I Passed for White (1960) - full transcript

(dramatic music)

(dreamy jazz music)

Someone needs to stop Clearway Law.
Public shouldn't leave reviews for lawyers.

(slow jazz music)

- They really like the music, Eddie.

Just think, it's my
brother's opening night

with his own group, and
he's playing this song

especially for me.

- He sure is good, Bea.

You must be very proud of him.

- Oh, I am.



Will you do something for me?

- Sure, Bea.

- Just take this note and give it to Chuck

when his number finishes.

It's from Gran. And ask him
to come sit with us if he can.

- Okay, be right back.

- Hey, any of these chicks go?

- You got me, mack.

- Doll.

- What are you doing here?

Who are you?

- Me?

I'm the cat you're waitin' for.

I think we can make-



- Mister, I don't know
you, and I don't want to.

And I'm with someone.

Now, you get away from here.

- Doll, you're chopping me.

- Is this man bothering you, Bernice?

- Yes.

Now, you better leave, mister.

- You doing here?

You colorblind?

This girl's white.

- We're on a date.

What's it to you?

- Well, she's got a better date now.

Split, Rastas.

- You're the one who'd better go.

- One of those, huh?

- Listen, you have no right
to talk to a girl like that.

- You don't touch me.
- You're no friend of hers.

(people yelling)

- [Man] I'll have to call the cops now.

- Break it up.
- All right, all right.

All right, all right, break it up.

- Lemme go!

- Come on.
- Lemme go! Lemme go!

You standing up for this?
- Aw, shut up.

- Are you all right, Eddie?
- It's nothing, I'm all right.

- Chuck, we're going to leave.

- [Bartender] No, nobody's gonna leave.

- [Chuck] No, not us.

- I'll take care of all the
affection this bum needs.

- Chuck, I don't want to
cause any more trouble.

- It wasn't your fault.

Now, you and Eddie sit back down.

Come on.

- All right, Chuck.

I'll go wash up.

I'll be back in a minute.
- I'll stay with Bea here.

- All right.

(light jazz music)

- How did it start?

That guy get fresh?

- Yes, while Eddie was
away from the table,

and then, well, he thought I was white.

- Same old thing.

- I guess I'll have to wear a sign

around my neck saying I'm a Negro.

Same thing at school today.

Chuck, I'm quitting.

I'm going to get a job
and help out at home.

- Bea, if you'd only wait a while.

The boys and I are only getting scale now,

but if we go good here,

I'll soon be able to make enough

so you won't have to work or Mom either.

Then she can come home instead
of working for those people.

- Let's not talk about that now.

This is your big night,

the start of a new name in jazz.

Charles Beethoven Lee.

I'm so proud of my big brother.

- Thanks, Bea.

I gotta get back now.

We'll play something special for you.

- All right.

(concerned music)

- How's Chuck doing in
that nightclub joint?

- Just fine, Gran.

Everybody loves their music.

- What's the matter, baby?

- Oh, Gran, I've never had
such a terrible day in my life.

- Everybody has those.

What happened?

- Just everything.

Today at school and tonight.

- What about school?

- Well, I made friends
with a nice white girl-

- And when she found out you were colored,

she wasn't so nice?

- Yes.

I meant to tell her after classes,

but, but at lunchtime she
spread it all over school

that I was a smart little
Negro girl passing for white.

Now all the girls snub me,

including the Negro girls.

Gran, I can't go back to that school ever.

I'm so ashamed.

- You better talk to your
mother about quitting school.

- I'm going to in the morning.

- [Gran] Well, what happened tonight?

- Oh, tonight,

a white man started a
fight with Eddie over me.

He thought I was white,

so he picked on Eddie.

- Did Eddie get hurt?

- No, not much, just mad.

They broke it up.

- Too bad it happened.

- It happens every place I go, Gran,

because I'm different.

- Those (audio skips) people.

And there are lots of them,
white ones and colored ones.

But there are lots of real good people

who don't care what your race or color is.

People like the Carrs back in Virginia.

Ah, when I worked for Mrs. Carr,

I was with real ladies and gentlemen.

I'd like to see you with people like that.

- I'd love to know people like Mrs. Carr,

people who don't look down
on you if you're Negro.

But how am I going to know
people like that, Gran?

I'm nothing.

- Don't say that.

You're as good as anybody anywhere.

And you can be proud of
your family just like I am.

- Oh, Gran, I am proud of my family,

but I'm different.

I'm not really a Negro,
and I'm not a white.

Why can't I be what I look to be?

What people take me for?

- So you're thinking
about passing for white?

- How can I help but think about it.

I am white, like my grandfather.

I know you don't talk much about it, Gran,

but you married a white man.

- Yes I did.

But if I had it all to do over again,

knowing what I know now, I wouldn't do it.

- Why, Gran?

- Children, honey.

Having children of mixed blood like you,

especially like you, there's
where the real trouble is.

- I understand, Gran,

but I'm not going to get married.

I thought about it a lot,

and I don't want to get married.

- That's what you think now.

- Well, why couldn't I
get a job as a white girl,

just at work?

- How could you be white at
work and colored at home?

You'd start making white
friends and telling lies.

Besides, your mother
wouldn't stand for it.

She's strongly against passing

and worries about you all the time.

- But there are some who pass.

- They're living behind lies.

- I wish I could be a real Negro

or a real white person, somebody.

I don't know what to do.

- Well, my dear, you did very well

on your typing and aptitude tests.

- Thank you.

- You may start Monday as
a file clerk and typist.

And later on, if you
complete your shorthand,

you'll stand a good chance for...

I'm terribly sorry, Miss Lee.

I didn't know you were Negro.

The store has a policy.

It's not personal, but-

- Don't explain.

I understand.

- Miss Lee, I could hire
you for an elevator girl.

- No, thank you.

- Too bad.

If you hadn't put it down,

you'd have gotten the job.

I would have liked you to have had it.

- I appreciate that.

And thank you very much.

(dramatic music)

(tentative music)

(someone snoring)

(adventurous music)

- Oh, here's your Dramamine, miss.

This'll make you feel a lot better.

- Thank you.

- Oh, we'll be in Chicago soon,

so if you'd like to take
a little walk, you may.

- Thank you.
- Mm hmm.

(gentle music)

(adventurous music)

- Excuse me, miss, is this seat taken?

- No.

- Thank you.

Would you like a paper?

- No, thank you.

- [Flight Attendant] Fasten
your seat belts, please.

- Miss, are you feeling ill?

- A little.

- Oh, I'm sorry.

Can I get you anything?

A Dramamine?

- Oh, no, thank you.

I've had two already.

- Oh, that bad, huh?

- Awful.

- Would you like to have a drink?

We have scotch, bourbon, and martinis.

- Oh my, no, thank you.

- Yes, miss, I'd like a martini, please.

- All righty.

- You know, miss, you
shouldn't think about it.

It just makes it worse.

Now, maybe I can help you.

What do you like to talk about?

Books, music, art, literature?

Football?

- I don't mean to be impolite, mister,

but I do not want to talk.

- Oh, oh, sorry.

- [Flight Attendant]
Here's your drink, sir.

- Thank you.

- Now, miss, don't say anything,
please, but just listen.

Now, what you really need is a drink.

I know you think it'll be disagreeable,

but if you'll drink this martini,

it'll settle your stomach and pick you up.

I always have a drink
when I get on a plane,

helps smooth out the rough bumps.

- Really?

- That's right.

Now, what do you say, miss?

Miss uh?

- Oh, Lila Brownell.

- I'm Frederick Leyton.

Rick for short.

Now look, you drink that,

and you'll forget all about being sick.

- All right, Mr. Leyton, I'll try.

Anything to get rid of
this horrible feeling.

- Now, go ahead.

That's right.

Now, you give that a minute
and then drink the rest of it,

and you'll feel much better.

As a matter of fact, it seems to me

that seasickness and airsickness
is all mental anyway.

- What about you?

I drank your drink.

- Oh, well, I'll ring for another one.

Excuse me.

There.

Well, how does that feel now?

- Well, not very good.

I'm getting all hot inside.

- Now, wait a minute.

You just relax and forget about it.

As I was saying, it seems to me

that it's all mental anyway.

If you let your mind dwell on the plane

and the motion of the
plane, where are you,

the plane going back
and forth, up and down

with the wind currents, if
you let your mind do that,

then you're bound to...

Uh, what's the matter, miss?

Oh, are you going to?

- Oh, this is not mental.

- Oh, would you like another martini, sir?

- No, no, thanks.

One was enough.

- It's nice of you to give
me a lift, Mr. Leyton.

- Well, it was nice of you to let me,

after what I did do with that martini.

- Don't even mention it.

Besides, I wasn't feeling
too well the whole trip.

- Are you from California?

- No, I'm from Virginia, Richmond.

I was just visiting California, an aunt.

- Ah.

You gonna be staying here
long before going back home?

- For a while.

I may decide to stay.

I've never been here before.

- Well, you'll find it a lot different

from, uh, Richmond, was it?

- Yes.

- I should've known from your accent.

- Is my accent that noticeable?

- Oh no, no, it isn't broad.

It's just that, well, I do seem to detect

a certain inflection in y'all's speech.

Your family must feel bad
about you leaving home.

- Oh, yes.

- You from a large
family, brothers, sisters?

Am I asking enough questions?

- You just said something, Mr. Leyton.

- (laughing) I'm sorry.

But I did manage to squeeze
a little information out

of you, didn't I?

Now, you haven't told me
where to drop you off.

And that's a statement.

- The Marazon, it's a hotel for girls.

- All right.

The Marazon, please.

- Thanks ever so much, Mr. Leyton.

- Oh, listen, Lila, it was my pleasure.

Good luck to you.

I'll be seeing you.

- Bye now.

I'd like to get a small room

and arrange to have my meals here.

- I'm sorry, miss, we haven't
had a vacancy for two weeks,

but I can put you on our waiting list.

- Oh, dear.

Could you suggest another hotel for girls?

- You might try the Lexicon,

a couple of blocks down Lexington Avenue.

- All right, thanks, I will.

(gentle music)

Ooh!

(swirling music)

(dreamy music)

- Well, your typing's all right.

- Miss Robert, have we heard
from Cowen this morning?

- No we haven't, Mr. Gordon.

Would you like to see the
applications now, Mr. Gordon?

This young lady is one of the applicants.

The one on top.

- Yes. I see, very interesting.

The type of young lady we need around.

- Ms. Brownell, Mr. Gordon.

- How do you do?
- Hello.

- Here, Miss Roberts, we won't need these.

Well, miss, when can you start?

- Why, anytime, now, tomorrow.

- Tomorrow will be fine.

Miss Roberts here will explain everything.

We're very happy to have
you with us, Miss Brownell.

- Thank you, Miss Roberts.

You did it, you really did.

- No, Lila, actually, he's very nice.

Now, how would you like a
few details about your work?

- Fine.

- This is your desk.

The filing cabinet's in back.

(soft jazz music)

(Lila humming)

- Oh, good morning, Mr. Gordon.

- Good morning, Miss Brownell.

You seem very cheerful this morning.

Getting familiar with our system?

- Oh, yes, sir.

I'm having a little trouble
with the trade lingo, language,

but I'll get it.

- Miss Brownell, if you have
any trouble with anything,

you just come into my office,

and I'll be very happy to see to it-

- Good morning, Mr. Gordon.

- Good morning, Miss Roberts.

(light cheerful music)

Oh, I want to remind you girls

to come to our advertising
agency's cocktail party

tonight at the Rodin.

- Thank you, Mr. Gordon.

We'll be there.

- Yes.

(light cheerful music)

- Sally, are we really invited to a party?

- We're more than invited.

We're ordered to go.

It's the annual shindig for
the ad company's clients,

but it's great.

About 200 men to two dozen girls.

You'll love it.

- Oh, boy, my first New York party.

That's something.

What'll I wear?
- Oh, just what you've got on.

We go from here.

(people talking)

(quiet orchestral music)

- No, I don't want a drink, Sally.

- Hang on to it, anyway.

People won't bother you.

- Isn't there any place
for people to sit down?

- No, nobody ever sits at these things.

The whole idea is to
crowd people together,

get acquainted easier.

Nothing like personal contact.

Oh, that reminds me.

The boss wants to see you.

Probably wants to see how you feel.

- Excuse me.

- Excuse me.
- Pardon me.

- Miss Brownell!

Excuse me.

Lila!

- Mr Leyton.

- No, no, Rick, remember?

Gee, I've been looking
all over town for you.

Oh now, listen, if that's a martini,

remember, I didn't give it to you.

- Oh no, not this time.

Sally gave it to me,

but I'm not going to drink it, honest.

- Sally who?

- Oh, I'm sorry.

Sally, this is Mr. Leyton.

Rick, meet Sally Roberts.

- Well, hello, Miss Roberts.

Nice to know you.

Excuse me just a minute.

Jay?

Hey, Jay, come on over here.

Look, Jay, I found her.

Miss Brownell, Jay Morgan.

- Hello, Mr. Morgan.

- Glad to know you, Miss Brownell.

Now I know why Rick was looking for you.

- And Miss Roberts, Mr. Morgan.

- Sally.

- Jay.

- Imagine that, you're
the stranger in town,

and you're introducing me to men.

Shall we get you a drink?

- Oh yes, thanks.

- Here's the drink I owe you.

- Oh well, thank you.

- You said you were looking for me.

- Yes, for two days.

- How do you happen to be at this party?

Are you with the agency?

- No, no. I just came
in here looking for you,

and then all these people pushed me in.

- But how did you know I was here?

- Let me tell you, it wasn't easy.

First I called all the
girls' hotels in New York

until I found the Lexicon.

And then I threatened to beat up the woman

at the desk until she
told me where you worked.

And your receptionist
at the office told me

about this party, and here I am.

Okay with you?

- I'm glad you came.

I don't know any of
these people except Sally

and our boss, Mr. Gordon, and he's-

- Well look, Lila, why don't
we get out of this mess, hmm?

- A little later we could,

but I better go find the boss

so he'll know I was here.

- Oh, okay. Do you want me to wait here?

- No, you better come with me

or I'll never get away from him.

He's crazy for girls.

- What's the matter with that?

- Nothing.

- Come on, let's go.

- Okay, see you later.

Bye-bye.

- Rick?

- Yes, we're going dancing tonight.

- Well, I must say you're
moving fast with Rick Leyton.

You know, when you started going with him,

I decided to do a little snooping.

The Leyton's are an
old New England family,

money and social standing.

You're doing all right.

Has he made a pass at you yet?

- No, of course not.

He's real nice.

But he did try to kiss me.

- You mean you didn't let him?

- No.

It was in a restaurant,

but I like him a lot.

What about you and Jay?

You're dating him, aren't you?

- Yeah, I'll say I am.

He's the swellest boy I ever met.

And to think that you
introduced me to him.

- Well, has he made a pass at you?

- Sure, from the beginning.

- You don't mean you?

- Now, wait a minute.

You're getting ahead of me.

Say, why don't we get together?

I've got a date with Jay Friday.

I'll cook dinner in my flat.

- All right, we'd love it.

I'll ask Rick.

- Well, here it is.

What do you think of it?

- I think it's fine.

- Hello, Eddie.

- Evening, Miss.

Hi, Mr. Leyton.

Everyone's gone,

and the place is all yours.

The record player's over there.

- Oh, that's swell, Eddie.

Thanks a lot.

How long can we stay?
- Oh, all night if you wish,

so long as you latch
the door on the way out.

You sure you don't want
me to play the piano?

- No, no, no, thanks, Eddie.

I think we'll get along just fine.

- Thank you.

Good night, miss.

- Good night.
- Good night.

- Night, Eddie.

- Where on earth did you
get such a crazy idea?

- I got it from you.

You said you liked dancing
and like lots of room, so.

Well, Eddie, he plays
music down at the club.

We set this up.

Lila, if you don't like it, we can always-

- Oh, no, I think it's wonderful.

We have this whole
dance floor to ourselves

and a zillion records.

(upbeat jazz music)

(both laughing)

Oh, silly, no one can dance this close.

- Well, there really isn't
much to tell about myself.

I, I got my BA and my business
administration at Cornell.

Then I went to work for my father,

mainly in metal products,

including golf clubs.

I think he's gonna turn that division over

to me later on.

And I get a chance to travel
around the country quite a bit.

It gives me an excuse
to play some more golf.

That's how I happened to
be on that Chicago plane.

- Let's not talking about that, okay?

- Okay.

- Sorry, kids, I gotta make a train.

- And I'm going down to
the station with him.

- [Rick] Oh, well now isn't that too bad.

You have to leave us
here all by ourselves.

- Yeah, it's tough, isn't it?

- I'll be back, later.

- So long.

- So long.
- Bye.

- Bye.

It was such a fun.

I'm sorry they had to leave, aren't you?

- No, no, I'm not.

I'm glad.

- Why?

(cat meowing)

Oh, stop that.

You're twisting that poor cat's ears off.

You're sadistic.

- No, I'm not.

I wouldn't hurt that cat.

I love animals.

- Well, I'd hate to have you love me

and pull my ears like that.

- Well, I wouldn't be pulling your ears.

I'd be kissing them.

- I've never had anyone
kiss my ears before.

Mr. Leyton, I didn't ask for a massage.

- A massage?

I'm sorry.

I guess I'm kinda new at it.

I need a little practice.

- Well, I'll get you the cat back.

- No, Lila, wait, wait.

Now look, no hands.

No hands.

How's that?

- Sweet.

You must stop.

We can't keep on doing that.

- I'm sorry, Lila, I
just can't be near you

without wanting to kiss you or touch you.

I've never known anyone like you before.

- What do you mean me like me?

- Well, I mean, you're so full of life,

exciting, beautiful-

- Are you calling me all that?

- Lila, you're everything
you make me feel.

- Oh, stop saying so much, Rick.

You don't know much about me.

Oh, Rick, you shouldn't be
kissing me and kissing me.

(phone ringing)

Hello?

Why, yes, Rick.

Is something wrong?

It's three o'clock in the morning.

You what?

You love me?

You want me to marry you?

Oh Rick, do you know what you're saying?

Are you awake?

Listen to me.

It's too soon.

I don't think we know
each other well enough.

There's so much you don't know about me.

Why don't you wait and find
out how you feel later?

But you can wait, honey.

No, I can't meet you right now.

I have to go to work in the morning.

I have to sleep.

I don't know, Rick.

I have to think.

Call me in two or three days.

Think it over.

- Here.

You say you're Negro,

but your grandfather was white,

and your father was almost white.

I say you're as much a
white person as Negro,

more so because of your coloring.

You're as white as I am,

and the cross between the
two has certainly turned out

a very beautiful person.

- Thanks, honey.

But that doesn't solve my problem.

- If there's a problem, then
you are in love with him.

- Oh yes, I am, so much so.

But I can't marry him, can I?

- That's an awful big question, Lila.

Are you absolutely sure
you want to marry him?

- Oh yes, absolutely sure.

I've never known anything like
it from the very beginning.

I tried to pretend that
it was only the novelty

of going out with a nice white boy,

but I forgot that right away,

that I was Negro and he was white.

It all seemed so natural,
like it was meant to be.

I just didn't think of it anymore.

- Well, you're in a tough spot.

I wish I could tell you what to do,

but there are things
you've got to think about,

his family, for instance.

They're the kind that will insist

on knowing your background,

and believe me, you can't let them.

If you tell Rick and he
tells them, you're gone.

- If I tell Rick, I'm
sure he'll tell them.

He's like that.

He's already told me they talk
about everything important.

- It figures.

So you can't tell him about being Negro.

And then there's your own family.

You'd have to invent one.

- Yes, I know that.

- And babies.

What if you got married
to him and had a baby?

There's a risk it might be-
- Yes, I know.

My grandmother was married to a white man.

We talked about it.

She told me I shouldn't pass
for white, but I did anyway.

But I didn't ever expect to meet Rick

and feel like I do now.

I didn't know it was going so far.

Oh, Sally, how can I give
him up when I love him so?

I know I can make him happy.

I just know it.

- Oh, don't take it so hard, Lila.

It isn't over yet.

Maybe it could work out.

- What if I didn't have any babies?

Lots of married people don't have them,

but Rick is the important thing.

And I think he loves me, Sally,

like I love him.

- Well, I guess if you really
love each other enough,

it could work.

(gentle music)

But I think you should give
yourself a little time.

- Yes, I will.

- Lila.

Lila, look, I've got to talk to you.

Now, you've been avoiding me

ever since I asked you to marry me, Lila.

- But Rick, honey, I told you-

- Lila, the only thing that
matters now is if you love me,

and I've got to know one way or the other.

- Oh, Rick, give me a little
time to think about it.

Why can't you wait a little while

until we know each other better?

There are things you don't know about me.

My family-

- Lila, I know everything
about you I have to know.

Now, you can spend the next 40 years

telling me about yourself and your family.

The only important thing
now is if you love me.

- That's the only important thing?

- Yes, Lila, the important thing.

- More important than anything?

Other people?

What I am, your family, everything?

- Yes, Lila, everything.

Now, Lila, tell me you love me

and that you'll marry me.

- I do love you, Rick.

- You?

Oh, Lila, that's wonderful.

Look, I've got a great idea.

This Saturday, we'll
drive up to the country,

and you'll meet Mother and Dad,

and, oh, Lila, they'll love you.

And we'll arrange to
get married right away.

- Oh, Rick, right away?

Shouldn't we be engaged first?

- Why, no, no.

We've been engaged already
and didn't even know it.

- [Lila] Take your time, honey.

(curious music)

- Mother, this is Lila.

- Well, so you're Lila.

We've heard such glowing things about you.

I must say you even
prettier than Rick said.

- It's so lovely meeting you, Mrs. Leyton.

And I've heard a lot about you too.

- Oh, Rick and I get along.

- Hi, Rick.

- Oh, hello, Dad, listen-

- Well, introduce me
to the beautiful girl.

Well, that's the way to meet a girl.

My, you are lovely.

And Rick is a very lucky boy.

- Thank you, Mr. Leyton.

It's sweet of you to say that.

- Mrs. Leyton?

Lunch is ready.

Cook would like to serve it now.

- Very well, Bertha.

We'll be right in.

We'll go in now.

Can't keep cook waiting.

Why Lila, dear, you've
hardly eaten a thing.

Are you on a diet?

- Oh no, Mrs. Leyton.

I had a big breakfast.

- You've been asking
her so many questions,

the poor child hasn't had a chance to eat.

- Oh, I'm sorry, dear.

I suppose I have at that.

But this has all happened so suddenly.

We've had so little
chance to get to know you.

You know, I can't even
remember your mother's name,

maiden name, I mean.

- Carr.

- Oh, yes, the Carr's of Richmond.

I must remember to ask
Blythe Sutter about them.

She has a sister who lives in Richmond.

She comes to New York every fall.

Oh dear, I can't remember her name now.

Be interesting if they knew each other.

- Yes, it would.

- [Father] When do you
expect to go to Richmond?

- To Richmond?

- For the wedding arrangements,

the invitations and announcements.

Or do you think your family will come here

to arrange things?

I am so anxious to meet them.

- Oh, I'm terribly sorry.

- [Mother] It's quite all right, dear.

- Well now, look, let's get back

to my favorite subject, all right,

the wedding announcements, hmm?

- Mom and Gran won't be able to come

to the wedding, Mrs. Leyton.

And they're not in Richmond just now.

They had to go to California last week.

My mother's sister,
Aunt Lila, is very ill.

She lives near Los Angeles.

- Lila, you didn't tell me that.

- Well, you didn't give me much chance.

- What a pity.

We'll have to postpone the
wedding until they get back.

- Well, I'm afraid it
will be quite a while

until they return.

You see, after Aunt Lila
gets well, if she does,

they're going to take a boat trip

to South America with my uncle.

The company he's with sells
oil machinery to Venezuela,

and he's going to move there later on.

They even want Mom and Gran to move there.

- How interesting.

How long will they be gone?

- Well, I'm not exactly sure.

- Mother, look, it really doesn't matter.

We're not going to postpone the wedding.

Lila and I agree on that.

Now, couldn't you send out
the announcements for them?

- Why, yes, Rick, of course I could.

Lila, when will you get
your list from your mother?

- I was wondering, Rick.

Why couldn't we have a
small private wedding

and not cause all this trouble?

- Nonsense, utter nonsense.

I'm sure your mother would
shudder to hear you say that.

Marriage is the most important
event in Rick's life.

- Lila, all we need from
you is your list for Mother.

- Well, I'll get started on it right away,

but I'm afraid not very
many will be able to come.

- Oh, Lila, let's have our
coffee up in my sitting room.

I want to write down the full names

of all your family and relatives.

- I'd love it.

- Well, boy, we shan't be seeing anything

of them for several hours.

Let's go over to the club.

We can have our coffee there.

- [Rick] Okay, fine, Dad.

Oh, Lila, just a minute.

- Reverend Jasper Black,
that's a good one.

176 Pleasant Street.

- All right. but that's the second one.

Don't give me any more preachers.

- Okay.

Here's a doctor.

Frank R. Bardem, MD.

No doubt, he was your psychiatrist

when you were a baby.

- I need one now.

What if some of these people answer?

The Leyton's address will be on the cards.

- What if they do?

We have people here who wouldn't know

whether they know you or not,

judges, councilman, lawyers, preachers.

They all get letters from
people they don't know.

- Well, I hope you're right.

- Why didn't you say your
family lived in Alaska?

Richmond's so close, so easy to check on.

- I told Rick that on the
plane when I first met him.

I didn't ever expect to see him again,

but at least there's some truth in it.

Gran's from here.

- Well, you better read up
all you can on Richmond,

So you have some answers.

- I've been doing that ever
since we started dating.

Now, what about the presents
that I'm not going to get

from my best friends in Richmond?

- Well, we'll have to buy a few,

and we'll get one of the company salesmen

to mail them from Richmond.

If you need a little money,

I can loan you about a hundred,

and you can get credit.

- Thanks, honey.

- And I've got a girlfriend in Hollywood

who can mail a couple of
presents from your folks.

See, we've almost got it licked.

- Yes, I guess so.

But I can't help worrying about it.

There are so many things,

and it's growing all the time.

Will you go shopping with me Saturday?

I can't figure out what to buy myself

for my wedding presents.

- It's a date.

I'd rather shop than eat.

Now, you select the ones for invitations

while I make some coffee.

- All right.

You know, you'll be the
only one from my side

to come to the wedding.

That's going to look bad.

- Telegrams, I thought of that.

We'll pick out some of those names,

mostly public officials,

and have Western Union
send you wires of regret.

- I don't know what I
do without you, Sally.

Oh, I almost forgot something.

I bought this in an antique shop.

This is Mother to show up to the Leytons.

I haven't got anything else to show them.

What do you think?

- It's lovely, so nice and old fashioned.

Now how about some coffee?

And let's finish all this up.

- All right.

- You sure have pretty hair. Miss Lila,

so dark and straight.

- Why, thank you, Bertha.

- Why, it's time to go, dear.

You must get your dress on.

- Why yes, I will,
right away, Mrs. Leyton.

Will everybody be on time?

- Well, yes, everyone else.

Rick's gone already.

Nervous as a cat, but so handsome,

so like his father.

I better go and see if his father's ready.

- I'll be there in just a few minutes.

- Oh and Lila, there were a lot of wires

from your friends who couldn't come

and some more presents from Richmond.

So far, only two of
your friends have come.

- Two friends from Richmond?

- Yes, a Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins.

They were on a trip to
New York and drove down.

He seems to be a politician of some sort.

- Yes, he thought I was a bride at first.

Said he hadn't seen you
since you were a child.

- Oh, how funny.

- Strange only two people could come up.

- Well, they're all so busy.

- Oh and Lila, the presents

from your mother and
grandmother were very nice.

Now, when you see them,

be sure and tell them
how disappointed we were

they couldn't come.

It's too bad your aunt had a relapse.

- Did you say when I see them?

- Oh, I meant when you write to them.

Hurry up now, dear.

I shall be downstairs.

(concerned music)

- Did you hear that, Sally?

She said see them.

- Impossible.
- Why they.

- She meant write them.

Here, drink some of this.

I spiked it with rum.

It'll calm you down.

Now, let's get you in your dress

and go over and get you a new name.

- Now join hands.

If there be any person who has reason

why these two should not be
joined in holy matrimony,

let him speak now or
forever hold his peace.

Then by the power vested in me,

I do pronounce you man and wife.

You may kiss the bride.

(happy organ music)

- Why are we stopping here?

- To get our luggage.

- Well, what's our luggage doing here?

- This is our new home, Mrs. Leyton.

- Oh, you're teasing.
- No.

- [Lila] Oh, Rick, you mean,
this is our home, really?

It's wonderful.

- Yup, it's all ours.

Dad bought it for us, and
Mother did the decorations.

Anything you don't like, we can change.

Well, that surprised number one.

Now, surprise number two-

- Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Leyton.

Congratulations and my
wishes for your happiness.

- Thank you, Bertha.

But how do you happen to be here?

- Mrs. Leyton said I
know Mr. Rick so well,

I should work for you all at
least till you find somebody

if you want to.

All your traveling bags are in the hall,

and I took all the other things upstairs.

I brought them over while
you were getting married.

- Thank you, Bertha.

I hope you'll always be with us.

- Thank you, Mr. Rick.

I'll be helping your
parents with the new girl

until you get back from your honeymoon.

The champagne's on the little bar here,

and I'll be in the kitchen
if you want something.

- Thank you, Bertha.

You're an angel.

- Now, Mr. Leyton, where
are we going and when?

And what's the rest of
this secret business?

- Well, first of all, we're
going to look around the house.

Then we're going to drink
some champagne to us,

then we're going over to Mother and Dad's.

We're going to have dinner.

And they're gonna take
us on out to the airport.

- Airport?

Tell me where we are we going?

- We're going to Los Angeles.

And while we're out there, we
can visit with your family.

- Oh, darling.

- [Rick] Make you happy?

- Oh yes, Rick.

What a sweet thing, you planning that.

But what a terrible disappointment.

- Disappointment?

What do you mean?

- Well, darling, they left last night

on a boat for South America.

- They what?

What do you mean?

How could they?

Your aunt?

I thought she was sick.

Why didn't you tell me, Lila?

- I did tell you, about three weeks ago.

- Lila, no, you didn't tell me

they were leaving now.

- Mom called me yesterday morning

just before I checked out of the hotel

to go to Sally's.

The doctor examined Aunt Lila
and said that she was better

and that the long boat trip
would be good for her heart.

Mom felt bad about
leaving and not seeing us,

but I told her to please go.

Otherwise, they would have had to wait

three weeks for the next boat.

- Oh, Lila, I wish you'd told me.

I could've made plans.

- Tell you?

Mr. Leyton, I was busy
getting ready for a wedding.

I haven't even seen you.

Besides, why didn't you tell me?

- Hmm, yeah, I guess I should have.

Well, so my big surprise

has turned out to be a big fat bust.

Hmm.

Well, look, I tell you what.

We can go on out there anyway.

I've got some friends in LA.

We can stay there a few days,

and then maybe go on down to Palm Springs.

- Oh but, Rick, this
house, it's beautiful.

And it's ours, and we've
never seen it before

and never lived in it.

It's so exciting.

Let's stay here now and
live in our beautiful house.

Let's have our honeymoon here

and go away some other time.

I'd rather be here than anywhere.

Oh, darling, please.

- Lila, Lila, we have
reservations in hotels, airplanes.

People are expecting us out there.

Everyone here expects us to go.

- Well, send some wires.

Only take you 10 minutes.

Come on, let's drink some champagne

while you think about it.

Don't talk, just wish.

You're a very beautiful man, Mr. Leyton.

Come on, boss.

Let's be happy.

- Why, aren't you happy?

- I could be happier.

- How?

- By starting our honeymoon now.

- Well, that's a very good argument.

- Tell me.

- Well, I don't know how I
can make all those phone calls

and send those telegrams when I'm trapped.

- Oh, darling, I love you!

Come on, I'll help you find-

- Now, wait a minute, wait a minute.

Wait a minute now.

This will be more efficient.

You get your bag and the
ice and the champagne,

take that on upstairs,

while I phone in our cancellations

and tell Bertha to take the
rest of the afternoon off.

- Your strategy is good, sir.

- By the way, Mrs. Leyton,

what do you wear when you go to bed, hmm?

- Well, I wear pajama tops.

- Tops?

- Tops.

- Tops.

That's very intelligent
for a beautiful girl.

- But I was going to wear a gown tonight.

- Ah, ah, ah.

No, no, now, don't you change.

You go on upstairs,

and after you get all that
stuff arranged up there,

you, you hop into those pajama tops,

and by that time, I'll have finished

with my phone calls, okay?

- Okay.

Orders are orders.

- All right now, get going.

(Lila laughing)

(doorbell rings)

- I'll get it.

Well, Mother, Dad!
- Darling.

- What a nice surprise.
- Hello, Rick.

- I think we've got some hot coffee here

and then lots of newspapers.

- Good morning, Lila dear.

- Good morning, Mrs. Leyton.

- Well, Lila dear, it is
good to see you two relaxing

in your own home,

just like an old married couple.

Did I hear something about coffee?

- Oh yeah, Dad.

Go ahead, sit down.

We'll get you some.

- Good.
- I'll get the cups.

Would you like some coffee, Mrs. Leyton?

- No, thanks.

But Lila, I think it's time

you stopped calling me Mrs. Leyton.

It's too formal for a daughter-in-law.

- Should I call you Mother Leyton?

- Mother Leyton?

No, no, I think that sounds too, too old.

I think you should call me Ann.

- All right, Mrs.

Ann.

I'll get the cups.

- Rick dear, I talked to
Freddy Petri yesterday.

You remember him?

He's one of the editors of
"American Fashion" magazines.

He's doing a layout of society weddings,

and he'll use one of your wedding pictures

if you get them to him by Tuesday.

Just everyone will see them.

I brought some over.

- [Rick] That's one of the
top national magazines.

Lila, did you hear that?

- Why yes, Rick, I did.

I think that's very nice, Mrs. Leyton.

- It's very nice indeed, Lila.

Are you familiar with the magazine?

- Why, yes, we get it at home sometimes.

- Rick dear, you must see that
Petri get to those tomorrow.

Have one of the office boys run them over.

It's at Park and 34th.

- Well, Mother, I have an appointment

in the morning before I go to the office.

I think you better play
it safe and mail them.

- Oh no, no, I'll take them.

I'm dropping by Sally's tomorrow,

and I can drop them off on the way.

- Good. All right, very good, Mrs. Leyton.

And if you see old Petri there,
give him my best, will you?

- Lila dear, speaking of pictures,

may I see some of your family pictures?

- Why, yes.

But I only have one right now of Mother

when she was young.

I'll go upstairs and get it.

- Oh, that's sweet of you, dear.

- Wait a minute, Lila, don't bother.

I've got to get my golf jacket anyway.

Where's the picture?

- Thank you, dear, it's on my dresser.

You saw it.
- Yeah, I'll get it.

- Lila, did you see this
item from your hometown?

Senator Martin says that all

the fashionable girls' colleges,

as well as the public schools,

are now freely admitting Negroes.

That would include your school.

How would you like.

Oh!

- Oh, I'm terribly sorry.

- Think nothing of it, my dear.

It's the effect that I
have on beautiful girls.

- Oh, I do hope it doesn't ruin the finish

on this lovely table.

- Well, Mother, here it is.

There now, you just take a look at that

and you'll see where Lila
gets her good looks from.

- A real Southern belle.

- Oh, yes ma'am.

- I'm glad you like it, her, I mean.

- But Lila dear, those clothes,

wherever did she get them?

Women haven't worn
things like that in ages.

How old is your mother?

(worried music)

- Well, you see, she
had on Gran's clothes,

Grandmother Carr's.

I've even had them on myself.

- Well, well, what a charming idea.

- Yes, isn't it.

- Yes, very charming.

Your grandmother had lovely clothes.

- Oh, Lila, as I was saying,

about this article by Senator Martin.

- Oh, if you'll excuse me,

I think I'll put these pictures

where I won't forget them.

Rick darling, would you mind heating up

the coffee for everybody?

I'll be right back.

- Sure, I'll do it.

I'll just be a minute.

- I simply can't make her out.

There's something not right about her.

Don't you feel it?

- A little, but I think
it's just because she still

feels strange with us.

She'll get over it.

- No.

She's not natural.

(worried music)

(phone ringing)

- Rick?

Hello?

Sally.

Yes, I'm coming in town to see you.

Yes.

Tonight?

Oh, I think that'd be great.

(hand knocking)

- [Rick] Lila, I'm leaving now.

- Oh, Rick.

Just a minute, Sally.

Sally says since I'm going
to be in town with her,

why don't you drop by after work

and we can all have dinner at her place?

She has a date with Jay,

and they have a new
nightspot in the Village

they want us to see.

- Oh good, good.

Sounds like fun.

- It's a date, Sally.

- [Rick] Mwah.

Mm.

- Now, stop that so early in the morning.

(laughing) He won't let me talk.

- Well, I guess I better be going.

I'll see you at Sally's then about seven.

- All right.

- Bye-bye.

- Sally-

- Oh, Lila, don't forget
those pictures, hmm?

- I won't.

Bye, dear.

I'm bringing you some pictures,

which I want your messenger boy to lose.

Yes, lose.

I'll tell you all about it.

And remember that old picture I bought

supposed to be Mother?

Well, Mrs. Leyton took one
look at the clothes, and...

Just a minute.

Well, I'll tell you
about it when I see you.

Yes, that's it.

See you later, honey.

(Bertha humming)

Bertha?

- Yes, Mrs. Leyton?

- Knock when you come into
the room, will you please?

- Yes, ma'am, I'll knock,

but I come in like I
always come in every day

when I know you're up.

When I get used to your ways,

I won't bother you, Mrs. Leyton.

- Oh, I didn't mean anything, Bertha.

Please forget it.

- Yes, ma'am.

(light jazz music)

- All right now, Sally, come
on. It's your turn to say it.

Let's hear it.

- My abominables are abdominal,

and my abomin...

(all laughing)

- No, my abdominable ab, no.

- My abdominals are abominable.

I have abominable abdominals.

- Oh, really.
- It's easy.

Here, I've got another one.

This is a little easier.

The skunk sat on the stump,

the skunk stunk and the stump stunk.

All right, you try that, Lila.

- The skunk sat on the stump.

The stump skunk and the skunk.

(all laughing)

Say, who ordered the martinis?

- That man over there, he did it.

- Well, martinis are taboo with me.

- Oh really, how come?

- I think it's something
in her deep, dark past.

Go ahead and drink that, Lila.

It's the safest thing to
order in these places anyway.

- All right, boss, anything you say.

- Well, I see you're training her good.

- Why don't you train me to
drink more champagne, Jay?

- [Jay] Well, I will, if you arrange

for me to take it off my income taxes.

- [Sally] That's easy.

Just get a statement from your doctor

saying that due to your
mental instability,

champagne is a necessity.

- [Jay] (chuckling) That's a good idea.

- [Rick] Sally, I'm awful
glad you brought us here.

This is a great place.

(slow jazz music)

What's the matter, Lila?

Are you ill?

- I don't feel very good.

Must be the martini. I'll
be all right in a minute.

- I think you've got a mental
block against martinis.

- I'm getting sick.

I better go to the ladies room.

I'll be right back.
- [Sally] I'll go with you.

- Oh no, Sally, you stay with the boys.

- Bea, baby.

- Chuck, please, I can't talk to you now.

I'll see you later.

- Well, Bea, what's wrong?

- Oh, please, Chuck, not now.

Next time I'm in town, I'll explain.

Not here!

- But we won't be here after tomorrow.

Oh.

- Excuse me.

- Okay, Bea.

Be seeing you, Bea.

- Take your hands off my wife!

- Oh no, Rick.

Oh, Rick, he didn't mean anything.

- [Man] Come on, come on, break it up.

That's fine, come on.
- Get him out of here.

Get him out!
- Come on.

- I didn't start it.

I didn't want to fight him.

- Now, who is that?

- He didn't mean anything, Rick.

He's a musician I knew back home.

- What was he doing
putting his hands on you?

What's he to you?

- Nothing, Rick, nothing.

I knew him at school.

he played for our school dances.

- School?

Lila, you left Richmond and
school before integration.

- I didn't mean he went to school.

He played for our dances.

- What right did he have
to leave that bandstand

and come down here and stop you

and put his hands on you the way he did?

- He must've been showing off.

I'm sure he didn't mean anything.

- Well maybe so.

Why did he call you Bea?

And what did he mean by
saying he'd be seeing you?

where's he gonna be seeing you?

- Oh, Rick, I don't know.
You're asking so many questions.

He probably forgot my name.

You're making such a
big thing out of this.

- Big thing? How do you expect me to feel

when I see him putting
his hands all over you?

- Rick, stop it.

I'm not responsible for his manners,

and he didn't mean anything.

Now, if you don't stop all this,

I'm going to leave.

Besides, I'm feeling sick,

and I want to get out of this place.

- Okay, Lila, okay.

We'll go back to the table,

I'll pay the check, and we'll leave.

We won't say anything more about it.

(slow jazz music)

- Jay just paid the check.

Let's go on to dinner.

We're starved.

- All right, dinner's on me.

- Rick darling, I'm sorry about all that.

- All right, Lila.

Look, let's forget it, hmm?

Come on.

- Aha.

- What is it?

- It's happening again.

- What's happening?

- It must've been the shrimp last night.

I think I'm going to be sick again.

- Well, you've been sick
the last two mornings.

Our food can't be that bad.

- Maybe I'm getting an ulcer.

Excuse me.

- Well, what is it Howard?

- It looks as if I was right.

Business is picking up, boy.

She's in excellent health.

It's odd on that you're
going to be a father.

- A father?

Well.

Well, isn't that something, Howard, huh?

You're a wonderful doctor.

- I gave her something to take.

See that she calls me.

- Okay!

Lila?

Oh, Lila, that's wonderful.

God, nothing could make
me happier, darling.

- Oh, I'm so glad it makes you happy.

It is wonderful.

It is, it is.

(phone ringing)

- Hello?

Oh hi, Sally.

Yeah, yeah, just a minute.

Lila?

- Sally?

Yes, he's gone.

No, I haven't been feeling well lately.

Yes, I am worried about the baby.

What it'll be like.

Maybe it'll be brown or black or...

Sally, I'd like to read
some books on heredity.

Yes, that's right.

- Now, I should like to propose a toast

to the coming third generation of Leytons.

- That's a good idea.

- You know, every time I think about it,

I realize it's going to
make me a grandmother.

- That's right, grandma,

and it's going to make me.
- Don't call me that.

I will not be called grandma,
grandmother, or gran.

Now, the child can call me nana or gana

or possibly mubby.

- How about big mama?

- Lila, what about your mother?

I meant to ask you about
her and your grandmother.

They must be terribly excited
about you having a baby.

- I'm sure they are.

- Why, haven't you heard from your mother

since writing to her about the baby?

- No, they're still in Caracas.

I wrote to her air mail,

but I haven't received an answer yet.

- My heavens, child, you
should talk to your mother

about something so important.

She'll be here when the
baby comes, won't she?

- I don't know.

- I have an idea.

Why don't you telephone to her now.

- That's a good idea, Mother.
Why don't you call her, Lila,

we could all talk to her.

- Oh, but she's in South
America, Venezuela.

- Well, that's not so far away.

You go right ahead,

and don't worry about the telephone bill.

She'll be thrilled.

- Go ahead, Lila.

- Oh, but I don't want to call her now.

Not here.

(concerned music)

We have so much to talk
about in private, I mean.

- Well now, don't you worry about that.

You can go up in my room and talk,

and then when you're finished
with your private talk,

perhaps we could just say hello.

- But I just don't...

Well, it's so late anyway.

- Why, it's the same time as here.

Let me put the call in for you.

What's the hotel-

- No.

No, I just don't want to call her now.

Besides, I'm not even
sure she's still there.

It's late, and I'm tired.

Rick, I think we ought to go home.

- There's no reason to be rude about it.

Mother was just trying-

- I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Leyton.

I didn't mean to be rude.

I'm not feeling well tonight.

Oh, Rick, please.
- Now you've got her

all upset.

- Come on, come on, I'll take you home.

- I'm sorry, Lila dear.

I didn't intend to upset you.

- Well, how do you want this,
standing up or lying down?

- Oh, I think I'll lie down.

- [Howard] Now, now, now,
I haven't touched you yet.

- I'm sorry, doctor.

Needles scare me.

Go ahead.

- [Howard] It's already done.

- Why, I didn't even feel it.

Now, what all did you give me?

- Oh, mostly vitamins,

something to get rid of those nerves,

and something to build you up a bit.

- Doctor, when the baby
comes, I want to stay awake.

- [Howard] Why?

- Well, if I'm put to
sleep, I might say that...

- Say what, cuss words?

- Oh, no.

What I really mean is,

I want to know and be conscious
of everything that happens.

- We'll see about that
when the time comes.

(hand knocking)
- [Rick] Can I come in?

- [Howard] Sure.

- Well, how is she this time, doc?

- [Howard] Coming along just fine, Rick.

- Did you ask him about going out dancing,

things like that?

- Not yet.
- Should be very good for you.

Exercise is fine.

Dancing, walking, golf, everything,

even take a drink if you want to.

Don't try to knock
yourself out, but enjoy it.

Should help to relieve your
tensions and anxieties.

- Tell me, doc, why does she have tensions

and anxieties anyway?

- Try having a baby yourself and see.

Goodbye.

- [Rick] Goodbye, Howard.

- Thank you, doctor.

Did you hear what he said about dancing?

We can still go to the dances at the club,

for a little while yet.

(light jazz music)

- Thank you, my dear, I enjoyed that.

- Thank you.

Very nice.
- Very good, boys and girls.

- That was wonderful, Lila.

May I have another one?

- Oh, thank you, I'd love it.
- Thank you.

- [Rick] Thank you, Ethel.

- [Ethel] You're welcome, Rick.

- The orchestra's very
good tonight, isn't it?

- Oh, very good.

How about some champagne, Dad?

- Champagne?

Excellent idea.

(upbeat music)

- A big, big glass.

- You promised me a
dance, Mrs. Leyton, may I?

- [Ethel] Your wife is quite a dancer.

- Yes, she loves dancing.

- Naturally.

Dancing runs in our family.

- I'm beginning to hope it
doesn't run too strongly.

- I know Lila likes to dance, dear,

but I don't think she should
make a spectacle of herself.

- Rick, perhaps you should go out there-

- I should've stopped her before.

You want every woman in
this room to dislike you?

- Why Rick, I-

- Keep smiling, keep smiling.

Don't act as if I'm telling you anything.

- [Lila] Rick, I don't understand what I-

- Lila, you're a married woman.

You've been acting like, like
some cheap dance hall dame.

All those men cutting in on you.

- Why, I thought you wanted
your friends to dance with me.

How can I help it if they cut in?

- Lila, you can help-

- Rick, uh.

- No, sorry, Gary, you see,
Lila wants out for a while.

We're just stopping now.

- Oh, okay.

- I thought you had to keep dancing

as long as you're cut in on.

- No, Lila, no.

That's at deb parties.

I thought you knew something.

- Well, I didn't know!

I thought I was being
nice to your friends.

- Yes, they were like a
pack of dogs after you.

- What does that make me?

- Now look, Lila, other girls don't like

seeing their men make like
wolves over a new girl.

And the men wouldn't have acted that way

if you hadn't made them do it

with that, that cheap
show you put on out there.

You were like some common-

- Common what?

Go on, say it.

- I'll say this, Lila.

You've got to learn
how to handle yourself,

how to get along in a crowd,

and you can't do it like that.

And that, that band up there.

One would think you were intimate friends

with those, those black cats.

- What's wrong with them?

They're perfectly nice,

and they were trying to be nice to me.

They're just as (audio skips)
anyone else in this room.

- Yes, Lila, yes.

I remember how you feel
about Negro jazz players.

- Rick, I'm sorry.

I'm strange here.

I didn't know.

And I love you.

- All right, all right,
let's go, let's go.

- I've been walking and thinking,

trying to make up my mind.

- To what?

What do you mean?

- Sally, will you do something for me?

Something really important?

- Yes, of course.

In heaven's name, what is it?

Here, lie back.

- I would like to go away to have my baby.

I want you to go with me.

- Lila, whatever made you think of that?

- I've been thinking a lot lately

that it's the best thing for me to do.

- But what about Rick?

He wouldn't have that.

- He won't know where I am.

I'll leave a note that
I've gone to California

to be with my mother.

He has no address, no names.

He doesn't even know the name

of the aunt I told him about.

- That isn't fair to Rick.

You know he'll be frantic.

- You're right, in a way, it isn't.

But in another way, it is.

You see, Sally, I'm not
thinking about myself so much.

I'm thinking about Rick,
his family, and the baby.

Don't you see how terrible it
would be if the baby is dark

or looks Negro in other ways?

They'd just die.

They'd never get over it.

It would be disastrous to all of us.

If I go away and that happens,

I won't come back.

And Rick need never see
me or the baby again,

if that's what he wants.

I want my baby, Sally.

I want it more than anything
in the world next to Rick.

- That's something to think about.

- And if the baby is all right,
I'll bring it right back.

He'll get over the whole thing,

and later, everything will be good again.

Tell me, Sally.

- Let me think about it.

When is the time supposed to be?

- About five weeks.

- Well, that gives us a little time

to figure it out, if we can.

- Last night, I was going
to tell Rick everything.

I was sure that was the thing to do.

But as I kept on thinking about it,

I knew that would be
worse than anything else.

If I only had someone to go to,

someone who'd know what to
do, like a judge or something.

- That's a good thought, Lila.

Maybe we can find someone
else to give advice about it.

Heaven knows, I don't know what to say.

Can you stay here tonight?

- No, I feel better.

I'll go.

I better get home as fast as I can.

- Well, call me tomorrow.

We'll get together whenever you say.

Lila, I'm with you whatever you do.

- Thank you, honey.

Thank you so much.

Good night.

- Good night.

(dangerous music)

(dramatic music)

- Taxi!

(melancholy music)

(ominous music)

(Lila moaning and crying)

- Lila, Lila, wake up.

You're having another dream.

Wake up.

- Oh, oh, Rick, the baby.

It's getting bad.

And I feel sick.

- You're, you're not dreaming?

- Oh no, it's not a dream.

Oh, Rick, I'm scared.

- Look, wait.

You'll be all right.

You'll be all right.

I'm gonna call Merritt.

Take it easy.

(Lila crying)

- Hurry.

It's all right now,
just take it easy, Lila.

(worried music)

It's all right.

Calm down now.

Hello, Howard?

Yeah, this is Rick.

Look, could you come
over right away, please?

Yeah, it's Lila, I think...

(dramatic music)

- What, what happened?

- Everything's all right, Mrs. Leyton.

- With the baby, did I have it?

- Yes, Mrs. Leyton.

It's all over, and everything's all right.

You just lie back and relax.

You have a fever.

- What do you mean?

What about the baby?

Tell me about the baby.

- Well, everything went well, Mrs. Leyton.

The doctor will be in
to tell you in a minute-

- But the baby, is it black?

Oh, Rick.

Rick, I want to see my baby.

I want to see my baby.

Oh, I must see it, I must!

- Nurse, will you tell the doctor?

I want to speak to my wife.

- Rick, what is it, darling?

Tell me, is it?

- Lila.

I felt I should be the one to tell you.

The baby did not live.

(sad music)

- Oh, my baby.

Oh, my baby. (crying)

(dramatic music)

- All right?

Mrs. Leyton, do you want
to see the baby now?

- Oh yes, please.

- All right, Miss Malcolm.

(concerned music)

- Why, it's white.

Well, I mean, I thought it would be black

from choking or red.

(dramatic music)

(Lila sobbing)

- I have something to give her.

I think she's delirious.

She has a high fever.

(hand knocking)

- Good morning.

- Good morning, Bertha.

Bertha?

- Yes, ma'am?

- Do you know how this picture got broken?

- Yes, ma'am, it got
broke while you were still

in the hospital.

- Did you break it?
- No, ma'am.

- Then who did?

You're the only one who
touches the things in my room.

- No, I'm not.

Well, I guess I'm going
to have to tell you.

Mr. Leyton was looking through your room

just before you came home.

He took that picture apart.

I saw him.

- Did he read this date on the back?

Oh yes, of course he did.

- Yes, ma'am.

He knows that's not your
mother, Mrs. Leyton.

He said so.

- And what else, Bertha?

- He found that book about intermarrying

between colored people and whites.

It was in your dresser.

I was cleaning the room.

(concerned music)

- What did he think, Bertha?

What did he say?

- Well, he didn't say much,
but he was real upset.

I don't know what he thinks, Mrs. Leyton,

but he don't know anything.

- And what about you, Bertha?

What do you know?

- Mrs. Leyton, I don't know nothing.

You want that book?

I will go to my room and get it.

- The book?

What's it doing in your room, Bertha?

- Well, I told Mr. Leyton it was mine.

And he didn't believe me.

I wanted to read it anyway.

- That was sweet of you, Bertha.

Really sweet.

How long have you known about me?

- Miss Lila, you don't ever
have to worry about me.

I know you love your husband.

I just hope you can get along
together again with him.

Don't tell him anything.

Wouldn't do any good.

- I'm leaving now.

Bertha, please leave.

- [Lila] She was just telling me-

- Take your hands off my
wife and get out of the room!

- [Bertha] All right.

All right, Mr. Rick, I'm going.

- [Lila] What is it, Rick?

What's wrong?

Have I done anything to upset-

- Now, you tell me just what she was doing

with her arms around you.

Now, what is this, Lila?

This, this fascination you
seem to have for Negroes?

What is it?

- I don't know what you mean, Rick.

Darling, I know you're
still terribly shocked

about the baby.

I know how miserable you are.

I am too.

Can't we try to help each other?

Can I do any-
- Lila.

Now, you tell me why you
asked if that baby was black.

- I told you.

I was afraid it was choking.

- Well, that's nonsense!

- It isn't nonsense.

The poor little thing did choke.

- So why didn't you ask if it were dead?

Why did you say black?

- I was dreaming one of my awful dreams,

but it was true.

It was a horrible
nightmare that came true.

- Were you dreaming when
you asked to see that baby?

- Why, yes.

Even when I was coming out
of it, I was half dreaming.

The dream seems so real.

- Well, you weren't dreaming

when you saw the child
and said "It's white."

No, no, you were surprised.

- I told you that.

I thought it would be red.

- Oh, red.

Red, now you say you
thought it would be red.

First you said you
thought it would be black!

You didn't ask if that child were alive.

You didn't ask if it were a boy or a girl.

No, you're only interested in the color!

- But Rick, I was dreaming.

- And you won't admit why
you asked if it were black.

- Admit?

I told you.

- You won't tell me!

Well, you don't have to, Lila.

No, you don't have to because I know.

You were afraid that child would be black,

just like that black band player.

Now let me hear he was a dream too.

I even heard him make the date with you!

I asked you about it, but
you wouldn't admit it.

No, you wouldn't admit it,

but you went back and saw him,

didn't you , Lila? You
went back and saw him,

and then you went to bed with him!

- Oh, Rick.

- And right after that you got pregnant.

And then you started
reading about miscegenation.

Oh yes, I found the book, Lila.

I found it.

You were afraid.

You were scared that child would be black.

- Oh, you don't know
what you're saying, Rick.

That's the craziest thing I ever heard.

- Oh yes, it's crazy, crazy,
crazy, because it's true!

- It is not true!

And I cannot let you believe that.

That baby was your baby,

yours and mine.

Ours do you hear?

- I hear lies, nothing but lies!

Lies, lies like this!

Just like this!

That was not your mother.

No look, 1901, photographed in New York.

Now, why didn't you tell me
that was your grandmother?

But oh no, Lila, you
couldn't tell me the truth

about anything, could you?

Could you, Bea?

Well, isn't that what he called you

that band player?

Bea, is that your name?

How would I know with
all these, these lies

about you, your family.

What about your family?

Do you have a family?

Where do they live now, Lila?

Did they ever live in Richmond?

Were you telling me the truth

about them being in
California or Venezuela?

Were you?

Now look, tell me something.

Did you ever tell me the truth once

about anything, Lila?

Did you, just once?

(Lila crying)

No, no.

- Yes I did!

And I told you some lies.

But what I told you about
the baby is the truth.

- Now just how can I believe that?

- You don't want to believe it.

You don't want the truth.

You want to believe that
I slept with another man.

Well, I could see

that you're going to
believe it regardless.

So what's the use?

Oh, I've had enough of this.

Leave me alone.

Believe what you want!

Do what you want. (sobbing)

- I don't know what to do.

I only know I can't
believe anything you say.

Maybe we shouldn't talk
about this for a long time.

Maybe it's better that this
is a closed thing between us.

I don't know.

I don't know.

I've gotta be going into town now.

I'll be staying overnight.

I, I have to think, Lila.

I just have to think.

I'll be back tomorrow night.

- Goodbye, Rick.

(sad jazz music)

- Do you think Rick will try to find you?

- Maybe for a while, but I doubt it.

He won't be able to anyway.

They don't know my name
or where I came from.

As Rick says, they don't know anything me.

Part of the lies I tried to live on.

It's just as well they don't know.

I better go now, Sally.

Thanks, honey.

You've been a wonderful friend.

- I'm going to miss you.

And tell that family of yours

I'll see them at vacation time.

- Sally, I do hope they'll want to see me.

- You know they will.

- Goodbye, honey.

- Goodbye, Bernice.

(dramatic music)

- Late for breakfast.
- Oh, Gran.

Someone needs to stop Clearway Law.
Public shouldn't leave reviews for lawyers.