- [tires screeching]
[brakes squealing]
- What's the new
girl's name?
- Joyce Martin.
- Have ya asked her yet?
- I'm not gonna ask 'er,
I'm gonna tell 'er.
- We haven't had a good
initiation this whole term.
What are you gonna
make her do?
- I think I'll start out
with the "slacks" test.
- [knife pounds bench]
That's too easy!
- Dolly, you bug me.
- [1950s rock 'n roll]
♪
♪
- [mixed conversations]
- Hey, where's old lady Warner?
- Home with the flu.
Look who we've got.
- A sub. [laughs]
- A man teaching Home Ec.
Woo-hoo, how wild!
- [taps desk]
Uh, please take your seats.
- Well, where do you want us
to take 'em, teach?
- STUDENTS: [laughing]
- Will you please be seated.
- Well, you heard the man.
Please, be seated.
- [mixed conversations]
- Joyce Martin?
- Yes, Mr. Anderson?
- You're new here, so will you,
uh, please fill out this card.
Miss Ross?
- Yes, sir?
- Will you get the books
from the bookcase,
please, and distribute them?
- Oh, which books, sir?
- The blue ones.
- Oh, yes, sir, yes, sir.
The blue ones, sir.
Right away, sir.
- STUDENTS: [chattering]
- [tapping desk]
Stop throwing those books!
- STUDENTS: [chattering]
- Stop it!
- STUDENTS: [laughing]
[chatter continues]
[chatter silences]
- Hi.
- Hi.
- There's a g*ng in this class.
I'm the boss.
- Oh, I see.
- What do you see?
- Nothing.
I mean I understand.
- I may let you in.
- Well, thanks,
but I really don't--
- But what?
- Nothing. I mean, I'd...
I'd like to, if...
if you want me.
- Well, I'm not sure
I want you yet.
We'll talk about that
later, huh?
Oh, and, uh...
by the way, we're all wearing
slacks tomorrow.
- But isn't that against
the rules?
- I make the rules here.
- Oh, all right, then.
I'll wear them.
- Well, thanks.
Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!
[tapping desk frantically]
- STUDENTS: [laughing]
- We will all read from page
1694 in the purple book.
- STUDENTS: [laughing]
- Pipe down! Knock it off!
He oughta be back any second.
Angie, go see if
he's comin', huh?
Study!
- But they...
- Good morning, dear.
Oh, you fixed your own
breakfast.
- Where's Joyce?
- Getting dressed.
- She's always so slow.
Can't get her to do anything
right any more.
- Roger, that's unfair.
It seems to me you're always
picking on her lately.
- She needs more...
more discipline.
And the way she's
always dressed--
those tight sweaters
and too much lipstick.
- Darling, she's growing up.
- Oh, Linda, please don't
argue with me.
- ♪ Good morning ♪
- Good morning, dear. I'll get
your breakfast.
- Oh, no, no, I don't care
for any breakfast.
I'll just have some
fruit juice.
I'm watching my figure.
Good morning, dad.
- Don't tell me
you're wearing slacks.
- Mm-hm, all the girls
are wearing them.
- You never wore them
at the other school.
- I know. I guess they
don't mind here.
- I'll get the car out.
Hurry up with your juice.
- Boy, he's in a happy
mood this morning.
Did you have a fight?
- Joyce.
- Bye, mom. See you later.
- Bye, dear.
- Hey, here she comes!
Here she comes!
- Hey, I thought you were all
going to wear slacks today.
- What? Oh.
Why, we forgot.
- But, Connie...
- But what?
What's the matter?
You got a complaint to make?
- Good morning, girls.
- Oh, good morning, teach.
- You, will you get me some
chalk from the closet, please?
You.
I'm talking to you.
- But, teach, you know my name.
- And you know mine.
- [laughs] Okay, Miss Davis,
I got the message.
You still want the chalk?
- No, never mind.
The title of this course is
"Health and Physical Education."
Up to now, we've done mostly
gym work and some reading.
But today I thought we'd
have an open forum.
- STUDENTS: [chattering]
- Now health and physical
education
cover a great many subjects.
So what would you girls
like to discuss?
- Boys!
- STUDENTS: [laughing,
chattering]
- All right, now, Meg,
what do you want to know
about the subject?
- Everything!
- STUDENTS: [chattering]
- Well, let's begin
at the beginning.
Biologically-speaking,
it's of primary importance
that Man should
want to mate.
- STUDENTS: [hooting,
chattering]
- Well, now, we've already
come in contact
with the age-old saying that
Man is polygamous by nature
and Woman is monogamous
and we know how far from
the truth that is.
- Come on, Miss Davis.
Use words we know.
- All right, I'll use
some examples.
May I have a volunteer
to go to the blackboard?
Joyce, would you come to
the front of the room, please?
Joyce, don't you know it's
against the rules
to wear slacks to class?
Well?
- I'm sorry, Miss Davis.
But you see, I...
- Did anybody tell you
to wear slacks today?
- Oh, no, no.
Well, that is, I...
- ♪
- Joyce?
- JOYCE: [slams door]
- ♪
♪
- [1950s rock 'n roll
playing on jukebox]
- Coffee?
- Yes, please.
- Cream?
Cutting class?
- It's none of your business!
- Okay. Okay.
You new here?
- What are you--
a part-time private eye?
Yes, I'm new here and, yes,
I'm cutting class.
Next question.
- Well, I knew I'd never
seen you before.
How come you're cutting
so soon?
- Do you own this place?
- No, I just work here.
- Then would you mind just
leaving me alone?
It isn't often I get
a chance to talk to one of you
characters alone.
You usually travel in packs.
- You got a wrong number.
I don't belong to a "pack".
- Don't worry, you will.
- Thanks.
I'm really not like
those other girls.
- Good.
- You know, they said they were
all going to wear slacks
and when I arrived there this
morning, I was the only one.
- That's a crummy trick.
I'll warm it up for ya.
Mind if I join ya?
My name's Mike Landers.
- Mine's Joyce Martin.
I'm sorry I've been
such a creep.
- Oh, that's all right.
- Oh, so you admit
I've been one, huh?
- Sure.
- What do you do, Mike,
I mean, besides working here?
- I go to school nights.
- Really? What are
you studying?
- Engineering.
Electronic Engineering.
- It must be nice to know
just what you want to be.
- Yeah, also, kinda rough.
- What do you mean?
- Well, I've got no family,
so I have to pay my own way--
rent, tuition, books, clothes.
- Yeah, but at least you
live your own life.
No one's always telling you what
to do and what not to do.
- Sometimes you can miss
even that.
- Well, I doubt it.
I live at home with
my parents
just at a house
not far from here.
My father's a lawyer
and I'm an only child.
I go to school because
it's required
and I don't know
what I want to be.
I guess, some day,
I'll get married.
There--you know
all about me.
I guess I'd better
be going.
- I'm glad you came in today.
- So am I.
- Will I see you again?
- Uh-huh.
- But not during school hours.
- No, not during school hours.
Oh, I forgot to pay
for my coffee.
- Ah, it's all right.
It's on the house.
- Thanks, Mike. Bye.
- Bye, Joyce.
- ♪
♪
- Hey, is anybody home?
- ♪
[clicks on TV]
[music quietly playing]
[TV g*nshots]
[TV horses whinnying]
[dramatic "Western"
movie music]
- [clicks off TV]
- JOYCE: Oh...
Hi, dad.
Mom isn't back yet.
- So I see.
- What time is it?
- About 8:00.
Is that all you've eaten?
- I wasn't hungry.
- Where's your mother?
- [sighs]
The note didn't say.
- Probably her bridge
club again.
[front door opens]
- Well, I see
everybody's home.
Sorry I'm late, but the game
was so interesting,
we didn't notice the time.
Did you eat, dear?
- Yes, mother.
- Good. I'm not at all hungry.
Marge fixed a perfectly
lovely snack.
How was your
appointment, dear?
- The thing worked out
all right.
- Oh, that's nice.
Would you like some coffee?
- Uh-huh.
- [telephone rings]
- Oh, I'll get it.
Hello?
Hi, Dolly.
Morning?
Oh, no, it's all right.
I'll tell you
about it later.
Oh? When?
Where is it? Oh.
How do I get in?
Okay.
I'll manage some way.
I'll be there by 8:30.
Right.
Okay, thanks. Bye.
Dad, one of the girls
in my class has invited me
to a homework party
at her house tonight.
I'll be back by 10:00, okay?
- Okay.
What's with that coffee
you promised?
- It'll be ready in a moment.
Where's Joyce?
- Going out.
- Oh.
Well, tell her to put on
a coat, it's chilly.
- [sighs]
- Hey, mom, where's
my purple sweater?
- Joyce, for Heaven's sake,
don't shout.
- Oh, I'm sorry, dad,
but I just wanted--
- How many times
have I told you
not to walk around
the house like that?
- But, dad, it's only a slip.
- You heard what I said!
Now go upstairs
and put something on!
- But, dad--
- [loud smack]
- [gasps]
- What happened?
- I hit her.
- I know, but why?
- I don't know. That is, I...
- ♪
♪
- [door creaks]
- ♪
- [gasps]
- DOLLY: Hi.
- Oh, you scared me.
It's so dark in here.
- There is something
exciting about
a deserted movie house,
isn't there?
- I don't know.
I've never been in one before.
- It's spooky.
You almost expect the place
to come to life.
- Oh, stop it.
- [laughing]
Oh, a fine member
you're gonna make.
- Where's Connie?
- Upstairs.
We meet in the ladies' lounge.
We've got some lights
rigged there.
Come on, follow me.
Here she is, girls--
goose pimples and all.
- CONNIE: Come on in.
Don't be scared.
Get up, Laurie, and let Joyce
sit down, huh?
- Oh, oh, that's all right.
I can sit on the floor.
- CONNIE: Sit down.
We're...we're all here.
This will be
a short meeting.
I want you all to meet Joyce--
she passed the first test.
And if she passes
the other two,
she'll be a member
of the Hellcats.
Oh, that's the name
of our g*ng.
If you don't belong,
you'll find life at
school pretty rough.
You won't be invited
to any parties
and you'll have
very few friends.
And you'll never have
any dates with boys.
We'll see to that.
You'll find that the Hellcats
will be, sort of,
a home away from home.
Unless, of course,
you don't need us.
- I guess I do need
a club like this.
- Who doesn't?
- But get this straight.
There are certain types
of girls we don't want.
We don't like eggheads.
After you pass your final
initiation,
there are certain
things you've gotta do
to keep your membership.
And if you have to pass
your subjects,
to keep from getting
in Dutch at home, that's okay.
But make sure you don't do it
with any more than a "D".
We don't like show-offs and
we don't like teachers' pets.
There's only one teacher I'll
let any Hellcat be nice to
and that's Miss Davis.
There are more rules, but you'll
get those later, okay?
- Okay.
- Now this is our
meeting place.
Remember where it is
and always bring your own
flashlight with you.
And don't tell anyone
about it.
Understand?
- Yes.
- Now I want Dolly
and Joyce to stay
and the rest of you
can leave.
Oh, and remember...
no homework tomorrow, huh?
- OTHERS: [laughing]
- Oh, uh, Dolly,
pour Joyce a drink.
Here.
- [coughing]
- DOLLY: [laughing]
Oh, what a Hellcat
she's going to make.
- [coughs]
[sighs]
- Did you ever steal?
- No.
- Oh, you'll learn.
Meet Dolly and me
tomorrow afternoon
outside of the yard.
- ♪
♪
- [jukebox playing 1950s
rock 'n roll]
- Hey, that's pretty sharp.
- We were Christmas shopping.
- Early birds, huh?
Hi, Joyce.
- Hi.
- A friend of yours?
- Who?
- Him.
- Oh, I...came in here
the day I cut class.
- He's a wise guy.
Stay away from him.
- Well, I--
- I said, stay away from him.
You did pretty good, Joyce.
Not bad for a beginner.
- She had a good teacher.
- Okay, okay, genius.
I'll give ya a medal.
Now come on, drink up.
I've gotta get home.
Oh, and, Joyce, take care
of the check.
- I don't have any
classes tonight.
Do you wanna go
for a drive?
- I don't think so,
thanks.
- Okay, here's your change.
- [quietly] I'll meet you
here about 8:00.
You're a good pillow.
- That's all muscle,
every flabby inch.
It comes from the good food
at the restaurant.
- I bet you'd like
a home-cooked meal.
- Swell. When?
- [tsks]
Not just yet.
- Don't your folks
know about me?
- [sighs] They don't approve
of my dating.
- Where do they think
you are tonight?
- [tsks]
At a girl's.
- Oh, I see.
Dating's out, but stealing
jewelry's okay.
- I didn't steal.
- No? What do you call it?
- Mike, please don't
be angry.
- Why shouldn't I be?
So it's all right for you to
hang around with thieves,
but not to go out with me.
- I didn't really steal
that stuff, Mike, I...
I just let Connie think
that I did.
- Oh, sure.
- Those earrings cost
$1.98 and, well,
I slipped them in my purse
when the man wasn't looking
and then I left $2.00
on the counter.
Now that isn't
really stealing.
I know how you feel
about that g*ng, Mike,
and you're probably
right, but...
but I have to belong.
- Why?
- Well...
It's a long story, Mike,
and you wouldn't understand.
- Look, I've been watching
that club operate
for over a year now.
It's not for you, Joyce.
I mean it.
- But, Mike, I can't
just quit now.
- Yes, you can. It's easy.
Just say, "I quit"
and walk out.
- But, for someone like
you, it's easy.
- What do you mean
someone like me?
- I don't know, but...
well, you just seem
so secure and--
- Secure?
Well, what's secure about me?
Look, I like in
a furnished room
and hope, from day to day,
the coffee shop stays open.
You have a home and parents.
- I didn't mean that kind
of security, Mike.
And, besides, for all
the attention I get at home,
I may just as well be renting
a furnished room there, myself.
- Oh, I've heard that
complaint before.
- It's the truth, Mike.
That's why I joined.
I guess that's why most of
the other girls joined.
Connie calls it
a "home away from home."
I said it kind of
kiddingly one day,
but I think that's what everyone
really wants it to be.
You know, if we had the right
kind of home,
we wouldn't have to go out
and look for another one.
If our parents showed some
real interest in us,
instead of just--
I'm sorry, Mike.
Let's not even talk about it.
It's so
nice and peaceful here.
- Can you see why I want
you to keep out of trouble?
- No. Why?
- Because I don't
want my girl
messing around with
those creeps.
- Oh, am I your girl?
- What do you think?
- CONNIE: Hey, Joyce?
- Yes?
- Come here.
I've got an idea.
See those kids standing up
against the tree?
- Yeah.
- I've decided on your
final initiation.
The boy's name is Rip
and the girl's name is Terry.
She's Rip's girl.
Now I want you to go up
and ask Rip
to be your date at a dance
next Saturday night.
- Now?
- Uh-huh, right now.
- But, Connie, I don't
even know him.
- Well, introduce yourself.
- Excuse me?
- Well, hello?
- Hello.
- What do you want?
- I came over here
to talk to him, not you.
- What can I do for you, kid?
- I'm a member of the Hellcats
and I'd like to invite
you to a party
Saturday night as my date.
- He's busy Saturday
night, baby.
- You got a date, kid.
What's your name?
- Hey, wait a minute!
- Shut up.
What's your name?
- Joyce Martin.
- Where do I pick you up?
- Well, you know Connie,
don't you?
- Yeah.
- Well, check with her.
I've gotta go now.
I'm late. Thanks.
- I'll see you later, honey.
- What's the big idea?
- Hey, look, will ya
get off my back!
I don't owe you nothin'.
- CONNIE: Well?
- Got a date.
- Oh, good. What'd you tell him?
- I told him to check with you
for the details.
- Say, you know, with
a little more practice...
you might get to be
the number two Hellcat.
Pick you up about, uh, 8:30
Saturday night.
Rip will be with me.
- Okay.
- I couldn't wait to see ya.
- Me, too.
- Maybe some day,
if I'm a good boy,
I can pick you up
at your house.
- Oh, now, Mike, please.
- Aw, it's just that I can't
seem to understand why--
- Mike, let's not even
talk about it.
Where are we going?
- I don't know.
- It's such
a beautiful day out.
Let's go to the beach.
- We've been to the beach.
- Yes, but this is in
the daylight.
- Okay. It's a good idea.
Hey, we'll make a day of it.
Dinner and a movie.
- No, I...I have to
be back by 6:00.
- Well, that's a pretty
early curfew.
- Oh, it isn't that. It...
Well, I'm going to
a party tonight...
with Connie.
- Oh, for cryin' out loud.
- Well, Mike, what's wrong with
going to a party?
- Nothing. Nothing at all.
Have a ball!
- We still have until 6:00.
- No, thanks.
If you're gonna ditch me
on a Saturday night,
you can spend the whole
day with your Hellcats.
- Mike, I'm sick of people
always giving me orders.
- I see! Now I'm just people!
- Oh, no, no, I didn't mean
exactly you.
- Then who did you mean?
- All right. All right, then,
I did mean you.
- Good, I get your message.
While you're being honest,
who are you really going
to the party with?
- Mike, you're beginning to
sound exactly like my father,
and I've had just about all
I can take of you for one day.
You know how to reach me
when you want to apologize!
- And you know
how to reach me!
- [starts car engine]
[revs engine]
[tires screeching]
- Roger?
- Mm?
- I've been thinking.
- What about?
- I've been thinking about that
fishing trip you suggested.
- Oh, what about it?
- I just thought
it would be nice
if the two of us
went away and had some fun
instead of just--
- But what about Joyce?
- She could stay with
a girlfriend.
- She's not old enough
to be left alone.
Besides, I want her with us.
- Oh, Roger, for Heaven's sake!
When are you gonna
let her grow up?
- I don't want to discuss
it any further.
She's coming with us
or we don't go.
- My, you look pretty.
- Thank you, mother.
- Joyce, you've got on
too much lipstick.
- No more than usual, dad.
- Well, it's too much
for a girl your age.
I don't understand why you kids
always try to act grown up.
By the way, where are
you going?
- To a party.
- Why haven't you said something
about it before this?
- Mainly because I hardly
ever see you.
And when I do, you don't have
any time to talk.
- She told me, dear.
- Are you going with a boy?
- No.
With a man.
- Now, see what I mean?
- Don't look at me.
You've created the problem.
You cope with it.
- [1950s rock 'n roll]
- Hey, the joint's jumpin'.
Let's get a drink and catch up
with them, huh?
- Hi, Chuck, gimme
a drink, huh?
- Make that two, will ya?
- Right.
- Hey, what about you, baby?
- No, I don't think
I want one right now.
- Well, you heard what Connie
said--we gotta catch up.
Hey, give her a drink.
- Yep.
- Thanks.
Let's go over there.
- Say, uh, Connie and I
are gonna, uh, explore.
We'll see ya later.
- Um, you care to join them?
- No, thanks.
- [laughs]
Or do you wanna dance?
- Oh, it's so crowded.
- Hey, say,
you're a great date.
- Then get yourself
another one.
- Okay. Okay, I will.
Excuse me.
- Come on, kid, wanna dance?
- No, thank you.
- Oh, come on.
- No!
- All right! All right!
- All right, everybody,
I've got a great idea here.
Come on, knock it off.
Knock it off.
Gather around me now.
- [music stops]
- All right?
Now we're gonna play
a game called "Sardines."
- PARTY-GOERS:
[cheering, whistling]
- Will ya just relax.
I'll explain it to ya.
I'm gonna deal these cards
to all the fellas
and the one who gets
the Ace of Spades is it.
But don't tell anybody.
Then we turn off all
the lights...
- PARTY-GOERS: [hooting,
whistling]
- Then we turn off
all the lights
and the guy has got to
identify as many people
as he can in five minutes.
Then we do it again.
- PARTY-GOERS: [excited chatter]
- The winner gets a big prize.
- Who needs a prize?
- PARTY-GOERS: [laughing]
- Here are your cards. You.
All right, come on,
pass these out now.
Got one? All right.
Everybody got a card?
All right.
- He passed them out.
Did you get it?
- [light switch clicks]
- PARTY-GOERS: [screaming]
- Oh!
Ah! Get away!
- PARTY-GOERS:
[laughing, chattering]
- FEMALE: [screams]
- [loud thud]
- Turn on the lights!
- Hey, there's a door to
the stairs down here.
Somebody fell down.
- FEMALE: Oh, no.
- It's Connie!
- FEMALE: Oh, no!
- She was trying to hide.
Probably thought it
was the closet.
- [whispering]
Connie.
Connie!
She's dead.
- JOYCE: [gasps]
- FEMALE: Dead?
- Would somebody turn
that record off!
- [needle scratches]
[music stops]
- Look, now here's what
we've gotta do.
Come on.
I...I want you
all to go home or...
or any place else that
you want to.
But keep quiet about this.
None of you were here tonight
and none of you knew
anything about a party.
Do you understand?
Beat it!!
Fred, look, we've gotta
clean up this place
so it doesn't look like
anybody's been here.
Now pick up the records
and the glasses
and we'll pile them
in the car.
Freddy, get the lead out!
- All right, all right.
- [cars leaving]
- Well, that's it.
- Okay, let's go.
- Hey, Rip.
- Come on, we're going.
I'll take you home.
- But what about Connie?
- What about her?!
- Oh, you can't just
leave her here!
- Look, there's nothing
we can do for her, kid.
The cops are tough enough
on us as it is.
How do you think
we're gonna explain
breaking in here anyway?
- What do you mean
breaking in?
- The people who live here
are out of town.
We've been waiting a long time
for them to go
so we can throw a party.
But you Hellcats beat us to it.
- All right, quit the gabbing.
Let's go!
- [brakes screech]
- [car door slams]
[tires screech]
- What are you stoppin'
here for?
- I don't trust her.
I wanna make sure
she goes inside.
- Do you think she'll
yell to the cops?
- Well, you never know
what a nervous chick
like that's gonna do next.
- [car horn honks]
- Hey, what did I tell ya?
- Mike. Mike,
I'm so glad you're here.
- I was miserable
all evening.
I was a jerk to pick on
you this afternoon.
- Let's not even
talk about it.
- How about a hamburger?
It's not too late.
- Oh, I'd love one.
- Well, come on.
- [car engine starts]
- [car brakes squealing]
- ♪
- [gasps]
- [fists impacting]
- [groans]
- All right, you punks,
I'm taking you to the cops.
- Mike, let 'em go.
- What do you mean?
They tried to mug me.
- I know, I know,
but I know them from school.
Oh, Mike, you're hurt.
Why don't we go to your place
and let me fix it?
- All right.
- [car engine starts]
- [tires screech]
- [winces]
- Mike, I'm sorry about
the fight tonight.
- Nice friends you have.
- They're not my friends.
- Then why didn't you let me
take them to the cops?
What do they have against
me, anyway,
or is this a hobby
with them?
- I don't know.
They were at the party tonight.
- Oh, and they drove
you home.
- [sobbing]
- Joyce, what is it?
What happened?
- Nothing.
Nothing. It was just
a terrible party.
Everyone was acting
real crazy
and I just wanted
to get away and be with you.
I was sorry that
I ever went, Mike.
[sobbing]
- Honey, take it easy.
Come on.
- [sniffles]
- You shouldn't have
let her go.
- Why not?
- Because she's never been
allowed out
this late and you know it.
I didn't sl*ve so hard
to bring her up right
that she can go running
off to wild parties.
I won't stand for it.
- Who says it's a wild party?
- I know these kids.
- Roger, try to control
yourself.
Getting upset won't
do any good.
- I'll get as upset
as I want to.
I'm gonna call the police.
- You'll only look
ridiculous if you do.
- JOYCE: [sighs]
- You fell asleep.
- Yes. [laughs]
Oh! Holy smokes, it's late.
I'd better go.
- You'd better put your
shoes on, first.
- [car approaches]
- Please, Roger,
don't be too harsh.
- Come here, young lady!
- I'm sorry I'm so late.
- Where have you been?
- To the party.
I didn't realize it was so late.
I'm...I'm sorry.
- You're sorry. You're sorry.
We've been up all night,
your mother's worried
to death about you,
and all you can say is,
I'm sorry.
- What do you want me to do?
I am sorry.
Oh, you know that I wouldn't
deliberately
make you and mother worry.
I don't know anything
any more,
except you're absolutely
and completely out of control!
- Out of control?
What do you mean?
Coming home late one night
isn't out of control.
- She's right, Roger.
- From now on, young lady,
you're on a strict schedule.
Homework after dinner.
In bed at 10:00.
And on weekends, you have
to be in at 12:00.
We have to know where you're
going and with whom!
- No.
- No?
And what does that mean?
- It means that children
have rights
as well as responsibilities!
- Well, how do you like that?
She's telling us about rights
and responsibilities.
Whatever happened
to the respect
that children used to
show their parents?
- Well, maybe they have to
receive it in order to show it.
- Oh, you, too?
- I'm sorry, dear.
But I do think you're being
a little unfair.
- Well, what do you expect
me to do--
welcome her with open arms
and thank her for keeping
us up all night?
- She's an individual
and we tend to forget that.
And it must hurt her to think
that we don't trust her.
- Since when have you become
so psychological?
- What's the difference?
It's certainly about time
we both tried to understand her.
- You're right.
I don't know why I fly
off the handle like that.
I don't mean to.
- Come along, dear.
Go to bed.
We'll straighten it
all out tomorrow.
- It's been a day and a half
since Connie disappeared.
The cops are bound to
show up any time now,
so keep quiet about
Saturday night.
We haven't seen her since Friday
afternoon, got it?
- But we'll get in worse
trouble lying about it.
- You do what I tell you!
Connie and I organized
the Hellcats.
And now I'm taking over.
You wanna know what I think?
I think what happened to Connie
wasn't an accident.
She was pushed.
I'm going to find out
who did it.
And when I do...
Okay, break it up.
- What do you think
about that?
- She scares me.
- Me, too.
Do you wanna know something?
I don't think
she's got all her marbles.
[sighs] I feel sorry
for the kid who pushed Connie.
- Why do you say
she was pushed?
Because Dolly thinks so?
- Dolly doesn't think.
She decides.
- WOMAN: [whispering]
- [silently] Thanks.
Meg, could you take charge of
the class, please?
- Miss Davis?
- Yes.
- Lieutenant Manners,
Police Department.
- Police Department?
Is something wrong?
- I hope not.
But maybe you can be of
some help to us.
Sit down?
- Mm-hm.
- Cigarette?
- No, thanks.
- Do you mind?
- Go ahead.
- Miss Davis, you have a student
named Connie Harris.
- Yes, but she's absent today.
- I'm afraid she's not only
absent, she's missing.
- Missing?
- Yes, her mother said
she left home
Saturday evening
about 8 o'clock.
She hasn't been seen since.
She was dressed
up when she left home,
so she may have gone
to a party.
I'd like you to tell me
who her friends are
so if there was a party,
they may know about it.
- Well, Connie belongs to a club
called "The Hellcats."
- Hellcats, huh?
- Mm.
- Do you know who
the other members are?
- Yes, most of them
are in my class.
- Well, I'd like you to send
them in so I can talk to them.
- Certainly.
- One at a time, please.
And don't tell them why.
- All right.
- And, Miss Davis, after I've
talked to the girls,
would you mind coming
back again?
- Of course not.
- Thank you.
- Oh, Meg, there's someone in
the teachers' room
who'd like to talk to you.
- Me?
- Yes.
- Well, what about my test?
- You're excused from
the test. Go on.
- Then Friday afternoon
was the last time you saw her.
- Yes, sir.
When she didn't come to
the school today,
I thought she was sick.
- Do you know anything about
a party Saturday night?
- A party?
- Yes, a party.
- No, sir.
- You girls belong to some sort
of club, don't you?
- Yes, sir, it's a...
a sort of a social thing.
- But this party that Connie
went to Saturday night,
wasn't that one of your
club socials?
- No, sir,
or we all would have
been invited.
- Yes, of course.
All right, that'll be all,
thank you.
Have Miss Davis send in
another girl, please.
- MEG: He'd like to see
another girl.
- Then you haven't known
Connie very long.
- No, sir.
We just moved here.
- Do you know
if she has a boyfriend?
- No, sir.
- Do you know anything about
a party Saturday night?
- What party?
- Her mother thinks
she may have gone to one.
- Oh.
- Well, do you?
- Oh, no, sir.
- All right, Joyce,
that'll be all.
Oh, by the way, Joyce, uh...
do you know if Connie has
a particularly close girlfriend,
someone she's a little more
familiar with than the others?
- Well, she and Dolly seem
to be together a lot.
- Would you have Miss Davis send
Dolly in next, please?
- Yes, sir.
- And thank you for your help.
- He said he'd like to
speak to Dolly next.
- MISS DAVIS: All right, Dolly.
- What was he asking?
- No discussion, please.
The period's almost over and
we couldn't get all of our work
finished, so I'll cancel
homework for tomorrow.
Please re-read the chapters
meant for today.
- Well, come in.
I'm Lieutenant Manners,
Police Department.
Sit down.
Go ahead, sit down.
One of your classmates
has disappeared.
I'd like to ask you
a few questions.
- Why me?
- She's a friend of yours--
Connie Harris.
I understand she's your
best friend.
- That's right.
- Well, you don't seem surprised
at her disappearance.
- Well, who said she
disappeared?
- She hasn't been home since
Saturday night.
What do you know about
a party Saturday night?
- Nothing.
- Are you sure?
- Connie and I are friends.
If she was going to a party,
she would have told me.
We go everywhere together.
- When did you see her last?
- Friday afternoon.
- You didn't make any plans
for the weekend?
- No. Well, she said her mother
was buggin' her
about staying around
the house or something.
- Does Connie have
any enemies?
- No, we all liked Connie.
She was a regular guy.
- What do you mean "was"?
- What?
- You used the past tense.
Why did you say "was"?
- I didn't know that I did.
Look here, quit choppin' at me!
I don't know anything
and I didn't do anything!
Leave me alone!
- Okay, Dolly,
you can go for now.
You've been a big help.
Send Miss Davis in, please.
Joyce Martin seems
like a nice kid.
Tells the same story
as the others.
Dolly Crane--nervous, upset,
used the past tense
in referring to Connie.
They all tell the same story.
I can't make up my mind
whether it's the truth
or a well-organized lie.
Tell me, Miss Davis, how do you
stack up with these kids?
- They trust me.
- How do you rate it?
- Well, I guess it's because
I try to be fair to them.
- Do you feel that if
anything was bothering
one of these girls,
she'd come to you with it?
- I don't know.
It's happened before.
- Well, I have a feeling
it may happen again.
Would you let me know
if you hear of anything
that may be important?
- Look, I can't believe that
any of these girls
has anything to do with
Connie's disappearance.
Basically, they're all
nice kids, so--
Oh, of course, I'll help
any way I can.
- Fine. Here's my card.
And thank you very much.
- [door closes]
- Oh, it was a swell
evening, Mike.
- Did you like the play?
- Oh, yes.
Oh, and your friends
are so nice.
- I'm glad you liked them
because I want you
to see more of them.
- Okay.
- I, uh, hear there was some
excitement at school this week.
You didn't tell me
the police were around.
- Oh, I forgot.
- Did they question you?
- About what?
- About Connie?
- Why should they
question me?
- Didn't you go to that party
with her last Saturday?
- No, I didn't.
- Oh, you told me that you--
- I was supposed to meet
her there.
But she didn't show.
- Oh.
- MALE RADIO ANNOUNCER:
We interrupt this program
to bring you an important
news bulletin.
Police report the body
of Constance Harris,
missing high school student,
has been found.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lewis,
returning home from a vacation,
found the girl at the foot
of their basement stairs.
Police say that she had been
dead for about a week,
and the death probably
resulted from a fall.
They have not been able
to determine
what she was doing
in the house,
which has been locked
for the past month.
- [clicks off radio]
I know how you feel about
Connie, but...but, still...
- Whatever happened,
she asked for it.
- How can you say that, Mike?
It was an accident.
- It was no accident she was
inside that locked house.
Those wild kids usually get
just what they deserve.
Oh, I didn't mean
you, honey.
- Yeah, I know, Mike.
I'm...I'm awful tired.
I'm going in.
- Oh, I'm...I'm sorry
I sounded off
about those kids at school,
but that's the way I feel.
- Yeah, I know, Mike.
It's just the news of Connie.
It upset me.
- I understand, kid.
- Mike, I'm going to quit
the Hellcats.
- Good.
And I'm glad you're not
involved in this mess.
I'll see you tomorrow.
[starts car engine]
- Cream and sugar?
- Just cream, please.
- Well, Joyce, what is it?
- What do you mean?
- [laughs] Look, I like social
visits from my students.
I've been encouraging
it right along.
But you must admit that this
is an odd hour to come calling.
- Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't
realize it was so late.
I felt like talking
to somebody
and I just
found myself here.
- Well, I'm glad you did.
Do your parents know
where you are?
- No.
- Well, we'd better call them
so they won't worry.
What's your number?
- CITRUS-1214.
- [dialing telephone]
Hello, Mrs. Martin?
Well, this is Trudy Davis.
I'm one of Joyce's teachers.
Oh, no, no, nothing's wrong.
She's here visiting me
and she wanted me to call
so you wouldn't worry.
Oh, yes, that's a good idea.
I'd like to meet you, too.
Oh, look, how about lunch
on Saturday?
Oh, well, perhaps
the next week?
Oh, well, thank you.
I feel that's part of my job.
Oh, no, no, I'll send her
home in a taxi.
Goodbye, Mrs. Martin.
- Bet she has a bridge
game on Saturday.
- Well, she didn't go
into details.
Joyce...
did you listen
to the radio tonight?
- Huh?
- Connie was found.
- Oh?
Where?
- Her body was found.
In a locked house up
in the hills.
Do you happen to know
how she got there?
- I'd better be going.
It's awful late.
- What's the matter, Joyce?
Why are you running away?
- Oh, I'm not running away.
It's awful late and--
- Did your coming here have
anything to do with Connie?
- Oh, no, no.
- Then why don't you tell
me why you came?
It is about Connie,
isn't it?
Was there a party
that night?
- Oh, Miss Davis, please don't
ask me any questions.
- I only wanna help you, Joyce.
- Oh, Miss Davis...
Thank you for the coffee.
I've gotta go.
- Well, now, Joyce,
wait a minute.
Let me call a taxi.
- Hi.
- Oh, you're early.
So are you.
What are you doing at my desk?
- Just leaving a note.
Here.
- Oh?
[reading]
"Emergency meeting
tonight. 8:30."
"Don't discuss it."?
What's it about?
- About what was found
last night.
- Oh?
- I tried to call you.
You weren't home.
- I had a date.
- With who? The cops?!
- Why don't you quit being
so smart, Dolly.
- Oh, no, I've gotta keep
on being smart--real smart.
- Dolly?
I wanna quit the Hellcats.
- Oh?
We'll talk about it tonight.
- I don't wanna talk about it.
Can't I just quit right now?
- No, there are certain things
that have to be settled, first.
You be there.
- Still insist on going?
- This is the last
time, Mike.
I told Dolly I'm quitting
and now I have to do
it at a meeting.
- Everything nice and formal.
- Mike, don't be mad.
- Okay, as long as you
don't drag it out.
- No more than ten minutes,
I promise.
- Where is this place anyway?
- Just a few more blocks.
I'll tell you when to turn.
- [knock at door]
- Well, come in.
- Hi, Miss Davis.
- Hello, Miss Davis.
- Come on in, girls.
I'm getting very popular
all of a sudden.
Sit down.
- Oh, no, thanks.
We don't have much time.
- Miss Davis, we think Joyce
is in trouble.
- What kind of trouble?
Where is she?
- Well, I found a note in
Joyce's history book.
Dolly told her to
come to a meeting
of the Hellcats
tonight at 8:30.
Only she didn't tell any
of the rest of us.
- And that means that Joyce
and Dolly are there alone.
- Alone? Where?
- We meet at a deserted
movie house
on the other side of town.
- Why do you think Joyce
is in trouble?
Come on, girls, you've
told me this much.
You might as well tell me
the rest of it.
All this has something to do
with Connie, hasn't it?
- Yes.
You see, we all went to
a party that night. Joyce, too.
- But it was an accident.
Connie fell.
Later Dolly told us that she
thought that someone pushed her
and that she'd take care
of whoever did it.
We think she's blaming Joyce.
- Dolly's been acting sort
of funny lately.
- Why didn't you tell this
to the police?
- Oh, we were scared.
Dolly said they wouldn't
believe us.
She made us swear
to keep quiet.
- I'm afraid that
was a mistake.
[dialing telephone]
Extension 429, please.
- [telephone buzzes]
- Lieutenant Manners.
- Lieutenant,
this is Trudy Davis.
On the Connie Harris case,
you asked me to call.
I'm afraid there
may be trouble.
There's a deserted movie
house at...?
- Fourth and Jordan.
- Yes, I know the place.
- Well, do you remember
the girl Dolly?
She's gotten Joyce Martin
down there
on some kind of a pretext.
- You're right, it does
sound like trouble.
You'd better meet me
down at the theater.
- Thanks.
- Oh, when you get to the next
corner, turn right.
- Okay.
- I'll be out soon.
Don't worry.
- Ten minutes and I'm coming
in to get you.
- ♪
♪
- [door creaks]
- ♪
- Come on in.
You're just in time.
- Hey.
Hey, where is everyone?
- This meeting is just
for the two of us.
[laughing]
[laughing]
[laughing]
- Dolly, please,
what is all this?
What are you doing?
- I'll tell you.
I thought it was very
funny that day
when you went in to
see the cop
and came back and said
he wanted to speak to me.
How did he know my name?
He didn't ask for any of
the other girls by name, did he?
- I only told him
that you were her best friend.
That's the truth, isn't it?
- Sure, but what about the other
night when you had a date,
and the police found Connie's
body the same night?
- Dolly, please, I didn't have
anything to do with the police.
Why should I?
- Because you pushed Connie
and want everyone
to think I did, that's why.
- You're crazy.
- Don't say that!
Don't ever say that.
- [gasps]
- [laughing]
- [police siren wailing]
- [pounding on door]
- ♪
- I didn't push her.
Honest, I didn't.
- I know you didn't.
But you know who did.
So I gotta shut you up.
- No, no, I don't know.
- Don't play innocent with me.
I pushed Connie
and you know it.
We had great plans,
Connie and me.
But she made me her flunky.
When you came around,
I saw that she liked you
better than me.
- No, no, that's not true.
- Oh, yes, it is.
But I fixed her.
And now I'm going
to fix you.
[switchblade clicks]
- JOYCE: [screams]
- DOLLY: [screams]
- [loud thud]
- Joyce, are you okay?
- [weak voice] Yes.
Yes, I'm okay.
- You'd better wait outside.
- Oh, Mike.
- It's all right, honey.
It's all over now.
- Oh, Mike, it was horrible.
She said that I knew that
she k*lled Connie.
And she was gonna k*ll me!
- Come on, the police
are downstairs.
You can tell them.
We're coming down,
Lieutenant.
- Dolly told me that she k*lled
Connie and then she--
- Yes, well, you'd better go
home and get some rest now.
You'll have to come down
to headquarters tomorrow
and make a statement.
- She won't be in any
trouble, will she?
- I don't think so.
But she could have saved
all this, if she'd told
us about that party.
- [sobbing]
- I'd better get her home.
[starts car engine]
- Hello, this is Miss Davis.
Remember?
Yes, that's right.
I want you to listen closely.
Joyce is on her way home
and I want you to know
what happened tonight.
- Yes, I understand,
Miss Davis.
Just a moment, please.
Roger? Pick up the extension
in the den.
All right, Miss Davis,
please go on.
The police?
Yes?
Oh, no.
You're sure Joyce
is all right?
She wasn't hurt?
Oh...
What a terrible thing.
Yes, of course.
We understand.
If only we'd known what was
troubling her all this time.
- The boy bringing her home
is Mike Landers.
He's a nice boy
and they like each other.
I think he can help
her a lot.
Yes, yes, I'm sure you will.
And, Mrs. Martin,
we will get together soon.
- Yes, we must.
Any time you say.
- Oh, fine.
Yes.
Yes, goodnight.
Goodnight, Mrs. Martin.
- ♪
♪
♪
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High School Hellcats (1958)
Moderators: Maskath3, sidolanters, GabrielAlejo2341
Watch on Amazon Merchandise Collectables
The older Classic's that just won't die. Everything from before 1960's.
The older Classic's that just won't die. Everything from before 1960's.