August Weekend (1936) - full transcript

Washburne Investment

Corporation, just a minute

please.

Washburne Investment Corporation.

Hold the line, please.

He's busy on the other wire.

Washburne Investment Corporation.

I'll see if Mr. Washburne's in.

Who's calling, please?

Secretary of Northern Country Club

on the wire, Mr. Washburne.

Well, put him on, please.

What's on your mind, Tom?

I hate to keep bothering

you like this, Mr. Washburne,

but Mr. Sherwood's checks

have just bounced back.

Well, did you call him up about it?

Well, what'd he have to say?

He told me to hold on to 'em.

Said he was going to use them

for tire patches on his car.

All right.

Put 'em on my account.

Yeah, I'll make 'em good.

Hey, wait a minute.

How much are they?

OK.

Yeah?

Ms. Claire Barry to

see Mr. Washburne.

Send her in, please.

Hello, George.

Hello, Claire.

I'm glad to see ya.

Well, you may not be so glad to see

me when you know why I'm here.

Wrong on both counts, my dear.

And I'm always glad to see you.

And I can guess why you're here.

You'd like an advance on your

next quarter's allowance,

right?

Well, it's been such a

small allowance lately.

I didn't think you would mind.

Thanks.

How did you know?

Well, I'd about given up any

hopes that you wanted to see me

for a romantic reason.

Silly, you're an old

darling, and you know it.

But I am, frankly, strapped.

How about a small advance?

I'll do better than that, Claire.

You may have the full amount.

Oh, that's sweet of you.

Don't thank me.

It's the last allowance you'll get.

What?

You're kidding.

I wish I were kidding.

Your father's will,

Claire, has depreciated

to practically nothing.

But I don't understand.

The securities he left have been

paying dividends, haven't they?

Not for several years.

Oh, but they must have.

I've been getting my

allowance every quarter.

Well, I've been paying you

that out of my own pocket.

Oh, you shouldn't

have done that, George.

It's the least I could do.

Not as executor of the estate,

but as your father's friend,

uh, yours.

Now, let's look these over.

Look, I'm broke.

What's the difference how

or when I got that way.

Well, my dear child, you

must be business like.

Now more than ever.

At least with you and check the

figures with the bank manager.

And he tells me I'm broke.

So what?

Just like your father,

scatter-brained but lovable.

You don't happen to know of

a cheap and cheerful poorhouse

I can move into, do you?

And I'd just assume

it wasn't over a hill.

I hate climbing.

And climbers?

Social climbers like myself?

What this country needs

is more men like you.

What ever made you

do a thing like that,

pay my allowance out

of your own pocket?

Perhaps I wanted you

to feel indebted to me.

Now don't start going

way down east on me.

If you did get me in

your power, you wouldn't

know what to do with me.

Think not.

Well, I must run along.

You're forgetting me.

Don't be silly.

Do you think I don't trust you?

Trust me enough to come

down for the weekend?

Will Alma be there?

Alma's always there.

Who else will be there?

Oh, I don't know.

Dave Maxwell, Ethel Ames.

Will you come?

Well, I'll think about it.

Good heavens.

Kim will be furious.

I said I'd drop in for a cocktail.

Well, goodbye, and thanks

for all you've done.

I could do a lot more for

you, Claire, if you'd only...

Goodbye.

Get me Mr. Kim

Sherwood, please.

Hello?

Yes, this is Mr. Kim Sherwood.

OK.

Hello, George.

What can I do for you?

I wonder if you'd come over to

the office for a few minutes.

There's something I want

to talk to you about.

I can't come now.

I'm expecting Claire.

How about tomorrow?

What do you mean she's not important?

I mean to say she's not as

important... uh, well, let us

say as a steady income for you.

Well, why didn't you say

so in the first place.

I'll be right over.

And if you have any

other little obligations,

I'll be glad to see that

they're taken care of too.

What, no reindeer?

I'm no Santa Claus.

Just a man who doesn't want

his future son-in-law's credit

to have too big a black eye.

Son-in-law?

But your daughter and

I aren't even engaged.

I'm a man of word.

I'll lay my cards on the table.

Shoot.

You're broke.

Heavily in debt, right?

You've been reading my mail.

Well, I'll see that

your debts are paid

and put you in the firm

at a decent salary the day

you marry Midge.

There's nothing the matter

with Midge, is there?

I'm not the man to

beat around the bush.

Alma and I are nouveau riche.

Mind you, I am not ashamed of the fact

that I started as a messenger boy,

and I'm not bragging about it either.

Nice work if you can get it.

What I'm getting at

is this, I want Midge

to get to the top socially.

She's already...

I know better.

The only way she can ever

reach the social prestige

I wan her to have is by

marrying into the 400.

You're in the social

register, you know?

Like most of the people in

the Blue Book, I'm in the red.

At any rate, you have a name.

Yes.

That's about all I have got.

Well, what do you say?

Is it a deal?

I'm putty in your hands.

- Good.

- Good?

It's per...

Naturally, there's no need to

mention this little discussion

- to anyone.

- Naturally.

That's all then.

So long.

Thank you.

Oh, I still think

there's a catch in it.

No, my boy.

The only thing is, as my

perspective son-in-law,

I shall expect you not to be

mixed up in any other affairs.

I knew there was a catch in it.

I take it you're discretely

hinting I should, shall we say,

taper off on Claire?

Precisely.

Say, George, if you

think for one moment

that you can buy me off or that

I value money more than a swell

girl like Claire, well, all I can say

is, you're doggone right.

Get me Ms. Washburne, please.

Alma?

Hello, darling.

I'm inviting a few people

down for the weekend.

You mind?

Well, of course not, dear.

Who's coming?

Dave Maxwell, Ethel Ames,

and... what's the name?

Oh, it's Claire Barry.

That'll be very nice, dear.

Goodbye.

If your father's no cleverer

than that in business,

I don't see how he's gotten along.

Like what, mother?

Nothing, nothing, nothing.

Who's coming?

Ethel and, uh... what's her name?

Oh, yeah.

Claire and Dave.

Dave?

That will be jolly.

Why don't you invite Kim, dear?

Kim?

Well, I thought you

disapproved of him.

Good heavens, no.

I can't understand your

father not inviting him.

Life's funny, isn't it?

The same day that George

tells me I'm broke,

he puts you in the money.

I'm not exactly in money,

just out of the red for awhile.

For what consideration?

Well, what makes you

say a thing like that?

Oh, Men like George Washburne

don't get big hearted

without some ulterior motive.

Well, never look a

gift horse in the mouth.

That's my motto.

And you'll want to sometime.

Midge has a very pretty mouth.

Have you suddenly gone crazy?

No, darling.

Just a woman's intuition.

Which same intuition

tells me that Dave and

Ethel are getting impatient.

Oh, they can wait.

Now, listen Claire.

Let's get this George

business settled.

After all, you do mean a lot to me.

And you to me, my pet.

But George offers security, comfort,

a certain amount of money...

Well, I've never heard a more

mercenary speech in my life.

I'm disappointed in you.

In fact, I'm disgusted.

Well, after all, I'm only

doing for the first time what

you've been doing for years.

Marketing my one sellable asset,

a certain amount of charm.

Oh, that's a fine way to talk.

Oh, let's not kid ourselves, Kim.

After all, we're both

in the same boat...

or should I say on the same auction

block, for sale to the highest bidder.

If only I weren't so doggone poor.

I know, Kim.

I wish you weren't too.

Maybe in my next

reincarnation be a millionaire.

I don't mind you the way you are.

Oh, but I'd be much more fascinating

cutting coupons or sailing yachts

or whatever millionaires do.

The one downstairs

is getting impatient.

Must you do that?

The Washburnes invited us

for this weekend, you know,

not next.

I know.

Have you a cigarette.

Don't be so impatient.

You'll see your precious

Midge in all good time.

Meaning what?

You're like the rest of

your sex, transparent.

Transparent?

At my weight?

I've yet to see the man that

any woman couldn't see through.

Ah, so you're a psychic, eh?

It doesn't take second

sight to see that you wish

Kim weren't coming so that you could

have a clear field with Midge.

Do you know what I really wish?

Me, darling?

No.

My cigarette case.

Oh, there you are.

Hello, Ethel.

Sorry to be so long, Dave.

I was just going to send some St.

Bernard dogs to look for you.

I wish you had.

They usually carry a keg of brandy.

I do hope Gordon Trent

patches it up with Mrs. Trent.

Don't you, Dad?

Gordon Trent?

Never heard of him.

He's a very famous man, dear.

His wife married him

when he was nobody.

But now that he's a big movie star...

Huh.

Listen, Midge, I don't

want you bringing

trash like that into the house.

Why not?

Because I say so.

But, Dad.

Now, don't argue with me.

I'm sick of seeing you fill

your mind with tripe like that.

Better than that silly,

old paper of yours.

Hm, not even a movie column.

Well, let me tell you this,

young lady, better women

than you have read The

Wall Street Journal.

Name one.

Your mother.

You're kidding.

Am I?

When I first started in Wall Street,

your mother worked with me,

and this was our textbook.

Well, you have your textbook, and I'll

stick to my movie magazines.

We won't discuss the

matter any further.

It's time you started

thinking of something

else besides movie stars.

I thought we weren't going

to discuss that any further.

Don't change the subject.

It's about time you

thought of getting married.

Whatever for?

What do girls usually marry for?

Family.

Position.

Because they've grown up enough

to assume responsibilities.

I thought assuming responsibilities

was the husband's job.

Stop being bright.

Act like my daughter for a minute.

I'm serious.

Yes, sir.

I don't want you to

marry a stuffed shirt.

On the contrary, some amusing,

fairly attractive fellow

of good family, of course.

Someone like, uh, well, like

Kim Sherwood, for instance.

By the way, where are our guests?

I never knew Dave to

be so late before.

They probably had to wait for Kim.

He's always late.

Kim?

Who invited him?

Well, I did.

Mother said...

Run along, dear, and freshen up.

All right, all.

They'll be here any minute now.

What was the idea

in inviting Kim here?

Well, for one thing, Midge likes him.

Well, so do I.

I thought of asking

him some other time.

This weekend I... I wanted to...

to talk over some business

matters with... with Dave.

I'm sorry, dear.

I really thought it would be a

relaxation for you not to have

to talk shop for a change.

After all, you know, there are

other things besides business.

Well, let me tell you this,

if it weren't for my business,

you'd have a pretty thin time of it.

What makes you think I'd mind?

Oh, I know.

I know.

You wish we were poor again

so we could... well, I don't.

George.

I've worked and worked

hard for what I've got.

Now that I'm rich, you're thinking

of throwing it overboard.

Are we any happier

now than we were then?

Happiness.

I want money.

Money and power.

That's what counts this day and age.

Then all I can say is

it's a pretty rotten world.

Ronnie.

Why aren't you at summer school?

I've quit.

You've what?

They've compulsory military training,

and I refuse to take it.

Oh, Ronnie.

You'll go back and work

off last term's demerits.

Flunking in nearly

everything except highbrow

subjects like civics

and political economy.

Nobody's gonna train me to

shoot down my fellow man.

That's all those camps are for.

The totalitarian handbook

says so, and here it is.

Totalitarian handbook.

Poppycock.

They've arrived at last.

Well, it's about time.

Darling, tell Grimsby we'll have

cocktails in the living room.

Well, how are you?

Hello, Alma.

Pretty sad for you.

I couldn't get away with

my office until 2 o'clock.

Why work?

The more you make,

the heavier your tax.

That's a nice how-do-ya-do.

I don't know what

the world's coming to.

My beauty parlor sent me the

most insulting note because I

let my bill run for six months.

Oh, come on now and forget business.

Claire.

I'm glad you decided to come.

You said you mightn't.

I changed my mind.

Is that a good omen?

No.

I only wanted to help you.

I thought, perhaps,

some sort of business.

Well, I don't know

beans about business.

Well, what have beans to

do with a business offer?

Neither should have strings attached.

Hello, George.

It was so nice of you to ask me down.

And when they reach the perfect state,

everyone will be usefully employed.

There'll be no butlers serving

cocktails to their fellow men.

If you'll pardon the comment,

without cocktails, it could

hardly be the perfect state.

Naw, but that's not

the point, Grimsby.

Butlers, the very living they

wear are relics of feudalism.

It should be done away with.

It says so right here.

But, Master Ronald, the

last time you were home,

you said I should organize the MUGGs.

The what?

It's the initials, sir.

The MUGGs, Master Union

of Gentleman's Gentlemen.

Ah, yes.

Ah, yes.

If that was the cause,

you have to form

a union before you can bore from

within in order to destroy it.

Eleanor!

Hey, Eleanor!

You form it so you can destroy it.

And so instead of spending

the money on a uniform,

I bought a railroad

ticket, and here I am.

Ronnie you can't walk out like that.

Hm, I notice you're

glad enough to drop

that teaching job of yours the

minute vacation rolled around.

You don't suppose I

like teaching, do you?

Well, there's nothing

wrong with work, Eleanor.

I hate to see you work too, Dad.

And you wouldn't have to at

your age if weren't for Ron...

Eleanor.

Don't mind me, Mr. Lee.

Eleanor's told me how

you lost your money,

and my dad forced you to

the wall, closed you out.

In the perfect state,

there'll be no stock market.

The Totalitarian Handbook

says the profit system...

Oh, for goodness sake, will

you get off your soapbox?

That's no way for a

millionaire's son to talk.

Well, you needn't rub it in.

I am not proud of the way

my dad made his money.

Fleecing a man like your father.

I bear him no ill will.

As a matter of fact, I'm

rather grateful to him.

Bout what?

Because he pays you a few miserable

dollars each month to be

superintendent of his estate?

A gardener?

But I am just as happy now

as when we had a lot of money,

maybe more so.

Well, I'm not.

That's because you haven't

the perspective I have.

You see, you're a youth.

I'm just a tired old man.

That's the way I like to see

ya, the sight of a love light

in your eyes.

Well, you won't see

it, young man, if you

keep going radical on me.

Gosh, Eleanor.

Is it so radical for a fella

to quit school just because he

wants to see his... his girl?

Why you bold, impetuous Don Juan.

Mind you, I'm still

loyal to my ideals.

The Totalitarian Handbook says...

Listen, do you suppose Dad's

so tired and sleeping so you

could read to me?

You mean I ought to make love to you?

Is that such a hardship?

Gosh, no!

Hello, everybody.

- Hello, Midge.

- Hello.

I'm all right.

Stay seated.

Midge!

Oh, hello, Dave.

How are you?

Need you ask?

Before you stands a victim of

cupid, crushed and forlong.

Slowly dying of unrequited love.

Before you die, I'd

return Alma's serviette

if I were you, darling.

Never.

I shall treasure it forever.

Who knows but what

this square of cotton

has touched the ruby lips

of the fair Midge herself.

Idiot.

Gosh.

After that, we've got to get married.

And...

If we did, your father

would cut you off like that.

That sounds so, so mercenary.

Is it mercenary to want

the things other girls have,

girls I went to school with.

Things like clothes

and jewelry, a car.

But, darling, I could get a

job and work hard to get you

those things.

Of course, it might

take some time but...

That's just the trouble.

I've scrimped for years, and I don't

relish facing a lifetime of it.

Well, maybe

when I finish this cigarette.

Thanks, George.

You know, my doctor says I don't eat

enough to keep a bird alive.

What kind of a bird?

An ostrich?

Oh, Ronnie, darling,

what's the matter?

You haven't eaten a thing.

I can't eat, mother.

Not while millions are starving.

Don't let him kid you mother.

He's in love.

Eleanor probably turned him down.

Ouch!

Ronnie, what is all this nonsense

about you and the Lee girl?

It's not nonsense.

Of course it isn't nonsense, darling.

Uh, who's for bridge?

We have enough for two tables.

Count me out.

I want to go up to the

club and dance with Kim.

Well, I've barely strength

enough for the bridge table

and over bid my hand, let alone

dance, even with you, my sweet.

I'll take you, Midge, if you'd like.

Go ahead.

It'll take a load off my feet.

But not off of mine.

How bout you, Ronnie?

I'm not dancing.

Oh, darling you must.

You play such atrocious bridge.

I'm not playing bridge either.

I have a headache.

I'm glad you haven't a headache.

I'll join you.

I always lose my shirt playing bridge.

I didn't know women wore shirts.

It was a very charming dinner.

I'm glad you...

Come along, Midge.

Let's get started if we're going.

All right.

Are you sure you won't join us, Kim?

No, not tonight.

Thanks.

Have a good time.

Ronnie, darling, take a sail.

The fresh air will be good

for your, uh, headache.

But, mother, I don't

want to go dancing.

You do as your mother tells you.

Hey, Midge, wait a minute.

What system do you play?

Oh, one, two, three, system.

You know, bid round two,

should have made three.

Come along.

David, you sit with me.

I won't ride back here alone.

Round three, huh?

We're certainly holding

the cards tonight, dear.

Holding nothing is the way I play 'em.

Now, Mr. Knock still stands.

Huh.

You're playing against Wolf

Washburne of Wall Street,

and tonight's my night to howl.

Owo!

You're not on the range, though.

Not only off the range, but off key.

Would you mind telling me what

you bid six and a trump on?

Sure.

Two kings, an ace, and four highballs.

I know you're simply

dying to get to the club,

but you needn't kill us all doing it.

There's a car coming.

Quit hogging the road.

Who's driving this car, you or me?

You, darling, and very badly.

Pull over, you idiot.

You'll hit him.

Let him pull over.

Anyone hurt?

Not yet!

Never mind.

Get going.

Come on back here.

Get going.

Anybody hurt?

No.

OK, speed demon.

Wait here.

Yes?

Is Mr. Washburne in?

Which Mr. Washburne,

we have two.

Mr. George R. Washburne,

Mr. Ronald L. Washburne.

Mr. George R. Washburne.

Is he in?

I'll see, sir.

What name should I say?

Max Steinfeld.

No middle initial.

I beg your pardon?

His lawyer, attorney, advocate,

solicitor, legal advisor.

Oh, a Bannister.

Very good, sir.

Come in, sir.

Be seated, sir.

Mr. Steinfeld to see you, sir.

Oh.

I'll be right out.

Excuse me.

Ask him to come in, dear.

No.

He... well, he's such a wind bag.

Show him into the study.

Well, there goes our

bridge game, unless you

want to play three-handed.

No, no way.

Dance?

Three-handed?

No.

Will ya?

You'll excuse us?

Yes.

Thank you.

You're on the spot, George,

and not a pleasant one.

Other men have faked

their income tax returns

and got away with it.

That's what a lot of men now

in Leavenworth once thought.

Good heavens.

You don't class me with them, do you?

To the government, one law

breaker is the same as another.

It's only a matter

of days when they're

going to close in on you.

Now the minute I heard they'd

called for your books...

I know, I know.

What do you advise me to do?

One of two things.

Salvage whatever liquid assets you

can get your hands on, and

take an extended trip abroad.

Preferably to some country

that has no extradition

treaty with the United States.

And the other alternative?

Stay here and face the music.

But it won't be sweet music.

It'll be plenty hot.

You mean they'll find me.

And how.

They'll soak you more

money than you've

got in all your bank accounts.

I've lost my short

before and got it back.

Yes, but this time the shirt you get

will be a gray one made by

a Leavenworth haberdasher.

And you'll wear it for

at least ten years.

I wonder where Midge

is... uh, Ronnie I mean.

There they are over there.

I'm bummed about Eleanor.

Oh, forget Eleanor for

one night, can't you?

I'm not thinking of Eleanor.

But out there in the

mills and the factories,

my fellow humans are

slaving and sweating.

At this hour, don't be silly.

Well, anyway, while my fellow

humans toil and struggle,

I'm not going to idol

my time away dancing.

The first duty of the Tolatariat is...

Fight right, my boy.

Huh.

What do you know about totalitarians.

Well, if they're against

my dancing anymore

tonight, I'm for them.

Well, I wanted to dance.

Well, I'm going home.

Just the brother.

It's up to you, George.

Take it on the run, or

take it on the chin.

I'll think it over.

Well, the sooner you make

up your mind, the better.

Think it over the weekend.

We've got to make plans, you know.

Very well.

Decent of you Max.

Oh, I'll get my cut either way.

You've been a good client, George.

You'll continue to be

one wherever you are.

Oh, nothing important.

Are you sure, dear.

Sure I'm sure.

It was nothing at all.

Really, dear.

So what happened?

Oh, you know how stubborn

Ronnie is, especially when...

Who's game is it?

Yours I think.

Well, I don't feel like cards.

Ethel, you play my play.

Against Kim, indeed not.

The last time I did it cost me plenty.

How about you, Dave?

I don't mind.

Oh, come on in, Dave.

OK.

You'll keep score?

Yeah, I'll keep score.

Well.

Pass.

Four spades.

Pass.

Double four spades.

Keep going.

Pass.

My lead.

Look!

Ronnie, what happened?

Uh, nothing.

Let me see.

How'd that happen?

Believe it or

not, you ran into a doorknob,

I suppose.

Yeah, that's right.

The, uh, doorknob, seems to

have gotten the better of you.

Yeah.

You ought to see the doorknob.

Come along.

I'll put something on it.

Gosh, I'm no baby.

That's what you think.

Midge, play my hand, dear.

All right.

What was the bid?

I did four spades and

your partner doubled.

I think I'll take a

breath of fresh air.

- If you'll excuse me.

- Yeah.

Sure.

Did you call anything?

I'd like to call for a new hand.

You can have mine, darling.

Say, whose play is it?

Oh, sorry.

It's mine.

Thanks.

Thank you.

For what?

For coming down for the weekend.

Oh, I'm the one who

should be grateful.

Should be?

Aren't you?

Grateful?

Of course.

Prove it.

How?

By leaving your door open tonight.

Have you gone crazy?

I've got to decide

something important.

You must help me make up my mind.

Well, won't tomorrow do?

No.

Tomorrow I'll be busy planning.

I must talk to you tonight.

But Ethel's room is

right next to mine.

Oh.

Your play, Kim.

Oh.

Sorry.

Well, then meet me

later in the living room.

- But, George...

- You must.

It's vital.

Very well.

Good.

I'll be waiting.

George.

Yes, dear George, are

you sure that Steinfeld

didn't want anything important?

Yes, dear.

Quite sure.

You're not in any

trouble, money I mean?

No.

Why should I be.

We've been living at a terrific rate.

It's probably been my fault too.

Everything is all right.

Now, don't worry.

Uh, I can't help it.

I'm down.

I'll... I'll try to economize.

Is that what you want me to do?

I want you to go to

bed and get some sleep.

Oh, George, if you'd only

talk things over with me.

There, there, dear.

Good night.

Where are you going?

Oh, um, just downstairs

to get a cigarette.

With a full box on the desk?

George doesn't let his

guests want for anything,

does he, darling?

There's, um... there's a

book I want to finish too.

I don't blame you, for

wanting to read, I mean.

I've never known such a dull weekend.

Really?

Perhaps, except for Midge, that is.

Kim to sees to that, lucky stiff.

Lucky?

Yes.

I think it will be a very good match.

For them at least.

Aren't you rather

jumping to conclusions?

Am I?

Don't forget your book.

And, uh, read a chapter for me.

Well, there's the situation.

I can stay here and face

the music, or I can go away.

But isn't that a bit

rough on Alma and the kids?

I don't kid myself that

they love me any too much.

Perhaps if I had been different.

Besides, Alma has money of her own.

The kids will when they come of age.

And you?

I'll be able to salvage

enough for the both of us.

Oh.

If I go away, I want

you to go with me.

I shan't go alone.

I'm terribly fond of you, Claire.

I'm years older than you, I know that.

But I'd devote the rest of

my life to making you happy.

You don't think I've

been happy, do you?

The past 20 years have been

a race, an uphill climb.

An inability to relax.

To take comfort, peace.

There's so many quiet

places in the world.

I want to hunt them

all out, to see them

with you, through your eyes.

Oh, I don't know what to say.

I understand.

Oh, I do like you, George.

I've even a sort of respect for you.

I think you're decent and

honest as men go, yet...

Well, I don't want you

to go into this blindly.

It wouldn't be fair to

ask you to decide at once.

Before you go back to town, perhaps.

We'd hate each other, George.

Oh, here it would be different.

We'd have our own lives,

separately in a sense.

But shackled together by

a necessity to escape...

I love you, Claire.

And you might come to love me.

Women have loved their

jurors before this.

I've been waiting for you

ever since you went downstairs.

Well, you didn't have

long to wait, did you?

What did he say to you?

What's more important, what

answer did you give him?

If that's your attitude, I don't think

I need tell you my answer.

No, that's answer enough.

And you're the one that

always preaches decency to me.

Under his very roof with

Alma and Midge here.

Oh, so you are concerned about Midge?

Nothing of the sort.

She's a good kid, and I'm

not going to let you shatter

any illusion she may have.

Lucky Midge to have such

a gallant, stainless knight

to protect her.

Oh, very funny, aren't you?

Well, it won't be so

funny when she finds

out about you and her father.

Find out what?

Oh, stop playing innocent.

It doesn't suit you.

If you're so concerned with

protecting Midge from the

world, why don't you marry her?

Maybe I will.

Now what do you think of that?

That's OK with me.

You look after Midge, and

I'll look after myself.

Well, of all the lazy loafers.

Not even through breakfast yet?

Good morning.

Have you had yours?

Hours ago in bed.

Seen anything of Kim?

No.

Mr. Sherwood said something

about taking a stroll, Miss.

Well, that big punker.

I'll teach him to walk out on me.

Want to Come along?

No thanks.

I trust you were not

disturbed last night, Miss.

Disturbed?

By whom?

The storm.

Quite a stir it was.

Oh, no.

I never moved after I hit the hay.

Do You mind if I make a note of that?

Note of what?

What you just said, hit the hay.

I'm making a study

of Yankee expression.

American slang isn't so difficult

once you get hop to it.

Hop?

Yes, Miss.

To get hop to something, same as

your negro expression to savvy.

Oh, of course.

How stupid of me.

You mean hip.

Yes, Miss, hip.

Of course, it takes awhile.

But you'll get hop to it in time.

As they say.

Seems a shame to pick flowers.

They whither so quickly.

Isn't that life?

Some of us, like you and the flowers,

are born to be ornamental.

Me, well, I'm merely useful.

Well, you're the handsomest

father I've ever had.

I must admit, though, flowers smell

nicer than that pipe of yours.

And when you do that,

you're not so ornamental.

I will be tonight, at

the Washburnes' dinner.

You really want to go, don't you?

Of course.

Why not?

Oh, I don't know.

To me, that crowd has a

false sense of values.

You know, I'd hate to

think of you being... well,

becoming like them.

But, Dad, you're wrong.

They have the proper slant on life.

Enjoy it.

What else is money for but

to have a good time with?

Hm.

It could be used for lots of things.

Help the sick, relieve

poverty, improve conditions...

For goodness sake, don't

start doing a Ronnie Washburne.

Hey!

What's all this using my name in vein.

Dad's stealing your stuff.

The working man must be protected.

The Totalitarian Handbook says so.

I've changed my mind about that.

I'm through protecting

the working man.

Well, after what I

heard about last night,

I think you better learn

to protect yourself.

From now on, I'm going to

be a rugged individualist

and make a fortune.

Now you're talking.

I want the man I marry to do things.

You... you mean you'll marry me?

Well, I've put up with

you for years, haven't I?

Oh.

Gosh, we can't get married.

Dad would never give his consent.

And you're the guy

who said he was going

to be a rugged individualist.

Well, even rugged individualists

get married sometimes.

And if they can't get

their father's consent,

they marry without it sometimes.

You... you mean elope?

I'll tell you what, we'll do it.

As soon as it gets dark.

But I'm going to be at your

house tonight for dinner.

Oh, that's right.

Oh, what about after dinner then?

You pack a bag and sneak it

into the garage sometime today.

And while they're all

playing bridge after dinner,

we'll slip away.

What do you say?

Well, after you've swept me

off my feet like this, what can

I say?

Well, what's the matter?

I wonder what they'll

soak you for a license.

Three bucks I think it is.

- Hello.

- Hello.

-Good morning,

-No, thanks.

Can I bring you some breakfast.

No, thanks.

Oh, oh.

There's a letter here for you, Miss.

Oh, fan mail for me, way out

here in darkest Long Island.

He forwarded it here from New York.

It was registered, Miss.

My public.

Excuse me.

Why, I've never heard

of such insolence.

And from my dressmaker.

Attaching her bank account,

merely because my check

bounced back a couple of times.

Why not try sending her a good check?

After this?

I should say not.

Despite her, I have a mind to

send to Paris for my clothes

direct and pay cash for them.

How can you pay cash for them when

she attached her bank account.

Perhaps you'll lend me the money.

It's only $1,800.

Only $1,800?

That's a lot.

I wish I could help you.

Really, I do.

I wonder if George...

No, he's in a... I mean,

after all, he is your host.

I think I'll get the money from Kim.

Kim?

That much money?

Oh, he'll get it somehow.

Where, may I ask?

I haven't the remotest idea.

But I imagine it would mean

that much to him to know

what happened last night.

What do you mean?

When a man plans to marry an heiress,

it's a little indiscreet for

him to have another woman spend

have the night in his bedroom.

I'm sorry, Ethel.

I didn't mean to do that.

You'll pay for that, Claire.

Well, and how are you

this lovely morning?

What's the matter with her?

Nothing.

Same as usual.

Where's Midge?

Gone to a walk.

With, uh, Kim?

Have some breakfast?

No, I couldn't.

In love?

Yep.

But that's not it.

I've already had one breakfast.

Ah, only one.

What's the matter, off the feed.

Sort of.

Take a walk with me?

No, thanks.

Awe, come on.

Please.

OK.

That a girl.

Dave, I wonder if

you'll do me a favor.

Yours to command.

I'd like you to lend Ethel $1,800.

What?

Well, you can spare it, can't you?

I suppose I could only...

Well, you said you'd do me a favor.

You, yes.

But not that woman.

Why do you say that?

Because I'm too much of

a gentleman to say what

I really think of that dame.

Of all the catty, greedy, man...

You won't do it then.

Not while I'm conscious.

Well, no harm in asking.

Come on.

If you don't like my

company, why don't you

say so instead of sneaking off?

Oh, I didn't sneak off.

And I do like your company.

Honest engine?

Honest engine.

All right, then.

I forgive you.

Well, then stop pouting, my sweet.

You know it spoils a very

cute little pair of lips.

Better now?

They're most inviting.

Well, what's stopping you?

I'm sorry, Dave, I left

something in the house.

Will you walk back with me?

Why sure.

If you'd like.

Thanks.

Here comes the bride,

get wise to her stride.

See how she walked

out from side to side.

A Native American croaks song, sir?

Oh, yes, sort of.

You know.

A negro spiritual, perhaps, sir.

That's right, comrade.

I mean, Grimsby.

Uh, would you do me a favor.

Very glad to, sir.

Could you lend me some money?

Money, sir?

Oh, only $3, but it

would mean a lot to me.

Certainly, sir.

I've only a ten, sir.

Oh, that's all right.

That'll do very nicely.

Thanks a lot.

Don't mention it, sir.

I won't.

I'll be a tongue-tied clam.

A tongue-tied... that's rather good.

I'll be a tongue-tied oyster.

That can't be right.

Oysters haven't any tongues.

Or have they?

To not know it, Dave, there's a law

that says a man can't be

attentive to his dinner

partner.

David?

Sorry.

I wasn't paying any attention.

What'd you say?

Never mind.

I see you're much more interested

in your cheese and crackers.

Aren't you feeling well, George?

You look rather tired.

Oh, nonsense, dear.

Only in comparison with the

youth and beauty of our guests.

Guests?

Don't be so modest, George.

You might include your

own daughter, our Midge.

Our Midge?

I thought I was your Midge.

Were you listening?

I fixed everything.

Darling, not so loud or

you will fix everything.

You're wanted on the telephone, sir.

Let him take the message, darling.

Who is it, Grimsby?

Never mind.

I'll answer it.

Excuse me.

Yes, sir.

Hello?

Yes, Max.

No, I haven't made up my mind yet.

Yes, I know there's a lot

of planning to be done.

Of course, I haven't told her.

I haven't told anyone.

All right.

All right.

I told you I'd let you know

the minute I make up my mind.

Yes, Monday, perhaps.

You too ladies look

perfectly charming tonight.

Anybody want to play bridge?

After the trimming we eventually

gave you and George last night?

Try to give us revenge.

Oh, of course not, but

don't say we didn't warn you.

Come on, Claire.

You and Midge play.

Hm, suits me.

How about it, Midge?

Oh, I'm tired of bridge.

I know a better game.

Who doesn't?

Wise guy.

Let's play Murder.

Kim, you help me make out the slips.

Oh, good evening, George.

How's the party going?

Oh, all right, I suppose.

I guess I'm getting

fed up with parties.

Yeah.

One party's like another when

we've reached our age, I guess.

Tell me something, Spencer.

Why is it if you have so

little and are happy, while I...

Maybe the things you call

little are the big things.

The feel of the Earth,

the smell of the flowers,

the love of one's family.

I Have a family.

Give them everything

they want, and yet...

May I speak frankly, George?

You usually do.

You give them everything

but the one thing they need,

understanding.

I understand them all right.

Alma, well, I know she feels

out of place in this layout.

She doesn't have to make

me feel that way too.

Ronnie, prize idiot.

Blabbing a lot of half-baked rot.

Midge, empty-headed little

fool full of ideas about movie

stars with trick mustaches.

Well, what you made them.

Alma was a grand wife

until you went money mad.

Still would be if you

give her half a chance.

As for Ronnie, why he's

no different from what

you and I were at his age.

Full of idealistic dreams.

The trouble is you've been trying

to wake him up by throwing

cold water on it him.

That's not the way, George.

Let him wake himself up.

Dreams are soon forgotten,

and there's the pity.

As for Midge, she's

a grand kid at heart.

If she has no sense of value

where men are concerned,

it's because she's never

met the right kind.

Now, let her go out and work

for a living, as Eleanor has.

Huh.

You'll never catch

that daughter of mine

marrying a millionaire's son.

Oh, no, she's too smart for that.

Oh, Dad.

What?

What is it?

What a swell host

you turned out to be.

Oh, hello.

Good evening.

I've been looking everywhere for you.

Come on, you're wanted in the house.

- What's the matter?

- Murder.

- What?

- Oh, silly.

It's just a game.

Oh, a game.

How do you play it?

Well, we draw rocks to see who's

to be the district attorney

and who's to be the killer.

The district attorney

leaves the room so nobody

knows who the murderer is.

And then what?

The lights are turned out, and

the murderer strangles someone.

Uh-oh.

Oh, no, not really, of course.

Just pretending.

Oh, I should hope so.

Then the killer returns to his seat.

The district attorney is

called in and grills everybody.

The murderer can lie.

All others must be truthful.

And the district

attorney must detect...

That's right.

Sounds good.

Care to join us?

Uh, no, thanks.

Sounds a little too

complicated for me.

Well, all right.

All right, everybody.

Take a slip.

There's dirty work for tonight.

Ah.

- Let's see what I get.

- Let's see what we have here.

Don't let anyone see your slip.

Well, I'm the district attorney.

And I warn you, if

anybody murders Midge,

I'll comb the seven seas

til I find the culprit.

Oh.

You're supposed to be the district

attorney, not a beach comber.

Come on, Mr. District

Attorney, out you go.

Ronnie, darling, put off the lights.

Yes, mother.

Everybody take a seat now.

What a break.

They're even putting

out the lights for us.

I've often heard that marriage

was a leap in the dark.

The murderer kills his victim,

and then returns to his seat.

What does the murdered party do?

Yell for help?

All right, Ronnie, darling,

turn out the lights.

Ouch!

Are you murdered all ready?

No.

I tripped over this footstool.

Footstool nothing.

That's my pet corner.

Come on.

Let's go.

Well, that's the noisiest

corpse I've ever heard.

Wait a minute.

There's something wrong here.

Which one of you screamed?

Somebody turn on the lights, please.

Where's the compartment switch?

I've got it.

Well, she's only cranky.

Get some water.

My necklace.

It's gone.

What?

My pearls.

Are you sure you had them on?

Of course I'm sure.

That's right.

I noticed them at the table.

All right for me to come in now?

They must be somewhere in the room.

Who is the murderer.

No, no.

I'm supposed to guess.

I was.

No, I'm supposed to guess.

Ethel lost her pearls.

I didn't lose them.

Somebody has taken them.

Ethel, you're a bit excited.

You know perfectly well

there's no one here...

You're the murderer, weren't you?

I was.

Was I the one you murdered?

Yes.

And when you put your

hands around my neck,

didn't you feel my pearls?

I did not, and I'd like to know what

you meant by that question.

Claire, please.

I'm not accusing anyone,

but you were apparently

the last one to feel those...

I'm going to call Spencer.

There may be prowlers about.

I didn't take your pearls, if

that's what you're driving at.

Now, there must be some mistake.

Kim, we've got to phone the police.

Oh, don't be absurd.

Bad enough that

happened without telling

the world about it.

Midge, you don't mean that Claire...

Pearls don't disappear by themselves.

And you haven't seen

any suspicious characters

about the place?

Prowlers, no sir.

Well, have the grounds

searched at once.

Ethel Ames' pearls have disappeared.

Are You sure they're not

in the house somewhere,

misplaced, perhaps?

They're not here.

Hurry up.

Yes, sir.

We better ask Grimsby and the servants

if they've seen anyone.

Call them, Ronnie.

Where's Ronnie?

That's funny.

What became of him?

And what became of Eleanor?

You don't think that she could've...

Eleanor, of course not.

It's ridiculous to suppose that

any of our guests would steal.

I'm not so sure of that.

Meaning what?

Your actions have been

somewhat questionable.

Spending half of last

night in Kim's room.

I saw you go in, and I

know when you came out.

Kim, it... it isn't true, is it?

Yes, it's true.

Claire was in my room last night.

She came in after you all went to bed.

I proposed to her, and...

and she accepted me.

What are you two doing here?

We're... we're going to

New York to get married.

Honest we are, Mr. Lee.

Let's see your license.

We haven't got one,

but I'm going to get one

the very first thing tomorrow.

Honest I am.

On Sunday?

Oh, that's right.

I forgot.

They aren't open.

But we were going to

get married, Mr. Lee.

Honest we were.

A likely story.

I never thought you would do

a thing like this, Eleanor.

What's the matter with me?

It's not your lack

of morals I object to.

It's the underhandedness.

But, Dad, we weren't being...

If you love a man, be open

and above board about it.

You've got me all

wrong, Mr. Lee.

I'm not a libertine.

Honest I'm not.

You talk as if I were a Don

Juan or a Casanova or something.

Tell him I'm not a libertine, Eleanor.

I'd rather she married a libertine

than a bungle who can't

remember the days of the week.

Now get back to the house, both of ya.

Go on.

Now, folks, I think we all

ought to be calm about this.

It seems the first thing to do

is to try and find that... well,

where have you kids been?

They've been outside,

looking for the necklace.

What neck... what...

Well, how did they get there?

Oh, my pearls.

Well, that's that.

Except that we don't

know who took them.

I know who took them.

Claire did.

Midge, be quiet.

I won't be quiet.

After what happened

last night, I believe

you're capable of anything.

You don't mean that,

Midge, you know you don't.

Oh, don't I, though?

And I'm not the only one.

Ask them.

I'm glad I found you out.

Kim too.

I never want to see

either of you again.

Just a minute, Midge.

Claire's not a thief.

I took them.

Oh, I've lived by my wits for years.

I guess you all know that.

Well, this looked like a

good way to get easy money.

I'm sorry, but that's how it is.

Oh, Kim.

I'll leave the first

thing in the morning.

So why don't you slink off

to bed like a good fella?

Yes, sir.

Quite, sir.

And stop spying on us.

I beg your pardon.

I am not a spy.

You are too.

How do you know you're not a spy?

I've been reading about

your kind in Adventures

of an International Spy.

Really, sir?

I'm reading that myself now.

You are?

I just got to the

part where Van Ritzen

hides the secret code

in his cuff links.

So that's nothing.

Wait til you get to the part

where Dan Daring disguised

as an Ethiopian officer...

Hey, did you come out here

to argue about dying novels

or to mend my broken heart?

Oh, I'm sorry.

Some other time.

I'll be seeing ya.

But you are seeing me now, sir.

Oh, yes, to be sure.

Quite so, sir.

That's what wives are

for, understanding.

Understanding.

That's the word Spencer used.

Understanding.

He said I'd given you and

the kids everything but that.

It isn't too late for

that now, is it, Alma?

It's never too late for that, dear.

I'm in a rather bad jam, Alma.

Is that why Steinfeld's been calling?

It has to do with my

income tax returns.

Steinfeld warned me

not to do it I... well,

I thought I knew more than my lawyer.

Claire, I'm very sorry

for what I said downstairs.

Too bad, about your necklace, I mean.

Too bad?

I got it back, didn't I?

Exactly.

A lofty opportunity of doing

the insurance company out

of several thousand dollars.

I don't know what

you're talking about.

No?

No.

Why should I do a thing like that?

Possibly to get that

$1,800 you wanted so badly.

Wanted so badly that you ruined Kim's

reputation to save your own.

Kim's reputation.

Ha.

That's very funny.

He even confessed to taking it.

I know he did.

I heard him.

Well?

If Kim stole your pearls and

hid them in the flower pot,

how is it there was no

dirt under his nails

as there is under yours?

You snared Kim's reputation.

Well, there's still time

to save it, bad as it is.

Where are you going?

Shall I tell them or you?

I suppose I'll have to.

No, Alma, I... I couldn't do it.

Thanks just the same, dear.

It's your money.

Oh, darling, will you understand

that money's the least

important thing in the world.

But, dear, that isn't the point.

It still wouldn't save me from

losing the business I've spent

over 20 years in building.

Oh, we can start all over

again, and I can help you.

You?

What does a woman know about finance?

Have you forgotten when

you were just starting

and we worked together?

And we put over some

pretty good deals too.

You didn't even have

an office, just rented

space enough for two desks.

Side by side.

Oh, those were the days.

May I speak to you a minute, sir?

Why, of course, son.

What's on your mind?

Well, it's like this, I had

a little talk with Mr. Lee

this evening.

And he's the side of a father

who hates anything underhanded.

Well, that's quite right.

So I'd figured you'd

want me to be open

and above board about everything too.

Of course, son.

So if you don't mind, I'd... I'd

like to ask a favor of ya, Pop.

That's the first time you've

called me that in years, Pop.

Well, I guess I haven't been

as pally as I might have been.

I'm sorry.

Forget it, son.

I guess I was as much to blame as you.

What's the favor you want?

Well, if you don't... well,

uh, may I have your permission

to... to elope with Eleanor?

No, son.

They're be no eloping with a Lee.

Get that?

Yes, father.

You'll marry her properly, understand?

And if you're anything

like the sort of husband

I've been to your mother, I'll

wail the daylights out of you.

Why did you do it?

Hm?

Oh, because I'm a crook

at heart, I guess.

Because you're a liar, you mean.

Hm.

Oh, Ethel confessed

to hiding the pearls.

She hoped to collect the

bleeding insurance money.

I figured it was something like that.

You mean you didn't take

the blame to save me?

You steal?

Don't make me laugh.

No, Kim.

You can't do that

twice in one evening.

Do what?

Save my reputation at

the expense of your own.

You deliberately spoiled your chances

with Midge, let her think

you're a crook, didn't you?

It was a good out for me.

So what's the idea of

the cross-examination?

Can't I be a boy scout and do

one kind deed if I want too?

But that doesn't account

for your second kind deed,

shielding George by

saying I was in your room.

That we were engaged.

Oh, there's that.

You did say we were

engaged, didn't you?

Yeah.

I thought it was a pretty

good idea at the time.

And now?

I think it's a grand idea.

Any time.