Original subtitles

NARRATOR: You ever been on a twister?

You know, one of them big, whirling winds we have now

and again in the middle West?

It's so still before it strikes, like the world

stopped moving altogether.

And the leaves on the trees hang like they're dead.

And you just know God has picked your town out for something

terrible to happen.

That's how it was on the mining town of Linden, Illinois,

at five minutes to 6:00, on July 2, 1939.

[wind howling]

[indistinct shouting]

The whole thing lasted only a few minutes.

Swept through like a reaper and whirled out again.

17 lives wiped out like flicking an eyelash.

Funny thing about a tornado, it can hit one house

and completely miss the one next door.

Take Old Man Linden's big mansion, never budged

a shingle, but right down the street,

all that's left of even a bigger place P-R.

That's Pete Ramsey's house, brand new it was.

Pete's wife was celebrating a housewarming.

Now, look at it.

Act of God, you might say.

Maybe.

But if you new Pete, you'd know there was a reason.

Once, people'd have blabbed if you mentioned

the new [inaudible] house.

Him and his family were just miners.

All Pete cared about was a good day's digging, a sharp pencil

to draw them pictures he was so good at,

and singing on Monday nights with the Linden

Employers Quartet.

That was just a little over a year ago.

[music - "camptown races"]

Hey, hey, hey.

more better.

More better.

Pete, need more tone less voice.

You , Charlie Muscles, relax.

Oh, he can't relax, Chacowski, his throat is muscle-bound.

I'd like to see you do this.

Put me down.

Put me down.

How was, boss, good, no?

Fine.

If you boys don't do any worse next week

on the Linden Empire's first broadcast,

I'll be mighty proud.

Don't you worry, Mr. Linden, it'll be terrific.

You bet, boss.

Goodnight, boys.

Goodnight.

--That's a swell guy, that Mr. Linden.

How about some drinks, fellas?

I ain't running this place as a rehearsal hall, you know?

Only it's on me.

Hi, beautiful.

Hi, yourself.

Newcomer here, ain't you?

Uh-huh.

I thought I hadn't seen you around before.

Who owns this creek?

Bobo, but you can see him anytime.

How about coming in, get acquired?

All right, that's OK with me.

Good.

Hey, fellas, I want you-- what is your-- oh.

She's fainted. get her--

[interposing voices]

Feeling better?

Hm, much.

Good.

Say, that's not bad at all.

Not bad?

I think it's darn good.

It's just what you'd expect from a guy's brother.

Say, what did you want to see Bobo about?

A job.

I've been tramping this town till I'm dead.

No kidding.

What do you do?

I'm a singer.

Things have been pretty tough lately.

I'll take anything temporarily.

Hey, Pete's a singer too.

Show her, Pete.

Ah, shut up, Albany.

You'd really like to get a job singing, huh?

I sure would.

Hey, Bobo, come here.

[MUSIC - NANCY KELLY, "THERE GOES MY DREAM"]

What's her name?

Victory Kane.

Does she get the job?

She starts tonight.

Well, you've got yourself a job, beautiful.

Oh, I had a hunch you were going to be good luck for me.

I have a feeling it's going to be better.

I have the same feeling, beautiful.

[factory horn]

Uh-oh, the night shift.

Wish I could stay around and listen to you sing some more,

but I'm on tonight.

Well, there'll be other nights, won't there?

Yeah.

You said something.

[interposing voices]

Hey, Big Joe, here's Sally.

How you like that, Bob, she always follows

me around like a mother hen.

Hello, Bob.

I suppose you don't know you forgot something at home, Papa?

No, I don't forgot something.

See?

I got my pills.

Well, what about this?

You're the most careless father I ever had.

How long has it been since you've taken your pills?

Only half hour.

All right, take care of yourself.

Look at that, Bob, she's always fixing my clothes

and wiping my nose.

That's your own fault, Joe.

Yeah.

-Hey. -Hello, Pete.

Hiya, Buttons.

How's the stenography lessons?

Fine.

Look me up when you graduate, maybe I'll have

a letter to dictate to someone.

Who do you know that can read?

Aw, cut it out, will ya?

Come on, Joe.

See you later.

There ain't a happier guy in the world

than my brother, Pete.

Well, where do we?

Over to the pavilion to dance or just want to take a ride?

Neither.

You're taking me down in the mine.

Nothing doing.

Oh, come on, Bob.

I've lived here all my life and I've never

seen the inside of a mine.

What's there to see?

Anyway, Big Joe would beat me silly.

He won't know.

They're breaking in a lot of new men tonight.

Now, look, Sally, ask me to rob a bank

or punch a cop in the nose, but take you down in the mine,

well, not me.

Come on.

Split it up right to left, men.

[singing]

The roof's solid.

Yeah.

Plenty of white damp.

They have to test for gas every time they come in.

If you don't, you're fired.

Yes, I know.

Pop told me.

You can't see the gas, but it's all right as long

as it stays near the ceiling.

You get a lung full, it can finish you.

Come on, let's try another entry.

All right.

Hey you, new guy, watch that dynamite.

There's plenty of white damp in here.

OK. OK.

I'm no amateur.

I worked part of these mines over in Scranton.

Just make sure you get it packed in right, that's all.

Stand by, we're chipping rock.

[siren]

Entry 5, [inaudible] wagon.

[inaudible]

One up the entry.

We gotta get those guys outta there.

Sally?

What in the name of-- You all right?

Beat it, before Big Joe gets here.

Go on, get going.

I'll take care of her.

I couldn't get to Chris and that other guy.

I just couldn't get to them.

Well, there's nothing more we can do.

Charlie.

It's Charlie Muscles.

Hey, Albany, get those planks up before it

spreads to the whole mine.

Hurry up.

Sally.

I'm all right, Pete.

Put me down.

Sally, what are you doing here?

You not hurt?

No, Pop.

I'm fine.

Only, why don't they turn on the lights

or lanterns or something?

Sally, baby, what they do to you?

Joe, how is she?

They're going to take her by sanitarium for blind people.

Well, don't they-- I mean, isn't there any hope?

Who takes Sally in mine?

Who take her?

Didn't you ask her to come down, Joe?

No.

And she don't go by herself.

She hired somebody.

Some day I find man who do it.

I kill him, Pete.

I make you promise, I kill him.

Oh, sure, Joe, I know how you feel.

That's what Linden said right after you left, Albany.

Calls me in the office--

Old Man Linden?

No, no, Gary.

He told me I saved the mine because I had those guys

plaster up that fire entry.

So what does he do?

he makes me fire boss.

Hey, that's good.

Just an added headache.

That's-- Uh-huh.

Dames, they're dynamite.

Hiya, Victory.

Back so soon?

What kind of job have you got in that mine?

Well, there was an accident in the mine.

A couple of men were killed so we knocked off early.

Well, what happened?

Oh, let's not talk about that now.

Baby, I don't know what you got, but in that dress you got it.

Do you like it?

Yeah.

They're my working clothes.

Let's sit down.

How you do?

Well, I don't get it.

If two of your pals were killed why all the hoopla?

Well, you see, when things like that happen,

the bosses get the men away from the mine

so no superstition will form.

You know, jinxes and other things.

20 years ago, [inaudible] was buried

under thousands of tons of coal, nobody will work that entry.

They prayed maybe that Big Nick's ghost is walking there.

Suppose you think we're a lot of screwballs?

No, I believe in things like that.

Hoaxes and jinxes.

As a matter of fact, I was born with a gift for fortunetelling.

now, give me your hand.

As long as you can't read my mind, I'm safe.

I read your mind the minute I walked in here tonight.

i knew you were good for a meal.

You mean, that fainting gag was just a thing--

Well, what do you think?

Oh, [inaudible].

Hey, she sure is a [inaudible], don't she?

You really can tell my fortune?

Uh-huh.

A long life line.

No illnesses.

Well, you're gonna be a very big man in the business you're in.

Maybe, owner of a mine, huh?

That's right.

You can't see anything there, sister.

You just heard I was promoted tonight.

Well, no, I didn't know that.

Me, a coal baron.

I'd rather be a cartoonist.

You know, draw for the newspapers.

Well, just the same, you're gonna be

a big man in the coal business.

All right, you go ahead and laugh, but remember,

I told you.

All right, I'll remember.

[music playing]

Let's dance.

I wonder maybe I got line for foreman?

[phone ringing]

Bobo's Club.

Bobo talking.

Hey, Pete!

Hey, Pete.

What?

It's a call for you from the castle.

What's the castle?

That's the big Linden mansion up on the hill.

What the devil do they want?

Hello?

Ramsey?

This is Gary Linden.

I'm having a party up here.

I've just been telling some of my friends

how you made yourself a hero with that fire tonight.

They're very anxious to meet you.

You wouldn't want me to come to your party,

and besides, I'm busy right now.

No, go ahead.

Just a minute, sir. What?

It'll do you good to meet some people.

Yeah?

OK, Mr. Linden, I'll be right over.

Yeah.

Thanks.

Miss Victory Kane and Mr. Peter Ramsey.

He brought a friend.

So glad you could come, Ramsey.

Hello.

My sister, Diana.

How do you do?

How do?

This is my friend, Miss Kane.

How do you do?

How do you do?

Come in and meet my friends.

Yeah, sure.

Tell me, Mr. Ramsey, do you use any special tools

to break out the coal or do you just wang away with your fists?

She's a card, ain't she?

No, we use dynamite.

Just put it down over here, Pete.

Now, you girls stop monopolizing him.

Joanie wants to feel a big he-man's muscles.

Cut it out, will ya, lady?

And so the little birdie flew backwards.

He didn't want to know where he was going,

he wanted to see where he'd been.

You know it.

She'd be better if she went into her [inaudible].

Gary's always been a pushover for that type.

Oh, Mr. Linden, I'm going to like your town.

If all the men in it are as nice as you are.

Get your coat.

Pete, what's the trouble?

-Come on, get your coat. -But I--

Hold on, Ramsey.

What's eating you?

Why, the party hasn't started yet.

Our end of it's finished.

You people have been asking me what we miners do

and how we live and all like that.

I thought at first, maybe you was interested,

but that wasn't it at all.

You were giving a party and you needed a couple of freaks

to liven things up.

And all the time, you've been laughing at us.

Oh, but, Pete--

Well, go ahead and laugh.

A lot of us guys didn't sweat a couple of quarts a day,

those mines wouldn't keep running.

You sit around thinking of ways to poke fun at people like me.

Sad to know a girl was reading a book, a book just like this.

She'll never get to finish it, or any other book like it.

She can't see no more.

That's on account of the mine.

And Charlie Muscles, the strongest guy in the state,

he'll probably be a cripple the rest of his life.

That's on account of the mine too.

Now, you can sit around and laugh.

Hey, that fella really has something.

Well, what did they say?

Never mind them.

Now, Ramsey, you must understand--

You must have misunderstood something.

He really didn't mean it.

We had a wonderful time.

Pete.

Just a minute.

I heard what you said to my son and daughter.

Maybe you're sore at me, Mr. Linden,

for sounding off the way I did.

But just because they got a lot of dough

and live in a big house, they're not going to roust me around.

Listen, one of these days, I'm gonna live

in a bigger house than this.

I'll show them how to treat people.

I'm not sore, Pete, I just wanted to thank you.

Yeah, for what?

For tearing into them.

They deserved it.

Well, what do we do now?

Back to Bobo's?

No, I don't feel like that.

Let's go for a walk, huh?

Oh, sure.

Nice view from up here.

While we're at it maybe we can pick out a lot for that castle

you had spoken about.

Fat chance.

How does this strike you?

Perfect.

You can put the house right over there.

How do you like that view?

You know, you can see 18 miles if the smoke don't hang low.

Oh, that town's not so special.

All those little people crowding into ugly little houses.

Yeah, but they're pretty nice people.

Yeah, but the people who live up here,

they're real ladies and gentlemen.

You were sore when you were talking to Old Man Linden.

You didn't mean it about the house.

But you're going to build it, Pete.

I know you will.

You know, Victory, the way you say it

you make me believe it too.

This has been about the craziest night I can remember.

What I'm gonna say will sound crazier than anything yet.

Let's get married, Victory, tonight.

That's not so crazy, Pete.

You mean, you will?

Will you let me go on working?

Oh, no, not my wife.

Pete, listen to me.

I've kicked around ever since I was a little kid,

moth eaten theaters and honky tonks and joints

you couldn't imagine.

But even so, it's show business, and I love it.

But I'm not doing any trading for a slatty little shack

over in Miner's Town.

I'm gonna have all those things I've always wanted.

A big house, and furs, and beautiful clothes, servants,

and important people to be my friends.

I want you to be important, Pete.

That's why you're gonna go on letting me work,

to get us started.

Make money.

You gotta have money, Pete.

Yeah, I guess you're right.

But we'll keep it a secret for awhile.

Why?

Well, how would it look for an up and coming super have

his wife working at Bobo's?

Well, that's better now.

That's the way I like to hear you talk.

You're beautiful.

Hello, there.

How's our new super today?

Oh, fine.

You know, I feel kind of heelish about what happened

at the house that night.

Friends?

You bet.

With no exceptions.

The big Cossack.

What's the matter with your brother?

I don't know.

Come on, Joe, give us a beat.

No, your brother don't want us to sing when we work.

Since they make him super, he big prune face.

He's just trying to get somewhere.

He's got ambitions, that's all.

He got to climb up, but he don't got to climb up on us,

eh.

Here he come now with Miss Linden.

Big shot.

Hey, what's the matter with you guys?

Only two loads today so far.

I tell you Miss Linden, you're lucky,

you got for super biggest slave driver in business.

Shut up, Joe.

You're drunk.

You sure have your troubles, don't you?

Yes.

I can handle it.

Albany, escort Miss Linden up.

Escort?

How am I going to make my quota?

Shut up and take her up.

Thanks for the tour.

I'll see you tonight then.

Right.

Goodbye.

Now, listen to me, Joe, if you can't--

Now, wait a minute, Pete.

Go easy on him.

He hasn't been right since the explosion.

He always keeps muttering about getting the guy

that brought Sally down.

I think if he knew about it, he'd get over it.

Ah, don't be a chump.

He'd splatter your brains out with his

pick as soon anybody else's.

Hey, Joe.

Joe, why don't you behave yourself?

All I want is for my crew to fill its quota.

You make quota so big, how we gonna do it?

How Charlie gonna keep up, huh?

He's all cripple up.

But he break himself to pieces before he let you low.

Well, I've gotta make my quota.

Quota.

Hello, Charlie.

Pete.

How's the arm and the leg?

Good.

Say, Charlie, I'm gonna put you upstairs for a while.

Upstairs?

Yeah.

So you can take it easy.

How about night watchman?

Me, night watchman?

Yeah, it'll be better all around.

Yeah, I guess I am kinda hold up the men.

Well, sure, that'll be fine.

Night watchman.

Now, you're talking sense.

Hey, where do you think you're going?

Up in the big office.

Get transferred to other super.

Big Joe don't work for slave driver.

It'll be OK, Pete.

He made me a night watchman.

Me, Charlie Muscles.

[inaudible]

Old Charlie's no good no more.

Hey, Boots, go on.

Sit under the table.

Go on, Boots.

He don't want for to leave you, Charlie.

Forget it, huh?

Come on, have beer.

Have another beer, Charlie.

I don't want another.

Hello, Barnaby.

Hello, Victory.

New suit, isn't it?

Yeah, how you like it?

Great.

How are the hands?

Good as new again.

Good for you.

Hey, look, [inaudible].

Hiya, Shorty.

Charlie, you look as if you didn't

have a friend in the world.

I'm your friend, Charlie.

Sure.

Sure, [inaudible], you're my friend, so is Boots.

Are you my friend, Victory?

You bet your life.

Sing something for me, would ya?

That's what I'm here for.

What do you want to hear?

Sing me, "I'm Afraid of You."

That one again?

Yeah.

I kinda like that song.

Nobody else sings it like you do.

Well, the customer's always right.

"I'm Afraid of You."

[MUSIC - NANCY KELLY, "I'M AFRAID OF YOU"]

What you wanted?

Yeah.

You've been swell to me, Victory,

I want to give you something.

I, Charlie Roswell, am giving to Victory

my farm out on the Oak Road.

Oh, Charlie, is this a gag?

What would I do with a farm?

No, no, Victory, it's not a gag.

Well, the farm ain't much good.

I just wanted you to have it, that's all.

It was my old man's.

Ain't been up there since I was a kid.

I just--

Hello, Mrs. Ramsey.

Quiet.

Won't be long before we can tell them all we're hitched.

Hello, Charlie.

Well, what are you done up for?

Oh, Miss Linden and the brother are

coming down here with a party.

Oh, slumming, eh.

Yep.

And I'm one of the guests.

Oh, just don't you fall for that woman.

You know, I think she's got a crush on me.

Don't you go running around with that Linden dame.

I know how Victory feels about ya.

Charlie, why don't you go home.

You've been drinking.

I'm her friend, see.

You can't two-time her.

Sit down.

Behave yourself.

Listen, Pete, you can't shove me around, you--

I can't fight a cripple.

Yeah, a cripple.

Oh, I'm sorry, kid.

I didn't mean it, honest.

Come on, Boots.

Stick around, Charlie.

It's all right, Victory.

Thanks for the song.

Well, what do you think of the place?

Oh, I love these out if the way spots.

Do you think it's safe?

If you don't steal somebody's husband.

Linden.

Hello, Pete.

Why don't those riff-raff stay out of here?

You got something there, Bobo.

Look, you're pretty busy here.

Why don't you let me take care of the Linden party, huh?

Well, what do they have here for entertainment?

Well, every now and then a murder's committed.

Isn't that right, Pete?

Yeah, two every night.

Why it's Miss Kane, isn't it?

Well, good evening, Mr. Linden.

I didn't know you worked here.

Oh, but I do.

Pete, if this gets too boring later,

would you take me over to the Pavilion?

Oh, why you clumsy--

Oh, Miss Linden, I'm so terribly sorry.

That's all right, as long as it was good bourbon.

Keep it.

She never liked that dress anyhow.

Dance?

Why I-- I'd love to.

Would you like to dance?

I'd love to.

A girl with your looks ought to be

doing a lot better than this.

I expect to.

Perhaps I can help.

I'm sure you can, Mr. Linden.

Gary.

Gary.

[applause]

Pete.

Yeah?

Charlie's. -Sure.

Charlie's hat.

I know he would like you to have it.

You his best friend.

Joe, you mean, Charlie--

We just found it floating in river.

Come on, Boots.

[inaudible]

Come, Boots.

I never realized Charlie was feeling so alone.

Well, it's not your fault. He just couldn't

take it, being a cripple.

That's all.

[phone rings]

Yep.

Yeah.

Oh, yes, sir.

What?

You have?

Well-- well, thanks very much.

Yes sir.

I'll be down bright and early in the morning.

Thanks, again.

Bye.

Well, who was it?

That was Gary Linden.

They decided to make me manager of mine Number 1.

Oh, Pete.

I always knew you'd be Mr. Big.

Isn't it wonderful?

And this is only the beginning, darling.

Get ahold of that architect tomorrow

and have him draw up those plans for the house on the hill.

Before I'm through, you're going to have

everything you ever dreamed of.

You're going to be the grandest lady in this town.

You bet I will.

They'll show up, honey.

Those people don't usually eat till 8:00 or 9 o'clock.

Pardon, madam, it's 10 o'clock.

Shall I serve now?

The filthy pigs.

The party wasn't good enough for them.

Madam.

Oh, shut up.

You and your stiff collar.

You make me sick.

Victory, please, darling.

Oh, Pete pay him off and get rid of him

before I go out of my mind.

Well, never in all my life.

The missus is upset.

You needn't bother cleaning up.

[inaudible]

They didn't even bother to make an excuse.

We're just so much dirt to them that--

Oh, darling, darling.

Please don't.

Come on.

How about a smile?

That's it.

Want to go over to Bobo's and wish him Merry Christmas?

If you want to.

I thought we'd gotten rid of that.

Well, at least we're not as bad off as Charlie.

Say, how about riding over and looking at that farm

that he gave you?

Oh, I don't care, Pete.

Ain't much, is it?

Oh, Pete, let's go home.

This pile of junk only makes me feel worse.

Jeez, there's no topsoil at all.

No wonder Charlie couldn't raise anything.

Come on, Pete.

Let's go.

Oh, come on, Pete.

Let's go.

Wait a minute.

You know what this is?

No. What?

That's coal.

Bituminous coal.

Coal?

Yes.

You know there might be a vein running right through here.

New mining company formed.

Work begins at once.

Yeah.

But where did Pete Ramsey get all that dough?

I'm in for five grand.

Pete's old man hocked his house for five more.

And Pete had about eight.

And he sold a few shares to pals.

Hey, that's-- that's what you call chicken food.

You need lots of money to open mine,

for equipment and everything. -Yeah.

But here's the payoff.

Pete sold a 49% interest to the South Ridge Mines for $50,000.

South Ridge?

Hey, Linden don't going to be like that.

They going be very much mad.

Let 'em.

We're going to make millions.

Oh, bad business.

BOB: Pete, look who's here.

Sally.

Oh, Sally.

You-- you can see?

I can see your face is still dirty, even though you

are a big coal baron.

Oh, Sally.

This is wonderful.

When did you get back?

Last night.

Imagine her keeping it a secret.

[inaudible]

Well, the operation might not have been a success.

Oh, this is nice.

Yes.

I heard about your marriage too, Pete.

I hope you're very happy.

Oh, you'll love Victory.

Wait till you meet her.

Pete, Sally wants a job.

Well, I-- I could certainly use a good secretary.

Does-- does your dad know you came?

Not yet.

Well, maybe I better tell you, Sally.

Things are a little different.

You see, Big Joe is trying to keep all his friends

from going to work for me.

He says I'm a traitor to the Linden's because I got

South Ridge to back my mine.

Well, Pop's bark is a lot worse than his bite.

I wouldn't let it worry you.

They're just jealous of you down in Miner's Town.

Yeah?

Well, I-- I could certainly use some help.

Well, what are we waiting for?

And that's the way it is.

If we don't get some cash in the next two weeks,

we'll go to your father.

That hardly gives me time to turnaround.

Give me 90 days.

I'll dig up the money.

In 90 days, you may be in a worse position.

That VK Mine will put a crimp in your sales once it gets

started.

Maybe.

Give me 90 days, and I'll guarantee

to make a substantial payment, or turn

over additional collateral.

All right.

But that's the last extension.

Thank you, Nugent.

You'll hear from me.

Diana, now please, sis, cut the clowning.

This is important.

You're having some of the girls out to the country club

this afternoon.

Could you ask another guest?

It was awfully nice of you to drive me back from the club.

Not at all.

Did you have fun?

Oh, loads.

I'm going to make Pete join right away.

Those are the kinds of people he should know.

I think it was charming of your husband to call it VK Mine.

Yes.

Oh, Pete's done wonders.

Of course, he has his troubles.

He can't get enough skilled men to get up full production.

And then with his cash all tied up--

I'm sure he'll pull through.

Yes.

Leave it to Pete.

Wasn't that Pete's wife with Gary Linden?

No.

But I'm sure it was.

I say it wasn't.

Now, do you still think it was?

OK. OK.

It was two other guys.

You want see me, Mr. Linden?

I hear you've been going around town

talking against Pete Ramsey.

Well, have you?

He's no good.

He's traitor, taking in South Ridge Mines for partner.

He's cheat his best friend to make money.

I say it.

Sit down, Joe.

You're right about Ramsey, Joe.

But there's one thing more you don't know.

About Pete?

Who do you think took your daughter down in the mines

and blinded her?

Everybody knows but you.

Pete do it?

GARY LINDEN: She's in love with him, Joe.

That's why she wouldn't tell you.

Everybody knows it, but you.

I kill him.

No, Joe.

That wouldn't do you any good.

I've got a much better idea.

Big Joe have been big fool.

Sally told me about plenty troubles and you

need good miners, so maybe--

Oh, Joe.

If you walked in here and handed me a million bucks,

I couldn't be any happier.

Pop, I knew you'd see it our way.

Oh, it's wonderful.

This is the way things should have been a long time ago.

I've got number three started, Pete.

Hey, Bob, look what dropped in.

Joe is with us now.

That's swell, Joe.

Gee, I'm glad to hear it.

Did I ever tell you you were beautiful?

Pete, be careful.

You'll crush the flowers.

Oh.

Get your coat and hurry.

I'm famished.

Yeah, but you're still beautiful.

[phone rings]

Now what?

Hello.

Yes, Sally?

The blowers?

Oh for the love of Mike.

Yeah.

Yeah, I'll be right there.

Well?

I can't go, honey.

The main blower's busted and if I don't get it fixed

there'll be no work tomorrow.

Oh, but Pete, it's my birthday.

We've been planning this for days.

Yeah, but look, honey, I can't buy that house and everything

unless I work for it, you know?

Well, I should think somebody else could take care of it.

I'll try not to be too late.

Goodbye.

Hello?

Is Gary Linden there?

Well, let's hope she don't break down again.

I'm sure it won't.

Oh, you're sure, huh?

Well, that's fine.

If you'd attended to your job in the first place,

it never would have happened.

A bearing can burn out.

Not around here it can't.

I have to do everything myself or it's all botched up.

I do my work.

Yeah?

Yeah, so well I have to bust my wife's

birthday party up and come down here and do it for you.

A guy can make a mistake.

Aw, mistake my eye.

That was just carelessness.

You're through, Camden. -But really now--

-Pete, be reasonable. -Go on.

Get your pay.

Pete.

You let Camden go, I'm quitting.

Yeah?

What's eating you?

Well, I can't take anymore.

Ever since you got married and become a big shot,

you-- you've gone haywire.

You're losing every friend you ever had.

Oh, yeah?

It's that wife of yours, Pete.

While you're sweating your heart out to-- to buy her furs

and jewelry and a big house neither of you need,

she's paying you back by chasing around with other guys.

Yeah? What other guys?

Just other guys.

That's all.

-You're a liar. -Yeah?

Well, you're walking around with blinders on.

She's a no good, scheming, two-timing--

Hey, Bob. Stop it.

Stop it. -Get back here.

Cut it out.

What's the matter with you two?

-Well, I'm through. -All right.

Get out. -Pete.

I'm not sore, Pete.

I just feel sorry for you.

Before you're finished, you're gonna be a very unhappy guy

and it's going to be that dame's fault.

You know, I don't know what I'd do without you, Sally.

Here's the bracelet you ordered for her.

It came on the late express.

Oh, swell.

That ought to make her feel better about tonight.

I'm sure it will.

Victory.

Oh?

You up?

Where have you been?

Out.

Do you realize it's after 3:00?

Well, if you were going to work all night,

you don't expect me to sit home twiddling my thumbs, do you?

Who were you out with?

Pete, you talk to me like that and I'll

walk right out of this house.

Don't ever talk about walking out.

I-- I was worried.

You know how I feel about you.

Goodnight, Pete.

I'm awfully tired.

Oh, Victory, I've got a surprise for you.

[explosion]

Explosion.

It must be at the mine.

Stand back, everybody.

Get away from the shaft.

Stand back.

My husband's down there.

There's nobody down there, Mrs. Maguskey.

Mine not work tonight.

Maguskey down there.

No, couldn't be.

There's two men down there, Joe,

doing a clean up job for me.

I'll ring the signal bell, maybe they'll get on the hoist.

I better bring the hoist up now.

If there's anybody alive, they'll be on it.

Camden.

I came right over.

If you don't want me-- -Aw, sure.

Thanks.

Camden, you and Joe go down with me.

We'll see what's to be done.

It's no use.

I'm not going to go down now.

This is no time to lose your nerve.

Put on your mask.

[interposing voices]

Pete, is it bad?

Yeah, three entries burning in the main tunnel.

I couldn't get to Maguskey or Boulding.

It's quite damp everywhere.

Oh.

Maguskey is gone.

There's nothing I can say, Mrs. Maguskey.

Maguskey is gone.

But you'll be taken care of.

You know that.

Maguskey is gone.

Hey, Joe, take her home, will you?

No.

Somebody else take her.

I got sick.

I'll take her home, Mr. Ramsey.

Come, Mrs. Maguskey.

We'll have to seal up the entries

until the fire's choked out.

That might take a month.

Pete, wait.

Our finances can't stand it.

That's the break, Sally.

ANNOUNCER: And it was disclosed today that the South Ridge

Mining Company is withdrawing it's interest

in the ill fated Victory Mine.

This comes as a blow to many employees

of the burning mine who have been

unemployed since the explosion.

It looks now--

Shut that thing off.

What's the matter with you?

I got money in that mine.

How come you still got dough for booze, Joe?

Those other VK miners are in a pretty bad shape.

Leave me alone, Bobo.

What's the matter?

Maybe you ought to take your pills.

Yeah.

Give me glass of water.

I'd hate to be in your shoes, Joe.

You lose those pills, in a couple

of hours you're a dead goose.

Shut up.

Everybody talk death.

Death.

Death.

Shut up.

Hello, Sally.

Hello, Pete.

Pete, you're worrying yourself sick.

Why don't you give up?

I'm going to open this mine again if it kills me.

Even if the fires out in a couple of weeks,

you can't pay your bills.

Sally, look, why don't you get away from this town?

Marry some swell guy and give yourself a break.

I bet get Ajax on the phone for you.

Wait a minute, uh, you remember Mr. Johnson, Sally,

the steel man I was telling you about?

Yes.

Well, he's bringing his wife to dinner tonight.

He's my last chance.

With all the worry lately, Victory's been-- well,

I figure she needs a little change,

you see, so I'm sending her up to Chicago

for a couple of days.

Would you mind taking charge of things for me tonight?

Well, of course not.

I'd be happy to.

That's swell.

Thanks.

Would you care for some brandy?

No, thank you, we don't drink.

As I understand it, you want to hypothecate deliveries of coal

against an advance which will enable you to reopen the mine.

Yes, that's it, Mr. Johnson.

You see, according to the temperature reports,

we ought to be in the mine within the next two weeks.

I think it can be arranged.

How much will it take?

Well, uh, I think $20,000 outta cover immediate expenses, then

that will give us enough to--

Hello, everybody.

Victory.

Pete, you-- you thought you were smart sending me away,

didn't you?

But I knew there was something phony about it.

So Little Victory came home again.

Get a hold of yourself, will ya, please?

I'm Pete's wife that he didn't want you to meet because he

was-- and that's his secretary.

Little goody two shoes.

He thinks she's a lady.

I'm not good enough.

How do you like that, huh, pal?

She's been sick, Mr. Johnson.

Sally, help me get here to bed.

All right.

Come on, Victory.

Oh, leave me alone.

I'm all right.

I feel just fine.

And don't you go trying to hide from me because if it wasn't

for me, you'd still be grubbing in the dirt

with your grimy hands.

I'm not good enough, huh?

I think we should go, John.

Naturally.

I'll get her to bed, Mr. Johnson.

No, no.

Everybody sit down.

We'll have a very intelligent conversation.

Under the circumstances, Ramsey, you'll excuse us?

I'd like to get together with you, sir and we can--

I'm afraid that's impossible.

I'll be in California for another month.

Sorry.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Do you realize what you've done?

That was my last chance.

I-- oh, what's the use?

Oh, Petey, you're not angry at me, are you?

You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

She's in love with you.

Did you know that?

Little goody two shoes is in love with you.

Will you get out of here?

Go on, get out of here.

I hate the sight of you.

Sally, I'll take you home.

Don't bother, Pete.

I'm not good enough for him.

Who does he think he is anyway?

If it wasn't for me, he'd-- he'll never get the dirt

out from under his fingernails.

Gary Linden wouldn't even wash his hands on him.

[knocking]

Come in, come in, whoever you are.

Who are you?

I'm Mike Barnaby, Mrs. Ramsey.

Friend of Pete's.

I work for him when the mine is open.

What do you want?

Well, the mine has been closed so long,

things is awful tough with my family,

so I was gonna-- well, I was gonna

ask him could he lend me some--

A little dough?

Well, why didn't you say so?

Here.

Here it is.

Take that.

No, no.

Now, you take it, all of it.

That's for you.

God bless you, Mrs. Ramsey.

I'll pay it back as soon as the mine is open.

And thank you, again.

You're a real lady.

You bet your life.

You bet your life I'm a--

Yes, Mr. Linden, I thought you'd be interested.

Yes, sir.

I can't talk anymore now.

Goodbye.

Ajax called about their bill.

Again?

Yes.

Oh, Pete.

Just a minute.

How are you, Pete?

What do you want, Mr. Linden?

Well, I heard things weren't going any to well with you.

Who told you that?

Everything's fine.

The mine will open in a couple of weeks--

Oh, well, in that case-- why don't you

tell me the truth, Pete?

All right, I will.

I'm busted.

The mine, the house I'm building, my old man's house,

they're all hocked to the hilt. And all the friends who trusted

me, they'll go down with me.

I used to envy you.

What was it they called you?

Happy Pete.

Sappy Pete.

Now, haven't we always been friends?

Your father worked for me.

Why didn't you come to for the money?

I've got some of my own that doesn't belong to the company.

Hey, wait a minute, you mean, you'd loan me the money?

Sh.

Keep it to yourself.

But now that you're an owner, I want you to remember this.

Our obligation isn't just for ourselves

alone, it's just as much for the people who work for us.

Our obligation is to keep the mine's running, all of them,

to keep the miner's working.

Now, you go ahead and open that mine just as fast as you can

and the money will be waiting for you.

Yes, Kelly, the main shaft's open.

No, no, the fire's out but it will take a couple of days

to blow the white damp out of those entries.

Well, you can tell your boys down at your local

to report for work in a couple of weeks.

That's, uh, two weeks from tomorrow.

No.

No, that's definite.

Right.

Sally said you wanted to see me.

You in trouble?

No, you heard what I just told Skully.

Sure, but what do you want to see me about?

Just to tell you what a chump I've been.

Ask you to come back and, well, the mine hasn't

been the same without you.

Gee, that's swell, Pete.

You're 100%.

Come on, let's air out that Number 1 entry.

Hello.

Hello, Victory.

Kid, you better change your clothes.

Tell the men I'll be right there.

OK.

Your brother doesn't like me.

What did you want to see me about?

We're pretty busy around here.

Ah, Pete, don't be like that.

I said I was sorry about the other night, didn't I?

You've been acting like a stranger.

I've had pretty good reason, haven't I?

Yes, I admit that.

Well, I was upset, and jealous.

Well, if I'd known how important those people

were to you-- well-- well, everything's all right now,

isn't it?

Sure.

They're waiting for me.

Oh, Pete, then it's all right to go

ahead with the housewarming?

I'll, um, need a little money.

Sure.

As long as the mine's open, money won't mean a thing.

Pete, I'm proud of you.

Everyone in town is taking about the way you licked this thing.

Wait until you see the guest list at that housewarming.

You think they'll come this time?

To this house?

Of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ramsey, owners of the VK Mine?

Are you kidding?

Hello, Sally.

She is beautiful, isn't she?

Yes, she is.

All you have to do is knock his gas mask

loose in a white damp section.

It would be an accident.

You take Frankie along as a new man on your shift.

What for?

Just for insurance, Joe.

We can't have any more mistakes.

If the mine had stayed closed a few weeks longer,

I would have been able to buy it for buttons.

You understand what to do then?

We're going down now and blow the gas

out of the last two entries.

Oh, we'll be running full blast day after tomorrow.

This is your big day, isn't it?

How's everything up at the mansion?

Fine.

Pete, what I called about, could you get

Sally to come up here and help?

She's so efficient.

Oh, Sally?

Yes?

She wants to know if you'll come up and help.

Seems to be a lot of confusion up there.

Why, yes, if you want me to.

Sure.

She says she'll be glad too.

Well, no, I may be a little late.

Well, I'll try.

Bye.

I'll show that little saint face who's boss around here.

Thanks.

Come on, boys, here we go.

Albany, you and Gus and Ned take Entry 3.

Well, I like for to go with Joe.

Why?

He owe me $2.

I just joke.

What's the matter, Joe?

Huh?

It's awful hot in here.

Better put your masks on men.

Look out for this shorty.

Pretty shaky up there, Pete.

Yeah.

We better set the timbers and concrete

before we pull out any coal.

I'll have Camden attend to it.

[alarm]

We're trapped.

A cave in.

That don't look so good.

I'll put in an emergency call and tell

them to rush the tools.

Maybe we can still get them out.

I saw Frankie coming at you.

You OK?

Yeah.

Just a whiff.

At least with the doors closed, we'll

have air for a little while.

Yeah.

All right, Joe.

Why did you get me to give that rat a job?

Why did he try to kill me?

He don't kill you, but I gonna kill you myself.

What's the matter with you?

You gone crazy?

You take Sally in mine and make her blind.

No, Joe, you're wrong.

I should have told you before. It wasn't Pete.

It was me. I brought Sally down there.

You lie, try save Pete.

You don't fool me.

No, Joe, it's the truth.

You think I come back work cause I your friend.

Joe's smart, see.

I came back to fix you.

You think explosion that close mind is accident.

Big Joe do it.

Sure, nobody else but Big Joe.

I fixed your mine so she's no good.

And now, I fix you.

All right, so you hate me, Joe.

It gonna make you feel any better if you kill me?

Sure.

It'll make me feel--

I guess I know when [inaudible].

Joe, where are your pills?

Where are they Joe?

They're in my coat on other side of cave in.

When did you take them last?

More than two and half hour ago.

Wait a minute, they're trying to dig us out.

But that will take hours.

I cannot wait hours.

I'm gonna die in the mine.

I should have told you before, Joe.

I'm the one to blame for Sally.

That don't matter now.

[inaudible]

I kill Maguskey.

I no want to kill nobody.

Maguskey, he was my friend.

But why, Joe?

Why?

I be jealous.

I want you to be back in mine with the rest of us.

And when Gary Linden pay me to do it.

Gary Linden?

He want your mine to close up so he can buy it cheap.

Linden want you mine.

I be big fool and do what he tell me.

He after your wife too.

She no good.

She cause all trouble.

You're crazy, Joe.

You're making it up.

No, Pete, I gonna die anyway.

I got to tell truth.

How she with Linden all the time.

I thought you was lying.

I'll take care of Gary Linden.

Pete?

Yeah?

I'm so sorry I--

Joe.

Breathe.

Can I get anything for you, dear?

No, thank you.

Everything's fine.

Is everything all right?

Your house is simply charming, Mrs. Ramsey.

Oh, thank you so much.

I hope you're having a nice time.

Will you excuse me?

Sure.

Gary, I'm so glad you could come.

I'm speechless.

Oh, do you like the house?

I, uh, copied it from yours, but I do like this decorating

better, don't you?

I'm going to run home and burn ours down.

You want to see the rest of it?

What time does the $0.40 tour start?

Oh, not for hours, but for you, a special personally guided

tour.

Oh, Sally, dear, will you keep your eye on things

and see that everybody's having a good time.

I hope you like the rest of the house.

Wait until you see my suite.

I had all the furniture made up special in Chicago.

You hit the jackpot.

I knew I would.

But don't think I don't appreciate the help you've

been, Gary. if it weren't for you,

all those people wouldn't be downstairs now.

Hello, Barnaby.

I'll take it, Pete.

Your wife hired me to take care of the cars.

Pete, you're terribly late.

I almost didn't get here.

Sally, I gotta tell you something.

What's the matter?

What happened?

I'll talk to you later.

I better get myself cleaned up.

Oh, Pete.

Gary thinks the house is beautiful.

You better hurry and change.

What kept you?

You can ask Linden that.

Surprised to see me?

No, why should I be?

Well, Pete, what's the matter with you?

Now hurry up and change and get down to your party.

It's your party, Victory, and your day.

It must be wonderful having all the big shots

in town downstairs, and Gary Linden up here.

Pete.

What are you insinuating?

Ah, let's cut the kidding.

Big Joe did your worrying.

He's dead.

But the mine's open.

They started loading just as I left to come up here and beat

the daylights out of you.

Just a minute, we can talk this out like gentlemen.

I'm no gent.

Ask, Victory.

Pete.

Get out of here.

Pete, have you gone crazy?

The people downstairs.

Gary.

-Get away from me! -Help, somebody, he'll kill him.

Open the door.

Open the door!

You killed him.

I hate you.

Oh, get over there.

A twister, head for the cellar.

They're all in the cellar.

You better get down there.

Where's Sally?

She left a few minutes ago.

He's dead.

That man once called me a lady.

Not a window cracked.

Odd, isn't it?

Yeah.

Down the street, your house--

Oh.

Mr. Linden, about Gary-- Oh, I'm not blaming you, Pete.

Gary's my fault. I made things to too easy for him.

Any word about Miss Vlochek?

Better have some coffee, Pete.

Dad?

Thanks.

Thanks, Bob.

Here comes Dr. Joe now.

We've been expecting you for some time, doctor.

Lots of work to do all over town.

Well, who's first?

Gotta take care of the newborn as well as the injured,

you know.

Did somebody have a baby?

Just at the height of the tornado.

A miner, name of Albany.

Cutest little girl you ever saw.

I'd lost her if it hadn't been for a young lady who came

along just at the right time.

She took Mrs. Albany through the worst part.

Wasn't much for me to do when I got there.

What was her name, doctor?

Albany.

No, no, I mean the girl that helped you.

Oh, yes, she told me her name.

Bessie, Jennie, a very bad name.

Was it Sally?

Might be.

About 21. -Yes.

Dark hair.

So high.

She's still down there, if you're interested.

Hold that, will ya?

Sally.

Sally!

Pete.

Oh, Sally.

I'm so glad you're safe.

I've been here all night.

Ever since the twister started.

Well, why did you leave up there?

Oh, I don't know, Pete.

All of a sudden, I just couldn't stand it any longer.

the people and the noise.

I was on my way home when Albany came

running out yelling that he had to get a doctor,

then the tornado came.

So we did the best we could.

Come on in and see her.

How you like my little tornado, Pete?

Ain't she wonderful?

Wonderful, Albany.

Some day she gonna be high [inaudible] lady,

and live in big house on top of hill,

same like your house, Pete.

Some day.

I hope that little girl of yours

will never want for that big house on the hill, Albany.

Pete?

I gotta tell ya, Sally, Big Joe is--

Yes, I know.

Albany told me.

PETE: The house is gone.

Victory is gone.

Pete, let's not talk now.

We'll have plenty of time to talk.

Right now, there's too much to do.

Yeah.

Yeah, we better get started.

[music playing]