Original subtitles

Now, Marty, Marty. Don't get sore, Marty.

Who's sore?

When Georgie tells me a customer don't wanna pay up his bill, I wanna hear why.

Because I'm tired of being milked like a cow every week.

Why can't I pay you off?

Cut that out, orry. I run a legitimate laundry.

What laundry tells you how many tablecloths to take?

My laundry. It's our policy. We want our customers should be clean.

Who needs so many tablecloths? Who comes to a place like this to eat?

Every customer has a quota. Otherwise, he wouldn't pay me.

Mr. Orry.

- Mr. Orry. - That's all right. That's all right.

- Let go of me! - Oh, it's you again.

- She broke my leg. I'm gonna sue. - My dear man.

- It was an accident. - Accident? She kicked me on purpose.

- Impossible. - I can explain.

Did you or did you not kick this customer?

Yes. But I warned him. I warned him three times.

- You're fired. - That's not fair. He's the one who's wrong.

He's got 1 o cents for a dance. He can't be wrong.

Cash in your ticket and get out of here.

The next dance is on the house. Enjoy yourself.

But be careful the way you dance.

Get him a girl.

Marty, you gotta understand my angle. Now, business hasn't been so...

Not bad, huh?

I could fix it up. She's one of those stage-struck ones. You know the type.

Too bad, kid.

You gonna pay up, orry?

Or you want we should suspend our service?

What'd you have to go and make a fuss for?

Why should I let that big ape paw me?

- It's natural. They all do it. - Not to me, they don't.

Oh, I forgot. You're different. You're going places.

That's right.

Get wise to yourself. You're not going anyplace.

Not till you stop hollering, "Hands off."

I'll stop hollering when I want to, not because the customer's always right.

Have you had a good look?

I understand you wanna go on the stage. Maybe I can help you.

Get out of here, or I'll call the manager. This is a private dressing room.

Private for employees, which you're not no longer.

Well, you want me to help you go on the stage?

Why don't you buy a ticket and try your line on one of the employees.

- That is, if you have 1 o cents. - Lf he has 1 o cents?

He's the owner of the biggest nightclub laundry in chicago.

I know everybody in the business. They're my customers.

- Sure. He can introduce you to a dozen... - Shut up!

What are you butting in for? I can't talk?

I'll give you one of my cards.

- Why should you? - Why not?

I like to help a girl when I can.

And you got a very excellent personality. I can see that.

All I do is write on my card, and they'll put you to work.

Oh, I must've left them out in my car. Meet me outside, and I'll...

Now what's the matter?

I'm not getting into any car with you.

Who said you should? Who invited you? I said, meet me at the car.

You dope! He's trying to give you a break. Take advantage.

Or don't. If you want it, okay. If not, not.

- Come on, claire. Get out. - What?

Buy yourself a horse and buggy. Only beat it.

What's the matter? You invite me for a pleasant evening...

...I wait who knows how long. - So I changed my mind. Go on, blow.

Getting beat up. Been around too long.

Marty.

Hi, baby.

- Honey, I'd like to... - Up an alley.

What's your name?

- Ruth Etting. - Here.

Take this over to the circle. It's on the North Side.

They'll fix you up. Go on, take it.

Can I give you a lift someplace?

I'm just trying to be agreeable. Don't do me no favors.

- You want the card back? - Keep it.

Use it in good health.

You wanna know what's your trouble, girlie?

You ain't got no faith in human nature.

That's all?

She's obligated, ain't she?

So, what are you sitting? Maybe we can catch up with claire.

So she's got a lot of mileage on her.

To quote Willie Shakespeare Please lend me your ear

My introduction is done with pride This act is known both far and wide

His imitations are all the go So here he is, the star of our show

Eddie Fulton!

One chorus in the next number. We're running late.

Hooray for Johnny Alderman. The people's friend.

Hey, deal me in.

Taking in laundry? I got a sack full of socks.

I wish I had. These have to last till payday.

Point is, can you last till payday?

I get tired just watching you out there.

I must be something to watch. I'm just not a dancer, that's all.

It seems odd you'd want a job dancing, then.

I didn't. They made a mistake. I'm a singer.

You had much experience?

None so far. I'm just starting.

You going about it the right way?

What do you mean? Somebody gives me a chance, I'll sing.

I've seen a lot of singers fail because they get off to a bad start.

Now is when you need coaching, before you form bad habits.

And you need special material, arrangements to show off what you've got.

That is, if you're serious about it.

Oh, I'm serious, all right.

I'm also broke. That would take a lot of money.

Tell you what, I might work with you a little. Odd hours, after the show.

Would you? Oh, that would be wonderful.

It would be a pleasure. One artist to another.

I have a piano over at my place. It isn't far from here.

We could squeeze in quite a bit of time.

Wouldn't that be an awful lot of trouble for you?

There's some trouble a man doesn't mind getting into.

- Get ready. Five minutes. - Saved by the gong.

- Johnny. - Finish the hand.

- Better get back to your piano. - He said, get ready.

What's to get ready?

Alderman...

...will you kindly use your head? That one belongs to the Gimp, bought and paid for.

- The Gimp? - So don't make trouble for yourself or me.

- I got a big investment in this place. - It's funny.

- I would've sworn she hasn't been around. - Maybe she hasn't.

What she knows, they learn in the cradle.

Wait a minute, Frobisher.

- Hey, Etling, I'm here. - Hello, Mr. Snyder.

I got my own laundry, eight trucks, and she does her own washing.

- Well, they treating you right, kid? - They're wonderful to me.

Okay, Frobisher, thanks. Blow.

Well, I delivered, didn't I? Tell the truth. You thought I was giving you the business.

- I've got to go. - Come on, girls.

Hey, Frobisher, the kid is staying out of this one.

- Sure, sure. Why not? - Don't forget, you owe me 1 o cents.

No, really, I better go.

- No, no, l... - He won't mind.

Oh, Mr. Snyder. It's not...

There's something I wanna ask you. I'm dancing...

That's great, just great.

- Tell me, have you ever been to Florida? - No, I haven't.

- I hate to bother you... - You'll be crazy about it.

- All the girls are nuts about Miami. - The trouble is...

...Mr. Frobisher put me in the chorus... - He won't fire you.

There's the worst weather here, cold. In Miami, you swim in the ocean every day.

- I don't wanna dance, I wanna sing. - Singing, dancing, what's the difference?

You're on the stage, ain't you? In here, Georgie.

All set, Marty. Got the train tickets.

How do you like that? We're leaving Friday night.

- Leaving for where? - For where?

For Florida. Girl, you gotta start listening to me.

But I don't want to go to Florida.

Why not? How do you know you won't like it?

You never been there. Why, you'll love it.

What's not to like?

She thinks it's a line.

She thinks I say Miami, I mean Atlantic city.

- Georgie, show her the tickets. - Yeah.

- Here are the tickets. - Frobisher will keep your job for you.

Mr. Snyder, I'm not going.

Georgie, get out of here.

Beat it.

Now, look here, you stupid little broad.

Don't you talk to me like that.

I'll talk to you any way I like. You know who I am?

- Think I let dames get away with anything? - I'm not trying to get away with anything.

I didn't ask you for one thing.

You didn't ask, but you wanted.

I did my share. Who do you think you are, you can be so particular?

You get funny, and I'll throw you back to that crummy dance joint.

You won't have to. I'll walk back.

- What are you doing? What are you doing? - I'm leaving.

All I wanted was a chance to sing. And I'll get it.

You don't have to do a thing. I'll get it for myself.

Hey, Etling! Etling!

What's her name? Ruth. Ruthie!

Ruthie, come on out, huh?

What did I say that was so terrible? What crime did I commit?

- Come on, like a good girl, huh? - Want me to drag her out, Marty?

Get out of here.

- Deal me in. - Well, hurry up.

That's all we wait for Etting. All right, kids, rehearsal. Let's go.

- Why is it every time we start...? - You take Etting's place.

I'm a specialty.

- Mr. Snyder wants to see you right away. - I'm working. Sorry.

Listen, I asked you nice, didn't I? You want me to ask you not nice?

Sure. Might as well have both versions.

Johnny.

You think the Gimp found out you talked to the girl?

Maybe. If he has, you think I should crawl into the laundry and apologize?

Well, I would. But I'm an old man, I want to live.

What else have I got?

You better go.

But, Mr. Frobisher, we can't rehearse without music.

- So hum to them. - Hum?

All right, girls, line up. Come on, line up.

One, two, three, four.

You notice how the help all wears gloves?

Once the wash is washed, it ain't touched by a human hand.

Maybe I'm crazy, but I like things clean. Sit down, make yourself comfortable.

- Marty, the piano player. - Hello.

Oh, yeah. How much you get an hour to coach?

- Coach? - Miss Etling.

She wants to sing.

She's got some idea she shouldn't make bad habits.

She should have arrangements, you know what I mean?

What do you get by the hour?

- Five dollars. - I'll give you 1 o.

Anybody hangs around me, they make.

Well, can she sing?

What is she, a dummy? Anybody can sing.

You put them on the stage, tell the public they're singers.

What does the public know? You want the job?

- At 1 o bucks an hour? Sure. - You got yourself a deal.

Georgie will take you back.

When would you like to start?

- Well... - You can fix it up between you later.

Don't take it too serious. A couple lessons to make her feel good.

I'll be taking her to Florida any day now. You know what I mean.

I'm sorry I took so long changing.

I'm getting paid by the hour.

- By the way, thanks for cutting me in. - I got the idea from you.

But I would've done it for nothing.

I thought it was better if you got paid.

- Let's start and see what we got. - All right.

Do you know this?

Yes.

Yes, ma'am.

Am I any good?

- Am I good enough to get somewhere? - Yeah.

Will you tell that to Mr. Snyder?

I need someone like him. You know, sort of a manager.

- You're expecting him to be your manager? - He has a lot of connections.

- You're kidding, aren't you? - No.

You were quick to spot a routine friendly pass when I made it.

You must have a vague idea of what he wants.

Do you know what his exact plans for you are?

He's taking you to Florida with him. He told me so himself.

He told me that too.

But I'm not packing.

- Oh, I had a date. I forgot. - I wouldn't tell him.

Think fast, kid.

Now, just out of plain, simple curiosity...

...why did you give me a stand-up?

I told her myself, Marty.

Let me hear the fancy story you're gonna give me. I dare you.

No story, Mr. Snyder. I just forgot.

You forgot?

I don't know how I could have, but I did.

- And I'm very sorry. Will you forgive me? - Naturally, I thought...

- Well, I didn't know what to think. - You didn't think I'd do that to you.

That's all right, dear. Everybody can make a mistake.

- How's she doing? - Well, not bad. Not bad at all.

In fact, she's quite a performer.

Did you hear that?

Will you talk to Mr. Frobisher and ask him if I can have a little song?

I'll talk to him when I get good and ready. How do you like that?

You had one lesson. It's time for a swelled head?

You think you can fool the public? You wanna embarrass me?

I'm sorry. It's just been on my mind, you know.

I guess this is my night for making mistakes.

It's because you're tired. You're not thinking good.

You got no business keeping her up. I'll take you home.

You go right to bed.

Thank you.

To quote Willie Shakespeare Please lend me your ear

My introduction is done with pride This act is known both far and wide

His imitations are all the go So here he is, the star of our show

Eddie Fulton!

- Fulton! Where's Fulton? - I don't know.

- Fulton, you're on! - Great! Great!

- What'd I tell you? A knockout! - Yeah, yeah.

- Fulton! Fulton, hurry up! - You're on.

- Sorry. - Lf it's hard to get here, quit.

Why not spend all your time at the craps table. And don't forget, smile.

Well, you got what you wanted, huh?

What's the matter? You wanted a chance to sing, and I got you a chance.

- I'm on and off in a second. - What'd you expect?

Well, it's not a real number.

I was just thinking of something.

Suppose Fulton missed a performance. If I could...

Fulton? But he's a headliner. You're a newcomer. You just started.

Well, somebody would have to take his place.

Well, how do you like that.

I'm suspecting she wants me to work Frobisher for an extra routine...

...but she wants the whole business.

What do you want me to do, knock him off?

Oh, of course not, Mr. Snyder.

- But if he missed a show... - Why should he? Answer me that.

Well, it could happen, couldn't it? It almost happened tonight, didn't it?

The nerve you got.

The gall.

Look, will you consider coming into the laundry business with me?

We'll be millionaires in no time.

Marty, I tell you, no.

You've got a laundry, I'm a customer. Fine.

You asked me to give her a job, I give her a job. Fine.

But there's a limit. I'm not putting her on tonight or any other night.

- But you're stuck. You ain't got Fulton. - Yeah. Why?

Why should he walk out on me?

He got in too deep with the gambling. The poor slob didn't have it.

Well, how come the poor slob has it to go to Florida, huh?

What are you asking me? Frobisher, she'll be a sensation.

To who? Whoever heard of her? Who will come to see her?

- You wanna close my club? - Are you kidding?

You know the contacts I got.

People who would be a credit to the finest nightclubs.

They'll spend, they'll clap, you'll make a fortune.

On the other hand, Frobisher...

...maybe I got you all wrong.

Maybe you don't wanna oblige a close, personal pal.

Come in.

- How do I look? - Top of the world.

Oh, here it is, Johnny. The chance I've been waiting for.

But you made sure it wasn't too long a wait.

You bet I did. I'm in a hurry.

And I was right. I told you he'd help me.

Ruth, get rid of him.

Get rid of him now. It's not gonna be worth it.

I don't know what you're talking about.

- Why shouldn't I have a manager? - A manager? Don't lie to yourself.

If you're going ahead with this, at least don't lie to yourself.

But don't go ahead with it. You don't have to.

Yes, I do.

I've tried it without help. I didn't mind it being hard, Johnny.

I just minded that it didn't work.

Then let me help you.

I'll get you to the right people, and they'll want you.

They won't have to be strong-armed or blackmailed.

They'll want you because you're good. Oh, try it, Ruth. Try it that way.

Johnny, so many guys have wanted to help me.

And they've all been on the make, just like him.

I suppose you're the one who's different.

That's right.

And I mean it. But get yourself free, Ruth.

But I am free. I've made no promises. I'm as free as you are.

- Are you? - Yes.

Prove it.

Let's meet tonight after the show. Have a cup of coffee together.

Just two free people getting together over a cup of coffee. Why not, huh?

All right.

That's us. Be great.

- I'm ready. I'm ready. - Come on. It's time.

Get on there and don't make me out a horse's neck.

I got the place packed with biggies.

Get a load of that. "Ruth Etting, chicago's Sweetheart."

- Mr. Sny... - come on. I'm a nervous wreck.

Excuse me.

Look at the flowers.

Just a little token of the way I feel.

Oh, Marty. Thank you, they're lovely.

Don't thank me and throw me out so quick.

- I have to get dressed. - Make it fast because we gotta celebrate.

- Oh, Marty. - What?

I'm so tired and excited, I don't think I can go out.

Sure, you can. It's all set up.

- A fancy blowout at Al Gaxley's place. - That's way out in Bay cliff.

Yeah, sort of a house party for the weekend. Now, hurry up. We gotta leave.

But, Marty, look, why don't you go ahead without me.

No.

- It's just that I'm so tired. - No.

Not this time, Ruthie.

That's all over.

What are you talking about?

About the way you brush me off. The way you stall me.

Don't think I didn't feel ridiculous at times. In front of Georgie, even.

- Just because... - I didn't get sore. Tell the truth.

Did I ever get sore? Even about not going to Florida?

Now, you wanted to see how far you could get. Fine.

I don't blame you. I give you credit. But that's all.

I understand.

You got me a break, and now...

All right.

I'll go with you.

Now you're talking, baby.

- And then you'll never see me again. - Why?

Because that makes me a tramp, and I'm not. No matter what you think.

Ruthie, you're wrong.

Listen. Well, I'll be honest with you.

When we first started up together, I figured, you know, a pickup. Why not?

Didn't mean nothing.

But lately, a change come over me. I wanna do things for you. I'm anxious.

That's what I was hoping for.

That you would care about me. But you don't.

What do you mean, I don't? I'll show you you're out of your head.

You know that joint across the street where Helen Terral is singing? The oval Room?

Who do you think I had here tonight taking a gander at you? Just the owner, that's all.

A close, personal pal. We're getting together Monday to chew it over.

Now does that sound like I think you're a tr...? A what you said.

You got no idea the plans I've got.

If I go to Al Gaxley's for the weekend.

Well, what do you want of me? I'm human.

I'm stuck on you.

Thank you, Marty.

Now let me be honest with you too.

In the time that I've known you, you've become more important to me than anyone.

And I like you...

...but I'm not stuck on you.

Maybe it's because getting someplace is such a big thing to me.

It seems as if I don't have room for anything else.

Not yet anyway.

Can you understand that?

Yeah, sure, Ruthie. Sure, but...

But when?

I don't know.

If you still want me to go, give me a minute and I'll get dressed.

Take yourself the minute.

We'll go out and get a bite to eat.

Marty...

...you'll never be sorry.

What do you mean?

I'm sorry already.

I'll wait for you out in the car. Only hurry up.

What a day I've had. My feet are killing me.

Hey, Marty.

We're going downtown to get a bite to eat.

Call the restaurant. Tell them to get the champagne ready.

She don't wanna go away with you?

I don't want her to go, how do you like that?

Bay cliff ain't the right kind of place for a girl like her.

- She was great tonight, huh? A knockout. - Yeah, great.

Here.

A little extra. You backed her up good.

Go on, take it.

Get yourself a dame. Have a big time on me.

Table for three for Mr. Snyder. Yeah.

And champagne.

Yeah, that's right, the works. Right.

Come on, Ruthie!

Good night, Johnny.

This is on the level. This is legit.

I don't have to stack the joint no more.

Hey, Marty, Marty! Sit five minutes.

There's things I gotta talk to you about.

You're so busy all the time. For instance, the laundry!

You take care of it. I got confidence in you.

I gotta get back. She'll wonder I'm not there.

Hi.

I want you to meet Mr. Loomis of the Roger Black Agency.

- This is Mr. Snyder. - How do you do?

Mr. Loomis caught the show. He liked it.

He has a booking for me in New York. A club called The Black Hat.

- I hear it stinks. - Well, it's a beginning, Mr. Snyder.

We're not starting at the beginning.

Or maybe I'm out of line. Maybe you're handling your own booking now.

You got it straight? Talk business, talk to me.

- All right. - My card.

Call me up, make an appointment. If I have time, I'll see you.

Well, thank you very much, Mr. Snyder.

- It was nice seeing you, Miss Etting. - Thank you.

- Thank you for coming back. - Oh, it was a pleasure.

Why do you act like that?

- All that man wanted... - Shut up!

Who got you this far, you? Look at me when I'm talking to you!

Knock myself out for you. Show me a little respect.

At least do that much.

You know that Black Hat he's booking you in?

It's a dump. You know where it's located?

So far uptown, it's practically in the Bronx.

You know who goes in there? Dogs!

Now, if you wanna sing for dogs, go ahead. But not with me.

How was I to know that?

- I heard New York. Naturally, I was excited. - New York's crawling with dames can sing.

You know when you're going? After I make their tongues hang out for you.

I've got plans for you so big you wouldn't understand, a hick like you.

What plans?

Look whose tongue is hanging out now.

Well, never you mind what plans. All you gotta do is sing.

The real work, I'll do.

Come on, hurry up, get dressed.

- Who was the guy came out? - Chiselers. Leeches.

You got something good, everybody wants a piece.

Listen, Georgie...

...I wanna put her on the radio.

Find out who the top man is at every station.

Ask around which one we can put the squeeze on.

- You know what I mean? - Yeah, but, Marty...

...wouldn't it be easier to ask them come and listen?

- Bet you anything they'd give her a job. - Think so?

Why not? She sings real good.

At that you might be right...

...but if you ain't and it don't work, I'll guarantee you one thing. I'll brain you.

- Hey, you. You know anything about radio? - Yes, a little.

Good. We're branching out.

- Hi, Johnny. Come in. - Hello.

Oh, he can't make it. I think he had something to do about his laundry.

Anyway, he said for us to go ahead and rehearse.

- Pretty fancy, isn't it? - Yeah.

Marty had it decorated for me as a birthday present.

It's the first real apartment I've ever had. I just love it.

Can I get you a drink or something?

Cup of coffee, maybe?

Not now, thank you.

- Did you go to the radio station? - Yes. I spent the morning...

...outlining the first program.

Oh, Johnny, I still can't believe it.

My own radio program. The best possible time on the air.

And how about you, maestro? Conducting your own orchestra.

Very impressive, both of us.

Ruth...

...what happened when that agent came to see you?

- He had a booking. - That's what I thought.

Well, why didn't you take it?

I'm not ready for it yet.

And Marty will tell you when you're ready?

- He's made no mistakes. - Loomis doesn't make mistakes.

He's the best agent in the business.

He works for you, you pay a commission, and you don't owe him anything.

- Let him handle you. - I don't need him.

- Did Marty tell you that? - I don't need him, because I have Marty.

You have Marty. You'll have him for a long time.

- He'll be right there every step. - Let me tell you something.

When it's right for me, I'll be on my own.

Use him, then ditch him at the strategic moment?

- Charming plan. - What are you talking about?

I don't have any plans. You make it sound as if...

- Why do you always start something? - I don't. I just have an effect on you.

With me, you let yourself look at what you're doing.

Don't blame me if it shocks even you.

Let's go to work.

I'm sick of having you around.

Why don't you quit.

- Tell the Gimp to fire me. - You think I can't?

I know you can. Why don't you?

I don't know.

I don't know.

Suppose I tell you.

Let's find him, Ruth, now. Let's tell him.

No.

There's nothing to tell him.

Nothing's changed.

- Nothing. - Ruth, darling...

Ladies and gentlemen...

I been asking you the same thing for weeks. Is she gonna sign with us again or not?

How long can I stall this sponsor? What does she want?

- Just half of chicago. - Hey, Marty, I got him.

Relax, Brelston. In a couple of minutes, you'll know as much as I do.

Loomis? Go ahead. What?

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

They agreed to everything?

All right. We'll make it. I'll contact you. Yeah.

Yeah, Marty? What she wanted? New York?

- That's swell. When we gonna go? - Couple of days.

I don't know how smart it is. Well, anyway, it's done.

You gotta stay here, Georgie. You gotta mind the laundry.

- Sure. - Look, how far away is New York?

- You'll make visits lots of times. - Yeah.

Well?

- No dice, Brelston. - What do you mean?

What's the sense of half of chicago? She's gonna have all of New York.

Ladies and gentlemen.

I wanna invite you to a party I'm throwing over at the Plaza for Ruthie.

Quiet, I ain't through.

It was on account of winding up the program.

Now it's for something more important. Something Ruthie doesn't know yet.

She's going to New York.

- New York? - She's gonna be in the Ziegfeld Follies!

Congratulations!

- All right, boys. I'll see you at the party. - Oh, Marty.

- Just great. Don't be late. - I'm so excited.

Told you I'd get the best for you.

- Now maybe you'll have a little confidence. - I do have. I always have had.

- You're coming to the party? - I'm sorry, I can't. Thank you.

Pretty good, huh? Ziegfeld?

- Will you be ready to leave? - No, I'm not going to New York.

- What? - I'll meet you at the Plaza, Marty.

Wait a minute, Ruthie. All right, Georgie, take her to the car.

What's the big idea?

I've had another offer out in california. Seems interesting.

Well, there's gratitude for you.

There's nothing I can do for Ruth. She's made it.

- Are you going? - Yeah, I'm going.

You bet your sweet life I'm going.

She's gonna need me the longest day she lives. No matter what you think!

- No matter what I think? - Yeah. And I know what you think.

Her having to do with me. I know what you think about me too.

A jerk, a dumb mug, strictly for laughs.

No. A cheap crook, pushing people around.

- I ever push Ruthie around? - You will, pal. You will.

Wise guy. You know everything. You don't know nothing.

You wouldn't know about how I feel about Ruthie.

A girl like that. You don't know nothing. What I come from, the kind of a place.

Same place I did, Snyder.

Same place, same street, same everything.

Me and 1 ooo other guys, and they don't turn out like you.

And who's she going with?

Answer me that, smart guy.

Who is she going with?

There's only one thing I got against you, you poor slob.

I'm sorry you quit.

I would have liked to fire you.

Come down the steps, now. That's it. Good. Boys, come down farther. Good.

Now, forward. That's it. Arms, boys, arms. That's it.

Keep coming forward.

- I stay here, don't I? - Right there.

That's okay. Just a little bit more forward. That's it.

Fine. All right. Fellas, cross over here. Cross over there.

You stay there, Ruth. We'll fix it later.

That's it. Now, move forward a little. That's it.

Now, you go back. Back. That's it, all the way back.

Now you do the same thing. Coming forward.

Clear the way so she can get through.

Come on, that's it. That's good. Come on, boys.

That's fine. Good. A little bit more.

All right, all right, all right.

- That's all. - All right, lunch, everybody. Back at 2.

- Same number, same people. - Same mistakes.

- I seem to do everything wrong. - No, it's me.

I haven't turned on the magic. Take off the worried face and get lunch.

It's in your dressing room. Mr. Ziegfeld ordered it.

Thank you.

- Doesn't everyone get spoiled rotten? - No, we just choose a select few.

- Bye. - Hey, Trent, don't go!

- I wanna talk to you! - Now, Marty...

oh, Mr. Snyder. I didn't know you were honoring us today.

Today and every day! And I still say it's lousy.

All week I've been trying to tell you.

Look at the way you've been handling her! Guys prancing, hiding her. It's crummy.

Sorry you don't like my work. You'd better tell Mr. Ziegfeld.

I'm telling you. And don't give me that fish eye of yours either.

I know what's good for her and what ain't. Ought to by this time.

- She never made a move I didn't tell her. - I'm sure she found your advice invaluable.

- Perhaps you're more talented than I. - You ain't kidding. You stink!

Fred! This is beginning to lose its amusement value.

- I'll take care of it. - Beat it.

I told you, I don't do business with assistants. I'm talking to him.

No, you're not.

- Why, you... - Just a minute.

- Take your hands off me. - Fred, let me.

Are you out of your mind? You can't act like a hoodlum in here.

You think like Ruthie, it's some church? Mention Ziegfeld, everybody kneels down?

I'm thinking of her. What you're doing to her, what you've been doing to her.

- I gotta look out for her. - They're looking out for her.

They're the best in the business. They'll make a big star out of her.

But you can't shove them around.

Yeah. You don't have to worry about me.

I don't wanna do nothing to hurt Ruthie, but I'm just used to taking care.

- I just can't sit and do nothing for her. - I know, Marty.

And I understand.

- You wanna have a cup of coffee? - Sure. I'd like it.

- As a matter of fact, I'll buy you lunch. - You'll buy?

I'll buy. Come on.

I think I'll go see her for a minute.

No, wait, Marty. Wait till after the show.

Very good, Ruth. Take another bow.

You've got them, you've got them!

Keep with it, Ruth. Keep belting!

- Oh, Miss Etting, you were just wonderful! - Thank you. We have to hurry.

I'm sorry, Mr. Snyder.

- I wanna see Miss Etting. - Sorry, I got orders.

You won't get in trouble. I give you my guarantee.

Wait a minute. Hey, Taylor, come here.

I wanna see Ruth. Tell him it's okay.

She only has a couple of minutes between numbers.

- Out of my way, punk! - Marty, what is it? What's the matter?

I wanna see you. Big shot thinks he can stop me.

If they don't want people backstage...

What are you trying to give me? I've seen people come in.

You make exceptions. Everybody but me?

- You asked for it, you got it. Satisfied? - You been riding me from the beginning.

- One more crack, I'll take you apart! - Marty!

Go away. Go play cops and robbers where they're scared.

This isn't chicago.

Marty, stop it!

Marty! Marty, stop it! Please stop it!

- All right, buster... - Take it easy.

Throw him out! Ruth, come on. It's your cue.

Call a doctor!

All right.

Ruth, get out there!

- Go on! - Outside, buster, come on.

All right, buster, here we go.

Go on!

I don't care how you do it, Georgie! Find a buyer and get rid of it.

Get all you can. I'm depending on you.

I'm pulling Ruth out of the show. She's leaving Ziegfeld.

- I'm what? - I'm fed up!

- Marty! - I've had enough. It's up to here with me.

From now on, I'm number one. You won't be the loser!

I've been on the phone. I've got bookings for you.

Barney, we gotta get out of that contract.

I'll have the dough. I'm selling the laundry.

But there might just be an angle.

Marty, we signed that contract in good faith.

But there is an angle. A good one.

You made us a nice little scandal tonight.

Fred's in the hospital with a broken jaw.

He's lucky he's alive. So what?

- Ziegfeld doesn't want me if you're around. - That don't hurt my feelings!

- He's a bigger jerk if he lets you go for free. - Only I'm not going.

I was a hit tonight. A big hit.

It's a chance to be somebody. It's the Follies. It's Broadway.

It's a chance to meet people and to make friends.

It's what I've wanted, what I worked for. Why should I leave it?

It's what I want, the way it's gonna be!

- You can't tell me what to do! - In a pig's eye, I can't!

- You think I'm Georgie? You own me? - You're right, I own you. Exactly right!

Barney!

Good night, Ruth.

Good night, Marty.

I'm sorry I got angry.

We have a lot to talk about. Let's not shout at each other.

Don't use your ritzy Ziegfeld voice on me.

- Make like you're in the 1 o-cent dance joint! - But I'm not, Marty. That's the whole point!

- I'm where I wanna be. - I ain't good enough.

- I didn't say that! - Well, then, say it!

Have some guts. Say it!

All right! You don't belong here!

- It's the way you act! - The way I've always acted!

I never heard you holler!

It's rotten, dirty, and I hate it!

You hate it?

You're talking to me, baby. Me!

Not Ziegfeld. I know you.

You were right there, working me, begging for more.

Never mind how rotten or dirty!

Maybe I did, but I don't want to go on that way.

- I knew tonight when... - Tonight!

The minute we got here, this started. The minute we got in that theater.

You saw the way they treated me. Those fancy New York jokers.

Like I was nothing. Small potatoes. Like I had no right.

I didn't say nothing. I waited.