Million Dollar Mermaid (1952) - full transcript

This is lovely Sydney harbor

in the year 1900,

when Australia was still thought of

by the rest of the world

as the home
of the bush and the boomerang.

But in the growing town of Sydney,

culture had moved in.

And the sounds of those three famous Bs,

bach, brahms, and Beethoven,

were already being heard in the land.

Mozart is very quiet in here, Annette.



Oh, hello, daddy.

Baby, you mustn't be envious
of the others.

I know how much you'd like
to be out there with 'em,

playing and dancing

but music can be
the source of happiness, too.

It's given me great happiness.

- Yes, daddy.
- That's my girl.

No. C-sharp, Mr. Kramer. C-sharp.

Mr. Kellerman, Annette is gone.
She has disappeared again.

But I just left her upstairs.

Excuse me, Mr. Kramer, will you?

I can't understand.

Where in the world
has that child wandered?

Mr. Kellerman,
I cannot look after her every minute



and take care of the house
at the same time.

- I have my chores...
- Marie, please.

I'm not blaming you,

tell Mr. Kramer I'll be back shortly.

I'm going to find out once and for all

where that child goes.

Annette!

Annette!

Annette!

Annette!

Annette, what are you doing?

Hello, daddy!

Annette, you come right back here.

Come right back here.

Annette, my baby.

In heaven's name...

Whatever possessed you?

You might have drowned.

I can't drown, daddy.

- And why not?
- Because I've learned to swim.

Is this where you've been
coming every day?

Yes.

Darling,
I've got to be very cross with you.

You know what the doctor said.

That your legs would never
be strong enough for...

For what other children do.

But my legs are strong.

The strongest they've been
since I was sick.

I can even walk better

and without my braces.

Watch.

Swimming can't hurt me.

How can anything hurt

when it makes you feel so good?

Please let me come back here
and swim again.

Darling, we'll come back here
and swim every day.

By your victory today, miss Kellerman,

you attain permanent possession
of this trophy,

emblematic of
the amateur freestyle championship

of new south wales.

Thank you.

This is getting to be a habit, Annette.

What do you do with all these cups?

They're crowding dad
right out of his study.

Thank you.

It's a blow to us, Mr. Kellerman.

I knew you would understand.

Only too well, Mrs. Graves.

This financial crisis
has affected all of us.

I, uh, hope that John

won't have to give up
his music permanently.

I hope not. Goodbye.
Goodbye, miss Kellerman.

- Bye.
- Goodbye, Johnny. Good luck.

- Dad?
- Hmm?

Look.

The amateur championship.

Permanent possession.

Wonderful, darling.
I am so proud of you.

Oh.

You know, why does it
always have to be a cup?

We could use a new tea service.

Oh, speaking of tea,
would you like some?

Um...

No, I don't think so, honey.
Thank you.

- Annette?
- Hmm?

I'm, uh, closing the conservatory.

The, uh, few pupils we have left
hardly pay expenses.

Dad.

Now, now, now,
we're not charity cases yet.

I wrote my old friend,
Thomas Crocker

of the Crocker conservatory
in London.

He's offered me a post as his assistant.

It's a... It's a big move
for both of us, I know, but

there are times when
we have to make decisions

and this is the biggest
decision of my life.

Dad, if it's money,
you... you don't have to.

Why, I could teach swimming
or maybe even turn professional.

Th-there were nearly 1,000 people...

- no.
- ...There at the race today.

Darling, swimming is your hobby
and I want it to remain just that.

It's blessed you with good health

and for this, I'm grateful.

But as a career, uh, no.

Your... your music
and... and ballet come first.

London will give you a chance
to go on with your studies.

It may be the best thing for both of us.

Well, in that case,
what's everyone looking so glum about?

One thing I know, dad.

The Kellermans will always eat.

Oh, yes.

Come on, dad,
let's walk some more.

Bet you've had me around
this deck six times since breakfast.

- You're acting like an old man.
- I am an old man.

Hold it, Sydney. Hold it, Sydney boy!

- Wait a minute.
- Oh, look out!

Come back here, you! Sydney!

Atta boy, doc.

Wait a minute, Sydney! Wait a min...

- you okay?
- I'll let you know.

Oh, wait till I get my dentist bill.

- Easy, Sydney boy.
- What did I tell you?

He's got the greatest left hand
in the business.

Dynamite in both fists.

I'm sorry, folks,
I hope he didn't scare you too much

but, uh, Sydney gets to feeling
his oats every now and then.

What's going on here?

Did you take that 'roo
out of the hold again?

Uh, look, purser, I assure you...

don't bother to assure me.
I've warned you repeatedly.

Sullivan,
I've had quite enough out of you.

That beast is a menace.

Only in the prize ring, I assure you.

In the prize ring, he's a killer.

But, out of the ring, why,
he's as gentle as a lamb.

- Look, I tell you...
- I tell you.

You keep that beast below decks

or I'll put him off in the next port.

And you with him.

Don't look at me.
This ain't my idea.

- Take him below, doc.
- Now look, you.

You hit me once more when I ain't lookin',

so help me I'll kick you
right in the pouch.

Now, come on, behave yourself.

And keep him there.

Man's inhumanity to animals.

I hope it didn't
scare you too much.

Oh, no.
I'm very fond of kangaroos.

Uh, you say he boxes?

Boxes?
Let me tell you something.

This is the greatest act
I've ever uncovered.

Why, if Sydney were a man

he'd be the next champ,
take my word for it.

Oh, we have no reason not to.

Well, sure,
he's frisky and full of energy,

but out of the ring, why,
he wouldn't hurt a flea.

Ah.

Your friend doesn't seem to think so.

Doc?

Oh, doc take things too seriously.

He's been training fighters for years

and he expects the kangaroo
to act the same way.

As a matter of fact,
we were barnstorming with a fighter

when we first met Sydney.

A middleweight named,
uh, tiger Driscold.

We'd offer a bonus for anybody
who'd go two rounds with him.

One day, this fellow comes along
leading a kangaroo.

One punch, just one punch,
mind you.

I hocked everything I had to buy him.

Well, let's, uh, hope your investment
proves a sound risk.

Thanks. I have a hunch
it's the blue chips this time.

Oh, uh,
are you bound for London, too?

Yes, if this boat ever gets there.

My daughter's first visit.

She's, uh, going to study for the ballet.

Oh, in honor of that, you must
be my guest at Sydney's opening.

Look me up personally, no charges.

- Well, that's very kind of you.
- Thank you.

Just ask for Jimmy Sullivan.

James Sullivan,
proprietor of Sullivan's wonder show.

Ah, I'm, uh, Frederick Kellerman

and this is my daughter, Annette.

Annette Kellerman.
You're the swimmer.

- Uh-huh.
- Saw your picture in the paper.

That was an awful picture.

My daughter has just won
the amateur freestyle championship

of new south wales.

Set a new record in the presence
of 2,000 people.

- Dad.
- But you did.

That's a lot of people.

Oh, well, swimming's
very popular in Australia.

I can understand why.

Well, nice to have met you,
Mr. Sullivan.

Uh, I hope Sydney's a big success.

Thanks.

♪ Let me call you sweetheart ♪

♪ I'm in love with you ♪

♪ let me hear you whisper ♪

♪ that you love me too ♪

♪ keep the love light glowing ♪

♪ in your eyes so true ♪

♪ let me call you sweetheart ♪

Forgive the intrusion.

But would you be interested
in a shipboard romance?

Oh, hello.

You know, I've been standing over there
watching you for the past 10 minutes.

I know. Women always know
when men are watching them.

Then maybe you noticed
the puzzled look on my face?

You know, I kept asking myself

how a girl as pretty as you
can break swimming records.

And how a girl
who breaks swimming records

can insist on ballet dancing
as a career.

- What's wrong with the ballet?
- Oh, I don't know.

I guess I've always associated it
with long hair and swans.

Oh, and I'm more the duck type?

No, what I mean is that...

Well, whatever type you are,

it must be my type.

I meet a girl
for the first time two days ago

and I can't get her out of my mind.

I keep saying to myself
"Sullivan, this is without a doubt

the prettiest girl you've ever met.“

and a voice comes back.

"Nonsense,
it's the tropical night, the stars.

Your hot jungle blood."

And then I reply,

"but you've seen tropical nights before

and you don't have hot jungle blood.

You're just a crazy irishman from Boston
who runs a carnival."

A-And what reply did you get to that?

None. I'm on my own now.

Annette, please don't think I'm forward

but there's something I must ask you.

There's something I must get off my chest.

Yes?

Annette, I wanna manage you.

Manage? Di... did you say manage?

Yes.

Well, what's the matter?

Nothing. I'm sorry.

Look, I know a great bet when I see one.

If 2,000 people'll come to see you
in Sydney

five thousand, 10,000
will pay to see you in London.

I'll give the act a new twist,
a little zip.

Not just swimming. Oh, I can see it now.

Annette Kellerman,
the Australian mermaid.

Half-woman, half-fish.

I'll build you a little tank
and make you up

to look like a real mermaid,
scaly tail and all.

Why, you may be a bigger draw
than the kangaroo.

- I doubt it.
- Good evening.

Mr. Sullivan, for your information,

my daughter is not half-woman, half-fish.

She is, I assure you, all woman.

Oh, I couldn't agree with you more.

Furthermore,
she is not interested in swimming

either professionally or as a career,

nor in diving into a tank,
nor wearing a mermaid's tail.

Her sole interest is the ballet.

- Mine is music.
- But, Mr. Keller...

I don't wish to discuss it any further.

But, look, this is the greatest idea...

- Jimmy.
- What's the matter?

It's Sydney.
He... he... he broke loose again.

- Where is he now?
- Up on the captain's bridge.

Holy smokes!

Hold him still, captain! Hold him still!

But I... I don't understand.

Is there no one running
the conservatory now?

No one, sir.

- I'm the only one here.
- Hmm.

Since poor Mr. Crocker died,

they just closed the place down.

I see.

Well, thank you.

Thank you very much.

Annette, I don't know what to say.

Most of our funds went for passage.

I-It's only one gate that's closed, dad.

Don't worry.

The Kellermans will always eat.

Three, four, five.

That's one pound five.

There you are, miss.

Thank you, Mr. Davis.

It's a real big one this time.

Mm-hmm.

Uh, I-I was wondering,

you don't have any connections
in the ballet, do you?

Yes, dozens of connections.

Oh.

Oh, well, thank you again, Mr. Davis.

Good luck.

Greetings.

- Why, Jimmy and doc.
- Hi, Annette.

I'm glad to see you.

Yeah, we just dropped by
to brush up on our piano lessons.

Oh, well... well, won't you come in?

Saw the sign outside. Any customers?

No, you're the first.

Mm. What smells so good?

I'm making an Australian stew.

Uh, what's that?

Same as Irish stew,

only the meat's down under.

Well, that's too bad, we dropped by

to invite you and your father
out to dinner.

Yeah. Out to di...?
Oh, yeah, dinner.

We found the nicest little place
down on piccadilly.

Uh, French cuisine.

You weren't gonna do anything of the kind.

But you're invited to stay
and sample my cooking if you'd like to.

Oh, no. We couldn't possibly.

No, we wouldn't think of imposing on you.

There's plenty, and I insist.

Well, I guess it's better than
bucking the crowds, dressing and all that.

Besides, I'm getting awfully tired of
those rich foods.

- We'll stay.
- Wonderful.

Make yourselves comfortable
and I'll get things ready.

Thanks.

By the way, how's Sydney?

Oh, sensational.

He's developed a one-two punch.

Yeah, and I've got the jaw to prove it.

Yes, the greatest act
ever put under a tent.

There's only one thing wrong.

No one knows about it.

That's where you come in.

That's where I come in?

We figured if we could
get enough people down there

the rest would take care of itself.

So, we thought maybe
if you'd be interested in, uh,

well, making a little money.

Money? How?

Well, the idea I had in mind
was a swim down the thames.

Maybe five or six miles,
ending up at the carnival.

We'd follow you in a row boat, of course.

Yeah, if Sydney could swim,
we wouldn't be bothering you.

We'll pay you five pounds

and 50 percent of
the first day's proceeds.

Well, uh, I-If you're going to
stage a swim,

why don't you make it a real one?

What do you mean?

Well, that six miles
won't impress anybody.

But 26 miles might.

Twenty-six miles?

Holy smoke!
I can't even row that far.

I can't understand
what happened to the reporters.

I notified the press.

Maybe they thought we were crackpots.

I wouldn't blame 'em.

Nobody'd ever think of doin' this.

I think we'd better start.

- How do you feel?
- Cold.

I can't see two feet ahead of me.

Which way do we go?

Just point the boat downriver.

Ready, honey?

- Good luck, honey.
- Good luck, Annette.

Well, Sydney, here we come.

Annette, where are you?

Here!

Blimey! There's a girl in the water.

Look out, Annette!

Annette, look out!

Hang on, miss.
We'll toss you a line!

Ne... never mind that.

Wh-which way to greenwich?

That way.

Thank you.

Greenwich?

Greenwich?

Did she say greenwich?

How do you feel?

I could swim 50 miles in this current.

Save your strength, honey.

You'll need it when we hit the tides.

Great Scott!
Look what some girl's trying to do.

Get after this story.

She'll never get past the tower bridge.

Australian girl in marathon swim.

Australian girl in marathon swim.

Australian...

- There she is.
- Yes, sir.

There's westminster bridge.

What are all those buildings?

Parliament. And that's big Ben.

Beautiful sight, isn't it?

I can think of a prettier sight.

What's that?

Food. I'm starving.

We'll eat in a half hour. Keep swimming.

Hey, doc, look at all those people.

Come on, girl.

- There she is.
- Yes, sir. There she is.

Stick it out!

Good girl! Good girl!

What about that food?

- Doc?
- Yeah?

Where's the hamper?

- What hamper? Oh.
- What hamper?

The lunch hamper.

The hamper with the food
you were supposed to bring.

Di... didn't you bring it?

Didn't I bring it?

Maybe if we...
maybe if we don't bring it up

she'll forget the whole thing.

"Maybe she'll forget the whole thing."

I can't keep going much longer.

Where are we gonna get any grub
in the middle of the thames river?

I don't know,
but we gotta get something

or she'll pass out.

There's tower port.

Drop me off there and
I'll see what I can rustle up.

What's happening? Where is she?

There's the boat.
He's coming back.

That fat lady gave me this.

And the pretty nurse gave me this.

Not a bad haul, huh?

Yeah, but all that food
and nothing to drink.

I took care of that, too.

Can't you row any faster?

What do you think I am,
the Cambridge crew?

Lunch. Come and get it.

Not exactly a seven-course dinner
but it's the best I could do.

- They just went for food.
- She was hungry.

She'll never make greenwich.

There's a strong tide coming in.

She'll make it. She'll make it.

That's my daughter, you know.
She's my daughter.

- Your daughter?
- Yeah.

Current's turning against her.

I hope you know
the tide's moving in like a wall.

I know when we're licked.

Swing alongside of her, doc.
We'll pull her in.

- Do you mean quit?
- That's what I said.

Can't let her kill herself
for five pounds.

Well, maybe if we went...

doc, I said, pull her in.

That's enough, honey. Come on aboard.

- I'll make it.
- Don't be silly.

There's always another time.

No. No...

you'll kill yourself fighting this tide.

I can't give up now.

I just can't.

Hey, Jimmy. What's that?

Greenwich. It's greenwich.

We're just about a mile away.

Do you think
you can hold out, honey?

I'll make it.

I-I know I can.

What do you think of a girl like that?

Daily express.
Can you answer a few questions?

Can you hold it
for a picture, miss Kellerman?

- Just for a moment...
- gentlemen, please, please.

Miss Kellerman is exhausted.

Give her a chance to catch her breath.

She'll answer all your questions.

She'll be over at my office
at the carnival.

- All right, come on.
- Let's follow them.

Just take it easy.

When did you first begin
to get tired, miss Kellerman?

Did you swim
as far as this in Australia?

How long... how long did
it take you to train?

Give us a good story, miss Kellerman.

Please, one at a time.
Which question first?

Tell us about your training,
miss Kellerman.

Do you swim every day, do ya?

Well, that all depends.

Oh, oh, gentlemen. I'm so tired.

Kangaroo with a human frame.

He weaves, he Bobs,

he strikes with the force of a pile...

where's the girl who made the swim?

Over there.

How's the house?

Fine, but the people ain't in it.

If you ask me,
I think we're selling tickets

for the wrong attraction.

Start the show.

I'll see if I can get the press over here.

And bring me back some
black coffee, will you?

I'm dead on my feet.

Sullivan, you have to
get her out of there.

The child's so exhausted,
she can barely hold her head up.

I'll see what I can do.

Yes, I... I was born in Sydney and...

And my first distance...

all right, gentlemen.
That's it for now.

Miss Kellerman will be available
for further interviews tomorrow.

Thank you very much.

Goodnight, miss Kellerman.
Thank you very much.

In the meantime,
let me call your attention

to another visitor from Australia.

Not as pretty as miss Kellerman

but in his own way,
just as renowned.

- Very sorry.
- But look, I...

aren't you going to see the kangaroo?

Poor Sydney.

Looks like you really
put him out of business.

Jimmy.

Okay. Okay.
Take it easy. Take it easy.

Now you're full of ginger.

Last night, you couldn't draw a fly.

And we're prepared
to offer miss Kellerman

eight pounds a week
for such a series of swims.

Well, she's still asleep but I doubt very
much that she'd be interested.

All right-o, well,
if there's any change

you can reach me at the daily mirror.

"Doubt if she'd be interested?"

What are you, nuts?

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

- Good morning, doc.
- Hiya.

Good morning.

Good morning, Sydney.

You can tell your boss he's got
the most comfortable bed I ever slept in.

You might as well face it, professor.

Your daughter here is a celebrated woman.

She's already received
a dozen offers of employment.

- Employment? What kind?
- Every kind.

Personal appearances,
swimming events, diving exhibits.

The hedge and hound club wants you
to open their duck shooting season.

The crystal palace would like
to know if you could sing.

And then there was a chap here
a minute ago from the daily mirror.

His paper wants to sponsor
a series of swims at beach resorts.

Offered eight pounds a week.

Well, y-y-you didn't let him get away,
did you?

You accepted?

No.

Well, then, which offer did you accept?

None. You don't think for a minute

I'll let you fall
for any of these chicken feed.

Eight pounds to swim around the ocean?

What kind of a future is there in that?

Future?
Who's thinking about the future?

I am, maybe you don't realize it,

but you've struck gold, pay dirt.

Those crowds that came last night,

they didn't come to see to see
the seaweed, they came to see you.

And I, for one, intend to see
that you capitalize on it.

Uh, what do you propose to do?

I propose to stage a show.
Our own show, a water carnival.

- A water carnival?
- Why not?

It's something brand new.
We get a tank and we charge admission.

Our own private ocean.
Oh, I can see it now.

The people flocking to see
the gorgeous mermaid from down under.

I see something beautiful,
something graceful, a ballet.

That's it.
A water ballet set to music.

Just a moment. Uh...

All this sounds highly imaginative

but where would you stage
such an event and...

And where can you find
a tank big enough

for what you describe?

The tank is already built
and waiting for us.

Did you ever hear
of the New York hippodrome?

The hippodrome?

- New York?
- My dear boy, really.

- Three thousand miles of ocean...
- well, what of it?

It's the biggest tank in the world

and the largest theater in the world.

And the longest swim in the world.

Surely, you must be joking.

How could we get to New York City?

Jimmy, it's a wonderful idea

but really, dad and I couldn't pay

for a trip to liverpool, let alone...

who said anything
about you paying for this?

Anyone who travels with Sullivan

travels first class, all expenses paid.

Look, I happen to know the owners
of the hippodrome personally.

Had a concession
when they ran Luna park.

Now, they're showmen enough
to go for this idea in a second.

But how could you afford the fares?

I thought you were, I-I mean...

broke? Perhaps.

But Mr. Kellerman,
I have such confidence in this idea

that I'm willing to sacrifice
my entire assets.

Hah! What assets?

Oh, Jimmy, no.

Come here, doc.

Look, I want you to put Sydney
in the wagon.

There's a circus coming to town.
I'm sure we can get a good price for him.

Sydney?

Go ahead.

Now, Mr. Kellerman, look.

There's lots of things
I'd like to discuss with you.

This could be...

Now, don't take this too hard, old-timer.

That's show business.

One minute you're up,
the next minute you're...

Say, maybe you want to go back
to the boarding house, huh, Mr. Kellerman?

No, no, we said we'd wait for them.

I'll be all right.

Take it easy, pop.
Do you want to sit down?

No, no. I'll be all right.

You know,
this is a big proposition, real big.

Don't you worry about Sullivan.

He could sell water wings to a duck.

I'm becoming aware of that.

Here I am, 10,000 miles from home
in a strange city, and...

Completely dependent
upon your persuasive friend.

You know, they're...
they're liable to be in there

for some time, Mr. Kellerman.

Come on, we'd better go home.

Yeah. Perhaps you're right.

Everybody wants to be an impresario.

Everybody has the world's greatest idea
for the hippodrome.

Well, mine isn't the world's greatest,
Mr. Harper,

but it's a colorful
and exploitable package.

Oh, it's good.
It's one of the best I've heard.

And I compliment you
on your showmanship.

But I can't use it.

You can't use it? But...

I simply daren't risk it
on an unknown girl.

Unknown?

Take a look at these clippings.

They're impressive.

They're very impressive,
but it happened in London.

In New York, the story was just a squib.

I can't build a whole show
around a swimmer.

Annette isn't just a swimmer, Mr. Harper.

She's got something very unusual.

Ah, I'm sure she has.

Mr. Harper, I know that
this water carnival idea

is... is tailor-made for a place
like the hippodrome.

Let me put it this way.

Right now, the policy of the hippodrome
calls for plotted dramas.

Spectacles with story.

We use our tank for the big climax.

But for me to stage a water ballet
without even a book...

Well, I... I mean, I like it, but...

pardon me.

Hello.

What's that? No, no, no.

We have all the confederate uniforms
we want.

I might be needing some showgirls.

Can you do anything besides swim?

Oh, I can dance.

Well, if you're interested,
come back on Monday.

It's the best I can do.

- I'm sorry.
- But, Mr. Harper...

by the way,
can't you find me a Lincoln

that looks like Lincoln?

Well, all those characters you dug up

look more like the Smith brothers.

Yes, I know. Now, look,
I've told you what I wanted.

Now, this man must be at least...

now, if you can't do it,
I'll get somebody else.

Now, you know what I want...

Well, that's that.

It isn't your fault, Jimmy.

It was a good idea and
I went into it with my eyes open.

Well, anyway, you can go to work
for Harper if you want to.

Might not be a bad idea.

I don't know what I'm going to do.

Probably run up to Boston.

A friend of mine owns
a concession at revere beach.

He wants me to help him ballyhoo it.

Jimmy, I have to make some money.

It's dad I'm thinking about.

You see, music is his whole life.

Loving it and teaching it,
having his own conservatory.

If only I could just give him that much.

You can.

How?

Forget it, I'm not going to
sell you on something else

and have it fizzle out.

Take the Harper job.
It's safe in expenses.

No. I need more than just expenses.

Jimmy, how much can you
make out of a concession?

If it clicks, plenty.

All we have to do
is scrape enough money together

to buy a little tank, and then we...

look, I told you to forget it.

It's too much of along shot and
I've only got six dollars in my pocket.

Well, I still have three silver cups left

and then,
that would be enough to get us

to Boston, wouldn't it?

- Maybe.
- Well, I-I was just thinking.

In London, we swam down
the thames to get publicity

and that worked pretty well,
now, didn't it?

Keep talking.

Well, suppose we did
the same thing here

a-a marathon swim
from somewhere, anywhere.

Not anywhere.
From revere beach.

Oh, baby, I knew we were a team
from the first time I saw you.

We'll stand that town on its ear.

I'll get enough backing
for 10 tanks, not just one.

Oh, Jimmy, do you think so?

"Think so?"
Who's going to stop us?

Don't be impatient, fellas.

She'll be along in a couple of minutes.

Hey, where is she
gonna swim to, mister?

To that lighthouse,
way out there and back.

- Gee, that must be 50 miles.
- Twenty miles.

What you got in the basket, mister?

Take your hands off the hamper!

Come on, now, get out of here.

Go on, beat it, you little monster.

I don't believe it.

Did you see that?
Her legs are bare.

She ought to be arrested.

Oh, look at her.

- Wake up. Wake up!
- What is it? What is it?

- Whoa!
- I don't believe it.

Let's hurry.

Don't let them bother you.

They'll be cheering you
when you finish your swim.

- Shocking.
- On a public beach.

Wake up. Wake up. Oh.

The row boat's all ready.

Colder out here
than it is in the water.

Well, honey. This is it.

- Good luck, Annette.
- Thanks, doc. I'll need it.

Don't worry about anything.
Just start the swim.

It's disgraceful.

Arrest that woman.

Halt! Just a minute.
Just a minute.

Just a minute, miss.

What do you think you're doing?

Officer, this is Annette Kellerman,

the famous Australian swimmer.

She's about to embark
on a 20-mile swim.

- Not in that outfit.
- What?

You don't expect me to go 20 miles

on one of those things, do you?

All I expect you to do, miss,

is cover yourself up.

Come on, Jimmy.
Let's get out of here.

Not on your life.
You've done nothing wrong

and I won't let anyone intimidate you.

Just a minute.

Just a moment.

Indecent exposure.

Held for trial.

Oh, those hypocrites.

Sanctimonious bluenose hypocrites.

How dare they?

- Oh, dad, what are we going...
- now, now, now, now.

Hey, the lobby's full
of reporters and cameramen.

They'd like to know
if they can come up.

Well, you just tell them to go away.

Tell them I've left town.

I never want to see Boston again.

I-I'll just swim someplace else.

Wrong. You'll swim right here.

As far as I'm concerned, this is
the greatest thing that's ever happened.

"The greatest... “

I-I'm booked and... and fingerprinted

and... and arrested
just like a common...

well, what of it?

Don't you realize
that you're the standard-bearer

for all American womanhood?

In your hands lies the power

to wreck the shackles of prudery.

Free the feminine sex
from the armor of convention.

Go ahead, run away if you want to.

But I tell you,
this is more than a trial.

More than a newspaper headline.

This is a crusade.

Bravo.

Huh?

I said bravo.

This tempest over a bathing suit

It's... It's... I-It's medieval.

It should be exposed to the world.

And I, for one, intend to see
that my daughter stays

and fights this thing through.

- Hear, hear!
- Attaboy, pop.

It's high time American women
showed they had some skin.

It's up to you, darling.

You can pay the fine
and leave Boston tonight

or you can stay
and accept the challenge.

Indecent

tell those reporters to come up.

I-I'll give them a story

bathing suit and all.

And as prosecutor for this county,

I demand the severest possible penalty

for this brazen young woman

who has wantonly flaunted
every statute of decency.

She, and others like her, must learn

that laws are made to be observed.

Her guilt is incontestable.

She admits that she wore
the indecent garment in question.

- I admit no such thing.
- What's that?

Do you deny that you appeared
at revere beach

in a flimsy piece of material
that barely covered your...

I admit I wore a one-piece bathing suit.

I do not admit it was indecent.

What other definition would you apply?

Your arms, neck,
and shoulders were exposed.

Not to mention your calves and thighs.

My ankles were also exposed.

Not to mention my toes,
knees and fingers.

I also notice your teeth are exposed.

Does that make you indecent?

Your honor.
Your honor, if you please.

This woman's deliberately trying

to make a mockery of this court.

I wouldn't be surprised if those pickets

are outside at her instigation.

This flagrant disrespect...

I object, your honor.

Are you the attorney for the defendant?

No.

Then keep your seat or
I shall have to eject you.

Miss Kellerman, it's not
the intention of this court

to take sides in what is essentially

feminine debate.

You're charged with, uh...

Uh, indecent exposure

to which you pleaded...

Not guilty, sir.

Your honor, her appearance
at the beach was witnessed

by hundreds of people,
including the police officer.

I am aware of that.

Have you anything further to add,
miss Kellerman?

Well, yes, your honor, I have.

You see, I've been swimming
in competition all my life

a-and the only way I've been
able to compete successfully

is... is by wearing a man's
one-piece racing suit.

After all, sir, you can't deny me
my right to swim, can you?

Certainly not.

Well, then, how is it possible
to... to swim a race

tied up in a corset
and 10 yards of wet drapery?

Miss Kellerman, let me remind you

that it is not I who am on trial.

I'm sorry, your honor.

May I please ask the court
one more question?

Proceed.

Well, do the authorities object

to the one-piece bathing suit

or to the fact that the limbs
are not entirely covered?

I see no reason to base any decision

on the number of pieces
in an article of clothing.

Well, then perhaps
I could suggest a compromise.

Proceed.

Thank you.

This is the original racing suit

except that I've... I've sewn
some stockings on the bottom

and a Jersey on the top.

As you can see, this will
cover the entire body

except the forearms and the head.

I consider that shocking, your honor.

I consider it very ingenious.

Is it my understanding that any further

swimming appearances
will be made in a, uh...

Bathing suit of that nature?

Yes, your honor.

Case dismissed.

Doc}
Hurry, hurry, hurry.

Hurry, hurry.
Step right up, folks.

The next show in five minutes.

All right, folks, step right up.

See Annette Kellerman
in that one-piece bathing suit.

The next show in five minutes.

Step right up, friend. How many?
Thank you, sir.

The next show in five minutes.
Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.

See Annette Kellerman
in that one-piece bathing suit.

Ladies and gentlemen,

introducing Australia's mermaid,

Annette Kellerman.

Voted by Harvard university

as the world's most perfect woman.

World's champion swimmer,
holder of records

from 100 yards to 26 miles.

Miss Annette Kellerman.

Miss Kellerman will now demonstrate

the various swimming strokes.

The breast stroke.

The over arm stroke.

For the first time in america,
the Trudgen stroke.

This stroke was used by miss Kellerman

when she made
her sensational swim

in the thames river
in London, england.

And now,
for the first time in america,

miss Kellerman introduces

her famous Australian crawl.

And now, ladies and gentlemen,

for the first time in the usa,

a woman will give a public exhibition

of fancy high-diving.

Miss Kellerman will now
demonstrate the front back dive.

Step right up, folks.
The show is now going on.

See Annette Kellerman
in her one-piece bathing suit.

- Step right up.
- Attaboy, doc.

Attaboy, talk it up.

Six weeks, doc. Make it seven.

Every suit a different color.

Hello, Jimmy.

Jimmy.

Jimmy, I'm soaking wet.

Good. Maybe it'll put the fire out.

Go. Go.

Think it over, Sullivan.

I'm leaving for Florida tonight.

I could use a guy like you.

Put it the other way, bud,
and I might be interested.

Which way?

Maybe I could use a guy like you.

Hey, you know, sometimes,
I wish we had Sydney back.

We didn't make as much money,
but I didn't have all this

th-th-this bookkeeping.

And what's this item here,
personal, 200 dollars?

Is, uh, this personal enough?

Hey, no kiddin'.

- Did you ask her yet?
- Today's the day.

Season here closes real soon, and I...

and you want somebody

to keep your feet
nice and warm at night.

Great, but what about me?

Doc, I've got an idea
for something brand new.

A great idea.
A swimmer and a flyer.

A flyer?

That bud Williams act is dynamite.

You know, he can actually
take that contraption

400 feet off the ground?

I don't like it. It's against nature.

Oh, you and your grousing.

Can't you see that big new poster?

"Sullivan's combined shows.

King of the air, queen of the sea."

Oh, don't get me wrong now.

Annette will still be
our number one attraction.

But we can dream, can't we?

There she is, dreamer.

- Hi, there.
- Hello, Jimmy.

I'm not late, am I?

Performance starts at 2:30.

Oh, uh, Jimmy, this is Mr. Aldrich

of the Aldrich lecture bureau.

He was kind enough to
drive me back from luncheon.

- My pleasure.
- How do you do?

I have a special interest
in miss Kellerman.

I'm trying to persuade her
to go on a tour.

What kind of a tour?

Well, he's offered me
a great deal of money

and a 10-week guarantee,
just to do a series of lectures.

Yes, indeed.

I see miss Kellerman
in a very dignified presentation

giving a lecture on the body beautiful.

Perhaps even a little ballet
appropriate to the subject.

Ballet? Lecture?

Oh, no.

Well, what's so funny?

Well, darling, I'm sorry,
but one of us must be nutty.

You competing with William Jennings Bryan?

Oh, I can see you now,
up on the platform

with a pitcher of water in a ballet,

dancing around some gauze drapes.

Holy smoke.

I'm happy to be contributing so much

to your amusement, Mr. Sullivan.

But I assure you, mine is
a very dignified and lucrative business.

Miss Kellerman will not be
swimming around

in a tank, like a seal,

performing in a carnival
with a fat lady on one side

and a fire-eater on the other.

You don't like carnivals, eh?

They have their place.

And, uh, you don't like swimming
around in tanks either?

For a fish, yes.

For a beautiful woman
like miss Kellerman...

Mr. Aldrich, uh, I think it's about time

that you learn to enjoy water.

Jimmy, Jimmy, stop that.
You hear me? Jimmy, come off it!

Jimmy, let go off him. Let go.

All right. Run along, Sonny,
and take your gauze drapes with you.

Jimmy, how dare you?

Mr. Aldrich, I'm terribly sorry.

Go over there and sit down.

Annette, put on your suit.

The show starts in 20 minutes.

Yes?

Jimmy.

Annette, I'm sorry.

That big trap of mine.
I guess I'll never be able to control it.

Oh, darling.

We shouldn't quarrel, not about this.

It's just not important enough.

I don't get you.

We came up here purely
and simply for money.

Anything that offers us
more money is more important.

You still got that Aldrich deal
on your mind, haven't you?

Darling, it's 500 dollars a week.

Puts me just that much closer
to the Kellerman conservatory.

It isn't as though we were splitting up.

I'll talk to Aldrich.

I'm sure there'd be
an important job for you.

Like filling the water pitchers?

- Jimmy.
- Or pinning up the drapes?

Or maybe I could come out ahead
of you and give a short talk

on how high class we all are.

Baby, somewhere along the line,
we got our signals crossed.

You've got it into your head
that you're Joan of arc.

Well, get it out fast.

You're a swimmer doing a tank act

in Sullivan's water carnival,
and not a bad show either.

And how long can it last?

After all, all we're doing is capitalizing

on a lot of cheap bathing suit publicity.

Well, what do you think
this Aldrich thing is anyway?

All he's trying to do is
cash in on the same dodge.

A ballyhoo that I arranged.

That you arranged?

Sure. Who do you think
got that cop to arrest you?

Oh, no, Jimmy, you didn't.

Didn't I?

Can you stand there...

what about all that talk
of a crusade and...

bunk.

Who cares what a lot of females
wear on the beach

as long as I can keep you
in a one-piece bathing suit?

Baby, you're a swimmer.

You belong in the water.

Wet, you're terrific.

Dry, you're just a nice girl

who ought to settle down
and get married.

Well, thank you very much
for the advice.

One thing I know for sure,

if and when I do get married,

it will never be to
a... a cheap, stubborn,

flea circus proprietor.

This flea circus does all right
for the fleas in it

except when they jump
out of their cages.

Ballet. Comics wanting
to play Hamlet. Toe dancing.

She's had that bug in her head
ever since we first met.

Well, miss Kellerman may be
able to swim but she'll never fly.

What are you talking about?

Jimmy, no.
Look at these receipts.

Look at these books.

Here, look,
nothing but money, money, money.

There's plenty more
where that came from.

I'd be a sucker to go ahead
and make big plans

that depends on the whim of a girl
with nutty notions about herself.

Hey, look, pal,
y-you ain't serious, are ya?

Hey, you're kidding, Jimmy.
Huh? Tell me you're kiddin'.

I'll be back in a few minutes.

Flea circus.

Flea circus, she calls us.

And then, my dear,
you will come forward

in a tasteful evening gown

against a background of
perhaps a small salon orchestra.

Your talk will be prepared, of course,

subject to your approval.

And as for the dancing...

Mr. Aldrich, I'm terribly sorry, but...

Well, I-I just can't see myself

doing that sort of thing.

My dear child, it's natural
to be nervous and I understand.

- But now, if you will only let...
- please.

I have a headache.

Perhaps we could
talk about it some other time.

But I have to make preparations.

Well, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid

you'd better hold up on them for a while.

Goodnight, miss Kellerman.

Goodnight, Mr. Aldrich.

- Good evening.
- Good evening.

Annette.

Read this.

It's from the New York hippodrome.

"New hippodrome policy will
feature great specialty a...

Can you come to New York
to discuss deal?

Alfred Harper."

Oh, dad, the New York hippodrome.

Yes.

Well, this is just what Jimmy...

What is it, my dear?

Oh, dad.

Oh, so that's it.

Well, you better let him read it, too.

There's nothing like good news

to patch up a lovers' quarrel.

Come on, now. Off you go.

Miss Kellerman?

Oh, hello, Andy.

Uh, what are you doing here?

I thought you were on your way
to Florida with Mr. Sullivan.

Florida?

Well, that's what he said.

You mean, you didn't know?

Oh, yes, yes,
of course, I knew, Andy.

How stupid of me.

Thank you, Andy.

- Madame pavlova.
- Yes?

I-I'm Annette Kellerman.

Indeed, I know, my dear.

I have watched your performance.

W-Well, all I wanted to tell you
was that...

Well, all my life I've wanted

to be able to dance like you.

You studied for the ballet?

Yes.

My dear, don't ever think
that your studies

have been in vain.

Your act is wonderful.

You have applied your ballet training

to something new and different.

They tell me there is only one pavlova.

But from what I have seen

they may someday
say the same thing about you.

There is only one Annette Kellerman.

I wish she hadn't told you that.

Oh! Hello, Alfred.

Here I am with next season's
contract still unsigned

and people like pavlova
may start puffing you up.

Oh!

No. No, I'd almost work
at the hippodrome for nothing.

There's no need for that, Annette.

You've really been great.

And this is the best way
I know of saying it.

- Oh, Alfred.
- Don't thank me.

Thank all the people
who came to see you.

Annette, I'm giving
a little supper for pavlova.

Saturday night after the performance.

Can you come?

Well, may I let you know?

I don't get it.

Are you in mourning,
or are you just a hermit?

- Oh, well, no...
- Mr. Kellerman.

I am trying to persuade
your elusive daughter

to come to a party,
and it seems I can't...

of course, she'll go.

It'll do you good, darling.

You've been seeing
too little of New York

and too much
of an elderly musician.

And besides, orders are orders.

Mr. Harper's my new boss.

- Boss?
- Mm-hmm.

I've been asked to work with
the hippodrome orchestra next season.

Oh, dad.

Let's hope it's only the beginning, sir.

The hippodrome needs your kind of talent.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Gotta keep the Kellermans happy.

The man in my box office told me so.

I'll see you later.

Bye, Alfred.

Dad, I-I think it's just
so exciting and wonderful.

The two of us here,
working together.

I couldn't be happier.

Couldn't you?

I've got the report.

He went to Florida with that,
uh, flying act.

And, uh, William smashed up
the second day.

Well... where is he now?

Well, this report says he was
in New Orleans for a while

with a wrestling bear,
then up in Chicago

with some kind of
a concession that closed.

Dad, I-I-I've just got to find him.

That argument we had
was so stupid and silly.

This whole thing, the hippodrome,

it was Jimmy's idea.

Darling, you mustn't
confuse love and loyalty.

You owe nothing
to anybody in the world.

Not to me or anybody.

Jimmy knows that, too.

- Does he?
- Deep in his heart, he does.

I'm sure that's the reason for
his absence.

He wants to make good
without Annette Kellerman.

He feels you don't need him.

Dad, I do need him. I...

I know, but that's the way Sullivan is.

And he's no different
from most of his sex.

Darling, that's the price
a woman pays for achievement.

He'll come to you when
he has something to offer,

but not before.

It's a long gamble, I'll admit.

A thousand-to-one shot
that may never come off.

The only thing you can be sure of

is that he'll be trying.

Hello, Marceline.

- Annette.
- Alfred, what is it?

Wha... what's the matter?

Dad!

Poor old guy.

He was okay.

He never did get his conservatory.

Wish he had.

Ain't you gonna go and see her?

Nope.

- Say... say, Jimmy?
- Yeah.

Look, pal, y-you and me,
we've been around together

for a long time.

Well, s-sometimes I grouse,
I admit it,

but... but you know I'd...
I'd give my right arm for ya.

What are you getting at?

Well, you ain't really serious

about going ahead
with this scheme, are you?

You bet your life I am.

If I ever get
this egg crate off of the ground

we're gonna hit pay dirt.

I hope that's all we hit.

Aerial sensational cross-country air race.

Read about it!

Read about it.
Cross-country air race.

Fifty thousand dollars in prizes.
Read about it.

- Good evening, Mr. Harper.
- Good evening.

Good evening, miss Kellerman.

Good evening.

Did you hear about
the cross country air race?

There's 50,000 dollars in cash prizes.

- Oh, that's all right.
- No, no, take it.

Well, thank you.

Crazy fools, they'll all be killed.

Ah, it's mad, but what a stunt.

- Good evening, miss Kellerman.
- Hello. Hello, Max.

Well, doc.

Hello, Annette.

C-Can I talk to you for a second?

Oh, excuse me, Alfred.

This is an old friend of mine,
doc Cronnol. Mr. Harper.

- How are you?
- Glad to meet you.

I'll see you later, dear.

Fine, fine.

Well, come on.

Come on in and
tell me all about yourself.

- Oh, there's nothing...
- how've you been?

- Fine. Fine.
- How's Jimmy?

Well, that's why I'm here.

I-I hate to bother you, Annette but...

But somebody's gotta
talk him outta that thing.

- What thing?
- That bughouse air race.

He's got his eye on
that 50,000-dollar pot and...

doc, Jimmy?

Oh, you mean...
you mean, he's in...

He's going to fly to California?

Well, he's gonna try.

And you should see in what.

Y-Y-You can't even steer the thing.

Y-You swing it around with... with
ropes over your shoulders.

Oh, doc, he... he'll
smash himself to pieces.

That's what I've been trying to tell him.

But... but you know that Sullivan.

I... I just thought maybe there was
something you could figure out.

Well, when does he plan to take off?

Anytime now. Maybe even tomorrow
if the weather's right.

We've been sleeping next
to the machine

out of Montauk point.

Oh, doc, I-I've got
a performance tonight.

Don't you worry, I'll be there.

- I'll figure out something.
- Gee, thanks, Annette.

Bye-bye, doc.

Oh, don't...
don't tell him I came here.

I-I'm in enough trouble now.

Oh, sure, sure, doc.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Well, it looks like it's lifting.

Okay, Mac. Clear the field.

We're gonna take off.

Jim, don't you think
we oughta wait a little while?

I-It might rain.

Ah, the weather's perfect.

Please, I'm sorry.
Excuse me, please.

N-Nobody gets through, miss.

- He's gonna take off.
- But, officer, I...

I'm sorry.

Hey.

Hey, nobody gets through.
Stand back.

- Thank you.
- Keep going, Sullivan.

Bring me an orange
from California, Jimmy.

- Good luck, Jim.
- I'll need it.

- Best of luck, Jim.
- Thank you.

Jimmy.

Hello, sweetness. How's everything?

I heard you were at the hippodrome.

She snuck past, Mr. Sullivan.
Shall I let her stay?

Sure, why not.

She's a famous personality,
Annette Kellerman.

Well-known lecturer.

Jimmy Sullivan, I don't care
what happens to you, but,

well, doc is a friend of mine

and I forbid you to take him
on this flight.

See what I mean?
Greatest lecturer of her day.

You heard me.

I-I'm not gonna have them
finding doc's broken body,

crushed and mangled,
somewhere in the rocky mountains.

Ah, that's very sweet of you, baby,

but you don't have to worry about doc.

He's not leaving the ground.

He's driving the emergency repair car.

That's me, still the guy in the rowboat.

- All clear, Mr. Sullivan.
- Right.

Jimmy, please don't force me
to take drastic action.

What's that?

I said don't force me
to take drastic action.

I've never forced you
to do anything, baby. Remember?

Okay, doc. Let's go.

Here's a summons, Mr. Sullivan.

Your flying machine and
all equipment has been attached.

What? Go away.

- Sorry. It's a court order.
- Court order for what?

Non-payment of monies
owed to Annette Kellerman.

I had an accounting of all the books

while you ran the concession.

Among other items,
there's one marked

"two hundred dollars, personal.“

you'll have to explain that.

Oh, yes. I'm sorry.

Here's the item.

You can sell it somewhere.

Okay, doc. Let's go.

Clear the field, lady.

Thanks for tryin', honey.

Switch on!

Turn it over.

They say that frenchman has
the best chance of winning.

- I'm backing Rogers.
- Well, what about Sullivan?

Sullivan?

In that crackerbox,

I don't see how
he's gotten as far as he has.

I'll say one thing for this air race.

It's certainly captured
the attention of the country.

I'm sorry, Alfred.

You want very much
for him to win, don't you?

I? Well, of course. I-I mean...

You figure he'll have 50,000 dollars.

He can come to you,
carry you off on a white charger.

All very simple.
The American success story.

Darling, I know how importantly
this man looms in your life.

But allow me the privilege
of knocking my competition.

Maybe he will win that pot.
I hope he does.

But it still won't work.

You're big-league.

And Sullivan, he's a will-o'-the-wisp

a carney man.

He'll always be up there in the clouds

looking for that fast dollar.

The big ballyhoo that'll
make him a seven-day wonder.

It probably isn't news

that I love you very much.

What's most important,

I think I can make you happy.

Will you marry me, Annette?

Alfred, believe it or not,

this... this is the first marriage
proposal I've ever had.

It's... it's a little overpowering.

Well, then say yes.

Ladies and gentlemen,
we interrupt for a moment

to bring you the latest bulletin

on the great cross-country flying race.

Now, five contestants
are still in the running.

We have news of three of them.

Bob Giff, travelling eastward,
has logged 500 miles

from golden gate park, San Francisco.

Cal Rodgers, in his Vin Fiz,

has just reached Elmira, New York.

And James Darley,
in his Chester biplane,

is nearing buffalo.

Now, three other flyers
have been forced out,

including Jimmy Sullivan,

who's reported injured in a smash-up.

However, our report says
he managed to right the machine

and balanced it down to a landing

in a town called grover's junction,

where he's been hospitalized.

Alfred, I've... I've got to
get to a telephone.

Hello? Hello?

Yes, this is
the grover memorial hospital.

I'd like to inquire about James Sullivan.

Oh, yes, the flyer.

No, he wasn't badly injured.

We patched up his arm and he left.

Well, where did he go?
C-Can you tell me?

No, I'm sorry.

Neptune's daughter.

That's what I'd call the picture.

It's a natural for Kellerman.

And for our underwater
shots in Hollywood,

I'd build a giant glass tank.

We could shoot right through
the glass into Neptune's cave.

Hmm, sounds very interesting.

Oh, it's a great challenge
and a wonderful new medium.

Movies are growing bigger every day.

Really, if you could persuade...

have you talked to miss Kellerman?

I thought you were handling her affairs.

Well, don't let that fool you.

I advise her, but she's a lady
who makes up her own mind.

Still, it might be
a good change for her.

Might even be a good change for me.

For you?

Oh, a trip to California, two of us.

Just thinking.

There's a party going on backstage.

A special performance for the kids
at the orthopedic hospital.

It's Annette's idea.
Can you join us?

I wish I could,
but I'm meeting my wife.

- Christmas shopping.
- Oh, that's too bad.

Looks like fun for the children.

Annette's a wonderful woman.

I'm sorry you can't join us, Mr. Garvey,

but I'll be in touch with you later.

I'm counting on you.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

And I've got a top for you.
That's a spinning one.

Know how to work it?

That's good. Now, better find...
here's a circus wagon.

Oh, this is fun.

Better find a Dolly in a blue
dress for you here.

There it is.

Another circus wagon.

There's a green one.

Here is... oh, look at that silly elephant.

Isn't that the cutest?

This is for you, darling.
Isn't she lovely?

It's a wonderful party, Annette.

Oh, hello, Alfred.

Only I'm a little jealous.

Everybody's had
a Christmas present but me.

Oh, poor Alfred.
What would you like?

An answer to that question
I asked you last June.

In offering
these genuine Indian blankets

for the ridiculous sum of
three dollars and 50 cents,

I can assure you, sir,

you are getting one
of the greatest bargains

since Manhattan island
went for 24 dollars.

Yeah, but I have no use for a blanket.

Ah, no use perhaps
for an ordinary blanket

but these ancient items are hand-loomed

on the reservation by gifted navajos

one of whom you see here beside me.

May I present chief thunderbird.

How.

Chief, what is your opinion
of this product?

Product good.

Now, please, please,
leave me alone.

I am not cold.
I don't want a blanket.

Oh, then perhaps you'd be interested

in one of these
beautiful signet rings.

Hand-carved by Indian maidens.

I don't want anything.
I just want to be left alone.

Now, please, please, get outta here!

Very well.
Good day, sir.

Good afternoon, sir.

Good afternoon, madam. I...

Annette.

Hello, doc.

Uh, your feather's crooked.

Oh.

- Jimmy.
- How are you, Sullivan?

Come on in. Sit down.

How.

How.

Uh, th-they're very nice.

Uh, are... are they hand-loomed?

Oh, these? Oh, I'm just, uh,
helping out a friend of mine.

A... a fellow named Fred Harvey.

He got himself overloaded
with a big stock of this stuff and,

well, he just sort of asked me
if I would help him get rid of 'em.

I, I, uh...

Read about you getting married.

Yes.

Good idea.

It's about time you start
raising a family of little swimmers.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you.

All the luck
in the world, Annette.

Well, we're not taking the big jump

until Annette finishes her picture here.

Oh, you're making picture, huh?

Yes. Neptune's daughter.

Good. Glad to hear it.

It's great future.

As a matter of fact,
I got some picture plans myself.

Got a new star signed up,
he's on the train.

We... Jimmy, if... if I could be
of any help, I...

oh, no. I'm in good shape.

I got some important contacts
on the coast.

Well, it's nice seeing you.
Nice running into you.

- Best of luck, Annette.
- Thank you, doc.

Oh, there you are.

Didn't I warn you about

taking this dog
out of the baggage car?

Just a moment, conductor.
This isn't just an ordinary dog.

This is a highly-trained animal

who's gonna be
a movie star in six months.

I don't care if he's Francis x bushman.

He doesn't belong in the lower berth
frightening the passengers.

And as for you,

you look like the man
I kicked off in Albuquerque.

Me? Well, that's
perfectly ridic... how.

Don't give me that how business.

You haven't paid your fare and...

just a moment, conductor, look.

Couldn't we discuss this
somewhere else?

You know, you're probably not aware of it,

but there's a new act
just passed by congress.

An Indian on his way
to his reservation

is entitled to free transportation.

- I know of no such act.
- I resent your tone, sir.

If it's a matter of money,

well, I've got plenty of cash
here in my briefcase.

- You better have.
- Oh, this is ridiculous.

Absolutely absurd.

Would you like me to see
what I can do for them?

No. No, I'll do it.

Forgive me, Alfred.

- Yale, did you say?
- Yale, Harvard, Princeton.

Take your pick.

'You want your sons to have
a college education, don't you?'

- of course.
- And can you manage it on your salary?

You know darn well I can't.

All right, then. Be smart.

The moving picture business
is growing fast

and this dog's gonna
take the country by storm.

Watch. Burglar.

Pretty girl.

He certainly is clever.

Clever? You haven't seen
one-tenth of his bag of tricks.

And remember this,
no overhead, no salary,

no expenses other than his food,

and it's not gonna
cost you one dime.

I'm gonna cut you in
simply for being a good sport.

Well...

I can't very well put you off
in the middle of the desert.

How.

Let's have a good scene now, boys.

Make the audience believe it.
Make them believe it.

Now, take in the money.

Play that piano a little louder.

That's it.

Hey, Arthur.
About ready with that set?

All right, come on.
Liven it up.

Let's get going.

Girls, get in your position.

Let's run through it once again.

Sam, come over here.

Come on, move it along, will ya?

Hurry it up. Joe, get over there
and help 'em, will you?

We haven't got all day. Come on.

The hippodrome
was never like this, was it?

Frankly, no.

You people don't stay in one spot

long enough to get acquainted.

Well, with luck, we're through today.

When I tell you that I have
never been so high on a picture

you can believe me.

Annette is simply wonderful.

Now, if I could persuade you two
to postpone your honeymoon.

We leave tonight.

Oh, well, I was only thinking out loud.

Let's get some more seaweed
around that cave.

Keep that water coming.

It's holding 50,000 gallons now.

- Can't we raise the level?
- That's glass, you know.

We built it pretty solid
but why take chances?

All right, you're the doctor.

So, bill, do you think
we can go for a take?

Anytime.

- Robbie.
- Yes, sir?

Miss Kellerman in five minutes.

- Yes, sir.
- I'll get her.

Well, thanks, Mr. Harper.

- Yes?
- You're wanted on the set, darling.

Oh, all right, I'm ready.

Come in, Alfred.

Neptune's daughter.

Oh, Alfred, be careful.
My make-up.

Well, this is it, sweetheart.

Garvey says you're
all through after this scene.

You've been very patient
with all this, Alfred.

It's just a pose.

I've never been
more impatient in my life.

Is this what you're looking for?

Oh, yes. Yes, i-it's sort of
a good luck charm,

I... I wear it whenever
I'm performing a stunt and I...

silly, isn't it?

Well.

Yeah, sure.
Ready, Annette?

- Ready.
- Okay.

Let's get it the first time.

Places, everybody!

Good luck, honey.

When you get up to the top,
wave if you can't hear me.

Right.

All right, come on. Come on.
Move it along, boys, will ya?

All right, get that stuff out of here.

Come on. Come on. Hurry it up.

Clear the tank!
Girls, get ready!

Now remember, everybody.

As soon as she comes out
of the cave,

dive down and join.

Now stand by.
Let's get it the first take.

Annette, can you hear me?

Come forward a little bit.

- Whoa. That's it.
- Okay, we got her now.

- Okay, bill?
- Okay.

- Ready, sir?
- All right!

Music.

Camera.

Action!

All right, girls.
Get ready!

The glass is splitting!
Get her out of there!

- Look out!
- Miss Kellerman!

Get her out of there!
Get her out of there!

- Watch out. Watch out.
- Get the boards out.

Are you okay?

Please, nurse, I must see her.

I've been waiting here every day
for the past two weeks.

I'm sorry, sir. Strict orders
have been issued. No visitors.

Let me talk to the doctor.

If you'll wait,
I'll try to get a report for you.

Hello, Sullivan.

- Mr. Harper, I...
- I know.

Come along with me.
It's all right, grace.

How is she?

We'll know this morning.

Oh.

- Good morning, Mr. Harper.
- Good morning.

Doctor Vance is in
miss Kellerman's room.

Thank you.

- Good morning, doctor.
- Good morning.

This is Mr. Sullivan.

- Mr. Sullivan.
- How do you do?

- Is there any news?
- She's resting comfortably.

I think we were wise to operate.

When will she be able
to leave the hospital?

I don't know. I don't know.

Mr. Harper,
I think I can speak plainly.

Miss Kellerman's spine
has suffered a severe blow,

what we call
a spinal cord hematoma

now, we've relieved
the pressure, and fortunately

there was no severance
to the nerve tracts, but...

She will have to face the possibility

that she may not have the use
of her legs for some time.

Did you tell this to her?

She insisted on knowing
and I saw no reason to withhold it.

I'd rather she didn't have
any visitors right now.

I understand.

Thank you.

I know how much of a blow
this is, Mr. Harper,

but whatever is humanly possible to do,

we'll do for her.

The rest is up to miss Kellerman.

Her own recuperative powers,
her health, her will.

Thank you, doctor.
I know we're in very capable hands.

We'll check with you later in the day.

Very well.

Well, I...

Perhaps you would like
to sleep for a while.

Hello, baby.

I was just passing the hospital,
I thought I'd look in.

Jimmy.

I've been here every day
for the past two weeks.

That nurse downstairs is a clam.

She wouldn't tell me anything.

You're... you're looking swell.

I-I feel fine.

A little rocky, maybe but...

I'm gonna be up
and around in no time at all.

That's great.

I-It's just a sprain
or some such thing.

- How's doc?
- Fine.

- A-And... and your picture?
- Wrapped up, all finished.

We're taking the print
to New York tonight.

Oh.

I've heard nothing
but good things about it.

Imagine starring a dog.

Ah, what's his name?

Rin tin tin.

What a funny name.

- Chinese?
- French.

Annette, darling.

Jimmy.

Baby, don't let it get to you, please.

That doctor,
he may know medicine,

but there's lots of things
about people he doesn't know.

He doesn't know about a little girl

in a small inlet back in Australia.

They told her the same thing, too.

He doesn't know how she hobbled
every day to the water...

Learning to swim
before she could walk.

How she became
the greatest aquatic star in the world.

Oh, there's lots of things
that doctors don't know,

including what I once told you.

Wet, you're terrific.

Dry, you ought to marry some guy
and settle down.

Jimmy, I...

Well, I just wanted to tell you...

That you're gonna beat this thing,
baby, you and Harper.

- He's a terrific guy.
- Unlucky is a better word.

Alfred...

What Sullivan says is right, darling.

You'll beat this thing.

The same way you've beaten
everything else.

As for you,
I don't know why you should

get this kind of a break.

You don't rate it.

You struck gold once and
never had the sense to stake a claim.

You're a crazy, vagabond irishman

with both feet planted firmly in mid-air.

But you're what the doctor ordered.

Just see that you make her happy.

Alfred.

Goodbye, darling.

You'll be up and around soon
rehearsing a new act.

And when you do, remember,

I'm holding you to your
contract with the hippodrome.

Oh, yes.

This doesn't belong to me.

It doesn't belong to you either.