All language subtitles for The.Rat.Race.1960.1080p.WEBRip.x264-RARBG

Now let us hear from you.Mm-hm. Mm-hm.

You write
whenever you get a chance.

If you need money, let us know,
we'’ll see what we can do.

PETE:
Don'’t worry, Pa.

FATHER:
You take good care of yourself.

Don'’t worry, Pa. So long.Goodbye, son.

MAN [ over PA ]:
Philadelphia and New York.

Goodbye.

MAN:
Greyhound tour bus to Chicago
now loading at lane 2.

Connections to Cleveland...

[ indistinct chattering ]

[ upbeat theme playing]

MAN [ over the PA ]:
Greyhound express bus
to Chicago

now loading for departure.

And that one there, I think.
Uh-huh.

Hey, man,
that was a cool trip.

Frantic.Hey, you dig?

Can I ask you another question?Yeah, shoot.

What'’s the best way
to get to Times Square.

Take a cab.

Man, I'’m gonna walk.
Just point me.

Well, go right to the corner,
turn left and keep walking.

I'’m with you. Crazy.

Walk? To Times Square?
In this heat?

Why would anyone
wanna do that?

He'’s a pilgrim
on the way to mecca.

Hmm?
That'’s the Holy Land.

For saxophone players.

[ laughing ]

[ upbeat theme
continues playing]

Uh, hi.

Excuse me.
Who do I see about a room?

Try me.

Okay, you got an inexpensive
single room?

Seven dollars with bath.A day?

No, a night.
We throw in the day free.

Well, you had an ad
in the newspaper. It said 3.50.

That'’s where the manager
lives.

Well, 7 is a little more
than I can afford.

Musician, huh?

Yeah.Well, that'’s rough.

But they'’ve got a lot
of rooming houses in this town

that cater to every type.
Even one-man bands.

Oh, yeah?
You know where I can find one?

Oh, 49th, 50th, 53rd.

What?

Over there,
between 8th and 9th.

Between 8th and 9th?

I don'’t know where that is.

Outside,Mm-hm.

turn to your right,Right.

keep walking, ask anybody.Yeah.

Hey, even better,
play that sax

until nobody turns around
to look at you.

Then stop, and you'’re home.

Thank you very much.

[ upbeat theme playing]

Excuse me.

BOY 1:
Hey.

Dig the creep.

Hey, what do you think
you'’re doing?

BOY 2:
Hey, man.

Hey, look out
for my instrument--

[ cars honking
and tires screeching ]

Look out, you kids!

[ slow theme playing]

Well, the weather reports don'’t
say anything here about rain.

Oh-- No, it'’s not raining.

No, there'’s some nutty kids
out there,

chased me in here
with a hose.

Listen, you'’d better take
that coat off, though.

This air conditioning'’s
so cold,

you'’re liable to start snowing.
Ha-ha-ha.

I never thought of that.

Well, what'’ll it be?

I'’ll have a bottle of beer.

That'’s our most popular
item.

You got Milwaukee beer?

We make the same profit
on one brand as another.

Thanks.

Tell me, you'’re not homesick
for Milwaukee already, are you?

No--

Now how did you know
I came from Milwaukee?

Oh, I make a wild guess here
every day.

That'’s today'’s.

You ever been there?Oh, yes. Three times.

The first time I was there,

I took the wrong train
out of Chicago.

The second time,
I was chasing my first wife

and the guy that she took
the powder with.

Let'’s see, the third time,

oh, yeah, I was working
in town as a sign painter.

I used to do window lettering.
Gold letter stuff, you know.

I bet you'’ve seen my work

sitting in the back
in some dentist'’s chair.

Mac, the buildings
you worked on,

they'’re probably
all torn down,

long before this kid
was even born.

Now, listen, Soda,

don'’t let his gray hair
mislead you, honey.

I had it
when I was in grammar school.

Half the time they thought
I was the principal.

Why do they call this
cream soda? It ain'’t cream.

Give me an orange, huh?

Hey, Pops.
You mind if hit this?

I always say,
a jukebox gotta live too.

Go ahead, help yourself.

Hey.

You know,
this ain'’t real orange either.

But the way they make
chemicals nowadays,

I'’d rather have this
than the regular squeeze.

[ jazz playing
over the jukebox]

Well, hello, Peggy.Hi, Mac.

Can I have some ice?What, honey?

Some ice?Oh, by all means.

There you are.

How much?

Those are hailstones
I collected free last winter.

I keep them in the freezer here
for the summer.

The elements belong
to the people,

so they'’re all yours.

Thanks, Mac.

You'’re welcome.

How much?

How much, she says,
as if she could pay.

What'’d you say?

I said, if ice cubes
were 2 cents a carload,

she couldn'’t buy a cupful.

She'’s nothing but a stealing,
lying little piece of nothing.

Now, Soda, you'’re not talking
about that sweet little thing

that just come trotting in
and out of here.

Oh, she'’s got you
wrapped around

her little finger too, huh?

She'’s nice to me,
so I'’m nice to her.

She'’s a deadbeat,
take it from me.

MAC:
You take it from me.

You raised her rent
and she can'’t pay you,

and you'’re mad.

You know what'’s her trouble?Yes, I know.

What'’s her trouble?

She'’s like a big plate
of hot fried chicken

at a truck driver'’s picnic.

Everybody'’s just grabbing
from every angle,

every direction.

Unless she turns out
to be tough,

there ain'’t nothing
going to be left of her.

[ band playing jazz]

[ knocking on door ]

Yeah.

REPAIRMAN:
Miss Peggy Brown.

What if?

Are you Bryant 94099?

Yeah, so what?

I'’m from
the telephone company.

I gotta make a small
mechanical adjustment, please.

The phone works fine,
I like it just like it is.

Will you go adjust
something else?

Listen, lady,
you don'’t let me

make a small
mechanical adjustment,

I'’ll shut your phone off.[ banging on door ]

All right, all right.
I'’m not arguing.

You just give me a minute,
I'’m not exactly presentable.

[ banging on door ]Half a minute.

Come on, lady, come on.

What'’s with you?
You on peace work or something?

Boy, you really believe
in locks, don'’t you?

My father graduated
from Yale.

Now, just what small
mechanical adjustment

did you have in mind?

I gotta remove your phone.

Why you double talking
creep.

All right, lady,
lady, give me a break.

No hysterics, huh? Here.

I wouldn'’t touch it.

It'’s legal.

[ humming ]

Hey, they still have
these things around?

I haven'’t see one of these
in years.

Say, will you do me a favor?

Sure, lady, sure.

Will you stop calling me
a lady?

And leave the phone in?

Sure, just like I was president
of the company or something.

It'’s against the rules.
I'’d be fired. Okay.

My living depends on it.
I'’ve gotta have a phone.

I'’d be so grateful.

Exactly what is your line,
sister?

Well, right now I'’m modeling,
you know.

A job here and a job there.

And that'’s why
I need the phone.

Is that all you do?

Well, in between modeling

I dance a few shifts
at the Crystal Gardens.

Look, make a mistake.

It'’s not so easy.

Well, figure out something.

Lose the blue slip
or break your screwdriver.

Will you stretch me
a couple of weeks?

I don'’t think I can.

That'’s right.

Don'’t think.

Feeling is a lot more human.

Hmm?

Bryant 94099.

How are you gonna use it
if you take it out?

There comes a time
in every man'’s life

when he'’s gotta take
a gamble.

You know, who knows?
You know some--

Some hot Friday night,

I might suddenly feel a need
for a model.

There you are.

Two weeks, on the house.

Deal?
A deal.

But right now,
I gotta go over

to the Crystal Gardens,
you know.

Oh, yeah, yeah.
Sure you gotta go to work.

I got a few calls
to make myself.

Bryant 94099.

Uh, don'’t stray too far
from the phone.

[ locks clanging ]

[ chuckles ]

SODA:
I'’ll have a word with you,
young lady.

Yeah, well,
I'’ll give you a word.

Knock off.Oh, you can insult me,

I take it
from whence it comes

and charge it up
to ignorance.

You always pester me,
pester me, pester me.

Will you give it up?
You make no impression.

I'’ve been pestered
every day of my life

one way or another.

And I'’ve got skin
like an alligator.

You wanna feel it?No, no, thank you.

I'’m serving notice on you
from my counselor.

The rate starting tomorrow a.m.

is $2.20 daily.

Wait a minute.

Do you know how many tickets
I have to dance to make $2.20?

You don'’t pay the increase,

I rent the room to the first
person who passes by.

Yeah, well, it ain'’t worth
more than a dollar a day

except maybe to a pig.

Ha, ha, well,
it just so happens a pig

is what I think
I got living there.

Hey!

[ Soda gibbering ]

That'’s a hundred-watt bulb.

I'’m gonna put that
on your bill.

It'’s 39 cents.

And 2 cents for the tax.

Don'’t go anywhere,
you hear?

Forty-one cents
and I'’ll charge you.

[ speaking indistinctly ]

[ cars honking ]

DRIVER:
Watch out there, lady.

Well, anything in there?

Yeah, a lot of stuff,
but nothing I can afford.

[ cash register rings ]

Well, I doubt they got anything
over where I live.

But you might ask.

It'’s right across the street,
314.

Maybe I will.

How much do I owe you?

Well,
that'’s one, two, the beer.

The ice is free.
That'’s $50.

Here you go.
Thank you.

Mac,
can I have some change?

I have to make a phone call.

Thanks.

MAC:
Wait a minute,
I'’ll help you out.

Thanks.

Stop and see us again.Yeah, you got nutty records.

Thank you.

Glad to see you.

PEGGY:
Hello, Nellie.

This is Peggy.

Yeah, Peggy Brown.

From the money I was gonna
pay back but haven'’t.

Uh, Nellie, it'’s this way.

I need a dress and shoes
for a modeling interview.

Yeah, $50.

No, I need it today,
Nellie.

No, tomorrow'’s too late.
The interview is at 9:00.

Nellie, I need money,
but not that bad.

Well, what about 25$?

[ all chattering
indistinctly ]

Hey, hey, back up.
Give me two.

Okay.

[ all chattering
indistinctly ]

Thank you. All right.

[ all chattering
indistinctly ]

With my compliments.

[ melancholic theme
playing]

I hear you got a chance
for a job, huh?

Yeah.

The oldest job
in the world.

You know what I'’d do
if I were you?

I'’d move.

[ sighs ]

Yeah. Where?

And how?
Home.

I bet you
they'’d send you the fare.

Yeah.
I tried that once.

It took me
a year and a half

to make up my mind
to go back there.

And it took me five minutes

to decide
to get out again.

Well, I guess
nothing stays the same.

Yeah.

No.

Nothing except my luck.

All bad.

Thanks, Mac.

Uh, are you sure
it'’s gonna be all right?

SODA:
Now, don'’t feel funny
about it.

She was moving anyhow.

This afternoon.

Well, if you say it'’s okay.

Oh.

You mean you'’ll be practicing
on the saxophone?

Yes, ma'’am, every day.

Well, then that'’ll be, uh,
75 cents extra a week.

Seventy--

What'’s that for?

Agony money.

Yeah,
I have sensitive ears.

And the neighbors
are gonna be complaining

about your playing.

So there'’s a small fee
for that service.

Oh, is that traditional?

Oh, yeah,
that'’s traditional.

Seventy-five in advance.

Yes, ma'’am.

Here you are.
Thank you.

Well, now,
the room'’s all yours.

Thank you.

[ Soda gibbering ]

I gave you plenty
of warning.

Now I take possession,
legally.

But--She'’s moving out,

he'’s moving in. That'’s all.

[ ominous theme playing]

I'’m sorry.

Uh...

I hope this is all right.

Don'’t break your heart
about it.

Uh...

Look, would you like me
to go for a walk,

say for a couple hours?

Yeah.
Okay.

Is this in your way?

Everything'’s in my way
these days.

So, like, I'’ll go.

Yeah, go.

Uh, can I give you
a hand?

Will you just use it

to push yourself
through the door?

[ drawer banging
and thudding ]

Here, uh,
let me give you a hand.

It'’s uh...

You see, it'’s the humidity
makes the wood swell.

Look, I'’m awfully sorry

for the way
things turned out for you.

It'’s not your fault,
forget it.

It'’s just that I want you
to know I know how you feel.

And--
Okay, fine.

Say...

This fan and a couple of bucks
worth of food belong to me.

You wanna buy them?

Yeah, okay. How much?

Five dollars.

All right, fine.

There you go.

How long
you been around here?

I just got in
this morning.

You came in by bus?Yeah, how'’d you know?

It figures.

Could you get that cup
off the shelf for me?

Sure.

What are you,
musician?

Saxophone player.

[ sighs ]

It'’s just what they need
in New York.

To Miss Cha Cha Cha 1957,
Miss Peggy Brown.

Is that you?Mm-hm.

Dance contest winner,
Miami born.

Well, what do you know,
you'’re a championship dancer.

Sure. I'’m just living here
to study the rhythms

of the common people.

Uh, I'’ll tell you what,

why don'’t you carry this
and I'’ll carry your bags?

Thanks.

Uh, have you got everything?

Yeah, everything.

I could have reported her
already.

A long time ago.

Only in the first place,
by nature,

I'’m not mean-spirited.

Excuse me.

And in the third place,

who needs lip
from skirts like that one?

Yeah, I only hope
for the rest of your life

you get exactly
what you deserve.

Nothing.Get out of here.

Get out! Get out!

Can I get you cab?

Huh?
Hmm?

A cab.

Yeah, I guess so.All right.

[ whistles ]

Here you are, Miss Brown.
Uh, Miss Brown,

I'’m terribly sorry
about what'’s happened.

Hey, lady, where to?

And I wanna wish you
all the very best--

Hey, mac, already, huh?
Where to?

All right, just a minute.

Where to,
he'’d like to know.

I don'’t know.

What'’d you say?

I don'’t know.

Hey, come on, where to?Well, just a minute.

As soon as I find out,
I'’ll let you know, okay?

Okay with me, Saul.

[ taxi meter ticking ]

Um, don'’t you have
any place to go?

Do you have any friends
in town?

Well, how about your family?

[ melancholic theme
playing]

You know something?
All I wanted was just a room.

And now look at all the trouble
I'’ve caused you.

I'’m very sorry.

It'’s not your fault.

If she didn'’t
pester me out today,

she'’d pester me out
tomorrow.

Well, what'’s the trouble?

The same as everybody.

More money.

And I just haven'’t got it.

Well, look, Miss Brown,
you can'’t sit in a cab all--

Uh, wait a minute.

Uh, I don'’t want you
to misunderstand me,

but you'’ve got no place
to stay, right?

Well, the way I see it then,
it'’s an emergency.

Um, suppose I gave the landlady
a little extra money,

and we both
could use the room.

Look, there are two beds
up there anyway,

and one'’s got a curtain
in front of it.

If she comes out ahead,
what does she care?

I don'’t think so.Oh, oh, look.

I don'’t want you
to misunderstand me.

But it would only be

for a matter
of a couple of days.

Huh? What do you say?

Why should you?

Well, I don'’t know.

Uh-- I guess
I don'’t wanna feel

like there wasn'’t enough room
in New York

without me having to,
well, kick somebody out.

She wouldn'’t go for it.

Two of us in the same room?

Well, how do we know
unless we ask her?

You think you can do it?

Oh, sure. She'’s probably
a very nice lady underneath.

We can at least try.

Uh, you can stop now,
we'’re home.

It was a very nice trip,
wasn'’t it?

My name'’s Pete Hammond, Jr.

[ taxi meter clanging ]

All right,
Mr. Pete Hammond Jr.

That'’ll be a buck 20.
Man, oh, man,

this town is getting
like one big padded cell.

Come on.

Well, I notice you found us
another horn blower.

You must be queer
for noises.

Can'’t you find
any normal tenants?

Look, Mr. Kerry.

In the first place,
mind your own business,

which could use
some minding.

And in the second place,

musicians,
especially saxophone,

always pay
a better rate gladly.

So you don'’t like your room,
you give it back to me.

I'’ll make out better
with some musician

who couldn'’t get in
everywhere.

You just be appreciative

it isn'’t a trombone
or a drum.

Frank, you'’re lucky.

But the two of them
in one room, unmarried.

You just don'’t know
psychology.

Nothing will happen.

The two of them together
in one small room?

You know of a quicker way

for two people
to get to hate each other?

[ cab honking ]

[ sighs ]

PEGGY:
Come in.

[ slow theme playing]

[ chuckles ]

What'’s so funny?

Uh, well, I was uh...

You know,
I was just thinking

what you told me
about New York City.

You know, about it being
such an unfriendly town.

Well, you bet your life
this could never happen in...

Uh, this could never happen
where I came from.

Yeah, well,
it'’ll probably never happen

in New York again either.

Uh, is this AC or DC
in here?

Why?

Well, if it'’s AC,
I can use it, I think.

Yeah, I think so.

Yeah.

My father gave me this
for a going away present.

Wasn'’t that nice of him?

[ chuckles ]

When I left home,
the second time that is,

my old man gave me
an AC kick in the slacks

as a going away present.

Well, why would he
wanna do that?

Disappointed in me,
I guess.

I was still alive.

You want this?
Oh.

[ razor whirring ]

Hey, that'’s good.

Sure.
I'’m just full of talent.

Remember me?

Miss Cha Cha Cha of 1957?

You know, it'’s a good title
for a song.

Miss Cha Cha Cha
from Tampa.

Well, at least
I'’m not ashamed of it.

Tampa.

Well, why should you
be ashamed of it?

Well, you'’re ashamed
of where you'’re from.

[ sighs ]

No, I'’m not.

You'’re ashamed of it.

Milwaukee.

You were worried
to tell it.

It'’s just that I understand
the feeling around here

is that if you come
from the Midwest

or someplace like that,
you come on a little hokey.

Oh, but you'’re not?

Everybody'’s hokey.

Look, Peggy, I heard
some of these local cats blow.

You know what they do?
They steal a little Brubeck,

they clip a little
of Charlie Parker.

And these cats, they think
they'’re really making it.

Well, what are you hollering
at me for?

I'’m not--
I'’m not hollering at you.

I'’m just trying
to make a point

that some of the best
progressive jazz

in America today
comes from the Midwest.

[ slow theme playing]

Cigarettes are in there.

You'’re welcome to them.Thank you, I don'’t smoke.

My goodness.

You'’re just loaded
with willpower, aren'’t you?

[ sighs ]

Everybody'’s got willpower
when they need it.

Somehow it'’s always there
when you need it.

Thank you,
Dale Carnegie.

You don'’t smoke,

I bet
you don'’t drink either

But it'’s a yes
to the next question.

What?

Um...

Well, it'’s only a joke.

Very funny.Well, it was a slip of tongue.

I didn'’t mean anything.

Sure.

I knew there was a catch
to this arrangement.

I should have known
you fellas are all alike.

Now, wait a minute.
Wait a minute, Miss Brown.

Just a second.

Look, there'’s no catch
to this arrangement

It'’s an emergency, okay?
Temporary.

Now, look, this is your bed,
that'’s my bed.

Now, if you don'’t like it, you
can pack up and leave right now.

Okay?

[ piano playing slow music]

I'’m sorry.

It'’s been kind
of a bad day for me.

Anyone can see
you'’re a man with principles.

Otherwise I wouldn'’t
have accepted your offer.

Okay.

Good night.
Good night.

[ flute playing
upbeat music]

[ knocking on door ]

Oh--

[ banging on door ]

Who is it?I don'’t know.

Did you ask him who?

Uh, all right.
Uh, just a minute.

Who is it, please?

REPAIRMAN:
Telephone. Mechanical adjuster.

[ banging ]

Okay. Okay, okay. Okay.

There you are.

[ humming ]

There you are, 4099.

I'’ve never been late
in my life.

[ laughing ]

What'’s with the shoe off?

How long are you gonna be,
pal?

Oh, you'’re in the wrong
apartment, Charlie.

No pulling in the arm, buddy.
I'’m warning you, no pull--

Hey, what time
you want me back?

Will you come on?I told you, no pulling!

Didn'’t I? Didn'’t I?

Will you beat it,
you two-bit Romeo?

You told me
two weeks on the house.

Didn'’t I go all out
for you?

All right.Oh, no pulling, buddy.

I'’m warning you,
now, no pulling!

Can'’t you get it
through your head?

You'’re in the wrong apartment.Not me! Maybe you!

You ought to be ashamed
of yourself!

Who ought?You ought

for talking like she was--That'’s just what she is.

Why don'’t you tell him
you'’re nothing

but a cheap
little Bryant 94099?

No. I--

Come on.
All right.

I'’m warning you.
Go ahead.

She made a deal with me.

Two weeks on the house
if I let the phone in.

I went all out for her,
didn'’t I?

I even got fired
on account of her.

[ suspenseful theme
playing]

[ door slams ]

Are you all right?

I can call a doctor.

I'’m sorry.

It was a mistake.
It was one of those things.

You don'’t believe it,
do you?

What a genuine idiot
I turned out to be.

My first day in New York
and I gotta get taken.

You know something? I'’m probably
the last guy in the whole world

who still believes
a pretty girl is like a melody.

And I was actually afraid you
misunderstood my intentions.

I'’m not what he said.
I'’m not.

You'’re not, huh?

He knows your name,
he knows your address.

He knows
your telephone number.

And it doesn'’t embarrass him
to find me here.

I may be from Milwaukee--

So why don'’t you go back there?
Who needs you around here?

Apparently you do.

To pay your rent
and act as your doorman.

I need you
like I need another thumb.

[ sighs ]

You know, you'’d better learn

this isn'’t any
high school play you'’re in.

This is a rat race.

New York style.

And there isn'’t anything
tougher.

I lived here five years
trying to get my name

over something more
than a mailbox.

And I'’ve done
everything there is

to keep alive in this town.

Everything
but what you think.

I need a phone.
So I conned the phone man.

You need a room
so you conned me.

Absolutely.
Right down the line.

Just like
you'’re trying to do now.

No. Not now.

I can'’t con you anymore.

You'’re so dumb,
you only believe what you hear.

All right, all right.

You'’ve got yourself a room
for one night.

[ slow theme playing]

PEGGY:
Pete.

Pete.

No more, Peggy.

I got a pretty good picture
of the way things are.

PEGGY:
You'’ve got no picture at all.

You talk about
breaking this town open

in three months.

And it might take all your life
and you still may not do it.

Wait till it beats you down,
kicks you ten times a day,

slams every door
in your face.

Just wait.

You'’ll lie, you'’ll steal,
cheat,

hang on by your fingernails,

borrow money
you can'’t pay back,

and offer
what you won'’t deliver.

But, Pete,
you can believe me.

I'’ve never done
what you think.

And as long as I can hold out,
I never will.

That'’s the truth.

Peggy.

How much
is that telephone bill?

[ upbeat theme playing]

[ band playing dance music]

MAN:
Let'’s dance.

[ indistinct chattering ]

[ women laughing ]

[ sighs ]

What time is it,
someone?

It'’s 10 past 1.

I wish it was 10
past tomorrow noon.

[ slow jazz playing]

Oh, baby, you really
are something to be up against.

You bring out
the best in me.

Well, you'’re quite a guy.

I hope you'’ve got
enough tickets.

Well, if I don'’t,
I know where to get them.

Let'’s sit down a couple,
huh?

Of course
you'’ll have to buy tickets

just as if we were dancing.

Well, it'’s okay with me,

providing we talk
about our future, hmm?

Well, that'’s the only kind
of talk I'’m interested in.

You now owe me $481.15.

Right?

Right, Nellie.

It could be a zero
in two or three weeks

if you played it smart.

I'’d rather be dumb my way
than smart yours.

[ indistinct chattering ]

PETE:
Excuse me.

Oh.

[ speaks indistinctly ]

PETE: Excuse me.It'’s okay.

MAN:
How did it go?

There were ten guys
ahead of me.

To get a job
playing in New York,

you can'’t be just
a good musician.

You gotta be
a track star too.

You know, there must be
5,000 musicians out of work

in this town.
Yeah.

They get jobs, you know,
once in a while.

Once a year
or something like that.

The St. Patrick'’s Day
Parade.

[ laughs ]

You know, if I don'’t get
a job pretty soon,

I'’m gonna be in an awful lot--Listen to him, will you?

Three weeks and he'’s bummed.Yeah.

MAN:
I'’ve been here three years,
man,

and I ain'’t hit
a steady job yet.

There'’s one big secret
you'’ve gotta learn.

What'’s that?

You'’re in the wrong
business.

Hey, you got a minute?Yeah.

I'’d like to talk to you.

Well...

Watch this.

I couldn'’t help overhearing
that conversation back there.

I guess things
are pretty rough for you, huh?

Yeah. I tell you,
it'’s just murder. Just murder.

Man, it'’s a drag
getting started,

but I hear you play
a lot of saxophone.

Well, thank you.
Thank you very much.

My name is Frankie J.Pete Hammond Jr. is my name.

[ humming ]

[ knocking on door ]Who is it?

PETE:
It'’s Pete.

Just a second.

Hi.
Hi.

Uh, did you ever hear

of Frankie J.
and his Red Peppers?

No.

They'’re a swinging jazz group
around town.

Everybody'’s talking about them.
Even Downbeat.

So?So their lead man went off

and married some society girl
with money and he quit.

So?

So they'’re giving me
an audition.

You'’re kidding.

Cross my heart
and hope to blow a sour note.

What did I tell you
about this town?

I told you they were just
waiting for me.

I mean you'’re kidding.
Look, what'’s an audition?

It'’s just another way to get
your heart cut out. Ask me.

No. It'’s another way
to prove how good you are.

Will you get the hot water
and rinse me?

Whoa. Oh, that'’s hot.

Yeah, a little more, please.

Ooh.

That'’s it.

Thanks.

Look, listen, I feel too good
to eat in tonight.

Why don'’t we go down
to Mac'’s

and have a big
spaghetti dinner, huh?

No, thanks.

I'’ve got enough
seating capacity already.

I can'’t see it.

Heh. That'’s because
I'’m sitting on it.

I mean, when you'’re not,
I can'’t see it.

How would you know?
You haven'’t looked.

How would you know?
You never caught me.

Oh.

Here.What'’s that?

It'’s a present for you.

I bought it this afternoon

after I heard
about the audition.

Well, I haven'’t had
a present since--

Uh, it'’s mink.

It'’s a pure mink cape.

You know, now is the time
to buy those things

because it'’s the summertime

and, you know,
the prices are better.

I tell you, Peggy,

it was nothing but dumb luck,
just stupid dumb luck.

I was coming down the avenue
of the avenues

and around 46th Street,
you know,

when I hear somebody
whistle at me.

Well, I turn around
and there'’s another whistle.

Naturally, a lot of other
people turned around too.

But there'’s a guy
sitting in a truck

and he calls me over,
so I go.

He says to me, "Hey, buddy.
You wanna buy a mink cape?"

Well, I got a laugh, you know.

But then he tells me
the spot he'’s in.

You see, he and the other
fella, that'’s the driver,

they work for
this big department store

and they noticed
there'’d been a mistake.

They'’d been given
one extra fur piece by mistake.

So they talk it over.

He and the other guy,
his buddy, the driver.

They talk it over
and they decide to sell it

because the other guy,
the driver, his kid'’s sick.

And would you believe it,
Peggy,

they must have sat there
over an hour.

He told me this. Over an hour
and there were no takers.

He wouldn'’t be down there now,
would he?

I don'’t know.
But anyway, I say to myself,

"Wouldn'’t it be wild

if I latched on to something
like this for Peggy?"

But I say to the guy, I say,
"Look, Charlie,

all I'’ve got on me
is about 35 bucks."

Well, he laughs.

He says to me $200
would be highway robbery.

I says, "Okay."
So I start to leave.

He calls me back,
he says to me,

"Look, we gotta move.
Here, take it for nothing.

"Take it for $35.

Go ahead. What do we care?"

So I took it.

Come on. Here, let me see
what it looks like on you.

Stand up.

Well, what'’s the matter?
Don'’t you like mink?

Of course I do.

Well, then,
I don'’t understand.

Well, you think of a girl

and you wanna bring her
something nice

because you feel good

and you want her
to feel the same.

They can'’t even let you
do that

without making a crime
out of it.

Pete, that'’s the oldest racket
in New York.

How could you fall for it?

Peggy, don'’t you suppose
I know that?

What kind of an idiot
do I look like?

Here, let me show you
something. Look.

Inside, look at the label.

Sax Fifth Avenue.

The Saks is spelled
S-A-K-S, not S-A-X.

Well,
at least it'’s pure mink.

So a cat is pure cat.

That'’s pure groundhog
made to look like pure mink.

Yeah.

No.What do you mean no?

What do you want that for?I want it.

It'’s the first time
anybody ever gave me anything.

Oh, I hate this
louse bitten town like poison.

And every dirty body in it.

Aw, Peggy.
Look, it'’s not that bad.

What'’s 35 bucks?
I'’ll make that back

the first three hours
with the Red Peppers.

Yeah.If you do.

What do you mean if I do?
Peggy, I can'’t miss.

I can'’t miss.

Wait'’ll they hear me play.

You know what I think I'’m
gonna do? I'’m gonna warm up.

Dry your hair,
put on some clothes

and we'’ll go out to Mac'’s
and celebrate, okay?

Huh?Okay.

Do you really think
you can play with musicians

as good as you claim
they are?

Are you kidding?

I'’ll tell you what,
you tell me, okay?

Okay.

[ band playing dance music]

[ slow theme playing]

Get a plate of this
into you, my boy.

You'’ll have energy enough

to play a hundred
and twenty choruses

of "Stars and Stripes Forever."

That'’s nonstop.

What'’ll it do for me?

Change your dress size
from 10 to 12.

MAC:
Now, look whose talking.

Having a full rack
of instruments helps, you know?

PETE:
Yeah, they kept asking me
if I had a baritone,

a clarinet, a sax
a flute.

You know, I guess they do
a lot of tricky arrangements

and they need them
for the instrumentals.

You know what I think
I'’ll do?

I think I'’ll polish up
the instruments, you know?

Sometimes
the look of things helps.

You'’re telling me.

Pete.Hmm?

I hope you knock them over
tomorrow.

Oh, I love this town.

SODA:
Hey.

Good luck.

Why, thank you,
Mrs. Gallo.

Oh, won'’t you join us?

No. No, thank you.
I-- Not with that spaghetti.

What'’s wrong
with that spaghetti?

My mother raised
a family of five on it.

Look how they turned out.

It'’s too spicy.

Give them a bottle of wine,
huh?

Give them a bottle of wine?

Mrs. Soda, you best go
lie down someplace.

I don'’t give anything
away here. Just a minute.

Listen, you kids wanna buy
a bottle of wine?

PETE:
Oh, sure. Sure.

Mr. McGreevey, when I said
give them a bottle of wine,

naturally, I expected it
to be put on my bill.

[ band playing dance music]

Lousy.

Well, it just takes time.

It takes more
than time, man.

When you get the rest
of your band in it

and the rhythm section,
I'’m sure it'’ll be--

Yeah, I know, man.
What am I supposed to do?

Drag 12 guys down here

to watch you read
saxophone parts?

I'’m gonna tell you
why it'’s no good.

It'’s three instruments,
that'’s why.

It should be one.

It shouldn'’t even be one.

It should be like a voice.

You got a nice fudgy tone,
daddy.

Could be a little darker
to blend in.

Timing, phrasing, vibrato.
Everything, see?

When I'’m on this box,

I'’m playing eight, nine,
ten notes at a time.

[ piano playing]

But one.
Yeah.

One instrument.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Anything you say, Mother.

[ giggling ]Very funny, Carl.

Why don'’t you play something
for us yourself, daddy?

Like-- What do you feel
like playing?

Uh...

How about
"Lullaby in Birdland?"

That'’s a nice piece,
huh, fellas?

Beautiful.
Cool.

FRANKIE:
What key would you like
to play it in?

Uh, key of G.

Okay, fine.

[ playing piano]

[ saxophone playing]

FRANKIE:
I don'’t know, man.

I just don'’t know.

Maybe you can make it.
Maybe not.

How are you on that tenor?

About the same.
Clarinet?

I got it.

Well, if I knew
the arrangements.

FRANKIE:
What other instruments?

Well, I play a little flute.
Not much.

Say, man, there'’s no such thing
as not much flute, daddy.

Have you got one?

Oh, yeah.
I got three of them.

Did you bring them
with you?

Oh, yeah, I got them here.That'’s all right. Just asking.

What'’s that crazy looking thing
over there?

Oh, you mean the soprano.

I used to do a lot of novelty
stuff back home with it.

And who played
the washboard?

[ saxophone plays
discordantly ]

All right, can it. Can it.

Get out your other tip,
will you?

You wanna know,
it'’s hot up here.

Yeah, it is. Thanks.

Say, man,
you seen a Coke machine

outside or down?

No. No, I don'’t think
I saw one.

Well, never mind.

Would you like me
to find one?

No, everything is cool.
It'’s all right.

I could really go for a nice
cold bottle of beer.

Even a can.
Later.

Beer will make you hotter.

What do you wanna be, man?

Vice president
in charge of my kidneys?

I wonder if it'’s far,
that beer place.

Uh, it'’s right across
the street, Jack Dempsey'’s.

Okay, we'’ll match for who goes.
Odd man.

Four heads. Again.

And out goes Y-O-U.Right.

I wonder if they got draft.I don'’t know. I'’ll ask them.

As long as you'’re going,
try for draft.

Okay.

But none of them
paper cartons, huh?

You got it, partner.Make him lend a pitcher.

Tell Jack you saw him
freeze purple.

He'’ll give you the beer.Yeah, yeah.

Good thinking.

Can I get anybody sandwiches?No, nothing.

Yeah, well,
maybe a few pretzels,

if they got the hard kind.

And a pack of cigarettes
for me. See if they got--

Hey, what do you think he is,
meathead? Get your own.

Oh, that'’s okay, Frankie.

I don'’t like it.
The guys takes advantage

and it ain'’t right.Right. Okay.

Can I get you anything?

FRANKIE:
Don'’t break any track records.
We'’re fat with time.

[ saxophone playing]

All right, that'’s it.
Move, man.

I'’m going as quick as--No talking.

I told you a dozen times,
no talking while we'’re working.

Will you move?Up, baby, up.

All right, Carl,
give me the letter.

Letter? What letter?

What letter? The letter
to leave, that'’s all.

I ain'’t got no letter,
man.

Are you out of your mind?

Will you get off of my back?
I thought you had the letter.

The jumping one
that we got with--

Write it now.

You want this sucker
on our tail?

You wanna be looked for?

Here, write on the back
of this music.

Dear,
what'’s that creeps name?

Pete, something like that.No, it can'’t be.

Yeah, I think that'’s right.What do we care?

Dear Pete,
here is the dope.

You lose.

Do not get hot.

If you care
to retain your teeth.

Got it.

This is really
a good turn to you as--

As an alto man.Two as'’s?

As as an alto man.
Yeah, two as'’s.

What'’s wrong with that?Well, I'’m just trying

to find out, man.As as an alto man,

you are really hot.

And as a pigeon,
you are even hotter.

Beautiful.

Therefore,
any trouble you make us,

we will return you double.

This is no, um...

Bull.
Bull, perfect.

This is no bull.

Sincerely yours,
the Red Peppers.

PS. We are not
the real Red Peppers.

Good boy.

[ suspenseful theme
playing ]

So I went out and I bought
a pitcher of beer

and some pretzels.

It didn'’t take me long
to get it,

but I guess
it was time enough

because when I got back,
everything was gone.

[ sighs ]

Oh, I hate to say this,

but didn'’t I tell you
about this town

and the race for a buck
that turns people into rats?

Didn'’t I?

So why don'’t you go out
and buy a ticket

for Milwaukee and go home?

I can'’t go home now.

Why not?

Peggy, nobody'’s gonna
drive me out of town like this.

No, I'’m gonna stay.

And do what?

I don'’t know.
I'’m just gonna stay

and stay and play music.

Sure.

You could become
a wealthy virtuoso

in the column
on tissue paper.

Well, tomorrow, laddie,
we split up this happy home.

Neither one of us
can afford it.

And I'’ve got enough
troubles of my own

without taking on any more.

Oh, good morning,
Mrs. Gallo.

Oh, shrivel up.

[ door slams ]Are you ready, dear?

What do you think
I'’ve been doing out here?

Playing handball?

MAN:
Good morning, Mrs. Kerry.

What'’s good about it?

[ door slams ]

[ cat meows ]

[ cat screeches ]

Well, what do you want?
Ginger ale, orange?

What do you want?

A double rye
with a grape soda chaser.

At this time of the morning?Yeah, listen,

you run your life, buster,
I'’ll run mine. I'’m old enough.

You certainly are.

Hmph.

Rye with a grape chaser.

The great white hunter, huh?

Why don'’t you use a cannon?

You just pray
that it don'’t land on you.

Tell me something,

did they really steal
all that kid'’s instruments?

Yeah, I hear.

All of them?

Look, who am I,
the World Almanac?

Anyhow, who cares?Nobody.

Mac, you know what
that kid'’s gonna do?

What?
Go to the police.

Imagine, I says to him,
"It serves you right.

"The one thing not to do
is trust a stranger,

let alone three strangers."

I says to him,
"Now, you follow exactly

"what they tell you to do
in that letter,

which is naturally nothing."

So does he listen to me? What do
you think?

I don'’t know. Does he?Of course. No.

Who am I?
Just some nothing

who'’s three times as much
in years in good health

with a stuffed full,

large sized safety deposit box
in the bank

with four apartments.

What does that make me?

Some nothing who don'’t
even know what time it is.

Oh, no.
Don'’t listen to me.

What the hell do I know?

He can'’t wait to run
to the detectives and cops.

You know, that kid'’s got
as much chance

of getting
those instruments back

as I got
getting that doe back

that my first wife
ran off with.

But I'’ll tell you one thing he'’s
got a good chance of getting.

A couple of broken bones
in Bellevue,

like it says in the letter.

You know, you gotta know
how to handle hoodlums.

Yeah.

Like the time that guy
broke into my rear bedroom.

Remember?

I didn'’t scream.
I just looked at him.

And he screamed.

Peggy, will you start to eat
before it gets cold?

No. I'’m not hungry.

Will you stop smoking
and eat?

Pete.
Hmm?

Don'’t do it.

Peggy, what else
is there to do?

I'’m gonna go down
to the police station,

make out one of those
grand theft reports,

give them a description
of the guys

that clipped my instruments,

and in a couple of days,
I'’ll get them back

Look, last year,
it took them two weeks

to find
the police commissioner.

But they'’re not gonna find
those guys.

And if they do, they'’re not
gonna have your instruments.

Well, maybe if I move fast.

Yeah, well,
they'’ll move faster.

Look, Pete,
if you'’re gonna stay here,

stop daydreaming
and get a job.

Get a job doing what?

Get a job. Delivering milk
or working in a store,

driving a truck, anything.

Driving a truck?

Peggy, I'’m a musician,
first, last and always.

Well, without a saxophone,

you'’re like a bird
without wings.

And you'’re never
gonna get off the ground.

[ phone ringing ]

If that'’s that Nellie again.Now, Pete--

Hello.

What?

Look, you creep,
the vultures have been here.

There'’s nothing left.

How do you like that?
I must be on top of the list.

He says he heard I'’m great.

He'’s looking
for a tenor sax man.

[ phone rings ]

I'’ll get it.
I'’ll get it.

Hello.

Really?

Well, wait a minute.

It'’s the same guy
that just called.

He says
he was one of the bunch

that you played with
the other night.

Across the yard.
Take a look.

You wanna talk to him?Hey.

Yeah.

Hello.

Uh, listen,
I'’m sorry I called you a creep.

What?

Hey, that sounds great.

Well...

Well, yeah...

No, I'’ll tell you, I'’m... I'’m in
a little trouble.

I had a little trouble
about my horns. Uh-huh.

I'’m sorry.
No, I couldn'’t possibly.

Thanks any--

All right, all right.
Wait a minute.

You got a pencil and paper?

I'’ll... wait a minute.

I'’ll write it down
and call you back.

Okay, what is it?

Endicott 24598.

Okay.

Thanks a lot, right.

What did he want?

Peggy, I got a job.

There'’s a guy looking
for a good alto man,

but he'’s gotta be able
to go on a 30-day cruise.

South America,
all expenses paid,

union scale, tuxedo.

And me with no horns.

Oh, I gotta give it
another try.

I'’ll tell you, I'’m going
down to the police station.

Maybe there'’s a chance.
I'’ll see you later.

[ slow theme playing]

[ upbeat theme playing]

[ knocking on door ]

NELLIE:
Come in.

Could I see you
for a minute?

About what?

I wanna ask you something.

Ask.

What I wanna ask you about
is an advance.

I hate to ask.

You hate to ask,

I hate to listen,
so we'’re even.

How much?

Well it'’s--
It'’s, uh, much more than I--

Don'’t promote me,
just tell me how much.

A couple of hundred.

It sounded to me like
you said a couple of hundred.

It'’s an emergency.Like what?

Like this friend of mine
got into trouble.

That'’s a lot of trouble,
$200 worth.

When you'’re into me

for better than four bills
already.

Yeah, I know.

I'’m not running the hundred
neediest cases here.

I'’m in business.

Like you'’re in business,
only there'’s a difference.

I'’m in the right business

and you'’re
in the wrong business.

At the moment.So who'’s fault?

I could put you in
the right business permanent.

I keep trying to put you,
but you don'’t want to.

Where'’s the percentage
of bouncing around out there

with a lot of grease balls?I don'’t enjoy it.

So why don'’t you
get yourself hip?

Is there anything wrong

with a little genuine
ballroom dancing,

splitting a bottle
of French wine

with a lonely businessman? Is
that a crime?

Having some fun,
making somebody happy?

You know what I think
your trouble is?

Nervous.

You know how I can tell?

Because what I call nervous

is a person that makes
other people nervous.

And you make me.

Mentally you'’re here,
you'’re there, you'’re not here.

You'’ve got a Mexican
jumping bean type mind.

Yeah, I know.

Every time I call you on
the phone with a good idea,

I get doubletalk
for my dime.

So I'’m patient.

I figure in time,
you'’ll come to your sense.

It isn'’t exactly like
taking up golf, you know?

No jokes.

Just tell me, which way
is your mind jumping now?

Now?

Now, this minute.

Your way.

But first,
I'’ve gotta have an advance.

What do you mean got to?

You telling me got to?

Please I'’d like it.
I'’d like it.

I need it.

That'’s different.

Two hundred?

Yeah.

Be my guest.

Maybe sure you don'’t
$201 me.

In?

In.

You'’ll get a call.

Hey!

Where'’s the
"thank you, sir"?

Thanks.

[ suspenseful theme
playing]

Peggy?

Peggy?

Hi.

What'’s all this?

Surprise.

You mean shock.

Um...

Peggy,
what'’s this all about?

I called that fella
about the cruise job.

Yeah?
You took it.

Did you buy these?

Mm-hm.
How?

The old-fashioned way.
Money.

Where'’d you get the money?

I sold some war bonds.

Peggy, where did you get
the money?

Oh, you'’re like a mother-in-law
with all those questions.

I got it. That'’s all.

Peggy.

Where did you get the money?

[ Peggy sighs ]

PEGGY:
From Mac, that'’s where.

All right,
I'’ll go and ask him.

Wait. So I didn'’t.

What'’s the difference?

It'’s a big difference.

If you got it where I--
Where I think you got it.

From Nellie, all right?Peggy.

Look, don'’t go
a little theater on me.

It was just a loan,

plain and simple
like the others.

Don'’t make me out
something I'’m not.

Uh...

I never would.

But after what you'’ve told me
about this guy--

So he'’s
in the loan business too.

Take the instruments
and be grateful.

Well, I am grateful, Peggy.
But I can never blow a note

on these instruments
if I felt you--

Well, that if I felt yo--

You had to make
any kind of promises.

The only promise I made
was to pay it back.

So when you get some money,
don'’t forget me. Okay?

Wait a minute,
wait a minute.

How come your credit'’s
so good all of a sudden?

How come you'’re interested
in me so much all of a sudden?

Well, if you wouldn'’t borrow
the money for yourself,

how come you'’re gonna
borrow it for me?

Now, look,
I don'’t give a nothing for you

or anybody or anything.

So, what do you care?

It was just a nice thing
you did for me.

Took me in rent free,
bought me a gift.

Let'’s say we'’re even.

A gift? A cheap fur?

Well, look. I'’m calling
the debt off right now.

Yeah?
Yeah.

Go ahead.I'’m calling it off.

Go ahead, call it off.

And then for the rest
of your life,

you get the big
consolation prize.

If I had stuck I'’d have
made it, but they robbed me.

You know, who cares
when you tell them

you could have been this
or that,

but I'’m nothing
because they didn'’t like me?

Wait a minute,
I'’m not quitting.

I just can not--

You all-American boy.

I'’ve had a hundred
better reasons than this

to cross over the bridge.

And if you think I'’d do it
for a lousy tin saxophone

and a piece of wood
with some holes in it,

you'’re strictly
out of your mind.

And don'’t flatter yourself
either.

I wouldn'’t do it
for Beethoven.

[ slow theme playing]

All right, Peggy,
I'’ll take the job.

Three cheers
for the red, white, and blue.

[ band playing
slow dance music]

[ crowd clapping ]

[ crowd indistinctly
speaking ]

[ piano playing]

Come on now, pops.
It'’s mixing time in Dixie.

Yeah, let me just finish
this letter.

We'’ve got to mix
with the lonesome customers.

I'’m hip.
I will in just one minute.

Don'’t get me in deep
with Captain Blaine.

I don'’t want to.
Wait, let me just finish.

It won'’t go out
till morning anyway.

I know, but I just--
It'’s just a couple of lines.

You know what?What?

From now on
married men only.

Why?They never write letters.

And they'’re better mixers.

[ crowd indistinctly
speaking ]

[ indistinct chattering ]

Come on. Come on, join us.

Mix, mix, mix.

WOMAN:
Come on, Pete. Come on.

You party pooper. Come On.

Come on.

"Well, there'’s no sense
in my going through

"all the apologizing
about my behavior

"before leaving.

"So all this part of it
will have to wait

"until I get back
on the 23rd.

"And I only hope,
you will be there to listen

"because I sure
shall be anxious

to tell you
quite a few things."

"Well, Bird is getting
pretty nervous about me

"not doing my mixing
with the guests,

"so will close.

"With best regards

"or as they say
around the crew here,

"buenas noches.

Your true friend,
Pete Hammond Jr."

[ romantic theme playing]

A penny for your thoughts.

Right now my thoughts
are worth around $600.

And as they say
in legal contracts,

that'’s either pay or play.

Me, I wish I could lend you.

That makes two of us.

I'’ll just have to stall,
that'’s all.

Till when?

Until Pete gets back.

Can you imagine me

getting myself into a box
like this

over a square like that?

Oh, now,
why don'’t you admit it?

You'’re stuck on the guy.

Oh, don'’t be corny.

I don'’t care
if he'’s living or what.

If he comes back or not.But you'’re hoping.

You know, for the first time
I'’ve known you,

I noticed
that you'’ve been hoping.

Yeah, I'’m hoping
you'’ll change the subject.

All right, so you don'’t care
about the guy

one way or the other,
like you say.

Why did you go on hot
for him for?

Because it was the only way
to get him a job

and get him out of town. I was
afraid

he'’d get run over by a bus
or something. He'’s so dumb.

How come you got
all the nerve to talk back

to that Nellie at last,
huh?

It'’s just to keep
in practice.

A good fighter
is a busy fighter.

No. Because now it matters
what you do.

Aw, don'’t shrug, honey.

Perfectly normal.

Half the world is looking
for the other half.

Did you ever notice it?
Just consider it.

Buyers to the sellers
trying to meet up.

And vice versa.

Crooks looking for suckers.

Boys for girls and so forth.

Tops for bottoms
and bottoms for tops.

Very interesting. No end.

Jobs looking for people,
people looking for jobs.

Or for trouble.

Oh, no.

It'’s nothing
to be ashamed of.

Who said I was?

You wanna hear a saying?

Everybody needs
somebody else

who can make them feel
ashamed of themselves.

My grandmother
used to say that.

Only in Gaelic.

You know what my grandmother
used to say?

What?

Your grandmother'’s
got a big mouth.

Only in French.

[ Mac chuckles then laughs ]

Ginger beer.

So, what'’s her problem?

A saxophone player.

Everybody around here
gets poster cards

from the boy but Peggy.

She gets a letter from him
every day.

Some days twice.

So that'’s the big surprise?
I know.

Very nice letters
they are too.

How would you know?

I got my sources.

Oh, yes.
And come to think of it,

there'’s been more steam
coming out of that kitchen

that you'’ve got up there than
comes out of a Turkish bath.

Exactly what is in them
I could not tell you.

Personally,
I am not interested.

Live and let live,
that'’s my motto.

I just don'’t like
to be taken advantage.

So when he comes back,

if they still wanna
live there together,

there'’ll be an extra charge
of, say, a dollar a day.

And if he asks me why,
I'’ll tell him.

Oh, now, Soda,
what do you wanna do that for?

They'’re both nice kids,
even Peggy.

Well...

Yeah.

You'’re right.

I'’ll only charge
25 cents extra.

Yeah.You know something, Soda?

I haven'’t been
out of this bar in months.

What do you say one night you
and I go out on the town, hmm?

You mean that?Not only one night.

Maybe two or three.

Oh, yeah?

Just what are you after?

At my age,
only your money.

Hmm.

[ band playing dance music]

That'’s all on this pony,
son.

Don'’t move from there,
you hear?

I'’m glued.

Look, Nellie--Don'’t "Nellie" me.

Nelson Miller to you.

Mr. Miller, let'’s make it.

Mr. Miller.I don'’t go for this familiar.

That'’s my trouble.
Familiar.

The customers, the ponies.
It doesn'’t profit.

Take you.
Me?

You said in,

and you'’re still out.

Out of line, goldilocks.
Way out.

Mr. Miller, I--Take your hands off, cutie.

Imported silk.

Hates the human touch,
my tailor tells me. Like mink.

Same way.

They'’re only glass.

So is the United Nations
building.

But it stands for something.

Now, give me your fingers.

Give me your fingers.

[ scoffs ]

It means nothing to you.

It means a lot to me.
Sentimental.

I'’m all choked up.

Nellie, it'’s only money.

I'’ll pay you back,
I told you.

I said don'’t "Nellie" me.

We made a verbal contract.

So, what happens?
I call you and you don'’t show.

I'’m sorry.

All I asked you to do
is to have a few drinks

and a steak dinner
in a high-type restaurant.

With a gentleman of manners.
Is that so hard to take?

I can open this window
and shout

and a hundred girls
would jump at the chance.

So why don'’t you open it
and shout?

Because none of them owe me
$600 in cash.

Now, why didn'’t you show?

Something wouldn'’t let me.

What something?

I don'’t know.

I'’ll tell you what.

Stupidity.

Now, give me your shoes.

What for?

You heard me,
take them off.

Now, your dress.

No. I won'’t.

Do you want me
to tear it off?

Everything you got here

adds up
to no more than 25 bucks.

The money
will be taken care of.

Two days at the most.
Maybe a day.

It'’s three months till
the Irish sweepstakes, honey.

When the fella gets back
I gave it to.

Two days.

In two days, we could all be
dead and buried.

That'’s right.
So, what'’s the difference?

It ain'’t neat.

And what'’s with giving my money
to fellas?

He was in trouble.

So are you in trouble.

Now, take off your nylons.

My stockings? What for?

Take them off and find out.

Now,
do you get the point?

Without me,
what have you got?

Nothing.

You have dinner?

Yeah.

Well,
you'’re gonna have another.

Nice guy from Dallas.
Old business friend.

Strictly first class.

His hotel.

Be there in 30 minutes.

No later.

[ scatting ]

Hey.
Pete.

What--?Where did you come from?

Where are you going?

You got any money?Yeah.

How much?About $300.

That'’s not enough.

It'’s not enough for what?Nellie.

Pete, I'’m into trouble
right up to here.

I owe him
twice that amount of money.

I ran out on him and he'’s
gonna come running after me.

There must be something
we can do.

There'’s nothing we can do
but get out of here

while I can still walk.

Look, why don'’t we go
and talk to him?

Pete, will let me finish?

Let'’s go and talk to him.Don'’t waste your breath.

He'’s not the type that listens.Now, if you don'’t--

PETE:
Wait a minute.

Twice.
You'’ve done it twice.

Nobody does anything that bad
twice to Nelson Miller.

So, what do I do? I put
a stop to it, here and now.

I let you walk around
this town as an example

of how not to take Nellie.

I make you look so you
couldn'’t even pick up dreck.

Wait a minute.

I got poor refraction,
but with these,

I'’m good for any kind
of close work.

Wait a minute.Shut up.

I'’ve got the money.

Who are you?Pete Hammond Jr.

Did I ask your name?

What, do you take me
for, a plainclothesman?

I said who are you?He'’s the fella.

Oh. The fella.

How much money?

[ coughing ]

Three hundred dollars.

I don'’t even count it.
See how I trust you?

That'’s only half.

All it does
is keep the girlfriend here

from getting a face autograph
with a knife.

Look--

Uh, I'’ll have the rest
in a couple of weeks.

Always two weeks
with you characters.

Two days, two hours. Well,
it won'’t be in two minutes.

Tomorrow morning.I gave you two tomorrows.

How many
do you think there are?

Uh, wait a minute.
Wait a minute.

Wait a second,
I got, uh...

I got a watch here.
It'’s worth 75 bucks.

How about you, Kewpie?

No jewelry?

In the hockshop.

1108 6th Avenue.
Go ask.

I know where to go.

Wait a second.

Real gold.

That'’s nothing. Plated.

Maybe a little bit
of nothing helps.

Uh, wait a second.

I got a--
I got a mink cape.

Heh. Behave yourself.

I used to sell these.

All right, wait.
I got something in the hall.

Wait a second.

Here. My instruments.

I got a baritone sax,
alto sax and a clarinet.

Take them.

He needs those to work with.No. They don'’t belong to me.

You'’re right, they belong to me.Okay, they'’re yours.

They'’re worth about $200.
That makes us even, right?

Thanks. Let'’s go.

No.

[ Pete groans ]

You got anything more
to say?

Well, let'’s keep it
that way.

Are you all right?Yeah.

[ phone ringing ]Yeah, I'’m fine.

Are you sure?Uh-huh. Yeah.

[ phone ringing ]

Why would you do a thing
like that?

I don'’t know.

Oh.

To think
of what would'’ve happened

if you hadn'’t
have been here.

[ phone ringing ]

Hello?

Yeah.

He can'’t come to the phone
right now.

Can you give me a message?

Yeah.

Wait a second.

It'’s the police.

They found your instruments.

Well, didn'’t I tell you
they would?

[ slow theme playing]

You Henry?Hammond.

What?Pete Hammond, Jr.

Pete Henry.No. Pete Hammond, Jr.

Pete Henry.

You'’re the one who has
the musical instruments robbed.

That'’s right.
Yeah.

Pete Henry.

Yeah, well, you'’ve got
some signing to do.

Sign them Pete Henry. Here.All right. Right.

Yeah, they'’re around here
someplace.

You know I can'’t wait
to get my instruments.

I hope they weren'’t damaged
in any way.

Well, I'’ll check...

There they are.
Right over here.

There. There'’s one.

And here'’s the other one.

Oh, excuse me, sergeant.
No, I'’m terribly sorry.

There'’s been a mistake
somewhere.

These are not
my instruments.

Well, what did you
sign them for then?

Well, you just asked me
to sign them.

I signed because you asked me.Oh, wait a second.

You had some
music instruments robbed.

That'’s right, I did,
but you see--

Ah, wait a second.

The date?August 4th.

That'’s right.Yes, I know it'’s August 4th--

Now, wait a second.

Your name is Pete Henry.

No. I think that'’s where
the mistake lies, sarge.

You see,
my name is not Pete Henry.

It'’s Pete Hammond, Jr.

What?Pete Hammond Jr.

That'’s your name for sure?That'’s-- Yes.

Well, then why did you mess
everything up

by singing Pete Henry
all over the place?

Sergeant,
you asked me to sign--

You strike me
as being a little backward--

Now, wait a minute, sergeant.
I was--

Now, wait-- Listen.
Let'’s not have any arguments.

Okay.Just use your head.

All right, sergeant.

I mean, let'’s leave everything
the way it is.

I don'’t play the fiddles.

No.
You wanna foul things up

already more
than they have been.

You don'’t understand--

I don'’t want arguments.You'’re not getting--

You'’ve got the things,
I got the receipt.

It'’s official.
That'’s all I know.

Wait.You don'’t like it,

go on downtown
and straighten it out.

No. No, I don'’t wanna go
downtown.

Everything'’s cool.
Thank you very much.

Bye.

Wait a minute.

Where are you from, boy?

Out of town someplace?

No. I'’m a New Yorker.

Well, you sure don'’t act
like it.

Here'’s your pencil.

[ scoffs ]

Hi.

How did you get stuck
with those?

I don'’t know. It'’s a rather
complicated story.

I do know that there'’s a guy
running around town

by the name of Pete Henry

who'’s got two saxophones
and a clarinet.

You know what I'’ll do? I'’ll
go down at the union tomorrow,

see if I can get it straightened
out. Maybe they can find them.

Well, that'’s your problem.

I just waited for you to get
back so I could say goodbye.

Peggy,
will you wait a minute?

Why is it
every time I see you,

you'’re packing
or going somewhere?

Didn'’t you get
any of my letters?

Sure, why?

Well, I don'’t know.
I mean, the way you sound,

uh, you sound as if
you didn'’t get them.

And I'’m gonna have to start
from scratch.

Well,
how am I supposed to sound?

Wait a minute, here.
Just a minute. Sit down.

Will you sit down
for a minute?

Now,
did you read my letters?

Sure.

You have a very nice hand.

Well, what do you think?

About what?

About the letters.

Well, it sounded like you had
a very interesting trip.

I'’m not talking
about the trip part.

What part?

Uh, well, I thought
about you a lot, Peggy.

Well,
what did you wanna do that for?

Peggy, uh, I consider you
my friend.

Thanks.Well, no, I don'’t mean that.

Peggy, I think I love you.

When will you know?

Oh, well, I do know.

Listen, I mean the works.
I mean, you and I together.

You know?No.

I'’d only be a jinx to you

just the way
I'’ve always been to myself.

No, Peggy.

Since we'’ve been thrown
together,

why don'’t we just
stay that way, huh?

I wanna do my very best for you
because I believe in you.

Why?I don'’t know.

Maybe it'’s because you help me
believe in myself.

Besides, all I know

is I just feel nice
being around you.

Look, I know I love you.

I don'’t think anymore.
I know.

Please don'’t be nice to me.
Please.

Why not? Why not?

Because I'’d just take advantage.Oh, well, go ahead.

Peggy, go on.
Go on, take advantage.

I wouldn'’t wanna get talked
into anything.

Anything bad
ever happened to me

was because
I got talked in.

Okay. Okay.

Only, I have to tell,

I never thought I could.

If there'’s anything left
in me...

[ romantic theme playing]

Let'’s say we'’ll see.
We'’ll see.

I'’ll settle for that.

Peggy, I'’m-- I'’m trembling.

Maybe if we tremble together,
you won'’t notice it.

And listen,
no more cruises.

Not for a while anyhow
until I paste myself together.

I wouldn'’t anyway.

Hmm?

Why not? No good?

Oh, no, it'’s fine,
you know.

Playing and the trip'’s fun,

but it'’s that mixing
I don'’t know about.

Mixing?Mm-hm.

The staff
is supposed to balance out

the shortage of the men
on board the ship.

That includes the band.

Did you?

Uh, mix?

Mm-hm.

Yeah, mm-hm, sure.

Much?

Well, it all depends
on what you call much.

Well, did you mix with many?

No. No, not many.

But some?

Yeah, that'’s about
the size of it. Some.

Hmm. How many?

Three.

Three different?What?

Did you mix
with three different

or did you mix
with the same one three times?

Uh, no. Three different.

Well, that settles it.

That'’s the last time
you go on that kind of a job.

Yeah?
How are you gonna stop me?

Are you kidding?

[ upbeat theme playing]