Original subtitles

[piano music]

[upbeat orchestral music]

[music continues]

Hold the record.

[music stops]

- I'm sorry, Miss Stewart. - I'm sorry, too.

Four times we've done this routine

and four times you've loused it up.

Gene, you're the dance director.

Would you tell Mr. Ellis this is a rehearsal

not a dancing school?

- I'm sorry, Jenny-- - We've had the sorry bit.

What do we do?

Well, darling, it's just that he feels

that if you could get your right leg in a bit, he--

And spoil that line?

Tell Mr. Ellis he's paid to get around that leg.

And smile, or we get another boy.

- Joe. - Yes, Jenny.

I'm going home. Keep him here until he learns the routine.

If that ever happens, call me.

Practice makes perfect, Jenny. For you, as well as for Ellis.

I don't recall that I was the one who made the mistake.

- Charlie. - Yeah?

Bring my new arrangement to my dressing room.

Alright, Jen, yeah. Be right there, Jenny. I'm coming.

Got everything right here, dear, yeah.

(Jenny) 'Well, what about it?'

Yeah, I'm working on it.

'Did you fix the Follow Me number the way I wanted it?'

It-it just didn't work right, honey.

'What do you mean it didn't work?'

Well, that-that is at first. It didn't..

- But I finally got it. Finally. - 'How did it sound?'

Sounded fine, of course. It sounded fine.

'You see, Charlie, you just wasted your time'

'fighting me.'

'Charlie.'

I was..

I was just... trying to think of an answer.

'That stuff will kill you someday.'

[softly] Yeah, if I'm lucky.

- What? - I said it's great.

It's great, it just..

'Make copies of the changes for me, will you?'

Well, I already have. You know I'd do that, honey.

I'll leave it here on the couch.

I sure hope that you like it.

'If I don't you'll be the first to hear from me.'

'And stop worrying. You've been doing my arrangements '

'long enough to know exactly what I want.'

- Yeah, I sure have. - 'What?'

I said I sure have, yeah.

'Charlie, before you go, I'll better look at those sheets.'

'You've been getting a little sloppy lately.'

'I'm thinking of replacing you with a player piano.'

One that doesn't smoke... drink... mumble, or..

Leave me talking to myself.

- Jenny, I was just-- - Well.

You can always tell when there's trouble in a show.

It's the only time you see the producer.

- But, Jenny darling.. - Oh, Phil, I know the line.

"Jenny, darling, we can iron this out."

Give us a break, Jenny. Give Ellis a break.

If you leave now, there's no point in rehearsing at all.

If you'd hire competent people, you wouldn't have this grief.

But Jenny, handing me more grief isn't going to help any.

Oh, stop it.

Phil, why aren't you here when these problems come up?

If doctors performed operations the way you produce shows

everybody in the country would be dead in five years.

- 'Here she comes.' - Go on, beat it..

They shall not. Wait for me in the car.

- Hi, Merle, hi, Margie. - Hi, Miss Stewart.

Hi, Elsie. I thought you'd forgotten me.

I haven't seen you for a week.

Oh, no. My mother was sick and I had to take care of her.

I'm sorry. We should all take care of our mothers.

- Would you sign mine, too? - Sure. What's your name?

It's Cora. You're gonna sign it personally?

Certainly. Ha-ha-ha.

"Cora, gratefully, Jenny Stewart."

- Oh, thank you, Miss Stewart. - You're welcome.

[engine starts]

- Sure, I will. Sure, I will. - You can't leave, Miss Stewart.

(female #1) 'I'll be back later, Miss Stewart.'

(everyone) Bye. Bye.

Now, let's get to that hoofer you hired

and the limping he calls dancing.

Darling, I pay Ellis a fantastic salary

and you wouldn't give him a minute's help.

Yet you'd spend an hour with those kids. What do they do?

- They're just the audience. - They?

A hundred of those kids couldn't scare up price of one ticket.

Ten years from now, they'll buy a thousand tickets.

None of us will be here 10 years from now.

The theater will.

What? You make a religion out of a job.

A job.

Your idea of art's the fruit in a slot machine.

- Jenny, now you go home-- - That's what I'm gonna do.

- Carl? - Yes, ma'am.

I won't need you tonight. I'm not going back to rehearsals.

- 'Yes, ma'am.' - What you doing to me?

Put me in hospital?

I'm gonna save you a lot of money by not going back.

Unless somebody shocks that company into getting down

to business this show will never open.

Six weeks in a rehearsal that should've taken two.

The script needs jokes, the music needs cutting.

And the staging. Ugh!

It stinks.

You don't think we've got a flop?

No show Jenny Stewart's in is going to be a flop.

If I have to pull every trick in the book

to make it hang together.

Atta, baby.

Carl, after you drop me, will you take Mr. Norton home?

'Yes, ma'am. What's your address, Mr. Norton?'

Any dark bar.

[chuckles]

[typewriter keys clacking]

- Rehearsal broke early, huh? - For me.

I've got all your fan mail caught up.

Good.

- You need some pictures signed. - Right.

Answer this and tell them I'm sorry I can't be there.

Alright.

- Mr. Cliff Willard called. - To say what?

He's dining at El Morocco. He thought you might join him.

And pick up the check.

- Who else called? - Your mother.

Oh, gee, I must call her.

Also, your sister. Also, your mother again.

- How much this time? - Two hundred dollars.

- Better make out the check. - I already have.

I'm not going back to rehearsals tonight.

Trouble, huh?

Hmm.

How would you like some lamb chops for dinner?

That will be fine, Anne.

[buzzer]

- Feel better now? - Mm-hmm.

Scene starts at the bottom of the page.

- Who am I? - George.

George.

- "Knock, knock, knock." - I'll get it.

Oh, George, you're late. You know the Camdens, don't you?

- And this is.. - Oh, yes.

That's a broken speech. You'll have to come in real quick.

- And this is-- - "Oh, yes, we've met."

"How are you? May I speak to you in the library, Chris?"

Crosses to library.

Ooh.

That's a long one.

Better make a note. I need a line to cover that cross.

In, closes door..

...leans against it.

Darling Chris, is there anything I can do? Anything you need?

I don't need anything or anybody.

If you're worried about me, don't be.

I'm not afraid of being alone.

I'll never be lonely.

'I'll... oh.'

Oh, it's that long speech. I never can remember it.

Anne, I'm sorry, it has to have more work.

I can't do any more tonight.

Okay. I'll type up the changes and have it ready by morning.

- 'It's a nice scene.' - It will be when I learn it.

- 'Good night.' - Night.

[sighs]

Hmm.

What would I be thinking on that long cross?

Hmm.

George, you're late.

Library.

I know what you're gonna say.

Henry and I, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

And George says, "Do you need anything?"

No, I don't need anything or anybody.

And George says, "But I'm worried."

And I say, if you're worried about me, don't be.

I'm not afraid of being alone.

I'll never be lonely.

I'm tough, George.

That's why I'll never be lonely.

[chuckles]

Look who's talking.

[crying] I'll never..

Be al..

[crying]

(Gene) Okay, kids, come on, take your places, will you?

Now, you two girls go to the inside

and boys go to the outside during this step.

One, two. Ready, and..

One, two. That's it. Okay, the same thing on this side.

Ready and... one, two. That's it.

Okay, can you keep your places, please?

You two girls with the fellows at the front doing this..

Ready, and..

[Gene hums]

Again, and..

[Gene hums]

Right. Okay, you can go sit up front.

Hold down the talking. Remember, no smoking.

- Any word yet? - No.

[phone ringing]

(Anne) 'Miss Stewart's residence.'

'No, I'm sorry, she isn't.'

- 'She left about an hour ago.' - Morning, darling.

(Anne) 'I have no idea where. You're welcome.'

- 'The theater again.' - Oh.

You took long enough to get here.

I didn't even stop for breakfast.

So you know where the gin is. Look at this. All hips.

And this..

Who could move in it? This is okay.

Where'd you go last night?

Well, since you wouldn't go out with me, I went to bed early.

That isn't the way I heard it.

Some belle from White Plains, wasn't it?

Oh, yes. I did go out for a few minutes.

I know. To mail a letter at El Morocco.

She's just a child.

I did it as a favor. To get her name in print.

So she can dazzle the boys in White Plains.

Huh.

If they printed what really happened

she'd be run out of White Plains by noon.

Jenny, do you think I like going to the same musical

for the 25th time?

Making the rounds of the same nightclubs

drinking the same old rotgut?

- Yes. - You're right, I do.

- But only with Jenny Stewart. - Hmm. Now we get to the point.

Next time you go out without Jenny

don't sign her name to the checks.

Oh.

Yeah, I did run short. But don't worry, I'll make it up to you.

What do you think of my costumes?

Sensational.

- You haven't even looked. - I don't have to.

Alexandria designed them, they can only be great.

They stink.

- Jenny. - But I'll make them better.

When are you gonna stop trying to remake everything

in the world to look like, act like and talk like you?

When I get everything the way I want it.

Yeah, but you work at it 24 hours a day.

You don't go out, you don't have any--

Look, get this through your head.

The first time I ever sang, I fell in love with the audience.

I've been in love with the audience ever since.

I'm going to give them the best that's in me.

No matter who, what, or when tries to stop me.

Including you.

Now get your pad and pencil.

We'll make some notes on the sketches.

[sighs]

You're completely useless.

But beautiful.

Just the way I want these sketches to be.

You seen her?

[piano music]

You know anybody who has seen her?

Thanks. You're a great help.

Willie don't know either.

All he says is, "Why don't you ask Monty Rolfe?"

That's a good idea. Let's ask Monty.

He's supposed to be her agent.

- Isn't he, Monty? - Take it easy, Joe.

Sure, what's it to me? Take it easy.

I've only got two dozen people sitting around

for hours all on salary, waiting for her.

- Hey, Joe, she's here. - Well, what's she waiting for?

Tell her the red carpet's at the cleaners.

You want Carl to drop you anywhere?

No, I'm just going around the corner.

Usual time, Carl.

Hey, that's pretty.

- Well? - Well what?

Well, how do they compare?

Oh.

Jenny, you have no competition.

They're living examples of perfect bilateral symmetry.

- I mean, the poster. - Oh, that's good, too.

When will I see you, Jenny?

You'll get a call, when I need you.

- Bye. - Bye.

- Good morning, Miss Stewart. - Good morning.

We were getting a little worried.

Why?

Here, put these on the piano.

Okay, boy, you got the ball now.

I'm going back to the office.

- Joe. - Yes, Jenny?

Good morning, Jenny.

Oh.

- I've made a few changes. - You have? What are they?

Well and follow me.

I wanna finish the first chorus ad lib

with a retard in the last two bars.

In the second chorus

last four bars soft and then up for a sock finish.

You'll probably hate it.

Why, Jen? I have a hunch I'll love it.

Would you mind if I loved it, Jen?

Not at all.

Let's listen and see how it sounds.

Morning, Charlie. Let's take it right here, full intro..

- Who is this character? - My name is Tye Graham.

- Where's Charlie? - He quit.

So he has a hangover. When's he coming in?

(Joe) 'He quit.'

What do you mean he quit? We have a contract.

Oh, you still have it. It's in your dressing room

on the floor, in pieces.

What does this guy want?

He gets 500 bucks a week for working four hours a day.

Well, deducting taxes, ulcer treatments

and psychiatric sessions

his take-home pay was slightly under $10.

Get him back.

Let's see what happens.

I've marked all the changes. You start here..

Yes, Miss Stewart, I'm blind.

I apologize for Mr. Denner, he should've told you.

Oh, please don't let my blindness bother you.

I'm familiar with your style, I know all your keys.

I went over your arrangements with Charlie.

Would you like to start now?

Yes, sure.

You see, right here... I mean..

You mean you wanna finish the first chorus ad lib

the retard in the last two bars.

The second chorus, the last four bars soft

and up for a sock finish.

Is that the way you want it?

Yes.

That's the way I want it.

We shouldn't have any trouble.

[piano music]

♪ Follow me ♪

♪ And you'll have diamond starlight ♪

♪ In your eyes ♪

♪ I'll take you places ♪

♪ On a cloud of gold ♪

♪ And in your arms ♪

♪ You'll hold a paradise ♪

♪ My smile will beckon you ♪

♪ To follow me ♪

♪ And you will know the glow of ecstasy ♪

♪ You'll own the sun ♪

♪ The moon ♪

♪ The stars above ♪

♪ A world of love ♪

♪ If you will ♪

♪ Always follow me ♪

♪ Follow me ♪

♪ It will be ecstasy ♪

♪ You'll own the sun ♪

♪ The moon, the stars above ♪

♪ A world of love ♪

♪ If you will ♪

♪ Always follow me ♪

♪ If you will always ♪

♪ Always follow me ♪

Mm-hmm. Feels good.

Joe, I think that's about all it needed, don't you?

You're the singer, Jenny.

If that's the way you wanna do it.

'Sounds fine.'

Thanks.

Thanks for nothing.

What did you think?

- What's your name? - Uh, Graham.

- Tye Graham. - Well?

Well, uh, I found it a little..

[sighs]

...unorthodox.

Meaning what? It stinks?

Oh, no. I, I'd never say that.

I'm sure you wouldn't.

However, the modulation seemed a little abrupt.

But we could easily correct that.

Make it a little less arbitrary.

Oh, we could.

I happen to like it unorthodox, arbitrary and abrupt.

What I'm most interested in is will it sell?

Well, I'm sure that if anybody could sell it..

...that body is probably you.

I'll take that as a compliment, I think.

(Joe) 'Jenny.'

Let's run through that dance routine now.

Gene tells me Ellis is ready.

Okay, where is he?

He's just changing. He'll be right out.

Does he know it?

I'd stake my life on it, Jenny. I'll put the record on.

Start it at the four-four.

I'll find out if he knows it.

- Good morning, Ms. Stewart. - Good luck.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music stops]

That's nice, Ellis.

I guarantee you we'll be good for two bows opening night.

Well, thank you, Ms. Stewart.

Got a cigarette?

I'm-I'm sorry. I-I only smoke a pipe.

You a friend of Charlie Maylor's?

I know him, yes.

Why doesn't he wanna work with me anymore?

[sighs]

Go ahead.

Well, alright.

To put it in a nutshell..

...he says you're a..

...pretty rugged sort of a dame to work with.

Why did you take over?

Curiosity.

About what?

Well, let's say I wanted to meet you..

...to get to know more about you.

Why?

Do any of us really know why we do what we do?

I think we do, Mr. Graham.

Give me a cigarette.

Jenny, maybe we ought to run through that--

You should've asked me before you took on a new man.

If you came down here and found no one..

...you'd scream your head off at me for not getting somebody.

Well... this isn't going to work.

There's no reason why it shouldn't, Jenny.

If you'll just let it.

Don't you think you better run through the whole number?

No. No more dancing before lunch.

We've still got half an hour. How about Two-Faced Woman.

Okay.

Do you think you know "Two-Faced Woman" well enough

to run through it?

I know every note.

["Two-Faced Woman" on piano]

♪ I can't help being a two-faced woman ♪

♪ A little bit of boldness A little bit of sweetness ♪

♪ A little bit of coldness A little bit of heatness ♪

♪ Don't fall in love with a two-faced woman ♪

♪ Givin' you a warnin' I'll leave you in the mornin' ♪

♪ Got another lover under cover ♪

♪ I'm like a weather vane that goes with the.. ♪

Hey, wait a minute. I thought you said

you went over these arrangements with Charlie.

- I did. - What happened to the tempo?

I made a slight change. You were singing beautifully.

- But I thought-- - Look, Mr. Graham.

You've been hired to help me rehearse only.

The arrangements have been set.

When this show opens, there will be

26 competent musicians in that pit.

So stop auditioning on my time.

It seemed a bit fast to me so my right hand sort of slowed down.

- It has a mind of its own. - Then sit on it.

Shall we try it again? The right way?

That's what I was trying, but I can do it your way.

- If that's the way-- - Just a minute!

[dog barks]

Now, I have to argue with a dog.

Easy, Duchess.

She's not used to loud voices.

If she expects to stay around here..

...she'd better get used to 'em.

Jenny.

Come here a minute.

Jenny, I've never lied to you.

And I won't now. Honey, you're making a mistake.

You don't expect me to take anymore of this?

Why don't you listen to him?

His idea of that song was better than yours.

Well, I don't happen to like it. I don't like it a bit.

As a matter of fact, I don't happen to like him.

He's showing off and I hate show-offs.

Let him get his own spotlight. He's not gonna have mine.

I can't work with him, Joe. Get it over with.

Okay.

Okay, I'll fire him.

Alright, everybody, lunch.

Hurry it up. And don't be too late coming back.

[indistinct chatter]

We could use some of that energy when you're working.

- Bye. - I'll see you at lunchtime.

[dog growls]

Okay, say it.

Say it was a lousy thing to do.

I don't care.

'You ought to get over that habit of throwing things.'

'Someday you'll throw a boomerang.'

Well, how can you work with a man of..?

Who can't even see what you're doing.

He doesn't even know what I look like.

He has no business in this business.

Maybe he had no business being in the war.

Joe, I have very broad shoulders.

But not broad enough for the whole world to cry on.

Alright, Jenny.

Someday you may need a shoulder to cry on yourself.

- Hm. - Only it won't be there.

What will it take to get Charlie back?

'I can't get him back.'

Give him whatever he wants.

I can't.

He wants something I don't have the power to offer him.

What's that?

A new leading lady.

Then let him starve.

[piano music]

♪ I'm like a weather vane that goes with the breeze ♪

♪ I'm like a weather vane that goes with the breeze ♪

♪ My disposition makes me do as I please ♪

[indistinct chatter]

Hi, Jenny.

So long, Tye. Let me hear from you.

Yes, I will.

I'll be right back.

Well, I did it. I didn't like it, but I did it.

I'll call Charlie and ask him to come back

for the good old good of the show.

He's sentimental. Maybe it'll work.

Offer him 600.

And free treatments with his psychiatrist.

(Tye) 'Ms. Stewart.'

Yes?

'Won't you sit down?'

I get you fired and you invite me to sit down with you?

Don't worry, I won't have to sell pencils.

Sit down, please, won't you?

Alright, I will.

Now what?

(clears throat) I'm a... little puzzled by you.

There's no mystery about me.

It's been rumored that I'm rather brutally frank.

It's also been rumored that you're pretty and talented.

You can get people to do what you want them to do

without hitting first and asking afterwards.

This business has its own rules. You either hit first or get hit.

If anybody's gonna be kicked around..

...it's not gonna be you, is it?

That's the world's oldest and smartest philosophy.

And the reason we had to make laws and establish religions.

The subject's too serious for me to take on an empty stomach.

- Wai.. - Waiter. Menu, please.

Did, uh, ahem.

Did you ever hear of defense mechanism?

You mean like a girdle?

[chuckles] Alright, we'll drop the serious talk.

No, when the talk's about me, I'll buy a ticket.

(Waiter) 'Yes, ma'am.'

- Lobster Newberg and coffee. - On my check, please.

- 'Yes, sir.' - Go on.

Well, ahem..

...you're, you're scared.

Me?

Of what?

Well, it's..

...being weak and vulnerable to criticism. Like anybody else.

You're like the kid who went fishing

for perch and caught a whale.

He knew if he hung on to the rod, he'd drown.

But if he let go..

...all the other kids would say that he was yellow.

So there he was with a whale on the end of his line.

Big second-act curtain. What did he do for the third act?

Well, someone with common sense and compassion

for human weakness came along and, and cut the line for him.

You're not scared of anything, huh?

Oh, no, no, no, no. I don't conform to pattern.

I live in an ivory tower.

- Ivory towers can be lonely. - Oh, I'm not alone.

No, but you will be if you keep that dog around.

Look at her. She's still itching to take a bite out of me.

Why don't you get yourself a nice seeing-eye girl?

Sorry.

I warned you I hit first, but not usually quite that low.

It's alright, forget it.

Ahem. May I have my check, please?

Yes, sir.

You know, I don't think that seeing-eye girl idea

would quite work out.

No, why not?

Well, women have to be told how much you love

the color of their hair and..

...how much you love the color of their eyes.

Women need admiration.

More than food and drink, women need admiration.

I'm with you. I bet they'd sure have to sweat for it.

No.

But admiration given away free is, is valueless.

But admiration earned has a lasting quality about it.

- Your check, sir. - Thank you very much.

Goodbye, Ms. Stewart.

What else did Charlie tell you about me?

[sighs]

Well..

He said that you had a sensational figure..

...but that you throw it about like a burlesque queen.

'He said you had beautiful legs.'

'But they always walked in the wrong direction.'

And?

He said that your mouth belonged to an angel.

But the words that came out of it were pure tramp.

The next time you see Charlie Maylor..

...tell him to take those 88 keys, black and white.

- One by one-- - 'Stop it, Jenny.'

Do you think if I believed one word that he said..

...I'd have told you?

I'll be seeing you.

[indistinct chatter]

[plates clink]

I'm sorry, Mr. Graham. I didn't expect you home.

And you caught me sleeping.

Next time, I'll try not to let you catch me. Sorry.

Didn't I tell you never to say sorry about anything here?

Yes, Mr. Graham, I'm so.. I almost said sorry.

- How about a drink? - Yes, make it a double, please.

- You had a short rehearsal. - Uh-huh.

- I got fired. - Fired?

Yeah.

Yes, I'm afraid I made a bad investment.

Two weeks' salary, a thousand dollars.

Roundtrip ticket to Cuba, $200.

Well, someone will have a good time on the money at least.

Yes, Charlie Maylor.

May I be so bold as to ask, was it worth it?

- Well, I don't know. - Too bad.

There are no wise and comforting words

of Confucius to cover this situation.

Aren't there any other Chinese philosophers?

Only my grandfather.

He always say, "The easy ones are no fun."

- Angry? - No.

I was rude, wasn't I?

A little.

It was such a dull party.

People like that can waste your life away. Why be bored?

You're right, it was dull.

But it was the only party in town tonight.

Alright, we'll do what you want.

You go on home, drop me off at my place.

I'll curl up in front of the fire with a good book..

...or a bad girl.

[instrumental "Blue Moon"]

[music continues]

[doorbell buzzes]

Yes, madam?

Sorry, I was looking for Mr. Graham's apartment.

Yes, ma'am. Come in, please.

- He lives here? - Yes, ma'am.

Mr. Graham expecting you, ma'am?

No, but he'll see me.

[music continues]

Please sit down, ma'am.

Mr. Graham not wish interruptions.

You wait, please, ma'am.

Tell him I wanna see him. Jenny Stewart.

You take a seat, please, ma'am.

[music continues]

[dog growls]

Duchess, you came in in the wrong number.

The next one is "Quintet for Concerto and Growl."

- You have a visitor, Tye. - Oh.

I think it's Jenny Stewart.

[dog growls]

Quiet, Duchess.

Why don't you freshen your drinks, boys?

I'd enjoy a touch. How about you, Jean?

- Mr. Graham. - What a pleasant surprise.

- Won't you come in? - No, thanks.

I certainly didn't expect your ivory tower to be jumping.

We were just trying to find something new in "Blue Moon."

Come in and listen. You might like it.

I'm on my way to a party and I'm late.

I wouldn't have come by at all if Joe hadn't said

you wouldn't come back to work.

Even if I asked you personally.

You never turn down a challenge, do you?

We called it a bet.

How big a bet, Ms. Stewart? Joe's a friend of mine--

Don't worry, it won't break him.

We start rehearsals tomorrow morning at 9.

Good night.

Good night, Jenny.

I know you weren't eavesdropping, Martha.

Yes, I was.

Then, you know I've become a controversy in the life

ofJenny Stewart.

Even if it's only a commercial controversy, a bet.

Tye, I don't get it.

You tell me you want her, but you don't tell me why.

Is it because she's impossible to have?

That you wanna beat her down and feel like a conqueror?

- No, it's nothing like that. - Then, what?

There's no love in her.

Who knows?

If I thought it would do any good, I'd fight you too.

Insult you, degrade you.

You don't have to do anything like that, Martha.

I like you as you are.

But not enough.

What's the matter with me?

I... I guess you're everything

that any sensible man would ever want.

You're intelligent, sensitive and faithful.

But I can't see you.

I don't know what you look like.

But you can see Jenny Stewart?

Yes, I know what she looks like.

I'm sure you're lovely, but..

But it would be like putting my arms around a shadow.

Well, I told you what I look like.

The boys have described me down to the smallest detail.

And every detail sounds beautiful.

But it still isn't good enough.

I could never really see you.

Oh, Tye.

Tye, why didn't I know you before? Why?

[soft music]

[music continues]

Why are you playing that?

I didn't know you'd come in yet, Ms. Stewart.

Play it again.

[music continues]

"Tenderly."

I sang that in my first show.

- Did you know that? - Vaguely.

I thought everybody had forgotten it.

Not everybody.

Miss Stewart, may I ask you a question?

Sure.

Did Joe pay off?

I always collect.

Let's cut the music. Get to the rehearsal.

Are you sure there really was a bet?

[music tempo changes]

[Jenny Stewart singing "You Won't Forget Me"]

♪ You won't forget me ♪

♪ Though you may try ♪

♪ I'm part of memories ♪

♪ Too wonderful to die ♪

♪ And it will happen ♪

♪ But know it when ♪

♪ You'll fall to wondering ♪

♪ If we shouldn't have tried again ♪

♪ You won't forget me ♪

♪ On nights like this ♪

♪ The moon will cast on you ♪

♪ The shadow of my kiss ♪

♪ No matter where you are ♪

♪ With whom you're you'll think of me ♪

♪ You won't forget me ♪

♪ Just wait and see ♪

♪ You won't forget me ♪

♪ Just wait and see ♪

♪ You won't forget me ♪

♪ Just wait and see ♪

That was fine, boys.

Oops. Have to break for dinner.

Be back at 7:15, ready to play. Seven-fifteen, sharp.

Tye, I think she's doing a beautiful job.

[indistinct chattering]

How was that?

The consensus of opinion is you're doing fine.

Consensus of opinion?

Would that include you?

By definition.

Why, yes, of course.

By definition.

How stupid of me to ask.

I liked it.

See you later.

[indistinct]

Joe.

Yeah?

Let's keep the visitors out during rehearsals, huh?

[bell tolling]

- Miss Stewart? - 'Yes?'

I'm leaving now. Your dinner's in the icebox.

- All you have to do is heat it. - 'Thanks, Anne.'

It's a beautiful day.

No Sunday's beautiful.

- Have a good time. - 'Thanks. Bye.'

[door closes]

Anne?

[tolling continues]

[buzzing]

[up-tempo music]

[music stops]

(man on radio) 'When you hear the tone the time will be'

'exactly 11:28 and three-quarters.'

'Stay tuned for your 11:30 edition of the news broadcast'

'which follows in six..'

'Nine-fifteen.'

A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P.

(woman on radio) 'The number you have dialed is incorrect.'

'Please be sure you know the right number'

'and have dialed it correctly.'

'This is a recording.'

'The number you have dialed is incorrect.'

[music]

Hello, Mom?

So, I says, "Well, that's all very flattering

"Professor Burkheimer but really, $10 a lesson

"twice a week, huh.

"We ain't got that much money. We're poor people."

So he says, "Well, what about Ms. Stewart? Wouldn't she help?"

And I says, "I wouldn't hear of it. I wouldn't allow it.

Alright, I know what you're thinking.

My daughter, Jenny, she's a very successful girl.

A wealthy woman, if you like."

New necklace, dear?

"That's no reason why she should pay for her sister's education

"and buy her brother Marty a new car.

"Just because a new car would give him a better territory

"for his salesmanship career is no reason she should shell out

"her poor hard-earned money."

We're not talking about Marty's car but about my piano lessons.

The professor says that Celia will play Carnegie Hall yet.

- That with a talent like-- - Alright mother, you sold me.

I'll pay for her lessons, send me the bills

I'll take care of them.

Celia, play something soothing.

Excuse me, I have to make a telephone call.

Stop it. I hate that piece.

Monty?

Jenny.

Listen, I've decided to throw a party tonight.

Get some of the gang together, will you?

Oh, Cliff Willard..

...Ted, Jerry maybe. You know who I like.

What do you mean, short notice?

Well, don't tell me everybody's busy on Sunday night.

I know.

I have a family, too.

And listen.

I think it'd be nice if we had some music, don't you?

Some of the boys from the band.

And why don't you call that new man?

Tye, uh..

What's his name, Tye Graham?

Yeah.

Okay. See you around six.

[piano music]

♪ Follow me ♪

♪ And you'll have diamond starlight ♪

♪ In your eyes ♪

♪ I'll take you places ♪

♪ On a cloud of gold ♪

♪ And in your arms ♪

♪ You'll hold a paradise.. ♪

(Jenny) 'Chuck.'

♪ My smile will beckon you ♪

♪ To follow me ♪

Thank you.

Good voice, huh?

In fact, a little too good ever to be invited here again.

As long as they like him, why should I care?

You're pure storybook.

You're a handmade child of destiny.

You take a swatch of life, twist it into the shape you want

and then shove it down to the throats of the weaklings.

What's more, they buy tickets to watch you do it.

You drink too much.

Hm-m. This is my lens.

Strangely enough, it brings everything into focus.

You know what I see?

The future.

You without me.

- Did I ever tell you otherwise? - No, no, you never did.

I never stood a chance with you, did I?

Jenny, there's no one like you on Earth.

You're the distilled essence of effectiveness.

Your leg moves and a million faces look up.

Your throat utters a word and even a blind man can see you.

Why don't you switch to water?

Monty! Excuse me.

I told you to get Tye Graham. Why isn't he here?

He couldn't make it.

Like they say, if you want anything done

do it yourself.

It's no use, Jen. He isn't home.

Where is he?

He was going to dinner with Joe.

Why isn't Joe here?

- He's entertaining Tye Graham. - Very funny.

You're a laugh a minute.

Give me a cigarette between jokes.

Light?

What's the matter, Jen? You asked for this party.

You know, I've been watching you.

I can hear that volcano rumbling.

What's with you and this Tye Graham?

Look, Monty.

You get 10% of my earnings

but my problems belong to me 100%.

Now get back in there and tell them

to get out, all of them, and fast.

All right, everybody, on stage for the finale.

Okay, come on.

[clamoring]

(male #1) 'On stage for the finale, Miss Stewart.'

'All right, all right. I'll be there.'

[upbeat music]

♪ I don't know why they scold me ♪

♪ For doing what I'm trying not to do ♪

♪ No man can ever hold me ♪

♪ And yet I never mean to be untrue ♪

♪ Someday I will wake up ♪

♪ Find out what is wrong ♪

♪ With my dual makeup ♪

♪ I don't feel loved ♪

♪ I can't help being a two-faced woman ♪

♪ A little bit of boldness, a little bit of sweetness ♪

♪ A little bit coldness, a little bit of heatness ♪

♪ Don't fall in love with a two-faced woman ♪

♪ I'm giving you a warning I'll leave you in the morning ♪

♪ Got another lover undercover ♪

♪ I'm like a weather vane ♪

♪ That goes with the breeze ♪

♪ My disposition makes me do as I please ♪

♪ That's why they call me a two-faced woman ♪

♪ A little bit of day♪

♪ And a little bit of night ♪

♪ A little bit of sad ♪

♪ And a little bit of bright ♪

♪ A little bit of goodness ♪

♪ A little bit of badness ♪

♪ A little bit of wrong and right ♪

♪ She can't help being a two-faced woman ♪

♪ Boldness, sweetness, coldness, heatness ♪

♪ Don't fall in love with a two-faced woman ♪

♪ Without warning she'll leave you in the morning ♪

♪ That's why they call her a two-faced woman ♪

♪ A little bit of day ♪

♪ And a little bit of night ♪

♪ A little bit of sad ♪

♪ And a little bit of bright ♪

♪ A little bit of boldness ♪

♪ A little bit of sweetness ♪

♪ A little bit of coldness ♪

♪ And a little bit of heatness ♪

♪ Good, bad, sweet, sad ♪

♪ Black, white, dull, bright ♪

♪ They call me two-faced woman ♪

[all applauding]

I've been waiting for this for a long time.

I don't think we'll have any trouble at all.

Just great!

Come on, everybody, I'll buy you all a drink.

Oh, let's go.

Everybody, quiet while I give you your instructions.

Remember, tomorrow morning, 10 o'clock at Penn Station.

Good night. It was a wonderful show.

(all) Thank you.

- Did you get my compartment? - Better. I got a drawing room.

Good. What space did you get for Tye Graham?

He isn't going to Philadelphia.

- Chuck? - Yes.

Put this in my dressing room.

Right.

So I says to her, I says

"Well, that's all very well, Mrs. Kurtz.

I love the apartment. I know it's a bargain.

Only $30 more than we're paying now.

But who are we to live in the East 50s?

Why, we're poor people.

The old apartment's good enough for us."

But she said, "After all, you're Jenny Stewart's mother.."

- Take that coat off now! - It's such a beautiful coat.

You hardly ever wear it.

- Mother, will you get her.. - We won't get in your way.

Take off that coat, Celia.

Call us and let us know how everything goes.

- I will, Mom, and don't worry. - Alright, good luck, Jenny.

Thank you.

Celia?

I like the way it looks on you.

Oh, Jenny, I'll even wear it to bed.

Bye.

Oh, Anne?

Put these in the trunk. No.

You better get the shoes that match.

Never mind.

Get Tye Graham on the telephone.

Tell him I'll... never mind, I'll talk to him.

Just get him on the phone.

[dialing]

(Anne) 'Mr. Graham for Miss Stewart, please.'

'Oh, I see.'

She said she doesn't know if he can talk now.

Can you call him later?

What do you mean, "She"?

This is Jenny Stewart and I wanna talk to him now.

[doorbell buzzing]

You sure took your time getting here.

Couch is straight ahead of you to your left.

Thank you.

I'm surprised to see your dog with you.

I thought you'd taken my advice about a seeing-eye girl.

Whatever gave you that idea?

It certainly wasn't Duchess who answered the telephone.

Wasn't it?

You know, you have the most revolting way

of answering a question with a question.

[chuckles] I do?

Was that the girl who picked you up at the theater?

She's a member of our quintet.

Not too talented to be troublesome.

She's pretty.

So they tell me. I met her through my editor.

What quintet and what editor?

I used to write drama and music reviews before the war.

The quintet is a group of my friends, we..

...play together because we like to be together.

Where did you find them?

Why?

Why do you want to know?

Curiosity.

Like you once said about me, I wanna know more about you.

Well, that's fair enough.

I knew most of them many years ago

before the war when I could see them.

I know their moods, I know their faces.

I know... how they look when they frown or when they smile.

With these people, I feel at ease.

I can see them.

I'm happy to be with them because I can see them.

I understand.

Is that all you wanted to see me about?

No.

Why aren't you going to Philadelphia with us?

My work is finished.

I... I wish I could say that I've enjoyed

every minute of it, but I can't.

You are almost impossible to work with.

But I think I understand why.

Your first loyalty isn't to money, or having

your name up in lights, or even to yourself.

It's to your audience, isn't it?

You sound as if you're feeling sorry for me.

I am.

Why are you always needling?

Digging, ripping people apart?

What is it with you?

Is that how you get your kicks or something?

[inhales deeply]

I'll tell you why you should go to Philadelphia.

We might have to change a few routines during the tryout.

It's happened before.

Might have to do a lot of rearranging.

I might need your opinion.

'Does my opinion have any real importance to you, Jenny?'

Of course. You know your job.

You're honest.

You hate me, but you're honest.

I'm sorry, I can't go with the company.

I've made other plans. And I don't hate you, Jenny.

You sure gave a good imitation of it.

All during rehearsals.

You made me feel as if you were up there on that stage and..

...I was down in the pit looking up at you.

I don't know how you did it.

But you made me feel about that big.

Alright, Jenny.

You're wonderful.

You're marvelous. You're the be all and end all.

The times in Times Square and the broad in Broadway.

- Will that do? - No, it won't.

And another thing.

Tonight after dress rehearsal..

...you walked out without a goodbye, good luck, nothing.

'What do you expect me to say? That I like you?'

'I don't.'

That I'll miss you? I won't. That I can't live without you?

Believe me, I can.

- Don't you shout at me. - 'Why not?'

You made a career outta shouting at people.

It's time you heard some of the echoes.

Ah! That's a wilted summer stock line if ever I heard one.

And that's part of your act, too.

Everything you don't say is corny.

But every time you open your mouth

you expect to rock the world back on its heels.

I've rocked it a few times, buster.

Then why not give it a rest?

Why not relax?

Stop trying to make the world shout

"Hurrah for Jenny" every hour on the hour.

Do you know where this routine is gonna take you?

Where, professor?

To a day when no producer's gonna use you

because you aren't worth all the trouble.

To a day when you're aren't the great Jenny Stewart.

'But a cheap and vulgar has-been.'

'And then there'll be the bottle.'

'But even liquor won't lie to you.'

I hit the bottom pretty fast, didn't I?

And even on the way down, you won't be original.

You'll dye that lovely, dark red mane of yours, that..

..that Gypsy Madonna hair, all colors of the rainbow.

'Anything to hide your real self from yourself.'

"Gypsy Madonna"?

Gypsy Madonna was a painting by Titian... an Italian artist.

I know all about him, you don't have to tell me.

He lived in Venice and died of the plague.

Now get out of here before you give it to me.

[door opening]

I didn't know you was coming

or I'd have gotten some high-class beer.

- Beer is beer. - Not anymore.

They don't make it like they did when your father was drinking.

You could taste the hops.

And the malt used to hit you in back

of the head like a ton of brick.

- Nowadays, it all tastes mild. - It's okay.

And them pretzels, they ain't no bargain either.

Look at the thin, scrawny things. Huh.

Ain't got enough salt on them to make a cat thirsty.

I'm not hungry anyway. Thanks.

- Something wrong? - No, it tastes fine.

Well, it ain't the beer I'm talking about.

Here it is midnight. And you're here and

you've got an early train in the morning.

It is late. I'd better go. You must be tired.

Well, don't go on my account. You know, I always stay up late.

I like to hear that Mr. Nightclubs Platter Party.

The records he plays are square.

But, oh, he talks an awful hip commercial.

- I know. - You listen to him to, huh?

He's company.

Trouble with the show?

No.

Your health.. You know, doctor-type health?

No.

Need money?

No, Mom.

That I got.

- Man trouble. - No.

Yes.

I'm gonna break out that bottle of champagne

that I've been keeping for my wake.

Come on, take off the shoes and tell me all about it.

- Nothing much to say. - Well, say it.

- Well, he's a man that-- - Well, that's a profit anyway.

At least he ain't no hot house clothes horse..

...like you always get into papers with.

He's blind.

Well..

[sighs]

Your father was somewhat bald, you know, when I married him.

I guess we all carry some infirmity with us.

Every time we get together. Wow.

- Really? - We're fighting.

Now, according to Mrs. Osterhoff's butcher..

...that is known as basic sex antagonism.

'I call it--'

Gypsy Madonna.

I call it love.

- What's that you said? - He called me a Gypsy Madonna.

My hair hasn't been that color in seven years.

Gypsy Madonna, Gypsy Madon..

Mom, where are you going? The doctor told you not to walk.

If you want something, I'll get it.

Alright.

I want my scrapbook. It's in the cabinet.

Midnight and she wants scrapbooks yet.

It's the red one on top.

It's the first one I kept on you.

I got 10 of them now.

[chuckles]

Every story and picture I could find.

And what I missed, Mrs. Osterhoff found.

- Is this it? - Yeah, that's the one.

Believe it or not... I've always been proud of my daughter.

- Is that me? - Sure. Who did you think?

I tell you, Jen, I must be getting old.

I used to be able to rattle them off word for word.

Ah. Here it is.

"Gotham Today"...by Tye Graham.

That's him, Mom.

You don't say.

"One production number in the second act

"featured a girl with auburn red hair.

"She danced and sang one song, Tenderly.

"She seemed to fill the stage all by herself.

"Among a crowd of born dance hall hostesses, she was a..

[in unison] "...Gypsy Madonna."

You see?

"Her name is Jenny Stewart..

"...and she made the rest of the show difficult to remember.

"I kept looking for her again, but she never returned until

"the finale.

"I doubt that any man in the audience

"was watching the principals.

"I know I wasn't.

"Tomorrow, I leave for the service.

"And no more pleasant memories could I carry with me..

"...than that short but vivid glimpse of one Jenny Stewart."

That's where the Gypsy Madonna came from.

When it comes to Jenny Stewart..

...the man who wrote this could never be blind.

I wonder what he saw in me. I wasn't that good then.

Maybe you forgot how good you was.

Put on that old record of yours, Tenderly.

Go ahead.

The one you gave me on my... one of my earlier birthdays.

Now, don't mind the scratches.

'It might sound a little tired, but you'll see what I mean.'

[slow music]

[Jenny Stewart singing "Tenderly"]

♪ The evening breeze ♪

♪ Caressed the trees tenderly ♪

♪ The trembling trees ♪

♪ Embraced the breeze tenderly ♪

♪ Then you and I ♪

♪ Came wandering by ♪

♪ And lost in a sigh ♪

♪ Were we ♪

♪ The shore was kissed by sea and mist ♪

♪ Tenderly ♪

♪ I can't forget ♪

♪ How two hearts met breathlessly ♪

♪ Your arms opened wide ♪

♪ And closed me inside ♪

♪ You took my lips ♪

♪ You took my love ♪

♪ So tenderly.. ♪

Incidentally, Jenny..

...your father wasn't just somewhat bald..

...when I married him.

He was bald as a billiard ball.

Ha!

♪ Your arms opened wide ♪

♪ And closed me inside ♪

♪ You took my lips ♪

♪ You took my love ♪

♪ So tenderly ♪

["Tenderly" on piano]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Well, it says this... music, Martha.

But it's Jenny.

Blatant and brash.

But that's the way she is.

That's the way I see her.

Where did I put my pipe, please?

[dramatic music]

Where's Martha?

She left a few minutes ago.

How did you manage that?

It was easy.

She loves you.

How did you manage to get Charlie Maylor

on a plane to Cuba?

That was easy. He hates you.

How did you know about Charlie and me?

I'm psychic.

Also, I phoned Havana.

Look, Jenny, I told you, I'm not coming to Philadelphia with you.

That's final.

You should come.

If only to hear your Gypsy Madonna singing.

I read that old review you wrote.

It was a little corny.

Find me a guy who can write a love letter

that isn't a little corny.

It was purely a professional opinion.

No more, no less.

Why don't you stop hiding?

You hide behind that keyboard.

- Cut it out, Jenny. - You hide behind the dog.

You hide behind that smug look on your face.

Jenny, get out of here!

Why didn't you come out and tell me how you felt about me?

What were you afraid of? That I'd say no?

Afraid I'd laugh at you because you're blind?

(shouts) Jenny, get out of here!

It's alright for you to call yourself blind.

But you don't like it when somebody else does, do you?

[glass shattering]

[dramatic music]

I finally did it.

It took a long time, but I finally cracked your shell.

You really wrecked the joint.

I did a thorough job?

Yup.

Need help getting up?

No, thank you.

Then how about helping me up?

It's the first time I ever heard Jenny Stewart

ask for anything.

It's the first time Jenny ever needed anything.

And I do need you, Tye.

I know you do.

- You need me, too. - I know that, too.

Mm.

Guess I better start taking lessons.

What kind?

How to be a seeing eye.

How about Duchess?

Can she cook?

No.

Can she sing?

Not very well.

Believe me, Duchess has her limitations.

[climactic music]