All language subtitles for Million Dollar Mermaid碧水美人魚

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[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

(male narrator)
This is lovely Sydney Harbor

in the year 1900

when Australia
was still thought of

by the rest of the world

as the home
of the bush and the boomerang.

But in the growing town
of Sydney

culture had moved in.

And the sounds of those
three famous B's

Bach, Brahms, and Beethoven

were already being
heard in the land.

[harp music]

[violin music]

[piano music]

Mozart is very quiet
in here, Annette.

Oh-ho, daddy.

[piano music]

Baby, you mustn't be
envious of the others.

I know how much you'd like
to be out there with 'em

playing and dancing

but music can be
the source of happiness, too.

It's given me great happiness.

- Yes, daddy.
- That's my girl.

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

No. C-sharp, Mr. Kramer.
C-sharp.

[music continues]

Mr. Kellerman, Annette is gone.
She has disappeared again.

But I just left her
upstairs.

Excuse me, Mr. Kramer, will you?

I can't understand.

Where in the world
has that child wandered?

Mr. Kellerman, I cannot
look after her every minute

and take care of the house
at the same time.

- I have my chores--
- Marie, please.

I'm not blaming you,
tell Mr. Kramer

I'll be back shortly.

I'm going to find out
once and for all

where that child goes.

[instrumental music]

Annette!

Annette!

[dramatic music]

Annette!

Annette!

Annette, what are you doing?

Hello, daddy!

Annette,
you come right back here.

Come right back here.

Annette, my baby.

In heaven's name..

...whatever possessed you?

You might have drowned.

I can't drown, daddy.

- And why not?
- Because I've learned to swim.

Is this where you've been
coming every day?

Yes.

Darling, I've got to be
very cross with you.

You know what the doctor said

that your legs would never
be strong enough for..

...for what other children do.

But my legs are strong.

The strongest they've been
since I was sick.

I can even walk better

and without my braces.

Watch.

Swimming can't hurt me.

How can anything hurt

when it makes you feel so good?

Please let me come back here
and swim again.

Darling, we'll come back
here
and swim every day.

[instrumental music]

[gunshot]

[music continues]

[music continues]

By your victory today,
Ms. Kellerman

you attain permanent possession
of this trophy

emblematic of the Amateur
Freestyle Championship

of New South Wales.

[cheering]

Thank you.

This is getting to
be a habit, Annette.

What do you do
with all these cups?

They're crowding dad
right out of his study.

[crowd laughing]

[crowd applauding]

Thank you.

(Mrs. Graves)
'It's a blow to us,
Mr. Kellerman.'

'I knew you would understand.'

(Frederick)
'Only too well, Mrs. Graves.'

This financial crisis
has affected all of us.

I, uh, hope that John

won't have to give up
his music permanently.

I hope not. Goodbye.
Goodbye, Ms. Kellerman.

- Bye.
- Goodbye, Johnny. Good luck.

- Dad?
- Hmm?

Look.

The Amateur Championship.

Permanent possession.

Wonderful, darling.
I am so proud of you.

Oh.

You know, why does it
always have to be a cup?

We could use a new tea service.

Oh, speaking of tea,
would you like some?

Um..

No, I don't think so, honey.

Thank you.

- Annette?
- Hmm?

'I'm, uh, closing
the conservatory.'

The, uh, few pupils we have left
hardly pay expenses.

Dad..

Now, now, now,
we're not charity cases yet.

I wrote my old friend,
Thomas Crocker

of the Crocker Conservatory
in London.

He's offered me a post
as his assistant.

It's a, it's a big move
for both of us, I know

but there are times when
we have to make decisions

and this is the biggest
decision of my life.

[sighs]

Dad, if it's money,
you-you don't have to.

Why, I could teach swimming
or maybe even turn professional.

The-there were nearly
th-thousand people--

No.

Darling, swimming is your hobby

and I want it
to remain just that.

It's blessed you
with good health

and for this, I'm grateful.

But as a career, uh, no.

Your-your music and-and
ballet
come first.

London will give you a
chance
to go on with your studies.

It may be the best thing
for both of us.

Well, in that case, what's
everyone looking so glum about?

[laughing]

One thing I know, dad.

The Kellermans will always eat.

Oh, yes.

[laughing]

[instrumental music]

Come on, dad,
let's walk some more.

Bet you've had me around this
deck six times since breakfast.

- You're acting like an old man.
- I am an old man.

[laughs]

(Doc)
'Hold it, Sydney.
Hold it, Sydney boy!'

- 'Wait a minute.'
- Look out!

[clamoring]

Come back here, you! Sydney!

[clamoring]

Atta boy, Doc.

[indistinct shouting]

(Doc)
Wait a minute, Sydney!
Wait a min..

- You okay?
- 'I'll let you know.'

Oh, wait till I get
my dentist bill.

- 'Easy, Sydney boy.'
- What did I tell you?

He's got the greatest left hand
in the business.

Dynamite in both fists.

I'm sorry, folks, I hope
he didn't scare you too much

but, uh, Sydney gets the feeling

there's oaths
every now and then.

What's going on here?

Did you take that roo
out of the hold again?

Uh, look, purser,
I assure you--

Don't bother to assure me.
I've warned you repeatedly.

Sullivan, I've had
quite enough out of you.

That beast is a menace.

Only in the prize ring,
I assure you.

In the prize ring,
he's a killer.

But, out of the ring, why

he's as gentle as a lamb.

- Look, I tell you--
- I tell you.

You keep that beast below decks

or I'll put him off
in the next port.

And you with him.

Don't look at me.
This ain't my idea.

- Take him below, Doc.
- Now look, you.

You hit me once more when
I ain't looking, so help me

I'll kick you
right in the pouch.

Now, come on, behave yourself.

And keep him there.

Man's inhumanity to animals.

I hope it didn't
scare you too much.

Oh, no.
I'm very fond of kangaroos.

Uh, you say he boxes?

Boxes?
Let me tell you something.

This is the greatest act
I've ever uncovered.

Why, if Sydney were a man

he'd be the next champ,
take my word for it.

Oh, we have no reason not
to.

Well, sure, he's frisky
and full of energy

but out of the ring, why,
he wouldn't hurt a flea.

Your friend doesn't
seem to think so.

Doc?

Oh, Doc take things
too seriously.

He's been training fighters
for years

and he expects the kangaroo
to act the same way.

As a matter of fact, we were
barnstorming with a fighter

when we first met Sydney.

A middleweight named,
uh, Tiger Driscold.

We'd offer a bonus for anybody
who'd go two rounds with him.

One day, this fellow comes along

leading a kangaroo.

One punch, just one punch,
imagine.

I hocked everything I had
to buy him.

Well, let's, uh, hope your
investment proves a sound risk.

Thanks. I have a hunch
it's the blue chips this time.

Oh, uh,
are you bound for London, too?

Yes, if this boat
ever gets there.

My daughter's first visit.

She's, uh, going to study
for the ballet.

Oh, in honor of that, you must
be my guest at Sydney's opening.

Look me up personally,
no charges.

- Well, that's very kind of you.
- Thank you.

Just ask for Jimmy Sullivan.

James Sullivan, proprietor
of Sullivan's Wonder Show.

Ah, I'm, uh, Frederick Kellerman

and this is my daughter,
Annette.

Annette Kellerman.
You're the swimmer.

- Uh-huh.
- Saw your picture in the paper.

That was an awful picture.

My daughter has just won the
Amateur Freestyle Championship

of New South Wales.

Set a new record in the presence
of two thousand people.

- Dad.
- But you did.

That's a lot of people.

Oh, well, swimming's
very popular in Australia.

I can understand why.

Well, nice to have met you,
Mr. Sullivan.

Uh, I hope Sydney's
a big success.

Thanks.

♪ Let me call you sweetheart ♪

♪ I'm in love with you ♪

♪ Let me hear you whisper ♪

♪ That you love me too ♪

♪ Keep the love light glowing ♪

♪ In your eyes all true ♪

♪ Let me call you sweetheart ♪♪

Forgive the intrusion.

But would you be interested
in a shipboard romance?

Oh, hello.

You know, I've been
standing over there watching you

for the past ten minutes.

I know. Women always know
when men are watching them.

Then maybe you noticed
the puzzled look on my face?

And I kept asking myself

how a girl as pretty as you
can break swimming records.

And how a girl
who breaks swimming records

can insist on ballet dancing
as a career.

- What's wrong with the ballet?
- Oh, I don't know.

I guess I've always
associated it

with long hair and swans.

Oh, and I'm more
of the duck type?

No, what I mean is that..

Well, whatever type you are

it must be my type.

I meet a girl
for the first time two days ago

and I can't get her
out of my mind.

I keep saying to myself

"Sullivan,
this is without a doubt

the prettiest girl
you've ever met."

And a voice comes back.

"Nonsense, it's
a tropical night, the stars.

You have jungle blood."

And then I reply

"But you've seen
tropical nights before

"and you don't have
hot jungle blood.

"You're just a crazy Irish
man
from Boston

who runs a carnival."

An-and what reply
did you get to that?

None. I'm on my own now.

Annette, please don't
think I'm forward

but there's something
I must ask you.

There's something
I must get off my chest.

Yes?

Annette, I want to manage
you.

Manage? Did-did you say manage?

Yes.

[laughs]

Well, what's the matter?

Nothing. I'm sorry.

Look, I know a great bet
when I see one.

If two thousand people
would come to see you in Sydney

five thousand, ten thousand
will pay to see you in
London.

I'll give the act
a new twist, a little zip.

Not just swimming.
Oh, I can see it now.

Annette Kellerman,
the Australian Mermaid.

Half-woman, half-fish.

'I'll build you a little tank
and make you up'

'to look like a real mermaid,
scaly tail and all.'

Why, you may be a bigger
draw
than the kangaroo.

- I doubt it.
- Good evening.

Mr. Sullivan,
for your information

my daughter is not
half-woman, half-fish.

She is, I assure you, all woman.

Oh, I couldn't agree
with you more.

Furthermore, she is not
interested in swimming

either professionally
or as a career

nor in diving into a tank,
nor wearing a mermaid's tail.

Her sole interest is the ballet.

- Mine is music.
- But, Mr. Keller--

I don't wish to discuss it
any further.

But, look,
this is the greatest idea..

- Jimmy.
- What's the matter?

It's Sydney.
He-he broke loose again.

- Where is he now?
- Up on the captain's bridge.

Holy smokes!

[indistinct shouting]

[ship horn blaring]

(Doc)
'Hold him still, captain!
Hold him still!'

[instrumental music]

But I, I don't understand.

Is there no one running
the conservatory now?

No one, sir.

- I'm the only one here.
- Hmm.

Since poor Mr. Crocker died

they just closed the place down.

I see.

Well, thank you.

Thank you very much.

Annette, I don't know
what to say.

Most of our funds
went for passage.

It-it's only one gate
that's closed, dad.

Don't worry.

The Kellermans will always eat.

Three, four, five.

That's one pound five.

There you are, miss.

Thank you, Mr. Davis.

It's a real big one this time.

Mm-hmm.

Uh, I-I was wondering

you don't have any
connections
in the ballet, do you?

Yes, dozens of connections.

Oh.

Oh, well, thank you again,
Mr. Davis.

Good luck.

[doorbell ringing]

Greetings.

- Why, Jimmy and Doc.
- Hi, Annette.

I'm glad to see you.

Yeah, we just dropped by to
brush up on our piano
lessons.

Oh, well-well,
won't you come in?

Saw the sign outside.
Any customers?

No, you're the first.

[sniffing]

Mm. What smells so good?

I'm making an Australian stew.

Uh, what's that?

Same as Irish stew

only the meat's down under.

[laughing]

Well, that's too bad,
we dropped by

to invite you and your father
out to dinner.

Yeah. Out to dinner?
Oh, yeah, dinner.

We found the nicest little place
down at Piccadilly.

Uh, French cuisine.

You weren't going to do
anything of the kind.

But you're invited to stay

and sample my cooking
if you'd like to.

- Oh, no.
- No.

We wouldn't think
of imposing on you.

There's plenty, and I insist.

Well, I guess it's better
than bucking the crowns

dressing and all that.

Besides, I'm getting awfully
tired of those rich foods.

- We'll stay.
- Wonderful.

Make yourselves comfortable
and I'll get things ready.

(James)
'Thanks.'

(Annette)
'By the way, how's Sydney?'

Oh, sensational.

He's developed
a one-two punch.

Yeah, and I've got
the jaw to prove it.

Yes, the greatest act
ever put under a tent.

There's only one thing wrong.

No one knows about it.

That's where you come in.

That's where I come in?

We figured if we could
get enough people down there

the rest would
take care of itself.

So, we thought maybe
if you'd be interested in, uh

'well, making a little money.'

Money? How?

Well, the idea I had in mind
was a swim down the Thames.

Maybe five or six miles,
ending up at the carnival.

We'd follow you
in a row boat, of course.

Yeah, if Sydney could swim,
we wouldn't be bothering
you.

(James)
'We'll pay you five pounds'

'and 50 percent
of the first day's proceeds.'

Well, uh, if-if you're going
to stage a swim

why don't you make it
a real one?

What do you mean?

Well, that six miles
won't impress anybody.

But 26 miles might.

Twenty-six miles?

Holy smoke!
I can't even row that far.

[ship horn blaring]

I can't understand
what happened to the reporters.

I notified the press.

Maybe they thought
we were crackpots.

I wouldn't blame 'em.

Nobody would ever
think of doing this.

I think we'd better start.

- How do you feel?
- Cold.

I can't see two feet
ahead of me.

Which way do we go?

Just point the boat down river.

Ready, honey?

- Good luck, honey.
- Good luck, Annette.

Well, Sydney, here we come.

(James)
Annette, where are you?

(Annette)
Here!

[boat engine rumbling]

Blimey!
There's a girl in the water.

Look out, Annette!

'Annette, look out!'

Hang on, miss.
We'll toss you a line!

Ne-never mind that.

Wh-which way to Greenwich?

That way.

Thank you.

Greenwich?

Greenwich?

Did she say Greenwich?

(James)
How do you feel?

(Annette)
I could swim 50 miles
in this current.

Save your strength, honey.

You'll need it
when we hit the tides.

(male #1)
'Great Scott! Look what
some girl's trying to do.'

'Get after this story.'

'She'll never get past
the Tower Bridge.'

Australian girl
in marathon swim.

Australian girl
in marathon swim.

Australian..

- There she is.
- Yes, sir.

There's Westminster Bridge.

What are all those buildings?

Parliament. And that's Big Ben.

Beautiful sight, isn't it?

I can think of a prettier sight.

(James)
'What's that?'

Food. I'm starving.

(James)
'We'll eat in a half hour.
Keep swimming.'

Hey, Doc,
look at all those people.

(male #2)
'Come on, girl.'

[indistinct chatter]

- There she is.
- Yes, sir. There she is.

[crowd cheering]

(male #2)
'Take it down.'

- Good girl!
- Good going!

[indistinct chatter]

What about that food?

- Doc?
- Yeah.

Where's the hamper?

- What hamper? Oh.
- 'What hamper?'

The lunch hamper.

The hamper with the food

you were supposed to bring.

Did-didn't you bring it?

Didn't I bring it?

Maybe if we,
maybe if we don't bring it
up

she'll forget the whole
thing.

"Maybe she'll forget
the whole thing."

I can't keep going much longer.

Where are we gonna
get any grub

in the middle
of the Thames River?

I don't know,
but we've got to get something

or she'll pass out.

There's Tower Port.

Drop me off there and I'll see
what I can wrestle up.

What's happening? Where is she?

There's the boat.
He's coming back.

That fat lady gave me this.

And the pretty nurse
gave me this.

Not a bad haul, huh?

Yeah, but all that food
and nothing to drink.

I took care of that, too.

Can't you row any faster?

What do you think I am,
the Cambridge crew?

[clamoring]

Lunch. Come and get it.

Not exactly
a seven-course dinner

'but it's the best I could do.'

- They just went for food.
- She was hungry.

She'll never make Greenwich.

There's a strong tide coming in.

She'll make it. She'll make it.

That's my daughter, you know.
She's my daughter.

- Your daughter?
- Yeah.

Current's turning against her.

[ship horn blaring]

[blaring continues]

I hope you know
the tide's moving in

like a wall.

I know when we're licked.

Swing alongside of her, Doc.
We'll pull her in.

- Do you mean quit?
- That's what I said.

Can't let her kill herself
for five pounds.

Well, maybe if we went--

Doc, I said, pull her in.

(James)
That's enough, honey.
Come on, aboard.

- I'll make it.
- Don't be silly.

(James)
There's always another time.

No. No, leave me.

You'll kill yourself
fighting this tide.

I can't give up now.

I just can't.

[ship horn honking]

Hey, Jimmy. What's that?

[ship horn honking]

Greenwich. It's Greenwich.

We're just about a mile away.

'Do you think
you can hold out, honey?'

I'll make it.

I-I know I can.

What do you think
of a girl like that?

[ship horn honking]

[crowd cheering]

[dramatic music]

"Daily Express."
Can you answer a few questions?

(male #3)
'Can you hold it
for a picture, Ms. Kellerman?'

- 'Just for a moment--'
- Gentlemen, please, please.

Ms. Kellerman is exhausted.

Give her a chance
to catch her breath.

[crowd cheering]

She'll answer
all your questions.

She'll be over at my office
at the corner.

- Alright, come on.
- Let's follow them.

Just take it easy.

[cheering continues]

(male #4)
'When did you first begin
to get taught, Ms. Kellerman?'

(male #5)
'Did you swim
as far as this in Australia?'

How long-how long did
it take you to train?

Give us a good story,
Ms. Kellerman.

Please, one at a time.
Which question first?

(male #4)
'Tell us about your training,
Ms. Kellerman.'

(male #6)
'Do you swim every day,
do ya?'

(Annette)
'Well, that all depends.'

'Oh, oh, gentlemen.
I'm so tired.'

(Doc)
'Kangaroo with a human frame.'

'He waved, he boxed'

he strikes
with the force of a pile--

Where's the girl
who made the swim?

Over there.

How's the house?

Fine, but the people
ain't in it.

If you ask me,
I think we're selling tickets

for the wrong attraction.

Start the show.

I'll see if I can get
the press over here.

And bring me back some
black coffee, will you?

'I'm dead on my feet.'

Sullivan, you have to
get her out of there.

The child's so exhausted,
she can barely hold her head up.

I'll see what I can do.

Yes, I, I was born in Sydney

and, and my first distance..

Alright, gentlemen.
That's it for now.

Ms. Kellerman will be available
for further interviews tomorrow.

Thank you very much.

Goodnight, Ms. Kellerman.
Thank you very much.

(James)
'In the meantime,
let me call your attention'

to another visitor
from Australia.

Not as pretty as Ms. Kellerman

but in his own way,
just as renowned.

- 'Very sorry.'
- But look, I..

Aren't you going to see
the kangaroo?

Poor Sydney.

Looks like you really
put him out of business.

[instrumental music]

Jimmy?

[music continues]

Okay. Okay.
Take it easy. Take it easy.

Now you're full of ginger.

Last night,
you couldn't draw a fly.

And we're prepared
to offer Ms. Kellerman

eight pounds a week
for such a series of swims.

Well, she's still asleep

and I doubt very much
if she'd be interested.

Alright-o, well,
if there's any change

you can reach me
at "The Daily Mirror."

"Doubt if she'd be interested?"

What are you, nuts?

- Good morning.
- 'Good morning.'

- Good morning, Doc.
- Hiya.

Good morning, Sydney.

You can tell your boss he's
got the most comfortable bed

I ever slept in.

You might as well
face it, professor.

Your daughter here
is a celebrated woman.

She's already received
a dozen offers of employment.

- Employment? What kind?
- Every kind.

Personal appearances, swimming
events, diving exhibits.

The Hedge and Hound Club
wants you to open

their duck shooting season.

The Crystal Palace would like
to know if you could sing.

And then there was a chap
here a minute ago

from "The Daily Mirror.

His paper wants to sponsor
a series of swims

at beach resorts.
Offered eight pounds a week.

Well, yo-yo-you didn't let him
get away, did you?

You accepted?

No.

Well, then, which offer
did you accept?

None, you don't think
for a minute

I'll let you fall
for any of these chicken feed.

Eight pounds
to swim around the ocean?

What kind of a future
is there in that?

Future?
Who's thinking about the future?

I am, maybe you don't realize it

but you've struck gold,
pay dirt.

Those crowds
that came last night

they didn't come to see to
see me, they came to see you.

And I, for one, intend to see
that you capitalize on it.

Uh, what do you propose to
do?

I propose to stage a show.
Our own show, a water carnival.

- A water carnival?
- Why not?

It's something brand new. We get
a tank and we charge admission.

Our own private ocean.
Oh, I can see it now.

The people flocking to see

the gorgeous mermaid
from down under.

I see something beautiful,
something graceful, a ballet.

That's it.
A water ballet except the music.

Just a moment. Uh..

All this sounds
highly imaginative

but where would you stage
such an event

and, and where can you find
a tank big enough

for what you describe?

The tank is already built
and waiting for us.

Did you ever hear
of the New York Hippodrome?

The Hippodrome?

- New York?
- My dear boy, really.

Three thousand miles away.

Well, what of it?

It's the biggest tank
in the world

and the largest theater
in the world.

And the longest swim
in the world.

Surely,
you must be joking.

How could we get
to New York City?

Jimmy, it's a wonderful idea

but really,
dad and I couldn't pay

for a trip to Liverpool,
let alone--

Who said anything
about you paying for this?

Anyone who travels with Sullivan

travels first class,
all expenses paid.

Look, I happen to know
the owners

of the Hippodrome personally.

Had a concession
when they rented Luna Park.

Now, let's show
we're enough to go

for this little idea
in a second.

But how could you
afford the fares?

I thought you were, I-I
mean--

Broke? Perhaps.

But Mr. Kellerman, I have
such confidence in this idea

that I'm willing to sacrifice
my entire assets.

Hah! What assets?

Oh, Jimmy, no.

Come here, Doc.

Look, I want you to put
Sydney in the wagon.

There's a circus coming to town.

I'm sure we can get
a good price for him.

Sydney?

Go ahead.

(James)
'Now, Mr. Kellerman, look.'

'There's lots of things
I'd like to discuss with you.'

'This could be..'

Now, don't take this
too hard, old timer.

That's show business.

One minute you're up,
the next minute you're..

[grunts]

[instrumental music]

Say, maybe you want to go back

to the boarding house,
huh, Mr. Kellerman?

No, no, we said
we'd wait for them.

I'll be alright.

Take it easy, pop.
Do you want to sit down?

No, no. I'll be alright.

You know, this is
a big proposition, real big.

Don't you worry about Sullivan.

He could sell
water wings to a duck.

I'm becoming aware of that.

Here I am,
ten thousand miles from home

in a strange city, and..

...completely dependent
upon your persuasive friend.

You know, they're,
they're liable to be in there

for some time, Mr. Kellerman.

Come on, we'd better go home.

Yeah. Perhaps you're right.

Everybody wants to be
an impresario.

Everybody has the world's

greatest idea
for the Hippodrome.

Well, mine isn't the world's
greatest, Mr. Harper

but it's a colorful
and exploitable package.

Oh, it's good. It's one
of the best I've heard.

And I compliment you
on your showmanship.

But I can't use it.

You can't use it? But--

I simply dare not risk it
on an unknown girl.

Unknown?

Take a look at these clippings.

They're impressive.

(Harper)
'They're very impressive,
but it happened in London.'

'In New York, the story
was just a squib.'

I can't build a whole show
around a swimmer.

Annette isn't just
a swimmer, Mr. Harper.

She's got something
very unusual.

Uh, I'm sure she has.

(James)
'Mr. Harper, I know that'

'this water carnival idea'

is-is tailor-made for a place
like the Hippodrome.

Let me put it this way.

Right now, the policy
of the Hippodrome

calls for plotted dramas.

Spectacles with story.

We use our tank
for the big climax.

But for me to stage a water
ballet without even a book..

Well, I, I mean,
I like it, but..

[telephone rings]

Pardon me.

Hello.

(Harper)
'What's that? No, no, no.'

'We have all the Confederate
uniforms we want.'

I might be needing
some showgirls.

Can you do anything
besides swim?

Well, I can dance.

Well, if you're interested,
come back on Monday.

It's the best I can do.

- I'm sorry.
- But, Mr. Harper--

By the way,
can't you find me a Lincoln

that looks like Lincoln?

Well, all those characters
you have dug up

look more
like the Smith Brothers.

Yes, I know. Now, look,
I've told you what I wanted.

Now, this man must be at least..

Now, if you can't do it,
I'll get somebody else.

'Now, you know what I want..'

Well, that's that.

It isn't your fault, Jimmy.

It was a good idea and I
went
into it with my eyes open.

Well, anyway, you can go to work
for Harper if you want to.

Might not be a bad idea.

I don't know
what I'm going to do.

Probably run up to Boston.

A friend of mine owns
a concession at Revere
Beach.

He wants me to help him
ballyhoo it.

Jimmy, I have to
make some money.

It's dad I'm thinking about.

You see, music is
his whole life.

Loving it and teaching it

having his own conservatory.

If only I could
just give him that much.

You can.

How?

Forget it, I'm not going to
sell you on something else

and have it fizzle out.

Take the Harper job.
It's safe in expenses.

No. I need more
than just expenses.

Jimmy, how much can you
make out of a concession?

If it clicks, plenty.

All we have to do is pay
a bit of money together

to buy a little tank,
and then we..

Look, I told you to forget
it.

It's too much of a long shot

and I've only got $6
in my pocket.

Well, I still have
three silver cups left

and then,
that would be enough to get us

to Boston, wouldn't it?

- Maybe.
- Well, I-I was just thinking.

In London, we swam down
the Thames to get publicity

and that worked pretty well,
now, didn't it?

Keep talking.

Well, suppose we did
the same thing here

a-a marathon swim
from somewhere, anywhere.

Not anywhere.
From Revere Beach.

Oh, baby, I knew we were a team
from the first time I saw you.

We'll stand that town
on its ear.

I'll get enough backing
for ten tanks, not just one.

Oh, Jimmy, do you think so?

"Think so?"
Who's going to stop us?

[instrumental music]

Don't be impatient, fellas.

She'll be along
in a couple of minutes.

Hey, where is she
gonna swim to, mister?

To that lighthouse,
way out there in the back.

- Gee, that must be fifty miles.
- Twenty miles.

What you got
in the basket, mister?

Take your hands off the hamper!

Come on, now, get out of
here.

Go on, beat it,
you little monster.

[indistinct chatter]

I don't believe it.

Did you see that?
Her legs are bare.

(female #1)
'She ought to be arrested.'

(female #2)
'Oh, look at her.'

- Wake up.
- What is it? What is it?

- Whoa!
- 'I don't believe it.'

Let's hurry.

Don't let them bother you.

They'll be cheering you
when you finish your swim.

- 'Shocking.'
- 'On a public beach.'

(female #7)
'Wake up. Wake up. Oh.'

The row boat's all ready.

Brr.

Colder out here
than it is in the water.

Well, honey. This is it.

- Good luck, Annette.
- Thanks, Doc. I'll need it.

[crowd gasps]

Don't worry about anything.
Just start to swim.

It's disgraceful.

Arrest that woman.

Halt! Just a minute.
Just a minute.

Just a minute, miss.

What do you think you're doing?

Officer, this is
Annette Kellerman

the famous Australian swimmer.

She's about to embark
on a 20-mile swim.

- Not in that outfit.
- What?

You don't expect me
to go 20 miles

on one of those things, do you?

All I expect you to do, miss

is cover yourself up.

Come on, Jimmy.
Let's get out of here.

Not on your life.
You've done nothing wrong.

And I won't let anyone
intimidate you.

Just a minute.

Just a moment.

[crowd cheering]

Indecent exposure.

Held for trial.

Oh, those hypocrites.

Sanctimonious
bluenose hypocrites.

How dare they?

- Oh, dad, what are we going--
- Now, now, now, now.

Hey, the lobby's full
of reporters and cameramen.

They'd like to know
if they can come up.

Well, you just tell them
to go away.

Tell them I've left town.

I-I never want to
see Boston again.

I-I'll just swim
someplace else.

Wrong. You'll swim right here.

As far as I'm concerned,
this is the greatest thing

that has ever happened.

"The greatest.."

I-I'm booked
and-and fingerprinted

and, and arrested
just like a common--

Well, what of it?

Don't you realize
that you're the standard-bearer

for all American womanhood?

In your hands lies the power

to wreck the shackles
of prudery.

Free the feminine sex
from the armor of convention.

Go ahead, run away
if you want to.

But I tell you,
this is more than a trial.

More than a newspaper headline.

This is a crusade.

Bravo.

Huh?

I said bravo.

This tempest
over a bathing suit

it's, it's, it-it's medieval.

It should be exposed
to the world.

And I, for one, intend to see
that my daughter stays

and fights this thing through.

- Hear, hear!
- Attaboy, pop.

It's high time American women
showed they had some skin.

[clears throat]
It's up to you, darling.

You can pay the fine
and leave Boston tonight

or you can stay
and accept the challenge.

Indecent.

Tell those reporters to come up.

I-I'll give them a story

bathing suit and all.

[instrumental music]

(male #7)
'And as prosecutor
for this county'

I demand
the severest possible penalty

for this brazen young woman

who has wantonly flaunted
every statute of decency.

She, and others like her,
must learn

that laws are made
to be observed.

Her guilt is incontestable.

She admits that she wore

'the indecent garment
in question.'

- I admit no such thing.
- What's that?

Do you deny that you appeared
at Revere Beach

in a flimsy piece of material
that barely covered your..

I admit I wore
a one-piece bathing suit.

I do not admit it was indecent.

What other definition
would you apply?

Your arms, neck,
and shoulders were exposed.

'Not to mention
your calves and thighs.'

My ankles were also exposed.

Not to mention my toes,
knees and fingers.

I also notice your teeth
are exposed.

Does that make you indecent?

Your Honor.
Your Honor, if you please.

This woman's deliberately trying

to make a mockery
of this court.

I wouldn't be surprised
if those pickets

are outside at her instigation.

This flagrant disrespect--

I object, Your Honor.

Are you the attorney
for the defendant?

No.

(male #8)
'Then keep your seat or I
shall'

'have to eject you.'

Ms. Kellerman, it's not
the intention of this court

to take sides
in what is essentially

a feminine debate.

You're charged with, uh..

...uh, indecent exposure

'to which you pleaded..'

Not guilty, sir.

Your Honor, her appearance
at the beach was witnessed

by hundreds of people,
including the police officer.

(male #8)
I am aware of that.

Have you anything further
to add, Ms. Kellerman?

Well, yes, Your Honor, I have.

You see, I've been swimming
in competition all my life

and-and the only way I've been
able to compete successfully

is-is by wearing a man's
one-piece racing suit.

After all, sir,
you can't deny me

'my right to swim, can you?'

Certainly not.

Well, then, how is it possible
to, to swim a race

tied up in a corset
and ten yards of wet drapery?

[crowd laughing]

Ms. Kellerman,
let me remind you

that it is not I
who am on trial.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.

May I please ask the court
one more question?

(male #8)
'Proceed.'

Well, do the authorities object

to the one-piece bathing suit

or to the fact that the limbs
are not entirely covered?

I see no reason
to base any decision

on the number of pieces

in an article of clothing.

Well, then perhaps
I could suggest a compromise.

(male #8)
'Proceed.'

Thank you.

This is the original racing suit

except that I've, I've sewn
some stockings on the bottom

and a jersey on the top.

As you can see, this will
cover the entire body

except the forearms
and the head.

I consider that shocking,
Your Honor.

I consider it very ingenious.

Is it my understanding
that any further

swimming appearances
will be made in a, uh..

...bathing suit of that nature?

Yes, Your Honor.

Case dismissed.

[clamoring]

[instrumental music]

Hurry, hurry, hurry.

Hurry, hurry.
Step right up, folks.

The next show in five minutes.

Alright, folks, step right up.

See Annette Kellerman
in a one-piece bathing suit.

The next show in five minutes.

Step right up, friend. How many?
Thank you, sir.

The next show in five minutes.
Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.

'See Annette Kellerman
in a one-piece bathing suit.'

[instrumental music]

Ladies and gentlemen

introducing Australia's mermaid

Annette Kellerman.

Voted by Harvard University

as the world's
most perfect woman.

World's champion swimmer,
holder of records

from 100 yards to 26 miles.

Ms. Annette Kellerman.

[audience applauding]

(James)
'Ms. Kellerman
will now demonstrate'

'the various swimming strokes.'

The breast stroke.

[audience applauding]

The over arm stroke.

For the first time in America,
the Trudgen stroke.

(James)
'This stroke was used
by Ms. Kellerman'

'when she made
her sensational swim'

'in the Thames River
in London, England.'

[audience applauding]

And now,
for the first time in America

Ms. Kellerman introduces

her famous Australian crawl.

And now, ladies and gentlemen

for the first time in the USA

a woman will give
a public exhibition

of fancy high-diving.

Ms. Kellerman will now
demonstrate the front back dive.

[audience gasps]

[instrumental music]

Step right up, folks.
The show is now going on.

(Doc)
'See Annette Kellerman
in her one-piece bathing suit.'

- 'Step right up.'
- Attaboy, Doc.

Attaboy, talk it up.

Six weeks, Doc. Make it seven.

(Doc)
'Every suit a different color.'

[audience gasps]

[applause]

[instrumental music]

Hello, Jimmy.

Jimmy.

Jimmy, I'm soaking wet.

Good.
Maybe it'll put the fire
out.

Go. Go.

[indistinct chatter]

Think it over, Sullivan.

I'm leaving for Florida tonight.

I could use a guy like you.

Put it the other way, Bud,
and I might be interested.

Which way?

Maybe I could use
a guy like you.

Hey, you know, sometimes,
I wish we had Sydney back.

We didn't make as much money,
but I didn't have all this

th-th-this bookkeeping.

And what's this item here,
personal, $200?

Is, uh, this personal
enough?

Hey, no kiddin'.

- Did you ask her yet?
- Today's the day.

Season here closes
real soon, and I--

And you want somebody

to keep your feet
nice and warm at night.

Great, but what about me?

Doc, I've got an idea
for something brand new.

A great idea.
A swimmer and a flier.

A flier?

That Bud Williams act
is dynamite.

You know, he can actually
take that contraption

400 feet off the ground?

I don't like it.
It's against nature.

Oh, you and your grousing.

Can't you see
that big new poster?

"Sullivan's combined shows.

King of the air,
queen of the sea."

Oh, don't get me wrong now.

Annette will still be
our number one attraction.

But we can dream, can't we?

There she is, dreamer.

- Hi, there.
- Hello, Jimmy.

I'm not late, am I?

Performance starts at 2:30.

Oh, uh, Jimmy,
this is Mr. Aldrich

of the Aldrich Lecture Bureau.

He was kind enough to
drive me back from luncheon.

- My pleasure.
- How do you do?

I have a special interest
in Ms. Kellerman.

I'm trying to persuade her
to go on a tour.

What kind of a tour?

Well, he's offered me
a great deal of money

and a ten-week guarantee,
just to do a series of lectures.

Yes, indeed.

I see Ms. Kellerman
in a very dignified presentation

giving a lecture
on the body beautiful.

Perhaps even a little ballet
appropriate to the subject.

Ballet? Lecture?

'Oh, no.'

Well, what's so funny?

Well, darling, I'm sorry,
but one of us must be nutty.

You competing
with William Jennings Bryan?

Oh, I can see you now
up on the platform

with a pitcher of water
and a ballet

dancing around
with some gauze drapes.

Holy smoke.

I'm happy to be
contributing so much

to your amusement, Mr. Sullivan.

But I assure you,
mine is a very dignified

and lucrative business.

Ms. Kellerman will not be
swimming around

in a tank, like a seal

performing in a carnival
with a fat lady on one side

and a fire-eater on the
other.

You don't like carnivals, eh?

They have their place.

And, uh, you don't like swimming
around in tanks either?

For a fish, yes.

For a beautiful woman
like Ms. Kellerman..

Mr. Aldrich, uh,
I think it's about time

that you learn to enjoy water.

Jimmy, Jimmy, stop that.
You hear me? Jimmy, come off it!

Jimmy, let go off him. Let go.

Alright. Run along, sonny, and
take your gauze drapes with you.

Jimmy, how dare you?

Mr. Aldrich, I'm terribly sorry.

Go over there and sit down.

Annette, put on your suit.

The show starts in 20
minutes.

[instrumental music]

[applause]

[knock on door]

Yes?

[door opens]

Jimmy.

Annette, I'm sorry.
A big trap of mine.

I guess I'll never
be able to control it.

Oh, darling.

We shouldn't quarrel,
not about this.

It's just not important enough.

I don't get you.

We came up here purely
and simply for money.

Anything that offers us
more money is more important.

You still got that Aldrich deal
on your mind, haven't you?

Darling, it's $500 a week.

Puts me just that much closer
to the Kellerman Conservatory.

It isn't as though
we were splitting up.

I'll talk to Aldrich.

I'm sure there'll be
an important job for you.

Like filling the water pitchers?

- Jimmy.
- Or pinning up the drapes.

Or maybe I could come out ahead
of you and give a short talk

on how high class we are.

Maybe somewhere along the line,
we got our signals crossed.

You've got it into your head
that you're Joan of Arc.

Well, get it out fast.

You're a swimmer
doing a tank act

in Sullivan's water carnival,
and not a bad show either.

And how long can it last?

After all, all we're doing
is capitalizing

on a lot of
cheap bathing suit publicity.

Well, what do you think
this Aldrich thing is
anyway?

All he's trying to do is
cash in on the same dodge.

A ballyhoo that I arranged.

- That you arranged?
- Sure.

Who do you think
got that cop to arrest you?

Oh, no, Jimmy, you didn't.

Didn't I?

Can you stand there..

What about all that talk
of a crusade and--

Bunk.

Who cares what a lot of females
wear on a beach

as long as I can keep you
in a one-piece bathing suit?

Baby, you're a swimmer.

You belong in the water.

Wet, you're terrific.

Dry, you're just a nice girl

who ought to settle down
and get married.

Well, thank you very much
for the advice.

One thing I know for sure

if and when I do get married

it will never be to
a, a cheap, stubborn

flea circus proprietor.

This flea circus does
alright
for the fleas in it

except when they jump
out of their cages.

Ballet. Comics wanting
to play Hamlet. Toe dancing.

She has that bug in her head
ever since we first met.

Well, Ms. Kellerman
may be able to swim

but she'll never fly.

What are you talking about?

Jimmy, no.
Look at these receipts.

Look at these books.

Here, look, nothing
but money, money, money.

There's plenty more
where that came from.

I'd be a sucker to go ahead
and make big plans that depends

on the whim of a girl with
nutty notions about herself.

Hey, look, pal,
you-you ain't serious, are ya?

Maybe you're kidding, Jimmy.
Huh? Tell me you're kidding.

I'll be back in a few minutes.

Flea circus.

Flea circus, she calls us.

And then, my dear,
you will come forward

in a tasteful evening gown

against the background of
perhaps a small salon orchestra.

Your talk will be prepared,
of course

subject to your approval.

'And as for the dancing..'

Mr. Aldrich,
I'm terribly sorry, but..

Well, I-I just can't see myself

doing that sort of thing.

My dear child, it's natural
to be nervous and I understand.

- But now, you are only left--
- Please.

I have a headache.

Perhaps, we could
talk about it some other time.

But I have to make preparations.

Well, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid

you'd better hold up on them
for a while.

Goodnight, Ms. Kellerman.

Goodnight, Mr. Aldrich.

- Good evening.
- Good evening.

Annette.

Read this.

It's from
the New York Hippodrome.

(Annette)
'"New Hippodrome policy will
feature great specialty acts.'

"Can you come to New York
to discuss deal?

Alfred Harper."

Oh, dad,
the New York Hippodrome.

Yes.

Oh, this is just what Jimmy..

[sighs]

What is it, my dear?

Oh, dad.

Oh, so that's it.

Well, you better
let him read it, too.

There's nothing like good
news

to patch up a lovers'
quarrel.

Come on, now. Off you go.

[upbeat music]

[indistinct chatter]

(Andy)
'Ms. Kellerman?'

Oh, hello, Andy.

Uh, what are you doing here?

I thought you were on your way
to Florida with Mr. Sullivan.

Florida?

Well, that's what he said.

You mean, you didn't know?

Oh, yes, yes,
of course, I knew, Andy.

How stupid of me.

Thank you, Andy.

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[applause]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[audience applauding]

[audience cheering]

[instrumental music]

- MadamePavlova.
- Yes?

I-I'm Annette Kellerman.

Indeed, I know, my dear.

I have watched you perform.

Well-well, all I wanted
to tell you was that..

Well, all my life I've
wanted

to be able to dance like
you.

You studied for the ballet?

Yes.

My dear, don't ever think
that your studies

have been in vain.

Your act is wonderful.

You have applied
your ballet training

to something new and different.

They tell me
there is only one Pavlova.

But from what I have seen

they may someday
say the same thing about you.

There is only
one Annette Kellerman.

I wish she hadn't told you that.

Oh! Hello, Alfred.

Here I am with next season's
contract still unsigned

and people like Pavlova
may start puffing you up.

Oh!

No. No, I'd almost work
at the Hippodrome for
nothing.

There's no need
for that, Annette.

You've really been great.

And this is the best way
I know of saying it.

- Oh, Alfred.
- Don't thank me.

Thank all the people
who came to see you.

Annette, I'm giving
a little supper for Pavlova.

Saturday night
after the performance.

Can you come?

Well, may I let you know?

I don't get it.

Are you in mourning,
or are you just a hermit?

- Oh, well, no--
- 'Mr. Kellerman.'

I am trying to persuade
your elusive daughter

to come to a party,
and it seems I can't--

Of course, she'll go.

It'll do you good, darling.

You've been seeing
too little of New York

and too much
of a melody musician.

And besides, orders are orders.

Mr. Harper's my new boss.

- Boss?
- Mm-hmm.

I've been asked to work with

the Hippodrome orchestra
next season.

Oh, dad.

Let's hope it's only
the beginning, sir.

The Hippodrome needs
your kind of talent.

(Frederick)
'Thank you.
Thank you very much.'

Gotta keep the Kellermans happy.

The man in my box office
told me so.

I'll see you later.

Bye, Alfred.

Dad, I-I think it's just
so exciting and wonderful.

The two of us here,
working together.

I couldn't be happier.

Couldn't you?

I've got the report.

'He went to Florida with that,
uh, flying act.'

And, uh, William smashed up
the second day.

Well...where is he now?

Well, this report says he was
in New Orleans for a while

with a resting bear,
then up in Chicago

with some kind of
a concession to close.

Dad, I-I just got to find him.

That argument we had
was so stupid and silly.

This whole thing,
the Hippodrome

it was Jimmy's idea.

Darling, you mustn't
confuse love and loyalty.

You owe nothing to
anybody in the world.

Not to me or anybody.

'Jimmy knows that, too.'

- Does he?
- 'Deep in his heart, he does.'

I'm sure that's the reason
for his absence.

He wants to make good
without Annette Kellerman.

He feels you don't need him.

Dad, I do need him. I..

I know, but that's
the way Sullivan is.

And he's no different
from most of his sex.

Darling, that's the price
a woman pays for achievement.

He'll come to you when
he has something to offer

but not before.

It's a long gamble, I'll admit.

A thousand-to-one shot
that may never come off.

The only thing
you can be sure of

is that he'll be trying.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[audience applauding]

[music continues]

Hello, Marceline.

- Annette.
- Alfred, what is it?

Wha-what's the matter?

(Annette)
'Dad!'

[instrumental music]

Poor old guy.

He was okay.

He never did
get his conservatory.

Wish he had.

Ain't you gonna go and see her?

Nope.

- Say, say, Jimmy?
- 'Yeah.'

Look, pal, y-you and me,
we've been around together

for a long time.

Well, s-sometimes I grouse,
I admit it

but, but you know I'd,
I'd give my right arm for ya'.

What are you getting at?

Well, you ain't really serious

about going ahead
with this scheme, are you?

You bet your life I am.

If I ever get
this egg crate over the
ground

we're gonna hit pay dirt.

I hope that's all we hit.

(male #9)
Aerial sensational
cross-country air race.

Read about it.

Read about it.
Cross-country air race.

Fifty thousand dollars
in prizes. Read about it.

- Good evening, Mr. Harper.
- Good evening.

Good evening, Ms. Kellerman.

Good evening.

Did you hear about
the cross country air race?

There's $50,000 in cash prizes.

- Oh, that's alright.
- No, no, take it.

Well, thank you.

(Alfred)
Crazy fools,
they'll all be killed.

Ah, that's mad,
but what a stunt.

- Good evening, Ms. Kellerman.
- Hello. Hello, Max.

Well, Doc.

Hello, Annette.

C-can I talk to you
for a second?

Oh, excuse me, Alfred.

This is an old friend of mine,
Doc Cronnol. Mr. Harper.

- How are you?
- Glad to meet you.

I'll see you later, dear.

Fine, fine.

Well, come on.

Come on in and tell me
all about yourself.

- Oh, there's nothing--
- How've you been?

- Fine. Fine.
- How's Jimmy?

Well, that's why I'm here.

I-I hate to bother you, Annette

but, but somebody's gotta
talk him outta that thing.

- What thing?
- That bughouse air race.

He's got his eye on
that $50,000 pot and--

Doc, Jimmy?

Oh, you mean,
you mean, he's in..

He's going to fly to California?

Well, he's gonna try.

And you should see in what.

Y-y-you can't even
steer the thing.

Y-you swing it around with-with
ropes over your shoulders.

Oh, Doc, he-he'll
smash himself to pieces.

That's what I've been
trying to tell him.

But, but you know that Sullivan.

I, I just thought maybe
there was something

you could figure out.

Well, when did he plan
to take off?

Anytime now. Maybe even tomorrow
if the weather is right.

We've been sleeping next
to the machine

out of Montauk Point.

Oh, Doc, I-I've got
a performance tonight.

Don't you worry, I'll be there.

- I'll figure out something.
- Gee, thanks, Annette.

Bye-bye, Doc.

Oh, don't,
don't tell him I came here.

I-I'm in enough trouble now.

Oh, sure, sure, Doc.

- Bye.
- Bye.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[intense music]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[crowd chattering]

Well, it looks
like it's lifting.

Okay, Mac. Clear the field.

We're gonna take off.

Jim, don't you think
we ought to wait a little while?

I-it might rain.

Ah, the weather is perfect.

[crowd chattering]

Please, I'm sorry.
Excuse me, please.

N-nobody gets through, miss.

- He's gonna take off.
- But, officer, I--

I'm sorry.

[crowd cheering]

Hey..

Hey, nobody gets through.
Stand back.

- Thank you.
- Keep going, Sullivan.

Bring me an orange
from California, Jimmy.

- Good luck, Jim.
- I'll need it.

- Best of luck, Jim.
- Thank you.

Jimmy.

Hello, sweetness.
How's everything?

I heard you were
at the Hippodrome.

She snuck past, Mr. Sullivan.
Shall I let her stay?

Sure, why not.

She's a famous personality,
Annette Kellerman.

Well-known lecturer.

Jimmy Sullivan, I don't care
what happens to you, but..

Well, Doc is
a friend of mine

and I forbid you to take him
on this flight.

See what I mean?
Greatest lecturer of her day.

You heard me.

I-I'm not gonna have them
finding Doc's broken body

crushed and mangled, somewhere
in the Rocky Mountains.

Ah, that's very sweet
of you, baby

but you don't have
to worry about Doc.

He's not leaving the ground.

He's driving
the emergency repair car.

That's me, still the guy
in the rowboat.

- All clear, Mr. Sullivan.
- Right.

Jimmy, please don't force me
to take drastic action.

What's that?

I said don't force me
to take drastic action.

I've never forced you
to do anything, baby. Remember?

Okay, Doc. Let's go.

Here's a summons,
Mr. Sullivan.

Your flying machine and all
equipment has been attached.

What? Go away.

- Sorry. It's a court order.
- Court order for what?

Non-payment of monies
owed to Annette Kellerman.

I had an accounting
of all the books

while you ran the concession.

Among other items,
there's one marked

"Two hundred dollars,
personal."

You'll have to explain that.

Oh, yes. I'm sorry.

Here's the item.

You can sell it somewhere.

Okay, Doc. Let's go.

(male #10)
'Clear the field, lady.'

Thanks for tryin', honey.

Switch on!

Turn it over.

[rotors whirring]

[crowd cheering]

[engine sputtering]

[droning]

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

They say that Frenchman has
the best chance of winning.

- I'm backing Rogers.
- Well, what about Sullivan?

Sullivan?
Ha ha ha!

In that crackerbox

I don't see how
he's gotten as far as he
has.

I'll say one thing
for this air race.

It certainly captured
the attention of the
country.

[sighs]
I'm sorry, Alfred.

You want very much
for him to win, don't you?

I? Well, of course.
I-I mean..

You figure he'll have
$50,000.

He can come to you, carry
you off on a white charger.

All very simple.
The American success story.

Darling, I know how importantly
this man looms in your life.

But allow me the privilege
of knocking my competition.

Maybe he will win that pot.
I hope he does.

But it still won't work.

You're big-league.

Sullivan,
he's a will-o'-the-wisp

a carny man.

He'll always be
up there on the clouds

looking for that fast
dollar.

The big ballyhoo that'll
make him a seven-day wonder.

It probably isn't news

that I love you very much.

What's most important

I think I can make you
happy.

Will you marry me, Annette?

Alfred, believe it or not

this, this is the first marriage
proposal I've ever had.

It's-it's a little overpowering.

Well, then say yes.

[instrumental music]

Ladies and gentlemen,
we interrupt for a moment

to bring you
the latest bulletin

on the great cross-country
flying race.

Now, five contestants
are still in the running.

We have news
of three of them.

Bob Giff, travelling eastward,
has logged 500 miles

'from Golden Gate Park,
San Francisco.'

'Cal Rodgers, in his Vin Fiz'

'has just reached
Elmira, New York.'

'And James Darley,
in his Chester biplane'

'is nearing Buffalo.'

'Now, three other flyers
have been forced out'

'including Jimmy Sullivan'

'who's reported injured
in a smash-up.'

[crowd gasps]

'However, our report says
he managed to right the
machine'

'and balanced it
down to a landing'

'in a town
called Grover's Junction'

'where he's been hospitalized.'

Alfred, I've-I've got to get
to a telephone.

Hello? Hello?

Yes, this is
the Grover Memorial Hospital.

I'd like to inquire
about James Sullivan.

Oh, yes, the flyer.

No, he wasn't badly injured.

We patched up his arm
and he left.

Well, where did he go?
Ca-can you tell me?

'No, I'm sorry.'

[instrumental music]

[bell ringing]

Neptune's Daughter.

That's what I'd call
the picture.

It's a natural for Kellerman.

And for our underwater
shots in Hollywood

I'd build a giant glass tank.

We could shoot right through
the glass into Neptune's cave.

Hmm, sounds very
interesting.

Oh, it's a great challenge
and a wonderful new medium.

Movies are growing bigger
every day.

Really, if you could persuade..

Have you talked
to Ms. Kellerman?

'I thought you were
handling her affairs.'

Well, don't let that fool you.

I advise her but she's a lady
who makes up her own mind.

Still, it might be
a good change for her.

Might even be
a good change for me.

For you?

Mm, a trip to California,
two of us.

Just thinking.

There's a party
going on backstage.

A special performance
for the kids

at the orthopedic hospital.

'It's Annette's idea.
Can you join us?'

I wish I could,
but I'm meeting my wife.

- Christmas shopping.
- Oh, that's too bad.

[instrumental music]

Looks like fun
for the children.

Annette's a wonderful woman.

I'm sorry you can't
join us, Mr. Garvey

but I'll be
in touch with you later.

I'm counting on you.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

[laughter]

[music continues]

And I've got a top for you.
That's a spinning one.

Know how to work it?

That's good. Now, better find..
Here's a circus wagon.

'Oh, this is fun.'

Better find a dolly in a
blue
dress for you here.

There it is.

Another..
Another circus wagon.

There's a green one.

Here is.. Oh, look at that
silly elephant.

Isn't that the cutest?

[music continues]

This is for you, darling.
Isn't she lovely?

(Alfred)
'It's a wonderful party,
Annette.'

Oh, hello, Alfred.

Only I'm a little jealous.

Everybody's had
a Christmas present but me.

Oh, poor Alfred.
What would you like?

An answer to that question
I asked you last June.

[train horn blaring]

[train horn blaring]

(James)
'In offering these genuine
Indian blankets'

'for the ridiculous
sum of $3.50'

'I can assure you, sir'

you are getting one
of the greatest bargains

since Manhattan Island
went for $24.

Yeah, but I have no use
for a blanket.

Ah, no use perhaps
for an ordinary blanket

but these ancient items
are hand-loomed

on the reservation
by gifted Navajos

one of whom
you see here beside me.

'May I present
Chief Thunderbird.'

How.

Chief, what is your opinion
of this product?

Product good.

Now, please, please,
leave me alone.

I'm not cold.
I don't want a blanket.

Oh, then perhaps
you'd be interested

in one of these
beautiful signet rings.

Hand-carved by Indian maidens.

I don't want anything.
I just want to be left
alone.

Now, please, please,
get out of here.

Very well.
Good day, sir.

[knocking]
Good afternoon, sir.
Good afternoon, madam. I..

Annette.

Hello, Doc.

Uh, your feather's crooked.

Oh.

- Jimmy.
- How are you, Sullivan?

Come on in. Sit down.

How.

How.

Uh, th-they're very nice.

Are-are they hand-loomed?

Oh, these? Oh, I'm just, uh,
helping out a friend of
mine.

A, a fellow named Fred
Hardy.

He got himself overloaded
with a big stock of this
stuff

and, well, he just
sort of asked me

'if I would help him
get rid of 'em.'

I, I, uh..

...read about
you getting married.

- Yes.
- Good idea.

It's about time
you start raising a family

of little swimmers.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you.

All the luck
in the world, Annette.

Well, we're not taking
the big jump

until Annette finishes
her picture here.

Well, you're making
picture, huh?

Yes. "Neptune's Daughter."

Good. Glad to hear it.

It's great future.

As a matter of fact,
I got some picture plans myself.

Got a new star signed up,
he's on the train.

We.. Jimmy, if-if I could be
of any help, I--

Oh, no.
I'm in good shape.

I got some important
contacts
on the coast.

Well, it's nice seeing you.
Nice running into you.

- Best of luck, Annette.
- Thank you, Doc.

Oh, there you are.

Didn't I warn you about

taking this dog
out of the baggage car?

Just a moment, conductor.
This isn't just an ordinary dog.

This is a highly-trained animal

who's gonna be
a movie star in six months.

I don't care
if he's Francis X. Bushman.

'He doesn't belong
in the lower berth'

'frightening the passenger.'

And as for you

you look like the man
I kicked off in Albuquerque.

Me? Well, that's
perfectly ridic.. How.

Don't give me that how business.

You haven't paid your fare and--

Just a moment,
conductor, look.

'Couldn't we discuss this
somewhere else?'

'You know,
you're probably not aware'

'but there's a new act
just passed by Congress.'

An Indian on his way
to his reservation

is entitled
to free transportation.

- I know of no such act.
- I resent your tone, sir.

If it's a matter of money

well, I've got plenty of cash
here in my briefcase.

- 'You better have.'
- 'Oh, this is ridiculous.'

'Absolutely absurd.'

Would you like me to see
what I can do for them?

No. No, I'll do it.

Forgive me, Alfred.

- 'Yale, did you say?'
- 'Yale, Harvard, Princeton.'

'Take your pick.'

'You want your sons to have
a college education, don't
you?'

Of course.

And can you manage it
on your salary?

You know darn well I can't.

Alright, then. Be smart.

The moving picture business
is growing fast

and this dog's gonna
take the country by storm.

Watch. Burglar.

[barks]

[snaps fingers]
Pretty girl.

[whining softly]

He certainly is clever.

Clever? You haven't seen
one-tenth of his bag of tricks.

And remember this,
no overhead, no salary

no expenses
other than his food

'and it's not gonna
cost you one dime.'

'I'm gonna cut you in
simply for being a good sport.'

Well..

...I can't very well put you off
in the middle of the desert.

[instrumental music]

How.

[both laughing]

(male #11)
'Let's have
a good scene now, boys.'

'Make the audience believe it.
Make them believe it.'

'Now, take in the money.'

'Play that piano
a little louder.'

'That's it.'

[piano music]

Hey, Arthur.
About ready with that set?

Alright, come on.
Liven it up.

Let's get going.

Girls, get in your position.

Let's run through it
once again.

Sam, come over here.

Come on, move it along,
will ya'?

Hurry it up. Joe, get over there
and help 'em, will you?

'We haven't got all day.
Come on.'

The Hippodrome
was never like this, was it?

Frankly, no.

You people
don't stay in one spot

long enough to get
acquainted.

Well, with luck,
we're through today.

When I tell you that I have
never been so high on a picture

you can believe me.

Annette is simply wonderful.

Now, if I could persuade you two
to postpone your honeymoon.

We leave tonight.

Oh, well, I was only
thinking out loud.

Let's get some more seaweed
around that cave.

Keep that water coming.

It's holding 50,000 gallons now.

- 'Can't we raise the level?'
- That's glass, you know.

We built it pretty solid
but why take chances?

Alright, you're the doctor.

So, Bill, do you think
we can go for a take?

Anytime.

- Robbie.
- Yes, sir?

Ms. Kellerman
in five minutes.

- Yes, sir.
- I'll get her.

Well, thanks, Mr. Harper.

[instrumental music]

(Annette)
'Yes?'

You're wanted
on the set, darling.

'Oh, alright, I'm ready.'

'Come in, Alfred.'

Neptune's Daughter.

Oh, Alfred, be careful.
My make-up.

Well, this is it, sweetheart.

Garvey says you're
all through after this scene.

You've been very patient
with all this, Alfred.

It's just a pose.

I've never been
more impatient in my life.

[music continues]

Is this what you're looking for?

Oh, yes. Yes, i-it's sort of
a good luck charm

I, I wear it whenever
I'm performing a stunt..

Silly, isn't it?

Ah.

Well.

Yeah, sure.
Ready, Annette?

- Ready.
- Okay.

Let's get it the first time.

Places, everybody!

Good luck, honey.

When you get up to the top,
wave if you can't hear me.

Right.

(male #11)
'Alright, come on. Come on.
Move it along, boys, will ya'?'

'Alright, get that stuff
out of here.'

'Come on. Come on.
Hurry it up.'

[music continues]

Clear the tank!
Girls, get ready!

'Now remember, everybody.'

As soon as she comes out
of the cave

dive down and join.

Now stand by.
Let's get it the first take.

Annette, can you hear me?

Come forward a little bit.

- Whoa. That's it.
- 'Okay, we got her now.'

- Okay, Bill?
- 'Okay.'

- 'Ready, sir?'
- Alright!

Music.

[instrumental music playing]

Camera.

Action!

[glass cracking]

[music continues]

Alright, girls.
Get ready!

[cracking]

[cracking]

The glass is splitting!
Get her out of there!

- Look out!
- Ms. Kellerman..

Get her out of there!
Get her out of there!

[screaming]

[indistinct shouting]

[shattering]

- 'Watch out. Watch out.'
- 'Get the boards out.'

- 'Right this way.'
- 'Get them out.'

'Are you okay?'

[instrumental music]

Please, nurse,
I must see her.

I've been waiting here every day
for the past two weeks.

I'm sorry, sir. Strict orders
have been issued. No
visitors.

Let me talk to the doctor.

If you'll wait, I'll try
to get a report for you.

Hello, Sullivan.

- Mr. Harper, I--
- I know.

Come along with me.
It's alright, Grace.

- How is she?
- We'll know this morning.

Oh.

- Good morning, Mr. Harper.
- Good morning.

Doctor Vance is in
Ms. Kellerman's room.

Thank you.

- Good morning, doctor.
- Good morning.

This is Mr. Sullivan.

- Mr. Sullivan.
- How do you do?

- Is there any news?
- She's resting comfortably.

I think we were wise
to operate.

When will she be able
to leave the hospital?

I don't know. I don't know.

Mr. Harper, I think
I can speak plainly.

Ms. Kellerman's spine
has suffered a severe blow

what we call
a spinal cord hematoma

Now, we've relieved
the pressure, and fortunately

there was no severance
to the nerve tracts.

But she will have to face
the possibility

that she may not have the use
of her legs for some time.

Did you tell this to her?

She insisted on knowing

and I saw no reason
to withhold it.

I'd rather she didn't
have any visitors right now.

I understand.

Thank you.

I know how much of a blow
this is, Mr. Harper

but whatever is
humanly possible to do

we'll do for her.

The rest is up
to Ms. Kellerman.

Her own recuperative powers,
her health, her will.

Thank you, doctor. I know
we're in very capable hands.

We'll check with you
later in the day.

Very well.

Well, I..

Perhaps you would like
to sleep for a while.

Hello, baby.

I was just passing the hospital,
I thought I'd look in.

Jimmy.

I've been here every day
for the past two weeks.

That nurse downstairs
is a clam.

She wouldn't tell me anything.

You're, you're looking swell.

I-I feel fine.

A little rocky, maybe

but...I'm gonna be up
and around in no time at
all.

That's great.

I-it's just a sprain
or some such thing.

- How's Doc?
- Fine.

- A-and, and your picture?
- Wrapped up, all finished.

We're taking the print
to New York tonight.

Oh.

I've heard nothing
but good things about it.

Imagine, starring a dog.

Ah, what's his name?

Rin Tin Tin.

What a funny name.

- Chinese?
- French.

- Annette, darling.
- Jimmy..

Baby, don't let it
get to you, please.

That doctor,
he may know medicine

but there's lots of things
about people he doesn't know.

He doesn't know
about a little girl

in a small inlet
back in Australia.

They told her
the same thing, too.

He doesn't know how she hobbled
every day to the water..

...learning to swim
before she could walk.

How she became the greatest
aquatic star in the world.

Oh, there's lots of things
that doctors don't know

including what I once told you.

Wet, you're terrific.

Dry, you ought to marry some guy
and settle down.

Jimmy, I..

Well, I just wanted
to tell you..

...that you're gonna beat this
thing, baby, you and Harper.

- He's a terrific guy.
- 'Unlucky is a better word.'

Alfred..

What Sullivan says
is right, darling.

You'll beat this thing

the same way you've beaten
everything else.

As for you,
I don't know why you should

get this kind of a break.

You don't rate it.

You struck gold once and never
had the sense to stake a claim.

You're a crazy,
vagabond Irishman

with both feet
planted firmly in mid-air.

But you're what
the doctor ordered.

Just see that you
make her happy.

Alfred.

Goodbye, darling.

You'll be up and around soon
rehearsing a new act.

And when you do, remember

I'm holding you to your
contract with the Hippodrome.

Oh, yes.

This doesn't belong to me.

It doesn't belong
to you either.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]