Original subtitles

Her name is Lola

She was a showgirl

But that was thirty years ago When they used to have a show

Now it's a disco

But not for Lola

Still in the dress she used to wear Faded feathers in her hair

She sits there so refined

And drinks herself half blind

She lost her youth and she lost her Tony

Now she's lost her mind

At the Copa

Copacabana

The hottest spot north of Havana

At the Copa

Copacabana

Music and passion were always the fashion

At the Copa

Don't fall in love

Don't fall in love

It's time for radio's favorite quiz show,

"Sing That Song"!

Starring America's favorite quiz master,

Nicky Richards!

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,

and welcome to the show that transforms today's unknowns

into tomorrow's stars.

and tonight's lucky winner

is going to win two hundred dollars

and a professional engagement at the world famous

Copacabana!

Now, let's have a warm "Sing That Song" welcome to two talented kids

ready to compete for fame and fortune...

Miss Lola Lamar and Mr. Tony Starr!

Well, kids, before we play "Sing That Song",

I'm sure our audience out in radio land

would like to know a little bit about you.

- Tony, you're from... - Brooklyn, New York, USA!

- And Miss Lamar is from... - Chicago, Illinois!

USA!

- Yes, Lola is a singer... - And dancer!

...and had made 229 USO appearances while still a teenager.

Nothing's too good for our heroic boys in khaki and blue.

'44 Miss Great Lakes Naval Station, 1925...

Hey, hey, slow down!

Next thing you know, you'll be giving us your agent's phone number!

Stan "The Man" Mansfield, Lackawanna 4-3...

How about you, Tony? Any appearances before the troops?

I'm afraid I was too busy being one of 'em,

at Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal.

And now you're a singer, pianist, and songwriter.

Aspiring.

Well, Tony, this is the show where aspirations become realities.

So now, let's play "Sing That Song".

Now, the moment you recognize the tune, start singing.

The first person to sing the tune correctly wins the round.

And the person who wins the most rounds wins

the two hundred dollars and the professional engagement

at the world-famous Copacabana.

Maestro!

I like New York in June

How about you?

Hey, let's hear it!

Pardon me, boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo?

Tony Starr!

I feel a song comin' on

Deep purple falls

Over sleepy garden walls

And the stars begin to flicker in the sky

Alright folks, this is it, we're all tied up, all even.

Going into the last round.

The first one to sing the next song is our new champion.

Aba-daba-daba-daba-daba-daba-daba Said the monkey to the shrimp

Hold it, hold it.

I'm sorry, dear, the rules say the song not only has to be sung first,

it has to be sung correctly!

Tony?

Aba-daba-daba-daba-daba-daba-daba Said the monkey to the chimp!

We got a new winner! Tony Starr!

Aba-daba-daba-daba-daba-daba-daba Said the monkey to the chimp...

Aba-daba-daba-daba-daba-dab...

Miss Lamar!

Are you alright?

- Wait, don't get up! - No, I'm okay.

Then sit here.

- Go on ahead. - No, let me...

Please, just leave me alone.

Listen, Miss Lamar, you know,

Just because I won and you lost doesn't mean we have to be enemies, you know.

I mean, it was just a stupid little song, anyway.

You know what, if it weren't for a technicality, you'd be the winner.

That's right.

That's right.

You know, I was... I was just thinking,

I'm on my way over to the Copacabana to talk about the engagement,

and, um, since we both kinda won the money,

What do you say to dinner for two, huh?

No thanks.

Oh!

- I don't know why I gave in. - You're hungry.

You think I came here for the food?

- I wanted to see the Copa. - Oh.

Okay. Finish your dinner.

Waiter.

Two more glasses of wine, please.

And would you tell Mr. Gropper that Tony Starr is here?

From "Sing That Song".

He'll understand.

You know, maybe you oughta see a doctor.

You know, about what happened down at the radio station.

Oh, that. Oh...

I guess I've been overdoing it a little.

Too many parties and too little sleep,

plus some classes and rehearsal all day.

Silly me, huh?

Yeah, silly you.

Miss Lamar?

Sorry. Ticket?

Ticket?

I mean... no. Kick it.

Your ankle, did I kick it?

No, no, it's probably my fault.

I'm not exactly Fred Astaire.

It's not you.

Too much wine.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, it's showtime.

- What time is it? - Showtime.

No, real time. People time. On a clock.

- Uh, eleven o'clock. - And there they are...

- I gotta go! - ...the world-famous...

...the Copa girls.

Wait a minute, you can't go now!

The show's about to start! You don't want to miss that, huh?

Let's go steppin' Steppin' out

- All done up for steppin' out - Hey, listen, is it something I said?

Something I did?

- Make-up, gloves, and gown - I know I danced a little close!

Cares are gone when I put on My favorite satin

'Cause you put back the man

- In Manhattan - Excuse me!

Let's go steppin' Steppin' out

What a town for steppin' out

East, west, up and down

Let's live dangerously And not get home 'til seven

From our heavenly night on the town

You're the guy askin' about Mr. Gropper?

Yeah.

He'll see you in his office.

- Now? - Now.

Just a minute!

I'm sorry, Mr. Panotis, the subway broke down.

- I've heard that one before. - But it's true.

Get in there and change, fast.

- Yeah? - The engagement?

Oh, yeah, congratulations to you and the lucky lady,

but we don't do private parties.

- "Sing That Song". - Sing what song?

- The radio show, boss. - Huh?

- That publicity thing. - I won!

What? What?

A professional engagement at the world-famous Copacabana.

It's an honor.

That bartender you caught with his hand in the till?

Gone.

- The hand? - The bartender.

Go with Angelo, he'll give you your uniform,

you'll learn how to mix drinks from the other bartenders.

- But I'm a singer! - I'm up to my armpits in singers.

- I play pretty good piano. - No openings.

You wanna tend bar or not?

Mr. Richards said this was a professional engagement!

Bartending ain't a profession?

Look, kid, I got two openings: bartender or cigarette girl.

Take your pick.

Bartender.

Bartender?

Yeah, don't you see? It's perfect, Ma.

I don't start work there 'til 9 P.M.,

so that leaves the whole day to go to music publishers and write songs, right?

So it's... perfect, huh?

Perfect?

Carnegie Hall is perfect.

The three "B"s are perfect.

Ma, I got some hot news for you, I'm not Beethoven.

Okay, Brahms.

Would you settle for Irving Berlin?

Irving Berlin is not the third "B".

Ma, I can't be Beethoven or Brahms or Irving Berlin

if I can't afford to eat once in a while!

You're hungry? Finish the strudel.

Which was homemade, lovingly, by a mother for a skinny-marink son

who has the nerve to complain about starvation.

And change his name!

Oh, now I get it.

When I heard Nicky Richards say "Tony Starr"...

I was gonna tell ya.

- I had it changed. - Oh!

An eleventh commandment I never heard of:

"Thou shall change thy name"!

A music publisher told me that I would never get anywhere

if I didn't have a nice, short, snappy name.

And "Starr" is shorter than Stern?

"Stern" means "star", that's why I chose it.

So you would know that I wasn't turning my back on the family.

So now you're a star bartender, fine.

I knew you wouldn't like the idea.

Which one? They're both pathetic.

Do you know who gives talent like yours? God!

Who do you think got me into the Copa?

If I had on heels, I'd wash your mouth out with soap!

I gotta get back to Manhattan.

Oh! Now that you're a big-shot bartender,

Brooklyn isn't good enough for you!

No, I... I thought you'd be happy, Ma.

I honest-to-God thought you'd be glad I was finally making a living.

Any schnook can make a living.

I want more for you!

I want more for me, too.

Ma, the Copa's fine, you know that.

It'll pay for everything.

It'll pay for food and clothes and...

And time, Ma. It'll buy me some time.

And then when my songs start selling,

I... I... I'll... I'll quit the Copa.

And I'll buy you a mink.

Oh, Ma, don't do that.

You'll get me started.

Is it so terrible to want your son to be somebody?

Don't worry, Ma.

I'll be somebody.

Hey, where's my drink?

Oh, I'm sorry! Right!

Can I get you...

- Here, how 'bout... have a... - It's all right.

It's my first night.

I'll get better at this.

Looks like I'm changin' my tune

I'm fallin' in love with you

I'm changin' my tune

My wanderin' days are through

Single, oh Was fine with me

Life was hummin' along

Then you appeared and suddenly

They're playin' our song

It's a nice tune, kid, but the style, you know, it's "yesterday".

"Yesterday"? What's today?

Latin, kid.

Think, Carmen Miranda.

Looks like I'm changin' my tune

I'm fallin' in love with you

Ay-ay-ay-ay-ay I'm changin' my tune

My wanderin' days are through

Single, oh Was fine with me

Life was hummin' along

Then you appeared and suddenly

Ay-ay-ay-ay-ay!

Not bad, not good, okay... almost.

But it's "today"!

Who cares about "today"? "Tomorrow" is what we're selling.

What'll the public want tomorrow?

- Tomorrow... - Yeah, turn your radio on, kid.

Listen. Learn.

Swing's the thing.

Swing...

Looks like I'm changin' my tune

I'm singin' a brand new theme

I'm dreamin' a shiny new dream, hey

The weddin' march sounds good to me

A picket fence and two for tea

And how about that

Silvery moon

Looks like

I'm changin'

My tune

Unless you don't want me to, hey!

Man wanted

One real man wanted

One Mr. Right for me

Who'll never say goodbye

Man wanted

Man... wanted, huh?

That's... that's the song.

Nice song.

Nice... sentiment.

- Uh, Mr... - Call me, uh...

- ...Roscoe. - Roscoe!

Where do you think you're going?

Did you see what was going on out there?

I see nothin', I hear nothin', I feel nothin', and neither do you.

- That jerk was all over my-- - We don't have jerks in this place.

We got customers with tickets, understand?

And as long as the customer's got those tickets,

he is Prince Charming.

And you are Cinderella.

'Cause this is The Glass Slipper.

Get it?

Get it... or get out.

Prince Charming's waitin' for ya.

Lola...

Lola...

What was his name? She said the man's name.

Manning.

Man... Mannheim.

Mansfield!

That's it, Mansfield.

Mansfield... Stan... Stan, Stan!

Stan "The Man" Mansfield, of course.

Hello, Mr. Mansfield?

Mr. Mansfield, the theatrical agent?

Great. Listen, there was a young woman, uh...

On "Sing That Song".

Her name was Lola. Lola Lamar.

And she mentioned her agent on the show, I was wondering if you...

You are. Great.

Well, because, um...

I'm doing this, uh, very big Broadway show

and I have to get in touch with her right away.

Oh, great... Hold on.

The Glass Slipper...

43rd...

Why, thanks a lot Mr. Ma-- I mean, thank you very much, Stan.

It's been a pleasure doing business with you.

Have I told you lately how much I love you?

Could I have a dollar's worth, please?

Can I have four more dollars' worth?

Thanks a lot.

- What are you doing here? - Lookin' for you.

I've been looking for you ever since you ran out on me at the Copa.

Well, who asked you to?

You don't have any right to come here.

This isn't me, this is...

This is somebody who's waiting for something else, something...

...real.

Do you understand?

Yes.

Then would you mind leaving?

I can't.

I don't wanna be selfish, wh... why don't we...

How 'bout sharing these with some of the other girls, uh...

You'll like... you'll like Vera.

I like Lola.

You know, I don't think you understand.

- There's nothing to be ashamed of. - Oh, really?

How would you like to be pawed for ten cents a dance?

If you don't like it, why don't you quit?

- And do what? - I don't know.

There must be something else--

That pays the rent and leaves my days free for classes and auditions?

Of course, a big Copacabana star like you wouldn't understand that.

Yeah.

- You really play fair, don't you? - I paid for my tickets.

Just like the rest of 'em.

- Have I pawed you? - What do you want?

Told ya.

I had to see you again.

- Like this? - You look great.

Yeah, Cinderella in The Glass Slipper.

Okay, here.

Now I don't have any tickets left.

You can walk away.

Don't worry about him, he can't bother you.

I'm out of tickets. Bye-bye.

So long. I'm gone.

No, you're not.

Here.

So what time's quittin' time?

- 3 A.M. - Ugh.

How 'bout a... How 'bout a bowl of soup at the automat?

I'd rather hear some of your music.

I... I can't, I haven't got anything to play it on.

My accordion's being fixed.

I thought you played the piano.

Other people's.

At home, it's the accordion my mother bought me ten years ago.

You know, Mr. Esposito said he might have it fixed today.

And I told him that if he did,

he should leave it at the all-night deli on my corner.

What do you say we go pick up the accordion,

and a couple of deli sandwiches at the same time, how does that sound?

- Great. - Yeah?

Yeah!

Your dad's a policeman?

I dunno, I think so.

They broke up when I was such a little kid, you know.

Oh, gee...

Well, nobody actually got very upset.

I mean, to my mother's side of the family,

an Irish cop named Reilly wasn't exactly Mr. Right.

As a matter of fact, after he left,

they changed my name from Reilly back to my mother's maiden name.

You've had three names?

Yeah, Reilly, Stern, and Starr.

Sounds like a law firm.

How 'bout you?

Oh, just... just one.

Any relation to Hedy Lamarr?

Well, she spells it with two "R"s,

and in her case, the name isn't real.

- Is that the deli? - Uh-huh.

How do you do it?

Well, you know, you...

It's pretty much like the piano, you'd play the keys here and then...

No, no!

I mean write a song.

- Oh. - I've always wanted to do that.

What's the secret?

I don't know, you...

I make it up as I go along.

Alright, don't tell me.

No, I'm serious! I don't know, how do you answer that?

You know, you... I start with something, and then...

You add something to that.

And you add something to that.

Well, show me.

Well, I'll show you when we get up to the apartment, okay? I'll...

No, no, no, write me a song right now.

- Now? - Yes.

You can't. I can't. You can't do that.

- Why not? - Well, it's...

Well, alright. Sit down.

- Can you get up there? - Yes.

Well, you see, now...

In order to write a song, first you need a...

...a little inspiration.

Like...

Let's see, now...

Lola

Uh, sweeter than a...

...a cherry cola

I look at her And I loose-a control-a

You think this is funny? This is hard work!

Wait a minute, I... I'm just gettin' warmed up.

Getting very warm!

Alright, hold on.

Lola

Would you stop me if I

Stole a kiss

Like this

Lola...

If only your name were Sue

'Cause Sue rhymes with

Skies are blue

And morning dew

And I...

Love...

You were in my dreams

Always in my dreams

That was long before I ever saw you

Standing there

When I felt afraid

Of the choice I made

I would close my eyes and hope my dreams

Would comfort me

But now I'm free

Who needs to dream when there is you

Who needs a heaven to look forward to

For my whole life through

Who needs to dream

You're my dream come true

In my fantasy

You believed in me

And as long as you were there

Then I believed in me

Now suddenly

Who needs to dream when there is you

Who needs a heaven to look forward to

For my whole life through

Who needs to dream

You're my dream come true

Now you are my dream

You are my only dream

I'll hold you in my heart forever

Who needs to dream

Who needs to dream

When I see you there

Then I see my every dream

Come true

Who needs to dream

When there is you

Who needs a heaven

For my whole life through

Who needs to dream

You're my dream come true

Every dream

All come true

You said "Wear your audition dress",

is there something wrong with it?

Uh, no. No. Uh...

Alright, just stand where you want,

I think I... I think I've got this, uh, song down.

That's how you audition?

Sure. Like Helen Morgan.

It's that kind of song.

Okay. Alright, here we go.

Slower.

Slower?

Slower.

- Slower. - Slower than this?

Just... Give me a chord.

Man wanted

One real man wanted

One Mr. Right for me

Who'll never say goodbye--

What's wrong?

Tell me something...

Has this song ever gotten you a job?

Well, not yet.

Usually they just...

- What? - Get fresh.

Well, that's liable to happen when you audition in the mating position.

Come, stand up.

Okay,

Now we gotta figure out how to keep 'em awake.

- I'm that bad? - Oh, no, it's not you, it's...

It's the song, it's the song...

It's not even the song, it's the arrangement of the song.

Okay.

Here's what we do.

First we gotta change the words around, we give a little more zip, you know?

Zip...

And then we gotta change the tempo,

gotta pick up the tempo, and then, you know what?

We'll give you sixteen bars of a dance solo.

- It'll drive him nuts. - Nuts...

And then, you know, I hear a...

I hear a saxophone and a trumpet, and a...

And a sweet clarinet arou... surrounding your voice.

And then, and then...

We'll change the keys. That always works.

And then we'll... And then we'll give it a big ending,

and they'll never know what hit 'em.

Never know what hit me.

- Huh? - Never know what hit 'em.

Right. Okay, you're ready?

- Yes. - Here we go.

Man wanted...

No, no, no... Forget Helen Morgan.

Forget everybody but Lola Lamar.

Where's that... Where's that swell voice that should have won "Sing That Song"?

Okay.

- Go 'head. - Man wanted

Yeah, yeah!

- One real man... Is that right? - That's it, that's it.

One Mr. Right for me...

Off to our beds

My last cigarette

I think he's getting worse.

I gotta go.

It's only 9:30.

Well, it can take me half an hour to get across town,

and you know how Nicky is.

Come on, five more minutes.

Here, have some nuts.

...I still can't forget

- What do you think you're doing? - Oops, sorry...

"Oops, sorry", is that all you've got to say?

What are you gonna do about this?

- Make full restitution, of course. - I don't give a damn about the dress.

What's gonna happen to him?

- Is, uh, that satisfactory, sir? - Not good enough.

C'mon, let's go, honey.

Uh, thanks for comin'.

- Now what are we gonna do for music? - I knew it!

- This is it! - What?

The break! Come on.

Uh, Mr... Mr. Gropper?

Mr. Gropper, this is Lola Lamar.

This is the real winner of "Sing That Song".

Sit down, huh?

Okay, Lola, this is it.

Ready? Let's go.

No, no, no, no, no, the way we rehearsed it!

Okay, ready?

Let's go!

Man wanted

One real man wanted

One Mr. Rough n' Tough

Who'll kiss me till I cry

Man wanted

Tall, dark and tan wanted

About this much across

And just about yea high

Previous experience required

Plus a lifetime guarantee to satisfy

In writing!

Man wanted

No Peter Pan wanted

These ain't no kiddie toys

So boys need not apply

229 USO performances!

Previous experience required

Plus a lifetime guarantee to satisfy

Twice daily!

Man wanted

No Peter Pan wanted

These ain't no kiddie toys

So boys

Need not apply

Is that a Copa girl, Mr. Gropper? Is that a Copa girl?

Man wanted

Keep your gents from Lord and Taylor

Slip me one good sweaty sailor

One

Real

Live man wanted

It's so hard to find good help these days!

Well, what do you say, Mr. Gropper?

I say I got a Copa girl...

and a lounge pianist!

Call The Glass Slipper and tell 'em you're otherwise engaged!

Ladies and gentlemen,

the world famous Copa girls

present their salute to Latin rhythms!

I hear the congas

I hear timbales

My shoes leave the ground and the world spins around

Ay caramba

They bang the bongos

They click the claves

My lips start to... and my hips start to...

Ay caramba

Oh, those persuasive, percussive...

- Rico. - ...Caribbean rhythms

The more I resist

The more they insist

Can't stop the congas, timbales

The bongos, the claves

And ay, ay, ay

Ay caramba

I hear the rumba

You hear the rumba?

And then the mambo

You want to mambo?

Wait, I think you should know Latin drums make me go

Ay caramba

They shake maracas

I shake maracas

I go bananas

You like bananas?

Got yourself a hot one.

Oh, Rico, forget it.

Haven't even heard my terms yet.

I'm not interested.

Oh, those caressing, crazy, Caribbean rhythms

To some, it's "so what"?

To me, it's so hot

Can't stop the rumba, the samba

The mambo, the bomba

And ay, ay, ay

Ay caramba

I'll give you three Trop girls.

No deal.

Plus a boy singer.

Baritone.

Rico, you could throw in the whole Tropicana,

it's still no deal.

I get it.

No, you don't get it.

I got plans for that kid.

So do I.

We're talking about her career.

So am I, Sam.

It's a big step to star at the Tropicana.

Can't stop the congas, timbales

The bongos, the claves

The rumba, the samba

The mambo, the bomba

And ay, ay, ay

Ay caramba

Got a good eye, Sam.

Very nice.

She's just a beginner, Rico.

Fine, then you won't miss her.

I won't miss her because she ain't going any place except home with, uh...

...with her mother.

I'll bet.

Hey, don't get me wrong, pal.

I admire your taste. You might even say I share it.

So how 'bout five Trop girls? Young ones.

And the baritone and cash.

You could throw in two pitchers and a second baseman, Rico,

it's still no deal!

Well, then, seeing that you're not, uh...

personally involved with the young lady...

Then you won't mind if I, uh...

Send my card back and have 'em chat with her, will ya?

It's a free country.

Won't do you any good, Rico.

She's not your kind of...

...performer.

When the stakes are high enough...

They'll all jump through hoops. You know that, Sam.

Some of 'em are different.

We'll see.

Call me Mr. Lucky

Smilin's all I ever do

Life's a field of four-leaf clovers

Since the moment I met you

Here comes Mr. Lucky

Flyin' high and fancy-free

I've been rollin' lucky sevens

Better put your bets on me

I've thrown away my lucky charm

Fortune is smilin'

When my arms are wrapped around you

I was Mr. Lonely

Cloudy skies were all I knew...

Hey.

- I thought this joint had music. - Leave the kid alone.

Playin' great.

I hope it's not too late.

No, you know me, I'm a night owl.

I just wanted to know what Dr. Norris said.

- He says Dad has to take it real easy. - Can he take some time off?

Yeah, he... got fired yesterday.

Mama...

Oh, honey, it sounds like your dad's out of bed, I gotta hang up.

- Mom, I think I can help. - We'll talk tomorrow.

- Hey, what's wrong? - Nothing!

I was just coming out to see you.

Well, good, I only have an hour left in the lounge,

so then we can go get some cheesecake at Lindy's, huh?

Well, that's why I was coming out, I've gotta go somewhere.

- That guy in the lounge, right? - Do you know who that is? Rico Castelli!

He owns Tropicana in Havana!

And guess who he is interested in?

I noticed.

Oh, Tony!

You're not jealous, are you? Mr. Castelli wants to talk business.

- Hey, you can do that in the lounge. - Oh...

- Right front of Mr. Gropper? - Mr. Gropper has been damn nice to us.

Tony, the Tropicana is the most famous nightclub in the world,

when you've headlined there, you can headline anywhere.

Are you thinkin' of going?

I haven't heard the offer yet.

You think I wanna go anywhere without you?

He's not interested in me.

You got me into the Copa.

I'll get us into the Trop.

You don't understand, Tony. I gotta go.

For a lot of reasons.

Keep your fingers crossed.

For what?

Rain pourin' down

From a cold winter sky

Don't wanna smile

And I'm too sad to cry

Clouds hangin' above me

No one there to love me

Guess it's just the big city blues

- I've got it. - What?

The way you just looked at me.

Been trying to put my finger on it all night.

I finally got it.

What?

A quality that sets you apart from all the rest.

A quality I noticed at the Copa.

A quality I want the whole world to see.

Oh...

What quality is that?

Purity.

Chastity.

I'm gonna revive "El Bravo".

When Conchita Ramón retired,

I swore the public would never see it again.

- But now that I've found you-- - What's "El Bravo"?

Only the greatest number in the history of the Tropicana.

Maybe in all of nightclub history.

Picture a pirate ship...

right in the middle of the stage...

a swarm of pirates and pirettes...

Pirettes?

Girl pirates. Formerly virgins.

Captured and converted by the pirates.

There,

in the middle of the stage, tied to the mast,

because only she won't give in to them.

A living symbol of everything pure and good and beautiful.

Singing her virginal lungs out.

Me?

Who else on the face of the earth could create that role?

Nobody.

Kept you up much too late.

No!

I'm sorry.

I couldn't believe it when I saw the sunshine.

Good night.

Good night.

It's just a matter of time, Maurice.

Good morning.

Tony! You scared me half to death.

I wasn't expecting to see you.

- That was obvious. - What was obvious?

You and Mr. Castelli gettin' home at six o'clock in the morning.

Must have been some business meeting, huh?

Are you implying--

I don't have to imply after what I saw with my own eyes.

Well, I can't answer for the condition of your eyes,

or your imagination, but I can tell you that Mr. Castelli is a perfect gentleman!

Which is more than I can say for some people I know.

You're to Havana, aren't you?

You probably won't believe this,

but I hadn't made up my mind.

Something was holding me back...

But you've certainly solved that problem!

Yes, I am going to Havana!

And so could you if you'd stop acting like a dope!

Are you saying you told Mr. Castelli about me?

Not exactly, but I did ask him if he had a piano bar at the Tropicana.

- Yeah, and? - They don't.

But I'm sure they have a bar,

and there doesn't seem to be any favor that Mr. Castelli won't do for me.

Listen, Lola, do me a favor, huh?

Go to Havana. Better yet, go to hell.

Here in this house

That we both loved so madly

What am I doin' here

I should be movin' on

What am I doin' here

What'd he do? Send you here to keep an eye on me?

- What are you talking about? - You know what I'm talking about!

You were here that night! You're one of Castelli's gorillas!

Like hell!

Then what're you hangin' around here for?

Actually, two reasons.

One professional...

One personal.

What's the professional reason?

I'm a cop.

On a case.

Yeah? What's the personal?

I'm your father.

Excuse me, but I... I'm not a lush, but...

It's not every day my father just pops up out of the blue.

Yeah, I know, uh...

I've been sort of looking for you the last couple of years.

So what happened all the others?

Maybe we'd better have another, huh?

Sorry, I'm done for the night.

You, uh...

You got tall.

Now I know why.

Listen, uh... Can we talk?

I mean, uh, just for a minute.

Please?

Please. Sit down.

So how'd you know it was me?

I mean, after all these years, how'd you know it was me?

Oh, I, uh, I seen a picture of you,

couple of years ago in the Brooklyn Eagle, after you came home from the war.

Whatever happened to you and Mom?

I just wanted to know.

We got beat up.

Both sides.

Both of us.

The Reillys and the Sterns.

I mean, what the hell is the matter with people, huh?

We were young, we listened, what do we know?

You saying you did love Mom?

What do you mean, "did"?

So what kind of case? You said you...

...were on a case.

Oh, uh...

Castelli, I was tailing him.

- Why? - Why?

I'll tell you why.

The guy is the deadliest snake in the Western Hemisphere, that's why.

What's the matter?

My girl...

My friend just went down to Havana with him.

With Rico?

- Señorita! - Señorita Lamar!

¿Es verdad que--

Por favor, por favor, Miss Lamar doesn't speak Spanish.

Miss Lamar, is it true that you are

taking over Conchita Ramón's role in "El Bravo"?

We'll be having a press conference,

at the club in one hour.

Lola, I want you to meet Conchita Ramón,

one of the greatest stars in the history of the Tropicana.

No more, all finished now.

- Once upon a time, she was-- - Ah, once upon a time, the best!

Conchita's gonna be your translator and your guardian angel, okay?

- I don't wanna put you out! - It's my job.

And my pleasure!

Señoras y señores, la nueva estrella del Tropicana,

señorita Lola Lamar!

What am I doin' here

Alone in this lonely house

This house that we dreamed about

This house we shared 'til you walked out

We wanted a depressing evening, we'd have gone to the opera.

What am I doin' here

This place ain't no good for me

It just brings back memories

- And the last thing I need-- - Hey, Tony, my boy...

That's it.

What?

Your career as a blues singer is officially over.

You can't fire this boy.

Damn right I can.

"Be like firin' my own flesh and blood"?

Nobody makes a liar outta Sam Gropper.

I saw talent.

So... No more sad songs.

No more lounge act.

You're movin' up...

...to the showroom!

I want you to close your eyes.

- I don't understand. - You will.

Alright, now stop here.

Okay, you can open your eyes now.

Wait, wait, you haven't seen anything yet.

What's the matter? You don't like it?

I'll repaint, I'll junk the... the rug. I'll throw out the furniture.

What're you talking about? I love it!

You do?

Thanks!

Ladies and gentlemen, in his Copacabana debut,

Mr. Tony Starr!

Hey down there

Look at me now

I'm flyin' high

Here I am

Heaven knows how

Heaven knows why

Guess I'm just a lucky guy

Sweet heaven, I'm in love again

Sweet heaven, I'm in love again

You came along

Now what can I do

I only wanna be with you

Sweet heaven, here I go again

I'm hooked from head to toe again

One minute, I'm

So lonely, and then

Oh, sweet heaven

Hey, babe

Now that I've found you, life's a song

Say, babe

Where were you hidin'

I've been

Waitin' so long

Sweet heaven, I'm in love again

So totally in love again

I'll shout it everywhere I go

I'll sing it on the radio

I want the whole world to know

Sweet heaven

I'm in love again

Sweet heaven, I'm in love again

Sweet heaven, I'm in love again

You came along

Now what can I do

I only wanna be with you

Sweet heaven, here I go again

I'm hooked from head to toe again

One minute, I'm

So lonely, and then

Oh, heaven, hey, babe

Now that I've found you, life's a song

Say, babe

Where were you hidin'

I've been

Waitin' so long

Sweet heaven, I'm in love again

So totally in love again

I'll shout it everywhere I go

I'll sing it on the radio

I want the whole world to know

Sweet heaven

I'm in love

Again

My son!

Mr. Starr.

And what am I supposed to do?

Vanish in a puff of smoke?

Not until I talk to Mr. Starr.

He may be unavailable.

Well, no one can accuse Pamela Devereaux of beating about the bush.

Let me tell you a little story, Bibi.

When I found out Mr. Benjamin Devereaux III

had a mistress in Miami, Bar Harbor, and New York...

I made myself a couple of promises.

One...

after the divorce,

Mr. Devereaux wouldn't be able to afford three lovers.

And two...

I would.

- Mrs. Devereaux? - Yes...

Can you join us?

- I'm sorry, I have another show. - Oh, just for a few minutes.

- Oh, this is Bibi Sutton. - How do you do?

Unfortunately, Mr. Sutton has an urgent appointment tonight.

So I was wondering whether you would like to have a bite of...

...supper with me after your second performance.

Thanks a lot, but I'm gonna probably be tired after that second show, and,

and you know, opening night nerves and... and...

Oh, how clueless of me.

Who wants to be with a stranger on a night like this?

Someone waiting for you?

No, there isn't.

In that case, I insist!

How can you have an opening night without a celebration?

Listen, I think you'd be better off with Mr. Sutton here, you know,

I'm really not available.

Perhaps... neither am I.

I mean, emotionally.

No strings, no commitments. Those are the rules of the game.

Nothing allowed except... semi-innocent fun.

There, we've both put our cards on the table, so no one can lose.

What do you say?

Sorry.

Whoever she is, I hope she's as loyal to you.

I don't finish 'til 2.

My car will be outside the stagedoor.

And I'll have a little supper waiting.

Nothing fancy, just...

...champagne and caviar.

Bye-bye, Bibi.

Oh, I see. Just like that.

Actually, "just like that" isn't so bad.

You can keep the clothes.

You can keep the jewelry.

But you cannot keep the car.

Who gets that? Tony Starr?

If he's a good boy.

He won't be.

Maybe that's what's so intriguing.

Since when are you walking into a dressing room without knocking?

In Lola's dressing room? We're both girls.

What are you doing here?

I own the joint.

Uh, so I, uh... came to see the kind of a job you're doing.

- Look at this place. - What's wrong with it?

- The flowers! - Not enough?

- They're dead. - They're three days old.

Yeah, well, I want fresh flowers in here every day.

- You understand? - I understand plenty.

- What's that supposed to mean? - I never saw you like this.

- Like what? - Falling.

For one of your "discoveries".

That'll be the day.

So where to today?

Wherever you want. Newport? Cape Cod? Paris?

Havana?

Would you settle for lunch at my favorite restaurant in Martha's Vineyard?

Sure, if I could afford it.

Oh, please, Tony, no more talk about money.

Listen, Pam, I told you, I'm not your friend Bibi or any of the rest of 'em.

Believe me, Tony, I know that.

But think of it this way...

It's not even my money,

it's Benjamin Devereaux's.

Great, that does it. Lunch is on me.

- Champagne? - The opening...

It's one o'clock. The opening's eight hours away.

Please, Rico, don't even say it.

What are you worried about?

You're gonna be wonderful.

Alright, a little lunch, then. You're gonna need energy.

Menus.

I hope you like ketchup.

I'm sorry, Pam!

- For what? - For this.

I know you would've preferred your restaurant, huh?

Funny.

I was just thinking this is the blandest lunch I've had in years.

- I'm serious! - So am I.

It's nice to be the guest.

The only trouble is...

What?

I'm afraid I'm breaking the rules of the game.

Lola.

I can't, Rico.

Let me have your hand.

Go ahead, you can open it. It's not edible.

- Oh, no... - Lola, listen to me.

- It's for tonight. - I can't.

Let me explain something.

This ring is a family heirloom. My mother's.

All the more reason.

It's called the Star of the Caribbean.

That's what you're gonna be tonight.

You go out on that stage...

I want everybody in the audience to see it right there on your hand.

So that they know...

...they're in the presence of the greatest star that ever was.

Rico!

- Don't you understand... - Yes, it always ends up like this.

- Another pass. - No!

I ain't like that.

You ain't like that.

You and me, we're different.

Special.

Look, Lola, if I, um...

...came on a little too enthusiastic, too soon...

...blame it on the impetuosity of a big, um...

...fan, you know?

Who needs to dream when there is...

Lola...

Who needs to dream when there is...

Lola...

I met Mr. Right...

...for the fifteenth time, or is it the sixteenth?

What the hell.

Toujours gaie!

We leave on the Île-de-France next week.

So long, Long Island, hello Paris.

I know all about your sacred independence,

but please accept the enclosed ticket to Havana

as a goodbye present from your fickle friend,

Pamela Devereaux.

P.S...

There's a second return ticket.

I'm sure a resourceful young man like you will find...

...someone to use it.

And if you ever need me...

...for anything...

You've got my number.

Don't gloat, Bibi.

It's bad for the complexion.

First Lola, now you! It's an epidemic!

- I've got to, Sam. - Of course you got to, yeah.

Where are you going? While all the juices are flowin'...

Sorry.

- News isn't good. - What?

Castelli's rap sheet.

It'll take you two days to read it, and three days to recover.

Whatever you do, don't read it on a full stomach.

This guy is not only crooked, he's crazy.

You're telling me!

According to this, he got himself a big diamond ring.

When he bought it was called the Star of the Caribbean.

He puts it on his current "leading lady", if you get my drift,

and when he gets tired of her,

he takes the ring back for his next great love.

One of the lucky ladies got tired of him before he got tired of her.

Decided to leave with the ring.

He got the ring back, she got a burial at sea!

The ring is now called the Kiss of Death!

Son. Son!

- Rico's got an army down there. - Lola's comin' home, with me!

Son!

Got a job waitin' here at the Copa! For both of you! Top billing!

Lamar and Starr! Or Starr and Lamar! Whatever you want!

- Shh! It's me. - Tony!

What are you doing here? How did you get in?

The balcony.

Lola, listen to me, you gotta get outta here.

- Are you crazy? - No, but your friend Castelli is.

If you came down here to start that again...

- I came down here to save you. - From this?

- What are you doing? - Lola, I've got information on Castelli.

Oh, who gave it to you? Your father, the famous policeman?

Yes, he did.

Oh, now I've heard everything. You don't even know where he is!

Lola, I've got papers back at the Miramar, by the hotel.

It's a couple blocks away, come back there and read them, huh?

- No! - Why not?

Tony, listen to me.

When I left New York, I didn't explain everything to you.

Don't get any ideas.

I needed some money to pay back a very important debt!

What's the matter?

- Where did you get this? - It's not what you think.

Oh, no? Do you know what they call this? Did Rico tell you what they call it?

- The Star of the Caribbean. - Oh, really?

Lola?

- Lola? - Yes?

You alright?

- Yes? - I thought I heard...

I had a dream. I guess I was talking in my sleep.

I'm sorry if I woke you. Go back to sleep.

You're gonna get me fired!

Lola, Lola, just ask somebody about the Kiss of Death.

What's the Kiss of Death?

Lola?

Get out!

Go, go, go!

- Good morning! - Good morning.

No more bad dreams?

- No, I slept very well. - Me too.

Sit down!

Conchita, have you ever heard of the Kiss of Death?

I'm sorry!

- What's wrong? - Nothing, nothing.

My hand, it just slipped.

- Conchita... - Oh! I got some on you...

- No, it's alright. - ...I'm so sorry!

- Guess I upset you. - Upset me? How?

Asking about the Kiss of Death.

I have never heard of no "Kiss of Death"!

I get you a fresh cup.

Honey, our star's been having callers

climbing up her balcony in the middle of the night.

- Very romantic. - You're crazy.

I was there, every minute!

You think you're the only one I got to keep an eye on her?

You've been careless. Maybe a little too much rum?

Who was it? Who came to see her?

You really got it bad!

I wanna know who it was! Who was it?

She's never gonna love you, Rico.

Not like I loved you.

She's not your kinda girl. She got too much class for you!

How's my star?

Fine, thank you.

You don't sound very chipper.

Well, I'm just a little worried, that's all.

Conchita hasn't shown up.

Oh my goodness, what's wrong with me, uh...

She asked me to tell you...

...that she had to go to Santiago, her, um...

- Her mother's sick. - Oh.

When will she be back?

I dunno, but, uh...

Don't worry.

Rico's gonna find you somebody else to take care of his, uh...

...his precious jewel.

I'd better get out there...

- Or the boss'll fire me! - Never!

This, uh...

This could be a lifetime engagement.

Broads like you, I mean...

Girls, um...

Talent like you, uh...

they don't come along every day in the week.

Lola, all you gotta do is say the word, and...

- You and me, we'll... - I'm gonna miss my cue.

Right.

Go out there and kill 'em, kid.

Conchita!

Honey...

You and me gotta talk about this Kiss of Death.

Long ago, in a simpler time

When pirates ruled the sea

There lived a brave and righteous man

Who fought to keep men free

He fought to keep men free

He fell in love with a maiden fair

A girl with emerald eyes

Then one day, pirates stole ashore

And took her as their prize

The girl with emerald eyes

They dragged her screaming to their ship

They introduced her to the whip

They drank and swore and made her party to their sins

And there our tale begins

Somewhere, he waits

Somewhere out there

And soon he'll run to me

And save the day

For what you've done to me

He'll make you pay

Somewhere, he waits

Scoundrels beware

Out of the blue, he'll appear

El Bravo, soon you will tremble in fear

El Bravo, friend of the weak and the poor and the meek

El Bravo, El Bravo

Pirates, have your way with her!

Do what you will

Cowards and swine

Attack and bully me

And crack your whips

No cry of agony will pass my lips

My heart is his

His strength is mine

Where is the man I adore

El Bravo, dónde está mi amor?

El Bravo, friend of the weak and the poor and the meek

And the chained and the hanged and the soon to be dead

And the sad and the sick

Darling, quick, it's the nick of time

- El Bravo - El Bravo

El Bravo

Where can your lover boy be?

- El Bravo - Maybe he stopped for some tea

El Bravo

Maybe he's drunk or perhaps he's depressed

Or he's ill, or he's dead

Or he's still getting dressed

- El Bravo - El Bravo

El Bravo

El Bravo

- Maiden, do not be afraid - El Bravo!

- Free her or die by the blade - El Bravo!

Friend of the weak and the poor and the meek

- And the chained and the pained - And the soon to be dead

And the sad and the sick

And he's just in the nick of time

El Bravo, El Bravo, El Bravo

El Bravo

My heart is his

His strength was mine

Gone is the man

I adored

El Bravo

- Hello? - Pam?

Tony!

Pam, did you mean what you said in your letter?

- Which part? - Call if I ever need you.

Try me.

It won't work.

I'm never alone, not even for one minute.

There's a woman back there who watches me all the time.

That's why it will work.

His goons don't follow you on the stage, do they?

- They wait for me in the wings. - They're gonna have a good long wait.

You could get killed!

Don't worry, they don't know me from Adam.

- El Bravo - El Bravo

El Bravo

Psst, buddy!

Where could your lover boy be

- El Bravo - Maybe he stopped for some tea

El Bravo

Maybe he's drunk or perhaps he's depressed

Or he's ill, or he's dead

Or he's still getting dressed

- El Bravo - El Bravo

El Bravo

El Bravo!

Get him.

Conchita!

Maestro, cinco-seis-siete-ocho!

Out of the blue, he'll appear

El Bravo, soon you will tremble in fear

El Bravo, friend of the weak and the poor and the meek

El Bravo, El Bravo

Do what you will...

- Lola! - What?

Will you drop this thing already?

Let's go!

- Where's Conchita? - Right behind us.

That was the plan...

Oh... say hello to my father!

Don't ask, I'll tell you later!

- Uh, pleased to meet you Mr., uh.. - Reilly!

R-Reilly!

His strength is mine

Where is the man I adore

El Bravo, dónde está mi amor?

Do you, Anthony Stern Reilly Starr,

take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?

I do.

And do you, Luella Higgins,

take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?

Hedy Lamarr's the one with the real name.

I do.

I now pronounce you man and wife.

You may kiss the bride.

Here it is, folks!

The song the whole country's singing.

And guess who wrote it!

It's my favorite song.

Lovely wedding, darling.

Don't get any ideas, Bibi.

- Good music. - The best.

Well, uh...

- Got ourselves some boy, huh? - And some girl!

You did a great job, Bella.

Takes after his father.

Me? I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket.

So... How are the wife and kids?

What wife and kids?

- I assumed, after all of these years... - You assumed wrong.

- Oh, of course, Catholic. - Oh, no, that had nothing to do with it.

I mean, you and I weren't married at the church.

I could have married again, Bella.

So why didn't you?

Guess.

You never remarried either.

How's come?

Guess.

Tell me, Miss Ramón, have you kept up your singing?

You should have seen my farewell performance

at the Tropicana last week.

I brought down the house!

So I heard, on Mr. Castelli!

I can't wait to see your famous Copacabana...

Mr. Groper...

"Gropper".

You won't have to wait long, Miss Ramón.

I'm throwin' a wedding dinner.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, the Copacabana proudly presents...

Lola Lamar and Tony Starr!

Her name is Lola

She is a showgirl

With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there

She would merengue

And do the cha-cha

And while she tried to be a star Tony always tended bar

Across the crowded floor

They worked from eight 'til four

They were young and they had each other

Who could ask for more?

At the Copa

Copacabana

The hottest spot north of Havana

At the Copa

Copacabana

Music and passion were always the fashion

At the Copa

They fell in love

Copa

Copacabana

Her name is Lola

She was a showgirl

But that was forty years ago

When they used to have a show

Now it's a disco

But not for Lola

Still in the dress she used to wear

Faded feathers in her hair

She sits there so refined

And drinks herself half blind

Who needs to dream when there is you

Who needs a heaven to look forward to

For my whole life through

Who needs to dream

You're my dream come true

Every dream

All come true