Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A. (1946) - full transcript

Say, I say,
how's this right there?

How's it look right here?

Down a little, right there.

Right there?

How you doing?

Well, how do you do?

(Ship's horn blowing)

Say, boat's in, boat's in.

The boat's in?

Come on, everybody,
the boat's in!

(Celebratory chattering)



Let's go down and see the boat.

Skipper? Come on, skipper,
the boat's in.

Yes, ma'am.

And don't forget
what diamond Joe told you.

Act like a human
and keep yourself clean.

Diamond Joe said
that if you're quick,

he'll give us real good service.

I'm on my way, on my way.

Get those bags in as soon
as they get off the boat.

Be sure to get everything now.

Come on, pappy, get ready,

we haven't got much time
for the ceremonies.

And don't forget your speech.

All right, all right.



(Cheering)

Ladies and gentlemen,

friends, neighbors,
and fellow citizens

this is a grand reception
for a grand lady.

(Cheering)

I thank you,
I thank you, I thank you.

And now, ladies and gentlemen,

it is a privilege and a pleasure

to introduce to you at this time

the greatest star that has
ever hit this island,

that star of stars coming
to us directly from Harlem,

miss Gertie La Rue.

(Cheering)

Howdy, folks, howdy.

I think you're all swell.

(Cheering)

Welcome to Rinidad.

Welcome to Rinidad!

Welcome to the paradise hotel.

The paradise hotel!

Gertie la Rue.

Gertie la Rue!

(Cheering)

Here they come, here they come.

Come on in, right in.

Right here, right the way.

Right this way, right this way.

Yes, right this way,
right... right here.

Right here, right here.

Miss la Rue, as owner
and manager

of the paradise hotel,

I take this opportunity to...

And on behalf of myself
and my wife

to welcome you
to the paradise hotel.

Consider us
your humble servants.

Servants nothing, just pals.

(Giggling)

Gee, Gertie, you've got
a heart as big as gold.

No wonder I'm crazy about you.

Same old Joe, still jivin'.

Say, how does it feel to be king
of the diamond palace?

Now that you're here, baby,
it feels great.

You're my million-dollar baby

now, honey, I'd like you
to meet the kids.

Kids, meet diamond Joe,

the greatest guy
this side of Harlem.

Diamond Joe,
this is a real pleasure.

I'm Tom MacAaron,
manager of the greatest show

that ever left Harlem.

Glad to know you, Mac.

I'm Stella Van Johnson,
but just call me Stell.

I'm Ruby.

I'm Claire.

And I'm choo-choo.

I'm queenie.

I'm Clara.

- My, my, my...
- Come on, break it up.

- Don't get too personal.
- No need to worry about that.

Well, girls, I guess
we'd better register

and get upstairs, let's go.

Pappy, I just told the folks

they can have anything
they want on this island,

and the best rooms
in the house for them.

In fact, you're looking
at the greatest little actress

that ever left Harlem,
miss Gertie La Rue.

See that she gets the service
a lady like her deserves.

Mr. Joe, I'm powerfully
happy to be of service

to so great a lady
as miss la Rue.

I'm giving her
the bridal bedroom.

- Oh, yeah.
- Thanks.

Miss Van Johnson and I
will bunk together.

That's swell, that's...

Here, pappy,
you take care of this,

Sonny, bring miss la Rue's bag,
I'll take this.

Bring mine too, Sonny.

Now, miss la Rue,
if you'll follow me,

I'll show you to your room.

You better get some rest, honey,

I'll see you later
down at the palace.

Take good care of her, Stella.

Don't worry, Joe,
"watchdog Stella," that's me.

- Fine, fine.
- I'll be good.

I'm sure.

I sure hope you like
this room, miss la Rue.

It's the best room in the hotel.

It's the bridal bedroom,

but we ain't had a bride
in a long time.

Well, maybe
it'll bring me good luck.

You'll need it, honey.

(Laughter)

This is a nice little
upstairs veranda.

The size of a porch balcony.

You could come out here at night

and look at the stars
and the moon.

I used to love to come out here

at night and just look.

Besides, it's so hot
on this island

this time of year,

you need all the air
you can get.

Sure is hot.

Say, there isn't any chance
of anyone climbing that tree

from the ground floor, is there?

Why do you care?

Hm, I wish some good-looking man

would climb up here and get me.

Don't worry about that, girls,

people don't bother you much
on this island.

Well, it would be just my luck
for it to happen to me.

Mrs. Bridges, as soon
as our trunks come up,

would you have the boy
bring them in, please?

I sure will.

Is there anything else
you ladies need?

No, that'll be all.

Oh, by the way, Mrs. Bridges,

where did you put
the rest of the company?

The girls are in one large room
at the end of the hall.

The boys are two doors down.

Are you sure I can't do
anything else for you ladies?

- No thanks, Mrs. Bridges.
- Very well, then.

You know, Gertie, I sure hope
you like it down here.

'Cause Joe's a regular guy,

and he's going for you too
in a big way.

Aw, Joe's all right, in his way.

But I just don't like his way.

He's not my type.

What do you think
of this dump, queenie?

Oh, I have seen worse.

(Knocking at door)

Come in.

Excuse me, girls,
I've just settled

miss la Rue
and miss Van Johnson.

I thought, I'd look in to see
if you all were comfortable.

If you need anything,
let me know.

The main thing now
is the rest of our baggage.

The boy said he would hurry up.

I'll have the boy
to bring 'em right up.

The menfolks
are just two doors up.

I thought you all would like
to be near each other.

Don't kid yourself.

The farther we are away,
the better we like it.

That goes for me too.

I know this isle
isn't like Harlem.

It's hot here
and the mosquitoes are bad,

but you girls'll get used to it
in a couple of weeks.

Well, I guess you girls
will be all right.

Don't forget if you
need anything to call me.

Okay, I'm sure
we'll be needin' everything.

A couple of weeks
don't sound so good to me.

(Slap)

Mosquitoes, she said.

I wish I was back in Harlem.

Aww, stop your griping.

This place is different,
it's got romance.

I like it.

What are you mooning about?

I was just thinking about al.

You know, it was terrible
the way Gertie treated him.

He sure was a fine fellow.

You said it.

You know, I just can't seem
to figure Gertie out.

She has everything she wanted.

Sitting on top of the world,
money, car, a big star.

Al get her...
Gave her everything.

Treated her like a lady.

No, she wasn't satisfied,
couldn't take it.

That's right.

One of these days,
she's gonna get

what's coming to her.

And that ain't no lie.

You shouldn't get so excited,
Mr. Christian.

Remember your heart,
Mr. Christian.

Why, I never was so humiliated
in all of my life.

The nerve of that inspector

going through our baggage
piece by piece

and letting that
show troupe go right by.

I certainly will take this up
with the proper authorities.

Yes, Mr. Christian,
you are right, Mr. Christian.

Morning, gentlemen,
I have only one room left.

The show people've taken up
everything I have.

Would you sign here, please?

Boy, you take his baggage
to room 22, please.

Yes, sir.

Right this way, please.

What are you dressing up for?

Where do you think you're going?

Well, what do you think?

Mac just got through telling you
to watch your step.

He told you to take it easy.

He told you
to get plenty of rest

and be ready for rehearsal
at 10 in the morning.

He doesn't want you
parading around,

and he's right, too.

We just got into this town
and we can't take no chances.

Aw, shut up,
what do I care about Mac?

He's only the manager
of the show, I'm the star.

I'm the big shot around here.

Nobody tells me what to do,
I tell them.

Mighty big talk, Gertie,

but it's that kind
of a big "I" and a little "you"

that always gets you
into trouble.

All you ever think of
is yourself.

And the worst part of it is,

the whole company has to pay
for your dirty ways.

We'd all be living in Harlem
right this minute

if it hadn't been...
You hadn't given al the...

Please, Stella, don't ever
mention al's name to me again.

Now, you listen to me, Gertie,
I've been with you a long time.

I saw you go from
the chorus to the top,

and if it hadn't have
been for al,

you wouldn't have gotten there.

Al is one of the greatest guys
that ever lived.

You didn't treat him right.

You run him around like a dog.

You weren't satisfied
to be miss Gertie La Rue,

the toast of Harlem
and treated like a queen.

No, you had to two-time him,

you weren't satisfied
to throw him over,

you had to wreck him.

But listen, Gertie,
don't do anything down here,

because Joe won't take it.

Stell.

I ain't sayin' you're right,

and I ain't sayin' you're wrong.

I guess I've got it
coming to me.

Al was a great guy...

Only stop preachin' to me!

Do you think I like
being in this hot hole?

Don't you think I want
to get back to Harlem?

I know I had to leave,

but don't worry,
I ain't gonna do nothin'.

We'll stay here until
this thing blows over,

and 7th Avenue and
135th street, here we come.

I'll do just as you say.

I think I'll take a little walk
and look the island over.

Don't worry, honey,
I'm through with all men.

Why, you gave us
the worst rooms in the house.

It's not right, I tell you.

You gave that show troupe
the best rooms,

and we had to take what's left.

Why, I just don't see
how I'm going to stand it,

and we expect to stay here
quite some time.

Why, if we don't teach these
people what sin is,

we've got to be in more
comfortable surroundings.

Oh, but gentlemen, I gave you
the best we have at the present.

Miss la Rue's a lady,

and naturally
we favor her with the best.

A lady? It's a wonder
god doesn't strike you dead.

She's a painted trollop.

Why, you should have
seen her on the boat,

carrying on
with all of those men.

She's a Jezebel, I tell ya.

Yes, Mr. Christian,
you're right, Mr. Christian.

Well, there she is boys,
and don't forget,

she opens tomorrow night
at the diamond palace.

Don't miss the show.

Brother, we'll be there and how.

She sure is class.

Boy, what wouldn't I give
to meet a dame like that?

Well, brother, there she is.

Hi, big boy.

How are you, tight pants?

My, my, my.

Man, my stuff is here.

Thanks, Joe, for showing me
around this diamond palace.

It's a great place,

a wonderful setting
for our show.

I wish I had one
like it in Harlem.

Glad you like it, MacAaron.

You know, I've got
a big investment here,

Othennise I'd be
in Harlem myself,

right in the middle
of all those bright lights.

You know, Gertie's coming here
makes me realize

what I've been missing
all these years.

She's a great performer,
but just between us, Joe,

she's hard to get
and hard to hold.

What do you mean, MacAaron?

If you give her half a chance,

she'll give a guy the runaround.

Oh yeah?

That's why they
call her dirty Gertie.

(Laughing)

Little wildcat, eh?

(Laughing)

Well, I've gotta go now.

Gotta put these cards out.

Oh yes, uh, how about
a few to go up inside?

- Sure thing.
- Thanks.

- See you later.
- See you around, see you around.

Now listen, blues.

Pay attention to me.

Miss la Rue is the greatest star
that ever hit this island.

Now, last rehearsal
at 10 o'clock,

and I want you to play her music

as it has never
been played before.

I tell you,
you don't understand, but...

Here's a picture of her.

Put it up in your room
and dream about it.

What'd you say her name was?

La Rue.

Gertie la Rue.

Did she have another name?

Aw, don't worry about that.

You just play her music,
do that.

Boys, I've heard so much
about this place,

I've just got to stop
and give it a glance.

Don't know where
we'd go around here

if it wasn't
for the diamond palace.

It's the hottest spot
on this island.

Well, what do you say
to having a drink with a lady?

- Sure we will, Gertie.
- I'll say we will, Gertie.

Come on, what are waiting for?

(Cash register ringing)

Well, Gertie, I hadn't
expected you down so soon,

- this is a pleasure.
- Thanks, Joe.

I'd like for you to meet
a couple of friends of mine.

Big boy and tight pants.

Glad to know you, fellas.

Any friends of Gert
is a friend of mine.

This calls for a drink.

Just have a seat over here.

- Thanks.
- Pee wee!

- Yes, sir.
- A little service,

a little service.

(Indistinct chattering)

Where is diamond Joe?

(Indistinct chattering)

Hello, kids,
I'm happy to see you.

I'm glad to welcome you
to the diamond palace.

Now, I'm not gonna
make a speech.

All I'm gonna say is,
"the drinks are on the house."

- Oh, great!
- Oh!

(Laughing)

Uh, pardon me, fellas.

Would you please excuse Gertie?

We have some important business

to talk over while she's here.

Sure thing,
business before pleasure.

Don't stay away too long, ma'am.

Okay, big boy,
I'll be missing you.

Hold everything, tight pants,
I'll be right back.

Miss la Rue,
this is blues in the night,

he's my professor here.

If you have any music
for him to play,

he'll be happy to do it for you.

Thanks, I'll take it up
with you in the morning.

Okay.

That guy sure looks
like somebody I know.

Hm, you might know him,
he's from the states.

I saw her before.

Looks like her... I know her.

Gertie, won't you sit down?

- Smoke?
- Thank you.

Don't mention it, please.

Always a pleasure
to do something for you, Gertie.

Thank you.

Gertie, you know,
I've been looking forward

to this moment for a long time.

Ever since I saw you
do your striptease

in Harlem two years ago.

God, what an eyeful.

Joe, you are certainly
my type of a gentleman.

Oh, Gertie, I like that,

and just for that, I have
a little surprise for you.

Oh, it's...

Ooh, it's simply gorgeous!

Joe, you sure know
how to treat a lady.

Aw, that's nothin', Gertie,

that's just the beginning.

That's just a sample

of what I'm gonna
do for you later on, kid.

You know, I'm fallin'
for you in a big way...

And I've just been thinkin'...

Gertie, you're not
listening to me.

Who's that playing that piano?

Playing the piano?

Why, it's blues in the night.

Tell me more about him.

There's nothing to tell, Gertie.

He drifted down here
from Harlem a long time ago.

I can't just remember
how long ago.

He's nothing but a barfly,

but he sure can play that piano.

You're not sick are you, Gertie?

No, it... it's that song.

It takes me back
to a long time ago.

Oh, snap out of it, Gertie.

What you need is this,
a drink from my private stock.

You'll like this, kid.

Thank you, Joe,
this is just what I need.

I figured that
that's what it was.

Bottoms up.

- Down the hatch.
- Attaboy.

(Hurried footsteps)

Oh, Mr. Christian,
it's awful, it's just awful.

I saw them with
with my own eyes.

I peeked into the diamond palace

and sure enough, there she was.

Drinkin' and cussin'
and carrying on

with that soldier
and sailor man.

And all others were there too

doing just like she was,
only maybe worse.

Stop it, Ezra,
I can't bear to hear any more.

I must think
of some course of action.

But I must tell you the rest,
Mr. Christian, it's my duty.

There's pictures all over town
of this nasty woman,

and all she's got on
is a little...

You know,
a little teensy something.

Everybody's looking at her
and just pointing and laughing.

Stop it.

I know my plan
of battle clearly.

I'll go to this la Rue woman,
talk to her, reason with her.

Then if she does not listen,
I'll go to the governor

and have him put her
and her lowdown cohorts

off this island.

Send them bag
and baggage back to Harlem.

That's what I'll do.

(Clock ticking)

Mr. Christian,
you better come to bed.

It's awful late, it's three
o'clock in the morning.

Nope, I've made up my mind.

The lord's work must be done.

I must talk to this woman alone.

Go back to bed,
never mind about me.

(Clock ticking)

(Drunken chattering)

This girl's worn out.

You oughta be after
working over... ooh la la.

May be all right after all.

(Indistinct chattering)

Yes, I'll take dark chocolate
every new year's.

Aw, shut up your big mouth,
what do you want,

to wake up everybody
in the hotel?

(Laughter)

(Indistinct chatter)

(Laughter)

I'm telling you, it's terrible.

Well, boys, much as I hate to,
I must call it a day.

I have a rehearsal
at 10 in the morning,

and besides, you two
had better get back

to the barracks or else
you'll be put in the brig.

I'll take that chance
any day, honey,

as long as I can be with you.

That goes for me too, Gertie.

Now, ain't that pretty?

Talk like that
calls for a good-night drink.

Tight pants, you sure
bring out my better nature.

Big boy, you sure
know how to kiss.

I ain't been kissed
like that since al...

Ai? Who is al?

Never mind, big boy, he’s just
somebody I want to forget.

We'd better be going, Gertie,
you need to get some sleep.

Goodnight, honey.

Goodnight, boys, sleep tight.

What's the matter
with me anyway,

always thinking of al?

Why don't you get out
of my life and stay out?

Get out! Stay out!

(Bottle clanking)

Miss la Rue,
I want to talk to you.

Here, miss la Rue, drink this.

(Train whistling)

What's the matter
with you, anyway?

Miss la Rue, the lord
would be shocked

if he heard you talk like that.

Likewise,
had he heard you talking

to that sailor and marine.

He would have
turned away in shame.

He has sent me here to help you.

He is asking you, through me,
to give up your life of sin.

Your life with men
will only lead to destruction.

The wages of sin is death.

Give it up before
it is too late, sister Gertie.

Take your hands off of me,

you dirty, psalm-singin'
polecat!

If the truth were only known,

you want me
just like all the rest!

Have it your way, miss la Rue,

but you haven't heard
the last from me.

The lord moves
in mysterious ways,

his wonders to perform.

(Door thudding)

Gertie, what on earth
is the matter?

They must have heard you
all over the hotel.

I couldn't help it, Stell,
it's that reformer man.

When he stepped out
of the shadows on the porch,

well, he darn near
scared me to death.

So when he put his hands on me,

something went all through me.

I saw red.

I hate him, I tell you,
I hate him!

He's up to no good.

I know that, honey,
that's why I'm telling you

to be careful.

He could cause you
lots of trouble.

He could even run you
off of this island.

Then where would you go?

You can't return to Harlem,
al's there,

and he'll be sure to kill you.

You know what, Stell?

I could've sworn
I saw ai tonight,

standing looking at me
in the moonlight.

I had just taken a drink,

and I could have sworn
he was there.

I could feel his hot breath
burning my face.

I could feel his long fingers
clutching at my throat.

I threw my last bottle
of red eye at him, and...

And then he disappeared.

There was still
another good drink

I sure could use it now.

If you'll take my advice, honey,

you'll see that voodoo woman

that the girls
were all talking about.

They say she sure can tell you

just what's gonna happen.

But right now you need rest.

Rehearsal in the morning,

a show at night.

Get some sleep, honey.

She's here, al.

I saw her.

I know it's her.

She calls herself Gertie La Rue.

I know it's her.

Hey, man, wake up!

You talkin' outta your head!

Wake up!

Al, you my friend.

I told you she was no good,

but you wouldn't listen to me.

You should have killed her.

Come on, man.

Wake up.

You ain't got no business

talking 'bout killing anybody.

Where am I?

Right here
in the diamond palace,

where you was last night.

(Chuckles)

Uh-oh, here come Mr. Joe.

Now, don't tell me
you ain't been to bed yet.

You got a rehearsal at 10

and a show tonight.

Now, get some sleep, man,

you won't be able to stand up.

I'll be all right, Joe.

Leave it to me,
I'll be all right.

Well, that's fine.

Another thing...

What is this song
you played last night?

That sob song I hear
around here so much?

Ms. La Rue doesn't like it.

It upset her to no end.

In fact, it made her sick.

It ain't much of a song, Joe.

A pal of mine wrote it
a long time ago

about a woman
he's was nuts about.

Who was this woman?

Oh, you wouldn't know anyway.

She's a no-good rat.

Well, don't play it anymore.

Ms. La Rue doesn't like it.

Now, get some sleep, man,

and be sure at
the theater rehearsal

at 10 o'clock, Larry.

All right, Joe.

Leave it to me.

Okay.

I'll be all right.

Mr. Christian, I hate to say it,

but I'm worried about you.

You didn't sleep
at all last night.

You rolled and tossed

and said a lot of things
I don't like to repeat.

And besides, you ain't even

touch your breakfast.

I'm not hungry, Ezra.

This morning I can see the path

I must follow quite clearly.

God will direct my steps.

I'm going to the governor

to have him send
this la Rue woman

and all of her cheap rubbish

off this island.

They must not give
their exhibition

of filth tonight.

Well, maybe you're right,
Mr. Christian,

but I can't help
feeling awful nervous

about what's going to happen.

Don't worry, Ezra.

The lord will take care.

(Hammering)

I feel certain you know me

and know my mission.

In all fairness to you,

I feel it is my duty
to give you a chance

to close this show

and send this la Rue woman

and all of her devil mongers

back to where they came from.

Just suppose I don't.

Then I'll go to
the governor of the island.

Listen, brother...

I wouldn't do that
if I were you.

Come on, let's go inside
and talk this thing over.

Nothing could induce me
to cross this threshold.

No amount of money
could make me enter

that den of vice.

God's wrath
would strike me dead.

Just what are you gonna
do about it?

That you will soon see.

(Chuckles)

(Tap dancing)

Hold it, hold it!

Quiet, everybody.

Diamond Joe has
something to say.

(Applause)

Girls and boys...

I think it only fair
to call your attention

to the threats
that are being made

to close this show.

Well, now whatever you heard,

just forget about it.

Because nothing and nobody

will close this show.

I want all of you to know

that the show will go on,

and all that I have to say is,

"let 'em have it!"

(Applause)

Furthermore, in honor of this

great star, Ms. Gertie la Rue,

coming to play
in my diamond palace,

I take great pride and joy

in presenting to her
this little token

in memory of this
most auspicious occasion.

(Applause)

Oh, a diamond ring!

(Excited chatter)

(Glass breaks)

You drunken ugly bum!

Didn't I tell you
never to play that tune

around me?

If you do it again,
I'll kill you!

That's all right, Joe,
let it go.

Okay, Stella.

Let's go, Gertie.

Okay, gang, let's get it now.

Now, let's go.

Stella, come a little
closer, will you?

Move over there, get together.

All right,
now just stay in your places.

And now, Larry, music.

(Indistinct chatter)

Ought to have more of 'em.

Why, hello, boys.

Uh, is it about time
for the show people

to be coming here?

Yes, it is.

They've got to get some rest

before going
to the show tonight.

- Excuse me, please.
- Sure, sure, sure.

Mr. Christian, Mr. Christian.

Yes, Ezra, what is it?

Mr. Christian, I just found out

that those show people
have been trying out

their show all the morning,

and that they're going ahead
and giving that show

no matter what you say.

I'm not surprised
at your report, Ezra.

I've been to the governor,

I regret to say
that he'll do nothing

to stop the performance
until he's seen the show

with his own eyes.

That wicked man.

But surely he wouldn't
be seen setting a foot

in such a vulgar dive.

At every turn,
I've been blocked.

Now I must ask
for divine guidance.

He will show me
how to rid this island

of those willful sinners.

Is there anything
I can do, Mr. Christian?

Yes, you can, Ezra.

You stay here.

I must closet myself and pray.

I must commune
with the lord in secret.

Oh, god!

I beseech thee
to show me the way.

This woman.

This sinner.

This temptress of men
whose flesh is weak.

Please, lord,

tell me...

Must I stop
this dreadful performance?

This horrible exhibition
of flesh?

You know, lord,

I'd loathe to witness
such a spectacle of filth,

but if it is thy will,

I will slip into
the diamond palace tonight

unseen and watch unnoticed

this show of lewdness,

that I may be better
able to judge

in thy sight.

Tell me, o lord.

Must I go?

Yes, lord.

I'm listening.

You want me to go?

Then if it is thy will,

I shall not disobey.

Thank you, o lord,

thank you.

Amen.

I'm sure tired.

Oh, baby, a bad rehearsal
makes a good show.

So they say.

Gertie sure was nervous.

Yes, she must've been
drinking rotten liquor.

Hello, boys, what's cooking?

Come on, Gertie,
don't fool around now.

That's right, Gertie,
big show tonight.

- Get your rest.
- Okay, okay.

I brought you
some flowers, Gertie.

I'll be pulling for you
at the show tonight.

Thanks, tight pants.

I'll deliver every little
movement to the Navy.

This ain't much, Gertie,

but I just wanted you to know

I'm thinking about you.

You're bringing me
luck, big boy.

Thanks a million.

Only the lord would
give me strength

to conquer that woman.

I was just thinking,
Mr. Christian,

that I ought to see
that show tonight.

If I don't see that show,

I can't tell you what
an awful sinful thing it is.

Don't you think
I ought to see that show,

Mr. Christian?

Heaven forbid.

Don't even think
of such a dreadful thought.

You stay here tonight,
understand?

Yes, Mr. Christian.

While you were waiting
down here tonight, Ezra,

I had a talk with the lord.

I can't reveal to you
what he said to me,

but if I am late coming in,

don't you worry.

You'll know I have
his work to perform.

Yes, Mr. Christian.

(Clock gongs)

I am going for
a walk on the beach.

The way of the transgressor

is hard.

Yes, Mr. Christian.

Just between you and I, Stella,

I'm not doing so bad.

I got a diamond ring,
a diamond bracelet,

a swell scarf.

Not to mention the flowers!

Not bad, huh?

I got a sugar daddy,

a sailor, marine,

and a preacher man
if I want to take

the time to work on him.

How am I doing, kid?

Better go easy.

Some things don't
look so good to me.

I don't like the way
that piano player

looks at you.

And there's that preacher man,

he's got a bad look in his eye.

And another thing,
I didn't like it

when that black cat
ran across in front of us

when we passed that alley.

You know, Gertie,
I'm not trying to scare you,

but if I was you,

I'd go see that voodoo woman

and I'd see her quick.

Yeah, Stella,
I guess you're right.

I must admit that black cat
kinda scared me, too.

I didn't say much,
but I thought a lot.

I've been trying
to pep myself up all day.

Ever since that guy
played that tune,

I've been feeling mighty funny.

I believe you've got
something there, Stella.

I will see that voodoo woman!

Mrs. Bridges, could you tell me

where I can find
that voodoo woman

I hear the girls
talking so much about?

Sure thing, miss la Rue.

Sonny!

I'll get Sonny to carry,

else you'd never find it.

You call me, miss Bridges?

Carry Ms. La Rue
down the back way

to old Hager's shack.

Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

This way, miss la Rue.

Old Hager sure will
tell you the truth, honey.

And don't forget
she's got some special

hoodoo powder down there,

keeps the ants away.

Get some of that, too.

Thanks, I will.

(Door creaks)

(Dog barks)

(Horn blowing)

What's that whistle?

That must be the boat over yonder

at the mainland.

Sometimes it brings supplies,

and sometimes
the boat brings, uh,

people, passengers.

Well, how much further
do we have to go?

Just right there, right there.

Okay, come on, let's get going.

No, no, no, no.

I don't like to go over there.

Ain't able, no.

You want me to wait for you?

No, I guess I'll find my way.

Thank you, ma'am,
thank you, ma'am.

(Dog continues barking)

(Knocking on door)

Come in.

(Door creaks)

What do you want?

I want to know the truth

about my future.

Why don't you say something?

You better go home.

It's better you go home.

You should not know the truth.

I don't wanna go home.

Tell me the truth.

I hate to tell you...

But you've done something bad.

I see a man...

He's mad at you.

Looks like
he's coming after you.

I see blood!

Everything goes dark.

(Coin clinks)

Say, girls, I wonder what's

keeping Gertie?

It sure is getting late.

(Indistinct chatter)

Gertie, you certainly
had me worried.

I was fixin' to send
somebody out to find you.

I went to see
that old voodoo woman.

Certainly didn't tell me
anything good.

Oh, I got a feeling
that old woman's a fake.

Gertie, that's bad luck.

(Applause)

Thank you, folks.

Thank you one and all.

In just a few moments,
the show goes on,

and you will see
that star of stars,

miss Gertie La Rue
direct from Harlem, u.S.A.

(Applause)

And now, on with the show!

(Applause)

Here she comes
with that flashy smile

walkin' with her flashy style.

But at heart she seems so weak

for her spirit shouts
"hallelujah."

Buther flesh is too darned weak.

♪ step right up and meet her ♪

♪ all you guys will
want to greet her ♪

♪ she's flirty dirty Gertie ♪

♪ from Harlem, USA. ♪

(drum roll)

Stop it!

I command you to stop!

What do you mean
by stopping this show?

Jesus threw the thieves
out of the temple,

and I shall do likewise.

(Gertie shrieks)

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

(Sounds of struggle)

(Indistinct shouting)

Take it easy, man, take it easy!

Take it easy, take it easy!

Go to your room, Gertie.

Lay low until this blows over.

I gotta get back
to the diamond palace

to see about the damage.

Okay, Joe, thanks a lot.

Okay.

(Door closes)

God, what a wreck.

♪ my mama done told me ♪

♪ when I was in pigtails ♪

♪ my mama done told me ♪

♪ a man's gonna sweet-talk ♪

♪ and give you the glad eyes I

♪ but when that
sweet-talk is done ♪

♪ a man is a two-faced... ♪

All

I've come to get you, Gertie.

(Clatter)

Help! Help!

I love you, al,

I've always loved you.

Let's go away some place,

any place.

Start all over again.

Kiss me, al, kiss me!

Don't shoot, al, for god sakes,

don't shoot!

All

don't shoot, al!

All

(gunshots)

I love you, Gertie.

I'll always love you.

Gertie! Gertie!

Ai, why did you do it?

I killed her because I love her.