Original subtitles

"From Fifth Avenue to Main Street the hemlines rise and fall."

"The bustles blossom and disappear."

"The hips go broad and narrow with the changing fashions."

"But the windows in the stores don't tell the story of the dress business."

"That story is in the New York Garment Center."

"Half a mile square, and two blocks high."

"The billion-dollar dress capital of America."

"Built on a bolt of cloth and a foolish question: how do I look?"

"The lives and fortunes of hundreds of thousands of people hang on the question."

"And this is the story of a few of them."

"There was a man named Sam Cooper and a fellow named Teddy Sherman."

"And .. oh yes .. there was a girl."

If you wait another year, it will be two years, then ten years. You'll never do it.

I tell you Harriet, she still says no. ─ And I tell you Sam, she must say yes.

I can't make her say yes, only no. ─ She said yes when you married her.

20 years ago. She lost the habit. ─ I'll talk to her myself.

It won't do any good. ─ Sam!

Make her come into town today. I'll convince her. We'll meet for lunch.

She lives way out on Long Island. ─ It's America. She don't need a passport.

Sam, this means our whole future.

Alright.

Even if she comes and says yes, the two of us alone are no good.

Are you going to talk to Teddy?

I'm not so sure he's right for us. ─ Believe me, he's the best.

At least talk to him .. What's to be afraid?

I'll think about it. Leave it to me. ─ Haven't I left everything to you?

That number 807 is going like uranium. ─ What I have is worth more than uranium.

Oh, they want you out there, Sam.

And you too Harriet .. and 807.

Oh I'm so pooped .. it's like living in a malted-milk machine out there.

Yeah?

The smörgåsbord has arrived mesdames.

Well, submerge and enter ..

I don't wish to be blinded by your radiant beauty.

Who's indecent? ─ I am.

Okay, I'm not equipped with radar, so brief me. Where do I go?

About face .. and scram! ─ Hey, wait a minute.

Is Miss Boyd present? ─ Miss Boyd is present.

I have a communication.

Teddy Sherman, ace salesman, back from his triumphant march through Georgia.

He sends you his love. ─ Tell him I refuse delivery.

What's he doing? ─ Boasting. What else?

He sold a million dollars' worth of dresses.

The owners of this sweatshop are on their knees, kissing his shoes.

But why bother with him, when I've got two passes to the Roxy?

Wait until you cut your second teeth. ─ That's a date Miss Boyd.

In the meantime, Mr Pulvermacher and Bettini request your presence at once.

The buyers are waiting in the main torture-chamber.

Oh Harriet .. look out for number one, a material buyer.

Tell me one thing Miss Boyd: if I had money, could you love me for my money?

Number 807 $10.95.

Number 807 $10.95.

The leading dress of our line .. the hottest number we've had in years.

I'll show you the orders if you don't believe me.

We've got it in a range of colors, with the new "Rivera B", exclusive to us.

What did you say this material was?

A Swanson cotton and you can also get it in a Benberg rayon.

Miss .. come a little closer here please.

Oh yes .. very good.

Yes, that's a nice number .. say Miss, I think I've seen you here before.

Yes! You're the young lady who says she goes to night-school.

Or did you say you had a sick mother? ─ I've said both Mr Savage.

Harriet, where's Fran? What's happened? ─ She's changing Mr Pulvermacher.

Ida! Tell Fran to hurry!

And you Harriet, Teddy wants you to show 807.

And Ida, if you see Four-Eyes, tell him it's time for my milk.

Hello Miss Pearson, when did you get to town?

Is she coming? ─ She's coming.

What are you afraid of? ─ It shows?

Like a plunging neckline.

Hey, how about the 807?

Well .. Miss Boyd ..

Well, come on honey, hurry it up. I could be getting rich.

Are you going to talk to him? ─ I haven't decided yet.

Decide, Harriet. If she says yes, we must leave her a chance to change her mind.

This 807 is the biggest thing we've got and I want you to go all out on it.

I still liked that last one. ─ The last one?

I wouldn't sell it to you. It's positively a dog.

Honey, you do understand about tonight? ─ Oh yes.

I believe you were saying something about standing me up?

Absolutely not. You and I are doing the town tonight, if I can break away.

Number 807. $10.95.

This is Pul-Bet-Kel's 807 and nothing in the $10.95 field can compare with it.

Not bad. Any chance for an exclusive?

Spit on your pencil and write some big numbers. I'll see what I can do.

Miss Boyd .. I'd like Miss Griggs to see this one to best advantage.

What you doing for lunch? ─ Fasting.

How about tonight?

Reading the small print from Women's Wear to my grandmother.

Very funny .. Well ..

I see you're having trouble getting an exclusive too.

Honey, are you kidding? I'm an old friend of the family.

I can use .. fifty units. ─ Fifty?

I'll do something for you I wouldn't do for anyone else.

Harriet, on your way out tell Ida to bring me the re-order blank.

I thought you were on a buying spree.

You're taking me to dinner, aren't you? Let's see what else you can talk me into.

Tonight.

Sugar, you know I want to take you, it's only that ..

Tell you what. I'll get on the phone and see if I can't break that other date.

Miss Boyd, I am going to give you another crack at the giant jackpot.

The invitation to dinner is still open.

Now, is this a nice way to greet a fellow who's been on the road for four months?

Has it been that long? I never knew the time to pass so quickly .. or so pleasantly.

Honey, I like the way you're fighting it, but somehow ..

Look out!

Milk for Mr Pulvermacher's ulcer.

Somehow, you've got a false impression of my character.

Teddy darling! Oh, it's so good to see you.

Honey, control yourself, you'll wrinkle the merchandise.

What time tonight? .. What time tonight?

Well I don't think Fran would like it. And then there is Miss Greaves ..

Oh now, honey ..

You know, thee way to keep happy Miss Marks, is to keep busy. My expenses.

What is this? Lunches and dinners, or the budget for the Marshall Plan?

I would appreciate silence and a check.

I got something I want to say to you. ─ What?

I am madly in love with you.

What's the most expensive restaurant they'll let you into?

When? ─ Tonight.

Boy! ─ At your service.

I want my check cashed before the banks close.

To think, for six months she wouldn't say hello to me in front of witnesses.

Right.

You know, you've got to purge your mind of old-fashioned ideas.

They get these traveling-salesman jokes .. see the really Teddy Sherman.

Who is that?

A man of integrity, quiet charm and eternal faith.

Familiar with the arts and the sciences. A philanthropist .. and a sportsman.

In short, everything you are not.

Yeah, but everything I'd like to be.

All I need is a girl like you to hold my hand and guide me.

Is this a proposal of marriage? ─ Who knows?

In the meantime, just hold my hand. ─ Let's go.

208 Greenwich Street please. ─ Drive slow.

Very slow. ─ What's the matter? Afraid of accidents?

Harriet .. you are about to embark on a wonderful adventure.

Honey ..

Honey, do something. Either squeeze back or honk like a horn.

Now really, there's no sense in us acting like we're in two different cabs.

Harriet, I've been studying you all evening and I have a question.

When do you come out of the deep-freeze?

I've been studying you all evening too Teddy.

Baby ..

How much money do you have in the bank?

I'm sorry, Harriet.

You hold these and I'll get the rest.

No point about the pearls. The real ones are in the safe.

Let's stick to the subject. You've got $3,329 in commissions coming.

How much have you got in the bank?

What kind of perfume do you use? ─ Expensive. Why?

Funny .. I smell a rat. ─ Very funny.

Look Miss Boyd.

I was pushing a cart through the Garment Center ..

While you were punching for your gold pen in the diaper service.

I know things about this business you'll never grow old enough to learn.

But you fooled me.

It took me some time to realize the interest you've got.

I must have been blind. It sticks out all over you like a bad case of hives.

Go on Mr Sherman. You've got the blueprint .. Read it.

Sure .. you're going to start a new dress firm and get rich .. you think.

You've been yakking to Cooper, a top factory man.

I'm to be the salesman and somewhere else there's another sucker .. a designer.

But what may I ask, just exactly what have you got?

Would you like to see? ─ I'm free the rest of the night.

Alright then. I'll show you.

That's our 807. ─ That's right.

So you talked Bettini into coming in with you too, huh?

Poor Pul-Bet-Kel .. knifed from within.

No Bettini the designer, no Cooper the insider, no Teddy Sherman the salesman.

You are quite a little pusher. ─ The design is mine.

What?

These sketches are mine Mr Sherman, mine.

And it took me 3 months to convince Bettini to use them under his own name.

He did, and you know what happened.

You? ─ Me.

You didn't happen to steal these sketches from Bettini, did you?

I don't steal from paupers. Ask Cooper, he knows.

Convinced? ─ I suppose I am.

Suppose you are a designer, and a good one.

If you go out into that jungle, they'll cut you to pieces.

You think you know this business? ─ Yes, I think I know this business.

I know plenty, and I've learned it the hard way.

I worked days and studied nights.

I modeled those 7th Avenue dogs, while salesmen and buyers pawed all over me.

I've been pinched, patted .. and kissed.

Fought my way out of cabs, bars and hotel rooms, but I've learned this business.

It took a strong stomach, but I've learned it.

I've got the best inside man there is.

I'm the best designer, and Pul-Bet-Kel says you're the best salesman.

Tell me Miss, what do you dream about at nights?

Cadillacs and a duplex on Park Avenue?

That's just what I dream about. All the time ..

So with my job, time and money, you want to gamble on a racket that ..

Beats two, three hundred established firms a year?

I thought I had brass Miss Boyd. I am not in your league.

Exactly what I told Cooper. You're NOT in our league.

"Teddy Sherman" I said? They mint that type like pennies .. in billions.

The all-American slob.

You've spent ten years in this business selling other people's stuff.

And there you stand .. Teddy Sherman.

36 suits in his closet, each with a penny in the pocket. All adding up to 36 cents.

Come around for a job some day when you're broke.

Wait a minute .. I've got something for you.

That's for the cab .. the analysis was for free.

You can forget about the necklace. You don't owe me a thing.

Goodnight.

Miss Boyd, you have the simple beauty of an old-fashioned straight razor.

How much have you got? ─ Enough.

How much in cash? ─ Cooper has ten thousand.

I can raise $7,500. How about you? ─ The same .. interested?

Bring the dollar bills and we'll talk. ─ That's a deal.

Goodnight.

History will record this sacred moment.

Here lies Teddy Sherman. She offered him an apple. He lost his head.

You'll never lay your hands on that insurance money, Harriet.

Your father left it to me.

It's for Marge, when she gets married. ─ And what about me?

I'm a daughter too. ─ But you don't need it like Marge does.

You got the looks and the talent, and the ability to make money.

It takes money to make money.

That kind, you'll either marry or steal. ─ Ma, that money is no good.

It will buy Marge some cheap furniture, a washing-machine and a middle-aged spread.

If she ever gets married. And what about you?

When your father died, I gave up hoping for myself.

Once I hoped for you.

But you're a throwback to an Irish bandit in the hills of Killarney.

I want to see Marge married to Ray.

I want them to start without worry. ─ And what will you do?

Live a week with her, and a week with me?

A woman without money, without independence, without pride.

Taking crumbs off your son-in-law's table .. is that what you want?

Ma, with that 5,000 dollars I can make you independent.

We'll have plenty left for Marge and she won't have to marry a schmuck like Ray.

Who'll spend his life almost winning cases in the court of small-claims.

With money, she'll be able to marry any man she wants.

A nice outlook on life .. ─ It's the outlook men taught me.

And some man will teach you it's wrong.

The answer is "no".

It's getting late Ray.

So what? Nobody gets ahead if he's a clock watcher .. come here.

Ray ..

Say, how about asking me in? For some coffee?

We just had coffee. ─ But we don't have to drink it.

What's that?

Baby, how would you and Ray like to go to Bermuda on your honeymoon?

Wake me up when you get in. Harriet.

Is she crazy?

Harriet! ─ Baby ..

Wait until you hear. ─ What did you do? Rob a bank?

What's this all about? ─ The most wonderful thing in the world.

They came to me. To me! Cooper and Sherman. They're going into business.

And they want me to be their designer. ─ You mean the top designer?

The ONLY designer. And in my own business. I'm going to be a partner.

Congratulations, Harriet, it's wonderful. ─ And I told them all about you, Ray.

They promise to let you to draw up all the contracts.

They'll get one the Supreme Court couldn't break with an axe.

Oh Harriet, it's really come true. And it's what you've always dreamed about.

A lot of dreams are going to start coming true.

Things Mama has always dreamed about .. and you.

That little place that you and Ray want in Queens.

One good season and I'll buy it for you.

I couldn't let you do a thing like that. ─ Don't be proud with your sister-in-law.

It's a loan. You can pay me back.

At six percent if it will make you feel any better.

Oh, I feel so wonderful, I want to get all dressed up in a beautiful new gown.

Why don't you two kids get married right away?

I'm not joking about that trip to Bermuda.

Let's all have a drink on it. Go ahead Marge, make some coffee.

Alright.

You know, you're pretty wonderful.

Don't waste that on me. This is the wrong girl.

Operator, I think my phone is out of order. Will you ring me please?

Schylar 7,4,3,2,2.

Hello?

Oh hello Sam.

They did?

But I thought ..

Oh but Sam, I can't. I just haven't got it.

Two weeks?

I couldn't raise that kind of money in 200 years ..

Sure, I know it isn't your fault.

You can't help it.

Goodnight Sam.

What's the matter, honey?

I just want to lay down and die. ─ What happened?

It's all off .. the whole thing.

The bank says we need more cash.

They'll have to get a designer who will put up his share of the money.

I'm sorry kid ..

Oh what a rotten break .. I'd give anything in the world help her.

Me .. with less than 400 bucks in the bank.

I wanted you to understand ..

I just wanted you all to know how bad I feel about this.

You only think you feel bad now.

30 years I have been in this street, and every day I learn the same lesson.

Don't go into business for yourself.

And you Teddy .. you sleep well at night?

Me? ─ Hmm.

Like a dummy in a sweetshop window. ─ Tomorrow you won't .. right Herman?

In over 13 years, I haven't had a good night's sleep.

Only when I worked for somebody else. That's the only time I slept .. tell him.

Maybe for Teddy it's alright. A young man needs a bankruptcy.

It helps him to mature. But you Sam, you're a worrier.

You'll lose weight. ─ You'll get sick.

In front of your eyes Sam, from now on: spots! With zeros.

Haven't we treated you well? ─ You want more money?

We'll give you a raise. ─ Want to take your wife to Jones beach?

I'll lend you my Buick. ─ Take my Cadillac.

Take my wife! ─ Don't leave!

But he has left!

Stop the cold war gentlemen. Mr Cooper is in business with Teddy and me.

We've hired a lawyer, papers are signed. All we're trying to do is say goodbye.

Serpent!

He gave you a chance. Now, you're trying to steal the best salesman in town.

Listen Cooper, you've got a house half paid for.

A daughter in college, a son in school, a wife with a washing machine.

And you want to risk all that just call yourself a "Boss"?

Just a gamble.

And end up in months with your hat in your hands and creditors howling for blood.

They'll take your house. Your children will go to work.

And you will be back in the factory with nothing! That's the garment business.

For every successful business, a dozen fail.

I've thought about it, and I've given my word to my partners, Teddy and Harriet.

We intend to work hard and take a risk in order to be .. independent.

I think that's a good thing.

I admit, sometimes I'm afraid I am doing a foolish thing.

But .. where would you all be if you didn't take a risk every once in a while?

A man can't live his whole life worrying if what he's doing is safe.

To live is to take a chance.

I took a chance when I came to this country. I'm taking a chance now.

But I have two friends .. who I trust.

Well, we tried.

We'll give you all a month's wages and good wishes. You got the bug. Good luck.

Good luck .. well done ..

We got a million things to do. See you. ─ So long .. bye.

Well, goodbye. ─ Where you going?

My resignation is on your desk Mr Kelley. ─ You too?

I've been offered a job at a new dress firm that will soon dominate the field.

What do you expect? A counter offer?

No, gentlemen.

But on behalf of the new firm, I say "move over, youth is on its way".

Harriet .. wait for me!

I've been taking this elevator down for fifteen years.

Today, for the first time, I've got a sinking feeling in my stomach.

That makes me feel better. I see we're all a little scared.

Main floor.

Four-Eyes, where have you been?

Who are they from? Who sent them?

These are from "us" to "us". Mr Sherman sent them.

Flowers we don't need to make dresses. Zippers we need.

So hang them up and run quick to .. ─ Sam, glad to find you. What about 304?

When can we promise delivery? ─ Two weeks .. ten days.

That's better. ─ Teddy .. why the flowers?

Are we so rich we can afford to wish ourselves good luck?

Sam, don't worry. Griggs is writing an order that will carry us for months.

She'd better write two orders. So we can also pay for the carpets and fancy drapes.

Why did we did need such an expensive showroom, Teddy?

Because it sells dresses Sam, that's why. Come on ..

Come on in and smile. It builds confidence.

Sherboyco Dresses .. yes sir?

Thank you sir .. I'll tell him you called.

Hello. ─ Oh, yes sir?

I see you don't know who I am.

No sir, this is my first day. I'm Ellie Cooper, Mr Cooper's daughter.

Oh ..

I'm Mr Arnold Fisher, head of the Shipping Department. Take a letter.

To all members of the Shipping Department .. important.

Welcome to "Sherboyco Dresses Incorporated".

In order to conserve string, all packages to be tied with a figure-eight knot.

The ends not more than two inches long. Signed, Arnold Fisher, Manager.

Four-Eyes? Four-Eyes, you still here? I need you inside Joe.

Here, you finish sweeping, then run over to 6th Avenue for those zippers.

Yes, Mr Cooper.

Good morning. Mr Sherman in? ─ Yes, sir. Who shall I say is calling?

Oh never mind, honey. You don't have to be formal with me, I'm an old friend.

Yes, sir. He's in the showroom. ─ Thank you.

Well hello .. where's my old friend General Sherman?

Hello Johnny, how are you?

Where's Sherman? ─ He was here a moment ago.

Hey Teddy, where are you hiding?

Sounds as if your friend Savage is in town.

I only have to hear the sound of his voice and I get a hangover.

He's the biggest account in the business Teddy. You'd better be nice to him.

By the way, how about lunch? ─ Absolutely.

Dinner? ─ Afraid that's out honey.

My nights belong to Savage. I'm the chaperone.

Who chaperones the chaperone?

Savage old man, I've been looking for you. ─ Well, there you are.

And Hermione honey, how are you?

See you later, Teddy. ─ See you at lunch.

Well Teddy my boy, congratulations. ─ Thanks. What do you think of it?

Not bad at all, but these fixtures have a familiar look.

Bulmer's Frocks, before they went bankrupt.

Are you good and hungry for a real great ...?

Teddy, you know me. With this half I buy dresses. With this half I'm real hungry.

How about something out of that little black book of yours for tonight?

You're on! Terry, come here will you. Put these in my office please honey.

How nice they fit into the dresses.

Say, that's nice too.

That's my partner. Harriet, come here will you honey.

Mr Savage, Miss Boyd. Our designer.

Well, delighted I'm sure. My how he picks them, even for partners.

And how he picks them, even customers. ─ Say, haven't I met you before?

Yes you have. ─ Why of course.

You've come up in the world. Tell me, how is your sick mother?

She's much better now.

Good, good. And night-school? ─ I graduated.

Look Teddy, I want her to sell me. Now why shouldn't I enjoy it?

Sure, that's no problem.

I'm sure Mr Savage will like everything we have.

Say, if I like it with him, I'm going to love it with you.

And Teddy, don't forget. Gilmore's tonight at eight as usual.

As usual. Right.

Sit right here Mr Savage. I'll be with you.

Oh Teddy .. lunch?

Honey, I'm stuck with Hermione.

Honey .. murder him.

Alright already .. so it was a gag. ─ Stinker!

What'd I do wrong? I'm a typical American boy.

You humiliated me.

I was merely trying to impress the boss's daughter.

Look .. someday we'll get married .. I'll be head of the firm.

We'll educate our children in Switzerland. In the magazines you'll see my picture.

Arnold Fisher, man of distinction. In my hand a glass of whiskey and seltzer.

You're blocking my way Mr Four-Eyes.

I'm blocking her way .. she's blocking my whole future.

Hiya Joe .. you got it?

Naturally I got it. You asked me to get it, so I got it.

How much?

For you? Wholesale, with 15% off for personal friendship.

How much? ─ Five hundred.

Three-fifty .. ─ Three-fifty? .. I'll take it.

Could I interest you in a diamond wedding-ring?

A guy just got it back from his girl. It's a bargain.

Joe, you are premature. ─ This is a bargain.

Don't tempt me, she's tempting me. That's plenty.

Good evening Mr Sherman. How are you? ─ Fine, fine.

Good evening Gilmore.

Good evening Mr Sherman. Mr Savage is in the dining room.

Mr Sherman. ─ Yes?

He's in there with another girl. ─ What?

He's got a girl with him.

Take care of them Mac. ─ Okay, what will it be, girls?

Martinis. ─ And make it a double. I'm starved.

Oh, I told him off good. You should have seen his face.

Hello. ─ Oh hiya Teddy.

Say, you know Miss Boyd don't you? ─ Yeah, we've met.

Any trouble closing the order?

Oh no, she's the greatest designer and saleswoman in the business.

But I wouldn't sign until she had dinner with me. Would I, honey?

She mix up the two sides of your brain?

Yeah, she sure did. Feels fine too. ─ Let's not talk business. I'm hungry.

You hungry Teddy? ─ No, I always eat before I come here.

What about our date? ─ I got a date. Say, waiter.

Please, bring us two more. ─ Yes sir .. and Mr Sherman?

Well, he's with another party. ─ Hadn't you better run along Teddy?

Your friends are waiting. ─ You run along. They wait for him too.

Do you think I'd pass this up for any of those ...?

Never mind the details. ─ Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Teddy.

See you tomorrow. There's lots of time tomorrow. I ordered 1,500 pieces.

She's a great salesman, your partner. And she's real cute too, aren't you?

Yes, sir. She's going to take real good care of me.

Shut up, and why don't you go home? You don't have to do this to get orders.

Do what, Teddy darling? ─ Spoon-feed this drunk, that's what.

Sherman, you can't talk like this in front of a lady.

Don't you take your buyers out, wine them, dine them and amuse them?

That's different. ─ How?

Because I'm a man and you're a lady. ─ How?

I'll write you a letter. Let's go. ─ Look, this lady is in my company.

This place is full of my friends. Now, let's go!

Just a minute .. why you ..

Mr Sherman, Mr Sherman! Mr Sherman, your hat ..

Taxi!

Forget it, all we lost was an order. ─ You lost more. You lost me.

This just shows you how much I like you. ─ Who asked you to show me?

Taxi! ─ I couldn't help it. You know how I feel.

Sure. I'm part of the Teddy Sherman circus.

You think I got into this business with you and Cooper just for money?

You've been on my mind since the first time we went out.

I liked it. But I don't like to see you selling yourself to a buyer like a prize.

You mean like yourself and those lady buyers from the southern circuit?

What kind of talk is that? You're the kind of girl I could marry.

Didn't you hear me? I'm proposing to you.

What do you expect me to do? Throw my arms around you?

When you marry a girl, it will be to rope her off so you go on playing the field.

Can't you understand, I love you?

You love me? You mean you want to own me!

I worked and schemed to get a business started so I could be free of men like you.

So I could belong to myself. You loved me so much ..

For the sake of your ego, you'll take something I've dreamt about all my life ..

And kick it under a bar-room table. That's how much you love me!

Alright, I'll carry you back in there and dump you in Savage's lap.

But that finishes it, I want out. Get yourself another partner.

On no .. I've got a partner. You. The best in the business.

And you're going to help me get rich.

The contract is signed, sealed and delivered .. unbreakable.

And you won't get out. Never. So make up your mind to like it.

Taxi!

What are we going to do now, honey? ─ I'm hungry.

Sorry .. all I got is pearls.

I wish they were oysters.

You got to be a hula dancer to get these girls around without getting them wet.

Suppose they do get wet. What does that mean in human history?

In this human's history? Plenty.

Are you favoring the industry with your presence, my good man?

Can they take it off my income tax? ─ Naturally. It's a business deduction.

Entertainment.

I presume therefore, you're going? ─ It's a must.

A person must be seen there, to establish his position in the industry.

With your position in the industry? Stay in Brooklyn.

I shall report your impertinence to the janitorial department.

Ladies and gentlemen.

When the committee first asked me to introduce our guest of honor.

I was naturally very proud and happy.

But since he is truly a man who needs no introduction.

I said that my remarks should be brief and to the point.

Well, that didn't fool the committee, they made me show them my speech anyway.

And so, briefly .. but with deep pleasure and pride ..

I give you that great Merchant Prince.

That man .. whose stores are national centers of taste and elegance.

That great friend of The Garment Center .. Mr J. F. Noble.

With all your influence, why are we sitting in the bleachers?

Are we supposed to be hiding from someone?

As a way of showing my gratitude to you for your invitation to me tonight,

I hope to prove myself the equal of your toastmaster in brevity, if not in wit.

Sam, tell Miss Boyd we're here because this area is for those that make dresses.

Half way up is for those who whip up frocks.

And right at the platform itself, are the distinguished designers of gowns.

Tell him, I want to design gowns.

Tell her to take it up with Noble. ─ I don't blame her.

With that gown, she should be sitting up on the platform next to Noble.

That's probably what she's been thinking. ─ That's exactly what I've been thinking.

It comes true not only for the privileged handful ..

For those who can raise the capital to start a business ..

But for those with no more than native ability and energy ..

For all those in fact .. that have what is commonly known as "the stuff".

Plus of course, a little luck ..

I could ask the lady with Noble to go home.

You could if she'd talk to you.

Oh she'd talk to me. As a matter of fact she'd dance with me.

What do you plan to do? Go up and pinch her?

That isn't done in some circles you know. You have to be introduced.

Don't go away Miss Boyd .. excuse me.

And as I did myself from London, across the broad Atlantic in steerage.

A chance to move from the side of the railway tracks on which they were born.

To the side on which life looks, and is, better.

What is it with Teddy? Where's he gone? ─ Don't worry, he'll be right back.

Because you are all a part of America's fulfillment.

A part of the promise, from the New World to the sons and daughters of the Old.

Yes .. The Garment Center is more than the home of an industry ..

In which success is achieved with no more than talents inherited at birth.

The Garment Center is also a state of mind.

It is the Mecca to which the pilgrim's route lies.

Not across the desert by camel caravan.

But across Manhattan, by way of the Subway.

Anybody can raise the fare .. all of you have.

And the Mecca is the fulfillment of great ambitions.

The success of great talents .. the reward of intelligence and energy.

And so I say:

"Long live 7th Avenue. I'm proud of it".

"I'm proud of all of us .. And especially of you."

I thank you.

It's been a long time Teddy .. I thought you were dead.

I don't like running around with married women.

I'm not married to him. ─ How come?

Mr Noble advances women who fall for him through their careers, not marriage.

I'm running the lingerie department of the Chicago store.

You happy? ─ Reasonably .. you?

Reasonably .. I'm in business for myself, that is with two partners.

One of them is an angel, the other one is a louse.

Come on, let's dance over there. I want to show you off to them.

Hello! ─ Hello Mr Cooper, Hello Mrs Cooper.

Where did you get the money? ─ We crashed.

All it cost was $22.50 for the tux.

Teddy, I mean Mr Sherman, got it for me wholesale.

Didn't you hear Noble: "All I need is talent, energy and brains".

Commodities with which I am lavishly endowed.

Positively loaded!

Come Ellie, let's get on the dance floor. We've got to get our money's worth.

See you later, Mama. ─ Yes, dear.

Sam .. where is he?

Over there ..

Would you look at that ..

Oh that. That doesn't bother me. I'm not jealous anymore.

You don't understand. That's one of my partners.

Oh .. the angel. ─ No .. not the angel.

I never suspected a buyer's ball could be so entertaining.

I must apologize for putting them off all these years.

It's been a lovely evening .. but now I must finish my nightcap and go.

Nightcaps are meant to be lingered over, not to be finished.

Well, I'm sorry but it's late, and I'm a working girl.

This nightcap will have to be finished.

I've been meaning to ask you where you got that lovely dress.

I designed it myself.

I'm one pilgrim in the $10.95 line, who wants to achieve the Mecca of gowns.

As in Noble's. ─ I did use that phrase, didn't I ..

I can only say I hoped no-one would remember it.

I assumed you wanted everyone to remember everything you were saying.

The only people who remember what I say are those who want something from me.

What's wrong with that? What you have is what people should want.

I'm not objecting. ─ As a matter of fact ..

They are words that describe thoughts I've had .. things I've felt.

When you said "people", I translated "Harriet Boyd".

When you said "talent" I said "mine" ..

And when you said "luck" I said it had to be "my luck".

Well .. goodnight. ─ You sure I can't drive you home?

No thanks.

You really pride yourself on your independence, don't you.

I noticed that you left your partner without an excuse, or even a "goodnight".

Why shouldn't I?

Usually, when men have beautiful women for partners ..

Pleasure and business gets mixed up.

In our partnership our only pleasure is business.

Then you need a change .. either your point of view, or your partner ..

Goodnight.

Taxi!

Hold that right there for me, Terry. ─ Sure.

Gee Miss Boyd, I don't know how you think of these things.

I guess maybe it's a gift, huh?

Oh .. fancy ..

Just a little something I'm whipping up for myself, Sam.

It's beautiful, Harriet.

But come down from the clouds for a minute. I must tell you about Con-Gees.

There's a manufacturer closing up and he'll sell for nothing.

If you got a Spring design for the material, it's a smart deal.

Buy it! ─ You got a design?

I'll have one. ─ Good girl.

There .. now that's what I was looking for.

Can you get out of that without pulling all the pins loose?

Sure.

What are you going to show Renee? ─ 712.

Show it in the blue. It suits your coloring best.

Yes, Miss Boyd.

Gee Mr Sherman! ─ Treat me as a member of the family.

I just spoke to Sam. You're making a mistake with Con-Gees.

Why?

Old-fashioned material and it won't sell. ─ Make it sell.

I'm against it. ─ Settle it with Cooper.

Will you leave those sketches alone for minute. Harriet, listen to me.

You're involved in this. You're supposed to be designing the Spring Line.

Unless, of course, it is all too dull, since you got your claws into Noble.

Not blood, ink! ─ Very funny.

There's plenty you can do.

You can drop a hint around the house. I want to be a salesman.

Look Ellie .. you've got to think of me like I was a relative.

On whose side? My mother's or father's?

Alright .. make jokes. ─ Excuse me.

You buying or selling? ─ Are you one of the partners here?

Mr Noble! .. My heartfelt apologies.

What can I do for you Mr Noble sir? ─ Is Miss Boyd in?

Why yes sir. Have a seat sir. I'll call her and inform her of your presence.

Yeah?

Mr Noble.

Well, well .. the mountain has come to Mohamed. Come in Mr Noble.

Could you go for him? ─ What kind of a question is that?

Hello.

This is my partner Teddy Sherman. Teddy .. Mr Noble.

If this is formal, I'm Mr Sherman, you're Miss Boyd, and this is Mr Noble.

But if we're not, I'm Teddy Sherman, you're Harriet Boyd and you are ..

Mr Noble.

If anyone wants me, I'll be at my club.

I waited for you to call, and when you didn't, I did.

This is your Spring Line? ─ Yes.

It's very nice.

Did I bore you? ─ Oh no ..

Then why didn't you press your advantage?

I didn't know I had one. ─ Well, here I am.

What's this? ─ Just doodling.

Would you like to have lunch with me and go to a fashion show?

I would.

There is some new things in from Paris I'd like to have your comments on.

You should doodle more often. ─ Well, if I'm encouraged, I might.

Don't I look encouraging?

Like it?

Yes .. I like it very much.

Oh .. here you are.

After you.

Thank you.

You like this one? ─ It's lovely .. but impractical.

The only place a woman could wear a gown like this would be .. in a perfume Ad'.

Lareen. ─ Good afternoon Mr Noble.

What is the reaction on this one?

Oh the men like it, but the women know that you can't sit down in it.

What about this?

I would lower the neckline a bit to make it more formal.

And this?

I thought it had a certain flair. ─ But it wouldn't have on a hanger.

The model brought her "flair" with her.

Do you believe in hunches? ─ No.

Well I do.

I have a hunch that you and I should have a serious talk .. and tonight.

Oh, I believe in that.

Well, are we ready for the unveiling? ─ In a minute.

I've switched a few of your ideas around. I hope you don't mind.

I expect them to be switched around.

I also expect them to be improved. ─ About that, we'll know in a minute.

There .. that does it ..

You are a fabulous girl .. you're not in the least bit nervous, are you.

Nervous? Why, should I be?

Your work is about to be judged by, if you will forgive me, J.F. Noble.

Now, don't you care if like it or not? ─ I care very much.

Then you are sure that I am going to? ─ No .. I'm just sure it's good.

Well?

It has everything I expected it to have, but it is incomplete.

Here is how I'd like to see it finished.

"Harriet of Nobles".

"Harriet of Nobles". ─ You like the way it sounds?

Oh yes .. yes, I like it very much. ─ Do you mind if I speak frankly?

You are going to say something disagreeable?

Naturally ..

I'm going to say that if you think I'm interested in you personally, as a woman ..

You are wrong.

But I know what you need, and what you want.

You have ambition and talent .. And I can help you fulfill them.

With me, you can jump from the $10.95 business to the top of your profession.

In a few years you can become one of the leading designers in the country.

That's exactly .. exactly what I want.

Then take it .. the offer is open ..

But I have 2 partners, a small business and an unbreakable contract for 5 years.

You'll find a way to break it.

May I use the design?

It's a present. ─ Thank you.

You know, if we're going to work together someday, you must be frank with me.

Oh, wasn't I? ─ No.

You are interested in me, as well as my talent.

Well, suppose I am.

Why did you deny it?

Because it might complicate things for "Harriet of Nobles".

I'm complicated.

And I'm simple. I only know what I want.

I think we both know what we want.

Well the offer is still open Harriet.

But it won't be forever.

"Don't you tell me to be quiet. I don't care who hears me."

"I'm not going to stand for this kind of thing. I'm not blind and I'm not a fool."

"I know exactly what you've been up to and you won't get away with it."

"You hear me! You won't get away with it."

If you people don't want me in this company, say so.

Come out and say it and stop conspiring against me. I slave over those sketches.

What do you think I've got to work with, making a dress for $10.95?

And when I get something, this is what you do with it.

This is not the dress I designed, and you know it.

Please Harriet, if something is wrong ..

Miss Boyd! Mr Sherman says to hold it down. He can hear you in the showroom.

It's not a dress, it's a nightmare.

What right have you got to make changes without my permission?

But Harriet, it's just exactly like .. ─ It is not!

This collection of rags you've sewn together is not the dress I designed.

Here .. look at this.

You're not hanging wallpaper Sam. This is supposed to be a dress.

Something for a human-being to wear.

And look .. what's this supposed to be? Some kind of a joke?

And this .. and this!

Gee Miss Boyd! What did you do that for?

Alright everybody, get busy, this isn't a side-show.

What's going on? What happened to you?

She did it .. I don't have to take this from anybody. I've a good mind to quit.

Don't quit so fast. You'll get a formal apology in the morning.

In the meantime, get into 712, there's a buyer waiting to see it.

Okay .. let's have it.

I suppose changing my design was your idea.

What? What design? ─ This! This, this ..

If he wants to design the dresses around here, let him. This isn't mine.

You crazy? Stop yelling at Cooper. ─ Teddy, it's alright.

It's not alright.

What kind of fuss is this anyway? ─ If you 2 don't like it, I'll get out.

I don't like how you sound. I don't like the tone of your voice.

I want you to behave yourself Harriet.

You should treat people here as if they were as good as you are. Understand?

Do you understand? ─ It's alright Harriet, it's alright.

If a person doesn't feel good, it's the sickness that talks, not the person.

It's alright.

Oh Sam, I'm sorry .. I'm all on edge.

The thing is it's exactly like the sketch. Exactly.

Now, all day she sits in her office. She doesn't even go out for lunch.

Every two minutes she changes her mind.

I'll have to stay in work tonight. The designs are all late.

Are they any good? ─ Sure, very good. Look ..

I don't know, it's a mystery. I walk in and bang, the house falls on me.

I think I'll have to have a long talk with her.

Yup!

Teddy .. no more yelling .. please. ─ I don't yell when I'm serious.

After all, with a genius, we've got to expect temperament, not good manners.

She's a high-strung type Teddy .. oversensitive.

So what are we? Elephants?

Goodnight Miss Boyd. ─ Goodnight.

Let's take a walk together.

No, I'm going home to bed. I have a terrible headache.

A walk in fresh air will help. ─ Nothing will help.

Don't be too sure.

Sometimes you forget there's such a thing as fresh air in New York.

Or, other things in the world besides business.

Go ahead, it's your turn.

Now you breathe.

What's killing you?

Me. ─ How come?

Overworked, over tired, over eager, over ambitious, over worried.

I'd like to forget I ever wanted to be a designer.

I'd like to forget I ever wanted to be rich.

Why?

It's the pressure. Every season a new gamble.

Will the designs be good? Will they sell? Will we go broke?

And it's all on me. I can ruin the whole business in one week.

I don't sleep at night .. I've hardly slept .. in I don't know how long.

Did you see a doctor? ─ We're practically married.

Well, what does he say? ─ He told me to quit.

I told him I couldn't.

Looks like I'll have to. I'm no use to anyone this way.

That's right.

I used to think my sister Marge was a dope .. but she's happy.

I'd like to quit .. but what about you and Sam?

Never mind about me and Sam. Let's talk about me and you.

No. ─ Why not?

I .. I don't want to. ─ Harriet ..

Look, you stay here and breathe. I'm going home.

There is only one suggestion I can make, Harriet.

What's that? Throwing me out of the company?

Worse than that. ─ What could be worse than that?

You could marry me.

How could you possibly want me to marry you?

Sounds crazy doesn't it.

I never stop thinking about it, and don't think I haven't tried.

I can't tell if what you're doing is right or wrong. What's more .. I don't care.

Now, what are you crying for? ─ Because I'm crazy, that's why.

Harriet, you go home and stay there. Don't go to the office. Forget business.

I'd burn the place down if I thought it would make you happy for one minute.

I don't want to be happy.

I'm a fast-talking salesman from 7th Avenue.

You make me feel like a boy in love.

Well, get me a cab, boy .. I want to go home.

I'll take you there. ─ No.

No, I want to go home by myself.

I've got a lot to think about tonight.

A lot to think about.

Don't wait Joe, I'll be a little while.

Well?

I think she .. took a tumble from a high horse.

What do you mean?

I asked her to marry me. ─ And?

She didn't say no. ─ Good.

She's all upset, Sam.

She needs a vacation, and I've got an idea.

I think I'll tell her we've decided to give her a European trip.

Let her go to Paris, see the Spring shows. She dreams of those things.

I'll pay for it. We'll tell her it's the Company.

As soon as I finish this sales-trip on the road, I fly over to meet her.

We'll have a good time, get married and get back in time for next season.

The Company will pay for it. ─ No.

Yes. ─ I'll pay for it.

You think her happiness and yours, isn't my business?

I know she's home right now, kicking herself to pieces.

I think I'll go tell her.

Tell her all the partners are agreed.

Well?

Run Casanova, before she wakes up and knows what a bad bargain she's getting.

Boyd please. ─ Nobody is home.

You sure? ─ Miss Boyd just went to the hospital.

What? ─ Her daughter was just taken there.

Where? ─ Midtown. She just left.

Tax! Hey taxi, hey!

Cab! Hey, cab ..

Teddy.

Mrs Boyd, what is ...? ─ Teddy, it's wonderful. It's a boy.

It's a boy. ─ What do you mean?

It was just like when I had Harriet.

I tell you, Marge wasn't in that delivery room more than 15 minutes.

Well, you mean this is ...? Congratulations .. Grandma ..

Congratulations .. where's Harriet?

Come on, we can see her now, just for a minute.

Teddy, how about that? Congratulations, huh?

If I had a cigar, I'd give you a cigar. ─ Here, I'll give you a cigar.

Is Harriet in there? ─ Harriet?

Her only sister, and she couldn't even wait for the baby to be born.

A dinner-date. That's more important. ─ A dinner-date? With whom?

With whom do you think? ─ Skip it Ma.

Come on Ma, let's go. ─ No, don't skip it, Ma.

A dinner date with whom?

With Mr Noble .. what's happened to her Teddy?

I used to think that maybe you and she .. ─ Ma, come on. We only got a minute.

Teddy .. ─ Easy, you'd better go in, for Marge.

Say hello for me.

I'm sorry Jay but .. that's how I feel.

Having wounded my vanity both as a man and as a Merchant Prince ..

Would you mind telling me just why you changed your mind?

It's very simple.

You are very attractive and so is your offer.

But I think in the long run I can get more out of my own business.

It will take longer .. but I'll have more when it's over.

Oh? ─ I'll have myself, for instance.

And let's not slight that young partner of yours. You'll have him too.

Yes .. and I'll have all of him.

And I thought a little of me would be worth all of him.

I thought so too, once .. but I don't think so anymore.

I see .. do you mind if I keep that sketch?

I gave it to you.

I'm going to have it framed and hung up in my office with a motto underneath.

"Never Underestimate The Competition From 7th Avenue".

Excuse me.

Hello .. Oh he is? .. No .. No, tell him to come up.

We have an uninvited guest .. or was he invited? That's your partner.

My partner? ─ Yes, Mr Sherman.

He's on his way up. I must confess I'm a little puzzled.

Is he coming here as an outraged lover, or to deliver you from the lion's den?

I'd like to know what role he is playing to decide what part to play myself.

I'm sorry Harriet but ..

It would have been stupid not to invite him up as he must know you are here.

Of course.

Ah .. good evening Mr Sherman.

This will only take a minute.

I see that Doctor Noble has a cure for what ails you.

There's plenty for everyone. May I pour you a Martini?

I'm not here to join your party Mr Noble.

I came take back a few things I said to my partner this afternoon.

Teddy .. listen to me. ─ Listen to you? You ..

I suppose you got a good story to cover this too?

Well, you're both celebrating too soon.

I want to tell you something Mr Noble that Harriet once told me.

She'll never get out of our deal.

She's going to stick and make me rich and make our Company a success.

You'll design overalls if I want you to, and you're going to like it!

You lied, cheated and double-crossed your way into a partnership with me and Cooper.

And now you're lying, cheating and double crossing your way into something better.

Well, you can stop trying, you're stuck.

Well, stop screaming like a 7th Avenue salesman.

I am a 7th Avenue salesman, but I'm nobody's Teddy .. not even Harriet's.

"Harriet of Nobles". You made "Nobles" "Harriet".

And I won't tell Cooper about your dirty little scheme .. he likes you.

It might break his heart.

Can you get me out of it?

He loves you .. but he wants to own you, because he's a man who has nothing.

I have everything, and all I want is to share my pleasure in it with you.

Can you get me out of it? ─ Yes.

I've given Ellie a list of dates and places where I'll be.

You can expect the first orders in a week.

Take me along Mr Sherman, you can double the business.

Don't be in such a hurry to grow up and become a failure.

Be good Ellie. If you can't be good, at least get in on time.

Goodbye Sam.

Harriet .. I can't stand such a thing. Such an atmosphere.

Two partners not talking to each other.

Here are some sketches for the new line.

Harriet .. wait.

I don't understand, a gown for $10.95?

And made of these materials? You're crazy.

Our prices are going up Sam.

Four-Eyes, clear those material racks, all of them .. right away please.

The new materials are coming in tonight. ─ Impossible. This for the $10.95 gown?

We're forming a second corporation. With Sherboyco assets.

"Harriet Boyd Originals". They'll make the line.

You'll do this without Teddy?

I won't let you Harriet. You can't.

What should I do? Get down on my hands and knees and beg him to talk to me?

We're in business to make a profit, aren't we?

Well, the Harriet Boyd line is guaranteed a profit of 50,000 for the first season.

50,000? ─ Yes!

I never want to see anything for $10.95 again as long as I live.

Hello .. yes .. It's Dallas, Texas .. Teddy.

Hello .. Teddy .. how are you Teddy?

Fine, fine .. I'm mailing you three fat ones.

And a whopper from Hermione Griggs.

Yeah, got that flow, got that rhythm. You working hard?

Naturally .. naturally. Alright Teddy, alright.

Yeah .. yeah .. goodbye.

We're going to have to tell him Harriet. Every day we're in worse trouble.

This is great trouble if you can get it.

He keeps sending in orders and we can't fill them.

Sam, listen to me.

In four weeks we've jumped from a cheap little dress house to a gown house.

We have the Noble stores as a client, a profit on every garment ..

And a future as millionaires.

Is that trouble? ─ No, that's not trouble.

Well relax Mr Millionaire, and be happy.

Until Teddy gets back, I'll try and be happy.

Oh Sam, now ..

Teddy Sherman is marching through the south.

But believe me, the big battle will be on 7th Avenue.

If it's a battle he wants, he'll get it.

Delivered between the 15th and the 30th. You've got my word on it.

Anything goes wrong, you drop me a note personally. I'll take care of it. Bye.

Let's see now, you are Miss Moore, right? Thank you very much Miss Moore.

And Miss Tate, thank you very much Miss Tate.

And you are Miss Lane, thank you very much Miss Lane.

Just a minute, I'll take those.

Girls .. help yourselves to any of this stuff that you want.

Make yourselves right at home. Thanks again. See you next year.

Goodbye.

Hello.

Teddy .. this is Hermione .. Getting enough fried chicken?

Plenty .. you miss me?

Just pick the models out of your hair and listen dear.

I'm confused. ─ What do you mean, honey?

I mean honey .. I want to do a big promotion on that order I gave you.

And when I called Cooper and asked when I could expect my first deliveries ..

All I got was double-talk.

Now I can't sell double-talk Teddy. I can listen to it, but I can't sell it.

That's funny. Maybe they're a little snowed under.

Okay, lover-boy, but I need this stuff or I'll have to cancel.

This isn't all romance. ─ Check.

Bye now, I'll get back to you .. bye.

Hello operator. I want to talk to Circle 72099 in New York City.

Alright, thank you.

Hello. ─ "New York ready sir. Go ahead."

Hello Sam. ─ Hello Teddy.

Sam, what's with the orders? I'm getting complaints.

We're doing what we can Teddy.

Well it's not good enough Sam. Are you trying to sabotage the business?

You better come home, Teddy. ─ Come home? Why?

Because! That's why .. come home.

We have a little problem.

Alright. I'll clean up in Nashville, and catch the plane tomorrow.

I'll be home the day after tomorrow .. what's up?

I'll meet you at the airport. Wire me the plane.

Okay.

They're lovely, really lovely Miss Boyd. ─ Thank you very much.

And when do we get started on them Mr Noble?

We'll probably release the New York advertising in a week.

And be ready to make deliveries in three.

Goodbye. ─ Goodbye Miss Boyd.

Miss Chapman, will you come in please.

Yes Mr Noble?

You can confirm the reservations for tomorrow night.

And have Miss Boyd's baggage and mine picked up in the afternoon.

Yes sir.

Bring in the tickets right away, please. ─ Certainly.

It seems to me you could resign yourself more gracefully to being rich and famous.

What's the matter?

I keep wondering what Teddy is going to say.

Well, it will be loud and unpleasant no doubt .. but why worry about it?

If he doesn't like it, we'll return the dresses and the order is canceled.

That will, effectively bankrupt your little company.

And you'll be free next season instead of this. Either way, you'll be at Nobles.

Really Harriet, your Mr Sherman has no choice but to accept and grow rich.

I suppose so.

Do stop thinking about it. Think about this instead.

The layouts for the newspapers and the magazines.

Harper's Bazaar - four full pages.

And here's the picture of you that we're running in Vogue.

Well, I'll say this for you Jay ..

You really keep your promises.

Right down to the last, most extravagant part of them.

By this time next week, you'll be comfortably settled in Paris.

You'll be going to Paris every season to see the fashions.

You're going to be very happy, Harriet. ─ Am I?

I've mapped out plans for your whole life.

All you've got to do is follow them.

I don't always follow other people's plans, Jay.

It's an old habit of mine.

To get you out of your partnership, I've had to violate old habits of mine.

Such as making a deal that isn't one.

But I'm not complaining, so long as everything is above board between us.

We understand one another perfectly .. don't we?

Yes .. of course we do. I'm just a little tired, that's all.

Well .. we can skip dinner tonight if you'd rather rest.

Oh no, no. I want to go out to dinner.

I can rest in Paris.

Rest on the boat my dear.

No-one rests in Paris.

Thanks Ma. ─ What time are you expecting Teddy?

Six o'clock. I'm going to meet him at the office.

I don't suppose you'd want me and your other relatives down to see you off?

If that means no, I agree with you.

The car is downstairs Miss Boyd.

I'll take care of this. The rest of the bags are in the bedroom.

How long will you be gone? ─ Two months.

I'll look for a new apartment for myself. ─ Why?

You'll be needing one of your own now. ─ Stop that!

I have to make my plans.

Well .. goodbye Ma.

Goodbye Harriet.

Alright, let's have it.

Not while you look so mad, Teddy. I can't talk to you.

Sam, quit stalling. ─ Relax a little first.

At least, finish your cigarette. Then I'll tell you.

Well?

Alright ..

Welcome home Mr Sherman, or as we say in French: Bonjour.

We had a revolution Mr Sherman. ─ Any casualties?

Well, Miss Boyd's waiting. She don't have much time. Her boat sails tonight.

Her boat? Where to? ─ La belle France, where else?

We're in the Haut Monde right now. Couture and style ..

I'm going to night-school to learn the right accent.

Well, bon soir. ─ Bon soir Papa.

Yeah ..

Teddy.

I want to talk to you.

I've had a full report.

And to quote Four-Eyes: "Bon-Voyage".

Is that all you have to say? ─ Oh .. I almost forgot.

I got you a going-away present.

One dollar.

By next year, you'll be able to afford a real one as easily.

I told you when we started this partnership, that I'd make you rich.

Well, I've delivered on my promises .. I always do.

Don't I Sam? ─ Always.

It there is a thing about Harriet Boyd, she's a girl who delivers.

Anywhere, anytime, any price.

I don't see you turning down any of the dirty money.

Look partner, I know when I'm in a squeeze-play.

There's no contract on the orders.

If I quit, Noble pulls the plug, and our company goes down the drain, bankrupt.

Then you are free to go ahead with him.

You get what you want anyway, that's plain, and I can't stop you.

So I won't try.

I learned that lesson the first time five guys jumped me in an alley.

You enjoy feeling sorry for yourself .. you can afford it.

I got a surprise for you. We decided NOT to afford it!

You turned everything into dirt, and Sam and I don't like dirt.

We don't like living in it.

Yeah, that's right .. you heard me.

We're not delivering.

We're stopping production, we're closing down, we're out on the street, broke.

Flat .. finished. Every dime we own, or ever hoped to own.

Get it? Broke, out of business. Bankrupt.

You can't .. I won't let you.

You're going to deliver on those orders. The money's there, it's waiting for you.

Well, it will grow old and gray waiting for us.

You wrecked our little dress business .. and now ..

We're going to wreck your big gown business.

We're finished because we don't like what you've done.

So don't throw us a diamond-studded bone and try and make us like it.

Come on, Sam.

Sam .. he just wants to humiliate me.

But you'll lose everything. Every penny you've ever saved.

Your house .. the work of a lifetime.

You have a wife and a daughter. He's got nothing. He doesn't care.

He just wants to make me feel like .. ─ Like what you are!

Like what you always were. You're a cheap ..

Sam.

That teddy is such a fool, always saying the wrong things.

Of course .. he was just bluffing.

He was, wasn't he? He was just trying to scare me.

Scare you? No ..

He didn't say what he wanted to say: that we both love you.

I, like a father .. and Teddy, like Teddy.

You know him, a bit loud, a joke, a laugh.

But with his heart in his mouth.

We are going bankrupt.

We're closing up even though it means the end of all our plans and hopes.

But not because we hate you.

Teddy is right.

When it comes to choose between money and someone you love ..

What choice can a man make?

Good luck Harriet.

Madam!

Madam!

Your boarding ticket .. ─ What?

Your boarding ticket please. ─ Oh yes. It's here somewhere.

How much time before the boat sails? ─ About fifteen minutes.

That will the last shore call.

Suite "D", "A" Deck please. ─ Passageway directly ahead Ma'am.

Thank you very much.

Have you seen Jay anywhere? ─ Harriet, what happened?

Jay, I've got to talk to you. ─ Well go ahead.

No, I mean alone.

Won't it wait until our guests leave? ─ There isn't any time. Please.

Jay ..

Jay, we've got to postpone this trip.

I beg your pardon?

We've got to get off the boat. We can't sail.

Harriet, you're not making sense. What are you talking about?

They won't deliver the gowns .. you've got to go back and make them deliver.

You can do it through the banks, through the mills. You can force them to.

But why? .. Why should I? ─ Why?

Don't you understand what I'm saying? They've decided to go bankrupt.

If they think they can afford the gesture, let them. I shall rejoin our guests.

You mean, you won't do anything? ─ Certainly not.

Jay!

You've got to .. I can't let them go bankrupt.

Harriet, I will not make Mr Sherman's solvency the basis of our relationship.

If you can't be happy with me unless Mr Sherman is happy too ..

That has nothing to do with it.

"We're leaving, Jay". ─ Just a minute.

Simply, I will not lift a finger to keep Sherboyco from going down the drain.

If you want to prevent Mr Sherman's bankruptcy, just go back to him.

Go back to him? ─ Yes .. the choice you have to make.

Sherboyco or Nobles. Teddy Sherman or me.

And you haven't much time.

Do you want me to go back to him?

No Harriet, I want you to stay.

But only if you really want to stay.

I have no intention of spending the best years of my life ..

As a psychoanalyst to a woman who won't admit she's in love with another man.

Me? In love with that big baboon?

That loud-mouthed salesman with his lady buyers and his cheap wisecracks.

Your description is a trifle cruel perhaps, but that's the man I mean.

That's ridiculous. I only wanted you to do ..

Unfortunately Harriet, you want too many things.

You wanted to leave a $10.95 dress house for a shining career at Nobles.

I arranged that .. now you want to luxuriate in a happy conscience as well.

That, I'm afraid, cannot be arranged.

I'm happy for you to find fulfillment, but not to find it for the man you loved.

I don't love him. ─ So you keep saying.

Of course I understand your reluctance to crawl back on your hands and knees.

He'll probably insist on that .. and we must admit with some justice.

But crawling on one's hands and knees is good for the soul sometimes.

It has a nice effect on one's elevated notions.

I know .. I crawled once.

Being a victim of great pride, I crawled too slowly and got back too late.

Now, we wouldn't want that to happen to you Harriet, would we.

So, if Mr Sherman is the one you want .. I suggest you start crawling.

I don't want him. You're crazy.

Very well then. Let's leave Mr Sherman to his little bankruptcy ..

Say goodbye to our guests, and start unpacking.

"Last warning .. all ashore that's going ashore."

I'm sure you'll find your suite most attractive.

I'm sorry, Jay.

I'm sorry too.

Goodbye Jay. ─ I'll send you a postcard from Paris.

What about that rayon from last season Sam? What's the full amount?

About fourteen hundred dollars, even.

That's enough for one night Sam. We'll start again in the morning.

I'm back.

Why? Did Noble find you going through his pockets and have you thrown off the boat?

No .. not exactly.

He told me I was in love with you.

That's why he wouldn't let me stay.

Because I was in love with you, he said.

What about you? What did you say?

I said: "Me in love with that big baboon? That cheap salesman? That .."

I forget now what I said.

I don't forget so easy .. I haven't forgotten a thing.

Teddy, wait .. listen to me.

Maybe 7th Avenue is a jungle.

But that doesn't mean that you have to live like a wild animal in it.

Harriet's found that out. So she came back.

And remember Teddy .. it isn't easy to walk back in after you walk out.

It's easier to stay out.

And Harriet .. it isn't easy to say: "Please come back".

Besides .. falling in love is always a mess.

What can you expect from two .. strangers?

Let me at least introduce you.

Teddy .. this is Harriet.

Harriet .. this is Teddy.

T-G 2015