Brief Moment (1933) - full transcript

Legendas: Lu?s Filipe Bernardes

- Dear, we're going out.
- Going out?

Yeah, the whole family's
waiting for us.

Rod...

Dad was writing a speech
of welcome when I rang off.

You're crazy!
I've got to go on again.

It's alright, isn't it, Steve, if I bring
her back by her next number?

No, Rod, I can't meet them like this.

Oh, honey, can't you see?

- I thought you wanted to meet them.
- Yes, dear, but...

Oh, I'd be scared to death.



Oh, just be yourself.

If they don't like you,
that's their hard luck.

They'll like her.

All right,, I asked for it.
Be back for my next number, Steve.

- Pray for me.
- Good luck, kid.

Don't oppose the boy.
He'll come out of it.

All right, if you want to take
that easygoing attitude.

He'll come out of it all right.

Put that girl in the family,
and our name all over the front page.

- Frankly, Dad, this is serious.
- But you haven't seen the girl yet.

- Must we see her to know what she is?
- Darling, she's not as bad as you think.

Look here, Sig, you should have
known about this.

- You're closer to Rod than we are.
- Oh, I wouldn't say that.

We're only his family,
you're his best friend.



- Why don't you do something?
- Well, I did what I could.

At first I tried to poison her mind,

then I tried to poison his.

And still I couldn't get her for myself.

And he really intends to marry her?

I should say his intentions are
disgustingly honorable.

Then I think we ought to let her know
just how we feel unmistakably.

- Yes, I think so too.
- Just a moment.

We'll get nowhere if we take
a severe attitude.

- Why encourage her?
- Why make a martyr of her?

Father's right,
don't you think so, Franklin?

- No, I don't.
- Franklin, I'm sorry to remind you...

...that I'm still the nominal
head of this family.

Now look here, Father...

Now, Charles! Franklin didn't mean
anything by that.

We all want to do what
you think is wisest.

- I shall be as cordial as I possibly can...
- But, Mother, dear...

Hello, everybody.

Good evening, Rod.

- Good evening.
- Hello, Rod.

Well, here she is.

This is Abby, Mother.

How do you do, Miss Fane.

It was awful to surprise
you like this...

...but try and stop Rod
when he wants to do something.

Yes, that's true...
Of course we're very pleased, I'm sure.

And this is Dad.
He's not usually so funny-looking...

- ... he's only surprised.
- A pleasant surprise.

How do you do?

And this is my sister Kay.

How do you do?
I heard you sing only last week.

- I thought you were swell.
- Thank you.

Mrs. Kay's husband,
Count Armand DuBois.

Let me welcome you into the family.

Thank you.

I might even congratulate you.

You mustn't take Armand seriously.

Oh, but I do!
After all, I am an outsider.

And this is my brother, Franklin.

How do you do?

And may I present Mr. Harold Sigrift.

- Hello, Sig.
- Abby!

'Tis a small world, isn't it?

Well...

We just dropped in to say hello.

- Abby has to go on again in a little while.
- Oh, that's too bad.

I really did love your singing, Abby.
May I call you Abby?

Yes, do.

I want to ask you something, Rod.

What's the matter with you,
are you crazy?

Uh-huh, absolutely insane...
about her.

But why? Why a blues singer
in a night club?

Who do you want me to marry?
Schumann Heink?

Don't be a fool.

Frank, I tell you she's real,
she's unspoiled.

Besides which, I adore her.

Do you have to marry her
to adore her?

Yes.

Does that answer your question?

When do you plan getting married, Rod?
Or did you intend to let us know?

Well, I didn't, but Abby insisted.

I didn't think it was fair for him
to marry without his family's consent.

- I think we all agree with you.
- Not before June, I suppose?

No, that's a long time off.

- We must ask Abby to dinner.
- Yes, we must, soon.

- What night would suit you best?
- Uh, we can arrange that later.

Well, you'll have to see me
about that.

You see, I have an option
on all her dinner dates.

I'm afraid my dinner time is much
too early. I'm a working girl, you know.

Oh, not now, you're going to quit,
aren't you?

- I don't think so yet.
- Oh, Sig!

- We'd better go.
- Next time you must stay longer.

Well, after all, there's plenty
of time, isn't there?

A whole lifetime.

Why... certainly.

There ought to be something
important to say but...

...the only thing I can think of is...

...how nice it is of you
to have me here.

Thank you.

- We'd better hurry.
- Good night.

- Good night.
- Good night!

Coming, Sig?

Think I will.

You know, I'm dying to hear
what Abby thinks of you.

Charming young person, I think.

Armand! She's quite impossible!
No breeding, no poise, nothing.

I never saw anyone so ill at ease.

Well, Mother, after all she was being
thrown at the lions.

Charles, don't you think
we were nice enough?

Exactly enough. Unless she's a fool
she knows now what we think of her.

# Try to be nice #

# Try to be nice #

# Say what you mean #
# And mean what you're saying to me #

# Don't make me fall #

# Don't make me fall #

# Say what you mean #
# And mean what you're saying to me #

# Look out now, there you go #

# There you go #
# Telling me that you care #

# Don't you know, don't you know #

# Know that it isn't fair? #

# Why break my heart, #
# Why break my heart? #

# What will it get you #
# To break it apart? #

# Say what you mean #
# And mean what you're saying to me #

How did she get over?

What does it matter how
she got over?

Hm, sounds like it was a bust.

Is that what you want to talk about?

Yeah.

Well I'm sorry, I don't.

Just a minute.

You know Abby's a friend
of mine, don't you?

Well, I don't think it's any of
your business, Steve...

- ...but I love Abby.
- So do I.

The only reason we ain't married
is because she won't have me.

I'm sorry, Steve.

I didn't know that.

Oh, that's all right, I can take it.

But I guess the kid knows
her own mind.

I just want to see she gets
a break, understand?

She's entitled to a real high-class guy.

Get me?

Yeah, Steve, I think I understand.

So before you go any further,

just be sure you're high class.

Hello.

Did I ever mention that I adore you?

- No fooling?
- On the level.

- Why?
- Why not?

Well, that makes one anyway.

- What do you mean?
- Oh, they made it pretty plain, sweetie,

it was thumbs down the minute
I came in the door.

But there's nothing to worry
about, dear.

They'll come around all right.

Well, I didn't expect the keys
to the city but...

No, they're dead against me.

Well, even if they are,
what difference does it make?

I told you, I don't want you to choose.

This is no choice.

I'm not even hesitating.

You're sweet.

- I mean it.
- I know you do.

But, dear, why do you want
to marry me?

I happen to be terribly in love
with you.

Is that enough?

- Well, what more?
- Oh, I don't know.

Maybe I'm old-fashioned worrying
about your family...

...but it's an awful lot to fight.

We don't fight them, dear.
We just, uh...

pay no attention.

You can't do that. You belong to them.

- You're part of them.
- Part of that pack of snobs?

Oh, can't you see how
unimportant they are?

Honey, if they don't like you, it's because
you're too good for them.

- Think you'll always say that?
- Always, darling. The family's out.

From now on it's you and I.

If you'll have me. Will you?

You and I.

I see your brother has dragged
the family name in the mud.

Good for Rod. I wish I'd had
his courage.

Too bad, sir.

Three generations to build up a name
and there it is.

Oh, these papers are simply revolting!

The afternoon papers are
usually worse, ma'am.

That's pleasant.

Oh, dear! She nabs millionaire,
she gets her man.

Banker's son this,
millionaire's son that...

Oh, they've certainly made me out
a high-class gold digger.

You're not taking that
seriously, are you?

Did you ever have such a thought
about me?

Sure.

Look at that hard face,
and those grasping lips.

I think I'm entitled to a little grasping
on our honeymoon, don't you?

I almost wish you didn't have
any money...

...or any mid-Victorian family.

I don't want you to make sacrifices.

Sacrifices? I love them.

I'll get up and close the windows
every morning.

I hope you'll never be sorry.

Sorry?

When I've got you?

- But you don't need me.
- Oh, but I do.

You mustn't forget that I'm a lonely
orphan boy now.

- It's all my fault.
- Yep.

Put those avaricious arms around
my neck and keep quiet, will you?

You have nothing to worry about, dear.

You've got me, a big ocean liner...

...and in a few days you'll have Paris.

Paris.

Oh, Rod, it's grand to be home again.

Only we haven't a home, have we?

We'll have one sooner than you think.

Let's take a nice, small apartment,
not too big.

How it'll be fun to furnish it.

I've got so many ideas about
my own home.

I've been saving them up
a long time, darling.

Look, there's Sig, and Steve, too!

- Hello!
- Hello, Steve!

Come on, darling.

- I beg your pardon?
- Would you mind letting me through?

- I'm meeting the Spanish Ambassador.
- Sorry, sir.

Oh, there's Mrs. Deane.
Come on.

- Will you stop a moment for a picture?
- Can I click you, Mr. Deane?

No, Rod! They'll only print
what they did before.

Hope she'll make it through
the shots.

Go on, scram, if you don't want
those cameras busted.

- Hello, Steve.
- Steve!

- Hiya, kid.
- Hello, Sig, how are you?

Oh, Sig, it's nice to see you!

If you will just get through those
customs by evening...

You don't need to worry,
it's all been taken care of.

Hey, Mac, here's the folks
I was telling you about.

- Get them through, will you?
- Okay, Mr. Walsh.

- That's what it means to have influence.
- I'll see you later, folks.

Oh, don't go, Stevie, I want you
to have lunch with us.

- Yeah.
- I'd like to, but I can't.

I just came down to say hello.
It's nice to have you kids back.

- Well, I'll be seeing you.
- Goodbye, dear.

Well, I guess your family
didn't forgive us.

- This way!
- Come on, Sig.

The old homestead, folks.

Decorated under the old master's
personal supervision.

- Alfred, meet the bride and groom.
- How are things, Alfred?

Nice to see you all again.

This is my wife.
Abby, this is Alfred, Mary and Christine.

You know, they've been
in the family for years.

How did my mother come
to let you go?

Well, I think that we're sort of
a wedding present.

Now I'll show you the house
that Sig built.

- How's your rheumatism, Alfred?
- That's the thanks we artists get.

Do you want to see your place or do you
want to hear about Alfred's rheumatism?

Alfred has very interesting rheumatism.

In front of you, Mrs. Deane, you see
the scene of many merry parties.

At least they'd better be merry,
or I won't come.

Nice work, Sig, nice work.

Like it, sweetheart?

Well... it sort of takes my breath
away, I...

I didn't expect it to be
already furnished.

It was darn nice of you, Sig. It would
have taken us months to do this.

Ha!

And now we come to the
bedtime story.

- Oh, it's... it's simply perfect, Sig!
- It's swell, Sig.

Over there is the guest room.

I'll be glad to share it
with a congenial guest.

Oh, you did a grand job, Sig.

Everything's exactly right,
isn't it, Abby?

- You really like it, huh?
- Oh, it's lovely.

- Why aren't you drinking, darling?
- I don't know.

You know, it positively gets on my nerves
to see people working.

I'll be on edge for days.

Here you are, Rod.

Oh, thanks, Steve. Sorry to trouble you
but the banks were closed.

Tony, let's have another round,
will you?

- None for me.
- What's the matter, kid?

- Nothing.
- Don't you feel well?

Sure, I'm just tired.
I want to go home, Rod.

- Why, what's wrong, darling?
- Nothing's wrong.

- Well, have a drink then.
- No.

Oh, come on, Abby, I know just what
you want. Tony, mix her one of those...

I want to go home, that's what I want.

I think the lady wants to go home.

Cut it, Sig. All right, darling,
if you want to go.

You don't have to bother,
I know the way.

Don't be silly, come on.

- Sorry, folks. So long, Steve.
- So long.

I'll call you later, kid.

Darling, what's there to do at home?

We'll rest up for an hour or two
so we can go someplace else.

What do you mean?

Well, that's what home means
to you, doesn't it?

Darling, four o'clock
in the afternoon?

Yes, that's the time other men
are working.

So what?

But I suppose it isn't as important
as drinking.

Well, get it off your chest.

What's the use?
I've tried for six months.

Ever since we got back from Europe.

Oh now, come on, darling.

Not the misunderstood wife.

Yes.

All looks like it's been a mistake,
doesn't it?

What's a mistake?
Marrying me?

Well, we've certainly let each other
in for something, haven't we?

I don't get you, sweetheart.

We wanted different things
out of marriage.

What I wanted hasn't even started.

And it doesn't look like it ever will.

I don't understand, darling.
What's wrong?

Oh, Rod, it's been nothing
but a merry-go-round.

Running around all the time with different
people we don't care anything about.

Drinking, morning, noon and night.

I'm tired, Rod. I...
I want to get off the merry-go-round.

I want to start being married.

If we can't, then it's not much
use going on.

- Why didn't you tell me all this before?
- Oh, I've tried.

But you've always offered me
another drink.

I can't live like this.

I always used to have my work.
I was aiming for something.

Now I haven't anything.
Not even you.

I've got to share you all the time too.

If I had known about it, that little
difficulty would easily have been fixed.

I never thought about it, that's all.

Things will be different from now on.

Rod, do you mean that?

You know I do.
Anything you want goes.

Oh, darling.

Oh, I felt so terrible down
there at the office...

...with all those people working
so hard for just a little bit...

...and you were so much
as laughing at them.

Well, you have to laugh things
off sometimes.

I want you to stop laughing things off.

All right, when do I start?

Now.

Let's spend an evening alone
just to see what it's like.

Would you be bored?

With you, honey?

We'll have dinner together
and stay home, how's that?

Fine.

Let's make it a very special occasion.

And dress for it.

I hope Alfred doesn't drop dead
when he hears we want dinner.

Alfred! Alfred!

- Sig's alright, but...
- No buts.

Sig's a hundred percent.
You don't know him, that's all, Abby.

That guy Hemingway said it.

He said to have stuff was to have
grace under pressure.

Well, that's Sig.
Grace under pressure.

Who'd ever know he didn't
have a cent?

Whistling in the dark, that's all.

Oh, stop fooling yourself. Sig's no good
to anybody in this world except Sig.

No, don't run him down, honey.

He's too good a friend of mine.

He's all right to have
a good time with.

You couldn't pay him
a higher compliment.

Oh, Rod, he's an idler and a waster.
You surely don't want to be like him.

Why not?

Well, you can't spend your life
having a good time.

- Well, I can try.
- I'm serious, Rod.

So am I.

What's the sense in working
if I don't have to?

You do have to, for your self-respect.

You should be able to say
this money is mine, I earned it.

- It's a grand feeling.
- Well, we don't need any more money.

No, darling, but I need to be
proud of you.

Oh...

And you're not now, is that it?

I could be. You can make
anybody proud of you.

- You're all I care about.
- Oh, honey.

Just holding down a job would make
all that difference, hm?

All the difference in the world.

What would you say if I went downtown
tomorrow and gave Dad the shock of his life?

I'd say you're the sweetest thing
in the world.

Oh, well... I'm the sweetest thing
in the world, that's all.

Oh, darling.

- Good evening, Alfred.
- Your hat, sir?

No, thanks, we're going right out.

- Hey!
- Where is everybody?

Hey, Rod, Abby, where are you?

Hey, come out from behind
that bar, soaks!

- Where are you?
- We're in here!

Hello, Sig.

Hey, what is this?
Maid's night out?

Have you ever tried the joys
of the simple life, Mr. Sigrift?

The pure thrill of a home-cooked meal...
and the slippers by the fire?

- How about a slipper full of scotch?
- Help yourself.

You have a bevy of thirsty
women out there.

- You play host to them, will you?
- Okay. George, be the bartender, will you?

What are your plans for tonight?

Well, Abby and I were sort of
staying at home.

- What?
- Yes, nothing special to do tonight, so...

Nothing special to do?
Why, the Scandals are opening tonight.

The Sc...

Darling, did you hear that?
I didn't know that.

I haven't missed the Scandals
since I was sixteen.

- Rod, I thought tonight we...
- I know, but, uh...

- But you promised.
- But, darling, the Scandals.

Get Tim on the phone, will you,
and order seats.

Beat you to it, kid.
There's eight at the box office.

Seven. Count me out.

- But Abby?
- Why, what's the matter, Abby?

Count me out. Rod and I were going
to spend an evening alone for once.

Oh, I'm sorry, we'll go.
I didn't understand we weren't wanted.

Oh, don't go on my account. I'm sure
Rod would rather see the Scandals.

Rod, Abby!

- Oh, I... I'm sorry.
- Hello, Joan.

Hello, Mona.
Wait, Sig.

Poor old henpecked Deane.

Well listen, darling, I...

I know you're disappointed changing
our plans at the last minute.

But.. you shouldn't talk to Sig that way.

Why not?

Well, for one thing, he's a friend of mine.

Friend? Humph!

I meant what I said about Sig at dinner.

And I meant what I said.
Only it wasn't half enough.

I think it was too much.

Who is this Sig? What sort of influence
has he got over you?

The minute he comes in you forget
all about me.

I don't see any harm in going
to the theater.

It isn't that. It's the way he's running
your life and trying to run mine.

Well, I won't have it.
I don't want his friendship.

Well I do.

Well, go on out with him, if that's
what you want in your life!

Don't let me stop you!

All right.

I will.

- Let's go!
- There goes my drink.

- We're off to the Scandals.
- I'll get my hat and coat.

Okay, kid, we're home.

Home?

Who wants to go home?

It's too early to go home.

Look!

Look, it isn't even dawn yet.

- Who wants...
- Shhh!

We don't want to wake Abby.

- Come on, Sig, let's...
- Shhh!

Listen.

If there's one thing I pride myself on...

I can carry my own liquor.

Come on, Sig.

Let's have another drink.

Come on, let's...

...have another drink.

Come on, kid.
Let's get to your room.

Come on, you can make it.

With your help he can make anything.

It must be marvelous
to have a friend like you.

Aren't we getting a little personal?

If getting personal had any effect on you,
you wouldn't be here.

When I said personal, I made a mistake.

What I really meant...

- ...was common.
- You don't know how common I can be!

Oh yes, I do, baby.
Don't forget...

I knew you when.

Get out of here.

A pleasure.

Oh, Rod.

Come on, honey.
Wake up.

Baby.

You've got to get to bed.

No. No, I won't do that.

No, I'm making no announcements
of my plans at the present.

Next week, perhaps.

- Mrs. Deane is outside, sir.
- My wife?

Mr. Rodney's wife.

Well, send her in.

- What does she want?
- Money, probably.

Sig tells me they're not getting
along so well.

- Think she's ready to call it off?
- I wouldn't be surprised.

Hm... You wait here and listen
to what she has to say.

- How are you?
- How do you do?

Hello, Abby, haven't seen you
for some time.

- No, not since the time we met.
- Uh, no... No, that's right.

How's Rodney?

Thank you.

- I came to see you about him.
- Nothing wrong, is there?

- I'd rather talk to you alone.
- But this is Rod's brother.

Yes, I know.

I don't think there's any harm in his
hearing what you have to say.

What is it, please?

You're ruining Rod's life,
that's what it is.

Ruining his...
Just how?

The money you're giving him.
I came here to ask you to stop it.

That's an unusual request, I must say.

- Yes?
- Mr. Blank on the phone.

Put him on.

Excuse me.

Hello?

Hm... that's strange. She came in second
at Belmont last week, I...

What did the veterinarian say?

Nonsense! Get Hershford on the phone.
He'll know.

Well, get her in condition, that's all.

He wants me to tell him
what's the matter with her.

What am I paying him for?

I'll take care of that, Dad.

Now what's this terrible state of affairs
you're talking about, child?

I've seen no evidence of it.

You never see him, that's why.
I'm married to him.

So far, my marriage has been
one long drunk.

Well, I don't want to be unkind,
but perhaps Rod's unhappy in his marriage.

- Perhaps...
- Perhaps he doesn't love me, you mean.

Well...

He loves me, all right. If he didn't,
I'd have left him long ago.

I wouldn't be playing nurse maid
to a drunk.

Keeping him out of gambling joints
or away from his wild friends?

- His friends or yours?
- His. People like Sig.

- Oh, come, come. Aren't you exaggerating?
- Exaggerating when I...

Well, let it go at that.

- But still I ask you, won't you help Rod?
- Of course I will.

But why should I refuse him money?

Oh, I don't mean that, Mr. Deane.

I only want him to do something for it.

If he had to come down here
everyday and work.

- All right, send him down.
- But you can't do it that way.

- No?
- You'll have to be tactful.

Well, how would you handle
the situation?

Well, if you'd go to dinner alone
with him and...

...sort of ask his advice about things,
like it meant something.

And... make out that you need him here,

that you want him to follow in your
footsteps, and all that, you know.

Yes, yes, of course...

He has ability, Mr. Deane,
I know he has, it's...

It's just that nothing's expected of him.

Yes?

Oh, Hershford. Whitney had a mare
with the same trouble.

Yes... now look here, Hershford.

You come right over
and we'll discuss it. Yes.

- Yes, sir?
- Get Gerald Whitney on the wire, please.

And when Mr. Hershford gets here,
send him right in.

Now don't you worry.
We'll straighten Rodney out, all right.

I'm going to catch the 5 o'clock train
for Washington.

- I shall be there for...
- Couldn't you talk to Rodney before you go?

No, that's impossible.

I have an important conference.

But I'll tell you what we'll do.
We'll get him away from his wild crowd.

Now, you and Rodney go down
to Havana or someplace.

And when I get back in a few days...
I'll talk to him.

What's this for?

Something for your trip.

You have time enough for Hershford,

...but you can't spare five minutes
for your own son.

- But I said...
- A racehorse means more to you...

...than Rodney's future life.

I'm trying to undo all the harm
that you've done in 26 years.

And what help do I get?

Go ahead, maybe it's someone who can
tell you about your horse's headache.

Oh...

Oh, thanks, Alfred.
This is a lifesaver.

Oh, gosh!

- What time is it, Alfred?
- It's 2 o'clock, sir.

Tuesday.

Oh, I must have been pretty
tight last night.

- Was I, Alfred.
- Oh, a matter of opinion, sir.

Yeah.
What's your opinion?

Well, if you'll pardon me, sir,
I should say you had a go of it.

Oh, uh... where's Mrs. Deane?

She went out at noon, sir.

Oh, Alfred.

Yes, sir?

Order some flowers for Mrs. Deane,
will you?

I took the liberty of doing
that already, sir.

I, uh... she was quite upset
last evening.

Thanks, Alfred... thanks.

Oh, and Alfred...

How about a little, you know...
pick me up?

You said the last time
not to give it to you, sir.

That's right, I did, didn't I?

Well, I mean it. I don't want it.

Yes, sir.

- Alfred, I'll take that.
- Very well, mum.

Hello.

I brought you your morning coffee.

Say, have you felt the way I do?

Well, go on.
Tell me what you think of me.

I deserve it.

Fine condition to be coming
home in, Mr. Deane.

Fine time to get up, Mr. Deane.

Fine state of affairs in general.

Well, go on.

I couldn't feel any worse than I do.

Maybe here's something
to improve things.

Where did you get this?

Your father sent it to you.

When did you see my father?

Today. I went to have a talk
with him about you.

It's funny my going to see
your father, isn't it?

You took a lot on yourself, didn't you?

I was worried about your future.
I thought maybe he might be too.

I suppose you told him
I've been drinking.

I mentioned it.

Well, don't ever do it again.

Don't worry.
I know when I'm beaten.

What are you doing?

What does it look like?

I'm leaving you.

Don't be foolish.

Don't do something you're going
to be sorry for later on.

There isn't room for me in your life.
You proved that last night.

That was in the heat of argument.

I only did that because of what
you said.

Then you'll always go on doing it because
I'll always go on saying the same thing.

I can't change any more than you can...

...so I'm leaving you and your friend Sig
to do what you want.

- I want you.
- You said that last night.

I mean it this time, I meant it then.

A fellow is liable to do anything
when he's sore.

Makes it just too bad for anybody
who tries to help you.

Nobody ever tried before.

Maybe that's why it's not
so easy to take.

If you leave me, I wouldn't know
what to do.

I'd just be running around in circles.

I've been running around in circles
ever since I married you.

Darling... don't cry...

Do you think it's easy for me
to leave you?

You aren't going to leave me, honey.
Never mind what's happened before.

I'll come through for you if you'll only
give me the chance.

Rod, don't say that unless you mean it.

I do mean it, dear.

Then go down and see your father
before the 5 o'clock train goes...

...and ask him for a job.

Ask him?
I'll tell him.

And tell him for me, darling,
I hope his horse feels better.

- Don't be mad at me.
- Hold me tight, darling.

- Is my father in?
- He's very busy right now.

He's catching the 5 o'clock train
to Washington.

If the Senate want to know how Deane
and Company do business, we'll tell them.

You've got nothing to be ashamed of.

Yes, but that income tax situation is going
to be played up by the papers.

Let them play it up. Do they expect us
to pay taxes on our losses?

Hello, Rod.
Come, Wooley.

Sorry to break in on you, Dad,
but I had to see you.

I'm sorry, son, I'm catching a train
in ten minutes.

This won't take a second.
I want a job.

- Can't you wait till I get back?
- I want to go to work now.

- Fine. Willing to start at the bottom?
- Anything.

Griffith, will you look after him?

- Yes, sir.
- Good luck, son.

- See you in two weeks.
- So long, Dad.

When do you want to start,
Mr. Rodney?

- Tomorrow morning.
- Nine o'clock.

Check.

Mr. Higgins, this is Mr. Rodney Deane.

- Oh, yes. How do you do, Mr. Deane?
- Glad to know you.

- Well, then, I'll leave you to Mr. Higgins.
- Thanks very much.

- Glad to have you with us, Mr. Deane.
- Well, I'm glad to be here.

I'm starting you in over here,
for a while.

Oh.

Well, it's a big one, anyway.

One of our boys was promoted
last week.

This is Mr. Reilly.

Joe, this is Mr. Rodney Deane.

- How do you do?
- Glad to know you.

He's coming into this department.
Start him in on the daily records, will you?

- Sure.
- Lots of luck to you.

- And if you need anything.
- Thanks very much.

Think you can make it?

All it needs is a rail.

- That's funny.
- Thanks.

Well, here you are.

The white ones are the daily
records, see?

These blue ones are practically
the same,

only they're made out after the
orders are executed.

Nearly all of them checked, see?

One hundred, one hundred.
Five hundred, five hundred.

See?

It's a little complicated but I guess
I can do it.

Well, sometimes you come to one
that doesn't check.

- That sounds interesting.
- You lay them aside.

- Then what?
- You don't bother with them.

- Oh.
- They're for the boys at the desk.

This is more difficult than I thought.

What happens when I finish
with them, do I, uh... huddle them?

No!

- The boys on the machines do that.
- Oh.

You just check.

- Joe.
- Hm?

What do you do when you're
on the verge of insanity?

Go take a smoke.

I've had six already.

Well, you can always lose five minutes
over the water cooler.

Water isn't my idea of a beverage
after 20.000 of these.

Mine neither.

Mr. Franklin Deane wants
to see you, sir.

Oh, thanks.

- Joe.
- Huh?

Don't check any of those
while I'm gone.

I have a sentimental attachment
for them.

Hello, sucker.

Hello, Sig.
What are you doing here?

Oh, just inspecting.
How's the career?

All right, I guess.
Did you want to see me, Frank?

No, I just thought you might
want a breathing spell.

Oh, you're a lifesaver.

Ah-ah, come, come, fugitive,
back to your chain gang.

Lay off, will you, Sig?

What's the matter, don't you
like your work?

Aren't you conscious
of the dignity of labor?

I'm not conscious, I'm goofy.

I've checked 65 thousand two hundred
and umpty-ump papers...

...in the last thirteen days.

I've worn out a thumb turning slips.

Not to mention what I've done
to myself sitting.

Frank, what is this racket
of starting at the bottom?

- How did you stand it?
- Me? I'm no idiot.

- I started at the top.
- And look at him, he's still there.

- How did you learn the business?
- What business?

What do you have to know
to be a vice-president?

All I have to do is sign my name
three or four times a day.

Yeah, but you're a vice-president.

All together, boys, he's a vice-president,
so what?

Well he sits in at the meetings,
that means something, doesn't it?

I used to think so.

But I found that all I was expected
to do was say yes.

And nobody even listened to that.

You mean it's just a gag?
That you don't really have anything to say?

Dad runs this institution.
You'll find that out after a while.

Then what am I doing out there
in that treadmill?

You asked for it, didn't you?

I understand he got his job through
his wife's influence.

My advice to you is to take
this next office here.

We can get in a lot of backgammon.

Gosh! What's it all about?

Excuse me.

Hello.

Yeah...
Hello, Phil!

Right. At 2:20.

Okay.

Where are you going?

The vice-president is going out
to Meadowbrook.

To consult with his polo pony.

Good luck.

There you are, you see?
Now, if you were a vice-president,

you'd go out to Belmont this afternoon
and take in the Metropolitan handicap.

You know, Sig?
Pretty soon I'm going to be promoted...

...to the adding machines.

Then after about six years
of routine jobs...

...I might graduate to what
Frank's doing.

But my dear boy, isn't it
a grand and glorious feeling...

to think that you're
accomplishing something,

instead of just wasting your life
having a darn good time?

- Miss Callahan, will you do me a favor?
- You bet I will, Mr. Deane.

If my wife telephones just say that
I'm busy in conference and I'll call back.

- Yes, sir.
- I'll phone you from outside.

- I get you.
- Thanks.

That's what it means to be a Deane.

And this is what it means
to be a Callahan.

- How are you, Joe?
- Here we are.

Oh, gosh, they all look so pretty.

Hello, Abby?

How are you, darling?

All right.

I'm still at the office, honey.

I'll be home in a little while,
around six.

You darling.
Do you love me?

I'll say I do.

All right, darling.

So long.

Hello, Mona, hello, Jack.
Just get in?

Hey, come on, they're at the post.
Where did you go?

- I had to make a phone call.
- Calling up a horse for some information?

If you ask me, it's a nag
named Abby.

Steve!

Oh, Steve, darling.
Well, you got around here at last!

- Where have you been all this time?
- I've been taken for a ride at the tracks.

Where have you been?
I haven't seen you in a month.

It's a long story, Mr. Walsh.

No, come over here and sit
on the couch.

Oh, no, you don't.

See that?
I got a whole set for you.

All the comforts of home, huh?

You wouldn't think so,
the way you stay away.

You've been kind of staying away
from my place, haven't you?

Well, you see, Stevie, we haven't
been going out much...

...since Rod started to work.

- Since what?
- I guess it is a shock.

- Well, uh...
- Oh, everything's changed, Stevie.

No more drinking, no running around.

He goes to the office every day now.

- Since when did this happen?
- For weeks!

- Given up the races, and the speaks, huh?
- He hasn't time for those things anymore.

Hardly any time for me even.

Well, er...

Th... that's great...
That's great, Abby.

He's gonna get someplace too.

- I wouldn't be surprised.
- Oh, absolutely.

- They think a lot of him.
- I'm glad to hear that.

You know, Sig was more to blame
than Rod.

It was a wise thing to drop him.

And all for me, too, Stevie.

That's what gets me.

You're a hundred percent, kid,
and I'm for you.

Remember that, will you?

Oh, that must be Rod now.

I must see if the presents
are wrapped.

Stevie, keep him busy for
a few minutes, will you?

Hello, Alfred!
Call Mrs. Deane.

Well, here's your tired businessman.
Oh, hello, Steve.

Hello.

Hiya, darling.

- Have a hard day?
- Oh, terrific.

- Are you still the boy wonder?
- Am I? And, say...

I'm getting a vacation in a couple
of weeks.

And you and I are going places.

Anybody having a drink?

You and Steve have one, dear.
I have some work to do.

Twenty-four, twenty-five...

...twenty-six.

Oh, isn't it gorgeous?

What are you so low about?

About to get raided?

No, they gave me a shellacking
at the tracks.

Say, that's too bad.

How have the horses been treating you?

Me? Why, I haven't been to
the races in months.

Oh, I thought I saw you
a few times at Belmont.

No.

That's funny. I could have sworn
it was you.

Not me. I've had my nose
to the grindstone.

Yeah... I noticed it was kind of red.

Is that a fast one, Steve?

That's a tough job you've got.
Takes you out to the races every day.

Nice detective work.

What are you going to do about it?

Nothing.

Oh yes, you are.

I told you once that Abby's
a friend of mine.

- Well?
- Oh, you poor sap...

...how long do you think
you can get away with this?

She'll find out, she's got to find out.

- Be quiet, will you?
- What for?

She's going to find out
because you're going to tell her.

- I am not!
- No?

Then I will.

Rod, what's the matter?

Sit down, darling.

I've got something to tell you.

I want you to know beforehand
I wasn't going to tell you this.

But I'd rather you hear it
from me than Steve.

What is it?

I have no job.

I've been lying to you.

I gave up my job a month ago.

Since then I've been killing the daytime
at the races with Sig.

It's not true.

It's quite true.

I think you'd better go now.

Okay.

It isn't very pleasant to realize
that you're a liar too.

Along with being a rotter, waster,

parasite and all-around heel.

Is that it?

You left one out.

Oh, yes.

And drunkard.

Well, I tried working.

Tried it for just two weeks.

Why should I check my life away?

Six months of red marks,
six months of blue.

Three years of changing white slips
for black ones...

...and black ones for white ones.

If I'm nor insane by that time,
I might become...

...a banker's office boy.

You're a quitter.
You want to start at the top...

...along with men who've worked
all their lives.

You want them to bow down to you
and flatter you...

...like those so-called friends of yours.

You made it pretty plain
what you thought of my friends.

- And of me.
- I haven't said half of it.

Where would you be if you didn't have
your father's money?

- You couldn't earn a living if you tried.
- You've said enough, haven't you?

Not enough to make you realize
how little you amount to.

Nothing could do that.

I'm going... I'm going back to work.

Here.

That's all I got out of our marriage.

And it was a pretty poor exchange.

- Blow.
- Well, be seeing you.

- So long.
- Be good.

- Hello, Abby.
- Hello.

- How are you feeling?
- Where's Tony? I'd like a drink.

Oh, he don't come on till five.
I'll tend bar for you.

So you're washed up, eh?

I'm sorry it had to happen to you, kid.

I'll get over it, I suppose, Stevie.

What?

I'm gonna need a job now.

Well, you got one.
As long as the joint is open.

You know, you're better off at that.

You didn't belong in that outfit.

I guess not.

Or maybe I ought to say
they didn't belong.

I wouldn't take that whole family
for your little finger.

- They're all right, I guess.
- You know, kid?

Your marriage didn't turn out so good.

You know why?

Because you went out of your class.

I don't mean they're any better
than you are, but they're different.

You're better off with your own
kind everytime.

Listen, kid.

Later on, when you get over this,

I want you to marry me.

- Don't laugh, will you?
- Oh, I'm not laughing.

You're a darling.

You're the sweetest thing in the world.

I love you, Stevie.

But... not that way.

Okay, kid.

Say, let's go out in town
and have a drink, huh?

Well, are we going up or not?

Sorry, folks, not tonight.

Sig'll see you home, won't you, Sig?

- I'm tired.
- Sure I will, kid.

Well, thanks for the kind good night.

I'll come back later, Rod.

- Don't bother.
- It's no bother.

You don't want to be alone tonight
feeling the way you do.

I'm alright. Good night.

I'll give you a ring first thing
in the morning.

Come in.

Were you looking for me?

Sure, he's made you famous.

He owes you that much, don't he?

Well, I don't want it.
I'm leaving here until it dies down.

Well, maybe it's best,
if it keeps reminding you.

Why don't things turn out right, Steve?
You're such a grand guy.

Why do I care for someone
who doesn't care for me?

- You and me both, kid.
- Steve.

I...

Come in.

Mr. Deane is here.

I don't want to see him.

Wait a minute.

You better get it over with.

I suppose so.

Tell him to come in.

And if I was in your place,
anything he'd offer I'd double it.

- That guy's done enough to you to...
- Oh, you don't understand.

Oh, sure I do.

Well, hello, Abby.

Sorry to intrude in your working hours but
there didn't seem to be any another way.

I meant what I said to your lawyer,
Mr. Deane.

I don't want your money, so there isn't
anything else to discuss.

Well, I think there is.

If she says there isn't,
she means it.

I'm sorry, but I don't think
she understands.

She seems to think it's a question
of a settlement.

Of course I appreciate her feeling
about accepting that.

But what you don't appreciate is...

...that you're taking something worth
much more than money from us.

- What do you mean?
- Well,

do you think it quite fair to exploit
our name in this way?

- What do you mean...
- I'm using my own name!

It's so linked with ours it makes
very little difference which you use.

It's the same or worse
than accepting a settlement.

Only more humiliating for us.

- I see.
- Of course, that may be your purpose.

- Just a minute.
- Wait, Steve.

Why shouldn't I humiliate the Deanes?
I've been humiliated by them.

Do you think I like being a cabaret
gold digger who married a man for his money?

Well, that's what you made of me.

You wouldn't let me be anything else.

Well, if all those people out there come
to look at Abby Deane,

the gold-digging chorus girl,
that's just too bad.

Well, I'll do what I can to rectify it
if you'll just retire for a while until...

All I have to do is to retire...

...so your name won't be
in the paper.

Sounds simple, doesn't it?
Well, it isn't that simple for me.

I've got my life to go on leading...

...and I'm not living anything down
by running away from it.

I'm sticking it out, see?

And as far as the Deane name
is concerned,

if I had my way, I'd plaster it over
every back fence in the city.

Oh, Stevie!

Same thing goes, Alfred.

But supposing it's Mr. Sigrift, sir?

It still goes. I'm not in.

- Is my son here, Alfred?
- Well no, sir, uh...

I'll see, sir. I, uh...

That's all right, Alfred.

Come on in, Dad.

Hello, Franklin. I've been trying
to keep the crowd away.

- We didn't expect to find you in.
- Strange, isn't it?

- Drink?
- No, Thanks.

Rod, I've got to ask your help.

- If it's about Abby, no, I'm sorry.
- Now look here, Rod.

The girl blames us for your separation.
She's bitter.

Her hatred for us seems more important
to her than money... at the moment.

However, I think if we offered her
enough she'd listen to reason.

And you can appeal to her sense
of fairness.

I told you how I felt about that
and I haven't changed my mind.

But the girl's making a byword
of our name, your name.

- I don't blame her.
- What's that you say?

I think she's entirely right.

Rod, I've given you everything
a son could ask for.

You had everything in the world
you wanted.

- That's true, Dad, according to your values.
- According to any values!

Now, I'm not asking for gratitude, Rod.

I'm reminding you of your obligation
to your family.

I'm sorry, Dad, I just don't feel any.

The Deane family name isn't awfully
important to me, Dad.

All I know is that I've lost something
very dear to me.

What on earth are you talking about?

Don't you see, Dad, it was your
name and money that ruined me...

...and my marriage?

Do you believe that?

She saw it and tried to make
me see it that way.

I couldn't make the grade, I quit.

But this time I won't.

This is a surprise, Rod.
Glad to see you.

Well, maybe you won't be
when I tell you what I want.

I came to ask for a job.

That wouldn't be exactly a favor,

considering what the Deane name
would mean here.

- With your contacts...
- I'm afraid that lets me out, Mr. Lytton

But I'll be glad to make a place
for you, Rod.

Your father's one of my best
customers. Besides, I...

- ...I value his friendship.
- No.

I'm sorry, but you see...

I'm planning on getting by
on my own.

I'm sorry, Mr., uh... Preston,

but with no experience, I...

A college education isn't so important
in the business world, young man.

We need men with business education.

I'm sorry, we just filled it.

We may have another opening soon.

We'll keep your address.

Well, you seem to have the personality
I want and the background.

But I have three others in line
who have experience too.

How does it happen that you
have none?

Well, I haven't been out
of college so long.

Oh, you're a college man?
- Yes, sir. And I thought in this job...

It's a good thing to have
in your favor, but not everything.

Well, I'm sure I could make good
if I had the chance.

I don't doubt that. But we haven't
time to waste in training.

I see.

You might leave your address
with my secretary.

- Thank you.
- Sorry. Hope we can place you sometime.

Thank you.

Listen, Mr. Conover,

I don't want to keep anybody
else out of a job, but I'm desperate.

I may not be as good as those
fellows out there...

but I'll work twice as hard and you won't
have to tell me if I'm no good, I'll know.

Only give me the chance,
that's all I want.

- That's all they want.
- But they can get other jobs.

They've had experience. It's tough for me,
you can see that yourself.

Look, Mr. Conover,

Let me take the gamble.
Don't pay me any salary.

Nothing.

I'll live on peanuts,
I'll sleep in the park,

only give me the job, I've got to have it.

It means...

Well, it must mean a lot
to me because I...

Well, I... I never begged before.

We'll get along.

You won't regret it.

- When do you want to start?
- Now, if I can.

I could get in half a day.

And you haven't heard a word since?

The lawyer called up once.

I guess you didn't do so much harm
to that name of theirs.

There's been nothing in the papers
for a month.

Hello, Steve.

How are you, Rod.

- Sit down.
- Thanks.

Uh, you two know each other,
don't you?

Hello, Abby.

- Did you arrange this?
- Me?

Arrange what? What do you mean?

Listen, I gotta go and put in
a telephone call.

I'll be back in a few minutes.

Steve's never been a good liar.

It's my fault, really.

I asked him to bring you here.

Why?

You wouldn't answer my telephone calls.

I didn't want to speak to you.

- Didn't?
- And don't.

Well, so long as I'm here, I...

...might as well show you exhibit A.

What's this?

A salary check.

Represents a job.

You used to think that was
sort of important.

Who's Preston?

Me.

Ex-Deane.

Rod...

You did this for me?

I did it...

...for myself.

Oh, my sweet, my sweet,
I'm so proud.

Now I suppose you'll nag me
till I get a raise.

Why not?

You're worth more.

Legendas: Lu?s Filipe Bernardes