All language subtitles for Since You Went Away (1944)

It's not a question
of my feelings.

After all, a man
does have his pride.

There's the postman.
Maybe it's a letter from Pop!

You'll wait here, won't you?

- Mother! Mother! Mother!
- What's all the excitement about?

It's a letter to Jane and me
from Pop!

Well, bring it up.

Come on, honey, time to get up.

Mother, listen!
Pop says he may get leave soon!

Let me see!

What's that about Pop?

Look!

- Jane, let me look at you.
- What's the matter?

Darling, I'm afraid
you have the mumps.

- Mumps.
- Mumps?

Oh, Mother!

Tony's last day.

Only children have mumps.

You sure you ain't leavin'
nothin' here?

Just my love, Fidelia.
You afraid maybe I'll come back?

I ain't sorry you're goin'.

Now, Fidelia, I always say
nice things about you.

I ain't got no time
for them complimentaries.

Besides, now that Miss Jane
got herself some mumps,

we need this room
for Miz Hilton and Brig.

At least give me credit
for good timing.

Don't bother with that.
I'll take it down.

I want to be sure it gets down.

I've got a going-away present
for you, Fidelia.

Here it is.
Always remember, a great master

devoted some of his last hours
to you before he went off to war.

You like it?
I tried not to flatter you.

Why, Mr. Willett...

it's just the way
I always wanted to look.

Someday I'll do you in oil.

I haven't much time. I want
to say good-bye to everybody.

You say your farewells.
I'll tote your bag for you.

That's very nice of you.

Mr. Willett, I must
have been stone blind

not to see what
a lovely gentleman you is.

- Leaving, Lieutenant?
- On my way, Colonel.

I'll tell Miz Hilton
you's ready, Mr. Tony.

I rather envy you,
if I may say so.

We could use you, sir.

In the Navy?

- Good luck, Mr. Willett.
- Thank you, sir.

I guess we have to have a Navy.

- Don't come in, please!
- Don't you want to say good-bye?

I have an awful disease.

Can't scare me.
I'm coming in.

Wait a minute, Tony, please.

- All right, Jane?
- Yes.

But I wish you wouldn't.

Hello, Janie.

Hello, Tony.

You look fine in that kerchief-
Probably start a new fashion-.

- I look terrible.
- No, you don't.

You could never look terrible.
You're pretty, that's what you are.

Don't laugh at me.

I never laugh at anybody I love.

And I've loved you
from the moment you were born.

Is that all?

It's the best love I have, Janie.

It's a special kind of love
I keep just for Anne and Tim

and the two sweet girls
who are part of Anne and Tim.

Tony, you're going away
and maybe you'll be killed,

and I've got the mumps
just like a baby.

I hope the mumps are the worst
things that ever happen to you.

I won't be killed. Only the good
die young-haven't you heard?

And I'm neither good nor young.

But, Tony, you're just
the right age for a man.

Little Janie.
Wanna make a bet?

What?

I'll bet by the time I see you again,
you're in love.

You're silly.
You're the silliest man I ever knew.

Now you're making sense.
I knew you had a good head.

Will you write to me?

There won't be anything to write.

There won't be anything
happening after you're gone, ever.

All right.
But I'll write to you.

I have to go now, dear.

Good-bye.

- Good-bye, Janie.
- Bye, Tony.

I'll write to you.
I'll write to you all the time.

You'll catch the mumps.

Do you want to keep them
all to yourself?

Besides, I'm no hero.
I've had the mumps. I'm immune.

I wish...

Let me wish this time.

I wish that I was 17.

What are you doing
sitting in that holy of holies

as though it were yours?

I'm getting it used
to being just another chair.

- Can I wake her up?
- You'd better.

She'd never forgive you
if you left without saying good-bye.

If ever I have any children,
God will punish me... they'll be boys.

I couldn't possibly have
anything as nice as that.

The first step usually
is to get married.

- Are you leaving soon, Tony?
- In just a little while.

Say good-bye to Tony, darling.
It's way past your bedtime.

I want to talk to him
before he leaves.

- Good-bye, Tony.
- Good-bye, Brig, dear.

It's sort of like
saying good-bye to Pop again.

Coming from you, Brig,

that's the compliment
to top all compliments.

I'll have another kiss on that.

- Your cab's here, Mr. Tony.
- Thank you, Fidelia.

Would you ask him
if he'd mind waiting?

I got it all arranged.
He's waiting.

Good-bye, Tony.
Come back soon.

Good night, Mother.

Good night, darling.

- Don't catch those mumps.
- What do you think I am, a child?

- Happy dreams.
- Happy landing,

- Bye, Mr. Tony.
- Good-bye, Fidelia.

I'll take myself
along now before I...

Just when did you
captivate Fidelia?

It was my art that did the trick.
I sketched her.

As a Wave?

Sometimes your ingratitude
saddens me.

- You'll recover.
- I've got to leave in three minutes.

Tony, I'm so sorry
to see you go.

We've all loved having you.

By the way,
how did you leave Jane?

With the mumps.
And with tears, I'm afraid.

I haven't much tact, I guess.
I didn't know what to say.

I know. Poor dear.
But you are very attractive, Tony.

- A bone from Mrs. Hilton.
- No, I mean it.

It won't be too easy for Jane,
getting over it.

Nonsense. Older men...
Every girl goes through it. Didn't you?

- Still going through it.
- Yeah. Older men named Hilton.

Don't you ever worry about Jane.

I won't, as long as
the older men are like you.

You know something, Anne?

I'm chump enough to go on
living on your compliments

for the next six months.

Like a camel and water,
you know?

- How long can they go?
- I never knew one.

Tony, don't tell me any secrets,
but is it action this time?

Down the St. Lawrence,
and then I don't even know myself.

- I won't say what I feel.
- No, don't.

You'd better get some rest.
You look tired.

I will. I have a little
letter-writing to do first.

I see.

How often do you write him?

You won't think me foolish
if I tell you?

I try to write at least
a few lines every night.

You know that's a little nuts.

It's pretty wonderful, too.

Well, good night, Anne.

Good night, Tony.

Come here.

You're a swell guy, Tony.

Go away.

Well, she finally hit one.

Now don't drop it.
Bowl it.

It's no use, Bill.
I'll never learn.

Sure you will.

- I hurt my thumb-
- I'm so sorry-Let me see.

It's your turn now, Bill.

Let's see if you can
knock them all down.

Well, I don't know about that.

Like a piece of tape?

Thank you.

It's your turn now, Jane.

I was just...
He just gave me a piece of tape.

- Hi, buddy.
- Hi.

- Have a smoke?
- No.

I'd advise you
to mind your own business.

I know she's a nice girl.
Anybody could see that.

I don't like
your laughing either.

Bill, please come down
and show me again how to do it.

Look, buddy, you can
have a fight if you want it,

but I was just trying
to be friendly.

Well, all right, then.

- Bill, speak to me.
- Gee, I'm sorry.

- Look what you've done.
- I didn't do anything.

I guess that'll teach him.

You know, I've never been
to the beach in my whole life.

- I've never seen the ocean.
- You haven't?

I never saw it
till a couple of months ago.

But you're a sailor.

- I was brought up on a farm.
- I see.

- I've never been on a farm.
- You haven't?

I was brought up
on an Army post.

I see.

I have to catch a train.

Gotta be back at the base
in the morning.

Sure wish you could spend
the rest of the evening with us.

No, you don't.
I've butted in enough already.

- No, we loved meeting you.
- Sure we did.

I'll catch a bus here.

- So long, buddy.
- Good-bye.

You've both been swell.

You're the only people I met
since I came to town.

Why didn't you go
to the canteen?

They're so crowded and everything,
and I don't dance so very good.

You and me both.

Next time you come to town,
maybe we can all go bowling again.

Gee, I don't know
if I'll ever be back this way.

I expect we'll get going
any day now.

The war looks
pretty good, doesn't it?

It sure does.

Well, good-bye, miss.
My name's Harold E. Smith.

I'm Bill Smollett,
and this is Miss Hilton.

- How are you?
- Jane's my first name.

- Good-bye, Jane.
- Good-bye.

- Bye, Harold.
- Hal.

Bye, Hal.

- He's nice.
- Yeah, he's a nice fella.

You were sweet to him, Bill.
I'm sorry about...

I acted like a fool.

- He's good-looking, isn't he?
- Is he? I hadn't noticed.

- You must have noticed.
- Well, I didn't.

Come on, let's get a soda.

No chocolate. We only have vanilla
flavoring, but no ice cream.

- Would you like Victory Punch?
- What's that?

It's a loganberry phosphate
with lime.

- That sounds fine.
- We'll make it two.

But you could have a vanilla soda
without any ice cream maybe.

That's right, I could, couldn't I?
I'll try it.

One Victory and one
vanilla soda with no ice cream.

- Do you mind if I smoke?
- Of course not.

Bill, why are you so...
so timid about things?

What do you mean, Jane?

I mean about asking
if you can smoke.

Nobody else does that.

And, well, I mean everything.

Is it...

I hope you won't think
I'm being forward,

but is it something
to do with your grandfather?

No, it isn't that.

Although I suppose I've always
been sort of scared of Grandpa.

But why?

I dug up a scoop
of vanilla ice cream for you.

Please pay the cashier and buy
war stamps with your change.

I will-.

You see, my father
was a soldier.

He was a colonel when he died.

I guess all the Smolletts
all the way back were soldiers.

One of them was
with Washington at Yorktown.

Although sometimes I think
Grandpa just made that one up.

I'm sure he didn't.
You ought to be awfully proud.

I'm proud, all right.

But something
went wrong with me.

Mother died when I was born,
so I never knew her.

Of course I never knew her.

That's a shame.

She could paint pretty well...
China and things.

I hope I can show you
her work sometime.

That is, if Grandpa...

If Grandpa what?

Well, if I go home.

You see, I haven't
lived home since West Point.

West Point?

You don't want to hear
all about this, do you?

Not if you don't want me to, Bill.

But I do, of course.

There's no one in the whole world
that I'd rather tell.

Isn't your soda all right?

Yeah. I just don't
feel much like it.

I thought I did, but...

You don't have to drink it, Bill.
Would you rather go home and talk?

We could sit on the porch.

Swell. I'd like that.

So would I.

There. Now we can relax.

You were talking about how your
grandfather wanted you to be a soldier.

Would you like
a sandwich or something?

He wanted me to be a general.

But didn't you want
to be a general?

Well, no, I didn't.

But why not, Bill?

I had an idea it was more
important to build things.

I don't mean it isn't important
being a soldier-.

I don't know how we'd keep
the things we build without them.

But you said you went
to West Point.

I should think you'd be
a lot more than a...

More than a corporal, you mean.

Let's have a picnic sometime.
I'll bring a...

Bill, I didn't mean that.
It's wonderful being a corporal.

No, you meant that
if I went to the Academy,

I ought to be
more than a corporal.

Well, you might as well know it.

I was kicked out
and I broke Grandpa's heart.

I'm sure it wasn't your fault.

Yes, it was.

Bill, come and sit down.

Look. Grandpa's father carried
this watch at Vicksburg.

Grandpa gave it to me
on my tenth birthday.

He had it engraved for me.
Read it.

I'll light a match.

"To William G. Smollett,
the Second,

who will lead men
to glory on the battlefield."

You must have been
terribly pleased.

I said, "Grandpa, don't people
hurt each other in war?"

You see, I was only ten.

He took the watch away from me.

But he gave it back to me again
when I entered the Academy.

Jane, I did my best, but I
could never make a good officer.

I can't lead men, and I know it.

Even if I'd led my class
the way Grandpa...

"Grandpa, Grandpa, Grandpa."
What about yourself?

Why is it so important
that you satisfy him, the old...

Because he loved me so.

Yeah, I'm sure he did... once.

But all through military school,
from the time I was eight,

I kept letting him down.

I never even wanted to play
with the tin soldiers he gave me.

Grandpa kept telling me
that if I was a Smollett, I'd...

But I guess I was always...
Well, you know... weak.

I was a joke at the Academy.
I only lasted a couple of months.

Grandpa couldn't face
his old cronies.

Well, that's it.

Now you can see what a mess
I made out of everything.

You've done no such thing.

You're fine and strong,
but you're just sensitive-that's all.

But don't you think I'm a failure
after everything I've told you?

A failure? Just because
you're not an officer?

An officer I know said that you
are the boys doing the fighting.

- Lieutenant Willett?
- Yes.

You think a lot of him,
don't you?

Of course, but what's that
got to do with it?

You're a soldier, and I'm...
That is, we're proud of you.

And I hope you never
get promoted.

All those officers strutting around
with their gold braid and everything.

Gee, Jane, I'm so glad
you feel that way about it.

But Grandpa...

Bother Grandpa!

There's Soda. You'd better go
before we wake the colonel.

He doesn't scare me.

Not anymore, he doesn't.

Jane, let me stay long enough
for just one cigarette.

All right.

Provided you don't ask
my permission to smoke it.

I won't.

Gee, Jane,
I think you're wonderful.

"21/2 minutes-under no
circumstances more than 3."

Sometimes I think six minutes
would be more in character.

I'll serve the colonel his breakfast
this morning, Mother.

What's wrong with you
this morning anyway?

First you get up an hour early...

and then suddenly you've turned
into Mother's little helper.

I don't know.
I just felt like it somehow.

Not that I object.
The next time Brig makes a deal,

she can put it
into execution herself.

You don't mind waiting
for our breakfast until Brig gets down?

Two sets of breakfasts
are about all I can handle.

Mother, do you like Bill?

Yes, of course.
I think he's a very nice boy.

A little shy.
Did you have a nice time last night?

If he's shy, it's that colonel's fault,
the old goat.

That's not
a very nice way to talk.

Well, he is.
He's just ruined Bill, that's what.

I'm going to have
a talk with him.

- I wouldn't do that if I were you.
- Why not?

Somebody's got to talk to him.

It's usually a good rule to stay out
of other people's business.

But maybe it's better
if you learn the hard way.

Go ahead if you want to.
You're not a baby anymore.

Just think, in another week,
I'll be graduating.

Mother, may I get a war job?

You certainly may not.
You're going to college.

College. But all the girls are talking
about getting war jobs.

I promised your father and myself
that all the things

we planned for you are going
to come true, war or no war.

- But I want to do something.
- We're doing all we can, dear.

Pop is fighting so that
you girls can continue...

It is three minutes after 7:00.

Here.

- See what I mean?
- Yes.

Oh, dear.
Here, give him his breakfast.

And tell him
anything you want to.

The old goat.

Good morning, Colonel Smollett.
Looks like a fine morning.

Yes, yes, yes, yes.
Where is Superman?

I beg your pardon?

Pages 9 to 12 inclusive
are mysteriously missing.

- Where's the other one?
- Brig? It's a little early for her.

The other egg.

That's the only one we have.
There's getting to be a shortage.

I guess the hens are...
busy with war work.

Coffee.

Do you mind
being talked to at breakfast?

I most certainly do mind-.

- It's about Bill.
- About whom?

Bill. You remember,
your grandson.

Yes, indeed, I do remember.
What about him?

He's a nice boy.

A most interesting
observation, Miss Hilton.

I'm afraid you don't
understand him.

He really needs you to help him,
like a mother.

He has an inferiority complex, and...

Young woman, I have
handled men for 35 years,

and I don't think I require
any instructions on the subject,

least of all
about my own grandson.

I was only trying to help.
He respects you so much.

Then I'll thank you to do the same

and stop your intrusion
in my affairs.

If you only knew
the first thing about psychology,

you'd know better than
to try to browbeat him.

Colonel Smollett,
if you'd only listen.

You may advise your mother
that henceforth

I shall have a decent
breakfast downtown for 40 cents!

I think you're a rude,
mean, horrible old goat!

Mother!

Oh, beautiful for spacious skies

For amber waves of grain

For purple mountains' majesties

Above the fruited plain

America, America

God shed His grace on thee

And crown thy good
with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea

It is now my pleasure
to introduce the class president...

Miss Becky Anderson.

Class president!
Class pinup girl...

I heard all about
how she got elected.

That's not fair, Brig.
Becky's a very bright girl.

Becky's one of the brightest
and most attractive girls in town.

I wouldn't go so far
as to say that.

No, ma'am.

Ladies and gentlemen,
honored guests,

my subject for this occasion
is women's place in the war.

Golly!

- There's Pop!
- I see him!

- Where? I don't see him.
- He was in a jeep.

You imagined it.

- No, honestly.
- Yes, Mother, really, it was Pop.

Why did I fall asleep after staying
awake through that double feature?

Let's wait and see it again.

- Quiet.
- Be quiet yourself.

I beg your pardon.

- Mr. Mahoney.
- Good evening, Mrs. Hilton.

- Sit down.
- I'm sorry.

- How are you, Mr. Mahoney?
- I'm fine, thank you.

- Hello, girls.
- Good evening, Mr. Mahoney.

Jones City, Nebraska, turns out
to greet Sergeant Tommy Blair

of the Army Air Forces.

Tommy, seated between
his proud father and mother,

joyfully receives
the plaudits of his hometown.

- You say it's animal?
- That's right.

And its home
is in the Middle West.

And it makes a noise like a lion
but it puffs like a locomotive.

Better give up.

You agreed if you hadn't
guessed it by the time we got home...

I know-it's Soda.

No. Brig guessed that long ago.

All right, I give up.

It's Colonel Smollett, silly.

Mother!

What's that?

- Mother, what do we do?
- Is he dead?

- It's Bill!
- Goodness.

Bill Smollett,
what were you doing there?

The poor boy
was just guarding the house.

I guess I just dozed off.

- You scared us half to death.
- I'm sorry.

Won't you come in just for a moment?
Jane has to get to bed.

Mother, may Bill and I take a walk
for just five minutes?

All right, Jane.
Make it ten minutes.

But remember,
that doesn't mean an hour.

- Thank you, Mother.
- Good night, Mrs. Hilton. Thanks.

Good night, Bill.

Gee, I'm sure sorry
I missed your graduation, Jane.

It's not your fault
you couldn't get off.

- I would've if I could've.
- I know you would've.

- Shall we go this way?
- That would be fine.

- Or this way?
- Okay.

No, I think
the other way is better.

- How are things at the field?
- They're fine, thank you.

- How's everything with you?
- Just fine.

I want to get a war job,
but Mother won't let me.

I think she's right.
You ought to stay home...

No, it isn't that at all.

Mother wants me
to go to college.

Gee, that would take
four years, wouldn't it?

If I go.

- You don't want to go?
- No, it's so silly.

If I were three or four
years older, I could be a Wave.

Or a Wac.

Or a nurse.
That's what I'd rather be most.

That would be swell
if I was wounded.

You shouldn't say such things.

I won't be wounded.

I'll be killed.

Jane, would you care?

Well, of course I'd care, silly.

- Well, gee, that'd be fine.
- What would be fine about it?

Well, I thought that if...

What I mean is I would be glad
if you were sorry if I were killed.

What good would that do
if you were dead?

Yeah, I guess you're right.

I don't ever want to hear you
talk like that again.

Okay.

I'm sure sorry
I missed your graduation.

The ten minutes aren't up yet.

- What's the matter?
- A wire from Pop.

From Pop?
Is anything wrong?

He's gonna be someplace
for an hour between trains

and wants us to meet him there.
Hurry! We have to catch a train!

Show your tickets, please.

- Did I get your ticket?
- Yes. My daughters are back there.

If we keep stopping, I'll miss
the biggest deal of my life.

Well, I'm in no hurry.

I've got plenty of time
from now on.

Tickets, please.
Yes, I got yours before.

My husband's never
even seen the baby.

- Did I get your ticket?
- My mother has it.

I think babies are just about
the cutest things there are.

- What's his name?
- Dwight Eisenhower O'Brien.

- And after the Germans came...
- Tickets, please.

And after the Germans came,

we did not get
any milk or any meat at all.

Serving only two meals a day
on these trains is outrageous!

Tickets, please.

Can't we do anything
to get this train going?

Those supply trains
have the right-of-way.

We're going to meet my pop!
He's in the Army.

If this train is late, we may not
see him before he leaves!

Don't you think those tanks
had better get through

if you want him to come back?

Captain Hilton!

Captain Timothy Hilton!

Well, he said the lobby.

Sorry, ma'am,
he didn't answer the page.

I can't imagine...
Oh, here.

What'll we do?
We're so late.

- Thank you.
- Thank you, ma'am.

Sorry, there's nothing available
until October.

Are you sure there's no message
for Mrs. Hilton?

I'm quite sure,
but I'll look again.

Maybe he hasn't gotten here yet.

- Pop's always so dependable.
- It wouldn't be his fault, silly.

- You have the right hotel?
- Yes, definitely.

Yes, here it is...
"Mrs. Timothy Hilton."

No, I'm sorry.
We're all filled up.

I can't help it
if he is with the OPA.

- We missed him.
- Mother.

"I know you'll understand
how heartbroken I am

"that my orders wouldn't
permit me to wait.

Kiss the kids for me."

- Is there something wrong?
- No. No, thank you.

"The only address I can give you
is APO number 805,

care of Postmaster,
San Francisco."

Army Post Office.

Mother, that means we won't
be seeing him before...

Oh, Mother!

No, no. Sorry.

No reservations until October.

I'm afraid she's
awfully heavy for you.

Oh, no.
She's so like my granddaughter.

I love holding her.

Is she about the same age?

No. Mary is almost 30 now.

She's a nurse.
Let me show you her picture.

She's pretty.
Where is she now?

I really don't know.

You see, she was at Corregidor.

I'm so sorry.

Mother, won't you let me
do something now?

Jane, please, darling, not again.
I'm so hot and so tired.

Just for the summer.
I could be a nurse's aide maybe.

- All right, Jane.
- Gee, Mother, that's swell.

But remember now,
just for the summer.

I embrace the code
of the Nurse's Aide.

I will do everything in my power

to bring comfort
to the ailing and the wounded

of whatever color,
race, or creed.

I will accept no compensation
and seek no reward,

and I will hold as a sacred trust

the symbol of mercy
which I wear-the Red Cross.

"Tell Jane I'm proud
of my little Florence Nightingale,

"and she must hold the thought
that next summer,

or the summer after that,
we'll be boating again on the lake."

The summer after that...

"And tell Brig that her candy is
all the sweeter because she made it.

"But I'm worried
about your ration points.

You mustn't waste them on me."

Waste them on Pop?

He's thinking of us, darling.

"We get everything
we could possibly want.

"And don't tell Fidelia,
but the grub is wonderful.

"I'm gaining a pound a week,
and if it doesn't stop soon,

"they'll have to make me a general
just for appearances sake.

That's all for tonight, except..."

- Except for what, Mother?
- The rest is to me.

Mother, I want to hear it.

Can't I have any privacy at all?

It's just for Mother, Brig.
Didn't you hear?

All right.

You can hear it.
It's not that secret, silly.

"That's all for tonight,
except to say

"that come war, come jungles,
come Japanese,

"they're all so easy to take

"because at the end of this,
my darling,

I know there waits
for me your love."

There. Are you satisfied?

I think I'll go
to my room, Mother.

I thought we were going to try
those new hairdos from Vogue.

Would you mind if we didn't?

There's a pamphlet I want
to study on third-degree burns.

All right, darling.

We can try them, Brig.

I think it's time something was
done about your hair anyway.

If you want to, Mother,
provided you'll let me...

Don't start making
deals with me-.

How old do you think
I could look if my hair was up?

Well, let's see.

I should say
just about the same age.

But nicer, maybe. Why?

Mother, it's just terrible...

My not doing anything
about the war at all.

You've rolled bandages,
you've collected salvage,

and you've sold more war stamps
than any girl in your class...

Not that that's
any surprise to me.

- But that's all kid stuff.
- It's no such thing.

I know it's important, but...

Mother, I miss Pop
something awful!

I know, honey.

So do I.

- Thanks, toots.
- Ice cream?

Ice cream again?
Sure wish I had some watermelon.

Now, you men watch Joe carefully.

All it is is learning
how to walk again.

Thanks.

- Got any tutti-frutti?
- Sorry, we only have vanilla.

Gee, we never have no tutti-frutti.

Wake up, Miz Hilton.
Wake up.

What is it?

It's almost time for dinner.
Wake up.

Where's Mr. Hilton?

Mr. Hilton?

I guess I must
have been dreaming.

You sure was sleeping hard.

- Aren't you home early?
- Yes, ma'am, a little.

I got a new union rule for myself...
6:00 quitting. Unless I likes people.

- Is that for me?
- Yes, ma'am.

That's why I woke...

What's the matter, Miz Hilton?

What is it, child?

Jane, Brig, come quick!

I pray the Lord my soul to take.

And God bless Pop and Mother

and Jane and Fidelia
and Uncle Tony and Soda.

And please, God, make Pop safe.

I know he is safe. You wouldn't
let anything happen to him.

But please,
make him safe anyway.

Amen.

Make Pop safe.

Are you awake?

Yes, Brig.

Do you mind if I
get into bed with you?

No, I don't mind.

Don't let Mother hear you.

He'll come back to us.

He'll come back.

Wipe sorrows tears away

Nor let me ever stray

From Your side

In these troublous times,
when many of our loved ones

are making the supreme sacrifice,

I've searched the Holy Scriptures
and my head

for some message of comfort
and inspiration to you.

On other occasions
I've quoted from St. John

and the prophet Zechariah.

I've reminded you
of the 23rd Psalm...

"Thy rod and Thy staff,
they comfort me-"

Today I offer you the words
of a Maryland lawyer

of another day,
when Americans were fighting

to preserve their
sacred heritage of liberty.

"O thus be it ever
when free men shall stand

"between their loved homes
and the war's desolation.

"Blessed with victory and peace,

"may the heaven-rescued land
praise the power

"that hath made
and preserved this nation.

"Then conquer we must

"when our cause, it is just.

"And this be our motto...

In God is Our Trust."

Those words have become
the last stanza of our national anthem.

Bye.

- Jane, you know what?
- What?

Gladys' stepfather is 4F.

Jameson's a nice old duffer,

but I don't know why we have to
have all that flag-waving.

How's everything going
with you, Emily?

Still having a good time, I hope.

You know me.

"Carry on," is my motto,
"come what may."

You're one woman
who can be depended upon

to maintain her standards
in these times.

- Thank you, dear.
- Hello, Mary.

- I was so sorry to hear about...
- Thank you.

I've been meaning to call you, Anne.
Really, I have.

I just heard
the other day about Tim.

- I'm terribly sorry.
- Thank you, Emily.

But you mustn't give up hope.
C'est la guerre.

By the way, that's
a very cute frock you're wearing.

I remember
admiring it last year.

- No, the year before last.
- Really?

You never were
much interested in clothes.

Well, I must run along now.

- Good-bye, girls.
- Good-bye, Mrs. Hawkins.

I don't like the way
Jane's looking.

And, dear, if you run into
difficulties about your food,

I have a cold storage pantry
just filled with goodies.

We do beautifully on our points.

If everybody had my foresight,
there wouldn't be any shortages.

Good-bye, dear.
Give me a ring sometime.

I am so sorry about Tim,
but he may turn up yet.

Yes, you never can tell.
Good-bye, Emily.

What are we going
to do this afternoon?

- Did I say anything to...
- Could we go to the movies?

How do you feel about it, Jane?

That child... can't she do
anything but hiss?

I'll go see what she wants.

There's a concert today in the park,
the last of the season.

Or does the idea
of listening to music bore you?

Well, the fact of the matter is...

Yeah, I think a concert
sounds good-Don't you, Jane?

Well, I don't know, Bill.
If you feel like some music.

Or would you,
by some remote chance,

like to be alone
with each other this afternoon?

- No, Mrs. Hilton.
- No, Mother, honestly.

We thought it might be nice
if we went out to the country.

Would you mind if I went
to Gladys' for the afternoon?

Darling, you run along
if you want to.

See if you can
teach her some semaphores.

- Bye, Bill.
- Bye, Brig.

You see, Mother,
Bill's leaving tonight.

He's been transferred to...
- What'd you call it? a staging area.

I didn't know.
Do you know where?

- Well, yes, but...
- Of course you can't say.

- Or whether you're going to come back.
- It'll be the last stop, I suppose.

Isn't that awful, Mother?

- I'm sure it's what you want, Bill.
- Yes, ma'am.

- If it weren't for...
- May I see Bill off, Mother?

You see, I don't have to
go back to camp.

I'm catching the Pathfinder
at midnight.

May I please,
even if it is late?

Of course, provided I can, too.

- Would you? That's wonderful.
- Mother, you're so sweet.

- You almost knocked me over.
- Will you have supper with us?

No, thank you.
I have a million things to do.

I'll see you at the train.
So long, kids.

Gee, she's nice.

- She's so lonely, Bill.
- Yeah, I know.

- Having difficulties, Colonel?
- Hello, Mrs. Hilton.

Do you know where I might
get some shoe polish

that isn't made of old sausage?

I wish I could get some sausage
that isn't made of old shoe polish.

Speaking of sausage,
could I fix you a cold lunch?

That would be very nice.
Very nice indeed.

I had intended going downtown,
but I was a bit tired.

You mean you haven't
had any breakfast?

No. The fact of the matter is
I don't like breakfast on Sundays.

But why not?
Oh, I see.

You mean that since you called off
your deal with us for breakfast...

You sit right down over there.
I'll have it ready in a jiffy.

This is kind of you.
I'd better clean up a bit.

- Why don't you do it right here?
- Thank you.

I'm very sorry I had that
little run-in with your daughter.

Jane? It was
her fault, I'm afraid.

That may be, but there was
no excuse for my own boorishness.

Let's forget it, shall we?

- Salad and milk?
- Fine, fine, anything.

Mrs. Hilton, I would like to say
that I admire very much

the manner in which you've taken
the news about your husband.

I'm afraid that underneath,
I'm perhaps not quite so courageous.

Then it's all the more admirable.

Fortitude is easy
when there's no feeling-.

- Aren't you having something?
- I'm not hungry.

- Colonel, may I say something?
- Anything.

I think it's a pity
about you and Bill.

He's a wonderful boy.
I can tell you that.

He's so hungry for affection.
He's like a lonely puppy.

Time he got over
his puppyhood, I should say.

- Bill's going to be a splendid man.
- Perhaps, perhaps.

Blood may tell in the end.

He's leaving tonight.

Going into combat duty,
I imagine.

Is that so?

Jane and he are spending
the day together.

He's taking the Pathfinder
at midnight.

I have an engagement tonight.

That's too bad.

Your grandson's
going off to war.

But I don't suppose that's
of any importance to you.

If you'll excuse me.

I don't want you to think that
I'm any more ruthless than is the case.

I do have an engagement,
an important one,

with a British Army mission
that's only here for the day.

Here's the wire from them.
There's nothing I can do.

I'm terribly sorry.

I'm sorry for Bill and for you.

Perhaps I can finish in time,
in which case...

- You'll be at the station?
- I'll try. I'll try my best.

But if I can't, would you...

Would you wish the boy
luck for me?

Of course I will.
It'll mean a great deal to him.

And thank you very much
for the lunch.

Will you give us another chance
at breakfast? On the house.

Of course I will.
Delighted, I'm sure.

Good afternoon, Colonel.

Wonderful woman.
Wonderful woman!

Was a farmer, had a daughter

And her name was Clementine

Light she was and like a fairy

And her shoes were number nine

Oh, my darling, oh, my darling

Oh, my darling Clementine

You are lost and gone forever

Dreadful sorry, Clementine

I was thinking how much fun
it would be to stay out here always,

just like this.

Just the two of us.

Bill, if we only could.

I wonder how this thing works.

Something up there
on the tractor, I guess.

I think I'll try it.

This looks like a cinch!
Sit tight and I'll give you a ride!

Bill, be careful!

Bill, stop!

The farmer in the dell,
the farmer in the dell

The farmer in the dell,
the farmer in the dell

Hi-ho the merry-o

The farmer in the dell

Say, Jane,
we'd better get out of here!

Where are you?

I'm right here, you darn fool.

Jane, I'm sorry.
What happened?

We'd better get inside someplace
before it starts to rain.

Come on, Jane.

Oh, boy, we certainly
made it just in time!

How will we get home
if this keeps up?

Must be almost 7:00.

Well, what do you know?
You guessed it!

It's just exactly 18 minutes to 7:00.

Only five hours more.

I almost forgot
for a little while.

I didn't forget,
not for a minute.

I've thought about it
all day long.

Well, gee, I never thought
anybody would care about me...

anybody like you.

Jane, I don't want to leave you.

It won't be for long, darling.

It might be for months,
or for years, maybe.

It doesn't matter.

I'll be thinking about you
all the time.

Someday the war will be over.
Then we can be...

- Then we can be married, Jane?
- Do you want to be, Bill?

Oh, darling.

I'm so happy-

I just can't believe it.
I just can't.

I love you.
I do. I love you, I love you.

I just don't understand it.

Bill, do you realize
we're engaged?

Engaged.

Aren't you going to kiss me?

There's just one thing I want
more than anything else.

And what's that?

I want you and Pop to meet
and know one another.

I hope he'll like me.

How could he help liking you?

Bill, you're so sweet, so good,

so handsome.

Handsome?

Why, I love your face.
It's the cutest face I've ever seen.

Cute? That's a fine thing
to say to me.

And you're such a baby.

Look, the rain's stopped.

Isn't that too bad?

Yes. It's awful, but we'd better
get started back.

We've got to make that train.

Yeah, I guess you're right.

I hope you didn't catch
the flu in this storm.

Don't start worrying about me
or I'll break our engagement-.

You have the prettiest hair.

I'll bet no other nurse's aide
has hair like that.

Lots of them have.
Prettier, too.

- They don't have as pretty eyes.
- Prettier.

Noses, then.

- Lots prettier.
- I don't believe it.

I'll tell you one thing
they don't have.

They don't have precious you
to take them out to the country.

Come on, let's go.

Precious, cute...

New York Central train number 2,
the Pathfinder,

leaving at 12:01
for Buffalo, Rochester,

Syracuse, Utica,
Albany, and New York

on track number 4.

Just let me look
at you, darling.

It's a picture I'll carry
with me always.

Now go,
and don't even look back.

Look at the nice apple
Daddy got you.

But I don't want you to go away.

So it is late.
Let me come up for ten minutes.

I'm sorry, Mom.
I've only got five minutes.

My furlough was canceled.

I swear, I can't tell any difference
between it and butter.

- Hello. My mommy's a sergeant.
- No fooling!

I won't forget.

What's a good excuse
for being AWOL?

Agnes, look,
on that dame... nylons.

Now go,
and don't even look back.

Five months' pay... give me
some War Bonds, and plenty of 'em.

What, Bill?

- Nothing. Just Jane.
- Silly.

It suits me if they tax me 100%.

Oh, yeah?

- I was just thinking.
- So was I.

I wonder if there's someplace free where
we don't have to dance with hostesses.

In 15 minutes you'll be gone.

I know,
I'll meet you in New York.

You will?

And we'll get married
and I'll have a baby.

Boy, that sounds wonderful.

We'll get married
and I'll have a baby.

We'll do it...
The day the war is over.

No, I mean tomorrow.
Or Tuesday.

Gee, Jane, we couldn't do that.

- Yes, we could, and we will.
- You could and you will what?

Now, don't tell me you two
are having an argument.

A fine thing, I must say...
Ten minutes before train time.

It doesn't make any sense, Jane.

What doesn't make any sense?
All right, don't tell me, then.

Jane, would you get Bill
some magazines?

- He doesn't need any.
- I don't need magazines.

Then some newspapers
or cigarettes... anything.

But, Mother, why?

Because I want to talk to Bill.

I'll be finished by the time
you get back, I promise.

I'm sorry to break in
on these last minutes, Bill.

I hope you're not worried
over what we were talking about.

- I told Jane...
- You don't have to tell me.

I wanted to talk to you
about your grandfather.

Oh, him.

The colonel was very upset
about your leaving.

How did he know I was leaving?
Did you tell him?

Yes. I hope you don't mind.

It doesn't make any difference.
Not to him, it doesn't.

Your grandfather
loves you very deeply.

Then why wasn't he here
to see me off?

I think he'll still make it.

He said he was going to try,
and I believe him.

He said if he didn't,
to wish you luck.

He did?

Isn't there something
you want me to say to him?

Well, maybe you could
tell him that...

tell him that I'm a Smollett,
all right,

and before this thing is over,
I'll make him proud of me yet.

Gee, that's
a grandstand speech for you.

No, it isn't. It's the very nicest
gift you could give him.

When you come back, we'll be
waiting for you-the whole family.

Thanks, Mrs. Hilton.

I hope Jane doesn't bring me back
any mystery magazines.

I can't follow them.
Here she is.

Have you finished, Mother?

I tried to get mystery magazines,
but they're all sold out.

- You see how lucky you are?
- What do you mean?

Never mind.
Good-bye, Bill.

Where are you going, Mother?

I'll wait at the soda fountain.
You two finish your argument.

We weren't arguing.

You were giving
a good imitation of it.

- So long.
- Good-bye, Mrs. Hilton.

I hope...

I know everything's going
to be all right about Mr. Hilton.

Gate number 2 now open
for the Pathfinder

leaving at 12:01 a. m.

You will marry me
when it's over, won't you?

You won't be mad
because I didn't marry you now?

Of course I won't be mad.

- But you take care of yourself.
- I will.

- You write to me.
- I will.

- You do understand, don't you?
- I think so.

You know it's because
I wouldn't want you to be...

Well, you know,
if anything happened to me...

- A widow, you mean.
- Yes, but not only that.

If something happened...
I mean, if I was...

If you were wounded?

Bill, I'd take care of you
the rest of our lives, always.

Gee, we're being silly.

Maybe I'll be sent to Bermuda
or someplace.

- I don't think so.
- Why, Jane?

Because you're going to
really show them.

And you know where we'll go
when we're married?

Right up to West Point.
And you'll show them your medals.

All aboard!

You better get on.

I almost forgot,
I have something for you.

You have?
You didn't have to do that.

- Here. It's my class ring.
- That's wonderful.

You're sure you don't need it?

I don't know what's more important
than its being our engagement ring-.

Isn't it awful that
I didn't get you a ring?

But I'll send you one.

It doesn't fit. I should have
gotten you something else.

No, I'd rather have this
than anything.

Better get on, son.
We're about to pull out.

Hurry up, son.

Go ahead, Bill.

I almost forgot. Here.

Have your picture taken as soon
as you get there and send me one.

I will-.

And don't you go getting fatter.

Don't worry, I won't.
Jane, here! Hurry!

It's your watch!
You'll need it!

Good-bye, darling.

Bill, I'll keep it.
I'll keep it with me all the time.

So long, darling. Bye.
Take care of yourself.

- Good-bye, Bill!
- Good-bye, darling.

Good-bye, darling!
I love you!

- I love you, darling!
- Good-bye, darling.

Good-bye, darling.

Good-bye, darling.

- Has the Pathfinder left yet?
- Yes, sir, right on time.

Hello, Brig!

Hi, Jane. Wait for me.
I'll be there in a minute.

Now, Gladys, don't forget
to go to the Jacksons'

and pick up those big
empty paint cans.

I'll see you tomorrow.

- How are things at the hospital?
- Fine.

- How's school?
- Same old bore.

Young girls
should get an education.

Is that so? I didn't notice you
dashing off to college.

I'll go to college eventually
to please Mother.

We couldn't afford it now anyway.

Maybe Bill and I will go together
after we're married.

Fat chance.

Mrs. William Smollett Il,
queen of the freshman hop.

Look at Soda.
He's got some new playmates.

Hello, Soda.
Jane, what have you heard from Bill?

He's fine. I think he expects
to see action any day now.

Wouldn't it be fun to go there on your
honeymoon and visit the places he's fought?

I don't think so.

I wanna get a little place
all by ourselves,

just as far away
from all that as...

What about a houseboat
on the Nile?

Or a cottage on the beach
at Waikiki.

You could go surf-riding.
Jane, will you take me along?

Brig, how can you
be so infantile?

All right, I'll be getting married
myself someday,

and you'll be looking
for an invitation from me.

Then you'll be sorry
you were so snooty about it.

Come on in, Soda,
if you're coming.

- Hello, girls.
- Hello, Mother.

Would you mind checking the oven?
I've been making cookies.

- Mother, do I have to?
- Do as Mother asks, Brig.

All right.

Come into the living room.
I'd like to talk to you.

What's the matter?

- Mayn't I talk to you if I want?
- Of course.

But you sound so strange.

Do I? I'm sorry,
I don't mean to.

What is it?
Why couldn't Brig hear?

Is that why you sent her...

- Not about... Pop?
- No.

Sit down, darling.

Jane, dear, I'm terribly proud
of the way you've grown up.

I'm sorry Pop missed it.

Is that all?
That's sweet of you, Mother.

No, dear, it isn't...

It's so wonderful
being at the hospital.

I wish you could come and visit.

I will-.

But some of it's so sad.

If you could see those boys.

And they're so cheerful,
most of them.

I know.
They have such courage.

I like to think that you have
that kind of courage, too, darling.

What are you trying to tell me?

That when a man goes off to war,
we have to be...

It's Bill!

The telegram came
just a few minutes ago.

It was addressed to you,
but I opened it.

Did it say he was missing or what?

I don't care if he's wounded,
if only...

No, dear, it said he...

It said he died in action
at Salerno.

It couldn't be!

It couldn't be!

It could be a mistake,
couldn't it, Mother?

I've heard that sometimes
they get the names mixed up.

No, honey,
you mustn't fool yourself.

That would be
the worst thing of all.

You've got to face it,
as hard and cruel as it is.

Yes, I know.

I've known it all along.

Cry, darling.
Cry your heart out.

I won't try to tell you
that you'll get over it soon,

because it will take time...
Maybe a long time.

No, I won't cry.

A wonderful boy loved you, Jane.

That doesn't happen to everybody.

But I had him only
for such a little while.

I'll go help with supper.

There's chicken fricassee
just the way you like it.

Sounds fine.

Isn't it funny?

We were just talking.

Brig was just saying
about our...

about our honeymoon.

Oh, my baby.

My poor, poor baby.

He struggled so hard
to be a soldier

because I insisted on it.

I, in my infinite wisdom.

He would have been a soldier
anyway as things turned out.

Yes, but all he learned from me was
the glory, decorations, parades.

Bill had character and courage.
I know you gave him those.

I hope so.

- He loved you.
- Mrs. Hilton, I'm not a child.

He hated me.
To whom did that telegram come?

Why, he didn't even
list me as next of kin.

The telegram came to Jane
because they were to be married.

- I didn't know, of course.
- I should have told you before.

Colonel, if only you could
believe that he loved you.

Don't you remember
the message he sent to you...

That he was a Smollett, all right,

and before the war was over,
you'd be proud of him?

He did say that, didn't he?

Yes, I am proud of him.

My only grandchild
had to die before I...

Come in.

Good evening, Colonel Smollett.

Good evening, Jane.
Come in, please.

I thought perhaps I could
bring you a little supper.

Why, thank you.
That's most thoughtful of you.

I'm awfully sorry about...

Would you like to have this?

I think he'd rather you...

- I'm awfully glad we're friends.
- So am I.

I'll get your supper now
if you'll excuse me.

Colonel, won't you have
supper with us?

I should love to.

- I'll come right down, dear.
- All right, Mother.

And I might have had that
wonderful child as a granddaughter.

Bill was fortunate
to have known her.

Bill deserved her.
He was such a good boy.

Yes, I dare say.

The good die first.

And they whose hearts
are dry as summer dust

burn to the socket.

Shall we stop a moment and rest
in the shade, Mr. Williams?

I can't imagine anything
more pleasant than being out here.

Or do you miss the water?

I love to sail, so I can
understand it if you do.

I hate it. I never want
to see the ocean again.

Would it help you
to talk about it?

I hate the ocean.

Of course you do.
I understand.

It's almost time for your lunch.

Dr. Golden will be angry
with me if you're late.

He's taken
a great interest in you.

Me in the Merchant Marine?
That was a joke in the first place.

I've always hated the water,
ever since I was a kid.

But most boys love the water.
They love to swim.

I couldn't swim.

Then one day my brother Jimmy
pushed me off the pier.

Then he had to pull me out.

He was always laughing at me
and telling me not to be yellow.

He told me not to be yellow
when our ship was hit.

That was the last time
I ever saw him.

You're not a coward, Danny.
Fear is normal.

We'll help you to understand that.

And when you do, you won't
be afraid of the water.

You won't even be afraid
of being afraid.

Rest a while, Danny.
You're a fine boy.

I'm sorry to have
interrupted you, Dr. Golden,

but I was instructed
to get the patient to bed.

It's all right.
He's had quite enough for one day.

Doctor, will Mr. Williams
be all right?

In time. In time.

He's a fine young man. He must
have another chance at life,

and we must work
to give it to him.

His burns seem almost healed.

Yes, his burns,
but the most serious injury...

That, I am afraid,
will take more time.

The injury to his mind?
Is that what you mean?

No, not to his mind.

To his confidence
in himself and in others.

Yes, we must rebuild
Danny Williams' life

all the way back
and all the way forward.

Hasn't there ever been anyone
close to you, Miss Hilton,

for whom you would like
to have done that?

Yes, there was someone.

There was.

We must not live
in the past, my child.

There is a whole wide
broken world to mend.

Come, come,
I mustn't have another patient.

How would you like to do
a tired old man a favor?

- Anything, Doctor.
- Then smile for me.

Let me see that young people
still can smile

as they used to long ago.

Yes.

Just as I remember.

Good night, my child.

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday, dear Colonel

Happy birthday to you

Thank you, Mrs. Hilton.
Thank you, Jane. Thank you, Brig.

And thank you, Fidelia,
for the beautiful cake.

Better wait till you taste it.
It's kind of an experimentation.

Now you make a wish.
And if you want it to come true,

you have to blow out
all the candles with one breath.

Really? All of them?

Yes, indeed.

Don't you think we might allow
the colonel two breaths?

No special dispensations
are necessary.

Now you have to get
the first piece.

Really, Bridget,
I wasn't born yesterday.

There are a few things
that I do know.

Bridget, he's here again.

Soda, get down.
Come here.

He never does that
with anybody else.

He's apparently
very devoted to you.

I have taken every conceivable step
to discourage his affection.

I wonder who that could be.

Is you anticipating callers,
Miz Hilton?

I'll answer it, Fidelia.
Don't you bother. You're busy.

If it's Gladys, I'm not home.

Yes, the bad penny again.

- How are you, Janie?
- I'm fine, Tony.

Brig wrote me about... everything.

Please, don't talk about it.

I understand.

- Who is it, Jane?
- You'll never guess!

It's the colonel's birthday-
We're giving him a party-.

Maybe I'd better go.

You'll do no such thing.
You're just what we need.

- Not Lieutenant Willett!
- Lieutenant Commander to you.

Not really? Congratulations.

You didn't say
you were coming back.

I was going to write you,
but I wasn't sure you cared.

You're just in time
for some birthday cake-.

- Good evening, Mr. Willett.
- How are you, sir?

So you've been promoted.

I suppose there must have
been some reason for it.

I'm sure I don't know
what it could have been.

I was sorry to hear about Bill.

Thank you.

Sit down, Tony.

That looks good.
Where's Fidelia?

- Here I is, Lieutenant Willett.
- Fidelia. This makes it official.

- Here, give me that.
- Thank you.

I sure is glad to see you back.

Should I move the rooms around
like before, Miz Hilton?

Oh, my goodness!

Don't worry, I've got
a room downtown this time.

Never heard tell such a thing.

Now...

I almost forgot,
I have something for you, Jane.

Didn't you bring me anything?

It isn't anything, but I couldn't
resist getting it for Jane.

Where on earth did you get it?

It was practically the only thing left
of a little shop in Salerno.

I'm sorry, Jane.
I didn't know where...

It's all right, Tony.

Well, isn't anybody
interested in this cake?

By the way, Fidelia,
just what was the experimentation

you referred to
in connection with this cake?

I tried something new.
I bought it.

You clearly see there's
nothing in the handkerchief.

Nothing at all
that meets the human eye.

I'll show you both sides so you can
be sure I'm not holding back anything.

Correct, Brig?

I suppose there's something there,
but I'll play along.

- How about you, sir?
- There's nothing in that handkerchief.

You don't need
to labor the point further.

Tiresome, isn't it? Watch.

Presto, change-o.

- Marvelous!
- I'll get it.

I think I'd like
to learn that trick, Mr. Willett.

It might amuse the dodos
at the Army and Navy Club.

I'd be honored, sir.

Good evening, Brig.
Is your mother at home?

That sounds like
your favorite woman.

Mrs. Hawkins... that voice has
haunted me across the Atlantic.

Hello, Emily.
I haven't seen you in ages.

Good evening, Lieutenant Willett.
I didn't know you were back.

I've learned a new trick. The Navy
thought I ought to bring it home

for purposes of morale.

I thought you already
knew all the tricks, Lieutenant.

Touché, as we used to say
in Minneapolis.

And this, I presume,
is General Smollett.

- I've heard so much about you.
- I thought you'd met before.

No, but I envy you, having such
a distinguished man as your guest.

It is I who should be envied.

And it is Colonel Smollett, madam,
and Lieutenant Commander Willett.

I always get
those things mixed up.

It doesn't matter what a man's rank is.
It's his character that counts.

Hello, Jane. What's this I hear
about you working at the hospital?

- I'm a nurse's aide.
- A nurse's aide?

What a revolting idea
for an unmarried girl of your age.

Our whole code of living seems
to be completely ignored these days,

and possibly it's none
of my business.

You're quite right, Mrs. Hawkins.
It is none of your business.

I must say, Lieutenant
or Commander or whatever you are,

the Navy hasn't improved
your manners any.

Please, Tony.
Please, Emily.

It's the colonel's birthday,
and we're trying to have a party.

I'm sorry.
I meant no offense to you, Jane.

I simply feel that
well-brought-up young girls

shouldn't be permitted to have such
intimate contact with all sorts of...

All sorts of boys
who've lost their arms and legs?

They're young, too,
lots of them.

But they weren't too young
for that, Mrs. Hawkins.

And I don't think breeding
entered into it, either.

Bravo, Jane.

I don't care
to debate it with you, Jane.

But surely there are women
who are more suited...

There aren't women more suited.

And women who might help,
like you, think you're doing your part

if you attend a canteen dance
for your own pleasure.

You're tired, honey.
Why don't you go upstairs?

Yes, Mother.

There are just one or two
more things I want to say.

She's not worth it-.

We're not V-Girls! We're simply
helping with the wreckage.

Brig, let's go play
with our dolls.

Don't worry, Mrs. Hawkins.

Please don't worry
if our precious well-bred hands

come in contact
with those mangled bodies.

We'll survive!
Even when they don't!

What has happened that you
would permit a child of yours

to talk that way
without so much as a...

Without so much as what?

Thank heaven my child
had the courage to say to you

what should have
been said long ago.

And let me add that I'm ashamed

that I've put up with you,
that I've even known you.

Well!

From now on,
you needn't know me.

Don't you think for a minute
you have me fooled.

I've not forgotten how you felt
about your husband joining up.

And may I ask just what other
noble sacrifices you've made

to give you the privilege
of being so self-righteous?

I'm afraid that's just it, Emily.

I haven't really made
any sacrifices.

I haven't hoarded and cheated

and done the selfish,
unpatriotic things that you've done,

but as far as making sacrifices,

I'm afraid we're two of a kind.

And the realization of it doesn't
make me very proud or happy.

Well!

Good-bye, Major.

I think we've seen the last
of Mrs. H. for a while.

When I think of the good men
they waste on Kitchen Police.

I wish getting Emily out
of the house was a solution to something.

It's a temporary solution

to the problem
of avoiding Emily Hawkins.

How about a little nightcap
for the three of us, Anne?

I'll run up and see how Jane is,
if you don't mind.

You'll find some scotch
on the sideboard.

Please don't go, Tony.
I want to talk to you.

- Say when, Colonel.
- That'll be fine.

Happy birthday-.

Thanks. I almost forgot.

- A pity, isn't it?
- It sure is.

Well, I think I'll take myself
off to bed.

Good night, Willett.

I rather like you,
if I may say so.

Couldn't be more pleased, sir.

- You'll ruin your big toe.
- Wouldn't that be awful?

I'd never be able to place-kick
again for old Rutgers.

You didn't expect to find another
front here at home, did you?

But our side won...
Victory over gas power.

- How's Jane?
- She's fine.

Her thinking is as clear as a bell.
How am I, why don't you ask?

Trying to figure out
what sacrifices you can make?

Don't, Tony.

After all you've been through,
to have to listen to you berate yourself.

You wouldn't sit down and let me
talk for a minute, would you?

All right.

But I won't promise to listen.

What's your guess
as to why I joined the Navy?

'Cause you want to do
your part, just the way Tim did.

Don't kid yourself.
I'm no Tim.

I joined up because Top Hat
suddenly seemed a little silly

and I wanted to have
some fun and excitement.

I laughed up my sleeve
at all the fellows

who were giving out
with noble motives,

the Four Freedoms,
and all the rest of it,

but I found out that
it all added up

to a simple corny phrase
that I couldn't laugh off...

"Home sweet home."

- I know.
- You do know?

You're doing a swell job here
at home holding things together.

Those daughters of yours,
they're pretty wonderful.

I know Tim's going to be
mighty pleased with them.

I imagine he'll be a bit surprised
to see how Jane grew up

without so much
as a by-your-leave.

Yes, she grew up
while Mother knitted.

Or worse still,
while Mother didn't even knit.

That's the point, Tony.
Can't you see it?

Boy, I see what you mean now
about not listening.

- I guess I was pretty dull.
- All right, laugh at me.

But it's settled in my mind
once and for all.

I have a husband who went off
to fight for this home and for me...

That's what you said.

And I have children who had
courage and intelligence

while their mother
lived in a dream world.

I've come out of it.

I buy your
"Home sweet home" idea,

but I want
to do something about it.

Well, say something.

Don't tell me that glib
Tony Willet's at a loss for words.

Well, Annie, my girl,
I'm afraid you're right.

I hope you'll think
I was right, too, Tim,

and that someday you'll be
interested in reading this diary.

And I hope you won't be
too shocked when you hear

that I'm actually training
for work in a shipyard.

Yes, tremendous changes
have taken place

in the pampered woman
who was your wife.

It's hard even for me to realize
I'm studying to be a lady welder.

And doing very nicely,
so it seems.

Oh, Tim, I love it so,

and I have such admiration
for all these people.

There's one woman
I can't wait for you to meet.

Her name is nothing like we ever
heard at the country club.

It's Zofia Koslowska,
and she likes me

because she thinks I helped her

through a most awful
and tragic loneliness.

I wish my little boy had lived
so he could have seen America.

I used to read to him
about it every night

when the shades were drawn

and the sound of heavy boots
marching down the street

made my poor little Janka shake

until I thought
his bones would crack.

And then we'd pray together

that God would let us go to the
fairyland across the sea.

If only he could have been with me
the day I went all by myself

to the Statue of Liberty

and read what it says there
for the whole world to see.

Do you know it?

Anne Hilton, did you ever read it?

No. I'm sorry to say,
I don't know it.

I'll never forget it.

I know it so well here
because I feel it so much here.

It says...

"Give me your tired, your poor,

"your huddled masses
yearning to breathe free,

"the wretched refuse
of your teeming shore.

"Send these, the homeless,
tempest-tossed to me.

I lift my lamp
beside the golden door."

You've helped light
that lamp for me, Anne Hilton.

And then, Tim, she said
the most thrilling thing

that has ever been said to me.
She said...

You are what I thought
America was...

What I meant when I prayed
with little Janka.

And as in my own small way
I help here in the shipyards,

I hope I may be worthy
of her words,

just as each night I pray
that always I may be worthy

of those other thrilling words...

the first time
and every time since

that you've said,
"I love you."

Now remember,
don't start until the door opens-.

And when it does,
let 'em have it.

What's the matter?
You look reluctant.

It ain't that I don't trust you,
but I'd like to have my money first.

You've got
a very suspicious nature.

All set? Lieutenant Solomon,
clear for action.

Aye-aye, sir.

Jane, Colonel, come on.
Somebody's here. They're singing!

- I'll be down in a minute.
- Come on, Colonel!

"Silent night, peace on earth,
goodwill toward men-"

I didn't want to wrap this
in a box with fancy ribbon,

but I knew
you'd like to have it.

Thank you, Janie.

Merry Christmas.

- Who's next on your team?
- Colonel Smollett.

Get going, Colonel.
You're our anchorman.

We've given you a nice easy one.

Please don't be patronizing.
I can act it.

- All right, go.
- We've only got a minute and a half.

You might wait
until I've read it.

- Have you read it? Time.
- Let's go, Colonel. Anchors aweigh.

- That is not it.
- Please, Colonel.

- Two words.
- It didn't say to talk.

What difference does it make
if I say "two" or hold up two fingers?

Come on, Colonel,
it's a half a minute already.

Is it an animal?

Come on, Danny Williams,
give him a question.

Is it a quotation?

Army mule.

They're being very stupid, Colonel.

You're giving
a wonderful performance.

Do something else.

Rolling stone.

No talking, Colonel.

Colonel, don't get sore.
Just try doing what you did before.

If we don't guess it,
we'll give up.

Anybody could guess that.

You can't guess, Fidelia.
No fair.

We can afford to be generous.
Let them have Fidelia.

- Bottoms up.
- Thank goodness!

- Was that it?
- Certainly that was it.

I'm glad you weren't on their
team the whole time, Fidelia.

- How'd you guess it, Fidelia?
- It weren't nothin'.

I'm just naturally...
psychopathic.

Come on, don't be nervous.
Come on.

Mother, Gladys wants
to say something.

Well, hallelujah!
Bring her in!

This is Gladys Brown, everybody.
She's a friend of mine.

- Come in, Gladys.
- She wants to say something.

Come on, Gladys,
it isn't hard. Honest.

Merry Christmas.

Well, she made it anyway.

I have big plans
for her next year.

Yes, she could be
the class orator.

Come on, everybody,
coffee and sandwiches.

Congratulations, sir.
I thought you acted very good.

It was nothing really.

Gee, that was fun.
The colonel's a good sport

Yes, we all adore him.

Fidelia, when did you start
specializing in this bird food?

You won't tell anybody?
There's a chicken leg I saved for you.

- That's more like it.
- Sneak out by yourself.

You'll find it
on the second shelf in the icebox.

It's a wonderful party-.

It's Tony. He brings life
to any party.

Tony's doomed to go through life
as everybody's darling.

Even to his men?

Well, they don't think of him
as darling, exactly.

Hero worship's more like it.

I'll bet he didn't tell you he's been
recommended for the Navy Cross.

No, really?

He'll make jokes about it,
but he's very proud of it.

I want to talk to you,
John Paul Jones.

What have I done now?

The Navy Cross...
That's what you've done.

Yes, he told me.
Do they give you a ribbon?

What does it look like?
What are the colors?

- It looks just like that.
- Stop it, Tony.

This is an old one.
It's last year's model.

He'll joke about it,
but he's really very proud of it.

Well, he said
the same thing about you.

- If you people will excuse me now.
- He did, did he?

Never mind about him.
I want to talk to you.

I wish Solomon would stop
acting as my press agent.

- What do I do with this?
- What do you suppose?

- Finish it, you wastrel.
- I could use milk with it.

Honestly. I never knew heroes
were so helpless.

Here, look out.

Tony, I'm really
very angry with you.

I have to find things out
from a stranger.

Didn't think you'd be interested.

Of course not.
No, all I want to know

is if you found any new
sugars in Sicily.

I don't want to shock you,

but it's no wonder
those Italians can paint.

There was a dame standing
in the middle of the street

with a big tub of spaghetti,
and she had... she had...

Never mind what she had.
I have a little imagination.

Yeah. Well, even
as I looked at her,

I thought, "She's good",

but what are all the women
in the world compared with Anne?"

Tony, will you never stop?

I'll never stop, Anne,
as long as I can dream about you.

If you ever thought that dream had
a chance of coming true, you'd...

I'd what, Anne?

Finish it yourself.

You make it pretty tough for me.

I'd feel I'd been wrong
about you all my life.

I'd have to go looking
for a new ideal.

It's a little late for that.

What's more,
you'd run for your life.

But first you'd wring my neck
as I'd expect you to.

That's right, and what
would be the fun in that?

I'd never be able to break
my heart over you anymore.

Tony, never grow up.
Never, never.

Or I'd lose something
very dear to me.

Something very dear
to all of us.

All right, but I'm going to sound
awful silly someday

making verbal passes at you
when we're both in wheelchairs.

I'm looking forward to that.

Now wipe the milk
off your silly face

and tell me in your usual accurate
fashion how you became a hero.

Well, I'll tell you.

I suddenly thought it was
kind of damp on deck.

I looked down and seemed to be
standing in a swimming pool...

- Well, good-bye, Jane.
- Good-bye?

I've signed on again
and I'll be shipping any day now.

- You must be glad.
- Yes, I am.

Jane, you've been wonderful to me.
May I write to you?

I wish you would.

Okay! You started it!

Merry Christmas!

I still contend
that if there had been

one lone, single, solitary grain
of intelligence on our entire team...

- Colonel, stop right where you are.
- What's the matter?

And stop blushing.
It's an old custom.

As I recall the custom,
Mrs. Hilton,

the ceremony isn't complete
until everyone has participated-.

Thank you, Anne.

I haven't had an experience
like this in 45 years.

Well, Merry Christmas
to you all.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas, Colonel.

Come on, Soda.

Coming up, Mother?

Not for a little while.
I have a few things to do.

Good night.

- Good night, darling.
- Good night, Mother.

- Merry Christmas, Mother.
- Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, darlings.

What are those, Fidelia?

Mr. Hilton done sent these
to me a long time ago

and told me to put them
under the Christmas tree

just like we've always done.

Now, now, no tears, Fidelia.
There's nothing to cry about.

I can't help it.
He sent me something, too.

Mr. Hilton never forgot me,
even when he was fighting them devils.

He'll be so happy to hear that
you're back on the old job again.

Yes, ma'am.

Miz Hilton,
can I confide something?

Yes, Fidelia.

Brig sent her daddy his gift
just like nothing happened.

Of course she did.
So did Jane.

So did I.

You all did that?

Miz Hilton, I guess I just ain't
on the right side of the Lord.

I just ain't had
the right kind of faith.

But I will have.
From now on, I'll be a true believer.

And now I'm wishing you
a good night, Miz Hilton.

Good night, Fidelia.

Hello?

Cable gram?

Yes, read it, please.

What was that?
No. Yes, yes.

Yes, mail it to me, please.
Yes, ma'am.

It's a cable!
Pop's safe!

Pop's safe! I just
got word he's coming home!