Original subtitles

Good evening.

We seem to have a compulsion these days to bury time capsules in order to give

those living in the next century or so some idea of what we are like.

I have prepared one of my own.

In it, I have placed some rather large samples of dynamite, gunpowder, and

nitroglycerin. My time capsule is set to go off in the year 3000.

It will show them what we are really like.

This evening's drama is about a different type of time capsule.

It is called The Track, and it's set to go off in just 60 seconds.

Yes, Tom?

I have an appointment with Mr. Beale, the agency sent me. By Mr. Cocker.

A bit early.

Your clock is slow. I'm exactly right.

May I have your coat?

Elevator, please.

Mr. Cochran?

Yes. Good. I'll let Mr. Beale know you're here.

Mr. Cochran, come in, come in.

Sit down somewhere and start telling me about yourself.

Would you like a drink?

Nothing, thank you. Nothing, thank you.

All right.

Well, well, well.

You know, when I was your age, I never refused a drink.

You see what it's got me?

Hey, do you like toys?

You want to have some fun?

Take this back.

Move back over there.

Go on, further back.

I'll tell you when to stop. That's good.

Now, you see this?

It's an automatic pitcher. It makes Bobby Feller look like a piker.

Now, hold up the bat.

Look good.

Ready? And here she comes.

Hey, hey, you're supposed to swing at it. Now, try it again.

Here she comes.

Come on, where's your eye?

Once more, let's go. Now, here she comes.

Get some wood on it.

I'm in plastic.

It's a plastic bag.

Now swing at it. Ready?

Watch it now. Close.

And... Well, that does it.

You missed them all. You didn't hit one of them. Well, I guess you don't get the

job. What?

Well, you're stuck out. You don't do me much good.

Thanks anyway.

Mr. Beale, I think he's... Look, I wanted a man to demonstrate this toy.

And brother, you're terrible. But it's been fun.

Thanks anyway.

Sorry, must have been some mistake.

April Fool!

Mr. Corporate, come back. Sit down, sit down.

Sit down. The expression on your face was really something.

Now, tell me something that you think is important.

Like, I don't know, what?

I'm an expert at shorthand.

And? I'm a shorthand champion.

If you care, I can take a letter faster than anyone in the country. Oh, really?

You're the champion.

Oh, here.

Do you have a pencil? No.

Get ready.

Set. Go.

My dear sir.

You know, I don't know what to say. I don't talk very fast.

Oh, I know. I'll get my wife in here. She'll give you a beautiful letter.

Here goes.

Hmm. Now, tell me something else.

Shorthand champion?

Did you go to school?

I went to Princeton. I graduated in two and a half years.

I didn't even go two and a half years.

Eighth grade.

Eighth grade of PS, uh, something, something.

You see what it gets you?

Well, Princeton, what else?

I was in the army. Is that where you learned shorthand?

No, I didn't learn anything except how stupid my sergeant was.

He had an enormous contempt for college graduates.

Yeah.

Now look, Princeton, why do you want this job?

You want to be my personal secretary?

You like toys?

What? I don't know. I just think it'd be an interesting job.

Well, you know, if you get this job, you'll have to work here in my home.

I like to work where it's nice and quiet.

So do I. I had 11 brothers and sisters in my family.

Eleven?

It wasn't funny.

Oh, here she is.

Oh, come on in. I want you to meet somebody.

This is Mr. Cochran.

He's interested in being my personal secretary.

You want to tell him how easy I am to get along with?

Hello.

Oh, did you know that Mr. Cochran is a shorthand champion?

I wanted you to come in here and do him a favor and throw a few sentences at

him. I got hung up after this.

Sit down, Mr. Corcoran. You don't mind.

Oh, come on. Let's have a little fun with Princeton here. Hey, please. I've

a lot to do. One minute.

Start taking notes.

Come on. Only a minute. What have you got to do?

Well, we're having friends for dinner, and I want to go over the menu with

Margaret. And I'm supposed to meet Rilla Borden at the gallery this afternoon.

There's a new artist. I don't know, but she likes him.

I said I'd go if she went to the antiques fair with me.

She doesn't like to call us in because of all those people and stuff.

You all right, Mr. Corcoran?

Teddy.

One minute. Read it back, champ.

Well, we're having some friends for dinner, and I wanted to go over the menu

with Margaret, and I'm supposed to meet Willa Borden at the gallery this

afternoon. There's a new artist I don't know.

Good. Very good.

Very good.

How do you sound?

I want you to type that up and send a copy to all my other wives.

Thank you, Mr. Corcoran. I'll call the agency and let them know either way.

Well, thanks for coming.

Oh, uh, have a cigar. Do you smoke?

No, thank you.

Good. It explodes.

Bye.

I have a funny feeling about him.

Just can't explain it, but I don't think we should hire him.

Feeling? What do you mean, feeling?

He's a good kid. He listens.

He's all right.

You're asking how I felt?

My features.

You feel too much. I'm going to hire this kid.

Ready?

Please. Please what?

Try someone else.

Hey, you're serious.

Ridiculous. Look, I'll bet you a new... Oh, what do you call it? A high boy.

I'll bet you an old high boy. That's better, huh? That this kid is the right

choice. No bets.

That's what I thought. I just say don't take him.

My Peach, he'll lose.

He's hired.

or would you like me to do it? I'll be with you in a minute.

Almost to the finish line.

There.

One by a nose.

Always do.

Let's see.

Oh, very good.

Hey, wait a minute.

I didn't write this letter. Something wrong?

Hey, this is some letter.

You write this letter, Princeton?

No, I just made a few changes.

Hmm.

Sign it for me.

You know, Princeton, I like the way you work.

I hope I haven't been working you too hard.

No, fine.

The hours are a little strange.

A little difficult getting here from where I live all the time, but fine.

Hey, I got an idea. We got a nice place up on the top floor.

Why don't you move in up there?

It's not really necessary.

Oh, it's the least I can do.

I'll have the servants fix it up.

Okay?

Thank you.

Good. Welcome aboard.

Oh, while you're up, will you get me that envelope over there?

Open it up. Open it up. I want to show you something.

They just sent this rendering over from the office.

It's a new toy.

Hey,

did you ever see that show on TV?

What was the name of it?

Raccoon, Rick the Raccoon?

You know the guy who goes around with a mask on like that fellow on TV?

Hey, ever see a raccoon?

Well, look at this, see? We're coming out with a new toy called Rick the

Raccoon. It has a removable mask and natural fur.

Very cuddly.

How about it, Prince?

This is a new product.

What? This is a new product.

Oh, this? I've had it for... Oh, oh, oh, you mean the dolls?

Yeah. Don't you think the kids today want something a little more

Oh, look, there are millions of fools every year who buy teddy bears and

dolls. They might just as well squeeze Rick the Raccoon.

Have you ever seen this show?

For heaven's sake, you must think I'm crazy.

No, Mr. Beale, but if you knew anything about this show, you'd know it's been on

the air for three years.

You're too late.

You want a warehouse full of raccoons?

Get me that phone.

Harmon, please.

Harmon?

Harmon, how long has this show been on the air?

And how come we are just now coming out with this new toy?

What difference does it make if nobody else did? The next time you get an idea

from a television show, make sure it's not a rerun.

Hold it.

You two missed it.

You been to the gallery?

No.

What are you looking at?

Nothing.

Why are you staring at me?

Was I staring?

What are you doing?

Was I staring?

Let me out of here.

I'm sorry.

You don't value your job very much, do you, Mr. Cochran?

Let me tell you something. I've seen you.

I've seen what you're doing with my husband. Little ideas, little

Well, he doesn't need you, Mr. Cochran, and no matter how hard you try, you

can't make him.

You're a mistake.

Hey.

Ah.

Hey. I brought you presents.

What's the matter, honey?

Why so glum?

Look, I brought you a present.

Something to keep you company.

Come on, open it.

This is the latest Beal toy creation.

Oh, not just another doll.

Here, let me show you.

Teddy Bear, this is a dumb thing to call you brought me. What am I going to do

with them all?

Well, I always give you the first one. Good luck. You always get the first.

Now watch.

I love you.

I love you.

Come on, watch.

Here, hold it. Terry, I don't want to.

I love you.

I love you.

How about that? Pretty good, huh? You like it?

I love you.

I love you. I love you. There's a little tape recorder inside.

It says anything you want. You like it, huh? I love you.

What's the matter, Peg?

What's the matter?

May I come here, please?

I was just over there.

Please, Kenny.

Well, what?

Thank you for the present.

Oh, you liked it, huh?

It's very cute.

I just hope a couple of hundred thousand kids think so. They will.

Teddy, I want to ask you a very important question.

What?

Do you have to have that Mr. Cochran working for you?

What, Princeton?

What's wrong with him?

He's the best secretary I ever had.

Glad you're open.

I'm sorry you have to be leaving.

I mean, things are just getting started, sir, if you know what I mean. We've had

a wonderful time. It's been a great party, really. You know, you've outdone

yourself. Is Peg around? I'd like to say goodbye.

Is Peg around?

Is Peg around?

I don't know.

She's around.

Ted, you won't be with us very long at this rate.

Oh, oh, you... Well...

I'll save these for you for next time. And don't worry about me. Just take care

of yourself.

Good to see you. Good to see you, sir.

Oh, come on. There you go.

Good night now.

Sit down before I beat you to it.

Well, maybe I'd better not sit down. I might not be able to get up again.

Hey.

What are you doing in here?

I just wanted some quiet.

Well, on your birthday, we'll have a nice, quiet little party.

All right?

You haven't seen my wife around here, have you?

No.

She's probably showing her off furniture to somebody.

What's the matter?

You don't like parties.

Yes, you told me. You like quiet.

You don't like crowds either. Do you, Princeton?

Now what's the matter?

I wish you wouldn't call me that.

What? Princeton?

What's wrong with that?

A nice name.

My sergeant used to call me Princeton.

Ah, well.

Look, I'll call you something else if you like.

You see, I don't mind names.

Everybody calls me everything.

My wife calls me teddy bear.

My brother -in -law calls me Bill.

And my car partners call me Fatty.

And my competitors. You should hear what they call me.

What shall I call you?

Anything you like.

What if my wife called you?

John.

I like Prince.

Hey, hey.

Do you see all this furniture?

My wife picked it up.

I had a nice old stuffed chair in my place over on 3rd Avenue. Beat anything

this room any day of the week.

Did I ever tell you how I met my peach?

Do you know?

No. Well, I was at a toy convention in St. Louis seven years ago.

She was a young kitten then. And he was up on the stage.

She was up there on a stage in a lovely bathing suit with a big ribbon all

across her.

And then this master of ceremonies stepped out and he said, Ladies and

gentlemen, I'd like to present Mr.

Toy of 1957.

I rushed up and said hello.

You know how it is at these conventions, everybody grabs you first and says

hello about three days later?

Well, I walked right up and I said hello.

And about, what, about a year and a half later...

I married her, see?

Where is Peg?

She's probably with the other kids.

Hey, I got an idea.

I'm going to have Peg do her routine for you.

Oh, she had a speech she did at that convention.

I'm going to find Peg and have her do it for you. No, Mr. Beale, I just... I'll

have her do it for you.

I think she's this way, Mr. Beale.

Oh.

Hey.

Hey, who?

Oh.

Nothing. All right.

Chad?

Oh, Peg!

Daddy, hey, we're still going strong.

It's just Danny and I going to lose the afternoon on the street. Go take a walk.

Go, baby.

Give me the drink.

Your husband is looking for you.

That's very funny.

Your husband is looking for you.

You want to go to him, or shall we wait here for him to find you?

No.

Ping -pong, anyone?

Good morning. Good morning.

I see you survived the party.

I don't drink.

You know, there's no need to hurry. Teddy's still in bed with a hangover.

That's all right. I have work to do.

Do you?

What do you want?

Do you really have work to do this morning?

Of course I have work. You think I'm here for my health?

Your boss is dead to the world. There's nobody here to secretary for.

Is that what you came here to tell me?

Didn't you really come here to find something else?

Find out whether or not I was going to say anything to your husband about last

night.

I didn't say.

Won't you ask me?

Go ahead, ask me.

Well, it's that simple.

Trust me.

Oh, don't bother. I'll tell you. I could care less what you did last night or

any other night, fortunately for you.

Oh, really?

John?

John?

Wait a minute.

Please, John, I'm sorry.

Just noticed the way you look at me.

They won't open.

They're between the floors.

Son, please listen to me.

They're stuck and they're between the floors.

I can fix it, Donald. I can fix it.

Just listen to me for a minute.

What?

I really did come to you because I noticed... You noticed what?

What did you notice?

What's the matter with you?

Do you think I'm a fool?

Do you think I don't notice?

Do you think I walk around with my eyes closed?

What are you anyhow, huh?

This stuff's toys.

You know what you are?

A board.

A board stiff with that fat old man and you know it.

You're feeling cool all over.

And you can hardly stand one minute of it.

But you keep right on, don't you, huh?

Like a trooper.

And it dresses you in black and sweeps you in silk.

And you send it out to play and it's amazing on your husband's birthday.

I hate a barrel of fun, isn't it, huh?

A lot of laughs these past seven years. A lot of toys.

A lot of parties. A lot of jokes, huh, from your teddy bear?

How about it, Mr. Dick?

Take your teeth.

You hate it all, don't you, Dick?

You hate it.

Oh.

Tom, that's not true.

You've been stuck up there for a while, haven't you? I was wondering what was

happening. I kept pressing the buzzer.

I finally went and fixed the fuse.

We didn't know what happened.

Oh, it's the fuse.

And when that happens, you just press the alarm bell. And if the bell doesn't

work, just give a loud yell.

Now look, if this thing gets stuck, don't panic. And don't bang on the

and don't shout terrible things.

Just press the alarm bell like this, see?

There's always somebody in the house, aren't we, Seth?

Oh, my head.

What am I doing up?

My stomach is feeling better, but my head... Oh, if that gets stuck, it means

the fuse is blown.

It means that somebody's using the electric iron and the dishwasher and

something else all at once.

So... Oh.

Oh.

Thank you.

So, we take a fuse from here, and we put it into place, mark lift.

That's English for elevator.

There we go.

Put the old fuse here.

Simple, huh? The elevator is now running. Can you remember that?

Good.

Teddy Bear, why don't you go on back to bed?

That's a good idea.

One item which might well go into a time capsule is the station brick.

In fact, I would love to enclose this next one, but they won't allow me to get

my hands on it. However, you may examine it, after which our story will

continue.

You ready?

Mm -hmm. Here it goes.

He's coming up on your side.

Come here.

Here he comes.

There he is.

We got him.

And they're a fly again.

Get him to me.

I wish Teddy were out playing cards every night.

We could fly.

Would you fly somewhere with me?

Where?

Anywhere.

Where do we live on?

Doesn't matter. We could live in a tent.

If we lived in a tent, you'd want room service.

Not with you.

I'm proud of it.

Would you get married?

We could.

We could get married without him dying.

No, he'd never give me a divorce.

And if he did, I wouldn't have anything.

But if he were to die,

soon, I'd have everything I want.

That's very funny.

Everything and me, huh?

You know what I mean.

You want to kill him?

Yeah.

It doesn't sound so simple when you put it that way, huh?

It doesn't.

Why don't we just wait a while?

I don't want to wait.

We can kill him.

Peg, why not do it my way?

Peg?

Johnny, I mean, you're so smart.

We could find a way.

True, true.

Hey, I got something new.

You're going to love it. This is just great. We're putting out a new game, and

it's called Go Ball.

Great. You've got to play it. It's just great.

Now, I'm going to set this pole up, and you clear this away. Will you get all

these chairs out of here for everything?

And here we go.

Now, there are a couple of paddles over there. Get them for me, will you?

There's one for you and one for me.

Well, I'm not very good at games, as you know. Oh, look, this is a caulker. I

beat everybody down at the plant this morning.

Beat me?

Ha, ha, ha. Not on your life.

Now, look, the object of this game is to wrap this rope around the pole, right

up to the ball.

You got it? I think so. I'll learn as we go along.

Hey, Princeton, how about a wager, double or nothing?

You're free kick. How about that?

Well, I'm not very good at this.

Double or nothing, I serve.

You ready?

Set. And here we go.

Come on, 20 minutes.

Would you save your ass, Peg, for eating with the teddy bear?

Thank you. You're welcome.

It was a lovely night.

And thank you, John, for sharing with me all the toys.

Will we see you again soon?

Soon? Of course.

We'll see you next week in the country, remember?

The country?

Didn't Ted tell you about it at the party? He told us he wanted to bring you

down to the country for a few weeks' vacation.

Oh, he shouldn't have told you. It's probably a surprise.

I guess it was.

Well, he said you've been so restless lately here in the city that he was

to let the servants go and rush you off to the country.

So we'll see you next week.

I guess so.

Have a good trip back. Well?

Well what?

Why did he do that? Why didn't he tell me?

He likes to surprise you.

Do you believe that?

I think he knows something.

I think he knows we're planning something.

That's ridiculous.

How could he?

I don't know, but he could.

I'm sure he knows something. I don't want to be alone with him.

Peg, please.

We've got to do something.

Soon.

Now, before we leave. We have to.

Peg, honey, you're imagining things.

Look, we've got to take our time. We can't afford to make a mistake. We don't

have any time.

Peg, your husband likes my work.

I'm going to be here a long time.

A long time to find just the right way to get rid of him.

Everything's all right.

Just give me some time.

What's all this for?

Just coming for the holidays, sir. A lot of dust can accumulate in three weeks.

You know something?

These antique never look better.

Goodbye, sir. Have a nice holiday.

You wanted me for something?

John, you haven't been here very long, have you?

No, sir.

No, I haven't. I hate to say this.

But it looks like I'm going to have to find myself another secretary.

Well, don't panic.

I've just paid you a compliment.

I'm going to kick you upstairs.

You're just wasting your time around here.

Hey.

How would you like to work in Europe?

Don't know. Doing what? Well, we're going to try to open up a new market

there. Our toys don't speak any language. And there's no reason why a

can't have one. I want you to go over there for about six months.

Oh, I'll give you a month's vacation in front.

You'll travel all over, and if things look good, we'll be in business and

be in charge. How about that?

I'd like to think about it.

Good. I'll give you a couple of seconds.

I want you to leave today.

Today? P -O -D -A -Y.

Peg and I are leaving for the country in an hour. We'll all leave together.

Today is... Oh, this just happened this morning, John. It was my brainstorm.

They were going to send somebody else, but I vetoed him for you. How about

Well, it's very tempting.

So, pack now.

We'll all leave in an hour. Come on.

Hey, Penny, I'm not going away forever. I'll be back.

Six months?

I don't want to be with that man for six more days.

Well, I'll be back. We'll do everything when I come back.

He knows we're planning something. That's why he's sending you away.

How could he know? He likes my work, that's all.

He does know. I know he does, John. We've got to do something.

What are we going to do?

You're off to the country this afternoon and I'm going to Europe.

You don't want to help me at all.

That's what it is. You don't love me anymore, do you?

Sit down, please. He's still in there.

Let him hear. He knows anyway.

You don't love me. You just don't care anymore.

Get a golden opportunity and you jump at it like a fish. Well, how about us? How

about us?

Hey, honey.

I love you.

All right, do you? We'll keep in touch.

I think he's all right. He doesn't know a thing.

He simply likes the way I've been working. That's all.

Let's refuse to go.

I can't. It's more important than me.

It's for you.

Honey, please.

Please.

Hold everything. I have to go to Chicago.

Chicago? What about our trip?

Oh, they filed up a deal out there and they want me to come. You'll have to

explain to Jennifer and Glenn that I'll be along later in the week.

We'll still have more than two weeks together.

They'll be very disappointed.

Are you ready to leave right now, John?

I think so.

Well, if I'm going too fast for you, just say uncle.

Look, I want you to take the limousine. I have some papers I want dropped off at

the plant.

Uh, Peg.

You and I will take a cab to the airport.

There are some things I want to talk to you about.

Are all the servants gone?

All but Ralph and the driver.

Good. Isn't this fun? Everybody's taking a trip.

John, do you want to take a look at these papers a minute?

I'll finish packing.

Now, look.

This is for Harmon and Dickinson.

Ralph, you can put the bag in the cab, and there's no need for you to wait

around any longer. Mr. Beale and I are the only ones left.

Very good.

Have a good vacation, madam. You too, Ralph.

Operator, I want to call Rome, Italy.

Person to person to John Cochran at the Excelsior Hotel. Calling Ted?

No.

The weather bureau. I call the weather.

Down here?

It's always the same.

Why don't you call Ted?

I'm sure if you work on him, he'll get away.

No. He's been gone a week. Longer than you expected.

That wouldn't work. You see, he's very busy.

Wouldn't you like to have Ted come down right away?

I'd rather not call.

Oh, please, Aunt Pip.

My teddy bear misses Uncle Pip.

See? He's crying.

See? I love you. I love you. I love you. I love

you. I love you.

I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I

love you. I love you.

Love you.

Thank you. Thank you. Can I bring them in?

No, no, no. That won't be necessary.

Okay.

Looking well.

Something wrong?

No.

How was the country?

Fine.

Miss me?

Yes. Sorry I couldn't make it. The deal got very complicated.

But I do have a surprise for you.

You like them?

They're something, huh?

Every one is perfect.

I kept the oysters working overtime.

All right.

Come on, let me put them on for you. No, why don't we just go?

Oh, come on.

What's the matter?

Have a rough flight?

You look a little upset.

I'm just tired.

There.

You know, you're the only person in the world who could do them justice.

I picked these up for you the day that we left.

I wanted to give them to you down at the country.

With the Arnold's, you know.

You picked them up?

Yeah, that's why I didn't go to the airport with you.

I told John to tell you that I'd taken the papers down at the plant myself.

Well, you've been complaining that John had been doing too many things for me.

And I thought that this was important enough for me to deliver impressions.

So, I took the limousine.

You took the limousine and you left John... Yeah, I left John upstairs to,

know, sort of straighten out the office. Then I took my bags and went to the

airport from town.

I hope you didn't mind that I didn't go to the airport with you.

Ah, what a time, what a time.

What a three weeks this has been.

Well, come on.

Let's go upstairs and unpack now.

John was given a most fitting burial.

He was lured into the grave, still in the elevator.

It also saved everyone from the disagreeable chore of taking him out.

As for the Beals, they eventually confessed to their part in the crime and

received their just punishment.

Next week, I shall return with another story.

While you await that event, you may listen to this plea from our dear