Original subtitles

Copy boy!

- Make it snappy. - Where's the rest of this story?

Morning Post.

City desk? Just a moment and I'll connect you.

If anybody asks for me, I'm down at the courthouse.

- Elevator! - Going down.

- Hello, Hildy. - Hi, Skinny.

Hello, Ruth, Maisie.

- Is the lord of the universe in? - Yes, in a bad humor.

Somebody must've stolen the crown jewel.

- Shall we announce you? - I'll blow my own horn.

Bruce, wait here. I'll be back in ten minutes.

Even ten minutes is a long time to be away from you.

What did you say?

Go on.

Well, go ahead.

I just said, "Even ten minutes is a long time to be away from you".

I heard you. I like it. That's why I asked you to say it again.

I like being spoiled.

The man I'm going in to see did little spoiling.

I'd like to spoil him. Want me to go with you?

- I can handle it. - Lf it gets rough, I'm here.

I'll come running, partner.

- Hello, Jim. - Hello, Hildy!

- How are you? - Welcome back.

Hello, Hildy, how have you been?

Beatrice, how's "Advice to the Lovelorn"?

- Fine. My cat had kittens again. - Your own fault.

Glad to see you. Hi, Jim.

Mildred, you still around?

A little more around the chin, boss.

What do you want?

Your ex-wife is here.

Hello, Hildy.

Hello, Walter.

Hello, Louie. How's the big slot machine king?

I ain't doing that no more. I'm retired. You know what I mean?

- Walter. - I'm busy!

The governor didn't sign that reprieve.

Tomorrow, Earl Williams dies and makes a sucker out of us.

What are you going to do?

- Phone the governor. - I can't.

- Why not? - He's out fishing.

- How many places are there? - At least two, Atlantic and Pacific.

That simplifies it, doesn't it?

- Get him on the phone. - And say what?

Quiet, Duffy. He's thinking.

Tell him if he reprieves Earl Williams, we'll support him for senator.

Tell him the Morning Post will be behind him.

- You can't do that. - Why not?

We've been a Democratic paper for over 20 years.

After we get the reprieve, we'll be Democratic again.

Go on, Duffy, get going.

The Morning Post expects every editor to do his duty.

You too, Louie. Get out of here.

Well, Walter, I see you're still at it.

First time I double-crossed a governor. What can I do for you?

Would you mind if I sat down?

There's a lamp burning in the window for you. Here.

I jumped out of that window a long time ago, Walter.

May I have one of those?

Thank you.

And a match?

Thank you.

- How long is it? - How long is what?

You know what.

How long is it since we've seen each other?

Well, let's see.

I spent six weeks in Reno, then Bermuda. About four months.

Seems like yesterday to me.

Maybe it was yesterday, Hildy. Been seeing me in your dreams?

Mama doesn't dream about you. You wouldn't know her now.

Yes, I would. I'd know you anytime.

Any place, anywhere.

You're repeating yourself. You said that the night you proposed.

You still remember it.

If I didn't remember it, I wouldn't have divorced you.

I sort of wish you hadn't.

- What? - Divorced me.

It makes a fellow lose faith in himself. It gives him...

...a feeling he wasn't wanted.

Junior, that's what divorces are for.

Nonsense, you've got an old-fashioned idea divorces last forever.

"Till death do us part". Divorce doesn't mean anything nowadays.

Just a few words mumbled over you by a judge.

We've got something between us nothing can change.

- I suppose you're right in a way. - Sure, I'm right.

- I am fond of you, you know. - Thattagirl!

I often wish you weren't such a stinker.

You must meet my mother. She'd like that phrase.

Then why'd you promise not to fight the divorce and then gum up the works?

I meant to let you go, but you know...

...you never miss the water till the well runs dry.

A big lummox like you, hiring an airplane to write:

"Hildy, don't be hasty. Remember my dimple. Walter".

It delayed our divorce while the judge watched it.

Not to brag, but I've still got the dimple, and in the same place.

I acted like any husband who didn't want to see his home broken up.

- What home? - Remember the home I promised you?

Sure I do. The one we were to have right after the honeymoon.

That honeymoon!

Was it my fault? Did I know that coal mine would have a cave-in?

I intended to be with you on our honeymoon.

Instead of two weeks in Atlantic City with my bridegroom...

...I spent two weeks in a coal mine with John Kruptzky.

You don't deny it?

No. We beat the whole country on that story!

Suppose we did! That isn't what I got married for!

What is the good? Look, Walter.

I came to tell you to stop phoning me a dozen times a day...

...sending me 20 telegrams...

I write a beautiful telegram, don't I?

Are you going to listen?

What's the use of fighting? I'll tell you what you do.

Come back to work on the paper, and if we can't get along...

...we'll get married again.

- What? - Sure, I haven't any hard feelings.

Walter, you're wonderful in a loathsome sort of way.

- Be quiet so I can say what I have to. - Tell me over lunch.

I have a lunch date.

- Break it. - I can't.

Hands off! Are you playing osteopath?

Temper, temper.

You are no longer my husband and no longer my boss.

And you won't be my boss.

- What does that mean? - Just what I say.

You're not coming back to work?

You're right for the first time today.

- Got a better offer? - You bet!

Work for somebody else! That's the gratitude I get.

Stop hamming.

Five years ago, you were a college girl. I took a doll-faced hick!

You wouldn't have if I wasn't doll-faced.

It was a novelty to have a face to look at without shuddering.

I made you a great reporter. You won't be as good on any other paper.

We're a team. The paper needs both of us!

Sold American!

- All right, go ahead. - Listen, Walter, please.

The paper's going to have to get along without me. So will you.

It didn't work out.

It would have worked if you'd been satisfied as editor and reporter.

You had to marry me and spoil everything.

I wasn't satisfied? I suppose I proposed to you!

Practically! Making eyes at me until I broke down.

"Oh, Walter!" I was tight when I proposed to you.

If you'd been a gentleman, you'd have forgotten about it.

You used to pitch better than that.

Hello. What?

Sweeney? What can I do for you?

What? Wait a minute. I'm not Sweeney. I'm Duffy.

Sweeney, you can't do that to me. Not today, of all days!

What's the matter with you? Are you a loony?

Now, listen, Sweeney. This is no time...

All right, I suppose so. If you have to, you have to.

- He had to. - Everything happens to me.

365 days in a year, and this has to be the day.

What's wrong?

- Sweeney. - Dead?

He might as well be. He picks today to have a baby!

Not on purpose?

He's supposed to cover the Earl Williams case, and where is he?

Walking up and down in a hospital. Is there no honor?

Haven't you got anybody else?

Nobody else on the paper can write.

This'll break me.

Unless...

Hildy!

- You've got to help me. - Not a chance, Walter.

Get out of here, Duffy!

Save your breath.

This'll bring us back together again.

That's what I'm afraid of.

This is bigger than anything else.

Do it for the paper.

Scram, Svengali.

If you won't do it for love, how about money?

I'll raise you $25 a week.

Listen to me, you baboon...

I'll make it $35 and not a cent more.

Listen!

How much will the other paper pay?

There's no other paper.

Then the raise is off. You go back to your old salary.

Trying to blackjack me.

- I'm busy. - Take a good look at it.

Do you know what it is? It's an engagement ring.

Engagement ring?

I tried to tell you right away...

...but you would start reminiscing.

I'm getting married, and I'm getting as far away...

...from the newspaper business as I can get.

I'm through.

- You can get married, but not quit. - No? Why not?

I know what quitting would mean.

- What? - It would kill you.

- You can't sell me that. - You're a newspaperman.

I want to go someplace where I can be a woman.

- You mean, be a traitor. - A traitor to what?

To journalism. You're a journalist!

A journalist? What does that mean?

Peeking through keyholes, chasing fire engines...

...waking people up in the night to ask questions...

...stealing pictures off old ladies? I know all about reporters.

Buttinskies running around with no money, and for what?

So a million people will know what's going on. Why, I...

What's the use?

Walter, you wouldn't know what it means...

...to want to be respectable and live a halfway normal life.

The point is, I'm through.

Where did you meet this man?

Bermuda.

Rich?

He's not what you'd call rich. He makes about $5000 a year.

- What's his line? - He's in the insurance business.

Insurance business?

That's a good honest business.

Sure, it's honest. It's also adventurous, romantic.

I can't picture you being surrounded by policies...

I can, and I like it, what's more.

Besides, he forgets the office when he's with me.

He doesn't treat me like an errand boy.

He treats me like a woman.

He does? How did I treat you? Like a water buffalo?

I don't know from buffaloes, but I do know about him.

He's kind, he's sweet, and he's considerate.

He wants a home and children.

Sounds like a guy I ought to marry. What's his name?

Baldwin. Bruce Baldwin.

I knew a Baldwin once, a horse thief.

Couldn't be the same fellow, could it?

You are not talking about the man I'm marrying tomorrow.

Tomorrow? As soon as that?

At last, I got out what I came up here to tell you.

Guess there isn't any more to the story.

So long, Walter.

So long, Hildy.

Better luck to you next time.

Thanks.

Well, you kind of took the wind out of my sail.

I just want to wish you everything I couldn't give you.

This other fellow. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to see him.

I'm particular about whom my wife marries.

Where is he?

He's right on the job, waiting for me out there.

Do you mind if I meet him?

- It wouldn't do any good. - You're not afraid, are you?

Of course not.

Let's see this paragon. Is he as good as you say?

He's better.

- Then what does he want with you? - You got me.

Back in an hour, Mildred.

I am sorry, Hildy. I suppose Bruce... What's his name?

I suppose he opens doors for you?

And with a lady, he takes his hat off.

I am sorry.

When he walks with a lady, he waits for her.

In that case...

Allow me.

I can see my wife picked out the right husband for herself.

There must be some mistake. I'm already married.

Already married?

You should have told me.

Congratulations again, Mr. Baldwin.

- No, my name... - Mr. Burns.

I'm terribly busy. What did you say, Mr. Baldwin?

- Mr. Burns. - My name is...

I'm busy with Mr. Baldwin. I didn't hear what you said, sir.

- My name is... - Mr. Burns...

- What is it with you? - I'm Bruce Baldwin.

Can't you see that I'm... You're Bruce Baldwin!

Well, who is he? Who are you?

My name's Pete Davis.

Mr. Davis, is this any concern of yours?

From now on, keep your nose out of my affairs.

Don't let it happen again.

I'm terribly sorry about this mistake. This is indeed a pleasure.

That's wrong, isn't it? Bruce... do you mind if I call you Bruce?

- We're almost related. - No, not at all.

You see, my wife... That is, your wife.

Hildy, you led me to expect you were marrying a much older man.

What did I say?

Don't worry about it. I realize you didn't mean old in years.

- Do you always carry an umbrella? - It looked cloudy this morning.

That's right. Rubbers too, I hope.

Thattaboy! A man ought to be prepared.

We'd better run along.

- We'd better go. - Where are we going?

I'm taking you two to lunch. Didn't you tell him?

No, she didn't.

I guess she just wanted to surprise you, Bruce.

After you, Hildy.

You're wasting your time.

No, I'm glad to do it.

Hello, Gus.

It's Hildy!

It's none other. How are things?

I can't complain.

I can. I'm hungry. A roast beef sandwich...

- Sorry. - ...on white bread.

Over there, Bruce.

- And you, Hildy? - I'll have the same.

- And you, sir? - Yes, that's all right for me.

Bring some mustard too, Gus.

So you two are going to get married?

- How does it feel, Bruce? - It feels awful good.

You're getting a great girl.

I realize that.

Things have been different since I met Hildy.

I've never met anyone quite like her.

Everybody else I've ever known...

...you could always tell ahead of time what they would say or do.

But Hildy's not like that. You can't tell that about her.

That's nice.

You're getting something else too: A great newspaperman.

No orchids, Walter.

One of the best I ever knew. Sorry to see her go. Darn sorry.

I'd like to believe you.

I mean it. If you ever want to come back...

Which I won't.

In spite of everything, there's only one man I'd work for.

I'd kill you if you worked for anybody else.

Hear that? That's my diploma.

It must be quite a business if it's...

Are you sure you want to quit?

What do you mean?

If there is any doubt about it...

...or if there's anything...

No, this is your chance to have a home...

...and to be, like you said, a human being.

I'll make you take that chance.

Certainly. Why, I wouldn't let her stay.

She deserves all this happiness. All the things I couldn't give her.

All she ever wanted was a home.

I'll certainly try.

I know you will, Bruce.

- Where will you live? - Albany.

- Got a family up there? - Just my mother.

Just your mother. You're going to live with her?

Just for the first year.

That will be nice.

Yes, a home with mother, in Albany too.

Mighty nice little town. It's the state capital.

I know. We were there once.

Will you ever forget the night you brought the governor to the hotel?

You see, I was in taking a bath.

Well, I came walking out without...

She didn't know I was in town.

Bruce, how is business up there? Any better?

Albany's a mighty good insurance town.

Most people take it out pretty early in life.

I can see why they would.

Statistics show that most of...

I've got a feeling I ought to have taken out a little insurance.

That really doesn't matter now that Hildy and I have...

...well, you know, we've... Does it?

What do you think?

It might have been a good idea if I had taken out insurance.

I honestly feel that way.

I'm in one business that really helps people.

Of course, we don't help you much while you're alive, but afterward.

- That's what counts. - Sure.

I don't get it.

Nice going.

So sorry, Gus. My foot must have slipped.

That's all right. What would you like to drink?

Coffee.

- Shall I put some rum in the coffee? - Sure.

Me too, Gus, please.

- Not for me. - Go on, Bruce.

I have a lot to do. I have to buy the tickets, check the baggage...

Do it tomorrow.

We're leaving today at four o'clock, taking the sleeper for Albany.

You're leaving today at four o'clock?

- That's only two hours. - That's not much time.

I've got a lot to do. I want to...

Isn't that silly? All down over my front.

- That's nothing new. Here. - Never mind, I'll get Gus.

Gus, do something about this, will you?

Call me to the telephone when I get back to the table.

Thanks, Gus, that's fine.

I'm terribly sorry about that. That was silly, wasn't it?

Let me get that straight. I must have misunderstood you.

You're taking the sleeper today, then getting married tomorrow?

Well, it's not like that.

What is it like?

Poor Walter. He'll toss and turn all night.

Perhaps we'd better tell him. Mother's coming too.

Your mother kicked the bucket...

No, my mother.

Your mother? Well, that relieves my mind.

It was cruel to let you suffer so.

Isn't Walter sweet? Always wanting to protect me.

I admit I wasn't much of a husband, but you can always count on me.

I don't think she'll need you much. I aim to do the protecting myself.

Mr. Burns, telephone.

For me?

That's strange.

Pardon me.

He's not such a bad fellow.

No, he should make some girl real happy.

Slaphappy.

He's not the man for you. I can see that.

But I sort of like him. He's got charm.

He comes by it naturally. His grandfather was a snake.

Hello? Duffy, listen.

Any way we can stop the 4:00 train to Albany from leaving?

- We might dynamite it. - Could we?

Maybe we couldn't.

All right, get this.

Send Sweeney out of town on two weeks' vacation right away.

Keep your shirt on. Hildy's coming back.

She doesn't know it yet, but she's staying.

Tell Louie to stick around the office. I may need him. Goodbye.

Thanks, Gus.

- This is bad business. - What's the matter?

The Earl Williams case.

I've been reading about that.

It's pretty bad.

- What is the lowdown on it? - Simple, honey.

Poor little dope lost his job, went berserk and shot a cop...

...who was coming to quiet him down. They'll hang him tomorrow.

What a shame.

Your paper has been taking his side.

If he was out of his mind, why doesn't the state just put him away?

Because it was a colored policeman. You know what that means.

The colored vote's important.

Especially with an election in three or four days.

That mayor would hang his grandmother to be reelected.

You could show the man wasn't responsible.

That's not so easy.

Maybe it isn't so hard either.

What do you mean, Hildy?

Doesn't an expert have to examine him before they hang him?

A bird named Egelhoffer is doing it. He'll say the same as the rest.

Suppose he does.

What's your scheme?

Walter, you get the interview with Earl Williams.

Print Egelhoffer's statement.

And right alongside it, double column, run your interview.

Alienist says he's sane. Interview shows he's goofy.

You could save that poor devil's life.

You could...

- You're going away. I forgot. - How long would the interview take?

An hour for the interview. An hour to write it.

We could take the 6 o'clock train if it'd save a man's life.

No, Bruce. If you want to save Earl Williams' life...

...write it yourself. You're a good reporter.

I can't write that kind of thing. It takes a woman's touch.

Don't get poetic. Get Sweeney.

He's the best man for that sob-sister stuff.

Poor Sweeney. Duffy just told me his wife finally had twins.

Isn't that terrible?

Sweeney went out to celebrate and now we can't find him.

So Sweeney has twins and Williams gets hanged.

Now, Walter, look.

Argue with her, or you'll be on a honeymoon with blood on your hands.

How can you be happy after that?

You'll remember that a man went to the gallows...

...because she was too selfish to wait two hours.

Earl Williams' face will come between you tonight...

...and the rest of your life.

Stop it, Walter. The whole place will hear you.

What an act.

I just remembered Sweeney was only married four months ago.

Hildy, you win. I'm licked.

Then Mrs. Sweeney didn't have twins?

No, indeed. The twins were Walter's, all his.

It was nothing.

Well, come on, let's forget it.

We'll start over again.

- I'll offer a business proposition. - Not interested.

You'll be interested.

Don't listen to him. I know him from way back.

Excuse me, will you? I'm talking to him. Now, look, Bruce...

...persuade her and you can write an insurance policy for me.

No, Mr. Burns. I wouldn't use my wife for business purposes.

Wait a minute, Bruce.

- How big a policy? - 25,000.

Fifty thousand.

What's the commission on a $100,000 policy?

- Around $1000, but Hildy... - And what's wrong with $1000?

- I couldn't... - We could use that money.

How long would it take to get him examined?

I could get a company doctor here in 20 minutes.

- Get him. Get him. - You keep out of this.

Suppose you have Mr. Burns examined over in his office...

...and see what they'll allow on that old carcass of his.

- I'm better than I ever was. - That's nothing to brag about.

I'll go back and change and after you get the check, phone me.

I'll be in the press room at the criminal courts building.

Oh, Walter? I think you better make that a certified check.

Think I'm a crook?

Yes. No certified check, no story. Get me?

It'll be certified. Want my fingerprints?

No, thanks. I've still got those.

Gus, how much do I owe you?

Thank you, dear.

- Oh, I'm sorry. - How much money have you got?

You know, everything we have, $500.

- Give me it. - I have to buy the tickets.

I'll buy the tickets. Believe me, he'll get you in a crap game.

Hildy, I don't gamble.

I know people that never did anything till they met Walter Burns.

But remember, it's everything we have.

I know.

- You got change of ten? - See what I mean, don't you, Bruce?

I just gave everything to Hildy. All I've got left...

- Come on, Hildy. - Not me. Sign it.

All right.

For the waiter.

Come on, Bruce. Really.

I'll open for a dime.

I'm in.

I'll stay.

Wilcox 3400.

- How many? - Two.

Take that, one of you birds. You ain't doing anything, Ernie.

What's the matter with you guys? Crippled or something?

I'll just bet 20 cents.

Press room. Wait a minute.

Hello, Sarge, McCue talking. Hold the line, will you? What?

I told you this is the press room of the criminal courts building.

Jake, new lead on the hanging.

This alienist from New York, Dr. Max J. Egelhoffer.

He's interviewing Williams in about half an hour in the sheriff's office.

Must be the tenth alienist they've put on Williams.

If he wasn't crazy, he would be by the time...

...ten of those babies got through psychoanalyzing him.

- Is this guy Egelhoffer any good? - You figure it out.

He's the guy they sent to Washington to interview the Brain Trust.

He said they were sane.

Here's the situation on the eve of the hanging.

I'll pick up a little fudge. This is Murphy. More slop on the hanging.

A double guard has been thrown around the jail, municipal buildings...

...railroad terminals, and elevated stations...

...to prepare for the expected general uprising...

...of radicals at the hour of execution.

The sheriff has put 200 more relatives on the payroll...

...to protect the city from the Red Army...

...which is leaving Moscow in a couple of minutes.

Trouble is, when the real Red Menace shows up...

...the sheriff will still be crying wolf. What do you got?

- Is that good? - Sure looks good from here.

Hildy, when did you get back?

- How are you, Eddie? - Glad to see you.

- Glad to see you. - Where'd you get the hat?

- I paid 12 bucks for that hat. - Coming back to work?

It's a farewell appearance. I'm going into business for myself.

- What doing? - I'm getting married tomorrow.

Again? Are we invited to the wedding?

I might use you for a bridesmaid, Roy.

- How are you, Murphy? - What are you getting married for?

- None of your business. - Ain't fooling us, are you?

Fooling? Look what I've got in here.

Three tickets to Albany on the 6:00 train tonight.

Three?

For me and my beau and, hats off boys, his sweet darling ma.

- That's nice. - What kind of marriage is that?

I'm settling down. I'm through with the newspaper business.

Can you picture Hildy singing lullabies and hanging out didies?

- Swapping lies over the back fence? - Sour grapes.

She'll get tired beating rugs.

I'm not going to beat any rugs.

That's 3rd and Jefferson. Where the Central School is.

- No school this time of day. - What do you care for? You quit.

You said you were through.

I just thought it might be a good fire, that's all.

- What's that? - Practicing for the Williams party.

- You'll miss a nice hanging. - Not interested.

Tell them to pipe down.

Keep quiet down there! How do you expect us to get any work done?

Shut up!

Very little respect for the press around here.

Say, did anybody phone me?

Not that I know of.

Say, Hildy, does Walter know you're getting married?

- Just had lunch with him. - Does he know you're quitting?

- I told him. Any more questions? - Shall I deal you in?

I haven't got time. I have to do a yarn on Williams.

Did he know what he was doing when he fired that gun?

If you ask us, no. If you ask the state alienist, the answer is yes.

- Who is he? What's he do? - He was a bookkeeper.

He starts at $20 a week. After 14 years...

...he works himself up to $17.50. - Got more gum?

McClosky Company goes out of business. Williams loses his job.

Can't get another.

I'm in.

So he hangs around the park listening to soapbox spellbinders...

...making speeches, and begins believing them.

And makes some of his own.

- Up a dime. - I'm in.

- Anything else, Doc? - No, that'll be all, Mr. Burns.

Everything okay?

Nothing to worry about.

Good, good.

How are you doing, Bruce?

Just one more thing.

- Good day, Mr. Burns. Mr. Baldwin. - Goodbye, Doc. Thanks very much.

Who's the beneficiary?

- Excuse me? - That is, in case of your death.

- Who do we pay the money to? - Why, Hildy, of course.

I don't know. That would make me feel pretty funny.

Now, why shouldn't I make Hildy my whatever-it-was?

I feel I should take care of her.

But you will take care of her, Bruce.

Say, if that doctor is right, I'm good for a long time yet.

Look, Bruce, this is a debt of honor with me.

I was a bad husband to Hildy.

She could have claimed a lot of alimony.

But she wouldn't take any.

She had it coming to her, but she was too independent.

- I'm independent too, you know. - I know you are.

But look, you just figure it this way.

I'm good for, we'll say at least 25 years yet.

By then, you'll have made enough so that money won't mean anything to you.

But suppose you haven't made good.

What about Hildy's old age? Think of Hildy.

I can see her now.

White-haired, lavender and old lace.

- Can't you see her, Bruce? - Yes, yes, I can.

She's old, isn't she?

Don't you think that Hildy's entitled to spend her remaining years...

...without worries of money? Of course you do, Bruce.

Of course, if you put it that way.

And remember, I love her too.

Yes, I'm beginning to realize that.

And the beauty of it is...

...she'll never have to know until I've passed on.

Maybe she'll think kindly of me...

...after I'm gone.

You make me feel like a heel, coming between you.

No, no, Bruce. You didn't come between us.

It was all over for her before you came on the scene. For me...

...it'll never be. What do you want?

Can I see you a minute, please?

Excuse me, Bruce.

Did you get it, you get it?

Where is it? Come on.

- Certified? - Sure. But Walter, that's for $2,500.

Here we are certified and everything.

Certified.

I'm afraid Hildy'll feel ashamed to think she hasn't trusted you.

But she'll know some day.

You promised to phone her as soon as you got the check.

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

Get me Hildy Johnson, press room, criminal courts building.

Sit down, Bruce. The operator will get her for you.

Excuse me, will you?

Yes, I'll wait, thank you.

Start hollering. Hildegarde.

Thank you.

Hildy Johnson speaking.

Take it easy, will you?

Did you get the check? Is it certified?

Certified and everything. I have it right in my pocket.

In your pocket. That's fine.

Wait. Maybe it isn't so fine. Where are you?

Mr. Burns' office.

Is he there?

Look, Bruce. I don't want you to carry that check in your pocket.

Well, because...

Yes, yes, I know all that. But...

There's an old newspaper superstition...

...that the first big check you get, you put in the lining of your hat.

In your hat. It brings good luck.

I've been a reporter for 20 years. I never heard that.

Neither did I. I know it sounds silly, dear, but do it for me.

Yes, yes, right now.

All right. Just a minute.

There, I've done it.

Anything else?

Oh, yes.

All right.

Yes, I'll tell him. Goodbye.

Everything all right?

Hildy said she'll get right to work.

- Fine. - I must be going now.

You don't want to forget this. It might rain, you know.

Thanks.

You mind if I don't show you out? I'm so busy in here.

Thanks for everything.

- What did you say? - Thanks for everything.

Nonsense. Don't thank me. I should thank you.

- So long. - So long.

Hello, Cooley.

What are you doing here?

I want an interview with Earl Williams.

- No more interviews. - Why not?

Sheriff's orders. Besides, a doctor's coming over. Can't do it.

Say, is this your money?

- I don't think it is. - Twenty bucks?

- I guess it is. - That's what I thought.

Come on, I'm in a hurry.

Open up here.

- Now, Hildy, don't be... - I won't be long.

- Hello, Earl. - Hello.

My name's Johnson. Mind if I talk to you for a few minutes?

No, I haven't anything else to do.

I guess that's right.

So I couldn't plead insanity. I'm just as sane as anybody else.

You didn't mean to kill that policeman?

Of course not. It's against everything I stand for.

They know it was an accident. I'm not guilty.

It's just the world.

I see what you mean.

Sorry about the lipstick, Earl. Now, look, after you lost your job...

- ...what did you do? - I tried to find another job.

I mean, how did you spend your time?

I used to sit around in the park, anyplace. I don't smoke.

When you were in the park, did you hear any speeches?

You mean those fellows that talk too much?

I didn't pay any attention...

Did you hear anything they said?

Yes.

Is there anything in particular you remember?

- There was one fellow. - What did he talk about?

He talked about production for use.

Production for use?

Yes, he said everything should be made use of.

Makes sense, doesn't it?

Yes, I liked him. He was a good speaker.

When you found yourself with that gun in your hand...

...and that policeman coming at you, what did you think about?

I don't know exactly.

Could it have been "production for use"?

- I don't know. L... - What's a gun for, Earl?

A gun?

Why, to shoot, of course.

And maybe that's why you used it.

- Maybe. - It seems reasonable.

Yes, yes, it is.

I've never had a gun in my hand before.

And that's what a gun's for, isn't it?

- Maybe that's why... - Sure, it is.

That's what I thought of. "Production for use". It's simple, isn't it?

- Very simple. - There's nothing crazy about that.

- Nothing at all. - Write about that in your paper.

You bet I will. Who sent you the roses?

Miss Mollie Malloy. She's wonderful...

Is that her picture?

- Yes. She's beautiful, isn't she? - Time's up, Hildy.

All right.

Guess that's all.

I liked talking to you. Goodbye, Miss Johnson.

Goodbye, Earl.

Good luck.

- Three landladies, boys. - Got well, didn't you?

I wonder what the Post will do without Hildy?

You suppose Walter Burns will ever let her go?

Remember when Fenton wanted to go to Hollywood?

- Had him thrown in jail for arson. - Forgery.

- Was that it? - Yeah, give me some change.

Hey, Mac.

Hey, Stairway Sam.

Would you mind turning on some lights?

It's so dark, you can't see anything.

Who's this guy Hildy's marrying?

I don't know. Bruce something.

- I give the marriage six months. - Why?

She won't be able to be away from the paper any longer.

Did you see her when that bell went off?

It must be pretty nice to be able to walk out of a place and quit.

I had a publicity job offered to me last year. I should have taken it.

That's what I'd like, a job on the side.

A desk and a stenographer. I wouldn't mind a nice, big blonde.

With big brown eyes.

I'll bet you ten to one it don't last six months.

She's just like us, or we wouldn't be waiting for that guy to dance.

- Miss Mollie Malloy. - Hello, Mollie. How's tricks?

- I've been looking for you tramps. - Come to pay a call on Williams?

Nice roses you sent Earl. What do you want done with them tomorrow?

A lot of wise guys, ain't you?

You're breaking up the game. What do you want?

I came to...

I came to tell you what I think of you. All of you.

Keep your shirt on.

If you was worth breaking my nails on, I'd tear your face open.

What are you sore about? Wasn't that a swell story we gave you?

You crumbs have been making a fool out of me long enough.

I never said I loved Earl, and was willing to marry him on the gallows.

You made that up.

And about my being his soul mate and having a love nest with him.

You've been around that cuckoo since they threw him in the death house.

- That's a lie. - Everybody knows you're his girlfriend.

I met Mr. Williams just once in my life.

When he was wandering in the rain without his hat and coat on...

...like a sick dog, the day before the shooting.

Give me one.

I went up to him like any human being would...

...and asked him what was the matter.

He told me about being fired after being on the job for 14 years.

- Who bets? - Bet 20 cents.

I brought him up to my room because it was warm.

Put it on a phonograph.

Listen to me, please.

I tell you he just sat there talking to me all night.

He never once laid a hand on me.

And in the morning he went away...

...and I never saw him again till that day of the trial.

- Sure, I was his witness. - And what a witness.

That's why you're persecuting me.

Because Earl treated me decent, and not like an animal.

- We're busy. - Go see your boyfriend.

- He's got a nice room. - Not for long.

He left a call for 7 a.m.

It's a wonder lightning don't come down and strike you all dead.

What's that?

They're fixing up a pain in the neck for your boyfriend.

Shame on you.

Shame on you!

A poor little fellow that never meant nobody no harm.

Sitting with the angel of death, and you cracking jokes.

You're going to get out of here.

- Take your hands off me! - Let's get out of here.

They ain't human.

- I know. They're newspapermen. - All they've been doing is lying.

All they're doing is writing lies.

Why won't they listen to me?

Why won't they listen to me?

Who?

Hildy Johnson?

Hang on. She'll be back in a minute.

You guys want to play any more cards?

What's the use? I can't win anyway.

Gentlemen of the press.

Hildy.

Phone for you.

What?

Where are you?

You're where?

Well, how did that happen?

Never mind, never mind. I'll be right down.

I'm sorry, Pete. Sorry.

Hi, Sheriff. How you doing?

My shin and my back. What's going on around here?

- Bruce was in trouble. - Lioness rushes to defend cub.

Man forgets hankie. Mama goes to wipe nose.

I still give that marriage six months.

I don't know what you fellows are talking about.

What do you want, Pete?

Oh, I got the tickets for the hanging here, boys.

- Pete? - What?

Why can't you hang this guy at five o'clock instead of seven?

It won't hurt you, and we can make the city edition.

That's kind of raw, Roy...

...hanging a man in his sleep to please a newspaper.

But you can reprieve him twice so he hangs three days before election.

And you can run on a law-and-order ticket.

I had absolutely nothing to do with those reprieves.

How do we know there won't be another tonight?

What if Egelhoffer finds Williams insane?

He won't find him insane, because he isn't. He's just as sane as I am.

Saner!

Be serious, boys. After all, this is a hanging.

And it's going to go according to schedule.

Seven o'clock in the morning and not a minute earlier.

There's such a thing as being humane, you know.

All right, Pinky. Wait until you want a favor.

- And please don't call me Pinky. - Why not?

Because I got a name, see, and it's Peter B. Hartwell.

- What's the "B" for? - Bull.

But I'm innocent. I didn't do it. I never stole a watch in my life!

I know you didn't, Bruce. Mike, let him out.

I can't. He's accused of stealing a watch they found on him.

- But I never stole... - Please, Bruce.

Who accused him? Diamond Louie, a crook.

- I know. It's no good. - You going to let him out or not?

- I never stole... - Please.

All right, you're not. Read the Post in the morning.

I can't imagine who'd do a thing like that to me.

- I can't think of any enemies. - I'm sure you haven't any...

- Have you got the check? - Oh, yes, I have it right here.

That's a funny superstition you newspaper people have.

Yes, isn't it?

About being arrested, I thought...

...maybe Walter Burns might have something to do with it.

But then, of course, I realized he couldn't have.

- Why? - He's a very nice fellow.

Oh, yes, I found that out.

- What's the matter? - I've lost my wallet.

Yes? Well, Bruce, never mind. I have the money.

Better give me the check too.

And that picture of us in Bermuda.

Don't bother, Bruce. You'll find lots of things missing.

Wait here. I'm not taking any more chances.

I'll be down in three minutes. We'll take the next train.

Sorry.

"And so into this little tortured mind...

...came the idea that that gun had been produced for use.

And use it he did.

But the state has a production for use plan too. It has a gallows.

And at 7 a.m., unless a miracle occurs, that gallows will be used...

...to separate the soul of Earl Williams from his body.

And out of Mollie Malloy's life...

...will go the one kindly soul she ever knew".

That's as far as she got.

But can that girl write an interview?

She'll do till somebody else comes along.

It's not ethical, reading other people's stuff.

Where you get that ethics stuff?