All language subtitles for The.Great.Ziegfeld.1936

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[ Roars ]

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Festive music ]

[ Indistinct chatter ]

Step right up to the platform,
ladies and gentlemen.

You will see the greatest show
on the Midway for only 50 cents.

These little ladies are
entertaining you now,

but in just a moment,

Little Egypt will
turn on her stuff.

She has danced before all the
crown heads of Europe.

She makes blue blood
turn into red.

[ Indistinct chatter ]

Ladies and gentlemen,
step right up

and buy your tickets for Sandow,
the strongest man in the world.

He juggles pianos. He plays
marbles with cannonballs.

He lifts 10 times his
own weight with one arm.

He can even raise
his own salary.

[ Laughing ]

Now, folks, step right this way.

You are looking at the
sensation of the fair

the eighth Wonder of the World.

Ladies and gentlemen,
this way. This way.

This little lady
has wiggled herself

from the sand of the desert to
the shores of Lake Michigan.

And she's about to give you an
exhibition absolutely free.

Ladies and gentlemen,
this is not the dance

that Little Egypt does inside,

but to prove our generosity,
we're going to give you

a demonstration of that famous
dance, the hootchy-kootch.

Egypt, wiggle.

[ Laughing ]

That's sufficient.
Now, ladies and gentlemen --

He's a masterpiece of manhood.

Step up to the box office
and buy your tickets.

The show's about to begin.

Ladies and gentlemen, this --

[ Laughs ]
Well, how's business, Ziggy?

[ Laughing ]

Indeed.

And now, ladies
and gentlemen, Sandow

concludes this performance
by lifting

with Herculean strength, the
largest dumbbell in the world.

An unusual feat,
ladies and gentlemen,

for inside this huge dumbbell,
there are other dumbbells.

Ladies and gentlemen, look.

Aww! There you are.

Aren't they beautiful?
Aren't they glorious?

A total weight of 750 pounds.

Isn't it wonderful?
Isn't it marvelous?

Let's give him a big hand.

[ Applause ]

And what made you bring me
to a show of this kind?

Well, you wouldn't let me
see Little Egypt.

I'll bet a heifer against a mare
the weights ain't on the level.

750 pounds, my foot.

I wonder what her
total weight is. Oh, Bill?

- Yes, sir.
- Open the curtains, will you?

Open up those curtains.

Hey, Bill, you know, it seems
to me that this platform --

Oh, hello, baby.
Want some candy, Jane, huh?

Bill, it seems to me that
we ought to have this

platform built higher.

There ought to be
lot more steps here.

The people in the back row
can hardly see him at all.

But, Mr. Ziegfeld, there's never
anybody in the back rows.

Well, nevertheless,
I want this higher.

There ought to be
a lot more steps.

Okay, Mr. Ziegfeld.

I'm sorry i lost
my temper, Florenz.

But I am awful disappointed.

I hope you never get downright
disgusted.

What is wrong?
Why don't they come in?

You're the attraction,
and you're asking me?

Maybe you would like
to cancel my contract.

Oh, no, Sandow. When i make
a deal, it's a deal.

I like that. I like you.

Well, I like you, too.

If you want to pay me
some of my back salary,

I'd take you to dinner, yeah?

Well, I'm not very hungry.

What's the matter?
You're not worrying

about your money, are you?

You don't think
I'd ever walk out on you?

No, no.

Nobody do that to Sandow.

Maybe i better
take you to dinner.

That's fine!

Hands up, mister,
and give me all your money.

Well, I can't give you anything
with my hands up, sweetheart.

Alright, fresh, 23 skidoo
for you. I'll help myself.

Oh, no. Oh, I see you
got my little surprise.

Uh-huh. This morning.
Gee, ain't it swell?

- Were you really surprised?
- Well, wouldn't you be?

- Yes.
- If you expected a diamond ring.

Oh, don't be --
Tell you what we'll do.

We'll go to the
Little Vienna Restaurant

and have something to eat, huh?

- Oh, I'd like that.
-[ Laughs ] Well!

- Telegram, Mr. Billings.
- Oh, thank you.

Well, just wait a minute. There
might be an answer. Let me see.

- Oh, well, I'll be.
- Bad news?

No, no, it's from Ziegfeld.
He's right across the Midway.

He can reach out and touch me,
but he has to send wires.

Listen to this one, "In Little
Egypt, you have the best female

attraction of the fair.

In Sandow, I have the greatest
male attraction in the world.

Why not fake a romance?

The newspapers will fall for it.
The people will eat it up.

Then we can show them together,

and i'd be willing
to split 50-50."

Well, that sounds
like a great idea.

Oh, yes, great.

I'm selling out every
performance, and he's going to

be thrown out on Saturday,
and he's willing to split 50-50.

Give me your pencil, boy.
I'll answer this one.

- Oh, Jack?
- Yes.

Is Ziegfeld a good friend
of yours?

Oh, yes, we've been
pals for years.

- But you wouldn't like him.
- No?

No, he's up one day
and broke the next.

If he got $ 10,000 tomorrow,

he'd spend it on the girl he
happened to like tomorrow night.

You wouldn't want
to waste your time

meeting a fellow like that.

Oh, not if i met him
on the right night.

On the right...
Oh, don't you...

[ Laughs ]

Shut up! And just
send that collect.

Yes, sir, and i'll
deliver it, too, sir.

Because every time i take
Mr. Ziegfeld a message,

he always gives me 50 cents.

- Oh, he does, does he?
- Sure.

Yes, well, that's probably
why he's always broke.

Come on, dear.

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Applause ]

This cheese is so strong
it could walk over

and say hello to your coffee.

Well, it had better not. This
coffee's too weak to answer it.

[ Laughs ]

Florenz, you're wonderful.

You make jokes even
when you're so worried

you can't touch your cold cuts.

I got no appetite neither.

No?

Message for you, Mr. Ziegfeld.

They told me i'd find you here.

From Billings.

So soon he answers? He must be
crazy about your proposition.

- Yeah.
- Read it to me, Flo. Read it.

"Dear Ziggy, your proposition
interests me."

- What did i tell you?
- Ah, yeah.

"But why fake a romance between
Sandow and Little Egypt?

Let's make Sandow
marry Little Egypt,

and i'll split the
children with you 50-50."

That message was collect.

- Oh.
-50 cents.

Have you change for a dollar?

- Oh, sure, but you always...
-[ Chuckles ] Keep it.

Gee, thanks.
[ Laughs ]

Florenz, I love you.
I will break chains for you.

I will lift buildings for you,

but i will not have
children for you.

But -- but if i have children,
I will not split them.

[ Laughing ]

Oh, hello, Ziggy,
I got your wire.

I just got yours, too.

Patterson tells me
he's putting you out Saturday.

- He tells me, too.
- How do you do, Mr. Ziegfeld?

How do you...

How do you do, Miss...

Yes, Blair,
this is Mr. Ziegfeld.

I'm very happy
to know you, Miss Blair.

Oh, I'm so happy to meet you,
Mr. Ziegfeld.

And this is Mr. Sandow,
the strongest man in the...

The strongest man in the world.

Jack tells me the loveliest
things about you.

Oh, yes, I imagine.

I could tell you some lovely
things about yourself, too.

He's only just met you, and now

he's going to tell you
all about yourself.

[ Laughing ]

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

Oh, but no, we've got...
There's a table --

I've seen you.
I've seen you many times

on the Midway, Miss Blair.

Oh, fibber. I bet you
never even noticed me.

Oh, yes, I have.

Only yesterday,
you were wearing a red dress

-trimmed in black lace.
- Yes.

And a yellow hat,
and it was atrocious.

Oh, indeed?

Oh, each was alright
in itself, mind you

but the combination, whoo!

And last Sunday, you were
wearing a blue gown

and an orchid hat.

- Well, yes.
- And you were wrong again.

Well, aren't we the observer?

Do you always check up on the
right combinations for women?

Always for beautiful women.

RUTH: Oh, well, that's nice.
Thank you.

- How do i look today?
- Well, I don't like your hat.

It shades your eyes,
and i like your eyes.

Oh, thank you.

See, he ought to be packing
his own clothes

right now instead
of selecting yours.

Come on, Ruth, we've got to go.

Well, goodbye, then.

I'll be seeing you around
the grounds, Mr. Ziegfeld.

Yes. Well, not after
Saturday, you won't.

[ Laughing ]

That fella Billings
makes me mad.

Even that music from his
Little Egypt drives me crazy.

ZIEGFELD: Oh, don't worry.

You won't have to listen to it
much longer.

Wait a minute.

Oh, come away, Florenz.

For five weeks, you've been
touching that elephant for luck.

And now in five days,
we get put out.

I know it's superstition,
but an old Hindu told me

that if you touch an elephant's
trunk, and he raises it

everything will be alright.

Oh, wait, wait.

We know we got hard luck without
that elephant should tell us.

Say, I know what's wrong.

You should touch him.
You're the attraction.

- Me?
- Sure. Go on, go ahead.

It sounds silly,
but alright, I'll do it.

[ Laughs ]

Look, Florenz, would he do that
for me? The Great Sandow.

[ Spraying ]

[ Crowd laughing ]

Sandow.

So that's what you
call good luck, yeah?

Look, Sandow, you know
you've got to expect

a little rain with the sunshine.

Oh!

That was very embarrassing,
Florenz, very embarrassing.

Ahh, don't get your dander up.
Who knows?

Maybe that little shower will
bring us oodles of luck.

Well, I hope it
brings us so much

business like that Little Egypt.

Look at those peoples,
how they crowd in

to see that woman make wiggles

when yet they wouldn't come
to see me lift weights

that no other man
in the world can lift.

You know, Sandow,
I'm afraid your trouble is

you developed the wrong muscles.

What you say?

Every muscle in Sandow's
body is developed.

Even the toes, like that.

With one arm, I make
a better muscle dance

than that Little Egypt
with the whole body.

Look, boss.

[ Festive music ]

WOMAN: Good heavens!

Are you Mr. Sandow,
the strongman?

Yes, madam, this is
the Great Sandow.

Oh, look at those
huge shoulders.

Aren't they marvelous, Pat?

- Yes, dear, come on.
- And that big chest.

Why, I never saw a chest
like that before.

Oh, darling, come on.

And his waistline, oh,
it's simply magnificent.

- Now, precious, come on.
- Just a minute, dear.

Mr. Sandow, I think your muscles
are simply astounding.

Perhaps madam would like to feel
the muscles of the Great Sandow.

- Oh, I'd love to.
- Sandow, your arm.

[ Sighs ]

- Florenz, is she dead?
- No, she's only fainted.

But, oh, what an idea.
Come on!

What? Wait a minute.
What's wrong?

- Where are you going?
- To the papers.

- Where?
- To the newspapers.

I'm going to fill them
so full of this

the women will be fighting
to see you.

Not to watch you lift weights
and bend steel bars,

but simply to feel your muscles.

Why, Sandow, you've got more
sex appeal in your one arm

than Little Egypt
has in her whole...

Sandow, the modern Hercules.
The miracle of strength.

Watch his muscles quiver in
musical rhythm. Sandow, quiver.

[ Festive music ]

Sufficient.

And now, ladies, if you want
to see more of the Great Sandow,

if your hearts are strong enough
to stand the thrill,

step right up
and buy your ticket.

The show starts in five minutes.

- Folks, this is the show --
- How's business, Jack?

[ Instrumental music ]

- Alright?
- Mm-hmm.

- Doesn't it sparkle?
- Yes, doesn't it?

- You like it?
- I certainly do.

I'm glad.

[ Indistinct chatter ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Piano music ]

[ Music continues ]

- Dr. Ziegfeld.
- Yeah?

Can't i play my piece
for you now?

I get awful tired of this...

-[ Playing piano ]
- Da, da, da, da...

[ Laughs ]

Well, I don't blame you,
Mary Lou. So do i.

Go ahead, then. Go on, play
your little piece now.

[ Piano music ]

- Dr. Ziegfeld?
- Yes, dear?

Do you know i was
mad at your son?

What? Mad at your best fella?

[ Laughs ]

Oh, but why?

Because he left us for that
old World's Fair.

Oh, well, darling, you know
the fair closed yesterday.

And is he coming back
here again?

Well, I...I hope so.

Go on.
You go on with your lesson.

[ Piano music ]

- Dr. Ziegfeld.
- Yes, dear.

Did you know i was
going to marry your son?

[ Laughs ] Well, well,
this is so sudden.

[ Chuckles ] Are you?

Oh, yes. We got that
settled months ago.

Oh, yes, father, didn't you
Mary Lou and i are engaged?

[ Clears throat ]

Well, don't i get a kiss today?

Not even a smile?

[ Gasps ] Well, father,
what do you think of that?

My future wife won't
even kiss me,

and i brought her
a present, too.

What?

- Kiss first.
- No, present first.

No, kiss first.

I'll tell you what. We'll both
give at the same time.

How's that?
I'll count three. Ready? One.

- Two.
- Same time, remember.

Three.

Oh! Oh, thank you so much.

- Dr. Ziegfeld, isn't it lovely?
- Beautiful.

I'm going to open it right now.

- Right now. Yes.
- Oh, well, well, well.

Well, Florenz, what have
you decided to do?

Well, I'm going
to New York tomorrow, dad.

With that Sandow,
that strongman?

Father, I don't really belong
here. No, I don't like it.

You don't like it, huh?

The greatest music
conservatory in the country.

I built it all myself.

Students from all over
the world are coming here,

and you, you don't like it.

You realize that maybe somewhere
in one of these rooms here

we find a future
Beethoven or Liszt?

And you, my own son,
all you want is a circus.

A circus with a fellow that can
throw cannonballs around, huh.

Come now, dad, don't be upset.

- Sandow is a means to an end.
- Yeah, to your end.

Look, when you was a little
fellow like that, since then,

I've educated you
in music and art.

From your mother, you got the
refinement, taste, culture.

What good has it all done?
What has it done to you, huh?

What are you now anyhow?

A muscle manager.
A beef exhibitor.

[ Chuckles ]

Then you got to go on the
outside, and you got to be...

You got to act like a dog
outside. You act like a dog.

Oh, well, now, father, wait a
minute. What do you mean, a dog?

You know what i mean.
I don't mean you're a dog,

But i mean you got to --

you got to go outside
and be a barker.

A barker!
That's a dog, ain't it?

Now, listen, let me
tell you something.

If you go away from here,

I'll never speak to you again
as long as i live.

- Oh, dad, you don't mean that.
- Yes, i do mean it.

And i mean...
l mean every word of it.

[ Crying]

Hey, wait a minute.

Now, you just stop that crying.

Now, you tell your fellow
why you're crying.

If you're my fellow,
why are you going away?

Wha...[ Laughs ]

Now look here,
you sit right up here,

and i'll tell you all about it.

Now, I'll be honest with you.

I'm not really your fellow.

You mean you don't
like me anymore?

Oh, I not only like you,
I love you.

But you know, I'm the
funniest kind of a fellow.

I love all the girls.

How can you do that?
Do they let you?

Oh!

Well, you didn't quite
understand what i mean, darling.

Ah, look.

Some people like
beautiful paintings.

- Like that one?
- Like that one.

Some people love
beautiful flowers.

- Like those?
- Like those.

Now, I love beautiful
little girls like this one.

And you know what i'm going
to do someday?

What?

I'm going to take all the
beautiful little girls like you,

and i'm going
to put them together

and make pictures with them.

- Will i be in a picture?
- Well, I should say you will.

But in the meantime, I think

that we ought to break our
engagement.

Why?

Well, because there are going
to be lots of little boys

come around who are going to
want to take you out

and buy you sodas.

And of course,
if you're engaged to me

you can't go out with them.

Why can't i?

Why, because if
you're married to me

I'm not going to have you
running around with other boys.

Well, I couldn't stand for that.

- You couldn't?
- Well, of course i couldn't.

[ Laughing ]

Well, what are you laughing at?

At you, you're jealous.

Well, you can
just bet I'm jealous.

Oh, oh!
Well, now I've got to run along.

Whoopie!

Florenz.

Will you be home
to dinner tonight?

Yes, dad.

Well, I'll see you then.

And in the meantime, son,
remember

anything you do,
I wish you luck.

I knew you would.

[ Dramatic music ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Applause ]

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Train horn blaring ]

[ Train chugging ]

[ Indistinct chatter ]

Thank you. Thank you.

Greetings.
Greetings to San Francisco

from my troupe, including

the strongest man
in the world, Sandow.

[ Cheering ]

[ Instrumental music ]

Oh, uh, Humane Society?

Say, what's this i read in the
papers about a lion and a bear?

Well, is your society going
to tolerate such an atrocity?

Are you going to spill the blood
of two dumb animals

over the good name
of San Francisco?

Well, I didn't think
you'd permit such cruelty.

Why, it would be a crime
to send a poor grizzly bear

into a cage with
a man-eating lion.

Crime!

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Clapping ]

[ Dramatic music ]

[ Roars ]

[ Audience booing ]

[ Laughing ]

What's so funny?

Oh, you wouldn't understand

because you don't know Ziegfeld.

But the police are after him,
and this paper's two weeks old,

so he's probably in jail by now.

- But do you know him, Jack?
- Oh, yeah, he's a pal of mine.

[ Slow instrumental music ]

Hello.

Well, Jack, this -- this
is a surprise.

I'm certainly glad
to see you aboard.

Yes, well, I'm glad i...

Pardon me, I'll be back
in a few minutes, darling.

I thought perhaps
you were in a --

- Hey, who is she?
-[ Chuckles ] You'll never know.

Tell me.
What happened in Frisco?

Did you really send Sandow
in against a lion?

Sure, but the lion
wouldn't fight.

Oh, wouldn't or couldn't?

Well, to tell you
the truth, Jack,

I didn't stay for the finish.

- I sort of thought that...
- Yes, I know.

Yeah, well, where is Sandow now?

Oh, he's in New York.
He's going into the legitimate.

What do you think of that?

Yeah, he's with Lillian Russell
in "As You Like It."

Yeah, well, I don't think
I'd like it.

What are you going to Europe
for, another strongman?

Oh, no, no.
Just a little vacation.

- London?
- Well, Monte Carlo first.

Oh, you're gonna lose all the
money you made on Sandow, huh?

- No, I'm going to double it.
- Oh, yes.

What are you going over for,
another Little Egypt?

Oh, no, just a rest.

Of course, if i see any
exceptional talent,

I'll pick it up.

Well, naturally. So will i.

Oh, you got anybody in mind?

No, no. Why, have you?

No. No.

Only the greatest artist
in Europe, that's all.

Say, who's that?

If i told you, you'd cross me
before we crossed the ocean.

[ Laughing ]

Beg pardon, sir.

Miss Carlisle wishes
to know whether

there will be three
for tea or just two.

Oh, no, just two. Yes, just two.

[ Laughing ]

- Miss Carlisle, huh?
- Yes, sir.

Oh, thank you.

You are, uh, you're
Mr. Billings' man, are you?

- Yes, sir.
- Well.

You're very efficient.

- What is your name?
- Sidney, sir.

Sidney. How much does
Mr. Billings pay you, Sidney?

100 a month, sir.

Oh. Well, that's
not very much, is it?

I hadn't thought of it, sir.

Well, think of it, Sidney.

[ Clock dings ]

London Evening News.
London Evening News.

Oh, take care of the
luggage, will you?

And tip the doorman, Sidney.

Yes, sir.

You have a reservation
for Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.?

Yes, sir.
Will you register, please?

Surely.

Is Mr. Billings still here?

- Yes, sir, on your floor.
- Oh, yes.

Boy. Rooms 325 and 26.

Thank you.

[ Instrumental music ]

Sidney! Well, you ingrate,
you deserter --

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

Well, why didn't you tell me
you were dissatisfied? I-I...

- You pirate.
- Now wait a minute, Jack.

Gentlemen don't quarrel
over gentlemen's gentlemen.

- Oh, you --
- Now, look.

Let me tell you the whole story.

If you're still angry,
Sidney can go back with you.

- Oh, I --
- Look, Jack, it was this way.

I've always envied you.

Your dress, your style,
the way you look.

So that when i saw your valet,
and i realized

that it was he who took such
magnificent care of you,

well, I just couldn't
resist the temptation

of hiring him for myself.

[ Laughs ]

You mean, you wanted
to look like me?

Well, that's right, Jack.
I wanted to look just like you.

[ Laughs ]

You faker.

What are you doing here?

I thought you weren't going
to be in London for weeks.

Oh, well, that's a long story.

You know, I was going to break
at the bank at Monte Carlo.

Yes, I know.
But the bank broke you, huh?

- What did you lose?
-$50,000.

[ Laughs ]

- What have you got left?
-50 cents.

50 cents.
Well, I'll see you later.

But, Jack, wait a minute.

Lend me $5,000, will you?

[ Laughing ]

Well, would you?

Would you make it $2,500?

If i gave you $2,500,
by the time you tipped

six bellboys,
you'd be broke again.

Look, Jack, I really need it.

I'll tell you what i'll do.

I'll give you $500

if you'll catch the next boat
back to New York.

There's one leaving in morning.
How's that? Fair enough?

Well, it's fair, but not enough.
Will you sail with me?

Oh, no, Mr. Ziegfeld.
I have business in London.

Oh, haven't you got
the world's greatest artist yet?

No, not yet, but i will have.

Who is it, Jack?

Oh, go on, you can tell me now.
I'm broke.

Oh, I won't tell you till i have
her name on the dotted line.

It's a her, is it?

Yes, and a beautiful her, too,

and she's signing
the contract tonight.

- Goodbye, Mr. Ziegfeld.
- Goodbye, Mr. Billings.

[ Instrumental music ]

I say, doorman,
did Mr. Billings come out?

Just this moment
drove away, sir.

Oh, that's too bad! I've got a
very important message for him.

- Do you know where he went?
- Yes, sir.

- The Palace music hall, sir.
- Palace music hall?

- Is it a good show?
- Oh, not so much, sir.

Except for the little French
actress, sir.

She's truly wonderful.

She has eyes this big, sir.

And every time she
blinks them at you,

[ Chuckles ] well, you jolly
well blink yourself, sir.

- Yeah?
- Have you seen Anna Held, sir?

No, no, I haven't,
but i will tonight.

Thank you, sir.

I say, sir, do you
realize you gave me five pounds?

Oh, yes, I'm trying
to lose weight.

[ Laughs ]

♪ I have not been
here very long ♪

♪ Yes, yes, 'm quite
a stranger ♪

♪ And so to try
an English song ♪

♪ May seem perhaps a danger ♪

♪ One plea i make,
a favor slight ♪

♪ I hope you will
not refuse me ♪

♪ But if i don't
pronounce it right ♪

♪ You Kindly will excuse me ♪

♪ I am fond of games
and fun you see ♪

♪ I wish you would
come and play with me ♪

♪ For i have
such a way with me ♪

♪ Away with me, a way with me ♪

♪ I have such a nice little
way with me ♪

♪ Do not think it wrong ♪

♪ I should like you
to play with me ♪

♪ To play with me,
to play with me ♪

♪ I wish you would
come and play with me ♪

♪ Play with me all
the day long ♪

♪ Oh, I have such
away with me ♪

♪ Away with me, a way with me ♪

♪ I have such a nice little
way with me ♪

♪ Do not think it wrong ♪

♪ I should like you
to play with me ♪

♪ To play with me,
to play with me ♪

♪ I wish you would
come and play with me ♪

♪ Play with me all day
long, la la ♪

[ Applause ]

[ Violin music ]

[ Instrumental music ]

Oh, la la!

Isn't it magnificent?

- For me, Marie?
- Oui, madame.

From whom?

Whoever gathered all the orchids
in the world just for me?

I do not know, but they must've
cost thousands of francs.

- Was no card with it? Oh, yes.
- Madame.

- Marie, this is very strange.
- What, madame?

I learned the English words,
I sing the English songs

and yet, I cannot read English.

What shall that mean?
Please read it to me.

"My dear Miss Held, it is very
important to your future

that you see me before
signing any contracts.

I shall be waiting
at the stage entrance

immediately after
your performance.

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr."

Who's this
Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.?

I do not know, madame.

And why is it junior?
Is he a little boy?

MARIE: I do not know, madame.

I will not see this
Mr. Ziegfeld Jr.

You will see
Monsieur Billings, oui?

Oui.

Oh, Marie, these flowers
are very nice.

I think i am polite and see this
Monsieur Junior Ziegfeld.

MARIE: But Monsieur Billings is
coming to talk to you about

the great American tour.

Has Madame forgotten his cables?

Oh, yes, that's alright.

But these flowers
are very beautiful.

Oui, madame.

Well, Jack, she's alright.

Yeah, I know she is
without you telling me.

I wish you wouldn't
keep following me.

Alright.

- Well, good night.
- Good night.

I wish you wouldn't annoy me.
Miss Held is expecting me.

I'm going to sign
the contract tonight.

Ooh, that's great.

-[ Chuckles ] You bet it is.
- I said it was.

- Yes, well, good night.
- Good night.

Will you stop shadowing me?

Jack, I'm not following you.

I just happen to be
going your way.

Oh, you've got a date with
a chorus girl, I suppose.

[ Chuckles ] You're going
to spend that $500.

I can't spend it. I've spent it.

Oh, you've spent...
Well, good night.

Good night.

I beg your pardon, sir, but --

Oh, I have an appointment
with Miss Held.

- Is Mr. Ziegfeld out here?
- Oh, no --

Yes, my dear. I'm Mr. Ziegfeld.

Mr. Ziegfeld, Miss Held would
like you to come in, please.

- What, but --
- Would you mind that for me?

Well, good night, Jack.

Oh, Mr. Ziegfeld,
your orchids.

They are the most beautiful
orchids i have ever seen.

Won't you come in,
Monsieur Ziegfeld?

Your flowers are so beautiful.

I could not resist the
temptation to thank you.

- Miss Held.
- Oui?

Do you mind my telling you

that you should never wear so
many jewels on your hands?

- You think so?
- Some women, yes.

But your hands, no.

Oh, that's a very
nice compliment.

Did you hear that, Marie?

Won't you sit down,
Monsieur Ziegfeld?

- Thank you.
- I did not know Americans

could be so gallant.

Tell me, Monsieur Ziegfeld,
are you in the theater?

Yes, I'm a producer.

You're a --
Did you hear that, Marie?

Monsieur Ziegfeld is
an American producer.

Do you know Monsieur Billings?

- Billings?
- Oui.

- Billings.
- He's American producer, too.

- Oh, Is that so??
- Our!

- No, I've never heard of him.
- No?

Of course, not in New York,
that is.

America's a big country,
Miss Held.

We still have many
producers in the West

putting on shows
for the Indians.

Indians?
Do you mean the savages?

Yes.

- Did you hear that, Marie??
- MARIE: Our, madame.

I do not think
I will like America.

Oh, you'll love New York.

- Would New York love me?
- I think so.

You only think so? Did you
not like my performance?

Yes and no.

Yes and no. What shall it mean?
Does it mean yes or no?

Well, both.

Did you not care
for my singing, no?

Yes. A trifle nasal,
I thought, but yes.

And you did not like
my costumes either?

No, I thought one dress was very
attractive, but the rest, no.

Monsieur Ziegfeld,
I think you are very rude.

Please go.

Marie, open the door.

Monsieur Ziegfeld.

Yes?

Come back, please.

Sit down.

You know, you are very honest.

I like you very much.

Your note says it is important
to my future to see you.

Why is that?

If you want to play
in New York, it is.

But i have many offers
for New York now.

Oh, I've no doubt,
but so have many others.

You know, there's foreign talent
going into New York every day.

- Well, what happens to them?
- What?

Well, they open at Tony Pastor's
theater, and they get the hook.

The hook, what is that?

Hook, a little thing you catch
fish with. You know, a hook.

Now, if i take you over,
I'll present you on Broadway.

In a great show, in the best
theater, to the best people.

I'll exploit you
from coast to coast.

Exploit? What is that?

I'll put you over,
I'll sell you.

- Sell me?
- To the public.

And i'll make them pay for you.

And how much will you pay me?

I'll advertise your
name from every corner.

Women will be wearing
Anna Held hats,

Anna Held shoes,
Anna Held corsets.

Even the children will know you.

But how about the money?
How much will you pay me?

I'll give you more publicity
than you've ever dreamed of.

Yes, that's alright. But how
much money will you give me?

I'll give you the
greatest opening night

that New York has ever had.

You'll see the Goulds,
the Astors, the Vanderbilts.

"Diamond Jim" Brady,
Lillian Russell.

- Lillian Russell?
- Yes.

Oh, I would so much
like to see her.

Well.

No, no. First you must
speak about the money

because i have
so many offers now.

I'll meet your
biggest offer.

Really?

Well, that is
very nice of you.

But maybe when you
hear how much it is,

you don't think
I'm worth so much.

How much is it?

They are all very good,

but the highest one is
that of Mr. Billings.

He says he will give me 50,000
francs besides my salary,

which is very big, just
to sign the contract.

That is, how much in
American money, Marie?

$10,000, madame.

-$10,000, monsieur.
-$10,000.

Oui, that's a very big amount.

And even if you
would give me the $10,000

and i would sign with
you, you still would

have to wait till i finished
my London engagement.

I couldn't do that.

You couldn't even wait for me?

I couldn't even give
you the $10,000.

You think it's too much, huh?

I think it isn't enough.
But i haven't it.

What, you expect i should sign a
contract for America with you?

And you don't even have $10,000?

I haven't even $1,000.

I did have before i stopped off
at Monte Carlo,

but right now,
I haven't even $100.

But i'll spread
your name all over --

It is enough!

You just tried to
make the fool of me.

You are the impostor!
You are no gentleman!

Please go!
Marie, open the door!

Oui, madame.

Monsieur Ziegfeld!

Come back, please!

Sit down.

You know, you're very honest.
I like you very much.

[ Instrumental music ]

MAN: Mr. Vanderbilt's carriage!
Mr. Van Rexler's carriage!

WOMAN: She has big eyes,
doesn't she?

Yeah, but i couldn't understand
a word she said.

I'll take Lillian Russell
for my money.

- Mr. Astor's carriage!
- Did you like her?

Cute, but i don't know.
Did you notice the empty seats?

Miss Russell's carriage!

I think she's charming.

WOMAN: Why, there's
Lillian Russell.

Mr. Thor's carriage!

Tell them i don't
want a carriage.

Well?

The show's alright if
they had an American star.

MAN: Mrs. Harriman's carriage!

Mr. Stuyvesant's carriage!

[ Laughing ]

May i have your carriage
called, Mr. Brady?

Yes, thank you, son.

Oh, Ziggy! [ Chuckles ]

Stanford and i just made
a little wager.

He bet me $5,000 that i wouldn't
get back the $10,000

you borrowed
to bring Anna over here.

MAN: Mr. Brady's carriage!

I'll split your end of the bet
50/50 with you, Mr. White.

I told you so.
I told you so.

BRADY: Well, what's a few
thousand dollars anyway?

MAN: Mr. Chandler's carriage!

Mr. Saks' carriage!

Balcony 22.

Well, Sampston, what's
the loss this week?

The show earned
a profit of $1,340.32.

You drew $2,550,

which gives us
a loss of $1,209.68.

Well, that's terrible.

We can't keep the show running
with losses like that.

- Say, where's Sage?
- Upstairs.

Oh, what a press agent!
He's never around!

Here, take a wire to him.

But he's just upstairs in
his office, Mr. Ziegfeld.

I know it.
Take a wire anyway.

- Yes, sir.
-"How do you expect to do

business without publicity?
Stop.

Anna held was the sensation
of Europe. Stop.

Appeared before kings
and queens. Stop.

Yet you get nothing in
the papers about her. Stop.

You're ruining me. Stop.

If you're a press agent,
I'm President Cleveland."

Stop.

Beg pardon.

♪ It's delightful
to be married ♪

♪ To be be be be be
be be be be be married ♪

♪ With a house, a man,
a family ♪

♪ You should be happy
as a bumblebee

♪ But it's better to be jolie ♪

♪ To be be be be be
be be be be be jolie ♪

♪ When you... ♪

Pardon, madame.
It is not jolie. It is jolie.

Jolie. That's what
I said, jolie.

Pardon, it's my mistake.
I mean jolly.

Jolly. Good. Please,
let's start again. Jolly.

♪ But it's better to be jolie ♪

♪ To be be be be be
be be be be be jolie ♪

♪ When you laugh and play
the live long day ♪

♪ Oh, that's the life for me ♪

[ Singing in French ]

No, no, no...

I-I won't sing today.
I can't sing today.

I'm much too much
inside here.

Much too much.

Marie!

- Marie!
- MARIE: Our, madame!

[ Speaking French ]

It's so silly for Anna Held
to take singing lessons.

But Monsieur Ziegfeld did not
ask me to teach you to sing.

I simply want to help madame

to lose a little of
her French accent.

But your accent is much more
than my accent, you accent,

and i don't want
to lose my accent.

- Marie.
- Oui, madame.

Did you try to get
Monsieur Ziegfeld again?

- He is not home, madame.
- Oh, please try it again.

And the newspaper reporters?

They are still waiting
in the lobby, madame.

Well, tell them to go away.

Tell the hotel to
push them out.

Tell them we are
going back to France!

Madame!

Oui, Marie.
That's what we will do.

We are going back to Paris.

[ Speaking French ]

[ Shouting ]

[ Piano music ]

- Shut up, Pierre!
- I'm too happy, madame!

- Happy about what?
- We are sailing for Paris.

Oui!

- No.
- No?

No, I-I changed my mind.

Marie, go unpack my things.

- Oui, madame.
- You see, it's true.

- It is not.
- It is.

MARIE: No!

What is true,
and what is not true?

Pierre says madame is in
love with Monsieur Ziegfeld.

Did you say that, Pierre?

- Oui, madame.
- Why did you say that, Pierre?

Because i'm afraid it's true.

Why are you afraid? Don't
you like Monsieur Ziegfeld?

Oui, madame,
that's the trouble.

Everybody likes him,
especially the ladies.

Oh, madame, you'd never
be happy with him.

You'd never be
able to hold him.

Why, he attracts women like
the flowers attract bees,

like the fly paper
attract the flies.

Well, that's alright.

I've seen the flies
on the fly paper,

and it seems to me
they stick very well.

- Oh, but, madame --
- Pierre, please.

How can i love someone
who plays tricks on me?

Puts terrible things
in the newspaper?

Has millions of
reporters annoying me?

Pardon, madame, the newspapers
have been very nice to you.

Why don't you want
to see the reporters?

Because i know exactly what
it is they want to ask me.

You do not understand, no?

Frankly, no, madame.

Oh, then i will tell
you what happened.

Two months ago,
Monsieur Ziegfeld says to me,

"Anna, from now on i'm going to

send you everyday
a big present.”

I say, "Thank you so much, Flo."

I mean, Mr. Ziegfeld.

"But already you send me
orchids every morning."

Those are from him.

But he says, "No, Anna, this is
something much more important."

So naturally i cannot wait
to see what he sends me.

And the next day what
do you think i get?

- A diamond ring?
- No.

- A bracelet?
- No.

- Four big cans of milk.
- Milk!

20 gallons!

20 gallons of milk?

-20 gallons of milk.
- Ha!

♪ 20 gallons of milk, la la ♪

♪ 20 gallons of milk, la la ♪

♪ La la la la ♪

Shut up!

♪ 20 gallons of mik ♪

Oh, madame...

Oh, please.

I'm so sorry.

Excuse me.

Well, that night i say to Flo...
I mean Mr. Ziegfeld...

"Flo, why do you send
me so much milk?"

And he just laughs and says,

"Anna, that's a great idea! You
get it from now on every day."

"Every day 20 gallons of milk?"
I say.

"Flo, who can
drink so much milk?"

And do you know
what he says?

"Don't drink it! Bathe in it!
And you will be a big success."

- No!
- Well, I'm too angry to speak!

In Paris, I was a big success
because they liked my voice.

In London, I was a big success
because they liked my singing.

But in America,
to be a big success,

I need 20 gallons of
milk and must sit in it!

Well, do you bathe
in it, madame?

No, of course not.

But every day, we get the milk
and every day, we take it in

because Monsieur Ziegfeld says
we must carry out his idea.

And what happened? Did you
read this morning the paper?

- No, madame.
- Please.

"Ziegfeld is sued for
Anna held's milk bill."

On the front page.

20 gallons of milk!

Oh, I'm so ashamed.

Marie, please call him again.

If he's not there,
just leave the message.

Tell him i do not want one
can more of milk from him!

And i don't want
the orchids either!

-[ Telephone rings ]
- Hello?

Oh, those reporters again.
Tell them no, positively no.

I do not want
to speak to them.

Madame, it is
Monsieur Ziegfeld.

I don't want to
speak to him either.

I never wish to
speak to him again!

- Bien, madame.
- Where is he?

Downstairs in
the lobby, madame.

Tell him to come up.

But if he brings
one of those reporters,

we just don't let him in.

No, no, Pierre!
Let them on the floor!

I want him to see them there!
I make him pick them up.

He embarrasses me!
I embarrass him!

Madame! Madame!

If you would take my advice,
you will not appear so excited!

Yes, you are right, Pierre.

Pierre, play! Play!
I sing for you, yes.

Just like he's not here. We'll
let him wait till i'm finished.

Come on, play, play.

[ Piano music ]

♪ It's delightful
to be married ♪

♪ To be be be be be
be be be be be married ♪

♪ With a house, a man,
a family ♪

♪ You should be happy
like a bumblebee ♪

♪ But it's better to be jolly ♪

Your missus is in lovely
voice today, Marie.

Oui, monsieur.
You will see.

♪ Ooh that's the life for me ♪

Marie, someone has apparently
spilled the orchids.

Will you phone Sidney for me?

Have him send up another
dozen immediately.

Bien, monsieur.

Well?

Why do you not pick these up?

Because fallen flowers, my
dear, are like fallen stars.

They soon lose their luster.

Marie, pick them up.

No, no, no, I cannot sing today.

I told you before i'm much
too angry to sing today,

and I'm sick of watching you
roll your eyes like i do.

Please go home, yes?
I give you your notes.

Please, take this.
Go home, yes?

Go.

So, I'm a fallen star, yes?

I have no luster, no?

Oh, yes, you have, my dear. But
do you know what it comes from?

I don't care!

What?

Milk baths, or at least

that's what you must
tell the reporters.

I'm so hurt!

The front page of the paper says
you are sued on my account!

If you must send me milk,
why don't you pay for it?

If i did, it wouldn't
be in the papers.

Can't you tell them i just used
the milk without buying it

and being sued for it?

They wouldn't believe it. Now
it's a matter of court record.

Besides they don't care whether
i ever pay the bill or not.

All that interests
them is that in

two months, you've used
1,200 gallons of milk.

This is terrible!

Marie, ask the
reporters to come up.

Marie! Do nothing of the kind!

Anna, you must not
insult the press.

If they come up,
I'll tell the truth.

No, at first
tell them nothing.

Desk, please.

Pretend embarrassment.

Pretend it!
I was never so ashamed!

Desk clerk, are the
gentlemen of the press

still waiting for Miss Held?

What are you doing?

Oh, yes, if you will, please.

I will say i never in
my life took a milk bath.

I will tell them it
is all a press story!

I will go back to France!

Marie, pack the things!
Quickly!

- Oui, madame.
- This time i mean it!

You cannot make a circus of me!

I am not a strong man like
Sandow! i do not lift persons!

I'm a real artist, and
i never, never will say that.

Yes? Oh, ask them to
come right up, please.

Ohh!

Anna, don't you

realize that if we
put this story over,

your name will be in headlines
from coast to coast?

Every woman in
the country will be

talking about you,
imitating you.

I don't care!

I do not have to be
a cow to be a success!

And before i make
such a fool of myself

I tear up my contract
with you. So!

And besides...

And besides, you do
nothing as i like to have it.

It must all be your way!

I ask you a thousand
times to have

costumes like Lillian Russell.

She has not to take milk
baths to be a big success!

She is beautiful! But no,
I cannot have gowns like her!

There now! Tell the
reporters about that!

[ Crying]

- Anna.
- I mean it! I'm determined.

Anna.

You let the reporters
come up, yes?

Alright, I tell them everything.

Anna...

Well, I-I should tell them...no?

Anna.

Now, you do what
i ask you to, darling,

and i'll do whatever you wish.

You mean you'll let me have
gowns like Lillian Russell?

Oh, no, darling.
You're not her type.

But i'll tell you
what i will do.

What?

I'll put eight

Lillian Russells on
the stage behind you.

Oh!

[ Instrumental music ]

♪ It's delightful
to be married ♪

♪ To be be be be be
be be be be be married ♪

♪ With a house, a man,
a family ♪

♪ You should be happy
like a bumblebee ♪

♪ But it's better to be jolie ♪

♪ To be be be be be
be be be be be jolie ♪

♪ When you laugh and
play the live long day ♪

♪ Well, that's the life for me ♪

♪ It's delightful
to be married ♪

♪ To be be be be be
be be be be be married ♪

♪ With a house, a man,
a family ♪

♪ You should be happy
like a bumblebee ♪

Isn't Anna beautiful?

I wonder if the milk baths
really make her skin so nice.

Oh, they most certainly do.

I've been taking them
for a long time.

♪ That's the life for me ♪

♪ It's delightful
to be married ♪

♪ To be be be be be
be be be be be married ♪

♪ With a house, a man,
a family ♪

♪ You should be happy
like a bumblebee ♪

♪ But it's better
to be jolly ♪

♪ To be be be be be be
be be be be jolie ♪

♪ When you laugh and
play the live long day ♪

♪ Well, that's the life for me ♪

Oh, Marie, were they
not wonderful tonight?

And the gowns!
Don't they look gorgeous!

Marie.

Look...from my Flo.

Oh, Marie, look.

Oh, Marie! Marie!
You read what he says.

Oui, madame.

Read it to me, quick!

ANNA: What does it say?

"My darling, I never
knew that one long year

could seem like
one short moment.

You are magnificent, my wife.

Flo."

Oh, Marie.

- Marie, did you hear that?
- I just read it, madame.

No, no. Did you hear
what he says?

"You are magnificent, my wife."

Oh, madame, look! Look!

Ahh!

Marie!

Come on, help me.

Isn't it gorgeous?

Oh, madame, look, look!
Here's another one!

Oh, Marie!

Oh, that makes me so
much inside here.

Much too much.

Marie.

First he gives me all
the flowers in the world...

...and now he takes the
stars from the heavens...

...just for me.

"You're magnificent, my wife."

- Am i magnificent, Marie?
- Oui, madame.

No, no, no. He's magnificent,
not i.

Marie!

Marie, I must show
them to the girls!

I come back immediately!

When Mr. Ziegfeld comes,
please tell him he shall wait!

Girls, would you like to
see something wonderful?

- Oh, what is it?
- Look! And this, too!

- Diamonds!
- From my husband!

- May i try the bracelet?
- Yes, sure.

[ Indistinct chatter ]

Audrey, are you not
interested in my presents?

I would be if
they were mine.

But, Audrey, you will have
many of them someday.

Maybe you have to work a
little, to suffer a little.

But what is that, hmm?

I'll work, but i won't suffer.

- Oh, oh.
- Here you are, dear.

- Thank you.
- Isn't it beautiful, Audrey?

I'll say it Is.

I'd give my soul
for one like it.

That would be a very
bad bargain, Audrey.

[ Laughter ]

Alright, that's fine!
Tie it up!

[ Tapping ]

Buddy, you're better
with your feet

than you are with your broom.

Mr. Ziegfeld...you think so?

Gee, I wish you'd give me
a chance. I've got talent.

And i'd like to
get away from

shifting scenery
and moving props.

How long have you
been a property boy?

Five years. But my heart
hasn't been in it.

You've been working a long time
without your heart, buddy.

-[ Laughs ]
- That tickle you?

It does, and this weekly
return tickles me more.

Look, a profit of $5,000.

Now, if you'll
just be conservative,

I mean, live reasonably.

Don't incur any
fresh obligations.

Forget that you have any charge
accounts, and you'll soon --

Sampston, you're right. I will.

Darling!

Oh, Anna.

Anna.

You're the sweetest husband
in the whole world.

You -- Mr. Sampston!

Look. From my husband...

...on our anniversary.

This and this.

Are they not gorgeous diamonds?

Yes, indeed,
Miss Held, gorgeous.

Good night, Mr. Ziegfeld.

Good night, Sampston.

He didn't seem very happy
about my presents, oui?

Anna, men who keep books
are never very happy.

Marie, go out for a while.

He is my maid tonight.

Go, go, go.

- Oh, I am, am i?
- Yes, you are.

Later on i count
all the diamonds

in the bracelet and the necklace
and give you kiss for each one.

And what about the orchids?
Don't i get anything for them?

Oui, wait.

For each petal of each
orchid, another kiss extra.

So...

...take off my stocking, please.

You know, this might
get to be a habit.

Flo, you're wonderful.

- You know that?
- I suspect it.

ANNA: Everything you
promise me you do.

Everything you say
will happen, happens.

And now i am a big success
in America, thanks to you.

Flo!

Why do you do that

when i am trying to
say nice things to you?

Besides, you're
a very bad mate.

But i love you.

- Flo.
- What?

Flo, are you as happy as i am?

Happier. Why do you ask?

Because sometimes
i think i am too happy.

Sometimes i get afraid it
won't be always like this...

...working only for you

while you do the
show just for me.

Couldn't i do another show
without spoiling our happiness?

Of course you could.
Don't be silly.

Do you want to do another show?

Well, darling...

...now that you've made
such a tremendous success,

I have a little idea that
I'd like to carry out.

- Idea for a show?
- Mm-hmm.

- The biggest kind of a show.
- With music and girls?

- Beautiful girls, and --
- And without me, oui?

Well, darling, you couldn't do
two shows at once, could you?

Hmm?

Now, Anna, see here.

Suppose we go down to a rector's

and celebrate our
anniversary, hmm?

No, I don't --

Just you and i and
a bottle of wine?

I don't feel like it.

- Come on now, dear.
- No, I'm so nervous.

- It'll be good for you.
- I'm so tired.

I'm so disappointed
in you i could scream!

- Now, Anna --
- I mean it.

I thought you loved me more
than anything in the world.

I thought i am your one
ideal, your only ambition.

- Anna --
- No.

I think only of you,

and I thought you will
only think of me.

But it is not so. You have big
plans without me.

You will do a big show.
You will go broke again!

Anna, you're jealous.

- No, Flo!
- Yes.

Don't say that, no, no, no!

I hate jealous people,
and, oh...

- I don't know what's...

I'm angry, and i wish
you would go.

Please, please.

Please go, go!

Go!

Marie!

Marie...

[ Crying]

Flo...

Ohh!

Good morning, Mr. Billings.

Good morning, Miss Drake.
Any messages for me?

Nothing important,
except Mr. Erlanger

wants to see you today.

And Mr. Ziegfeld is
waiting in your office.

Well, why in my office
instead of out here?

I thought he'd be a little
more comfortable in there.

Well, I...oh, yes, I see.

To...to what do i owe the honor
of this visit, Mr. Ziegfeld?

Mr. Billings, if you've
ever had it in for me

you've certainly
avenged yourself.

This is positively
the worst cigar

that i've ever
smoked in my life.

How are you, Jack?

- Alright, how are you, Ziggy?
- Never better.

- Sit down, won't you?
- Thank you, nice of you.

Jack, I'm here to do
you a great favor.

Yes, I know, but i'm sorry
i can't take advantage of it.

I'm broke. That's why i'm hooked
up with Erlanger.

Oh, well, that's fine for me.
He's just the man i need.

Jack, I want to do
a new show, a big show,

and i'm willing to split
the entire thing 50/50

with Erlanger,
and all he has to do

is to put up the money
and furnish the theaters.

Oh, that's all?

That's all.

Of course,
you'd furnish the star.

Oh, this isn't for Anna.
No, Anna's show is all set.

No, in this one,
I want to star the girls.

Oh, don't be ridiculous.

Without personalities,
you haven't got a chance.

Oh, I'll have personalities,
alright, lots of personalities.

But they'll mostly be
blondes and brunettes.

What are you going to
call this opera?

I'm going to call it
the Ziegfeld Follies.

Follies. Follies, alright.

So what's the matter with
that? That's a good title.

What's so unusual
about a girl show?

We've got plenty on
the circuit now.

Oh, I don't mean that kind.
They're way out of date.

Why, you're using the same
scenery that you used

20 years ago,
wood wings and flats.

I want to do a show
with silk drapes

with lace, with beautiful girls,

and i'm going to dress them,
not for the bald heads

in the front row, but for
the women in the last row.

I want to surround them
with glamour, glitter,

glorify them.

Say, there's a good word, Jack.

"Glorify."

BILLINGS: It sounds alright if
you know what it means.

It'll look alright, too.

"Glorifying the American girl."

Well, where are
you going to find all

these beautiful young ladies?

I'll take them from homes,
from stores, from shops.

- Oh.
- From offices.

I beg your pardon, sir.
Mr. Erlanger would

like to see you now.

BILLINGS: Oh, alright.

Yes, well, that'll do,
Miss Drake.

Yes, sir.

Now, listen, Ziggy, not her.

She's the best
stenographer i ever had.

[ Laughs ] Alright, Jack.

Here, here.

You will buzz the little giant,
won't you?

Oh, yes, I'll tell him about it,

but i doubt if
he'll be interested.

Well, he's missing
a great opportunity.

Yes, I know.

But, well, I'll drop
you a line about it.

- Perhaps tomorrow.
- Wire me, will you, Jack?

Well, if you'd rather hear
the sad news sooner, I'll wire.

ERLANGER: What's that?

They won't give us our
share of the profits?

Alright! Open them in Boston,
jump them to New Orleans

and then on to Frisco.

Funny thing, Billings.

You just can't be
nice to some people.

Yes, that's what
I was thinking.

- Ziegfeld was just here.
- Yeah? What did he want?

Well, remember when he stole

Anna Held right
from under my nose?

And then, so i couldn't get
her back, he married her

and made enough money
on her to retire?

Now he comes back, broke again,

asking me to ask you for the
money to put on a new show!

- Well, that's nerve.
-[ Chuckles ]

What do you want me to do?

Give him the money.

[ Instrumental music ]

MAN: Tickets for Eddie Cantor
and Will Rogers! $50 a pair!

Tickets, boys?
Tickets, gentlemen.

[ Indistinct chatter ]

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Applause ]

♪ I have got a sweetie
known as Susie ♪

♪ In the words of
Shakespeare, she's a wow ♪

♪ Though all of you
may know her, too ♪

♪ I'd like to shout right now ♪

♪ If you knew Susie ♪

♪ Like i know Susie ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, what a girl ♪

♪ There's none so classy
as this fair lassie ♪

♪ Oh, oh, holy Moses,
what a chassis ♪

♪ We went riding,
she didn't balk ♪

♪ Back from Yonkers,
I'm the one who had to walk ♪

♪ If you knew Susie ♪

♪ Like i know Susie ♪

♪ Oh, oh, what a girll ♪

♪ If you knew Susie ♪

♪ Like i know Susie ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, what a girl ♪

♪ She wears long tresses ♪

♪ And nice tight dresses ♪

♪ Oh, oh, what a future
she possesses ♪

♪ Out in public,
how she can yawn ♪

♪ In a parlor, you would
think the war was on ♪

♪ If you knew Susie ♪

♪ Like i know Susie ♪

♪ Oh, oh, what a girl ♪

Come on, girls, come on,
come on, get up those steps!

Come on!

MAN: Do you realize this
is opening night?

You take that brace
and put it down here!

Benny! What is it?

No word from Baines.
I've only got two minutes.

Are you ready to go
in for those steps?

Listen, I've built so many steps
for Ziegfeld

they go in by themselves.

- What follows this number?
- Why, the, uh...

Yeah, I know Greg Williams.

But have the finale
costumes arrived yet?

Well, Mr. Sampston's talking
to the costumer now.

Oh, I see.
Trouble again.

You can't do this!

It's an unheard-of procedure!

I'm very sorry, Mr. Sampston,
I want my money.

But it's preposterous!
Ridiculous!

No money, no finale costumes.

It's a hold up!
Oh, hello...

You can't do this
to Mr. Ziegfeld.

W-wait here a minute.
Allen!

- Yes, sir.
- Where's Mr. Ziegfeld?

I haven't seen him for
the last 10 minutes.

Run up and see if he's in
the front of the house.

- No, no. I'll go.
- Yes, sir.

- No, no. You go.
- Yes, sir.

- No, you send somebody else.
- Yes, sir. Joe!

Tell him i must
see him immediately.

- The show depends on it.
- Yes, sir.

This is going to be the
death of me. This is awful.

Wait here for me.
You will wait?

You bet i will.

WILL: Yes?

- Hello, Sam. How are y'all?
- Mr. Rogers.

You look kind of worried.
What's on your mind, Sam?

I was looking for Mr. Ziegfeld.

Ah, just a minute, Sam.

Mr. Ziegfeld, it's very
important. The costumer's --

Will, the audiences
love to hear you talk.

Well, shucks, Flo. I can't
talk any more than I do.

I got to get the rope
tricks in, don't i?

I think they like to hear
your wise cracks better.

Well, uh, perhaps they do,
but what'll i talk about?

I ain't got anything
to say that's funny.

- Mr. Ziegfeld --
- Wait a minute, Sam.

Your wife tells me that you
keep her laughing all the time

just about things you
read in the papers.

Oh, I catch on. Betty's been
putting you up to this, huh?

Well...I got sort of a habit
of telling her

that all i know is what
i read in the papers,

and she says that's what
I ought to tell the audience.

Just sort of be kind of
a running gag.

She's right.

Oh, sure, Betty's --
Betty's always right.

But she don't have to
stand out on the stage

and catch those
over ripe tomatoes

if the gag don't work.

Mr. Ziegfeld,
I must interrupt you.

- Yeah?
- The finale costumes are here.

Oh, good.

- Will you do it, Will?
- I might.

But the costumers won't leave
them without the money.

Give them a check.
Will you do it tonight?

- Maybe.
- They want the cash.

Do you mean to tell me
that they sent the costumes

for this show C.O.D. ?

No, sir, not this show.

They want some money
on the last show.

Reckon you kinda got your shows
mixed up, ain't you, Flo?

Well, I reckon a little.

If i can help you
out on the costumes

or anything, why, let me know.

Oh, thanks, Will,
but i'm alright.

Well, tell me if i can.

Course, uh, I don't suppose
it makes a lot of difference

'cause even with the costumes
on, the girls in this show

ain't exactly overdressed.

[ Laughs ]

You save your wise cracks
for the audience, Will.

[ Laughs ]

- Hey, bu , buddy! Hey! - Yes? '

What's this? Your opening
night, your big chance,

and you're still
moving scenery?

I-I can't help it, Mr. Ziegfeld.
It gets in the blood.

Besides, I don't know how i'm
going to go over on the roof

tonight, and i don't want to
lose one job

until i'm sure of the other.

Well, don't forget, when
I hired you as an actor,

I fired you as a stage hand,
So you better make good.

You'll find yourself
without any job.

Well, what seems to
be the trouble?

No trouble, I hope,
Mr. Ziegfeld, except --

Except he's holding us up!

He refuses to leave
the costumes unless he --

Unless he gets some money,
and he's quite right, Sampston.

Let me see the costumes first.

At once, Mr. Ziegfeld, at once.
Open up the basket.

I tell you, Mr. Ziegfeld,
these dresses are wonderful.

The finest work
I have ever done.

Look, Mr. Ziegfeld,
isn't it stunning?

Perhaps you made a mistake.
This isn't for me.

Oh, yes, Mr. Ziegfeld,
for the finale.

Well, not my finale.

Mr. Schultz, this is
the New Amsterdam Theater.

This is the Follies.

I know, Mr. Ziegfeld, and this
is the costume for the finale.

Well, not for my show.

Why, I couldn't let my girls
appear in a thing like that.

That's horrible!
Oh, take it away.

But, Mr. Ziegfeld, they were

made from the sketches
of your own designer.

You yourself made
the changes on the sketches

when you gave me the order.

Oh, I never ordered
a thing like that in my life.

That's terrible! Take it away,
take it out of my theater!

But, Mr. Ziegfeld!

I work over three weeks
on these dresses.

I have plenty of money
invested in them.

Well, I'm sorry,
but I can't help that.

What do you want to do?
Disgrace me?

No, no, Mr. Ziegfeld, but
please, do not disgrace me.

I mean, Mr. Ziegfeld,

please, let your girls
wear my costumes tonight.

No, I wouldn't humiliate you.

If you are not satisfied,
I will make it up to you

some other way, but, please,

do not make me take them back,
Mr. Ziegfeld.

Alright, but just this once.

Send them up to
the dressing rooms.

You see me in
my office next week.

- Next month.
- Next month.

Thank you very much,
Mr. Ziegfeld.

They are beautiful, aren't they?

Awfully expensive.

Alright, girls, places
for the melody number!

He's singing very well
tonight, Mr. Ziegfeld.

Yes, he's alright,
but there's too much white.

- Merv.
- Yes, sir?

He's too white. Bring up
the pink in your footlights.

- Yes.
- Are the steps high enough for

you this time, Mr. Ziegfeld?

No, I don't think so.
We could use more, a lot more.

I'd like to see them higher.

How's that, Mr. Ziegfeld?

Yes, that's perfect now, Merv.

Just keep it that way
the rest of the number.

♪ A pretty girl ♪

♪ Is like a melody ♪

♪ That haunts you
night and day ♪

♪ Just like the strain ♪

♪ Of a haunting refrain ♪

♪ She'll start upon a marathon
and run around your brain ♪

♪ You can't escape ♪

♪ She's in your memory ♪

♪ By morning, night, and noon ♪

♪ She will leave you and then ♪

♪ Come back again ♪

♪ A pretty girl ♪

♪ Is just like a ♪

♪ Pretty tune ♪

♪ Just like a beautiful strain ♪

♪ Just like a haunting refrain ♪

♪ A pretty girl ♪

♪ Is just like ♪

♪ A pretty tune ♪

[ Instrumental music ]

♪ A melody that haunts
you night and day ♪

♪ Just like the strain ♪

♪ Of a haunting refrain ♪

♪ She'll start upon a marathon
and run around your brain ♪

♪ Throughout the world
you'll find ♪

♪ A girl just like
this lovely ♪

♪ Melody ♪

[ Singing in native language ]

♪ A pretty girl ♪

♪ Is like a melody ♪

[ Chorus continues ]

[ Instrumental music ]

♪ She'll bring you
sweet romance ♪

♪ And steal your heart away ♪

[ Instrumental music ]

♪ Music has charms ♪

♪ She's in your arms ♪

♪ She leads you on ♪

♪ Then she's gone ♪

[ Singing in native language ]

[ Instrumental music ]

♪ Fantasy ♪

♪ Mystery ♪

♪ Melody ♪

♪ Rhapsody ♪

[ Music continues ]

♪ Just like
a heavenly rhapsody ♪

♪ She catches you
night from the start ♪

♪ Just like a beautiful melody ♪

♪ She'll play on the
strings of your heart ♪

♪ A pretty girl ♪

♪ Is like a melody ♪

♪ That haunts you
night and day ♪

♪ Just like the strain ♪

♪ Of a haunting refrain ♪

♪ She'll start upon a marathon
and run around your brain ♪

♪ You can't escape ♪

♪ She's in your memory ♪

♪ By morning night and noon ♪

♪ She will leave you and then ♪

♪ Come back again ♪

♪ A pretty girl ♪

♪ Is just like a pretty ♪

♪ Tune ♪

♪ By morning night and noon ♪

♪ She will leave you and then ♪

♪ Come back again ♪

♪ A pretty girl ♪

♪ Is just like ♪

♪ A pretty tune ♪

[ Indistinct singing ]

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Instrumental music ]

Ain't that something? Don't you
like your flowers, honey lamb?

They're beautiful, Flossie.
Was there a card?

Oh, sure. Here it is.
And there was a package, too.

I done unwrapped it for you.

You've done looked at it,
too, I suppose.

Oh, no, honey lamb, I never.

- Pour me a drink, Flossie.
- Another?

Honey lamb, ain't y'all
forgetting

you got a midnight show
to do on the roof tonight?

And ain't y'all forgetting
to pour that drink?

[ Laughs ]

Well, scratch my back, honey.

Is them diamonds,
or is them stars?

Who sent them to you,
honey lamb?

Who do you think?

I know. They's from Mr. Zieg...

[ Knocking ]

- Here he is now.
- Tell him to come in.

Yes.

Audrey.

You were beautiful tonight.

Thank you.

Flossie, pour us a drink.

No, no, no, please, dear, no.
I just came to tell you...

Ooh.

Somebody else thought
you were beautiful, too, our?

From an old friend.

Not too old, I hope.

What a beautiful
bracelet, Audrey.

Is this from
your old friend, too?

Do you like it?

Yes, it's charming.

You know, your friend
must have very good taste

because this is just the sort of
jewelry Flo would like.

I told you someday you will have
lots of diamonds, didn't i?

Yes, you did. And I told you
I wouldn't suffer, remember?

Yes, I do.

Well...congratulations
again, Audrey.

I'll see you later.
On the roof, our?

[ Instrumental music ]

♪ You got to pull strings ♪

♪ You got to pull strings ♪

♪ If you want to go places ♪

♪ You want to see things ♪

♪ You got to pull strings ♪

♪ Your troubles and cares ♪

♪ Will vanish on wings ♪

♪ If you want to be happy
living like kings ♪

♪ You got to pull strings ♪

♪ Don't just sit there wishin' ♪

♪ If you've got ambition ♪

♪ Be a politician ♪

♪ Get into the swing
it's easy to get ♪

♪ Such wonderful things ♪

♪ But 'm teling you now
that you got to know how ♪

♪ You got to pull strings ♪

♪ Ladies ♪

♪ Gentlemen ♪

♪ One two three four ♪

♪ You got to pull strings ♪

♪ Your troubles and cares ♪

♪ Will vanish on wings ♪

♪ If you want to be happy
living like kings ♪

♪ You got to pull strings ♪

♪ Don't just sit there wishin' ♪

♪ If you've got ambition ♪

♪ Be a politician ♪

♪ Get into the swing,
it's easy to get ♪

♪ Such wonderful things ♪

♪ But 'm teling you now
that you got to know how ♪

♪ You got to pull strings ♪

♪ If she's riding
in the limousine ♪

♪ With some millionaire
or a college dean ♪

♪ If she's the grandest thing
you've ever seen ♪

♪ Then she's not my girl ♪

♪ If her smile is like
the southern skies ♪

♪ With California sunshine
in her eyes ♪

♪ If she's the type
that you could idolize ♪

♪ Then she's not
the girl for me ♪

♪ If she's dressed in
new chapeaux ♪

♪ Paris clothes fancy hose ♪

♪ Diamond rings
and gorgeous furs ♪

♪ So glorified
that the world is hers ♪

♪ And if she has
that certain Ziegfeld walk ♪

♪ And if she thrills you
with her charming talk &

♪ If she's the toast
of little ol' New York ♪

♪ Then she's not their girl ♪

♪ She's not his girl ♪

♪ She's not your girl ♪

♪ She's not my girl ♪

♪ She's a Ziegfeld Follies
girl ♪

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Mellow music ]

[ Upbeat music ]

[ Applause ]

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Applause ]

♪ You're the inspiration ♪

♪ Of my fondest dreams ♪

♪ Here's the situation ♪

♪ This is how it seems ♪

♪ You can make me happy ♪

♪ You can make me blue ♪

♪ All i am or hope to be ♪

♪ Is really up to you ♪

♪ You ♪

♪ Gee, but you're wonderful ♪

♪ You ♪

♪ Lovely you ♪

♪ You completely satisfy ♪

♪ I feel certain that is why ♪

♪ There's nobody like you ♪

♪ You ♪

♪ So much depends upon you ♪

♪ Tell me true ♪

♪ Will it be my fate at all? ♪

♪ Will i ever rate at all ♪

♪ With somebody like you? ♪

♪ Just to think
that you love me ♪

♪ Makes my future look strong ♪

♪ I swear by stars above me ♪

♪ I'm darned if i don't feel
like writing a song ♪

♪ Asong about you ♪

♪ Music and words about you ♪

♪ Lovely you ♪

♪ Let me think up praises for ♪

♪ Lel me sing of praises for ♪

♪ Nobody but you ♪

♪ Just to think
that you love me ♪

♪ Just to think that
you love me ♪

♪ Makes my future look bright ♪

♪ I swear by stars above me ♪

♪ I swear by stars above me ♪

♪ I'm darned if i don't feel
like writing a song ♪

♪ Asong about you ♪

♪ Music and words about you ♪

♪ Lovely you ♪

♪ Let me think up praises for ♪

♪ Nobody but ♪

♪ Nobody but you ♪

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Applause ]

[ Instrumental music ]

♪ You never looked
so beautiful before ♪

♪ Each time i look at you,
I love you more ♪

♪ The things you say
all sound so sweet and tender ♪

♪ What can i do
but tell you i surrender ♪

♪ You never looked
so perfectly divine ♪

♪ It's almost like a dream
to think you're mine ♪

♪ You're everything lovely ♪

♪ Everything that i adore ♪

♪ You never looked
so beautiful before ♪

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

♪ You never looked
so perfectly divine ♪

♪ It's almost like a dream
to think you're mine ♪

♪ You are everything lovely ♪

♪ Everything that i adore ♪

♪ You never looked
so beautiful before ♪

♪ You never looked
so beautiful before ♪

[ Applause ]

She's really quite
beautiful, Flo, our?

Yes, she is, isn't she?

You're very much
interested in her, oui?

I'm interested in
all my girls, dear.

But maybe a tiny,
little bit more in her, oui?

A lot more. She's very unusual.

I could make a great star out of
her, if she'd only let me.

[ Applause ]

Ladies and gentlemen,

on behalf of
the rest of the company

I've been asked to
make a little speech.

[ Giggles ]

Well, you see,
I have a confession to make.

Little Audrey is a wee bit
tight tonight.

[ Audience laughing ]

No, but seriously.

You really shouldn't
applaud all of us

because everything
we've done we owe to Flo.

You see, I was just
a little chorus girl

when Flo discovered me.

He taught me how to walk and how
to dress and how to smile.

So...

Well...

Here's to...Flo.

[ Audience applauding ]

I am afraid you must forgive
Miss Lane tonight.

She just passed
through many weeks

of very tedious rehearsals.

And the nervous strain
of an opening night,

she's not really herself.

[ Applause ]

On behalf of the rest of
my company, I want to thank you.

You've been very kind
to my girls and my stars.

Speaking of stars, there's
a young lady here tonight who,

in my opinion, is destined to
reach the top of her profession.

She doesn't work for me,
I'm sorry to say,

but i'm very proud of her.

She's here tonight with her
producer, lucky fellow,

and if she will, I'm going to
ask Sally Manners to take a bow.

Sally Manners.

[ Applause ]

Darned nice of him to pay
my star a tribute

like that, isn't it?

Yes, it is.

I hope you've got her
on a long contract.

[ Laughs ]

- Are you ready, Mr. Ziegfeld?
- I'm ready.

Now, you be
signing the contract

but look in the camera
at the same time.

The picture wouldn't be
right without the Manners smile.

- Alright?
- Alright.

Alright, shoot!

Those things horrify me.

Well, Sally, I think
we're both to be congratulated.

I feel it's
a great opportunity.

Thank you.

Sage, if you'll take
Miss Manners

and the boys into your office,
I'm sure she'll have some

very interesting things
to say to them.

I can tell them
how happy i am right now.

- May i congratulate you?
- Thank you.

Right this way, Miss Manners.
Right this way.

[ Indistinct chatter ]

Eh, where is that girl
you said was a friend of mine?

MARY: Here i am.

I-I didn't want to disturb you.

You told them out there that
you were a friend of mine, huh?

Yes, I did.

Well, I see.

Just to get into my office, huh?
Smart girl.

Well, I am a friend of yours.
Have you forgotten me?

Oh! [ Laughs ]
No, no. Of course not.

I, uh, I remember you
very well.

Who am i?

[ Laughs ]
As if i didn't know.

- Do you?
- Of course.

I always remember the time,
the place, and the girl.

It was, uh...Atlantic City.

- Nope.
- No?

No.

Well, now that's funny.
I seem to remember a chair

on the Boardwalk,
you beside me, and, uh...

Are you sure
it wasn't Atlantic City?

It might have been
Atlantic City,

but it wasn't me.

[ Laughs ] Oh.

Oh! Now i remember.

Why, it was right here
in this office.

You came up to see me
about a year ago.

Oh, now it all
comes back to me.

Well, how are you?
Where have you been?

- No.
- No?

No. You don't seem to remember

the time, the place,
or the girl.

[ Laughs ] Well...

Perhaps this will help you.

[ Piano music ]

Mary Lou!

Well, how's my girl?

How's my fella?

Well, my little Mary Lou
is a big girl now, isn't she?

Yes!

Yes, indeed, a very big girl.

Aren't you glad to see me?

Yes, I certainly am.

Even if i wasn't
in Atlantic City with you?

Oh...don't be silly.

I-I-I knew you all the time.

Now, fibber.

[ Laughs ]

Well, how long
you been in New York?

- One day.
- One day.

Have you
seen my father lately?

Yes, just before i left.

Oh, that reminds me, he told me
to give you a big Kiss.

[ Laughs ] Well...

You know, I, uh, I think
that in all fairness,

I should tell you
that i am a married man now.

Yes, I know. I read about it.
It nearly broke my heart.

But being married in New York
doesn't mean anything, does it?

[ Laughs ]

Oh, yes, it does, young lady.

Now, why are you here,
and what can i do for you?

Well, first of all,
I want to give you a big kiss

for all the candy you sent me.

Well, now you -- you've already
done that twice.

[ Laughs ]
Now, what else?

Well, I want to
go into the Follies.

- You do?
- Mm-hmm.

I've been taking dancing lessons
for two years.

Yeah? How do your father
and mother feel about it?

Well, I haven't a father
and mother anymore.

Aw, I'm so sorry, my dear.

Of course, Jimmy won't like it.

Who's Jimmy?

He's just another fellow
I've been engaged to.

Oh! Well...

Alright, I think
we can look after you.

Do you think we can
have dinner together tonight?

Well, no, no.
I'm afraid we can't.

[ Knock at door ]

- Oh, Alice.
- Yes, sir.

I want you to take this
young lady down to the stage

and tell Julian that he's to
put her on as an extra dancer.

Oh, gee, thank you!

Uh, Mary Lou is an old friend
of mine from Chicago,

and she's a stranger here,

so i'd like you to
sort of look after her.

Yes, sir. This way, dear.

Oh, may i say
one thing before i go?

Well, yes, of course. What?

I forgive you
for not marrying me.

[ Laughs ]
Alright. Goodbye, dear.

Goodbye.

Hello, pardon me.

Hello, Alice. Say, Flo!

I know, you got a new song.

I'll say we have.
Play him the melody, Danny.

Oh, you'll go crazy
over this, Flo.

[ Piano music ]

Mr. Ziegfeld?

I must interrupt you.

This is important.
I've got an idea.

How much will it save?

This has nothing to do
with money.

You feeling alright, Sam?

Well, I have my usual headache,

but this is about talent.

Something good
and cheap, no doubt?

Exactly. It's a young lady
of the name of Brice.

Fannie. Fannie Brice.

She's working in Burlesque.

Say, I've seen that gal, Flo.

- Pretty?
- Well, yes and no.

Shut your eyes and listen, yes.
Open them and look, no.

But a great performer.

We should see her
at once, tonight.

[ Applause ]

♪ Everyone was singing,
dancing, springing ♪

♪ At a wedding yesterday ♪

♪ Yiddle on his fiddle
played some ragtime ♪

♪ And when Sadie
heard him play ♪

♪ She jumped up,
looked him in the eyes ♪

♪ Yiddle swelled his chest
way out ♪

♪ Everyone was taken
by surprise ♪

♪ When they heard Sadie shout ♪

Can i take your coat?

Why not?
You bought it for me.

I gave it to you
because you've been

behaving yourself this week.

What are you going
to give me next week?

Shh! Watch the show.

I don't see how
you can expect to find

any great stars
in a place like this.

Some of our greatest stars
have come from places like this.

Well, of course, not being
a star yet, I wouldn't know.

You can be a star,
if you behave yourself.

♪ Yiddle on your fiddle,
play some ragtime ♪

[ Cheers and applause ]

[ Instrumental music ]

♪ Ladies, beautiful ladies ♪

♪ In every smart revue ♪

♪ We have our share
of gorgeous girls ♪

♪ And i'll introduce them
to you ♪

♪ My name is Dolly,
hello, hello ♪

♪ My name is Molly,
just in case you want to know ♪

♪ My name is Rosie,
I'm fancy ♪

♪ My name is Josie,
yes, sir, that's me ♪

♪ Just call me Violet ♪

♪ Just call me Kay ♪

♪ I'm known as Trixie ♪

♪ I'm known as May ♪

♪ We're here to greet you ♪

♪ Want you to know ♪

♪ We'd like to meet you ♪

♪ At the finish of the show ♪

♪ We're here to meet you ♪

♪ Want you to know ♪

♪ We'd like to meet you ♪

♪ At the finish of the show ♪

♪ Uh, my name is Beatrice ♪

♪ If you have to know ♪

♪ I'll be your baby ♪

♪ At the finish of the show ♪

♪ See how i'm dressed up
in native style ♪

♪ I'm the queen from the jungle
and the Caribou Isles ♪

♪ See how she's dressed up
in native style ♪

♪ She's the queen of the jungle
and the Caribou Isles ♪

What's on now, Fannie?

Jim Boss.

If that guy's funny,
I'll be a --

Listen, baby, that guy's gonna
be a big star someday.

He can make you laugh,
and he can make you cry.

Yeah, and he can make me
sick. Comics bore me.

Yeah, and you give me
a pain in the neck, too,

always telling me
who's gonna be a great star.

Once in Burlesque,
you're always in Burlesque.

Unless you got looks
or a voice or something.

Well, that's what i got, kid.

- What?
- Something.

Fannie, on the level, you don't
ever hope to get out of

Burlesque, do you?

You're good here
because these people

are from Tenth Avenue.

How good do you think
you'd be on Fifth Avenue?

[ Laughs ]
Half as good.

Another silk stocking gone.

Believe me,
I'll never buy anything

from those stage-door
peddlers again.

Well, that's what
you said before.

What'd you let
the fella in for? Here.

He told the stage doorman
his name was Valasco.

And you thought it was
the Mr. Valasco, the producer.

- Uh-huh.
- Calling personally to see you?

Well, maybe i was
a little optimistic.

Miss Brice, Mr. Ziegfeld
is here to see you.

Another peddler.

First it's Valasco,
now it's Ziegfeld.

Tell Mr. Ziegfeld
I'm not in,

and if i was in, tell him
I wouldn't see him.

And if i did see him, tell him
i wouldn't buy a thing.

- Yes, miss.
- Thank you.

Miss Brice?

I hope i'm not intruding.

I'm Florenz Ziegfeld.

Is that so?

Sarah, this is Mr. Ziegfeld.

Mr. Ziegfeld,
this is Sarah Bernhardt.

- Not the Sarah Bernhardt?
- Mm-hmm.

Well, certainly is a pleasure
to run into you.

Say, if you run into
your friend Valasco

tell him about the runs
in his stockings.

Oh, do you know
David Valasco?

Better than you
know Ziegfeld.

Well, come on.
What do you want for it?

I'm not interested.

Miss Brice,
I am really here

to offer you
a great opportunity.

That's what they all say.

Uh, what kind of fur is this?

This? That's mink.

Is that so?
And what's the price?

Well, the original cost
was $2,700.

Who cares from originals?

Copies is just as good.

Come on, I'll try it on.

Yes, of course.

As a matter of fact,
it ought to fit you very well.

Don't give me the sales talk.
Just tell me the price.

I don't want to buy it,

but i'll give you $50 for it
and not a cent more.

Miss Brice, the coat is yours.

Stuck again.

Fannie! Are you
really gonna buy it?

If i can give Valasco $4 for
silk stockings made of cotton,

I can give Ziegfeld
a little more

for a mink coat made of skunk.

Besides, a bargain's a bargain.

Here. Here's your $40.

Get out before i change my mind.

Thank you.

[ Laughs ]

Fannie!

Fannie!

- What?
- Fannie, look!

What? Moths already?

No! Feel! It's real mink.

How do you know?
Did you ever have one?

No, but i've been promised one
often enough to tell.

It's real mink, alright.

It's probably stolen goods.

You mean it's hot?

SARAH: Of course it's warm.

And i'll be arrested
if i keep it?

SARAH: Of course you will.

Call the stage manager!

Call the police!
Call my mother!

[ Knock on door ]

Ahh...

Come in.

Message for Miss Brice.

You read it. I'm dying.

"Dear Fannie Brice,
I can't accept your $40

but you can please me
by accepting the coat.

I shall expect you at my office
in the New Amsterdam tomorrow,

as i want to engage you
for the Follies.

Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr."

Fannie, it was him!
It was Ziegfeld!

How do you like that?

I like it.

Fannie! Fannie!
Have you fainted?

Can't you see i have,
you chump?

Get me some whiskey!

Miss Brice? Oh, Miss Brice?

- Yes, sir?
- Alright, we're ready for you.

I'm coming right down.
Yes, sir, I'll be right down.

I'm coming
as fast as i can.

I thought i had more time.

Uh...

Don't lose your nerve, kid.

This is your big chance.

Be a trouper!

Look at you. You're working
for Ziegfeld now.

And you look like
a million dollars.

For the first time
in your life,

you're class, you mug.

[ Instrumental music ]

Wait a minute! Whoa!

What in the Fannie! What in the
world are you made up for?

Veronica? Clarence?

Veronica isn't here. Anything
i can do, Mr. Ziegfeld?

Yes. Come here, will you?

Yes, Mr. Ziegfeld?

Will you rip off that train?

But, Mr. Ziegfeld --

Go ahead. Take off the hat.

Get rid of this.
Boa constrictor.

Now, will you get me a shawl,
an old shawl?

Yes, sir.

How do you expect Miss Brice
to sing a sad song about her man

dressed up like a nightingale?

I find personalities,
and you try to destroy them.

I didn't engage Miss Brice
as a showgirl.

Is that alright, Mr. Ziegfeld?

Well, that's
alright for now.

Tomorrow, get her
another outfit.

And don't make it. Buy it.

Go to a second-hand store
and get her an old dress.

She's supposed to be an Apache,

a poor French girl, an urchin.

Yes, sir.

So to work for Ziegfeld,
I got to be an urchin.

Even in Burlesque,
I was middle class.

Now, let me see this, Fannie.

Fannie, sing the song.

Now.

Vic? Alright. Let's go.

[ Instrumental music ]

♪ It cost me a lot ♪

♪ But there's one thing
that i've got ♪

♪ It's my man ♪

♪ Cold and wet ♪

♪ Tired you bet ♪

♪ But all that
I soon forget ♪

♪ With my man ♪

Sam, if she can turn those tears
on in front of an audience,

she'll be a sensation.

Look.

Look at the girls.

FANNIE: ♪ Is my man ♪

Oh, Mr. Ziegfeld, shall we
get back to that conference?

The boys are
still waiting, you know.

Yeah, yeah. Tell them
I'll be right up.

FANNIE: ♪ But i loved him ♪

♪ I don't know
why i should ♪

♪ He isn't good ♪

She's alright.
She's gonna be great.

- Eh, who's that?
- Brice. Fannie Brice.

Say, I've got a great spot
for her right in this show.

And i discovered her!

That's right, Sam, you did.

And you deserve
a raise in salary.

And i'd give it to him,
but i'm afraid

he wouldn't approve of
my spending the money.

[ Laughter ]

How's it look, Gene?

Well, I think it's the best
we've ever done, Flo.

It ought to be.
You're the best author.

Herbert's the best composer.

Julian's the best director.

Joe's the best scenic artist.

And Sam's the best bookkeeper.

I'm dying to hear it.
Every line he writes is a laugh.

[ Laughs ]

We open on a street in Cairo.

[ Laughs ]

Didn't i tell you
every line was a laugh?

[ Laughter ]

[ Clears throat ]

We open on a street in Cairo.

Along comes a man
leading an elephant.

Wait just a minute, Gene.

Can you boys
stand a shock?

Well, what do you mean, Flo?

Well, I hate to tell you this

because i know
how hard you've worked,

but i've decided not
to do another Follies.

ALL: What?!

Oh, I'm going on with this
new edition with Brice,

but after that,
I want to do a story.

Something with a plot.

Something with all
the glamour of the Follies

around a sweet, simple story.

Something that will fit
this little girl Sally Manners.

We might call it "Sally."

Oh, Jerry.

JERRY: Hello, Flo. How are you?

Say, I'm glad
you dropped in, Jerry.

I was just thinking about you.

Well, it's nice to be
thought of. Hello, boys.

- ALL: Hello.
- You remember that melody

that you played up at my house
a couple of weeks ago?

Well, let's see.
I played several.

Yes, I know,
and they were all beautiful.

But this one was uh...

You remember? You were
going to send it to me.

Oh, I know.
"Look For The Silver Lining.”

That's the one.
"Look For The Silver Lining."

Come on, play it,
will you? Do you mind?

Sure i will. I've got
the lyrics right here.

Fine. Get this.

"Look For The Silver Lining."

[ Piano music ]

You see what i mean, boys?
That's what i want.

A story just as simple
and sweet as that tune.

Sing it, Jerry, will you?

♪ And so the
right thing to do ♪

♪ Is make it shine for you ♪

♪ A heart full of
joy and gladness ♪

♪ Will always vanish
sadness and strife ♪

♪ So always look for ♪

♪ The silver lining ♪

♪ And try to find ♪

♪ The sunny side of life ♪

♪ Look for the silver lining ♪

Ziegfeld, these gentlemen
have been pestering me

about money for your scenery,
your costumes, and whatnot.

And i want to tell you
in their presence

that i have no interest
in this show,

and in no way
am i concerned with it.

Our agreement is
for Ziegfeld Follies

and nothing else.

Do you understand that,
gentlemen? Nothing else.

Mr. Ziegfeld, this is
all very unpleasant

at a dress rehearsal,
but we must insist on

at least 50% of our money
before the opening.

We are selling
a lot of tickets.

It's no use, Sampston.

That's our best proposition.

Mr. Ziegfeld, we're all ready
for the finale.

Alright, Benny, let it go.

Boys, what are you
worried about?

Have i ever started
anything that i couldn't finish?

Don't my curtains
always go up?

Why, if i owed you 100 times
the amount i do, you'd get it.

Come up to my office
in the morning. I'll pay you.

50%, Mr. Ziegfeld.

100% if you want it.

Maybe i can even advance
you a little something

on the Eddie Cantor show.

I'm going to do a story

with him, too, you know.

Eddie Cantor?

Mmm.

How are you gonna do it?

- I don't know.
- Finale.

[ Instrumental music ]

Mr. Ziegfeld, Audrey Dane is
visiting backstage,

and she brought a lot
of champagne with her.

- Well...
- Yes, sir?

Never mind.

Ah, it looks very good,
the show, huh?

Yes, it's wonderful, really.

I'll be back
in a moment, darling.

Alright.

♪ A pretty girl ♪

♪ Is like a melody ♪

♪ That warms you
night and day ♪

Whoo!

♪ Just likea... ♪

Hello.

I want to see every one of you
in my office in the morning.

Get out.

Audrey, you know that i have

forbidden drinking
in the dressing rooms.

Oh, Flo, don't be mad at me.

I just asked a few of the girls
up to have a little drink.

It isn't their fault.
You see, it's my fa--

Now, Audrey, please.

Please, stand up now.

I can't. I want to get down,
but i can't get down.

Lift me, Flo.

Audrey...

Whee! Oh, don't put me down.
Don't put me down.

Audrey, you've broken
your last promise to me.

[ Mumbling ]

ANNA: Flo!

You should have at least
closed the door.

Wait!

Anna!

Anna, please
don't misjudge me.

I couldn't help it.

She's...she's drunk.

Do you always do that
when she's drunk?

The members of your company must
enjoy that very much.

Oh, Anna, don't say that.

Don't you understand, dear?

- When one of my girls --
- Poor Flo.

You have so much trouble
with your girls, oui?

[ Laughing ]

Anna!

Aren't you going to eat
your grapefruit, sir?

No, nothing, Sidney.

Well, we know now why
she didn't come home last night.

I'm sorry, sir.

Did you send the flowers?

The minute i learned
the address, sir.

A dozen orchids as usual, sir.

Good.

Oh, Mr. Sampston
called again, sir.

He says the bank positively
refuses to increase your loans.

Thank you, Sidney.

Yes, sir.

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Playing piano ]

[ Bell rings ]

ZIEGFELD: Vive la France.

- Miss Dane, sir.
- Here?

Undoubtedly
she's read the paper, sir.

Show her in, Sidney.

Well, Flo...

Congratulations.

On what?

I just saw the headline.

I don't think i'm to be
congratulated, Audrey.

Uh-oh. Little Audrey
is speaking out of turn again.

And i was a bad girl
last night, too, wasn't i?

I don't think you should
have come here today.

So that's how you feel.

- Going to Atlantic City tonight?
- No.

Isn't the show going to
open there tomorrow night?

No.

Broke again?

Yes, broke again.

Please don't turn
the elephant, Audrey.

Afraid i'll spoil your luck?

So, nobody thinks enough of
your new star to loan you money.

I don't blame them.

Why didn't you
star me in the show?

You with all your promises.

"Audrey, if you'll
just behave yourself,

I'll put your name in
the biggest lights on Broadway.

Audrey, if you'll
only stop drinking,

I'll have great shows
written for you."

Why didn't you
make me your great star?

Because i couldn't depend on you
as i could on --

Yes! Well, alright.
Depend on her now.

Go on, star her.
Do anything you like with her.

I hate you!

I'm never gonna see you again.

I'm quitting you
and your show today.

And i hope you don't
get the money to open it.

And if you do,
I hope it's a flop!

That's how i feel about you!

And this is how i feel
about your elephant!

[ Vase shatters ]

[ Door slams ]

- Sidney?
- SIDNEY: Yes, sir?

Take a wire to Mr. Billings.

[ Laughing ]

Will that be all,
Mr. Billings?

Yes, that will be all,
thank you.

Oh, Miss Jones, take care
of that matter right away.

Yes, sir.

I just got another telegram
from Ziegfeld.

He can't open his show
unless we help him.

Well, we won't help him.
I told him so yesterday.

I'm not interested in his show,
and i won't loan him five cents.

- Send him a wire --
- I just did.

Did what?

Wired him the money.

[ Instrumental music ]

WOMAN: Oh, isn't
that Mr. Ziegfeld?

Say, Flo, why don't you
run up and put on the costume

and get into
the spirit of the dance.

Oh, I'm tired.

Oh, come on, Flo.

Don't lose interest
in everything.

No, I'm going home.
Good night.

Let me have that megaphone,
will you, honey?

- Yes, sir.
- Willie.

- Oh, Flo, you're not leaving?
- Yes, I am.

Not when we're just going
to start a Paul Jones inside,

and i promise every time
you get a pretty girl,

I'll blow the whistle.

Not tonight, Willie.

Say, who is that girl
with the gorgeous red hair?

Why, that's Billie Burke.

Uh, thanks, Willie.

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Laughing ]

- Good evening, Jack.
- Uh, how do you do? Come on.

- Willie.
- WILLIE: Yes, Flo?

I'm staying for the Paul Jones.

Every time you see me
with Miss Burke,

will you blow the whistle?

Okay.

[ Whistle blows ]

Take you places for
the Paul Jones, everybody.

The Paul Jones!

Well, do you think
we ought to? I --

Oh, yes.
I love the Paul Jones.

[ Whistle blows ]

Perhaps we could
both go the same way.

- No, we can't do that!
- Oh, well i...

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Whistle blows ]

Miss Burke.

Uh, Mr...

Oh, It doesn't matter.

Oh, no, I'm supposed to...
I've got to...

- We're not, uh --
- Oh, no, this is our dance!

Oh, is it? Oh...

[ Whistle blows ]

[ Whistle blows ]

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Whistle blows ]

- Miss Burke.
- We meet again, Mr...

ON, it still doesn't matter.

Won't you tell me?

Tell you what?

Your name.

Why don't you ask Mr. Billings?

I will if i can find him.

But you seem to stand in
with the whistle.

Oh, yes, you see,
when i was a little boy,

I used to love to whistle,

and a whistle never forgets.

[ Music continues ]

[ Whistle blows ]

Aren't you getting bored?

No. Are you?

I'm afraid not.

- Tired?
- Are you?

No, but i'd much rather
just talk.

- Would you mind?
- No.

[ Whistle blows ]

[ Instrumental music ]

Don't you love
the lights of New York?

To me, they're more
beautiful than any landscape.

More beautiful than
the mountains in the West?

Yes, I think so.
Are you too cold out here?

Oh, no, indeed.
I'm enjoying it.

Oh...that is, uh...

I mean, the electric signs
fascinate me.

"Wrigley's chewing gum

"Fleischmann's yeast

Ziegfeld's Follies."

Do you know Ziegfeld?

No. I don't want to.

I understand
he's a horrible person.

Horrible?

Yes, they say
he's a terrible ladies' man.

Well, I suppose
that's forgivable.

Because he's surrounded by
so many beautiful women.

Yes, yes.
Strange you've never met him.

I don't want to.
I love his shows.

They're so beautiful
and in such good taste.

It would
disappoint me terribly

to meet him
and find him to be a fat

pudgy man with a big stomach.

Oh, he's not fat.
And not really so pudgy.

No? You know him?

Oh, yes. Yes.
He -- he would like you.

How do you know?

Didn't you just say
he had good taste?

Oh.

Well, you're sort of a ladies'
man yourself, aren't you?

I think with you as the lady,
I could make Ziegfeld look

like an amateur.

Oh, you haven't
told me your name yet.

Well, I've been looking --
If you don't mind, Mr. Ziegfeld,

Miss Burke,
with the special permission

of her producer, Mr. Frohman,

came to this affair
with me tonight.

And if you've no objection,
I'd like to have

one dance with the lady.

Mr. Ziegfeld?

Well, you were right.
He isn't pudgy.

- Shall we go in?
- Yes!

Ah, don't i get
one more dance?

I'm afraid not.

I imagine it's Mr. Frohman

you're really afraid of,
isn't it?

- Oh, I'm...
- Perhaps.

He doesn't want you to appear
too much socially, huh?

Frankly, no, he doesn't.

And you don't like me
very well anyway, do you?

Frankly, no, i don't.

[ Laughing ]
No. She doesn't!

[ Laughing ]

You put him in his place,
alright.

[ Instrumental music ]

I wonder what General Grant
would think if he knew

we were using
the very shadow of his tomb

as our meeting place.

Well, I never knew
the general personally,

but i have an idea he'd approve.

I don't know.
Nobody else seems to.

At least, Mr. Frohman doesn't.

And why not?

Why can't we meet where we like?
Go where we want?

Just because he has you
under contract,

there's no reason
why he should dictate

your personal life,
do you think?

I'm here.

Yes, and so am i.

But it must seem like
kindergarten to you.

Why?

The Great Mr. Ziegfeld,
producer of the Follies,

surrounded by hundreds
of beautiful women,

sitting on a bench,
holding hands,

watching the riverboats
go back and forth.

Doesn't sound a bit
like you, does it?

No, it doesn't.

But here i am,
sitting on a bench,

holding hands,
and watching the riverboats

go back and forth.

And regretting all the years
i haven't known you.

Didn't Anna Held take up
a few of those years?

Yes, Billie, she did.

She was truly a wonderful woman.

I love you for saying that.

Look, there's another ferry boat
going across to the Palisades.

Hmm.

Will you keep your eyes on it
while i tell you something?

Must i look at a ferry boat
to listen to you?

Yes, or i won't
be able to tell you.

You mean the great
ladies' man is bashful?

Strange as it may seem,
in your presence, he is.

Alright, I'm looking.

I love you, Billie.

The ferry boat.

I haven't anything to offer you.

Because there's nothing
that you really seem to need.

You've made the most
of yourself unassisted.

And that's grand.

Uh, ferry boat.

You're a great star already,

so there's little
i can offer you.

Nothing i can give you...

except my love.

That isn't enough.

I'd expect part of your
ambition,

half of your trouble,

two-third's of your worries,

and all of your respect.

[ Instrumental music ]

Here's your medicine, madame.

No, thank you, Marie.

I'm tired of it.

But, madame...

No, no, no, no.

Perhaps you would like to go
to Paris for a while now?

No, I'm too tired
to go anywhere...

and to do anything.

Marie...

...look at the paper

and tell me where did
they go on their honeymoon?

But they couldn't
go anywhere, madame.

Miss Burke is appearing
in a play here.

We saw her only two weeks ago.

You insisted, madame.
You remember.

Oui, I know.

And we enjoyed it
very much, too.

She's a lovely actress,
Marie, oui?

MARIE: Oui, madame.

She has such twinkling eyes

and such a funny little
twitter when she speaks.

Yes, I can well imagine
Flo being in love with her.

- Marie?
- MARIE: Oui, madame?

Call his office.
I will congratulate him.

Oui, madame.

Hello?

Brian 3093, please.

I should wish him luck, oui?

- MARIE: Our, madame.
- Oui, I should.

MARIE: Mr. Ziegfeld, please.

Miss Anna Held speaking.

No, Marie. Hang up!

I cannot speak
with him today. I --

MARIE: Mr. Ziegfeld?

He's on the telephone, madame.

He is?

[ Instrumental music ]

Hello, Flo.

Yes, here's Anna.

I'm so happy for you today.

I could not help but call
on you and congratulate you.

Wonderful, Flo.
Never better in my whole life.

I'm so excited
about my new plans.

I'm going to Paris.

Yes, for a few weeks,
and then i can get back,

and then i'm doing
a new show, and i...

Oh, oui, it's all so wonderful,

and i'm so happy.

Yes, and i hope
you are happy, too.

Yes?

Oh, I'm so glad for you, Flo.

It sounds funny
for ex-husband and ex-wife

to tell each other
how happy they are, oui?

Yes, Flo.

Goodbye, Flo.

Goodbye...

...darling.

[ Sobbing ] Darling...

[ Sobbing ]

Mon pauvre petit.

If you love him so much,
why did you divorce him?

Because i thought...

it would
bring him back to me.

I was sure that it would
bring him back to me.

Oh, yippee!

Oh, goody, goody, goody!

Is that all for me?

That certainly is,
every bit for you.

Oh, and that isn't all.

- Sidney?
- Yes, sir?

Now, if you don't like the view
from this side, then --

[ Laughing ]
I don't.

That's the chimney
Santa came down.

- Mm-hmm.
- Yes!

And that's the roof
where the reindeer stopped.

Gosh! I wonder how
they kept from sliding off.

Probably the bricks
stopped them.

[ Laughs ]

See, mommy, it's almost
big enough for me to get in.

- It is!
- Oh, it's almost big enough

for us all to get in.

- Oh, yes! Sidney, uh --
- Yes, sir?

Hasn't Santa Claus
brought the elephant yet?

Not yet, sir, but he --
She, uh --

It may be here
at any moment, sir.

Flo, you didn't buy an elephant?

- Well, I most certainly did.
- A live elephant, daddy?

A great, big live elephant.

I beg your pardon, sir, madam.

In behalf of the help,
and as their spokesman,

I wish to express
our thanks for your

thoughtfulness and generosity

and to wish you both
a very merry Christmas.

- Thank you, Sidney.
- Oh, that's very nice

of you, Sidney.

And may we wish a very
merry Christmas to all of you.

ALL: Thank you, sir.
Thank you, madam.

A Merry Christmas.

And to you, Miss Patricia.

Same to you, Sidney.

Now, how about
opening your presents?

Oh, Flo,
with all this extravagance,

I'm a little afraid to --

Oh, nonsense, darling.
That's what Christmas is for.

Come on, now.

Oh, Flo.

This isn't all for me?

Well, who else?

[ Chuckles ]

Well, I don't know
which one to open first.

Oh, well, suppose
you try this one, hmm.

Oh, Flo!

A crown of diamonds!

How beautiful!

This proves that America
is not a republic

because you are a queen.

And queens always
wear Crowns.

[ Laughing ]

A bracelet for the regal wrist.

A pendant for
the royal throat.

And...

Flo!

A cloak for her
majesty's shoulders.

- Darling!
- And --

- Oh, no, Flo! Nothing else!
- Yes!

A kiss from her
most humble subject.

Darling!

Oh, everything's so lovely.

But you shouldn't
have done so much.

Oh, well I --

I-1 hadn't anything
to do with it.

It was Santa Claus.
He brought everything.

Yes, I know.

But Santa Claus was
far too extravagant.

Oh.

I think you should
take some of it back.

Oh, mama,
I don't want Santa Claus

to take back any of my presents.

Don't worry, darling.
He won't.

No, and he won't take back
any of your mama's either.

I'd cry if he took
my circus back.

- You would?
- Why, darling?

Do you like it better
than your other presents?

Mm-hmm. But i wish
it was a real, live circus.

Well, I guess
you'll have to do a circus, Flo.

Could you, daddy?

Well, I don't know.
Let's see.

I've never had
any experience with circuses.

But i can try.

I'll tell you what,
let's make a chorus

in front of these
two wagons, hmm?

Who's this fellow?
Oh, hell!

That's the ringmaster.
He's right in the center.

That's where
ringmasters should be.

Now, we'll put these two
acrobats up next to him,

and then we'll put this
little Tyrolean fellow there.

And then we'll put
the clown next to him.

That clown, he's a funny fellow.

And there's the lion tamer.

Gosh, I bet
he's a brave fellow, too. Hmm?

And there's the drum major.

And here is the strongman.

We'll -- we'll
call him Sandow, hmm?

And who is this?

Well, that's, uh --
Oh! Of course.

That's little Harriett Hoctor.

And i've always wanted
to give her a chance.

I'll tell you what,
now, you hold her for a minute,

and we'll bring
her on later, hmm?

Now, let's put it all
back of a curtain,

just as i do in the theater.

Now, this is the curtain.

[ Fanfare music ]

♪ We're the greatest
of the gladiators ♪

♪ Entertainers
and impersonators ♪

♪ Showmen all of reputation ♪

♪ We've appeared
in every nation ♪

♪ We're the leaders
of a great procession ♪

♪ All true members
of the same profession ♪

♪ Here's our attraction,
when we're in action ♪

♪ We're the greatest show
on earth ♪

♪ When i show my strength,
they cry bravo! ♪

♪ When i'm in the cage,
I steal the show ♪

♪ When i crack my whip,
I'm king of the ring ♪

♪ On a high trapeze,
you'll see us swing ♪

♪ When i throw my clubs,
you'll all watch me

♪ When i show my face,
they laugh at me ♪

♪ When i lead the band,
the crowd yells grand! ♪

♪ Troupers on parade ♪

♪ Where's the place
we can call our home? ♪

♪ And we go on on till we die ♪

♪ Always troupers on ♪

♪ Parade ♪

[ Fanfare music ]

[ Mellow music ]

♪ Gentlemen,
we think you're great ♪

♪ We loved your little song ♪

♪ But can't you see
you're out of place? ♪

♪ You really don't belong ♪

♪ So goodbye,
you'll have to go ♪

♪ This is a Ziegfeld show ♪

♪ We think you're grand,
but surely you must know ♪

♪ A circus must be different
in a Ziegfeld show ♪

♪ We're great entertainers ♪

♪ Yet you must all agree ♪

♪ This show must be a fantasy ♪

♪ A circus must be different
in a Ziegfeld show ♪

♪ So long, toodle-oo ♪

♪ Goodbye to you ♪

♪ A circus must be different
in a Ziegfeld show ♪

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Applause ]

[ Dramatic music ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Laughing ]

- What's the laugh, Jack?
- This article on Ziegfeld.

It says he's not only broke,
but he can't borrow

a nickel in any of the banks.

Well, he wouldn't have to borrow
if he'd commercialize the shows.

But they could
never get him to send out

a number two or three company.

He wanted the public to see
only his best production.

Why doesn't he
stick to his Follies?

That other show is terrible.

MAN: I guess the old boy's
washed up.

He's been slipping for years.

White and Carroll have
got it all over him.

Bob, let me have
a cold towel, will you?

- Well, the guy's getting old.
- Yeah, and broke.

He won't have another
hit on Broadway.

MAN: Well, isn't somebody
building another

theater for him
on Sixth Avenue?

MAN: Yeah, it's
to be his monument.

It's about time.
He could use a monument.

[ Chuckling ]

- I don't know you fellas.
- You got nothing on me.

- I don't know you.
- Well, you ought to.

You've been burying me
for five minutes.

I'm Ziegfeld.
And you boys are right.

I'm not going to have
another hit on Broadway.

I'm going to have four.

Four at one time.
You get that? Four!

And all hits.

Oh, Mr. Ziegfeld!
You forgot your tie.

He's gonna have four hits,
and he hasn't got a tie left.

[ Laughter ]

Flo.

Darling.

Why did you come upstairs
without saying hello?

Are you trying to elude me?

[ Chuckles ]

No. I'm not feeling
very well, dear.

Oh. Poor darling.

You're just tired.

Where's your tie?

Hmm?

What do you think of that? I...

I must've left it in the
barbershop this afternoon.

And you've been around
without it ever since?

Darling, that isn't like you.

What's wrong, Flo?

- Billie, I'm all through.
- Through with what?

Everything. I'm slipping.
I'm getting old.

And who told you that?

Three men in the barbershop.

Oh. That's why
you forgot your tie.

Yes, and i've never done
anything like that

before in my whole life.

Isn't that tragic.

For the first time in your
long career, you forgot a tie.

It's a calamity.

Who were those men, Flo?

I don't know.
I never saw them before.

They said i'd never produce
another hit.

And what did you say?

I told them i'd have four
on Broadway at the same time.

- Sounds more like you.
- Yes.

But it was only a bluff.

I'm sorry, dear.
I don't mean to worry you.

Where's Patricia?

She's having her dinner.

You came home very late, dear.

Oh, yes, dear.
I'm sorry. i...

I've been so worried.

The play is such
a terrible failure.

But you're not, darling.

Mm-hmm.

Afraid i am.

Well, shall we have some dinner?

Flo, I'm disappointed in you.

I didn't think you'd ever
lose confidence in yourself.

But i must be the failure,
not you.

Oh, Billie.

No, I mean it, darling.

Before we were married,

you never thought of failure.

Even when you were broke.

It was your sublime superiority
more than anything else

that made me admire you so much.

Please don't change, Flo.

Don't let Patricia and me
become a worry to you.

We don't expect you to
reduce your life to just us.

I want you to go right on
being just as you always were.

I would never be jealous

because with your
love of beauty,

you could never be
cheap or common.

So, in whatever you do,

you need never fear me.

And what is more important,

don't be afraid of yourself.

[ Instrumental music ]

I'm not going
to be afraid, Billie.

Alright, young man.

I'll give you
a chance to prove it.

In my vault, I have all the
jewelry you've ever given me.

Even the queen's crown.

And some very good bonds.

They're all yours,

on one condition,

that you keep your promise
to those three men

and have four hits on Broadway.

Is that a bargain?

Oh, Billie.

[ Instrumental music ]

MAN: ♪ Old man river ♪

♪ He just keeps rolling ♪

♪ Along ♪

[ Applause ]

Mr. Ziegfeld.

Just a minute.

Oh, Mr. Ziegfeld,
it's Inspector Doyle

of the police department.

- He says it's important.
- Oh.

Why didn't you say so?
Send him in.

Alright.

Alright, Mr. Doyle.

Hello, Mr. Ziegfeld.

Hello, inspector.

- Well, we got them, alright.
- You did? That's wonderful.

I'll say it's wonderful, with
the descriptions you gave us.

- Where are they?
- Right outside.

- Bring them in.
- Alright, sir.

DOYLE: Bring those
birds in here.

[ Indistinct chatter ]

- Here they are.
- What's the meaning of this?

Pipe down, pipe down.

Now, Mr. Ziegfeld, what's
the charge against these men?

- Murder.
- Murder?

ZIEGFELD: Yes, murder.

About a year ago,
these three gentlemen

killed me and buried me.

- Killed? Buried?
- Yes.

In a Times Square barbershop.
Remember?

Oh, yes, I remember.
Don't you --

Now, I'm going to give
each of you a box

to all four of my shows.

Four hits, all in one season.

And then i want you
to tell me whether or not

you still think i'm washed up.

I'm sorry, gentlemen,
but this is the only way

- I could locate you.
- But Mr. Ziegfeld --

I knew that if you were
to be found at all,

Inspector Doyle here
was the one to do it.

Sam, would you have Goldie
take their names

and make their reservations
for whatever nights they wish.

- Good day, gentlemen.
- This way, gentlemen.

Thank you, inspector.

That's getting even
with a vengeance.

Well, that's not a bad ending
for a practical joke, is it?

[ Indistinct chatter ]

Goldie, take these gentlemen's
names and addresses.

Mr. Ziegfeld, don't you realize

what you may have
let yourself in for?

These gentlemen can sue you
for false arrest,

to say nothing of
the police department.

Sam, don't you realize that

we have nothing
to worry about anymore?

I hope so, sir.

You don't even have to hope.

Do you know
what i've been doing?

- What, sir?
- Buying stocks.

I've bought over a million.

- Outright?
- No, on margin.

But all solid securities.

And when i've paid for them,

I'm going to buy another million
and then another and another.

Sam, I'm going
to be really rich.

- I'm hope you're right, sir.
- Mm.

But the market's been behaving

very queerly
these last few days.

[ Intercom buzzing ]

Yes?

Croydon and company
on the phone, Mr. Ziegfeld.

Oh, yes, put them on.

They've been trying
to get you all morning.

They're my broker. Hello?
Speaking.

MAN: We've been trying to
locate you all morning.

[ Indistinct chatter ]

Oh. Well, what happened?

[ Indistinct chatter on phone ]

Down 20 to 40 points?

[ Indistinct chatter on phone ]

- How much?
-$300,000.

-$300,000?
- What is it?

[ Indistinct chatter on phone ]

Oh, no, no, no!
Don't do that!

I'll cover.

I'll get the money to you
in just a little while.

Will you put Holloway
on the phone?

Flo, what is it?

The market, Sam.
It's -- it's crashed.

I've got to get $300,000
in cash, immediately.

- How are we gonna do it?
- I don't know.

Maybe i could borrow it
from a bank.

- On what?
- On your shows.

It's too late, Sam.
I've already mortgaged the shows

to put up the first payments
on the stock.

What's that?

MAN: We can't locate
Mr. Holloway.

But you've got to locate him!

MAN: Will you be able
to cover it?

Yes, of course i'll cover.

I'll get the money
over to you in just

a little while.
Just hold the wire.

- Sam, get Billings.
- Yes, sir.

Try his house, his office,
anywhere, but get Billings!

[ Indistinct shouting ]

[ Whistles ]

[ Screaming ]

[ Clamoring ]

Mr. Nagus, we haven't
received your check yet,

and your margin's
entirely wiped out.

Hello, Mr. Billings.
I'll be right with you.

No, we can't, Mr. Nagus.

I'm sorry, but we can't
hold your stocks any longer.

Mr. Billings, we've had
to sell you out, too.

Well, that takes me back to my
second childhood consistently.

[ Chuckles ] I was a poor kid
when i started.

Mr. Holloway, Mr. Ziegfeld's
on number six for you.

Oh, excuse me, Mr. Billings.

Hello?

Oh, yes, Mr. Ziegfeld.

Yes, we had to sell you out
about half an hour ago.

Yes.

Yeah, I know it is,
and i'm terribly sorry.

Ziegfeld? I didn't know
he was in the market.

Oh, yes, very heavy.
He'll lose everything.

Everything?

Everything.

Well, this is one time
he can't get it from me.

[ Laughing ]

Oh!

[ Laughing ]

[ Instrumental music ]

Yes, madam.
Yes, madam, it is.

The doctor left about
10 minutes ago, madam.

He seemed very happy
about Mr. Ziegfeld.

Said he might stay up
for a while longer.

Oh, he did so enjoy
sitting up to dinner

with you and Miss Patricia.

No, madam.

But don't let him
stay up too long.

Yes, I know,
but the more he rests,

the sooner he'll be well again.

[ Doorbell buzzes ]

And, Sidney, tell him

I'll be home immediately
after the performance.

It's time for your entrance,
Miss Burke.

Yes, yes.

Sidney, be sure to call me

right after the second act.

Yes, about 10:05.

Yes, madam.

Madam was very happy
about you, sir.

[ Ziegfeld chuckles ]

ZIEGFELD: Oh, my poor Billie.

I wish she weren't working.

But it does help some, Sidney.

Get those wires off as quickly
as you can, will you?

- SIDNEY: Yes, sir.
- Were you able to reach

Eddie Cantor by phone?

The Los Angeles operator's been

trying to reach him
for some time, sir.

Tell her to keep on trying.

- And Sidney?
- Yes, sir?

When you get him, tell him
that i want him for a new show.

Tell him that i'm ready
to start rehearsals

the instant he can get away
from those...pictures.

Tell him i need him.

I haven't had a real show
in two years.

- Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
-[ Doorbell ringing ]

Wasn't that the bell, Sidney?

Yes, sir.

Well, why don't you answer it?

Yes, sir.

- Mr. Billings.
- Yeah.

Hello, Sidney.

How's Mr. Ziegfeld?

Well, he's much improved, sir,
but he's very nervous.

He will be glad to see you, sir.

I think if we could get him
started on a new show, sir.

- Yes.
- I mean to say,

if he had the money, sir --

Yes, well, we'll see
that he gets it.

Oh.

[ Chuckles ]

My valet isn't as efficient
as you used to be, Sidney.

He lets me neglect things.

Alright for me
to go in and see him?

Yes, sir.
I wouldn't stay too long.

No, no, no.

[ Chuckles ]
Well, hello, Ziggy.

How are you feeling?

Hello, Jack.

I'm feeling much better.
Thank you.

- Sit down there, won't you?
- Yeah.

Yeah, let me look at you.

[ Chuckles ] I don't think
you've been sick at all.

Just playing possum,
that's what you're doing,

So your creditors
can't find you.

[ Laughing ]

- No. No creditors.
- No. No creditors.

Well, when are you going
to be up and around?

Well, pretty soon now, I hope.

Hurry up. I'm expecting you
to go to Europe with me.

Oh. Well, when are you sailing?

In a couple of weeks.
We'll stop off at Monte Carlo.

You can break the bank again.

[ Laughing ]

And then we'll go to London.

Maybe we can find some
new talent together.

- Does it interest you?
- Yes.

Yes, I'd like to go to London.

Yeah? Why?

You got someone in mind?

No.

Why?

- Have you?
- No.

But i wouldn't tell you
if i had,

not if you were 10 times
as sick as you are.

[ Laughing ]

[ Coughing ]

Oh, those were
great old days, Jack.

Yeah!

Remember the fair?

Do i?

- Little Egypt.
- Yeah.

Sandow.

Yeah, and then Anna Held.

Yes.

Oh, I -- I'm sorry, Ziggy.

Why is it, Jack,
that in a world so old...

...life must be so short?

Short? I feel as if
i'd been here a thousand years,

and i'm going to stay
a thousand more,

and you'd feel the same
way if you'd snap out of it

and get a new show started.

Yes.

Yes, I'd like
to do another Follies.

Why don't you do it?

Don't you think it's about time

that you and i split
50-50 in something??

I'd love to, Jack,

but it'll take
a lot of money.

I've never refused you
before, have i?

No, but that was all
in the dark ages.

Before the depression, I mean.

I heard that the market got you.

Me? Why, ...

Don't be silly.

I'm too smart
for any stock market.

Oh, I lost a couple
of thousand or so, but...

[ Chuckles ]
I got out in time.

- Really?
- Yeah.

How about you? Did it get you?

Oh, no. No, I, uh...

-I never played the market.
- BILLINGS: Oh.

Oh, I may have dropped
a few hundred, maybe but...

nothing to speak of.

[ Sighs ]

Well, how much money do you
suppose it will take, Ziggy?

Oh, a couple
of hundred thousand.

A couple of hundred
thousand, huh?

Mm.

Well, okay, it's a deal.

You pull yourself
together and get well,

and i'll give you the money.

Isn't that wonderful,
Mr. Ziegfeld?

Doesn't that make you
feel better, sir?

Yes, that makes me
feel much better.

Jack, you're a real person.

Yeah, well, you're --

You're not
a bad sort yourself, Ziggy.

Well, I'll --
I'll drop in tomorrow.

Yes. Uh, do that.

Oh, and, Ziggy, if you just
put your mind to it,

I think you'll be up
and around in a week.

But don't let me rush you

because while you're
sitting here convalescing,

I'll be picking out the gals
for the new show, huh?

[ Laughing ]

Well, he looks
alright to me, Sidney.

Undoubtedly, he will be, sir,

thanks to you.

I hope so.

Take good care of him,
Sidney, because

if anything
happened to Ziggy, I...

Well, take good care of him.

[ Instrumental music ]

SIDNEY: Mr. Ziegfeld.

Mr. Ziegfeld, I wouldn't tax my
strength if i were you, sir.

Sidney, I've got things to do.

I must get Cantor,
Bill Rogers, Bill Fields.

They must come back to me!

I'll have all my old stars
together in one great show.

I must do the biggest Follies
of my whole life!

I...

[ Mellow music ]

Oh, Sidney.

I'm so terribly broke.

But Mr. Billings, sir.
Isn't he going to help you?

Sidney, he hasn't a nickel.

He was lying to me,
just to make me feel better.

We're both broke.

I wouldn't worry
about that, sir.

You've been broke before, sir.

Yes, I know.

I've always laughed about it.

But i can't laugh
anymore, Sidney.

Because I've been wrong.

I've got nothing.

- Nothing to leave anyone.
- Nothing, sir?

You leave them the memories
of the finest things

ever done on the stage, sir.

You'll leave them a name
that they can be

proud of all their lives.

And you'll soon feel
better, sir,

and then you can do
more beautiful things

than ever before, sir.

It's nice of you, Sidney,
to say that.

I must call madam
again now, sir.

It's after 10:00.

[ Instrumental music ]

The memories

of the finest things
ever done on the stage.

SIDNEY: Chicory 5161.

Hello? Get me Miss Burke's
dressing room, please.

Yes.

Oh, Miss Burke,

he seems to be
resting comfortably.

Yes. I thought
you'd like to know.

Yes, Miss Burke.
Yes, I'll deliver your message.

Mr. Ziegfeld.

Mr. Z--

[ Music continues ]

Hello. Is Dr. Hassel
still in the building, please?

Would you ask him
to come up to Mr. Ziegfeld's

apartment at once, please?

Yes. Hurry, please.

♪ We are the musketeers ♪

♪ Bold dashing musketeers ♪

♪ We are the musketeers ♪

[ Indistinct chorus ]

♪ When it was whoopee
that came along ♪

♪ And it was whoopee
that brought a song ♪

♪ There's a place
that i know ♪

ZIEGFELD:
I've got to have more steps.

I need more steps.

I've got to get higher.

Higher.

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Mellow music ]

[ Dramatic music ]

[ Instrumental music ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Music continues ]