Original subtitles

'It is now five minutes before 9 o'clock'

'on the day before Christmas.'

'As has been my custom for the past 22 years'

'I address you today.'

'I wish to offer my thanks for your loyalty and cooperation'

'during the past year.'

I needn't add that my son joins me in my sentiments.

So, from the bottom of our hearts

we wish you the very merriest, merriest of Christmases

and the happiest of New Years.

Alright, everybody, dismissed.

Christmas card.

- You get one? - Unh-unh.

Don't be jealous.

Gee, it's not going to be easy getting a job after Christmas.

It wasn't easy before Christmas.

I wonder if I'll get a pension. I worked here for three weeks.

Look, honey, maybe you ought to go back home, huh?

There's nobody there anymore.

Haven't you anyone in New York?

No, I haven't.

Mary, is it hard for a girl to get in the Navy?

Quack, quack, quack, quack. Good morning, girls.

Hey, what are you getting me for Christmas?

You wouldn't drink it.

She's crazy for me.

Hey, Polly, I saw you hoofing at the employees' ball.

Babe, you're really solid.

- Think so? - Yeah.

And just to prove it to you, I'll take you dancing tonight.

No. I don't feel like it.

Not even for 50 bucks?

You mean, you're going to give me 50 bucks?

Yeah, in a way.

Come here.

Now, listen. There's a dancing contest at the Pink Slipper.

One of the judges is my best pal.

So we win second prize, 50 bucks and we split it up the middle.

'Uh-oh, here they come.'

- Well, what do you say? - You just made a deal.

- I'll pick you up at 7 o'clock. - '7 o'clock.'

After supper.

'Where are you going for lunch, Mamie?'

Just a minute.

Don't you dare! Don't you dare leave your baby here.

Oh, I'm not the mother.

There isn't any mother.

They'll take good care of it here.

It's such a wonderful baby.

Won't you come in?

Okay, take your finger out of your mouth.

Take your finger out of your mouth.

You must be hungry. They'll give you something to eat.

- How do you do? - Hello.

Come on, darling, you mustn't eat your fingers.

Your name, please.

Polly Parrish.

Are you employed anywhere?

I'm at Merlin's.

You're so cute.

Oh, just a minute. This isn't my baby.

I found it on the doorstep outside.

No. Really.

An old lady left it on the doorstep

and I was afraid it might roll off, so the best thing--

My dear young lady..

...we're only here to help you.

We're your friends.

I wasn't leaving it. I was just picking it up.

A great many mothers say that babies aren't theirs

but we've discovered from experience..

...that the wisest cause..

...is to make a clean breast of the whole thing.

Well, now, look. This is ridiculous.

This is not my baby, whether you believe it or not.

For heaven's sake.

Just a minute, Miss Parrish.

Look, when I want a family, I'll get married and do it right.

- Eh, pathetic. - Yes, yes.

Well, anyway, we know that she works at Merlin's

and they're a very charitable family.

- I'll go right after lunch. - That's right.

- Good morning, Mr. Merlin. - Good morning.

Good morning, Mr. Merlin.

Good afternoon.

Good morning, Mr. Merlin.

- 'Good morning, dad.' - Good afternoon.

If you're so interested in politics you should investigate

- the police force at Scarsdale. - But why?

Well, any motorcycle cop who turns down a $100 bribe

must be in some crooked racket. Don't you think so?

- Did you sleep in jail? - No. I didn't sleep at all.

I had to wait for the court to open.

David, you can't keep up at this pace. You'll crack up.

Out every night with women and things.

- "And things?" - Well, you know what I mean.

All I need is a shower. Everybody sleeps too much.

- You take Edison-- - You take me.

I was young once like you. Lived like you. Looked like you.

Then, suddenly overnight, I look like this.

Dad, you look great to me. I can't wait.

David, will you go to bed early tonight?

- 9 o'clock. - What?

- 10 o'clock. - Alright, I'll wait up for you.

- Miss Dyer, would you-- - Mr. Merlin, I--

This gentleman is from the Atkins Foundling Home.

The charity discount is handled by Mr. Hennessy now.

It's the first office down the hall.

Well, I hadn't come about the discount, thank you..

...but on a rather personal matter.

- Well, won't you come inside? - Thank you.

What can I do for you?

Well, an employee of yours, a young woman..

...left a baby with us today.

- Oh, I see. - Yes.

And I discovered on calling your personnel department

that she was discharged, as of the close of business today.

And I believe that is why she has abandoned her baby son.

Mr. Merlin..

...give her back her job.

- Well, it's not my department-- - Mr. Merlin..

...if you had seen this mother..

...denying the parenthood of her own child..

...it would've touched your heart.

- Yes, would you step in here? - Not at all.

It was pitiful, Mr. Merlin, to see the child..

And during the past year, we have had 537 such cases.

- '537?' - 'Yes.'

It..

Good afternoon.

Won't you sit down, Mrs...uh..?

- Miss Parrish. - Oh, Miss Parrish.

Thank you.

Miss Parrish, did you receive a card saying you were discharged

as of the close of business today?

- Yes, sir. - That was a mistake.

Will you please forgive us? It'll never happen again.

That job is yours for just as long as you want to keep it.

What do you say, Miss Parrish?

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

And you are to be raised $5 a week, as of last week.

Is that satisfactory?

What do you say, Miss Parrish?

Thank you.

But merely getting your job back and an increase

isn't your real Christmas present.

- No? - Oh, no, no.

Your Christmas present is probably the greatest gift

any woman could possibly have.

So true.

I almost envy you.

I do envy you.

Really?

You fortunate girl. To have an employer like Mr. Merlin.

And when you go home tonight..

...you'll get your Christmas present.

Tonight?

- Tonight. - Tonight.

Now, Miss Parrish, you may return to your department.

Thank you.

And now I want to wish you..

...and yours..

...a very, very Merry Christmas.

- Thank you. - 'Good day.'

Good day.

Thank you.

And the same to you.

A nice-looking girl like that.

Tch, it's a funny world.

I can just see the look on that girl's face tonight.

- Who is it? - 'Something from Mr. Merlin.'

Your Christmas present from John B. Merlin & Son.

And what do you say, Miss Parrish?

I'll tell you what I say.

You can just take that baby out of here. And this minute.

Do you realize what you are saying?

I certainly do.

That's not my baby. You can take it back to the Foundling Home

where it belongs.

Do you understand that Mr. Merlin gave your job back

so you could raise your child in security and comfort?

And you're choosing instead, to let it be raised as an orphan?

That's not my baby!

I am not its mother!

Come, Mrs. Wilkins.

That baby'll be back at the Foundling Home

- before you get there, even. - I wouldn't try that.

And it's no use your trying to leave it elsewhere

because it'll only come back to us, and we have its footprints.

I am not going to inform Mr. Merlin of your attitude.

Well, I am.

How do you like that?

Well, listen, kid, this is nothing personal.

I mean, it's..

I just don't know anything about babies, and then..

...and..

...you're so little.

Hey, hey, take your finger out of your mouth.

You want your teeth to grow crooked?

Come on, take them out. Take it out of your mouth.

- Who is it? - Freddie, the well-dressed man.

Oh.

Oh, just a minute.

Oh.

Oh, I'll only be a minute.

'Hiya, sugar.'

Oh, hello, Fred.

I'm afraid I won't be able to go out with you tonight.

I sort of feel like I'm going to have a headache.

Oh, now, wait a second. Babe, you can't do that to the chief.

Stand up the old maestro? Why, everything's all set.

My brother let me have his car. It's champing at the curb.

Well, I'm sorry, Fred. I won't be able to go with you.

A little something's come up.

Oh, now you just listen to the old doctor.

I've got everything fixed. One of the judge's my best pal.

I talked to him on the phone a few minutes ago and he's..'

I-I talked to him only a minute ago and he said it was all set.

You talked to him? What did he say?

He said that everything's fixed.

- Do you hear a baby crying? - Who, me?

Oh, a baby. Oh, yeah, a baby lives next door.

It keeps me awake almost every night.

Oh, that's tough.

Now, look. It ain't gonna do us any harm to go out of our way

a little bit to make 25 bucks a piece. I mean, it'll only take..

Well, what did it do? Crawl through the wall?

Oh, don't be silly.

Is it...is it yours?

No, it's not mine.

Well, where'd it come from?

I got it for Christmas.

Well, this Christmas or last Christmas?

Look, I don't know what you're thinking, but you're all wrong.

Hey, if you've got a headache or you're gonna have one

- we can call it off. - You said you brought a car.

- Yeah. - That's fine.

M-E..

M-E-R. M-E-R..

70 East, 64th Street. Come on. Let's go.

Come on, baby.

Hey!

You aren't taking that along?

I have an errand to do on the way. Come on.

- Wait a minute! - Come on!

Oh.

I'll just be a minute.

Goodbye, baby. You certainly are cute.

Is Mr. Merlin in? The son. I'd like to see him.

Merlin!

Would you tell me in reference to what?

I can't take care of this baby.

After all, it's his responsibility

'and he has influence.'

He got me into this, he'll get me out.

- I'm sorry, madam-- - Oh, no, you don't. Let me in.

You surely don't propose to leave that baby here?

Mr. David wouldn't know what to do with it.

You can just tell him Miss Parrish left it here

and he has to get the baby into that home.

- Goodbye, baby. - Please, Miss Parrish. Please.

Just tell him what I said. Thank you very much. I'm in a hurry.

Mr. Merlin!

- Mr. David! - What is it?

A young lady left this for you, sir.

What do you mean, "She left it?" What did she say?

Well, she said her name was Miss Parrish, sir.

And would you use your influence to get it into a home, sir?

She must be out of her mind. Where did she go?

- She's in that car, sir. - Well, come on. Come on.

No, be careful, sir. It's a baby, you know, sir.

Hey!

- Hey! - Hey!

- I have my eye on them, sir. - Well, don't lose 'em.

Uh, uh, no, sir.

- Uh, funny thing. - What?

Well, you thought you were gonna have a headache

and now I got one. So, I'll just drop you by your place

and then we can make it some other night?

Oh, no, you don't. You're just scared.

Sure. You think I want to run around with some gal

- that's friendly with the boss? - Don't be silly.

- That baby was left by mistake. - Oh, now, look--

Only he can straighten it out.

I don't wanna be seen with anybody who knows him.

We'll for $25, you can take a chance

he won't be dancing at the Pink Slipper.

Stop, sir! They went in there.

- Where? - There, sir.

Well, how do you find anybody in here?

What's the color of your wife's dress? We can help you find her.

I don't need any help.

Troublemaker. Keep an eye on him.

- There she is, sir. - Where?

There, sir. Number 28.

Come on, give out with the old personality.

You know. Ha ha ha.

So, that's the modern generation for you.

Twentieth-century motherhood!

Throws her baby in someone's house and runs out to do that.

I'm gonna give her a piece of my mind. Here take this.

Take it and wait for me.

Hold it, bud. Where's your partner?

I just want to talk to somebody. I--

You gotta wait till the contest is over.

- How long is that gonna be? - About an hour.

An hour?

Listen, if you want to get on, grab one of our hostesses.

Would you mind entering this thing with me?

I could be convinced.

My partner.

Give it everything you got, kid, but now warm up slow.

Dish it out, handsome, I can take it.

Hey! Wait a minute!

Hey, wait a minute, will you? Hey, where are we going?

'This is a dancing contest. Will you wait a minute?'

'Hey, look, wait, will you? Hey!'

Hey, wait a minute!

Hey, this is a dancing contest, not a free-for-all.

Sorry. Better luck next time.

- Hey, look, kid, we're out. - You're through.

- You're very kind. I've got-- - The judge's decision is final.

- Get off the floor now. - No. Oh, oh.

Well, was he corny?

Mind telling me what's going on?

Come here, you!

- Holy mackerel! - What's the matter?

I can't get Merlin out of my mind. I thought I just saw him.

You're crazy.

Get him out.

- ...they could not have-- - Goodnight.

If-if you'll please.

Call up Hennessy and find out where that girl lives!

Very good, sir.

Well, Polly, I'm sorry it didn't work out like I figured.

Hmm, it wasn't your fault.

No, it's just one of those tough breaks.

Guess maybe we tried too hard.

Yeah, I guess so.

I certainly could've used that money.

So could I.

Imagine winning first prize.

Of all the tough breaks.

Goodnight.

Well, how about asking a fellow in for a little drink?

- I haven't any liquor here. - 'Oh, come on. Have a heart.'

'No, really, I haven't.'

'Well, how about asking a fellow in for a little smoke?'

I haven't any cigarettes, either.

Who's asking you for cigarettes? I got a whole pocketful of them.

I just ain't got a match, that's all.

Well, I'm sorry, but I'm awfully tired and I've got to get up--

You don't have to get up in the morning. Come on.

Only a few minutes.

- 'Just one little matcheroo.' - 'No.'

- No. No-- - Oh, come on!

Hello, Mr. Merlin.

Well, I just came in for a little smoke or something, I..

We've been out dancing.

Well, I..

I guess I'd better go. Goodnight.

How did you get in here, Mr. Merlin?

Your landlady was kind enough to let me..

Let us in, out of the cold.

- 'I've been here three hours.' - I'm sorry, I--

I've been here three hours, Miss Parrish

waiting to ask you just one question.

What could possibly go on in that peculiar brain of yours

that lets you jump around a dance floor like an idiot

10 minutes after you've left your child in a strange house

with strange people, who for all you know, might strangle it?

- Are you through? - No.

I've seen some low things in my time

but a mother who has just abandoned her child, going..

Whoo! Whoo!

That will stand alone in my memory as something revolting.

Just one minute, Mr. Merlin--

Are you interested in knowing what I'm gonna do?

Would it interest you to know I'm not the mother of the child?

And that's the lowest thing, that you deny that baby

when it cries leaving your arms. They're experienced people.

They know a real mother when they see one.

I'm gonna fire you. In fact, you are fired.

- I'm not that child's mother. - Fine. You're not the mother.

But you'll discover, no department store

in the Merchants of America Association will hire you.

I'll see to that. But that's nothing.

Any employer will ask you for a character reference

and in my wildest imagination, I cannot conceive of anybody

whose character is less deserving of a reference.

I'll explain your character!

- But that's persecution. - I'll say it is.

Eventually you'll come and beg for your job back.

And then you'll realize what it is to have security

and a chance to bring up your child yourself.

You danced. Now pay the fiddler man.

You have an obligation to that child. Fulfill it.

Goodnight.

Well, have you decided to ask for your job back

or are you going to starve for a while first?

I'd like my job back.

Well, that's better.

I'm really not as bad as you think.

But why did you do it?

I had to.

There was nobody I could turn to.

Well, isn't there some legal way..

...to make the father support the baby?

I don't want to have anything to do with him.

Oh, I see.

He used to beat me.

No!

- See that? - Mmm.

- Coffee pot. - Oh, you poor kid.

- It all started-- - Yes, well, I must go now..

...and, uh, you ought to get some sleep, I think.

Don't worry, anymore. The store is behind you.

- Thank you, Mr. Merlin. - Oh, that's alright.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Well, thanks for the job, anyway.

This can't go on very long, you know.

Yeah.

Well, what am I gonna do with you?

Hmm?

Have you got any suggestions?

Well, I'll think it over.

I suppose in the meantime you'll want to get undressed.

- Who is it? - Could I come in a minute?

Oh, I'm a little tired and I'm getting ready to go to bed.

You don't have to hide that baby from me.

I know all about it.

Oh-h-h.

Coochie coochie coochie.

Just like you it looks.

You really...think so?

The man I let up here with the baby, he told me all about you.

'Why did you want to leave this baby someplace, huh?'

You thought I wouldn't let you keep a baby here, maybe.

What kind of landlady do you think I am?

Well, thank you, Mrs. Weiss.

I help you to take care of this baby.

Ooh.

I have downstairs a baby carriage

and a crib and anything you need.

Ooh...fancy.

What a wonderful baby. What's the name?

Joan.

John.

John!

'That's a nice name, John.'

Yeah.

John.

Good morning, Polly.

Good morning.

Don't talk too loud. You'll wake me up.

Why? What's the matter? Ain't you getting any sleep lately?

Not for two nights.

How long can a person go without sleep?

Now, look, Polly. You can trust me, you know.

I'm the kind of a guy that's strictly..

Couldn't get nothing out of me with wild horses.

Huh?

How about you putting in a good word for me with..

'You know..'

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

Look, the assistant floorwalker job is open

right here in this department.

You know, with the little carnation here?

Now, one word from you to..

And I can stop pushing this silly wagon around.

- Take that truck off the aisle. - Yes, sir.

- Keep those ducks in motion. - Yes, sir.

Will you be coming upstairs, sir?

No, I'm going to walk around. I'll see you in a few minutes.

Good morning.

Good morning.

How are you?

I can hear you, but I can't see you so good.

I haven't been asleep for two nights.

- Why not? - The baby's been crying.

Well, why don't you have it sleep on its stomach?

I read that someplace. That's how they like to sleep.

Do you know how to do that?

You turn it on its stomach, then go to bed

the baby turns over and starts to cry, you get up

turn the baby on its stomach, go back to bed

and the baby starts to cry, you get up..

...pretty soon it's 9 o'clock and you're winding ducks.

- Don't any mothers sleep? - I don't think so.

Well, there can't be very much to it.

After all, everybody here was a baby once

and they all got through it alright.

Thanks. I'll think of that.

Oh, all mothers pose that it's so difficult to raise a child.

I saw through that when I was six years old.

Good luck.

- Good morning, Mr. Merlin. - Oh, good morning, Hargraves.

Quite an honor, having you visit our department.

- Seems to run like clockwork. - Thank you very much, sir.

- Good day. - Good day, Mr. Merlin.

- Here we are again. - Yes.

Great fellow. Chip off the old block.

Yes, he is.

This is the matter of your new assistant.

A Frederick Miller is entitled to promotion by seniority.

Unless you have some personal objection.

No, he'll do as well as anyone. Thank you.

Oh, Miller.

- Yes, sir? - For you.

Gee..

Tomorrow morning you'll find some carnations in this vase.

- Take one. - Yes, sir.

- A small one. - Oh, of course.

Good luck.

- Thank you, sir. - Okay.

Okay.

We have this little guy. He quacks, too. He's all--

Babe.

That's what I call service.

Oh, uh, this one quacks.

See the little duck? Isn't he a cute little duck?

Look. Now watch it. Now watch.

There it goes.

Look at the duck. Come on, open this mouth wide.

Isn't that good?

Isn't that good? Mmm-mm-mm.

Come in.

Hello.

Hello.

Oh, I was going through the book department today

and I found this book.

The Scientific Care of Infants by Dr. Joseph Eagleman.

It's the greatest thing I ever read. I couldn't put it down.

Everything you need is right in there.

Oh.

Oh, hey, hey, hey. Come on.

Now, wait a minute. How do you know you're doing that right?

- Doing what right? - Feeding it.

Well, there's nothing very scientific about this.

You just put the food in the baby's mouth and it swallows it.

- From there on he's on his own. - That's what you think.

We'll just look into that.

Here we are.

Uh..

Feeding, feeding..

Here we are.

"After the food is prepared, the mother will, A, get a spoon."

Wonderful! How did he ever think of that?

Now, please, don't be so smart. Just do as he says. Get a spoon.

A spoon.

"B..

...take a spoonful of the food, place upon a piece of gauze."

- Piece of gauze? - What for?

Please, just do as he says.

It's quite possible that a man with 20 years' experience

might know what he's talking about.

Piece of gauze.

'Next.'

"Gently rub into the navel."

What?

"Gently rub into the navel."

- Well, that's ridiculous. - No, it isn't.

It's probably to get the child's stomach

accustomed to the temperature of the food. It's very logical.

Oh, my. I've never heard of such a thing.

And in future, all children are gonna be brought up like this.

Scientifically.

'Well?'

- Here, let me look at this. - I read very well.

- I've been doing it for years. - I read a little too.

"Take a spoonful of food

and place on a piece of gauze, and gently rub into the.."

Hmm-hmm.

You read very well.

Well, I don't care what it says. I don't believe it.

Don't tell me you know more about it than a man

with 20 years' experience on the subject.

I'm certainly not rubbing any oatmeal into this baby's navel.

Who does this...yes.

Who does this Dr. Eagleman or Eaglefoot, whatever his name is

think he is, with such..

Oh. What do you know about that?

"To relieve gas on child's stomach

"take a spoonful of warm oil and..

...place on a piece of gauze and gently rub into the navel."

- I think it's very funny. - It certainly is.

If it had said, "Hang baby by neck" you'd say it's scientific.

I'll feed the baby my own way.

Come on, darling.

Here..

Hello. Open your mouth, come on.

Just because you get a couple of pages stuck together

there's no reason to condemn the whole book.

Defective duck.

Couldn't be that you wound it too tight?

- I wound it quite normally. - It's made for a child to wind.

Oh, that's pretty silly.

A child that size is gonna wind up a thing like this?

It's inferior merchandise, that's all. Where'd you get it?

John B. Merlin & Son.

Well, it doesn't matter. It's still inferior.

Just get it exchanged tomorrow.

Ha-ha.

What is the "Ha-ha" for?

Oh, nothing, just ha-ha.

What is wrong with our exchange department?

They don't exchange anything.

Oh, they exchanged $50,000 worth of goods last year, that's all.

- Just get the thing exchanged. - I'll buy a new one.

Then I'll get it exchanged for you.

Certainly. You probably could get it exchanged.

For a grand piano or something.

I've got a Chamber of Commerce thing tonight, so I'll..

...go now.

And I'll leave this with you for the..

I'll take this duck.

Goodnight.

Thanks for everything.

- Goodnight. - 'Goodnight.'

Oh, Mr. Merlin..

It's been laundered.

Pick that up.

Don't lean on the counter.

Alright. Break it up, break it up. No gossiping.

Here, straighten up this counter. Put those things away.

How do you expect to get anyplace?

Hello, Mr. Merlin.

I never would've recognized you. Why the disguise?

I'm gonna show you that I can get this duck exchanged

- without anybody knowing me. - Fine.

Would you mind stepping over to the exchange department with me?

No at all. Mary, would you look after these?

This gentleman wants to exchange something.

Ha-ha.

I'll show you. I'll have this duck exchanged

in exactly one minute, and courteously.

We'll see.

- I have a duck here I want to-- - You'll have to get in line.

Fifty-eight, fifty-nine, sixty. One more.

I had to get in line, didn't I?

Have this signed by the section manager and bring it back here.

Oh, alright.

I have a duck here I want to exchange.

Certainly, sir.

What seems to be the trouble with it?

It's broken.

I can see that. But how did it happen to break?

Well, I had it..

What difference does it make?

I must know where to place the responsibility.

Just place the responsibility on the duck and give me a new one.

Very well, sir.

May I see the sales slip?

Have you got the sales slip?

- I threw it. - You should've kept it.

- I threw it. - You should've kept it.

How'd I know the duck would break?

How'd I know the duck would break?

It's printed clearly on the slip to must be kept for 30 days.

- I can't keep every sales slip. - I can't keep every sales slip.

- House would be full. - House would be full.

- Silly. - Silly.

I'm sorry, sir, I don't make the rules.

They're made by the executive office.

Well, I don't care anything about the executive offices.

I want a new duck!

Well, you're not going to get it by shouting.

I should say not. Or any other way. Ha ha.

That's what you think. I'm exchanging this for a new duck

and you can straighten it out any way you like.

Oh, can I help you, sir?

Listen, wait a minute!

'Hey.'

'Hey, look. Wait a minute. Now, wait a minute.'

Hey!

You can't take that!

Hey, Mac!

Shoplifter! Shoplifter!

Oh, no, you don't. I saw you steal that duck.

You can't get away with that.

- Oh! - Mr. Merlin!

Excuse me, Mr. Merlin.

It's alright, folks. It's nothing at all. Clear out.

- I'll help you here-- - Alright. Now, leave me alone.

Mr. Merlin, I didn't know it was you. I thought it's a customer.

- A customer? - Yes, sir.

It's lucky for you it was me. A customer would sue the store.

How long have you had this job?

- Well, you know. - I know what?

You know, since yesterday.

And what did you do before that?

I was a stock clerk.

Then I have a little secret to tell you.

You're still a stock clerk!

I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Merlin. It was all a mistake.

You've disgraced the toy department.

'Hey, you. Come on. Come on. Break it up.'

Why are you sitting there?

How do you ever expect to get anyplace?

Oh, shut up.

They can't do this to me.

I know where the body is buried.

Well, if you do, why don't you crawl in with it?

You'll see.

Hello, Louise, what time should I pick you up?

Are you under the impression that we have a date tonight?

Impression? Are you kidding, Louise?

Why, no, David.

The last thing you said to me

ten days ago, was that you'd call.

- Well, I got in rather a mess. - I'm sorry, David.

But I'm afraid you'll have to go stag tonight.

Oh, don't worry about me. I'll get someone.

It's New Year's Eve, David. And it's after eight o'clock.

You'll never get anyone at this hour. Anyone presentable.

- I'll be alright. - I'll see you later, then.

Yes, both of you.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Well, who can I call?

It's New Year's Eve, sir. It's after eight o'clock.

Yes, I know. I know.

There'd hardly be a young lady available on such short notice.

'Take it away, Times Square.'

Who is it?

'...surrounded by thousands of persons waiting..'

Just a minute.

'Listen to that crowd.'

Your duck, madam.

I had it exchanged for you with no trouble at all.

I certainly didn't expect to see you tonight.

I didn't expect to be here, but I was taking my shower

and I thought you might be having a dull evening.

So, come on. Get dressed. We're going to a swell party.

Stood up, huh?

Hmm?

You were stood up.

No, I..

Yes, I..

I promised to call her back and I forgot.

I'd love to go, but I can't leave the baby alone.

Oh, you don't have to devote your whole life to the baby.

You told me to.

Yes, but this is New Year's Eve. Get somebody..

Get the landlady to take care of it.

Oh, there's one more thing.

Oh, what?

Well, you and your, uh...hmm

and me and my...what I've got.

We'd make half of a lovely couple.

I'll take care of the clothes. You fix it with the landlady.

- She's busy...what'll I do? - Turn on the charm.

- I know, but.. - 'Hurry up.'

Four and a half.

- Let's see, you got stockings? - I got stockings, alright.

- Handkerchief? - Yup. I got the handkerchief.

- Purse? - Yup. That's here.

- Come on. Hurry up. - Wait a minute.

- Got gloves? - Yeah, I got gloves.

- Shoes? - You got the shoes.

Right. What coat did he say to get her?

- The mink one. - Well, there's a mink coat.

Well, maybe that's it. Let's see.

Think that's alright?

Good evening, Mr. Merlin. Your party is right over there.

- Oh, yes. - Oh, don't leave me.

I won't know how to talk to these people.

Just say no to the men.

The girls probably won't talk to you anyway.

- This way, please. - Thank you.

- No, I mean it. - Come on.

I have nothing in common with them. I won't know what to say.

I'll take care of that. Suits me fine.

These boys are half man and half wolf.

- If you know what I mean. - Yes, I know what you mean.

- That tall one's cute. - He's the worst of the lot.

He's all wolf.

- Hello, David. - How are you?

Am I glad to see you.

- Hey. - Huh?

Her name's not David. That's me.

Oh.

- Who is that? - 'I don't know.'

- Well, come on. Introduce her. - All in good time. Just relax.

Hello, I'm sorry we're late.

There's no point in my introducing this lady to you.

She's the daughter of a Swedish manufacturer.

'Just come over.'

And she doesn't speak one word of English.

Say, where did you ever learn to speak Swedish?

I had a two-week holiday in Sweden last year.

It's a very simple language.

Uh..

She just said the funniest thing. She's very witty.

What did she say, David?

It's not very good in English. It's just the way she said it.

How do you say "dance" in Swedish, Dave?

Oh..

- Rovo. - Rovo.

Rovo,madame?

Shmorgen.

She's from the north.

Thank you very much.

Say "thank you" in Swedish, will you, Dave?

Oh!

What'd she say, Dave?

She says, "You're welcome. You could use some dancing lessons."

Hey. I'm hungry.

Let's get outta here. I'll get you something to eat.

- I like it here. - Then we'll stay.

- But I'm hungry. - Then we'll go.

Alright.

- Leaving? - Yes.

We have some other stops to make..

Vijurna, Happy New Year.

A-appy..

...New..

- Year. - ...Jear.

- Good for you. - Good girl.

- Happy New Year to you. - Bye. Happy New Year.

- Bye. - Bye.

Bye, David.

- Are you leaving? - Yes, Louise.

We have another stop to make.

- Well, how do you like her? - She's not bad for a fill in.

Personally, I'd just as soon go stag.

You could, too, with those shoulders.

- Happy New Year! - Oh, shut up.

They're a little ahead of time, aren't they?

I'm afraid so.

- Well-- - Uh--

- I had a wonderful evening. - Oh, so have I.

- Never had a better one. - Thank you, sir.

Oh, your coat. I better give it back to you.

- Afraid to keep it over Sunday. - Nothing can happen.

Wear it and bring it to the store when you come in.

Alright. Thank you.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Say.

It's just 12 o'clock.

- Huh? - In Chicago.

Happy New Year in Chicago.

Same to you.

Would you wanna stay up and see the new year in Los Angeles?

Uh...uh, it's a little late.

Goodnight.

You know what we oughta do tomorrow?

- What? - Go for a drive in the country.

That would be wonderful.

It might be a little too cold for the baby, don't you think?

Oh.

Yes, the baby.

But we'll be in the park just around the corner

all day tomorrow, if you want to see us.

I'll try and make it, but I've got other things to do

you know, this time of year.

- Oh, yes. Oh, I understand. - Yeah.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

And shmorgus again for a very nice evening.

Ha ha ha.

- Oh, he's awake. - Oh.

Yes, you want to...hmm?

You wanted to see if I got home alright?

Oh, he's the best baby I ever saw.

He never even cried once.

My Jerome..

...he used to cry all the time.

Thank you very much, Mrs. Weiss.

I'm sorry, I didn't know I was gonna be out so late.

Oh, that's nothing. What else have I got to do?

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Hey, you wanna know a secret?

You promise you won't tell?

I think he likes me.

Yeah.

But he doesn't like you though.

Oh, don't get upset about it.

Don't get upset about it because..

...nobody could come between you and me.

'Cause-'cause you're my fella.

Yes, you are my fella.

Oh.

Yes. Yes.

Oh, ho ho ho, you can't eat my hand.

No, you can't eat my hand.

Yes, I know.

Goodnight, baby dear.

Happy New Year.

Hey, mister. You John B. Merlin?

- To you, yes. - Here.

Alright. A copper for ya?

That'll teach you to monkey with me, you muzzlers.

What is it, dad? A mash note?

Nothing.

I'll see you later, dad. I'm gonna take a little walk.

You are, eh?

Well, I don't mind a little walk myself.

- Think I'll go along with you. - No. I wouldn't bother, dad.

I'll walk pretty fast. You won't be able to keep up with me.

Yes. It is a little difficult to keep up with you.

I'll see you at lunch.

- Follow him. - Beg your pardon, sir?

Follow my son and keep out of sight.

Yes, sir.

Allow me, madam.

Oh, hello.

Thank you.

- Oh, excuse me. - Thank you.

Welcome.

- Go right ahead. - No, no. Go ahead, please.

- Oh, well. Thank you. - Not at all.

Oh, isn't he cute.

There we are.

Uh, pardon me.

- Allow me. - Oh, I see. Thank you.

How old is he?

Seven months.

Really?

Junior's only six months old

and they seem about the same size, don't they?

'Oh, I don't know.'

Our doctor says that Junior is a perfect physical specimen.

I find if the baby gets gas on his stomach

that the best thing is to take some warm oil

on a piece of gauze and rub it into his navel.

Mm-hmm.

Don't let the pages get stuck together.

Does he stand up yet by himself?

- No, he doesn't. - He doesn't?

Junior does.

And their baby is a month older.

I wouldn't be too discouraged if I were you, dear.

After all, some babies are more backward than others

but they can outgrow it.

Does Junior talk?

At six months? Of course not.

Well, they're not supposed to talk at that age.

This one talks.

I can't imagine it. At seven months?

He's been talking for a month.

Well, it's a little difficult to believe

but, of course, if you say so..

'Doesn't he talk, dear?'

Didn't he talk last night?

Certainly he talks. And very well, too.

Why, he can recite the first line from Gunga Din.

Come, Oliver.

Of course, you didn't have to make it ridiculous.

I just asked you to say he could talk.

Well, you've come a long way from the girl

who wouldn't even admit it was her child.

Now you think it's quite a baby.

You get used to it.

You get used to anything if it's around long enough.

It's a very unusual baby.

Oh, really, it is.

Oh, very unusual.

But I guess it's just heredity.

Oh, yes, of course.

It's nice to know that he could grow up

to be the world's finest piano player.

Could grow up to be the world's finest coffeepot thrower.

'Now, that was unnecessary.'

'After all, you don't know the circumstances. Maybe I was--'

Let's not discuss it. It's nothing to do with me.

Dad.

- What are you doing here? - Oh, just strolling about.

This is Miss...my father, Miss Parrish.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

And who is this?

Oh, that's Miss Parrish's little boy.

Boy.

Would you mind, if I was very careful..

Would you let me just hold him for a minute?

Well, of course.

Come on, darling.

Come on. Come on.

That is it. That's it.

I'd know that chin anywhere.

What's his name?

John.

John.

Thanks for that, anyway.

Is there something I can do?

You've done it.

I wouldn't keep the baby out much longer.

I think it's getting chilly.

Come on, darling.

Dad, you're acting rather strange. Do you feel alright?

I'll discuss this matter with you at home.

Goodbye, Miss Parrish.

Goodbye.

Holy mackerel! Dad, wait. Dad!

Hello, dad.

- Listen to me-- - I wanna explain something.

- Let me explain it my way. - I'll do the talking.

For years I've been waiting, waiting, and for what?

The dream of my life. A grandson.

And now you want to deny me this happiness. Why didn't you..

Excuse me, sir.

So this is the modern generation.

So this is the 20th century.

Marriage was good enough for your father and mother.

Bless her. And it's good enough for you, son.

Dad, I never said..

Pardon me.

You're gonna marry that girl.

You'll bring my grandson into this house.

- I'll tell you something. - Don't start that with me.

You know my temper. Remember what I did to Governor Mead.

You haven't any grandson.

Don't deny it. I saw him with my own eyes.

- 'I saw you with that girl.' - That's not my baby.

Don't be a cancer. Besides, I have other information.

A letter from...from a friend.

'But if I hadn't it, if I hadn't seen you with that girl'

if I saw that baby on a desert island by itself

I'd know it was my grandson.

Why, he looks exactly like me.

Oh, dad, for heaven's sake. You're jumping to conclusions.

- I'm gonna tell you something. - My mind is made up.

Nobody's playing around with my grandchild. I'm gonna take him.

I'll get him if I've to go to the Supreme Court.

- Before your blood pressure-- - Never mind my blood pressure.

You don't know me in a fight.

You're the stubbornest man I ever met.

I'll prove to you that he's not my child.

I know what's the matter with you.

You're crazy. That's what's the matter with you.

You're unbalanced. You're working too hard.

And your mind's cracked under it.

I'm warning you! You've been burning the candle at both ends.

And in the middle, too. What you need is..

...more sleep.

Come in.

That must have been funny.

I know your father thought Johnnie's your--

It's not funny. You know what he'll do?

- No. - He'll take him away from you.

Oh.

- I'd like to see him. - You don't know my father.

He'll send for lawyers and investigators and things.

He'll get the baby away.

He can't do that. It belongs to me.

- You've got to stop him. - Alright.

Get a hold of this piano player.

- That'll be a big help. - I can't do that.

But you'll have to when the lawyers

question your fitness to raise the baby.

Take me to your father. I'll talk to him and convince him.

He won't believe you. He's out of his mind.

He even wants me to marry you.

'He wants to set me up with a ready-made family'

'just so he can have a grandson.'

'I tell you, this is serious.'

Yes.

That would be serious, wouldn't it?

Oh, no. I didn't mean that.

'That's alright.'

- I didn't mean to sound like-- - It doesn't make a difference.

Tell your father to leave Johnnie and me alone.

I'll do what I can. Wish I could explain--

Why don't you go?

Now.

Well, goodbye.

Goodbye.

Come in.

Mrs. Weiss...would you come and help me pack? I'm going away.

- Away? Where? - Oh, I don't know. Any place.

They're, they're trying to take the baby away.

- Who is? - That fellow who just went out?

- His father. - Is that the papa of the baby?

No, but his father thinks he is.

That's ridiculous.

I'm not an attorney, but I know your rights.

I say his father can't get the baby.

I know, but I don't want a lotta people around asking questions.

Polly.

Why don't you get the real papa

to go and see his father?

Well, I can't. I wish I could.

Yeah, that would be the solution.

Jerome.

This is your chance to do a good deed.

Mama.

Come in.

I've had a hard time finding you.

Mr. Merlin, I didn't mean to cause nobody any trouble, now.

You know who's the father of that baby?

- Huh? - Polly's baby.

- Who's the father? - Well, I don't know anything.

Nothing at all.

Oh, you don't know, huh?

Would you like to be an assistant floorwalker again?

Would I!

They'll show.

We have Mr. Wharton on the telephone now, sir.

Oh, good, good.

And there are two people to see you, sir.

A Mr. and Mrs. Weiss.

Weiss? Weiss? I don't know any Weiss.

Tell them to write a letter.

Hello, Wharton? Where are you?

Lake Placid?

Well, what are you doing there?

Skiing?

I'm not paying you $50,000 a year to go skiing.

You ski back to New York right away or I'll get another lawyer

so quickly, it'll make your head swim.

Skiing at a time like this.

They say it's about a baby, sir.

A baby? Well, show them in. Show them in.

'Very good, sir.'

This way, please.

- Won't you sit down? - Thank you.

Mr. and Mrs. Weiss?

I thought you were Miss Parrish.

That's the name I use at the store.

We've been married for two years.

Yeah, t-two years.

Your son just called and there seems to be

some misunderstanding about our baby.

Your baby?

So there's no need to send anybody to investigate.

It would just be a waste of time.

Maybe this will convince you. Here is the father of that baby.

Go on. Go ahead.

Uh, Mr. Merlin, um..

'...your son came over to our flat and said that..'

'...you have some wrong impression about my son.'

Well, my son is my son and nobody else's.

I've never heard of such a thing.

I see.

Do you know who that is?

- Who? - 'That.'

That's the father she brought here.

You two seem to have slipped up someplace.

You've got one too many.

So you finally showed up, huh?

I couldn't come any sooner.

Pretty cute, wasn't it, running out on her like that?

Like what?

You're not gonna try to keep this up.

Do you know what this is?

- A coffeepot. - You ought to recognize it.

Oh, David!

How do you like that, you piano player?

- How dare you hit a poor man-- - Go on, stick up for him!

You might as well cut all this out.

It doesn't convince me.

And I'm not through with you, young man.

I'm gonna prosecute you.

I don't know what for, but I'll prosecute you for something.

Mr. Merlin, I'll tell the truth

and I know what I'm talking about.

Your son put me up to this and he's the father.

Dad, this is the truth. He's the father.

Wait a minute. I'm not the father.

I don't care who the father is.

I'm the grandfather.

- You're not the father? - No, I'm the landlady's son.

I didn't want to do this.

'I'm gonna prosecute you, too, young man.'

Polly. Po..

Polly!

- Well, she's gone. - Gone?

- She'll take the baby. - Wait, I'll get the car.

'Oh, here's mother coming. Oh, my dear.'

- Is he ready? - Yes. Here.

My things are up there. I'll let you know where I am.

- 'Where will you sleep?' - I'll be alright.

- And, Polly, take care of the.. - Oh!

- Go on in my room, quick. - Do you suppose they'll see me?

Oh, no, no, go ahead.

Go ahead. Be quiet.

Go into my bedroom.

Where's Miss Parrish?

Miss Parrish, she don't live here anymore. She moved.

- She moved? - Yes, she moved.

Don't you believe me? Go on upstairs, see it for yourself.

- Go on upstairs. - Come on.

Everything is alright. Just keep quiet.

Alright.

Those tactics may be alright for Governor Mead

but this is no way to treat a girl with a child.

Madam, I want the truth.

You're concealing that girl's whereabouts.

Whereabouts? What is a "whereabouts?"

Where are you hiding her?

Didn't you go upstairs to look in her room?

- I'll handle this. - See what you can do.

We'd really appreciate it if you could tell us where she went.

'I hardly know her myself. She just lived here a few weeks.'

'And I never ask anybody any questions.'

'She must've left a forwarding address. Please, Mrs. Weiss.'

- 'I don't know anything.' - 'We want to help her.'

'We're friends of hers. Can't you understand that?'

'Oh, believe me, I should drop dead.'

'I-I could swear on anything. I can swear..'

You've got that girl here.

Oh, dad, you're just making a fool of yourself.

Look, she did mention an aunt out West somewhere..

'I'm not hiding her... any, any place..'

You're not gonna take this baby. I've stood enough.

- I don't care what you say. - Please listen.

I'm not taking your baby away.

You see...I started out thinking that I only wanted to help you.

And then a while ago, when I thought you'd gone away..

...I realized I was in love with you.

So, will you please marry me?

Hmm?

What about the ready-made family?

Of all the families, you and Johnnie--

Ha! I knew it.

Dad, I have something to confess.

I am the father of that baby.

Those are the first true words you've spoken today.

Come on, Johnnie. We're going home.

I've got a surprise for you. We're gonna be married tonight.

And you still think I'm the mother of that baby?

Of course.

Ha ha.