Original subtitles

(raining)

(thunder crashing)

(thunder crashing)

- Hear it?

- Call me Pavlov's wolf, but every time it thunders,

- Call me Pavlov's wolf, but every time it thunders,

it reminds me of Cora Wilmington.

it reminds me of Cora Wilmington.

I ever tell you about Cora?

Girl I knew in college.

Girl I knew in college.

Whenever it thundered, she always wanted to...

Whenever it thundered, she always wanted to...

Oh, you're too young.

Too young to hear about such phenomenon.

Too young to hear about such phenomenon.

(engine sputtering)

(engine sputtering)

- It's heading this way.

Stop the car.

Out.

(crashing)

(splashing)

(splashing)

(explodes)

- I tried to get the pilot.

- I tried to get the pilot.

I tried to get the pilot out.

He's dead.

He's dead.

- We can't move him, but we can't leave him here.

- We can't move him, but we can't leave him here.

- Get my belt out.

- Get my belt out.

My belt.

Open.

You give it to the kid.

Now promise me, promise me, promise.

Now promise me, promise me, promise.

Promise, promise me.

- Okay, what kid?

- Okay, what kid?

- You know it's funny...

- You know it's funny...

I always thought that when you're just about set to die,

I always thought that when you're just about set to die,

you just, like everything fogs up, but...

you just, like everything fogs up, but...

Maybe because I spent my whole life in a fog.

Maybe because I spent my whole life in a fog.

- There's a gas station about 10 miles back,

- There's a gas station about 10 miles back,

you want me to call an ambulance?

- She wasn't like the others, she was maybe 35, maybe 40.

- She wasn't like the others, she was maybe 35, maybe 40.

She said, you know, hustling drinks, just hustling drinks.

She said, you know, hustling drinks, just hustling drinks.

Lonnie.

Lonnie.

Lonnie, that was her name, Lonnie.

Lonnie, that was her name, Lonnie.

That's all I know, just Lonnie.

I heard one of the customers call her Lonnie.

I heard one of the customers call her Lonnie.

That's all I remember, Lonnie.

I was passing through Savannah on a card trip.

I was passing through Savannah on a card trip.

It was October, October '39.

'39.

There was wood smoke out back.

There was wood smoke out back.

They were burning leaves.

We could see the fires from where we were.

For a while out there in the dark,

For a while out there in the dark,

I thought she was crying for me,

but it was from the wood smoke.

I never came back.

I heard there was a child,

I heard there was a child,

and I never came back.

and I never came back.

Until now.

(somber music)

- 24 years ago, a waitress named Lonnie and wood smoke.

- 24 years ago, a waitress named Lonnie and wood smoke.

That's what you're looking for, Linc, wood smoke.

That's what you're looking for, Linc, wood smoke.

It's gone, vanished.

- We're looking for it.

He was talking to you too.

He was talking to you too.

- Why is it people always get hung up

on promises to the dying?

on promises to the dying?

If he'd stopped you on the street

and tried to hustle you into this,

you'd have figured it was some sort of a con

you'd have figured it was some sort of a con

and told him to get lost.

But because he was taking his last breath,

But because he was taking his last breath,

you had to come charging into Savannah

you had to come charging into Savannah

full of sentimental dedication.

You know, I think Freud was right.

You know, I think Freud was right.

If we paid more respect to the living than the dead,

If we paid more respect to the living than the dead,

the world would be a better place.

the world would be a better place.

- You know, maybe somewhere in this city,

there's a young man or a young woman

there's a young man or a young woman

that knowing who their father was

would mean something to them.

And maybe if we find him or her, give him a choice,

And maybe if we find him or her, give him a choice,

old memories and new money versus no memories and no money,

old memories and new money versus no memories and no money,

he may not want any part of Mr. Gerald Ward.

he may not want any part of Mr. Gerald Ward.

And he may, I don't know.

And he may, I don't know.

The point is that's for him to decide.

And after all this time, I'd say he's

And after all this time, I'd say he's

entitled to the choice.

entitled to the choice.

That's how I'd want it.

Okay?

(horn honking)

(horn honking)

- Now will you listen?

- So that's southern hospitality.

- So that's southern hospitality.

- I thought he was pretty cooperative,

considering you wouldn't tell him

why you wanted the information,

why you wanted the information,

and they're not allowed to give out statistics on things

like birth and parentage without a court order.

like birth and parentage without a court order.

- Court order?

- Court order?

- To check the record of births in Savannah

for the month of June, 1940.

for the month of June, 1940.

Mother's first name Lonnie,

father's first name unknown.

father's first name unknown.

- Well, with a legacy of $38,000,

- Well, with a legacy of $38,000,

there's no reason we can't arrange for one.

there's no reason we can't arrange for one.

The only trouble is, it may get you nowhere.

The only trouble is, it may get you nowhere.

You see, there just isn't any sure way to trace

You see, there just isn't any sure way to trace

a natural parent, or link it to a baby,

a natural parent, or link it to a baby,

if the child was signed over for adoption

if the child was signed over for adoption

before it was born.

before it was born.

Still, if you want me to, I'll start the wheels turning.

Still, if you want me to, I'll start the wheels turning.

- Mr. Warren, would you please tell Sir Lancelot

to forget the quest for the Holy Grail?

to forget the quest for the Holy Grail?

Point out to him this is a project

for the Bureau of Missing Persons, et al.

for the Bureau of Missing Persons, et al.

- I'd like you to get rolling on it right away, sir.

- He hasn't even reported the $38,000 yet.

- He hasn't even reported the $38,000 yet.

That could open up a whole new career for him, behind bars.

That could open up a whole new career for him, behind bars.

- No, I'll call the chief and explain it,

and don't worry, you call me next week.

and don't worry, you call me next week.

- Next week?

We're supposed to be in Jacksonville Saturday.

We're supposed to be in Jacksonville Saturday.

- While we're waiting, is there anything else I can do?

- While we're waiting, is there anything else I can do?

- Well, after 24 years, this might sound crazy,

- Well, after 24 years, this might sound crazy,

but you could run an ad in the personal column

of the morning news and the evening press.

of the morning news and the evening press.

Or check the 1940 edition of the city directory,

Or check the 1940 edition of the city directory,

they're all on file down at the public library,

they're all on file down at the public library,

and see if a Lonnie somebody-or-other is listed.

and see if a Lonnie somebody-or-other is listed.

But before you do anything else,

But before you do anything else,

put that in the bank.

- You didn't really expect to find her listed

in the city directory.

in the city directory.

Lonnie could've been a nickname.

For all you know, her right given name could be Elizabeth

For all you know, her right given name could be Elizabeth

or Eleanor or Betty.

- I got these in the phone book.

- Thus adding vandalism to your previous crime

- Thus adding vandalism to your previous crime

of not reporting the 38 grand.

of not reporting the 38 grand.

What are those pages?

- Beer parlors, clubs, taverns.

- Beer parlors, clubs, taverns.

- Beer parlors, clubs, and taverns.

- Beer parlors, clubs, and taverns.

Do you happen to know the average longevity of a beer parlor

the way they're putting up shopping centers

the way they're putting up shopping centers

and high rise apartments?

and high rise apartments?

What makes you think some joint Ward wandered into

a quarter of a century ago will be there,

a quarter of a century ago will be there,

and even if it is, that they'll remember

a waitress named Lonnie?

a waitress named Lonnie?

- Abbott's Tavern on Highway 80.

I think 80's sort of west, that way.

(sighs)

(sighs)

- Sure, this place was here in the '40s,

- Sure, this place was here in the '40s,

but it used to be a meat market.

I was a walking tourist then,

I was a walking tourist then,

and highly recommended by the Chamber of Commerce

and a motor tour starts in Old Harbor Light.

and a motor tour starts in Old Harbor Light.

And finally a beer drinking tour.

And finally a beer drinking tour.

Only up to the Ds, huh?

- Mr. Case, please.

Well keep buzzing him, honey.

I think that was them who just come in.

I think that was them who just come in.

I think that was them who just come in.

(phone ringing)

- Hello.

Yeah, this is Mr. Case.

Yeah, this is Mr. Case.

You saw the ad?

Of course I'd like to meet you.

Where and when?

Where and when?

In the lobby?

I'll be right down.

Yeah, I understand, anything that personal.

Yeah, I understand, anything that personal.

I'm in room 208.

Fine.

That's what you're looking for, Linc, wood smoke.

That's what you're looking for, Linc, wood smoke.

Gone, vanished.

She's on her way up.

- [Tod] Who, Lonnie?

- [Tod] Who, Lonnie?

- Millie Wilkins.

- Well that's close.

- Well maybe Lonnie sent her.

- Well maybe Lonnie sent her.

Maybe she's the child we're looking for.

Maybe she's the child we're looking for.

(knocking)

- Mr. Case?

- Mr. Case?

- That's the child I'm looking for.

- Come on in, please.

- Come on in, please.

- Well, I guess it's all right.

- Well, I guess it's all right.

I mean, two of you.

Oh, I came as soon as I read the ad.

I even memorized it.

I even memorized it.

Lonnie, after all this time,

an important message from Gerald.

Linc Case, Hotel De Soto.

Linc Case, Hotel De Soto.

Poor Lonnie.

She certainly can use an important message.

She certainly can use an important message.

- Where do we find her?

- Where do we find her?

- I've tried to help, but money just doesn't stretch,

- I've tried to help, but money just doesn't stretch,

does it?

Just passing through?

- No, I'm thinking of settling in Savannah.

- No, I'm thinking of settling in Savannah.

Maybe you could show me the town tonight.

Maybe you could show me the town tonight.

- Miss Wilkins, I said where do we find her?

- Miss Wilkins, I said where do we find her?

- Well, I have to be honest with you.

I've been taking care of her.

I mean I don't expect anything back,

I mean I don't expect anything back,

except what I've loaned her.

except what I've loaned her.

$85, that's what it comes to.

$85, that's what it comes to.

Look, I've got her IOUs right here.

Look, I've got her IOUs right here.

- That's okay, if this is the Lonnie we're looking for

we'll pick up her IOUs.

we'll pick up her IOUs.

- Well I don't know.

- Well I don't know.

She's funny about strangers.

After all that's happened with Gerald.

All this time gone by, you can hardly blame her.

All this time gone by, you can hardly blame her.

Couldn't you give me something on these IOUs?

Couldn't you give me something on these IOUs?

I mean, if she winds up with any money,

I mean, if she winds up with any money,

she's just as likely to leave town as not

and forget to pay me back.

How about 50?

How about 50?

20?

- Don't you see we're the target for every hustle,

- Don't you see we're the target for every hustle,

every cheap con game there is?

Now will take that ride with me to the police station

so we can get out of here?

so we can get out of here?

- Not yet.

(sighs)

(sighs)

- Well.

How about the price of a good steak dinner.

How about the price of a good steak dinner.

- Good night, Linc.

(phone ringing)

(phone ringing)

- Hello.

Oh yeah, Mr. Warren.

Oh yeah, Mr. Warren.

- No luck yet with any mother named Lonnie,

but we do have the names of eight infants

but we do have the names of eight infants

who were abandoned in Savannah during 1940

who were abandoned in Savannah during 1940

and the orphanages that took them.

and the orphanages that took them.

It's a long shot, but it's something to keep you busy

while we're examining the records.

while we're examining the records.

You got a pencil?

You got a pencil?

All right, first name is Martin Johnson, Bethesda Orphanage.

All right, first name is Martin Johnson, Bethesda Orphanage.

(machines humming)

(machines humming)

- Can you take five?

- Can you take five?

Look, it's very personal.

Look, it's very personal.

What I have to say takes some quiet.

- Get lost, bud.

- Get lost, bud.

- They say only savages and ants put strangers to death.

- They say only savages and ants put strangers to death.

- They say only savages and ants put strangers to death.

- So I'm a savage ant.

- I think you're a gutless ant.

- I think you're a gutless ant.

- Jim.

Keep an eye on my daily bread.

Keep an eye on my daily bread.

- Can we talk now?

- Can we talk now?

I'm looking for a kid who celebrates his birthday in June.

I'm looking for a kid who celebrates his birthday in June.

A kid who was born in 1940.

A kid who was born in 1940.

That much fits you, Marty.

- My birthday?

Who celebrates my birthday?

You know what I do on my birthday?

You know what I do on my birthday?

I get fractured the night before

and I time it so I don't open my eyes 'til the day after.

and I time it so I don't open my eyes 'til the day after.

and I time it so I don't open my eyes 'til the day after.

- I met this kid's father,

- I met this kid's father,

and he gave me a message to deliver.

So I'm looking for this kid and the mother.

So I'm looking for this kid and the mother.

It's like that, see?

- The orphanage told you where I was.

- After I told them the reason why.

- After I told them the reason why.

- Butt out, fella.

- If you change your mind, I'll be at the De Soto Hotel.

- If you change your mind, I'll be at the De Soto Hotel.

Linc Case.

- If you brought them both around here on a platter,

- If you brought them both around here on a platter,

I'd stuff them in the oven and bake them to a crisp.

I'd stuff them in the oven and bake them to a crisp.

I'd burn them.

Oh man, would I burn them.

Oh man, would I burn them.

Where was this message all these years?

Where was this stinking message?

Where was this stinking message?

And you, you stay out of my life.

- I keep thinking, one of these days

- I keep thinking, one of these days

I'm gonna hitch a ride to Vegas,

I'm gonna hitch a ride to Vegas,

find myself one of those low-cut gowns

and stand around the crap tables

and wait for some high flyer to get lucky

and wait for some high flyer to get lucky

and say, "here you go, Millie girl.

and say, "here you go, Millie girl.

That's just for looking beautiful and bringing me luck."

That's just for looking beautiful and bringing me luck."

I'll never do that.

I'll never do that.

It's just a silly old dream.

You know, I coulda lifted your wallet

You know, I coulda lifted your wallet

at least five times tonight.

at least five times tonight.

What do you see in me?

- I have this obsession, you know,

I have to try and live out the lyrics of popular songs.

I have to try and live out the lyrics of popular songs.

When I was in Philadelphia,

When I was in Philadelphia,

I had to stand between 18th and 19th on Chestnut Street.

I had to stand between 18th and 19th on Chestnut Street.

Chicago, I kept going until I actually found a man

Chicago, I kept going until I actually found a man

who danced with his wife.

who danced with his wife.

(laughs)

St. Louis I was looking for a fella being led around

St. Louis I was looking for a fella being led around

by apron strings.

So naturally when I got here,

I had to try and find hard-hearted Hannah,

I had to try and find hard-hearted Hannah,

the vamp of Savannah.

the vamp of Savannah.

Let's go someplace that really wails, huh?

Let's go someplace that really wails, huh?

(upbeat jazz music)

- Oh waiter.

- Oh waiter.

Can I have another round, please?

Can I have another round, please?

It's no fun being logical.

It's no fun being logical.

Logical is dull.

Logical is dull.

- Aren't you having fun, baby?

- Aren't you having fun, baby?

- I keep thinking about a man who died in the mud.

- I keep thinking about a man who died in the mud.

Calling for a child he never knew.

So what am I doing about it?

So what am I doing about it?

Sitting here with soft-hearted Hannah,

Sitting here with soft-hearted Hannah,

who could've lifted my wallet five times.

who could've lifted my wallet five times.

Linc takes it hard.

Linc takes it hard.

See Millie, that's my trouble,

See Millie, that's my trouble,

I can't accept life the way it is,

I can't accept life the way it is,

only the way I think it ought to be.

only the way I think it ought to be.

A man dies in the mud and whispers

A man dies in the mud and whispers

Lonnie, October, and wood smoke,

and right away I judge him.

and right away I judge him.

But not Linc.

But not Linc.

- Hi Harry.

- [Harry] Evening Millie.

- Tod, this is my friend Harry.

- Tod, this is my friend Harry.

- Hi Harry.

- You know Lonnie?

- Do you?

- Do you?

- Lonnie Taylor?

- Yeah, she worked in a tavern in '39 or '40.

- Yeah, she worked in a tavern in '39 or '40.

Kinda sad eyes, older than the other waitresses.

Kinda sad eyes, older than the other waitresses.

- They aren't sad.

- They aren't sad.

They're wise.

Lonnie has wise eyes.

Lonnie has wise eyes.

- You talk about her like she was right here.

- In my mind she is.

- In my mind she is.

Right over there.

That used to be a bar over there

That used to be a bar over there

when Mr. Hull owned this place.

Funny how the world turns.

Funny how the world turns.

Used to drive a big car, with a diamond in his tire.

Used to drive a big car, with a diamond in his tire.

I used to clean up.

When I worked here, beer was it.

When I worked here, beer was it.

Saw it go all the way to a quarter.

Saw it go all the way to a quarter.

Then Mr. Hull lost the place, I bought it,

Then Mr. Hull lost the place, I bought it,

now beer's back to a nickel again.

now beer's back to a nickel again.

Now we got a band, liquor license, I drive a big car.

Now we got a band, liquor license, I drive a big car.

Now we got a band, liquor license, I drive a big car.

Mr. Hull, he's handyman over at the public school.

Mr. Hull, he's handyman over at the public school.

Funny how the world turns.

Funny how the world turns.

- What about Lonnie?

- He your friend, Millie?

- He's okay, Harry.

- He's okay, Harry.

- Well, last I heard, she was up at Madison.

- Well, last I heard, she was up at Madison.

- Madison?

- The poor house.

- The poor house.

- They don't call it that anymore, Millie.

- They don't call it that anymore, Millie.

They call it a golden age center.

Like I say, when the world turns, it really turns.

Like I say, when the world turns, it really turns.

Like I say, when the world turns, it really turns.

- You've got company, Lonnie.

- You've got company, Lonnie.

- My name's Linc, ma'am.

This is Tod.

Would you care to sit down?

Would you care to sit down?

- You sure you all want to talk to me?

- Harry told us where to find you, Miss Taylor.

- Harry told us where to find you, Miss Taylor.

- I've been sitting all morning.

- I've been sitting all morning.

It's about to cloud up.

See over there how flat that smoke hangs,

and that bird flying solo?

and that bird flying solo?

Morning shower's like an old person dancing.

Never lasts too long.

Never lasts too long.

You won't get too wet.

How's Harry?

- He has a long memory.

- In spring, that garden's alive

- In spring, that garden's alive

with wisteria and camellias.

- Gerald Ward's dead, ma'am.

- Gerald Ward's dead, ma'am.

- Azaleas.

- He died feeling sorry he never saw the child.

- He died feeling sorry he never saw the child.

He died on the way to make it up.

He died on the way to make it up.

- Most folks never pay attention to flowers 'til they're 50.

- Most folks never pay attention to flowers 'til they're 50.

- He gave us some money to pass along.

- He gave us some money to pass along.

- I never cared much for flowers.

Not even now.

Not even now.

Most folks fuss too much over beautiful things.

Most folks fuss too much over beautiful things.

Not all the things God put on Earth are beautiful.

Not all the things God put on Earth are beautiful.

- We don't enjoy being in this position,

- We don't enjoy being in this position,

we sort of fell into it and took the responsibility.

we sort of fell into it and took the responsibility.

And we just don't want to let it stand there, you know?

And we just don't want to let it stand there, you know?

Anything you care to tell us to help us locate the child

won't go any further.

won't go any further.

- I've been working on a tapestry,

I've been working on it for three years.

I've been working on it for three years.

I keep trying to make it un-beautiful.

I keep trying to make it un-beautiful.

No matter what I do, it seems to turn out pretty.

No matter what I do, it seems to turn out pretty.

I don't like it half so much when it looks pretty.

I don't like it half so much when it looks pretty.

You think I'm getting senile, wandering on like that.

You think I'm getting senile, wandering on like that.

But a wandering mind's a blessing.

Wish my mind could wander, to new places,

Wish my mind could wander, to new places,

so I could forget.

so I could forget.

But it doesn't.

I even remember the lines in his face,

and how he needed a haircut.

How neglected he looked.

How neglected he looked.

But his hands were nice.

But his hands were nice.

Nails shined.

From the cards, I guess.

But I only saw him that one night.

But I only saw him that one night.

They were burning leaves out back.

They were burning leaves out back.

I felt so sorry for him I cried.

Why was he sorry?

Why was he sorry?

- For the way it all happened, the fact he never came back.

- For the way it all happened, the fact he never came back.

- But I never wanted him back.

- But I never wanted him back.

I never expected him to come back.

I never expected him to come back.

Can't you see that?

Can't you see that?

- Well, there was the child.

- Well, there was the child.

- Yes.

- Will you help us find him?

- Will you help us find him?

- That's another thing I can't forget.

- That's another thing I can't forget.

The way that baby looked at me when I gave it away.

The way that baby looked at me when I gave it away.

- To whom, ma'am?

- That's the one thing I did forget.

- That's the one thing I did forget.

- That's the one thing I did forget.

(somber music)

You all better hurry.

It's fixing to rain.

It's fixing to rain.

(engine starts)

(engine starts)

- You've come up with a lot more than I have.

- You've come up with a lot more than I have.

Matter of fact, I was gonna recommend we just give up

as far as the official records are concerned.

as far as the official records are concerned.

Some muffins, please.

Some muffins, please.

I did what you suggested, I checked the hospital records

I did what you suggested, I checked the hospital records

for a Lonnie Taylor in 1940.

for a Lonnie Taylor in 1940.

Nothing.

Black coffee, please.

Black coffee, please.

- She could've had the baby at somebody's house.

- Hey, I tell you what we can do,

- Hey, I tell you what we can do,

we can check with the medical association

for the names of any midwives who were practicing in 1940.

for the names of any midwives who were practicing in 1940.

If we can turn up the one who delivered the baby

If we can turn up the one who delivered the baby

that might get us somewhere.

Here, I'll catch all these.

Here, I'll catch all these.

- Now what?

- Well, I've still got three giveaways to check.

We can try the maternity homes

We can try the maternity homes

while we're waiting for Mr. Warner

to tell us about midwives.

- And if that turns sour?

- And if that turns sour?

- How's it going?

- How's it going?

- One dead father, one live mother.

- One dead father, one live mother.

- What do you mean, one live mother?

- She gave the baby away, end of story.

- She gave the baby away, end of story.

- So what makes you think she's my mother?

- Never said she was.

- Never said she was.

I thought through the years you might've heard something.

Had a letter, a call, a Christmas present.

Had a letter, a call, a Christmas present.

Had a letter, a call, a Christmas present.

- This kid they oughtta put on TV, with his own comedy hour.

- This kid they oughtta put on TV, with his own comedy hour.

- I said I was sorry.

- Where is the old dame?

- Where is the old dame?

- Why?

- Well wouldn't you be curious?

- [Linc] What do you think?

- I think if he's not her son,

- I think if he's not her son,

it'll be one of the cruelest things anybody ever did.

- How do we avoid it?

- How do we avoid it?

She won't tell us.

- Maybe something around the eyes.

- Maybe something around the eyes.

- Okay, buddy.

- Okay, buddy.

- Do you know how much I got to say to you?

- Do you know how much I got to say to you?

You any idea the words I got stored up?

You any idea the words I got stored up?

Let's cut outta here.

Let's cut outta here.

- Wait.

- So what is this, my fault?

Look, she did it to me.

Look, she did it to me.

I was nine, see.

I was nine, see.

I'm in the store with old man Thorset.

He was foster parent number five.

He was foster parent number five.

It's one of these surplus stores with all the junk.

He says to me, Marty,

He says to me, Marty,

go look at stuff while I talk to the clerk.

I said sure, but I was onto him.

I said sure, but I was onto him.

So I go around behind this big stack of paint cans

So I go around behind this big stack of paint cans

and I listen.

He says to the clerk, look, this isn't my kid, see?

Just a kid we keep in the house for charity.

Just a kid we keep in the house for charity.

He didn't tell the clerk the county was paying him

He didn't tell the clerk the county was paying him

55 a month to keep me, and that without the 55,

he couldn't keep himself in mass whiskey.

he couldn't keep himself in mass whiskey.

So he says to the clerk,

now I don't want to hurt the kid's feelings,

but when I bring him around to the pants counter,

I'll say Marty, anything you want, you just name it.

That's when you bring out the cheapest pair you got.

That's when you bring out the cheapest pair you got.

I mean, I want them to last.

Something good and cheap, but durable.

But tell the kid, tell the kid

But tell the kid, tell the kid

they're the best pair of pants in the house.

they're the best pair of pants in the house.

She doesn't even look like me.

She doesn't even look like me.

I'm glad you're not my old lady.

I'm glad you're not my old lady.

(sobbing)

- I'd be proud to be your mama, but...

- I'd be proud to be your mama, but...

The child I gave a way was a girl.

The child I gave a way was a girl.

A little girl.

- Maximus was formed in a rougher mold.

- Maximus was formed in a rougher mold.

- Maximus was formed in a rougher mold.

- [Woman] Nurse.

- You'd think with all those prescriptions, I'd know Latin.

- You'd think with all those prescriptions, I'd know Latin.

But these names, no wonder Rome fell.

But these names, no wonder Rome fell.

(bell ringing)

(bell ringing)

- Mrs. Barber?

The medical association gave us your name,

The medical association gave us your name,

we were wondering if you could help us.

- You both look good and healthy.

- You both look good and healthy.

- Mrs. Barber, can you think back 23 years?

- Mrs. Barber, can you think back 23 years?

- Young man, I wish that's as far back as I could think.

- Young man, I wish that's as far back as I could think.

- You were a midwife then.

- You were a midwife then.

- Isn't that the way?

When I was younger, I was bringing life into the world.

When I was younger, I was bringing life into the world.

Now I'm handling only terminal cases.

Makes you think.

Makes you think.

- A woman named Lonnie Taylor had a little girl.

- A woman named Lonnie Taylor had a little girl.

We're looking for her.

- Lonnie Taylor.

A little girl.

A little girl.

Why?

Why?

- Well we have something for her.

- Well we have something for her.

$38,000 from her father.

- $38,000, my.

- $38,000, my.

- No strings attached, Mrs. Barber.

- No strings attached, Mrs. Barber.

And please trust us, we're not attorneys

And please trust us, we're not attorneys

or police or investigators.

Just two guys trying to do someone a favor, you know?

Just two guys trying to do someone a favor, you know?

- Go talk to Mr. Hull.

- Go talk to Mr. Hull.

- That's the man she used to work for.

- That's the man she used to work for.

Mr. Hull?

Mr. Hull?

- I've been expecting you.

- I've been expecting you.

I always knew it would happen.

I always knew it would happen.

A car would pull up in front of the house,

A car would pull up in front of the house,

a stranger come to the door.

Now it comes up two boys, huh?

- May we talk to her?

- May we talk to her?

- Well, it's what I'm going to say,

would it make any difference?

would it make any difference?

Because I say don't talk to her.

Because I say don't talk to her.

- It isn't really as simple as all that, is it?

- It isn't really as simple as all that, is it?

- Now look boys, she's doing fine.

She's got a growing business,

She's got a growing business,

chance to meet the finest young men in the town.

chance to meet the finest young men in the town.

One of these days she'll probably marry one.

One of these days she'll probably marry one.

She's got her whole life ahead of her.

She's got her whole life ahead of her.

You see, my wife is dead.

But to Nita, that's her mother buried out at Oak Lawn.

But to Nita, that's her mother buried out at Oak Lawn.

And every 23rd of September, we go out there

And every 23rd of September, we go out there

and put flowers on her grave.

Do you think it's right to tell her

this whole thing is a lie?

this whole thing is a lie?

To say, Nita, your father's a fraud.

To say, Nita, your father's a fraud.

A man who took you in out of pity for one of his waitresses.

A man who took you in out of pity for one of his waitresses.

Is this the prize you're gonna give her?

Huh?

Huh?

Just because her real father felt guilty

and wanted to buy back the years?

and wanted to buy back the years?

- He died thinking of the child, wanting to make it right.

- He died thinking of the child, wanting to make it right.

- Aww.

There's only one way to make it right, fellas.

There's only one way to make it right, fellas.

Don't tell her.

Don't tell her.

(somber music)

- What are we gonna do with the money?

- What are we gonna do with the money?

- Give it to Lonnie.

- Give it to Lonnie.

Maybe she can do something with it

for herself or for the girl.

for herself or for the girl.

- Wouldn't you like to see her before we leave?

- Wouldn't you like to see her before we leave?

Just out of curiosity.

She wouldn't have to know it,

She wouldn't have to know it,

just take a look at her.

- There you are.

- There you are.

- See you, Nancy.

- Well, there's our wood smoke.

What do you think, should we go in?

What do you think, should we go in?

- Good afternoon.

Are you looking for anything in particular?

Are you looking for anything in particular?

- Yeah, a Louis Napoleon plat, in really good condition.

- Yeah, a Louis Napoleon plat, in really good condition.

- Well, I might be able to find one for you.

- Well, I might be able to find one for you.

- I'm just starting to decorate.

- I'm just starting to decorate.

Maybe you could give me some pointers.

- Please pardon the appearance of the shop,

but all my best pieces are at the decorator's show

but all my best pieces are at the decorator's show

in New York.

Father took three vans up for display.

Father took three vans up for display.

Some absolutely exquisite Louis XIVs, all my Victorians

Some absolutely exquisite Louis XIVs, all my Victorians

and some fabulous 15th century Spanish items.

and some fabulous 15th century Spanish items.

- Your father's a decorator too?

- Your father's a decorator too?

- He's more or less retired, but he still keeps his hand in.

- He's more or less retired, but he still keeps his hand in.

Actually, his main interest is buying and selling hotels.

Actually, his main interest is buying and selling hotels.

Sometimes I think he buys them

Sometimes I think he buys them

just to get their old furniture.

But he has taught me almost all I know about decor.

But he has taught me almost all I know about decor.

- What do you think?

Shall we give her a chance?

Shall we give her a chance?

- Is it a house or an apartment?

- A house.

- A house.

- [Tod] New regency.

- Oh, they're fun.

Where is it, out by Briarwood?

Where is it, out by Briarwood?

- Yeah, out that way.

- Yeah, out that way.

- Well I've never done regency,

but I just finished one that has everything.

but I just finished one that has everything.

If you'd like to see it.

Perhaps you know the owner, Richard Brace?

Perhaps you know the owner, Richard Brace?

- No.

- Well I'll tell you what I'll do.

- Well I'll tell you what I'll do.

I'll call Dickie and tell him you're coming out.

I'll call Dickie and tell him you're coming out.

He'll be delighted to show you what I've done for him.

Oh, I might as well warn you,

he fixes a mean drink for this time of day.

he fixes a mean drink for this time of day.

You go and see for yourself.

I rise and fall on what you see.

I rise and fall on what you see.

(dialing phone)

(dialing phone)

(dialing phone)

- This is the only thing in the whole house

she allowed me to keep.

All the rest of the stuff you see,

All the rest of the stuff you see,

I believe the proper designation is object ars,

I believe the proper designation is object ars,

Nita picked.

Nita picked.

- [Tod] Looks like the Harvard waterway to me.

- Are you a Harvard man?

- No, Yale.

- Ever race in a shell?

- Ever race in a shell?

- I was a stroke in '59.

- I was second oar in '56.

- I was second oar in '56.

- I hope you two will be very happy together.

- I hope you two will be very happy together.

- Gentlemen, we're gonna go straight over here

and get good and potted toasting Yale '59 and Harvard '56.

and get good and potted toasting Yale '59 and Harvard '56.

Nita, New Orleans, the weekend of July 16th.

Nita, New Orleans, the weekend of July 16th.

Gaudy, but nice.

Martinis are quicker, okay?

- Do you recommend her?

- Do you recommend her?

- The greatest.

Oh, she comes highly recommended.

Oh, she comes highly recommended.

I got her from Tommy Higgins,

I got her from Tommy Higgins,

Tommy got her from Carl Dewey,

Carl got her from Bert Nicholson.

Carl got her from Bert Nicholson.

These are pretty good boys, let me tell you.

These are pretty good boys, let me tell you.

They know a good thing when they find it.

They know a good thing when they find it.

I better warn you, though, there's just one thing.

I better warn you, though, there's just one thing.

She'll do your place as though she were

decorating it for herself.

decorating it for herself.

I don't mean that to sound the way it might sound,

I don't mean that to sound the way it might sound,

because Nita's a good friend of mine.

because Nita's a good friend of mine.

But well, it's almost as though

But well, it's almost as though

she halfway expects you to marry her

when the place is finished.

when the place is finished.

Not really, of course, but you can get that feeling.

Not really, of course, but you can get that feeling.

Shall we drink to Yale first, or to Harvard?

Shall we drink to Yale first, or to Harvard?

- Why don't we drink to Nita?

- Why don't we drink to Nita?

- Yeah.

Here.

Here.

(bell ringing)

(bell ringing)

- Which one of you is first?

- Which one of you is first?

- If you don't mind, may I wait on these gentlemen first?

They were in early this afternoon.

Why don't you just browse around?

Why don't you just browse around?

We have some new things in from upstate,

We have some new things in from upstate,

and some lovely old things out back.

Well.

Well.

What'd you think of Dickie's place?

- Your touch was everywhere.

- Is he always this evasive?

Well, did you like it or did you hate it?

Well, did you like it or did you hate it?

- [Mr. Hull] He's not going to marry you, honey.

- [Mr. Hull] He's not going to marry you, honey.

- Well sir.

- Well sir.

What's that supposed to mean?

- They know who I am.

- They know who I am.

Dick Brace isn't going to marry you.

Dick Brace isn't going to marry you.

None of them are.

- What did you say to him?

Who are you?

Who are you?

- Oh honey, please, listen to me.

- How can you say such a terrible thing?

Why, you know Dickie and I are virtually engaged.

Why, you know Dickie and I are virtually engaged.

How can you stand there and believe them?

How can you stand there and believe them?

I've got to call him right now.

I want to watch what happens

when I tell him what you said.

when I tell him what you said.

And don't you try to stop me.

And don't you try to stop me.

(dialing phone)

(somber music)

(hangs up phone)

- I never did tell you why I lost the beer joint, did I?

- I never did tell you why I lost the beer joint, did I?

You see, I threw out all the domestic beer.

You see, I threw out all the domestic beer.

Can you imagine?

In a joint like that?

Imported beer in bottles.

Imported beer in bottles.

I tried to make it something it wasn't.

I tried to make it something it wasn't.

You'd think I'd learn.

You'd think I'd learn.

Oh, honey.

The minute you were old enough to understand,

The minute you were old enough to understand,

I should have told you the truth.

Your real mother hustled drinks in my bar 24 years ago.

Your real mother hustled drinks in my bar 24 years ago.

Your real mother hustled drinks in my bar 24 years ago.

Your father was a card man passing through.

Your father was a card man passing through.

These fellas were with him when he died,

on his way trying to find you.

on his way trying to find you.

- What are you trying to do to me?

- What are you trying to do to me?

- Honey, I'm trying to hit you as hard as I can.

- Honey, I'm trying to hit you as hard as I can.

I'm pulling the whole mountain down on your head.

I'm pulling the whole mountain down on your head.

And what you do about it now,

And what you do about it now,

how you handle it,

that's what matters.

that's what matters.

That's all that matters.

(engine starts)

(engine starts)

(upbeat jazz music)

(upbeat jazz music)

- [Announcer] A Screen Gems presentation,

- [Announcer] A Screen Gems presentation,

Herbert B. Leonard, Executive Producer.

Herbert B. Leonard, Executive Producer.