Private Number (1936)

[bunniefuu]

Attention please!

I have an announcement to

make that concerns you all.

Mrs Winfield is returning

from Europe today.

As you know, that means I shall expect

even greater efficiency from the staff.

Any one of you who shows a

lack of respect .. or discipline ..

in the performance of duty,

shall be instantly dismissed.

Fix your tie.

- Uh, yes sir.

It may be better if you spent less

time trying to impress the maids.

And more time putting

a polish on your boots.

Is that a button loose on your tunic?

No, sir.

Go and sew it on At once.

- Yes, sir.

Straighten your cap.

Your apron needs pressing.

And your hair is most untidy.

Anything else?

For that remark, your

wages will be docked.

If there are any humorous comments to

be made around here, I shall make them.

Go and straighten your hair.

Well.

You're certainly a splendid

addition to the staff.

Look at your boots. Have you ever

tried pressing your trousers?

And what's this?

Oh.

Apparently, you think you can

eat your soup and have it too.

It's only my kindness of heart.

That keeps a man on here

after he's outlived his usefulness.

That's all. Dismissed.

Ha!

Now you've finished your

"German Army" inspection.

Maybe I can have the

girls shell a few peas.

Are you addressing me?

- I ain't addressing nobody else.

It's trouble enough getting dinner

for sixteen people tonight.

Without you cluttering up my

kitchen with your manoeuvres.

Why don't hire a Parade

Ground and get a band?

Mrs Frisbey, I warn you.

And I warn you: keep out of my kitchen.

Oh dear, oh dear. This breakage

will cost you something.

Let me see. Six large ..

There's something else I'll break

around here, and it might be your neck.

Four small plates, four

saucers and two cups.

[ Bird noises ]

Shut up.

[ Door buzzer ]

Looking for somebody?

- Yes.

I heard there was a job

open as a housemaid.

Oh, I'm afraid you're too late honey,

all the places have been filled.

Oh.

Oh, I'm sorry. I came as

quickly as I could.

See, I had to walk from

the end of the car line.

Walk?

- Yeah.

Why, that's a 3-mile hike. Why didn't

you take the bus from the car-line?

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

Oh .. well come on in.

Say, any dame that had walked that far

deserves a medal or something.

Here .. sit down.

Oh thanks.

Oh .. gee I'm tired.

- So am I.

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

Doing upstairs work and taking

Mrs Winfield's pet poodle for an airing.

Besides being chamber-maid to the

silly parrot and three canaries.

I wish His Nibs would put

you on just to help me.

His Nibs?

Oh that's Wroxton, the butler. He does

all the hiring and firing around here.

Well, you know I really

need a job. I haven't a cent.

Gosh, that's tough.

Say, wait a minute.

I'll see what I can do.

Hello, hello. Who have we here?

- Hello.

Don't tell me you're going to work here?

- Oh, I hope so.

Well I hope so too. You know the maids

around here are not much to look at.

How many maids are there?

Five. Not counting

Madam's personal maids.

How long have you been here?

- Oh, about a year.

It's a nice place too. That is, if

you can get along with His Nibs.

Is he very difficult?

Oh, you won't have any

trouble. Not with your looks.

Okay kid, I think I've

got it all fixed for you.

You're awfully nice to do this.

- Oh skip it.

Now remember one thing. In a house like

this, the butler thinks he's a king.

Treat him like one.

- Alright. - Good luck.

Close the door.

Sit down.

You're quite young, aren't you?

Yes.

That's really no disadvantage.

Have you any references?

Yes.

I see you come from Pleasant Town.

- Yes.

How long have you been in New York?

- About .. two weeks.

"Reverend H. J. Trumbleigh."

Did you work for him?

Oh no. He was the pastor

at our church back home.

Now, what's this?

"Pleasant Town Business College?"

I completed a course there

in shorthand and typing.

Ha, ha .. do you mean

you've never been in service?

No .. but I'm very good

at housework. Really I am.

I employ only experienced help.

But in your case, I .. well I suppose

I could make an exception.

You seem bright. Going to start

you off as an upstairs maid.

Your wages are seventy-five dollars

a month. But you will be paid sixty.

You understand?

I allow one evening a week

off and every other Sunday.

Yes .. you mean I'm hired?

I'll give you a month's trial.

Thank you.

Oh one thing more.

As long as you are in this house.

You will be responsible only to me.

Is that clear?

Yes sir.

And if you make yourself "adaptable" ..

We shall get along quite well I think.

Thank you.

Hey. Hey, wait a minute.

How'd you make out?

Alright, but I couldn't work here.

That butler, oh he gives me the creeps.

Hey, now wait a minute. Wait a minute.

Well look, really I appreciate

you're trying but .. oh I can't.

Oh now relax. Let me tip you off.

If you go in for this sort of work,

there's a lot you must put up with.

But I don't like that man.

Who does? Why, his own mother

wouldn't speak to him.

But don't worry, he won't bother

you. I'll run interference for you.

Now, what do you say?

You're awfully nice to do this for me.

- Oh, just a girl-scout at heart.

By the way, what are your wages?

- That's something I didn't understand.

He said they'd pay me seventy-five

a month, but that I was to get sixty.

Oh sure, you're kicking fifteen

a month to him. That's his cut.

Say, how do you think

these butlers get rich?

They take a cut on everything that's

got for the house from flowers to fish.

Fish .. that reminds me. I have to

phone my boyfriend. Come on.

Oh Wroxton.

- Yes, Madam?

They'll be two more for dinner

tonight. That makes eighteen.

Be sure every thing's in perfect order.

- Yes, Madam.

Hello gorgeous.

- Hello.

These are for Madam

- Thanks. I'll take them up to her.

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

Well, I'm not old.

- I haven't seen you before.

And I don't miss much.

- Is that so?

What's your night off?

- Tonight.

Swell. How about a dance tonight?

- I'll let you know tomorrow.

Come here, sweetness.

- Hey, wait a minute.

Enough of that.

Go on, get out of here.

Listen, I'm not taking

any orders from you.

When you're in this house,

you're in my territory.

Oh yeah?

Possibly, you have forgotten

that little incident?

The night you took the town car without

permission, and smashed it up.

Go on. Get out!

Oh Ellen.

- Yes, sir?

In future, if any of the staff

annoy you, report it to me.

Very good, sir.

The point is, I will not tolerate

any misconduct whatsoever.

Oh, by the way, Ellen. Come here.

I'm not at all satisfied with the

way my room is being done.

I think I should like

you to look after it.

Oh Mr Wroxton, I'd .. I'd

rather not do your room.

Dear child, if one's in service it isn't

a question of what one would rather do.

It's a question of what one must do.

If one wishes to continue working.

That's all.

- Yes, sir.

Robert asked me to bring

these up to you, Madam.

Oh yes. Open them, please.

- Certainly.

Hello.

Hello darling. I'm sorry about tonight

dear. I won't be able to get down.

Important conference with

the Philadelphia crowd.

Oh Perry, that's rather a nuisance.

It leaves me high and dry

with eighteen for dinner.

It can't be helped dear.

I'm working like a dog.

Alright dear. I understand .. bye.

Oh, heavens it's wrinkled.

And I wanted to wear it tonight.

I can press it for you Mrs Winfield.

- Can you?

Well, you're a new girl aren't you?

- Yes, Madam.

What's your name?

- Ellen.

Alright Ellen. Please be quick.

- Yes, certainly.

You've done this very nicely, Ellen.

- Thank you.

How long have you been here?

- A month today.

Ellen, let me see your teeth.

Oh very nice.

I've had a lot of trouble

with my personal maids.

One was a kleptomaniac.

Another wanted to be a tap-dancer.

And the last one was always asking

for a day off to go to the dentist.

Thank goodness you won't need

many days off for the dentist.

Oh. Thank you Madam.

Hello Frederick.

- Glad to see you, sir.

Welcome home Mr Richard.

- Hello, Wroxton.

Very well, thank you.

You're looking fit, sir.

If I were any fitter, they'd have

to put me in a straight-jacket.

Hello Gracie. How are you?

Hello, Mr Richard. It's good

to see you home again.

Thank you. Where's mother?

- She's upstairs.

Okay. Come on, boy.

Say, Gracie. Who's that?

- That's Winfield Junior. He lives here.

Not a bad idea, eh?

Go on, clean your bird cages.

Maggie!

Oh, darling.

The world's most attractive woman.

- Well you're not so repulsive yourself.

Tell me. Did you pass your exams?

- All of them.

Oh, I really worked this year.

Look at these Grey hairs.

Yes, I see them.

Hamlet .. hello Hamlet.

Remind me to order a dozen prime

steaks for your luncheon.

Speaking of food, you're going to

have 100 guests for supper tonight.

Oh Dickie, why didn't you let me know?

- I didn't know until this morning.

I sent a telegram to everyone in

Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Yes, you would. Alright, I'll phone

the caterer. What shall it be?

Champagne cup and cold supper?

No .. a cold supper and a hot orchestra.

- Alright darling. Anything you say.

Where are you going?

I have an errand to do for

Mrs Winfield. Have you seen her?

Yes, she's in the living room.

- Thanks, Gracie. - Okay.

Hello there.

- Oh, good evening.

What are you wandering around

out here for? The party's in there.

Excuse me.

I know. It doesn't matter if you're

not dressed. Half of them aren't.

Come on. We're wasting time.

- Oh, I can't go in there.

Alright, it's too crowded

anyway. We'll dance out here.

Oh but really, I ..

Thank you for the dance.

- It was fun while it lasted, wasn't it?

You know .. this may sound silly,

but .. I don't know who you are.

Not that it really makes any difference.

Doesn't it?

- No. Not all.

I discovered you myself. That's the

smartest thing I've done this evening.

Thank you.

But, just as a matter of statistics,

you know .. who are you?

Who am I?

You really want to know?

- Uhuh.

I'm your mother's maid.

Excuse me, please.

I beg your pardon, sir.

I beg your pardon, sir. Your

guests are going into supper.

Oh yes. Thank you Wroxton.

Ahem.

Yes, what is it? Oh, your wages.

- Yes, sir.

There you are.

I want to ask you a favor, sir.

- What?

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

I wondered if you would let me pay you

five dollars this month, instead of ten?

For what reason?

My wife's in the hospital. They are

going to operate on her on Saturday.

And I need every cent I can get.

- I'm sorry Graham, you know the rules.

Hello.

- Good evening.

Mr Wroxton.

Well, Ellen.

You're looking very smart this evening.

- Thank you.

Rather a bit of luck for you, eh?

Promoted to Mrs Winfield's personal

maid. And you get ninety a month, now.

Thank you.

How much do I give to you?

- Oh, nothing.

You keep it. You may

need it for something.

Well, I'd rather do what

the other servants do.

Ellen.

I told you I was going to

make an exception of you.

After all, you're an exceptional girl.

That dress is most becoming to you.

I suppose you're going into the city?

- Yes .. this is my night out.

There's no hurry, is there?

- Well, I ..

There's several things I want to talk

to you about. Won't you sit down?

Brandy?

- No thank you.

But this is special brandy.

I think you'll like it.

No thank you, really.

I don't care for it.

I'm interested in you, my dear.

Very much interested.

Thank you. I uh .. I've tried to

do my work as well as I could.

I want you to uh ..

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

[ Door knocks ]

Yes, who is it?

Excuse me .. come on honey,

or we'll miss that bus.

Yeah, I uh .. I have

to go now .. goodnight.

Yeah, goodnight boss. Pleasant dreams.

Goodbye.

Phew. Boy, that was a narrow escape.

Hey, this is the first

blind-date I've ever had.

I hope your boyfriend brings

someone who can really dance.

Last time he brought a Corporal of The

Marines. He was as handsome as Gable.

And Gable ain't bad.

- I'll say not.

I beg your pardon, Miss. I think

you dropped this back there.

Oh gee, I didn't know I dropped it.

Oh, thank you so much.

Oh that's alright. I thought

you might like to have it back.

I'll say I would.

Well uh, would you like to dance?

Oh, no thanks really.

You see, I'm waiting for someone.

Oh, I see.

Hey, that was awful nice of him.

My whole month's salary is in there.

Boy, you were lucky that time.

Now take care of it.

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

Hi. Hello Smiley.

- Hi, Gracie.

Well, here we are.

- Okay.

Don't bother to get up.

This is the girlfriend I was telling

you about. Miss Ellen Neal.

Hello little lady.

- How do you do.

Smiley Watson's the name. Any friend

of Grace's is tea-for-two with me.

You see.

- Sit right down.

Have I got a surprise for you.

Hey Gus O' .. come here.

Hiya Gus.

Girls, meet Gus Rilovitch.

Champion wrestler of the Navy.

Gus, say hello to the girls.

Go on. Say hello.

Hello.

The boy is smart as a whip.

Sit right down, Gus.

Come on. Sit down boy. Come on Gus.

Turn on the old personality

and liven up the party.

This will be something.

Oh, come on Gus. Say something.

Argghhhh .. say something.

For heaven's sake, say something.

Hello.

Ha, ha. Is that marvellous?

Never told him what

to say. Smart as a whip.

Just made it up. A trigger-mind,

that's what he is. A trigger-mind.

Hi kiddies. Hey, can I have a dance?

- Who? With me? Hooo!

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

Wait a minute, buddy. This is my

party, and this is my sweetheart.

Hi, hon ..

Wait a minute, I don't want to appear

too tolerant, or even too convalescence.

But I'm not going to stand here

and have you tolerate me.

And I'm the guy that

can do it. Now scram.

Aw, now listen Itsy-Bitsy.

- Itsy-Bitsy?

Will you wait a minute? All I want

to do is dance with the dame.

Dame?

You going to let him get away with that?

Who me?

- Yeah, you.

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

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

Denzil, get the boys. Peggy, come on.

Come on boys, everybody,

take him. Take him.

Gracie!

I beg your pardon, Miss.

Is there anything wrong?

Yes, plenty.

I saw the fight start in the dance-hall,

and I saw that you were mixed up in it.

I wondered if you were hurt?

- No, I'm not hurt.

But someone stole every

cent of money I had.

I wouldn't go back into there if I

were you. It's turned into a riot.

Yes, I know, but I've

got to find my money.

I haven't a cent and

I've got to go home.

Well that's okay.

I'll be glad to help you.

There's my car.

Oh, well I .. that's awfully nice

of you, but I couldn't do that.

You see, I don't know you.

Well, that makes us even.

I don't know you either.

I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll get the

Cop on the corner to introduce us.

Well .. well really, would you be

nice enough to drive me home?

Why, of course. That's what

I've been trying to tell you.

Alright.

Fourteen, red.

Fourteen, red.

Place your bets ladies and gentlemen.

[ Door buzzer ]

[ Door buzzer ]

Good evening Lulu.

- Good evening Mr Coakley.

Is Grandma home?

- Yes, sir. She's home.

Hello, Grandma.

- Hello Jimmy.

Well, how's tricks?

Now, grandma, I want you to

meet the future Mrs Coakley.

Oh really, you .. you

mustn't believe that.

Well Dearie, pleased to meet you anyhow.

You see, I was driving Miss Neal home,

and happened to pass by your place.

So, I thought we'd drop

in for a little while.

Well, that is nice of you, Jimmy.

Suppose you take the little

lady into the parlor.

Thanks Grandma.

I'll join you immediately, Dearie.

You run along with Jimmy.

Well, uh make yourself

comfortable. Have a seat.

Thank you.

- How about a little music?

Cigarette?

- No thanks. I don't smoke.

Okay, Lulu.

- Okay.

[ Pop! ]

I don't think I should have come here.

I want you to take me home now.

Oh, don't be like that.

The evening's still young.

Here, try a little of this .. there's

nothing like champagne.

Bottoms up.

Who did you say lived here?

My Grandmother.

Your Grandmother, huh?

Oh, she's a great old gal. You'll love

her when you get acquainted with her.

Oh Jimmy, I want to see you a moment.

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

What is it? What do you want?

Now listen. I told you before, I will

not have you bringing strangers here.

Especially dames. They talk too much.

- Ah, she doesn't know what time it is.

If you worry, I won't take

her in the gambling room.

We'll have a couple of

drinks and then we'll blow.

[ Buzzer ]

It's the Cops!

It's a raid! You'd better

get out of here quickly.

Two men upstairs. Five men in that room.

Come on out of there, sister.

No. You can't arrest me.

I haven't done anything.

Come on, let's get going.

No, no. Let me go!

- Come on now, get out of here.

Hello?

- Mr Wroxton?

Oh, Mr Wroxton, something

terrible has happened to me.

An accident?

- No. No, I'm not hurt.

I went dancing, and, well,

there was a terrible mix-up.

It wasn't my fault,

but I've been arrested.

I lost all my money,

so I can't pay my fine.

They're going to put me in jail.

- Oh.

Well?

What do you expect me to do about it?

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

I thought maybe you'd help me.

- I see.

Alright. I'll be along in an hour.

You know I still can't

believe it happened.

To think that a perfectly harmless

evening could turn out like that.

You do believe me, don't you?

- Of course, my dear.

But you must admit that being

arrested is a very serious matter.

If it were found out, you would

never get another job you know.

I don't know how to thank

you for helping me out.

I've tried to make it

clear to you Ellen.

That I have your interests at heart.

By the way, my dear.

I suppose you know the family leave

leave for Maine the day after tomorrow.

They're going up to their

camp for the Summer.

Of course, none of the

staff goes with them.

Maids and footmen will be

laid off until September.

However .. I'm keeping you on.

Thank you.

It will be very pleasant, without

so many people around.

Gracie! Gracie, I've got the

most wonderful news for you.

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

No. But it's Wroxton I'm

looking for. Come on.

Mr Wroxton.

- Yes?

We're leaving. Gracie and I. Right away.

- Leaving?

But I told you, you were

staying here for the Summer.

Oh no. We're going to

Maine with the family.

Going to Maine? I gave no such orders.

I just talked with Mrs Winfield and she

asked me tell you .. isn't it wonderful?

Oh yes. Quite wonderful, I'm sure.

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

Oh goodbye.

What are you doing?

Oh yes. That's enough.

Oh gee, isn't it wonderful up here.

Just smell that fresh air.

- Not me. I'm afraid of fresh air.

Why, it'll take you six months to

get it out of your lungs.

Take my grandfather for instance.

He lived in Flatbush for 65 years

and never had a window open.

Then he marries a gymnasium teacher.

On their wedding night she opens up a

window, he gets pneumonia and croaks.

Not for me.

Say Gracie. Who is that?

Oh, that's the girl they want

young Winfield to marry.

She's coming up here next month.

Pretty.

- Hmm. She'll do in a pinch.

Hello there.

- Good morning.

Have you seen Mrs Winfield?

Yes. She just went down to the village.

Oh.

How do like it up here in the wilds?

- Oh, I love it.

It gets uh, kinda lonesome

sometimes, doesn't it?

Uhuh.

Of course, there's a ..

A movie theater down in the village

where they show all the latest pictures.

Oh.

Next week, they're

running "Birth Of A Nation".

Maybe we could drive

down some night, huh?

Why know I couldn't do that.

- Why not?

Well, because .. this is your house

and I'm only a servant in it.

Well, here we go.

Say, no kidding. Where

did you get that suit?

Pretty cute huh?

I bought it from the cook.

One gust of wind and you could take off.

- Ah, you're just jealous.

Out of my way, I want plenty of room.

It'll be high tide when I get in.

Hello there.

- Hello.

Remember me? The name is Winfield.

How do you do Mr Winfield.

- How are you?

Hey, how's the water?

- Oh, it's lovely.

Looks it .. for two cents I'd jump

in with you, clothes and all.

You'd better not.

- Why not?

Because this is the hour reserved

for the servants to go swimming.

Oh, I see. That's a very gentle

hint that I'm intruding, huh?

Oh no. Of course not, only ..

Let me tell you something. You've

got a lot of old-fashioned ideas.

In this day and age we

believe in social equality.

I'll believe in it too when

I'm able to hire servants.

Look, will you do me a favor?

- What?

Stop reminding yourself that

you are working for my family.

Well, I ..

You know, it's just an accident that

I'm not working for your family.

If luck had gone the other way, I might

have been your chauffeur. Who knows?

Hey, incidentally, I think I'd make

a pretty handy man around the house.

So there's no more of

that nonsense. Right?

Right.

- Hey!

I can't stay here much longer. I'm

frozen stiffer than a cold-storage duck.

Well, go on. Get out of the water.

- That's just the point. I can't.

I've floated out of my bathing suit.

So you'd better go on. You don't

want that girl to freeze, do you?

Say, maybe you need a little

thawing out yourself. Come on.

Oh I don't think .. be careful.

Oh, that's marvellous.

You're very good at that.

Thank you. Come on.

You have a go. You try it.

No, no, I don't think I want to.

- Come on. It's very easy.

Go ahead. Take the g*n.

- Well.

What do I do now?

This thing here goes right

against your shoulder.

Okay, you see what I mean?

- Yeah. I got it.

Alright.

- Now what?

Well, this finger goes in here.

This finger here goes on the trigger.

- Yeah.

No, no, no. Inside.

In there.

- In the trigger. Yeah, I see.

Then you .. then you uh, look

down the barrel, this long thing.

And you sight over the end, that

little thing. See what I mean?

Now what do I do? Pull the trigger?

- No, you don't pull the trigger at all.

You squeeze, very gently.

Yeah?

- Very gently.

I think you'd better let

me do the squeezing.

Alright .. you ready?

Ready.

- Hold your breath.

I'm holding it.

Here. You take it! I don't want it.

- Hey, wait a minute.

Here, try it again.

- No. No more of that for me.

Oh come on, come on.

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

What's your hurry?

Well, I must be back before 4 o'clock.

- Mother doesn't need you.

It's very easy ..

- Now, wait a minute.

You're forgetting it's your family

that's having the vacation.

I'm only here to do what I'm told.

- Well then, do what you're told.

Sit down.

Yes, sir.

I have some complaints to make.

- About me, sir?

Yes, about you.

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

Too hard. That's what

I'm complaining about.

Now, Thursday's your day off, isn't it?

- Yes, sir.

Alright. After this, I want you to

take Tuesdays and Saturdays too.

And Sundays and every evening.

Oh my, but you're a hard

hearted man, Mr Winfield.

Ellen.

The music isn't doing me any good.

Let's hop in the boat,

go over to the dance-hall.

In this little outfit?

Oh, take off the apron. You'll look

like something out of Vogue.

I couldn't be seen in public

with you. You know that.

Well.

We haven't many more nights up here.

I just found out yesterday that we're

leaving at the end of the week.

College begins next Thursday.

Oh, it's been heavenly up here.

I'm going to miss it.

You know, d*ck.

Ever since I was a little girl, I always

get sad when my birthday comes round.

Because that means that Summer's over.

You don't mean that

today is your birthday?

Hmm.

Well congratulations.

- Thank you.

I was born in September too.

- Were you?

Uhuh. Now we have something

in common, haven't we?

Uhuh.

Come here a minute.

d*ck .. tell me something.

The answer is "yes".

- No, I mean something else.

Oh, when you do that, how do you expect

me to remember what I'm talking about?

Then don't talk.

- No, seriously.

It's about that girl.

The one who was supposed to

come up here last month.

I had mother call her off.

Oh, darling.

Don't you know by this time

that there is no-one else.

Hmm?

Oh, Ellen.

Yes?

Mrs Winfield wants you right away.

Oh, gee, I got to go.

Goodbye.

Hurry back. I'll meet

you at the boat-house.

Yes, Mrs Winfield?

- Oh, Ellen.

I'm sorry to spoil your evening out, but

there are some things I want you to do.

Yes, Madam.

- Start by opening those boxes.

Why, certainly.

You don't mind working

tonight, do you Ellen?

Why .. why, no Madam.

Yes, that's right. Now

hold it up so I can see.

Hmm .. it will do.

You'll look very pretty in it.

I ..?

It's my birthday present for you.

Oh .. oh, that's so nice

of you Mrs Winfield.

How did you know it was my birthday?

I heard the cook ordering

18 candles for your cake.

Oh, you're so sweet

and thoughtful of me.

Oh, nonsense child, you deserve it.

Thank you, Madam.

Don't forget the hat.

A hat?

Oh, isn't that darling.

There. How do I look in it?

Perfectly charming. Now, hurry and

dress if you're going out tonight.

But I thought you wanted

me to work tonight?

Surely, you don't think I'd have

you work on your birthday?

Well, thank you.

I'm sure your "best boy" will

find you irresistible tonight.

There is a "best-boy" I suppose?

Yes. Yes there is.

One of the town boys?

Uhuh.

Well, don't let yourself be fooled

by these Summer-Resort romances.

You're too nice a girl.

Alright dear, that's all. Goodnight.

Goodnight.

- Have a grand time.

Yes, thank you. Goodnight.

d*ck.

Remember me?

Do you like it?

- Where did you get it?

Your mother gave it to

me on my birthday.

She did, huh? Well if my mother can

give you a birthday present, so can I.

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

Here we go.

Thank you.

- Alright. Now you sit right there.

We'll be off in just a minute.

d*ck, where are we going?

We're going over to that

dance across the lake.

Darling.

- What?

I've made a big decision.

- What's that?

We're going to be married .. tonight.

Oh, but ..

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

I realize that you're everything

I want in the world.

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

I don't want to get away.

- I know.

Anything can happen when two people are

separated. I don't want to take chances.

But darling ..

- Now listen.

I'm not a child.

I know what I'm doing and I know

what I want. What I want is you.

Oh, you're such an angel, d*ck.

Don't you see, darling ..

- Now, listen.

I've got to finish my senior year.

- Yes.

And I'd like to think you'd

be waiting for me.

Then, when I've graduated,

we'll go to my family and I'll say ..

Well, here we are. How about

that old parental blessing?

I know that there going to be

just as proud of you as I am.

Well, that's a very sweet

speech, and I love you for it.

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

It couldn't.

- Why not?

Your family.

They're modern, broad-minded people.

I know. Your mother is the sweetest

woman I've ever known.

She's very fond of you.

- As her maid, yes.

She wouldn't be if I suddenly

walked in as her daughter-in-law.

Believe me d*ck. I know

what I'm talking about.

Well, if that worries you

darling, forget my family.

We can get along without them.

- Do you think I'd let you do that?

Oh no, I love you too much.

Then why not?

I'm talking about "love" d*ck.

You're talking about marriage.

I couldn't marry you because ..

Well, it would just be a mistake.

That's all.

Look at me.

Hazel, come here.

When are you planning to

do your share of this silver?

I don't have to do the silver.

- Oh you don't? Well ..

Mr Wroxton told me I needn't.

- Mr Wroxton, eh?

Well, just because you're

stuck on him, is no reason ..

Enough of that.

Hazel.

You will take your orders from me.

Thanks Mr Wroxton.

Listen to me, Mr Wroxton. I'm used

to running my kitchen to suit myself.

We live to learn, Mrs Frisbey. In this

house, you run your kitchen to suit me.

Well, son, I'd like to hear

from you once in a while.

Even when you're not asking for money.

Well, someone has to help you spend it.

- Goodbye darling. Drive carefully.

Bye-be Maggie, and be a good girl.

See you at thanksgiving?

- You may see me before that.

Goodbye Wroxton.

- Goodbye sir.

Come on, Hamlet.

Oh, I was so afraid you were

going without saying goodbye.

[ Dog barks ]

You see, he loves you too.

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

Oh but d*ck, what will they say?

- What's the difference?

I want him to keep an eye on you. He'll

give me a report on everything you do.

Oh, I hate to see you go.

I'll be thinking about you, darling.

Oh, that's so easy to say now, d*ck.

You'll be seeing so many pretty girls.

- Now ..

They may be there.

But I won't see them.

I'll write to you every day.

We only have a minute,

darling .. hold me close.

Hmm.

I'd better go now.

We won't say goodbye.

Well, he's gone now. I hope we

don't miss him too much.

Who is it?

It is I.

Yes?

There's something important

I have to say to you.

Well?

I never get a chance to see you alone.

There's always so many

stupid people around.

Ellen. - Please go.

- Don't be a fool.

Why Gracie's in the next room.

- I know it is Gracie's night off.

Are you out of your mind?

- Possibly.

Thanks to you ..

You know .. you've become ..

An obsession with me.

All these months you've

avoided me as if you hated me.

Very well, then. Suppose you do hate me.

Sometimes it makes it more interesting.

I don't want to talk about it.

Please go!

When I go, you are going with me.

Ellen .. I want to marry you.

Marry me?

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

I've been getting mine for

years, and I've been waiting.

Waiting for someone like you. You're not

like the others .. you've got breeding.

Class. I knew it the moment I saw you.

I've had my eye on you ever since.

I've watched you constantly.

Even when you didn't know

you were being watched.

You are everything I want.

- Oh, but that's impossible.

I'm in love with someone else.

- You'll forget him, whoever he is.

Please ..

No.

I think I'm beginning to understand.

Do you realize what you're saying?

- Certainly I do.

Are you positive of this?

- Of course I am.

I've been watching her all Fall.

Get my coat.

Not a word of this to anyone.

You understand?

Okay.

I beg your pardon, sir.

There's something rather

serious I must tell you.

Well, what is it?

If you don't mind, sir. It's something

that concerns the good of the household.

Oh come on Wroxton, don't

make a mystery out of it.

I'm sorry to inform you sir that ..

One of the maids is ..

Well, what about one of the maids?

Is she frightened by a mouse, or what?

No sir. She is going to have a baby.

A baby?

You don't mean?

- Yes, sir.

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

This will distress you

particularly, Madam.

You've been very kind to the girl.

Not .. not Ellen?

Yes, Madam.

Oh, I can't believe it.

- Unfortunately Madam, it's true.

Well, give her two weeks

wages and let her go.

But Perry, this isn't

any ordinary servant.

I've gotten to know the girl.

I've grown fond of her.

My dear, you're not proposing to

turn our pantry into a nursery?

Give her 2 week's wages. Discharge her.

- Yes, sir.

Wroxton, you'll do nothing of the sort.

Send Ellen to me.

Very good, Madam.

Why talk to her?

I don't suppose you've ever

made a mistake in your life?

You are the perfect husband.

Yes, Madam?

Ellen, I can't tell you how

sorry I am we have to do this.

Really, I .. I ..

Well, I hardly know what to say to you.

What's she's trying to say is, we

understand you're in difficulty.

What have you been saying about me?

What I said .. was for the good

of Mr Winfield's household.

Wroxton, I will speak with Ellen alone.

- Yes, Madam.

Ellen, sit down.

- Yes, Madam.

Is there .. is there anything

you want to tell me?

I uh ..

Come on answer us.

- Perry.

Is what Wroxton said true?

I've nothing to be

ashamed of .. I'm married.

Oh you're married? That's a convenient

story .. who are you married to?

I uh .. I can't tell you.

Ellen, you say you have

nothing to be ashamed of.

Why can't you say who your husband is?

- Oh, Mrs Winfield, I just can't.

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

I won't tolerate this sort of

thing among the servants.

If you can't prove you're

married, you'll have to go.

Very well, sir.

- Ellen.

You know you can trust me.

- Please, you're making it harder.

Now, just a minute .. I was prepared

to treat you with every courtesy.

Give you your wages, perhaps

even a good reference.

All this mystery only makes

me more suspicious.

Why? What do you mean?

I'm just a little too intelligent

to be taken in by it.

You'll pack your things

and leave tonight.

Oh Perry, please.

- I mean what I say.

Let her alone!

You can't talk to her that way.

Can't you see she's trying to

protect somebody? - Gracie!

No, I'm going to tell them.

You want to know who her husband is?

- Gracie, shut up.

It's your son.

Is this another one of your tricks?

There's no trick to it. Every

word I've told you is the truth.

Get out of here.

- Go on Gracie, please.

Go on.

- Well.

Alright. I'll wait for you outside.

Oh, Mrs Winfield, I'm so sorry.

I didn't want to tell you like this.

I hope you don't hate me .. you see,

d*ck and I did love each other.

The whole thing is a lie. I don't

believe you're married.

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

d*ck and I were married in

Maine on the 3rd September.

Ellen, will you leave us

alone for a moment please.

Yes, certainly.

Well .. this is a fine mess.

So he's married .. blasted

young fool .. and to a servant.

Oh, don't carry on like

a Spanish Grandee.

Let's try to look at

this thing sensibly.

Ellen is a perfectly decent girl

- You mean you'd accept her?

We couldn't do otherwise.

After all, she's d*ck's wife.

Beg your pardon, sir. There is something

further, I feel it my duty to tell you.

Haven't you told us about

enough for one evening?

I am acting solely in

your interests, sir.

Because of my loyalty to the family,

and my .. affection for Mr Richard.

I've no choice but

to tell you all I know.

It must be obvious. The girl engineered

this marriage merely for one purpose.

To obtain money from you. It's a perfect

arrangement for blackmail, sir.

Nonsense. Ellen wouldn't

do such a thing.

Ellen Neal has a Police record, Madam.

A Police record. What did I tell you?

Wroxton, do you know what you're saying?

- Yes, Madam.

Oh, please Ellen.

Gracie, you may go.

Ellen .. I want you to

tell me the truth.

Were you ever arrested?

Yes, I was .. but you see it was

all a mistake. I ..

It was not a mistake.

She was arrested and held. Her name

can be found on the Police blotter.

I paid the fine myself.

- But ..

I have the receipt here.

Well .. what do you think of that?

Mrs Winfield, you've always trusted ..

- I'm sorry, Ellen, but ..

This rather changes everything.

Look here young woman. I'm going

to be very generous in this situation.

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

I don't want your money.

I wouldn't take anything from you.

The only thing I want to do

is get out of this house.

I hope I never see any of you again.

You're treating me like a criminal,

just because I love your son.

No, I'm not good enough for him.

I'm only good enough

to have his .. baby.

If you permit me, sir.

I shall see to it that she causes

you no further annoyance.

Dinner is served, Madam.

Hello Hamlet. You've got

to stay here. Go on.

And that's the facsimile

of the Police blotter.

Yes, but it might be a mistake.

- There's no mistake about this. Look.

There's the receipt Wroxton

got when he paid her fine.

You don't understand. I love Ellen,

and I'm going to stick to her.

I don't care what anybody says.

But, darling. We're only doing

this for your own good.

The whole thing will be cleared

up as soon as I talk to her.

Well, she's gone.

You sent her away?

No, she ran away. Because

she realized the game was up.

Did you offer her money?

- Yes. $5,000.

She didn't take it, did she?

- No.

Of course she didn't. Doesn't

that prove she's on the level?

If she was the type you think, she'd

have stayed and held you for plenty.

Why .. it's all part of a

very smooth scheme.

She knew she would get more

sympathy, and more money.

If she waited until the baby was born.

Baby?

d*ck, do you mean to

say you didn't know?

No .. she didn't tell me.

Do you think I'd have left her?

She made me go back to college.

She wouldn't take any money.

Now, do you see what you've done?

Where did she go?

- We don't know.

Wroxton.

Wroxton!

- Yes, sir?

You know where Ellen went?

- No. She said nothing to the others.

What of her friend, Gracie. Where's she?

- I regret sir. Gracie has also left.

d*ck .. where are you going?

I'm going to find Ellen.

- Don't be a fool.

Leave it to me, I'll get

you out of this mess.

Whatever mess there is, you've made.

d*ck!

Excuse me, sir.

If any letter should come from

Miss Ellen, addressed to your son ..

What are my instructions?

Wroxton .. I didn't

hear a word you said.

I understand, sir.

[ Baby crying ]

Goodness. Never a minute of

peace, the way you carry on.

Take it.

[ Door knocks ]

Gracie.

- Ellen.

Oh Gracie. How are you? Oooo!

Am I glad to see you.

- Hi Smiley, how are you?

Fine. And you look swell, honey.

Wait a minute. There's

the person I want to see.

Oh .. ain't he cute?

Gosh, Ellen, he looks just like you.

- Oh, heaven forbid.

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

Cut that out, stupid.

Hide your face. Want to frighten him?

- Oh, he's alright.

He was sick for a while, but

he's doing beautifully now.

Gee, honey. You had a

tough time of it didn't you.

By the way, who are the

people you're staying with?

They're friends from back home. They say

I can stay here until I get on my feet.

Oh that's swell. You know things are

picking up with me too. I've got a job.

Oh Gracie, that's marvellous.

What are you doing?

I'm a Ladies-Room

attendant at a gas-station.

Oh, the work's a little bohemian,

but you meet lots of interesting people.

Oh, I almost forgot. Here's

a present for the kid.

Oh Gracie, you shouldn't have done that.

You've done so much for me. I don't

know how I'm going to pay you back.

Shut up.

Oh, Gracie, isn't that

a darling little size.

I hope it fits.

- Coö-ee!

And here's something for the

little canary too. - Oh thanks.

I haven't seen this.

- Say, you're awful lucky getting this.

Now there's a bright idea.

What would a baby be doing

with an umbrella, stupid?

Well, it might rain.

Yes?

Ellen Neal?

It's her alright.

It sure is.

We got a letter for you, Miss Neal.

What's the matter? Anything wrong?

Hey Ellen, what's wrong?

Let me see that.

Well, how do you like that?

From their lawyer.

"Dear Madam."

"This is to inform you that, on behalf

of our client, Mr Richard Winfield."

"We've started legal procedures to annul

your marriage on grounds of fraud."

"We suggest your attorney consult

with us at the earliest possible date."

Oh, they're c*ck.

Ellen.

If they annul your marriage for fraud,

do you know what that makes your baby?

Oh Gracie, they wouldn't

do that. They couldn't.

Oh they couldn't eh? They've got

money. They can do anything.

Ellen, there's just one thing

for you to do. Fight back.

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

I got just the guy. Sam Stapp,

the mouthpiece.

That's his lawyer.

- And a good lawyer.

Quiet. How quick can we

get in touch with him?

Where's the phone?

In the grocery store, four

miles down the road.

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

You've got to go through with it.

Are you going to let the Winfields drag

you into court? Treat you as a burglar?

I just can't believe that

d*ck would do such a thing.

d*ck? Why, he's the one who's suing you.

Oh, listen. Don't tell me you still

believe he had no part in this?

Why, he's just as much to

blame as his whole family.

What about those letters you sent

him? Did he ever answer you?

Well, no, but ..

- Did he ever try to see you?

No. Why, you never heard

a word from him.

Now listen to me, little lady.

They're going to sue you

for an annulment. Okay.

We'll slap back a counter-suit at them

so fast it will make them dizzy.

But the first thing we got to do is to

establish you as Mrs Richard Winfield.

Well, how are we going to do that?

Well, you've been living

in the country incognito.

Quiet! Sam will do the talking.

- Now, look.

You've been living out on that farm as

Mrs Smith. Well, that won't do at all.

What we got to do

is bring you to town ..

And set you up in a first-class

apartment as "Mrs Winfield".

Apartment, nothing. Make it a penthouse.

- But I couldn't. Who'd pay for it?

That's the hot one. Say ..

A million women in this town would do

anything but m*rder to be in your shoes.

Who's going to pay for it?

Why, the Winfields of course.

Well, d*ck, we can't go ahead until

you've signed this complaint.

I won't sign it .. I didn't know

anything about an annulment.

Darling, please believe that what

we're doing is for your good.

Yeah .. a lot you care about my good.

Haven't you hurt us enough?

Staying away all these months.

All this chatter is getting us nowhere.

It may bring you to your senses ..

To really see what a smart

little gold-digger you've married.

You mean you've found her?

- Wroxton located her.

Where is she?

She's living at 772 Park Avenue sir.

Park Avenue?

In an apartment that costs

a thousand dollars a month.

And you're supposed to pay the rent. And

I'll tell you something else she's done.

She's gone all over town, running

up bills, charging them to you.

Look at that! Over eight thousand

dollars’ worth of bills.

All charged to Mrs Richard Winfield.

Have you got the money to pay them?

She wouldn't do a thing like that.

- Oh wouldn't she?

Suppose you run up to 772 Park

Avenue and see for yourself?

Come on. Break it up, honey.

Don't be so sad.

You know the old saying "what's

good for the goose is good for .."

Hey, come on. Take a drink.

This will either pick you up or knock

you down. I don't know which.

No thanks, Smiley.

- I'll take it.

Hmm. You'll take anything.

- Nothing bothers me but a Mickey.

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

Oh come on sweet.

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

Just look at that

publicity we're getting.

Well.

- Oh boy.

I think it's disgusting.

Now, honey, you're not

turning softy on us are you?

No. But I'm sorry we started this

whole mess in the first place.

Mrs Winfield.

- Yes?

Mr Winfield's here.

d*ck?

No. I can't see him.

- Can't? Just a minute.

You're not going to see him? I thought

you had some backbone.

Oh, but Gracie.

- You let him bust up your whole life.

After all you've been through, he sneaks

up and sues you, to annul your marriage.

Why, I'd give that heel a

blast he'd never get over.

But you haven't got the

nerve. Even for your kid.

Alright .. ask Mr Winfield to step in.

Will you step in please.

- Thank you.

Ellen, I'd uh, like to

speak to you alone.

Anything you have to say to me

you can say in front of my friends.

Alright. I want to ask you one question.

Yes?

Is it true that you were arrested

last Spring in a raid?

Yes .. what about it?

I guess they were right .. that

makes me pretty stupid doesn't it.

Hello Mr Rollins.

- Hello d*ck.

That annulment paper, you still got it?

- Yes, it's right here.

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

I thought you'd see it our way.

It's the sensible thing to do.

Bring him in.

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

- Shut up.

Is this the guy?

Yes.

You know this little lady?

Why yes, I ..

Well, she's got a lawsuit coming

up and we want you as our witness.

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

Well, I'll do anything that I can.

- Fine.

Now, our case comes up Monday.

When we get you into court ..

I want you to get up on that witness

stand and tell exactly what happened.

Do you swear the testimony you give will

be the truth and nothing but the truth?

I do.

When you entered the Winfield home as a

maid you knew they had a son, didn't you.

No!

You must have known they had money.

I object your honor.

On the grounds that the question is

irrelevant, incompetent and immaterial.

Objection sustained.

You were not a servant before you

entered the Winfield home, were you?

No.

But you became a servant for the purpose

of attracting their son, didn't you?

That's a lie!

You tricked young Winfield

into marrying you.

I object.

- Objection sustained.

Trying to get money from

the Winfields, are you?

I'm not trying to get anything

for myself. Only for my baby.

I didn't ask the Winfields for money.

They wouldn't have heard from me if they

hadn't chose to get my marriage annulled.

I don't care what they did to me.

But I won't have them hurt my baby.

I married d*ck Winfield because I

loved him .. I'll always love him.

That baby is mine and his, and all the

money in the world can't change that.

That's all.

No questions.

That's all. You may step down.

Thank you.

Call Thomas Wroxton.

- Thomas Wroxton.

Please take the stand.

You're the butler in Mr Winfield's

home, aren't you?

Yes, sir.

On the night of May 3rd last year, did

you get a phone call from Ellen Neal?

From a Night Court in New York?

- I did sir.

Tell us exactly what happened.

Well, sir, she had been arrested.

In a questionable resort owned and

operated by a woman known as ..

"Grandma Gammon".

I paid her fine myself.

Is this the receipt

for Ellen Neal's fine?

Yes sir. It is.

Your witness.

No questions.

Don't worry. Wait until we put our

witness "Coakley" on the stand.

I'm going to blow this

case higher than a kite.

Call James Coakley.

James Coakley.

Please take the stand.

What's happened? They've

called him as their witness.

Do you swear the testimony you give will

be the truth and nothing but the truth?

I do.

What is your name?

- James Coakley.

Please relate the circumstances of

your first meeting with Ellen Neal.

I was sitting in my car at the corner

of 45th Street and 6th Avenue.

Go on.

She passed by the car,

and gave me the eye.

She had a cigarette in her hand.

She asked me if I had a light.

We talked for a minute.

I offered her a lift home.

She got in the car.

Then in common slang, it's

what you'd call a "pick-up".

I object on the ground that the question

calls for a conclusion by the witness.

Objection overruled.

Proceed.

- I suggested we go to a dance-hall.

She said she had a better idea.

So she took me to a little

private club on 47th Street.

What kind of place was it?

I didn't like the looks of it.

Did Miss Neal act as though

she'd been there before?

She seemed to know her way

around. She ordered champagne.

And then?

Well, we drank the champagne, and

then went over and sat on the couch.

That's enough.

Your witness.

- No questions.

The plaintiff rests.

You may step down.

Your Honor. I wish to place

Ellen Winfield on the stand.

Mrs Winfield.

Do you know this man? James Coakley?

Yes.

Well, on the night in question,

how old were you?

Why, uh .. I was seventeen.

Are you positive?

- Why, yes.

That's all.

Your Honor. You've heard the evidence.

This girl was only

seventeen years of age.

I ask a warrant for

James Coakley's arrest.

Your Honor, I ask for a recess.

For re-examination of evidence.

The court will recess for ten minutes.

I can't take that rap. You've

got to get me out of this.

I wouldn't have got you into it if

I'd known the girl was under-age.

We'll think of something.

But you can't let me be the goat.

You'll have to buy the girl off.

We can't do that.

You got me into this.

You told me I'd be taken care of.

- You got your money, didn't you?

If you don't get me out

of it I'll tell them the truth.

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

Perjury? Nothing. This

means a stretch up the river.

You took that chance, didn't you?

Mr Winfield. You've got to help me.

You've got to get me out of this.

They'll sell me up the

river, and I'm not guilty.

I lied out there.

I'm not guilty I tell you. I never

had anything to do with that girl.

What?

- No. Never. So help me.

He promised me, if I'd go through with

this, he'd see that I was taken care of.

Wait a minute.

You mean to say that

he got you to do this?

Yes. I was a witness on her side. Then

he paid me money to switch my testimony.

You paid him to change his testimony?

Yes. But I did it in the best interest

of yourself and the family, Mr Richard.

Are you gentlemen ready?

You may proceed.

Your honor, may it please the court ..

- Just a minute.

Your Honor, as plaintiff in this

case I beg leave to speak.

This is most irregular. You will have to

address the court through your attorney.

What I must say no attorney could say.

- I object to this procedure.

This is supposed to be a court of

justice and a great wrong has been done.

Not to me, as these lawyers

have been paid to tell you.

But to my wife.

I warn you. You'll be

cited for contempt.

I throw myself upon the mercy of this

court. I ask you to dismiss the case.

Fine me for contempt if you want to,

but I've got to tell you the truth.

My family brought this action.

It was cruel and unnecessary, but they

thought they were doing the best thing.

They'd accused her of fraud.

Your Honor, the fraud

is on the other side.

I've learned that not one of the things

they've charged against her is true.

I'm not blaming my family. They thought

they were doing the right thing.

When they learned that I was married to

a girl working in their own household.

It was only natural that they

should try to protect me.

I understand completely why

they did it. They were wrong.

They're trying to break a marriage which

they say is based on social inequality.

It is based on social inequality.

Your Honor .. I'm not worthy

of being Ellen Neal's husband.

I'm afraid I've been pretty stupid.

She's the only one who will come out

of this rotten muddle with clean hands.

I only hope that some

day she'll forgive me.

And she'll really know how

terribly much I love her.

Order! Order in the court!

Why Hamlet, where did you çome from?

Ellen.

Today, you heard me tell the whole

world how much you mean to me.

I meant every word of ît.

Do you want me tell you again?

You must never stop telling me.