Original subtitles

Good morning, Mrs. O 'Connor. Good morning, Jack.

How's nothing?

Fine, thank you.

Send the first two there, ma 'am.

Now, Mr.

Simpkins. One moment, please.

Yes?

Mr. Simpkins, I... Today is June 1st.

Entire day, yes.

Thank you, Uncle.

Now, is that what you came in to tell me?

No, sir. I mean to say I... I've been with the bank

14 years.

The answer is simple. All wages are frozen for the duration. You know that.

the law.

Yes, but I don't want a raise.

As I said, today is June 1st.

And for some time now, I've intended to tell you, this will be my last day here

at the bank.

Your last day?

Yes, sir. Who said so?

Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to quit.

Winkle, will you please go away? I'm very busy.

What now?

Mr. Simpkins, I'm afraid I am going to quit. I must.

Winkle, are you in some kind of trouble?

Oh, no.

Anything the matter with your books? Oh, no, no, no, not a thing, sir.

Another job?

Well, not exactly.

But this doesn't make sense.

I suppose not.

Frankly, I don't understand what this is all about.

Certainly after 14 years, I'm not prepared to say what's got into you.

What if that's the way you feel? That's your mistake.

Winkle, this bank has no further place for you.

Your resignation is accepted.

Effective now.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Mr. Westcott, it will interest you to know your brother -in -law, Mr. Winkle,

no longer with us.

Well, Mr.

Dawson.

Amy, this is Ralph.

I said your husband has just quit his job at the bank.

Quit the bank?

Wilbert?

You're a little early, aren't you? Well, yes.

Nothing wrong.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

Mr. Winkle, you've no idea the change that's taken place in Barry since you've

shown this interest in him. All the difference in the world. Next best thing

know of to a home and parents. Well, he's a fine boy.

Hello, Mr. Winkle.

Hello, Barry.

Gee, you're early.

Well, yes.

How come? And it isn't Saturday.

No, it isn't.

Well, I stopped by and I wondered if Mr. McDavid didn't mind you might come with

me for a little while. Of course.

Oh, sure.

Better get cleaned up, Barry. Yes. Oh, he's all right.

Ready? Sure.

Get me back soon.

It's something in the workshop.

Is it?

Let me open the door, can I?

All right.

The little giant.

Just like in the catalog.

With 17 cutting tools and a lathe attachment.

Accurate to three one hundredths of an inch.

You mean you bought it?

Yeah. Two hundred and seventy dollars.

Cheap. Oh, nothing to worry about, Barry.

With a job this could turn out, it'll pay its cost back in no time.

Sure, sure it could.

You'd sort of have to... Well, you'd have to... Go on business?

Yeah.

Well, why not?

Mr. Winkle, there's a... What about?

The bank?

Yeah, the bank.

What date is this?

The date?

Mm -hmm.

June 1st. Mean anything to you?

Are you sure you're feeling all right, Mr. Winkle?

Never felt better in all my life.

I think I'd better sit down.

Oh, uh, Barry?

How many times have we talked about going into business?

A hundred times?

And remember me telling you about June 1st?

My affairs would be in order.

That would be the time to quit the bank.

Your mouth is wide open, Barry.

Is that what you did?

That's what I did.

You told Mr.

Simpkins? Yeah.

Just like that?

Just like that.

Mr. Winkle, you're super.

Oh, it wasn't much, Barry.

What did he say?

Simpkins? What did he say?

What did he say?

The question is, what did I say?

Mr. Simpkins, I said... Sit down.

Time has come for us to have a little talk.

Oh, your secretary can go.

Whatever it is, you can wait. This is important.

Secretary?

Now then, Mr. Simpkins.

I've been with your bank for 14 years.

But today, June 1st, I, Wilbert Winkle, do hereby declare my freedom from books

and desks forever.

In short, Mr. Simpkins, I quit.

Well, goodbye, Mr. Simpkins.

I wish I could say this has been a pleasure.

Well, that's about all.

Gee, that's wonderful.

Then what happened?

Well, I picked up my things, my books, my pills, and I left.

Oh, yes, and some clips.

You know, handy things in the business.

You mean you're going to be in the shop all the time?

Oh, that's the idea, Barry.

I can't believe it.

Of course, there's just one important thing.

I'll need some help here.

No, real handyman.

Know anybody like that I could get?

Well... It's all right. Don't think too hard. I think I

know the man I want.

Of course, we'll have to consult Mr. McDavid.

I mean about coming here every day and putting in regular hours for pay.

Me?

Who did you think?

Now, look here. I've got to have an answer.

Can I count on you or can't I?

Yes, Mr. Winkle.

That's the boy. That's the way to talk. You know, businesslike.

That's the way we've got to be.

Oh, and speaking of business, I wrote something this morning.

I wrote it on the bank's dime.

It's an advertisement we're going to put in the Benton Herald.

About your putting in the bank?

Wouldn't be a bad idea.

No, no, no.

Now, listen.

The whole world needs fixing.

Whatever it is, don't throw it away.

Probably can't be fixed good as new.

Your repair troubles are over when you bring them to the fix -it shop.

We fix everything.

Wilbert Winkle, proprietor.

That all right?

Oh, I like that.

That's good.

Now, tomorrow, we're going to get a phone. A business phone.

And I thought that we ought to put it...

Seems Mr. Wesker dropped in.

Mrs. Winkle doesn't know about it yet?

About the bank?

No, Barry.

That is not for me.

Well, it's getting late, Barry. You better be getting back.

You see, Amy, I've never been happy at that job.

I am happy when I work with my hands, making things, fixing things, doing

work. Wilbert?

What in heaven's name has come over you?

Why, Amy?

Why?

Fix -it shop.

Yes, I know how it sounds, but it's creative. It takes skill. Wilbert, I'd

rather not hear any more about it. It's completely out of the question. But why,

Amy? Because it's not for you, Wilbert.

Why? Because it's unthinkable.

People don't go around turning hobbies into businesses.

You want your shop very well.

But then have both.

Don't make a dreadful mistake.

Well, maybe I am, Amy, but I've been set on it for so long.

I'm not getting any younger, and I'll never find out being locked up in that

bank. What I meant, Welbert, it's not for us.

I should have a little bit to say.

Why, of course, Amy. The bank is a profession.

steady, it's dignified, and however else you feel about it, we have some

position in this community.

You mean what other people may think?

And say.

Yeah, I guess you're right, Amy.

But we can't let other people decide what...

Seems as though all my life it was what someone else told me.

You mean me, Wilbert?

Good morning, Amy.

Good morning, Wilbur.

Breakfast's waiting.

Feeling better, dear?

I feel fine, Amy.

That's good.

Wilbur slept a little, didn't you?

Yes, I... I didn't wake you. I thought it would do you good to sleep late for

once.

Ralph talked to Mr. Simpkins.

Everything's all right.

You could even show up as late as noon.

That's Barry.

Barry's going to help me regularly.

I'm arranging it with Mr. McDavid.

Oh.

Wilbert, the Pettigrew boy at the bank knows you've resigned, so Mrs. Pettigrew

must know about it, too.

Now, you want to make sure the whole neighborhood knows it by leaving the

this morning in those clothes, going around the entire block to that shop

there.

Well, Amy, I have asked you many times. I wouldn't have to walk around the

block. I could go right through here if you'd let me cut a door in the back

fence. And make this house a part of that shop?

Never.

Wilbert?

You leave me no choice.

I just won't stand for it.

I won't be Mrs. Fixit. I won't be humiliated.

If you walk out of that front door like that, then you can just stay in that

shop and live there, too.

Amy.

Morning, Amy. Can I come in? Oh, of course, Martha. Come in.

Good morning. Good morning, Mrs. Pettigrew. Oh, sit down. Finish your

Thank you.

Well, then it is true.

Mr. Winkle in the bank.

Oh, that.

No, that was just a little misunderstanding.

Perfectly silly.

Nothing to it at all. Mr. Simpkins himself just called on the phone.

What time you gonna open up the shop?

Be right out, Barry.

Excuse me, Mrs. Pettigrew.

He hasn't been at all well lately. I see.

You know what, Mr. Winkle?

What? Now that you're going to be here all the time, you oughtn't have to walk

clear around the block to get to work.

You ought to make that door on the fence, remember?

You said you would someday.

Yes. Well, let's do it today, huh?

One thing at a time, Barry. First, we've got to get the shop in order. I got an

idea. If you mark it out on the fence just the way you want it, I bet you I

could do it myself.

I could get some of the kids to help.

Well, not just yet for a while.

Well, why not?

Got a telephone in the stall. Is this where it goes? The telephone?

Yes, yes, right in here. Come in.

Ralph, I tell you, I'm sure he'll be back at the bank by noon.

Well, I'm sure.

Because... Because I told him that if he made up his mind for the shop, he could

just stay there.

I said he could stay there and live there, too.

That's fine, Barry.

Now, that's enough. We'll call it a day. Time for dinner.

Better wash your hands before you leave.

Just my hands, though.

Just the hands.

Oh. Oh, good evening, Mr. Palmer.

Evening, Mrs. Winkle.

Registered letter from Mr. Winkle.

Registered?

Selective service, local board number 49.

Right. Induction notice. That's what it is. I just dropped one off for Jack

Teddy Group.

Induction notice? Yes, one by one. I'm calling up all the available manpower

around here.

Mr. Winkle in?

No, not right now. Well, you can sign for him.

Yes, Jack, Pettigrew and Mr. Winkle will be going down together.

Yes.

Thank you, Mr. Palmer. Good evening.

Good night, Barry.

Good night, Mr. Winkle.

Aren't you going too?

Well, uh, not just yet.

Mr. Winkle, can't you go home?

Can't you?

Certainly I can go home, Barry.

Except that I, uh... Well, not everybody understands the shop like we do.

I gotta think things over.

You go ahead, Barry.

You go along, Barry.

You'll be here tomorrow, do you think?

Well, I think I can promise that much.

Good night, Mr. Winkle. The army will not take Wilbert Winkle.

If they bother to examine him, what do you think will happen?

He'll be home in an hour.

Then what?

You'll be back to the real issue. Is it the bank or the shop? Right where you

were to start with.

If you go to pieces on account of this notice, you'll lose everything you've

gained so far.

Is that clear, Amy?

Yes, it is, Ralph.

Then show no concern. Don't even bother to discuss it.

The thing to do is just push this under the door of the shop.

That's all.

Amy.

Letter for you, registered.

I had to give it to you personally.

Notice of induction.

Really?

There must have been other notices before this one, I suppose.

Yes, examination two, pre -induction.

Seems I never hear of anything until after it happened.

But I didn't want you worried, Amy.

There's some things you might need out here.

Amy says I'm to report.

That's just routine, I imagine.

Amy.

Yes.

Remember that tune?

Naturally.

We've always liked about the same things, haven't we?

We couldn't really be angry with each other.

Angry?

Why should anyone be angry?

That's it. That's just what I mean.

You can love someone very much and still... No matter how important

may be.

Two people ought to be able to decide very calmly.

Exactly. If they try to understand, Amy.

Oh, well, there's no sense in going through the whole thing again, Will, but

both understand perfectly.

We'll just have to wait calmly for Thelma to decide.

Mr. Winkle.

Good morning, Barry.

Where are you going?

Oh, I won't be long. I'm going down to the induction center. I've got a letter

to report.

Induction? I'll only be gone for a little while.

You're not coming back.

Now, whatever put that into your head?

Well, if you're coming back, why are you taking that?

Well, I must.

If something's I've got to take along, say so in the letter.

Well, here, see for yourself.

Now, look.

Barry, I'm only going down for an examination, that's all.

Now, what would they want with me in the army?

Now, would I put that up if I wasn't coming back?

I'll go with you.

Well, you can't, Barry.

Why?

Well, you've got to have a letter, that's why.

Here, here are the keys.

Now, would I give you the keys if I... Now you go ahead. Go in there, Barry.

you take charge while I'm gone.

All right?

Head back.

Open your mouth. Say ah.

Ah. The left ear.

Oh, yeah.

A bridge here about two weeks ago.

Take all the valuables out of your pockets and put them in these little

bags.

Has everybody got that straight?

Yes, sir.

Okay, then strip.

This is for heart reaction.

Jump on your left foot 20 times, then on your right foot 20 times.

All right.

Start jumping.

Breathe deeply.

Just breathe.

Pay attention, men.

I'll call your names alphabetically.

The men whose names are called, step up here and get your folder.

Allen.

Step aside.

Davenport.

Gorlick.

Oh, if those are the ones getting rejected, they'll be sent home.

Oppenheim.

Say, Mr. Winston, will you do me a favor?

Yeah? When you get back, tell Mom the doc looked at my kneecap and he says

there's nothing to worry about.

Tell her I'll ride her from the train.

Yeah, I'll tell her, Jack.

Valdez.

Waterman. W.

Wingate.

Yancey.

I will serve my honesty and faithfully against all their enemies, whomsoever.

And that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the

orders of the officers appointed over me.

Oh, Amy.

Jack just phoned.

He did.

Oh, isn't it wonderful, Amy, that they could leave for camp together?

My Jack and your husband.

What's the matter, Barry? We've been waiting for you.

Mr. Winkle, call me.

He's in the army.

Mr. Winkle's in the army.

All right, first off, we get the joke over with.

Talking about my name.

It's Zadrowski.

How do you say it?

Zadrowski. C -Z -E -I -D -R -O -W -S -K -I.

Zadrowski. That's putting there longer than a whole alphabet, ain't it?

We're going to be living here together.

That means eating together and sleeping together and plenty more things.

Now, you're going to have to learn a lot of rules.

That's because the army has had a lot of experience running an army.

But one thing you'll find out, there's a reason for everything.

Your feet will get cold that way, soldier.

You're going to have a lot of things to do in this army.

That's because in this army or any other army, there's a lot of things to do.

You've all got a handbook.

The army didn't issue this handbook for nothing.

There's everything in it about everything.

Read it.

You'll save yourselves and me a lot of trouble if you'll read it.

Now, if there's ever anything on your mind, don't be afraid to ask questions.

We want to get things done right here.

Any questions?

Yeah. When do we eat?

The bugle will blow mess in about 30 seconds.

Listen to it and remember it. You'll get no private music lessons here.

What are you waiting for? Room service? Go and get it. Let's go.

Hey, what's your name? Mine's Tinker. Joe Tinker.

My name is Wilbert Winkle.

How do you do?

Do you snore?

Well, I never really noticed.

Well, I'm your neighbor and I'm warning you. I snore. Loud.

I sleep rather soundly. Good.

Let's go and eat, huh?

Yeah.

Hey, what'd you say your name was?

Winkle. Winkle.

Rip Van?

Thank you.

I'm supposed to take these before I eat.

How many?

What would happen if you took them after?

These are for after.

Yeah, just look at them.

Look at those guys.

We're only starting. This is easy. We've got 13 tough weeks of this to knock

off.

Training's all right for these kids, I suppose.

I don't need no special lessons for what I'm after.

See those?

That's all the equipment I need.

Train, too.

I'm going to get me a Jap right in there.

My kid brother was in Wake Island.

What happened?

What happened? Nothing happened. Come on, get up, Rip.

When do I sleep?

Ain't eight hours enough?

Eight hours.

Come on, Rip. Come on.

I'll take over.

Private Winkle, fall out.

Report to the company commander immediately.

I'm Winkle, Private Winkle, sir.

Winkle, we're going to reassign you.

We have decided from your civilian experience you'd be best fitted to work

the supply sergeant keeping the records.

Report to him immediately.

Yes, sir.

I beg your pardon, sir.

This assignment, it's a desk job?

Yes.

Keeping books?

Yes.

I guess it's all right to tell you about some of the things we've got up here.

like machine guns and tommy guns, automatic rifles, howitzers, mortars,

-tank guns.

Those are just a few.

You ought to see the tracer bullets at night.

It's just like shooting arrows of light.

Everybody is kept real busy all the time.

Lots to do here.

Right now, I'm in an office helping a supply sergeant keep his records.

It's a kind of desk work, but I'm seriously thinking about talking to you.

What's the matter, Barry?

Nothing.

Read that part again.

Trace of bullets at night.

It's just like shooting arrows of light.

No, the other part.

Automatic rifles, how it says.

No, we've heard that part.

Yeah, tell us about the desk with Mr. Winkle at the desk.

What do you guys think the Army is? Nothing but shooting?

Know how many records the Army's got?

That's important work Mr. Winkle's doing.

Come right in.

Oh, thank you.

Care to dance?

No, thank you. That is... Ping -pong? I beg your pardon?

Jet. No.

That was terrific, babe. I'm looking for Alphabet.

The Alphabet?

Yeah, yes.

Sergeant Alphabet. Could you tell me, is he here?

Oh, well, there are a lot of sergeants here.

Sergeant. Sergeant.

Well, Winkle, the boys told me you weren't coming in tonight.

Mr. Anderson, may I present Private Wilbert Winkle.

It's a great place here.

Plenty of eat and drink. Come on, now. Have a good time.

Now, what's his real name? Winkle.

Something, Winkle?

Excuse me, Sergeant. I've got something to tell you, sir.

You mean now?

Yes, sir. That's what I came in for, sir.

It can't wait.

Excuse me.

Don't go away.

Just a second, please.

What is it, Winkle?

Well, sir, you know, after the hike, sir... Never mind this, sir. Yes, sir,

said Winkle fall out? Yeah. And reported the company commander?

Yeah. And sending me to the supply sergeant keeping books, I mean records?

What about it?

Well, sir, I don't think that was a very wise decision, sir.

That's what you came into town to tell me? Yes, sir.

This is what can't wait.

No, sir.

I'm not a very happy man. I'm glad you rushed in to tell me the news because

going to tell you something. That happens to be the best decision I ever

my whole life in the army. Yes, but... I'm going to tell you what I'm going to

do. I'm going to forget the whole thing, act like it never happened. Now go

ahead and enjoy yourself. Get yourself a sandwich. Get a girl.

Sorry,

brother.

Oh, no, thank you. It's the sergeant I want here. What is it, Winkle? I didn't

quite finish, sir. You didn't quite finish. Look, Winkle, I work hard all

need relaxation.

This is no place to discuss army business. That's for camp.

You don't discuss army business in a place like this, even if there's

to discuss.

Now, I'll leave it to this little girl.

Am I unreasonable?

Now, you see, why don't you go do something? Play a game. Get your picture

taken. Get a girl.

Relax. Yes, sir, but sergeant, I... Not here, Winkle. Not here.

You don't understand.

Yes, Winkle?

I'm sorry.

I think the best thing is for you and me to step outside.

Outside? You and me outside?

It's the only way.

Excuse me.

Say that again.

Outside.

There's going to be a fight. I know it. There's going to be a fight.

I thought you meant you wanted a fight. Oh, no, not at all.

You said not here, not to talk here.

But I made up my mind. It had to be tonight.

Winkle, look, as sergeant to private, as man to man, I'm begging you. Yes, but

sergeant... You've got to stop it now. You've got to stop it. You've got to

it. I can't stand it. Look, sergeant, I don't want you to get upset. What I'm

trying to tell you is... You want us to make trouble, huh?

Oh, no, no.

Yeah.

Good morning.

How are things, Winkle? Oh, good morning, Sergeant.

What I was trying to tell you at the USO, that's what got me in here, wasn't

Well, that was a mistake. You didn't really break any rules, didn't I?

How was it? Was it tough?

I never imagined myself behind bars.

It's just that if I can make you understand... Go ahead.

May I?

Go ahead.

Well, it's this.

Right here in the handbook, it says about having an individual sense of

and responsibility.

Right here.

Yeah.

Well, now, Tinker's got it.

Pettigrew's got it. You've got it.

All the others are getting it, too.

That's what I want, Sergeant.

That's what I was trying to tell you.

It's pretty hard to get while keeping books.

Well... Don't misunderstand me. I know that's important, too, but...

It seems to me that it ought to be done by men who can't do anything else.

And you mean you can?

Yes.

I like to do things with my hands.

Mechanical things.

That makes me feel useful.

You see, in civilian life, for 14 years, it was the same thing. Books and... It

seemed a waste.

I never really cared for it, so I finally gave it up.

Got me in trouble there, too.

But I just can't see not doing the right thing if one can do it.

Yeah, but this is the army, Winkle.

Yeah, I know that, Sergeant.

Except that how old you are makes a little difference in this case. I don't

think it does.

You don't, huh? No, sir.

And you want mechanics?

Yes. Do you know what you're asking?

To get what you want.

Means taking a lot of training.

That's right. A lot of training. Yes.

I'm not talking about primary training. No, no, no, no. Nothing is easier or

simple as that. No. I'm talking about advanced training.

Yes. Combat training.

Never let up. That's a tough outfit.

I know that.

Just doing the right job is all you want. Yes.

I'll be seeing you, Winkle.

Just a couple of more feet.

Atta boy, Winkle. You can make it.

Half the job.

Well, you know, that's it.

Mr. McDavid, he's coming home.

Mr. Winkle's coming home on furlough. Oh, that's fine, Barry. That's just

wonderful. When will he be here? Mr. McDavid, I gotta fix some things in the

shop. Can some of the boys help me?

Sure. Thank you, Mr. McDavid. Thank you.

No.

Jesus.

I used to sing alto in the school glee club. You ought to hear Mr. Winkle play

the silver cornet. No.

Jack, don't bring that up. You boring tinker? Here's to it, Sergeant.

A musician, huh?

Well, in a kind of amateurish way.

Not really.

Oh, no, no, really, thank you. No more. What do you mean?

Oh, go ahead, Mr. Winkle.

Well, it's a big night, Winkle. I know it is, but I never do, you know.

Not even a little beer?

Well, hardly ever.

How do you like it?

It's pretty good.

A furlough, gentlemen.

How do you feel about getting home?

Well, it will seem a little strange.

I guess nobody back in Benton thought Mr. Winkle would last. The army didn't

either.

My hat's off to you, Winkle.

What does the missus say?

Well... Uh -oh.

You see what I see?

Furlough.

That would be a nice way to celebrate four and four. What do you say we make a

connection? Oh, we don't want girls in this party.

No? Well, I mean, we wouldn't like to intrude on their privacy.

No? I mean, they're probably waiting for someone.

No. Well, don't you think so?

No. Well, there's only one way to find out. We'll ask them. Now, who goes?

go ahead.

Oh, they look like very nice girls. I don't think there's any job for a

like me. Jack, here's our man.

Oh, no, fellas. I wouldn't know what to say.

Alphabet.

I think we got a chance, fellas. With my old army line, we're sunk. What we need

is a nice, intelligent approach.

Something dignified, like... Oh, no, really.

Honest, I... Oh, I know.

We'll draw for it. Yeah.

I'll take the matches out of the box, put them on the table. We'll all close

eyes and grab.

And the guy that grabs the least matches has to go. Understand?

I'll referee.

Oh, no, no, no. You've got to draw with the rest of us. Oh, sure. Now, come on,

close your eyes. Everybody close your eyes.

Come on, no peeking. Get them closed.

My name is Wilbert Winkle.

It really is.

Oh, this is murder.

Oh, I can't look.

We wouldn't have had a chance.

Of course, this is inexcusable, and I deeply apologize, but you see,

I got the least matches.

Two of them.

That is, we just finished 26 weeks of hard training, and...

Starting tomorrow morning, we go on furlough, and so we said, wouldn't it be

nice to celebrate tonight?

Of course, in a genteel way.

No?

They're telling him off.

You get into trouble, it'll kill him.

Eh, maybe we shouldn't have done it.

All set, boys.

We mustn't keep them waiting.

Amy?

Here, Ralph.

Well, Amy, it took time, I'll admit that.

But in the end, even the United States Army had to agree with me. I said they

couldn't possibly keep him, and they won't. Here.

Army releases men over 38.

Yes, sir. Men over 38, but especially Wilbur Winkle. Why, it was ridiculous

the very beginning to think...

You

know,

I always like a married man.

He knows how to behave himself.

Haven't you?

Been home since you were drafted? I mean, selected?

Oh, that's a long time.

Certainly is.

Yeah, I like a married man. An older married man like you.

Oh, not old, I don't mean.

Real mature -like.

They never act as if they want to slug you.

I'll bet you'd never.

Never what?

Slug a girl.

Oh, no.

Why, but you're cold.

Who, me?

That's better.

I had you figured out right from the start.

The settle type.

What's that, Stillwaters?

You know Stillwaters.

Stillwaters run deep.

That's it, that's you.

Careful, too.

You wouldn't say anything to a girl you didn't mean, would you?

No, no, I wouldn't.

cute when you smile.

Do you care for my type, Wilbur?

Yes, I do. I definitely do.

But first, I'd like to get to know you better. Don't you think?

You mean it?

Well, that's what I said.

I didn't think you wanted to.

What, what?

What do you say we go someplace nice and quiet?

Down by the lake?

What's hit him?

Come on, let's go.

No, no, look, the boys and I, we're just like four musketeers.

Hey, musketeers, Wilbert and me are going for a little walk, okay?

Sure, sure.

Go ahead.

All right, so you're back here.

Don't go away.

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

I ought to pay the check, don't you think?

We'll be back, Wilbert.

Oh, sure, sure.

And what if we don't?

That's right. What if we don't?

Attention!

Members of Ordnance Unit, return to your post immediately.

All leaves canceled.

How do you like that? We haven't been out of camp in hours. Come on, let's go.

Does that mean you?

Yeah, isn't that a shame?

Isn't that a shame?

I've got to run now.

Winkle to see the company commander.

Send him in.

Private Winkle reporting, sir. At ease.

In fact, sit down.

Thank you, sir.

You were leaving in the morning on furlough.

Yes, sir.

That's why I wanted to talk to you tonight.

Winkle, your company's shipping out to combat area.

Yes, sir.

You're in motor mechanics.

Your job is repair... and supplies where they're needed most and fastest.

You may not have to fight where you'll be going, but you'll be so close to

fighting, it'll be the same thing.

I understand, sir.

The point is, Winkle, if you don't want to go, you don't have to.

I... I don't have to?

A new regulation has just gone into effect.

Men over 38 can get an honorable discharge from the service if they go

industry.

Oh. You're eligible.

If you apply,

You'll not be shipped out with your unit.

Yes, sir.

You haven't much time. We'll think it over.

Yes, sir.

Pardon me, sir, but... That's... That's my company.

I don't know if I can explain, sir, but...

A company is everybody doing a job together.

Well, what I meant, sir, is that if you don't mind, I can decide now.

I'd like to stay in the army if you want me.

All right.

You'll be shipping out.

That's all.

Good luck to you. Good luck to you, sir.

That is, thank you, sir.

Where are you going?

About us old guys. I just heard. Yes, yes.

Tell me the outfit's moving on. Yeah, that's right.

Well, I got a phone.

So long, Rip. So long.

Oh, uh, Tinker.

I thought you wanted a jab. Sure I do.

I'm gonna squeeze me one right in there.

Yeah, but you just said goodbye.

I thought you meant you were getting out.

Who? You.

You're crazy.

I thought you were getting out. Who?

You.

I'll be seeing you, Rip.

I'll be seeing you, Tinker.

Hello?

Hello?

Yes?

Yes, I'm here, operator.

I'm right here.

Hello?

Barry?

Hello, Barry. This is Mr. Winkle.

No, I wasn't going to leave until morning.

But look, Barry, I won't be able to get home like I told you.

Oh, but you've got to come.

I've got everything all fixed up waiting for you.

Well, when will you come?

Well, I don't know. I can't leave here now.

Well, that's all I'm allowed to tell you. That's all I can say.

Do you understand, do you?

If Mrs. Winkle is kind of expecting me...

That is, if she thinks that I'm coming home, well, you might explain to her

that, and tell her that, well, you know, will you do that for me?

Boys, maybe you can help me.

Barry isn't here, and he isn't at the shop.

You fellas were down there helping him tonight, and I thought you might know

where he is.

Now, look, boys, you know I wouldn't ask you to tell me any secrets.

All I want you to do is to answer one question.

If it's a fair question, will you answer it? It's important.

Barry's gone.

What direction did he take?

Barry's on his way to camp, to Mr. Winkle.

Camp? Why, what happened?

I don't know. I'm going to look for him.

Well, where? How will you find him? Well, I know he's hitchhiking south on

main highway.

I'll take that route and then head toward camp.

I don't think he could have gotten very far by now.

I wish you'd come with me.

Why, yes.

Yes, of course.

Want a lift, mister?

You were on your way to camp to see Mr. Winkle, weren't you, Barry?

You know Mr. Winkle is coming home.

No, he isn't.

He isn't?

No, his furlough is off.

Furlough? He told me on the telephone.

What? What did he tell you?

He's not coming home.

He's going away.

He's going somewhere where the war is.

Well, that isn't possible.

They can't send him into the fighting. He's not a soldier. He isn't a young

He's over 44.

Mr. Winkle don't care.

Now, listen, Barry, you just don't understand.

The army is releasing all men over 38.

All he had to do was ask to get out, especially with him going overseas.

Not Mr. Winkle. He wouldn't leave.

But why? Why shouldn't he get out?

Why wouldn't he get out? You don't care. You wouldn't let him stay in the shop.

You don't like him. But Mr. Winkle, he likes everybody.

Even you.

You think Mr. Winkle is scared of something?

You think he'd quit now?

If Mr. Winkle wants to do something, he'll do it. Because it's right.

He told me somebody's always trying to tell you what to do. But you can't let

him. You gotta do what you want if you think it's right.

Even if you gotta fight.

And that's what he's doing now.

And he may be even gonna get killed.

I will never see him again.

Wake up. Take her.

Double time it to post nine.

There's a bulldozer down there and he's fixing. Fix it and get it out of there

before the Japs spot it and start using it for a range finder. You two men hop

on the jeep and get down there. Don't waste any time. Yes, sir.

Hello, Mr. Winkle.

We got here a few days ago on a hospital ship.

You're going to be all right.

Any others?

Inker?

Alphabet?

I'll be shipping out again.

Me, too.

You're going home.

Hmm? That's what it said in the papers.

You're in the papers.

I was? Sure. On the radio, too. You're a hero.

Me?

Sure. The president told me.

The whole Isle of Tala. So who do you think did that?

Don't you know?

You!

Well, all you did was swing your bulldozer right smack into the face of

fire, and then single -handedly you knocked him left and right.

And then when the reserves came... Mr. Winkle!

Mr. Winkle!

Nurse!

Gets in in five minutes.

Amy, what in the world are you standing there for? Come on.

I'm not going, Martha.

You're not going?

No, I'm not. You better hurry.

Why, Amy, what's the matter with you? The whole town of Benton turning out and

his own wife not there.

Oh, now, please, please. I've been through that with Ralph a hundred times

already this morning.

I know it's my place, but I can't. I just can't.

Please go, Martha.

All the insane things I've ever heard of in my life.

I don't know what she can be thinking of. What? Live and learn.

Hello?

Ralph. He's here?

What? The bus is here, but no Wilbert.

Well, you knew he was definitely on the bus, wasn't he?

Yes, the driver swears he was. Doesn't remember seeing him get off anyplace.

here the bus comes driving up, the entire committee waiting, not to mention

few thousand people.

But I don't understand it, Ralph.

Maybe... Wilbur!

What? What did you say?

Hello, Amy.

looks wonderful.

Oh, the reception, Wilbert.

I got off at Sycamore Crossing.

But there was to be a... Yes, I know. I should have gone into town, I guess.

Yes, you should have, Wilbert.

Everyone's so proud of you.

Well, I read all about the reception plans and I couldn't face it. I just

couldn't.

In fact, it scared me to death.

Scared? A brave man like you.

What's that?

Oh, that must be the committee.

Committee?

Tell them I didn't get here.

Oh, there he is, Ralph.

Wilbur, you look magnificent.

You know Mayor Williams, of course.

Happy to see you.

Come right down here.

I think right about in here. All right, boys, all right. Now, smile, Mr. Wiggle.

Where's Amy? Okay, boys.

This is Mr. Barbara Wilbur of the National News Service.

Why, you, congratulations.

We had our motion picture equipment at the bus terminal. With your permission,

sir, I'd like to bring it out here.

No, thank you. I really wish you wouldn't. Wilbert, you must have known

the reception.

Yes, he got off the bus at Sycamore Crossing.

He was scared.

My dear Winkle, I had some welcoming remarks.

A few bits of sentiment I wrote down. I should like to say them now. By all

means. Quiet, please, quiet.

Mayor Williams.

It really isn't necessary. Benton, can today Holder head high?

Impardonable pride.

In my humble opinion, I doubt if we shall ever be able to... Mr. Winkle!

Mr. Winkle.

Barry. Gee, Mr. Winkle.

Gee. How are you, Barry?

How many jabs was it?

I don't remember, Barry.

I knew you'd be all right. For luck, I even left the sign just the way it was.

Be right back.

And you ought to see how everything is.

Excuse me.

Barry, this is Mayor... Williams. Mayor Williams.

The mayor!

How do you do, my boy?

Well, I just wanted to add a warm welcome home. And I know that Denton

itself grateful.

Welcome, Mr. Winkle.

And now, a few words from you, Wilbert.

I just did what we were all out there to do and what they still are doing every

day.

So all these seem sort of... Well, anyway, thank you very much.

Mr. Winkle.

Mr. Winkle, will you kindly stand beside Mrs. Winkle right up here, please, if

you please.

Mrs. Winkle, will you over just a little bit, please? Thank you, sir. Thank you.

Mr. Winkle, I have the further pleasure to... Mr. Winkle, let's go out today.

Just a moment, my boy, please.

I have the further pleasure to announce that there will be a banquet in your

honor this evening.

Oh, I wouldn't go to all that trouble if I were you. Trouble?

So the entire country may know how we value our hero.

The Benton National Bank takes the first step in honoring him permanently.

Its board of directors have elected Wilbert Winkle for a second vice

in that organization.

Mr. Simpkins, but I don't see after just being a clerk in the bank.

What I did in the army would make me a competent vice president.

Come, come, Wilbert. The directors insist that you accept.

In fact, it's your duty, Mr. Winkle. Yes, indeed.

I don't follow. Your duty to take a leading part in the affairs of the

from this time forward.

Well, that doesn't take a vice president.

I think you can be anybody in the community and still take a leading part.

Oh, now, Wilbert.

And I've had a lot of time to think about that.

I believe the important thing is to feel that it's your community.

And see to it that it runs well.

And always a little better than it did.

Yes, yes, Barry.

Thank you, Mr. Simpkins, but I have some other plans for the present.

If you'll excuse me.

Wilbert.

You want to go out to the fix -it shop, don't you, Wilbert?

Yes, Barry wants me to.

Of course.

And by other plans, did you mean opening your fix -it shop as a permanent

business, Wilbert? Amy, well, uh... Because if you did, you may as well get

to using the shortcut.

Through the back fence.

Barry and the boys did a nice job.

She helped too, Mr. Winkle.