All language subtitles for the-unguarded-moment-1956

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

You, uh, got any
idea, lieutenant?

Some.

Oh, terrific! Put that down.
"Some."

Look, for the strong silent
type, I go to the movies.

From you I desire
only a statement.

No statement.

Look. Listen, give us a break,
will you?

She was hit by a flying saucer.

Graham, what's the matter
with you?

- You get a good look at her?
- Sure.

A woman walks along the streets
of this town,

minding her own business.

Maybe coming home from the job.

Some ape jumps out of the dark
and does that to her.

Well, sure, but you handle these
all the time.

That's right.

It runs in cycles.

We had a slew of 'em last year.

Now maybe it's starting again.

That's what's the matter
with me.

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

[music on stereo]

No! No! Girls, stop.

Remember what we were
going to do?

The hands out stretched,
and it was going to be

one, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

Huh? You got that?
Let's try it again.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.
Good!

[music on stereo]

[women gasping]

Leonard, if you'll tell me

which of my girls
you're trying to dazzle,

I'll excuse her and we can go on
with our practice.

I'm sorry, Ms. Conway.

[indistinct chatter]

Alright, girls.
Don't eat him alive.

We need him
for next Saturday's game.

Alright, from the top.

We'll go through it one more and
then it's off to the Sugar Shop

and the sodas are on me.
Alright?

One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight...

[indistinct chatter]

Oh, I've forgotten my purse.

Go on without me.
I'll catch up.

Let me get it for you.

Well, alright, Sandy.
Thank you.

It's on the bench
near the locker room tunnel.

Well, come on, let's go.

[sighing]

I still say he'd have to be
crazy to come back here

after what he did here
last night.

Who's he?

Oh, um, I know him.

He's Bennett. Bennett.
He's okay.

Owns a big lumberyard.

[upbeat music]

[indistinct chatter]

Here, here, sit down.
Sit down.

Don't let me disturb anybody.

Look, I brought you
a sweater now.

I thought you might need it.

I'm okay, dad.

Now you put that on
before you leave here.

You know,
you kids are all the same.

You think just because you've
got so much pep and muscle-

Dad, please.

[chuckling]
Alright now.

By the way,
I've got the car outside.

- I'll give you a lift home, hm?
- Yeah, sure.

And don't let me hurry you.

You take your time and I'll...

And I'll have a soda myself.

[music continues]

And let me know
when you're through, hm?

Thank you, Sandy.
That was very nice of you.

[chuckling]
Kids.

You know, if you could harness
all of this energy,

it would run our power plant
for a year.

I'm Lois Conway.
Music department.

Oh, I'm Bennett.
Uh, Leonard's father.

Yes, I guessed as much.

You have a fine boy,
Mr. Bennett.

Oh.
Well, he's a great athlete.

Great.

Oh, I'll have a lemon
and lime, please.

You know, lime is good
for the stomach.

I made Leonard take some
every morning.

[sighing]
Well, doesn't he like it?

That's immaterial.

Are you married, Ms. Conway?

No.

Why not? You look as though
you ought to be.

Well, I have my story,
Mr. Bennett.

Just like a lot of people do.

You know, I brought that
boy up myself.

We run a real bachelor house.

Not even a cleaning woman.

You must be very proud of him.

Yes.

He's doing the things
that I never could.

Oh, I- I had rheumatic fever
as a lad.

It wrecked my heart.

Oh. Oh, I'm sorry.

Why, you're just saying that.

Politeness.

You can't be sorry
unless you know what it's like,

what it feels like.

You've gotta sit
on the sidelines

watching others do the things
you wanna do.

But that boy is going to get

everything he wants out of life.

He knows how to win.

He knows the secret of it.

Do you know what he did when he
was only seven years old?

The Diving Trophy?

No.

[chuckling]

That proves
you're still a newcomer.

Why, that story's legend here.
Tell her, son.

Well, it was the 20 foot board.

And on the next
to the last dive,

Len hit bottom
and broke his wrist.

When his turn came up again

he started to climb up
to the board.

When everybody was yelling,
"No, don't do it!"

But he just didn't pay
any attention to 'em.

He dived anyway.
And he won.

Crowd cheered that boy
for ten minutes.

Oh, well,
I've gotta get him on home.

I'll pay for the drinks.

Oh, no, no, no,
I always treat my bunch.

- Please, I- I'd rather-
- That's alright.

This is on me.
Well, good day, Ms. Conway.

It's very nice meeting
one of Leonard's teachers.

Oh, no, no. I'm not one of
Leonard's teachers.

- No?
- No.

Well, it's- it's very
nice, anyway.

Well, thank you, Mr. Bennett.
Goodbye.

[upbeat music]

No, Sandy.
Honestly, no.

What?

And let's let it end
right there, shall we?

- But, Ms. Conway, what-
- Bye-bye, Sandy.

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct chatter]

Morning.

Kids, kids!

Honestly, I sometimes
get a feeling

that they're always
the same ones,

that they never grow up.

Some of them grow up
fast enough.

[indistinct chatter]

Sandy.

Come here a moment, please.
I wanna talk to you.

What is the meaning of that?

Sandy, how could you?

Ms. Conway, I... I don't know
what you're talking about.

Of course you don't.
Sandy, I'm sorry.

Go on to your class.

Sometimes I just don't
understand you.

Ms. Conway, can I ask
your advice about something?

It's a matter of life or death.

Certainly, Janet.
What is it?

Well, suddenly
for no reason at all,

my father says I'm too young
to wear lipstick.

Well, I try to respect
my father, but he's ancient.

He's 38.

[bell ringing]

See me after school.

I'll see
if I can give you some tips.

- Lois, help!
- Goodbye.

- Lois, help!
- What are you doing?

Moving the lab? Oh.

No, I had these things
in my own lab.

I hope they're not breakable.

I don't think they are.

I thought I'd show the kids

an interesting experiment.
Who knows?

Maybe they'll try it at home
and blow themselves sky high,

and I'll never see
their dear, earnest,

scrubby little faces again.

- What's the matter?
- Oh, nothing.

Well, you usually willing
to humor my feeble attempts

at levity
with wild bursts of laughter.

What is it? Trouble?

No.

Well, yes, it is too, sort of.
It's...

[sighing]

Well, it- it's not
with the top brass. It...

Oh, it isn't trouble at all.

It- it's just something
that's kind of annoying.

Well, what?

I've gotten a note
from one of the boys.

Oh, don't tell me you haven't
received notes before.

This one is different.

Written in blood?

In fire!

I'm surprised the sentiment
didn't burn the paper.

Well, children feel very deeply.

- This was hardly a child.
- Mm.

- Do you want my advice?
- Yes.

What should I do? I don't even
know who sent the note.

My advice is to quit teaching
and look about for a husband.

Are you being cynical or kindly?

I'm sorry. I spoke too soon.

Well, come around again
in a few years.

Hmm. In a few years
I'm going to be just like him.

Of course.

All of us.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

I'm gonna let you in
on a little secret.

One of our boys thinks he's
fallen madly in love with me.

Not knowing who the boy is,

this is the only way
I have of reaching him.

Whoever you are,
I must warn you.

If you don't stop
sending these notes

I'm going to take this matter
to Mr. Pendleton.

You will be found out

and you may be expelled.

Of course that means no diploma.

No diploma, no college.

And I must say.

With all these pretty girls
around here,

if I'm the best he can do,

things must be
getting pretty tough.

[laughing]

Alright.

Let's have a little music now.

Let's start with 22.

[instrumental music]

[tapping]

[orchestral music]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Are you in there?

[music continues]

Lois: I've come here
because I'm your teacher

and I want to help you,

to keep you out of trouble
if I can.

So let's just turn on
the lights,

and...

Oh, come now.

Young man, listen to me, please.

You must stop this nonsense
with these notes.

It's not the right kind
of thinking for a high school...

Put that light out, please.

Stalker: Don't make
like a teacher.

Is that what we're here for?

Put that out.

Stalker: Oh, so you want us to
be in the dark.

Okay.

But not yet. Come here.

- Come here.
- You young idiot.

Stalker: Come here.

You are an idiot.

Stalker: Sure,
an idiot over you.

Please take that light
off of me.

Stalker: But I'd like
to look at you.

I'd like to take
a real good look at you.

Please...

Stalker: Okay.

Oh, no you don't.

What's that perfume?
I smell it whenever you pass.

Now listen to me.

You're gonna march right...

Stalker: You wouldn't fix
yourself up the way you do

if you didn't want me to notice.

That's true. You're right.

All women want to be
attractive to men.

But I am a lot older
than you are.

And I am still your teacher.

Now, if you'll just give me
that flashlight.

We'll forget
this ever happened at all.

Stalker: I'll give you
the flashlight.

Sure I'll give you
the flashlight.

Now, look here, young man.

You're only inviting trouble.

Sooner or later
you're going to be found out.

Those notes you wrote,
I still have some of them.

And you can be traced, you know?

Stalker: Quit kidding!
You tore them up!

No, not the last ones.
They're at home.

Stalker: So you think you're
gonna get me in a mess?

Young man, you're in
a mess right now.

Stalker: Okay.

Then I might as well get
something from it.

[intense music]

[screaming]

[grunting]

[music continues]

Hey!

Hey!

[tires screeching]

- What's the trouble?
- Woman ran outta here.

[music continues]

What's the trouble, miss?

You better come with us.

Graham: Any identification?

Tommy: No identification.

Says she dropped her bag
in the locker room

when the guy grabbed her.

So we had a look.

What about the night watchman?

Tommy: Said she come flying
outta there

like she'd seen a snake.

He didn't go in.

He wants to live
to collect his pension.

Think he's dumb like us?

Okay, Tommy.

Oh, yeah. We gave her
the drunk test.

Clean as a whistle.

Stop hating him.
He's a good cop.

- Am I under arrest?
- No.

Well, then I'd like to go home.

I'd like to talk.

There's nothing to talk about.

I don't want to file
a complaint.

And I don't want
any police investigation.

That was a high school boy,
not a criminal.

What's his name?
Lois: I don't know his name.

What does he look like?
Lois: I don't know.

Will you cut it out?

You don't even know
that much about him,

yet you went to meet him
at night in a stadium tunnel?

Yes.

[sighing]

Ms. Lois Conway. Is that
just your professional name?

What do you mean?

Is it Ms. or Mrs.?
Are you married?

No! Why is everybody
so concerned about it?

Why does anybody with enough
brains to get a teaching job

go out in the night
the way you did?

What were you trying to do?
Get yourself killed?

- Oh, stop!
- What's his name?

- Who is he?
- I told you, I-

I don't believe
what you told me!

Don't you dare shout at me!

Okay, teacher,
you can go home now.

Do you ever read the papers?

And did you read what happened

near your school
the other night?

A woman was murdered.

- What?
- That's right.

We found her body in an alley.

Well...

if you mean to imply that,

that you might've found
another one

tomorrow morning in the stadium,

it completes the picture
I have of your mentality.

That was a high school student
in the locker room.

A child! Just a boy!

Graham: Tell the matron I said
to give you a needle and thread.

Goodnight, Ms. Conway.

- Yes?
- The key to my house.

It was in that purse
I dropped on the...

Get in through a window.

- I lock my windows.
- Well, ask the landlord.

He happens to be out of town.

[sighing] I'll send a man
with you to pick the lock.

Thank you very much...

Sergeant.

[engine rumbling]

Five seconds.
Wanna time it?

You won't open that lock
in five minutes.

I live alone.
I selected it with great care.

I'm glad
you're on the right side.

Practice.
Anything else?

No. Goodnight and thank you.

Goodnight.

[instrumental music]

[gasping]

[music continues]

[clattering]

I know you're here.

I- I don't want to catch you.

I just want you to go.

[intense music]

I'm going to turn the light out.

I won't see your face.

The door is open.

I- I'm not standing
in your way now.

Go on right out!

Go on!

Run! Run!

[screaming]

[dramatic music]

[horn honking]

[music continues]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[knocking on door]

Bennett: Leonard?

Leonard?

Dad?

I didn't mean to wake you.

Just felt like talking.

Why, sure.

- Would you rather sleep?
- No, no, whatever you say, dad.

Well...

Well, what do we talk about, hm?

The big game on Saturday?

Whatever you say, dad.
Anything.

[instrumental music]

Dad?

Hm?

Oh, I was just looking
at this window.

Your mother used to waste hours
out of every day,

just sitting here looking out.

There was something out there
she wanted

more than she wanted us.

Do you know what it was
she wanted, Leonard?

- No.
- Sure you do.

I told you about that
a hundred times

before you were
even five years old.

Oh, you, you don't remember.

Well, I guess I don't.

Don't you remember
my telling you the...

well...

kind of a woman she was?

Not then, but you told me later.

Yes, another hundred times.

Yes, this was her room...

till she ran away.

After that I rearranged
the whole house

to get the sight and smell
of women out of it.

And I made this room
over for you

because I wanted someone
in here I could trust.

It's a wonder my heart stood up
under those days, Leonard.

It was a miracle.

That's what the doctors
called it, a miracle.

I don't know
how she could do it.

I don't know
how she could walk out

on a sick man and a baby.

Women can do things like that.

I've been drumming that
into your head

ever since you were knee-high.

[laughing]

You know, the thing that
surprises me is

that for a clever boy,
you sometimes act

as though your head
was kind of thick.

Well, that's not bad
in football.

No.

[chuckling]
No.

If you knock down what I've
spent years in building up...

I'll break every bone
in your body.

[dramatic music]

Dad?

Dad, what did I do now?

Bennett: Goodnight.

[indistinct chatter]

Woman on PA: All students,
attention please.

All students,
here are two bulletins.

One: More volunteers
are required

for the winter drama festival.

Please consult the bulletin
board in the auditorium

for further details.

Two: On the sale of tickets
for Saturday's game

all orders must be in

not later than noon today.

Hello, Leonard.
Go right in.

I'll bet
I'm in some kind of mess.

[chuckling]
Not you.

Pendleton: Come in.

- Good morning, Leonard.
- Good morning, Mr. Pendleton.

Uh, all set for
the big game tomorrow?

- Yes, sir.
- We're going to win?

Sure.

That's the spirit.

- Sit down.
- Thank you.

- Leonard?
- Yes, sir.

- Where were you last night?
- Home.

Pendleton: From ten to
approximately half past eleven?

Leonard: Home.

Pendleton: Not in the stadium?

Leonard: At night? What for?

One of our teachers has brought

a very serious charge
against you.

Against me?

Ms. Conway
of the music department

charges that
you were in locker room B.

Oh, no, sir.
Not me.

Uh, not I.

Leonard: Yes, sir.

But she says you were there
and that you, um...

assaulted her.

What did I do?

Uh...

Assaulted her.

You mean like that stuff
I've been reading in the papers?

Well, somebody's
kidding somebody.

Pendleton: Ms. Conway claims
that you've been writing

her notes.

Notes that were impudent

when they weren't
downright indecent.

Well, she's crazy.
Well, no, sir.

I- I mean I think she's got me
mixed up with someone else.

Hm.

Would you like to continue,
Ms. Conway?

To cap it all, Leonard, you
broke into my house last night

and stole the notes
from my desk.

Leonard, I saw you.

Well, I know this is a gag,
but I guess, I'm slow.

There's no use
denying it, Leonard.

I saw you,
just as I see you now.

Look, if you'll just
tell the truth-

I don't get this.

I don't get any of it.

I think you do, Leonard.

I sent- I sent her notes?

I tried something in the stadium
last night?

Well, gee, Mr. Pendleton, what
was she doing there at night?

That's what I'd like to know.

How can you say
I broke into your house?

I don't even know
where you live.

You found my address
in my purse.

Mr. Pendleton, do you believe
any of this?

Well, I- I don't know
what to believe. Um...

Next to my father
I've always counted on you.

But I guess
teachers just stick together.

Pendleton: We're not
through, Leonard.

Mr. Pendleton,
I've got some rights.

And one of them is not to listen

to anything I don't wanna hear.

I don't wanna say this,
but you make me.

I do pretty well with girls
my own age.

As a matter of fact, he doesn't.

Doesn't what?

I found out his father doesn't
allow him to go with girls.

But that isn't the only lie
he told.

Well, he certainly
looked innocent.

Do you think I'm lying?

No, uh...

But one of us has to be.

Ms. Conway,

your charges aren't supported
by a shred of evidence.

What do you expect me to do?

Nothing, Mr. Pendleton.

I'm sorry about the whole thing.

Well, he does happen to be

a sort of a minor God
around here.

This could assume the
proportions of a- of a scandal.

I understand, Mr. Pendleton.

I said I was sorry.

[indistinct chatter]

Oh, please, teacher.
I'm too young to get married.

Here comes the bride!
Here comes the bride!

Boys! Boys! Stop this!
Stop this fighting!

Stop it, for goodness sake!
Get up.

Get up, Sandy.

[bell ringing]

Go on. Everybody, go on
to your classes.

Oh, Sandy, your nose!

Thank you, Sandy,
but you really shouldn't.

Oh, you poor boy!

Come on, we'll fix that nose.

[girls giggling]

Come in, Sandy.
Sit over there.

Lean your head way back up.

- Does it hurt?
- No.

He didn't hit me here, I...

I just get nosebleeds
all the time.

Yeah.

That's why I don't go out
for sports.

Well, maybe it's lucky
for the others you don't.

You have a touch of tiger
in you, Sandy.

- You startled me.
- Uh, I kinda startled myself.

But if that blabbermouth
tries anything again, I'll-

Sandy. Now, listen.

You're sweet and brave.

And the nicest thing
since Galahad.

But I must insist that you let
me handle my problem

in my own fashion.

- Ms. Conway?
- Hm?

Pendleton: What's the trouble?
- No trouble.

Just a nosebleed.

Oh, well, that's really too bad.

Wouldn't it be better to go
upstairs to the nurse, Sandy?

She's there to take care
of these things.

Yes, sir.

Be careful.
Don't bump into anything.

He's my favorite student.

Ms. Conway,

at the moment you are
a target for gossip.

A boy is involved.

Don't you see, then, how unwise
it was to bring Sandy in here

instead of sending him
to the nurse?

The students talk.

The talk spreads.

You think this is outrageous.
It is.

It's outrageous that we should
have to live this way.

But we do, Ms. Conway.

We do have to.

[door closes]

[indistinct chatter]

[laughing]

One more of those and I'll jump
right into mashed potatoes.

Now, if you're gonna react
every time somebody laughs

or makes an innocent remark...

Well, Prof, the little savages
are talking about it.

Every class I held this morning
was completely out of control.

Lois, I warned you before
about going out on a limb.

Yes, I know you did.

If it snaps off,
nobody's gonna break your fall.

Man on PA:
Attention, everybody.

Oh, brother, attention.

Fiash, hot off the wires.

What slick chick teacher
is making with soft music

in the direction of what member
of what football team?

See who's in my office.

Man on PA: And what kind
of line is she handing out?

That he's the one making
a play for her?

Behave, teacher!
You want everybody to laugh?

Now, no more night trips
to the stadium.

This is The Eye, signing off.

[indistinct chatter]

Leonard, will you please
step outside?

Now, look here, Leonard, this
all started as an adventure,

an impulse, just a wild idea.

But do you have any idea
where this might end?

What do you think you're doing?

Playing tease-me with some kid?

First, coming around
to the stadium right on time,

and then because
you get cold feet

trying to get me in trouble.

The reason I went to the stadium

was to try to talk
some sense into you about-

I've got plenty of sense.

I know this school isn't big
enough to hold us both.

It's either you or me.

And all I care about is me.

Ms. Conway wanted
to talk to me.

[bell ringing]

- Earthquake, Ms. Conway?
- What?

You look as though
you just felt one.

Was that what that was?

[indistinct chatter]

Uh, Ms. Conway.

Oh, hello, Mr. Pendleton.

As to tomorrow night's dance
after the game...

- Yes, I'll be there.
- Well, of course.

I'm one of the chaperones,
you know.

Yes, I was looking at the list.

Hmm, chaperone.
I'd be more inclined

to sympathize with the
youngsters than to police them.

Would you?

Well, as a matter of fact,
I was thinking of asking

Prof to substitute for you.

He has years of experience
at that sort of thing.

Uh, he'd had much more authority
with the boys.

I hope we'll have
good weather for the game.

Are you just considering this,
Mr. Pendleton

or have you already decided?

Suppose you let Prof
take your place?

You've already decided.

When?
After that loudspeaker episode?

Must you always argue,
Ms. Conway?

I'm sorry. I'll simply come
to the dance.

But not as a chaperone.

With my ruined reputation,
Mr. Pendleton? How could I?

[car honking]

Come on.
[horn honking]

Come on, we're blocking traffic.

What do you people do
in case of fire?

[horn honking]

It's just an old friend.

As soon as the blood
begins to flow in my veins again

I intend to tear you
into little pieces.

- Oh, relax.
- Relax?

Did you see the look
on Mr. Pendleton's face?

- Who's he?
- He's our principal.

- As if you didn't know.
- Oh.

He's the man who's now deciding

to separate me
from the school system.

You'll find somebody
to take care of you.

Not if I'm continually hauled
into police cars

as though I'm under arrest.

I'm just giving you a lift home
while I ask you a few questions.

I could have walked.

Look, Ms. Conway,
the town's going through

another epidemic
of assault cases.

One of them ended in murder.

Now, maybe living
in a school room

everything's sweet and clean
and full of sunshine

but to me,
kids are like everybody else.

They can go bad.

So, just throw them
all into jail.

Don't give them a chance,
just put them away.

- That's all I have time for.
- You have a lovely attitude.

That's what I say!

Now, I want to see those notes
he sent you.

I don't have them.
They were stolen.

- What?
- They were.

I had them locked
in my desk at home

and he broke it open
and stole 'em.

How did he get in?

Remember?

I dropped it at the stadium.

I found it when I got home.

He must have picked it up.
My key was in it.

So he burglarized your house?

This nice, innocent,
clean-cut boy?

I ought to drag you up
to the reform school

and show you some of the angel
faces roosting there.

- May I get out now?
- No!

If you want to think that kids
are your own private bailiwick,

that no one else knows
anything about 'em, okay.

But burglary,
breaking and entering

that's police business.

Sarge, we're gonna stop off
at headquarters

for a fingerprint outfit.

Ten bucks says
she knows the kid's name.

A teacher mustn't be swayed
by personal feelings

any more than a doctor
or a nurse.

If some poor youngster
seems to be nothing

but a rotten little demon, we-
we don't throw him down a well

and- and toss rocks
in after him, you know.

He needs us more
than the others do.

- Very noble.
- Oh, shut up.

Only thing I remember
about my teachers

is that one of them
smelled of snuff

and another had red hair
on her knuckles.

What does your psychiatrist
say about that?

Say, somebody ought to
rescue you.

You've got the vinegar
in your voice-

- Vinegar?
- Yeah. Listen to it.

Can you make decent coffee?

I invented it.

Probably, uh, tastes of chalk.

Cream and sugar. No arsenic.

[instrumental music]

Nice kitchen.

Uh-huh.

If you're looking
for Jack the Ripper,

he just left.

Very efficient.

You do alright
for somebody living alone.

No one around to criticize.

And now comes the question,
why am I not married?

That's right. Why?

Well, I have a broken heart.

Maybe you don't have now,
but I bet you did have.

Yes, I did have.

All over?

- Uh-huh. All over.
- Good.

You going to that
big game tomorrow?

Oh, certainly.

I haven't seen a football game
in ten years.

I'll tell you what.
I'll pick you up.

Why?

Well, why did you get into
the car when I told you to?

You knew you didn't have to.

[instrumental music]

[doorbell ringing]

Hello, Mr. Bennett.

Oh, that music teacher.

Yes. Ms. Conway.
Lois Conway.

I'm sorry to be coming here
so late in the evening.

Am I disturbing you?

No. Come in.

Thank you.

You want to talk about the boy?

Yes, I do.
How much has he told you?

He never told me anything.

Everybody in this town
knows me, knows my boy.

Anything that happens
concerning us,

I hear about it.

Well, this is the first time

I've ever had to go running
to a parent

and believe me,
Mr. Bennett, it's a last resort.

Oh, okay.

- Won't you come in?
- Thank you.

This is very difficult
for me. Uh...

I- I know how popular
your son is.

They tell me you live alone,
Ms. Conway.

Yes.

House all to yourself.

No relatives, no friends.

It's what they call free,
emancipated womanhood, hm?

[scoffs] That has nothing to do
with Leonard.

You came here to discuss him,
didn't you?

I'm quite willing so long
as the discussion is honest.

Did you ever invite him
to your house, Ms. Conway?

Why, no.

There's a boy in one of your
classes named Sandy Krupp.

- Sandy has nothing to do-
- You invited him.

I hire Sandy Krupp
to come to my house

every Saturday morning
to cut the lawn

and cultivate the garden.

That's all, Ms. Conway.

- This is not all, Mr. Bennett.
- I say it is.

Women are pretty much the same

whoever they are
and whatever they are.

And the only good thing here
is that this boy has a father

who's on his toes
looking out for him.

Goodnight, Ms. Conway.

I'd like you to go.

Mr. Bennett,
I feel I must warn you.

The matter isn't closed
simply because

that's the way you want it.

The police are in
this thing, too.

Why?

Because, oddly enough,
they're the only ones

who believe
my side of the story.

But we don't want the police.
That would be...

Well, the police give everything
a very unhealthy atmosphere.

It's funny
you should use that word.

That's just exactly
what I was thinking.

Unhealthy.

Uh, Ms. Conway,
it's quite possible

I was wrong about you.

Wrong about the boy.

Humans are very likely
to act like...

humans.

What do you want me to do?

I think a good beginning
would be to call in Leonard.

He's upstairs studying.

I'd like to tell him

and I'd like you to back me up

that no one is going to hurt him

if he just admits the truth.

Of course not.
We want the truth.

That's all we're interested in.

Bring him down then, please.

He's studying
with all his heart.

You know, I don't know
if anyone realizes

the full worth of that boy.

Here, look at some
of his trophies.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

The boy's already asleep
and I don't want to disturb him.

He has a big day ahead.

Well, when are we going to have
our talk with him?

Well, I don't know.
Monday maybe.

Someday next week.

- I have a business, Ms. Conway.
- Oh.

Yes, of course you do,
Mr. Bennett.

One more thing...

Where was Leonard
between 10:00

and 11:30 last night?

Here asleep.

How do you know?

I went into his room.
I saw him.

That's what I thought.

Goodnight, Mr. Bennett.

Goodnight.

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

Goodnight.
Come back soon.

[music on jukebox]

Who's that?

Hey, you!

Hi.

You crazy kid. What're you doing
here? We're closed.

Come on, let's go somewhere.

- Unh-unh.
- Why not?

I've got a date.
He'll be here any minute.

Well, so what?
Give him a stand-up.

- Unh-unh.
- Why not?

I've had one date
with you, Leonard.

- So?
- You move too fast.

Oh.

Well, they hand out
trophies for that.

I don't think I'd look good
in silver. No, Leonard.

A couple of laughs here
in the Sugar Shop, okay,

but no more dates.

Why? What's the matter with me?
Am I poison?

Look, Leonard.
You know how your father is.

- You told me yourself.
- Forget my father.

We're talking about us.

There is no "Us."
I'm too old for you.

I have other problems.

Now, go home, sonny.

What's age go to do with this?

Look at the way Ms. Conway
chases after me.

Yeah, I heard that story.

It may be good enough for the
school to swallow, but not me.

I've been out with you...
for the last time.

I bet if I come around there,

you'll change that record
in about one minute.

[music on jukebox]

[horn honking]

There's my date.

Be out in a minute!

Come on, I've gotta lock up.

[indistinct clamoring]

[blowing whistle]

[crowd cheering]

[blowing whistle]

Do you always look so grim?

- Sorry.
- It's a little better.

You know, a day off
should do you worlds of good.

[indistinct chatter]

One, two, three...

[crowd cheering]

[blowing whistle]

Crowd: Ben! Ben! Ben!
Ben!

[crowd cheering]

[blowing whistle]

[crowd cheering]

- Did you ever play football?
- Yeah, a little.

First time I ever
went out with a detective.

First time with a teacher.

Player: One, two,
three, four, five.

[blowing whistle]

[crowd cheering]

And that's the boy
you wanted me to discipline.

- Shame on you.
- Oh.

Detective Lieutenant Graham,

this is our principal,
Mr. Pendleton.

Oh, so this is the man
we thought was arresting you!

Well, well, well, well.

Oh, don't lock her up,
she's a thorn in my side,

but we can't do without her.

Good for you, Ms. Conway.
I'm very happy to see this.

Crowd: Rah! Rah! Rah!

Is it a crime
to strangle a principal?

This Bennett boy, why did you
want him disciplined?

Oh, that- that's
school business.

I- it's none of yours.

[crowd cheering]

[blowing whistle]

Excuse me, I...
I'll be right back.

I just remembered something.

[indistinct chatter]

[crowd cheering]

[blowing whistle]

[crowd cheering]

[blowing whistle]

Crowd: Rah! Rah! Rah!

Ben! Ben! Ben!

[crowd cheering]

I'm doing you out of a fare.

How's this? About right?

Who's arguing?

What happened to my cab?

Why I can't imagine. Probably
got tired of waiting and left.

So, I guess, it's up to
the police department

to get you to the dance.

No, thank you.
I'll walk.

I'm not wearing prowl cars
with this dress.

Well, yeah.
Well, I'll tell you.

Uh, we won't use the siren.
Come on.

Matter of fact, we were heading
for the school anyway.

Oh?

You know those fingerprints

the kid burglar
left on your desk?

Funny thing, they're the same
as Leonard Bennett's.

You knew that all the time.

What are you going to do?

I got him dead to rights
on a burglary charge.

You're not going to arrest
that child for burglary?

Look, I don't care if he stole
all the blackboard erasers

in Ogden High, I want to hold
him for questioning.

Well, not about me.

As far as I'm concerned

the whole thing
never happened at all.

Graham: Only it did.

And it happened to other woman.

One of them was killed.

I don't think I like what's
going to happen tonight.

If what he tried with you
was only a fool prank

I'll throw the fear into him
and let him go.

But if he's this jumping jack
we're looking for

I wanna know about it.

You're probably going to think
I'm being noble again.

But you feel sorry for him.

You would, too,
if you knew his father.

That's for the teachers
and psychiatrists.

I suppose you do
a pretty good job.

My job is to bring in the son.

[instrumental music]

Must it be tonight
when he's up on a cloud

and everybody's so happy?

I didn't arrange this.

He did, the minute he sent
that first note.

There weren't any notes.

Now, wait a minute.

It was all my imagination.

Like the fingerprints?

His fingerprints
were on my desk because...

Well, uh, I couldn't get it open
and Leonard was passing by

and I called him in
and, and asked him to...

- Jimmy?
- Yes.

That was the word he used.
Jimmy it open.

Now, Mr. Detective,
where's your case?

- Julie, what a lovely dress.
- Thank you, Ms. Conway.

[instrumental music]

You think this kid
is innocent of everything

but what he tried with you.

You think, if I take him
downtown it'll hurt him

hurt the school,
bust everything.

Even if later we let him go.

Well, if you understand-

I understand that you look
at your job

the way I look at mine.

We're both very noble.

Except one of us is wrong.

Do you ever pray?

- Mm, yes, I-
- Good.

Now, you just pray that this kid
isn't the one I'm looking for.

Because if he is,
and he leaves any bodies

lying around after tonight...

Teacher, that terrific
conscience you have

is gonna give you
a real bad time.

[instrumental music]

Hello, Ms. Conway.

Oh, hello, Sandy.

Hello, girls.

[music continues]

They think they're being modern.

That's a tribal dance
straight from the Congo.

Yes. Astonishing coordination.

We're certainly proud
of your son tonight.

[music continues]

Leonard, could you excuse
yourself a moment, please?

Oh, Ms. Conway.

- It's terribly important.
- Alright.

Excuse me, fellas.

Leonard...

Something very serious
has happened.

The other night
when you broke into my desk-

I don't know
what you're talking about!

Don't talk.
Just listen to me.

You left fingerprints.

The police have identified them.

My fingerprints?
That's a laugh.

You can lie
about a lot of things

but fingerprints don't lie.

Think about it, Leonard.

You've read detective stories.

[instrumental music]

My father's watching us.

I can't even go to a dance
by myself.

He's gotta tag along
to keep an eye on me.

Ms. Conway, I could tell you
a couple of things.

Well, I'd like to listen.

Oh, you don't know how I wish
it never happened.

Maybe we can clear up
this whole miserable business.

Hello, Mr. Bennett.

Ms. Conway, I'm a man who comes
straight to the point.

And the point here...

And any intelligent woman
ought to realize it

is that you and this boy

shouldn't be hanging around
in corners.

Not after all that talk.

Come on, Leonard.

Well, I was just saying
something to Ms. Conway.

Okay, dad.

He's only 18, Ms. Conway.
That's very young.

You were talking
to that teacher.

Well, sure,
but just school stuff.

What about?

Well, she's mad because
I'm not in the Glee Club.

Gee, dad, with all the things
I've gotta do

how can she expect me
to be in that too?

Leonard, you have
your mother's eyes

especially when
you're telling a lie.

- Dad, if every time I-
- Yes.

You asking for another session
like the one we had

when you came home last night?

No.

Alright, then.

- There you go.
- Thank you.

Ms. Conway,
I've gotta talk to you.

- Well, alright, Leonard.
- Privately.

Meet me in the cloakroom.

[indistinct chatter]

Sandy, here.
Take over for me, will you?

- Hello, Ms. Conway.
- Hello, girls. Having fun?

- Wonderful.
- Good.

Lois: Leonard. Leonard!

The people
who teach our children.

I don't suppose any explanation
is necessary, Ms. Conway.

Explanation? She has a sick mind
or a corrupt one.

The only explanation
is the one the school board

is going to make
to the newspapers.

And I'll see to it
that one is made.

Pendleton: The less publicity-

I believe in publicity.

This thing needs airing
and lots of it.

I want to see you Monday
morning, Ms. Conway.

In my office.

[dramatic music]

Hi.

Care for some coffee?

Could care, but not much here.

How did you-

You should get that lock fixed.
It's too easy.

I'm gonna put a swinging door
in there.

It'll make it simpler
for everyone.

Hey, Vinegar.

I'm sorry.

I just had to hit at someone.

What happened?

Oh.

Tell me what happened.

Go ahead and arrest him.

Put him in jail. I don't care
what happens to that boy.

Did he go after you again?

Oh, no. It...

They...

[sobbing]

[instrumental music]

How- how did this happen?

I get cold on that side.
Do you mind?

No. I'm delighted to help.
Have you got a hanky?

Yes.

What's good
for tar-and-feathers?

- Removing them, that is?
- Whose?

Mine, soon.

What did he try this time?

It was the neatest, dirtiest

double-cross you've ever seen.

He enticed me into
the cloakroom to talk to me.

To ask me for help.

And do you know who was there?

The principal.

Yes, and Mr. Bennett,
how did you know?

[sighing]
That game's so old.

- Where're you going?
- To bring him in.

Hmm.

Come here. Well, I gotta go.

Mm-hm.

[instrumental music]

- I argue all the time.
- Yeah, honey, I know.

[music continues]

[sobbing]

I think she's crazy.

Teacher's get that way,
you know.

They begin to imagine things.

I once had a history teacher
like that.

She was always talking
about Napoleon.

[sighing]
Were you carrying a weapon

when you broke into
Ms. Conway's house?

I didn't break into
Ms. Conway's house.

I don't do that kind of thing!

Who put your fingerprints
on her desk?

You know that can be done.
They make a...

They make a rubber impression
of the fingerprint.

Then they can put it
wherever they like.

I read about that.

Graham: You read a lot
of that kind of stuff?

Well, when I was a youngster.

Graham: You're not
a youngster now, are you?

Well, I guess,
you still could call me one.

I wouldn't think of it.

But, why? I'm only 18.

So was Billy the Kid.

Briggs: For heaven's sake,
what's going on?

Get my boy out of here!

Hello, Graham.
What's the charge?

Now make it good. I was holding
four jacks when the phone rang.

- Burglary.
- That's a lie.

At least it's absurd.
Leonard?

Well, I didn't do it,
Mr. Briggs.

Of course, you didn't, sonny,

and you go right on
believing that.

There's also a suspicion
of criminal assault.

Well, now, that is ridiculous.

Sonny, what'd you say
into that recorder?

Mr. Briggs, I don't know
what kind of a grudge

Ms. Conway's
got against me, but-

Look, they have a corrupt

evil-minded teacher
at that school.

She proved her immorality

by trying to make advances
to Leonard

at the school dance
a few hours ago.

And, now, to save her skin,

they're trying to defame
a decent boy.

You don't have any
fingerprints of my son.

That's another lie!
To confuse and frighten him!

Well, we don't scare.
We don't scare two cents worth!

Hey, wait a minute.

Now, I recognize you.

I thought there was something.
You were with her at the game.

I saw you.

He was with that school teacher
at the football game.

He knows her.

Why, he's been working with her.

Well, that explains
a lot of things!

It certainly does!

To everyone except me and I'm
only the counselor here.

Then you better
do some counseling.

Tell Mr. Bennett that
he's yelling on city property

and if he doesn't cut it out
and go home,

I'll have him booked.

I don't leave here
without my son.

Graham: Tell him.

Mr. Bennett,
you can't get the boy out

without a writ of habeas corpus.

This is Sunday morning
and if I can't find a judge

to issue such a writ,
Leonard stays until Monday.

Counselor, you're an optimist.

I'm changing that suspicion
of criminal assault

into suspicion of homicide
in connection with the killing

of that woman near the school.

You're crazy.

Oh, you're really
stickin' your neck out.

This weasel could stay here
until I grow fond of him.

Do you know how long
that might be?

What do I know about homicide?
What is he talking about?

Graham, I have to
believe Mr. Bennett.

There is something
personal here.

You're prejudiced
against that boy.

Leonard, don't be
afraid of them.

That's what they want.

Don't let them
put any words into your mouth

and don't sign any papers.

Wait for me to show up,
whenever I can.

I'll tell you
how things are going

and don't believe anyone but me.

Yes, dad.

They can talk,
but they can't prove much

without witnesses.

She said, she saw my face.

Reputable witnesses, Leonard.
Reputable.

Leonard on tape: Now, I'd like
to ask a question, lieutenant.

Did anybody
ever see those notes?

Graham on tape: She was decent
enough to tear 'em up.

Those you didn't steal.

Leonard on tape:
I didn't steal anything.

Graham on tape: Then how did
your fingerprints

get on that desk?

Leonard on tape: Alright,
I'll tell you.

Graham on tape: The truth?
Leonard on tape: Yeah.

Leonard on tape: She called me
into that house.

I was passing by and she came
out and asked me

if I'd help her
move some furniture.

Graham: As simple as all that?
Leonard on tape: Yeah.

Graham on tape: Then, why
didn't you say all this before?

Leonard on tape: Well, I didn't
want my father to know

what a fool I was,
going into her house.

She's got a reputation.

Graham on tape: What kind
of reputation?

Wait a minute!
Don't turn that off!

- Why? I want to hear it.
- It's not necessary.

- I'd like to hear it!
- Why?

When you know the truth,
why listen to a lie?

What makes you so sure
it is a lie?

- Well, I- I could be wrong.
- You could be very wrong.

Maybe I did invite that boy
into the cloakroom.

That's what everybody else
believes. Why don't you?

I'm stuck.
I gotta marry you.

See that you do.

Well, uh, what happens next?

I'm going back to put him
through the wringer again.

- Oh.
- It's a good day for it.

Rainy Sunday. Gets 'em depressed
and lonesome.

You think he'll ever
tell the truth?

Well, of course. Some just take
more time than others.

Well, I hope he hurries.

I have my meeting with
Mr. Pendleton in the morning.

That's right.
Well, happy suspension!

Well, thank you.

Well, that's a very
pretty sight.

It felt good, too.
What do you want?

Never mind.

[rain splattering]

[indistinct chatter]

[intercom buzzes]

Yes.

Woman on intercom:
Ms. Conway to see you.

Send her in.

[knocking on door]

Come in, please.

Uh, Ms. Conway.

Sit down, please.

Good morning.

That's a standard phrase,
gentlemen. A form of greeting.

Actually, it's a very unpleasant
morning, isn't it?

It's certainly unpleasant
for Leonard.

The telephone in my home never
once stopped ringing yesterday.

This telephone
has been ringing all morning.

Parents, newspapers,
general busy-bodies.

All shouting for my head
or yours?

They think they have
good reason to shout.

Can't you prove
that they haven't?

Mr. Pendleton,
I've told you the truth.

Give me something
to substantiate it.

Some evidence.

Anything with which
to defend you.

So, I'm to be suspended.

For how long?

Pendleton: The Civil Service
Board convenes next month.

I'll have something to say
at my hearing.

I sincerely hope it helps.

Gentlemen, don't feel
sorry for me.

Feel sorry for yourselves.

[door slams]

Woman on intercom:
Yes, Mr. Pendleton?

I don't want to be disturbed.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Well, how goes it?

I was just going to go find a
park bench and have a good cry.

Come on, I'll take you home.

- You look awful.
- Thanks.

What've you been doing?

If you ever came to pick me up
for a date looking like that,

I- I'd throw you out.

I bet you'd like
to start on Pendleton.

He suspended me.

No imagination.

No spine!

No eyes.

I'd want to keep you around

just to watch you
when you walked away.

[Graham whistling]

You're good for me.

Anything to tell me
about Leonard?

Another session
from midnight till dawn.

Nothing... yet.

Dad, they were at me
all the time.

You've gotta get me out of here.
I can't take much more.

Yes, it's the suspicion
of homicide.

What have I got to do
with killing anybody?

It's a legal trick.

It's what enables them
to keep you here,

while that detective tries to
make a reputation for himself

and clean up hers,
his woman's name.

Her reputation's okay.

I heard Graham say
it would stand up anywhere.

I heard him say
if it's a toss-up

as to who's lying, I lose!

Don't talk nonsense. What sort
of reputation could you poss-

Well, what about my fingerprints
on her desk?

That's against me, but there's
nothing against her.

Leonard, when will you learn?

Everybody does bad things.

Everybody has something hidden.

Everybody.

[instrumental music]

[keys clacking]

[telephone ringing]

- Hello.
- Hi. What're you doing?

Oh, hi.

I'm practicing waste motion.

I'm preparing my little case
for the Civil Service Board.

At least, I intend to go down
with all flags flying!

I can't budge that kid.
I can't get through to him.

Come on over, will you?
Just to sit in front of him.

Sometimes if they keep looking
at their victim long enough,

these characters
begin to understand

the meaning of what they did.

What do you say?
Can you take some more?

[sighing]

Well, it might be easier

than trying to find a new job.

I'll be there in 15 minutes.

Graham on phone:
Good. I'll see you.

Okay, Bye.

[instrumental music]

But it doesn't seem strange to
you that a kid with your looks,

the big hero of Ogden High

was never known
to have a girlfriend?

Well, I never had time
to go with girls.

I hope you had time
to think about them.

And with your father
always around watching,

that's about all you could do.

Leave my father out of this!

You're pretty loyal to him,
aren't you?

- Why shouldn't I be?
- That's a good question.

Look what all
he's doing for you.

Do you have any idea the way
your father's running around,

trying to get out of this jam?
He'll do anything.

That cloakroom business
at the dance,

that was a pretty smart play.

- That wasn't his idea!
- Then it was yours.

I didn't say that!

The only thing that impresses me
about you, Leonard,

is that you're
almost professional.

[telephone ringing]

But not quite.

Lieutenant Graham.

Who?
Oh, hi, Knudsen.

You in town or...
Lakedale, huh?

Ms. Conway, tell him to
leave me alone.

You're not in school now.
Ms. Conway can't do anything.

Yeah.

You've lost me my job,

my reputation
and most of my friends.

What would you like me to do
for you, Leonard?

But I never had anything to do
with killing that woman

near the school.
You've got to believe me.

Okay. Thanks.

Look, I'll swear it
by anything you say.

See you.

Don't bother.

They got that guy.

The murderer?
The- the one you call the...

- Full confession.
- There you see?

You see!
But I get the pushing around!

I'm the one who spends
three days in this crummy jail!

- Shut up!
- Wait a minute.

Are you disappointed?
Did you want him to be guilty?

Want him to be?
He is.

He broke into your house!

Have you forgotten
what he tried with you?

I'll keep him here
until he rots!

That's what you say.

Do you know
what you've done to her?

Stop it!

What are you doing?
Do you want revenge? I don't.

All I want is my job back and
for things to be as they were.

I'm not going to press charges.

Let him go.

- Let him-
- Yes.

Let him go.

Okay, kid.
Beat it.

Leonard, wait.

Don't you think you ought
to take him home?

- Take him home?
- I don't need anybody.

Be quiet.

What's the matter with you?

You know it's late at night.

You didn't even ask him
if he has bus fare.

We're miles from his house.

- I can hitch a ride.
- That's all you need.

You've just gotten out
of trouble.

Take him home.

Why do I always get stuck
with the nutty ones?

Come on, I'll drop you off
on the way.

Okay, kid. Go.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[car horn blaring]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[keys clacking]

[door opens]

Graham: Be right back, Bob.

[music continues]

- Oh!
- What's the matter?

Oh, it's my key. I...

It's here somewhere.

Oh, here it is.

[instrumental music]

- That's enough.
- It's only the beginning.

I know.
That's what I mean.

You have another stop to make
and you look dead for sleep.

- One for the road. Okay?
- Okay.

Out.

When I picked you up today,
you said you were gonna

have yourself a good cry.

How do you feel now?

I don't feel like crying.

That's all over.

Go.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

What's on your mind, kid?

There's something about her
that gets under your skin.

I mean...

Well, who else after you've
played her a lousy trick would,

would worry about you
getting a lift home?

Do you understand what I mean?

Right.

Okay.
I sent her those notes.

And you made a pass at her
in the stadium?

And the burglary in her house?

Just the way she said.

Everything was just
the way she said.

- Let me out here, will you?
- What for?

I want to walk.
I'll walk home.

Come on back with me
and tell her all this.

No. No more tonight, please.
I just want to walk home.

Okay, kid.

Pull over, Bob.
Bob: Alright, sir.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Operator.

Operator.

Oh, please, operator!

[whispers]
Operator.

Put that down!

You won't call the police!

You won't call the police!
You won't, you won't.

You don't have to call anyone.

You don't have to.

I just came to talk to you

about Leonard.

Oh? Well, that's fine,
Mr. Bennett.

I believe you.

But, now, you,
you really must go.

Bennett: That closet, I- I,
I guess I just,

I didn't know what I was doing.

Lois: Yes, I- I understand.

But we can talk
about that tomorrow.

It- it's very late, now,
Mr. Bennett.

Well, you won't talk about it
to anyone else?

You won't talk about it
to anyone else?

Oh, no. No, I won't talk
about it to anybody else.

Now, Mr. Bennett,
you really should go home.

Your boy is waiting for you.

- They let him go?
- Yes, they did.

They- they let him go.

They had to let him go.

You've nothing on that boy?

You're right.
They had nothing on him.

I'm glad.
We didn't want to hurt you.

It's just...
Well, it's hard to explain.

You're so close.

You see, I'm kind
of embarrassed.

I'm not accustomed to,
uh, standing in the dark

close to a pretty young woman.

You are very pretty.

That perfume you're wearing
is very exciting.

Is very exciting.

Get out of here!

Who do you think you are?

Talking to me like that?

You're not in the classroom now.

Browbeating a lot of
helpless children.

Yes, and getting away with it
because they are helpless.

And getting away with it
outside the classroom too,

because you're a woman.

And you're just like
every woman!

You're dirty!

You lie! And cheat!

You ought to be wiped off
the face of the Earth

every one of you!

Every one of you!

You cheat!
You cheat!

[indistinct screaming]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[Lois groaning]

[doorbell buzzing]

[groaning]

Lois?

Lois!

Honey. Honey.

[dramatic music]

[dog barking]

[dog barking]

[music continues]

[panting]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Honey, are you...
What are you doing here?

Leonard!

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

You're okay, kid?

Yeah, I'm alright.

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music]

- Hi.
- Hi.

- Oh! Thank you.
- You're welcome.

I just got this picture
from your problem child.

He says he'll complete
basic training

and his high school credits
in another month.

- Good. Oh...
- Excuse me.

- Oh, hi, Sandy.
- Oh, hi.

[music continues]

I guess if you love them,
they grow up.

[music continues]

[instrumental music]