Original subtitles

Oh..

Tell her that we're sorry.

But according to our investigator's report

we find that Mr. Green doesn't have a steady income.

Later perhaps, if he finds himself better situated, we'll...

reconsider their application.

You see, it's not our aim to place our children in homes of wealth...

but it's absolutely necessary for us to have the assurance

that the adoptive parents are financially responsible.

Oh, sure.

I see in your letter that you live in the country.

Good. I presume that means then that you have a house and yard.

- Well... - No, we don't have a yard.

We live in an apartment. But there's a nice park nearby.

We've got a swell roof too. We've been putting a fence around it.

And I could build a slide and a sandbox.

As a matter of fact, a roof is better for a kid

because then he can't get on the street, see?

Look, it doesn't have to be a yard, does it?

No, but you have a separate room for the child, haven't you?

That's very important.

Oh, yes, we have a lovely room. It's practically fixed up now.

Oh, well that's fine.

Now, about income.

Approximately, how much do you make a week?

Well, I couldn't tell you offhand.

I imagine about $100 a week. Of course, I'd have to look at the books.

Well, that's excellent.

If you'll just take that application home with you,

fill it out and mail it in to us so we'll have all the details.

Then in due time, one of our investigators will call on you.

Fine.

You'll call us before she comes, won't you?

No, we just drop in. That's our policy.

You see, we want to find your house as it is everyday...

- ...not when it's fixed up for company. - I see.

- Good bye. - Good bye, Miss Oliver.

Oh... it doesn't matter if he hasn't got curly hair.

It doesn't really matter.

- They're darn choosy, if you ask me. - Why do you have to be a big shot?

- When? - You know we don't make $100 a week.

You want the baby, don't you?

They can't prove it. We don't keep books.

Hey, quit stalling. Get on with the cleaning.

Look, honey, left from the earthquake.

From Japan? You'd better buy some more.

Excuse me, lady. You should give a fellow a warning.

Does Mrs. Adams live here?

Yes, upstairs. I'll call her.

Don't bother. I'm Miss Oliver from the orphanage. I'll find her.

I don't think she's home just now. I think she's in church.

In church? This time of day?

Well, you see, she and Mr. Adams go there quite a lot.

They just go there and sit. Fine people, mam.

Well, I'm sure she won't mind if I just look around a bit.

No, she won't mind.

-How do you do, Miss Oliver? - How do you do, Mrs. Adams?

- I'm sorry. - It's all right.

Won't you sit down?

- Here. - No, thank you.

- You've come to see the apartment? - That's right.

This is it. It's not very neat at the moment. We're cleaning.

I see.

That's our little breakfast room out there.

And uh...

if you'll step right this way...

This is our kitchen.

My husband has been meaning to fix this door for some time, it's...

he's been so busy...

And that brings us back to the breakfast room.

- Can I fix you a cup of tea? - No, thank you.

You spoke of a child's room. A lovely room.

Yes, that's over here.

- Well, this is sweet. - You really like it?

Any child would be lucky to have a room like this.

Well, I want you to see our yard. We're fixing that up too.

Well...

Hello, Miss Oliver. Didn't expect you.

I just finished making it.

I thought I'd try it out see if it was strong enough for that two-year old.

I think I have a surprise for you.

A baby came in yesterday.

- No! - Miss Oliver, you mean...

- Here, come and sit down. - Thank you.

Sit down.

That's the reason we came around to see you sooner than we expected.

It's a little girl..

We don't want a girl.

Five weeks and three days old.

Five weeks!

Well, we did speak of an older child, you know.

You might have to wait a long time.

After all, aren't you making to great a point of a child's age, Mr. Adams?

Eventually this child will be two years old.

But we don't know anything about little babies.

No one does until they have them.

And this is such an unusual little baby.

Actually there's another couple who has first choice...

and that's strictly off the record.

But somehow I feel she's exactly the child for you.

That's why I wanted you to see her first

and I couldn't resist giving you the chance.

- Did you bring her with you - No, she's in the nursery.

You and Mr. Adams will have to come over to the city to see her.

What's she like, Miss Oliver?

Well, I can't describe her exactly, but she's...

well, she's like no other child.

Like no other child.

But she isn't a boy.

But look, Roger, there's no harm in looking at her.

If you don't like her, I won't say a word.

What's the use? We don't want her.

Please, darling. It won't hurt to look at her.

Well, all right, we'll look.

That's fine. You call me up and I'll make an appointment at the nursery.

I must go now.

If you change your mind, you will call me up, won't you?

Yes, yes.

Miss Oliver, please don't show her to that other couple until we've seen her, will you?

I won't, my dear.

She's like no other child.

That's why I wanted you to see her first.

Like no other child.

Well, how about him?

This is a day nursery. All these youngsters have parents.

All except this lovely little girl.

What a grip...

For a girl, I mean.

Would you like to hold her?

May I.

How are you, kid?

Well, you've had your look, dear. How about going back home?

All right, she's yours, I guess.

- When do we get her? - Now, if you like.

She's yours on a year's probation.

Now?

You mean we can just walk out of here with her like this?

It sometimes happens that way...

if we make sure that the parents and the baby are just right for each other.

We have no clothes for her. We don't know how to feed her.

It's such a little baby.

Miss Morgan will take care of everything.

She'll give you the formulas and so forth...

then you can go downtown and buy whatever is necessary.

Thank you, Miss Oliver, for being so kind.

Don't thank me. It just happened so.

Perhaps before you make up your minds fully to take the child...

you'd like to have me go into her history.

I assure you it's an excellent one.

If she'll take a chance on us, we'll take a chance on her.

- Good bye. - Good bye, Miss. Oliver.

I'll shut the door.

I she wakes up again, you know what that means.

Wait a minute. Wait with that baby till I turn on the light.

I don't want you to drop him... I mean her.

Take off your shoes.

Go get the big one in our room.

Come on... let me have it

It's all right with her. Come on, let's go to bed.

No.

I don't think I'll go to bed.

She eats again in a half hour.

The directions say so.

Set the alarm. Come on.

Turn the bed clothes down, will you?

Turn it off!

Turn it off!

Press it!

Please.

What's the matter with it?

I don't know. Do you think she's all right?

Huh?

Is it breathing?

She's certainly a cute a little baby, isn't she?

We were lucky to get her.

Let's go to bed.

Well, do something, quickly!

What do I do?

Do something. Can't you see the baby's suffering?

That's just it. I don't know what to do.

Don't just stand there! Do something!

Here. You take her. Hm?

Go on. You do something.

Oh, no... I'm going to get Miss Oliver.

Just wanted her daddy.

Pull the chair, please.

Julie! The baby! It's gone!

The baby's kidnapped!

She was lonesome so I brought her in here with us.

Don't ever do that to me again!

Good morning, boys.

What are you trying to do? Shut it off!

- What are you trying to do? - What am I trying to do?

I'm trying to get your paper out, that's what I'm trying to do.

What's the idea of waking the baby up?

- What baby? - My baby.

- Your baby? - Yeah, it came last night.

No fooling, a baby?

- A baby, a baby! - Quiet, quiet!

Come on, I'll show you.

- Can I help? - No.

- Sure you don't want me to help? - No, thanks.

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

What's the trouble?

I can't do anything as long as you're sitting here watching me.

Get out! Go on, get out all of you!

What do you think this is?

Go on, get down to that paper. And be quiet about it.

Oh, Roger, I'm afraid I'll drown it.

Oh, now, darling, take it easy.

I could drown in that much water. Here.

Now, little peanut...

your Uncle Applejack's gonna give you a nice bath.

Give me that wash rag. There we are.///

I'll never be able to do that. We'll have to give her back.

Sure you will, darling.

All you gotta do is decide who's boss and throw her in.

How in the world did you ever learn to do that?

My sister had four kids.

She'd take two and I'd take two.

Where's that towel?

There we are.

- Where's the talcum? - Hm? Here.

- Where is it? - What?

- It. - Oh, here...

- There we are.

You sure is my fine girl.

Just a minute, now..

Think you can hold this a minute without dropping it?

Here, give it here.

I forget whether...

Now watch this closely.

I'm a one-pin man myself.

There we are. Let's see you jump out of there, peanut.

Here you go to your mama.

Better write all that down, cause I might get a better offer.

# Just Molly and me, and baby makes three. #

# We're happy in my blue heaven. #

- She hasn't got your smile, Roger. - Oh, sure, she's good-looking.

- Still sorry she wasn't a boy? - Hm?

A boy. What do you mean a boy?

Did you hear that? You wanted a boy. I didn't want no boy.

Trina's Daddy's little girl, aren't you, Trina?

Roger, be careful now.

Hello!

- Hello, Miss Oliver. - How do you do, Mrs. Adams.

Come in.

Thank you so much for letting us know you were coming this time.

- Hello, Miss Oliver. - Oh, hello, Mr. Adams.

Trina, this is your fairy godmother, Miss Oliver.

Hello, sweetheart. Yes, she's not very timid, is she?

I can plainly see that she adores her father.

She means everything to us.

What's the matter, got a cold?

Yes, you do. Everything.

When are we going to own her outright?

- You go before the judge the 27th. - 27th, eh?

- You'll want to see these charts. - Yes.

One you can send back to us.

And the other you'll file with the court, at the court with the final papers.

These are the same questions that you answered last year.

I just want to bring them up to date.

Now let's see.

Religion?

Same.

Age?

- One year older. - I have that.

Profession?

Still publisher, isn't it?

Yes.

Income?

Income?

Well, you see, Miss Oliver...

None.

Oh, that's the way it is in the newspaper game, Miss Oliver.

Specially when you're starting one of your own.

You have to close down once before you really get going.

Oh, it's only temporary. I'm having a jam with my wholesale paper mill.

First thing you know I'll have it humming by the 27th.

It's only closed for a while.

I'm sure you'll find a way, Mr. Adams.

But you and I have to prove to the judge

that your income is enough to take care of Trina.

You know we gave everything Trina needed.

no matter who else had to suffer around here.

I realize that.

Well, I must go now. That's all we can do today.

Could I drive you to the train?

No, thank you. I really like to walk.

This country air is so fresh. Good bye.

The battle axe. She doesn't want us to have Trina.

Yes, she does, darling.

Oh yes, she does.

///Better prepare your facts.

- The option receipt. The Adams case. - What?

The Adams case.

Oh, yes, yes.

And if either one or both of you gentlemen conduct yourselves

like you've been doing today I'll hold you in contempt, the both of you.

Oh, this is the child in question.

Yes, I see, hm...

Looking over these adoption papers here

I see that you have no income at present.

Is that correct?

Yes, Your Honor.

What is this, Miss Oliver?

You know this case should never have come before me.

Well, Your Honor, I feel that this is a special case.

I kept hoping until the last minute...

that Mr. Adams might be able to resume the run of his paper

or get a job.

But unfortunately he hasn't been able to do either, so I thought...

Under these conditions I can't grant the adoption.

This child will have to revert to the orphanage.

Will you draw up a chair, please,

while I prepare these release papers for you to sign?

It's just a matter of routine.

If you please, Your Honor...

it can't just be a matter of routine

for people to have their baby taken away from them.

This child is ours, Judge.

But those are the requirements of the law.

Yes, but you see, we've had her since she was 6 weeks old.

It just doesn't seem reasonable

that we should have to give her back now to strangers.

Mr. Adams, you are not here to plead your case.

You've had the regular opportunity to prove your fitness to provide.

We are fit, Judge, if you just look at the record.

Without any income I have no alternative.

Didn't you make that clear, Miss Oliver?

Yes, Your Honor, I did. But I thought...

I'm sorry, but that is the law.

Look, Your Honor, she's not like an automobile, or an icebox

or a piece of furniture or something you buy on time...

and then when you can't keep up the payments they take it away from you.

Now sit still and be a good girl.

Anyone could give up those kinds of things.

But I ask you, Judge, how can you give up your own child?

She is our child just as much as if she'd been born to us.

No, Daddy isn't going to go away, dear.

Look, judge, we've had her over a year now.

Why, we walked the floor with her when she had the colic.

We've lost nights of sleep worrying every time she had got a tooth.

We've gone through everything.

Everything that real parents have with one of their own.

Ask Miss Oliver here about the inspections we've had to have.

Her weight charts, her vaccination certificates...

her toys, her dresses, her toothbrush.

They come around regularly and check up on all those things

to see if we're taking care of her properly.

How many real parents can keep one of their own and go through that?

And you sit there and say it's a matter of routine

for you to take her away from us.

Please, Mr. Adams.

I'm sorry, Judge.

But...

Well, you see, we weren't as fortunate as most people.

We would have had one of our own, only...

You don't know how badly my wife wanted a child.

It wasn't so important to me, I...

I don't know, I suppose most men are like this.

Children never meant a great deal to me.

I like them, all right, I suppose, but...

Well, what I'm trying to say is, Your Honor...

the first time I saw her...

she looked so little and helpless...

I didn't know babies were so little.

And then when she took hold of my finger and held on to it, she...

she just sort of walked into my heart, Judge,

and she was there to stay.

I didn't know I could feel like that

I had always been kind of careless and irresponsible.

I wanted to be a bigshot.

I couldn't work for anybody, I had to be my own boss, that sort of thing.

Now here I am standing in front of a judge...

pleading for just a little longer so that I can prove to you...

I can support a little child that doesn't weigh quite 20 lbs.

It's not only for my wife and me I'm asking you to let us keep her, Judge,

it's for her sake too.

She doesn't know any parents but us.

She wouldn't know what had happened to her.

You see, there are so many little things about her...

nobody would understand her the way Julie and I do.

We love her, Judge.

Please don't take her away from us.

I'm not a bigshot now, I....

I'll do anything. I'll work for anybody.

I'll beg, I'll borrow, I'll....

Please, Judge, I'll sell anything I've got until I get going again.

She'll never go hungry, she'll never be without clothes...

not as long as I've got two good hands to help me.

- She's yours, dear. - Ours!

Now and forever.

Oh, Trina!

Nothing can ever take her from us now.

You better hurry up, Daddy. Mommie'll be home any minute now.

Yeah. You go and watch for her. Let me know when she comes, hm?

- How are you getting along, Applejack? - Ain't she a beauty?

- Here she comes. - Now? Well, let's get the presents, quick.

Here she comes. We'll get them later.

Where is everybody?

Quick!

Trina?

Trina?

Where can everybody be this time of the day?

Surprise!

Surprise! Happy birthday!

Happy birthday, darling.

- Oh, thank you. - Sit down. Let's see the presents.

I had almost forgotten today was my birthday.

- This is from Daddy. - Daddy?

Why, Roger, I always wanted one like that.

- Look Applejack. - I'm glad you like it, darling.

And this is from Uncle.

From Applejack?

Oh, I think I can guess what this is.

Handkerchief.

Oh, it's beautiful.

I always figured a person can't have too many handkerchiefs.

Thank you.

- And this is from me. - From you?

I can't imagine what this is.

What on earth can...

I got you a record, as you love records.

And 'cause you and Daddy love each other so much.

Oh, Trina, that's sweet, darling. Thank you.

- Come on, let's play it see how it goes. - Come on, Trina.

Dinner's ready. Come and get it or I'll throw it in the crate

Oh, this is wonderful!

Dinner in my own home and I didn't have to cook it.

Well.

We sure changed the complexion of that bird.

We certainly did.

What did you do in school today, darling?

Oh, I almost forgot. I was choosed. I'm going to be in the Christmas play.

In the Christmas play.

What are you going to do?

I'm going to sing in the carol.

Why, Trina, that's wonderful.

It'll be fun making you a carol's costume.

I don't need any costume. Nobody sees me.

Nobody sees you?

All I have to wear is a clean dress and some sneakers.

I'm the echo.

I'm a way off behind the scene. You only hear my voice.

Miss Hopkins says it gives a faraway sound like angels in heaven.

Well, why do you have to wear the sneakers?

The sneakers are so I'll be quiet.

I have to walk up in the sky behind a cloud and take a big star with me.

Then, when I get over the manger, I stop.

And then the angels sing.

And when my turn comes, I sing the echo.

Then I sneak off quietly. And next year, when I'm big...

I get to be an angel and wear an angel suit.

I'll get seen then.

Of course you'll get seen then, darling.

Is it a long time until next year, Daddy?

Oh, no, darling. It'll be here in no time at all.

Oh, I forgot.

Oh my, what happened to the lights? Shh!

Did you see the lights go out?

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...

Happy birthday, dear Mommy, happy birthday to you.

- Hurry up, Mommy. - I'll park the car.

All right. See you out front. Come on, dear.

I spoiled everything.

Now Miss Hopkins won't let me be an angel next year.

- Yes, she will, darling. - Certainly.

I was talking to her. She said you did fine.

Why, you were better than the rest of them put together.

See?

- Honest? - Honest.

Gee, I don't know what people would do without Christmas.

I don't know what we'd do without you, honey.

Would you please stop that door from banging?

I wish you wouldn't go out.

I've got to get out of here and get some fresh air.

Isn't that someone downstairs?

There's someone at the front door.

May I use your phone, please?

Our car is stalled and I'd like to call a taxi.

It's right here on the balcony. If you'll just walk around that way.

Thank you.

I saw your light burning and we're in such a hurry.

Cabs are always busy on a night like this.

I do hope we can get one.

Tommy's in the Christmas play.

I hope we don't get late, Mommy.

Out car is right out in front. I'll drive you over, if you like.

Oh, that's very kind of you. But it wouldn't be too much trouble?

Not too much trouble.

Come, dear.

You can't start the car. The battery's dead.

I'll have to crank it.

I do hope we're not late, Mama.

I can't thank you enough.

If you only knew what these things mean to a child.

Let's get out of here.

Roger!

What's the matter?

Take the car on home.

- Roger! - I'm not coming home.

I don't ever want to see anything or anyone that reminds me.

All right.

Good bye.

# We strolled the lane together #

# laughed at the rain together. #

# Sang love's refrain together #

# We'll always be together. #

# You were meant for me #

# I was meant for you. #

# Nature patterned you and when she was done... #

# you were... # - Here's your tickets.

Those cool songs kind of take you back, don't they?

Yes, they do take you back.

Did you decide which ones you're gonna keep

and which ones you're gonna leave for him?

Funny, Applejack.

I can't seem to divide them.

They belong to both of us.

Guess I'll just leave them.

While I was listening downstairs there, I...

I could remember just as clear the first time I ever saw you.

Roger brought you into the Bulletin...

and I was cussing and pounding on that old machine.

Gee, he didn't know we was all

gonna get to know each other so well then, did he?

Would you get the rest of the things out of the bedroom for me, please?

I don't blame you, Julie.

I don't blame you at all. You should leave me.

Why don't you say it, honey? It's all true.

I haven't done any one of the big things I planned to do for you.

We're right where we started. Still struggling.

I've let you down all around, honey.

All I needed to make it 100% was for you to leave me.

And I can't think of a reason in the world for you not to.

I'm licked, Julie.

You're not licked, Roger. It's just us.

We're licked as far as our being together is concerned.

When something really came along that hit us hard enough

we couldn't face it together.

I needed you an awful lot these last few days...

but you've been miles away.

I've been entirely alone right here in this room with you.

I know, dear.

I wish I could do something to help you two.

It just hasn't worked out.

It did work out, Julie.

Things were wonderful until this happened to us.

I don't know, I...

I just haven't been able to think straight for the last few days.

She was never sick before and then all of a sudden it was all over.

If there was only some way that people could know

a few days ahead what was going to happen.

Yes...

Then the day before she was taken sick...

she asked me for a quarter and I wouldn't let her have it.

When she asked me to take her to the movies I said no

run along, I'm too busy.

I know, it was the same with me.

I was trying on her angel costume and...

she was so excited she couldn't stand still.

I scolded her.

I said, I'll never try another dress on you again.

I never did.

Yes?

Oh...

Hello?

Miss Oliver.

It's a very strange thing, Mrs. Adams,

but we have a little boy who is just two years old.

Well, it's the oddest thing.

He's the exact image of the youngster you asked for

when you first wrote to me. You remember?

I have that old letter in front of me now.

Curly hair, blue eyes, dimple...

This is strictly off the record.

But really, another couple has the right to see him first.

But he's such a remarkable baby that...

I thought perhaps you and Mr. Adams would like to take a look.

Yes.

Miss Oliver...

please don't let that other couple see him until we do, will you?

I won't, my dear.

Good bye.

Well, if he's only two years old, I'd better put up the gate again, hm?

Yes.

I wouldn't want the little fellow falling down the stairs and breaking his arm.

I guess we'd better get out the crib.

As long as he's two years old, he can sleep on this bed, can't he?

Sure, sure.

We won't have to put the chairs around it.

And over in that corner I could put a little electric train.