Original subtitles

Captain Andy's floating show

Cotton Blossom

Cotton Blossom

Hey, the show boat's comin'!

Come on, mule, git!

Show boat's cumin!

Here comes the show boat! Come on!

See the show boat

It's old Captain Andy's Cotton Blossom Will you go

Are you coming to the show

'Twill be delightful

And quite rightly we say There's not a better show

From New Orleans to St. Joe

Captain Andy has gathered a troupe

In the greatest of dramas and jolly comedies

Stephen Baker The handsomest leading man

And beautiful Julie LaVerne as well

Cotton Blossom Cotton Blossom

Captain Andy's floating show

Thrills and laughter Concert after

Everybody's sure to go

Leave the lumber in the sawmills

Leave the cotton on the stalks

Come and meet him

Come and greet him

Captain Andy Hawks

Ladies and gentlemen, it is with exhilarating gratification...

that I bring once again my theatrical offering...

to your fair community!

I want you to meet the greatest artists that ever played the river towns.

Miss Ellie May Shipley!

The toast of Cairo, Illinois.

Next I want you all to meet Frank Schultz!

Mr. Schultz is the villain in our play.

But offstage, he wouldn't hurt a fly.

And he's stuck on Ellie.

That's the way they always are, folks...

just one big happy family.

And I'm their father.

And Parthy here is their mother.

I worked in a new one, didn't I? We're the parents of a big happy family.

You're a big bellowing catfish. Now get these handbills started.

Now I want you to meet the little sweetheart of the South...

our songstress and leadin' lady, Miss Julie LaVerne!

Hiya, Miss Julie! You're gettin' prettier every year!

Just to know her is to love her, folks.

Here, I want you to know, the handsomest leadin' man in the middle west...

the famous Mr. Stephen Baker!

A sample of soul-stirring emotion, folks.

No, Hamilton, I cannot accept you...

for I am not worthy of your noble desires.

On my mother's name, tell me why.

Look into this room and view the secret of my downfall.

You have to see the play tonight, folks, to learn her secret.

Tempest and Sunshine...

beautiful drama of tears and laughter, and then...

after that, the grand concert.

Songs and dances beyond description.

Frank and Ellie, just a sample.

Just a sample, folks.

More!

- More! - Frank and Ellie.

Frank and Ellie! Just a little bit more.

Are you in business for your health? Here, get these things started!

Go on! Take them! Go!

Stephen, my boy, pass those out among the adoring young ladies.

All right.

Hey, where'd you get that?

-Stole it, huh? - I ain't stole nothin', Mr. Pete.

Miss Julie give it to me out of the kindness of her big heart.

- Why'd you give away my present? - Get away from me.

There's somethin' you don't understand, zebra gal!

- I told you to stay away from my wife! - She's nothin' but a--

Here, Frank, take him aboard!

Well, I guess we fooled ya that time.

The boys just played ya another little scene from one of our shows.

Well, folks, don't forget tonight.

Lucky puncher.

Get your tickets now. Beautiful show, beautiful people.

Mr. Pete, don't go gettin' yourself all riled up over things.

Besides, Mr. Steve and Miss Julie gotta play performances here.

Yeah? We'll see how many performances they play in this town.

Hey, where's the sheriff?

Down there.

- Nineteen. - Stud.

That's over $2,000 you've lost. You're unlucky.

Only a temporary condition, I assure you.

Here's a boat ticket to New Orleans. ls it playable?

Suits me. Won't it leave you sort of stranded?

You're presupposing a calamity, sir?

I'll stand.

Say 18.

You presupposed perfectly.

- Sorry. - Good day.

A lot of water down there, eh, boy?

Yes, sir. Where he all come?

Same place it's goin'.

Tis, huh?

Who cares if my boat goes upstream

Or if the gale bids me go

With the river's flow

I drift along with my fancy

Sometimes I thank my lucky stars

My heart is free

And other times I wonder

Where's the mate for me

Ticket for tonight, mister?

Possibly. Does this boat go to New Orleans?

Yep. Winds up there.

I'd like to speak to the owner.

They're all up in town givin' the street concert.

I'll wait for them.

The driftwood floating over the sea

Someday finds a sheltering lea

So somewhere there surely must be

A harbor meant for me

I drift along with my fancy

Sometimes I thank my lucky stars

My heart is free

And other times I wonder

- Don't wreck my life again. - Where's the mate--

Oh, sir, is there no mercy in your evil soul?

No kindness in your ugly heart?

Oh, sir, what manner of foul jackal are you...

coming into our humble home, rich as you are...

yet reeking of the carrion of the fleshpots?

Oh, sir, I plead with you on bended knee...

from the torn and wretched heart of a mother...

stop giving my little daughter diamonds and go home to your wife!

Bravo! Bravo! Now that's just what the scoundrel needs.

Yes? ls there anything I can do for you?

More of the same.

Magnificent.

I'm afraid I just can't.

I really should be getting these clothes brushed and aired.

Isn't that rather menial work for a leading lady?

But I'm not the leading lady.

You're not? You certainly look like it.

I'm not even a member of the company.

I mean, not professionally.

I'd say that's a desire that your heart is set on.

- You're right there. - Why do you want to be an actress?

Why?

Well, the ordinary person wouldn't understand.

I mean, a person outside the profession.

You want to be an actress because it makes everything come true...

every exciting thing you've ever dreamed about...

even if it's make-believe, isn't that it?

Yes, that is it, but how did you know?

Right now you and I could be Romeo and Juliet, or Elizabeth and Essex, or--

Or Lady Southwaite and Hamilton Barsdale.

Or Lady Southwaite and--who?

They're in the Tempest and Sunshine.

Oh, yes, of course.

As a matter of fact, we couldn't be anybody talking like this.

We haven't been properly introduced.

Well, that makes no difference in...make-believe.

Well, I suppose that's true.

So, we could make-believe that we've just fallen in love at first sight.

Only make-believe

I love you

Only make-believe

That you love me

Others find peace of mind in pretending

Couldn't you

Couldn't I

Couldn't we make-believe

Our lips are blending

In a phantom kiss

Or two or three

Might as well make-believe

I love you

For to tell the truth

I do

The game of just supposing

ls the sweetest game I know

Our dreams are more romantic

Than the world we see

And if the things we dream about don't happen to be so

That's just an unimportant technicality

Though the cold and brutal fact is

You and I have never met

We need not mind conventions

P's and Q':

If we put our thoughts in practice

We can banish all regrets

Imagining

Most anything we choose

We could make-believe

I love you

Only make-believe that you love me

Others find peace of mind in pretending

Couldn't you

Couldn't I

Couldn't we

Make-believe our lips are blending

In a phantom kiss

Or two or three

Might as well make-believe

I love you

For to tell the truth

I do

All right, everybody, hang up your costumes.

There's my father and mother.

Just the parties I wish to see.

To our next meeting, and soon.

Captain and Mrs. Hawks, allow me.

Ravenal. Gaylord Ravenal of the Tennessee Ravenals.

-I hear you're heading for New Orleans. - That's right, sir.

-We don't carry passengers. - Naturally, ma'am.

But you see, I'm an actor, and I thought possibly...

there might be an opening in your company.

-I don't have my notices with me-- - Sorry, Mr. Ravenal, we're full up.

Troupe's been with me all season, just doin' fine.

I'm really sorry, 'cause I bet you cut quite a figure before the footlights.

It doesn't seem to be my day. My thanks just the same, sir.

Magnolia?

Magnolia, come help Queenie with these stores.

-Yes, Mama. - Hawks.

Yes, Parthenia.

I've got to do it, Julie. I've got to split his thick skull.

No, darlin'. Let it lie. We can't risk any trouble in this town.

But the scurvy, slimy--

There's still not enough room on this boat for the two of us.

Come in.

I stole a banana for him, and I--

- I'm sorry. - Go and give it to him.

You can't spoil him any more than you have already.

-Where to, Sir Lancelot? - Get a cup of coffee.

Gonna be a good boy?

Sure, if that's what you want.

That rattlebrained mule.

Oh, golly, but he loves you.

'Course he does. I'm the belle of the ball.

You know, I think it's wonderful.

Go ahead and tell me about your handsome stranger.

I saw you talkin' to him. That's what you came in for, isn't it?

I asked Papa about him. He said he was an actor looking for work.

An actor? Your Ma would love that.

But, Julie, he's so different.

River dandies are thick as locusts, angel.

Oh, I know. I know about men.

I've had them look at me and, you know, flirt and all...

but when he stood there by the window and smiled--

Pulses began to pound right here, huh?

Well, why do you love Steve so much? The way you were just now, for instance?

Oh, Steve. I love him because- ♪

Well, I don't know. He's not a very good actor onstage.

He's not a very good actor offstage, either...

but he's all mine...

and sometimes his eyes are like a little boy's.

There. Could you ever think of loving anyone else?

Oh, listen, sister

I love my mister man

And I can't tell you why

There ain't no reason

For me to love that man

It must be somethin'

That the angels done plan

Fish gotta swim

Birds gotta fly

I gotta love one man 'til I die

Can't help lovin'

That man of mine

Tell me he's lazy

Tell me he's slow

Tell me I'm crazy

Maybe I know

Can't help lovin'

That man of mine

When he goes away

That's a rainy day

But when he comes back

That day is fine

The sun will shine

He can come home

As late as can be

Home without him

Ain't no home to me

Can't help lovin'

That man of mine

Julie, that's wonderful! I could feel that way too!

I'll bet you will someday.

Fish gotta swim Birds gotta fly

I've gotta love one man 'til I die

Down on the levee, the gals put a little shuffle in it.

Tell me he's lazy Tell me he's slow

Tell me I'm crazy Maybe I know

Can't help lovin' that man of mine

Now watch this one, honey.

That's a rainy day

Yeah, that's right!

But when he comes back That day is fine

The sun will shine

He can come home as late as can be

Home without him ain't no home to me

Can't help lovin' that man of--

I thought you were gonna help Queenie with the supper.

I will, Mama. I will.

Well, that's how it is, angel.

From now on, you have nothing to do with her.

But Julie's my friend!

- That stops right now. - But she's sweet and kind.

It's perfectly plain to me what's happening on this boat...

and I'll not have my daughter mixed up with any hussy who allows herself to--

Mama, I'll not listen to another word against Julie!

Little girl you are safe with me

I can protect what's mine

I am a sturdy maple tree and you're my clinging vine

Woods are just full of maple trees

Cedar and oak and pine

Let me look them over, please

And then I'll let you know

If you have a show

After I have looked around the world for a mate

Then perhaps I might fall back on you

When I am convinced that there is no better fate

Then I might decide that you will do

I am just an average lad

Though no gift to womanhood

Some girls say I'm not so bad

Others say you're not so good

But if you are patient, dear

And willing to wait

There's a chance I might fall back on you

Encore! Encore!

Hawks, come here.

Come here!

What is it?

I knew there'd be trouble with her.

Trouble? With who? With Julie?

Steve. Hey, wait a minute. What happened?

-Well, what is it? - It's Pete, with the sheriff.

The sheriff? But our license is paid for.

We heard 'em talkin' somethin' about Miss Julie.

The sheriffs gonna arrest Miss Julie.

Arrest Julie? But, Papa, Julie's done nothing wrong.

Here, honey. It won't hurt much.

Right in here, sheriff.

Hi, Windy.

Captain Hawks, I got some unpleasant news for you.

-You got a miscegenation case aboard. - Why, I don't know what you--

You know what I mean. Case of a Negro woman married to a white man.

A criminal offense in this state. Name of the white man is Steve Baker.

Name of the Negro is Julie LaVerne, born Julie Dozier.

Julie!

It says you were born in this county, your pa was white and your ma black.

ls that right?

Yes, that's right.

You two better get your things.

You wouldn't call a man white that's got Negro blood in him, would you?

No. One drop of black blood makes you black in these parts.

I got more than a drop in me! Hear that!

- Would you swear to that in court? - Anyplace!

Ask any of these folks.

Every one of them can swear that I've got Negro blood in me.

But how come this man here, who's with you, comes and tells me--

I'll tell you why. Because he's a no-account river rat...

who's been botherin' Julie, and she'd have nothing to do with him.

He's mean and he's ugly! That's why!

-Magnolia! - She's right, Sheriff.

My daughter's tellin' the truth. We all can swear to it.

You're fired. Get on the wharf and wait for your pay!

- I was only doin' my duty. - Get off this vessel.

Take over, Julie. We're tuckered.

We want Julie! Julie LaVerne!

Sheriff, can't she go on just once more?

But look, it's the last number.

I can't be responsible for the safety of this community if the word gets out.

You've gotta close the show right now!

Darling, we'll pack up and get out of here first thing in the morning.

We want Julie LaVerne!

Be sailin' soon?

Yes. Just as soon as--

- Your ma wouldn't like this. - She's asleep.

Julie, I had to.

I didn't have any wrapping.

I made it into a pincushion.

It was for Christmas.

Julie, nothing's changed.

Oh, Nolie, Nolie, always true.

You'll write to me and let me know how things go?

I'll never forget my Nolie.

Stay happy now.

Julie!

Need any money?

No, thanks.

Good-bye, Steve.

No. I said we didn't--

Pride is smaller than kindness.

Thanks, Julie.

Captain Andy.

Mr. Steve, I wants to say I--

Good-bye.

Well, ride the river, Joe.

Miss Julie... - Keep ridin' the ol' river.

Oh, Miss Julie, I wish I could--

There's an old man called the Mississippi

That's the old man that I wants to be

What does he care if the world's got troubles

What does he care if the land ain't free

Old man river

That old man river

He must know somethin'

But don't say nothin'

He just keeps rollin'

He keeps on rollin' along

He don't plant taters

He don't plant cotton

And them that plants 'em

ls soon forgotten

But old man river

He just keeps rollin' along

You and me We sweat and strain

Body all achin' and racked with pain

Tote that barge

And lift that bale

Get a little drunk

And you lands in jail

I gets weary

And sick of tryin'

I'm tired of livin'

And scared of dyin'

But old man river

He just keeps rollin'

Along

Joe, cast off!

Windy, set your helm!

All right, boys, stand by with the plank! Cast off!

Old man river

He don't plant cotton

Captain Andy!

I just heard the news. May I be of service to you?

Yes! Come aboard, young fella!

- Step lively! - Thank you.

But old man river

He just keeps rollin' along

You and me We sweat and strain

Body all achin' and racked with pain

Tote that barge

Lift that bale

You get a little drunk

And you lands in jail

I gets weary

And sick of tryin'

I'm tired of livin'

And scared of dyin'

But old man river

He just keeps rollin'

Along

-Good morning, all. - Good morning, Captain Andy.

Glad to see everybody's so chipper, but that's the spirit of this business.

High wind or high water, the show must go on.

-Good morning, darlin'. - Good morning, Papa.

Fine talk, but with capacity business waiting for us at Boonville tonight...

who are we gonna get for a leading man?

Patience, Parthy. Patience.

Didn't know that I used to have a magic act, did you?

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Gaylord Ravenal.

The new leadin' man and the coming idol of the river...

or I don't know my business, which I do.

Thank you, Captain Andy.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor.

You've met my wife, I believe.

-A repeated pleasure, Mrs. Hawks. - And my daughter, Magnolia.

Only in make-believe.

All right, magician, who are we gonna get for a leading lady?

Your daughter.

- What are you talking--? - Papa!

We can't get no leadin' lady 'til we get to New Orleans.

You don't wanna give up all that box office.

Yes, Mama. All that cotton crop money just fresh from being counted.

That's a lot to turn down.

I still mean to say, I don't wanna go against principle, but--

Just until New Orleans, at least.

-Oh, please, Mama. - Oh!

Oh, well, go on!

Wonderful!

Miss Hawks.

And then I embrace her, is that correct?

That's right. Now, let's take it again, clean through.

Yes, Lady Southwaite, even though I--

Nolie, remember your smile. Your sweet smile here.

-That'll always get 'em. - Yes, Papa.

Yes, Lady Southwaite, even though I know your secret...

the child is one to which I should like to give my name.

Will you marry me?

Oh, Hamilton, my own.

Just a minute, young man.

We'll have none of your tricks on or off the stage.

But, Parthy, I thought that was kind of natural.

Nature isn't necessary in playacting, especially that kind.

Playacting is just make-believe.

Now hold her for a split second.

I see.

With no kissin'.

No kissin'.

And then stand apart.

- At arm's length. - At arm's length?

Yes. You understand?

-Yes, ma'am. - Very well then.

Well, maybe. Still don't make no difference.

I got a sixth sense about these things.

- You two are goin' over like floodwater. - Sure are.

Magnolia Hawks and Gaylord Ravenal are gonna be the hit of the river!

But hit or not, remember: no nonsense. It's just make-believe.

Only make-believe

I love you

Only make-believe

That you love me

Others find peace of mind in pretending

Couldn't you Couldn't I

Couldn't we

Make-believe our lips are blending

In a phantom kiss

Or two or three

Might as well make-believe

I love you

For to tell the truth

I do

What's the meaning of this?

-Mama, Gaylord and I-- - Get yourself ashore, Mr. Ravenal.

Sir, ma'am, I'm asking Nolie to be my wife.

You? A no-account river gambler? How dare you!

Gambler, yes, but hardly no-account.

You know yourself, Captain Andy, it's a waste to stay cooped up here...

in this penny-ante existence.

Nolie's meant for the life and the happiness of the world.

I love her...

and I'm gonna see that she gets them.

And you, standing there...

are you proud and happy, looking forward to a life with such as him?

Yes, Mama, I am.

Then that's a sight I never want to see again.

Bless you, darlin .

I love you always, no matter what you decide.

Son, I hope it's not just Saturday night...

with a cold Monday mornin' to follow.

Whatever happens, Nolie, always remember to smile.

Are you still sure?

Still sure this is what you want?

Maybe you are takin' a 100-1 chance.

I want you more than anything in the world.

Mrs. Gaylord Ravenal.

You are love

Here in my arms

Where you belong

And here you will stay

I'll not let you away

I want day after day

With you

You are spring

Bud of romance unfurled

You taught me to see

One truth

Forever true

You are love

Wonder of all the world

Where you go with me

Heaven

Will always be

- M r. Ravenal? - Yes?

- Is your team laid up? - No. Had to sell them.

Doctor's orders. Mr. Ravenal will have to do more walking from now on.

-Key, please. - M r. Ravenal.

Yes?

Your account is six weeks overdue.

I'd like to have immediate payment.

Isn't that rather a brusque way to inform us of--

That's right, but by tomorrow night, or--

Well, have our bill ready at that time.

Come, darling.

Sorry. Next car, please.

I suppose this sounds very dramatic...

but they are all yours.

Very dramatic.

Stop giving me your diamonds, madam, and go home to your husband's arms.

Gay, will you listen to me?

Even though I reek of the fleshpots, even though I cannot kiss your hem--

- I won't have you borrowing-- - Even though I am unworthy...

I still have my pride, madam, my pride.

Oh, Gay, will you be sensible for once?

Come here, you.

-Do you love me? - Yes, but I still--

I don't want your pretties, angel. I don't need 'em.

Now you wait. I'm a lucky boy.

Having you is proof enough, isn't it?

I’ll get another stake, and we'll be walkin' on tall air again.

Do you trust me?

Always.

Just don't stop loving me, hear?

If I ever catch you batting your eyes at another fellow, I will--

I'm walking on the air, dear

For life is fair, dear

To lovers

I'm in the seventh heaven

There's more than seven

My heart discovered

In this sweet, improbable and unreal world

Finding you has given me my ideal world

Why do I love you

Why do you love me

Why should there be two

Happy as we

Can you see the why or wherefore

I should be the one you care for

You're a lucky boy

I am lucky too

All our dreams of joy

Seem to come true

Maybe that's because you love me

Maybe that's why I love you

Sorry. That's too much money.

I'd like the cash.

Very well.

Tonight, Ravenal.

I'll be back in a half an hour.

Don't worry, darling.

It's only temporary.

I'll get them back for you.

Everything could be temporary, except us.

Get your things packed, honey. I'll be right back.

Charlie, get me a cup of coffee, will you?

Yes, sir.

Get the coffee. I'll take care of the elevator.

Hello, you.

You know, I've missed you.

Mmm. Hot coffee. Now that's a good bet.

-How were your others? - How's that, honey?

Your other bets.

Yesterday's and last night's...

and all the one-last-round- before-we-break-it-up bets?

Were they just as good?

You got a crystal ball, darlin'?

My luck's sure been runnin' shallow lately.

That Loop crowd's tough, but I'll get to 'em.

A lot of money goes through there.

Listen, Nolie.

I nearly hit the bonanza last night.

Now, we're in jacks or better and it goes to aces.

I've got two of 'em back to back.

Everybody drops out but Kirby.

My next two cards are queens.

I knew he was going into a flush, but I had to stay in on that.

I felt that third queen comin' out of there just as sure as--

-Well, just as sure as-- - What does she look like?

-What, darlin'? - The queen.

Does she look like Cameo McQueen, for instance?

Nolie, now look.

If you think there's anything going on with Cameo or any other woman--

I know there's no other woman, no flesh and blood woman.

I almost wish there were.

I'd know how to fight then...

but I can't fight this lady luck of yours...

this fancy queen in her green felt dress.

When you talked about it just now...

I can't put that look in your eyes.

She's whipped me.

For days and nights she's whipped me, and I won't be whipped anymore!

Nolie, hush, darlin'.

Look, tomorrow's Christmas, and I've still got a little bit left.

- We can go out-- - Tomorrow isn't Christmas.

No, it isn't. It's just like Papa said.

It's going to be Monday. It's all like Papa said.

You're a weak man, Gay. You're weak!

- You're weak! - I've stood enough of this!

Take your hands off me.

We'll have to do somethin' about this, won't we?

Frank, we can afford better than this.

Sorry. I thought you were out, and I--

How are you?

- Ellie! - You look wonderful!

What's happened?

- We're booked into the Trocadero. - The Trocadero?

-We open New Year's Eve. - Ellie, I'm so happy for you.

We don't know who's on the bill or anything...

but just as soon as we could, we were going to drop in on you over at the--

Andy said that you were living at the Sherman House.

-Are you living here? - Oh, just temporarily.

But you'll be leaving today, won't you? They're lookin' for a place to live.

- Your husband just told me-- - There must be some mistake.

Gay, darling, get up and come see who's here.

Well, seeing as you all know each other...

I'll drop back later.

Oh, no.

What is it, Nolie?

My darling...

by the time you read this...

I will be on a train heading west.

What you said was true from the beginning.

This money will help you get back home...

to those who love you.

Not as I will always love you...

but surely and safely.

Remember our good times and forget all the rest...

so that at least you will never hate me.

n-n-Gays...

See?

Look.

Hooray, said Tiny Tim, and a Merry Christmas to you all.

All right, take it back.

Lift it as high as it will go so it's flush up against there.

Mr. Green.

-That's fine, kids. -ls that the height you want it?

Don't bother me now, Joe. Julie?

Julie, let's get over there and let's hear the new song.

Would you do that in her dressing room? I'm trying to put on a show.

But, Jake, this is the holiday season.

It's over for you, kiddo. Work.

You promised. Remember?

That's a good girl.

What's the matter with her?

- She startin' in on a bust again? - She better not.

These fool one-man girls.

Their fellow walks out on 'em, and they gotta tear themselves apart.

And I gotta suffer for it.

Along came Bill

Who's not the type at all

You'd meet him on the street

And never notice him

His form and face

His manly grace

ls not the kind that you

Would find in a statue

Oh, I can't explain

It's surely not his brain

That makes me thrill

I love him

Because he's wonderful

Because he's just my Bill

I used to dream that I would discover

The perfect lover someday

I knew I'd recognize him

If ever he came 'round my way

I always used to fancy that

He'd be one of the godlike kind of men

With a giant brain and a noble head

Like the heroes bold

In the books I've read

But along came Bill

An ordinary guy

He hasn't got a thing that I can brag about

And yet to be

Upon his knee

So comfy and roomy

Feels natural to me

oh, r-

I can't explain

It's surely not his brain

That makes me thrill

I love him

Because he's

I don't know

Because he's just my Bill

Yeah, but can you keep her off a bottle?

I’ll try.

Will that do, Simon LeGreen?

Fine, Julie. Now let's see the costume for the finale.

-Yes, Master. - That's the girl.

Yes, Master.

Come on, Julie. Look what's waitin' for you.

-Mr. Green, can we do our number now? - A little later.

- We hope you like it. - I will.

Mr. Green, would you sign for these, please?

-Hello, Schultz. -ls that Mr. Green?

-Yeah, that's him. - Thank you.

Hi, Mr. Green. I'm Frank Schultz. Schultz and Schultz.

Oh, the dance act. I'll be with you in a minute.

-We got some great new routines. - Fine, fine.

We brought somebody with us that has real talent. We'd like you to hear her.

Nolie Ravenal-- Nolie Hawks, that is.

- She sings like a nightingale. - I already got a singer. Besides--

Uh, take off your hat.

Yeah, I guess I got a few minutes.

What kind of songs do you sing?

Negro songs mostly, and spirituals.

Jazzbo singer, huh?...No

-Yes, yes. - It won't do any harm to listen.

All right, go ahead.

I wrote it out myself. I hope you can read it.

I’ll make out, Sisters.

Fish gotta swim

Birds gotta fly

I've gotta love one man

'Til I die

Go hurry her nibs with that costume, will ya, Joe?

Can't help lovin'

That man of mine

-Come on, Julie! - I've been trying.

- Jake's gettin' all riled up. - Just a minute.

- Maybe I know - Who's that singing?

Some gal the dance act brought in. Jake wants to see this dress--

She's a pretty good looker, but she needs the job bad, I guess.

Needs a job? Why?

Schultz said she was married to some two-bit gambler, and he walked off.

Us boys are all no good. You know that.

Come on, Julie, bring the dress.

That's a rainy day

Julie, dear, you've got to try this dress on.

But when he comes back

That day is fine

-Julie, let's have the drink. - Shut up.

The sun will shine

He can come home

As late as can be

Home without him

Ain't no home to me

Can't help lovin'

That man of mine

-How about it, Mr. Green? - Huh? Oh, not bad.

Leave word where we can reach you. Something may show up later. Charlie?

-You'll make it, sister. - Thank you.

- You were swell. - You two certainly did your best.

Mr. Green, Julie's gone!

- What? - I ran after her to the street.

She just laughed at me, right over the top of a bottle.

- She's quitting. - What about my opening?

She said if you don't hire the girl who sang, you're crazy, because she's good.

That trampy little... - I'll go get her.

Let her go, the dirty, worthless- ♪

You with the hat! Take it off. Let's hear that number again.

Happy New Year!

Yes, that's what I said to Parthy.

I said, I’m goin' to Chicago to see Nolie and Gay for New Year's...

whether you come or not.

You wear the trousers, eh, buster?

I wouldn't look good in skirts, would I?

Happy New Year!

-Right this way, please. -Right this way, he said.

Come on, ladies. Right here.

There we are.

-Champagne, sir? - Champagne? Right!

Fill the scuppers! Happy New Year!

Your daughter must have plenty of lucres to be staying at the Sherman Hotel.

As a matter of fact, they're not livin' there anymore.

Got a place of their own now.

Nolie never wrote me. Figure she wanted to surprise me.

But I'm gonna surprise Nolie, because Ellie and Frank--

they're the top-liners on the bill here--

they'll know where she is, all right.

Hap--oh, wait a minute.

Happy New Year!

So you have a good excuse for a night out on the town, eh, buster?

Don't need any excuse. This is New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year!

And now the new, sensational dance duo, Schultz and Schultz!

That's Ellie and Frank! Oh, wait'll you catch them.

I taught 'em everything they know myself. Yes, sir.

There they are!

Life upon the wicked stage

Ain't ever what a girl supposes

Stage door Johnnies aren't raging over you

With gems and roses

When you let a feller hold your hand

Which means an extra beer or sandwich

Everybody whispers Ain't her life a whirl

Though you're warned against a roué ruining

Your reputation

When you've played around the one-night trade

Around this great big nation

Wild old men who give you jewels and sables

Only live in Aesop's fables

Life upon the wicked stage ain't nothin' for a girl

Though I've listened to you moan and grieve

You must pardon me if I do not believe you

There is no doubt you're crazy about

Your awful stage

I admit it's fun to smear my face with paint

Causing everyone to think I'm what I ain't

And I like to play a demimonde role

With soul

Ask the hero does he like the way I lure

When I play a hussy or a paramour

But when once the curtain's down

My life is pure

And how I dread it

Life upon the wicked stage ain't never what a girl supposes

Stage door Johnnies aren't raging over you

With gems and roses

I've got talent

But it ain't been tested

No one's even interested

Life upon the wicked stage

Ain't nothin' for a girl

What did I tell you? That's Ellie and Frank.

More! We want more of that, don't we?

Come on, boy. Excuse me, girls.

Ladies, I'm goin' back and say hello to them.

Wait right here. Don't go away.

...but who will now charm you with a popular new ballad.

First time on a Chicago stage...

that sweetheart of the Mississippi, Miss Magnolia Ravenal!

A little maiden

Climbed an old man's knee

Can't hear you!

-Do Uncle, please - Nolie.

My baby.

Take her off!

Here!

Nolie, here!

Take her back to the river!

Quiet! Quiet!

Quiet!

I'll tell it all

I believed her faithless

Nolie, remember what I told you.

Smile.

After the ball is over

After the break of dawn

After the dancers leaving

After the stars are gone

Many a heart is aching

- If you could read them all - Smile!

Many the hopes that have vanished

After the ball

Oh, Papa!

After the ball is over

After the break of dawn

After the dancers leaving

After the stars are gone

Many a heart is aching

If you could read them all

Many the hopes that have vanished

After the ball

Should old acquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind

Should old acquaintance be forgot

And days of auld lang syne

And that's the way it is, Papa...

just like you said.

It's Monday.

Well, you'll just want to forget him, Nolie darling.

He's a scoundrel, a no-account--

Oh, no, Papa, he isn't. He was only trying to think of me.

Well, from now on you can just be thinkin' of yourself.

After tonight, you're a big star. You can go to New York.

No, I can-t:-

I can't just think of myself, either.

I'm gonna have a baby.

You say he was thinkin' of you, and he knew about this?

No, Papa. No, Gay never knew.

You see, I was--

He was so worried and so down that...

well, I was waiting for things to get better before I told him.

Don't worry» Papa.

I want to come home...

if you'll have me.

If we'll have ya?

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Let's celebrate, everybody!

Here's to a Happy New Year!

I guess it will be a Happy New Year, won't it?

It will be.

And what name do we put down for the little lady?

Kim. That's her name. K-I-M.

Kim Hawks.

Kim Ravenal.

Kim...

Ravenal.

That will be all of that. It seems to me, Hawks.

Got a kiss for Grandpa?

Come to Grandma. Your supper's ready.

Oh, you poor starved darling.

My goodness.

- I think I'm gonna sing. - Sit down.

Oh, quit it. Quit it.

Hey, look it. You know this one?

Fish gotta swim Birds gotta fly

I gotta love one man 'til I die

Hey, Julie, let's get outta here.

Oh, leave me alone, Dan.

Say, listen. Who bought your ticket?

That's rather untidy conduct, my friend.

Oh, it is, huh?

No cause for worry, folks. Just a little misunderstanding.

- You know what cabin he has? -218.

-Thanks, mister. - That's all right.

I don't know why--I mean, I don't know why it should matter to you.

Somebody used to sing that song, somebody who mattered to me very much.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

- Who's that fella? - A fair-size gambler.

He travels with us now and then. He's got a fair-size punch too.

A gambler, huh?

Name ain't Ravenal, is it?

Yes. Gaylord Ravenal.

-So that's the no-good-- - Excuse me, ma'am?

- Give me a neat rye. - Yes.

That's to get my courage up.

Natchez, ten minutes.

We're landing in Natchez in ten minutes.

Ten minutes. We're landing in Natchez in ten minutes.

Nice place, Natchez.

- You gettin' off there? - No.

All the way to New Orleans.

I thought maybe Natchez, seein' as there's a show boat tied up there.

No, still New Orleans.

Or maybe 'cause you look like an actor.

Once I was. I'll admit to that.

- I'm sorry. -ls that all you're sorry about?

- Don't you think you'd better turn in? - Maybe you're some kind of rat!

All right, so I'm a rat. Now go to bed.

Oh, no. Please, mister. I was talkin' about myself, maybe.

Lots of rats come off show boats.

Onstage, under stage...

sneakin' off, kicked off.

Kicked off...

takin' things with 'em, takin' nothin'.

Me, mister. I was on one once too.

Forget about it, honey. Get some sleep.

She was so pretty and sweet...

so open-out trustin' sweet.

Who? What are you talkin' about?

And you know somethin', mister?

Some big, soft-talkin' card-player came along...

and took her off the Cotton Blossom, right off where she belonged...

and then left her broke and alone in Chicago when she was pregnant--

What are you talkin' about? Who are you?

Hey, Julie! Cut it, will ya?

We gotta get off here.

So you're..

Look, what's that you said--

Do you wanna see what you left? You wanna see 'em, mister?

I've kept track of her ever since she was born.

Kim.

Kim Ravenal.

Now you see why I wish you'd never been nice to me?

Please, Julie, take my oath. I never knew.

-You mean, honestly? - Please, take my oath.

Last call, kid-II

Look, I gotta go now.

I hope I did right.

Of course, I know there's always two sides to everything.

It's the whiskey, maybe.

But look, mister...

if you ever do get to see Nolie...

not get together with her, I mean...

but if you ever do get to talk to her, don't ever tell her you saw me.

I mean, don't ever tell her you saw me like this.

I won't, Julie.

We get away from those noisy people. We go asleep in the woods.

- Hello. - Shh.

They're going to sleep now. She always goes to sleep first.

Is, uh-- ls your name Kim?

That's a very pretty name.

How did they call you Kim?

- It's a geographical name. - Geographical?

The stork dropped me plop in the middle of the river.

- Right in the middle of the river? - Uh-huh.

Right between Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri.

Oh, I see.

K-I-M.

Oh, that's very pretty.

And did your mommy fish you out?

No. My grandpa did. He swims more better.

Well, is your mommy here?

Of course.

And where's your daddy?

Right here.

Here? You mean--

No. Here.

That's Nolie and this is Gay.

Of course, he isn't my real daddy.

He's far away someplace...

so I just play make-believe this is my daddy.

Make-believe.

Could you make-believe that I was your daddy?

Do you know how to play make-believe?

Oh, sure.

All right, you start.

Well, let's see.

First of all...

I'd put you up on my knee like this.

And then I'd put my arms around you...

and then I'd say...

Only make-believe

I'm near you

Only make-believe

That you're with me

Girls and boys

Find it fun in pretending

Couldn't you

Couldn't I

Couldn't we

Darling, look.

If your daddy really did come back...

could you make-believe that--

Could you pretend that he'd never been away?

-Could you, sweetheart? -'Course.

Best of all make-believe

I love you

For to tell--

We were playing make-believe, mommy.

This is my mommy.

Kim, your grandpa's getting ready to leave.

You'd better go back on board now.

He plays it real wonderful.

Bye.

Good-bye.

She's, uh-- She's lovely.

Yes, she is.

You--you look fine too, Nolie.

Thank you, Gay. Have things gone well for you?

Yes, yes..

I just happened to see the picture.

Picture? - In the paper.

And the article.

Nolie, there's so much that I wanna say.

Old man river

That old man river

He must know somethin'

Parthy!

Partheny, look! Look there!

- I still have my eyesight. - He's back!

It's Saturday night again.

Oh! It's Wednesday night!

And don't you strike me!

It's Saturday night forever.

Yes, and Fourth of July...

and Christmas and...

Happy New Year!

Parthy!

-Get the boat started! - Roll the wheel, Windy!

But old man river

Cast off the bowline!

All right, Joe, on the stern there!

You and me

We sweat and strain

Body all achin' and racked with pain

Tote that barge

And lift that bale

You get a little drunk

And you lands in jail

I gets weary

And sick of tryin'

I'm tired of livin'

And scared of dyin'

But old man river

He just keeps rollin'

Along