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[dramatic music]

[explosion]

[dramatic music]

[coughing]

What happened?

Someone's made a little mistake

and put some chlorine and ammonia together.

I don't think she'll do it anymore.

MARTHA BECK: You again, Severns.

Are you all right?

I think so, Ms. Beck.

I didn't realize it was the ammonia.

Good thing I was there.

She could've been hurt.

What were you doing in here, Jackson?

Why aren't you on the ward where you belong?

Oh.

Now I see what happened.

I don't give a damn what the two of you

do outside this hospital.

But in here, you're as bad as the ammonia and chlorine.

Now get out of here, Jackson!

This is a hospital laboratory, not a motel room.

I don't want to see you in here again.

Do you understand me?

Think I do, Ms. Beck.

Everything's all right.

Go back to your stations.

As for you, Severns, I'll deal with you later.

You've already kept me over time.

I want you in my office first thing tomorrow morning.

I'm sorry, Ms. Beck.

You'll be a lot sorrier if you're ever out of line with me

again.

[dramatic music]

[clatter]

[dramatic music]

Hi, hon.

Oh.

Ooh, Jesus.

Fiery, huh?

And it's only April.

I hope you've got some beer in here.

You're all out.

I thought you were going to keep her at your place.

BUNNY: Well, she said she wanted to lie down.

So I said why don't you go into my bedroom

and lie down till Martha comes home?

Then I could do my housework.

But no. No.

She had to lie down in her own bedroom.

I'm telling you, she's the queen mother.

God, she's a pain in the ass.

She can't help it if she's getting senile.

[inaudible].

Oh, listen.

I'd better give you your mail before I

forget it and walk off with it.

Hm. Thank you.

[music playing]

What?

Who sent this?

I never applied for anything like this.

What's the matter, lovey?

What is this, some kind of April Fools Day joke?

If it is, it stinks.

BUNNY: I thought you were going on a diet.

What are you eating the pretzels for?

Now, you're going to have supper soon.

They're full of salt, and then you start drinking like a fish.

Do you know how fattening that is?

Leave me alone! I'm hungry!

Do you mind?

Jesus, Martha.

I'm sorry.

I-- I never would have sent in your name

if I knew it would upset you like this.

You sent it?

Martha.

What's the matter with my little girl?

Stop it, Mama.

I'm not your little girl!

It isn't some man you're mixed up with, is it?

Oh, Mama, please?

Oh, why don't you leave your daughter alone?

Can't you see how upset she is?

She's been mean to me all day long.

Now I'm going to lie down in my own bed.

MARTHA BECK: That's a good idea, Mama.

I'll call you when supper's ready.

Thanks for the April Fools Day joke.

Oh, come on, Martha.

For Christ's sake, what kind of a friend do you think I am?

Sure, I sent in your name.

What did you do it for?

Will you just look at this?

"No more lonely nights for these two lucky people.

But was it really lucky?

No, it was Aunt Carrie who brought them together.

She can open the door to exciting new friendships

for you.

Why not drop her a line?

It may change your lonely life."

Martha, you just need a man.

OK, honey.

You're a little on the heavy side,

but you're not an old bag, you know.

You could be pretty sexy with the right man.

Come on.

Let's fill it out.

What you got to lose?

Let's see it.

Here.

Before you change your mind.

Come on.

I'll-- I'll help you with it.

Where's a pen?

The cabinet.

You sure this is all right?

BUNNY: What have you got to lose?

God, what questions.

Do I have to tell the truth?

So who's putting you on the witness stand?

I suppose there's no harm in it.

You think someone will really write to me?

Well, there's only one way to find out.

Some day, you might even thank me for this.

[music playing]

Dear Martha, I hope you will allow

me the liberty of addressing you by your Christian name.

To tell you the truth, I don't quite

know how to begin this letter to you, because I must confess,

this is the first letter of this sort I have ever written.

Would you like to know a little bit about me?

I'm 34, and I've been told I'm not a bad looking fellow.

I am in the importing business from Spain, my mother country.

I live alone here in this apartment,

much too large for a bachelor, but I hope someday

to share it with a wife.

RAY FERNANDEZ (VOICEOVER): Why did I choose you

for my debut friendship letter?

Because you are a nurse, and therefore I know

have a full heart with a great capacity for comfort and love.

Your friend, Raymond Fernandez."

[music playing]

RAY FERNANDEZ (VOICEOVER): "I must confess to you,

your charming letters have cheered my life."

MARTHA BECK (VOICEOVER): "Dear Raymond.

Thanks for your picture.

You are exactly as I imagined.

Here is one of me, though it doesn't do me justice."

RAY FERNANDEZ (VOICEOVER): "I want you to call me Ray.

Only one woman ever did that, a childhood sweetheart long ago."

MARTHA BECK (VOICEOVER): "The day I find a letter from you

always goes so much better."

RAYMOND FERNANDEZ (VOICEOVER): "Send me a lock of your hair."

MARTHA BECK (VOICEOVER): "Dearest,

the scarf was so beautiful."

RAYMOND FERNANDEZ (VOICEOVER): "I will try to come

and see you and mother."

MARTHA BECK (VOICEOVER): "I can't wait till you arrive."

[music playing]

Oh, I still can't move.

That was a wonderful dinner.

I made the pecan pie.

RAY FERNANDEZ: Oh.

The very best part of the meal, Mrs. Beck.

MARTHA BECK: You want another drink, Mama?

Another drink?

You don't usually let me have even one.

Well, this is a very special occasion.

[giggling]

What about you, Martha?

You haven't even had your first.

MARTHA BECK: Oh, maybe just a little one.

I'm counting calories.

I'll help you get it.

Sorry Mother's such a nuisance.

I think she's adorable.

Would you think I was terrible if I gave her a sleeping pill?

No.

I want to be alone too.

MARTHA BECK: Here, Mama.

You have to take your vitamin pill.

But I already had my vitamin pill this morning.

No, I forgot to give it to you this morning.

This one looks different.

MARTHA BECK: Just a new kind I got at the hospital.

How she babies me.

RAY FERNANDEZ: You find your record, Mrs. Beck?

Yes, I did.

See?

This is a record I found for Raymond.

I want you to play it because I like him.

He's the nicest beau you ever had, Martha.

[giggling]

He's the Latin from Manhattan.

MARTHA BECK: Oh, Mama.

That's not funny.

No, I think it's charming.

A record in my honor.

Thank you, bella senora.

[latin music]

Who wants to rumba with me?

I do.

I do.

MARTHA BECK: Do it yourself.

We'll watch.

[latin music]

She's asleep.

[latin music]

Let's put her in bedroom.

No.

She won't know a thing.

Here.

Give me your hand.

Don't be a shy nurse.

Darling, please don't cry again.

I wouldn't be able to get on the train.

(CRYING) I can't help it.

I didn't think you'd be going so soon.

If I'm not home when those icons come, C-O-D, I

have lost hundreds of dollars.

I couldn't even add a day if it weren't for your loan.

I would have to be back in New York

today before the banks close.

[train rattling]

[latin music]

[doorbell]

Yes?

DELIVERY MAN: Special delivery for Ms. Beck.

I'm Ms. Beck.

Thank you.

[whistling] [whistling]

[latin music]

Bunny?

Bunny.

Bunny!

Bunny, let me in.

Bunny!

What?

I don't believe it.

Were the police there?

Oh, of course you shouldn't call the police.

You're wonderful, Bunny.

She can't live without me?

Can't I talk to the poor darling?

Oh, no.

She doesn't even know I'm calling.

I'm calling you from my apartment.

Oh.

You don't know how sick she is from all that gas.

We can thank our lucky stars that I got to her in time.

What a story for the newspaper.

What?

Oh, get away from her.

Leave her alone.

Ray?

Um, oh, no.

That with my new little puppy.

He was jumping all over Martha, and I was afraid he

was going to wake her up.

Did I say that?

Oh, well, um, I'm just so nervous.

I don't know what I'm saying.

Oh, no.

She's here in my apartment.

In my bed.

Oh, I wouldn't leave her alone.

I-- I don't know what she'd do.

Oh, no.

She-- she can't talk to you.

She's unconscious.

Uh.

Uh, Ray.

Ray.

I want to die.

I want to die.

I can hear her.

Let me talk to her.

Uh.

Martha.

Martha.

It's me.

It's Bunny.

Bunny?

Ray is on the phone.

Uh.

No, Ray.

She won't come to the phone.

She says you don't love her and she wants to die.

She says you'll read about it in the papers

when she kills herself.

Tell her I love her.

Wait a minute, Ray.

He says he loves you.

Ray, I think she'll come to the phone now.

Hello?

Ray?

Darling?

I didn't mean it.

Ray, listen.

You'd better come down here.

You don't, I'll-- I'll kill myself, I swear.

Oh, I can't get away now, sweetheart.

Would you like to come up here for a little visit?

[footsteps]

You crazy little fool.

[music playing]

Now that you know everything about me, you still love me?

Yes.

You would still commit suicide for me?

Yes.

You don't want to call the police?

You don't want to sue me?

MARTHA BECK: No.

I have to go through with the marriage to the Acker woman.

Wait until after that.

You've got to go back to Mobile anyway.

You can't leave your mother with that woman forever.

Go back to the hospital.

How can I, knowing you're with another woman.

I won't touch her, I promise.

I'll get everything from her before the wedding.

There will be no honeymoon?

I dump her right away.

It's not like this.

And you'll come back to Mobile?

Yes.

We'll work our future out together.

I promise.

[music playing]

All right.

After Mrs. Flynn called to say you'd gone to New York,

I came in here to find the assignment chart.

I'm afraid you left some of your other torrid correspondence

with a Mr. Fernandez in New York.

I think you'd better take it with you.

I don't think our board of directors

would look kindly on our supervisory nurses involved

in a lonely hearts scandal.

How dare you go through my desk?

You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

I am not so sure Hitler wasn't right about you people.

Ms. Beck, get out of here before I forget I'm

a gentleman.

You bet I'm getting out of here!

And don't make that check out to Martha Beck.

Make it out to Mrs. Raymond Fernandez.

What do you think I am?

I went to New York to be married!

Two can live as cheaply as one, darling.

Let me congratulate the groom.

Hi.

This is Bunny, Ray?

What do you mean, stealing the best

friend a girl could ever have?

Yeah.

Now, listen-- now that you two have been spliced, I-- spliced.

Married, Ray?

Uh huh.

Now, don't you be a stranger, hear?

OK.

Here she is.

Hi.

You told her we're married?

Uh huh.

Mama too.

Jesus, Martha.

I got to New Jersey next week to marry Doris Acker.

How am I going to bring her back here if you're here?

It's impossible.

You know I've got to continue my business!

Don't worry.

I'll think of something.

MRS. BECK: [crying]

Now what's the matter?

Oh, that's Mama.

She doesn't want to go to New York.

Martha, that's completely out of the question.

I mean it.

Look, you say you love me.

OK.

That you are going to kill yourself

if you can't come up here.

OK.

But you can't bring the old lady.

What else am I going to do with her?

Get rid of her!

Choke her!

I don't care what the hell you do with her,

but you can't bring her up here.

You understand?

MARTHA BECK (ON PHONE): Yeah.

I understand.

[slam]

NURSE: I'll wait outside, Mrs. Fernandez,

while you say goodbye to her.

MARTHA BECK: I have to go now, Mama.

Go.

Go!

I never want to see you again.

Mama, don't talk like that.

You're leaving me here to die.

Now that you have a husband, you want to be rid of me.

I told you, Mama.

I'll have to find a job when I get to New York.

Someone has to look after you.

Don't worry.

As soon as Ray and I are settled,

we'll come back for you.

It's a lie.

It's a lie.

You want to be rid of me.

You're digging my grave because you're

killing me by leaving me here.

[crying]

You're killing me!

MARTHA BECK: Goodbye, Mama.

Martha.

Don't go.

I'm sorry for what I said.

Take me with you!

I won't be any trouble, I promise you.

Please don't leave me.

I say, Martha!

Martha, don't go!

It's too bad when they get senile.

You can begin billing me at the first of the month

at the New York address.

Goodbye.

Goddamn you.

Goddamn you!

I hope you end up like this!

I hope someone does this to you!

[dramatic music]

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE: And so by virtue of the authority

vested in me as justice of the peace of Morris County, New

Jersey, I hereby pronounce you, Doris Acker, and you, Raymond

Fer-- Fernandez man and wife.

You may kiss the bride.

Aren't you going to congratulate me,

too, Mrs. Beck?

Oh, I think you should call my sister Martha.

Martha.

Your car rides very well, Doris.

Our car, darling.

[car engine]

Goodbye, Morris Town High School!

See you in the fall.

I can't wait to see the expression on my kids' faces

when I tell them.

Boys and girls, from now on you are to address me

as Mrs. Fernandez.

Did they think you would stay a spinster forever?

Is something wrong with that word, darling?

Oh.

My English.

Doesn't that mean maiden?

Oh!

You are adorable.

I just can't wait to see our apartment.

(SINGING) Oh, beautiful, for spacious skies,

for amber waves of grain.

For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plains!

America!

America!

God shed his grace on thee!

And crown thy good with brotherhood--

Ray?

Darling?

Where are you?

In the living room, Doris.

DORIS: Bring me a towel, love.

Are you coming out now?

DORIS: No.

The bride's going to take a nice soak.

But I miss you, sweetie.

Bring me a towel.

We're married, you know.

Oh, come on.

You've seen it before.

RAY FERNANDEZ: Darling.

DORIS: [giggling]

[chatter]

DORIS: [giggling]

DORIS: I'll be out in a little while, lover.

DORIS (SINGING): Glory, glory, hallelujah.

Glory, glory, hallelujah.

Glory, glory, hallelujah, his troop is marching on.

Too quick.

Too quick!

What's too quick?

You shouldn't have taken her things last night.

You should have left them for me to do later,

the way I always do.

Now she wants them back.

She's furious!

Where is she?

RAY FERNANDEZ: In the bedroom.

She's packing.

[clatter]

Good morning.

I'm leaving!

Already?

That was a pretty short honeymoon.

Honeymoon?

You ought to tell your brother what's supposed

to happen on a honeymoon.

Before I go, I want my rings and my money belt.

Your what?

My two rings and my money belt with the $2,000 in it.

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

Somebody took them.

MARTHA BECK: Now, see here.

Do you know what happens to people

who make false accusations?

They get sued.

I want my rings and my money!

You lower your voice.

You're not in your classroom now.

You give me back my things or I'll make plenty of trouble

for you.

How dare you talk to my brother like that!

And as for trouble, I wonder what

the principal of your school would

say if he say some of those letters

you wrote to my brother.

I tell you, I was shocked to see such things

from a schoolteacher.

Don't they have a PTA out there?

I'm leaving now.

I guess I'm lucky I still have my car keys.

So who's stopping you?

Why don't you let your brother talk for himself?

You act more like a mother than a sister.

Ray, you haven't said one word.

Are you afraid of her or something?

Get out of here!

I'm going.

This isn't the end.

You'll hear from my lawyer.

Get the hell out of here!

[door slam]

Boy, was she a slob.

Took me half an hour to clean up that bedroom.

Think I'll put this on.

Might get cold on that boat.

Oh, I'm finally going to get to see New York.

And a boat ride is the best way to do it.

Who's that to?

A lady from Missouri.

Myrtle Young.

Come on. Let's go, let's go, let's go.

What do you want to write her for?

Because she'll give me $4,000 to marry her.

Isn't that a good enough reason?

Hm.

Here, you can hold this while I lock the door.

Charles Martin.

Where did you think of that name?

All she wants is a husband around when

her bambino is born so her mother

and father won't disinherit.

She's through with men.

Oh.

They all say that after they've been knocked up.

Knocked up?

Pregnant.

Oh.

MARTHA BECK: Write her that you'll marry her.

In your next letter, you better tell her

that your married sister, Mrs. Beck, is coming along with you.

Excellent idea, Mrs. Beck.

[footsteps]

Well, this is it, kids.

No Tara.

It's not even Little Rock.

Your parents have a nice place there?

Oh, you bet.

And if it wasn't for a certain married son of a bitch

down there, I would be home right now.

Certainly is a small apartment.

Well, it's the best I could do.

I didn't know you were coming till last week.

Well, I wish you'd gotten a place with twin beds.

I don't like sharing the double bed.

Anyhow, not with a woman.

Well, you could always sleep in here.

After all, Charles and I are married.

You know, you are much cuter than your picture.

No, no, no, no.

Not cuter.

Let's say, uh, sexier.

I thought you were through with men.

You sound just like my mama.

Oh!

Say, I think I will phone Mama and Papa.

Well, now that I can produce a husband,

I might just as well start the reconciliation.

What reconciliation?

Well, I'll give them the address.

They still don't even know where I am.

Then I will introduce them to their new son-in-law

right on the phone!

My dark and handsome husband.

[laughter]

And little old sister nurse who has

come all the way from New York just to take care of me

while I have my baby.

Wait till tomorrow, Myrtle.

I'm too tired to charm them.

Oh.

I think we should all go to sleep now.

Oh, well-- well in that case, I'll just run down and lock

up my new second hand car.

I want to fetch up something for Charles anyway.

I'll be right back, folks.

Was all the money in the envelope?

Every cent.

She was as good as her word.

Well, now we got to get out of here.

Oh, Martha. That's not fair.

Not fair?

Why wait around till she tells her parents about us?

That wasn't part of the deal.

I think we ought to get out of here before something happens.

I'll talk her out of that in the morning.

Well, I don't like her.

Martha, we are exhausted.

At least let's stay the night.

MYRTLE YOUNG: [humming]

Look out. Here she comes.

MYRTLE YOUNG: [humming]

I don't know what you two people are going to do,

but I'm going to take a bath.

Here, Charles.

I brought you up your wedding present.

A present?

That wasn't necessary.

Well, for whatever the reason, we are married.

All signed, sealed, and legal, right?

Of course.

Of course.

And I must say, you did keep your part of the bargain.

Open up your present.

I'm dying to see it on you.

Something to wear?

Open it up.

You'll see.

[paper ripping]

Oh, darling.

You look irresistible.

It's not bad, is it?

It's all gone.

Hm.

I wonder why I never thought of that.

What's going on in here?

How do you like your brother with his new little addition?

What, a wig?

Oh, it's not a wig.

It-- that is a hair piece, Martha.

I think he looks divine in it.

Where did you get it?

I, uh, bought it in New York just before we left.

I thought it would be amusing to change my appearance a little.

Well, it doesn't look too bad.

I'll just have to get used to it, I guess.

Well, I think we should all go to bed now.

Myrtle, why don't you take a nice hot bath?

Well, now, what is that supposed to mean?

What, do I smell or something?

No, no, no.

My sister didn't mean anything, yes.

She's so used to her hospital routine.

Well, I am going to make up my bed.

Goodnight, ladies.

I didn't mean that the way it sounded.

There's nothing better than a good, hot soak.

It really relaxes you.

Why don't you try it?

Well, maybe I will.

I do feel a little peaked.

[water running]

She's in the bath tub.

Not now. I'm tired.

She might come in.

You didn't care with Doris Acker.

We made plenty of mistakes that night.

Now go to bed.

Keep your hands off her things.

This whole thing must be handled with a little savoir faire,

and you don't have it.

You understand?

[water running]

[dramatic music]

Martha?

Martha?

You up?

[dramatic music]

MYRTLE YOUNG: [giggling]

You don't mind, do you?

I knew you wouldn't.

RAY FERNANDEZ: OK, now.

MYRTLE YOUNG: Yes.

RAY FERNANDEZ: Go to bed, my dear.

MYRTLE YOUNG: Yes.

RAY FERNANDEZ: And we'll talk about our marriage

in the morning.

Martha.

Martha, I told you--

Oh.

Martha.

Oh, that's strange.

Why did I call you Martha?

Go back to bed now.

I can't sleep.

I thought maybe we could talk.

I told you, we'll talk in the morning.

OK.

Let's not talk.

Ah, ah, ah.

Oh, what's wrong?

Can't you see I'm crazy about you?

My sister is in the oth--

Oh, she's fast asleep.

We can-- come on, why don't you explore a little bit?

Oh, come on.

Don't be so shy.

Gosh, you can't get me in any more trouble than I'm in,

so let's have some fun.

[giggling]

Not now.

Jeez.

You act like a little old virgin boy!

Shh.

That sister of yours mothers you too much.

You want me to be your little old southern mammie, huh?

Come on, honey, baby.

Want some sugar, huh?

[kissing]

That's nice.

Mm hm.

[dramatic music]

OK, now go to sleep and stay there.

Now promise me you'll stay there.

Oh, you are a meanie weenie.

- OK? - Yeah. Promise.

OK, go.

What's the matter? Can't you sleep?

You woke me up.

MYRTLE YOUNG: Oh, I'm sorry.

I guess I'm just restless.

You want a sleeping pill?

I've got some.

You have any other kind?

What do you mean?

Never mind.

You wouldn't.

You're too square.

[sigh]

You sigh a lot, don't you?

In nursing school, they taught us that people who sigh a lot

are unstable.

Is that your problem?

No.

I was just thinking about your brother.

And how handsome he looked in that toupee I gave him.

He lied to you.

I don't believe it.

He never lies to me.

I think he's a little bit afraid of you.

That's probably why he never married before.

[giggling]

I bet I'm going to have to show him what to do.

You must be sure an authority.

Well, I am pregnant.

Not only are you pregnant, you are disgusting.

You're the hottest bitch I've ever seen!

I don't have to take that from you.

And let me tell you something.

I'm in love with your brother, and if we decide

to make a go of this marriage, which I think we'll do,

and sooner than you think, well, we'll

get out of here before you can say Jack Robinson.

We will go to Little Rock.

Well, as a matter of fact, I will

make all the arrangements on the phone with my papa tomorrow.

Charles will fit right in there.

He has style.

And you, you can go right back to that-- that--

that hospital of yours where you can boss everybody around!

Now I'm going back to my husband.

[dramatic music]

[door slam]

Damn it, Martha.

What have you been saying to Myrtle?

Well, we've been talking about quite a few things.

Well, what?

Well, mostly she's worried about whether you can screw

or not.

She didn't talk about anything like that.

She certainly did.

God damn it, [inaudible].

You see?

You should have stayed in New York.

I never should have let you come.

Sure!

Then you could do what she wants!

Martha, one woman carrying on in there,

another woman carrying on in here.

Christ almighty, I'm earning my $4,000 tonight.

Now, look.

This is the third time she came to me.

If I wanted to screw her, she would be satisfied by now.

I want her to go to sleep.

Is that all you want from her?

That's all, for Christ's sakes.

Then here. Give her these.

Tell her that they're the kind of pills she was asking for.

I-- I-- I don't feel any breathing, Charles.

Oh.

Oh, I'm so sick.

As-- as soon as I took all them pills, I-- I was--

Once the bus starts, you go to sleep.

By the time you get to Little Rock,

oh, you'll feel much better.

Don't worry.

What-- what's the matter with me, Charles?

What's the matter with me?

Am I-- am I gonna die from all those pills?

No.

Myrtle.

Don't be silly.

Relax.

You must have been allergic to them.

Why-- why are you putting me all alone on the bus.

I'm so sick, Charles.

I don't want to go by myself.

Charles.

I told you--

I--

Now listen, listen.

I'll call your mother and father and tell them to meet the bus.

Ah.

And then I'll drive your car down with all

the rest of your things.

OK?

And-- will you-- don't bring her along.

I'm afraid of her.

Don't bring her along.

No, no, no.

She's going back to New York.

Oh.

I'll come all by myself.

Hm?

Just the two of us?

OK?

Oh.

Oh, I'm so sick, Charles.

Oh, I feel-- I feel so terrible.

I feel so terrible, Charles.

Look, it's almost time now.

I got to go.

I--

[moaning]

Go to sleep.

[moaning]

Go to sleep.

[moaning]

[car engine]

Miss?

What's the matter?

[dramatic music]

Oh my god.

She's dead.

[dramatic music]

Hello?

Operator?

Yes, I'd like to make a collect call to Ms. Evelyn Long.

205 Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Be careful.

You'll strain yourself.

Don't be silly.

Very nice here, but I wish it was just the two of us.

You told me the picture she sent you of her

was taken 20 years ago.

Yeah.

Most of them do that.

How did I know she was going to be different?

You didn't tell me I'd have to stay at a motel all by myself.

Well, I didn't know that her house

was going to be full of guests for the music concerts.

Well, why can't you stay at the motel too?

Come on, Martha.

How does that look?

Anyway.

You're not going to marry her.

You promised.

We'll go back to New York and find a nice little house

in the suburbs, OK?

RAY FERNANDEZ: Uh huh.

You also didn't know when she sent you

that picture of her mansion, it was only just a boarding house,

did you?

OK, Martha.

What the hell are you complaining about?

People who have houses in the suburbs

are supposed to take summer vacations.

So we're having ours.

What kind of a vacation is it for me?

I'm not going back to the hot city yet.

[water splashing]

Here comes lunch.

Ah.

Oh.

And I should've let your brother help me get it.

I didn't realize it was so heavy.

Ah.

Hm.

Well, I'm hot.

I think I'll join Ray.

Will you come?

Later.

[water splashing]

EVELYN LONG: Here I come!

Ready or not!

Yeah.

Come on.

Woo!

It's nice, huh?

[water splashing]

Come out here.

[giggling]

Oh.

Woo!

Oh!

[splashing]

[giggling]

EVELYN LONG: Oh, it's cold!

Woo!

RAY FERNANDEZ: That was wonderful, Martha.

EVELYN LONG: Oh.

RAY FERNANDEZ: You should really try it.

Yeah.

Maybe I will.

EVELYN LONG: Ah.

RAY FERNANDEZ: Oh.

EVELYN LONG: Oh.

Martha, I don't think you're having a very good time.

Well, since you ask.

I don't like staying at that motel by myself.

I know.

And I do feel terrible.

But this is the last week of Tanglewood,

and then everybody will go home, and then I'll have room for you

too.

I was lucky I even had room enough for Ray.

Well, I have slept in the same room with my brother before.

That was long ago, when we still children.

Shall we have our picnic?

I'm starved.

Well, I'm hot.

Think I'll go in and cool off.

Yeah, good.

Go ahead, Martha.

Evelyn and I will get the picnic ready.

[water splashing]

I'm really sorry she doesn't seem

to be having a very good time.

Don't be silly.

I wish I could do something to please her.

She's moody.

It's not your fault. Hey.

Hey.

She's enjoying the water.

[splashing]

Want to know something?

What?

RAY FERNANDEZ: You lie down here, no one can see you.

Well, that's a fascinating piece of information.

What's that supposed to mean?

RAY FERNANDEZ: Why don't you try it and find out?

All right.

I will.

[giggling]

You promised!

RAY FERNANDEZ: What is it?

EVELYN LONG: She saw us.

Look.

You promised!

[dramatic music]

[splashing]

Martha! Come back!

Where is she going?

Ray, make her come back.

Martha!

Please come back!

[dramatic music]

EVELYN LONG: What's the matter with her, Ray?

I can't understand what's the matter with her.

Martha.

Please, please come back!

She's out too far.

She-- she doesn't swim that well.

[dramatic music]

Oh my god.

Martha!

Martha!

[dramatic music]

WOMAN (VOICEOVER): Oh, what's the matter with my little girl?

[garbled voice]

[garbled screaming]

Raymond!

My-- Ray!

Ah, Ra--

[dramatic music]

MAN (VOICEOVER): [garbled voice]

RAY FERNANDEZ (VOICEOVER): OK, Martha.

I'm not going back to the hot city yet.

EVELYN LONG (VOICEOVER): Here I come, ready or not!

Here I come, ready or not!

Here I come, ready or not!

Here I come, ready or not!

[splashing]

You crazy little fool.

Come here.

I didn't mean it.

I didn't mean it.

Are you all right?

Are you all right?

Here, here.

Hold on, dear.

Hold on.

[splashing]

MARTHA BECK: [whimpering]

You crazy fool.

[crying]

You crazy fool.

[kissing]

I didn't mean it.

I didn't mean it.

[kissing]

[panting]

[music playing]

[kissing]

[music playing]

RAY FERNANDEZ: You crazy little fool.

[car engine]

We're in New York state.

Don't be angry with me.

You know, I'm the one who should be angry.

Do you realize that with your stupid jealousy,

you could have got me into trouble?

Huh?

You want me to go to jail?

I'd rather see you in jail than on that blanket

making love to another woman.

You know, you go to jail too.

Knowing that you were locked up away from other women,

I'd go too.

I-- I think we'd better get you that house in the suburbs.

Hello, Lucy?

Janet.

Did I wake you?

I'm so excited.

Listen.

I finally got a letter.

No, you don't understand.

The club.

Charles Martin.

Isn't that cute?

Well, that's the only thing.

He's a little on the young side.

Well, 45, Lucy.

Oh, dear.

And I lied and gave him my age as 56.

But it's such a sweet letter.

Well, now, listen, Lucy.

He lives with his sister, and she

picked my name out of the list.

She told him to write me.

No, dear.

His sister.

Oh, no.

They don't live in Albany.

Oh, wait a minute.

Valley Stream, Long Island.

That's a suburb of New York City.

He even sent me a picture of the house.

Yes, well, remember, Lucy.

Not a word about all this to Albert and Sarah.

I promised I'd forget the friendship club.

But there's no harm in writing to somebody who's so gentle

and-- and refined, and whose sister's a nurse.

Ah.

Yeah, don't they sound wonderful?

Well, of course I'm going to answer.

This is his first letter through the club, and to me.

He's so cute.

He calls it his debut letter.

All right.

What's your advice?

Oh, you're right.

I was going to answer right away.

You don't think a week's too long?

I wouldn't want to hurt his feelings, not for the world!

RAY FERNANDEZ: Any answer from Fay?

No, just bills.

Her name has been on the list for as long as I can remember.

You'd think the old fool would jump

when she finally got a nibble.

You should have let me write the letter by myself.

Maybe it wasn't convincing enough.

MARTHA BECK: We haven't paid December for my mother.

They're getting nasty.

Oh, god.

We could use her $10,000.

MARTHA BECK: Maybe she's out of town.

She'll answer.

Yeah, maybe.

I'd better get back in touch with the Downing woman.

No.

I'm not going to Michigan.

Besides, she's too young.

RAY FERNANDEZ: What do you mean, too young?

You know what I mean.

Darling, it's 10 o'clock in the morning.

It's because you're making me nervous!

You're nervous?

How do you think I feel sitting around here day after day.

I've even taken to reading these stupid magazines of yours!

I thought this was what you wanted.

RAY FERNANDEZ: What I wanted?

You wanted this house.

You almost drowned yourself to get it.

I suppose the next thing you'll do

is cut your wrists so I'll go out and get a job.

Stop it!

Or turn on the gas like the first time.

Stop it.

Maybe you want me dead!

Dead.

I'm dead.

Finished!

They call this place Valley Stream.

What a joke.

One little jail after another with 10 feet of grass

between them.

Valley Stream.

I hate it here.

We could go someplace else.

Where can we go?

Can't even afford to pay for this rotten little house.

I could go back to nursing.

How are we going to live on that?

Besides, no woman's going to support me.

No!

I have to go back to work, and I can't invest everything in one

old lady you choose for me.

Besides, I detest old ladies!

I'm going to write to Delphine Downing today.

Look, I told you.

When we get enough money, we can get married and go

someplace far away from here.

Settle down.

Someplace nice.

Not Valley Stream.

When?

If you do as I say, it could be soon.

[kissing]

Maybe Fay will answer.

Yeah, maybe.

But if not, we go to Michigan.

If you love me, you'll do it.

[car engine]

[music playing]

I want to meet her alone this afternoon.

I don't want to bring you into the picture

until I see how I'm going to work, if you understand?

MARTHA BECK: Yes.

I'll tell her that your tired from the trip,

and that you're resting.

You think of the $10,000 while I'm gone.

That'll help pass the time more quickly.

And then tonight, we'll celebrate the new year,

just the two of us.

We'll go someplace nice.

OK?

MARTHA BECK: What are you doing in there?

You'll see.

Here I come.

All set.

How do I look?

MARTHA BECK: Hm, a little too old for me.

But good enough to eat.

Hm.

You know, I think I will rest.

I'm tired.

Wish me luck, and think of that $10,000.

[music playing]

[door clattering]

What happened?

First I got to pee.

I'm dying.

MARTHA BECK: What were you holding your hand for?

RAY FERNANDEZ: Where do you find a bathroom in a church?

MARTHA BECK: What were you doing in a church?

RAY FERNANDEZ: We went to pray together,

and we lit a candle for the dear departed Mr. Fay, whose loving

spirit brought us together.

MARTHA BECK: She sounds senile.

RAY FERNANDEZ: Hm.

And getting near that age.

She is at least 10 years older than she said.

65 if she's a day.

MARTHA BECK: She didn't think you were too young for her?

Not at all.

I remind her of the late and lamented

Mr. Fay when they were married.

She doesn't seem to realize how long ago that must have been.

She says we have so much in common

that a little difference of age doesn't matter.

You should have seen her face when

I said I was also a Catholic.

[laughing]

Who know who she reminds me of?

MARTHA BECK: Who.

Your mother.

My mother's not Catholic.

Well, you better be tomorrow when you meet Janet.

MARTHA BECK: Tomorrow?

Yes.

We're spending the day with her, to celebrate the new year.

What about the $10,000?

She's got it, and she can't stop talking about it.

She tells me everything.

It's in cash and in three banks.

And don't you worry.

I'll get it from the silly old bitch.

Got to work fast, though.

Very good.

Who we got to watch out for is the-- the daughter

and the husband.

Yes.

And now what would you like to do most

the last time in the old year?

Guess.

I'm not too old for you, man of 45?

No.

You're not.

50 nurses under your supervision.

Martha, I don't know how you do it.

Isn't she wonderful, Lucy?

So much responsibility and so young.

I should say so.

I don't know how the hospital can do without you

for a whole month, Mrs. Beck.

Well, I just had to come up and spend some time

with my successful brother.

When he wrote me about the new house he was buying,

I said to myself, I've got to go up there

and talk him out of the idea.

At least if he was married.

He's my older brother, but he can be impractical.

I guess that's because of your European upbringing, Charles.

Yes, Janet.

And my sister was fortunate, being brought up in America.

Although the separation was terrible for us.

Well, I'm glad.

You're so debonair, so-- sort of cute with your little accent.

And even though you speak differently,

I'd know you were brother and sister anywhere.

Wouldn't you, Janet?

Oh, yes.

They're like two peas in a pod.

I'm having such a good time with these people,

I hate to go.

But I know the three of you have lots to do.

Can I tell her, Charles?

Go ahead.

Lucy, Charles and I are going to be married.

Janet, that's wonderful!

I can't believe it.

You're the first to know, except for Martha, of course.

Oh, it's like a dream.

I can't believe it.

After all these years.

Well, it's not a dream, and you're right.

The three of us have a lot to discuss.

So I'd better run along.

Of course, I'll phone you later this evening.

I won't be here.

Tonight, I'm taking Charles and Martha to dinner.

Oh, how nice.

But call me early tomorrow morning before mass, hm?

Goodbye, you two.

It's been a treat meeting you.

Congratulations.

And Happy New Year!

Well, how did you like the hat she had on?

I made it.

RAY FERNANDEZ: I know, dear.

You wrote me all about them.

Would you like to see a new one I just made for myself?

MARTHA BECK: Oh, I'd love to, Janet.

RAY FERNANDEZ: Yes, indeed.

All right.

I'll model it for you.

Oh.

MARTHA BECK: Oh, it's beautiful, Janet.

Well, I made it myself.

Don't you think it's cute?

I do think it's adorable.

[music playing]

Well, Janet, with a talent like that,

you are missing your golden opportunity.

Of course.

If you had a little shop in New York.

Well, it would have to be in an inexpensive neighborhood.

Where the rent would be reasonable, like,

uh, Valley Stream.

Oh, Janet.

What a business you could have for yourself.

A business?

Well, she'd just rake in the money, wouldn't she, Charles?

She would indeed.

Of course, you would need some capital to get started, dear.

How much money do you think she'd need, Charles?

Oh, I'd say about, uh, $10,000.

Janet.

If you decide to do this, don't worry about money.

I have a little savings at home.

What better use could I put it to than to help

you get started?

Oh, Martha.

How sweet.

Oh, how sweet you are, dear.

But I don't need it.

She doesn't know I have the money, does she, Charles?

MARTHA BECK: How wonderful, Janet.

Now, you two, just help yourselves

to whatever your hearts desire.

It's my treat.

My, $1.85 for a veal cutlet.

I think I'll have a pork chop.

It's a better buy.

Pork chop, please.

But have whatever you want, Charles.

Don't let me influence you.

You too, Martha.

I'll have the pork chop also, please.

And don't skimp on his potatoes like you did on mine.

What'll you have, Martha, dear?

I'll have the veal cutlet.

I don't care for pork chops.

Veal cutlet for her.

And go easy on the gravy.

It looks starchy.

Full of flour.

I know this place.

I eat here all the time.

No.

No.

That's not the dessert.

They're over this way.

Come along.

I wish I'd known you were going to sweep me off my feet

and take me to New York with you.

Why, dear?

Oh, because I never would have paid the hotel for January.

Here it is, only the 1st.

I'll be checking out on Monday.

Think I'll get me another cup of coffee.

Oh, here, dear.

Let me give you the dime.

Forget it, Janet.

I might want something else.

That girl eats too much.

Well, she always have a healthy appetite.

We could have left first thing tomorrow,

but, uh, you want to go to mass.

Oh, yes.

And then you do want to take your money out of the banks

first thing Monday morning.

You might need some for the purchase of the hat shop.

And as I told you, you get a much better interest rate

at my bank in Valley Stream.

Oh, yes.

Of course.

And then we leave immediately for your new home.

Ah.

[giggling]

Well, I'm afraid we're not going to make it to Valley

Stream before the banks close.

You see?

We shouldn't have stopped all that time for that big lunch.

It wasn't necessary.

Not at all.

I told you, Janet.

I get nauseous riding on an empty stomach.

Did you want me to throw up?

Oh, dear.

Besides, you took an awfully long time at the bank.

It would have been much quicker if you'd taken

all the money out in cash.

And run around with $10,000?

That's cute.

Really, Martha, you don't have as

much common sense as I thought.

I want my two best girls to stop arguing this very minute.

I think I'll look at my beautiful pictures for a while.

You sure there's a nice place for them?

Oh, yes. Of course.

We'll hang them up this evening.

Good.

That's the only thing in Albany I'll miss, my lovely church.

Everything I have goes to them, you know.

There's a nice Catholic church in Valley Stream, too.

I'm sure you'll like it.

I know I will.

But I'll miss St. Agnes.

Of course, I'll miss Albert and Sarah, too.

Do you really think it was right, leaving like this

without telling them a word?

Sure.

Think of the exciting surprise it will

be tomorrow when you call them and tell them,

I am now Mrs. Charles Martin.

Mrs. Charles Martin.

Martin's Hat Shop.

Isn't that cute?

[music playing]

There they are, safe and sound in your new home.

That was a delicious supper, Martha.

You sure I can't help you, now that we have the pictures up?

No, dear.

You and Charles have business to attend to.

Go ahead and use the table if you like.

I'll clean up in the kitchen.

That's a good idea.

Janet, why don't you get your purse?

We can go over everything together right now.

All right.

[water running]

RAY FERNANDEZ: Fine.

I suggest you deposit it in one lump sum, like that.

But you'd better keep $1,000 in cash,

in cash we find a nice store for you.

They might not take a check.

Even with your efforts here?

I don't know everyone in Valley Stream, darling.

All right.

But the jewelry goes in a safe deposit box.

RAY FERNANDEZ: Ah.

Not until after the wedding.

I want my bride to look her very loveliest.

JANET FAY: Oh, yes.

Of course.

[water running]

Now, what are you writing on those sheets of paper?

RAY FERNANDEZ: I have a marvelous idea.

JANET FAY: Surprise?

RAY FERNANDEZ: Just sign your name at the bottom of the page.

JANET FAY: And then what happens?

RAY FERNANDEZ: And then I take them out tonight

and I mail them.

One to your daughter, Sarah.

One to Lucy.

And one to Father Nicholas at St. Agnes.

They get them tomorrow morning.

What's this from Janet, they say?

Surprise!

What does that mean?

Then they ring each other up on the telephone.

Surprise?

What's the surprise?

And then first thing tomorrow morning, we print

up some wedding announcements.

Mr. And Mrs. Charles Martin take pleasure

in announcing their marriage, January 3,

in Valley Stream, Long Island.

Mrs. Martin is the former Janet Fay of Albany, New York.

After a wedding trip to Miami, Florida,

they will make their home in Valley Stream,

Long Island, New York.

A wedding trip?

To Miami, Florida?

Janet, I might as well tell you now,

that was my surprise for you.

Oh.

Oh, Charles.

How wonderful!

Surprise.

[laughing]

What a cute idea.

RAY FERNANDEZ: While you have your fountain pen in hand,

why don't you endorse the checks?

JANET FAY: Endorse them tonight?

RAY FERNANDEZ: Well, I have to be out of the house very early

in the morning to get the wedding

announcements printed in time.

I could stop at the bank first thing

and put them in for you, hm?

Oh, Charles.

You better hide them.

Oh, yes.

At a nice secret place in the cellar.

I'll take them down there this very minute.

And now, why don't you address the envelopes

for the surprise letters so I can

mail them when I come back up?

We need another surprise letter for my nephew in Utica.

Fine!

Do a few more.

We can always use an extra one or two.

Martha, you better come down the cellar with me.

You can help me hide Janet's checks.

JANET FAY: Don't you want me to help, dear?

No, darling.

It's very dark down there.

You might hurt yourself on the stairs.

You finish addressing your letters while we do it.

JANET FAY: All right.

If I didn't see it, I wouldn't believe it.

What do you mean, you wouldn't believe?

You saw.

That's what you get for being kind to a woman

and giving her affection.

I bolted the door from the inside.

[clattering]

JANET FAY: Charles?

What's the matter?

I can't open the door.

[clattering]

Are you all right down there?

One minute, Janet.

I'll be right up.

Be right back.

[rattling]

RAY FERNANDEZ: Ah, the catch slipped.

We're locked in down here.

Oh, dear God.

Can't I open it from this side?

[rattling]

RAY FERNANDEZ: No, Janet.

It won't open.

My goodness.

Shall I get help?

No, no.

There's an outside entrance down here from the back yard.

But it's locked also.

It's going to take me some time to get it open, dear.

You might as well get ready for bed in the meantime.

Oh, poor Martha.

She's so tired.

Oh, she's fine.

Martha doesn't mind a bit.

[dramatic music]

What's the matter?

Can't you sleep?

No.

I'm terribly restless.

I guess I'm not used to a strange bedroom.

Do you want a sleeping pill?

No.

No.

I never take pills, not even aspirin.

That's too bad.

Oh, I'm keeping you up.

I'm sorry.

You must be tired, locked up in the cellar for over an hour.

Janet, what's worrying you?

Well, the outside cellar door.

The one you and Charles got out of.

Do you recall whether you locked that behind you?

We have quite a bit of money here in the house

to be sleeping with the door unlocked.

All the doors are locked tight.

Now go back to sleep.

You have a big day tomorrow.

I'll try.

Well, do you think poor Charles is all right,

on that little couch in there?

He's fine.

Now do you have any more questions,

or can I go to sleep?

Well, if you weren't so tired, I would like

to have a little talk with you.

About what?

Well, about your brother.

And about you too, I suppose.

What about us?

Well, here I am sleeping under the same roof with you

and I hardly know you.

What do you want to know about us?

Well, I really know hardly anything about Charles.

Well, about his past, for instance.

Don't you think 2:00 in the morning is a little

late for family histories?

Well, here I've endorsed all my checks,

and now I don't even know where they are.

For God's sakes, Janet.

You asked him to hide them for you in the cellar.

I know, but now I don't even know where they are.

And you were down there such a long time.

We were locked in!

I know.

But right after you came up, Charles went out

to mail my letters and you and I came to bed,

and nobody told me where you put them.

MARTHA BECK: Do you want me to take you down there

and show them to you?

JANET FAY: Yes.

MARTHA BECK: Well, I'm not going to!

Storm the kitchen after supper, don't you remember?

JANET FAY: Well, maybe Charles isn't asleep yet.

Maybe he'll show them to me.

MARTHA BECK: I wouldn't repeat to my brother

some of the things you just said to me.

I don't think he'd want to marry a woman who doesn't trust him.

Now you get back into bed and go to sleep,

and I won't tell him about this conversation.

I can't sleep.

I'm very upset.

What are you upset about now?

Oh, I should have called Albert and Sarah.

I should have told them what I was doing.

They probably phoned the hotel and were told I checked out.

They're probably worried to death about me

right this minute.

They'll get the surprise letters in the morning.

How do you know about the surprise letters?

You weren't even in the room when we did them.

I overheard you from the kitchen.

Why were you eavesdropping on us?

Janet, what's the matter with you?

I wish you'd let me give you a sleeping pill.

You're getting yourself all upset over nothing.

No.

I want to use the telephone.

Where is it?

What do you want to use the phone for?

JANET FAY: I want to speak to Albert and Sarah.

I want to tell them where I am.

MARTHA BECK: What do you plan?

The phone is in the living room, and

you're not going to go wake my brother

in the middle of the night.

We can do it in the morning.

JANET FAY: No, I want to do it now.

I want Sarah's advice about those checks

I signed over to your brother.

Now, you get back into bed and we'll

settle it all in the morning.

Well, why can't I call her now?

Because it's late, that's why.

You'll upset her.

She won't be upset.

She'll be glad to hear from me.

MARTHA BECK: I said you can call her in the morning.

Now get back to bed.

Janet.

I'm going to give you a few sleeping pills.

JANET FAY: No.

No.

[shrieking]

JANET FAY: No.

I'm not--

[slap]

JANET FAY: [crying]

For God's sakes, Ray, give this woman back her checks.

Take her to a train and send her back to Albany.

Ray?

Ray?

Who-- who's Ray?

Who's Ray?

I want to call my daughter and she won't let me.

She slapped me.

Why is she calling you Ray?

I'm frightened.

MARTHA BECK: She wants her checks back.

I heard.

Oh, no.

I don't want them back, Charles.

I just want to call Sarah.

I-- I don't want her to worry about me, that's all.

Can I call her?

Please, Charles.

Can I call her?

I-- I-- I'll call her and surprise her now, all right?

She's waiting for me.

Please let me call her.

First let Martha give you a few pills.

You're very upset.

They'll help calm you down.

And then you can call your daughter!

No!

No pills.

Why do you want to give me pills?

I'm afraid of pills.

MARTHA BECK: Ray, what are we going to do with her?

Ray?

Ray?

I-- I don't want the checks back.

No. I don't want them back.

And I-- I'm not going to call Sarah.

All right?

All right, Ray?

I just want to go for a little walk by myself

and think things over.

I just want to get a little fresh air

and then I'll be right back.

I don't want the checks.

Leave them here signed with them.

Please.

Go to bed.

I'll be right back.

I'll just take my jewelry out of this trunk

and put it in my overcoat, that's all.

Where's-- where's-- I can't find it!

It isn't in here!

Somebody took my jewelry!

Where is it?

I can't find it!

It isn't in here!

You have to do it.

MARTHA BECK: I don't want to.

JANET FAY: I'll just go for a walk--

If you love me, you'll do it.

JANET FAY: I won't take anything with me, nothing at all.

I won't even get dressed.

No!

[smack]

[scream]

RAY FERNANDEZ: Hit her again!

[thud]

MARTHA BECK: Finish her.

RAY FERNANDEZ: [grunting]

[gagged screams]

MARTHA BECK: Here, tie it on.

Let her have it.

And get her off the rug.

[gagged cries]

Here.

Use this as a tourniquet.

Help me.

[garbling]

[dramatic music]

RAY FERNANDEZ: [groaning]

Oh, god.

You're shivering.

Do you have a fever?

What's the matter?

Nothing.

It's just that you're sweating so.

Take off your top.

It's wet.

You'll catch a cold.

Ah.

Here.

For god's sake, Martha, turn out the light.

Calm.

Nobody knows what happened.

Only you and me.

RAY FERNANDEZ: I want to go lie down for a while.

I need a drink.

MARTHA BECK: Do you want the light on or off?

RAY FERNANDEZ: Leave it on.

I want to make love.

RAY FERNANDEZ (VOICEOVER): "Dear Sarah and Albert,

[typing]

by the time you receive this letter,

[typing]

I will be Mrs. Charles Martin

[typing]

on my way to Florida,

where I will live with my new husband."

[clattering]

[thump]

MARTHA BECK: Wait a minute.

She always takes things with her wherever she goes.

Now, isn't that cute?

"Dear Charles, thank you for your thoughtful Christmas

greetings.

Christmas gives me an empty, lonely feeling.

Rainelle finally got a tricycle for Christmas.

She just can't wait for spring to use it.

She's anxious to meet her Uncle Charles,

and was very happy when I told her that you and Aunt Martha

were thinking of coming out here for a visit."

And so, boys and girls, on the 15th of April in the year 1865,

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States

of America, died.

Each year on February the 12th, his birthday,

a grateful country celebrates the hero who saved the Union."

What's "celebrates," Mommy?

Well, celebrates is what we did today for Lincoln's

birthday, sweetheart.

You stayed home from nursery school, didn't you?

And we had flags at the supper table.

And we even had a birthday cake for President Lincoln.

Right.

It was a bad man who shot President Lincoln.

Oh, well.

I guess he was sorry for what he did.

Is Daddy in heaven a hero like President Lincoln?

Yes, darling.

And now Mommy's going to put you to bed.

Go kiss Uncle Charles and Aunt Martha goodnight.

Ah.

Why, Rainelle.

What's the matter with you?

She'll never forgive me for swabbing her throat.

But she had that cold three weeks ago.

Oh, Rainelle.

And Aunt Martha was going to buy you that puppy

that you want so badly.

Oh.

All right, young lady.

Come to bed.

You're overtired, I guess.

I'll just take her upstairs and put her to bed.

I'll be right down.

Now, Rainelle.

Why did you do that?

A birthday party for President Lincoln.

Now I've seen everything.

Shh.

She'll hear you.

If we stay here much longer, she'll have me

sewing flags like Betsy Ross.

Who is Betsy Ross?

Oh, never mind.

Come into the den where we can talk.

I'm sick of her and that goddamn health food.

Hungry all the time, and in more than one way.

We go the Grand Rapids tomorrow, hm,

for a shopping trip?

Just you and me?

I'm as hungry as you, darling.

Be patient for a little while longer.

You've been saying that for three weeks.

No.

She told me this afternoon she's really

close to a deal on the property on Muskegon Street.

I thought you were her financial advisor?

I am.

But you know she's not stupid, so I've got to take

it slow and easy with her.

Listen.

She's got even more than we thought here.

Plenty of insurance.

She never wrote me the half of it, eh?

That's why it's taking time to turn everything into cash.

And then?

Yes, and then she thinks we're driving to New York

where I marry her.

But we get rid of her and the kid on the way.

She's in love with you.

I can tell.

So what?

It's perfect if you'll just be patient for a little while

longer.

And after that, no more letters and no more meetings.

No more, I promise.

We get married.

OK?

Charles, it's funny you should always come in here.

Why do you say to that, Delphine?

Well, because John always preferred coming in here.

Instead of sitting in the living room,

he used to say it was more cozy.

You know, that is funny because I feel the same way.

[laughing]

Well, guess what we celebrate day after tomorrow?

President Washington's birthday?

Oh, no, dear.

That's not until the 22nd.

But at least you got it in the right month.

Charles is pulling your leg, Delphine.

As a matter of fact, he just asked

me to drive into Grand Rapids tomorrow

afternoon to help pick out your Valentine's Day present.

DELPHINE DOWNING: Oh, Charles.

Oh, that's sweet of you.

I wonder if Rainelle found her puppy.

They should be back by now.

My goodness, how that child needs a father.

She's really taken to Charles, don't you think so?

I suppose so.

But if you ask me, you've spoiled her.

You fuss too much over her, like this morning.

She could have gone to nursery school.

I told you there was nothing wrong with her stomach.

You got yourself so upset over her

that now you're the one who's sick.

I guess we just didn't want you to go to Grand Rapids

today.

Rainelle wanted Charles to buy the puppy,

and I wanted to be here alone with you.

MARTHA BECK: What for?

I have to talk to you, Martha.

It's important.

I'm afraid I need your advice.

What's the matter?

May I be completely open and frank with you?

Well, of course. What is it?

I want to marry your brother right

away before we go to New York.

Why do you want to do that?

Because I'm pregnant, that's why.

[dramatic music]

Martha, Charles and I really do love each other.

We intended to marry almost from the start.

I guess we just got carried away, that's all.

But you see, the thing is I don't

want him to know about this until after we're married.

I don't want the fact that I'm going to have his child

have anything to do with it.

That's why I need your help.

After all, you'll be my sister.

I never had a sister.

What do you want me to do, Delphine?

I want you to suggest that we get married here right away,

tomorrow, on Valentine's Day.

MARTHA BECK: He promised.

Look, I know you're upset.

Oh.

He wanted to be so sure that you wouldn't

find out that there was anything going on between us.

I think you're wonderful, Martha,

with your old fashioned values.

Charles does too.

And he's just frightened to death that you'd find out

we'd been sleeping together whenever you left the house.

But we love each other so much we

just couldn't stop ourselves.

You can understand that, can't you?

Yes. I understand.

Martha, why are you crying?

I'm crying because I feel so sorry for you.

Sorry for me?

Well, why?

Why should you feel sorry for me?

I'm sorry because my brother will never marry you now.

That's why.

What do you mean?

You'll find out when you tell him he has to marry you

because he's knocked you up.

You make it sound so awful.

Well, that's the situation, isn't it?

Well, then you've got to help me, Martha.

He mustn't know!

You want me to lie to my own brother?

Never.

You've ruined everything.

Oh god.

Oh, what am I going to do?

MARTHA BECK: You're in quite a spot, aren't you?

Besides losing Charles, you'll be pregnant without a husband.

Oh.

[crying]

All right.

I'll help you.

But you've got to do exactly as I tell you.

Get into bed.

I'll be right back.

[clattering]

Here.

Take these.

What are they?

Well, they're allergy pills, but if you take enough of them

they'll abort the baby. - Oh, no.

No. I don't want to do that.

Delphine, don't be stupid.

You'll have another child after you're married.

This will solve the whole problem.

They won't make me sick, will they?

Would I give them to you if I thought they would?

Now hurry up before I change my mind.

Here. You have to take more. You need more than those.

Uh oh.

I think I have to go in the bathroom for a minute.

Swallow them!

Swallow them, stupid--

Here, you must take some more.

I don't have to.

It was a false alarm.

Oh, my goodness.

I feel woozy.

I think I'd better get into bed.

Oh.

Oh.

Martha.

I don't feel good.

[shrieking]

[door creaking]

RAINELLE DOWNING: Mommy, Mommy!

Look at the puppy!

[scream]

DELPHINE DOWNING: Go, Rainelle! [slap]

DELPHINE DOWNING: Run!

What the hell is going on here?

Watch her.

I'll be right back.

Help me.

Help me.

[footsteps]

MARTHA BECK: I put the kid in the bedroom closet.

RAY FERNANDEZ: What happened to her?

MARTHA BECK: She found out everything.

RAY FERNANDEZ: What?

How?

MARTHA BECK: How the hell do I know, Ray?

She was going to call the police.

RAY FERNANDEZ: You gave her the pills?

MARTHA BECK: But I couldn't get enough down her.

What are you going to do with her?

RAY FERNANDEZ: She keeps a gun in her drawer.

Get it.

[footsteps]

[clattering]

[footsteps]

[gunshot]

[dramatic music]

RAINELLE DOWNING: [whimpering]

While I take care of her, you'd better think

of a way to get rid of the kid.

How?

How do I know?

Take her to a children's home.

Are you kidding?

They'd ask millions of questions, and she's no baby.

So put a pillow over her face and smother her.

I don't care what you do, but get rid of her.

RAINELLE DOWNING: [crying]

[water running]

You might as well come upstairs.

There's no point in taking them twice.

See?

I told you she wasn't in the bed anymore.

Now take off your coat and I'll leave it on the bed.

Mommy's all right now.

We were only playing a game to fool you.

RAINELLE DOWNING: I want my mommy.

I want my mommy.

MARTHA BECK: She's in the cellar with a nice little puppy

that your Uncle Charles bought for you.

You remember, she said the puppy would have to stay

in the cellar, didn't she?

Shall we go down to see Mommy playing

with the puppy in the cellar?

[stairs creaking]

Come on, Rainelle.

Hurry up.

Let's go see Mommy.

[water running]

[footsteps]

RAINELLE DOWNING: [shrieking]

[splashing]

[footsteps]

You can go down now.

Everything's taken care of.

Go upstairs and pack while I finish up down there.

We better get out of here fast.

Where are we going now, Ray?

I can arrange a meeting with a very nice woman in New Orleans.

We can stay there right through Mardi Gras.

Wouldn't you like that, sweetheart?

Yes, darling.

I'd like that.

Hold me.

And you won't make love to her?

Do you have to ask that again?

Didn't I promise?

I didn't touch Delphine, did I?

After a whole month, I never laid a hand on her.

Don't you trust me?

Yes, I trust you, my darling.

[music playing]

We spend the rest of the winter in New Orleans.

This one will be the absolute last.

I promise.

And then in the spring, we-- huh.

[music playing]

[phone whirring]

Get me the police.

Hello, is this the police?

This is a neighbor of Mrs. Delphine Downing,

3435 Pine Center Road.

Something's wrong over there.

How do I know?

I heard a shot, that's how I know.

And now something peculiar is going on in the cellar.

3435.

That's right.

Never mind who I am.

Just get over there.

[dramatic music]

[doorbell]

[footsteps]

Who is it?

Just one of her neighbors, I expect.

Well, get rid of them, and finish packing.

You won't need that now.

Besides, I never liked it on you anyway.

[doorbell]

Go downstairs.

I'll take care of everything.

[dramatic music]

[loud dramatic music]

[footsteps]

Hello, Martha.

Time to go to court.

Are you nervous?

Yes.

Oh.

First day's the worst.

It's going to be a long trial.

You'll get used to it.

At least I'll see Ray again.

Been four months now.

They tell me he still loves me, but they've been telling me

so many lies, I don't know who to believe anymore.

Well, then I have something nice for you.

It's a letter from him.

They're allowing me to give it to you.

Can I be alone with it, please?

I'll wait for you over there by the window.

RAY FERNANDEZ (VOICEOVER): "Dear Martha, I would like to shout

my love for you to the world.

Perhaps some day when we are old and gray,

we will have a little time to spend together.

But no matter what happens to us,

I want you to remember one thing.

You and you alone are the one and only woman

I have ever loved.

You are the one and only woman I will ever

love, now and beyond the grave.

Ray."

[dramatic music]

[music playing]