Original subtitles

[orchestral music]

♪ Athena ♪

[music continues]

♪ Athena ♪

♪ Athena ♪

[indistinct chattering]

Take it easy, girls. Plenty of time, plenty of seats.

Take it easy, slow down.

You'll see him, you'll hear him. You can touch him, don't hurry.

Sit down, girls. There'll be no autographs until after the show.

Sit down now, please sit down.

[Vic Damone singing "The Girl Next Door"]

♪ The moment I saw her smile ♪

♪ I knew she was just my style ♪

♪ But it's clear to see ♪

♪ There's no hope for me ♪

♪ Though I live at 5135 Kensington Avenue ♪

♪ And she lives at 5133 ♪

♪ How can I ignore ♪

♪ The girl next door ♪

♪ I love her more than I can say ♪

♪ Doesn't try to please me ♪

♪ Doesn't even tease me ♪

♪ And she never sees me ♪

♪ Glance her way ♪

♪ And though I'm heartsore ♪

♪ The girl next door ♪

♪ Affection for me ♪

♪ Won't display ♪

♪ I just adore her ♪

♪ So I can't ignore her ♪

♪ The girl next door ♪

♪ I just ♪

♪ Adore her ♪

♪ So I can't ♪

♪ Ignore her ♪

♪ The girl ♪

♪ Next door ♪

[applause]

[cheering]

Thanks, Johnny. Thanks, kids. That was fine.

Now remember, I want you all here by 8:30 Tuesday night.

We're on the air at nine. Thanks again.

[girls screaming]

- You were just wonderful. - Thank you very much.

- You are Johnny Nyle, right? - Yes, I am.

It's such a pleasure to meet you finally.

My pleasure.

Glad you feel that way. This is for you.

- Ah, autograph? - That won't be necessary.

- It's a subpoena. - A subpoena?

[girls screaming]

Hey.

I don't want it.

I'm sorry, Mr. Nyle, but without an appointment

you can't see Mr. Shaw.

I only got this 20 minutes ago.

I mean business, Miss Seely. I wanna be a client.

He has a client. Who referred you to Mr. Shaw?

I was in the Navy with the Lieutenant.

So were several million others.

It's not gonna hurt to ask, will it?

Tell Pappy Shaw that Gunner's Mate third class Johnny Nyle

is out here to see him and in mighty big trouble.

- Please smile, Mr. Shaw. - I was smiling.

Make it a big one now. Show your teeth.

I'm not selling toothpaste, I'm running for Congress.

Come on, Adam. Give him a big smile.

I've great respect for your political wisdom, Mr. Tremaine

but I will not pose like this.

Thank you, Mr. Shaw. Thank you, gentlemen.

Wait a minute.

You've to cooperate with the press, Adam.

What's the matter? Don't you wanna get elected?

I most certainly do, Mr. Tremaine.

My family has had a long and distinguished record

in public life. My grandfather was Governor of Massachusetts.

Father was a senator.

But they did not get there by backslapping and kissing babies.

And they had an advantage that you don't have.

They didn't look as young as you do.

You know, you're a difficult candidate to put across.

We only have your background and your war record.

It's very impressive, but rather have a picture

of you with a wife and kids.

Perhaps, you and Beth can get married

during the campaign, Adam.

Nothing ages a man like marriage.

[door opens]

Thanks, but I doubt we could arrange for a family

in time for the election.

- What is it, Miss Seely? - There's a Mr. Nyle outside.

- Has he an appointment? - 'No, sir.'

Then I can't see him. Anything else?

Yes, the nursery called and said

if those peach trees are dead, it's your fault.

No such thing. Find out how late they're open today.

I'll buy you a million peach trees.

Let's talk about the campaign.

First things first. This is a matter of principle with me.

There is no fiduciary feeling in trade anymore.

No tradition, no standards.

We've become a nation of fools, faddists and fakes.

Well, sounds snappy but what makes you think

the public will understand it?

You take my advice, Adam. Practice smiling.

You, uh, coming, Rendell?

You do have a nice personality, Adam.

- And fine teeth. - Thank you.

Miss Seely, what is it?

That Mr. Nyle, is Gunner's Mate third class Johnny Nyle.

He said to tell Pappy Shaw he's in big trouble.

Oh, that Nyle.

Yes, improvident type, probably broke.

Show him in.

- Hello, Lieutenant. - Hello, Johnny.

Good to see you.

- In trouble? - Mm-hm.

- How much? - Thirty thousand dollars worth.

Johnny, we don't handle criminal cases.

It's not like that. He used to be my agent.

Never got me work, I fired him.

Got another agent who got me work.

The first agent comes back into the picture

wants the usual ten percent.

I see, the usual..

You earned 300,000 dollars?

Mm-hm.

Let's start from the beginning

what did you do to earn this money?

I sing in television, radio, records, nightclubs.

You get all that money singing?

I guess you wouldn't call it singing. I'm, uh... a crooner.

There oughta be a law against that.

It's no joke.

Got a TV show, a nightclub appearance, a recording date.

And this piece of paper says I can't work.

You just gotta help me, Lieutenant.

Our practice is limited to estates

trusts, corporate problems.

However, from what you've told me does seem terribly unfair.

Of course, I'd need more than your word.

- You have anything in writing? - I saved every scrap of paper.

Good, collect them together

bring them to my house at five o'clock.

- Miss Seely? - 'Yes.'

Give Mr. Nyle my home address.

And no more calls today, please.

I'm going out about those peach trees.

I've sold thousands of peach trees

from the same stock as yours.

Never has been one complaint.

Everyone of them is alive and healthy.

Mine are dead.

- Are you sure? - Stone cold.

- Who told you so? - A gardener an expert.

Pardon me. Do you mind terribly If I attack your sassafras tree?

I'm don't think it's the right time of the year.

I'd be the last one to harm a sassafras tree.

Now then, the matter of the peach trees.

If they're really dead

we'll give you credit and have them replaced.

That's very fair of you. Thank you, Mr. Benevuchi.

Perhaps you haven't lost them. Peaches are snobs.

They just love to have their appetites piqued.

You need a good mulching.

- I, a mulching? - Mm-hm.

Oh, it's very simple.

Just give them a nourishing mixture, then soak.

Those peach trees will stand up and sing

pink and white like a bridesmaid.

I'd like to see mine do that, but I'm not good at mulching.

I'll be very happy to help.

How kind of you. Are you a professional gardener?

Oh, no. I'm a numerologist.

You don't believe in it, do you?

I don't know much about it.

Well, it's a science of numbers. Older than Confucius.

My grandmother says, "If you know the number

you know the man." Everyone has his very own number.

Have I one?

Tell me your name and I'll tell you.

Adam Calhorn Shaw.

You're a four. Day and month of birth, please?

November 26th.

That figures out to four too.

I'm a six.

- Is that good? - Oh, excellent.

Four's and sixes go together.

Like, well, Aucassin was four and Nicolette was six.

Hero was a six and Leander was a four. See what I mean?

Oh, no.

Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute.

I mustn't spill this. It's precious stuff.

What do you use it for?

Grandpa's sassafras cure he got from an old Indian.

There's never been a youth with arthritis.

- Did you know that? - I've never known any youths.

Is your grandfather a pharmacist?

But you can't market medicine without a license.

- Are you a detective? - No, I'm a lawyer.

Good day, miss.

I promised to mulch your trees.

Ah, some other time.

Oh, my. I'm sorry, but we can never mulch together.

Well, if we can't. We can't.

But I'm curious to know why you've changed your mind.

Nine. It's obvious that a four man and a three month

with a nine car has no place with a six girl.

Goodbye, Mr. Shaw.

You've convinced me. Goodbye and thank you.

Roy. Roy, I'm home.

Good evening, sir.

- Any calls? - No calls.

Good, get me some ice, please.

- I could use a drink. - 'Will a martini do, darling?'

Beth!

What a pleasant surprise.

I'm not late, am I? We didn't have an appointment, did we?

Not until eight tonight.

I've been tooting around all afternoon and I felt

I had to have a drink otherwise I couldn't make it home.

- One doesn't gulp martinis. - That one was purely medicinal.

Have you any idea what happens when a four man

and a three month runs into a six woman if he has a nine car?

And did you know peach trees are snobs?

- Adam, you're out of your mind. - Oh, I'm merely quoting.

I ran into a numerologist and that's what she told me.

I couldn't get rid of her.

Fortunately, my license added up

to something dismal and I escaped.

Excuse me, sir. A lady to see you.

This is the young lady I was speaking about.

You really shouldn't be here, you know?

Remember about the fours and sixes and things?

Mr. Benevuchi told me you had five peach trees

which syphers you out and makes your system fluid.

You really neuter. Isn't it heaven?

Neuter. What a thumbnail description.

This is my fiancee, Miss Hallson and this is, Miss..

Athena Mulvain.

Roy, if you'll show Miss Mulvain where the peach trees are

she can start mulching and be home before dark.

Yes, sir. But it's a waste of time. The trees are dead.

Oh, Roy, you must be a two man. You're so pessimistic.

- When were you born? - August 18th, 1928.

On the nose.

Don't worry, next month is just great for twos.

If I may have some watermelon rinds, wax paper

and fish heads, I'll get to work.

Wouldn't you prefer a cocktail?

'No, I need them for mulching.'

If I may have a spading fork and trowel.

[speaking in foreign language]

You speak Japanese?

I can say, "I love you, Let us be friends" in 54 languages.

And I'm working on African dialects.

I'm sure that's gonna come in very handy.

According to grandpa we should learn to like everybody.

I must say you go about it in a... a very unusual way.

Oh, this is an interesting house.

A decayed kinda architecture and thoroughly impractical.

If you'll just tear out that whole side and put in a window

you'll bring the outside in.

When the house was built, I told the architect

to keep the outside out.

[laughs]

- Oh and you have screens. - Doesn't everybody?

Oh, no, stops the air circulating.

My sister Medea believes that flies and moths stir up the air

and it's unnatural to keep them out.

And you should get rid of those rugs.

They're wool. Wools from sheep.

That's animal matter, my sister Aphrodite says

it's unhealthy to have it in the house.

- Will these do, miss? - Oh, perfectly.

You will excuse me, won't you?

I'm so happy to have met you. You have a lovely figure.

Why, thank you.

But you really shouldn't wear a girdle.

It's not a girdle, it's a foundation garment.

Your spine doesn't know the difference. It's all pinched in.

Soon you're gonna have trouble with a loose disc.

You seem to have trouble with a loose tongue.

Oh, I am sorry. I always say things I think and I shouldn't.

- Forgive me? - I may say I will, but I won't.

Roy, what did she say in Japanese?

I love you, let us be friends.

Funny thing, Mr. Shaw

she speaks Japanese with a Spanish accent.

I think I better have another drink.

How about you?

Thank you I've got to dash. Remember, pick me up at eight.

[Jane Powell singing "Vocalize"]

♪ Life is fun if you vocalize ♪

♪ Full of sun if you vocalize ♪

♪ Re do ti do ♪

♪ It's my credo ♪

♪ Lift your voice to the highest skies ♪

♪ You'll rejoice in the exercise ♪

♪ Re do ti do ♪

♪ Sing fortissimo ♪

♪ La la la la la la ♪

♪ Warm up just like The birds ♪

♪ La la la la la la ♪

♪ You don't need any words ♪

♪ Try a scale in the key of C ♪

♪ It's as easy as it can be ♪

♪ Re do ti me ♪

♪ Why not get wise ♪

♪ And vocalize? ♪

♪ Da da de ra ra ♪

♪ Be you tenor or baritone ♪

♪ Or not even aware of tone ♪

♪ Or if you're stone tone deaf ♪

♪ In the bass or the treble clef ♪

♪ I advise you ♪

♪ Get wise you ♪

♪ Vocalize ♪

[clapping]

- Well, I've mulched. - Oh, splendid. I-I was--

May I kiss you?

Grandma was right.

[instrumental music]

Hey, watch it. You'll get killed.

- Not today, not possibly. - I'm glad to hear it.

You're much too pretty to get scratched up.

Won't do you any good to talk like that.

It's too late. I'm gonna marry Adam Shaw.

It's the old Johnny Nyle luck... late again.

- Johnny Nyle? - Mm-hm.

When were you born?

July 18th.

- Minerva? - No, Pittsburgh.

[laughs] No, I mean my sister, Minerva.

I have six sisters, you'll like them all

but it's Minerva alright.

- Are they anything like you? - Oh, I'm the ugly duckling.

That's good enough. When do I meet your sister?

Well, I'm gonna see her right now.

You're right smack on Minerva's orbit.

- I'll tell her about you. - You can do better.

Pop these in the mailbox, hop in the car, we can both tell her.

Oh.

Aphrodite, would you get me a bottle?

I have grandpa's sassafras juice.

- Hi, Mrs. Smith. - Hello, Athena.

Well, that's everything, Mrs. Smith.

Yogurt, blackstrap molasses

spinach juice and shredded parsnips.

Mrs. Smith, why do you fix those?

We make a souffle, with horse radish tops and coconut milk.

- The kids just love it. - Oh, it sounds delicious.

- Here you are. - Goodbye, girls.

[all girls] 'Bye.'

Love to grandpa and grandma.

- Hello, may I help you? - Is this the one?

Yeah, that's the one. Minerva this is Johnny Nyle.

Hi.

Are-are you the Johnny Nyle who's on television?

That's right, but I'm much nicer in person.

You oughta be ashamed of yourself selling beer.

Grandpa says, "Drinking alcohol is like swallowing a dead toad."

Well, uh, that was last month I don't work for them anymore.

Well, I'm certainly glad to hear that.

This week show is for Webson's Meat products.

Cannibal!

Well, I don't eat their stuff.

Don't apologize.

Just remember, money you get that way will do you no good.

Are you sure this is the one?

Minerva, you're not being fair.

After all, Johnny hasn't had the advantages you've had.

With the proper training--

Sure, that's all I need. A helping hand, a friendly smile.

The love of a good woman.

And a great deal of work with grandpa.

They all need work. Take mine for example--

- Yes, how is he? - Oh, he's very sweet.

Very attractive. His name is Adam Shaw.

Of course, he has lot of strange ideas, but I think it'll work.

- Sure you've got the right one? - Of course.

It happened just like grandma said.

It all figured and I think grandpa

will work wonders with him.

If grandpa can do anything with this one, nothing's impossible.

This is probably none of my business, but is there

something wrong with me that-that I ought to know about?

Just hold the good thoughts.

[male #1] 'Hiya, girls.'

[all girls] 'Hi, Bill.'

- Hi, Minerva. - Hi.

Saw the store open kinda late. Any trouble?

No, Bill, but it's sweet of you to ask.

- We were just closing up. - Bill, do you have a moment?

Would you take these walnuts back to the storeroom?

Hup-hoo.

Who was that?

Bill Nichols, a special friend of mine.

Were those his own muscles?

Anybody can do what he did.

Don't bet on it.

- Thanks, Bill. - Oh, it's alright.

See you on the hill after supper.

- Okay. Bye. - 'Goodbye.'

I guess between him and a guy like me

anybody would rather have him.

Well, muscles aren't everything.

Sometimes it's personality and the way a fella smiles.

Can I see you tonight? Smiling all the time.

I'd like it and besides, grandpa oughta see you.

If he's used to fellows like that

I'm liable to be a shock to him.

Oh, after we get done with you, you'll be a shock to yourself.

Gee, imagine.

["Imagine"]

♪ Imagine you're an apple a big red apple ♪

♪ Sitting on the top of a tree ♪

♪ If I came along at just the right minute ♪

♪ You might fall for me ♪

♪ Imagine you're a willow weeping willow ♪

♪ Weeping for some rain from a blue ♪

♪ If I were a cloud with lots of rain in it ♪

♪ I might fall for you ♪

♪ Imagine that I'm the ocean ♪

♪ Imagine that you're the shore ♪

♪ I'd drench you with damp devotion ♪

♪ I'd pour it before you and roar I adore you ♪

♪ Imagine you're a flower a full blown flower ♪

♪ Imagine I'm a rather fresh bee ♪

♪ If I came along ♪

♪ At just the right minute ♪

♪ You'd be sweet to me ♪

♪ As sweet as honey to me ♪

♪ Honey ♪

♪ Imagine I'm a spider a big black spider ♪

♪ Imagine you're a very small fly ♪

♪ If you came along at just the wrong minute ♪

♪ Kiss the fly goodbye ♪

♪ Imagine you're a weevil an old boll weevil ♪

♪ Suppose the field of cotton is me ♪

♪ If you came along and settled down in it ♪

♪ Fetch the DDT ♪

♪ I'm a flame you're a moth that's spinning ♪

♪ Around me you whirl and turn ♪

♪ Prepare for your final inning ♪

♪ I'll spurn you and burn you ♪

♪ I guess that'll learn you ♪

♪ Imagine we're a couple a ship wrecked couple ♪

♪ Together on an island for two hey ♪

♪ If you were the one and only man in it ♪

♪ I'll be cold to you ♪

♪ As cold as winter to you ♪

May I kiss you now?

Grandma was right.

- Good morning, sir. - Good morning, Roy.

Beautiful day.

[Athena humming]

Am I hearing what I'm hearing?

Arrived a little before seven with wax paper

watermelon rind and fish heads.

Miss Mulvain, Miss Mulvain.

[humming continues]

Miss Mulvain.

Miss Mulvain!

- Good morning, Adam. - That's a matter of opinion.

I want to talk to you very seriously.

Now sit down and don't interrupt.

Miss Mulvain, this nonsense has gone too far.

I was prepared to humor you yesterday

but you're taking advantage of it. I will not have it.

Just as the chart says, "The creature of moods

now fierce, now gentle."

You're just as you should be, Adam darling.

[Beth] 'Mulching again?'

I left my glasses in your car last night, I'll get them.

- Don't let me interrupt. - Oh, you're not interrupting.

Anything Adam has to say to me you can hear.

How cozy.

What I have to say to Adam is better said in private

and alone.

Well, alright.

But according to the chart, that's a waste of time.

Look, Beth, if you're thinking what I think

you're thinking, you're dead wrong. And she just came here--

If you say mulch again, I'll scream.

I come here at eight o'clock in the morning

and find you having breakfast with an attractive young lady.

All I wanna know is how long is this mulching been going on?

I resent the insinuation.

When you came in I was telling her not to come here again.

I was very firm about it.

Is that why she called you darling?

Why, Beth... you're jealous.

Well, don't look so smug about it.

Well, it's very flattering.

But don't worry, I-I'll settle this matter once and for all.

When you're decisive, Adam, you're very attractive.

- Miss Mulvain, Miss Mulvain! - Miss Mulvain left.

Well, she knew I wanted to speak to her. Did she say anything?

No message, sir, if that's what you mean. Just..

[speaking in foreign language]

And then she said, "I'll be seeing you".

Is this the Zachary Mulvain residence?

Is a Miss Athena Mulvain there?

Sorry, I must have the wrong party... again.

[Adam] 'How about it, Miss Seely? Let's not take all day.'

Do you realize how many Mulvains there are in this town?

I have just finished the list and there is no Athena Mulvain.

There has to be, I've seen her.

Call the registrar of voters. Get a city directory.

Oh, Adam, I just talked to Tremaine.

- Who? - 'Tremaine.'

Oh, oh, yes-yes.

[telephone ringing]

What's the matter with you?

[hiccups]

Sorry, had something fried for breakfast, it just kills me.

Tremaine wants you to give a speech next week

for the Massachusetts Club.

Nothing special, just a few downy, new England type jokes.

But don't knock California.

Is it alright if I sail in on a whaling ship

wearing sport shirt and slacks?

That's good. Put it in the speech.

Yes, Miss Seely.

- 'Mr. Johnny Nyle to see you.' - Alright, send him in.

How you doing on that other matter?

'The best I can. Remember, I'm a secretary not a detective.'

Just find the girl.

I know you're busy, Lieutenant. Just one question.

Is it okay for me to work or not?

Oh, Johnny.

I forgot all about it, I'm so sorry.

It's the first time anything like that has ever happened.

'Cause I got that TV show tomorrow.

I'll post a bond, fix a date for the hearing.

- You'll be set. - Feel like a new man.

Thanks a million.

I'm sorry.

Hey, not bad. Not bad at all.

- My fiancee. - You and her?

It's alright, Johnny, I'm a big boy now.

Yes, I know. But what about Athena?

Athena, what she gotta do with it?

Athena! How do you know about her?

Well, I picked her up at your house yesterday

and drove her to the store and home.

Told me you two are getting married and--

Married? When I find her I..

- You say you drove her home? - Mm-hm.

- What's the phone number? - They don't believe in phones.

Telephones are not a matter of faith.

Don't argue with me, argue with grandpa.

He doesn't believe in telephones.

Well, what's the address?

You gonna marry a girl and you don't know where she lives?

I'm notmarrying her, when I find out where she lives

she'll wish she didn't. Where's the place?

You know High Castle Road?

You go straight up to the very end and when you get to the end

you go another half a mile. You can't miss it.

[crickets chirping]

[car door closes]

[instrumental music]

[clears throat]

Excuse me, I'm looking for Athena Mulvain.

Uh, excuse me, I'm looking..

[music continues]

You must be Adam Shaw.

We're Athena's sisters.

Niobe, Medea, Ceres, Calliope

Aphrodite. I'm Minerva.

- Well-- - How do you like our dance?

- Quite nice. - Not too fussy?

I know very little about it.

I do know that if you don't put on more clothes

you'll either get pneumonia or get arrested or both.

Now do you mind telling me where I can find Athena?

- In the house. - Thank you.

[instrumental music]

Pneumonia, how old fashioned.

[music continues]

[knocking]

[band music]

[woman screaming]

[grandpa] 'Come in. You must be Adam Shaw.'

Yes, I am.

'According to the stars you're 15 minutes late, boy.'

Come in. I'm Athena's grandfather.

How do you do? Might I see Athena for a moment?

Oh, she's busy in the kitchen.

Generally, grandma attends to that, but she..

Did you see grandma on the way up?

If you mean, a rather elderly woman... in a strange costume..

Yes, well, that's grandma. She's in one of her silences.

Grandma always retires inside herself

whenever she's got a problem.

- I'm sorry, she has a problem-- - No, you're the problem.

- Mind taking off your shirt? - I most certainly do.

Just as well, I couldn't make a full checkup now anyhow.

I tell you what. You report to my gym, Monday, four o'clock.

Don't drink any water. Athena will tell you where it is.

Say, that's fine.

The minute you walked in here, I liked the look

of your sartorius muscle, boy.

It's a man's pinnings that count, boy.

Mr. Mulvain, I came here to see Athena.

And your opinion of my pinnings is of no importance whatsoever.

Not important? Say, it's vital.

Athena's old enough now to get married and have children.

You got a duty, you know? A duty to the next generation.

The next generation of my family does not involve Athena.

I have made other plans.

Plan till you're blue in the face. The stars say different.

And stop calling me boy. I'm a full grown mature man.

I don't know. That's open to discussion.

How old would you say I am?

In your fifties and certainly--

Oh, look here, boy.

[upbeat music]

I'm seventy eight. Wait a minute.

I can do that 200 times. Come here. I'll show you something.

Out of this room have come some of the most

perfect physical specimens in all the world.

But we reach the peak of perfection

the very climax, a week from Thursday.

- Numbers or stars? - Only the one, boy.

At the auditorium they're gonna pick next year's Mr. Universe.

Athena will take you there.

One of these boys is gonna be Mr. Universe.

- This is Ed Perkins. - Is this the guy that--

Wait a minute now, boy. No excitement, take it easy.

Take it easy, boy.

Uh, Ed, keep your mind blank.

Come here.

- Mr. Nichols, Mr. Shaw. - How do you do?

Oh, oh, oh. No excitement, you know.

Take it easy. That's a boy.

Dead dog.

You've seen pictures of before and after. Haven't you?

Well, this is before.

- Johnny. - Hi, Lieutenant.

Don't breathe a word about this.

If my sponsors hear about this, I'm dead.

Whoa, boy. Whoa, now. Take it easy, son.

We gotta get that poison out of your system.

Now, relax, boy. Relax.

[bell ringing]

Hello, there's the dinner bell.

Now, you boys, rise slowly and count five between

each movement as you dress and then join us.

C'mon, Athena is in the dining hall.

C'mon, come on along with me.

Hey, Ed, who's the dude?

A friend of Athena's. No muscle tone.

No muscle, period.

[laughing]

They seem to be getting a new class of people around here.

Yeah, fleas.

You'll join us for dinner of course.

Thank you, no.

The minute I saw you, I knew you were a man of principle.

You, when you get an idea, you stick to it.

And you get some pretty strong ideas.

My idea now is to settle things with Athena.

Good for you. We get some pretty strong ideas too.

We believe in the direct approach.

That's why so many people think we're nutty as fruit cakes.

What's your opinion?

Frankly, Mr. Mulvain. I'm on the side of the majority.

Good for you.

No mealy mouth hypocrisy, you speak the truth.

Well, so do I. Let me look at you.

Oh, my boy, that belt is choking you to death.

That collar's too tight. Wait a minute.

You got a complexion like a old leather wallet.

I'd say you got poison in you. Oh, oh, oh, you're a mess, boy.

I beg your pardon!

Oh, it's not necessary. I'm not offended.

Now, I'll tell you about some of my ideas.

When I was 20 they told me I was gonna die.

But grandma wouldn't hear that. Oh, no, not grandma.

So we went off to a cabin.

We took off our clothes and we sat in the sun.

We drank the waters of the brook, ate nuts and berries.

What makes you think normal procedures

wouldn't have helped you?

I don't know if they would or if they wouldn't.

All I know is, here I am better than new.

I believe in results, boy. C'mon inside.

May I speak to you for just a moment?

Oh, no, no. Not yet.

He's gonna stay for dinner, honey.

It's our custom here to have a cheerful little song

before meal time.

Keeps you smiling way down here.

Starts the digestive juices running.

What I have to say won't take long.

Well, not yet. We're all here. We can't upset our schedule.

You think we're gonna get indigestion

because you're impatient?

Let's have a rollicking song, honey.

Something with a lot of zoom, zoom, zoom in it.

I don't sing very well.

But I'm great on the zoom, zoom, zoom.

I can hardly wait.

["Harmonize"]

♪ Life is fun if you harmonize ♪

♪ Full of sun if you harmonize ♪

♪ Re do ti do ♪

♪ It's my credo ♪

♪ Lift your voice to the highest skies ♪

♪ You'll rejoice in the exercise ♪

♪ Re do ti do ♪

♪ Sing fortissimo ♪

♪ La la la la la la ♪

♪ Warm up just like the birds ♪

♪ La la la la la la ♪

♪ You don't need any words ♪

♪ Try a scale in the key of C ♪

♪ It's as easy as it can be ♪

♪ Re do ti me ♪

♪ Why not get wise ♪

♪ And harmonize ♪

May I speak to Athena now?

Look here. I'm gonna have to ask you to sit.

You're making me nervous.

I haven't been nervous for 58 years, I don't like it.

Peanut burgers? Try one, I made them myself.

If you don't mind the idea depresses me.

He probably wants roast beef.

He's a kind of guy that likes to eat animals.

- You trying to suffocate us? - That stuff's slow poison.

Why should an intelligent dope want to commit suicide?

Just a minute, boys.

If Mr. Shaw wants to commit suicide that's his business.

I prefer you don't do it in my house.

I'm sorry. It's-it's just a matter of habit.

[gong dings]

- Grandma's up! - And so am I.

I came to see Athena and I'm gonna see her.

Do I see her here or outside?

Look out, your face is getting flushed.

That comes from eating too much meat.

If people would eat sensible foods like nuts and berries

they'd behave more like plants and flowers unlike animals.

I admit, people behave like animals

but I doubt it's a matter of diet.

The plain truth is, people are animals!

Watch out, boy! You're gonna explode like a firecracker.

Athena, take him outside, will you? And quiet him down.

'Now maybe we can eat in peace.'

[crickets chirping]

[speaking in foreign language]

You must be Adam Shaw?

I've just been communing with Nada.

It looks good, very good.

Just to be sure though, I'm going to make a full chart

for you and Athena even if it takes me all night.

- That's not necessary because-- - It's best to be sure.

We wouldn't want anything to go wrong

when you and Athena get married.

[speaking in foreign language]

I am not interested in grandma's charts

or in what grandpa thinks of my underpinnings.

I like to smoke.

I do not believe in numerology, vegetables or the stars.

I hate blackstrap molasses and yogurt

and I'm not gonna marry you.

Is that at all clear?

Yes, Adam.

'I'm sorry, you're so angry with me.'

I'm sure that everything that happened here tonight

seems strange and upset you.

Didn't like saying those things Athena, but I've had enough.

- This is all so-- - It's very true.

Up here we live very differently from other people.

We live for happiness, beauty and decency.

That's what most people try to do, isn't it?

They don't do it in this way.

They try and fit in with the rest of the world.

But we do too when we're with other people.

You didn't think I was strange when we first met, did you?

No, you seemed a very normal

and... I must say, a very attractive young lady.

But then you started talking about sassafras juice and..

I know I must have shocked you.

The first time I saw you, Adam, I wanted to kiss you.

'Before I even knew you were a four.'

And then when all the numbers worked out

I made up my mind, I wanted to marry you.

If you're angry with me for falling in love with you

really, I just can't help it.

But, Athena, people don't fall in love because of the stars.

Then, why do they fall in love?

Well, mutual interests, long acquaintances and..

Well, it-it just happens.

Well, then it might be the stars.

There's no point in arguing about it.

Goodnight, Athena.

You mean goodbye. Don't you, Adam?

Oh, I wish you weren't so angry.

I'm not angry. It's just over.

Done, settled, finished.

'I see. You couldn't possibly kiss me goodbye, could you?'

What are you looking so pleased about?

Nothing. It's just that..

It's amazing what you can do without muscles.

- Want anymore to eat? - No thanks, I've had plenty.

The peanut burgers were extra good, don't you think?

Great.

Tastes like hamburgers if you make hamburgers with peanuts.

No, honestly.

Doesn't natural food like this really make you feel better?

I can't tell. I'm numb from the waist down.

Oh, here. Let me help you up.

- You'll get used to it. - Who wants to get used to it?

- My foot's asleep. - Oh, Johnny.

I know you think you're doing all this for my sake

and I appreciate it, but soon your system will feel different.

I don't wanna feel any different about you.

Minerva.

♪ Imagine I'm a tomcat ♪

♪ And you're a mum cat ♪

♪ A Siamese with cinnamon fur ♪

♪ If I came along ♪

♪ At just the right minute ♪

♪ I could make you purr ♪

♪ Imagine I'm a brave man ♪

♪ A stone age caveman ♪

♪ Who's ready for a stone age affair ♪

♪ If you passed my cave ♪

♪ I'd drag you right in it ♪

♪ By your stone age hair ♪

♪ With both of us so unruly ♪

♪ Well someone must try to blend ♪

♪ I see it must be yours truly ♪

♪ 'Cause no one can bend you my fine feathered friend you ♪

♪ Imagine you're an orchid ♪

♪ A hot house orchid ♪

♪ But winter comes and freezes you through ♪

♪ If I were the sun ♪

♪ In less than a minute ♪

♪ I'd be warm to you ♪

♪ As warm ♪

♪ As summer to you ♪

Where you going?

Doesn't matter where I'm going.

What counts is where I've been.

Sheesh.

["Webson's Meat" jingle on radio]

♪ The very best thing to eat ♪

♪ Is Webson's Meat ♪

♪ Whether it's roast beef or ham or juicy leg of lamb ♪

♪ Just be sure to eat Webson's Meat ♪

♪ It'd delicious and nutritious and healthy.. ♪

[radio clicks off]

- I'm sorry, Beth. - Oh, that's alright.

I must have dozed off. What time is it?

- It's past midnight. - Midnight?

Oh, Adam darling, they're lovely. I forgive you.

Hmm... they're wonderful.

I've never smelt anything like it. What are they?

They're ginger blossoms. And don't put them in there.

I'm-I have to keep them on the ice.

The ice?

I'm supposed to eat them.

I see.

I thought it took you a long time just to say no.

Forgive me, Beth. I'm sorry.

But sometimes it happens, just like that.

- May I drive you home? - No thanks, my car is outside.

I apologize about tonight. And everything.

I'll live through it. I only hope you will.

What are your plans?

Well, we haven't any yet.

You don't sound like a man

who's just found the one and only girl.

Well, there are great many problems.

There's Athena's whole family.

They believe in the stars and vegetables and things.

They're fiends about exercise and fresh air and they wear

odd clothes and sing and dance at the drop of a hat.

Oh, but they're very warm and friendly and nice.

So is poor dear Cousin Hattie on visiting days.

[flute music]

I'm sleepy.

Then go inside. Nobody asked you to stay out.

[gong dings]

Oh, grandma's up. Here she comes.

Athena darling, I'm afraid it looks quite dismal.

But, grandma, you said everything was gonna be alright.

I know, dear, it starts alright, but the stars

don't like the way he lives or what he does or anything.

It won't work out.

But it must. I love Adam and he loves me.

I know, dear, but the stars say there's a very bad time coming.

[instrumental music]

["Love Can Change the Stars"]

♪ Adam Shaw Sagittarius ♪

♪ Birthday November 26 ♪

♪ Athena Mulvain Aquarius ♪

♪ Those two will never mix ♪

♪ Sagittarians are fickle untrue ♪

♪ Up to typical masculine tricks ♪

♪ Aquarians are constant like you ♪

♪ So you're in an awful fix ♪

♪ Adam has the Sun and Saturn ♪

♪ Athena has the Moon in her eyes ♪

♪ But beware this ill starred pattern ♪

♪ You'll forget him if you're wise ♪

♪ A girl in love is never wise ♪

♪ Sometimes she even defies ♪

♪ The skies ♪

♪ Love can change the stars whenever it's strong enough ♪

♪ Believe in it long enough ♪

♪ It will happen somehow ♪

♪ Rearrange the stars ♪

♪ Love gives us the power for it ♪

♪ Remember the hour for it ♪

♪ It is now ♪

♪ So, darling, even when we're apart ♪

♪ Take my hand in your arm ♪

♪ Keep me locked in your heart ♪

♪ And I won't be alone ♪

♪ Soon we'll kiss and stars ♪

♪ Will fade in the mist for me ♪

♪ They'll only exist for me ♪

♪ If they shine in your eyes ♪

♪ When two hearts are entwined ♪

♪ Venus waltzes with Mars ♪

♪ Hand in hand ♪

♪ We will find ♪

♪ Love can change ♪

♪ The stars ♪

- Good morning. Good morning. - 'Good morning.'

- 'How are you this morning?' - Great day for breathing.

Hmm, the air is full of oxygen.

- You'll pop your buttons. - I'm not that strong.

Where's Minerva?

- She had to deliver an order. - Oh, well, I'll wait.

Alright, make yourself useful.

There's a case of water chestnuts in the storeroom

just dying to be unpacked.

You slave driver. Keep an eye on that. It's for Minerva.

- Look, white orchid. - Oh, they're beautiful.

You know, Athena, I could really go for Johnny.

Well, now, you just better not. The stars say he's for Minerva.

Wait for your own.

I bet he won't have white orchids.

- 'Hello, girls.' - Neither will he.

[door closes]

You're supposed to be with grandpa, Ed.

What are you doing here?

I just can't keep my mind on my workouts.

Athena, you've been avoiding me lately

and I'm all full of acid and electricity.

Well, you just tell grandpa to give you a steam bath.

And stop thinking, it always upsets you.

If you're not Mr. Universe, it'll break grandpa's heart.

I know you'll win, 'cause you're the greatest and the best.

Then why do you go around with Adam?

It's the stars. There's nothing I can do about it.

Grandmother says the stars don't even like the way he lives.

I know. I'm gonna have to do something about that.

Why bother? He's a worm.

What kind of children would you have with a guy like that?

Well, if the stars say we should get married

I'm sure they'll take care of the children too.

- Oh, hi, Minerva. - 'Hi, Athena.'

Johnny brought..

- Ed. - What?

- You ate Minerva's orchid. - Orchid?

I thought it tasted kinda funny.

I wish you'd go a diet.

Good morning, good morning. Great day to be alive.

You're looking mighty pretty, Miss Seely, mighty pretty.

Where's your hat and coat, Mr. Shaw?

Left them at home. Walked to the office.

Nothing like a brisk walk first thing in the morning

to get the blood circulating. Any calls?

Mr. Tremaine, Mr. Grenville and Mr. Griswalde

are waiting in your office.

Fine. Take care of this for me, will you?

When I go to the club remind me to take it along. It's my lunch.

Good morning, good morning.

You ought to get out in the sun. Get some color in your cheeks.

Your complexions are like old leather wallets.

Ah.

[inhales deeply]

[exhales loudly]

What are you doing?

Breathing. Nothing like it.

You can't live without breathing, you know?

Well, you may be feeling cheerful, but we're not.

- We want to talk to you. - Sounds serious. Fire ahead.

- What's wrong, Adam? - Nothing. Never felt better.

Eat like a horse, sleep like a log.

You've been acting strange, Adam. Very strange.

Stop moving the furniture!

Oh, I'm sorry. I was just trying to get some exercise.

I know someone who can lift a chair

200 times, and not even breathe hard.

Yeah, so could I, as a kid.

This kid I'm talking about is 78 years old.

I don't believe it. Like to see it and know who he is.

I'd like to know what's happened between you and Beth.

I'm afraid that's a very personal question.

Of course, it's personal. Beth is my wife's niece.

- Naturally, they talk-- - Let's get to the point.

We want to know who she is, what she is, how far it's gone..

- None of your business. - It is our business!

You get involved with the wrong people, it's bad for the firm.

It'll keep you out of Congress.

You've gotta be as clean as a hound's tooth.

One thing I guarantee. Athena is the cleanest lady you'll meet.

According to Beth, this young lady you've taken up with

is a little peculiar, strange.

If you mean, is she just like anyone else?

No. Not to me.

To me she's very special and very wonderful.

Now I have a great deal of work to do.

So, if you don't mind, I'll keep my private life private.

Um... I'd like know what this girl has that Beth hasn't?

Six sisters.

[singing in foreign language]

Good day, Roy.

Hello, Miss Mulvain. Nice to see you.

- Mr. Shaw isn't home. - I know.

I'd like you to meet my sisters, Roy.

[all speaking in foreign language]

And I love all of you too. Let us be friends.

May we go inside?

Oh, the house isn't quite straightened up yet.

Oh, don't worry about it. Just relax in the sun.

[fast-paced music]

- No space. - I can't move.

- I can't breathe. - Brad, give her air.

Hey, lads, over here.

- Oh. - How do you feel?

- Fine. - Let's get to work.

[Jane Powell and Debbie Reynolds singing "I Never Felt Better"]

♪ When I try making money I never have much luck ♪

♪ I never earn a dime much less a buck ♪

♪ All my finance is in a mess, yes ♪

♪ But I never felt better so I couldn't care less ♪

♪ I don't like polo ponies ♪

♪ I'll fly a private plane ♪

♪ I never order beer much less champagne ♪

♪ But do I need a lot of dough? No ♪

♪ 'Cause I never felt better so I couldn't feel low, not low ♪

♪ No, no ♪

♪ I'm high ♪

♪ Hi ♪♪ Hi ♪

♪ Here's why ♪

♪ I never have a worry I never have a care ♪

♪ About what I should buy or what to wear ♪

♪ And do I find my future bright, bright ♪

♪ 'Cause I never felt better and I'm doing alright ♪

♪ When summer is at its hottest ♪

♪ The rain must keep me cool ♪

♪ 'Cause I don't own a creek much less a pool ♪

♪ What do I do when warm as toast? ♪

♪ Boast that I never felt better ♪

♪ So I simply won't roast ♪

♪ When winter is at its coldest I shiver and I shrink ♪

♪ I haven't got a coat much less a mink ♪

♪ But does that mean I'm losing hope? ♪

♪ Nope since I never felt better ♪

♪ Tell me why should I mope? Why mope? ♪

♪ No soap ♪

♪ Won't cry ♪

♪ Not I ♪

♪ The days I go out shopping ♪

♪ I buy each thing I see ♪

♪ I charge 'em and then I feel I got them free ♪

♪ So where will I receive my mail? Jail ♪

♪ But I never felt better So I'm cruising full sail ♪

♪ The thing most people love to do is worry ♪

♪ They dearly love to worry and complain ♪

♪ So let me check my list and see if I have missed ♪

♪ A possible source of misery and pain ♪

♪ A possible source of misery and pain ♪

♪ How's your appetite? ♪ ♪ Tremendous ♪

♪ How's your energy? ♪♪ Stupendous ♪

♪ Are you strong? ♪

♪ So strong I have to watch my step ♪

♪ How're your eyes? ♪ ♪ Bright as a penny ♪

♪ And your sleep? ♪ ♪I don't need any ♪

♪ 'Cause I'm always on the ball and full of pep ♪

♪ How's your heart? ♪

♪ It must be ticking 'cause I feel alive and kicking ♪

♪ How's your brain? ♪ ♪ Well, it's the same ♪

♪ But kind of quick ♪ ♪How's your love life? ♪

♪ I've got plenty ♪ ♪How's your vision? ♪

♪ Twenty twenty. Must confess that I'm depressingly unsick ♪

♪ If I'm to cross the ocean ♪

♪ I better learn to float ♪

♪ I can't afford a raft much less a boat ♪

♪ But would I love to see Paris. Whee! ♪

♪ Still I never felt better so Pomona suits me ♪

♪ And Heidelberg would thrill me ♪

♪ I'd buy a dress of chintz ♪

♪ And go out and land a student prince ♪

♪ But will I ever cross the Rhine ♪

♪ Nein ♪

♪ Still I never felt better so the beach will do fine ♪

♪ No Rhine That's fine ♪

♪ I won't see Paris ♪

♪ I haven't got a worry ♪

♪ I haven't got a care ♪

♪ About what I should buy or what to wear ♪

♪ Got no diamond solitaire So what? You know what? ♪

♪ I consider diamonds kind of square ♪

♪ Besides I've never felt better ♪

♪ I never felt better ♪

♪ No I never felt better and I'm walking ♪

♪ All day ♪

Whoo!

[whistling]

♪ Du-du-du-du du du ♪

♪ Du-du-du-du du du ♪

♪ Du-du-du-du du du ♪

[whistling]

♪ Da-da-da-da da da ♪

♪ Da-da-da-da da-a-a ♪

[telephone ringing]

- Answer the phone. - Where is it?

I don't know.

[ringing continues]

It's in here.

[ringing continues]

Hello.

Hello, this is Athena, Adam's not here.

But I can get a message to him very quickly if it's important.

- That was Athena. - Was Adam there?

She says no, but I doubt it.

If he's not there, what's she doing there?

I'm gonna find out.

I'm not going to get involved in the.

Congressional campaign with Adam and then have the lid blow off.

I'm with you, I've been very anxious

to see what this mysterious Athena is like.

Coming, Griswalde?

- Should we spy on Adam? - Definitely yes.

Afternoon, Roy.

Mr. Shaw isn't at home gentlemen.

We'll wait.

Roy. Roy.

What's happened here? Where are the rugs?

Aphrodite took them off. Unhealthy. Animal matter.

Aphrodite? I thought it was Athena.

Both ladies were here.

Well, Adam seems to be a busy little fellow.

[bee buzzing]

Look out! Bees. Bees!

[buzzing continues]

Roy, no screens in this place?

Minerva removed them.

Interferes with the natural circulation of the air.

Minerva? That's three.

Did she take the drapes down too?

Not alone. Ceres helped her.

Ceres? How many girls were here?

Seven.

Sounds like he's running a harem.

Or worse..

Well, now, it may be perfectly innocent.

Adam may be just sponsoring a girls basketball team.

There are only five on a basketball team.

- And Roy said seven. - Substitutes, may be.

[speaking in foreign language]

I beg your pardon?

[speaking in foreign language]

That means, I love you, let us be friends.

You have probably come to the wrong place.

- This is a private residence. - Doesn't Adam Shaw live here?

Yes. Yes he does.

I knew Nada wouldn't bring me to the wrong place.

- Is Adam around? - Not at the moment.

What a shame. I have so much to do.

Would you give him a message for me, please?

Tell him

tell him that Nada says the black place is still there

but there is a touch of brightness on the horizon.

Yes, yes, Mrs. Nada, we will tell him.

Oh, ho ho. Good heavens, I am not Nada.

I've just been communing with Nada.

I'm Athena's grandmother, and I have got to get back

and finish Adam's chart.

I've only wrote it up to the 17th century so far.

Oh! They've done wonders with this place.

It's almost fit to live in

as soon as we knock out those walls.

[hiccups]

You poor man, you've been hit by the tail of a comet.

But it's not too late. Just let me have your glasses.

Well, I should say not, don't be absurd.

You're a Leo, born in August

somewhere between the 9th and the 15th, weren't you?

- August 10th. - 'How did you know?'

Oh, ho ho, very simple.

Leo's are always puffing and blowing

but underneath, they're as gentle as woolly lambs.

Besides the male is usually attractive and distinguished.

Now, let me have your glasses like a good boy.

But I can't see anything.

Just come over here, right over here, and lie down.

There, now... now, then.

Open your eyes. Look up at the sun.

Don't be afraid.

[grandma] 'Open.'

'Close... open.'

'Close.'

Keep that up and relax.

Pretend you are a tulip.

I have to get back now.

You won't forget my message for Adam.

And remember I love you, let us be friends.

[speaking in foreign language]

I could stand a drink. My nerves were shot to pieces.

Well, the reception committee. Anything wrong?

- You. - We've had enough, Adam.

Look at you house, Adam.

[instrumental music]

It seems airier now, doesn't it?

Stop playing the fool, Adam.

There's a Congressional campaign ahead of you.

There's no two ways about it. You've gotta get rid of Athena.

She is off the beam. And so is her family.

Her grandmother was here, she had me doing tulip exercises.

She communes with something called Nada.

That's grandma, alright.

How can you possibly get mixed up with those people?

I'm not mixed up. I'm in love with Athena.

But it can't work. Not in a million years.

This whole Athena business is idiocy.

Suppose you were invited to the White House for dinner

are you gonna order wheat germ and yogurt?

Wait a minute, when Athena is away from her family

and with people like us, she behaves just like anybody else.

You'll have to do better than that to convince me.

I will. I'm bringing her to the reception at your house tonight.

You're insane! Some of our biggest clients will be there.

And four National Committee members.

Then it'll be a good test.

Now if you will excuse me, I have to go and shower.

I love you, let us be friends.

- Good evening, Arnie. - Mr. Shaw, mademoiselle.

- Good evening. - Permit me.

[speaking in foreign language]

- Athena. - Uh, force of habit.

I'll be very careful.

[piano music]

- Evening, Adam. - May I present Miss Mulvain.

- Mrs. Grenville. - How do you do?

- Mrs. Tremaine. - How do you do?

- Mr. Grenville, Mr. Tremaine. - How do you do?

Mr. Tremaine is handling my campaign for Congress, Athena.

Oh, I'm so happy to meet you, Mr. Tremaine.

I am sure now that Adam will be elected.

We are keeping our fingers crossed.

Oh, you don't have to worry about it really.

[Mrs. Grenville] 'You seem very confident, Miss Mulvain.'

I suppose, Mr. Tremaine's numbers add up correctly.

Well, I wasn't thinking of numbers.

It's just that Mr. Tremaine's face inspires great confidence.

Well, that's kind of you.

Oh, it's not kind at all. It's the truth.

- If you'll excuse us. - 'Surely.'

I like her. Nice-looking girl, too.

Got a good head on her shoulders.

True judge of character.

[laughing]

Drinking alcohol is like swallowing--

Eh. Not now, thank you.

It'll look very conspicuous if we didn't take a drink.

You don't have to taste it, just carry a glass or something.

Don't worry darling. I know how to behave.

Adam, old boy. When did you slip in?

Oh, evening. Mrs. Griswalde and my partner, Mr. Griswalde.

Miss Mulvain.

Oh, it's so exciting to meet you, Miss Mulvain.

I've heard the most intriguing things about you.

You both look very well, did you get over that allergic attack?

She hasn't got a sniffle, knock wood.

Oh, you're looking much better too, Adam.

Miss Mulvain gets credit for that.

She's had Adam take up exercise.

I understand your family are all acrobats?

Well, a little exercise never hurt anyone.

A little? I hear you grandfather is still doing somersaults.

- And he's in his 70s. - Uh, 78.

And he'll do somersaults when he is older.

Right now he's still doing backflips.

If you'll excuse us.

[piano music]

I think this is the loveliest thing Bellini ever wrote.

Only it's Von Weber's "Oberon."

Sounds more like Mozart to me.

Mozart? It couldn't possibly be.

Adam, darling. Hello.

And Athena. I was beginning to wonder if you have materialized.

I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It's interesting.

And educational, seeing how the other half lives.

Uh, Don, what's the argument about?

This. Do you know what this is?

[piano music]

Oh, "Le Fille Du Regiment." "Daughter Of The Regiment."

- Oh, really? - Donizetti. Marie sings it.

It goes somewhat like this.

[singing in foreign language]

[singing continues]

[singing continues]

[singing continues]

[singing continues]

That was charming.

Wait a minute, there's a little more.

[singing continues]

[singing continues]

[singing continues]

[singing continues]

[singing continues]

[crowd applauding]

Dinner is served.

Thank you.

Mr. Tremaine's called you to the study to meet some gentlemen.

Oh, it must be the National Committee members.

Run along, Adam, I'll see to it that Athena

is taken care of while you're gone.

[instrumental music]

Athena darling, don't be shy.

How about some tomatoes?

Tomatoes are alright for you, aren't they, dear?

- Fine. - They're so good.

Especially when they're stuffed with chicken.

- No, I don't think so. - You've got to eat something.

How about some salad?

Oh, bad luck.

Some shrimp salad, crab meat?

No. I-I don't care for any, thank you.

Some roast beef? It's just delicious.

If you don't mind, I don't think care for a thing.

It's silly to make to such a fuss about food.

I am not the one that's making the fuss. You are.

Nonsense. Roast beef never hurt anyone.

Try a piece. It's nice and rare.

That's not rare, it's wounded.

Miss Mulvain has some silly superstitions about meat.

Maybe. Have you ever eaten centipedes?

- Certainly not. - Oh, they do it in Tahiti.

They think you are rather silly.

And if I'm superstitious, I'm in very good company.

'You cross your fingers for luck.'

And you, Mr. Griswalde, you knock on wood.

And how about you, Beth

throwing salt over your shoulder.

Well, we don't eat meat and maybe that makes us crazy.

But one thing I do know, when we invite guests

we don't play nasty tricks on them.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

Where is Adam?

He won't be here.

Grandma was right about the black spot coming.

[male announcer] 'Ladies and gentlemen, presenting Johnny Nyle.'

[opera music]

[Vic Damone singing "Venezia"]

♪ Where in the world would you see ♪

♪ Gondolas glide while lanterns inside ♪

♪ Glow brightly ♪

♪ Nightly ♪

♪ Where but Venice ♪

♪ Where in the world would you hear ♪

♪ Mandolins playing while glasses are clinking ♪

♪ Gaily ♪

♪ Daily ♪

♪ Where but Venice ♪

♪ Venice the queen of them all ♪

♪ Or as we lovingly call her ♪

♪ Venezia ♪

♪ Fairest of flowers ♪

♪ Treasure the hours ♪

♪ You spend with her ♪

♪ Venezia ♪

♪ Rocks you and holds you ♪

♪ As she enfolds you ♪

♪ Soft breezes stir ♪

♪ You will be borne ♪

♪ In her arms to your lover ♪

♪ You'll be reborn ♪

♪ On the day you discover ♪

♪ Venezia ♪

♪ Part from her never ♪

♪ Now and forever ♪

♪ Give thanks above ♪

♪ For Venezia ♪

♪ All but laughter ♪

♪ And love ♪

[audience clapping]

I'd better get out of here before I start to cry.

[clapping continues]

Now, tell me exactly what happened.

I lost my temper, Minerva.

Oh, Athena, you didn't.

It's all over now.

Oh, Athena, I'm terribly sorry.

- I'll take you home. - Where you going? What gives?

Oh, Athena and Adam have split up, Johnny.

It's a shame.

If Athena and Adam split up, we're done too, Johnny.

What have they got to do with us?

I can't get married until she gets married.

That's what the stars say.

Oh, of all the silly nonsense.

Watch your language, Johnny Nyle.

[flute music]

Go on, Minerva, beat it.

Go to bed or something.

I mean it. Beat it.

If you need any help, Athena, just holler.

Please, Adam.

I know what you're gonna say, but don't say it.

- I lost my temper-- - You certainly did.

I tried and tried, but I just couldn't help it.

Nobody expects you to do the impossible.

They started picking on you from the moment you arrived.

'But running out the way you did..'

I just didn't wanna cause any more trouble than I already had.

It won't work, will it, Adam?

- What won't? - You and me.

I realized tonight that... I could ruin

everything for you. Your career, your future and..

Oh, it just won't work. The stars were right.

Goodbye, Adam.

Athena.

I love you.

'And you told me that love can change anything'

'even the stars.'

I believed you when you said it.

I believe it now.

'Don't you?'

Oh, Adam!

Oh!

Goodnight, Adam.

[Adam humming]

[speaking in foreign language]

And I love you, Adam.

Let us be friends.

Thanks, grandma. Goodnight.

Adam.

I don't want to upset your cheerful mood

but be very, very careful tomorrow.

No matter what happens, avoid crowns.

He he.

[upbeat music]

[music continues]

You shouldn't have come.

The stars said for you to avoid crowns.

Well, if I don't come, grandpa is upset.

And if I do come, the stars are.

Frankly, grandpa frightens me more than the stars.

It isn't that grandpa doesn't like you, Adam.

It's just that he can't help thinking what beautiful children

Athena and Ed would have.

I promise you, I'll do my best

to have as nice children as I can.

[crowd clapping]

Ladies and gentlemen.

Mr. Ulysses Mulvain.

Thank you. Thank you all.

I am greatly honored at having been asked

to preside at this evening's ceremonies.

The selection of Mr. Universe.

The judges are ready.

'I know you're all anxious to get on with the contest.'

Here they are, ladies and gentlemen.

The candidates for Mr. Universe.

[applause]

[instrumental music]

[applause]

[music continues]

[applause]

[music continues]

Good heavens! Ed drew number 13.

I'll have to speak to Nada.

[music continues]

[applause]

[applause continues]

[music continues]

[applause]

[applause]

Ladies and gentlemen.

I have been asked to make an announcement.

For the first time since these contests were inaugurated

the judges have been unable to reach a decision.

It is an absolute tie between two of the contestants.

Therefore, the judges have decided

that each of the contestants will be required to do

a continental clean and press.

Number 11 and number 13.

[applause]

'Are you ready?'

Alright, number 11, you go first.

[gasping]

[gasping continues]

[crowd chattering]

[clang]

[crowd sighing]

Alright, Ed. It's all yours.

[gasping]

[crowd chattering]

Help him, Nada. Help him.

[whispering] Get it up there, boy. Get it up there.

Don't just sit there. Hold the good thought.

[applause]

[audience cheering]

[clang]

[cheering continues]

Ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Universe.

[applause]

Ed, congratulations.

[instrumental music]

Ed had faith in me and my ideas.

There was one other whose faith never faltered.

My wife.

It wasn't easy, but it was worth it.

We have not been idle dreamers.

We have practiced what we preached. And results..

- Congratulations, Ed. - You still chasing Athena?

According to the stars the chase is over.

- Not according to me. - Take your hands off me.

Not until you promise to stop seeing Athena.

I said, take your hands off me.

[thud]

- Did you get it? - Clear as a bell.

- What did you.. - Oh, I'm very sorry. I--

Sorry? Ten years of work ruined.

You made a laughing stock out of me!

A laughing stock out of all of us.

You-you..

It wasn't my fault, Athena. You must understand.

Yes, I do. You think we're strange, unreasonable and crazy.

You never believed a word of our ideas.

I? I've got flies going through my living room.

I've been eating vegetables, flowers, weeds--

If you believed, you wouldn't have come here tonight.

- The stars told you not to. - I did come.

Should I have let him break my neck to prove the stars right?

What do you want me to do?

I want you to keep away from me and from all of us. From now on!

- Pose. - Smile.

Have you ever fought professionally?

- What? - Now, wait a minute.

[indistinct chattering]

[thud]

Roy! Roy!

First thing tomorrow, get these rugs on them.

And put up the drapes and screens.

Yes, Mr. Shaw. And congratulations.

I saw you on television. Very clear picture.

I don't care to discuss it. Get me a drink.

Uh, papaya juice, pomenegranate juice?

Brandy. A whole bottle. And a steak.

I want it rare enough to walk in here by itself.

Very well, sir.

But drinking alcohol is like swallowing a dead toad.

[telephone ringing]

Yes?

No!

No, I will not make a personal appearance at the stadium.

- This is the end, Adam. - The absolute end.

- It is-- - Wait a minute.

I know what you'll say, don't say it.

You told me I was too young for politics and this'll prove it.

However, maybe we can salvage a little something from this.

That oil account in Bolivia.

You could be Resident Council there until this blows over.

- How long would that take? - About 40 years.

Well, it'd be too late then to run for Congress.

Well, it's too late now.

Two million people believe in that Mulvain stuff.

It's a cinch they wouldn't vote for you.

Those who don't believe in it wouldn't vote for you

because they'll figure you're mixed up in it

otherwise... what would you be doing there.

No, you couldn't be elected dogcatcher.

- Evening, Roy. - Good evening, sir.

- Mr. Shaw's in the living room. - Thank you.

[Johnny humming]

- Hi, Lieutenant. - What do you want?

Oh, nothing special. Can I help you?

I'm able to get the cork out of a bottle, thank you.

Don't bite my head off.

I just wanted to tell you that it did my heart good

to see you flatten Ed Perkins. Judo, huh?

I wish the Navy had never taught it to me.

- So do the Mulvains. - You've been up there?

Mm-hmm.

What's the latest report from the stars?

Athena is gonna marry Ed Perkins.

Did Athena tell you that?

No, grandpa told me. I thought you ought to know.

I wonder if it would do any good if I spoke to grandpa.

Doubt it. In his opinion you're not a member of the family.

You're not even a member of the human race.

It's not grandpa's opinion I'm worried about.

[cork pops]

Let's go.

[insects chirping]

I thought you'd be along.

Well, stop thinking. You'll strain a muscle.

Very funny. Where do you think you're going?

I know where I'm going.

I know where you're going if you don't move.

Flat on your back. If you don't believe me, ask Ed.

Now, get out of my way.

We don't want your kind around here either.

You guys never learn.

[thud]

Bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Johnny, I never knew you could do that.

You never asked me.

You never asked me a lot of things

like when we'll get married--

Oh, well, I want to, Johnny, more than anything.

But the stars say--

The stars say we'll have trouble.

I'd rather have trouble with you than without you.

You can't change the stars, Johnny.

[Vic Damone singing "Love Can Change The Stars"]

♪ Soon we'll kiss ♪

♪ And stars will fade in the mist for me ♪

♪ They'll only exist for me ♪

♪ If they shine in your eyes ♪

♪ When two hearts are entwined ♪

♪ Venus waltzes with Mars ♪

♪ Hand in hand, we will find ♪

♪ Love can change ♪

♪ The stars ♪

And I'm not leaving until I see Athena.

Well, she doesn't want to see you.

This is my home, Mr. Shaw, and you're not welcome here.

You've made my way of living look foolish and ridiculous now.

So will you please go?

Just because your pride is hurt, you're acting

like a spoilt child. I'm tired of your theories.

Maybe the berries and nuts and the sunshine saved your life.

Maybe they didn't.

Maybe you and grandma were too much in love to give up.

What kept you going was that you were both fighting to have

a life together. Isn't Athena entitled to that much too?

Until you came along we were very happy.

All we want is to live our lives in our own way.

Oh, no. You want everyone else to live in your way too.

You talk big.

"Live and let live. I love you. Let us be friends."

But it's just talk. You're a fraud, Mr. Mulvain.

You're narrow-minded, pig-headed and obstinate.

I don't know what the stars say or what the numbers add up to.

But in my book, love is better than lettuce

and people are more important than vegetables.

[door bangs shut]

[glass shattering]

[intense music]

He had no right to talk to you like that, grandpa.

He certainly speaks his mind.

I said that the first time I saw him.

Adam's a Sagittarian and they always have such bad tempers.

He's a young man in love. They have even worse tempers.

Tell me, Athena, have you ever felt

we were forcing you to live this way?

Of course not, grandpa. You know that.

You've been happy here, haven't you?

Of course.

And there's no reason why you can't be just as happy

from now on, or is there?

Please, grandpa, I'd rather not talk about it

if you don't mind.

Well, you like Ed Perkins, don't you?

Yes, I like Ed Perkins.

I like him very much. I like everybody, but..

I'd just rather not talk about it.

How I wish everything could be the same as it was before.

What's the matter with Athena?

Same thing was the matter with us, ma.

Very same thing.

- Morning, Roy. - Good morning, sir.

- My things all packed? - Yes, sir.

- They're in the car. - Fine.

By the way, Roy, when I'm out of town

I want these peach trees ripped out.

- But there'll be fruit on them. - I hate fruit.

Yes, sir.

What would you like for breakfast, sir?

I'm not hungry. Just bring me a cup of coffee.

[Athena] How about some ham and eggs?

Athena, what are you doing here?

I thought we should get used to having breakfast together.

But, Athena..

I just had a long talk with grandma and grandpa

and we agreed that if two people

love each other enough, they can solve everything.

And they think

that people are much more important than vegetables.

[Jane Powell singing "Harmonize"]

♪ Life is fun if you harmonize ♪

♪ Full of sun if you harmonize ♪

♪ Re-do-ti-do ♪

♪ It's my credo ♪

♪ Lift your voice to the highest skies ♪

♪ You'll rejoice in the exercise ♪

♪ See how your heart will soar ♪

♪ If you sing like a troubadour ♪

♪ They will rise you ♪

♪ Idolize you ♪

♪ If you harmonize ♪

["Love Can Change The Stars"]

♪ Love can change the stars ♪

♪ Whenever it's strong enough ♪

♪ Believe in it long enough ♪

♪ It will happen somehow ♪

♪ When two hearts are entwined ♪

♪ Venus waltzes with Mars ♪

♪ Hand in hand we will find ♪

♪ Love can change the stars ♪