Original subtitles

Subtitles: Luís Filipe Bernardes

I know you've seen this image of Times Square, in New York a thousand times.

But just so you can get your bearings.

I promise you won't see her again.

Less well known are the streets that cut through...

44 and 45...

towards 8th Avenue.

Dozens of good theaters are concentrated in this area.

I'm Harry Phillips, theatrical producer.

If I seem a little nervous, it's because one of my plays is opening tonight.

You can tell by the size of the letter who the star is.

For the time being, everything is calm,

but soon the doors will open for the intermission of the first act.

It's 9:25.

And whether it's "Good" or "Bad" news will soon reach Sardi's...

on 44th Street...

where various figures from the of the theatrical world.

The most representative of this group are meeting, I'm sorry to say...

at the bar.

This is a producer who turned down "No Laughing Matter" because it was below his standard.

This is a theatrical writer whose opinion of the author of "No Laughing Matter"

was that the papers in the play would be better used for wrapping paper.

This guy does the sets.

I got rid of his sets and he went with me.

This actress who was Beatrice Paige from two decades ago.

She's the only actress she's admired ever since.

These are two reporters who...

Well, it doesn't matter. It must be time for the first break.

His name is Willie Wolfe.

If you don't recognize him, it's because the photo that accompanies his very popular column

was taken at least ten years ago.

He's on his way to Sardi's to have his usual drink during breaks.

Just so you're not surprised later, we'll tell you that it's a ginger ale.

Willie only drinks ginger ale.

Willie has just said that the first act was great.

The play promises to be a success.

It's the kind of news that can ruin their evening.

Congratulations, Alice.

My goodness, it's my birthday today?

If I had known, I would have dreamed it.

I was determined to forget that it was my birthday.

Hello! Congratulations.

Since you remembered my birthday,

I hope you remembered the presents too.

I'm at such a ridiculous age.

Why? She's only 29. It's a wonderful age.

Maybe that's what I'll find next year.

But until then I think 27 would be so much fun.

Twenty-five would be hilarious.

She's 29 as much as I am.

I don't think there's much more to it than that.

All right, all right. Harry Phillips has scored a hit.

Success? The second act was bittersweet.

What a shame, what a shame... Come on, I'll buy you a drink.

Ah, that Eddie Probish... I say it again and again:

the papers in your pieces would be better for wrapping paper.

Who can laugh at those poor sets?

And how was Ms. Paige? Fantastic.

It was an ovation.

For her, not for the play.

Hi, Willie. Two whiskeys.

Willie, I want you to meet a client of mine. Willie Wolfe, Stanley Krown.

How are you? Hello.

If you're a client of Eddie Wood you must be in some kind of trouble.

What have you been involved in? I didn't get into anything.

Stanley is a writer. Ah, a writer.

Hi, Billy

They're waiting for a speech. Please, Felix, let them wait.

It's safer.

It's a bit cheesy, but it's touching.

I'd go so far as to say it's heart-wrenching, but since I don't have one...

We all know that, Harry.

Enough, sit down! Everyone has seen you.

What's all the fuss about? She hasn't even seen the play.

He spent the whole night in here.

It's a common trick. It's just to attract attention.

If you win a role people will recognize you.

Is she an actress? And what an actress! She makes TV commercials.

Opens refrigerator doors.

Who's the guy with the menu?

Harry Phillips.

My client for years. He's a producer and her husband.

Or rather, ex-husband. They've been divorced for some time.

And the brush hair?

It's the boyfriend. That is, this season's.

I don't know what it's called. Nobody knows, I don't think even she does.

Strange combination.

Why is that? Harry doesn't care about boyfriends.

He survives them all. He and Bea are great friends.

You know how it is in show business.

Bea, darling, you looked magnificent.

Thank you. I'm always terrible at premieres, but never like today.

Promise you'll come back another day when I dress the part better?

But don't take too long. It could go out of print.

You know... Bea, what's his name again?

It feels good! It's George Courtland.

There's a Roman numeral after it, isn't it, dear?

Yes, IV.

The bedroom.

It's a rich man's thing. Hello, George.

Have you received any strange telegrams that I can use in my column?

I was too nervous to look. I'll read it before bed.

But don't forget, the priority of the funniest is mine.

Of course.

I need to get past Stork and 21. Madame...

I kiss his hand.

Oh, dear.

Willie has one quality: he always goes out in style.

It could be more frequent. Let's eat.

Beatrice, dear, will you let an old friend tell you how wonderful you've been?

I'd love to. Sit down and start lying.

First of all, lie number one.

Eddie, let me introduce you... What's your name?

You're picking on me, George, not you.

Of course, George.

How are you, sir? How are you, sir?

Here you are, Ms. Paige, The Times. Thank you, Felix.

I'm sure the review was good.

He says Beatrice Paige is... radiant.

But the play is awful.

Anyway, I'm happy for you.

I'm sorry about the play, Harry.

Well, it's just a newspaper. There will be other criticisms.

They won't be any different. We will be tarnished and she will be radiant.

I want to read that part again, where it says I'm radiant.

Who is... that man?

He's a new client of mine. Writer.

He's just written his first play. Great stuff.

We've actually just picked it up from the publisher.

Is it for Bea? I wish it were.

But you should meet him. He's good on the ball.

Bea, I'd like to meet a playwright

who wrote a play with no role for you?

Not normally. But call him.

I want to stare at him, to see how he feels.

For God's sake, Harry, try to remember George's name.

Just give me a tip.

Bea, I want you to meet a new client of mine, Mr. Stanley Krown.

How are you, Mr. Krown? Hello.

Mr. Harry Phillips, Hello.

And finally... George.

Er...

George.

Wow, it's Courtland! Courtland.

Hello. How are you?

It's a very common name. For a very ordinary boy.

Won't you sit down, Mr. Krown? Thank you, Mr. Krown.

I seem to be in the minority.

Oh, you accept? No, thank you.

Did you see the play, Mr. Krown?

Yes.

Did you see the review in the Times? Someone read it aloud in the bar.

Tell me, Mr. Phillips.

why do people seem to be so pleased with the failure of others?

It's okay, I get when others fail.

It must be human nature.

I think you summed it up well.

I'll ask that question even if it kills me.

What did you think of me in the play, Mr. Krown?

Oh, he loved you!

I always say what I think, Ms. Paige.

I have very few friends.

I withdraw the question.

I found you charming.

At least she didn't think it was radiant either.

Half the time.

What do you mean half the time?

Well, half the time I found her charming

the other half you were so convinced that you were charming

which made me feel a bit ill.

Don't look at me. I don't know if he's joking or not.

You weren't working to entertain the audience.

He allowed them to have fun, he was condescending,

paternalistic, superior to the play and the people who paid to see it.

Only half the time, darling, half the time.

In my opinion, anyone with talent always owes something to everyone.

The greatest quality an actress can have is humility.

And that, Ms. Paige, you still have to learn.

I think I'm behaving very well. I haven't thrown a tantrum or anything.

If I were still your husband I'd call him to come outside...

but now I think it's up to Mr. Courtland.

Now you've remembered my name.

Very well, an actress should be humble.

And should a writer, Mr. Krown, also be humble?

Never.

Humility can ruin a writer.

The writer only has to please himself.

You shouldn't worry about what people think of you or your work.

He must be arrogant, self-centered...

and even thick.

He's not under contract with me. There's nothing in writing.

No, no, I'm fascinated.

I think we were the ones who were rude, Harry.

Why don't we invite the boy for a drink and continue this discussion?

No, I'm sorry, but thank you. I need to go to work.

At one in the morning? Is that when you write?

Not writing. I work at the Washington Market.

Washington market?

Washington Market.

Forgive me if I've been a bit harsh but I have to say what I think.

It's a habit I need to cut down on.

Good evening.

Well, where were we before it started raining?

Oh, he forgot his envelope. It's his play. I'll give it to him tomorrow.

Leave it to me, Eddie. I'd like to read when I have time. Just out of curiosity.

Of course. It's like him, strong stuff.

The Tribune is out. It says it's brilliant.

Thank you.

Leave it to us, won't you, dear?

I'm patronizing, superior and very conceited. I'm charming.

Well, I didn't know you'd slept here.

I started reading the boy's play. It got late and I decided to sleep in the office.

Have you read them all? Yes.

Good morning, Emma. Good morning, Miss Paige.

Hmm...

Where's my orangeade? Did he drink that too?

He's already had four. Tough finger!

You know what failure does to your appetite.

I'll prepare another one.

Have you called the box office?

Yes. Hardly any demand.

It won't be on show.

Okay, I'm broken again.

I'm sorry, dear. But the next play will be better.

Hey...

will this affect my pensions?

Well, I've been thinking about post-dated checks.

Again, Harry? Do you know how much you owe me in arrears?

No, but I know you know.

Every last penny.

There's no one in the world I like more than you, Harry.

But business is business.

11,201 dollars...

and 37 cents.

Not to mention the interest about 670 dollars.

Six percent doesn't sound like an amicable split to me.

I can get a loan at any time at Banco Mercantil for 3%.

But Banco Mercantil didn't give you the best years of his life.

Can't even pay the interest?

No, but who knows about interest on interest?

Darling, I don't know why I'm so unpleasant when it comes to money.

Apart from that, I'm a generous, pleasant and fun person.

Six percent of 673 dollars is...

Oh, thank you, Emma.

There must be something in today's paper besides us.

Can I have my coffee, please? Yes, of course.

With sugar.

When did you start taking it with sugar?

I'm so depressed. And it's much cheaper than analysis.

Sugar-free.

Is that the lighter I gave you for Christmas?

Almost. That's what I exchanged for what you gave me for Christmas.

Having coffee with you like this is so much fun.

We had a lot of fun when we were married, Harry?

I need to think.

No, I don't think so.

At least not at breakfast.

It was all complaints, horrible.

How long have we been divorced, Harry?

I don't remember exactly.

For quite some time. Long enough to accumulate eleven thousand in pension arrears.

Don't worry, darling. You'll pay.

Every penny.

There's a Mr. Krown who wants to talk to you.

Mr. what? Mr. Krown.

You know the writer from yesterday. Send him in, Emma.

Ah, that Mr. Krown. The one from Washington Market.

Hello. Hello, Mr. Krown.

Stanley, how are you?

If you knew me well enough to insult me yesterday

today I know him well enough to call him Stanley.

Would you like some breakfast, Stanley?

Breakfast? It's half past noon.

So will you have lunch, Stanley?

No thanks. I've just finished work and I usually go straight to bed.

I hope we're not taking up your time. No, I just came to talk to you.

Eddie Woods said he got a copy of my play yesterday.

Yes, I did. Your office said I'd find you here.

What did you think of the piece?

Wait a minute, do you think I had time? I didn't leave Sardi's until 2 in the morning.

Have you started reading? Yes.

Then it's over. That's the play.

You're right. It needs work but that's the way it is.

Are you going to produce it? No.

Hm. Not for Miss Paige.

But does Ms. Paige have to work on all the pieces?

Every piece I produce, with or without humility.

But what is it all about?

Conflict between mother and daughter. A great role for a young woman of 19, 20...

She's a pianist and wants to leave home, naturally her mother doesn't like it...

That's all you need to know since you won't be starring.

Wait a minute, the way you said it sounded awful.

It's not the story, it's the scenes.

The individual scenes are the strong point.

Let me read it from the beginning.

In the first scene...

Sorry, I'm usually asleep at this time.

Maybe a coffee or a juice will help?

Yes, a juice would be good.

The play is long and my throat is dry.

Emma!

Here, squeeze those.

They just arrived from Florida today.

I was wondering what those on your jacket. It couldn't be thyroid.

Thanks, I'll have Emma squeeze them.

Ah! I'd be in need of...

radishes?

They are first class.

Thank you.

Why didn't I meet you years ago when you were still a starving actress?

Well, it hasn't been that many years.

From now on, nothing will surprise me.

I like your apartment.

It's not mine. It's Miss Paige's.

It was mine when we were married.

Yes, we were married once. A very bad marriage.

Now I spend a lot of time here. It's actually my second home.

We often work late and end up sleeping in...

Is that any of your business?

As a writer, everything is my business.

Oh, yeah... I've had a fantastic idea!

How old did you say the mother in your play was?

Fifty-one, fifty... If she's fifty...

then the daughter may well be twenty-nine.

Why would she be twenty-nine? Because then I could play the part.

It might be a good idea. Make the girl ten years older?

It would ruin everything. Why would it? It could give it more substance.

It would be ten years for the mother to frustrate her daughter even more.

At 19 she's still a teenager, at 29 she would be an adult.

It wouldn't be the same piece. Maybe it'll be even better.

Listen, I've worked on this play for ten years and I'm not going to change a single line.

Even if it's to get a beautiful actress like Miss Paige.

Thank you, I never thought I was beautiful.

One thing at a time.

I would be the last person to ask a writer to to make concessions.

But why not examine your play, review it scene by scene,

and see if an adult dependent on her mother

wouldn't be much more dramatic than an overpowered teenager.

Is that so unusual?

I need to think.

Let's see.

In the first scene...

Harry...

Let's say it works, when can we start?

With about four weeks to rewrite, we can start rehearsals and...

But there's a problem, a big problem. Which problem?

The mother. The role is not as big as the daughter's...

but it's important and it's going to be tough to climb.

I can't think of anyone.

What does the role call for? She's a tyrant, but a very charming one.

You have to be attractive with of beauty...

How about Mabel Taft? Mabel Taft!

A trace of beauty? Don't make me laugh.

Claire King. Terrible actress.

Anita Black? Ah!

Katherine Bliss? Katie Bliss would never make it.

How about Polly Carter?

She hates me, I hate her and you know it.

Perhaps Stanley had someone in mind when he wrote.

Friday, 2:30 p.m. stage test for the role of the mother

in Mr. Phillips' new play.

The current play "No Laughing Matter" will continue at this theater until the end of the month.

Richard Shannon, Playwright.

Good morning, Dick. Good morning, Mr. Phillips. Everyone's there.

Good morning, Harry! Hello, hello.

It's been a long time. God bless you.

Well, well, well...

I haven't seen a witches' convention so crowded.

You're not Prince Charming, Harry.

That's why you'll be the first to introduce yourself, Olga.

I just want to warn you that Mom is tough...

and I don't know if anyone here will fit.

But maybe one of you has been saving some of the talent that's left over...

Come on! Shall we get started, Olga?

Let's go.

Dick, the stage manager, will determine your lines.

They will play the last scene of the first act.

Take a look and when you're ready Dick will act with you.

Thank you, Harry. By the way...

This young man whose shoe soles need to be replaced

is the author of this delicacy.

Stanley Krown, Olga O'Brien.

Hello, Ms. O'Brien.

Hello, Mr. Krown. I loved your script. At least the one I read.

Thank you very much. Make yourself at home, dear...

and let us know when it's ready.

I'm not very good at cold reading but... here goes.

I haven't asked you where you've been and I'm not going to.

But if you want...

What a ridiculous idea. I don't even want to hear about it.

I know what's good for you. I've known what's good for you for 29 years.

Good, Katherine, good.

In fact, it's the closest we've come so far.

Anyway, it was my first contact with the script.

Cold reading.

But it was very good... Who's your agent? William Mars?

Yes. Thank you. We'll be in touch.

Thank you, Harry.

Let's keep looking. I think we've seen everything for today.

Is there anyone else there, Dick? No, sir.

That's enough for today.

I thought it would be easier to find a mother. Mothers have always been difficult.

Don't be discouraged.

Just keep looking until you get it right.

Dick, call Sardi's and tell Felix that we're on our way.

Then take the scripts to the office. Thank you.

Mr. Phillips. Yes?

I'd like to do a test for you, if you allow.

Isn't she too young to play the mother of a 29-year-old girl?

Twenty-nine? But she was 19!

How do you know she was 19?

I work part-time at the Rialto typing agency.

I read all the pieces they type.

Yours is among the best.

Thank you.

But it needs to be worked on.

Aren't you too young to be a mother even of a 19-year-old girl?

How old are you? Nineteen.

No need to laugh. I didn't come for the role of mother.

I want to be the daughter.

Actually... Well, I think I'll just say it.

I'll play the part of the daughter.

I'm sorry, but the role already has an owner. Miss Beatrice Paige will be the daughter.

Oh, no! No, no, no. This is the end!

It's the Siamese end!

Beatrice Paige playing a daughter?

You can't let them do that to you.

Don't let them do that to your wonderful piece.

How could she be so wonderful? I said it needed work.

Where have you seen Beatrice Paige playing a daughter? Even at the age of 29!

You're playing a role at 29 now, aren't you?

Who does she think she's fooling? Not me! Not for a second.

Not for a second Siamese!

Don't look at me. I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Don't you see? The role doesn't require the charm of a Beatrice Paige,

all that worn-out charm.

You need youth, agility, vitality and magnetism.

Don't you see? You need me.

From you, eh?

Who are you? I even dare to ask what are you?

You look familiar. I'm Sally Carver and I'm an actress.

Don't say it. What have you worked on?

Hmm... dozens of things. Where?

Dozens of places.

In short, he has never paid work on Broadway!

I'm only 19.

And I'm already on TV.

Of course, you're the girl who kept applauding at Sardi's.

She opens refrigerator doors. Now I do much more than that.

It must be defrosting too... And I remove the trays.

I'm great at what I do.

Ms. Carver, I've had an exhausting day and as soon as you take your foot off mine...

I'd like to go out for a drink.

Wait, please, I've been preparing a scene here...

listen a little...

You castrate everyone, but that's enough for me!

No more castrating me, no more!

Come on, you look scared too. Wait, just one more second!

I'd like to know why, since you have everything.

Why does nothing satisfy you?

Why do you despise others? why do you despise yourself?

Why is that?

This role will be mine, you'll see!

The role will be mine, that's the Siamese truth!

That playwright friend of yours must be a lot of fun.

Stanley Krown is a writer of solid principles and high integrity.

People like that don't amuse anyone.

So what's he doing to her? tickling?

A woman's laugh is almost always a mating ritual.

You can laugh, but I still prefer vegetables to flowers.

Come on Bea, half an hour to go.

Oh!

No, Stan, stay and finish your dinner.

We'll meet back here after the show.

I can't today, I have to work on the script.

I'm very late picking corn in that typewriter.

Is George's name with a "d" or a "dt" at the end?

Only "d". Oh...

It's okay, he won't mind. The stock market went up today.

Don't work too hard. You're a bit down.

Aren't you a bit down, Harry?

I'm jealous. You never say that to George.

Well... Felix. Yes, Miss Paige?

I'm crooked.

I'm sorry, Ms. Paige. It won't happen again.

Come for a drink tomorrow, eh, Stan?

I'll set the alarm for five.

Good night, sweetie.

You've got everything, huh, sweetie?

He's alone. He's handsome... from here.

Well, for a writer...

Where is it? Where is it?

My play. She's sitting in it.

Well, here we go.

Hello. Ah, hello.

I've only just met you, but you remember me.

Yes, I remember. It's only been two weeks.

Who forgets a piece like you in two weeks?

Thank you. I even remember the name, it's Sally Carver.

No! It's Peggy Pruitt.

Peggy Pruitt? I could have sworn it was Sally Carver.

Two weeks ago it was Sally Carver, today it's Peggy Pruitt.

Sally Carver didn't have much luck, so...

I've changed, that's all.

I've had a lot of names.

After being denied so many jobs with a name

then that name gains a negative reputation.

Then you change the name.

I have high hopes for Peggy Pruitt.

How can I help you, Ms. Pruitt?

Ms. Pruitt.

It sounds strange. I just adopted that name today.

Ah, I have something very interesting to show you, Mr. Krown.

Can I get you a cup of coffee? No, thank you.

But maybe I'll accept... What do you have ready?

Spaghetti alla Marinara, our specialty.

Perfect. And maybe a mixed salad,

and a spumoni ice cream.

At this point, a cup of coffee too. Very good.

Tell me something...

Theater actors never pay for their own dinners?

Only if there's no way out.

My television program has been taken off the air...

and things are a bit slow at the agency.

But if your play is a flop and Peggy Pruitt is a success,

I'll pay you.

That's how it works in the theater.

I should have ordered a martini.

You were going to show me something.

Oh yes... Where did I put it?

Ah, I sat on it again.

This is an issue of Theater Arts Magazine.

I haven't read the latest edition yet.

The last one? That one's so old it's falling apart.

Check it out.

Alice Brady, James Rennie, Henry Collins...

in a scene from the new hit "The Forgotten Light".

So what?

Haven't you noticed anything strange about the maid in the corner?

Yes, what's so strange?

Don't you recognize her? It's Beatrice Paige.

Are you crazy? You're not Beatrice Paige. You are. It's her and no one else.

The photo is so faded. How can you tell?

Anyway, what are you trying to prove?

If you made a maid so long ago how can you make a 19-year-old girl today?

There will no longer be 19, but 29.

You must have the cast here.

Created: Eileen Prentice.

So?

Wow, what delicious spaghetti.

What are you doing after dinner tonight?

Me?

I usually take a half-hour walk.

It's good for digestion and keeps the body in shape.

And after the walk?

We're in New York. There are a million things to do.

But I do almost nothing.

Today, as almost always, I'm going home.

Unless you're thinking of inviting me to the ballet.

I hate ballet.

Ah...

How about dropping by my apartment?

I feel about men's apartments the same way you feel about ballet.

A walk to my apartment takes half an hour.

How's that?

No problem.

Hold on. I'll tell my friend not to wait for me.

When the waiter comes with the spumoni ask him to bring some macarons.

It finally happened. What happened?

Patty, I've been wandering around Broadway for three years now

without getting anything from any producer author, director or stage manager...

...but now! You mean Stanley Krown...

He invited me to his apartment.

I think Peggy Pruitt is more attractive than Sally Carver and all the others.

Are you going? Of course I'm going.

Relax. He'll have a script in the apartment, won't he?

When I least expect it, I'll be auditioning.

It may not be what you have in mind but it's what you'll get.

I don't think he's the kind of guy who would watching an audition.

Patty, you'd better call me every fifteen minutes.

It's safer. His name is on the list.

Be careful.

Don't worry about me. He hasn't got a chance Siamese.

Come on, it's getting late. What about my spumoni?

I ate it. It was delicious.

Never mind. I don't want to hear about it anymore.

Don't be naive. Of course she's hiding her age.

Every actor hides their age.

You too? Of course me too.

I... told you I was 19, didn't I?

If you're not 19, how old are you? Twenty-two.

Almost twenty-three.

God, why lie at 22 or almost 23?

You're so naive. I'm not lying to you now.

I'm lying about 15 years from now.

When I'm 38 and want people to think I'm 35.

You're crazy.

É... I don't see any kitchen.

Single people eat too, don't they?

Where do you cook?

I'll show you later.

Do you have a drink nearby?

Then.

After what?

Let's see, is there enough light? For what?

Sit here.

Here, take it!

Perhaps a little more light.

That's better.

That's so it doesn't get sore.

Well, three carbon papers are due to arrive.

What for?

Changes to my play. Start soon, there's a lot of them.

Wait a minute! So you made me come up just to type?

Yes. You said you typed, didn't you? Don't you work at Rialto?

What a Siamese prick!

Do you know how much I earn? A dollar an hour.

That will take me at least five hours.

Perfect. That's what your dinner cost me including the tip.

When you've finished, you'll have more to look forward to.

Hello?

Patty! Patty: What?

What's going on?

I'm typing, that's all.

That's what I said, typing.

Yes, you're right, Patty.

Playwrights aren't made like they used to be.

Funny, isn't it?

Frankly, Stanley, I didn't think you could do it.

There was nothing funny about the first script.

Harry thought that a few comic touches would help, so...

Why are you laughing in this scene? It's not a comic scene.

No? It's a new dramatic scene.

If it is, Stanley, you're in trouble.

Let me take another look.

Do you know what it is, Stanley?

Take the girl from 19 to 29, that's it.

Believe me, that's what's ruining your piece.

Harry Phillips doesn't think so.

Harry Phillips is in love with Beatrice Paige.

How do you know that?

Everyone knows what's between the two of them.

Because I'm not in love with her

and even if I were, I wouldn't change a line for her if I didn't think it was right.

The more mature girl makes the play more mature.

Is it what you think or what you've been made to think?

I've made coffee, do you like it?

Is it free or do I need to do your laundry?

Ah, don't worry, everything will be fine.

All she has to do is turn 19 and persuade me to play the part.

I'm persuasive, you know?

I know.

Argh! What horrible coffee!

I know.

Would you change your mind about ballet if I got two tickets for tomorrow?

No.

Do you have brothers or sisters?

I have a younger sister. What difference does that make?

None. I...

I'm an only child.

That's obvious.

Do you have a girlfriend... or something?

And don't ask me what difference it makes. It makes a lot of difference.

For whom? For me.

It's the first time I've really looked at you.

That is, as a man.

Until now you were a man who could offer me a job

and men like that are always attractive, but now...

Listen...

Why don't you look at me for the first time too?

He was so amazed! A totally Siamese amazement!

Tell me something. What's all this about Siamese?

It means nothing.

I just think that everyone should have an expression that is its own characteristic,

that attracts attention.

See? It worked for you.

You seem to have many characteristics of your own.

Bad coffee has an advantage.

It makes you feel so sleepy.

I once had a cat that stretched like that.

He must have been an only child.

Let me answer the phone.

It's all right, Patty, it's all right...

Patty... Patty.

Funny, nobody answers.

It's the bell.

Hello!

Hello.

Since it's raining, I thought I'd give you a lift.

Oh, I'm sorry, I...

I didn't know I had company.

Oh, it's not company, it's Miss Pruitt, I think.

She's a typist.

I'm not a typist. I'm an actress.

Really?

Me too. I'm Beatrice Paige, how are you?

I'm helping with the changes.

Ah...

No, it's the alarm clock to wake me up to go to work.

Well, turn it off and grab your coat. Today you're going to the market in style.

It's very kind of you to take the trouble.

Just a minute.

All that for me.

Do you know what my first theater job was?

A typist at an agency.

This time it has to be the phone.

Hello?

Hi, Patty.

No, no, no problem.

No running over, no rushing.

Just one little mistake!

Is that your car? Yes.

Can I give you a lift? Thanks, but I'll walk back.

I love walking in the rain.

You're crazy. The wind in your hair, the rain on your face...

It's invigorating.

But get in the car right away. You'll get cold.

You're right... Wait a minute.

It's not raining so hard. And it's really stimulating.

How about walking half the way and then take a taxi?

Just because she's crazy... A little water won't hurt.

Let's go.

What are we trying to prove?

Hello, Mr. Phillips.

Hello, what's your name?

It's still Peggy Pruitt. I'd like to be alone, Ms. Pruitt.

But how will you sit down even uninvited, sit down.

Thank you, Mr. Phillips. I imagine you're thinking of having something to drink.

I knew he was going to offer me something so I ordered a planter's punch at the bar.

It's coming.

I read in the paper that you're going to sign a contract in Hollywood to direct "The Mother".

In exactly an hour and a half.

We start rehearsals next week and we still don't have a mother.

We have a good script thanks to you, money in the bank...

but no mother.

Sad.

How many drinks have you had, Mr. Phillips? Countless.

And if I can pronounce "countless" it proves that I haven't had too much to drink.

This time a double.

I know why you're worried...

If I asked you to shut up... you'd keep talking.

Look, you're off to California and Beatrice Paige didn't even come to say goodbye.

I bet that's the first time that's happened.

In the past, even to watch a match she used to take me to the subway station.

And where is she today?

At some ridiculous party with that idiot Stanley Krown.

I know why I asked you to take me to the ballet today.

We have to admit, Peggy, they make the most romantic couple of the century.

The envy of Tristan and Isolde.

I find it deplorable. Why doesn't she leave him alone?

What does she want from him?

Whenever there's an attractive young man like Stanley looking at her like that

she will feel the wonderful sensation of still being in charge.

Allow me to use a metaphor.

He doesn't think the door has closed on her yet.

Believe me, every woman keeps her foot there to stop the door from closing.

The foot is bare, broken and bruised, the toes bloody...

but he won't leave.

And don't make that face. You'll do the same when it's your turn.

I'd better pay the bill right away. I have to get my suitcase.

All right, I understand that she's into him, but...

what did he see in her?

I just offer myself and...

modesty aside, I'm not one to throw things away, am I?

Well, if I were ten years younger and the plane was leaving an hour later, I'd...

The worst thing about Bea and George Courtland's separation is that now I can no longer sign for him.

Thank you and have a good trip, Mr. Phillips. Thank you, Jimmy.

You don't stand a chance at the moment.

Bea is glamorous, she takes him to trendy parties...

you may not know the best people but the best known.

It's a huge leap from the Washington Market. Now it's global.

Because I'm not giving up.

He looks like a good little man fighting a good little man.

A replay of Dempsey against Carpentier.

Dempsey and Carpentier? I wasn't even born yet.

Bea knows Dempsey and Carpentier very well.

She must have refereed the fight.

Hi, Harry. Hey, I've been trying to call you all day.

I don't have a phone. Maybe that's why.

I got you a piece of paper.

With the Road Company in the play "The Night is Blue.

It will be performed in canvas theaters, school auditoriums, gymnasiums and even theaters.

For the leading lady. Leading role?

You'd better work out the details.

I need to start my expedition in search of a mother.

There's no mistake, Eddie. She's good.

She almost auditioned the other day.

Goodbye, Peggy. Goodbye, Eddie.

Goodbye, writers, producers, directors...

agents, dancers...

Goodbye, everyone.

Flight 125 from Washington disembarking at gate 3.

Harry! I thought you'd never make it.

What was wrong? Was the party dull?

There were only unemployed actors wanting to appear. They won't even notice I'm gone.

Excess baggage. $15.80.

Wow, that's heavy.

It's much more than 20 kilos. You'll have to pay excess.

One, two dollars, what difference does it make?

Stop fooling around, why should I pay?

The airline doesn't need the money.

Harry... Look here, Bea...

Come on, follow me! Don't go making a fuss.

Don't say a word. Give me this suitcase.

Oh, sorry.

What are you going to do? Don't worry about it.

Here. Put it in your pocket.

In your pocket.

For God's sake... Why did you bring that? The frame alone weighs kilos!

To Harry... to whom I owe a lot but who owes me even more. Bea.

Put that in a pocket... pardon me...

Now the other one. Don't worry, everyone does it.

At least pretend you're calling. Take it, pretend it's a book.

All right, all right. I don't know how you're not the richest woman in the world.

Because someone I know owes me a fortune.

Come on, Thomas.

Here...

and the ticket.

Where is the young playwright? He stayed at the party.

And he let you go?

I named his drink. Very funny.

Twenty grams of excess. What's that?

There will be no charge.

Your boarding pass and luggage ticket.

Gate 5, they're already boarding. Thank you.

At least I could say thank you.

I think it's wonderful that a man your age to be jealous.

I think it's even more wonderful that you manage to make me jealous.

Come on, Harry, you've already passed George Courtland,

Roger Baker and Johnny Morrow and so many other harmless flirtations.

I feel something strange about Stanley Krown. He's different.

Yes, he's different.

Stanley worries me. He's not behaving according to Freud.

An attractive young woman throws herself into his arms and...

Peggy Pruitt? Yes, Peggy Pruitt.

Today I did a good deed for the girl.

I called Eddie Woods and got her a part

with the Road Company in the play "The Night is Blue."

Was it? Yes.

What's wrong? She was looking for a job, wasn't she?

You did it because she needed a job, huh?

It wasn't to get her out of New York and get her away from Stanley, was it?

Oh, Harry, take care.

I don't know what I'd do without you. Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself.

And thank you for taking my photo with you. It's a pleasure.

Ah, Bea...

did you happen to referee the fight between Dempsey and Carpentier?

For me? How beautiful!

Emma!

Mr. Krown. Yes?

There's a girl who wants to know if she can watch the text.

She's a friend of yours. Friend? What's her name?

Claudia Souveine.

Claudia Souveine? I don't know her.

You seem to know him well.

Where is she? In the lobby.

No problem.

Claudia Souveine?

Oh...

Itinerant theater likes that kind of name.

I'm just not there anymore. Have you been fired?

Imagine! I've resigned.

Why? It was a silly role, any young lady would do.

A waste of talent.

Didn't you know that before you accepted?

Yes... but...

Yes, but what?

But I didn't know I'd miss you so much.

Ah...

It wasn't so much in Hazelton, Scranton and places like that.

But the more we traveled to the west coast...

Did you miss me?

Well... I've been so busy...

Even when you're busy, you can miss it.

I was busy too.

I think I've thought about you, yes, from time to time.

What I did didn't move you?

I mean, quitting my job and everything.

Of course, who wouldn't be moved?

But I also think that you don't regulate very well.

What's wrong?

What a warm smile! I like it.

Er... have you lost weight?

Yes, a few pounds.

Are you worried about me?

Hmm... I don't know why, but I am.

Thank you for caring.

After the ticket we're going out for a bite to eat.

Do you want to come with us?

I was hoping he would invite me.

I was going to go anyway, but I was hoping for him to invite me.

All set to go, Mr. Krown.

Thank you. Can I watch from the back row?

Yes, but it's just a passage. There's no scenery, no lighting...

Don't expect much reaction with ten people in the audience.

Don't worry about me. I know these passages very well.

No, Mom, I won't wait. I've been waiting for ten years.

I refuse to be treated like a child any longer. Andrea!

And when you grow up you can find me at the Fremont Hotel.

Curtain!

All right, Mr. Phillips? Yes, I'll check the notes later.

All right, guys. Not bad at all.

Very good.

Very good, not bad? Well, it's great.

And I don't always say that.

What did you think, Bill?

It was enough to see a scene.

If the 5% is still there, you'll get my check tomorrow.

God bless you and your black market money.

Dick, the whole cast on stage, please.

What's wrong? I see you didn't like it.

A horror! I'm furious!

They took your play about a young woman, turned her into a woman

and there was nothing left, nothing!

I didn't swallow a word.

You didn't take my word for it, did you?

Four weeks in a traveling theater and wants to know more than everyone here.

What do I care about these people?

What do you think of your piece?

He's afraid to say what he thinks.

It's my first play. And if those people with theater experience think...

Don't you realize that nobody tells the truth in a passage of text?

But I say it because I love you. You look terrible. You'll be a fiasco in Washington.

All right, that's your opinion, thank you very much.

If I lied to you, I imagine you'd be at my feet like you do with that...

that woman! She ruined your play.

Listen here! Shhh! Shhh!

Listen, I want you to leave that woman, Miss Paige out of this.

No! You, the tough guy from the theater...

who left the Washington Market and didn't take orders from anyone.

And what did they do?

I was told to improve a piece that was already good.

They had a star hired like Beatrice Paige.

Beatrice Paige is manipulating you.

It's as obvious as the Siamese nose on your Siamese face.

Enough! You're too dumb to understand.

You're even dumber if you don't realize that I'd be great for the part.

Yes, or no, my name is Claudia Souveine.

And it's not called. Or maybe it won't be next week.

You and Beatrice Paige, it's heartbreaking. Really!

It looks like the image of an eagle attacking an innocent swallow and taking it away.

Quiet back there. Give it a rest!

I want you to leave and never come here again.

You never want to see her again or hear her voice or...

And the invitation to have something to eat, how does that go?

Go away!

How beautiful!

Thank you.

More telegrams.

Thank you, dear.

Oh, thank you for the roses, Harry. They're lovely.

What did you pay with?

Your pension.

Even so, I was thrilled.

Roses make me want to cry. Long-handled roses.

Come in.

Hello. Hello, Stanley.

Are you nervous?

Yes.

I've brought you something.

There's no need, darling, there are already too many flowers.

They're not actually flowers. They're...

Strawberries.

Top strawberries.

Ah... thank you, Stanley. We'll eat after the show.

The market here is almost as good as New York's.

I was given these as a gift. Professional courtesy, no doubt.

Have you been at the market all day?

No, I took a walk along the Potomac.

Again?

I think it's good for my stomach.

He's been turning around since we arrived in Washington.

Oh, thank you.

This is the most important night of my life.

Soon I'll know if my place is in the theater or at the fruit and vegetable market.

Another batch of telegrams.

Thank you. And two for you.

I didn't know you had friends.

It's Eddie Woods.

Ten words wishing luck to you and my 10%.

For ten years he has been sending the same telegram to all his clients.

Whose is the other?

I love you... Claudia Souveine.

Sovina. Just three words.

You must be like Eddie Woods. He sends the same telegram to everyone.

Come in.

Five minutes, Ms. Paige. Thank you, Ms. Paige.

Well... Don't wish me luck.

I'm superstitious. Hm.

But you can kiss me.

Come on, come on, you haven't got all night, mind!

For good luck.

I hope you took a look just to learn something.

So?

No sign of him. I called the hotel, I told them to look in the bar...

Too early to call hospitals and police stations.

I can't get it out of my head.

He said he didn't come back for the third act.

He didn't even stay until the end of the second.

How bad was it?

The curtain went up and nothing happened.

In all this time at the theater I can't understand why.

Let's go back to the hotel. Maybe the bar tender knows why.

Just wait. You come back. I have an idea where he might be.

Driver, you can stop here.

I came to apologize for ruining your play.

There wasn't much to ruin.

It doesn't matter, I ruined what there was.

Do you really believe that?

Of course not. I think I did extremely well.

So why did you say that?

Because when we met at Sardi's

you said that an actress should be humble.

Because I'm being humble.

I also remember saying something else, correct me if I'm wrong.

That a writer should be arrogant. And you were adamant.

Actresses should be humble, an arrogant writer.

You don't seem very arrogant to me.

It's probably because I discovered today that I'm not a writer.

My business is fruit and vegetables.

Tomorrow I'm going back to the Washington Market. No, I'm not leaving you.

Tomorrow you'll be working on the play again.

I can't. I worked on that play for a whole year...

from six in the evening to three in the morning.

I worked on it on the subway to and from work.

I thought of her when I shaved and under the shower.

I can't take it anymore. Forget everything. No!

We'll end the play here, I'm going to Europe on vacation...

and you'll work on the play while I'm away.

All summer long, in all the heat.

In the fall, when I come back, we'll start all over again.

More changes, more rehearsals, more work and we'll have a success.

We'll have the biggest success since... Pop MacNally.

Pop MacNally?

Our basketball coach at school.

He used to come with this encouraging speech in the dressing room when we were losing.

Did it work? Never.

It was the worst team in the league, at least when I was part of it.

But this isn't a basketball game, we're not in a locker room...

and there's a big difference between me and Pop MacNally.

He's not in love with you. He doesn't want to marry you.

What?

He says he doesn't want to marry you.

He never mentioned it.

Well, I shouldn't have touched it either.

I wanted to marry you but I don't want to anymore.

I don't mind people feeling sorry for themselves...

but when it gives them pleasure...

If you were really sad, you'd be in your hotel staring at the walls.

But he's here, all sad on the banks of this beautiful historic river

looking at the lights of the Jefferson Memorial.

Yes, I wanted to marry you.

But now, in his immortal words,

Forget everything.

Is there a taxi here or will I have to run back to the hotel?

Hold the pose...

Beautiful!

Now let me get this straight.

Today you travel to Europe.

Paris, Rome, Israel and Scandinavia.

She returns after Labor Day, marries Stanley and premieres the play.

Or is it the other way around? and marry Stanley?

First she marries Stanley.

Any news of Harry? I don't know where he is.

The guy's nose is glossy. I'd better powder it.

No, no powder. Take Miss Paige alone, no more photos.

That's fine with me. Your picture doesn't sell newspapers.

How about next to the piano, Miss Paige? I won't be long, Stan.

Good idea. Make a nice face, darling.

My nose needs rice powder a lot.

Hold it like this.

That's it!

Ah... hi, Claudia.

Is it still Claudia?

Hey, Mr. Krown, how about one last picture? You and Miss Paige hugging.

That way you'll get rid of him, darling.

With your back to the camera, you can the frown you want.

Isn't he lovely?

Mr. Phillips... Mr. Phillips!

Harry!

Where have you been? It's none of your business...

What do you think of this wedding?

The three of us will be very happy.

Harry, you must be hungry. Let's go into the kitchen and prepare something to eat.

She wants to be alone with me to find out what I think of this story.

You're right.

Have you sorted it out? Did you cancel the wedding?

Emma, go and see if the guests need anything.

I'll say it again, Ms. Paige.

He's very handsome but he's no Harry Philips.

Even Harry Phillips isn't Harry Phillips anymore.

You know what? Your engagement will be the shortest ever.

What is it, Harry? You look so tired.

I've just disembarked. Where were you?

Many places. Why haven't I heard from you?

I called. The operator said that you refused the call.

Collect call. Why should I accept it?

Don't forget to invite me to the wedding. I cry at weddings.

But everyone will be laughing.

Are you implying that everything is just crazy?

You know it won't work, Bea!

The old cliché! The same thing they said about the Wright brothers and the steamship!

But I didn't. I only encouraged Captain Fulton.

If you don't want to be serious, get out of here!

You've worked in comedies long enough to know when it's funny.

How can you be so childish as to...

What's that? Bermuda onions.

They're the biggest hit!

Stanley's farewell present.

Your wedding should fall in melon season.

Which makes me hesitate a little my small contribution.

Did you bring me a present? In a moment of weakness.

Oh, Harry.

Needless to say, it's not gold.

For me it is.

Why do you have to marry him? Because you can't be like George Courtland,

Roger Baker, Johnny Morrow... You said it yourself, Stanley is different.

I don't know... I think I'm getting scared.

Everyone feels afraid at some point.

It usually happens to me at 5:15 in the morning.

I know because I look at my watch.

Maybe you're right, that it's all just crazy, but...

I need Stanley, he makes me happy.

Don't you want to see me happy, Harry?

I just want you to be sure, love.

Love.

You haven't called me love for...

When was the last time you called me love?

I remember exactly when.

But there may be children listening.

At least I won't have to pay alimony anymore.

That's true. But you still owe me the arrears.

Aren't you going to cancel the arrears?

Why should there be? Debt is debt.

You're joking. You know me too well to know better.

But he's getting married!

I don't see the connection between my marriage and your debt.

After what we were to each other? After this magnificent gift?

Magnificent? It's not even gold. Just what we need!

Every kiss I've ever given you

every glance I cast at you,

every good thought I had with you

I'll take it back!

And you can sue me for the money and I'll go all the way to the Supreme Court!

Harry!

Harry.

Harry? Stan.

What's up? I'm reading Variety...

and I read that a variety theater in Maine is presenting "The Unhappy Holiday".

How could that be?

I'd also like to know.

I'm still rewriting.

I know...

Why don't we take Bea's car, go there and have a look around?

Maybe we'll find a mother.

Drucille went back to Hollywood and really sucked.

Okay, make your reservations.

I received two letters from Bea today.

They arrived at the same time. One from Nice, the other from Venice.

Cool. Keep the stamps.

We're late. I'll get the tickets.

Two for Phillips, please.

I'm sorry, I couldn't hold it after 8:30.

We couldn't hold the entrances. We'll have to stand at the bottom...

Look who's in the play.

Even more so as Clara Mootz!

Oh, Henry. I was outside listening to you.

I didn't want to interrupt. I even thought it was Mom.

I only rehearse when Mom isn't around.

Isn't she too big to be spanked?

Henry! My mother doesn't spank. She just gives a contemptuous smile.

It's much worse than a spanking.

It's none of my business, but...

She's making the first version. É.

Well, maybe it's my business.

It doesn't matter, she's fine. So is the play.

I've already said that four times.

I've already had four drinks. Once a drink isn't much.

If I had a chest, I'd take her out of the play,

I'd go for Claudia or Clara, whatever her name is,

as a 19-year-old and I'd have a hit on my hands.

That's if he had a chest.

Who would tell Bea?

You're her fiancé.

But you were married to her.

Hi, Claudia.

My name is Clara Mootz.

Ah, yes, yes.

What are you drinking? Beer.

Bill, see if you can get a table for us in the corner.

Of course... Clara.

Jack, get us two beers. And tell Morty at the piano that I'm here.

He knows what I like.

They worship me.

Why don't we dance while we wait?

Tell me something.

Why Clara Mootz? It's my real name.

It can't be. But it is.

And that one will stay. No more name changes and pretenses.

What are you doing?

Nothing special.

Any news of Beatrice?

No big deal.

How has the summer been in the city? Very hot?

Yes, a little.

I'm trying to find a subject.

I'm sorry, Clara, it's just that I can't get used to you...

At the theater I was absolutely perplexed.

I was great, wasn't I?

Great? You were...

This new way of yours... you're a different person...

Oh, Hal got us a table.

They left the table as soon as I told them who it was for.

Thank you. Here you go.

We'd like to be alone, Jack.

Of course, of course. And ask them not to disturb us.

That's right.

All right, tell me about my other self.

Well, you're much more sure of yourself...

in a much less exasperating way.

It's true.

All I did was shout to people what a great actress I was

when I didn't even believe it myself.

I was afraid that maybe it wasn't.

Now I know. I'm good.

Not great yet, but good.

And it had a strange effect on me.

I don't have to shout at people anymore.

I became more humble.

To my surprise, I discovered that I'm a very nice person.

Yes, it is. And he's also changed his appearance.

It's much more...

you know what I mean.

I know what you mean.

Do you remember the night...

when I went to your apartment to read the script and ended up typing it?

Remember when I said

who was really looking at you for the first time?

Yes.

That's what's happening now.

For the first time you're really looking at me.

But now it's too late.

The timing is all wrong.

Two people have to look at each other for the first time at the same time.

Otherwise it won't work.

It's funny, isn't it?

Not so much.

You're in charge here, can't you ask to play something else?

I like it.

Where are you living? In the same street with some friends.

Can I walk you home?

No, no... it's a very quiet street.

A beautiful street and the night is beautiful...

No...

Let's not fall into that trap.

What's happening to us, Sally?

Why did you suddenly call me Sally?

I don't know, I hadn't even realized.

But he did.

Maybe because it's the first name I met you with.

That's why it might have stuck.

Perhaps it's the sweetest of all.

And only now are you telling me.

He calls me the wrong names, says the wrong things.

You're a disaster for a writer.

Come back and finish your drink with Harry Phillips.

Good luck with Beatrice Paige, good luck with your play.

Good luck with everything!

You don't have to say anything. I do lip-reading.

Did you find out who authorized the staging of the play?

It looks like Eddie Woods, I don't know.

I wish Bea had come back from Europe.

What's the matter, homesick?

Of course I miss you.

That's not the impression you gave yesterday when you were hooking up with Ms. Mootz.

Forget about yesterday.

She had performed magnificently, an orchestra in the background,

a spring of natural water and I had drunk it. So forget about yesterday.

Fine, I'll forget if you forget too.

Harry, there's a big difference between Clara and Bea.

Clara is so, so...

You know. No, I don't. I'm stupid.

Take Bea. Bea is so...

Well, I wish you'd come back from Europe.

Did I? Yes, I did.

Funny that you should mention Bea just now so close to her mother's house.

Bea's mother? She's never said anything about a mother. With the mother she has, that explains it.

Why don't we go there?

No, it's late. I want to get to New York.

That's fine. You'll have to meet her sooner or later.

Is it here? Yes, you go. I'll wait in the car.

Aren't you coming? I don't think so.

The old lady will be grumbling about Bea's late pensions. Off you go.

I'm not going to talk to any strangers on my own. You have to introduce me.

All right, then.

Come on, ring the bell or knock.

What's the matter, why so nervous?

Mr. Phillips! Mr. Krown!

Emma, I didn't expect to see you here.

That goes double for me.

Are you taking care of Ms. Paige's mother while she's in Europe?

What's up? Emma, tell Mrs. Paige we'd like to see her.

Mrs. Paige? Mrs. Paige, yes. Tell her we're here.

She's in the workshop. All right, we'll go...

I'll be right there. I'll tell them you're here.

Oh, Miss Paige, he's here.

Who's Mr. Krown? Him, Mr. Krown.

Stanley?

And he's saying some strange things.

He asked if I was looking after his mother while you're in Europe.

How does he know I'm not in Europe?

Where did you get the idea that I have a mother?

From Mr. Phillips. He seems to think so too.

And he told me... Ah...

Now I understand.

Why, the despicable, treacherous, scoundrel...

I know what you're thinking, Ms. Paige. And it's not much.

Look at me. Look at me.

Go and have an hour with them. Prepare a drink.

I'll get ready. Yes, ma'am.

Miss... Ms. Paige is coming.

He asked if they would accept anything while...

Ah.

One bottle of booze in the whole house.

Hello, Bea.

Bea!

Hello, Stanley.

You can't be here. I put you on the plane to Europe.

I know. I jumped in Boston.

But what about the letters I received from Europe?

That was easy to solve.

What about this mother thing?

I haven't had a mother for twenty years.

It was just Harry's idea to bring him here.

I don't understand. Why did you say you were going to Europe?

Every year I say I'm going to Europe and come to take refuge here.

Taking refuge? Why?

Why? To rest, to put on weight.

To be unkempt and relaxed, just the way I like it.

To be able to do without, if only for a while,

diets, massages, hair painting, beauty salons...

and so many other tortures that my profession...

and my vanity impose on me.

In short, so that for two divine months each year

I can assume my age.

Why can't you assume your age all year round?

Can you ask an actress to stop to stop being 29 years old?

When you get older and wiser

and write a play for a woman of 34, 35...

or even 40,

you'll see that the actress will turn to you and say...

"Why does she have to be 34?

35 or even 40?"

"Why can't she be 29?"

It's a wonderful age. Can you blame us for extending that age so much?

And then watch the clock tick away?

And not just in the theater. Look at the audience. Crowded with people with 29.

Speaking of 29. I wasn't talking to you.

Still, talking about 29,

we watched a production of "Unhappy Holiday"

yesterday at Lake Medomak.

Is that right? Yes.

With Clara Mootz in the lead role. Clara Mootz, aka Claudia Souveine...

aka Peggy Pruitt, aka Sally something.

What I don't understand is why you came down. I didn't need to know.

No, I didn't need to.

But all this summer I've been sitting here on the balcony thinking about the two of us.

We had a wonderful time, Stanley.

I have great feelings for you.

But it wasn't love. It took me a while to realize that.

When Emma said you were here,

My first reaction was panic. I didn't want to see him.

Until I realized that it was no use. You'd find out sooner or later.

Harry would take care of that, wouldn't you, Harry dear?

Absolutely.

Can I say one more thing?

As soon as I looked at you I realized that you spent your summer just like me.

And, Harry, when you mentioned Clara, did you see how his face lit up?

Like a second-rate Roman candle.

Tell me, did you play the maid in "The Forgotten Light" years ago?

Yes, under another name.

I've had a lot of names too, but...

none like Mootz.

Well, Stanley, what now?

Well, it was such a surprise.

I really don't know...

Come on, Bea, a few years older, what difference does it make?

Stand by, Bea.

He'll be gallant.

No, I...

Thank you, Stanley, you're being kind. I'm really touched.

If I were younger and more naive, I'd cry.

In fact, I'd like it to go.

Why am I feeling...

I'll be in tears soon.

Bea... Leave it, I'll look after her.

Take the car keys. Go to New York.

Go to Lake Medomak, that's where you really want to go.

Go on, get lost.

There's always someone telling me to get lost.

Bea, are you trying to kill me?

Don't want a cigarette or a drink?

Or something else?

Bea, can I just ask you one question?

It was your idea to deliver the piece to the people of Lake Medomak, wasn't it?

I wrote to Eddie Woods... from Europe.

Why did you do that?

I don't know. Since Washington I've had a feeling...

I hated to admit it....

that by making Stanley change his play we might have ruined it.

I just wanted to see.

Did you?

I went to the theater in secret the other day.

Don't look at me as if I've done something very noble.

There was nothing noble about it.

I hoped the play would be awful and Clara even worse.

But it wasn't, was it?

No. It was wonderful.

And the play even more so.

And that's what you have to do, Harry. Produce it the way it was written...

with that girl in the lead role.

What am I going to do on opening night?

I wouldn't be able to get anywhere near the theater.

Bea.

Bea, I've just thought of something, something crazy.

What's that? First listen to me, then you can hit me.

Let's say you play the mother.

Just think.

Everyone would talk about her courage in playing a 50-year-old woman at such a young age.

I'm much younger. Of course, but even a little gray people will think you're dyed.

What a fantastic actress! She dyed her hair just for a role!

I don't think I ever want to step on stage again.

Bea, Bea, Bea, you know how hard we had to work to land the role.

You're the only woman in America, in the whole world, who could do it.

Yes, I know... And with Mootz playing the daughter...

not that the role is better than the mother's,

will be the biggest success we've ever had.

What's up, Bea?

I don't know, I don't think so.

I don't even want to talk about it.

Suddenly I feel I can't stay another night in this house.

You don't have to. Why don't we leave?

Today, though? Of course, isn't there a train?

A horrible train. But we couldn't, it leaves in 15 minutes.

If not, put on a coat, there are plenty of clothes in New York.

Run and get my coat and bag.

Emma! I don't think we're going to make it. We can try.

Yes, Ms. Paige?

Take the charanga. You'll drive us to the station. Run!

Maybe you don't have enough money for the tickets.

We'll manage. We only have 12 minutes.

Harry. What's wrong?

I was thinking, the girl in the play will be 19, 20 years old, right?

Yes, but... So why does the mother have to be 50...

why can't you have... 39?

For God's sake, let's go or we'll miss the train!

Well, I got nervous again today.

Another opening night.

But thank God it's 9:30 and it's over.

It means that Harry Phillips has finally scored a hit.

And he was lucky, from what I hear.

He's the author of just one play. This Stanley Krown will never be heard of again.

Was she that good, Harry? Very well.

Not as much as the play or you.

They'll only talk about you, wait and see.

It will take five years...

but she'll be better than me.

They're very much in love, aren't they? I don't envy them.

They're getting married and will face all the crises, implications,

jealousy and suffering that we left behind.

Those of us of a certain age know how to be happy.

Yes, but we had to get married twice to get to that point.

May I have your autograph, Ms. Paige? Yes, of course.

Here you go. Thank you.

Wait, at least let me in first.

We haven't remarried yet, you know. Sorry, it didn't occur to me.

What's wrong?

Harry, are you getting married to get rid from my pension arrears?

Come on!

Subtitles: Luís Filipe Bernardes