Original subtitles

Trust me, Mr. Darenforth, this show is going to work.

Come on, lie down on your feet. Not bad, eh, boss? Terrible.

Needs a little work, huh?

Hopelessly sentimental.

Fairly disgusting.

Only joke, boss.

It stinks.

Why do I say Rex will show you to your table? I'm not going to rest until this

show is perfect.

I used to think that love was... It's good, Mr. Velasquez.

Could be better. We've been at it for hours. We just don't have it. Let's face

it. Shining Lights was out of our reach.

big dream.

You want fame?

Well, fame costs.

And right here is where you start fame.

Are you off your rocker?

What makes you think I would ever marry a man like you? But as she says this,

she's got tears in her eyes. She cares.

Come on, you're crazy about me. Admit it.

I will not.

Oh, yes, you will.

Oh, no, I won't.

I got an argument that'll make you see it my way.

Oh?

And what pray tell might that be?

He shuts her up with a kiss.

She melts in his arms, gazes into his eyes and says... Can I hear that

again? Music begins.

And our heroes dance this fantastic finale number to celebrate the happy

Well, how do you like it?

I'm impressed.

And I tell you, I'm not easily impressed. Solid script. Chris and Lee

a lot of hours.

I didn't work that hard when I was in this school. I'll vouch for that. It's

quite ambitious.

All these lavish costumes and sets.

Don't forget our budget's been cut this year. Again? Hey, Bob, we got a golden

opportunity here. Kimball Foundation is awarding $20 ,000 to the school with the

best student production. I can buy a lot of chalk.

Still, it's an expensive gamble.

You think we have a chance? With talent like this, how can we miss? An award

from the Kimball Foundation would certainly bring national recognition.

Money wouldn't be bad either. You bet it wouldn't.

Gentlemen, I want that award.

Mr. Derenforth, you've got yourself a show.

Second thoughts, kid?

No, everything's fine. Hey, Jesse, knock it off.

Something's on your mind. Talk to me.

Mr. Seeger, I really like this show. And I don't want to mess it up. Yeah,

you're scared.

Terrified. Now, don't blame me. It's a tough job.

But I think you can handle it. Yeah?

Should have been here last year for my production of Twelfth Night.

That horrible?

If there was a horse, they would have shot it.

Now there's a Kimball Foundation prize.

Hey, forget about the Kimball Foundation.

Forget about last year's production.

Forget about the butterflies in your gut.

If you were in my shoes, would you trust Jesse Velasquez to direct this play?

Yeah. Yeah, I would.

So would I.

Come on, put some life in it when I want to see some pizzazz.

Pizzazz, I'm telling you, pizzazz.

Come on, ladies. Hide on it next week, next time.

All right, I'm done listening now. Take five.

How bad, Avon? Terrible.

Terrible.

This is a lot more fun than making cakes at home, isn't it? I'm sure you ain't

going to think so after three weeks of rehearsal.

We make it in.

Oh, I'd give anything to be in this show. We are shillings, kid. You know,

you're a lot better huffer than you think you are.

Becky, we're going to have a chat.

I'm being proud, aren't I? Kid, I'll give it to you straight. Right now,

borderline.

Now, look, I think you got a lot of talent. You just need a little help to

the grade, that's all.

I'm certainly willing to work harder. That's the spirit.

Look, a couple hours of my coaching, you can't miss.

It's 8 o 'clock tonight, my place.

I couldn't ask you to go to all that trouble.

No trouble at all, really. It's my pleasure.

Really.

I'll see you.

Nick, are you trying to tell me something?

Well, yeah.

I think you're one heck of a woman.

I think you're one heck of a guy.

This is just the way it's supposed to sound. You know, they work well

I wanted to kiss you.

Well, do you still feel that way? Don't step on my line.

Hey, wait a minute. What do you want me to do, count to 20 while you bat your

eyelashes? You couldn't count to 20 with your shoes off. Okay, hold it, hold it.

Listen, I hate to interrupt you two lovebirds, but could we please get back

the script?

Hey, Milton, you seen Jesse? He's in rehearsal.

What do you need?

I'll compose the tune for the show, and I thought maybe you'd give it a listen.

Are you kidding me? What do you British know about this kind of music? It's an

American show. We don't need any can -cans. Can -cans are French.

Whatever. Look, kid, we got all the songs we need.

But I tell you what. You want to be in the show?

Of course. Aces. Be here tomorrow at eight. Bring a hammer.

What kind of hammer?

And so I'm meeting Miltie tonight at 8 o 'clock. Isn't it nice of him to help me

out like that? Honey, let me explain this to you real gentle.

Miltie's a jerk, and he's taking you for a ride.

You mean he's not going to help me get in the show?

What do you mean help you get in the show? You are in the show. I am? Didn't

Miltie tell you? You're all in. This is the final group right here.

Not a word.

I don't understand. Why would he offer to coach me if I'm already in?

Kid, you've heard about the birds and the bees?

Let me tell you about the slugs.

Hey, it's us. How's it going?

Gee, Miltie, I'm sorry I can't make it tonight, but I'm house -sitting for my

uncle on Saturday. Would you mind meeting me there? We'll have the whole

to ourselves.

Yeah, sure. I could juggle a few errands. I'll drop by, sure.

Great. Let me give you the directions.

Okay, good.

You take the I -N -D uptown to Yankee Stadium.

Uh -huh. Then you transfer to the I -R -T.

The I -R -T -E? I -R -T -E.

Pelham Parkway. Pelham Parkway.

Keep playing.

Did you write that?

I was hoping they'd use it in the show.

You're kidding.

Oh, you don't like it?

Well, it's kind of corny.

Corny? Yeah, you know, mushy. Of course it's mushy. It's a bleeding love song,

isn't it?

Words any better than the music?

Well, it hasn't exactly got lyrics as yet.

A love song with no words?

What are we supposed to do, Hammett? Well, it's not finished, is it?

In fact, I was working on it when someone interrupted me.

Don't let me get in your way.

See you around, Gershwin.

I think so.

The Bronx Zoo.

Good evening, Mr. Ross.

Oh, hello, Miss North.

It's good to see you this evening.

How come I say it's good to see you this evening? What's the matter with it?

Well, I'm supposed to be hot for this broad.

I mean, why don't I just come out and tell her that I love her?

Because if you do that in act one, then we have no story.

Oh.

I got it.

Hey.

It's good to see you this evening.

Thank you.

Rex will show you to your table.

Why do I say Rex will show you to your table?

On the beat, people, flee!

No, no, no! Together!

Together!

I thought I'd need 11 minutes.

Okay.

Is there a course?

Budget for the set.

All this money for lumber?

It's expensive.

What do you think, it grows on trees?

Where's my back line?

Cole, they sent a plea.

Come on, put some bazaar into it.

Alaska, how's it coming?

Will we be getting into shape?

I hope so. The budget is climbing even higher than I anticipated.

I'd hate to think we were making a mistake.

Trust me, Mr. Darenforth, this show is going to work.

All right, everybody.

All right. That's enough damage for one day. Go home and get a good night's

sleep. You're going to need it.

Because there's a lot at stake here.

We've got a show to put on and it's got to be good. It's got to dazzle the

daylights out of this town.

So we're going to work and we're going to work hard. And I won't stand for

anything less than your best.

From this point on, I demand total perfection.

Yeah, try this.

Works for bowler's elbows. It should work for soft feet. Thanks. A

to the war.

Chris, these are my notes on Act One. Get cracking on those weak spots.

grab us some coffee to go. Right away.

Hey, Jesse, I'm really looking forward to opening night. I'm not.

Why isn't Leroy here? He could be working with you right now. Come on,

The man needs a break. I just finished two shows, man. I'm big. Come on. We're

all big.

This rehearsal schedule is killing us. And with good reason. We can't settle

second best on this one. We're going for broke. Take it easy. We'll be fine.

Just have a little bit of faith.

Shows aren't built on faith. They're built on sweat.

And hard work. Yeah, and don't forget money. We still gotta talk about the

budget, boss. It's way too high. Right, let's go.

Hiya, doll.

So, uh, glad to be in the show.

I had to pull a few strings about it.

I do appreciate it. How can I thank you?

Well, we'll, uh, talk about it on Saturday.

Don't be late.

Melty! Coming, boss.

You know that scene in Act II that doesn't work?

I fixed it. What do you mean you fixed it?

Melanie, I got something to say.

It ain't easy, but I'm going to take a shot at it.

Swell.

Now, I know you're a high society broad, and I'm a simple lug who had to work

his way up to the top. And no, it has been easy, but it's been worth it. Oh,

look, I have another line.

Go on.

Look, Melanie, there's another side to me.

A gentle side.

Like when I was 12.

Hold it. Stop. That's enough. What are you doing?

Hey, look, I admit it's a little rough in some spots. What happened to all of

Melanie's dialogue?

I saw the scene as being more about Nick. I'd be more than happy to give

another line or two. Well, thank you so much.

So what'd you think?

Needs a little work, huh?

Act one, scene two, as written.

Hiya, Gershwin.

Hi.

Hey, you know that plushy love song you were working on the other day?

What about it?

Well, I got bored in history class, so I wrote some lyrics for it.

You know, just as a lark.

Kind of corny. Of course it's corny.

It's a bleeding love song.

Give it a go, then.

the pride, what do you know?

They're the new end to my show, cause it's love I'm after,

after all.

I wrote the script without the fact.

One look at you has changed all that, cause it's love I'm after,

after all.

The more you try to analyze, the

less you get at all. So when it all is said and done, right now is all

that matters, cause it's love I'm after, after all.

I used to think love was passe.

I wasn't afraid.

It's an old cliche.

Because it, wait a minute, is it love that's after love or after, after, what

it, Ian?

What do you think?

Because when we kiss, I must admit, my doubting heart went pat -a -pit.

Because it's love I'm after, after all.

Trading in your silly pride.

But what I'm seeing in your eyes, it's love I'm after,

after all.

So when it all is said and done, right now is all that matters.

Disgusting. So you won't do it again?

Yeah.

Shining lights is going to break us.

Mrs. Berg, has the Board of Ed called? No, not yet.

If they don't okay our budget request, then we're in trouble.

Mr. Johnson, just the man I want to see.

You are to complete these lesson plans, forms, and grave lists. Ms. Grant's

orders. Oh, well, Ms. Berg, I promise. By the end of the week.

Today, Ms. Grant said I could use force if necessary.

Well, that won't be necessary.

Actually, Miss Grant is right.

I've been putting this off for too long.

I mean, of course, Shining Light is still pretty ragged.

I guess one less dance rehearsal won't make much of a difference. Probably not.

I mean, so would a couple of the numbers of Sloppy. But a lot of people won't

even notice.

Well, I don't know about that. I mean, we have to keep our priorities straight

here. What's more important, Miss Paperwork or putting on a good show?

Mr. Johnson, get the brick.

Excuse me?

Take off.

Fetus, I haven't even seen you today.

The bird walked a dog.

Paul, that was great. I mean it. Good food, good company.

What's it going to cost me?

Cost you? Yes, cost me, as in the big favor. I know you're getting ready to

me for it. I am shocked and appalled that you think me capable of tendering a

bride.

It's just a tiny little favor. But it's not even for me. It's for Jesse

Velasquez. Jesse Velasquez, the same Jesse Velasquez that stole Leroy from

The same Jesse Velasquez who temporarily borrowed your assistant to help create

a dance routine of great use. Yeah, I see.

Okay. Well, talented though they both are, there is one area which cries out

your particular expertise and guidance.

So with the, uh... Tap dancing, though.

Tap? dancing. Boy, you know how long it's been I had on some tats.

Gold diggers in 1935, wouldn't it?

Your mama is a gold digger. Your mama is still a gold digger.

Thank you. All right, people, hold on to what we did. I'll see you on your lunch

break right back here, okay?

Everybody downstairs.

The boss wants to talk to you. Let's go.

Hey, Miltie, how'd you like the zoo?

See the monkeys?

Ladies and gentlemen, I've just heard from the Board

of Education regarding the budget for... shining lights the board has rejected

it i tried everything i could i told them how much the show means to

us all and how much it could mean to the school the board is simply not willing

to spend the money and that gives me no alternative shining

lights

Miltie, there's got to be some way to cut the budget.

Even with my most creative finagling, I can only come up with about 8 % off,

boss. Quit calling me boss. The show's dead. I'm not your boss anymore.

Right, Chief.

Hey, this is a place I might be able to help you out.

What if I loan you the footwear for the chorus?

Thanks, Lou, but I don't think the chorus could tap in bowling shoes.

Maybe we could take out a few songs.

Kill a dance number. No, you'd ruin it. That script is gold.

But you can't quit now.

I already bought a ticket.

And what happens if the show must go on?

Forget about it. There's nothing we can do.

I should have known we were biting off more than we could chew.

I guess I'm just not cut out to be a director.

You're being pretty hard on yourself, kid.

I thought we could put on a show that would knock everybody's socks off.

I must have been dreaming.

Let's face it.

Shining Lights was out of our reach.

Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. Derrick, my card.

Go right in.

Free ball polishing with this card.

I'm too blue to even play the blues.

No idea.

You all know Mr. Lou Mackey of Lou's Lanes. It gives me great pleasure to

announce that Mr. Mackey has donated the necessary funds to produce Shining

Lights. The show will go on.

You know, when I was a kid, there was nothing like the School of the Arts.

If there had been, who knows? Maybe today I'd be playing the violin.

The point is, at least I would have had the opportunity.

And that's why I'm glad the school is here.

Besides, you kids are good customers.

And I figure it's time to give you something back.

So, uh, Mr. Director, come here.

Here you go.

Knock my socks off.

Lou, I thank you.

We all thank you.

Okay. Get to work.

And remember, when you're facing a 7 -10 split, you still get a second ball.

Has anyone ever told you your eyes are the color of lilac in the spring?

Of course not. My eyes are brown.

Lilac -toned brown.

Funny joke, boss. It stinks.

Right. All right, all right. Hold it.

You two look like a couple of high school kids.

Hey, we are a couple of high school kids.

The thing just doesn't work.

What's wrong with the thing?

Everything. It's too talky, not romantic enough.

What we need here is a song. A love to it. Another song? No way.

Let's take a vote.

You want a vote? Fine.

I vote no. End of vote. The no's have it.

Okay? Yeah, I'm fine.

You look beat. You ought to go take a break. I'm fine, I tell you.

All right, everybody, dinner break one hour. Back at seven sharp.

Bosh, you're bush. Why don't you go catch a few wings? The show looks okay.

Okay isn't good enough. I'm not going to rest until this show is perfect.

He's resting. He's not to be disturbed. Now, what do you need? We know the show

needs a song and a second act. There's something we wrote that would fit right

in. Everybody's a composer.

Okay, give me the tape. I'll play it for him.

What's the matter?

Oh, I get it. You think I'm going to hold a grudge against you and Julian

sending me to the Bronx Zoo?

Come on. You honestly think that I would put a petty desire for revenge over the

good of this show, do you?

Nah, I guess not.

Well, think again.

Jesse, I'm exhausted. I just have to hear this ballad just one more time. So,

humor me.

From the top.

There's a saying old, says that love is blind.

Still we're often told, seek and ye shall find.

So I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had

in mind.

Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet.

He's the big affair I cannot forget.

Only man I ever think of with regret.

initial to my monogram.

Should tell him please do

You're making me nervous. Would you calm down, kid? This is only the dress

rehearsal. Yeah, but we opened tonight.

A real date in front of real people.

Yep, it's a real show.

Jilly, honey, what's the matter?

She said I've never performed for a big audience before.

I don't know if I'm good enough.

Trust me, kid, you're good enough. You think so?

I know so.

The 900s of people are going to know it, too.

You want a job singing in my nightclub?

Why not? I can sing.

I'm sure you can.

You don't believe me?

That's good, Mr. Velasquez.

Could be better.

We sure could use a song in the second act. Still, all in all, it's working.

Of course it's working. Nothing to worry about, boss. The 20 grand's in the bag.

Which is more than good enough this way.

Here, I'll show you.

I used to sing...

Voice is strained. It's not damaged. It should be back within a day or so.

I'll call the Kimball Foundation judges and tell them the show is off. What are

you talking about? We're not going to cancel.

Jesse, your leading lady is out of commission. Then we'll get a substitute.

Who?

Me? You.

But why not someone with more experience? You're the best over here,

Now, we've only got three hours to teach you the show. What do you say, kid?

Oh, I couldn't.

No one can take Nicole's place, especially not me.

Well, someone's going to have to try her this show bold. Would you rather see

that happen?

And now I'd like more champagne, Mr. Ross. Keep that smile going.

I think you've had enough, Miss Norton.

Nonsense. I'm celebrating.

After all, I... I can't remember.

This is expensive champagne.

This is expensive champagne.

The evening is young and I intend to... I intend to... Tell

you I can't do this.

Maybe not. Maybe we're wasting our time. Maybe there's only a slim chance of our

pulling us off. But one thing's for sure. If you quit now, we've got no

at all. So don't tell me you can't do it. There's only one thing you can't do,

and that's give up.

Nonsense. I'm celebrating. After all, this is expensive champagne.

Buck, the lighting guy wants to see you.

All right, keep at it. I'll be right back.

Come on, Junior.

Let's go.

The evening is young, and I intend to find out which lasts longer, your

champagne or my money.

Okay, Ralphie's got three blowouts. He can't find a lavender gel, so the gown's

being altered.

It'll be ready in half an hour.

What's the matter, boss? That song.

Yeah, pretty crummy, huh? No, it's perfect. It sure is, boss. Perfect.

That song. Whose is it? Ours. It's exactly what I need for the second act.

you really like it? Like it? I love it. Why didn't you play it for me sooner?

Well, you gave Miltie a tape of it. Tape? What tape? I don't remember any

Miltie? Oh, yeah, that tape.

I lost it. No, it got stolen. That's right, it got stolen from my locker.

Miltie, you're fired.

Fired. Right, boss.

I liked it. I actually liked it.

Ian, I'm so excited. Hundreds of people are going to hear our song.

Three wallet sizes and everything.

Listen, Jesse, do you think it's possible for me to get my picture thing

some of the stars?

Lou, would you excuse me for a second?

Oh, sure.

Miltie!

Lou's here and he's driving me nuts. Get him out of my hair, would you? Hey, you

fired me, remember?

All right, I'm rehiring you. Not so fast.

I want a raise.

How much are we paying you now?

Nothing. Good. Your salary just doubled.

Hey, Milton. How you doing? See the program?

Produced by Special Arrangements with Lou's Lings.

They're good food and bowling meat.

Try a rally like this.

Open seven days.

Forgot to mention ladies' night. Space limitations, Lou.

Special thanks to Mr. Boone Mackey, patron of the arts.

It's got a nice ring to it. Patron of the arts.

I like that. We thought you might.

What do you think's going to happen?

There's going to be a great success.

Or a total disaster.

Either way, we've got great seats.

Nicole. I came to wish you luck.

Your voice, it's coming back.

Oh, thank heavens. That means you can go on tonight, right? I can't go on

tonight. I sound like a frog with asthma.

I can't go on either.

My stomach really hurts and I think I've got a fever.

Jillian, I know what you're going through. You're scared, but you've got

past that. You've just got to have fun with it.

Fun? Fun, yeah. That's why you're doing it, right? Because you love to dance.

I don't remember.

I think I really wanted to be a nurse.

Oh, come on. I've seen the way you dance. You can't tell me you don't love

It's not the dancing. It's the people watching.

Well, pretend they're not even there. Just get out there and dance for

for the joy of it.

Is that what you do?

No, but if it works for you, great.

Now, come on. Stop moving.

Pull yourself together and say, I can do it.

I can do it.

Louder. I can do it. Come on, Jillian. I can do it. All right, now I want you to

get out there and be almost as good as I would have been.

Everybody, am I preferred?

All right.

Listen to me, Jimmy.

There's a lot riding on you tonight. But don't forget, we want you to be a

smash. So do your best. Make us proud. You're going out there and nobody but...

Shut up!

She's fantastic.

You know what, Mildy? For once in your life, you're right.

Come off it.

You're crazy about me. Admit it. I will not.

Yes, you will.

Oh, no, I won't.

I have an argument that'll make you see it my way.

Yeah, what pray tell might that be?

Could I hear that argument again?

Come on, everybody.

Party's at my place. Let's go.

Let's go. Come on.

Hey, Mr. Director.

Get a move on while the pizza's still hot.

What's troubling you?

You didn't like the show?

Loved the show. It was great. Went out without a hitch.

Then what? You worried about the reviews?

Not a bit. The show's a smash. It'll run for months.

So what's with the long face?

You think you could have had a better star?

Gillian was perfect. Kids are natural. Mark my words. Got a big future ahead of

her. So then what is it?

The Kimball Foundation Prize? Hey, listen. I saw those judges leaving.

They were all smiles.

Of course they were all smiles. We killed them. Twenty grand is as good as

I tell you.

So what's eating you?

Nothing's eating me.

I'm just thinking.

About what?

Our next show.

Even bigger and better than Shining Lights.

Uh -oh. No, no, the biggest show ever.

Think about it. More singing, more dancing, magnificent costumes, towering

Oh, your horse is kid. I can't afford that. It'll be tremendous.

Colossal. Jesse, I'd have to sell the alley.

Picture this.

We open in the lobby of the Waldorf.

The Waldorf? No, too small. I got it. Grand Central Station.

No, no, no. Still too small.

Better yet, we don't open inside anything. We open outside.

Yes, that's it. We'll start with a heavenly chorus singing.

Yes, yes.

Let me see. Get this.

The Metropolitan Art Museum.

Yeah, we're 20. No, 30. No, no.

Fifty dancers.

Why, it'll be stupendous.

So dancing feet On the avenue I'm taking you to Forty seconds

feet Here's a beat Of dancing feet It's the sound of

the avenue Forty seconds feet

Thank you.