, you mean this old one?

- Yes, that's it, thank you.
- You're welcome.

- Remember this, Cliff?
- Yes, I remember.

- Come on. Let's dance.
- I haven't danced in...

- All the more reason, come on.
- I've probably forgotten how.

Excuse me, Mr. Groves.
This just came for you.

Oh, thank you.

- It's from Andrews. He's not coming.
- Oh, Cliff.

Says he'll meet me
in Los Angeles next week.

Oh, what a shame.
After all your plans.

- Maybe it isn't such a shame.
- Oh?

I couldn't relax
with Andrews here.

This way I can get some rest
and some sunshine.

Oh, then, you're not
going home in the morning?

Well, my reservations
are for two nights.

I might as well stay.

Why don't you stay, too?

Well, I...
I don't have to rush back.

- But the only thing is...
- Please.

For me, huh?
I'd hate to be alone.

All right.
I'll stay.

Good night, Cliff.

Aren't you going to
ask me in for a nightcap?

Oh, I'm so tired I can hardly
keep my eyes open.

Let's breakfast late tomorrow,
shall we?

Or better still,
let's make it brunch.

Fine, call me when you get up.

- All right, good night.
- Good night.

Yeah, but if your father's
down there on business, Vinnie,

are you sure it'll be all right?

Of course.
He'll be glad to see us.

Hey, won't a swim in a cool,
blue pool feel great, though?

Cool, blue pool.
Boy, that's for me.

Hey, maybe he'll treat us
to dinner, too.

But, Vinnie, if your father
has a business appointment...

Oh, Dad won't mind.

Come on.
Step on it, old man.

Oh, gosh, the wind's
made a mess of my hair.

- I'd like to freshen up.
- So would I.

Oh, Vinnie,
why don't you get your father

- and we'll meet you here?
- Swell.

Mr. Clifford Groves, please.

Yes. That's bungalow 61.
Shall I see if he's in, sir?

Please.

61, please.

No one seems to answer, sir.

Would you try Mr. Andrews?

Mr. Andrews?

Yes. Mr. Andrews
from San Francisco.

There's no one by that name
registered here, sir.

Are you sure?
Well, maybe he's checked out.

No, Sir.
I'm sorry.

We haven't had a Mr. Andrews
from San Francisco all week.

Well, would you page
Mr. Groves for me?

Yes, certainly.
Boy?

Would you page Mr. Groves,
please?

- Oh, I don't need to. They're together again.
- Oh?

I saw 'em havin' a cup of tea
in front of her bungalow.

Who's she?

Uh, Mr. Groves
is at bungalow 57, Ms. Vail's?

- Who?
- Friend of Mr. Groves, Miss Vail.

Well, I'll just wait
in his bungalow, if I may.

Surely. That's 62.
Out that door and to your right.

Thank you.

I don't get it.
I just don't get it at all.

- Are you sure you heard your...
- Of course I'm sure.

Mr. Andrews is an old pal
from San Francisco,

one of the biggest
department store owners.

I know Dad was coming down here
to meet him.

He's interested
in one of dad's new toys.

Well, you heard that clerk. No
Mr. Andrews. I don't understand it.

Say, what about this
Miss what's-her-name, Vail?

- I don't know her.
- Maybe she's the business associate?

Listen.
I know what you're insinuating,

and cut it out.
You're talking about my father.

What do you say we go over and
have a cocktail before dinner?

Fine. Oh, I'd better get
my wrap, Cliff.

- It's getting a little chilly.
- Can I get it for you?

No, thanks.

Here's my stole.

Ooh, I dropped my earring.

Oh, here, I'll got it.

Ow.

61.
That must be Dad's bungalow.

You know,
you've got very pretty ears.

- Ouch, ouch, Ooh.
- I never noticed them before.

Sounds like they're having
a good time.

Thank you.

- Cliff.
- Hmm?

You always used to wear a flower
in your buttonhole, remember?

Yeah, but I, uh, got to thinking

- I looked like a floorwalker.
- Oh, nonsense.

Listen, Vinnie, nobody's
gonna know about this from me.

- I'm not that kind of a friend.
- Just shut up.

Let's get outta here.

I wonder what's keeping them?

Honestly.

And men say they have
to wait for women.

Oh, boy, is that pool
gonna feel marvelous.

- It's happened before, Vinnie.
- What's happened before?

Oh, you know,
that kind of thing.

What kind of thing?

- I... I remember my uncle...
- I don't care about your uncle.

He used to always tell
my aunt he was meeting

a man on business,
then one day she caught him.

His meeting wasn't for business,
believe me.

- He had the sweetest...
- I don't want to hear any more.

Oh, there they are.

Come on.
Let's get moving.

Well, what's the matter?

Wh-where's your dad?

What is it, Bob?
Aren't we going swimming?

All right.

Add two and two and get five.

I can count, thank you.

How could you even think such
a thing about your own father?

Think?

I tell you,
I saw Dad and that woman,

- and I heard them.
- She's probably just a business associate.

Business associates
scarcely act that way.

You know, sometimes
you make me so angry, Vinnie.

You're like a suspicious child.

And you're just gullible.

It's obvious he didn't have
any business appointment at all.

I know your father.

He wouldn't lie.

I'm pretty disappointed in you,
Vinnie Groves.

How could you have left
without facing him

and saying hello
to your own father?

I'd have only been in their way.

It's been a wonderful two days.
I'm glad I stayed on.

New York was never like this.

Why do you stay there?

Why don't you come
to California?

Well, I'd... I'd be foolish to,

now that I've made some
sort of success.

Besides, New York is where
my few friends are.

I've never been one
to make casual acquaintances.

Why, you're the only one
I know out here.

Norma...

when you married, you said
it was out of loneliness.

Yes, that's right.

Well, in all these years,
haven't you met anyone who...

No, I guess I just
kept myself too busy.

Well, it's getting late,

and we've a long drive
ahead of us.

We'd better get started.

Yes, I guess we had.

No sign of him yet?

No sign.

9:30.
He should be back by now.

He should.

Look out, Ellen,
or you'll yank those drapes

right off the wall.

Just take your bow
and get off the stage, hmm?

Wish I could find
something funny to laugh at.

This used to be
such a happy home.

Yes, such a happy one.

- Having fun, children?
- Oh, yes.

Sure.
Lots of fun.

Now, listen...

we can't let mother know.

Ann, this has gotta be
our secret.

And if...

He's here.

Now, shh, be casual.
Don't let on that we know.

- Ann.
- Hmm?

What should we do?

Look, Vinnie,
this is none of my business,

and I've got no right to advise.

But since you asked me,
I'd say keep your mouth shut.

Why, your father's
incapable of deceit.

He'll explain everything.

- Oh, boy, I see you know everything about men.
- Shh!

Oh, hello, everybody.

He's still, got the flower
in the buttonhole.

Well, welcome back.

Thank you.
Nice to see you, Ann.

- Hi.
- Hello, honey.

- Hi, Daddy.
- Son.

I thought I heard you come in.
How nice you got home early.

- How's Frankie?
- Oh, we had the X-rays taken.

It was just a sprain.
She's up and around.

- Good.
- Oh, how tan you are.

You look so relaxed.
See what a little rest can do?

Rest?
I was on the go every minute.

Well, did you close the deal?

Yes, dear, did Mr. Andrews
sign on the dotted line?

Well, no, he didn't.
He didn't even show up.

I got a wire from him saying he
was stuck up in San Francisco.

But I figured
as long as I was there,

I might as well stay
the two days.

I'm glad you did.
Doesn't Dad look wonderful?

Didn't it get
kind of dull down there?

No. No, I...
I ran into an old friend.

- You did?
- Good, who?

Well, her name's Norma Miller.

She used to work
for me years ago.

Now she's a very successful
dress designer.

Calls herself Norma Vail.

She was just out in California
on business and...

Marion, I hope it's all right,
I asked her

to come out to the house
some night this week for dinner.

- She wants to meet the family.
- Well, of course.

No, it was anything but dull.

I hiked and swam and even
went horseback riding again.

You must be stiff as a board.
You'd better take a hot bath.

Oh, no, no, no, I feel great.
I'm not stiff at all.

You will be in the morning.
A hot bath for you.

But I don't want a hot bath!

Cliff is such
an innocent darling.

Well, I just knew
he'd explain everything.

I'm not so sure he did.

What do you mean?

- Cliff?
- Hmm?

Why not ask miss Vail
for tomorrow night?

Oh, fine, I'd better go down

and call her now so she
doesn't make other plans.

All right.

My hat's off to him.
Just like Theodore Dreiser.

- What in the world are you talking...
- In "The American Tragedy."

- American what?
- You know, the great scene

where the man pretends
to the woman that he's innocent

by the simple device of telling
her just enough of the truth

- in order to make him appear innocent.
- Really?

- Oh, now, Vinnie.
- I tell you, I saw...

He's not wasting
any time calling her.

I'm never gonna get married.

Miss Norma Vail, please.

Hello?

Oh, hello, Cliff.

What?

Dinner tomorrow night?

Oh, that would be fine.

About 8:00?
Uh-huh.

Oh, no, no.
You don't have to bother.

I'll get a cab.

Well, if you insist.

All right.
I'll be waiting.

Bye.

Tomorrow night.

Vinnie?
Must we meet that woman?

What else can we do?

Come in, Cliff.

Hello, Norma.

Would you turn on the lights,
please?

Thank you.
My nails are still wet.

Well, can I fan 'em for you
or something?

No, they'll be dry
in a few minutes.

I was a little late
getting home.

Can you smoke
while you're drying?

Oh, thanks.
But I prefer my own brand.

Would you get one out of here...

Oh, Cliff, I'm so sorry.

Think nothing of it, madam.

Where on earth did you get this?

Oh, I... I came across it
just before I left New York.

I look like one of the ten
most wanted suspects.

Nothing of the kind.

You were a very handsome
young man.

Where was it taken?
I don't remember that.

Oh, someone snapped it
of us at the annual picnic.

- Oh?
- Yes.

But I looked so ghastly,
I cut myself out.

The picnic.

I remember.

You mean, you've kept it
all these years?

Oh, well, you you know
how women are about mementos.

Yes, I remember.

You spoiled all the fun.

I wasn't going to show it
to you until later.

- Till later?
- Yes.

I brought it along
to show to Marion.

Oh.

But I... I suppose she has
lots of snapshots of you.

Yes, she has lots of them.

Then I'll...
I'll just leave it here.

We'd better go.

I don't want to be late
the first time I meet Marion.

Thank you.

I don't think Vinnie
looks like daddy.

Yes, Frankie, I think he does.

It's always hard
for a family to see it.

I can't imagine
Cliff with a butch.

- Oh, thank you, Mrs. Rogers.
- I do see a resemblance.

You look very much like your
father when I first knew him.

Really?
That's interesting.

I hope I look as pretty
as Mother when I grow up.

Why, darling,
what a lovely compliment

coming from my own daughter.

Of course,
I want to look pretty.

Not to attract boys but for
the sake of my dancing career.

You may change your mind about
that in a few years, Frankie.

I never will, Daddy.

Marion, did you know
that Cliff always used to wear

a flower in his buttonhole,
but he gave it up

because he thought he
looked like a floorwalker.

I think Cliff looks very nice.

My father says
that if I keep up my grades,

I can have a trip
to New York next year.

- Well, that's fine.
- Your first trip?

- Yes, and I'm so thrilled.
- Oh, I hope you look me up.

- Well, I'd love to.
- I think that's better, Ann,

than waiting until some man
takes you on a honeymoon.

Well, waiting is part
of being in love.

Oh, it is?

I beg your pardon.
If you'll excuse me, please.

Vinnie.

- May I be excused, too?
- No, you may not.

Just because your brother is
rude is no reason for you to be.

Cliff, dear, you know
how she feels about dessert.

Thank you, Mother.

I'm... I'm sure you'll pardon me,
Miss Vail,

Well, I won't pardon you.
So just sit down, young lady.

Frankie.

I want to see what Vinnie's
doing out there.

He looks mad.

Frankie, you sit down
at the table, please.

Don't mind Vinnie, Miss Vail,
he's a stupe.

Frankie, really.

Well, he's been complaining
of a headache all day.

Ann, do you think you could
persuade that young man of yours

- to come in and finish his dinner?
- Yes, Mr. Groves.

Oh, miss Vail.
Would you forgive me?

Thank you.

Oh, that's right.
Mow down the entire garden.

- Ann.
- Why, you coddled four-year-old child.

I couldn't help it.

Did you see that business
with the flower?

"Waiting is part
of being in love."

You're out of your mind.

Do you think I want to believe
that my father is...

Yes, I don't know why,
Vinnie, but you want to.

I know the sordidness of life,
and you don't.

Hallelujah, Reverend Groves.

Vinnie,
come on back to the table.

Sorry, no, thanks.

It's funny.

I'm positive your father
hasn't done a thing

to be ashamed of,
but you know something?

I wouldn't blame him if he had.

Oh, there's no sense
in talking to women.

They don't even know
the meaning of logic!

Vinnie...

Frankie, I hear your recital
was a great success.

It must be wonderful
to be a fine ballerina.

Oh, yes, thank you.

Do you know very many
famous dancers in New York?

A few, but I'd trade
every New York celebrity

for a family just like this.

Oh, thank you.

Well, enough about me.

Ellen, what are your plans
when you finish high school?

She wants to study dramatics.

Ellen, you were asked
the question, not your mother.

What question, Daddy?

- Ann.
- Yes?

Where's Vinnie?

He, uh... he went out somewhere.

- What's going on here tonight?
- Cliff.

I'm to blame for that,
Mr. Groves.

Vinnie's been miserable all day.

Why?

Well, I... I quarreled
with him this morning.

So naturally, he wasn't much
in the mood for company tonight.

What did you quarrel
with him about?

Well, it's hardly
worth mentioning, Mr. Groves.

Let's just forget it and talk
about something else, shall we?

Miss Vail, don't you believe it.

I'm sorry
you have to leave so soon.

Yes, the time has just flown.

Don't forget, Marion.

I have the perfect dress
for you.

3:00 in the gold room.

Ann, say goodbye to that
handsome beau of yours,

and thank you
for a wonderful evening.

- I'll see you to your car.
- Oh, no, no. Don't bother.

- The cab is right there.
- Thank you. Good night.

Good night.

Mrs. Rogers
really outdid herself.

Dinner was delicious.

I think I'll give her
a hand cleaning up.

Let me help.

Ellen.

Who's there?

Frankie,
I want to talk to your sister.

Open the door, please.

Impossible!
She hid the key.

Ellen, open this door.

It's no use, Dad.
She's pretending to be asleep.

Please, please, leave me alone!

Dad, she wants to be left alone!

Ellen, if you don't...

Vinnie.

I think you owe your mother
and me an apology

for your behavior tonight.

I owe mother an apology?

Ann, I've gotta have
a serious talk with you.

I've got to talk to you.

At this hour?

Please?
Take a walk with me, huh?

All right, Vinnie.

Vinnie?
Would you walk me home, please?

Oh, yeah, sure.
Won't be long, Mother.

- All right.
- Good night, Mrs. Groves.

- Good night, dear.
- Thanks for a wonderful dinner.

Good night, Mrs. Rogers.

They must have quarreled.

But that's the wonderful thing
about youth.

In a little while,
they won't remember

what it was all about.

Well, there wasn't
much left to do.

I did most of it
between courses.

You know, I think we'll have
shrimp salad tomorrow.

- Good night, Mrs. Rogers.
- Good night.

It was a pleasant evening.

- It was a hideous evening.
- Oh, darling, it wasn't really.

You're just upset
at the way Vinnie behaved,

- but he and Ann had a love
spat...

Since when is puppy love
an excuse for bad manners?

I'm sure neither Vinnie
nor Ellen meant...

Go ahead, defend them.

Coddle them as if they were
still in their cradles.

- Cliff, why are you so upset?
- I'll tell you why.

I invited an old friend
to our home to meet my family.

I hoped it would be
a pleasant evening.

Well, thanks to the children,
it was anything but that.

Well, why make a calamity
out of it?

Because I'm tired
of the children taking over.

I'm tired of being pushed
in the corner.

I'm tired of being taken
for granted.

That isn't true.

I'm becoming like
one of my own toys.

Clifford Groves
the Walkie-Talkie Robot.

Wind me up in the morning,
and I walk and talk.

I go to work all day.

Wind me up again,
and I come home at night

and eat dinner and go to bed.

Wind me up the next morning,
and I drive

to the office and work
all day to pay the bills.

I know it's expensive
with the children

and everything, but I do try.

I'm not talking about expenses.

I'm talking about life.
My life. Our life.

I'm sick and tired
of the sameness of it,

day in and day out.

Don't you ever want
to get out of this house,

go some place, move around?

I'm constantly moving around.
That's how I keep my figure.

What with running the house
and looking after the children...

You know that isn't what I mean.

Well, I wish I knew
what you did mean, dear.

Then maybe I could help you.

Every time I plan
anything for us,

you find some excuse,
like on your birthday

- and last weekend.
- That wasn't an excuse.

- Frankie was... - Sure,
the children always mean
more to you than I do.

Oh, Cliff.

Oh, Marion,
when we were younger,

we did so many things together.

We had fun.
No two days were ever alike.

Life was an adventure, but now...

Darling, if life were always
an adventure,

it would be very exhausting.

Cliff, dear, don't stay
out there so long.

You might catch cold.

Oh, what a day I have tomorrow.

Laundress is coming.

I have to pick her up
at the bus,

return some books
to the library,

take Frankie to the dentist,

do some shopping
for the children...

Cliff, Cliff, dear,
would you open this jar

of hand cream for me, please?

And the marketing.

I think she's lonely.

- Who?
- Norma Vail.

Why do you say that?

I sensed it.

Her life's too exciting,
too successful.

Cliff, excitement and success
never mean as much to a woman

as to a man, nor do they exclude
the possibility of loneliness.

Well, you can bet
she doesn't let boredom

or monotony enter her life,
you heard her tonight.

I also saw the way
she looked at this house,

the way she looked at Frankie
and Ellen and Vinnie.

I feel sorry for her.

Sorry for her?

She's missed what every woman
really wants.

Oh, I know she's successful
and has a big job,

but tonight I was very proud
and thankful

for my children, my home,

and you, of course, dear.

Oh, I'm nice and sleepy.

Darling,
please turn off the light.

Miss Norma Vail, please.

Thank you.

Hello, Norma?
This is Cliff.

I want to see you tomorrow.

I have to see you.

Yes, yes, I heard you.

Uh...

Why don't you and Marion
have cocktails with me?

No I... I want to see you alone.

Oh.

All right, I'll...

I'll meet you in the lobby
at 5:00.

I'll be there, 5:00.

Good night, Norma.

Come on in.

Vinnie, it's almost 10:00.

I didn't close my eyes
all night.

I've become an insomniac.

Me, too.
Isn't it ghastly?

The situation has gotten worse.

Gotten worse? How?

I heard him call her last night.

You didn't!

They're meeting at 5:00.

What are we gonna do?

Sooner or later,
we've gotta have a showdown.

Oh, no.
With Daddy?

Unh-unh. With her.

When will that be?

I don't know.
Let's just wait and see.

But it's so terrible,
just waiting.

I know.
But we gotta be patient.

Here, hand me my robe,
will you, please?

If only Ann were on our side.

Yeah.
But she isn't.

I don't understand
how she can be so gullible

about the basic facts of life.

Miss Vail, gold room, please.

We're not merchandising
598 house dresses.

Please try and get more
distinction in that copy.

Miss Vail,
how do I okay these forms?

Exactly as I explained
to you at the meeting.

Marion. Ann, I'm so sorry
to keep you waiting.

Miss Byron.
Miss Byron, Mrs. Groves.

Please have Mrs. Groves
try on 234.

Yes, of course.
This way, Mrs. Groves.

She'll look stunning in it,
I know.

Miss Vail, I need your advice.

Vinnie has
the insane idea that...

Will you please look
at this wire?

- Well?
- Have I authority...

- I hired you as a manager, didn't I?
- Yes, but...

When I leave for New York
next week,

you'll have to make decisions,
begin by making them now.

Before Marion gets back,
I want to tell you something.

I simply must congratulate you,
my dear.

Not since Antonelli's
in Rome have I been

so impressed by such flair.

It's divine, a special place
for special people,

something Los Angeles
has always needed.

Well, goodbye, my dear,
and again, congratulations.

Thank you.
This has been a hectic day.

- Now what's this all about?
- Well, it's Vinnie.

He has the fantastic idea that...

I don't think
I can even explain it.

Ann, what's the matter?

There's Marion.
I can't talk now.

Miss Vail?
Doesn't she look fabulous?

Oh, Marion, you look lovely.
Doesn't she?

Oh, yes, it looks beautiful.

It's much too youthful for me.

Well, I'm not exactly
an ing�nue myself,

and I wear the same style.

Why don't you take it home
and show it to Cliff?

I know he'll rave about it.

Cliff rave?
There speaks the bachelor girl.

After 20 years of marriage,

a husband never raves
about anything his wife wears.

I think he would about this.
Please take it on approval.

I'm sorry.
It's not for me.

So am I, because you look
beautiful in it.

Thank you.

Oh, Ann, what were you
so concerned about?

Well, it... it it's all
so unbelievable to me that...

- well, Vinnie is just imagining things and...
- What things?

- Miss Vail, telephone, please.
- Mezzanine office.

Excuse me.

Miss Vail, telephone, please.
Mezzanine office.

Miss Vail speaking.

West Coast editor of what?
All right, put her on.

Miss Duran,
how nice of you to call.

Well, frankly,
I shudder at the thought

of your interviewing me.

Tonight? Oh, I'm sorry.
I have an appointment.

But, uh... maybe I should
try to get out of it.

Um, shall we say 7:30
at my hotel?

Fine.
Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groves.

I'm awfully sorry
you didn't think

the dress was right for you,
but do come in again.

Thank you for trying so hard.
I really must rush.

Cliff isn't coming home
for dinner,

a business appointment,

so I'm picking Frankie up
at dancing school

and taking her to dinner
and an early movie.

I hope we'll see you very soon.

- Yes, of course.
- Goodbye.

- Bye,
- Come on, Ann.

Hello?
Just a moment, please.

Mr. Groves?
It's for you.

Miss Vail.

Well, I'll...
I'll take it in my office.

Hello, Norma,
I was just leaving.

I'm terribly sorry,
but I'm afraid

I'll have to break
our appointment for tonight.

Oh? Why?

Well, something just came up,
an interview.

Couldn't I see you later?

It won't take
the whole evening, will it?

I'm afraid it will.

I'll call you tomorrow.

Cliff?
Did you hear what I said?

I'll call you tomorrow.

All right.

He told Mother
he wouldn't be home for dinner

because he had a business
appointment this evening.

- I don't believe it.
- I heard it with my own ears.

Why, that's him now.

Why, Mr. Groves.

Oh, good evening, Mrs. Rogers.
Where is everyone?

Well, when Frankie found out
you were going to be late

for dinner, she just begged
and begged her mother

to take her out for some
steamed clams and a movie.

Ellen's up in her room,
and as for the lovebirds,

oh, well,
they're around somewhere.

Cold.

What have I done now?

It's not so much
what you've done, Vinnie.

It's what you've been thinking.

Ann, this is my problem.

Can't you let me work it out
my own way?

If you love me...

Love a child like you?

- Child?
- Yes.

Suspecting your father
of a cheap back-alley romance.

I thought I was going steady
with a man,

but you're just a little boy
who hasn't even grown up yet.

I'm surprised you haven't
run to your mother

howling your ridiculous
suspicions.

- Ann...
- Just let me alone, Vinnie.

I can't love a man
I don't respect.

Ann.

- Why don't you quit Therese?
- Quit?

- Start your own
custom-made business on
the coast. - No, no.

Why stay in New York anyway?
What's the attraction?

Don't tell me the men
are that much more attractive.

I've hardly had time
to make a comparative survey.

Oh, it's such a clear,
cool evening.

- The city must look beautiful.
- Oh, it does.

I, know let's make Norma
fall in love

and marry someone out here,
then she'll have to stay.

That would be bigamy.

I'm already married happily
to 738 Madison Avenue.

Therese Originals...

- Why, Cliff, what a nice surprise,
- Hello, Norma.

The man at the desk
told me you were up here.

Oh, Mr. Clifford Groves,
Miss Duran, Mr. Carl.

- How do you do?
- Mr. Groves.

Their slightest whim dictates

what women will wear
from Seattle to San Diego.

- Norma...
- Cliff is a very old friend.

If you've known her that long,

persuade her she must never
go back to New York.

Make her stay here,
Mr. Groves.

Consider opening Vail Creations
here in Los Angeles.

Well, it's getting late,
and we must go.

It's been a grand evening,
Norma.

- Good night, Mr. Groves.
- I'll call you in the morning, Norma.

I've got to talk to you.

What is it?

I've fallen in love with you.

Oh, no.

No, this can't happen.

I didn't mean
for this to happen.

But it has happened.

And when I found
you'd carried my picture

all these years, I knew
you were in love with me, too.

That's why you called
and said you couldn't

- meet me tonight, isn't it?
- No, I did have an appointment.

- You met Ruth and Carl.
- No. You were afraid, weren't you?

After you called, I went home.

It's the same house
I'd lived in for years.

I'd always felt comfortable
there.

I sat down,
I tried to read the paper.

I tried to relax,
but I couldn't, Norma.

All of a sudden,
I felt desperate

sitting in my own living room.

I felt as though I were trapped
in a tomb of my own making,

and all the years until today
were stones closing up the tomb,

and I had to escape because
I was still alive,

alive and wanting you.

Oh, please, Cliff. Please.

You said you were lonely.
You'll never be alone again.

You'll never go away from me.

Pardon me, sir.

This is our first trip
to America.

Is the Hollywood Bowl open?

No.
Not till midsummer.

- Thank you, sir.
- Thank you.

Can't we go some place?

Cliff...

let me alone.

But, darling, I love you.

Please.

I beg you let me alone now.

All right.

When will I see you?

Tomorrow.

When?

After work.

I'll be waiting here.

Oh, Daddy! Mom and I had
the coolest time, didn't we?

- Yes, real cool.
- First we went to dinner, then we saw a show.

It was dreamy, the positive end.

- Fine, honey. Fine.
- You're an old stay-out. You just get home?

No, I was home earlier,
but nobody was here.

- So I went out again.
- Good for you.

Darling, take these in
to Mrs. Rogers.

Three dozen
of the most heavenly shrimp.

I found them
at the shopping center.

They looked simply...

- Cliff, something wrong?
- Wrong?

Your voice sounds funny.
You catching cold?

No, no, I'm all right.

Well, why are you
staying out here?

I didn't feel like going
in the house just yet.

Cliff... something wrong
at the office?

No, no, I... I just have
a little headache.

Well, come in the house.
I'll give you some aspirin.

I'll be in in a minute.
I want to get some air.

Fine.
We'll, get some air.

Mrs. Groves,
are the shrimp for...

Ellen's doing well
with her music, isn't she?

Yes, very well.

I missed you tonight.

Oh?
But you had fun with Frankie.

Not really, it was sort of
lonely dining without you,

and to make things worse,
the movie was so young

and romantic I kept wanting your
shoulder to lean my head on.

Mother!

Oh, it's always the children.

What'd you do with my pajamas?

- Miss Vail?
- Yes?

Did the airline contact
your office?

- No.
- They called here a while ago.

They have your reservation
to New York a week from today.

Oh, well,
tell them to cancel it, please.

I'll be glad to, Miss Vail.

How long will you be
staying on in Los Angeles?

I don't know yet.

Of course I sympathize
with you, Vinnie,

but maybe it was all
for the best.

Maybe Ann wasn't
the girl for you.

- Maybe fate...
- There'll never be another girl like her.

Well, it's all out of our hands.

Sometimes you haven't one shred
of understanding!

- Raising your voice won't help.
- I'll raise my voice all I want.

Everyone else around here
is playing it to the hilt.

Why shouldn't I?

Ah, you're right.
Arguing won't help.

- This has got to be done.
- What?

- Come on, get your coat.
- Why?

Do as I say.

Vinnie, I'm scared.

Come on, we've gone too far
to turn back now.

- Yes? May I help you?
- Miss Vail, please.

Her office said
we could reach her here.

- Who's calling?
- Mr. Groves.

Just a moment, please.

Will you ring Miss Vail, please?

Vinnie...

Hello?

Miss Vail?

There's a Mr. Groves
in the lobby.

Mr. Groves? Yes.
Have him come up, please.

Will you go up, please?
618.

Yes. Thank you.

620.

619.

618.

Suppose he's with her.

Cliff, I just...

Why... Vinnie, Ellen.

Come in.

What a nice surprise.

I, uh... I just got back
from work a few minutes ago.

Could I get you something?

Some hot chocolate
or perhaps some tea?

No, thank you.

We want to ask
you something, Miss Vail.

Yes?

Wouldn't it be better...

if you went back to New York?

Oh?

Why?

Because of what's been going on.

Going on?

Yeah.

Between you and my father.

I drove down to Palm Valley

the weekend you
and he spent together.

I saw you... heard you.

And just exactly
what did you see and hear?

In your bungalow,
both of you were laughing so...

So... intimate.

So intimate?

Oh, Vinnie!

Listen to me, children,
in Palm Valley,

two very old friends
met by chance.

They had some good talks,
laughed over old memories.

They had fun,
that's all there was to it.

I want you to believe me.

Don't you?

I do, but later
when Daddy came home,

Vinnie says he kept
calling you... at night.

He made a date
to see you yesterday.

All right, so I did listen.

I don't usually
go around snooping,

but I had to think
about my mother.

Oh, yes.

Yes, it's always mother,
never father.

That's unfair.

Your father has been neglected
for a long, long time

- by a family he loves.
- It's not true.

You've treated him shamefully,
taken him for granted.

- I haven't.
- Everyone has taken him for granted

because he's sweet
and thoughtful

and because he's a good man.

Do you know
how much he loves you?

You should hear his plans
for your future, Vinnie,

and how his eyes shine when
he speaks about the princess.

- About me?
- Yes, in spite of the lack of your interest

and rudeness the other night
at the dinner table.

Do you think
if you gave your father

half the love you give
your mother,

you would have needed
to come up here

with your accusations today?

Why should Cliff need me
if he was given love at home?

Why would he go
on the outside for it?

- But we love Father.
- Then why do you neglect him?

Why do you take and take
and not give back

one shred of love in return?

How many years
do you think a real man

will put up with that?

So that's why
he fell in love with you.

Listen, Ellen...

love is a very reckless thing.

Maybe it isn't even
a good thing.

When you're young and in love,

nothing matters
except your own satisfaction.

The tragic thing about
growing older is that you...

You can't be
quite as reckless anymore.

You begin to understand what
is important and what is not.

And to your father,
the most important thing,

believe me,
is his family's happiness.

You couldn't be as blind
not to have known that.

Can you blame anybody
but yourselves

if he is thinking
about leaving you?

Oh, miss Vail,
I know we're to blame,

but please...

please, don't take Daddy
away from us.

Don't take him away!

I'm sorry, I'm late.

And I do have an appointment.

Here's a sketch of the doll.

The sketch looks very nice,
Mr. Groves.

But if I could see the doll
made up.

- Do we have it in the stockroom, Jack?
- Yes, Cliff.

- Show it to Mr. Mayer, will you?
- All right.

This way, please.
Watch your head here.

What about Rex, Mr. Mayer?

Well, send me a gross of them,
and I'll see how he sells.

Fine.
Well, I have an appointment.

I'll have to run along.
Thanks for the order.

Jack will take good care of you.

Norma, darling,
you remember that place

- overlooking the ocean?
- Cliff, listen to me.

I've been planning all day.

Do you remember that place
overlooking the ocean,

where we celebrated after
I sold my first contract?

We're going to drive
down there right now,

sit in front of the fireplace
and watch the storm

on the ocean,
we'll have cocktails...

Cliff, I'm trying
to tell you something.

I'm sorry.
What is it?

I'm flying to New York tonight
on the 6:00 plane.

- Why? Norma, nothing makes any difference...
- Listen to me, Cliff.

Listen to me carefully.

20 years ago, I left here
because I was in love with you.

Yes.

Yes, Norma Miller,

the little girl
who couldn't face reality.

Well, today Norma Vail
is leaving

because she can face reality.

- There's only one reality.
- No, no.

The only reality is 20 years
of Clifford Groves

as a husband and as a father...

20 years of my being
a career woman,

with an eye to design
and merchandising.

- Norma, I love you.
- No, no.

No, you don't love me.

It's your...
It's your search for youth to...

To push back the years,
to feel carefree again.

And you can't not ever,
none of us can.

That isn't life.

But you have a wonderful life
with Marion and the children.

And I too have a life.

And I'm going back to it.

You can't leave me.

And if I don't leave you?

What would you do
the day we're together

and you read in the paper

that Vinnie Groves
is about to graduate?

You'll want to run from me
and be with him,

but you'll wonder
if he'll see you again.

Or the day you hear about
the first professional recital

of that... of that young dancer,
Frances Groves.

You'll feel sick
at not being invited.

And I'll feel sick for you.

- Norma...
- And Ellen's wedding?

Stop it, Norma.

"Oh, no, her father isn't here.

"He ran away with another woman,
don't you remember?

At his age!
Oh, the poor kid!"

- Norma...
- Oh, face it, Cliff! I've had to face it!

You know you'll
want to see Marion again,

hear her voice, quarrel with her

over the bills and the children!

She's the one
who belongs in your life,

your first love.

And that's the way it should be.

It's such a good life.

What have I to give you
to take its place?

Be happy, Cliff.

You will be happy.

Norma...

Pardon me, Cliff,
about the doll...

- I'm sorry.
- Mr. Mayer here is...

Taxi!

Norma!

Ann. Ann, wait.

Let me explain.
I've been trying to tell you.

I went to see Norma.
She's a wonderful woman.

That's no surprise to me.

What do you want me to say?
That I've been a kid?

I admit it.

That I was wrong
about Norma and Cliff?

I admit that, too.
What more do you want of me?

I've learned a lot
in the last 24 hours,

but most of all I've learned
what it means

to really care for someone.

Well, you... you needn't be
so forcible about it.

I love you.

I never knew
how to give love to anyone,

only how to take it.

I guess that's the hardest job
to learn in the whole world,

how to give love
and expect nothing in return.

Well, what do you know?

Long pants at last.

Ellen,
where'd you put my cologne?

Oh, I don't know.

It's on the dressing table
somewhere.

Hello?
Oh, yes, Gloria. Hi.

- Well, then, where is it?
- You're too young to use it anyhow.

- That's what you think.
- Yes, it's Frankie being dramatic again.

- Yes, go on.
- You're the ham.

But, Gloria, darling,
the question is

can a woman like me really love
a basketball player

all of her life?

Ooh.
Cut out the mush.

Oh, yes.
Tell me all about it.

He did?

Who did?

- Gosh, that's awful.
- Hi, Daddy.

Do you think he'll come back?

Hello, Pavlova.

Is it still raining?

Uh, no.

No, it stopped raining.

Oh, Daddy. Hi.

Hello, princess.

I'll be through in a minute.

Okay, Gloria,
I'll be over at your house

at 8:00,
and we can do our homework.

I want my cologne.

Yes, Gloria, okay.
See you tonight. Bye.

H-hello, Dad.

Hello, Vinnie.

How you feeling?

I'm... I'm fine.

- I'm glad.
- Daddy, what time is it?

My watch seems to have stopped.

Dad?
What time is it?

Oh...
it's a little after 6:00.

Oh, thanks, Gloria and I have

some emotional problems
to discuss... new ones.

Would you like a magazine?

No, thank you.

Hello, dear.

- Feeling better tonight?
- What?

You've worried me
these last few days.

It's not like you
to be irritable and depressed.

I know.

- But I'm all right now.
- Good.

You know me better
than I know myself.

Well, I should,
after a lifetime with you.

They make a handsome couple,
don't they?