All language subtitles for 1939 Bachelor Mother

'It is now five minutes
before 9 o'clock'

'on the day before Christmas.'

'As has been my custom
for the past 22 years'

'I address you today.'

'I wish to offer my thanks for
your loyalty and cooperation'

'during the past year.'

I needn't add that my son
joins me in my sentiments.

So, from the bottom
of our hearts

we wish you the very merriest,
merriest of Christmases

and the happiest of New Years.

Alright, everybody, dismissed.

Christmas card.

- You get one?
- Unh-unh.

Don't be jealous.

Gee, it's not going to be easy
getting a job after Christmas.

It wasn't easy before Christmas.

I wonder if I'll get a pension.
I worked here for three weeks.

Look, honey, maybe you
ought to go back home, huh?

There's nobody there anymore.

Haven't you anyone in New York?

No, I haven't.

Mary, is it hard for a girl
to get in the Navy?

Quack, quack, quack, quack.
Good morning, girls.

Hey, what are you getting me
for Christmas?

You wouldn't drink it.

She's crazy for me.

Hey, Polly, I saw you hoofing
at the employees' ball.

Babe, you're really solid.

- Think so?
- Yeah.

And just to prove it to you,
I'll take you dancing tonight.

No. I don't feel like it.

Not even for 50 bucks?

You mean, you're going to
give me 50 bucks?

Yeah, in a way.

Come here.

Now, listen. There's a dancing
contest at the Pink Slipper.

One of the judges
is my best pal.

So we win second prize, 50 bucks
and we split it up the middle.

'Uh-oh, here they come.'

- Well, what do you say?
- You just made a deal.

- I'll pick you up at 7 o'clock.
- '7 o'clock.'

After supper.

'Where are you going
for lunch, Mamie?'

Just a minute.

Don't you dare! Don't you dare
leave your baby here.

Oh, I'm not the mother.

There isn't any mother.

They'll take good care
of it here.

It's such a wonderful baby.

Won't you come in?

Okay, take your finger out
of your mouth.

Take your finger
out of your mouth.

You must be hungry. They'll give
you something to eat.

- How do you do?
- Hello.

Come on, darling,
you mustn't eat your fingers.

Your name, please.

Polly Parrish.

Are you employed anywhere?

I'm at Merlin's.

You're so cute.

Oh, just a minute.
This isn't my baby.

I found it
on the doorstep outside.

No. Really.

An old lady left it
on the doorstep

and I was afraid it might roll
off, so the best thing--

My dear young lady..

...we're only here to help you.

We're your friends.

I wasn't leaving it.
I was just picking it up.

A great many mothers
say that babies aren't theirs

but we've discovered
from experience..

...that the wisest cause..

...is to make a clean breast
of the whole thing.

Well, now, look.
This is ridiculous.

This is not my baby,
whether you believe it or not.

For heaven's sake.

Just a minute, Miss Parrish.

Look, when I want a family, I'll
get married and do it right.

- Eh, pathetic.
- Yes, yes.

Well, anyway, we know
that she works at Merlin's

and they're
a very charitable family.

- I'll go right after lunch.
- That's right.

- Good morning, Mr. Merlin.
- Good morning.

Good morning, Mr. Merlin.

Good afternoon.

Good morning, Mr. Merlin.

- 'Good morning, dad.'
- Good afternoon.

If you're so interested in
politics you should investigate

- the police force at Scarsdale.
- But why?

Well, any motorcycle cop
who turns down a $100 bribe

must be in some crooked racket.
Don't you think so?

- Did you sleep in jail?
- No. I didn't sleep at all.

I had to wait
for the court to open.

David, you can't keep up
at this pace. You'll crack up.

Out every night
with women and things.

- "And things?"
- Well, you know what I mean.

All I need is a shower.
Everybody sleeps too much.

- You take Edison--
- You take me.

I was young once like you.
Lived like you. Looked like you.

Then, suddenly overnight,
I look like this.

Dad, you look great to me.
I can't wait.

David, will you
go to bed early tonight?

- 9 o'clock.
- What?

- 10 o'clock.
- Alright, I'll wait up for you.

- Miss Dyer, would you--
- Mr. Merlin, I--

This gentleman is from
the Atkins Foundling Home.

The charity discount
is handled by Mr. Hennessy now.

It's the first office
down the hall.

Well, I hadn't come
about the discount, thank you..

...but on a rather personal
matter.

- Well, won't you come inside?
- Thank you.

What can I do for you?

Well, an employee of yours,
a young woman..

...left a baby with us today.

- Oh, I see.
- Yes.

And I discovered on calling
your personnel department

that she was discharged, as of
the close of business today.

And I believe that is why
she has abandoned her baby son.

Mr. Merlin..

...give her back her job.

- Well, it's not my department--
- Mr. Merlin..

...if you had seen this mother..

...denying the parenthood
of her own child..

...it would've
touched your heart.

- Yes, would you step in here?
- Not at all.

It was pitiful, Mr. Merlin,
to see the child..

And during the past year,
we have had 537 such cases.

- '537?'
- 'Yes.'

It..

Good afternoon.

Won't you sit down, Mrs...uh..?

- Miss Parrish.
- Oh, Miss Parrish.

Thank you.

Miss Parrish, did you receive a
card saying you were discharged

as of the close of business
today?

- Yes, sir.
- That was a mistake.

Will you please forgive us?
It'll never happen again.

That job is yours for just as
long as you want to keep it.

What do you say, Miss Parrish?

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

And you are to be raised
$5 a week, as of last week.

Is that satisfactory?

What do you say, Miss Parrish?

Thank you.

But merely getting your job back
and an increase

isn't your real
Christmas present.

- No?
- Oh, no, no.

Your Christmas present is
probably the greatest gift

any woman could possibly have.

So true.

I almost envy you.

I do envy you.

Really?

You fortunate girl. To have
an employer like Mr. Merlin.

And when you go home tonight..

...you'll get
your Christmas present.

Tonight?

- Tonight.
- Tonight.

Now, Miss Parrish, you may
return to your department.

Thank you.

And now I want to wish you..

...and yours..

...a very, very Merry Christmas.

- Thank you.
- 'Good day.'

Good day.

Thank you.

And the same to you.

A nice-looking girl like that.

Tch, it's a funny world.

I can just see the look
on that girl's face tonight.

- Who is it?
- 'Something from Mr. Merlin.'

Your Christmas present
from John B. Merlin & Son.

And what do you say,
Miss Parrish?

I'll tell you what I say.

You can just take that baby
out of here. And this minute.

Do you realize
what you are saying?

I certainly do.

That's not my baby. You can take
it back to the Foundling Home

where it belongs.

Do you understand that
Mr. Merlin gave your job back

so you could raise your child
in security and comfort?

And you're choosing instead, to
let it be raised as an orphan?

That's not my baby!

I am not its mother!

Come, Mrs. Wilkins.

That baby'll be back
at the Foundling Home

- before you get there, even.
- I wouldn't try that.

And it's no use your trying
to leave it elsewhere

because it'll only come back to
us, and we have its footprints.

I am not going to inform
Mr. Merlin of your attitude.

Well, I am.

How do you like that?

Well, listen, kid,
this is nothing personal.

I mean, it's..

I just don't know anything
about babies, and then..

...and..

...you're so little.

Hey, hey, take your finger
out of your mouth.

You want your teeth
to grow crooked?

Come on, take them out.
Take it out of your mouth.

- Who is it?
- Freddie, the well-dressed man.

Oh.

Oh, just a minute.

Oh.

Oh, I'll only be a minute.

'Hiya, sugar.'

Oh, hello, Fred.

I'm afraid I won't be able
to go out with you tonight.

I sort of feel like
I'm going to have a headache.

Oh, now, wait a second. Babe,
you can't do that to the chief.

Stand up the old maestro?
Why, everything's all set.

My brother let me have his car.
It's champing at the curb.

Well, I'm sorry, Fred.
I won't be able to go with you.

A little something's come up.

Oh, now you just listen
to the old doctor.

I've got everything fixed.
One of the judge's my best pal.

I talked to him on the phone
a few minutes ago and he's..'

I-I talked to him only a minute
ago and he said it was all set.

You talked to him?
What did he say?

He said that everything's fixed.

- Do you hear a baby crying?
- Who, me?

Oh, a baby. Oh, yeah,
a baby lives next door.

It keeps me awake
almost every night.

Oh, that's tough.

Now, look. It ain't gonna do us
any harm to go out of our way

a little bit to make 25 bucks a
piece. I mean, it'll only take..

Well, what did it do?
Crawl through the wall?

Oh, don't be silly.

Is it...is it yours?

No, it's not mine.

Well, where'd it come from?

I got it for Christmas.

Well, this Christmas
or last Christmas?

Look, I don't know what you're
thinking, but you're all wrong.

Hey, if you've got a headache
or you're gonna have one

- we can call it off.
- You said you brought a car.

- Yeah.
- That's fine.

M-E..

M-E-R. M-E-R..

70 East, 64th Street.
Come on. Let's go.

Come on, baby.

Hey!

You aren't taking that along?

I have an errand to do
on the way. Come on.

- Wait a minute!
- Come on!

Oh.

I'll just be a minute.

Goodbye, baby.
You certainly are cute.

Is Mr. Merlin in? The son.
I'd like to see him.

Merlin!

Would you tell me
in reference to what?

I can't take care of this baby.

After all, it's his
responsibility

'and he has influence.'

He got me into this,
he'll get me out.

- I'm sorry, madam--
- Oh, no, you don't. Let me in.

You surely don't propose
to leave that baby here?

Mr. David wouldn't know
what to do with it.

You can just tell him
Miss Parrish left it here

and he has to get the baby
into that home.

- Goodbye, baby.
- Please, Miss Parrish. Please.

Just tell him what I said. Thank
you very much. I'm in a hurry.

Mr. Merlin!

- Mr. David!
- What is it?

A young lady
left this for you, sir.

What do you mean, "She left it?"
What did she say?

Well, she said her name
was Miss Parrish, sir.

And would you use your influence
to get it into a home, sir?

She must be out of her mind.
Where did she go?

- She's in that car, sir.
- Well, come on. Come on.

No, be careful, sir.
It's a baby, you know, sir.

Hey!

- Hey!
- Hey!

- I have my eye on them, sir.
- Well, don't lose 'em.

Uh, uh, no, sir.

- Uh, funny thing.
- What?

Well, you thought
you were gonna have a headache

and now I got one. So, I'll
just drop you by your place

and then we can make it
some other night?

Oh, no, you don't.
You're just scared.

Sure. You think I want
to run around with some gal

- that's friendly with the boss?
- Don't be silly.

- That baby was left by mistake.
- Oh, now, look--

Only he can straighten it out.

I don't wanna be seen
with anybody who knows him.

We'll for $25,
you can take a chance

he won't be dancing
at the Pink Slipper.

Stop, sir!
They went in there.

- Where?
- There, sir.

Well, how do you find
anybody in here?

What's the color of your wife's
dress? We can help you find her.

I don't need any help.

Troublemaker.
Keep an eye on him.

- There she is, sir.
- Where?

There, sir. Number 28.

Come on, give out
with the old personality.

You know. Ha ha ha.

So, that's the modern
generation for you.

Twentieth-century motherhood!

Throws her baby in someone's
house and runs out to do that.

I'm gonna give her a piece
of my mind. Here take this.

Take it and wait for me.

Hold it, bud.
Where's your partner?

I just want to talk
to somebody. I--

You gotta wait
till the contest is over.

- How long is that gonna be?
- About an hour.

An hour?

Listen, if you want to get on,
grab one of our hostesses.

Would you mind entering
this thing with me?

I could be convinced.

My partner.

Give it everything you got, kid,
but now warm up slow.

Dish it out, handsome,
I can take it.

Hey! Wait a minute!

Hey, wait a minute, will you?
Hey, where are we going?

'This is a dancing contest.
Will you wait a minute?'

'Hey, look, wait, will you?
Hey!'

Hey, wait a minute!

Hey, this is a dancing contest,
not a free-for-all.

Sorry. Better luck next time.

- Hey, look, kid, we're out.
- You're through.

- You're very kind. I've got--
- The judge's decision is final.

- Get off the floor now.
- No. Oh, oh.

Well, was he corny?

Mind telling me what's going on?

Come here, you!

- Holy mackerel!
- What's the matter?

I can't get Merlin out of my
mind. I thought I just saw him.

You're crazy.

Get him out.

- ...they could not have--
- Goodnight.

If-if you'll please.

Call up Hennessy and find out
where that girl lives!

Very good, sir.

Well, Polly, I'm sorry it didn't
work out like I figured.

Hmm, it wasn't your fault.

No, it's just one of
those tough breaks.

Guess maybe we tried too hard.

Yeah, I guess so.

I certainly could've
used that money.

So could I.

Imagine winning first prize.

Of all the tough breaks.

Goodnight.

Well, how about asking
a fellow in for a little drink?

- I haven't any liquor here.
- 'Oh, come on. Have a heart.'

'No, really, I haven't.'

'Well, how about asking
a fellow in for a little smoke?'

I haven't any cigarettes,
either.

Who's asking you for cigarettes?
I got a whole pocketful of them.

I just ain't got a match,
that's all.

Well, I'm sorry, but I'm awfully
tired and I've got to get up--

You don't have to get up
in the morning. Come on.

Only a few minutes.

- 'Just one little matcheroo.'
- 'No.'

- No. No--
- Oh, come on!

Hello, Mr. Merlin.

Well, I just came in for
a little smoke or something, I..

We've been out dancing.

Well, I..

I guess I'd better go.
Goodnight.

How did you get in here,
Mr. Merlin?

Your landlady was kind
enough to let me..

Let us in, out of the cold.

- 'I've been here three hours.'
- I'm sorry, I--

I've been here
three hours, Miss Parrish

waiting to ask you
just one question.

What could possibly go on
in that peculiar brain of yours

that lets you jump around
a dance floor like an idiot

10 minutes after you've left
your child in a strange house

with strange people, who for all
you know, might strangle it?

- Are you through?
- No.

I've seen some low things
in my time

but a mother who has just
abandoned her child, going..

Whoo! Whoo!

That will stand alone in my
memory as something revolting.

Just one minute, Mr. Merlin--

Are you interested in knowing
what I'm gonna do?

Would it interest you to know
I'm not the mother of the child?

And that's the lowest thing,
that you deny that baby

when it cries leaving your arms.
They're experienced people.

They know a real mother when
they see one.

I'm gonna fire you.
In fact, you are fired.

- I'm not that child's mother.
- Fine. You're not the mother.

But you'll discover,
no department store

in the Merchants of America
Association will hire you.

I'll see to that.
But that's nothing.

Any employer will ask you
for a character reference

and in my wildest imagination,
I cannot conceive of anybody

whose character is less
deserving of a reference.

I'll explain your character!

- But that's persecution.
- I'll say it is.

Eventually you'll come and beg
for your job back.

And then you'll realize
what it is to have security

and a chance to bring up
your child yourself.

You danced.
Now pay the fiddler man.

You have an obligation
to that child. Fulfill it.

Goodnight.

Well, have you decided
to ask for your job back

or are you going to starve
for a while first?

I'd like my job back.

Well, that's better.

I'm really not as bad
as you think.

But why did you do it?

I had to.

There was nobody
I could turn to.

Well, isn't there
some legal way..

...to make the father
support the baby?

I don't want to have
anything to do with him.

Oh, I see.

He used to beat me.

No!

- See that?
- Mmm.

- Coffee pot.
- Oh, you poor kid.

- It all started--
- Yes, well, I must go now..

...and, uh, you ought to
get some sleep, I think.

Don't worry, anymore.
The store is behind you.

- Thank you, Mr. Merlin.
- Oh, that's alright.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Well, thanks for the job,
anyway.

This can't go on very long,
you know.

Yeah.

Well, what am I gonna
do with you?

Hmm?

Have you got any suggestions?

Well, I'll think it over.

I suppose in the meantime
you'll want to get undressed.

- Who is it?
- Could I come in a minute?

Oh, I'm a little tired and I'm
getting ready to go to bed.

You don't have to hide
that baby from me.

I know all about it.

Oh-h-h.

Coochie coochie coochie.

Just like you it looks.

You really...think so?

The man I let up here with the
baby, he told me all about you.

'Why did you want to leave
this baby someplace, huh?'

You thought I wouldn't let you
keep a baby here, maybe.

What kind of landlady
do you think I am?

Well, thank you, Mrs. Weiss.

I help you to take care
of this baby.

Ooh.

I have downstairs
a baby carriage

and a crib
and anything you need.

Ooh...fancy.

What a wonderful baby.
What's the name?

Joan.

John.

John!

'That's a nice name, John.'

Yeah.

John.

Good morning, Polly.

Good morning.

Don't talk too loud.
You'll wake me up.

Why? What's the matter? Ain't
you getting any sleep lately?

Not for two nights.

How long can a person
go without sleep?

Now, look, Polly.
You can trust me, you know.

I'm the kind of a guy
that's strictly..

Couldn't get nothing
out of me with wild horses.

Huh?

How about you putting in
a good word for me with..

'You know..'

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

Look, the assistant
floorwalker job is open

right here in this department.

You know, with
the little carnation here?

Now, one word from you to..

And I can stop pushing
this silly wagon around.

- Take that truck off the aisle.
- Yes, sir.

- Keep those ducks in motion.
- Yes, sir.

Will you be coming upstairs,
sir?

No, I'm going to walk around.
I'll see you in a few minutes.

Good morning.

Good morning.

How are you?

I can hear you,
but I can't see you so good.

I haven't been asleep
for two nights.

- Why not?
- The baby's been crying.

Well, why don't you have it
sleep on its stomach?

I read that someplace.
That's how they like to sleep.

Do you know how to do that?

You turn it on its stomach,
then go to bed

the baby turns over
and starts to cry, you get up

turn the baby on its stomach,
go back to bed

and the baby starts to cry,
you get up..

...pretty soon it's 9 o'clock
and you're winding ducks.

- Don't any mothers sleep?
- I don't think so.

Well, there can't be
very much to it.

After all, everybody here
was a baby once

and they all got
through it alright.

Thanks. I'll think of that.

Oh, all mothers pose that it's
so difficult to raise a child.

I saw through that
when I was six years old.

Good luck.

- Good morning, Mr. Merlin.
- Oh, good morning, Hargraves.

Quite an honor,
having you visit our department.

- Seems to run like clockwork.
- Thank you very much, sir.

- Good day.
- Good day, Mr. Merlin.

- Here we are again.
- Yes.

Great fellow.
Chip off the old block.

Yes, he is.

This is the matter
of your new assistant.

A Frederick Miller is entitled
to promotion by seniority.

Unless you have
some personal objection.

No, he'll do as well
as anyone. Thank you.

Oh, Miller.

- Yes, sir?
- For you.

Gee..

Tomorrow morning you'll find
some carnations in this vase.

- Take one.
- Yes, sir.

- A small one.
- Oh, of course.

Good luck.

- Thank you, sir.
- Okay.

Okay.

We have this little guy.
He quacks, too. He's all--

Babe.

That's what I call service.

Oh, uh, this one quacks.

See the little duck?
Isn't he a cute little duck?

Look. Now watch it. Now watch.

There it goes.

Look at the duck.
Come on, open this mouth wide.

Isn't that good?

Isn't that good?
Mmm-mm-mm.

Come in.

Hello.

Hello.

Oh, I was going through
the book department today

and I found this book.

The Scientific Care of Infants
by Dr. Joseph Eagleman.

It's the greatest thing I ever
read. I couldn't put it down.

Everything you need
is right in there.

Oh.

Oh, hey, hey, hey. Come on.

Now, wait a minute. How do you
know you're doing that right?

- Doing what right?
- Feeding it.

Well, there's nothing
very scientific about this.

You just put the food in the
baby's mouth and it swallows it.

- From there on he's on his own.
- That's what you think.

We'll just look into that.

Here we are.

Uh..

Feeding, feeding..

Here we are.

"After the food is prepared, the
mother will, A, get a spoon."

Wonderful! How did he
ever think of that?

Now, please, don't be so smart.
Just do as he says. Get a spoon.

A spoon.

"B..

...take a spoonful of the food,
place upon a piece of gauze."

- Piece of gauze?
- What for?

Please, just do as he says.

It's quite possible that a man
with 20 years' experience

might know
what he's talking about.

Piece of gauze.

'Next.'

"Gently rub into the navel."

What?

"Gently rub into the navel."

- Well, that's ridiculous.
- No, it isn't.

It's probably to get
the child's stomach

accustomed to the temperature
of the food. It's very logical.

Oh, my. I've never heard
of such a thing.

And in future, all children are
gonna be brought up like this.

Scientifically.

'Well?'

- Here, let me look at this.
- I read very well.

- I've been doing it for years.
- I read a little too.

"Take a spoonful of food

and place on a piece of gauze,
and gently rub into the.."

Hmm-hmm.

You read very well.

Well, I don't care what it says.
I don't believe it.

Don't tell me you know more
about it than a man

with 20 years' experience
on the subject.

I'm certainly not rubbing any
oatmeal into this baby's navel.

Who does this...yes.

Who does this Dr. Eagleman or
Eaglefoot, whatever his name is

think he is, with such..

Oh. What do you know about that?

"To relieve gas
on child's stomach

"take a spoonful
of warm oil and..

...place on a piece of gauze
and gently rub into the navel."

- I think it's very funny.
- It certainly is.

If it had said, "Hang baby by
neck" you'd say it's scientific.

I'll feed the baby my own way.

Come on, darling.

Here..

Hello. Open your mouth, come on.

Just because you get
a couple of pages stuck together

there's no reason
to condemn the whole book.

Defective duck.

Couldn't be that
you wound it too tight?

- I wound it quite normally.
- It's made for a child to wind.

Oh, that's pretty silly.

A child that size is gonna wind
up a thing like this?

It's inferior merchandise,
that's all. Where'd you get it?

John B. Merlin & Son.

Well, it doesn't matter.
It's still inferior.

Just get it exchanged tomorrow.

Ha-ha.

What is the "Ha-ha" for?

Oh, nothing, just ha-ha.

What is wrong
with our exchange department?

They don't exchange anything.

Oh, they exchanged $50,000 worth
of goods last year, that's all.

- Just get the thing exchanged.
- I'll buy a new one.

Then I'll get it
exchanged for you.

Certainly. You probably could
get it exchanged.

For a grand piano or something.

I've got a Chamber of Commerce
thing tonight, so I'll..

...go now.

And I'll leave this
with you for the..

I'll take this duck.

Goodnight.

Thanks for everything.

- Goodnight.
- 'Goodnight.'

Oh, Mr. Merlin..

It's been laundered.

Pick that up.

Don't lean on the counter.

Alright. Break it up,
break it up. No gossiping.

Here, straighten up this
counter. Put those things away.

How do you expect
to get anyplace?

Hello, Mr. Merlin.

I never would've recognized you.
Why the disguise?

I'm gonna show you that I can
get this duck exchanged

- without anybody knowing me.
- Fine.

Would you mind stepping over to
the exchange department with me?

No at all. Mary, would you look
after these?

This gentleman
wants to exchange something.

Ha-ha.

I'll show you. I'll have
this duck exchanged

in exactly one minute,
and courteously.

We'll see.

- I have a duck here I want to--
- You'll have to get in line.

Fifty-eight, fifty-nine,
sixty. One more.

I had to get in line, didn't I?

Have this signed by the section
manager and bring it back here.

Oh, alright.

I have a duck here
I want to exchange.

Certainly, sir.

What seems to be the trouble
with it?

It's broken.

I can see that.
But how did it happen to break?

Well, I had it..

What difference does it make?

I must know where to place
the responsibility.

Just place the responsibility on
the duck and give me a new one.

Very well, sir.

May I see the sales slip?

Have you got the sales slip?

- I threw it.
- You should've kept it.

- I threw it.
- You should've kept it.

How'd I know the duck
would break?

How'd I know the duck
would break?

It's printed clearly on the slip
to must be kept for 30 days.

- I can't keep every sales slip.
- I can't keep every sales slip.

- House would be full.
- House would be full.

- Silly.
- Silly.

I'm sorry, sir,
I don't make the rules.

They're made by
the executive office.

Well, I don't care anything
about the executive offices.

I want a new duck!

Well, you're not
going to get it by shouting.

I should say not.
Or any other way. Ha ha.

That's what you think. I'm
exchanging this for a new duck

and you can straighten
it out any way you like.

Oh, can I help you, sir?

Listen, wait a minute!

'Hey.'

'Hey, look. Wait a minute.
Now, wait a minute.'

Hey!

You can't take that!

Hey, Mac!

Shoplifter! Shoplifter!

Oh, no, you don't.
I saw you steal that duck.

You can't get away with that.

- Oh!
- Mr. Merlin!

Excuse me, Mr. Merlin.

It's alright, folks.
It's nothing at all. Clear out.

- I'll help you here--
- Alright. Now, leave me alone.

Mr. Merlin, I didn't know it was
you. I thought it's a customer.

- A customer?
- Yes, sir.

It's lucky for you it was me.
A customer would sue the store.

How long have you had this job?

- Well, you know.
- I know what?

You know, since yesterday.

And what did you do before that?

I was a stock clerk.

Then I have a little secret
to tell you.

You're still a stock clerk!

I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Merlin.
It was all a mistake.

You've disgraced
the toy department.

'Hey, you. Come on.
Come on. Break it up.'

Why are you sitting there?

How do you ever expect
to get anyplace?

Oh, shut up.

They can't do this to me.

I know where the body is buried.

Well, if you do,
why don't you crawl in with it?

You'll see.

Hello, Louise, what time
should I pick you up?

Are you under the impression
that we have a date tonight?

Impression? Are you
kidding, Louise?

Why, no, David.

The last thing you said to me

ten days ago,
was that you'd call.

- Well, I got in rather a mess.
- I'm sorry, David.

But I'm afraid you'll
have to go stag tonight.

Oh, don't worry about me.
I'll get someone.

It's New Year's Eve, David.
And it's after eight o'clock.

You'll never get anyone at
this hour. Anyone presentable.

- I'll be alright.
- I'll see you later, then.

Yes, both of you.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

Well, who can I call?

It's New Year's Eve, sir.
It's after eight o'clock.

Yes, I know. I know.

There'd hardly be a young lady
available on such short notice.

'Take it away, Times Square.'

Who is it?

'...surrounded by thousands
of persons waiting..'

Just a minute.

'Listen to that crowd.'

Your duck, madam.

I had it exchanged for you
with no trouble at all.

I certainly didn't expect
to see you tonight.

I didn't expect to be here,
but I was taking my shower

and I thought you might be
having a dull evening.

So, come on. Get dressed.
We're going to a swell party.

Stood up, huh?

Hmm?

You were stood up.

No, I..

Yes, I..

I promised to call
her back and I forgot.

I'd love to go, but I
can't leave the baby alone.

Oh, you don't have to devote
your whole life to the baby.

You told me to.

Yes, but this is New Year's Eve.
Get somebody..

Get the landlady
to take care of it.

Oh, there's one more thing.

Oh, what?

Well, you and your, uh...hmm

and me and my...what I've got.

We'd make half
of a lovely couple.

I'll take care of the clothes.
You fix it with the landlady.

- She's busy...what'll I do?
- Turn on the charm.

- I know, but..
- 'Hurry up.'

Four and a half.

- Let's see, you got stockings?
- I got stockings, alright.

- Handkerchief?
- Yup. I got the handkerchief.

- Purse?
- Yup. That's here.

- Come on. Hurry up.
- Wait a minute.

- Got gloves?
- Yeah, I got gloves.

- Shoes?
- You got the shoes.

Right. What coat
did he say to get her?

- The mink one.
- Well, there's a mink coat.

Well, maybe that's it.
Let's see.

Think that's alright?

Good evening, Mr. Merlin.
Your party is right over there.

- Oh, yes.
- Oh, don't leave me.

I won't know how to talk
to these people.

Just say no to the men.

The girls probably
won't talk to you anyway.

- This way, please.
- Thank you.

- No, I mean it.
- Come on.

I have nothing in common with
them. I won't know what to say.

I'll take care of that.
Suits me fine.

These boys are half man
and half wolf.

- If you know what I mean.
- Yes, I know what you mean.

- That tall one's cute.
- He's the worst of the lot.

He's all wolf.

- Hello, David.
- How are you?

Am I glad to see you.

- Hey.
- Huh?

Her name's not David.
That's me.

Oh.

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

- Well, come on. Introduce her.
- All in good time. Just relax.

Hello, I'm sorry we're late.

There's no point in my
introducing this lady to you.

She's the daughter
of a Swedish manufacturer.

'Just come over.'

And she doesn't speak
one word of English.

Say, where did you ever
learn to speak Swedish?

I had a two-week holiday
in Sweden last year.

It's a very simple language.

Uh..

She just said the funniest
thing. She's very witty.

What did she say, David?

It's not very good in English.
It's just the way she said it.

How do you say "dance"
in Swedish, Dave?

Oh..

- Rovo.
- Rovo.

Rovo,madame?

Shmorgen.

She's from the north.

Thank you very much.

Say "thank you" in Swedish,
will you, Dave?

Oh!

What'd she say, Dave?

She says, "You're welcome. You
could use some dancing lessons."

Hey. I'm hungry.

Let's get outta here.
I'll get you something to eat.

- I like it here.
- Then we'll stay.

- But I'm hungry.
- Then we'll go.

Alright.

- Leaving?
- Yes.

We have some other
stops to make..

Vijurna, Happy New Year.

A-appy..

...New..

- Year.
- ...Jear.

- Good for you.
- Good girl.

- Happy New Year to you.
- Bye. Happy New Year.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Bye, David.

- Are you leaving?
- Yes, Louise.

We have another stop to make.

- Well, how do you like her?
- She's not bad for a fill in.

Personally, I'd just
as soon go stag.

You could, too,
with those shoulders.

- Happy New Year!
- Oh, shut up.

They're a little ahead
of time, aren't they?

I'm afraid so.

- Well--
- Uh--

- I had a wonderful evening.
- Oh, so have I.

- Never had a better one.
- Thank you, sir.

Oh, your coat. I better
give it back to you.

- Afraid to keep it over Sunday.
- Nothing can happen.

Wear it and bring it
to the store when you come in.

Alright. Thank you.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Say.

It's just 12 o'clock.

- Huh?
- In Chicago.

Happy New Year in Chicago.

Same to you.

Would you wanna stay up and see
the new year in Los Angeles?

Uh...uh, it's a little late.

Goodnight.

You know what we
oughta do tomorrow?

- What?
- Go for a drive in the country.

That would be wonderful.

It might be a little too cold
for the baby, don't you think?

Oh.

Yes, the baby.

But we'll be in the park
just around the corner

all day tomorrow,
if you want to see us.

I'll try and make it,
but I've got other things to do

you know, this time of year.

- Oh, yes. Oh, I understand.
- Yeah.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

And shmorgus again
for a very nice evening.

Ha ha ha.

- Oh, he's awake.
- Oh.

Yes, you want to...hmm?

You wanted to see
if I got home alright?

Oh, he's the best baby
I ever saw.

He never even cried once.

My Jerome..

...he used to cry all the time.

Thank you very much, Mrs. Weiss.

I'm sorry, I didn't know
I was gonna be out so late.

Oh, that's nothing.
What else have I got to do?

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Hey, you wanna know a secret?

You promise you won't tell?

I think he likes me.

Yeah.

But he doesn't like you though.

Oh, don't get upset about it.

Don't get upset
about it because..

...nobody could come
between you and me.

'Cause-'cause you're my fella.

Yes, you are my fella.

Oh.

Yes. Yes.

Oh, ho ho ho, you
can't eat my hand.

No, you can't eat my hand.

Yes, I know.

Goodnight, baby dear.

Happy New Year.

Hey, mister.
You John B. Merlin?

- To you, yes.
- Here.

Alright. A copper for ya?

That'll teach you
to monkey with me, you muzzlers.

What is it, dad?
A mash note?

Nothing.

I'll see you later, dad.
I'm gonna take a little walk.

You are, eh?

Well, I don't mind
a little walk myself.

- Think I'll go along with you.
- No. I wouldn't bother, dad.

I'll walk pretty fast. You won't
be able to keep up with me.

Yes. It is a little difficult
to keep up with you.

I'll see you at lunch.

- Follow him.
- Beg your pardon, sir?

Follow my son
and keep out of sight.

Yes, sir.

Allow me, madam.

Oh, hello.

Thank you.

- Oh, excuse me.
- Thank you.

Welcome.

- Go right ahead.
- No, no. Go ahead, please.

- Oh, well. Thank you.
- Not at all.

Oh, isn't he cute.

There we are.

Uh, pardon me.

- Allow me.
- Oh, I see. Thank you.

How old is he?

Seven months.

Really?

Junior's only six months old

and they seem about
the same size, don't they?

'Oh, I don't know.'

Our doctor says that Junior
is a perfect physical specimen.

I find if the baby
gets gas on his stomach

that the best thing
is to take some warm oil

on a piece of gauze
and rub it into his navel.

Mm-hmm.

Don't let the pages
get stuck together.

Does he stand up yet by himself?

- No, he doesn't.
- He doesn't?

Junior does.

And their baby is a month older.

I wouldn't be too discouraged
if I were you, dear.

After all, some babies
are more backward than others

but they can outgrow it.

Does Junior talk?

At six months?
Of course not.

Well, they're not supposed
to talk at that age.

This one talks.

I can't imagine it.
At seven months?

He's been talking for a month.

Well, it's a little
difficult to believe

but, of course, if you say so..

'Doesn't he talk, dear?'

Didn't he talk last night?

Certainly he talks.
And very well, too.

Why, he can recite the first
line from Gunga Din.

Come, Oliver.

Of course, you didn't
have to make it ridiculous.

I just asked you
to say he could talk.

Well, you've come
a long way from the girl

who wouldn't even
admit it was her child.

Now you think it's quite a baby.

You get used to it.

You get used to anything
if it's around long enough.

It's a very unusual baby.

Oh, really, it is.

Oh, very unusual.

But I guess it's just heredity.

Oh, yes, of course.

It's nice to know
that he could grow up

to be the world's
finest piano player.

Could grow up to be the world's
finest coffeepot thrower.

'Now, that was unnecessary.'

'After all, you don't know the
circumstances. Maybe I was--'

Let's not discuss it.
It's nothing to do with me.

Dad.

- What are you doing here?
- Oh, just strolling about.

This is Miss...my father,
Miss Parrish.

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

And who is this?

Oh, that's Miss Parrish's
little boy.

Boy.

Would you mind,
if I was very careful..

Would you let me
just hold him for a minute?

Well, of course.

Come on, darling.

Come on. Come on.

That is it. That's it.

I'd know that chin anywhere.

What's his name?

John.

John.

Thanks for that, anyway.

Is there something I can do?

You've done it.

I wouldn't keep
the baby out much longer.

I think it's getting chilly.

Come on, darling.

Dad, you're acting rather
strange. Do you feel alright?

I'll discuss this matter
with you at home.

Goodbye, Miss Parrish.

Goodbye.

Holy mackerel!
Dad, wait. Dad!

Hello, dad.

- Listen to me--
- I wanna explain something.

- Let me explain it my way.
- I'll do the talking.

For years I've been waiting,
waiting, and for what?

The dream of my life.
A grandson.

And now you want to deny me
this happiness. Why didn't you..

Excuse me, sir.

So this is
the modern generation.

So this is the 20th century.

Marriage was good enough
for your father and mother.

Bless her. And it's
good enough for you, son.

Dad, I never said..

Pardon me.

You're gonna marry that girl.

You'll bring my grandson
into this house.

- I'll tell you something.
- Don't start that with me.

You know my temper. Remember
what I did to Governor Mead.

You haven't any grandson.

Don't deny it.
I saw him with my own eyes.

- 'I saw you with that girl.'
- That's not my baby.

Don't be a cancer. Besides,
I have other information.

A letter from...from a friend.

'But if I hadn't it, if I hadn't
seen you with that girl'

if I saw that baby
on a desert island by itself

I'd know it was my grandson.

Why, he looks exactly like me.

Oh, dad, for heaven's sake.
You're jumping to conclusions.

- I'm gonna tell you something.
- My mind is made up.

Nobody's playing around with my
grandchild. I'm gonna take him.

I'll get him if I've to go
to the Supreme Court.

- Before your blood pressure--
- Never mind my blood pressure.

You don't know me in a fight.

You're the stubbornest man
I ever met.

I'll prove to you
that he's not my child.

I know what's
the matter with you.

You're crazy. That's what's
the matter with you.

You're unbalanced.
You're working too hard.

And your mind's
cracked under it.

I'm warning you! You've been
burning the candle at both ends.

And in the middle, too.
What you need is..

...more sleep.

Come in.

That must have been funny.

I know your father
thought Johnnie's your--

It's not funny.
You know what he'll do?

- No.
- He'll take him away from you.

Oh.

- I'd like to see him.
- You don't know my father.

He'll send for lawyers
and investigators and things.

He'll get the baby away.

He can't do that.
It belongs to me.

- You've got to stop him.
- Alright.

Get a hold of this piano player.

- That'll be a big help.
- I can't do that.

But you'll have to
when the lawyers

question your fitness
to raise the baby.

Take me to your father. I'll
talk to him and convince him.

He won't believe you.
He's out of his mind.

He even wants me to marry you.

'He wants to set me up
with a ready-made family'

'just so he can
have a grandson.'

'I tell you, this is serious.'

Yes.

That would be serious,
wouldn't it?

Oh, no. I didn't mean that.

'That's alright.'

- I didn't mean to sound like--
- It doesn't make a difference.

Tell your father to leave
Johnnie and me alone.

I'll do what I can.
Wish I could explain--

Why don't you go?

Now.

Well, goodbye.

Goodbye.

Come in.

Mrs. Weiss...would you come and
help me pack? I'm going away.

- Away? Where?
- Oh, I don't know. Any place.

They're, they're trying
to take the baby away.

- Who is?
- That fellow who just went out?

- His father.
- Is that the papa of the baby?

No, but his father thinks he is.

That's ridiculous.

I'm not an attorney,
but I know your rights.

I say his father
can't get the baby.

I know, but I don't want a lotta
people around asking questions.

Polly.

Why don't you get the real papa

to go and see his father?

Well, I can't.
I wish I could.

Yeah, that would
be the solution.

Jerome.

This is your chance
to do a good deed.

Mama.

Come in.

I've had a hard time
finding you.

Mr. Merlin, I didn't mean to
cause nobody any trouble, now.

You know who's
the father of that baby?

- Huh?
- Polly's baby.

- Who's the father?
- Well, I don't know anything.

Nothing at all.

Oh, you don't know, huh?

Would you like to be
an assistant floorwalker again?

Would I!

They'll show.

We have Mr. Wharton
on the telephone now, sir.

Oh, good, good.

And there are two people
to see you, sir.

A Mr. and Mrs. Weiss.

Weiss? Weiss?
I don't know any Weiss.

Tell them to write a letter.

Hello, Wharton? Where are you?

Lake Placid?

Well, what are you doing there?

Skiing?

I'm not paying you $50,000
a year to go skiing.

You ski back to New York right
away or I'll get another lawyer

so quickly, it'll
make your head swim.

Skiing at a time like this.

They say it's about a baby, sir.

A baby? Well, show them in.
Show them in.

'Very good, sir.'

This way, please.

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

Mr. and Mrs. Weiss?

I thought you were Miss Parrish.

That's the name
I use at the store.

We've been married
for two years.

Yeah, t-two years.

Your son just called
and there seems to be

some misunderstanding
about our baby.

Your baby?

So there's no need to send
anybody to investigate.

It would just be
a waste of time.

Maybe this will convince you.
Here is the father of that baby.

Go on. Go ahead.

Uh, Mr. Merlin, um..

'...your son came over
to our flat and said that..'

'...you have some wrong
impression about my son.'

Well, my son is my son
and nobody else's.

I've never heard
of such a thing.

I see.

Do you know who that is?

- Who?
- 'That.'

That's the father
she brought here.

You two seem to have
slipped up someplace.

You've got one too many.

So you finally showed up, huh?

I couldn't come any sooner.

Pretty cute, wasn't it,
running out on her like that?

Like what?

You're not gonna
try to keep this up.

Do you know what this is?

- A coffeepot.
- You ought to recognize it.

Oh, David!

How do you like that,
you piano player?

- How dare you hit a poor man--
- Go on, stick up for him!

You might as well
cut all this out.

It doesn't convince me.

And I'm not through
with you, young man.

I'm gonna prosecute you.

I don't know what for, but I'll
prosecute you for something.

Mr. Merlin, I'll tell the truth

and I know what
I'm talking about.

Your son put me up to this
and he's the father.

Dad, this is the truth.
He's the father.

Wait a minute.
I'm not the father.

I don't care who the father is.

I'm the grandfather.

- You're not the father?
- No, I'm the landlady's son.

I didn't want to do this.

'I'm gonna prosecute you,
too, young man.'

Polly. Po..

Polly!

- Well, she's gone.
- Gone?

- She'll take the baby.
- Wait, I'll get the car.

'Oh, here's mother coming.
Oh, my dear.'

- Is he ready?
- Yes. Here.

My things are up there.
I'll let you know where I am.

- 'Where will you sleep?'
- I'll be alright.

- And, Polly, take care of the..
- Oh!

- Go on in my room, quick.
- Do you suppose they'll see me?

Oh, no, no, go ahead.

Go ahead. Be quiet.

Go into my bedroom.

Where's Miss Parrish?

Miss Parrish, she don't
live here anymore. She moved.

- She moved?
- Yes, she moved.

Don't you believe me? Go on
upstairs, see it for yourself.

- Go on upstairs.
- Come on.

Everything is alright.
Just keep quiet.

Alright.

Those tactics may be alright
for Governor Mead

but this is no way to treat
a girl with a child.

Madam, I want the truth.

You're concealing
that girl's whereabouts.

Whereabouts?
What is a "whereabouts?"

Where are you hiding her?

Didn't you go upstairs
to look in her room?

- I'll handle this.
- See what you can do.

We'd really appreciate it if you
could tell us where she went.

'I hardly know her myself. She
just lived here a few weeks.'

'And I never ask anybody
any questions.'

'She must've left a forwarding
address. Please, Mrs. Weiss.'

- 'I don't know anything.'
- 'We want to help her.'

'We're friends of hers.
Can't you understand that?'

'Oh, believe me,
I should drop dead.'

'I-I could swear on anything.
I can swear..'

You've got that girl here.

Oh, dad, you're just
making a fool of yourself.

Look, she did mention an aunt
out West somewhere..

'I'm not hiding her...
any, any place..'

You're not gonna take
this baby. I've stood enough.

- I don't care what you say.
- Please listen.

I'm not taking your baby away.

You see...I started out thinking
that I only wanted to help you.

And then a while ago,
when I thought you'd gone away..

...I realized I was
in love with you.

So, will you please marry me?

Hmm?

What about
the ready-made family?

Of all the families,
you and Johnnie--

Ha! I knew it.

Dad, I have
something to confess.

I am the father of that baby.

Those are the first true words
you've spoken today.

Come on, Johnnie.
We're going home.

I've got a surprise for you.
We're gonna be married tonight.

And you still think
I'm the mother of that baby?

Of course.

Ha ha.