Queen for a Day (1951) - full transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

NARRATOR: Into a brief
30 minutes each day,

is condensed the heartbeat
of American living.

A cross-section of the
lives of everyday people.

The neighbor next door.

The family across the street.

Their love, happiness,
problems, tragedy, and laughter.

During those 30
minutes, 5 million women

are listening, perhaps finding
a mirror of their own thoughts,

and hopes, and dreams.

The stories are as varied as there



are human hearts and emotions.

DIRECTOR: 10 seconds.

NARRATOR: These
are some of them.

DIRECTOR: Five seconds.

Would you like to
be "Queen for a Day?"

[MUSICAL FANFARE]

Hello, hello, from "Queen for
a Day," the Cinderella show.

Here at our Don Lee Studios,
in the heart of Hollywood,

we have five royal candidates,
waiting to tell you

the dreams that will
send one of them

on a thrill-packed day in the
film capital of the world.

And now, here is our
Master of Ceremonies,

with a barbecue pit in one
hand, and a recipe he can't read

in the other, your Mutual
friend, Jack "What's Cooking?"



Bailey.

Thank you, neighbors, thank you,

and welcome to
"Queen for a Day."

And a great big welcome
to you folks at home, too.

Yes, and this is going
to be a great day

for Her Majesty the Queen.

Our station wagon is
heaped high with treasures

for the royal candidate
elected today's queen.

And now, here's our
first candidate.

Yes, you're candidate number one,

and... uh, let's get away from him.

That is Jim Morgan, and
he just produces the show.

He thinks he's the boss.

He isn't.

I am.

All you have to do
is just talk to me.

My name is Mary Collins.

Oh, is that so?

Yes, sir.

Uh-huh.

Where do you and
Mr. Collins live?

In Pomona.

In Pomona.

Well, that's, uh,
lovely country up there,

to raise children, or
anything, isn't it?

I guess it is.

Yeah.

Is this your first
attempt at children?

Yes, sir.

I see.

And what would you like, if
you're elected our queen?

I'd like an automatic egg cleaner.

A, a what?

An automatic egg cleaner?

You have to sand
them with sandpaper,

if you don't have them on a... um,

on, um... if you don't have
them on an automatic one.

And...

Oh, yeah.

And our chickens are gonna
start laying so many eggs,

I don't think I'm going
to have enough time

to sand all those eggs by hand.

Sand the eggs.

Ha.

And, um, you can
get them automatic.

They're on a, a belt.

Oh.

And they get brushed
by themselves.

Wonderful.

And my husband will be
able to stay in college.

He can stay in college?

Yes, sir.

He's just got to stay, and get
his diploma, and be a minister.

Well, Mrs. Collins, if
you're elected our queen,

we'll get you one of those
steam things for sure,

and you can throw away the sand.

Yes, sir, that's our
first candidate for today.

Well, don't you even
make a small automatic egg

cleaner that... that cranks?

Here's the file of letters
from our past winners,

and the posting on
the club meeting.

Oh, thanks, Helena.

Oh, these are fine.

Yeah.

Jack, do you remember a few months

ago, Pete and his railroad engine?

Pete?

Pete?

No.

Remember his mother threw you when

she said he was an
engineer yesterday?

Oh, yeah.

She said, an engineer yesterday,
and I said, what is he today?

She said, I haven't any idea
what he'll be when I get home.

Yes, I'm not very
apt to forget Pete.

I guess asking for a kid's toy
didn't seem very important,

compared to the other
wishes that day.

No, I guess not.

But I got to thinking about
him again the other day,

and I wrote to his mother,
to find out more about him.

Oh?

And Jack, I sent the engine.

You did?

Well, good.

Got an answer.

"Dear Mr. Morgan, it was
so wonderfully kind of you

to remember Pete,
after all this time,

and to send him the engine.

MARJORIE (VOICEOVER): I want you
to know how happy you made him.

I don't think he ever treasured
any other gift so much.

If this letter grows long tonight,

it's because I want
to recapture all

the little details of
memory, for myself, too.

Life moves so swiftly, that we
forget, so often, and so much.

I remember, one day
he was a farmer.

The busiest farmer in 11 counties.

He looked over the property that
morning, with Mr. Pettigrew,

and decided on the acreage
north of the first big tree.

It was the smallest
farm in the world.

You could kneel, and
put your arms around it.

It'll rain before night.

[BARK]

We gotta hurry up
and get the seeds in.

[BARKING]

-Whoops... Oh, Mr.
Pettigrew, I wish you were

as helpful as you
are affectionate.

Hi, Pete.

Hi, Mother.

What are you doing?

Farming.

Oh.

Seeds.

What are you planting?

Oh, corn, potatoes, flowers,
strawberries and things.

Mm.

We'll have good food all winter.

That's wonderful, Pete.

I am Mr. Palmer.

Oh.

You're the man who owns the
big farm down the road, too.

Yes, but it's all planted.

Where's Anna?

In the kitchen, baking cookies.

Want to come in and have one?

Busy.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[BARKING]

Pete... Come here to me.

There's nothing coming.

Pete Watkins.

Mr. Palmer.

How many times have I told you?

Lots.

But the horses went by.

Horses?

With the crops.

Fertilizer.

[SOUND OF TRAIN]

[TRAIN BELL]

Hello, Mr. Smith!

[BARKING]

Hey, Mr. Pettigrew.

How are you?

Hi, darling.

Hi, kids.

Oh...

Hi, Daddy.

Oh... Come on.

Take this hungry man
home, and feed him.

Yeah.

[TRAIN WHISTLE]

Whoo-whoo... whoo...
whoo... whoo, whoo...

MARJORIE: Time for
bed, Mr. Palmer.

I'm Mr. Smith, now.

Oh.

Oh, Daddy... does
Mr. Smith get paid

for driving the train engine?

Why, sure, of course he does.

Why?

Well, why not?

Do people get paid for having fun?

Well, sure they do, if
they like their jobs.

Come on, Mr. Smith.

Time for bed, for you.

There we go.

One.

Two.

Did you have a good
day at the office?

Oh, OK.

Except I wish you hadn't been on
that "Queen for a Day" program.

You know, they're still
ribbing me about it?

They're trying to
make me run for king.

Mm.

You'd make a beautiful king.

I can just see you,
surrounded by women.

Heh, heh, heh.

I'll bet you can.

Ch-ch, ch-ch, ch-ch, ch-ch,
ch-ch, ch-ch, ch-ch... Driving

a train engine is the
best job in the world.

Yes, it is, Pete.

You know, someday, when we
get enough money saved up,

I'm gonna chuck this
job for a year or two,

and then your mother and
I'll get on your train,

and we'll travel all over.

Yes, sir.

Choo-choo, choo-choo,
choo-choo, choo-choo...

Sometimes I worry about him, Dan.

Why?

Well, he should have
kids to play with.

I wish a few would move
in around here, his age.

Ah, he'll have companionship
when he starts in school.

I wonder what it'll be like,
having him away all day, too?

Cheer up.

You might say he's
away all day as it is.

Hey, what's that?

Well, that's Pete's farm.

He's been Mr. Farmer all day.

Pete lugged water from the
house, pail after pail.

Oh, I thought I'd
never get him clean.

What's he planting?

I don't know.

He found some seeds in the garage.

Heaven knows what.

Do you suppose all children
are as imaginative?

Weren't you?

I can't remember.

Gee... neither can I.

Your mother told me once that you

had an imaginary
dog for a long time.

You used to take him walking.

But he was very
small, so you always

lifted him up, over the curb.

(LAUGHING)I hadn't
thought of that in years.

She said you'd stand for minutes,

while you waited for him.

Waited for him?

At hydrants.

How old were you
when you lost him?

Oh, I don't know.

Yeah, Pete'll be all right.

[CLUNK, CLUNK]

[CLUNK, CLUNK]

[CLUNK, CLUNK]

[CLUNK, CLUNK]

[CLUNK]

ANNA: Pete?

I am Mr. Buzzini.

Oh, you are, are you?

Well, plumbers don't
work on Sunday.

Mr. Buzzini does.

He makes more money on Sunday.

The pipes are in
awful shape, ma'am.

Rusty.

Well, you fix them
tomorrow, Mr. Buzzini.

And you better come in and get
dressed up, because your aunt

and cousin will be
here any minute.

Charles?

Yes.

And you don't want him
to look nicer than you.

Well, they might get a flat tire.

Peter.

Come.

I hope they do.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello, Peter.

Hello, Aunt Laura.

My, how nice you look.

Anna made me.

Heh, heh, uh, would you rather
sit on the lawn, uh, Laura?

Oh, let's do.

It's so beautiful, after the city.

Now, Charles, you run along
and play with your cousin,

and get to know each other better.

Laura, I'll have Anna
bring us some tea.

Would you like some?

LAURA: Oh, I'd love some.

No, I'd rather have the
tea, if you don't mind.

MARJORIE: All right, well, I'll
tell her to come right away.

Go on, Charles.

Play nicely with Peter.

Peter... Peter?

Peter?

Where are you?

Peter?

Peter?

[CAW... CAW]

CHARLES: Oh, Peter... oh.

What in the heck are you doing?

Sh.

CHARLES: Well,
what are you doing?

After a zebra.

See?

CHARLES: Zebra?

That's Mr. Pettigrew.

It is a zebra.

Silly name for a dog.

Want to play catch?

No.

Oh, all right.

You're too little, anyway.

Ow!

Aah...

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha...

Is Charles going to have
hot turkey stuffing?

MARJORIE: Yes.

Pete, why did you do it?

Mr. Pettigrew is a zebra.

Oh, Pete, darling,
Mr. Pettigrew

is a zebra only for you.

Don't you understand that?

For Charles, he's just a dog.

I don't like Charles.

I'm going now.

I'd like to take Charles
a message from you.

Shall I tell him you're sorry?

For what?

For hitting him with a stone.

It, it wasn't a friendly thing
to do, and it was dangerous.

You might have
injured him seriously.

I meant to.

But you can't throw stones at him

just because he doesn't
see things your way.

Suppose I threw
things at Aunt Laura?

You'd be ashamed of
me, wouldn't you?

Ha, ha, ha.

You can't throw.

You couldn't hit her, ever.

[DOOR CLOSES]

Aw.

Pete's sorry, Charles.

He is not.

Oh, don't fuss.

I'm sure he didn't mean it.

He did, too.

Look, Charles.

Pete lives in his own world.

Maybe you did, too, at his age.

In his world, Mr.
Pettigrew is a zebra.

You could've pretended.

Heck, what a silly game.

Who wants to pretend?

Well, you do.

You pretend you're Joe DiMaggio.

Well, that's different.

Baseball players are real.

Zebras are real.

Ah...

Your husband is as bad as Pete.

Oh, I don't know
why we're arguing.

People outgrow it.

After all, he is a
bright little boy,

being so much with older people.

He's a dope, and he gives
me a pain in the neck.

Charles.

I told you I'd have
no more of that talk.

Now, you go into the
living room and sit

there alone for a half hour.

I don't want to.

Charles.

Charles.

[THWACK, THWACK]

CHARLES: No, Mommy,
no... ah... ah...

Welcome home.

Oh, hi, Anna.

How's everything, Anna?

Fine... just fine.

You had a good time.

Perfectly scrumptious.

We went dancing, both evenings.

And I got the most wonderful
school clothes for Pete.

Did he go to bed on time?

Mr. Hannigan went
to bed on time.

The well driller?

Shun decided we needed
a new water well.

Shun?

Who's Shun?

"Dis-tinc-tion."

Shun for short.

He's another one of those.

Oh, no.

When did he get this one?

When he broke the
plate of doughnuts.

He said, Shun did it.

Now he asks me to set a
place for Shun at each meal.

[BARKING]

Mother... Dad!

Come on, Shun.

His legs are so short,
he can't go very fast.

Come on.

Pete.

My mother and dad.

This is my friend, Shun.

How do you do, Shun?

I'm sorry to hear
about your accident.

A, accident?

I hear he broke
the doughnut plate.

Aw, he's awful little, Dad.

I told him not to carry it.

But he's stubborn.

And he carried it, and
somehow, it dropped.

Well, uh, maybe you
better carry it next time.

Yes.

I guess I'll have to.

Come on, Shun.

[CLUNK]

MARJORIE: Pete.

I didn't do it.

Shun did.

MARJORIE: Well, you
know that isn't so.

I told him he's got
to drink his milk.

But he didn't take the glass.

Has he finished with his dessert?

Yes.

So have I. Excuse us.

Yes, Pete.

Come on, you milk spiller.

You know, Dan, he can't
grow up to be a buck passer.

It was cute when he had
Toby, but with Shun...

(LAUGHING)Don't forget Benny.

I want to forget Benny.

And Toby, and Shun.

Oh, honey, he'll be all right.

He's too old now, Dan.

I won't have it.

You've got to put an
end to Shun, right now.

Well, you think I should?

Yes, I do.

Well, I, uh, guess I'll have
a talk with this dreamer upper.

Pete... Pete?

Where are you?

We're in the well drilling office.

Do you want a well dug?

No, I don't think so, today.

We've got the water
well down about 30 feet.

That's fine.

Pete, uh, you think we ought to
talk about that glass of milk?

I already talked to Shun about it.

It isn't like you not take the
blame for things you've done,

Pete.

I don't like it.

But I don't.

Are you sure?

Shun does things.

He's much smaller
than you are, Pete.

And younger.

He hasn't got the sense you have.

If he does things
that you'd like to do,

but know you mustn't, aren't
you to blame, for letting him?

Maybe I am.

I'll have another talk
with him, I guess.

Your mother and I think he
ought to go away on a vacation.

Mm, Mexico, or somewhere.

Oh, no, Dad... please.

He's my friend.

He's gotta go to
school with me Monday.

You think he'd behave himself?

I know he would.

I'd do all his work for him, and
he wouldn't do one thing wrong.

Please?

[KNOCKING]

[SIGH]

Softy.

Would you like to take over?

We're both such
towers of strength.

[KNOCKING]

Oh, Mr. Garmes.

Hello, Mrs. Watkins.

Hi, Jeff.

Hello, Dan.

Oh, please, come in.

Oh, I can't.

Martha's cooking
chicken and dumplings.

And if I let them
fall... Jonesy asked

me to drop this by, for Pete.

Oh.

For me?

Well, thank you so much.

So long.

Bye, Jeff.

What is it?

Let's see it.

Let's open it.

From the "Queen
for a Day" program.

Yeah.

Come on.

Come on.

Watch out, pal.

Oh.

My.

I wonder what's in it?

Well, hurry up.

Well, let's get it open, then.

Come on.

Oh... an engine.

Well, that was mighty
nice of them, to do this.

But why?

Well, I can't understand it.

I didn't win.

[TRAIN WHISTLE]

Bed time, Pete.

What, already?

Oh, honey, just 10
minutes more, eh?

15.

My engine.

Just like Mr. Smith's.

I'm going to put you and
Mother in the brake car,

and take you all over
the world, to Mexico.

Can we go to Paris, too?

Sure.

I'm gonna haul dirt,
from my water well.

Choo-choo, choo-choo,
choo-choo, choo-choo...

[BARKING]

It ought to be coming.

Ooh, hey, let's have that, huh?

I should drive him
to school myself.

Oh, no, Mom, please.

Shun and I gotta go on the
school bus with the other boys.

[BUS HORN]

Look, Shun... here it comes.

ANNA: He'll be all right.

Mr. Beck's a good driver.

Come on, Shun.

Bye, darling.

Be careful.

I will.

Bye, Anna.

Good bye, darling.

There's your lunch.

Have a good day.

Come on, Mr. Pettigrew.

No, no, no, he mustn't go.

Why?

Well, uh... he's
not old enough yet.

All right.

You run along.

Be good.

Anna, do you think he...

Oh, I know how you feel.

It's silly.

No... it'll always be
this way for mothers.

Seeing children off
someplace... to grade school,

high school, college...
wedding trips...

Your boy, Anna.

Yes.

And the war.

We're always waiting, I guess.

Bear a child, see them
coming home from someplace.

[BARKING]

Hello, Mr. Pettigrew.

Come on, Jim.

Jim?

Stay right at Pete's house
till your mother comes.

Yes, sir.

Bye, Pete.

Bye, Mr. Beck.

Hi, Pete.

Mother, this is Jim.

He sits next to me.

Hello, Jim.

Hello.

His mother's coming by for him.

He lives in the Hollow.

Oh, that's fine.

How was school?

Swell.

Yeah.

We played catch.

Yeah.

See?

I skinned my knee.

Yeah.

Well, how did you
like your teacher?

Ah, the woman's silly.

She keeps asking questions.

Well, that's what she's there for.

You'll learn the answers.

But she keeps saying, shush.

Oh, you mustn't talk in class.

Well, I was answering.

The teacher?

No.

Jim.

You see, Jim has a dog, Mother.

It's a terrier.

Because it catches
rats, and everything.

Can I have Jim come
to dinner Sunday?

He won't spill milk.

Of course you can.

Do you think Shun would mind?

Aw, that was a silly game.

Jim's my friend now.

[BARKING]

Aren't you hungry, Pete?

I guess not.

Jim says spinach
gives you muscles.

But it doesn't taste good tonight.

Jim and I drilled some more
water wells, down to 350 feet.

350 feet, huh?

Well, that's a lot of
work, Mr. Hannigan.

You bet.

Gives you a stiff
neck and a sore back.

It hurts.

Shouldn't try to work too hard.

Sore muscles, eh?

Yeah.

Well, a little exercise takes
the stiffness out sometimes.

Try touching your
chin to your chest.

Don't feel good.

You feel warm, darling.

And you're tired.

You better get your pajamas on,
and turn in early, all right?

All right.

Mommy will be right in.

Dan...

Take it easy, honey.

I'll call Dr. Blake.

It could be a cold coming on.

No.

No, he doesn't act
this way with a cold.

I know.

It's different.

His neck.

You go on in.

I'll, I'll get on the phone.

Brand new, huh?

It's a beauty.

[BELL TINKLES]

A real bell, too.

I'm gonna take it to the
station, and race Mr. Smith.

Well, now, I'd be willing
to bet you'd beat him.

You'll have to get rid of
those sore muscles, though.

Let's see about those.

Ow.

You know, I get a crick in
my neck every once in a while.

Ooh.

It's no fun, is it?

No.

Well, let's look at
those husky legs, too.

Ooh.

Mm.

Ooh.

Do a lot of running today?

No.

I drilled some more water wells.

Do you suppose I could
come over one of these days,

and watch it?

Sure.

That's a date.

I'll see you soon, Pete.

Good night.

[BELL TINKLES]

Dan.

Marjory.

It's hard to tell you.

It looks like polio.

I can't be sure, until
we get a spinal...

But when?

How?

How could he get it?

He only started school today.

No, he'd have been exposed
to it a couple of weeks ago.

If he has it.

But only four or five
cases in the county.

I want you to drive
him in tonight.

Uh, meet you in the village?

No.

I want him in the city, Dan.

Farnsworth Hospital.

I'll be waiting for you.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Do men have to go to
the hospitals to rest?

Sure.

Lots of times.

Did you bring my engine?

Yes, darling.

I left a note for Anna.

ANNA (VOICEOVER): It'll always
be this way for mothers.

Seeing children off someplace...

MARJORIE (VOICEOVER):
The engine was

all he wanted to
take to the hospital.

He clung to it, all
during the five days.

It meant everything to him.

All of his dreams.

He was holding it close in his
arms while he was unconscious.

It means more than
ever to him now.

We sit on the living room rug,
and travel all over the world.

He's the engineer.

It's the only way he can
get around for a while...

until he walks again.

We hope... we know... he will.

Someday.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[IN VOICEOVER - "QUEEN FOR A
DAY" WISHES]

I have seven children, so I
would like a sewing machine.

A doghouse, for my mother-in-law.

An adding machine,
for my [INAUDIBLE].

A long blanket, to cover
both ends of my husband.

I want...

I want a refrigerator.

My husband is an ice
man in Warm Valley.

I want a string of
pearls, for my mother.

She's a prospector.

STUDIO CONTESTANT: I feel awful.

JACK BAILEY: Why
do you feel awful?

I'm nervous.

Oh, there's nothing in the
world to be nervous about.

No.

There's just you, and I, and
this little microphone, which

is hooked up to the
whole Mutual Network.

Now, then, clear
across the nation,

are millions and millions
of ears, listening.

Just waiting for you
to say the wrong thing.

And you will.

No, don't you worry about it.

I'll tell you what.

Come on over here
with me, will you?

Let's put you right over here.

You'd better sit down,
before you fall down.

Here... just sit right
down here, and we'll

talk this whole thing over.

There.

Do you feel better?

I don't think so.

Now, can you tell me your name?

Susan Blake.

Well, Miss Blake, were
you ever this nervous

before in your life?

Oh, no.

No, I wasn't even this
nervous the day I got married.

Then I better ask
you the questions

while you can still talk.

What would you like, if you're
elected our "Queen for a Day?"

Well, I'd like to have my husband

stretched 3/16 of an inch.

What was that again?

I say, I'd like to have my husband

stretched 3/16 of an inch.

Why?

You see, he put in an
application to be a policeman.

And he passed everything,
all the tests.

Only he's 3/16 of
an inch too short.

Oh, ho...

So, well... well, if
you could just have him

stretched a little,
so it would be 5' 9"?

Just 3/16.

Mrs. Blake, if you're
elected our queen,

we'll stretch your husband's
neck, or whatever gives first.

But believe me, Mrs.
Blake, [INAUDIBLE]

want to get stretched.

Thank you, Ford.

Now, let's introduce
candidate number four.

Well, say, the way you're
clutching that thing,

it looks like you gonna
be frightened, too.

No, no.

You, you keep the ticket.

You just tell me your name.

Mrs. Nalawak.

Mrs. Nalawak.

Oh, that's, that's
an interesting name.

That's Polish, isn't it?

Yes.

I see.

I was born in Warsaw.

Uh-huh.

But we live in America.

Many, many years, now.

Well, good.

Then you're an American citizen.

Yes.

I see.

Where do you live?

We live in Torrance.

Torrance?

That's fine.

What does Mr. Nalawak do?

He is in the wire mill.

To make the electric wire.

Well, now, that's
an important job.

Do you have any children?

We have one boy.

Frank.

Well, where's he?

In school?

No.

For a long time,
he was at the mill.

To help us, with the money.

But always, he dreams
to go back to school.

To learn.

I want to help him.

I would like for him
the school that you

give to some people on the radio.

Oh, you mean that engineering
school, in Chicago.

Well, you want a scholarship
for him, is that it?

Yes.

Please.

Well, sure.

If you're elected our
queen, Mrs. Nalawak,

that's exactly what we'll do.

I wonder where he is?

Maybe he's listening
to us at home.

No.

But I will find him.

You'll find him?

Last night, he left
home to work his way

to find a school where
he could go to study.

Oh.

Like you say.

The engineering.

But I do not know where he is.

[CARNIVAL MUSIC PLAYS]

CARNIVAL BARKER: All
right, folks, step right up

and try your skills at the most
enjoyable and educational game

on the parkway.

African Dodger, they call him.

How about you, lad?

You look like an athlete.

Three shots for a quarter.

Come right up here now,
and try your skill.

No, thanks.

Hiya, Chunk.

Hi, fellas.

Hi, Rory.

Having fun?

See you at practice tomorrow.

When do we get to Peoria?

Peoria.

I think two weeks before Dayton,
the 16th... 2nd of September.

Now, it only takes one
hit to get one of these

beautiful Kewpie
dolls, hand-painted...

Say... say... do you go
anywhere near Chicago?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Anybody can win one of these...

So look, if I bean
this guy hard enough,

can I have his job?

Not a chance.

He's my brother-in-law.

These dolls are imported
from Czechoslovakia... they're

hand-painted, and imported
from Czechoslovakia.

Anybo...

I'll make it good, anyway.

Good.

Try your luck now, son.

And make it a bullseye.

All right.

Watch this, ladies and gentlemen.

The boy is very good.

Harry!

Harry... are you all right?

That was a beautiful turn, son.

Here's your dolly.

Come on, take another, friend.

Take another one with you.

And here's your quarter back.

Good luck.

Now, come on up, folks...
this is a swell game.

Everybody has a chance to win.

One ball.

Hit old iron...

SULTAN: I'm the
sultan... follow me.

And now, the show
is about to start.

So if you will step inside of
the tent, ladies and gentlemen,

you won't miss any part of it.

And I promise you,
it is worth seeing.

For 25 cents, one
quarter of a dollar,

you may step inside, and see
this magnificent performance.

It is educating,
edifying, and interesting.

Ladies and gentlemen, we offer you

the ceremonial ritual of love.

This artistic presentation
has been handed down

through the ages, even
dating back to the days

before the Egyptian primitives.

Behold, behold, behold,
the vestal virgins.

These young ladies are
prepared to perform

for your edification.

They have been trained in the art

of the dance since childhood.

And they come to us from the
harem of the sultan, Aramee.

All performed for
your edification.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, the
show is just about to begin,

and you don't want to
miss any part of it.

So step right into the tent
with the little ladies.

All right, girls, in you go.

ANOTHER BARKER:
Hurry, hurry, hurry...

Only 25 cents.

Hey, Miss... you want them?

Would you like these?

Thanks.

[CARNIVAL MUSIC PLAYS]

[SHOUTS, APPLAUSE]

DEACON McALLISTER:
Ladies and gentlemen.

You are about to
witness the climax

of the McAllister Carnival.

This handsome figure of
a man you see before you,

will risk his life
for your pleasure.

He will mount this
frail ladder, 110

perilous feet into the night sky.

From that tiny platform,
he will make his world

famous, death-defying
backward somersault,

hurtling 110 feet, into
a pool of... measure it,

if you will... four
shallow feet of water.

I must ask for absolute silence.

The slightest disturbance may
affect his delicate balance,

and send him crashing
to his death.

Ladies and gentlemen, I
give you Daredevil Renaldi.

[APPLAUSE]

[THE CROWD BOOS]

Get up.

Come on.

I deeply regret
your disappointment,

but Daredevil Rinaldi
has been taken ill.

Daredevil Rinaldi
has been taken drunk!

[CARNIVAL MUSIC PLAYS]

Deacon McAllister?

Yeah?

Do you want a diver?

Who are you?

Frank Nalawak.

They call me Chunk.

I live here.

I can dive.

So you live here.

That doesn't do me any good.

I want to work my way east.

Come in.

Sit down.

This is Mrs. McAllister.

Just an ordinary stiff.

Now, Mrs. M. Tell me
about yourself, Chunk.

I know how to dive.

I've taken somersaults off
the rocks at the quarry.

I wouldn't be scared
to go up that ladder.

Ha, ha... you think.

Is it true you pay
Rinaldi $50 a dive?

Well, that's a might exaggerated.

I can't pay any
such figure as that.

I'm just an every day,
ordinary businessman.

Well, how much do you pay?

$25.

For taking the chance
of getting killed?

That's a lot of money, son.

A dead cow brings more than that.

Go away, more.

You suppose you could
land in the tank,

and stay in one piece?

Heh.

If you want a diver, I can do it.

What's that quarry like?

High rocks, and deep water.

How high?

The highest is 40 feet.

Well, that's a lot
different than 110.

And deep water's a lot
different than a tank with four.

Getting paid's a lot different
than doing it for nothing.

No, I can't let you
risk your neck, sonny.

You, you ain't a professional.

Don't be hasty, Mac.

Now, Mrs. M, we can't let
the young fellow hurt himself.

Listen to me, will you?

I'm not gonna hurt...

How old are you?

21.

You see?

He ain't a minor.

I'll tell you what I'll do.

I'll give you a try
out tomorrow morning.

A few jumps down low, so I
can see if you've got timing.

Don't worry.

You'll see it.

It's a good chance, young man.

We'd just as soon have
you, if you're any good.

Rinaldi ain't dependable.

Every day, and bombed.

Gives us a bad name.

Be here at half past seven.

Sure.

Say... you got any place
I can sleep tonight?

Oh, it's that way, huh?

Yeah.

There's a mattress in
the tent stake truck.

Uh, right behind the trailer.

Thanks.

You had no right to quit.

I've got the right
every American's got.

I worked there two years.

Now, I'm going back to school.

I'm gonna make
something of myself.

You go back tomorrow
and get your job back.

I'm not going back
to work in that mill.

I work in the mill.

All right, you came
from the old country.

You didn't know the language.

I come from a place where men are

proud... because their
hands are strong.

To make things.

To build.

30 years.

Now I run the wire machine.

That is making
something of yourself.

I don't want to make wire.

I want to learn what
goes through it.

To use it.

To make it work for me.

Radar.

Electronics.

I want to get into
engineering school.

It costs money.

I'll work my way.

Your mother needs what you earn.

I'm going to buy her
things she never had before.

If you stay in this home,
and your mother cooks for you,

you'll work for her.

Now.

Jump from 20, get
the feel of the tank.

Feet first.

I'll do a swan.

Not from there... you
got to get balance.

Ah...

You're good, boy.

How'd it feel?

Feels like a bucket.

It'll look like a thimble at 110.

Now, go up to 30 feet.

No higher.

And go feet first.

And don't get cocky.

I know this racket.

You'll sprain an ankle or
something, unless you're taped.

OK.

Land with your legs bent,
and take the shock with them.

PEGGY: Hey, Deacon!

Yeah?

They want you on the phone,
over at the grocery store.

Who is it?

The fire eater's in jail.

Drunk?

The riot squad.

He was lighting
brandy in his mouth,

and blowing it at the dames.

Oh, fine.

Be right back.

Come on down, and wait.

Fire eating, I can't help you on.

[WHISTLING]

Hey, you.

You've gotta have your
legs taped above 30 feet.

Not when you play football.

[WHISTLING]

You better wait,
like the Deacon said.

Uh-uh.

I want to get a
closer look at you.

Goodbye, cruel world.

[GASP]

You're crazy.

Aren't you?

Sure.

Do you know a guy got
killed on that thing

before Rinaldi took over?

Don't get roped in, kid.

Kid?

I'm older than you.

Yeah?

How old?

21.

Well, what do you want
to join a carny for?

It's a free ride to Chicago,
and I can save for my tuition.

Come again?

Tuition.

School.

I'm going to study engineering.

Well, I'll be sure and tell them.

When they're scraping you
up with a putty knife.

You know, it... it's nice
to have you worry about me.

I like you.

Well, you didn't
seem to last night.

You had your mouth open, like
all the rest of those guys.

You're much nicer looking right
now, when you're not gawking.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Well, I'll see you around.

Hey, what's your name?

Peggy.

Mine's Frank.

Hi, Frank.

[INAUDIBLE] need to
give you a few pointers,

if you don't let on you
have the job permanently.

Uh, just let him think
it's for a couple of days,

till he gets over his drunk.

Sure.

Ah... Open it.

Come in.

Come in.

Well, how do you
feel, Mr. Rinaldi?

What are you doing around here?

You part of death?

You sucker a blowout.

(LAUGHING)You're a
card, Mr. Rinaldi.

There's just a little
matter of business

I'd like to talk over
with you this morning.

Now, this is Frank Nalawak.

He's going to take your place.

Huh?

Just for a couple of nights.

Murderer.

What are you doing?

He's just a boy.

What do you think?

You think you make money, huh?

You think you paper the
inside of your trailer

with dollar bills.

You think you pull
out a roll, and buy

all the dirty little things
your dirty little heart wants?

You [INAUDIBLE].

You [INAUDIBLE].

Now, now, now, we don't want
to excite you, Mr. Rinaldi.

The young fellow won't get
hurt, if you coach him a bit.

He's done a lot of fancy diving.

A fancy diver?

Not even an acrobat?

Ever been in a circus?

Madman.

Circus blood.

Generations of circus blood.

Ever hear of the Flying Rinaldis?

No.

Not even cultured.

What does he know?

What can he know?

When I was less than a year old, I

know more about timing
than I know about walking.

When I was four, I could do back
bends, flip flops, handstands...

backward and forward somersaults.

I felt a little, little
bit of a second, that

means the difference between
landing on your feet,

or on your back.

Blood.

Blood.

That's what it is.

Blood.

I don't know anything about that.

I came here to talk business.

My mother was a Hammerworth.

Look.

You're a nice young fellow.

You got a big chest.

Strong arms.

Plenty muscles.

Why would you want
to break your neck?

Mr. Rinaldi, if you'll
wait a minute, I could...

How does he know
what it is like on top

of a 110 foot ladder?

Have you ever been up there?

I will tell you.

It's to be all alone up there.

And all the little faces down
on the ground, like little bugs,

waiting to be squashed.

They see you die.

They hope.

You even hope to die yourself.

You say, push, just a little.

A little, with your toes,
when you leave the platform.

Then you go over the tank,
and ahh... ooh, hoo, hoo.

You say, tip a little...
tip a little this way,

tip a little that way...

Listen to me... why...

I pity you.

I pity you, from the
bottom of my heart.

Suppose you twist
yourself for good?

Suppose you bash your insides
out, on the rim of the tank?

Ahh...

Ah, let the jerk break
his neck if he wants to.

It's a crummy way to live, anyway.

What are you trying
to keep it up for?

Ah, nice feathers
for my pretty bird...

Feathers, my foot.

Just take your $35 a dive...

$35?

He told me $25.

$25 is all I'll pay.

Take it, or leave it.

Get out of here.

Go on, get out... and
take Junior with you.

Go on, get out of my house!

Boys... wait, wait...
Hey, hey, wait, wait.

I tell you one thing.

When you're on your way down,
and you have turned over,

so your back is
down... you understand?

You think you want to
turn your head to look.

Don't.

You twist, and hurt yourself.

You think you want to bend,
to make sure you turn over.

Don't.

If you do, you turn way
over, and land flat,

and bust yourself.

All right.

You can have the job.

I'm through.

I am gonna help you.

$25...

Here's $50 advance on your pay.

I can trust you?

Oh, sure.

Be here tonight at 10:00.

[BACKGROUND VOICES, APPROACHING]

Hi, Chunk.

Hi, Chunk.

How you fixed?

Hiya, Chunk.

Where you been?

What's the idea of
missing practice?

I can't play anymore, guys.

I got a new job.

What do you mean, a new job?

Where?

I'm going with the carnival.

I'm diving.

I got Daredevil Rinaldi's job.

You mean, off that ladder?

110 feet?

Yeah.

Are you nuts?

Hey, Ed...

Those guys knock themselves
off by the dozens.

Not me.

Ha, ha... you're kidding.

Did you hear the news?

No.

Chunk's gonna dive off that
ladder, at the carnival.

Ah, quit kidding.

I'm not.

Brother.

I hope he can bounce.

Where do we send the flowers?

To the carnival.

CHUNK: Lay off, will you?

Listen you guys.

Eat dinner with me, will you?

Dinner?

Look... I got an advance.

I'll fatten you at Tony's, huh?

Hey... sirloin steak?

Sure.

Anything you want.

Will you stick with me?

Boy.

You've got customers.

And how.

What do you keep
looking at me for?

It's a swell dinner, Chunk.

Yeah.

PEGGY (VOICEOVER): I'll be sure
and tell them, when they're

scraping you up
with a putty knife.

I'm not hungry.

Let's drive down to the carnival.

You know, it's a good idea
not to eat too much anyway,

just before you...

[INAUDIBLE] Satchelbutt.

Why don't you go pick a twig?

Why?

Here you are, Mister.

Hey, fellas.

Give this to my mother
for me, will you?

Yeah.

Sure.

Aw, gee, that's pretty.

So you know, you ought to
give it to her yourself.

That is, if nothing happens...

Aw, shut up, Satchelbutt.

It's nothing like that.

The carnival leaves tomorrow.

And he's going with it.

Yeah.

That's right.

Marissa?

Marissa.

MRS. KIMPEL: Is that
you, Mr. Nalawak?

Yes, Mrs. Kimpel?

I told Mrs. Nalawak I'd
watch the house for you.

She said not to worry, she'd
get home as soon as she could.

She went to Los Angeles.

Los Angeles?

Why?

Well, she didn't say.

But I do hope she
gets home in time

so's you can take
her to see Frank.

My, how brave he must be.

Frank?

I'd be so proud, if he was my son.

You don't know about him?

No.

Why, Mrs. McIlhenny
just told me,

coming back from
the grocery store.

She said Frank's gonna
dive at the carnival

tonight, off of that
110 foot ladder.

It's so exciting.

I do hope he won't hurt himself.

I can't wait to see it.

Oh, and Mr. Kimpel's just
getting ready to go with me.

We'll see you there.

Marissa.

Do I look nice for you?

Jan?

Marissa.

I went to the radio program.

To ask for help, for Frank.

You are not angry.

No.

They made me the queen.

Jan... all the ladies, they
clapped their hands for me.

And so many presents
they are sending.

They gave me paper for
Frank to go to school.

They will pay for him to study.

Can we find him, Jan?

Please?

Maybe ask the bus people.

He's working.

He is at the carnival.

Here?

We will go and get him.

Jan... you will let him come home?

Yes.

I want him to.

Just so you can breathe.

OK?

Yeah.

That stuff ought to
fit you all right.

Rinaldi used to wear it, but
it shrunk in the laundry.

Too tight?

No.

Don't want you to get hurt.

Turn over.

You remember everything
Rinaldi told you?

Yeah.

Quit worrying.

I'll be okay.

[CARNIVAL MUSIC PLAYING]

Well, it's time.

One for luck.

Thanks.

Ladies and gentlemen.

The McAllister
Carnival takes pride

in introducing, for its
chief and extraordinary act

of this evening, a
talented, local young man.

[CHEERS]

In just a moment,
this sturdy athlete

will mount this 110
foot ladder, and risk

his life for your pleasure.

Hey, you know?

That doesn't look like him.

He's scared.

Yeah.

He will make his death-defying,
backwards somersault,

hurtling 110 feet
into four... measure

it, if you will... four
shallow feet of water.

I must ask for comp... I must
ask for com... absolute silence.

This... this is his
first dive... his first...

his first bout with death...

[INAUDIBLE].

Ladies and gentlemen,
I give you your friend,

your home town boy, Frank Nalawak!

[CHEERS]

Good luck, Chunk!

Yeah.

Jan... where is he?

Is that him?

No!

Not from so high!

Frank!

Frank!

Frank!

[CARNIVAL MUSIC CONTINUES]

Oh!

Jump!

You scared?

Shut up.

Come on, jump... what
are you waiting for?

CHUNK (VOICEOVER): I can do it.

RINALDI (VOICEOVER): You
even hope you die yourself.

Don't turn your head to look.

RINALDI (VOICEOVER):
Suppose you bash

your insides out on
the rim of the tank?

Don't bend on the way down.

RINALDI (VOICEOVER): Blood.

Blood.

[CHEERS]

[INAUDIBLE].

Frank... Frank... Frank.

Frank.

Please.

Come home.

Your mother won a school for you.

[CALLIOPE PLAYS]

Well, your name, please?

Uh, Mrs. Jeanette Leiter.

A ha.

Where were you and
Mr. Leiter married?

In Jefferson City, Missouri.

Oh, you met him there?

No.

When I met him, he was a salesman

in a man's clothing store.

Ooh.

Well, what was you doing
in a men's clothing store?

Well, I had gone
to school with him,

and, finally, we were married.

You know how it is.

Maybe so.

Look, what, what would
you like if you're

elected our queen, Mrs. Leiter?

Well, I'm a mentalist.

What?

A mentalist.

You're a mentalist?

Uh-huh.

With my husband's magic act.

Oh.

And while he was in the service,

he lost all of his magic.

Uh, yes?

His magical equipment.

Oh, yes.

And so I'd like to take
him through a magic shop,

and let him get
some new equipment.

Well, what would you call it?

Oh, it doesn't matter.

All I want to know
is, what would you

like if you're elected our queen?

Some new illusions and
tricks for my husband.

Well...

Oh... just a minute.

If she's elected our queen, you'll

get some new tricks and
illusions for her husband.

What do you think?

Oh, I'm so excited
about that dance tonight.

Me, too.

I'm going with Bill.

Yeah, what are you going to wear?

Oh, I guess I'll
wear my blue dress.

That's his favorite.

Oh!

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Wasn't
it a wonderful show?

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

Oh, yes.

I told friend Fred he can
join us for something to eat.

Good.

I hate eating alone.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[TELEPHONE RINGS]

Hello?

Miss Wilmarth?

Good evening.

Are you free to accept a case?

Oh, yes, I am.

We have a newborn leaving
the hospital tomorrow.

Will you take it?

Oh, yes, I'd, I'd love to.

Mrs. Owen Cruger.

Room 482.

Leaving tomorrow afternoon.

I'll be there.

Oh... thank you.

Thank you, very much.

Now, if we can get them to
raise their advertising budget

to a million and a half, we'll
put them on Transcontinental.

We'll base the whole
campaign on beauty.

Delicate, exquisite,
fragile feminine beauty.

It sells.

Women buy it.

That 7:30 time
slot's still open.

We, uh, we ought to grab it.

Right.

Now, there are a
few things here we

ought to clear up,
before I go in...

Oh, Mr. Cruger...

Yes?

Your home called.

Mrs. Cruger and the
baby have arrived.

Good.

I'm on my way.

Imagine me, driving
home every evening

to that dream girl,
and that little doll.

Ha, ha!

You old bachelors.

Work on that account
for me, chums.

I've got another mouth to feed.

Caviar.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Owen, darling.

Camilla.

Wonderful, having you home.

Oh, it's so wonderful to be here.

Oh, that horrible
mattress in the hospital

felt like cast iron.

Did the trip home tire you?

No.

Do I look tired?

Of course not, darling.

You look lovely.

Really?

Yes.

Rosemary and Jane were at
the hospital this morning.

Oh, were they?

Their voices were almost hushed.

They said there was a
new look in my eyes.

A look of motherhood.

They're right, darling.

There is.

You brought me some flowers.

Your favorites.

The baby corsage, for Jessica.

Oh, darling... the doctor says she

can't have flowers in her room.

They breathe oxygen,
or... something.

Oh.

Well, I suppose they do.

Oh, how beautiful.

And the nosegay.

You're so thoughtful.

Will you ring, darling?

Yes, of course.

Now, I'll have her put
in water right away,

and keep it here, where
Jessica can look at it.

Can babies see things?

Oh, of course not, darling.

Oh, she was so wonderful
on the way home.

Trying to look at everything.

Her eyes were so
wide, and so blue.

Oh, Miss Wilmarth.

Will you put these... oh,
Owen... this is Jessica's nurse.

Miss Wilmarth, Mr. Cruger.

How do you do, Mr. Cruger?

How do you do?

Oh.

Oh, they're darling.

Ooh... they're bootiful.

Oh.

CAMILLA: Aren't they lovely?

Please arrange them in vases.

The nosegay, in the
little cloisonne one.

Oh.

Oh, yes, I shall.

Right away.

Oh... excuse me, Mr. Cruger.

Ha, ha, ha.

Yes.

Of course.

It's unbelievable.

What?

Well, that... that, that... face.

How could anyone look like that?

Why, she looks like...
well, I don't know.

Who is she?

What happened to that
nurse we arranged for?

Miss Barnes?

Oh, darling, I forgot to tell you.

She can't come for three weeks.

She had to fly to Chicago.

Her mother was ill,
or... something.

Three weeks?

You mean, this one's going to...

Well, of course, darling.

Oh, we're so lucky to have her.

Why, Dr. Markinson
says she's one

of the finest baby
nurses in the city.

And the last moment, too.

Well, if Dr. Markinson
says... a horse.

That's what she looks like.

Just the way they look
at you over a fence.

Long, bony, melancholy... a horse.

Oh, darling, I hope
you don't disapprove.

It upsets me so.

Oh, no, sweet.

It's all right.

Horses are friendly.

Yeah.

Oop.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I guess I don't quite
know my way around yet.

Oh... Oh, I am sorry, Mrs. Biggs.

Huh.

It's all right.

My goodness.

We are a little
crowded, aren't we?

Yeah.

Mm-hm.

Well, I guess we nurses,
and baby bottles, and... heh,

mm-hm... diapers... do, sort of,
upset the routine a little.

Just at first.

At first, she says.

Oh, when you've gone through
50 of them, you can take it.

Wait till you step on
a stray baby bottle,

if you want to get upset.

Good evening, Mary.

Oh, good evening, sir.

The baby's just
beautiful, Mr. Cruger.

Yes, isn't she?

And she's got a
hungry father, too.

What are we having
for dinner tonight?

Broiled steak.

Steak?

Good.

Good.

Uh, Mrs. Cruger's not dining.

Heh... no.

It's for that one.

The nurse?

Well... well, doesn't she
want to eat with you all,

and talk about the
baby and everything?

Well, Mary... you
know what they say...

better late than...
oh, Mr. Cruger.

Oh, how nice.

Yes, yes, yes, isn't it?

Mercy, my goodness mercy, I
had no idea it was that late.

Well, don't you
blame me, Mr. Cruger.

Don't you scold me.

You'll just have to blame
that young daughter of yours.

She eats a lot, and keeps
us all busy around here.

Yes.

I'm sure she does.

But you wait, just you wait.

You're the one that's
going to be kept busy, when

those beaus start coming around.

You'll see.

That young lady is going
to be a heartbreaker,

if ever I saw one.

Well.

That's nice to hear.

That'll be the day, won't it?

Yes, indeedy.

Well, how did the patients
do on the trip home

from the hospital?

Oh, they were perfect doves.

They both [SNIFF]
drank in the fresh air.

That's good.

The baby gained two
whole ounces today.

Did she?

That's fine.

She's going to be a grown
girl before we know it.

Yeah, that's right,
before we know it.

Well.

Steak.

Oh.

I just adore steak.

Don't you, Mr. Cruger?

Oh, yes, I do indeed.

It's so nourishing.

Yes, 'tis.

-We'll have to give Mrs.
Cruger lots of steak.

She'll gain strength so rapidly.

Yes, yes, she will.

Proteins, you know.

Yes, yes.

Proteins.

She'll be up and about
before we know it.

Yes.

Up and about before...
yes, she certainly will.

[MUSIC - INSTRUMENTAL - "THE OLD
GRAY MARE"]

CAMILLA: Hello, darling.

How was your steak?

Steak?

Heh, heh, heh... it certainly was.

Oh, steak.

Darling, do I have to
have this every night?

-Steak?
Why...

No, no, no, no.

Miss... what's-her-name.

Does she have to eat with me?

Oh, of course.

They're nurses, darling.

They feel they're
part of the family.

Oh, you couldn't treat
her as a servant...

why, it would offend her terribly.

But...

You don't really
mind, do you, dear?

She's very kind.

Mm...

And she can always tell
you how Jessica's doing.

She can, and she did.

It isn't that, but... well,
I just can't look at her.

I keep expecting her to
toss her head and whinny.

Oh, no...

Oh, don't misunderstand
me, darling.

I love horses.

I'm a fool for a horse.

A horse is a noble
animal, darling.

All I say is, that nobody
has any business going

around looking like
a horse, and behaving

as if it were all right.

You don't catch horses going
around looking like people,

do you?

(LAUGHING)Oh, I know how
you do love to exaggerate.

Well, it isn't
that I... you know...

Bed time.

Ah, ha.

Well... you ate a good
dinner, Mrs. Cruger.

Didn't she, Mr. Cruger?

Yes, indeedy.

Well, that's just fine.

Now, you've had a
big, exciting day,

so we'll just get you
all ready for bed.

And tuck you in, for a good rest.

Oh.

If you'll excuse us,
Mr. Cruger, but this

is the ladies' little time.

Huh?

Oh.

Yeah, yeah.

Well, uh, I'll be in later, dear.

To say good night.

Heh, heh, heh...

Mr. Cruger is so nice.

Yes, isn't he?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Oh.

It's you, Mr. Cruger.

She's in here.

Oh.

It's Daddy.

Daddy's come to see
you, pretty girl.

Yes.

Wave to doody Daddy, and
give a big smile smile.

Her is all comfy now.

Her just had a little wet, wet.

Oh.

Did she?

Well.

Does her want to give her
dadums a great big kiss?

Now, hold her tight, dadums.

[BABY CRIES]

Rock-a-bye... She's crying.

[INAUDIBLE].

Her just didn't recognize
her big, strong dadums.

It takes a itty bitty time
to get used to daddies.

Say, night, night, dadums.

Night, night.

I mean, good night, Jessica.

27th... 15 days more.

Ohh.

I beg your pardon?

Huh?

Oh, oh.

Oh.

Where was I?

"We will take up the contact with

Gresham the day you arrive."

Oh, yeah.

Eh, uh, looking forward to
seeing you soon, best regards.

That's all for tonight.

Thanks very much.

Ohh.

The flowers are outside.

Flowers?

Oh, oh, yes, yes, yes, thank you.

Good night.

Good night, Mr. Cruger.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

CAMILLA: Sweet.

You look upset.

I am upset.

Does that woman ever go out?

Doesn't our horsie
ever rate a night off?

Well, where would she want to go?

Well, she might take
herself a moonlight canter

around the park.

[SHE LAUGHS]

Oh, she doubtlessly
gets a much greater

thrill out of dining with you.

After all, you're a man.

And she can't have seen many.

Poor old horsie.

She's not a bad soul.

Yes.

What a round of
pleasure it is for me,

having dinner with
"not a bad soul."

Heaven help me, every time
she asks for a lump of sugar,

I start holding it
out to her on my palm.

Well, what makes
you think I'm caught

in any world of
gaiety, lying here?

Oh, darling.

My poor darling.

I didn't mean it...
honest I didn't.

How can I complain, after
all you've been through?

And I haven't done a thing.

Please, sweetheart, you
know I didn't mean it.

After all, you just
have her at dinner.

I have her around all day.

Please, sweetheart,
you poor angel.

To-do.

The bootiful girl has come to
say night-night to her momsie.

Doodle oo... a ha... Ah,
Daddy, look... izzy whoo hoo...

izzy, wizzy, wizzy, whoo hoo.

See, all the tears is done, now.

Yes.

Say night-night, dadums.

Us go teepy bye now.

Night-night, momsie.

Good night, useless.

Mm hm.

That's the girl.

Night-night, momsie.

If that child ever
calls you momsie,

I'll turn her out in the snow.

[INTERPOSING VOICES]...

Oh.

Please, go ahead.

No, no, Miss
Wilmarth, you go ahead.

But you started.

No, no, no, I wasn't going to
say anything at all, really.

Oh, but you were.

Please.

Well, I was just going to ask,
uh, you work so very hard, uh,

don't you ever go
out in the evenings?

Oh, mercy no.

Not when I'm on a case.

Oh.

Just between cases.

Mm.

Mm.

Yes, then I... then I
really have a little frolic.

Frolic?

Oh, really?

That's very interesting.

Just how do you frolic?

Well, I often go to
the ladies' radio shows,

you know, like,
"Queen for a Day?"

Queen... oh, yes.

You might become a queen, huh?

Oh, well, not really,
I... I just enjoy

the company of the other ladies.

We have a, a little queen of
our own right here, don't we?

Oh, yes, yes, we certainly do.

[INAUDIBLE] see the show on
television for the first time,

just before I came here.

Oh, really?

Mm.

It was wonderful.

But it's very hard to get tickets.

Oh.

I can get you tickets, any time.

Can you?

Oh, that would be so kind of you.

Perhaps tomorrow night?

Oh, no, I... I couldn't
possibly leave our patients.

Oh.

I see... yes, that's right.

Perhaps after I leave,
uh... would that be possible?

Oh, yes.

Mm.

Oh, that will be so exciting.

Yes, it certainly will.

I'll be so grateful.

So will I... I, I, I'll
certainly get them for you.

Good evening, Miss Wilmarth.

Well... how were the
patients all day?

That's good, that's fine.

Mrs. Cruger seems to be
getting stronger every day,

doesn't she?

That's good, that's fine.

Yes, up and about before we know
it... yes, she certainly will.

Mm.

Hm?

Oh, yes, yes, we certainly
have had a mild winter.

I see where they held up that, uh,

jeweler's shop in broad daylight.

Yes, I certainly don't
know what we're coming to.

I see the cat.

Do you see the cat?

The cat is on the mat.

Yes, it certainly is.

Pardon me, Miss Wilmarth, but must

you look so much like a horse?

And do you like to look
like a horse, Miss Wilmarth?

Heh, heh, that's good,
Miss Wilmarth, that's fine.

Oh, yes, yes, you certainly do.

Will you, for heaven's
sake, finish your oats, Miss

Wilmarth, and let
me get out of this?

Jack.

I've heard of advertising
ulcers, heart attack,

and shock, but this is a new one.

Catch Freddy before he leaves...
you've got to come to dinner.

Both of you.

I've got to have
somebody to talk to.

- Tonight?
- Yes, tonight.

Now, hurry up and get him.

You've got to come.

(UNISON)I was strolling
through the park one day...

Bang, bang...

Back on your downie cap.

Oh.

Yes, that's enough exercise
for the little mother.

Oh, you both are adorable escorts.

Aren't they, Owen?

Yes, and we make, uh,
beautiful nurses, too.

You think so?

Wait till you see
our "Seabiscuit."

Miss Wilmarth?

Sh, sh, sh...

Oh.

Good evening.

I, uh, I didn't know
the door was open.

Mm-hm.

I mean, uh, I hope we, uh,
haven't been disturbing you.

Oh, goodness, not
the least little bit.

Mercy.

Oh.

Uh, I, uh... we were wondering
if you wouldn't like a cocktail?

Oh... mercy.

Why, thank you ever
so much, Mr. Cruger.

Well, see you at dinner.

Yes.

Eh, thank you.

Well, I'm the one that
ought to thank you,

for the lovely little cocktail.

Oh, well...

OWEN:... you never know about
these things, you know?

That course wasn't
made for golfers.

They built it for mountain goats.

[LAUGHTER]

You ought to try
Pebble Beach, driving

across that ocean inlet.

Why, it's murder, if you have a...

Oh, Mr. Cruger, I... oh, my.

Oh, Mr. Cruger.

Oh, Mr. Cruger, I'm so sorry.

But at the last minute, our
little precious had to...

Uh, uh, yes, yes, yes, yes,
I know, it's very [INAUDIBLE].

Miss Wilmarth, this is
Mr. Hewitt, Mr. Forster.

Oh.

I'm pleased to meet you.

How do you do?

I'm pleased to meet you, too.

How do you do?

Oh, uh, Mary, let's
have the champagne now.

(LAUGHING)That's a good idea.

Well?

Well...

Well, uh... getting much
warmer out, isn't it?

Yes.

Notice it?

Uh, yes, yes, it's
just, uh... well,

we're about due for warm weather.

Yes.

We should expect it.

Any day, now.

Oh, it'll be here.

It'll come.

I love spring.

I just love it.

Darn good time of year.

Certainly is.

Eh, good for flowers.

Flowers?

[FORCED LAUGHTER]

Yes, flowers.

Well.

Here's a health, everybody.

Health.

Health.

Health.

Health.

Well, your patients seem to
be getting along pretty well,

Miss Wilmarth, don't they?

I should say they are.

And they're pretty nice patients,

too, aren't they, Mr. Cruger?

Yes, yes, yes, that
they are, that's right.

They certainly are, that's right.

Well, uh, you must meet all
sorts of people in your work,

I suppose.

Must be pretty interesting.

Sometimes it is.

It all depends on the people.

That's right.

Everything depends on
the people, doesn't it?

Always does.

Uh, wonderful, the
way this country's

come right up in
medicine, isn't it?

Mm.

Yes, it is.

Um, I see where they,
uh, think they've

got a new cure for arthritis.

Oh, have they really?

HEWITT: Wonderful thing.

Wonderfully interesting.

Let's have some brandy.

Now.

Great idea.

Wonderful.

I've never drunk brandy.

Oh.

OWEN (SINGING):... mare, she
ain't what she used to be,

ain't what she used to
be, ain't... At last.

Good night, Miss King.

Have a wonderful evening.

Good night.

Thank you, Mr. Cruger.

[HE WHISTLES "CALL TO THE POST"]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

(SINGING)Oh, the old gray mare,
she ain't what she used to be,

ain't what she used to be,
ain't what she used to be,

the old gray mare, she
ain't what she used to be,

many long years
a... Oh, uh, Ralph...

Miss Wilmarth's leaving.

You're driving her home.

RALPH: Yes, sir.

Many long years ago.

Oh, darling, how could you?

You know I simply
loathe gardenias.

Gardenias?

Why, I ordered your
favorite orchids.

Florist must have
got the boxes mixed.

I'll talk to him about it.

I'm sorry, sweet.

Mm, you're forgiven, darling.

You've made such a perfect
choice of flowers every night.

All these weeks.

All these weeks is right.

Do you realize that you're
having dinner with me tonight?

Hm?

That I'll have you with me again?

That I'll be able to
look across the table

and see you sitting
there, so beautiful?

And hear your voice?

Pardon us, Miss Wilmarth.

Oh... oh, excuse me.

Oh, you're home, Mr.
Cruger, I... I hoped

I'd have a chance to
say goodbye to you, too.

Oh, yes.

Of course.

Well, uh, Miss Barnes
and our precious

are just getting on famously.

They're... they're
all organized, so I

guess the hour of
parting has come.

Oh, we're very sorry to
lose you, Miss Wilmarth.

Yes, we are, indeed.

I have the car waiting
to take you home.

Oh.

That's so nice of
you, Mr. Cruger,

you... you're so thoughtful.

Well, I... uh... oh, uh... these
are for you, Miss Wilmarth.

For me?

Oh, Mr. Cruger, really,
I... oh, really, Mr. Cruger,

you... you shouldn't have done it.

Really, you shouldn't have.

Oh, well, it's nothing...

I never in my li... oh.

Goodness, mercy.

I never saw anything so
lovely in all my life...

did you, Mrs. Cruger?

I just don't how to
begin to thank you.

Oh, well, then, don't...

I just adore them.

Oh, they are nice ones.

Put them on, Miss Wilmarth.

Oh, no, I... I don't
think I'll wear them, I...

I think I'll just take them
home in the box, like this,

it's such a nice box,
I'd like to have it,

I'd... like to keep it.

Why, of course.

Well, I... I never was
on a pleasanter case.

I've just had the time
of my life, though.

Oh, I... I just can't stop
looking at my posies,

they're so lovely.

I can't thank you enough
for everything you've done.

Well, we ought to thank
you, Miss Wilmarth.

We really ought.

I just hate to say
goodbye, I... just hate it.

Oh, don't say it.

Why, I never dream of saying it.

And remember, you must
stop in and see the baby,

any time you can.

Yes, you certainly
must, that's right.

Yes, I will.

I'll take your bag down
for you, Miss Wilmarth.

Thank you.

I'll go down and
back her into the car.

That'll finish it.

Wee...

Well.

There we are.

Have you got everything?

Yes, I have.

Oh... the tickets.

I forgot the tickets
that I promised

you, about the television show.

How wonderful.

They're for tomorrow night.

Yes.

Now that you've
finished working so hard,

you can have your
little, eh... frolic.

I shall.

Uh, well, good luck
again, Miss Wilmarth.

And don't forget us.

No, I won't, I... I
won't ever do that.

Is there anything
wrong, Miss Wilmarth?

Oh, no, it's... it's just that
it's the first time in my whole

life that a man ever
gave me flowers.

Oh, Jessica, you're going to
be as beautiful as your mother.

How was she today, Miss Barnes?

Just fine.

Dr. Markinson was here at 4:00.

He said she's doing perfectly...
to continue the formula.

Oh, that's fine.

Good night to Mother, Jessica.

Good night, charming one.

And your father.

Good night, doll.

Isn't Miss Barnes wonderful?

She talks English.

Not even one googly-goo.

Oh, she's ideal.

Oh, darling, I'm tired
of this symphony.

Oh, I'm sorry, sweet.

What would you like
to hear... Horsie.

Well, what about her?

Well, those tickets I gave her.

This is her night to frolic.

What?

I don't know what, but it
ought to be a cataclysm.

FORD (TV): Well, in
addition to the bathing

suit and all the
vacation wardrobe...

We'll never find
her in that crowd.

FORD (TV):... three week,
fully paid vacation tour

of that Pacific
paradise, Honolulu.

JACK BAILEY (TV): Now, for our
third candidate, a lady that

was so frightened, I didn't think

she was gonna get up
here today at all.

Wake up... it's, it's Horsie.

A contestant.

Oh, ho, ho.

This... ho, ho...

MISS WILMARTH (TV):
Miss Ella Wilmarth.

JACK BAILEY (TV): Miss Wilmarth?

MISS WILMARTH (TV): Yes.

JACK BAILEY (TV):
Say, you were pretty

excited about getting up
here today, weren't you?

MISS WILMARTH (TV): Mercy.

I just can't believe it, I...
I've been to your show so many

times, but I... I never
thought that I'd...

JACK BAILEY (TV): That
you'd get up here?

MISS WILMARTH (TV): Well.

JACK BAILEY (TV):
Well, you're up here,

but you pretty near
didn't make it.

That's fine.

Now, tell me, what do you do?

I'm an infant nurse.

Oh.

You take care of the, the little
ones, uh, in the hospitals?

Sometimes.

When they need me.

But mostly, I go home
with the newborn babies.

Oh, well, you're, you're
kind of a specialist, then.

Yes.

Yeah, well, how long
have you been doing this?

30 years.

30 years.

Well, that's wonderful.

My goodness.

Say, about that... about how
many of these little folks

have you taken home, in
all this length of time?

I just finished taking
care of my 311th baby.

311.

Well, that's just wonderful.

How about that?

Oh, gee, that,
that's really great.

Say... for 30 years,
you've been wondering

what these little
folks would like.

What, what would you like,
if you're elected our queen?

I'd like an electric razor.

JACK BAILEY (TV):
An electric razor?

Oh, now don't tell me
those little babies

shave at that age.

MISS WILMARTH (TV): I
know it sounds silly,

but it's the only
thing I can think of

to ask that Mr.
Cruger would like.

JACK BAILEY (TV):
Uh... Mr. Cruger?

MISS WILMARTH (TV): It was their
baby I just finished taking

care of, and he was the
nicest and kindest man

I ever worked for,
in my whole life.

I'd like to give him a
present, so that he'd

know how much his
kindness meant to me.

JACK BAILEY (TV):
Well, don't you worry.

If you're elected our queen, we'll

see that you get
that electric razor.

You betcha.

How about that?

And now it's up to you
folks in the audience

to decide which of these ladies
is going to be tonight's queen.

Now, the finalists are
number one and number three.

Number one is Mrs. Ames,
who wants to go to Denver,

to see her mother.

And number three is Mrs...
uh, I beg your pardon...

Miss Wilmarth, who
wants an electric razor.

Now, in the order they
came to the microphone,

don't whistle or
shout, simply applaud.

Here we go.

Your applause for
number one, Mrs. Ames.

[APPLAUSE]

Thank you.

And now, your applause for
number three, Miss Wilmarth.

[APPLAUSE]

Come on... all right.

Now you come on back here.

Did you hear that applause?

Now, you're really
the Queen, and we're

gonna get you all fixed.

Right there is the crimson
and velvet and ermine robe.

Fix her up.

Take her right up there
on her own throne,

and this is going
to be a real thrill.

There... that's right.

Sit right down, Your Majesty.

There's your sterling
silver scepter,

and four dozen
beautiful red roses.

And now, for the most thrilling
moment of all, I crown you,

Queen Ella... "Queen for a Day!"

[APPLAUSE]

JACK BAILEY (TV): And
now, first, here's

that electric razor
that you wanted,

for that man who's
been so kind to you,

and I certainly want you
know that's the finest

electric razor you can get.

Sure.

I hope it makes him very happy.

And now, do you know what
we're gonna do for you?

Next week, you're going out
to the International Airport,

you're going to
board a luxury liner,

and we're going to fly you
across the blue Pacific,

right straight to Honolulu.

And you'll need a whole batch
of airplane tickets to do that,

so here they are.

And you're going to need
a, a hat box or something,

to carry all your wardrobe in.

So just look at this.

Here is your
beautiful luggage now.

Yes.

Here come the page girls, with
a brand new set of luggage,

for you to use on
your trip to Honolulu.

Well, now we've got
to have something

to put in this luggage,
so Your Majesty, here

is your new wardrobe.

Look.

Now, Your Majesty, when you
get back from that dream trip

to Honolulu, you'll want
someplace to dream in.

We have for you a one year lease,

on an apartment overlooking
all of Hollywood.

And here's the key.

Now, it's an
unfurnished apartment,

but wait till you see what
we've done about that.

Hold onto your
crown, Your Majesty.

Here's the way it will be.

[MUSIC PLAYING]