Original subtitles

("HAPPY HOLIDAY" PLAYING)

Happy holiday

(PLAYING HARMONICA)

- Merry Christmas, bud. - Thank you. Merry Christmas to you.

Okay. Hi, Chief.

(BELL RINGING)

(JIM WHISTLING TUNE)

Come in.

Hello, honey.

(KISSING)

Well, this is our last night in show business.

Some feeling, huh?

Some feeling.

I got the ring and the license.

- Honey, we're ready. - Oh.

Say, there's a hook leftover at the top here.

Should that be?

Never mind, I'll take care of it.

- Jim? - Huh?

(SIGHS)

Well, I think that tie's terrible.

(CHUCKLES) Well, who cares? Tomorrow I'm a farmer.

You'd better go change it.

Listen, honey, when you're flipping those twinkle toes

who's gonna be looking at my tie?

You only have five minutes. Hurry.

Okay, I'm on my way.

What'd he say?

I didn't tell him.

Why not? We love each other.

You wanna continue dancing.

I know, but he gets a look.

Oh, he's always had that look.

It doesn't mean anything emotionally.

It has something to do with his liver.

Simply tell him you had made a mistake.

You don't wanna give up your career and live on a farm.

But he's already bought the farm.

And the license, and the ring.

Oh, I can't tell him.

All right, I will. Right after our number.

Listen, darling, don't weaken.

Think of our life together.

Think of diamonds, of sables,

of your own little penthouse.

Is that a promise?

Well, just think about them for the time being.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

MAN: Ready, Miss Dixon.

Well, thank you.

Say, this thing didn't come out even.

Oh, I'll fix it. We have to hurry.

I love you.

I love you...

and Jim.

I love Jim, too. But after all, I mean, let's not be too chummy.

(LAUGHS)

(BIG BAND MUSIC PLAYING)

("I'LL CAPTURE YOUR HEART" PLAYING)

(SINGING) Here she comes down the street

My, oh my, ain't she sweet?

Why, here comes my hot toddy

Over my dead body

I'll capture her heart singing

Just wait until she gets a load of my dancing

Just wait till I start singing

I'll take her strolling down the road with my dancing

I can't go wrong, a tender song

And she'll discover my charms

Some fancy taps and she'll collapse

And fall right into my arms

I'll capture her heart singing

Oh, no, you haven't a chance

When I go into my dance

I'll take you through life singing

(SCATTING)

I'll make you my wife dancing

If you could dance instead of sing

I'd learn to love you somehow

If you could sing instead of dance

I'd take you home with me now

(SCATTING)

(WHISTLING)

The way you sing don't mean a thing

You'd better stick to your dance

And as for you, your dance won't do

You'll have to sing for romance

I'll capture her heart...

- Singing - Dancing

(SCATTING)

(BOTH SCATTING)

(CONTINUES SCATTING)

(AUDIENCE APPLAUDING)

Not much of a Christmas present for you, is it?

I mean, both of us walking out on you.

Don't worry about me, kid. I'll do all right.

(CHUCKLING) Whata chum.

Can't you see what we're walking out on? The grind.

365 days a year.

When's the last time you had as day off?

I don't know. Maybe last year?

Do you ever hear of Thanksgiving

or Labor Day or the Fourth of July?

- Vaguely. - You know what they are, don't you?

They're holidays.

Days of rest. There's lots of 'em.

They mark 'em in red on the calendar

so you can't miss 'em.

What happens in show business when a holiday comes along?

You give an extra performance.

Not for me, brother.

Lila and I are going up to that farm in Connecticut

and we're gonna live by the calendar.

- Say, Jim? - Mmm?

There's something you should know.

Oh, I know, Ted. I feel the same way about you.

You know, we've had our ups and our downs

and we fought a little over the women

we swiped from each other, but...

- I know, but... - Sorry, Jimmy boy, but that's life.

Ted, if I'm not the best manager in the business

I'll eat a garage mechanic's shirt.

Fifteen weeks at the Park Club,

sight unseen, for you and Lila.

$200 a week more than you were getting with the farmer thrown in.

What's the matter?

I haven't told him.

- You haven't told him? - You haven't told him?

Haven't told me what? What... What's this? What's the news?

Well, don't be upset, Jim, dear.

It isn't that I don't love you. I do.

I love everybody,

but when Ted explained how much he loved me and...

All at once, we both realized that we belong together.

The two of us, dedicating our lives

to making people happy with our feet.

The two of you, huh?

Dedicating your lives to making people happy with your feet.

That's sweet.

Well, I guess that kick I just got was a good start, huh?

Sorry, Jimmy boy, but that's life.

Yeah, it's best that you found out now, Jim.

You wouldn't wanna make Lila unhappy.

Oh, no. No, I... I wouldn't want to make Lila unhappy.

Not now, now that I really know her.

(WHISTLES)

What a narrow squeak that was.

What do you mean by that?

Oh, nothing. Nothing, honey.

I'm just happy that you're happy.

That little speech sounds like the crack of a confederate money.

Well, kids, I'm still gonna rejoin the human race.

I hope you get a lot of work, holidays included,

dance yourselves into beautiful nervous breakdowns.

You ever want to look me up, you know where to find me,

Midville, Connecticut, under a large shady tree,

just being lazy.

(SINGING) Lazy, I want to be lazy

I long to be out in the sun

With no work to be done

Under that awning

They call the sky

Stretching and yawning

And let the world go drifting by

I want to peep

Through the deep

Tangled wildwood

Counting sheep till I sleep

Like a child would

With a great big valise full

Of books to read where it's peaceful

While I'm killing time

Being lazy

(ALARM RINGING)

(GLASS SHATTERS)

So Lazy Acres was a snare and a delusion, huh?

Oh, brother, there's the hardest work in the world.

Maybe you'd be happier back in town, Jim.

Of course, if you get that agricultural urge again,

you can always raise a geranium.

Oh, no. Wait till you hear.

I think I've dreamed up the greatest idea I ever had.

And you've had some pips.

Oh, but this can't miss.

I'm turning the farm into an inn, but what an inn.

Here, read up, brother.

"Holiday Inn, Midville Connecticut."

(TED READING)

- Open holidays only? - Mmm-hmm.

Say, how many of those are there?

There's about 15.

That gives me 350 days a year to kick around in.

(LAUGHING) He would think of that.

Did you get your discharge papers from that sanitarium?

Oh, don't you worry, this is gonna work.

I'm having auditions out at the farm every day.

Say, if you run into any talent

that's willing to work for a share of the table,

will you send them out?

Sure, soon as I get back.

I'm flying down to Miami Beach tonight

to set an engagement for Ted and Lila.

Lila.

You forgot to order the flowers.

Now, don't get excited, there's a flower shop out at the airport.

I guarantee to have orchids in her dressing room before her first number.

Oh, boy, you better.

As I remember, this kid even expects presents on Father's Day.

(LAUGHS) Yeah.

Well, good luck, Jim. So long, Ted. Have a nice trip.

I mean, yeah, thanks, I will.

That reminds me, I forgot to give him a little

Christmas remembrance I brought along.

Got one here for each of you.

Say, this is swell.

What is it?

It's homemade peach preserves.

I put them up myself, just before I went into the sanitarium.

Boy, do I go for those. Why, they're great on...

Or even plain.

They're non-fattening, too.

Well, it's a long trip back to the farm, I think I'll get along.

Will you say hello to Lila for me?

But you gotta wait and catch the act.

- We got some new routines and then after the show... - (BURSTS)

I don't think they like this nightclub air.

(BURSTS)

Wait. Wait. You better wait for Lila's.

(BURSTS)

I think Danny's was the loudest.

Well, different tone.

Dawn patrol, huh?

Hello! Am I too late?

You would have been in another minute.

Danny Reed.

Listen, I have to wait on that man.

- But... - I'll work five nights for you. Anything.

Just leave me alone and don't butt in.

What would you like?

Orchids, the finest you've got.

Corsage?

No. No. A dozen.

Loose, looking like they don't care.

All right.

There, "Lila, love, Ted."

Have them delivered to Miss Lila Dixon

at the Club Pierre before 11:00 tonight.

Oh, I'm sorry, but our delivery truck is on its last trip

and won't be back until after 11:00.

How about a messenger boy?

Oh, it's impossible to guarantee delivery this late on Christmas Eve.

But to help you out, I'll take them.

Oh, there you are.

A dozen orchids, please.

Lady, you're a lifesaver.

Here. Here's $5. Take your boyfriend out and show him a good time.

Oh, thank you, but let's consider this a personal favor.

Well, I can't leave town indebted to a stranger.

Would you like to see the floor show at the club tonight?

Oh, I'd like to very much, but...

All right, now you just give this card to Francois

and he'll seat you at the entertainer's table.

Why, you're Mr. Reed.

Uh-oh.

I'm Linda Mason. Well, this is just a part-time job.

Actually, I sing and dance. Mr. Reed, I want...

I know. I know, you've studied dancing since you were a little child.

You spent long weary hours in every theatrical agency in Broadway.

But just now I happen to be catching a plane to...

Of course, once you told me I was no good,

I could probably get a job at a bargain basement and like it.

Now look, honestly, as soon as I get...

Oh, of course. Sure, you worked hard, you want a chance.

So what? So I'm gonna give it to you.

- A job? - Uh-huh.

A friend of mine is opening a place

in Connecticut, Holiday Inn.

You take that card out there tomorrow,

tell him I sent you and you'll be all set.

Mr. Reed, how could I possibly thank you?

Don't. Just deliver those orchids and let me catch my plane.

(BIG BAND MUSIC PLAYING)

This table's reserved for the band.

Excuse me!

Fussy, isn't he? (CHUCKLES)

I think I'll have a bowl of coffee, huh?

- And the lady? - Coffee.

We seem to be on the 40-cent tour here.

It is embarrassing.

I'm Jim Hardy.

Linda Mason.

Got a friend in the show?

Well, I'm here at Mr. Reed's invitation.

Oh, Danny.

Then you know Ted Hanover.

What?

Yes, naturally.

Oh, my.

He's quite a man with the ladies, that Ted.

Well, after all, he's a very attractive man.

Do you know him?

Oh, yes. Yes.

Matter of fact, I've been considering Ted

and his partner for my new club.

Oh, you have a place.

Oh, yes. Yes.

I don't know, though. His act might not go

so well at a place as large as mine.

Oh.

Well, I've found that the size of a place doesn't matter,

if one has sufficient personality.

That's what you found, huh?

You in show business?

I'm Linda Mason.

Oh, Linda Mason.

("YOU'RE EASY TO DANCE WITH" PLAYING)

(AUDIENCE APPLAUDING)

(SINGING) I could dance nightly

Just holding you tightly

My sweet

I could keep right on

Because you're so light on your feet

You're easy to dance with

CHORUS: There is no doubt in

The way we stand out in the crowd

Though it's called dancing

To me it's romancing out loud

You're easy to dance with

Loving you the way I do

Makes you easy to dance with

That is why I'm always right on the beat

All those charms in one man's arms

Make you easy to dance with

I can hardly keep my mind on my feet

CHORUS: Let's dance forever

Come on, say we'll never be through

It's so easy to dance with you

You're easy to dance with

You're easy to dance with

It's so easy to dance with you

CHORUS: It's so easy to dance

It's so easy to dance

With you

(ALL APPLAUDING)

That was wonderful.

Oh, it's a great act, isn't it? Here they come.

- Who? - Ted and Lila.

Hey, what's the matter?

- Hello, Lila. - Jimmy boy.

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

It's good to see you.

I thought you were alone, Jim.

Who's your friend, and what's her hurry?

Don't ask me, she's your friend.

- Mine? - Yeah.

What is she afraid of? Facing me?

Darling, I swear, I never...

"Darling, I swear."

You lie...

You're on.

(AUDIENCE APPLAUDING)

So this is Holiday Inn.

Yeah. Will be if it ever opens up.

Well, why shouldn't it open?

Well, I ain't one to talk,

but you could probably buy a half interest

in this place for a barrel of apples.

Next train for New York's at 7:43, if I can flag her down.

Say, I'm looking for a job. Where's the boss?

Right here, I'll be down in a second.

So, you're the big shot

that didn't know whether Hanover and Dixon

were good enough for your place.

(LAUGHS) Well, that wasn't exactly hay you were throwing, either.

(MIMICKING LINDA) "I'm Linda Mason."

(LAUGHS) Merry Christmas.

All right, you're a fake and I'm a phony.

And we're both soaked.

- Are you hurt? - I'll check later.

Come on, let's get out of this before you catch cold.

(CHUCKLES) All right. Ooh.

Well, here's what cooks.

Oh.

Well, this is darling.

Was it as large as this when it was a farmhouse?

Yeah, it was built by a fellow who felt cramped in New York.

He finally ran out of lumber, though.

Oh, Mamie.

MAMIE: Coming.

MAMIE: Is your names Mamie?

- No. - No.

Get back in the kitchen.

My, my. What's happened?

Oh, we had a little accident.

- Mamie, this is Miss Linda Mason. - How do you do?

Please to know you, Miss Linda.

And these are her children.

That's Daphne, and that's Vanderbilt.

LINDA: How do you do?

Mamie, will you take Miss Mason up to the guest room

and change her into anything that'll fit her

while we get her clothes dry, huh?

Sure thing, Mr. Jimmy. Come on, honey.

I'll see about getting the fire ready in the living room.

Is your names Miss Linda?

- No. - No.

(LAUGHS)

LINDA: I don't know, it sounds like something you dream about at night

and it would be wonderful,

then you'd wake up in the morning and realize it couldn't work.

Oh, it'll work, if I can sell the idea to some performers.

They seem to think that profit sharing

means taking bows on an empty stomach.

So that's why you're not open tonight.

Well, I'm also, sort of, particular

about the kind of talent I'm gonna use.

Fifteen holidays a year.

Mmm-hmm.

You're a lazy fellow.

No, not especially.

Just have my own ideas about living.

My father was like you. Just a man with a family.

Never amounted to much, didn't care.

But as long as he was alive

we always had plenty to eat and clothes to keep us warm.

- Were you happy? - Yes.

Then your father was a very successful man. Hope I can do as well.

Say, I came out here for a job. Could you use me?

Well, I might find a spot for you

in my first show. What can you do?

I sing a little and dance.

Couldn't guarantee any salary at first,

right now I've got the ledger and an iron lung.

I don't care if you pay off in eggs, just give me a chance.

Well, let's see what you can do.

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

You know, I've written special music for each holiday.

This sort of gives me a chance to keep a little promise I made to myself.

I said I was gonna sing this song at the inn tonight.

(PLAYING PIANO)

(SINGING) I'm dreaming

Of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten

And children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming

Of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases

Be white

I'm dreaming

BOTH: Of a white Christmas

Just like...

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten.

Where the treetops glisten

And children listen.

And children listen

To hear

BOTH: Sleigh bells in the snow

- I'm dreaming of a white Christmas - (WHISTLING TUNE)

(HUMMING)

With every Christmas card I write

BOTH: May your days be merry

And bright

And may all your

Christmases

Be white

("HAPPY HOLIDAY" PLAYING)

(SINGING) Happy holiday

Happy holiday

While the merry bells keep ringing

May your every wish come true

Happy holiday

May the calendar keep bringing

Happy holidays to you

If you're burdened down with trouble

If your nerves are wearing thin

Park your load down the road

And come to Holiday Inn

If the traffic noise affects you

Like a squeaky violin

Kick your cares down the stairs

And come to Holiday Inn

If you can't find somebody who

Would set your heart a-whirl

Get in your car and motor to

The home of boy meets girl

If you're laid-up with a breakdown

Throw away your vitamin

Don't get worse

Grab your nurse

And come to Holiday Inn

Happy holiday

May the calendar keep bringing

Happy holidays to you

(ALL CHEERING)

Happy New Year, Ted.

No!

Francois, have you seen Mr. Hanover?

Twice, sir.

What happened?

The first time, sir,

he came from his dressing room with a telegram in his hand.

He ordered Scotch and soda, a bottle of each.

I know, I know. What then?

The second time he came from his dressing room

he asked which way is Connecticut.

- Connecticut? - Connecticut.

He said he has a friend there who knows about women, too.

Why didn't you stop him?

How could I stop him, sir, when I don't know

which way is Connecticut.

Who said Holiday Inn wouldn't work?

Well, we're gonna divvy up a stack of important money tonight, huh?

Man, man.

I've got a landlady who's gonna ask for your autographed picture.

No.

Everybody get something?

(LAUGHS)

All right, come on, now.

Go to bed, now, it's getting late.

- Good night. - Good night.

Look, it's almost time.

JIM: Say, it's practically straight up, isn't it?

(SINGING) One minute to midnight

One minute to go

One minute to say good-bye

Before we say hello

Let's start the new year right

Twelve o'clock tonight

When they dim the light

Let's begin

Kissing the old year out

Kissing the new year in

Let's watch the old year die

With a fond good-bye

And our hopes as high

As a kite

How can our love go wrong if

We start the new year right?

(LOUD CHEERING)

That's it. That's midnight.

I'll see you out on the floor, all right?

All right.

Come on, everybody. Happy New Year.

(ALL CHEERING)

Happy holiday.

Happy New Year.

I forgot my check.

You won't need that, but I think you'll need your coat.

Happy New Year.

Same to you.

You got to dance. Oh, you got to dance.

Come on, you got to...

(BIG BAND MUSIC PLAYING)

Why, Mr. Hanover.

Mr. Hanover.

That's Mr. Hanover.

Wait a minute, I got to go.

Oh, no, I don't want Ted Hanover,

I want you. This is New Years, kid.

I know.

(INAUDIBLE)

(ALL LAUGHING)

(ALL CHEERING)

Ted!

He wasn't drunk, it's a gag.

What happened?

Ted Hanover with his new partner.

They were great.

New partner?

You better get back.

Well, I am sorry, if I'd have known how he was...

Oh, he'll be all right in a week or 10 days. You better hurry.

Ted!

Ted!

Ted!

Oh.

How is he?

He's out cold.

Hot or cold, he can keep his dancing shoes in my office.

Did you hear that applause?

Yeah, it went pretty good.

And I was worried about his losing Lila.

- Losing Lila? - Yeah.

Yeah, she eloped tonight with some Texan from Texas,

with Ted's engagement ring on her finger.

But who cares?

You lose one girl, you find another. That's life.

That's good, huh?

(SIGHS) Here we go again.

(WHISTLES) Come in.

- Good morning, Ted. - Oh. Good morning.

(GROANS)

Got a little head?

Where am I?

You're at Holiday Inn.

Well, how did I get here? Who brought me?

You were clinging to the undercarriage of a jeep, I think.

Here, have a slug out of the mug.

- You mean you don't remember anything? - Uh...

Let's see. I had a wire from Lila

telling me she's going to marry some millionaire or something.

- I remember that all right. - Mmm-hmm.

Then I had a drink.

A drink?

Boy, you were fractured.

And then I decided I had to talk to my old pal, Jim.

You don't remember anything else?

No. That's all, except that

I must have been killed on the way out here or something.

You really come up empty, huh?

Too bad about Lila.

I think you're better off doing a single.

You're a born soloist, you know.

Oh, no, no, Jim, I've got to have a partner.

And when I find her...

Yeah, I know, you'll fall in love with her.

- You haven't missed yet. - Happy New Year!

Oh, don't do that.

(LAUGHS)

Why didn't you tell me?

Letting me beat my brains out worrying about his losing Lila

and all the time, he's got this girl on the leash.

- What girl? - (LAUGHS)

Boy, you must have been high.

Doing a complete dance routine

with your new partner and you...

You don't know who she is?

I danced with a new partner?

When? Where?

Here. Last night.

Think, Ted. Remember?

Wait a minute. I remember.

I got here just about midnight.

There was a girl.

We danced.

What she look like?

I... I don't know. All I saw was a vague outline.

Can't you remember anything about her?

I remember dancing with her.

If I ever dance with her again,

I'd probably recognize her.

Great, that takes care of everything but finding her.

You were here, why ask me how she looked?

I only saw her from the back. She was...

About this...

She had a...

If I ever saw her from the back again, I'd recognize her.

Well, that's fine.

After I've danced with her,

I'll just turn her around for your okay.

This should be a cinch.

You saw her, describe her.

Who, me? Well, I wasn't watching very closely.

She was a medium... Medium-built sort of a girl,

with a medium face. She had a nice evening gown on

with a belt in the back.

See, she was built just like a girl friend of mine.

A girl you don't know but her name was Consuela Stupkis.

She used to play the pinball machine a lot down at the corner drugstore.

I remember one time she was high man. Three weeks in a row.

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

That's nothing at all, happy to do it.

See, I got a hunch, fellas.

I've got a hunch we're going to find this girl eventually.

And when we do we'll be glad we waited for her.

Listen, I'm not interested in getting any other partner, understand?

A chance meeting in the night. Destiny.

She'll be back.

Here's where we will find her on the next holiday.

- Here? - Here.

I've got to go turn the roast.

(BIG BAND MUSIC PLAYING)

Now don't worry, we'll find her.

If I see her from the back again, I'll recognize her.

It's kind of a roundabout way to go at it, but let's try it.

- (KNOCKING ON DOOR) - JIM: Are you decent?

Yes, come in.

What's that?

Well, I thought it over

and I believe that our number'll go a little better in blackface.

Oh. I thought we were going to do it like this.

Well, that's before... Before I thought it over.

- I look terrible in the stuff. - No.

I don't even know how to put it on.

I'll put it on for you.

I broke in as a bootblack, you know.

Here we go.

Oh.

For a month and a half I've been dreaming

of how pretty I was going to look tonight.

Well, here's my punishment for thinking so well of myself.

Oh, you'll have plenty of times to be pretty.

I was just going to ask you if you'd like

to be in the rest of the shows out here.

You were?

- Will you? - Will I?

Fifteen nights a year Cinderella steps into her pumpkin coach

and becomes queen of Holiday Inn.

Well, what's the matter?

I wish I didn't have to work all the other days in the year

to make these few possible.

Maybe a little later on when we start doing better

you could stay out here all the time.

Did you hear what you just said?

Yeah.

Was it a proposal?

It will be when I get a few bucks in the bank.

You're a strange duck.

You don't even give me a chance to say darling

and throw my arms around you.

Better save that till you see the bankbook.

Well, I guess I'm sort of engaged.

(BIG BAND MUSIC PLAYING)

Say, what is this? A daisy chain?

(NERVOUS CHUCKLE)

Well, we were just looking for the back of a girl we don't know.

(ALL APPLAUDING)

("ABRAHAM" PLAYING)

(SINGING) Upon a February morn

A tiny baby boy was born

Abraham

Abraham

When he growed up, this tiny babe

Folks all called him Honest Abe

Abraham

Abraham

In 1860, he became

The sixteenth president

And now he's in the hall of fame

A most respected gent

That's why we celebrate

This blessed February date

Abraham

Abraham

When black folks lived in slavery

Who was it set the darkie free?

Abraham

That's right, child.

Abraham

When troubles come down from the shelf

Who's heart was bigger than hisself?

Abraham

Yeah, ma'am!

Abraham

The country's going to the dogs

They shouted loud and strong

Then from a cabin made out of logs

The right man came along

And that is why we celebrate

This blessed February date

Abraham

The U.S.A.'s united thanks

Yeah

To one whose name was Nancy Hanks

Tell me!

Abraham

She gave this land the finest son

JIM: That's what she did.

Who ever went to Washington

JIM: Who dat?

Abraham

Abraham

When someone told him General Grant

Was drinking every night

He answered, "Go see if you can't

"Get all my generals tight"

That's why we celebrate

This blessed February date

Abraham

Abraham

Abraham

(AUDIENCE APPLAUDING)

Good night.

I give up. She's not here tonight.

You wait here, I'll go up and see if Jim's seen her.

Gus is waiting to take you to the station.

Remember now, day after tomorrow, St. Valentine's Day.

Someone's coming, we better use the other stairway.

- Who is it? - Bill-collector.

- Good night. - Good night, Jim.

You better get inside before you catch cold. You haven't got a coat.

- Well, I... - Go on.

I don't need a coat now.

Hey, Ted. Did you find the girl?

This is terrible, I wish we could recognize her from the front.

I feel like a wolf.

Why, Ted.

(EXCLAIMS)

Ted!

- She's here! - Who?

- I saw her! - This way.

Let go of my coat.

This way, shortcut, shortcut. Come on.

Giddyap.

It's locked, it's never been locked before.

Let's try the other stairwell.

Let go of me, let go.

Go ahead.

Well, we've lost her again.

Did you get a look at her face this time?

No, we're still working from the rear.

How do you know it was her? After all, she had an overcoat on.

I don't care if she had...

How do you know she had an overcoat on?

Well, she... If she didn't,

look for a girl with pneumonia.

Come on. Let's get inside.

Say, Jim, when's your next show?

Next show? St. Valentine's Day, I think.

- Day after tomorrow, huh? - Is it?

That's our break. We'll get here bright and early

and stay until we find her.

We'll make an announcement

asking her to identify herself.

- We won't miss next time. - No.

Say, fellas, how did you like the show?

Well, we were so busy we didn't see much of it, Jim. Why?

I thought the people seemed to like the blackface routine.

Yeah, they did.

Don't you think a blackface number

on St. Valentine's Day would be novel?

- A what? - It's no good, eh?

Just an idea I had.

Well, good-bye.

- Good-bye, Ted. - So long, Jim.

JIM: Bye, Dan.

- Hey, lady. - LINDA: Yes.

You know we open in an hour. You haven't even had a rehearsal.

LINDA: Coming.

Oh, very smart.

You'll have to talk Gus into buying a horseless carriage.

I spend half my life between here and the station.

(CHUCKLES)

I think Gus will have to face the machine age sooner or later, won't he?

Did you escape those bill-collectors the other night?

Bill-collectors?

Oh, yes, temporarily. Say, that reminds me,

I have a surprise for you downstairs.

Well, thanks. What reminds you?

Nothing, it's just... I mean, I want you to remember the surprise

when those doggone bill-collectors move in.

You sound sweet, but you don't make sense.

The inn is so romantic looking.

Nice? I posed for those cupids myself.

Hello, boys.

ALL: Hi. How are you?

Paid-up cards here tonight.

Where's the surprise?

Aha! Right here, a little home cooking I whipped up.

Beautiful.

LINDA: "Be Careful, It's My Heart."

And I ain't kidding, either.

I wrote this just for you, honey.

("BE CAREFUL IT'S MY HEART" PLAYING)

(SINGING) Be careful, it's my heart

It's not my watch you're holding, it's my heart

It's not the note I sent you

That you quickly burned

It's not the book I lent you

That you never returned

Remember, it's my heart

The heart with which so willingly I part

It's yours to take, to keep or break

But please, before you start

Be careful, it's my heart

(MOUTHING)

(SCATTING)

Be careful, it's my heart

It's not my watch you're holding, it's my heart

It's not the note I sent you

That you quickly burned

It's not the book I lent you

That you never returned

Remember, it's my heart

The heart with which so willingly I part

It's yours to take, to keep or break

But please, before you start

Be careful, it's my heart

I'm sorry, Jim, I couldn't resist it.

Wonderful, she's prefect, light as a feather.

You found her, Jim. You're a pal.

Yeah.

Young lady, do you realize

that we've been searching for you for weeks?

- For me? - Yes, ever since...

The girl in the flower shop.

Yes, Mr. Reed.

Where have you been working since New Year's Eve?

Here.

Would you mind letting me in on your secret?

Oh, it's no secret.

Ted Hanover is looking for a new dancing partner

and we've decided to give you the job.

Oh, here now. Wait, just a minute.

Oh, no hard feelings, Jim,

I don't blame you for trying. She is wonderful.

I feel as if I've known her for months.

Oh. Same old feeling, huh?

Let's see, Washington's Birthday is the next show.

That will give us a week of rehearsals. We can open the act here.

DANNY: I'll take care of the invitations. Strictly formal.

I'll get all the newspaper boys from New York.

Now hold everything. This is my inn,

and I am not running it for a bunch of stuffed shirts.

What would you like, the dungaree set?

Well, that would be better than the bunch of chowder heads you drag in.

Maybe I can't use the act.

Not use Ted Hanover?

Well, the show is pretty well set.

You're in, but he's out.

But you could change the show for a special occasion like this.

Of course he could. He's just trying to hide his gratitude.

Jim, you better think up a number for us.

Well, just what do you visualize, Ziggy?

Ah, let's see.

For Washington's birthday I see, sort of, a romantic costume thing.

- Naturally. - Something that just reeks

- with grace and charm, you know? - Mmm-hmm.

I think the music should be sweet and gentle to...

Well, to create the mood, each time I take her into my arms and kiss her.

That's it.

Don't you think it's getting a little stuffy in here?

("I CAN'T TELL A LIE" PLAYING)

(SINGING) I could say that you're homely

Just as homely as pie

But this is Washington's birthday

And I've got to say you're beautiful

'Cause I can't tell a lie

I could say that you're stupid

Nothing up in your crown

But this is Washington's birthday

And the truthful he

Of the cherry tree

Would look down on me and frown

I could say that I hate you if I try

But I've got to say I love you

'Cause it's February the twenty-second

And I can't tell a lie

Hit it.

(SWING MUSIC PLAYING)

(MINUET MUSIC PLAYING)

(SWING MUSIC PLAYING)

(MINUET MUSIC PLAYING)

(SWING MUSIC PLAYING)

(MINUET MUSIC PLAYING)

(SWING MUSIC PLAYING)

(MINUET MUSIC PLAYING)

(SWING MUSIC PLAYING)

(MINUET MUSIC PLAYING)

(CONGA DRUMS PLAYING)

(MINUET MUSIC PLAYING)

(SWING CHANGING QUICKLY TO MINUET)

(SWING MUSIC PLAYING)

(FAST DRUM SOLO PLAYING)

(SWING MUSIC PLAYING)

(AUDIENCE APPLAUDING)

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Come in.

Well, honey, in spite of what good old Jim tried to do to us,

your future starts as of tonight.

Now where would you like to go from here?

- From here? - Yes.

New York, Havana, Rio? We have our pick of engagements, you know.

But I can't be your partner if you leave the inn.

Of course you can. There's no reason for you to remain buried here.

There's a very good reason.

I promised to be in Jim's holiday shows for the rest of the year.

Ah, but he tricked you into that

while he was hiding you from me.

No matter how he did it, I've promised.

Besides, well, we're going to be married.

Married? Now wait a minute, let's be fair.

He didn't give me a chance.

After all, I love you, too.

Linda, from the very first moment we danced together,

I knew you were to be the one girl in my life.

You didn't even know my name.

Please. All right, forget about me, then.

Forget about Jim, think of yourself.

Here's your chance to do the one thing you like best.

Not only for 15 days a year, but always.

Sorry, but I promised.

Well?

I guess I should apologize for hooking up your number, huh?

Oh, forget it. I'm the one that should apologize to you.

Here I've been trying to take Linda away from you

not knowing you two were going to be married.

Married?

Yeah, aren't you?

Yes, sure.

I mean, naturally, we're sort of engaged.

Oh.

Well, anyway, I've decided to bow out of here. Linda's all yours.

Well, you're a pretty game guy to take it this way.

Well, it's happened so often I'm getting used to it, that's all.

Good-bye, kid.

A lot of luck, Ted.

Thanks.

How are we doing?

Two minutes ago, I would have sold my chances for a tired dime.

But when a man is surprised to hear that he's going to be married,

brother, that's when I go to work with a clear conscience.

- Everything's good, huh? - Everything is perfect.

(SINGING) In your Easter bonnet

With all the frills upon it

You'll be the grandest lady

In the Easter parade

I'll be all in clover

And when they look you over

I'll be the proudest fellow

In the Easter parade

On the Avenue

Fifth Avenue

The photographers will snap us

And you'll find that you're

In the rotogravure

Oh, I could write a sonnet

About your Easter bonnet

And of the girl I'm taking

To the Easter parade

On the Avenue

Fifth Avenue

The photographers will snap us

And you'll find that you're

In the rotogravure

Oh, I could write a sonnet

About your Easter bonnet

And of the girl I'm taking

To the Easter parade

Hello!

I didn't exactly expect the welcome mat,

but I thought somebody might say hello.

- Hello. - Thanks.

What brings you here on this bright and uninviting day?

I've discovered something, my friends, about life.

Meaning what?

Well, I don't want success,

I want the true happiness you people have found here at the inn.

You're not gonna stay in the inn?

Not just stay, I want to be part of your shows,

help you in your work,

share your simple pleasures.

I asked you once not to interfere, Ted.

Please believe me, I am a tired, lonely and unhappy man.

But I could be happy here, helping the two people I like the best.

Will you take me in?

My motherly intuition

tells me to throw him out.

Well, at least give him the benefit of the doubt.

I've given him plenty of doubt.

Are you kidding with that "sharing life's simple pleasures"?

May I go inside with you?

Why, of course.

My... My trunks will arrive this afternoon.

What do I do? Move in the broom closet?

Jim, that's no way to talk to a man who's here to help you.

The world doesn't change.

A gentle smile often breeds a kick in the pants.

But for your sake, Linda, I'll be big.

(BRAKES SCREECHING)

I'll give you a tip about these things, Gus.

They'll go up and back, but not sideways.

Yeah, well, I keep forgetting

this blind thing can't see where it's going.

Yeah, well, unload the rest of this stuff in the back, huh?

(ENGINE STARTS)

(BRAKES SCREECHING)

TED: Hey! What did you do, get up before breakfast?

Why, every morning. I trust you slept well.

When I found out how late you got in,

I told Mamie to let you sleep.

- (LAUGHS) Life on a farm! - Can't beat it, huh?

Jim, you've made me very happy!

That's fine.

Now, how about you making me happy?

You sound like a landlord with eviction papers.

Oh. This is good news, Lila's back in New York.

I got a letter from her yesterday.

What happened to her millionaire?

Slight mistake there.

- He didn't own millions, he owed them. - (CHUCKLES)

Poor girl, always straying to greener pastures and finding spinach.

Say, she was wondering if you'd

be interested in taking her back as a partner.

I think it'd be a great idea.

Naturally, you would.

But I like it here with you and Linda.

Yes, and we love having you, too.

Uh, when are you leaving?

- Why didn't you say something? - You look so silly.

- Where's Jim? - Inside.

Good. I've fixed it. Here's the news

in one luscious word: Hollywood!

Now, I told you, I'm not leaving here until Linda goes with me.

But this is the setup you needed to get her away from Jim.

Now, there are going to be two Hollywood men here tonight

to see the show.

One's an important director.

If they like your dancing, you and Linda

will be on a westbound train tomorrow.

We better find out if Linda's interested.

We let her know when there's a contract staring her in the face.

- Look... - Now I know you're in love with the girl

but forget her until we get her away from here.

This is no time to be honest.

TED: Well, what should I do?

All we have to do is to convince Jim

that he'd be a heel if he stood in the way of a chance like this.

Oh, that'll be easy, like peeling a turtle.

Mamie says these go up here!

Yes, set them right down.

Say, Gus, how would you like to earn a slow $10?

Well, I don't care how slow, but sure.

(CHUCKLES) It's sure, all right, here's the wrinkle,

I want you to go down to the station

pick up a party and start for Holiday Inn

but never get here. Could you handle that?

Wouldn't be surprised!

Hello, long distance.

That's what I want you to do with Linda Mason.

Miss Mason? Our friend?

You're not supposed to understand it, Gus.

For that kind of money you ought to be able to go by way of Medicine Hat.

Hello, yeah. Just a minute.

Long distance, I want to get Parkway Hotel,

New York City, Miss Lila Dixon.

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)

Didn't Linda say she'd be here for final rehearsal?

Oh, relax, our audiences aren't professional critics.

(TIRES SCREECHING)

Gus, you made a wrong turn.

Shortcut.

Gus!

Shortcut, another shortcut.

How could you possibly expect to drive through this?

Well, I never had no trouble with a horse.

Oh, you'd better carry me to shore,

and I'll walk back to the highway.

Well, I think you'd be better off waiting right here.

Gus, will you please do as I say?

Oh, all right.

- The other way. - Huh?

Turn around. Gus, turn around!

Oh!

Gus!

- My hat! - You pushed me.

Get my hat!

I swear the show will start any minute now.

You said that an hour ago.

Yeah, but this time I'm sincere. Excuse me.

("LET'S SAY IT WITH FIRECRACKERS" PLAYING)

Who started the show?

I did. You're on.

But what about Ted's partner?

You've kept this crowd waiting long enough, he can go on without her.

Have you gone nuts? I've rehearsed a double dance.

(SINGING) Let's say it with firecrackers and banners held high

Let's have a real old-fashioned noisy Fourth of July

Let's say it with firecrackers

They'll jump at up North

Let's have the kind we used to call a glorious Fourth

Let's salute our native land

Roman candles in each hand

While a Yankee Doodle band

Gets hotter than a firecracker

Don't need any long speeches

Or shouts of "Hooray!"

No words can say as much as firecrackers can say

Freedom! Freedom!

Here comes the Freedom Man

On this day of independence

On this Independence Day

Listen to an American troubadour from the U. S.A.

I'm singing a song of freedom

For all people who cry out to be free

Free to sail the seven seas

Free to worship as we please

If the birds up in the trees

Can be free

Why can't we?

I'm bringing a song of freedom

To all people wherever they may be

Free to speak and free to hear

Free from want and free from fear

Sons of freedom far and near

Who agree

Sing with me

That all God's people shall be free

CHORUS: I'm singing a song of freedom

For all people who cry out to be free

JIM: Free to sail the seven seas

Free to worship as we please

If the birds up in the trees

Can be free

Why can't we?

CHORUS: I'm bringing a song of freedom

To all people wherever they may be

JIM: Free to speak and free to hear

Free from want and free from fear

Sons of freedom far and near

Who agree

Sing with me

That all God's people shall be free

CHORUS: That all God's people shall be free

(ALL APPLAUDING)

Will you give me a lift?

Sure, hop in.

Aren't you Ted Hanover's former dancing partner?

Yes, although I wouldn't exactly say former.

I'm dancing with him at the inn tonight.

But I... Doesn't he have a new partner?

Oh, she won't be there tonight.

I didn't know that!

I work at the inn.

Oh?

Waitress?

Yes.

I know your boss, Jim Hardy, quite well. Quite well.

Then he's responsible for your rejoining Mr. Hanover.

Uh-huh.

By the way, if I were you, I'd look my prettiest tonight

when I'm waiting on tables.

Jim says there will be a couple of men from Hollywood

to consider Ted and me for pictures.

And Mr. Hanover's other partner

will be missing this chance to go to Hollywood.

Yes, although she can't be very talented

or they wouldn't be working at the inn.

Ted and I played only the best places.

Listen, you're late for the show already,

if you'd care to let me drive

I know a shortcut that'll get us there 15 minutes sooner.

There's a farmhouse near here

and I'll have us towed out in a couple of minutes.

Oh, for the love of mud, hurry!

Wait right here!

What else can I do?

(ALL APPLAUDING)

(BIG BAND MUSIC PLAYING)

- You're on now. - But Linda isn't here yet.

You've got to save the pieces,

keep those men interested now

and do a number with Linda later.

What can I do?

Well, fake something.

Fake something, okay.

There's your cue.

Don't fail me, keep them flying.

I'll keep them flying.

(FIRECRACKER BURSTS)

(AUDIENCE CHEERING)

Linda! What happened to you?

A bad job of sabotage.

Excuse me!

Well, Jim, you deliberately kept me

from working at the inn tonight, didn't you?

- Yeah. - You knew there would be men here

from Hollywood who might offer me a chance in pictures.

You've decided I shouldn't have that opportunity.

Not even the opportunity to refuse.

I was afraid the offer might

be too important for you to turn down.

The point is you don't trust me to make my own decisions

because they might interfere with your own selfish plans.

I've had about enough of that, Jim.

Ted, Linda!

Mr. Parker, Mr. Dunbar,

I want you to meet the greatest dance team

in show business, Hanover and Mason.

And the owner Jim Hardy.

Glad to know you, Hardy. Nice little place you've got here.

Gentlemen, even though you haven't seen

Miss Mason dance, I can assure you...

Hardy, Hollywood is always interested

in new ideas and we think this is a honey.

Frankly, we'd like to do a picture based on the Holiday Inn.

The idea behind it, how it works, the special holiday songs.

Of course, it's purely a speculative thing, far from foolproof

and we can't afford to pay too much.

You don't have to start talking it down

because the idea is not for sale.

Well, maybe I haven't explained enough.

We expect to use Mr. Hanover and his partner in the picture.

Well, I don't know how the others feel

but I'd like to keep this little setup just the way it is.

Jim, would you be decent just once

and let somebody else around here have a chance?

Wait a minute, Danny, after all, the place belongs to him

he can do as he wants.

I guess it was just too good to last, huh?

A simple little layout, where we could do our best

at the work we know without having any illusions of glory.

I can see now that I'm the only one who could be happy here.

Go ahead, take the idea, take the music,

take Linda, take the whole darn thing.

But what about you? We'll need you

in Hollywood to write the rest of the music.

Oh, no, I work right here.

I'll send you the music when it's written.

And don't bother me before, huh?

Guess maybe I was a little selfish, huh?

Is that the deal you wanted or should I have thrown in my shirt?

Chummy sort of a fellow, isn't he?

Listen, Linda, if you really want to stay here...

Don't talk that way. This is the chance you wanted, isn't it?

Of course. Boy, are we happy!

Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. Jim.

Same to you, Mamie. And staff.

Didn't I tell you children to stay in the kitchen?

Those wings ain't going to fly away. Now shoo!

Everything's ready and hot, Mr. Jim.

Thank you, Mamie.

("I'VE GOT PLENTY TO BE THANKFUL FOR" PLAYING)

I've got plenty to be thankful for

Are you kidding?

I haven't got a great big yacht

To sail from shore to shore

Still I've got plenty to be thankful for

You're loaded, Dan.

I've got plenty to be thankful for

Like what?

No private car

No caviar

No carpet on my floor

Still I've got plenty to be thankful for

You know you're better off than I am.

I've got eyes to see with

You need glasses.

Ears to hear with

Or fly with.

Arms to hug with

Lips to kiss with

Someone to adore

You're a little flat, too.

How could anybody ask for more?

My needs are small I buy them all

At the five and ten cent store

Sing it!

Sing it pretty.

Oh, I've got plenty to be thankful for

Why, you ain't ate a bite.

I'm pouting, Mamie.

Who is this?

That's Mr. Jones.

Jonesey! I'm sorry, I knew him too well.

But you got to eat.

The trouble ain't with that turkey, Mr. Jim, it's you!

I feel all right. I'm riding high, Mamie.

Well, why you close the inn and sit around

like a jellyfish with the misery?

'Cause a slicker stole your gal

and you ain't got fight enough to get her back.

Excuse me, Mr. Jim.

I tried to keep her here!

What kind of keeping is that?

Nothing but tricks. If you went to Hollywood

and told Miss Linda how much you loves her,

and misses her, and told her that

the way a lady likes to hear it told,

I'll bet you she'd be the quickest ex-movie star that ever exed.

You're crazy, Mamie

I'm crazy? I knows Miss Linda.

I knows her like I knows my own kids.

Why, she ain't the fancy type no more than you are.

What she wants is what you got right here.

But women has to have them things told to them the right way.

You could melt her heart right down to butter,

if you'd only turn on the heat.

Mamie, you don't try to take a fellow's gal

away from him after he's bought the ring.

Or as I recall, do you?

Now you're talking!

Oh, sure, women has to be told things the right way.

MAMIE: Yes, sir!

At last, the night I've been dreaming about actually here.

This is still my wedding, you know.

You make me feel like a kibitzer.

Now don't misunderstand me, I'm happy because this marriage means

that we can all settle down and stop worrying.

I wish I had your confidence without your viewpoint.

My fingers are crossed until Linda and I

are on that plane bound for Yuma.

Now what's worrying you?

I don't know, except I've been this close to marriage before

only to wake up next morning

and find myself with no bride and a hangover.

Look, the girl said yes, the picture finishes tonight,

- there's a judge waiting in Yuma. - (KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Come in!

Everything is all set and ready.

What could possibly happen to...

Hi, fellows!

Jim, what brought you here?

Train. Chug chug chug chug.

The wedding, when is it?

- Wedding? - Yeah.

Well, we hadn't set any exact time.

Have you seen Linda?

No, no, not yet. But, say, I saw your director,

he told me he was shooting the finale tonight,

thought I'd like to see how you make pictures.

He wouldn't... You wouldn't like what they're doing tonight.

Why not?

Oh, no, that's dull, technical stuff.

Well, I'm a dull, technical sort of a fellow.

Perhaps if you'd wait and see Linda tomorrow.

Oh, no, I want to see the finish.

The success of you and Linda means a lot to me, pal.

Say, why don't you be yourself. What are you up to?

Well, I'm a son of a gun. This is a beautiful hunk of welcome

for a guy who comes coast to coast

just to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy wedding.

(CHUCKLES)

You remember how I suspected you

when you came to live at the inn on Easter morning?

Silly, wasn't it?

Now I know he's up to something.

Oh, wait a minute now let's not be unfair.

No?

No, we're treating Jim like a poor country cousin.

- He doesn't mean any harm! - No!

No, he just wants to see Linda.

So let's show him Linda.

Goodwill on earth toward men.

This... Where we going? What's this?

Hey, Ted! What is this?

TED: I was afraid you'd gone crazy.

DANNY: I'll keep him in here till you get Linda on that plane.

TED: I better hurry and get my clothes on.

DANNY: Yeah, in the meantime I'll go down to the set

and see how near ready they are.

TED: Wait a minute, my clothes are in there.

Merry Christmas!

Jim, pal! Wait!

Stop! We were only fooling!

Only you could think of a thing like that.

Who you calling?

Nobody, the operator's gone.

Take it easy. Don't break your neck.

It's one of the most authentic reproduction jobs we've ever done.

Is it?

And all worked out from those photographs

we took of your place in Connecticut.

Uh-huh.

Well, Mamie and the kids ought to see this. They'd never believe it!

Anything wrong?

Well, that Christmas tree's a little out of place.

I'd guess nobody would notice that but me or Linda.

We're going to start rolling in a couple of minutes.

Come along with me where you can see everything.

No, I'll just sort of stay in the background.

I don't want to get in your way.

Well, suit yourself. I'll see you later.

Right.

All right, darling, we're going to follow you

on the boom from here inside the inn.

And when you get in the other set, do your song.

Let's see, I think you have the mood,

your Hollywood success was empty,

you've lost the one man you love. You know, the usual hope.

Just make me cry and you can get to that wedding.

All ready for rehearsal!

Please! Let's shoot it.

Okay, it's a take!

All right, everybody, quiet on the stage, it's a take.

- (ALARM RINGING) - Close them up. Come on, over there,

quiet down, let's get settled, everybody.

Come on, everybody, let's get settled now. This is the picture.

(INAUDIBLE)

Hit the snow!

All right, roll 'em!

(BELL RINGS)

Sorry, Mr. Hanover, but when the red light's on

you couldn't get in even if you owned the studio.

Oh, but, pop, this is important.

I know, so is the light.

Hit the playback. Music!

(SOFT ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYING)

All right, action!

("WHITE CHRISTMAS" PLAYING)

(SINGING) I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten

And children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow

(JIM WHISTLING TUNE)

...dreaming of a white

Christmas

(JIM HUMMING)

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

Jim!

Cut it! Cut it!

- (BELL RINGS) - That's it!

All right, gentlemen!

How could he get that far in five minutes?

The lady must have been willing.

But the world can't do this to us.

(PEOPLE CLAMORING)

(AUDIENCE CHEERING)

(SWING MUSIC PLAYING)

(SINGING) Here she comes down the street

I'll admit my defeat

I've won my hot toddy

Over my scarred body

I knew that I'd win singing

But wait until she gets a load of your dancing

We'll stay at the inn singing

All by myself I'll have to stick to my dancing

Oh, no, my friend, I'm here to end

Your dancing trouble and strife

This will be fun, Miss Hit-and-Run

Has come back into my life

We'll stay at the inn...

We'll have to begin...

Singing!

Dancing!

We've each other to cling to

You'll be easy to sing to

And you're easy to dance with

So let the old year die with a fond good-bye

And our hopes as high as a kite

How can our love go wrong

If we start the new year right?