Dodsworth (1936) - full transcript
A bittersweet tale of the increasing estrangement of a retired automobile tycoon and his wife. Increasingly obsessed with maintaining an appearance of youth, she falls in with a crowd of frivolous socialites during their "second honeymoon" European vacation. He, in turn, meets a woman who is everything she is not: self-assured, self-confident, and able to take care of herself.
[orchestral music]
[mellow music]
- [female #1] Mr. Dodsworth?
- [Sam] Yes?
[female #1]
The men are ready.
[music continues]
[indistinct chatter]
I hate to see you go, Sam.
Goodbye, Sam.
[music continues]
See if you can slip them into
Mr. Dodsworth's
big leather suitcase.
Yes, ma'am.
And when Miss Emily
and Mr. McKee come back
from their honeymoon,
I've put all
the wedding presents
in her old room.
- Yes, Mrs. Dodsworth.
- Oh, and the...
Good afternoon, sir.
- Mr. Dodsworth's paper?
- Right here, ma'am.
Over there.
Is everything settled?
The Dodsworth Motor Company,
Samuel Dodsworth
president and founder
became the property
of Union Motors
a little over an hour ago.
How do you feel?
Well, how would any man feel
who just sold
20 years of his life?
I suppose you feel kind of lost.
Well, I knew what I was doing
when I sold
and I know what I'm after
from now on.
Oh, Sam, don't look
so mournful, darling.
All right, Mary.
I'll fix you a drink.
Just think, Sammy, you're free.
After 20 years of doing what
was expected of us, we're free.
I'm just as keen on this trip
as you are. I'm rarin' to go.
I've always wanted
to see London and Paris.
Oh, I want much more
than a trip out of this, Sam.
I want a new life, all over
from the very beginning.
A perfectly glorious,
free, adventurous life.
It's coming to us, Sammy.
We've done our job.
We've brought up Emily
and seen her married.
We've got plenty of money.
Why, if we weren't tied to this
half-baked Middle Western town...
Now, Fran, now don't start
knocking Zenith.
Sammy darling,
I'm not knocking Zenith.
But have you ever thought
what Zenith means to me?
You go down to the plant
and deal in millions
and have a marvelous time.
I go down to the kitchen
and order dinner.
Then there's the ladies'
luncheon and bridge
always the same ladies,
then dinner
same people
we dined with last week.
After dinner, poker for the men
and women for the women.
There's talk
of children and doctors
and servants
and the garden club...
Thought you liked
the garden club.
Well, I can't go on liking the
same things forever and ever.
Oh, Sammy darling,
I want all the lovely things
I've got a right to.
In Europe, a woman of my age
is just getting to the point
where men begin to take
a serious interest in her.
I won't be put on the shelf
for my daughter
when I can still dance longer
and better than she can.
After all, I've got brains
and, thank heavens
I've still got looks.
Nobody takes me
for over 32, 30, even.
Oh, Sammy darling,
I'm begging for life.
No, I'm not.
I'm demanding it.
[chuckles]
I see how you feel.
All right, I'll enjoy life now
if it kills me,
and it probably will.
I spy you, European travelers.
Parlez-vous Français? Sprechen
sie Deutch? [indistinct language]
- Hello, Tubby.
- Hello, Matey. Hello, Tubby.
- Matey.
- That isn't funny, Tubby.
- We're going with you.
- You're not.
- As far as New York.
- What?
Well, can't you offer
a fellow a drink?
Sammy, get Tubby a drink.
Will you excuse me a minute?
- I won't be two seconds.
- Can I help?
- No thanks. I'll be right back.
- Run along anyway.
Run along.
All right, say when.
- I don't want a drink.
- What's wrong with you?
I think I'll stay sober
till I finish bawling you out.
- Yeah? What have I done?
- You know very well what you've done.
Union Motors people have just been
around the bank to see me about you.
Well, what are they running
around to you about me for?
Well, they want me to use my
influence with you as your banker.
Don't blame me if it
doesn't do any good, Tubby.
Say, what are you up to?
Well, they tell me they offered
to make you first vice president
of the whole outfit in charge of
production of all their cars...
That's right. They offered
me $100,000 the first year
in addition to my stock
which would come to...
- And you turned it down?
- Yeah.
But Americans like you and me
can't quit, Sam.
It's meant that we should keep
on working
until we die in harness.
Tubby, I'm out to make
a new life for myself.
I'm out to learn how to enjoy
my leisure, now I've retired.
I've been doing things people
expected of me always.
I want to feel free.
I want to sit
under a linden tree now
with nothing more important
to worry about
than the temperature of the beer
if there is anything more
important.
If you think I can see
my oldest and closest friend
turn into
an expatriate parlor snake
because Zenith isn't
good enough for his wife.
Now, easy.
Ever since college, I've yessed
you and looked up to you.
You're a big man.
You're a great industrialist.
You're a representative citizen.
You're pretty near everything
I'm not and ought to be.
But about your wife,
you're the dumbest
the sappiest, the most...
Tubby!
It's all right, Matey.
Tubby's famous
for his very peculiar
brand of humor,
aren't you, Tubby?
It's all right, Fran.
I'm glad you heard what I said.
Because Sam knows
just as well as I do...
No, I don't. I don't know
anything of the kind.
I'm out to see
some of the world I haven't seen
and get a perspective
on the USA.
Why, I might get to know myself
at the same time.
I might even
get to know my wife.
Oh, come along, Tubby.
We'll be seeing you on the boat.
Not me. You won't see me there.
And put that glass down, too.
- And we'll see him...
- I'm not going...
Did I remember to tell you today
that I adore you?
[instrumental music]
[foghorn blaring]
- Mother!
- Why, look who's arrived!
[indistinct chatter]
- What are you doing here?
- We thought you were in Nassau.
- We were yesterday.
- Yesterday?
You mean you broke off
the honeymoon?
Emily thought she'd had
enough honeymoon.
I don't think so much of sending
a girl off on a trip
with a husband
she doesn't even know.
- How'd you get here so soon?
- We decided to surprise you.
- So we flew.
- You flew?
Now listen, I don't want you
flying around in airplanes.
I'm not taking any chances
on you.
It's Harry's job
to worry about me now.
Well, you look all right.
I don't know whether it's gonna
make going away harder or easier.
A little of both, Sam.
A little of both.
Don't see why you and I
don't rate a honeymoon.
Wait till you have a honeymoon
20 years from now.
All visitors ashore, please.
All ashore that's going ashore.
We just got here!
[foghorn blows]
[instrumental music]
I saw them.
They're right near the top.
Hey, Emily!
- There they are.
- Oh, yes! I see.
- Hey!
- Goodbye!
Goodbye!
[music continues]
Fran? Fran! We're at sea!
At sea?
That's putting it mildly.
Now listen, forget this trunk,
and come on out
and watch...
Come on, we'll see the ship.
- You sound happy. I'm so glad.
- Happy?
Say, this is the happiest
day of my life!
Of course, except
the day I married you.
Aw. Get off my dress.
Listen, Fran, do you realize
that this is the first time
we've ever really started out
together as lovers?
- I was right, wasn't I?
- Yeah, no more work.
- Now we'll live.
- Yeah. Together.
- Always.
- Come on. Let's look at the ship.
No, I can't. I got to dress
for dinner and so have you.
- We have to dress for dinner?
- Well, of course. Don't you want to?
Well, okay.
Remember the first time I asked
you to marry me
and we said
we'd come here together?
- Yeah.
- And here we are.
[chuckles]
I love you more than ever now
that I've got time for it.
And I love you, Sammy.
Hmm.
[gasps]
[instrumental music]
[indistinct chatter]
Well, looks like
I made a slight error.
Oh, that's all right, sir.
Uh, dry martini, please.
- Mr. Dodsworth?
- Yes.
I heard you were on board,
I hope you don't mind me
introducing myself.
Not at all.
I've just been driving
one of your cars
all through South America.
- How'd it stand up?
- Oh, tough as nails.
- Good.
- My name's Lockert.
Good to know you.
- Join me in a drink?
- Thank you very much.
- What'll you have?
- Oh, dry martini?
- Make it two, please.
- All right, sir.
- Just waiting for my wife.
- I hope I'm not intruding.
Oh, no, not at all.
Here she comes now.
- Dear.
- Hello, darling.
I want you to meet Mr. Lockert.
Mrs. Dodsworth.
- Captain Lockert.
- How do you do?
How do you do?
Shall we have a drink
at the table?
- Serve them over here, please.
- All right, sir.
[instrumental music]
Well, you see, darling,
we didn't have to dress
for dinner the first night out.
Of course,
we can't be expected to know
all the tricks
the first trip over.
It's not my first trip over,
Sammy dear.
Oh, that's right. Mrs. Dodsworth
went to school in Switzerland
one summer.
And I can't see that it's ever
bad form to dress for dinner.
Well, I'm sure that anything
that permits a woman to look
as lovely
as Mrs. Dodsworth is looking
could never be bad form.
[chuckling]
Very good.
[chuckling]
Oh, this is just
a simple little dinner frock.
- Will you have this?
- Thank you very much.
- [Sam] Another martini, please.
- Yes, sir.
New York,
and now back to London.
- Really?
- How long are you gonna be in England?
Oh, I don't know. We haven't
made any plans beyond London.
There aren't too many
Americans...
Look at those two women.
Can't you just see them
in Venice with their Baedekers?
Why is it that traveling
Americans are always
so dreadful?
Why is it Americans
are always such snobs?
Do you think it's snobbish
to want to see something else
besides ones fellow citizens
abroad?
You can't think of what one
misses by leading a safe
and sane American life.
Will you put me in charge
of your safety and sanity?
And tonight between 11:15
and 11:30, Mr. Dodsworth
you will see
this light off the port bow.
- Bishop's Light, it's called.
- Bishop's Light, eh?
Yes, on Bishop's Rock.
[instrumental music]
[bell tolling]
- You sorry it's over?
- What's over?
- The voyage.
- Oh, no.
Not that I've been bored though.
You've taken excellent care
of that, Captain Lockert.
I'm making great plans
for us in London.
For us? Oh, I know
these steamship intimacies.
They never survive dry land.
Why can't you believe that this,
as they say, is different?
[music continues]
- Fran! Fran. It was land.
- What?
- Was it, Sammy dear?
- Bishop's Light, they call it.
Say, I could get ashore in an hour
if I had a motorboat.
I can't believe we've done it!
Ashore! In England!
I don't know what we're going
to do about Sam's Anglomania.
That's all right about
my Anglomania
but come on and look at
the light with me, Fran, huh?
All right, all right. Come on,
let's look at the light.
Now don't hurry me, Sam.
I've got on high heels.
Oh, my hair will be ruined.
Look at this wind!
[shivering] I'm freezing!
I haven't got any coat!
- All right, put this on.
- Oh, no, Sammy, please.
That's all right.
What difference does it make?
I don't see any light.
Now, wait.
Now, you'll see it in a minute.
- Where will I look?
- If you look right straight over there.
Right straight over there, see?
- I can't see it.
- There, now, wait.
Now, wait just a minute.
There it goes! See it? See it?
Yes, that's very pretty, Sammy dear,
but you can have your coat now.
'Cause Captain Lockert
and I have got to dance.
Come on, it'll flash again
in a minute.
No, I just can't stay.
It's too cold.
- There it goes again!
- Well, I can stay here, Dodsworth,
and watch your light...
- [Fran] Coming, Lockert?
- Yes, coming.
Say, Fran, I could get ashore
in half an hour
if I had a fast motorboat!
[music continues]
- I beg pardon, sir.
- Oh, yeah, sure. That's right.
Oh, well, sir,
last night of the voyage.
Yes, sir, half an hour,
maybe less.
- Beg pardon, sir.
- Huh?
Well, say, bring me a drink
out here, will you?
- What would you like, sir?
- Oh, I don't know.
Bring me something, uh, well,
something quieting to the nerves.
- Quieting, sir?
- Yeah, uh...
Why don't you try stout,
Mr. Dodsworth?
I beg your pardon?
You asked for something quieting,
and I prescribed stout.
- A double stout, sir?
- Yeah, all right, sure. Yeah.
And what is it you called
that light? I saw it, too.
Bishop's Light. Of course,
I've never been across before.
I got excited,
I took one look at that light
and all the things
I've ever read about England
came to light,
the town behind it
with those flat-faced
brick houses
and a cart crawling up a hill
between high hedges
and Jane Austen, Oliver Twist
and Sherlock Holmes.
England. Mother England.
Home.
Have you always felt that way
about England?
I don't know. It just now struck
me, but I guess I must have.
Say, most Americans would if
it weren't taught out of them.
Why, all my people came
from England.
Sit down, Mr. Dodsworth.
You do need soothing.
I've been having such a good
time on this trip.
Everybody's so nice.
There's nothing
like a first trip to Europe.
Especially when you're old
enough to know
what you're after.
"What you're after."
What are you after?
Well, my wife, of course,
she's been over before.
She wants me to learn
how to enjoy my leisure
now I've retired.
But what it boils down to...
I've been doing things myself
for a long time now.
I thought I'd give things
a chance to do something to me.
- The education of an American.
- Yes, you might call it that.
How long have you
given yourself?
- Six months.
- To get all that done?
Oh, I'll be homesick by then.
Yes, I was homesick
the first year I came over.
- Came over? Where from?
- Michigan.
- Oh, American, huh?
- I don't know what I am.
I used to be a British subject
by marriage.
I don't know that one can be
a British subject by divorce.
I expect I'm just a woman
who lives in Italy.
- Oh, do people live in Italy?
- There are countless Italians.
Oh, no, no,
I mean, people like you.
I live in Italy
by the thousands, Mr. Dodsworth.
- [Sam] Why?
- It's cheap.
[chuckles] My wife tells me
I ask too many questions.
[laughing]
Dear Sam.
You know, sometimes he has got
the most bourgeois ideas.
Bishop's Light. Look at my hair.
Can't do a thing with it.
Oh, well, guess
that'll have to do.
- Well, how do I look? All right?
- Superb.
- Shall we go?
- Look what I've got.
Can't we stay and
have our nightcap down here?
Why not?
We can't go off and leave
everything as perfect as this.
That'd be absolutely ridiculous.
I'd like to stay right here
and see the dawn.
So you don't think he'll go
roaring around the ship
and shoot when he finds me here?
[chuckles]
Who, Sam? Oh, no.
No, he's got all
the old-fashioned virtues
except jealousy.
- You call that a virtue?
- Well...
When a wife who isn't exactly
plain seems to be attracted
to men and doesn't mind their
showing they're attracted...
Yes, I think I see
what you mean.
[instrumental music]
- Highball?
- Yes, thanks.
- Two highballs, please.
- Two scotch and sodas, sir?
Yeah, all right.
Say, uh, you got my name.
Would you mind telling me yours?
- Mrs. Cortright.
- Mrs. Cortright. Thanks.
- We haven't spoken before.
- No.
You don't seem to talk
to many people on board.
My wife said you didn't open up
much when she tried you.
[chuckles] Well, perhaps I wasn't
feeling so well that day.
- Feeling better tonight?
- Much better, thank you.
Say, you've lived abroad.
What's it like?
That depends on what
one's after, as you would say.
Well, when a man has no more job
and his wife wants a fling
- there are worse things than travel.
- Much worse.
And it wouldn't do for me though.
No, not long, it wouldn't.
No, for a steady thing, give me
America. For Americans, that is.
Drifting isn't nearly
so pleasant as it looks.
Well, if you don't like it,
why don't you give it up?
One drifts for lack of a reason
to do anything else.
[Sam]
Well, what do you want?
What do you suppose
any lone woman wants?
[chuckles] Guess I've been
talking too much again.
[chuckling]
Now don't leave me and go
trekking all over the continent.
Stay in London.
I should miss you so terribly.
You don't mean that,
and I don't want you to mean it.
But you're so wrong, Fran dear.
Some, I assure you,
has never been given a chance.
I shouldn't be human
if I didn't love hearing that.
Really. Really, Clyde,
that's a very silly thing to do.
I don't think I like it.
If you don't mind my saying,
I find you
extraordinarily attractive.
Don't you think you and I,
perhaps, have been seeing
too much of each other?
My dear Fran, now dismiss that idea
from your mind at once
and come and have lunch with me
in London tomorrow.
I most certainly shall not have
luncheon with you
in Lon-in London tomorrow,
and I shall say good night now.
Can't you think of anything more
cheerful to say
than just good night? Couldn't
you say, "Good night, Clyde"
or even,
"Good night, Clyde dear?"
Good night is all
I'm inclined to say.
You know you're taking a
wickedly unfair advantage of me.
I only thought I was doing
what was expected of me.
- What I expected of you?
- Well, not you alone, Fran.
You know, there's a tradition
about this sort of thing.
I thought civilized people knew
where an innocent flirtation
stops.
Well, I must say,
for a civilized woman
who's been married
as long as you have
you're making a great deal
of a small matter.
It's not a small matter to me.
I offer you
my most abject apology.
If I might offer you
one small word of advice,
give up starting the things
you're not prepared to finish.
It's quite evident that they only
lead you out of your depth.
You think I'm not equal
to your impudence?
You're not equal to anything. Look at the
exhibition you're making of yourself now.
- I?
- I...
Any modern schoolgirl could
compete with this situation.
You know, you destroy me.
You've got the most childish
misconception of yourself.
You think you're a woman
of the world
and you're nothing of the sort,
and I'm very much afraid...
If I should send for the steward
to have you put out
my husband will be sure
to hear of it.
He most certainly will.
I shall make an enormous noise.
Good night, Captain Lockert.
- Oh, hello.
- Hello.
Well, this is a good connection.
- You're not going?
- Yes, I've got to tuck in now.
- Nightcap before you go?
- No, thank you.
- I've got to pack and...
- Well, we'll be seeing you.
Yes, that's right.
You sure you won't have
lunch with me tomorrow?
- Quite sure.
- Well, that's too bad.
I think you would have enjoyed
that lunch.
Well...
You know, he's not so bad.
He's fresh.
But he's not so bad.
[sobbing]
Why, darling?
Why, darling, what is it?
What is it, darling, huh?
I've never been so furious
in my life.
About Lockert?
Don't speak that rotter's name.
- What did he do?
- He insulted me.
- Well, how far did he go?
- Why, he said things to me, Sam.
He said things... I can't
bear it. I can't bear it.
Well, I suppose it's up to me
to go out and shoot him.
- Oh, Sam! Don't joke!
- Well, I would feel rather like a fool.
You know, you and I are
not up to this sort of thing.
It kind of makes us
look like the hicks we are.
Sam!
Well, it does, and it's your
own fault for leading him on.
I suppose I'm to blame.
You must've given him
some excuse.
You have been flirting with him
and you've got such a sweet way
of bawling me out
in front of him,
that he'd naturally conclude...
Why, Sam! I never said a word
to embarrass you in all my life.
I've always been loyal to you.
You'll be sorry for this.
[sobbing]
You'll be sorry.
- Fran, I'm tired.
- Don't you think I'm tired, too?
All right then,
we're both tired.
There were some cigarettes
here somewhere.
Here they are.
- Sam?
- Yeah?
Don't let's go to England
at all.
What are you talking about?
We're there now.
Well, I want to go
over to France right away.
I'm so ashamed of this Lockert
business.
I'm ashamed way deep down
inside me.
What difference does that make?
I want to go to England.
I've got a date to look
at some automobile factories...
Well, I can't stay in England
with that man
laughing at me and saying...
What? That you kicked him out?
- That's not what he'll say.
- Ah! Silly.
[sniffles]
- Sam.
- Well?
You've got to take care of me.
You really have, Sam.
I... I don't trust myself.
I'm afraid of myself.
- You're afraid, sweetheart?
- Yes, I am.
Oh, Sam, I'm just a wooly
American like you after all.
And if you ever catch me trying
to be anything else,
will you beat me?
Well, will I have to beat you
very long at a time?
[instrumental music]
Oh, Sam, come on in
and finish your breakfast.
You know, Fran, when you think
of it, that's a thrill
a real thrill.
Down there
where the obelisk stands
that's where the guillotine
used to be.
That's where that
what's-her-name?
That Madam Roland said,
"O Liberty
what crimes are committed
in thy name!"
Only in French.
That's where Madam, uh...
You know, uh, Marie Antoinette
had her head cut off.
Sammy darling, I've said
good morning to that obelisk
for the last time, from now on,
I'm just gonna pretend
it isn't there at all.
Okay. Well, what are
your plans for today?
My plans? I don't know.
What are yours?
Well, I thought I'd take a look
at Napoleon's tomb.
Oh, you'll love that, I'm sure.
- Come with me?
- This morning?
Oh, I'm afraid I can't,
I have a fitting at 11:00
and an appointment with
the hairdresser's at 11:30.
Renée de Penable is fetching me.
Oh, see who that is, will you,
mon vieur?
Hello?
Oui, monsieur.
Okay, send her up.
Oh-oh.
- Who's that?
- It's Madame de Penable.
Oh, I must hurry.
Sammy, put on your coat.
This is much too domestic.
And put the cover
on the ham and the eggs.
I simply cannot understand
how anyone can eat
the breakfast you do.
Here in France,
where they really know food
they've learned the wisdom of
beginning the day fasting.
In the few weeks I've been here,
I've learned it myself.
But you still eat the breakfast
you do at home.
I still got the same insides
that I had at home.
Yes, Sammy, I'm afraid you have.
- Is that my Petit Parisien?
- No, that's my Paris Herald.
What good does
your patootie do me?
- Oh, uh, meet me for lunch?
- No, I can't.
Renée's giving it to me
at the Ritz.
Well, how about meeting me
at the Café de la Paix at 4:00?
Well, Sammy, I'll try.
- All right. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Ah! Good morning.
- Hi.
Well, the first on the list
today is Napoleon's tomb.
- How's the French coming along?
- Fine!
Yesterday I said
to a taxi driver,
[speaking French with
American accent]
And he understood me.
Oh, excuse me.
My guidebook.
[instrumental music]
[indistinct chatter]
[speaking in French]
You just don't know Sam.
He's really very sweet.
There he comes now. Arnold!
Renée, so glad to see you.
And this, Mrs. Dodsworth,
is Mr. Arnold Iselin.
How do you do?
What brings you back
from Dublin so soon?
- I hope it wasn't business.
- No.
Nothing so vulgar as business.
[speaking in French]
Who is that?
That is
the Comtesse De La Villalonga.
Oh.
- Tea?
- Yes, thank you.
I really think I ought to go
and speak with her.
May I leave you in Mr. Iselin's
most excellent care?
Renée has the most amusing
friends, doesn't she?
And the most charming.
[instrumental music]
[speaking in foreign language]
- Monsieur, how much?
- [speaking in French] 17.50.
Merci.
- More tea?
- Yes, thank you.
You know, I never thought
I'd find Paris so exciting.
What can I do to make myself
a part of your Paris?
Um, come and dine with us
tomorrow. You free?
Of course.
Well, I tell you,
it was very interesting.
Yes, sir, and then I went inside
and looked at the tomb
where he lies.
And there we were, Napoleon and
Sam Dodsworth of Zenith together.
[laughing]
Excuse me, my dear Fran,
I really must be going.
- Really?
- Goodnight and bonne nuit.
Sam, get Renée's wraps for her,
will you?
I'm so sorry it's been so dull.
We'd much better have
celebrated my birthday
as I wanted at some nightclub.
But Sam always persists
in taking care
that I don't get tired.
Tired.
Ah, here we are.
I hadn't realized
it was your birthday.
No? Wish I hadn't. No woman
enjoys getting to be 35.
When you're my age,
you'll look back on 35
as a most agreeable time
of life, Mrs. Dodsworth.
I hope I look as young as you do
when I'm your age.
You're almost sure to, my dear.
I must get my coat, too.
[speaking in French]
I left my coat
in the garderobe below.
Good night, Baron. Thank you
so much for your sweet flowers.
Phone me up tomorrow. Perhaps
we can dine somewhere for tea.
I'd love to.
Sam, will you put
Renée and the baron in the lift?
Sure, be glad to.
- Well, I'm glad you did.
- [Baron] Have you been to the opera?
Smoke another cigarette.
It has been very charming.
Then come and dine
with us again.
You and your husband
must come to me next.
Are you free Tuesday?
Shall we say 8:00?
Quai Voltaire, through the Carrousel
and straight over the river.
What a charming address.
We shall look forward to it.
Nerves, dear lady, nerves.
I'm poor in so many ways.
So many.
Thank you so much,
Mrs. Dodsworth.
I suppose we won't be
seeing you again.
No, I'm really off to Italy
in the morning.
My dear, don't.
What?
You're so charming.
[Sam]
Well, you're not going?
Yes, I stole a bit
of your letter paper
to write my address in Italy
on it. It's near Naples.
Fine. We'll certainly make use
of it when we're down your way.
- Please do. Good night.
- Good night, Mrs. Cortright.
- Bon voyage.
- Thank you. Good night.
- Well, I must be going, too. Good night.
- Good night.
Say, you were saying something
about the first Benz car.
[Arnold] Oh, yes. Another night.
That will keep. Good night.
[Sam]
Good night, sir.
You like that woman, don't you?
Well, you thought she was
the most distinguished-looking
woman on the boat.
Seems a frump in Paris.
Unfasten me, will you?
Mon vieur?
But then, Sammy dear, I'm always
glad to see your friends,
even the not particularly
amusing ones.
Fran, don't you think
we've had about enough of Paris?
In a month? My dear Sam.
No, I mean, don't you think
it's about time
we're beating it back home?
Home? No, I should think not.
I want to see lots more of
Europe.
Well, so do I,
but we could get in
a couple of months
in the Mediterranean
and Germany and still
catch an August sailing.
I want to see Venice and Rome.
Still planning your sightseeing
tour, Sammy dear?
Well, I don't see much percentage
in sitting here on my...
Bring me my cold cream,
will you, Sammy?
It's in the bathroom.
Fran, we got to begin
making plans pretty soo...
[clicks tongue] Oh.
Why don't you go home?
- What? Without you?
- [Fran] Yeah.
Get yourself a new lease on life
and come back here and join me.
Why don't 'ya?
No. I wouldn't wanna
go home without you.
Oh, well, I can see that you're not
enjoying yourself in Paris.
I'm only thinking
of your pleasure.
If you've got a mind, you
wouldn't ask me to leave here
just as I made some
really nice friends here.
Well, I don't think
they're so nice.
[Fran scoffs]
Well, I don't, and I don't see
what you see in them.
Now this Arnold Iselin may be
all he says he is
internationally and financially,
but he certainly is
no Barney Baruch.
And that Mrs. Penable, well,
I suppose she's all right...
if you don't mind your friends
collecting commission
on the dresses you buy, and I
hate to think who pays the bill
when that young Austrian
takes you out.
Arnold Iselin happens to be
one of the most
famous living financiers
and a distinguished
art collector. And Renée...
Oh, by the way,
she's Madame de Penable
not Mrs. Penable.
Renée is a true woman
of this great world here.
As for the baron, he may be poor
but he holds one of the oldest
titles in Austria
and they all belong
to the smartest crowd in Paris.
Fran, do you think the real thing
in Paris would hang out
with a couple of hicks like us?
All right, now what else are we?
I'm just an ordinary
American businessman
and I married the daughter
of a Zenith brewer
who's flying pretty high
these days.
I suppose you know exactly
what you mean by that.
Well, why won't you sit
at a sidewalk café with me?
'Cause smart people don't.
- I'm not smart.
- But I am.
You ought to be smart enough
not to care what people think.
Well, it's a matter of self-respect,
like the Englishman
dressing for dinner
in the jungle.
Yeah, I read about him.
He probably never did it.
Oh, you simply
will not understand.
I can't! If I want men to be
something more than waiters!
I've heard
my friends insulted enough!
A lot of moochers.
Now let's hear the one about
the great motor magnate
and what he did
for the automobile industry.
You may be the most impressive
man in Zenith, Sam,
but you're not in Zenith now.
You're in Paris now!
And I'm tired and sick of
apologizing to my friends.
Have you been apologizing
to this crowd for me?
- Yes, I have!
- [phone ringing]
Hello? Yes?
All right.
Well, we've been making so much
noise someone's complained.
- Oh! How humiliating.
- Yes, isn't it?
All right, go ahead. Pipe down,
but go ahead. I'm waiting.
Oh, you're hopeless,
you haven't the mistiest
notion of civilization here.
Yeah, well, maybe I don't think
so much of it, though.
Maybe clean hospitals,
concrete highways
and no soldiers
along the Canadian border
come nearer my idea
of civilization.
There are 20 million automobiles
in America.
I've contributed something
to every one of them
from my own personal
civilization.
And if that isn't more than
knowing how to order dinner
as your friend the madam...
And don't call her
"the madam" either.
All right. All right.
Don't let's go into that again.
You don't want to learn. I could
teach you. I belong here.
- They accept me here.
- [Sam] Yeah?
Well, I'm gonna get
out of this town and back
to doing something
and take you along.
- Well, I'm not going, Sam.
- Oh, yes, you are.
No, I'm not. I think you and I
need a vacation from each other.
Well, I don't feel that way
about it.
I think I've been weak with you
long enough.
Besides...
I've rented a villa
with Renée for the summer
at-at Montreux
on Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
I've signed the lease.
Well, I think
you might have told me.
I got my own money.
- Fran! Fran, my darling...
- What?
You're not drifting away
from me?
- I hope not.
- Oh, no.
You and I, Fran,
after all these years.
[sighs] All right, I'll give it up.
I won't go home.
But you've...
You've got to go.
[sobbing]
You've simply got to.
I can't stand being torn
like this any longer.
Oh, I'm sorry for all the mean
things I've said to you.
But if you and I are
gonna go on together,
you've simply got to let me
alone this summer.
Oh, don't look so hurt,
and please don't be angry.
Oh, be as angry as you like
if it does you any good.
Remember, I did make a home for
you once, and I'll do it again,
only you've got to
let me have my fling now
because you're simply
rushing at old age, Sam.
And I'm not ready for that yet.
[mellow music]
[music continues]
What is it, Sam?
I just thought I'd see
the first boat I could catch.
[instrumental music]
- Oh, I'm so glad you're back.
- Oh, I'm glad to see you.
Let me look at you.
- Well, you look all right.
- I'm fine.
How's Harry?
- Is he treating you all right?
- He's perfect.
Well, he'd better treat you
all right. Where is he?
He's at the office. Got a big
deal on. Couldn't get away.
He told me to tell you
he'd see you tonight, though.
Oh. Big deal, eh? Mm-hmm.
- How's mother?
- She's all right.
Why didn't she come home
with you?
Well, she's got some things
she wants to attend to and...
Why did you come home
without her?
Well, she...
Now what are you so nosy about?
[laughs]
How's the new house
coming along?
Oh, it's wonderful. Do you want
to drive out and see it?
No, no, no, I want to go home.
I'll see it tomorrow.
Now how about a little check
to help furnish it, huh?
No, thanks, darling.
Now wait a minute, just because
I've stopped working
that doesn't mean
that I've stopped being helpful.
Well, we don't need your help.
We're getting along fine now.
Yeah?
Well...
could you use this?
Could I?
Oh, it's beautiful.
And here.
Two of them. Oh!
Faster, Kurt, faster.
Can't you make it go faster?
- All right. All right. Hold on!
- All right.
- Is that fast enough?
- Yeah.
[instrumental music]
Kurt, why don't you go in
and play for us?
- Shall we make music, Renée?
- If you like.
- You come inside?
- Inside?
Oh, no.
Let's stay out here, Arnold.
The music will sound
so lovely out here.
The afternoon post came
while you were gone.
Perhaps you may amuse Arnold
by reading
your husband's letter to him.
[instrumental music]
- Would you do something for me?
- Within reason, why not?
Read your husband's letter.
That's an odd request, Arnold.
Anything within reason,
you said.
I have my reasons.
[instrumental music]
Why did you make me
read this letter?
I've been having such fun today.
This letter's spoiled
everything.
Switzerland,
the lake, the house.
All of it's just
so much Zenith now.
Presently he'll be taking you
back to Zenith.
What are you doing,
trying to torture me?
I'm making love to you.
What do you expect me
to say to that?
Don't make love to me, Arnold.
Afraid, Fran?
Surely not afraid.
If your husband had saved
for you some of the love
he lavished on carburetors...
My dear innocent Fran.
I'm not innocent,
and Sam does love me.
And no matter what he lacks,
I've always been able to
trust him.
I live in the present.
Why don't you?
This letter is the past.
It's a future too,
at least it is for me.
Let's get rid of
both, past and future.
How?
Would this be of any use to you?
What?
[instrumental music]
Why should I say
anything I didn't think?
What, you didn't think
what to think?
Maybe I don't care
what you think!
You ought to care what I think!
I didn't know anything
could make you think!
- Dad!
- Is that so?
Well, did you have a
good time in New Haven?
- Had a wonderful time!
- Simply terrible!
- What is this?
The heat wave
or just a hangover?
- It's Sam!
- Sam! Yeah, sure! Sam! Sam!
Griping, just griping,
always griping.
- I'm going home!
- Well, go ahead!
- Sit down.
- I'm goin' home.
- Did a cable come for me today?
- No, father.
Why, there should have been
a cable from your mother.
Oh, I'll have Mary telephone
and I'll ask.
- No, no, no, don't trouble.
- But it's no trouble.
Well, if a cable had come, they'd
have sent it out, wouldn't they?
Now, don't be cross.
I'm not cross just because
I asked if there's a cable.
In the old days,
I wouldn't have to ask.
Been laid out on my desk for me.
The way things are run around
this house,
I can't find anything of mine.
Please don't be difficult.
Well, why shouldn't I
be difficult?
When a man's made to feel more
homeless in his own house
than he did in Paris!
- Now, Sam.
- It's true.
Only I'm not being difficult.
- Where's my mail?
- [Emily] There isn't any.
- No mail?
- Not since the last I sent you.
My mail should be
laid out on that desk.
Your mother always had my mail
laid out on that desk.
- No mail, no cable.
- Is that the trouble?
- What?
- No mail and no cable?
No. And my whiskey. My whiskey
should be laid out on that table, too.
Your mother always had it there
waiting for me.
- Whiskey and soda and ice.
- [Emily] Yes, I remember.
If you remember, why hasn't it
been set out once
since I came home from Europe?
You haven't spoken of it before.
Now, don't think
I haven't missed it.
Mary, will you please bring
my father's whiskey and soda?
I'm sorry, ma'am,
but the wine closet's locked.
[Sam]
Well, unlock it.
Mr. Harry's got the key
on his watch chain.
Well, what's the key
to my liquor doing
on my son-in-law's watch chain?
You gave Harry that key
and he's taking
very good care of it.
Oh, you're taking his side
against me, are 'ya?
- Oh, it doesn't matter, Sam...
- Excuse me, Matey, but it does matter.
If a man can't invite
a friend of his
to have a drink in his own
library...
Never said anything
about a drink to me!
- Well, I was just going to.
- [Emily] That's all, Mary. Thank you.
Well, if I can't give you
a drink...
But you can in a minute, father.
Harry will be home
any minute now, I know,
because we're going
to a cocktail party.
- Yeah, well, will you have a cigar?
- Anything, Sam. Anything.
- All right. Where are the cigars?
- Harry smokes cigarettes.
- I'll have Mary telephone him...
- No, wait a minute. Wait a minute!
Where-where's the humidor
that used to be on this table?
- It isn't there now.
- It stood there for years!
Mary, where's father's humidor?
- I'm sorry, ma'am...
- Why, it stood right there!
It was round and kinda
copper-like on the outside.
Oh, that. Mrs. McKee
took it to plant bulbs in.
- Plant bulbs in my humidor, eh?
- Just a few hyacinths.
- And what's this truck here?
- That's a jigsaw puzzle.
- Well, get it out of here.
- No, you can't move it...
A man's got to have one room
in his own house
that he can feel at home in!
Get this thing out of here now!
I don't want it in here.
Now, you be careful, Sam.
Be careful. Let me do that.
Don't drop it. Sam, here.
Give it to me.
What childish foolishness
is it anyway?
What's it supposed to be?
Well, it was going to be
the Chicago fire.
- Chicago fire?
- Yeah, Chicago fire.
See, they got the title
almost put together?
What's a cow doing in the
Chicago fire?
It started with a cow
kicking a lantern.
That isn't the way
the Chicago Fire started.
Yes, it was, Sam, it was
an earthquake in 'Frisco
and a cow in Chicago.
My father was in Chicago in '71!
- That was after the fire.
- That's the year of the fire!
- The fire was in the '60s.
- That was the Civil War!
- They were both in the '60s!
- All right! I'll bet you!
Where's my encyclopedia?
Here, take the truck.
- What'll I do with it?
- Take it out of here.
It never would have been in here
in your mother's day.
Your mother had some respect
for a man's library.
No mail, no cable, no cigars.
Hello, everybody.
How about a drink?
[whistles softly]
Father, I'm sorry things
aren't the way they used to be.
But Harry and I
are living in this house, too,
and I'd wish you'd stop speaking of
mother as though she were dead.
I'm not speaking of your mother
as though she...
Oh, yes, you are, Sam.
Well, your mother's coming home.
- When's she coming?
- [Matey] When, Sam?
I sent a cable for her to come.
I'm expecting a cable now
telling me what boat.
Do you know, dad, when mother
didn't come home with you
and you looked so worried,
I was afraid there might be
some kind of trouble
between you.
Between your mother and me?
Not a chance.
- I know. It was silly.
- Certainly it was silly.
Oh, I forgot, I've got a cable
here. It was sent in my care.
So it came to the office
somehow.
"Ladies first"
as they say in a shipwreck.
[instrumental music]
What's the matter?
Isn't mother coming?
This is nothing.
This isn't from your mother.
I thought you were going
to a cocktail party.
- We were...
- Now, go on and go.
- We don't have to...
- Go on and go.
'Ya big stiff.
You old horse thief.
Sam, you old darling.
- She's not coming.
- I guessed as much.
It's lonesome here without her.
What does she say?
"Want few more months Europe.
Hope you're having
good time home."
I cable her to come,
and she doesn't say one word
about me going over.
- She's thoughtless.
- No, she's not, Matey.
- She's scared.
- Fran's scared? What of?
Of growing old.
That's very smart of you, Sam.
Yeah.
- Will you read her last letter?
- Fran's letter to you?
Yes, it's not so private.
[instrumental music]
What's this?
That's the way they make sevens
in France.
Sounds like a beautiful place.
- Have you seen it?
- No.
- Oh.
- What?
She said they're having
a good time.
Well, it sounds
like a healthy time.
- You know these people?
- Yes.
- You like them?
- Well, they're all right.
They're very clever people.
They're not my style.
I see.
- Well?
- Nothing.
You're an old friend, Matey.
I don't know what to think.
Who's Arnold Iselin?
He's one of those
custom-built internationals
you see in the rotogravure
section every Sunday.
Oh.
- Well, give us a kiss now.
- Matey, I thought you wanted...
Will you lay off those
European liberties with my wife?
Come along. Come on.
[indistinct chatter]
[door closes]
[instrumental music]
Western Union, please.
Hello. Take a cable
going to Mrs. Dodsworth.
This is Samuel Dodsworth
speaking.
Yes, same address as my last.
Ready?
"Sailing Aquitania Wednesday.
Stop.
Meet me Crion, Paris. Love,
signed, Sam."
And take another. Going to
A.B. Hurd. H-U-R-D.
Manager, Dodsworth Car, Paris.
"Sailing Aquitania Wednesday.
Stop.
"Using utmost discretion,
ascertain
"day-to-day address
of Arnold Iselin.
"I-S-E-L-I-N.
"Paris. Stop.
"Keep me informed, wireless.
Signed, Dodsworth."
[waves crashing]
Another wireless, Mr. Dodsworth.
[waves crashing]
[male #2]
Will you sign, sir?
- Where is Biarritz?
- Biarritz is in France, sir.
Down by the Spanish border.
It's a fashionable watering
place.
- Yes, thank you.
- Thank you, sir.
[waves crashing]
[indistinct chatter]
- Hello, darling!
- Sam! Oh, God, Sam, oh.
Well, you look fine.
Well, you don't look bad
yourself.
- When'd you get to Paris?
- Just before dinner.
Yeah, and now you...
[speaking in foreign language]
- You must be tired.
- No, no, I'm not tired.
How-how far is it from Montreux?
Oh, I came much further
than that.
I came all the way
from Biarritz.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Well, how are Emily and Matey
and Tubby?
- Tell me all the news.
- Everybody's fine.
Well, you might go
a little more into detail.
After all,
Emily's my daughter, too.
Emily's very happy.
That marriage is working out
all right.
Oh, I'm so glad.
Of course, I never
thought Harry was very exciting.
Weren't you, uh,
pretty lonely in Biarritz?
I wasn't sorry to be by myself
for a bit.
Why do you keep looking
at your watch all the time?
I've never seen you like this
before, Sam.
No?
I've never seen you
like this either, Fran.
What'd you do to your hair?
Oh, just touched it up a bit.
Like it?
[horn honking]
[speaking in French]
Well, this looks natural.
Well, it was as cool as anything
they had, so I took it again.
Yeah? Well, all hotel rooms
look alike to me.
Hey, wait a minute.
Where are you going?
Oh, he's just gonna put the bags
in the other room.
What room?
Well, I-I thought you'd be tired
after your long trip
and the weather being
so stifling
I took the two bedrooms
this time.
You don't mind the separate
rooms, do you, Sam?
No, I don't mind anything now
that I'm back with you again.
[speaking in French]
Oh, let's don't stay here.
Let's go out
and find some cool spot
to go and have something
to drink, hmm?
- I thought you were tired.
- No, I'm not tired.
There you go,
looking at your watch again.
Really, Sam,
it's not very polite of you.
If my company hangs
so heavily on your hands
why did you make me leave
Biarritz and come all this way?
- I'm expecting a visitor.
- Well, at this time of night?
At Cherbourg, I telegraphed
a man to meet me here.
- I'll give him ten minutes...
- [telephone ringing]
Here we are.
Hello? Yes, I'm expecting him.
Send him up, please.
- I'll wait in the bedroom.
- No, you stay.
But your business acquaintances
don't amuse me too terribly,
you know, Sam.
This is not
a business acquaintance.
- Someone I know?
- Yes.
- Someone from Zenith?
- Well, you'll see who it is.
Has Renée de Penable
been gossiping?
Because if she has,
it's a pack of lies.
I haven't heard a word
from Mrs. Penable.
What are you up to, Sam?
[doorbell ringing]
Steady, darling. Sit down.
Come in.
Good evening.
Good evening.
Was it Arnold
you telegraphed to?
I think you might have told me.
It wasn't my idea to tell you.
I tried to reach you
over the telephone, Fran,
to tell you that I was coming.
I wanted to see you two
face-to-face.
Fran alone would've wasted time
acting.
I knew you'd been in Biarritz
together. I'm sorry, Fran.
I hate undercover work myself.
But I wouldn't have got
where I have in this world
if it hadn't been in me to be
a bit ruthless on occasions.
It's the most outrageous thing
I've ever heard in my life.
What if Arnold was in Biarritz?
Won't you let me handle
my part, Fran?
Let me remind you, Dodsworth,
that Shakespeare's "Othello"
ends badly for the hero.
Yes, well, I'm not Othello.
This is not the Middle Ages.
None of us speak blank verse,
not even you.
You are rather jumping
at conclusions, you know.
Yeah? Have you ever noticed
how transparent people are
when you really look at them?
What are you implying?
Do you know how insulting
you are?
[laughs] You don't know
how insulting I'm going to be
if you don't stop
this play-acting.
I'm sure you've given her things
she needed
and wanted
and never got from me.
But I'm interested
in what I need and want
and that happens to be
peace of mind.
If you can bring yourself
to see matters reasonably...
I've crossed the Atlantic Ocean
to be reasonable.
I've loved you and been
married to you for 20 years.
I want to hold on to you
if I can.
You wanna marry each other?
I won't let you throw me
at Arnold's head.
You wanna divorce me, then?
Why should I wanna divorce you?
You're my husband.
You couldn't very well divorce
me if I weren't.
Well, you can laugh.
Yes, I can do worse than that.
I'm finding all this
very distasteful.
- Ah, it's ridiculous.
- Certainly it's ridiculous.
The old triangle stuff.
I knew we'd all end
by looking like fools.
- I go now if you'll excuse me.
- Sure, I'll excuse you.
You have nothing more
to say to him, have you?
I hope you achieve your peace
of mind, Mr. Dodsworth.
- Thank you. Good night.
- Good night.
I'm so sorry, Sam.
I'm-I'm so terribly sorry.
Well, I'm ready to wipe
the slate clean if you are.
And start out
on a long hike tomorrow.
Anything you say, Sam.
Anything you say.
[indistinct] Italy, any place.
'Til we sail back home
in December.
Home in December.
Zenith in December.
Yeah, you'll wanna go home
in December.
Emily's having a baby
in December.
Emily?
- A baby?
- Yes.
- She didn't tell me.
- No.
She left me the fun
of telling you.
But how is she, is she well?
Yes, she's fine.
Oh, I must send her a cable.
No, no, I could-I could
telephone her, couldn't I?
Let's see,
what time is it in Zenith?
You see, we'll have to learn
to behave ourselves
when we'll be a couple
of old grandparents in December.
[hangs up phone]
[instrumental music]
Here you are, young one.
It's your mama and daddy.
[music continues]
[chuckles]
[baby sneezes]
Gee.
Where's that telegram?
Over there.
Listen to this, young fella.
"Mr. Samuel Dodsworth McKee."
That's you.
Are you listening? Hmm?
"Congratulations on your
arrival. Stop.
"We send all our love
and affection.
Grandpa and Grandma Dodsworth."
See? Look at it.
Just think, Mr. McKee,
all the way from Vienna.
[dramatic music]
I do love Vienna. Don't you?
I love you, Fran.
Oh, Sam, darling.
I'm so silly and heedless,
and I don't speak of it
as often as I should, but
I'm terribly grateful inside.
Have I won you back
for my wife, Fran?
Shall I tell you how?
By understanding,
by staying on here in Europe,
by helping me forget
Arnold Iselin.
By forgetting him yourself.
[music continues]
Haven't you have anything
to say to it?
Well, what is there to say?
Well, I, after hav-having
opened my heart to you,
it makes me feel a little
self-conscious
to see you standing there
not saying anything.
"Self-conscious?"
Maybe that's my trouble.
Maybe that's the trouble
with all
reconciled couples afterwards.
That's not very generous of you,
Sam.
Oh, I've lost my bearings.
I don't know where I'm heading.
[Fran]
Who are you calling?
I thought I'd like to talk
to Emily.
[Fran]
We sent her a cable already.
I'd like to hear her voice
and see how the baby
got through his first day.
There's not time.
Those transatlantic calls
are so slow from here.
And-and Kurt'll be coming in.
Oh, Kurt can wait.
I won't have Kurt
standing around here
while you and I gush to Emily.
Oh, I know how thrilled you are
about the baby, and so am I.
But all our friends here
think of me as young, and I am.
Oh, I am, I was such a child
when you married me.
It isn't fair.
[doorbell rings]
Come in.
Good evening.
I brought you a box
of real Havana cigars.
- Very kind of you, Kurt.
- Smuggled through without duty.
Tonight I take you to a very gay
restaurant with very good food.
- And, uh, dance after?
- If you make Sam get dressed.
Yes, I-I think I'll let you go
without me.
No, Sam, you must come with us!
What fun do you think
it is for me
to sit up all night
watching you two dance?
Oh.
Oh, do not speak so crossly,
Sam.
You should be happy
to see Fran happy.
She is so lovely
when she's happy.
I'm sorry I snapped.
Now, I'd only spoil
your fun tonight.
The truth is, I got some other
important news from home today.
Yes? News?
Sam.
Nothing that would interest you.
Bad news?
No. No, not bad.
Now I think I'll sit here
by myself tonight
and think things over.
Perhaps Sam would rather be
left alone tonight
but I wanna go out.
I want to.
Have you been quarrelling,
you two?
- No.
- You must not.
You're here so small a time.
Perhaps, I shall never see you
again.
Let's not be serious. Come with
us, Sam. Life is so short.
My life will be
a whole lot shorter for me
if I don't get some sleep.
Oh, no, you run along
and have your fun.
Thank you, Sam dear,
for so many things.
Come on, Kurt.
I'm sorry, Sam.
Good night.
[instrumental music]
Oh, Kurt, I simply adore it.
I think you were meant to dance
always, all your life long.
You couldn't suggest anything
I'd like any better.
[speaking in German]
Good night.
[speaking in German]
[sighs heavily]
Fun and friends all evening.
[speaking in German]
- Is that right, Kurt?
- Yeah.
[speaking in German]
Oh, don't stand there
in the doorway. Come on in.
I do not like
coming in here so late.
I do not think that
Sam would like it.
Sam?
Have we given Sam
any reason to mind?
No.
Don't be a stinker.
[instrumental music]
Sam's dead to the world.
Just don't talk loud,
that's all. Sit down.
Give me my purse, will you?
Thank you.
Darling. Darling.
Kurt.
You know I love you, Fran.
You know that.
Kurt, you must stop
that kind of talk.
Is it so wicked?
Have you not been happy
with me here in Vienna?
Happy? I've been
terribly happy. You know that.
I think you could love me, Fran.
I think you could.
There's nothing we can do
about it, is there?
No.
No, that's true.
My hands are tied.
You're married to Sam,
my friend.
I can't ask you to be my wife.
Kurt.
You want to marry me, Kurt?
Does it surprise you?
Oh, why are you not free?
[music continues]
If I were free, Kurt?
Oh, Fran.
- Fran, if you were free...
- Don't. Please don't.
Oh, forgive me.
You better go now.
[music continues]
[music continues]
[door slams]
[dramatic music]
[music continues]
[knocking on door]
Oh.
Oh, I-I didn't know
you'd come in.
I-I'm sorry I woke you up.
It's pretty late.
Not that I mind you and Kurt
staying out late.
No?
What did you want?
Have things got this bad, Fran?
I can't talk tonight, I'm-I'm
too tired to talk tonight.
If things have got this bad,
they've got to stop altogether.
Now, I'm willing to do anything
I can to make you happy.
I love you, you know that.
But if we're going on together,
as you said to me
back in Paris, I'm saying it now
if we are going on together
we've got to beat it right back
home where we belong.
Is that your idea
of making me happy?
I'm not taking any more chances
on another Arnold Iselin.
Well, I know this friendship
with Kurt is harmless enough.
But you might get fascinated.
You think I might?
You really think I might?
Well, I love Kurt,
and Kurt loves me
and I'm going to marry him.
He asked me tonight.
I decided it just now
this minute
when I found you here
hiding behind doors
the Great Dodsworth,
great prowling elephant.
Fran.
I wish Kurt had stayed here to
punch your head
for spying on us.
I wasn't spying, I didn't...
You can't play
the injured innocent with me!
You've never known me, you've
never known anything about me.
Not what I had on
or what I thought
or the sacrifices I've made.
- Look out now!
- I'll be happy with Kurt.
I'm fighting for life!
You can't drag me back!
Fran!
Will you get your divorce here?
Yes, I suppose so.
I wish you'd put it off
for a couple of months.
Why?
I'd like you to feel
sure of Kurt, that's all.
Well, it's my funeral now,
isn't it?
Yes, I guess so.
I'll have to get used to
that idea.
I guess I can.
[dramatic music]
[indistinct chatter]
Oh, Sam darling,
don't look so forlorn.
I know it's gonna be
hard to realize
but you and I just
can't get on together.
And I do love Kurt.
I stand by that.
[speaking in German]
[music continues]
All the same, you and I have had some
good times together. Haven't we?
I won't forget 'em.
You remember 'em?
[speaking in German]
[speaking in German]
[clears throat]
Goodbye.
Sam?
Do try not to be too
dreadfully lonely, will you?
Did I remember to tell you today
that I adore you?
[train chugging]
[music continues]
[suspenseful music]
[suspenseful music]
[horn honking]
[speaking in foreign language]
[rain splattering]
[coins clinking]
[music continues]
[horn honking]
Anything for Dodsworth?
[speaking in Italian]
Buongiorno, Miss Edith.
[indistinct chatter]
What's, uh, special delivery
to Vienna?
[speaking in Italian]
[coins clinking]
All right?
[speaking in Italian]
Buongiorno, signore.
I want to be get
in the line of excursions today.
We have a touring party
just starting for Pompeii.
I've been there.
There's a beautiful drive
around Mount Sorrento.
Been there, too.
There's Capri and Brugherio.
No, I went there yesterday.
- How would you like Paestum?
- Paestum, what's Paestum?
Greek temples, sir,
in excellent preservation.
Well, that's more than I am.
All right, I'll take a chance.
Get me a car.
- How many in the party, sir?
- One.
- Yes, sir. The name?
- Dodsworth.
[bell dings]
[speaking in Italian]
[speaking in Italian]
Mr. Dodsworth.
Do you remember me?
- Mrs. Cortright! Of course.
- Yeah. The steamer, Paris.
And now Naples.
Well, isn't this great?
- Where are you staying?
- At the Excelsior.
No, no, that-
that was Rome last week.
No, it's-it's the one
down by the aquarium.
I think it's the Grand.
It usually is.
Let's-let's sit down,
if you've got a moment.
Well, time is something
I have nothing else but.
How's Mrs. Dodsworth? I remember
her with so much pleasure.
Oh, she's fine. I-I haven't got
her along this trip.
- She doesn't like traveling?
- Does anyone?
Well, I don't know, I suspect
most people travel to get away
from themselves.
Well, I've been at it
three months now.
I'm glad to hear why.
Alone?
Oh, I'm getting used to it now.
All museums look alike.
All American Express offices
look alike.
Well, you knew I live here.
You might've looked me up.
Well, I sorta gotten out
of the way of looking folks up.
And the education,
how's that coming along?
Oh-ho, I gave it up.
I found myself learning things
I didn't want to learn.
Pardon me, sir.
Your car is ready.
- All right, hold it, will you?
- Yes, sir.
- Oh, you're busy. I'm sorry...
- No, no, no.
I've got nothing to do
but look at ruined temples.
They'll keep.
They've kept this long.
Come out to me for lunch.
- When?
- Anytime.
- Today?
- Yes. Why not?
Mrs. Cortright,
even if it weren't you,
if it were darn near anybody,
I'd be so glad to have
someone to talk to.
Listen, there's
a couple at my hotel,
one of those really married
couples, you know?
They sit at the table
next to me every night.
They never say one word
to each other through dinner.
After dinner, they sit
in the lounge till 10:00.
Every night at 10:00,
the husband says to his wife,
"Mary, it's getting late."
Just those four words.
And, except for waiters and taxi
drivers, and they don't count,
that's four more words
than I've said any night
in the past three weeks.
I don't want to intrude,
but I'm sorry.
[laughs]
I never wore these before.
Never needed them until lately.
Well, I guess it's
a pretty ordinary story.
My wife's younger than I am,
and livelier.
Say, I oughtn't to address
in public like this.
I never did that before, either.
You haven't said anything
you shouldn't have said.
Will you go on traveling now?
Yes. I've got to stay over
and be on hand for the divorce.
- Where?
- Vienna.
Mm.
Well, come along now,
we'll use your car
to help me do my marketing.
It'll do you a lot more good
than ruined temples.
- There's no argument there.
- What would you like for lunch?
Say, uh, let's have
some good American dish.
How about some clam chowder?
Clam chowder.
You get the clams,
and I'll make the chowder.
[speaking in Italian]
[speaking in Italian]
- Grazie, signore.
- All right.
- Paestum.
- No, no, no Paestum.
- The fish market.
- A la pescheria.
A la pescheria.
- La pescheria?
- Si, si. Pescheria.
[instrumental music]
[Mrs. Cortright]
Pietro!
Hello, boy!
- What's his name?
- Jinx.
- Si, signora.
- Come on, Jinx!
Well, what a wonderful spot.
[speaking in Italian]
Hello, Jinx.
Come on, Jinx! Jinx!
Now, this is marvelous,
simply wonderful.
I can't believe it.
I simply can't believe it.
- $50 a month for this?
- [Edith] That's all.
- Furnished?
- [Edith] Oh, no.
I picked up a few things.
- Are you hungry?
- Starved.
Oh, I know,
I'll fix the clam chowder.
Oh, no, she can do it...
[indistinct Italian]
Pronto. A la pescheria.
Uh... [indistinct Italian]
Uh, momento.
Yes, dress me up
in my camp clothes
and I'm a first-class chef.
Say, how would you like to
hire me?
I'm a good cook, a fine mechanic
and a darn good fisherman.
Could you let yourself
enjoy life for a while?
Show me how.
I wonder if you could.
Well, none of this that's
happened to me was my idea.
All right, break away from your
hotels. Forget about Vienna.
Move out here to me.
- Out to you?
- Yes.
I can't make you as comfortable
as your hotel does.
When you want a bath,
you'll have to choose between
the tin tub
and the Mediterranean.
But if you like swimming, and
fishing, a willing listener...
That's very kind of you,
Mrs. Cortright
and mighty friendly, but
I don't see how I could.
- Why not?
- What'd your neighbors think?
Oh, being Italians,
they think a great deal.
[Sam]
Exactly.
Oh, but that doesn't mean
it would have to be so.
Or that I'd have it so
even if you wanted it so.
[doorbell rings]
How do you do, Baroness?
How-how nice of you.
[speaking in German]
You must speak English, Mother.
Fran doesn't yet
understand German well.
We shall, of course,
speak English.
But I'm working very hard
at my German, Baroness.
Uh, do sit over here
in this chair, will you?
I think you'll find it
much more comfortable.
Uh, Kurt darling,
will you light a fire?
It's a very cold morning,
isn't it?
There is no need to light
a fire for me, Kurt.
I am not cold.
Do let me give you a cup of
coffee. I have coffee for you.
Milchschaum, too, you see?
Kurt has taught me
that much Viennese.
No, thank you.
Oh, uh, no-no coffee?
Kurt?
Oh, well, then, I won't either.
Kurt, do sit down.
You look so strained.
Really, it's I
who should feel strained
and I don't feel that way,
not a bit.
I love your mother, and I hope
she's going to love me.
Fran, my mother believes
we should postpone our marriage.
No, Kurt, I did not say
"Postpone."
I came from the country
only this morning.
We had not much time
for speaking, Kurt and I
but I hoped I made myself
clear to him
when he asked my permission
to marry you.
Kurt asked for permission
to marry me?
But of course.
And I'm so sorry
I cannot give it.
I think, you might've told me
that you're not a free agent.
I wanted her to see you, Fran.
I knew when she saw you,
she would think differently.
Hmm.
She doesn't seem to.
Well, now that
you've got so far,
perhaps you'll tell me what
it is you've got against me.
I love your son, and I'm really
rather a nice person.
Your husband is living,
Mrs. Dodsworth.
You will be divorced.
Well, that's not so serious,
is it?
It's most serious to us.
Really, I have every respect
for your feelings
but with Kurt's happiness at
stake, and yours, too Baroness.
Perhaps it's not quite
my place to bring it up
but it is an argument,
so you'll let me use it.
I'm a person of considerable
means in my own right.
Enough for the three of us here
in Austria, so you see that...
Oh, yes, indeed I see.
I do not deny that we are poor
since the war.
And your influence and money
would be most helpful.
But even if there were
not the religious question.
What else is there?
Will you leave us, Kurt?
There is the question
of children, too.
Children?
Rich or poor,
Kurt should have children
to carry on his name.
Can you give them to him?
What makes you think I couldn't?
I am so much older
than you are, my dear.
You will forgive
if I observe that you are
older than Kurt.
Well, children or no children,
Kurt loves me and I love him.
So why shouldn't we do without
your permission
and marry anyway
and take our happiness?
I do not know
what power you have over Kurt
but I should think of my own
happiness if I were you.
I am thinking of that.
Have you thought
how little happiness
there can be
for the old wife
of a young husband?
Kurt!
Your mother's leaving.
Yes.
I do not think
there is more to say.
[speaking in German]
I am sorry if I have hurt you.
I will go now.
I will go home.
Goodbye, my dear.
I'm very glad to...
Goodbye.
I will just
take her to a taxi and...
Kurt!
[speaking in German]
Did she say something,
something to hurt you, Fran?
Oh, please, don't be angry.
Perhaps we had better postpone
our marriage for a year
until we win her over.
What are you?
But I must consider my mother,
Fran.
And we can still be married.
Oh, I'm sure of that.
It isn't fair.
It isn't fair.
Fran darling, please,
please, try.
Oh, I do love you, Fran.
But my mother...
[Fran sobbing]
My mother is waiting.
I want to put in
a long-distance call.
To Naples. Naples, Italy.
Villa Cortright.
Posilipo.
I want to speak to Mr...
Samuel Dodsworth.
[instrumental music]
[speaking in Italian]
Si, si, here.
Here? Si.
- Ah! Choke. You know?
- Si.
Choke. Choke. You know choke?
- Choke?
- Yeah, choke.
[telephone ringing]
[speaking in Italian]
Pronto. Si. Qui?
Pronto.
[speaking in Italian]
Hi, there.
Well, I couldn't imagine
what had become of you.
Going fishing with Pietro again?
Yeah, I wanna show him
a few Florida tricks I know.
[speaking in Italian]
Non importante.
Have you been expecting
a long-distance call?
Here? Heavens, no.
Well, that phone has been
ringing all morning.
It doesn't make any sense
at all.
[speaking in Italian]
[engine turning over]
There's that horrible little
putt-putt motor again.
It's been around all morning.
Yeah, he's got the hang
of it now.
Sam, that's not my Pietro.
Pietro's crazy about
that motor, Edith.
[engine sputtering]
Why, you didn't put it on his
boat with the beautiful sail?
I bought him that sail. It's got
Santa Lucia painted on it.
All right, I'll have a statue
of Santa Lucia made up.
We'll put her
on the boat holding
a taillight or something, huh?
[laughing]
Ah, listen, don't be hard on me.
Setting up that motor's
the first real fun I've had
since I quit business
and it's got me raring to go
all over again
for the first time.
- To go?
- You bet.
Away from here?
Anyplace where I can get back
in harness.
Gettin' in on something new,
the way they
did with automobiles when they
began, thirty years ago.
Thought I might try
my hand at aviation.
The idea of a Moscow-to-Seattle
airline kind of strikes me.
Moscow to Seattle?
[phone ringing]
Yeah, buy in on a
transcontinental connection.
And then with these
transatlantic flights
coming on so well, say,
I might be the first man
with his own
round-the-world system.
The Soviet people seem
agreeable.
[phone ringing]
But have you begun
working on this already?
No, not really working,
but listen...
I'll tell you what we'll do.
We'll make a little preliminary
survey...
- "We?"
- Yeah.
I've got my pilot
all staked out.
I'll buy my own plane,
and the day after the divorce
comes in, we'll hop off
and go straight across...
"We," Sam? "We?"
Now wait a minute.
Where's that map?
[speaking in Italian]
Uh, Vienna.
- Vienna?
- [Teresa] Si.
[speaking in Italian]
- We were just hopping off. Where?
- Pronto.
Siberia.
[speaking in Italian]
Pick out landing fields.
No end of ramifications.
A French line from Irkutsk
to Tashkent and Samarkand.
Swell name, Samarkand.
Say, if those Soviet boys
will let me...
Yeah, it'll be tough on you,
though.
On one little suitcase
in coldest places.
You think you could stand it?
- Are you taking me with you?
- Well, don't you wanna go?
Sam, all my life
I've been waiting
for something exciting
to happen.
I'll fly across Siberia
with you on one suitcase.
I'll go through life with you
on one suitcase
if you give me the chance.
Edith, I've spent six short
weeks with you in this house
and I can't imagine ever being
without you again.
I can't imagine
being without you, either.
I think I must love you
a great deal, Sam.
God bless you for that.
[phone ringing]
[speaking in Italian]
There's Pietro again. You wanted
to go fishing. Take me with you.
- You want to go with us?
- Yes.
I want to get out of here.
Pronto.
- Are you coming, Sam?
- [Sam] Yes.
Oh, Signore Dodsworth?
Un momento.
[speaking in Italian]
Uh, Vienna.
Vienna?
Hello?
Yes, Fran, yes, this is Sam.
Well, I'm sorry to hear that.
Well, when-
when are you sailing?
All right.
I-I'll get the tickets.
Well, I guess I'll have to.
No, no, that's all right.
All right. Goodbye.
She's dropped the divorce.
She's going home on the Rex
day after tomorrow from Naples.
I've got to go with her.
I won't let you.
Well, what else can I do?
I won't let you go back to her.
Oh, please, Edith,
I know this is a jolt.
It's a jolt to me, too.
I won't see you killed
by her selfishness.
No, you don't understand,
it'll be tough on her
with all the talk there'll be.
I love you, and she doesn't.
You're content with me.
- You're miserable with her.
- [Sam] I know. I know.
A moment ago, you had
the whole world in your hands.
I won't let her take it
away from you.
[Sam]
She's not taking it away. She...
You were a young man
a minute ago
just the sound of her voice...
I know it's everything's
starting up all over again.
You've shriveled, I've seen you
shrivel the same way
every letter you've
got from her.
- [Sam] I can't think.
- You're all wrong to go back.
Now, please, Edith, be fair.
She's in a hole. She needs me.
She does not need you,
and you might think of me.
I am thinking of you.
No, I won't make you choose
just between two women.
Think of Moscow
and Seattle and Samarkand.
I know, I know,
I know every bit of it.
Yet, one word from her,
and you trot right back.
You've got to be patient
with me.
What is this hold
she has over you?
I've got to take care of her.
A man's habits get
pretty strong in 20 years.
[dramatic music]
Well, I'll go into town
and make the reservations.
It's giving you up that hurts.
[sobbing]
[foghorn blaring]
[indistinct chatter]
How uncomfortable we're
going to be all the way across.
I don't see how we managed
to get such an awful cabin.
Well, it was the
best play I had.
We didn't make the reservations
'til yesterday.
What are we doing in here?
Now, please sit down.
I want a drink.
Oh, but Sammy, you know,
you can't get a drink
- 'til after the boat sails.
- Steward?
- Yes, sir?
- Bring me a brandy and soda.
Uh, sorry sir, but the bar is
closed until the boat sails.
I know that, but bring a brandy
and soda, and be quick about it, huh?
Yes, sir.
Well, I do think you might've
asked me if I wanted something.
Well, do you?
Well, no, but if I'm going
to sit here and watch you drink
somebody's gonna have to
shut that door.
There's a most awful draft.
Thank you, Sammy dear.
Oh, it is nice to be going
somewhere after all these weeks.
Going home doesn't seem
so bad after all.
[gasps] Sammy, I
was so bored in Vienna.
Would somebody keep
that door shut?
You can't keep people out
of the smoke room.
Do all these trippers
have to keep popping in and out?
They have just as much right
in here as we have.
Oh, that's right,
Sammy, stand up for them.
But you'll have to go down
and get my wrap.
Well, it's closed now.
Well, if they keep it closed.
[foghorn blaring]
All right. Go on.
You were saying?
Hmm? Oh, oh, yes. You were
so right about Kurt, Sam dear.
I can't think
how you guessed it.
You're not usually so good
at judging people, you know,
except in the case of
businessmen, of course.
His family may be as old
as the Coliseum,
but when I saw his mother,
my dear,
the most awful,
old country frump.
Don't.
Sammy, please.
Oh, I mean, don't ride Kurt and
his mother that way, that's all.
Well, I'm sorry.
I'll be good.
I didn't expect you
to defend them.
I suppose I really oughta
beg you to forgive me.
I thought of it, but you always
let bygones be bygones
and this is such a wonderfully
happy ending to our escapades.
[chuckles]
Escapade.
[speaking in Italian]
[male #3]
All ashore who goes ashore!
See the hat that woman had on?
I wonder why they allow
such people in first class.
Oh, but wait until you see the
clothes that I bought in Vienna.
When I think of the things that
poor dear Matey Pearson
puts on her back, I...
You seem a little distrait,
considering our reunion, Sam.
Yeah, well, maybe
I don't like your riding Matey
that way, either.
I don't seem to be able
to strike the congenial note.
I do think
you might meet me halfway.
After all, as I look back,
I don't blame myself.
I can't, really.
You know, you were a good deal
at fault, too.
- Oh, steward.
- Yes, sir?
Take this check,
go to suite seven on B deck,
get the suitcase with that
number on it,
- and bring it right here.
- Yes, sir.
- Right away.
- Yes, sir.
I'm not sailing with you.
- You're not sailing? Sam!
- No, I'm not.
No use trying to
put it tactfully.
You and I can't make
a go of things any longer.
And this is the man that
I've loved for 20 years.
This is the man who's loved you.
You haven't learned a thing, you
haven't learned a single thing
from all our sorrows,
and I flattered myself
you really wanted
to come back to me.
I tried, didn't I?
I might've known
you'd be just the same.
I did know it, yet I gave you
another chance.
I'm not takin' another chance,
because I'm through, finished.
- And that's flat.
- What's gonna become of me?
I don't know, you'll have to
stop getting younger someday.
Are you going back to that
washed-out expatriate in Naples?
Yes, and when I marry her,
I'm going back to doing things.
Do you think you'll ever get me
out of your blood?
Maybe not, but love has got to
stop someplace short of suicide.
[speaking in Italian]
[indistinct chatter]
[foghorn blaring]
But the gentleman
will miss the boat.
He's gone ashore!
He's gone ashore!
[foghorn blaring]
[indistinct chatter]
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
[instrumental music]