The Wrong Road (1937) - full transcript
A young married couple whose plans for their life together haven't turned out as expected decide to rob the bank where the husband works of $100,000, then hide the money in a safe place and return for it after they serve out their sentences. All goes according to plan until they get out of prison, when they find that they're being trailed by an insurance investigator and the husband's old cellmate, who has decided that he wants a cut of the money.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-[INAUDIBLE].
-[INAUDIBLE].
-Jimmy?
-Yeah?
-If feels like, like the
last night in the world.
-Are you afraid?
-No, not when I think of how
much it's going to mean to us.
-You darling.
-It's funny.
But, but I keep thinking of
our last dance at college.
I bought my last new
dinner gown for it.
-It still looks good.
-And why shouldn't it?
I've only worn it twice
in the last two years.
JIM: Cigarettes?
-Mhmm.
Daddy went broke, but
he didn't tell me.
He kept up my allowance
until commencement.
-He was grand people, Ruth.
-Mm.
But what a shock
when I got home.
Oh, I was a selfish little
fool not to have realized.
-How could you have
known anything was wrong?
-I thought I was bouncing from
college to the junior league.
Ruth Holden, prominent
society girl,
and all that sort of thing.
-I thought I stepping into
$10,000 a year as an engineer.
And look at me, working
for beans in a bank.
I've been there are three
years, and for what?
To be fired, given two weeks'
notice so somebody's pet
relative could
step in on the job.
-Remember the night
of that last dance?
We were all talking about
what we were going to do.
-Sure, I remember
-Pat Brennan said he
wasn't going to work.
He was going to steal $500,000.
-He said two years
in the pen would
be no worse than five
years at college.
-Who wouldn't be glad to
serve a few years in prison
to secure independent?
-Without hurting anyone, Jimmy.
-Waiter, wine list.
-Very good, sir.
-Jimmy, what are you up to?
What did you order?
-Just a little
something you'll like.
They'll come at us
pretty hard, Ruth.
They won't let up for days.
-I won't break.
-You mustn't even bend.
-I'm not afraid of anything
except the separation.
Jimmy, you won't, you
won't stop loving me?
-What funny thoughts go
through your little head.
Of Course I won't.
-Oh, it's the only way out for
us-- marriage on $25 a week,
children, red hands from
doing my own washing.
Why, I could do it, I suppose.
But, but I'd hate it.
I wasn't brought up that way.
And neither were you.
-There were certain
things we were
taught to look on as our rights.
And we're going to get them.
-We're going to
get them, and we'll
keep our chins up
while we're paying.
Jimmy, champagne?
-And the very best, miss?
-But you can't pay for it.
JIM: Silly, of course I can.
It's only a small bottle.
After tonight, we won't need
any money for a couple of years.
And then we'll have plenty.
-Jimmy, suppose it
isn't a couple of years.
Suppose it's 10.
-Well, suppose it is.
I'd only be 33.
How many men have
fortunes at that age.
Come on, darling.
Here's to us.
-What's the matter, Jimmy?
-Nothing.
-Kind of sick.
-No, I'm all right.
Good morning, Ms. Holden.
-Good morning.
-Well, that's that.
Now let's see if the
thing still works.
[MUSIC BOX MAKING MUSIC]
-I've always loved that melody.
-You should.
It's a $100,000 tune.
Why not be frank with
him, and add a PS
that there's $100,000
sealed in a fireproof
container inside
that old music box.
And please take care of it.
-Oh, I'm afraid even Uncle
Billy wouldn't understand that.
-Do you want to dance?
-Let's, Jimmy.
-We'll be dancing to a
different tune tomorrow.
Any regrets?
-No, Jimmy, no regrets.
[MUSIC BOX STOPS PLAYING
ABRUPTLY]
-Strange it should
stop playing that way.
Suppose something goes wrong,
and your uncle has it fixed.
-Oh, you don't have to
worry about that, Jimmy.
When Uncle Billy
gets that letter,
he'll put the music
box away in his safe,
and he'll never let it out.
-They'll get me in the morning.
I won't deny anything.
And then they'll check back
on every move I've made.
And they'll land on you.
-And I won't deny anything.
-Good girl.
Hey, I've only got 10 minutes
make the express office.
Is the letter ready?
-Almost, all but my signature.
-Well, step on it.
[BUZZER]
-Yes?
SECRETARY (ON
INTERCOM): [INAUDIBLE]
reporting with those
two from the bank.
-Good.
Send them right in.
SECRETARY (ON
INTERCOM): Yes, sir.
-Sit down.
Make yourselves comfortable.
We can talk better
if you sit down.
Go ahead.
-What's there to talk about?
We admit we took the money.
So let's get it over with.
-$100,000.
What did you do with it.
-Try and find out.
-Oh, so there is something
to talk about, after all.
-It is my job to get that
money back, all of it.
Sit down.
Smoke?
-Thanks, I've got my own.
-Why not smoke mine?
-Why should we be under
obligation to you?
-Well, you are already
to the tune of $100,000.
So a few cigarettes shouldn't
bother your conscience.
Now you kids are too smart
to go through with this.
Even if you in,
you lose the things
that money can't buy
back-- honor, self respect.
Why not turn it
over to me, Jimmy,
and we call the
whole thing square?
I'll even get you another
job, but not in a bank.
-Put the irons on, chief.
You're wasting your time.
-College kids, aren't you?
-What if we are?
-Things ran wrong when
you went out of school.
A lot of your
swell ideas went up
in smoke, nothing ahead
but a long, steep road.
So you finally decided
to take a shortcut,
and grab over $100,000, and
then do a few years in prison.
-Without hurting anyone.
That is, any individual.
-Well, the lady speaks at last.
Yes, without hurting
anyone except yourselves.
How much of that
money do you figure
on keeping when you
get out of prison?
-All of it.
-Oh no, no, no, no.
Oh no.
There's many angles you
haven't thought about.
Here, I'll show you.
Uh, move a bit.
Let me sit between you.
That's right.
Now, you steal $100,000.
You hide it.
And you do 10 years in prison.
Yes, 10 years.
Now look.
You finally get out.
And you get your $100,000.
But it's what we call hot money.
-What's that?
-He means he can trace it to
the serial numbers on the bills.
-You can't bank it.
You run a risk
keeping it on you.
So you have to take to a fence.
You'll sell it at about
$0.40 on the dollar.
That leaves you $40,000.
$2,000 a piece a year
for 10 stagnant years
in prison, 10 of the very
best years of your lives.
Now can't you see,
it's not worth
the price you'll have to pay?
Prison does things to you.
-Mr. Roberts, I still say
you're wasting your time.
-All right, Casey.
Take them along, Casey.
Sorry you wouldn't
let me help you.
DA's pretty tough on
smart people like you.
Well, I'll b seeing you.
-You have shown, even in your
confessions and pleas of guilt,
a brazen contempt for the law.
Therefore I have no
alternative but to impose
upon you both an
exemplary sentence.
You are to serve an
indeterminate period of not
less than one year nor more
than 10 in the state prison.
It is furthermore
recommended by the court
that no parole ever
be granted you.
-Oh, Jimmy!
-Why don't you turn in?
-I'm not sleepy.
-Anyway, thinking
about your boyfriend
doesn't do you any good.
Come on, tell me, honey.
What did you and your
boyfriend do with that money?
-Wouldn't you like to know?
-I'll find out in time.
Maybe you don't know it,
but you talk in your sleep.
-How'd you like to see
your girlfriend sometime?
-Are you kidding?
-I don't kid, ever.
Messages for the captain
for the captain of the yard
are sometimes sent over
to the women's prison.
-Are they?
-I can fix you up with
that job if you want.
[INAUDIBLE], glad
to do it for you.
I know just how you feel.
-Do you know Ruth Holden?
-Ruth, yeah, sure.
Give her this note, will you?
-What's going on here?
What are you're doing?
-Oh, nothing.
-Report to the matron's
office at once.
-Yes, ma'am.
-Well?
-Wasn't our fault,
Mrs. Cummings.
He spoke to us.
-Get on with your work.
-Darling, I come over
here every day at 10:00
to deliver the mail to
the matron's office.
Try and see me.
I love you.
Jimmy.
[SIGH] Gee, that's sweet.
-I love you.
-Sweetheart.
-I love you.
-Yoohoo.
Woohoo.
-Shut your traps, you mugs.
-Come on, 9843.
That romantic touch of yours
is going to cost you plenty.
Come on.
Come on.
-It's tough he had
to lose eight weeks
good conduct time just for that.
Gee, it's wonderful to have
a man think that much of you.
-Why do you keep staring
at me like that for?
-Just thinking about
you, that's all.
-What about?
-Well, I'm getting out
of here pretty soon.
I could do a lot for
you on the outside.
-Nobody can do anything for me.
-You don't understand
the angles, kid.
[INAUDIBLE]
You know, when you
get out of here,
the cops are going
to be following you.
[INAUDIBLE] to that dough.
You're going to be needing
help, plenty of help.
-Yeah?
-Well then, what did
you do with that dough?
-I sent it to a man named
Dave Bierman in Chicago.
-Dave Bierman, Chicago?
How do you spell it?
B-E-E-R-M-AN?
-No.
B-I-E-R-M-A-N.
-Oh, yeah, Dave
Bierman, yeah sure.
Bierman.
-The judge himself
opposed any parole.
And these two haven't shown
any desire to mend their ways.
-Their prison conduct
has been pretty good.
But, uh--
-Now listen, Roberts.
Are you interested in
them, or in your money?
-In both.
Because you can't
divide the two.
If you do, you
won't have either.
You see, I've never looked
upon these kids as criminals.
They simply got off
on the wrong foot.
-They took quite a step with it.
-Why keep them in prison?
That's what they want,
to solve the conscience.
They feel they're
earning that money.
Let them out, and you
upset their apple cart.
Gentlemen, that's why I
feel that freedom on parole,
with restrictions as to
conduct will affect their cure.
-What way, Mr. Roberts?
-Well, if you grant them parole
under special conditions,
I'm certain they will
lead me to the money.
I'm also certain that they'll
hand it over to me voluntarily.
-What special conditions?
-Gentlemen, I have
here a few suggestions.
-You'd better study this.
If you get a parole,
you'll have to know
these rules forwards
and backwards.
-Hello, beautiful.
-Jim, you do still
love me, don't you?
-Adore you.
There wasn't a minute I
wasn't thinking of you.
-Oh.
-What is it?
-Lipstick!
[GIGGLING]
Well, what now?
-We're going straight to Uncle
Bill's and get our money,
and clear out of the country.
-Jimmy, don't look like that.
You've changed.
-I'm not as soft
as I used to be.
You've toughened up
a little yourself.
-There, that's better.
-Look, here comes the
answer to a lot of things.
-Well, hello.
I heard about your parole.
Congratulations.
Do you mind?
[INAUDIBLE] to be
free again, huh?
What are you going to do now.
-We're going to
sell Eclipse vacuum
cleaners if it's
any news to you.
-Oh, sure, I knew that.
I meant, what are you going
to do with your lives?
It's, uh, tough that
you can't get married--
if you've still got a
way about each other.
-We still are.
-You'll be on parole
for eight years.
That's a long time to have
to wait to get married.
-Go on, copper.
Have a good time.
We're wise to you.
We know it's no accident
we got that parole.
And it's no accident
you're on this boat.
-Right, Jimmy.
I'm still working for
International Surety.
And I'm still determined
to get back that money.
-We earned that money, and
we're going to keep it.
-Here's this to remember.
No matter where
you go, we'll pick
you up, and bring you back.
We have agents all
over the world.
-What's the point of
all this, Mr. Roberts?
-The point is there
might be a pardon
for you to give back that money.
The pardon would restore
your citizenship.
You could get married and--
-No.
-All right.
Good luck.
Lovely seeing you.
-Now let's keep in mind the
aims and ideals of the company--
An Eclipse vacuum cleaner
in every American home.
-Yes, [INAUDIBLE].
-And remember the two Ps,
politeness and persistence.
-Politeness and persistency.
-With the emphasis
on the persistence.
-Persistence.
-It's no easy job.
You'll have a lot
of competition.
Now come and look at this map.
Every salesman is a pin head.
-Competition doesn't
worry us in the least.
-That's the spirit,
my lad Now whereabouts
would you like to work?
Here in the city?
-You mean we can start
in any place we like?
MAN: Anywhere in the state.
You can pick your own district.
-How about district 16?
-You couldn't have picked
a better one, right there.
Well now, good luck to you both.
And when you get there,
remember the two Ps.
JIM: Politeness and persistency.
MAN: Very good.
-Looks like he's moved.
-Oh, what's the matter with us?
One little setback, and
we act like we're sunk.
All we have to do
is go to the bank,
and find out where he's moved.
-Well, it's just
around the corner.
Let's go.
-Good morning.
May I help you?
-Why yes.
We stopped in to inquire
about Uncle Bill Bradley.
Has he moved, or something?
-Poor old Uncle Bill
passed away some weeks ago.
He was a fine upright man,
and the character that--
-But what happened
to his effects?
MAN: Uncle Bill was
a poor businessman.
And, uh, all of his stock
and personal belongings
were claimed by his creditors.
They sold them to an
auctioneer down in the city.
-Oh, who were the auctioneers?
-Why-- isn't that the limit?
I'll be hanged if I
can think of it now.
Funny thing is, my
wife's down there
attending that sale right now.
-Sale?
-What sale?
-Why the auction
sale, of course.
-Today?
-Yes, today, at two o'clock.
-Oh, oh, what sort
of a name was it?
German?
English?
French?
Irish?
-Irish, that's it.
Here.
Antiques department,
here we are.
Auctioneers.
Oh, of course.
Here it is.
O'Fearna.
Dan O'Fearna, 7247
Wilton Boulevard.
-O'Fearna, 7247
Wilton Boulevard.
Come on.
Thanks.
-Thanks.
-$60 is bid.
Going at $60.
$60 once, $60 twice,
third and final call.
Sold to Mr. Holbrook for $60.
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
if there's any other article
on display here that you would
like put up, all you have to do
is name it.
-This music box, please.
-Splendid.
Eddie, music box.
Friends, I must ask you to
give your particular attention
to this rare old music
box, a fine example
of what is today a lost art.
Isn't it beautiful?
[MUSIC BOX PLAYING]
-How much [INAUDIBLE]?
-We've only got $23.60.
-Who will make me an offer?
Who will make an offer of $50?
$50?
What do I hear?
-$5.
-Did I hear aright, sir?
Did you really
offer clientele $5?
Friends, please, now I know
you come here for bargains.
But there are limits.
And $5 for this
rare old music box
is way, way beyond the limits.
-$10.
-Well, that's a little better.
I'll accept the
bid as an opener.
I've got $10.
Who'll make it $5 more?
Offered $10, asking $15.
Who will give me $15.
-$15.
-$15 is the bid.
Who will make it $20?
Do I hear $20?
-$20.
-$20 is the bid.
Do I hear $25?
-$21.
-Ladies and gentlemen,
I'm surprised
that I don't get
any more bidding.
Come on, now.
Who will make it $30?
-$30.
AUCTIONEER: Ah, that's better.
$30 is the bid.
Now who will raise it to $35?
-$35.
-$40.
-$45.
-Jim, please.
AUCTIONEER: I'm bid $45.
Now let me hear $50.
-$50.
-We can't let it get away.
We'll borrow $40 on the car.
-$50 is the bid.
Anyone go $60?
-$55.
-$60.
-$60.
Now let's have $65.
-$65.
-Mr. O'Fearna, open it up.
And let's have a
look at the works.
-The gentleman wants
to see the works.
Eddie.
MAN: Yes, sir.
-Get a screwdriver.
MAN: Yes, sir.
-$75.
-$85.
-I am bid $85.
Skip the screwdriver,
boy, no time for nonsense.
$85 is the bid.
Will anyone make it $90?
Does anyone make it $90?
$85 once, $85 twice.
-$90.
-Jim, you can't.
-We've got to.
-$90.
$90.
Let's make it an even $100.
Now who will say the word?
-$100.
AUCTIONEER: 100 bid.
An even $100.
Any more?
-[MUFFLED]
AUCTIONEER: $100 once.
$100 twice.
Third and last call.
-[MUFFLED]
-Sols to Mr. Victor
J. Holbrook for $100.
-Hello, is Mr. Holbrook in?
Mr. Caldwell.
No, Caldwell, C as in cat.
That's right.
-Suppose he won't see us.
-He's got to.
He just got--
hello, Mr. Holbrook.
I'm the fellow who bid
against you for that music box
this afternoon.
Oh thank you, Mr. Holbrook.
Come on, honey.
The [INAUDIBLE]
gates are wide open.
-It is men like you that
[INAUDIBLE] to this business.
I've been dallying with
the most excellent notion--
the International
Society of Auction Fans.
-Oh, that's a great
idea, Mr. Holbrook.
As I was saying,
about that music box--
-Ah, that inevitable music box,
how gallantly you resisted me.
One touch I loved, a sheer
stroke of genius, the way you
disposed of that
butt-in-ski, that
let's have a look
at the works fellow.
-Mr. Holbrook, may I
ask you a question?
-Delighted, Ms. Holden.
Your charm is only
exceeded by your modesty.
-Will you sell us the music box?
-You mean, you actually wanted
that extraordinary object?
-We bid every
dollar we had on it.
-I'm terribly sorry.
I thought you were
just fellow sportsmen.
If I'd known you really
wanted the thing,
I wouldn't have bid
a single dollar.
-We'd be very glad
to buy it form you.
-I say, this is ghastly.
-You see, I have so many of
those wretched things that
tinkle that I sent the
music box to an aunt of mine
in Sunnydale.
-An aunt in Sunnydale?
RUTH: Sunnydale?
Well, that isn't so far away.
Would you mind
telling us her name?
-Certainly, Mrs. Martha
Foster, Sunndyale.
She's a perfectly
ripping old dodo.
I say, I feel absolutely
wonky with embarrassment.
Won't you please accept
one of my trophies?
-No, thank you.
It was the music box.
-Such a dismal object.
Please accept this trinket.
It's supposed to have been the
pen that Benedict Arnold used
when you he sold out
his country and his soul
for a mere $100,000.
-It's your bed time
now, Mr. Holbrook.
-Oh.
-There we are.
-Call me Pinky.
-All right, pinky.
Come along.
-What now?
Oh, don't look at me that way.
I'm not to blame.
-Who's blaming you?
Well, come on.
We can't stand here
squawking all night.
-Why did you have
to stop me bidding?
We could have put a deposit on
it, and raised money somehow.
-Don't be silly.
That maniac wouldn't have
stopped bidding at $10,000.
Why, I suppose it was my
fault that Uncle Billy died?
-Well, it was your idea
to send him the money.
-Well, you didn't see anything
wrong with it at the time.
[CRYING]
-Oh, I'm sorry.
Please don't cry.
That's better.
What a heel I am.
A couple of bad breaks,
and I take it out on you.
-You're not a heel.
-Darling, we earned that money.
And nothing's going to
stop our getting it.
Come on, now.
Heads up, sweet.
-Just hurts me so when
you talk that way.
-We'll never
quarrel again, ever.
Our next stop's Sunnydale.
Good old Sunnydale.
I think I've got
a map in my room.
We'd better find
out where it is.
-What is it?
-How's it partner?
Come on in.
What's the matter,
cat got your tongue?
-Hello, Blackie.
Ruth, this is Blackie Clayton.
What's on your mind.
-Uh, just heard you
saying something
about you might go to Sunnydale.
Quite a trip.
OK for money?
-We'll make it, thanks.
-Mm, I could use some cash.
Fact, I could use plenty.
I was just thinking maybe
you might need a partner.
-No partner.
-That's too bad.
Because I already
decided different.
Uh, by the way, I got
a little something here
might interest you, a little
item I cut out of the paper.
-What is it?
-Read it.
It won't bite you.
Dave Bierman, Chicago.
Remember telling me
you sent him that dough
to keep for you, friend
of yours, or something.
-That's just a name I made up.
-Oh, was it?
Well, that guy's dead.
Somebody cut his throat.
Where's that money?
Get wise to yourself, Jimmy.
Quit stalling me.
I declared myself
in for a third.
And I'd advise you to like it.
Well, how about it?
-The answer is still no.
He's asking for trouble, kid.
Gotta talk to him.
[KNOCKING]
-Well, hello, Mr. Roberts.
Ruth, it's Mr. Roberts.
Come right in, Mr. Roberts.
Let me take your hat.
-Thanks, Jimmy.
How are you, Ruth?
-Oh fine, thank you.
Oh gee, gee, we're
awfully glad to see you.
-Oh, uh, thanks.
Well, how's the vacuum
cleaner business?
-Oh, oh fine.
-OK.
-Made any sales?
-Well, not exactly.
But we have prospects.
-Well, I hope they're
good prospects.
You see, you violate your
parole coming down here.
That's why I dropped
in, thought maybe you
may have misunderstood
the rules.
-Oh, but I thought
we had permission
to go anywhere in the state.
-As long as you
keep working, Ruth.
-W-won't you sit
down, Mr. Roberts?
-No thanks.
I can only stay a moment.
Now when are you kids going
to hand over that money?
Have you taken a good
look in the mirror lately?
-Why yes.
Why?
That money's doing
things to you.
It's beginning to
show in your faces--
little hard lines that weren't
there before, bitternesses.
Go and take a good look.
-Why you'd be surprised
what a few facials would do.
-If you were to spend all
of that money on facials,
it wouldn't clean you up inside.
That's the idea.
It's doing things to you.
You're not happy.
Well, I guess I'll be drifting.
-Oh, please don't go yet.
-Oh, I've said about enough.
Think it over.
Thanks.
I hate to see you
kids losing the things
that money can't buy back.
Better get back to your
district as quick as you can.
That's a tip.
Well, be seeing you.
-Why didn't you talk?
I wanted to keep him here.
Oh Jimmy, I'm
afraid of that man.
There's something about him--
-Take it easy.
He's gone.
-And so is our money.
-The keys to the car!
Yep, they're gone too.
-Read it and weep.
See you in Sunnydale.
Blackie.
-Come on.
-Why don't you stop him?
Yell to Roberts.
-That would mean the police.
We can't do it.
Well, if you hadn't
been so smart,
we'd still have that money.
Let me keep the money, Jim.
Give me that watch.
-Oh please don't.
Father gave it to me.
It's the most precious thing--
-So precious it'll get us
about $5 in a hawk shop,
and mine isn't even
worth a nickel.
We have to hit the
road to Sunnydale,
and we gotta eat on the way.
-Oh no.
Everything has gone wrong.
Let's go to Roberts and end it.
-You're not going
to see Roberts.
You're sticking with me,
whether you like it or not.
-Jimmy, Roberts was right.
I want to quit.
I have an awful feeling
that we're rushing blindly
through the darkness
to some horrible end.
-And I've got a feeling
you'll turn yellow.
-Oh, please don't
say that, Jimmy.
That isn't you.
-Listen.
You can get off
at the first stop.
I'm sick of you and
your whining ways.
I should've known
better than to go
in on a deal like this with you.
Half the men in prison are
there because of a woman.
-Yes, and all the women
are there because of a man.
Oh, please, Jimmy.
Please, won't you understand?
We were there because
of each other,
because we loved each
other, and we still do.
-Of course we do.
We'll be all right as soon as we
get our fingers on that money.
-Oh no Jimmy, we've just
been kidding ourselves.
When we get to
Sunnydale, Blackie
will be waiting for
us, and maybe Roberts.
Oh, I'm afraid of Blackie.
I have a feeling that he's
going to try and kill you,
or that you're going
to try and kill him.
-Why don't you get some sleep?
In the daylight, everything
will look different.
-No, Jimmy.
It'll never look any different.
-Come on.
Snap out of it.
You're getting off here.
-You're all getting off here.
Come on.
Come on, you two.
-Well?
-Stealing rides.
-All right.
This girl with you?
-Why yes.
She's--
-What's the idea?
-Well, we were on our
way here to Sunnydale,
and somebody stole our
car, and all our money.
-You know anybody here?
-To tell the truth, we were
planning to report to you.
You see, we're
paroled prisoners.
-Nice day, isn't it?
-Oh yes.
It's wonderful.
-I'll keep these tickets
for you, if you don't mind.
You can pick them up on
your way out of here.
Unusual paroles.
I guess you've had enough
advice [INAUDIBLE] from me.
Well, look to you.
Let me know when you
find a place to stay.
-Thank you.
Can you tell us where
Mrs. Foster's place is?
-I sure can.
When you walk out of here, you
go straight down to the bridge.
You turn to your left.
You'll see a narrow
road with an arrow
pointing to the
Foster Guest Farm.
-Thank you very much.
-Goodbye.
-Thank you.
-It'll be long distance, please.
-Oh, it's beauti-- [LAUGHING]
[MUSIC BOX PLAYING]
-Listen.
-Jimmy.
What are you going to do?
-There's no time for sentiment.
It's in there.
All we have to do is
grab it and get out.
-Remember what we once said,
without hurting anyone.
-Good morning.
-Well, good morning.
Are you Mrs. Foster?
-Yes, child.
-Were you aiming to stay here?
-Well, yes.
-Come right on in.
-I found it.
-Where?
-In the living room.
Come on.
-Oh, but Jimmy.
-She went outside, and there's
nobody else in the house.
Hurry.
-But I'm afraid.
-Oh, what's there
to be afraid of?
Come on.
MRS. FOSTER: Give me the
police department, please.
Let me talk to chief.
It's Ms. Foster.
Hello, Ira.
It's mama.
Yes, they came.
Why?
You don't say?
Listen, dear, bring
home about four
extra pork chops for dinner.
That's right.
Well, I thought you folks
were upstairs resting.
Feeling better?
-Oh, much better, thank you.
We, we thought perhaps
we could help you.
-Oh, there's nothing
much to do now.
You can help get dinner,
and then tidy up afterward.
Uh, by the way, there's
some apple pie and a pitcher
of cream in the cooler,
in case you're interested.
-Oh.
-Thank you.
-Thank you.
-Now go right on in
there, and help yourself.
-And here's another
thing. [INAUDIBLE]
talks to you about
the good old days.
What good old days?
-Ira.
-Folks used to get up at
daybreak, milk the cows,
and feed the chickens,
and chop wood.
Chores, they call it.
Why I remember--
-Ira.
-Well?
-Would anybody like
another piece of pie?
-Oh, not for me, thanks.
I'm right up to here.
IRA: Jimmy.
-Well.
IRA: Spoken like a man.
Now what was I saying?
-Nothing much
dear, you were just
getting yourself warmed up.
Sometimes you get
so busy talking,
you forget what
you're going to say.
-Well, what was I going to say?
-You were going to tell the
children the folks coming
over tonight might make good
vacuum cleaner prospects.
-Exactly.
I was just leading up to it.
-[LAUGHING] Ira, you beat all.
-Now, uh, what was
I going to say.
[BELL RINGING]
-That bell.
Every time it rings, I
almost jump out of my skin.
-Set still, mama.
I'll go.
[BELL RINGING]
-Coming, coming.
-Chief Foster, I'm Mike Roberts.
-Well, well, Mr. Roberts,
I'm glad to meet you.
You got here sooner
than I expected.
They're out in the kitchen,
just finishing supper.
-Did you say something
about supper?
-Well, I'll guarantee
it'll fill you up
if you don't mind
taking pot luck.
MR. ROBERTS: Well,
now I hope I'm not
going to put you folks
to any undue trouble.
IRA: Oh, no trouble
at all, Mr. Roberts.
Mama, I want you to
meet Mr. Roberts.
Mrs. Foster.
-It's mighty nice
knowing you, Mr. Roberts.
-Thank you.
The pleasure is mind.
-Mr. Roberts is down here to
attend to a little business.
It may take a couple of days.
He's going to stay with us.
-Well, how nice.
-I told Mr. Roberts
you'd fix some supper
for him [INAUDIBLE].
-I should say.
Mr. Roberts, this is Ms.
Holden, and Mr. Caldwell.
-Always glad to
meed old friends.
Oh, bless my heart.
You know them.
-Yes.
MRS. FOSTER: Sit down.
I'll have some supper warmed
up for you in a jiffy.
-Thanks.
And while you're
fixing it, I think
I'll have a talk with
these two youngsters here.
I think I have something
outside that might interest you.
Come on.
I'm a hungry man.
Don't forget to call me.
[CHUCKLING]
-You sent for him?
-Yeah.
-They seem like such
nice young folks.
What did they go to prison for?
-For stealing $100,000.
-[GASP] Land's sakes.
What would a body do
with that much money?
-Well how did you--
-The man who was
driving it tried
to rob a store this afternoon.
-Yeah?
-A couple of highway patrolmen
happened [INAUDIBLE].
[INAUDIBLE] got away.
Left your car out outside.
-Well you don't think that we--
-Why didn't you tell me that
Blackie Clayton stole your car?
-Well, how did you know?
-It's my business to
know things, Jimmy.
Blackie was your cell mate.
Blackie is trying to get
a cutting on that money.
The closer you
get to that money,
Jimmy, the tougher
it's going to get.
Blackie on your trail,
the police after you--
I wouldn't be in your shoes
for all the tea in China.
Why don't you talk some
sense into his head?
-Why don't you mind
your own business?
-That's exactly what I am doing.
I'm trying to save
you kids from being
picked for a violation
of your parole.
Not so easy, either.
But there's still
a way out for you.
Give up the money
and get to work.
-Jimmy, please.
-The vacuum cleaners
are still in the car.
Although why Blackie didn't
sell them, I don't know.
But that's your good luck.
MRS. FOSTER: Mr. Roberts?
-Coming.
Now think it over.
-Hi, sister.
Take it easy, kid.
Nobody's going to hurt you.
How's [INAUDIBLE]?
-Very well, thank you.
-Why thank me?
Cigarette?
-No.
What's on you mind?
-Oh, little matter of $100,000.
It's here someone, isn't it now?
I happen to want it, all of it.
-Aren't you getting a trifle
ambitious all of a sudden?
-Yeah, in a small way.
I'm in a tight spot right
now, and I'm tired of fooling.
Suppose it came to a matter of
choice, Jimmy or the $100,000?
What would you say then?
-Jimmy, of course?
-Well, it's your choice.
There's no accounting for taste.
-I'll meet you out there, back
of the orchard, about midnight.
OK?
-OK.
BLACKIE: You're a
smart kid, sister.
So let's not have any tricks.
And keep your mouth shut.
Understand?
[KNOCKING]
-Ruth?
Hey, what's your idea
of all the gloom?
How do you feel?
-Why, I feel all right.
Jimmy, do you remember when
I went out on the back porch
to empty the strainer?
-Well, sure.
Why?
-Blackie was out there.
-What did he say?
-He threatened to
kill you, unless,
unless I gave him the
money-- all of it.
He said he'd be
out there tonight.
-Oh, that's just a lot of talk.
He's only trying to scare you.
-No he wasn't, Jimmy.
He meant it.
What good is that
money going to do
if anything should
happen to you?
-Now nothing's going to happen.
-Jimmy, Jimmy, please
let's find Roberts, now.
-Roberts' gone to a movie.
We're going to leave with
that money right now.
Come on.
Get your things together.
-Jimmy, we're right where
we were two years ago.
-No we're not.
-We're where we wanted
to be two years ago.
Oh, listen, hon.
I know how you feel.
But we can't turn back now.
We earned that money.
Two whole years of our lives,
and we're going to keep it.
Otherwise, what would we be?
A couple of scared little frogs
jumping back into a muddy pool.
We're not like that.
Oh, Ruth, I love you.
I love us together.
I want us to be
married and happy.
If we don't go
through with this now,
we'll hate each other,
one way or another.
We've got to finish like
we began-- together.
-All right, Jimmy.
I'll get the money.
You go down to the car.
-I'll get it.
-Don't you trust me?
-Well, we'll get
it together then.
-I said, don't you trust me?
-Well, of course I do.
-Oh please, Jimmy.
Please let me get the money.
I want to prove to you that,
that we will go on together,
like you said, whether it's
life, death, or prison,
we'll be together.
-That's right, together.
Come on now.
I thought you'd never get here.
-I almost bumped
into the Fosters.
-I told them we'd be right back.
You slide in first.
-Is it Blackie?
-I don't know.
Gee, that was a narrow squeak.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-Must be Blackie Clayton.
They must have the money.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-Oh, it's not worth it.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-All right, Jimmy.
Let's have it.
-You'll have to kill me fist.
-That can be done, too.
Come on.
Come on.
We're wasting time.
-Jimmy, please let him have it.
-No.
-Wait.
It's over there under that tree.
-Thanks, kid.
Stand back.
And keep back.
[GUNSHOT]
-Shall we go?
-In a moment, when I get
through telling you what
I think of all this.
I've listened to you
for the last two years.
I've done everything
you've asked.
But now this ends this.
A moment ago, until I stepped
in, it was your life or his.
Well what I have to say
now concerns our lives.
And I'm stepping in again.
Jimmy, we're giving
up this money.
-Wait a minute.
-Oh, I've waited long enough.
I know what you're going to
say, that it's our money.
But that isn't the point at all.
Why even if we get
away, we'll be hunted.
We'll never know a
moment of real peace.
We'll always be on the run.
Why Jimmy, I don't
want to be on the run.
I want to stand still.
I want to marry you,
and, and stop running.
Oh, Jimmy, let's stand still.
Let's go back and give the money
to Roberts and, and love again.
Oh!
-Well, here I am.
And you kids can still
stop laughing right now.
Better than the facial, huh?
-Here's the money, Mr. Roberts.
-Thanks, Jimmy.
-Don't thank me.
I've never been so glad to get
rid of anything in my life.
-I'm glad to get the
money back, of course.
But that's not
why I thanked you.
You see, I've always believed
in you kids from the very start.
And you lived up to my belief.
That's why I said thanks.
-Thank you for believing in us.
-You know the reason
we took that money
is because we didn't
believe in ourselves.
But no more.
We're all through
with shortcuts.
They're too tough.
-From now on, well
earn our happiness.
-Together?
-Always.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-[INAUDIBLE].
-[INAUDIBLE].
-Jimmy?
-Yeah?
-If feels like, like the
last night in the world.
-Are you afraid?
-No, not when I think of how
much it's going to mean to us.
-You darling.
-It's funny.
But, but I keep thinking of
our last dance at college.
I bought my last new
dinner gown for it.
-It still looks good.
-And why shouldn't it?
I've only worn it twice
in the last two years.
JIM: Cigarettes?
-Mhmm.
Daddy went broke, but
he didn't tell me.
He kept up my allowance
until commencement.
-He was grand people, Ruth.
-Mm.
But what a shock
when I got home.
Oh, I was a selfish little
fool not to have realized.
-How could you have
known anything was wrong?
-I thought I was bouncing from
college to the junior league.
Ruth Holden, prominent
society girl,
and all that sort of thing.
-I thought I stepping into
$10,000 a year as an engineer.
And look at me, working
for beans in a bank.
I've been there are three
years, and for what?
To be fired, given two weeks'
notice so somebody's pet
relative could
step in on the job.
-Remember the night
of that last dance?
We were all talking about
what we were going to do.
-Sure, I remember
-Pat Brennan said he
wasn't going to work.
He was going to steal $500,000.
-He said two years
in the pen would
be no worse than five
years at college.
-Who wouldn't be glad to
serve a few years in prison
to secure independent?
-Without hurting anyone, Jimmy.
-Waiter, wine list.
-Very good, sir.
-Jimmy, what are you up to?
What did you order?
-Just a little
something you'll like.
They'll come at us
pretty hard, Ruth.
They won't let up for days.
-I won't break.
-You mustn't even bend.
-I'm not afraid of anything
except the separation.
Jimmy, you won't, you
won't stop loving me?
-What funny thoughts go
through your little head.
Of Course I won't.
-Oh, it's the only way out for
us-- marriage on $25 a week,
children, red hands from
doing my own washing.
Why, I could do it, I suppose.
But, but I'd hate it.
I wasn't brought up that way.
And neither were you.
-There were certain
things we were
taught to look on as our rights.
And we're going to get them.
-We're going to
get them, and we'll
keep our chins up
while we're paying.
Jimmy, champagne?
-And the very best, miss?
-But you can't pay for it.
JIM: Silly, of course I can.
It's only a small bottle.
After tonight, we won't need
any money for a couple of years.
And then we'll have plenty.
-Jimmy, suppose it
isn't a couple of years.
Suppose it's 10.
-Well, suppose it is.
I'd only be 33.
How many men have
fortunes at that age.
Come on, darling.
Here's to us.
-What's the matter, Jimmy?
-Nothing.
-Kind of sick.
-No, I'm all right.
Good morning, Ms. Holden.
-Good morning.
-Well, that's that.
Now let's see if the
thing still works.
[MUSIC BOX MAKING MUSIC]
-I've always loved that melody.
-You should.
It's a $100,000 tune.
Why not be frank with
him, and add a PS
that there's $100,000
sealed in a fireproof
container inside
that old music box.
And please take care of it.
-Oh, I'm afraid even Uncle
Billy wouldn't understand that.
-Do you want to dance?
-Let's, Jimmy.
-We'll be dancing to a
different tune tomorrow.
Any regrets?
-No, Jimmy, no regrets.
[MUSIC BOX STOPS PLAYING
ABRUPTLY]
-Strange it should
stop playing that way.
Suppose something goes wrong,
and your uncle has it fixed.
-Oh, you don't have to
worry about that, Jimmy.
When Uncle Billy
gets that letter,
he'll put the music
box away in his safe,
and he'll never let it out.
-They'll get me in the morning.
I won't deny anything.
And then they'll check back
on every move I've made.
And they'll land on you.
-And I won't deny anything.
-Good girl.
Hey, I've only got 10 minutes
make the express office.
Is the letter ready?
-Almost, all but my signature.
-Well, step on it.
[BUZZER]
-Yes?
SECRETARY (ON
INTERCOM): [INAUDIBLE]
reporting with those
two from the bank.
-Good.
Send them right in.
SECRETARY (ON
INTERCOM): Yes, sir.
-Sit down.
Make yourselves comfortable.
We can talk better
if you sit down.
Go ahead.
-What's there to talk about?
We admit we took the money.
So let's get it over with.
-$100,000.
What did you do with it.
-Try and find out.
-Oh, so there is something
to talk about, after all.
-It is my job to get that
money back, all of it.
Sit down.
Smoke?
-Thanks, I've got my own.
-Why not smoke mine?
-Why should we be under
obligation to you?
-Well, you are already
to the tune of $100,000.
So a few cigarettes shouldn't
bother your conscience.
Now you kids are too smart
to go through with this.
Even if you in,
you lose the things
that money can't buy
back-- honor, self respect.
Why not turn it
over to me, Jimmy,
and we call the
whole thing square?
I'll even get you another
job, but not in a bank.
-Put the irons on, chief.
You're wasting your time.
-College kids, aren't you?
-What if we are?
-Things ran wrong when
you went out of school.
A lot of your
swell ideas went up
in smoke, nothing ahead
but a long, steep road.
So you finally decided
to take a shortcut,
and grab over $100,000, and
then do a few years in prison.
-Without hurting anyone.
That is, any individual.
-Well, the lady speaks at last.
Yes, without hurting
anyone except yourselves.
How much of that
money do you figure
on keeping when you
get out of prison?
-All of it.
-Oh no, no, no, no.
Oh no.
There's many angles you
haven't thought about.
Here, I'll show you.
Uh, move a bit.
Let me sit between you.
That's right.
Now, you steal $100,000.
You hide it.
And you do 10 years in prison.
Yes, 10 years.
Now look.
You finally get out.
And you get your $100,000.
But it's what we call hot money.
-What's that?
-He means he can trace it to
the serial numbers on the bills.
-You can't bank it.
You run a risk
keeping it on you.
So you have to take to a fence.
You'll sell it at about
$0.40 on the dollar.
That leaves you $40,000.
$2,000 a piece a year
for 10 stagnant years
in prison, 10 of the very
best years of your lives.
Now can't you see,
it's not worth
the price you'll have to pay?
Prison does things to you.
-Mr. Roberts, I still say
you're wasting your time.
-All right, Casey.
Take them along, Casey.
Sorry you wouldn't
let me help you.
DA's pretty tough on
smart people like you.
Well, I'll b seeing you.
-You have shown, even in your
confessions and pleas of guilt,
a brazen contempt for the law.
Therefore I have no
alternative but to impose
upon you both an
exemplary sentence.
You are to serve an
indeterminate period of not
less than one year nor more
than 10 in the state prison.
It is furthermore
recommended by the court
that no parole ever
be granted you.
-Oh, Jimmy!
-Why don't you turn in?
-I'm not sleepy.
-Anyway, thinking
about your boyfriend
doesn't do you any good.
Come on, tell me, honey.
What did you and your
boyfriend do with that money?
-Wouldn't you like to know?
-I'll find out in time.
Maybe you don't know it,
but you talk in your sleep.
-How'd you like to see
your girlfriend sometime?
-Are you kidding?
-I don't kid, ever.
Messages for the captain
for the captain of the yard
are sometimes sent over
to the women's prison.
-Are they?
-I can fix you up with
that job if you want.
[INAUDIBLE], glad
to do it for you.
I know just how you feel.
-Do you know Ruth Holden?
-Ruth, yeah, sure.
Give her this note, will you?
-What's going on here?
What are you're doing?
-Oh, nothing.
-Report to the matron's
office at once.
-Yes, ma'am.
-Well?
-Wasn't our fault,
Mrs. Cummings.
He spoke to us.
-Get on with your work.
-Darling, I come over
here every day at 10:00
to deliver the mail to
the matron's office.
Try and see me.
I love you.
Jimmy.
[SIGH] Gee, that's sweet.
-I love you.
-Sweetheart.
-I love you.
-Yoohoo.
Woohoo.
-Shut your traps, you mugs.
-Come on, 9843.
That romantic touch of yours
is going to cost you plenty.
Come on.
Come on.
-It's tough he had
to lose eight weeks
good conduct time just for that.
Gee, it's wonderful to have
a man think that much of you.
-Why do you keep staring
at me like that for?
-Just thinking about
you, that's all.
-What about?
-Well, I'm getting out
of here pretty soon.
I could do a lot for
you on the outside.
-Nobody can do anything for me.
-You don't understand
the angles, kid.
[INAUDIBLE]
You know, when you
get out of here,
the cops are going
to be following you.
[INAUDIBLE] to that dough.
You're going to be needing
help, plenty of help.
-Yeah?
-Well then, what did
you do with that dough?
-I sent it to a man named
Dave Bierman in Chicago.
-Dave Bierman, Chicago?
How do you spell it?
B-E-E-R-M-AN?
-No.
B-I-E-R-M-A-N.
-Oh, yeah, Dave
Bierman, yeah sure.
Bierman.
-The judge himself
opposed any parole.
And these two haven't shown
any desire to mend their ways.
-Their prison conduct
has been pretty good.
But, uh--
-Now listen, Roberts.
Are you interested in
them, or in your money?
-In both.
Because you can't
divide the two.
If you do, you
won't have either.
You see, I've never looked
upon these kids as criminals.
They simply got off
on the wrong foot.
-They took quite a step with it.
-Why keep them in prison?
That's what they want,
to solve the conscience.
They feel they're
earning that money.
Let them out, and you
upset their apple cart.
Gentlemen, that's why I
feel that freedom on parole,
with restrictions as to
conduct will affect their cure.
-What way, Mr. Roberts?
-Well, if you grant them parole
under special conditions,
I'm certain they will
lead me to the money.
I'm also certain that they'll
hand it over to me voluntarily.
-What special conditions?
-Gentlemen, I have
here a few suggestions.
-You'd better study this.
If you get a parole,
you'll have to know
these rules forwards
and backwards.
-Hello, beautiful.
-Jim, you do still
love me, don't you?
-Adore you.
There wasn't a minute I
wasn't thinking of you.
-Oh.
-What is it?
-Lipstick!
[GIGGLING]
Well, what now?
-We're going straight to Uncle
Bill's and get our money,
and clear out of the country.
-Jimmy, don't look like that.
You've changed.
-I'm not as soft
as I used to be.
You've toughened up
a little yourself.
-There, that's better.
-Look, here comes the
answer to a lot of things.
-Well, hello.
I heard about your parole.
Congratulations.
Do you mind?
[INAUDIBLE] to be
free again, huh?
What are you going to do now.
-We're going to
sell Eclipse vacuum
cleaners if it's
any news to you.
-Oh, sure, I knew that.
I meant, what are you going
to do with your lives?
It's, uh, tough that
you can't get married--
if you've still got a
way about each other.
-We still are.
-You'll be on parole
for eight years.
That's a long time to have
to wait to get married.
-Go on, copper.
Have a good time.
We're wise to you.
We know it's no accident
we got that parole.
And it's no accident
you're on this boat.
-Right, Jimmy.
I'm still working for
International Surety.
And I'm still determined
to get back that money.
-We earned that money, and
we're going to keep it.
-Here's this to remember.
No matter where
you go, we'll pick
you up, and bring you back.
We have agents all
over the world.
-What's the point of
all this, Mr. Roberts?
-The point is there
might be a pardon
for you to give back that money.
The pardon would restore
your citizenship.
You could get married and--
-No.
-All right.
Good luck.
Lovely seeing you.
-Now let's keep in mind the
aims and ideals of the company--
An Eclipse vacuum cleaner
in every American home.
-Yes, [INAUDIBLE].
-And remember the two Ps,
politeness and persistence.
-Politeness and persistency.
-With the emphasis
on the persistence.
-Persistence.
-It's no easy job.
You'll have a lot
of competition.
Now come and look at this map.
Every salesman is a pin head.
-Competition doesn't
worry us in the least.
-That's the spirit,
my lad Now whereabouts
would you like to work?
Here in the city?
-You mean we can start
in any place we like?
MAN: Anywhere in the state.
You can pick your own district.
-How about district 16?
-You couldn't have picked
a better one, right there.
Well now, good luck to you both.
And when you get there,
remember the two Ps.
JIM: Politeness and persistency.
MAN: Very good.
-Looks like he's moved.
-Oh, what's the matter with us?
One little setback, and
we act like we're sunk.
All we have to do
is go to the bank,
and find out where he's moved.
-Well, it's just
around the corner.
Let's go.
-Good morning.
May I help you?
-Why yes.
We stopped in to inquire
about Uncle Bill Bradley.
Has he moved, or something?
-Poor old Uncle Bill
passed away some weeks ago.
He was a fine upright man,
and the character that--
-But what happened
to his effects?
MAN: Uncle Bill was
a poor businessman.
And, uh, all of his stock
and personal belongings
were claimed by his creditors.
They sold them to an
auctioneer down in the city.
-Oh, who were the auctioneers?
-Why-- isn't that the limit?
I'll be hanged if I
can think of it now.
Funny thing is, my
wife's down there
attending that sale right now.
-Sale?
-What sale?
-Why the auction
sale, of course.
-Today?
-Yes, today, at two o'clock.
-Oh, oh, what sort
of a name was it?
German?
English?
French?
Irish?
-Irish, that's it.
Here.
Antiques department,
here we are.
Auctioneers.
Oh, of course.
Here it is.
O'Fearna.
Dan O'Fearna, 7247
Wilton Boulevard.
-O'Fearna, 7247
Wilton Boulevard.
Come on.
Thanks.
-Thanks.
-$60 is bid.
Going at $60.
$60 once, $60 twice,
third and final call.
Sold to Mr. Holbrook for $60.
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
if there's any other article
on display here that you would
like put up, all you have to do
is name it.
-This music box, please.
-Splendid.
Eddie, music box.
Friends, I must ask you to
give your particular attention
to this rare old music
box, a fine example
of what is today a lost art.
Isn't it beautiful?
[MUSIC BOX PLAYING]
-How much [INAUDIBLE]?
-We've only got $23.60.
-Who will make me an offer?
Who will make an offer of $50?
$50?
What do I hear?
-$5.
-Did I hear aright, sir?
Did you really
offer clientele $5?
Friends, please, now I know
you come here for bargains.
But there are limits.
And $5 for this
rare old music box
is way, way beyond the limits.
-$10.
-Well, that's a little better.
I'll accept the
bid as an opener.
I've got $10.
Who'll make it $5 more?
Offered $10, asking $15.
Who will give me $15.
-$15.
-$15 is the bid.
Who will make it $20?
Do I hear $20?
-$20.
-$20 is the bid.
Do I hear $25?
-$21.
-Ladies and gentlemen,
I'm surprised
that I don't get
any more bidding.
Come on, now.
Who will make it $30?
-$30.
AUCTIONEER: Ah, that's better.
$30 is the bid.
Now who will raise it to $35?
-$35.
-$40.
-$45.
-Jim, please.
AUCTIONEER: I'm bid $45.
Now let me hear $50.
-$50.
-We can't let it get away.
We'll borrow $40 on the car.
-$50 is the bid.
Anyone go $60?
-$55.
-$60.
-$60.
Now let's have $65.
-$65.
-Mr. O'Fearna, open it up.
And let's have a
look at the works.
-The gentleman wants
to see the works.
Eddie.
MAN: Yes, sir.
-Get a screwdriver.
MAN: Yes, sir.
-$75.
-$85.
-I am bid $85.
Skip the screwdriver,
boy, no time for nonsense.
$85 is the bid.
Will anyone make it $90?
Does anyone make it $90?
$85 once, $85 twice.
-$90.
-Jim, you can't.
-We've got to.
-$90.
$90.
Let's make it an even $100.
Now who will say the word?
-$100.
AUCTIONEER: 100 bid.
An even $100.
Any more?
-[MUFFLED]
AUCTIONEER: $100 once.
$100 twice.
Third and last call.
-[MUFFLED]
-Sols to Mr. Victor
J. Holbrook for $100.
-Hello, is Mr. Holbrook in?
Mr. Caldwell.
No, Caldwell, C as in cat.
That's right.
-Suppose he won't see us.
-He's got to.
He just got--
hello, Mr. Holbrook.
I'm the fellow who bid
against you for that music box
this afternoon.
Oh thank you, Mr. Holbrook.
Come on, honey.
The [INAUDIBLE]
gates are wide open.
-It is men like you that
[INAUDIBLE] to this business.
I've been dallying with
the most excellent notion--
the International
Society of Auction Fans.
-Oh, that's a great
idea, Mr. Holbrook.
As I was saying,
about that music box--
-Ah, that inevitable music box,
how gallantly you resisted me.
One touch I loved, a sheer
stroke of genius, the way you
disposed of that
butt-in-ski, that
let's have a look
at the works fellow.
-Mr. Holbrook, may I
ask you a question?
-Delighted, Ms. Holden.
Your charm is only
exceeded by your modesty.
-Will you sell us the music box?
-You mean, you actually wanted
that extraordinary object?
-We bid every
dollar we had on it.
-I'm terribly sorry.
I thought you were
just fellow sportsmen.
If I'd known you really
wanted the thing,
I wouldn't have bid
a single dollar.
-We'd be very glad
to buy it form you.
-I say, this is ghastly.
-You see, I have so many of
those wretched things that
tinkle that I sent the
music box to an aunt of mine
in Sunnydale.
-An aunt in Sunnydale?
RUTH: Sunnydale?
Well, that isn't so far away.
Would you mind
telling us her name?
-Certainly, Mrs. Martha
Foster, Sunndyale.
She's a perfectly
ripping old dodo.
I say, I feel absolutely
wonky with embarrassment.
Won't you please accept
one of my trophies?
-No, thank you.
It was the music box.
-Such a dismal object.
Please accept this trinket.
It's supposed to have been the
pen that Benedict Arnold used
when you he sold out
his country and his soul
for a mere $100,000.
-It's your bed time
now, Mr. Holbrook.
-Oh.
-There we are.
-Call me Pinky.
-All right, pinky.
Come along.
-What now?
Oh, don't look at me that way.
I'm not to blame.
-Who's blaming you?
Well, come on.
We can't stand here
squawking all night.
-Why did you have
to stop me bidding?
We could have put a deposit on
it, and raised money somehow.
-Don't be silly.
That maniac wouldn't have
stopped bidding at $10,000.
Why, I suppose it was my
fault that Uncle Billy died?
-Well, it was your idea
to send him the money.
-Well, you didn't see anything
wrong with it at the time.
[CRYING]
-Oh, I'm sorry.
Please don't cry.
That's better.
What a heel I am.
A couple of bad breaks,
and I take it out on you.
-You're not a heel.
-Darling, we earned that money.
And nothing's going to
stop our getting it.
Come on, now.
Heads up, sweet.
-Just hurts me so when
you talk that way.
-We'll never
quarrel again, ever.
Our next stop's Sunnydale.
Good old Sunnydale.
I think I've got
a map in my room.
We'd better find
out where it is.
-What is it?
-How's it partner?
Come on in.
What's the matter,
cat got your tongue?
-Hello, Blackie.
Ruth, this is Blackie Clayton.
What's on your mind.
-Uh, just heard you
saying something
about you might go to Sunnydale.
Quite a trip.
OK for money?
-We'll make it, thanks.
-Mm, I could use some cash.
Fact, I could use plenty.
I was just thinking maybe
you might need a partner.
-No partner.
-That's too bad.
Because I already
decided different.
Uh, by the way, I got
a little something here
might interest you, a little
item I cut out of the paper.
-What is it?
-Read it.
It won't bite you.
Dave Bierman, Chicago.
Remember telling me
you sent him that dough
to keep for you, friend
of yours, or something.
-That's just a name I made up.
-Oh, was it?
Well, that guy's dead.
Somebody cut his throat.
Where's that money?
Get wise to yourself, Jimmy.
Quit stalling me.
I declared myself
in for a third.
And I'd advise you to like it.
Well, how about it?
-The answer is still no.
He's asking for trouble, kid.
Gotta talk to him.
[KNOCKING]
-Well, hello, Mr. Roberts.
Ruth, it's Mr. Roberts.
Come right in, Mr. Roberts.
Let me take your hat.
-Thanks, Jimmy.
How are you, Ruth?
-Oh fine, thank you.
Oh gee, gee, we're
awfully glad to see you.
-Oh, uh, thanks.
Well, how's the vacuum
cleaner business?
-Oh, oh fine.
-OK.
-Made any sales?
-Well, not exactly.
But we have prospects.
-Well, I hope they're
good prospects.
You see, you violate your
parole coming down here.
That's why I dropped
in, thought maybe you
may have misunderstood
the rules.
-Oh, but I thought
we had permission
to go anywhere in the state.
-As long as you
keep working, Ruth.
-W-won't you sit
down, Mr. Roberts?
-No thanks.
I can only stay a moment.
Now when are you kids going
to hand over that money?
Have you taken a good
look in the mirror lately?
-Why yes.
Why?
That money's doing
things to you.
It's beginning to
show in your faces--
little hard lines that weren't
there before, bitternesses.
Go and take a good look.
-Why you'd be surprised
what a few facials would do.
-If you were to spend all
of that money on facials,
it wouldn't clean you up inside.
That's the idea.
It's doing things to you.
You're not happy.
Well, I guess I'll be drifting.
-Oh, please don't go yet.
-Oh, I've said about enough.
Think it over.
Thanks.
I hate to see you
kids losing the things
that money can't buy back.
Better get back to your
district as quick as you can.
That's a tip.
Well, be seeing you.
-Why didn't you talk?
I wanted to keep him here.
Oh Jimmy, I'm
afraid of that man.
There's something about him--
-Take it easy.
He's gone.
-And so is our money.
-The keys to the car!
Yep, they're gone too.
-Read it and weep.
See you in Sunnydale.
Blackie.
-Come on.
-Why don't you stop him?
Yell to Roberts.
-That would mean the police.
We can't do it.
Well, if you hadn't
been so smart,
we'd still have that money.
Let me keep the money, Jim.
Give me that watch.
-Oh please don't.
Father gave it to me.
It's the most precious thing--
-So precious it'll get us
about $5 in a hawk shop,
and mine isn't even
worth a nickel.
We have to hit the
road to Sunnydale,
and we gotta eat on the way.
-Oh no.
Everything has gone wrong.
Let's go to Roberts and end it.
-You're not going
to see Roberts.
You're sticking with me,
whether you like it or not.
-Jimmy, Roberts was right.
I want to quit.
I have an awful feeling
that we're rushing blindly
through the darkness
to some horrible end.
-And I've got a feeling
you'll turn yellow.
-Oh, please don't
say that, Jimmy.
That isn't you.
-Listen.
You can get off
at the first stop.
I'm sick of you and
your whining ways.
I should've known
better than to go
in on a deal like this with you.
Half the men in prison are
there because of a woman.
-Yes, and all the women
are there because of a man.
Oh, please, Jimmy.
Please, won't you understand?
We were there because
of each other,
because we loved each
other, and we still do.
-Of course we do.
We'll be all right as soon as we
get our fingers on that money.
-Oh no Jimmy, we've just
been kidding ourselves.
When we get to
Sunnydale, Blackie
will be waiting for
us, and maybe Roberts.
Oh, I'm afraid of Blackie.
I have a feeling that he's
going to try and kill you,
or that you're going
to try and kill him.
-Why don't you get some sleep?
In the daylight, everything
will look different.
-No, Jimmy.
It'll never look any different.
-Come on.
Snap out of it.
You're getting off here.
-You're all getting off here.
Come on.
Come on, you two.
-Well?
-Stealing rides.
-All right.
This girl with you?
-Why yes.
She's--
-What's the idea?
-Well, we were on our
way here to Sunnydale,
and somebody stole our
car, and all our money.
-You know anybody here?
-To tell the truth, we were
planning to report to you.
You see, we're
paroled prisoners.
-Nice day, isn't it?
-Oh yes.
It's wonderful.
-I'll keep these tickets
for you, if you don't mind.
You can pick them up on
your way out of here.
Unusual paroles.
I guess you've had enough
advice [INAUDIBLE] from me.
Well, look to you.
Let me know when you
find a place to stay.
-Thank you.
Can you tell us where
Mrs. Foster's place is?
-I sure can.
When you walk out of here, you
go straight down to the bridge.
You turn to your left.
You'll see a narrow
road with an arrow
pointing to the
Foster Guest Farm.
-Thank you very much.
-Goodbye.
-Thank you.
-It'll be long distance, please.
-Oh, it's beauti-- [LAUGHING]
[MUSIC BOX PLAYING]
-Listen.
-Jimmy.
What are you going to do?
-There's no time for sentiment.
It's in there.
All we have to do is
grab it and get out.
-Remember what we once said,
without hurting anyone.
-Good morning.
-Well, good morning.
Are you Mrs. Foster?
-Yes, child.
-Were you aiming to stay here?
-Well, yes.
-Come right on in.
-I found it.
-Where?
-In the living room.
Come on.
-Oh, but Jimmy.
-She went outside, and there's
nobody else in the house.
Hurry.
-But I'm afraid.
-Oh, what's there
to be afraid of?
Come on.
MRS. FOSTER: Give me the
police department, please.
Let me talk to chief.
It's Ms. Foster.
Hello, Ira.
It's mama.
Yes, they came.
Why?
You don't say?
Listen, dear, bring
home about four
extra pork chops for dinner.
That's right.
Well, I thought you folks
were upstairs resting.
Feeling better?
-Oh, much better, thank you.
We, we thought perhaps
we could help you.
-Oh, there's nothing
much to do now.
You can help get dinner,
and then tidy up afterward.
Uh, by the way, there's
some apple pie and a pitcher
of cream in the cooler,
in case you're interested.
-Oh.
-Thank you.
-Thank you.
-Now go right on in
there, and help yourself.
-And here's another
thing. [INAUDIBLE]
talks to you about
the good old days.
What good old days?
-Ira.
-Folks used to get up at
daybreak, milk the cows,
and feed the chickens,
and chop wood.
Chores, they call it.
Why I remember--
-Ira.
-Well?
-Would anybody like
another piece of pie?
-Oh, not for me, thanks.
I'm right up to here.
IRA: Jimmy.
-Well.
IRA: Spoken like a man.
Now what was I saying?
-Nothing much
dear, you were just
getting yourself warmed up.
Sometimes you get
so busy talking,
you forget what
you're going to say.
-Well, what was I going to say?
-You were going to tell the
children the folks coming
over tonight might make good
vacuum cleaner prospects.
-Exactly.
I was just leading up to it.
-[LAUGHING] Ira, you beat all.
-Now, uh, what was
I going to say.
[BELL RINGING]
-That bell.
Every time it rings, I
almost jump out of my skin.
-Set still, mama.
I'll go.
[BELL RINGING]
-Coming, coming.
-Chief Foster, I'm Mike Roberts.
-Well, well, Mr. Roberts,
I'm glad to meet you.
You got here sooner
than I expected.
They're out in the kitchen,
just finishing supper.
-Did you say something
about supper?
-Well, I'll guarantee
it'll fill you up
if you don't mind
taking pot luck.
MR. ROBERTS: Well,
now I hope I'm not
going to put you folks
to any undue trouble.
IRA: Oh, no trouble
at all, Mr. Roberts.
Mama, I want you to
meet Mr. Roberts.
Mrs. Foster.
-It's mighty nice
knowing you, Mr. Roberts.
-Thank you.
The pleasure is mind.
-Mr. Roberts is down here to
attend to a little business.
It may take a couple of days.
He's going to stay with us.
-Well, how nice.
-I told Mr. Roberts
you'd fix some supper
for him [INAUDIBLE].
-I should say.
Mr. Roberts, this is Ms.
Holden, and Mr. Caldwell.
-Always glad to
meed old friends.
Oh, bless my heart.
You know them.
-Yes.
MRS. FOSTER: Sit down.
I'll have some supper warmed
up for you in a jiffy.
-Thanks.
And while you're
fixing it, I think
I'll have a talk with
these two youngsters here.
I think I have something
outside that might interest you.
Come on.
I'm a hungry man.
Don't forget to call me.
[CHUCKLING]
-You sent for him?
-Yeah.
-They seem like such
nice young folks.
What did they go to prison for?
-For stealing $100,000.
-[GASP] Land's sakes.
What would a body do
with that much money?
-Well how did you--
-The man who was
driving it tried
to rob a store this afternoon.
-Yeah?
-A couple of highway patrolmen
happened [INAUDIBLE].
[INAUDIBLE] got away.
Left your car out outside.
-Well you don't think that we--
-Why didn't you tell me that
Blackie Clayton stole your car?
-Well, how did you know?
-It's my business to
know things, Jimmy.
Blackie was your cell mate.
Blackie is trying to get
a cutting on that money.
The closer you
get to that money,
Jimmy, the tougher
it's going to get.
Blackie on your trail,
the police after you--
I wouldn't be in your shoes
for all the tea in China.
Why don't you talk some
sense into his head?
-Why don't you mind
your own business?
-That's exactly what I am doing.
I'm trying to save
you kids from being
picked for a violation
of your parole.
Not so easy, either.
But there's still
a way out for you.
Give up the money
and get to work.
-Jimmy, please.
-The vacuum cleaners
are still in the car.
Although why Blackie didn't
sell them, I don't know.
But that's your good luck.
MRS. FOSTER: Mr. Roberts?
-Coming.
Now think it over.
-Hi, sister.
Take it easy, kid.
Nobody's going to hurt you.
How's [INAUDIBLE]?
-Very well, thank you.
-Why thank me?
Cigarette?
-No.
What's on you mind?
-Oh, little matter of $100,000.
It's here someone, isn't it now?
I happen to want it, all of it.
-Aren't you getting a trifle
ambitious all of a sudden?
-Yeah, in a small way.
I'm in a tight spot right
now, and I'm tired of fooling.
Suppose it came to a matter of
choice, Jimmy or the $100,000?
What would you say then?
-Jimmy, of course?
-Well, it's your choice.
There's no accounting for taste.
-I'll meet you out there, back
of the orchard, about midnight.
OK?
-OK.
BLACKIE: You're a
smart kid, sister.
So let's not have any tricks.
And keep your mouth shut.
Understand?
[KNOCKING]
-Ruth?
Hey, what's your idea
of all the gloom?
How do you feel?
-Why, I feel all right.
Jimmy, do you remember when
I went out on the back porch
to empty the strainer?
-Well, sure.
Why?
-Blackie was out there.
-What did he say?
-He threatened to
kill you, unless,
unless I gave him the
money-- all of it.
He said he'd be
out there tonight.
-Oh, that's just a lot of talk.
He's only trying to scare you.
-No he wasn't, Jimmy.
He meant it.
What good is that
money going to do
if anything should
happen to you?
-Now nothing's going to happen.
-Jimmy, Jimmy, please
let's find Roberts, now.
-Roberts' gone to a movie.
We're going to leave with
that money right now.
Come on.
Get your things together.
-Jimmy, we're right where
we were two years ago.
-No we're not.
-We're where we wanted
to be two years ago.
Oh, listen, hon.
I know how you feel.
But we can't turn back now.
We earned that money.
Two whole years of our lives,
and we're going to keep it.
Otherwise, what would we be?
A couple of scared little frogs
jumping back into a muddy pool.
We're not like that.
Oh, Ruth, I love you.
I love us together.
I want us to be
married and happy.
If we don't go
through with this now,
we'll hate each other,
one way or another.
We've got to finish like
we began-- together.
-All right, Jimmy.
I'll get the money.
You go down to the car.
-I'll get it.
-Don't you trust me?
-Well, we'll get
it together then.
-I said, don't you trust me?
-Well, of course I do.
-Oh please, Jimmy.
Please let me get the money.
I want to prove to you that,
that we will go on together,
like you said, whether it's
life, death, or prison,
we'll be together.
-That's right, together.
Come on now.
I thought you'd never get here.
-I almost bumped
into the Fosters.
-I told them we'd be right back.
You slide in first.
-Is it Blackie?
-I don't know.
Gee, that was a narrow squeak.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-Must be Blackie Clayton.
They must have the money.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-Oh, it's not worth it.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-All right, Jimmy.
Let's have it.
-You'll have to kill me fist.
-That can be done, too.
Come on.
Come on.
We're wasting time.
-Jimmy, please let him have it.
-No.
-Wait.
It's over there under that tree.
-Thanks, kid.
Stand back.
And keep back.
[GUNSHOT]
-Shall we go?
-In a moment, when I get
through telling you what
I think of all this.
I've listened to you
for the last two years.
I've done everything
you've asked.
But now this ends this.
A moment ago, until I stepped
in, it was your life or his.
Well what I have to say
now concerns our lives.
And I'm stepping in again.
Jimmy, we're giving
up this money.
-Wait a minute.
-Oh, I've waited long enough.
I know what you're going to
say, that it's our money.
But that isn't the point at all.
Why even if we get
away, we'll be hunted.
We'll never know a
moment of real peace.
We'll always be on the run.
Why Jimmy, I don't
want to be on the run.
I want to stand still.
I want to marry you,
and, and stop running.
Oh, Jimmy, let's stand still.
Let's go back and give the money
to Roberts and, and love again.
Oh!
-Well, here I am.
And you kids can still
stop laughing right now.
Better than the facial, huh?
-Here's the money, Mr. Roberts.
-Thanks, Jimmy.
-Don't thank me.
I've never been so glad to get
rid of anything in my life.
-I'm glad to get the
money back, of course.
But that's not
why I thanked you.
You see, I've always believed
in you kids from the very start.
And you lived up to my belief.
That's why I said thanks.
-Thank you for believing in us.
-You know the reason
we took that money
is because we didn't
believe in ourselves.
But no more.
We're all through
with shortcuts.
They're too tough.
-From now on, well
earn our happiness.
-Together?
-Always.
[MUSIC PLAYING]