Private Number (1936) - full transcript

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Attention please!

I have an announcement to
make that concerns you all.

Mrs Winfield is returning
from Europe today.

As you know, that means I shall expect
even greater efficiency from the staff.

Any one of you who shows a
lack of respect .. or discipline ..

in the performance of duty,
shall be instantly dismissed.

Fix your tie.
- Uh, yes sir.

It may be better if you spent less
time trying to impress the maids.

And more time putting
a polish on your boots.

Is that a button loose on your tunic?

No, sir.



Go and sew it on At once.
- Yes, sir.

Straighten your cap.

Your apron needs pressing.
And your hair is most untidy.

Anything else?

For that remark, your
wages will be docked.

If there are any humorous comments to
be made around here, I shall make them.

Go and straighten your hair.

Well.

You're certainly a splendid
addition to the staff.

Look at your boots. Have you ever
tried pressing your trousers?

And what's this?

Oh.

Apparently, you think you can
eat your soup and have it too.

It's only my kindness of heart.



That keeps a man on here
after he's outlived his usefulness.

That's all. Dismissed.

Ha!

Now you've finished your
"German Army" inspection.

Maybe I can have the
girls shell a few peas.

Are you addressing me?
- I ain't addressing nobody else.

It's trouble enough getting dinner
for sixteen people tonight.

Without you cluttering up my
kitchen with your manoeuvres.

Why don't hire a Parade
Ground and get a band?

Mrs Frisbey, I warn you.

And I warn you: keep out of my kitchen.

Oh dear, oh dear. This breakage
will cost you something.

Let me see. Six large ..

There's something else I'll break
around here, and it might be your neck.

Four small plates, four
saucers and two cups.

[ Bird noises ]

Shut up.

[ Door buzzer ]

Looking for somebody?
- Yes.

I heard there was a job
open as a housemaid.

Oh, I'm afraid you're too late honey,
all the places have been filled.

Oh.

Oh, I'm sorry. I came as
quickly as I could.

See, I had to walk from
the end of the car line.

Walk?
- Yeah.

Why, that's a 3-mile hike. Why didn't
you take the bus from the car-line?

I uh .. I didn't have the bus-fare.

Oh .. well come on in.

Say, any dame that had walked that far
deserves a medal or something.

Here .. sit down.

Oh thanks.

Oh .. gee I'm tired.
- So am I.

So am I. Say, it's no cinch around here.

Doing upstairs work and taking
Mrs Winfield's pet poodle for an airing.

Besides being chamber-maid to the
silly parrot and three canaries.

I wish His Nibs would put
you on just to help me.

His Nibs?

Oh that's Wroxton, the butler. He does
all the hiring and firing around here.

Well, you know I really
need a job. I haven't a cent.

Gosh, that's tough.

Say, wait a minute.
I'll see what I can do.

Hello, hello. Who have we here?
- Hello.

Don't tell me you're going to work here?
- Oh, I hope so.

Well I hope so too. You know the maids
around here are not much to look at.

How many maids are there?

Five. Not counting
Madam's personal maids.

How long have you been here?
- Oh, about a year.

It's a nice place too. That is, if
you can get along with His Nibs.

Is he very difficult?

Oh, you won't have any
trouble. Not with your looks.

Okay kid, I think I've
got it all fixed for you.

You're awfully nice to do this.
- Oh skip it.

Now remember one thing. In a house like
this, the butler thinks he's a king.

Treat him like one.
- Alright. - Good luck.

Close the door.

Sit down.

You're quite young, aren't you?

Yes.

That's really no disadvantage.

Have you any references?

Yes.

I see you come from Pleasant Town.
- Yes.

How long have you been in New York?
- About .. two weeks.

"Reverend H. J. Trumbleigh."
Did you work for him?

Oh no. He was the pastor
at our church back home.

Now, what's this?

"Pleasant Town Business College?"

I completed a course there
in shorthand and typing.

Ha, ha .. do you mean
you've never been in service?

No .. but I'm very good
at housework. Really I am.

I employ only experienced help.

But in your case, I .. well I suppose
I could make an exception.

You seem bright. Going to start
you off as an upstairs maid.

Your wages are seventy-five dollars
a month. But you will be paid sixty.

You understand?

I allow one evening a week
off and every other Sunday.

Yes .. you mean I'm hired?

I'll give you a month's trial.

Thank you.

Oh one thing more.

As long as you are in this house.

You will be responsible only to me.

Is that clear?

Yes sir.

And if you make yourself "adaptable" ..

We shall get along quite well I think.

Thank you.

Hey. Hey, wait a minute.
How'd you make out?

Alright, but I couldn't work here.
That butler, oh he gives me the creeps.

Hey, now wait a minute. Wait a minute.

Well look, really I appreciate
you're trying but .. oh I can't.

Oh now relax. Let me tip you off.

If you go in for this sort of work,
there's a lot you must put up with.

But I don't like that man.

Who does? Why, his own mother
wouldn't speak to him.

But don't worry, he won't bother
you. I'll run interference for you.

Now, what do you say?

You're awfully nice to do this for me.
- Oh, just a girl-scout at heart.

By the way, what are your wages?
- That's something I didn't understand.

He said they'd pay me seventy-five
a month, but that I was to get sixty.

Oh sure, you're kicking fifteen
a month to him. That's his cut.

Say, how do you think
these butlers get rich?

They take a cut on everything that's
got for the house from flowers to fish.

Fish .. that reminds me. I have to
phone my boyfriend. Come on.

Oh Wroxton.
- Yes, Madam?

They'll be two more for dinner
tonight. That makes eighteen.

Be sure every thing's in perfect order.
- Yes, Madam.

Hello gorgeous.
- Hello.

These are for Madam
- Thanks. I'll take them up to her.

Say, you're new, aren't you?

Well, I'm not old.
- I haven't seen you before.

And I don't miss much.
- Is that so?

What's your night off?
- Tonight.

Swell. How about a dance tonight?
- I'll let you know tomorrow.

Come here, sweetness.
- Hey, wait a minute.

Enough of that.
Go on, get out of here.

Listen, I'm not taking
any orders from you.

When you're in this house,
you're in my territory.

Oh yeah?

Possibly, you have forgotten
that little incident?

The night you took the town car without
permission, and smashed it up.

Go on. Get out!

Oh Ellen.
- Yes, sir?

In future, if any of the staff
annoy you, report it to me.

Very good, sir.

The point is, I will not tolerate
any misconduct whatsoever.

Oh, by the way, Ellen. Come here.

I'm not at all satisfied with the
way my room is being done.

I think I should like
you to look after it.

Oh Mr Wroxton, I'd .. I'd
rather not do your room.

Dear child, if one's in service it isn't
a question of what one would rather do.

It's a question of what one must do.
If one wishes to continue working.

That's all.
- Yes, sir.

Robert asked me to bring
these up to you, Madam.

Oh yes. Open them, please.
- Certainly.

Hello.

Hello darling. I'm sorry about tonight
dear. I won't be able to get down.

Important conference with
the Philadelphia crowd.

Oh Perry, that's rather a nuisance.

It leaves me high and dry
with eighteen for dinner.

It can't be helped dear.
I'm working like a dog.

Alright dear. I understand .. bye.

Oh, heavens it's wrinkled.
And I wanted to wear it tonight.

I can press it for you Mrs Winfield.
- Can you?

Well, you're a new girl aren't you?
- Yes, Madam.

What's your name?
- Ellen.

Alright Ellen. Please be quick.
- Yes, certainly.

You've done this very nicely, Ellen.
- Thank you.

How long have you been here?
- A month today.

Ellen, let me see your teeth.

Oh very nice.

I've had a lot of trouble
with my personal maids.

One was a kleptomaniac.
Another wanted to be a tap-dancer.

And the last one was always asking
for a day off to go to the dentist.

Thank goodness you won't need
many days off for the dentist.

Oh. Thank you Madam.

Hello Frederick.
- Glad to see you, sir.

Welcome home Mr Richard.
- Hello, Wroxton.

Very well, thank you.
You're looking fit, sir.

If I were any fitter, they'd have
to put me in a straight-jacket.

Hello Gracie. How are you?

Hello, Mr Richard. It's good
to see you home again.

Thank you. Where's mother?
- She's upstairs.

Okay. Come on, boy.

Say, Gracie. Who's that?
- That's Winfield Junior. He lives here.

Not a bad idea, eh?

Go on, clean your bird cages.

Maggie!

Oh, darling.

The world's most attractive woman.
- Well you're not so repulsive yourself.

Tell me. Did you pass your exams?
- All of them.

Oh, I really worked this year.
Look at these Grey hairs.

Yes, I see them.

Hamlet .. hello Hamlet.

Remind me to order a dozen prime
steaks for your luncheon.

Speaking of food, you're going to
have 100 guests for supper tonight.

Oh Dickie, why didn't you let me know?
- I didn't know until this morning.

I sent a telegram to everyone in
Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Yes, you would. Alright, I'll phone
the caterer. What shall it be?

Champagne cup and cold supper?

No .. a cold supper and a hot orchestra.
- Alright darling. Anything you say.

Where are you going?

I have an errand to do for
Mrs Winfield. Have you seen her?

Yes, she's in the living room.
- Thanks, Gracie. - Okay.

Hello there.
- Oh, good evening.

What are you wandering around
out here for? The party's in there.

Excuse me.

I know. It doesn't matter if you're
not dressed. Half of them aren't.

Come on. We're wasting time.
- Oh, I can't go in there.

Alright, it's too crowded
anyway. We'll dance out here.

Oh but really, I ..

Thank you for the dance.
- It was fun while it lasted, wasn't it?

You know .. this may sound silly,
but .. I don't know who you are.

Not that it really makes any difference.

Doesn't it?
- No. Not all.

I discovered you myself. That's the
smartest thing I've done this evening.

Thank you.

But, just as a matter of statistics,
you know .. who are you?

Who am I?

You really want to know?
- Uhuh.

I'm your mother's maid.

Excuse me, please.

I beg your pardon, sir.

I beg your pardon, sir. Your
guests are going into supper.

Oh yes. Thank you Wroxton.

Ahem.

Yes, what is it? Oh, your wages.
- Yes, sir.

There you are.

I want to ask you a favor, sir.
- What?

I'm in trouble sir, and .. well, I ..

I wondered if you would let me pay you
five dollars this month, instead of ten?

For what reason?

My wife's in the hospital. They are
going to operate on her on Saturday.

And I need every cent I can get.
- I'm sorry Graham, you know the rules.

Hello.
- Good evening.

Mr Wroxton.

Well, Ellen.

You're looking very smart this evening.
- Thank you.

Rather a bit of luck for you, eh?

Promoted to Mrs Winfield's personal
maid. And you get ninety a month, now.

Thank you.

How much do I give to you?
- Oh, nothing.

You keep it. You may
need it for something.

Well, I'd rather do what
the other servants do.

Ellen.

I told you I was going to
make an exception of you.

After all, you're an exceptional girl.

That dress is most becoming to you.

I suppose you're going into the city?
- Yes .. this is my night out.

There's no hurry, is there?
- Well, I ..

There's several things I want to talk
to you about. Won't you sit down?

Brandy?
- No thank you.

But this is special brandy.
I think you'll like it.

No thank you, really.
I don't care for it.

I'm interested in you, my dear.

Very much interested.

Thank you. I uh .. I've tried to
do my work as well as I could.

I want you to uh ..

I want you to get ahead .. in every way.

[ Door knocks ]

Yes, who is it?

Excuse me .. come on honey,
or we'll miss that bus.

Yeah, I uh .. I have
to go now .. goodnight.

Yeah, goodnight boss. Pleasant dreams.

Goodbye.

Phew. Boy, that was a narrow escape.

Hey, this is the first
blind-date I've ever had.

I hope your boyfriend brings
someone who can really dance.

Last time he brought a Corporal of The
Marines. He was as handsome as Gable.

And Gable ain't bad.
- I'll say not.

I beg your pardon, Miss. I think
you dropped this back there.

Oh gee, I didn't know I dropped it.
Oh, thank you so much.

Oh that's alright. I thought
you might like to have it back.

I'll say I would.

Well uh, would you like to dance?

Oh, no thanks really.

You see, I'm waiting for someone.

Oh, I see.

Hey, that was awful nice of him.
My whole month's salary is in there.

Boy, you were lucky that time.
Now take care of it.

Hey, there he is. Hey, Smiley. Come on.

Hi. Hello Smiley.
- Hi, Gracie.

Well, here we are.
- Okay.

Don't bother to get up.

This is the girlfriend I was telling
you about. Miss Ellen Neal.

Hello little lady.
- How do you do.

Smiley Watson's the name. Any friend
of Grace's is tea-for-two with me.

You see.
- Sit right down.

Have I got a surprise for you.

Hey Gus O' .. come here.

Hiya Gus.

Girls, meet Gus Rilovitch.

Champion wrestler of the Navy.
Gus, say hello to the girls.

Go on. Say hello.

Hello.

The boy is smart as a whip.
Sit right down, Gus.

Come on. Sit down boy. Come on Gus.

Turn on the old personality
and liven up the party.

This will be something.

Oh, come on Gus. Say something.

Argghhhh .. say something.

For heaven's sake, say something.

Hello.

Ha, ha. Is that marvellous?

Never told him what
to say. Smart as a whip.

Just made it up. A trigger-mind,
that's what he is. A trigger-mind.

Hi kiddies. Hey, can I have a dance?
- Who? With me? Hooo!

No, not you .. I mean you, baby.

Wait a minute, buddy. This is my
party, and this is my sweetheart.

Hi, hon ..

Wait a minute, I don't want to appear
too tolerant, or even too convalescence.

But I'm not going to stand here
and have you tolerate me.

And I'm the guy that
can do it. Now scram.

Aw, now listen Itsy-Bitsy.
- Itsy-Bitsy?

Will you wait a minute? All I want
to do is dance with the dame.

Dame?

You going to let him get away with that?

Who me?
- Yeah, you.

Not me. Hoo haa. You, Gus O. Take him.

Do something. And don't say "hello".

Denzil, get the boys. Peggy, come on.

Come on boys, everybody,
take him. Take him.

Gracie!

I beg your pardon, Miss.
Is there anything wrong?

Yes, plenty.

I saw the fight start in the dance-hall,
and I saw that you were mixed up in it.

I wondered if you were hurt?
- No, I'm not hurt.

But someone stole every
cent of money I had.

I wouldn't go back into there if I
were you. It's turned into a riot.

Yes, I know, but I've
got to find my money.

I haven't a cent and
I've got to go home.

Well that's okay.
I'll be glad to help you.

There's my car.

Oh, well I .. that's awfully nice
of you, but I couldn't do that.

You see, I don't know you.

Well, that makes us even.
I don't know you either.

I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll get the
Cop on the corner to introduce us.

Well .. well really, would you be
nice enough to drive me home?

Why, of course. That's what
I've been trying to tell you.

Alright.

Fourteen, red.

Fourteen, red.

Place your bets ladies and gentlemen.

[ Door buzzer ]

[ Door buzzer ]

Good evening Lulu.
- Good evening Mr Coakley.

Is Grandma home?
- Yes, sir. She's home.

Hello, Grandma.
- Hello Jimmy.

Well, how's tricks?

Now, grandma, I want you to
meet the future Mrs Coakley.

Oh really, you .. you
mustn't believe that.

Well Dearie, pleased to meet you anyhow.

You see, I was driving Miss Neal home,
and happened to pass by your place.

So, I thought we'd drop
in for a little while.

Well, that is nice of you, Jimmy.

Suppose you take the little
lady into the parlor.

Thanks Grandma.

I'll join you immediately, Dearie.
You run along with Jimmy.

Well, uh make yourself
comfortable. Have a seat.

Thank you.
- How about a little music?

Cigarette?
- No thanks. I don't smoke.

Okay, Lulu.
- Okay.

[ Pop! ]

I don't think I should have come here.
I want you to take me home now.

Oh, don't be like that.
The evening's still young.

Here, try a little of this .. there's
nothing like champagne.

Bottoms up.

Who did you say lived here?

My Grandmother.

Your Grandmother, huh?

Oh, she's a great old gal. You'll love
her when you get acquainted with her.

Oh Jimmy, I want to see you a moment.

Don't go away. I'll be right back.

What is it? What do you want?

Now listen. I told you before, I will
not have you bringing strangers here.

Especially dames. They talk too much.
- Ah, she doesn't know what time it is.

If you worry, I won't take
her in the gambling room.

We'll have a couple of
drinks and then we'll blow.

[ Buzzer ]

It's the Cops!

It's a raid! You'd better
get out of here quickly.

Two men upstairs. Five men in that room.

Come on out of there, sister.

No. You can't arrest me.
I haven't done anything.

Come on, let's get going.

No, no. Let me go!
- Come on now, get out of here.

Hello?
- Mr Wroxton?

Oh, Mr Wroxton, something
terrible has happened to me.

An accident?
- No. No, I'm not hurt.

I went dancing, and, well,
there was a terrible mix-up.

It wasn't my fault,
but I've been arrested.

I lost all my money,
so I can't pay my fine.

They're going to put me in jail.
- Oh.

Well?

What do you expect me to do about it?

Well I, I didn't know who else to go to.

I thought maybe you'd help me.
- I see.

Alright. I'll be along in an hour.

You know I still can't
believe it happened.

To think that a perfectly harmless
evening could turn out like that.

You do believe me, don't you?
- Of course, my dear.

But you must admit that being
arrested is a very serious matter.

If it were found out, you would
never get another job you know.

I don't know how to thank
you for helping me out.

I've tried to make it
clear to you Ellen.

That I have your interests at heart.

By the way, my dear.

I suppose you know the family leave
leave for Maine the day after tomorrow.

They're going up to their
camp for the Summer.

Of course, none of the
staff goes with them.

Maids and footmen will be
laid off until September.

However .. I'm keeping you on.

Thank you.

It will be very pleasant, without
so many people around.

Gracie! Gracie, I've got the
most wonderful news for you.

Don't tell me. Wroxton's got smallpox!

No. But it's Wroxton I'm
looking for. Come on.

Mr Wroxton.
- Yes?

We're leaving. Gracie and I. Right away.
- Leaving?

But I told you, you were
staying here for the Summer.

Oh no. We're going to
Maine with the family.

Going to Maine? I gave no such orders.

I just talked with Mrs Winfield and she
asked me tell you .. isn't it wonderful?

Oh yes. Quite wonderful, I'm sure.

I knew you'd think so. Come on Gracie.

Oh goodbye.

What are you doing?
Oh yes. That's enough.

Oh gee, isn't it wonderful up here.

Just smell that fresh air.
- Not me. I'm afraid of fresh air.

Why, it'll take you six months to
get it out of your lungs.

Take my grandfather for instance.

He lived in Flatbush for 65 years
and never had a window open.

Then he marries a gymnasium teacher.

On their wedding night she opens up a
window, he gets pneumonia and croaks.

Not for me.

Say Gracie. Who is that?

Oh, that's the girl they want
young Winfield to marry.

She's coming up here next month.

Pretty.
- Hmm. She'll do in a pinch.

Hello there.
- Good morning.

Have you seen Mrs Winfield?

Yes. She just went down to the village.

Oh.

How do like it up here in the wilds?
- Oh, I love it.

It gets uh, kinda lonesome
sometimes, doesn't it?

Uhuh.

Of course, there's a ..

A movie theater down in the village
where they show all the latest pictures.

Oh.

Next week, they're
running "Birth Of A Nation".

Maybe we could drive
down some night, huh?

Why know I couldn't do that.
- Why not?

Well, because .. this is your house
and I'm only a servant in it.

Well, here we go.

Say, no kidding. Where
did you get that suit?

Pretty cute huh?
I bought it from the cook.

One gust of wind and you could take off.
- Ah, you're just jealous.

Out of my way, I want plenty of room.
It'll be high tide when I get in.

Hello there.
- Hello.

Remember me? The name is Winfield.

How do you do Mr Winfield.
- How are you?

Hey, how's the water?
- Oh, it's lovely.

Looks it .. for two cents I'd jump
in with you, clothes and all.

You'd better not.
- Why not?

Because this is the hour reserved
for the servants to go swimming.

Oh, I see. That's a very gentle
hint that I'm intruding, huh?

Oh no. Of course not, only ..

Let me tell you something. You've
got a lot of old-fashioned ideas.

In this day and age we
believe in social equality.

I'll believe in it too when
I'm able to hire servants.

Look, will you do me a favor?
- What?

Stop reminding yourself that
you are working for my family.

Well, I ..

You know, it's just an accident that
I'm not working for your family.

If luck had gone the other way, I might
have been your chauffeur. Who knows?

Hey, incidentally, I think I'd make
a pretty handy man around the house.

So there's no more of
that nonsense. Right?

Right.
- Hey!

I can't stay here much longer. I'm
frozen stiffer than a cold-storage duck.

Well, go on. Get out of the water.
- That's just the point. I can't.

I've floated out of my bathing suit.

So you'd better go on. You don't
want that girl to freeze, do you?

Say, maybe you need a little
thawing out yourself. Come on.

Oh I don't think .. be careful.

Oh, that's marvellous.
You're very good at that.

Thank you. Come on.
You have a go. You try it.

No, no, I don't think I want to.
- Come on. It's very easy.

Go ahead. Take the gun.
- Well.

What do I do now?

This thing here goes right
against your shoulder.

Okay, you see what I mean?
- Yeah. I got it.

Alright.
- Now what?

Well, this finger goes in here.

This finger here goes on the trigger.
- Yeah.

No, no, no. Inside.

In there.
- In the trigger. Yeah, I see.

Then you .. then you uh, look
down the barrel, this long thing.

And you sight over the end, that
little thing. See what I mean?

Now what do I do? Pull the trigger?
- No, you don't pull the trigger at all.

You squeeze, very gently.

Yeah?
- Very gently.

I think you'd better let
me do the squeezing.

Alright .. you ready?

Ready.
- Hold your breath.

I'm holding it.

Here. You take it! I don't want it.
- Hey, wait a minute.

Here, try it again.
- No. No more of that for me.

Oh come on, come on.
- No. Besides, I've got to go now.

What's your hurry?

Well, I must be back before 4 o'clock.
- Mother doesn't need you.

It's very easy ..
- Now, wait a minute.

You're forgetting it's your family
that's having the vacation.

I'm only here to do what I'm told.
- Well then, do what you're told.

Sit down.

Yes, sir.

I have some complaints to make.
- About me, sir?

Yes, about you.
- But sir, I've been working very hard.

Too hard. That's what
I'm complaining about.

Now, Thursday's your day off, isn't it?
- Yes, sir.

Alright. After this, I want you to
take Tuesdays and Saturdays too.

And Sundays and every evening.

Oh my, but you're a hard
hearted man, Mr Winfield.

Ellen.

The music isn't doing me any good.

Let's hop in the boat,
go over to the dance-hall.

In this little outfit?

Oh, take off the apron. You'll look
like something out of Vogue.

I couldn't be seen in public
with you. You know that.

Well.

We haven't many more nights up here.

I just found out yesterday that we're
leaving at the end of the week.

College begins next Thursday.

Oh, it's been heavenly up here.

I'm going to miss it.

You know, Dick.

Ever since I was a little girl, I always
get sad when my birthday comes round.

Because that means that Summer's over.

You don't mean that
today is your birthday?

Hmm.

Well congratulations.
- Thank you.

I was born in September too.
- Were you?

Uhuh. Now we have something
in common, haven't we?

Uhuh.

Come here a minute.

Dick .. tell me something.

The answer is "yes".
- No, I mean something else.

Oh, when you do that, how do you expect
me to remember what I'm talking about?

Then don't talk.
- No, seriously.

It's about that girl.

The one who was supposed to
come up here last month.

I had mother call her off.

Oh, darling.

Don't you know by this time
that there is no-one else.

Hmm?

Oh, Ellen.

Yes?

Mrs Winfield wants you right away.

Oh, gee, I got to go.

Goodbye.

Hurry back. I'll meet
you at the boat-house.

Yes, Mrs Winfield?
- Oh, Ellen.

I'm sorry to spoil your evening out, but
there are some things I want you to do.

Yes, Madam.
- Start by opening those boxes.

Why, certainly.

You don't mind working
tonight, do you Ellen?

Why .. why, no Madam.

Yes, that's right. Now
hold it up so I can see.

Hmm .. it will do.

You'll look very pretty in it.

I ..?

It's my birthday present for you.

Oh .. oh, that's so nice
of you Mrs Winfield.

How did you know it was my birthday?

I heard the cook ordering
18 candles for your cake.

Oh, you're so sweet
and thoughtful of me.

Oh, nonsense child, you deserve it.

Thank you, Madam.

Don't forget the hat.

A hat?

Oh, isn't that darling.

There. How do I look in it?

Perfectly charming. Now, hurry and
dress if you're going out tonight.

But I thought you wanted
me to work tonight?

Surely, you don't think I'd have
you work on your birthday?

Well, thank you.

I'm sure your "best boy" will
find you irresistible tonight.

There is a "best-boy" I suppose?

Yes. Yes there is.

One of the town boys?

Uhuh.

Well, don't let yourself be fooled
by these Summer-Resort romances.

You're too nice a girl.

Alright dear, that's all. Goodnight.

Goodnight.
- Have a grand time.

Yes, thank you. Goodnight.

Dick.

Remember me?

Do you like it?
- Where did you get it?

Your mother gave it to
me on my birthday.

She did, huh? Well if my mother can
give you a birthday present, so can I.

Oh, darling, be careful. You'll drop me.

Here we go.

Thank you.
- Alright. Now you sit right there.

We'll be off in just a minute.

Dick, where are we going?

We're going over to that
dance across the lake.

Darling.
- What?

I've made a big decision.
- What's that?

We're going to be married .. tonight.

Oh, but ..

I've .. I've thought it all over.

I realize that you're everything
I want in the world.

I'd be a fool to let you get away.

I don't want to get away.
- I know.

Anything can happen when two people are
separated. I don't want to take chances.

But darling ..
- Now listen.

I'm not a child.

I know what I'm doing and I know
what I want. What I want is you.

Oh, you're such an angel, Dick.

Don't you see, darling ..
- Now, listen.

I've got to finish my senior year.
- Yes.

And I'd like to think you'd
be waiting for me.

Then, when I've graduated,
we'll go to my family and I'll say ..

Well, here we are. How about
that old parental blessing?

I know that there going to be
just as proud of you as I am.

Well, that's a very sweet
speech, and I love you for it.

But don't you see. It wouldn't work out.

It couldn't.
- Why not?

Your family.

They're modern, broad-minded people.

I know. Your mother is the sweetest
woman I've ever known.

She's very fond of you.
- As her maid, yes.

She wouldn't be if I suddenly
walked in as her daughter-in-law.

Believe me Dick. I know
what I'm talking about.

Well, if that worries you
darling, forget my family.

We can get along without them.
- Do you think I'd let you do that?

Oh no, I love you too much.

Then why not?

I'm talking about "love" Dick.

You're talking about marriage.

I couldn't marry you because ..

Well, it would just be a mistake.

That's all.

Look at me.

Hazel, come here.

When are you planning to
do your share of this silver?

I don't have to do the silver.
- Oh you don't? Well ..

Mr Wroxton told me I needn't.
- Mr Wroxton, eh?

Well, just because you're
stuck on him, is no reason ..

Enough of that.

Hazel.

You will take your orders from me.

Thanks Mr Wroxton.

Listen to me, Mr Wroxton. I'm used
to running my kitchen to suit myself.

We live to learn, Mrs Frisbey. In this
house, you run your kitchen to suit me.

Well, son, I'd like to hear
from you once in a while.

Even when you're not asking for money.

Well, someone has to help you spend it.
- Goodbye darling. Drive carefully.

Bye-be Maggie, and be a good girl.

See you at thanksgiving?
- You may see me before that.

Goodbye Wroxton.
- Goodbye sir.

Come on, Hamlet.

Oh, I was so afraid you were
going without saying goodbye.

[ Dog barks ]

You see, he loves you too.

I think I'm going to leave him with you.

Oh but Dick, what will they say?
- What's the difference?

I want him to keep an eye on you. He'll
give me a report on everything you do.

Oh, I hate to see you go.

I'll be thinking about you, darling.

Oh, that's so easy to say now, Dick.

You'll be seeing so many pretty girls.
- Now ..

They may be there.

But I won't see them.

I'll write to you every day.

We only have a minute,
darling .. hold me close.

Hmm.

I'd better go now.

We won't say goodbye.

Well, he's gone now. I hope we
don't miss him too much.

Who is it?

It is I.

Yes?

There's something important
I have to say to you.

Well?

I never get a chance to see you alone.

There's always so many
stupid people around.

Ellen. - Please go.
- Don't be a fool.

Why Gracie's in the next room.
- I know it is Gracie's night off.

Are you out of your mind?
- Possibly.

Thanks to you ..

You know .. you've become ..

An obsession with me.

All these months you've
avoided me as if you hated me.

Very well, then. Suppose you do hate me.
Sometimes it makes it more interesting.

I don't want to talk about it.
Please go!

When I go, you are going with me.
Ellen .. I want to marry you.

Marry me?
- Oh, I've got money. Plenty of it.

I've been getting mine for
years, and I've been waiting.

Waiting for someone like you. You're not
like the others .. you've got breeding.

Class. I knew it the moment I saw you.

I've had my eye on you ever since.
I've watched you constantly.

Even when you didn't know
you were being watched.

You are everything I want.
- Oh, but that's impossible.

I'm in love with someone else.
- You'll forget him, whoever he is.

Please ..

No.

I think I'm beginning to understand.

Do you realize what you're saying?
- Certainly I do.

Are you positive of this?
- Of course I am.

I've been watching her all Fall.

Get my coat.

Not a word of this to anyone.
You understand?

Okay.

I beg your pardon, sir.

There's something rather
serious I must tell you.

Well, what is it?

If you don't mind, sir. It's something
that concerns the good of the household.

Oh come on Wroxton, don't
make a mystery out of it.

I'm sorry to inform you sir that ..

One of the maids is ..

Well, what about one of the maids?
Is she frightened by a mouse, or what?

No sir. She is going to have a baby.

A baby?

You don't mean?
- Yes, sir.

Oh, poor girl. Wroxton, which one is it?

This will distress you
particularly, Madam.

You've been very kind to the girl.

Not .. not Ellen?

Yes, Madam.

Oh, I can't believe it.
- Unfortunately Madam, it's true.

Well, give her two weeks
wages and let her go.

But Perry, this isn't
any ordinary servant.

I've gotten to know the girl.
I've grown fond of her.

My dear, you're not proposing to
turn our pantry into a nursery?

Give her 2 week's wages. Discharge her.
- Yes, sir.

Wroxton, you'll do nothing of the sort.

Send Ellen to me.

Very good, Madam.

Why talk to her?

I don't suppose you've ever
made a mistake in your life?

You are the perfect husband.

Yes, Madam?

Ellen, I can't tell you how
sorry I am we have to do this.

Really, I .. I ..

Well, I hardly know what to say to you.

What's she's trying to say is, we
understand you're in difficulty.

What have you been saying about me?

What I said .. was for the good
of Mr Winfield's household.

Wroxton, I will speak with Ellen alone.
- Yes, Madam.

Ellen, sit down.
- Yes, Madam.

Is there .. is there anything
you want to tell me?

I uh ..

Come on answer us.
- Perry.

Is what Wroxton said true?

I've nothing to be
ashamed of .. I'm married.

Oh you're married? That's a convenient
story .. who are you married to?

I uh .. I can't tell you.

Ellen, you say you have
nothing to be ashamed of.

Why can't you say who your husband is?
- Oh, Mrs Winfield, I just can't.

Oh, what's the use of arguing with her.

I won't tolerate this sort of
thing among the servants.

If you can't prove you're
married, you'll have to go.

Very well, sir.
- Ellen.

You know you can trust me.
- Please, you're making it harder.

Now, just a minute .. I was prepared
to treat you with every courtesy.

Give you your wages, perhaps
even a good reference.

All this mystery only makes
me more suspicious.

Why? What do you mean?

I'm just a little too intelligent
to be taken in by it.

You'll pack your things
and leave tonight.

Oh Perry, please.
- I mean what I say.

Let her alone!

You can't talk to her that way.

Can't you see she's trying to
protect somebody? - Gracie!

No, I'm going to tell them.

You want to know who her husband is?
- Gracie, shut up.

It's your son.

Is this another one of your tricks?

There's no trick to it. Every
word I've told you is the truth.

Get out of here.
- Go on Gracie, please.

Go on.
- Well.

Alright. I'll wait for you outside.

Oh, Mrs Winfield, I'm so sorry.
I didn't want to tell you like this.

I hope you don't hate me .. you see,
Dick and I did love each other.

The whole thing is a lie. I don't
believe you're married.

It's not a lie, it's the truth.

Dick and I were married in
Maine on the 3rd September.

Ellen, will you leave us
alone for a moment please.

Yes, certainly.

Well .. this is a fine mess.

So he's married .. blasted
young fool .. and to a servant.

Oh, don't carry on like
a Spanish Grandee.

Let's try to look at
this thing sensibly.

Ellen is a perfectly decent girl
- You mean you'd accept her?

We couldn't do otherwise.
After all, she's Dick's wife.

Beg your pardon, sir. There is something
further, I feel it my duty to tell you.

Haven't you told us about
enough for one evening?

I am acting solely in
your interests, sir.

Because of my loyalty to the family,
and my .. affection for Mr Richard.

I've no choice but
to tell you all I know.

It must be obvious. The girl engineered
this marriage merely for one purpose.

To obtain money from you. It's a perfect
arrangement for blackmail, sir.

Nonsense. Ellen wouldn't
do such a thing.

Ellen Neal has a Police record, Madam.

A Police record. What did I tell you?

Wroxton, do you know what you're saying?
- Yes, Madam.

Oh, please Ellen.

Gracie, you may go.

Ellen .. I want you to
tell me the truth.

Were you ever arrested?

Yes, I was .. but you see it was
all a mistake. I ..

It was not a mistake.

She was arrested and held. Her name
can be found on the Police blotter.

I paid the fine myself.
- But ..

I have the receipt here.

Well .. what do you think of that?

Mrs Winfield, you've always trusted ..
- I'm sorry, Ellen, but ..

This rather changes everything.

Look here young woman. I'm going
to be very generous in this situation.

I'll give you $5,000 to settle.

I don't want your money.
I wouldn't take anything from you.

The only thing I want to do
is get out of this house.

I hope I never see any of you again.

You're treating me like a criminal,
just because I love your son.

No, I'm not good enough for him.

I'm only good enough
to have his .. baby.

If you permit me, sir.

I shall see to it that she causes
you no further annoyance.

Dinner is served, Madam.

Hello Hamlet. You've got
to stay here. Go on.

And that's the facsimile
of the Police blotter.

Yes, but it might be a mistake.
- There's no mistake about this. Look.

There's the receipt Wroxton
got when he paid her fine.

You don't understand. I love Ellen,
and I'm going to stick to her.

I don't care what anybody says.

But, darling. We're only doing
this for your own good.

The whole thing will be cleared
up as soon as I talk to her.

Well, she's gone.

You sent her away?

No, she ran away. Because
she realized the game was up.

Did you offer her money?
- Yes. $5,000.

She didn't take it, did she?
- No.

Of course she didn't. Doesn't
that prove she's on the level?

If she was the type you think, she'd
have stayed and held you for plenty.

Why .. it's all part of a
very smooth scheme.

She knew she would get more
sympathy, and more money.

If she waited until the baby was born.

Baby?

Dick, do you mean to
say you didn't know?

No .. she didn't tell me.

Do you think I'd have left her?

She made me go back to college.
She wouldn't take any money.

Now, do you see what you've done?

Where did she go?
- We don't know.

Wroxton.

Wroxton!
- Yes, sir?

You know where Ellen went?
- No. She said nothing to the others.

What of her friend, Gracie. Where's she?
- I regret sir. Gracie has also left.

Dick .. where are you going?

I'm going to find Ellen.
- Don't be a fool.

Leave it to me, I'll get
you out of this mess.

Whatever mess there is, you've made.

Dick!

Excuse me, sir.

If any letter should come from
Miss Ellen, addressed to your son ..

What are my instructions?

Wroxton .. I didn't
hear a word you said.

I understand, sir.

[ Baby crying ]

Goodness. Never a minute of
peace, the way you carry on.

Take it.

[ Door knocks ]

Gracie.
- Ellen.

Oh Gracie. How are you? Oooo!

Am I glad to see you.
- Hi Smiley, how are you?

Fine. And you look swell, honey.

Wait a minute. There's
the person I want to see.

Oh .. ain't he cute?

Gosh, Ellen, he looks just like you.
- Oh, heaven forbid.

Ga, ga, ga, ga, ga, ga, ga, ga, ga, gag!

Cut that out, stupid.

Hide your face. Want to frighten him?
- Oh, he's alright.

He was sick for a while, but
he's doing beautifully now.

Gee, honey. You had a
tough time of it didn't you.

By the way, who are the
people you're staying with?

They're friends from back home. They say
I can stay here until I get on my feet.

Oh that's swell. You know things are
picking up with me too. I've got a job.

Oh Gracie, that's marvellous.
What are you doing?

I'm a Ladies-Room
attendant at a gas-station.

Oh, the work's a little bohemian,
but you meet lots of interesting people.

Oh, I almost forgot. Here's
a present for the kid.

Oh Gracie, you shouldn't have done that.

You've done so much for me. I don't
know how I'm going to pay you back.

Shut up.

Oh, Gracie, isn't that
a darling little size.

I hope it fits.
- Coö-ee!

And here's something for the
little canary too. - Oh thanks.

I haven't seen this.
- Say, you're awful lucky getting this.

Now there's a bright idea.

What would a baby be doing
with an umbrella, stupid?

Well, it might rain.

Yes?

Ellen Neal?

It's her alright.

It sure is.

We got a letter for you, Miss Neal.

What's the matter? Anything wrong?

Hey Ellen, what's wrong?
Let me see that.

Well, how do you like that?
From their lawyer.

"Dear Madam."

"This is to inform you that, on behalf
of our client, Mr Richard Winfield."

"We've started legal procedures to annul
your marriage on grounds of fraud."

"We suggest your attorney consult
with us at the earliest possible date."

Oh, they're cockroaches.

Ellen.

If they annul your marriage for fraud,
do you know what that makes your baby?

Oh Gracie, they wouldn't
do that. They couldn't.

Oh they couldn't eh? They've got
money. They can do anything.

Ellen, there's just one thing
for you to do. Fight back.

Yes. Yes, of course I will .. but how?

I got just the guy. Sam Stapp,
the mouthpiece.

That's his lawyer.
- And a good lawyer.

Quiet. How quick can we
get in touch with him?

Where's the phone?

In the grocery store, four
miles down the road.

Come on. Let's get going. Hurry up.

You've got to go through with it.

Are you going to let the Winfields drag
you into court? Treat you as a burglar?

I just can't believe that
Dick would do such a thing.

Dick? Why, he's the one who's suing you.

Oh, listen. Don't tell me you still
believe he had no part in this?

Why, he's just as much to
blame as his whole family.

What about those letters you sent
him? Did he ever answer you?

Well, no, but ..
- Did he ever try to see you?

No. Why, you never heard
a word from him.

Now listen to me, little lady.

They're going to sue you
for an annulment. Okay.

We'll slap back a counter-suit at them
so fast it will make them dizzy.

But the first thing we got to do is to
establish you as Mrs Richard Winfield.

Well, how are we going to do that?

Well, you've been living
in the country incognito.

Quiet! Sam will do the talking.
- Now, look.

You've been living out on that farm as
Mrs Smith. Well, that won't do at all.

What we got to do
is bring you to town ..

And set you up in a first-class
apartment as "Mrs Winfield".

Apartment, nothing. Make it a penthouse.
- But I couldn't. Who'd pay for it?

That's the hot one. Say ..

A million women in this town would do
anything but murder to be in your shoes.

Who's going to pay for it?
Why, the Winfields of course.

Well, Dick, we can't go ahead until
you've signed this complaint.

I won't sign it .. I didn't know
anything about an annulment.

Darling, please believe that what
we're doing is for your good.

Yeah .. a lot you care about my good.

Haven't you hurt us enough?

Staying away all these months.

All this chatter is getting us nowhere.

It may bring you to your senses ..

To really see what a smart
little gold-digger you've married.

You mean you've found her?
- Wroxton located her.

Where is she?

She's living at 772 Park Avenue sir.

Park Avenue?

In an apartment that costs
a thousand dollars a month.

And you're supposed to pay the rent. And
I'll tell you something else she's done.

She's gone all over town, running
up bills, charging them to you.

Look at that! Over eight thousand
dollars’ worth of bills.

All charged to Mrs Richard Winfield.
Have you got the money to pay them?

She wouldn't do a thing like that.
- Oh wouldn't she?

Suppose you run up to 772 Park
Avenue and see for yourself?

Come on. Break it up, honey.
Don't be so sad.

You know the old saying "what's
good for the goose is good for .."

Hey, come on. Take a drink.

This will either pick you up or knock
you down. I don't know which.

No thanks, Smiley.
- I'll take it.

Hmm. You'll take anything.
- Nothing bothers me but a Mickey.

That's a good idea. I'll remember that.

Oh come on sweet.

Well .. Mrs Winfield. You're a success.

Just look at that
publicity we're getting.

Well.
- Oh boy.

I think it's disgusting.

Now, honey, you're not
turning softy on us are you?

No. But I'm sorry we started this
whole mess in the first place.

Mrs Winfield.
- Yes?

Mr Winfield's here.

Dick?

No. I can't see him.
- Can't? Just a minute.

You're not going to see him? I thought
you had some backbone.

Oh, but Gracie.
- You let him bust up your whole life.

After all you've been through, he sneaks
up and sues you, to annul your marriage.

Why, I'd give that heel a
blast he'd never get over.

But you haven't got the
nerve. Even for your kid.

Alright .. ask Mr Winfield to step in.

Will you step in please.
- Thank you.

Ellen, I'd uh, like to
speak to you alone.

Anything you have to say to me
you can say in front of my friends.

Alright. I want to ask you one question.

Yes?

Is it true that you were arrested
last Spring in a raid?

Yes .. what about it?

I guess they were right .. that
makes me pretty stupid doesn't it.

Hello Mr Rollins.
- Hello Dick.

That annulment paper, you still got it?
- Yes, it's right here.

Right, let's have it. I'm ready to sign.

I thought you'd see it our way.
It's the sensible thing to do.

Bring him in.

I wish you'd tell me what this is about.
- Shut up.

Is this the guy?

Yes.

You know this little lady?

Why yes, I ..

Well, she's got a lawsuit coming
up and we want you as our witness.

You'll, uh, testify won't you?

Well, I'll do anything that I can.
- Fine.

Now, our case comes up Monday.
When we get you into court ..

I want you to get up on that witness
stand and tell exactly what happened.

Do you swear the testimony you give will
be the truth and nothing but the truth?

I do.

When you entered the Winfield home as a
maid you knew they had a son, didn't you.

No!

You must have known they had money.

I object your honor.

On the grounds that the question is
irrelevant, incompetent and immaterial.

Objection sustained.

You were not a servant before you
entered the Winfield home, were you?

No.

But you became a servant for the purpose
of attracting their son, didn't you?

That's a lie!

You tricked young Winfield
into marrying you.

I object.
- Objection sustained.

Trying to get money from
the Winfields, are you?

I'm not trying to get anything
for myself. Only for my baby.

I didn't ask the Winfields for money.

They wouldn't have heard from me if they
hadn't chose to get my marriage annulled.

I don't care what they did to me.
But I won't have them hurt my baby.

I married Dick Winfield because I
loved him .. I'll always love him.

That baby is mine and his, and all the
money in the world can't change that.

That's all.

No questions.

That's all. You may step down.

Thank you.

Call Thomas Wroxton.
- Thomas Wroxton.

Please take the stand.

You're the butler in Mr Winfield's
home, aren't you?

Yes, sir.

On the night of May 3rd last year, did
you get a phone call from Ellen Neal?

From a Night Court in New York?
- I did sir.

Tell us exactly what happened.

Well, sir, she had been arrested.

In a questionable resort owned and
operated by a woman known as ..

"Grandma Gammon".
I paid her fine myself.

Is this the receipt
for Ellen Neal's fine?

Yes sir. It is.

Your witness.

No questions.

Don't worry. Wait until we put our
witness "Coakley" on the stand.

I'm going to blow this
case higher than a kite.

Call James Coakley.

James Coakley.

Please take the stand.

What's happened? They've
called him as their witness.

Do you swear the testimony you give will
be the truth and nothing but the truth?

I do.

What is your name?
- James Coakley.

Please relate the circumstances of
your first meeting with Ellen Neal.

I was sitting in my car at the corner
of 45th Street and 6th Avenue.

Go on.

She passed by the car,
and gave me the eye.

She had a cigarette in her hand.
She asked me if I had a light.

We talked for a minute.

I offered her a lift home.
She got in the car.

Then in common slang, it's
what you'd call a "pick-up".

I object on the ground that the question
calls for a conclusion by the witness.

Objection overruled.

Proceed.
- I suggested we go to a dance-hall.

She said she had a better idea.

So she took me to a little
private club on 47th Street.

What kind of place was it?

I didn't like the looks of it.

Did Miss Neal act as though
she'd been there before?

She seemed to know her way
around. She ordered champagne.

And then?

Well, we drank the champagne, and
then went over and sat on the couch.

That's enough.

Your witness.
- No questions.

The plaintiff rests.

You may step down.

Your Honor. I wish to place
Ellen Winfield on the stand.

Mrs Winfield.

Do you know this man? James Coakley?

Yes.

Well, on the night in question,
how old were you?

Why, uh .. I was seventeen.

Are you positive?
- Why, yes.

That's all.

Your Honor. You've heard the evidence.

This girl was only
seventeen years of age.

I ask a warrant for
James Coakley's arrest.

Your Honor, I ask for a recess.
For re-examination of evidence.

The court will recess for ten minutes.

I can't take that rap. You've
got to get me out of this.

I wouldn't have got you into it if
I'd known the girl was under-age.

We'll think of something.

But you can't let me be the goat.
You'll have to buy the girl off.

We can't do that.

You got me into this.

You told me I'd be taken care of.
- You got your money, didn't you?

If you don't get me out
of it I'll tell them the truth.

If you do, they'll do you for perjury.

Perjury? Nothing. This
means a stretch up the river.

You took that chance, didn't you?

Mr Winfield. You've got to help me.
You've got to get me out of this.

They'll sell me up the
river, and I'm not guilty.

I lied out there.

I'm not guilty I tell you. I never
had anything to do with that girl.

What?
- No. Never. So help me.

He promised me, if I'd go through with
this, he'd see that I was taken care of.

Wait a minute.

You mean to say that
he got you to do this?

Yes. I was a witness on her side. Then
he paid me money to switch my testimony.

You paid him to change his testimony?

Yes. But I did it in the best interest
of yourself and the family, Mr Richard.

Are you gentlemen ready?
You may proceed.

Your honor, may it please the court ..
- Just a minute.

Your Honor, as plaintiff in this
case I beg leave to speak.

This is most irregular. You will have to
address the court through your attorney.

What I must say no attorney could say.
- I object to this procedure.

This is supposed to be a court of
justice and a great wrong has been done.

Not to me, as these lawyers
have been paid to tell you.

But to my wife.

I warn you. You'll be
cited for contempt.

I throw myself upon the mercy of this
court. I ask you to dismiss the case.

Fine me for contempt if you want to,
but I've got to tell you the truth.

My family brought this action.

It was cruel and unnecessary, but they
thought they were doing the best thing.

They'd accused her of fraud.

Your Honor, the fraud
is on the other side.

I've learned that not one of the things
they've charged against her is true.

I'm not blaming my family. They thought
they were doing the right thing.

When they learned that I was married to
a girl working in their own household.

It was only natural that they
should try to protect me.

I understand completely why
they did it. They were wrong.

They're trying to break a marriage which
they say is based on social inequality.

It is based on social inequality.

Your Honor .. I'm not worthy
of being Ellen Neal's husband.

I'm afraid I've been pretty stupid.

She's the only one who will come out
of this rotten muddle with clean hands.

I only hope that some
day she'll forgive me.

And she'll really know how
terribly much I love her.

Order! Order in the court!

Why Hamlet, where did you çome from?

Ellen.

Today, you heard me tell the whole
world how much you mean to me.

I meant every word of ît.

Do you want me tell you again?

You must never stop telling me.

T-G oö