Broadway Bad (1933) - full transcript

Right, left. Right, left. Right left ..

Hello, George. Are my kids in there?

Yes, sir. This is the
family car, Mr Flynn.

Mr Flynn, I ain't going to
ask for no fares this time.

You got a good show?
- You bet your life.

She's a wow. She's a wow, George.
There you are. Take the family.

Yes, sir.

Hey, Peggy, who stole my photographs?
- How should I know?

I'll believe you this time. Something
phony about all this. They disappeared.

Uhuh. So you took my pictures?
- What will you do with them, Joe?

Send them to Paris to be used
as postcards. - Oh yeah?



You cut that out, Joe Flynn.
- No resistance, eh?

You hurt my pride.

Say Joe, this one makes
me look a little bit tough.

Maybe you should have worn
something on that face of yours.

Nature in the raw is seldom nice.

Joe, can't you use my
picture for that soap Ad?

You know the line: "I'm only seventeen".

And four makes thirty-two.

Say, what's the idea of this Landers
dame all dressed up like an Eskimo?

While we are togged out
in our birthday suits?

Come on, Joe. Give. Who is she?
- Yeah.

She is Tony Landers.
- Tony?

Ain't that the name of a horse?
- Yeah.

She's a nice kid from a nice
home so lay off, lay off.



Little Miss Innocent, huh?

And the angels watch over the innocent.

Even the show's angel, eh Joe?
- Shush.

Cutting is in the drawing room.

So the head man has given
Aileen the gate, huh?

Aileen, will you stop
playing that phonograph.

Hey Joe, have we got to suffer
because she has got to suffer?

By the way, where is Tony Landers?

She is back in New Haven.
- New Haven?

Yeah, an old boyfriend of hers
barged in full of college-boy spirits.

You know, with a song in his heart.

And a shoe full of gin in his throat.

And was he tight.

It's okay. Flip Daly is with her.

So that's why Flip said she
couldn't make the train, eh?

Sure. She was too busy making the team.

Oh, hello Sid.
- Sid?

Oh. I thought you
were the stage manager.

He always does that.

Is my face red.

Take it easy, Aileen.

You didn't think it would
last forever, did you?

You'd give two weeks' notice to
a parlor-maid who collects dust.

Wouldn't you?

Yeah, but not when
they collect gold dust.

Relax, Aileen. Relax.

I don't understand it, Joe.

This Landers kid has no class.

You now, no clothes, no car, no ..

No rocks.

What does Craig ..

Mister Cutting, see in her?

She's got no flash.
No Park Avenue smartness.

Maybe it's because she's got no flash ..

And no Park Avenue smartness.

Howdy, Joe.
- Here are the pictures, Lew.

Mr Cutting wanted to see them.
- Sure, Thanks.

I'll give them for the display.

Wait until they get a
load of my theater.

I mean our theater.

You know Craig,
I still can't get over it.

The Lewis Gordon Theater.

All my life I dreamed of
having my own playhouse.

And you made it possible.

Now don't worry about the show.

That's in the bag.

Did you see the way they all ate it up?

I'll make a prediction.

I predict you get your dough
back within six weeks.

What do you know about that?

What is the name of that college
boy that waited for Tony?

Huh?

I'm sorry. What were you saying?

Oh, it wasn't important.

By the way.

That florist made a mistake.

He sent Tony Landers roses.

Well?

Well, it is none of my business ..

But you usually send orchids.

Orchids are well-kept flowers
for well-kept ladies.

This one happens to be the rose type.

She's a pooch type too, I guess.

I couldn't help seeing
that pup you sent her.

You are very observing, aren't you Lew.
- Yes.

You see everything, don't you.

Yep. I even saw that college
kid pick her up after the show.

Good old Yale.

I guess I'm not the type anymore, huh?

Maybe that pooch should have
been a string of pearls instead.

You don't have to house-break pearls.
- That's right.

Oh, yeah?

I can't open this peroxide bottle.
You'll have to do with that one.

Say, am I going to be a real blond now?

Sure, as long as no-one
looks at your hair.

Is that my toothbrush?
- You'll get it back in a minute.

Well, the nerve of her.

Will you turn off that fan.
I'm getting pneumonia.

Hey kids, listen.
Lillian Blaine married a millionaire.

When?
- Last night.

What time?
- All night, dearie.

How are the roots?
- Still black.

Will you turn that fan off.

Hey, kids.

You should have got
a load of Aileen's face.

It's a lucky thing that Landers
dame isn't on this train.

And I bet Cutting is sore.
He took an extra drawing-room.

So as they could talk things over?

Is she really dumb or is that an act?
- She ain't so dumb.

That college kid is Robert North 3rd.

Why didn't she get Robert North the 1st?

Anybody with "3rd" after their name
sounds like ready money to me.

Here is your toothbrush.
- Thanks.

Okay.

Gee, you haven't changed a bit.

Still the same old kid I
was so crazy about.

Were you?

You certainly went to a lot of
trouble not to let me know about it.

Well, how could I when you
were always pulling my pigtails?

And did you beat me up.
- I'm awful sorry.

Did I hurt you much?

Well, let me make it better.

Oh, Bob.

Not in front of all these ..

Go on, it's getting chilly.
- No thanks.

You didn't drink when
you were in high school.

And you didn't run around in tights.

How'd you happen to get into the chorus?
- My stomach.

Hmm?
- I had to feed it.

How did you get the job?

Lucky break.

I was trying to cash those bonds
mother left me when I met Mr Cutting.

Who is he?
- Head of the brokerage firm.

You know Craig Cutting?

Sportsman. Society.

He is even backing our show.

Oh, I see.

No you don't. Not when
you say it that way.

I'm sorry.

He is alright.

He got me this job so I wouldn't
have to cash those bonds.

I know that type.
I bet he sends you orchids.

Uhuh. Roses.

Oh.

And pearls. Hasn't he given you pearls?

Now listen. If you are going to act
like a kid I'm walking out on you.

Besides, I told Flip I'd come
back to the hotel early.

Wait a minute, Tony.

I got to go.
- No.

Yes.

No.
- Yes.

[ Telephone ]

Hello?

Ten o'clock?

Okay.

Tony.

Tony!

Well, are you ready?
- Yes.

Say, Aileen is certainly washed up.

He didn't even invite her to the party.

Aren't you losing your hair?
- I am not.

Well, you will if you
don't stop cracking.

Somebody turn that thing off.

I'm tired of hearing that Egbert march.

Don't you think you'd
better get used to it?

Roses.

The old story, I guess.

Chorus girl gets the air
while thousands yawn.

Well.

I shouldn't squawk though.

He was a swell guy.

He used to end me
dividend checks regularly.

He handled my money.

And was he generous.

This was for nothing.

And what technique.

He used to say: "Listen dear".

"About your career".

"I don't want to try to
force you into anything."

Well, when he put it that way ..
- Gee, I'm afraid we will be late.

Craig's parties never start until one.

Give my regards to the cook.

Look, one more crack like that and your
neck gets tangled up with my fingers.

She is plenty burned up, believe me.

I wasn't thinking about her.

I wonder if Craig will
mind my bringing Bob.

If you're counting on him doing
handsprings you'll be disappointed.

What's he been doing
with himself lately?

Bob?

Oh, he's been busy.

Studying.

I know.

With his nose deep in a book.

Where is Miss Tony
Landers' dressing room?

This one, two, three.

It's the last room across the hall.

Who took my cold-cream?

Telegram for you, Tony.

Thanks. Will you put the rose
in some water please.

Oh, gee.

I sort-of expected him this time.

Love.

The tenth word in the telegram.

Cheer up, kid.

Wait until you get to that party. With
a few drinks under your evening gown ..

You'll forget what town you are in.

Say, Flip.

What did Aileen mean about
those dividend checks?

Well, that's one way of putting it.
- What do you mean?

This is your first show.
Wait. You will learn.

And that crack she made
about his technique.

She was trying to rib you.

Say, you can ask more questions ..

I need a clean towel.

Get me one too will you.

We're the only ones here.

No you're not.
There's millions of people.

Bunny.

Shush.

Oh, he is broadcasting.

Hello everybody.

For the past half hour you have
been listening to Swift Goldfarb.

And his alpine laddies.

Oh, poor Bunny is crying.

Come on, we'll get
little Bunny some lettuce.

Do you want an olive?

There may be a guest or two in here.

Listen everybody. Listen.

I would like to present ..

Maybe they would rather be alone.

Tony Landers social debut:
Cloudy followed with showers.

I'll get you a drink.

Yeah, she would go.

Hello, Yale.

You look down.

Well, I know a speakeasy that
specialises in crying jags.

How would you like to
join me in a quiet ball?

For what?

For, we have been given the air.
- Huh?

Landers drops you and
I'm bounced by Cutting.

Some fun, huh kid?
- What are you talking about?

I thought Yale made
you dumb boys bright.

Tony is with Cutting now.
- What?

Tony .. is .. with .. Cutting .. now.

Where?

At his penthouse. Did you ever see it?

It's a swell joint.

Soft lights.

Soft music and soft pillows.

I'm a lady what knows.

Oh yeah?

I'm driving by that way. Can I drop you?

No thanks.

Okay.

Hey, wait a minute.

Gee, this place is swell.

I've never seen anything so grand.

A bad girl can have good times here.

My dear.

I don't to force into doing anything ..
- Anything you don't want to do.

It's not the Cutting technique.

I know all about it.

First, flowers. Then gifts.

And then the good old Cutting technique.

What do you mean?

Who have you been talking to?

Little Cinderella has a motorcycle.

She gets around.

What else does little Cinderella know?

That she is not going to be
part of your annual show.

What show?

The Craig Cutting Follies.

Last year the spirit of
Cutting was a brunette.

This year he had hoped
it would be a blond.

Isn't it an old routine?

Rich man.

Are you serious?

Is that what you really think?

I get dividend checks from you, don't I?

Listen, Tony.

I wouldn't offend you for
anything in the world.

I want you to know that I ..
- More technique.

Craig.

Can I see those checks you sent me?

The cancelled ones.

Why, of course. Certainly.

Did any of this money
come from my bonus?

What do you think?

I wish I hadn't been so stupid.

I really thought ..

Little Cinderella.

What difference does it make?
- It does make a difference, Craig.

I ..

You have made me obligated to you.

Why, I haven't even
thanked you for the job.

You needn't thank me.

But I'm afraid there is
nothing I can do in return.

No.

I'm afraid not.

I beg your pardon.

Bob.

Gee, I'm glad to see you.
After your wire I didn't expect you.

This is Mr Cutting - Bob North.
- How do you do, Mr North.

Come, get your things. We're leaving.
- Just a moment.

Miss Landers happens to be my guest.

She also happens to be my wife.

May I congratulate you.
- What are those?

Nothing. Nothing at all.
- Come on. Let's see them.

You certainly kept her well.
- Bob, you don't think ..

Don't lie to me! You dirty little tramp.

Bob!

Oh Craig, tell him he's wrong.

I'm sorry, Tony.

I've made it a rule never to
interfere in domestic affairs.

You should have said you were married.
- I couldn't tell you.

I couldn't tell anyone.
He'd have been kicked out of school.

Don't let him think that you and I ..
- I'm sorry, Tony.

I think it is best that
I don't interfere.

But ..?

I would like to see
Mr Robert North Junior.

Who shall I say is calling?
- Mrs ..

Miss Landers.

Will you come in please.

Two tickets and a drawing room.

Yes. For Montreal.

But I ordered them this morning.

North. N-O-R-T-H.

Haven't you made that reservation yet?
- They're looking you up now, sir.

Well hang up and go down there and tell
Mr Keith I must have them right away.

Yes, sir.

Have they come for the trunks?
- They're here.

Alright. Yes?

Mr North, I am Miss Landers.
- Yes. I know all about that.

I am not taking those.
- They are Mr Robert's, sir.

He won't take them either.

I'd like to see Bob, Mr North.
- What do you want to see him about?

I'd rather discuss that with him.
- You can't see him.

But I've got to.
- You came here to make some trouble.

But you will not have a chance to.
- No, I haven't.

I just want to talk to Bob.

Don't you see?

He is my husband.
- I know that.

I also know all about you
and your friend Cutting.

If you're smart you will
leave this house now.

And forget about Bob.
He is not interested in you.

And he doesn't intend to see you again.
- I don't believe that.

Do all these go?
- Yes. And one upstairs.

If he was here he would
see me. I know he would.

Mr North, please!

Bob!

Hey, Frank.

You see the same thing I do?
- Yes, sir.

Thank you very much.
- Okay.

Good evening, Miss Landers.
- Hello, Frank.

Tried to pull a fast one, didn't you?
- Nice work, kid.

Ask Craig if he remembers me.

You know, Aileen the amateur.

I tell you boys she's a sweet
kid with a broken heart.

Who broke it?
- Love.

Whistle it ..
- On the level.

Here she is married
to this rich North kid.

Along comes Cutting and bing!
She throws away a fortune.

Yeah, for Cutting's dough.
- He's not the marrying kind.

Now you mugs print that yarn I gave you.

Hey, wait a minute, No cracks now.

And remember she is just a kid.
- With a broken heart.

Put it to music and it
would still be lousy.

I just came to get my things
and to turn in my notice.

What for?

I'm sorry about all this mess
and those newspaper stories.

Why, what are you talking about?
I am going to raise your salary.

But I'm not staying. I am through.

But Tony, you can't
quit on me like this.

Come on, sweetheart. The boys
are lined up. - What boys?

Cameramen and reporters.
They're going to take pretty pictures.

Are they? Not of me.

Wait a minute, wait a minute.
- Let's talk this over.

Sure, Tony.

Sure.

Listen kid, you're sitting pretty. All
you got to do is play your cards right.

What are you talking about?
- Listen, sweetheart.

You're floating on the crest of a wave.
You are the talk of the town.

You're the first girl that's
ever got anything in Craig.

The divorce, the divorce.
- And did those papers give it a play.

You're made, kid. You've
got the world by the tail.

Let old Joe handle this
and you'll be famous.

Kids work all their lives to
get in the spot you are in.

And you have got it right in your lap.
Notoriety, publicity, the spotlights!

All yours. Cash in on it.

Sure. Go and raise a racket.

If you don't break it,
it will break you.

See those dames?

Not much talent.

Publicity.

That's what helped them
to state their claim.

And they have got plenty
of gold since then.

I'll get those mugs.

Hello, Craig.

Hello.

You ought to squawk to the papers.

That was an awful picture they printed.

Wasn't it.

It must be hard to be brought
into court after all these years.

After what years?

All these years of playing around.

And being so careful not to
be seen with married women.

You ought to know me well
enough not to believe those lies.

If I had known Tony was married I ..

Goodnight, Aileen.

You would leave, wouldn't you.

Just a bit higher.
I want to get more expression.

Now give us your dirty
beast sort-of a look.

Hold it please.

What a broken heart.

This heart is due for a long vacation.
- With pay?

What do you think?

Come on, kid. You're in the
opening chorus. - Alright.

Goodbye.
- Thank you.

Tony.

I came to ask you who your lawyer is.

Lawyer? What for?

You are contesting the suit, aren't you?

No. Why?

Have you lost your mind?

Maybe.

Do you want North to think
he is right about us?

What difference does it make?

Tony.

I'll get an attorney to represent you.

I don't like scandal and notoriety.

I'd rather not have it.
- No?

No. And you'll help me out of this mess.
- Why should I?

You weren't interested in
helping me when I needed you.

Why should I help you now?

Well.

It would be the decent thing to do.

Maybe.

If I were interested.

But I am not.

Now you are being stubborn.

Don't get hurt.

Not again.

Do you really want the newspapers to
think that you and I have had an affair?

Why not?

Bye, boys.
- Hey, Joe.

Find Lew Brown and get
him to write her a song.

Can she sing?
- Who cares?

And listen. You'd better
change her dressing-room.

Take her out of that chorus
room and put her in six.

Okay.

"Let bygones be bygones forever."

"Forget the past."

"Though it wasn't pleasant, forgive me."

"And I will endeavour."

"To make amends for
all that I have done."

"Give me one more chance."

This gentleman is waiting downstairs.

Julie. Be sure to tell
Miss Landers I want to see her.

Oui, Monsieur.

They are beautiful.

There are some people to see you.
- Get rid of them.

I don't want to see
anyone except Berger.

George.

He is waiting for you.
- A prince, Julie.

A real prince?

He is rich and dull enough
to be a real prince.

Tony, I tried all week to see you.
Now, that number you sing ..

I haven't time, Lew. Please.

But that song is four years old.
- Who cares?

Those sightseers are too
busy gaping to listen.

Mr Berger.

Look, I'd like you to chance the number.
- Like a good boy, Lew. Tomorrow.

Send him in.

Julie.

See if the car is here.

Hello, Eddie.
- Good evening.

Eighty-five hundred.

Alright.

I want a paste duplicate,
just as you made these.

I'll have it ready Friday.
- Chester.

Mr Berger will give you a check.
Deposit it along with the others.

Goodnight, Miss Landers.
- Goodnight.

Say. Joe Flynn has been
pumping me about big fella.

What?
- Yeah.

He wants to know how much dough he's got
and those mysterious weekends of yours.

What else does he know?

Don't worry. He thinks
it's big Eddie Malone.

Oh.

But you'd better watch your step.

I guess I'll have to move again.

Tired of it all.

Nope. Just tired.

Why don't you be a
niece girl and go to bed?

Where have I heard that before?

This ice has certainly
gone to your heart.

You mean to my bank account.

As fast as I get them I turn them into
money and put it in a little trust fund.

That's going to do you a lot of good.

And as soon as it is 200 grand ..

White lady, she retire.

I am hysterical.
I am practically laughing.

I'm going to give this
bird back to the Indians.

I'll find a nice quiet little place.

Where there is no tabloids or dirt.

And now little kiddies, for
the rest of the bedtime story.

Once upon a time there was a prince.

That reminds me.

A cigarette, please.
- Yes, sir.

Mademoiselle. Delighted.

The flowers are too divine.

The car, Alec.
- Yes, sir.

Now. You would think she'd
appreciate what I did for her.

Doesn't she?
- No.

All the thinks of is
her cut of the gross.

What do you want?
- Can I see you a minute, Mr Gordon?

Sure.

Craig.
- Tony.

Has it been four years
or a hundred and four?

When did you get back?
- This morning on the Berengaria.

Were you out front?
- Of course.

I couldn't qualify as a
New Yorker unless I saw you.

How did you like me?

I was properly impressed.

I beg your pardon, Mademoiselle.

Tell the prince I am very sorry.

Very well, Mademoiselle.

Do I take preference over Royalty?
- Over everyone.

Thanks, Tony.

My car.

My car.

Shall we send them both home?
- Alright.

A taxi?
- A taxi.

A taxi, Paul.

Remember the pooch?
- Of course.

He was nothing but a speck
the last time I saw him.

He's been a constant reminder of you.

You've developed a
subtle gift for flattery.

Here is our cab.

I won't need the car, Paul.
- Yes, madam.

The Russian Club.

You seem unusually kind to me.

Why?

Perhaps because of the publicity.

Wouldn't this make an
intriguing item for the papers.

"Tony Landers rekindles first flame."

You got a cigarette?

Tony.

Why do you tell me these things?
- Don't they amuse you?

No.

I thought you were interested in my
career and that I am famous and rich.

I am vitally interested in you.
- Then you should be very proud.

Just why?

Because you made such a
smart businesswoman of me.

I did?

Remember how childish
I was about those ..

Dividend checks?

I know better now.

If that's my influence.

I am certainly sorry.
- I'm not.

I am extremely grateful.

What a pretty doll.

Look Craig, it is saying:
give me, give me, give me.

Ten dollars please.

Thank you, sir.

Give me, give me, give me.

Tony.
- Yes?

I ..

Isn't that your song they are playing?

How does it feel to be famous?

You ought to know.

"To make amends."

"For all I have done."

You are crying.

Don't be silly.

It's a trick I use to put over my songs.

Not for me.

You got the wrong girl, mister.
I'll never need one.

Shall we go?
- Yes, let's.

Next time it won't be so dull.
We'll get tight and ring doorbells.

Taxi.

I'll take you home.
- But I am not going home.

I never go home on weekends.

You mean that you are going to ..?
- You're right. I'll not be alone.

Well, aren't you afraid
of another scandal?

No. I'm not afraid of getting
into the newspapers.

Oh, I remember. You never
did like publicity, did you?

You should have kept your date with the
prince. It might have been more helpful.

Goodnight, Mr Cutting. You must
let me take you out sometime.

900 Park Avenue.

Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Take me 210 West 101st Street instead.

Goodnight, big fellow.

I like you better than you like me.

Why?

Because I don't wash your neck.

Oh, my goodness.

Hey, you monkey. Where are you?

Oh where is he? Where is my big fellow?

I know where you are.
Now, you come on out.

And I will count three.

Come on.

One.

Two.

Three!

I'm not in there. Here I am!

Oh, there you are!

Oh, my goodness.

What did I tell you about
that thumb? Huh?

That's it.

Is this the one?

Yes, Bixby.

Please don't go away, Mama.

I won't, honey.

Shall we play some music?
- Okay.

Alright. Come on.

Will you stop that.
You're making me nervous.

Here is Tommy now.

Hello.

Let's go someplace where we can talk.

Okay.
- Excuse us.

Have a cigarette.

Thanks.

Hello, Bob.
- How are you?

How are you?

Let's go up here.

Anything wrong?

Figure it out yourself.

I mean to tell you Tommy ..
- That check you gave was a phoney.

You never did have an
account with that bank.

What about it?

Nothing much. Only you got a flock
of detectives on your tail. That's all.

Gentlemen, what is your pleasure?

A Sidecar. What do you want?
- The same.

You are in this as deep as I am.
- Yeah.

Only it happens that your name is
signed to that check and not mine.

Have some. They're good.

They'll get their money alright.

Sure.

They are giving you until
Monday to make good.

Or what?

You'd better drink.

While you can.

Come on. Don't worry, kid.

Your old man will kick through.

Not a chance, I'm ..

I'm washed up at home.

For good.

You'd better get it somewhere.

Fifteen grand?

Maybe you can tell me how.

No, Bixby. Just give
him a cup of hot milk.

Nothing else.

That's right. Goodnight.

Calling Bixby again?

That's the third time tonight.

How did kids get along before
the telephone was invented?

Listen, Flip. Nothing else is important.

You can't imagine how
I feel about that baby.

Because I don't go round telling people.

But nothing else matters.

When he looks up at me
and says: "Mummy". Oh ..

But wait. Wait until you
have one of your own.

You'll find out.

Come on. Let's get back to Craig.

How is the paint job?
- You are okay. Come on.

Hey, Pete. Another Sidecar.

The way I feel I could
drink a freight train.

Hey, look. Do you see what I see?

I remember when she was only my wife.

She is doing alright now.

You gave her a great
front-page start, sonny-boy.

Say, would she help you?

Don't be funny.

There is some talk about
her and some guy.

They got a hideaway someplace.
- What of it?

Hmm, that's good.

Are you and she on speaking terms?
- No.

How do you know? Have you ever tried?

No. Don't be silly.

Anything is worth a try.

Why don't you go on over and say hello?

The only time she lets me talk
money to here is in a speakeasy.

Then I get crocked and can't talk money.

Hello, Tony.

Glad to see you.

Would you like to dance?

Thanks, Craig.

Do you see him often?
- Once in a while.

We were never that close before.

Let's not talk about him.

Why did you refuse to speak
to me when I phoned you?

If it hadn't been for Lew Gordon I
wouldn't be here tonight. You know that.

I think you are the most
disagreeable man I ever knew.

While we are being personal ..

You must have a fair
idea of what I think of you.

It's a lie.

I'm really a very nice girl.

And I'm really a very nice man.

Then let's get together.

What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?
- I work.

Yes. Believe it or not.

I don't sit on top of a
piano and sing songs.

But I do work.

You can spare an afternoon.

Cocktails? Four o'clock?

My place.

Your place?
- I said my place.

900 Park Avenue.

What about your weekend friend?

I see him weekends.

Remember. We will be
waiting for your call.

Are you sure you know her?
- Why, sure I know her.

Drop me here, please.

Taxi.

Hello. Is this Bryant 2-4-0-1-1?

210 West 101st Street.

Huh?

Top floor. The name is Bixby.

Yeah. She switched cabs on me.

Bixby. Does that mean anything to you?

I never heard of it.

It's a phony I guess. No guy uses
his real name on a hideout.

He, you sap. Don't do that.

Why not? If we walk in on her, she
may be willing to talk business.

Wasn't that the doorbell?
- Yes.

Shall I answer it?

No, Bixby. Never answer
the doorbell at any time.

Yes, madam.

Try and get in.

Tony.

Tony!

Hello, Flip.
- Hi.

I phoned your other apartment
and Bixby said you were here.

Hmm. Nice flowers.

Who from?
- And admirer.

Who?

I bought them myself.

Shall I fix the drinks now?
- After a while, Julie.

Say, what is going on?

Come on, give out.
Who are you expecting?

Craig.

You are kidding.
- Uhuh.

I invited him last night.

You kinda like him, don't you.
- Uhuh.

Don't "Uhuh" me. You know you like him.

How can you tell?

Because you are all atwitter.

[ Buzzer ]

There he is.

I'll go, Julie. You fix the drinks.

I get it. I'll scram
through the rear door.

No. It is unlocked.

Hello Tony.

What do you want?

Can you spare a minute?

I'm sorry, I haven't time.
- I won't keep you long.

Well?

I'm in a jam and I need
some money right away.

You've got plenty of nerve coming here.

I wouldn't if I weren't so desperate.

Dad won't help.
- Now isn't that too bad.

What makes you think I would help you?

You can spare fifteen grand.
I know you can.

Not for you.

Maybe I can get it from
your boyfriend, Bixby.

Who is Bixby?

You don't know do you?
- I haven't the faintest idea.

He has a little flat at
210 West 101st Street.

He doesn't answer doorbells
on Saturday nights.

You can't make good at anything can you.

Not even blackmail.

Get out of here before
I call the police.

Oh no you won't.
- Get out.

Maybe Bixby won't feel
the same way about it.

Julie.

Operator.

Give me Cathedral 1-1-2-3-6. And hurry.

Get my things and send
for the car. Quickly.

Operator.

Operator.

Cathedral 1-1-2-3-6.

Bixby.

Bixby.

Bixby.

Bixby!

Hello, Mummy!

Oh, baby darling.

What's the matter, ma'am?
- We're going right now.

But what about the things?

Well get the things ready.
Here is the key. Come on.

Who is mummy's little man?
- Me.

What did I tell you about that thumb?

You are not going to leave
me anymore ever are you.

No, Mummy.

He's a lovely child.

No wonder you are so proud of him.

Hello, Tony.
- Hello.

I want you to meet a
friend of mine, Tommy Davis.

How are you.
- How are you?

I am okay.

Maybe if you are leaving
we can give you a lift.

No thanks. I have my own car.

That's a good-looking kid up there.

Yes, isn't he.

He is Mrs Bixby's grandson.

Bixby, huh?

How old is he?

He is about four years old I guess.

Small for his age.
- Is he?

I don't know much about children.

You didn't waste much
time getting here, did you.

We followed you.

What is it you want?

Why did you leave your place
in such a hurry to come here?

I always come here at this time to take
Mrs Bixby and her Grandson for a drive.

Ain't that nice.

Now if you don't mind, I'll wait.

We'll all wait.

Let's go for a ride now, Mummy.

"Mummy", huh?

Yes. What about it?

Oh nothing. Nothing at all.

Now get this and get it straight.

I'm not afraid of a
little more publicity.

If either of you bother me again in any
way, I'll go to the district attorney.

Do you hear?

Come on, Bixby.

I don't want to ever see you
two around here again.

Alright, lady.

So long, sonny.

There goes the 15 grand.

Pin money.

Why, you can get 115 grand, fella.
And a cut for me too.

How?
- That kid is yours.

You're crazy.
- Am I?

What scared her into coming across?
You did. She was afraid you'd tumble.

I don't see how ..

Listen, you sap. With that rep she has
you can take the kid away from her, see.

What's your father's phone number?

What for? He's not interested.
- Not in you. But he will be in the kid.

Why, he'll go nuts about that little
guy and he'll kick through with plenty.

How do you know he will?
- I'm positive. Now, what's that number?

Murray Hill 6-1-0-2-4.

Why not divide our losses?

We can reorganise our finances.

Miss Landers to see you.

Excuse me. I'll be back in a minute.

I phoned your apartment
to say I'd be late.

But your maid said you had left.

What's the trouble?

I need help Craig and I need it badly.

I don't know what to do,
which way to turn.

What is it?

I have a son, Craig.
He's nearly four years old.

My mysterious weekend friend.

You have a son?
- Yes.

Bob is the father.

And ever since that baby was
born I've been in constant fear.

Fear that the Norths would find out.

I've hidden him.
Moved him from place to place.

Lied and chiselled to get money so I can
take him where they wouldn't get him.

You know what they could do legally.

Yes.

And I know North too.

That's what terrifies me.

Bob saw the boy today.

Does he know him?
- I'm sure he does.

Well, you are in trouble.

I can't tell the police. What can I do?

Not much I'm afraid.

Wait a minute.

Bowling green 9-5-300.

Yes.

Hello? Hellman please.

Mr Cutting.

Hello Max? Now listen.

Reserve a suite of rooms on any outgoing
liner that sailing for Europe tonight.

And you must get an emergency passport
in the name of Miss Tony Landers.

What?

I don't care how you
get it. Just get it.

Fine.

Alright.

You and the boy leave
this country tonight.

Where shall we go?
- To Paris. I have a house there.

What about the show?
- Don't worry. Leave that to me.

Get your boy, pack your things and
get on the boat and don't worry.

Where is he? Where is he?

I put him to bed only a few moments ago.

He's gone? Julie!

How did they get in?
- I don't know. I was ..

There was two men. They said
they had an appointment.

Who were they?
- One was Mr North.

Upon what do you base your opinion of ..

Miss Landers unfitness to
care for your son's child?

It's just common knowledge. The woman is
notorious. Everyone knows what she is.

I object and I ask Mr North's answer be
stricken out. Hearsay is not evidence.

This is not hearsay. It can be proven.

Objection overruled.

That's all, Mr North.

Your witness.
- No questions.

Your Honor, we rest our case.
- Call the next witness.

Miss Landers.

Order in the court.
- Raise your right hand please.

Do you solemnly swear the
testimony you are about to give ..

Will be the truth, and nothing
but the truth, so help you God?

I do.

Be seated please.

What is your name?

Antoinette Landers.

Miss Landers.

The child in controversy
is your son, is he not?

Yes.
- Where was he born?

In a boarding house near the east river.

House number? If you haven't forgot it.

I couldn't forget it.

20 East Front Street.

Why did you go there?
- Because it was cheap.

You had very little money?

You mean, after I paid all my expenses?

Yes.
- About four dollars.

Did your husband or his father offer
you any aid or assistance at that time?

No.

And you had no relatives?

None.
- And no friends?

Just one.

She was the only one that helped me.

Why didn't you notify your husband?

Because I hated him
for what he had done.

When I needed him most he ran out on me.

That is all, Miss Landers.

Your witness.

Is the child in court?

Yes, Your Honor. In the
anteroom with the matron.

Miss Landers, you are on
the stage, are you not?

Yes.

Have you any other profession or income?

No.

What is your present salary?

Fifteen hundred dollars a week.

And last year it was?
- Five hundred.

In the past two years you have
earned approximately $70,000.

About that, yes.

And out of that $70,000 you have
thriftily managed to save ..

One hundred and twenty-five thousand.

I refer to your trust fund
in the First Central Bank.

Does this surplus represent
donations from ..

Gentlemen admirers?

Well, if you'll let me explain ..
- Answer yes or no, please.

Yes.

Miss Landers.

Two months before your marriage you
were accepting similar donations.

Outside checks in
addition to your salary.

Your Honor.

I have the proof here.

Order.

Your husband's discovery of this
formed the basis for his divorce suit.

A suit which you were
wise in not contesting.

I didn't want to contest it.
- No.

Because the notoriety blazed the
way for success and wealth.

Overnight you were famous.

Your salary was raised.
Your name went up in electric lights.

And later.

When your baby was born.

You only had about four dollars.

Explain that to the court.

The rest.

The money that I had earned
I put in the bank, for the baby.

In case something happened to me.

You get the baby.

You continued to hide him as you feared
he may prove a drawback to your career.

Not true.

He was not permitted to live with you.
To appear with you in public.

You suppressed every iota of information
pertaining to his existence.

You pushed him out of your life.

The glamorous, gay life which makes your
name a daily asset to the front page ..

And the gossip column. And why?

Because he was a detriment, wasn't he?

He couldn't be.

Now let us picture this Broadway
life entirely without ..

I couldn't live without him!

But what if the court should
decide to take him from you?

How can they? He is mine.

Well, isn't that rather a selfish angle?

The boy is entitled to the best of care.

He's had it. Everything that
money could do for him.

Money.
- And love.

All the love in the world.

And social background.

He's better without it.

How do you know? By permitting
scandalous divorce proceedings ..

You deliberately left
the ranks of decent ..

I object, Your Honor. I object to
this entire line of questioning.

Objection overruled.

Mr Darrall is endeavouring to
prove his client's contention ..

That the mother of the child
is not a fit person to rear it.

Order in the court.

That is all, Your Honor.
We rest our case.

Are there any other witnesses?
- No, Your Honor.

Order!

This court is concerned only with the
best interests of the disputed child.

In respect to its temperamental
and moral welfare.

The ordinary procedure
with a child of tender years.

Is to award it to its mother.

However, there are certain
elements in this case.

Not in accord with the
usual order of things.

Miss Landers, your life your
own to do with as you see fit.

This court has no wish to criticise
you or the way you live.

But where that living may affect
the future of a minor child.

It becomes a matter for
grave consideration.

I shall therefore order the child placed
in the custody of Mr Robert North.

No! You can't do it.
- I'm sorry, Miss Landers.

You can't do it I tell you!

Robert North is not the baby's father.

Your Honor, this is a cheap trick.

A last desperate attempt on the part of
this woman. lt is utterly ridiculous.

Miss Landers, let me warn you.

If what you just said is not
true you have committed perjury.

Which is a criminal offence.

I swear that Robert North is
not the father of my child.

0rder!

If Robert North isn't the father of your
child, who is? - I can't tell you that.

Remember you took a solemn oath to speak
the truth and nothing but the truth.

Do you admit your previous testimony
was a lie? - That isn't what I said.

Do you realize there is a
severe penalty for perjury?

You know you can go to prison for this?

Who is the father?

You want us to believe it's one of the
hundreds of men your name was linked to?

Is he one of the men who so
kindly donated money to you?

Why are you lying?
- I'm not lying.

Then tell the court the whole truth.

What's the name of your child's
father? What is it? - Wait. Please.

While you think of someone? Who
is the man? Name him. You can't!

His name is Craig Cutting.

Wow, what a statement.

This is a very serious matter.

You have needlessly stigmatised your
child unless you can prove what you say.

My proof is a matter of court record.

When my husband divorced me 4 years ago
he named Craig Cutting as correspondent.

Your Honor, my client voluntarily
returns the child to its mother.

And asks for dismissal of the case.

Dismissal granted.

Mummy!

Oh, my baby.

My angel.

Don't say anything.

I understand.

What did I tell you about that thumb?

(R0_s)