That Brennan Girl (1946)

[bunniefuu]

Gee. Gee, what lookers.
Look at 'em.

All them white smelly
whatchamacallems.

Hundreds of 'em. And all Mom
ever wanted was just one.

Here.

Gee, thanks, lady.
But I hadn't ought to take it.

I won't need it.

Come in.

- I just thought...
- There you are, Ziggy.

I just been telling Mr. Crassman
all about my kid little sister.

Hello, little lady.
Looks like there's gonna be
another beauty in the family.

Some line he's got, isn't it, sis?

Well, don't just stand there
looking like you lost
your best friend, dopey.

Come on in.

Mother, did you ever go to church?

What a question to ask me, Ziggy.

And don't call me Mother.

Must have gone on and off
half a dozen times

with that psalm-singing father
of yours, but it didn't take.

I got my own religion, I guess,
Ziggy: live and let live.

As far as I know,
we're only here once
and I'm not gonna miss a trick.

Neither are you if I got
anything to say about it.

- Take it away.
- Get that technique, will you?

- Oh, Nat's quite a girl.
- I'll say.

By the way, where's
your kid sister tonight, Nat?

- Oh, she's asleep.
- How come
you're drinking highballs?

- Oh, I don't like that mixed.
- I'm very fond of mixed drinks.

They're not quite so strong.

Well, it's alright
if you like 'em.

Hey, Marion, are you
still working at Van Oster's?

Oh, no, I gave that job up
weeks ago.

Men may respect careers girls,
but they only send 'em books,
not square-cut ambers.

You expect too much
from dames, Louis.

If they aren't cold,
why do you send 'em mink?

- What's the matter with you?
- I'm in love.

In love? You're kidding, Mel.

Don't you know
the guy you're mad for

always turns out to be the one
that pays the lowest income tax?

Not that you'll need make-up
for a long time,

but you might as well catch on
to all the tricks.

With your looks, baby, you'll
never have to work for a living.

If you watch your step.

Here, you try it.

If you ask me,
Miss Pendergast, I think
it's all just too silly.

Hasn't that detective
at the store ever heard
of a sorority initiation?

The girls had to do what they
were told to do, didn't they?

You can't call that stealing.

To drag Ziggy to jail
over a dinky little lapel pin.

And then for you
to kick her out of school.

Building up a thing like that's
apt to give a girl a complex.

I don't mind telling you,
I'm furious.

Dopey. I'm sore as the devil
at you, honestly.

But I'm certainly not gonna let
any dried-up old maid

talk about my daughter that way.

Don't let it get your goat, Ziggy.

In a couple of years
you'll be on your own.

Hey, why don't you look out
where you're dancing?

Watch your step, wise guy.

Gave you a workout, huh, baby?

I can't get over this thing, Ed.

I thought you'd go for it.

Fooled me completely in the taxi.

Tell me, who do they make
this junk stuff look so real?

It won't always be junk, Ziggy.

- Ed, please.
- Hey, what's this all about?

In the cab coming over,
you weren't so particular.

- Goodbye, now.
- Goodbye?

Well, a girl's gotta
think a thing like this over.

When you're around, I can't think.

You went for me in a big way.

Sure, baby. Take your time.

Nice going. Takes talent
to put over the lines

after you've played the act
so many times.

Next on the program,
ladies and gentlemen,

is that mastermind
Professor Whoisit,

works completely in the dark,
sees nothing and knows all.

Not all, but enough.
Name is Ziggy.

Angel eyes or you'd never
get away with it.

Wrappings to match
and cold as an igloo.

- Cigarette?
- Thanks.

Just like I guessed.

Good old Professor Whoisit hits
it right on the nose every time.

Who's calling who
cold as an igloo?

You're not exactly
a heatwave yourself.

- Who are you?
- Name of Denny Reagan.

Should that mean anything to me?
Because it doesn't.

- It will, in time.
- Oh, that type.

- And when I give out with
the gadgets, they aren't phony.
- Oh?

Well, if you won't take
Professor Whoisit's word for it,

gaze deeply into his crystal ball.

Neat trick, but why bother?

Here's one little Irish boy
from the bottom of the hill

that grew up smart, like you.

No neon sign, Ziggy.
It gets you farther.

From the first time
you could push your snoot
against a store window,

you'd sell your soul
for a sparkler like this.

But when the day comes
that you can buy one,

you've learned
that they're strictly corny,

Diamond Jim Brady stuff,
so you split the difference.

Yeah, and some night
some sharp little blonde

gets wise to the combination
of that midget safe...

Not a chance.

This isn't just to pretty
myself up with, Angel Eyes.

If my luck turns, I've got
something better than
a soft shoulder to cry on.

And for a rainy day...

...give me diamonds
over dames every time.

I almost forgot, I've gotta
see the vet about a sick wolf.

See that this doesn't burn down
the southern mansion, will you?

- Dottie, who's Denny Reagan?
- Denny? Did he show up?

- Where is he?
- I didn't say. I just asked
who he was.

Well, there are plenty
of fancy rumors.

They say he... Of course
nobody really knows...

Come on, Dottie, let's hoof it.

I'll tell you later.

Say, Ben, about this
Denny Reagan, what's his racket?

Sorry, Ziggy. It was
right on the tip of my tongue.

- Did you find out if he bites?
- Who?

- The sick wolf, remember?
- There wasn't any answer.

- Ziggy, what do you do?
- No mystery about me.

I'm temporarily at the emporium
in perfumes.

Mmm, you smell like it.
Why temporarily?

The Brennan women, all two
of us, are in the red right now.

Mother's current boyfriend has
a reluctant side to his nature.

- Where do you wanna be parked?
- What do you mean?

- I'm on my way out.
- My, my.

It's time we were all going.
It must be 9:15 at least.

I made another appointment
before I stopped by here.

Well, give my regards
to the boys in the back room.

Denny.

Mrs. Reagan, I thought
you'd be out jitterbuggin'.

Stop. And stop in the middle
of your next step.

Why do you think
I put that mat there?

So the wee birdies could
pluck it to feather their nests?

From the time you were so high
to a busted hod handle,

a devil a bit of good
it did me to scrub my floors.

Tis a stable
you should be living in.

What a fierce tigress it is.

Mmm. Corned beef and cabbage.

- For tomorrow.
- What time do we eat?

- You'll be coming, Denny?
- Try and keep me away.

Mmm. It's heaven I'm in.

Well, why I ever cooked so much
the good saints only know.

Now, if you had a friend

that you'd like
to invite in for a bite...

some fair young creature...

I know, some fair young creature

who would make me a good wife

and teach me how to wipe me feet.

You never give up, do you, Mom?

No, Denny, I never give up.

Hey...

Where's the new furniture
I told you to buy?

I went to the store,

but the things were
much too elegant for here.

Ah, Mom, I've asked you
a thousand times,

why don't you move out
of this dump?

I can get you a nice place.

You know, unit heat, an elevator,

refrigerator, the whole works.

Mmm. Refrigerator.
The whole works.

That's all very lovely, Denny.

But would it have this?

So you've lived here since I was
knee high to a grasshopper.

Is that any reason why you can't
pretty the place up?

If the money I gave you
wasn't enough, here's some more.

Thank you, son. Tomorrow I'll be
going to the store again.

- Father.
- How are you, Mrs. Reagan?

The saints themselves couldn't
be better, Father, but...

Is it Denny?

When he was a wee lad in school,
he wasn't so smart, Father.

Just like all the others, he was.

And now he has so much money.

The wholesale business,
that's all he tells me.

Perhaps you're
unduly worried, ma'am.

It's uneasy he is, Father.

His eyes run from mine
like twin hares.

You might pray for him a bit more.

Don't worry, Mrs. Reagan.

- Good morning, Father.
- Oh, good morning, Mrs. Novac.

- Good morning, Mrs. Reagan.
- Come right in.

Oh, that's so funny,
and you tell it so well.

Have you ever heard the one
about the girl

and the streetcar conductor?

Why, Ziggy, you stingy.

Why have you been keeping
Mr. Reagan and me apart?

For all of two days you mean?

Hi, Angel Eyes.

We had such a nice long chat
Saturday night.

I must have given you my address.

Well, Professor Whoisit knows all.

If he doesn't,
he finds out about it.

Baby, what a stunning pin.

Yeah. Looks like
Ed's an old die-hard.

There was a sale on at the store.

But you already have
so many, Ziggy.

She's got the funniest mania
for lapel pins, Mr. Reagan.

Well, I'm for
whipping up something.

What'll yours be, Mr. R.?

- Oh, thanks. I'll skip it.
- Ziggy?

Same as usual, Nat,
only very little water.

I won't be long.

Yeah, that's a pretty pin alright.

I'll bet the stores take quite
a b*ating on stuff like that.

Meaning?

Well, it's not like a fur coat.

The girl behind the counter
probably knocks
one of those off,

accidentally, of course,
and it drops into her shoe.

Having fallen arches,
she wears such a large size,

she doesn't even know
that it's there

until she beats it for the bus.

Or take a girl
behind another counter.

Perfume, that sort of goes
with jewelry.

She walks over to have a talk
with her girlfriend

and a gadget like that could
sort of stick to her sleeve.

So she walks out, goes home,
and there is it,

much to her amazement.

No, I wouldn't wanna be
the head of that department.

- It's too much grief.
- You're breaking my heart.

I feel like crying for
those poor little old stores.

Ziggy... is there anything
you wouldn't do for money?

It's the stuff that buys a girl
a mink coat, isn't it?

You're slipping,
Professor Whoisit.

- If you think for a minute...
- Ed and I aren't the same type.

My boss could use you, Ziggy,

and it'd be
plenty worth your while.

The crystal ball says
you ought to consider it.

Hello?

- Mrs. Van Durwin?
- Yes.

This is the Superbo Van
and Storage Company calling.

We understand that you've just
bought a lovely new estate

and expect to move any day now.

- Yes, but...
- I'm sure you've had
several estimates on the job.

But we feel it might be
worth your while to have us.

Well, I don't know
if Mr. Van Durwin would...

We could send a man over
right way.

After all, Mrs. Van Durwin,
it costs you nothing.

And if we could save you
a substantial sum...

Oh, very well. But don't come
after four o'clock.

- I'm having guests.
- Don't worry, Mrs. Van Durwin.

Our man'll be there in 20 minutes.

Thank you so much. Goodbye.

Of course you understand
that we're not allowed to make

a lower estimate
than any other company,

but there are certain little
extras that Superbo throws in,

like packing material,
china insured against breakage

and little things like that.

All in all, our service
should save you about $200.

John, that would make it a lot
less than the lead company...

We have to get out by Monday.
Can you make it then?

We'll be on the job
at 8 a.m. sharp.

Do you mind if I look around,
see how many vans
it's gonna take?

- Not at all.
- Thank you.

Mmm. Nice young man, isn't he?

Now, you're sure you have
the new address correct?

You bet, sir.

But we'd appreciate it
if you went on ahead,

so as to be on hand to show us
where to put the stuff.

Oh, yes, we'll be there.

They certainly
should be here by now.

Well, I hope they were careful
with that striped settee.

- It's just been reupholstered.
- Hmm.

Alright, boys, get going.

Roll that stuff off
and get the van the paint job.

Better paint it white
for the next job.

And don't forget to change
those license plates.

Put that piece on top of there.

What in the world
could have happened to them?

Oh, I haven't the slightest idea.

- OK, Pete?
- Four more loads to come.

Cover it in this
and tone down the frame.

There must have been an accident.

We've been waiting here for hours.

- I just can't understand it.
- We've checked.

And there hasn't been an accident.

And there's no such company
as Superbo Van and Storage.

No such company?

You're up against
a new racket, lady.

We may be able to get
your furniture back for you.

If we're lucky.

Oh!

What's the matter? You no likey?

- He no likey Dottie.
- He get stoody up, maybe, yes?

Very funny.

Give Dottie a ring
and get her over here.

This lovesick guy is putting
a chill on the party.

Hey Burger,

are you sure you told
her to come to the Bird Cage?

Oh, why don't you leave it?

Will you try it again,
Operator, please?

Oh, excuse me.

I hope I didn't keep you waiting.

It doesn't matter anyway.

I must have left
my coin purse in another bag.

Oh, well, that's too bad.

If you've
an important call to make,

I mean, if you wouldn't think
I was trying to... you know...

You know. Oh, here, take it.

Well, it is rather important,

otherwise I wouldn't dream
of imposing on you.

Thank you.

OK. Well, thanks very much.

I thought you might need
another one.

- That's why you waited.
- Uh-uh.

That's why I said I waited.

- Smudge on my nose?
- No. Skies in your eyes.

Minnesota skies.

- Are they so different?
- Yeah.

They're different alright.

Especially if you haven't
seen 'em for a long time.

What's your name?

Bring in other friends
with you, Dottie?

You don't mean somebody's sore
at poor little me?

Look what I found. One and all,
this is Mr. Mart Neilson.

Lately of Minnesota
and more lately of the USN.

Minnesota? Neilson?

You couldn't be a Swede
by any chance, could you?

- No, I'm an American, miss.
- That's telling her, boy.

Sit down, Neilson.
Have a drink with us.

Thank you.

Well, this is mighty nice
of you folks.

I thought I knew a fella
here in San Francisco.

Well, I guess
he shipped out on me.

Give a look at that
chestful of spinach, will you?

Say, that's quite a watch
you've got here.

I never saw one like that before.

Well, it's just the strap
that's different.

I hammered it out of a shell case,

made it to fit a watch I had.

You did a nice job.

I wish they sold
watches like that.

I'd go for one myself.

You should have that thing
patented or something.

It's stunning. Even for a girl
in sport clothes, it's terrific.

What, on that little wrist?
Diamonds'd be more like it.

Say, let's have a look at that.

Yeah, sure.

Mmm. You got
quite an idea there, sailor.

Minnesota, do you just collect
ribbons or can you dance too?

Well, yeah, sure I can dance.
Excuse me.

To your place, Miss Brennan?

What do you think?

Joe's the romantic type.

Well, show him this little token
of esteem from me to you.

Maybe that'll cheer him up.

What did you feed the poor guy?
The usual line or a Mickey Finn?

I've never had to use
knock-out drops yet.

Say, where do you think you are?

Back in high school stealing
five-and-dime store-stuff?

Well, pardon me
if I'm a trifle confused.

I seem to remember your going
for that thing in a big way.

But the dumb Swede's going back
to the South Pacific, isn't he?

And he's proud of that gadget.

He could take his little hammer
and pound out another
little shell case, couldn't he?

- What about the watch?
- Well, what about it?

It's not a very good one,
but maybe he likes it.

Maybe somebody gave it to him.
Somebody special.

Well, look who's talking.
Little goody-two-shoes.

You're not really tight
for once, are you?

Yeah, that's it, I'm tight.
Get it back to him.

Suppose I don't know
where he hangs out.

You know. Get it back.

Ring Petty Officer Neilson,
will you, please?

Yes, ma'am.

Never mind.

Hey.

- Well, you found it.
- Could be.

It was under the table.

I went back there to look
this morning.

I guess the clasp was broken.

Anyway, I found it on the floor
after you left.

Well, you don't seem to be
very happy about it.

Oh, I'm happy about it alright.

It's just that
it makes me a little sick

when I think
I was careless with it.

You see, my mom gave it to me.
The watch, I mean.

It's the last thing
she ever did give me.

You were just a little high,
sailor, that's all.

- Anyway, you've got it back.
- I sure was tight.

I took your address down wrong,
and your phone number too.

I've been walking up and down
all day trying to find you.

You had a little celebration
coming, didn't you?

Well, I have now. And I got you
back too, haven't I?

Come on, baby.
We're going places.

Hey, wait a minute.

It happens I have a date.
I'm sorry.

I know you have, with me.

You see, I just remembered
that you promised me

a date every night
for the rest of my leave.

Oh, I didn't think you meant it.

When a Neilson of Minnesota
says a thing, he means it.

Yeah, but I'm not dressed.

Oh, none of the fancy dumps
for us.

We're gonna go down
to this fishermen's wharf

I've heard so much about.

We'll eat that cracked crab
till we bust.

And I'm gonna tell you
about my folks

and you can tell me about yours.

What's the matter?

Listen, will you?

It's not like I said
about the watch.

I knew you had one too many and
I got it off of you for a gag.

- A gag?
- Well, sort of a bet.

I didn't know
it had any special value.

You know, you had me worried
for a minute.

I was afraid
you were gonna tell me

you didn't like cracked crab.

Must be quite a sight
in peacetime,

all those little blue boats
coming in in the evening
with their fish.

It is. Thought you were going
to tell me about your folks.

Oh, there was only Mom.

Maybe after the w*r I could
come back here again with you

and see that for myself.

Maybe.

What was she like?

- What?
- Your mom.

Well, I've been told I take
after her, in looks, anyway.

I hope there isn't a limit
to how many of these things
they'll serve you.

I don't mean just looks.
I mean everything.

Well, that's a tall order, baby.

I don't think I'd know
where to begin.

Well, suppose she could be
with us here, at his table.

Would she like it too?
The little boats and everything?

Yeah. Yeah, she would.

She'd have sailed
into one of these things too.

You see, Mom tackled everything
with both fists,

the way she did on the farm.

You should have seen her driving
a tractor through the fields.

The wind was blowing
her yellow hair

and making her cheeks
just as red as apples.

- Your mother drove a tractor?
- Yeah.

With me on her lap
when I was little.

- Well, what about your father?
- He d*ed when I was four.

But a tractor? How could she?

Well, you see,
we couldn't afford a hired man,

not for a long time.

She did all the chores
on the farm,

the milking and everything,

besides looking after
the house and me.

Well, that's a new one.

You've heard people
talk about Big Swede?

Well, that was my mom.

Hey, what got me started on that?

Sorry. Guess I'm the nosy type.

Oh, don't be sorry. It sort of
helps to talk about her.

You see, I...
well, I miss her a lot.

You know, for all that she was
so strong and hardened by work,

well, when a fella got hurt
the way a kid will,

well, then her big hands'd be
just as soft as velvet.

If you she thought
you were trying to get away
with anything, boy...

Not that Mom was one to preach.
She wasn't.

She just knew what was right
and what was wrong.

But if you were gonna
tell her a lie,

you know, just a little one,

all she'd do is just look at you
with those gray eyes of hers

and all she'd say'd be,
"You'd better think again, son."

"Think again."

You know,
you haven't eaten a thing.

Let's get out of here.

I don't get it. I thought
you just didn't like the joint.

I thought maybe
you wanted to go someplace else.

You said you wanted to see me
after the w*r, didn't you?

Sure, I do.

Well, this is
just to show you the way

in case you don't change
your mind.

There, there, now.
You'll be alright.

Now, you go right up
to your room. Good night.

No, Freddy, don't go.
Take me to my apartment.

Well, no, no, Nat.
I have to go.

I'm a lady and you ought
to show me to my door.

- No, no, Nat.
- Come on, Freddy.

Well, if you insist.
Be careful, now.

There. There you are. Alright.

Freddy, you know something?

You're the nicest... You're
the nicest man I ever knew.

That's right.
You're nice too.

But I'm afraid
I'm gonna lose you, Freddy.

- And I don't wanna lose you.
- There, there, now, cheer up.

You've just had one too many
little drinkies, that's all.

If you were a girl like me,
absolutely unprotected

and nobody in the world
that cared what happened to you,

you'd cry too.

I gotta go now, Nat, honest.

Promised the boys
I'd sit in on a poker game.

Now, you take
a nice big aspirin tab...

Don't want
a nice big aspirin tablet.

Want a nice big man.

One that'll put me on a pedestal
and play gin rummy with me

and look after
my little investments.

My little investments, Freddy.

That's what really got me down.

They've all gone poof!

Come on in and let me tell you.

Oh, I can't, Nat.
The boys'll be sore.

Now, look,
maybe this'll tide you over.

- Freddy.
- Be seeing you, old girl.

- Did you get it?
- What do you think?

The big dope, he's so anxious
to wiggle out of one net,

he doesn't know when
he's been landed in another.

Well, I can always count on her.

She really did her stuff for you.

- Who is that woman?
- That? That's my mom.

- You poor little kid.
- Don't, Mart. You saw her.

That's why I brought you here,
to put you wise.

You don't want any part
of a dame like me.

I didn't take your watch
for a gag. I stole it.

Don't you understand?
I stole it.

I'm not your type of girl, Mart.

Don't you get it? I'm no good.
Now will you get out of here?

Honey, the only difference
between you and me

is you just didn't have my luck.

Now, therefore, by reason
of the power vested in me

by the law
of the state of California,

I now pronounce you man and wife.

Now, take it easy, baby.
Take it easy.

Goodbye, Mart.

Zeros, three o'clock!

I don't get it.
Why Chicago all of a sudden?

What's wrong with this end?

You got no squawk about your cut.

Besides, I need you here.

You need somebody in Chicago too.

OK, Reagan, the racket out there

is not big enough
for the both of us,

and don't try a double-cross.

What are you trying to be,
a funny fat man?

Taking that Brennan girl
with you, I suppose?

Cross her off the payroll.

A guy in the South Pacific's
got a contract with her.

Wire me when you get to Chicago.

Nice place, Chicago, but
you're not going there, Reagan.

I'm sorry, fatso. You might try
jumping out the window.

It's taken us quite a while
to catch up with you boys,

but we made it.

Why Chicago?

Why not? It's a nice place.

I've been planning
on going there ever since...

Well, for some time.

- The wholesale business, Denny?
- Mm-mm.

- Something else.
- Well, glory be.

Uh, I'll be pretty busy
for some time, Mom,

so if you don't hear from me,
just don't...

Whatever it is, Denny, I'm glad
it's not the wholesale business.

But I still don't understand.

You said nothing about this
when I saw you

a week ago come Sunday.

Well, it wasn't set, not then.

It is now... for sure.

But you'll be taken care of
while I'm gone, Mom, and...

don't you worry about a thing.

So long, Mom.

Wait, Denny.

On the trains they don't always
have such good food.

Thanks, Al.

This. I think you'll like this.

This is one of
our newest fragrances.

Here you are.

Thank you.

Pardon me.

I'll be back in a minute
in case Joe Carnation inquiries.

Alright. Oh, here's something.

Boy... girl.

Boy...

girl.

Hi, sprout.

To be known officially as Martha.

After your daddy.

Gather round that festive board.

Well, folks,
I've finally got the bird.

Ziggy!

- Hi, Ziggy.
- Hi.

Oof!

- You should stick to Scotch.
- On my wedding day?

According to Emily Post, you're
supposed to kiss the bride

and congratulate the groom,
Ziggy, not vice versa.

Nat, wasn't this sort of sudden?

I'll say.

Runs in the family, doesn't it?

Freddy just wouldn't wait
a minute longer.

So we got the g*ng together
and... here I go again.

Well, good luck to both of you.

Here, baby.
Time for your bottle.

No, thanks.

Baby's not used
to champagne anymore.

Baby's bowled over.

Give her a chance
to get her hat off, will you?

- Ziggy.
- Nat, you startled me.

What's the matter with you today?

You could have made a pretence
of taking a drink.

I'm glad you landed Fred, Nat,
if that's what you wanted.

Brennans need dough, don't they?

That magnificent fortune
of 2,000 bucks

that Neilson gave you
to last till he gets back

won't buy bacon for...

You aren't telling me...?

Is there anything abnormal
about having a baby?

Oh, happy, happy wedding day.

When I think of the effort
I've wasted on you.

It was dumb enough
of you to marry
this Middle Western skyrocket.

If you'd stuck with Denny...

And waited outside
those iron gates, you mean?

There are plenty of others
like him.

You'll see, burping a brat
and washing diapers

while the band plays
around the corner.

You're not geared for it, Ziggy.
You'll go nuts.

And how about me? Today a bride,
tomorrow a grandmother.

And not a gray hair to be seen

except where the henna's worn off.

- Why, you little...
- So sorry, Nat.

Don't kid yourself you won't be.

But at least it's an excuse for
you to get a place of your own.

Nat, what do you mean?

Why it's a big take!

Neilson wanted you to get away
from my contaminating influence
in the first,

and don't tell me different.

Yes, but, you remember,
you did need help with the rent.

Not anymore. Besides, darling,
a honeymoon couple

and a burgeoning blossom cooped
up in the same small flat.

Nature's all very well
but not on the rampage.

I should have cleared out
of here weeks ago.

I guess I've been marking time.

Oh, well,
I shouldn't have expected you

to start knitting little booties.

Sunshine, fresh air,

a daily walk.

Watch your diet.

Take your calcium.

- And keep happy.
- Hey, young man!

Anything for me, Mrs. Merryman?

Just another doctor's bill
for the Wilhelms.

And for me and Ed,
for a postwar luxury yacht

with twin-engine installation
and remote controls.

- Did we get anything?
- A letter?

Rushing downstairs like this
every morning

when you both have
a heart condition.

And not a postcard's come for you

in seven years to my knowledge.

- Come, dear.
- Yes, dear.

Well, if it isn't Papa.

Can I see you for a minute, Ziggy?

Sure, why not? Come on up.

- Morning, Helen.
- Hello, Ziggy.

Papa.

If she wanted to play around,
Mrs. Merryman,

she could do better than that,
with her looks.

What's up?
Have a fight with Nat?

No, it's not exactly that.

You'd better make it snappy
if I know that landlady of mine.

Ziggy, uh, I'm no good
at this sort of thing,

but Nat's got a hangover

and that's why
she happened to open this.

It's tough to take, Ziggy.
I don't know what to say.

Ziggy, hey.
Help, somebody! Help!

Help! Help!

Help!

There, there.

OK. That's it.

Oh!

You aren't geared for it, Ziggy.

You aren't geared for it, Ziggy.

After she is bathed,
you must pat her dry

and carefully watch
the pores and creases.

Then you anoint her with baby oil.

And then you dust her all over
with baby powder.

That's what makes her
smell so pretty.

You'll go nuts.

You'll go nuts.

Burping a baby while the
band plays around the corner.

You aren't geared for it, Ziggy.

You aren't geared for it, Ziggy.

Oh. You're very sweet.

And you're good too, like your
daddy. And you know something?

It won't be so awful long now
before you'll be talking.

And then we can tell each other
funny stories

and go places and...

Well, you know, you'll be old
before you know it, Button Nose.

And so will I.

Come on, darling, get into bed.

She's so sleepy.

Yeah, she's a sleepy girl.

- Hello?
- Oh, come in, Helen.

Put your little arms in.

- Not asleep yet?
- No, not yet.

Mine are, thank heavens.

Oh, look at her.
Just like a little cherub.

Yes, like the ones on the wall

in the cocktail room
at the Bird Cage.

Oh, it's a shame it's so hard
to get help these days.

If you had someone who could sit
with Martha evenings
once in a while...

My insurance check wouldn't
stretch far enough to pay her

unless she was a midget.

I know. Sometimes
it hardly seems worth it.

Sweet as they are.

Work and worry and pinched
pennies to make ends meet.

Watch yourself grow old
before you've ever
had a chance to be young.

Hi, Helen! I'm home!
Where are you?

I'll be right there, honey!

I guess I'm just tired.

I wouldn't really change places
with any woman in the world.

Sure. It makes a difference
when you have somebody to say,

"Hi, Helen. I'm home."

I'm sorry.
I'll see you later, huh?

Oh, it's alright, darling.
I'm here.

Yes. It's alright.

I told you, Ziggy,
you little fool.

I told you, Ziggy,
you little fool.

Will you, for Pete's sake,
honey, get some sleep
and stop worrying?

This is the first and last time
you're gonna look after her kid.

I'm sorry for her.
She's just a girl.

Well, she's been married
and had a kid, hasn't she?

Oh, Arthur. Having a man
for two days isn't marriage.

They never set up
housekeeping together

or worried about doctor bills.

They never learned
to put up with each other

when they're tired and cross.

She hasn't the strength or

patience or whatever it is
that comes with that.

Poor kid was a widow before
she was ever really a wife.

Well, anyway, no more
playing nurse girl for her.

Well, look who we have with us.

Well, Ziggy, come here
and take my chair.

- Welcome back.
- Don't tell me home life

- got on your nerves, mama.
- I had a hunch I'd find

some familiar faces.

- How about a drink, Ziggy?
- With pleasure.

- Same as usual.
- Same old Ziggy. Good girl.

- She looks fine.
- Love your hat.

We certainly missed you
round here, Ziggy.

Excuse me.

What's the matter with her?

Maybe she finds the company dull.

Too bad Denny's
still out of circulation.

You didn't even miss me,
did you, Button Nose?

She still has Tuesday
and Saturday nights free.

And she just loves babies.
Don't you, Olivette?

Oh, yeah.

- Yeah, sure.
- Well, I don't know if I...

Lady down the street said
somebody here wanted a sitter.

Guess we got the wrong place.
Come on, Olivette.

No, wait. Could you be here
Tuesday night at eight o'clock?

- Yeah, sure.
- Alright, I'll see you then.

- Bye.
- Goodbye.

Goodbye.

I'll raise you 15.

- Out.
- 15 and 15 better.

I call.

- Three aces.
- Why, you rotten thing.

Oh! You're slipping,
Ziggy, my girl.

Mistake to lay off liquor.
Get out of practice.

Top of the
mark. Let them off, please.

Going down.

Go ahead. I must have left
my coin purse in my other bag.

Well, little lady, you've come
to just the right doctor.

Sorry, doc, but I've
already diagnosed that case.

Well, as I live and breathe.
Professor Whoisit.

- Hi, Angel Eyes.
- Surprise, surprise.

When did you get back, Denny?

You mean when did I get out,
don't you?

Couple of hours ago. Good
behavior, believe it or not.

I've got a table over here.
How about a drink?

I'll sit down with you.

- When did you get out, Ziggy?
- Oh, only recently.

I went through the proper period
of mourning, or almost.

Well, haven't you heard?

I haven't been in a place
where I get much news
about the home front.

A jet b*mb
really finished things
for Mart and me but quick.

Oh, I'm sorry.

- Dreamy-eyed me.
- Did you get over it?

Sometimes I have to
get his picture out

to remember what he looked like.

- How about it, Denny?
- I'll skip it.

- OK.
- You drink too much, Professor.

Well, what now, Denny? What are
you going to do with yourself?

Oh, I'm just looking around,
taking my time.

I have a few bucks stashed.

But this time I think I'll go
into something legitimate,

for the laughs if nothing else.

- How's Nat?
- I wouldn't know.

I don't see much of her
since she kicked me out.

That sister gag
wouldn't work anymore, huh?

Oh, she'd resigned herself
to motherhood after 20 years.

It was being a grandma
she couldn't take.

What?

You wouldn't know
about that either.

Yeah, I went in for this
domestic life in a big way.

My baby's
almost eight months old now.

- You have a baby?
- Well, don't die laughing.

- Boy or girl?
- Girl. Name of Martha.

Otherwise known as Button Nose.

Well! Hiya, Mom.

She looks like you, I hope.

Oh, it wouldn't be
nice of me to say.

- She's a glamourpuss, Denny.
- I'll bet.

- Can she walk yet?
- Not quite.

But she can pull herself up
to her feet.

Won't be any time now
before she...

Uh-uh. You don't want that.

Not now. Come on.

- But, Denny, it's early.
- Yeah.

But Button nose eats early too,
doesn't she?

I'll drop you off and
pick you up later for dinner.

Right now I have some important
business to attend to.

Oh, take it easy, Mom.
I got a dinner date.

Oh, so my young man is not a pig.

So he's not so hungry and empty

that he could eat a dozen dinners.

What do you mean, empty?

Well, does a man get good corned
beef and cabbage away from home?

I'm not gonna be
away from home anymore.

Praise be.

It was the good father himself
told me that.

"Mrs. Reagan," he says,
"blessings be upon us," he says.

"Your son has learned a lesson."

What do you mean, lesson?

Well, not to be running
here and there,

like a chicken
with its head cut off.

To stay where you belong,
not in that other place.

Chicago.

Well, Father Malloy's
got something there.

- Denny.
- Yes, Mom?

Is it the wholesale business

you're after planning
to go back into?

No, don't worry about that, Mom.
That's not for me anymore.

Denny!

Another mouthful.
Just a leaf of cabbage.

And one little piece of bread.

And one little piece of bread.

Come here, Mom.

Why don't you say what you mean?

Alright, now.

That's a girl.

Come on, now, finish your dinner.

Come on.

You're just a piker.

Couldn't you have found her
a really big orchid?

Well, it's her first one,
isn't it?

Or has somebody been b*ating
my tom while I've been gone?

- Ah, Martha's hard to get.
- Yeah, like her mama, huh?

You know,
you're a dizzy little dame.

Come on, now.

- One more.
- Hey, wait a minute.

You'll choke her.
That's too much.

Oh, not her. She's a pig.

Say, when you go out nights,
who do you leave her with?

- A sitter.
- What?

Someone who comes in
and sits with her.

- Oh, sort of a nurse, huh?
- Well, no, not exactly a nurse.

You mean you go out
and leave her with just anyone?

Well, of course not.

I have a perfectly reliable woman.

She's had a lot of experience
with babies.

Look, suppose I meet you
in about an hour

at the Saint Francis?

I wanna change my clothes and...

well, I wouldn't anyone
to come in and find you here.

OK. Well, so long, Button Nose.

You know, hey...

There's one thing
I like about you.

You're very well groomed.

- Definitely.
- Hey, hey, wait a minute.

I brought a little something here.

Do you think she'll go for that?

Look, Button Nose. A necklace.

Ooh, with a real pearl in it.
Why, you little hussy.

That Button Nose
has got a soft racket.

I have to add a pearl to that
every week.

- You mean every year.
- No, every week.

Do you want her to have a double
chin before it's finished.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

Uh-huh. Why, you're starting
pretty young, aren't you?

Oh! Come on, darling,
off to bed.

- Now, let me put this on.
- She don't like that one.

Look how it is on Uncle Denny.

How's that, huh? Look at
your Uncle Denny with it on.

Just look at that, huh?

Look at that
on your Uncle Denny, huh?

Come on, Rembrandt,
make it snappy.

Oh, now, just a minute. Take it
easy. It's gotta be right.

Baby. Oh, come on, come on.

There. Come on.

Give me a smile.

Button Nose, that's some crop
you got there.

You remind me faintly of
somebody in the comic strips.

Gee, honey, those streetlights,
they hurt my eyes.

Let's take a quick run
to the park.

Well, OK, if it's only
for a little while.

Should we go in,
do you think, Jane?

But we don't know
her mother isn't with her.

Don't you think
we ought to do something?

I'm certainly
going to do something.

- Oh, baby.
- Is she alright?

Well, she wouldn't have been
in another minute.

Oh, poor darling.

There we are. There.
Come along.

That's terrible.

I don't get it.

When I said I could do
with a nightcap,

I didn't mean corned beef.

And that isn't all I don't get.
Why don't you light someplace?

I could do with a job in this
deal you're going to work up.

- Whatever it's going to be.
- What about Martha?

What happens to her while you're
carving a career for yourself?

A kid needs a mother.
You ought to know that.

Right again, Professor Whoisit.

I need the dough,
but it's fun to be with her.

Even the work's fun.

With her babbling Esperanto
at me and pulling my hair.

Come on, Denny, pay up
and let's get out of here.

Olivette?

Hello, Helen. Sorry
Olivette dumped Martha on you.

- I guess she had to leave.
- We haven't got your kid.

Then where...

Something's happened to Martha.
What is it, Helen? What is it?

There's no call to wake up
everybody in the house.

Come in here.

Martha's alright.
She'll tell you.

- Where's my baby?
- She's safe.

- But no thanks to you.
- But where is she?

The juvenile authorities
came and took her someplace

where she'll get decent care
for a change.

Juvenile authorities?
But why did they come?

Why did they take her?

I know my Christian duty
if you don't.

I found her alone,
out of her crib,

with the bedclothes
round her neck, strangling.

But she wasn't alone.
Olivette was here.

I never saw any Olivette.

If I hadn't heard
the child screaming

and come up when I did,
she'd be dead.

And good riddance,
no doubt, for you.

- Why, you old...
- Wait a minute.

She can't say things like that.

Please, you're just
making things worse.

She could have kept Martha
until I came home, couldn't she?

Helen, why didn't you...
Where did they take her?

At least you can tell me that.

To Juvenile Hall.
That's what the woman said.

Wait. You can't
do anything tonight.

But nobody can take your baby
away from you.

Nobody can do that.
Martha'll be frightened.

Why didn't you think of that
before you started
chasing around every night?

Arthur. It was a nice woman
who came with the police.

- Your baby's in good hands.
- For a change.

Get her out of here. Get her
out of here before I k*ll her!

You heard her, and you saw her
try to att*ck me.

Come on, let's get out of here.

And the top of the morning to you.

And the rest of the day to you.

Mom, if you don't stop
feeding me so much,

I'm gonna be sitting
in my own lap.

The first time in months you've
slept in your old bed, Denny.

But it was awful late
when you come in.

And what were you doing up
at that time of night?

I was knitting.
What were you doing?

Mom. I was eating corned beef,

and who should I think of
right away but you.

Say, Mom, are you putting out
with the corned beef on Sunday,

so much that if I just might
wanna bring somebody home?

Oh, Denny, I wish you would.

I'll see
if that can't be arranged.

- Brent Manor.
- This is Mr. Reagan.

Anybody called me?

Mrs. Neilson has been trying
to reach you, Mr. Reagan.

You're to get in touch
with her mother.

- It's urgent.
- OK.

The baby's at Juvenile Hall
and they've got Ziggy
down at the jail.

She's nearly crazy.
What can we do, Denny?

We gotta fix it some way.

- Hello?
- Hello, Mom.

I'm sorry, but we'll have to
forget about Sunday.

- But what happened?
- Tell you later.

Goodbye, Mom.

- You only gave me six cards.
- OK, take another one.

A girl's gotta have some fun,
don't she, or go nuts?

What are we supposed to
do while our little angels sleep

ten hours every night,
sit on our hands?

Mine are plenty old enough
to get up and run

if the house
caught on fire anyway.

"Haven't you any sense of duty?"

this dame from the juvenile
whatchamacallit says to me.

Duty phooey. "You're only
young once," I says to her.

The duchess is indisposed.
Ain't that too bad?

Thanks, honey.
It's nice to be back.

- Ziggy Neilson.
- Hello, Pearl.

Hi. What are you in for?

Oh, same old thing.
What's new in the old mine?

- Still digging.
- Ah!

You've been released on bail.

Come on and get your things ready.

Your attorney's waiting for you.

Yes?

Hello, Denny.
I just came over to thank...

Didn't Haplin tell you
to stay away from me?

But, Denny,
no one followed me here.

The police won't get
a line on you if that's
what's bothering you.

Why should it?

Every once in a while
the police act as though
they had good sense.

I love the police. Now, b*at it.

And on the way out
remind that dumb guy at the desk

that I told him
not to let you up here.

Hey, what kind
of a brush-off is this?

Why bother to bail me out?

That fancy mouthpiece of yours
doesn't work for peanuts.

What's the idea? Another girl?

Another girl.

Oh, that's it.

A nice girl, by the name
of Button Nose. Remember her?

- Denny...
- It's tough for her
to live down a mother

who'd rather take a chance
on jail than to stay with her.

Stop it, Denny.
I haven't anyone but you.

Oh, yes, you have.

What about
that nice reliable woman

you had to stay with Martha,

the one that knew all about
taking care of kids?

Why don't you weep
on her shoulder?

There wasn't any reliable woman.
But there was someone.

- Oh, sure.
- There was, Denny.

She was only a schoolgirl,
but I thought she was alright.

- I never thought she'd...
- You said it.
You never thought.

All you wanted was a good time.
The kid didn't even matter.

That's a lie and you know it.

Since when have you turned out
to be such a sterling character?

I guess you used to urge me
to sit home nights
and listen to the radio.

You were on your own.
You knew what I was all about.

What was I supposed to do?
Direct you to the nearest YWCA?

All of a sudden you grow up.
You fall for a guy
instead of his bankroll.

You even have a kid.
And what do I do?

I play along and like it.

Not only you but the kid
and the whole setup.

Believe it or not,
I was beginning to have ideas.

Oh, Denny.

That's one time Professor
Whoisit really slipped up.

But the crystal ball
is working OK now

and you're not even
in the picture.

If Haplin gets you off,
don't bother to stop by
and stay thanks.

I'd tell you to take Haplin
someplace and plant him, but...

But you have Martha
to think about.

That's right.

Mrs. Neilson did not say,
"I want you to be
with the baby," did she?

I object, Your Honor. Mr. Carr
is trying to lead the witness.

Objection overruled.
You may answer the question.

No, I don't remember her
asking me to stay.

Not that night, she didn't.

There wasn't a night in the week
she got in

before two in the morning.

And you could smell
the liquor on her.

I'm sure she loved her baby.

But... the girl
wasn't there that night.

As a probation officer, I've
never seen a more flagrant case.

The child was almost unconscious

and the mother was not there.

No, she wasn't there.

The baby was alone.

They're all lying. Ziggy
couldn't do the things they say.

She's my daughter.

They made it sound all wrong.

It wasn't like they said.
I'm not like they said.

Mrs. Neilson, there is probably
no aspect of a judge's work

that is more difficult than
adjudicating those questions

which arise in the relationships
within a family,

particularly between
a mother and her child.

This court has always endeavored
to preserve those relationships

where such a course
seems wise and just.

However, in light of the evidence,

I am forced to the conclusion

that not only
have you neglected your child

but that your present
mode of life precludes any hope

of a normal, healthy environment
for her future.

Nevertheless, this court
has taken into consideration

the fact that you're very young

and, regrettably enough,
you are a w*r widow.

In view of these
extenuating circumstances,

I sentence you to
the county jail for one year

but suspend the sentence

and place you on probation
for the same period.

The child, Martha, will remain
a ward of the juvenile court.

They said I might see her
once in a while.

Of course you will.

But it wouldn't be wise
to let her see you.

Do you think?

That window overlooks
the play yard.

Why... Why, she's walking.

Oh, come on, Button Nose, come on.

My kid's first step.

And I have to see it this way.

Package for Mrs. Reagan
and I already wiped me feet.

Well, glory be to goodness,
it's a tree.

- A whole tree of flowers.
- Guess why.

Because it's young
and beautiful, I am to be sure.

Ah, go on, you old faker.

You know very well
it's Mother's Day.

I never saw anything
so fine, Denny.

I'd as soon be looking at it
as eating me dinner.

What's the matter?

It's wicked of me
to be as happy as a lark

when there are so many mothers
whose children have...

That's the worst pain
in all the world, Denny,

to lose your little one.

What is this? I didn't come
over here for a good cry.

- Denny.
- Oh, I'm sorry, Mom.

But all mothers aren't like you.
Not by a long sh*t.

- You are Ziggy?
- Sure, I'm Ziggy.

I'm Mrs. Reagan, Denny's mother.

You mean to tell me Denny's got
a real live mother?

I thought he came ready made
out of a hunk of granite.

May I come in?

Why not?

- How did you track me down?
- The juvenile authorities.

What's the idea?
Snooping for Denny?

Or is he just trying to collect
attorneys' fees.

Denny doesn't know I've come here.

Denny is very bitter
towards you, he is.

Then why are you here
leaving calling cards?

Or is that just
an old Irish custom?

It was only a short time ago

that I thought
I had lost a child too.

And I was thinking
that maybe praying

would help you like it did me.

Are you kidding?

Denny came back to me, didn't he?

I'm sure if you spoke
to Father Malloy...

That'd make me sleep nights,
I guess.

Well, thanks just the same, Mom,
but so long and goodbye.

If you should change your mind...

You know, you're kind of nice.

Well, it just goes to show you
there's nothing in this
heredity business after all.

Let me know when
you're coming again, Mom,

and I'll lay in
some assorted cakes.

Sure and you talk
like Denny talked once.

Such big talk.

Denny.

Uh, the mat, if you please.

Well, how do you feel
this very fine day, Mrs. Reagan?

- Better than good.
- Good.

Would you be having
a bit of fruit?

Thanks, Mom.

Say, I got a surprise for you.

It's not after being a tree
full of blooms this time, is it?

No, but maybe an orange grove.

- We're going south.
- We're going?

Well, I'm going along first

and then you can come after
and meet me.

- How's that, Mom?
- Sure, Denny, if you need me.

But why are you leaving
San Francisco?

Oh, me, I like a change.

Besides, it'll give you
some new things to do,

get some sunshine and fresh air,

not just working
over a hot stove all the time.

I have plenty of time, Joe.

Guess I'll take a last look
at the town.

- OK, where do we start?
- You lay the course, skipper.

How about Golden Gate Park?

- Why Golden Gate Park?
- Why not?

A fella's gotta get some fresh
air once in a while, don't he?

That's what makes
the old pump tick.

Yeah, I guess a guy that looks
as delicate as you do

ought to take care of himself.

OK, the park.

What now? You want me
to blow you to a donkey ride?

- I'm a great guy for that.
- Oh, goody, goody.

Can I ride that itsy-bitsy one
over there?

That one's Dynamite if I remember.

- And I do.
- Me too.

Here we are. There you go.

Oh, there. Thank you.

Follow her.

A fella needs some fresh air
once in a while, don't he?

That's what makes
the old pump tick.

A young lady just came
in here, a blonde with a baby.

- Could you tell me who she is?
- Oh, that was...

- What do you wanna know for?
- Well, I...

I think she dropped this.

I picked it off the street
just after she passed.

Oh, Mrs. Neilson
could never have lost that.

I wish the poor child
had that kind of money.

She deserves it
if anybody ever did.

Well, supposing I go and ask her?

She's in number four, isn't she?

If you're that sure
it was her dropped it,

you needn't bother, mister,
I'll take it to her.

Oh, just a minute.
Couldn't we talk this over?

You're pretty pleased
with yourself,

aren't you, my fine young man,
and a horseman, no less.

Well, I suppose next year you'll
be riding in the Kentucky Derby.

- Yes, who is it?
- Me, darling.

Oh, come in, Mrs. Graves.

I just wanted to have another look

at that pattern magazine
you got the other day.

I was thinking of running up
a stylish stout for myself.

Well, I'll get it for you
in just a minute.

If you're lying to me,

you'll be needing
some stitches taking in you.

Yeah, I know.

Oh, Mrs. Graves, you should
have seen Denny on the jenny.

Denny on the jenny.

Sounds like a corny song title,
doesn't it?

Ah, but he was too little.

I got such a kick out of him.

He rode the same donkey that...

What material are you going to
make it out of, Mrs. Gr...?

Hi, Angel Eyes.

Looks like I walked into a
neighborhood of nuts by mistake.

They tell me you're
the little mother of the world,

devote your entire life
to your baby

or any other kid
that happens to be around.

And the only guy that rings
the bell is the milkman,

and with him it's strictly
to sell a quart of milk.

You're certified,
you're grade A, you're 100%.

- Where did you get the kid?
- You get out of here.

He's mine. They can't take him
away from me. They can't.

Now, take it easy, baby.
Take it easy.

You sounded almost like Mart then.

Go on, Angel Eyes,
and keep your chin up.

Mrs. Neilson... a few months ago

you were put on probation
for a period of one year.

I had hoped that you understood
the terms of your probation

and that you would do your best
to live up to them.

But I find that you have taken
an infant, admittedly abandoned,

and that without notifying
the authorities

have kept it in your possession.

You realize, Mrs. Neilson,

that that was not
the proper course of action,

that charges could be
brought against you.

But I've been very happy
and gratified to discover,

through this investigation
by the juvenile authorities,

that you have given the infant
in question such excellent care

and have reformed your manner
of living to such an extent...

I don't know why
you wouldn't take a taxi.

My kids are going to get used
to streetcars.

No fancy business for them.

- Oh, Denny, darling.
- Yes?

I was talking to him, not you.

- Hey, glamourpuss.
- Me?

- I was talking to her, not you.
- Oh.

Hey, Angel Eyes,
do you like oranges?

- Why?
- We're heading south.

- What?
- Oh, skip it.

That's what you girls do with
babies, you spoil 'em silly.

Says Professor Whoisit.
Phooey to him.

- He's been wrong before.
- OK.

So he gives up his crystal ball.

- Professor!
- Angel Eyes!

Which is referring to who?

Oh my...