Original subtitles

- Hiya, Stell. - Hello.

- Hello, Stella. - Hello.

Stella's got a fella! Only, he don't know it.

- Who? - You, that's who.

My own sister standing out here every night making a sap out of herself

over a guy who don't even know she's on earth.

You mind your own business! Anyway, you don't know what you're talking about.

Oh, I don't, huh?

I suppose you doll up every night and wait out here to welcome me home.

Why, of course.

Gee, thanks! I must give you a kiss for that one!

Take your dirty hands off of me!

Ah, you're just like all the rest.

There's fingers nearly chopped off at the mill every time he passes.

- But he don't look at none of 'em. - Why should he? Millhands.

Hey, wait a minute.

There's some nice girls that's millhands.

Where do you get off? What's the matter with a millhand?

I'm a millhand and your father's a millhand!

Don't yell! The neighbors know it.

Well, maybe he don't, so I'll tell him.

Stop this!

What's the matter with you two? You used to get along.

Yeah, but that was before she started taking

a business course to improve herself.

It's done her a lot of good, all right.

She ain't satisfied with none of us anymore.

Supper!

- What'd you say, Mom? - Supper's ready!

Yeah, so am I. Come on, Pop.

- Come on, Stell. - I'll be in in a minute.

"...the childhood sweetheart of young Stephen Dallas...

"...the sweetheart until that tragic hour when his millionaire father,

"bankrupt and ill, committed suicide.

"Two days later Stephen Dallas disappeared,

"leaving behind him a note

saying that he was trying to make a life somewhere else."

"...Harvard graduate and crewman

"disappeared immediately after his father's death.

The millionaire playboy left without a penny."

Don't be late, Charlie.

- What is it? - Your lunch.

That's right, get funny. You know what I mean. What's in it?

Just a little turkey and dressing. That's all I had today.

Wait a minute.

Baloney again. And apple butter.

Baloney and apple butter. Apple butter and baloney--

that's all I get.

Well, I ain't gonna take it no more.

All right with me. You can do without it.

- I can, huh? - Charlie, I'll fix you something.

- Don't baby him, Mom. - Baby me?

I'm old enough to earn money, ain't I?

A man could have a home of his own on what I'm making.

Charlie, wait a minute!

Oh, what do you want to egg him on for, Stella?

You know that Jenkins girl's just dyin' to get him.

Well, let her, then.

If that's all the ambition he's got,

there's nothing you can do about it.

I don't know what we'd do without him.

I'm gonna fix up something for him to eat

and you can leave it for him on your way down.

He'll starve first.

Maybe you're right, Mom.

I'll take it down to him.

I'll run over to the delicatessen after and get him something nice.

Will you?

Yeah.

The boss just phoned. He's at Millhampton Junction. He just got in.

He said to tell you the contract with the Parker Company

is in his pocket.

He's chirping over the phone like a bird.

He'll be here in a few minutes, but just wanted to tell you.

Hey, ain't ya interested?

Yes, yes, I--I'm glad Mr. Beamer got the contract.

Well, you oughta be. He was chirping like a bird.

Like a bird--you know the way he does on the telephone.

Yes, sir, he said to put you down for a raise this week.

And you can have that vacation now.

How's that?

I don't need a vacation now. I have no place to go.

Huh?

Oh, nothing, nothing.

[ steam whistle blows ]

I beg your pardon.

Could you tell me where I could find Charlie Martin?

- Charlie Martin? - Yes, he works on the carding machine.

Oh, yes. The carding machines.

Why, they're closed down just now.

He'd be out in the yard, most likely.

Go right back through the corridor the way you came in.

Instead of coming up those stairs,

there's--there's a big gate down there,

and if you go right through that gate,

and the path leads right down past that first big building,

and just as you turn around the corner,

the men usually have their--

Yes?

Well, it's sort of dirty down there.

Maybe I'd better send for him.

- Won't you sit down? - Thank you.

- McCarthy! - Yes, sir?

Find Charlie Martin and send him in.

McCarthy: Yes, sir, right away.

- He'll be right in. - Thank you.

- Good morning, Dallas. - Good morning, Mr. Beamer.

Congratulations on that contract.

- How do you do, Mr. Beamer? - How do you do?

- Stella Martin? - Martin's girl?

You're all grown up.

And so pretty.

- Isn't she, Dallas? - Yes.

Say, how long have you two known each other?

Well, we... haven't really met.

Oh, excuse me.

Mr. Dallas, this is Miss Martin. Miss Martin, Mr. Dallas.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

My brother forgot his lunch and I didn't want him to go without,

so I brought it to him.

That's a nice girl, good to your brother.

Good to your father too, I'll bet.

I wish I had somebody thinking so much of me.

Hey, Dallas?

He ain't there, Mr. Dallas. They said he went out to eat.

Oh, thank you.

That's too bad, after all your trouble.

I suppose it was all my fault. I was late.

Wouldn't do him any harm to wait, would it?

I'll bet sometimes he's late.

Never mind. Don't you worry.

Let's see what you've got.

Maybe we can make believe that you brought it to us.

It isn't anything much.

- Make this yourself? - Mmm-hmm.

Dallas?

- Thank you. - You, too.

I hope they're not too dry.

I forgot to bring anything to drink.

- I have some milk here. - Oh, fine.

- I'll get some glasses. - Can I help you?

Thank you.

You're some cook, aren't you?

Oh, wait, please.

I...

I hate glasses that don't shine.

Don't you?

[ piano music playing ]

Shall we go?

You ready?

- Woman: Hello, Stella. - Hello.

- Hello, Steve. - Hiya, Ned.

Don't forget, the missus will be expecting you over for that good meal.

You bet. Very soon.

You goin' there for dinner?

Gee, you who could be at the River Club.

- Look. Look. - That's the second time this week.

I saw 'em in the drugstore together the other night.

You mind your own business.

Do you mind our being talked about?

Mind? Do I mind?

Oh, no, it's just that

I can't believe you like seeing me

when you could be out with all the swells.

I want to be with you. I like being with you.

Could I--could I take your arm? I mean, is that all right?

Is that considered--

I want to be like all the people you've been around--

educated, you know, and speaking nice.

Don't be like anyone else. I like you the way you are.

No, I don't want to be like me--

not like the people in this place, but like the people in the movie.

You know, doing everything well-bred and refined.

And dull.

Stay as you are. Don't pretend, Stella.

Anyway, it isn't really well-bred to act the way you aren't.

But I've wanted to be different ever since I met you,

and if I was around you long enough, I could be.

I could learn to talk like you and act like you,

and pretty soon I--

Well, you know,

you've done a lot for me even in these couple of weeks.

You've done a lot for me, too.

I was very lonely the day you walked in the office.

Oh, no, thanks, I don't smoke. And I don't drink, either.

I was lonely and unhappy and...

- and then you... - Yes?

Oh, I--I shouldn't have.

You won't have any respect for me...

not for girls who let men kiss them whenever they want.

I mean, I don't let--

I mean--

Well, girls shouldn't, unless they--

well...

unless they know a man is serious.

[ whistling ]

Hiya, Mom.

Ain't she got home yet?

Does the old man know--

- Hello, Pop. - What time did Stella get home?

Oh--oh, that was about, uh... well, that was around--

Oh, I don't know, but she woke me up.

Mom, how about the coffee? Pop's, too.

Tell Stella I want to see her.

Gee, Pop, it was kind of late, you know. Let her sleep.

Tell Stella I want to see her.

Yes, w--

Why--why, she ain't here.

I wonder where she could have gone so early.

She ain't slept there!

I guess she spent the night with Carrie Jenkins.

- It was raining kind of hard-- - She didn't go out with Carrie Jenkins!

Why should she stay the night with her?

When she gets home, you tell her to take her things

and be out of here before I get back!

Pop, you can't! You gotta give her a chance to explain!

You shut up! Tell her what I said.

Then I guess that goes for me, too!

Charlie, finish your coffee! I'll talk to your pa.

I don't want any coffee or any part of this dump from now on!

I'm through!

I'll tell you later.

Where you been? The old man's been--

Look, Charlie, look!

Married?

Oh, Stell! Oh, gosh!

Gee, Mr. Dallas, that's swell!

Hey, Ma! She's here! She's married!

Hey, Pop, it's okay now! She's here!

Stella: We're here, Agnes!

My, oh, my, you sure is!

And there it is! Yes, ma'am.

Who do it look like?

Let me see who you look like, your pappy or your mammy.

Stella: Go ahead, Agnes, and open the door.

You'll have plenty of time for that later on.

Yes'm. Yes, ma'am.

I know who's gonna be boss around here from now on!

[ laughing ]

Ohh.

Oh, gosh, home never looked so good to me.

Poor Stella.

Oh, I didn't mind it.

It was just the hospital got on my nerves.

And that darn doctor trying to make me stay another week.

He just thought it would be better--

Better for who? It was just to get your money.

I felt as good the next day as I ever did, and...

maybe better than I had for a while.

Oh, why didn't you bring 'em to me?

The days wouldn't have seemed half so long.

Gosh, I thought everybody had forgotten me.

Now, Mrs. Dallas, I think we'll get you to bed.

Bed? I just got up.

Haven't you seen enough of me in bed for the past three weeks?

Seems like three years to me.

You'll soon find you're not as strong as you think you are.

You must remember I've had a great deal of experience

- in these maternity cases. - What do you think I had?

Why is it doctors and nurses and husbands

always seem to think they know more about this maternity business?

Don't you think a mother learns anything

in that little room they wheel 'em into?

Or is that just a kindergarten class?

Let me tell you something.

I picked up quite a little experience in that room,

and it wasn't out of books, either.

Experience.

Stephen! Stephen!

Yes, dear?

A dance at the River Club tomorrow night!

I think I can wear my blue dress.

I'll let it out a little at the top--

Stella, you don't want to go dancing already.

Before I went to the hospital, I was stuck in this house

for four solid months without going anywhere.

And we just got into the River Club.

All my life I've just about died to go to the real places

and get in with the right crowd,

and just when I got a chance, I have to give it all up.

We'll go next time.

I don't want to go next time. I want to go this time.

I won't dance much, I promise.

I just want to get a wave and a manicure

and get all dressed up again and go hear some music

and forget all about doctors and hospitals and nurses!

And babies?

[ baby cooing ]

No.

[ baby cooing ]

Oh, but, Stephen, please...

[ up-tempo music playing ]

You're a wonderful dancer, Mr. Munn!

If I'm any judge of horse flesh,

you don't shake a mean leg yourself.

- Hello! - Hello!

Who's that she's dancing with? He's pretty good, too.

I--I really don't know.

His name is Munn. He has something to do with horse races.

The girls invite him over for golf, and he-- he gives them tips!

How'd you come to get hooked up to a table like that?

They're some business friends of my husband's.

Business friends? What is he, an undertaker?

Why don't you get him to ditch that bunch of mossbacks

and come over and join us?

Spencer Chandler's table? We don't even know him.

Well, that won't take long.

You know what he said after our first dance?

No, what?

He said, "Ed--" he always calls me Ed--

"you can pick winners on a dance floor

better than you can on a race track."

Yeah?

Aw, go on, don't red-apple me.

No, on the level. Come on, I'll prove it to you.

Well, I'd--I'd have to ask Stephen first.

- Stephen. - Yes?

- Come here. - Excuse me.

Yes?

Stephen, this is Mr. Munn.

How are ya?

Spencer Chandler wants us to come over to his table.

- I'm sorry, we're just leaving. - Leaving?

- It's only a quarter after. - I know, but that's late for us.

- Come just for a nightcap. - Yes, Stephen, please!

I'm afraid we can't, thank you.

Good night.

Well, good night.

I'll get the things.

He dug down in his pockets, bet his last cent,

the horse came in and paid twenty-to-one!

What do you think of that?

[ laughter ]

- Oh, dear, I-- - Did you lose something?

- Yes, I-- - May I help you?

Oh, I remember. I gave it to Mister--

Pardon me.

- [ laughter and chatter ] - Man: What a story!

Say, Ed, did you give me back my handkerchief?

You never give it to me.

- Oh, I must have lost it. - Well, here. Take mine.

Oh, no, I didn't mean I--

Wait a minute. I want you to meet a friend of mine.

Mr. Chandler, this is Mrs. Dallas.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

Spence, I want you to prove something to her for me.

Didn't you say I could pick 'em on a dance floor as good as on the track?

I wouldn't feel too flattered.

Munn hasn't given me a winner in over a month.

- Will you sit down? - Oh, thank you.

Dallas, I'd like you to meet Miss Terry.

Oh, I believe your wife lost something

- and she thought maybe Mister-- - Mr. Munn.

- Mr. Munn might know. - Oh, thank you.

[ music resumes ]

Stephen, this is Mr. Chandler. Mr. Chandler, my husband.

Mr. Chandler asked me to dance. You don't mind?

Sorry, my wife's just out of the hospital. She should be home in bed.

Well, we'll hurry, then. Come on.

You wouldn't like to sit down and have a little snifter, would you?

No, thank you very much.

Thank you.

What have I done this time?

All right, I'll take my usual lecture. Go ahead, begin.

I asked you not to wear those earrings,

that cheap imitation necklace.

You took them off. You agreed.

Then after we got there, you came out of the dressing room--

Now, Stephen, I'm perfectly willing to let you tell me how to talk

and how to act, but please,

don't give me pointers on how to dress.

Allow me at least to know more about one thing than you do.

After all, I've always been known to have stacks of style.

You should have heard Ed Munn.

And he's been around a bit, too.

He's traveled further and he--

All right, then, farther, whichever it is. I don't care.

Gosh, I have to think twice every time I open my mouth.

And Spencer Chandler didn't seem to have to turn the other way, either.

And he only happens to be one of the Chandlers.

Stella, please. Don't say things like that.

Remember, you're my wife now.

Oh, and can't look at another man?

That isn't the point at all.

That's a laugh-- an affair between Spencer Chandler and I.

Well, I am coming up in the world.

[ sighs ]

Stella, can't you-- won't you try to understand?

Please listen to me this time. Please.

The fake jewelry's not important,

Chandler's not important,

none of these things matter in themselves.

But what's to become of us, that is important.

Yes, Stephen.

Stella, why did you marry me?

Because I was crazy about you, silly, and I still am.

- Only you just don't seem to ever-- - Once, a long time ago,

you said you were crazy to learn everything,

become someone-- didn't you?

Yes, Stephen.

Please listen to me.

I'm only telling you this because I love you.

Beamer wants to send me to New York to handle the sales department there.

I want to go, and I want to take you with me.

But I want you to make an effort. I want you to...

try to be what you wanted to be.

Give up a few things for me, and try to adapt yourself--

Adapt myself? Give up a few things?

Well, what have I been doing ever since I met you?

And I'm getting a little sick of it, too.

How would it be for you to do a little adapting for a change?

I don't see you giving up anything.

And I'll tell you one more thing-- I'm not going to New York.

I'm certainly not going to leave here

just when I'm beginning to get in with the right people.

Now, Stella.

You go on and go to New York. I'm gonna stay here.

Well, can you beat that?

Laying here wide awake, waiting for her dinner,

and not a squawk out of her.

Stella: Gosh, Carrie.

I used to think girls at the mill were crazy when they got married

and right off the bat started having kids.

But honest, Stella, would you want any more?

Sure, if I could have another one like her.

She's been a regular pal to me.

Since Stephen's been away in New York so much,

I hardly know I have a husband.

He's only been here three times this summer,

and then it was only on account of her-- he's crazy about her.

And who wouldn't be?

Oh, look at her!

Wiping it up at her age! Could you beat that?

She's the spit of her old man!

[ doorbell rings ]

Stella: Now, who's that? Edna!

Well, is this all the welcome I get?

Ed! Of all people!

- Gosh, I'm glad to see you! - Glad to see you!

And I you.

I haven't seen you for ages!

Get a load of that kid. Has she grown, or am I crazy?

Come on.

[ laughter ]

She looks more like you every time.

Stella: You remember Uncle Ed, don't you, darling?

Well, I remember you.

- [ baby gibbering ] - Stella: Ed!

- Let me see! - How's that?

Oh, you shouldn't have done it!

Don't she look like a little queen?

All in gold and turquoise!

Edna!

- You want a drink, don't ya? - Sure.

And if you don't mind, I'll peel this coat.

Oh, sure, go ahead. What'll it be?

You know me, I ain't partic,

so long as it don't jump up and bite me.

But I've been drinkin' bourbon.

What have you been drinkin'?

Oh, nothin'. But I'll take bourbon.

[ piano music begins ]

Gee, you oughta been along.

Or maybe you've been having too much fun here.

I haven't been out of the house for two months.

- You been sick? - No, but I don't know,

I don't seem to get any fun out of a good time anymore.

All the time I'm out, I'm thinking of her and what she's doing

and how soon I can get back to her.

Well, here's hoping I'll always be around at the right time.

- What are you drinking? - Sarsaparilla.

Stealing the kid's drinks, huh?

Did you ever catch her sneaking your oatmeal?

- Hey, can I pick her up? - Sure, go ahead.

Come on to your Uncle Ed.

Atta girl, come on.

Ain't you got a big smile for your Uncle Ed?

Of course she has. Come on, darling, smile for Uncle Ed.

- [ doorbell rings ] - Edna!

- [ doorbell rings ] - Edna!

I'll get it.

If I could only see her open that door just once!

- Look at those nosems. - Come on, darling.

- Smile for Uncle Ed. - Come on, darling.

[ piano music stops ]

Oh, Lollie, Loll--

[ baby crying ]

Hello, Stephen.

Stella.

Oh, um...

Oh, you remember Mr. Munn.

How do you do?

- And Carrie Jenkins. - Yes, how do you do?

How do you do?

Uh...

I think I'll be getting along.

- Stella: All right. - [ baby chattering ]

Yes, darling.

- That's a fine baby you've got there. - Thank you. I think so.

- I gotta be going too. - Carrie: Me too!

[ indistinct chatter ]

Yeah, just a minute. I'll see you to the door.

[ indistinct, overlapping chatter ]

Carrie: Stella, you call me soon, will ya?

Thanks for a good time.

- Bye. - Bye-bye.

Stella, I can't have our child living this way.

What's wrong this time?

It's not just this time. It's every time I--

Because there was a couple of drinks?

What's wrong with that?

Coming in here with that icebergy way of yours.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude,

but she's my child, too, and I won't have this.

I haven't wanted to take Laurel away from you,

but if you...

Take her away from me?

What are you talking about?

How dare you say such a thing? Give her to me!

- Now, Stella-- - Give her to me, I say!

- You mustn't do this! - Give her to me!

Watch out, you're hurting her!

Get out!

[ baby crying ]

Did he frighten Mommy's little girl?

Oh, don't you cry.

Mommy's right here. Mommy won't let anybody hurt you.

[ baby crying ]

There, there.

You're here with Mommy, and nobody in the whole world

is ever going to take you away.

Nobody.

Nobody.

Thank you.

Well, of all things!

Would you like to include one of those, too?

No, she's a little too grown up for that now, I'm afraid.

That's all.

Come on, fellas, Mother's ready.

- Come on, boys. - Mother, he rows it himself!

Can't we wait until he winds it again?

I want you to see how it goes.

Woman: Thank you, Mr. Dallas.

- Stephen: You'll send those right away? - Woman: Yes.

Stephen?

Helen.

Ohh, Stephen!

- I'm so glad to see you. - Oh, and you!

Boys, come. Come here, please.

- These are my sons. - How do you do, young gentlemen?

All: How do you do?

This is Mr. Dallas, whom your mother has known for such a long time.

- John. - How do you do?

- Lee and Cornelius. - Lee. Cornelius.

Con. He doesn't like to be called Cornelius.

I do, too. It was my father's name.

Was?

Con's the man of the family now.

And he looks after us all so beautifully.

- His father would be very proud. - That's splendid.

Nothing but the finest care in the world would be good enough for your mother.

Oh, but tell us about you.

I gave up all thought of ever seeing you again

such a long time ago. What are you doing here?

If you mean New York, I'm in business here.

If you mean this store, I'm here buying birthday presents for my daughter.

Your daughter? Oh, Stephen!

- Here she is. - She's lovely!

When may we meet her? And her mother?

They're not here. You see, Laurel goes to school up near Boston

and her mother spends all of her time with her.

I have so many things to hear-- and to tell.

Can you lunch with us?

Well, I should be back at the office by now.

We'd be glad to have you, if you don't mind carrying your own tray.

John's been saving up for a whole month

in order to take us for lunch-- it's his treat.

That's all right. I got enough for one more...

if you don't eat too much.

How about it, Mr. Dallas?

Well, I guess I can't refuse an offer like that.

Oh, good. Come along.

If you run short, I'll lend you a couple of dollars.

Gee, thanks!

Oh, books again!

Sometimes I've got a good mind to write and tell him

she can get books from the library,

but there's no place where you can get a fur coat for nothing.

Boy, what I wouldn't give to see her in one.

Oh, well. Here.

Hide 'em with the rest and let me get on with this

or it won't be ready for Christmas, let alone her birthday.

[ door opens ]

Laurel: Hello, Gladys. Where's Mother?

Gladys: Now, let me see. She's, uh...

- Hello, Mother. - Hello, darling.

My teacher came home with me. She wants to see you.

If I'd only known, I could have fixed up a little.

- Look at me, I'm a sight. - You look fine.

Look at the things all-- Oh, dear.

Mother, this is Miss Phillibrown.

Ohh.

- How do you do, Mrs. Dallas? - Pleased to meet you.

- Won't you sit down? - Really, I haven't a minute.

But...thank you.

Laurel, my dear, I wonder if I might have a glass of water.

Of course. You too, Mother?

No. Maybe she'd rather have some sarsaparilla.

- I have some on ice. - No, thank you.

She's such a darling.

I didn't want to talk in front of her in case she might be disappointed.

I spend the weekends in Boston,

and I wonder if you'd let me borrow Laurel for this one.

I couldn't get her ready this time, but if you'd ask her again...

Lollie thinks the world of you, Miss Phillibrown,

I know she'd have a wonderful time.

Seeing some decent shows-- I mean, not just movies.

Well, I had in mind the galleries and museums.

She seemed so interested.

Yeah, she's crazy about that stuff.

She gets that stuff from her father.

Her father?

You see, I've only heard about you.

Well, of course, she don't see as much of her father.

Mr. Dallas' business keeps him in New York.

- Oh, really. - But I spend his vacation with him.

Up in Maine, in the woods. Have you ever been there?

- No. - Oh, it's beautiful!

Your mother's just given her permission

for you to spend a weekend with me in Boston.

When?

Very soon.

Ohh...

thank you, Miss Phillibrown!

- Well, I really must go. - Oh, must you?

- Good-bye, Mrs. Dallas. - Come again, won't you?

Thank you.

- Good-bye, Laurel, dear. - Good-bye, Miss Phillibrown.

- Oh, isn't she the nicest? - Yes, darling.

- Did you ask her to the party? - No, do you think she'd come?

Of course. Why not?

Mother! For the party?

Lollie!

What did you do that for? You're always sticking your--

Oh, Mother, I'm sorry.

Come here, darling. I didn't mean to--

You know how I always fly off and I--

Well, I wanted it to be a surprise, and...

Well, now that you've seen it,

you may as well slip it on and let me fit you

instead of this... thing--dummy.

Oh, it's blue.

Mmm-hmm.

There.

Oh, Mother, it's beautiful!

Careful! Don't mash the ruffles.

Now--oh, yeah, I forgot. This goes here--

- Oh, no. - Yes, it gives it some snap.

For heaven's sake, you're just like your father--

you want everything as plain as an old shoe.

Plain? With all these beautiful hand-made ruffles?

Now turn around.

Yes, the length's all right, it's just the sleeves.

Take it off, and let me get on with it.

- What's going on in there? - Come on in, Ed.

No, Mother, wait till I--

Ohh!

What is this, a Follies dressing room?

- Mother, please! - What's the matter?

He shouldn't see me like this!

Ed's known you since you were knee-high

and seen you with hardly anything on.

And even less than that. What have you got to hide from your Uncle Ed?

- You got nothing to hide! - Mother, make him stop!

Ed, Stop! Lollie, don't be a little fool!

[ laughter ]

Oh, Ed, I wish you wouldn't tease her like that. You know she don't like it.

I know, but I get a kick out of a young one being so finicky.

Well...

- Your car downstairs? - No, it's in the shop. Why?

I wanted to go to town and get the decorations for the party.

Why not go in on the train?

We'll take the kid, see a show and have dinner.

I don't want her to know what I'm getting.

Oh, I see.

I guess I could show you a better time without her.

Ed!

[ laughter ]

How long will you be? I gotta run down to the corner.

- I won't be long. - Unless you got a drink here.

I have some sarsaparilla.

I'll meet you at the corner.

Sarsaparilla.

Honest, some of the things I do for you.

You'll like it when you get used to it. And it's good for you, too.

- What's that? - You can read, can't you?

Itch powder?

Things are just a little too quiet around here.

- Oh, Ed, you're not-- - Hey, can I see that?

Great jumpin' catfish! What's the name of that horse?

- What's the matter? - Nothing. I got a ticket on it.

[ laughing ]

Kokomo wins! I'm rich!

Let me shake your hand.

Thank you, thank you.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

- I'm awfully glad-- - I stand to win 20 or 30,000.

- Boy or a girl? - Have a cigar.

- What happened? - Have a cigar.

I beg your pardon. You want gum.

Thank you very much.

- Say, that was great! - Did you see that jockey?

He won $30,000 on a horse race!

You're kidding.

Kidding?

Watch 'em commence.

[ low ] I can't stand it.

[ Stella and Ed laughing quietly ]

Another Indian just bit the dust.

Stop! You're killing me!

Look at the old girls!

They're doing a sister act! They must have rehearsed.

Man: What's so funny?

Now wha'd you do?

[ loud laughter ]

Come on, look. There are two down there.

[ loud laughter ]

Gee, Ed, you're a card.

I don't see how you can keep such a straight face.

What's a little kidding among friends?

- Is that the father? - No, it can't be.

She particularly said her husband was in New York.

[ laughing ] Well--!

Such women don't deserve to have children.

There's only one way to drink sarsaparilla,

and that's so it don't taste like sarsaparilla.

Do you mind? Want some?

And Laurel's such a lovely child. I don't know what to think.

Why, Mary Anne's been asked to her party.

Stell...

why don't you scratch that first entry of yours

and give somebody else a chance?

- Honest, I'd do anything-- - Please don't.

It's like I told you...

It's not personal, only I--

I don't think there's a man living that could get me going anymore.

I don't know, I...

I guess Lollie just uses up all the feelings I got,

and I don't seem to have any left for anybody else.

You got plenty for me, Stell.

Why can't we go on as we are?

I don't know what I'd have done without you

some of the times when Lollie was back with Stephen.

You're such a good sport and such a lot of fun.

I guess you know what you're doing.

What's the matter?

I think I got some of that stuff on me. Would that be a hit? I have!

[ laughing ]

It's all over! Here!

[ humming softly ]

Gladys, are you nearly ready? I'll just have to let her in.

I'm ready.

- Mmm-mmm, Miss Dallas! - Do I look all right?

None of them have ever seen me.

She's always telling all of them how beautiful I am.

Honey, you sure can live up to it.

If I live through this day, I'm gonna get me another corset.

- Mother! - Coming, dear!

[ soft knock at door ]

Mother!

However did you do it?

Oh, and you, Mother...

you look beautiful!

Do I?

And the favors!

Don't pull them. They pop and have little hats inside.

- And the little baskets. - I put candies in with the nuts.

And the place cards! Mother, they're beautiful!

Where did you get them?

I sit there and you sit here.

And Miss Phillibrown next to me and Flobell and Alice May.

Uh-huh.

Mother, could I see the cake?

All right, go ahead.

Oh, look!

One, two, three,

- four, five, six... - Do you like it?

- [ doorbell rings ] - Here somebody is!

Lollie! Lollie!Â

Lollie, let Gladys go.

Gladys.

Now, remember what I told you.

Yes.

Lollie, no, no.

Man: Is this the Dallas residence?

Sign here, please.

- Thank you. - Gladys: Thank you.

It's for you, Lollie.

Don't you forget to say "Miss Laurel" in front of people.

- Yes, ma'am. - What is it?

It's from Miss Phillibrown. She can't come.

What does she say?

"Laurel, dear, I'm sorry it is impossible

"for me to come to your party,

"but I'm thinking of you this afternoon

"and I hope you will not be disappointed.

Sincerely, your friend, Margaret Phillibrown."

That's too bad.

I do wish she could have come, just to see everything.

And you.

Well, I'll fix up again for her sometime.

Most likely the girls will have a better time without her.

I guess they see enough of her in school.

I know I did my teachers.

And everyone loves Miss Phillibrown.

Gladys, take these, please.

Well, anyway, it'll make an even number.

Sure.

Come on, we'll wait in the other room.

You sit over there.

Now...

[ telephone rings ]

No, no, let Gladys go.

- Remember what I told you. - "Miss Dallas' residence."

- That's right. - [ ring ]

Gladys: Miss Dallas' residence.

Okay, I'll tell her.

- Who was it? - It was Miss Cheney.

- She says Alice May can't come. - Who?

Alice May Cheney. She sits next to me in school.

Oh.

It'll make the table look better.

It won't be so crowded.

I'll fix it.

I think I better make some more biscuits, don't you?

The others is all dried up.

Let's do that. That's a very good idea.

You know they're not coming, or they'd be here.

You don't think that--

We'll go in together.

I never know what to look for, you change so much each time.

- Do I look older? - Older? You're a young lady!

Evidently your wardrobe is growing up, too.

I have a costume for everything.

Fine, because we have a wonderful invitation

to spend our whole time together in the most beautiful place in the world.

Better than Maine? Where?

You'll see.

Hello.

Martha, this is my daughter Laurel.

How do you do?

Oh, Daddy, how beautiful!

- Hello, Laurel. - This is Mrs. Morrison.

- How do you do? - I'm so glad to see you.

I'm so glad to see you, too.

Michael, this is Laurel we've been waiting and waiting to meet.

Now, don't overdo it.

- He's such a nice dog! - Where are the boys?

I believe they're still down at the stables.

Tell them their surprise is here.

You don't mind being a surprise, do you?

Come on, Mike, we'll go fetch 'em.

I'll show Laurel to her room.

Oh.

It's lovely.

How sweet.

If you'll let me have your keys, I'll have Martha unpack you.

Oh, I can do it.

I'll take your coat.

Yes, thank you.

And your hat.

Oh, everything!

I like nice closets, too. We'll hang this here.

There.

I'm so glad you brought your riding clothes.

It was one of the things on my list, to ride in Central Park.

We'll be using them here, too.

And so many pretty dresses.

What fun your mother must have choosing them for you.

She makes them all.

She does?Â

Oh, how clever!

What a lucky girl you are, and how lucky she is, too.

All boys want to wear are overalls.

I suppose you want to freshen up.

But don't change.

I'll run down and see that your father has his tea,

because he has to get right back to town.

You come down when you're ready.

Don't keep the boys waiting too long.

Thank you!

[ laughter and chatter ]

All right, here we go.

[ music playing ]

They won't acknowledge that they like her yet.

They haven't got as far as that.

But have you noticed the hair-brushing

and collar-wearing that's been going on?

I have.

Mother!

- Am I too little to dance with Laurel? - Did she say so?

Not, but Con did.

Well, if I wanted to dance with Laurel,

I think I'd ask her, not Con.

I will!

Big intrigue.

- Let me have it. You'll drop it. - I will not!

- Why don't you let Con carry it? - I want to carry it.

Good-bye, Laurel. It's been fun, hasn't it?

We'll look forward so to next time.

I've had such a lovely time, I don't know how to thank you.

Bye, Laurel!

[ indistinct happy chatter ]

Here's a present.

Good-bye! Good-bye!

Ohh! Aren't they the nicest boys?

I think so. But how did you like Mrs. Morrison?

I think she's the loveliest lady I ever knew.

Do you, Laurel? Do you really?

Oh, I mean--

I mean--

of course, I mean except my mother.

Mother, how nice!

[ Ed whistling ]

It's a little stuffy. I'm gonna open a window.

All right.

[ whistling ]

You happy?

I guess I'll shove off. You two got lots to talk about.

Say, where you gonna eat, Ed?

Me? Oh, I don't know, I ain't very hungry.

I thought maybe I'd stop in at--

Why don't you come back and have dinner with us?

- You only bought two chops. - Sure. One for you and one for Lollie.

Say, I'm so happy I couldn't even look at a meal.

- Fine. About what time? - Oh, an hour.

So long, Lolliepops. I'll come back and tie on the nosebag with you.

- Want me to bring anything? - No, thanks, Ed.

Oh, Mother, why did you? I thought we were going to have

- a nice, quiet time alone. - So did I, Lollie darling,

but things haven't been going so good for poor Ed lately.

Not that you'd ever know it to hear him talk,

but you remember that big watch and chain he used to wear?

Well, they're just not there anymore.

I'm sorry.

- Gladys! - She's not here anymore. I let her go.

Mother!

What did I need with anybody around?

Oh, Mother, you shouldn't have.

Besides, I was glad to have something to do to help pass the time away.

You know what I did?

I saved enough money out of her wages

to pay a deposit on a fur coat for you.

Mother, you didn't!

Well, you're just going to get it right back.

I don't want a fur coat now, Mother.

Besides, none of the girls I met at Mrs. Morrison's

are allowed to have them yet.

- Oh, no? - No.

Oh.

Here.

Mother, do you know what I've been thinking?

Would it cost too awfully much for us to have a house

with our own front door and a little garden and flowers

and a room for each of us?

Just in case sometimes we wanted somebody to stay all night.

Oh, Mother, not a great, big expensive house

like Mrs. Morrison's, but just a little tiny place.

Tell me about this Mrs. Morrison. What's she like?

Oh, Mother, she's lovely.

She's...she's sort of...

well, she reminds me of a flower that grows up in Maine,

all pale and delicate, but strong, too.

I don't know what you'd call her.

Oh, gracious, Lollie, I don't care what kind of a flower she looks like.

Is she tall or short, dark or light, fat or thin?

How old is she?

She doesn't seem to be any special age.

You know, she's like one of those goddesses

in my mythology book that way.

Oh, come now. You can tell whether she's 20 or 40.

She's not 40, no.

Well, I guess maybe she's about 25.

And, um...

how did your father happen to meet this goddess?

Mother, it's like a story. Con told me all about it.

Con. Is that her husband?

Oh, no, he's dead. Didn't I write you?

Dead, is he?

Well, that's convenient.

Oh, no, it isn't. It isn't a bit convenient,

because when Mr. Morrison died,

he left a whole lot of houses

and horses and money and things,

and Mrs. Morrison has to look out for them all by herself.

You know, she said she wouldn't know what to do

without Father to help her and advise her.

Yeah, I can just imagine.

I just remembered. I've got some snapshots of her.

No, Lollie, I-- I just want to look at you.

But I want you to see her. She's beautiful.

You'll be crazy about her!

The funny thing about her is,

she's not only beautiful when she's all dressed,

but even when she wakes up in the morning.

She spends hardly any time on her face.

Once I saw her put soap and water right on it.

Well, all I can say is, there are different kinds of skins.

And besides, with her money, she don't have to worry about her looks.

Say, are those real pearls she's got slung around her neck?

- Look what you're doing! - What?

You're getting cold cream all over her picture!

- I didn't mean to-- - Give it to me!

I'll do it.

[ bell ringing ]

[ coin drops ]

[ drunkenly ] ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way

[ bell ringing ]

Hello, Lolliepops!

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Here is your mistletoe. Now where's the kiss?

- Where's the kiss? - Mother!

Ed!

Stella!

Go on, run along. Go inside.

What do you mean by showing up around here in this condition?

- You get out of here. - I got something for you.

I--I've been robbed.

Why, if I thought that anybody would take--

Here you are, my dear.

And a very merry Christmas.

No, thanks, Ed, I can't take it.

I wouldn't know what to do with it.

What to do with it... [ whistles ]

Cook it.

You run along. Give it to somebody else.

Me give my chicken to somebody else? You think I'm gonna do that?

I'm gonna take it and I'm gonna stick it...

Edmund, you come out of there!

[ muttering ]

Ed! What are you trying to do, set the place on fire?

Hold on... I'm cooking a turkey...

Get that thing out of here!

- I say no. - I say yes.

Don't tell me how to cook a turkey. I know how to cook a turkey.

- I say no. - Now, come on.

Now, listen. I know how the turkey should be cooked,

and so there.

Now, of course, the feet won't be very well done,

but I don't care for feet much anyway.

- Oh, Ed, now, be reasonable. - This is the next--

[ doorbell rings ]

- Merry Christmas! - Father!

Oh, I'm so glad to see you!

Oh, and am I glad to see you.

What a nice surprise!

You should see the way I've been running to the door.

I never dreamed of anything so wonderful as

your bringing in yourself.

Ooh, what a lovely tree!

- Here you are. - Oh, thank you, Daddy.

I'll put them right here while I go call Mother.

I'll take your coat and hat.

This is a fine Christmas spirit,

that you don't have anything in the house.

A strawberry... [ muttering ]

and lemon.

Lemon and peach.

[ chortling ]

What is this? Oh, this is only sarsaparilla.

Of all the places I ever saw in my life, a man can't have a--

[ whispering ] You go inside and keep him company, and I'll get dressed

- and come in as fast as I can. - All right.

Hey, Stell! What is the idea of whispering over there?

You've gotta go. I've got company.

- Company? - Yes, come on.

- Who's the company? - Never you mind. You just go.

I'd like to see the company.

No, Ed!

- Oh, Stell, now, listen-- - Come on.

No, I'm gonna sit right here until I find out who the company is.

- Now, that's all of it. - No, you're not. You're gonna go.

I never saw anybody so-- pushin' and shovin'--

Stell!

I think the company would like the turkey, too.

It was the biggest turkey I could find.

One of the finest turkeys that the man had.

I never saw such a big turkey in all my life.

[ Ed muttering ]

Laurel: Daddy, a wristwatch! How lovely!

- You like it, darling? - Oh, yes.

You're getting so grown up I hardly know what to buy for you.

Mother copied it from one we saw in the window of a shop in Boston.

- You can hardly tell the difference. - It is pretty, isn't it?

It was my best present till you came.

Oh, you darling.

Stephen?

Stephen: Well!

Merry Christmas, Stella.

Merry Christmas to you, Stephen.

- It's good to see you again. - It's good to see you.

- Sit down. - Thank you.

The place looks awfully nice, Stella.

You'll go to dinner with us?

Well, darling, I...

I came to ask your mother a favor.

Stella... I was wondering

if you'd let me have Laurel for the holidays this time.

I've never had a place for her before.

This time we have an invitation to spend it with the Morrisons.

Oh.

Well...

Would you like to go, Lollie?

Yes.

That is, if--

Oh, I... I think it would be lovely.

When would you want her, Stephen?

Well, my train leaves in an hour, Stella.

I was hoping I could take her back with me.

- Today? - No, no, not today. I couldn't, Father.

Mother and I had something all planned.

Well, yes, we did, but...

Well, we... we could do that anytime.

All right, come on, we'll have to hurry.

I'm glad you have your new coat, and you'll want these things.

I'll just get her started. Excuse us.

Stella: Hurry.

There's your case there.

- Will this do for the train? - Yes, that's fine.

Just pack what you need now and I'll send your trunk on tonight.

She won't be very long.

This is for you, Stella.

Thank you.

Uh...

I'm awfully sorry.

When I see all you've done here, and you did have plans--

- I didn't realize-- - It wasn't anything really.

We were just going to a show and dinner at the Bon Ton.

This will be a real treat for her.

It's been so long since I've seen you.

How have you been?

Well, thank you. And you?

- Fine. - That's good.

It's too bad your train leaves so early.

Stella, I--

I've been thinking.

I don't know why it didn't occur to me before,

but there's no earthly reason why you should spend today all alone

just because I've been selfish and thoughtless.

There must a later train.

Where's the telephone? Shall we call and see?

Oh, yes.

Please!

Here.

Beacon Hill-3700, please.

Fooled you, didn't I?

You put me out of the back door and I went all the way around again!

Just where is all this company that I'm being kicked out because of?

Because I'm gonna tell you this--

you're not gonna feed 'em my turkey.

No, sir. Not--

I beg your pardon.

I guess--

I'm sorry, Stella. I didn't mean to--

I guess I'll go now.

Mr. Dallas.

He's--he's had a little too much Christmas, I guess.

He was here a while ago and brought a turkey

and I had a terrible time getting rid of him.

Um...

What did you find out about the train?

I'm afraid it would be too late, Stella. I'm sorry.

- I'm all ready! Was I very long? - Not at all, darling.

Good-bye, Stella. I'll take good care of her.

Bye, Stephen.

Good-bye, Mother.

- Good-bye, Stella. - Good-bye.

Thank you for letting me go! Good-bye!

Mrs. Dallas, Mr. Morley.

How do you do? Won't you sit down, please?

Mrs. Dallas, I wrote you a letter, and in it I stated--

You don't have to tell me what you stated. Just tell me what you meant.

It's only natural to suppose

that you should wish to legalize your position--

Legalize my position? I've got our marriage license.

Look here, what are you trying to give me?

Your freedom. A divorce.

Mr. Dallas feels, and I can readily understand why,

- that you might wish to remarry. - Remarry?

Listen, Mr. Morley, let's get down to brass tacks.

I haven't the slightest idea of ever remarrying.

Now, it don't happen by any chance

to be Mr. Dallas who wishes to remarry, does it?

Well, assuming for the moment that it does,

surely you could have no objection.

Your allowance would be the same.

As a matter of fact, Mr. Dallas might even be able

to increase the amount he's sending you.

I don't want any increases.

Let him keep it, and let me keep my daughter.

Mrs. Dallas, Mr. Dallas has no intention

of any change regarding your daughter.

Oh, he hasn't?

Then what's he been trying to win her away for?

Taking her to fine hotels, country places, townhouses!

Making her dissatisfied with the kind of things I've been giving her.

Does he think I don't see what he's after?

Well, he'll never get away with it, and I'll tell you why--

because I'm gonna give her the same things,

everything her heart's been set on-- fine hotels, fancy friends.

She's gonna have 'em all, only I'm gonna give 'em to her,

and he's gonna pay for 'em.

If he's got any extra increases, he can just hand 'em over.

And if he don't, maybe I'll get a lawyer

and bring in the name of that highfalutin widow!

- But, Mrs. Dallas-- - I won't keep you any longer.

Thank you very much.

Just see the check is mailed to the same place.

That's all the benefits I want.

No.

Mnh-mnh.

This one will do. Put some more lace on it...

Laurel: Outside!

Nice one.

You're wonderful, Laurel.

Dick, you threw me that last game.

Threw it? The last one came over like a bullet.

Is that any way to treat your teacher?

That's the way to take him over, Laurel!

What's the matter, Dick, you losing your edge?

- Laurel, this is Mrs. Clews. - I'm glad to know you.

- How do you do? - You're improving rapidly.

My teacher.

Say, we're gonna have Dad's box for the polo game.

- Won't you come with us? - Oh, I'd love to.

But I should spend the afternoon with my mother.

See you at dinner, then.

Bye-bye.

How is your mother today, dear?

She's much better, thank you.

Couldn't Mrs. Clews and I visit with her this afternoon

while you go to the polo?

That's an idea, Mother.

I've been looking forward to meeting her.

It's unfortunate that she's been ill all the time.

- What do you say? - I'll have to ask Mother.

- Come on. - All right.

- I'll call you. - All right.

Laurel: Mother!

Hello, darling.

Hello!

- Did you have a good time? - Heavenly!

Mother, Richard's mother and a Mrs. Clews I just met

want me to go to the polo game,

and they want to spend the afternoon with you.

And see me for the first time in my nightgown?

I should say not.

Me with a trunk full of new clothes

my skin is just itching to get next to.

Goodness gracious.

But you go along and say I was asleep.

- I won't leave you alone again. - Don't be silly.

There's no sense in the two of us being cooped up here.

I'll be all right in a few days, and then I'll get all fixed up

and meet your friends right.

You know what I was thinking?

The first night I'm able to go down in the dining room,

we'll have this Richard and his mother to dinner with us.

Would you like that?

Lollie?

Ohh!

I knew you would.

Go on now, run along. You mustn't keep them waiting.

Wear your blue jacket-- I love you in that.

All right.

[ no audible dialogue ]

[ bracelets jangling ]

[ Stella humming ]

Boy! Oh, boy!

Will you tell me, which lady is Mrs. Richard Grosvenor?

Mrs. Grosvenor's not here, ma'am.

Then please direct me to the tennis court. Maybe she's there.

You go just across the lawn and down that path.

You mean sort of over that way and down there?

Yes, ma'am.

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

- Here you are, young fella. - Oh, that's all right.

- Don't be sil. - Thank you.

Here goes a birdie.

Did I say birdie?

[ mockingly ] Well, whew!

[ laughter ]

Trying to cover it up, huh?

No, I'll wear it everywhere!

Did you see the makeup on her? And those shoes!

I thought she was wearing stilts!

- [ indistinct greetings ] - Hi, kids.

Come on, move down one seat.

Whatever happened to you two? We've been back hours.

We took a shortcut.

[ skeptically ] Yeah!

Boy: Say, Paul, you sure missed a show!

- What'll it be, Mr. Grosvenor? - What show?

Boy: Oh, that woman on the tennis court.

Well, I'll have a chocolate ice cream soda

with chocolate ice cream and lots of whipped cream on top.

- Girl: What about her? - Make mine the same,

only make it with vanilla ice cream and leave off the goo.

Boy: I didn't know they let that kind of woman loose anymore.

- Happy? - You should have seen the get-up.

- What a woman! - Say, maybe Dick knows her.

Dick, she was looking for your mother.

Was she a panic when Pete lobbed one over the fence

and she started chasing after it!

I never saw her before. Did you?

- Who is she? - I don't know.

But I'd sure like to know where she got that paint job--

my bus needs a new coat.

That's not a woman, it's a Christmas tree.

- And it walks! - Does it talk?

And how.

Good?

Delicious.

That's the one there. I heard her say to Jimmy,

"You oughta see my little girl play tennis."

She must have some little girl.

- Stella: No, I don't like it. - Man: It is rather heavy.

- Let me see that one. - This one?

- Girl: She's an ad. - Boy: An ad for what?

We'll see in a minute. Wait till her hat lights up.

Boy: You're all wrong. It's a trailer.

Do you think that one really suits my personality?

- Yes, ma'am, decidedly. - You do.

I'll take that. Send it up to Room 214.

Man: Two-fourteen? Thank you.

[ kids tittering ]

Personality.

Hey, Pete, get her.

- What's the matter? - I must have lost my watch!

Wait a minute. You can't go all the way back there now.

When did you see it last, do you remember?

I want to go. Please let me go!

Don't worry about it. Let's finish our sodas first.

We'll find it.

There you are.

I've been looking all over for you. I--

Well, Lollie, what on earth?

Mother, we're going home.

Home? What are you talking--

- What's the matter? What's happened? - Nothing.

Oh, I know.

My little Lollie's had a quarrel with her young man.

Mother, please!

Oh, Lollie, don't be a little goose. I'll tell you what you do.

I'll call him up and invite him for dinner,

make believe I don't know anything about it.

I'll pretend you're not back yet. What's their number?

Mother!

I want to go home.

You want to go home?

Well...

well, what about me?

Paying for two rooms all this time

and using only a bed.

Don't you think I'd like a little of the fun you've been having?

I should think you'd think of somebody else besides yourself.

You know...

I like nice people and a little fun, myself.

I'm sorry.

I don't see how your pride would let you show him you cared that much.

If it was me, I'd stay on just to show him

that there's other fish in the sea.

Oh, Lollie.

It's only for you.

You said yourself this morning

you'd never been so happy in all your life.

And so was I, too.

Oh, dear.

Here.

Here you are, miss.

Thank you.

Man: Aboard!

She's missed it as sure as you live.

She's got my bag. Oh, there she is.

Lynn! Did you have a blow-out?

No, but just as I was leaving I met Ethel.

- Oh, I can't get my breath. - Here, sit down.

[ train whistle blowing ]

But I want to tell you what Ethel told me.

Did you remember that funny-looking woman

parading around the grounds this afternoon?

No, I didn't see her.

If you didn't see her, she can't be described.

You wouldn't believe it. I'll tell you, she was quite a number.

Dresses up to here, and paint an inch thick.

And bells on her shoes that tinkled all the time!

And bracelets up to here that clanked! You never saw such a sight.

- Do you know who she was? - Who?

Laurel Dallas's mother.

- Laurel Dallas! - But I can't believe it!

You mean that pretty little girl Dick Grosvenor's been rushing?

Yes, didn't you know her?

But are you sure? She seemed so lovely and sweet.

I know. Isn't it weird?

To have such a common-looking creature for a mother?

- Poor thing. - Poor nothing.

She's wearing Dick Grosvenor's fraternity pin.

She won't be wearing it long.

Not when Mrs. Grosvenor hears about it.

- Your bags is ready, ladies. - Thank you.

[ overlapping excited chatter ]

[ door closes ]

[ berth creaking ]

Lollie.

It's lonely up there, Mother.

I want to come down here and cuddle with you.

I'd, um...

I'd like to see Mrs. Morrison.

- Was it in reference to-- - I couldn't say. It's private.

I'd have to see Mrs. Morrison.

What was the name, please?

Mrs. Dallas. Mrs. Stephen Dallas.

Yes.

I will see if Mrs. Morrison is at home.

Come with me, please.

Just wait in there, please.

Yeah.

Mrs. Dallas?

Are...are you Mrs. Morrison?

Yes.

Oh, I, um...

I'm...

I'm sorry to bother you in your home, but I--

Won't you sit down?

No. What I have to say won't take very long.

We may as well be comfortable. It's so very warm.

Won't you take off your coat?

I...

I know you must think it's funny, me coming here like this.

I'm not gonna beat around the bush, but...

what I want to know is if--

if Stephen was free, if I got a divorce like his lawyer wanted,

would...would you two get married?

Yes, we would.

I'm sorry if it's unpleasant, but...

I'd rather that you knew the truth.

Yeah, um... well...

what I wanted to know is if--

if you and Stephen did get married...

um...

...what about Laurel? Would you take her, too?

Oh, no, Mrs. Dallas.

I'm a mother.

Do you think I could ever deprive another mother

of her only little girl?

Yeah, but if the mother didn't want her--

I mean...if she couldn't very well have her--

Well...

if it was inconvenient.

- Inconvenient? - Yeah.

You see...

Lollie's growing up now, and she--

well, she's quite a responsibility.

I don't understand.

Well, you see, it's this way.

From now on, there's lots of things Lollie ought to begin having.

I don't mean money, but...

dances and parties.

You know, good times.

And really, I've never been much at that sort of thing,

so I feel that I've done about all I can for her.

So I thought that you being so crazy about her father

and she taking after him so much,

that, well, if you and Stephen got married,

why, Lollie could come and live with you,

and...

your name being Mrs. Dallas, you see,

everybody would naturally think she was...

your little girl, and...

then when you went places, you see,

well...

you see...

you're the kind of a mother that...

any girl would be proud of.

I didn't know anyone could be so unselfish.

I'll say one thing, you'd never be ashamed of Lollie, either.

Everybody's just crazy about her.

She--well, she makes a wonderful impression,

she's so refined and elegant in her ways--

but you already know that.

Anyway, she's...

well, anyway, she's...

she's crazy about you already.

She don't talk as much as she used to,

but that's because she thinks I'm jealous or something, and...

oh, I guess I was, a little, but I'm not anymore.

And you'll see, in a little while she'll--

Well...

in a little while she'll-- she'll forget all about me, and it--

Why, it won't be any time before she'll...

she'll love you just...

just like you were her real mother.

And, oh, Mrs. Morrison, she's so wonderful! You don't know.

I do know.

And I know that it hasn't come only from her father.

I have to go.

Lollie doesn't know I've come here,

and I-- I don't want her to yet.

She--she's awful funny underneath,

and I've thought it all out.

It'll be better to just let her come for the visit like always,

and by that time it'll all be over--

the, uh...

the divorce, I mean. And then...

then you can break it to her.

It'll be easier that way.

Man: Aboard!

- Good-bye, darling. - Good-bye.

Go on, get inside.

- Good-bye, Mother. - Good-bye, dear.

Good-bye!

- You'll write to me? - Oh, yes, I will!

Now, have a nice time, and don't think about me.

Wear your new blue dress tonight.

I want to see you in my mind's eye.

All right.

I love you! Good-bye!

Good-bye, Mother!

Good-bye!

Good-bye, Mother!

It's a lot of fun, isn't it?

Haven't you really ever played it before?

No, honestly, I haven't.

John wouldn't go to bed until I promised to bring these in,

so you'd still have some members of the family

- to keep you company tonight. - Oh, how sweet!

- Oh, that John. - And here's their breakfast.

Gosh, you sure stand high with John.

He won't let Lee and me see 'em-- let alone feed 'em.

I suppose it's time young gentlemen removed themselves

- from ladies' boudoirs, eh, Con? - Okay, Dad.

- Good night, sweetheart. - Good night, Father.

- Good night, and sleep well. - I will, thank you.

- I'll see you in the morning. - Right, Con.

I'll put these in a safe place.

I never saw Father so happy before.

And you, dear, are you happy?

So very, for you both.

But, uh...

I've been worrying and worrying about something.

What could possibly be worrying you?

Well, I don't know what to call you.

Oh, if that's all, I'm so glad.

Because I have something to tell you which

I hope will make you just as happy as it has me.

From now on, you're going to be one of us really, dear.

You're going to be a member of this family

like Con and Lee and John.

They're your brothers, and this is going to be

your home as much as it is theirs.

- This, my home? - Yes, dear.

You're going to live with us.

Live here?

Here, the townhouse-- wherever we are.

Does it make you happy, Laurel?

Oh, yes, it makes me very happy...

to know that you want me.

And I do love you all so very much.

But I couldn't leave my mother.

You won't be leaving her.

Your mother will always be your mother.

I could never expect or even want to take her place in your heart.

You'll visit her whenever you like.

No, I couldn't.

Thank you ever and ever so much, Mrs.--I mean--

Laurel, your mother, your father,

all of us who love you,

feel that now that you're getting older

there are many advantages that we can give you.

I know, I know.

And I do thank you.

But I--I'm sorry.

- Night, Con. - Night, Dad.

- Father. - Yes, dear?

- What is it, dear? - Father...

You don't mean you thought that I could live anywhere,

ever, without Mother?

Well, you've lived without me.

Your mother and I are just changing places for a while.

Isn't it fair for me to have a little of what she's had all these years?

But that's different, Father, you know it is.

I've been with Mother all these years because I needed her.

Now she needs me, and you need me less than ever.

Oh, Laurel, don't say that.

I'm sorry, Laurel, if you don't see that what we've planned is for your good.

We thought it would make you happy.

Your mother and I have decided upon what we think is best for you.

- My mother? Does she know? - Certainly.

We have your interests equally at heart, haven't we?

We both feel that this should be your home

- for at least a few years. - I'm sorry, Father.

But please understand--

my home will be with my mother as long as I live.

- Now, Laurel-- - No, Stephen.

Laurel, you don't understand, dear.

This was all your mother's idea, her wish for you.

She planned it all herself. Your father had nothing to do with it.

She came to see me and we talked it all over.

My mother came to see you? When did she come?

Was it just after we got back from the Mirador?

Why, I believe it was. But--

Oh...oh, my poor mother...

my wonderful mother!

Oh, she wasn't asleep, she wasn't.

She heard what they said.

Oh, I must go to her. I must go to her at once!

Darling, tell us about it.

Oh, please, Daddy, help me.

I can't make my visit here. I must go to my mother!

Sure you can see him.

But that ain't meaning that he can see you.

Hey, Munn. Somebody to see you.

Ed.

Ed, wake up, it's Stella.

Ed, it's me, Stella Dallas.

Hello, Stell.

Look, I still live in the same old flat.

I want you to take this. Get a Turkish bath and a shave

and come right over. Do you understand?

Ed, do you understand?

Sure. I got it.

Mother!

Mommy!

Mother.

Mother?

Mother!

Oh, Mother!

Lollie, when did you--

Well, whatever brought you back?

Mother, how could you think--

As if I could ever live anywhere else but with you.

I thought you'd like it for a while.

No, really, you--

you always seemed to have such a good time with your father.

Yes, but-- but good times,

well, they aren't what make you belong.

It's other kind of times that--

it's when you've cried together

and when you've been through things together.

Oh... that's when you seem to love the most.

It's different when you--

Didn't they send a telegram? They said they would.

Most likely they tried to deliver it and I was out.

I've been on the go ever since you left.

Put those in water for me, will ya?

Oh, they're lovely.

Yeah, from an old admirer.

Ed Munn blew into town. I've been stepping out with him, for a change.

Ed Munn?

Yeah. Now put 'em in water.

I want 'em all fixed nice when he gets here.

- You don't mean that you and-- - Haven't you fixed 'em yet?

[ harshly ] Give 'em to me.

- [ dance music playing ] - Get some water.

There. That'll tickle him.

- [ music stops ] - Lollie!

Mother...

don't you remember a long time ago when we said...

And you promised about him--

Oh, Lollie, I know what you're driving at.

Now let me tell you something.

I've spent the best years of my life on you.

A woman wants to be something else besides a mother, you know.

Well, you will know when you get grown up.

You can't explain everything to a child.

Now go on, run along.

[ music resumes ]

[ music continuing ]

I've come back to stay if you still want me.

- Still want you? - My dear!

Oh, Father!

Tell me, dear, what is it, angel? What is it?

- What is it? - Oh, Daddy!

What is it, sweetheart?

I thought it was for my sake she wanted me to go and live with you,

and I was so glad and so proud.

But it wasn't. It was for him.

She wanted to marry him!

- Please don't cry. - You knew him.

And she chose him!Â

Oh, Laurel, come upstairs with me, dear.

I... ohh...

So long, thanks a lot.

Well, hello. You back?

- Gee, that's great! - Hello, Con.

Who do you think brought me home? Dick Grosvenor.

We were just talking about you.

Wait here, I'll go get him. He's still in the driveway.

Oh, no, Con, no, no!

I don't want to see him. Not now.

Stephen: Now, Laurel...

Oh, no, not yet.

You go on upstairs, dear. We'll take care of Dick.

Con: Hey, Dick!

Come on back! Laurel's here!

When did she get back?

I don't know. She was here when I got here.

How do you do, Mrs. Dallas? How do you do, Mr. Dallas?

- I'm glad to see you again. - Glad to see you, Dick.

Con told me Laurel was here.

All right, fella, that's one on me.

Con: No, she's here. Mother, Laurel's here, isn't she?

Yes, she's here. Won't you stay for dinner?

- If I'm all right as I am. - Of course.

- I'd like to wash up, too. - Come on up to my room.

- Hurry up, will you? - Okay, Dad.

Stephen...

Laurel is here.

She's here to stay.

Who has accomplished it?

Couldn't you read between those pitiful lines?

Brooks, I told you those curtains weren't to be drawn.

Open them, please.

Yes, madam.

Yes.

Now you must light the candles, and we must hurry.

Yes, madam.

Come, dear. It's nearly time for our cue.

What's this?

Oh, my darling.

I-I was just thinking.

I never really thought that my mother...

I thought that she would read about the wedding

and even though she was too far away to come,

at least she would write to me.

You're right, dear.

Do you think if she knew,

any distance in the world could keep her away?

Then you think she just doesn't know?

Sorry, but you can't stand here. We have to keep this clear.

[ "Wedding March" plays ]

Move along, please.

Break up the group here.

You too, lady.

Oh, please, let me see her face when he kisses her. Please.

All right, folks, you've seen enough.

Come on, move along. Clear the sidewalk.