Original subtitles

Hiya, Stel.

Hello.

Hello, Stella.

Hello.

Stella's got a fella!

Only he don't know it.

Who?

You, that's who.

My own sister, standing out here every night making

a sap out of herself over a guy who don't even know she's

on Earth. - You mind your own business!

Anyways, you don't know what you're talking about.

Oh, I don't, huh?

I suppose you doll up every night

and wait out here to welcome me home.

Why, of course.

Oh, gee, thanks.

I must give you a kiss for that one.

Now stop it!

Take your dirty hands off of me!

Ah, you're just like all the rest.

There's fingers nearly chopped off at the mill every time

he passes.

But he don't look at none of 'em.

Why should he?

Mill hands.

Hey, wait a minute.

There's some nice girls that's mill hands.

Where do you get off?

What's the matter with a mill hand?

I work in the mill.

I'm a mill hand, and your father's a mill hand!

All right, all right, don't yell.

The neighbors know it. - Yeah?

Well, maybe he don't, so I'll tell him!

Hey! - Stop that!

Here, stop this!

What's the matter with you two?

You used to get along.

Yeah, but that was before she started taking a business

course to improve herself.

It's done her a lot of good, all right.

She ain't satisfied with none of us anymore.

Supper!

What'd you say, Mom?

Supper's ready!

Yeah, so am I. Come on, Pop.

Come on, Stel.

I'll be in in a minute.

The childhood sweetheart of young Stephen Dallas,

a sweetheart until that tragic hour

when his millionaire father, bankrupt and ill, committed

suicide.

Two days later Stephen Dallas disappeared, leaving behind him

a note saying that he was trying to make a life somewhere else.

Harvard graduate and crewman disappeared immediately

after his father's death.

Millionaire playboy left without a penny.

Don't be late, Charlie.

What is it?

Your lunch.

Oh, that's right, get funny.

You know what I mean. What's in it?

Oh, just a little turkey and dressing.

That's all I had today.

Wait a minute.

Baloney again.

And apple butter.

Baloney and apple butter, apple butter

and baloney, that's all I get.

Well, I ain't going to take it no more.

It's all right with me, you can do without it.

Oh, I can, huh?

Charlie, I'll fix you something.

Oh, don't baby him, Mom.

Baby me?

I'm old enough to earn money, ain't I?

A man could have a home of his own on what I'm making!

Charlie, wait a minute.

Oh, what do you want to egg him on for, Stella?

You know that Jenkins girl's just dying to get him.

Well, let her, then.

If that's the only ambition he's got,

there's nothing you can do about it.

I don't know what we'd do without him.

I'm going to fix up something for him to eat

and you can leave it for him on your way down.

He'll starve first.

Maybe you're right, Mom.

I'll take it down to him.

I'll run over to the delicatessen

after and get him something nice.

Will you?

Yeah.

Hey, the boss just phoned.

He's in Millhampton Junction.

He just got in.

He said to tell you the contract with Parker Company's

right in his vest pocket.

He's chirping over the phone like a bird.

He says he'll be here in a few minutes

but just wanted to tell you.

Hey, ain't you interested?

Yes, yes, I'm--

I'm glad Mr. Beamer got the contract.

Well, you ought to be.

He was chirping like a bird.

Like a bird, you know the way he does on the telephone.

Yes, sir, he said to put you down for a raise this week.

And you could have that vacation now.

How's that?

I don't need a vacation now.

I've no place to go.

Huh?

Oh, oh, nothing.

Nothing.

I beg your pardon.

Could you tell me where I could find Charlie Martin?

Charlie Martin?

Yes, he works on the carding machine.

Oh, yes.

The-- the carding machines.

Well, why, they're closed down just now.

He'd be out in the yard most likely.

I'll tell you what you do.

You go right back through the corridor the way you came in,

and instead of coming up those stairs,

there's a big gate down there.

And if you go right through that gate, and the path

leads right down past that first big building.

And just as you turn around the corner,

the men usually have their--

Yes?

Well, er-- it's sort of dirty down there.

Maybe I'd better send for him.

Won't you sit down?

Thank you.

McCarthy!

Yes, sir.

Find Charlie Martin and send him in.

Yes, sir.

Right away.

He'll be right in.

Thank you.

Good morning, Dallas, good morning.

Mr. Beamer, congratulations on that contract.

How do you do, Mr. Beamer?

How do you do?

Stella Martin?

Martin's girl?

You're all grown up, and so pretty.

Isn't she, Dallas?

Yes.

Say, how long have you two known each other?

Well, we, ah, haven't really met.

Oh, excuse me.

Mr. Dallas, this is Miss Martin.

Miss Martin, Mr. Dallas.

How do you do?

How do you do?

My brother forgot his lunch and I

didn't want him to go without, so I brought it to him.

That's a nice girl.

Good to your brother.

Good to your father, too, I'll bet.

I wish I had somebody thinking so much of me, eh, Dallas?

He ain't there, Mr. Dallas.

They said he went out to eat.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, that's too bad, after all your trouble.

Oh, I suppose it was all my fault. I was late.

Well, it wouldn't do him any harm to wait, would it?

I'll bet sometimes he's late.

Never mind, don't you worry.

Let's see what you've got.

Maybe we can make believe that you brought it to us.

Eh, Dallas?

Well, it isn't anything much.

Oh!

Mm!

Make this yourself?

Mm-hm.

Dallas?

Thank you.

You do.

I hope they're not too dry.

I forgot to bring anything to drink.

I have some milk here.

Oh, fine.

I'll get some glasses.

Can I help you?

Thank you.

Say, you're some cook, aren't you?

Oh, wait, please.

I hate glasses that don't shine.

Don't you?

Mm.

Mm-hm.

Care to go?

Mm-hm.

You ready?

Hello, Stella.

Hello.

Hello, Steve.

Hiya, Ned.

Don't forget, the missus will be expecting

you over for that good meal.

You bet.

Very soon.

You going there for dinner?

Gee, you who could be at the River Club.

Look, look.

Hmm, that's the second time this week.

I saw them in the drugstore together the other night.

You mind your own business.

Do you mind our being talked about, Stella?

Mind?

I mind?

Oh, no.

It's just that-- well, I can't believe you like seeing me,

when you could be out with all the swells.

I want to be with you.

I like being with you.

Um, could I--

could I take your arm?

I mean, is that all right?

Is that considered--

I want to be like all the people you've been around.

Educated, you know, and speaking nice.

Don't be like anyone else.

I like you the way you are.

No, I don't want to be like me.

Not like the people in this place,

but like the people in the movie.

You know, doing everything well-bred and refined.

And dull.

Stay as you are.

Don't pretend, Stella.

Anyway, it isn't really well-bred

to act the way you aren't.

But I've wanted to be different ever since I met you.

And if I was around you long enough, I could be.

Why, I could learn to talk like you

and act like you, and pretty soon I--

well, you know, you've done a lot for me

even in these couple of weeks.

You've done a lot for me, too.

I was very lonely the day you walked in the office.

Oh, no, I--

no thanks.

I don't smoke.

And I don't drink, either.

I was lonely and unhappy and--

and then you--

Yes?

Oh, I-- I shouldn't have.

You won't have any respect for me.

Not for girls who let men kiss them whenever they want.

I-- I mean, I don't let--

I mean-- well, girls shouldn't, unless they--

well, unless they know a man is serious.

Hiya, Mom.

Ain't she got home yet?

No.

Does the old man know?

Hello, Pop.

What time did Stella get home?

Huh?

Oh, oh that was about--

well, that was around, oh, I don't know.

But she woke me up.

Hey, Mom, how about the coffee, huh?

And Pop's, too.

Tell Stella I want to see her.

Gee, Pop, it was kind of late, you know.

Let her sleep.

Tell Stella I want to see her.

Yes.

Why-- why, she ain't here.

I wonder where she could have gone so early.

She ain't slept there!

I guess she spent the night with Carrie Jenkins.

It was raining kind of hard, you know.

She didn't go out with Carrie Jenkins, why

should stay the night with her?

When she gets home, you tell her to take her things

and be out of here before I get back, I mean it.

Oh, now, listen, Pop, you can't.

You got to give her a chance to explain.

You shut up!

Tell her what I said.

All right, then, I guess that goes for me, too.

Charlie, finish your coffee.

I'll talk to your pa.

I don't want any coffee, or any part of this dump

from now on.

I'm through!

I'll tell you later.

Oh, gee, Stella, where you been?

You know, the old man's been all--

Look, Charlie, look!

- Married? - Uh-huh!

Oh, Stel!

Oh, my gosh.

Aw, gee, Mr. Dallas, that's swell.

Hey, Ma!

Hey, Ma, she's here.

She's married.

Hey, Ma!

Hey, Pop, it's OK now.

She's here.

We're here, Agnes.

My, oh, my, you sure is!

And there it is!

Yes, ma'am.

Who do it look like?

Let me see who you look

like, your pappy or your mammy.

Go ahead, Agnes, and open the door.

You'll have plenty of time for that later on.

Yes'm.

Yes, ma'am.

I know who's gonna be boss 'round here from now on.

Oh, gosh, home never looked so good to me.

Poor Stella.

Oh, I didn't mind.

It was just the hospital got on my nerves.

And that darn doctor, trying to make me stay another week.

Well, but Stella, he just thought it would be better--

Better for who?

It was just to get your money.

I felt as good the next day as I ever did,

and maybe better than I had for a while.

Oh, Stephen, why didn't you bring him to me?

The days wouldn't have seemed half so long.

Gosh, I thought everybody had forgotten me.

Now, Mrs. Dallas, I think we'll get you to bed.

Bed?

I just got up.

Haven't you seen enough of me in bed for the past three weeks?

Seems like three years to me.

You'll soon find you're not as strong as you think you are.

You must remember I've had a great deal of experience

in these maternity cases.

Experience?

What do you think I had?

Tell me, why is it doctors and nurses and husbands

always seem to think they know more

about this maternity business?

Don't you think a mother learns anything in that little room

they wheel them into?

Or is that just a kindergarten class?

Oh, Mrs. Dallas.

Let me tell you something, I picked up quite a

little experience in that room.

And it wasn't out of books, either.

Experience.

Stephen!

Stephen!

Yes, dear?

A dance at the River Club tomorrow night.

I think I can wear my blue dress.

I'll let it out a little at the top.

But Stella, you don't want to go dancing already.

Before I went to the hospital, I

was stuck in this house for four solid months

without going anywheres.

And we just got into the River Club.

All my life I've just about died to go to the real places

and get in with the right crowd, and when I got a chance

and get started, I have to give it all up.

Oh, we'll go next time.

Well, I don't want to go next time,

I want to go this time.

Aw, Stephen, I won't dance much, I promise.

Gee, I just want to get a wave and a manicure

and get all dressed up again, and go hear some music

and forget all about doctors and hospitals and nurses.

And babies?

Mm, aw.

Aw, but Steven, please.

Well, you're a wonderful dancer, Mr. Munn!

Well, if I'm any judge of horseflesh,

you don't shake a mean leg yourself.

Hello!

Hello.

Who's that she's dancing with?

He's pretty good, too.

I-- I really don't know.

His name is Munn.

He has something to do with horse races.

The girls invite him over for golf, and he--

he gives them tips!

How'd you come to get hooked up to a table like that?

Oh, they're some business friends of my husband's.

Business friends?

What is he, an undertaker?

Oh, why don't you get him to ditch that bunch of moss bags

and come over and join us?

Spencer Chandler's table?

Well, we don't even know him.

Well, that won't take long.

You know what he said after our first dance?

No, what?

He said, Ed-- he always calls me Ed.

He said, Ed, you can pick winners on a dance floor

better than you can on a racetrack.

Yeah?

Aw, go on, don't red-apple me.

No, on the level.

Come on, I'll prove it to you.

Well, I'd, um, I have to ask Stephen first.

Stephen?

Yes?

Come here.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Stephen, this is Mr. Munn.

Howya?

Mr. Chandler, Spencer Chandler,

wants us to come over to his table.

I'm sorry, we're just leaving.

Leaving?

Why, it's only quarter after.

I know, but that's late for us.

Aw, come just for a nightcap.

Oh, yes, Stephen, please.

I'm afraid we can't, thank you.

Good night.

Hm.

Good night.

I'll get the things.

He dug down in his pocket, got his last cent,

and the horse came in and paid 20 to one!

- 20 to one! - What do you think of that?

Oh, dear, I-- I--

Did you lose something?

Well, yes, I--

What was it?

May I help you?

Oh, I remember.

I gave it to Mr., uh, pardon me.

What do you think of that?

What a story.

Say, Ed.

Did you give me back my handkerchief?

You never gave it to me.

Oh, I must have lost it.

Well, here.

Take mine.

Oh, no, no, didn't mean I--

Well, wait a minute.

I want you to meet a friend of mine, Stella.

Mr. Chandler, this is Mrs. Dallas.

How do you do?

How do you do?

Say, Spence, I want you to prove something to her for me.

Didn't you say I could pick 'em on a dance floor

as good as on the track? - Mm-hm.

But I wouldn't feel too flattered.

Munn hasn't given me a winner in over a month.

Will you sit down?

Oh, thank you.

Mrs. Dallas, I'd like you to meet Miss Terry.

Oh, I believe your wife lost something

and she thought maybe Mr.--

Mr. Munn.

Mr. Munn might know.

Well, thank you.

Oh, Stephen.

Stephen, this is Mr. Chandler.

Mr. Chandler, my husband. - How do you do?

Mr. Chandler just asked me to dance.

You don't mind.

I'm sorry, my wife's just out of the hospital.

She should be home in bed.

Oh, well, we'll hurry then.

Come on.

Mr. Dallas, you wouldn't like to sit down and have

a little snifter, would you?

No, thank you.

Thank you.

What have I done this time?

All right, I'll take my usual lecture.

Go ahead, begin.

Stella, I asked you not to wear those earrings.

That cheap imitation necklace.

You took them off, you agreed, then after we got there you

came out of the dressing room--

Now, Stephen.

I'm perfectly willing to let you tell me how to talk

and how to act, but please don't give

me pointers on how to dress.

Allow me at least to know more about one thing than you do.

After all, I've always been known to have stacks of style.

You should have heard Ed Munn, and he's been around a bit,

too.

He's traveled further and he--

all right then, farther, whichever it is.

I don't care.

Gosh, I have to think twice every time I open my mouth.

And Spencer Chandler didn't seem to have

to turn the other way, either.

And he only happens to be one of The Chandlers.

Stella, please.

Don't say things like that.

Remember you're my wife now.

Oh, and can't look at another man!

That isn't the point at all.

Oh-ho, that's a laugh.

An affair between Spencer Chandler and I. Well,

I am coming up in the world!

Stella, can't you, won't you try to understand?

Please listen to me this time, please.

The fake jewelry's not important.

Chandler's not important.

None of these things matter in themselves.

But what's to become of us?

That is important.

Yes, dear.

Stella, why did you marry me?

Because I was crazy about you, silly.

And I-- I still am, only--

only you just don't seem to ever--

Once, a long time ago, you said you were crazy to learn

everything, become someone.

Didn't you?

Yes, Stephen.

Please listen to me.

I'm only telling you this because I love you.

Beamer wants to send me to New York

to handle the sales department there.

I want to go.

And I want to take you with me.

But I want you to make an effort.

I want you to try to be what you wanted to be.

Give up a few things for me, and try to adapt yourself--

Adapt myself?

Give up a few things?

What have I been doing ever since I met you?

And I'm getting a little sick of it, too.

How would it be for you to do a little adapting for a change?

I don't see you giving up anything.

And I'll tell you one more thing.

I'm not going to New York.

I'm certainly not going to leave here

just when I'm beginning to get in with the right people.

Now, Stella.

You-- you go on and go to New York.

I want to stay here.

Well, can you beat that?

Laying here wide awake, waiting for her dinner

and not a squawk out of her.

Gosh, Carrie.

You know, I used to think girls at the mill were crazy

when they got married and right off the bat started

having kids.

But honest, Stella, would you want any more?

Sure, if I could have another one like her.

She's been a regular pal to me.

Since Stephen's been away in New York so much,

I hardly know I have a husband.

Why, he's only been here three times this summer,

and then it was only account of her.

He's crazy about her.

And who wouldn't be?

Oh, look at her!

Wiping it up at her age, can you beat that?

She's the spit of her old man!

Now, who is that?

Agnes?

Well, is this all the welcome I get?

Ed!

Of all people!

Oh gosh, I'm glad to see you!

And I you.

I haven't seen you for ages.

Get a load of that kid.

Has she grown or am I crazy?

Come on.

Oh gee, Stella, she looks more like you every time.

You remember Uncle Ed, don't you, darling?

Well, I remember you.

Oh!

Ed!

Oh!

How's that?

Oh, Ed, you shouldn't have done this!

Oh, don't she look like a little queen?

All in gold and turquoise.

Edna!

You want a drink, don't you?

Sure.

And if you don't mind, I'll peel this coat.

Oh, sure, go ahead.

What'll it be?

Well, you know me, Stella, I ain't partic', so long as it

don't jump up and bite me.

But I've been drinking bourbon.

What have you been drinking?

Oh, nothing.

But I'll take bourbon.

Aw, gee, Stel, you oughta been along.

Or maybe you've been having too much fun here.

Gosh, Ed, I haven't been out of the house for two months.

Been sick?

No, but-- I don't know.

I don't seem to get any fun out of a good time anymore.

All the time I'm out, I'm thinking of her

and what she's doing and how soon I can get back to her.

Well, here's hoping I'll always

be around at the right time.

What are you drinking?

Sarsaparilla.

Stealing the kids' drinks, huh?

Did you ever catch her sneaking your oatmeal?

Hey, can I pick her up?

Sure, go ahead!

Come on to your uncle Ed.

Gotcha, girl.

Come on.

Ain't you got a big smile for your uncle Ed?

Of course she has.

Come on, darlin'.

Smile for uncle Ed.

Edna?

Edna!

I'll get it.

If I could only see her open that door just once.

Come on, darlin'.

Come on, darling.

STELLA AND ED COAXING

Stella?

Oh, um-- oh, you remember Mr. Munn.

How do you do?

And Carrie Jenkins.

Yes, how do you do.

How do you do?

I think I'll be getting along.

Yes, darling.

That's a fine baby you've got there, Mr. Dallas.

Thank you. I think so.

I gotta be going too, Ed.

Oh, me, too.

Yeah, just a minute, I'll see you to the door.

Listen, Stella, you call me soon, will you?

Yeah.

All right.

Thanks for a good time.

Bye.

Stella, I can't have our child living this way.

What's wrong this time?

It's not just this time.

It's every time I--

What do you mean, because there was a couple of drinks?

Well, what's wrong with that?

Coming in here with that icebergy way of yours.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude.

But she's my child, too.

And I won't have this.

I hadn't wanted to take Laurel away from you, but--

if you--

Take her away from me?

What are you talking about?

How dare you say such a thing?

Give her to me!

Now, Stella.

- Give her to me, I say! - Stella, please.

You mustn't do this, now. - Give her to me!

Stella!

Watch out, you're hurting her!

Stella.

Get off.

Did he frighten Mummy's little girl?

Oh, don't you cry.

Mummy's right here.

Mummy won't let anybody hurt you.

There, there.

You're here with Mummy, and nobody in the whole world

is ever going to take you away.

Nobody.

Nobody.

Thank you.

Boy.

The whole thing.

Would you like to include one of those, too?

No, she's a little too grown up for that now, I'm afraid.

Come on fellas, Mother's ready.

Come on, boys.

Mother, he rows it himself!

Aw, can't we wait until he winds it again?

I want you to see how it goes.

Thank you, Mr. Dallas.

You'll send those right away, won't you?

Yes.

Stephen?

Helen.

Oh, Stephen!

Oh, I'm so glad to see you.

Oh, and you.

Oh, boys, come.

Come here, please.

Stephen, these are my sons.

How do you do, young gentlemen?

How do you do?

Oh, this is Mr. Dallas, whom your mother

has known for such a long time.

John. - John.

How do you do? Lee.

Lee. - How do you do?

And Cornelius. Cornelius.

- How do you do? - Con.

He doesn't like to be called Cornelius.

I do, too.

It was my father's name.

Was?

Con's the man of the family now.

And he looks after us all so beautifully,

his father would be very proud.

That's splendid.

Nothing but the finest care in the world

would be good enough for your mother.

Oh, but Stephen, tell us about you.

Oh, I gave up all thought of ever seeing

you again such a long time ago.

What are you doing here?

Well, if you mean New York, I'm in business here.

If you mean the store, I'm here buying birthday

presents for my daughter.

Your daughter?

Oh, Stephen!

There she is.

Ooh, pretty!

Oh, she's lovely.

Thank you.

Oh, when may we meet her?

And her mother?

They're not here.

You see, Laurel goes to school up near Boston

and her mother spends all of her time with her.

Oh.

Oh, I have so many things to hear, and to tell.

Can you lunch with us?

Well, I should be back at the office by now.

We'd be glad to have you, Mr. Dallas, if you don't

mind carrying your own tray.

John's been saving up for a whole month

in order to take us for lunch.

It's his treat.

That's all right.

I got enough for one more, if you don't eat too much.

How about it, Mr. Dallas?

Well, I guess I can't refuse an offer like that.

Oh, good.

If you run short, I'll lend you a couple dollars.

Gee, thanks.

Oh, books again.

Sometimes I've got a good mind to write and tell him

she can get books from the library,

but there's no place where you can get a fur coat for nothing.

Boy, what I wouldn't give to see her in one.

Oh, well.

Here.

Hide them with the rest and let me get on with this,

or it won't be ready for Christmas,

let alone her birthday.

Hello, Gladys.

Where's Mother?

Now, let me see.

Uh, she's-- um, she's--

Hello, Mother.

Hello darling.

Mother, Miss Phillibrown, my teacher, came home with me.

She wants to see you.

Oh, Lolly, if I'd only known, I could have fixed up a little.

Look at me, I'm a sight!

But you look fine!

Oh, no, look at the things all-- oh, dear.

Mother, this is Miss Phillibrown.

Oh.

How do you do, Mrs. Dallas?

Pleased to meet you.

Won't you sit down?

Oh, really, I haven't a minute, but thank you.

Laurel, my dear, I wonder if I might have a glass of water.

- Oh, of course. - You too, Mother?

No.

Maybe she'd rather have some sarsaparilla.

I have some on ice. - No, thank you.

All right.

She's such a darling.

You know, I didn't want to talk in front of her

in case she might be disappointed.

I spend the weekends in Boston, and I wonder if you would let

me borrow Laurel for this one.

I, um, I couldn't get her ready this time,

but if you'd ask her again--

oh, Lolly thinks the world and all of you, Miss Phillibrown.

I know she'd have a wonderful time.

Seeing some decent shows, I mean, not just movies.

Well, I had in mind the galleries and museums.

She seemed so interested.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah, she's crazy about that stuff.

She gets that stuff from her father.

Her father?

You see, I've only heard about you.

Oh.

Well, of course, she don't see as much of her father.

Mr. Dallas's business keeps him in New York.

Oh, really?

But I always spend his vacation with him, don't I,

Mother? - Uh-huh.

Up in Maine, in the woods.

Have you ever been there?

No.

Oh, it's beautiful!

Your mother has just given her permission for you to spend

a weekend with me in Boston.

When?

Very soon.

Oh, thank you Miss Phillibrown!

Well, I really must go.

Oh, must you?

Goodbye, Mrs. Dallas.

Goodbye.

Come again, won't you?

Thank you.

Goodbye, Laurel, dear.

Goodbye, Miss Phillibrown.

Oh, Mother, isn't she the nicest?

Yes, darling.

Did you ask her to the party?

No.

Do you think she'd come?

Of course.

Why not?

Mother!

For the party?

Lolly!

What did you do that for?

You're always sticking your--

Oh, Mother, I'm sorry.

Oh, come here, darling.

I didn't mean it.

You know how I always fly off, and well, I

wanted it to be a surprise.

Well, now that you've seen it, you

may as well slip it on and let me

fit you instead of this thing.

Dummy.

Oh, it's blue!

Mm-hm.

There.

Oh, Mother, it's beautiful!

Careful, don't mash the ruffles.

Now, oh, yeah, I forgot.

This goes here.

Oh, no.

Oh yes, it gives it some snap.

No, please.

Oh, for heaven's sake, you're just like your father.

You want everything as plain as an old shoe.

Plain?

With all these beautiful handmade ruffles?

Now turn around.

Yes, the length's all right, it's just the sleeves.

All right, take it off and let me get on with it.

Yoo-hoo!

What's going on there?

Come on in, Ed!

No, Mother, wait till I get out!

What is this, a Follies dressing room?

Mother please!

Oh, what's the matter?

He shouldn't see me like this!

For heaven's sake, Ed's known you since you were knee high

and seen you with hardly anything on.

Yes, and even less than that.

Now, what have you got to hide from your uncle?

You've got nothing to hide, come on, let me see.

Mother, make him stop, please!

Oh, Ed, stop!

Lolly, don't be a little fool.

- Come on, let me-- - No!

Oh, Ed, I wish you wouldn't tease her like that.

You know she don't like it.

I know, but I get a kick out of a young one

being so finicky.

Well.

Your car downstairs? - No.

No, it's in the shop, why?

Oh.

Well, I wanted to go to town.

I wanted to get the decorations for the party.

Well, why not go in on the train?

I'll tell you, we'll take the kids, see a show

and have dinner.

No, I don't want her to know what I'm getting.

Oh, I see.

I guess I could show you a better time without her.

Ed!

How long will you be?

I gotta run down to the corner.

I won't be long.

Well, unless you've got a drink here.

I've got sarsaparilla.

I'll meet you at the corner.

Sarsaparilla.

Honest, Stel, some of the things I do for you.

You'll like it when you get used to it.

And it's good for you, too.

What's that?

Well, you can read, can't you?

Itch powder?

Shh!

Things are just a little too quiet around here.

Oh, Ed, you're not--

Hey, can I see that?

Great jumpin' catfish, what's the name of that horse?

- What's the matter? - Nothing's the matter.

I got a ticket on it. Oh, ho!

Kokomo wins!

I'm rich!

Well, let me shake your hand.

- Thank you! - Thank you!

Congratulations!

Thank you.

I'm awfully glad.

Why, listen, I stand to win $20,000 or $30,000.

- Good. - No fooling.

What's the matter?

Have a cigar.

Oh, what happened?

Have a cigar.

Sir!

Oh, I beg your pardon, you want gum.

Here, we got all parts here.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, lady.

Say, that was great luck.

Why, did you see what happened?

Yeah!

He won $30,000 on a horse race!

You're kidding.

Really?

Watch 'em commence.

I can't stand it!

Another one of 'em just bit the dust.

Stop, you're killing me!

Look at the old girls.

They're doing a sister act.

They must have rehearsed.

Hey, Stella.

Stella!

What's so funny?

Oh, come on, look.

There are two down there.

Gee, Ed, you're a card.

I don't see how you can keep such a straight face.

Oh, well, what's a little kidding among friends?

- He's that the father? - No.

No, it can't be.

She particularly said her husband was in New York.

Such women don't deserve to have children.

Well, there's only one way to drink sarsaparilla,

and that's so it don't taste like sarsaparilla.

Do you mind?

No.

Want some?

Uh-uh.

Laurel's such a lovely child.

I don't know what to think.

Why, Mary Ann's been asked to her party.

Ah, Stel.

Why don't you scratch that first entry of yours

and give somebody else a chance?

Honest, I'd do anything for you.

Please don't, Ed.

It's like I told you.

It's not personal, only, well, I don't

think there's a man living that could get me going anymore.

Oh, I don't know, I guess Lolly just uses up

all the feelings I've got and I don't seem to have

any left for anybody else.

You got plenty for me, Stel.

Why can't we go on as we are?

Gosh, I don't know what I'd have done

without you some of the times when

Lolly was back with Stephen.

You're such a good sport and such a lot of fun.

Well, I guess you know what you're doing.

What's the matter?

Say, do you know what?

I think I got some of that stuff on me.

Now, would that be a hit? I have!

Oh!

Oh, Stel, it's all over.

Here.

Gladys, You nearly ready?

I'll just have to let her in.

I'm ready.

Mm-mm!

Mrs. Dallas!

Do I look all right?

You know, none of them have ever seen me

and she's always telling all of them how beautiful I am.

Honey, you sure can live up to it.

Yeah, but if I live through this day,

I'm going to get me another corset.

Mother? - Yeah, coming, dear.

Mother!

However did you do it?

Oh, and you, Mother.

You look beautiful!

Do I?

And look, favors!

Oh, now, don't pull them, they pop

and have little hats inside.

And the little baskets!

And I put candies in with the nuts.

And the placecards, Mother, they're beautiful.

Where did you get them?

Oh, I sit there and you sit here.

And Miss Phillibrown next to me,

and Flo Bell, and Alice May.

Uh-huh.

Mother?

Mother, could I see the cake?

Oh, all right, go ahead.

Oh, look!

One, two, three, four, five, six--

Here somebody is!

Lolly!

Lolly!

Lolly, let Gladys go.

All right.

Gladys.

Now remember what I told you.

Yeah.

Lolly, no, no.

Is this the Dallas residence?

Yes.

Sign here, please.

Thank you.

Thank you.

It's for you, Lolly.

Don't you forget to say Miss Laurel in front of people.

Yes, ma'am.

What is it?

It's from Miss Phillibrown.

She can't come.

Well, what does she say?

"Laurel, dear, I'm sorry it is impossible for me

to come to your party, but I'm thinking of you this afternoon

and I hope you will not be disappointed.

Sincerely, your friend Margaret Phillibrown."

Oh, that's too bad.

Oh, I do you wish she could have

come just to see everything.

And you.

Oh, well, I'll fix up again for her sometime.

Most likely the girls will have a better time without her.

I guess they see enough of her in school.

I know I did my teachers.

Oh, but everyone loves Miss Phillibrown.

Gladys, take these, please.

Well, anyway, it'll make an even number.

Sure!

Come on, we'll wait in the other room.

You sit over there.

No!

No, let Gladys go.

Remember what I told you?

Miss Dallas' residence?

That's right.

Miss Dallas' residence.

OK, I'll tell her.

Who was it?

It was Miss Cheeny and she says Alice May can't come.

Who?

Alice May Cheeny.

She sits next to me in school.

Oh.

Uh, it'll make the table look better.

It won't be so crowded.

I'll fix it.

I think I better make some more biscuits,

don't you, Miss Dallas?

The others is all dried up.

Yes.

Yes, let's do that.

That's a very good idea.

You know, Mother, they're not coming or they'd be here.

Oh, Lolly, you don't think that--

We'll go in together.

I never know what to look for, you change so much each time.

Do I look older?

Older?

You're a young lady.

Evidently your wardrobe's going up, too.

Oh, I have a costume for everything.

Fine.

Because we have a wonderful invitation

to spend our whole time together in the most

beautiful place in the world.

- Better than Maine? - Mm-hm.

Where?

Mm-hm.

You'll see.

Hello.

Martha, this is my daughter, Laurel.

How do you do?

Oh, Daddy, it's so beautiful.

Hello, Laurel.

This is Mrs. Morrison, Laurel.

How do you do?

So glad to see you.

I'm so glad to see you, too.

Michael, this is Laurel.

We've been waiting and waiting to meet.

Now, don't overdo it.

Oh, he's such a nice dog.

Where are the boys?

I believe they're still down at the stables, Mrs. Morrison.

Ah, well, tell them their surprise is here.

You don't mind being a surprise, do you?

No.

Come on, Mike, we'll go fetch 'em.

Come on, boy.

I'll show Laurel her room.

Oh.

It's lovely.

How sweet.

Now, if you let me have your keys,

I'll have Martha unpack you.

Oh, I can do it.

I'll take your coat.

Yes, thank you.

And your hat?

Oh, everything!

Oh, I like nice closets, too.

We'll hang this here.

There.

Oh, I'm so glad you brought your riding clothes.

It was one of the things on my list, to ride in Central Park.

Well, we'll be using them here, too.

Oh, and so many pretty dresses.

What fun your mother must have choosing them for you.

She makes them all.

She does?

Uh-huh.

Oh, how clever!

Oh, what a lucky girl you are.

And how lucky she is, too.

All boys want to wear are overalls.

Ah, well, I suppose you want to freshen up.

But don't change.

I'll run down and see that your father has his tea, because he

has to get right back to town.

You come down when you're ready, and don't

keep the boys waiting too long.

Thank you.

PARTY MUSIC, INDISTINCT CONVERSATION

They won't acknowledge that they like you yet, they

haven't got as far as that.

But have you noticed the hair brushing and collar

wearing that's been going on?

I have.

Mother!

Am I too little to dance with Laurel?

Did she say so?

No, but Con did.

Well, if I wanted to dance with Laurel,

I think I'd ask her, not Con.

I will.

Big intrigue.

Let me have it.

You'll drop it.

I will not.

I'm carrying it.

I want to carry it.

Goodbye, Laurel. It's been fun, hasn't it?

Oh, yes.

Oh, we look forward to the next time.

I've had such a lovely time, I don't know how to thank you.

Bye!

Goodbye!

Goodbye!

Oh, aren't they the nicest boys?

I think so.

How did you like Mrs. Morrison?

I think she's the loveliest lady I ever knew.

Do you, Laurel?

Do you really?

Oh, I mean--

I mean-- of course, I mean except my mother.

Mother, how nice!

It's a little stuffy, I'm going to open a window!

All right.

You happy?

Mm.

Well, I guess I'll shove off.

You two got lots to talk about, and-- say,

where are you going to eat, Ed?

Me?

Oh, I don't know, I ain't very hungry.

I thought maybe I'd stop in at, uh--

Well, uh, why don't you come back and have dinner with us?

You only bought two chops.

Sure, one for you and one for Lolly.

Oh, say, I'm so happy I couldn't even look at a meal.

Fine. About what time?

Oh, an hour.

Good.

So long, Lollipops.

I'll come back and tie on the nose bag with you.

Want me to bring anything?

No.

No thanks, Ed.

Oh, Mother, why did you?

I thought we were going to have a nice, quiet time alone.

Oh, so did I, Lolly, darling, but things haven't been going

so good for poor Ed lately, not that you

never know it to hear him talk.

But you remember that bit watch and chain he used to wear?

Well, they're-- they're just not there anymore.

I'm sorry.

Gladys!

Oh, she's not here anymore.

I let her go.

Mother!

Oh, well, what did I need with anybody around?

Oh Mother, you shouldn't have.

Besides, I was glad to have something to do

to help pass the time away.

You know what I did?

What?

I saved enough money out of her wages

to pay a deposit on a fur coat for you.

Mother, you didn't.

Mm-hm.

Well, you're just going to get it right back.

I don't want a fur coat now, Mother.

Besides, none of the girls I met at Mrs. Morrison's were

allowed to have them yet.

Oh no?

No.

Oh.

Here.

Mother, you know what I've been thinking?

Would it cost too awfully much for us

to have a house with our own front door,

and a little garden and flowers and a room for each of us?

Oh, just in case sometimes we wanted

somebody to stay all night.

Oh, Mother, not a great big expensive house

like Mrs. Morrison's, but just a little, tiny place.

Say, tell me about this Mrs. Morrison.

What's she like?

Oh, Mother, she's lovely.

She's sort of-- well, she reminds me of a flower

that grows up in Maine.

All pale and delicate, but strong, too.

I don't know what you call it.

Oh, gracious, Lolly, I don't care what kind of a flower

she looks like!

Is she tall or short, dark or light, fat or thin?

How old is she?

Well, she doesn't seem to be any special age.

You know, she's like one of those goddesses

in my mythology book that way.

Oh, come now.

You can tell whether she's 20 or 40.

Oh, she's not 40, no.

Well, I'd guess maybe she's about 25.

And how did your father happen to meet this goddess?

Mother, it's like a story.

Con told me all about it. - Con?

Mm-hm.

Is that her husband?

Oh, no, he's dead.

Didn't I write you?

Dead, is he?

Well, that's convenient.

Oh no, it isn't.

It isn't a bit convenient.

Because when Mr. Morrison died, he left a whole lot of houses

and horses and money and things, and Mrs. Morrison has to look

out for them all by herself.

You know, she said she wouldn't know what to do without Father

to help her and advise her.

Yeah.

I can just imagine.

Oh, I just remembered.

I've got some snapshots of her.

Aw, no, Lolly, I--

I just want to look at you.

Oh, but Mother, I want you to see her, she's beautiful.

No--

You'll be crazy about her!

The funny thing about her is she's not only beautiful

when she's all dressed, but even when

she wakes up in the morning.

She spends hardly any time on her face.

Once I saw her put soap and water right on it.

Well, all I can say is there are different kinds of skin.

And besides, with her money, she don't

have to worry about her looks.

Say, are those real pearls she's got slung around her neck?

Mother, look what you're doing!

What?

You're getting cold cream all over her picture!

Oh, I didn't mean it, Lolly.

Oh, give it to me!

I'm sorry!

I'll do it.

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells.

Jingle all the--

Hello, Lollipops!

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Here is your mistletoe,

now where's the kiss?

Where's the kish?

Mother!

Ed!

Stella!

Go on, run along, go inside.

No, no, no, no.

Ed Munn, what do you mean by showing up

around here in this condition? You get out of here!

Shh, Stella, Stella, I got something for you.

I-- I've been robbed.

Why, if I thought that anybody would take--

Oh.

Oh!

Here you are, my dear, and a very Merry Christmas.

No thanks, Ed. I can't take it.

I wouldn't know what to do with it.

Huh? Oh.

What to do with it.

Cook it!

No, you run along.

Give it to somebody else.

What, me give my chicken to somebody else?

You think I'm going to do that?

I'm gonna take it, I'm gonna stick it, I'm gonna take it

and I'm gonna put it in--

Ed Munn, you come out of there!

Ed!

What are you trying to do, set the place on fire?

No.

Well, you're, uh-- cookin' a turkey.

Ed!

Get that thing out of here.

I say no.

I say yes.

Now, Stella, listen, don't tell me how to cook a turkey.

I know how to cook a turkey.

Oh, Ed, no.

Now, come on.

Stel!

Stel, no!

Now, listen.

I know how the curkey should be tooked, and so there.

Now, of course the feet won't be very well done,

but then I don't care for feet much anyway.

Oh, Ed, now, be reasonable.

Merry Christmas.

Father!

Oh, I'm so glad to see you!

Oh, and am I glad to see you.

What a nice surprise.

You should see the way I've been running to the door.

I never dreamed of anything so wonderful

as your bringing them yourself.

Ooh, what a lovely tree!

Here you are.

Oh, thank you, Daddy.

I'll put them right here while I go call Mother.

I'll take your coat and hat.

This is a fine Christmas spirit,

that you don't have anything in the house.

Ha!

Strawberry, now, there you are, strawberry.

And lemon.

Ha!

Lemon and peach.

Ho, ho, ho!

What is this?

Ohh, this is more sarsaparilla.

Well, of all the places I ever saw

where a man can't have any--

You go inside and keep him company,

and I'll get dressed and come in as fast as I can.

All right.

Hey, Stel!

What is all the whispering over there?

You've got to go.

I've got company. - Oh, company?

- Yes, come on. - Having company?

Who's the company?

Never you mind, you just go.

Well, I'd like to see the company--

No-- Ed!

Oh, Stella, now, listen.

Come on.

Oh, I'll tell you, Stella.

No, sir, I'm going to sit right here until I

find out who the company is.

Ed, shh!

No you're not, you're gonna go.

Pushin' and shovin'!

ED I think the company

would like the turkey, too.

It was the biggest turkey I could find.

One of the finest turks that the man had.

I never saw such a big turkey in all my life.

Daddy, a wristwatch, how lovely!

Do you like it, darling?

Oh, yes!

You're getting so grown up,

I hardly know what to buy for you.

Mother copied it from one we saw in the window of a shop

in Boston.

You can hardly tell the difference.

It is pretty, isn't it?

It was my best present till you came.

Oh, you darling.

Stephen?

Well!

Merry Christmas, Stella.

Merry Christmas to you, Stephen.

It's good to see you again.

Well, it's good to see you.

Sit down.

Thank you.

Place looks awfully nice, Stella.

You'll go to dinner with us?

Well, darling, I--

I came to ask your mother a favor.

Stella, I was wondering if you'd let me have Laurel

for the holidays this time.

I've never had a place for her before.

This time we have an invitation to spend with the Morrisons.

Oh.

Well.

Would you like to go, Lolly?

Yes.

Oh, that is, if--

Oh, I-- I think it would be lovely.

When would you want her, Stephen?

Well, my train leaves in an hour, Stella.

I was hoping I could take her back with me.

Today?

Oh, no, no.

Not today, I couldn't, Father.

Mother and I had something all planned.

Well, yes, we did, but--

well, we-- we could do that anytime.

All right, come on, we'll have to hurry.

You have to have your new coat, and you want these things.

I'll just get her started.

Excuse us.

Hurry.

There's your case there.

Will this do for the train?

Yes, that's fine.

Just pack what you need now, and I'll

send your trunk on tonight.

All right, Mother.

She won't be very long.

This is for you, Stella.

Oh, thank you.

Stella, I'm awfully sorry.

When I see all you've done here, and you did have plans,

I didn't realize--

Oh, it wasn't anything, really.

We were just going to a show and dinner at the Bontonne.

This will be a real treat for her.

It's been so long since I've seen you.

How have you been?

Well, thank you.

And you?

Oh, fine.

That's good.

It's too bad your train leaves so early.

Stella, I--

I've been thinking.

I don't know why didn't occur to me before.

But there's no earthly reason in the world why you should spend

the day all alone just because I've

been selfish and thoughtless.

There must be a later train.

Where's the telephone?

Shall we call and see?

Oh, yes.

Please.

Here.

Beacon Hill 3700, please.

Ooh!

Fooled you, didn't I?

You put me out the back door and I went all the way

around and came right in here!

Say, listen, just where is all this company that I'm

being kicked out because of?

Because I'm gonna tell you this.

You're not gonna feed 'em my turkey.

No sir.

Not to--

Oh.

I beg your pardon.

I guess-- aw.

I'm sorry, Stella.

I didn't mean to--

I guess I'll go now.

Mr. Dallas.

He had a little too much Christmas, I guess.

He was here a while ago and brought a turkey,

and I had a terrible time getting rid of him.

What did you find out about the train?

Well, I'm afraid it would be too late, Stella.

I'm sorry.

I'm all ready.

Was I very long?

Not at all, darling.

Goodbye, Stella.

I'll take good care of her.

Goodbye, Stephen.

Goodbye, Mother.

Goodbye, Stella.

Thank you for letting me go.

Bye.

Mrs. Dallas, Mr. Morley.

How do you do, Mrs. Dallas?

Won't you sit down, please?

Mrs. Dallas, I wrote you a letter, and in it I stated--

You don't have to tell me what you stated,

just tell me what you meant.

Mrs. Dallas, it's only natural to suppose that you should

wish to legalize your position.

Legalize my position?

Well, I've got our marriage license.

Look here, Mr. Morley, what are you trying to give me?

Your freedom.

A divorce.

Mr. Dallas feels, and I can readily understand why,

that you might wish to remarry.

Remarry?

Listen, Mr. Morley, let's get down to brass tacks.

I haven't the slightest idea of ever remarrying.

Now, it don't happen by any chance to be Mr. Dallas

who wishes to remarry, does it?

Well, assuming for the moment that it does, surely

you could have no objection?

Your allowance would be the same.

As a matter of fact, Mr. Dallas might even be able to increase

the amount he's sending you.

I don't want any increases.

Let him keep it and let me keep my daughter.

Mrs. Dallas, Mr. Dallas has no intention of any change

regarding your daughter.

Oh, he hasn't?

Then what's he been trying to win her away for?

Taking her to fine hotels, country places, townhouses!

Making her dissatisfied with the kind of things

I've been giving her.

Does he think I don't see what he's after?

Well, he'll never get away with it and I'll tell you why.

Because I'm going to give her the same things!

Everything her heart's been set on.

Fine hotels, fancy friends, she's going to have 'em all.

And I'm gonna give 'em to her and he's gonna pay for 'em.

If he's got any extra increases, he can just hand 'em over.

And if he don't, maybe I'll get a lawyer

and bring in the name of that highfalutin' widow!

But Mrs. Dallas--

I won't keep you any longer, Mr. Morley,

thank you very much.

Just see the check is mailed to the same place.

That all the benefits I want.

No.

Mm-mm.

This one'll do.

Look, put some more lace on it.

Nice one!

You're wonderful, Laurel!

Dick, you threw me that last game.

Threw it?

The last one came over like a bullet.

Is that any way to treat your teacher?

That's the way to take him over, Laurel!

What's the matter, Dick, you losing your edge?

Laurel, this is Mrs. Clews.

I'm glad to know you.

How do you do, my dear?

You're improving rapidly.

My teacher.

Say, Laurel.

We're going to have Dad's box for the polo game.

Won't you come with us?

Oh, I'd love to!

But I should spend the afternoon with my mother.

See you dinner, then.

Fine.

Bye-bye.

How is your mother today, dear?

Oh, she's much better, thank you.

Couldn't Mrs. Clews and I visit with her this afternoon

while you go to the polo?

Oh, yes.

That's an idea, mother.

You know, I've been looking forward to meeting her.

It's unfortunate that she's been ill all the time.

What do you say, Laurel?

I'll have to ask Mother.

Come on.

All right.

I'll call you.

All right.

Mother!

Hello, darling.

Did you have a good time?

Oh, heavenly.

Mother, Richard's mother and a Mrs. Clews I just met

want to go to the polo game.

And they want to spend the afternoon with you.

Oh, and see me for the first time in my nightgown?

Huh!

I should say not.

Me with a trunk full of new clothes

my skin is just itching to get next to.

Goodness gracious.

Oh, but you go along and say I was asleep.

Oh, no, I won't leave you alone again.

Oh, don't be silly.

There's no sense of the two of us being cooped up here.

I'll be all right in a few days, and then I'll get all fixed up

and meet your friends right.

You know what I was thinking?

The first night I'm able to go down in the dining room,

we'll have this Richard and his mother to dinner with us.

Would you like that?

Lolly?

Oh!

I knew you would.

Oh, now run along.

You mustn't keep him waiting.

Wear your blue jacket.

I love you in that.

All right.

Boy!

Oh, boy.

Listen, will you tell me which lady is Mrs. Richard Grosvenor?

Mrs. Grosvenor's not here, ma'am.

Oh, then please direct me to the tennis court.

Maybe she's there.

You go just across the lawn and down that path.

You mean sort of over that way and down there?

Yes, ma'am.

Oh.

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

Here you are, young fellow.

Oh, that's all right.

Oh!

Don't be sill'.

Thank you.

Here goes a birdie.

Did I say birdie?

Well, whew!

Trying to cover it up, huh?

No, I'll wear it everywhere.

Did you see the makeup on her?

And those shoes!

Why, I thought she was wearing stilts!

Hello, there.

Hi, Dick, how are you?

Come on, move on.

Move down one seat.

Say, whatever happened to you two?

We've been back hours.

Oh, we took a shortcut.

Yeah.

Say, Paul, you sure missed the show.

What'll it be, Mr. Grosvenor?

What show?

Oh, that woman on the tennis court.

Well, I'll have a chocolate ice cream

soda with chocolate ice cream and lots of whipped cream

on top.

What about her?

Make mine the same, only make it with vanilla ice cream

and leave off the goo.

OK.

I didn't know they let that kind of woman loose

anymore. - Happy?

You should have seen the getup.

What a woman!

Say, maybe Dick knows her.

Dick, she was looking for your mother.

Yeah?

Weren't she a panic when Pete lobbed one over the fence

and she started chasing after it?

I never saw her before, did you?

Who is she? - I don't know.

I'd sure like to know where she got that paint job.

Just needs a new coat.

Shh!

That's not a woman, it's a Christmas tree.

And it walks!

Does it talk?

And how!

Good?

Mm, delicious.

That's the one there.

I heard her say to Jimmy, "you ought to see

my little girl play tennis."

She must have some little girl.

No, I don't like it.

Well, it is rather heavy.

Oh, let me see that one.

- This one? - Yeah.

She's an ad!

An ad for what?

We'll see in a minute.

Wait'll her hat lights up.

You're all wrong.

It's a trailer.

Do you think that one really suits my personality?

Yes, ma'am.

Decidedly.

You do?

I'll take that.

Send it up to Room 214.

214. Mm-hm.

Thank you.

Personality.

Hey, Pete.

Get her.

What's the matter?

I-- I must have lost my watch!

Wait a minute, Laurel, you can't

go all the way back there now.

When did you see it last, do you remember?

I-- I want to go, please let me go!

Don't worry about it.

Let's finish our sodas first.

We'll find it.

There you are!

I've been looking all over for you, I--

well, Lolly, what on earth--

Mother, we're going home.

Home?

What are you talking--

well, what's the matter?

What's happened?

Nothing.

Oh, I know.

My little Lolly's had a quarrel with her young man.

Mother, please!

Oh, Lolly, don't be a little goose.

I tell you what you do.

I'll call him up and invite him to dinner,

make believe I don't know anything about it.

I'll pretend you're not back yet What's their number?

Mother!

I want to go home.

You want to go home?

Well- well, what about me?

Paying for two rooms all this time and using only a bed.

Don't you think I'd like a little

of the fun you've been having?

I should think you'd think of somebody else besides yourself.

You know, I like nice people and a little fun myself.

I'm sorry.

I don't see how your pride would let you

show him you cared that much.

If it was me, I'd stay on just to show him that there's

other fish in the sea.

Oh, Lolly.

It's only for you.

Well, you said yourself this morning you'd never

been so happy in all your life.

And so was I, too.

Oh, dear.

Here.

Here you are, miss.

Thank you.

All aboard!

She said that as sure as she lives--

Well, she's got my bag.

Oh, there she is.

Lynn!

Oh good heavens.

Did you have a blowout?

No, but just as I was leaving, I met Ethel.

Oh, I can't get my breath.

Here, sit down.

But I want to tell you what Ethel told me.

Do you remember that funny-looking woman

parading around the grounds this afternoon?

No, I didn't see her. But Joan was--

I bet you didn't see her.

She can't be described.

You wouldn't believe it.

I'll tell you, she was quite a number, dresses up to here,

and paint an inch thick, and bells on her shoes

that tinkled all the time.

Oh, not bells.

And bracelets up to here, that clanked.

You never saw such a sight.

Anyway, do you know who she was?

Who?

Laurel Dallas' mother.

Laurel Dallas?

No!

Boy, I can't believe it.

You mean that pretty little girl

Dick Grosvenor's been rushing? Yes.

Didn't you know that?

But are you sure?

She seems so lovely and sweet.

I know it.

Isn't it weird?

To have such a common-looking creature for a mother.

Poor thing.

Poor nothing.

She's wearing Dick Grosvenor's fraternity pin.

She won't be wearing it long, I bet.

Not when Mrs. Grosvenor hears about it.

Your bags is ready, ladies.

Oh, all right.

Thank you.

I want to tell you about it--

Lollie?

It's lonely up there, mother.

I want to come down here and cuddle with you.

I'd-- I--

I'd like to see Mrs. Morrison.

Was it in reference to--

I-- I couldn't say.

It's private.

And I-- I have to see Mrs. Morrison.

What was the name, please?

Mrs. Dallas, Mrs. Stephen Dallas.

Yes.

I will see if Mrs. Morrison is at home.

Come with me, please.

Just wait in there, please.

Yeah.

Mrs. Dallas?

Are-- are you Mrs. Morrison?

Yes.

Oh, I, um--

I'm-- I'm sorry to bother you in your home, but I--

Won't you sit down?

No.

What I have to say won't take very long.

It's just that I--

Oh, well, we may as well be comfortable.

It's so very warm.

Won't you take off your coat?

I-- I know you must think it's funny,

me coming here like this.

I'm not going to beat around the bush, but what I want to know

is, if--

if Stephen was free, if I got a divorce like his lawyer wanted,

would--

would you two get married?

Yes, we would.

I'm sorry if it's unpleasant.

But I'd rather that you knew the truth.

Yeah.

Um, well, what I wanted to know is if you and Stephen did

get married, um--

well, what about Laurel?

Would you take her too?

Oh no, Mrs. Dallas.

I'm a mother.

Do you think I could ever deprive another mother

of her only little girl?

Yeah, but if the mother didn't want her--

I mean, if she couldn't very well have her, well,

if it was inconvenient?

Inconvenient?

Yeah.

You see, Lollie's growing up now.

And she-- well, she's quite a responsibility.

Well, I don't understand.

Well, you see, it's this way.

From now on, there's lots of things

Lollie ought to begin having.

Oh, I don't mean money.

But dances and parties, you know, good times.

And really, I--

I've never been much at that sort of thing.

So I-- I feel that I've done about all I can for her.

So I-- I thought that you being so crazy about her father,

and she taking after him so much, that well, if uh--

you and Stephen got married, why, Lollie could

come and live with you and--

your name being Mrs. Dallas, you see,

well, everybody would naturally think she was your little girl.

And then when you went places, you see, well--

you see, you're the kind of a mother that any girl

would be proud of.

I didn't know anyone could be so unselfish.

And I'll say one thing, Mrs. Morrison,

you'd never be ashamed of Lollie either.

Oh.

Everybody's just crazy about her.

She-- well, she makes a wonderful impression.

She's so refined and elegant in her ways.

But oh, you already know that.

Anyway, she's-- well, anyway, she's--

well, she's crazy about you already.

She don't talk as much as she used to.

But that's because she thinks I'm jealous or something.

And oh, I guess I was a little.

But I'm not anymore.

And you'll see.

In a little while, she'll--

well, in a little while she'll--

she'll forget all about me.

And it-- why, it won't be any time before

she'll she'll love you just--

just you were her real mother.

And oh, Mrs. Morrison, she's so wonderful.

You don't know.

I do know.

And I know that it hasn't come only from her father.

I have to go.

Lollie doesn't know I've come here and I--

I don't want her to yet.

She-- she's awfully funny underneath

and I've thought it all out.

It'll be better to just let her come for the visit like always.

And-- and by that time it'll all be over.

The-- divorce, I mean.

And-- and you can break it to her.

It'll be easier that way.

Aboard!

Goodbye, darling.

- Goodbye. - Go on.

Get inside.

Goodbye, mother.

Goodbye, dear.

Goodbye.

You'll write to me, won't you?

Oh, yes I will!

Now, have a nice time and don't think about me!

Wear your new blue dress tonight!

I want to see you in my mind's eye.

All right!

Bye!

I love you!

Goodbye!

Goodbye, mother!

Goodbye!

Goodbye, mother!

It's a lot of fun, isn't it?

Yes.

Haven't you really ever played it before?

No, honestly, I haven't.

John wouldn't go to bed until I promised to bring these in,

so you'd still have some members of the family

to keep you company tonight.

Oh, how sweet.

Oh, that John.

And here's their breakfast.

Gosh, you sure stand high with John.

Why, he won't let Lee and me see him, let alone, feed him.

Well, I suppose it's time young gentleman

removed themselves from ladies boudoirs, eh, Con?

OK, dad.

Goodnight, sweetheart.

Goodnight, father.

Goodnight, darling, and sleep well.

Goodnight dear, I will.

Thank you. - Goodnight, Laurel.

I'll see you in the morning.

Right, Con. Uh-huh.

Goodnight, mother.

I'll put these in a safe place.

Oh, I never saw father so happy before.

And you, dear, are you happy?

So very, for you both.

But I've been worrying and worrying about something.

Why, what could possibly be worrying you?

Well, I don't know what to call you.

Oh, if that's all, oh, I'm so glad.

Because I have something to tell you which I hope

will make you just as happy as it has me.

From now on, you're going to be one of us reality, dear.

You're going to be a member of this family

like Con and Lee and John.

They're your brothers.

And this is going to be your home as much as it is theirs.

This, my home?

Yes, dear.

You're going to live with us.

Live here?

Here, the townhouse, wherever we are.

Does it make you happy, Laurel?

Oh yes, it makes me very happy.

To know-- to know that you want me, and I--

I do love you all so very much.

But-- but I couldn't leave my mother.

Oh, you won't be leaving her.

Your mother will always be your mother.

I could never expect or even want to take

her place in your heart.

You will visit her whenever you like.

No, no, I couldn't.

Oh thank you ever and ever so much, Mrs--

Laurel, your mother, your father, all of us who love you,

feel it now that you're getting older,

there are-- there are many advantages

that we can give you.

I know.

I-- I know.

And I do thank you.

But I-- I'm sorry.

Goodnight, Con.

Goodnight, dad.

Father?

Yes, dear?

What is it, dear?

Father, you-- you don't mean you thought that I could live

anywhere ever without mother?

Well, you've lived without me.

Your mother and I are just changing

places for a while, that's all.

Isn't it fair for me to have a little of what

she's had all these years?

But that's different, father.

You know it is.

I've been with mother all these years because I needed her.

Now she needs me and-- and you need me less than ever.

Oh, Laurel, don't say that.

I'm sorry, Laurel, if you don't see that what

we've planned is for your good.

We thought it would make you happy.

Your mother and I have decided upon what

we think is best for you.

My mother, does she know?

Certainly.

We have your interests equally at heart, haven't we?

We both feel that this should be your home

for at least a few years.

I'm sorry, father.

But please understand, my home will be with my mother

as long as I live.

Now, Laurel--

Oh, Stephen.

Laurel, you don't understand, dear.

This was all your mother's idea, her wish for you.

She planned it all herself.

Your father had nothing to do with it.

She came to see me and we talked it all over.

My mother came to see you?

Yes, dear we felt--

When did she come?

Well, I don't know--

Was it just after we got back from the Mirador?

Well, I believe it was.

But--

Oh, oh my poor mother.

My wonderful mother.

Oh, she wasn't asleep.

She wasn't.

She heard what they said.

Oh, I must go to her!

I must go to her at once!

Darling, tell us about it.

Now, now, sweetie--

Oh, oh, please daddy, help me.

I can't make my visit here.

I must go to my mother.

Don't, sweetheart.

Sure, you can see him.

That ain't meanin' that he can see you.

Hey, Munn!

Somebody to see ya!

Ed?

Ed, wake up.

It's Stella.

Ed, it's me, Stella Dallas.

Hello, Stell.

Look, I still live in the same old flat.

Oh yeah?

And I want you to take this, get a Turkish bath and a shave

and come right over.

Do you understand?

Ed, do you understand?

Sure.

I got it.

Mother?

Mommy!

Mother?

Mother?

Mother.

Oh, mother.

Oh, Lollie, when did you-- well,

whatever brought you back?

Mother, how could you think?

As if I could ever live anywhere else but with you?

Oh, well, I thought you'd like it for a while.

No, really.

You-- you always seemed to have such

a good time with your father.

Yes, but-- but good times, oh, they

aren't what make you belong.

It's-- it's the other kind of times.

It's when you've cried together and--

and when you've been through things together.

Oh, that's when you seem to love the most.

It-- it's different when you--

didn't they send the telegram? they said they would.

Oh, most likely they tried to deliver it and I was out.

I've been on the go ever since you went.

Put those in water for me, will you?

Oh, they're lovely.

Yeah, from an old admirer.

Ed Munn blew into town and I've been stepping

out with him for a change.

Ed Munn?

Yeah.

Now, put 'em in water.

I want 'em all fixed nice when he gets here.

Mother, you don't mean that you and--

Lollie, haven't you fixed them yet?

Give them to me.

Get some water.

That'll tickle him.

Lollie!

Mother, don't you remember a long time ago, when he said--

and-- and you promised about him that--

Oh, Lollie, I know what you're driving at.

Now, let me tell you something.

I-- I've spent the best years of my life on you.

A woman wants to be something else besides a mother,

you know.

Well, you will know when you get grown up.

You can't explain everything to a child.

Now, go on.

Run along.

I'll come back to stay if you still want me.

Still want you?

Laurel, my dear.

Don't.

Oh.

Father!

Tell me, dear, what is it, angel?

What is it, darling?

Oh, daddy!

What is it, dear?

What is it, sweetheart?

I-- I thought it was my sake she wanted

me to come and live with you.

And I was so glad and so proud.

But it wasn't.

It was for him.

She wanted to marry him!

Please don't cry, darling.

You knew him!

You knew?

Yes, I--

And she chose him!

Come, Laurel, come upstairs with me, dear.

All right.

So long!

Thanks a lot!

Well, hello.

You back?

Gee, that's great.

Hello, Con.

Hello, Con.

Say, who do you think brought me home?

Dick Grosvenor.

We were just talking about you.

Say, you wait here. I'll go get him.

He's still in the driveway.

Oh, no, Con! No, no!

Oh, i don't want to see him. - It's fine.

Not now.

No, darling.

Oh, no, no, not yet.

You go on upstairs, dear.

We'll take of Dick.

Hey, Dick!

What?

Come on back!

Laurel's here!

- When did she get back? - I don't know.

She was here when I got here.

How do you do, Mrs. Dallas?

Good, how do you do? - How do you do, Mr. Dallas.

I'm glad to see you again.

Oh, glad to see you, Dick.

Con told me Laurel was here.

All right, fella'.

That's one on me.

No, she's here.

Hey mother, Laurel's here, isn't she?

Yes, she's here.

Won't you stay for dinner?

Why, if I'm allowed as I am.

Of course.

If you don't mind, I'd like to wash up too, please.

Sure. Boy, come on up to my room, huh?

- Thank you, Con. - Now, hurry up, will ya?

OK, dad.

Stephen.

Laurel is here.

She's here to stay.

Who's accomplished it?

Couldn't you read between those pitiful lines?

Rugs.

I told you, those curtains weren't to be drawn.

Open them, please.

Yes, madam.

Yes.

Now you must light the candles, and we must hurry.

Yes, madam.

Come dear, it's nearly time for our cue.

What's this?

Oh, my darling.

I was just thinking, I never really thought that my mother--

I thought that she would read about the wedding.

And even though she was too far away to come,

at least she would write to me.

Oh my dear, do you think if she knew,

any distance in the world could keep her away?

Then you think she just doesn't know?

Sorry, bu you can't stand here.

We have to keep this clear.

Move along, please.

Break up the group here.

You too, lady.

Oh, please, let me see her face when he kisses her,

please.

All right, well, you've seen enough.

Come along.

Move along please, now.

Come on, clear the sidewalk.