Original subtitles

Shut the door!

What are you trying to do, kill people?

Who put icicles in his coffee?

What did the C.O. want, Dave?

You got the look of a guy that's found a blonde eskimo.

Gents,

after two years in cold storage,

we're going home.

You mean the war's over?

No such luck.

What do you mean, home?

Where?

Back where our folks are,

back where everything is.

Home, the states.

The United States?

...of America?

The C.O. says the trucks will take us

to the transport in an hour.

Let's go!

I'm going to take this back to Seattle and get it...

Ha ha ha!

Hey, what's the matter? What are you bawling about?

Just going home. Seeing my folks and...

Seeing my girl.

What's the matter with you?

And me, like a simple sad sack.

I bet my next three month's pay

that we'd never get out of here.

I'm going home broke!

My mother will feed us,

and I got plenty of dough. Come on!

Look, Dave, look.

Do you think I'll still be attracted to women, hmm?

Ha ha! Come on!

It's been a long time no she!

# California, here I come #

# right back where I started from #

# California, here I come #

# right back where I started from #

Bye, we're going!

I wonder what those sailors are doing here.

Yup. The war's changed things here.

Don't know any of those guys.

The old clock's still here, though.

Yup. This is where I spent

4 of the happiest years of my life.

Where are all the dames with sweaters?

It so happens that Cal Tech is not

a co-educational school.

Just how could you spend 4 happy years

without any women?

Pasadena's all around us.

It's full of beautiful women.

Ever see a Rose tournament parade?

Ah, in the newsreels.

Never could figure out how those dames in the bathing suits

could sit among all those roses and not get punctured.

Ha ha! Hey!

Here comes a nurse or something.

Afternoon, miss. And would you be having gin

in those pretty bottles?

Hydrocyanic acid.

Not my type, anyway.

It's just that civilians fascinate me,

especially female women.

This is it.

I bet my department and my old professor haven't changed,

war or no war.

Come on.

This is mine.

Designed it and built it.

Won me an award.

"First award, David Stewart, 1940."

How come they made you a demolition expert?

If you can build them, you can knock them down.

This is new.

There's my old professor.

Come on.

Say, what do these guys do,

play with miniature trains?

Professor Cathcart.

Ah, yes, Stewart. Anything I can do for you?

I, uh, I want you to meet a friend of mine...

Sergeant Gilman.

How do you do, sergeant?

Come up here, Stewart.

Yes, sir.

Have you been drafted, Stewart?

I thought you knew, sir.

I've been in the army for 3 years.

You've been gone for 3 years?

Yes, sir.

I, uh, I find things changed.

The institute has gone to war, too.

Sorry I didn't realize you'd been gone so long.

Stupid of me.

I understand, sir.

I just thought I'd drop in for old times' sake.

Of course, of course. Come in any time.

I'm afraid this will be about my last chance.

I report in San Diego Monday for special training.

Then off to the wars again.

Please forgive me.

You have my best wishes.

Thank you, sir.

Stewart.

Yes, sir?

Don't forget how to build.

I won't, sir.

It just goes to prove that

nobody should never go back to no place.

Except home.

Mother would have appreciated us staying an extra day.

Hmmf.

But I thought this was important.

Look, why don't we stop horsing around?

Why don't we go up and pick up

a couple of Rose bowl queens?

I never got to know any. I worked nights.

All right, I'll settle

for a couple of California quail.

Even the wac that released me for active duty,

I'd like to bump into her.

On second thought,

I'm going to introduce myself

to the first dame I meet.

The second.

Sergeant Gilman, number 1045792, blood type "b".

Is this a pickup?

A pickup?

You civilians certainly use queer expressions.

We never use it in the army.

I don't speak to strangers.

He's no stranger, miss.

I've known him for 3 years.

Uh, we're here on a 3-day pass.

Pasadena's a funny place.

All kinds of things to do and nobody to do them with.

Clinton Avenue.

Uh-uh!

For the lady with the badge.

You've been standing over a hot rivet all day.

First time anybody's offered me a seat since Pearl Harbor!

Well, aren't you going to say hello?

Sure. Hello.

You don't remember me.

No, ma'am.

One chocolate malted, no whipped cream.

The chemist confectionary, 3 years ago.

I was behind the counter.

You used to come in every night just before closing,

and you always had a book.

Foothill.

You never used to look up from the book.

Bye. Nice to see you again.

What are we doing, standing here?!

That soldier I spoke to,

I used to have a crush on him.

He was a senior at Cal Tech,

and I was a soda jerkess.

I went out with one of the Navy fellas

that are out there now, last week.

Said they're studying some

new kind of technique.

Showed it to me.

Pretty good, too.

This boy wasn't that way.

He worked nights.

I figured the chocolate malted milks

must have been his dinner,

so I used to make them with cream

and put two eggs in them.

Didn't he ever ask you for a date?

Nope. I wanted him to.

One day, he never came back again.

That's life.

Well, sweetie,

don't eat too much Turkey tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving day, Cora.

Just one moment, ladies!

My friend, sergeant Stewart,

would like to apologize for not remembering

those distant, happier days.

I noticed you were embarking down the side street,

uh... canyon road.

In the spirit of the holiday, may I offer you my arm?

Ah, since tomorrow's Thanksgiving,

we must be grateful, generous, and thankful.

Oh, I live in a motel.

Home, they say, is where the head is.

The, uh, pilgrims used to be grateful for pumpkins...

If I'm not back at the station Friday morning,

send out a patrol.

On the other hand, the tomato used to be called the love apple...

Ha! Your friend's a fast worker.

I'm afraid I'm not.

I envy his gift of gab.

Could I walk with you a little?

If you'd like.

Ha ha!

You don't know how good it seems to see

sidewalks, lawns, and porches again.

Where have you been?

The aleutians.

Oh! My name's Janet. Wheeler.

My name's dav...

Dave Stewart.

How did you know?

Once upon a time, I asked.

I thought you might come in one night

and order a strawberry malted milk instead of a chocolate one,

but you never did!

Ha ha!

The professor I worked with for 4 years

didn't even know I'd gone,

and you remembered.

I took my customers' wishes to heart.

What are you doing now?

Parachute factory.

Why didn't I get to know you better?

You never tried.

Well, that's where I live.

I'd like to ask you in, but I can't.

The whole family's gathering for

a combination Thanksgiving-wedding anniversary.

Yours?

Oh, my folks' 28th. I'm not married. Ha!

Before you go in, couldn't we...

Walk around the block just once?

I'd like to, but...

Please.

You don't know how lonesome a guy can get in two years.

You eat, sleep, brush your teeth,

and say your prayers when you do in front of everybody,

and everybody's a guy.

Mother said dinner at 5:00.

She gets upset at the drop of a hat.

I'll apologize.

I'd like to, Dave, but...

We just couldn't.

Ok.

Well, once around the block,

if we walk fast.

This way.

They're always warning me about

soldiers picking me up and stuff.

Look who picked who up!

Ha ha ha!

Hey, ma. Let's eat and get it over with.

Well, if anybody asks me,

I'm getting kind of tired of Turkey.

I didn't hear anybody ask you, dear.

Mmm mmm, that Turkey smells good.

I'm hungry as a she-wolf.

What could be keeping Jannie?

She knows we're eating early.

Oh, maybe she missed the bus, Harriet.

Well, that's the war for you.

Girls get jobs paying men's wages,

they lose respect for their parents,

no sense of responsibility.

Sets a fine example for Ellie.

I wish I was as proud of you, son, as I am of Janet.

Plate.

Molly!

On my way.

Hello, family.

Where's the parachute kid?

Hi, Cal.

Hi.

Why don't you put some weight on?

Bernice, can't you fatten up

that brother of mine?

He doesn't like my cooking.

Janet?

Yes, mother.

Aren't you just a wee bit late?

I'm sorry.

Happy anniversary.

- Thank you, dear. - Thank you, honey.

Oh, dear, you've already started!

When I say dinner at 5:00,

I mean dinner at 5:00.

Everything's still hot, darling.

It's just that I met a young man and...

Now, don't everybody jump down my throat...

I invited him to dinner.

Tonight?

Where'd you find him, in the black market?

I thought there'd be plenty,

he doesn't know anybody in town.

Your guy good-looking, Jan?

Yeah, probably some droopy sap with fallen arches.

Shut up, Cal.

What does he do, Jan?

He's a structural engineer.

Oh, a highbrow, huh?

Imagine our little Jan

grabbing herself an engineer.

Probably the last man left in California

who's not in uniform.

What about me?

Oh, do you count?

I resent that, Bernice, deeply.

Just because I've got a boy's heart in a man's body.

Please, everybody, be nice to him.

I wonder if our little Jannie's been having

a little fling we didn't know about.

Don't judge your sister by yourself, Molly.

Are you sure I'm welcome?

Of course.

Welcome to our home, son,

such as it is.

I appreciate being here, sir.

This is sergeant David Stewart, everybody.

This is my mother.

How do you do?

How do you do?

I brought these with apologies

for my intrusion.

Congratulations on your anniversary.

Thank you.

Janet tells me you're an engineer.

I am. That is, I belong

to an engineering battalion.

Oh.

This is my sister Molly.

How do you do?

My sister-in-law Mrs. Wheeler.

How do you do, Mrs. Wheeler?

My kid sister Ellie.

Hello, Ellie.

Delighted to meet you, sergeant.

And my brother Cal.

Suppose you wonder why I'm not in uniform.

Not at all!

Well, we might as well get it straight.

I'm not essential, I'm young enough to go,

but the fact is...

He has a boy's heart in a man's body.

Ha ha ha!

I'm sorry, but the way she put it.

That's the way the doctor put it!

Shall we all sit down?

Sit down, son, and pitch in.

You smell anything?

Food. Smells good.

Do you hear that, ma?

Mr. Stewart doesn't smell anything.

I gave the room a new coat of paint about two weeks ago

and ma thinks she still smells it.

Ha ha.

Pop's the Rembrandt of Pasadena.

Thank you.

It's nice to be taken into the family circle.

May I fill your plate?

Please.

My home's in walla walla, Washington.

They liked it so well...

Yeah, we know. They named it twice.

Hah.

Dave's been in the aleutians for two years.

You don't say.

When do you think the war's going to end, sergeant?

I can hardly say, sir.

When we win it, I guess.

Ho ho ho! When we win it, eh?

That's a good one, huh? That's a pip!

Well, from what I can see,

there's enough soldiers right here in Pasadena

to clean this thing up in a couple weeks.

Ha! They do say there's a pause

every 7 minutes in every conversation.

They say it's a sign

that somebody's going to die.

Or is that when you hit a glass?

Yes, that's it!

You hit a glass, and when it rings out,

if you don't stop it, a sailor is going to die.

Like this.

Now look what you've done!

You said if you didn't stop it ringing,

a sailor would die. Maybe Fred!

A lot you'd care if he did!

Her husband's in the Navy.

Oh.

Where'd you say you were from, sergeant?

Walla walla?

That's right.

Eh, what did you say your folks did?

He didn't say.

My father died last year.

My mother's been running the farm as best she can.

Does the farm pay for itself?

Well, some years it has and some it hasn't.

With help so hard to get now,

mother's lost most of the crop.

Not enough workers.

Yeah, and I don't suppose you guys

get enough to dough to help out much, huh?

It's not a question of money, there's just not enough helpers.

By the way, what do soldiers think of dames

who step out while their husbands are out fighting?

They don't like it, to put it mildly.

A "dear John" is one kind of letter that none of them want to get.

"Dear John"? What does that mean?

Well, it's a letter that starts like that.

"Dear John,

"we've been separated for so long now that

"everything seems different between us.

Besides, I've met a very nice young fellow."

That's one kind.

The other's worse. It starts the same way

but ends up by the wife asking for a divorce.

Everybody knows when one of the other fellows gets a "dear John".

He doesn't talk much after that.

One of my best friends got one from his wife.

Just before our attack on attu.

He ran right into the jap guns.

He wasn't being a hero,

he just didn't want to live.

The japs obliged him, and quick.

I know it's tough on the women to wait and be lonely,

but if they knew how much tougher it is on their guys,

I don't think they'd write "dear Johns".

Shall we go for a walk, Dave?

Swell.

How about the dishes?

That was part of my basic training.

Oh, I'll do them!

Hooray for Ellie. Go ahead, kids.

Looks like a nice night out.

I'd rather you didn't go, Janet.

Why on earth not, ma?

My children around me onve

my anniversary, that's why.

Of course. I guess I was just being selfish.

Maybe some other time.

I'm grateful to all of you for being so kind to a stranger.

Thank you, Mrs. Wheeler,

for letting me horn in this long.

Thanks for asking me.

I'll go out to the steps with you.

Well, he certainly put you in your place, didn't he?

Bet you've got your "dear John" all written.

You shut your big mouth!

Who are you to tell me to shut up?

Does Fred know you've been having dates

with every Tom, Dick, and Wolf that asks you?

I hope we'll meet again.

I hope so.

Good night.

Good night.

You filthy, draft-dodging heel!

Listen, one more crack out of you...

Quiet!

I want all of you to listen to me.

I don't butt into your squabbles often,

but tonight, for the first time,

I'm ashamed of my family,

all except Janet and Ellie.

All right, all right, so you're not too proud of me.

I never did as well as was expected of me.

I was on wpa, and now I'm just a clerk.

But so help me, I haven't forgotten

the meaning of common decency.

And from what I saw tonight, some of you have.

You treated that nice kid

with all the courtesy you would show a jap!

I'm going to bed.

Fine anniversary I've had,

and it's all Janet's fault.

What's my fault?

Haven't you got any sense at all?

Doesn't it mean anything to you

seeing me hooked to a guy in the service,

waiting for letters that don't ever come,

worrying that maybe a telegram will come?

Doesn't my being married to Fred

teach you anything?

Who said anything about marrying?

Fine sisters I got.

One of them married to a sailor she don't know where he's at,

the other one picking up soldiers on the street.

I didn't!

A g.I. Architect with a hayseed

sticking out of his hair.

Baby, when you pick 'em, you really pick sour apples.

You leave Jannie alone!

You'll never know what might happen.

Don't you ever read the papers?

I only want to protect my daughters.

Every single day, there's...

Ellie, go to your room.

Who introduced you to him?

Just what I thought.

You stop picking on her

the way you do on me.

Weren't you just lightin' into her yourself?

That's entirely Jan's business and mine.

No, it isn't!

It isn't anybody's business

but mine.

I don't want to hear another word

from anybody about anything.

I hate what you've done.

Please forgive me, darling, but a soldier...

What's wrong with a soldier?

The same thing that's wrong with Fred.

There's no promise of anything.

I met a boy I knew a long time ago.

I brought him home because I liked him

and because he was lonely.

It's that simple!

Now go ahead and make something out of it,

tear it to pieces.

You all haven't done enough already.

Well, you can write this in your book.

I'm not going to have any soldiers

picking up my sister in the streets.

When I think there are 12 million men

fighting to save your skin, it...

Well, I'm sorry you're my brother!

So am I.

Don't let them tear you to pieces, Jannie,

don't let them.

Oh, I liked him so much.

Come on.

It'll be all right.

You're supposed to be the baby of this cockeyed family,

aren't you?

Don't worry.

Things like this happen all the time these days,

all the time.

I understand.

What do you understand, baby?

Oh, I understand lots of things, Jannie...

Lots and lots of things they don't think I do.

Honest.

Hi, Ellie.

Hi, squirt.

Your mother should have made you wear

a stocking cap when you were little.

My mother didn't wear stockings.

Modern mechanics. You inventing something?

Oh, Pop's wanted a home workshop ever since I was born.

I'm going to buy him one some day.

Oh! Hello!

Does anybody know you're here?

No. I thought I'd have breakfast here,

just in case.

Oh.

Well, you wait here,

just in case!

You drink a lot of those things, don't you?

All I can get away with.

I got him, Pop.

Hurry up and finish what you're doing.

What for?

Ask me no questions,

I'll tell you no lies.

Sometimes you act like you're 100

and sometimes like you were 10.

Where have you been?

Where you're going.

If you think I'm going to buy you

that slinky black formal, you're crazy.

Besides, it's Thanksgiving day.

Now you're talking Turkey, toots.

Come on.

You'll need your lipstick and your compact.

Where are you two going?

To the movies.

At noon?

It's a holiday show, mom.

Hurry up, Jan!

Jannie, I'm sorry about last night.

I didn't sleep well thinking about it.

It's all right, mom, forget it.

Dinner's at 4:00, what with skipping lunch.

Come on!

Having leftovers.

Still at it, Pop?

Yep. And if I work hard, I'll be through by 1949.

Ha ha!

Come on, Janet, hurry!

Top of the morning to you.

Top of the morning to you.

They certainly named the day right.

Oh, yes, happy Thanksgiving.

I rented a car for the day.

I thought you might like to go for a drive.

How nice.

Oh, boy, with the top down!

Would you like to take a drive

up to mount Wilson?

Oh, that would be terrific!

For you two, I mean.

I'll keep us honest.

I'll really go to the movies.

Ellie, if I hadn't met Janet first,

I'd have fallen in love with you.

Oh, you mean you're really in love with her?

So soon?

Ha ha!

Don't let her scare you.

It's nice scarin'.

You be home in time for dinner.

I'll tell mom you had to march

in a parachute jumper's parade!

Thanks for everything, sweetheart.

Sweetheart.

Me. Hmm!

What's the matter? Don't you like the music?

My ears feel funny.

It's the altitude. We're up about 5,000 feet.

We'll turn off and get them fixed.

# And I forget to do... #

Haven't you ever been up this high before?

Swallow.

What for?

It opens up your ears.

Oh.

Your ears Pop?

Nope. Heh heh!

Swallow again, longer.

Oh.

Ha ha! They popped!

So did mine. I didn't know they had to.

Cigarette?

No, thank you.

# ...though it may seem to me #

# that's everything #

# the mere idea of you #

That's an oldie. They must be reviving it.

# The longing here for you #

# you'll never know how slow the moments go #

# till I'm near to you #

# I see your face in every flower #

# your eyes in stars above... #

Except the stars aren't out yet.

Shall we go on up to the top?

# ...my love #

I used to hike up here when I had time.

You've never been up here before?

Never.

Hmm. Pasadena's only about an hour away.

I know, but nobody ever asked me.

Did you used to bring girls up with you when you came?

Why?

I just wondered if I was a substitute for somebody.

You're the only girl I ever wanted to come up here with.

Hi, sailor.

Hiya, soldier.

What are you thinking?

That it's just like the end of the world.

If it were, I wouldn't be standing here like this.

What would you be doing?

Hi, Jan.

I didn't want to take Dave to my place after last night.

From what you said on the phone, it must have been sheer murder.

It was.

Hi, sarge!

Hello.

Welcome to the old homestead.

I didn't realize that people lived

in places like this, uh, permanently.

Well, one takes what one can get during wartime, doesn't one?

Heh heh!

It's nice.

I like it.

It's, uh, what we used to call functional.

It still is.

For what I need, it functions fine.

Heh heh! Sit down.

What's the matter? Am I being ignored?

Oh! Just a little something

I whipped together whilst I do my kp.

Uh, fascinatin', ain't I?

He's a good cook, too.

He showed up here with a whole Thanksgiving dinner.

Turkey leg apiece, cranberry sauce, minced pie, stuffing!

I'm literally terrific... hmm?

Finish the dishes, cutie, and join us.

Mmm, she calls me "cutie,"

I call her "Cuddles."

What do you call him?

Just "Dave."

Say, you two ought to get together.

What's the matter, pal? You forgotten how?

Hey, you.

Back to your kp.

Bring the guests some of our Thanksgiving punch.

Ok. Two Thanksgiving punch,

vintage 1944, coming up.

Rrr!

It's hard to resist a guy who loves life as much as he does.

That's one good thing about being in this war.

When you come home, lots of things that weren't important suddenly are.

Like what?

Oh, like music, for instance.

And gals who used to mix malted milks?

I'd say Janet was important from the day she was born.

I discovered her a little late, that's all.

"Little late"?

I'm missing the 3 years we might have had.

# cuddle up a little closer, baby mine #

# cud...

Now, let's let that Turkey leg relax,

not to mention that minced pie.

Sit over there. Go on.

You haven't mentioned your battles once. Tell us.

When I look at you, the japs are a mirage,

a figment of the imagination.

You woman, you.

Ha ha ha ha!

Tell us about attu. Were you a hero?

You magnificent female, you!

You're back on attu.

Say you're a jap in placement!

Say I got to reconnoiter you!

So I make a little maneuver,

size you up.

You're well-fortified,

so I circle your flank...

Bump into your patrol, so I back up.

I circle your other flank...

I stop,

look...

Listen...

I can hear you breathing...

So I come closer...

Closer...

And even closer.

You don't know that I'm at your rear.

You're talking about that last bowl

of sukiyaki you had in Tokyo.

You don't like it.

Suddenly...

Without any warning...

I grab you! Aah!

I whirl you around, face-to-face with you,

and you're so gorgeous, I can't resist you,

you woman you, so I kiss you.

Mmm!

Aah!

Ain't she magnificent?

Yeah.

Can you imagine what the aleutians would

have been like with her for an objective?

Look. Dave, Dave, Dave, look.

Let me get your jalopy for a couple of hours.

I'm bubbling over with jive. I want to go dancing.

Come on, come on.

Come on, come on.

Here, darling, here.

Where we come from, we carry our women out of the threshold!

What do you do with a guy like this?

# Cuddle up a little closer, baby mine #

# cuddle up a... #

Wait. Don't go away.

Got quiet awfully quick.

Heh heh. It always seems like that

when Fixit leaves anyplace.

We, uh...

We could walk over to your house

and I could come back and wait for the car.

I'll wait with you.

Think there's room enough in here to dance?

Sure...

All you can get with a $5.00 cover charge.

Do, uh, fellas that take you out

take you to places like that?

Once in a while.

Are you in love with anybody now?

Ha ha!

Look! I love you so much, I broke record.

Where do we hide it?

Probably Cora's favorite, too.

Under the bed.

What was it we were going to do?

You mean dance?

I was forgetting.

Heh heh!

Well, it's 3:00 in the mornin', folks.

This is your night owl friend, Max the milkman,

dishin' out that good old recorded music.

Here we come, ready or not!

Holy smoke! What time is it?

That's exactly what I said to Cuddles.

Shh! People are sleeping.

It's 3:00.

Christopher Pete! What will your folks say?

Oh, I thought of that two hours ago,

and I didn't care.

Have I slept two hours?

With only a couple of days to live,

you spend your time sleepin'?

Have a surprise for you, Cora.

When we're gone, look under the bed.

You want a lift to the hotel?

No, it's just 2 or 3 miles. I'll walk.

See you later.

Good night.

Good night.

What do you figure is under the bed?

I'm afraid to look.

Let's.

Aw, they just broke one of my records.

How can you tell?

Here are the pieces.

It's the one we played before dinner.

Oh, well...

It lived a short, happy, and useful life.

Cuddle up a little closer,

we loved havin' you.

Rest in pieces.

Mmm.

There's a maneuver I forgot to show you.

Rrr!

Now, will you please go home?

I have to work in the morning,

and you may need a little parachute of your own someday.

Don't you want to see this maneuver?

Some other time.

It's a beautiful maneuver.

Good night, Fixit.

You've been wonderful.

You never saw such a maneuver!

Sweet dreams.

Will you take your foot out of the door?

I forgot my hat.

Uh, you stay there. I'll get it.

Ok, I'm going,

but for a guy that's spent two years defending you...

What I need is somebody to defend me from you.

Good night, Fixit, darling.

Ok, I can take a hint.

You want me to go? Ok.

But when I'm up to my neck in mud,

you'll be wishin' I was up to my neck in...

Good night, cutie.

'Night, Cuddles.

Darling?

Sweetheart!

Oh...

Oh, I just wanted to wish you good luck.

Thanks.

Are you hurt?

I had to come to Pasadena to get wounded!

Bye.

Good-bye.

Gosh, I hope they're asleep.

Should I wait and see?

Won't do any good.

Shh.

Will we see each other again?

Depends on the troop train.

Maybe we hadn't better, anyway.

Asking you to wait wouldn't be fair.

I will if you want me to.

I wish we were married.

Oh, so do I,

but we know how it is.

Yeah. We're sensible people.

That's right.

Are you sorry, darling?

Sorry?

Sorry we met?

Sorry we had today and tonight?

Oh, sweetheart, no. I'm grateful.

So am I,

as long as I live.

You'll live a long time,

if prayers do any good.

If I do...

We'll live it together.

Good-bye, darling.

Good-bye.

Janet!

Where have you been?

Do you realize ma has had me up half the night,

checking hospitals and police stations?

I'm sorry.

She's sorry, she says.

I don't want to talk to you, Cal. Go on home.

"Go on home"? That's the thanks I get!

Go ahead, Cal. We don't need you anymore.

Where have you been?

With Dave. We just said good-bye.

Ellie.

You lied to me.

Yes, I did.

What happened?

We went up to mount Wilson,

then stopped by at Cora's motel room.

Just the two of you?

The last few hours, yes.

Dave went to sleep. I didn't want to wake him.

Did he make love to you?

- Yes, we... - Mom!

An air cadet kissed me in the movies today.

We're going to write to each other.

Go to your room.

I'll talk to you in the morning.

It's not enough for you to cheapen yourself,

but you've set a filthy example

for Ellie to follow. What happened?

I'd tell you if I thought you'd believe me.

I brought you up decently!

Stop it, ma!

Go to bed. I'll talk to Jan.

Good night, Molly.

Good night, pa.

What happened, honey?

Nothing, Pop.

I'd tell you if it did.

I know you would. You love him?

Terribly.

Want to marry him?

He's gone.

When... tonight?

Tomorrow is the troop train.

Yeah?

We tried to be sensible, Pop.

We knew we couldn't, the war and...

Jan, folks have a way of living through everything...

Wars, famine, revolutions,

unemployment...

Birth, death,

even marriage.

But you have to fight to change them...

Fight mighty hard sometimes.

I can't fight the war, Pop, and what goes with it.

You're a scrapper.

You held this family up when I went to pot.

You were just fighting tough luck.

This boy worth fighting for?

Oh, yes, Pop... But how can we...

Think it out.

Make your own decisions.

Maybe they'll be wrong, maybe they'll be right.

But that's the way to learn. Nobody can do it for you.

How can I be sure they'd be right?

You can't.

Sleep on it, baby.

I love you, Pop.

I love you, pet.

'Night.

Hey! That guy Fixit's a walking vitamin tablet!

Would it be all right if I use the phone?

Yes, of course.

Thank you.

Hotel Mansfield?

Sergeant David Stewart, please.

He did?

When?

Thank you.

Where does everybody get all this energy?

Oh, mine comes bubbling up out of the fountain of love.

On me, it's just the opposite... sheer murder.

Hello, Jan.

Hello, Hope. Dave's gone.

Well, didn't he tell you?

He said it depended on the troop train.

I'd hoped that...

Calling me, honey?

Oh, no, Hope. I was just thinking out loud.

Will we see each other again?

Depends on the troop train.

Maybe we hadn't better, anyway.

Asking you to wait wouldn't be fair.

I will if you want me to.

I wish we were married.

So do I...

snap out of it, Jan.

Two nice guys passed in the night and...

aren't you going to say "hello"?

They said you'd left.

Not until tomorrow morning at 6:00.

Could I interest you in the architecture of the city hall?

Any particular part?

They tell me the interior

of the marriage license bureau is well done.

Oh, Dave! Just like I am?

Just like you are.

With my badge on and all?

I'll hold your badge.

I'll hold Cuddles, Dave will hold you.

We'll all be holding somebody.

How'd you like to hold this?

Gee! Can we put it on?

Aren't we supposed to kiss or something?

After the minister part of it and everything,

wouldn't we be going someplace?

The best for my bride.

I'll need things. I...

I want something pretty on.

Yeah.

Ellie!

Heh heh!

I was getting a little dizzy.

I beg your pardon.

Are you getting married today?

Uh-huh. Are you?

Oh, no. My sister here.

Excuse me for asking, but...

How old are you?

16. I've got my mother's consent.

How old are you?

16.

Say, you ought to get your mother's consent, too.

Heh heh heh!

Don't be nervous, folks.

Easy as a... having a depth charge go off in your face.

Sergeant Stewart and bride?

Here we go! Fix bayonets!

Are you the, uh, happy groom?

No! No, not me, no.

Uh, I'm just an innocent bystander.

Uh, I'm sergeant Stewart. This is my, uh...

That is, she's going to be. Heh!

Yes!

And she has blue eyes, mother,

and she's not too short, not too tall...

Just right for me!

Yes, I know you'll love her.

She's standing right beside me. I want you to meet her.

Hello, mother Stewart?

I want to thank you with all my heart

for having a son who used to like chocolate malted milks.

Holy smoke!

I wonder if all these people are waiting for rooms.

Look... they're dripping rice all over the place!

Newlyweds. They'll never learn.

May I help you?

A lot.

I, uh, leave for San Diego at 6:00.

We'd... like to spend our honeymoon here.

I'm sorry. No rooms.

Any room will do. You see, uh...

There's not much time.

The entire hotel is taken.

The war, you know.

Yes, I... I know.

We'll find a place, Dave.

I wanted the best for you.

Well, thanks, anyway.

Oh, one moment, sergeant.

We haven't the honeymoon suite,

but we have bungalow "b."

I, uh...

I spent most of my money for the ring.

I thought you might have a $10 room.

You may have bungalow "b" for that price.

But, sir, bungalow...

Bungalow "b" is always reserved!

And just canceled.

Uh, if you will sign here?

The boy will take your bags.

We're very grateful, sir.

Our pleasure.

I wish you happiness.

Why, thank you.

Thank you.

Bungalow "b" is a $50 suite!

I wish some hotel clerk were doing as much for my boy,

except there aren't any bungalow "bs" in jap prison camps.

Thanks, general!

Sweet dreams and... Stuff like that.

Thanks, cap'n.

All this for $10?

Darn it. You didn't carry me over the threshold.

We'll come in again.

Just hold me close.

I have an idea the old man at the desk

had a happy honeymoon of his own once.

Not as happy as ours.

Counting your chickens before they're hatched?

I don't see what chickens have got to do with us, general.

No. We're sensible people.

I don't think we are...

Standing right here in the middle of everything,

what with everything...

1...

2...

Dave, please!

3!

Oh, Dave!

Ha ha ha!

Oh! You...

Ha ha.

I know I looked a sight crossing that lobby, and now look.

What were you saying, Mrs. Stewart?

I know I looked a sight.

Yes, darling?

I know I...

Go on, sweetheart.

I...

Is this the wrong time for Mrs. Stewart to tell you

she loves you with all her heart?

A soldier doesn't have much to pack, does he?

Makes moving on easier, I guess.

Even if we don't see each other for a long time,

we haven't made a mistake.

Tell me, darling...

Where'd my good luck come from...

That you remembered me and that we met,

that you married me?

How'd you know it was the right thing to do?

I didn't.

But now, you... you think we're right?

Oh, I know we are.

Tell me how you know.

Because of the things you say,

the things you see I never saw before

until I was with you.

I like to listen to your voice telling me

how you feel about things.

I don't understand them all, but they make sense anyhow.

I think you know what you want and where you're going.

I'm not sure I do,

but it makes me strong to see how strong you are.

Do you realize you're making love to me, Mrs. Stewart,

when I should be on my way?

I do want to keep you here.

You're not scared, are you?

Sure, I'm scared, but you'll come back.

I'll try hard.

Here she comes!

Smile, ma.

# Here comes the bride, here comes the bride #

# tra la la la la la la la la la #

Welcome home, Mrs. Stewart.

I'm sorry we couldn't find the right words to the song,

but you know how we feel.

Yes, Pop.

You sure pulled a fast one, didn't you?

I hope it works out.

Thanks, Cal.

Of course it will work out,

if everything works out.

And if you want any advice about anything,

just ask me.

I will.

My sympathies, war widow.

Now we can keep each other company.

I'm sorry I missed the wedding, dear.

Did Dave call from San Diego yet?

Not yet, Jannie.

We haven't planned any wedding supper.

Oh, I didn't expect one, mother.

Thanks for the thought, though.

Gee, you don't look any different.

Well, that's that.

Got your coat, Bernice?

Oh, I wanted to ask her about everything.

I think she'd rather rest.

Her mother's warm greeting probably wore her out.

I only wanted my daughters

to marry well, that's all.

I wanted them to profit from my mistake.

I thought you were going to bed early.

Heard the radio.

Dave said he'd call.

Been out on a date?

Yes.

I want to talk to you, Jan.

I don't feel much like talking, Molly.

All right, then listen.

I think I know what the score is.

You went ahead and got hooked,

in spite of my advice.

Ok, so it's spilled milk.

You made yourself a lonely bed

and you're willing to lie in it.

That's right.

It isn't right. It's all wrong.

Molly, please.

Well, what kind of a marriage have you got?

A quick kiss, a swift kick, and bingo...

You're a war widow.

Don't keep saying that.

What kind of a man is it

who will talk a girl into an overnight marriage

knowing he's going off to war?

Didn't it ever occur to him

that you may never see each other again?

It occurred to both of us.

I know I'll see him again.

You got some special kind of magic you sprinkled over him?

Don't you think there are millions of girls who want

to know their guys are coming back?

Don't you think I wanted Freddy back once?

Once? Don't you now?

Sure I do.

But don't you realize you can forget

how a man really looks and talks and makes love?

After two years, Freddy isn't real anymore.

I'd remember everything about Dave if we never saw each other again.

That's because you can still feel his arms around you.

Wait a couple of months, baby,

and you'll be making double dates with me

just like we used to.

No, I won't, ever.

No?

Wait till you get sick of the family

and the cold cuts and mom's nagging.

Wait till the smell of the orange blossoms

in the valley gets you drunk at night

and you're so alone you're sick to your stomach.

What do you think Freddy and all the other husbands

and sweethearts are fighting for?

Well, I didn't ask him to go!

He didn't ask to go, either!

He went because there's a war to win and he's decent!

Meaning I'm not!

Yes, meaning just that!

I've seen your lipstick smeared

when you've sneaked in! Don't deny that you...

It's entirely my business!

Oh, no, it isn't, not when you butt into mine!

I'd like to know how Freddy feels,

away on a carrier for two years,

wondering why you don't write.

You and your being alone.

How do you think he feels?

And what if he knew you were spending his allotment

on buying evening dresses for other fellas to enjoy?

When he comes back, nobody would blame him if he beat your head off!

Well, marriage certainly lit a fire under you.

I don't want you to cheapen what Dave and I have together.

Ok, toots. Learn your own lessons.

But before it's too late,

you'd better wangle yourself an annulment.

I wish I had!

Telegram, ma'am.

Has it got a star on it?

No, ma'am. Nothing serious.

Nobody's dead.

It's for Mrs. Stewart.

How's it feel to be married a whole week?

It feels sort of hollow.

How's Dave getting along?

I don't know. He hasn't written.

Hello, Molly.

You always know when your husband's allotment check is due.

Funny how it always comes on time.

Uncle Sam takes care of that.

Doesn't want our fighting men's wives going broke.

You got a Mrs. Stewart now?

Yes, that's my sister's new name.

Oh, Janet!

She married in the service, too?

One of those spur of the moment things.

Works out fine sometimes.

Met my wife on a horsecar.

By the time we got to the end of the line, I proposed.

Came out fine.

It doesn't always work out that way.

I got a postcard from Fixit.

He says Dave is going crazy,

not hearing from you.

But I've written a dozen letters!

I don't know where to send them!

Well, Fixit had sense enough to include the address.

You know, that hyena didn't even think enough of me

to buy a stamp.

He just wrote "free" in the corner.

Imagine!

Janet Stewart, long distance.

It's Dave!

Yes, yes, this is Mrs. Stewart.

Dave!

Oh, Dave, sweetheart,

I'd almost given you up. Where have you been?

Why didn't you... Are you well?

You haven't been operated on or anything?

No, of course not. I'm feeling fine.

But what about you?

I've been laying awake, thinking a thousand things.

I haven't slept.

Do you love me, Dave?

Say that part again.

Me, too.

That's the way it was with me.

I wrote you all that in my letters.

Well, how could I?

I didn't know where you were.

I tried to call you,

and they said I'd have to know your number and your company.

I didn't get any wire.

What letters, Dave?

No, no letters, either.

But I wrote you every day.

Listen, darling, will you come to San Diego?

I have 24 hours.

It may be the last chance we'll have

to see each other for a while.

Come to San Diego?

Today?

24 hours?

Oh, that's more time than we had.

An hour would be worth it.

Well, I'll ask Mr. Cole.

I think he will...

Oh, he'll know how important it is to us.

When do you leave?

Oh, I know you can't say. I understand.

If I can't catch the first train, I'll get the second.

I'll wire on the way.

Oh, I'll stand all the way on my head.

See you in a couple of hours.

Yes, sweetheart.

I'm really going to cry if I don't hang up.

Yes, dear, yes.

Bye.

Mr. Cole...

The last train leaves at noon.

Better hurry.

Oh, my.

Second honeymoon!

Happy landings!

Which one of you took my letters?

Where are Dave's letters?

What on earth?

Molly and I were just saying

that you'll forget the young man

in a little...

I'm going to him now to San Diego,

and when I come back, I'm not coming back here.

Don't talk like a child.

Give my room to Ellie. She always liked it best.

Oh, now, you're excited and upset.

Your place is here.

I'm not coming back, mother.

Look, fellas, look...

Wait, there are a million cabs up the street.

What do you want with this one, will you?

I'll sock the first guy who tries to get in this cab!

Stand back!

Look... this cab is reserved for the secretary of demolitions and his bride.

Ahh, come on!

Get back! I'll flip ya!

Make way!

Make way for the secretary of demolitions and his bride.

Make way! Make way!

Wait till the war department hears about this,

you silly creeps.

You're going to love San Diego.

Grand union hotel, driver.

Nothing's too good for the secretary of demolitions

and his little bomb.

Here we are.

Just leave it to good ol' Fixit.

Wait here.

Do you know general Marshall?

No.

Well, the general wired me.

"Sergeant Gilman," he said...

That's me...

"Just use my name."

Now, what my friends will need is a little suite.

High up, afternoon sun,

a nice view of the ocean.

I know exactly what you mean.

Would it do you any good in 1947?

Why, the general would be... 1947?

We haven't had a room available in 6 months.

You tell the general we're sorry.

Yes, sir.

The general won't like it.

We all set?

No.

Didn't like their attitude.

Drive on.

Do you know admiral king?

Well, Ernie says to me,

"Gilman, you go to the crestview apartments,

and you tell them..."

I'm sorry, we don't have a single room left.

Haven't we?

The north's been in China ever since

we turned this joint into a rooming house,

and we ain't got a room left.

Every trailer I got is rented in two shifts...

Day tenants and night tenants.

Every trailer?

Every trailer.

Business is great.

I been thinking about renting space on the beach.

Rent out blankets.

You own the beach?

No. But by the time folks get this far out,

they're too tired to think about details.

I know what you mean.

How much for the blankets?

Our first home, Mrs. Stewart.

Not much like bungalow "b", is it?

It's beautiful.

I always wanted to camp out.

Come and get it, lovebirds!

It's a banquet.

What, only for two?

Thought I'd shove off,

see if I couldn't grab a tidbit up the beach.

Uh, look, there are hotplates in the stove, cups are on the table.

Give them back to the guy in the morning, there's a 5 buck deposit.

And, uh, well, that's all.

Uh, Jan...

Give Cuddles my love.

Tell her I can't get her out of my mind.

Tell her I'll write her

from wherever we're at.

Ok, Fixit.

You've been wonderful.

Nearest I could ever get

to a honeymoon of my own.

Adios, Janet.

That felt good.

She's got soft lips.

See you at sunrise, Dave.

Bye.

There goes one regular guy.

I guess dinner's ready.

Smells good.

Happy second honeymoon, Mrs. Stewart.

It will be the happiest one

we've ever had.

Morning patrol.

It's an awful way to wake up.

We should go back to sleep.

And wake up all over again?

Dive bombers from north island.

Every morning they practice.

Kind of hard on our honeymoon.

Yeah. Disconcerting.

You'd never know there's a war on,

would you?

Is it like this every dawn?

Except some mornings the tanks practice landing here.

What does that bugle mean?

Assembly for some guys.

Not for you.

You can relax.

I'm afraid, Dave.

I don't want you to go.

I've got to, dear.

I'd like to be a real soldier's wife,

but I haven't the gizzard, I guess.

I'm going to cry.

It takes more gizzard to be a soldier's wife than it does to fight.

You've got to be braver than I'll ever be.

But you've been in battles.

Why do you have to go back?

I can't say, "look, I've been in a couple of battles,

now let me go home."

I haven't done enough to earn that.

It's got nothing to do with courage or patriotism,

or liking the fight.

I hate it.

Nope, I'm no braver than the next guy

and no more patriotic,

but I do know what's right.

I've seen the japs up close.

I've read what the Nazis want to do with our world.

We couldn't live in a world like that.

You always say the right things.

Yeah. I've got a gift of gab,

but it's different

when they start throwing their stuff at you.

Talk isn't any good then.

Can you get back to the train by yourself?

That bugle sounds at the same time

at every camp.

You said it wasn't for us, Dave.

I said it wasn't for you.

Good-bye, sweetheart.

All my love.

All my life.

Billy, let me through.

Make way for my sweetheart, chumps!

Turn off the water!

Let me carry your package.

Ok, but be careful. There's glass in it.

Why don't Janet come back to your house?

Oh, she's living with a friend of hers now.

Her name's Cora.

She have a fight with your ma?

Now whatever made you think of that?

I hear your old lady squawking sometime,

but my ma squawks worse.

I got the loudest ma on the block.

Give me a lick.

Ok, here.

Thanks. Is Janet's husband a hero yet?

Oh, he was already a hero.

Lots of guys are heroes twice.

He's been right in the middle of everything

for the last 6 months now.

Maybe he's being a hero right now and we don't know it.

I'll bet he is.

Well, thanks a lot, Billy.

Ellie?

Ellie?

That you, Ellie?

Ellie Wheeler, why didn't you answer me?

Oh, were you calling me, mother dear?

What are you hiding in there?

Nothing.

Don't "nothing" me.

Don't you know what candy does to your complexion?

You said my complexion was because I was adolescent.

Well, adolescents don't need to take on weight,

and you are.

Now, what's in that box?

Oh, it's very private.

It's purely personal, mother.

When you call me "mother," I get suspicious.

Let's see.

It tinkles.

It can't help it.

What's in it?

It's my business.

Oh, mom, I'm old enough to have my own business now.

Aah!

Ellie! Oh!

For the love of Pete, what's got into you, ma?

I found Ellie... With these.

Ellie in the closet.

You didn't tell your mother.

I thought we were keeping it a secret, Pop.

A secret?

Oh, this is ghastly.

You two...

You two going to calmly stand there and tell me...

Ellie, what is it? What's happening?

Oh, gee, I don't know, mom.

She doesn't know?

I don't see how she could.

Ohh, my poor child!

I knew she'd take it this way.

You knew?

Did you two talk this over?

Well, what of it? I'm her father.

Doesn't the disgrace of this mean anything to you?

I don't see any disgrace in Janet having a baby.

Janet?

Get some water!

Let me see now, what did that first-aid teacher say?

Oh, yes... I know, get the... put the head between the legs.

That's it.

Ooh!

Wait a minute, now. Wait a minute.

Keep calm there, and we'll get...

Now, we'll get it now.

Why, Pop, playing leapfrog at your age!

Aren't you a little old for this sort of thing?

Ma keeled over.

Thanks, Ellie.

"darling... the sheik in the middle has 3 wives,

"but I'll settle for you.

Love and a nice big "x", Dave."

What did Fixit put on yours?

He just said there are no motels in France.

But he put a lot of kisses on the bottom.

You know, the only thing I miss about that old homestead motel

are the strange sounds in the night.

Wish I had a record of that dope who used to live next door.

I wish I had a record of Dave's voice talking to me.

I'd close my eyes and...

Don't forget your conditn, sweetie.

Let mother get it.

Hello, Cora.

Hello, Molly.

Hi, Jan.

Hello, Molly.

Well, you certainly handed mom a prize package,

not to mention me.

Is it true?

Yes.

No wonder you've been staying away lately.

I thought I'd get too much advice.

Maybe you needed some.

If you girls will excuse me, I'll get back to my knitting.

Jan, did you have to have a baby?

Is there any law in this state that said

you had to have a baby now?

I want this baby more than I wanted anything before.

Do you figure this is any kind of a world to bring kids into?

It will be.

After Dave wins the war single-handed, huh?

Use your head!

I'm trying to.

Suppose Dave doesn't come back?

But suppose he does.

I think he'll like his homecoming present.

Who's going to support your child?

I am.

Look, Jan, I figure we might as well face the facts.

I'm not counting on Freddy's coming back.

You and I are young.

We'll want to marry again.

It's only human nature.

What if Dave's conked off?

What guy in his right mind

is going to want to marry you,

a misguided widow with a ready-made family?

Be smart.

What you ought to be doing right now

is looking out for another guy.

Just in case...

Shut up, Molly!

What happened to you?

You didn't used to be selfish.

I'm not being selfish.

I just thought I'd come over and help you get some sense.

No, you keep hammering at me because you want me to follow your example

and share your conscience with you.

I don't want any part of it.

I'm going to have Dave's baby or die in the attempt,

and I don't want you to try anymore

to drag me down to your level!

I'm going to stick to Dave until he comes back to me.

I don't want you to talk about his dying

or about me looking around for somebody else,

or being secondhanded

or any of the cheap things you've done.

If I were you, I'd get down on my knees

and pray to god to get you back to the decent person you were

before Freddy gets back.

Now beat it.

Tell the family I'd love to have them come and see me when the baby's born.

I want you to come, too.

I'm sorry, Molly. We were so close once.

Ha ha ha ha!

Any messages for me, Jimmy?

No calls, Molly.

Hello, Molly.

Hello, Fred.

I got this near the house and got the shakes.

I thought maybe a cup of coffee...

I didn't know you were coming.

I hadn't heard from you for so long,

I wasn't sure.

We've got a lot to talk about.

Shall we go home?

Ok.

How much for the coffee, son?

It's on the house. Sort of a welcome home.

Thanks.

I worked in this place for about two weeks.

Then I met this fellow. He was divorced.

I started going out with him, just for laughs.

I want to tell you everything before we go in.

It got to be steady, this fellow and I,

almost every night.

The family and Jan gave me the devil,

but I went out with him anyway.

I let him kiss me, Freddy.

He wanted me to marry him and ask you for a divorce.

I started one of those "dear John" letters to you,

but I never sent it.

Why not?

Because I was all mixed up.

I tried to bring you close to me at night,

tried to remember us.

But it's been so long, Freddy,

so terribly long.

Yeah, it sure has.

You know those advertisements

that show pictures of guys in uniform

coming back to what they left,

the things back home?

They don't show what home really means.

To some guys, maybe it is apple pie,

the smell of home cooking, the corner drugstore, fishing in mill creek.

But to lots of others it's a girl...

Their mother or their wife.

With me, it was mostly you.

I wish you knew how I thought and talked about you.

I can't blame you, Molly,

but I wish you had a better idea of what war is really like.

Because it isn't all fighting, it's waiting...

Days and nights of it.

I had plenty of time to think of the night we first met...

What you said, how you smiled,

the way you put on your lipstick before you went into the house,

how you loved me,

how I loved you.

It wasn't like the ads with me.

You meant home.

I was with you all those months I'd been away,

but I guess you weren't with me.

Oh, Fred, please!

I'm so terribly ashamed,

if that makes any difference to you now.

Anything you do to me, I deserve.

Why don't you sock me or something?

Maybe because I love you too much.

I don't blame a guy for falling in love with you.

Will you take me back, Fred?

You sure you want me?

Sure.

Ok. That's good enough for me, honey.

Let's go in.

That dear little wife of mine.

That sweet little woman.

And how she suffers.

You got a match?

Yeah.

Mrs. David Stewart has given birth to a son.

Is the father here?

Yes! Yes!

We are! We are!

Congratulations, everybody!

So long, sis.

Bye-bye. Thanks for coming.

Nice job, Jan.

Thanks, Fred. I'm proud of him.

I'm proud of you.

It's good to see you two together.

It's going to be like this from now on,

whether he's here or out there.

She says I'm real now.

What did you think I was before,

a mirage?

I know what she means.

Would you two kids kiss each other once before you beat it,

just so I can remember how it was?

We're going to invest in enough of those

to last for the duration.

When you write to Dave,

tell him I'm looking forward to giving him

a personal welcome into the family.

I will, Fred.

Oh, you'll like him.

Good-bye, Jannie.

Bye. Bye.

Hi, Cora.

Hi, little mother.

How's tricks?

What's wrong?

Dave and Fixit.

They've been wounded.

How badly?

It doesn't say.

Fixit gave me his nearest of kin.

That nearly broke my heart.

Cora...

Ask them if I can have my baby.

No, no, you're too little.

Huh? Yeah?

Here. Here.

Wouldn't you rather have that, huh?

Hey, wouldn't you rather have that?

Want to go with me to the ball game tomorrow?

Doubleheader.

No? I wish you'd hurry and grow up, Davy.

I could do a lot of things with you.

Eh? Huh?

Give me that.

Hello, Mrs. Adamson. Hi, Pop.

Can we join the party?

My grandson.

You teaching him how to swim?

Good as gold, as usual.

Took his whole bottle.

I wish I could say more than just

"thank you" every night.

Maybe your thanks makes the parachute

that my son should get down

easier sometimes.

Wait a minute, Cora.

Jannie, notice anything in your mailbox

on the way up?

No, it was empty.

Weakness of mine, looking into mailboxes.

Oh, it's from Fixit!

Dave!

He starts, "you woman, you..."

I guess I'd better read this alone.

Afraid I'm going to bawl.

It's not in Dave's handwriting.

Sweetheart... All of your letters have come to this hospital,

all at once,

and with them the news of our son.

Our son.

If I could tell you how moved I was

when I read those blessed words.

Everything that happened to me seems unimportant.

Fixit and I were in a forward position when a mortar shell came our way.

We woke up in an evacuation hospital tent

and put back to sleep again.

The doctors have done a fine job.

They say we'll be as good as new in a few months.

A few months...

As good as new.

"There's a rumor we're being sent home.

"Until it comes true, I spend my time remembering every minute we shared.

"How we loved each other, how sweet you are and kind.

"Kiss my son for me.

"Tell him I know he'll be as you are...

"Worth the fighting for.

"And be patient even if I can't be, darling.

"Till we're together again, all my love, all my life,

David."

Till we're together again.

All my love, all my life.

Smell those oranges?

Boy, it makes me remember things.

Remember way back in the aleutians

when we would have given anything for even one orange?

Look... billions of them.

Think Cora will be there?

Hope Jan brings the baby.

I, uh... I think your grandson needs you, ma.

He's the original pinup boy.

Here's some safety pins, mom.

This is near upland.

You see that long line of pepper trees?

Yeah. Pretty.

I used to walk under those with my girl.

Look, there's mount Wilson.

Anybody meeting you guys?

We hope so.

I didn't tell anybody I was coming.

Gosh, if the town dumps look this beautiful,

what will Cora look like?

Remember last Thanksgiving?

Yeah. I'm remembering.

Imagine a girl like her

calling a sad sack like me "cutie."

We're almost home, pal.

They're coming!

Hey, we're passing foothill! Remember?

You see them?

No.

They're here someplace.

They won't let you down.

I don't see them.

Jan! Isn't that...

Dave!

Jan!

Oh, Dave!

Home sweet home.

Oh, Dave.

Sweetheart, I...

Hey... hey, he's all right!

Well, I'm glad you like him.

He's, uh, he's got your eyes.

Wouldn't you like to hold him?

Is it all right?

He's your son.

Yeah! Yeah!

Hello, son.

I can't say much.

He can't say much, either.

Hey, Fixit...

Take a look.

Say! Hello, Cora!

How are you, sarge?

Ain't that something?

How are you there, champ?

How you feeling?

Hello, Fixit.

Hello, Jan.

What do you think?

Oh, you're doing great, Jan,

great!

Excuse us.

Let's you and I go find some talking room.

Gee, I wish I had somebody coming home to me.

Isn't it beautiful?

Aren't you going to say hello to your old man?

Huh? Huh?

Dave, are you all right?

Sure. My arm was banged up a little,

but they patched it up.

You'll never know the difference.

Now, Pop?

Now, Ellie.

Dave looks fine, ma.

Do you think he'd be shocked if I kissed him?

He's been through a lot, ma.

Ahem.

And I'm engaged to the boy I met at the movie.

He's a lieutenant now, Dave, with wings.

That means I'll have to salute him, huh?

Holy smoke.

Welcome home, son.

I got a fricassee on the stove, dumplings.

Hi, Dave. Good to see you back.

I wish I could tell you how I feel.

You save something good for on the ride home.

I get to hold the baby.

Got a laugh for you, Dave...

Cal's been reclassified 1-a.

Ha ha ha ha!

No!

Ha ha ha ha!

I'll be able to walk ok in a few weeks.

This cane is just a prop.

Of course,

I can't show any new maneuvers for a while,

but my arms are ok and I can hold you.

Fixit?

Huh?

Will you woof at me like you did?

Rrr!

Any ideas for a third honeymoon, Mrs. Stewart?

Mt. Wilson.

Mt. Wilson.

One more of those and I'd throw this cane away!

You woman, you!

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