Original subtitles

I've had a chance.

Please, you've got to leave me alone. I've never won.

I won't lose you for a second time.

Don't, please don't.

Cut it.

Let's do it again, please.

Say the lights, everybody. We're going to go again.

I don't know what happened over by the flower shop. The lady in blue came out

too late. The bellman didn't go by.

Background was off. People, let's all have the impression we're going

We're on location in San Francisco for the shooting of Marion Thorne's new

movie. What better way to see this magnificent Oscar -winning star at work

at play than in the ultimate playground of the rich and famous, the fabulous St.

Gregory Hotel.

We appreciate all the cooperation here. We've had movies shot here before, but

this one looks pretty special. It's got everything.

Love, passion, hate, betrayal. Sounds like the St. Gregory's guest list.

I missed you last night.

Finally hammered out an agreement between the city and the union.

Even if it was 3 a .m. I always knew you were a born diplomat.

Good to be back, though.

Never thought volunteering for the arbitration board would keep me away

hotel so much. You should kiss her lover.

In the lobby? Yes.

Kiss would be wrong.

But sexy.

Dan, stop giving Tom ulcers. He wrote the script, didn't he?

I'm the producer. That's what I get paid for, giving alters to writers.

You guys battle out late. I want to go dancing tonight. We went dancing last

night. You had four hours sleep.

Who needs sleep?

What a klutz.

Miss Thorne, Mr. Leach is ready for you now.

Hitchcock was right.

Afters are cattle.

I never saw a cow worth three million dollars, darling.

Gotta grab him by the horns while you can.

He's giving a wonderful performance.

You sound like yet another writer who's fallen in love with his star.

I only meant I think she's a true... No, no, no, it's perfectly natural.

God makes stars, and the rest of us are put here to admire his handiwork.

How's the speech coming? Oh, I still haven't figured out what to say.

Woman of the year, stump for words.

Oh, just uncomfortable.

I haven't done anything to deserve an award.

Oh, except manage a five -star hotel.

Serve on the city arbitration board and lead a fundraiser for the homeless?

I don't know.

While the arbitration was going on, I started thinking about this city, this

country. So many people are on opposite sides.

What does anyone bring together?

That sounds like you want to do more community work.

I love the hotel business.

I'm just beginning to realize I might need something more.

I play a married woman who meets an old lover in a hotel, and they fall in love

all over again.

There have been rumors that you have been ill.

That's silly.

I've done three pictures in a row. I am tired.

And I'll probably take some time off after this one.

Excuse me. I couldn't help noticing you've been here watching the last

days. Oh, well, like everyone else, I love watching them make movies, even

nothing is happening.

And I used to spend a lot of time in this hotel before the war.

Must have been a great era. Oh, the greatest, yeah.

For hotels and for movies.

Yes, it was the golden age.

So, what brings you to town, John?

Congressman Bain?

Now, what put that idea in your head? Oh, he's been ill.

Come on.

Pretty common knowledge. He won't be running for another term. I'm only in

to find out who the local party people want to run in this place. And make a

suggestions? Oh, I'm hardly that important.

Not what they've been saying on the news. Really?

You're one of the most important professional campaign managers in the

Oh.

Is it true half the politicians in Washington never make a speech without

okay? Are you kidding?

Since when do we let politicians write their own material?

I love that dress.

You mean you love me naked.

This is the closest I can get in public.

That's happening again, isn't it?

It's just a headache.

It's been a long day.

Don't fuss.

You're my lover, my producer, not my father. If I was your daddy, I would

you over my knee and paddle your backside.

You're living too high, too wild. It's not like you. Will you do everybody a

favor? In bed, lights out, 10 o 'clock. What do you say?

Ten, eleven, midnight. I don't want to talk about time passing.

We used to talk about getting married.

When this picture is finished... Don't make promises, Dan.

You hated marriage before.

What makes you think it's going to be any easier with me?

Just dance with me tonight.

Yeah.

It's Kingsford.

Yes, Victor.

Huh?

No, no, no, no, no.

Not to panic. We'll just have to look at the schedule again, that's all.

As soon as you're, uh, now?

Yeah, sure.

Uh, what is it?

Last time you were in town was the managed Congressman Bain campaign,

Yes.

Christine was a big help with that one. I only helped organize a few

fundraisers. Did she tell you why I tried to get her to move to Washington?

Had a group of investors all lined up to buy the old Jacksonian hotel for her to

run. I talked to Peter about that. We agreed.

San Francisco's our town the way Washington's yours.

We would have made a great team.

Oh, I just got off the phone. Among other things, we're going to have to

actions for another day.

You're kidding.

Nope. As if we don't have enough problems already. Yeah.

Hello, baby.

I'm going to be up half the night with Victor.

Why? Well, we've got to juggle a schedule. We do the whole board. What's

Scratch in the negative.

At the lab.

All of yesterday's material.

Oh, no. We have to shoot it again?

No choice.

So I'll see you in the morning.

One more dance. You're drinking too much. I want to dance. Who dances with

I'll then.

You have a 6 a .m. call, and you're also going to have a headache about the size

of Pittsburgh.

Have fun.

You're the writer. Use words. Talk to me.

Pushing yourself too hard.

Working all day, partying all night.

Gotta show everybody I still got the whole star thing, car.

You're a great star.

You'll go on for years.

Keep talking. I like what you're saying.

I like dancing with you.

I was

talking

to the assistant director on the movie.

He said this one's like those old romantic English love stories. Like

Encounter? I always cry over Brief Encounter.

You may turn your back on Scaramouche, my lord, but surely you will not run

from... Andre Moreau.

That's the guy.

What guy?

The old guy that's been sitting in the lobby watching him shoot.

Oh, yeah, I noticed him. He seems harmless.

Suddenly hit me who he was.

Who?

Anthony. Anthony Sheridan?

Right. Isn't he dead?

I read somewhere he ended up on Skid Row. That couldn't be him.

I'm telling you, it is.

I thought you wanted this.

I did.

But you're right, I can't go on like this. Tonight it's you, tomorrow night

it's... Dan Kingsford.

God, it's dark in here.

Dan and I don't try to own each other.

Then it's all right.

Sorry, Tom.

All the drinking and dancing in the world can't hold back the clock.

What are you saying?

It's not like you're over the hill.

Anyway, who wants to hold back the clock when we've got the whole night ahead of

us?

You want to make love to me?

Since the first day we met.

Will you still want to make love to me when I can't see anymore?

What kind of crazy talk is that, can't see?

It is crazy, isn't it?

It's all over for me. I'm going blind.

The public's tired of the same old familiar faces running for office. With

Congressman Bain dropping out, this is our chance to run someone young and

fresh. Well, with your track record, I'm betting you come up with a winner.

Already have. Someone perfect.

Self -made, prominent position in business, unblemished record of labor

relations, and community service.

Sounds promising.

Up to you, Christine.

What's up to me?

I've already talked to the local selection committee.

I am always serious about politics.

I want you to run for Congress.

Can I talk to you? Of course. Come on in.

I've been revising tomorrow's scenes.

I like the stuff about it. I want to apologize for the way I behaved last

I wish you would have let me stay with you.

I really would have gone to pieces if you'd stayed.

There must be something they can do, an operation, something.

Of course there's an operation. There's an operation for everything, including

something growing in my brain.

It'll give me another couple of years before my sight goes completely.

You can't know that.

There's got to be some hope.

You want all the gory details?

It's called meningioma.

It's a tumor on the optic nerve.

They can keep operating, but it'll just keep coming back.

Satisfied?

Marion, I'm sorry.

Have you told Dan?

I guess I've been afraid of him either walking out on me or offering to marry

me.

Don't know what scares me the most.

If there's any way I can help.

You did help.

You were there when I needed someone.

I don't have any experience in public office.

That's a plus.

More and more professional women are going into politics.

And you've got a lot of credibility.

Tell her, Peter.

Well, I don't know what to say. This whole thing is quite a surprise to me.

I have a meeting with the selection committee.

I'm going to tell them you're thinking about it.

If the party is really considering me, it must be in big trouble.

Well, you have been talking about doing more community work.

Too much responsibility, Peter.

What's happening to this country?

People need someone who could make a difference.

And you don't think you could?

Probably not.

Although, I could probably do more in Washington than I can as manager of a

luxury hotel.

Then you are interested.

I don't want to think about it.

Well, you have to think about it.

If you say the St. Gregory isn't enough for you, and you mean it, where does

that leave us?

I wasn't talking about us.

I'm talking about my future, my life.

If you run for Congress, well, you'll have to give up the St. Gregory, right?

We could be separated for months at a time.

Then you're against it?

Of course I'm not against it.

I'm trying to think this through.

Shouldn't you start doing the same thing?

We promised we'd spend some time together tonight.

I know.

There's a Dutch banker flying into Los Angeles tonight.

He could be very valuable in financing our next picture.

I'm just going to zip down there overnight and see him. Will you forgive

Don't I always?

Marion, everything I've ever done in my life that's meant anything to me has

been because of you.

Without you, I'd be lost.

Oh, I was just going to grab a sandwich.

They don't need you for a few hours. I know this perfect place from the war.

You think of everything.

I'm trying.

If I did consider running, what would be the first step?

I'd introduce you to a few people.

Here, in Sacramento.

Maybe Washington.

Well, I suppose I couldn't lose anything by that.

But I'm not deciding anything yet. That understood?

Peter, whatever Christine decides, I'm with her all the way. Even though she

could end up living in Washington half the year.

So the airlines get rich off us on the weekends.

Okay, I'll set up some meetings.

Peter will come with you. It'll be like a vacation.

Who'll mind the store?

Oh, I'm sure the St. Gregory can get along without you for a few weeks.

Oh, you obviously don't understand.

If Christine's going to be a candidate, you have to be with her.

We don't want any gossip now, do we?

Gossip?

Now, don't be naive.

You're having an affair with your boss, a divorced man.

And let's not forget that little scandal of yours in New Orleans.

That was a long time ago.

Peter was in love.

With a married woman while his wife was in an alcoholic stupor.

The press is going to love crawling in the closet with that scandal.

Now, wait a minute.

Christine, I wouldn't give a hill of beans for your chances unless the voters

think of you both as a happy, all -American couple.

It's an old political tradition.

You and Christine are going to have to get married.

Oh, another one of these, please.

I need a pickup to keep you from getting bored.

Other way around, isn't it?

I get the feeling I'm only filling in for Dan Kingsford.

I like you, Tom. I wouldn't be here if I didn't.

You know, if you really loved Dan, you would have let him in on what the

told you.

Why spoil things while we're working on a picture?

Come on, Marion. You're terrified he'll walk out on you.

That's not it. Dan and I... Have an arrangement?

No commitments?

Very sophisticated.

You know, you're starting to annoy me.

Dan and I care about each other. We don't need to tie ourselves down.

We're free, and that's the way we like it. He's free, you're lonely.

Keep waiting for a guy like that, and you'll end up blind and alone for the

of your life.

This lunch was obviously a mistake.

I had to say what I felt. I was trying to be honest.

Too bad.

Honesty's an overrated virtue.

I think they need me back on the set.

All right, everybody, let's get up. We're falling behind.

What? I'd forgotten I had a look like that.

I feel very flattered that anybody would remember me.

Don't you know how often they run your movies on TV?

Sometimes my wife and I stay up till 2 in the morning to catch them.

You watch it with your wife?

Yeah. Well, that's nice.

You know, I met my wife right here in this hotel.

I've seen photographs of you together.

She was beautiful.

Oh, she was, wasn't she?

Yeah, we were here all the time.

Until that night.

There was a party, a big celebration.

I drank too much, as usual.

And I insisted on driving home.

And I went off the road.

And she was with me.

I'm sorry, Mr. Sheridan. I shouldn't have bothered you.

I shouldn't really be watching because it brings back memories.

But I can't help it.

Well, do that. You call as soon as you get back to Los Angeles.

One second. Okay.

See you soon.

Bye -bye.

Hey,

babe. Poor guy.

Whiplash.

Damn. We're not five days in a location.

We lose what amounts to a full day of shooting, and I've got to recast it all.

with a simple life.

You couldn't stand it five minutes.

Wait till you read that new British novel I just bought. It's going to make

best picture we've ever done together.

That's what really turns you on, isn't it? Wheeling and Dealer.

I'm just around to make everything work for you, and that's all that matters.

Make time for me tomorrow?

There are things I need to talk about.

Sure, Angel. Everything's okay, isn't it?

Yeah. Sometimes I feel a bit lonely.

I don't know.

Not as young as I was.

You wait till you read this novel. You can start clearing the shelf for your

second Oscar. I mean it.

Mr. Kingsford. Yeah. Lab's on the phone.

I got to run. I'll see you this afternoon.

Where?

I got an odd day. I mean, Spencer, Tracy, Nate on the set. Quarter to six.

give you that five.

I thought he died in Rome after making those sword and sandal stinkers. Yeah,

really went to pieces after his wife died.

Told me he lives in the hate.

Works nights in a liquor store.

Looks as though he's drinking his salary.

It's a shame. I grew up in his movies.

Generations of fans would love to see him make a comeback.

Who's going to hire him?

He probably couldn't even learn his lines anymore.

Heard you were having trouble casting a role.

Kind of. One of my actors, he got rear -ended into a neck brace.

That's not why he dragged me in here. The lady said it was a nice little part.

It does not move, is it?

Don't. Excuse me.

He's a has -been, for God's sakes.

Without you as agent, couldn't do any harm to let him audition.

Whoever heard of the guy in the neck brace, anyway?

I might as well let the bartender audition.

I'm sorry I said that about you and Dan this afternoon.

We seem to spend all our time apologizing to each other.

Are you okay?

You look upset.

My doctor called.

They want to operate as soon as possible.

You've got to accept that.

It's the waiting, day and night, knowing I'll be blind.

If the operation's successful, you'll be able to... I told you, it'll give me

another year or two of sight, that's all.

I'm an actress. That's all I ever wanted to be.

How could this happen? Why did it happen to me? It's gonna be all right.

I'm here for you.

I'm not gonna cry.

I've done all the crying I'm gonna do.

John's doing his job. He only suggested we get married because he... Because

it's the political thing to do.

What we want doesn't seem to concern him.

Okay, you're right.

But do you realize what an incredible opportunity this is for me?

Is it?

I called a friend of mine in Sacramento about your campaign manager.

Granger was nearly indicted several years ago for using funny money to

his candidates.

John explained that?

He's got a lot of enemies.

I worked with him on Congressman Bain's campaign.

I believe him when he says he only backs honest candidates.

You're blowing everything out of proportion.

Well, if I am, I'm sorry, but I care about you. I don't trust Granger. And

not going to walk away from the chance of a lifetime because... because you

don't like John.

I'm not asking you to walk away. I'm only asking you to be careful.

And why are we arguing?

Because suddenly I feel I can't count on you anymore. Not 100%. Is that really

how you feel? That's really how I feel.

I have to look beautiful for the camera, you know. You're beautiful already.

I love you.

Don't spoil things.

You've been alone too long, Marion.

I want to look after you.

You should have known from your script.

It's such a romantic.

I had this partner house in Connecticut.

Come there with me after the operation.

It's enough just to be with you from time to time.

You will be, but every day.

You're impossible.

You mean you told the director who I was?

You know I was out of line, but he can help you get back into movies.

Who says I want to get back?

Oh, I know you two young kids meant well. I do thank you, but look at me.

I haven't been in front of the camera in 30 years.

At least talk to the director.

He's willing to let you read for the part.

Why didn't he ask me himself?

He thinks I'm an old drunk, huh?

Um... Thank you two young darlings for

a lovely breakfast.

You know, that's the first breakfast I've eaten in many years.

You're not going to do it, are you?

I can't.

The director told me he grew up on your movies. We all did.

I can't beg.

What's wrong with my speech?

San Francisco Magazine's Woman of the Year talking about the social

responsibility of big business.

It's an issue I care about.

Christine, this town's one of my best sources of campaign contributions.

You can't tell your local industries they should finance homes for the

on this scale.

Why? Voters have to know where I stand.

Voters are lazy and uninformed.

And they have nothing to do with this. Now, you need to prove yourself to the

party selection committee.

You're saying I can't deliver my own speech when I get my award tonight? I'm

saying this is politics.

To play this game, you gotta play ball.

No,

we don't have to sign anything till we get home.

No!

Oh, I missed you in L .A.

Horribly. You were right.

It's been too long since we've spent any time together. You been okay?

I've been spending a little time with Tom.

Our writer.

You really like him?

More than that?

He's in love with me.

How do you feel about that?

Well, you scarcely know him.

What else can I say?

There's everything you could say.

You know I love you.

I know you love your freedom.

That's why I haven't even been able to tell you.

Tell me what?

There is something wrong.

I'm going blind.

My peripheral vision's already shot to pieces.

You're what?

I have to have an operation.

It won't do much good, but... You didn't tell me?

No, Dad, I didn't tell you.

Nils, let me take a peek.

Oh, no, put a 50 on that. Put a 50, take the apple box out and drop it down to

number two.

Number two, Nils.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I hear you want me in your picture. Mr. Sheridan, this is my casting people.

They're looking at a few people.

I'm willing to let you read, but I can't promise you anything.

Of course, the dialogue will have to be changed.

Change the dialogue?

You have to fit my personality.

I mean, after all, people still recognize me.

Mr. Sheridan, why don't you come back and see me when you're sober?

Sober?

God, I haven't been sober for years.

So you want me to read for you.

Well, who the hell are you?

I mean, are you making a real movie here or a movie of the week?

I mean, for your information, young fellow, I have starred in 50 movies.

50 big ones. I mean, look. Oh, look out!

Okay, let's get back to work, everybody.

I didn't mean it.

I think that's true.

I didn't change the speech.

I thought the original was good.

John invited some important people around for drinks before my awards

tonight.

Why risk turning them off?

Wait a minute. First he wants to push us into marriage, and now he's changing

your ideas?

What's next?

You know damn well I'm not for sale.

I didn't say that.

You could do a lot of good in Washington, but you have to let people

you stand.

Sometimes one has to compromise.

Not like this. Christine, I know you too well. You're an idealist.

You care about people.

Look, you've always been willing to stand up and be counted.

But if you're going to go into politics, run on your own terms, or your heart's

going to be broken.

I thought you'd be a little more supportive, Peter. You sound threatened

Christine's success.

I'm curious about something, Granger.

A few years ago, people expected you to run for office yourself.

But nobody ever took you on as a candidate.

Well, maybe I thought I was good, but other people didn't.

Maybe you had the wrong motives. All grab and power.

Peter, that's a lousy thing to say.

Then why is he trying to talk you out of saying what you believe?

I don't only want to reach people who agree with me. I want the others, too.

That means making a few compromises. I'm still doing what I believe in. Is this

what you believe in?

Look, last night was wonderful, but... You said you broke off with Dan.

You're not thinking ahead, Tom.

You're going blind. I accept that. I want to take care of you.

I don't want to be taken care of. I won't be pitied. I love you. I know you

me. I know you've got the rest of your life ahead of you. In ten years, you'll

be one of the biggest names in Hollywood.

I'll just be a forgotten actress. I mean, it will never work.

Don't tell me you want to be alone.

I'm terrified of being alone.

But I've started making my own plans. I'll go to school for the blind. I'll

learn to live life all over.

Would you take that damn halo off? I want to marry you.

Don't you know what marriage is? Kids, a home, a future.

Blind women can have all of that.

I won't ruin your life.

Mr.

Sherry, why don't you just go home?

Well, I wanted to speak to the director. I wanted to apologize for my

disgraceful performance this morning. He's pretty busy.

Maybe later.

Just a minute.

How'd I break your neck?

Back off, Kingsford. You had your chance with Marion.

You have no right.

I've got every right to fall in love with her and take her away from you if I

can. I love her.

Your life's complete without Marion. She can't give you anything.

What are you talking about?

A woman has to believe she can give something to a man.

We would have gotten married someday.

Someday is a way of never rhyming.

Now I'm going to marry her, not you.

Christine. Peter. So good of you to drop by before your awards day.

Maybe we can only stay about an hour.

There's plenty of time to meet some people who can help you.

Carter.

Carter. Excuse me, Ed.

Carter Hendricks.

Christine Francis.

How do you do?

I've been hearing a lot about you, Miss Francis.

Hello, Christine.

Roberta James, remember me?

Yes, of course.

We met at the mayor's party last month.

You're on the selection committee.

We are very interested in running you. A woman's place is in the House.

And in the Senate.

Roberta's an expert on voter analysis.

And the next election is going to depend on how well we can figure out what the

ethnic blocs want to hear.

I thought you had to figure out what you believed in first, and then say that.

Roberta is merely generalizing.

Always generalizing. Winners talk smart, losers talk detail.

Oh, by the way, everybody here knows Peter, don't they? Peter McDermott?

Christine's fiancé.

Hello, Peter.

The guy who wrote this movie is really into language.

Movies. Don't have speeches, my boy.

I used to do Shakespeare. Now, he wrote speeches.

Let's see if I can remember one now. Let me see.

Hmm.

Hamlet.

I have of late, wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth.

And it goes so heavily with my disposition.

that this goodly frame the earth seems to me a sterile promontory.

This most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave o 'erhanging

firmament, this majestical roof, fretted with golden fire, seems nothing to me

but a foul and pestilent congregation of vapors.

Peace of work is man.

How noble in reason, in action, how like an angel, in apprehension, how like a

god, the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals.

And yet to me, what is this quintessence of dust?

Time we hit the road.

Woman of the year. Mustn't be late for her award.

We're going to get along splendidly, Christine.

In your speech tonight, you can make a statement about business and social

change without really committing yourself to anything.

Might even win us a few new backers.

What comes first?

The statement or the backers?

Shouldn't we be a little less condescending to the voters?

Nobody elected anybody in this room.

Shouldn't you have a little more faith in Christine?

I have a lot of faith in Christine. You're the ones who are afraid to let

say what she thinks.

I'll say what I think.

Unwise to take unnecessary risks, no matter what your fiancé believes.

Peter is not my fiancé.

Well, maybe I was a bit premature mentioning it, but we all know.

Here's what you should know.

I promised myself when I went into this that I'd reach out to the best in

people.

All I've heard tonight is how to reach out to the worst.

Easy, Christine.

So now you're the only good woman in politics?

There are a lot of good women and men in politics.

There are also poor ones who think they can buy votes with phony speeches and

prepackaged opinions.

Christine, better think about what you're saying.

We can package you all the way to Washington.

Maybe I don't need to go to Washington.

Not like this.

If I ever do run for office, it'll be with people who speak up honestly.

Voters aren't the ignorant, prejudiced fools you believe they are.

I'm sorry.

I don't think I can help you after all.

Well, perhaps we should talk about that young woman lawyer who was quoted in

Newsweek last month.

damn pride.

You don't have to go through this all alone.

I wish I could believe you.

I see the darkness coming closer every night.

When it comes, I'll be there with you.

What's funny?

The way you two looked at each other.

Seems I'm up for auction.

What am I bid for one fading movie star?

I don't have anything left to bid.

I've been too dumb.

Crammed my life with work.

Waste.

But if I love making movies, it's because I've been making them with you.

We have been friends.

As well as lovers.

You never told me this before.

You're the only thing that makes my world go round, kid.

Am I the only thing that makes your world go around, Tom?

I love you, Mary.

Good romantic bid.

Now I know how to make my choice.

The man who needs me more.

He doesn't need you at all.

I couldn't have told you until a moment ago.

Suddenly I know Dan needs me as much as I need him.

I'm sorry, Tom.

I never gave you that dance.

Tell the studio Sheridan's in great shape.

I've already got him in wardrobe.

They'll love him. Trust me.

I wouldn't have believed it.

I mean, where did this old guy get such strength and dignity?

I knew he had it in him. He's going to give me one hell of a performance.

Did you hear that, Mr. Sheridan? Isn't it wonderful?

What's he asleep?

Mr. Sheridan.

Harry, get Dr. Callen down here right away.

Dave, I think it's too late.

Just talking to him a few minutes ago, he was on top of the world.

Must have had a heart attack.

I'm sorry, Dave. You try to help him.

Not acting again might have made up for the last 30 years.

What a shame. He could have been happy again.

He was happy.

He died after hearing an audience applaud.

Now, I'll never know whether you would have quit the St. Gregory and moved to

Washington. You're queuing in about 30 seconds.

I guess I discovered I'm a hotel manager, not a politician.

You said it yourself.

You still need more than a hotel.

To run.

This doesn't mean I'm giving up my community work.

I'll be in there pitching louder than ever.

We'll work it out, Peter.

Maybe.

Just maybe.

Miss Francis, we're ready.

Hey, there's only one thing I'm sure of.

You're going to make one hell of a speech.

I'm very proud of you.

May I present to you at this time, San Francisco

Magazine's Woman of the Year, Christine Francis.