Original subtitles

Hi Uncle Ed. Is that a new truck? ─ Yep.

─ You farmers must be doing alright.

Not so good for a good year, but not so bad for a bad year.

I saw you bring in some pigs the other day. How much did you get for them?

Not so much as I figured I might, but I never thought I would.

Good morning Uncle Ed. ─ Hello Jim.

Think it looks like rain? ─ Not until it starts falling.

This shop is a track this morning. ─ Which end?

What do you think of the political situation?

Well, whatever it is, I'm agin it.

There you are. ─ Thanks Jim.

Morning Mr Mason. ─ Hello Jim.

Hello Uncle Ed. ─ Hello Mason.

You too, eh? ─ Me too, what?

Putting your cash on ice.

Is that what you're doing? ─ That's what everybody's doing.

Look .. twenty-thousand smackeroos.

Black market? ─ No, it came over the top of the table.

What are you putting it in there for? ─ That's what you're doing, ain't it?

Oh no. Mine are government bonds.

My dollars are out helping run the country.

Looks like they expect our dollars to run the world.

Not me. I'm going to be ready this time. ─ Ready for what, this time?

Remember 1933?

What's your twenty-thousand smackeroos got to do with 1933?

We're heading that way again, and fast. ─ Yeah?

What give you that impression? ─ Why the writing is on the wall.

Higher prices, higher wages. Money getting tighter. Trouble abroad.

Business recession, a shrinking dollar.

A dollar won't do much for a person these days.

That's because a person won't do much for a dollar these days.

You take a tip from me, Old-Timer. Turn those bonds into cash and be ready.

Oh, you give me a pain in the ankle.

You with your "writing on the wall". Why don't you just say what's biting you?

What's that? ─ Fear.

You're afraid of your own shadow, Mason.

You're scared of a lot of bogey-men, so you're hiding cash in the strongbox.

Where I can put my hands on it when I need it.

You mentioned 1933. These boxes were loaded with gold then.

Thousands of dollars hoarded away by panicky people.

And every vault in the country was the same.

Billions of dollars of gold and cash put out of circulation.

Locked up where it could do nobody no good. Why?

Nobody knew the answer .. greed and ignorance from the top down.

Mammon making monkeys out of men.

But anyway, we had a heck of a panic and the worst depression in our history.

And we've had some beauties! ─ You're telling me.

Wait a minute. Don't try to brush me off.

I ain't going to preach a moral, or tell you how the country ought to be run.

But when you mentioned 1933 that put me in mind of a thousand dollars.

And what a lot of good it did to a lot of folks right here .. in Silver Creek.

It was the 4th year of the depression. This town was deader than a mackerel.

Mills were shut down, workers gone, banks closed .. everybody broke.

Farming like everything else was bankrupt in '33.

So I was helping Horace Taylor run the Silver Creek Inn.

He was a nice fellow, kind and honest. But the crash of '29 had wiped him out.

All he had left was the Inn.

And business was so bad that even the cockroaches went out to eat.

Johnson give you any more credit? ─ That's for tomorrow.

How we going to eat?

We won't at the prices J. J. is charging. Eggs .. 20 cents a dozen.

Sirloin steak, 35 cents a pound. Chicken 21 cents.

And milk .. 10 cents a quart. It's like eating gold.

Doggone this blasted depression!

Who started it anyway?

Nobody knows .. it's all a mystery.

Some say financing the war by borrowing from the people caused it.

Some say lack of confidence. Others say buying on credit did it.

Still others blame it on our generosity to Europe.

The Republicans blame the Democrats. The Democrats blame the Republicans.

Management blames labor. And Labor blames management.

There is only one thing we're sure of .. we're all broke.

And I hear tell that we made the world safe for democracy.

You haven't a thousand dollars I could borrow, have you?

I got a $1,000 life-insurance policy Horace.

But I got to be dead if you want to collect it.

Don't tempt me!

Horace! Horace! ─ Take it easy, you'll bust a gasket.

You should have seen it. ─ Seen what?

That daughter of yours, Francine. ─ What's she been up to now?

She's just the greatest girl the world. ─ We know all that. What did she do?

It seems the Widow Allen owed the bank 60 dollars on a chattel mortgage.

They sent the Sheriff to sell her out. ─ Wait a second, wait a second.

I thought the new President declared a bank holiday. ─ He did.

You can't take money out of the bank but you've got to put it in if you owe it.

Go on, go on. What did Francine do? ─ When she got wind of the auction ..

She did a regular "Paul Revere" and gathered up all the neighbors.

Then some of the fellows put the auctioneer in the fruit cellar.

And Francine took over the gavel. ─ That's illegal.

Not when the Sheriff's on your side.

The bank ordered an auction and by glory, Francine sure gave them one!

What did she do? ─ She had the neighbors buy up the cows.

Depending on the dollar, and then they all give them back to the Widow Allen.

What about the auctioneer? ─ She had a collection and got 60 bucks.

And paid off the auctioneer. ─ Pretty girl.

I tell you Horace, it's the best thing that's happened since the depression.

I got to go write it up for The Bugle. ─ And spell her name right this time!

Oh, what a girl, what a girl. ─ When she comes in, I want to see her.

Francine was a fine girl. The apple of her father's eye.

But there was a worm in the apple. A young artist named Waldo Williams.

What's that for? ─ A check from the Steiner Art Gallery.

Oh, I do hope they sold your painting.

Well, if they did, I'll buy you any present you want.

How's about a wedding ring?

Is that a proposal? ─ Certainly. Will you marry me?

You know I've said Yes every time you've asked me.

What am I supposed to do? Set the date too?

I'm not sure you can support me in the manner I have no right to be accustomed.

When, as, and if, you're paintings are recognized, we'll live in luxury.

Hmm .. and in the meantime? ─ Well, we're living aren't we?

We are? I mean we are.

On your father .. I already owe him over 900 bucks.

Hello .. who?

Ab Follansbee? No, he ain't here.

What? Oh you are Ab Follansbee.

Ab, somebody been trying to get you on the phone for the last few seconds.

Eh? Oh it was you. How you been?

Who is going to be a father? You are?

Well take it easy. Don't let it get you.

Fellows like you have been becoming fathers for quite a while now.

Okay, I'm listening .. a man from New York?

Money for you?

Alright, I'll tell him as soon as he gets here. Bye, Ab.

Welcome to Silver Creek Inn. What can I do for you, folks?

Oh, hello Francine, hello. Hello Waldo, hello.

Hi Uncle Ed. ─ Waldo, there's a letter for you.

From where? New York? ─ It's from the Art Gallery.

Look, give it to him, give it to him. ─ Now let me see, you're in, uh ..

Sixteen! ─ Where?

Steiner Art Galleries. ─ Cross those fingers again.

What is it darling? Is it a check?

You know that guy who was going to buy that picture?

He backed out?

He sure did. Out of a 50th-story window. Another Wall Street sucker.

I guess you're going to have to wait a little while for that ring.

I'll take the gear upstairs.

I could have sworn there was a letter here for Waldo, Francine. Be patient ..

Hello Dad. ─ Hello "Paul Revere".

Oh, you heard about the auction? ─ I did. Eph's printing it in The Bugle.

I had to do it Dad.

Just because the financial world has got itself all fouled up ..

Is no reason people like Mrs Allen should suffer. She didn't cause the depression.

You're not angry? ─ Angry?

Of course not. It's great training for you.

Tomorrow or the next day, you'll be doing the same thing for me.

I will?

J.J. Johnson will be sending the Sheriff and the auctioneer over here.

You're not serious?

If there's one thing I am my dear, it's serious.

And I want to have a serious talk with you about Waldo.

Oh Dad, please don't be hard on Bill today.

Bill? .. Who's Bill? ─ He doesn't like me to call him Waldo.

So you won't pick on him, will you. ─ Pick on him?

How can a man who's owed the money Waldo owes me, possibly pick on him?

He's just had a very tough break.

What happened?

The picture he thought he had sold in New York. The deal fell through.

Well ..

Since that was to be my money, it seems I'm the one who's had the tough break.

I didn't take you out of college to start supporting him.

Give him a chance, Dad. ─ I'm owed money, and I owe money.

My Yankee ancestors are spinning in their graves.

"Ah, the time-old battle. Father against daughter. Money against love."

"I was betting on Francine to win."

Give Bill just a little bit more time.

Well .. you know how I feel about it. ─ Oh, thanks Dad .. here.

Oh .. we shouldn't have let Aggie go. ─ Oh nonsense.

She was always getting her thumb in the soup-bowl when she served.

Besides, we couldn't afford her any more. ─ I know.

I appreciate you doing it, but must wear this thing?

I not only must but I must. Come on dear, get your lunch.

I heard the argument. What's all the fuss about? ─ Money.

Who's got money?

Waldo hasn't. That's what all the fuss is about.

Well if Waldo hasn't got any money, why fuss about it?

The country can't run without money. ─ This hotel has been running without it.

Not much longer, Ed. ─ Where is all the money, anyhow?

I don't know. Bank vaults maybe .. ─ But why in thunder, close the banks?

Money in the vaults won't do nobody no good. Not even the bank.

They had to close the banks to stop a panic. ─ I don't get it.

Here .. here's a quarter.

I put it in the bank so it will be safe and draw interest.

Now I want to buy a good cigar.

The President declares a bank holiday. I can't get money out. What do I do?

You borrow on your credit. ─ You got a cigar?

Sure. ─ My credit good?

Thanks .. well, maybe the government ain't so dumb after all.

Just a minute, Ed .. the bank you deposited your quarter in is unsound.

The bank examiners won't let it re-open .. your credit is all tied up.

The bank had to foreclose. ─ Hey.

"Yes, sir .. money's a funny thing."

"You worry when you got it, and you worry when you ain't."

"What was it Ab Follansbee said about a man coming from New York with money?"

This will do.

Are you sure the truck will go by here, Eddie?

Sure I'm sure. This is the main road from the border, ain't it.

If you say so, Eddie.

Sure. We'll wait in this flop joint and let the truck barrel through.

Pick it up on the hill side of town. Escort it to New York.

If you say so, Eddie. ─ I say so.

Welcome to Silver Creek Inn.

What can I do for you, ladies?

Hello Pop .. you mind if we use your lobby to hang around?

We're waiting on a business deal. ─ Oh .. sure .. help yourself.

Are you the fellow with the money? ─ Ha?

Is Ab Follansbee expecting you? ─ Who's Follansbee?

No .. I guess you're not the fellow.

I'm hungry Eddie.

Where do we put a on a feed-bag Pop? ─ Dining room is in there. 50c apiece.

Will you keep your eyes peeled for us, Pop?

We're watching for a truck. Calley Express Co. If it comes by, buzz us, huh?

I'll watch like a hawk. ─ Thanks Pop.

Have a cigar? ─ Don't mind if I do.

Over here, Hawk. ─ Oh.

You getting out here, Audrey?

Oh no Mrs Atherton, George will take me right over to the house.

Remember what I've told you, child.

I've seen three generations of O'Connor men, and they're all alike.

Irish, high-spirited and sensitive. Every one of them.

You're right about that. I guess that's why I married Tom in the first place.

I'm glad we had our little talk on the train .. keep your chin up, dear.

Oh, you won't tell Tom about it, will you?

Do I look like the kind of woman with a mouth big enough to put my foot in?

Don't answer that! ─ Hello Geraldine.

Hi Ed, how are you?

Not as bad as I look. Not as good as I feel.

Hello Audrey, it's nice to see you. Tom will be glad you're back.

Thank you Uncle Ed, that goes both ways. ─ I'll take your bags.

Nonsense Ed, I'm stronger than you are.

Goodbye Audrey, give my love to Tom. ─ I will. Goodbye.

Over the river. ─ Over the river.

Do you still believe the earth goes around the sun?

It certainly does. ─ Oh, poppycock.

Don't I see it coming up every morning and going down at night?

With your brain you ought to be a very happy man. You got a room for me?

Got rooms for a convention. ─ A place full of echoes, huh?

Yeah. The only guest we've got is Waldo Williams and he's on the house.

I suppose you want the usual room, eh? ─ Fine.

Say .. who owns that big, black job out front with the New York license plates?

Looks to me like a couple of gangsters. ─ Bootleggers?

Nice fellows. They gave me a cigar.

We won't be seeing those boys around much longer.

Beer's coming back, and they'll repeal prohibition pretty quick.

Well, it suits me.

A body can't sleep with those heavy booze trucks running down here from Canada.

Want to go right up?

I'll have a bite of lunch first. Dining room open? ─ Yep. Temporarily.

Knock, knock. ─ Who's there?

Nona. ─ Nona who? ─ None of your business.

Not bad, huh? ─ Haha. Pretty good young fellah.

Listen. Knock, knock. ─ Who's there? ─ Greta.

Greta who? ─ Gret along little doggie, gret along!

That's a Lulu, Old-Timer. I got to remember that one.

But catch this .. what is it?

Indian riding in a V8.

Don't take it so hard.

That got its hash-box in the civil war.

Welcome to Silver Creek Inn. ─ No. I'm not staying. My name's Peabody.

Eustace Peabody. Acme Collection Agency.

There's nothing to collect around here. Not even garbage.

And the boss has gone away. Been away for a long while.

Well I'm not collecting, I'm delivering. ─ Garbage? ─ Oh no.

Of course not. I'm supposed to meet a man "Ab Follansbee" .. have you seen him?

No. He hasn't been in town for a while. ─ He ought to be here. He's late now.

I've got to get the afternoon train back to New York.

Follansbee! I knew I had something to remember.

Are you the fellow with the money?

Don't shout it .. yes.

Well Ab told me to tell you he'll be late, he's having a baby. His wife is ..

A baby .. he's got a gall bringing me up here to this hole-in-the-ground.

He wouldn't take a check by mail.

Ab's no fool. You can't cash a check with the banks closed.

What am I supposed to do while this yokel's paging the stork?

Don't get yourself in a sweat. Go in there and get yourself something to eat.

Ab will probably be here by the time you get back. Fifty cents please.

Baby stork.

Welcome to Silver Creek Inn.

It's me again. I want to put this dough in the safe until Follansbee gets here.

Yeah, sure. ─ Well, count it. Give me a receipt.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. Ten dollars. ─ Ten dollars? Those are hundreds.

Huh? Hundreds?

A thousand dollars, a thousand dollars! What do you know.

Just give me a receipt. Give me a receipt.

Don't look now, Eddie, but your heat is showing.

Thanks Rocky.

Hey Eddie. ─ What's on your chest?

A tattooed horse. ─ Which way is it going?

Oh quit your kidding. This is serious.

If they repeal prohibition, it's going to be tough on us guys.

Yeah, this could be our last escort job.

Hey, I got an idea.

I know, a grand idea. ─ With that grand we can buy a racehorse.

Nothing doing. You have to feed horses. I'll put my dough in a legit' business.

Like what for instance?

Like slot-machines for instance. The suckers feed them,

Not me .. I'm not putting my half in those slot-machines.

Alright, buy yourself half a horse.

There you are.

A thousand dollars.

There you are. Safe as a bug-in-a-rug.

Knock, knock. ─ Who's there? ─ Felix. ─ Felix who?

Feel excited? Hee hee ..

"Well, that's how the thousand dollars came to Silver Creek."

"And I was thinking how much good it could do for Horace Taylor and Francine."

"And a lot of other people."

"Men and women marching the streets with empty baskets and empty hearts."

"Banding together in futile protest at the fate which had befallen them."

Twelve million willing workers made idle by the economic disaster."

"Standing around in stunned silence, wondering what it was all about."

"Bread lines growing longer and longer."

"One third of the people threatened with starvation."

"Even those that prospered yesterday, were victims of the depression today."

"Businessmen made cynical and desperate by their common plight."

"The Salvation Army doing all in its power to help."

"With the few pennies dropped into its tambourines."

"Homeless unfortunates seeking a night's rest where they could find it."

"Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows."

"Depression camps springing up all over the country."

"Brothers in adversity sharing pot-luck."

"Families scattered to the four winds to lead the lives of aimless wanderers."

"It is a comfort to the unhappy, to have companions in misery."

"Yes , sir .."

"Once upon a time, a thousand dollars was a fortune."

"And then I thought of Audrey O'Connor and her husband Tom."

"They sure could have used it."

Where is my husband? ─ Audrey?

Oh I've missed you Audrey. I thought I'd go crazy. ─ Oh Tom.

Let me just look at you.

Four new grey hairs .. you've been taking life much too seriously my love.

Well, let me see what kind of a housekeeper you are.

Well .. you deserve a gold medal.

Ashtrays all empty. No new cigarette burns on the furniture.

Dirty dishes in the kitchen instead of on the mantle. Not bad for a lawyer.

A lawyer without a client.

I think you were cut out to be a bachelor.

Audrey! ─ I was only teasing.

Oh I know, I know .. I'm sorry.

I haven't got the right to blow up. You're earning a living.

Maybe I was cut out to be a bachelor.

You were meant to the cut of my jib, and that's what you are. So stop frowning.

This isn't your private depression.

The whole world sinks, so don't take it personally.

That's easy to say, but this is my world, this "tomb" that used to be our house.

You know what it's like, alone here in the dark? Only seeing you every 2 weeks.

Thinking about you and missing you so much I could ..

It's the same in town, but it's a job and a good job.

I'm not the girl I used to be .. let's be grateful they took me back.

How can I be grateful? ─ Tom.

You think it's pleasant to sit here as you parade around for of a lot of men?

Please Mr O'Connor, I model only for women.

Don't make me a bubble-dancer. I know it's lonely, but I've a plan to cure it.

So have I. ─ I bet mine is better.

It couldn't help but be, but mine will last longer. ─ I'm not so sure.

How can you stand it Audrey? How can you take a husband who's can't support you?

Oh, support you? That's a laugh.

I couldn't buy myself a glass of water. How can you tolerate me?

Because I'm tolerant. ─ Why do you ever come back here?

Because I love you .. hang on darling.

Remember the new President's words "we have nothing to fear but fear itself".

But I heard what the old President said. There is nothing more we can do.

I don't believe that. Somehow the world keeps going on. We have a little money.

You have a little .. ─ We have. Enough to keep going.

Enough to pay a few bills. ─ Yes, bills.

Bills piling up, stacking up! While I sit here helpless not able to pay them.

If it annoys you so much, let's pay them. I have two week salary here.

That will take away a few headaches.

We'll just pay the most urgent ones and let the others wait.

"J.J. Johnson". Let's pay that old skinflint. We have to eat.

Tom!

"That thousand dollars kept looking bigger and bigger to me."

"Tomorrow, our credit with J.J. Johnson would be cut off."

"And there would be no more meals served in the dining-room."

[ hic! ]

Horace, you ought to be ashamed, letting Francine wait on tables.

Don't talk to me about it Geraldine. I wanted no part of it.

It was my idea. ─ But good heavens, child.

What's the matter? Service alright? ─ Perfect, but why doesn't Waldo help?

"Waldo" .. that worthless .. ─ Dad!

Isn't he still staying here?

He's staying, not paying. ─ Why don't make him wait on the tables?

He would if I let him. But I want him to paint, and paint and keep on painting.

Because that's his work, and that's what he's living for.

The boy does have a lot of talent. ─ For heaven's sake, don't encourage her.

That young man ought to stop daubing paint and do something practical.

And I'm going to tell him so.

No Horace. Remember never take from any man his talent.

I've got something to talk to you about. Very important. See you in a minute.

Knock, knock. ─ Who's there? ─ Hobart. ─ Hobart who?

Hobart a little kiss, baby?

Oh you heard that one before, huh? ─ It's a small town. Things get around.

Will you order your dessert now, sir? ─ I sure would. What's sweet besides you?

The arsenic pudding is very nice. ─ Fine. And the coffee, is it fresh?

Were it any fresher, it would be insulting.

Babe, you're better a New Yorker.

Looks like I'll be here all afternoon. It's a kind of a lonesome burgh.

I mean, what does a guy do for conversation?

You might try Marble Canyon. It's got the nicest echo.

Arsenic pudding?

What I wanted to say, Mrs Atherton. You are the leading citizen of Silver Creek.

I am. ─ Yes, when you're here.

And as the leading citizen, you ought to do something for the town.

For instance, what? ─ Have your portrait painted.

Is she kidding? ─ Why, not at all.

As a matter of fact, it's an excellent idea.

Can't you see me well? Or is it too dark in here?

You are the leading citizen.

You own the mills, most of the town, and your grandfather founded Silver Creek.

My grandfather fell down a hole that happened to be full of high-grade marble.

If you call that founding a town.

We're all here today on account of him.

We're all here today on account of corn liquor.

What about the portrait?

No Francine .. no dice. ─ But Waldo could ..

Waldo could immortalize this face better than anybody. That's what I'm afraid of.

Oh, but Mrs Atherton .. ─ I avoid mirrors as it is.

You'll have to get another pigeon, dear. I've got some business to attend to.

There's a funny look in your eye. ─ Good, I'll show it to J.J. Johnson.

After what you told me, I'm going to turn the heat on him.

No, Geraldine, no .. please ..

"The Bun-Ton Market was owned by J.J. Johnson."

"A closed-fisted man with a store full of groceries and a heart full of larceny."

You heard me, J.J. Speak up.

What this nonsense about your putting poor Horace Taylor over a barrel?

It's none of your business. ─ I'm making it my business.

Now look here, Geraldine. ─ You're not the only that has a barrel.

I've got a beaut'. A nice big one, and I'd like you to try it for size.

Well, let's talk this over. ─ Money is going to do the talking.

You owe me three months’ rent. $600 and I don't mean wampum.

You know I can't pay. ─ You can't, but you're going to.

I may look philanthropic, but under this angel face, I'm a Uriah Heep-kicking J.J.

But Geraldine, be sensible. There's not $600 available in the whole town.

Maybe the whole state.

Everybody owes me money. Horace Taylor alone owes me $1,200 I can't collect.

And I bet you overcharged him beautifully for that credit.

Oh, I'm a friendly man. ─ I'm a friendly woman. Pay or get out.

Oh, what did I ever do to you? Besides pay you more than this place is worth.

J.J. It's pirates like you that created this depression.

You soaked my Mill hands. I had to raise their pay.

You boosted prices every time I boosted wages.

And every time I boosted wages, you boosted prices.

A vicious circle. Prices, wages, prices, wages. Until the cap blew off!

Oh, did I control prices? ─ When people were buying, yes!

When you stop buying, neither you nor anyone else could avert the depression.

Like a snowball going downhill, bigger and bigger until it smashes at the bottom.

I had to close the mills. Your customers were out of work and broke.

You were charging 60 cents for a dozen eggs, and now you're begging for 20.

Don't you suppose I took a beating, too? ─ I hope so, and you learned a lesson.

Next time, when we come around to a normal way of living, don't raise prices.

What do you think I am?

Well, you can't grow a cherry tree out of a squash-seed.

Oh Geraldine, have a heart. ─ Sure I'll have a heart. Yours!

I'm going to Tom O'Connor's office and have him draw up a writ of eviction.

Don't go away J.J. I'll be back with the Sheriff .. and the auctioneer.

Hello?

Tom .. why did you run out on me?

There was something I had to do. ─ Will you be long?

Yes .. quite a while.

Then I'll have time to run over to the Inn and see Francine?

Go right ahead. ─ See you later.

Yep.

Hello Tom. ─ Mrs Atherton.

Say, what's the matter with this joint? It's falling apart.

I had to let myself in. There was nobody in the outer office. ─ Sorry.

It's a thing called The Depression. ─ I got that message from Audrey.

Oh. You've seen her? ─ She was on the train from New York.

Tom .. what kind of a young fool are you?

The usual kind, I guess.

Don't you know you've got that wife of yours worried stiff?

Did she say so? ─ No. It's what she didn't say.

I can read between the eyes. Look here, sonny-boy.

When you plucked Audrey from New York, and brought her here to live.

She was the happiest girl in the world..

Don't ask me why a pretty girl would stay in that mausoleum you call a house.

But she did. She loved it because it was your life. Not because you were rich.

And now she's working so you two can still have a life together.

The trouble with you is you keep living in the past.

Only because there is no future. ─ Are you kidding?

Tom, this isn't the first time our town has scraped the bottom of the barrel.

We had a black-Friday in '69 and a fine depression in '73 and another one in '84.

We had a beaut' in 1908 and the bottom fell clear out in '29.

But Uncle Sam always manages to patch up the barrel and we fill it.

Don't tell me: prosperity is just round the corner. ─ May be it is.

Maybe I'll reopen the mill soon. When I do, every company will retain you again.

Don't worry about me. My wife pays the bills.

That's a stuffed-short remark, and I'll make something of it next time.

You gave her every luxury when you could. Fine clothes, furs and you were proud.

Well, maybe she's proud now, to be doing her share.

But I didn't come here for a social call. I'm here on business.

Business? You mean there is something I can do?

That's right .. now get your chin up. I want you to draw up a writ of eviction.

Oh .. on whom?

J.J. Johnson. ─ Johnson?

Now, don't try to talk me out of it. ─ Well, Judge Crockett won't sign it.

Oh yes he will. Who made him a judge?

Very well. If you insist. ─ Insist is putting it mildly.

What's the joke?

Francine Taylor wants me to let Waldo Williams paint my portrait.

Will you?

If Judge Crockett refuses to sign that writ, I'll get the portrait ..

And hang it in his courtroom, right over his bench.

Come back out of that dream world, Rembrandt. ─ Hi.

Rembrandt is right. This one ought to make me immortal.

Better eat, while you're still mortal. ─ Alright, just a second. Let me finish.

You can't paint unless you eat, you know. ─ I can't eat unless I paint, either.

True.

This one is for the barter system. ─ Barter system?

Yeah, a painter needs paint to paint with, and for that I get more paint.

How do you like my model? Ain't she a cutie? With the line.

I wish all your models were like that. ─ Why?

They'd give you the brush-off.

Uhuh, that's quite a whisk-broom, Bill.

A good likeness.

You like anything I do. You're just prejudiced.

Remember the first painting of yours I ever saw?

That was in the Beaulier gallery in Paris, wasn't it.

It should have been in The Louvre.

It should have been in a pawn shop. ─ It was a lovely painting.

I sat entranced, gazing at it for hours.

Then up came a tall, handsome stranger, ─ Well, he was tall.

And he asked you what you thought of it.

And I said that it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

The handsome, fascinating stranger ..

Said that he thought that you were far more beautiful than the painting.

He wasn't a bit fascinating. Just a fresh smoothie, with an American accent.

Yes, but you did accept his invitation to lunch.

I was a venturesome hussy in those days. Besides, I was hungry.

It was a good thing for you that his credit was good at that little café.

And what was his credit good for? A luscious dish of snails.

That was the beginning of a beautiful romance.

Oh my darling, I was happy in Paris.

They even wrote songs about us.

Our rendezvous, our chestnut trees, our small cafés,

And in spite of your pug nose, the guy fell madly in love with you.

And I with him, in spite of everything.

What's wrong with my nose? ─ Nothing. I love it.

Some doll. ─ If you say so Eddie. ─ I say so.

If I wasn't tied up with this escort job, I'd do a little pitching.

Horse shoes?

Welcome to Silver Creek Inn. ─ Hello Uncle Ed. Is Francine in?

Oh hello Audrey. I just saw her take Waldo's lunch upstairs.

Thank you.

Oh, pardon me .. didn't I see you on the New York Train?

Yes. I was the caboose.

Caboose ..

[ whistle ]

Hello Waldo. ─ Hello who?

Bill. ─ Okay, better. Come on in.

Hello Audrey. ─ How are you Francine?

I'm glad you're here. He goes out of his mind waiting for your next sitting.

Well, it's just that I'm afraid that I may not be able to finish it.

Not finish it? ─ Just his pride. He owes Dad money.

Oh .. oh money.

Sure, who cares about money? Forget it. ─ Yes, what's money ..

When I asked you to do this, I didn't know that Tom's business would collapse.

Audrey .. the pleasure of painting your portrait is payment enough for me.

But that's not fair. ─ Now, just a minute.

You have heard of the art that is 10% inspiration and 90% percent perspiration.

You're not going to take away my inspiration now, are you?

Thank you .. ladies we're wasting time. ─ Uhoh. That means clear out Francine.

Besides I'm not supposed to be social. I keep forgetting.

Audrey, make him finish his lunch will you.

These days, you don't send back half a sandwich, with a pickle on the side.

I'll make him eat it. ─ Hey, waitress.

That's for being a cute kid.

Thank you sir. Nicest tip I've had today. Come on Audrey, I'll help you dress.

What a stunning suit. ─ Oh, it's the new thing.

It must have cost a fortune. ─ Don't get the idea that I bought it.

The store lets me wear these for advertising. ─ What a break.

Are the skirts all that long?

Oh yes, that's the new style. It's quite a change, isn't it.

I bought this in 1930. Yours is a 1933.

By the time we reach 1940, it will be dragging on the floor.

The women aren't taking to the new legs too quickly.

I love this dress. It seems prettier each time.

I wore it on the first date with Tom. It's his favorite. That's why I saved it.

When it wears out, will you let me have it?

Sorry. There's a dress in everyone's life that somehow, represents her romance.

Waldo just has to finish that painting Francine.

I want to hang it in the library so Tom won't be lonely while I'm away.

And I'll always be with him .. just as I was the first time he saw me.

And you'll always be lovely to him Audrey. But I know what you mean.

Don't worry. We'll get the picture finished somehow.

I think Bill feels just as you do about it.

And he's put his heart as well as his soul into it.

That's why it means so much to him.

It's as if you were telling Tom what's in your heart in that painting.

Tom needs to know, and I can't seem to tell him.

It's funny .. here we are, both of us working and trying to help out.

Anybody would say this is a tough time for women .. I don't agree.

It's much worse for men.

Especially sensitive, proud men. ─ You haven't told your father?

No. It's strictly a secret among the three of us.

I want it to be a complete surprise for Tom.

To cheer him though, it will have to be a Gainsborough.

A "Waldo Williams" please ..

Let's ride out and take a gander at that hill.

That's a hunch. "Lord Gander" is running in the third.

You're getting to be the smartest moron I've ever met. ─ Thanks Eddie.

Hey, by the way sister, where is Marble Canyon?

One mile east, then follow your echo.

Alright Uncle Ed. You can go to lunch. ─ Thank you Horace.

This might be my last. Look who's coming.

Hey .. Follansbee? Ab Follansbee? ─ Who me? My name is Johnson.

Horace! Horace. ─ Oh, hello J.J.

Don't give me that stuff. ─ What's the matter?

Less words and more action, Horace. The time has come to put up or shut up.

I'm not fooling. I want the money you owe me, and I want it right now.

I haven't got it. ─ I've got to have it, Horace.

I don't like to push you this way. It isn't as if I wanted it all.

Just half. Right now, just half. ─ But it's impossible.

I've got to have it Horace.

Geraldine Atherton is putting the heat on me. I owe her $600 back rent.

If I don't pay up, she's going to evict me.

I knew it. I'm terribly sorry J.J. but .. ─ I don't want your sympathy.

I want your cash.

Come on Horace. You know you've been hoarding funds someplace.

Drag out the sock .. dig up the old tin can .. but pay me my dough.

I hear what you say J.J. I tell you I'm flat broke. I haven't got a dime.

Horace! I'm warning you.

If you don't slip me $600 right now .. today .. I'll get rough.

I don't like to pull this on you. But so help me, it's sink or swim.

If you don't pay me, today, right now.

I'll put this Inn under the auctioneer's hammer before you can say "ouch".

Please J.J. don't do a thing like that to me. I'd like to help, but ..

Just $600. Not the whole debt.

$600 is no fortune. ─ It isn't?

Well, you've got at least that much? ─ Ten dollars would be a fortune to me.

Horace look .. we're old friends, aren't we?

Hmm? ─ Hmm.

We're old friends aren't we? ─ We've known each other a long time.

I gave you credit when you needed it, didn't I? Fair credit at fair prices?

You gave me credit.

Horace, Horace, please .. we're friends. Just for me .. just $600.

I haven't made any demands. I know you're making money.

A cash business. Maybe saving it. ─ Saving what?

I made six dollars and a half yesterday. And ..

And today a dollar and a quarter. Not enough to pay the cook.

Oh, don't give me that!

Look at that safe .. I'll bet you it's loaded. I'll bet it's ripe with cash.

Hmm .. there is nothing in that safe but dust and I'll show it to you.

Do you remember the story about Mother Hubbard?

Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard. To get a poor dog a bone.

And when she got there, the cupboard was ..

Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard, eh? Ha! Woof, woof! Hand over that bone Horace!

Well I don't understand. I was telling the truth. ─ You rascal, you.

Holding out on an old friend. ─ So help me J.J .. I don't ..

Waldo! ─ Never mind who. How much?

It's Waldo. The Art Gallery must have sold a picture after all.

And I've misjudged the boy. Look here .. ─ How much? How much?

1, 2, 3, 4 .. Uncle Ed should have told me about this before .. 5, 6, 7.

I've been badgering the boy. 8, 9, 10! ─ Oh! A thousand dollars!

We're square. ─ But I owe you $1,200. ─ I'll cancel it for cash. We're even.

You can have all the credit you want.

Oh boy! Will I tell that old battle-axe a thing or two now.

We're even. Ancestors, you can stop spinning now.

Waldo.

Waldo .. my boy.

My son.

Waldo.

Waldo. ─ Just a minute .. please.

Waldo my boy! Thank you, thank you. ─ Hello Mr Taylor.

Sometimes it's hard for an un-gifted man like me to appreciate an artist like you.

You must be understanding with me, my boy.

Well, I didn't expect anything quite like this.

I want to give you a dinner. We've got to celebrate.

Youth and talent should be sponsored and not smothered.

I want you to know how proud I am you and your painting.

And I think my daughter is one of the luckiest girls in the world.

I'm awfully glad you think so, sir. ─ You're going to make a happy couple.

Yes indeed. And I'm going to show you how proud I am of you.

Oh my boy .. this is a happy day, a happy day!

Now, let's see what you're doing here. ─ Oh no. A painter has to have privacy.

I understand, yes. Of course, of course. You get right on with your life.

Have a cigar .. and I'll see you later .. son!

Take a look. A good look. How do you like them apples?

Had me over a big barrel eh, Geraldine? Well, it had weak staves.

Oh you can tear up that writ Tom. Tear it up and write me a receipt for $1,000.

$1,000? Count it Tom. I don't believe it. ─ $1,000. Genuine. Coin of the realm.

The real thing. No imitation. ─ J.J. Where did you get this money?

I don't see that's any of your business. ─ That's right .. a $1,000.

Well, give him a receipt. And if he's robbed a bank ..

Uhoh. They're all closed madam. Remember?

Well you took if off a dead body. I'll get the Police check it for blood stains.

Oh is that so? Well, why you're doing that Geraldine, remember this ..

The back rent is paid. And there's an advance payment there.

And if you set foot inside the Bun-Ton market within the next eight weeks ..

I will have the personal pleasure of heaving you out on your ear.

Thank you my boy. It's been very nice.

I trust that you will remember me .. if I never see you again some time.

I never forget a face .. and I'll always remember both of yours.

Pah!

Well .. I guess that's that.

As we were saying before, a man like you with your background and your mind.

Has no right to be bitter about his wife working.

Marriage is a 50/50 deal. And when one can't carry the load, the other must try.

A man has his pride. ─ So has a woman.

What if Audrey felt the same way that you do?

How would you feel if you came home with this ..

If she were to resent it because she hadn't earned it?

And incidentally, that is yours.

Mine? ─ Yes. A retainer on your services.

Now, in the future, we've got to start thinking about reopening the mills.

It will be a lot paperwork and heaven knows what with this new administration.

I'll check with you from time to time. ─ But Mr Atherton, I ..

I know, I know. It isn't very much but it's all I can afford right now.

We'll increase the amount as we get active. Goodbye Tom. My love to Audrey.

Ha ha ha. Hee hee hee. Little brown jug, don't I love thee. Ha ha ha ..

You sound as spry as a kitten, Horace.

I thought the tapioca pudding was a might heavy myself.

Ed, you old rascal! Why didn't you tell me before?

About the tapioca pudding? ─ About the money. ─ What money?

The money. The money in the safe. The thousand dollars!

Oh, that money.

Don't make it sound as if it was only five bucks.

Don't you know how important it was? What it meant to me? A thousand dollars!

Well, that's alright Horace. I gave the young fellow a receipt for it.

I don't give a hand about the receipt. But the money! I needed it desperately.

And when you saw the ..

What young fellow?

Why, the fellow that brought the money. ─ Waldo, you mean? ─ Waldo?

Waldo. Waldo Williams. He owed me 970 dollars and he paid me. ─ He did?

Didn't he? ─ You feeling alright, Horace?

I don't know.

I don't know. I'll tell you when you answer this question.

Did Waldo Williams give you one thousand dollars?

No, no. It was a fellow by the name of Peabody. Eustace Peabody.

Are you sure? ─ Of course I'm sure.

Why, you'd think I was absent-minded or something, to hear you talk.

He brought the money for Ab Follansbee.

Only Ab Follansbee was about to become a father and couldn't be here.

So the man got excited and I put the money in the safe.

What's the matter? Is that tapioca pudding bothering you?

Not Waldo's money .. that means it wasn't mine and that means ..

Take it easy, take it easy. ─ Take it easy, he says ..

It's alright, it's all locked up. I spun the dial.

There's nothing to worry about after all.

What's biting Horace?

I don't know. I'll have to talk to Francine about her Pa.

He's getting senile or something.

Horace, it's awful. It's terrible. ─ I knew you'd understand J.J.

Why, it's a catastrophe. Horace, they could put you in prison.

Prison? ─ It's a criminal offense.

Misappropriation of funds. And the funds belong to somebody else.

Yes, yes. That's true. ─ Oh, the disgrace of it.

Poor Francine .. think of what people will say. ─ I daren't.

I only thank heaven for a friend like you at a time like this.

That's the spirit, Horace. A stiff upper lip .. chin up.

And face the world with a friend at your side and a pure heart.

Thank you J.J. I knew I could count on you to give me back the money.

Money? ─ Yes, the thousand dollars.

Give it back?

Yes. You see if I can get it back in the safe before Peabody comes back.

Really, Horace .. ─ Well, what's the matter?

Don't you think it's imposing on a friend to ask for money at times like these?

But that's what we're talking about. The money! It isn't mine.

I gave it to you. It isn't yours, it's Peabody's.

Are you trying to imply that I stole those funds?

No, nobody stole the funds. It's a mistake.

It's an error, but I've got to get the money back. Please, J.J.

Well .. I'd be glad to help you out Horace, but ..

But then, don't frighten me like that. ─ Only I haven't got the money.

It's too hard on my nerves.

You haven't got the money? ─ Of course not.

I told you, Geraldine was going to throw me out. I had to pay her every cent of it

Oh Horace! Get a grip on yourself.

Oh no .. my ancestors .. the safe .. the money .. Peabody .. Waldo, Mrs Atherton.

Mrs Atherton?

It's a known fact, Ab .. the first one always takes a long time.

Alright, I'll tell the man. Don't you worry.

Welcome to Silver Creek Inn.

Only the fact that I'd wind up in the electric-chair stops me from killing you.

Oh Horace, you ain't right, you ain't feeling right.

I'm going mad. I'm going stark, staring, raving mad. And when I do ..

You'll be the first person I vivisect.

Now that ain't a kind thought. What did I do?

You didn't tell me about the money. ─ Oh yes I did. It's alright.

The money is in the safe. You got nothing to worry about.

Don't you understand, don't you know how it happened?

You put the money in Waldo's envelope. I took it out and gave it to Johnson.

And Johnson gave it to .. ─ You shouldn't have done that Horace.

It's unlawful to give away other people's money.

But I didn't know it wasn't mine. ─ Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

You put the money in Waldo's envelope and I thought he'd paid me.

Oh .. ─ Now do you see?

Oh yes, it's terrible .. oh.

Waldo certainly had a lot of gall leaving that envelope around. Didn't he?

But Waldo didn't .. Waldo!

I wonder what is disturbing Horace.

Williams!

Williams!

Just a minute Mr Taylor, I'll be right there.

Hello Mr Taylor. ─ Don't "hello" me! "Goodbye" me instead!

You're through, finished, fired! No, not fired. You're out! Evicted!

Pack your bags and get out of the hotel. You've got no credit, no room, nothing.

I wouldn't let my daughter marry you if you were the last man in the world.

And if you were the last man in the world, you'd still owe somebody money.

If you're not out of this hotel by the morning, I'll shoot you on sight!

Horace, for heaven's sakes, what's all the hullabaloo about? ─ Geraldine.

I was trying to take beauty nap. ─ Geraldine, I've got to talk to you.

We're not making Indian Signs now. ─ The money. ─ Whose money?

My money, I mean Waldo's money. I mean the money I thought was Waldo's.

Far be it from me to commit you to a loony-bin. Your train is off its track.

Geraldine, did J.J. give you a $1,000? ─ He did. ─ I gave it to him!

You did? But where did you get it? ─ From the safe. Where Waldo put it.

I thought. ─ You thought.

Only he didn't .. I thought he did .. I took it by mistake.

If you're trying to get the money from me, you're working the wrong tracks.

Geraldine, have mercy.

I don't mind if I do, but I haven't got the money. I gave it to Tom O'Connor.

O'Connor? Oh my gosh! ─ Well, he might lend it back to you.

At a fair rate of interest. ─ you think he would? Maybe I could.

Oh Dad, I was .. ─ How do you do.

Charmed, I'm sure.

Well, how goes it?

What's eating you two? ─ Waldo says he can't finish the picture.

Can't finish it? ─ Waldo, you have to finish it.

I can't tell you how much, how very much it means to me. And to Tom.

There's no need to Audrey. That's the best thing I've ever done.

But what can we do? You heard what Mr Taylor said: clear out by morning.

What is all this? ─ Your father Francine. He foreclosed.

He can't do that. ─ He not only can, but he did.

Now you're going to finish the painting. Come on Audrey, get back into the dress.

I can't now. I have to hurry and shop for Tom's dinner.

Can you come back after dinner and pose? ─ Sure, I can do that.

Alright, we'll try it after dinner. ─ About eight. ─ Good.

Now, you'd better tell me just what happened.

Francine, I don't like to mention this but ..

Sometimes does your Dad go off the deep end?

Oh darling, he has a lot of worries. He just gets excited.

I don't get it. First he comes in and says: "blessings on Waldo, a great guy."

Next, he comes back, puts his fist in my face, and he wants to shoot me on sight.

Don't worry about him, Honey. I can handle him.

No Francine. Your Pa's been supporting me for too long already.

He's been mighty patient for six months and I don't blame him for being fed up.

It's time I cleared out.

Well, alright .. let's see now, where can you go?

You should have heard where your father told me to go.

No, I'm serious.

I know. Audrey and Tom's. They have .. ─ Will you use that pretty head of yours.

There is no money in this town. I have to sell paintings.

So, logical conclusion is I go where people buy paintings. ─ Alright

How long have I got to pack? ─ You're not going. ─ Oh yes I am.

Have you ever ridden the rods? ─ Not yet.

I don't intend to let you start now. ─ Well, what if I ..? ─ Look ..

You should know by this time that I'm a very stubborn guy. You're not going.

And I'm not coming back until I can pay our way.

How long is that apt to take do you suppose? ─ I don't know.

The way things look right now, it may be some time.

Well .. hello again. Hey .. what's this?

An ass making an ass of itself. ─ Yeah, that's right ..

Welcome to Silver Creek Inn. ─ Save it Old-Timer. You'll wear it out.

Oh it's you.

What's the matter with these Vermont women?

There ain't enough of them, that's all. ─ They sure are a cold lot.

Well, you got to light a match before it will burn.

Now, you take New York girls. ─ I'll take a Vermont girl every time.

Their heads may be as hard as marble.

But their hearts are just as soft as the feather beds they sleep in.

You live here all your life? ─ Not yet.

Well, what do you Vermonters do for excitement? ─ Raise more corn.

You're supposed to ask me why.

Alright Mr Bones. Why do you raise more corn?

To feed more cows. ─ Why? ─ To get more milk.

Why? ─ To make more money.

Why? ─ To buy more land. ─ Why?

To raise more corn. ─ Why?

That's enough young fellah. Thanks, son.

Ain't been able to pull that since the tourist trade fell off.

Say, what about this Follansbee? Is he ever going to show up?

Oh he just telephoned. He told me to tell you to keep calm.

What does he mean, keep calm? ─ That's what the doctors have told him.

I have a mind to take the dough and go back to New York.

Okay, if that's the way you feel. It's your money.

Uhoh .. now wait a minute. No, no. Don't go off half-cocked.

Ab needs that money, seeing as he's going to become a parent and all.

Now, you just go over there and sit down and make yourself hum.

If he doesn't show up soon, I'll take myself to "hum" on the southbound train.

Tom .. Tom O'Connor.

Tom. ─ Hello Audrey.

Hmm, that's more like my husband. ─ What's the idea of coming home late?

Don't you know a fellow misses his girl. ─ Why Tom.

You've been gone quite a while you know. ─ Well, I had to do the marketing.

What is all this? ─ All what?

All this hocus-pocus. Is something the matter? ─ Nothing, nothing.

That outfit isn't yours, is it? ─ You know very well it isn't mine.

Well, turn it back to them, and buy a new one. And buy yourself a new bonnet.

I say there's nothing better for a woman than a new bonnet. ─ Oh really?

And get yourself a dozen pairs of silk stockings.

You've got nice legs in silk stockings. And some lacy things you know.

You feel alright? ─ Ha! Never felt better in my life.

You haven't been visiting the local speakeasy? ─ Uhuh.

Then .. where are we going to get the money to buy all these things?

Money? .. Oh, oh money.

I uh .. imagine this will take care of things for the present.

A thousand dollars? ─ Uhuh.

Darling, you haven't done something foolish? ─ Sure have.

Where did this come from?

I'm a lawyer Audrey, remember. I'm a Counsel-At-Law.

Well, I'm counseling at law again. That's a retainer. ─ A retainer?

I did a job for Geraldine Atherton. The rest is just an advance.

She's thinking of the future, and the mills may be reopening again.

Oh darling, that's wonderful. ─ Ah, the future.

I'd begun to believe there wasn't any.

Hey! You know what we're going to do? ─ What?

We're going up and over the border. And celebrate. We're going to have a party.

And a lot of good Canadian spirits. ─ That's great. I'll wear my ..

Oh. ─ What's the matter?

We can't go. ─ Why not?

Well, I promised Francine that I'd come over and talk to her after dinner.

Say, what is this? What's Francine Taylor got to do with us?

It's Waldo. She's very much in love with him and Horace is objecting. It's rough.

Oh what's biting Horace? Waldo is a nice guy.

Alright, if you say so. What the heck. We've had our good luck.

Maybe you can bring Francine along darling. We'll celebrate tomorrow night.

I love you.

Uhuh, I'd like to stay, but my husband is expecting me to cook his dinner.

What's he got that I haven't got? I hate that guy ..

Every time I get any place with you, he interferes.

It's life: "Back to the kitchen, slave!" Stick around. We may get rid of him.

[ telephone ]

Hello .. oh hello Horace.

After dinner? Yes, I'll be here. Can't you tell me what it is?

No! No Tom. I'll tell you when I get there.

Please cheer up Dad. ─ Why?

I just know that everything is going to be alright.

If you tell me "it's darkest before dawn, I'll whip the daylights out of you".

Why didn't you tell Tom what you want? ─ On the phone? It's a party line.

You might as well put an Ad in The Bugle.

Keep your fingers crossed, Dad. ─ You're a little late.

Gee Eddie, look. "Lord Gander" ran out of the money. I'd have lost my shirt.

You'll lose your neck if that truck don't show up soon.

It ain't my fault. I don't set the timetable for the trucks we escort.

Aw, shut up. ─ If you say so, Eddie.

Francine. ─ Hmm .. what? ─ A penny for your thoughts.

Uhuh. Too cheap. They're worth twenty years in Sing Sing. ─ What?

If only they had cracked the safe and stolen the $1,000. ─ They? Who?

What do you want them to rob us for?

If they had, Dad wouldn't be in trouble.

What in hell?

But there isn't. ─ I know.

But if they had cracked the safe.

If they thought the money was still in there ..

Well, it's too late.

There really was an echo in that canyon. ─ I bet you enjoyed talking to yourself.

Yes, it's been nice hearing ..

Go get your dinner, Ed. I'll get mine later if I ever get my appetite back.

They say they set a good table down at Windsor. ─ What's at Windsor?

The State Prison. Ha ha ha ..

Two dinners. ─ That will be one dollar.

If you see a big truck go through, let us know will you boss?

Sure. I haven't anything else to think about.

Did you get the money, Horace? ─ Shush ..

What's the matter? Afraid the termites are Cops in disguise?

Do you gentlemen mind if I join you?

Sure. Sit right down and take a load of the floor.

Thank you. I just hate eating alone. ─ Me too. Nothing like a lady for dinner.

Me, I like hockey, he likes horses. ─ Me, I like horses too.

Yeah? ─ Yeah.

Where would Lady Godiva have been without a horse?

Lady Godiva? What track is she running at?

In the Epidermis Handicap at Coventry.

Thank you.

Good evening Mr Peabody. ─ I wish I could say the same. Here ..

For the dinner. ─ Thank you. Everything alright?

Oh I'm fed up to here with this one-horse burgh.

If Follansbee doesn't show up before the 9:30 train, he's out of luck.

But now Mr Peabody, Mr Follansbee is usually a very punctual man.

You know how it is, becoming a father. ─ How would I know? I'm not married.

Well believe me, it's a very trying ordeal .. I remember when I was ..

All I know is, I was meant to give him a grand this morning and he didn't show up.

In fact, the more I think about it, why should I wait for him.?

Why should I grow old in this graveyard? Oh, I'm getting out of here.

Mr Follansbee needs that money badly. ─ Not as badly as I need to get back.

Well, come on. Give me the cash. ─ The cash?

Yes, the cash, the gilt, it's in the safe, a $1,000. The old coot put it there.

Oh the cash! Oh yes, Ed told me all about it. ─ Well?

I beg your pardon? ─ How about it? How about my money?

Ah .. the money .. well .. this is really very embarrassing.

But as a matter of fact .. ─ Now look .. let's keep it simple.

There's the receipt. Now make with the money.

That's what I was trying to tell you.

This is ridiculous. ─ It's getting to be, yes.

I mean me, as the owner of the hotel, not knowing the combination to the safe.

You mean you don't know ..? ─ Nothing to worry. The clerk knows it.

Alright, I'll get him. ─ No, no Mr Peabody.

It's humiliating enough for me not to know the combination.

But instead of having to send you on a minion's errand.

I don't mind. I'd like to take another squint at that nifty little waitress.

I'll get her, I mean him. You stay right there. You ..

Ed. come on. ─ What's the idea?

You got something in your eye, Eddie.

He wears it well, doesn't he.

Ed, you've got to get out of here. ─ Get out of where?

Peabody wants his money. I told him only you had the combination for the safe.

Go in the kitchen. Hide there until I give you the word.

But I didn't have my dessert. ─ Oh, there's plenty left.

If he see you, I'm sunk. Francine, get him out of here.

We can't hide him forever. That Peabody will just wait.

And chances are, if he waits too long, he'll just send for the Sheriff.

"Time" is all I need. I've got to see Tom O'Connor.

Go on, Uncle Ed.

But it's rice pudding, and you know I like pudding. It agrees with me.

Hurry! Hurry! ─ There's a pan full of it on the stove.

Francine! Francine, you've got to do something for your father.

You've got to make a great sacrifice. ─ Anything, if it will help.

You've got to vamp Mr Peabody. ─ Now, wait a minute.

I'm being serious. Just get him out of the hotel.

Take him for a walk. Just give me a chance to see Tom O'Connor.

I did say "anything" didn't I? ─ Yes. ─ Alright.

But if it was anybody but you. ─ Bless you, Francine.

Right. Go on to the desk. I'll be out in a minute.

Hiya beautiful. I've been waiting for you.

Everything okay? ─ Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed.

Have you got the combination? ─ As a matter of fact, no. ─ What?

Now don't get excited, there is nothing to be excited about.

Nothing? There's a thousand bucks to get excited about.

And it's quite safe and sound, right in here.

And I want it safe and sound right in .. ─ Oh! Excuse me.

Maybe you didn't hear me, but I'm getting out of here.

Well, as a matter of fact there's a slight delay.

Never mind the delays, I'm getting on the 9.30 train.

Get a locksmith! Get my dough out of there.

That won't be necessary .. yes, Francine? ─ I'll go for a walk Daddy. Do you mind?

Well, daughter, you know I don't approve of you going out after dark alone.

Oh Daddy, I've been in all day. ─ Yes, yes. I know.

Of course, if you could find somebody .. ─ Say a little walk would do me good.

Well, Mr Peabody, that's nice of you. ─ Yeah? Okay by you, Miss .. ?

Taylor. Miss Taylor. Thank you Mr Peabody, that's very sweet of you.

Yeah? I thought you put the chill on me. ─ Oh, how ever could you think that?

I just don't want to put you out.

I'll have that little matter attended to by the time you get back.

Alright Pop, see you in an hour.

Ed, for heaven's sake. ─ is the coast clear?

Yes, come on. Come on.

Watch out for those termites, Horace. ─ How do you spell "Coventry"?

With a "K".

You watch the desk and keep your mouth shut. If you see Peabody before I do ..

You faint, go unconscious, anything. ─ I never fainted in my life.

You'll faint if you see him, or I'll see that you faint permanently.

I've got another one that will slay you. ─ But my ancestors wouldn't approve.

Thanks for the laughs, boys. Goodnight. ─ Goodnight, lady.

If you're ever short of a snort, give me a call in New York.

Thank you. Goodnight. ─ Goodnight.

"It was me that got Horace in this jam, and it was up to me get him out."

"Then I thought of a plan."

Say, say there, your fellows.

Come here a minute.

Will you do me a favor? ─ Sure thing, Pop.

Will you watch the desk for a while? I wouldn't ask you ordinarily, only ..

There's a thousand dollars in the safe.

In cash, and I'm supposed to guard it. ─ Go right ahead, Pop.

Me and Eddie will watch it like it was our very own.

Well, that's right neighborly of you, I'll only be gone a minute, maybe longer.

That thing is a cracker-box. It was built in 1890.

Yeah, I used to crack that model twice a week, when I was learning the business.

Gee Eddie, I bet you was a beautiful safe-cracker.

Not bad, if I do say it myself. ─ Is it hard to open?

Yeah, not as hard as opening a pack of cigarettes.

A thousand bucks, huh ..

Hey Eddie, could you learn me how to open the safe?

It depends on your touch. ─ Well, go and open it, just for fun.

For fun? ─ Well then, for a grand.

The thing is, Pop kind of put us on our honor.

Yeah .. what's that?

You got a point there.

It's all in the touch of the fingers.

No you don't Rocky. ─ What's the idea?

It's like I said. The old man put us on our honor.

Yeah, but I don't get it. ─ It's like giving your word.

And you give your word, it's like giving your bond. See? ─ Yeah.

When you give your word, you can't double-cross a pal. ─ You can't?

That's what I said. It's like honor among thieves.

It ain't ethical that we should break our word of honor. You understand?

Yeah. ─ Good.

But what's that got to do with us breaking open the safe?

Okay if you say so, Eddie.

I say so.

Tom!

Tom, I've got to talk to you. ─ Hello Horace.

I couldn't explain over the telephone .. party line.

It would have been all over town.

A story about Francine and the cattle.

Yes. Tom, listen to me.

I'm listening Horace. ─ I'm in trouble.

I'm in awful trouble. I've done a terrible thing.

You better come into the house and tell me all about it

Yes, well, you see. No, no. I can't go. I've got to get that money.

What money? ─ It wasn't mine. Don't you understand?

It wasn't mine and I thought it was, and that's why I gave it to J.J.

Now take it easy Horace. Let me get this straight.

You owed J.J. some money, and you paid with funds that didn't belong to you?

That's right and I've got to get that thousand dollars back.

You were not aware that the funds you transferred did not really belong to you?

No, they belonged to Ab Follansbee.

Oh. Does Ab know that you misappropriated it?

Don't use a word like that. Ab doesn't know because the money hasn't ..

Exactly .. reached him. You see it belongs to another fellow, Mr Peabody.

You're not making sense. If you want me to help you, you've got to make sense.

Now, tell me the truth.

Look .. the money was in the safe. I thought it was mine .. I took it.

No intent to steal. No intent to defraud. ─ Only an intent to pay my debt.

It's a difficult case Horace. A very difficult case.

Ipso facto, no proof of criminal intent.

Don't say criminal! Look Tom, you've got to help me get that money back.

I'll pay you anything. ─ Don't worry about a retainer Horace.

I'll do all I can to help you.

Now .. as your lawyer ─ As my lawyer? ─ Yes.

First .. prove that your assumption that the money was yours is valid.

Or the District Attorney ..

District Attorney? What are you talking about? I don't want a lawyer.

I don't want a District Attorney. All I want the money. I need that money.

Hang on to yourself.

The money, the money. I've got to have that $1,000.

I gave it to J.J. He gave it to Geraldine, she gave it to you.

I've got to get it and put it back in the safe.

Oh. ─ Oh, he says! Tom ..

Oh I see. Well, I'm terribly sorry Horace. I misunderstood you.

I'd be glad to help you out. ─ Oh thank heavens.

I'd really be glad to .. if I had it.

It sounded like you said "if you had it".

I did say so. Audrey's got it now. ─ Oh no.

I gave it to her only a few minutes ago,

Why not ask her for it? She couldn't have spent it. The shops are all closed.

Where is she? ─ She went to the Inn to see Francine.

To see Francine? A thousand dollars .. ─ Horace! Horace, take it easy ..*

Knock, knock. ─ Who's there?

Francie. ─ Francie who?

Francy meeting you here! Hoo, hoo! Brother Peabody you're killing me.

Oh, hello Tom. ─ Francine, where's Audrey?

Audrey? ─ You heard me.

Now wait a second, brother. ─ You keep out of this .. Francine?

Why, I haven't seen her. ─ She said she going over to see you.

Oh gosh, I forgot. I must have missed her. I'll get right back to the Inn.

Who's Audrey? Is she that good-looking piece I saw going into that guy's room?

Which guy? ─ Wait a second. I'm a stranger here.

Which guy?

The artist. "Williams" his name is. ─ Is Audrey with Waldo Williams?

Now Tom, listen to me. ─ So that's why you're out with this.

Tom! ─ Hey! ─ Oh shut up!

Welcome to Silver Creek Inn. ─ Where's Audrey O'Connor?

Phone her. ─ She's not home.

I just came from there. Tom said she was here.

I ain't seen her. Maybe she went by. Maybe she's out with Francine.

Francine is out with that Peabody fellow. ─ Oh .. she must be hard up.

If they come back, you tell them I'm out, stall them.

I've got to find Audrey O'Connor if I have to telephone everybody in town.

Wait, now.

Well, that just about does it .. I hope Tom likes it.

Oh he'll love it .. show me it.

Wait until I swing it around and you'll get a better perspective.

Welcome to Silver Creek .. ─ Where's Waldo Williams room?

Oh Tom. How's Audrey? ─ What's the number of Waldo's room?

Number sixteen. Goodnight.

Tom! Wait!

Tom! Tom, don't you go in there. You'll spoil the surprise.

Tom! ─ Hello Tom.

Surprise, eh?

Tom, are you out of your mind?

You didn't have to do things this way, Audrey.

Hurray .. you're jealous.

Look.

It's all yours. We've just finished it.

You mean .. this?

That's the little plan I had to cure your loneliness.

Audrey. It's ..

It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

Now, I'll always be with you.

Mrs Atherton was right.

I've been a fool. ─ You go right on being a fool.

Wake up Bill! .. Waldo ..

Waldo ..

I'm terribly sorry Francine. ─ That's okay.

It's alright. I can't thank you enough. Not in a thousand years. Thanks, pal.

Maybe it's me that's crazy. ─ Oh Bill.

Your painting is really lovely. ─ Isn't it wonderful.

You are a great artist.

No, not right now. Maybe later, perhaps. ─ No, now ..

That's right. It's a masterpiece.

Do you really think so?

Well, I'll be running along, Horace. ─ Alright Ed. Goodnight.

Come on, hand it over.

There's something I wanted to tell you. ─ Tell him to give me a grand!

Hang it all, I can't remember a word of it with him interrupting all the time.

Probably isn't important.

The thing is, it was important. ─ I'll say it was.

Now you'll remember tomorrow. You can tell then if I'm still here.

The only thing is, I hate forgetting. Folks will be saying I'm getting old.

I wish getting old was the only thing I had to worry about.

I don't worry about it. If I don't get old I'll be dead.

Now, you get hold of a good criminal lawyer, Horace.

Hold everything Taylor.

Something, Mr Peabody? ─ I'm blowing out. Give me that dough.

Yes, but what about Ab Follansbee? ─ I'm getting the 9:30 to New York.

And if he doesn't like it he can lump it. ─ Watch your language Mr Peabody.

Give me my dough, give me my dough. ─ I will not. ─ What?

I will not turn over that money to you. It belongs to Mr Ab Follansbee.

He is a friend of mine. ─ Horace!

Ab Follansbee.

Horace. Congratulations.

Have a cigar. I'm a father.

Myra just had twins, twin boys. Have two cigars.

Congratulations .. twins. Wonderful .. saves time. Boys? Girls?

Of course, what else would you expect. ─ Are you Follansbee?

Is your name Ab Follansbee? ─ Here, young fellah, take it easy.

I'm the one that just had twins. Not you. I mean, my wife.

You are Ab Follansbee? ─ That's me right enough.

My name is Peabody. Acme Agency. I've been here all day waiting for you.

Well Mr Peabody, glad to see you. Cigar? ─ Thank you very much.

I got the money for you. Okay, pal, hand over the money. ─ Money?

Don't tell me you haven't got the combination.

Shucks! Horace knows the combination of that lock like it was his own birthday.

Oh sure, but ..

Step on it Taylor, I've got to catch that train.

I just heard something .. the safe is jammed .. there is something wrong.

I've got to fix the combination. I'm getting a locksmith.

You don't need a locksmith. ─ But I do, I do.

Eddie will open it for you. ─ Sure.

There ain't nothing to it. A baby could open it.

It worked fine before. ─ Before?

The old man opened it. ─ Get the Sheriff. ─ Sheriff?

We don't need no Sheriff. Nobody's going to heist this dough with us around.

You said it Eddie.

Horace .. I just remembered what I forget to tell you to remember.

Waldo paid up his bill. He sold the painting to Audrey O'Connor.

A thousand dollars. The money is right there in the safe.

There you are.

I'll be running along. So long, Horace.

Good old Waldo. ─ Come on, come on.

There you are Mr Peabody. Count it if you please. We don't want any mistakes.

Nine, ten. One thousand. ─ A receipt if you please.

Alright. Here you are.

There you are, sir. One thousand dollars.

A lot of money to take home in the dark. I'll leave it in the safe for the night.

Oh no. No, nothing doing. I don't want to have any responsibility.

Goodbye Mr Follansbee. ─ Here, just a second young fellah.

Will you do some business for me? ─ Why sure, for the usual fee.

Well, this money don't rightly belong to me.

Would you take it to New York and pay the Big-Dig tractor company?

You can collect your fee from them. ─ What?

Yup. They was going to take my tractor. Owed them three back payments.

This thousand makes it mine.

If you want us to pay the money in New York, why didn't you ask?

Instead of having me come way up here. ─ I don't know. I never thought of it.

You never ..

Yes, sir Mr Follansbee. If we can be of any further service, get in touch.

Well, so long everybody. I've got to get that train. Take care of your nickels.

If you don't mind waiting around a bit, we can give you a lift back to New York.

Yeah, we'd like to take you for a nice, long ride. ─ No thank you.

"Well, there you have it. The story of the thousand dollars."

"It arrived in Silver Creek at noon, and left again at nine at night."

"And in that short time, it solved a lot of problems."

"Maybe that this broom would sweep away the depression."

"It brought a young couple a bright hope in the future."

"And a thousand dollars bought a portrait."

"A symbol of permanence and security."

"For a marriage headed for the rocks through vain pride and misunderstanding."

"It helped an old skinflint pay off his back-rent."

"But it didn't square his debt to his maker."

"It saved the Inn from the auctioneer's hammer."

"And it started something between a couple of old hearts."

"You'd have thought too tough for Cupid's arrows."

"And while that money had nothing to do with Ab Follansbee having twins."

"It did save his tractor."

Strangely enough, that money didn't belong to any of those people ..

But Ab Follansbee .. and maybe it didn't belong to him.

That's quite a story Uncle Ed, but what became of the gold?

What gold?

The gold you stored in these boxes in '33.

Oh, we went off the gold standard,

And it was a crime to hoard gold. They used it for filling teeth.

When they could find teeth to fill.

What's so funny?

I was just thinking what a joke it would be if we went back on the gold standard.

And they .. made you turn in all that cash. Ha! They could do it too.

Anything can happen.

Ed, you're absolutely right. Well, what should I do?

Take that money in the bank and put it back in circulation.

Didn't you get the point of my story? That thousand dollars circulated.

Money is like blood. No good unless it's circulating.

You're absolutely right. Jim .. Jim! Let me out of here.

I'm going to put this money in the bank.

For your information .. I wish everybody would do that.

Well .. goodbye Jim. ─ Goodbye Uncle Ed.

T-G