Original subtitles

[whistle blows]

Come, let's see.

Say, hot, ain't it? -Awful.

Tired? -Dead.

Marian. -Oh, Al, please.

Please what?

Let's not have this all over again.

Wouldn't have to, if you'd say yes.

Why don't we get married? Aw, gee, it'll be swell.

We could a house, and some furniture and...

...and settle down.

Yeah, with the radio and everything. I know that.

Buying happiness on the installment plan.

From there, a fellow comes and takes it all away.

Gee, you're a funny kid.

What do you want anyhow?

I don't know...I only know I won't find it here.

Why not? I got a swell job here, ain't I?

Say, I'm the best concrete worker they've got.

When I talk, he stands up and takes off his hat.

Yeah, and you're still an overall.

Listen, contracting is one swell racket.

You get big jobs, city paving, uh... public buildings.

How?

By getting to know the right kind of people.

Say, only yesterday the boss said

I could buy in on any contract they've got.

With what?

I'll get some money one of these days.

And you watch my dust. -Well, sounds easy.

It is easy. Hey, my chance will come, you wait.

That's just what I wont do.

What? -Wait.

Aw, Al, look at me.

All I've got is my looks and my youth, whatever

it's about me fellows like, that you like.

Do you think I'm gonna trade that for

a chance that will never come? Oh, no.

Oh, I do like you...

...but just isn't good enough.

Oh, I forgot. Your mother asked me up for supper.

Okay.

Bring some ice cream with you, will ya?

'Sure, what kind you want? Chocolate or vanilla?'

Chocolate. -Okay.

[bell ringing]

[soft music]

Have a drink?

Oh, don't go away. Looking in?

Wrong way, get in and look out.

Get in where? -Oh, anywhere. Just in.

Only two kinds of people, the ones in and the ones out.

Doesn't sound very easy. -Anything's easy for a woman.

Say, what do you do in this god-forsaken spot?

Work in a paper box factory. -Oh, go on.

Nothing like you ever came out of a paper box.

But I mean to get away. -Ooh, naughty naughty.

Off to big city to be done wrong by?

To be done right by.

Is that a nice way to talk?

Don't tell me you're not a country maiden with

a heart of gold beating beneath your flannel nightie.

Oh, I can't bear it.

Come on, you must have a drink and complete my ruin.

What is it? -Who cares?

The label says, champagne. -But you can't break the label.

Could, uh, city slicker tap country gal with liquor?

Could try.

You know, this conversation just isn't right.

You should be timid and blushing and I should be

luring you, oh, like blazes but it-it doesn't seem to be

working out right.

How does it taste?

[coughing]

Like my foot's asleep.

You know... something wrong with you.

There's everything wrong with me.

My clothes, my shoes, my hands and the way I talk.

But at least I know it. -Oh, I-I don't mean that.

Something's uh... missing.

I know. You ought to learn how to laugh.

What's there to laugh at?

Well... a lot of people think I'm funny.

I don't.

I think you're nice. -Goodness me.

I had to come to here to find a woman who really appreciates me.

Here...

Gee, I'm hungry.

I wish she'd come.

I left her an hour ago. She was on her way home then.

Hello, ma.

[Marian giggling]

Hey, where the devil you've been?

Down with the railroad tracks, drinking champagne.

Do you think that's funny? -Sure.

I think it's awful funny. Did you ever hear of anybody down

at the railroad tracks drinking champagne?

Aw... it's all melted.

But never mind, it-it's just as nice, this way.

You can't pull any cock and bull story like that on me.

And what's more, you're drunk!

Don't say things like that, Al, Marian's a good girl.

Shouldn't need you to tell him that.

What's that?

Hmm.

"Mr. Wallace Stuart.

#890 Park Avenue, New York City."

Who's he?

Man who gave me the champagne.

A city guy... so that's what's turned your head.

You're going to New York to look this guy up?

That's what you're gonna' do, isn't it?

Thanks for the idea.

Well, you wont get there on this ticket.

I needed just one thing more to tell me I was through.

Yeah, and starting down.

Down? Why, you...

'...you, you, you turnip!'

What's that? What did you call me?

Turnip. Turnip. Turnip! That's what you are!

You're the one that's going down on vegetables

satisfied to stick in the dirt.

I know where I belong. That's where you're gonna stay.

Here, with me. -No, you don't own me.

Nobody does. My life belongs to me.

You'll make one fine mess up of it.

It'll still belong to me. -Don't, Marian.

You frighten me when you talk like that.

If I were a man, it wouldn't.

Wasn't it right for me to go get anything I could

and use anything to get it.

Why should men be so different?

All they've is a brain and they're not afraid to use them.

Well, neither am I.

Alright.

[vessels rattling]

[coughs]

Oh, how do you do Mr. Stuart?

The darn thing isn't house-broken.

Ambrose. -'Yes, sir?'

Take it out for a walk. -Yes, sir.

What can I do for you?

You told me to see you if I got to New York.

I told you? -Yes.

I never saw you before in my life. Besides I..

...I'm very busy.

Well, that's all right. I can wait.

I haven't a thing to do.

I know... you're the girl who came out of a paper box.

Yes, and threw the box away.

You didn't come to New York on what I said did you?

Yes.

Well, now, look here uh...

I really am, I'm awfully busy.

Suppose, you run along now and ring me tomorrow.

We'll go to tea or lunch. Come on.

That's a good girl. -But I don't know where to go.

Don't you know anyone in New York?

No one but you.

Do you mean to tell me that you've come

to New York to throw yourself before my defenseless bosom?

Well, I just thought you could give me some advice.

The east river is full of girls

who took advice from men like me.

What kinda man are you?

Oh... kind of a man that, gets up at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

Who can order an excellent dinner

and out-fumble any check grabber.

Kind of a man who thinks sunshine

and fresh air were made for vegetables.

Vegetables? You weren't thinking of turnips, were you?

I never think of turnips.

Oh, I see.

Honestly now, tell me, what made you come to New York?

Well, just one more girl working in a factory that grew tired...

I know the rest of it by heart.

Poor but beautiful factory maiden leaves

squalor of small town for glitter of big city.

All for the sake of a poor but honest family.

It wasn't my family that brought me here.

Don't tell me you haven't got a dear old crippled grandma.

No.

You're not putting your man through college?

No.

You haven't got three orphan nieces starving?

No.

Then what are you here for?

For me.

Come over to the light.

Oh, not the daylight. Keep away from that.

This is the kind of light, you're going to work under.

Won't you sit down?

'Now, let's see.'

'Lovely eyes, that's goodie!'

Intelligent forehead, hmm, not so good.

Straight nose with plenty of spirit. Show it.

Warm mouth with plenty of pride. Oh, hide it.

Now... with all this equipment, what do you

intend doing in New York?

What do most girls do when they come here?

Meet a rich man and let nature take it's course?

Look, you've caught me at a sober moment.

You'll probably never see me sober again, so listen.

There's only one way for a girl to get along here

and that's for the man, a rich man to help her.

But you must keep a cool head.

When you meet a man, never look into his eyes.

No? -No.

Take a peek...

...at the pocket book.

No, wrong number.

And one other thing... before you go.

Find out all you can about them and never tell them anything.

Men like to think they're Christopher Columbus.

Discovering America.

Well, how do I find men like that?

That's your affair.

I'm not gonna do anything to help you.

And what's more, I'm not going to

introduce you to any of my friends.

Oh... oh, I see.

But even...

Hello, there, how are ya?

[indistinct chattering]

Going down?

Down? No. No, not down.

Nice party, last night. -Thanks.

Parties and women, you don't care for either.

What's the idea?

Is that a lawyer's way of studying human nature?

A room full of pretty women makes an excellent smokescreen

for politics. -I know.

Aren't you smart? -That's why you're begging me.

You've the list of appointments, Willy?

Right here.

Do you have a cocktail in your pocket?

Sorry. Mix you one right away.

You going to go a long way, Whitney.

Nothing can stop you.

Oh, Mr. Stuart?

Oh... isn't this Mr. Stuart's apartment?

Mr. Stuart is arranging cocktails, is there something...

Yes, I...I seemed to have lost my hat.

Oh... where did you have it last?

On my head.

[gasps]

Mr. Stuart, I'm sorry I came back.

I seem to have lost my hat. -Oh, you seemed?

Well, you had it on your head when you went out that door.

Well, it... it isn't there, now.

Yet, uh... it seems to have slipped.

Oh, you found it. Thank you.

Not at all miss uh...

Wally, won't you do the honors?

Certainly.

I don't mean the liquor, I mean the lady.

Oh, I-I beg pardon.

Ms. Martin, this is Mr. Whitney.

And the distinguished gentleman with the sunburnt nose is

Mr. Travers.

How do you do?

I just drove out from Florida in my car.

Florida?

Why, that's where all the millionaires go.

Oh, I'm sorry.

But I thought good looking men were always poor.

Oh, well, you've been reading the wrong books.

Are there books about it? -About what?

Good looking men and cars and things.

There's always Dun and Bradstreet.

Who're they?

Books that tell you how much money a man has.

Oh...

Sorry, I haven't got them here.

Are you rich? -Hmm?

Uh... well, yes. -Awful rich?

No use looking at him, he's just been married.

Waited 40 years, then picked a peach.

Martha Van Rian. A "V" of Van Rians.

Oh...

Married?

That's too bad.

Well, I suppose I'm next. Let me save you the trouble.

Name, Mark Whitney. Occupation, Lawyer.

Residence, 1100, Park Avenue.

Clubs, Harvard and Union League.

And if you're interested in money, I'm much known

as a very rich man.

That's nice.

You see, I couldn't waste my time with you if you weren't.

Well, I...I guess I'd better be going.

I'm sorry to have bothered you, Mr. Stuart.

Won't you stay and have a cocktail?

It'll all be good for the appetite.

There's only one thing my appetite needs.

Hmm, what's that? -Food.

You're not really hungry?

Well, if you'd had your breakfast at seven and...

...it was only coffee and toast, how would you feel?

I had mine at six and it was a glass of orange juice.

Oh...

Just a couple of people suffering from famine.

I...I know an excellent place to relieve them.

Would you like to come with me?

Yes. I think I'd like that.

Splendid.

Careful, Mark, she's only after your money.

Are you?

Yes.

Honest, aren't you?

You wouldn't want me to lie to you, would you?

That's almost the only thing I could never forgive you.

Well, there goes our conference.

Dinner at five in the afternoon.

I've had a lot of awful good times in the afternoon.

[instrumental music]

Table for two? -We'll take it.

Madame?

'Monsieur.'

[speaking foreign language]

What do you feel like having?

I'll take roast beef... mashed potatoes with gravy...

...string beans... and apple pie with ice cream on top.

Chocolate.

You heard Madame's order. I'll have the same.

Yeah, monsieur.

[speaking foreign language]

Do you always know what you want as quickly as that?

Yes.

I like women who know what they want.

Sometimes I can help them get it.

Creme de champion, sol maagri...

...troufe... and a souffle.

Mr. Whitney tell you at what hour to serve dinner?

Yes, Madame. Cocktails at eight. Dinner at 8:30.

That would be all. - Merci.

Now, the plaque cards, Burton.

Here, Madame.

Mr. Whitney suggested that you might care

to select the wines, Madame. He's busy in the library.

Oh, yes.

Say, Mark, here...

Chableve, rest his soul.

Very good, Madame.

And it wasn't cold enough last time.

Oh, I-I'm sorry, Madame.

Me here...

And guinea hen... uh...

...burgundy.

Exactly room temperature. -Very good, Madame.

I think they've made Muldoon superintendent of public works.

Nice fellow, Muldoon.

Another vote? -Lot of other votes.

It's been great, Mark.

Five years ago, you started out to get on

the inside of politics and you haven't missed a trick.

I don't miss tricks.

I'd like to know just what you're objective is.

Power behind the throne or holding office or what?

I haven't decided.

Want a drink?

Will you stop asking me those funny questions?

Certainly, I want a drink.

[clears throat]

You know... that's what I call a very nice girl.

Very.

Scotch or rye? -'Rye.'

Longer I know Marian, the better I like her.

White rye or ginger ale?

'Ginger ale.'

She's the kind of a girl that... you can see

day after day, or year after year.

You know, she holds up, wears well.

Ice? -Thanks.

Say, Mark... -Yes.

Why don't you marry her?

Wally, I've known you for 15 years, and this is the

first time you've forgotten to mind your own business.

I know.

Well, why don't you?

Ah, you ought to know better than anyone else

how I feel about marriage and why.

I can see those headlines, yet.

"Millionaire lawyer discovers love nest."

"Mrs. Mark Whitney surprised with husband's chauffeur."

For heaven's sake. That's all over and done with.

Everyone's forgotten. -Everyone, but me.

No, thank you, Wally.

The next woman who leaves me isn't going to advertise this

to the world and drag me through the muck of a divorce court.

Losing a sweetheart is a private misfortune.

Losing a wife is a public scandal.

Everything's arranged, Mark.

I'm gonna run along home and get dressed.

Thanks, darling.

What would I do without you?

You wouldn't kid me, would you, mister?

See you tonight, Wally. -Alright, there.

I'll call for you at quarter to 8.

I'll give till then.

If you marry her, she wouldn't treat you like the other one.

Perhaps not... but I'm much too fond of her to risk finding out.

[instrumental music]

We bought these at Monte Carlo. Our first anniversary.

Yes, I remember.

And you lost one that same night at the casino.

You had a new one made for me the next day.

And this we bought in Vienna. Our second anniversary.

And these in Paris.

Our third anniversary.

I seem to grow more valuable to you, each year.

Do you remember?

You put them in a cheap cardboard box just to tease me.

Yes. And you almost threw the box away. Unopened.

I always hated paper boxes.

I'll never forget how thrilled I was

when I found out they were pearls.

We've had a lot of happy times together.

Heavenly.

The only happiness I've ever known.

This we bought at Tiffany's.

The day you decided I should be called Mrs. Moreland.

Well, it's a harmless way to make your position

a little more... pleasant.

You know, after all, a divorcee living on alimony

need make no explanations.

Regrets?

I left school when I was only 12.

Never learnt how to spell regret.

We'll be late.

Are you sure Mr. Whitney ordered dinner at 8:30?

Oh, yes, sir.

I wonder what's keeping him. It's 9:30 now.

No idea.

[doorbell ringing]

We're not very late, are we? -Oh, no, no.

Only an hour.

[whispering] Fix the tie.

Hmm? The tie.

[piano music]

[guests applauding]

Sing something. -Bit of dings, if you want.

Come on, Marian, sing something.

Sing a little song in French, just for me.

In French? -Yeah.

Remember, you asked for it.

[clears throat]

[singing in French]

[speaking in a foreign language]

German. One should always sing of love in German.

Oh...German. Oh, I know.

[singing in a foreign language]

[applause]

Isn't there a verse in English?

I'll tell you the words later.

There should be no verse in English.

After all English is not the language of love.

No?

Listen.

# Though you hold me in your arms tonight #

# Will tomorrow bring the same delight #

# Though we love each other #

# How long will it last #

# You're a flame to me #

# Will you always be the same to me #

# Though I taste your kisses #

# How long will they last #

# Whatever you may do #

# This heart of mine is true #

# I'll still believe in you #

# Though love grows by #

# Towards you #

# Happiness and bliss appear #

# All my troubles seem to #

# Disappear #

# Yet my constant fear #

# Is #

# How long #

# Will #

# It #

# Last #

When a woman sings with her heart

the language... isn't important.

You are wanted on the telephone, sir. It's Mr. Travers.

Travers?

Hello.

Well, Horace Travers, you old son of a gun.

I thought you were in Honolulu.

When did you get in town? -Tonight.

I'm here with my wife.

Who do you think is in town? -I don't know.

Horace Travers. -Really?

Yes, she's right here. He wants to say hello.

Hello.

Oh, yes. We must see you.

Why don't you come up now? We're having a party.

Oh, surely. Bring her with you.

All right, we'll be expecting you.

Who is he bringing? -His wife.

Really? Oh, that is nice.

You know, I've always hoped you might meet her.

What's she like? -Terribly conservative

and straight laced.

Her family settled New York and have stood still ever since.

She's what the novelists call, a Greek lady.

Maybe she won't like me.

She has good taste as well as good family, my dear.

Thank you, sir.

[melodious music]

[doorbell ringing]

Oh, Mr. Travers.

Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello.

And how is the beautiful lady?

(Marian) 'Quite well, thank you.'

[indistinct chattering]

I thought you were bringing your wife.

My wife? No, no, no.

I couldn't bring my wife here.

Hey, no one's introduced the ladies.

[snapping fingers]

Meet Ms... What's your name? -Laverne. Ms. Vernice Laverne.

Ms. Laverne, meet Mrs. Moreland, both members of this club.

How'd you do? -How do you do?

May I take your things? -Sure.

Shall we join the others? -Okay with me.

You certainly picked yourself a swell sugar daddy.

Is this your place or his?

This is Mr. Whitney's apartment.

Hmm. And I suppose you got one just as swell yourself.

Ms. Laverne, may I present Baron Von Bergen?

How'd you do?

[speaking foreign language]

Monsieur Lavell. -How'd you do?

[speaking in a foreign language]

Signor Martini. -How'd you do?

[speaking in a foreign language]

Say, what is this? Ellis Island?

Ha-ha. It looks like it.

Do you come from Ellis island?

[indistinct chatter]

Haven't your friend got a friend? Maybe you can fix me up.

You know, just one pal to another.

Champagne, madam? -Champagne. Oh, thanks.

And don't call me madam?

Yes, madam.

Where on earth did you ever pick up that cheap little tramp?

With a wife like yours I can't understand it.

You had no business coming here with a woman like this.

Why not? You've got your sweetie here, why shouldn't I have mine?

(Horace) 'What's the difference between 'em?'

If you weren't drunk, I'd wipe up the floor with you.

I want you to get out. You can apologize to Marian tomorrow

when you're sober.

All right. Come on.

Oh, Mark. She can't help being here.

Mr. Travers isn't himself tonight.

If you should ever need a friend or anything...

...I'm in the telephone book. Just one pal to another.

(Horace) 'Come on.'

Alright, alright.

Goodbye. -Goodbye.

I'll give you a ring tomorrow.

[somber music]

[indistinct chattering]

I wouldn't have had this happen for anything in the world.

You know that, don't you?

He was right.

What is the difference between us?

That's the sort of thing I've laid myself open to.

My dear, there's something I want to say.

I know everything you're going to say.

Speech one. My dear, the beauty of the relation like ours

is that we're held only by honor.

Speech two. The surest way to lose a woman is to marry her

and I don't want to lose you.

Speech three. Even if I were married to you

I couldn't respect you more than I do.

[sobbing]

My dear, my dear.

Oh, Mark. I'm frightened.

I feel as if I'm walking on the edge of a precipice.

I'm holding you.

[melancholic music]

Come now.

Where's the brave girl who came to New York three years ago?

Demanding everything from life and willing to pay

everything for it.

I don't know.

Sometimes I feel as if... as if I'd lost her.

Better find her again.

I liked that girl.

Here she is.

Splendid.

But she's learned something.

She's learned that a woman can do anything.

Get anywhere, as long as she doesn't fall in love.

Marian...

...you remember when we were in Venice

we used to have coffee at Florian and feed the pigeons.

Oh, yes. Of course. Why?

Same pigeons came there day after day, year after year.

None of them were chained.

(together) Well, you've certainly changed.

(together) I never would have known you.

(together) Just think, three whole years.

[laughing together]

Now, that that's over. I want to hear about you.

What you've been doing? What brought you here

and how long you're going to stay?

We'll have tea and then talk.

Marie?

Tea, please.

Toast? -No thanks.

I had some for breakfast.

Just tea.

Certainly got a swell place, here.

It is nice, isn't it? But let's not talk about me or my place.

I want to hear about you. You've been up to something.

'Come on, now, tell Aunt Bella all about it.'

Aunt Bella? -Oh, that's just nonsense.

You know, the broken heart column.

Tell Aunt Bella your secret sorrow.

We talk a lot of nonsense here in New York.

I'm gonna seem pretty dumb to you

after all your New York friends. I'm just the same old Al.

Are you?

I'm going to like that.

Well...

...to tell you about me... first I gotta tell you about you.

Me? -Uh-huh.

You're really responsible for all my success.

Remember when you first got married and sent

your mother money.

Yes. -She didn't know

what to do with it.

You know, she hadn't been used to very much.

Lemon? -Lemon.

She... I remember how you used to try and make me use it

to take the grease off my hands.

No grease now. -How did you get it off?

'Well, that's what I'm trying to tell ya.'

Uh, where was I? -'I sent mother money.'

Oh.

And so she sent for me and... -'She always liked you, Al.'

Yes. Even when you didn't.

Well...

...she sent for me and wanted to know how to invest it.

I thought, "Why not put it in one of the

building contracts, like I told you."

'It was a swell chance to watch her money and make it grow.'

And have I made it grow.

Say, contracting is one swell racket.

I've often wondered about mother and her mysterious investments.

The deceitful old darling.

Now, what do you think I'm here in New York for?

'What?' -To land a big paving job.

A public highway, 300 miles long.

'Really?'

You don't mind that it was your money?

My money?

Mr. Whitney's calling, madam.

Oh, how nice. You're just in time for tea.

No tea, thanks.

Mr. Whitney, may I present Mr. Manning?

How do you do? -How do you do?

Would you like something stronger than tea?

I'm a very weak man and easily persuaded.

I don't believe it but it sounds grand.

Marie, would you bring Mr. Whitney his fav...

What is your favorite drink? -Brandy, if you have it.

Have we, Marie?

[speaking in a French]

Martel brandy? Excellent.

I couldn't have done better if I had ordered it myself.

Mr. Manning is an old friend of mine.

An old friend, I should say I am.

I knew Marian when she wore her hair in pigtails.

Really? -Yes, indeed.

And I never saw a girl like her.

Spunky, ambitious, bound she'll get on.

Oh, you'd have been crazy about her, Mr. Whitney.

I'm sure, I should. -Al, please.

Well, why shouldn't I talk about you?

If Mr. Whitney knew you as well as I do, he'd agree with me.

Just think, Mr. Whitney.

Three years ago she was working in a factory.

And now look what she's got.

A beautiful apartment. Beautiful clothes, jewellery.

All the things she's wanted.

(Mark) 'Yes, she seems to have everything she wants.'

'She ought to be very happy.'

Everything but a husband, eh, Marian?

I'm not interested in husbands.

You'll wait till the right man comes along.

Did you know Mr. Moreland?

Oh, yes. Yes, intimately.

Yes, he, uh, he was a charming fellow.

But, uh... Oh, I don't know, uh...

never meant for marriage.

[thud]

Sorry. Clumsy of me.

Don't mention it.

Nothing was further from my mind.

Oh, Mr. Manning is here on business.

He's going to build a highway 3000 miles long.

Three hundred. -Sorry.

So you're a contractor. Who did you come to see, Muldoon?

If I can get to him.

Say, you're not the Mr. Whitney?

Mark Whitney?

You're just the man I wanna talk to.

If anyone could get me a look in on this contract, you can.

Al, don't talk about your business here.

That's right. I'll come down to your office.

Good heavens, Al. I've never met such driving ambition.

It leaves me breathless. -Leaves you breathless.

That's good. Hadn't been for her I'd still be in overalls.

Mr. Whitney, when you hear my system of curing cement

you'll agree that I'm the man to build that highway.

On the face of so much enthusiasm

the least I can do is listen.

Call my office for an appointment.

If you'll excuse me now, I'll be going.

It certainly has been a great privilege to meet you.

Say, I hope we meet again.

I've just seen Horace Travers.

He's practically upset over last night.

Doesn't remember a thing about it.

That makes it easier for me to forget.

Are you going to accept his apology?

He's an important man.

His help means a great deal to your career.

I couldn't stand in your way.

Last night's a closed book.

I wonder how many wives would be so understanding?

Those things don't happen to wives.

Might a gent steal a kiss?

He could try.

Goodbye. -Goodbye.

Gee... what a piece of luck meeting him.

Say, can we take him out to dinner or something?

'You know, entertain him. Get to know him better.'

Yes, of course.

But meanwhile, there's so many other things to be done.

Just think.

This is your first visit to the largest city in the world.

And what a city? Money, power, luxury.

And I'm out to get me a handful of it.

Is this the boy who came to me so proud and eager

with a $5 raise?

What a sap he was. -Oh, I don't know.

Looking back, it seems he was kinda nice.

Well, I'm glad you didn't think so then.

I mightn't have got on the way I have

if you hadn't turned me down.

Are you gonna turn me down again?

Don't you like me any better now than you did before?

Al... it isn't a question of liking.

I see.

I'm sorry.

Is there someone else who wants to marry ya?

No... no one else wants to marry me.

Then I'm gonna keep, right on, asking ya.

Mr. Whitney, our process of curing cement has been tested

by every expert in the country and stands up.

We're equipped completely to handle the job if I can just

sell you the idea.

Building a public highway is a pretty big thing.

It's not too big for me, sir.

Got the specifications with you?

Right here.

Have a cigar? -Thank you.

Cig... -Yes.

There you are.

Do you mind?

Thanks.

I don't see why you shouldn't get a look-in

on this highway job.

'I'll give you a letter to Muldoon.'

Certainly would be a great break for me.

Ambitious, aren't you? -You bet.

This job means a lot to me.

To someone else.

'A lady?' -How'd you know?

Well, we men are pretty much alike.

You see, we like to think we stand alone.

But there's generally a woman standing beside us.

You ought'oughta be able to guess who it is.

Well, I... I'm not very good at guessing.

It's Marian.

'Mrs. Moreland. You know. I met you at her house.'

'I've always been crazy about her.'

'That's one of the reasons why I came to New York.'

After three years, wasn't I lucky to find her free?

Did, uh... did she tell you she was free?

Yes. I asked her if there was anyone else and she said no.

So you see, I've just gotta get that contract.

Takes a lot of money to give a girl like Marian all she wants.

'Say, did you get a load of her apartment the other day?'

'I'll bet that runs in a dough"

But with your help, I know I'll land the contract.

Could you excuse me? -Of course.

Yes? -Hello, Mark.

If you haven't planned anything special for tonight

Al Manning wants me to go to... Now, promise you won't laugh.

I don't feel in the least like laughing.

Coney island. Isn't that cute?

Very. -What's the matter?

You don't sound a bit like yourself. Anything wrong?

Are you alone? -No.

Oh. Then it's alright about tonight.

Quite. -Goodbye.

I, uh, I'm afraid I won't be able to give you anymore time.

Why? No bad news, I hope.

An investment I... I seem to be in danger of losing.

A lot of money? -Yes, but that's not important.

It's the time and attention I have given it.

You see, sometimes one becomes attached... to investments.

[dramatic music]

Get that gold one yet? -What for?

Oh, for a lady. You know, we men are all pretty much alike.

Like to think we stand alone with only a woman beside us.

[Marian laughs]

Where did you ever get a line like that?

Oh, we were discussing women this afternoon, me and Mark.

Mark? -Mark Whitney.

Sure. Hey, I'm getting in with the big shots, thanks to you.

See, he's a great guy, isn't he?

Yes, he's alright. -Alright?

Say, that's not the way to speak to a man like Mark Whitney.

He's gonna do great things for us.

For us? -Sure.

I told him landing that contract meant

as much to you as to me.

Oh, you... -You know...

...I gave him a sales talk. "Young man anxious marry."

"Needs big opportunity." I thought it'd make a hit.

Al, you didn't really say that, did you?

Why not? Why, that's no secret I'm crazy about you.

Hey, it gave him plenty kick.

Asked me all about it.

Hey, he takes a personal interest in me.

And with him behind me, I'm going up...

Hey, buddy, put me a gold one, will ya?

# Soon we'll be married #

# Never far too far #

# Let any Rooney #

# Cheat my sweetheart #

Oh, look. Gee, it's the gold one.

Want it?

Oh, no. I mean a real one.

No.

[door opening]

Come in, gentlemen.

(Mark) 'Now, what is all this secrecy, anyway?'

'We were perfectly comfortable at the Ritz.'

'Why did we have to come here?'

(Horace) 'Cause what we have to say is particularly private.'

(Mark) 'Alright.'

What is this private and important news?

Hmm?

What's the matter? Afraid to tell me?

Certainly not, governor. -'Well, this is so certain.'

Oh, we're not asking you to marry us.

[all laughing]

Go ahead. What's the next logical step for you to take?

Unconsciously, you built your whole career towards it.

Hmm, not so unconsciously. -Well, how about it?

A battle for governor, eh? -Means votes from the ladies.

Alright, gentlemen. I'm for it. Let's go.

Mark? -Yes.

What are you going to do about Mrs. Moreland?

(Mark) 'What do you mean?'

(Horace) 'You can't run for governor, unless you give her up.'

There is such a thing as being respectable.

That's amusing, from you. -I'm not running for office.

It's better to have this from your friends than enemies.

This is so absurd. I assure you, you have nothing to worry.

Long before I'm announced to be your candidate

I shall be married to Mrs. Moreland.

(Horace) 'Hmm. Haven't you reached this decision rather suddenly?'

(Mark) 'I should say it's been too long delayed.'

'You were hoping to see that, Travers, weren't you?'

(Horace) 'You can't do it. It'll start a whispering campaign'

'against you inside of 20 minutes.'

'They'd say that you married Mrs. Moreland to clear your'

'strikes before election. It'd ruin you.'

(male #?) 'The ideal thing would be to... marry her off to someone else.'

(Mark) 'That's enough.'

'You ask me to accept a position of honor.'

'I imagined you wanted a man of honor.'

'I was mistaken.'

(Horace) 'What's a woman compared to a career?'

(male #?) 'Do you realize what you're giving up?'

(Mark) 'Yes. My living.'

'I'm not your man.'

(Horace) 'I'm afraid not. It's a sad thing to see you give up

a brilliant future for a woman like that.'

Hello, Mark. -Marian.

I'm so glad.

You didn't run into those men out there, did you?

What men?

Just some bankers talking over a new stock issue.

Nothing important.

I suppose I shouldn't come here unannounced.

Oh, it isn't that. Only...

Might have been awkward if you'd run into them.

Why don't you get me a little book of rules telling me

the hours I may call.

'What I may do, and what I may say.'

You know, employees of this organization

will observe the following conduct during working hours.

Only I work a 24 hour shift.

I'm sick and tired of it.

Oh, my dear, don't make me feel any worse than I do.

You were right to say all these things and more.

I've been so stupid, so selfish

not to see what this life with me was doing to you.

But that's all over with.

Finished.

Darling, will you marry me?

But, your-

I know, I should've said this long ago.

Don't remind me.

You see, I've been hurt pretty badly once before.

I let you pay for what another woman did to me.

A poor excuse, but it's the truth.

But I'll make it up to you.

I never loved you as much in my life as I do tonight.

The cleverest lawyer in New York

but a fool when it comes to women.

Meaning that your pretty speeches are a bit late.

I'm going to marry Al Manning.

What?

Oh, you can't mean that.

Your vanity is magnificent.

So what the cheap small town job hunter told me was true.

And I made myself think it was a lie.

That you wouldn't let me get news

like that from anyone but yourself.

Another woman perhaps, not you.

I intended you should hear it from me.

That's why I came here tonight.

'Do you love him?'

Yes. -When did you stop loving me?

I never started.

Mark, I told you once I'd never lie to you.

You want to truth?

For the past six months, you've bored me to death.

I don't believe it.

No woman could have pretended to love a man as you've loved me.

Oh yes, she could.

If that was the way she earned her living.

Even if I do say it myself, I think

I've made a pretty good job of it.

Now that I've got my little pile tucked away

I'm ready to sit back, take off my shoes and relax.

It's been a strain being a lady.

You can't mean what you're saying.

It's unbelievable. -Unbelievable, why?

Because after three years of your care and guidance

I'm walking out on you?

Because you taught me how to wear a Paris gown?

How to eat ice cream with a fork?

How to talk to servants? How to order food and wine?

Champerand Burgundy.

Exactly room temperature.

A Chablis with the sole.

It wasn't cold enough last time.

[immitating servants] "Yes, madam. Sorry, madam."

"No, madam."

Well, all the schooling you've hammered into me

all the clothes and perfume you've put on me

all the jewelry you've hung on me didn't change me.

Inside, I am what I was when you found me. A factory girl.

Smelling of sweat and glue.

Common, that's what I am, common.

And I like it. That's what I like about Al.

He's my own kind. That's the level I belong to.

And that's the level I'm going back to.

You little tramp.

Get out.

Might have given me two weeks notice.

My cook does that.

[sobbing]

How's that for news?

With him for Governor

I'll build a highway from here to China.

Everything's gonna be swell for us.

Do you realize we've been engaged to be married

ten whole minutes and you haven't even kissed me?

Not until I tell you the truth

about something you ought to know.

Then perhaps you won't want to.

Not me, I've waited three years for that kiss.

That's it.

You see, I didn't wait.

You mean your husband?

I've never been married.

Then, all this?

Mark Whitney gave me.

So, that's what you were?

And I was willing to marry you.

Well, I don't want you.

I wouldn't even touch you.

I'm not taking any second hand goods.

You can't talk to me like that.

How do you expect to be talked to? Like a decent woman?

I am a decent woman. I loved Mark Whitney.

Loved... Don't make me laugh.

You start on the loose when you left home.

Marriage wasn't good enough for you, no.

You wanted clothes, money, jewellery

and didn't care how you got it.

That's what you said. How did you get it?

Like any woman on the streets. You pick a rich guy.

A politician to sport, a Mark Whitney.

That's what you picked, a Mark Whitney.

My contract.

I won't get my contract.

Oh, you're gonna fix it for me.

You got to square me with Whitney.

Oh, I spoke too quickly.

I said a lot of things I didn't mean.

Of course, you had the right to do what you wanted to.

Your life belonged to you.

Don't hold it against me.

Fix it with Whitney, so I don't lose my contract.

And I'll marry you.

Would you like me to get him on the telephone?

Would you? That'll be swell.

What do you want me to say to him?

Tell him I didn't know about you and him.

If I had, I'd never gone after you.

I didn't mean to double cross him.

And tell him how much it means to me to get that contract.

Is that all?

Well, anything else you can think of.

Office.

There's a gentlemen just leaving my apartment.

Would you please call a taxi?

[band music]

And remember friends...

A vote for Whitney is a vote for prosperity and happiness.

For home, for country and for your beloved State.

Who asked me why?

I heard somebody say why.

I will tell you why.

He's honest, mark that.

He's dependable, mark that.

He is loyal, mark that.

He is the best man in the State. Mark Whitney.

[cheering] Hooray!

Why don't you turn the governorship over to Whitney

on a gold platter and be done with it?

Be reasonable. He's got everything in his favor.

Money, position and personality.

Why, he sweeps them off their feet.

Sure, he does.

Because the men working to defeat him

are spineless jelly fish.

Now, listen, all of you.

Tonight, he's gonna make his speech at the rally.

I want you to be there with your men.

Have 'em planted in the audience.

Heckle him. Throw him off his guard. Confuse him.

Then when you've done that, I'll play my trump card.

[all] -'What's that?' -'What is it?'

Scandal.

'He's got an awfully clean record.'

Yes.

There's mark of pretty French heel on that clean record.

There's a woman, and I'm gonna spread her name

high, wide and handsome.

He'll wish that he never heard of Mrs. Moreland.

Are you sure? -Positive.

I've got him black and white. They were together for 3 years.

Just before he ran for office

they separated and she disappeared.

Probably hiding out. But we don't care about her.

What we care about is her name, and I'm gonna

drag that name through every printing press in this state.

'How?' -'How?'

That's what I'm here to tell you. Come here.

Now, tonight...

[rain pattering]

I've been travelling around the states

talking on the various questions of governance

which have engaged our attention during the last two years.

And which will be up for consideration

during the next 2 years.

I've discussed the question of old age security against what?

The question of the bond issue, for housing

the unfortunate wards of the state.

The matter of farm and road tax relief.

And equalization of rural taxes.

Tonight, I will discuss prison reform.

[applause]

'I am for prison reform form.'

And I'll go further than most of you.

I'd like to see prisons reformed until there are no prisons.

Prosperous people don't turn crooked.

'Happy people are not criminal.'

Prison reform comes from conditions outside prison walls.

Not inside.

Idleness and vice are bosom companions.

Honesty lies deep in the heart

of every man and woman in the world.

Unless it is turned sour by corruption

oppression and degradation.

That is the root of evil at which we must strike.

Hey! What have you got to say about the league of nations?

Oh, yes, that reminds me.

Wasn't it Andrew Jackson who said

"A lot of people have gone a long way

by minding their own business."

[all laughing]

Liberty is the priceless possession of every American.

Baloney, if you're so hot for liberty

what about parole for convicts?

Tell us about that.

Gladly.

I believe that no man's past or woman's past

should be held against them.

[applause]

Ladies and gentlemen, you'll pardon these interruptions.

There seem to be some people here tonight

who would rather talk than listen.

Any of you wanna make my speech for me, come on up.

'There's plenty of room up here. Come on.'

'This platform's free.'

Well?

The cat's got his tongue.

[applause and laughter]

Here is the brief summing up of the records of

'the past few years which ought to be read by every person'

'who thinks of the welfare of the workers.'

[audience murmuring]

"Who is Mrs. Moreland?"

[clamouring]

'Yeah, who is Mrs. Moreland?' -'What's the secret?'

(male #1) 'Go on, let's have a look at her.'

[clamouring continues]

'Why are you tongue tied now" -'The cat's got his tongue'.

Yeah, answer that big boy, just try and answer that one.

I'll answer that question.

She's nothing to Mark Whitney. -'Yeah, well how do you know?

I am Mrs. Moreland.

I was in his life once. But I'm not in his life anymore.

He belongs to you, all of you who are here tonight.

Yeah?

Well, he don't belong to me. -Me, neither.

No, of course not.

Because you're hired by his enemies

to play this contemptible trick.

Men who can be bought and sold have no claim on Mark Whitney.

After all, what is this crime they've unearthed against him?

Is he a murderer, a thief, or a liar?

No. Worse.

He loved a woman, and she loved him.

Do you want to tear his heart open?

Do you want to pry into it's deepest secrets?

Well, you don't have to. I'll tell you what's in it.

Everything that was fun and honest and chivalrous

that he did for a woman.

How many of you could get off so easily?

How many of you could face the white light of publicity?

Could you and you, and you and you?

Be honest, men and women.

Don't let the cowards rob you.

Mark Whitney belongs to you.

Keep him.

[applause]

[sobbing]

I don't care what they do to me back there.

If I win, it'll be with you.

And if I lose, it'll still be with you.

Mark...