Holiday Inn (1942) - full transcript

♪ Happy holiday ♪

♪ Happy holiday ♪

Merry Christmas, bud.

Thank you.
Merry Christmas to you.

Okay. Hi, Chief.

Come in.

Hello, honey.

Well, this is
our last night
in show business.

Some feeling, huh?

Some feeling.

I got the ring
and the license.



Honey, we're ready.
Oh.

Say, there's
a hook left over
at the top here.

Should that be?

Never mind,
I'll take care of it.

Jim?
Huh?

Well, I think that
tie's terrible.

Well, who cares?
Tomorrow I'm a farmer.

You'd better
go change it.

Listen, honey,
when you're flipping
those twinkle toes

who's gonna be
looking at my tie?

You only have
five minutes. Hurry.

Okay, I'm on my way.

What'd he say?

I didn't tell him.



Why not?
We love each other.

You wanna
continue dancing.

I know,
but he gets a look.

Oh, he's always had
that look.

It doesn't mean
anything emotionally.

It has something to do
with his liver.

Simply tell him
you had made a mistake.

You don't wanna
give up your career
and live on a farm.

But he's already
bought the farm.

And the license,
and the ring.

Oh, I can't tell him.

All right, I will.
Right after our number.

Listen, darling,
don't weaken.

Think of our life
together.

Think of diamonds,
of sables,

of your own
little penthouse.

Is that a promise?

Well, just think
about them
for the time being.

Ready, Miss Dixon.

Well, thank you.

Say, this thing
didn't come out even.

Oh, I'll fix it.
We have to hurry.

I love you.

I love you...

...and Jim.

I love Jim, too.
But after all, I mean,
let's not be too chummy.

♪ Here she comes
down the street ♪

♪ My, oh my,
ain't she sweet? ♪

♪ Why, here comes
my hot toddy ♪

♪ Over my dead body ♪

♪ I'll capture
her heart singing ♪

♪ Just wait until she gets
a load of my dancing ♪

♪ Just wait till
I start singing ♪

♪ I'll take her strolling down
the road with my dancing ♪

♪ I can't go wrong,
a tender song ♪

♪ And she'll discover
my charms ♪

♪ Some fancy taps
and she'll collapse ♪

♪ And fall right
into my arms ♪

♪ I'll capture
her heart singing ♪

♪ Oh, no,
you haven't a chance ♪

♪ When I go
into my dance ♪

♪ I'll take you
through life singing ♪

♪ I'll make you
my wife dancing ♪

♪ If you could dance
nstead of sing ♪

♪ I'd learn to
ove you somehow ♪

♪ If you could sing
instead of dance ♪

♪ I'd take you home
with me now ♪

♪ The way you sing
don't mean a thing ♪

♪ You'd better stick
to your dance ♪

♪ And as for you,
your dance won't do ♪

♪ You'll have to
sing for romance ♪

♪ I'll capture her heart... ♪

♪ I'll capture her heart... ♪

♪ Singing
Dancing ♪

Not much of
a Christmas present
for you, is it?

I mean, both of us
walking out on you.

Don't worry
about me, kid.
I'll do all right.

What a chum.

Can't you see what
we're walking out on?
The grind.

365 days a year.

When's the last time
you had a day off?

I don't know.
Maybe last year?

Do you ever hear
of Thanksgiving

or Labor Day
or the Fourth of July?

Vaguely.
You know what they are,
don't you?

They're holidays.

Days of rest.
There's lots of 'em.

They mark 'em in red
on the calendar

so you can't miss 'em.

What happens in
show business when
a holiday comes along?

You give
an extra performance.

Not for me, brother.

Lila and I are
going up to that farm
in Connecticut

and we're gonna live
by the calendar.

Say, Jim?
Mmm?

There's something
you should know.

Oh, I know, Ted.
I feel the same way
about you.

You know, we've had
our ups and our downs

and we fought a little
over the women

we swiped from
each other, but...

I know, but...
Sorry, Jimmy boy,
but that's life.

Ted, if I'm not
the best manager
in the business

I'll eat a garage
mechanic's shirt.

Fifteen weeks
at the Park Club,

sight unseen,
for you and Lila.

$200 a week more
than you were getting
with the farmer thrown in.

What's the matter?

I haven't told him.

You haven't told him?
You haven't told him?

Haven't told me what?
What... What's this?
What's the news?

Well, don't be upset,
Jim, dear.

It isn't that
I don't love you.
I do.

I love everybody,

but when Ted
explained how much
he loved me and...

All at once,
we both realized that
we belong together.

The two of us,
dedicating our lives

to making people happy
with our feet.

The two of you, huh?

Dedicating your lives
to making people happy
with your feet.

That's sweet.

Well, I guess that
kick I just got was
a good start, huh?

Sorry, Jimmy boy,
but that's life.

Yeah, it's best that
you found out now, Jim.

You wouldn't wanna
make Lila unhappy.

Oh, no. No, I...
I wouldn't want to
make Lila unhappy.

Not now, now that
I really know her.

What a narrow
squeak that was.

What do you mean
by that?

Oh, nothing.
Nothing, honey.

I'm just happy
that you're happy.

That little speech
sounds like the crack
of a confederate money.

Well, kids,
I'm still gonna
rejoin the human race.

I hope you get
a lot of work,
holidays included,

dance yourselves
into beautiful
nervous breakdowns.

You ever want to look me up,
you know where to find me,

Midville, Connecticut,
under a large shady tree,

just being lazy.

♪ Lazy
I want to be lazy ♪

♪ I long to be out
in the sun ♪

♪ With no work
to be done ♪

♪ Under that awning ♪

♪ They call the sky ♪

♪ Stretching and yawning ♪

♪ And let the world
go drifting by ♪

♪ I want to peep ♪

♪ Through the deep ♪

♪ Tangled wildwood ♪

♪ Counting sheep
till I sleep ♪

♪ Like a child would ♪

♪ With a great
big valise full ♪

♪ Of books to read
where it's peaceful ♪

♪ While I'm killing time ♪

♪ Being lazy ♪

So Lazy Acres
was a snare and
a delusion, huh?

Oh, brother,
there's the hardest
work in the world.

Maybe you'd be happier
back in town, Jim.

Of course, if you get that
agricultural urge again,

you can always
raise a geranium.

Oh, no.
Wait till you hear.

I think I've dreamed up
the greatest idea
I ever had.

And you've had some pips.

Oh, but this can't miss.

I'm turning
the farm into an inn,
but what an inn.

Here, read up, brother.

"Holiday Inn,
Midville Connecticut."

Open holidays only?
Mmm-hmm.

Say, how many
of those are there?

There's about 15.

That gives me
350 days a year
to kick around in.

He would
think of that.

Did you get your
discharge papers
from that sanitarium?

Oh, don't you worry,
this is gonna work.

I'm having auditions
out at the farm
every day.

Say, if you run
into any talent

that's willing to work
for a share of the table,

will you send them out?

Sure, soon as I get back.

I'm flying down to
Miami Beach tonight

to set an engagement
for Ted and Lila.

Lila.

You forgot to
order the flowers.

Now, don't get excited,
there's a flower shop
out at the airport.

I guarantee to have orchids
in her dressing room
before her first number.

Oh, boy, you better.

As I remember,
this kid even expects
presents on Father's Day.

Yeah.

Well, good luck, Jim.
So long, Ted.
Have a nice trip.

I mean, yeah,
thanks, I will.

That reminds me,
I forgot to give
him a little

Christmas remembrance
I brought along.

Got one here
for each of you.

Say, this is swell.

What is it?

It's homemade
peach preserves.

I put them up myself,
just before I went
into the sanitarium.

Boy, do I go for those.
Why, they're great on...

Or even plain.

They're
non-fattening, too.

Well, it's a long trip
back to the farm,
I think I'll get along.

Will you say hello
to Lila for me?

But you gotta wait
and catch the act.

We got some new routines
and then after the show...

I don't think they like
this nightclub air.

Wait. Wait. You better
wait for Lila's.

I think Danny's
was the loudest.

Well, different tone.

Dawn patrol, huh?

Hello! Am I too late?

You would have been
in another minute.

Danny Reed.

Listen, I have to
wait on that man.

But...
I'll work five nights
for you. Anything.

Just leave me alone
and don't butt in.

What would you like?

Orchids,
the finest you've got.

Corsage?

No. No. A dozen.

Loose, looking like
they don't care.

All right.

There,
"Lila, love, Ted."

Have them delivered
to Miss Lila Dixon

at the Club Pierre
before 11:00 tonight.

Oh, I'm sorry,
but our delivery truck
is on its last trip

and won't be back
until after 11:00.

How about
a messenger boy?

Oh, it's impossible
to guarantee delivery
this late on Christmas Eve.

But to help you out,
I'll take them.

Oh, there you are.

A dozen orchids,
please.

Lady, you're a lifesaver.

Here. Here's $5.
Take your boyfriend out
and show him a good time.

Oh, thank you,
but let's consider this
a personal favor.

Well, I can't leave town
indebted to a stranger.

Would you like to
see the floor show
at the club tonight?

Oh, I'd like to
very much, but...

All right, now you just
give this card to Francois

and he'll seat you at
the entertainer's table.

Why, you're Mr. Reed.

Uh-oh.

I'm Linda Mason.
Well, this is just
a part-time job.

Actually,
I sing and dance.
Mr. Reed, I want...

I know. I know,
you've studied dancing since
you were a little child.

You spent long weary hours
in every theatrical agency
in Broadway.

But just now I happen to
be catching a plane to...

Of course, once you
told me I was no good,

I could probably get
a job at a bargain
basement and like it.

Now look, honestly,
as soon as I get...

Oh, of course.
Sure, you worked hard,
you want a chance.

So what? So I'm gonna
give it to you.

A job?
Uh-huh.

A friend of mine
is opening a place

in Connecticut,
Holiday Inn.

You take that card
out there tomorrow,

tell him I sent you
and you'll be all set.

Mr. Reed, how could
I possibly thank you?

Don't.
Just deliver those orchids
and let me catch my plane.

This table's reserved
for the band.

Excuse me!

Fussy, isn't he?

I think I'll have
a bowl of coffee, huh?

And the lady?
Coffee.

We seem to be on
the 40-cent tour here.

It is embarrassing.

I'm Jim Hardy.

Linda Mason.

Got a friend
in the show?

Well, I'm here at
Mr. Reed's invitation.

Oh, Danny.

Then you know
Ted Hanover.

What?

Yes, naturally.

Oh, my.

He's quite a man with
the ladies, that Ted.

Well, after all,
he's a very attractive man.

Do you know him?

Oh, yes. Yes.

Matter of fact,
I've been considering Ted

and his partner
for my new club.

Oh, you have a place.

Oh, yes. Yes.

I don't know, though.
His act might not go

so well at a place
as large as mine.

Oh.

Well, I've found
that the size of a place
doesn't matter,

if one has sufficient
personality.

That's what
you found, huh?

You in show business?

I'm Linda Mason.

Oh, Linda Mason.

♪ I could dance nightly ♪

♪ Just holding you tightly ♪

♪ My sweet ♪

♪ I could keep right on ♪

♪ Because you're so light
on your feet ♪

♪ You're easy
to dance with ♪

♪ There is no doubt in ♪

♪ The way we stand out
in the crowd ♪

♪ Though it's called dancing ♪

♪ To me it's romancing
out loud ♪

♪ You're easy
to dance with ♪

♪ Loving you
the way I do ♪

♪ Makes you easy
to dance with ♪

♪ That is why I'm always
right on the beat ♪

♪ All those charms
in one man's arms ♪

♪ Make you easy
to dance with ♪

♪ I can hardly keep
my mind on my feet ♪

♪ Let's dance forever ♪

♪ Come on, say we'll never
be through ♪

♪ It's so easy
to dance with you ♪

♪ You're easy
to dance with ♪

♪ You're easy
to dance with ♪

♪ It's so easy
to dance with you ♪

♪ It's so easy to dance ♪

♪ It's so easy to dance ♪

♪ With you ♪

That was wonderful.

Oh, it's a great act,
isn't it? Here they come.

Who?
Ted and Lila.

Hey, what's the matter?

Hello, Lila.
Jimmy boy.

How are you?
I'm so glad to see you.

It's good to see you.

I thought you
were alone, Jim.

Who's your friend,
and what's her hurry?

Don't ask me,
she's your friend.

Mine?
Yeah.

What is she afraid of?
Facing me?

Darling, I swear,
I never...

"Darling, I swear."

You lie...

You're on.

So this is Holiday Inn.

Yeah. Will be
if it ever opens up.

Well, why shouldn't
it open?

Well, I ain't one
to talk,

but you could probably
buy a half interest

in this place for
a barrel of apples.

Next train for
New York's at 7:43,
if I can flag her down.

Say,
I'm looking for a job.
Where's the boss?

Right here,
I'll be down
in a second.

So, you're the big shot

that didn't know
whether Hanover
and Dixon

were good enough
for your place.

Well, that wasn't
exactly hay you were
throwing, either.

"I'm Linda Mason."

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

All right,
you're a fake
and I'm a phony.

And we're both soaked.

Are you hurt?
I'll check later.

Come on,
let's get out of this
before you catch cold.

All right. Ooh.

Well,
here's what cooks.

Oh.

Well, this is darling.

Was it as large as this
when it was a farmhouse?

Yeah, it was built
by a fellow who felt
cramped in New York.

He finally ran out
of lumber, though.

Oh, Mamie.

Coming.

Is your names Mamie?

No.
No.

Get back in the kitchen.

My, my.
What's happened?

Oh, we had
a little accident.

Mamie, this is
Miss Linda Mason.
How do you do?

Please to know you,
Miss Linda.

And these are
her children.

That's Daphne,
and that's Vanderbilt.

How do you do?

Mamie,
will you take Miss Mason
up to the guest room

and change her into
anything that'll fit her

while we get her
clothes dry, huh?

Sure thing, Mr. Jimmy.
Come on, honey.

I'll see about
getting the fire ready
in the living room.

Is your names
Miss Linda?

No.
No.

I don't know,
it sounds like something
you dream about at night

and it would
be wonderful,

then you'd wake up
in the morning and
realize it couldn't work.

Oh, it'll work,
if I can sell the idea
to some performers.

They seem to think
that profit sharing

means taking bows
on an empty stomach.

So that's why you're
not open tonight.

Well, I'm also,
sort of, particular

about the kind of
talent I'm gonna use.

Fifteen holidays a year.

Mmm-hmm.

You're a lazy fellow.

No, not especially.

Just have my own
ideas about living.

My father was like you.
Just a man with a family.

Never amounted to much,
didn't care.

But as long as
he was alive

we always had
plenty to eat and
clothes to keep us warm.

Were you happy?
Yes.

Then your father was
a very successful man.
Hope I can do as well.

Say, I came out
here for a job.
Could you use me?

Well, I might find
a spot for you

in my first show.
What can you do?

I sing a little
and dance.

Couldn't guarantee
any salary at first,

right now I've got
the ledger and an iron lung.

I don't care if
you pay off in eggs,
just give me a chance.

Well, let's see
what you can do.

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

You know,
I've written special music
for each holiday.

This sort of gives me
a chance to keep a little
promise I made to myself.

I said I was
gonna sing this song
at the inn tonight.

♪ I'm dreaming ♪

♪ Of a white Christmas ♪

♪ Just like the ones
I used to know ♪

♪ Where the treetops glisten ♪

♪ And children listen ♪

♪ To hear sleigh bells
in the snow ♪

♪ I'm dreaming ♪

♪ Of a white Christmas ♪

♪ With every
Christmas card I write ♪

♪ May your days be
merry and bright ♪

♪ And may
all your Christmases ♪

♪ Be white ♪

♪ I'm dreaming ♪

♪ Of a white Christmas ♪

♪ Just like... ♪

♪ Just like the ones
I used to know ♪

♪ Where the treetops glisten. ♪

♪ Where the treetops glisten ♪

♪ And children listen. ♪

♪ And children listen ♪

♪ To hear ♪

♪ To hear ♪

♪ Sleigh bells
in the snow ♪

♪ I'm dreaming of
a white Christmas ♪

♪ With every
Christmas card I write ♪

♪ May your days
be merry ♪

♪ And bright ♪

♪ And may all your ♪

♪ Christmases ♪

♪ Be white ♪

♪ Happy holiday ♪

♪ Happy holiday ♪

♪ While the merry bells
keep ringing ♪

♪ May your every wish
come true ♪

♪ Happy holiday ♪

♪ Happy holiday ♪

♪ May the calendar
keep bringing ♪

♪ Happy holidays to you ♪

♪ If you're burdened
down with trouble ♪

♪ If your nerves
are wearing thin ♪

♪ Park your load
down the road ♪

♪ And come to Holiday Inn ♪

♪ If the traffic
noise affects you ♪

♪ Like a squeaky violin ♪

♪ Kick your cares
down the stairs ♪

♪ And come to Holiday Inn ♪

♪ If you can't find
somebody who ♪

♪ Would set
your heart a-whirl ♪

♪ Get in your car
and motor to ♪

♪ The home
of boy meets girl ♪

♪ If you're laid-up
with a breakdown ♪

♪ Throw away
your vitamin ♪

♪ Don't get worse ♪

♪ Grab your nurse ♪

♪ And come to Holiday Inn ♪

♪ Happy holiday ♪

♪ Happy holiday ♪

♪ May the calendar
keep bringing ♪

♪ Happy holidays to you ♪

Happy New Year, Ted.

No!

Francois, have you
seen Mr. Hanover?

Twice, sir.

What happened?

The first time, sir,

he came
from his dressing room
with a telegram in his hand.

He ordered
Scotch and soda,
a bottle of each.

I know, I know.
What then?

The second time he came
from his dressing room

he asked which way
is Connecticut.

Connecticut?
Connecticut.

He said he has
a friend there who
knows about women, too.

Why didn't you stop him?

How could
I stop him, sir,
when I don't know

which way is Connecticut.

Who said Holiday Inn
wouldn't work?

Well, we're gonna divvy up
a stack of important
money tonight, huh?

Man, man.

I've got a landlady
who's gonna ask for
your autographed picture.

No.

Everybody get something?

All right,
come on, now.

Go to bed, now,
it's getting late.

Good night.
Good night.

Look, it's almost time.

Say, it's practically
straight up, isn't it?

♪ One minute to midnight ♪

♪ One minute to go ♪

♪ One minute
to say good-bye ♪

♪ Before we say hello ♪

♪ Let's start
the new year right ♪

♪ Twelve o'clock tonight ♪

♪ When they dim the light ♪

♪ Let's begin ♪

♪ Kissing the old year out ♪

♪ Kissing the new year in ♪

♪ Let's watch
the old year die ♪

♪ With a fond good-bye ♪

♪ And our hopes as high ♪

♪ As a kite ♪

♪ How can our love
go wrong if ♪

♪ We start
the new year right? ♪

That's it.
That's midnight.

I'll see you out
on the floor, all right?

All right.

Come on, everybody.
Happy New Year.

Happy holiday.

Happy New Year.

I forgot my check.

You won't need that,
but I think you'll
need your coat.

Happy New Year.

Same to you.

You got to dance.
Oh, you got to dance.

Come on, you got to...

Why, Mr. Hanover.

Mr. Hanover.

That's Mr. Hanover.

Wait a minute,
I got to go.

Oh, no, I don't
want Ted Hanover,

I want you.
This is New Years, kid.

I know.

Ted!

He wasn't drunk,
it's a gag.

What happened?

Ted Hanover with
his new partner.

They were great.

New partner?

You better get back.

Well, I am sorry,
if I'd have known
how he was...

Oh, he'll be all right
in a week or 10 days.
You better hurry.

Ted!

Ted!

Ted!

Oh.

How is he?

He's out cold.

Hot or cold, he can
keep his dancing shoes
in my office.

Did you hear
that applause?

Yeah,
it went pretty good.

And I was worried
about his losing Lila.

Losing Lila?
Yeah.

Yeah, she eloped tonight
with some Texan from Texas,

with Ted's
engagement ring
on her finger.

But who cares?

You lose one girl,
you find another.
That's life.

That's good, huh?

Here we go again.

Come in.

Good morning, Ted.
Oh. Good morning.

Got a little head?

Where am I?

You're at Holiday Inn.

Well, how did I get here?
Who brought me?

You were clinging
to the undercarriage
of a jeep, I think.

Here, have a slug
out of the mug.

You mean you don't
remember anything?
Uh...

Let's see.
I had a wire from Lila

telling me she's going
to marry some millionaire
or something.

I remember that all right.
Mmm-hmm.

Then I had a drink.

A drink?

Boy, you were fractured.

And then I decided
I had to talk to
my old pal, Jim.

You don't remember
anything else?

No. That's all,
except that.

I must have been killed
on the way out here
or something.

You really come
up empty, huh?

Too bad about Lila.

I think you're better off
doing a single.

You're a born soloist,
you know.

Oh, no, no, Jim,
I've got to have
a partner.

And when I find her...

Yeah, I know,
you'll fall in
love with her.

You haven't missed yet.
Happy New Year!

Oh, don't do that.

Why didn't you tell me?

Letting me beat
my brains out worrying
about his losing Lila

and all the time,
he's got this girl
on the leash.

What girl?

Boy, you must
have been high.

Doing a complete
dance routine

with your new partner
and you...

You don't know
who she is?

I danced with
a new partner?

When? Where?

Here. Last night.

Think, Ted. Remember?

Wait a minute.
I remember.

I got here
just about midnight.

There was a girl.

We danced.

What she look like?

I... I don't know.
All I saw was
a vague outline.

Can't you remember
anything about her?

I remember
dancing with her.

If I ever dance
with her again,

I'd probably
recognize her.

Great, that takes care
of everything
but finding her.

You were here,
why ask me how
she looked?

I only saw her from
the back. She was...

About this...

She had a...

If I ever saw her
from the back again,
I'd recognize her.

Well, that's fine.

After I've danced
with her,

I'll just turn her around
for your okay.

This should be a cinch.

You saw her,
describe her.

Who, me? Well, I wasn't
watching very closely.

She was a medium...
Medium-built
sort of a girl,

with a medium face.
She had a nice
evening gown on

with a belt
in the back.

See, she was built
just like a girl
friend of mine.

A girl you don't know
but her name was
Consuela Stupkis.

She used to play
the pinball machine a lot
down at the corner drugstore.

I remember one time
she was high man.
Three weeks in a row.

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

That's nothing at all,
happy to do it.

See, I got a hunch,
fellas.

I've got a hunch
we're going to find
this girl eventually.

And when we do
we'll be glad
we waited for her.

Listen, I'm not interested
in getting any other
partner, understand?

A chance meeting
in the night. Destiny.

She'll be back.

Here's where
we will find her
on the next holiday.

Here?
Here.

I've got to go
turn the roast.

Now don't worry,
we'll find her.

If I see her
from the back again,
I'll recognize her.

It's kind of
a roundabout way to go
at it, but let's try it.

Are you decent?

Yes, come in.

What's that?

Well, I thought it over

and I believe that
our number'll go a little
better in blackface.

Oh. I thought we were
going to do it like this.

Well, that's before...
Before I thought it over.

I look terrible
in the stuff.
No.

I don't even know
how to put it on.

I'll put it on
for you.

I broke in
as a bootblack, you know.

Here we go.

Oh.

For a month and a half
I've been dreaming

of how pretty I was
going to look tonight.

Well, here's my punishment
for thinking so well
of myself.

Oh, you'll have plenty
of times to be pretty.

I was just going to
ask you if you'd like

to be in the rest
of the shows out here.

You were?

Will you?
Will I?

Fifteen nights a year
Cinderella steps into
her pumpkin coach

and becomes queen
of Holiday Inn.

Well, what's the matter?

I wish I didn't have
to work all the other days
in the year

to make
these few possible.

Maybe a little later on
when we start doing better

you could stay out here
all the time.

Did you hear
what you just said?

Yeah.

Was it a proposal?

It will be when I get
a few bucks in the bank.

You're a strange duck.

You don't even
give me a chance
to say darling

and throw
my arms around you.

Better save that
till you see
the bankbook.

Well, I guess
I'm sort of engaged.

Say, what is this?
A daisy chain?

Well, we were just looking
for the back of a girl
we don't know.

♪ Upon a February morn ♪

♪ A tiny baby boy was born ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ When he growed up,
this tiny babe ♪

♪ Folks all
called him Honest Abe ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ In 1860, he became ♪

♪ The sixteenth president ♪

♪ And now he's in
the hall of fame ♪

♪ A most respected gent ♪

♪ That's why we celebrate ♪

♪ This blessed February date ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ When black folks
lived in slavery ♪

♪ Who was it set
the darkie free? ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ That's right, child. ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ When troubles come
down from the shelf ♪

♪ Who's heart was
bigger than hisself? ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ Yeah, ma'am! ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ The country's
going to the dogs ♪

♪ They shouted loud and strong ♪

♪ Then from a cabin
made out of logs ♪

♪ The right man came along ♪

♪ And that is why we celebrate ♪

♪ This blessed February date ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ The U.S.A.'s
united thanks ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ To one whose name
was Nancy Hanks ♪

♪ Tell me! ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ She gave this land
the finest son ♪

♪ That's what she did. ♪

♪ Who ever went
to Washington ♪

♪ Who dat? ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ When someone told
him General Grant ♪

♪ Was drinking every night ♪

♪ He answered,
"Go see if you can't ♪

♪ "Get all my generals tight" ♪

♪ That's why we celebrate ♪

♪ This blessed February date ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

♪ Abraham ♪

Good night.

I give up.
She's not here tonight.

You wait here,
I'll go up and see
if Jim's seen her.

Gus is waiting
to take you
to the station.

Remember now,
day after tomorrow,
St. Valentine's Day.

Someone's coming,
we better use
the other stairway.

Who is it?
Bill-collector.

Good night.
Good night, Jim.

You better get inside
before you catch cold.
You haven't got a coat.

Well, I...
Go on.

I don't need
a coat now.

Hey, Ted.
Did you find the girl?

This is terrible, I wish
we could recognize her
from the front.

I feel like a wolf.

Why, Ted.

Ted!

She's here!
Who?

I saw her!
This way.

Let go of my coat.

This way, shortcut,
shortcut. Come on.

Giddyap.

It's locked,
it's never been
locked before.

Let's try
the other stairwell.

Let go of me,
let go.

Go ahead.

Well, we've lost
her again.

Did you get a look
at her face this time?

No, we're still working
from the rear.

How do you know
it was her? After all,
she had an overcoat on.

I don't care
if she had...

How do you know
she had an overcoat on?

Well, she...
If she didn't,

look for a girl
with pneumonia.

Come on.
Let's get inside.

Say, Jim,
when's your next show?

Next show?
St. Valentine's Day,
I think.

Day after tomorrow, huh?
Is it?

That's our break.
We'll get here
bright and early

and stay
until we find her.

We'll make
an announcement

asking her to
identify herself.

We won't miss
next time.
No.

Say, fellas, how did
you like the show?

Well, we were so busy
we didn't see much
of it, Jim. Why?

I thought the people
seemed to like
the blackface routine.

Yeah, they did.

Don't you think
a blackface number

on St. Valentine's Day
would be novel?

A what?
It's no good, eh?

Just an idea I had.

Well, good-bye.

Good-bye, Ted.
So long, Jim.

Bye, Dan.

- Hey, lady.
- Yes.

You know we open in an hour.
You haven't even
had a rehearsal.

Coming.

Oh, very smart.

You'll have to
talk Gus into buying
a horseless carriage.

I spend half my life
between here
and the station.

I think Gus will have
to face the machine age
sooner or later, won't he?

Did you escape those
bill-collectors
the other night?

Bill-collectors?

Oh, yes, temporarily.
Say, that reminds me,

I have a surprise
for you downstairs.

Well, thanks.
What reminds you?

Nothing, it's just...
I mean, I want you to
remember the surprise

when those doggone
bill-collectors move in.

You sound sweet,
but you don't
make sense.

The inn is
so romantic looking.

Nice? I posed for
those cupids myself.

Hello, boys.

Hi. How are you?

Paid-up cards
here tonight.

Where's the surprise?

Aha! Right here,
a little home cooking
I whipped up.

Beautiful.

"Be Careful
It's My Heart."

And I ain't
kidding, either.

I wrote this just
for you, honey.

♪ Be careful,
it's my heart ♪

♪ It's not my watch you're
holding, it's my heart ♪

♪ It's not the note
I sent you ♪

♪ That you quickly burned ♪

♪ It's not the book
I lent you ♪

♪ That you never returned ♪

♪ Remember,
it's my heart ♪

♪ The heart with which
so willingly I part ♪

♪ It's yours to take,
to keep or break ♪

♪ But please,
before you start ♪

♪ Be careful,
it's my heart ♪

♪ Be careful,
it's my heart ♪

♪ It's not my watch you're
holding, it's my heart ♪

♪ It's not the note
I sent you ♪

♪ That you quickly burned ♪

♪ It's not the book
I lent you ♪

♪ That you never returned ♪

♪ Remember,
it's my heart ♪

♪ The heart with which
so willingly I part ♪

♪ It's yours to take,
to keep or break ♪

♪ But please,
before you start ♪

♪ Be careful,
it's my heart ♪

I'm sorry, Jim,
I couldn't resist it.

Wonderful, she's prefect,
light as a feather.

You found her, Jim.
You're a pal.

Yeah.

Young lady,
do you realize

that we've been
searching for you
for weeks?

For me?
Yes, ever since...

The girl in
the flower shop.

Yes, Mr. Reed.

Where have you
been working
since New Year's Eve?

Here.

Would you mind
letting me in
on your secret?

Oh, it's no secret.

Ted Hanover is looking
for a new dancing partner

and we've decided
to give you the job.

Oh, here now.
Wait, just a minute.

Oh, no hard
feelings, Jim,

I don't
blame you for trying.
She is wonderful.

I feel as if I've
known her for months.

Oh. Same old
feeling, huh?

Let's see,
Washington's Birthday
is the next show.

That will give us
a week of rehearsals.
We can open the act here.

I'll take care
of the invitations.
Strictly formal.

I'll get all
the newspaper boys
from New York.

Now hold everything.
This is my inn,

and I am not running it
for a bunch
of stuffed shirts.

What would you like,
the dungaree set?

Well, that would be better
than the bunch of
chowder heads you drag in.

Maybe I can't
use the act.

Not use Ted Hanover?

Well, the show is
pretty well set.

You're in,
but he's out.

But you could change
the show for a special
occasion like this.

Of course he could.
He's just trying to
hide his gratitude.

Jim, you better think
up a number for us.

Well, just what do
you visualize, Ziggy?

Ah, let's see.

For Washington's birthday
I see, sort of,
a romantic costume thing.

Naturally.
Something
that just reeks

with grace and charm,
you know?
Mmm-hmm.

I think the music should
be sweet and gentle to...

Well, to create the mood,
each time I take her into
my arms and kiss her.

That's it.

Don't you think
it's getting a little
stuffy in here?

♪ I could say
that you're homely ♪

♪ Just as homely as pie ♪

♪ But this is
Washington's birthday ♪

♪ And I've got to
say you're beautiful ♪

♪ 'Cause I can't
tell a lie ♪

♪ I could say
that you're stupid ♪

♪ Nothing up
in your crown ♪

♪ But this is
Washington's birthday ♪

♪ And the truthful he ♪

♪ Of the cherry tree ♪

♪ Would look down on me
and frown ♪

♪ I could say that
I hate you if I try ♪

♪ But I've got to say
I love you ♪

♪ 'Cause it's February
the twenty-second ♪

♪ And I can't tell a lie ♪

Hit it.

Come in.

Well, honey, in spite
of what good old Jim
tried to do to us,

your future
starts as of tonight.

Now where would you
like to go from here?

From here?
Yes.

New York, Havana, Rio?
We have our pick
of engagements, you know.

But I can't
be your partner
if you leave the inn.

Of course you can.
There's no reason for you
to remain buried here.

There's a very
good reason.

I promised to be in
Jim's holiday shows
for the rest of the year.

Ah, but he tricked
you into that

while he was
hiding you from me.

No matter how he did it,
I've promised.

Besides, well,
we're going to
be married.

Married?
Now wait a minute,
let's be fair.

He didn't
give me a chance.

After all,
I love you, too.

Linda, from the very
first moment
we danced together,

I knew you were to be
the one girl in my life.

You didn't even
know my name.

Please. All right,
forget about me, then.

Forget about Jim,
think of yourself.

Here's your chance to do
the one thing you like best.

Not only for
15 days a year,
but always.

Sorry, but I promised.

Well?

I guess I should apologize
for hooking up
your number, huh?

Oh, forget it.
I'm the one that should
apologize to you.

Here I've been trying
to take Linda away
from you

not knowing you two
were going to be married.

Married?

Yeah, aren't you?

Yes, sure.

I mean, naturally,
we're sort of engaged.

Oh.

Well, anyway, I've decided
to bow out of here.
Linda's all yours.

Well, you're
a pretty game guy
to take it this way.

Well, it's happened so often
I'm getting used to it,
that's all.

Good-bye, kid.

A lot of luck, Ted.

Thanks.

How are we doing?

Two minutes ago, I would
have sold my chances
for a tired dime.

But when a man is
surprised to hear that
he's going to be married,

brother, that's when
I go to work with
a clear conscience.

Everything's good, huh?
Everything is perfect.

♪ In your Easter bonnet ♪

♪ With all the frills
upon it ♪

♪ You'll be
the grandest lady ♪

♪ In the Easter parade ♪

♪ I'll be all in clover ♪

♪ And when
they look you over ♪

♪ I'll be
the proudest fellow ♪

♪ In the Easter parade ♪

♪ On the Avenue ♪

♪ Fifth Avenue ♪

♪ The photographers
will snap us ♪

♪ And you'll find
that you're ♪

♪ In the rotogravure ♪

♪ Oh, I could
write a sonnet ♪

♪ About your Easter bonnet ♪

♪ And of the girl
I'm taking ♪

♪ To the Easter parade ♪

♪ On the Avenue ♪

♪ Fifth Avenue ♪

♪ The photographers
will snap us ♪

♪ And you'll find
that you're ♪

♪ In the rotogravure ♪

♪ Oh, I could
write a sonnet ♪

♪ About your Easter bonnet ♪

♪ And of the girl
I'm taking ♪

♪ To the Easter parade ♪

Hello!

I didn't exactly
expect the welcome mat,

but I thought somebody
might say hello.

Hello.
Thanks.

What brings you here
on this bright
and uninviting day?

I've discovered something,
my friends, about life.

Meaning what?

Well, I don't want success,

I want the true happiness
you people have
found here at the inn.

You're not gonna
stay in the inn?

Not just stay,
I want to be part
of your shows,

help you in your work,

share your
simple pleasures.

I asked you once
not to interfere, Ted.

Please believe me,
I am a tired,
lonely and unhappy man.

But I could be happy here,
helping the two people
I like the best.

Will you take me in?

My motherly intuition

tells me to
throw him out.

Well, at least give him
the benefit of the doubt.

I've given him
plenty of doubt.

Are you kidding
with that "sharing
life's simple pleasures"?

May I go inside
with you?

Why, of course.

My... My trunks will
arrive this afternoon.

What do I do?
Move in the broom closet?

Jim, that's no way
to talk to a man
who's here to help you.

The world
doesn't change.

A gentle smile
often breeds
a kick in the pants.

But for your sake,
Linda, I'll be big.

I'll give you a tip
about these things, Gus.

They'll go up and back,
but not sideways.

Yeah, well,
I keep forgetting

this blind thing can't
see where it's going.

Yeah, well, unload
the rest of this stuff
in the back, huh?

Hey! What did you do,
get up before breakfast?

Why, every morning.
I trust you slept well.

When I found out
how late you got in,

I told Mamie to
let you sleep.

Life on a farm!
Can't beat it, huh?

Jim, you've made me
very happy!

That's fine.

Now, how about
you making me happy?

You sound like a landlord
with eviction papers.

Oh. This is good news,
Lila's back in New York.

I got a letter
from her yesterday.

What happened to
her millionaire?

Slight mistake there.

He didn't own millions,
he owed them.

Poor girl, always straying
to greener pastures
and finding spinach.

Say, she was
wondering if you'd

be interested in
taking her back
as a partner.

I think it'd be
a great idea.

Naturally, you would.

But I like it here
with you and Linda.

Yes, and we love
having you, too.

Uh, when are
you leaving?

Why didn't you
say something?
You look so silly.

Where's Jim?
Inside.

Good. I've fixed it.
Here's the news

in one luscious word:
Hollywood!

Now, I told you,
I'm not leaving here
until Linda goes with me.

But this is the setup
you needed to get her
away from Jim.

Now, there are going
to be two Hollywood men
here tonight

to see the show.

One's an important
director.

If they like your dancing,
you and Linda

will be on a westbound
train tomorrow.

We better find out
if Linda's interested.
Ooh.

We let her know
when there's a contract
staring her in the face.

Look...
Now I know you're
in love with the girl

but forget her until
we get her away
from here.

This is no time
to be honest.

Well,
what should I do?

All we have to do
is to convince Jim

that he'd be a heel
if he stood in the way
of a chance like this.

Oh, that'll be easy,
like peeling a turtle.

Mamie says
these go up here!

Yes, set them right down.

Say, Gus, how would
you like to earn
a slow $10?

Well, I don't care
how slow, but sure.

It's sure, all right,
here's the wrinkle,

I want you to go
down to the station

pick up a party and
start for Holiday Inn

but never get here.
Could you handle that?

Wouldn't be surprised!

Hello, long distance.

That's what I want you
to do with Linda Mason.

Miss Mason?
Our friend?

You're not supposed
to understand it, Gus.

For that kind of money
you ought to be able to go
by way of Medicine Hat.

Hello, yeah.
Just a minute.

Long distance,
I want to get
Parkway Hotel,

New York City,
Miss Lila Dixon.

Didn't Linda say
she'd be here for
final rehearsal?

Oh, relax,
our audiences aren't
professional critics.

Gus, you made
a wrong turn.

Shortcut.

Gus!

Shortcut,
another shortcut.

How could you possibly
expect to drive
through this?

Well, I never
had no trouble
with a horse.

Oh, you'd better
carry me to shore,

and I'll walk
back to the highway.

Well, I think
you'd be better off
waiting right here.

Gus, will you please
do as I say?

Oh, all right.

The other way.
Huh?

Turn around.
Gus, turn around!

Oh!

Gus!

My hat!
You pushed me.

Get my hat!

I swear the show will
start any minute now.

You said that
an hour ago.

Yeah, but this time
I'm sincere. Excuse me.

Who started the show?

I did. You're on.

But what about
Ted's partner?

You've kept this crowd
waiting long enough,
he can go on without her.

Have you gone nuts?
I've rehearsed
a double dance.

♪ Let's say it with firecrackers
and banners held high ♪

♪ Let's have a real old-fashioned
noisy Fourth of July ♪

♪ Let's say it
with firecrackers ♪

♪ They'll jump at up North ♪

♪ Let's have the kind we
used to call a glorious Fourth ♪

♪ Let's salute
our native land ♪

♪ Roman candles
in each hand ♪

♪ While a Yankee Doodle band ♪

♪ Gets hotter
than a firecracker ♪

♪ Don't need
any long speeches ♪

♪ Or shouts of "Hooray!" ♪

♪ No words can say as much
as firecrackers can say ♪

♪ Freedom! Freedom! ♪

♪ Here comes the Freedom Man ♪

♪ On this day
of independence ♪

♪ On this Independence Day ♪

♪ Listen to an American troubadour
from the U.S.A. ♪

♪ I'm singing a song
of freedom ♪

♪ For all people who
cry out to be free ♪

♪ Free to sail
the seven seas ♪

♪ Free to worship
as we please ♪

♪ If the birds
up in the trees ♪

♪ Can be free ♪

♪ Why can't we? ♪

♪ I'm bringing a song
of freedom ♪

♪ To all people
wherever they may be ♪

♪ Free to speak
and free to hear ♪

♪ Free from want
and free from fear ♪

♪ Sons of freedom
far and near ♪

♪ Who agree ♪

♪ Sing with me ♪

♪ That all God's people
shall be free ♪

♪ I'm singing a song
of freedom ♪

♪ For all people who
cry out to be free ♪

♪ Free to sail
the seven seas ♪

♪ Free to worship
as we please ♪

♪ If the birds
up in the trees ♪

♪ Can be free ♪

♪ Why can't we? ♪

♪ I'm bringing a song
of freedom ♪

♪ To all people
wherever they may be ♪

Free to speak
and free to hear ♪

♪ Free from want
and free from fear ♪

♪ Sons of freedom
far and near ♪

♪ Who agree ♪

♪ Sing with me ♪

♪ That all God's people
shall be free ♪

♪ That all God's people
shall be free ♪

Will you give me a lift?

Sure, hop in.

Aren't you Ted Hanover's
former dancing partner?

Yes, although
I wouldn't exactly
say former.

I'm dancing with him
at the inn tonight.

But I... Doesn't he
have a new partner?

Oh, she won't be
there tonight.

I didn't know that!

I work at the inn.

Oh?

Waitress?

Yes.

I know your boss,
Jim Hardy, quite well.
Quite well.

Then he's responsible for
your rejoining Mr. Hanover.

Uh-huh.

By the way, if I were you,
I'd look my prettiest tonight

when I'm waiting on tables.

Jim says there will
be a couple of men
from Hollywood

to consider Ted and me
for pictures.

And Mr. Hanover's
other partner

will be missing this chance
to go to Hollywood.

Yes, although she can't
be very talented

or they wouldn't be
working at the inn.

Ted and I played
only the best places.

Listen, you're late
for the show already,

if you'd care
to let me drive

I know a shortcut
that'll get us there
15 minutes sooner.

There's a farmhouse
near here

and I'll have us towed out
in a couple of minutes.

Oh, for the love
of mud, hurry!

Wait right here!

What else can I do?

You're on now.
But Linda
isn't here yet.

You've got to
save the pieces,

keep those men
interested now

and do a number
with Linda later.

What can I do?

Well, fake something.

Fake something, okay.

There's your cue.

Don't fail me,
keep them flying.

I'll keep them flying.

Linda!
What happened to you?

A bad job of sabotage.

Excuse me!

Well, Jim,
you deliberately kept me

from working at
the inn tonight,
didn't you?

Yeah.
You knew there
would be men here

from Hollywood
who might offer me
a chance in pictures.

You've decided
I shouldn't have
that opportunity.

Not even
the opportunity to refuse.

I was afraid
the offer might

be too important
for you to turn down.

The point is
you don't trust me to
make my own decisions

because they might
interfere with your
own selfish plans.

I've had about
enough of that, Jim.

Ted, Linda!

Mr. Parker,
Mr. Dunbar,

I want you to meet
the greatest dance team

in show business,
Hanover and Mason.

And the owner
Jim Hardy.

Glad to know you, Hardy.
Nice little place
you've got here.

Gentlemen, even though
you haven't seen

Miss Mason dance,
I can assure you...

Hardy, Hollywood
is always interested

in new ideas
and we think
this is a honey.

Frankly, we'd like to
do a picture based
on the Holiday Inn.

The idea behind it,
how it works,
the special holiday songs.

Of course, it's purely
a speculative thing,
far from foolproof

and we can't afford
to pay too much.

You don't have to
start talking it down

because the idea
is not for sale.

Well, maybe I haven't
explained enough.

We expect to use Mr. Hanover
and his partner
in the picture.

Well, I don't know
how the others feel

but I'd like to
keep this little setup
just the way it is.

Jim, would you be
decent just once

and let somebody else
around here have a chance?

Wait a minute, Danny,
after all, the place
belongs to him

he can do as he wants.

I guess it was just
too good to last, huh?

A simple little layout,
where we could do our best

at the work we know
without having any
illusions of glory.

I can see now that
I'm the only one who
could be happy here.

Go ahead,
take the idea,
take the music,

take Linda,
take the whole darn thing.

But what about you?
We'll need you

in Hollywood to write
the rest of the music.

Oh, no,
I work right here.

I'll send you the music
when it's written.

And don't bother
me before, huh?

Guess maybe I was
a little selfish, huh?

Is that the deal you wanted
or should I have
thrown in my shirt?

Chummy sort of a fellow,
isn't he?

Listen, Linda,
if you really want
to stay here...

Don't talk that way.
This is the chance
you wanted, isn't it?

Of course.
Boy, are we happy!

Happy Thanksgiving,
Mr. Jim.

Same to you, Mamie.
And staff.

Didn't I tell you children
to stay in the kitchen?

Those wings ain't
going to fly away.
Now shoo!

Everything's
ready and hot, Mr. Jim.

Thank you, Mamie.

♪ I've got plenty
to be thankful for ♪

♪ Are you kidding? ♪

♪ I haven't got
a great big yacht ♪

♪ To sail from
shore to shore ♪

♪ Still I've got plenty
to be thankful for ♪

♪ You're loaded, Dan. ♪

♪ I've got plenty
to be thankful for ♪

♪ Like what? ♪

♪ No private car ♪

♪ No caviar ♪

♪ No carpet on my floor ♪

♪ Still I've got plenty
to be thankful for ♪

♪ You know you're
better off than I am. ♪

♪ I've got eyes
to see with ♪

♪ You need glasses. ♪

♪ Ears to hear with ♪

♪ Or fly with. ♪

♪ Arms to hug with ♪

♪ Lips to kiss with ♪

♪ Someone to adore ♪

♪ You're a little flat, too. ♪

♪ How could
anybody ask for more? ♪

♪ My needs are small
I buy them all ♪

♪ At the five and ten cent store ♪

♪ Sing it! ♪

♪ Sing it pretty. ♪

♪ Oh, I've got plenty
to be thankful for ♪

Why, you ain't
ate a bite.

I'm pouting, Mamie.

Who is this?

That's Mr. Jones.

Jonesey! I'm sorry,
I knew him too well.

But you got to eat.

The trouble ain't
with that turkey,
Mr. Jim, it's you!

I feel all right.
I'm riding high, Mamie.

Well, why you close
the inn and sit around

like a jellyfish
with the misery?

'Cause a slicker
stole your gal

and you ain't got
fight enough to
get her back.

Excuse me, Mr. Jim.

I tried to
keep her here!

What kind of keeping
is that?

Nothing but tricks.
If you went to Hollywood

and told Miss Linda
how much you loves her,

and misses her,
and told her that

the way a lady
likes to hear it told,

I'll bet you she'd be
the quickest ex-movie
star that ever exed.

You're crazy, Mamie

I'm crazy?
I knows Miss Linda.

I knows her like
I knows my own kids.

Why, she ain't
the fancy type
no more than you are.

What she wants is
what you got right here.

But women has to
have them things
told to them the right way.

You could melt her heart
right down to butter,

if you'd only
turn on the heat.

Mamie, you don't try
to take a fellow's gal

away from him after
he's bought the ring.

Or as I recall, do you?

Now you're talking!

Oh, sure, women has to be
told things the right way.

Yes, sir!

At last, the night
I've been dreaming
about actually here.

This is still
my wedding, you know.

You make me feel
like a kibitzer.

Now don't misunderstand me,
I'm happy because
this marriage means

that we can all
settle down
and stop worrying.

I wish
I had your confidence
without your viewpoint.

My fingers are crossed
until Linda and I

are on that plane
bound for Yuma.

Now what's worrying you?

I don't know, except
I've been this close
to marriage before

only to wake up
next morning

and find myself with
no bride and a hangover.

Look, the girl said yes,
the picture finishes
tonight,

there's a judge
waiting in Yuma.

Come in!

Everything is
all set and ready.

What could
possibly happen to...

Hi, fellows!

Jim, what brought
you here?

Train.
Chug chug chug chug.

The wedding,
when is it?

Wedding?
Yeah.

Well, we hadn't
set any exact time.

Have you seen Linda?

No, no, not yet.
But, say,
I saw your director,

he told me
he was shooting
the finale tonight,

thought I'd like to see
how you make pictures.

He wouldn't...
You wouldn't like what
they're doing tonight.

Why not?

Oh, no, that's dull,
technical stuff.

Well, I'm a dull,
technical sort
of a fellow.

Perhaps if you'd wait
and see Linda tomorrow.

Oh, no, I want to
see the finish.

The success of you
and Linda means
a lot to me, pal.

Say, why don't
you be yourself.
What are you up to?

Well, I'm a son of a gun.
This is a beautiful
hunk of welcome

for a guy who
comes coast to coast

just to wish you
a merry Christmas
and a happy wedding.

You remember how
I suspected you

when you came to
live at the inn
on Easter morning?

Silly, wasn't it?

Now I know he's
up to something.

Oh, wait a minute now
let's not be unfair.

No?

No, we're treating Jim
like a poor country cousin.

He doesn't mean
any harm!
No!

No, he just wants
to see Linda.

So let's show him Linda.

Goodwill on earth
toward men.

This... Where we going?
What's this?

Hey, Ted! What is this?

I was afraid
you'd gone crazy.

I'll keep him in here
till you get Linda
on that plane.

I better hurry
and get my clothes on.

Yeah,
in the meantime
I'll go down to the set

and see how near
ready they are.

Wait a minute,
my clothes are in there.

Merry Christmas!

Jim, pal! Wait!

Stop!
We were only fooling!

Only you could think
of a thing like that.

Who you calling?

Nobody,
the operator's gone.

Take it easy.
Don't break your neck.

It's one of the most
authentic reproduction
jobs we've ever done.

Is it?

And all worked out
from those photographs

we took of your place
in Connecticut.

Uh-huh.

Well, Mamie and the kids
ought to see this.
They'd never believe it!

Anything wrong?

Well, that Christmas tree's
a little out of place.

I'd guess nobody
would notice that
but me or Linda.

We're going to
start rolling
in a couple of minutes.

Come along with me
where you can
see everything.

No, I'll just sort of
stay in the background.

I don't want to
get in your way.

Well, suit yourself.
I'll see you later.

Right.

All right, darling,
we're going to follow you

on the boom from
here inside the inn.

And when you get
in the other set,
do your song.

Let's see, I think
you have the mood,

your Hollywood
success was empty,

you've lost
the one man you love.
You know, the usual hope.

Just make me cry
and you can get
to that wedding.

All ready for rehearsal!

Please! Let's shoot it.

Okay, it's a take!

All right, everybody,
quiet on the stage,
it's a take.

Close them up.
Come on, over there,

quiet down,
let's get settled,
everybody.

Come on, everybody,
let's get settled now.
This is the picture.

Hit the snow!

All right, roll 'em!

Sorry, Mr. Hanover,
but when the red
light's on

you couldn't get in
even if you owned
the studio.

Oh, but, pop,
this is important.

I know,
so is the light.

Hit the playback.
Music!

All right, action!

♪ I'm dreaming
of a white Christmas ♪

♪ Just like the ones
I used to know ♪

♪ Where the treetops glisten ♪

♪ And children listen ♪

♪ To hear sleigh bells
in the snow ♪

♪ ...dreaming of a white ♪

♪ Christmas ♪

♪ With every
Christmas card I write ♪

♪ May your days be
merry and bright ♪

Jim!

Cut it! Cut it!

That's it!

All right, gentlemen!

How could
he get that far
in five minutes?

The lady must
have been willing.

But the world
can't do this to us.

♪ Here she comes
down the street ♪

♪ I'll admit my defeat ♪

♪ I've won my hot toddy ♪

♪ Over my scarred body ♪

♪ I knew that
I'd win singing ♪

♪ But wait until she gets a load
of your dancing ♪

♪ We'll stay at
the inn singing ♪

♪ All by myself I'll have to stick
to my dancing ♪

♪ Oh, no, my friend,
I'm here to end ♪

♪ Your dancing
trouble and strife ♪

♪ This will be fun,
Miss Hit-and-Run ♪

♪ Has come back
into my life ♪

♪ We'll stay at the inn... ♪

♪ We'll have to begin... ♪

♪ Singing! ♪

♪ Dancing! ♪

♪ We've each other
to cling to ♪

♪ You'll be easy
to sing to ♪

♪ And you're easy
to dance with ♪

♪ So let the old year die
with a fond good-bye ♪

♪ And our hopes
as high as a kite ♪

♪ How can our love
go wrong ♪

♪ If we start
the new year right? ♪