Original subtitles

Lock it. Won't you come in?

Realize it's very early.

I'll come back later. Please.

Come in.

Mrs. Dowman, I'm here about the bill for furniture.

I know.

$220. That's the balance.

You haven't made a payment in over four months.

Look, I don't relish dunning you, but I figured that since your brother moved in

that... Perhaps maybe you could make the obligation.

My brother's been out of work.

He's out looking right now.

I know. It's tough on you.

But I must insist on full payment.

Today.

Your brother... I feel uncomfortable around him.

Steve?

Uh-huh.

Just by the way he looks at me, I know he'd like to... I wouldn't want to hurt

his feelings.

You're awake.

Oh, I'm awake.

Very much awake.

Call in. Tell them you're sick. Anything.

I can't.

I have an important meeting this afternoon.

I can't stay home.

You would have.

A few years ago.

Oh, honey, but I was just a salesman.

Now I hold a responsible job.

Got to make that 721.

That damn 721.

Some get up for school.

We have a pep rally in assembly this morning. And a cheerleading party this

afternoon.

I don't think I'll be home until 7.

Have a good time at Louise's party last night?

Uh-huh.

Got time for another cup of coffee?

Oh, just about.

I saw the prettiest orange monk's cloth at Sealy's. You know, the decorator at

the shopping center.

How do you think the living room would look in pumpkin and cocoa?

Fine, just fine.

You weren't listening.

I'm sorry.

Problems with the business?

Well, the plastics line isn't what it was ten years ago. A lot more

competition now.

Sales have dropped.

Well, isn't Alec holding up the selling end?

Yes, but he's in a rut. I'll have to help him out for a while. On top of

managing the whole setup?

As it is now, you can hardly hold your head up when you get home.

Sometimes I wish I were married to someone who quit work at 5 o'clock and

were home sitting in his underwear by 5.30.

Like a truck driver or something.

You? Married to a truck driver?

A guy who makes a hundred and a quarter a week?

Not the way you like clothes.

Besides, I don't know any truck driver who can afford a $200 a month spread

level.

Besides, if he did get home every night at 5.30, you'd be sick of him inside of

three weeks.

Now to face the 721.

In an hour and a half of too little leg room and too much smoke.

721.

Mind if I, um... hook on to your outside tap?

Jimmy Reed, Kathy's already gone to school.

You'd better hurry or you'll be late.

I'm not going to school today, Mrs. Lewis.

I've decided to cut.

Perhaps you'd better come in.

We wouldn't want you to get into trouble.

But you can't stay too long.

I do have an appointment later.

Maybe I'd better go then.

No need.

You just go into the living room and make yourself comfortable.

I'll bring you some coffee and some nice fresh Danish pastry.

You know, you do a great twist. I watched you at the party with Bobby

Fields. Oh, I love the twist.

Say, maybe we could... Well... Oh, come on.

I better get going.

I'll, uh, see you.

I'll give you a call sometime.

Had to be done.

So, now the furniture's all yours.

Hey, what's with you? What'd you give me the come on for, huh?

That's enough for me.

Besides, I must get ready for my death.

You'd better leave now.

Thank you for coming.

Jimmy?

Now you must leave.

There.

No pain.

No strain.

Just like I told you, huh?

It was easy.

Very easy.

Yes.

So very easy.

Maybe he'll insist I pay anyway.

That pillar of society, he wouldn't dare.

On top of everything else, what a humiliation if the furniture were taken

back.

Oh, when Al moved out, did they twitter?

Who are they?

The women in the streets with their husbands.

Oh, they're so smug and condescending.

Oh, and when you moved in, did the eyebrows raise?

Because your big brother moved in.

Big brother or not, they have no right to look down their noses at me.

Why? Because they have husbands who come home every night on the 635.

Boy, from the time that 721 goes out in the morning and the 635 comes in at

night, how many of these babes have boyfriends who pay them visits?

How many?

Take that Lewis woman with her ritzy lady friend from Oakdale.

Lewis? You know the one with the snooty kid.

You mean the one with the pretty snooty kid, the cheerleader.

Well, anyway.

About twice a week Geraldine Lewis and her sidekick entertain two men.

Strangers. Could be the gals' sweet loving brothers.

Oh yeah, they're brothers all right.

Geraldine Lewis isn't the only one.

Sounds like a very sexy neighborhood.

Bunch of hypocrites.

Husbands and wives.

My love, I have an idea that could be a gold mine for us.

If the right person sells it.

Yes, sir.

All I have to do is get to the right person.

All right, gang, come on in.

This is a good day for it, isn't it?

Tennessee mash.

Honey, why don't you get the ice and glasses?

You know where everything is. All right, let's all get comfortable and relax.

What about the kid?

Kathy? No.

She's gone for the dead.

Yes, she's gone for the entire world.

Hello, what happened to you?

Quite hooky?

I had something important to do.

Would you like to dance?

You know something?

From certain angles, you look an awful lot like your mother.

Don't you think I should?

After all, she is related to me.

Kathy, let's get out of here.

Nobody's at my house. Let's go over there.

Why?

It's too noisy here.

I want quiet.

I want to talk.

I want to be alone with you.

I can't leave the party.

What's the matter with you?

Every time we get together, we drink and then we go upstairs.

What's wrong with good old-fashioned lovemaking?

Nothing, I guess.

Peg and Ted.

Let's watch them.

Come on.

I mean you.

Go upstairs and watch them.

They'll get sore.

They won't bite.

They're pretty good.

Why are we here?

Maybe I want a nick or something.

Are you connected with me before?

Never when we were alone.

Ah, go back to the party.

Jimmy, let's not fight.

Jimmy, let's dance.

I don't want to dance.

I can't stand still when I hear these bubbles.

Dad.

Dad, I'm drunk.

Dad... Dad, do I have to be drunk to... Who cares?

Kathy!

Come on, I'll take you home.

I don't want to go home.

I can't just leave you here like this, Kathy.

Come on into my house. I'll fix you a nice hot cup of tea.

Please.

Just leave me alone.

You just come with me.

Come on.

Why do they always want to hurt us?

Why?

Maybe it's because we want them to.

Not me.

If any, he hit me.

He hit me because I wouldn't.

Why?

They won't like that, won't they?

I don't know, honey. I don't know them all.

That's better.

We'll just sit right here until you're ready to go back to your mother.

My mother.

I'd like to jump on a train and never see her again.

Because a boy got rough with you?

No, it's not the reason.

I'd rather not talk about it.

Kathy... Kathy, haven't you ever wanted to kiss someone?

Wanted so badly, you'd explode if you didn't.

Haven't you ever wanted to press against someone?

Until you and that person were one.

I have those feelings, Kathy.

Your mother has those feelings.

Does she have to have those feelings for any... any tramp that comes along?

Oh, Kathy.

Kathy.

Try to understand.

Yvette, they've been around ever since I was a little girl.

I hate them.

Except that they are around.

What can you do about them?

Your mother probably needs them.

Realize that she's a woman.

You should.

You're a woman.

A young woman, but you are a woman.

Yvette, you're tremendous.

Feel better?

Much. I can go home now.

And you're not still angry at your mother?

I'm sorry for her.

All right.

First, you'd better go up and wash your face.

You know where the bathroom is. Same as in your house.

Can I come back again?

As often as you wish.

I'm glad.

I'm very glad.

Who's fighting?

Henry and Lisa Francis.

It's degrading to fight like that. We never go on that way, do we?

No, we've had our moments.

Not like the screaming contest I heard.

We're much too mature for that.

What's the matter, Pigeon?

Someone belt you?

No, just banged into a wall. I'm clumsy.

You? Clumsy?

Not my baby.

She's not a baby anymore, Scott.

Perhaps it embarrasses her for you to treat her like one.

What a battle. Listen to him shout.

What's the matter with you?

You've been griping since I got in.

Me griping? You've been shouting all...

All right.

What's the matter with you, Ernie?

It's that job of yours.

It means more to you than I do.

That's stupid.

I love you.

I love you, Lisa.

If you love me, you'd quit your job and get one out here. That's what you'd do.

Get a job out here?

Do you know what they pay out here?

Nothing. No.

I would lose the place in three months, honey.

But you've got to pay more attention to me.

You've got to spend more time with me.

Honey, I spent three hours on the train. I work nine hours a day.

That's a half a day's shot right there.

Oh, yes.

It's nice having a place to come work and just relax.

A place where I'm not in the way.

You are wanted here, Kathy.

Very much wanted.

Yvette, you're terrific.

Hi, kids.

Have a nice afternoon?

A wonderful afternoon.

Good. I'll get the groceries put away.

Looks like a storm brewing up outside.

Mom? Oh, I'd better hurry.

Wouldn't you like to stay for supper? Gee, I'd love to, but I'd better not.

Some other time, then. You'll stay for dinner, huh?

That kid is summed up.

I'll cut your heart out.

How'd it go?

Fine. I think I have it all worked out.

I talked to Finster, the owner of the hotel.

He wants more than I'd like to give him, but what can we do?

Anyway, with three couples, we can begin.

If we get three couples, we'll have five times that many in a few weeks.

You're right.

It could be a gold mine.

Lou, you're a genius.

You'll have to get the assistant for us. I'll get the assistant.

They can't look like tramps.

Don't worry.

They'll be so fresh-looking, our members will think they're high school kids.

No, dear, I won't worry. You just get a room and relax.

Good night, dear.

That was Daddy. He's staying in the city tonight.

The storm is too bad.

There's lightning.

Some of them get it this time of year.

Finished your homework?

Oh, Mrs. Francis, please come in.

Lisa, some night.

Terrible. I hope you don't mind that I came over, but the trains have been

delayed. I know. Scott's staying in the city, too.

I'll get some tea. It's made.

I'm very glad you came. The storm's getting me awfully morose.

I'll confess, storms like this frighten me. I don't want to be alone when it's

like this.

I have Kathy to keep me company.

Otherwise, I'd be the same way.

Oh, that perfume. It's so delicate and sexy. Kathy, it is exotic.

Scent of Samarkand.

I don't know where one can get it here.

I have a cousin living in Iran.

She sends me a bottle each Christmas.

It's a very distinctive scent.

I can't remember anything quite like it.

It's terrific.

Kathy, I'll see that you get some.

Oh, Lisa.

Well, I have an extra bottle.

Oh, Lisa, you needn't.

I can't think of anyone that would do more for the perfume.

Kathy, you're very lovely.

Oh, thank you.

Well, that's very nice of you. Of course you'll stay the night.

Yep. We could begin with three couples and still make a few dollars.

Even with paying the assistance?

Yep.

And anything over the first three couples, just subtract the room rent.

The rest is gravy for us.

Yes, little sister.

For us.

Been okay?

Fine. Just stopped in for a good night's smoke.

Uh-oh, I've got to hurry.

Mrs. Francis must still be sleeping.

Lisa, she was resting out long before you ever opened your eyes.

She's nice.

She's a charming woman.

Goodbye, Mama. Have a nice date.

I'll get it, Mother.

Oh, Mrs. Francis.

Kathy, I'm so glad I caught you before you left for school.

Set your summer card. A whole bottle?

For me? Oh, Mrs. Francis, thank you.

Put some on.

Oh, I don't know how to thank you. If it makes you this happy, you've thanked me

already. Mother, put it away for me. I'm late now.

And don't use any. Don't worry.

I won't.

The enthusiasm of youth.

Want a cup of coffee? I'd love one.

I'll get you a cup.

What are you doing this afternoon?

Me?

Nothing. I have nothing planned.

I'm having some friends in for a few drinks. Perhaps you'd like to join us.

That would be nice.

Why don't you phone Roy to Mason?

Perhaps he'd like to join us.

I think he might.

Mrs. Tallman, how are you?

Fine.

I invite you to stay, but I'm dashing at the moment.

Thanks anyway, I have marketing to do.

My brother asked me to give it to you.

I see you got my letter.

I got the letter.

But what did it mean?

Just what it said.

If you're not afraid to try something different. Different and exciting.

That's what it said.

That's right. I can see you read it carefully.

I do everything carefully.

I'll just bet you do.

Mr. Muse, it is Muse, isn't it? That's right.

What is this something different and exciting time to try?

Asked she suspiciously.

A club made up of people who like things that are different and

exciting.

Initiation fee, $100.

Dues, $100 a month.

That's a lot of money.

What does it buy?

A satin cloak and a linen mask.

A couple of hundred dollars doesn't go far these days, does it? Ah, but in

addition, it buys untold pleasures.

Oh? You're panting.

Maybe you'd like a drink?

Some other time.

Sound interesting?

Sounds very interesting.

It is a lot of money.

How do I know this...

something different and exciting will be worth it.

You don't.

You're gambling.

You've got to put up $200 to see the cards.

But you know I've got them.

Oh, and to make things a little more difficult, the club has a rule.

We can accept no less than six applicants at a time.

After we see, suppose we decide against continuing as members.

You merely walk away.

No one knows you were there.

The mask and cloak see to that.

When? In a week.

In the evening.

It would be impossible to get away in the evening. Our meetings are always in

the evening.

I suppose I must count you out then.

No.

Don't count me out.

I think I can arrange.

I'm sure I can.

Don't forget, you must arrange for three couples.

I'll arrange for three couples.

Like that drink now?

Some other time.

I have to make it for you.

Arrange it.

I, uh... I hope I'll be seeing more of you.

I'll be in touch with you by phone during the day.

Kathy, shouldn't you be in school?

I cut the last two classes, Home Ec and Civics.

They won't miss me. And Pam's covering for me anyway.

All right.

Come on in.

Do you like it?

Mm.

Breathtaking.

I don't look like a little girl anymore.

I'm not a little girl anymore.

I'm a woman, and you've made me realize it.

That perfume!

Oh, it's scent of summer camp.

Mrs. Francis, my neighbor, gave me a bottle.

You'll drive the boys out of their minds with that.

Yvette, am I pretty?

Kathy, you're gorgeous.

Where's Lou?

Out working.

Yvette, what are we going to do today?

Kathy? Kathy, wake up.

Oh, good morning, Mama.

Get up. You'll be late for school.

Oh, do I have to go to school today?

Nonsense. Get up.

I don't want you to start getting into those habits at this late date.

Where are my pajamas?

Oh, last night I decided to sleep like this.

And I like it.

I like it better.

Baby, is there something you want to tell me?

No, Mama.

There's nothing I want to tell you.

Everything's all right?

Everything's fine, Mama.

Everything's fine, Mama.

Everything's just beautiful.

Yep.

Everything's just beautiful.

The whole thing's working out to perfection.

Aside from those who are going to help us, you've got to have more than three

couples. Don't worry, I have.

Marie, the waitress at the diner, and her boyfriend.

Two unemployed mill hands and their ladies, all fairly attractive people.

But we can't afford to pay them anything.

So I laid the thing out for them and promised them life membership in the

club.

They're very happy with the proposition.

But suppose little Geraldine and the others decide to back out after they get

a look. Back out? With the show we're going to give them, they won't be able

to resist.

They'll be anonymous and safe.

Safe behind masks, safe with partners who can't identify and who can't be

identified.

And chances are, it'll be different partners each week.

Different and exciting.

Before they know it, they'll be in over their heads and they'll love it.

And after it's over, no one can ask any questions.

No questions at all.

Kathy!

Where were you?

Where were you yesterday when you were supposed to be in school?

Answer me. Where were you?

Why did you wear heels today?

You aren't involved with a boy.

That Jimmy?

No, Mama.

I'm not involved with a boy.

Then where were you?

I was at Yvette's.

Mrs. Talmadge.

With Yvette?

Who else was there?

No one else.

I don't understand.

I know you don't understand, Mama.

You never have.

But she understands.

I don't want you to go there ever again.

But Mama...

She's my friend.

And Mama... I want you to stay away from her.

Ever since you've been visiting her, you've been dressing and acting more and

more like a... a floozy.

I'm late now. I'd better go.

Hello. Yes, this is Geraldine Lewis.

Oh, Mr. Muse.

Yes, my people are ready.

Tomorrow evening?

I'm not sure, but I'll call them and I'll tell them.

Yes, I'm going to try.

I think they will show.

Of course they will.

Are assistants ready?

Yes.

Are they shaking?

Took a little time, but they're ready.

They'll upset the apple cart.

They will.

There, how do I look?

Absolutely demonic.

Oh, let's not waste it.

I'm gonna have to make this good.

Don't worry about that.

You'll make it good.

And don't worry about the incipient members of our club.

They'll make an appearance.

Yeah.

I know people.

They'll make their appearance.

Not here yet.

Everyone else is ready.

Old man Finster knows what to do when they get here. Sure, he'll give them

their stuff and assign them dressing rooms.

He won't slip up.

He's counting his money already.

Maybe they're dressing now.

Yeah, and maybe they're stuck at home.

Maybe they couldn't get out after all.

They have spouses to contend with at this time of night.

You anonymous, faceless souls who seek identity tonight, I bid welcome.

Ladies, the catalyst of this identity is already on your person.

Inside your cloak, in a hidden pocket over your heart, you will find

a key with a numbered tag.

Ah, but this number...

You must keep secret, for it is also the number of a room in this inn.

A room to which the key belongs.

A room to which you belong.

Now for the men.

This pretty creature will put the ingredient for your identity at your

fingertips.

She will pass among you.

You will reach into the bowl she carries and take from it one key and its

attached tag.

And ingredient, a key to a room.

A room in which you'll find and give identity.

Anonymous identity.

Secret identity.

Identity without involvement.

And now we convene.

I call forward those two of you creatures who are tonight governed by

number 305.

Oh, no need to hesitate.

To us, you are merely a number, a number without a face or a form, a number

without meaning. And you only, by coming forward, can give the other and yourself

a temporary but pleasurable meaning.

Sheer genius.

Yeah.

That was a brilliant idea.

In four meetings, we've tripled the size of the club.

And grabbed ourselves a nice bank account.

Perhaps we should have four meetings a month instead of two. We could double

our take.

Now, don't be picky.

I was worried about the kid at first.

Kathy? Oh, I told you you didn't have to worry about her.

I know how to keep her happy.

Lisa, come on in.

Can I get you some coffee?

No.

What if you could spare it?

I'd like a bottle of whiskey.

Lisa, listen to me. You don't need any more whiskey.

Not now, anyway.

Please, Jerry.

I'll return it as soon as I can get to the liquor store.

Lisa, is Roy at your house?

Yeah.

He's working.

He passed up being with me, so he can be with his job.

I wish there was a meeting.

Lisa?

Lisa, wake up.

It's me, honey.

Go away.

Go away.

It's not time to get up.

Lisa, you've got to get up. I've got to talk to you.

What are you doing home?

What's happened to your first love, your job?

Oh, honey.

What's happened to you?

Me?

Nothing's happened to me.

I just needed a drink.

Lisa, I quit.

I quit my job.

Do you understand?

You don't have to be alone any longer.

I'll get a job out here, and I'll always be with you.

Always.

You mean you'll be with me all day?

I'll be able to.

To check on me?

You just want to check on me?

I just want to be with you, honey.

It's too late, Henry.

It's too late.

Why don't you be a good guy?

Go away.

Bye, Mother.

Kathy.

Kathy, what's happened to you?

You're not my little girl anymore.

You seem so far away.

Very far away.

Scott, I wish you'd have a talk with Kathy.

Something, I don't know what it is, is wrong.

Well, you must have some idea. What are the symptoms?

Well, she doesn't dress like a teenager anymore.

Every penny she gets her hands on, she spends for sophisticated clothes and

high heels, brief underthings. Well, Kathy's a pretty girl. She's just

feeling her oats.

Oh, and I don't like the way...

Well, she spends an awful lot of time with that Tallman woman.

Hey, that sounds like you're jealous.

Well, perhaps I am.

But I love Kathy very much, Scott.

I never really realized how much until now.

Perhaps I sense she's slipping away.

Well, speak to her if you want me to.

I don't know what there is for you really to speak to her about.

Hello?

Mr. Minton?

Yes, he's here.

For you, dear.

Hello.

Darling?

Please come to me.

Please come to me.

I need you.

You drunken nut, don't you ever call my home again.

Who is it?

Dad.

Come in.

Kathy.

Kathy, your mother is very concerned about you.

Mother's concerned about me?

She thinks you're seeing too much of Mrs. Talman.

Did you hear what I said?

I heard you, Daddy. Anything else?

I want you to stop seeing Mrs. Talman.

Why?

Ask Mother why she wants me to stop seeing Mrs. Talman.

You're in the black, all right.

One thing, though.

What's that?

I want you to break off with her.

Chance.

Perhaps.

But even more. I don't want anything to rock the boat, so to speak.

I don't need her.

She might need you.

And that could hurt us.

My love.

When I was a child, my mother took me to a circus.

The elephants didn't impress me, neither did the clowns or the acrobats.

The ringmaster, however, fascinated me.

At the snap of his whip, the elephants fell in line, the clowns fell on their

prats, the acrobats flip-flopped.

At the sound of his voice...

The whole known world moved in concert.

Everything in sight was part of a whole.

He gave the emphasis.

And now, in the center ring, all eyes turned to the center ring,

Juliet and her performing canines.

The greatest animal act on earth.

At the club.

I'm the ringmaster.

The club pays my passage and first-class passage at that.

And I like first-class passage.

I'd hate for anything to give me a steerage ticket again.

I'll give her a tender brush-off before our next meeting.

Oh, Roy, I need you so.

I need you too, baby.

I need you too. I was afraid.

I was afraid you didn't want me anymore.

You mustn't do that.

Pull out your mask.

Honey, what's the matter? Don't touch me.

You don't have your mask on.

You must have your mask on. It's the rule.

Come on, honey. No, just don't touch me.

Try to understand.

I'm not good for you.

Lou's not your brother, is he?

You do understand.

But I still want to see you.

And now, to the center of our arena, those two creatures who are tonight

governed by number...

One, oh, eight.

And now, if you'll direct your attention to the center ring, in a few moments,

the greatest animal act on earth.

Kathy, I know you're out here.

Kathy,

come out and face me.

Kathy, come out.

I love her, Mama.

And I tried to love you, Mama.

But you never had time to let me love you.

Never.

Do you know what she is?

I know she's someone who holds me when I need holding.

You never held me, Mama.

You were always too busy holding them.

Kat, do you know he's not her brother?

Yes, I know.

That's why I'm going away.

Away.

I'm going far away.

Far away from her and far away from you

Yes,

I'm going away tonight

Hey!