Original subtitles

The Rooney residence.

0h, hi, myrtle.

I just couldn't wait to call you.

I'm up to page 39. Where are you up to?

Oh, I'm almost through the third act.

Isn't that just too thrillingly devastating?

I'm so glad that we're reading it together.

We'll have so much to talk about.

I think one of the characters is a little on the drippy side.

But poor Eliza, the heroine I mean.

She's so divinely sadly beautiful.

Just a little slavey with her soul yearning for beauty and love.

I could have quietly fainted

when the hero decided to make all of her dreams come true.

0h, myrtle. Do you suppose I...

We will ever meet anyone like that.

Oh, I don't know, Joey is kinda snakey.

Oh, yes, of course.

Most of the men we know are nice enough.

But that savoir faire is so important.

If Joey only had more finesse.

But I'm working on it.

I hear your groan box. What's churning?

Oh, that.

A divine arrangement of jitterbug jamboree.

Annie: Smooth, isn't it? I'll bring it tonight.

Who are you coming with?

Oh, with Joey, I suppose.

He is usually the head man.

Sorry, have to axe the gab, be seeing you.

Okay, 30 for now.

Signing off.

Come in grandpop. Is there anything else I can do?

The table's all set.

Everything is all set but your father. He is late again.

Maybe he is working on a prospect.

Aren't you hungry, darling?

Oh, I haven't even thought of food.

I've been just devouring my book.

I'll never understand how you can read with all that noise.

Why? I never hear it.

Well, if you don't hear it, why play it?

Grandpop, music is inspirational.

I hope dad isn't too late.

I'm expecting Joey. It's awfully important.

Rooney: Hey, is anybody home?

- There's dad now. - Well, it's about time.

Hiya, pop. Whatcha got for dinner?

Look, would it be asking too much

for you to come home on time for your meals

after I go through the trouble of making them?

You won't have to be making them for long, pop.

You'll be sticking your feet under a table at the ritz.

Boy, did I get a break today.

You mean that gold mine thing is gonna pay off after all?

Well, not exactly, but something a lot better.

Well, that's what you said about the gold mine.

And it was a lot better than the perpetual motion machine.

I've been saving a little bit of a surprise for you, pop.

About a month ago, I ran into a professor. A genius.

He invented a process of making rubber out of milkweed.

- Rubber out of milkweed! - Yeah.

It's the greatest thing since Edison invented the electric light.

And today I got control of it, for practically nothing.

And would you believe it, pop, nobody but me would even listen to him.

Think of it. Millions of dollars growing wild on vacant lots.

Why with the war and all, it's a natural.

You know what a small bank roll of say 500 bucks...

Whoa! Wait a minute.

You think I'm made of money?

But this is a chance of a lifetime.

No, you don't. You talked me into that gold mine.

Gee, pop, how did I know the mine was going to spring a leak and let the ocean in?

That's been the trouble with your schemes.

You didn't know something about all of them.

This one is sure fire. I guarantee it. Sure fire.

Tim, I've helped you before because I'm your father.

But this is your chance to get it all back and a thousand times more.

Save your breath. I haven't got the money and that is the end of it.

If you would work as hard at your own job,

as you do promoting some get rich quick idea, you'd be a lot better off.

And I'd still have the few dollars I saved up for a rainy day.

Rubber out of milkweed.

There you go, breaking down my morale the minute I get home.

That's not morale, that's nuts.

- Dad! - Hello, darling.

Gee, you look wonderful. I like your hair that way too.

Oh, that's just the blarney in you.

That's just the baloney in him.

0h, don't mind him. He's just jealous of the attention I'm giving you.

And just to prove that you're my girl,

I got a little present for you.

- Dad! A new record. - Oh, wait a minute. Who is your favorite father?

- You are. - Who do you love the most?

You.

It's the boogie, woogie bagpiper.

Oh, it's terrific, thanksloads.

Soup's on.

That's what you get for treating the cook like a member of the family.

Soup's on. Shame on you.

Come on, come on, come on, come on.

What's that?

That there is French.

One of the romance languages, daddy. Thelanguage of the immortals.

Well, in the language of the Rooney's, pass the stew. That's Irish.

Dad, only a Barb laughs at culture.

I think the French have so much oomph!

The French had so much oomph.

Dad, if you didn't know me and saw me on the street,

I mean, among millions of people actually,

would you pick me out?

What?

I mean, would you be able to see the inner radiance

shining through my drab garments.

Say, have any of those kids at school been making cracks about your clothes?

Oh, of course not, grandpop.

I'm just being hypothetical.

Oh, well, that's different.

That's practically what happened to Eliza in pygmalion.

Well, don't you worry, darling.

I'd be able to pick you out anywhere.

How could I miss?

Could you, grandpop?

I mean, if you were a person like,

well, like the caliph of Baghdad.

I could do it if I was the king of england.

Skin beater.

Well, at least you were expecting him.

A quiet evening at the rooneys.

Somebody ought to tell him that that outfit of his'll

never take the place of the old fashioned doorbell.

- Hi, sugarpuss. - Hi, Superman. Come on in.

Couldn't take a chance leaving the skins in the car.

Somebody might snatch them.

That would be a tragedy.

Hello, Mr. Rooney. Hi, grandpop.

Gather around, listen to this

Is that a dilly?

My own composition.

Come on, the scramble is on at myrtle's.

Grab the old wing-ding and we'll put the show on the road.

Is it all right if I go, dad?

Go where?

Why, Joey just told you. The panic is on at myrtle's.

A select group of ladies and gentlemen,

of the younger set are gathering at myrtle's

for a sociable evening of dancing.

Oh. And what's that wing-ding you're to grab?

My hat, father.

Grandpop: Never mind the dishes, darling. I'll take care of them.

Oh, grandpop, you're just too perfectly snazzy.

And never mind the maple syrup, grab your wing-ding and scram.

Oh now, wait a minute young lady.

You've already been out twice this week.

And why not?

- Now, pop, I'm her father. - And I'm your father.

- What about your homework? - Ah, think nothing of it, Mr. Rooney.

In our class the teacher does the homework.

I have to grab my hat and coat, be back in a sec.

I got Anastasia parked outside.

And who is Anastasia?

Anastasia is Joey's new heap.

A heap's a meat grinder, Mr. Rooney.

And a meat grinder, Mr. Rooney is an automobile.

I put it together myself out of spare parts.

I feel like a foreigner.

A foreigner's a square head who ain't hep to the angles.

Alley-oop, darling. Keep the candle burning in the window.

Au revoir, mon Cher.

Tout de suite, mademoiselle.

- Come on, gate, let's circulate. - I hear you humming.

Language of the immortals.

- Bye now. - Bye.

Bye.

Where does an alien go to register?

- Maybe I'm crazy. - Oh, you're all right, bud.

You're just not hep to the jive.

Oh, don't bother pop, I'll go.

Save the wear and tear of those flat feet of yours.

Oh, good evening, Mrs. Metz.

Oh, you're having dinner, I hope I'm not intruding.

Tell her we are not at home.

I just finished baking this pie, Mr. Rooney.

And I thought your little family

might enjoy the taste of home cooking.

Home cooking.

What do you think I'm running here, Mrs. Metz, a tourist camp?

Oh, I know you do your best, Mr. Rooney,

but a woman's hand makes the house a home, you know.

I've been the only woman in this house for the past 10 years.

Oh, don't mind pop, Mrs. Metz. He's a great joker.

And dear Annie, how is she?

She's okay.

Must be all of half an hour since you saw her.

And such a precious child.

I just can't help taking a motherly interest in her.

Oh, it's nice of you dropping in like this, Mrs. Metz.

After all, it's the little things in life that count.

I dislike so to mention it, Mr. Rooney.

Poor little me just no head for business. About the rent, I mean.

Oh, the rent.

Oh, oh, yes, the rent. It is a trifle overdue, isn't it?

- Only three weeks. - Oh, well, uh...

I'll take care of it at once.

I've had so very many, important things on my mind.

- Oh, I'm sure. - Wait a minute.

How much is it?

Just a month? Thirty-five dollars.

Pop believes in keeping his money tied up, Mrs. Metz.

Oh, Mr. Rooney, you're such a wag.

- Thirty-five dollars. - Thank you so much.

Business is such a bore, isn't it?

Well, come again, Mrs. Metz. It's nice of you to drop in.

What kinda pie is that?

Apple pie, Mr. Rooney. I hope you like it.

- I'm sure I will. Good night. - Good night.

So, you didn't pay the rent.

No wonder that female man trap

has been jumping up in me face like a Jack-in-the-box

everytime I open the door.

Well, I suppose as usual, you can explain everything.

It's nice of you, pop, taking me out of a spot like this.

Don't you worry. I'll pay you back with interest.

Buying control of that new rubber idea left me a little short.

You mean to tell me, you've been throwing away what little money

- you make on milkweeds? - No, pop.

Not throwing it away.

Investing it. It will pay us back a hundred times.

A thousand.

It takes vision to see these things, pop.

And a man has to gamble to get anywhere.

You just stick with me.

This time I'm gonna strike oil. I can feel it in my bones.

Tim, I can't make you understand that we're broke.

Don't you realize the $35 I just gave her

is every cent that I had in the world,

until my police pension check gets here the first of the month.

It worries me not knowing where the next meal is coming from.

I keep thinking of Annie.

And I keep thinking of Annie too.

You pounded the pavements in a police uniform

so that I could have more out of life than you had.

Well, I want Annie to have more than either of us had.

A lot more. And she is gonna get it too.

You know I'm the world's best salesman.

I should know it, I've been your best customer.

Listen to that motor purr.

Ever since I put in those oversized piston rings and changed that fuel pump,

she's been running like a watch.

- Joey, have you read pygmalion? - Huh?

I can't even pronounce it.

Joey, don't you feel something?

Hmm, oh, yeah.

I guess that rear tire is a little soft.

I mean in the air.

There is nothing in the air, but air.

It's spring.

Isn't it just too creamy?

Gee, that's right.

Hey, I'll have to drain that crank case and change from winter oil.

And tighten up that fan belt and...

Oh, Joey, don't you ever think about anything more important than

spare parts and monkey wrenches?

What's gnawing at you? I suppose Anastasia ain't important.

I built her with spare parts and monkey wrenches, didn't I?

Anybody can buy a puddle buster.

But when a guy creates one with his own hands,

that's something.

Oh, Joey, there are times when you positively curdle me.

I'm talking about higher and nobler things.

Look, up there, Venus.

Huh? Where?

Now, look what you've done?

What do you mean backing into me like that?

Why, I was standing still.

- The light was red. - Don't try to alibi.

- Joey: Look at my car. - My card, old man

I'm certain our attorneys can straighten things out.

Attorneys? Are you kidding?

Hey, my drum!

I'm so sorry. I didn't know there was anyone else in the car.

- I hope you weren't hurt. - Oh, no. Thank you.

How do you like a guy like that going around socking people?

Those attorneys of yours are gonna get an awful workout if my drum is bunged up.

Mr. White.

Perhaps we can settle it.

Joey, don't be so mercenary.

Ah, who wants his pocket lettuce.

Joey, we have to do something.

Listen to all those cars.

Oh, they've got troubles.

I'd be glad to give you a lift anywhere.

Oh, no, I couldn't. We're on the way to my girlfriend's.

I say, old man.

We can hardly permit the young lady

to stand in the middle of the street like this.

Where do you get that "we" stuff?

Hey, what's going on here?

Policeman: Look son, resurrect the skeleton or Bury it.

I'm trying, ain't I?

Joey, Mr. White will take us to myrtle's.

What? And leave Anastasia here?

Oh, no. You won't leave Anastasia here.

Come on, push.

Aren't you being a little obstinate, old man?

After all it's very embarrassing for the young lady.

Never mind the conversation,

get your car moving too. You're holding up the traffic.

- Joey. - Oh, what a spot.

Okay, let little lord fauntleroy take you to myrtle's.

But don't forget, I've got your license number.

You mind getting in this side?

Venus.

Push.

Now look Marty, here's how it goes.

See.

Gosh, I'm terrible. I feel off feet.

You're doing fine, Marty.

Compared to yours, the kind of dancing I know seems a little...

- Corny? - Yes, corny.

Gee, I like your friends.

- They're so... - Groovy.

Yeah, groovy.

Gee, I never had so much fun.

- May I bring you something? - Why, thank you.

Myrtle keeps the coke in the ice box. Third door on the right.

Oh, yes, of course. Third door on the right.

Myrtle what do you think?

He is little on the sad apple side, isn't he?

I mean he is nice and all that.

Kinda between a tin type and a newly.

Oh, I don't think so.

He has probably had a retarded home life.

Myrtle, he's read pygmalion.

-Yes.

And he thinks it's wonderful.

Oh, I thought he looked very advanced.

He lives on Sutton place.

Maybe we should use our English accent.

Don't you think he reminds you a little of the hero in pygmalion?

Without his glasses, I mean.

Well, at first site he isn't exactly heroic looking.

But you never can tell about those repressed types.

Why thanks loads.

You're very kind letting me come to your party.

Oh, it's no party. Just a jam session.

A jam session is strictly ad-lib.

Oh, impromptu.

Sure, off-the-cuff.

This constant round of social activity

is inclined to make one a little blase, don't you think so, Mr. White?

Oh, no, I think it's wonderful.

Uh, we've been discussing the color of your eyes.

And we can't quite decide maybe it's because we haven't seen them very well.

- Through your glasses, I mean. - Oh, they're brown, I think.

- Is something wrong? - Oh, no.

It's just that you remind us of someone.

Would you mind cutting another rug?

- Oh, I'd adore it. - I'd be glad to take it up from here.

- If you want to rest. - Oh, you're so thoughtful, darling,

but I'm not a bit tired.

Why, Joey, you look like the walking dead.

You can say that again.

Do you know I had to change the timing

and reassemble the carburetor right on the street.

Oh, how fascinating, I wish I had been with you.

- Is Annie here? - Oh, hours ago.

I'd have been here too only I got tangled with a jerk in a jalopy.

I'd like to meet him again.

Cut off a leg and call me shorty.

- All: Hiya, Joey. - Hi, kids.

Joey, I'm so glad to see you. Did you get Anastasia started?

Well, I didn't get here on the toonerville trolley.

You remember, Mr. White, of course.

- Joey, Marty. - Marty, Joey.

Now it's official.

I've been having a wonderful time with miss Rooney.

Annie has been teaching me to be a...

- A gator from decatur. - That's just ducky wucky.

For a guy with two left feet, you cover a lot of territory, Mr. White.

Joey, we've been worrying about you.

Yeah, I can see that.

Well, come on let's dance. Time's a wasting.

Sure Joey, right after this dance.

I'm showing Marty a few steps.

Oh, that's it, huh?

Go right ahead. Don't let me stop your dancing class.

What do you say, downbeat, let's wear out some leather.

We don't need any lessons.

Okay, powerhouse. Turn it on.

Come on, let's step on the gas.

Oh, Joey, why don't we do this more often?

Hold your hat, we're leaving this world.

Okay, buck Rogers, take it away.

Exhibitionism is always so deadly. Don't you think?

Sensational old man.

I've never seen anything like it.

Is that what you call a sock finish?

Did I say something?

I'd be glad to help you with the drums, old man.

Do I look anemic?

Well, good night, miss Rooney.

- Annie. - Good night, Marty.

Come on, Annie.

- Good night. - Good night.

Look are we going through that again.

Come on, Annie, let's roll.

Joey, it's pouring.

Ah, it's nothing. Just a light drizzle.

Drizzle? Anastasia looks like she's going down for the third time.

Seems to be raining very hard.

Oh, what's a few drops of water?

- I'd be glad to... - Thanks, old man.

But we couldn't think of troubling you.

Here mind my drum.

And don't let them get wet.

Come on, Annie. It's almost stopped.

I'm afraid you'll get soaked.

The coils are a little wet, but I'll have it running in no time.

Joey, Marty offered to drive us home.

You can come back for Anastasia tomorrow.

What kinda Navy would we have

if captain abandoned a ship just because it got a little wet?

All I have to do is dry off the points.

No trouble at all.

I don't want to butt in, but I don't think you have a chinaman's chance.

Well, the Chinese are doing all right, ain't they?

Won't you change your mind, old man?

No, old man, I won't.

Please, Joey, I'm getting wet.

Yes, we must think of the young lady.

Oh, must we?

Of course. If you want to desert.

I'm not deserting you, Joey.

Marty will take us both.

Not me. I'll make it if I've to float her home.

I think you're being perfectly ridiculous.

You may take me home, Marty.

I'm sorry, old man.

I'll be very glad to drive you too.

You don't have to do me any favors, I've got a car of my own.

- Oh, well, good night. - Good night.

Spring. Spring beautiful, spring.

Hey.

It's stopped raining, the moon is shining.

It is? I mean, it has?

Has it?

That's what I adore about spring.

It's so uncertain.

Sunshine and tears.

It makes one think of the deeper...

I mean, the very depths, actually, of life itself.

- You're very poetical, aren't you? - Oh, yes.

Don't you love the smell of fresh grass right after a rain?

Oh, I can breathe in tons of it.

- I can put the top down. - Oh, don't bother, you'd have to get out.

How divinely snakey.

This isn't the way home.

Well, I'm taking a short cut.

I thought you wouldn't mind.

Through the park? That's miles farther.

The longest way around's the

- shortest way home. - I don't mind.

Starlight, star bright,

first star I've seen tonight.

- Did you make a wish? - Hmm-mmm.

Disgustfully juvenile, isn't it?

Oh, no, I often make wishes.

You do? Do they come true?

Well, sometimes.

I wish we could stop and look at the moon.

To hear is to obey.

But I didn't wish, really.

I did.

Poor Joey, I hope he got Anastasia started.

You see a lot of each other, don't you?

Who? Anastasia?

No, Joey.

Oh, I've known Joey for centuries.

You're not engaged or anything?

- I mean... - Oh, no, we're just friends.

"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 night

"and pay no worship to the garish sun."

Romeo and Juliet, the third act.

Oh, you know that too?

Yes, but not like you.

You say it almost as if you wrote it.

Now you say something, from Romeo and Juliet, I mean.

"Good night, good night, parting is such sweet sorrow,

"that I shall say good night till it be morrow."

Oh, isn't it just too smooth?

- Don't you feel well? - What?

Oh, no, I mean, yes. I feel wonderful, why?

You haven't been out of the house since you came home from school.

Oh, I'm helping you clean the furniture.

You're helping me wear out the furniture.

You know that's the third time you've polished the radio.

Oh, is it?

Grandpop, you're sure nobody phoned me?

Not a dingle all day.

Were you expecting a call?

Well, no, no, not actually expecting.

Maybe it's out of order.

Operator, will you please ring this number?

Thank you very much. It rang.

Grandpop, don't you think a man is much more mature at 16 than at 15?

Some of them aren't very mature at 50.

Why?

Oh, I was just thinking of what a tremendous difference a year makes.

I know I must have been definitely ridiculous at 13.

Well, we live and learn.

I'll get it, I'll get it.

The Rooney residence.

No, this is 4-4-5-9.

What's the matter? You look a little down in the mouth.

Me? Oh, no, I feel very gay.

Grandpop.

Have you ever read Romeo and Juliet?

Well, no, but I do remember Nellie, the beautiful cloak model.

Now, there was a play for you.

I guess beautiful things are just dreams.

Like wishing on a star.

Just imagination.

Well, I'm no Houdini,

but if there's something you want...

The secret about wishing is never to wish for something you know you can't have.

Like the moon and the stars, I mean.

- Myrtle. - Hi wrinklepuss.

- Hi, grandpop! - How come no talkey on phoney today?

Oh, I've been so hectic helping grandpop,

I haven't even thought of the phone.

Oh, I thought maybe you had a buzz from brown eyes.

- Oh, you mean Marty? - Mmm-hmm.

Why, myrtle, why should you even think he'd call me?

It's the last thing in the world I'd expect.

After all I hardly know the man.

Myrtle: He drove you home last night, didn't he?

Annie: Oh, that was merely accidental.

- How do you know? - Joey told me.

Mother made him come in till the rain stopped.

We spent a heavenly hour with the garage mechanics handbook.

I actually believe Joey's another sir Isaac Newton or somebody.

He's so scientific.

Why, when he talks about connecting rods and clutch plates,

he's positively symphonic.

Yes, Joey is very mechanically minded.

I don't suppose I'll ever see Marty again, do you?

I know just how you feel, darling.

I once met the most intriguing man there was at a Halloween party.

Years ago!

I was little red riding hood,

he was Robin hood.

You see, we had something in common right there.

He asked me to dance and if I had a telephone.

I remember it so well.

It was right before we unmasked.

Ooh, what happened?

The jerk never called.

Oh!

Just a passing phase. A ship in the night.

Like you and Marty.

Well, if anything sensational should happen, send up a flare.

I'll be right over.

But don't brood on it. Things like this can create the most ghastly inhibitions.

- Good bye, now. - Bye.

I don't know what I'd ever do without you, myrtle.

Good bye, grandpop.

Marty, eh?

Oh, you heard?

When did you meet him?

Last night.

He was so superbly Democratic.

You'd never guess that he lives on Sutton place, in a duplex.

Now, those are the kind of boys you should know.

Why, grandpop?

Mr. White isn't a boy.

He's 16.

Well, don't hold it against him.

A lot of us have been 16 and managed to recover.

Maybe he'll call you later.

Why in the world should he call me?

After all, our meeting was just an accident.

Two strangers thrown together by the whirlpool of life,

meeting for an hour only to be separated forever.

Never say die, that's my motto.

And besides he must have scads of friends of his own.

I couldn't expect him to remember me.

Miss Rooney?

Why, yes. I'm miss Rooney.

Man: Sign here, please.

Thank you, very much.

Oh, don't mention it.

Myrtle! Myrtle!

Myrtle! Myrtle!

She's gone!

Oh, grandpop, he sent me red roses!

Do you know what that means in the language of flowers?

Go on with you now. Don't be after telling me that flowers could talk.

What do they say?

Well, it's very personal.

He came and took me by the hand

up to a red Rose tree.

He kept his meaning to himself

but gave a Rose to me.

Ah, I suppose she'd call me old fashioned

if I suggested a dose of sulfur and molasses.

- Hi, mother! - Good morning, darling.

Hiya dad! What's cooking?

Dad, man to man, I'd like to ask your advice.

- Yes? - Which do you find better?

The old fashioned kind or the electric razor.

Junior, you're not thinking of shaving!

Oh, gee, mother, can't we rise above that junior stuff?

It sounds so corny.

Feel. I've got bristles.

Peach bristles.

Have your breakfast.

May I offer you a kidney, master white?

Sure shoot the kidney to me, Sidney.

I'll eat anything that doesn't bite me first.

- I beg your pardon? - Sure, come on. Come on.

What kind of language is that, young man?

Oh, I forgot, dad!

- You're not hep to the jive! - Jive?

That's only one of the things I meant

when I suggested that you speak to him.

Oh, yes! Now, by the way,

where have you been spending your time lately?

Oh, around.

From the way you speak, around a bunch of hooligans.

Oh, no, sir. She's very intellectual.

She? Who?

Why, Annie! Miss Rooney!

- Anyone we know? - Marty: No, sir.

Not yet.

Heaven forbid! Annie Rooney!

Rooney! Sounds like an Irish policeman.

No, sir. Not her.

That's her grandfather.

Where in the world would you meet a person with a name like that?

Oh, I just bumped into her like.

Gee, mother, you'd love her. She's zingo!

Zingo!

Oh, I'm beginning to appreciate

the extent of Ms. Rooney's intellectual influence.

I don't see why you choose to cultivate people with whom you have nothing in common.

Oh, but Annie and I have lots in common, mother.

We'll discontinue the discussion of miss Rooney if you please.

I'm inviting six girls and five boys to your birthday party.

I've already asked Stella bainbridge and Audrey Hollis.

Those drizzlepusses.

- Mr. White: Marty! - Aw, gee.

Do I have to have them?

Can't I send the invitations?

Marty, I don't understand you at all lately.

Haven't I always sent them?

Oh, yes, mother. It isn't that. It's just...

Well, it's my birthday, isn't it?

I oughta have the right to invite who I want.

Oh, now, who in the world would you invite that I haven't thought of?

Annie. Miss Rooney.

Miss Rooney! Well, I should say not!

And if we must reopen that subject

I don't think she'd fit in with your friends at all.

- Oh, but... - Junior, that's final!

Oh, dad!

I think your mother's entirely correct.

But, dad, you haven't even met her.

Why, she's the most wonderful girl I've ever met.

- Why, she's... - That'll do, Martin!

- Yes, sir. - I'll go to the door with you, darling.

Bye, Marty. Have a nice day.

Goodbye, dad. It won't be very nice.

4:00? You're home early!

- What's the matter? - I told that fat-headed office manager Williams off.

What burns me is I gave him a chance to make a fortune.

I offered to cut him in on the milkweed formula for a measly $500.

- What happened? - He asked me if I didn't think

I should pay more attention to selling insurance

and less to my private business affairs.

I gave him one look and quit.

You quit?

You mean, you're out of a job?

Oh, what's a job, pop?

What's a job?

Tim, don't you realize we haven't a cent in the house and the rent is due again?

Now, don't you worry, pop. I can get a hundred jobs.

Besides that swivel chair polisher down at the office

will be begging me to come back.

On his knees! He knows I'm the number one salesman around that joint.

Yes, when you work at it.

It's just as easy to think in millions as it is in dimes, pop.

I'll make my own job

on a mahogany desk behind a door marked Timothy Rooney, president.

Don't talk like that, Tim. You scare me.

You said it! I'm gonna scare you.

By waving fistfuls of $1000 bills in your face.

Why with the war going on and priorities in tires and things

I'll have big corporations chasing me around

begging me to do business with them.

And I'm gonna be plenty hard to get.

I won't know any arithmetic under a million.

Men have been put in padded cells for talking only half as crazy.

Dad, you home already?

Hello, darling. I... I took the afternoon off.

- How's school? - Fine. Did Marty call?

No, but there's a billet-doux for you from Sutton place.

A letter? Where?

Oh, grandpop!

Do you realize this is the very first letter I've ever received from Marty!

Well, now, maybe you ought to frame it.

Look.

For a minute, I thought a rich uncle you never heard of left you a fortune.

Sad, please don't make jokes.

It's much more important than that!

That's fine! Moving right into high society, eh?

It's the most wonderful thing that ever happened!

But I can't go! Of course.

Why not, I'd like to know?

I haven't anything to wear to an affair like that.

I'd have to have a formal and a wrap

and evening slippers.

We could never afford it.

How much?

Oh, millions!

It's silly to even think of it!

But it would have been nice.

I'll just send regrets.

You'll do nothing of the kind.

Who said we couldn't afford it?

- Annie: Well, I only thought that... - Rooney: You're going.

And you'll get your dress.

The finest that money can buy.

And golden slippers.

Dad, don't say it if you don't mean it.

Well, certainly I mean it.

You'll be the belle of the ball.

Won't she?

Oh, sure. Of course, she will.

There! Did you hear that?

Now you go down in the morning,

get your dress and all the fixes.

Oh, dad!

You're darlings! Both of you!

- I'll be right back. - Rooney: Where are you going?

I must tell myrtle or I'll burst.

Aren't you making a mistake, Tim, raising her hopes like that?

You wouldn't want her to think her father couldn't afford to buy her a dress, would you?

I'd feel a lot better if I knew what you were gonna use for money.

Well...

I'll go down in the morning and get my job back.

I'll promote an advance on my commissions.

Now you're talking sense.

Are you sure you can get it back?

Get it back?

I'll get a raise.

Gee! I hate to postpone that milkweed set up even for a day.

Oh, well...

Annie comes first.

Tim...

I don't care if you never sit behind that mahogany desk marked president.

It's times like this that I really feel proud of you.

Oh, cut out the blarney!

You go down with her in the morning. Get her anything she wants.

The sky's the limit.

I'll have the money in your hands by noon.

Do you like this, Ms. Rooney?

I think it's on the slinky side. Don't you?

Grandpop, can I have the first one we picked out?

Well don't you think we ought to wait

until your father gets here before you make up your mind?

Well, why don't you just keep on looking?

Oh, yes. There must be dozens we haven't seen?

We've looked at practically the entire stock Mr. Rooney in the past two hours.

Of course, I could telephone the wholesale house.

But I know we won't find anything better. It's just me.

Well, let's just wait a couple of more minutes anyhow.

But I have a million things to do.

We must look for a wrap and slippers.

How much was the first one, madame Sylvia?

Fifty six dollars and 46 cents with tax mademoiselle.

Is that too much, grandpop?

No, not at all.

- We'll take that one, madame. - Oh, I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

Shall I wrap it monsieur?

Well, if that's the one you want.

But I'm sure your father will be here any minute now.

Excuse me.

Hello?

No, you must have the wrong number.

Madame Sylvia: Oh, I beg your pardon. Rooney, it's for you monsieur.

- Hello. - Rooney: Hello, pop.

- This is Tim. - Tim.

Where are you? Annie and I are waiting for you.

- I had a little bad luck, pop. - What?

Tim... don't you understand?

We 're waiting for you.

Well, that dope, Williams, wouldn't give me my job back.

I argued with him for an hour.

Tell him to hurry, please.

Well, well. You will, eh?

Oh, that's just fine. Yeah I'll tell her.

What are you talking about, pop?

Oh, no, no, no, no. She won't mind.

Your father is held up. Important business.

He wants you to leave the dress here and he'll pick it up later.

But... I want to take it with me.

It's vital. We have to have it for matching when we buy the wrap and evening sandals.

Well, now. You wouldn't deprive your father

of the pleasure of bringing it home to you?

No, I never thought about that.

When may I expect Mr. Rooney?

Well, he wasn't quite sure, but before you close.

Do you wanna leave a small deposit just to hold it?

Oh, you wouldn't sell it. Not to someone else.

Business is business, miss Rooney.

- Oh, grandpop, I'd die! - Now don't you worry darling.

Well, now.

What do you think of that?

Not a red cent.

I must have left me money in me other pants.

How unfortunate.

But the dress is as good as sold.

Now come along, children. We must be getting along.

Your father will bring the dress.

Hope you buy the open toe sandals with the butterfly bands

and the rhinestone straps.

Sign right here.

Twenty-seven years on the force.

That's a long time, Mr. Rooney.

Yes, sir, it is.

Well, I uh... I mean, is everything all right?

Oh, certainly.

Twenty, 40, 60, 80, 100.

- There you are, Mr. Rooney. - Thank you.

Thank you very much.

That $100 must be pretty important.

Pledging you pension papers as collateral.

- Sickness? - Oh, no, sir.

Happiness.

I still think she should have let us help her, pop.

You know, she's never put on one of those evening gowns before.

I suppose you have.

When I think of how happy she is...

And how miserable she would have been if she hadn't gotten her dress.

I'll never forget what you did, pop.

Shh.

Holy saints, it's an angel I'm looking at.

I'm so happy to meet you, Mrs. White.

But I feel as if I've known you for years and years.

Think nothing of it, miss Rooney.

The pleasure is all mine.

It's so nice of you to invite me.

What a charming home.

Oh, how do you do, Mr. White?

How do you do, miss Rooney? Nice of you to come.

You look lovely. Oh, you're flattering me, Mr. White.

It's so difficult to get a really adequate gown with the war and all.

But then, we all must make sacrifices, mustn't we?

And you, my prince charming, may have the honor of the first dance.

You're making no mistake, my lady.

Sure the Rooney's have the blood of the Irish king.

Yes, your majesty.

Oh, pardon me, cutting in.

Pardon me, your ladyship, didn't I see you at the court ball?

Oh, yes. You're the young cavalier who stole my slipper.

Oh!

Be careful. I'm fragile.

I'm made of butterfly wings and cobwebs.

Oh, is it you I'm really looking at or am I dreaming?

- You're beautiful. - Of course, I am.

Haven't you noticed?

Marty, he'll be here any minute.

Here dad... put on your coat.

Oh hurry. And you too, grandpop.

And don't you dare take them off while Marty is here.

- Can I breathe? - Oh, dad, please be serious.

Impressions of one's home life is so important.

Now, when he comes, you come in and say...

Mr. White is calling.

What for? You're here, aren't you? You'll see him.

Grandpop, I can't let him think I'm already waiting for him?

I'll be in my room.

Now remember, Mr. White is calling.

Oh, dear! I wish we had servants to open the door.

- Good evening, Mr. Rooney. - Good evening, Marty my boy.

- Come right in. - Good evening, Mr. Rooney.

How are you Marty. Make yourself right at home.

Well, well. You know, it wasn't until today that I found out

that your father is Martin white.

- President of consolidated rubber. - Oh, yes, sir.

- He's always been. - Quite a coincidence.

You know, half a dozen times I've been on the verge of visiting your father.

I'm sure he'd be very glad to see you Mr. Rooney.

Oh, in a business way, of course. Nothing social.

But I've had so very many important things on my mind lately.

I haven't gotten around to it yet.

I see, where amalgamated chemical

dropped down four and a half points today, father.

- Just as I predicted weeks ago. - You did?

Yes. But would Morgan listen to me?

Mr. White is calling.

Oh, Marty, I'm so sorry. I hope I haven't bored you with waiting.

Gee...

I brought you something.

Oh, Marty, for me?

Not really an orchid!

I can't decide whether to wear it or carry it.

Yes, sir. I have a proposition that I know your father will be interested in.

Oh, I'm sure.

Dad, we mustn't talk shop.

After all, Marty isn't in the rubber business.

Why, one look at him and I can tell he has rubber in his blood.

Oh, Annie!

I just had to see your new creation.

It's just too heavenly.

- Thank you very much. - And Mr. White you look so definitely deadly.

- Is that good? - Mmm-hmm.

Oh, don't tell me, an orchid!

Why congratulations, darling. You're a success.

Doesn't she look just too wonderful, Mr. Rooney?

Oh, I'll open it.

- Why, Joey! - Hi, myrt, what are you doing here?

Do you look something!

- Thank you. - What are you made up for?

- It's my birthday. - Oh...

- You mean you're going out? - I'm going to Marty's party.

Oh, that's tough. You don't know what you're missing.

I got passes to the exhibit at grand central palace.

All kinds of engines.

Why, I bet I'll pick up a lot of new ideas I can use on Anastasia.

I was going to ask you to go with me.

- I guess I'll have to ask somebody else. - I'd love to go.

I adore machinery. Nuts and bolts and things.

Well, okay. But we got to hurry! I don't wanna miss anything.

- Anastasia's outside. - Isn't it just too amazing

the way Joey and I are thrown together?

- Almost uncanny. - Oh, well, come on, ax the gab.

You'll forgive me, won't you, darling? If I rush off?

- Oh, yes. - Good night, old man.

- Good night. - Too bad you had to miss an engine show

just for a birthday party.

Well, don't stand there with a hole in your head, let's mush.

I know you'll have a perfectly colossal time.

The best of luck. Goodbye now.

- Goodbye! - Goodbye!

- Bye! - Goodbye!

Bye!

Speaking of rubber, Marty my boy...

You better get going now. You'll be late.

Ooh, I'm all ready.

- Good night, grandpop. - Good night, darling.

- Good night, Mr. Rooney. - Good night, me boy.

Oh, Mr. Rooney, I hope I'm not intruding.

But I just had to see dear Annie in her dress.

- But... - Oh, darling.

How adorable you look.

Simply entrancing.

Why didn't you call me to help you?

A girl needs a mother's understanding

above everything, at a time like this.

Why you look like a bride.

Oh, silly me.

You're years too young of course.

But then I always say, better too young than too old.

Don't you think so, Mr. Rooney?

Oh, I don't know. I've never been a bride.

And you must be Mr. White.

Why don't you kids run along? I'm sure your guests must be waiting for you, Marty?

- Good night! - Good night, darling.

- Happy birthday. - Happy birthday, Marty.

Oh...

I'm so happy for Annie.

I think I'll go and have a good cry.

Yes, why don't you do that, Mrs. Metz?

Just what we need at such a happy moment Mrs. Metz.

- A good cry. - Rooney: Good night.

Annie?

If anybody... my mother for instance seems a little surprised.

Well, you know...

She's never seen you before.

Why, of course she's never seen me before.

But I know I'm going to love her.

Did you tell her about me?

Oh, sure...

What did she say?

She was very interested.

Annie?

Do you realize that tonight is our second anniversary?

We've known each other two whole weeks.

It seems like a lifetime.

And filled with such beautiful moments.

Just think of it. We've got a past already.

Why some people don't get memories like ours for...

Years and years.

And we have time for oodles more.

It's funny how a little thing can change a man's whole life.

Two weeks ago, I was just Marty white.

With practically nothing to live for.

And then bingo!

You.

I guess it's just fate.

- Marty, a red light! - What? Where?

That was... kind of sudden, wasn't it?

Yes, it was.

Isn't it?

Annie, I'm sorry.

I couldn't help it.

Oh, I know what you're thinking.

I'm just a cad.

But there you were.

And I wanted to, so I did.

Oh, I don't blame you for being insulted.

I suppose now, you won't even want to come to my party.

Oh, I'm not that insulted.

If it was just an irresistible impulse.

And I suppose you're not really to blame.

I'll never do it again.

I promise.

Marty, you're blocking traffic.

The light is green.

Boy, hold your wing-ding.

Oh, I'll never forgive junior not being here to greet his guests.

Chauffeur said he took his car out after dinner

but he didn't say where he was going.

Oh, Martin. You don't suppose he could have had an accident, do you?

No, of course not, my dear.

Oh, I am so angry.

- Marty... - Yes, ma'am.

How could you do such a thing? I'm simply furious.

Yes, explain yourself young man.

- Well, I have a surprise for you. - Surprise?

Mother, this is Annie. Miss Rooney.

- Miss Rooney, my mother. - How do you do?

I'm so happy to meet you, Mrs. White.

Well, I feel as if I've known you, for years and years.

Marty talks about you incessantly.

- Mrs. White: Really? - It was so nice of you to invite me.

My! What a charming home.

Miss Rooney, this is my father.

Oh, how do you do, Mr. White?

Good evening, miss Rooney.

Yvonne, will you show Ms. Rooney to the powder room?

This way, mademoiselle if you please.

Excuse me.

Aren't you surprised?

Surprised is hardly the word.

You see? Didn't I tell you she was wonderful?

- Martin white, I'll never forgive you. - For what?

For bringing an absolute stranger into your home like this.

But she's no stranger to me, mother.

And I've been in her home.

- And besides it's my birthday. - That will do Martin.

I hope you realize you've ruined everything

that your miss Rooney makes 13 at the table.

Mother, please be nice to her. Don't act as if she wasn't wanted.

I hope you're not suggesting your mother could forget courtesy?

- Even under these circumstances. - Oh...

Girl: Mother made all sorts of plans.

But father's very enthusiastic about a tour of South America.

Have your folks made their plans yet, Audrey?

Audrey: Well, if everything turns out as we've planned,

I expect we'll go to California.

But of course I practically served an ultimatum on the family.

That I will not endure another summer at Newport.

I don't blame you, my dear. The place is becoming simply impossible.

Hello. I'm miss Rooney.

- Annie Rooney. - I don't think I've had the pleasure.

You're Stella bainbridge, aren't you? I've heard Marty speak of you.

Really? You know Martin well?

Oh, yes. We're great friends.

I see why Mrs. J. Thompson Wellington's Chestnut gelding

won the fourth gated class at the piping rock show.

Wasn't it just too thrilling?

Are you interested in horses, Ms. Rooney?

Of course, Audrey, you know, father sold our Newport place years ago.

Stella: Oh, by the way, are you going back to Mrs. Fentz' school next fall?

Well, I really can't make up my mind.

And mother and father haven't decided just where I should go.

- Who is she? - I haven't the slightest.

I've never seen her before.

Annie Rooney.

Stella: Mrs. J Thompson whosenit's Chestnut gelding

Wasn't it priceless?

- Shall we go down? - Oh, yes.

The boys are probably frothing at the mouth.

Man: Never heard of such a thing.

Changing things at the last moment.

And all at the count of whim of young master Martin's.

Man: Thirteen at a table.

It's tempting Providence, that's what it is.

I met your friend, miss Rooney.

- She introduced herself. - She did?

Yes. She seems quite interested in horses.

- She is? - Why don't you know?

Oh, yes, yes. Of course.

Excuse me.

Gee, I thought you were never coming down.

I got stuck with that Stella bainbridge.

Is she a drizzlepuss!

What's the matter? Headache?

- Kind of. - But you'll dance, won't you?

I'd love to.

What a lovely party.

Are you sure you're having a good time?

Marty, I was invited to your party, wasn't I?

Why sure.

I invited you myself, didn't I?

But your mother, she didn't send my invitation, did she?

- Why? What makes you think that? - Oh, nothing.

My orchid is beautiful.

It's the first one I ever got.

I always wanted to wear an orchid just once.

I'll send you one, every day.

Oh, no. Don't do that. It could never be the same.

Girl: Keep it up, Audrey!

Are you corny? Why that's strictly from hunger.

Annie here wrote the book on jitterbug. Come on, Annie.

Let's put the show on the road.

Come on!

No, Marty, please. Not here. I couldn't.

- Marty: Oh, sure you can. - All: You can!

Oh, we'll panic them.

Leader! Can you heat it up?

Yeah man. Hit it boys!

One, two...

Gets under your skin, doesn't it?

Look at your son. I'm looking at his father.

I think it's a little vulgar, don't you?

It's a lot of healthy exercise, if you ask me.

Barbaric!

But it's fun.

Oh, Marty, you were simply wonderful. Where did you ever learn?

- Annie taught me. - Oh, will you show us how to do it?

Oh, please.

Well. All right.

- Come. It's very easy. Line up. - Oh!

Come on this side.

Long line.

Now, now. It's very simple.

- Above medium. - Man: Right.

Here's how it goes.

One, two, three, four, five. One, two, three, four, five.

One, two, three, four, five. Come on! Get in there.

Oh, Tim! You haven't got your mind on the game.

Oh... Don't try to kid me.

You haven't either. We were both thinking of Annie.

How happy she was.

Gee, just think of it.

Our Annie over on Sutton place with all the big shots.

Millionaire society stuff.

Oh, it's like I always told you, pop.

The Rooney family are going places.

This is only the beginning.

Sure. We'll be the tail on Annie's kite.

- Is your name, Rooney? - Why, yes.

- Did you make a loan on your furniture? - Shh. Not so loud.

There wasn't any hush about it when you got the money, was there?

What does he want?

Keep your shirt on, old timer.

You got the dough for the payment that's two weeks past due?

Well, yeah. I was coming down the first thing in the morning.

- Swell. - In that case, you can forget this.

Just a writ of attachment.

- In case you don't come down in the morning. - What's the meaning of this?

Very simple, pop. The guy pays what he owes

and jerk this firewood come tomorrow morning.

And that chattel mortgage you signed said if you miss a payment

we collect the whole thing at once. This is it.

Well, so long.

That appraiser of ours must have been touched in the head.

Imagine lending 300 bucks on a collection ofjunk like this.

Tim!

It must be a lie.

You wouldn't hock the very table we eat off of?

I had to have the money pop, to buy an interest in the milkweed formula.

I thought I could pay it back before you found out.

Oh, that poor kid.

For the first time in her life having a chance to mix with important people.

If the Martin whites only knew of the beautiful little girl

they're entertaining tonight is a pauper.

Not even a home.

The Rooney family is going places all right.

- Out in the street. - Wait a minute, pop. I got a great idea.

I knew we had gone down about as far as we could

but I didn't think it would come to this.

No, pop. We're not down. Not yet.

Remember what I told you? If I could show a really big man

what I've got in that synthetic rubber process

I could sell him in 10 minutes.

Oh, Tim, at a time like this, you want me to listen to that get-rich-quick talk?

You leave everything to me. This is the hunch.

- This time I'm going to really strike oil. - Tim! Where are you going?

I'm going to see if the moths have anything left in that tail suit I was married in.

- All: Oh! - Girl: J” happy birthday to you.

All: J“ happy birthday to you.

J“ happy birthday dear Marty

j“ happy birthday to you j“

All: Speech, speech.

My friends, this is the happiest moment of my whole life.

Rooney: Don't bother, don't bother. I'll find the way. That's quite all right, thank you.

Daddy...

There you are darling. Having a nice time?

Well, good evening folks. Just passing by.

Well... this is quite a party.

How are you, Marty my boy? Just thought I'd combine business with pleasure.

Wish you a happy birthday.

And have that little visit with your father I told you about.

Won't you pull up a chair and sit down, Mr. Rooney?

No, no. You go right on with the party. Don't let me stop you.

Your father and I can talk things over.

Mr. White I presume? I am very happy to know you, sir.

I've been meaning to pop in on you for quite some time.

Thomas. Why did you let that man in here?

I thought he was the entertainer, madam

for the young ladies and gentlemen.

- One of those magician chaps, you know? - Oh!

But Mr. Rooney, don't you think

that my office is the place for a business discussion?

No, sir. Not this business. And I know offices.

Billions of dollars of great ideas

die of dry rot hanging around offices waiting for someone to listen to them.

Just think, Mr. White. Right here in this very room,

you are about to witness the eighth wonder of the world.

It won't take a minute.

You had better listen to Mr. Rooney, dad.

- Marty: Morgan didn't. And is he sorry. - Daddy, must you?

I'm glad you asked that question, darling.

Would you mind moving down? Thank you very much.

I'm especially glad your friends here

will have the privilege of witnessing

the scientific miracle they'll remember all their lives.

Yes, sir. Would you mind moving the cake?

Thank you very much.

Yes, sir. History will be made tonight.

Fifty years from now, each of you will be telling your grandchildren,

"I was there when the Rooney process for the creation

- "of synthetic rubber was first demonstrated..." - But Mr. Rooney.

And you, Mr. White, you will become a great benefactor.

A great patriot.

History will say that you're the man

who triumphed over the war and the rubber shortage

and kept america rolling.

Now, first step, is to milk the milkweed.

Very simple process.

- But Mr. Rooney... - I know what you're going to say.

You can't believe your eyes. But don't forget,

all great things are simple.

Just think of it. Millions of dollars with the rubber growing wild on vacant lots.

There we are.

Doesn't look much like rubber does it, Mr. White?

But watch... hydrochloric acid.

Congealing agent...

Solidifies.

And then... the secret formula.

C24x plus nine.

Watch this carefully.

Girl: Oh!

I, uh...

I must've, uh...

Rooney: Strange but that never happened before

I... I must have used too much of the secret cz4x plus nine.

Well, I'll start all over again. No trouble at all.

Just make a few minor adjustments as I go along.

Sidney, Thomas! Call the fire department.

- Call anybody. - What's the matter? Didn't it work, Mr. Rooney?

Just a slight miscalculation, many

- Morgan is sorry. - What's the matter?

Mr. Rooney is leaving. Now!

- But Mr. White you're missing a great opportunity. - I know it.

I should extinguish you along with your experiment.

But Mr. White! Mr. White...

Sorry, darling.

I guess I spoiled your debut.

I guess I made a fool of you.

- Made you ashamed of me. - Don't say that, dad.

I guess I'd better go.

Do you mind if I go with you, dad?

I'm just a little bit tired.

Annie, please.

Goodnight, Marty. Happy birthday.

Shall we go, dad?

The Rooney process. The miracle of the age.

Goodnight, Mrs. White.

Goodnight, Mr. White. I've enjoyed being with you so much.

Goodnight. I am very glad to have met you all.

Marty: Annie!

You forgot your wrap.

- Thank you. - Annie.

I'm so sorry. Won't you please come back?

No, Marty.

Marty: You don't mean goodbye?

You've been very kind to me, Marty...

From the very first.

Even invited me to your party when you knew I wasn't wanted.

I wanted you.

And I appreciate it.

It was wonderful.

I'd like to think that all your kindness hasn't been wasted.

That father and I did amuse your guests.

Goodbye, Marty.

Good night, dad. Thank you for bringing me home.

Goodnight, darling. I'm so sorry.

Oh, it's you, is it? I thought it was Annie I heard coming in.

It was. I brought her home.

Tim? You didn't go over there.

Not to the whites.

You didn't bust in on that party?

- Now listen, pop. I can explain it... - Oh, the shame of it.

Why if I had known, I'd have stopped you if I had to break every bone in your body.

I had to go, pop. It was my big chance.

Only... everything went wrong.

The Rooney residence.

Hello, Annie. Oh, thank goodness you're home.

I just had to talk to you. It's vital.

Did you have a good time?

Yes... wonderful.

It was such a lovely party.

Well, the most amazing thing happened.

You'll never guess. Joey and I have an understanding.

An understanding?

Yes, and all on account of Anastasia,

on the way to the grand central palace,

she got temperamental right in the middle of the street.

Her distributor wouldn't give out.

Joey was positively disgusted.

I suggested that perhaps a hairpin might help.

You know, you can do almost anything with a hairpin.

Well, believe or not. It worked.

Joey's says, I'm a mechanical genius.

And right on the spot we understood how much we had in common.

We drove back to the garage and Joey showed me how to take the engine apart.

Tomorrow he's gonna show me how to put it together again.

Isn't it just too breath taking?

Yes, isn't it?

I couldn't have slept a wink if I hadn't called you.

I knew you'd want to be the first to know.

I hope you'll be very happy.

Oh, thank you, darling.

Isn't it wonderful us both finding happiness together.

You and Marty. Joey and me!

Everything just seems to go in pairs.

Yes, doesn't it?

Well, good night, sugar puss. Signing off.

You can tell me all about your big moment in the morning.

- Thirty. - Signing off.

I can't understand what went wrong, pop.

I've done the same experiment a hundred times.

I guess I was a little nervous.

I don't know what I did.

I'll tell you what you did.

You made Annie the laughing stock in front of her friends.

Covered her with shame.

Showed those fine people that she had a lunatic for a father.

You can go on talking till you're blue in the face

but my mind is made up.

I can still work even if you won't.

I'm an old man and I've earned my rest.

But I'm going back to the police force I left 10 years ago.

Maybe I can't pound the beat,

but I can hold down a desk.

And I can go to the police fund

and get enough money to keep Annie and me going till I get paid.

Pop, you're talking as if I was a loafer.

I've worked my head off trying to get somewhere.

I'd do the same thing all over again because I know I'm right.

- There's no future in just a job. - Shut up,

before I forget that I have the misfortune to be your father

and do something I'll regret to the end of me days.

From now on I am responsible for Annie.

When we leave this house this morning she's going with me

and she's gonna stay with me.

Then you'll be free to go on chasing your crack pot ideas.

Pop! You don't know what you're saying.

- Annie's all I got! - If you've an ounce of manhood

you'll keep your mouth shut and take your medicine.

Maybe if Annie had her mother

things would be different.

Grandpop, dad, you've been quarrelling for hours.

You look worn out.

Quarrelling? Why, darling!

We were just making plans for the future.

After we move.

Now, now this is what we're gonna do.

We're putting the old furniture in storage until we buy the new stuff.

In fact the... I'm expecting the men to come for it any minute now.

You know, I always told you that someday we were gonna move up town.

Over on Sutton place maybe but...

But we can decide on that after I come back.

I, uh...

Why, I'll only be gone for a few days.

Just long enough to put the finishing touches

on a big business deal I've been working on.

But it's, it's as good as closed.

Yes, sir. We're gonna be on easy street.

Aren't we, pop?

Dad, if you're going away, I'm going too.

Why, darling, I could hardly sit you at a conference table.

You'd be turning the heads of all those big businessmen.

Taking their minds off business entirely.

You're going to stay with your grandfather

until I get things straightened out.

Dad, you're fibbing.

How can you say such a thing to your father?

Because I know there isn't any big deal and we're broke.

And the men are coming for the furniture but not to take it to storage.

Why, Annie, I'm surprised at you.

You've been listening in on a personal conversation

between my father and me.

Of course, I have. All night.

Don't forget that I'm a Rooney too.

And I'm not going anywhere unless the three of us go together.

You're going to do what your father tells you. He knows best.

Grandpop, be careful.

A minute ago, you were telling him that you knew best.

You stay with your grandfather and that's the end of it.

Your grandfather's right.

- Your father is a failure. - He is not.

Young lady, you're getting too big for your...

You ought to show more respect to your elders.

Haven't we got enough trouble on our hands without you butting in?

We're all going to stick together, darling.

And I suppose Marty can come calling on you at the corner news stand.

Yeah. Yeah, what about that!

And what happened about those beautiful dreams of yours.

That Romeo and Juliet and that pygmalion?

Yeah.

Oh, grandpop, only children believe in fairytales.

Well, why don't you say something?

You going to let a slip of a girl defy you?

Now, you listen to me...

That's probably the men for the furniture.

You see!

Like I told you for years. You've spoiled her.

Oh, good morning, darling! Is your father home?

Oh, there you are!

Oh, Mr. Rooney, there's a moving Van downstairs.

I told them it must be a mistake.

But there's a curious man with a cigar.

I think he said his name was burns.

Oh, burns. Oh, yes, yes. He's a collector of antiques.

He seemed very interested in a few of our pieces.

So, I decided to let him have them.

Oh, Mr. Rooney, I know I'm being forward

but if you're in trouble...

Trouble? Why Mrs. Metz, everything is just fine.

Well, I, I have a little nest egg

that I've been saving for an emergency...

Well, that's a very generous thought, Mrs. Metz but...

I often helped my late husband out of embarrassing situations.

And you could all just move across the hall into my apartment.

There's oceans of room

and then we could just forget all about the nasty old rent, couldn't we?

Uh, no, Mrs. Metz.

Thank you very much. But I insist upon paying the rent.

Well, in that case, Mr. Rooney, I'd like the rent money at once.

And I refuse to permit the furniture to be moved until the rent is paid.

I got a writ lady. What have you got?

I've got a lawyer.

Well, let's start packing.

I guess everything has happened that can happen.

Marty!

Why! Mr. White!

This is an unexpected...

- Gangway. - Oh.

Come in. Come in.

Uh, this is my father, Mr. White.

How do you do, Mr. Rooney?

Sit down, sir. Sit right down.

Oh, uh, pardon the excitement, uh...

Our furniture's going to the cleaners.

Oh!

I, uh, found this on my dining room rug, Mr. Rooney.

Uh, after we dug down to it.

Rooney: Rubber! Look, rubber!

You see the formula did work.

I never doubted it for a minute.

Millions of dollars worth of rubber out of milkweed.

And you wouldn't believe me.

I'll buy you a whole new dining room

but I won't sell.

Why, Mr. White, I'll buy you a new rug.

No, sir.

That is, unless I get an interest in the company,

a separate company with Timothy Rooney president,

and $250,000 in cash.

But, I didn't come here to make a deal for your milkweed process, Mr. Rooney.

You... you didn't?

No. In fact, I tried to tell you last night

that consolidated rubber has spent four-and-a-half million dollars in

its research laboratories during the past 10 years

trying to develop a process for the commercial production of rubber from milkweed.

Of course, we've always known that milkweed is the source of rubber.

But, making it commercially profitable, that's something else again.

I'm sorry, Mr. Rooney.

For a minute it sounded like a beautiful dream.

Mr. White, I don't care how much you spent, or what your research men say.

My rubber with the proper backing

can give america what it needs.

In these times it's rubber.

Thank you.

Annie, couldn't we kind of forget all about last night?

Marty, I'm not thinking of last night.

I came out here because I couldn't bear to see father so disappointed,

so heartbroken.

If you only knew what it meant to him,

how hard he worked, and how he dreamed,

and how much faith he had.

And now it's all gone.

And you know, Marty, when your dreams are gone,

there isn't anything much left.

But they aren't gone.

My father thinks your father is wonderful.

- Really? - Sure.

In fact, he's gonna offer him a position with consolidated.

Oh, Marty!

Oh, you're an angel from heaven!

Since last night I've been practically certain

there must be a place in consolidated for a man of your nerve.

Er, I mean, aggressiveness,

singleness of purpose, and sublime belief in himself.

There's a place for you in our sales department, Mr. Rooney.

The position pays $200 a month.

He'll take it, Mr. White.

Oh, dad, isn't it wonderful!

Mr. White, I've always believed there's no future in just a job.

A man who has faith in himself and something to sell can make his own future.

I have faith in this. I've always had faith in it.

Thanks just the same, but, I'm gonna keep trying to sell this to somebody.

Oh, father!

Rooney, you're nuts.

Very well, Mr. Rooney, if you should ever change your mind.

Randah!

What are you doing here?

Well, you told me to get in touch with you here

as soon as I'd made an analysis of this.

Are you crazy? I never sent you anything for analysis.

- I sent it. - You?

Well, I'm Mr. White, too.

And I believed in Mr. Rooney's rubber.

Mr. Rooney. Where's he?

I'm Rooney.

You are the inventor of the process?

No, professor mills is the inventor.

But I know it as well as he does

and I'm the only other man who does know.

Why, Mr. White, this is something we've been looking for three years.

A composition with the resiliency of rubber,

the toughness of steel, and the flexibility of leather.

A completely new product.

But most important right now, we can tell the war department

we found the perfect tread for battle-tanks.

Something they've been searching for and couldn't find.

You mean, it isn't rubber, it's something else?

A million times better with infinite commercial possibilities.

You see? I knew! It's a success!

Why, offhand, I can think of a thousand uses for it.

What did you do after you combined your milkweed latex

with your cz4x plus nine principle?

Well, I made a little mistake.

I added a little too...

Oh, no, you don't!

This is one mistake I'm gonna profit by,

to the tune of $250,000, Mr. White.

Randall, are you sure of what you're saying?

Definitely. As chief chemist for consolidated, I can't afford mistakes.

This process is revolutionary, Mr. White.

You see? Just like Mr. Rooney said. Remember?

Well, Mr. Rooney, thanks to my son,

seems that I did come here to make a deal for your process after all.

Mr. Randall is correct and he's never been wrong.

It's a deal.

Mr. White, I'm an old man and I can't stand these shocks.

Oh, dad, I'm so proud of you.

Oh, this is worth a lot more than $250,000, darling.

Thanks, partner.

I'll be seeing you at the office, president Rooney.

Oh, I'll want a large office, Mr. White,

with an extra big mahogany desk and a lot of buzzers.

Bye, Mr. Rooney. Meeting you has been a great pleasure.

It's been a miracle.

Coming, Randall?

Goodbye, miss Rooney. Mrs. White and I are expecting you very soon

to continue that dancing lesson.

Thank you.

Coming, Mr. White?

Uh, couldn't you kind of go on without me?

I've got some more important business.

- Skip the gutter, dad. - Skip the...

Oh, yes, now you're cooking with gas.

- Goodbye, Mr. White. - God bless you, Mr. White.

May you be in heaven half an hour

before the devil finds out you're dead.

$250,000 for milkweed

growing wild on vacant lots.

I told you we'd strike oil, pop.

I knew it was sure fire. Why...

What's the matter?

Tim, I'm thinking about that perpetual motion machine.

Maybe we could do something with that after all.

Pop, I'm surprised at you. A man of your age

chasing crackpot ideas like that.

You know, Marty, sometimes I think that if you can hold on to your dreams

you have everything in the world right in your hand.

Yeah.

Me, too.