Original subtitles

[music]

P Don't try to leave me in despair, P

P You say you love me, P

P but I know I don't care, P

P Devil in disguise, P

P mother in my eyes, P

P mother love. P

P Don't ever tell me that you need me, P

P You only use me to deceive me, P

P Devil in disguise, P

P mother in my eyes, P

P mother love. P

P There'll come a day when I will leave you, P

P You'll find your way though it may grieve you, P

P Devil in disguise, P

P mother in my eyes, P

P mother love. P

P Mother love. P

P Mother love. P

[street noise]

- He vomits on the floor.

- He's a baby. What do you want?

- Weren't you ever a baby? - I don't know what we're going to do.

It's kinda silly.

I don't know what we can do with a thing like that anyhow.

- Well, he's your child too, and you have to cope with him also.

- We'll return to the Daily Storm,

after this word from Lake's Hand Lotion.

Lake's is that special lotion containing magic moistures

and super softeners to keep your hands the way he likes them.

Don't forget, ladies, you'll find Lake's Hand Lotion

in the new unbreakable purse size too,

in addition to the regular and economy-size bottles.

So keep your hands out of trouble by daily use of Lake's Hand Lotion,

the lotion designed with a fellow in mind.

- The girl in the hand lotion commercial isn't half as pretty as you are, Susan.

You'll get your chance to be a star soon enough.

- Oh, Mama, why don't we give this all up?

You know I don't want to be an actress.

I hate New York and I hate show business.

- You'll feel differently about it when you're a star.

- I don't think I'll be an actress, much less a star.

I don't think I'll wind up in one lousy little commercial.

Our family just has bad luck.

Bad luck, that's all.

- Listen, you'll be a star.

I got you out of that rotten little town and we're going straight to the top.

Money and fame.

I've got enough ambition for the both of us.

You'll be a star,

even if I have to pull every dirty trick in the book.

You're not going to get stuck raising kids

and cooking dinner every night.

- Why, daddy would've been happy

if I married a boy like Bob Darkfield and settled down.

- Your daddy's dead.

- Yes, and we're using the money he left for my theatrical career.

An idea he hated.

- Your father was a narrow-minded farmer.

- Well, it sounds rotten.

- Listen to your mother.

- What if I marry Bob?

- You won't, because I won't let you.

- He'll be here tomorrow.

- I won't let you see him.

- I will, no matter what you say!

- Go ahead and see him.

You won't be stupid enough to marry him.

Don't lose your mind and go to bed with him.

- He's willing to wait until we're married.

- Don't give up your virginity for some silly boy.

It's too important an asset.

- What do you mean by that?

- Get dressed. You'll be late for your dance class.

- Mama,

what did you mean by that?

- Trust me.

You'll understand when the time comes.

[rotary dial whirring]

[phone rings]

- Hello, Mrs. Potter.

This is Bob.

I got into town a day early.

Could I speak to Susan, please?

- She's not here.

Come on over anyway and surprise her when she gets home.

Give me a half hour to change, will you?

- Mom?

Who called?

- Hurry up and get to your dance lesson.

It was a wrong number.

[music]

[doorbell buzzes]

- Come on in, Bob.

The door's open.

Help yourself to a drink.

- Thanks, Mrs. Potter.

I think I will.

[ice cubes clinking]

Susan back yet?

- Not yet.

You look stunned.

Haven't you ever seen a woman before?

- You don't look like Susan's mother.

- Well, I've changed a bit, and so has Susan.

- Ward's Lake is a small town.

Mothers are supposed to look like mothers and

daughters like daughters.

We're provincial.

- Yes, I was a proper housewife back there.

Now I'm a gay widow in a sophisticated city.

- I used to think that Susan had the prettiest mother in the county.

If I were older or if you--

Well, I used to like both you and Susan.

- Don't you want to give an old neighbor a kiss hello?

- Sure.

I don't think you'll remain a widow very long, Mrs. Potter.

- I'll probably be a grandmother shortly.

I don't expect you came all the way east to take

Susan to a movie.

- I thought you were against Susan and I getting married.

I thought you wanted me to stay away from her

so she could go on with her acting career.

- I did,

but I changed my mind.

- You mean you don't mind us getting married now?

- No.

Although I'd rather have you for myself.

- Mrs. Potter.

- Do you like my legs?

They're much shapelier than Susan's.

- How's Susan's career coming along?

- Here are her professional photographs.

- Very nice.

We'll have to save these to show to our children.

- If you're really serious,

give your future mother-in-law a big kiss.

- Just for Susan.

I came here to marry Susan!

- If you love her so much, why are you so excited?

- Because you're a sexy woman,

but there's a big difference between sex and love.

- But you'd like to go to bed with me right now.

- No.

- I can tell how much you want me.

- This is all too sick.

I came here to marry Susan.

- She won't be back tonight.

She's staying with her new boyfriend.

- Boyfriend?

- I didn't want to tell you and hurt your feelings,

but she has somebody else.

- Who?

- I can't tell you his name, he's too well known.

He's older than Susan and he can do a lot for her.

- If that's true, you can both go to hell.

Sure, I believe it.

The career first.

[music]

- Relax.

- You're the devil's own messenger.

No,

don't stop.

Oh, that's beautiful.

[panting]

[music]

- Mom, I'm home.

Why are all the lights out?

- Susan?

She wasn't sleeping with some old man.

You did this just to make her hate me.

- Oh, go away, little boy.

You bug me.

[footsteps tapping]

- I thought I'd find you here.

I didn't think you'd go down on the elevator.

- Go away!

- I love you.

I went crazy.

- Your mother, she-- - My mother?

Are you so weak?

- I am weak.

Ineeded a woman.

You would never let me go too far with you.

You were so goddamn virtuous!

- Oh, now I'm to blame!

I wouldn't let you make love to me.

Okay.

Well, I'll square everything.

Do what you damn please!

Go ahead. This is all you ever wanted.

What's the matter, Bob?

Did my mother work it all out of you?

[music]

- Are you going to sit up all night?

- I was trying to get up enough nerve to kill you.

- But you couldn't.

- I have nothing left but my career.

- You'll see.

We'll both be happier that way.

- We'll call you when we decide.

- Come on, come on. Stick 'em out.

We want an interesting shot.

- Ahh, come on, honey.

- What dreck!

- This is business, dear.

Let's do it again. Do it again, do it again.

- Come on. Nobody's watching. - Haven't you rehearsed it before?

Come on, do it again.

- You want to, ehh... tonight?

- Perfectly beautiful body.

Not a mark on it.

All right. You may get dressed, my dear, other room.

Your daughter's a very exciting girl.

She has,

what would you say,

empathy.

Very definitely a star caliber.

Perfect for television commercials.

- Yes. All she needs is the right chance and good connections.

- I might consider handling her,

but there are problems.

- Problems?

- To be perfectly frank, Mrs. Potter,

I detest stage mothers.

Their very presence makes me ill.

I prefer to be mother and confidant to the girls I represent.

- Cut out the fancy talk and tell me your price.

- As I say, Susan excites.

Speaking frankly,

I would be a much better choice

than a man at this point.

You wouldn't want her pregnant,

and it would be even less desirable

for her to fall in love with some silly boy.

Don't you agree, Mrs. Potter?

- She's still innocent and she's going to remain that way.

- Must you be so terribly crude?

I am not interested in her classical virginity.

Dollook like a beast?

- And what do we get out of it?

- I'm an important agent.

I have a lot of friends who would do many favors for me

and for Susan.

- How do we proceed?

- I'd like to take Susan to dinner tonight,

alone.

- Then we have a deal?

- How can you be so crude?

A deal?

Mrs. Potter, Ms. Reynolds,

I just wanted to tell you that Susan is a perfectly delightful creature.

Yes, lovely child.

I simply can't take my eyes off of her.

She's staying with me tonight.

Speak to your mother, but don't take all night.

- Hello, mother.

I'm fine, mother.

- You look just so beautiful in your new mini dress.

You'll drive all the boys wild.

Aren't you going to thank your mother for the nice gift?

- Thank you, Mother.

I appreciate it very much.

- It's only what's due you for being such a good girl.

Good girls get lots of nice things.

- Thank you, Mother.

- Turn around. I want to look at you once more.

You're a cute little bug.

It seems almost yesterday I dolled you up

in your first party dress.

- Yes, Mother.

Only yesterday.

Be back in an hour, Mom.

- Just a minute, young lady.

You're not going out on an interview without an inspection.

- Oh, Mom!

- Your agent doesn't want you going out on a job

looking less than perfection.

- My agent.

- Be diplomatic.

You won't get anywhere without diplomacy.

Let's see your stockings.

Lift up your dress.

- Mr. Landive isn't going to look under my dress.

- He can if he asks.

Only up to the thighs.

You have pretty legs.

- Oh, God.

- Be sure and act correctly.

This is the first appointment you've gone on without Mama

to talk for you.

- You talk very well for me, Mama.

- Don't be sarcastic.

I'm doing this for you.

It hurts me a lot more than it does you.

- Yes, Mama.

- Now how are you going to act?

- Like a nice little girl.

- Mr. Landive is a very important Broadway director.

Don't get him mad.

Be nice to him, within limits.

- How nice?

- If he wants to kiss you, give him a nice kiss.

Not a little peck like you did Mr. Smith in the advertising agency.

You have to keep men interested, you know.

- I know, Mother.

I know, Mother.

- Don't tense if he touches you here.

It's all right to hug and kiss, but don't do anything nasty for him

until I tell you.

Don't take all your clothes off.

- What if I want to take my clothes off?

- Don't start getting nasty.

You'll take your clothes off for a man when I'm good and ready.

- And when will that be?

- When I think it's worth it.

[street noise]

[banging sound]

[background chatter]

- Thank you very much, Ron.

- Thank you, Ron. - All right.

- So you're Ms. Reynolds' new client,

and you're going to be a star.

- A big star.

- Well, you look exactly right for the role of Ginger in my new play.

It's uh, it's kind of dirty and noisy in this theater

- but I think-- - But what, Mister Landive?

- oh, don't bite.

I just wanted to suggest that we could go for a walk in the park.

You relieved?

You know, I'm not a big bad wolf with a casting couch.

As a matter of fact, there are just, well, a few people in this world

who think I'm pretty decent.

- A walk in the park,

I'd like that. Well, you're...

It's the first nice thing anyone's said to me in this city.

- Well, shall we go, Susan Potter?

[music]

- More coffee?

- No more coffee, please.

- Coffee's about the only thing that keeps me going.

- Honestly, do you really think I'm right for your play?

- Yes, I do,

but I still have to see you act.

- I thought talent wasn't important.

- Well, that's about the only thing that really counts in this business.

- My mother says-- - What does your mother know?

She sounds like a monster to me, and if you keep listening to her,

she's going to ruin your life.

- I don't actually have to go to bed with anyone for my career?

- No, you don't have to make it that way.

As a matter of fact, you don't even need an agent

with a reputation like Reynolds.

- What can I do?

How can I get out of this trap?

- Don't listen to her.

Move out.

- Move where?

- I'll find you a girl whose apartment you can share.

You know, a lot of people find life much easier

when they make a break from their parents.

- I wish I could move out.

- Well, you can.

Don't let your mother ruin your life.

- She'd hate me for it.

She's still my mother.

- You hate her already.

- I'll do it.

- When?

- Tonight.

I'm going home and packing right now.

I don't care what she says.

I wouldn't. I wouldn't have the nerve.

- I'll pick you up at nine.

If your mother has anything to say, let her say it to me.

- Would you really do that for me?

- You really like it this way.

- You're one of the all-time greats in that department.

You ought to go down in history as a real master of the--

- Don't be vulgar.

If I'm so good, why do you demand my daughter's body?

- I'm a freak

for young girls.

- I've set a high price for Susan.

- If I arrange for her to play the lead in a new TV series?

- Arrange it.

You can take her out to dinner tonight,

but you'll get no more than a hug and a kiss

until I see a contract.

And don't get any ideas.

Susan can take care of herself.

Where in the hell have you been, young lady?

You were only supposed to be gone an hour, not four.

- I went for a walk in the park.

- A walk in the park?

You don't have enough to do?

- I went with Jack Landive.

- Thanks. I thought you weren't going to socialize

with any producers or directors without discussing it with me first.

Men can be very tricky.

- This wasn't strictly business.

Jack happens to be a gentleman.

He's not interested in making your kind of deal.

- What do you think you're going to do?

- Exactly as I want,

and I'm going to start by packing and moving out tonight.

- You're not moving out.

You're going on a date with Mr. Smith.

- A date with Mr. Smith?

Is that what you want for me, Mother?

He's short and ugly and he's a slob.

- He's a very important man.

- Goodbye.

- You're serious, I see.

- Dead serious.

- Then what do I have to live for?

A whole life of struggle and then nothing.

All I ever cared for was you.

I didn't want you falling into the same trap I did.

- Don't make a big scene.

It's not going to impress me.

- What should I do?

Take a job in a store?

Or will you be kind enough to put me in a home for the aged?

- It's about time for you to shed some tears.

- I won't cry.

It would make you feel too good.

- We should at least part friends.

- I have no reason to live anymore.

I might as well end it all.

- Go ahead!

- You'd love that, wouldn't you?

- You wouldn't have the nerve.

- I'll just kill myself.

- Go ahead. - Thank you, young lady.

[screaming]

- No, Mama, don't.

I didn't mean it. I love you.

- Don't stop me.

I've only your career to live for.

- I'm sorry, Mama.

I'll do anything you want.

I won't move out.

I'll go out with Mr. Smith.

I'll be nice to him!

I'll do anything you want.

- You'll do exactly as I want?

- I swear to it, Mama.

- It's all right. I'll take care of it.

You'll behave for the good of your career?

- I'll do anything you want.

I'm sorry, Mama.

- Don't sit there and cry all night.

You have to get ready for Mr. Smith.

Put on your sexy mini-dress.

You have to keep the boys interested.

- He's no boy.

- Shut up! - Yes, Mother.

- I'm sure if my daughter had you, she'd never want another man.

- I'm crazy about her.

That's why I'm trying so hard to get her that TV contract.

- Wouldn't your wife be upset if she discovered you dating a young girl?

- My wife and I are bored with each other.

We have a working arrangement.

I don't sneak around.

I'm going to take Susan to a very nice place tonight.

- 'M sure she'll love you for it.

Where is that girl?

She never takes this long dressing.

Susan?

- I'm coming. - Hurry up.

You're keeping Mr. Smith waiting.

Turn around and show Mr. Smith how well you look.

Well, aren't you going to say hello?

- Hello, Mr. Smith.

- Call him David.

- Hello, David.

It's nice seeing you again.

- Well, go on over and give him a nice hug and a kiss.

Well?

We can do much better than that.

Kiss him.

Kiss him!

With your mouth open.

Susan,

you said you were going to behave.

- Now you're acting like a smart girl.

[music]

[knocking]

- Mr. Landive.

Come in, please.

- Is Susan at home?

- No, she's not here right now, but have a drink anyway.

You see, Mr. Landive, I direct Susan's career.

There's no room in her life for half-hearted romances and boyfriends.

Everything she does with her body is for profit.

- You're making her into a whore then.

- A well-paid one.

- A lot of girls have used sex and gotten nowhere.

If she fails in her quest for a career,

you'll have ruined her life.

- We won't fail.

- You'll ruin her life.

You know, it would be nice if she slept with a man she loved.

- Love?

Stop inventing words.

- The only reason I'm still here is to find out

what makes you such a monster.

A cut-rate Svengah.

- That's simple.

A dull, deprived life.

- It has to be more than that.

- You're here because you want my daughter's body.

You want to suck the youthfulness out of her.

- Really?

I thought you were doing that already.

- If you say you love her, I'll vomit.

- I just don't like the idea of an innocent girl

being dragged through a sewer.

- You want her body, Mr. Landive.

And you can have it if you make the right deal with me.

- I don't make deals.

- Then you won't have Susan.

She's the one that wants a career.

She's out with a man tonight who's much more important than you,

but not as attractive.

- Lady, I don't believe you.

- Ask her agent, Ms. Reynolds.

They're quite close.

She's used every part of her body for business.

Every inch.

You can enjoy her too

if you act like a businessman and not a romantic fool.

- I wanted to save her.

- From what?

A fate worse than death?

Come off it.

Her mother's a whore, and she is too.

Take your choice.

Cash or a part in your next play.

A starring part.

Come play with me, Mr. Clean.

- You know, if you live in a sewer, you should bathe once in a while.

I'm sorry.

You are a sewer.

[music]

- Okay, hold it.

Move just a little to the right.

Great, hold it.

Beautiful.

That's it, hold it.

Let me get another one.

All right, tilt your head up a little bit.

Great, hold it.

Got it, beautiful.

A photographer?

I should've been a movie star.

But I don't want to make it on my looks.

[doorbell buzzes] Come in, it's open.

The king is at work.

- My daughter Susan has an appointment with you, Mr. Ramer.

- Susan? Susan Potter.

Hello, Susan.

Do you always carry your mother along for protection?

Call me Jerry, but my friends call me the king.

You turn me on.

We can do great things together.

- We came here to take pictures, not make out.

- I intend to put little Susan on the cover of a dozen magazines.

I can do a lot for your daughter.

- That's not a lot.

She's going to be a star.

She's still a good girl.

- That intrigues me.

I'm mad for good girls.

- We came here to take pictures.

- Yes, the king must photograph this lovely girl.

Have her take all her clothes off.

- Okay.

If I have to take off all my clothes for my career, I will.

- No! - No?

- My daughter does not pose in the nude.

It won't help her career at this point.

- I don't want to photograph her nude.

I want to look.

It'll help me later when I shoot her with clothes on.

- Just what do you want?

- Want? - Exactly.

- I couldn't discuss it in front of Susan.

- I know what he wants.

Let's discuss it privately.

- In my little office.

- Wait.

- My private quarters.

A beautiful person does not need beautiful surroundings.

- Talk business.

- I can do a lot for your daughter.

- My daughter is worth more than whatever a photographer

can do for her.

- I've got a lot of valuable connections.

- How are they gonna help Susan?

- I'll bring her to the right people.

A lot of very important producers

go out of their way to associate with me.

- You're not getting Susan for a mere introduction.

If you could come up with a guarantee, a contract,

you could own her.

She'd be your slave.

- I'll get her a dozen contracts.

- One good one is enough.

- A contract with Ross Miller.

Ross Miller.

Ross adores me.

- Get her a contract with Miller and you can play your games with Susan.

- I must see her body first.

- Why?

- Because Miller would insist.

He'd want photographs.

He's in New York now, but he'd only act on pictures.

- If he wants to have Susan posed in the nude,

let him tell me that.

- Mr. Miller is a very busy man.

- I won't have her do it unless I'm sure it's legit.

- If I get a letter from him.

- A letter would do, but I keep the negatives.

- But if, if I get cheated,

if Miller signs her,

I'll never get to touch her.

What kind of contract do I get?

- I'll give you an advance payment:

my body.

I'll be your slave now, and then later, you own Susan.

- Then obey me, slave.

Undress.

- Oh, mama.

Mama.

Mama.

Mama.

[moans]

- Oh, this is fine, but let's get down to business.

IhavenT got all day.

- I'm not impotent when it comes to normal sex.

- I believe you.

You're not impotent.

Now, get off.

- I'm just tired.

That's it. I'm tired.

- Okay, so you're tired.

Maybe you're not impotent,

but you've got very little to be potent with.

[phone rings]

[phone rings]

[phone rings]

- Who is it? - Mr. Miller,

this is King Ramer, the photographer.

I have a young girl you'd flip over.

- Listen, garbage.

The only thing I'd be interested in is your funeral.

- Mr. Miller, please.

I have a new girl who will knock you out of your mind.

- Listen, freak. Sluts are a dime a dozen.

Send her over and I'll take a look.

- This is something special.

A beauty.

We have to make a different deal on this one, Mr. Miller.

- What kind of special deal?

Why, you're one of the worst pimps.

Why don't you try taking pictures for a living instead of procuring?

Do you know how to put film into a camera yet?

- I am a great photographer.

- You're a great freak.

- Just a minute, Mr. Miller.

Listen, this girl is young and a virgin.

Her mother is willing to sell her into virtual slavery for a film contract.

- Send her over.

- I can't do it like that.

I was going to shoot some nudes of her,

but her mother wants an okay from you.

- I'll have my office draw off a letter.

What's her name?

- Susan Potter.

- Come over tonight.

I'll have a letter for you.

She better be good, punk.

- She'll be good, Mr. Miller.

You'll be satisfied.

- Don't sit down, punk.

You'll stink up the chair.

- Don't you have any respect for me?

- No.

You're just a panderer.

- I'm a photographer.

- When was the last time that you got paid for taking a picture?

- I don't get much work because everybody's jealous of me.

Editors, advertising agencies.

They can't stand the sight of superior talent.

- Superior talent.

Just look at you.

Here's a letter for nudes.

I'm doing a production in Europe.

I hope this Susan Potter's really worth it.

- I think she's worth it, boss.

- Don't call me boss.

Call me boss once more,

and I'll exterminate you.

I don't have trash working for me.

- I think she's a virgin.

- I like that idea.

I don't think I've ever had a virgin before.

- I uh, I need some money for an investment in the studio.

They're going to turn my lights off.

- Get lost.

I'll take care of you after I take care of Susan Potter.

- Please.

Please.

- Get lost.

- Please.

I'm gonna be evicted!

- Come on, punk.

Bark.

Bark like a dog.

[Ramer barking]

[rotary dial whirring]

- Hello, Mrs. Potter.

This is King Ramer.

I've got the letter.

Susan is on her way to stardom.

She'll be here in a second, beautiful.

I contrive the ruin of another innocent.

[buzzing]

- Walk right in. It's open.

Great. Don't say a word.

Fix your hair and we'll start.

Did the letter meet with your approval?

- Yes. I checked with Mr. Miller's office.

The deal's legitimate.

- Good. Sit down. Now, don't make the king nervous while he works.

- Where should Ichange?

Change?

Change into what?

- Well, where should I take my clothes off?

- Now, disrobe here.

Now, exactly as I direct, you know, what exactly means?

- Yes. I know what exactly means.

- Shut up. Little girls should be seen and not heard.

Now, first take your shoes off.

Put them on the chair.

Now, unbutton your blouse.

Now, take it off completely.

Now, turn to the side.

That's it! Hold it.

Now, turn to the other side.

Now, place the blouse on the back of the chair.

Neatly.

Yes. Now, take off your skirt.

Slowly, very slowly.

- Slowly, Susan.

Do as he says.

- Now, place it on the chair.

Now, take off your bra.

No, don't hide anything from me.

Slowly.

- Everybody happy now?

- You're not finished yet.

Now, turn to the other side.

Okay, that's great.

Hold that there.

Beautiful. Now,

turn around completely, face me.

On the stool.

Okay, remove the rest.

Good.

Now, cup your breasts in your hand.

- No!

- Good.

You're fantastically beautiful.

You're perfection.

- Behave, Ramer.

The little boy doesn't want a spanking.

- Now, the king must take some more pictures.

Try something like this.

Yeah. No, that's good.

That's good. Great.

Great, got it.

Now, let's see here.

Yeah oh yeah. Try something like this.

Ahh, that's great. That's great.

Okay, let me get this.

Okay, hold it that way.

Okay,

got it.

Hold it right there.

This should be terrific.

Hold it!

Got it.

Okay, just one more.

Now, face me, look into that light.

Okay, that's good. Perfect.

Beautiful.

Hold it.

Got it.

Great.

Well, I'm finished.

Susan did a great job.

I'm sure you'll hear from Mr. Miller shortly.

I'm sure Susan will get the contract.

- How soon will he call?

- Shortly.

Now, please join Susan in the dressing room.

- You keep your dirty freak hands off Susan.

From this moment on,

I own her.

- Mr. Miller. Mr. Miller, please.

- The deal's on.

Everything is in order.

Are there any questions?

- Everything's in order.

The lawyers saw to that.

- Now, I own Susan.

Body and soul.

I like to own things.

-She's yours to do with as you please.

- Call her.

Now, it's my time

for enjoyment.

- Susan.

- Yes, mother?

- Mr. Miller and I have finished our business talk.

Everything is settled.

You will be nice to him and do exactly as he asks.

- Yes, mother.

- Come here, young lady.

Susan,

I'm a man with a man's passion.

Please come back.

- Don't keep your bargain.

You're both a bunch of sluts.

I was supposed to get Susan too, and I don't even get thanks!

- Discuss it with Ross.

- Sure. That would be a laugh.

It's between us.

- I'll call him.

- No. He'll kill me.

- Keep your dirty hands off Susan.

From this moment on, I own her.

- Mr. Miller. Mr. Miller, please.

Please, please. Mr. Miller.

- Mr. Miller, please. - I own her.

- You two argue.

I have a date with Mr. Miller.

- So early?

- We have things to talk about.

- You're a little early this morning, Susan.

Come on in.

- I have something to tell you.

No matter how we first met,

I think I love you.

What's wrong?

- Nobody...

Nobody ever said that to me before.

Even after the lousy way that we met?

- Then take me away from all the rotten people in my life.

- Where in the hell have you been, young lady?

He's short and ugly and he's a slob.

- Then later, you own Susan.

- You're going on a date with Mr. Smith.

[music]

- An absolutely beautiful body.

[music]

- I can't take time with you today.

I've got an important appointment.

- You can't do this to me.

You can't take my daughter away and then throw me out.

If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have had her,

you disgusting slob.

- Susan and I are getting married.

She doesn't want anything more to do with you.

- Married?

- Yes, married.

And he's gonna make me a star,

a big star.

You can read about it in the papers.

You can even tell everyone you're my mother,

but don't come within a hundred miles of me.

- You can't do this to me!

I'm your mother.

- Do you really want to stay and be my manager?

- It's my place.

- Then take off all your clothes,

crawl over here and kiss my foot.

It's for the good of your career, mother.

[typewriter clacking]

- Hey, Jack. Pick up line four.

There's a call from uh, Ross Miller, publicity department.

- Come on, that Ross Miller's promoting another starlet

and wants us to put her on the cover of the Sunday supplement.

Yeah? Susan Potter?

Yes, I'll be glad to do a story on when she makes a picture.

When she makes a picture. [receiver clatters]

Ross Miller's starlets are here today and unheard of tomorrow.

[music]

- Can I get you some coffee, Mr. Rachman?

- Okay.

Roll the Susan Potter screen test.

- Mark it. Flat. Over.

- This is Ross Miller Productions' Susan Potter screen test.

Scene 27, take one, sound 42.

- It's about time you showed up, George.

I thought you forgot about me.

- Me? Forget about you?

I've been out earning some money so I can buy you some goodies.

- Stealing is more like it.

When did you earn a nickel?

- I happen to have a couple of big deals going.

Big deals.

- All right. Camera's rolling.

- Okay, ready for that screen test.

Put in the slate, please. - Ah, slate it, please.

Let's get it in there. Stick it in.

- Susan Potter screen test.

- Okay, quiet on the set.

Action.

- Professor Carlton, I brought you my term paper.

- In that dress?

- (Director) Could you say the line over, please?

Just the line.

- In that dress?

- No, her line.

- I've-- [paper rustling]

- (Director) Cut!

- What is it?

- Action.

- Professor Carlton, I brought you my term paper.

- In that dress?

- (Director) You wanna uh, face me, please, for a moment?

Thank you, dear.

Okay, cut.

Please.

- Speed.

- All right. Action.

- Professor Carlton, I brought you my term paper.

- (Director) Cut! Okay, dear. Come in.

- Professor Carlton, I brought you my term paper.

- In that dress?

- Action, dear.

- Hello, Judy?

I tried the dress on the professor today.

I think it worked.

Yeah, he invited me up to his apartment for some private tutoring.

- (Director) Uh, Susan, you say, "I think it worked too much", please.

You're not trying to get the professor to go to bed with you.

- Yeah. - You say, "I think it worked too much."

He surprised you by inviting you up.

- Okay. Alright. - Try that line again.

- I think it worked too much.

Well, he invited me up to his apartment for some private tutoring.

- (Director) Very good, Susan.

Cut.

Action.

- Where did Ross Miller find this zombie?

Some body but you'll never get her to act.

Look, Harvey, this isn't 1941.

I'm not developing any more movie czars' mistresses for them.

That went out with TV.

Harvey,

I get $500,000 a picture.

I don't need Ross Miller, and I don't owe him any favors.

He's not my friend.

I don't direct any starlet tests, and I don't direct people I can't use.

I don't feel I owe anything to Ross Miller.

[receiver bangs]

- Uh, you should take Mr. Miller's good judgment

in choosing people to work in pictures.

I mean, uh this girl has a lot of potential.

- Come in, beautiful.

I can't promise you very much, I'm not 21 any longer.

- I'd like to talk to you.

- Talk with me?

Is that all you want to do, Susan Potter?

- Oh, one doesn't play games with Boris Rachman,

the famous director.

- Boris Rachman, though not a teenager, still likes to play games,

but Boris doesn't like to be thought naive.

I've been in this business many years, and in that time,

shall we say, many fine bodies have passed under the bridge,

or to be more explicit, the director.

I used to appreciate those little gifts, those bribes,

but now I think the whole idea stinks.

Interesting,

but at this point I don't want to be obligated.

- You don't appeal to me, but your attitude does.

Who trained you? Miller?

- My mother.

- Now, that intrigues me.

- Let me tell you about her.

- I've got a better idea.

- What?

- Undress me.

- Lazy.

- Like it? - Extremely.

All the more because I'm taking something from Ross Miller.

- From the nose to the toes.

- I know.

- Oh, no, don't stop.

You're the devil's own messenger.

P Don't try to lead me in despair. P

P You say you love me, P

P but I know you don't care, P

P Devil in disguise, P

P mother in my eyes, P

P mother love. P

P Don't ever tell me that you need me, P

P You only use me to deceive me, P

P Devil in disguise, P

P mother in my eyes, P

P mother love. P

P There'll come a day when I will leave you, P

P You'll find your way though it will grieve you, P

P Devil in disguise, P

P mother in my eyes, P

P mother love. P

P Mother love. P

P Mother love. P

P Don't try to lead me in despair. P

P You say you love me, P

P but I know you don't care, P

P Devil in disguise, P

P mother in my eyes, P

P mother love. P

P Don't ever tell me that you need me, P

P You only use me to deceive me, P

P Devil in disguise, P

P mother in my eyes, P

P mother love. P

- Carol, was there any calls while I was out?

No, huh?

Well, at least, I see they finally corrected the copy on the last piece

I did.

Yeah.

Yeah, I was wrong about Susan Potter.

Boris Rachman is starring her in a film with Don Cass.

Yes, we'll do a story on it, but with a different angle.

I'll think of one.

Don't think for me.

Carol, look up a Potter in the phone book.

She's a theatrical agent and manager.

That ought to be a good angle for a Sunday piece.

She's Susan Potter's mother.

Mama makes daughter a star.

Now don't throw up.

- Now don't be nervous about taking your clothes off,

even for men.

I made my daughter a star, and I can do the same for you,

if you do exactly as I say.

- Exactly. P Mother in my eyes, P

P mother love. P

P Mother love. P

P Mother love. P