Original subtitles

(six gunshots)

(hammer clicking on empty chamber)

Mildred.

(door slams)

What's on your mind, lady?

You know what I think?

I think maybe you had an idea you'd take a swim. That's what I think.

Leave me alone.

If you take a swim, I'd have to take a swim. Is that fair?

Just because you feel like bumping yourself off, I gotta get pneumonia.

Never thought about that, did ya?

Okay, think about it.

Go on, beat it now. Go on home before we both take a swim.

♪♪ (jazz combo)

- (no audio) - (tapping)

♪♪ (continues, louder)

Hey, Mildred.

What are you doing around this pigeon perch? Slumming?

- What? - You sick or somethin'?

No, I don't think so.

Well, if you're feeling weak, come inside and have a drink on the house, for free.

Come on.

You know, buying this joint was the smartest move I ever made.

WOMAN: ♪ You must have been a beautiful baby ♪

- Give us a couple drinks, will ya, Tony? - Yes, sir.

♪ When you were only startin' to go to kindergarten ♪

♪ I'll bet you drove the little girls wild ♪

♪♪ (continues)

I hope you're not sore at me about this afternoon. Strictly business, see?

I mean, it might just as well have been you selling me out. You can't expect that...

What are you looking at me like that for?

You can talk your way out of anything, can't you, Wally? You're good at that.

In my business you have to be.

Only, right now I'd rather talk myself into something.

Know what I mean?

- Still trying, huh? - It's a habit.

I've been trying once a week since we were kids.

- Twice a week. - (laughing) Okay, twice.

Anyhow, I'm still drawing blanks.

Hey, you never used to drink it straight like that.

I've learned how these last few months.

- I've learned a lot of things. - Like, for instance?

- Like, for instance, that's rotten liquor. - (laughs)

There's better stuff to drink at the beach house, Wally.

Is that a dare?

Could be.

All right, I'll take it.

- You know I like good stuff. - ♪♪ (ends)

- (applause) - Maybe this is my lucky day.

Maybe.

- Come in. - How about your husband?

Is he, uh, getting broad-minded all of a sudden?

(door closes)

- Monte isn't here. - Oh?

Besides, you can talk your way out of anything, can't you?

Oh, I get by all right.

- You keep sayin' that. - Do I?

- Nervous, Wally? - No, no. Cold.

Temporarily.

- Isn't this more comfortable? - Yeah, yeah, I guess so, but...

- What's the matter? - Nothing.

- You don't seem very happy here. - Oh, I'm happy. Believe me.

Inside, my heart is singing. (chuckles)

- That's pretty corny, Wally. - Yeah, well, I'm a corny guy.

But I'm smart too.

- I wonder about things. - What things?

Well, for instance, I wonder why you brought me here tonight.

I mean, all of a sudden, voom! Husband gone, soft lights, quiet room.

Opportunity. Why?

- Maybe I find you irresistible, Wally. - Yeah?

You make me shiver, Mildred. You always have.

You make love so nicely, Wally. You always have.

You know, Mildred, all my life when I've wanted something I've gone after it.

I get it too.

May take me a little time, okay, but I get what I want.

Do you?

- Must be nice. - Yeah.

It is.

(glass shatters)

- Oh, I'm sorry. - Hey, what's the score?

I feel sticky.

- I think I'd better change my dress. - Yeah? Yeah, sure, Mildred. It's a good idea.

I'll, uh... I'll only be a minute.

Leave the door open so we can talk.

- I like to hear you talk. - Yeah?

So do I.

Somethin' about the sound of my own voice that fascinates me.

I'm glad you didn't get sore at me, the way I took you over the hurdles, Mildred.

I didn't mean to cut up your business the way I did. I just got started and couldn't stop.

I can't help myself.

I see an angle, right away I start cuttin' myself a piece of throat. It's an instinct.

With me bein' smart's a disease. Know what I mean?

Hmm?

Hey, Mildred.

Hurry up. You know I don't like to drink alone.

Hey, say something.

This one-sided conversation is beginning to bore me.

Huh?

(chuckles) Say, uh, Mildred.

Mildred.

Hey, come on, Mildred. Don't play any games.

I'm a nice guy up to a certain point, but don't get me sore.

Mildred.

Hey!

Hey, what's the matter?

What kind of a business is this anyway?

Mildred!

Mildred!

(vehicle passing, horn honking)

(phone ringing)

(ringing continues)

(vehicle passing)

Hit that house with the light.

Hey! Stop, you!

Okay, okay.

What's the hurry, pal?

- No gun. - Better take a look in that house.

This guy came through that window like he was shot out of a cannon.

- Get that coming out of the window? - No. I cut myself shaving.

All right, get goin', smart guy.

- You need some fixin'. - Oh, brother. I'm so smart it's a disease.

All right, go ahead.

What were you doin' in that house, pal? Picking up a few souvenirs, maybe?

No, pal. Nothing petty.

- This is a pretty big night for you. - Yeah?

Yeah. Lots of excitement. There's a stiff in there.

Is that so?

And I suppose you were runnin' right down to the station to report it.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

Hey!

- He says there's a dead guy in the house. - You never saw a deader.

- Better call headquarters. - Yep.

Car 93 calling KQVB.

Car 93 calling KQVB.

Mother, where have you been? What's happened? They won't tell me anything.

- Who won't tell you anything? Who's they? - These men.

- Mrs. Beragon? - Yes.

We're from headquarters.

The inspector would like to have you come down and have a talk with him, if it's convenient.

Why? What's the matter?

I'm sorry, lady. We only ask the questions.

Besides, we don't rightly know what the trouble is.

It's probably just something about the car or something.

At this time of night?

It's all right, darling. Whatever it is, I'll take care of it.

You're not to think about it at all. Now go to bed, please.

- Mother... - Please go on.

- Can't you tell me what's happened? - We'd better go.

What's wrong? What's the matter?

I didn't want to say anything in front of your daughter.

It's your husband. He's been murdered.

Murdered?

Hiya, Joe. What you got?

This is Mrs. Pierce. I mean Beragon.

Which is it, Pierce or Beragon? Make up your mind.

- Mildred Pierce Beragon. - Okay. Wheel her in.

Right over there, please.

Mrs. Beragon just came in.

Sit down. He'll be right with you.

Look, I bruise easy.

- Ida, what are you... - No talking.

(intercom buzzes)

Yeah?

Ida Corwin.

Well, what is this, a class reunion?

Looks like it.

I'll have a tough time talkin' my way out of this.

- Keep movin'. - All right, all right.

(ticking)

Hi, Ed.

- Charley, what's the good word? - My feet hurt. That's the good word.

You got me cryin'. How about a nice, juicy item for the morning edition?

Nope. Not today.

- What's she in for? - Parking gum under her seat in the movie.

- Satisfied? - Okay, Charley, okay.

- I'm sorry, Mildred. I just couldn't help it. - No talking.

Take a seat.

Do you know that guy?

Yes. We were married once.

(ticking)

Paper, lady?

No, thank you.

(pencil sharpener grinding)

♪♪ (whistling)

(intercom buzzes)

Yeah?

Okay.

He wants you now. Now you can talk.

- Inspector Peterson, Mrs. Beragon. - How do you do, Mrs. Beragon?

- How do you do? - Won't you sit down?

Sorry about your husband. It must be a shock to you.

Well, I...

I'm afraid I don't quite know how to begin.

You see, the fact of the matter is, Mrs. Beragon, we don't need you.

You don't need me?

I don't know how to apologize for bringing you down here for nothing,

but, you understand, we had to be sure.

Well, now we are sure.

You aren't going to to ask me questions? I thought you would ask me questions.

I know, Mrs. Beragon.

Everybody thinks that detectives do nothing but ask questions.

But detectives have souls same as anyone else.

Cigarette?

- No, thank you. - Go ahead. It's all right.

You know, Mrs. Beragon, being a detective is like...

Well, like making an automobile.

You just take all the pieces and put them together one by one.

First thing you know, you got an automobile.

Or a murderer.

And we got him.

Oh, you're in the clear, Mrs. Beragon. The case is on ice.

You can go now.

All right, men.

Could you...

- Would you tell me who... - Who did it?

Sure. You're entitled to know.

(buzzes)

No. No!

Yes. He did it.

Your first husband. Pierce.

No, Bert, I won't let you do this.

What about Wally Fay? How do you know he didn't do it?

Fay had no motive. This man had.

You see, Mrs. Beragon, we start out with nothing.

Just a corpse, if you'll pardon the expression.

Okay, we look at the corpse and we say, "Why? What was the reason?"

And when we find the reason, we find the man that made the corpse.

In this case, him.

Come on.

But I tell you he didn't do it. I know he didn't.

Do you?

The murder was committed with this.

Do you know who it belongs to?

No. I don't know.

We do. It belongs to Pierce. That's fact number one.

Fact number two — he doesn't deny killing Beragon.

Seems to think it was a good idea.

And if there's one thing we know from experience,

it's that an innocent man always denies the crime, loud and often.

Pierce doesn't.

So, do you blame us for feeling fairly confident that he's the man

who put four shots out of six into Beragon?

But he didn't. He couldn't. He's too gentle and kind.

Okay. He's kind and gentle. He's wonderful.

But if he's so wonderful, Mrs. Beragon, why did you divorce him?

Because I was wrong.

It's taken me four years to find that out, but now I know I was wrong.

Let's see. Four years ago he was in the real estate business, wasn't he?

Yes. He and Wally Fay were partners.

For a long time they made good money. They built a lot of houses.

Suddenly, everybody stopped buying. The boom was over.

Yes?

Then one day they split up. Wally was in and Bert was out.

MILDRED: They weren't partners anymore.

That day when Bert came home he was out of a job.

- Why, here's the mail for you, Mr. Pierce. - Thanks, Jack.

- Say, have you got a change of address card? - Why, yes.

Thanks.

MILDRED: We lived on Corvallis Street where all the houses looked alike.

Ours was number 1143.

I was always in the kitchen.

I felt as though I'd been born in a kitchen and lived there all my life,

except for the few hours it took to get married.

- That you, Bert? - Yeah. Who else?

I thought it might be Mrs. Whitley calling for her cake.

- Well, it isn't. - (briefcase lands on table)

I married Bert when I was 17.

I never knew any other kind of life. Just cooking and washing and having children.

Two girls, Veda and Kay.

I pressed your other pair of pants.

I thought you might want to see McLary about that salesman's job.

It might be nice, Mildred, if you left me alone once for just five minutes.

When the time comes I'll get a job.

I know you will, Bert. I was just trying to help.

(doorbell buzzes)

- Good afternoon. Package from E. Langlin. - Oh.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- What's that? - It's a dress.

- For Veda? - Mm-hmm.

I thought so. Where'd you get the money?

Baking cakes and making pies for the neighbors. That's where I got it. I earned it.

That's right. Throw it up to me that I can't support my own family.

I'm sorry, Bert, but I don't say half as much as most women would say

with nothing but bills staring them in the face.

Go ahead. Keep it up.

Maybe you wouldn't have so many bills if you didn't try to bring up those kids

like their old man was a millionaire.

No wonder they're so fresh and stuck-up.

That Veda.

I'm so fed up with the way she high-hats me

that one of these days I'm gonna cut loose and slap her right in the face.

Bert, if you ever dare touch Veda, I'll...

All right, all right.

Trouble is, you're trying to buy love from those kids and it won't work.

I'm no bargain, but I make enough to get by. But no, that isn't good enough.

Veda has to have a piano and lessons and fancy dresses

so she can sit up on a platform, smirking her way through a piece

any five-year-old with talent could play.

Veda has talent. Just ask any of the neighbors.

Yeah? She plays the piano like I shoot pool.

And Kay, a nice, normal little kid who wants to skip rope and play baseball.

But she's got to take ballet lessons.

She's going to become a ballet dancer so you can feel proud of yourself.

All right. What of it?

What if I do want them to amount to something?

I'll do anything for those kids. Do you understand? Anything.

Yeah? Well, you can't do their crying for them.

I'll do that too. They'll never do any crying, if I can help it.

There's something wrong, Mildred. I don't know what. I'm not smart that way.

- But I know it isn't right to — - (phone ringing)

Hello?

- WOMAN: I just wanted to know if — - Yes?

Yes, he is.

- Who's calling? - I'm Mrs. Biederhof.

Just a moment.

It's for you. Mrs. Biederhof.

Maggie, I can't talk to you now. I told you not to —

- I tried to call you at the office. - I can't talk to you now. Later.

So the noble Mr. Pierce can't talk right now.

He's too busy telling his wife that what's wrong with their married life

is the way she treats the children.

Maggie means nothing to me. You know that.

I wish I could believe it.

You'd better run down there and apologize, or she won't play gin rummy with you anymore.

- It is gin rummy, isn't it? - Now, look, Mildred. Don't go too far.

- One of these days I'll call your bluff. - Oh, no, you're not calling me. I'm calling you.

You might as well get this straight right now, once and for all.

Those kids come first in this house, before either one of us.

Maybe that's right, maybe it's wrong, but that's the way it is.

I'm determined to do the best I can for them.

If I can't do it with you, I'll do it without you.

Now we're getting to the point. You're looking for an excuse to heave me out on my ear.

- I didn't say that. - Well, I'm fed up.

Let's see you get along without me for a while.

When you want me, you know where to find me.

Bert.

You go down to that woman's house again and you're never coming back here.

I go where I want to go.

Then pack up, Bert.

All right, I will.

The, uh, kids haven't come home yet, huh?

No, not yet.

I, uh... I don't want you to tell them I said good-bye or anything like that.

- You can just say — - I know. I'll take care of it.

Okay, then. I'll leave it to you.

Good-bye, Mildred.

Go on, Bert. There's nothing more to say. Just go on.

(crying)

One, two, three, hike!

Pass it! Pass it!

- Come on! Pass it! - (children chattering)

Kay, for goodness' sake!

- Oh, what's eatin' you? - You're coming home with me.

Oh, I ain't done nothing. You never let anybody have fun.

Look at your clothes.

Honest, Kay, I think you ought to take a little more pride in the way you look.

- You act like a peasant. - Aw, pretzels! What do I care?

You'll care someday, Miss Smarty. Wait till you get interested in boys.

I got over that when I was eight.

(children chattering)

- VEDA: Come on. You'd better hurry up. - KAY: Oh, all right.

(Veda, Kay chattering)

All right. I'll try, I'll try.

- Hello, Mom. - Hello, darling.

- Good afternoon, Mother. - Hello, darling.

- Who is the cake for? - Eddie Whitley. It's his birthday.

- Oh, that goon. - Ah. How'd the lesson go today, Veda?

- Oh, I'm learning a new piece. - Are you?

"Waltz Brilliant." That means "brilliant waltz."

- Does it really? - Mm-hmm.

I saw Father go out.

Did you?

Why don't you play your new piece for me, Veda? I'd love to hear it.

Oh, all right.

When do we eat?

Now, you stop that, or you'll spoil your dinner.

- Okay. - Look at your clothes.

I know, I know. I should have been a boy.

Come on. Bring me those dishes off the sink, will you, darling?

- Okay. - ♪♪ (piano: classical)

- Father had a suitcase with him. - Did he?

- That's a lovely piece, Veda. - Where was he going?

- I don't know. - How long will he be gone?

- That's hard to say. - ♪♪ (stops)

- Don't stop playing, darling. - Is he coming back?

Has he gone for good?

You might as well know it now, both of you.

Your father and I have decided to separate.

You mean, Dad's not coming home anymore? Doesn't he like us?

It has nothing to do with you, honey.

It just couldn't be helped.

We'll have to get along by ourselves now.

- What did you and Father quarrel about? - ♪♪ (piano resumes)

I can't tell you now. Some day I will, but not now.

If you mean Mrs. Biederhof, Mother, I must say my sympathy is all with you.

She's distinctly middle-class.

Please, Veda. It wasn't Mrs. Biederhof.

It was just little things.

- Mostly about your dress. - My dress? It came?

- Yes, it's upstairs in your room. - Oh, come on!

Oh, okay.

You oughta do something about your sit-down.

- What's wrong with it? - Sticks out.

It's the dress.

It's awful cheap material. I can tell by the smell.

What do you expect? Want it inlaid with gold?

Well, it seems to me if you're buying anything, it should be the best.

This is definitely not the best.

Oh, quit. You're breakin' my heart.

Oh, it's impossible.

Look at it. Ruffles.

Oh, I wouldn't be seen dead in this rag.

It's horrible.

How could she have bought me such a thing?

MILDRED: It didn't take me long that night to figure out that I was dead broke.

And with Bert gone it looked as though I'd stay broke.

I felt all alone.

For the first time in my life I was lonely.

There was so much to remind me of Bert and how things used to be with us,

and what great hopes we had.

(doorbell buzzes)

(doorbell buzzes)

- Hi, Mildred. - Oh, hello, Wally.

- Bert around? - Not right now, he isn't.

Well, I'll see him Monday.

He left things in a mess at the office. I thought he could help straighten them out.

Ask him to drop over, will you?

If it's important, you'd better find him yourself. He isn't living here anymore.

Hmm?

- You mean you've busted up? - Something like that.

For good?

- As far as I know. - (chuckles)

If you don't know, I don't know who does know.

- You here all alone? - No, I have the children.

Ah. Bert must be crazy.

You know, I, uh — I never did mind being around you, Mildred.

You don't by any chance hear opportunity knocking, do you?

Me? I'm conscientious.

Not too much ice in that drink you're about to make for me.

- Oh. You moving in? - Maybe.

Anyhow, I'm not gonna cry my eyes out about you and Bert splitting up.

I like the idea. Makes me feel good.

- Wish it made me feel good too. - (chuckles)

- I like Scotch. - I know what you like.

(chuckles) With soda.

You know, I've always been a little soft in the head where you're concerned.

- You surprise me. - No, this is on the level.

Bert's gone? Okay. I figure maybe there's a chance for me now.

You know, I wouldn't drop dead at the idea of marrying you.

Quit kidding, will you?

No, I figured maybe one of these days you might have a weak moment.

- If I do, I'll send you a telegram, collect. - (laughs)

Uh, easy on the ice for this, will you?

No soda?

Sorry. Bert never had it around.

We'll take care of that.

- Say when. - Not for me. I'm not used to it.

We'll take care of that too.

You're pretty sure of yourself, aren't you?

You gotta be educated, Mildred. You just joined the biggest army in the world.

The great American institution that never gets mentioned on the Fourth of July —

a grass widow with two children to support.

- (laughs) - Why don't you make an effort to grow up?

- Why don't you make an effort to forget Bert? - Maybe I don't want to.

But you'll be lonesome, Mildred.

You're not the kind of a woman to get along by herself.

- Well, I can try. - Oh, come on. Get wise.

Wally, you should be kept on a leash. Now, why can't you be friendly?

- But I am being friendly. - No, I mean it.

- Friendship's much more lasting than love. - Yeah, but it isn't as entertaining.

Cut it out, Wally. You make me feel just like little Red Riding Hood.

And I'm the big bad wolf, huh?

Nah, Mildred, you get me wrong. I'm a romantic guy, but I'm no wolf.

- Then quit howling. - (laughs)

I know you romantic guys. One crack about the beautiful moon and you're off to the races.

- Especially when it looks like a sure thing. - Here we go again.

Did I do somethin' wrong?

You'd better go, Wally.

- No dice, huh? - Good night.

Well, no dice, no dice.

You can't shoot a guy for trying. I just thought maybe that...

Oh, Mildred, I was only kidding.

I wouldn't pull any cheap trick like that on you. You know that.

- Yes, I know. - Why, I —

- I said good night, Wally. - Okay, okay.

- Round one goes to Mildred Pierce. - There won't be any round two.

- We live in hope. I'll keep on trying. - I know. Once a week.

Twice a week.

Veda! You're awake?

- Yes, Mother. - Shh.

You'll wake Kay.

No. She's tired out.

- She cried herself to sleep. - Poor darling.

- Was it about her father? - Yes.

Is he going to marry Mrs. Biederhof?

- I don't know. - I do.

I do know that you should be asleep.

- I've been thinking. - What about?

I heard you and Wally talking.

Well.

- You could marry him if you wanted to. - But I'm not in love with him.

But if you married him, maybe we could have a maid like we used to,

and a limousine, and maybe a new house.

I don't like this house, Mother.

Neither do I, but that's no reason for me to marry a man I'm not in love with.

Why not?

Veda, does a new house mean so much to you that you would trade me for it?

I didn't mean it, Mother.

I don't care what we have, as long as we're together.

It's just that there's so many things that I —

that we should have, and haven't got.

I know, darling.

I know.

I want you to have nice things.

And you will have.

Wait and see.

I'll get you everything. Anything you want.

I promise.

How?

I don't know.

But I will. I promise.

You darling.

- Come on. Go to sleep. - All right.

- Happy dreams, sweet. - Thank you.

I love you, Veda.

I love you, Mother. Really, I do.

But let's not be sticky about it.

Good night.

MILDRED: I had to get a job. Any kind.

I had no experience in the business world, but I had to get a job.

I walked my legs off.

Getting a job wasn't as easy as I thought.

Days seemed like weeks, and always, everywhere I went I heard the same thing.

Sorry. We need people with experience.

I was tired and sick at heart when I saw the restaurant,

and I decided to go in for a cup of tea.

Good afternoon.

Sit here?

Menu.

Clear the dirty dishes off number three. Pick up your feet, for crying out loud.

- Roast chicken is very nice. - (women arguing)

No, thank you. I'll just have tea and toast.

I didn't take your rotten tip. I got tips of my own.

- What's the trouble? - Oh, she's been lifting tips.

- Oh, I have not! - I caught her red-handed.

- I said, go into the kitchen. Get going. - She took a tip off my table too.

- You keep out of this. - How about some service?

- I'll have someone take care of you right away. - WOMAN: I hope so.

(waitress complaining)

You mind your own business!

Sorry to leave you like that, but we're so shorthanded, and now this.

Let's see. You wanted tea?

- No, I want a job. - What?

Well, you seem to need help, and I want a job.

Did you ever work in a restaurant before?

No.

Follow me.

- Kind of a nervous gal, aren't you? - I'm just a little over-anxious, I guess.

Well, you want to watch that. It's tough on dishes.

Personally, I don't think you're the type for the work,

but against my better judgment I'll give you a trial.

You'll need white shoes.

Ask for nurses' regulation in any of the stores. 2.95.

We furnish your uniform, but it comes off your first check. 3.95.

You get it at cost. And keep it laundered.

If you don't suit us, we charge you 25 cents on the uniform.

That comes off your check too.

Keep your own tips.

Here. Have your tea.

Thank you.

- What's your name? - Ida.

- What's yours? - Mildred Pierce.

COOK (shouting): Chef's salad! Hold the mayonnaise!

Soup. Hold potatoes.

Two chops. One medium, one rare. Lamb plate.

- Two chicken dinners. One without gravy. - Two chickens. Hold one gravy.

You can't say "without." You gotta say "hold."

MILDRED: I learned the restaurant business. I learned it the hard way.

In three weeks I was a good waitress.

- One chicken. Hold veg. - Chicken! Hold veg!

- Steak, medium. - Steak, medium!

- Club san. Roast beef. Hold one. Combin salad. - COOK: Combin salad.

In six weeks I felt as though I'd worked in a restaurant all my life.

And in three months I was one of the best waitresses in the place.

I took tips and was glad to get them.

And at home I baked pies for the restaurant.

Those'll be done in another couple of minutes.

Let's see, now, we have a dozen peach, a dozen berry, a dozen pumpkin, a dozen cherry.

And after we finish the apple we can quit for the night.

I don't know how you keep it up, Mrs. Pierce. Honest, I don't.

Now, I sleep all mornin', but you go down to that restaurant and work and work.

Just like you been sleepin' all night, only you ain't.

Keeps me thin.

- Beg pardon? - Mm-hmm.

Don't do nothin' for me.

MILDRED: I was doing all right. I was doing fine.

I was able to afford an expensive singing teacher for Veda.

- ♪♪ (holding note) - And a good dancing school for Kay.

Only one thing worried me — that someday Veda would find out that I was a waitress.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Pierce.

- Everything go all right? - Oh, I had a busy day today.

- That's good. - ♪♪ (piano, faint)

- Where did you get that uniform? - Miss Veda gave it to me.

She makes me wear it in case I have to answer the doorbell.

Miss Veda gave it to you?

I told her you wouldn't like it, Mrs. Pierce. I told her right off.

But she hollered and went on so that I put it on just to keep her quiet.

♪ Ay-yi, ay-yi ♪

♪ Have you ever danced in the tropics ♪

♪ In the hazy, lazy-like kind of crazy-like ♪

♪ South American way? ♪

- (Veda harmonizing) - ♪ Ay-yi, ay-yi ♪

♪ Have you ever kissed in the moonlight ♪

♪ In the grand and glorious ♪

- Is that what you learned at ballet school? - Well, do you like it?

- What have you got on your face, darling? - It's just some lipstick, Mother.

- Lottie! - Yes, Mrs. Pierce?

Will you take Kay upstairs and wash all that goo off her face and give her a good scrubbing.

But my face don't need scrubbing. I washed it this morning.

- Go on, hurry up. Go on. - It can stand a little more soap and water.

(both chattering)

- Veda. - Yes, Mother. What is it?

Where did you find the uniform you gave Lottie?

- I was looking for a handkerchief. - In my closet?

I looked everywhere else.

Your handkerchiefs are in your own top drawer where they always are.

What were you doing snooping around my closet?

Really, Mother, it seems you're making quite a fuss about something which doesn't matter.

If you bought the uniform for Lottie,

and I certainly can't imagine who else you could have bought it for,

then why shouldn't she wear it?

You've been snooping around ever since I got this job, trying to find out what it is.

And now you know. You know, don't you?

Know what?

Know what, Mother?

You knew when you gave that uniform to Lottie that it was mine, didn't you?

- Your uniform? - Yes.

I'm waiting tables in a downtown restaurant.

My mother, a waitress.

I took the only job I could get so you and your sister could eat

and have a place to sleep and some clothes on your backs.

Aren't the pies bad enough? Did you have to degrade us?

- Veda, don't talk like that. - I'm really not surprised.

You've never spoken of your people, who you came from, so perhaps it's natural.

Maybe that's why Father —

(gasps)

Oh, I'm sorry I did that.

I'd have rather cut off my hand.

I'd never have taken the job if I hadn't wanted to keep us all together.

And, besides, I wanted to learn the business the best way possible.

What kind of business?

The restaurant business.

I'm planning on opening a place of my own.

There's money in a restaurant if it's run right.

You mean... You mean we'll be rich?

Well, some people have gotten rich that way.

MILDRED: I didn't know what to do next, but suddenly it hit me.

Why not open a restaurant?

In the seventh, give me five across the board on Materialize.

Hello, Mildred. Grab a seat.

What? Yeah, I know it's a dog, but I happen to like red horses.

(chuckles) Call me back, will you?

- Well, well, well. - Hello, Wally. It's good to see you again.

Nice to see you. Sit down, sit down, sit down.

I, uh — I haven't seen enough of you lately.

This is all business, Wally.

You know, you keep on refusing me, I'm gonna start thinking you're stubborn.

- (chuckles) Laugh? - No.

No laugh, huh? What's all this?

I'm going to open a restaurant.

- You are? - Yes, Wally, and you're going to help me.

- I am? I mean, am I? - Oh, please, Wally.

(laughs) I guess I am, Mildred. What's the score?

Well, I found the location I want.

It's an old house that hasn't been lived in for years from the look of it.

It's right on a busy intersection, which means it's good for drive-in trade.

I clocked an average of 500 cars an hour. Do you realize what that means, Wally?

And there isn't another restaurant within five miles.

It listens good. What's the address?

35904 Glenoaks Boulevard.

- 35904 Glenoaks Boulevard? - Mm-hmm.

- Who owns it? - I don't know, but there's a "for sale" sign on it.

- Well, let's see. - I need your help in getting this place.

You know what the angles are and I don't. I want that house. Please get it for me, Wally.

All right, wait a minute. 35907... 35904.

There we are.

Well, it's listed at 10,000.

That means they'll take eight or less because they're anxious to move the property.

And it's owned by the Beragon estate. Beragon.

- Do you know them? - No. Some wealthy Pasadena family.

Got a lot of property around here.

"Beragon Manor. Beragon estate." There we are.

Well, what do you know.

- What is it? Well, tell me! - (dialing rotary dial)

The Beragons have already lost two pieces of property because of back taxes.

Sounds as if they're broke.

Using your gams all day hasn't hurt 'em a bit.

Hello! Hello. Mr. Beragon, please.

Now watch your Uncle Wally go to work.

How do you do, sir? This is Wallace Fay of Fay Real Estate.

I've been looking forward to the pleasure of calling you for some time.

It's regarding your property on Glenoaks Boulevard.

I, uh... I believe I've succeeded in interesting a client of mine

in the possibility of a purchase.

- Well, uh, how about, uh... - (whispers) This afternoon.

Yeah, how about this afternoon?

Good. We'll be right down.

Fay is the name.

No, Fay. That's right. Good-bye.

- Well? - He's sweating blood already. Let's go.

And remember, let me do all the talking.

- Oh, Wally, you're wonderful. - Ah-ah! This is all business, remember?

Yep, this is it.

MAN: Will you wait here, please?

Uh, Mr. Beragon, my name is Wallace Fay. I've talked to you on the telephone.

This is, uh, Mrs. Pierce, the client that I talked about.

- MILDRED: How do you do, Mr. Beragon? - How do you do?

Would you like a drink?

I'm trapped. You've talked me into it.

Mrs. Pierce?

As I see it, Mrs. Pierce wants to buy the house, but she doesn't want to pay for it.

Well, that's about it, Mr. Beragon. Mrs. Pierce needs a little time to get started.

But once the restaurant is successful, she'll be in a position to buy the property outright.

I see. Very unusual proposition.

How long do you think you would need, Mrs. Pierce?

- I should say it would take her about a year. - Do you think you can make 10,000 clear?

- Yes. I have it all — - WALLY: Look.

If the place is successful at all, it'll be very successful.

If it isn't, you'll get your property back in much better condition than it is now.

What do you say? It's a gamble, but you can't lose much.

I like to gamble, Mr. Fay, but I have to be sure of my odds,

and the odds are against me.

- No, I'm afraid I'm not interested. - Oh, please, Mr. Beragon, listen to me.

This is a gamble for me too.

I'm putting every cent I have into this place, and, believe me, I haven't much.

I can't afford to lose anymore than you.

I've got all the information. I know exactly what it will cost and how much I can expect to make.

I know I can do it. I know I can.

Very well. It's a deal.

That's great. I'll draw up the papers tonight. One more thing, Mr. Beragon.

We'll need a pre-dated transfer of ownership, if that's all right with you.

- You want the transfer immediately? - Yeah.

We'll give you a note to cover the purchase, you give us the deed. It's very simple.

You take care of the details.

Well, Mrs. Pierce, how does it feel to be the owner of a white elephant?

Oh, it feels wonderful!

(all laugh)

Hey, how about Uncle Wally here?

- Nice guy, you know. - Very. Good-looking too.

- Maybe. But no brains. - What do you mean?

Didn't you hear me conning him out of the deed to the property without puttin' down a cent?

- Sure, but... - You leave the angles to your Uncle Wally.

There's one other thing that's gotta be taken care of.

What's that? Oh, sorry. I don't feel romantic this afternoon, Wally.

No, nothin' like that. It's kinda serious though.

- It's about Bert. - What's on your mind?

You're not gonna like this, Mildred, but you're gonna have to get a divorce.

- That is, if you want to open that restaurant. - Well, what's that got to do with it?

Well, in California they got a thing called a community property law.

- Half of what Bert owns belongs to you. - What's half of nothing?

Well, it works two ways. Half of what you own belongs to Bert.

You open that restaurant and voom,

all of Bert's creditors'll be hangin' around with their hands out sayin' "gimme."

- Is a divorce the only answer? - Uh-huh. Why?

- It takes a year to get a divorce in California. - You're not getting cold feet, are you?

- No, but if it takes a year, why bother to get it? - It takes a year for it to become final.

Once it's entered, the creditors can't touch you. Your worries are over.

Well, I'll be seeing Bert next week.

He's coming down to take the children to Arrowhead for the weekend.

- Maybe I'll talk to him then. I'll think about it. - There's nothing to think about.

- No divorce, no restaurant. - I'll think about it, Wally.

Well, I'd have to know a little more about it.

Divorce is a pretty serious step.

- Hello, Dad! - Hello, dear.

We'll be down in a minute.

Mom, Veda wants to know where her new bathing suit is.

- It's in the top drawer of her dresser. - Okay!

She says it's in the upper drawer of the dresser.

(coughing) Here.

I wonder if there are many boys up at Arrowhead.

If there are, they're sure to find you. Don't worry.

Don't you think I hate this as much as you do?

But it's got to be for the children's sake. I have to think of their future.

- Of Veda, you mean. - All right, of Veda.

- Well, what about Kay? - Oh, Kay doesn't need so much thinking about.

Kay's twice the girl that Veda is and always will be.

She thinks you're wonderful.

Maybe that's why I keep trying to please Veda.

- You'll always get kicked around, Mildred. - Well, you ought to know.

I've made up my mind. I want a divorce.

I want to know more about this deal of Wally Fay's, a whole lot more.

- What have you got to do with that? - You're my wife, aren't you?

Yes, but you certainly seem to forget about it, especially when it comes to Maggie Biederhof.

Well, what about you and Wally Fay?

Oh, you should know better than that.

Bert, listen.

I've put everything I've got into this new restaurant.

I've worked with painters, carpenters and electricians,

and suddenly everything is beginning to take shape.

I've worked hard and long, and I'm going to get that divorce.

Yeah, yeah, you want me to poke you in the nose in front of witnesses

so that you can get up in court and claim I was guilty of cruelty.

No, Mildred. No divorce.

I'm going to file papers and there's very little you can do about it.

- I don't need your permission. - No?

Well, file away. I'll fight you all the way down the line, you and Wally Fay.

- And what's more, I'm — - (door slams)

- Make sure. - Oh, you don't have to worry about me.

- Well, that was quick. - Daddy, we're all ready.

- My, how nice you look. Hello, Veda. - Hello, Father.

- Good-bye, Mom. - Good-bye, darling.

- Good-bye, Mother. - Let's get started.

Have fun. Be careful swimming. That water's awfully cold.

- KAY: Oh! - Bye!

- Bye! - Bye!

Dad, on the way, can we stop and have a hamburger?

I guess so. We'll have to hurry though.

(car doors close)

It's moments like this that make me happy that nylons are out for the duration.

Well, if it isn't our silent partner.

I decided I'd been silent long enough. I came by to check up on my investment.

- Well, how do you like it? - Delightful.

Are you sure you're here to check on your investment?

Oh, absolutely.

Well, then you'd better have a look at your investment.

Over there's the counter.

Here we're going to put one table and over here we're going to put four tables.

You must see the booths. We have ten booths, four people to a booth.

- That makes 40 people. We can expect to feed — - That's very ingenious.

Look, today's a holiday. Why don't you get out of here?

I'd love to, but I'm awfully busy.

- Isn't the bar beautiful? - A bar. That's a novelty.

I've got one at the beach house. Come down and see my ocean.

I've seen one, and if you've seen one ocean, you've seen them all, I always say.

Why should people come to my place to eat and go someplace else to drink?

- That's why I put the bar in. - That's very logical.

But to get back to my ocean,

why don't you and I go down and have a swim and forget all about our investment?

Oh, I'd love to, but uh-uh. Got to much work to do.

Oh, come on.

Better look out. I might say yes.

You know what might be a highly original thing for you to do?

- No. What? - Just say yes, right away like that.

Uh, no. No, I shouldn't.

As you grow older you'll find that the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.

I hope you're right.

Why don't I pick you up at the corner of Colorado and Brand in say, uh, 30 minutes.

No, I really can't.

How about it?

All right. You win.

(dishes clatter)

There you are. Just help yourself.

If you don't find what you want, just let me know. We aim to please.

(laughs) Are you hoarding bathing suits?

- They belong to my sisters. - There's nothing like having a large family.

- Yell if you need help with the zipper. - Thank you, but I won't need any help.

How do you like your drink?

Oh, harmless.

- I like your ocean. - I borrowed it from the navy especially for you.

You have a wonderful view.

Well, I wouldn't say that.

- I hope the suit fits better than the robe. - It does.

- Do you live here all the year round? - No. We have the family mansion in Pasadena.

Complete with iron deer, a ghost and a greenhouse with no flowers.

I come here in the spring.

- Oh, it must be lovely here. - Yes, but lonely.

You know, Mildred, in the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns

to what he's been thinking about all winter.

It's a good thing California winters are so short.

No whistle?

I'd need a police siren.

- Oh, here we go. - Go? Go where?

- Swimming. Isn't that why we're here? - Suppose it is.

- Hey, wait a minute! - Come on!

Hold it!

♪♪ (phonograph: mid-tempo orchestral ballad)

- Drink? - No, thank you.

- You drink too much. - I know. I do too much of everything.

- I'm spoiled. - Too many sisters.

- They all seem to be my size too. - Yes. I like them your size.

- To brotherly love. - Thank you, Mr. Beragon.

Monte Beragon.

That's a very unusual name. Spanish?

Mostly. Maybe a little Italian thrown in.

But my mother is a real, dyed-in-the-wool Yankee.

That's why I'm such a self-controlled and dignified young fellow.

(laughs) And just what do you do, Mr. Beragon?

I loaf. Oh, in a decorative and highly charming manner.

Is that all?

With me, loafing is a science.

(Mildred laughs)

You're very beautiful like that.

I'll bet you say that to all your sisters.

- Shall I tell your fortune? - Can you?

Oh, we Beragons come from a long line of teacup readers.

I'm not very impressionable, Mildred.

I lost my awe of women at an early age.

But ever since that first day you came here,

I thought of nothing but what I'd say to you when we met again.

And now I can't say anything.

You take my breath away.

Do I?

I like you, Monte.

You make me feel...

Oh, I don't know. Warm.

And wanted? Beautiful?

Yes.

When I'm close to you like this, there's a sound in the air like the beating of wings.

- You know what it is? - No. What?

My heart, beating like a schoolboy's.

Is it?

I thought it was mine.

♪♪ (phonograph: ballad ends)

- (needle scratching in groove) - The record.

Monte, the record.

(needle continues scratching)

Is he there yet? That's good.

Yeah, I think I have everything we need.

Yeah, yeah. I called everywhere. I'll wait another five minutes.

- (vehicle approaching) - Wait a minute. I think she's coming now.

- BERAGON: Is that a promise? - I don't know.

- Thursday? Friday? - Make it Wednesday.

- Good. Good-bye. - Good-bye.

- Where have you been? - Bert, what are you doing here?

I've been looking all over for you. Nobody knew where you were. I've been nearly nuts.

- What is it? - It's Kay. She's sick.

We came down from Arrowhead 80 miles an hour, but...

Well, it... it's pneumonia.

Oh, no.

She isn't here.

She isn't here?

- Where is she? - Mrs. Biederhof's.

I was frantic. I didn't know what to do. I sent for Dr. Gale.

It's all right, Bert. Just hurry.

(engine starts)

(weakly) Mommy.

Yes, darling, Mommy's here.

More oxygen.

(oxygen hissing)

I hope it was all right to bring her here instead of the hospital, Doctor.

- But I thought it would save time. - DOCTOR: You did the right thing.

Yes, thank you.

Thank you very much, Mrs. Biederhof.

- Nurse. - Yes, Doctor?

One more cc.

Hurry up, Nurse.

- I'm sorry, I — I couldn't save her. - (gasps)

(Mildred sobbing)

(sobbing continues)

I'm — I'm sorry, Mildred.

We did everything in our power.

I — I brought her into the world.

It seems hard that I was the one to...

I'll fix you a nice, hot cup of tea.

I'll never forget it.

Never, as long as I live.

She said, "Mommy."

And that was all.

- Oh, I loved her so much. - (Veda sobs)

Oh, Mother.

Please, God, don't ever let anything happen to Veda.

MILDRED: After that, there was only one thing on my mind:

to open the restaurant and make it successful.

(horn honking)

WOMAN: Short stack. Easy on the butter.

WOMAN #2: Adam and Eve on a raft. Hit me hard.

- We enjoyed it. - It was delicious. Everything delicious.

- We come again tomorrow night, Mama. - See you tomorrow. Good night.

WOMAN: Four, two. Half-and-half. Punch 20.

Too bad you had to stand so long. There'll be something in a minute.

I'm so sorry I've kept you waiting. Right this way, please.

- I didn't think chicken was that good. - I'm so glad you liked it. Great.

We've been jammed ever since the doors opened.

Here you are, right here. I'll take these, Arline. You take the orders.

- We have wonderful fried chicken. - Thank you.

- I think I'll have chicken. - I hope you like it.

Pick up something. Never make a trip in or out with an empty tray like that.

Oh, Ida, it looks like we're in.

That's what it says here. Isn't that a lovely noise?

Oh, I don't know what I would have done without you.

- Probably had a nervous breakdown. - (laughs)

- Oh, hello, Mrs. Sawyer. How are you? - Hello, Mildred.

- Hello, Mr. Sawyer. - Good evening, Mildred.

I'm so glad you could come. Suzanne, a booth for Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer, please.

- I'll see you later. - Thank you.

- Congratulations, Mother. It's wonderful. - (sighs) Thank you.

- How'd you like to sell your share? - No, thank you.

- I know a good thing when I see it. - So do I, and I can see it.

This is some mob. Those postcards you sent out certainly did the trick.

- Yeah. - Say, kid, keep my seat warm.

And get me another drink. I want to talk to your mother a minute.

- What do you want to talk to me about? - Well, uh, it's about Bert.

- He's coming over here tonight. - He is?

Yeah. He said he wanted to see you. I think it's about the divorce.

- What about it? - He just said he wanted to see you.

- Help me, Wally, will you? Thank you so much. - All right, sure, sure, sure.

- (gasps) - Excuse me. I'm awfully sorry.

- You big pheasant! - Why don't you look where you're going?

Excuse me for living, mister. I'm a little excited.

- What is this? - We're swamped. You've got to help us.

Who, me? I'm an executive.

You're now vice president in charge of the potatoes.

- Will you put them in the hot fat? - All right.

- Thanks, go on. - You look very pretty, Mr. Fay.

- Thank you. - Not at all.

- WOMAN: Lamb plate. - MAN: Lamb.

- WOMAN #2: Number nine, over in two. - WOMAN #3: "J" and "B" on the side.

WOMAN #2: Scramble two with.

Hey, what do you know? Beragon just came in.

Did he? That's funny. He didn't say he was coming.

What do you mean, he didn't say? You been seeing him?

- Uh, Wally, don't let the potatoes burn. - All right, I'm just asking a question.

Dorothy, don't ever go in like that. Put some more potatoes on.

You'll never make any money that way.

It's all right. As long as the customers are satisfied. Hurry up now.

This is just like my wedding night. So exciting.

(Mildred, Wally chuckle)

Will you please see that Mrs. Pierce gets these flowers?

Can I tell her your name, or is it a secret?

Just tell her they came from an old gypsy fortune-teller.

Oh. Well, sit down and read a teacup and I'll see if she's busy.

Hey, Mildred. Real, live orchids.

- For me? - Uh-huh.

Orchids? Say, what is this? Who are they from?

From an old gypsy fortune-teller with beautiful brown eyes.

Beg pardon?

Put them in the icebox for me, will you, Wally?

- Here, muscles. - MAN: Salisbury rare.

WOMAN: Two blue plates, one with, one without. Hold the potatoes.

MAN: Two plates.

Could you put it on this table, please?

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize this table was taken.

Oh, it's quite all right. We're so crowded tonight.

- Do sit down, Mr. Beragon, please. - Oh, thank you.

- May I have a dry martini, please? - Yes, sir.

- So you know me? - Oh, everyone knows the Monte Beragon.

You play polo, go yachting, are an excellent hunter

and are seen with the most attractive debutantes in California.

- I read the society section. - So I gather.

- Maybe I should introduce myself. - Oh, no. Don't tell me.

- Your hand, please. - Can you tell from my hand?

I wouldn't want this to get around, but I come from a long line of fortune-tellers.

- Oh? - Oh, yes. Hmm.

What does it say?

It says that you are very much indeed like your mother.

- Yes? - And it says that her name is, uh, Bierce.

Uh, no. Uh, F... Pierce!

- How wonderful! - And it says that your name is Veda.

- Where does it say "Veda"? - Oh, that line right there. Unmistakable.

- Well, if it isn't gypsy Beragon. - The very same.

What do you say? Looks like a pretty good investment after all, huh?

Anything you did to this white elephant would be an improvement.

Smile when you say that, stranger. A third of this joint belongs to me.

- Congratulations. - I've got another business proposition.

- You know that orange grove you got — - Save it until later.

- Well, here's to success. - Yeah.

Thanks.

MAN: Four, two. Half-and-Half.

MAN #2: Two specials. One Grade A. One black.

MAN: Hot stuff, comin' through.

♪♪ (big band)

That's a wonderful piece.

Beragon, all you need now is a pair of bobby socks.

- Maybe Veda'll lend me a pair. - (both laugh)

MILDRED: Oh!

Well, the last customer just folded his tent.

That's good. We've only got one chicken left.

Put my initials on that.

Oh, I'm so tired, I don't know whether I'm walking on my feet or my ankles.

- You must be dead. - Well, if I am, just bury me with this.

- WALLY: ♪ Please think of me ♪ - I wish I felt the way they do.

- ♪ No other one ♪ - ♪♪ (Veda vocalizing)

- ♪ Can make me happy ♪ - You've got a nice voice, you know that?

♪♪ (Wally vocalizing)

WALLY: Hi, Mildred. Congratulations. You're a success.

MONTE: Your daughter and I have been getting acquainted.

Mr. Beragon has promised to take me to the races.

- Only if your mother comes along. - I'd love to.

- Wally, do me a favor. - Anything.

- Take Veda home. - What?

Anyone would think I was a child.

You are. And besides, it's past your bedtime.

Well, it's not way past my bedtime. Besides, I want to take you home.

Wally, look. I've got to close up. I'll go home with Ida. Please, come on.

Okay, okay. Sure is a big night for me.

I come out looking for an evening of fun and laughter, what do I get?

Dishpan hands and a date with a Girl Scout.

- Good night, darling. Happy dreams. - Good night, Mother.

Good night, Mr. Beragon. Thank you for everything.

- I trust that we may meet again very soon. - Oh, I hope so.

Thank you for a divine evening, Mrs. Pierce.

I trust that I might see you again in the not-too-distant future.

- Good night. Come on, small fry. - Oh, I'm coming.

Come on. Never mind. Hurry up.

For heaven's sake.

- Leave something on me. I might catch cold. - I was just thinking.

- Not about you. Come on. - (chuckles)

That's a very cute youngster of yours.

- Yes, isn't she? - I thought you had two.

- Kay died. - Oh, I'm awfully sorry.

- You should have let me know. - Please, let's not talk about it.

You've had your tough breaks, but you're on your way now.

- You're going to make a go of this place. - (chuckles) I hope so.

- Don't you ever do anything but work? - Somebody's got to.

I know, but not all the time. There's a time for work and a time for —

Nine and eight are 17. Seventeen... (murmuring)

Oh, Monte, don't. Not here.

Why not? I've been waiting all evening. A lifetime.

(slams)

- I — - I didn't mean to bust in like this.

That's all right.

This is, uh, my husband. Mr. Beragon, Monte Beragon.

I've heard a lot of things about you, Mr. Beragon.

Nice things, I hope.

If you don't mind, I'd like to speak to Mildred.

Yes, of course. What is it, Bert?

This'll only take a minute. It's-It's —

It's funny. This is harder to say than I thought.

It's about the divorce, Mildred. You can have it.

When I walked out on you, I told you to see if you could get along without me.

I didn't think you could.

When you asked me for a divorce, I still didn't think you could make a go of it alone.

But now I know better. You're doing all right, Mildred. You're doing fine.

- I never thought it would end like this. - Who knows how anything is going to end?

- I'm sorry. - Yes, I'm sorry too.

Well, that's that. That's what I came to say, and now that I've said it,

I just want you to know that I wish you all the luck in the world.

Thank you, Bert. Thank you.

- Well, good-bye. - Good-bye.

This calls for a drink.

In the Beragon family, there is an old Spanish proverb.

"One man's poison is another man's meat."

Bert!

(door opens, slams)

I was in love with him, and I knew it for the first time that night.

But now he's dead, and I'm not sorry. He wasn't worth it.

That may be. Whoever killed him evidently agreed with you.

But you still haven't given us one good reason

why your first husband wasn't the murderer.

In fact, you've given us a very good reason why he was.

Now look at it our way. One, Beragon was killed with Pierce's gun.

Two, Pierce cannot account for his movements at the time of the murder.

Three, he had a motive.

You've just given it to us, Mrs. Beragon. Jealousy.

This report just came in. Thought you'd want to see it.

- Will you excuse me? - Certainly.

- Is he sure? - You know Charley.

He don't like to make mistakes.

Just a minute.

Mrs. Beragon, we have some information here which puzzles us a little.

For instance, your business manager.

- Right away. - Okay.

Ida Corwin.

She tells us that you called her at approximately 11:45 in the evening

and asked where Mr. Beragon was.

You seemed quite upset at the time, according to her statement.

Well, it was just a business matter.

Then there was nothing wrong when you called?

- No. - Um...

Mrs. Beragon, occasionally we run across a witness

who refuses to tell us what we want to know except under pressure.

Like Wally Fay, for example. Why did you take him to the beach house?

- Did you know Beragon was lying there dead? - No, I didn't.

Then you were at the beach house this evening. Why didn't you tell us that before?

- Well, I — - And why did you run away from the house?

Wasn't it because you knew Beragon was there, dead?

- No, I — - And if you did know,

why were you trying to pin the murder onto Fay? Why?

I think you'd better tell us the truth now.

I did it. I killed him.

But why?

Your restaurant was a success. You were in love with Beragon.

What happened to all that?

The restaurant was a greater success than I knew that night.

Profits were enormous.

In a few months I opened up another place, and then I started a chain.

In three years, I'd built up five restaurants.

Everywhere you went, I had a restaurant. They made money.

Everything I touched turned into money, and I needed it.

I needed it for Veda.

(whistle blows)

She was becoming a young lady with expensive tastes.

Veda was growing up.

(no audible dialogue)

That Ted Forrester is nice looking, isn't he? Veda likes him.

Who wouldn't? He has a million dollars.

What's the matter, Monte?

Nothing. I've just run out of jokes, I guess.

- What is it? Tell me. - I've had a little bad luck lately.

I won't be able to afford many more evenings like this.

- Do you need money? - No, no. It isn't anything like that.

I think you do.

Mildred, please don't do that.

You've been awfully good to us, Monte. Take it, please.

All right, if you say so. But I'll pay it back.

I want it distinctly understood that it's only a loan.

Anything you say, just as long as we're friends.

MILDRED: That's how it began.

At first it bothered Monte to take money from me.

Then it became a habit with him.

There's a total here of $1,480.29 in six months.

- What's the big idea? - We owe him a great deal.

The restaurant was paid for a year ago. You don't owe him a cent.

I promised to manage this business for you, and I've done all right so far.

But keeping Monte Beragon in monogrammed shirts is not my idea of business.

- No? - No.

I made this business for you with my own hands. I chiseled Monte out of the deed.

I got the banks to give you credit. Believe me, that wasn't easy.

I've conned everybody till they're blue in the face and for what?

- So you could have a lapdog named Beragon? - Take it easy.

When you walked out on Bert, it was okay with me.

I was glad to see you gettin' some sense.

But now you're fallin' for a worse foul ball than Bert ever thought of being.

- That's none of your business. - I say it is.

I'm not the type that likes to be left out in the cold.

I helped you so I could be around when you changed your mind about me.

- Maybe I was wrong. - Maybe you were.

You're makin' a mistake. This Beragon is no good. He'll bleed you dry.

Suppose I'm in love with him.

Uh-huh.

Okay.

- I guess now I know where I stand. - That's right. Now you know.

(sighs)

- I hate all women. - My, my.

Thank goodness you're not one.

Laughing Boy seems slightly burned at the edges. What's eating him?

A small, green-eyed monster.

Jealous? Doesn't sound like Wally. No profit in it.

And there's a boy that loves a dollar.

I just told him I was in love with Monte Beragon.

Are you?

I thought I was once, but not now.

- Good. - What's that?

- Little $1,800 birthday present for Miss Veda. - Oh, the car! It's here. Where is it?

It's that shiny thing a block and a half long.

- Do you think she'll like it? - If she doesn't,

she ought to have her head examined for holes.

Here, you have to sign this, in blood.

- I know it isn't any of my business — - If it's about Monte, I agree with you.

- It's Veda. She's been borrowing money. - From whom?

Anybody who'd give her any. Waitresses mostly.

Hasn't she paid them back?

They're afraid to say anything or turn her down. You know how it is.

Tell them to come to me. I'll see that they're paid back.

I'm sorry I had to tell you, Mildred.

I don't blame her so much. A couple of times Monte was with her.

Did you, uh, bring the Laguna Beach and Los Feliz statements with you?

Yeah, they're over here.

- Hello, everybody. Ida. - IDA: Hello.

- Hello, Mother, darling. - Hello, Veda. Hello, Monte.

Hello. I hope we aren't interrupting a big business conference.

Just a teeny one.

Oh, I wish I could get that interested in work.

You were probably frightened by a callus at an early age.

- Here, I'll take that. - Thank you.

There's one missing.

You're sitting on the Laguna Beach statement.

That's what I like about you, Ida. You're so delightfully provincial.

I like you too.

Don't look now, junior, but you're standing under a brick wall.

- I don't get it. - You will, when it falls on you.

When did you start smoking?

Oh, just the other day.

Monte gave me this for my birthday, and I couldn't hurt him by not using it.

I mean, that would have been dreadfully recherché, n'est-ce pas?

Yes, I suppose so.

Here's something for your birthday too. I hope you like it, darling.

- Mother! A car? - Mm-hmm.

- Where is it? - Look out the window.

- Oh, Mother, it's beautiful! - Oh, I'm so glad you like it.

How about me, young lady? After all, I picked it out.

Monte, it's the nicest present I ever got.

You're sweet, really you are. Let's go for a drive.

- Nothing I'd like better. - Monte, do you mind? I'd like to talk to you.

Why, not at all. Run along and dent your fenders.

- All right. - See you later at the club.

- Mm-hmm. - MILDRED: Be careful, darling.

- I will. Au revoir. - MONTE: Au revoir.

Bye!

(no audible dialogue)

- What's the matter? - I want you to do me a favor.

- Sure. What? - Stay away from Veda.

Why? What's the matter with me? Have I suddenly sprouted two heads?

I just don't want you to take her out so much.

- Oh. (scoffs) - And it isn't funny.

She's only 17 years old and spoiled rotten.

- What has that got to do with me? - Look, Monte, I've worked long and hard

trying to give Veda the things I never had.

I've done without a lot of things, including happiness sometimes,

because I wanted her to have everything.

Now I'm losing her. She's drifting away from me.

She hardly speaks to me anymore except to ask for money

or poke fun at me in French because I work for a living.

- All kids are thoughtless at her age. - Perhaps, but I still don't like it.

I blame it on the way she's been living. I blame it on you.

I don't think you understand Veda very well.

She's not like you. You'll never make a waitress out of her.

You look down on me because I work for a living, don't you? You always have.

All right, I work. I cook food and sell it and make a profit on it.

Which, I might point out, you're not too proud to share with me.

Yes, I take money from you, Mildred.

But not enough to make me like kitchens or cooks. They smell of grease.

I don't notice you shrinking away from a $50 bill because it happens to smell of grease.

- Take it easy. - There's no point in going on like this.

You're interfering with my life and my business,

and worst of all, you're interfering with my plans for Veda and I won't stand for it.

I always knew that someday we'd come to this particular moment in the scheme of things.

You want Veda and your business and a nice, quiet life, and the price of all that is me.

You can go back to making your pies now, Mildred. We're through.

Wait a minute, Monte. I forgot something.

You've been very good to us.

I know you've had expenses taking Veda out.

I don't know how much we owe you, but...

if that isn't enough you can let me know.

Thank you. I've always wondered how it felt to take a tip.

Well, now you know.

You can mark our account "paid in full."

(pops)

I'd like some of that.

You gotta work for it, kid. Keep your motor running.

- Bring me three glasses, will you? - Yes, sir.

- Hey, this is beginning to look serious. - It is.

- Huh? - Yes, we finally made up our minds.

So? Well, this calls for a celebration. Congratulations, Romeo.

- You've been swell to us, Mr. Fay. - Oh, forget it, kid.

I get a kick out of doing things for other people.

- Don't I, Veda? - Absolutely.

Looks like we never serve champagne in this joint. Or place. Excuse me.

- (laughing) - Kids, try this on for size.

This is some of our very best, reserved for special customers.

- California, '42. - (laughing)

Well, here's to, uh... Here's to true love.

To true love.

The receipts of the establishment at Arcadia have dropped roughly seven percent

- during the last month. - Say, Mildred.

- Nearly eight percent — - Yes?

There's a Mrs. Forrester waiting in the patio to see you.

- Oh. What about? - Veda.

Excuse me, Mr. Jones.

You always interrupt.

It's only because I want to be alone with you.

Come here and let me bite you, you darling boy. (growls)

- Mrs. Pierce? - Yes.

I'm Mrs. Forrester, Ted's mother.

Oh, how do you do, Mrs. Forrester?

Won't you come over here and sit down? I think it'd be more comfortable for you.

Thank you. I've been looking forward so much to meeting you, Mrs. Pierce.

I'm sure we're going to work out our little problem splendidly.

- Little problem? - Uh, Veda hasn't told you?

Told me what?

(sighs) Your daughter has somehow got the idea that —

Well, I understand it, of course. Any girl wants to get married.

But Ted had no such thing in mind. I want that made clear.

You mean they're engaged, Veda and your son?

Yes. But I'm quite sure you'll agree with me, Mrs. Pierce,

that any discussion of marriage between them would be most undesirable.

Why should Veda want to marry your son if he doesn't want to marry her?

I'm not a mind reader, Mrs. Pierce. But let me tell you one thing.

If you or this girl or anybody employs any more tricks trying to blackmail my son —

Trying to what?

Understand me, Mrs. Pierce. I shall prevent this marriage.

I shall prevent it in any way that I can.

I don't think you need worry, Mrs. Forrester.

Having you in my family is a pretty dismal prospect.

Good afternoon.

- Veda, I want to talk to you. - Hi, Mildred.

- Hello, Wally. - What about?

- Mrs. Forrester came to see me today. - Oh.

Wally, do you mind? This is private.

That's all right, Mother. Wally knows about it.

He knows that you and Ted want to get married?

Want to get married?

We are married. We were married on my birthday.

I'm sorry, but it's done.

You see, Mildred, Veda was trying to spare you.

She wanted to make things easier for you, so she asked me to help.

- Why didn't you tell me? - I wanted to so many times.

But you seemed so far away, I couldn't somehow.

I was afraid.

- Afraid of your own mother? - Oh, Mother, I've been so miserable.

I made a mistake and I didn't know how to tell you.

Oh, darling.

Don't you love Ted?

No, Mother.

I'm sorry about that, Veda.

But maybe we don't belong in a family like that anyway.

That's right, Mildred. Veda doesn't love this boy.

So she made a mistake. The only thing to do is to settle the case out of court.

That's the clean, quick way to handle the situation.

All right.

"And I hereby, of my own free will, renounce all right and title

that I or my heirs and assignees may have

to any monies or estate, real or otherwise,

which will accrue or evolve to Theodore Ellison Forrester

in exchange for considerations of value received."

Are you agreeable to this waiver?

Please, why can't we stay married? I don't see why —

- Theodore, be good enough to keep quiet. - Yes, Mother.

I think we can assume that the waiver is acceptable.

- Will you sign this, please? - Yeah, sure. Glad to.

My client feels, and I am in complete accord with her, that she has been irrep —

- Uh... - Irreparably?

Unduly damaged.

Therefore, there's one more little formality I think we should discuss first.

- What's that, Mr. Fay? - The financial settlement.

You see, my client would like $10,000.

I think I'm safe in observing that almost anyone would like $10,000, Mr. Fay,

but, uh...

"But, uh"?

We see no necessity for a financial settlement of any kind.

- You don't, huh? - No.

- You will. - I doubt it.

I don't understand all this.

As far as I know, there's no need for a financial settlement.

- The only thing we're interested in is — - Please, Mother.

I need the money. I have to think of the future.

WALLY: That's right.

- I'm going to have a baby. - TED: What?

- What? - What?

Veda.

So you see, $10,000 is not entirely unreasonable.

This is moral blackmail, sir.

- That's no way to talk about a baby. - I won't pay it.

Oh, yes, you will, Mrs. Forrester. Ask your lawyer.

Yes?

- Yes. - I guess that's about all.

You can make out the check to Mrs. Forrest — to, uh, Miss Veda Pierce.

Well, that's that.

I'm sorry this had to happen. I'm sorry for the boy. He seemed very nice.

Oh, Ted's all right, really.

(laughs) Did you see the look on his face when we told him he was going to be a father?

- I wish you wouldn't joke about it. - Mother, you're a scream, really you are.

The next thing I know, you'll be knitting little garments.

I don't see anything so ridiculous about that.

If I were you, I'd save myself the trouble.

- You're not going to have a baby? - At this stage, it's a matter of opinion.

And in my opinion, I'm going to have a baby.

I can always be mistaken.

How could you do such a thing? How could you?

- I got the money, didn't I? - Oh, I see.

I'll have to give Wally part of it to keep him quiet, but there's enough left for me.

Money. That's what you live for, isn't it?

You'd do anything for money, wouldn't you? Even blackmail.

- Oh, grow up. - I've never denied you anything.

Anything money could buy, I've given you.

But that wasn't enough, was it?

All right, from now on, things are going to be different.

I'll say they're going to be different. Why do you think I went to all this trouble?

- Why do you think I want money so badly? - All right, why?

- Are you sure you want to know? - Yes.

Then I'll tell you.

- With this money, I can get away from you. - Veda.

From you and your chickens and your pies and your kitchens

and everything that smells of grease.

I can get away from this shack with its cheap furniture

and this town and its dollar days

and its women that wear uniforms and its men that wear overalls.

I think I'm really seeing you for the first time in my life, and you're cheap and horrible.

You think just because you made a little money, you can get a new hairdo

and some expensive clothes and turn yourself into a lady, but you can't.

Because you'll never be anything but a common frump,

whose father lived over a grocery store and whose mother took in washing.

With this money, I can get away from every rotten, stinking thing

that makes me think of this place or you!

Veda!

- Give me that check. - Not on your life!

I said, give it to me!

(gasps)

Get out, Veda.

Get your things out of this house right now

before I throw them into the street and you with them.

Get out before I kill you.

(door slams)

MILDRED: I went away for a while. I traveled.

But not far enough.

Something kept pulling me back.

Finally, I gave in. I went home.

Why, Mrs. Pierce! This is a day for rejoicing.

- It certainly is. - Hello, Lottie. How are you?

- You look wonderful. - Thank you.

- You've been away so long. - Yes, I've been to Mexico.

- Is that a fact? - Mm-hmm.

Oh, it's nice to have you back.

I don't know what we would have done if you'd stayed away longer.

- Thank you. It's nice to see you too. - Likewise, I'm sure.

- Welcome home, Mrs. Pierce. - Thank you, Gene. Hi, Ida.

- Well, well. Long time no see. - How are you?

- How was Mexico? - Crowded. How's business?

Crowded. Want your desk back?

No, thanks. On you, it looks good.

You know, I like Mexico. It's so... Mexican. Thanks.

Here.

You're in great shape.

Nothing like a nice, long rest, is there?

- Got a drink handy? - Yeah, I guess so.

Hey, Gene, crack open the safe and get out some of that good bourbon.

You never used to drink during the day.

Never used to drink at all. It's just a little habit I picked up from men.

Oh, men. I never yet met one of them who didn't have the instincts of a heel.

Sometimes, I wish I could get along without 'em.

You've never been married, have you, Ida?

No, when men get around me, they get allergic to wedding rings.

You know, big sister type.

Good old Ida. You can talk it over with her, man-to-man.

Getting awfully tired of men talking to me man-to-man.

I think I'll have a drink myself.

- I'll take mine straight. - Well, if you can take it, I can.

- Seen anyone I know lately? - You mean Veda.

I wondered how long it would take you to get around to that.

Yes, I mean Veda. Have you seen her, Ida? Is she all right?

Why don't you forget about her?

I can't. I've tried, but I can't.

Well, "try, try again." That's my motto.

You don't know what it's like being a mother, Ida. Veda's a part of me.

Maybe she didn't turn out as well as I hoped she would when she was born,

but she's still my daughter and I can't forget that.

I went away to try.

I was so mixed up, I didn't know where I was or what I wanted.

But now I know.

Now I'm sure of one thing at least. I want my daughter back.

Personally, Veda's convinced me that alligators have the right idea.

- They eat their young. - (phone ringing)

I'm feeling slightly drunk.

- Hello? - Hello. Is Mildred there?

- Yes. Who is it? - This is Bert.

Hold on. It's Bert.

He's been calling every day on the hour for a month.

- Hello, Bert. How are you? - How are you? Just get in?

I'm fine. Yes, I just got back this morning.

- How about dinner? - What?

- How about dinner tomorrow night? - Tomorrow night?

- Don't you want to? - Of course I want to have dinner with you.

But what about Mrs. Biederhof? Maybe she wouldn't like —

She's married.

- She is? - Yeah, a couple of weeks ago.

Oh, okay. You pick me up at the house at 7:30.

- Swell. - Good-bye.

Imagine that. Somebody married Mrs. Biederhof.

Well, that's a novelty. Remind me to bake a cake.

- How's Bert? - Huh? Oh, he's fine. He's working now.

- No kidding! - Mm-hmm. He has a job with Condor Aircraft.

Wow, the manpower shortage must be worse than we think.

To the men we have loved.

The stinkers.

I never did like this place. Does Wally still own it?

Yeah.

- Two rum collins, please. - Yes, sir.

I still don't know why you insisted on coming here.

I thought it was a good idea at the time. Now I'm not so sure.

♪♪ (ragtime)

♪ Billy McCoy was a musical boy ♪

♪ On the cruiser Alabama, he was there on that "piana" ♪

♪ Like a fish down in the sea ♪

♪ When he rattled off some harmony ♪

♪ Every night down on the ocean, he would get that raggy notion ♪

♪ Start that syncopated rhythm lovingly ♪

- ♪ No one could sleep ♪ - (laughter)

♪ Way out there on the deep when Billy cut loose out at sea ♪

I'm sorry I did it like this, Mildred, but I didn't know how to tell you.

♪ Each fish and worm begins to twist and squirm ♪

♪ The ship starts in to dip and does a corkscrew turn ♪

♪ Now when the hammock starts a-swingin' and the bell begins a-ringin' ♪

♪ While he's sittin' at that "piana," there on the Alabama ♪

♪ Playin' that "Oceana Roll" ♪

(applause, wolf whistles)

- Mildred. - ♪♪ (band: jazz)

- Hello, Wally. - Hello, Mildred.

- Here to see me? - I'm going to take Veda home.

Yeah? Veda know about that?

No. I want you to help me, Wally.

(laughs) Not me. She's your daughter. I've never been a father.

But Veda's been here for about a month now.

I think I know the best way to handle her. Let me give you a little advice.

If you want her to do anything for you, just hit her on the head first.

I'm tellin' ya. What could he say? I mean, he was floored.

"Are you kiddin'?" he says. "No," I says, "and what's more —"

The powder room's down the hall.

It's all right, Miriam. She's my mother.

No kiddin'? I didn't know you had a mother.

Everybody has a mother.

Oh, yeah. I guess you're right.

- This is Miriam Ellis, Mother. She sings. - That's what they tell me anyhow, Mrs. Pierce.

- I'm glad to know you. - Oh, it's mutual, I'm sure.

I guess this calls for a medium-class celebration.

Maybe I'd better send out for a beer. It's full of vitamins.

- None for me, thank you. - What can I do for you, Mother?

- I want to talk to you, Veda. - Go ahead.

Well...

- Why don't you go see if Wally wants you? - Oh, he won't.

Oh, pardon me, I'm sure.

Won't you sit down, Mother?

Well?

I want you to come home, Veda. You don't belong here. This isn't your kind of life.

No? What is my kind of life, Mother?

Well, I don't know. Whatever makes you happy, I guess.

That's all I've ever wanted for you.

- You think I was happy in Glendale? - Are you happy here?

When I first came here, I used to cry occasionally.

- But I've gotten over that. - You're very fortunate.

I'm sorry, Mother. I know I've made you unhappy —

Veda, it isn't easy for me to beg like this.

- But won't you please come home? - No, Mother.

You must think I'm on a string. "Go away, Veda." "Come back, Veda."

It isn't that easy. I'm free now.

No one tells me what to do and what not to do.

I do what I think best, and I like it that way.

I've had the house redecorated. All new furniture.

Even a new piano. You'd like it, I know.

You still don't understand, do you?

You think new curtains are enough to make me happy.

No, I want more than that.

I want the kind of life that Monte taught me, and you won't give it to me.

I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused,

but if I went home it would start all over again.

You know that. You know how I am.

The way you want to live isn't good enough for me.

If I could give you the kind of life Monte taught you,

would you be willing to come home then?

But you couldn't, could you, Mother?

Sorry to interrupt, but you can powder your nose just so long.

Then people begin to look at you funny. Anyhow, your number's comin' up.

All right. Sorry, Mother. I'm on next. I have to change.

Do you mind?

Not at all, but... when will I see you again, Veda?

Just drop around. I'll be here. Bye!

Good-bye.

Well, so much for the upstairs. It's a little gloomy, isn't it?

Not quite so bad down here, with the possible exception of the entrance hall.

As you can see, the pride of the Beragons isn't exactly rolling in wealth.

(chuckles)

- You're not exhausted? - No, not at all.

Look, you can't be really serious about buying this place.

- You're not a very good salesman, you know. - No, I suppose I'm not.

In here used to be the sitting room. It still is. I do all my sitting here.

- Becoming quite an expert at it. - Do you live here all alone?

Oh, yes. They're complete living quarters here.

Somebody has to be on the premises to show the place.

- Won't you sit down? - Yes, thank you.

- Can I fix you a drink? - Please.

I have the heel of a bottle, no ice or seltzer. Sorry I can't be more hospitable.

Oh, that's all right. I prefer it straight.

- I beg your pardon? - I said, I prefer it straight.

Oh.

Say when.

Oh, when!

- What happened to your orange grove? - Sold for taxes like everything else.

- The beach house too? Oh, it was beautiful. - No, not the beach house.

I have an uncle who has a little money, and he wouldn't let me sell the beach house.

He's hoping to foreclose on it instead.

Mmm. Sounds like a nice uncle.

Now, Mildred, what do you want?

- Well, I don't understand. - Oh, yes, you do.

You don't really want to buy this antiquated tomb. You'd be out of your mind.

Oh, I don't know. It isn't such a bad house.

A little remodeling would do wonders.

Take off some of that gingerbread and redecorate the inside and —

(sighs) My businesslike air isn't fooling you much, is it?

No.

No, I remember too well. I remember how it was with us once, and so do you.

It isn't something either of us can forget.

- You haven't forgotten, Monte? - Not for an hour.

Even this doesn't help.

- Then you can do me a great kindness. - If I can.

Ask me to marry you.

Why?

Well, I must say, your attitude isn't exactly enthusiastic.

You went to considerable trouble to get rid of me once,

so naturally I'm a little startled by your proposal of marriage.

This is so sudden, Mildred.

I have my own personal reason for wanting to marry you.

- A reason named Veda, I think. - Why should it be?

Because your reason for doing anything is usually Veda.

Well, whether it is or isn't, what's your answer?

I can't afford you, Mildred. You have money and I haven't.

All I have is pride and a name, and I can't sell either.

- I see. - I'm not enjoying this, Mildred.

Things are very different now from the way they were in the beginning.

- I know. I haven't forgotten. - Neither have I.

I want you to love me again the way you did then.

I need that more than anything else. I'm lost without it.

I told you that day I knew you were the only woman in the world for me.

I loved you then, Mildred, and I love you now.

- Well, then why? - I can't marry you.

I won't go on taking tips from you as I used to.

Of course, if I owned a share in your business...

Oh, I see. I think I understand now.

How much of a share would your pride require, Monte?

Please don't put it that way. You know it hurts me to do this.

- I'm only doing it because I — - How much of a share?

One third.

All right.

Sold.

One Beragon.

- Hello, Lottie. - Why, Mr. Pierce!

Is Mrs. Pierce — Uh, Mrs. Beragon, is she in?

She's in there. (clears throat) I mean, uh...

- This way, please. - Thank you.

- It's nice to see you again, Mr. Pierce. - It's nice to see you, Lottie.

It's been such a long, long time. Follow me.

Oh, no, no, no. I'm supposed to announce everybody.

You stay there. Pardon, please.

Please pardon.

Mr. Albert Pierce.

- (whispering) Lottie, not so loud. - No?

Hello, Bert. It's nice to see you.

Thanks, Mildred. I was just driving by and thought I'd drop in to say hello.

- I hope you don't mind. - Oh, of course not. Come in, sit down.

- Would you like a drink? - No, thanks.

My hours are too long. I can't do it these days.

Let's sit over here.

- My, this is quite a nifty place. - Yes, we just finished redecorating.

- You didn't come to the wedding. - I read about it.

It was very informal. Just Monte's family and a few of his friends.

Mildred, I probably have a lot of nerve to ask you this,

but do you really love this guy?

- I married him, didn't I? - That doesn't answer my question.

- Monte's okay. - That still doesn't answer me.

Are you in love with this guy?

No, Bert.

I'm not exactly in love with him.

Monte and I understand each other.

I thought too if I moved away from that other house and fixed this place up...

- I thought maybe — - That Veda would come back.

Thought that was why.

I know you think I'm a fool, Bert, but I can't help it.

I'd do anything — anything — to get her back.

After all, I couldn't leave her where she was, now could I?

No, I guess not.

Anyhow, that's all I wanted to know.

I guess we'll always fight about her.

Mildred, I brought you a wedding present.

- A wedding present? - Mm-hmm.

Take a look out that window.

Bert, did you ask her to come with you?

No. No, she called me up.

She tried to pretend it was for something else, but I got the truth out of her.

She wanted to come home, Mildred.

(breath catches) Tell her to come in.

Veda.

(whispers) Mother.

Oh, I wanted to come home weeks ago.

And when it was Christmas, I — I couldn't stay away.

Oh, I'm so glad, darling.

Oh, I'll change, Mother. I promise.

I'll never say mean things to you again.

I said mean things too.

Mother, this is a beautiful place.

Oh, Bert! I forgot to thank your father.

- Bert, I'm very grateful. - Oh, that's all right, Mildred.

I'm off. Good-bye.

I don't believe it. I simply don't believe it.

Well, well. The prodigal returneth. We'll have the fatted calf for dinner.

- Hello, Monte. - Hey.

- Tears of joy at seeing me again, I trust? - Of course.

You look lovely, prodigal. It's about time you came to see us.

Veda's come home, Monte. She's going to stay with us.

- That is, if Monte doesn't mind. - Oh, I think it's wonderful.

- Just don't call me Father. - (Mildred, Veda chuckle)

- MONTE: Blow, darling. Come on. - WOMAN: Make a wish, Veda.

- (crowd chattering) - WOMAN: You can do better than that.

Come on. Three's all you get. Three's all you get.

- Happy birthday, Veda! - Happy birthday, Veda!

Eloise, be careful how you pour that champagne.

That's Père et Fils, 1927.

- Is that better than '28? - Well, it's the newest we could get.

Jacques, isn't this a beautiful night? I just love parties, don't you?

- I beg your pardon? - Thank you kindly.

(phone ringing)

Yes? Hello?

Oh. This is the Beragon residence. Who shall I say is calling?

Oh, yes. Yes, Miss Mildred. I'll call her.

Business is business, Mr. Jones. Business is business.

Hello? Hello, Ida? This is Mildred.

- Yes, how's the party going? - Fine. Veda just cut the cake.

You get your clients to agree to a little more time.

Out of the question.

No, I just wanted to let you know I'll be delayed here a little longer.

What's going on there? Are you in trouble? You sound so funny.

No, I'll — I'll tell you about it later. Keep the party going for me, will you?

Okay, Mildred, but get here as soon as you can.

- Was that Mother? - Yes. She's at the office.

There's something going on. I'm worried.

I think she's in some sort of business trouble.

- Well, it happens in the best of families. - (Veda chuckles)

Don't look now, but you've got canary feathers all over your face.

Business and making money. That's all Mother thinks about.

- How about that drink? - Beauty calls. Excuse us.

It's a pleasure.

My clients demand an accounting.

Now, you must satisfy your creditors or show cause

why control of Mildred's Incorporated should not be taken away from you.

If you resist, your creditors force you into bankruptcy. It's as simple as that.

Can they do it?

- I'm sorry, Mrs. Beragon. - Yes, so am I.

Well, I've gone over everything, and I haven't a cent of ready cash in any of the restaurants.

So I guess that's that.

I was hoping you could scrape up enough dough to get yourself out of this mess.

- Anyway, you can still manage the business. - That's very nice of you, Wally.

Stealing the business out from under me and then letting me run it for you.

Listen, I'm not getting any bang out of doing this to you. I haven't any choice.

You've been bleeding this business dry

so you can live the way you have since Veda came home.

- I know, I know. - Okay, you let a few bills go by.

Then a few more. Pretty soon you're in real trouble.

Now the creditors want your hide and I can't stop 'em.

Another month like this, and we'd all be out in the cold. As it is —

- As it is, only I am. Isn't that it? - I'm sorry. It looks that way.

You'd still be all right if Monte hadn't forced the situation.

- Monte. What's he got to do with this? - I thought you knew. This was his idea.

He wants to sell his share, and I gotta go along with him or I'm out too.

Didn't you know?

No.

You married him. I didn't.

Good night, Mrs. Beragon.

I'm sorry this has happened. But if I do say it, as perhaps I shouldn't,

I think Mr. Beragon acted badly. Very badly indeed.

- Good night, Mrs. Beragon. - Good night, Jones.

(door opens, closes)

Hello, Ida, this is Mildred again. I want to speak with Monte.

He isn't here, Mildred.

He drove off about 20 minutes ago just after the party broke up.

I see.

Mildred. Mildred!

I went to the house, and Monte was alone. And I killed him.

You're lying, Mrs. Beragon.

We know you weren't alone in the house with him.

We've proof of that, and various other things.

Okay, now. Yes.

You see, Mrs. Beragon, we've had a slant on you from the beginning.

You were the key, and we had to put the pressure on you.

Well, the key turned, the door opened, and there was the murderer.

We picked her up at the airport. They grabbed her off a plane headed for Arizona.

She didn't like it much.

I don't understand.

You will. We know all about it. Your mother told us everything.

Why did you kill him?

You promised not to tell. You promised!

- You said you'd help me get away. - Veda, don't say anything more!

Too late, Mrs. Beragon. That's all we needed.

You left the party at approximately 11:15 with Beragon.

Your mother left her office at 11:45.

You were already at the beach house when she got there shortly after midnight.

Isn't that right, Mrs. Beragon?

Yes.

I didn't know Veda was there when I came in.

I expected Monte to be alone.

(both chuckle)

We weren't expecting you, Mildred, obviously.

It's just as well you know.

I'm glad you know.

How long has this been going on?

Since I came home and even before.

He never loved you. It's always been me.

I've got what I wanted. Monte's going to divorce you and marry me.

(whispering) No, Veda.

And there's nothing you can do about it.

(trembling)

Mildred.

Use your head. This won't solve anything.

(pistol clatters on floor)

(sobbing)

Just where did you get the idea I'm going to marry you?

- Monte, don't joke like that. - I'm not joking.

If you think I'm going to marry you, you're very much mistaken.

Monte, listen to me! You told me over and over again that you loved me!

- Did I? Then I must have been drinking. - Monte, listen to me!

You don't really think I could be in love with a rotten little tramp like you, do you?

(engine cranking)

(gunshots)

(hammer clicking)

Mildred.

(Veda sobbing)

Veda, what's happened?

It's Monte!

He's dead!

He said horrible things.

He didn't want me around anymore. He told me to get out.

And then he laughed at me. He wouldn't stop laughing.

I told him I'd kill him. He said I didn't have guts enough.

I didn't mean to do it. I didn't mean to, I tell you!

But the gun kept going off over and over again.

Then he was lying there, looking at me. Just looking at me.

You've got to help me!

Give me money to get away, and time. I've got to get away before they find him!

I can't get you out of this, Veda.

What are you going to do? What are you going to do?

- WOMAN: Number, please. - Give me the police department.

No! No, Mother.

Think what will happen if they find me.

- Think what will happen. - (line ringing)

- I don't care anymore, Veda. - Yes, you do. Yes, you do!

Give me another chance. It's your fault as much as mine.

- MAN: Santa Monica Police Department. - You've got to help me.

- O'Grady speaking. - Help me, Mother.

- Just this once. - Hello?

I'll change. I promise I will. I'll be different!

- Hello? - Just give me another chance.

It's your fault I'm the way I am!

- Santa Monica Police Department. - Help me.

Hello!

- (line clicks) - (handset rests on table)

I thought maybe, in a way, it was my fault.

So I tried to help her.

I wanted to take the blame for it.

Not this time, Mrs. Beragon.

This time your daughter pays for her own mistake.

Okay, book her.

Darling, I'm sorry. I did the best I could.

Don't worry about me, Mother. I'll get by.

See that those others are released.

We need some fresh air in here.

Looks like a nice morning.

You can go now. We'll call you when we want you.

You know, Mrs. Beragon, there are times when I regret being a policeman.