Four Daughters (1938) - full transcript

♪ Softly goes
My song's entreaty ♪

♪ Through the night To thee ♪

♪ In the silent woods
I wait thee ♪

♪ Come, my love, to me ♪

♪ Treetops slender
Sough and whisper ♪

♪ In the moonlight here ♪

♪ In the moonlight here ♪

♪ No unfriendly ear
Shall listen ♪

♪ Darling, have no fear ♪

♪ Darling, have no fear ♪

♪ Ah, let thine, as well
Grow tender ♪



♪ Sweetheart, why so coy? ♪

♪ Anxious, fevered
I await thee ♪

♪ Come and bring me joy ♪

♪ Come, bring joy ♪

What's the matter with you,
Emma?

I forgot the soup bone
for dinner.

Soup bone? Bum.

I hope your soup
is better than your music.

That's enough.

Darling, you can't be mad
just because we didn't turn out

to be four little genii.

Anyway, you seem to forget

there is a genius in the family.

If you're referring to Kay,



it's just an ordinary voice

that needs years of hard work
and training.

Father, when you applied
at the foundation

for the scholarship, you wrote:

"A thrilling voice, the greatest
this side of Tetrazzini."

Well, I couldn't spell mediocre.

Anyway, they expect a father
to exaggerate.

Spell exaggerate.
E-X--

What's the use of having
a voice like Tetrazzini

if you are too lazy to study

and stuffing yourself
with chocolates

and reading trash.

Look at it,
true love stories. Bum.

You ought to be glad
with the way we are

instead of old frumps
with long noses and eyeglasses.

That's what you really
deserve, Mr. Lemp.

The trouble with you, Dad,
is that you're old-fashioned.

Old-fashioned?

I suppose you'd like this house
full of jazz, swing

and crooners and hotshots.

♪ Da da da ♪

Will you be quiet?

Will you stop it?

Adam, Adam, Adam.

I could hear you
at the back of the house.

So could all the neighbors.

Well, let the whole world hear.

I've been a good person.

What have I done to deserve
such daughters?

How many more times
must I remind you

about your blood pressure?

Listen, you're my sister,
not my doctor.

It's my blood pressure.
Yes.

If I want it to go up,
it will go up.

I want it to go up.
Well, let it, let it.

This modern trash isn't
and never will be music.

I won't insult my ears with it!

I-I'd rather hear Brahms
played with discords.

♪ Ta ta da ta ta ♪

I'm going down
to the hall of records

to strike my name
off your birth certificates.

Keep calm, Dad.

Let me kiss you, Dad.
I don't wanna.

Now, don't take them seriously.

Keep smiling, Dad.
Would you like an umbrella?

Isn't gonna rain.
Let me fix your tie.

Let it hang.

I never knew a man
who got so much enjoyment

out of being angry.

Girls, you shouldn't
tease him like that.

Hello, Mr. Lemp!

Hello, young man.

Emma.
Here comes your heartbeat.

Oh, stop kidding.

Hello.
Oh, more flowers.

You know what I need.
You shouldn't

Well, this-this time,
Aunt Etta--

You see,
what I'm trying to say--

Never mind, never mind.
Take it easy, take it easy.

Hello, everybody.

Hello, Ernest.
Hello, Ernest.

Hello, Emma.

Hello.

What is it today, Ernest?

Orchids.

Orchids?

Oh, you shouldn't. The flowers
you brought yesterday

are still as fresh as can be.

Well, uh, it's-it's for you.

Why, Ernest, I didn't know
you needed glasses.

I'm Thea, the clever sister.
There's Emma.

Run along to her
with the orchids,

and bless you, my children.

But th-this time
it's-it's really for you.

For me?
What?

Just a small town lothario.
Shame on you.

Yes. Thanks.

There's a card inside,
the fellow came into the shop

and he suggested
that I come up--

From Mr. Benjamin Crowley.
Something on the back.

"I hope you'll wear these
tonight." Why, Thea, who is he?

Where do you meet him?
You've been holding out on us.

Look, girls,
I just met him this morning.

The handsomest--
Where did you meet him?

With Amanda Rawlings at tennis.

He drove up in a great,
big, gray car.

Did you say the handsomest?
He's the--

Well, uh,
make it the most distinguished.

Is he tall?
He's got-- Yes and no. He's--

Is he young?
He's young enough. And he's--

Is he rich?
He's strictly surtax.

President
of the Boosters' Society,

he's recording secretary
of the Salt Marsh Gun Club,

loves duck dinners--
And he probably has indigestion

every Tuesday and Friday.

Oh.

What did you say
his name was again?

Mr. Benjamin Crowley.

I'd better--
No middle name?

Then he can't be so very rich.
No.

He asked me to the country
club dance tonight

and I accepted.
You didn't.

Yes, I did.
I guess I better get going.

I beg your pardon?
I said, I guess I'd better go.

Oh, yes. Well, goodbye.
Goodbye.

Oh, Ernest, what did you have
to them bring for?

You see, you spoiled everything.

Why couldn't I have had
the thrill of the delivery boy

rushing up the door?

Flowers for Miss Thea Lemp.

Don't be silly.

Well, it seems sort of foolish
me living next door.

It saved the boy a trip and--

Of course, Ernest.

It was the sensible thing to do.

And you're just in time
to get your socks.

Oh, I forgot.

Oh, here they are, Emma.

Aunt Etta, don't you think
orchids are just my type?

Oh, they're beautiful, dear.
That's romance for you,

Orchids in one hand,
socks in another.

Shh.

Here they are.
They're all mended.

Gee, Emma,
I don't know how to thank you.

Don't thank me.
Aunt Etta darned them.

Oh, well, thank you
for handing them to me.

Oh, aren't they marvelous?

If there's anything I can do--

They're dry.
You don't have to wring them.

Oh, excuse me.
Look out!

Goodbye.

If ever some day he finishes
a sentence, I'll marry him.

I hope he does.

Hey, Emma.

What, Ernest?
You just wait here a minute.

I forg--

It's for you.

Ernest, you can't afford this.

Well, as long as Mr. Crowley
can send orchids to Thea,

I guess, uh-- Well, I--

Goodbye.
Goodbye.

I guess I'd better run along.
Bye.

- Hey, Emma. Emma.
- Where's your slip?

I can't find it. I've been
looking all over for it.

Thea Lemp, you're not gonna wear

another slip of mine.

I have one good stocking, Thea.
That will make a pair.

I'll be glad to do your hair
for you.

For heaven's sake,
let's get going.

He'll be here any moment,
million dollars and all.

Hey, what's going on in here.

Let me have your slip.
Maybe someday you'll want mine.

Hey, Emma.

You'll find it in my drawer
over by the window.

Fine state of affairs

when I have to look
in Kay's drawer for my slip,

so that Thea can wear it.

Here we are, working ourselves
into a lather--

Kay, why don't you do something?

I'm doing very important work.

I'm relaxing for you.

Every time a Lemp beauty
goes out,

the rest of the family
becomes a nudist colony.

You all think
Master Ben Crowley's worthy

of all this year fuss?

Well, sure he is, honey child.

Ben Crowley's got money
and lots of it.

What Thea wants is butlers
like the Rawlings

and lots of servants
to order around.

We get along.
Yes, making over old dresses.

I want people to point me out
in a crowd and say:

"There goes
the smart Mrs. Crowley."

But suppose you don't love him?

Love's overrated,
old-fashioned, last generation.

Last generation or not,
I still want love.

Storybook style
with all the trimmings.

A knight in shining armor
on a white horse.

Um, don't be silly. Where can
you find a white horse?

Why worry about the future?

If you've got anything
coming to you, it will come.

Ann, tell them I'm right.
About love, I mean.

I don't think you are.

I wouldn't mind
mothering someone,

like a kitten or a puppy
or a baby.

But I want fun, lots of laughs.

And all the married people
I've seen,

well, they're a little short
on laughter.

Maybe if I had a baby
without any husband--

Now you are talking nonsense.

Oh, I don't mean having a baby,
just mothering someone.

Oh, you get the idea.
I hope not.

Ben's being announced.

He would be punctual.

- That's his car.
- Isn't it a beauty?

Looks paid for.

I still like a white horse.

Gee, Thea, an open car.

It'll mush your hair up
every which way.

No, it won't.
I'll wear your scarf.

Oh, I was afraid of that.

The orchids. The orchids.

Let me fix your--
Oh, you forgot the family cape.

Hurry up, Ann.
Where's the cape?

Where's the cape?

Oh, it's on the couch!

I wish it were gold dust.

Here's the cape.

You're a darling.

Wish me luck.

Aren't we going to meet him?

What? And have him wonder
why he picked me?

You're all better-looking
than I am,

but I'm the smart one.
Goodbye.

Come on.

Come on, Kay. Here's your
chance to see Master Crowley.

Must I?

Good evening, Thea.

Good evening, Ben.

Thea's answer
to a maiden's prayer, not mine.

♪ Once a boy arose espied ♪

♪ Blooming In the wildwood ♪

♪ Blushing On the thicket side ♪

♪ It's dainty bud Described ♪

Ah, you can't even sing
for your own amusement.

♪ With the glee Of childhood ♪

One, two, three, four,
forte-piano.

♪ Rosebud of the wildwood ♪

Quiet you're disturbing
the cooks

I'm afraid my sister's cooking
need some inspiration.

♪ Oh, once I thought
That I would go ♪

♪ A rosy, rosy
Rosy of the wildwood ♪

♪ Yeah, man ♪

Ah! Sacrilege!

I can't understand it.

This duck's beginning
to show signs of life.

The more I look at it,
the more I'm convinced

it looks like Ben Crowley.

Is everything going alright?

Don't worry.

It's going to be
a wonderful dinner.

Oh, I hope so.

Just leave it to us.

We'll take care
of Mr. Crowley's vitamins.

Calm down. You'll look as if
you really did cook this.

That reminds me.

Ann, have you got
your line straight?

Mm-hm.
Let me hear it.

"Oh, Mr. Crowley,
I just can't get over it.

Thea cooked the whole dinner,
every inch of it.

Just look at her.
She's as fresh and beautiful

as if she'd just stepped
out of a bandbox." I'm hungry.

That's wonderful.

I think I've finished
setting the table.

Thanks, Dad.
Now, the next thing to fix--

Dad, you're tie.
What's the matter with my tie?

Be a dear and let me fix you?
Oh, go on then.

Ow. To think that I have
to go through all this

three more times.

And that
is Mr. Benjamin Crowley.

Now, wait a minute.
I'm starving.

Now, you-- Now, you girls do
a little last minute primping.

I'll answer the door.

No. Not with that apron on.

It might be a good idea.

Let Mr. Crowley see
how bullied I am.

No. You put your coat on, Dad.
I'll see to the door.

Girls, you tidy up a bit
and don't forget the flowers.

Oh, Kay.
Slip this sweater on.

I wore that dress last night.

Oh, alright.

Good evening, Ben.
Good evening, Thea.

May I have your hat?

Oh, yes. Thank you.

You have a very lovely home
here.

Thanks. Your coat?

Oh, yes, my coat.

Gee, you're looking
beautiful tonight.

Thank you, Ben.

I hope my watch is right.

I've been driving
around the block.

Afraid I'd be here too early.

You're right on time,
just as usual.

Well, that's my long suit,
punctuality.

I believe in hitting
appointments right on the nose.

Yes. Uh, I've been taught
better than to point,

but, uh, do you know
the finest father in the world?

I added that
for a little sentimental touch.

How do you do?
Very glad to meet you, sir.

The pleasure is mine,
Mr. Crowley.

Thank you.
Would you like a little wine?

Well, I don't care if I do.

We have some very nice
homemade blackberry.

Thank you.
Oh, and this is Aunt Etta.

Well, well, Aunt Etta.

I've heard a great deal
about you.

Have you?
What have you heard?

Well, uh, only the best.

Thank you.

And this is my sister, Emma.

Oh, how do you do, Emma.

How do you do?

And this is Kay.

How are you, Kay?

This is Ann, the baby.

Hello.

I was the baby
in our family too.

Would you like to sit down?
Yes, I would.

Your very good health,
Mr. Crowley.

Drink hearty.

Nothing like a little
homemade blackberry

to warm you up a bit.
That's what I always say.

I made it myself.

Would you like to sit down?

Thank you.

Now, if you'll excuse me,

I'll have to go in
and attend to the dinner.

A rosebud garden of girls.

Quite a poetry.

Oh, that's, uh--
That isn't original with me.

I-I must have read that
somewhere.

But the fella who wrote it

must have certainly seen
this family.

Come along, come along.
Dinner's all ready.

May I?
Yes.

We've got duck.

There's nothing like
a good home-cooked dinner.

Your home is charming.

Thanks. You sit here. You get
a nice view of the kitchen.

Thank you.

Oh, Mr. Crowley,
I just can't get over it.

Thea cooked the whole dinner,
every inch of it.

Just look at her.
She's as fresh and beautiful

as if she'd just stepped
out of a bandbox.

Yes, she is.

Beautiful.

Uh, may I have your gloves?

Yes.

Oh, my gloves.

The duck smells delicious.

We thank thee, oh, Lord,
for the bounty

we are about to receive
and ask thy blessing

Oh! Oh! Oh!

What is it, Aunt Etta?

You might as well face
the situation.

Ann forgot to light the oven
under the duck!

Oh!

For the sandwiches
we are about to receive,

we thank thee, oh, Lord,
and ask thy blessing.

I wish I could stop lying
to my diary.

You saved a little boy
from being run over today?

No. But makes good reading.

That sounds like Thea.

It is.

I'm dying to know
what's happened.

So am I.

Thea came home--

Kay, wake up!

Emma,
how do you spell intoxicated?

I-N-T-O-X-I-C-A-T-E-D.

- This is more important.
- Got something to tell you.

It can't be that important.
Emma!

For heaven's sakes,

you'll wake up the whole family.

I've got something
to tell you!

I've got something to tell you!

What? What happened?

It's happened.
What?

Tomorrow at Tiffany's.
The ring.

It must be a hundred karats.

For Pete's sake, Thea,
what happened? What did he say?

Well, I was looking
so beautiful in Emma's dress,

Yes?
And your hat and your coat.

But what did he say?

"Thea," he said--
Oh, I gotta go tell--

Oh, what did Ben say?

He said, "All I am,
all I ever hope to be..."

Oh, I'll tell you later.

Ask Ben if he minds being
a bigamist, I want a ring too.

Aunt Etta!

Dad! Aunt Etta!

Emma.
Yes?

Do you think
she really loves him?

She's gonna marry him.

I mean, do you think
she loves him

as much as she loves us?

Well, it's a different kind
of love, Ann.

You mean a stranger
could come in here

and mean more to me
than Father or Aunt Etta?

More than my own sisters?
More than you?

Oh, you're certainly
not very worldly wise.

Oh, Ann.

Emma.

Don't let's get married, ever.

Let Thea and Kay
if they want to,

but not us.

We'll grow old together,
beautifully and gracefully.

Wait and see. We'll both look
just like Whistler's mother.

Yes, but if we don't
get married,

how can we look
like anybody's mother?

You'll feel a lot differently
one day.

You're a lot younger than I am.

Five years. What's that?

And I practically
brought you up.

Didn't I have mumps, chicken
pox and measles when you did?

Out of sheer companionship.

You little wretch,
you gave them to me.

No. I shared them with you.

Oh.
Emma.

Look at me.
What?

You haven't met anyone?

I mean, you're not
holding out on me, are you?

No. Apparently,
I'm headed for the shelf.

The Lemp family is gonna have
one old maid.

Two. And we'll have a cat,
a tortoise shelled one.

We'll call it Bathsheba.
Mm-mm.

Mehetabel?
Mm-mm.

Topaz. Because it'll have
yellow eyes

and the longest
and most gorgeous tail.

Wait a minute.
Don't make it too beautiful.

We want her
to be an old maid too.

Hey!

Hello.

Hey, what's the big idea?

This your gate?

I've an interest in it, yes.

It isn't much good for swinging.
You know that, don't you?

Well, you have a nerve.
I've swung on it for 18 years.

It's done alright by me.

Evidently my standards
are much higher.

The fault lies with you,
not with the gate.

You don't know
how to swing on gates.

I don't?
No.

Ridiculous.

No leverage,
that's your trouble.

Mind if I show you?
Not at all.

After all, it's your gate.

Alright.
Now, watch this.

This is the way you do it.

Hmm.
See?

Say, that is good.

This how you do it?

Almost.
Almost, huh?

A little more pressure
on the ball of your foot,

and you've got it.

There, that's it.
That it?

Now you've got it.

This is the third or fourth

or maybe fifth happiest day
of my life.

Oh, excuse me.

Well, of all things.

Oh, hello, Mrs. Ridgefield.

How do you do?

Oh, this is Mr.--
Deitz. Felix Deitz.

Old friend of the Lemps.
Oh, this is Mrs. Ridgefield.

How are you, Mrs. Ridgefield?

Why, I'm fine, thank you.

And Mr. Ridgefield?

Why, he's fine too.

How's his back? Better?

Much better.

I'm so glad to hear it.
Goodbye, Mrs. Ridgefield.

Well, of all things!

How do you know Mr. Ridgefield?

First time I ever heard of him.

I don't understand.

How'd you know
his back was bothering him?

Oh. Well, Mrs. Ridgefield looks
like the sort of woman

whose husband would
have trouble with his back.

Mrs. Gabby.

See that man
at the Lemp's house?

What's this "old friend
of the family" business?

Oh, a slight exaggeration.

See, my father was a very good
friend of old Mr. Lemp.

I'm his daughter.
He's not so very old.

Oh, so you're Miss--
Ann.

Ann, the gate swinger.
Well, Ann,

in this pocket, I've a letter
to father and in this--

In fact,
he's quite young looking.

Well granted. But what--

He's down at the foundation.

He works there.
Dean of the faculty.

He's one of the youngest
looking deans they've ever had.

I'm sure he must be.

Well, this, a letter to the
president of the foundation.

Could you possibly direct me?

Why, yes.
It's down one block,

and on the corner
of Lamont, you'll find it.

The foundation?
Thank you.

No.
The traffic officer's booth.

Ask the policeman
where the foundation is.

He'll tell you.

Thank you again.
You're welcome.

I must be stuck.

Bye.
Goodbye.

Oh, by the way, what have you
for dinner tonight?

Lamb chops. Why?
That'll do very nicely.

Nobody invited you for dinner.

Your father will.
I'll see to that.

Au revoir.

Oh. See you for dinner then.

Goodbye, Mrs. Ridgefield.

Why...

There's no reason
to set the extra place, Ann.

He won't be here.
I've seen him. He'll be here.

He'll not only be here,

but he'll tell us where to sit,
monopolize the conversation,

do the carving, say grace,

and help himself
to a second portion of dessert.

That's my impression
of Mr. Deitz.

And my impression
of your impression

is Mr. Deitz sells
vacuum cleaners or something.

Well, whatever he sells,
you'll buy it.

Oh, no.
I'm completely won over.

Kay, may I use your face powder?

You may not.
I'm won over too.

I'm going to be
that beauty tonight.

I refuse to be disturbed
out of my usual calm.

I shall devote myself
to my lamp chops.

Well, you'd better.
Don't forget you're engaged.

Say, what does he look like?

He's about--

What's that?

You--

That's Mr. Deitz.

Would you like a try?

Your father was a great
musician and a great man.

What would he have said
to these antics?

It was my father who taught me
this art.

Your daughter improved it.

Bah!

This modern music won't live.

Beethoven has lived and will
live on every opera stage,

in every concert halls.
Opera stages, concert halls.

Do you call that living?
Bah.

You and your jazz
and your swing. Bah!

Now promise me
you won't say bah again.

Alright, I promise you.

Well, uh, gir--

Something is wrong here.

Father!

Why, hello, Dad!
Darling!

We thought you'd never get back.

How's my handsome dad?

Did you have a hard day, dear?

Something is still wrong.

Hello, Deitz.

Hello, Lemp.

Father, dear, won't you, uh--?

Girls, this in Felix Deitz.

He's a blasted young topper
who prefers jazz to classics.

He's arrogant, disrespectful,
argumentative, conceited, uh--

And I like him.

You forgot to mention that
I have no talent whatsoever.

You've been telling me
all way home.

They can see that
just by looking at you.

I'm Thea.
You look talented to me.

What do you do?
I compose.

Oh.
I'm Kay.

How do you do?

How do you do?
What do you compose?

Trash. If he'd only listen
to Beethoven--

Modern tone poems, I call them.

And I think so little
of Beethoven,

I wouldn't bother
to steal from him.

You promised me faithfully
you wouldn't say bah again.

Bah.

I'm Emma.
Positively the last sister.

Very glad to know you, Emma.
I'm very glad to know you.

Well, go ahead, produce more.
I'm not the least bit tired.

Excuse me.

You said
there were no more sisters.

Meet the youngest.
Delighted.

Etta, this is Felix Deitz,
son of my old friend.

This is Aunt Etta.
How do you do?

I'm pleased to meet you.

You're not only the youngest,
but the most charming.

Oh, you embarrass me.

You know, Aunt Etta,

I'm going to sit
next you at dinner

and we'll hold hands
under the table.

In other words,
I'm just your type.

Exactly.

Flatterer!

I'm flattered to be
with such a lovely family.

Mm. Huh!

Adam. He's the brightest thing
that's come into this house

since the electric percolator.

There's no help for it.

You're gonna have to see
quite a lot of him.

The president of the foundation?

Yes.
Hardboiled, isn't he?

Pure granite.
It took this young man here

just seven minutes to talk him

into giving him a job
at the foundation.

Ten minutes, I timed it.

That includes the introductions
and the goodbyes.

That means you're going to live
in Briarwood.

It does.

Oh, we all want you to feel free

to come and swing on our gate

any time you like.

Emotion chokes me.

Well, this calls
for a special celebration.

Emma, put the best silver
on the table.

We did, Aunt Etta.

Dinner napkins
with the monograms.

They're on the table.

I put them there
just on Ann's description.

Oh.

Well, do you realize, Mr. Deitz,

those dinner napkins
and that silver

had not been used, not once?

Not even when the mayor
was here for dinner?

Oh, I'm honored.
Oh.

Thanks, Lemp.
That's alright, Deitz.

Home made blackberry.
Oh.

I made it.
Well, where you gonna live?

Oh, I hadn't thought
about that yet.

There's a hotel in town.

Sort of small but--
And mangy.

Don't think you'd like it.

Well, there are a couple
of nice rooming houses.

Now, now, now, now.

Suppose we discuss this
after dinner.

In the meantime,
my lamb chops are getting cold.

That 's a very good idea.

Here's what we'll do.

Suppose you sit over there
by me.

Right over there.

Miss Kay, we'll put you
right in this chair.

Oh. That's especially
reserved for gate swingers.

Thank you.

Miss Emma, I think you'll be
comfortable right over here.

Miss Thea, I have
a very special seat for you.

There isn't that better?

I suppose you have no objection

to my sitting in my customary
chair, have you?

Not at all, sir.
Make yourself at home.

Well, thank you, sir.

Well, what did I tell you,
girls?

I'll tell you a secret, diary.

I like him.

♪ Lullaby and good night ♪

♪ With roses bedight ♪

♪ Creep into thy bed ♪

♪ There pillow thy head ♪

♪ If God will ♪

♪ Thou shalt wake ♪

♪ When the morning Doth break ♪

♪ If God will ♪

♪ Thou shalt wake ♪

♪ When the... ♪

Look.

Over the hill,
that is I mean to say

there are some beautiful
rhododendrons.

I thought maybe
we could walk over--

I can't right now, Ernest.

I've gotta finish mending
Felix's sweater.

The malls have declared
a vendetta against it.

Oh, look, my button.

I saw that, Ernest,

and it won't do you
a bit of good.

Oh, this is gorgeous.

It's beautiful!
Simply beautiful.

I wouldn't mind
building right on this spot.

Oh, we could buy it for a song.

Put the house right over there
facing the creek.

In your name, of course.

Subdivide it,
give it a fancy name.

I'll bet I could make
a pretty penny.

Not if I wouldn't
consider it too.

If you'd only name the day
for the wedding.

Hey, it's almost June.

Does the idea of being
a June bride intrigue you?

Let's talk about it before.

I promise I'll be much more
definite then.

What's the verdict?
Does he love you? Love you not?

That's what I'm trying
to find out.

Well, haven't I told you that?

Yes.

What are you cooking?
Barley soup.

I don't like barley soup.

Felix likes it.

Hey, Felix.

What?
Come here.

What is it?

Do something about the sun,
won't you? It's in my eyes.

Well, put your hand
over your eyes.

You do it.
I don't wanna pamper myself.

Alright.

See, that's all there is to it.

Is that better?
Mm-hm.

That's good.

Hey, Emma.

Excuse me a minute.

You do it a while.

I'll take that bucket.
I can manage.

Oh, you can carry it back
when it's full.

That's the idea.

Here we are.

Here, give it to me.

Why is it no musician can ever
make a decent knot at his tie?

Because the musicians--

Let me fix it.

Alright.

There.

Say, you've got a steady job
fixing my ties.

That is if you can take time off

from your cooking and sewing
and cleaning.

Sounds like interesting work.

I'll find the time.

Thanks.

Well, I suppose
we're holding up Aunt Etta.

She must be waiting
for the water.

Yes.

We better get back.

I'll take it.

You look positively radiant,
Emma.

That's because the sun's shining

and the flowers are in blossom,

and Kay loaned me
her face powder.

Hey.

All this bunk you read

about druids living in trees
and loving it.

I'll take the Lemp home
many all time.

That's not drinking water.

Who's afraid of little typhoid?

Oh, no, you don't.

I don't like you
with your tie straight.

Emma just fixed it.
There, that's a lot better.

Better with your hair mushed.

Oh, you wanna fight, do you?

I'll take you on.
Hanging tough, huh?

Here. Step over that line.
Sure. Oh, you.

Hey. Stand up
and fight like a man.

Hey. Somebody better go to
the stand and get more hot dogs.

You're father's made away
with a dozen.

I'll go in my bike.

I'll race you there.

Oh, stick to your piano.

Give you a minute's handicap
instead of only one foot.

That won't help.

Bring me a case of beer!

Fe--

- Hey, what's holding you back?
- Got an anchor on your wheel?

- I'm a slow starter.
- Watch me in the stretch.

Oh, look out.
Look out!

Oh! Oh, oh! Oh! Oh!

Gee, things were quiet
till you came to live with us.

Something about you that
always sets people to laughing.

There's an effect you have too.

Yeah, what?
You do something to a room.

The minute you enter it,
it lights up.

Who me?
Yeah.

Maybe an Edison
has an explanation for it,

but I can't understand it
at all.

Somehow, what happens
to that room

is transferred to me.

I glow too.

Oh, I haven't noticed it.

Oh, it's an inner glow,
the expensive kind.

We're a great combination,
aren't we? Light and laughter.

Yes, but we can't have one
without the other.

If you don't light up,
I can't laugh.

And vice versa.

So we two,

we should never be further apart

than a stone's throw, should we?

I'll vote for that.

Ann, I don't know
whether this fits

into the conversation or not,

but your eyes
are very beautiful.

It fits.

Ann.

Holy smoke, the hotdogs.

We left the family
starving back there

and there are members
of that family I'm fond of.

Wait a minute.

Here's a little memento
I picked up for you.

Oh, Felix, that's darling.

Oh, it's nothing.
Just a little trinket.

Isn't worth very much.

One of the charms says,
"I love you if you like it."

Thanks.
Oh, don't thank me.

Just promise me
we'll go back slowly.

I promise. Yeah.

Gee, I bet they'll be starved.

I bet they will too.

- Felix.
- Felix, you must stop it.

Stop it. Do you hear me?

Felix, you listen to me.
Listen to me.

I don't mind
you're wasting your time,

but don't waste it on my piano.

First prize
is a thousand dollars.

We'll use it
to buy you a new piano.

You're gonna win first prize,
are you?

With this collection
of catcalls?

Come on, you've got a class
to teach at 3:00.

There's still half an hour.
I'm waiting for Mickey Borden.

Who's he?

Piano player I picked up.

Help me orchestrate
my composition.

It's criminal
wasting another person's time

on this abomina--
Not exactly a waste of time.

You see, Mickey's out of a job
right now and I can use him.

Tell him that orchestrating
this stuff

is one step lower
than being out of work.

Will he be here soon?

He's an hour late now, but he
may not be here for a week.

In fact,
he may not get here at all.

I was un--

I was under the impression that
only trombone players drink.

Oh, Mickey doesn't drink.

He's just a little,
well, unpredictable.

Well, I'm very glad to hear it.

No complete insane person
could do a good job on that.

Furthermore--

I'll see you at the foundation.

Appreciate Brahms...

I'll get it.

Is this...?

It is. Come in, Mickey.

I've been waiting for you.

I've been struggling
with this opus for days.

You're gonna find
this arrangement

right up your alley.

Hmm, rug on the floor,

smell of cooking in the kitchen,

piano and flowers.

It's homes like these that
are the backbone of a nation.

Where's the spinning wheel?
Shut up.

Did you miss the train?
I ignored the train.

Thumbed my way up.

I gave you more than enough
for the fare.

Well, I bet the $5 on a horse,
I could have bought for 7.

He had a lovely, Felix,

that I can't for the life
of me remember.

This time of day,
plenty of traffic from town.

You shouldn't have been
this late.

Oh, I had lots of offers
from small fry, Ford, Chevys.

But I held out for a town car.

It's a poor man's privilege.

Well, I have to get over
to the foundation,

class from 3 to 4.

You get a room
in this town for a few weeks

till we're through,
save you a lot of traveling.

Alright with me.
I was evicted this morning.

I'm gonna miss those cobwebs.

You look over
this first movement

I'll be back after 4
then we'll get you a room.

Just so it's on the other
side of the tracks.

I can't breathe.
There's clean air.

There's a lady in the kitchen.

Introduce yourself to her.
Aunt Etta.

I know the type.

See you later.

I thought it didn't sound
like Felix playing.

As far as I know,
you may be a burglar

and have designs on the piano.

According to Felix, I'm
supposed to introduce myself.

Mickey Borden.
I guess you're Aunt--

Uh, Aunt something or other.

Etta.

Etta.

Yup. Name fits right in

with those curtains
and that harp.

Domestic.

My name came first,
then the curtains.

And what type aunt are you?

The gruff voice,
hiding your soft heart?

Or are you the sweet,
simple aunt, "Sakes alive,

I smell something burning" aunt?

Felix should have prepared me
for you.

How about a cup of tea?

Sure.

May I throw in
a couple of cakes?

Well, how did you know
I hadn't eaten

since yesterday morning?

Oh, I'm the nearsighted,

"you can't hide a thing
from me" type of aunt.

I see. Well,
you need not look so noble.

Tea is only a little hot water.

I'll go and put the kettle on.

I'll let you know
what I think about you later.

Hello, Aunt Etta.

- Hello, dear.
- You're home early, aren't you?

I couldn't go through
with my lessons.

Steven's brat broke his violin.

Oh, isn't that too bad?
Did he drop it?

That's what I claim, but
he says I threw it at him.

Oh. This is my niece, Ann.

Ann, this is Mickey.
Mickey something or other.

Borden.

Borden? Name just goes
with that shirt and tie.

He's a friend of Felix, I think.

We just know each other.

I'm orchestrating
his composition.

I'm going to make Mr. Borden
a cup of tea.

Just a little hot water, huh?

Get set,
you're in for something.

Got a cigarette?

Oh, yes.

Here you are.

Cork-tipped, no less.

You scared it.

It always behaves that way
in front of company.

Oh, just keep on playing.

You know, I read someplace

the invention
of the cigarette lighter

increased the use of matches
a thousand percent.

I laughed when I read it.

You could've at least smiled.

Say, is that part
of Felix's composition?

Something of my own.

Oh, it's beautiful.

It stinks.

You're probably right.

I was only making conversation.

Still I hope you're not
entering it in a competition.

You know, around these parts
we want Felix to win.

I couldn't enter it
if I wanted to.

It's only got a middle.

You only wrote a middle?
Just the middle.

Oh, no beginning, no end?

You think that's right to leave
a song dangling in midair

with no face, no feet?
Why not?

Well, for one thing,
a full-bodied composition

might easily win first prize.

I wouldn't win first prize

if I were the only entry
in the contest.

Mathematically speaking,

I think you'd stand
a fine chance.

Do you think they'd let me win?

Who?

- They.
- Well, who?

The fates, the destinies,
whoever they are

that decide what we do
or don't get.

What do you mean?

They've been at me now
nearly a quarter of a century.

No letup.

First, they said,
"Let him do without parents.

He'll get along."

Then they decided,

"He doesn't need any education."

That's for sissies.

Then right at the beginning,
they tossed a coin.

"Heads he's poor,
tails he's rich."

So they tossed the coin,
with two heads.

Then for the finale,
they got together on talent.

"Sure," they said,
"let him have talent.

Not enough to let him
do anything on his own,

anything good or great.

Just enough to let him help
other people.

It's all he deserves."

Well, you put all this together
and you got Michael Bolgar.

Bolgar?

That's the name I was born with.

I thought If I change it,
I'd throw them off the trail.

It didn't work.

Of course, you know
you've been very silly.

Who asked for you to listen?

I'm sorry.
But you're insulting a person

who believes that a man decides
his own destiny,

who believes that if a man
has enough courage

and enough ambition...

I guess I deserved that.

But I know enough
about music to know

if you'd finish
your composition--

I tell you they won't stand
for my winning.

They're up there
working overtime against me.

What some people will do
for time and a half.

Well...

Here, have another cigarette.

We won't talk about it anymore.

I can see
it's a painful subject.

It's my favorite subject.

Talking about my tough luck
is the only fun I get.

But-- Oh, Aunt Etta, help.

I can't cope with him.

Were you laughing just then?
Huh?

Were you laughing?
Well, yeah, I think so. Why?

I wish you'd do me a favor.
What?

Throw your head back
and just laugh.

Well, why?
No reason. Just laugh.

I knew I was right.

You don't know the first thing
about laughter.

I see the sort I'm up against.

The gay young thing type.

Unimportant species.

It isn't the quality of your
laughter I'm complaining about,

it's your attitude.
Attitude?

When I wanted you to laugh, you
wanted to know why you should

as if a person
had to have a reason to laugh.

And someday
I'll give you a little talk

on the difference
between a laugh and a giggle.

Oh, Aunt Etta, you were right.
I've had enough.

Now, then, cream or lemon?

Neither.

See here, you're just being
purposely contrary-minded.

You'll take one or the other.
Quick now, which?

Now, don't try
to be hard-boiled, Etta.

It doesn't come off.

I'm going to have some tea
and figure this man out.

Wait till he gets a sandwich.

He won't be so vicious.

Can you read them?

"Thea, Ben, Felix, Ann, Dad,

Aunt Etta, Emma, Ernest,
Kay and Mickey.

No.

You deserve better than that.

You've improved a lot in a week.

Now I'll fix you up.

There. How's that? Better?
You like yourself?

You got me grinning
like an idiot.

I thought
you'd notice the resemblance.

Say, were you sneaking
around my room yesterday

when I was out?
How did you guess?

I tried not to leave
any fingerprints.

The minute my back is turned
you put curtains up on me.

That isn't all.
Next time you're out,

I'm gonna slip of flower pots
on your sill.

No. No, no. No flowers.

Why not?

Well, they use up
all the oxygen.

Hey, get tough and I'll be up
with the lace pillowcase.

You just try it.

You may object
to living like a human being,

at least you're going to sleep
like one.

My landlady's got orders
to shoot you on sight.

When I'm finished
with your room,

I'm gonna start in on you.
Just look at yourself.

Well, what's wrong with me?

Your hair's reaching
for the ceiling,

your tie's at half-mast.

And, Mickey, there's something
about the state of New York

that I want you to know.
Huh? What?

Well, in the state of New York,

it's strictly constitutional
to have a crease pants.

Tonight's dad's birthday party,

and a pair of pressed pants
would add just the right touch

to the celebration.
I'll think about it.

I've gotta go in town
and buy dad a present.

In the meantime,
how about doing a little work

on your own composition?

Ah, shut up.

Think what a kick in the pants
it would be

to those destinies of yours

if you'd ran off
with first prize.

What if I do win?

Oh, here it comes again.

My picture in life, a new suit,
a hullabaloo.

Then one morning,

I'm walking down the street
minding my on business

when a bolt of lightning
with my number on it

follows me around the corner
and pfft.

Out like a light.

Oh, Mickey.

That's the way I'm leaving this
world. Lightning.

I'll give odds.

Somewhere, Mickey,
there's a straight jacket

with your number on it
just waiting.

Come here I need someone
with this one.

Why, Mickey.

I don't want you to think

that this
is a spur-of-the-moment kiss.

I planned it for a week.

It's pretty mild
for a week's thought.

Just a friendly kiss.

Oh. We're going to be
great friends, aren't we?

Yeah. I'll work at it.

In fact, we're gonna be
such great friends

that we won't have to give each
other anything for Christmas.

And don't let anyone tell you

I haven't done wonders
for your smile.

Well, I've gotta go now.
I'm late.

Hello.
Hi.

Were you on the train?

Relieve me of these packages
and I'll show you my ticket.

Well, then I missed you.

I walked all through the train
just on the chance that--

I was up with the engineer.
We're old friends.

I see.

And whose hand
was on the throttle

when we rounded
that horseshoe curve?

Mine.
Congratulations.

For one moment, I thought
we weren't going to make it.

So did the engineer.

It seems I picked the wrong
time to powder my nose.

I'll know better next time.

You won't take this personally,
I hope,

but hereafter
I'm taking the bus into town.

Oh, I know the bus driver.
We're old friends too.

Well, there's still the bicycle.

Well, we'll walk.

I love you, Ann.

What did you say?
I love you.

I can't hear you.

I said I love you.
I won't say it again.

You love me?
Yes.

Since when?

Since the moment
I first saw you.

You can't be original
when you're in love.

Well?
Well, what?

That was in the nature
of a proposal.

I expect something
in the nature of an answer.

Of Course, I adore you, Felix.

Well, that's a good start.

But couldn't we go on
just the way we are?

You know, lots of laughs?

We could be married
and still go on laughing.

There have been cases.

I love you, Ann.

I can't swing on a gate,

I'm not much good
at bundle-carrying,

but I'll try to make you happy.

You're this crazy world to me,
Ann.

And the crazy world before this
and the crazier world to come.

In fact, I love you.

I warn you, I'll probably laugh
at the ceremony.

What do you think I'll be doing?

You're sweet, Felix.

Would you hold these
just a moment?

Why, sure.

♪ Brahms, Bach And Liszt ♪

♪ Three boys who never
Will be missed ♪

♪ But we wish you
Many happy returns ♪

♪ So keep on fiddling
While Mozart burns, oh ♪

♪ For he's a jolly good fellow
For he's a jolly good fellow ♪

♪ For he's a jolly good fellow
Which nobody can deny ♪

♪ Which nobody can deny
Which nobody can deny ♪

♪ For he's a jolly Good fellow ♪

♪ Which nobody can deny ♪

Happy birthday, Dad.

Now, I'd appreciate
the sentiment a little more

if you were all in tune.

Well, I never. A radio.

A very peculiar radio.
It doesn't play jazz.

We made the down payment.

Well, that's how your mother
got the piano.

Look, Dad.

A velvet smoking jacket.

Oh, we just threw
a few old curtains together.

It will make your old
5-cent cigars look like Coronas.

Take a glance at all these, Dad.

It looks like a Christmas tree.

Why? Hey, look Toscanini.

Here's my gift, Adam.
Oh.

Many happy returns.
Ernest.

Something to keep you warm
next time you listen to Bach.

I just happened to be passing
Tiffany's the other day.

Tiffany's? Ben.

Why, Ben, you shouldn't
have been so extravagant.

Ah.
Does it yodel?

A watch with a Swiss movement
ought to be able to yodel.

Oh, don't be silly.
Here, Dad.

We're just bribing you
to stay young.

I accept the bribe.
That calls for a speech.

Speech, speech, speech.

Well, uh, this has been
the happiest birthday.

I shall always remember.

I don't suppose
I've got many more birthdays.

Another crack like that
and we'll send you to bed

without dinner for a week.

Oh, don't mind your father.

He's just trying to appear
philosophical.

But he hasn't got the beard
to go with it.

Come on, let's cut the cake

before I flood the place
with tears.

I put too many candles
on your cake, anyway.

Mickey.
Huh?

You too.
Well, that was a kind thought.

Uh, I did--
Shh. I got it myself for you.

If you don't mind.
Well, thanks.

That puts me in the class
with Ben Crowley.

I know he's kind like a book.

He's the "I sold papers
when I was a kid.

And now look at me." type.

I've got your type
neatly catalogued too.

Any bets?

At any birthday party, you're
the sort that pipes up with:

"I never had a birthday party
or got a present."

Isn't that right?
You win.

So to prevent you
from making that little speech,

I got you a present myself.

You what?

Cuff links with initials.

Say.

Well, this is no joke.

And these are good links.

Oh, I always do my shoplifting
at the best counters.

How--

Oh, be careful.

Here's a customer.

Mm, wonderful.

Did you make this all
by yourself?

Absolutely.

In that case,
I can't do without you.

We elope tonight at 12.
That's a date.

Sure?
Sure.

While you were about it,
why didn't you get a new tie?

Look at it.
Oh, it's alright.

Oh, you girls
are looking beautiful tonight.

You don't look at all
like your father.

What? Felix,
if I were 10 years younger, I--

Oh, bah!

Oh, Ann. Party's almost over.
How about telling them?

You think so?
Hold this.

You like the cake, Ben?

There's something I forgot.

Yes. I certainly did.

Hear ye, hear ye.

Everybody, listen.

I have a commercial
announcement to make.

What is it?

Listen!
Go ahead, go ahead.

Felix and I are engaged
to be married. Look.

- That's wonderful.
- Well, well, Felix.

So you're going to be married.

She swept me off my feet.

Ann, darling.
Aunt Etta.

Gee, isn't that swell?

If we--

Say, don't I got kissed?

Why, of course, you do.

I think I'm marrying
the wrong girl.

Oh, you go away.
I'm jealous.

I've got a good
slightly used career

I'll exchange for a husband.

Let's resemble Felix.

I'd like to add my good wishes.

- Thanks, Ernest.
- I'm glad too.

Oh, I'm sure you're both
going to be very happy.

I feel it in my bones.
Thank you, Thea.

When do you two children
propose to got married?

Well, as soon as my laundry
gets back.

Oh, in August some time.

How about some coffee?

I'm not too happy
to have forgotten about that.

I'll start it perking.

Oh, Emma.

I'll give you a hand.

This marriage business
isn't contagious, is it?

I don't know whether
I should give my daughter

to a composer of modern music.

Oh, you don't?
Oh, just this once, Dad.

Ann, I think I'll beat you
to the altar.

What?

Do you still want me
to be a June bride?

I certainly do.

Thea.

Bring on the orange blossoms.

Oh, Thea.

Congratulations.

I-I don't know what to say.

Why should you say anything?

June? Then I'll still be here
for your wedding, Thea.

But, Kay, you'll be here
for my wedding too.

Nonsense, Kay.
Where else would you be?

Philadelphia.
Studying for that scholarship.

And please, I've heard all
the jokes about Philadelphia.

But you're going so suddenly,
Kay.

Well, I--
I decided it's about time

I got serious about my work.

Say, what's got into my family?

Well, I think
I ought to propose a toast.

Let's drink
to the happy couples.

Fill this cup.
This is for you, Ann.

Oh, thank you.

Happiness, Ann.

If you'll bury your head
on my left shoulder,

there'd be less chance of those
people out there hearing you.

I can't help it, Aunt Etta.
I love Felix and now--

Oh, somebody else
will come along.

In about six months.

That's the usual time.

Now don't contradict me, Emma.

I know all about these things,
being a spinster.

Emma? Emma.

Emma, you haven't even wi--

Why, Emma, darling,
what's the matter?

Oh, you mustn't feel like this.

I'm not going away. I'm going
to stay right here with you.

Nothing is going to change
for us. Really, it isn't.

I know, dear, it--
It's just that I--

That you thought
I'd never marry.

I didn't think I would either,
but we're all going to.

We'll have
housefuls of children.

All violin players.

Emma, you like Felix, don't you?

- Of course, she does.
- We all do.

It's just that Emma
can't get used to the idea

of losing
the baby of the family.

Any more than I can.

Oh, come, girls,
pull yourselves together

and help me with the coffee.

Aunt Etta's right.
I'm just being silly, Ann.

Come on, let's get busy.

Emma, I won't marry him
if you don't want me to.

We'll still be
the old Lemp girls

with our tortoise shell cat.
No, no.

There isn't anything
I wouldn't do

to make you happy, Emma.

Of course, dear, I know that.

Ann, they're all gonna begin
to wonder

what's happened to us.

You're sure it isn't
because it's Felix.

I mean, you've never seemed
to like him

as well as the rest of us and--

But really, Emma,

he's awfully sweet and such fun.

After we're married
you'll learn to love him.

Ann, stop chattering.

If we don't get
some of this coffee

into those people in there,
nobody's going to love anybody.

Come along now.

You, you take the plates
and I'll pour the coffee.

Thank goodness there's one
steady hand in the family.

Oh.

Well, the coffee
wasn't any good, anyway.

And just because I'm-- I'm--

That's no reason I've gotta stop

trying to make a human being
out of you.

I'm the girl that brought
chintz curtains into your life.

I'm not going to stop--
Must you look so beautiful?

Who me?

You're getting married
in an hour.

Another dream shot.
That isn't tough enough,

but you gotta look like
a convention of angels.

Why must the light hit you
just right?

If your nose were shiny
and your eyes dull,

Jehoshaphat,
it would make things easier.

But look at you,

not a hair on your head
out of place.

A girl can't get married
without a permanent.

It wouldn't be legal.

Nice work.
My congratulations.

They take a guy in
out of the cold,

give him a look
at a real family, real people.

The old man, Aunt Etta.

They throw Ann in his path,

let her get a half nelson
on his heart, then click.

Out in the cold again.

Here's a new lease
on the gutter.

Mickey, please, listen to me.
Aah.

You always said it was my
fault. I never put up a battle.

Alright, I'm full of fight now.

I love you. Nobody else
can have you. I love you.

Mickey, please,
come to your senses.

Okay.

You see, Ann,
your theory's all cockeyed.

No use fighting.
I accept the verdict.

What's more,
I'll attend the wedding.

My smile will be just as brave
as Emma's.

Emma? Why should Emma?
Why should Emma?

You mean to say you don't know
Emma is insane about Felix?

Emma in love with Felix?

Mickey,
you must be out of your mind.

Heh. I guess when you're used
to standing on the outside,

looking in, you can see things
other people can't.

I don't know
what you're talking about.

Poor Emma, that night
when you told everybody,

I was watching her.
Face went white as a sheet.

She ran out of the room.
No.

When she came back,
her eyes were red from crying.

That made me feel very close
to Emma.

But it wasn't that.
It couldn't have been.

It was because
I was getting married.

You see, Emma and I
have always been so close.

Oh, Mickey, I don't believe you.

You're only saying it
to frighten me.

Go ahead. Get married.
You better go home.

People are waiting.

But it isn't true.
You were lying, weren't you?

Yeah.

That's as good a name for it
as any.

Well, I gotta go.
I gotta pack.

Goodbye, Ann.

Allah be with you.

Goodbye, Mickey.

You go first.

I wanna look after you.

Hey, Emma.
Yes, Felix?

What is this?
Is it a tie or a canoe paddle?

I can't make it out.

Well, in that shape,
it's usually called a cravat.

It is?
Mm.

Isn't it awful what
getting married will do to you?

Any other day
I'd have a good answer to that.

Well, go to work, Emma.
Whatever it is, tie it for me.

Gosh, I'm jittery.

My fingers have turned
to jelly. Feel them.

Oh, they're cold.

Say, so are yours.

Oh.

I should've rented this outfit
instead of having it made.

It would've fit better.

How's it coming?
Wait a minute.

Looks alright.

This is the end
of my steady job, isn't it?

Mm-hm.

Isn't that a steal
from something?

And a good one.

Hey!

Just leave me enough air
to say I do.

I'm sorry.

Now hold still.

There.

Thanks.

Well, how do I look?

Any price tag showing?

No. You look very nice.

Striped trousers.
Isn't that symbolic?

♪ Here comes the groom ♪

The dope.

♪ Here comes the groom ♪

You got 3:12.

My watch says 3:08.

What time you got, Adam?

Oh, oh, uh, 3:15, Ben.

3:15. Excuse me.

What do you think happened?

Oh, all girls get the fidgets
on their wedding day.

She probably took a walk
to calm herself down.

I took a walk on my wedding day.

Whatever possessed the child
to do such a thing?

It'll take her at least
15 minutes to dress.

What time did you say you had?

I told you, Ben.
It's 3:15.

Yeah.

Wonder what the hall clock says.

It says for you
to put your wristwatch away,

quit acting like a pompous fool!

I'm sorry, Thea.

My first wedding,
I can stand a bracer.

That must be Ann now, Aunt Etta.

Well, it's just about time.

- Oh, it's a messenger boy.
- A telegram.

No, no, no, never mind.
I'll get it.

Ah, the wire we've all
been waiting for.

The Pioneer Furniture Company.

Congratulations, and our
furniture sale starts Monday.

Easy terms.

Oh, Emma.
Emma, it's for you.

It's probably from Kay.

What's wrong, Emma?

What's the matter?

It's from Ann. She--

She's married Mickey Borden.

Let me see that telegram.

What does it say?

"Dear Emma, you must break
the news to Felix.

Make him understand
that this is for the best.

I found out just in time

to avoid making
a dreadful mistake.

Mickey and I will be married
by the time this reaches you.

Felix will understand
and forgive."

I'm sorry, son.

Well, what are we gonna do?

Father?

Ben, why don't you do something?

Don't stand there
looking so helpless.

I can't go in there
and face all those people.

But somebody's got to do
something!

I'll take care of it.

I'm sorry, Reverend Thompson,

but the family
wanted me to speak to them,

to you and to their friends.

"Break the news to Felix.

Make him understand
that this is for the best.

Dreadful mistake.

Mickey and I will be married
by the time..."

Oh, this quiet,
it hurts my ears.

Only one in my orchestra now,
Etta.

Oh, cheer up. They'll all
be here for Christmas.

I'm writing to Ann now.

Let's continue, Emma.
But play it louder.

All I ask is a little noise.

Darling.
Huh?

You hate vegetable soup,
don't you?

No. I kind of like it.

For my sake, hate it.
Why?

I just discovered something
about myself.

I can't make vegetable soup.

Well, could you salvage
something from the vegetables?

An omelet or a stew
or something?

I must have done
something wrong.

Those vegetables in the pot,
they disappeared.

Well, anyway,
we can look forward

to the Christmas dinner
your dad's gonna give us.

I read Aunt Etta's letter again.

It gets better
with every reading.

Uh-huh.

We'll go down to Joe's Red Room
and get a bite to eat.

What are you gonna do for money?

We spent the last we had

on a couple of tickets
for Briarwood.

I can get rid of something
I don't need any more.

Yeah?
And after that, what?

After that, Social Security
will take care of us.

I'm afraid not.

Although I feel old enough
to be eligible.

I can't make any money
orchestrating.

I wish there was something else
I could do.

Nonsense. A few gray hairs
at your temple,

you'd make a wonderful
bank president.

Yeah?

I bet you'll be glad to get out
of this dungeon

for a couple of days.

Oh, it isn't so bad.

Ann.

After all these months,
do you still love me?

It's only four months.
Sure I do.

You really do?

Get a notary.
I'll sign an affidavit.

You still love me.

You must be crazy.

That's a statement
that would get you

into the most exclusive
insane asylum.

Listen, you wouldn't do
so bad yourself

on the entrance exams.

Come on, I'm hungry.

I don't see it.

You don't see it? Now look.

You're at the piano,
I'm at the drums.

Earl here is doubling
on trumpet and sax,

and Sammy's with the fiddle.
I tell you, its a cinch.

Sure. We could clean up, have
a lot of fun in the bargain.

Say, there's where you have
a lot of fun, in South America.

How do you know?
You ever been there?

No, but I've seen postcards,
ain't I?

South America.
Sounds interesting.

Say, what kind of lightning
they got down there?

Lightning?

Oh, they must be lulus.

You know,
that's a topical country.

The tropical. Topical means
right now, up-to-date.

Was I wrong?

What's so old-fashioned
about South America?

What is all this?

Wouldn't mind change. What
would it cost to get there?

Now, you listen to me,
Michael Bolgar.

Uh, with or without the missus?

Well, um...

No snap judgments now.

With.
Thanks.

With?
Oh, 2 or 300 smackers.

Of course, that's second class.

That's the end of South America.

When I was in Washington,
I walked through the mint.

That was the first and
last time I've ever seen $300.

Ain't you got anything
you could hock?

Well, uh, what do you get
for wives these days?

Well, she'd bring more
than the average.

Thank you.

If one of my three sisters
was a brother,

you'd all have black eyes.

More coffee?
One check.

I wanna recapture that feeling,
walking through the mint again.

Mickey. Try and dig up
the dough, will you?

You know, we want you with us.

Well, goodbye, Mrs. Borden.
Goodbye.

Oh, yeah.
Merry Christmas.

Eh, merry Christmas.
Come on, Earl. Come on.

Yeah. Merry Christmas.

Thanks for paying the bill.
Sure.

Say, maybe I can wangle
$300 out of bank Crowley.

Mickey, you'll do no such thing.

It'll be a strictly
legal wangle.

I'd promise to pay 6 per cent

and sign all the papers
he shoved in front of me.

Oh, you can't, Mickey.
You can't.

Well, why not?
He's in the family, isn't he?

He sneaked in through marriage.

We didn't charge him for it
and we don't intend to.

Listen, Mickey, unless you
promise you won't speak to Ben,

I won't go home.

Okay, okay.
I promise I won't ask him.

I'll go further.
I'll offer to loan him money.

Here. Have a cigarette.

Thanks. Now it's my turn
to ask you something.

These last four months,
have you been happy?

I've been closer to it
than I've ever been before.

Then why do you wanna go
to South America?

Perhaps to give its lightning
a chance at me.

Only fair.

If you weren't married to me,

if I wasn't around your neck,

you'd got there somehow,
wouldn't you?

Stowaway or something.

Matter of fact, two can
stow away as cheaply as one.

No, Ann. If I go, I wanna go
in some sort of style.

What's up?

I was just wondering

if I found a wallet
in the street or something,

I was just wondering if I'd be
a big enough of a heel

to run out on you.

How are you betting?

Nothing I would do
would surprise me.

Make that two.

Here we are.

Stick close to me, Ann,
will you? I feel kind of funny.

Thanks, Ernest. It was nice
of you to meet us.

All I know is I got my orders.

Oh, I see. Emma's bullying you
even before you're married.

Something fierce,
but I'm thriving on it.

Wait, Mickey, I want Ernest
to carry all the suitcases.

It'll put him in trim
to wash the dishes.

There.
You see what I mean?

Well, you certainly have him
under control.

This is nothing.
Wait till we're married.

He'll do the cooking then.

Yeah, but will I eat it?

It's cold. Get in. Get in.

Let me in on this, Ann.
It looks like a good thing.

Hello, Ben.

May I?

I'm very glad
you could get here, Mickey.

I'm glad to be here.

Hello, Lemp.

Hello, Deitz.

How are you, Ann?
Fine.

Well, how's he been acting
since he won the prize?

There's no living with him.

He walks about with a check
in his lapel,

a contract with
the Seattle Symphony Orchestra

pinned to his hair.

Shades of Sebastian Bach.

Come along,
let's have some Tom and Jerry.

- Boy, do I need that.
- Because it's cold.

Merry Christmas, Thea.

I want you to see
the Christmas tree.

Hello, Mickey.
Merry Christmas.

Oh, same to you, Felix.

Congratulations
on winning the prize.

Thanks.

Don't forget, your
orchestrating helped a lot.

Beethoven did his own.
He didn't need any help.

He was a musician.
Christmas cheer, Mickey.

Oh, thank you.

Would you like some, Felix?
Yes, thanks.

Where's Kay?
Isn't she here yet?

Poor Kay.
She's gonna miss this.

We got a surprise for you.

Kay can't get here.
Why not?

Well, she couldn't be
in Briarwood

and sing over the radio at
the same time now, could she?

Oh, Aunt Etta.

Is Kay going to sing
on the radio?

Yes, indeed.

Tonight. National network.

We've sent her a wire telling
her how wonderful she was.

Isn't that great?
Kay on a national hookup.

Well, what have you got
to say now?

I haven't a word to say
until I've had my dinner.

Dinner. That turkey
ought to be ready by now.

Why, Ernest!

That will cost you
two dozen roses.

Well, there's no point
in wasting this good mistletoe.

In love and war,
surprise is half the battle.

Oh, now, Ben, don't be silly.

Here's my chance. I've been
wanting to kiss you for months.

Lemp, the Latin lover.

Aunt Etta, come here!

Now, shoulders back.
Chin up.

It took a long time,
but my charm finally got him.

Aunt Etta! Dinner's ready.

Dinner is served.

Come and get it.
Come and get it.

Finally.

And we have cranberry sauce.

Shh. Shh.

The honor of presenting that
talented American singer

who won the Philadelphia
Foundation scholarship,

Miss Katharine Lemp.

Ms. Lemp will sing,
"On Wings of Song."

♪ I'll bear thee Of my dearest ♪

♪ Upon the wings Of my song ♪

♪ Off to a spot That I know of ♪

♪ The river rolls along ♪

♪ For there
In a beautiful garden ♪

♪ While Cynthia rides In state ♪

♪ The lotus blossoms
For thee, dear ♪

♪ Their darling sister Waits ♪

♪ The lotus blossoms For thee ♪

♪ Dear ♪

♪ Their darling sister Waits ♪

♪ And there we shall lie
Together ♪

♪ There
'Neath the palmy streams ♪

♪ In love and peace Forever ♪

♪ And dream Our happy dreams ♪

♪ And dream ♪

♪ Our happy dreams ♪

♪ Our happy ♪

♪ Sweet dreams ♪

Not bad. Not bad at all.
You know, with time and work--

Adam Lemp,
if you don't say right now

that our Kay has the loveliest,
sweetest,

purest voice
has ever been heard.

Of course he thinks so,
Aunt Etta.

He's just being modest.

Well, let him be modest about
his own flute playing then,

and not about our Kay's singing.

I'm too old to change.
Oh, too old

Musicians are all like that.
I remember when I was a boy.

There was a musician
lived next door to us.

The most eccentric--

Well, I'll have
to be running along.

There's just time enough
to make my train.

So soon, Felix?
Yes. I really must.

Why, Felix.
Ernest, his bag!

Alright, alright.
I'll get his bag.

You know,
I've heard of henpecked husband

but this is the first I've
heard of a henpecked fiancé.

I'm the youngest.
I'll get his coat and hat.

I'd like to tell you
about that musician who lived--

I'll start with the prettiest.

Goodbye, Aunt Etta.

I'm so sorry
to have you leave, Felix.

Can't you miss your train?

They'll never believe

that you're a great musician
in Seattle

if you get there on time.

Goodbye, Adam.
Felix. Goodbye.

- Goodbye, Emma.
- Goodbye, Felix.

- Goodbye, Thea.
- Good luck.

- No, Ben.
- No trouble at all.

I can use the fresh air.
We'll just hop in Thea's car.

We'll expect a letter
every week, a full report.

I'll send press clippings
for your father.

Make sure he reads them.

Bah!

I'll hurry Ernest up.

Poor boy, what's he's in
for marrying me!

Oh.
Here you are.

I hope it's your coat.

Well, if it doesn't fit
it's mine.

It's plenty cold out.

Be sure your scarf's
up around your neck.

It's up there.

Whoever said "out of sight,
out of mind" is a liar.

Probably Shakespeare.
He said everything.

Goodbye, Lemp.

So long, Deitz.

Hurry up, Ernest.

Here you are, Felix.

Thank, Ernest.

Goodbye and have a nice trip.

Goodbye, Emma.
Goodbye, Felix.

Mind if I drive Felix
to the station?

I got something to say to him.
Sure, go ahead, Mickey.

Drop me off at the drug store.
I wanna get some cigars.

I'll walk back. Walk off
some of this Christmas dinner.

Thanks. I just thought
I'd drive you down.

We haven't much time.
Oh, I'll step on it.

Well, you fellows get in.
I'll sit on the outside.

I'm gonna get off at the store.
You don't mind?

Oh, no, of course not.
Oh, that's fine.

I asked Ben
to let me drive you down

because this is the last chance
I'd have to tell you

I'm sorry
I messed things up for you.

Ancient history, Mickey.
Forget it.

Busting things up,
that's where I shine.

There's one saving grace,
though.

I usually end up
at the bottom of the pile.

How have things been going
with you?

No complaints.

Been working?
After my fashion.

Everything alright then?
Sure.

Saw Jake yesterday.

We were talking about you.

He said--
Jake's a bigger liar than I am.

Do me a favor, Mickey.
How much you need?

I've been lucky lately.

Let me lend you a little
something, tide you over.

Say, don't you ever get tired
of being such a swell guy?

It would bore me stiff.

Thanks, Felix.
But I can't take it.

Why not?
I don't know.

Maybe it's because
I'm a new man.

The old Mickey
would've taken it.

The old Mickey was no fool.
Well, there's your train.

Porter!

You better hurry.
Behind the seat, porter.

All aboard!

All aboard!

So long, Felix.

Thanks. Here you are.

Mickey!
Yeah?

Here. Something for Ann.

Use it any way you think
will make her happy.

Bye, Mickey!
But wait a minute.

It was too bad
Kay couldn't get here.

But then it was so wonderful
hearing her voice.

Yes.

The things we've crowded in
since last Christmas.

This time last year,
Thea wasn't married,

and you weren't married.

Kay hadn't won her scholarship,
Felix hadn't won his prize.

Oh, we didn't even know
Felix then.

Emma, I've got to know.
What?

You and-and Felix.

I thought you were in love
with him.

I was.

I guess we all were.

And looking back that day
you were gonna marry Felix,

I thought if the world
should come to an end,

it would just be an anticlimax.

I know better now.

And I really owe it all
to you, Ann.

To me?

You see, if you'd married Felix,

why, I suppose I'd have gone on
all my life

thinking I'd missed my Prince
Charming on his white horse.

And when your telegram came,
everyone just went to pieces.

That is everyone but Ernest.

Ben, who blows
the loudest trumpet,

he couldn't do a thing.

I'll never get over
the way Ernest took hold.

He was so quiet, capable.

So dignified.

Well, that started it.

Now, I can't imagine life

without me
ordering Ernest around.

And if Ernest gets to the point
of ordering me around,

that'll be alright too.

It's funny how long
you can be around people

and not know how much
they really mean to you.

Take you and Mickey,
for instance.

Oh, gracious, Ann. You're not
crying about a broken plate.

You don't have to,
it isn't ours.

We borrowed it
from Mrs. Ridgefield.

Oh, it isn't that.

It's-it's just being home
and everything.

Ann?

If you're going to ask me
if I'm happy, I am.

Why, it never entered my mind.

Mickey's done everything
to make me happy.

He-- He's trying very hard.

Of course.

Of course.

Thea, please.

Thea, what's wrong?
What's happened to you?

It's Ben.
He's had an accident.

Could you be quiet
just a minute, please?

Huh? I can't hear you.
Darling. Shh!

St. Joseph's Hospital?

Alright. I'll-I'll bring
his wife with me.

Is he badly hurt?

I'm afraid so. There--
My car's outside.

I'll go with you, Thea.
Please, don't.

Poor Ben.

I didn't make him happy.
I didn't even try.

Thea, you mustn't.

But he's always been
so kind and generous.

I never showed any appreciation.

Ben will be alright.
It isn't too late.

You'll have a chance
to make it all up to him.

But suppose-- Suppose--

Oh, Thea, please.
You mustn't.

Thea, it's not Ben.

Ann, it's...

Mickey?
Mm-hm.

He was driving Ben's car.

Is he hurt badly?

Mickey.
Huh?

Mickey.

Ann.

More of their work.

Why, they wouldn't let me
go out in style.

Oh, don't try to talk.

You'll be alright.

Only lightning can get you,

I have your word for it.

Lightning can be manufactured.
You know?

Oh, Mickey.

I think perhaps
it's better if you--

I know his type.

Got a cigarette?

Could I?

Yes, alright.

Here you are.

Cork tip.

No.

Mickey.

Oh, no! Mickey.

Oh, Mickey.

Oh, Mickey.

♪ Softly goes
My songs entreaty ♪

♪ Through the night To thee ♪

♪ In the silent woods
I wait thee ♪

♪ Come, my love, to me ♪

♪ Treetops slender
Sough and whisper ♪

♪ And in the moonlight Here ♪

♪ In the moonlight here ♪

♪ No unfriendly ear
Shall listen ♪

♪ Darling, have no fear ♪

♪ Darling, have no fear ♪

♪ Ah, let thine, as well
Grow tender ♪

♪ Sweetheart, why so coy? ♪

♪ Anxious, fevered
I await thee ♪

♪ Come and bring me joy ♪

Hello, Lemp.

Hello, Deitz.

I've done right by my gate.

Listen to that squeak.

I wouldn't swing on a gate
that didn't squeak.

Why is it women hate to use
an oil can?

Why do men smoke smelly pipes?

It isn't the pipe.
It's tobacco.

Stonewall Jackson Cut Plug?
Right.

I've chewed it for years.

I've smoked it for years.

I dislike it intensely.

Ann?

Oh, I'm so glad you're home.

What am I doing on this side
of the gate?

Say, this is where we came in.

Yes.