Original subtitles

Hey, kid, you move pretty good.

You ought to be in show business.

If you are interested in a career, I could help you a lot in the big city.

I'm staying over at the Pado House, room 602.

That is, if you are interested in a career.

Yeah, if you are interested.

I sure had his eye all right.

You didn't believe him.

Well, he could have contacts.

Oh Cathy, it's some sort of line.

Oh, what's the matter with you two? You look like a couple of mortuary assistants.

Show a little enthusiasm.

It's all right for you to whoop it up.

Like me, I'm failing three out of five.

It's not because I'm not hitting the books.

Oh, I'm just fed up with school.

So you're fed up with school, and you, I know you're not having it easy.

Oh, it'll pass over.

I'll forget him.

Sure you will.

Was all that talk about show business just talk?

Look, if it wasn't, we've got to take the plunge sometime,

or we'll be trapped here for three more years.

But that man at the sugar bowl, I'm still sure it's just a line.

But on the other hand, he could have contacts.

Contacts? Look, I've got contacts in every city in the country.

You just give me the name of the horse, and tomorrow morning I'll put you down.

Even in this burg.

Yeah, who is it?

Come in, close the door.

Take off your coat and stay awhile.

Come on, relax baby.

There, that's better.

Like a drink?

So you want to bust into show business, huh?

What makes you think you're qualified?

I started dancing school when I turned six.

And I've been going ever since.

Well, it was very good training.

I saw you dancing today.

Very good.

Look, if you want to break into show business,

you've got to loosen enough, relax a little.

Especially around men.

Little gals who can't bend a little,

never make it in show business.

Never.

Come on, baby, let's see you move.

I'll give you the beat, and you'll just improvise.

Come on, baby.

I've got a friend in New York.

This guy is a big theater publicist.

He can get you right in with the people who count.

He's got the key to the right door.

Only he ain't interested in no chick who don't do as asked and

be a little easier on men.

You are kidding?

I am not kidding.

Listen you two.

This is our big chance.

Mr. Williams gave me this card of a big theatrical publicist in New York.

Still carrying the torch for the big man on the campus?

Well, I don't care.

I'm not going to miss the chance of a lifetime.

Well, look, I'm the least likely to succeed.

I haven't had any training in singing, acting, or dancing.

But I'd like to give it a try.

Or at least a try.

So would I.

Oh, I'm so glad.

Look, I've saved nearly $200.

We can go on that

and give New York and the theater at least a month and a half.

That is, if we watch our pennies.

Well, Cathy, I think I have a little over that myself.

I have $125.

Howard and I were saving to buy the ring.

That's all I have.

We'll just pool our resources.

That'll give us at least three months.

But I have a feeling that a couple of weeks of real trying,

at least that's what Mr. Williams said.

He said that real pretty girls don't have trouble

if they know how to handle themselves.

Handle themselves?

Well, you know, be poised and relaxed around people.

Well, I'm all game.

So am I.

You know, Cathy,

I don't think it's a very smart thing for you to go around to men's motel rooms.

Oh, Marcy, you give me a big pain.

So I went to a man's motel room for a few minutes.

What could happen?

Well, you know, the way you like to tease

and the way you like to show yourself off.

You know, you could give a man the wrong ideas.

Well, this is our ticket out of this institution of higher boredom.

A ticket to excitement, adventure,

and stardom.

Publicity and promotion.

485 Broadway.

Gary Farnham.

We'll find ourselves a nice room,

a nice, neat room.

A nice, neat little room?

You came to the right place.

Well, we'd like the room.

Your Jack Penn?

What's the trouble, sweetie?

Somebody for you, baby.

Customers.

Tell them to come in.

Come on in.

You're the landlady?

In the flesh, as it were.

Let's see, the only thing we have left is

number eleven.

Twenty-two bucks a week for the three of you.

Two weeks in advance.

You get two sets of linens.

You do your own laundry and house cleaning.

How about plumbing?

Down the hall, baby.

I have two weeks in advance.

Later, dearie.

I don't have any place to put it right now.

Don't worry.

I'll be down to collect later.

The room's right down the hall.

The door's open and the key's inside.

Ready, Rembrandt?

Are you familiar with any of the big theatrical publicists?

I know of a few.

Do you know...

Gary Farnham?

Who?

Gary Farnham.

Yeah, I'm Gary Farnham.

Well, what do you want?

I'm... I'm Cathy James.

Cathy who?

Well, Cathy James.

Your friend Pete Williams sent me.

He said he'd call you about me.

Oh, yeah.

I remember now.

Pete Williams told me all about you.

Let me finish typing this letter.

Don't you have a secretary?

Oh, yeah, sure.

But I gave her the day off.

All right.

Tell me all about yourself.

Well, my friends Marsha Hendricks and Vivian Lee and I,

we left Warner College upstate.

Yeah, then?

Well, we came to New York.

We want theatrical careers.

How do you know you're qualified?

Well, we were all in the dramatic club

and we took interpretive dancing at school.

Well, and I studied ballet since I was a little girl.

Well, all we want is a chance.

Mr. Williams said you'd give us a chance to show.

Oh, don't worry, baby.

You'll get your chance to show.

Go over there.

Take your clothes off.

You want to get into show business, don't you?

Well, I got to see if you're qualified, don't I?

I guess.

Alright, so let's have a look.

Won't you at least lock the door?

Guess I... didn't measure up.

Baby. Baby.

I got a good friend who can open a lot of doors for you.

He can open an awful lot of doors.

Disgusting.

Hi, talking to yourself?

I guess.

I was just saying it's disgusting the way the people

in casting offices treat ambitious young stars of the future.

You have any luck?

I didn't get past one secretary.

You know, it's only my first day and my feet hurt already.

I'm happy to get back to the cave.

It's a wild place, isn't it?

I guess.

The landlady who poses for questionable photographs.

It's all very legitimate, though.

The photographer's nice.

A nut, but he's all right.

Hi, how did you kids do?

Terrible.

Well, I got a lead.

Remember the publicist?

Oh, you mean the one the guy in the hotel room recommended?

Well, anyway,

this evening he wants us to go see this big producer, Paul Cobb.

This evening?

It's some sort of a party.

A party?

I thought it was a lead.

It is, sort of.

We'll meet this big producer.

Well, we can't lose anything by going.

No and we can stuff ourselves

without hurting our budget a bit.

There'll be plenty of food.

Oh, that's one prospect

that will take away all my fatigue and my sore feet.

Come on, let's get ready.

It'll probably be a very quiet party.

Hey, I'm glad you came.

These are my roommates.

The ones I told you about.

Vivian and Marcia.

Nah, the cabaret business ain't what it used to be.

There ain't any big spenders around anymore.

There's a nightclub owner in here that owes me a couple of good turns.

I want you to meet him.

I got somebody here I want you to meet.

This is Cathy.

You know the girl I was telling you about?

She's got a lot of talent.

A lot of talent.

Oh, thank you.

There isn't a girl who doesn't like champagne.

Listen, this place should make a mint out of it.

Oh, I've been buried so darn long.

And I really can't afford to take a tax loss again this year.

I gotta get you two circulating.

But I think I'm going to have to put you up.

What?

Dear, I'm sorry to interrupt.

This pretty thing is Vivian.

Vivian, this is Mark.

So you're in show business?

Well, not yet.

But I hope to be soon.

That girl will go on like that until she drops.

Wild.

I need a drink.

But first let me get you set up.

Been an actress long, Miss Lee?

Not professionally, Mr. Baylor.

My friends and I just arrived in New York.

I would like to know what your intentions are going to be concerning the package.

Really, Paul?

I haven't made up my mind yet.

Oh, you two were discussing business.

If you'd like me to leave...

Say, you're a real cool chick.

Like to dance?

Why not?

Yeah.

Gary tells me a lot of good things about you.

Maybe I could use you down at my place.

That's not a promise.

But tomorrow you can stop around.

And then we'll see, maybe.

I told you she'd dance until she drops.

I didn't tell you what.

I need a little fresh air.

Don't you feel well?

I'd feel a lot better if we took a spin in my teabag.

Be a good kid.

Run out and get me some scotch and a soda.

We're all out.

That gal sure moves good.

Mavis?

Yeah, she's a good sport.

You move well, too, baby.

Oh?

I was watching you dancing with Luke Filitharia.

You make a very good showgirl.

Do you like to be a showgirl?

Before I was married to Paul, I was a showgirl.

It was great.

You should try it when you know how to begin.

You wouldn't even know how to begin.

I could teach you.

You'd have no trouble landing a job.

Tighter!

Now, tie her tighter.

Don't be afraid to give her room burns.

Remember, she likes to suffer.

There, now that's what I want.

Coming.

It's not what it looks like.

It is, too.

You just saved me from a fate worse than death.

Darn it.

Miss Penn.

Jackie, please.

Richard.

A little tender massage to start the blood circulating again.

Jackie, I took the liberty of giving the number out

to the payphone next to your room.

And while I'm out, if I get any calls, you know, would you...

Aha, beau!

I knew it wouldn't take long.

A good-looking girl in this town?

Oh, it's not a beau.

Actually, it's a girlfriend.

Someone who's going to coach me.

I met at the party last night.

Don't worry, baby. I'll take the message.

Okay, thank you.

You know something, Jackie Merlo?

What?

It's a sweet little girl.

Mr. Wilkerson?

I'm ready for that audition now.

Oh, yes. I didn't think you'd show.

Well, I do want to work.

What can you do?

Well, I sing and dance a little.

Do you have a show here?

Well, it seems a little small.

Irregardless what it seems,

we do have a show.

Come with me.

In here.

You want a job, don't you?

I got to see what you look like in custom, don't I?

I don't know what you've heard about me, but...

I don't believe everything.

I don't believe in anything I hear.

Look what I see.

Cobb, you got a job?

What kind?

Dancing at the Southland Club.

Anything happen for you kids yet?

Nothing like that.

You know Ronnie?

Mrs. Cobb.

Well, she's going to teach me something about being a showgirl.

Viv.

She has a date with Mr. Cobb.

Oh, it's nothing like that.

Paul thinks I've got something saleable.

I'll bet.

You don't have to worry about Paul Cobb.

He's much too decent and considerate to try anything on me.

Well, I'm glad.

Oh, Cathy, tell us all about it.

How you got the job?

Well, Mr. Wilkerson had me dance for him.

Well, is the place large?

Not very, but I think it'll be a great place to work.

Oh, it's going to be a ball.

Oh, they're very good.

Watch your little wheel.

You're on.

Lots of luck.

I don't think she's so hot.

Listen, baby.

I'm your number one girl.

Don't you ever forget it.

So you're my number one girl.

Let's prove it.

Get to work and hustle some drinks.

Much better!

On that last turn, just a little more of a flourish.

Perfect!

Just make your moves as if you mean them.

All right.

Now come back and make that same turn right in front of me.

And remember,

beautiful.

One.

Two.

Three... beautiful.

Beautiful!

All right!

It's so nice to be here, thank you.

I'd like it.

It's not much.

That's not where you live in.

Oh, Ronnie, it's a palace.

Marsha,

would you like to stay here?

No.

I mean, you could stay right here in the guest room.

After all, I am a stranger.

It was very sweet of you.

Marcy, I do like you.

You wouldn't be getting in the way.

Not at all.

Oh, Ronnie, I couldn't.

You know, it would hurt Cathy and Vivian if I...

oh, Ronnie, I just couldn't.

Now I've got to go.

Oh, Ronnie, don't be sad.

It was very sweet of you.

Thank you.

Sleep well, baby.

Wonderful time.

Cathy, Paul's a man I've never met before.

Tried to kiss you, yeah?

No, we had supper.

We went for a walk in the park.

We just talked.

Cathy, you've been drinking.

Oh, I had one or two.

I never knew you drank.

A little drink now and then doesn't hurt anybody.

Good night, Vivian.

Good night, Cathy.

Look like you're in pain.

Now Laura, you get on top.

All right, come on in.

It's open.

Oh, Miss Hendrix.

Just another layout for True Revelations magazine.

Hey, do you want to make $25?

Me?

Why not?

You mean almost naked?

Don't look so shocked.

I'm only asking you to pose for me.

Maybe I don't think I have a good enough figure.

All right, girls.

Take ten minutes.

Hey, come on down to my room for a cup of tea for a cup of tea.

Rembrandt here is a coffee hound.

Only.

Is that great shape?

Yeah.

Go over there and stand.

Go on.

Here.

Let me see your legs.

Higher.

This high?

Nice, baby.

Very nice.

Very nice.

I'd say beautiful.

Ronnie, why are you drinking so much?

Maybe there's something I'm trying to forget.

Please.

Maybe.

Just maybe.

Because of Paul and me.

We don't enjoy a very satisfactory relationship, you know.

Oh, I didn't know.

Well, now you do.

Oh, Ronnie, I'm sorry.

I'm not.

I hate it so.

Well, Ronnie, you're just starting to move to work tonight.

Perhaps we'd better make it some other night.

Perhaps you're right.

I'll just get my coat and go home.

Oh, never mind.

I can let myself out.

You know where your friends are.

Marcia, I'm sorry.

I guess I'm just tired.

Oh, it's nothing to cry about, baby.

I'll admit it's not fancy.

It's neat and livable.

And it's a fun house.

It has a wild photographer, jugglers, a landlady who poses for calendar art,

and other assorted characters.

That's where I live.

Thank you.

Thank you for bringing me here.

And joining me.

Thank you.

You shouldn't have.

Come on, baby!

You look like you saw a ghost.

Or something.

I did see something, all right.

Come up to my place.

I've got a strong pot of coffee.

It's great for shock.

Come on.

You're safe.

Honey, I wouldn't lay a finger on you.

Yes, ma'am, I know his type.

Just wants to look.

Did you see the sucker Ann has corralled?

Yeah.

A big time movie producer.

A movie producer?

Oh.

No, really.

How do you know?

The last time he was in town, I had a drink with his buddy.

He told me so.

Leave it to Ann to get the best pickings.

Although he could notice any of us when we do our turns.

Are you kidding?

With Ann in his view?

Hey, that kid's got some legs.

I guess, if you like that kind.

I'd like another drink.

How about it?

One refill.

Coming up.

It's strong.

I sure can use it.

Boy, you must have gotten a shock.

Do you know what? I mean, why I'm so upset.

I saw your friend and the gentleman enter and I wasn't spying.

I was just coming out of the bathroom when they went in.

It shouldn't upset you though.

Nothing shocks me.

Remember, I'm a photographer.

For among others, True Revelations magazine.

But Dick, you don't understand. He's married.

Really?

Well, he's married to a very dear friend of mine.

Dick, it's all wrong for Vivian. It's all wrong.

I'm going to move out, Dick.

I've got to.

Things would just never be the same between Vivian and me.

Where could you go?

Well...

I could move in with a friend.

Oh, she'd be glad to have me.

Well, I'm glad you haven't decided to pack it in and leave the city.

You know, you've got a lot on the ball.

A lot on the ball.

So you really think I have something extra?

Yeah. Tell me, baby.

Do you ever think of TV?

All the time.

Would you like to talk it over somewhere a little quieter?

Can't leave, honey. It's against the rules.

I don't want you to break any rules.

But after closing, we could meet at the all night coffee house out on the street.

Commercials pay a whole pile of money.

I wonder if he's left yet. I'd like to get to bed sometime.

You can stay here as long as you'd like.

You know, Marcia, you're very beautiful.

I'd like you to pose for me.

Without clothes?

Why not?

No, I'd have to think about it a while.

I've thought about it.

I'd be happy to pose for you.

You know something, baby?

On camera, you'll be a sensation.

I'm so glad you think so.

I've just got to get out of that dive.

Yeah, that joint's no place for a girl like you.

When do you think you could set up an audition?

How about next week?

Well, do you have a card?

Not on me at the moment.

Well, I mean, don't you carry a card or something?

Damn it, no, I don't always carry cards on me.

Besides, I don't want you to be calling me at the office.

People there might suspect we're friendly, understand?

Better if I introduce you as a new discovery.

I'll know where to find you.

Now hold that pose you two.

There.

Now, Jackie, you come in the background.

Now, Phil, move to where Jackie is.

And Jackie, you come up front in the grappling position with Marcia.

Now, Jackie, take Phil's belt

and move into the position for the whipping scene.

That's it. Thanks kids.

Me?

No, it was a lot of fun.

Still planning to move out?

Yes.

I'll hate to see you go, baby.

Oh, heck, I'll still be around.

It's later than I thought.

Gee, in about ten minutes I'm supposed to do a

batch of draped figure shots of Miss Olga Niles.

Oh, is she the choreographer?

Mm-hmm.

Every once in a while she gets the urge to do a layout.

What kind of a layout?

Peel.

What?

Peel.

I'm going to take some figure shots of you.

But Niles will be here in a minute.

I know.

Just slip out of that lingerie and leave everything to me.

And be quick about it.

You have a first name?

I'm going to get you a job.

In a show.

Uh, Miss Niles' show?

Yep.

You are kidding.

She'll get one look at you and...

Oh, I'm afraid I'm early.

It's quite all right, Miss Niles.

Get ready and I'll finish up with Miss Hendricks.

Parade like a showgirl.

Like you like.

That's fine Miss Hendricks. I'll take Miss Niles now.

Perfect Miss Niles.

Assume your second position now and stay in the key light.

Oh miss. Are you a showgirl?

No.

But she'd like to be.

Would you young lady?

Would you like to be a showgirl?

Steady, Miss Niles.

Oh, yes, I'd like to be a showgirl.

You have a very interesting face.

And a very good body.

And she's very reliable.

Dependable little Marsha Hendricks.

Gets herself a job and runs out on her friends just like that.

Oh, Cathy please try to understand?

I just can't stay here any longer.

Why?

Because Vivian is having a little flirtation? Cathy, come on.

You know as well as I do that Vivian Lee doesn't know what a little flirtation is.

What's going on here?

Marsha's got herself a job in the Silver Town Revue.

Isn't that great?

Why the packing?

I'm moving out.

But why?

Marsha, you and that Paul Cobb, the whole thing stinks.

I don't understand.

I love Paul. I love Paul very much.

Oh, you and your true love. It makes me sick, just sick.

I have a very good reason for you to smile, Miss Hendricks.

We have decided we are going to make you one of our girls.

You mean I've got a job?

Oh.

I knew you'd get one.

Oh, Ronnie.

Ronnie, let's celebrate.

I'll drink to that.

Oh, Ronnie, please don't drink so much.

Oh, Ronnie, I something I want to show you.

Wait till you see these.

You don't like them?

They're charming.

Oh, Ronnie please, please.

Marsha. Forgive me.

Forgive me.

Get up, you dirty little.

I said get up!

Get off my back.

Annie, forget about it. Be a good sport.

Listen. No little witch is gonna take any man from me.

Especially when he's a TV producer.

Whatever.

Get up, you no good little tramp.

I'm going to tear you apart.

I said get up!

What the hell caused all this?

The gals are having it out over that guy Norcus.

You know, the big TV producer.

That's rich.

Norcus, a TV producer.

That's what he is.

It's like he's told himself.

Norcus.

Norcus is a $90-a-week bank clerk.

You stupid frauds.

What a bath that was.

Yeah.

I lost a cool $50,000.

Sometimes, I think it was worth it.

You see, there was this little girl on the chorus.

The little woman out of town,

I shouldn't have used strange female companionship for the night.

Well kids, gotta turn in. Amuse yourselves as long as you like.

You know where the booze is.

Help yourself.

What a strange man.

Strange?

Cuckoo.

Whatever, he's my only chance to bankroll the show.

You can sell him.

Honey, he's just given me the brush.

No, I've lost him.

Yeah, maybe for good.

If there was only something I could do.

Well, perhaps you can.

Honey, Arthur Greville likes you.

I mean, he likes you a lot.

Well, maybe you could convince him.

You know, if...

Well, if you tried real, real hard.

Paul, I love you.

Sure you do, baby.

But you realize what this means to us.

Honey, it means freedom, my freedom.

Well, if ah... if that means anything to you.

Paul, I love you.

I do love you.

And I love you, baby.

Look, honey, I'm very tired and I've got to get up early in the morning.

Now be a good girl and get dressed and go on home.

Come on, chicken, take it.

What do you think I am?

You sweet thing!

Get out of here.

You heard what I said.

Get out of my sight.

You... you procurer.

And stay out of my sight.

Here, here. That's enough of that.

After all, this was my date for tonight.

You'll been made into the object of desire.

My dear, you looked lovely up there.

I knew my casting would be superb.

Your staging and things were pretty good, too.

I heard a lot about them from ringside.

And I heard quite a lot about my new girl.

Oh, well, I just launched another star into the theatrical heavens.

One that's probably just as ungrateful as all the others.

But let's all go and have a drink.

I'd like to take a rain check on that.

Now I'd like to get home to Cathy and Lydia.

A lot of things I'd like to try and make up for.