Original subtitles

Well, dear, is the morning

than your attractive family?

- Yeah, Dad.

If you want to get hip on sports and stuff, just ask me.

- I'm sorry, dear.

I was looking at classified ads for engineers.

- Are you thinking about getting a new job, Dad?

- Could be.

- Wouldn't it be wonderful if you got a high salary

job with some big corporation, and we never

even had to think about budgeting?

- Dad might even be a president of some big company.

- Come now, Dennis.

- President Dad, how about having the last hot biscuit?

- Why thank you, Dennis.

I am rather hungry this morning. - Gosh.

Just because you're a president, you

didn't have to take me up on it.

[theme music]

- That's a valuable suggestion.

[buzzing] Yes?

Oh?

It's a long distance for you, Henry.

Chicago.

- Oh, Chicago.

I'll take it in my office, Mr. Trask.

- No, no, no, Henry, use my desk.

- If you don't mind, sir, it might be personal.

- Now, you go right ahead, Henry.

I'm due at the bank, anyway.

- Thank you, Mr. Trask.

Henry Mitchell speaking.

- Hello, Mitchell.

Herbert Gabe Bromley of Bromley Corporation, Chicago.

Tom Bissle, a friend of yours, recommended you.

Now, I have your personal data sheet here before me,

and so far I like what I see.

- Yes, sir.

- I can use a man with your qualifications.

Yes, sir.

- That's very nice to hear, sir.

- Yes.

Now, I want someone to work with me

closely as my administrative assistant.

- Yes, sir.

- Now, then, Mitchell, I am willing to double

your present salary.

- Yes, sir!

We can talk over the details here in Chicago

while you're getting your shots, passport, and, um, whatnot.

- Yes, sir.

Shots and passports, Mr. Bromley?

- Of course.

You'll will be accompanying me to Kalpuna,

where I'm building a hydroelectric plant

on the Ganges River.

- Did you say the Ganges River?

- That's right.

Wonderful opportunity for you and your family, Mitchell.

Think of it.

Three years of absorbing work bringing modern methods

and machinery to the jungle.

- Yes, sir.

- I'll take a cab from the airport to your house

and we can meet, and sort of size each other up.

OK with you?

- Yes, sir.

Oh, yes sir.

- I like the way this man talks.

I thought we'd hit it off, Mitchell.

See you tomorrow afternoon.

- Yes, sir.

Yes.

I like the way Mitchell talks.

- Yes, sir.

- Kalpuna.

I hated every minute of it.

- Kalpuna.

Henry, I loved every minute of it.

- Every time you stepped out of the hut, the, the jungle

and the bugs were crawling right up into your face.

- Henry, I was never happier anywhere.

A marvelous country.

Ah, primitive, but beautiful.

- You'll be lucky if you don't end up

with cholera, or beriberi, or heaven knows what.

- It'll be exotic, thrilling, a whole new way of life for you.

- Hardly any English is spoken.

- Gosh.

I have enough trouble with English

here, where everybody speaks it.

- It does sound like a dreadfully lonely life.

We met one another American couple while we were there.

And two Englishmen.

One was a doctor, but he was always busy

with a hypodermic needle giving the children shots.

- Shots?

- Speaking of shots, I've got to shoot

some holes in this whole idea.

- You and me both, Mom.

- Oh, that's Henry's one fault.

He's too mousy.

He needs someone to push him, and I'm just the man to do it.

What a success story this would make someday

for a magazine article.

Mild mannered engineer becomes industrial tiger in the jungle.

- You'd better just let sleeping tigers lie.

- Hm?

- Keep your nose out of it.

- There's the Ganges River, you see?

In Asia here?

Runs through several countries.

I can't seem to locate Kalpuna.

- No wonder.

Who ever heard of it?

- By the way, honey, would you dig my coveralls out?

I've got some dirty work to do at the plant tomorrow,

and I'll need them.

I'll have to get home in time to change

before Mr. Bromley gets here.

- Oh, dear.

- What's the matter, honey?

- Mrs. Wilson said none of the kids

over there ever heard of football or baseball.

- You know I want to help you get ahead, dear,

but do we have to make a decision right now?

- Come on, honey.

This opportunity won't wait.

More and more big companies are expanding

into foreign countries, and, well,

it's only for three years, with a big bonus every year.

- In three years, I'll be a mosquito bitten old man.

Come on.

Remember what Mrs. Wilson said.

- After all, darling, as long as we're together,

what else matters?

- You're right, dear.

If this is what you really want, I

remember what we promised years ago.

And forsaking all others.

- I'll never forget.

- Keep thee only unto him. - Keep thee only unto her.

- As long as you both shall live.

- Well, Dennis, what can I do for you?

- Mr. Trask?

I came down early this morning before Dad gets back

from the plant, because I want to talk

to you about something really important.

- What is it, my boy?

Fire away.

- Well, why are you letting Dad leave you and take us

to Asia someplace, and live in the jungle?

- Henry?

A job in Asia?

- Yes, sir.

Some big wheel named Mr. Bromley is flying out

to see him about it this afternoon.

All the way from Chicago.

- The Bromley corporation, eh?

- Well, couldn't you reason with him, maybe?

I bet he'd listen to you.

- When a man is determined to leave my employ

without warning, that's his business.

It's my business to get a suitable replacement.

I'm afraid I can't do anything about it, Dennis.

- Well, thanks anyway, Mr. Trask.

I thought I'd try.

- Oh, Grace, is Mr. Trask in?

- Yes, Mr. Mitchell.

- Thank you.

- Oh, there you are, Henry.

Things all straightened out at the plant?

- Yes, sir.

I think those new generators did the trick.

- Good.

- Now, sir, if you don't mind, I'd

like to take the afternoon off.

- This afternoon?

- Yes, sir.

- Going to the ball game, Henry?

- No, sir, it's, uh, a little more important than that.

Some personal affairs I want to attend to.

- Of course, of course.

I see no reason why you shouldn't

have the afternoon off. - Well, thank you, sir.

- Ah, provided you finish a little job

I've got lined up for you.

- Oh, Grace, will you bring in the rest of that paperwork,

please? - Yes, sir.

- Come along, Henry.

[doorbell]

- Well, Dennis.

- Hi, Mr. Wilson.

- What's the matter?

- Do you know where mom is?

- Well, she and Mrs. Wilson went shopping.

I think your mother's making the arrangements to go to Kalpuna.

- I guess it's just about all set, huh?

- Why, it wouldn't surprise me if Br.

Bromley loaded you all into his private plane

and took off for Chicago this afternoon.

- Will it be OK with you if I come and live in your basement?

In my basement?

Oh, now, Dennis, oh, no, no.

Besides, you wouldn't want to stay behind.

On, now you just think you don't want

to go and leave your little playmates.

- That's what you think.

- Oh, now, in a week you'll be running up and down

the banks of the Ganges, just as happy as a clam.

- That's what you think.

- Oh, you'll like it once you get used to the idea.

Besides, I'll see you again before you go.

- Well, thanks anyway, Mr. Wilson.

I'm trying everything I can think of.

- Hi, Dennis.

I got here as soon as I could.

Hey, what's up?

- Plenty, Tommy.

- You're really gonna run away from home?

- It's not my home anymore.

And they'll never get me to move to that crazy place

Dad can't even find on a map.

You know something, Tommy?

Kids over there don't even know anything

about baseball or football.

- Yeah?

- They don't even have schools.

- Is that bad?

- Heck, I'd rather stay here, even

if I do have to go to school.

- Your mom want to go to that junky place, too?

- Yeah.

She was on my side yesterday, but moms always

end up going with dads. - Yeah.

Mine always does.

- They wouldn't even talk to me about it.

Well, I gotta get going, Tommy.

That Mr. Bromley will be here this afternoon,

and then my folks will be leaving.

- Where you going?

Hey, you want to hide out at my house?

- No, they'd find me there.

- Skinny Jones has got a neat cave you could hide in,

I'd bet.

- No thanks.

I got a place all picked out, but you've

got to promise not to tell a single soul.

- I promise. - OK.

- Wow.

They'll never find you there.

Hey, you gonna leave your mom a note?

- I already did.

- I'd better get going now, Tommy.

Before Mom gets home.

- Yeah.

So long, Dennis.

I'll see you soon.

- OK, Tommy.

[doorbell]

[doorbell]

- Uh, pardon me, uh, are you looking for Henry Mitchell?

- Yes, but there doesn't seem to be anybody at home.

- Oh, then you must be Mr. Bromley.

I'm Mr. Wilson from next door.

- How do you do?

Henry didn't expect you until later this afternoon.

If you'd care to come over to my house and wait,

I'll phone him right away.

- Well, that's very nice.

I'd be much obliged, mister, um--

- Wilson.

John Wilson.

- Ah, yes.

Of course.

- Have a chair.

Mr. Mitchell will see you in a moment.

- Well, I hope so, since you refused

to put me through to him on the phone.

[phone ringing]

- Task Engineering.

One moment, please.

- Grace, give these contracts to Henry Mitchell and tell him I

want them checked out today. - Yes, sir.

Oh, Mr. Trask?

It's for you.

- Oh?

Yes?

Oh, hello, Tom.

Yes, I put Henry Mitchell to work on that this morning.

Well, I found out that Henry has an appointment

this afternoon to talk about a new job.

And if a little maneuvering on my part

can prevent that meeting, will, by George,

it'll serve Henry right.

- Yes.

- Mr. Trask.

My name is John Wilson.

- What can I do for you, Mr. Wilson?

- I have been wondering why Henry Mitchell didn't leave

the office, and now, of course, I know.

- If you don't mind my saying so, Mr. Wilson, this

is none of your business.

- Mr. Trask, when anyone plays a mean dirty,

trick on a friend of mine, I make it my business.

- I see no reason why I should discuss this company's affairs

with a-- a nosy stranger.

- And I see no reason why you should push Henry around simply

because he's willing to take it!

- Good day, Mr. Wilson!

- Now just a minute, Simon Legree.

- You mean Trask is deliberately doing this to me?

- Exactly.

You're being exploited, shackled,

flim flammed, and generally taken advantage of.

- Well then, by golly, I'll just leave.

- Good, good.

And now would you please hurry before Bromley

gets tired of waiting?

- Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Bromley.

Henry will be right over, just as soon

as he gets out of his work clothes.

- Well, I was beginning to wonder whether he wanted this job.

- Oh, no question, Mr. Bromley.

No-- while we're waiting, I think

you ought to be briefed about Henry,

or you might just lose him.

- No?

- Normally he's the quiet type. - Good.

I'm glad to hear that.

- But that's only because he's thinking things

out and making his own decisions.

He is not a yes man.

When he's quietest, watch out.

- Oh?

What do you mean?

- Well now, take today, for example.

His boss didn't want him to see you.

Did everything he could to stop him.

- I see.

- And when Henry saw what was up, you

should've heard him tell his boss off.

- Sounds like an independent fella.

- You may have to up your offer, whatever it is.

Henry knows his true value.

- Well, this is really enlightening, Wilson.

- Ah, yes.

He's a real tiger.

Absolutely fearless.

Doesn't care whose toes he steps on.

He's a real pusher.

A true executive type.

In fact, I, I warn you, if you're not careful,

he may end up with your job.

- Well, I'm greatly indebted to you.

- Oh, not at all, Mr. Bromley.

Glad if I've been of help.

- Well, you certainly have been.

You've told me in a couple of minutes

what it might have taken me three years to find out.

I Wilson.

- Mr. Bromley?

I, I, I don't understand.

Mister-- Mr. Bromley, please!

- Was that Mr. Bromley, John?

- Yes, Henry.

That's Bromley.

- Well, what happened?

- Well, it's my fault, Henry.

I thought I was helping you, but I guess I was trying too hard.

I wanted to build you up, but apparently all he wants

is a yes man.

- Well, if that's the truth, I, I guess it's better

I find it out now.

- Either of you gents Mr. Henry Mitchell?

- I'm Mitchell.

- Sign here, please?

Thank you.

- Not bad news, I hope? - It's from Mr. Trask.

I'm fired.

- Dennis!

Den-- Oh, no!

Henry!

- What is it, honey?

- Dennis has run away from home.

Look.

- Dear Mom and Dad, I'm sorry, but I

can't move to where Dad and you are going.

Don't cry, it will only make me feel bad.

Your loving son, Dennis Mitchell.

I had no idea Dennis felt this strongly about our moving.

And even going to Mr. Trask. - Mr. Trask?

Dear Mr. Mitchell, since I learned from Dennis

that you were negotiating for another job,

and since you seem determined to leave me,

I had no other recourse but to ask for your resignation.

Oh, darling, this is terrible.

But what will we do, dear?

Where will we start looking?

- You start calling his friends, and I'll

check the neighborhood.

- No!

Eloise, Dennis has run away.

- What?

- Alice, I'll never forgive myself.

The dear boy came over here, asked me

if he could live in my basement, and I-- well, I,

I didn't pay any attention.

Oh, I should have known.

- Yes, Margaret, we've been looking all afternoon.

I thought maybe he might have joined you on your picnic.

Well, if you hear anything, would you please call us?

Thank you, dear. Good bye.

- Any new, honey?

- Nothing, and I've called every place.

Did you find out anything?

- No, I talked to Tommy's mother half an hour ago.

He's at the library.

She said when he called, she'd have

him stop by here on his way home.

- Mr. Wilson said Dennis asked him

if he could live in his basement.

Oh, Henry, I just can't stand it.

- Oh, honey. We'll find him.

I just don't understand Dennis taking it like this.

[doorbell]

- Maybe that's Tommy now.

Oh, Tommy, we were just talking about you.

Come on in.

- My mom said you wanted to see me.

- Yes.

Tommy, can you tell us where Dennis went?

- I thought you were leaving on a plane for Chicago?

- But we're not going anywhere.

- If you know where he is, won't you help us?

- Well, gosh, I promised I wouldn't tell.

But since you're not going anywhere,

I guess that changes everything.

I'll show ya. - Good boy.

- Dennis!

- Dennis?

Dennis!

- Dennis!

- Dennis?

- Dennis! - Dennis?

- Dennis!

My boy.

Oh, Dennis.

- Hey, what's going on?

- It's your Mom, dear.

- I thought you'd gone to Chicago.

- No, darling.

We're never, ever going.

- We've come to take you home, son.

- Hi, Dennis.

I didn't tell 'em where you were.

Not until they said they weren't movin'.

- That's OK, Tommy.

- Oh, Dennis, I'm so glad we found you.

- Jeepers, Mom, do you have to make such a fuss over me

in public?

- Hi, Mr. Wilson.

- Hi, Dennis.

I just came over to tell you how happy

I am that you're back home. - Thanks.

But that's all there is to be happy about.

- Oh?

I just saw that letter on Dad's desk from Mr. Trask.

Now my dad doesn't have any job at all.

It's all my fault.

- Oh, no, it isn't, my boy.

I must share the blame for that.

Eloise told me to keep my nose out of it,

but I-- how's your father feeling?

- I guess he's kind of low, Mr. Wilson.

Do you want to go inside and try to cheer him up?

- There's nothing I'd like better.

Where are you going this early?

- Just out.

See you around, Mr. Wilson.

- See you around, Dennis.

MR. TRASK (OFFSCREEN):

but everything is all fouled up here at the office today.

Henry Mitchell?

Well, of course he could handle it.

He's the only one that seems to know

what's going on around here.

But Henry isn't with us anymore, confound it.

I have a good notion to sue the Bromley

corporation for pirating employees.

Well, I'll get back to you just as soon as I can, Mr. Willaby.

OK?

Well, thank you.

Good bye.

Yes, yes, who is it?

- Can I see you for a minute, Mr. Trask?

Class

- Oh, it's you, Dennis.

Sit down. - Thank you.

- Well, I suppose you'll be leaving for the orient soon,

eh?

- Well, Dad hasn't really made up his mind about anything yet?

- Oh, he, uh, he hasn't?

- No.

And I've been thinkin', maybe you could still get him back

if you offer him enough.

- You say he, uh, he hasn't signed with Bromley yet, eh?

- No, sir.

Not yet.

- Well, I don't know, Dennis.

I may have another man.

I'd have to think about it.

Well, you certainly take another interest

in your father's welfare.

- It could be your welfare, too, huh, Mr. Trask?

- Hello, Dennis.

- Hi, Mr. Wilson.

Where's my dad?

- He's in the kitchen with your mother,

getting some more coffee.

- Has Mr. Trask called yet?

- Trask?

- I hoped he would.

I told him Dad hadn't signed yet,

and maybe he could get him back.

But I guess it didn't work.

- Dennis, you mean you--- when did you say that?

- Just a few minutes ago.

- Then Mr. Trask still thinks that Bromley wants him?

- Yes, sir,

- Oh, ho!

Dennis, you are a clever boy.

And you've given me an idea.

- Yeah?

- I wasn't going to stick my nose in again,

but with what you have already done,

and what I will do if he calls, well,

together I think we can get your dad quite a deal.

- If he calls.

[phone ringing]

- Hello?

Yes, Mr. Mitchell's here.

Who's calling, please?

Oh, Mr. Trask.

Put him on.

Hello?

This is Bromley.

You can't pay Mitchell enough to hire him,

so what do you want with him?

- I ought to sue you, you, you executive swiper.

Now, you put Henry Mitchell on the phone,

or you'll be hearing from my lawyers.

- Well, I see no harm in letting you

say goodbye to an ex-employee before he goes back to Chicago

with me.

Hold on.

Here.

I think he's softening up.

- What?

- It's Trask.

He sounds very anxious to talk to you.

Play your cards right.

- Hello?

Oh, yes, Mr. Trask?

What's that?

Well, yes, I might consider an offer.

Me head up the engineering department?

Well, yes, I, I might be interested

if the salary matches the added responsibility.

How much?

Yes, that, uh, sounds fair enough.

Very fair.

Yes, sir.

It's a deal, Mr. Trask.

- Oh, Henry, that's wonderful!

- How about that?

I'd written Trask off, and right out of the blue

he calls me up and makes me head of the engineering department

with a, a whopping boost in salary.

Isn't that great?

- Put her there, partner.

- What's this?

- Nothing, Dad.

It's like you said.

It's great, and right out of the blue.

[theme music]

NARRATOR: This has been a Screen Gems film production.