All language subtitles for Stella.Dallas.1937.1080p.WEBRip.x264.AAC-[YTS.MX]

- Hiya, Stell.
- Hello.

- Hello, Stella.
- Hello.

Stella's got a fella!
Only, he don't know it.

- Who?
- You, that's who.

My own sister standing
out here every night
making a sap out of herself

over a guy who don't even
know she's on earth.

You mind your own business!
Anyway, you don't know
what you're talking about.

Oh, I don't, huh?

I suppose you doll up
every night and wait out here
to welcome me home.

Why, of course.

Gee, thanks! I must
give you a kiss for that one!

Take your
dirty hands off of me!

Ah, you're just
like all the rest.

There's fingers nearly
chopped off at the mill
every time he passes.

- But he don't look
at none of 'em.
- Why should he? Millhands.

Hey, wait a minute.

There's some nice girls
that's millhands.

Where do you get off?
What's the matter
with a millhand?

I'm a millhand
and your father's
a millhand!

Don't yell!
The neighbors know it.

Well, maybe he don't,
so I'll tell him.

Stop this!

What's the matter with you two?
You used to get along.

Yeah, but that was
before she started taking

a business course
to improve herself.

It's done her
a lot of good, all right.

She ain't satisfied
with none of us anymore.

Supper!

- What'd you say, Mom?
- Supper's ready!

Yeah, so am I.
Come on, Pop.

- Come on, Stell.
- I'll be in in a minute.

"...the childhood sweetheart
of young Stephen Dallas...

"...the sweetheart
until that tragic hour
when his millionaire father,

"bankrupt and ill,
committed suicide.

"Two days later
Stephen Dallas disappeared,

"leaving behind him a note

saying that he was trying to
make a life somewhere else."

"...Harvard graduate and crewman

"disappeared immediately
after his father's death.

The millionaire playboy
left without a penny."

Don't be late, Charlie.

- What is it?
- Your lunch.

That's right, get funny.
You know what I mean.
What's in it?

Just a little turkey
and dressing. That's
all I had today.

Wait a minute.

Baloney again.
And apple butter.

Baloney and apple butter.
Apple butter and baloney--

that's all I get.

Well, I ain't gonna
take it no more.

All right with me.
You can do without it.

- I can, huh?
- Charlie, I'll fix you
something.

- Don't baby him, Mom.
- Baby me?

I'm old enough
to earn money, ain't I?

A man could have
a home of his own
on what I'm making.

Charlie, wait a minute!

Oh, what do you want
to egg him on for, Stella?

You know that Jenkins girl's
just dyin' to get him.

Well, let her, then.

If that's all
the ambition he's got,

there's nothing
you can do about it.

I don't know what
we'd do without him.

I'm gonna fix up something
for him to eat

and you can leave it for him
on your way down.

He'll starve first.

Maybe you're right, Mom.

I'll take it down to him.

I'll run over
to the delicatessen after
and get him something nice.

Will you?

Yeah.

The boss just phoned.
He's at Millhampton Junction.
He just got in.

He said to tell you
the contract with
the Parker Company

is in his pocket.

He's chirping
over the phone like a bird.

He'll be here
in a few minutes, but
just wanted to tell you.

Hey, ain't ya interested?

Yes, yes, I--I'm glad
Mr. Beamer got the contract.

Well, you oughta be.
He was chirping like a bird.

Like a bird--you know the way
he does on the telephone.

Yes, sir,
he said to put you down
for a raise this week.

And you can have
that vacation now.

How's that?

I don't need a vacation now.
I have no place to go.

Huh?

Oh, nothing, nothing.

[ steam whistle blows ]

I beg your pardon.

Could you tell me where
I could find Charlie Martin?

- Charlie Martin?
- Yes, he works
on the carding machine.

Oh, yes.
The carding machines.

Why, they're closed down
just now.

He'd be out in the yard,
most likely.

Go right back
through the corridor
the way you came in.

Instead of coming
up those stairs,

there's--there's
a big gate down there,

and if you go
right through that gate,

and the path leads
right down past that
first big building,

and just as you turn
around the corner,

the men usually have their--

Yes?

Well, it's sort of
dirty down there.

Maybe I'd better
send for him.

- Won't you sit down?
- Thank you.

- McCarthy!
- Yes, sir?

Find Charlie Martin
and send him in.

McCarthy:
Yes, sir, right away.

- He'll be right in.
- Thank you.

- Good morning, Dallas.
- Good morning, Mr. Beamer.

Congratulations
on that contract.

- How do you do, Mr. Beamer?
- How do you do?

- Stella Martin?
- Martin's girl?

You're all grown up.

And so pretty.

- Isn't she, Dallas?
- Yes.

Say, how long have
you two known each other?

Well, we...
haven't really met.

Oh, excuse me.

Mr. Dallas, this is Miss Martin.
Miss Martin, Mr. Dallas.

- How do you do?
- How do you do?

My brother forgot his lunch
and I didn't want him
to go without,

so I brought it to him.

That's a nice girl,
good to your brother.

Good to your father too,
I'll bet.

I wish I had somebody
thinking so much of me.

Hey, Dallas?

He ain't there, Mr. Dallas.
They said he went out to eat.

Oh, thank you.

That's too bad,
after all your trouble.

I suppose it was all my fault.
I was late.

Wouldn't do him any harm
to wait, would it?

I'll bet sometimes he's late.

Never mind.
Don't you worry.

Let's see what you've got.

Maybe we can make believe
that you brought it to us.

It isn't anything much.

- Make this yourself?
- Mmm-hmm.

Dallas?

- Thank you.
- You, too.

I hope
they're not too dry.

I forgot to bring
anything to drink.

- I have some milk here.
- Oh, fine.

- I'll get some glasses.
- Can I help you?

Thank you.

You're some cook,
aren't you?

Oh, wait, please.

I...

I hate glasses
that don't shine.

Don't you?

[ piano music playing ]

Shall we go?

You ready?

- Woman: Hello, Stella.
- Hello.

- Hello, Steve.
- Hiya, Ned.

Don't forget, the missus
will be expecting you over
for that good meal.

You bet. Very soon.

You goin' there for dinner?

Gee, you who could be
at the River Club.

- Look. Look.
- That's the second
time this week.

I saw 'em in
the drugstore together
the other night.

You mind your own business.

Do you mind
our being talked about?

Mind? Do I mind?

Oh, no, it's just that

I can't believe
you like seeing me

when you could be out
with all the swells.

I want to be with you.
I like being with you.

Could I--could I take your arm?
I mean, is that all right?

Is that considered--

I want to be like
all the people
you've been around--

educated, you know,
and speaking nice.

Don't be like anyone else.
I like you the way you are.

No, I don't want
to be like me--

not like the people
in this place, but like
the people in the movie.

You know, doing everything
well-bred and refined.

And dull.

Stay as you are.
Don't pretend, Stella.

Anyway, it isn't
really well-bred
to act the way you aren't.

But I've wanted to be different
ever since I met you,

and if I was around you
long enough, I could be.

I could learn to talk like you
and act like you,

and pretty soon I--

Well, you know,

you've done a lot for me
even in these couple of weeks.

You've done a lot for me, too.

I was very lonely the day
you walked in the office.

Oh, no, thanks, I don't smoke.
And I don't drink, either.

I was lonely
and unhappy and...

- and then you...
- Yes?

Oh, I--I shouldn't have.

You won't have
any respect for me...

not for girls
who let men kiss them
whenever they want.

I mean, I don't let--

I mean--

Well, girls shouldn't,
unless they--

well...

unless they know
a man is serious.

[ whistling ]

Hiya, Mom.

Ain't she got home yet?

Does the old man know--

- Hello, Pop.
- What time did
Stella get home?

Oh--oh, that was about, uh...
well, that was around--

Oh, I don't know,
but she woke me up.

Mom, how about the coffee?
Pop's, too.

Tell Stella
I want to see her.

Gee, Pop, it was kind of late,
you know. Let her sleep.

Tell Stella
I want to see her.

Yes, w--

Why--why, she ain't here.

I wonder where
she could have gone so early.

She ain't slept there!

I guess she spent the night
with Carrie Jenkins.

- It was raining kind of hard--
- She didn't go out
with Carrie Jenkins!

Why should she
stay the night with her?

When she gets home,
you tell her to take her things

and be out of here
before I get back!

Pop, you can't!
You gotta give her
a chance to explain!

You shut up!
Tell her what I said.

Then I guess that goes
for me, too!

Charlie, finish your coffee!
I'll talk to your pa.

I don't want any coffee
or any part of this
dump from now on!

I'm through!

I'll tell you later.

Where you been?
The old man's been--

Look, Charlie, look!

Married?

Oh, Stell! Oh, gosh!

Gee, Mr. Dallas,
that's swell!

Hey, Ma! She's here!
She's married!

Hey, Pop, it's okay now!
She's here!

Stella:
We're here, Agnes!

My, oh, my, you sure is!

And there it is!
Yes, ma'am.

Who do it look like?

Let me see who you look like,
your pappy or your mammy.

Stella: Go ahead, Agnes,
and open the door.

You'll have plenty of time
for that later on.

Yes'm. Yes, ma'am.

I know who's gonna be boss
around here from now on!

[ laughing ]

Ohh.

Oh, gosh, home never
looked so good to me.

Poor Stella.

Oh, I didn't mind it.

It was just the hospital
got on my nerves.

And that darn doctor trying
to make me stay another week.

He just thought
it would be better--

Better for who?
It was just to get your money.

I felt as good the next day
as I ever did, and...

maybe better than I had
for a while.

Oh, why didn't
you bring 'em to me?

The days wouldn't have
seemed half so long.

Gosh, I thought everybody
had forgotten me.

Now, Mrs. Dallas, I think
we'll get you to bed.

Bed? I just got up.

Haven't you seen
enough of me in bed
for the past three weeks?

Seems like three years to me.

You'll soon find
you're not as strong
as you think you are.

You must remember I've had
a great deal of experience

- in these maternity cases.
- What do you think I had?

Why is it doctors and nurses
and husbands

always seem to think they know
more about this maternity
business?

Don't you think a mother
learns anything

in that little room
they wheel 'em into?

Or is that just
a kindergarten class?

Let me tell you something.

I picked up quite a little
experience in that room,

and it wasn't
out of books, either.

Experience.

Stephen! Stephen!

Yes, dear?

A dance at the River Club
tomorrow night!

I think I can wear
my blue dress.

I'll let it out
a little at the top--

Stella, you don't want
to go dancing already.

Before I went to the hospital,
I was stuck in this house

for four solid months
without going anywhere.

And we just got
into the River Club.

All my life I've
just about died to go
to the real places

and get in
with the right crowd,

and just when I got a chance,
I have to give it all up.

We'll go next time.

I don't want to go next time.
I want to go this time.

I won't dance much,
I promise.

I just want to get
a wave and a manicure

and get all dressed up again
and go hear some music

and forget all about doctors
and hospitals and nurses!

And babies?

[ baby cooing ]

No.

[ baby cooing ]

Oh, but, Stephen, please...

[ up-tempo music playing ]

You're a wonderful dancer,
Mr. Munn!

If I'm any judge
of horse flesh,

you don't shake
a mean leg yourself.

- Hello!
- Hello!

Who's that she's dancing with?
He's pretty good, too.

I--I really don't know.

His name is Munn.
He has something
to do with horse races.

The girls invite him
over for golf, and he--
he gives them tips!

How'd you come to get
hooked up to a table like that?

They're some business friends
of my husband's.

Business friends?
What is he, an undertaker?

Why don't you get him
to ditch that bunch
of mossbacks

and come over and join us?

Spencer Chandler's table?
We don't even know him.

Well, that won't take long.

You know what he said
after our first dance?

No, what?

He said, "Ed--"
he always calls me Ed--

"you can pick winners
on a dance floor

better than you can
on a race track."

Yeah?

Aw, go on,
don't red-apple me.

No, on the level.
Come on, I'll prove it to you.

Well, I'd--I'd have
to ask Stephen first.

- Stephen.
- Yes?

- Come here.
- Excuse me.

Yes?

Stephen,
this is Mr. Munn.

How are ya?

Spencer Chandler
wants us to come
over to his table.

- I'm sorry,
we're just leaving.
- Leaving?

- It's only a quarter after.
- I know, but that's
late for us.

- Come just for a nightcap.
- Yes, Stephen, please!

I'm afraid we can't,
thank you.

Good night.

Well, good night.

I'll get the things.

He dug down in his pockets,
bet his last cent,

the horse came in
and paid twenty-to-one!

What do you think of that?

[ laughter ]

- Oh, dear, I--
- Did you lose something?

- Yes, I--
- May I help you?

Oh, I remember.
I gave it to Mister--

Pardon me.

- [ laughter and chatter ]
- Man: What a story!

Say, Ed, did you give me
back my handkerchief?

You never give it to me.

- Oh, I must have lost it.
- Well, here. Take mine.

Oh, no, I didn't mean I--

Wait a minute. I want you
to meet a friend of mine.

Mr. Chandler,
this is Mrs. Dallas.

- How do you do?
- How do you do?

Spence, I want you to prove
something to her for me.

Didn't you say I could
pick 'em on a dance floor
as good as on the track?

I wouldn't feel too flattered.

Munn hasn't given me a winner
in over a month.

- Will you sit down?
- Oh, thank you.

Dallas, I'd like you
to meet Miss Terry.

Oh, I believe your wife
lost something

- and she thought maybe Mister--
- Mr. Munn.

- Mr. Munn might know.
- Oh, thank you.

[ music resumes ]

Stephen, this is Mr. Chandler.
Mr. Chandler, my husband.

Mr. Chandler asked me to dance.
You don't mind?

Sorry, my wife's
just out of the hospital.
She should be home in bed.

Well, we'll hurry, then.
Come on.

You wouldn't like
to sit down and have
a little snifter, would you?

No, thank you very much.

Thank you.

What have I done this time?

All right, I'll take
my usual lecture.
Go ahead, begin.

I asked you not to
wear those earrings,

that cheap imitation necklace.

You took them off.
You agreed.

Then after we got there,
you came out of
the dressing room--

Now, Stephen,
I'm perfectly willing
to let you tell me how to talk

and how to act,
but please,

don't give me pointers
on how to dress.

Allow me at least to know more
about one thing than you do.

After all,
I've always been known
to have stacks of style.

You should
have heard Ed Munn.

And he's been
around a bit, too.

He's traveled further
and he--

All right, then, farther,
whichever it is. I don't care.

Gosh, I have to think twice
every time I open my mouth.

And Spencer Chandler
didn't seem to have
to turn the other way, either.

And he only happens to be
one of the Chandlers.

Stella, please.
Don't say things like that.

Remember, you're my wife now.

Oh, and can't
look at another man?

That isn't the point at all.

That's a laugh--
an affair between
Spencer Chandler and I.

Well, I am coming up
in the world.

[ sighs ]

Stella, can't you--
won't you try to understand?

Please listen to me
this time. Please.

The fake jewelry's
not important,

Chandler's not important,

none of these things
matter in themselves.

But what's to become of us,
that is important.

Yes, Stephen.

Stella,
why did you marry me?

Because I was crazy about you,
silly, and I still am.

- Only you just
don't seem to ever--
- Once, a long time ago,

you said you were
crazy to learn everything,

become someone--
didn't you?

Yes, Stephen.

Please listen to me.

I'm only telling you this
because I love you.

Beamer wants to send me
to New York to handle
the sales department there.

I want to go, and I want
to take you with me.

But I want you
to make an effort.
I want you to...

try to be
what you wanted to be.

Give up a few things for me,
and try to adapt yourself--

Adapt myself?
Give up a few things?

Well, what have I been doing
ever since I met you?

And I'm getting
a little sick of it, too.

How would it be for you
to do a little adapting
for a change?

I don't see you
giving up anything.

And I'll tell you
one more thing--
I'm not going to New York.

I'm certainly
not going to leave here

just when I'm beginning
to get in with the right
people.

Now, Stella.

You go on and go to New York.
I'm gonna stay here.

Well, can you beat that?

Laying here wide awake,
waiting for her dinner,

and not a squawk out of her.

Stella:
Gosh, Carrie.

I used to think girls
at the mill were crazy
when they got married

and right off the bat
started having kids.

But honest, Stella,
would you want any more?

Sure, if I could have
another one like her.

She's been
a regular pal to me.

Since Stephen's been
away in New York so much,

I hardly know
I have a husband.

He's only been here
three times this summer,

and then it was only
on account of her--
he's crazy about her.

And who wouldn't be?

Oh, look at her!

Wiping it up at her age!
Could you beat that?

She's the spit
of her old man!

[ doorbell rings ]

Stella:
Now, who's that? Edna!

Well, is this
all the welcome I get?

Ed! Of all people!

- Gosh, I'm glad to see you!
- Glad to see you!

And I you.

I haven't seen you for ages!

Get a load of that kid.
Has she grown, or am I crazy?

Come on.

[ laughter ]

She looks more
like you every time.

Stella: You remember
Uncle Ed, don't you, darling?

Well, I remember you.

- [ baby gibbering ]
- Stella: Ed!

- Let me see!
- How's that?

Oh, you shouldn't
have done it!

Don't she look
like a little queen?

All in gold and turquoise!

Edna!

- You want a drink, don't ya?
- Sure.

And if you don't mind,
I'll peel this coat.

Oh, sure, go ahead.
What'll it be?

You know me,
I ain't partic,

so long as it don't
jump up and bite me.

But I've been
drinkin' bourbon.

What have you been drinkin'?

Oh, nothin'.
But I'll take bourbon.

[ piano music begins ]

Gee, you oughta been along.

Or maybe you've been
having too much fun here.

I haven't been out
of the house for two months.

- You been sick?
- No, but I don't know,

I don't seem to get any fun
out of a good time anymore.

All the time I'm out,
I'm thinking of her
and what she's doing

and how soon
I can get back to her.

Well, here's hoping
I'll always be around
at the right time.

- What are you drinking?
- Sarsaparilla.

Stealing the kid's
drinks, huh?

Did you ever catch her
sneaking your oatmeal?

- Hey, can I pick her up?
- Sure, go ahead.

Come on to your Uncle Ed.

Atta girl, come on.

Ain't you got a big smile
for your Uncle Ed?

Of course she has.
Come on, darling,
smile for Uncle Ed.

- [ doorbell rings ]
- Edna!

- [ doorbell rings ]
- Edna!

I'll get it.

If I could only see her
open that door just once!

- Look at those nosems.
- Come on, darling.

- Smile for Uncle Ed.
- Come on, darling.

[ piano music stops ]

Oh, Lollie, Loll--

[ baby crying ]

Hello, Stephen.

Stella.

Oh, um...

Oh, you remember Mr. Munn.

How do you do?

- And Carrie Jenkins.
- Yes, how do you do?

How do you do?

Uh...

I think
I'll be getting along.

- Stella: All right.
- [ baby chattering ]

Yes, darling.

- That's a fine
baby you've got there.
- Thank you. I think so.

- I gotta be going too.
- Carrie: Me too!

[ indistinct chatter ]

Yeah, just a minute.
I'll see you to the door.

[ indistinct,
overlapping chatter ]

Carrie: Stella,
you call me soon, will ya?

Thanks for a good time.

- Bye.
- Bye-bye.

Stella, I can't have
our child living this way.

What's wrong this time?

It's not just this time.
It's every time I--

Because there was
a couple of drinks?

What's wrong with that?

Coming in here with
that icebergy way of yours.

I'm sorry,
I didn't mean to be rude,

but she's my child, too,
and I won't have this.

I haven't wanted to take
Laurel away from you,

but if you...

Take her away from me?

What are you talking about?

How dare you say such a thing?
Give her to me!

- Now, Stella--
- Give her to me, I say!

- You mustn't do this!
- Give her to me!

Watch out,
you're hurting her!

Get out!

[ baby crying ]

Did he frighten
Mommy's little girl?

Oh, don't you cry.

Mommy's right here.
Mommy won't let
anybody hurt you.

[ baby crying ]

There, there.

You're here with Mommy,
and nobody in the whole world

is ever going to take you away.

Nobody.

Nobody.

Thank you.

Well, of all things!

Would you like to include
one of those, too?

No, she's a little
too grown up for
that now, I'm afraid.

That's all.

Come on, fellas,
Mother's ready.

- Come on, boys.
- Mother, he rows it himself!

Can't we wait until
he winds it again?

I want you to see how it goes.

Woman:
Thank you, Mr. Dallas.

- Stephen: You'll
send those right away?
- Woman: Yes.

Stephen?

Helen.

Ohh, Stephen!

- I'm so glad to see you.
- Oh, and you!

Boys, come.
Come here, please.

- These are my sons.
- How do you do,
young gentlemen?

All: How do you do?

This is Mr. Dallas,
whom your mother has
known for such a long time.

- John.
- How do you do?

- Lee and Cornelius.
- Lee. Cornelius.

Con. He doesn't like
to be called Cornelius.

I do, too.
It was my father's name.

Was?

Con's the man
of the family now.

And he looks after us all
so beautifully.

- His father
would be very proud.
- That's splendid.

Nothing but the finest care
in the world would be good
enough for your mother.

Oh, but tell us about you.

I gave up all thought
of ever seeing you again

such a long time ago.
What are you doing here?

If you mean New York,
I'm in business here.

If you mean this store,
I'm here buying birthday
presents for my daughter.

Your daughter?
Oh, Stephen!

- Here she is.
- She's lovely!

When may we meet her?
And her mother?

They're not here.
You see, Laurel goes
to school up near Boston

and her mother spends
all of her time with her.

I have so many things to hear--
and to tell.

Can you lunch with us?

Well, I should be
back at the office by now.

We'd be glad to have you,
if you don't mind
carrying your own tray.

John's been saving up
for a whole month

in order to take us for lunch--
it's his treat.

That's all right.
I got enough for one more...

if you don't eat too much.

How about it, Mr. Dallas?

Well, I guess I can't refuse
an offer like that.

Oh, good. Come along.

If you run short,
I'll lend you a couple
of dollars.

Gee, thanks!

Oh, books again!

Sometimes I've got a good mind
to write and tell him

she can get books
from the library,

but there's
no place where you can
get a fur coat for nothing.

Boy, what I wouldn't give
to see her in one.

Oh, well. Here.

Hide 'em with the rest
and let me get on with this

or it won't be
ready for Christmas,
let alone her birthday.

[ door opens ]

Laurel: Hello, Gladys.
Where's Mother?

Gladys: Now, let me see.
She's, uh...

- Hello, Mother.
- Hello, darling.

My teacher came home with me.
She wants to see you.

If I'd only known, I could
have fixed up a little.

- Look at me, I'm a sight.
- You look fine.

Look at the things all--
Oh, dear.

Mother, this is
Miss Phillibrown.

Ohh.

- How do you do, Mrs. Dallas?
- Pleased to meet you.

- Won't you sit down?
- Really, I haven't a minute.

But...thank you.

Laurel, my dear, I wonder if
I might have a glass of water.

Of course. You too, Mother?

No. Maybe she'd rather
have some sarsaparilla.

- I have some on ice.
- No, thank you.

She's such a darling.

I didn't want to talk
in front of her in case
she might be disappointed.

I spend the weekends in Boston,

and I wonder if you'd let me
borrow Laurel for this one.

I couldn't
get her ready this time,
but if you'd ask her again...

Lollie thinks the world of you,
Miss Phillibrown,

I know she'd have
a wonderful time.

Seeing some decent shows--
I mean, not just movies.

Well, I had in mind
the galleries and museums.

She seemed so interested.

Yeah, she's crazy
about that stuff.

She gets that stuff
from her father.

Her father?

You see,
I've only heard about you.

Well, of course, she don't
see as much of her father.

Mr. Dallas' business
keeps him in New York.

- Oh, really.
- But I spend
his vacation with him.

Up in Maine, in the woods.
Have you ever been there?

- No.
- Oh, it's beautiful!

Your mother's just
given her permission

for you to spend a weekend
with me in Boston.

When?

Very soon.

Ohh...

thank you,
Miss Phillibrown!

- Well, I really must go.
- Oh, must you?

- Good-bye, Mrs. Dallas.
- Come again, won't you?

Thank you.

- Good-bye, Laurel, dear.
- Good-bye, Miss Phillibrown.

- Oh, isn't she the nicest?
- Yes, darling.

- Did you ask her to the party?
- No, do you think she'd come?

Of course. Why not?

Mother! For the party?

Lollie!

What did you do that for?
You're always sticking your--

Oh, Mother, I'm sorry.

Come here, darling.
I didn't mean to--

You know how I always
fly off and I--

Well, I wanted it
to be a surprise, and...

Well,
now that you've seen it,

you may as well slip it on
and let me fit you

instead of this...
thing--dummy.

Oh, it's blue.

Mmm-hmm.

There.

Oh, Mother,
it's beautiful!

Careful!
Don't mash the ruffles.

Now--oh, yeah, I forgot.
This goes here--

- Oh, no.
- Yes, it gives it some snap.

For heaven's sake,
you're just like your father--

you want everything
as plain as an old shoe.

Plain? With all
these beautiful
hand-made ruffles?

Now turn around.

Yes, the length's all right,
it's just the sleeves.

Take it off,
and let me get on with it.

- What's going on in there?
- Come on in, Ed.

No, Mother,
wait till I--

Ohh!

What is this,
a Follies dressing room?

- Mother, please!
- What's the matter?

He shouldn't see me like this!

Ed's known you since
you were knee-high

and seen you with
hardly anything on.

And even less than that.
What have you got to
hide from your Uncle Ed?

- You got nothing to hide!
- Mother, make him stop!

Ed, Stop! Lollie,
don't be a little fool!

[ laughter ]

Oh, Ed, I wish you
wouldn't tease her like that.
You know she don't like it.

I know, but I get a kick out of
a young one being so finicky.

Well...

- Your car downstairs?
- No, it's in the shop. Why?

I wanted to go to town and get
the decorations for the party.

Why not go in on the train?

We'll take the kid,
see a show and have dinner.

I don't want her to know
what I'm getting.

Oh, I see.

I guess I could show you
a better time without her.

Ed!

[ laughter ]

How long will you be?
I gotta run down
to the corner.

- I won't be long.
- Unless you got a drink here.

I have some sarsaparilla.

I'll meet you at the corner.

Sarsaparilla.

Honest, some of the things
I do for you.

You'll like it
when you get used to it.
And it's good for you, too.

- What's that?
- You can read, can't you?

Itch powder?

Things are just a little
too quiet around here.

- Oh, Ed, you're not--
- Hey, can I see that?

Great jumpin' catfish!
What's the name of that horse?

- What's the matter?
- Nothing. I got
a ticket on it.

[ laughing ]

Kokomo wins! I'm rich!

Let me shake your hand.

Thank you, thank you.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you.

- I'm awfully glad--
- I stand to win 20 or 30,000.

- Boy or a girl?
- Have a cigar.

- What happened?
- Have a cigar.

I beg your pardon.
You want gum.

Thank you very much.

- Say, that was great!
- Did you see that jockey?

He won $30,000
on a horse race!

You're kidding.

Kidding?

Watch 'em commence.

[ low ]
I can't stand it.

[ Stella and Ed
laughing quietly ]

Another Indian
just bit the dust.

Stop! You're killing me!

Look at the old girls!

They're doing a sister act!
They must have rehearsed.

Man: What's so funny?

Now wha'd you do?

[ loud laughter ]

Come on, look.
There are two down there.

[ loud laughter ]

Gee, Ed, you're a card.

I don't see how you can
keep such a straight face.

What's a little kidding
among friends?

- Is that the father?
- No, it can't be.

She particularly said
her husband was in New York.

[ laughing ]
Well--!

Such women don't deserve
to have children.

There's only one way
to drink sarsaparilla,

and that's so it don't
taste like sarsaparilla.

Do you mind? Want some?

And Laurel's
such a lovely child.
I don't know what to think.

Why, Mary Anne's
been asked to her party.

Stell...

why don't you scratch
that first entry of yours

and give somebody else
a chance?

- Honest, I'd do anything--
- Please don't.

It's like I told you...

It's not personal, only I--

I don't think there's
a man living that could
get me going anymore.

I don't know, I...

I guess Lollie just uses up
all the feelings I got,

and I don't seem
to have any left
for anybody else.

You got plenty for me,
Stell.

Why can't we go on as we are?

I don't know what
I'd have done without you

some of the times when
Lollie was back with Stephen.

You're such a good sport
and such a lot of fun.

I guess you know
what you're doing.

What's the matter?

I think I got some
of that stuff on me.
Would that be a hit? I have!

[ laughing ]

It's all over! Here!

[ humming softly ]

Gladys, are you nearly ready?
I'll just have to let her in.

I'm ready.

- Mmm-mmm, Miss Dallas!
- Do I look all right?

None of them
have ever seen me.

She's always telling all of them
how beautiful I am.

Honey, you sure can
live up to it.

If I live through this day,
I'm gonna get me
another corset.

- Mother!
- Coming, dear!

[ soft knock at door ]

Mother!

However did you do it?

Oh, and you, Mother...

you look beautiful!

Do I?

And the favors!

Don't pull them. They pop
and have little hats inside.

- And the little baskets.
- I put candies in
with the nuts.

And the place cards!
Mother, they're beautiful!

Where did you get them?

I sit there and you sit here.

And Miss Phillibrown next to me
and Flobell and Alice May.

Uh-huh.

Mother,
could I see the cake?

All right, go ahead.

Oh, look!

One, two, three,

- four, five, six...
- Do you like it?

- [ doorbell rings ]
- Here somebody is!

Lollie! Lollie!Â

Lollie, let Gladys go.

Gladys.

Now, remember
what I told you.

Yes.

Lollie, no, no.

Man: Is this
the Dallas residence?

Sign here, please.

- Thank you.
- Gladys: Thank you.

It's for you, Lollie.

Don't you forget
to say "Miss Laurel"
in front of people.

- Yes, ma'am.
- What is it?

It's from Miss Phillibrown.
She can't come.

What does she say?

"Laurel, dear,
I'm sorry it is impossible

"for me to come to your party,

"but I'm thinking of you
this afternoon

"and I hope you will not
be disappointed.

Sincerely, your friend,
Margaret Phillibrown."

That's too bad.

I do wish she could have come,
just to see everything.

And you.

Well, I'll fix up again
for her sometime.

Most likely the girls
will have a better
time without her.

I guess they see
enough of her in school.

I know I did my teachers.

And everyone loves
Miss Phillibrown.

Gladys, take these, please.

Well, anyway,
it'll make an even number.

Sure.

Come on, we'll wait
in the other room.

You sit over there.

Now...

[ telephone rings ]

No, no, let Gladys go.

- Remember what I told you.
- "Miss Dallas' residence."

- That's right.
- [ ring ]

Gladys:
Miss Dallas' residence.

Okay, I'll tell her.

- Who was it?
- It was Miss Cheney.

- She says
Alice May can't come.
- Who?

Alice May Cheney.
She sits next to me in school.

Oh.

It'll make
the table look better.

It won't be so crowded.

I'll fix it.

I think I better make
some more biscuits, don't you?

The others is all dried up.

Let's do that.
That's a very good idea.

You know they're not coming,
or they'd be here.

You don't think that--

We'll go in together.

I never know what to look for,
you change so much each time.

- Do I look older?
- Older? You're a young lady!

Evidently your wardrobe
is growing up, too.

I have a costume
for everything.

Fine, because we have
a wonderful invitation

to spend our whole time
together in the most
beautiful place in the world.

Better than Maine? Where?

You'll see.

Hello.

Martha, this is
my daughter Laurel.

How do you do?

Oh, Daddy, how beautiful!

- Hello, Laurel.
- This is Mrs. Morrison.

- How do you do?
- I'm so glad to see you.

I'm so glad to see you, too.

Michael, this is Laurel
we've been waiting
and waiting to meet.

Now, don't overdo it.

- He's such a nice dog!
- Where are the boys?

I believe they're still
down at the stables.

Tell them
their surprise is here.

You don't mind
being a surprise, do you?

Come on, Mike,
we'll go fetch 'em.

I'll show Laurel
to her room.

Oh.

It's lovely.

How sweet.

If you'll let me have your keys,
I'll have Martha unpack you.

Oh, I can do it.

I'll take your coat.

Yes, thank you.

And your hat.

Oh, everything!

I like nice closets, too.
We'll hang this here.

There.

I'm so glad you brought
your riding clothes.

It was one of the things
on my list, to ride
in Central Park.

We'll be using them
here, too.

And so many pretty dresses.

What fun your mother must have
choosing them for you.

She makes them all.

She does?Â

Oh, how clever!

What a lucky girl you are,
and how lucky she is, too.

All boys want to wear
are overalls.

I suppose you want
to freshen up.

But don't change.

I'll run down and see that
your father has his tea,

because he has to
get right back to town.

You come down
when you're ready.

Don't keep the boys
waiting too long.

Thank you!

[ laughter and chatter ]

All right, here we go.

[ music playing ]

They won't acknowledge
that they like her yet.

They haven't
got as far as that.

But have you noticed
the hair-brushing

and collar-wearing
that's been going on?

I have.

Mother!

- Am I too little
to dance with Laurel?
- Did she say so?

Not, but Con did.

Well, if I wanted
to dance with Laurel,

I think I'd ask her,
not Con.

I will!

Big intrigue.

- Let me have it.
You'll drop it.
- I will not!

- Why don't you
let Con carry it?
- I want to carry it.

Good-bye, Laurel.
It's been fun, hasn't it?

We'll look forward so
to next time.

I've had such a lovely time,
I don't know how to thank you.

Bye, Laurel!

[ indistinct happy chatter ]

Here's a present.

Good-bye! Good-bye!

Ohh! Aren't they
the nicest boys?

I think so.
But how did you
like Mrs. Morrison?

I think she's
the loveliest lady
I ever knew.

Do you, Laurel?
Do you really?

Oh, I mean--

I mean--

of course,
I mean except my mother.

Mother, how nice!

[ Ed whistling ]

It's a little stuffy.
I'm gonna open a window.

All right.

[ whistling ]

You happy?

I guess I'll shove off.
You two got lots to talk about.

Say, where you gonna eat, Ed?

Me? Oh, I don't know,
I ain't very hungry.

I thought
maybe I'd stop in at--

Why don't you come back
and have dinner with us?

- You only bought two chops.
- Sure. One for you
and one for Lollie.

Say, I'm so happy
I couldn't even
look at a meal.

- Fine. About what time?
- Oh, an hour.

So long, Lolliepops.
I'll come back and tie on
the nosebag with you.

- Want me to bring anything?
- No, thanks, Ed.

Oh, Mother, why did you?
I thought we were going to have

- a nice, quiet time alone.
- So did I, Lollie darling,

but things haven't
been going so good
for poor Ed lately.

Not that you'd ever know it
to hear him talk,

but you remember
that big watch and chain
he used to wear?

Well, they're
just not there anymore.

I'm sorry.

- Gladys!
- She's not here anymore.
I let her go.

Mother!

What did I need
with anybody around?

Oh, Mother,
you shouldn't have.

Besides, I was glad
to have something to do
to help pass the time away.

You know what I did?

I saved enough money
out of her wages

to pay a deposit
on a fur coat for you.

Mother, you didn't!

Well, you're just going
to get it right back.

I don't want
a fur coat now, Mother.

Besides, none of the girls
I met at Mrs. Morrison's

are allowed to have them yet.

- Oh, no?
- No.

Oh.

Here.

Mother, do you know
what I've been thinking?

Would it cost too awfully much
for us to have a house

with our own front door
and a little garden and flowers

and a room for each of us?

Just in case sometimes
we wanted somebody
to stay all night.

Oh, Mother, not a great,
big expensive house

like Mrs. Morrison's,
but just a little tiny place.

Tell me about
this Mrs. Morrison.
What's she like?

Oh, Mother, she's lovely.

She's...she's sort of...

well, she reminds me
of a flower that
grows up in Maine,

all pale and delicate,
but strong, too.

I don't know
what you'd call her.

Oh, gracious, Lollie,
I don't care what kind of
a flower she looks like.

Is she tall or short,
dark or light, fat or thin?

How old is she?

She doesn't seem to be
any special age.

You know, she's like
one of those goddesses

in my mythology book
that way.

Oh, come now. You can tell
whether she's 20 or 40.

She's not 40, no.

Well, I guess maybe
she's about 25.

And, um...

how did your father
happen to meet this goddess?

Mother, it's like a story.
Con told me all about it.

Con. Is that her husband?

Oh, no, he's dead.
Didn't I write you?

Dead, is he?

Well, that's convenient.

Oh, no, it isn't.
It isn't a bit convenient,

because
when Mr. Morrison died,

he left
a whole lot of houses

and horses
and money and things,

and Mrs. Morrison
has to look out for them
all by herself.

You know, she said she
wouldn't know what to do

without Father to help her
and advise her.

Yeah, I can just imagine.

I just remembered.
I've got some snapshots of her.

No, Lollie, I--
I just want to look at you.

But I want you to see her.
She's beautiful.

You'll be crazy about her!

The funny thing about her is,

she's not only beautiful
when she's all dressed,

but even when she
wakes up in the morning.

She spends hardly
any time on her face.

Once I saw her put
soap and water right on it.

Well, all I can say is,
there are different
kinds of skins.

And besides, with her money,
she don't have to worry
about her looks.

Say, are those real pearls
she's got slung around
her neck?

- Look what you're doing!
- What?

You're getting cold cream
all over her picture!

- I didn't mean to--
- Give it to me!

I'll do it.

[ bell ringing ]

[ coin drops ]

[ drunkenly ]
♪ Jingle bells,
jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way

[ bell ringing ]

Hello, Lolliepops!

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Here is your mistletoe.
Now where's the kiss?

- Where's the kiss?
- Mother!

Ed!

Stella!

Go on, run along.
Go inside.

What do you mean by showing up
around here in this condition?

- You get out of here.
- I got something for you.

I--I've been robbed.

Why, if I thought
that anybody would take--

Here you are, my dear.

And a very merry Christmas.

No, thanks, Ed,
I can't take it.

I wouldn't know
what to do with it.

What to do with it...
[ whistles ]

Cook it.

You run along.
Give it to somebody else.

Me give my chicken
to somebody else?
You think I'm gonna do that?

I'm gonna take it
and I'm gonna stick it...

Edmund,
you come out of there!

[ muttering ]

Ed! What are you trying to do,
set the place on fire?

Hold on...
I'm cooking a turkey...

Get that thing out of here!

- I say no.
- I say yes.

Don't tell me
how to cook a turkey.
I know how to cook a turkey.

- I say no.
- Now, come on.

Now, listen. I know how
the turkey should be cooked,

and so there.

Now, of course, the feet
won't be very well done,

but I don't care
for feet much anyway.

- Oh, Ed, now, be reasonable.
- This is the next--

[ doorbell rings ]

- Merry Christmas!
- Father!

Oh, I'm so glad to see you!

Oh, and am I glad to see you.

What a nice surprise!

You should see the way
I've been running to the door.

I never dreamed of anything
so wonderful as

your bringing in yourself.

Ooh, what a lovely tree!

- Here you are.
- Oh, thank you, Daddy.

I'll put them right here
while I go call Mother.

I'll take your coat and hat.

This is
a fine Christmas spirit,

that you don't have
anything in the house.

A strawberry...
[ muttering ]

and lemon.

Lemon and peach.

[ chortling ]

What is this?
Oh, this is only sarsaparilla.

Of all the places
I ever saw in my life,
a man can't have a--

[ whispering ]
You go inside and keep him
company, and I'll get dressed

- and come in as fast as I can.
- All right.

Hey, Stell! What is the idea
of whispering over there?

You've gotta go.
I've got company.

- Company?
- Yes, come on.

- Who's the company?
- Never you mind. You just go.

I'd like to see the company.

No, Ed!

- Oh, Stell, now, listen--
- Come on.

No, I'm gonna sit right here
until I find out who
the company is.

- Now, that's all of it.
- No, you're not.
You're gonna go.

I never saw anybody so--
pushin' and shovin'--

Stell!

I think the company
would like the turkey, too.

It was the biggest turkey
I could find.

One of the finest turkeys
that the man had.

I never saw such a big turkey
in all my life.

[ Ed muttering ]

Laurel: Daddy, a wristwatch!
How lovely!

- You like it, darling?
- Oh, yes.

You're getting so grown up
I hardly know what
to buy for you.

Mother copied it from one
we saw in the window
of a shop in Boston.

- You can hardly
tell the difference.
- It is pretty, isn't it?

It was my best present
till you came.

Oh, you darling.

Stephen?

Stephen: Well!

Merry Christmas, Stella.

Merry Christmas to you,
Stephen.

- It's good to see you again.
- It's good to see you.

- Sit down.
- Thank you.

The place looks
awfully nice, Stella.

You'll go to dinner with us?

Well, darling, I...

I came to ask
your mother a favor.

Stella... I was wondering

if you'd let me have Laurel
for the holidays this time.

I've never had
a place for her before.

This time we have
an invitation to spend it
with the Morrisons.

Oh.

Well...

Would you like to go,
Lollie?

Yes.

That is, if--

Oh, I...
I think it would be lovely.

When would you want her,
Stephen?

Well, my train
leaves in an hour, Stella.

I was hoping I could
take her back with me.

- Today?
- No, no, not today.
I couldn't, Father.

Mother and I had
something all planned.

Well, yes, we did, but...

Well, we...
we could do that anytime.

All right, come on,
we'll have to hurry.

I'm glad you
have your new coat,
and you'll want these things.

I'll just get her started.
Excuse us.

Stella: Hurry.

There's your case there.

- Will this do for the train?
- Yes, that's fine.

Just pack what you need now
and I'll send your trunk
on tonight.

She won't be very long.

This is for you, Stella.

Thank you.

Uh...

I'm awfully sorry.

When I see all
you've done here,
and you did have plans--

- I didn't realize--
- It wasn't anything really.

We were just going to a show
and dinner at the Bon Ton.

This will be
a real treat for her.

It's been so long
since I've seen you.

How have you been?

Well, thank you. And you?

- Fine.
- That's good.

It's too bad your train
leaves so early.

Stella, I--

I've been thinking.

I don't know why it didn't
occur to me before,

but there's no earthly
reason why you should
spend today all alone

just because I've been
selfish and thoughtless.

There must a later train.

Where's the telephone?
Shall we call and see?

Oh, yes.

Please!

Here.

Beacon Hill-3700, please.

Fooled you, didn't I?

You put me out of
the back door and I went
all the way around again!

Just where is all this
company that I'm being
kicked out because of?

Because I'm gonna
tell you this--

you're not gonna feed
'em my turkey.

No, sir. Not--

I beg your pardon.

I guess--

I'm sorry, Stella.
I didn't mean to--

I guess I'll go now.

Mr. Dallas.

He's--he's had a little
too much Christmas, I guess.

He was here a while ago
and brought a turkey

and I had a terrible time
getting rid of him.

Um...

What did you find out
about the train?

I'm afraid it would be
too late, Stella. I'm sorry.

- I'm all ready!
Was I very long?
- Not at all, darling.

Good-bye, Stella.
I'll take good care of her.

Bye, Stephen.

Good-bye, Mother.

- Good-bye, Stella.
- Good-bye.

Thank you for letting me go!
Good-bye!

Mrs. Dallas, Mr. Morley.

How do you do?
Won't you sit down, please?

Mrs. Dallas,
I wrote you a letter,
and in it I stated--

You don't have to
tell me what you stated.
Just tell me what you meant.

It's only natural
to suppose

that you should wish
to legalize your position--

Legalize my position?
I've got our marriage license.

Look here, what are you
trying to give me?

Your freedom. A divorce.

Mr. Dallas feels, and I
can readily understand why,

- that you might
wish to remarry.
- Remarry?

Listen, Mr. Morley,
let's get down to brass tacks.

I haven't the slightest idea
of ever remarrying.

Now, it don't happen
by any chance

to be Mr. Dallas who wishes
to remarry, does it?

Well, assuming for
the moment that it does,

surely you could
have no objection.

Your allowance
would be the same.

As a matter of fact,
Mr. Dallas might even be able

to increase the amount
he's sending you.

I don't want any increases.

Let him keep it,
and let me keep my daughter.

Mrs. Dallas,
Mr. Dallas has no intention

of any change
regarding your daughter.

Oh, he hasn't?

Then what's he been
trying to win her away for?

Taking her to fine hotels,
country places, townhouses!

Making her dissatisfied
with the kind of things
I've been giving her.

Does he think
I don't see what he's after?

Well, he'll never
get away with it,
and I'll tell you why--

because I'm gonna
give her the same things,

everything her
heart's been set on--
fine hotels, fancy friends.

She's gonna have 'em all,
only I'm gonna give 'em to her,

and he's gonna pay for 'em.

If he's got any extra increases,
he can just hand 'em over.

And if he don't,
maybe I'll get a lawyer

and bring in the name
of that highfalutin widow!

- But, Mrs. Dallas--
- I won't keep you any longer.

Thank you very much.

Just see the check
is mailed to the same place.

That's all the benefits
I want.

No.

Mnh-mnh.

This one will do.
Put some more lace on it...

Laurel: Outside!

Nice one.

You're wonderful, Laurel.

Dick, you threw me
that last game.

Threw it? The last one
came over like a bullet.

Is that any way
to treat your teacher?

That's the way
to take him over, Laurel!

What's the matter, Dick,
you losing your edge?

- Laurel, this is Mrs. Clews.
- I'm glad to know you.

- How do you do?
- You're improving rapidly.

My teacher.

Say, we're gonna have Dad's
box for the polo game.

- Won't you come with us?
- Oh, I'd love to.

But I should spend
the afternoon with my mother.

See you at dinner, then.

Bye-bye.

How is your
mother today, dear?

She's much better,
thank you.

Couldn't Mrs. Clews
and I visit with her
this afternoon

while you go to the polo?

That's an idea, Mother.

I've been looking forward
to meeting her.

It's unfortunate that
she's been ill all the time.

- What do you say?
- I'll have to ask Mother.

- Come on.
- All right.

- I'll call you.
- All right.

Laurel: Mother!

Hello, darling.

Hello!

- Did you have a good time?
- Heavenly!

Mother, Richard's mother
and a Mrs. Clews I just met

want me to go to the polo game,

and they want to
spend the afternoon with you.

And see me for the first time
in my nightgown?

I should say not.

Me with a trunk
full of new clothes

my skin is just itching
to get next to.

Goodness gracious.

But you go along
and say I was asleep.

- I won't leave you alone again.
- Don't be silly.

There's no sense
in the two of us
being cooped up here.

I'll be all right in a few days,
and then I'll get all fixed up

and meet your friends right.

You know what I was thinking?

The first night I'm able
to go down in the dining room,

we'll have this
Richard and his mother
to dinner with us.

Would you like that?

Lollie?

Ohh!

I knew you would.

Go on now, run along.
You mustn't keep them waiting.

Wear your blue jacket--
I love you in that.

All right.

[ no audible dialogue ]

[ bracelets jangling ]

[ Stella humming ]

Boy! Oh, boy!

Will you tell me, which lady
is Mrs. Richard Grosvenor?

Mrs. Grosvenor's
not here, ma'am.

Then please direct me
to the tennis court.
Maybe she's there.

You go just across the lawn
and down that path.

You mean sort of over
that way and down there?

Yes, ma'am.

Wait a minute,
wait a minute.

- Here you are, young fella.
- Oh, that's all right.

- Don't be sil.
- Thank you.

Here goes a birdie.

Did I say birdie?

[ mockingly ]
Well, whew!

[ laughter ]

Trying
to cover it up, huh?

No, I'll wear it
everywhere!

Did you see the makeup on her?
And those shoes!

I thought
she was wearing stilts!

- [ indistinct greetings ]
- Hi, kids.

Come on, move down one seat.

Whatever happened to you two?
We've been back hours.

We took a shortcut.

[ skeptically ]
Yeah!

Boy: Say, Paul,
you sure missed a show!

- What'll it be, Mr. Grosvenor?
- What show?

Boy: Oh, that woman
on the tennis court.

Well, I'll have a chocolate
ice cream soda

with chocolate ice cream
and lots of whipped
cream on top.

- Girl: What about her?
- Make mine the same,

only make it with
vanilla ice cream
and leave off the goo.

Boy: I didn't know they
let that kind of woman
loose anymore.

- Happy?
- You should have
seen the get-up.

- What a woman!
- Say, maybe Dick knows her.

Dick, she was looking
for your mother.

Was she a panic when Pete
lobbed one over the fence

and she started
chasing after it!

I never saw her before.
Did you?

- Who is she?
- I don't know.

But I'd sure like to know
where she got that paint job--

my bus needs a new coat.

That's not a woman,
it's a Christmas tree.

- And it walks!
- Does it talk?

And how.

Good?

Delicious.

That's the one there.
I heard her say to Jimmy,

"You oughta see
my little girl play tennis."

She must have
some little girl.

- Stella: No, I don't like it.
- Man: It is rather heavy.

- Let me see that one.
- This one?

- Girl: She's an ad.
- Boy: An ad for what?

We'll see in a minute.
Wait till her hat lights up.

Boy: You're all wrong.
It's a trailer.

Do you think that one
really suits my personality?

- Yes, ma'am, decidedly.
- You do.

I'll take that.
Send it up to Room 214.

Man: Two-fourteen?
Thank you.

[ kids tittering ]

Personality.

Hey, Pete, get her.

- What's the matter?
- I must have lost my watch!

Wait a minute. You can't
go all the way back there now.

When did you see it last,
do you remember?

I want to go.
Please let me go!

Don't worry about it.
Let's finish our sodas first.

We'll find it.

There you are.

I've been looking
all over for you. I--

Well, Lollie, what on earth?

Mother, we're going home.

Home?
What are you talking--

- What's the matter?
What's happened?
- Nothing.

Oh, I know.

My little Lollie's
had a quarrel with
her young man.

Mother, please!

Oh, Lollie, don't be
a little goose. I'll
tell you what you do.

I'll call him up
and invite him for dinner,

make believe I don't know
anything about it.

I'll pretend
you're not back yet.
What's their number?

Mother!

I want to go home.

You want to go home?

Well...

well, what about me?

Paying for two rooms
all this time

and using only a bed.

Don't you think I'd
like a little of the fun
you've been having?

I should think you'd think of
somebody else besides yourself.

You know...

I like nice people
and a little fun, myself.

I'm sorry.

I don't see how your pride
would let you show him
you cared that much.

If it was me,
I'd stay on just to show him

that there's
other fish in the sea.

Oh, Lollie.

It's only for you.

You said yourself this morning

you'd never been
so happy in all your life.

And so was I, too.

Oh, dear.

Here.

Here you are, miss.

Thank you.

Man: Aboard!

She's missed it
as sure as you live.

She's got my bag.
Oh, there she is.

Lynn! Did you have
a blow-out?

No, but just as I was
leaving I met Ethel.

- Oh, I can't get my breath.
- Here, sit down.

[ train whistle blowing ]

But I want to tell you
what Ethel told me.

Did you remember
that funny-looking woman

parading around the grounds
this afternoon?

No, I didn't see her.

If you didn't see her,
she can't be described.

You wouldn't believe it.
I'll tell you, she was
quite a number.

Dresses up to here,
and paint an inch thick.

And bells on her shoes
that tinkled all the time!

And bracelets up to here
that clanked! You never
saw such a sight.

- Do you know who she was?
- Who?

Laurel Dallas's mother.

- Laurel Dallas!
- But I can't believe it!

You mean that pretty little girl
Dick Grosvenor's been rushing?

Yes, didn't you know her?

But are you sure?
She seemed so lovely and sweet.

I know. Isn't it weird?

To have such a common-looking
creature for a mother?

- Poor thing.
- Poor nothing.

She's wearing Dick Grosvenor's
fraternity pin.

She won't be
wearing it long.

Not when Mrs. Grosvenor
hears about it.

- Your bags is ready, ladies.
- Thank you.

[ overlapping excited chatter ]

[ door closes ]

[ berth creaking ]

Lollie.

It's lonely up there,
Mother.

I want to come down here
and cuddle with you.

I'd, um...

I'd like to see Mrs. Morrison.

- Was it in reference to--
- I couldn't say. It's private.

I'd have to see Mrs. Morrison.

What was the name, please?

Mrs. Dallas.
Mrs. Stephen Dallas.

Yes.

I will see if Mrs. Morrison
is at home.

Come with me, please.

Just wait in there, please.

Yeah.

Mrs. Dallas?

Are...are you Mrs. Morrison?

Yes.

Oh, I, um...

I'm...

I'm sorry to bother you
in your home, but I--

Won't you sit down?

No. What I have to say
won't take very long.

We may as well be comfortable.
It's so very warm.

Won't you take off your coat?

I...

I know you must think
it's funny, me coming
here like this.

I'm not gonna
beat around the bush, but...

what I want to know is if--

if Stephen was free,
if I got a divorce
like his lawyer wanted,

would...would you two get
married?

Yes, we would.

I'm sorry if it's
unpleasant, but...

I'd rather that
you knew the truth.

Yeah, um... well...

what I wanted to know is if--

if you and Stephen
did get married...

um...

...what about Laurel?
Would you take her, too?

Oh, no, Mrs. Dallas.

I'm a mother.

Do you think I could
ever deprive another mother

of her only little girl?

Yeah, but if the mother
didn't want her--

I mean...if she couldn't
very well have her--

Well...

if it was inconvenient.

- Inconvenient?
- Yeah.

You see...

Lollie's growing up now,
and she--

well, she's quite
a responsibility.

I don't understand.

Well, you see, it's this way.

From now on,
there's lots of things
Lollie ought to begin having.

I don't mean money, but...

dances and parties.

You know, good times.

And really,
I've never been much
at that sort of thing,

so I feel that I've done
about all I can for her.

So I thought that you being
so crazy about her father

and she taking after him
so much,

that, well, if you
and Stephen got married,

why, Lollie could
come and live with you,

and...

your name being Mrs. Dallas,
you see,

everybody would naturally
think she was...

your little girl, and...

then when you went places,
you see,

well...

you see...

you're the kind
of a mother that...

any girl would be proud of.

I didn't know anyone
could be so unselfish.

I'll say one thing,
you'd never be ashamed
of Lollie, either.

Everybody's
just crazy about her.

She--well, she makes
a wonderful impression,

she's so refined
and elegant in her ways--

but you already know that.

Anyway, she's...

well, anyway, she's...

she's crazy about you already.

She don't talk
as much as she used to,

but that's because
she thinks I'm jealous
or something, and...

oh, I guess I was, a little,
but I'm not anymore.

And you'll see,
in a little while she'll--

Well...

in a little while she'll--
she'll forget all about me,
and it--

Why, it won't be any time
before she'll...

she'll love you just...

just like you were
her real mother.

And, oh, Mrs. Morrison,
she's so wonderful!
You don't know.

I do know.

And I know that it hasn't
come only from her father.

I have to go.

Lollie doesn't know
I've come here,

and I--
I don't want her to yet.

She--she's awful
funny underneath,

and I've thought it all out.

It'll be better
to just let her come
for the visit like always,

and by that time
it'll all be over--

the, uh...

the divorce, I mean.
And then...

then you can break it to her.

It'll be easier that way.

Man: Aboard!

- Good-bye, darling.
- Good-bye.

Go on, get inside.

- Good-bye, Mother.
- Good-bye, dear.

Good-bye!

- You'll write to me?
- Oh, yes, I will!

Now, have a nice time,
and don't think about me.

Wear your new
blue dress tonight.

I want to see you
in my mind's eye.

All right.

I love you! Good-bye!

Good-bye, Mother!

Good-bye!

Good-bye, Mother!

It's a lot of fun,
isn't it?

Haven't you really
ever played it before?

No, honestly, I haven't.

John wouldn't go to bed
until I promised
to bring these in,

so you'd still have some
members of the family

- to keep you company tonight.
- Oh, how sweet!

- Oh, that John.
- And here's their breakfast.

Gosh, you sure stand high
with John.

He won't let Lee
and me see 'em--
let alone feed 'em.

I suppose it's
time young gentlemen
removed themselves

- from ladies'
boudoirs, eh, Con?
- Okay, Dad.

- Good night, sweetheart.
- Good night, Father.

- Good night, and sleep well.
- I will, thank you.

- I'll see you in the morning.
- Right, Con.

I'll put these in a safe place.

I never saw Father
so happy before.

And you, dear,
are you happy?

So very, for you both.

But, uh...

I've been worrying
and worrying about something.

What could possibly
be worrying you?

Well, I don't know
what to call you.

Oh, if that's all,
I'm so glad.

Because I have
something to tell you which

I hope will make you
just as happy as it has me.

From now on, you're going
to be one of us really, dear.

You're going to be
a member of this family

like Con and Lee and John.

They're your brothers,
and this is going to be

your home as much
as it is theirs.

- This, my home?
- Yes, dear.

You're going to live with us.

Live here?

Here, the townhouse--
wherever we are.

Does it make you happy,
Laurel?

Oh, yes, it makes me
very happy...

to know that you want me.

And I do love you all
so very much.

But I couldn't
leave my mother.

You won't be leaving her.

Your mother will always
be your mother.

I could never expect
or even want to take
her place in your heart.

You'll visit her
whenever you like.

No, I couldn't.

Thank you ever and ever
so much, Mrs.--I mean--

Laurel, your mother,
your father,

all of us who love you,

feel that now that
you're getting older

there are many advantages
that we can give you.

I know, I know.

And I do thank you.

But I--I'm sorry.

- Night, Con.
- Night, Dad.

- Father.
- Yes, dear?

- What is it, dear?
- Father...

You don't mean you thought
that I could live anywhere,

ever, without Mother?

Well, you've
lived without me.

Your mother and I are just
changing places for a while.

Isn't it fair for me
to have a little of what
she's had all these years?

But that's different,
Father, you know it is.

I've been with
Mother all these years
because I needed her.

Now she needs me,
and you need me
less than ever.

Oh, Laurel,
don't say that.

I'm sorry, Laurel,
if you don't see that what
we've planned is for your good.

We thought it would
make you happy.

Your mother and I have
decided upon what we
think is best for you.

- My mother? Does she know?
- Certainly.

We have your interests
equally at heart, haven't we?

We both feel that
this should be your home

- for at least a few years.
- I'm sorry, Father.

But please understand--

my home will be with my mother
as long as I live.

- Now, Laurel--
- No, Stephen.

Laurel,
you don't understand, dear.

This was all your mother's
idea, her wish for you.

She planned it all herself.
Your father had nothing
to do with it.

She came to see me
and we talked it all over.

My mother came to see you?
When did she come?

Was it just after we got back
from the Mirador?

Why, I believe it was. But--

Oh...oh, my poor mother...

my wonderful mother!

Oh, she wasn't asleep,
she wasn't.

She heard what they said.

Oh, I must go to her.
I must go to her at once!

Darling, tell us about it.

Oh, please, Daddy, help me.

I can't make my visit here.
I must go to my mother!

Sure you can see him.

But that ain't meaning
that he can see you.

Hey, Munn.
Somebody to see you.

Ed.

Ed, wake up,
it's Stella.

Ed, it's me,
Stella Dallas.

Hello, Stell.

Look, I still live
in the same old flat.

I want you to take this.
Get a Turkish bath and a shave

and come right over.
Do you understand?

Ed, do you understand?

Sure. I got it.

Mother!

Mommy!

Mother.

Mother?

Mother!

Oh, Mother!

Lollie, when did you--

Well, whatever
brought you back?

Mother,
how could you think--

As if I could ever live
anywhere else but with you.

I thought you'd like it
for a while.

No, really, you--

you always seemed
to have such a good time
with your father.

Yes, but-- but good times,

well, they aren't
what make you belong.

It's other
kind of times that--

it's when
you've cried together

and when you've
been through things together.

Oh... that's when you
seem to love the most.

It's different when you--

Didn't they send a telegram?
They said they would.

Most likely
they tried to deliver it
and I was out.

I've been on the go
ever since you left.

Put those in water
for me, will ya?

Oh, they're lovely.

Yeah, from an old admirer.

Ed Munn blew into town.
I've been stepping out
with him, for a change.

Ed Munn?

Yeah. Now put 'em in water.

I want 'em all fixed nice
when he gets here.

- You don't mean that you and--
- Haven't you fixed 'em yet?

[ harshly ]
Give 'em to me.

- [ dance music playing ]
- Get some water.

There. That'll tickle him.

- [ music stops ]
- Lollie!

Mother...

don't you remember
a long time ago
when we said...

And you promised about him--

Oh, Lollie, I know
what you're driving at.

Now let me tell you something.

I've spent the best years
of my life on you.

A woman wants
to be something else
besides a mother, you know.

Well, you will know
when you get grown up.

You can't explain
everything to a child.

Now go on, run along.

[ music resumes ]

[ music continuing ]

I've come back to stay
if you still want me.

- Still want you?
- My dear!

Oh, Father!

Tell me, dear,
what is it, angel?
What is it?

- What is it?
- Oh, Daddy!

What is it, sweetheart?

I thought it was
for my sake she wanted me
to go and live with you,

and I was so glad and so proud.

But it wasn't. It was for him.

She wanted to marry him!

- Please don't cry.
- You knew him.

And she chose him!Â

Oh, Laurel, come upstairs
with me, dear.

I... ohh...

So long, thanks a lot.

Well, hello. You back?

- Gee, that's great!
- Hello, Con.

Who do you think brought
me home? Dick Grosvenor.

We were
just talking about you.

Wait here, I'll go get him.
He's still in the driveway.

Oh, no, Con, no, no!

I don't want to see him.
Not now.

Stephen: Now, Laurel...

Oh, no, not yet.

You go on upstairs, dear.
We'll take care of Dick.

Con: Hey, Dick!

Come on back!
Laurel's here!

When did she get back?

I don't know. She was
here when I got here.

How do you do, Mrs. Dallas?
How do you do, Mr. Dallas?

- I'm glad to see you again.
- Glad to see you, Dick.

Con told me Laurel was here.

All right, fella,
that's one on me.

Con: No, she's here.
Mother, Laurel's here,
isn't she?

Yes, she's here.
Won't you stay for dinner?

- If I'm all right as I am.
- Of course.

- I'd like to wash up, too.
- Come on up to my room.

- Hurry up, will you?
- Okay, Dad.

Stephen...

Laurel is here.

She's here to stay.

Who has accomplished it?

Couldn't you read
between those pitiful lines?

Brooks, I told you
those curtains weren't
to be drawn.

Open them, please.

Yes, madam.

Yes.

Now you must light the candles,
and we must hurry.

Yes, madam.

Come, dear. It's nearly
time for our cue.

What's this?

Oh, my darling.

I-I was just thinking.

I never really thought
that my mother...

I thought that
she would read
about the wedding

and even though she was
too far away to come,

at least
she would write to me.

You're right, dear.

Do you think if she knew,

any distance in the world
could keep her away?

Then you think
she just doesn't know?

Sorry, but you can't
stand here. We have
to keep this clear.

[ "Wedding March" plays ]

Move along, please.

Break up the group here.

You too, lady.

Oh, please, let me
see her face when he
kisses her. Please.

All right, folks,
you've seen enough.

Come on, move along.
Clear the sidewalk.