Make a Wish (1937) - full transcript
While at summer camp in the Maine woods, little Bobby Breen befriends composer Basil Rathbone, who left the city to try and break his creative block, and is soon playing matchmaker for his widowed singer mother and Rathbone.
-Wow.
All out for Birchlake Camp.
Yippee!
-Birchlake, Birchlake,
here I come!
-Say, who's got my bazooka?
-I got it.
-OK.
-I'm gonna toss it in the lake.
-Here's your paper, Mr. Selden.
-Well, thanks.
Whole bunch of kids,
where are they going?
-Camp.
Just across the lake
from your place.
-Get your luggage on the
truck and we'll hike to camp.
Go ahead!
-Just look at them.
Not a worry in the world.
-Great to be a kid.
-Now, boys, I'd like to
call on our old friend
and camp director, Dr. Stevens.
-Men of Birchlake, welcome.
To those of you
who are newcomers,
just let me say that our motto
always has been and always will
be-- a healthy mind
in a healthy body.
This God-given country that you
see around you is our to enjoy.
This is your camp, your
summer, your vacation.
And I want you to
make the most of it.
-Just one thing more.
The big trip this
summer will start
a week earlier than usual.
And boys, I have a
grand surprise for you.
Instead of a hike this year, we
are going to go on horseback.
-One night of this trip
will be spent in Canada.
-Now, I know that you'd all like
to get out of your city clothes
as soon as possible, so I won't
take up any more of your time.
Good luck and go to it!
-Hey.
What's he doing that for, Bud?
-Leave it to Chunky.
He'll pick the best bed.
-OK, fellas, this is mine.
-Better be careful,
Bud, or you're
going to run out of fill-ums.
-I wouldn't disturb him.
A man's home is his castle.
-Maybe he's a lady.
-Hey, fellas-- get a
load of this trunk!
-Hotel Lido, Venice.
-Navarro Hotel, Madrid.
-Alexandra Hotel, Berlin.
-Clandon Hotel, London I.
-Where'd you get the trunk, kid?
-It's my mother's
-What is she, an explorer?
-No.
My mother's a singer.
-Ooh.
-Did your father let you too?
-He was, but he's been
dead for four years.
-Where's your mother off to now?
-No place.
She doesn't sing on
the stage anymore.
-Swimming time!
-Put a wiggle on, gang.
Everyone down at the lake.
-Come on!
-Hey, anybody got an extra belt?
-Nope.
-Not I.
-I haven't got any.
-Me neither.
-Why don't you tie it in a knot?
-Remember, boys, no
playing sits in the water.
And no one swims past the float.
All right?
-Yeah!
-All right, go ahead!
Hello?
Hello?
Yes?
Oh, just a moment, please.
Mr. Selden, Mr.
Selden-- the phone, sir.
-Answer it, will you, Joseph?
-But I did, sir.
It's for you.
Long distance.
-If it's from New
York, I'm not in.
-It's Mr. Wagner, sir.
-I'm out.
-This is the fifth
time he's called today,
and for the tenth time
I've said you're out.
-But, um, Mr. Wagner-- but
I tell you I don't know.
Upon my word.
Mr. Selden, he
insists on knowing.
Where shall I say you are?
-Oh, under a haystack fast
asleep-- anything you like.
MR. WAGNER : Tell Selden
that I must know
without further delay
when I can have the first act.
-Mr. Selden, he
wants to know when
he can have at least the
first act of the operetta.
-Just as soon as I get an idea.
But don't tell him that.
Tell Mr. Selden
this is to be an
early fall production.
At the rate he's going, it
won't be ready for Christmas!
-Mr. Selden.
He says it is scheduled
for an early fall opening,
not for Christmas.
Tell
him he has to stop to the phone
when I get him.
I'll tear up my option with him.
-He wants to know
what you've been
doing for the last three months.
-Eating, sleeping, drinking.
Getting fish, cows,
horses, fertilizer.
And building a new back porch.
-Yes, sir?
Let
him finish my operetta,
he can hold as much as he likes.
-That's good.
Yes, I'll tell him.
Mr. Selden!
I-- I beg your pardon, sir.
But I think you'll find
your problem practically
solved if you'll accept my help.
-Well, thank you, Joseph.
What do you suggest?
Plug or spinner?
-Spin-- uh-- no, no, no.
I wasn't thinking
of fishing, sir.
I refer to your difficulty
in getting down to work.
You see, Mr. Selden,
as I said before--
-Yes, Joseph, as you
said before-- you didn't
place your services with
me just to open doors
and wait on table.
But someday, you hope to
help create great music.
-That's right, sir.
-Unfortunately, Joseph,
all the great music
has already been written.
-Oh.
-You and I were born too late.
-Now, really, sir.
Why, last night I had
a new inspiration.
The rhymes just kept
running through my head.
I-- I, I couldn't sleep.
-Have you a light, Joseph?
-Yes, sir.
Now, sir, as I was saying--
-Joseph, I've a better idea.
You do the composing, and
I'll do the butlering.
-Hello, Brennan!
-How's tricks, Moreta?
-The tricks, they're OK.
But the songs--
-How's your operetta
coming along, pal?
The trouble with writing
a hit like your last one--
you got your work cut out
now to try and top it.
-I'm afraid so.
Well, good luck.
-What he have that we no got?
-A producer.
-And the band.
But I ask you, did you
ever write anything so good
as "I'm Glad I'm Mad About You?"
-No, Moreta, that
was a great number--
even if we were the only
ones that ever heard it.
-How are you, gentlemen.
-No-- no, we're not interested
in collaborating with you.
-I come to talk business.
You boys write good songs.
-Well, we're too
anemic to blush.
-You've been up here in this
musical colony all summer
and a part of the spring.
I have my finger
on your difficulty.
You write the
wrong kind of song.
Yeah, we
know that, teacher.
-Write songs with me,
gentlemen, and I assure you,
our efforts will
be crowned with--
-Success.
-Fame and success.
-How many songs have
you had on Broadway?
-Gentlemen, I've
been unfortunate.
The world accepts
me only as a butler,
when I have the soul of a poet.
Hey, Mister!
Those are mine!
-Thought a sturgeon
was a new kind of fish.
How you lose them?
-Lost the belt.
-Catch!
-Thanks!
-Have a safety pin?
-No, I'm afraid not.
Oh, wait a minute-- maybe
this will fix you up.
-Gee, thanks.
How's the fishing?
-Swell.
-Get anything?
-Sure.
-Let's see.
Kind of small, aren't they?
-Well, I've only been
fishing for a little while.
-Hey, it's keen
up here, isn't it?
-I'll say.
Over in the boys' camp?
-Yes, sir.
What's your name?
-Chip.
-Chip, eh?
Chip what?
-Chip Winters.
What's yours?
-Johnny.
-Johnny what?
-Johnny Selden.
-I'm pleased to meet
you, Mr. Selden.
-Pleased to meet
you, Mr. Winters.
-Hey, you over there!
Come back here!
-All right, all
right, I'm coming!
Yeah, called out about
swimming past the float.
Well, so long!
Oh, wait a minute-- uh,
how do I get your pin back?
-Aw, come across and fish here.
I'd like to see you at camp.
-OK, swell.
Bye!
-Bye!
-Bye!
-Good night, Joseph.
-Good night.
-Oh, hello, Mr. Selden.
-Hi.
-I didn't see you.
-Hello, Chip.
-This is Pee Wee.
-Hello!
-Hello, Pee Wee,
-Oh, uh, here's your license.
I was gonna bring
it over as soon
as I had gotten across the lake.
-Thanks.
I shan't be wanting
it for a while.
I've down at Wizard Lodge.
-What?
You're on vacation time?
-No.
This isn't vacation
time for me, Pee Wee.
I've gotta dig.
-Oh, you're a farmer.
-Well, in a way, yes.
I, uh, I dig for tunes,
and uh, I grow music.
-Do you sing like Chip?
-Oh.
So it was you who
sang last night.
-Yes, sir.
-I wish I could sing like Chip.
-Oh, you ought to
hear my mother sing.
-How do you compose?
May want to make a wish!
-Come on, Mr. Selden, tell us.
How do you compose?
-Well, first I get
an inspiration.
Then I sit down to the
piano, wait for the music
to come to a boil
inside me, and then
let it bubble all over the keys.
-Gee, you say funny things
just like my mother writes.
Listen.
"After leaving you at the train,
I walked home through the park,
pretending it was a lovely
country you were going to.
And suddenly I remembered
something I forgot to tell you
about all these years
you've been growing up.
It's about the little
things in life.
How the bluebird in flight is
such a quick moment of beauty
that you must look sharp
to catch the blue flash."
-Those are very
beautiful images.
Your mother has imagination.
Is the letter full of
thoughts like that?
-Mm-hmm.
-Oh, really-- may I?
-Sure.
-"Learn every song in
the concerto that a brook
or a waterfall makes, or
that is played by the little
emeralds splashing
the still lake."
You know, fellas, I can feel
something beginning to boil.
See you later.
-Did you ever feel anything
boiling inside of you?
-Huh-unh.
-Oh, boy!
I'm so glad I catch a fish!
Come here.
-That's a small one.
-Oh, boy.
-Here, let me help you.
-Mail!
-Oh, please have something
for me this time!
-I haven't had a
letter in two weeks!
-I'm expecting a package.
-I'm expecting some film.
Got any?
-Well, take it easy,
boys, take it easy.
All right, gang, let's
have a little order here.
Leave room.
There you are.
-Archers.
-Here!
Thanks, Uncle Bill.
-Mayers?
-Here.
Thank you, Uncle Bill.
-Winters?
-Here.
Thanks, Uncle Bill.
-Thompson.
-Here.
-Hi there!
-Oh, hello, Mr. Selden.
-Another letter?
-Mm-hmm.
My mother's coming.
-Well.
You don't sound very
cheerful about it.
-You wouldn't either
if somebody was
coming up to spoil your fun.
-What?
-Oh, I don't mean my mother.
Look who's coming along.
-Who's Mr. Mays?
-Oh, he's the one who talked my
mother into giving up singing.
-Oh.
He doesn't like singing, eh?
-It isn't that.
He just doesn't want
my mother on the stage.
He's always saying
it's for our own good.
Mother says he's very
reliable and substantial.
Gee, I wish I could
think he was swell.
I guess my mother thinks he is.
I don't know.
Why does he have to
come up here, anyway?
He doesn't like any
of the things kids do.
I bet he never went
fishing in his whole life.
He's different--
from us, I mean.
You know something, Mr. Selden?
-What, Chip?
-Won't be any more letters
after my mother comes up here.
-I was just thinking
of that, too.
Chip!
Chip.
having her kids!
-Boss, what's up?
- Come on!
having her kids!
Hey, Chip!
Your letter!
-Let me see!
-Come on!
-Aw, get out of the way.
-One!
Two!
Three!
Four!
Five!
-Quinpuplets!
-Hold it, fellas!
-Hey, Bud, how do you
spell quinpuplets?
-Ask Chip.
-Quinpuplets?
Q-U-- hey, Chunky, how
do you spell quinpuplets?
-K, uh--
-No, we got as far as Q-U.
-Judge, how do you
spell quintuplets?
-Spell it exactly
the way you say it.
-Just say five of them.
-Gentlemen.
Just a moment, please.
No question that our
money.
-Listen, boys.
The musical world
has had father songs,
mother songs, also
brother songs.
But what is it the musical
world has never had?
A sister song.
And I have it.
Listen to this lyric.
-Would it distract
you too much if I
were to cut my throat
while you're wailing?
-No, not at all.
Now, please.
"I want you to meet
my sister, mister.
You'd make a peach of a pair."
Peach of a pear--
rather neat, isn't it?
"And you'd realize
after you kissed her,
mister, that she
had done her share.
I know you'd love
my sister, mister.
My sister's name is Susie."
I'm having a little
trouble rhyming Susie.
-Joseph.
Did you say the musical world
had never had a sister song?
-Never.
-You told the truth.
-Yay!
-Woo-hoo!
-Yay!
-All right.
All bail.
-Come with me to get my landing!
Away!
-A three-point landing.
-Woo!
-Shh!
-Hello, Mr. Joseph!
-Hi, Mr. Joseph!
-Boys, come, come.
Mr. Selden is very busy.
He must not be disturbed today.
-Aw, gee.
I wanted to ask him to go
on a treasure hunt with us.
-You've bothered him enough.
He's way behind in his work,
and he can't spare a moment now.
-All right.
Come on, gang!
-Hello, fellows!
-Hi!
-Hello, Mr. Selden!
-Hi!
-Hi, Mr. Selden!
-Where you going?
-High tailing it to look
out on an expedition.
-And you're leaving me out?
-Want to come along?
-What sort of
expedition is this?
-Treasure hunt.
Only it's got to be
some natural thing
in nature that's the treasure.
-It's nothing for it's
intrinsic value, sir.
-Animal, vegetable, mineral--
or just plain inanimate!
Aw, come
on in for a minute.
-Haven't got time!
-Yeah!
-Aw, come on in,
just for a minute.
-You can go in if
you wanna, but we
gotta get back in
time for swimming.
-OK.
I'll catch up with you fellows.
-Mr. Joseph?
Hold it a minute, will you?
Thanks a lot.
-I wish you'd let me see it
when the prints are finished.
-Sure!
-If you do, I'll
autograph it for you.
-OK.
-Something they have
at camp every year.
Each of the fellows
has to give his mother
or father a treasure.
But it can't be
anything you make.
You've got to find it.
Do you think I ought to
give something to Mr. Mays?
Well, I'll just find
something for my mother first.
-I know something you
can give your mother.
-You do?
-Mm-hmm.
If you can guess what
it is, you can have it.
-What is it?
-It's something you can
give and still have.
It's something you can give to
everybody and still have it.
You can carry it with
you wherever you go.
It's good when you're
glad, and when you're sad.
Now, what is it?
-Glad, sad, Give, have.
-Give up?
-I give up.
-"Make a wish, you
and I, that this
lovely dream of ours
will never die."
-It's a song.
-And you're leaning right on it.
-It's nice.
Did you just write it?
-Mm-hmm.
-"I'll make a wish
over my shoulder
each time the moon appears.
That when we grow older--"
-Try it.
Go on.
This is my mother.
-How do you do?
-This is my mother.
-How do you do?
-How do you do?
-Now I want you to meet
two of my best friends.
This is Pee Wee, this is Judge.
And this is my mother.
-Hello, Pee Wee.
My, you're much
bigger than I thought
you were from Chip's letters.
How do you do, Judge?
-I'm very charmed to
meet you, Mrs. Winters.
-Don't tire your
mother, Charles.
-Oh, I'm enjoying it.
-Chunky, meet my mother.
-Glad to know you, Chunky.
-Hello, Mrs. Winters.
-Come on, Mother.
Now I'm going to
take you up the hill.
From there you can see
the whole music colony.
-You see that house
behind that big tree?
That's Mr. Selden's.
And the house
right next to it is
where Moreta and Brennan live.
They've been helping
us with our big show.
Wait till you see it, Mother.
They're composers, too.
But not like Mr. Selden.
-What do you mean they're
not like Mr. Selden?
-You know what Mr.
Selden said about music?
He said that it's got to
come to a boil inside of him.
And then it bubbles over.
At first, his operetta
wouldn't boil at all.
But now it's boiling fine.
Boiled, bubbled up to the
finish of the second act.
-Yes, Mr. Mays, we
have short talks
on ethics-- one each week.
-Once a week?
Do you think that's sufficient?
-Well, it isn't a simple matter
to make the subject of ethics
both useful and
pleasant for small boys.
-Well, I see.
-Sometimes he says some
of the funniest things,
but you aren't sure whether
you're supposed to laugh
or not.
-For instance?
-Well, the other day
he said something
about having so many selves.
And the one he liked
best, he called Johnny.
He says he hasn't liked
himself since he became John.
-I must meet this interesting
friend of yours, Chip.
-You bet you will.
Charles.
-Yes, sir?
-Where is your mother?
-She broke the
heel off her shoe,
and Mr. Selden had to
row her across the lake.
And we sure had fun.
-Oh, and what did you
do that was funny?
-Oh, we walked and laughed,
and, well, we just had fun.
-You and this Mr.
Selden, you seem
to have struck up
quite a friendship.
-Yes, sir.
Excuse me, I've got to
get ready for lunch.
-Tell me about this
operetta you're writing.
-You may not know it,
but you wrote it for me.
-I did?
-Yes.
I got the idea from the things
you wrote in your letters
to Chip.
-Oh, yes.
Speaking of letters--
-Oh, please forgive me.
But you have to find a story
before you can write one.
-And is your operetta all
about not catching cold,
and being careful
about wet shoes?
No.
No, it's about a beautiful
lady high up in the hills.
It's in a magical land.
No matter how hard you
look, you can't find it.
-And the lady?
-She wanders through the
hills singing a song.
And whoever hears this
song cannot resist it.
They must follow her.
The song cannot be
heard by everybody--
only those who are pure of
heart can see and hear her.
That means little children.
-Mm-hmm.
-And all the little
children follow her
into the hills-- a kind of
lady Pied Piper of Hamelin.
-Go on.
-But there comes a time when she
wants them to return and spread
the happiness she has taught
them among the mad crowd
in the valley below.
But she can't release them,
and the spell cannot be broken
until the right man
comes to claim the lady.
-Well, that won't be easy.
-No, but, uh, there is a
man in the valley below who
is trying to
recapture his youth.
He's lost it.
-Poor man.
-Yes.
I felt sorry for
him too at times.
Then a terrible thing happens.
The wrong man goes
to claim the lady.
There always has to be an
obstacle in a love story,
you know.
-And then?
-Well, the last act
isn't written yet.
-Well, here we are.
Now, the lady's shoe.
You may not know it, but I'm
the second-best shoemaker
in the world.
-Why didn't we think
of that before?
-I did.
-Careful, now.
-Thanks a lot for
a lovely afternoon.
And I hope your operetta
will be a huge success.
-Cross your fingers.
Make a wish.
I want this one!
-If you kids want
any more pictures,
it will have to be cash.
-I'm in for a dime.
-How about you, Chip?
-OK, as soon as I
get my allowance.
I'm broke right now.
-What do you mean, you're broke?
-I bought a piece of
Mr. Selden's show.
I've got $1.65 of it.
What do you mean, Chip?
-Well, if the show's a
hit, I'm liable to get
$1,000 for my share alone.
-Do you mean to
tell me you invested
$1.65 in a stage production?
-Mm-hmm.
-What assurance have you
that it's going to be good?
-I know all the songs, don't I?
And they're swell.
-Have you got
anything in writing?
-Why, no.
-Aw, come on.
You're always talking
about Selden's show.
It's a wonder you
wouldn't take a little
more interest in our show.
-Well, what's the
matter with our show?
We're all set.
And everybody knows their part.
-The costumes came today.
I saw them, and they're swell.
-Oh, come on, Wagner.
Why don't you stay over?
The kids are putting on
their annual show tonight.
We'll have a great time.
-Well, that's the
trouble with you.
You've been having too
much of a good time.
It's lucky I came up
here, or I wouldn't
have received these two acts.
-You like them, don't you?
-Frankly, John, I think it's
the finest piece of work
you've ever turned out.
And if the third
act holds up-- uh,
give me a little
idea what it is?
-No, I'm not going to let you
hear it until it's finished.
-Oh.
-Hey, Mister!
You better get started if
you want to make that train.
-All right.
All right.
You know, John, that show has a
great part for Pauline Manners.
-Oh, I, uh, I had
someone else in mind.
-Who?
-Miss Irene Winters.
-Who's Irene Winters?
-She has the most glorious
voice you ever heard,
and she's very beautiful.
-Oh.
Well, we'll see.
-You're not worrying about
your investment, are you?
-I'll tell you how
I feel about that.
I'll buy your half
interest right now.
-No, sir.
I'm into my half as we agreed.
-Well, you know
show business, John.
It's risky.
If this thing doesn't go,
you'll lose your shirt.
-Well, it's my shirt, isn't it?
-Now, don't hold me
up on that last act.
I'm going into
rehearsal right away.
Now, now you will do a little
work tonight, won't you?
-No, not tonight.
I'm going across
to the boys' show.
-Well, keep up the good work.
So long.
-So long.
-OK.
-Hello.
Good evening.
-Good evening.
-Sorry to shove in so late.
I was detained making
some important provisions
for your future.
-My future?
-Mm-hmm.
-I don't understand.
-You will in time.
-Perhaps, my dear, you should
be persuaded to use this now.
-Come on, baby.
-Whoa there, boy.
-Oh, boy.
-You gotta give me
credit, this was my idea
to get acquainted
with the horses.
-You mean get the horses
acquainted with us.
-Hey, what are you
kids trying to do?
-Well, we thought if
we'd feed the horses,
they'd get to like us.
-Well, that's a good idea.
-Dr. Stevens?
-Yes.
-Could I ride that
horse tomorrow?
-Well, why not?
-Oh, boy!
-Can I ride the other one?
-Why, certainly.
Take your pick.
-What's his name?
-Why, that's the Lady Jane.
-Gee.
I'm gonna bring Lady Jane
an apple after dinner.
-Do you boys know what you're
going to do after dinner?
You are going to bed.
You've got a hard day
ahead of you tomorrow.
-Yes, sir!
-Yes, sir.
-Yes, sir.
-All right then, run along.
-Bye, Lady Jane!
-And don't forget, boys-- I
want you all asleep not later
than 8 o'clock.
-OK!
-Whoa, Lady Jane.
Nice horsie.
Giddy up, giddy up.
Giddy up, giddy up.
-Look out!
-Where were you, Pee Wee?
-Canada.
-Well, you better get back
to sleep again, because we've
got to get an early
start tomorrow.
Canada.
I wonder what it looks like.
-I'm of the impression it's
the same as it is here.
-Just think, fellas-- we're
going to a foreign country!
-Did you hear what
Dr. Stevens said?
We're gonna pitch camp
at Moose Head Lake
and get a mess of
trout for supper.
-Oh, boy, I can hardly wait!
Let's get back to sleep.
-Come on, fellas.
We gotta dig up some worms.
-How come you didn't go
to Selden's party tonight?
I thought you and him
were such great pals.
-Well, if you must
know, on my council,
Chip decided to retire early.
-I told Wagner that I'd
found my prima donna.
-But I've given up all
thought of the stage.
I'm making a new life
for Chip and myself.
-And Mr. Mays represents
that new life?
-Yes.
Mr. Mays represents
that new life.
-But Irene, you have talent.
Don't throw it away.
-Johnny Selden!
Come on!
-Well.
What shall it be?
-Won't you please play
something from your operetta?
-Oh, yes.
-Come on.
-Please do.
-All right.
But not because I wrote it.
Only because Miss Irene Winters
has consented to sing it.
-Lovely evening, Mr. Selden.
And I especially enjoyed
Miss Winters' singing.
-Grand evening, John.
-Good night.
-Good night.
This was lovely.
Thank you so very much.
-I think it's the loveliest
song I ever heard.
-It was written for you.
Oh, can't you see how
necessary you are--
-Good night, Selden.
-Must you go?
-Oh, it's late, I'm afraid.
-Oh yes, it's very late.
-Joseph!
-What, sir?
-Joseph, I feel marvelous!
-Do you, sir?
-Yes.
How do you feel?
-I feel like Helen Morgan.
-I'll get you a drink.
What shall it be?
-Thank you, sir, I'm
not very thirsty.
-Oh, don't worry.
It's on the house.
Straight or with soda?
-Straight.
-Then straight it shall be.
Now, Joseph-- before
drinking, I want
your cold, critical judgement.
-A gorgeous voice.
-Oh, what charm, what poise!
-What quality!
Mr. Selden, would
you mind please--
-Oh, yes.
Pardon me.
Joseph, remind me
to give you a raise.
-Oh, thank you, sir.
-Sing well?
-Your voice is always beautiful.
Irene, I hope all this
silly applause isn't going
to-- all this pleasant
excitement is only part of it.
You know that.
You know too much about it
to be taken in again, I hope.
You know, I've been
thinking about all this,
but I may as well speak frankly.
Either you mean it when you say
that you're through with this
kind of life or you don't
And you intend to go through
with our marriage or you don't.
Which is it, Irene?
-Walter, let's leave
in the morning.
-All right.
You know, I think we'd
better take Chip with us.
-Why Chip?
-Oh, he's been up
here long enough.
Besides, it would be
rather nice to have him
with us the rest of the summer.
You know, I've hardly had a
chance to get to know the boy.
-Yes, but-- but he has his
heart set on that trip.
Oh, it means so
much to him, and--
-Oh, I can make it up to him
in a thousand different ways.
In fact, I'd rather
like the chance to.
Well, Irene, do we all leave
together in the morning?
-Yes.
We'll leave in the morning.
-Joseph?
Joseph.
-Yes, sir.
-Pack my things.
-Yes, sir.
Where are you going, sir?
-Oh, the world is wide
and the world is round.
-Yes, sir.
-Say, Joseph, this
is the third act.
Take it to New York and
give it to Mr. Wagner.
-What shall I tell him, sir?
-That you don't know where I am,
that I shan't be at rehearsals,
and I don't care if I never
hear a note of this music again.
About the prima donna,
tell him I lost her.
-Well, what is it?
Head or tails?
-Tails.
-No peek-a, please.
-Aw, I do win.
What are you gonna have?
-The yolk.
-Gentlemen.
-Have you got a cup of
coffee in your pocket?
-No, no, no.
Please, gentlemen, I'm serious.
-So we see.
-The key to fame.
-That's a terrible title.
-That's worse than your
"Mister, Mister, My Sister."
-This is the third act
of Mr. Selden's operetta.
I'm taking this to New York.
-So what?
-If you will
collaborate with me,
we can improve on
Mr. Selden's work.
-Oh, Selden would love that.
-No, Mr. Selden doesn't want
to hear a note of this music
again.
He's gone away--
maybe for a long time.
-Well, what's the matter,
he don't like his own music?
-Mr. Selden's had a great
tragedy in his life.
I can't speak of it now.
-Well, don't you
think he'll come back?
-Definitely not
before the show opens.
Gentlemen, we can
interpolate our own songs.
-I don't want nobody to
impercolate-a with my music!
-No, no, no, no.
He means put our
songs in the show.
-Well, why he not
mean-a what he say?
What do you think?
-Well, what have we got to lose?
-And everything to gain.
-And that is right.
The key to fame.
-That's-a no good, boys.
That's got two collars
over two horses.
This operetta's got to be
all together one horse!
-Oh, hold your horses.
Listen, if we get two of
our songs in this third act,
we're all set.
-Here's an excellent
opportunity for our first song.
-Where?
Where?
-Boys, we are making
musical history.
Last call for dinner.
-The last man in the
dining car pays the ticket.
-Where's Mother?
-Oh, she's downtown having
lunch with Mr. Mays.
-Oh.
Clara?
-Yes, Chip?
-What do you think of Mr. Mays?
-I think Mr. Mays is a very
elegant and important man.
-I know, but-- but do you
think he's a-- a swell guy?
-One never speaks of an
important man like Mr. Mays
as being a swell guy.
-Well, there's a kid up at
camp who's got a stepfather,
and he said he
turned out all right.
Only he's a mail pilot, though.
Clara?
-Yes, Chip?
-I've been doing a lot
of thinking lately.
-About what?
-About my friend Mr. Selden.
Gee, he could write swell music.
He was regular.
Did I tell you I've
got $1.65 in his show?
-Only about 20 times.
-It's called "Music
In My Heart."
-Ah, I know that, too.
-I'm gonna see that you go to
the show with us opening night.
Gee, I bet it will be great.
-Woe is me!
Woe is me.
-What's a matter--
can't you take it?
You got us Into this.
-It's all your fault.
-I didn't realize this
would be so serious.
Poor Mr. Selden.
What are we going to do?
-You can't get songs
on Broadway, pal,
without a little trouble.
-I don't want my songs
on Broadway anymore.
-Well, this is a fine time
to talk about that now.
Don't you realize you
have an obligation?
You got us into
this, and you can't
run out on us now, Joseph.
-What are we going to do about
the third act, Mr. Wagner?
-I've got $25,000 worth
of costumes and 100 kids
on my hands.
-And I've got all the
kids up in the mountains,
but how am I going to
get them out again?
-Keep on postponing rehearsals.
-And what about the scenery?
-And what about the libretto,
and the music, and the author?
If I could only get hold
of him, I could tell you.
-Mr. Wagner--
-Oh, don't bother me.
-This is important.
-Well, who's it from?
-Your prima donna.
-What does she want?
-She regrets exceedingly, but
she can't wait any longer.
She's accepted
another engagement.
-Hm.
Well, that about washes us up!
What am I going to
do about Selden?
Everything he owns in the
world is invested in this show.
And I don't know where he is.
-I think you've gone as
far as you can with Selden.
It's about time you
thought of yourself.
-I'll have to.
Oh, if I only had some idea
of what the last act is about.
-Who is it?
-Paul.
-Come in!
-Where do I put the stuff?
-Well, today being Thursday--
the kitchen's day off-- put it
anywhere you want it.
It's gonna be a great third act.
Now, come on-- the music!
Come on, come on, now.
-Now I remember.
This is where the children
walk down the mountain.
-I got a better idea.
Why have them walk?
Let's put in an escalator.
It'll be something new,
novel, extraordinary!
-Es-- esca-- esca what?
-You know, one of
those moving stairs?
-Gentlemen, please!
-And we'll have the
principals on pogo
sticks run away to
elope in kiddie cars.
-That's-a great!
All the children in
the es-- es-- I mean,
in the moving staircase-a,
traveling with my music.
-What's wrong with that?
-I'm beginning to
see what you mean.
It's so different from
Mr. Selden's conception.
-It's fantastic!
-It's-a symbolic!
-It's nuts!
-It's--
-Oh, Clara?
-Yes, ma'am?
-You're setting an extra place
for Mr. Mays, aren't you?
-Yes, ma'am.
-Hello, my dear.
-Hello, Walter.
You're early.
-Yes, I know.
-Thank you.
-Good afternoon, Charles.
-Hello, Mr. Mays.
-They're lovely!
-I'm so glad you like them.
It's a good thing you didn't go
into Selden's operetta, Irene.
There's a little item
here on the dramas page
of this morning's theater I
thought might interest you.
"John Selden's
operetta, scheduled
to open at the Lyceum, is
a project in difficulties.
The prima donna,
Miss Pauline Manners,
has walked out on the show.
Can John Selden be slipping?"
-Does that mean that
there's somebody that
doesn't like Mr. Selden's music?
-You can see for
yourself, my dear,
how wise you were
to get out of it.
-I'll bet if you'd have sung it,
mother, they'd have liked it.
-I don't think it would have
made a bit of difference
if you had sung it.
[CHIP HUMMING}
-Must you always sing?
-Clara.
Do you know what Mr.
Mays read in the paper?
-Yes.
Looks like you've
lost your $1.65, Chip.
-Oh, I don't care about that.
But I think my mother's kind
of sorry she didn't go in it.
-I think he is too, Chip.
-But I bet if Mr. Selden
asked her again, she'd do it.
-Yes.
But if your mother ever
went into that show,
Mr. Mays wouldn't
ever marry her.
-He wouldn't?
-Wagner Productions.
No, I don't know when
rehearsals will resume.
All children must
pass the clerk.
-I would like to see Mr. Selden.
-So would everybody else.
Wagner Productions.
Just a moment, please.
I'll connect you.
-No more kids needed.
-But I want to see Mr. Selden!
-You don't say so?
Go on, run along.
-Excuse me-- could
you please tell me
where I could find Mr. Selden?
-Ask the information clerk.
-I did.
-One thing I can't
understand-- Selden
hasn't been around to
a single rehearsal.
Kind of funny, isn't it?
-What's the difference?
If the third act's as
good as the first two,
it ought to be all right.
-I think it was just delivered
to Wagner a little while ago.
-And now, the grand aria.
The gloom in my
heart because you've been away,
the gloom in my heart would
be part if you'd stay.
The sun in shining clear
if you are only near.
The clouds, the moon seem bright
as soon as you're in sight.
Your smile chase
the gloom far away.
"Music In My Heart."
Selden should have written
the last act first.
-Are you Mr. Wagner?
-Thank goodness, no!
-But that's not--
-No more children!
-Something's wrong.
-Looks like it.
Did you hear what Grant said?
-But that's not
Mr. Selden's music!
Can I see Mr. Wagner?
-Will you quit annoying me?
-But that's not
Mr. Selden's music!
-So what?
Now, get out of here and
quit bothering everybody.
-No, Mrs. Connell,
he's very busy.
He'll call you back.
Yes, young man-- what
can I do for you?
-Can I see Mr. Wagner?
It's very important.
-Have you an appointment?
-No, ma'am, but--
-I'm sorry, all the children's
parts have been cast.
-But I've just gotta
see Mr. Wagner!
Please!
As soon
as you're in sight.
-Stop it!
Stop it!
Stop it!
-Oh, no.
-Selden must be insane.
You call that music?
-No.
-Uh, I can explain.
-You've explained enough.
Now, get out!
Get out!
Get out and stay out!
-Now, what's-a matter?
He no like-a the music-a?
-This is terrible-a--
this is terrible.
-I told you it wasn't so easy
to get a song on Broadway.
-That's a goodbye, "Mister,
Mister, My Sister."
-Please, won't you let
me in, just for a minute?
-I'm sorry, you can't go in.
-I thought I told
you to go home.
Run along.
Outside.
-But they were playing
the wrong music!
-Come on!
-I tell ya, there's
something wrong!
Something's wrong, I tell ya!
-Barbara.
Tell Grant everything
is finished.
They really came out a wreck.
Post a notice, the
show's cancelled.
-Now, you're gonna
get out of here,
and you're gonna stay out.
-You mean, the show was close?
-What?
-No!
It can't be closed!
Please!
-Hey, you!
-Yes?
What is it?
There's music in
my heart playing just for you--
-That's about enough out of you!
-But Mister!
Mr. Wagner's gotta listen to it!
There's music in my
heart playing just for you.
-What's going on here?
What's the meaning of all this?
-Are you Mr. Wagner?
-Yes.
What's this all about?
-Well, he was--
-Look, Mr. Wagner.
That wasn't the third act
you were listening to.
My mother-- Irene
Winters-- she knows
all the songs, and the
aria, and everything!
Mr. Selden wrote it for
her, honest, he did.
And I-- I know it perfectly!
Would you like to hear it?
Bravo!
Bravo!
Well, he was certainly right
about you, Miss Winters.
You're both going to
help me out, aren't you?
-Mr. Wagner.
I'm sorry, but we've given
you all the help that we can.
-Miss Winters, this is going
to be a great triumph for you.
I'm sure of it.
-And Mother, Mr. Selden
wanted you to sing it!
-Irene, I think you know
exactly how I feel about this.
-But wasn't this
written for you?
-Make up your mind, Irene.
-Come in?
-John!
Why, where have you been?
-Anywhere, everywhere--
I don't know.
What does it matter?
When I heard that you were going
to sing, I couldn't stay away.
I had to come back.
Wonderful Irene.
Wagner told me everything.
All out for Birchlake Camp.
Yippee!
-Birchlake, Birchlake,
here I come!
-Say, who's got my bazooka?
-I got it.
-OK.
-I'm gonna toss it in the lake.
-Here's your paper, Mr. Selden.
-Well, thanks.
Whole bunch of kids,
where are they going?
-Camp.
Just across the lake
from your place.
-Get your luggage on the
truck and we'll hike to camp.
Go ahead!
-Just look at them.
Not a worry in the world.
-Great to be a kid.
-Now, boys, I'd like to
call on our old friend
and camp director, Dr. Stevens.
-Men of Birchlake, welcome.
To those of you
who are newcomers,
just let me say that our motto
always has been and always will
be-- a healthy mind
in a healthy body.
This God-given country that you
see around you is our to enjoy.
This is your camp, your
summer, your vacation.
And I want you to
make the most of it.
-Just one thing more.
The big trip this
summer will start
a week earlier than usual.
And boys, I have a
grand surprise for you.
Instead of a hike this year, we
are going to go on horseback.
-One night of this trip
will be spent in Canada.
-Now, I know that you'd all like
to get out of your city clothes
as soon as possible, so I won't
take up any more of your time.
Good luck and go to it!
-Hey.
What's he doing that for, Bud?
-Leave it to Chunky.
He'll pick the best bed.
-OK, fellas, this is mine.
-Better be careful,
Bud, or you're
going to run out of fill-ums.
-I wouldn't disturb him.
A man's home is his castle.
-Maybe he's a lady.
-Hey, fellas-- get a
load of this trunk!
-Hotel Lido, Venice.
-Navarro Hotel, Madrid.
-Alexandra Hotel, Berlin.
-Clandon Hotel, London I.
-Where'd you get the trunk, kid?
-It's my mother's
-What is she, an explorer?
-No.
My mother's a singer.
-Ooh.
-Did your father let you too?
-He was, but he's been
dead for four years.
-Where's your mother off to now?
-No place.
She doesn't sing on
the stage anymore.
-Swimming time!
-Put a wiggle on, gang.
Everyone down at the lake.
-Come on!
-Hey, anybody got an extra belt?
-Nope.
-Not I.
-I haven't got any.
-Me neither.
-Why don't you tie it in a knot?
-Remember, boys, no
playing sits in the water.
And no one swims past the float.
All right?
-Yeah!
-All right, go ahead!
Hello?
Hello?
Yes?
Oh, just a moment, please.
Mr. Selden, Mr.
Selden-- the phone, sir.
-Answer it, will you, Joseph?
-But I did, sir.
It's for you.
Long distance.
-If it's from New
York, I'm not in.
-It's Mr. Wagner, sir.
-I'm out.
-This is the fifth
time he's called today,
and for the tenth time
I've said you're out.
-But, um, Mr. Wagner-- but
I tell you I don't know.
Upon my word.
Mr. Selden, he
insists on knowing.
Where shall I say you are?
-Oh, under a haystack fast
asleep-- anything you like.
MR. WAGNER : Tell Selden
that I must know
without further delay
when I can have the first act.
-Mr. Selden, he
wants to know when
he can have at least the
first act of the operetta.
-Just as soon as I get an idea.
But don't tell him that.
Tell Mr. Selden
this is to be an
early fall production.
At the rate he's going, it
won't be ready for Christmas!
-Mr. Selden.
He says it is scheduled
for an early fall opening,
not for Christmas.
Tell
him he has to stop to the phone
when I get him.
I'll tear up my option with him.
-He wants to know
what you've been
doing for the last three months.
-Eating, sleeping, drinking.
Getting fish, cows,
horses, fertilizer.
And building a new back porch.
-Yes, sir?
Let
him finish my operetta,
he can hold as much as he likes.
-That's good.
Yes, I'll tell him.
Mr. Selden!
I-- I beg your pardon, sir.
But I think you'll find
your problem practically
solved if you'll accept my help.
-Well, thank you, Joseph.
What do you suggest?
Plug or spinner?
-Spin-- uh-- no, no, no.
I wasn't thinking
of fishing, sir.
I refer to your difficulty
in getting down to work.
You see, Mr. Selden,
as I said before--
-Yes, Joseph, as you
said before-- you didn't
place your services with
me just to open doors
and wait on table.
But someday, you hope to
help create great music.
-That's right, sir.
-Unfortunately, Joseph,
all the great music
has already been written.
-Oh.
-You and I were born too late.
-Now, really, sir.
Why, last night I had
a new inspiration.
The rhymes just kept
running through my head.
I-- I, I couldn't sleep.
-Have you a light, Joseph?
-Yes, sir.
Now, sir, as I was saying--
-Joseph, I've a better idea.
You do the composing, and
I'll do the butlering.
-Hello, Brennan!
-How's tricks, Moreta?
-The tricks, they're OK.
But the songs--
-How's your operetta
coming along, pal?
The trouble with writing
a hit like your last one--
you got your work cut out
now to try and top it.
-I'm afraid so.
Well, good luck.
-What he have that we no got?
-A producer.
-And the band.
But I ask you, did you
ever write anything so good
as "I'm Glad I'm Mad About You?"
-No, Moreta, that
was a great number--
even if we were the only
ones that ever heard it.
-How are you, gentlemen.
-No-- no, we're not interested
in collaborating with you.
-I come to talk business.
You boys write good songs.
-Well, we're too
anemic to blush.
-You've been up here in this
musical colony all summer
and a part of the spring.
I have my finger
on your difficulty.
You write the
wrong kind of song.
Yeah, we
know that, teacher.
-Write songs with me,
gentlemen, and I assure you,
our efforts will
be crowned with--
-Success.
-Fame and success.
-How many songs have
you had on Broadway?
-Gentlemen, I've
been unfortunate.
The world accepts
me only as a butler,
when I have the soul of a poet.
Hey, Mister!
Those are mine!
-Thought a sturgeon
was a new kind of fish.
How you lose them?
-Lost the belt.
-Catch!
-Thanks!
-Have a safety pin?
-No, I'm afraid not.
Oh, wait a minute-- maybe
this will fix you up.
-Gee, thanks.
How's the fishing?
-Swell.
-Get anything?
-Sure.
-Let's see.
Kind of small, aren't they?
-Well, I've only been
fishing for a little while.
-Hey, it's keen
up here, isn't it?
-I'll say.
Over in the boys' camp?
-Yes, sir.
What's your name?
-Chip.
-Chip, eh?
Chip what?
-Chip Winters.
What's yours?
-Johnny.
-Johnny what?
-Johnny Selden.
-I'm pleased to meet
you, Mr. Selden.
-Pleased to meet
you, Mr. Winters.
-Hey, you over there!
Come back here!
-All right, all
right, I'm coming!
Yeah, called out about
swimming past the float.
Well, so long!
Oh, wait a minute-- uh,
how do I get your pin back?
-Aw, come across and fish here.
I'd like to see you at camp.
-OK, swell.
Bye!
-Bye!
-Bye!
-Good night, Joseph.
-Good night.
-Oh, hello, Mr. Selden.
-Hi.
-I didn't see you.
-Hello, Chip.
-This is Pee Wee.
-Hello!
-Hello, Pee Wee,
-Oh, uh, here's your license.
I was gonna bring
it over as soon
as I had gotten across the lake.
-Thanks.
I shan't be wanting
it for a while.
I've down at Wizard Lodge.
-What?
You're on vacation time?
-No.
This isn't vacation
time for me, Pee Wee.
I've gotta dig.
-Oh, you're a farmer.
-Well, in a way, yes.
I, uh, I dig for tunes,
and uh, I grow music.
-Do you sing like Chip?
-Oh.
So it was you who
sang last night.
-Yes, sir.
-I wish I could sing like Chip.
-Oh, you ought to
hear my mother sing.
-How do you compose?
May want to make a wish!
-Come on, Mr. Selden, tell us.
How do you compose?
-Well, first I get
an inspiration.
Then I sit down to the
piano, wait for the music
to come to a boil
inside me, and then
let it bubble all over the keys.
-Gee, you say funny things
just like my mother writes.
Listen.
"After leaving you at the train,
I walked home through the park,
pretending it was a lovely
country you were going to.
And suddenly I remembered
something I forgot to tell you
about all these years
you've been growing up.
It's about the little
things in life.
How the bluebird in flight is
such a quick moment of beauty
that you must look sharp
to catch the blue flash."
-Those are very
beautiful images.
Your mother has imagination.
Is the letter full of
thoughts like that?
-Mm-hmm.
-Oh, really-- may I?
-Sure.
-"Learn every song in
the concerto that a brook
or a waterfall makes, or
that is played by the little
emeralds splashing
the still lake."
You know, fellas, I can feel
something beginning to boil.
See you later.
-Did you ever feel anything
boiling inside of you?
-Huh-unh.
-Oh, boy!
I'm so glad I catch a fish!
Come here.
-That's a small one.
-Oh, boy.
-Here, let me help you.
-Mail!
-Oh, please have something
for me this time!
-I haven't had a
letter in two weeks!
-I'm expecting a package.
-I'm expecting some film.
Got any?
-Well, take it easy,
boys, take it easy.
All right, gang, let's
have a little order here.
Leave room.
There you are.
-Archers.
-Here!
Thanks, Uncle Bill.
-Mayers?
-Here.
Thank you, Uncle Bill.
-Winters?
-Here.
Thanks, Uncle Bill.
-Thompson.
-Here.
-Hi there!
-Oh, hello, Mr. Selden.
-Another letter?
-Mm-hmm.
My mother's coming.
-Well.
You don't sound very
cheerful about it.
-You wouldn't either
if somebody was
coming up to spoil your fun.
-What?
-Oh, I don't mean my mother.
Look who's coming along.
-Who's Mr. Mays?
-Oh, he's the one who talked my
mother into giving up singing.
-Oh.
He doesn't like singing, eh?
-It isn't that.
He just doesn't want
my mother on the stage.
He's always saying
it's for our own good.
Mother says he's very
reliable and substantial.
Gee, I wish I could
think he was swell.
I guess my mother thinks he is.
I don't know.
Why does he have to
come up here, anyway?
He doesn't like any
of the things kids do.
I bet he never went
fishing in his whole life.
He's different--
from us, I mean.
You know something, Mr. Selden?
-What, Chip?
-Won't be any more letters
after my mother comes up here.
-I was just thinking
of that, too.
Chip!
Chip.
having her kids!
-Boss, what's up?
- Come on!
having her kids!
Hey, Chip!
Your letter!
-Let me see!
-Come on!
-Aw, get out of the way.
-One!
Two!
Three!
Four!
Five!
-Quinpuplets!
-Hold it, fellas!
-Hey, Bud, how do you
spell quinpuplets?
-Ask Chip.
-Quinpuplets?
Q-U-- hey, Chunky, how
do you spell quinpuplets?
-K, uh--
-No, we got as far as Q-U.
-Judge, how do you
spell quintuplets?
-Spell it exactly
the way you say it.
-Just say five of them.
-Gentlemen.
Just a moment, please.
No question that our
money.
-Listen, boys.
The musical world
has had father songs,
mother songs, also
brother songs.
But what is it the musical
world has never had?
A sister song.
And I have it.
Listen to this lyric.
-Would it distract
you too much if I
were to cut my throat
while you're wailing?
-No, not at all.
Now, please.
"I want you to meet
my sister, mister.
You'd make a peach of a pair."
Peach of a pear--
rather neat, isn't it?
"And you'd realize
after you kissed her,
mister, that she
had done her share.
I know you'd love
my sister, mister.
My sister's name is Susie."
I'm having a little
trouble rhyming Susie.
-Joseph.
Did you say the musical world
had never had a sister song?
-Never.
-You told the truth.
-Yay!
-Woo-hoo!
-Yay!
-All right.
All bail.
-Come with me to get my landing!
Away!
-A three-point landing.
-Woo!
-Shh!
-Hello, Mr. Joseph!
-Hi, Mr. Joseph!
-Boys, come, come.
Mr. Selden is very busy.
He must not be disturbed today.
-Aw, gee.
I wanted to ask him to go
on a treasure hunt with us.
-You've bothered him enough.
He's way behind in his work,
and he can't spare a moment now.
-All right.
Come on, gang!
-Hello, fellows!
-Hi!
-Hello, Mr. Selden!
-Hi!
-Hi, Mr. Selden!
-Where you going?
-High tailing it to look
out on an expedition.
-And you're leaving me out?
-Want to come along?
-What sort of
expedition is this?
-Treasure hunt.
Only it's got to be
some natural thing
in nature that's the treasure.
-It's nothing for it's
intrinsic value, sir.
-Animal, vegetable, mineral--
or just plain inanimate!
Aw, come
on in for a minute.
-Haven't got time!
-Yeah!
-Aw, come on in,
just for a minute.
-You can go in if
you wanna, but we
gotta get back in
time for swimming.
-OK.
I'll catch up with you fellows.
-Mr. Joseph?
Hold it a minute, will you?
Thanks a lot.
-I wish you'd let me see it
when the prints are finished.
-Sure!
-If you do, I'll
autograph it for you.
-OK.
-Something they have
at camp every year.
Each of the fellows
has to give his mother
or father a treasure.
But it can't be
anything you make.
You've got to find it.
Do you think I ought to
give something to Mr. Mays?
Well, I'll just find
something for my mother first.
-I know something you
can give your mother.
-You do?
-Mm-hmm.
If you can guess what
it is, you can have it.
-What is it?
-It's something you can
give and still have.
It's something you can give to
everybody and still have it.
You can carry it with
you wherever you go.
It's good when you're
glad, and when you're sad.
Now, what is it?
-Glad, sad, Give, have.
-Give up?
-I give up.
-"Make a wish, you
and I, that this
lovely dream of ours
will never die."
-It's a song.
-And you're leaning right on it.
-It's nice.
Did you just write it?
-Mm-hmm.
-"I'll make a wish
over my shoulder
each time the moon appears.
That when we grow older--"
-Try it.
Go on.
This is my mother.
-How do you do?
-This is my mother.
-How do you do?
-How do you do?
-Now I want you to meet
two of my best friends.
This is Pee Wee, this is Judge.
And this is my mother.
-Hello, Pee Wee.
My, you're much
bigger than I thought
you were from Chip's letters.
How do you do, Judge?
-I'm very charmed to
meet you, Mrs. Winters.
-Don't tire your
mother, Charles.
-Oh, I'm enjoying it.
-Chunky, meet my mother.
-Glad to know you, Chunky.
-Hello, Mrs. Winters.
-Come on, Mother.
Now I'm going to
take you up the hill.
From there you can see
the whole music colony.
-You see that house
behind that big tree?
That's Mr. Selden's.
And the house
right next to it is
where Moreta and Brennan live.
They've been helping
us with our big show.
Wait till you see it, Mother.
They're composers, too.
But not like Mr. Selden.
-What do you mean they're
not like Mr. Selden?
-You know what Mr.
Selden said about music?
He said that it's got to
come to a boil inside of him.
And then it bubbles over.
At first, his operetta
wouldn't boil at all.
But now it's boiling fine.
Boiled, bubbled up to the
finish of the second act.
-Yes, Mr. Mays, we
have short talks
on ethics-- one each week.
-Once a week?
Do you think that's sufficient?
-Well, it isn't a simple matter
to make the subject of ethics
both useful and
pleasant for small boys.
-Well, I see.
-Sometimes he says some
of the funniest things,
but you aren't sure whether
you're supposed to laugh
or not.
-For instance?
-Well, the other day
he said something
about having so many selves.
And the one he liked
best, he called Johnny.
He says he hasn't liked
himself since he became John.
-I must meet this interesting
friend of yours, Chip.
-You bet you will.
Charles.
-Yes, sir?
-Where is your mother?
-She broke the
heel off her shoe,
and Mr. Selden had to
row her across the lake.
And we sure had fun.
-Oh, and what did you
do that was funny?
-Oh, we walked and laughed,
and, well, we just had fun.
-You and this Mr.
Selden, you seem
to have struck up
quite a friendship.
-Yes, sir.
Excuse me, I've got to
get ready for lunch.
-Tell me about this
operetta you're writing.
-You may not know it,
but you wrote it for me.
-I did?
-Yes.
I got the idea from the things
you wrote in your letters
to Chip.
-Oh, yes.
Speaking of letters--
-Oh, please forgive me.
But you have to find a story
before you can write one.
-And is your operetta all
about not catching cold,
and being careful
about wet shoes?
No.
No, it's about a beautiful
lady high up in the hills.
It's in a magical land.
No matter how hard you
look, you can't find it.
-And the lady?
-She wanders through the
hills singing a song.
And whoever hears this
song cannot resist it.
They must follow her.
The song cannot be
heard by everybody--
only those who are pure of
heart can see and hear her.
That means little children.
-Mm-hmm.
-And all the little
children follow her
into the hills-- a kind of
lady Pied Piper of Hamelin.
-Go on.
-But there comes a time when she
wants them to return and spread
the happiness she has taught
them among the mad crowd
in the valley below.
But she can't release them,
and the spell cannot be broken
until the right man
comes to claim the lady.
-Well, that won't be easy.
-No, but, uh, there is a
man in the valley below who
is trying to
recapture his youth.
He's lost it.
-Poor man.
-Yes.
I felt sorry for
him too at times.
Then a terrible thing happens.
The wrong man goes
to claim the lady.
There always has to be an
obstacle in a love story,
you know.
-And then?
-Well, the last act
isn't written yet.
-Well, here we are.
Now, the lady's shoe.
You may not know it, but I'm
the second-best shoemaker
in the world.
-Why didn't we think
of that before?
-I did.
-Careful, now.
-Thanks a lot for
a lovely afternoon.
And I hope your operetta
will be a huge success.
-Cross your fingers.
Make a wish.
I want this one!
-If you kids want
any more pictures,
it will have to be cash.
-I'm in for a dime.
-How about you, Chip?
-OK, as soon as I
get my allowance.
I'm broke right now.
-What do you mean, you're broke?
-I bought a piece of
Mr. Selden's show.
I've got $1.65 of it.
What do you mean, Chip?
-Well, if the show's a
hit, I'm liable to get
$1,000 for my share alone.
-Do you mean to
tell me you invested
$1.65 in a stage production?
-Mm-hmm.
-What assurance have you
that it's going to be good?
-I know all the songs, don't I?
And they're swell.
-Have you got
anything in writing?
-Why, no.
-Aw, come on.
You're always talking
about Selden's show.
It's a wonder you
wouldn't take a little
more interest in our show.
-Well, what's the
matter with our show?
We're all set.
And everybody knows their part.
-The costumes came today.
I saw them, and they're swell.
-Oh, come on, Wagner.
Why don't you stay over?
The kids are putting on
their annual show tonight.
We'll have a great time.
-Well, that's the
trouble with you.
You've been having too
much of a good time.
It's lucky I came up
here, or I wouldn't
have received these two acts.
-You like them, don't you?
-Frankly, John, I think it's
the finest piece of work
you've ever turned out.
And if the third
act holds up-- uh,
give me a little
idea what it is?
-No, I'm not going to let you
hear it until it's finished.
-Oh.
-Hey, Mister!
You better get started if
you want to make that train.
-All right.
All right.
You know, John, that show has a
great part for Pauline Manners.
-Oh, I, uh, I had
someone else in mind.
-Who?
-Miss Irene Winters.
-Who's Irene Winters?
-She has the most glorious
voice you ever heard,
and she's very beautiful.
-Oh.
Well, we'll see.
-You're not worrying about
your investment, are you?
-I'll tell you how
I feel about that.
I'll buy your half
interest right now.
-No, sir.
I'm into my half as we agreed.
-Well, you know
show business, John.
It's risky.
If this thing doesn't go,
you'll lose your shirt.
-Well, it's my shirt, isn't it?
-Now, don't hold me
up on that last act.
I'm going into
rehearsal right away.
Now, now you will do a little
work tonight, won't you?
-No, not tonight.
I'm going across
to the boys' show.
-Well, keep up the good work.
So long.
-So long.
-OK.
-Hello.
Good evening.
-Good evening.
-Sorry to shove in so late.
I was detained making
some important provisions
for your future.
-My future?
-Mm-hmm.
-I don't understand.
-You will in time.
-Perhaps, my dear, you should
be persuaded to use this now.
-Come on, baby.
-Whoa there, boy.
-Oh, boy.
-You gotta give me
credit, this was my idea
to get acquainted
with the horses.
-You mean get the horses
acquainted with us.
-Hey, what are you
kids trying to do?
-Well, we thought if
we'd feed the horses,
they'd get to like us.
-Well, that's a good idea.
-Dr. Stevens?
-Yes.
-Could I ride that
horse tomorrow?
-Well, why not?
-Oh, boy!
-Can I ride the other one?
-Why, certainly.
Take your pick.
-What's his name?
-Why, that's the Lady Jane.
-Gee.
I'm gonna bring Lady Jane
an apple after dinner.
-Do you boys know what you're
going to do after dinner?
You are going to bed.
You've got a hard day
ahead of you tomorrow.
-Yes, sir!
-Yes, sir.
-Yes, sir.
-All right then, run along.
-Bye, Lady Jane!
-And don't forget, boys-- I
want you all asleep not later
than 8 o'clock.
-OK!
-Whoa, Lady Jane.
Nice horsie.
Giddy up, giddy up.
Giddy up, giddy up.
-Look out!
-Where were you, Pee Wee?
-Canada.
-Well, you better get back
to sleep again, because we've
got to get an early
start tomorrow.
Canada.
I wonder what it looks like.
-I'm of the impression it's
the same as it is here.
-Just think, fellas-- we're
going to a foreign country!
-Did you hear what
Dr. Stevens said?
We're gonna pitch camp
at Moose Head Lake
and get a mess of
trout for supper.
-Oh, boy, I can hardly wait!
Let's get back to sleep.
-Come on, fellas.
We gotta dig up some worms.
-How come you didn't go
to Selden's party tonight?
I thought you and him
were such great pals.
-Well, if you must
know, on my council,
Chip decided to retire early.
-I told Wagner that I'd
found my prima donna.
-But I've given up all
thought of the stage.
I'm making a new life
for Chip and myself.
-And Mr. Mays represents
that new life?
-Yes.
Mr. Mays represents
that new life.
-But Irene, you have talent.
Don't throw it away.
-Johnny Selden!
Come on!
-Well.
What shall it be?
-Won't you please play
something from your operetta?
-Oh, yes.
-Come on.
-Please do.
-All right.
But not because I wrote it.
Only because Miss Irene Winters
has consented to sing it.
-Lovely evening, Mr. Selden.
And I especially enjoyed
Miss Winters' singing.
-Grand evening, John.
-Good night.
-Good night.
This was lovely.
Thank you so very much.
-I think it's the loveliest
song I ever heard.
-It was written for you.
Oh, can't you see how
necessary you are--
-Good night, Selden.
-Must you go?
-Oh, it's late, I'm afraid.
-Oh yes, it's very late.
-Joseph!
-What, sir?
-Joseph, I feel marvelous!
-Do you, sir?
-Yes.
How do you feel?
-I feel like Helen Morgan.
-I'll get you a drink.
What shall it be?
-Thank you, sir, I'm
not very thirsty.
-Oh, don't worry.
It's on the house.
Straight or with soda?
-Straight.
-Then straight it shall be.
Now, Joseph-- before
drinking, I want
your cold, critical judgement.
-A gorgeous voice.
-Oh, what charm, what poise!
-What quality!
Mr. Selden, would
you mind please--
-Oh, yes.
Pardon me.
Joseph, remind me
to give you a raise.
-Oh, thank you, sir.
-Sing well?
-Your voice is always beautiful.
Irene, I hope all this
silly applause isn't going
to-- all this pleasant
excitement is only part of it.
You know that.
You know too much about it
to be taken in again, I hope.
You know, I've been
thinking about all this,
but I may as well speak frankly.
Either you mean it when you say
that you're through with this
kind of life or you don't
And you intend to go through
with our marriage or you don't.
Which is it, Irene?
-Walter, let's leave
in the morning.
-All right.
You know, I think we'd
better take Chip with us.
-Why Chip?
-Oh, he's been up
here long enough.
Besides, it would be
rather nice to have him
with us the rest of the summer.
You know, I've hardly had a
chance to get to know the boy.
-Yes, but-- but he has his
heart set on that trip.
Oh, it means so
much to him, and--
-Oh, I can make it up to him
in a thousand different ways.
In fact, I'd rather
like the chance to.
Well, Irene, do we all leave
together in the morning?
-Yes.
We'll leave in the morning.
-Joseph?
Joseph.
-Yes, sir.
-Pack my things.
-Yes, sir.
Where are you going, sir?
-Oh, the world is wide
and the world is round.
-Yes, sir.
-Say, Joseph, this
is the third act.
Take it to New York and
give it to Mr. Wagner.
-What shall I tell him, sir?
-That you don't know where I am,
that I shan't be at rehearsals,
and I don't care if I never
hear a note of this music again.
About the prima donna,
tell him I lost her.
-Well, what is it?
Head or tails?
-Tails.
-No peek-a, please.
-Aw, I do win.
What are you gonna have?
-The yolk.
-Gentlemen.
-Have you got a cup of
coffee in your pocket?
-No, no, no.
Please, gentlemen, I'm serious.
-So we see.
-The key to fame.
-That's a terrible title.
-That's worse than your
"Mister, Mister, My Sister."
-This is the third act
of Mr. Selden's operetta.
I'm taking this to New York.
-So what?
-If you will
collaborate with me,
we can improve on
Mr. Selden's work.
-Oh, Selden would love that.
-No, Mr. Selden doesn't want
to hear a note of this music
again.
He's gone away--
maybe for a long time.
-Well, what's the matter,
he don't like his own music?
-Mr. Selden's had a great
tragedy in his life.
I can't speak of it now.
-Well, don't you
think he'll come back?
-Definitely not
before the show opens.
Gentlemen, we can
interpolate our own songs.
-I don't want nobody to
impercolate-a with my music!
-No, no, no, no.
He means put our
songs in the show.
-Well, why he not
mean-a what he say?
What do you think?
-Well, what have we got to lose?
-And everything to gain.
-And that is right.
The key to fame.
-That's-a no good, boys.
That's got two collars
over two horses.
This operetta's got to be
all together one horse!
-Oh, hold your horses.
Listen, if we get two of
our songs in this third act,
we're all set.
-Here's an excellent
opportunity for our first song.
-Where?
Where?
-Boys, we are making
musical history.
Last call for dinner.
-The last man in the
dining car pays the ticket.
-Where's Mother?
-Oh, she's downtown having
lunch with Mr. Mays.
-Oh.
Clara?
-Yes, Chip?
-What do you think of Mr. Mays?
-I think Mr. Mays is a very
elegant and important man.
-I know, but-- but do you
think he's a-- a swell guy?
-One never speaks of an
important man like Mr. Mays
as being a swell guy.
-Well, there's a kid up at
camp who's got a stepfather,
and he said he
turned out all right.
Only he's a mail pilot, though.
Clara?
-Yes, Chip?
-I've been doing a lot
of thinking lately.
-About what?
-About my friend Mr. Selden.
Gee, he could write swell music.
He was regular.
Did I tell you I've
got $1.65 in his show?
-Only about 20 times.
-It's called "Music
In My Heart."
-Ah, I know that, too.
-I'm gonna see that you go to
the show with us opening night.
Gee, I bet it will be great.
-Woe is me!
Woe is me.
-What's a matter--
can't you take it?
You got us Into this.
-It's all your fault.
-I didn't realize this
would be so serious.
Poor Mr. Selden.
What are we going to do?
-You can't get songs
on Broadway, pal,
without a little trouble.
-I don't want my songs
on Broadway anymore.
-Well, this is a fine time
to talk about that now.
Don't you realize you
have an obligation?
You got us into
this, and you can't
run out on us now, Joseph.
-What are we going to do about
the third act, Mr. Wagner?
-I've got $25,000 worth
of costumes and 100 kids
on my hands.
-And I've got all the
kids up in the mountains,
but how am I going to
get them out again?
-Keep on postponing rehearsals.
-And what about the scenery?
-And what about the libretto,
and the music, and the author?
If I could only get hold
of him, I could tell you.
-Mr. Wagner--
-Oh, don't bother me.
-This is important.
-Well, who's it from?
-Your prima donna.
-What does she want?
-She regrets exceedingly, but
she can't wait any longer.
She's accepted
another engagement.
-Hm.
Well, that about washes us up!
What am I going to
do about Selden?
Everything he owns in the
world is invested in this show.
And I don't know where he is.
-I think you've gone as
far as you can with Selden.
It's about time you
thought of yourself.
-I'll have to.
Oh, if I only had some idea
of what the last act is about.
-Who is it?
-Paul.
-Come in!
-Where do I put the stuff?
-Well, today being Thursday--
the kitchen's day off-- put it
anywhere you want it.
It's gonna be a great third act.
Now, come on-- the music!
Come on, come on, now.
-Now I remember.
This is where the children
walk down the mountain.
-I got a better idea.
Why have them walk?
Let's put in an escalator.
It'll be something new,
novel, extraordinary!
-Es-- esca-- esca what?
-You know, one of
those moving stairs?
-Gentlemen, please!
-And we'll have the
principals on pogo
sticks run away to
elope in kiddie cars.
-That's-a great!
All the children in
the es-- es-- I mean,
in the moving staircase-a,
traveling with my music.
-What's wrong with that?
-I'm beginning to
see what you mean.
It's so different from
Mr. Selden's conception.
-It's fantastic!
-It's-a symbolic!
-It's nuts!
-It's--
-Oh, Clara?
-Yes, ma'am?
-You're setting an extra place
for Mr. Mays, aren't you?
-Yes, ma'am.
-Hello, my dear.
-Hello, Walter.
You're early.
-Yes, I know.
-Thank you.
-Good afternoon, Charles.
-Hello, Mr. Mays.
-They're lovely!
-I'm so glad you like them.
It's a good thing you didn't go
into Selden's operetta, Irene.
There's a little item
here on the dramas page
of this morning's theater I
thought might interest you.
"John Selden's
operetta, scheduled
to open at the Lyceum, is
a project in difficulties.
The prima donna,
Miss Pauline Manners,
has walked out on the show.
Can John Selden be slipping?"
-Does that mean that
there's somebody that
doesn't like Mr. Selden's music?
-You can see for
yourself, my dear,
how wise you were
to get out of it.
-I'll bet if you'd have sung it,
mother, they'd have liked it.
-I don't think it would have
made a bit of difference
if you had sung it.
[CHIP HUMMING}
-Must you always sing?
-Clara.
Do you know what Mr.
Mays read in the paper?
-Yes.
Looks like you've
lost your $1.65, Chip.
-Oh, I don't care about that.
But I think my mother's kind
of sorry she didn't go in it.
-I think he is too, Chip.
-But I bet if Mr. Selden
asked her again, she'd do it.
-Yes.
But if your mother ever
went into that show,
Mr. Mays wouldn't
ever marry her.
-He wouldn't?
-Wagner Productions.
No, I don't know when
rehearsals will resume.
All children must
pass the clerk.
-I would like to see Mr. Selden.
-So would everybody else.
Wagner Productions.
Just a moment, please.
I'll connect you.
-No more kids needed.
-But I want to see Mr. Selden!
-You don't say so?
Go on, run along.
-Excuse me-- could
you please tell me
where I could find Mr. Selden?
-Ask the information clerk.
-I did.
-One thing I can't
understand-- Selden
hasn't been around to
a single rehearsal.
Kind of funny, isn't it?
-What's the difference?
If the third act's as
good as the first two,
it ought to be all right.
-I think it was just delivered
to Wagner a little while ago.
-And now, the grand aria.
The gloom in my
heart because you've been away,
the gloom in my heart would
be part if you'd stay.
The sun in shining clear
if you are only near.
The clouds, the moon seem bright
as soon as you're in sight.
Your smile chase
the gloom far away.
"Music In My Heart."
Selden should have written
the last act first.
-Are you Mr. Wagner?
-Thank goodness, no!
-But that's not--
-No more children!
-Something's wrong.
-Looks like it.
Did you hear what Grant said?
-But that's not
Mr. Selden's music!
Can I see Mr. Wagner?
-Will you quit annoying me?
-But that's not
Mr. Selden's music!
-So what?
Now, get out of here and
quit bothering everybody.
-No, Mrs. Connell,
he's very busy.
He'll call you back.
Yes, young man-- what
can I do for you?
-Can I see Mr. Wagner?
It's very important.
-Have you an appointment?
-No, ma'am, but--
-I'm sorry, all the children's
parts have been cast.
-But I've just gotta
see Mr. Wagner!
Please!
As soon
as you're in sight.
-Stop it!
Stop it!
Stop it!
-Oh, no.
-Selden must be insane.
You call that music?
-No.
-Uh, I can explain.
-You've explained enough.
Now, get out!
Get out!
Get out and stay out!
-Now, what's-a matter?
He no like-a the music-a?
-This is terrible-a--
this is terrible.
-I told you it wasn't so easy
to get a song on Broadway.
-That's a goodbye, "Mister,
Mister, My Sister."
-Please, won't you let
me in, just for a minute?
-I'm sorry, you can't go in.
-I thought I told
you to go home.
Run along.
Outside.
-But they were playing
the wrong music!
-Come on!
-I tell ya, there's
something wrong!
Something's wrong, I tell ya!
-Barbara.
Tell Grant everything
is finished.
They really came out a wreck.
Post a notice, the
show's cancelled.
-Now, you're gonna
get out of here,
and you're gonna stay out.
-You mean, the show was close?
-What?
-No!
It can't be closed!
Please!
-Hey, you!
-Yes?
What is it?
There's music in
my heart playing just for you--
-That's about enough out of you!
-But Mister!
Mr. Wagner's gotta listen to it!
There's music in my
heart playing just for you.
-What's going on here?
What's the meaning of all this?
-Are you Mr. Wagner?
-Yes.
What's this all about?
-Well, he was--
-Look, Mr. Wagner.
That wasn't the third act
you were listening to.
My mother-- Irene
Winters-- she knows
all the songs, and the
aria, and everything!
Mr. Selden wrote it for
her, honest, he did.
And I-- I know it perfectly!
Would you like to hear it?
Bravo!
Bravo!
Well, he was certainly right
about you, Miss Winters.
You're both going to
help me out, aren't you?
-Mr. Wagner.
I'm sorry, but we've given
you all the help that we can.
-Miss Winters, this is going
to be a great triumph for you.
I'm sure of it.
-And Mother, Mr. Selden
wanted you to sing it!
-Irene, I think you know
exactly how I feel about this.
-But wasn't this
written for you?
-Make up your mind, Irene.
-Come in?
-John!
Why, where have you been?
-Anywhere, everywhere--
I don't know.
What does it matter?
When I heard that you were going
to sing, I couldn't stay away.
I had to come back.
Wonderful Irene.
Wagner told me everything.