Margie (1946) - full transcript

I had thought a home and ring and everything

Margie,
you've been my inspiration

Days are never blue

After all is said and done,
there is really only one

Oh, Margie, Margie, it's you!

Can you imagine, Mother?
It actually still works!

Well, after all, you'd hardly call it an antique

It's a wedding present, and a very lovely one, too

No kidding!

Gee, when I get married,
I hope people don't give me a lot of old junk

- All I want is a mink coat
- Yes, dear, we'll make a note of that



Golly, Mother! What's that?

Just an old pair of bloomers I used to wear
when I was about your age

Gee, they're hideous!
I mean...well, they're so bulky!

When you wear a dress, how do
you ever get them from showing?

Well, sometimes it was quite a problem

What was this old chain for, Mother?

That was treasured possession of your
great-grandmothers'

Golly, Mother, what was this?

It's was a boy I used to know.
He became the champion flagpole sitter of Ohio.

- The what?
- Flagpole sitter

- It was quite a craze in those days
- But, what on earth for?

I don't know, darling.

Some college boys started it and pretty soon all
over the country boys were sitting on flagpoles

Trying to stay there longer than anyone else



How perfectly idiotic!

What's this?

That was another craze.
Eating live goldfish.

I knew that boy, too

Live goldfish, how perfectly ghastly!
Didn't it make them sick?

I imagine it must have.

- Alright, now, Joyce. That's enough
- Oh no, Mother! Let's look at the rest of it

Darling, you know we only came up here to
pick out your old cotton dress ...

Yes, I know, but there's lots of time

Oh, please, Mother

Tell me all about the crazy and idiotic things
you did when you were my age

Oh, just a second, I want to change the record

Rudy Vallee

Was he pretty terrific in his day?

Yes, indeed!
He was the Frank Sinatra of the time

Honestly?

My time is your time

Your time is my time

We just seem to . . .

Did the kids scream when he sang
like they do for Frankie?

No, darling. That's something that belongs
exclusively to your generation

Oh well, he probably didn't send the way Frankie does

- You in any of these, Mother?
- No, I took those. They're mostly of Central High.

- Gee, it hasn't changed a great deal, has it?
- Hardly at all

I simply adore Central High.
Did you like it when you went?

Um huh

Tell me about when you went to high school

What would you like me to tell?

Oh, some simply terrific event that
happened in your life

Well, I'm not so sure a terrific event of those
days will seem so terrific to you in 1946

There's no time like our time . . .
And no one like you

Your time is my time

We just seem to synchronize and sympathize

we're harmonizing...

One steps and two steps

Old steps and new steps

There's no time like our time

And no one like you!

Come on, Vi! Hurry up, I'm waiting!

Hi, Marybelle.
Have you seen the new French teacher?

- Oh boy, I'll say I have! Isn't he something?
- Well, I only got a glimpse of him

but I went straight to the office to see if I
couldn't drop biology and take French instead

You and a million others. All the girls
have been storming the office all day.

- Come on, let's go.
- Just a minute, Charlie.

Do you want a ride home with us, Marybelle?
Charlie's got the car

- No thanks, I'm waiting for someone.
- Okay, goodbye!

Honestly, that Johnikins is
the most unpunctual boy!

Did you see what she did?
She put rouge on her knee.

- Isn't that awful?
- Uh huh!

Marybelle is so stuck up.
Thinks she's so cute.

She is cute!
I mean, if you like that type

- Hi, Johnny
- Hello, Red

Hi beautiful!

Am I late?

Johnikins, you're terrible!

If you keep me waiting like this again,
I just won't let you take me home, that's all

Ah, banana oil!
Come on, let's go!

Oh, uh, just a second, Johnnykins...
I promised to pickup Margie

Ah, gee wiz!
Do we always have to drag Margie MacDuff along?

Well, I can't help it.
Her grandmother practically makes me.

After all, she does live next door to me

Well, she doesn't live next door to me.
Far as I'm concerned, she's a pain in the neck!

Shh! There she is.
Hi, Margie!

- Come on!
- Hi, Johnny

Well, gee, come on, MacDuff!
Don't just stand there like a bump non the log!

Okay, Margie, let's go!

Hey, psst, Marybelle? Come here a minute

What's the matter?

Come here!

Just a minute, Johnikins

So long, Margie!

What's the matter?

- Do you have a safety pin?
- A safety pin?

Good night, Margie and Marybelle!

What do you want a safety pin for?

The elastic in my bloomers just broke

I felt it

Gee wiz, what are you two girls gabbing about?

- Take him away! Take him away!
- Do you want us to wait for you?

No, just go on home

- Why don't you go into the ladies room?
- I'm going to

And if you dare tell Johnny Green
what's the matter . . .

- I'll kill you!
- I won't

Well?

Oh, alright, Johnny

I'll tell your grandmother what happened

- Margie decided to wait for something
- What's she waiting for, the fall?

Oh, Johnikins, you're a scream!
You don't know how funny that is!

Hello, Johnny!
Hello, Marybelle!

Hey, Margie!

Here I am!

- Hi, Marge
- Hello, Roy

I'm so glad you waited

How come you didn't go home with Marybelle?

What's the matter, Marge?
Anything wrong?

Margie, aren't you going home?

- No, I've got some things to do
- Okay, I'll come with you

Why do you walk so funny?
Anything wrong, Margie? Anything I can do?

Yeah, go home and don't bother me!

Call me up tonight, Roy

Oh, hello Margie!

- Miss Palmer
- Come here, dear

I got those books for you

- Books?
- Yes dear, for next week's debate

Oh yes, the debate

- I'm doing some more research
- Very well, dear

- Miss Palmer!
- Oh, hello...

Ralph

- So this is where you hang out
- Every other day from 3 to 5

- But how was your first day?
- Standing room only!

I never heard of a high school
with such a passion to acquire French!

Mostly girls I imagine

Yes, I think they're in the majority

Your ears should be burned to a crisp.
You've been the one topic of conversation all day

All the girls think you're
just too darling for words

Ah, come on. Cut it out, Isabel

Well, it's quite a nice library you have here!

Do I need a card?

Oh no, my dear. We trust the faculty!
What is it, Alice?

- Hello

- Hello

- Do you like poetry, too?
- Poetry?

- Yes, isn't there poetry on your side?
- Huh uh, political philosophy

Oh, I see

Hello

Hello

You're in one of my French classes, I believe

- Yes, sir!
- I was looking for Keats. Do you like Keats?

I don't know, sir.
What are Keats?

No, no, no! Keats, the poet. K-E-A-T-S

Yes, sir, I adore Keats

Oh, hello! Do you two know each other?

Margie, this is Mr. Fontayne,
the new French teacher

Margie is our champion debater, Mr. Fontayne.
We're very proud of her.

Why, just image,
she's the youngest student in her class.

Well, that's remarkable. I'll remember that.

And make a point of attending the next debate

Why, what's the matter, dear?
Why are you frowning?

Why did you have to go and tell him that I'm
a debater and younger than other people?

When a person meets another person
for the first time . . .

She doesn't want to be known as a debater
and younger than other people!

Oh, but I'm sure he'll appreciate
you being so smart

Don't you think he's cute?

I don't know!
I don't generally notice how our teachers look

- Good night, Miss Palmer
- Oh, good night, Margie

- Good night
- Good night, Mr. Fontayne

Do you live far from school?

Oh, about ten blocks

Of course, I generally . . .
Oh, good night, Susan . . . Mary

. . . have several boys waiting to
walk home with me, but today I was late tonight

I'm quite sure you will never
lack for escorts, Margie

- Thank you, Mr. Fontayne
- You're welcome

Hi ya, Margie.
I figured you'd come if I waited long enough

Well, hello Roy!
You didn't have to wait for me

Have you met Mr. Fontayne?
This is Roy Hornsdale. He writes poetry.

- Hello, Roy.
- Hello, sure we met. Come on, Margie!

See you tomorrow

What did he want?

He merely happened to be in the library
and escorted me to the door

- I don't trust Frenchmen
- He isn't French

- Then why does he teach it?
- Oh, Roy, don't be so juvenile!

Marybelle!

Yes, Mrs. McSweeney?

- Have you seen Margie?
- Not since I left school

- She didn't come home with you?
- Uh uh

Well, where is she? What happened?

Just a minute

Well, it's her own fault!

Oh, you know each other, don't you?

This is Margie's grandmother, Mrs. McSweeney
and this is Johnny Green

Hi

Young man, haven't you any manners?

Your parents would be doing you a greater service

If they taught you to stand up when
you're introduced to an old lady!

Take your hat off!

And if you didn't use so much lip goo,
maybe you could manage to kiss a boy

Without getting it all over his face

- Boy, is she always like that?
- Look at your face!

Mother says she's the most
outspoken woman she's ever met

Gosh! I'm certainly glad
she's not my grandmother

I know, poor Margie...

Oh, golly!

- That's awful!
- What's awful?

I forgot today was Wednesday

That was my father.
I missed seeing him.

You know, Margie, I've been to your house
several times and I haven't met your father

Well, you see, he doesn't live with us

Why doesn't he?
I mean, are your folks divorced?

My mother died when I was a baby.
I live with my grandmother.

Oh, but it's not Papa's fault.
I mean . . .

What does a man know about girls?

Papa's a very wonderful man,
but he's pretty busy

He has a terrific business

Of course, he pays for everything,
but . . . Well, I mean . . .

- Papa's a widower
- Yeah, he would be!

I mean, if your mother . . .
Yeah, of course, I see

Look! Boy, some car!

Isn't it a peach?

It belongs to Johnikins

We girls all call him Johnikins

- Johnnykins, of all the dumb nicknames.
- It is not dumb!

He's got a crush on Marybelle

They got pulled out today in English Lit
for holding hands

Just a drugstore cowboy, if you ask me

I'll see you tonight

- Hello, Johnny
- Hi, McDuff

I thought,
"We girls all called him Johnnykins"?

A person only uses a person's nickname
when she's alone with a person

- Hi, Marge!
- Hi, Marybelle

I think Marybelle peroxides her hair
and she uses too much makeup

Marybelle Tenor happens to be
one of my very best friends

You'd never know it!

Alright, Grandma!
I'll be in in a minute

Well, thanks a lot, Roy, for walking home with me.
I guess you'd better be going now.

- Goodbye!
- I'm in no hurry

Oh, well, would you care to come in
and say hello to my grandmother?

- Sure, why not?
- Okay, wait a sec

- Really, Margie! Do you realize . . .
- I know, Grandma

- But I couldn't help it. You see, I was walking . . .
- Yes, I know

Why don't you ever bother to repair
the elastic in your bloomers?

Please!
Come on in, Roy

- Look, Grandma, it's Roy Hornsdale
- Hello, Mrs. McSweeney

Mr. Hornsdale has been kind enough
to escort me home fom school

Well, how nice!
Come in, Roy, come in.

Sit down by the fire.
Let me take your books.

- Thanks, Mrs. McSweeney
- Why don't you take off your overcoat?

So, if Margie doesn't get to ride home
with Marybelle and that Johnny Green . . .

She nearly always has to walk home alone

You know, Mrs. McSweeney, I've always wanted
ask you . . .

Why do you keep this old lock and chain
hanging up here?

- Young man, how old are you?
- 17, going on 18

When you were still a gleam in your father's eye

I lashed myself to the railing of the White House
with that very chain

And, it took four cops to chop
through it with a hacksaw

- I spent two days in jail
- Gee wiz! What for?

For a very noble cause

Oh, really, Grandma. Why, I don't think
Mr. Hornsdale is very interested in politics.

Then, it's high time he took an interest

I was campaigning for the right of women to vote

They called us Suffragettes in those days

Oh, yeah, I read about that

My father says a woman's place is in the home

You tell your father to wake up.
This is no longer the dark ages!

A woman's place is wherever she makes it

Now, I've raised Margie to take
a deep interest in politics

Someday I hope some that . . .

Someday I hope that Margie will be the first
woman President of the United States!

Gosh!

It's not so foolish as you seem
to think, young man

A woman president couldn't be any worse than some
of the men we've had in the White House

Now, you take for example . . .

Please, Grandma,
we mustn't keep Mr. Hornsdale any longer

Why, he's frightfully late as it is

- Well, goodbye! Come and see us again
- Bye, Mrs. McSweeney

I'm sorry you have to go.

Grandma! I don't want to be the first woman
president of the United States. Do you hear me?

Why, I wouldn't be the first woman
president of the United State if you paid me

And I wish you wouldn't keep
telling that to people

What's wrong, honey?

First, Ms. Palmer tells people that I'm a debater

And younger than other people

And then, you have to go and tell Roy that you
were chained to the White House, and sent to jail

And then, about me being the first woman president

He'll probably never come back!

Oh, fiddlesticks!

I bet a cookie he'll phone right after dinner

- You think so?
- I am sure of it.

- Grandma?
- Huh?

Do you think Roy's Adam's Apple
is very noticeable?

Why, no, dear

Oh, you're just trying to be nice

You can't help notice it, I guess.
It hits you right in the eye.

Beggars can't be choosers

I guess Roy is better than nobody

Well, you wouldn't want a silly, vain, conceited
boy like Johnny Green as a beau, would you?

Yes!, Yes I would!

A cup of coffee, a sandwich and you

A cozy corner, a table for two

A chance to whisper, and cuddle and coo

With lots of huggin' and kissin' in view

I don't need music, lobster or wine

Whenever your eyes look into mine

The things I long for are simple and few

A cup of coffee, a sandwich and you

A cup of coffee, a sandwich and you

A cozy corner, a table for two

A chance to whisper, and cuddle and coo

...and kissin' in view

I don't need music, lobster or wine

Whenever your eyes look into mine

The things I long for are simple and few

A cup of coffee, a sandwich and you

Johnikins, stop!

Miss Margie, have you done gone crazy?

Oh, hello, Cynthia

- Why do you wave your arms around like that for?
- I'm rehearsing my speech for the debate

You wasn't debatin',
you was shadow boxin'

Don't be silly, Cynthia

Of course, I know my speech by heart.
I'm merely practicing my gestures.

You trip over that gesture
and spill ink all over this carpet . . .

And your old grandmother will flail you alive

We got a new French teacher at school today.
His name is Mr. Fontayne.

Oh. he's frightfully handsome!
Do you know anything about Frenchmen?

All I know is they eat frog legs and snails

I don't believe that!

At least, I'm sure
Mr. Fontayne doesn't

- Every girl in school has got a crush on him already
- Including you, Miss Margie

I've got more sense than to get
a crush on a teacher

Fat chance I'd have anyway

Cynthia?

Do you think a woman could learn
to love a man with an Adam's Apple?

A friend of mine's husband's got
a gouiter and she's got six kids

Don't seem to trouble her none

Psst! Miss Margie!

They the kissin'ist couple!

How can people waste their time like that?
Why, I think it's disgusting!

Goodnight, Miss Margie

Goodnight, Cynthia

Still I feel the thrill of your charm

Lips that once were mine

Tender eyes that shine

They will light

My way, tonight

I'll see you in my dreams

Lips that once were mine

Tender eyes that shine

They will light my way tonight

I'll see you in my dreams

Oh boy, was I lucky!
I got the last plate of frankfurters

What's the matter with you, Margie?
Gone into a coma?

Hello

Isn't that disgusting! If I was him,
I wouldn't make a public exhibition of myself

If you were he,
you would have something to be proud of

- Are you the captain of the football team?
- Can he write poetry?

I don't know what you see in him?

Margie, that theme you turned in . . .
Don't get up . . .

It's excellent, the best yet

Golly, I mean, thank you

You're quite welcome.
Oh, by the way, when is that debate?

- Wednesday, Mr. Fontayne.
- I'll be there

Hello, Mr. Fontayne

- Wouldn't that curl your hair!
- What's the matter?

What's Margie MacDuff got that I haven't got?
He never stops to talk to me

Gee wiz!
Are you still mooning over a French teacher?

You're wasting your time.
He's got a yen for Miss Palmer . . . Just watch

You know, Ralph, I can always tell when you come
into the cafeteria without even turning around

- Yeah, how?
- By the flutter of all the little girls' hearts

Well, I don't see what he sees in her.
She's old! She must be 25, at least

You know, Isabel, there are times when I regret
that I took your suggestion to join the faculty here

Oh, get along with you.
You know you love it.

"Oh, Mr. Fontayne.
What's the French for I adore you?"

- How would you like a good punch in the nose?
- I would much prefer a glass of milk.

Oh, sure

- I don't get it
- Don't get what?

- What are you looking up?
- Crush!

- What?
- The French for "crush"

You know

You slay me, Margie!

I never thought you'd be so sophomoric
as to fall for a teacher

Don't be so childish. Who's falling?

He merely happens to be an excellent teacher

But, gee wiz, Margie . . .

Don't create a scene!

- Can I get you something?
- No, thank you!

Oh, I'm so sorry!

- It's my fault
- Oh, no, no. It was my fault

Here, look at your pretty dress!
Let me . . .

Now, why couldn't that have happened to me?

Okay, Roy!

I'll be down in a sec!

Look, my father let me use the car today

Oh, that's wonderful!

Here it is, honey

- You'd better take a spare handkerchief, Margie.
- I won't need one

No, but Roy will.
That boy always has the sniffles

- Gosh, I almost forgot!
- Forgot what?

My ice skates.
We're going skating after the debate

- You're coming, aren't you, Grandma?
- I wouldn't miss it for anything!

Grandma?

Do you suppose . . . ?

What is it, Margie?

I was just wondering . . .

Never mind. It doesn't matter.

Alright, Roy!
I'll be out in a minute!

What were you just wondering about, honey?

I just wondered if . . .

If maybe Papa would like
to come and hear me debate?

I mean, it is Wednesday, anyway,
and it would only mean a few hours earlier

Because he always does come here
on Wednesdays and . . .

And he's never heard me debate

I think that's a splendid idea, Margie

Your father should hear you

Why don't you ask him?

You ask him, Grandma . . . Please!

- Come on, call him up!
- No, no! I'll do nothing of the sort

You stop by his office and ask him yourself

Since Roy brought his car, you've plenty of time

No, I don't want to stop in his office . . .

- Now, now, now, rubbish! You do as I say!
- Alright, I will

Bye, Grandma

Goodbye, dear

- Will it be long?
- Huh uh

Should I go with you? I'd like to see your father.
I haven't met him yet

Uh, huh uh! No!

You'd better just wait here

I won't be a minute

Margie!

Is your father an undertaker?

Mortician!

Good morning

Hello

Can I be of service to you?

I'm . . . I'm Margie MacDuff.
Could I speak to my father for a minute?

- Isn't he in?
- No, I'm afraid not

You see, he's on . . . on a call

I wondered if you could you give him
a message from me?

Of course, I'd be delighted

Are you really the daughter of
Angus MacDuff?

Why, surely. Why not?

Hasn't he ever mentioned me?

Well, you see, I've only been employed
here for a short time

And to be very frank with you,
I didn't even know Mr. MacDuff was married

Why, of course, he was married!
Otherwise, how could I be here?

No, I wasn't questioning the fact, Miss MacDuff.
I just wasn't aware of it

Now, what message would you like me
to give to your father?

Well . . .

Would you tell him that
it's the debate today, and that it's . . .

"Should we take the Marines out of Nicaragua"

And that it's at 4 o'clock in the auditorium

And, would he like to come and hear me debate,
because he never has?

I'm very sorry he wasn't in

And I really have to fly now,
because I don't want to be late for school

I didn't know your father was an under . . .

. . . that your father
had his business on Ridge Street?

That's not what you were going to say

Well, no.
I'm sure it's a very interesting business

I bet it's a good business, too.
I mean . . .

Gee wiz! People are always dying!

He can't help being in the business he's in

It's alright

I don't mind, honest

Yes, you do! Everybody minds!
I mind!

I'd give anything on earth
if he was just a plumber, or something

Is he coming to hear you debate?

I don't know

I went in to ask him, but . . .

He was out on a call

And our next speaker is Arnold Harrison,
captain of the Polytech team

Mr. Chairman

Honorable judges

Worthy opponents

Ladies and gentlemen

My worthy opposition,
the Central High orators,

Have spoken to you of the high cost

Of keeping the Marines in Nicaragua

The cost!
Yes, I said the cost!

Ladies and gentlemen,
it appears that my opponents . . .

Have been like Rip Van Winkle . . .
asleep for 20 years

Don't they know that
America has at last abolished poverty?

That the cost is immaterial?

Don't they know that prosperity
is here to stay

Ladies and gentlemen, this is 1928

Yes, 1928!

This country is rolling in money

The cost of keeping the Marines in Nicaragua . . .

Is a mere bagatelle, a few million dollars

And this the richest country in the world

Oh boy! I couldn't take that anymore!
That's cruelty to animals

Come on. jitterbug

There's someone in the corridor!

Pardon me, is there a debate going on here?

- And how! Right in there.
- Thank you, thank you

- Do you know who that was?
- No.

Mr. MacDuff! Margie's father

He's an undertaker

Poor Margie. A lunatic for a grandmother
and an undertaker for a father

Oh, Johnikins!

My worthy opponents

Where have you been last five years?

Look, why don't we go inside, get our things,
and go skating now, huh?

What's the use.
The band won't be there until six.

Have to wait for the others, anyhow

It's the faculty!

- Wonder what they talk about in those meetings?
- Boy, I'd hate to tell you

- Got your car here, Ralph?
- Uh huh

- Can you drive me home?
- I promised to hear the rest of that debate

High school debates are pretty dull

I don't know,
I hear we've got some pretty good speakers

After all, you know I'm a member of the faculty

Also, you're a glutton for punishment

- See you later?
- Maybe.

What's that, a new kind of necking?

Hello, Mr. Fontayne

Is the debate over?

No, Mr. Fontayne.
It's like Old Man River . . .

It just keeps rolling along

Do you see the notice from the principal's office
saying students are expected to attend debates?

Well, it didn't say positively

Well, I'll make it positively for you

Come on, beautiful.
It's not my idea!

And I say to you

Leave the Marines in Nicaragua!

Oh, Mr. Fontayne

She'll be so happy that you came
to hear her debate

You know, she's got a school girl crush on you

And now for the Central High team,
Marjorie MacDuff

Mr. Chairman

Honorable judges

Worthy opponents

Ladies and gentlemen

The arguments advanced by our
opponents of Polytechnic High

Are based upon a familiar but rather ignoble symbol

The dollar sign!

They have argued that we should
keep the Marines in Nicaragua

Because American occupation of
that republic below of the Rio Grande

Will raise the standard of living
of the Nicaraguans

And enable them to buy American plumbing

Ladies and gentlemen

Would you turn in liberty for a bathtub?

Would you?

This country of ours,
our wonderful United States of America

Was founded by men
who traded their property

Their very lives, all they had

For the priceless gift of freedom

All that our opponents can talk about

It how much money the United States has

Well, I don't care how much money we have

Maybe we are the richest country in the world

But I don't think that means so much

Unless we share the freedom we have,
and bring it to other people

Where is the conscience,
the heart of America?

Where is the conscience,
the heart of America?

If we can say, "Give us Liberty or give us Death"

Then we have no right to tell the people of Nicaragua

That they should take bathtubs instead of freedom

Ladies and gentlemen, I say to you . . .

Take the Marines out of Nicaragua!

We Americans fought in '76,

in 1860, and in 1918

To make the world safe for democracy

And we'd do it again, and again, and again,
if we had to

Don't let us ever forget our brave past

Don't let the flag of the United States
mean bathtubs and plumbing

Instead of liberty to
the people of South America!

I say to you,
take the Marines out of Nicaragua

And bring them home to defend liberty always

But never plumbing!

He came!
My father came!

Your daughter is almost as good a skater
as she is a debater, Mr. MacDuff

Hi, Margie

Why don't you turn his loose and
let him break his neck?!

Go away!

Go away!

Don't you pay any attention to him, Roy!
You're doing beautifully

- Isn't it fun?
- Not for me!

You know, Margie would look awfully nice
in a skating outfit like Marybelle Tenor's

You approve of a young girl
exposing her bare legs?

Sure!

In my day, Mr. Fontayne, they didn't admit
such young men as you to the faculty

Always keep in mind, Mrs. Mc Sweeney,
that I studied in Paris, France

Angus, what are you mumbling about?

She's right. She's right.
The child is right!

What? What child?

My child, Margie!

We should take the Marines out of Nicaragua.
It never occured to me before

- But, she's absolutely right
- A convert

Yes, I'm going to write to
my congressman about it.

I might even send a telegram to my senator

Why did we send the Marines in the first place?
Tell me that!

I didn't send them there, Mr. MacDuff

Don't they skate divinely?

- A couple of show-offs
- They are not!

They're the best skaters by far,
and they know people like to watch

Come on, let's go!

Let's sit down a second, my skate is loose

I'll fix it for you

You know, Margie,
that was a pretty good speech you made

Thank you

Sure

While you were speaking, you looked . . .

Well, you looked sort of intense and full of fire

You made me think in this poem

"La Belle Dame Sans Merci"

- That's you, Margie
- Gosh!

- Anything wrong?
- Oh no, Roy is just tightening my skate.

- With poetry?
- Excuse me, Johnikins, I'll be back in a minute

Oh, isn't the ice simply wonderful today?

- It's getting a little rough, I think
- Oh, I think it's wonderful!

Well don't stand there like a bump on a log!
Can't you see she wants to skate with you?

Oh, don't be silly, Roy.
He doesn't want to skate with me.

Oh, it's okay. Come on, I don't mind

The girl is right!
Frank imperialism, that's what it is!!

Why don't we let the Nicaraguans
mind their own business?

Oh, never mind that now, Angus.
Sit down!

Look! Margie is waving to you!
Hi, Margie

It's three o'clock in the morning

We've danced the whole night through

And then like soon will be morning

Just one more waltz with you

That melody's so entrapping

Seems to be made for us two

I could keep right on dancing forever here with you

Wha's the matter, MacDuff?

- What's the matter? You sick?
- No, go away!

Well, if you don't feel so good, hang on to me

I wonder what she's trying to do?

Margie, you're losing something

Something's happened to Margie!

I think she sprained her ankle

- Are you alright, Margie? Are you alright?
- Yes, she's alright, Angus. Stop worrying!

Where do you hurt, honey?

- I wish all the people would go away
- Of course! Clear out of here, everybody!

This isn't a free show.
Give the child some air!

- Grandma, my ankle hurts
- I'll get a doctor

- There's no need, Angus. She'll be alright.
- What about that ankle?

It's alright, Mr. MacDuff.
I can fix that.

Margie, stop fidgetting.
What are you looking for?

- Grandma, my bloomers are gone.
- What?

- Roy, have you got . . .
- Grandma! Please!

Now, Margie . . .

When you get home, I want you to soak that in some
hot water and Epsom Salts. Don't put any weight on it

Mr. Fontayne, do you teach French or first aid?

- I'm going to drive you home, honey
- Thank you, Papa

Thank you very much sir.
You've been very helpful, very helpful.

You know, I can't figure out what happened to her.
She was skating beautifully.

- I guess she must have lost her equalibrium
- Yes, and her best embroidered ones, too

Come on

Why don't you sit down, Papa,
and make yourself comfortable?

Yes, Angus, sit down.

You had a very large dinner
and you should digest it

It was excellent dinner, Grandma,
especially the pie

I baked it

That's why I had two helpings

Three, to be exact

As the old saying goes, I hate to eat and run,
but business first

Business first

- We're glad you could stay for dinner, Angus
- So am I, Grandma, so am I

And, Angus, we want you to come
and see us more often

Thank you, Grandma, I will. I will.

You're absolutely right.
We should take the Marines out of Nicaragua

- Goodnight, Angus
- Goodnight, Grandma

Grandma, Papa kissed me!

- Good evening, Mr. MacDuff. How's Margie's ankle?
- Much better, thank you. Much better.

Gee, he must have lots of money.
That's a gorgeous car!

I bet he uses it in the funerals

Come on, Johnny.
Let's go back into the house.

What for? Your parents
are hogging the living room

Mother had one of her headaches coming on.
Maybe it'll get worse and they'll go to bed.

So many wonderful things have happened today

At your age, Margie,
wonderful things happen every day

Call losing your best bloomers wonderful?

Golly, no! That was awful!

But just before it happened,
I got to skate with Johnny Green

That boy hasn't got an ounze of brains

I wonder what did happen to your bloomers?
Couldn't have just walked away

Grandma, please!
Let's not talk about it.

- I'll never be able to face anyone again
- Oh, stop . . .

I wonder who on earth that could be

Couldn't be Roy. He wanted to come, but I
was afraid he'd see me and I didn't want him to

Good evening.
Can I speak to Miss Marjorie MacDuff, please?

It's Mr. Fontayne!

- Well, what if it is? Don't be so nervous.
- I bet he saw.

Oh, fiddlesticks!

- Good evening, Mr. Fontayne. How very nice of you.
- Good evening, Mrs. McSweeney, I...

- Take off your coat
- Thank you

I happened to be taking a walk in this neighborhood.
I often take a walk after dinner . . .

And it occured to me to drop in and see
how the invalid is getting along

Well, she's doing fine.
Come on in.

- Well, has he doctor been here?
- No, Grandma fixed it.

- Sit down
- Thank you

- It doesn't hurt much anymore
- Are you sure?

Oh, yes

See? I can step on it.

Well, that's fine

Mr. Fontayne,
what does "La Belle Dame Sans Merci" mean?

Well, that's the title of a poem by Keats

Yes, I know, but . . .
what does it mean in English?

Well, roughly translated it means
"The Beautiful Lady Without Pity"

If someone said that to you,
would you take it as a compliment?

There's no question about it

Margie!

If your foot really doen't hurt,why don't you go
up to your room and get Mr. Fontayne's muffler?

- Yes, Grandma
- That's probably the real reason why he came

Oh, Margie?

Just a minute

I have something for you

I believe you lost your handkerchief

Thank you, Mr. Fontayne.
That was very tactfull of you.

Remember, Mrs. McSweeney.
I studied in Paris, France.

Hey, Margie?

- What did Mr. Fontayne want?
- He just came to call on me, that's all

Well, aren't you excited?

I mean, gosh, Mr. Fontayne!
Did you know he was coming?

Oh, naturally! People don't let people
call on people unless they have permission.

Did he bring you anything?
I mean, candy or flowers?

He has brought me a lovely gift

What?

When a person receives an intimate gift
from a gentleman friend . . .

She doesn't go around blabbing what it is

How do you mean intimate?
What did he bring you?

Never mind.
You never show me what Johnikins brings you

Margie, do you suppose he's going to
invite you to the Prom?

I really don't know what his motives are

Look, Marybelle, I really gotta fly.
Men hate to be kept waiting, you know.

Goodbye

Yes, I'm . . .

Wait...

You understand, don't you, Margie?

Yes, I understand

Goodbye, Roy

Well, it's all off

Roy has a temperature

Roy was my only hope

Oh, it doesn't matter anyway

I'd just as soon stay home

Margie, would you like me to call Marybelle's mother?

What for?

Well, honey,
Marybelle's going to the Prom with Johnny

And I'm sure they will be glad to take you along

Without an escort? I'd rather die!

Why, I don't think that matters so much

- Marybelle would understand
- Well, I'll bet Johnny wouldn't

He doesn't like me tagging along
even to come home from school

Here she comes now

Now, if only she'd catch a cold.
It's a wonder she doesn't

Matby we could get Johnny to take you to the Prom

A lot of good that would do.
I know fives girls he'd ask before me

What do I mean five?
I can think of at least ten!

Margie, twenty years from now,
you'll look at Johnny Green

And you'll wonder what you ever saw in him

Twenty years from now, I'll be an old woman
and it won't matter what I think

That girl is coming over here to gloat over you.

- Don't you tell her that you haven't got an escort
- But it's true, isn't it?

But, you could pretend, couldn't you?

Hello, Cynthia. Don't bother coming up.
I'll just barge in

Yes, Miss Marybelle, you barge in all the time

Margie! May I come in?

- Hello, Marybelle
- Hi, Mrs. McSweeney. Hi, Margie. Brrr, is it cold!

- Aren't your legs freezing?
- Oh, sure, but they'll thaw out

These just came from Johnikins.
I simply had to show them to you

Aren't they simply divine?
Aren't they simply too gorgeous for words?

Two orchids!

Yes, they're beautiful

I suppose you're going with Roy?

No, his cold is worse

- Oh, that's too bad
- But, I'm still going

Who with?

You'll find out

Margie MacDuff

I believe you've been holding out on us

You're not going with Mr. Fontayne?

Are you?

They say Frenchmen dance very well

What time is he coming for you?

I really couldn't say

Margie, do you think this ribbon is too much?

Yes, I do!
It looks terrible

You're right, Margie. It's much more . . .

As Mr. Fontayne would say,
much more chic without the ribbon

Well, so long, Margie

I'm going to take a two-hour bubble bath
in a simply terrific perfume I have

Which absolutely is guaranteed
to intoxicate men by its fragrance

Goodbye

Bye

Though April showers, may come your way

They bring the flowers that bloom in May

So when it's raining, have no regrets

Because it isn't raining rain, you know

It's raining violets

And when you see clouds upon the hills

You soon you will seecrowds of daffodils

So keep on looking the blue bird

And listen for his song

Whenever April showers come along

If I may make a suggestion, Mr MacDuff

You would be well advised to take
one bolt each of our #47

- It's one of our best sellers
- Very well, sir. One bolt each.

And now, Mr. MacDuff, I'd like to show you
a new line which we are just handling

These are perfumed, hand-dipped candles
made especially for us in Nicaragua

Nicaragua?

Made, no doubt, at the point of our bayonets!

I beg your pardon, sir?

Have we taken the Marines out of Nicaragua yet? No!

Oh, but these particular candles . . .

Don't talk to me about candles, sir.
I'm not interested!

Until you can bring me word
that our Marines have been withdrawn

Yes, yes, of course, Mr. MacDuff.
Now these candles are remarkably cheap

Nothing is cheap if it betrays the heart
and the conscience of America

If we can say, "Give us Liberty or give us Death"

Then we've no right to tell the people of Nicaragua

That they must buy our bathtubs or send us candles
instead of enjoying freedom

- But, as I was saying, these . . .
- Never mind what you were saying, sir

I say to you, take the Marines out of Nicaragua

Yes, yes, indeed, Mr. MacDuff

We Americans fought in 1776, and in 1860,
and in 1918, to make the world safe for democracy

And we'll do it again, and again, and again

So that the flag of the United States,
instead of standing for plumbing

And bathtubs, and hand-dipped candles

Will stand for the liberty of the people
of South America!

Are you quoting from something?

I most certainly am.
I am quoting from my daughter!

Good day, sir!

Get me Walnut 6513

I'll get it, Cynthia

Hello

Why, hello Angus

Hello, Grandma, I hope I didn't disturb anybody

Angus MacDuff, stop dithering around

You don't have to apologize to call up here.
What's on your mind?

Why, not a thing, Grandma, not a thing

I was just wondering how you were?

That's good. And, how's Margie?

She's fine

Hold the line a second

Angus

Have you any important engagement tonight?

What?

Sounds very dull to me.
Who is he?

Well, yes, he is rather dull, Grandma, but . . .

Well, Mr. VanBuren is president of the
Forest Acres Mortician Service

A rather important competitor

And a proposed meeting was to discuss
a possible merger of our interests

Well, how about merging your interests
with Margie's for a change

And see Mr. Van Buren on Monday?

No, no, of course she's not sick.
She's fine.

But, you see, it's like this . . .

She was going to this high school prom tonight

Only this boy's tonsils are swollen
and his mother won't let him go out

That's a little out of my line, Grandma

I haven't danced in 20 years

Well, I can assure you it will do you more good
to have another fling at it

Than merging with another mortician

Now,, don't be later than 7 o'clock

And Angus . . . Don't you dare show up here
without a corsage for her

Roses? No, orchids.

And Angus? Three orchids!

Good bye

Grandma?

- Yes, dear
- Do you mind if I wear my robe down for dinner?

I think I'll go to bed directly after we've eaten, anyway

You'll do no such thing!
You're going to that prom

Who's going to take me?

Was that Roy on the phone?
Are his tonsils better?

No, it wasn't Roy.
But you're going to have an escort.

Now, go on upstairs and get dressed

But, who, Grandma?
You've simply just got to tell me!

- Golly, a person doesn't want to go to a prom . . .
- Never mind!

You'll find out, and you'll be proud

You didn't call anyone, did you?

If you called and made somebody take me,
I'll never forgive you

I didn't call anybody.
He called me!

And he's a great admirer of yours

- Cross your heart?
- Cross my heart and hope to die!

- Go get ready and fix your hair nice.
- Oh, I wonder who it is?

Oh, it's not Joe Kelly, is it?
He's only 15 and his hands are always clammy

Is it Joe Kelly?

He's much older than 15
and his hands are not clammy

- Grandma?
- Yes, dear?

Do you remember that bubble bath
I gave you last Christmas?

I remember, Margie.

Would you lend me a couple of packages?

I know Marybelle is taking a bubble bath

And she says it simply intoxicates men
with its exotic fragrance

- And so, I thought that . . .
- Help yourself, honey

Because it isn't raining rainbows, it's raining violets

And when you see clouds upon the hills

You soon will see crowds of daffodils

So keep on looking for a blue bird

And listening for his song

Whenever April showers come along

Oh, Grandma, your dress is so pretty!

- Miss Margie, I'll never get you fastened up
- I'm sorry, Cynthia

Grandma, do you think I look sophisticated?

Well, yes. Enough so for your age

Cynthia, look at my shoes. Real high heels!

- They show off your prety ankles, too
- Do you think so?

I quite agree with Cynthia.
And there's nothing wrong with your legs, either.

- Wasn't that the doorbell?
- I didn't hear anything

I'll get it

Your escort surely is on time

It isn't even 7 o'clock yet

- Grandma, who is it? You've simply got to tell me!
- You'll know in just a few minutes

Cynthia, finish getting her ready.
I go down and let him in.

Who could it be?

Miss Margie, you know I
don't know all your beaus

Good evening, Mrs. McSweeney

I happened to be in the neighborhood
and thought I'd drop in for a minute

I'm not inconviencing you, am I?

Oh no!

- If you have company . . .
- No, I'm free all evening

Go on down

I've brought along a French theme of Margie's

She was anxious to know what grades I'd given her

- On a Saturday night, Mr. Fontayne?
- It is Saturday?

You know, I lose all track of time

Who is it Cynthia?
Who is it?

It's that Mr. Fontayne

Oh no!
You're joking. It can't be.

It's him. I seen him with my own eyes.
And he brung some flowers for you, too.

Oh, it can't be true.
I must be dreaming!

It's true, alright.
He's down there talking to your grandma.

Now, come on, hurry up.
Let's get things together.

Oh, Cynthia. You don't suppose Grandma bribed him
to take me on account she knew I didn't have a date?

He don't need no bribe, honey

He's a young man, ain't he? And you're a pretty girl.
I've been trying to tell you that all along.

Do you really think he likes me?

I've had a crush on him
since the first day he came

My diary's simply full of him.
I've got a terrible crush!

Well, he's downstairs and it looks like
a two-way crush to me

Your granddaughter writes and exceptional theme

Now, as a rule, I don't drop around to the homes
of my pupils to bring them their grades, but . . .

Well, Margie is an enchanting child

Child, indeed!
Don't be so patronizing!

I doubt if you're eight years older

Now, Mrs. McSweeney

I'll confess that I did lie just a little bit
about my age to get on the faculty at Central High

Margie is going to the Prom tonight.
She's all excited.

- Who's taking her?
- Her father

- How about you?
- I'm taking Miss Palmer

Oh, the librarian

- I know about her
- We're just good friends, of course

Between you and me,
I'd much rather be taking Margie MacDuff

- Good evening, Margie
- Good evening, Mr. Fontayne!

- How pretty you look
- Thank you

You look really pretty, too. I mean...
You look wonderful

Why doesn't Cynthia answer that phone?

Why, how perfectly lovely of you
to bring me flowers

Margie, look, this French theme of yours is . . .

They're beautiful

I am afraid I'm going to wake up and find out
this is all a dream

Margie, I don't know how to tell you this . . .

- It's Wanda Bailey.
- Excuse me for a moment.

Grandma, look!
Isn't it wonderful?

Mrs. McSweeney, I am terribly embarassed.
I had no idea that . . .

Oh, I understand.
It's all my fault.

No, mine aren't orchids.
They're camellias, and they are simply gorgeous!

Look, Wanda, I really have to fly now because
Mr. Fontayne is waiting

Okay, I'll see you at the Prom. Bye

Wanda thought I couldn't go to the Prom
on account of Roy's tonsils

But when I told her that Mr. Fontayne was taking me,
she was absolutely speechless

You know, I'm gonna put this card
in my scrapbook and keep it forever . . .

- Ms. Palmer?
- I'm sorry, Margie.

That's what I was trying to explain to you.
I merely stopped by to bring you your French theme

It's excellent

Honey, it's all my fault.
I should have told you

This is terrible. I'll call up Miss Palmer and explain.
She'lll understand.

Do not be silly!
She wouldn't go with you now in a million years

Margie

Margie

Open your window.
I want to ask you something

Margie, Wanda just phoned and she said that you
said that Mr. Fontayne was at your house now

Absotively, he's here.

Well, aren't you thrilled to death?

She said that you said that he brought you
a gorgeous corsage of camillias

Oh, they're not bad

Say, listen, Margie.
We have a big table for eight.

Why don't you and Mr. Fontayne sit with us?

Why don't you, Margie?
I think it would be fun to have him at our table

Well, it's okay by me, but . . .

He's probably made other arrangements

Well, why don't you go on down and ask him?

Go on down and ask him.
He won't mind, just so he's sitting next to you

Honestly, Marybelle, you're so funny

You're so gullible, just as bad as Wanda

She fell for it, too

Fell for what?

Honestly, it's a scream.
I'm not going with Mr. Fontayne

He just happened to drop by and
I pretended he was taking me just for fun

Well, you don't really think I'd be seen
at the Prom with a teacher, do you?

Didn't he bring you a corsage?

Oh, that was absolutely priceless

He had a florist box with him and I pretended to
think they were for me just to see what he would do

And he was so fussed, so embarassed,
it was all I could do to keep from . . .

. . . to keep from bursting out laughing

Honestly, Marybelle.
It was a scream!

Next year, if Margie has forgiven me by then,
maybe you'll let me really take her to the Prom

Well, we'll see.
Good night.

There, there, honey, don't cry anymore.

- I wish I was dead!
- Were dead.

Alright. Were dead, then

I'll never be able to face anyone again!
Ever!

Oh, rubbish!

Of course, you will.
And you're going to the Prom!

And you're goig to smile and show the world
that you don't wear your heart on your sleeve

- Wait for me, Jones.
- Good evening, Mr. MacDuff

Good evening, young man. Good Evening!

- How come you're calling on Margie on a Saturday?
- A man does not call on his daughter

And I'd like to know what business it is of yours
what day of the week I come here?

Margie says you always come Wednesdays

She says it's just like clock work

You bringing Margie flowers?

Go away! Who are you. anyway?

Gee wiz, Mr. MacDuff, I'm Roy Hornsdale.
Don't you remember me?

I was at the ice rink the afternoon
Margie sprained her ankle

- Hasn't she ever told you about me?
- No!

- She's a wonderful girl, Mr. MacDuff
- I am well aware of that fact!

There's your escort.
Now, hurry up and fix your face

Grandma, please tell me.
You've got to tell me who it. . .

- Good evening, Mrs. McSweeney
- Hello, Grandma

- Good evening, Angus
- I figured since Margie's not going to the Prom . . .

What makes you think she's not going?
Of course she's going!

Cynthia, take Roy in the kitchen and get him
some hot milk or something

- Come on, young man!
- Come on, Margie, dear. Hurry up, now!

Listen, Angus, she's been crying

I haven't got time to explain why and
don't you ask any questions

- Just be very tactful
- Yes, indeed, but...

- Did the snivelling boy make her cry?
- No, he's quite innocent

Hello Papa

Hello, Margie

You look beautiful!

- Simply beautiful
- Why, thank you, Papa

Why are you so dressed up?

Well, you wouldn't want him to go to the Prom
in a tweed suit, would you?

He's taking you!
That was the big surprise

Honestly, Papa?
You're taking me?

Are you sure you want to?

I've waiting over 16 years for the privilege

Orchids!

Three of them!

Grandma?

I hope you won't be disappointed, Margie.
I'm not a very good dancer

I'd rather be going to the Prom with you
than anyone else in the whole world

A penny for your thoughts, Angug?

I was thinking, Grandma, that my daughter is just
as pretty and every bit as sweet as yours ever was

Gee wiz! Is Margie going out?

She's gone out

I came here to read poetry to her.
Who am I going to read poetry to now?

Not me!

Hey, kids, look!

- Mr. Fontayne, how you've changed!
- I beg your pardon?

I want to explain to you what happened

Honey, it doesn't matter.
Whatever happened was a wonderful break for me

I wonder how come she came with her old man?

Why, I suppose she wanted to
be sure of dancing with someone

Her father's rather cute.
It's the first time I've ever seen him

Come to think of it,
it's the first time I've ever seen Margie

What do you mean?

- Good evening, Margie
- Hello, Miss Palmer

Good evening, Margie

Good evening, Mr. MacDuff. Don't get up.
Nice party, isn't it?

- Who's that with Mr. Fontayne?
- Miss Palmer, our librarian

- She's very attractive
- She's well preserved for her age

Good evening Isabel.
How nice you look, my dear.

Oh, thank you. I might look a lot nicer
if this absent-minded professor

Hadn't mislaid my corsage somewhere

Come on, let's put a little pep into it

Okay, Johnikins

- That's a waltz they're playing
- Yes, Papa

- Shall we try?
- I'd love to

You know, I think I'll polish the apple
by dancing with a teacher

You will do nothing of the sort!

And I'll thank you to kindly stop
making eyes at people

Papa, this is the first time you've
ever danced with me

- Second time
- When?

One time in your room,
when you were about three months old

- May I cut in?
- You don't want to dance with him, do you?

He's the football coach.
If I don't, he might try to tackle you.

- You look very beautiful tonight, Miss Palmer
- Even without my corsage?

- May I?
- Sure

- May I cut in, sir?
- By all means, young man. By all means.

You know, Margie, you really had them all fooled.
They thought you were coming with Mr. Fontayne.

- Why, how absurd!
- Yeah, that's what I told them

I said why would she want to come with
some drip from the faculty?

- May I cut in?
- Gee wiz!

- Where did you come from?
- May I?

Why aren't you smiling, my little one?

Because I don't feel like smiling

I made such a fool of myself

You're just trying to be nice.
You don't have to dance with me.

Between you and me, Margie . . .

I'd rather dance with you than
anyone in this room

If you only knew how I feel . . .

What did you say?

I said, I'd rather dance with you than
anyone in this room

- And I meant it
- Anyone?

Anyone

- I don't like waltzes, Charlie. Let's sit his one out.
- Okay, Marybelle

Look, Marybelle!

- Margie's doing alright
- Oh, he's just taking pity on her

Wish he'd take pity on me

May I cut in, sir?

Isn't that nice?

Now Johnny's taking pity on her, too

- Gee wiz, Margie. Where have you been all my life?
- Right here under your nose, Johnny

- You can call me Johnikins, if you like
- Oh, thank you, Johnikins

Margie, what's the matter?

Margie, is there anything wrong?

Margie, what is it?

- Gee wiz, Margie! You're not going to faint?
- That's a very good idea!

Margie!

- What happened to her?
- Now she's got both of them!

But, Mother, how perfectly ghastly
it must have been for you!

Oh, it was, darling!
And with both of them, I should say!

But what happened?
I mean, who finally got to take you home?

- Well, your father, of course.
- Hey, where is everybody?

We're right here, Daddy! Up in the attic.

- Hello, funny face
- Hello, Daddy

Hello, sweets

Hello, darling

- Where's Papa? Didn't he come home with you?
- No, he's detained

- The ambassador will be home for dinner
- Wow, did he get it?

Senate confirms MacDuff as Minister to Nicaragua

Oh, darling, how wonderful!

- I'll bet you two have been up here all day, huh?
- Oh, yes. We've had more fun, Daddy

Mama's been telling me all about the beaus
she had when she went to Central High

Oh, she has, has she?

He sounds simply terrific!
Do you remember him?

Yes, he was a drip!

- A drip of the first order
- Ralph, dear!

Doesn't sound so well coming from
the principal of Central High

You heard me, I said drip, darling

- Can you jive, Daddy?
- Well, I can't exactly say I'm good at it

Don't forget your promise to me

I had thought a home and ring and everything

Margie, you've been my inspiration

Days are never blue

After all is said and done,
there is really only one

Oh, Margie, Margie, it's you!