Second Chorus

BELL TOLLS

BAND PLAYS BALLAD

TRUMPET SOLO

The leader's Danny O'Neill.

-You know him?

-Sure. He's the best trumpet player this college ever had.

-Let's get closer.

-I thought so.

SECOND TRUMPET PLAYS

MUSIC ENDS

Great, wasn't it, Ellen?

-Hi, Stu. Where have you been?

-I've been around.

-I was just saying I ought to see more of old Stu.

-Well, we'd better go sit down, Ellen. See you.

-Your playing was wonderful.

-Thanks.

-You don't think she meant you, do you?

-You don't think she meant YOU, do you?

You don't think she'd fall for that station-house music of yours?

It's not so much my music. It's my personality.

-Hello, Stu.

-Oh, Mr O'Neill,

-won't you join us?

-Oh, thank you.

See you later, son.

Well, Stu...

-Do you want something?

-Me? No, no, no.

-I've been wanting to meet you for some time, Mr O'Neill.

-Wonderful.

-Like the band?

-I didn't mean that I wanted to meet the band, although they did back you up well.

-Thanks.

Any special number you'd like?

The Call Me Up And Call Me Down Blues.

-The what?

-The Call Me Up And Call Me Down Blues.

Oh...I know what you mean. I haven't got the number.

I'm sure you'll be able to get it.

Why don't you go and look for it?

No hurry. It's such a long time since you and I got together. Make the most of it. It's heartwarming.

Nothing like old college friends.

All for one...

and...and all for one.

Yes, sir. I think I'd better be getting back.

-So long, Stu.

-So long.

All right, boys, number nine.

BAND TUNES UP

-Why can't you go on a picnic?

-Mr Dunn is inside.

-He wouldn't be any fun.

-This is a collection agency.

-Not an escort bureau.

-Is this fellow annoying you, Miss Miller?

Hello. I'm just seeing Miss Miller about the encyclopaedias.

-I can take care of it.

-Miss Miller served me with the summons. I'll explain.

-What is there to explain?

-You bought encyclopaedias for which you've never paid.

-I didn't buy them.

-You're wasting my time.

-See?

As I say, seven years ago I must have broken a mirror because THAT walked in and became my room-mate.

-I was only a simple freshman.

-Now you're a simple sophomore?

-You're being unkind.

-We worked hard to stay in college.

-It's not easy for us bright guys to flunk.

-What are you talking about?

-As long as we stay in college, the band makes us a comfortable living.

-That's right. 5,000-6,000 a year.

It's a nice life - cultural, relaxing, gay.

Anyway, this room-mate ordered a set of encyclopaedias in my name.

-That's gratitude(!) It was a present. You were crazy about 'em.

-I was until I got the bill.

-Ellen!

-What's this?

-Mr O'Neill, Mr Taylor - Mr Dunn.

Oh, yes... Oh, yes!

Step right in.

-Look, Mr Dunn, we're temporarily embarrassed.

-We're at college.

-Just college kids.

-You've been at college for seven years.

-Takes time.

-Especially when you're struggling.

-You ain't broke, ain't struggling.

-You doubt our word?

-You said it. Pay up or go to jail. That's final.

-Final, eh?

-Final?

-Final!

-Well, maybe we ought to ask for an extension.

-Yeah.

-Hit it.

-OK, Dunnsy-boy...

-We do make money.

-Haven't got any right now.

-Give us a month.

-One month.

-I won't listen!

-We'll be around for years.

-We're no fly-by-nights.

-My word is my bond.

-Have that money here tomorrow!

-No!

-No.

That's a sordid little fellow, isn't he? Huh! Sordid little place.

-Must be a sordid life for a lovely girl.

-Nothing sordid about it.

-Except the people we deal with.

-Pity we can't take her out of this.

-Like some fresh air?

-Sorry.

I have work to do.

-She's very businesslike.

-Yes.

-I like that in a secretary.

In fact, I'd like to have a secretary like that.

You know, there's an awful lot of work running a band.

-Come to think of it, we do need a secretary.

-But I don't need a job.

So she doesn't need a...

Whatever it is, I won't do it.

-I wanna tell you...

-Ssh!

Mr Dunn, I wanna do the right thing.

-We don't care about the encyclopaedia company.

-We care about YOU.

Maybe I said a few hasty words, boys. Let bygones be bygones, eh?

-Two dollars? But the bill's 110.

-That's for you to fix things.

-What?

Are you asking me to take a bribe?

-A 2 bribe?

-Dunn, we're men of the world.

-We'll keep it under our hats.

-You can depend on us. She'll tell you.

-Who?

-Miss Miller.

-Miss Miller.

Miss...? Miss Miller!

-Come in here! Did you intimate to these gents that I could be bribed?

-Not bribed - fixed.

-I didn't say any such thing!

-Oh...

-Yes, you did, Miss Miller.

-She didn't want us to tell you.

-Don't believe him!

-I heard you.

Wait a minute!

-I'll have you deadbeats put in jail! As for you, Miss Miller, you are fired!

-Oh!

Thanks a lot, old man.

Thanks, old boy.

Miss Miller? Miss Miller? Miss Miller?

-Wait.

-You've caused enough trouble.

-It was a kindly gesture.

-I haven't a reference.

-I don't demand one.

-We know you.

-Yeah.

-You really want me to work for you?

-Sure.

-What's your salary?

-18 a week.

-He'll double it.

-Yeah... Yeah.

-Well...

-Hit it.

BOTH TALK AT ONCE

All right, I'll take it.

-When do I start?

-Right now.

-I'll tell you something.

-Dunn can be bought, but his price isn't 2, it's 10.

-Here. You wanted to take care of it.

-Hey...

Well, here we are.

You can have half the desk, quarter of that rack, and just go to work.

-There's one detail you've omitted - my duties.

-Type a little.

-Telephone a little.

-Keep the leader happy.

-Keep your eye on the brass section.

-It's a job.

-Lining up engagements is no cinch.

-What's so difficult?

-Operator, get me the Riverdale Country Club.

-Oh, no.

-We've tried.

-Who's in charge there?

-Mr Bent.

-A real sourpuss.

-Hello, Mr Bent?

This is Mr O'Neill's secretary. Mr Danny O'Neill, the orchestra leader.

You're planning a Halloween dance?

Harvey's Cornell Clippers? We entertain, too. (Do we?)

-We can dream up something.

-Our entertainment's terrific.

Until you've seen the Perennials you haven't lived.

Oh, it isn't that I don't admire Emil Coleman, but isn't his music a little rowdy?

Now, Mr O'Neill's salon ensemble play everything gently, but with a lilt.

-All his boys are from such nice families.

-Very well.

-We'll expect them at 7.30.

-Thank you.

Believe me, my outfit are killers. Just what you need for one-nighters.

-Can they pack 'em in like Dorsey?

-Solid, Jack.

-Murder.

I can come the day before the dance and help you with the decorations.

-If you want me to.

-We took a poll on the campus and almost everybody voted for Artie Shaw's band.

Artie Shaw? Who's Artie Shaw?

BAND PLAYS SWING

MUSIC ENDS, DANCERS APPLAUD

You were terrific, chief. Yeah, yeah. Water, please.

That prom - is it set? They hired that college band.

Danny O'Neill's Perennials. > O'Neill again? This is the fourth time. >

Either they've got a great band or a fine manager. I gotta hear them.

They'll graduate next week. Huh! Not the Perennials.

It's OK, boys! No graduation this year. I flunked three courses.

ALL CONGRATULATE HIM

All right, boys. Break it up.

-Danny, you're wonderful!

-Danny, we made it again. What's the matter?

Well, Hank, I... I don't know how to tell you.

What do you mean? I passed?

Listen, I couldn't graduate. Not with my marks. Are you kidding me?

There must be some mistake. I'm not gonna take this lying down.

I'm gonna see the Dean. They can't do this to me!

Oh, Danny...

Poor old Hank. He got careless.

-You didn't have anything to do with this, did you?

-Why, Ellen!

-Of course, peace and quiet won't hurt.

-Poor Hank.

-You still have me.

I guess we'll just have to carry on as good old Hank would have wanted us to.

-It seems to me...

-It seems to you?

-I said, it seems to me...

-You said, it seems to you?

-Seems to me I smell a mouse.

Somewhere about the house.

-# It seems to me...

-Seems to you?

-I said, it seems to me...

-You said, it seems to you?

# That such an embarrassing situation Calls for concentration

-# Do you dig me, Jack?

-We dig you, Jack

-# Can you think of a plan?

-We solid can

-Get me out of a mess?

-Yes, yes, yes

-# We'll start the music and play it back

-Solid, Jack!

-Solid, Jack!

-# Can you sing and dance?

-I'll take a chance

-# Are your boots on right?

-I got 'em laced up tight

-# Is Miss Miller a killer?

-From a Spanish villa

-Is her dancing mellow?

-As a cello

# Then it seems to me, obviously You want to go right into your terpsichore

-# What will it be?

-Don't look at me

# Now, let me see What will it be?

# I never could do the conga Could never get through the conga

# But if you say, "Do the conga" I ain't hep to that step, but I'll dig it

# I never could see mazurkas They're poison to me, mazurkas

# But if it's to be mazurkas I ain't hep to that step, but I'll dig it

-# When they invented the charleston He was a total flop!

-Right

# But if you want a Charleston I'll never stop, dance till I drop

# I never could dig the polka The corniest jig, the polka

# But if you say, "Dig the polka" I ain't hep to that step, but I'll dig it... #

INSTRUMENTAL BREAK

-Hi, Hank.

-Hello, there.

-Get anywhere with the Dean?

-No.

-That article I wrote on the decline of the harpsichord and her sister instruments put me across.

-That so?

Yeah. It's a funny thing. I don't even remember writing that article.

-Yet the Dean said it was so good he couldn't flunk me.

-Tough luck.

-Cheer up, boy. It's probably all for the best. What's that?

-What?

What's that?

-Encyclopaedia.

-Oh.

Think of it, Hank. You'll go into your father's textile business.

A cog in a great industry, stamping your personality on miles of tweed,

making the wheels turn, punching the clock, listening to the song of the looms.

What volume is that?

It's, er...

-Ham to Ilk. Why?

-Oh, nothing.

Music wasn't for you, Hank. You could never have got anywhere with that beat-up trumpet.

Your medium's textiles. Your father is a textile man. So was his father.

You've got wool in your blood, Hank.

What's the bookmark for?

Oh, it's an article that rather interested the Dean.

A funny thing about that article. It's almost identical with my thesis.

-Interesting coincidence.

-Yeah, that's what the Dean thought.

I tried to persuade him that the marginal notes weren't mine.

-In fact, I tried to convince him that the handwriting wasn't yours.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

-What did he say?

He said you were fired.

-You dog.

-Easy.

-Low, conniving dog.

-You, too, have to face the world.

Fall into your father's concrete. You've got concrete in your bones.

Danny! Hey, hurry!

Wonderful news! Look, telegram.

-"Will be in town Saturday. Would like to look over your outfit. Artie Shaw."

-Say!

-Shaw wants to look me over.

-You? Look US over.

-All right - us.

-I wonder how soon he'll want me to start?

-He found out I'm available.

-You'll be available indefinitely.

-I must find Ellen a new job.

-No. Once I get set, I'll send for you.

-Very kind.

Let's get organised. Tell the boys to be early.

Summer uniforms. And you - you go home and run your scales.

BAND PLAYS DANCE NUMBER

I'll be out in a few minutes.

Artie Shaw!

MUSIC ENDS

-Artie Shaw - he's here.

-Good. Thanks.

Hey, what about the buck you promised me?

All right, all right. Beat it.

OK, gang. Sweet Sue.

-Pst, Hank. Shaw - he's coming in now.

-Swell. Thanks, pal.

Come on, give out.

I'll bring you some change(!)

-Nice, easy background on this, boys.

-Save your lip till Shaw comes.

-I'll take the lead.

-You kidding?

-I'm OK. I've been in the woodshed.

-You've been in the cornfield. Boys.

LIVELY TUNE

SECOND TRUMPET PLAYS

Say, that's quite a little shindig.

-Thanks, Mr Shaw.

-Band on straight salary?

-No, percentage.

-Smart.

-Thanks again.

-Where's Mr Miller?

-Mr Miller?

-The manager of the band.

Oh, THAT Mr Miller. There she is.

Mr Shaw, Mr Miller. I mean...

-We've been expecting you.

-Swell.

-I'd like to talk to you.

-Fine.

TRUMPET SOLOS "COMPETE"

-Won't you stay and hear the band?

-I'd like to but I'm playing a date.

-Nice talking to you.

-Good night.

BIG FINISH

-Thanks(!)

-No trouble.

-Where is he?

-He's gone.

-Gone?

-Where's Shaw?

-Gone. You ruined it.

-I was terrific. When do I start?

Take ten. What was his proposition?

-It surprised me.

-Quibbled about salary, huh?

-I don't work Sundays.

-What gives? When do I start?

-You don't.

-What? Well, then, what did he want?

-Me.

-Ellen!

-Oh, Danny.

-I brought you this. Oh...

-I guess I'm a little late.

-Danny, how darling of you.

-Hank's inside getting the ticket.

-Is he? Ellen, I hate to see you go.

-SHOUTING OVER ENGINE NOISE

-I hate to go.

-I'd hoped that...

-What, Danny?

-Oh, nothing. It was silly.

-No, what was it?

-Excuse me. You're sprouting.

Popcorn. Hold it for the lady. Your ticket, Ellen. I'll tell the conductor where to let you off.

-Be good and don't talk to strange men.

-I won't. See you in New York.

-I hope so...

-Yes...

-I don't know. Portland's a long way from New York.

Well, you'll be there, Hank?

-No, I've got to pay attention to those mills in Fall River.

-I won't see either of you?

-No.

-I'm afraid not.

-Aboard!

-Goodbye, idiots.

-Watch her orchids.

Goodbye.

Bye!

-When do you start for Portland?

-Tonight.

-When do you leave for Fall River?

-Oh, about an hour.

-I'll see you off.

-No, don't bother. You've got to pack.

-Yeah.

-Well, this is it.

-Right. So long, Danny.

-So long. It's been a lot of fun.

-You bet. Take care of yourself.

-I'll drop you a line.

-Do that.

A college band? Whoever heard of a good college band?

We were under the impression that it was an important affair. It is?

Well, in that case, I know you'll want Mr Shaw. That's fine, thank you.

BARRAGE OF QUESTIONS

-Couple of relatives. What's cooking, Ellen?

-We closed the Atlantic City job on our own terms.

-That's swell.

-And the intercollegiate prom.

-My hunch about you was pretty good.

-I'm glad. Mr Shaw, I wonder if I could ask you a favour?

-Of course.

About two trumpet players.

I always pick my own men, Ellen.

-I don't...

-All I want you to do is hear these boys.

-Are they in town?

-One's in Portland, the other's in Fall River. Can be here in a jiffy.

-Lot of travelling.

-They won't mind.

-If you think they're good, I'll listen to 'em.

-Thank you.

Call the Western Union boy to pick up two telegrams.

-What floor is Artie Shaw on? 17th.

-17th.

-Going up.

-Hold it, buddy.

What floor is Artie Shaw on?

ALL: 17th.

Aren't you going to Fall River the hard way?

-I suppose this elevator stops at Portland(!)

-Last stop, 22nd floor.

-So you're gonna give a lot of time to the mills.

-I have as much right here as you have.

-Face facts, Hank.

Ellen can't get us both in the band.

-I'll get a try-out with Artie Shaw if I have to tear down the building.

-17th floor next.

-Here's a present for you, Sam.

-Have one on me, Sam.

-Oh, excuse me.

-Where's Artie Shaw's office, please?

-That way.

-Thanks.

-Mr O'Neill...

-Taylor.

-..to see Miss Miller.

-Miss Miller is very busy.

-She'll see me.

-We were at college together.

-Is that 34 or 54 Highcroft Road?

-34.

Wait a minute, what have you got?

-Why, this is for me.

-Yeah.

-Hank, Shaw's sending for me.

-Me too. I knew he would.

-Any answers?

-We'll take care of it. Here.

-Thanks.

-That's all right.

-What do you make of this?

-Look, Fall River.

-Say...

Excuse me.

-Something's funny.

-Yeah.

-He walked out on us at the prom.

-Yeah.

-Deliberately?

Why? He wanted us to cool our heels a while so we'd work for peanuts.

-He got Ellen here, thinking we'd work for nothing on account of her.

-That's it.

-He can't treat a friend of ours like that.

-No, sir.

-I'll fix him.

-I'll ask for 25 a week more.

-50.

-Young lady, tell Shaw we'll see him.

-Mr Shaw is busy.

-We'll tell him. Thanks.

-Hey, wait a minute.

-Hi, Shaw.

-Just a minute. You'll have to wait outside.

-I'm your new trumpet player.

-Me too. We got your wire.

What? Oh, yeah. Well, you certainly took your time getting here.

We had other offers to consider.

-Drop down at the hotel tonight, play with the band.

-Swell.

-Love to.

See you then. I'm pretty busy now.

-All right. Which is Miss Miller's office?

-Across the hall.

-Thanks.

-Think I'll have a little talk with her.

-Yeah.

OK, Artie.

Ellen!

Danny! I can't believe my eyes!

-It's so good to see you!

-Kinda surprised you, huh?

-Surprise.

-Where did you come from?

-Artie's office.

-Talking business.

-Portland?

-Its loss is your gain.

-Fall River?

-It'll have to suffer.

-Did Artie say anything about a try-out?

-Sure.

-Wonderful!

-We haven't promised him anything.

DANCE NUMBER

-Straight ahead?

-Hey...

-Evening, Cap. I'm the new trumpet player with Artie Shaw.

-I ain't seen you before.

You're gonna see plenty of me from now on.

If my brother drops in, tell him Shaw's not giving any auditions.

If he makes a fuss, throw him out.

-You know how these family jealousies are.

-What's your name?

Danny O...

O'Taylor.

-You're early.

-I was lonesome. Hadn't seen you since late this afternoon.

-Not a bad house. How long are we booked here for?

-You're only booked for one number.

-A mere formality.

-Where's Hank?

-Hank? How do I know?

-Am I my brother's keeper?

-I thought he was coming with you.

-He probably couldn't face being turned down.

-Poor boy. I wish I could do something to help him.

-Oh, yes(!)

Ellen, I'm very fond of Hank.

If not for those encyclopaedias I might never have met you.

I'll always be grateful to him for that. Won't you?

-Danny, this is no time...

-Yes, it is.

Yesterday I was a schoolboy. Today I'm a man with his career assured, a man with plans for the future.

You ought to be warming up.

I've been warmed up a long time.

Ellen...

BAND PLAYS ON

Shall I take the vocal?

# Would you like to be the love of my life

# For always

# And always...

# Watch over me?

# To square my blunders

# And share my dreams

# One day with caviar

# Next day a chocolate bar

# Would you like to take the merry-go-round?

# I'll lead you

# I'll need you

# Just wait till you see

# I hope in your horoscope

# There is room for a dope who adores you

# That would make the only dream of my life

# Come true

# For the love of my life

# Is you... #

Ellen...

So I'm your brother, huh(?)

-I was afraid you wouldn't make it.

-Don't worry about me.

-Ellen, go.

-No, stick around.

-What happened?

-Danny framed me.

-I wanted to be alone with you.

-He admits it all.

-Wait...

-That doorman hit me on the lip.

-Too bad.

-Like to even it up?

Boys, please! You have to go on in a minute.

Let's forget it. I'll tell Artie you're here. Good luck, darlings.

-You haven't forgotten the trumpet players?

-No. I'll be right with you.

MUSIC ENDS

OK, let's go. I'll put your boys on in the next set. First, give me a hand with that character.

He's an awful ear-bender.

Well, well. Mr Chisholm, Miss Miller. How do you do?

That last number jump for you? Oh, very peppy.

What chord did we finish on? B flat. I missed it again.

Won't you two join me? I can't. Miss Miller can stay.

Is Miss Miller hep? Hep as they come.

Fascinating, your swing jargon. See you later, Mr Chisholm. So long, Gate.

That's short for Alligator. Please sit.

-Are you a musician?

-I should have been but I was forced to give it up.

-I said music and Father said bottle-caps. Father won.

-What a pity.

-The banjo is your instrument?

-No, the flat-backed mandolin.

Boys, what do you want to play?

-How about I'm Yours?

-A pretty tough arrangement.

-I'll play anything.

OK. How about you?

-Pick one.

-I'll leave the book with you. Look 'em over.

-Oh, Artie...

-On the question of who plays first, I suggest alphabetical order.

-OK.

We're on in about three minutes.

-Not gonna look over your part?

-I couldn't hit a bad note if I tried.

-Not tonight.

-Why is tonight an exception?

-Oh, I don't know.

-Makes a difference when you know someone's depending on you.

-What?

Nothing, nothing. Nothing at all.

Who's depending on you?

Nobody.

-Forget it.

-Say, you were alone here with Ellen when I came in.

-For almost the first time since I've known her.

-What happened? What did you say to her?

Look, Hank, Ellen and I...

It's no concern of yours,

-but when I get set with Shaw, Ellen and I...

-You proposed. What did she say?

She just gave me her tender, unspoken yes.

-How do you know it wasn't an unspoken no?

-A fellow can tell.

-It was an occasion when silence was more eloquent than words.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

All right, that's the way it is.

Wish you all the happiness in the world.

-Have me over for dinner some time.

-Thanks.

I'm glad you're not gonna let this come between us.

-OK, here we go.

-Here, Danny.

You know what I wish you, Danny boy.

MUSIC STARTS

SMOOTH TRUMPET SOLO

PLAYS WRONG NOTES

RESUMES AT WRONG TEMPO

WRONG NOTE

OFF-KEY

WRONG NOTE

-Fascinating music.

-I can't understand it.

HORRIBLY OFF-KEY

Well, that was just dandy.

I'll be sure and call you. If anything else comes up, take it.

You sure you know what you're doing?

-Say the word.

-OK, fellas. One, two.

MUSIC STARTS

OUT OF STEP I've got music in my feet.

TRUMPET FLOURISH

COMMOTION AND ARGUING

BAND RESUMES

Excuse me.

FURIOUS ARGUING

EVERYONE SHOUTS

I'm finished with you!

I'm finished with both of you! Please! You've ruined everything.

After all you pretended to think of me. I tried so hard.

-Just...

-I never want to see you again!

ARGUING RESUMES

-Who have you played with?

-O'Neill's Perennials.

-Never heard of them.

-Heard of Artie Shaw?

-Were you associated with him?

-Associated?

-I made a deeper impression on him than any trumpet player.

-One moment, please.

TOOTLING

Artie, one thing about last night.

-Maybe I...

-If it's about those...

-No, it's about Mr Chisholm.

-TOOT-TOOT

-No, I mean it.

BUZZ Yeah?

Who? Him?

Are you kidding? Well, throw him out.

-Anything serious?

-Nah.

-Out!

-All right.

-Hello. Tell Tommy that Hank Taylor is here, will you?

-Get off the desk.

Right.

Mr Chisholm talks a lot, but he's sweet. He has the soul of an artist but his money's stifling it.

You've always wanted to give a concert. I can get him to back you.

TOOTLING

Is he like those Krunchy Krinkle breakfast food guys, with an angle?

-It'll be with no strings attached.

-No musts about what to play?

-None.

-No bottle-cap ads?

-Honour bright.

-TOOT-TOOT OK, sounds swell if you can do it.

-Good. I'll get to work on it.

BUZZ Yeah?

What? Him? Throw him out.

I've got offers from Miller, Goodman. I've got plenty of jobs.

Don't say I didn't give you a chance.

-I'll put a wager on Magic Melody.

-Lester, you're always willing to back something musical.

-Artists need a man like you.

-Oh?

FANFARE

JAZZY FLOURISH

Old English hunting song, I believe.

ELLEN GIGGLES My dear, are you choking?

RUSSIAN FOLK MUSIC

This place is one of my finds.

They're all real musicians. Too bad they're not better known.

I might be able to help. I can give these musicians to the world.

-Your first duty is to the American artist.

-So it is.

RAPID BALALAIKA PLAYING

Hoy!

Hoy!

Centuries of Slavic ballads have gone into that.

TRUMPET SOLO

Hoy!

SHOUTS OF "HOY"

Hoy!

Hey, there. Vas gut.

Vas gut? Vas purrfect.

SLOW, DRAMATIC INTRO

# Vodka bublishki The love of my life

# Ochi strassnya

# Ipi crassya

# Avec bit borscht

# Api rubbinov

# Ninotchka ratov

# Romanov caviar

# Ur shiske shocolat bar... #

He's miles away, perhaps dreaming of some girl on the steppes of Russia.

You can tell he's loved and suffered.

# And always...

# Watch over me

# Oh, play...

# A pick and a pluck on the strings of your old balalaika... #

Oh, please take me home. I can't stand this any longer.

HE HUMS

# For the love of my life...

# Is...YOU! #

-Hoy!

-Hoy!

I appreciate you letting me back this concert, Mr Shaw.

Not at all. And I'm grateful to you, Ellen.

I'm back in my true medium. How much did you say should I arrange for?

-Roughly 15,000.

-20 would be safer. The name of J Lester Chisholm must stand for only the best.

She's always thinking of me. What a jewel you have in her.

I'm finding that out. And what an inspiration.

Mother thinks that every girl who's attracted to me is after our money.

-BUZZ

-Come in.

-Oh, Lester!

-Stay where you are.

Don't move. You don't know what a picture you make in the candlelight.

You've brought your mandolin.

-For you.

-Oh, you shouldn't have.

Why not? Tonight's our night to celebrate. I thought we might have a quiet evening of music, you and I.

Duets make a home a home.

-Can I use your house phone?

-Certainly.

-Thank you.

-Who do you wish to speak to?

-Miss Miller.

Who's calling?

Mr...

Dunn.

Mr Dunn.

-RING

-Hello.

It's Danny. I've been trying to get in touch with you. I'm downstairs.

No, I...I can't see you tonight.

No, no, I'm not being vindictive. I just can't see you... Of course Hank isn't here!

Danny, we'll talk tomorrow.

No, he isn't!

Ellen, wait a minute...

Good night, Mr Dunn.

Er...good night.

Mr Dunn.

That was just an old college friend. We won't be disturbed again.

Shall we continue?

TUNELESS PLUCKING ON MANDOLIN

# Beautiful dreamer

# Wake unto me

# Starlight and dewdrops

# Are waiting for thee

# Beautiful dreamer

# Queen of my song

# List while I woo thee

# With soft melodies... # THUMP

-What was that?

-B flat.

-No, a noise. Is someone in there?

-Hardly. That's my bedroom.

MANDOLIN PLAYS

-Don't be nervous.

-I'm not a bit nervous.

See? Just as I told you. It's your imagination.

GROWLING

Yes, boy. Yes, boy.

SNUFFLING AND HOWLING

Shut up!

Ow!

-Hank!

-What do you hear from college?

What are you doing under this bed?

Looking for a collar button(!) I got as much right as you have.

Say, if you're in here, I wonder who's out there?

That's right. I thought it was you.

-Better investigate.

-No, wait. We don't want to upset Ellen today.

-That's right, not today.

-So that's why you came up. I thought so.

-What?

-You just happened to call on the day Shaw announced his concert.

I read about it in the paper, but I'm too busy to help Artie out.

-I'm working like a horse.

-You're working?

-Sure.

-Not with Dorsey?

-No.

He wouldn't change his style to suit me. I've got an engagement just out of town. Very big audience.

-Fourth trumpet, huh?

-No, sir. Strictly solo stuff.

-Why? Is the concert the reason for your visit?

-Who, me?

-Yeah.

-No, I'm much too busy for that.

-Doing what?

-After I quit Whiteman...

-You quit Whiteman?

-Sure. Too big a band. I'd lose my individuality.

-Same thing happened to Bix.

-So you're unemployed?

-No, not at all.

I've hooked up with a terrific European outfit. I never dreamed such things could be done to music.

-I wonder what's going on out there?

-Sounds like she's auditioning.

Shaw's got a mandolin section?

OFF-KEY NOTE

-How about a breather?

-Wonderful idea.

-Sometimes it's a little tiring.

-Yes.

Let's have a toast to the concert.

< Ellen, you make me feel like a boy again.

-Really?

-You've made me believe that money isn't a handicap. CORK POPS

I have something to look forward to.

Well, to our big night.

To our big night.

She's being taken advantage of.

She seems to be liking it.

I've seen him before. Where was it? The Russian rest... The Little Bear.

I saw him with her at the racetrack.

-We've got to get her out of this.

-What are we waiting for?

-Another glass?

-Oh, I don't think I should.

-Well, you know best.

-Ellen, you're different from other girls.

-I can hardly believe that.

So innocent! You wouldn't believe the carryings-on. I've been told.

-CLATTER What's that? Somebody's out there.

-You're imagining things again.

-Look.

Psst!

PIERCING WHISTLE

What in the world...?

-Not home, is he, Ellen?

-Who is it?

Danny! Oh, it's, er... It's just the neighbour.

He always wants to borrow something. Excuse me.

Danny? Danny, is it you?

Is that guy here again?

-Pardon me, Mr...

-Chisholm.

Oh, Chisholm, yes. Ellen told me about you.

I guess she's getting rid of him. Well, she better.

I told her flatly it was either him or me.

I used to trust that guy. I went to college with him.

I shared my room, my time, my troubles. I won't share Ellen.

I didn't know. I better be going.

-No, I didn't mean you. Stick around. Make yourself at home. Do you need anything?

-No.

-Glad to have met you.

-DOOR SLAMS

-Oh, mercy!

-Danny, how dare you come up here?

-I'm glad I came up.

-Well, I'm not.

-You need me.

-What?

-I'm not blaming you.

-What are you talking about?

-You don't know what you're getting into. It's not your fault. Hank and I realise that.

-Hank is here?

-Yes.

-Inside, taking care of it.

-Heavens!

-Oh, dear...

-Lester! Lester, wait a minute! Lester!

-You didn't tell me you were married.

-I'm not.

-Who was that man?

-Hank.

Ellen, I can't believe it. You of all people! Oh dear, oh dear!

-I'll send him away.

-Don't make it worse, Ellen. I can't stand it.

-I'm leaving for Cincinnati in the morning.

-What about the concert?

Tell Mr Shaw I appreciate the chance he gave me, but I can't accept it.

-Lester, you can't throw away your whole musical career.

-My musical career is over. Here.

I'll never touch it again.

"Oh," he says, "I didn't know."

-Poor Mr Chisholm.

-Poor Mr Chisholm.

# Poor Mr Chisholm

# Played on the mandolin

# But he couldn't win Cos he tried to swing

# And he broke a string every time! #

"Oh," he says, "I better go."

# Poor Mr Chisholm

-# Just couldn't...

-Dig the jive

# When he did arrive at the proper note, he... #

-Ellen...

-This is for the best.

-It may have been drastic.

-Brutal.

-But you'll thank us later.

-I will? I suppose Artie will thank you, too.

-Artie?

-What's Artie got to do with Mr Chisholm?

-Nothing in the world.

He was the backer of the concert!

-The concert?

-Oh...

SWING FINALE

All right, let's go again.

Ellen! You've got to listen to me.

What I've got to do is tell Artie the concert's off, then leave town.

Ellen, I'm sorry about this trouble.

You know how I feel about you. Remember the other night when I took the vocal? I wasn't kidding.

The merry-go-round. You weren't kidding.

-That's all over.

-It's too late.

-No, it isn't. Act as if nothing's happened. I'll get Chisholm.

-How?

-Don't worry. Don't say anything to Shaw.

-What can I say?

-You can do it. Give me an hour.

-All right, Danny. One hour.

That's right.

Hurry up. He's checking out.

What 20,000? Oh, that. Send it back to Cincinnati. I'm going back...

On second thought, just leave it.

You bounder! Leave this room!

-I brought your mandolin.

-Leave!

-Easy.

-We've come to clear Ellen's name.

-I won't hear her name mentioned.

-Don't say that.

-Who are you?

-A man who wants to see justice done.

-All right, talk.

-No, I can't.

-Come clean!

-All right.

I have a confession to make.

-I've never done this before in my life. I lied to you.

-Go on.

-All right. Ellen is innocent.

-I saw with my own eyes...

-He framed her.

-I am not Ellen's husband.

-I know that.

-What?

-Who are you?

-Me?

-He's her brother, Hank.

Brother? Aren't you ashamed?

-Yes.

-Why did you create this false impression?

-I...I...I was trying to protect her.

-Hit it.

-Look here...

-We didn't know you.

-How much you meant to her.

-So important to her.

I didn't realise. What have I done?

-You acted shabbily.

-Misjudged her.

-Jumped to brutal conclusions.

-Do you think she'll ever forgive me?

-There's a chance.

-Crawl back to her on your knees.

-Beg her to forgive.

I will. Will this interfere with letting me back the concert?

-Well, I don't think so.

-No.

-But you better hurry.

-I will.

I'll get my hat and gloves.

You make yourselves at home.

-# Poor Mr Chisholm... #

-We've done right.

-It's about time.

-Makes you feel good. Self-sacrifice, doing unto others...

-That's the life.

But a little self-sacrifice goes a long way.

We ought to think of our own careers.

We are the friends of Shaw's backer.

But we mustn't use Chisholm.

-We owe it to Ellen not to take any more chances.

-Ellen won't respect two failures.

-If it wasn't for us, the concert would be off.

-He owes us a break.

-Here I go. If there's ever anything I can do...

-Glad to do a good turn.

-Anything WE can do for you?

-You've done enough.

-Like helping you select numbers for the concert.

-I don't select them. I hardly dare venture an opinion.

-You should.

-I'm only the backer.

-ONLY?

-You're the impresario, the most important man in the organisation.

-Be a guiding hand.

-Choose the music.

-Pick the men.

-It's your duty.

-You're letting Shaw down.

-This is terrible. No-one told me this.

-I'd have been delighted to do it.

-Not too late.

-Work fast.

-I don't know where to start.

-First, line up a number.

-I can't think.

-You remember Rolling Back To Mammy On The Big River Blues?

-Rolling Back To Mammy On The Big River Blues?

-That's it!

-He's got it!

-Perhaps I can think of something better. A folk song?

-A folk song. I've got one.

Listen to this.

HE PLAYS "Poor Mr Chisholm"

You're gonna like this, Chiz. This is back to the good earth. Play!

-BLUESY RHYTHM What's it called?

-Hoedown The Bayou.

Hear that? That's New Orleans.

I went there. I don't recognise it.

-You don't?

-Why, I can almost smell the delta.

-I CAN smell the delta.

-Can't you smell the delta?

-I have a cold.

-The mandolin will cure it.

You pick this up, Chiz. Pick it up.

-Yeah, son, the train won't wait.

-That's it!

We're sailing up that river on the Memphis-Chattanooga. Hold on, Chiz.

Hear steamboat whistles blowing? Tote that barge! Pull that bale!

-Solid south, solid north. Solid, Jack.

-Solid, Jack!

Wagon wheels a-creaking westward. Now we're rolling past on the Kansas-Cincinnati.

-Cincinnati! My home town!

-His home town! Everybody's home town! Cincinnati!

-Boys, words fail me. I must see Shaw at once.

-That's the spirit, Chisholm. Don't let America down.

-It's my duty as a backer?

-You can do anything.

-Anything?

-Certainly.

Your epic number will be given a fine presentation. I'll go further.

-Yes?

-I'll play in it myself, on my mandolin.

Rhythm, on B I'll set the tempo. At C, trombones make an entrance,

saxes come in strong and strings pick it up.

-Oh, Ellen, can you ever forgive me?

-Lester...

I don't deserve it. I let you down, but I'm going to make up for it. Shaw, can I see you a minute?

Hi. Take ten, fellas.

Mr Chisholm, glad you dropped in.

I didn't just drop in, Mr Shaw. Sit down, please. And you, Ellen.

I've shirked my duties, but I'll make up for it with a folk song. Folk song?

It's got everything - sweeping prairies, creaking wagons. Sounds peachy.

Like this. HUMS "Poor Mr Chisholm"

# Hoedown the Bayou... # Can't you smell the delta?

HE WHISTLES Chattanooga, Louisiana. Solid north, solid south.

Hoedown, boy. Wooo! That's the steamboat whistle.

That's my home town. It's your home town, everybody's home town.

Cincinnati! Are you kidding? It'll sweep the country. Play it.

-Wait, Artie.

-Prairies, wagons, steamboats(!)

-That's its sweep.

-It's not a bad song.

How can I tell from that? Get me someone who can play it. I'll get you the composer.

-I've fixed it.

-Good boy.

-Great job.

-Give him all you got.

-Right.

-Wait. I could back you up on the mandolin.

-No, don't give away the surprise.

-Practice comes first.

-Besides, you're no song-plugger.

-Selling songs to bandleaders.

-OK. I'll explain it as you play.

-Er...

-Stay here, Chiz. Too many people might make Shaw nervous.

-I might be needed.

-Come on, I'll buy you a cigar.

-I don't like cigars.

Don't worry, I'll smoke it myself.

-Artie, he'll be here in a minute.

-I'm holding up the rehearsal.

-Hello.

Oh, it's you again.

-I guess so.

-Artie, don't let something that's over and done with stand in the way of a good song.

-OK.

-This better be good.

-Yes, sir.

BLUESY INTRO

# Poor Mr Chisholm Played on the mandolin

# But he couldn't win Cos he tried to swing

# And he broke a string every time

# Poor Mr Chisholm Just couldn't dig the jive

# When he did arrive at the proper note

# He arrived by boat every time

# He tried to jazz up his mandolin

# But never could quite control it

# He always brought Bach and Handel in

# When he took a lick He always broke a pick

# Poor Mr Chisholm

# You're quite a gay old blade With your serenade

# But you're corny, Jack Better truck on back to Butte

# Get a uke

# You disgrace your kin On the mandolin

# Every time. #

Did you like the tune, Artie?

Kinda cute. Make an arrangement and maybe we can find a spot for it.

-No trouble this time.

-Don't worry. And thanks.

-Mr Chisholm playing a mandolin. That'd be something.

I'm within the hour.

Chisholm is back. I'm making an arrangement. I've settled down.

You happened to get the brass ring.

-This is your big chance, Danny.

-I hope.

-Did he understand it?

-Did he go for it?

-Hook, line and Cincinnati.

-Nice going.

-Calls for a celebration.

-Well, fellow artists, I give you the concert.

-We accept it.

-Lester, we're proud of you.

-I'm only the backer.

-That's a very important role.

-It's not as though I was a performer.

Well, now, look...

-We've just about killed this bottle. How about a refill?

-Oh, excuse me.

You won't tell her while I'm gone?

-Not a chance.

-Don't worry about it.

-Lester, wait.

-Tell me what?

-A little surprise.

-Oh, let's tell her, fellows. I'm going to play in the concert.

-Lester, you're not.

-I am.

I knew you'd be delighted. Wine is what we need.

Wine!

-The merry-go-round's still on.

-All we did was flatter him a bit.

-If we disillusioned him, he'd call it off.

-And Shaw?

-Shaw won't know.

-Hank's gonna keep Chisholm away.

-Oh, no.

-I'll be busy with my arrangement.

-I'll make a bargain.

-Get me a job with Shaw and I'll look after Chisholm.

-Sure. I'll do my best.

-You'll do better than that.

MOODY CLARINET SOLO

SWEEPING STRINGS

TEMPO INCREASES

SWING NUMBER

DRUM SOLO

DRUMS AND CLARINET DUET

CRESCENDO OF HIGH NOTES

MURMURS OF APPROVAL

OK, take five.

-That'll get it, Artie.

-Wonderful.

-Glad you liked it.

-Here's my arrangement.

-Did you make those changes?

-Yeah. I don't know how good it'll sound after that.

There's a favour I want to ask you.

-You're gonna use extra trumpets. I know a fellow...

-Not your partner?

Can't get through a number without falling off the stand. Nothing doing.

-Danny, what are we going to do about poor Hank?

-We'll keep trying.

Ninety-six - two, three.

Ninety-seven - two, three. Ninety-eight - two, three.

Ninety-nine - two, three.

And a hundred - and stop.

A hundred times without a slip.

No, no. You were pretty fuzzy there on 37. You were a quarter of a beat off on 67.

One more 100 and we'll turn in.

Two days to the concert. I better tell Artie our secret.

-Not yet. It's too late, anyhow.

-No, the band's staying late to rehearse.

-You haven't practised enough.

-I've practised for ten days - 12 hours a day, six hours a night. I'll go stale.

-Are you ready?

PICKS OUT NOTES

Two...

"Tonight Artie Shaw will present a newcomer to the musical world."

Newcomer - that must mean me.

What? Yeah, sure, sure, sure.

-What's the matter, Henry? Worried about the rehearsal?

-No. You?

-No.

-There are few troubles that sleep won't cure.

-Watch your own health.

-I've got insomnia.

-That's too bad.

KNOCK AT DOOR Come in.

-Good afternoon, Mr Chisholm. Hello. What about a drink?

-Good idea.

-I wanna spruce up a bit.

Hello. Give me the Majestic Theatre.

It's better so.

What? What's that?

What about it? Yeah? Wait a minute.

Excuse me, Chiz. This is personal.

Say, Danny, you wouldn't lie to me at a time like this, would you?

All set. You're in. Get down here.

This makes up for a lot of things, Danny. What - Chisholm?

Wait a minute.

Don't you worry about Chisholm. I've got a plan to keep him here. So long.

-Good news?

-Depends on your point of view. One man's drink is another man's poison.

-Yes.

Everything happens for the best. It's always darkest just before dawn.

-Right. The lad worthwhile is the lad who can smile when the rest of the world's gone wrong.

-Right.

We'll have it over here.

-If ever anything comes between us, remember I had your best interests at heart.

-That cuts both ways.

-Well, happy days.

-Happy dreams.

-Bottoms up.

-Bottoms up.

BAND PLAYS SWING

There must be some answer. Well, never mind.

I can't raise Hank anywhere.

-I had nothing to do with this.

-Last week I'd have said you had. This week, no.

You're improving, Danny. I think I'll make you my manager.

APPLAUSE

Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a little blues number

which came to my attention bearing the title Hoedown The Bayou.

Since then it has grown up and been transformed into something special.

The man who wrote it - Danny O'Neill.

-APPLAUSE

-Go on.

-How does it feel?

-All right.

OK, it's all yours.

DRAMATIC INTRO

FLOURISH OF STRINGS

MUSIC SOARS GRACEFULLY

BLUESY RHYTHM

MUSIC ENDS

APPLAUSE

-Wonderful!

-I'm gonna have to hire you.

-Thanks, Artie.

-But only because I don't wanna lose a good secretary.

ALL SHOUT ENTHUSIASTICALLY

Artie Shaw! Artie Shaw!

Nobody!

SNORING

Ninety-nine...

A hundred... Take it again.

# I hope in your horoscope There is room for a dope

# Who adores you... #

Vas gut?

Vas purrfect.

Subtitles by John Macdonald, Subtext for BBC Subtitling - 2000