Original subtitles

What, sorry?

Oh, yes.

Thank you.

Thanks for pinch -hitting, Tom.

Everything under control?

Yeah, new admission. Do any minute.

Catherine Stefanoff.

Bridal suite, huh? Yeah. Must be great.

What? Well, to be sick at a hundred bucks a day. I mean, that's really a

disease.

Hey, how did you make out with Gillespie?

Well, he has to find out if the grant from the foundation will cover an

But if it does, I think I'll get it.

Oh, that's wonderful. It should be a welcome change from finicky appetites.

Speaking of appetites, I'm starved. I'll see you later.

This is Dr.

Kildare.

I'm Jerry House, with the, uh, agency.

Well, that's nice, but... Well, I'm with her.

Sweet Pete.

See, I'm going downstairs to bring her up now.

Catherine Stefanosk?

Well, that's a legitimate name.

Just what is it you want, Mr. House?

Well, Doc, I don't want you to go out of your way or anything, but I was

wondering if you could do something about the sheets.

The sheets?

Yeah, make sure they're ironed.

I don't feel badly about it. We had the same trouble at the Beverly Hilton

Hotel, only it was satin.

She can't stand satin. She kept sliding out of bed.

And if I can think of anything else, I'll let you know, okay?

I'll hold a good thought.

Mr. House.

Mr. House, this is not the Beverly Hilton, and I'm not the matron in charge

laundry. Now, don't get all hard -nosed about it, Doc. It's just my job. She's a

very valuable property.

She's also a patient on this service, and she'll get the same treatment as any

other patient. If Miss Stefanosk slides out of bed, I'll order crib sides for

her. Well, I got a piece of news for you, Doc. She's just not an ordinary

patient. Go to movies?

I seldom have the time.

Anyway, you're about to get Kathy Stebbins up here.

The actress?

Well, there's only one Kathy Stebbins, Charlie.

She's a million -dollar property after taxes.

So you hold that good thought.

I've seen too many of her pictures not to recognize her. It was like a parade,

I'm not kidding. And then she divorced him and married that director.

But that only lasted six weeks.

You know, mental cruelty.

She said he kept a parrot in the dining room and she had to let him eat off the

plate. It's just an excuse to get out of her contract. She wants more money from

the studio.

She was supposed to be getting $5 ,000 a week. But she couldn't keep it. The

whole thing is basically a tax problem.

Do you mean to tell me that you have not examined your new admission yet,

Doctor?

I thought you were on pediatrics this week. Well, I am.

Why don't you run downstairs and birth some babies? What an opportunity for

research. Does Kathy Stebbins, idol of the boys' locker room, have feet of

Only her intern will know.

I'll get her autograph for you. Let me have some blood.

What a souvenir.

You can have it. You'll be glad to get out of here in two days.

Hey, maybe you'll be elected to the pride.

The what? The crowd she travels with. They call it the pride of lions.

Yeah, good, clean, fun -loving kids.

Dr. Kildare.

Yes, Dr. Gillespie. I thought you'd like to know. I've heard from the

foundation. If there's no problem with administration, I've asked for you to

start on Friday.

Well, thank you, sir. You're working the floor.

Yes, sir.

You have a new admission, uh, Stepanovsk. Yes, sir.

What room? Uh, Sweet Pea, sir.

What's he got to do with Kathy Stebbins?

Well, maybe he's president of her fan club.

I think you gentlemen missed the significant point in the good doctor's

conversation.

Two more days in this mink -lined pest house and some other unfortunate can

sheets for Kathy Stebbins.

I'll be working with Gillespie.

We'll take good care of you, Miss Steppenhouse.

The doctor in Fort James, it's Dr.

Holloway. What did he tell you when he suggested that she enter the hospital?

It was rather vague. He just murmured something about a rest and a check -up.

And you want this to be my personal case. Why?

Do you remember when I first met you?

Alan Morse brought you backstage to my dressing room with the old civic rep.

You were so enthusiastic about the theatre.

You know, I'd always thought of doctors as rather grim men with no interest in

the art.

Actually, it's quite the opposite.

Now.

You still haven't told me why you want me to take a personal interest in this

case.

Because of what you did for me.

When I came here three years ago to have my insides taken out and pieced

together again, you said you'd always remember me as Julie and Lilliam.

And when they told me I'd never be able to face the strain of acting again, you

used to come and talk to me about the great roles I'd played in Gibson and

and Chekhov.

That was a breach of ethics. I should have told you to rest.

When I wept because I was a sick old woman with nothing to live for.

You told me I ought to stay in the theatre, try and pass on something of

knew to the younger generation.

Was I that maudlin?

I've been teaching ever since.

I've been trying to find some girl with real talent and the patience and

humility to learn from the past.

And I think I've discovered her.

Kathy Stebbins? She's already discovered.

Yes, as a sex symbol. But she's more than that. That girl has real talent.

And a kind of fundamental decency.

And a beauty that's quite apart from her physical assets.

What was she doing in Port James?

Rehearsing for Summer Stock.

A Eugene O 'Neill play.

You can imagine what the columnist made of that one.

Kathy Stebbins as Anna Christie.

She was going to be good, too.

But she had a breakdown before the opening.

Oh, she had some physical symptoms, pain and nausea, but to this she was

frightened. I could have coped with it, but they came.

They?

The pride of lions. Fun, fun, fun.

That's Kenny Halliton. Such a witty man.

A cheap, savage way.

That's Vance Palatine. Triumph of dancing talent over alcohol.

Who's the girl?

Margaret Vale. Used to be quite a good actress.

And they anointed her with their magic and made her what she's become now.

And they followed Miss Stebbins to Port James.

When they fasten on someone and let them to the inner circle, they never let go.

They're like a swarm of bees crawling over each other.

Stinging any outsider who doesn't have the accepted smell of the hive.

They want Kathy. They need her. She has the honey of success and notoriety that

they feed on.

What was it they did?

They comforted her. Told her not to struggle with a silly old play.

Kept her up all night dancing and drinking. And then roared off in their

fashionable sports cars.

Kathy followed them. She didn't quite make the corner of the driveway and

crashed into the curb.

She doesn't seem really hurt.

It isn't the bruises and scratches I'm worried about. It's Cathy and the pride

of lions.

They'll follow her here.

And there'll be a ball and they'll have kicks and charges and fun, fun, fun.

I'll drop in and talk to her tomorrow afternoon.

Oh, not till then?

Well, there'll be routine examinations and tests in the morning.

There'll be time. Nothing can happen to her for a few days anyway.

Can't it?

Uh, where is she, honey?

Oh, we don't like... Oh, come on, come on. Now, where are you hiding the body?

Oh, you better ask the chart nurse.

Sweet B.

Thanks a heap.

Doctor. Dr. Kildare. Sweet B. I told them to ask the charge nurse for this.

That's all right, nurse. I'll take care of it.

Beverly Hills, Crestview 10799.

And get some macadamia nuts. Where do I get them? Send out to macadamia.

Hey, when did they get piped into this thing, the BBC?

Hey, somebody, will you send up for some ice?

What kind of an agent doesn't know where to get macadamia nuts?

MCA knows where to get macadamia nuts.

The William Morris office knows where to get macadamia nuts.

And here you are, a real nut, and you don't know where to get a macadamia?

Fun, fun, fun!

Hey, friend, you got any ice?

No. No?

Now, what kind of a hospital is this that doesn't have any ice? Yeah, suppose

somebody died. They have to send his body home to his family.

You gotta have ice. How about some macadamia nut?

Hey, Jerry, let's send this kid out for some macadamia... This is the doctor.

All right, let's send the doctor out for some macadamia... Wait a minute, I got

a better idea. Let's find a macadamia nut. We'll send him out for a doctor.

Oh, boy.

How about a lukewarm drink, Doc?

Where's Miss Stefanosk?

Miss Stefanosk?

You people will have to leave, at least until I have a chance to examine Mr.

The patient.

Oh, she's in great shape, Jack.

Great shape.

Look, I am the doctor and... Hey, you guys remember that crazy kid in Las

He worked in a washroom.

Wore the same kind of a white coat. He wanted to be a doctor. You remember that

kid? Hey, doc, would you do me a favor, please? Would you put your hand out?

Thank you.

Comb, nail file, towel, tissue.

Tissue? I don't even know you.

Now, you listen to this.

This is not the washroom at Las Vegas. This is a hospital, and Miss

under my care.

All right, all right. We're just having some fun.

We're her friends, see?

You know, Doug, I'm kind of surprised I have to tell you this, but I'm Kenny

Hallerton. Vince Palatine, Georgie Byron, and Margie Vale.

You know, I called the doctor up in Port James just before we drove up here, and

he said it was perfectly all right to visit the girl. So you see, there's

nothing for you to worry about. You just leave us alone up here, and everything

will be fun, fun, fun, right? Patient is my responsibility, and you all are

going to get out, or I am going to... What are you going to do, Doc?

Yes.

Now, come on, Sonny. We all know you're a real doctor. You've got the dirty

white shoes to prove it.

But don't make trouble, huh?

Don't make trouble.

It's not nice to make trouble.

Uh -uh.

I wouldn't.

You know, about two years ago, I did a telethon in this city. I was on for 18

hours and raised $200 ,000.

Blair General got a big chunk of it, too.

They just love me at the Board of Trustees.

So please, don't make trouble.

Now, does Dr.

Kildare give me administration?

He's making trouble.

Tell him to send up some ice.

Hello? Hello?

Are you looking for this?

Why don't you examine me, Charlie?

Fun, fun, fun.

Doctor?

Hey, baby.

There's no ice. No kicks.

No fun, fun, fun.

Kids, do you mind? I mean, what the doctor said.

Oh, him? Don't worry about him.

Kenny, I don't feel much like company right now. Maybe later.

You're not going to let that potty poop in Eagle, Scott.

Can you, please?

Well, sure, if that's what you want.

But we'll stay close.

We'll bring you back tonight.

Kenny sent down to Port Jim for your car.

Hey, Doc, what do you do around here for excitement nights?

Night duty.

Hey, not bad, Reuven. Kind of like that. Not bad at all.

Just a bit of advice.

A little aspirin, a little bicarb, okay.

But don't mess with the merchandise, huh?

She's one of us, you know what I mean?

And we take care of the true.

Now, you just remember that, Doc, okay?

I'll see you later, Miss Stefanosk. If you want anything, just call for the

nurse.

Dr. Kildare.

What's the matter with me?

I mean, why am I in the hospital?

You told me you had abdominal pain and nausea and dizziness.

Not to mention being shaken up in a minor auto accident.

I know.

But if I weren't Kathy Stebbins, would I be rushed to the hospital as if I had

appendicitis or something?

I always get the feeling that things happen to me because I'm Kathy Stebbins.

Not because I'm... me.

I mean...

Being in the movies and having a lot of money.

I wouldn't feel sorry for myself because of that.

You know something?

When I drove that car up on the curb, I kept thinking to myself, maybe I'll get

all scarred and broken up.

Then I won't have to worry anymore.

That doesn't make sense at all.

Well, there's more than one way to make sense.

It's a neutral psychiatric answer, isn't it?

I'm afraid so.

Kenny Hallerton told me all about psychoanalysis.

He's had two psychoanalysis.

Says he flunked them both.

I was going to go to see one.

Kenny talked me out of it. He said it's a drag.

I suppose it is.

It's not supposed to be fun.

Kenny says nobody can really understand how we feel.

I mean people like us.

I haven't noticed any difference.

At least medically.

That laugh.

I haven't got anything to cry about.

I haven't got anything in the whole world.

Nothing.

Nothing at all.

I'll have the nurse give you a pill. Help you relax.

Try to get some rest.

I'll see you later, Miss Stevan.

The name is Stefanosk.

What?

The name is Stefanosk.

Catherine Mary Stefanosk.

All right, Miss Stefanosk.

I'll see you later.

So the doctor said to me, he said, I told you to drink the medicine after a

bath. I says, are you kidding, Doc? I couldn't even finish the bath.

Oh, here's a true one about an intern. Just happened to me.

Now, if you might notice, kids, my hand's a little swollen, see?

So I passed this intern upstairs, and I said to him, hey, Doc, I said, look at

my hand. So he looked at it, he said, that's terrible. He said, you ever have

before? I said, yes, Doc. He said, well, you got it again.

Well, that's a wonderful doctor's ear.

I tell you, by the time I had the grit, I went to this doctor, and there was

this big sign outside his door that said from 11 to 1, so I came home.

I want bigger odds on my life.

There you are, boys.

Thank you.

Hi, Doc.

Coffee? Thanks.

Hey, Doc, I hear you got that Cassie Stebbins up there. There's a rumor to

effect.

I figure it's all exaggerated.

I mean about her measurements.

What are they?

She's got very interesting measurements.

Yeah?

98, 672, and 120 over 80.

98?

Oh, you mean her blood pressure and her temperature and that stuff.

That's all I measured.

Oh?

You know, Kenny Halliton was outside the hospital giving an interview. Yeah, it

seems he ran into this very funny intern on the private floor.

Square, stuffed shirt type.

Yeah. I bet it was fun, fun, fun.

It is amazing how many a medical reputation is made by fate.

That's right.

You know that Kathy Stebbins may well catapult you to the very top, Dr.

I mean, you'll be quoted in the AMA Journal.

Life Magazine.

TV Guide.

Okay, okay.

But in two days, I wash my hands of the whole business and get back to the

practice of medicine.

In the meantime, I'll have a chance to catch up on my sleep.

Doctor.

Doctor.

What's the matter?

I'm sorry.

It's Tweet B again.

What happened?

The patient wants you right away. She says she can't get to sleep.

I gave her a second off. Well, she's still awake.

The rest of them still in there?

I understand there's a hospital patient in here somewhere.

Oh, you're a million laughs, Doc.

Wish you'd give me a few.

Some writer I got, I wouldn't even give him a nay in penmanship.

You

were

supposed to take this.

I didn't want to.

What's the matter?

I can't sleep.

Margie has to take them to get to sleep.

Every night.

Once she took too many of them.

We were at somebody's beach house in Malibu.

Georgie and Vance were walking her up and down, and Kenny was doing the

bit.

Boots, boots, marching up and down again.

It was a scream.

Really, we were laughing so hard it hurt.

Really.

I don't want to take the pill.

I'll have the nurse bring you some hot milk.

I don't want you to bother.

Then why did you call me?

Sorry.

You work very hard, don't you?

No. You don't work every night, do you?

Tomorrow's my last night up here.

leaving?

We're what you call rotating interns.

I'll be off private service after tomorrow.

Is it because of me?

I know I've been a lot of trouble with my friends.

They call us the pride of lions.

That's a real name for a bunch of lions, you know, like a school of fish. Or a

gaggle of geese.

That's right.

Well, I know they've been a lot of trouble, but you see, they don't

about rules for everybody.

They're very special people.

Yeah.

They are, really.

They're so sure of things.

I don't know what they see in me.

Well, when you belong, you know there are all kinds of kicks that nobody

digs.

And they'll go far out for you, too.

Like when I was rehearsing up in Port James, I was all alone with Louisa

They drove all the way up the coast just to stick with me.

Kenny says I was some kind of a nut to try to do a play like that.

Gave up a picture with a big percentage of the gross to do it.

I guess he was right.

Anyway, I blew it.

Who am I kidding?

I'm not a real actress.

You have to be a real actress to do a part like that. Don't you think so?

I suppose so.

Kenny wants me to come to Vegas with him. We could do a club act.

You know, just wing it. Just kind of be ourselves.

Would you like that better than playing O 'Neal?

I don't know.

I don't know if I could be myself two shows a night.

Well, that's funny.

Wasn't sure I could be Anna Christie, either.

Know what I think?

I think I don't know who I am enough to be anybody.

How old are you, Doctor?

Twenty -six.

I'm twenty -seven.

Isn't that a charge? I'm actually older than you are.

You're a lot prettier.

You shouldn't say that.

It's not right for you.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you.

Oh, it's not that. I mean, I'm used to having people say things like that. It's

just... Well, you're different.

Not that different.

No, seriously.

When you came in to examine me, I was something important to you.

I mean, the pulse and the blood pressure and things.

And you didn't care who I was or what I looked like.

You listened to my heart because it was real.

Worth your paying attention to.

I know I'm not very special, but...

I guess to you all hearts are worth listening to.

For a living.

Don't put me on, huh?

Kenny says things like that, and I don't know whether to say anything. I'm not

sure whether he's ribbing me.

You know, sometimes it's nice to talk to someone who isn't so smart.

I know what you mean.

Look, take your pill. I guarantee you one second of it won't hurt you.

It's all right.

You can trust me.

I know what I'm doing.

I have good news for you, Miss Stevens.

We can find nothing physically wrong. No injuries from that auto accident.

When do I have to go then?

I see on your chart that Dr. Kildare gave you a sedative last night.

Yes, I was nervous.

He said it was all right.

Do you know him?

Dr. Kildare?

I've run into him.

Were most doctors fathers' doctors?

I mean, his was. Is that why he wanted to be a doctor?

I really don't know. Why don't you ask him?

Oh, I'm afraid I take up too much of his time.

He's always running off somewhere to do something.

You know, you work your interns awfully hard.

Did he tell you that?

Oh, no, not actually.

Well, Miss Stebbins, it's good for the souls of interns to work awfully hard.

I guess so.

I mean, it really is.

They don't make much money, do they?

$60 a month.

$60 a month?

Oh, that's funny.

We gave the parking lot attendant a chase and $60 last month just to have

cars ready first.

$60 a month?

He won't be on this floor tomorrow.

No, they rotate assignments.

Guess he'll be glad to get away from me. I don't think Dr. Kildare resents any

patient. Oh, no, not as a patient.

No.

I can go soon.

I don't know what I'm going to do then.

Kenny wants me to go to Vegas.

Kathy, they still want you to do the play.

I ought to just kick that.

You'd be so good. I know it. What's the difference?

They wouldn't come to that play to see an actress. They'd come to see a

performing deal.

You'd have to have me play it in a bikini before they'd be satisfied.

Now, that's the routine Kenny was doing the afternoon I got sick.

It was a real scream.

Kathy Stebbins and O 'Neal.

He does me better than I do.

You know, all silly and stupid and nothing but all this.

It was real fun.

It was a real kick.

They're nothing but a bunch of... Louisa, I'm tired of you running them

They're my friends. I don't have anybody else. Do I?

Louisa, please, just leave me alone.

Dr.

Gillespie, Kathy's so vulnerable, so helpless.

And she does essentially want to be decent.

That's why she's so interested in that young intern of yours.

He earned his position by sheer, hard, important work.

She just grew into hers at the age of 16 by a physical accident.

I don't see what we can do.

She'll only be here for a few days.

Just seeing that there are some people who have a purpose in life beyond kicks

and charges might help.

It would be a pity to see her destroyed.

Morning, Doctor.

December.

They really tip a parking lot attendant as much as we pay an intern for a month.

Of course, the project's already underway, but I'll be getting in on it

it gets too far.

We start with a double -blind study.

I'll be the only one with access to the code. One group gets the medication.

The other group gets the placebos.

Even Gillespie won't know which is which until we evaluate.

Later, we plan to cooperate.

What's on it?

Dr. James Kildare will remain on private service Hardesty Pavilion until further

notice.

No,

Dr. Kildare, you are mistaken.

Administration made no error. I gave the order.

You arranged to have me delivered to her like a pet poodle?

You're being a little impertinent, Doctor.

But I was supposed to work with you.

I mean, on your project.

Miss Stebbins asked for you. It was a matter of courtesy to a patient.

Is that all? Courtesy?

It's an old -fashioned virtue.

Listen, it's a chance to work with Gillespie on a daily basis.

It's a real exciting deal.

He set up a double -blind experiment.

One -half the patients get the placebos, one -half get the real thing.

Nobody knows who got what.

What do you have?

Nothing. Dr.

Solomon. Dr.

Kildare. Dr. Groh.

Dr. Kildare.

Huh?

What does she want?

Well, tell her I'm out to lunch.

All right. All right. I'll be up in a minute.

I'm out of bed.

So I see.

Dr. Gillespie said it was all right.

Well, he's the doctor.

Are you busy now?

No, I'm at your disposal.

Is it all right for you to sit down?

I mean, are there any rules?

Not against sitting down, no.

Well, where are your friends?

Kenny has to go to L .A. He went to pick up his tickets.

You sure it's all right?

I mean, you're not on duty or anything.

They'll call me.

Afraid I've been a drag for you.

I mean, talking so much and all.

The hospital doesn't seem to mind.

I'm on their time.

Doctor, I wanted to ask you something.

Well,

it's nothing professional or anything.

Dr. Gillespie said it would be all right if I... Well, Louisa knows this writer

who has a house at the beach. And he's in Europe.

And we're going to go there this weekend.

And I know how hard you work and all.

Will you go with us?

Well, it's a very nice idea, Miss Stebbins, but I'm afraid... I know it

be very exciting.

Oh, that isn't it.

You see, interns don't get long weekends like British cabinet officers. I'm

scheduled to work Saturday night and Sunday.

That's all been fixed.

What's all been fixed?

You have 72 hours starting tomorrow.

I suppose that was a courtesy to you, too.

I suppose so.

Well, I told him I was going to ask you.

I wanted to be sure it was all right.

I mean, professionally. What profession did you have in mind?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything.

Look, Miss Stebbins, I was taken off a project I wanted to remain on this

service. I had no choice.

But this is it. I'm supposed to be a doctor, and I'm not used to being

prescribed as a placebo.

I don't know what that means.

It's a sugar pill we give to patients who don't need it, but who insist on

having medication.

I'm sorry. I... I was sore about something else. I shouldn't have taken

you. Will you just get out of here?

Are you all right?

Just get out!

Get out!

Well, Dr. Kildare.

Yes? Some macadamia nuts? Oh, no, thank you.

Hey, hey, hold it. I want to talk to you.

Yes?

Well... I just heard some cockamamie story from a little birdie that works

the agency.

No, I'm sorry, Mr. Hellerton. I'm very busy.

Wait a minute.

Now, you just listen, Sonny, and absorb.

You know, you had it pretty jazzy up here. Now, you don't want it to go to

head.

What are you getting at?

Well, I understand that that grand old relic of the theater has been buzzing in

Kathy's ear.

I suppose you mean Miss Humber?

That's right.

Now, look, kid, I want you to get something straight.

That old dame is strictly from nowhere.

She's nothing.

Today, she can't even get scale as a walk -on in a TV western.

So she's got her hooks into Kathy Stebbins. Look, this has nothing to do

me. Good. You're a smart boy.

Just don't go where you don't belong, and you won't get burned.

Uh, just where is it I don't belong?

You know, where the living is too rich for your blood.

What are you getting at, Mr. Halliton?

Look, I told you once before, Kathy Stebbins is one of us. You understand

I kind of passed the word around, and she was coming up to Las Vegas and

up with us.

You don't think I'm going to let that old ham hide her away for a weekend with

some kid intern, do you?

Goodbye, Mr. Halliton.

Yeah, now, you just remember, Charlie.

I know, you got a real cool up here in this sterile monastery with your rubber

-soled white buck shoes and your $2 stethoscope.

But get this, you never have been and you never will be in the same league

Kathy Stedman.

And if you're smart, you won't let that old bag use you for bait either.

You'll just sort of crawl back into your little syringe and pull the plunger in

after you.

Thank you, Mr. Halliton. I'll remember what you've told me.

You've helped me to make up my mind.

Well, anyway, I think I was more nervous than she was.

Her husband had a half -jelly glass full of rye whiskey and passed out.

She was in one of those brass bedsteads like you always see in French movies.

Anyway, she looked at me and she said, Doctor, is this your first baby?

And I said, yes.

And she said, well, don't worry, it's my ninth.

What's the matter?

Oh, it must be the brandy.

We interns get conditioned to local beer.

We could take a walk on the beach.

Sure. Louisa?

I haven't taken a walk on the beach since 1927.

Why don't you two go?

Jim? Okay, let's give it a try.

Good morning, Dr. Kildare. Good morning.

Ready for some coffee?

Thank you.

It's kind of late, isn't it?

Ten o 'clock.

You have no idea what a luxury this is for an intern.

Kathy's been up for hours.

Oh, she left it for you.

Jim, darling.

I'll be out on the beach.

I'm so happy I've made a most important decision.

She means that the way theater people talk, doesn't she, darling?

I wouldn't know.

She's out there waiting for you. Why don't you go and ask?

Hi. Hi.

It's a pistol of a morning, isn't it?

What does that mean?

Pistol? I don't know. How's a $2 pistol, maybe?

Kenny says it all the time.

I don't think I'll ever say it again. It doesn't really mean anything, does it?

No.

It's a beautiful morning.

It's a lovely morning.

Yeah.

Do you know when you talk like that?

You know, you talk and catch phrases.

Pretty soon you get so you don't mean anything.

I mean, when everything's a kick or a charge or fun, fun, fun, you don't have

bother to think about how you really feel about it.

You seem to feel pretty good this morning.

Oh, I feel... You know what I was going to say? I was going to say zingy. That's

another one of Kenny's.

I feel new.

And all clean.

And I don't know.

I got your note.

You said something about a decision?

Yes.

Louise has been trying for weeks to get me to break away from the Lions.

Is that it?

You know, until now, I really never realized what they were.

I mean, they always seemed so sure and everything seemed so easy.

I wanted to be just like them.

I'd never been sure about anything.

Till last night.

About last night, I... Jim, please don't stop me.

See, I've got it all organized and I express myself so badly I'll get all

up.

You see, at the hospital, I was able to see everything together.

Me and Kenny and the lion and you.

So I'm going to give all that up.

What up?

The movies and acting.

Well, it's all just a phony.

It's like this shell.

See how pretty it is on the outside?

They call it a periwinkle.

You know what it's really like inside?

Some kind of a slimy, awful slug.

It's phony.

I'm a phony.

What do you mean? You're a star.

Look, they don't want me.

I mean, they could take one of my dresses and stuff it with old newspapers

do just as well.

That's not me.

You think I could qualify for some kind of training at the hospital?

What hospital?

Now, what do you think?

See, I could get a room in the city.

Are you kidding me?

No.

I thought maybe I could see you if you're off duty or something.

Kathy, you may be making a little too much out of last night.

Oh, I know.

I mean, I don't expect you to commit yourself.

But I'm pretty sure about me.

Jim, you're the first man I've ever met who's really doing something that's

worth so much.

And you're my age.

Almost.

So you see, it all fits together.

And you like me.

I mean, me.

Don't you?

Well, sure.

Sure, I like you, but... I love you.

You know, that's hard to say.

I mean, like you say, everything else is so easy.

Like I flipped for you or I got a thing for you. But to really say it,

I love you.

Gee, that sounds good.

No, no, wait.

Wait. Wait just a minute. There's something you've got to understand.

Yes?

When you're a patient in a hospital, you feel helpless and vulnerable, and

naturally the doctors look wonderful and godlike and... No, no.

I'm making myself sound like a fool.

Look, you don't really love me.

I mean, you were a patient and... But last night, Jim, I

wasn't a patient last night.

But you were Kathy Stebbins.

I'd never been that close to anyone like you before in my life.

So I... I kissed you and... Well, you practically asked me to.

Kathy, wait a minute.

Kathy, let me explain. You don't have to.

I've known all about it since I was 14 years old. It was a big kick, wasn't it?

That's all.

You can go back and tell the interns at the hospital that you had a great time

with Kathy Stebbins. No.

At least they're honest. The pride of lions.

They don't pretend to be noble and worth anything.

They're out for kicks and they admit it. They don't pretend.

They were in Port James. She called them.

Kathy,

I'd like to speak to you.

Go ahead.

Outside. Oh, wait a minute. What are you trying to do, Doc? Bust up our party?

Anybody call for a doctor?

Kathy, please.

Kathy, you know what I found out about doctors in the hospital?

No. What did you find out about doctors in the hospital?

They got cold hands.

Fun, fun, fun.

Kathy, I want to talk to you.

Well, go ahead, Charlie.

These are my friends.

They're a swinging group, and I got no secrets from them.

Come on, kid.

Say your confirmation speech and then blow.

Kathy, now why don't you just go take somebody's temperature, huh?

Look, stay out of this. Now, Doc, Kathy's one of the boys around here, and

doesn't want to talk to you. So exit left laughing, right?

Right.

Hey,

Kitty, is there a doctor in the house?

All right, Doc, you're a pretty bright boy. Say something funny.

No, please. Would you please step back just one step? That's right. You're

dripping on the rug.

All right, Doc. You're on.

Now project.

Round, pear -shaped tones.

Here we go.

A funny thing happened to me this morning on the way to the hospital.

Say it, Doc. Say it.

So long, Doc.

Not a Kathy? We're just having a few laughs. You shouldn't laugh at him.

Oh, come on, honey. He's nothing.

He's a drag.

He does, Bill. Nowhere. He's nothing.

No.

No, we're nothing.

We're so nothing, we've got to shut out the whole rest of the world.

We've got to make up secret passwords like six -year -old kids.

Look, sure, you can cut them to pieces.

He hasn't worked in a club for 20 years handling drunks and hecklers.

But you've got no right to laugh at him.

He's the only decent person here.

Thanks a lot.

Doctor! Will you come back?

What about the menagerie?

I sent them away.

Short visit.

Please, Jim, don't be angry with me.

I couldn't stand seeing Kenny and George needling you. They have no right to

laugh at you. You're a doctor.

Don't overestimate doctors.

We can be pretty stupid, too.

Like last night.

That's all right.

Well, I mean, I did really practically ask for it.

You see, I was in love with you.

At least, then I was.

I felt so empty and I wanted so much to be something worthwhile.

You see, I couldn't be you, so I tried being in love with you.

That's what you were trying to tell me, wasn't it?

Kathy.

You don't have to look at doctors and nurses to find something worth being.

You can look in the mirror, like that periwinkle.

It didn't spend its life hating itself because it thought it was ugly.

Everyone thinks it's beautiful, and it is.

And you're beautiful.

And you have real talent.

Louisa thinks so, and she should know.

You could find a doctor in any town in America, but there's only one Kathy

Stebbins, and she's a million -dollar prophet.

So hold that good thought, Charlie.

Wanted to see me, sir? Yes, I did. Are you still interested in working on the

project?

Yes, sir.

I thought you'd found someone else.

I can always use another good man. I shall have to disguise you as expendable

supplies on the budget.

Thank you, sir.

You still think I treated you like a pet poodle?

No, sir.

Louisa Humber thought that girl was worth doing something for. She is.

They've started rehearsals again at Port James.

That's fine.

But she'll never come near Louisa Humber.

I remember when she played Juliet.

That was the year I presented the paper on gallbladder to the Atlantic City.

Beautiful. Beautiful.

There was an actress.

Come, gentle knight.

Come, loving, black -browed knight.

Give me my Romeo, and when he shall die, take him and cut him out in little

stars.

And he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love

with knight and pay no worship to the garish sun.