Original subtitles

Miss Betsy Boo, this is Long Distance reporting on your call to Judge James K.

Hardy at Carville 2339.

There's no answer.

Shall we keep trying?

Will you please keep trying, operator?

It's very important. It's almost a matter of life and death.

No, I can't talk to anybody that answers. I have to talk to Judge Hardy

And you mustn't use my name because I don't want anybody but Judge Hardy to

I'm calling.

So you will keep after Judge Hardy, won't you?

Thank you.

Excuse me, Betsy. I didn't listen, honest, but...

Couldn't you get your call? No, and I can't understand it. It's graduation

and Carvel's famous as it is here in New York.

I suppose Andy Hardy will dance till scandalously late.

But Judge Hardy just isn't the type to stay out all night.

You're always talking about that Andrew Hardy.

What's he got that I haven't got?

Now, Kurt, behave yourself.

Remember, you're only 15.

And I'm practically, well, kind of, more or less engaged.

You're going to marry Andrew Hardy?

Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say that the date is set, but when Andy left

in New York last year, he promised he'd come back to me someday. And I just know

he hasn't even looked at another girl since.

I hope.

Yes, yes, this is Judge James K. Hardy.

New York.

All right, I'll be here.

Now, don't break it to me gently, James. The one thing that really upsets a

person is breaking bad news gently.

Andrew's in jail, isn't he? No, no, Andy's not in jail.

There's a call coming from New York.

Must be Bob Wagner. You remember, I went to college with him. I've been

expecting a call or a telegram.

Now, there's nothing to be worried about.

Well, then what do you get me so worked up for?

Me get you worked up, Emily?

Why, you leaped out of that bedroom as if the world was coming to an end. And

your version of the world coming to an end is Andy in jail?

Well, what's yours?

La, la, la.

You go to bed, Mrs. Hardy.

Oh, it's lucky somebody in this family keeps their head in an emergency.

Good idea.

Hello, Betsy.

No, uh, Andrew's not home. You can speak freely.

Oh, Judge, I'm simply panic -stricken.

I went to bed without asking the telephone company to cancel my call, and

simply curdled with remorse.

But as long as sleep's been ruined for both of us, I might as well tell you I'm

coming to Carville tomorrow.

Mother's gone to Washington. She says I could come and visit Grandmother, but I

simply couldn't cope with the situation without talking to you first.

Hi there. I'm all out of breath.

Well... What seems to be the difficulty, Betsy?

Judge, I simply must know what's going on between your son and that Polly

Benedict, or else I might come to Carville and make a perfect goon of

Well, Betsy dear, the gods are smiling on you.

Andy and Polly Benedict were starting a first -class quarrel when they left the

graduation dance tonight.

They were?

Good morning, Andrew.

Good morning.

Oh, good morning, Dad.

Aren't you up kind of late?

Aren't you getting home kind of late?

Well, having graduated from high school, I've got a right to stay out as late as

I want.

Haven't I?

But you're hot tonight, Dad. Andrew, I... Well, what in the name

of common sense is all that?

Well, some girl, she was just amusing herself.

I don't believe Polly Benedict would be very amused if she saw it.

Well, Polly and I, we broke off for good tonight.

Oh, I see.

Who's Susie?

Susie? Oh, she's a little girl I met at the dance. She gave me her phone number.

No special significance, just a number in case of emergency.

I have an emergency for you.

You meet me in my chambers tomorrow at 12 o 'clock.

Something serious?

Yeah, your future.

So, uh, you get yourself some sleep and pick up those shoes.

I nearly broke my neck over this book you left on the floor.

Oh, thanks.

I guess Mom was so excited about graduation, she forgot to pick things

Forgot to pick things up.

You expect to spend the next 50, 60 years of your life with your mother

on you?

Oh, I hope not.

I expect someday to carve out a little home of my own. That's what I want to

talk to you about.

I hadn't figured on settling your future so soon, but something requires quick

action.

Oh, that about Polly Benedict. She's going back east to college, so I had no

choice in the matter. I couldn't let her think I was going to carry a torch.

Carry a torch?

Yeah, you know, love life without a future, a disappointed drizzle drip, a

without a frill.

What in the world are you talking about? Look, I'll explain it to you. You

wouldn't want your only son walking down the streets and having everybody laugh

at him because he got the poison pan from his dilly, would you?

Be quiet.

Mom!

Mom!

I graduated last night and I don't have to go to school no more ever. Oh, I'm a

free man!

I'm afraid you're growing right out of your poor old mother tongue. Oh, I'd

never do that, Mom.

Brush your teeth this morning? Mm -hmm.

Oh,

dear, a boy's suddenly growing up when he remembers his teeth.

I'm getting sentimental.

Here, I pressed you white trousers for you. Oh, thanks, Mom.

Now that you're getting such a big, grown -up man, I guess this is about the

last time your mother will ever help you to dress.

Oh, well, a fella has to grow up eventually, or he'll be a baby with a

Here's your favorite shirt.

Thanks. I tightened the buttons for you.

Swell.

Now guess.

Guess what?

Guess what I got for your breakfast?

What has Mrs. Hardy got for my breakfast?

Fried sausages?

My favorite breakfast?

Thank you.

I don't suppose it's very good for your digestion.

But then they tell me the Eskimos feed their babies blubber.

Andy, what is blubber?

Blubber? It's seal meat. They also use it as oil to burn in lamps.

That's wonderful.

Must be a great saving in electricity.

Mom!

Whoo! I not only graduated, but I've got myself a new car.

However, there is something that's bothering me, and it's Dad.

Well, you've got to meet your father at noon, but that could mean trouble.

Oh, no? Well, you don't know your husband. What is it, Mom? Give your son

All I know is it's something to do with Dr. Wagner.

Dr. Wagner?

Isn't that Dad's college president? Mm -hmm.

Something tells me my life is catching up with me fast.

Leave my tie alone.

Mom, will you speak to Dad and see if he'll let me put my new car in the

and leave the family sedan out in the driveway, huh?

We'll see.

Mom, I left my car right here in the driveway last night. I even looked in

garage and it's not there. Well, it looks like the thief left his calling

Huh?

Dear Andy, I put your car in Grandmother's garage to get it out of

Betsy. Betsy here.

What's a child of her years doing driving such a high -powered car as

Be careful, Betsy. You'll scratch the paint. Hi there, plain mate. Don't

I won't scratch it. This is Grandma's best towel.

Oh, Andy, it's marvelous to see you in your new car. It's marvelous. Now, look,

I've lost six pounds. It was mostly baby fat anyway. Isn't that marvelous? It's

nice to see you, Betsy, but... But you didn't answer my last nine letters.

It was only eight letters.

Well, I guess it's something for you to remember how many letters you didn't

answer. I'm sorry, but... Oh, let's rise above it.

Andrew! Your breakfast's ready.

And don't forget, your father expects you at 12 sharp.

All right, Mom.

Excuse me, Betsy. Okay.

Here I am, graduated from high school, and I'm still a slave to my parents'

whimsies.

Well, hello, Bob. Hello, Jim. This is my son, Andrew.

Andrew, this is Dr. Wagner, president of Wainwright College. I'm glad to meet

you, sir. And I want to meet you. Oh, naturally, Jim Hardy's son rates pretty

high with me.

I understand there's a chance we may have you at Wainwright College for the

seven years.

Seven years?

Dr. Wagner, maybe you haven't looked me over thoroughly enough.

Maybe your college might prefer to turn out a tall lawyer.

Well, the best could come in small packages. You know that, Andrew. Well,

least, Bob, now you've actually seen the boy.

And I'm very grateful to you for taking the trouble.

No trouble at all, Jim.

And I can honestly testify, if need be, that that boy of yours is a proper chip

off the good old block.

All aboard!

Well, Jim, you make formal application for Andrew if you decide you want that

scholarship. Thank you. Goodbye, my boy. Goodbye, sir. Goodbye, Jim. Bye.

Dad, how long did it take you to be a lawyer?

Well, it was actually ten years before I was earning enough to keep body and

soul together. Ten years?

In ten years, I'd be 28.

And I'd always planned to retire by the time I was middle -aged.

Now I don't know what I want to do.

Yeah, that's a serious problem.

Suppose we sit down and have a good long talk after dinner.

This is one of the big crossroads of life, Andrew.

Well, goodbye, Andrew.

Goodbye, Polly.

Maybe in a few years, by some whim of fate, we'll meet again, if only for a

moment. Well, I might even be married when we meet again.

Polly, when I get married, I'll tell my wife what a sweet little girl I

used to go around with. Well, she'll be glad because...

Polly, in my adolescence, I might have gone around with a different kind of a

girl. You know, the kind of a girl where there might be regrets.

And I'll tell my husband that there never was a sweeter boy than Andrew

Except him, of course.

Well, you might at least give me an even break with your husband.

Well, goodbye, Andrew.

Goodbye, Polly, and may life...

quickly bring to you happiness, prosperity, and a ripe old age.

Well, goodbye, Polly. My dad is waiting for me to talk over my future.

So, goodbye.

And if this is goodbye forever, Polly, then

goodbye forever.

I'm not going to do this anymore.

No, I... I guess I'm just a creature of habit.

Goodbye, Andy, dear.

Goodbye, old girl.

No regrets?

No regrets.

Darn it.

Well, I want to get the full richness out of my life.

The question is, how?

Well, the law is a stern mistress.

But every man in this country is endowed with magnificent rights and privileges.

And when you come right down to it, it's in my court they get those rights.

I know, but ten years.

The next ten years are the best years of my life.

At any age, the next ten years are the best years in a man's life.

If I could only try the other way first before I made up my mind.

Maybe, suppose, suppose I got myself a job.

Well, if you're going in for the law, I'd hate you to miss this scholarship.

We have to apply inside a month.

Well, can't I use that month to find out?

Couldn't I have that month? Suppose I went to New York and I got myself a job.

Well, I could find out what life was all about on my own.

Andrew Hardy, you can't go off to New York all by yourself.

You're hardly more than a baby.

Mom!

Betsy, you'll think that you mean that.

Well, you know that I'm 18.

Of course you are, son.

But your mother just can't realize it is 18 years since you were so tiny and

soft and pink. And I was washing you in a basin.

Oh, Mom, you shouldn't talk like that. It isn't respectable in front of a child

like Betsy.

Me, a child?

Listen here, Andrew Hardy. My mother just bought me an evening dress that

has no visible means of support.

What is this world coming to?

It's come to the day when a fine, manly young fellow wants to go out into the

world and see if he can fly with his own wings.

The same as his father did once.

The same as my father did once.

The same as your son one day will want to, Andrew.

Betsy, are we going to finish those dishes or not?

Hush, Dad.

Isn't Mom wonderful and understanding?

Yes, Andrew, your mother's a remarkably understanding woman.

By this time tomorrow, she'll think this entire scheme was her own idea.

And I hope you understand, too.

I know you do.

It isn't that my home life is beginning to pall.

Yes.

I know.

Well, then we'll just call it all settled, huh?

I suppose you want to leave right away.

Mm -hmm.

My, it's a warm night.

I think I'll take a little air.

And remember to wear your rubbers when it rains and watch out crossing the

streets. And positively do not speak to any strangers.

Oh, outside Little Betsy here, all the people in New York will be strangers to

Andy. Yeah, what do you want me to talk in New York, Mom? The deaf and dumb

language? Well, you know what I mean.

And if you get in any tight corners, don't hesitate to telephone me

No, Dad, I'm on my own. If I get into any jams, why, I'll have to get myself

of them. I want to feel that there's nothing between me and starvation but my

initiative. And don't worry, Mrs. Hardy.

My mother's going to flutter like mad when she finds out I'm coming home so

soon. But I'll be there, and you can rely on me to the last drop of my blood.

Got your money in an inside pocket?

Uh -huh. I got it right here where the pickpockets can't get it.

Well, goodbye, son.

Goodbye, Dad.

Now, remember, give it a good, fair trial.

Because if you decide to become a lawyer, I want you to do it with a clear

Well, I... I want to be sure, Dad, because the next ten years of my life

best.

Well, goodbye.

Goodbye, Mom.

Goodbye, Daphne.

Goodbye, Aunt Millie.

Goodbye, Mrs. Hardy. Goodbye, Mrs. Hardy. Goodbye, Miss Forrest. Goodbye.

Well, goodbye, everybody. Don't worry about me. I might have gotten in a lot

complications in my life, but that was when I was just practically a kid.

Now, I see everything much clearer now, and I'm never going to make any more

mistakes.

Bye. Goodbye, Daphne. Goodbye, Andrew. Take care of yourselves. Goodbye,

Baby, you take care of him, won't you?

Today I...

I'm mighty proud of that young man.

I wonder if he should have had some more money.

I gave him an extra ten dollars this morning.

I gave him five dollars after lunch.

I gave him eight myself.

Mother, I thought you'd accepted this going away business and were reconciled

it. If being reconciled to your son going away means you can't cry, I can't

any point in being a mother.

Nonsense, Emily. What is there to cry about?

Please.

I guess that's the hardest thing a mother has to do.

Wipe the tears from her eyes and the years from her heart and see how little

boys are made.

What are you trying to do, make me cry too?

My goodness, I don't know what you've got to cry about.

Just think, the way young people go leaping around the country in motorcars

these days and without getting into any trouble either, James Hardy.

Gosh. I wonder if we're near enough to get a New York station on the radio.

I need a brass band to express my feelings.

A brass band?

Andy, I think New York would like to give you a big welcome, but I can't

guarantee that they'll know you're coming.

Listen.

To remind you, you are still listening to station WHN, New York City.

New York. Oh, isn't that exciting?

I don't dare get any more excited or I break out in hives.

A residence for young men.

Sounds all right.

Well, I'm going to see if my room's okay, and then I'll come out and drive

home. Oh, no, I'm going to go in and help you unpack.

You'll probably get your socks and your shirts and your pajamas all in one

drawer. Men always do.

This place certainly has poisonous rules.

If carried to extremes, that sort of thing could ruin a man's social life.

It has its advantages, too.

Well, under the circumstances, I think I'd better put in my first appearance

without a female in tow.

I must look dangerous.

I'll wait for you in the car.

Have you a reservation for Mr. Andrew Hardy of Carville?

Yes, I have.

Sign here, please. Thank you.

Your room is 808. You may go right up.

Is payment in advance?

It's required.

All right.

That'll be $5 for the first week in advance, right? I'll give you a receipt.

That's not necessary. The fact that I'm in my room proves that I paid for it.

That's right.

Capital 60654.

Whom do you wish to speak to, please?

Mr. Hartford?

No, Mr. Hartford's not in.

This is Mr. Hartford's butler speaking.

May I take a message?

Oh, no message.

Thank you very kindly, miss.

No message for Buddy. No message. She don't love him.

Hi, Thunderfoot.

Drop in sometime.

No, thanks.

Hello there. Hello. Oh, I guess they told me the wrong room. Sorry. No, I'm

giving it up. I just quit my job.

Why pay these people five bucks for another week until I'm sure I've got

dough coming in?

You just quit your job.

Who wants to be an office boy?

I got other plans.

Hope you'll be happy here.

Say, how long ago did you quit your job?

About 15 minutes ago.

Well, where somebody quits their job, somebody else has to be hired, don't

Smart boy.

Wish I could think like that. Would you mind if I tried to get your old job

before somebody else heard about it? Help yourself. Was it a good job?

I wasn't good.

I don't want to be good for jobs where you have to use your head.

My brains are all in my feet.

In your feet?

Sure. The only thing I want to work at is dancing.

Well, I'll be.

Should have seen me hoofing in the Gala Cafe last year. Yeah?

And I got sick. Had to quit dancing, go to work. All better now.

Goodbye, office boy. Here comes Dancing Man looking for music.

Where is that job you quit?

Consolidated Stocks and Bonds, 5 West 48th Street.

Betsy, I practically got a job.

Where's 5 West 48th Street? Well, it's right straight ahead.

Employment agency?

Hello, Mabel. This is Janet Hicks at Consolidated.

Listen, darling, we need a new office boy again, so send over some young

nuisances in the morning.

Oh, no. This one got ideas and walked out on Mr. Maddox tonight.

Deliver me from young America.

Well, shoot over a couple of dozen. Maybe we can sift out one with an IQ of

six years.

Bye.

What do you do?

Something I can do for you?

Uh, I'd like to buy some stocks and bonds.

That is, I'd like to see Mr. Maddox if he's the head of the firm.

Mr. Maddox is going out to dinner. He won't be back till seven.

Oh.

Well, I'll wait.

Miss, that's a loading zone. You can't park.

There's no other place to park.

Well, you'll have to drive around the block till your party comes out.

All right. Far be it for me to argue with the law.

My boyfriend isn't going to like this.

Listen, will you hold down the switchboard for me for five minutes?

I have a date at 7 .15. I want to get fixed up.

Why, certainly it'd be a pleasure.

Oh, now, what do I do now if it starts ringing or blinking or something?

Well, all you do is plug this in over the light and open this key and take any

messages. Oh, I see. Thanks.

Thank you.

It works.

Hot dog, this job's going to be my meat.

Thanks. Any calls?

No, ma 'am. I mean, no, miss.

Miss Hicks?

Consolidated stocks and bonds?

Oh, yes, Mr. Maddox. This is Miss Hicks.

Not till eight, Mr. Maddox, did you say?

Right.

Won't Mr. Maddox be back until eight o 'clock?

No.

I'll wait.

Hello, Steve.

This is Janet.

Sorry, the boss is coming back at eight, so the party's off.

Want to make it tomorrow night?

Well, if that's the way you feel about it, goodbye and good luck.

Any word for Mr. Maddox?

Eight o 'clock, period.

Once Chicago Price is ready, period.

Life in a big city. I burn, period.

I starve.

Mayfield cut rate?

Consolidated. Five West 48.

One three -decker club on white toast.

One certified milk.

Oh, I beg your pardon. I've got to wait for Mr. Maddox. I just wondered, could I

get some dinner, too? Hold it.

Oh, the same as you ordered.

Flatterer.

Business is picking up. Double that order.

And see if you've got a delivery boy with more than one leg.

Maybe I ought to introduce myself.

I'm Mr. Andrew Hardy. I live in Carville.

I just came to the city.

After you tackle that drugstore sandwich, you'll go right back to the

Okay, here we are. That will be $1 .40.

Hey, wait a minute.

Let me see that bill.

$1 .30, Jesse James.

Okay, $1 .30.

Well, yeah, have you got change for $10?

You mean I've got to come all the way back up here?

No, no.

Leave the change at the cashier's cage.

You can pick it up when you leave.

Well, they don't know me at the drugstore. They know me. I buy

that drugstore except my clothes.

They don't sell cloaks and suits yet.

We've got a new line of ladies' hosiery, bathing suits, sports shoes, lingerie.

Okay, Mr. Wanamaker, scram.

Young lady.

The second time I find anybody in the same place, I always write them an

invitation to a party. Listen, officer, I'm out of gas.

Oh, please.

Look, look, see for yourself.

Now what do I do?

Hey, buddy, push us up to that gas station.

Okay.

Is Miss Norton here?

In your office, Mr. Maddox. Oh, excuse me, sir, but could I see you for a few

moments, please?

Who are you?

Oh, this is Mr. Hardy. He wants to buy some stocks and bonds.

That's not funny.

Let me have the Chicago prices, please, Miss Norton.

Uh, Mr.

Maddox. Uh, I've got a very important business matter to discuss with you.

important to you, too.

Miss Norton, will you give me the Philadelphia report, please?

What is it, young man?

Well, your office boy quit tonight.

Well, you'll naturally have to have a new one, won't you? You're not it.

Well, nobody else could have gotten ahead of me.

Somebody did. My wife's nephew.

Oh.

Excuse me.

Two thirty -seven and a half?

Right.

Sixty -eight.

I see.

Forty -two and a half. Oh, Mr. Hardy.

Did you buy your stocks and bonds?

Mr. Maddox and I couldn't find a common ground of understanding.

That's too bad.

But wait just a second, and I'll show you the drugstore.

Oh, gosh, that's right. I almost forgot my change.

The Greeks had a word for it, gentlemen.

Cradle Robert.

Besides, I thought you had a date with Steve tonight.

See why he doesn't dance? He's too fond of dark corners. And he doesn't like

walking by store windows full of big silver fox coats.

But that's a great big grown -up man. Might fall into the hands of some

dangerous woman.

Coming, Mr. Hardy.

What's the matter?

My... my car.

Your car?

Oh, Mr.

Hardy, have your car.

Well, sure, it was right here, and now it's gone.

Well, find a policeman. No, it wasn't stolen. There was somebody in it. Your

chauffeur, of course. He's probably driving around the block.

Yeah, sure, I never thought of that. And carve away, you can park anyplace.

Well, let's get your change and then find your car.

65, 75, 2.

Three, four, five. And five is ten. And any time my friend Mr. Hardy wants

anything, see that he gets the best. Well, thank you. Thank you.

Let's see. That's eight.

Forty -five. That's right. Thank you very much, miss.

Shall we go?

Oh, I just remembered. I need a new toothbrush.

This one, please.

Forty -five cents, please. Oh, I've got it. Oh, no. Let me buy you a toothbrush,

please. All right, if you can afford it. There.

There's 25, 30, 45.

Do you need anything else?

No.

I don't think so.

Do you like that perfume? Let me buy it for you. Now, wait a minute. No, that's

only a little bottle. I know, but here, here's a big one.

There's no reason why you should buy me perfume.

Oh, there's more likely to be a reason if I buy you the perfume first.

How much is this?

Thirty -six dollars.

How much? This bottle is thirty -six dollars. That one is fifteen.

Oh, this is the one that she wants here. This is it. Thank you.

Fifteen dollars.

Five and ten. Thank you. I'll wrap it. No, I'll take it just like it is. Thank

you.

There you are.

You're so sweet.

I'm going to let you take me home.

Where do you live?

136th Street.

Back in Carville, the streets only go as high as 9th.

136th Street seems like it ought to be in the next state. But I suppose these

new type buses get you there in no time at all.

Good evening.

Oh, we were just going to... Oh, don't worry about your car. Your chauffeur

won't leave till he picks you up. You can drop me home and the cab will bring

you right back.

Where to, sir?

Uh...

136th Street.

You know, I'll bet you don't believe I really do have a car, do you?

Oh, of course you have.

Gosh. It's a swallow a car. You just push a button, the top goes up and down.

I really believe you have got a car.

From now on, I'll believe everything you say.

Would you believe me if I said that I've never met a girl like you before?

What do you mean, like me?

Well, you're so... so... efficient.

You saved ten cents on that drugstore bill.

All the other girls I know are kind of gaga.

So if I don't get started on a business career real soon, I'll end up in a

little college where they don't even have coeds.

And we couldn't have that.

That'll be $2 .25.

You wait for me.

Well, goodbye, Mr. Hardy. It's been nice knowing you.

Oh, I'll help you.

Well. There they are.

Uh, that's my apartment key. The other's the front door.

Thanks.

Oh, I, uh, I'm going to see you again, aren't I?

Oh, uh, here, this perfume.

It's the wrong kind. Will you take it back for me? No, no, no. You change it

whatever kind you like.

Somebody might think I promoted you to buy it for me. No.

Keep it, please.

Please keep it.

You're never going to see me again, you know.

Where to?

Where's the nearest bus stop?

Bus stop?

Yeah. About six blocks east.

Uh, 225. Yeah.

One, two, three. Keep the change.

Well, thanks, Mr. Rockefeller.

Well, Betsy, what are you doing here?

I didn't know what was going on, so I followed you. Get in.

You drive.

I don't want to complain, but I drove around that revolting block 51 times,

and my feet are killing me. Well, that young woman.

What young woman?

The one I had with me in the taxi cab.

I didn't see any young woman with you in the taxi cab. Gosh, can't a guy make a

business acquaintance and take her home without everybody getting in an uproar?

Why didn't you drive her home in your own car? Because, because you weren't

there. You mean because I was there?

Well, I didn't want to make her drive home in a car with a child. Child?

Oh, so the conversation was too gruesome for a child to hear. No such thing.

Well, then why did you bring up the subject? I didn't bring it up. You did.

brought up the subject about my being a child.

Your

home,

I believe.

Thank you.

I'm sorry. I guess I got a little upset.

Yeah, I could upset people, too, if I wore the kind of clothes she wears.

Yeah, sure you could.

I could?

Andy, do you think I'm deadly?

Why, you'll be a riot.

Five or six years.

Oh, I've got a present for you.

Here. A present?

For me?

Really?

Perfume.

you actually bought this super terrific perfume for me?

Who else would I buy it for?

Let's rise above that.

No, I want to think you bought it for me. And if a female only thinks what she

ought to think, she won't get into any trouble.

Come on in, Andy. It's late and you haven't had any dinner. No, thanks.

I've got to get to bed early and get up in the morning and feel fresh and go

look for a job.

Yeah, and you'll get a job. I know you will.

And will you call me if you have anything to report?

And whether you have anything to report or whether you haven't got anything to

report, will you call me anyway?

Yes. Good night, Betsy. Good night. Oh, and you're not going to have to have any

more business dealings with that certain young woman, are you?

No, I guess not.

She's an awful funny person.

You know, there for a while I thought she really did promote me for that

perfume. Good night, Betsy.

Good morning, Emily.

Good morning, James.

Now, don't annoy me. Go and sit down at the dining room table and I'll have your

fruit juice there in a jiffy.

No, no, no, no, no, no. I'm going to have breakfast out here in the kitchen.

It's cozier.

Well, if you insist.

I might as well save myself a few steps with Mary in a way and Millie on

vacation.

No loud, noisy nuisance of an Andrew around.

Well, this is like when we were first married.

Just we two.

Breakfast in the kitchen.

Yes, and then we didn't have any...

any family to miss.

Let's see, how long has Andy been gone now?

Just 12 hours longer than the last time you asked me.

A total of 13 days, 19 hours, and 22 minutes.

Milk?

One quart will do.

Only one quart this morning, Mrs. Hardy?

Yes, we don't use so much milk with Andy away.

Well, what do you hear from Andy?

Has he got a job yet?

Yes, we've just got a letter from him.

Mother, did you take that letter to bed with you?

I know it by heart. He says, I've just started work with consolidated stocks

bonds. Just imagine our Andy handling stocks and bonds.

James, you don't suppose Andy's handling anything too heavy for him to lift, do

you?

No, probably some light brain work, like making figures on a blackboard.

There's Miss Hicks now.

Good morning, Charlie.

Good morning, Miss.

Miss Hicks.

Well, what can I do for you at the crack of dawn, Mr. Hardy?

Well, if I should get a call here, anybody should think I might be working

Could... Would you not tell them any different?

Somebody might have jumped to the wrong conclusion.

Yeah.

And if...

A letter should come for me.

Where are you living?

City House.

Oh, I just remembered. I didn't pay you for that taxi, did I? No, don't, please.

That was a privilege.

Well, I guess I can take care of any phone calls or mail.

Not that there's likely to be any.

It's just a precaution.

Well, thanks terribly.

Oh, that's all right.

Bye. Goodbye.

Hello, Jeanette.

Well, I see you haven't got his shirt yet. But you certainly have him looking

shabby. Not me, honey. What's the matter? Couldn't he dig up the silver

Or have you reformed?

Why should I reform?

Men always appreciate a girl more when they have to spend money on her.

But that kid...

Did you notice the shoes?

Yes.

That's a pretty puss. Go on and eat till you're silly.

Hiya, Betsy.

Now, who'd ever expect to find you here?

I guess you would. I say I would. Been waiting here since five o 'clock.

For what?

For what?

Listen, when a girl calls a man 14 times in 10 days and either they tell her

that he isn't in or else some loathsome creature answers the phone and says,

this is Mr. Andrew Hardy's valet. Mr. Hardy is entertaining at dinner tonight

and cannot be disturbed.

What goes on at that city house anyway?

And when a girl will sit in the reception room for hours, not once, but

times, on a chair that's made out of marble and gas pipe, and they keep

her that he isn't in or else he's taking a bath.

Well, Annie Goon would want to find out why she's getting such a brush off.

Well, I phoned you twice after I gave you the perfume, didn't I?

You were... I know.

I wouldn't talk to you. I was mad.

I got over it quick, though.

And then I've been kind of busy, too.

It's taken me a little while to find a job. Job?

Andy, you haven't got a job.

Now, don't try to be big with me.

I know that most fellas have to put on a smooth front for girls because they're

supposed to be the superior sex, but I'm not that kind of a dope, Andy. All

right, all right. So I haven't got a job.

But every time I lose out, somebody gets a job, and it's going to be my turn any

minute. But look at yourself. Look at your clothes. They're dreadful. You got

button off your shirt.

You just look down and out.

I am not.

Brother, if you're not the forgotten man, you're certainly not being

very well.

Look at your shoes. Look.

Well, that's these New York sidewalks.

You walk a lot, don't you?

What's happened to that super weighty car?

It's in storage.

Dead storage.

It costs $30 a month in advance just for a garage. Gosh, I never realized before

how much it costs to live. Grim enough just having to pay room and board in New

York. But it's the little things that cost that you never realized before.

Your laundry, your soap, your toothpaste. A million little things. 25

here, 20 cents there. Maybe only a dime.

That's the trouble with life, Betsy. It dimes you to death.

You look hungry.

I am not hungry.

You're not getting enough vitamins.

Listen, Andy, why don't you let me help you? My dad gives me a fantastic

allowance. Nothing doing.

When I left Carville, you heard me say today I am a man, didn't you?

So I've got to work out my own destiny.

Or else I'll have to go back with my tail between my legs and say I'm not a

I'm only just a little boy. I can't make the grade unless somebody helps me. Oh,

no, no.

I'll be a lot hungrier than I am now before I'll ever do that.

I thought you said you weren't hungry.

Well, everybody's...

hungry before the dinner, aren't they?

Got any money for dinner?

Certainly I have money. How much?

I've got $5 .65.

Now, does that satisfy you?

Most certainly does not.

But it's better than I was afraid of.

What's going to become of you after that's spent?

What becomes of other kids?

Don't talk like that.

Oh, nothing serious is going to happen to me. I've got a home to go back to.

I admit I was only practically a kid when I first came to New York, but...

Now I see everything much clearer, and I'm never going to make the same

again. So don't you worry your pretty little head about me. You're only a kid,

and you're much too young to concern yourself about life.

Boy, I'm getting older every moment, too.

Well, it's getting time for dinner, and I'm kind of tired, so... I'll see you

later, Betsy. Bye. Bye, Andy.

Hiya. He remembers me.

My face, perhaps.

My divine figure.

My nimble -footed agility.

You're not a man.

You're a genie.

I rubbed Aladdin's lamp and the genie is here.

Oh, yeah, Aladdin, how are you? Wonderful, genie, wonderful.

The genie brings gold.

Nuggets of gold as I wished for when I rubbed the lamp.

I will have a nugget, genie.

I'll have two nuggets.

Where are you staying now? You're at my palace gate.

Come in.

Careful. Don't bump against this statue.

It costs millions.

You're safer in the bedroom.

Sit down.

Thanks. Care not for this priceless damask cover.

Now, you don't really sleep here, do you?

Not very well, Jeannie, but here.

That's terrible.

Look, why don't you come on over to my place? We'll get some dinner and you can

stay all night with me.

Beware, Jeannie.

They don't allow that in the city house.

When they see us now enter their portals with thy humble servant, they will toss

thy servant out on his proboscis.

No, not if they don't see you. Look, I'll divert Mr. Jackson's attention. You

can sneak into the elevator, huh?

Okay, kid.

Let's try it.

I'm kind of dead.

Mr. Jackson, is there any mail for me?

No, no mail, but your week starts today. That will be $5, please.

Oh, the week starts today, does it? And 40 cents.

It says laundry here.

There must be some mistake.

40 cents can't be right for a week's laundry.

Yes, that seems to be right.

$5 .40.

May I?

I guess it's right. I didn't send out so much laundry this week.

My mother made me bring so many clean clothes.

5 .40?

Yeah. There you go. All right, thank you.

Thank you.

You sure diverted him. Yeah, he kind of diverted me.

Well, Jimmy, the room's paid up for another week.

I've got 25 cents left. You're welcome to half of it if you want it.

Well, I'm not going to say no, kid.

I don't have any more no's left in me.

25 cents.

A fortune, Jeannie. We can eat for three days.

Kind of quiet around the house, isn't it?

Oh, Emily.

Must you always be reminding me that Andrew's away?

Me remind you?

Why, James Hardy.

Five minutes ago, I asked you what you wanted for Sunday dinner. And you said

Andrew, medium rare with mashed potatoes.

All right, Mother.

All right.

So it's quiet here.

business call.

George Benedict.

Yes, yes, this is Judge Hardy, George.

George?

Wait a minute, let's get organized.

Oh, I see. He's sending up a flare, right?

Well, Judge, just don't brood about Andy.

He's simply swell.

Of course, he hasn't got a job, but then he can't worry about getting fired, can

he? Of course, his car's in hock, but...

Then he can't waste money on gasoline, which is perfectly swell because he

hasn't got much money left.

But then he can't worry about pickpockets, can he?

And in case he asks you, remember I told you, everything's adequate, simply

adequate. Aye.

I'll look into the situation immediately, George.

You will?

Oh, Judge Hardy, you're the essence of peppermint.

I'm what?

Oh, that's sub -deb talk. That means you're smooth, priceless, divine,

marvelous, cute, quaint, luscious, and super.

Thank you, my dear.

Goodbye.

My dear?

Aren't you getting a bit familiar with George Benedict?

Uh, slip of the tongue.

Um, I've got to go to New York Friday.

Legal business.

So if you're writing to Andy tonight, don't mention it. I may not have time to

see him.

Oh, I wouldn't mention it for the world.

Do you ever go to high school, Jim? No.

I ran away from school and joined a traveling carnival troupe.

Carville High School.

Class of 1941.

There's a present for you.

Hey, isn't this valuable?

The pawnbroker wouldn't even give me a quarter for it.

What'd you study in high school?

Practically everything.

It's very comical.

I only want to dance, and I can't get a job dancing.

You want to do everything, and you can't get a job doing anything.

Well, that isn't because you didn't go to school, and it isn't because I did.

For instance, there was a girl in my class, Catherine Land, she studied to be

stenographer. She got a nice job, and her brother studied art, and he got a

in the department store.

Gosh, they studied for a special job.

I never thought about that before. I guess that's why you can take so many

things in high school.

I want me a special job.

What kind of a job could I be of real use?

That's the third time today. I'll give it a push. No, no, no. Don't do it. I

don't want to talk to her.

Same girl? Yeah.

Not the right one, huh?

No, Betsy's only a kid. You know, Jimmy, it's harder to fool a kid than it is an

adult. Our folks are rich and cheap.

You know.

Wish I had a girl that'd wait all day trying to lend me money.

You know, I don't think I'm going to be able to take this much longer.

The going's too tough.

I'm going to let Betsy lend me some money.

Not for me, you won't. For me, for me.

What I need is a good solid meal under my belt, and then I can go ahead with my

new scheme.

For instance, I know a lot about automobiles.

Guys, I used to have an old jalopy that my dad couldn't go two blocks in. But I

used to run my girl all over the country in it.

Yeah, that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to go around to these big garages

and try to get a job as a grease monkey.

Because when it comes to cars, I do know what I'm talking about, Jim.

Capital 60654.

Who did you wish to speak to, please?

Mr. Hardy?

This is Mr. Hardy's secretary speaking. I'll call him just a moment, please.

Hello?

This is Mr. Hardy speaking.

Yes?

Yes, sir?

I'll give him the message.

Yes, sir.

Goodbye.

Jimmy, that was the car in that cafe. They want you to be over there at 7 p

tonight for a tryout.

Hooray! That's your unpromised and they came through.

Andy, you brought me luck. Oh, boy, now we don't have to borrow any money from

Betsy. Our luck is chained.

I'll go down right now and get rid of that infant.

Betsy, I'm sorry.

Hello.

Oh, Miss Hicks.

Here's the letter that came for you.

Oh, thanks.

It's from my mother, excuse me.

No bad news, I trust.

No. My father's coming to New York Saturday.

Won't he be pleased to find you have a job?

But I haven't got a job, Miss Hicks.

Oh, yes, you have.

Mr. Maddox's wife's nephew told Mr.

Maddox that he was going to take two hours for lunch. So Mr. Maddox told him

could take two years.

You mean that I can apply for the job before anybody else? You've got the job.

Mr. Maddox was so mad that when I told him of a bright young man who could come

to work right away, he yelled, where is he? And here you are.

You wouldn't fool me, would you, Miss Hicks? No, I wouldn't fool you.

Oh, but maybe I don't know enough for the job.

Well, what does an office boy have to know?

Practically everything.

That's me.

Come on.

Well, my lad, that's all there is to being an office boy.

Remember now, when this buzzer rings three times, Mr. Maddox wants you, and

don't loiter. Right, the buzzer rings three times, and zoom, I'm in Mr.

office like that.

And don't forget this push -button lock. His door won't open from the outside

unless I push this clicker. Right.

Remember, click. And Mr. Maddox goes crazy when he sees his employees doing

nothing. It's the hardest thing we do, playing busy. When he pops out, you get

busy. Doing what?

Well...

Sharpen the pencils, get the carbon paper, fill the flower vases.

My legs feel kind of funny.

My stomach feels kind of funny, too.

Didn't you have any lunch?

Sure I had lunch.

Boy. Yes, ma 'am. Get these letters out, please.

Yes, ma 'am.

Relax.

His name's Andrew.

Would you have a piece of candy, Andrew?

You betcha.

But don't let Mr. Maddox see you eating it.

Oh, no.

Thanks.

Consolidated socks and barn.

Just a moment, please.

You look a little green around the gills. Are you feeling all right?

Oh, I'm sure.

Just a little warm and the excitement of having a new job.

Andrew, carbon paper, please.

Yes, ma 'am.

Thank you. Would you like another piece of candy?

No. No, thank you.

Andy, the supply room.

Oh, gosh, I forgot.

I think you could go another piece of pie a la mode.

Uh -uh.

I'll bust.

I've been eating steady for the past hour and a half.

You don't guess I was kind of hungry, huh? You were starved. That's why you

fainted. No, I... I just got scared and my legs gave way on me, that's all.

Say, isn't this kind of an expensive place you brought me to?

You're not worrying because you haven't the money to pay the check, are you?

Andy, I'm going to pay the check.

I still owe you for that taxi fare, remember?

Now, don't be embarrassed, please.

I'm not embarrassed.

Not really.

You know, you're so different that everything seems different.

Gosh, I never realized before that a fellow and a girl could be so frank and

open about things.

You're cute.

Cigarette?

No, no, no thanks.

Old -fashioned principles?

Certainly not. I just don't want to stunt my growth, that's all.

Oh, I feel swell now.

The spirit seems strong. How are the legs?

Oh, they're fine. I'll show you. Take a look.

Come on, let's dance.

Oh, no, you'll collapse. Not a chance. Let's have fun, celebrate my job.

Isn't this my night to howl? Come on.

Oh, but Andy, I can't conga.

You can't.

Oh, my, what have you been dating around with a bunch of stuffed shirts?

A little stuffed girl, a little elderly.

Come on, be your age. Be our age. You know, it's just as bad to be too old for

your years as it is to be mentally backward.

Why, you're not an old hag.

Get savage. Let yourself go. Come on.

That's the stuff. What you need is a little more wiggle waggle and some

in your legs.

Oh, that's it.

You're trying to decide whether or not to kiss me, aren't you?

Yeah.

What's your decision?

Oh, I can't.

You don't like me that much?

Oh, Jenny, that isn't it at all.

I am crazy about you.

Only... Only what, Andy?

Well, a fella can't kiss a girl goodnight after she's paid for the

Of course he can't.

Could... Could I have a date with you

Saturday night?

To do what?

Oh, to...

Oh, to have fun and dance and be our age.

Oh, why Saturday night? No work the morning after?

Yes.

Besides, that's my first payday.

Saturday night.

Good evening, Mr. Hood.

Mr. Hardy. Yes? Mr. Jackson found out young Frobisher's been sleeping in your

room. He did?

Oh.

Well, where... What'd he do?

Where's Jimmy Frobisher and where's Mr. Jackson? Mr. Jackson's in bed.

But young Frobisher's still upstairs. Only he's got to get out early in the

morning.

Well, I'll... I'll...

I'll fix it up with Mr. Jackson in the morning because I've got a job now and

everything's going to be fine.

Jimmy. Jimmy, are you here?

What is it, a fire? It's Jimmy Frobisher. He's... He's... What's the

Hardy? What is it?

It's Jimmy Frobisher.

He's killed himself in my bathroom. What?

Jimmy's... He's dead.

Don't talk about it anymore, Andy.

Please.

It helps to talk about it.

Oh, then talk about it.

Would it help if you sort of cried a little bit?

No.

No, I don't want to cry.

I'm not so sure if I can cope with this or not.

I might cry a little bit myself.

Why shouldn't you cry?

Somebody's dead.

It just doesn't seem right unless somebody cries.

Oh, I hardly knew him, I tell you. Come on, Betsy, let's walk or something. It's

better than wait.

All right.

We walk.

Mr. Hardin, please listen to Dr. Stauffen carefully.

Your young friend did not commit suicide.

He had a bad heart.

A leaky mitral valve gave way on him.

A sudden strain, perhaps.

What kind of work did he do?

Well, he auditioned this afternoon. He was a dancer.

He told me that last year he was sick, that he had to stop work.

That's the answer. He overdid it.

I thought you'd feel better if you knew the truth.

Thank you, sir.

I've talked with the chairman of the city house committee.

I suppose you will want to handle the funeral arrangements.

You know, me?

Yes, sure.

I was Jimmy's closest friend.

I'd be glad to make all the arrangements.

Can you meet me here at nine in the morning?

Yes, sure.

Nine in the morning. Oh, I forgot. I've got to be at work at nine.

Andy, have you really got a job or are you still trying to be big with me?

Yes, Betsy, I've really got a job.

I'm never going to try to be big with anybody again as long as I live.

Excuse me.

Are you Miss Hicks?

No, but may I help you?

No, thank you. I've got to see Miss Hicks.

Well, she ought to be around any minute now, if you care to wait.

Thank you.

Wow! You like it? Like it? I'm green -eyed over it.

Steve? Oh, you can't get a fox skin from a skunk, can you?

I just used an old charge account to take advantage of the summer sales. I

thought it wasn't the only sale you took advantage of. Now, wait a minute. I

want someone to see you.

Did you want to see me?

Oh, you're you, aren't you?

I don't understand.

I mean, are you Miss Hicks?

Yes. Oh.

Well, I'm a friend of Andrew Hardy's, and he sent me down here to tell you

he'd be late for work.

A friend of his died last night.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Is there anything I can do?

No, thanks. Just the same.

Are you sure there's nothing I can do to help Andrew?

No, there's nothing you can do to help Andrew.

Excuse me for staring. Maybe I'm rude, but I just had to admire your tasty

foxes. Thanks. I'd rather admire it myself.

May I?

Yes.

And about Andrew, I'll fix it. Tell him not to worry.

Oh, thank you.

Goodbye. Bye.

I can only think of how... how always before... Well, Jimmy never was very

quiet, but he was always moving around or dancing or... To see him there so

quiet... Oh, I wish I could say something that'd make you... make you

better.

Thanks for the sympathy, Betsy.

I think sympathy should be sort of practical, too, and... I think you're...

Paying for this funeral.

Won't you let me help you? No, thanks.

You're a swell girl, Betsy.

But I've already arranged for the money.

Well, I... Better go home and change my clothes. I don't want to be late to the

office. No, you mustn't be late.

You know, punctuality is a very important thing. I mean, punctuality is

good habit to acquire.

Like when you go to college.

It's... It's very important that you're never late, even to an education.

Good morning, Andrew.

Good morning, Miss Norton.

Good morning, Consolidated.

Yes, Mr. Maddox, just a moment, please.

Miss Norton, Mr. Maddox would like to speak to you on the phone.

Good morning, Mr. Maddox. Miss Norton, who sent out the mail on Tuesday?

On Tuesday, Mr. Maddox?

Why, that was Andrew Hardy, I believe.

Yes, the new boy.

Then tell that butter -fingered brat one of our best customers received a letter

reading, Dear Martha, I don't care whether my favorite nephew wants to join

country club or not.

Very well, Mr. Maddox.

Sorry, Andrew.

Do you think he'll fire me?

Well, he isn't coming in till noon. He may calm down by then.

Buck up, kid.

What's wrong, Andy?

Oh, Mr. Maddox is going to fire me. I mixed up some letters.

Well, don't you worry. I'll tell him I did it. He won't fire me. No, no, that

wouldn't be right.

Cheer up. This is Saturday.

Remember?

Well, I'm not so sure I'm going to have such a swell time tonight.

Wait and see.

What do you say we get to work?

Howdy.

There's one thing I can't tolerate.

Mr. Maddox, I made a mistake, and I'm sorry I made a mistake, but I made a

mistake.

Will you hurry up and fire me quick, please? I've been waiting outside for

past three hours to be fired, and I just can't stand it any longer.

Sit down, son.

Go on, sit down.

Son, I never fired anyone for making a mistake.

Only because they were going to continue making mistakes.

Now, if you'd given me one alibi, it was all somebody else's fault, or you

didn't really make a mistake, you'd be out on the sidewalk.

Then you're not going to fire me?

No.

Not until you forget this mistake.

Oh, I'll never forget. I'll never make another mistake as long as I live.

Well, that's an ambition anyway.

You got a dinner jacket?

Have I got a what?

Well, when I was your age, we used to call them tuxedos. Oh, yes, sir. I've

a dinner jacket.

Well, here's a couple of tickets to a charity ball at the Sherry Plaza

Have you got a girl?

Yes, sir. I've got a girl, and I've got a date with her tonight, too.

Then get back to work.

Oh, thank you, sir.

Go on. Beat it.

Jenny, I wasn't fired at all. Mr. Maddox is the most wonderful man in the world.

He gave me two tickets. Look.

Now, you see?

Oh, there's a gentleman here to see you.

Why, hello, Dad.

Hello, son.

Hello. I'm not interfering with business routine, am I? Why, certainly not. I'm

glad to see you. Does this establishment allow its young executives to go out to

lunch? Why, you bet. It's practically lunchtime. Now I can go anytime between

and 12 .30.

Have lunch with me. You bet I will. Wait till I get my hat.

Well, I have often snatched a sandwich at the Carvel Drugstore soda fountain,

but this is a little overwhelming.

Andrew, how is everything?

Oh, everything's fine.

Looks like a first -rate place you work in.

Oh, a swell place, swell people, swell boss.

Looks like you've got life by the tail.

Oh, I've had a couple of experiences, but I'm all right now.

Nothing to warrant talking about, eh?

No, nothing to talk about.

Oh, have you seen Betsy?

Yes, I've seen Betsy, and she's been a great help to me, spiritually.

Yes, she's a fine girl, spiritually.

Swell girl.

You ever miss Polly Benedict?

No.

Not exactly.

That's a pretty little girl at the phone desk in your office.

Yes, and she's got a lot of character, too. She earns her own living, and she

hasn't any family at all.

I see.

What do you have, gentlemen? What do you have, Dan? Well, I'm fascinated at the

thought of eating a...

Triple -decker, 48th Street special sandwich.

And just a cup of ordinary coffee.

Make mine the same. All right.

Well, Andy, your experimental month is over.

Has college and scholarship lost out?

Dad, I... I honestly don't know.

Why not come home tomorrow, Sunday? We can thrash the whole thing out.

Then if you decide against college, why, you can go back to your job.

Traveling at my expense, of course. Dad, if you don't mind, I just don't care to

talk it over now.

Well, then, let's just leave it this way.

If you want to go to college, you come home.

If you want your job, well, your mother and I can expect you when it's

convenient to you and you want to see us.

Dad, you're acting very funny.

Funny?

I thought I was acting particularly intelligent.

You know, Andrew, you've taken on some of the aspects of manhood.

You're away from home, earning a living.

That's being a man.

And as a man, so I must treat you.

I appreciate that too, Dad.

But I'll never be too grown up for you to speak freely.

Thank you, son, thank you.

The only time I'd speak freely to a young man is about his future.

About him being a success?

Probably if you become a lawyer, you'll never be rich.

I mean, when you're married.

Married? Oh, wait a minute, Dad. I only make $10 a week.

I may have my charms, but I'm not that good.

Well, someday you're going to be married.

And marriage is the one happiness in the world today that can be spoiled by

anticipating it. Many marriages are ruined just that way.

Do you mean a fellow's morality?

Being moral?

No, I mean fidelity.

Fidelity to what?

Fidelity to the girl that someday you're going to marry.

Somewhere in the world today there's a girl, now perhaps only a child and

pigtails.

And how could a fellow be unfaithful to a girl he hasn't even met yet? That's

very easy.

By entering into an illicit romance, you're just inviting yourself to the

of unfaithfulness.

Infidelity is a habit.

All too easy to acquire if it begins before marriage.

The habit of transferring one's affections from one girl to another is

to destroy the ability to bestow those same affections permanently on your

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

You're thinking the same thoughts I did when my father talked to me.

But thanks for listening.

Oh, by the way, what's Betsy Booth's address? I brought some things from her

grandmother.

Judge Hardy!

Well, I'm faintly agog with surprise.

I was in town on business. I couldn't go home without seeing you.

It's a repulsive day, isn't it?

Yes. I just had luncheon with Andrew. How is he?

Fine, fine.

Fine?

Well, except I'm afraid he's decided against going to college.

So am I.

I'm not so sure it's because he's so crazy about business life, either.

right. There's something else.

I'm not sure, but I think I have a clue.

I've got the same clue.

She's got brown hair and gooey eyes, and her name is Janet Hicks.

You say Andy's fine.

I'm not jealous. Don't think I'm jealous.

I'm sizzling.

I just can't stand to see Andy ruining his life because of some female that

anybody can tell is a wolfess.

A what?

A wolfess.

Wolfess. Feminine for wolf.

A wolf?

A wolf. You know...

A wolf is the kind of a man that a girl never dates unless she's a wolfess.

See?

Yes, I do.

Andy isn't a wolf.

I suppose he's done a certain amount of smooshing with that Polly Benedict, but

he's not the type to let some grim female come along and keep him from

college and having the kind of future he ought to have.

Judge, this is a ghastly situation. We have to get organized and cope with it.

What can I do?

Parents are so helpless.

My sweet Andy and that wolfess with her foxes.

Foxes?

Foxes.

I've got an idea.

You do what you can and I'm going to do a little work for the cause myself.

Foxes, of course.

No, it's definitely not for me. I was afraid that one was a little old for

Old? Gosh, sometimes I wish a girl could have her face lifted upside down.

No, I've told you a hundred times, I want a spuzzy little cape with a lot of

meow to it and a fabulous big collar.

Oh, here's Miss Gomez now.

I'm sorry, Miss Booth, there's nothing in stock that answers your description.

Yes, but you did have. I saw a priceless one on a girl and it had your label.

Would you mind going back and looking it up and seeing who it's charged to?

Maybe I can buy it from her. We can't give out that information.

I can get the style number, though, and we could have one made up for you like

it.

Miss Dean, could you tell me privately what the girl's name was?

I'd get fired for telling, but the coat was charged to a Mr. P. McW. He's a

lawyer and his office is 119 Wall Street.

Mr. P. McW.

Please, I'd like to see Mr. Paul McWilliams. What's the nature of your

Well, it's definitely of a very personal nature, and I've just got to see him.

Mr. McWilliams is busy. I could make an appointment for you for Monday. No, I've

just got to see him today or else.

Oh, wait a minute. You can't go in there.

Now, don't interfere.

I'm from the telegraph company. Nonsense. They don't have girl

most certainly do. They couldn't find enough boy sopranos.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday, dear Paul.

Happy birthday to you.

What's this?

Well, it's a new service of the Telegraph Company. You can have the

birthday greetings. Soprano, tenor, boogie, swing.

But it's not my birthday.

Do you want to have me fired?

What shall I do, Mr. McWilliams?

Somebody's got mixed up on a gag. Never mind.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday, dear Paul.

Happy birthday to you.

Now, what is this all about?

Well, this particular greeting is signed Janet Hicks.

Now, sit down, young lady.

Awfully nice place you have here.

Why not?

I'm nice, aren't I?

Jenny, you're... You're super.

Right now, I think the greatest man that ever lived was the fellow who invented

Saturday night.

And Sunday.

Who's that?

Somebody from upstairs.

You can't get in from the outside without a key.

You know that.

Whoever it is, I'll get rid of them.

What are you doing here?

I'm sorry to interrupt, Janet.

I tried to reach you by phone at the office three times today.

You can call me Monday. We'll settle this now.

You charge the silver fox coat to my account.

Now, wait a minute, Paul. Don't bother to lie about it.

You can't make a fool out of me as easily now as you could when we were

together. The store has promised to take this back. You put that coat down.

I will not.

We may still be legally married, but I don't owe you any $700 fur coats, and I

suggest you don't make me go to court and prove it. What right have you got to

come here and insult me? In self -defense.

It'll be a year before I'm out of debt for your vicious extravagance.

Now, you behave yourself or you'll be sorry.

Excuse me, son.

That was your husband?

Oh, forget it. My marriage didn't mean a thing.

I never really wanted to marry him, but the darn fool kept whining around until

I did him a favor.

I'm not worried about him.

Not really.

Then what are you?

Say, your father gave me a dirty look in the office today. Did he say anything

about me?

I...

Oh, I see.

You don't have to tell me. I can spot those holier -than -thou people a mile

off. My father's not like that. He's a good sport.

Don't tell me.

I've known dozens of them.

You've got to learn, darling, that a lot of people put on a big show about right

thinking and right living and right this and right that.

When you're young, you believe them.

Then when you grow up, you find out that they preach one thing... do another you

can bet your father is laughing up his sleeve every time he talks to you like

that come on honey get wise to yourself we'll have fun

i don't ever want to have any fun if i have to believe things like that

i'm sorry but i don't feel much like making love to anybody

isn't it? Andy's risen above that gun, girl, and we're all organized for

college, aren't we?

Where is Andy?

Where is he?

You mean he didn't come home?

Well, he checked out a city house Saturday night and I thought, sure, he'd

right straight home.

Judge, this is awful.

Well, checking out a city house, that could mean nothing at all.

Judge! Judge Harvey!

Can you come here a minute?

Yes. Let me take your bag.

How are you, Judge? Well, hello, Mr. Dugan. You remember Betsy Booth.

Yes, growing up, aren't you, Betsy? You bet your life I am.

I've got something down at the garage that you ought to see, Judd. It's an

automobile. A wreck.

A wreck. Oh, nothing to worry about.

Hop into the back seat.

There it is, Judd.

It's Andy.

I know those shoes.

Betsy? Well, hello there, son.

Hi there, Playmate. I hope it's you. Yeah, it's me. I've just been having a

little trouble with the meat grinder.

Couldn't get along without a car, could you? That's right.

Gotta have wheels.

I'm sorry about yesterday, Dad. I just couldn't get home.

That's all right.

I had to close my affairs in the city, and the hitchhiking didn't get me home

fast as I thought it would.

I left New York Saturday night.

Don't blame him for hitchhiking this fine weather.

Hey!

Hooray! Mr.

Dugan! Mr. Dugan is running! What do you say?

You made a deal.

I've been working all night on this little buggy, and Mr. Dugan said if I

got up to run again, then he'd give me a job.

Yeah, I know a lot about cars. It pays $2 a week more than, say, a job in an

office where you have to do a lot of things.

Do you think that Mom might have enough lunch for me?

I imagine she could eat up some cold beans or something.

Might be a good idea if you washed up first.

I'll be cleaning it, Jeff. For here, you're going to need some help.

Dugan's Garage, Service Department.

Well, ma 'am, if we can't make your car run, we'll sell you one that will.

Well, you bring it right in.

Thank you.

Dugan said he'd give me a commission on any new trade I dug up.

Now

then,

as one man to another... Funny thing about that man -to -man business.

When you're a kid, you always want to talk to your father man -to -man, but...

All of a sudden you realize that only a kid would want to do that.

Well, then, father to son.

Don't forget behind the ears. I won't.

That's better.

Now, tell me, son, do you need any financial help?

No, I figure if I can hold down this job, then I can get all my debts paid

and get my new car back by September 24th. That's fine.

Why, what's September 24th?

Well, that's the day that Wainwright College opens.

Andrew.

My goodness, it's just marvelous how you adhere to dirt.

Dad, how old does a fellow have to be before he... well, before he doesn't

to explain things to his father if he feels that he's okay?

Just about your age.

Thanks.

Because I decided upon going to college because I've had kind of a terrible

experience.

And I learned that a fellow should go ahead and do what he should do in this

world and not the things that are, well, the biggest and the most fun and

exciting. You mean like the Forbisher boy wanted to do? Oh, I know about that,

too.

You know, I was only a kid when I left Carville, but now I see things much

clearer. And I'm never going to make that mistake again.

Well...

Let's go home to Mom, huh?

Oh, Andy.

Will you get the car started? I want to make a telephone call. Yes, sir.

Betsy, I prefer never to discuss anything that happened in New York. All

Andy.

And I'd like to talk to you about your future.

College, for instance.

Very important for youngsters.

And another thing, that sun suit you've been wearing, you're much too young to

go around so naked. Oh, but actually, I'm growing up. Let's face it. Oh, don't

talk like that. Look at me. What did I say?

Today I am a man.

Now I know it'll be a long time before I'll really be a man.

Maybe a year.

All right, I'll play.

You be an important young number, and I'll stay a little mice.

Now, won't we be something to dazzle the troops with?

Now, remember, Emily, nothing has happened at all.

We've got our boy back again.

Well, of course nothing happened at all.

And a good thing, too, James Hardy.

Now, maybe you'll be a little cheerful around the house.

Look at yourself, Dad. It's remarkable how you adhere to dirt.

Oh, boy, is this little jalopy in great shape. Just wait till I get her in the

hive.

I must have got the gears in backwards.

I guess I'll never grow up.