Original subtitles

Let me look at you.

Golly Eloise, I almost ran you over. ─ I'm insured.

Shall we go in, or shall we stay out and wait for the rainbow?

Let me have your duds.

Well .. you don't look a day older. ─ You are a rotten liar.

Aren't you getting fat.

Oh you know, a career girl. Who has time?

You notice the New England spread? ─ I wasn't going to mention it.

Lew mentions it all the time. He's so darned possessive about it.

Hey .. a mansion!

Fourteen dollars a square foot. You impressed?

I certainly am.

I don't know how Lew does it. Probably chisels on the income tax.

What will you have to drink? ─ Nothing thanks.

Look kid, it's seven years since we've seen each other.

If I remember, we didn't part under the friendliest of circumstances.

Frankly, I'm embarrassed to see you. I think a drink would help a lot.

Okay .. rye and soda.

I was bowled over when I heard your voice on the phone this morning.

I thought we'd have a talk.

You mean, you've forgiven me Mary-Jane? ─ I forgave you a long time ago Eloise.

Good.

Who was it said: "To forgive is divine"?

Probably nobody I'd care to meet anyhow.

Drink up.

Say .. you know what I read in the London News?

What?

Sue Whiting is dead.

Got cancer last summer and died and all.

She only weighed 62 pounds when she died. Isn't that terrible?

Not particularly.

[ phone ]

Who can that be? I've got no friends.

I don't know why, but you could always make me laugh El.

I'm comical, that's why.

Telephone for you Mrs Wengler. Mr Wengler.

The breadwinner.

Yeah? ─ El? I'm at the station.

It's murder getting a cab because of the rain. Can you come down and pick me up?

I can't come down, Mary-Jane is here .. you remember Mary-Jane?

Well, she's got her car parked right in front of me and she can't find the key.

I can't get out.

"Have you been looking?" ─ Sure, spent the last 20 minutes looking.

Maybe you can get a lift with Dick and Mildred.

They are spending the night in town. ─ Well, that's tough kid.

Why don't you boys form a platoon and march home?

And then you can say the "hup, hup, hup" business and be a big-shot Major again.

"Don't be funny." ─ I'm not funny. Really I'm not.

Just my face.

I don't know why, everybody thinks I'm funny.

You're Ramona aren't you!

My, what a pretty dress.

Here .. let me look at you.

Will you give me a little kiss? ─ I don't like to kiss people.

Stop scratching. Where's Jimmy? ─ He's here.

He's here. ─ Who's Jimmy?

Jimmy's her beau. Goes where she goes, does what she does. All very hoopla.

I see, Jimmy is just a make-believe little boy. I think that's very nice.

Ramona, turn around .. tell Mary-Jane what Jimmy looks like.

He has green eyes and black hair. ─ What else?

No mummy and no daddy. ─ What else?

No freckles.

Ramona, are you sniffling? ─ Just a little.

Come here.

You feel a little feverish. Go and tell Grace you're to have your dinner in bed.

But mummy, it's early. I want to play .. ─ Go on, do as I tell you, on the double.

Alright .. come on Jimmy.

You see she's an unhappy looking little kid, isn't she.

I wish I knew how to make her happy.

I don't know .. there's something in me I guess that just won't let me.

What an imagination that child has.

Who does she look like anyhow? ─ Lew .. she looks like Lew.

When his mother comes over, the three of them look like triplets.

What I need is a cocker spaniel or something.

Somebody that looks like me. ─ But El, how could she?

How could she what? ─ You know.

Look like .. Lew .. or his mother?

I know ..

El ..

Have you ever told Lew about .. you know .. about Walt?

Are you crazy?

Did you? ─ You know I wouldn't.

Listen to me, career-girl.

If you ever get married, don't tell your husband anything. You hear me?

Why? ─ Because I say so, that's why.

They want to think you spent your life vomiting every time a boy came near you.

I'm not kidding, either.

You didn't really know Walt, did you? I mean, really know him.

He was the only boy I ever knew who could make me laugh.

I mean really laugh.

He could do it when he talked to me. He could do it over the phone.

He could even do it in a letter.

And the best part of it was ..

He didn't even try to be funny.

He just was funny.

Throw me a cigarette, will you?

Don't cry El .. don't cry. ─ Who's crying.

Gee .. he was nice.

He was either funny or sweet.

Not that darned little-boy sweet either

It was .. a special kind of sweet.

Gosh, there's Lew .. now there'll be a scene.

With me all dewy-eyed and with roses in my cheeks, it's going to be worse.

Look .. you say hello, talk to him or something, while I clean up, will you.

Well . hello Major.

I looked at the dashboard of Mary-Jane's car. The key is in the ignition.

This is all very interesting.

it's only 6.30. you're not usually tight until 8.30.

I'm not a clock-watcher Major. ─ That "Major" joke's worn a little thin.

I'm sorry, I'll try to find a new joke some place.

In the meantime, why don't you trot on downstairs and try to catch up with me.

I haven't caught up with you in years. ─ Tell me something.

Have you ever gotten angry in your life? ─ I'm pretty angry right now.

Well then, show it for pity sakes. I just played you a darned dirty trick.

Throw something at me. Here, throw this at me .. or yell or do something.

Don't just stand there staring at me like a rotten owl.

I know this. I haven't had one happy day with you since I got back from overseas.

Maybe it's my fault .. but I tried.

I don't know how to make you happy, but I do know I can't take it any longer.

What? Are you giving me notice? Does this mean you're going home to mother?

No, that's a little too cliché, but I am leaving.

Well you do that my good man. I'll write you out a reference in the morning.

Get going Major. What are you waiting for?

El .. I want Ramona.

What do you mean, you want Ramona? ─ I want custody of her.

Don't silly Lew .. the law says the mother gets the child.

I'm sorry I have to be so brutal El .. you drink too much.

The law says a dipsomaniac is not a fit mother.

I love Ramona .. you know I love Ramona.

Ramona's been a miserable child, she needs a chance. I mean to see she has it.

Well, you just try to get her .. You just try to get her mister!

I'll let my attorney handle it.

So you think you're going to get Ramona?

Ha! .. That's funny, that's very funny. ─ I don't think it's funny.

Yes it is, it's funny. Mary-Jane knows how funny it is.

Mary-Jane!

Mary-Jane, come on up here Mary-Jane.

El, for heaven's sake. ─ Mary-Jane!

They hear you all over the neighborhood. they know enough about us as it is.

What do you think Mary-Jane?

Lew is leaving me and he wants Ramona. ─ Yes, I know.

I know that El. ─ You know? How do you know?

I had lunch with Lew yesterday and .. ─ Lunch with Lew,? You been seeing Lew?

Yes .. he told me he was going to take Ramona.

I thought if I came here and told you .. ─ It would soften the blow?

Alright, soften the blow for him. Tell him why it's so funny.

El ..

You think you're walking out of this house and taking Ramona with you.

I'm walking out of this house and taking Ramona with me!

I hate this house, every fourteen-dollar square foot of it.

I'm warning you Eloise, even if I have to use force ..

Now I'm going to tell you a little something Major.

Lew, leave me alone with Eloise for just a few minutes, please.

Yeah, make yourself a drink. You're sure going to need it Major.

El, I had to get Lew out before you said something you'd regret forever.

One more regret. What's the difference? ─ You owe Lew something, El.

Alright, so I owe him something. ─ You owe me something too.

You're beginning to sound like a collection agency.

Never mind Lew and me.

It's for your own sake. I'm not even asking you to consider Ramona.

El .. what's the matter?

Look what I found.

What is it El?

Listen Mary-Jane, please.

You remember in college I had this brown-and-white dress I bought in Boise?

And Miriam Ball said nobody wore this kind of dress in New York anymore.

You remember how I cried?

I was a nice girl, wasn't I.

Yes .. yes Eloise, you were.

I was a nice girl .. wasn't I?

I was a nice girl .. wasn't I ..

Please Eloise, if you don't go back to the dance everybody will notice.

I can't help it.

From the best shop in Boise. The saleslady swore it was what they wear in New York.

And now that Miriam Ball says .. ─ Eloise, what happened?

Did somebody say anything to you? Did a man insult you?

Please go away. ─ It was a woman who insulted her.

Oh .. well I don't think I can hit a woman.

Well try it sometime. It's a wonderful feeling.

Eloise, I've hardly danced with you all evening. This is a complaint.

I'm not going on the floor in this dress. ─ What's wrong it. Is it torn?

Is something showing? It looks beautiful to me.

Please, don't try to be kind to me Lew.

If people are kind to me, I'm going to start crying all over again.

You dance with Mary-Jane. I'm going to smoke a Parliament.

You think Miriam Ball would say that's correct cigarette to smoke in New York?

Oh!

Oh, I'm sorry .. I didn't burn your dress or anything, did I?

I had no idea there was .. ─ I wish you had!

I wouldn't think of it.

Not with you there, anyway.

Did I say something I shouldn't have? I didn't mean to.

It's not you. It's the dress. ─ You're upset about the dress?

My father paid a fortune for it.

Now Miriam Ball says: "this kind of dress simply isn't worn in New York".

Do you know Miriam Ball? ─ I don't think I'd care to.

Is this such a terrible dress? ─ No, it's not terrible at all.

Does it look awfully "Boise" to you? ─ I didn't quite get that.

Boise, Idaho. That's where I bought this dress .. Does it look "Boise" to you?

That's silly. It was probably made here on 7th Avenue. Why should it look Boise?

Miriam Ball said ..

I don't want to hear about Miriam Ball. It's a perfectly .. alright .. dress.

I feel much better now.

Should you stay out here with me any longer? Won't your date be missing you?

I haven't got a date.

You mean you have no girl at the dance?

It's worse than that. I haven't even got a ticket to the dance.

But I do have a dinner jacket and a free evening, so I just crashed.

Always without a girl?

I couldn't afford a dinner jacket AND a girl.

I suppose you are here with someone? ─ Lew Wengler. Do you know him?

No, I don't know anybody at this dance .. except you.

And I suppose, in a sense: Miriam Ball.

Would you care to go back into the dance with me?

I'd love to.

Oh, but I can't. ─ Why not?

Well, my date is inside, dancing. And I'm supposed to be outside, crying.

Well, geography isn't important. We can dance out here.

Of course we can. There is more room.

[ music stops ]

They probably know I haven't got a ticket.

That's Miriam Ball.

Her?

She's a frump. ─ No. She's the chicest girl at college.

Believe me. I have friends who have been to Paris. She's an absolute frump.

Do you really think so?

Oh Miriam .. Miriam Ball. ─ Why ..?

Walt Dreiser. ─ Oh yes .. of course.

How are you? How have you been? ─ You're looking wonderful Miriam.

Why thank you. ─ What you been doing with yourself?

Oh nothing much, going to school .. and you?

I'm glad you asked me that. I just back from a mining town. A business trip.

A stunning gown you have on, Miriam. ─ Thank you.

Must be very popular. Every girl in this mining town was wearing one just like it.

It was like a uniform or something. ─ Really .. how nice!

I was just telling .. ─ Eloise Winters.

Telling Eloise how I liked your hairdo. ─ Well, it's been so nice seeing you.

I've got to be getting home. ─ But Miriam, the dance just started.

I have to be up early in the morning. Goodnight!

Miriam's probably not happy.

I'll tell Mary-Jane and by lunch hour it will be all over school.

I'll love you for the rest of my life for what you did. How can I ever repay you?

Oh, let's not commercialize a noble deed. I think I'd better go.

Won't you stay and meet my friends?

No. They'll say "how do you do?". And I say "how do you do?". Life's too short.

As a matter of fact there's another dance at the Waldorf that I promised to crash.

Oh really ..

I might be lucky and find another girl in a brown-and-white dress.

Goodbye.

"Eloise" you said? ─ Uhuh.

You're a nice girl. ─ Goodbye.

[ telephone ]

Hello .. just a minute ..

Ball .. Miriam Ball .. telephone.

Coming.

That's the third call she's got today. ─ Fourth, but who is counting?

Alright, let's get on with this silly stuff.

They may seize upon the white wonder of dear Juliet's hand.

And steal immortal blessings from her lips ..

Was that the phone again? ─ I didn't hear a thing.

Honestly El, you've been hoping for three days.

He only saw you for five minutes at a dance. Why do you expect him to call?

I certainly made an impression on him.

If Juliet had made the same impression on Romeo ..

Maybe he's nice looking. I'll bet ..

But I'll bet he's nothing to stop the digestive juices flowing.

As a fact, I bet Lew is better looking. ─ Oh, you're always talking about Lew.

Look, I'll make you a present of him. ─ Of course, he's crazy about you?

If you stay out of his way, I bet I'll make the grade with him.

[ telephone ]

Oh, it's probably for Ball again.

Of course, I won't see too much of Lew. Only on his furloughs.

Isn't that just like Lew. We're not even in the war yet.

But he's got to rush to camp and become an officer.

"Ball .. Miriam Ball. Telephone."

She must advertise in locker rooms.

Hello .. yes, this is Miriam Ball.

I'm fine thank you .. who is this?

Who?

But I don't know any Walt Dreiser.

Oh yes .. indeed I do remember.

What am I wearing? .. I don't think it concerns you.

Now, look here, what's your reason for calling me?

Ma'am, I'm a little embarrassed.

Remember the girl I was with that evening, when I was so taken with your gown?

I remember you and I remember her first name. Eloise wasn't it?

But her last name .. ─ "Winters".

"Winters", that's it. I knew it was something seasonal.

Who, even pure and vestal modesty still blush ..

As thinking their own kisses, sin.

But Romeo may not. He is banished.

That call is for you Eloise. ─ Me?

The screwball you were with at the dance. ─ Walt Dreiser?

He called me to ask your name. Seems, he had forgotten.

Oh, they'll make a fine couple. They're both crazy.

Hello .. hello. ─ Hi.

Say, sorry about not remembering your last name. I've got an awful memory.

Oh, that's alright .. what's in a name?

I didn't mean to quote, but I've been reading Romeo and Juliet with Mary-Jane.

Who's my room-mate, and saw the quote, so naturally it sticks in your mind ..

Maybe I'd better shut up, huh?

No, I'll tell you why I called you. How about having dinner with me some night?

Some night? Any night! When?

Oh, I guess I shouldn't have said that. ─ Well, how about tonight?

Tonight? Oh, I'd love to.

Oh, we're only allowed to go out on weekends.

Look .. I went to college just two miles from a girl's school.

They had weekend rules too, but it never held anybody back.

There are ways and means, aren't there?

Yes, there are .. it isn't usually too risky.

Good .. I know a quaint little French restaurant in the Village.

Usually when people say they know a "quaint" restaurant they mean it's cheap.

That's exactly what I mean.

Good .. the address is 405 Greeley Street.

Yes .. yes, I've got the address. About eight-thirty.

Oh dear, now I've got to decide what to wear.

No I will NOT borrow something from Miriam Ball!

Alright .. goodbye.

Mary-Jane .. Mary-Jane?

Mary-Jane, what do you think? ─ I know!

I just couldn't help it El. I listened on the downstairs phone.

Come in Mary-Jane.

Hello. ─ Hello.

I'm sorry I'm late. ─ That's alright.

I've been busy ordering for you.

You see, I'm an old hand around here. I know just what's safe.

Thank you .. you've no idea how happy I was when you called.

Today is Tuesday, and you saved me from breaded veal cutlet at Woodleys.

Oh that's very funny.

Oh George. ─ Oui Monsieur?

For dinner, we'll have the sweetbreads instead of breaded veal cutlets.

Sweetbreads instead.

That will be fine. We don't have sweetbreads at Woodleys until Friday.

Merci beaucoup Monsieur.

When I got fired from that job, I went to work for my uncle.

He worked in floor-coverings. My mother had to faint twice to get me the job.

Did you like it there?

Instead of firing me, they just moved me from one department to another.

Until there were only 2 departments left. ─ And then what?

I guessed my mother would have to start fainting all over again.

Bonsoir Mademoiselle. Bonsoir Monsieur. ─ Goodnight George.

You know something? You remind me very much of my father.

Are we back to your father again? He must spoil you.

Oh no, I spoil him.

My Pop's the life of every party, at least I think he's awfully funny.

Then, when they get home Mom says ..

"You made a fool of yourself again Henry." ─ I get the picture.

Well, what will we do now? Like to catch a second-feature somewhere?

I'd love to but ..

That would get us out after twelve and it's a forty-minute drive back to school.

Let me think .. how about some good music?

Carnegie Hall? ─ No, my apartment.

I call it an apartment. It's really just one room.

I call it good music, but it's really just pop stuff with a lot of violins.

Well I don't think I'd better. ─ Afraid of me making a pass?

It's not that. ─ Look!

I'll probably try. A man's got his pride, but you won't have any trouble with me.

One hit on the head .. and I leave off.

You're looking at the guy with the lowest batting average in the city.

Alright, just for little while.

Where do you live? ─ Right here.

New York is a city of coincidence.

Oh, how nice and comfortable looking ..

Sit down over there.

I'll put on the music.

Is this all the light there is in the room?

No, this is Mendelssohn.

He can't stand too much light. ─ Oh.

It's so lovely.

It's just impossible to listen to his music with your eyes open.

I suppose as a good host I should close my eyes too.

Just two puffs on a cigarette and I'll be perfectly happy.

There you are.

I'm not much of a wolf but .. whatever success I had I owe to Mendelssohn.

Okay .. it stays on.

That's a very aristocratic ear.

What constitutes an aristocratic ear?

You know, you're the first girl whoever asked for an explanation of that remark.

It doesn't mean anything.

It's just an opening line .. a throwaway. ─ I wish it weren't.

I wish you had meant it.

You know something ..

I wish I had too.

[ music stops ]

That does it.

Now I'll see if I can recapture the mood.

Oh my goodness! Are you hurt?

This room has a split personality.

This half is so clean and that half is so ..

It must have taken years to accumulate this mess.

I'm going to straighten up this place if it takes all night.

Don't bother. There will be a cleaning woman round in a couple of weeks.

I don't see how a man can live this way.

Isn't it a bit early in our relationship for you to start nagging me?

Look at these dishes. ─ Look at these

There's enough for two or three days yet. ─ Have you got any soap?

Of course, in the bathroom, lots. ─ I mean soap for dishes.

Soap for dishes? I never heard of such a thing.

I'll manage. I see at least you've got a dishcloth.

That was a Christmas present. It started out in life as a muffler.

You don't do any cleaning and pressing, do you?

Don't get yourself too tired. ─ Why not?

I hadn't planned Friday evening's activities to end up in the kitchen.

Ow! ─ What happened?

This dish .. it's chipped.

Ohoh.

Poor Uncle Wiggily. ─ Huh?

Didn't you ever read Uncle Wiggily stories when you were a kid?

Oh, I remember! The little rabbit, always in trouble, always getting hurt.

Remember, at the end of a chapter, just before he got eaten by a lion or tiger ..

Someone always came along and saved him.

It's so funny you should mention him.

That poor little rabbit .. I used to worry about him and cry over him.

That wasn't so long ago either. ─ It's nice we have a mutual friend.

Such slim, aristocratic fingers.

Of course .. to match my ears.

Poor Uncle Wiggily.

Gee Walt .. I ..

I .. I wish this wasn't just a buildup.

I wish you liked me a little. ─ Liked you a little? Are you crazy?

I like you a lot .. a lot. ─ No, perhaps just a little.

Enough to wait three days and then call me for a date.

Now look.

I suppose I looked cute and silly crying over a dress.

Cute and silly and .. easy.

You'd try your luck.

Anything I say would just be a lie, huh? ─ Yes.

Trapped .. trapped in the shank of the evening, at the height of my youth.

Trapped with a good girl. ─ I'm sorry.

It's not a matter of being sorry. It's a matter of ethics.

A girl comes to a man's apartment, sits on his couch .. listens to his music ..

Even washes his dishes .. and then ..

Flashes her Girl-Scout badge on him.

Couldn't we just sit and talk?

Now that topic "A" has been eliminated, talk about what?

Well .. thanks for everything.

Wish I could say the same. Come on. I'll take you home.

Oh no, I can get back by myself.

What I really mean is ..

If I put you to all this trouble and you got so little for all that trouble.

Maybe you won't want to call me again and ..

You see what I mean? ─ That's logic I can't overcome.

Goodbye. ─ Goodbye Eloise.

You're really a very nice girl. ─ Oh, that's all I hear from all sides.

May I kiss you the way I would a rich, but loathsome aunt?

Goodbye. ─ Goodbye.

No ..

Now, I'm going to take you home.

Come on .. how the boys in the back room will laugh when they hear about this.

Hello .. yes?

It's for me .

Yes, oh yes, I'll meet you Saturday night about 8.30.

Hello .. oh hello Lew .. just a minute .. Mary-Jane.

El, I wish I had a dollar for every man who never bothered to call me again.

With Walt it's obvious. He's just not interested in nice girls.

Otherwise why would he let a whole month go by without even ..

Hi.

Well .. this seems to be the thing to do.

What are you doing in the Army?

My country needs me. Besides, I was drafted.

Drafted?

Yeah, I wrote you about it. Or did I? Anyway I meant to.

I was sort of wondering what had happened to you.

Well, how do I look?

Oh Walt, you look awful. ─ Yes, I know.

The tailor is being tried for treason.

I got it all figured out. I'm supposed to look this way.

In case of war, they're going to drop pictures of me all over Germany.

If they make the enemy laugh, that's half the battle.

How soon do you have to be back in camp? A couple of days?

Until six o'clock in the morning. It's just an overnight pass.

My goodness, it's one-thirty now. How much of a train trip is it back to camp?

Three hours.

That means we have about an hour and a half together.

Just about. Say 45 minutes to take you home. 45 minutes to get back here.

You mean you rode 3 hours out and 3 hours back, just be with me for 45 minutes?

If the train hadn't been late, it would have been an hour and five minutes.

Oh Walt. ─ What's the matter?

I think you're crazy.

No, don't be silly. They don't take crazy people in the Army.

I also think you're wonderful. ─ That's better. That's much better.

We'd better say goodbye here.

If you want me to go now, I'll go.

Well .. just to the back door.

It's never locked. ─ Let me try.

Alright .. just to the elevator.

I kept thinking of you standing in the doorway of my apartment.

I suppose you're sorry now. All this traveling just to for a few minutes ..

I make it a point never to be sorry about anything.

Gosh, I thought I'd never see you again.

Tell you what.

Next time I get an overnight pass, I'll come up again.

You will?

Maybe I'm being carried away.

We'd better wait for a weekend pass. ─ How soon will that be, do you think?

Should be in about a month, unless I do something to lose my privileges.

Something like what?

Something like missing my train, and not getting back to camp on time.

Gosh, you'd better go.

That's an aristocratic shoulder?

Eloise!

Dean Whiting.

You get him on the phone? ─ Uhuh.

He said he'd wangle a pass one way or the other and meet me in the city.

I hope you had sense enough not to tell him your parents were flying in.

I told him everything .. about being expelled .. everything.

Oh Eloise, what a mess!

Whatever did Dean Whiting say to you?

She said: "Eloise Winters, I thought you were a nice girl."

You know, I thought so too.

It can't be too tough. I deal with tough Sergeants every day.

Mothers are worse than tough Sergeants.

Dear, I wish your uniform fit just a little bit better.

I shouldn't have had it pressed. It looked better baggy.

Here we are.

How did you do with your mother?

So far, I've out-cried her and Dad's been a big help.

Walt, you stay here for a bit, I'll pave the way for you.

Take your time.

I'll be with you girls in a minute.

These skyscrapers are magnificent.

Talk about your mountains in Idaho.

I'll take man over nature any day.

Oh .. Dad .. ─ It's alright El ..

You can stop crying.

He's outside, Dad.

I won't be in the same room with that man.

Your father will take care of him.

What do you mean, take care of him?

For heaven's sake Martha, what is there to take care of?

A boy kisses a girl in an elevator. ─ At two-thirty in the morning!

Dean Whiting said ..

Dean Whiting, the devil, automatically takes over after midnight.

Now Eloise has told you what happened, and I believe her.

You and Eloise .. Eloise and you ..

Let me tell you something else Martha, I had a good look at that elevator.

And nothing, absolutely nothing, could have happened.

I don't care. I looked it up.

If he doesn't marry Eloise, he can be court-martialed.

If just, ONE single word is said about marriage, I shall jump out that window!

A school in Boise wasn't good enough for your daughter, oh no.

She had to go to school in New York.

Martha, if you don't go in the bedroom and shut up ..

I'm going to follow Eloise right out that window.

Oh .. where's my phenobarbitone?

Come on, powder your nose El. Let's have a look at this guy.

Please be sweet to him Dad.

After all, he didn't have to come up here you know.

Well I'm from the West. He'll expect me to be gruff.

Aren't you glad you'll never have to be a father?

Come in Walt.

Dad. this is Walter Dreiser.

Walt, my Dad.

How do you do, sir.

Well, I must say you are the sorriest looking Casanova I've ever seen.

They assured me I'd grow into it.

Not bad. It's no worse than the thing they handed me in 17.

El.

Would you like to run in and play gin-rummy with mother or something?

Oh, can't I stay here Dad? ─ But this is going be man-to-man talk.

You never know what language might result.

Okay.

"Walter" did Eloise say? ─ Walt.

You interested in photography, Walt? ─ Not in the least.

Nevertheless, I just took a wonderful shot of the skyline through that window.

I'm going to have it blown up and put in my store window.

Hardware .. biggest hardware store in the Rockies.

Oh, that's very interesting. ─ Not to me .. I hate hardware

Okay, let's get it over with.

Yes, or no?

No .. absolutely .. no.

Okay, okay .. it's perfectly alright.

Now, let's call in the ladies.

Wait a minute, that was much too short. Martha wouldn't think I've done my duty.

Let's have a cigarette first. ─ Swell.

Have one of mine. ─ Thanks.

Oh by the way, there is just one thing Mr Winters

Yeah?

You know how it is in Army camps, there’s a .. grapevine.

Well, word has gotten around that I've had a girl expelled from school.

It gives me a some kudos with the boys and the Officers look at me with respect.

I wouldn't want it to get around that there's nothing to it.

Of course not my boy. I understand.

I was in the same boat myself once .. twice.

Nope .. once.

Well .. I'm ready .. are you?

I'm not happy but I'm ready .. how bad is she?

I'm afraid son, she's an outraged mother.

We're ready for you Martha.

Where's your mother?

She won't look at Walt. She rain into the bathroom.

You see Walt .. my wife is just very tough with Eloise and me.

But when she has to face anything ..

She runs for the bathroom. I'll go in to her.

Will you tell her from me I'm sorry it all happened.

And it wasn't my fault or Eloise's or anybody's I guess.

You hear that Martha?

Turn the cold water for "yes", and the hot water for "no".

Oh Dad ..

She heard you alright.

Well .. goodbye Walt. Sorry to have put you to all this trouble.

Any time you're out Boise way, why, look Eloise and me up.

Don't worry about Mrs Winters. We have a large house with five bathrooms.

Goodbye sir and thank you.

Now Martha ..

My train leaves in thirty minutes. Why don't you walk me down to the elevator?

I suppose it will be tough getting an overnight pass from Camp to Boise.

When are you leaving? ─ Tomorrow afternoon.

Will you be writing?

I think I've written three letters in my life. But I'll write to you.

I don't want to feel obligated or anything.

If I felt obligated, I wouldn't be here now.

What's your address? ─ I'm not taking any chances.

I'll write to you first. ─ That's very sensible.

I wonder if we'll ever see each other again.

Don't count on it. Don't make any plans. ─ You sound so hopeless.

Please don't sound so hopeless. ─ How else can I sound?

Look at me.

Got a uniform, and a number instead of a name. Learning to kill and killed.

How can I make any plans? ─ We're not in the war yet, and won't be.

Oh we will be. That's why I'm living such carefully-planned carefree life.

Fifteenth floor.

As long as Dean Whiting isn't around.

I'll never get caught in an elevator again without thinking of you.

Lobby.

Going up.

[ door knocks ]

Yes?

Your mother's hungry .. that means we've all got to eat.

In a little while Dad. ─ Sure, plenty of time.

You haven't unpacked yet.

After we eat, I'll help you .. I'll have your mother help you.

Some people think the Rhine is the most beautiful river in the world.

I saw it in 18. Believe me, the Hudson's much prettier.

And so much, much younger.

Cheer up El.

You're still 2,000 miles from Boise.

Dad .. I can't, I just can't go back to Boise.

It won't be bad El. ─ Pa, I will just die there.

Mom will treat me like a .. fallen woman.

What am I going to do with myself all day? It's just going to be awful.

You can go to the university in the Fall. Maybe you would have fun.

Being a fallen woman, you'd be sure to make a good Sorority.

Oh Dad, I've had enough school .. besides ..

You are smart enough for both of us. ─ Sure I am.

El, it may be selfish of me, but I'm kind of glad you're going to be home.

I've sure missed you El.

Things were pretty dull. You know, nobody laughs at my jokes like you do.

I tell you what El.

Things are great at the store.

I've got a young assistant, not much of a laugher, but he does a bang-up job.

And I'll never be missed .. why we could take in Sun Valley.

Fly down to Palm Springs .. Mexico City.

No good, huh?

You're right El.

A father is like New York.

Alright for a visit but .. ─ Oh no, it's not that.

It's just that .. I can't bear to be so far away from ..

This fellow Walt?

El .. I give you my personal guarantee.

In the next two years there will be five "Walt's" in your life.

No there won't.

Alright .. he won't be in the Army forever.

They're only drafting the boys for a year.

A year!

Oh .. so that's the way it is.

Tell me, how does he feel about you?

I don't know .. we only had two dates.

But if I were only in New York, only three hours away ..

But Boise is 2,000 miles ..

A whole year ..

We're pulling into Hamburg. You can be back in New York in an hour.

Wait a minute .. that's crazy.

Sure it is. You give me time to think it over and I'll change my mind.

How much cash you got? ─ About half a month's allowance.

Alright, here's some more.

I'll send you a check. ─ You won't have to. I'll get a job.

Swell, I'll write you a reference. Are these all your things?

Most of them .. but what about mother?

She'll have hysterics all the way up the Hudson. So what? Come on.

Porter, will you take these down, please.

Oh Daddy, I love you.

Goodbye El .. call us when you get set.

So .. food, clothing, cleaning etc, rent. How much you paying for the sub-lease?

Thirty, and it's a steal.

A grand total of $250 a month. Your salary at Macy's is $105 a month

That makes .. now see ..

A grand deficit of $145 a month.

I can lend you some of it. ─ You don't have to.

I'll just hint to Dad and he'll come through.

Lipstick alright? ─ Yes, you got a dab on a front tooth.

How is your father?

He's okay. Mother made him get a checked but he sounded fine over the phone.

I hope Walt's train is on time. I don't want to miss that football game.

Sure you don't want to make it a double-date with Lew and me?

Well .. usually I would love being with you and Lew but ..

I just want Walt all to myself.

By the way, how you doing with Lew? ─ Swell, he's beginning to go for me.

Now he only talks about you half as much. ─ Oh really?

Well, maybe we should double-date and I can win him back.

Don't you dare. Didn't I cry when you were expelled?

Don't worry darling. Walt is the only man I want in this world.

Oh, I look terrible. ─ Hmm.

I wish I looked just that terrible.

Well . I've got to go to Pen Station to meet Lew.

And I'm off to Grand Central to meet Walt.

It was such a good idea having men in this world, wasn't it ..

Aren't they terrific?

You told me he only had to run only ten yards and he ran at least fifty.

You know, considering everything, it is remarkable how fond of you I am.

"Attention Please!" "Colonel William J. Donovan."

"Will you call The War Department in Washington at once."

"Important!"

"Colonel William J. Donovan. Call The War Department in Washington at once."

"Important!"

That's "Wild" Bill Donovan, isn't it? ─ He's head of The Secret Service.

He's a big shot in something, anyway. ─ Yeah, but why ask for him on a Sunday?

Probably need a fourth for bridge.

"Attention please! The War Department has asked us announce .. "

"That all Officers of the Armed Forces report to their stations immediately."

"Unconfirmed reports say that the Battleship Oklahoma is afire."

"In this maze of rumor and counter-rumor, only one fact is sufficient."

"That, of course, is the announcement broadcast several times .."

"That at 7.55 Hawaiian time .."

"Planes from a Japanese Aircraft Carrier attacked Pearl Harbor."

"Inflicting severe damage and casualties at 4 pm Japanese time."

"Please stand by .."

I have to find out when is the next train back to camp. Let's find a telephone.

There must be a line or telephone somewhere.

Boy, this is going to be tough. Come on, follow me.

[ phone ]

[ phone ]

Bang, bang, bang, you’re dead! ─ No I'm not.

Yes you are. You're dead. ─ I don't want to be dead.

[ phone ]

[ phone ]

Hello?

El? ─ Oh Walt! Walt ..

Well, what happened to you? ─ What happened to me?

You know where I finally found a phone? In the candy store across the street.

"I thought you were right behind me all the time."

We got separated by the crowd, I guess. I looked around .. oh it was awful.

Where are you?

Grand Central Station. My train leaves in about .. 18 minutes.

"Oh no."

Look, don't go by cab, the subway is quicker

At least we'll have time to say goodbye.

I'll be waiting on the platform, Track 19. Hurry.

I'll be right there, darling.

Oh, what a way to say goodbye. Isn't there a later train you can take?

No, it's the only one today. Come on, get on the train.

You can get off at 125th Street. It will give us a few more minutes together.

Excuse fellahs.

Did you hear anything more? Maybe it's just another one of those hoaxes.

No .. tough times ahead El.

For me too .. for everybody's girl.

Don't you feel sorry? ─ I do.

I've enough sorrow to take in everybody. ─ I have too.

You know something. ─ What, darling?

You have such aristocratic eyes .. even when they are full of tears.

We'll be at 125th Street in a minute.

Gosh, I don't want to get off.

Don't get off El .. I don't have to report until Reveille.

There's a morning train you can take back.

You've never once said "I love you".

In the vestibule of a smoky train?

El ..

"125th Street."

"125th Street."

Let's forget the whole thing. Come on, you'd better get off.

Walt.

If you want me to .. I'll stay.

I do love you El .. I'll tell you twice so you won't have to ask me again.

I love you.

Dad. ─ Well, hello honey.

Let me look at you.

You don't look so sick. What's all this Johns Hopkins business?

Oh, you know how it is: poor people get examinations, rich people get check-ups.

Your mother kept pestering me, so finally I said: "Okay, I'll go to Hopkins"

I should have there to look after you. ─ I'm no invalid, Eloise ..

My plane doesn't leave for Baltimore for thirty-five minutes.

Where can we kill a half-hour?

There's a restaurant on the main floor and a cocktail bar upstairs.

Upstairs .. now you know how sick I am.

I think I ought to go down to Baltimore and look after you.

Don't be silly angel. You've got a job. ─ Why didn't mother come along?

Oh she wanted to, but I kind of felt that at a time like this I'd rather be alone.

A vacation, sort of ..

You think a cocktail bar is the place for a man on his way to a check-up?

I know doctors. The first thing they'll say is "Cut out the liquor".

I'm building up a backlog.

Hey, how's your job running?

Oh, it's alright .. I'm no ball of fire but they seem to like me.

I suppose they have to. Who else can they get these days?

How's your young man? He get shipped overseas yet?

No, but he expects to be soon.

After he's gone .. you'll come home, won't you El?

I mean .. there won't be any reason anymore, for staying in New York?

There won't be much reason for anything. ─ War's end. Most of the boys will be back.

Law of averages.

No use talking to Walt about the law of averages.

He doesn't expect to come back.

Dad .. did you feel that way in 17?

Yes, I did.

But before you went to France, you and mother got married, didn't you?

We had no intention of getting married .. at least I didn't.

I know it's a terrible thing to say, El.

But there's got to be one member of the family a person can talk to.

We hadn't known each other very long. You know how it is in wartime.

Anyway, it was the last dance.

Japanese lanterns, a song by Irving Berlin.

Your mother was just about your age then .. she cried.

And we thought there were no two people in the world as much in love as we were.

We got married.

I wonder if I've got time for another drink .. no .. guess not.

When the war was over, I rushed back to Boise.

I looked at Martha .. she looked at me.

And we were pretty close to looking at two complete strangers.

Fact.

There was your brother Charlie.

A stranger to me too at the age of fourteen months.

After a while .. there was you.

What could we do?

We were both trapped.

By the war .. by our youth.

And by Irving Berlin.

Why am I telling you all this?

Every American girl should think of her father and mother as Tristan and Isolde.

"Flight number 248 for Baltimore ready for departure from gate 22."

If he'd said that 5 minutes ago, I would not have made a darned fool of myself.

Walt .. Walt! ─ Oh hello!

What are you doing here?

They all-of-a-sudden gave me a seven-day pass.

Did you do something wonderful? ─ Who me?

No, no. I'm probably the worst aerial gunner in the firm.

No, as a matter of fact ..

half the camp got leave.

That usually means .. we're going to be shipped.

Yeah? ─ Yeah.

Now, we can worry about that later. We've got seven days to shake the world.

I want us to get uptown. I've got a couple of theater tickets. Taxi!

You can't get a cab now. There's a bus stop there's a bus on the corner of 6th.

I'm not proud. Besides it's cheaper.

Oh look, there's the bus!

I'll hold it.

What's the matter? Did you turn your ankle?

Yes .. my ankle.

Which one? This it?

Does that hurt? ─ Just a little.

You know I regard you as I would a new car. I worry about every scratch.

Poor Uncle Wiggily .. poor Uncle Wiggily.

I remember the first time you said that. ─ So do I.

It was your finger, wasn't it?

Poor Eloise, always getting hurt. ─ And you're always there when I am.

You know, maybe that isn't just coincidence. Maybe I'm a jinx to you.

Maybe.

You know .. I don't think you love me anymore.

Why do you say that?

You haven't said yet that I have an aristocratic ankle.

Well you have .. and I love you .. very much.

You do? .. you really do?

I swear it .. on your twisted ankle.

That's all I wanted to hear.

Those people think we're crazy sitting here on the street like this.

Can you walk on the ankle? ─ I think so.

Oh, is your ankle that bad?

Oh no .. it's not bad at all.

Look .. I think we'd better forget the show and just go home, huh?

Maybe we'd better.

What are you waiting for heaven's sakes? You wanted to be sure. Now you're sure.

I think it's the maddest thing you’re not telling Walt a thing Eloise Winters.

Tonight's the last night you get to see him, maybe forever.

It's just that it's ..

It's such a horrible way to get a man.

Ye Gods .. if he loves you, what's the difference?

You want me to tell him? I'll tell him. ─ Oh no you won't.

I don't want him to ask me because he has to.

I want him to ask me because he loves me and wants me.

And it shouldn't make any difference if it's wartime or peacetime.

Or if there is soft music .. and Japanese lanterns.

What do you mean? Japanese lanterns?

I mean that sometimes people get trapped into marriage.

But they go on living with each other and being unhappy and hating each other.

I can't bear the thought of Walt hating me for the rest of his life.

Gosh, what about the rest of your life, El?

I don't know, I don't know.

Oh El, why is everybody so gloomy? How do we know he won't ask you?

I know what he says, this is the end of the world and all that but .. he loves you.

Wait and see. I just bet he asks you. ─ Sure, maybe he will.

But El darling .. if Walt shouldn't ask you ..

Please darling, don't be crazy, just .. ─ Mary-Jane, I'll never tell him.

Never. ─ But El, honest, you’re just ..

Oh .. a fine time to be proud.

How about another drink? ─ No.

I wish she'd shut up.

I don't need her to tell me I feel low.

Everybody else is babbling away. What's wrong with us?

If I said what I felt.

I

I'd start to cry .. and I'm not going to cry in a cocktail lounge.

In a little while you'll be seeing me off at Grand Central.

These days, everybody cries at Grand Central.

I promise you I won't.

I'm going to miss you so much. ─ You'd better.

Hasn't it all been silly, Walt?

We only met because I wore the wrong dress.

Silly .. and wonderful.

I wish I could feel sure about you.

It would be so wonderful ..

While you're away.

If I could think of you as mine.

Really mine.

Why can't you? Who has a better right?

Is this how it's all going to end?

We'll miss each other very much. We'll think about each other.

I'll be yours, you'll be mine.

Is this how you want it to end? ─ How I want it to end?

Darling, what have I got to say about anything?

I'm just a number in a squadron, that's part of a group, that's part of an Army.

I don't know where I'm going or when. Even don't know if I'm coming back.

I can't think about endings or middles or beginnings.

All I know is, that you're sitting here beside me.

And In a few minutes .. I've got to leave you.

El ..

Do you know how humble and grateful I am for your love?

I know.

Check please.

Oh plenty of time. Forty-five seconds.

Walt .. I want to tell you something. ─ Yes.

Walt ..

Walt .. ─ Yes, darling.

I just wanted to tell you .. I love you.

I have a feeling this is not going to be favorite goodbye.

Poor Uncle Wiggily.

Hiya Dreiser.

Well, the ammo's all in.

I don't think the real thing is going to be any tougher than these maneuvers.

I wonder where they’re going to send us .. Europe or The Pacific?

Who cares where they send us.

I got friends all over.

Who you writing to that's so important? Is it Macarthur?

No .. I'm writing to a girl.

That's more like it.

"Okay men, we're all set .. let's take her up."

He Lucey .. grab that will you.

Just put it in my locker. I'll finish it when I get back.

Okay.

I'm Eloise Winters .. you sent me a telegram.

Oh yes Miss Winters .. will you come in please?

Mrs Crandall, Miss Winters is here.

Will you come in please Miss Winters.

You said in your telegram that Private Dreiser ..

Walter Dreiser, was badly hurt and that he asked for me.

Yes he did.

Will you have seat Miss Winters. ─ No thanks. How is he?

I called you on the phone last night Miss Winters, but you'd already left.

I'm terribly sorry, but Private Dreiser died late yesterday afternoon.

Yesterday afternoon ..

It was a horrible accident. The whole crew was killed.

Can I get you anything Miss Winters? Would you like a glass of water?

Is there anything at all we can do for you?

If you have trouble with reservations, why ..

I'll be alright.

Oh, Miss Winters.

He was writing this letter to you. Would you care to have it?

"Darling .."

"During the six days that have elapsed since I saw you last .."

"I haven't slept, I haven't eaten, and I speak only when I'm spoken to."

"El .."

"Despite everything .. I want you to marry me."

"I want you to throw whatever things are necessary for a marriage into a bag."

"Hop on the very first train, plane or bus .. and come on right down."

"Hey, you know something .. I just realized I don't know what you are."

"Protestant, Catholic, Jewish or Greek Orthodox."

"However, we have Chaplains of all descriptions down here."

"And I want to be married to you so much."

"That if necessary we'll have four ceremonies."

"If you .."

"If necessary, we will have four ceremonies."

El ..

What are you going to do now?

I'm going to my father. I'm going to tell him everything.

It will be just awful

He'll be hurt.

But he'll understand. ─ I couldn't do it.

I know I couldn't bring myself to do it. ─ You don't know my father.

I could never tell my mother, but I can my father.

Where is he?

Still at Hopkins?

There was a message. He'll be at the Waldorf this afternoon.

He's on his way back to Boise. ─ El .. would you ..

Would it help if I went along with you?

No thanks darling. It will be alright when I tell my father.

It'll be alright.

Mother! ─ Shush. Come in dear.

Well I didn't know you were with Dad, mother.

Your father sent for me.

We tried to call you from Baltimore but they told us you'd gone to Tennessee.

We know the terrible thing that's happened, dear heart.

It was just awful, wasn't it.

I didn't know the young man very well but .. I am sorry.

I .. could have been nicer to him.

How's Dad?

He's in the bedroom sleeping.

Oh Eloise ..

What's the matter?

He's sick Eloise, much sicker than he thinks.

Oh .. ─ His heart.

I talked with his doctor. He has to have complete rest and no worries.

Oh, he can go on for years they say. But with heart cases .. excitement or shock.

We've got to be very careful Eloise.

Poor Dad.

"Martha."

What do you think, Henry?

Eloise is here. ─ She is?

Well .. come in darling. ─ Coming Dad.

Hi Dad .. how's the fabulous invalid.

Now, do I look so bad to you?

El .. how awful about Walt.

Is there anything I can do to El?

Anything at all I can do to help?

No Daddy .. there's nothing you can do.

Nothing at all.

What are you looking around for?

Comparing you with the other girls. ─ Am I doing alright?

I'm doing alright.

You remember about Sunday? We're driving to Connecticut to see my folks.

Oh. ─ What's the matter?

Would you excuse me for just a minute Lew, I've got to see El.

El darling, you look so beautiful. I'm glad you changed your mind.

Well I ..

Saw Dad and Mother off on the train, and then I went back to the apartment.

Looked at the walls and looked and looked ..

And when I couldn't stand it any longer I got into these clothes and here I am.

Did you tell your father?

No, I didn't tell him. It would kill him.

So .. here I am. ─ What are you going to do, El?

I don't know Mary-Jane, I haven't the slightest idea .. not the slightest.

Hello Eloise. ─ Hello Lew.

Lew, why don't you dance with Eloise? Cheer her up.

I'm on the committee, I have to attend to all arrangements.

Sure, I'd love to.

Come and claim me in about an hour, huh?

I'll take your coat. ─ Oh. Thanks.

Eloise, it's been a long time. ─ Yeah, we weren't even at war.

Come to think of it, our last date was in this room. Remember your class dance?

Now, you're a Lieutenant and I'm a slightly tarnished alumni.

From memory, you were wearing a dress that you were very unhappy about. Right?

Lew, would you get me a drink? ─ Sure, what do you want?

Scotch and water. I'll be on the terrace.

Okay, I'll get one for myself too.

Here you are. I had to make double. Save me a trip.

Why .. Eloise ..

What is it El? ─ I don't know. I'm sad or something.

Why?

I suppose it's just the season for it. Men go to war, women weep.

Yep .. the season is also Spring, and this is a pretty good brand of Scotch.

So for a few hours, I'm going to try to forget about it.

We'll see what we can do to get you out of this mood.

I don't think my dancing will do it. ─ I'm not up to dancing.

Small talk would be silly, wouldn't it?

Honest Lew, I don't think I could keep up a conversation.

Say .. would you rather be alone? I never thought of that.

Oh no, I .. I couldn't bear to be alone.

It's funny El .. it's only 8 months since I saw you last .. but you're different.

You are years older .. and years more beautiful too.

When I think how crazy I was about you ..

Look El .. I have the family's convertible outside.

The top is down, it's a warm night.

Why don't we take a drive?

Yes, let's take a drive. Anything you say.

Okay, finish your drink, I'll tell Mary-Jane.

No, she's probably too busy with the committee.

She won't even miss us.

Those are either the lights of the medical center or ..

I forgot, no small talk. Radio alright?

Cigarette? ─ No thanks.

You mind if I have one?

What are you thinking about El?

You've had such a strange look on your face.

I doubt you're thinking about how much you will miss me when I'm overseas.

Lots of people will miss you Lew .. Mary-Jane.

Sure, she will.

I'll miss her.

You know, I'm going to miss you too a little.

Like a friend you will.

El ..

You know what I felt when I saw you again tonight?

What, Lew?

Do you want the truth?

I looked at you and I thought ..

I thought I was all over her .. and here it starts all over again.

You hate that?

No .. I don't.

I also thought: what's the use?

Eloise doesn't care for you, she never did.

Don't get yourself all worked up boy .. this isn't for you.

Don't touch.

Night life .. no violins.

It's enough to make a man .. ─ No, leave it on.

What are you thinking so hard about Eloise?

I was just wondering when I would ever see you again.

Let's not think about that.

Will you write to me, Lew? ─ Sure, as often as you want me to.

Does this sound crazy, Lew?

It would be so wonderful while you're away if ..

I could think of you as mine.

Really mine .. does that sound crazy?

No .. it doesn't sound crazy at all.

El, I never dreamed .. ─ Neither did I. I don't what's hit me.

Let's forget it. ─ No, we won't forget it.

"I was a nice girl."

"I was a nice girl, wasn't I .."

She's been drinking since we married. It's no use waiting for her to sober up.

I might as well hear what she has to say right here and now.

I'm sorry .. I didn't quite ..

Hear what "here and now"?

Lew, it would be better if we waited and talked everything over in the morning.

Honestly it would. ─ No. I want it settled right now.

You had something to tell me .. alright, what is it?

It wasn't very important. ─ It must have been.

It was evident that you meant to hurt me very much .. what is it El?

The important thing Lew, is that I'm through hurting people.

I'm through doing wrong.

I'm paying for what I've done and now I'm all alone.

I don't want others to suffer too.

I want you to have Ramona.

You mean, you're letting me have custody of her?

I want her to have a home .. I know she'll be happy with you and Mary-Jane.

If it weren't for me, you two would have been married years ago.

I'm sorry for all those years I took out of your lives.

Poor Uncle Wiggily ..

Poor Uncle Wiggily ..

You don't have to go El .. Lew and I are leaving.

We saw you in here with Ramona .. she belongs with you El. We could see that.

But Lew said .. ─ Don't worry about Lew.

You'll keep Ramona.

How can I ever thank you? ─ You don't have to El. It's alright.

After all, I could have been the girl in the brown-and-white dress.

Anybody could have ..

T-G 2015