Original subtitles

Subtitles: Lu�s Filipe Bernardes

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was:

and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.

This is a particularly sad occasion for many who are gathered here.

Especially for Mr. Randall's beloved wife and his two daughters.

We join with them in their hour of bereavement.

Only a few short weeks ago...

...we came together in this house upon another happier occasion.

The celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Randall's 25th wedding anniversary.

Who of us who saw him then, in the prime of his life,

justly proud of his success, of his home,

could have imagined that we would come here today...

to pay our last respects?

Oh, John, you shouldn't!

Gather new rosebuds while you may.

It's exquisite!

O woman! In our hours of ease, uncertain, coy, and hard to please,

when pain and anguish wring the brow, a ministering angel thou!

Walter Scott.

Manner, not gold, is woman's best adornment.

Amanda.

Jarvis, the servants!

Quail, larded grouse, venison, oysters by the bell.

Chicken would have done just as well.

Nothing is too rich and fancy to suit my taste.

If there's anything I hate, it's good plain cooking.

Just because you've been told you look like King Edward...

your every gesture doesn't have to be Edwardian.

The best is none too good for us.

Remember, you're a long-time debt.

On with the dance. Let joy be unconfined.

- Louise, you're supposed to be in bed. - Tell your troubles to a policeman.

- What? - Boo!

Oh, hey!

- Oh, Ma, it's beautiful! - Your father gave it to me, dear.

I don't think I've ever seen anything quite so lovely.

- Welcome, Charles. - Good evening, my dear.

Don't forget tomorrow morning, early.

I hope we didn't wake your mother.

She's afraid I'm making a tomboy of you.

She wants me to be a little lady but I'm not going to.

Well, I could think of worse things.

I want to be a great singer like Lillian Russell.

I'm afraid your mother might have something to say about that.

I want to have a typewriter like Miss Bartlett in your office.

Oh, Miss Bartlett has a mother to support.

You can't take bread out of other people's mouths.

That's the way it always is. Girls never have a chance.

Yes, it's a hard world for girls. Maybe you'd better let me manage.

- You'll be looked after. - I don't want to be looked after.

- I want to look after myself. - It's a free country.

I'm not going to do silly things like knit, or embroider, or hem dish towels.

- I'm gonna be like... - Be somebody?

Uh-huh.

Well, I don't know. The world is sensorious.

But whatever you do, do it up brown.

Make no little plans.

- Aim for the stars. - I will.

Here.

Come on, fella!

If you've got the stuff in you like those thoroughbreds, nothing will ever stop you.

See how they go, lickety cut, head up, tail over the dashboard.

Come on, fella! Giddyup!

Run faster! That's right!

Come on!

Let us have a moment of silent prayer.

Don't listen, Pa.

Don't pay any attention to what they say.

Remember the time you leaned up against the railing at the duck stand...

...and there wasn't any railing there?

Remember after the Harvard-Yale football game,

when you left me outside Young's hotel in the carriage...

...and you forgot me and I could see you drinking and playing billiards in there?

Remember what I thought?

I'll be like you when I grow up, I thought.

I'll always be on the inside looking out.

I'll never be on the outside looking in.

Don't worry about me, Pa.

I'll aim for the stars.

- Good afternoon, ma'am. - Call Elinore and Louise,

- I have to talk to them. - Yes, ma'am.

I'll take the milk.

- Good afternoon, Mama. - Hello, Mama.

Elinore may take my veil.

Louise may unbutton my boots.

There you are. I'll take the tray.

The trouble is your father endorsed notes.

The lawyers say we must dismiss the servants.

We shall of course have to sell this house.

But I'm really fortunate.

I have my health and I have my two daughters.

And I shall have an income of $600 a year...

...if I don't touch my principal.

He who has his head among the stars falls in the ditch.

Ditch was right. Our house was sold.

Gradually our principle dwindled.

And surely but steadily bills mounted.

The years flew by as I fled hopefully along with my studies.

And by the time I graduated from high school,

I'd set my heart on entering Beecher,

the new college that taught girls to earn their own living.

But by now our finances had hit rock bottom.

Fiddlesticks, my mother said.

We couldn't let a little thing like money stand in the way of my education.

And education was an investment, wasn't it?

It was thanks to her diamond sunburst that I was able to...

Y-u, u j-u, u-h-u, u-m-u,

u-n-u, u-y-u, u-j-u, u-h-u,

u-m-u, u-n-u, u-y-u, u-a-u,

u-h-u, u-m-u, u-n-u, u-y-u,

u-j-u, u-h-u, u-m-u, u-n-u,

u-y-u...

Good! Eighty words a minute, good.

Papers.

Covers.

Now for the shorthand.

Dear sir,

Yours of the first is received...

...and contents duly noted.

In reply would state...

that we are unable...

- ??? - You leave that to me.

Louise, Louise Randall!

Louise, there's a note from the dean on the board for you.

Thank you, helpful.

There it is.

Dean Hadley wishes to see Miss Randall in her office.

Here goes everything. Officer, I'm in again.

Come in.

What is the meaning of this loud short skirt?

I don't know... it's comfortable.

Miss Randall!

I get one disquieting report after another about you.

First you are seen talking to a policeman on Taylor Street.

Then you are heard whistling in the corridor.

Do you always have to swim upstream?

It's the only way to swim if you want to get anywhere.

Well... there's a brilliant future ahead of you.

But you may ruin it if you persist in this independent atitude.

It's time you learned that public opinion cannot be disregarded so cavalierly.

But my father always said if you are someone, it doesn't matter what you do.

And if you aren't, it doesn't make any difference.

Sit down.

I have something here I think may be of interest to you.

We've had a request for a typist for two weeks at the Bass River shipyard.

They've always employed males, but I'm hoping they'll be satisfied with a woman.

The salary is unusually high.

Eight dollars.

Now, if you could show us...

...that you can handle the work in an exemplary manner,

I shall be willing to recommend you for a position in New Haven.

Similar to the one we are offering Alice Abbott.

New... New Haven! Yes.

- Oooh! - Miss Randall, what is this?!

Alice, if I make good at Bass River I get to go to New Haven and I can be with you!

Oh, New Haven!

# Bulldog, bulldog, bow-wow-wow #

# Eli Yale! #

# Bulldog, bulldog, bow-wow-wow #

# Our team can never fail! #

# When the sons of Eli # # Break through the line #

# That is the time we hail #

# Bulldog, bulldog, bow-wow-wow # # Eli Yale! #

You better look out for your job, Charlie, the suffragettes are coming.

Come in!

Um...

Are you Mr. Morton?

The very same. And what can we do for you, sweetheart?

I'm the new typist.

- The new typist? - The new typist?

- My name is Randall. - And what comes before the Randall?

Miss, to you.

Say, Lew, you've some vigor. Neat but not gaudy.

Well, I certainly didn't know who they were going to send.

But I had to get somebody to get these figures out...

...for those beggars in Washington.

And what with Detroit paying $5 a day for anything in pants,

I guess this is about the best they could dig up.

You think I can't do this work as well as a man?

Now keep your shirt on, sister. You're lucky to get this job.

May I take your hat for you and hang it up...

This is no ladies' tea party.

If you don't like it, you can go home where you belong.

Don't worry, I'm going!

- The kid's got spunk! - At last you met your match, Lew.

Go on, get out of here, you good-for-nothing loafer!

Take it easy, sister.

Just a moment.

Go on, get out of here!

Tell me, can your really type?

Certainly.

Can you add a column of figures so that you get the same answer twice?

Of course I can.

I must have this thing all wrong.

But I was so surprised to see a girl come waltzing in here.

How about it? Couldn't we just forget all this and start all over?

Well, I can do good work.

You know, I'm darned if I don't believe you.

Come and look at these files.

Well, how do you like it?

It's the way I always dreamed it would be.

- There's something almost epic about it. - Listen!

You can hear the sounds of the city and trains.

- Is that a boat whistle? - Ah, ships that pass in the night.

Home seems a million miles away.

Come on, you haven't seen the rest of the place yet.

Of course now, this is just the upstairs.

And here, this is the bathroom.

- Oh, it's all wonderful! - First come, first served.

And this is our bedroom right down here at the end of the corridor.

You see, we're right on top of that...

Oh, that's Lawton MacKall's room. He's a very good student at Yale.

Come on, you'll like him.

Open in the name of the Continental Congress!

Enter and give the password!

Marshmallow! Hello!

Well! I knew if I played long enough, somebody would come in.

Come on.

Fellow pioneers, may I present the newest recruit.

This is Louise Randall. May I present Lawton MacKall.

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

- And Rodney Crane. - How do you do?

How do you do?

- And Jack Leslie. - How do you do?

How do you do?

We're really nice, we're just acting dignified...

...to impress you with the fact that we are seniors.

Oh, I'm impressed, I am, really.

Take a look around, you'll see quite a bit of this room.

- Why do you say that? - Well...

We have to use Lawton's room when we have callers.

Mrs. Norton doesn't allow us to receive visitors in the parlor.

Well, why not?

Well, you see, the couch hasn't any back on it...

...and the boys' hair gets the wallpaper all greasy.

But you never get something for nothing.

- We have to dust the dogs. - Not all these dogs.

Hm-hmm, but not on an empty stomach.

Will you loan me your hatpin so I can toast marshmallows?

Thank you.

Uh, why do you keep staring at me like that?

I'm sorry... I...

First and last call for refreshments. Get a wiggle on.

I beg your pardon, Miss Randall, I should have brought you something.

Heaven helps those who help themselves.

Gas-jet marshmallows! Pack up light for it.

Here!

Do all New Haven men stare?

Oh, they can't understand a girl who'd leave home to earn her living.

They wouldn't even speak to me when I first came here...

...until Lawton decided that I was a lady.

# My gal's a high-born lady # # Her past is far from shady #

# Nobody can outshine that girl of mine #

Jack, you're awful.

And now, yam champagne, vintage of yesterday.

- Don't forget the musicians. - How can I?

# By the light #

# Of the silvery moon #

# I want to spoon #

# To my honey I'll croon # # Love's tune #

- So you're a Yale man. - Yes, four years of it.

Um...

May I call on you?

A working girl?

I don't know who you are. My Harvard friends told me to beware of Yale.

Well, my mother was a Van Beskoten. She lives in Orange, New Jersey.

My father was vice-president of the Seaboard Bank.

I'm going into banking when I graduate in June.

Um... is that acceptable?

All but the banking. Sounds dull.

Oh, but I've got a pull.

Oh, you need someone to pull you?

Well, why do something the hard way if you don't have to?

- Well, of all the lazy, lackadaisical... - Oh, a strong-minded woman!

All bound round with business, law and economics.

I bet you don't understand a word of it.

- I do too. - All right, what's er...

What's marginal utility?

Well, um... it's like this.

The first time a man proposes to you it's fun.

The second time it's still fun.

The third time it's tiresome. That's the margin of utility on proposals.

You win.

Why, it's ten o'clock. I didn't know it was so late.

- Jack, it was lovely! - Oh, it was nothing.

Louise, we've got to get our duties done.

- Good night! - Good night!

- Thank you again. - Thanks for the buggy ride!

Here we are.

The boarding room's only $8 a week because I told her we could sleep together.

- You don't mind my hay fever, do you? - I don't mind anything.

- Did she bring up your suitcases? - They're right here.

There's plenty of room in that closet. Just sort of push my things over.

You'll find a lot of coat hangers there on the floor.

Thanks.

This mattress was so thin it was kind of cold at first,

but it's all right since I fixed it.

Look.

Oh, aren't you the smart one?

I ought to be after the years I spent at Beecher.

A Beecher-trained girl is efficient,

self-reliant and prepared for all emergencies.

I found a place where we can do our washing done for 50c.

And Mrs. Norton said we could use the tub in the cellar for our collars and cuffs.

Would you say that I look strong-minded? Maybe I ought to get me a Marcel.

Why pay out money for a Marcel when you can curl it yourself?

Oh, it always looks fizzy when I do it myself.

I don't want to look quaint.

What's got into you worrying about your looks all of a sudden?

You never cared.

Well, after all we're career women, why...

It's up to us to be particular about our appearence.

We're really women of the world.

- It's hard to realize. - I know it.

But I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid of anything.

It's funny, I'm not afraid either.

I'm getting $10 a week now.

And in another month I'm going to get a dollar raise.

- No! A raise already? - Hm-hmm.

Oh, Alice, that's wonderful!

It all makes men seem kind of unnecessary, doesn't it?

Well...

- Alice. - Hm?

Would you say Rodney Crane was thin...

...or would you just say he was well-proportioned?

You thought I didn't notice because I was singing.

I'm merely asking.

Well, he's almost as good-looking as Jack Leslie.

Alice Abbott, you're keeping something from me.

- Jack? - Hm-hmm.

- But you'll keep your job, won't you? - Well, just till he graduates.

- He doesn't want me to work. - You gave in just like that?

Did you ever kiss a man?

I didn't think you kissed them, I thought they kissed you.

Well, you got another think coming.

A man never proposed to a girl because she was self-reliant or efficient.

There are a lot of things we never learned at Beecher.

A little kissing now and then is relish for the best of men.

Well, you can go right on kissing them, I'd rather paddle my own canoe.

You can break your back over a kitchen sink, I don't want to.

I wouldn't give up my job for any man living.

- You needn't get so excited about it. - I'm sorry.

It's all right for you if that's what you want.

It's just that I'm cut from another piece of goods.

This job is just the beginning for me.

You take the high road and I'll take the low road.

Ah, the higher the road the better. Watch my smoke.

Bless you.

You won't have to worry about your hay fever much longer, it's raining.

Thank goodness Jack has hay fever too.

- Oh? - Uh-huh.

Look. Another inch and I can sit on it.

Louise, there's a concert Saturday night...

and if Jack took me and Rod took you,

well, it might lead to something.

My world is mine oyster, which I with sword will open.

Shakespeare.

Come on, in we go.

I have a feeling I'm going to be famous.

And I have a feeling you're going to get up and put the light out.

Shall we get out for a while? - Let's do.

Look. There's the Big Dipper.

When I was a little girl, my father used to say if I was good...

...it would pour down hot chocolate covered with whipped cream.

I still expect it to, even now.

I... I shouldn't have done that.

- I apologize. - Don't apologize.

But I kissed you without your permission.

Well, if that's all that's troubling you.

Darling.

- I've wanted to take you out of all this. - All this what?

Give you a home, a real home.

With me coming home from the bank on the 5:15.

You bustling around in the kitchen.

And if you get home before I do, you bustling around in the kitchen?

- You get home from where? - From work, of course.

Oh, Rodney, I do hope we're going to live in New York.

Do you know in New York they pay secretaries $25 a week?

- I'd never permit my wife to work. - Oh, monkey-doodle.

Don't be so old-fashioned. Think what fun it'll be.

Two people pulling together.

Why, with your brains and my getup we'll make a wonderful team.

People would think I couldn't support you.

I want to be able to give you things. A house, a maid...

Oh, what do you care what people think?

If you love someone, it's fun to cook, and wash dishes and scrub floors.

It isn't as if I didn't have prospects.

I'm going to get $66.66 a month to start. In two years...

In two years you'll be making thousands.

In ten years you'll be president of the bank, you mark my words.

- That's what I say, if we only wait. - Why should we wait if we love each other?

The minute you graduate let's whiz right down to the town clerk's office and be married.

- It just isn't done. - Oh, prunes and prisms.

You do love me?

I... I guess I do.

- I feel so... so... - What?

Unambitious.

You will wait for me, won't you, darling?

Only until you get the $66.66.

- I suppose we could live with Mother. - Oh, let's have it perfect.

Let's get a little apartment all on our own.

Even if it's tiny. Let's make our marriage the most wonderful adventure.

Just the two of us against the world.

All right.

I won't say obey, and I won't wear white,

and I won't lose my identity by changing my name.

- But Louise! - But me, no buts.

And we're both going to file health certificates.

- Why? - Because I want all my children to be perfect.

I'm going to have nine.

Nine!

New York it was. The dream city where anything could happen and usually did.

Our little flat had a fine view of the elevated and I loved it the minute I saw it.

It was so bohemian.

# Rock-a-bye baby #

# On the tree top #

# When the wind blows #

# The cradle will rock #

# When the bough breaks #

# The cradle will fall #

# And down will come baby #

# Cradle and all #

# Rock-a-bye baby #

# On the tree top #

# Rock-a-bye baby # # On the tree top #

# Rock-a-bye baby # # On the tree top #

# Rock-a-bye baby #

# On... on... on... on the tree top #

# When the wind blows #

# The cradle will rock #

# When the bough breaks # # The cradle will fall #

# And down will come baby # Darling!

# Cradle and all #

# Rock-a-bye baby #

# Baby... baby... baby... baby... #

Then came war.

And I volunteered to make the world safe for democracy single-handed.

War Garden, I was right in there dishing the dirt...

...though I didn't know a cabbage from a kale.

Bought your Liberty Bonds yet? If not, why not?

I used everything but a blackjack.

- Are Mr. and Mrs. Harolds in? - There's nobody home.

Have you bought your extra Liberty Bond? You must, you know.

We're trying to get the men out of the trenches by Christmas.

Just pledge right here, a $25 bond will do.

Just sign your name and I'll deliver the bond right here, personally myself to this address.

To stress my willingness for personal sacrifice, I drilled for ambulance driving.

To the rear!

Hup!

To the rear! Hup!

But I was no sooner in, then I was out.

And ready to resettle the family in an old house...

...I'd found that looked out across the Hudson.

At the corner was a big oak tree.

It sighed at night and waved its arms gently across the windows.

In we moved, with Mother's furniture.

Despite Rod's protest that it would bust the budget.

Hey, Ma, this is fun!

- Rodney, you'll break that tree! - No, I won't.

Gee, I hope school never opens.

This is sure better than our old sandbox.

Look at me, this is easy!

Rodney! Rodney, come here.

What do you want?

- Look at the kitty. - That's not a kitty, it's a squirrel.

- I see pictures. - It's hungry.

Hey, let's go play in the barn. Come on!

- Look what I found. - Oh, let him go.

All right.

Ohhh!

It has a nest over there with eggs in it, I'll show you.

I don't want to.

Oh, I jumped so much my legs are worn out.

Come on, let's get the sled.

Ma, here comes Pa!

Hi, Pa!

- Hi, kids! - Hello, Dad.

- Hello, darling! - Oh!

- Oh, hello, dear. - That hill was something.

Oh, I did want to have this all straightened up before you came home.

Looks to me like you're pretty well settled.

Oh, we've been working like bees all day long.

Yes, I see you have.

Oh, Mrs. Crane, did you find the glasses?

Um, yes, I'll bring them in to you in a minute.

- Who's that? - The new maid.

- New maid? - Oh, darling,

you remember when you proposed to me you said you wanted me to have a maid.

- But what about our budget? - An absolute treasure.

I found her in the village. Works like a beaver and adores children.

Only $30 a month. Oh, darling, why don't you sit down?

You must be absolutely exhausted. There you are.

This is my eighth barrel of china today.

Louise, don't you think that...

Oh, don't try to change me, dear, you know it's a lost cause.

What goes on? Why are the kids so quiet?

I'm sure I don't know.

Hey, kids! What have you got to say for yourselves?

- My ankles hurt. - My wrists hurt.

I don't feel so good either.

- Oh dear, I do hope... - Calm down, calm down.

- Let's take a look, Johnny. - Here, how do they hurt?

Nothing wrong with that ankle that I can notice.

I don't see anything.

They're probably just tired with the excitement of moving.

Open up your mouth, dear. Say ahh!

Did you sprain it or something?

We'd be all right if we could have some cookies.

Oh, you frauds!

- Don't you want a cookie too? - Uh-uh.

She looks white. I think I'll put the whole kitten caboodle to bed.

Come on, now, it's been a long day, here we are...

- Come on, Johnny. - Rodney. Come on, tomorrow's another day.

- Still hurting. - Oh, you'll be all right.

Well, sounds like the invalids have recovered.

They've been raring to go since dawn.

Children, hurry up. Your cereal's ready.

Ma, Louise won't get up. She's lying on the floor giggling.

You come down here this minute. There's no time to waste.

Every time Louise gets up her feet go right out from under her.

She's a funny kid.

Now you eat all your cereals so you can play outside.

- All right! - We will, Mom.

Boy, it smells good.

Now, now, we can't have any lazy bones.

There's lots to see in the new house.

- I want to stay and watch the squirrel. - What squirrel, darling?

He's right up there. I tried to catch him, but I fell down.

- Did you, darling? - Uh-huh.

I want to have my breakfast here so I can give him some.

Oh.

I'm gonna be a squirrel tamer when I grow up.

You wouldn't want to sit on a pillow in the sun and help Mother shell peas?

Uh-uh... Look!

All right, darling, I'll bring your breakfast up.

I'll give you a nickel if you walk.

I can't, I hurt my ankle.

Central, get me New Rochelle 364.

- Oh, good evening, Doctor. - Good evening.

- Good evening, Doctor. - I'm sorry I couldn't get here any sooner.

- I had an emergency. - That's quite all right, may I help you?

Thank you.

I'll go up, dear. You go and eat your dinner, you're worn out.

And stop worrying. Go ahead, Doctor.

- Louise... - Mrs. Crane...

Who is the best specialist in New York on infantile paralysis?

Dr. Nick Bowditch, in my opinion.

- The other children? - The others too.

John and Barbara will get off lightly.

Slight redness of the throat, but no paralysis evident.

Rodney has signs.

- You might try serum. - Louise?

At present she's only the use of her left arm.

Prognosis for life is fair.

Life? But she doesn't seem sick.

She isn't. But you can't breathe when paralysis reaches your lungs.

Mrs. Crane, Dr. Lewis is on the phone.

- Thank you... - I'll go, dear.

Dr. Bowditch, could I speak to you, please?

Excuse me.

If you don't mind, I wish you'd talk out loud.

You'd better stay here, nurse, please.

Whispering is so depressing.

I don't think you realize how serious this is.

I don't feel equal to being sad.

Ma! Ma!

Yes, darling?

I want a cap pistol to scare the squirrel.

- I want a cap pistol right off. - All right, darling.

Her breathing is hard. I won't take the responsibility.

You don't have to. I will.

Yes, I'll have him call you. Goodbye.

- Rose! Rose! - Yes, ma'am.

Get John's cap pistol. It's in a large box with the 4th of July things in the cellar.

- Why on earth do you want... - Louise wants it.

There's nothing more to be done tonight, Mr. Crane.

I see... Oh, Dr. Lewis wants you to call him.

Oh, yes, yes, of course. Good night.

Good night.

I don't believe you really understand.

I understand everything.

- She'll live, she has to live. - Yes, but...

- I know she'll be lame. - Lame? How do you know she'll walk?

- Because I'll make her. - And you accept it all?

Just like that?

Before you're born you don't have a body.

When you die you leave it. There's nothing really but the spirit.

How can anything hurt that if you don't let it?

I don't see how you can take it like this. It's almost heartless.

Heartless?

Simply because I refuse to crucify Louise by...

...by allowing this thing to assume proportions of a great sorrow?

- How are you going to help it? - By not crying over it.

Not sentimentalizing it.

Paralysis will just be a darn nuisance, that's all.

For her, I mean.

Mrs. Crane.

Yes, that's the one.

Here's your cap pistol, sweetheart. Oh, you'll have to load it for her.

I think you're crazy.

- Can I get up tomorrow? - Maybe.

The squirrel's gone away. He's gone to bed.

- Look, can you see the Big Dipper? - Uh-huh.

If you're a good girl, it'll pour down hot chocolate covered with whipped cream.

And there's Venus, and the Milky Way.

They're a long way off.

Here you are, darling.

I'll bet if I try hard enough, I can hit them.

I bet you can.

Long after midnight as I lay sleepless, I could hear her.

Shooting, shooting, shooting.

Aiming for the stars.

Think up, think down.

Up...

Dow...

You can play with him later! Now, come on, again.

Think up, think down.

Here comes Mr. Crane.

Well, what on earth is he doing home at this time of day?

- Think up, think down. - Good afternoon, Mr. Crane.

Hello, darling.

- Up, down. - Hello, Dad.

Hello.

Let's go in the living room. Rose, look after Louise.

Yes, ma'am.

What is it?

I've lost my job.

Oh! Oh... don't ever do that.

I thought the world had come to an end.

Or someone had been murdered.

- Maybe it strikes you as funny. - It doesn't strike me as funny.

What happened?

Wholesale housecleaning, I got the ax along with 33 others.

Even Fred. He's been with them for 16 years.

- But you're an officer there. - Yes, so were a lot of the others.

War contracts all washed up.

- I never heard of firing anyone just... - You're hearing it now.

You build something up, somebody kicks it down.

Oh, darling, what do you care? You did a good job.

Why not try something different? You wanted to be a surgeon.

Why don't I get that job I'm always talking about?

We can find some cheap little place and start all over again.

You my be down, but never out. This is America, for heaven's sake.

Great Scot, you'd think a man would get a little sympathy from his own wife...

...when he's just lost a swell job he's worked his heart out over.

But no. No, it's just the job was never any good anyway.

And I'm supposed to throw ten years' banking experience...

...into the ash can and go to a medical school.

Anyway, if I were a surgeon,

...you'd want to diagnose all the cases,

make the calls and perform all the operations.

Well, you could collect the fees.

Oh.

Darling, we could make up some prospectuses.

You can get a recommendation from about every bank president in New York.

- Don't worry. - All the banks are cutting down.

There's a recession, in case you're interested.

Oh, you would have been better off not to have married me.

Oh, I admit I wanted you to get ahead.

But love has nothing to do with prosperity.

Oh, now, don't pull out my head, It's bloody but I'm ???

My husband's lost his job, but I'm too noble to care.

- But I do care, I care terribly. - If you really cared, you'd be crying.

I never cry unless I'm sure I'm able to stop.

That's right, always cheerful!

New England, there she stands.

There is no substitute for Grant.

Well, if that's the way you feel about it, I will get a job.

- I'll get two jobs. - For richer or for poorer, eh?

But you can't take poorer. Why take poorer if you don't have to?

Oh, if I died, you'd just regard it as another way to develop your character.

Oh, darling, don't say a thing like that just because I'm determined.

I am what I am, I can't help that.

You remember the story I told you about Grandfather Randall.

Back in 1870 he tried three times before he reached the top of Mount Blanc.

Finally, when he did, why, he was taken by an avalanche on the way down.

But, by George, he made it.

While Rod tramped the streets looking for work, getting more and more discouraged,

I spent my days on the inside looking out.

Oh, the Power and Light Company, and my nights helping with the housework.

Everybody said I was wonderful.

I liked that, who wouldn't?

But now Rod began coming home late for dinner.

He'd phone often saying he'd missed the train.

That wasn't like him.

I'd listen for his step.

I was puzzled.

It's the latest he's ever been and didn't even phone.

- Do you think he's... - Jumped in the river? No, I don't.

What do you mean?

Wives always look for missing husbands in the morgue or the hospitals.

- But generally they find... - Find what?

Find they're not there.

Now why don't you eat that chop? I cooked it nice and rare to give you strength.

- You mean you think... - I think it's foolish to cross a bridge...

...till you come to it. He'll get a job. Mark my word.

Rose was right. He did get a job, even though it took weeks.

Oh, I'll never forget the night he came home on time and told me.

I could have screamed for joy.

Manhattan Trust, five thousand a year.

Why, with your job and my job we'll be able to afford the Sleepy Hollow Club...

...and send the children to a camp.

What's the matter, darling?

You have got the job, haven't you?

- If I hadn't, I couldn't tell you this. - Tell me what?

Is it a girl?

Is she pretty?

Yes... No... I don't know. It isn't that.

She isn't any prettier than you are.

Maybe it's just an infatuation, maybe it won't last.

Oh, no, it isn't that. That would be easy.

You mean you want to... marry her?

Yes.

- But I... I did everything I could, I... - That's just it, you did everything.

A man doesn't want to be done for. He wants to be loved.

But I do love you. You're my life.

Your life!

I was just something on a list. Something that didn't get attended to.

I don't think that's quite fair, after all when things got a little difficult...

I know. When I lost my job. But I didn't want to be pitied.

A man wants someone to admire him and think he's grand.

Well, I love you the way you are, you don't have to be grand.

Oh, it's all so hopeless.

Maybe if I give up my job.

You are what you are and I am what I am.

I don't understand you, you don't understand me.

We never have from the beginning.

A wonderful adventure. A train going nowhere.

I'm sorry, but there hasn't been a day in the past ten years...

I know, I know, too many things happened.

Let's no go over everything and cry and scream. Let's not destroy the past.

You know, it's funny.

I thought when Johnny went to Yale and ran the length of the field for a touchdown,

you and I'd be there together.

Johnny'll be disappointed.

It's no use, Louise.

I'm through!

Living with you and those kids was...

Was like living with Carrie Nation in a den of lions.

That's the evidence the plaintiff has to present, Your Honor.

We rest in your judgment.

Well, Mrs. Crane?

I never wanted to come here. I don't believe in divorce.

But you are divorced when somebody doesn't want to live with you anymore.

Money arrangements have been mutually agreed upon.

- And he may see the children. - The children, I won't give up the children.

He can't make me!

At times and places agreeable to the plaintiff.

I do not find anywhere that the defendant...

...has even suggested that he have custody of the children,

although he appears willing to contribute to their support.

And he hereby agrees to deliver to said plaintiff, as long as she shall live,

tickets to the Harvard-Yale football game.

Well, maybe it was like living with Carrie Nation in a den of lions.

But if I'm going to be alone when Johnny runs the length of the field for a touchdown,

I'm darned if I'll sit behind the goalposts.

Here comes Ma now!

- Hi, Ma! - Come on, children.

- Are you all right, darlings? - Where have you been?

Just a minute, children, sit down and be quiet and I'll tell you.

Tell us what?

Well, I suppose you're old enough to know. You'll have to know some time.

- I, er... I've been getting a divorce. - What's a divorce?

- Is it good? - Where is it?

- Can we see it? - It's a paper...

that says your father and I aren't... that he...

Your father is going to marry another woman, a young woman.

He can't be married to two people, everybody knows that.

But I'm trying to explain that to you. He isn't going to be married to me anymore.

- I think that's mean. - Yeah!

Darling, we mustn't judge people. You don't know, nobody knows.

Well, doesn't he know that when she's 33 she'll be just as old and homely as you are?

Johnny, turn on that switch.

- And not too much spark. - Sit next to me.

All set, Ma!

I'm sick and tired of being a failure!

There she goes!

- Hooray! - Here we go.

Hold on! Where are we going now?

I wish I knew.

I sometimes wonder how my life would have turned out...

if a year later I hadn't gone to the club the night Yale celebrated...

...her cruel victory over Harvard.

Louise! Oh...

Professor, I'm going to take your partner away if you don't mind.

Oh, I don't mind.

You see, I only get to see her about once every ten years.

- What a shame, she's charming. - Oh, thank you, Professor.

Lafayette, we are here.

- Enter and give the password. - Marshmallow.

It's over five years, I bring an old recruit.

- Hello, Lawton. - Louise, it's wonderful to see you.

- It's so good to see you. Hello, Jack. - How are you, Louise?

You don't look a day over than you did in New Haven. The spirit of eternal youth.

- It's all due to my wife here. - Oh, you flatterer.

With the compliments of Mrs. Norton. Those were the days.

- Here's to the Four Musketeers. - Oh, yes, to us!

It's too bad Rodney couldn't be here.

Oh.

- Oh, er... - Let's have a little more punch.

Bathtub gin, vintage 1924.

Better than nothing, but not much.

- Er, Harold, do you mind? - No, no, help yourself.

Look at Santa Claus. He really is all lit up.

How far that little candle throws its beams, so shines a good deed in a naughty world.

Shakespeare.

Oh...

Anyone who can read or write has no place in this willful band of bankers and brokers.

- Enjoy yourselves. - Want to dance, honey?

- Care to dance, Louise? - I'd love it.

- Um, the Christmas tree, you know him? - Oh, sure, that's Harold Pierson.

His family owns those big greenhouses out Briarcliff way.

You must have heard of the Pierson roses.

He's a problem child. His father can't do a thing with him.

The hard guy of up section, they used to call him in the Royal Canadian Dragoons.

- Oh, a Canadian. - No, American from way back.

- Let's talk about you. Alice started... - Let's not, and tell me dear.

What did you ever do with all those dogs of yours?

Still on the shelf. Need dusting badly.

Don't we all?

# ...on land or sea or foe #

# You can always hear me singing this song #

# Show me the way to go home #

I'll bet you don't remember this one.

# By the light #

# Of the silvery moon #

# I want to spoon #

# To my honey I'll croon # # Love's tune #

# Honey moon #

# Keep a-shinin' in June #

# Our silvery beams # # Will bring love's dreams #

# We'll be cuddlin' soon #

# By the silvery moon #

# The silvery moon #

Looking for trouble?

I don't have to. Oh, it's just my feet are tired.

Oh.

You're welcome to sit down. Of course don't, if you don't want to.

I was running away, um... from Queen Elizabeth.

The Spanish Armada, I presume.

Don't let the costume fool you. It's native New England.

Tell me, were you ever in jail?

- No, not yet. Were you? - Sure.

Drunk, disroderly, AWOL, resisting an officer.

I was trying to get transferred to the cavalry.

Oh, what for?

I figured, why walk to them when you can ride.

Lawton MacKall told me you came back with a flock of medals.

Yeah, and a bad reputation.

- Well, how was jail? - It was restful.

I had a volume of Tennyson in my cell.

"I shall take some savage woman. She shall my rear my dusky race."

There's something about you reminded me of that.

# You... It had to be you #

# Ta-da to be you #

That, um... that wouldn't be a crossword puzzle by any chance?

Oh, no, no, it's a racing form.

- Oh. - Sit down, join me in my misery.

- Oh, the masterful type. - Oh, I've got everything,

- Looks, brains, money, personality. - I've heard about you.

- Just what is your trouble? - Purely elemental, I forgot to grow up.

At least that's what my father says. What's yours?

Oh, nothing, except that I wanted to set the world on fire.

And I never amounted to a row of pins.

Soul mates!

- Cigarette? - Thank you.

- You're on fire. - Hm?

You're on fire.

- Are you sure? - Positive.

Excuse me.

Come here... give me your hand!

- You're crazy! - We're both crazy, isn't it nice?

Here we are.

- Oh... - Let me take the clothes.

Thank you.

- Shhh! Quiet! - I'm sorry. What do I do with the clothes?

Oh, hang them anyplace there near the door.

Lucky thing you had this stuff in your locker or we would have caught our death of cold.

- Hand me that chair. - Oh.

- Got a broom? - Oh, yes, here.

Now open the oven door.

Put some paper on it.

- Here. - Oh, thank you.

How will you have them, well-done or rare?

Medium.

- That's cute, huh? - Oh, I like it.

This, um...

...is quite a domestic scene here.

Thank you for showing me your father's greenhouses.

Oh, there's not much in that icebox.

All those acres of roses at night, they're lovely.

This here looks pretty good to me. I'm always hungry after a swim.

- Got any bread? - Oh, yes, right there in the box on the sink.

As a matter of fact I don't go down to the greenhouses very much.

- Oh, I thought you were a vice-president. - Well, I'll tell you.

I draw a VP salary, but my father likes to run his own show.

He's a rugged independent.

And you aren't?

Those are only earmarks of a dirty crack. Got any pickles?

You've been telling me for the past two hours...

...that you're just teaming with ambition. That you wanted to do big things.

Big things, yeah. But ambition's a tricky thing.

You gotta watch it like a hog or you'll wind up with lines in your face and no hair.

Sit down.

- You don't know how right you are. - Bread?

Oh, thank you.

Well, I know what I'd do.

I'd quit sponging off my father and I'd build a greenhouse range of my own.

That's a nice dream, but where would I get $125,000?

I've never saved a dime.

My father always used to say you can do anything in this world...

...if you have brains and try hard enough.

- Oh, I forgot the mustard. - Sit down, sit down.

Over there on the shelf.

You're the bossiest man I ever...

It's about time somebody took your hand.

You're not suggestiong by any chance that you...

I'm positively clairvoyant.

Well, just to prove to you there's nothing up either sleeve,

No, and that's final.

Did, um... anybody ever tell you you're very beautiful?

Oh, the master's touch. That change in timing.

I know you don't believe it, but I'm serious.

Don't be ridiculous. You've only known me two hours.

- Yes, but I feel... - You feel as if you'd known me all your life.

As if I'm somebody out of another world.

Yeah.

It's getting chilly. I'd better be going.

Oh, don't go... I mean, for a minute...

It's fun talking with someone. It's been so, um...

Lonesome?

I don't know what's the matter with me, I never...

It's about time you did.

I guess it's because I've been sort of cooped up.

Well, I'm your answer to a prayer. Marry me and see the world.

- I wouldn't marry again if... - Oh, it's bad as that, huh?

No, no, it wasn't bad at all.

It's me. I'm so dreadful.

- You can't make me believe that. - I am, I tell you.

I'm ambitious. Even if I get lines in my face and no hair.

And I do everything for everybody when they don't want it done.

- Sounds awful. - Yes?

- No. - You see what I mean?

Whatever it is, it's never enough. It's always and, and, and.

- What are you talking about? - Not only that, I'm granite.

- You're what? - Granite.

Yeah, I think you had more to drink than I thought.

Hey, come here, come here.

- See that basket over there? - Yes.

Look at it.

- How many kittens do you see in there? - Two.

Don't be silly!

I'm not being silly. Now I take it back. Say I'm not being silly.

I will not, two grown-up people acting like that...

Say I'm not being silly, come on, come on...

- All right, you're not silly. - All right, that's better now, I guess.

Ma!

Ma!

Business is picking up.

We thought it was burglars and we were gonna kill them.

I don't want to seem curious, but where did you dig up that bunch of wildcats?

Brace yourself. They come with me as standard equipment.

Yeah? Ready-made family, huh?

Well... It's been nice knowing you.

Are you going to get him for our father?

That kid could make a fortune as a tea-leaf reader.

Now, you run along right up to bed.

Good night, Johnny, there's nothing to worry about, come on.

Good night, Rodney.

Well, maybe you can see now why I'm ambitious.

A few things I want to do. You know, like...

sending the boys to college, Barbara to a boarding school,

I even promised Louise I'd get her a pony so she can go faster than other people.

- Oh, I know it sounds crazy. - I know it sounds crazy,

but, you see, if you married me, you wouldn't be struggling alone.

I'd be there swinging with you. I need somebody to push me.

Somebody who's ambitious. Who could say to me as you did...

quit sponging off your father, get a place of your own.

I could do that for you.

- It's only that... - What?

Well, that I made a failure of it the first time.

I tried to make a man into something he didn't want to be.

I don't want to make that mistake again.

You chose the wrong man. Look at the opportunity you gotta work with this time.

You don't have to sell me the idea of being president instead of vice-president.

I'm the kind of guy that likes to start at the top.

Always modest and retiring.

There'll be just as many of my friends sorry for me marrying you with those four kids...

...as there will be yours sorry for you.

Are you sure you don't mind the kids?

What are you talking about, I'd love it, they're part of you.

- And this? - What?

This.

Oh... I think it's wonderful.

Don't you see it's a new life? You and I together.

Two souls with but a single thought.

Oh, we'll knock this cockeyed world...

...for a loop! (in unison)

Cockeyed was right.

We were married just at the end of one little month and swung into high gear.

Millions of cars, millions of radios.

Million-share daze on the New York Stock Exchange.

It was gangway for the millenium.

Take the cash, let the credit go!

In gold we trust.

Did Harold want $125,000 for a greenhouse range?

Just sign on the dotted line.

It was the year Frankie was born and my mother died...

that the fabulous greenhouses were actually under construction.

Before the roofs were on, we started planting.

The roses grew like weeds. Luck was with us.

Prices were sky-high.

And we were able to reduce out $125,000 bank loan by leaps and bounds.

By 1928, we'd paid off all but a paltry $30,000.

- Finished? - Huh?

- Come here, I wanna show you something. - Oh, come on, darling, it's late.

Never mind, come here.

- Well, what is it? - You'll see.

- Come on. - There?

Yeah.

Ohhh!

- Oh! - Well, what do you say?

- They don't look real. Every bud perfect. - Biggest crop we ever had.

You know, every time I look at these roses I think: they're good, they're ours.

Or they will be, after we pay off a little matter of $30,000.

With nothing to start with but a good, strong shoestring.

- Oh, the frenzied financiers. - Yeah...

Well, don't look at me, the deal was your brainstorm.

I still don't understand how you ever pulled it off.

It's very simple, I got Zig Brown to put up the land for a third mortgage,

the greenhouses went $65,000 for a second mortgage...

and the man gave me a first mortgage for $125,000, now do you see?

Now I see it, now I don't.

Sometimes I think we should have had a lawyer.

Oh, no, no, no, a lawyer wouldn't understand it, it's too complicated.

You gotta get used to the idea that you're married to a financial wizard.

Financial fiddlesticks.

Those payments were guaranteed to make you brutal...

...and you were late the last two times.

What are you worrying about? We're always late before any crops.

Next week the money will roll in in carts as we start cutting.

I hope so. There are still a few things I want to do to the house.

- Uh-oh, there she goes, and, and, and. - It's your funeral, you asked for it.

I can take it. Anything your little heart desires.

- That's a big order. - I'd be willing to gamble on it.

- You'd be willing to gamble on anything. - I just happen to be lucky, that's all.

You see, I wanted a boy. Presto, there's Frankie.

- Hiya, Frankie! - Hiya, Pa!

Hey!

You guys'll have to do better than that if you want to make the team I hand over.

Here, let me help you.

- Roddy, you catch, I'll pitch. - Let's do it.

- Ready? - Okay.

There you go.

Hurry up, Pa! Bet you can't do that again, sis.

Go to bat, Barbara, let's do it again.

Isn't she beautiful?

Well, where's your eye, Barbara?

That's it!

That's enough for me.

Aw, come on, Dad...

I'll give you some big leads again tomorrow.

There's your lemonade, why don't you drink some?

- Let's go, Barbara. - Come on!

Ugh!

Now don't tell me I was spoiling them.

They spoiled me when I was a kid and look how fine I turned out.

- Hey, you're crying. - No, no...

It's just the sun that got in my eyes.

Oh, darling, this is just too good to be true.

Now I'm really on the inside looking out.

What do you mean you? This place means as much to me as it does to you.

- Honestly? - Sure.

- Cross your heart and hope to die? - Scout's honor.

It's good to hear you say that. You know, sometimes I've wondered.

You mean you've wondered why a big, handsome, carefree guy...

- Where, who, how... - Me.

Oh.

Could load himself with a wife, five kids, a flock of greenhouses, a bunch of debts...

- You mean, how do I stick it out? - Yeah, how do you?

Search me, I must be plain nuts.

I've often said to myself, Pierson, why don't you get yourself a ticket to Timbuktu...

...and get the heck out of here before it's too late?

- Why don't you? - Only one reason.

- What is it, go on say it. - I don't have to.

- Say it. - No, I don't have to.

There's not a soul around, I mean, come on.

All right, you darned fool, because I love you.

Hello!

- Hello! - Hiya!

# Santa Claus down through the chimney # # With lots of toys #

# All for the little ones, Christmas joys #

# Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go? #

# Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go? #

# Up on the house top # # Click, click, click! #

# Down through the chimney # # With good St. Nick #

# Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go? #

# Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go? #

# Up on the house top # # Click, click, click! #

# Down through the chimney # # With good St. Nick #

- Oh, look at the roses! - Gee wiz!

- Hi, everybody! - Johnny!

- Hello, Ma. - Oh, we didn't expect you till tomorrow.

- Rodney! - How are you, Ma?

- How did you get here? - We hitchhiked, Ma!

Hiya, soldier, how are you? Hello, big boy!

- Hiya, Pa. - How are you men doing anyway?

- Hey! - Hello, Ronnie!

- Come on... - We gotta move, we've only got three days!

- It's good being back, Ma. - It's good to have you back.

I think you've put on some weight. Why don't you wear your galoshes?

Here, hand these things up, dear.

- That does it! - Merry Christmas!

Good night, guys!

Who's looney now? For $2 apiece, that's 60,000 smackers.

I can't believe it yet. When I think how near we came of losing everything.

Oh, you don't know how near.

In fact, people have called me up every hour on the hour for the past ten days.

I was all set to crack town if we didn't hit bingo.

Don't even talk about it. We're in the money now.

Oh, gee, how I wish Mother were here to see this.

It seems every time she came to visit us I was out in the garden eating worms.

For once we're sitting pretty.

Hey, Tony! Tony, come here.

How about getting the boys up to the house for a bite to eat and a glass of wine, huh?

- Oh, no, we are too dirty... - This calls for a celebration!

- Oh, go on, ask them to come along. - Yeah, go ahead.

Thank you.

# Joyful and triumphant #

# O come ye, O come ye #

# To Bethlehem #

# Come and behold him #

# Born the King of Angels #

# O come let us adore him #

Fellas, who hasn't got one here now? There you are.

- Al? - Tony?

Thank you, sir.

- Nino, one for you. - Grazie.

You haven't got one, have you, Dave?

Tony, you and the boys really did a fine job. Everything turned out great.

How about a little more money into your pay envelopes, huh?

If you insist, of course.

- Let's have a little toast! - Ah, the master's voice.

Yes, yes, here's to success. Where better roses are grown,

the Piersons will grow them.

- Salute! - You're very kind, boss.

Oh, telephone! Excuse me, boys.

Hello!

Oh, hello, Jake, Merry Christmas. Just a minute!

Quiet, quiet, everybody! Harold, it's for you!

Come on, come on, boys. This is going to be good.

It'll shake the whole family. Hurry up!

- This is it! - Hello, Jake, Pierson talking.

Merry Christmas. How's the market?

Market? There ain't no market. You busted it.

I what? I busted?

You must be kidding. What are you talking about?

For the past week refrigerator cars of roses...

...have been pouring into New York from those new million-dollar ranges out West.

And your 30.000 was the straw that broke the camel's back.

The market. He says we busted it.

Too many roses.

But we no got too many roses, just about right.

Sure. What you don't know is the market was glutted by the time we started shipping.

Perishable goods, they had to move them.

At 50c for the first five thousand.

A quarter for the next.

About ten thousand go to the dump.

What can you do, boss? Better luck next time.

What next time?

Well...

Andiamo, ragazzi. Good night.

Good night, Tony. Good night, mistress.

- Good night. - Merry Christmas.

Thank you, boys, thank you.

Are we downhearted?

Yeah.

He who has his head among the stars falls in the ditch.

What have you got in your eyes this time?

Nothing, I was just plain balling.

From riches to rags in ten easy lessons.

Mr. Fixit, that's me.

I got you into this mess. You were all right till I got hold of you.

- Who's kicking? - Nobody's kicking.

That's all I want to know.

Who says there ain't no Santa Claus?

Come on, everybody, let's open the presents.

- Well, let's see what we have here? - This is for you, Pa.

Oh, darling, there's something for you over there.

I don't know what it is, Johnny, I can guess, though. It looks like a tie.

Louise, there's something for you down there.

Ma, I want to see Santa Claus.

Santa Claus has come and gone, darling.

Come here, Frankie.

Let's take a good look at the tree, huh?

There's something here, Frankie. Go on and open it.

Look at that big sock, isn't that something?

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to call your attention...

...to this beautiful imported dining-room set.

Absolutely the only one of its kind in the country.

Now, who'll make me an opening bid?

- Fifty dollars. - Fifty dollars, the lady said.

Fifty-five... Sixty... Sixty-five... Seventy.

Seventy-five, who'll make it a hundred? Who'll make it a hundred?

Come, come, ladies and gentlemen, don't you realize that this is imported?

I can't let it go for any hundred dollars?

I tell you America's new frontier is in the sky.

- Don't let anybody tell you different. - Okay, okay, don't be so dramatic about it.

That plane's sure something different from the crazy crates I used to fly back in 1920.

Gosh, I'd give my right teeth to be back in the controls of a plane again.

Just to tinker with it even.

Well, I guess that's out, darling.

You know what we said. No more high finance.

- No more wild schemes. - Just a job. Any old job.

Whatever it pays we'll live on it if it kills us.

I know, I know.

I was just dreaming.

Those planes are sure pretty.

Well, wake up and hear the birdies sing. Maybe Fisher can use a good mechanic.

Well...

We'll certainly find out.

- Good luck, Pa! - Give all you got there, Harold.

I don't see how he can get a job as a mechanic.

He can't fix a thing around the house, not even a washer on the kitchen fawcets.

No man on earth fixes things around the house.

It isn't because they can't. It's because they never can find the pliers.

That's good, maybe he's got a job already.

- All right, children, come on. - Gee, I wish I could take a fly with him.

I never saw a real plane this close before.

- Can we go up, Ma? - We'll see, we'll see.

Give me your hand, dear.

Don't slam the door in your fingers.

I know he's looking for a mechanic and the pay isn't bad.

Sounds good to me. I'll go over and see him when I have time.

- Gee, this sure is a sweet little plane. - I'm sure of it.

- Harold! - Oh.

Hello, I... I was just coming out to get you.

Come here.

Is this the family?

- Is it ours? - I should say not.

We've bought many foolish things in our lives.

I tell you I wouldn't mind owning this plane. It's the sweetest little baby I ever saw.

Hey, Sven, this is my family. Sven Olsen.

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

- I think it's neat. I wish we could... - You're right.

Ideal trainer, 36 ft. wingspread.

Sven used to be with the best designers in the country.

This will be every man's airplane.

One hundred miles for 1 dollar. Even cheaper than running an automobile.

- Is it ours? - No, dear.

When will it be finished so you can fly it?

Well, I wish I knew.

You see, there's the instruments, and the motor, and they all cost money.

You mean you designed and built this thing yourself...

...and now you're held up because of a few measly dollars?

That's right. A thousand dollars would do it.

I know where I can get a good second-hand motor, but you know how it is.

There are so few people with vision.

Rodney, leave that propeller alone.

From then on it would be plain selling.

New designs like this are in demand.

If it's right, there are a dozen firms would jump at the chance to underwrite it...

...with the stock market booming.

Look...

No, you wouldn't. I guess it's no use asking.

Wouldn't what? Don't be so mysterious.

- Is it ours? - No, dear.

You wouldn't consider lending him $1,000?

A thousand dollars!

You know we haven't a thousand cents. That thing isn't even finished yet.

That's why he needs $1.000.

Whoever lends it to him will get in on the ground floor and clean up.

I got men in New York ready to finance it for a million dollars...

...if it's the plane I think it is.

If, yes! Children, come here.

Uh, excuse us.

Do not encourage your father.

- Now, Harold, you know we promised... - Alright, alright...

Just the chance of a lifetime, but I know you wouldn't.

- How can you be so mean? - A hundred miles for a dollar!

- Best designers in the world. - Don't you worry, Pa.

We can earn it. We've got twelve weeks before we have to go back to school.

Oh, this is where we came in.

Expenses? I get a mechanics job with Fisher, that's $35 at least to start.

If it's more, I can brush up on my flying.

Daddy can fly. He can test our new plane!

Mrs. Pierson, honestly, you wouldn't be making any mistake.

Well, it would be the first time.

Father made half a million financing the klaxon horn.

And you lost it making a movie of John Bunyon.

- You can't guess right every time. - Pa's right.

Snap into it, Ma, we've all got to get jobs.

Who wants a white-head secretary?

Jobs are a dime a dozen, everybody but us is going high, wide and handsome.

Look, this mechanics job is alright, and the kids will be eating, but...

...what about the future?

You know, sweetheart, you and I we're... we're not getting any younger.

- So, you see... - Harold.

- Yes? - Be yourself.

Yes.

Well, honey, if this plane does come through...

I know, I know, we'll be sitting on top of the world!

- Yes! - I'm just as bad as the rest of you.

My heart leaps right up when I see this little plane.

When will it be finished, Mr. Olsen, completely?

Well, I figure I can have it ready for testing in a couple of months.

I know it's a terrible gamble, a thousand things can happen...

- but I just have the feeling... - Listen, I tell you, our troubles are over.

- This little baby is right. - After all our brave words...

...about just a job, any old job.

Alright, it's all settled. Everybody goes to work and we invest our money in the plane.

- Nothing ventured, nothing had. - Well, you have to spend money to make money.

- Sure! - All down but nine.

Set them up in the other alley. Officer, we're in again.

Sven!

- Is it ours? - Yes!

Harold!

Drive carefully!

Don't worry, we're all set here. There are the big shots, lots of them.

Fighting to finance the plane if she's right.

- You're sure she is right? - Well, if she isn't, we'll soon find out.

- We're ready! - All right!

Well, nice to have known you.

You'll never get anybody as kindly as I was.

Not with those five kids and that furnace to tend.

- Harold, stop that! - Oh, there's one thing I wanted to tell you.

- What? - I love you!

- What? - I love you!

Oh, I love you too!

I'm only breaking down like this because death seems imminent.

If I live, I don't expect you to take advantage of it.

Here's hoping!

Keep your fingers crossed!

- What are you doing? - Ah, you don't need one with this plane.

No!

- Oh, I can't look, I can't bear it! - Don't worry about Pa, he'll be all right.

Frankie, that's your pa up there!

Hooray! Hooray!

Darling, you made it!

Oh, I have to hand it to you, I'm so proud!

- I told you I was lucky. - Lucky nothing. You flew it like a bird.

That baby flies itself.

Hello, kids, how are you? Hello, Frankie.

- Here comes Wall Street. - I told you that motor was what we needed.

Congratulations, Mr. Pierson, it was a grand trip.

You really liked it?

- You too. - You really have something.

- Thank you, sir. - Yes, indeed, I was just telling...

...Mr. Abercrombie, with a sweet little proposition like this,

we should pool our interests.

Olsen said something about a million dollars.

I don't see why we shouldn't do better than a million dollars.

- You hear that? - I'm not surprised.

I mean, I am surprised, I...

I'm a little excited, it's a pretty big day for all of us.

I should say it is.

Honey, this is Mr. Abercrombie, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Anderson.

As you may have suspected, gentlemen, this is my family.

- Congratulations to all of you. - Thank you.

- From now on the sky is really your limit. - Well, sir, I hope you're right.

Olsen, can you and Pierson be in my office tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock?

I think we'd better form a new corporation.

Oh, darling, I do wish the boys were here. But we'll telegraph them on the way home.

- You know what we're gonna do on the way home? - What?

We're gonna stop at the butcher's and get a nice big juicy steak...

...about two feet thick and about three feet long.

- Ah, that was the best steak I ever ate. - Sure it wasn't too rare?

No, no, no, just right.

By the way, Mrs. Pierson, now that we're rich,

what are we going to do with all our money?

She's going to buy me a plane of my own so I can go ???.

First thing I'm going to do is buy a new record for that phonograph.

Oh, Ma, this is a Rudy Vallee special.

Now that we have a plane, do I still have to brush my teeth?

Three times a day.

I don't want to seem grasping, but I could use a new pair of socks.

Well, I'll go out tomorrow and buy you a dozen new pair.

I'm dying to see one of those new talking pictures.

We haven't been to the movies in ages.

- You know, I've been thinking. - What?

I like this old house.

We've had fun here. I think we ought to settle down.

- Why don't we buy it? - Oh, let's!

- Well, what do you say? - No, no, no.

When we settle down, let's do it in style.

When we get rolling, I'll get you a real place, make this look like a lean-to.

Harold.

I'll take it.

If it's Rodney or John, I want to talk with them.

Me too!

Extra, Extra! Get your latest news. Read all about it!

May be something in it about testing the plane.

Oh, do you think so?

- Extra, paper! Paper, lady? - Yes, please.

Here's a dime. Don't spend it all in one place.

Thanks a lot!

I know. That was Olsen on the phone.

Our bankers are out as lights. They've lost their shirts.

It isn't only them. Millions of people went down.

I guess the party's over.

As far as I'm concerned, they can give this country back to the Indians.

If they're smart as I think they are, they won't take it.

Well, this has...

...all the aspects of an undesirable situation.

What, uh... new approach can you suggest?

What's the matter with us, for heaven's sake? We have brains,

ambition, background, we work like dogs.

Maybe native Americans are extinct and don't know it.

Maybe they ought to put us on a reservation like the bison.

I'm sorry I dragged you and the kids into this thing.

I was sure I could make a go of it.

Still love us? Five hostages in a ball and chain?

That's why I feel so darned bad.

Isn't there an easier way to earn a living than by being kicked in the teeth for it?

There doesn't seem to be.

Sometimes I think if Plymouth Rock had landed on the Pilgrims,

a lot of trouble would have been saved.

And then came six black years. Prosperity was just around the corner.

But which corner? Of course there were bright spots.

Like when John graduated from Yale...

...and was granted a scholarship at the College of Physicians and Surgeons,

Rodney rode in the freshman race against Harvard,

and Barbara married a man as solid and dependable as the Rock of Gibraltar.

So, until 1936, the only members of our little band of wildcats left with us...

...were Frankie and Louise.

# Brother, can you spare a dime #

Louise.

Isn't life depressing enough without that?

# We're in the money # Must we go to extremes?

- Well, find anything? - Yes.

They want a truss fitter and a neat-appearing colored man on bycicle.

Trouble with me is I didn't specialize.

- Pretty skinny picking. - Supporting a family is a man's job.

Supporting a family is a problem.

If I could only find the formula.

- Look, what do you suppose this is? - What?

Mr. X, a former clergyman, made $175.89 last week.

What's a clergyman got that you haven't got?

Well, he's got God on his side.

We want to talk with a man who wants to step out of a rut.

Do you suppose they want to talk to a man who wants to step out of a canyon?

It doesn't say.

What kind of a racket do you suppose they've got?

Heaven only knows but we'll certainly find out.

- Any port in a storm. - Good luck, Pa.

- Good hunting, Pa. - Thank you.

- Keep a light burning in the window for me. - All right, darling.

Ah!

Has Mr. Smathers made any appointments for me?

- What? - I can't understand it, he was going to.

If you don't mind, I'll come in and speak to you about it.

What's the matter with you, have you lost your mind?

Just practicing. Look, honey. Our future.

Good grief! Oh, you can't sell vacuum cleaners, you simply can't!

Wait a minute, don't get up in the air. I went to see those guys,

Mr. A,B,C and whatnot.

They actually did make $176.89 last week.

- These darn things sell like hotcakes. - Oh, stop.

No, no, they've got a class to teach you.

If you just follow the instructions in the little book they give you,

you can't help selling a vacuum a day even if you haven't got any leads.

Just ring doorbells, absolutely cold.

Says they! Mr. X probably wore his clerical garb.

You know, sort of sailing under false collars.

Louise, open the door and I'll show you how it's done, come on.

Now, I'm the salesman, you're the customer.

You haven't got any money, you never buy anything at the door,

you're busy cooking and you don't want to be bothered.

Uh... and you don't like my looks.

Oh, you know your father.

Say, Louise, give me some warm water, will you?

Has Mr. Smathers...

- All right now, please be serious. - Do I have to be?

- Yes, I want to practice. - Okay.

Let's try again. Has Mr. Smathers made an appointment for me?

- Yes. - No, no, he hasn't.

There's no Mr. Smathers. That's just a lead line.

- Now, come on, be tough with me. - Really tough?

- Yeah, throw the book at me. - All right, here goes now.

Okay?

Has Mr. Smathers...

...made an appointment for me? - No!

- He hasn't? I can't understand it. - Hey, my chemicals!

- Quit shoving! - Well, sometimes you have to.

My goodness, madam, what a beautiful place you have here.

Won't you sit down?

Well, I really shouldn't. I'm right in the middle of cooking dinner.

This will only take you a very few minutes. Won't you kindly sit down, please. Thanks.

Now, while we're waiting for Mr. Smathers to show up,

I'd like to get your name and address.

We're making a survey of automatic equipment.

Oh, Louis Pierson, 859, Hudson Street.

- Did you say Pierson? - Yes.

I once had an aunt named Pierson. Isn't that a coincidence?

- Married or single? - Married.

Oh... I wonder if you'd mind telling me your income, Mrs. Pierson?

Er... confidential of course.

I... have no income. Confidential, of course.

Hm-hmm, no income...

That's fine, Mrs. Pierson, just fine! Now, I wonder...

Would you mind telling me what kind of a vacuum are you using now?

I'd like to see it, please.

- Oh, now look what you've done! - I'm sorry, it's probably in the kitchen.

- No, I give up, I quit, it's right here. - It is?

Madam, don't tell me you're still using the Civil War model.

Remember, Mrs. Pierson,

what was good enough for your grandmother is not good enough for you.

Now, we'll just prepare the room...

...for the demonstration. This will take only a few moments.

- Hey, hey! - Don't worry, it's perfectly all right.

I'll clean it up in a minute.

- Stop that! - Now I'll show you what I mean.

Here is your vacuum cleaner.

See?

See?

- I knew it wouldn't work. - What?

I said I knew it wouldn't work.

Maybe it would be simpler if we just moved out.

No, no, it's your machine that's at fault. Now let me show you the wonder machine.

The vacuum of the future in the present.

No stoop, no squat, no struggle. Just watch.

You press the button...

See how it picks up cleanly? Se how it picks up every particle?

Notice the suction how it pulls at the rug, do you notice that?

- See that? - Yeah!

See how it picks up every little particle. Now!

Just open the bag and see what we have.

- Whatever it is would be news. - Oh, Mrs. Pierson.

I didn't want you to see this. You know, Mrs. Pierson,

you're not giving this fine rug of yours the treatment it deserves.

Not that it's any fault of yours.

I could see the minute I entered this room what a perfect housekeeper you are.

You just didn't know this condition existed.

I don't think I'm interested and I know husband wouldn't be.

Your husband? I'm sure he would be.

When he sees the fine new shoe polisher attachment we have.

- Oh! - Not only this, but the moth sprayer,

the upholstery... thing, The, er... cravostat.

And the er... flaggel. Now...

You simply attach this down here on the side...

...by pushing this down, like that, see?

Stick this in here now, and turn this on, see?

Look what you're doing! Turn that thing off!

Put the bag someplace... never mind the bag, find the switch!

It's on that thing! Turn it off! Get that contraption out of here!

Come on, never mind about it!

- And take all your other gadgets with you. - I'm sorry, it's...

- Cut it out or I'll call... - I'm amazed we got as far as we got.

And take that!

Hey, let me in! It's me, your husband!

Hello, darling.

- You ought to see your face. - You ought to see yours.

Do you honestly think you can sell these things?

Oh, sure, I'll make you proud of me. I'll bring home a hatful of dough, honey.

Has Mr. Smathers made an appointment?

Bye!

Good luck, darling.

My lifesaver!

Are you all right?

Never better! Bye!

Old Mother Hubbard.

Well, no matter how thin you slice them, they're still onions.

No matter how often I eat them, I still don't like them.

Oh, well, it's a relief after all that split-pea soup we've been having.

- How are you coming, Frankie? - It's awful slow work.

Do you suppose they'll ever turn on the lights and gas again?

All we need is faith and a little money to pay the bills.

Pa will sell one of those things pretty quick now. You wait and see.

I can't bear to think of your father lugging that thing miles and miles...

...with people slamming doors in his face. Don't even talk about it.

Knock-knock!

- Who's there? - Wolf.

Wolf who?

Well, for heavens sakes if I didn't sell a vacuum today.

- No! - Yeah!

Mr. X has nothing on me. Our worm has turned.

Oh, you poor thing, I didn't think you'd sell one of those things in a million years.

Oh, no? Well look, my first commission.

- Don't say I'm not a good provider. - Oh, you're wonderful!

Absolutely wonderful!

Baby, it's nothing, just wait till I get started.

- Ah, what are we having for dinner? - Uh...

Don't tell me, don't tell me, I got it right on the tip of my nose.

You are positively clairvoyant. Onion sandwiches.

Yeah, well, eat them and weep, family, for the last time.

You said it. Wait till you see what I'll cook for you tomorrow night...

- ...after I've bought my double boiler. - What?

- Boiled onions. - Oh, Louise.

Drag them up here!

All right boys, now to our game, 50c a kill.

- That's alright with you, gentlemen? - It's alright with me.

Is there anybody else in the wait here?

If you're not satisfied, sir, I can quit any time you want.

How do you like that? Right off the putt.

Ah!

- Well, boys? That's me in the eight ball. - That makes fifteen today.

- And 34 yesterday. - You're not doing bad, brother.

That's the way it goes. Some days you can't help but win.

- I think that's enough for me. - You're not quitting, are you?

Hey, give us a chance to get even here.

- Maybe tomorrow. - Oh, don't mess up the game.

I'm thirsty. You know, the flaws of depressives.

Yeah, am I depressed.

Has Mr. Smathers made an appointment for me?

Well, uh... funny thing, he never showed up.

- Waiter. - Yes, sir?

Another beer here.

Well... I like your office.

Yeah, it'll do for a start.

- All customers? - Uh... prospective.

- How's business? - It's picking up, I, uh...

...just chalked up a swell deal in there.

- Think there's any future in it? - Um... yeah.

When I get going I think I'll knock out that wall there and...

...put in a bigger bar.

Oh, there I'll put in a little more booze and I think I'd increase the help a little bit.

- Then when things... - Harold.

Honey, I just couldn't sell those darn things.

This was the best thing I knew to do.

Go on, bone me out, I don't blame you.

Me and the big shot.

You don't have to sell me the idea of being president instead vice-president.

I'm the kind of a guy that likes to start at the top.

Well, you just do the best you can and...

Then if nothing happens, why...

...you just do the best you can.

I know.

If you had any sense, you'd leave me.

You know perfectly well I haven't got any sense.

You're hopeless.

- Is that bad? - No, it's not bad.

This came for you today when I was leaving.

- Think I can get drunk on this? - Hm-hmm.

- Great Caesar's ghost! - What is it? What's the matter?

This time Mr. Smathers really did make an appointment for me!

- What is it, silly? - Say I'm not silly.

- You're not silly. - I'll say I'm not silly.

I've got a date with a guy regarding the super-duper job...

...I've been gunning for for weeks.

Holy superintendent of planting at the New York World's Fair.

- No! - Yes!

- Hand me over your ill-gotten gains. - Why, what's the idea, what...

If you've got a job at the World's Fair, we've got to have some decent clothes.

- That's right. - This is enough for a shirt, some shoes, a tie.

- What you need is a new suit! - New suit, yeah!

Sit tight, baby. Be back in a few minutes.

All right, boys, count me in. Next in line.

Come park your car! Drive right in, folks!

There's always room for one more.

Yesterday 50c, today only 35.

Drive right in to the particular parking lot for particular people.

People who don't particularly care what happens to their car.

We dent your fenders, scratch your mufflers, solve your problems.

Plenty of room in the rear here! Park your car, sirs.

Just a hop, skip and a jump from the main entrance to the Fair!

Right this way, sir! You know there's a spot when you see it, right this way!

Nothing to worry about, sir. Parking cars is our hobby.

- We'll be back in about two hours. - Thirty-five cents, please.

Thank you. Be sure and stop in at the chemistry exhibit.

Hear my brother Frankie lecture you on plastics.

- Thank you. - Bye-bye.

Careful with your fender on the right, don't hit the coupe on the left...

- Right around there... - Hey, Ma, we're all filled up!

We'll leave it in the middle and park it later when somebody drives out.

There you are, sir. Don't hit that other car.

That's alright, sir. Leave it here for now. Step right out, boys.

Leave the keys in the car, sir. I'll have it parked later for you.

That'll be 35c, please.

- What time do you close? - Two o'clock in the morning.

There you are, thank you very much.

Turn right to the left, you'll be at the main entrance to the Fair.

Don't forget to look at the flowers, my husband planted every one of them.

Hey, no more room!

- Watch out for the millionaire! - Hey!

Hi, Ma, what do you know?

- How are you doing, Ma? - Johnny, Rodney!

Well, I was never so glad to see anyone in my life!

How are you, sweethheart? Oh, it's good to see you!

- Have you got room to park this Rolls-Royce? - We'll find room...

...if we have to put it on the front porch.

Let me look at you. You don't look like a doctor.

It's because I don't have my little black bag.

Oh, how about this new suit. You look pretty snazzy.

You look pretty nice yourself. But what's with parking lot racket?

- I thought you were in the money. - No, Frankie has his heart set on Harvard.

- I thought I'd make hay while the sun shines. - Harvard? What's the matter with Yale?

- Yeah, it was good enough for us. - I'd better check the supplies.

Barbara! Oh, Barbara!

Talking, talking. You owe me 35c, come across!

Hello, sis, how are you? Golly!

Say, you're walking better than I've ever seen you.

- Now, don't give me that, come on! - Oh, cut it out, Shylock.

Hiya, weasel.

You're the big businessman now. How about you shelling out?

I only work at the factory, I don't own it.

- Barbara! - What's up?

- The marines have landed! - Huh?

- Look who's here! - Well!

- Why don't you go get dressed, Ma? - What?

- Barbara! - Hello, children!

Children? How do you like that? Look who's talking.

- Say, tell me, did you bring the baby? - Yeah, what happenend,

- did your old man throw you out? - He sent little or no regards for you.

- Hi, Ma! - Hello, Frankie!

- How much money did we make today? - Never you mind, we got company.

- What do you mean? - Take a look!

Hey, hello, strangers!

- Hiya, genius, how are you? - Fine, good!

Say, tell me, pal, when are you going to start to shave?

Oh, I do, all the time.

Gee, it's been awful without you guys here. Nothing but women.

- Are you kidding? - Oh, I was just kidding.

- Hello, darling. - Oh, hello, sweetheart.

- How's the racket business? - Don't look now but the boys are home.

I know... I mean, you know George? George, this is Mrs. Pierson.

- Good evening, ma'am. - How do you do, George?

Who's the Greek bearing tulips?

- He's not a Greek, he's a Romanian. - So?

He's an authority on Middle-European tulips, you see,

and they have to be put in a jar a certain way, so...

...he's going in the house and putting them in a jar for you the Middle-European way.

- Harold. - Y-yes...

Uh, George, suppose we proceed along the lines we discussed, huh?

- Yes, of course. - Oh... sorry...

Well, well, fancy meeting you here! Hello, Johnny, how are you?

- Good to see you. - Big boy, how are you?

Say, Pa, do you think Ma suspects anything?

I think everything's under control. Is dinner about ready?

All set up. Been slaving for hours.

That's George, a Romanian villain. He's gonna add the finishing touches.

Why, uh... why don't you kids go in and take a look at our villa.

It was a little rugged at first but your mother's done wonders with it.

- Can you take care of us? - Oh, well, uh...

We can try. I guess there's always room for one more.

Straight back there, watch those other cars. Now keep a little to the left.

That's it, here we go! Watch that fender there.

There we are, turn right around the parking right...

There... keep moving to the left... That's right, leave it right there.

You can leave the keys to your car, I'll park it later. That'll be 35c.

Here's your stub, don't lose it.

Don't forget to look at all the flowers. My husband planted every one of them.

All right, thank you.

Look, honey, don't you think you've done enough for today?

Why don't you go in the house and put on your best bib and tucker.

And keep on pretending I don't know it's my own birthday like I always do?

- Look, honestly, Louise, I... - Harold.

# Bulldog, bulldog, bow-wow-wow # # Eli Yale! #

# Bulldog, bulldog, bow-wow-wow #

# Our team can never fail! #

# When the sons of Eli # # Break through the line #

# That is the time we hail #

# Bulldog, bulldog, bow-wow-wow # # Eli Yale! #

- What's the matter with Harvard? - Booo!

Now settle down, kids. Well, how about it?

Here's to you know who.

Fearless, intrepid, indestructible,

without whose...

- Say it! - What?

- Go on, go on, say it, Harold. - Not tonight, I changed my mind.

Kids, from there on, you can write your own ticket.

- To the queen. - To Ma!

Thank you!

- Speech! - Come on, Ma...

- Speech! - Just this time!

I'm overcome, I've eaten so much and I've laughed so much.

- For once I'm speechless. - Oh, this I gotta see.

May I put in a few words, please?

- You will, anyway. - Yes.

Well, when I first met Mrs. Pierson, I suffered from soft smooth hands.

But after one application of the toe of her boot to the seat of my pants, I...

Frankie, what have you got to say for yourself?

Well, I can't make a speech without any wine.

- Well... - It's all right, Harold.

- Well, this once. - Special occasion.

- That's only half a glass, Pa. - Well, make half a speech.

Ladies.

- What about gentlemen? - Well, that's half a speech.

He stuck my chin out.

Seriously, Ma, this is the first wine I've ever had.

Officially.

And I just want to say that, Ma, I think you're swell, and I love you.

That's a nice speech. I loved the speech.

Forty-nine, fifty.

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, dear Ma!

Happy Birthday to you!

What a beautiful cake! George, is that your work of art?

- Thank you, madam. - Well, let this be a lesson to me.

You know, children, for a woman of ninety, your mother's...

- ...certainly marvelously preserved. - Oh, Harold.

Come on, make a wish.

I wish...

- Oh, come on, come on! - I'm not as young as I used to be.

- If at first you don't succeed. - Try again! You get three chances.

Come on, take a nice deep breath this time.

What's the matter?

The lights are going out on the Polish Pavilion.

Huh?

Well, there goes the world of tomorrow.

I always said we should have marched straight into Berlin...

...and hung the Kaiser but nobody'd listen to me.

So there's only one thing to do, get out the old uniform.

I'm afraid not, Harold. Wars are fought by the young.

Yes, but...

Every time I get my ship on an even keel something goes bang.

Hello? Yes, sir.

Well, we'll put a tracer on it.

We ought to know in an hour. I'll call you back.

Hello.

Check these orders and give me a memorandum.

All right, I will. Hello, hold on, will you?

- Let me have ten copies. - All right, I will. Hello.

Oh, hello, Johnny, how are you?

Oh, you're coming in town? Did they give you leave?

Oh...

Oh...

Rodney too?

All right, I'll tell Harold.

No, no, Louise is on another shift.

All right, darling, we'll be there.

Here's the lists you wanted.

Would you watch my phones while I'm out, please? Thank you.

- John and Rodney leave at six o'clock. - What?

- John and Rodney leave at six o'clock. - I can't hear you!

- There's Frankie! - Huh?

Ma!

- Frankie! - Hi, Ma.

- What are you doing here? - Hello, Einstein. You look good.

Oh, I feel good. I got through with my exams early, so I thought...

- Have you seen the boys? They said... - Johnny's over here. Come on.

I don't see him.

- Where's Louise? - She's working.

- Oh. - Hey, look at those Canadians.

- Wonder what outfit they're with. - Oh, there he is!

- H-Hello, Johnny! - Johnny!

Sergeant Henry G. Forest. Report to Station Master's office.

- Hi, Ma! - Hi, darling.

- You look very handsome. - It's the brass buttons.

- Hello, Captain. - Admiral.

- Oh. - I can't seem to get this cap right.

Yeah, well, maybe if you tip it a little to the side.

- Better? - Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Uh... Oh, there's Rodney!

Rodney!

- I'd like to talk to my mother. - Where is she?

Right over here.

Okay, but be back in a minute.

- Hiya, Ma. - Hello, darling.

Gee, I was afraid you couldn't make it.

Hiya, Pa.

Louise is working... or have I said that?

If I'd known in time, I would have made some fudge and knit a sweater or something, I...

If you have any choice, why don't you try to get into the Tank Corps?

Why walk to them when you can ride?

It's the only way you'll get there with those flat feet.

Oh, yeah? You sink them, we'll shoot them.

Yessir, Frankie here'll blow them sky high!

Oh, Frankie's got a lot to do yet at Harvard.

Hey, buddy.

I had a million things to say to you, can't seem to think of any of them.

Where's your coat? Are you good and warm enough, darling?

- Sure, Ma. - If he isn't, that nice, kind sergeant...

...will give him his no doubt.

- Well, goodbye, soldier. - Goodbye, Pa.

- Don't do anything I'd do. - So long, Ma.

- So long, Rod, take care of yourself. - By, Ma.

- Goodbye, dear. - Don't forget to write.

We'll write.

Train number 6 leaving at 6:40.

Gate C now open.

Sleeping car section not yet open.

You'll be notified in ample time to board this train.

- Take it easy, Rod! - Yeah, remember me to Hitler.

Attention, please. Train number 6 leaving at 6:40, Gate C.

Sleeping car section now open.

- Have you got your ticket? - Um, this trip's on his uncle.

- What? - Uncle Sam.

- Okay, buddy, okay. - Bye, Rod.

All right. I think we'd better be going, huh?

Looks like we're blocking traffic here.

Attention, please. Technical Sergeant George M. Carter...

...please call at Station Master's office.

Southern Limited leaving at 6:15 on track 10.

Well, folks, that's me. I've got to shove off.

- Why, I thought you had at least... - I stayed over two trains already.

They get annoyed if you hold up the fleet.

Well.. where are you going? When will we see you?

He can't tell you where he's going, Louise, he doesn't know himself.

Give my love to Barb when you see her, and Louise...

- And tell her to keep the stuff coming. - You bet we will.

Just write care of Fleet Postmaster.

Johnny, I remember the last war we went across we...

You know, Pa... Rod and I never got around to telling you...

I mean, how swell you've been.

Like when we smashed up the car and...

...when I pretty near got thrown out of school.

You never said a word.

I guess we were pretty awful. The way you put up with Mother too.

Now, I like that. See here, young man...

Lieutenant Crane, if you please.

You kids were never much trouble. It's your mother that was the problem.

- If I hadn't had a wiil of iron, I'd... - All aboard!

Well, Lieutenant Crane.

Now, Ma, let there be no moaning of the bar...

When I put out to sea. Lord Tennyson.

Alfred Lord Tennyson. That shows you how much Yale has it over Harvard.

Bye, Ma.

Goodbye, darling.

- Goodbye, Pa. - Goodbye, Johnny.

Keep an eye on her while we're away and...

...don't let her get any bright ideas for winning this war.

You be careful. Don't take the destroyer in deep water.

- I won't. Bye. - Bye, darling.

- Bye, Johnny. - Bye, Frankie.

Sergeant Henry G. Forest,

report to Station Master's office.

Sergeant Henry G. Forest,

report to Station Master's office.

- Well, Frankie... - Look, Ma, let's sit down a minute.

- It's time to get up. - Thank you, miss.

- Is there anything else I can do for you? - No, thank you.

- You think John looked thin? - No, I thought he looked just about right.

- I don't know, he seemed to me... - You sit down, Pa, you're older.

- Excuse me, son. - That's all right.

Uh... look, Ma.

There's hardly anybody left at Harvard, so...

I thought if you'd just sign this,

- Sign what? - Well, then I could...

Attention, please.

Second section of the Western Arrow now arriving on track 7.

Captain Carl Hinton please call at the Station Master's office.

Let me see, dear.

So that's it. Now look, Frankie.

- You're just seventeen and I think... - Wait a second.

After all, we're all entitled to make our own decisions.

- Harold, I think the boy is too... - What right have we, you and I, to interfere?

I filled in some other things to make it easier for you, Ma.

- Do I have to sign it now, this minute? - Well, it won't be any easier later on.

You know, Frankie, I tried to get in myself, but they wouldn't take me.

- Yeah? - Too old.

Gee, that's tough, Pa, but then things have changed since your war.

Listen, young man,

how long do you think it took us to get a Vickers gun into action in Vimy Ridge, huh?

- Eleven seconds. - Hm? Oh...

Gee, Ma, you ought to see the new Brownings.

I'm gonna try for a private in the paratroopers.

Good grief!

Don't worry, the awards come out so fast you get to be a lieutenent in no time.

- Gee, thanks, Pa. - Yeah.

Thanks, Ma.

- Wish me luck. - Where are you going?

I gotta get to the recruiting office before it closes.

- I'll see you at home. Bye. - Good luck, Frankie.

Bye, Ma!

Frankie.

Well... that's that.

I don't know what's the matter with me.

- I always found I wouldn't and here I am. - You did fine.

Don't worry, they're all chips off the old block.

Nothing's ever gonna lick them, poverty, or sorrow, or...

Germans or Japs.

I wanted them to have such a wonderful life. It seems as if every time...

They had everything that counts. Suppose they did get it the hard way.

I mean, what if they'd had everything handed to them on a silver platter...

...the way you wanted, how do you know what the hell they'd have turned out?

And they had you always as an example in front of them,

knocking your head against a stone wall and turning up grinning.

Oh, they may be down, but they'll never be out.

I can't help wishing we'd stayed in one place more than five minutes...

...so they'd have had a home to remember, you know, to think about while they're gone.

Home is where you were.

Honey, home's a feeling, not a place.

Still, they ought to have something solid.

Something secure to come back to.

Yeah.

Well, I think...

I think maybe a farm's the answer. Back to the land.

Yeah... you know, maybe we could get a little place somewhere.

You know, sort of 50 acres and develop it gradually.

What are you gonna do with 50 acres? If you're gonna have cattle,

you've got to have at least 200.

Who said anything about cattle, I was thinking turkeys...

Ah, phooey on turkeys. That's just one season. Now, if you got cattle...

...and a flock of sheep.

Well, of course if we had a garden, and some ducks and chickens,

...maybe the place would be self-supporting.

Self-supporting... I just read the other day about a guy who started out with nothing...

- but cattle and sheep and no time at all... - He lost his shirt.

All right, all right.

I know, you were just dreaming.

They can't shoot you for dreaming. Not here at any rate.

That's right.

America's the place where you're free to make a million and lose a million, drunk or sober.

I thought you were the one who wanted to give it back to the Indians.

No, not as long as I still have my health and my strength.

Honey, what do you think about this for a brand? L-H?

Harold, don't rant! Turkeys, anybody knows that.

I know that. Who's talking about turkeys?

- Turkeys only get one shot, Thanksgiving. - Or two Thanksgivings.

Subtitles: Lu�s Filipe Bernardes