Original subtitles

Now, the Wildcats have the puck.

They cross the blue line, up to mid-ice.

But Perrier of the Canadians comes in fast and takes over.

The Canadians are driving back now toward the Wildcat goal.

It's a shot through the screens and they miss!

Both teams scramble wildly for the puck.

Don Martin. Martin, number five, eased into the Wildcat pitches.

And there's a spill!

Oh, easily these boys are playing for keeps.

It's Martin and Labadoux speeding over to the sidelines.

Martin's down! Martin throws a punch at Labadoux as he climbs to his feet!

The boys are still struggling over on the sidelines

as the referee and players from both teams

skate in to break it up!

Hot tempers on cold ice.

Cut it out, you two. Into the penalty box.

Who, me?

Both of you. Five minutes.

How do you like this guy?

Now don't give me any of your lip.

I didn't say a word.

And now there they go,

side by side into the penalty box for five minutes.

Take it easy, Don.

Sorry, Coach, I must have lost my head.

Monsieur would like a powder puff?

If Monsieur had a puss like yours, he'd wear a mask.

You said it, kid.

Well, here I am again.

So I see.

Here's the face-off. Referee drops the puck.

And the Canadian center passes to Perrier.

Now he turns toward the Wildcat goal.

These Canadian Seals are one of the fastest teams I've ever seen.

They execute their plays quickly and decisively.

Their timing is excellent and their precision good.

Pick it up, Graceful.

People who don't know how to skate should keep off the ice.

If I had a good teacher like you, maybe I could learn.

Is anyone hurt?

You mean anyone in particular?

The great Don Martin by any chance?

You're always picking on Don.

Oh, he's probably pie-eyed.

The tempo of the game increases

despite the fact that each team is one man short.

I think it's time now to release the players from the penalty box.

The Canadians are making another bid. Rouan has the puck.

He's coming fast. He drives a long shot but misses.

Yes, Martin of the Wildcats and Labadoux of the Seals

are coming back into the game! Now watch the fur fly.

See. He's perfectly all right.

Don't even look at that guy.

Why not? A cat can look at a king.

Well, if he's a king, he's the last of a long line.

Oh, he just hasn't found himself, that's all.

And he can stay lost as far as I'm concerned.

You don't know him. Don Martin can be anything he set his mind to.

All he need is someone to help straighten him out.

You're not applying for the job, I hope.

He hardly knows I'm alive.

No kidding. He's never made a pass at you?

No. Honest, Lonnie.

Come on, Chris, get into your costume.

She doesn't know what a pass is.

She thinks it's a free ticket to a show.

Here comes the Wildcat! It's Don Martin tearing down the ice.

Scattering the Canadians with a body check. Two Seals close in, pow!

His famous trick spills them.

Razzle-dazzle on ice that always seems to work.

Martin's got the puck, he's circling around.

Watch that stick go! He shoots the goal and scores!

And there's the end of the period.

That makes the score Wildcats 2, Seals 1.

Don Martin, coming in from the penalty box

in the last minute of play, broke the tie.

That was an exciting period, ladies and gentleman.

Anything. Anything is liable... Hey, Champ!

...to happen in this last period.

Bill Topper wants to get one for Korn Krisps.

Hold it around to the front a little more, Don.

- Like this? - That's fine.

Now a nice broad smile.

That's it. Thank you very much.

It's a pleasure.

There's a guy by the name of Buzz Fletcher in the box over there.

Says he's a friend of yours. He wants to see you.

Don. It's good to see you. You haven't slowed up a bit.

Well, you've speeded up yourself.

You never used to pick them that good.

Don't exert yourself, Mr. Martin, I'm his wife.

Oh, I'm sorry, darling. Mrs. Fletcher, the great Don Martin.

Mr. Martin, the great Mrs. Fletcher.

Congratulations, Mrs. Fletcher.

You know that Buzzard here was cut out to make some good woman a husband.

I'm not that good.

It's good to hear you two wisecracking.

I've looked forward to it.

Come on over. There's room for one more.

Oh, I don't mind if I do.

Peanuts! Peanuts! Get a pack of fresh peanuts.

You know, you're not supposed to do this. It's against the rules.

Buzz tells me you were in school together.

I bet he was a whiz with books.

That's right.

He used to work out all the answers and slip them to me.

I had an idea you knew them all.

Ouch.

I'll get some cold drinks.

You better make it Cola, that's the brand I'm supposed to endorse.

Okay.

Oh, thank you.

Here, allow me. I haven't done a thing today.

What about tomorrow?

What about it?

Tomorrow, since you asked, will be like all other days.

Buzz runs a small-time show, on ice.

Yeah. I know.

Nobody knows how sick I am of ice.

Our next stop is Newark and then I think we go west.

In case you're interested.

You don't look neglected.

When I get bored, I go shopping.

Buzz is doing all right, huh?

Sure. Buzz is making money.

In five or six years, if we plan and behave, he'll have a bigger show.

And, then another five-year plan.

A fine, responsible guy.

Something wrong with that?

What do you think?

How should I know?

I've never been responsible.

Well, how are you two getting on?

Marvelously.

He swept me right off my feet.

Ladies and gentlemen, The Crystal Sextets.

Beauty and precision on ice.

Now Chris Linden, our petite star,

to entertain you with an exhibition of free skating.

A sweet little skater. I'd like to see more of her.

Well, I could fix it up for you, Buzz, if the wife doesn't object.

I'd be insanely jealous.

She's only kidding, Don. She knows I mean business.

Yeah. Well, I got to get going.

Nice to see you again, kid.

Fresh roasted peanuts. A nickel a bag.

Goodbye, Mrs. Fletcher.

Great guy. How do you like him?

On ice.

The teams are about ready to start the third and final period.

Here's the face-off. The referee drops the puck.

The Canadian center shoots it to his wingman

and the Wildcats rally their defense.

The Canadians take it away.

Labadoux whirls the puck at mid-ice to Rouan,

who's lining up his sights for a shot.

There it goes! But the Wildcat goalie makes his save!

No score!

Don Martin again has the puck, heading back to the Canadian goal.

A Seal is down. Martin leaps over him!

He's got a lot of drive, this boy Martin.

Martin starts to shoot. And here comes Labadoux!

The Canadian bumps him, and Martin goes down hard.

Oh, brother, that did it.

Looks like a free-for-all. Folks, this is some argument.

Players of both teams are fighting on the ice.

Everybody's mixing it.

Cut it out, you two. In the penalty box! Five minutes.

You didn't see him start it, did you?

I saw plenty.

Oh, you did. Well, maybe you can see this.

Martin lost his temper and hit the referee!

This may make it tough for Martin.

For in anybody's rule books, striking an official is a serious offense.

I didn't see it. What happened?

Gentleman Don just socked the referee right in the puss.

It wasn't his fault.

I guess not. His right hand just went berserk.

The Canadian hit him in the head

and he was just defending himself, that's all.

Hey, girls. Here's your coffee.

What's the matter, Bill?

Gee, you look like a pallbearer.

I feel like the corpse.

They're not going to penalize him, are they?

It could happen, it's a state offense.

It would serve him right if they did.

Someday I'm going to be arrested for murder.

They think they're so smart.

You kind of like him, don't you?

My interest in Mr. Martin is purely professional.

Oh, Miss Linden.

Yes.

A Mr. Fletcher wants to see you in the office.

What does he want? He didn't say.

He just asked me to bring you over.

All right.

May I borrow some of your cream when you're through?

You can buy it in the drug store.

Well, what happened to Chris?

I don't know. She's still outside talking to Bill, isn't she?

I wonder if she... Oh, no she couldn't.

Wonder what, Wilma?

I bet you any money she went over to have it out with that referee.

Oh, you're crazy. Chris is as shy as a mouse.

Not where Don Martin's concerned, she isn't.

If she wanted to get that bozo into heaven,

she'd walk right up and start an argument with Saint Peter.

Girls, I've got great news for you.

This hockey tour winds up in two weeks.

How would you like to keep right on working?

Are you kidding?

I've just had an offer from Buzz Fletcher.

Who? I never heard of him.

You will. He's putting on a new road show and he wants to book us.

Twenty-five weeks guaranteed with maybe more to come.

Really.

We're to be in his office tomorrow morning at 12:00. Okay?

Oh, wow, hey. Swell. That's great.

Are you the little manager!

Boy, I didn't think we were...

How about that?

Don't come in.

We're undressed.

Who is it? It's Bill.

Come in.

Chris?

Chris, it happened.

The Champ's been ruled out of professional hockey.

Don?

You mean for good?

That's it.

But what will he do? He doesn't know any other job.

That's not your funeral.

Champ.

Hey, Champ.

Oh, good morning, William.

Good morning? It's afternoon.

Good afternoon, William.

Would you mind transferring to the bedroom?

I like it here.

Your suit.

Press it some other time.

As a matter of fact, I wanted to deposit it, not press it.

Look, can't you hock a suit that I'm not wearing?

You've only got a couple of street suits left.

You can't wear a tuxedo in the afternoon. Come on, Champ. Come on.

Come on, up.

All right. All right.

You've given this situation a lot of thought, haven't you, Bill?

Well, what have we got left?

Your trophies. Some of them are solid silver.

Oh, now, wait a minute, Bill.

You can sell the Encyclopedia Britannica

and the Harvard Classics first.

I'm sentimental.

Yes, sir.

Sixth Floor.

Which is Mr. Martin's apartment?

Why, it's the last door at the left.

Apartment 6B.

Thanks.

Chris.

Bill.

Did you ring? Yes.

Going down?

Yes. Oh, no.

Is Don at home?

He sure is.

You don't mind coming through the kitchen, do you?

Not at all.

I never use the front door anymore, the way things are.

How are things?

Confidentially, honey, they're putrid.

If it isn't a bill collector, it's a process server.

Sometimes I think I'm just going to give up.

Will you have a cup of coffee?

No, thanks.

Can I peel you an orange?

I don't want a thing, Bill.

I can't believe it.

Believe what?

You're the first woman to come up here

that didn't want something.

Make yourself at home. Thanks.

I'll tell the Champ you're here.

Here you are, Bill. Well, look who's here.

Sure is nice to see you.

I don't know what you'll think of me coming here like this.

Oh, I think it's wonderful. Let's sit down, huh?

I tried telephoning you.

Oh, that.

Well, you see, I had a little misunderstanding with the corporation.

What's on your mind?

No one has heard from you in weeks.

And I couldn't help worrying. Are you all right?

Sure. Don't I look all right?

You look wonderful.

Champ.

Maybe you think I have no business worrying about you.

Oh, Chris. I'm tickled to death to have you worry about me.

You know, down at the arena, many times I've said, that little Chris Linden

can worry better than, than Kreisler can play a violin.

Are you working?

Well, not exactly. But I tried it, though.

I had a job in a department store in sporting goods but...

Don, I know about a job for you.

You do. Well, that's wonderful. Let's celebrate.

Bill. Bring a drink for Chris, and a couple for me.

And take one for yourself.

Right away, Champ.

We're working. When do I start?

How come Buzz is making me this offer?

Well, we've been doing some one-night stands before hitting the big towns

and Buzz has been making some change in the company

and so when I heard about it...

You put in a plug for me, huh? Why?

Because I think you're the most wonderful man

in the whole world on skates.

Look, are you sure you're not falling in love with me?

I don't know. I have never been in love.

You haven't? Well, you don't know what you're missing.

You ought to try it some time. No kidding.

Here we are.

Thanks, Bill.

You're welcome, Champ.

Well, here's looking at you.

Don, you won't drink too much, will you?

Who me? Never touch the filthy stuff.

I've got to be running along.

Okay.

You will see Buzz Fletcher, then?

You bet your life.

Well...

I'll walk you to the elevator.

Don't bother. It's just right down there.

Oh, it's no bother at all, Chris.

Thanks a lot for all your trouble, Chris.

You're a sweet kid. Thanks.

I'm glad you could come.

It's a pleasure.

Well, Mr. Martin, after all these years.

How are you, Mrs. Fletcher? You're looking as young as ever.

Nothing like being a contented wife, is there?

Ask someone who knows.

How has the world been treating you?

Oh, well as I deserve.

In that case, you ought to be on top.

Hey, you're in rare form tonight.

If your husband is half as genial, I might get somewhere.

Oh, could I see him?

Buzz isn't here.

What do you mean he isn't here?

You told me on the phone...

I said, "Come up." Are you sorry?

How about a little drink?

I never take little drinks.

How about a drink?

Well...

No. I'm here on business.

Buzz won't be back until 11:00.

Till 11:00?

Wait. That's four hours.

Uh-huh.

Uh-huh.

Gonna have a long wait, aren't you?

Shall I tell Buzz why you called?

If you know, sure, why not?

I do. Chris Linden's been making life miserable for him,

begging a place for you in his new company.

Uh-huh.

If you want the job, you can have it.

Buzz has great confidence in my judgment.

Look, luscious,

it's bad enough having one woman planning out my future,

but I draw the line at two.

When your husband comes home, tell him I was here. That's all.

Don, please.

I thought you had a sense of humor.

I used to have one, but lately it's been taking a terrific kicking around.

Don't go away now.

Wait for Buzz here and we'll all have supper together.

I'm terribly sorry. Forgive me?

It's done. Let's forget it, huh?

You don't need anyone to plug you.

There's no one on ice who can touch Don Martin.

You said it.

I only meant to speak to Buzz.

I hate people who feel sorry for themselves.

Well, the thought of having you along on this tour,

someone at least who speaks my language.

What is your language?

Do you dance?

Do I dance?

When Fred Astaire retires, who's there left but me?

You're a swell guy, Don.

The right woman could make a ten-strike out of you.

I love tweed.

Not too rough?

Who wants everything smooth?

Who wants everything?

You will stay, won't you?

It'll be a pleasure.

"Don Martin, who joined the Fletcher bunch last September,

"wowed a capacity audience in a breathtaking barrel jump.

"In his usual high spirits..." Get that?

"In his usual high spirits, he leaped dizzily over the barrier,

"just grazing the last bottle."

Pardon my slip, I meant barrel.

"Don should develop into a great star if he can manage to stay on his pins."

Poor Chris. Poor nothing.

She makes me sick.

What time is it?

9:45. We'll be late.

You wait here, I'm going to talk to that belle.

How long you gonna keep me doing that fool jump?

What's the matter? Can't you take it?

Sure, I can take it, but you've been having me doing it for an hour here.

Chris! How much longer you gonna be?

I don't know. Why?

We've got a 10:00 appointment at the beauty parlor.

You go ahead. I'll make it as soon as I can.

Good morning, lovely.

That burns me up.

What burns you? Chris.

Wasting her time putting that perennial souse through his paces.

She's a swell kid. She mothers him just like a little hen.

Well, if she's a hen, she's sitting on a bad egg.

And I hope to Pete she doesn't hatch it.

Wilma, don't you ever want to mother anybody?

Bill, when you say "mother," don't put your hand on my knee.

Wilma, please, if I did anything like that, I must have been unconscious.

You are a slave driver.

If you're a slave, don't blame me,

after what happened last night.

I was lit last night.

I wouldn't boast about it.

It was terrible.

I'm not boasting. I made it, didn't I?

By the skin of your feet.

You were watching?

Certainly. I watch you every night. Buzz was furious. Don.

You've got to stop drinking. Suppose Buzz gave you the gate?

Well, if he does, I'll get a job some other place.

Doing what?

If you keep this up, nobody in the sporting world

will even so much as look at you.

You know, Chris, I never met a girl like you.

What do you mean by that?

Well, I mean you're different from the women I've known.

I'd like to know how. Is anything wrong with my face?

No, Chris, it's a very sweet face.

Then why insult me?

I'm not insulting you. I'm paying you a compliment.

What I mean is, if a fella was thinking about settling down,

you're the kind of girl he'd pick.

Are you asking me to marry you?

Sort of.

What do you mean, sort of?

Well, I mean,

I think you might be very good for me.

Well, you might be very good for me.

This is a fine way to propose to a girl, isn't it?

I agree with you.

However, if you feel like you can't get...

Don.

Honey, you sure can roast a wicked weenie.

And this coffee. Oh, brother, a kiss and a promise.

Did you really enjoy it?

Look, nothing but dregs.

No, I mean the whole afternoon?

You haven't heard me belly-aching, have you?

See the point is, I'm a city kid. City-born and city-bred.

And to me picnics used to be a pain in the neck,

along with a couple of other things.

Like getting married, for instance?

Well, I never thought you'd be a pain in the neck but...

You were scared, though.

When the minister said, "Will you take this woman?"

you said, "Sure."

Well, that shows I meant it.

And when it came to putting on the ring, I almost had to support you.

Look, I always say, if a wife can't support her husband,

then she hasn't any right getting married.

I love it. It's the most beautiful ring in the world.

Well, it's the best I can afford right now.

But someday, I'll give you one that'll knock your eye out.

Look at that thing of beauty.

If Oscar of the Waldorf could see that, he'd eat his heart out.

Come on, let's get the mustard. And, now for the bun.

There you are. It's hot. Watch it.

Don, suppose I hadn't met you.

I might have married a traveling salesman.

You married a traveling skater instead. What's the difference?

This way, we can always be together.

We'll stay with Buzz for a while and one day we'll have our own show.

Featuring the superstars of ice, Don and Chris.

Uh-uh.

Chris and Don.

All right, you can have it your own way.

Oh, Don, we're going to have such a lot of fun together.

You know, I'm just beginning to realize how much I've been missing.

From now on, I'm making up for lost time.

Don. What's the matter?

What will people think?

Well, for one thing, they might think we're married.

How would they know?

In some countries they'd know.

How?

Well, in some countries they'd know when a man's married

because if he loves his wife, he beats her.

How would you like a good beating, Mrs. Martin?

You have to catch me first.

A challenge.

Just a minute, lady. Take that and that.

Hey, what's the big idea?

You keep out of this. I'm his wife.

Yeah, but he was socking you.

So what? Husband's got to have some fun. Come on, honey.

Who's on your mind?

You, darling, who else?

No kidding.

I think about you all day long.

I wonder if you're as happy as I am.

Of course.

Lately...

Lately, I've had the feeling that maybe you aren't happy.

Or am I dreaming?

You're dreaming.

Look, Gale.

Has anything happened between you and Don?

What do you mean, has anything happened?

A misunderstanding or something?

Certainly not. Why do you ask that?

I was so certain that you two would get on together.

We'd have fun on this tour.

We did for a while. And then...

And then Don got married.

Well, honey, you and I are married

and we still manage to have fun with other people.

Darling, women do differ, if you don't mind.

Chris is sweet, but she has a very jealous nature.

She can't bear it if Don as much as looks at another woman.

Don likes me, as you very well know.

I saw trouble brewing, that's why I stopped

those midnight suppers and card games.

I'm not the sort of woman to make trouble between man and wife.

Come in.

Not the Buzz Fletcher?

Jack Weimar. You old horse thief.

Beautiful. How are you?

You smell just like my wife.

Where'd you get on? Chicago.

Been scouting talent for my new Ice Fantasies.

You steal any of mine, you'll pay for it.

If you got anything worth stealing, I'd be glad to.

What's this I hear about Don Martin?

I don't know. What have you heard?

He staged a comeback. Developed into a great attraction.

All true, Jack.

How's his conduct?

Couldn't be better.

Any trouble backstage?

Greatest guy in the world.

Who rations his bourbon?

He's on the wagon.

Sounds like he's gone to glory.

Why don't you play square with Jack?

How do you mean, Gale?

Tell him about the times Don's been tight.

But, darling, he never missed a performance.

Anybody but a softy like you would have fired him long ago.

But that all happened before he married Chris Linden.

Who's she?

One of the girls in our show.

As fine a kid as you'd hope to meet.

She's made a man out of Don and he's crazy about her.

How long do you think that'll last?

After it's over, he'll be the same old Don again.

Mark my words.

All right, Buzz, what's this all about? Now, come clean.

I tell you, Jack, it's only happened once since he's started to work for me.

Once is too often. Come in.

Telegram for you, Mr. Weimar.

Here.

Thank you, sir.

Forget everything we've said.

See the show tonight and judge for yourself.

The boy's great, believe me. I'd like to see him get a chance.

All right, I will.

Excuse me, folks. I've got to answer this.

See you later, Buzz. So long, Jack.

Goodbye, beautiful.

So long, Jack.

I'll go tell the kids.

Lean over, honey.

Thanks, dear.

Marriage is a wonderful institution, isn't it?

You ain't kidding. It really is.

Dollar says he makes it.

I'll take that.

Excuse me, fellas.

Hey, Don, I've got some good news.

Hello, Buzz. Jack Weimar's on the train.

He's scouting talent for his new Ice Fantasies.

Got his eye on one of the members of our troop.

No kidding? And you're it.

Don.

Now, you wouldn't kid a guy, would you?

Never been more serious in my life.

Don. You're gonna be a star.

I told you they couldn't keep you down.

You'll be as great as Heifetz, or Dinah Shore.

But wait a minute, if he gets the job...

That's fine, but what about Chris?

What do you mean, "What about Chris?"

I mean, what's Jack Weimar gonna do about you?

Who cares? He's going to make a star out of Don.

Isn't that enough? No, it isn't.

You can skate rings around that dope.

And don't you call my husband a dope.

I'll call that bruiser anything I like.

You call him a dope and you'll live to regret it.

Dope.

Now, ladies, please. Just a minute. Chris, what is all this?

She's squawking because he's giving you the opportunity.

So that's it, huh, Wilma? Well, look, you can relax.

From now on, no matter what happens, rise or fall, up or down,

it's still gonna be Chris and Don. Is that right?

Whatever you say, honey.

See?

Now, listen, everybody.

Rehearsal-call at 1:30.

With Jack Weimar out front, you'll all want to be on your toes.

Rehearsal at 1:30 at the Sirocco for everybody.

We'll be there.

Don't worry.

Buzz. Yeah?

I couldn't have the afternoon off, could I?

What for?

Well, I got a little something I wanna do.

Couldn't wait until tomorrow?

No, this can't wait.

Okay.

Thanks, Buzz.

But don't go overboard.

Buzz is going to give me the afternoon off. I got a little errand to do.

When you've done your errand, you jump into bed,

because you have to be in great form tonight.

Don't you worry about me.

I'll be so good tonight, you'll be saying, "Who is that guy?"

That's the one I like. I think it's a lily.

Lilies come high, boy.

You better stick to sweet peas.

May I speak to the manager, please?

Certainly. Thank you.

You're not thinking of buying that ring?

Sure, why not?

With what, may I inquire?

With money.

How much have you got on you?

Three hundred and it's going to stay on me.

I got 500. Let's get out of here, Champ.

Look, will you sit down and stop worrying.

Bill, I'm doing this for a reason.

When Chris and I were married,

I promised her that some day I'd buy her a ring that would knock her eye out.

This is it.

All right, mathematician.

With your five and my three that makes eight.

Where you gonna dig up the rest of the dough?

Out of your head, I suppose.

Well, Jack Weimar's engaging me for his Ice Fantasies, right?

So what? So all I gotta do

is mention Weimar's name. His name is like, how shall I say...

Why don't you say "Jack Weimar"?

Jack Weimar.

You're not expecting him to pay for the surplus, are you?

I'm buying this ring myself, on the installment plan.

For the rest of your life.

So what?

A good guy like me is bound to die young.

Gentlemen, you wished to see me?

Yes, sir.

I'm interested in this ring here.

A very beautiful ring.

Any friend of yours would be proud to wear it.

Well, the friend I want it for happens to be my wife.

I beg your pardon. That's all right.

This is one of the most exquisite emeralds we've ever had...

You don't have to sell the ring to me, mister, it's already sold.

Now, look, my name is Don Martin and I work for Jack Weimar,

and I've got $800

and I figure that if I can give you so much a week for say...

Calling Mr. Black. Calling Mr. Black.

Calling Mr. Black. Calling Mr. Black.

That's all, Mrs. Fletcher.

Thank you.

Would you give me the number of Mr. Don Martin's room, please?

He's not in, Mrs. Fletcher.

I don't think he'll be long.

He left word he'd be back in an hour, in case anyone called.

Thank you.

Don. Playing hooky, eh?

Why aren't you at rehearsal?

Buzz gave me the afternoon off.

I had a little errand to do.

I hope it was a nice one.

Can you keep a secret?

The Sphinx is my blood cousin.

I just bought Chris a ring.

Don, how lovely. Could I see it?

Well, I don't have it on me. They're looking me up in Who's Who,

that's liable to take quite a while, you know.

Chris will be delighted.

You've made her very happy, Don.

I'm terribly glad for you both.

You'll forgive me, won't you?

For what?

For being a pessimist about you two.

Well, I didn't know you had been.

I was afraid after the "new" wore off that you'd resent being tied down.

And, even, maybe turn to someone else.

You've never been so wrong.

Marrying Chris was the finest thing I've ever done in my no-good life.

It was, Don. I see that now. That's why I asked you to forgive me.

Okay, you're forgiven.

Well... Well, don't hurry off.

I haven't even had a chance yet to congratulate you on your good luck.

Well, I haven't got the job yet.

Of course you have.

What do you suppose Jack Weimar got on in Chicago for?

Tonight, you'll be signing on the dotted line.

Won't seem quite the same with you and Chris gone.

We'll miss you both, but it's wonderful to see you getting this break.

Thank you.

I think it calls for a little drink, don't you?

I think maybe it does, it does.

Only, I really should be getting upstairs.

Just a little one, for old times' sake and the big new deal.

I told you once before, I never take little drinks.

You will today. You've got momma to look after you.

There's a cozy little place around the corner, the Paradise.

Oh, Don.

Come in.

Buzz, have you seen Don?

I haven't seen anybody.

I just got here myself. Isn't he in his room?

No.

He said he was going to do an errand and come straight back here for a nap,

but his bed hasn't been slept in.

That's funny.

What was this errand he was going to do?

I tried to get him to tell me,

but he was very mysterious about it.

I wish now I'd made him come to that rehearsal.

Every time I disobey one of my hunches, something goes wrong.

Buzz, you don't think anything has happened, do you?

I don't know, but we'll soon find out.

I'll call Bill and have him get on Don's trail.

Chris, don't worry. Bill will find him.

He must have had an accident.

He knew tonight was his big chance.

Something terrible must have happened.

Don't get yourself in a stew.

You'll be crying in a minute and spoil your makeup.

Yes, but it's nearly 9:00 and still he isn't here.

If we only knew something.

Hello, Wilma. Hello.

Hello, Chris. What's this I hear about Don?

He has disappeared.

Don't be absurd, darling. People just don't disappear.

Buzz has telephoned every hospital in town.

He's even called the police department.

Nobody knows a thing and I'm almost crazy.

Don't get yourself too upset.

No news is good news, you know.

But nobody's seen him all afternoon.

I saw him this afternoon, about 2:00.

Where?

I was in the lobby reading my mail when he passed through.

Where was he going?

I'm sorry, dear, but I forgot to ask him.

Come in.

Buzz, have you heard anything?

He's here.

Where?

His dressing room.

Not now, Chris.

Why not?

You want him to go on, don't you?

Of course I do.

Then give him a chance to get his makeup on.

You're not fooling me? Are you sure he's all right?

Absolutely. He just had too much to drink.

Bill's pulling him together now. He'll be all right.

Come on, Wilma, we're on.

Okay. See you later, baby.

Excuse me, Buzz. Okay.

Well, I have to go out front and see the show with Jack Weimar.

Staying here, darling?

For a while.

Honey, you got a match?

Yeah, I think so.

Here you are. Thank you.

Where did they find him?

The Paradise Bar.

What's the matter, Buzz?

Nothing's the matter. I...

I was just thinking maybe I better go down and see how Don's making out.

I'll go with you.

Please, no. Come on, straighten up.

Straighten up, come on.

Go away, will you?

You've got to cut the ice in 15 minutes.

I'll cut your throat if you don't leave me alone.

Come on, this is no time to be comic.

I'll get you some coffee before you go on, you'll be all right.

I need more than coffee.

All right. Come on.

Don. Are you all right?

Of course I'm all right.

Is there anything I can do for you?

Yeah, there's something you can do.

You can get out of here and stay out. And take your friends with you.

Is that any way to talk to Chris?

Well, that's one way.

Well, I don't like it.

What are you doing? Trying to start something?

This is one thing I didn't start, Mr. Smart Guy,

but I'm going to finish it.

And that's not just idle conversation, either.

Take that outfit off and get out of here.

Look, I'm going on with my act.

Or didn't I tell you?

Do as Buzz tells you.

You're not in any condition to go on.

Look, you two kibitzers, I know what I can do.

You might have an accident. Please.

Don't argue with a crazy fool, Chris.

He says he's going on, and I say he isn't.

And I say he is.

Don.

Bill.

He's all right, honey.

He just knocked himself out. I'll take care of him.

Bill's right, Chris. There isn't a thing we can do.

Will you give me a hand, Buzz?

Yeah.

Take it easy, will you?

All right, Champ. Just lay there quietly.

When he comes to, Bill, you better take him to a Turkish bath

and get him steamed out.

Okay, Buzz.

He won't be able to go on.

What are we going to do?

You'll have to go on in his place.

Buzz, I couldn't.

Somebody's got to fill in.

You'll be doing me a service and Don a service.

But I have nothing prepared.

You'll just have to improvise something.

I've seen you do it many times at rehearsal.

Somebody's got to fill that gap, Chris. You're it.

Come on. Let's get going.

But I... Please.

All right.

Well, this is what I want to see.

"The great Don Martin and his super-dooper novelty skating stunts."

I don't think you'll ever grow up, Jack.

After all the talent you've scouted,

imagine getting high blood pressure over one more skater.

When I fail to get gooseflesh over a prospective star,

it'll be time for me to retire.

Don't you ever get excited?

Of course I do.

I'm so excited right now, I could scream.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, due to a sudden indisposition,

Don Martin will be unable to appear this evening.

Buzz Fletcher offers for your amusement and admiration,

Chris Linden.

Sudden indisposition, huh?

Chris, you were marvelous. You were wonderful.

You were great. Thank you, Wilma.

Miss Linden?

Come on, kids, we better skate...

Yes.

Package for you, please.

Sign right there.

You know, when I was a boy, I used to skate.

Sorry, Greg.

Sorry, Chris.

Oh, Don.

Come in.

Chris, you were really wonderful. Thanks. Thanks a million.

I'd like you to meet Jack Weimar.

How do you do, Mr. Weimar.

How do you do, Miss Linden.

Jack's the man who made the Fantasies famous.

He liked you, too. I'm glad.

Won't you sit down? Thank you.

Miss Linden, my show's going into rehearsal in about six weeks,

and I'd like to have you in it.

Me? You'll be featured, of course.

And if you make a big hit, you'll be starred.

I'm giving Buzz a piece of the show because, after all,

I am stealing his ace skater.

Well, what do you say, Chris?

I couldn't say anything

until I know what Mr. Weimar plans to do with Don.

We've got to be together, no matter what.

Not in my show, Miss Linden.

He's the ace skater in Buzz's troop. Not me.

You'll pardon me if I don't agree with you.

But you haven't seen him.

Look, Miss Linden, if he was the world's ace skater,

I still wouldn't consider him.

Then I couldn't possibly sign.

But, Chris,

an opportunity like this may never come your way again.

I couldn't take my success that way, Buzz.

Thank you so much for wanting me, Mr. Weimar.

Thank you, Miss Linden.

Where do you go from here, Jack?

On to New York.

I might wire you in a couple of days.

You mean about Linden? Swell.

Won't you come in for a while?

No, thanks. I want to go and see Don.

Oh, Buzz, you've been so wonderful to both of us

that I hate to ask you a favor.

But if you could let us stay, I would appreciate it.

It would ruin Don if you kicked him out after this

and I just know it will never happen again.

I'll think it over.

Oh, Chris.

Can't you stop long enough for a little nightcap?

No, thanks. Good night, Gale.

Good night. Good night.

Of course you're not going to let Don go?

You'd like him to stay on, is that the idea?

Well, it isn't what I want, darling, that matters,

it's what's good for you.

I see.

You'll lose the two best people you have in your company.

And where'll that leave you?

I know Don's acted inexcusably,

but after all, business is business.

Don't cut off your nose to spite your face.

So you think I ought to keep Don on?

Certainly.

By the way, you weren't at the Paradise Bar

this afternoon by any chance, were you?

Darling, you know I never go to a bar alone.

Did I say "alone"?

What are you talking about?

I was just wondering what you'd done with your afternoon.

I went shopping.

I needed some new pajamas, but I couldn't find anything I wanted.

I'll certainly be glad when we get back to New York.

You're in love with Don?

He's the only man I ever have loved.

I knew he'd soon tire of Chris and then maybe turn to me.

Then Jack Weimar came along, threatened to upset everything.

So you took him to the Paradise Bar

and deliberately got him drunk.

That's right.

You don't care about his career?

I just wanted to keep him near me, any way I could.

Well, now you know. I think I'll turn in.

That you, Don?

Yeah, it's me.

I ran down to your dressing room as soon as I came off the ice,

but you were gone.

Don, I'm so happy.

What have you got to be so happy about?

My ring.

It's the most beautiful ring in the world.

You said that about your wedding ring, too.

I guess I'll always feel that way about everything you give me.

I love the card, too.

It's the first time you ever told me you loved me.

Yeah.

Well, I don't often say the things I feel.

I unpacked the things I thought you need.

Thanks.

Well, Chris, where do we go from here?

We play Akron next.

No, I mean us.

Buzz isn't going to keep me in the company

after what happened tonight.

If he doesn't, we'll look for something else.

I met the girls in the lobby.

They told me about the offer Jack Weimar made you.

Did they?

You're crazy if you don't take it, Chris.

No, I'm not.

I'm only doing what we always said we would.

Stick together.

I'm not interested in a career for myself.

We're both going places, but we're going together.

I don't like people who make sacrifices for each other.

When people have what we've got,

the thing I'm doing is no sacrifice.

That's the way you feel now, but wait, someday you'll say to yourself,

"That guy stood in my way just when I was going places."

You'll wind up by hating me.

I wouldn't even argue that with you, because it's too silly.

Look, Chris.

If I had a chance to get some place, I wouldn't let anybody stand in my way.

I don't believe a word of it. We're a team, you and I.

If our marriage ever goes on the rocks,

it will only be for one reason,

'cause we don't love each other anymore.

And that couldn't happen to us, could it, darling?

No, that couldn't happen to us.

Where're you going?

Going to see Buzz for a minute.

You want me to go with you?

No, I better do this alone.

I have a hunch he's going to let us stay.

Maybe you're right.

Come in.

Buzz, I just stopped in to say goodbye.

Where you going?

I'm leaving Chris.

She won't accept Weimar's offer

while I'm still in the picture so...

Thanks for all you've done, Buzzard.

Who knows, maybe someday I can do something for you.

When are you leaving?

There's an early train out at 6:30.

Don.

I'll meet you at the station. I'm leaving Buzz.

Maybe you'll be on the train, but you won't be with me.

I'm strictly a one-woman man.

And you're not the woman.

Buzz, will you give this to Chris after you get her on the train?

But be sure and get her on the train.

Sure.

Thanks, Buzz.

So long.

Goodbye, Don.

Buzz just drove up, Chris. I saw him getting out of his taxi.

Was Don with him?

I didn't see him.

The train leaves in five minutes.

Good morning, girls. Hello.

All set? Don isn't here.

I wouldn't worry about that. I've never known him to be on time.

Yes, but when I woke up this morning, he had dressed and gone out.

Honey, I do that lots of times. Don't let it upset you.

Where's Gale, Buzz?

Yes, I haven't seen her this morning.

Gale decided to stay over an extra day.

This is the last call for the Eastern Limited.

Train number 22 leaving at...

What do we do?

Look, dear, if he misses it, he can catch another train.

It's only a two-hour run.

All right, kids, let's go.

And New York entering through Gate A.

This is the last call.

Thank you.

I thank you, sir.

You're welcome.

He was restless all night. I don't think he got much sleep.

Would you like a pot of coffee?

No thanks. I've had my breakfast.

Cigarette? No thanks.

Buzz.

There's something funny about all this.

I want the truth and I want it right now.

Did you give Don his notice?

No, Chris, I didn't have to.

Don left at 6:30 this morning, of his own accord.

For where?

That he didn't tell me.

Why didn't you tell me before we got on?

It wouldn't have done any good, Chris.

I'm going to get off this train at the next stop.

Chris, darling, don't you see it's all for the best?

No, I don't.

But you can't go on forever being a crutch to Don.

It's bad for you and it's bad for him.

Don needs me more now than he ever did before.

And if you think I'm going to ditch him, you're plain crazy.

I'm not asking you to ditch him, Chris.

I'm merely asking you to let him learn to walk alone.

You're just wasting your time arguing with me.

I'm going to find him, and I'm not gonna lose any time doing it.

Just before he left, Don asked me to give you this.

Chris, this is just to say goodbye.

I thought our marriage was going to work, but I just can't stick it out.

I've known it for some time,

but something that happened today decided me.

Gale is leaving Buzz and I think it's time for me to bow out, too.

Best of luck.

Buzz.

He and Gale...

But, Chris, I...

Buzz, I'm so sorry. You loved her so.

As soon as you find out where he is, send this back to him.

It doesn't belong to me.

What's worrying you, Jack?

Chris.

I don't like the way she's acting.

We're still breaking house records.

It isn't that. It's her personal life.

She won't go out to dinner. She won't go to a show.

She won't do anything.

Buzz, it's up to you.

Oh, no.

I don't believe in meddling in Chris' private affairs.

I thought you did.

Where would she be today, if it hadn't been for your meddling?

Well, once is enough.

Sometimes I'm inclined to think it's too often.

If I had it to do over again...

Hello? Hello, you old sinner. What's tooting?

Thursday afternoon? Love it.

Sure I'll bring him. Okay, sugar, be seeing you.

Hi-ya, Christmas.

Why don't you come in?

I can't think of a reason why not, so I will.

Who was the telephone call from?

A friend of mine.

He's extra special.

He phones her every night about this time.

We call him the "man of mystery"

because she won't even tell us who he is.

Well, it won't be long now.

I've got a date with him Thursday afternoon,

he told me to come and bring you and Cricket along.

What's the matter with bringing me along?

What's the use of asking you, Chris?

You never go anywhere anymore.

I still like to be asked.

I don't think you'd care for this date.

If it's good enough for you and the kids,

it's good enough for me, isn't it?

Well, hold on to your bonnet. The man of mystery is Bill.

How long has this been going on?

Quite some time.

Why make a secret of it?

You ought to know.

I don't get it. I have nothing against Bill.

I've always liked him.

Don't get sore about it.

What's Bill doing?

He's working with Don.

I didn't ask you who he was working with.

I asked you what he was doing.

Don's taken a lot of delinquent kids,

guttersnipes, and rebuilt them.

Would you like to go with us, Chris?

Certainly not.

But that's no reason why the rest of you shouldn't go.

One minute, Miss Linden.

Coming.

No secrets, Wilma. I don't like it, see.

Well, goodness knows we tried.

Bearcats are winning.

Here they come.

The score is now 3 to 1. Bearcats 3.

Tigers 1.

Okay, Johnny.

These kids are great, Bill. I can't believe it.

And you didn't want to come, did you?

Why would I bring you all the way to Brooklyn if I didn't have something?

Break it up. Break it up.

Break it up. Come on, break it up.

Break it up, all of you! Quiet! Quiet!

Now, cut it out.

You act like a bunch of animals.

Maybe you two guys would like to get back on the fence.

You didn't see him start it, did you?

I saw everything. And that goes for you, too.

You can't...

Cut it out!

Pipe down, the both of you.

Now, lay off of that stuff.

How many times have I told you guys, never to argue with the referee?

You know, I knew a guy once that was ruled out of hockey for life

just for a little thing like arguing with a referee.

Now, what do you suppose would happen to the sporting world

if you two future champions were ruled off the ice?

That's better. Now come on, shake hands, huh?

What is that powder-puff touch there?

Come on. Do it like you meant it.

Come on.

That's better.

All right, now get back to where you started from.

And this time, keep it clean, huh?

All right, let's go, kids! Come on!

Davey!

All right, you're the boss.

Keep an eye on them, will you, Dave?

Okay, Don.

Hello, Don. Hello there. How are you?

Glad to see you. Hello. Hello.

Well, I'm glad to see you too, Buzzard.

Swell to see you.

Don, I gotta hand it to you.

Thanks, Wilma.

Gee, Don, they're great.

You think so? Don't you?

Well, sure, but I'm prejudiced.

Well, I'm not.

You know what I've been thinking?

No. What have you been thinking?

I'm looking for some new acts for the next edition of the Fantasies.

An eight-minute hockey game with those kids might prove to be sensational.

Say, I bet it would at that.

And those kids could use the dough, too.

Of course I'd have to talk it over with Jack Weimar.

But if he likes the idea as much as I do,

and I think he will, you've got a deal.

Yeah, but wouldn't you have to talk it over with somebody else

besides Jack Weimar?

You mean Chris? I mean Chris.

After all, if she didn't like the idea, the deal is off.

I wouldn't do anything to embarrass her.

How'd you like to see Chris?

What's the use?

I figure she's getting along good enough without me.

I wonder.

Chris has had a lot of success, sure.

But that doesn't always satisfy a woman. I ought to know.

Maybe she'd want to see you.

Well, if she did, why didn't she come over today with you and the girls?

Maybe you didn't ask her.

I didn't ask you either, but you're here.

That's just the trouble with both of you. You're too darn stubborn.

How would you like to bring the kids to see the show tomorrow night?

I'd love to, Buzz. But frankly, I haven't got the nerve.

It wouldn't take any nerve.

And the kids would love the excitement.

Teddy, I told you once about that.

Miss Linden.

What is it, Carrie?

Where did you get it?

Get what?

This ring. It's heavenly.

Where did that come from?

I wouldn't know. But someone must think the world of you.

Getting close to you, Miss Linden.

Nick, where's Mr. Fletcher?

I don't know, Miss Linden.

Get him back here, wherever he is. I want to see him.

You better finish dressing, Miss Linden.

Yes, Miss Linden, you haven't got much time.

All right, but get Mr. Fletcher.

Right away.

You think Mr. Fletcher gave you that ring?

No, Carrie, definitely not.

I'm so disappointed.

What do you know about this ring I found on my dressing table?

Not a bit more than you do.

You know where he is?

Yes.

Give this back to him.

Look, Chris...

I said, get that ring back to him.

Do you still love him?

I hate him. I loathe him.

Okay. I'll get it back to him.

But before I do, there's something you've got to know.

I know everything I need to.

Don didn't go away with Gale.

You know he did. Why're you lying to me?

I'm not lying. Don went away alone.

But in his letter he let me believe he was going away with Gale.

He wanted you to believe it.

He knew that was the only way he could get you to take Jack Weimar's offer.

And you knew about this all the time?

I did.

I felt guilty about it. Guilty as all outdoors.

Even though I thought at the time that it was the best thing for both of you.

For two years, I've been hating him.

I'll never forgive you for this, Buzz. Never.

How you feel toward me, Chris, really isn't important.

The important thing is that while you've been going up,

Don's made a man of himself.

You should see him with those kids, Chris.

Kids that were like Don was before you came into his life.

Kids born in the gutter, who might have stayed there,

if he hadn't reached down and pulled them up.

It would make your heart swell, Chris, and I'm not fooling.

How would you like to see him?

How would you like a million dollars?

Five minutes, Miss Linden.

I'll bring him back right after the show.

No. Now.

If he isn't back here when I come off,

there won't be any more show. Get it?

I get it. All right. Get going.

Hi-ya, Christmas.

Don.

Pardon me.

Carrie, this is my husband.

I'm pleased to meet you, I'm sure.

Hello, Carrie.

We'll be seeing you.

Yes, Miss Linden.

Mrs. Martin to you from now on.

Yes, Miss Linden.

Give me your hand.

Which one? The good one.

This time it stays on, savvy?

Savvy.

I hate to remind you, Miss Linden, but...

One more word out of you and...

Maybe she's right, honey.

You know, we've got the rest of our lives for this.

Don't go back out front. Stand in the wings where I can see you.

It'll be a pleasure.

♪ Romance, romance

♪ It comes in the spring of love

♪ When hearts are alone

♪ It brings them a lot of love

♪ A joy that never will die

♪ Romance, romance

♪ Is there for one and all

♪ That song in your eyes and not in the skies

♪ All of the beauty that is everywhere

♪ Romance, romance

♪ Life is a ball

♪ If you enjoy romance

♪ Sweet romance ♪

Gentlemen, that's my wife.