The Sky's the Limit

GUNS FIRE

OFFICER SPEAKS CHINESE

CROWD CHEERS

BAND PLAYS VICTORY MARCH

Isn't it just too thrilling?

What? Thrilling.

You certainly are.

Oh.

Well, why don't you wave at all the nice people?

You know, I heard you came back

from a battle with those silly old Jap planes

just practically on one wing.

I did? My goodness,

I hadn't heard that one.

Look at that mug, will you?

Say, he's doing all right.

Where'd he find that girl?

Why do I have to ride with you?

I was thinking the same thing.

I've always wanted to meet a flying tiger.

Oh, we've been overrated.

At heart, we're just like any ordinary wolf - tiger.

What's your objective now?

Oh, I thought we'd just ride around a little while.

Oh, silly, I mean the war.

Oh, the war. I'm in between,

transferring to naval aviation.

Oh. How much time you got?

Ten days. That time enough?

All depends on what y'all want to do, honey.

Honey, y'all chart the course.

What would you like to do first?

Let me see.

I mean, where would y'all like to go first?

Well, I'll...

You just surprise me.

You'll be surprised.

You, er, you haven't a roommate, have you?

What? Oh, no. No, indeedy.

Fine.

We can have something sent up -

champagne, pheasant...

Now, don't you worry yourself, Tiger,

because everything's been taken care of.

What? Well, I just...

WOMAN: I'm Miss Barr. I'm Miss May.

I'm surprised.

You're at the speaker's table,

where you're going to be the guest of honour.

TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

So I followed this Jap right down to his own field,

and he invites me to dinner.

Go on.

MAN: Attention, men.

Here's a little further dope

on your itinerary.

We arrive in Salt Lake tomorrow morning,

visit the Mormon Tabernacle.

The parade will shove off at 12 noon.

Chamber Of Commerce tour, 2.00 until 5.00.

When do we eat?

FRED WHISTLES

Banquet at 8.30.

Looks like you'll have a pretty full day.

FRED: Ouch.

Yeah, it sure does.

Say, how long does this go on?

Coast to coast.

Lets me out.

Hmm, we've stopped.

I'll see you in Tokyo.

What do you guys got?

Three kings.

Oh, take it away.

ALL TALKING AT ONCE

Ha ha ha!

That's the way we used to play in China.

Yep.

Men, I'll be back in a minute.

What's the matter with you?

Get back on this train.

Oh, I've had enough.

We've only got ten days to have some fun,

and that big personal appearance tour

they've got mapped out in there

doesn't sound like fun to me.

You can have it, brother.

Hey, we're moving.

You want to get left behind?

Sure.

Why don't you be a man and get off?

This is great!

Are you crazy?

Yeah! I'm nuts!

Hey!

Ah!

Yeah, any fool can see it.

There's only one way to win this war

or any other war,

and that's with men and bullets and bayonets.

We got to give them a taste of cold American steel.

That's what we're gonna do,

whether those politicians in Washington

like it or not.

We got to fight.

By the way, how do you stand in the draft?

Me? 4F.

SWING MUSIC PLAYS

Good evening.

Hello.

Say, what kind of place is this?

A nightclub. Oh.

Take all the Broadway columns

and shake out the names,

and what do you get?

The Colonial Club. See?

Got a light?

Yes, sir.

Thanks.

Ha ha! Kind of got yourself all dressed up,

ain't you?

You ain't doing so bad yourself.

Ha ha ha!

Now you're hip.

Yes, sir? Hi.

Can you look down the line and stop

when you come to the most beautiful girl?

I'm stopped.

You know her name?

Sure. Joan Manion, photographer.

Gonna take pictures here tonight.

Who's the character with her?

That's the guy she works for -

Phil Harriman, publisher of Eyeful.

Eiffel?

Eyeful. You know, the high-class peep magazine.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

Beside her, what would you like?

Oh, just a little, er...

and plain water...

beside her.

MAN: That must be obvious, my dear.

Phil, the world is burning down,

but I have to stay home and take pictures

of celebrities in a nightclub.

Why don't I get to go to London or China?

Why not?

Sure, why not?

I have brains.

I have, er...

er, talent.

And beauty. Don't overlook that.

Oh, you can't sidetrack the issue with that palaver.

Why didn't I get sent over there?

Because I like you here.

Besides, you're a girl.

Margaret Bourke-White went to Russia.

Well, I don't happen to be in love with Margaret Bourke-White.

For a minute, I thought you were going to be on the level.

I must be slipping.

Slippery times.

You said it.

OK. I'll work for you tonight.

I'll photograph this menagerie.

Cute girl.

I like her.

She likes me, too.

As a matter of fact, most women seem to like me.

How do you account for that?

I sometimes think it's because I don't understand women.

Do I know you?

No.

But don't apologise.

Hi, Freddie. I want to catch you in action.

Thanks. Thank you.

Hello, Pamela.

I'd like to get a couple of candid shots.

Yes, certainly. You know Mr Reed? Miss Manion.

How do you do? How do you do?

Let's see.

That looks pretty good.

REED: I beg your pardon.

This young lady is trying to...

Would you please? I'm sure you don't mind.

I mind very well.

Now look what you've done.

I'm sorry. We'll take another.

That's all right, Joan.

Oh, Sir Charles, I think it might be better

without the champagne.

Oh, quite so. Wartime.

Mm-hmm.

Now...great big smile.

How's that?

All right. Hold it, Sir Charles.

Gee, that was a pip.

Pip?

I'm sorry, Sir Charles. I'll have to get it again.

Do you mind?

Oh, quite so.

JOAN: Mac, I'd like to have a nice candid shot of you.

OK? Let's see.

Uh-huh. Nice, big smile now.

JOAN: Hello.

Got it. Thanks, Mac.

I'll send you a print for the family.

Thank you.

That's one for you and one for me.

Shall we play off the tie?

You know, purely in a sociological way,

you interest me...

a little.

It's a beginning, isn't it?

Don't get me wrong.

What interests me is this passion you seem to have

for getting your picture taken.

Let's talk it over.

I'll have the same, please.

You know, I'm supposed to be taking pictures

of celebrities.

Couldn't I be the fella

who never gets his name mentioned,

the one they call "a friend,"

you know, "Ginger Rogers and friend"?

Uh, it's possible but extremely improbable.

Why have you insisted on annoying me

and ruining my pictures?

I used to know a fella once

who liked to fly a plane upside down.

HE WHISTLES

Me? I like to have my picture taken.

Well, look at you.

You want to go over and photograph

a lot of burning buildings

and bomb pits and all that kind of thing.

You're crazy, too.

It's democracy.

It's wonderful.

Thanks. That's all I wanted to know.

That's that.

I hereby inform you

that I photographed my last highball.

Have one?

I should have stuck to a stage career.

Couldn't be any tougher than getting a break.

Want me to get you a job in this club?

You think I couldn't?

And I don't need any help from you either.

MUSIC STOPS APPLAUSE

She certainly doesn't.

Oh.

Freddie, do me a favour. Sure, Joan.

- I want to do Shining Hour. - Certainly.

Is she kidding?

Just listen.

# This will be my shining hour

# Calm and happy and bright

# ooh do do do ooh

# In my dreams your face will flower

# Through the darkness of the night

# Ooh do do do do do do do do

# Like the lights of home before me

# Or an angel watching o'er me

# This will be my shining hour

# Till I'm with you again

# This will be my shining hour

# Till I'm with you again

# Like the lights of home before me

# Like an angel watching o'er me

# This will be my shining hour

# With you. #

BAND STOPS

APPLAUSE

Kidding, huh?

Here's your camera. I quit.

PHIL: Oh, now, Joan, Joan.

You take me too seriously

at the wrong time.

Now, here's your resignation.

No.

Look, I'm your boss, and you'll do as I say.

Not anymore. I'm finished.

Well, what do you want to do?

I want to get into this war.

I want to show the little guy at his war job.

That might show hundreds of other little guys how they can help.

Women and kids, too.

Fine. Go ahead and do it.

Then you mean I'm still working for you?

Sure. That's right, isn't it?

If you say so.

You keep out of this.

Thanks, Phil, and don't worry.

I'll prove you wrong.

Everybody does.

Well, if I'm going to Russia,

I better hurry home and start learning Russian.

I'll take you.

No thanks. I'll be all right. Good night.

She'll never learn Russian.

There you are, Miss Manion, just like you like it.

Good. Like some coffee?

No thanks, Mr Keifer.

HE WHISTLES

I used to make a living off those things.

You again?

PINBALL MACHINE RINGS

Pretty good living, too.

Who are you trying to impress

with that dude ranch outfit?

Now you've hurt my feelings.

KEIFER: Care for something, sir.

Just this young lady's cheque, if I may?

Two bits.

Here you are.

Thank you.

Don't try to tell me you just happened to walk in here.

I wouldn't try to tell you anything.

In other words, you're deliberately following me, huh?

Deliberately.

Well, what were you doing at the Colonial Club?

Following you deliberately.

How long has this been going on?

Since the first time I saw you.

May I ask why?

You're entitled to the question.

Well, why?

Why?

That's what I'm asking.

Well, I don't know.

Why does a kid go around kicking a tin can?

Why do owls stay up so late?

How should I know? It's just one of those things.

Well, thanks for the hamburger.

Hello.

Look here, whatever your name is.

Fred, er, Fred Burton.

This has gone far enough, Mr Burton.

Oh, now, you can do better than that.

Can't a girl walk along the...

Do I have to...? Call a cop?

A sophisticated girl like you?

I just happen to be going this way.

You're not a snob. Can't I walk with you?

Thanks.

The world feels pretty good around here.

Half the world is dying,

and you feel pretty good.

Don't you read the papers?

Nope.

Maybe you ought to try it.

Did you know about the war?

A piece of it.

Just not very interested, huh?

Not tonight.

Not that I care, but what do you do for a living?

Nothing at the moment.

Well, what did you do?

Oh, various things.

Legitimate?

Now, wait a minute. Relax, will you?

You're not as tough as all that.

You're just a little unhappy

because you're not doing what you want to do.

Why don't you just go ahead and do it?

Don't tempt me.

After all, you're the only one in the way

of what you want to do. I thought that was something.

Look. It's a penny.

Put it in your shoe. It will bring you luck.

Maybe you need it.

Oh, no. I couldn't be luckier than I am tonight.

HE WHISTLES "MY SHINING HOUR"

Say, that's not a bad song you sang tonight,

but it's like you.

It takes itself a little too seriously.

Oh, I suppose you could do better.

Well, maybe.

That I'd like to hear.

I used to write songs.

If I had written that one,

I'd have made it a little lighter,

something like...

# This will be my shining hour

# Lonely though it may be... #

And then, er...

# Like the face of Mischa Auer

# On the music hall marquee... #

Oh.

# Were they stingers or Bacardis?

# Was it Tony's? Was it Sardi's? #

That's the idea.

# This will be

# My shining hour

# Till I'm with you again. #

See what I mean?

Good night.

HE RINGS DOORBELL

Good evening. Well.

You have a room for rent?

This is a fine time of night

for you to be looking for a room, young man.

Well, I don't need a room until I go to bed,

and I don't go to bed

until a fine time of night.

Try planning your life a day ahead sometime.

No point in it. I may not be here.

You may not be here. Who knows?

Well, I'm sure I don't.

Well, while we're still here, come in.

Oh, this is the room right here.

I think you'll find this very comfortable.

It is a little stuffy in here.

Very nice.

17.50 a week in advance.

That's in case you ain't here tomorrow.

I'll buy it.

What might your business be?

It might be anything.

Any baggage?

No, ma'am.

Oh.

Uh, 17.50?

You can bring me the change tomorrow.

Thank you. Thank you.

Good night, Miss, uh...

Fisher, Mrs Fisher.

Oh, I'd like to meet your husband,

the lucky fellow.

Yes. So would I.

He hasn't been with me for 15 years.

Lucky fellow.

Did you say something?

Who, me? No, ma'am.

Good night.

Good night.

HE WHISTLES

HE WHISTLES "MY SHINING HOUR"

POTS BANG

SIZZLING

Good morning.

Oh, come here, Waldo.

What do you think you're doing?

Cooking you breakfast.

I used to be a chef.

How did you get in here?

The roof. Like to look your egg in the eye?

Isn't that a beaut?

Once over lightly - never mind that.

You don't think you're gonna get away with this, do you?

I certainly don't.

Well, you can't come into my kitchen like that

over the roof through my window.

Now, just look at you.

Here it is a beautiful morning,

a beautiful life, a beautiful breakfast,

and there you stand.

Now, just look at you.

What's the matter with me?

Well, for one thing, your hair.

I can't tell which one of you is Waldo.

That got her, Waldo.

Achilles had a heel, and women have their hair.

Why, Miss Joan, you're looking

perfectly lovely this morning.

Good morning.

I suppose you know I could have you arrested

for illegal entry into this building.

Oh, no. I live here.

You what?

I'm just across the hall.

Uh, later, Waldo.

That's a good boy.

Coffee?

Thanks.

Waldo, you're a traitor. HE WHINES

What you going to do today?

Work, naturally.

On a day like this?

I had it all planned for us to do the town.

You're too thoughtful of others.

You see, you ought to let me mind my business,

and I'd be only too glad to let you mind yours.

I told you. I haven't any.

Oh, I suggest you find one.

Why?

Why?

Because it's an economic necessity,

the law of-the law of survival.

Haven't you heard?

It's, er...

Oh, I don't know what I'm talking about.

I don't care.

Say, didn't you ever want to accomplish anything?

Isn't there anything you've ever wanted enough

to get out and work and fight for?

Eat your egg.

Well, you have to fight to get anything.

Don't you believe that?

No.

Well, what do you believe?

Sometimes you have to fight to keep something.

I believe that.

Well, don't you have to get something

in order to keep it?

No more than you can be born with.

What were you born with?

Nothing much. Freedom maybe.

- Freedom? - Yes, like you.

Freedom for anything,

to be anything you want to be,

somebody or nobody if you want to.

Me, right now I want to be nobody.

I guess I don't tell it very well.

You're not doing bad.

Where are you gonna start this new job of yours?

Down on the docks, east river.

Good.

Why?

Well, it's just good, that's all.

Are you going to look for work?

For you, yes.

For me?

Well, for us.

Oh, I give up.

I've got to hurry.

OFFICIAL CLEARS HIS THROAT

I'd like to make a couple of shots up here.

Sure, ma'am.

Thank you.

You-working?

No less.

I take it all back.

Then you'll have dinner with me?

Well, that's something else.

If you don't, I quit.

I can't work without inspiration.

All right. call for me at 7.00.

MAN: Hey, buddy.

You looking for a job?

FRED: Why, er, sure.

You got a card? A card?

JOAN: Hey, wait a minute.

Is that man working for you?

Not for my money, he ain't.

You saw me working.

You faker, you.

Well, what's the difference? I'm working.

Do I have to get paid for it?

Yes, you do.

That your wife?

Yeah. I'm out of work.

She follows me around.

She's driving me crazy.

I tried to make her think I'm working

so she'll leave me alone.

Lady, you hadn't ought to be that way.

I'm not any way. You keep out of this.

Just too bad it isn't my wife.

She got that way, she'd get a good bust in the nose.

I can't. She's - well, she's...

What's he saying about me?

(You see, I've got to be

(Particularly gentle and considerate with her

(when she's, uh...)

Yeah. And sometimes it makes them

kind of temporarily screwball.

Oh, I'm screwball, huh?

Take it easy, lady. Take it easy.

Listen, I can get him a card

and put him to work right away.

Now, you take the advice

of a daddy of eight kids.

< Don't let it get you down.

Oh!

Don't pay no attention, son.

Sometimes when they're like that,

they get kind of bug-headed.

Just leave her be.

Now, you bring me your card

and a birth certificate and your draft number

and a health certificate and an FBI OK

and a letter from your high-school supervisor...

Thanks, pal.

There still ain't nothing like

a good bust in the nose.

HE WHISTLES

Oh, I wanted to see Miss Manion.

She's in the darkroom.

Thanks.

Is that you, Helen?

Turned out pretty well, didn't it?

Do you think I smiled too much?

What? Hello.

What are you doing here?

I thought the darkroom would be a great place

to pitch a little woo.

You'll pitch no woo at me.

Now, get out of here.

I'll pitch woo, or I'll... yell for help.

You wouldn't dare.

Oh, wouldn't I?

Help! Help! Shh!

Help! Help! Help!

They're gonna hear you. Shh!

Help! Help! Save me!

FRED: I thought I heard somebody calling for help,

didn't you?

MAN: I thought I did.

SECOND MAN: I know I did.

So did I.

May I, er...

Whatever you're doing, stop it!

You really are crazy, aren't you?

Yeah, but it's all your fault.

My fault?

I've been this way since the first time I saw you.

THUMP!

Who are you?

Nobody.

What's the matter with you?

Don't you have to work,

or are you just rich?

Church mice snubbed me.

No. Really. What do you do?

Nothing right now.

I have done a lot of things.

Is there anything you haven't done?

Oh, a couple of things, but I'll get around to them.

Oh, you think so?

Did you ever work for a publishing firm?

Sure. I studied journalism in college

and then served time on a Chicago paper.

Say, that's wonderful.

What's wonderful about it?

Would you mind doing yourself a favour?

Like what?

I want you to talk to the man I work for - Mr Phil Harriman -

about getting a job.

Will you do it?

On one condition.

What's that?

Well, if I've got to go to work,

we ought to celebrate tonight.

Promise you won't skip out tomorrow?

Not tomorrow.

I don't like the way you say that,

but I'll agree.

Fair exchange.

Is Mr Harriman in?

WOMAN: 'No. He won't be in until tomorrow.'

I want you to make an appointment for him

to see Mr, uh...

FRED: Schmaltz. Schmal...Schmaltz?

Burton.

Mr Burton. I'll confirm it later.

WOMAN: 'Yes, Miss Manion.'

JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS

FRED: Hey. What's this?

Oh, this is my night at the canteen, all right?

But I wanted to be alone with you.

Why?

Why? When a fella takes a girl out,

he wants to be alone with her.

That's why he doesn't bring the whole family along.

It's been going on for thousands of years, you know.

Haven't you heard?

Later you can be alone with me.

All right.

Hey, listen. I can't go in there.

It's for soldiers and sailors.

That's all right. I work here.

Come on.

Hello, sergeant. Hello.

Uh, have you got a card?

No.

Well, this is for servicemen.

Oh, it'll be all right. He's with me.

OK.

Sold out.

Oh, there's one.

Hello, Carol. Hello, Joan.

Hi, Tom.

Do you have to do this tonight?

Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

These men are lonely.

They enjoy the shows we put on here.

Is that too much to ask?

Making a cup of coffee or singing a song

for the men that are winning the war for us?

No, it isn't, but where do you come in?

Well, I sing if they need me,

or serve, wash dishes, anything.

Tonight I'll probably yodel.

Yodel? That's marvellous.

I used to be a yodeller...

WOMAN: One of the acts can't get here.

Can you fill in?

Oh, sure. That's why I'm here.

I'd like you to meet Mr Burton.

Can he do anything? I can wash dishes.

Oh, Mr Burton can do anything.

Didn't you say you could, darling?

In a way.

Could you... Could you do anything with her?

Could I!

Oh, that's perfectly splendid.

Oh, darling, that's wonderful.

- Come along now. - You're wonderful children.

Yes. You really are.

Oh, you look marvellous!

APPLAUSE

Go on back. I was only kidding.

Too late. It's your fault.

Hello, Joan. They want me to do a number.

Is this gentleman going to do something?

No. I'll just mess around.

No, you won't. Go on back to the table.

Just ignore him. A verse and two choruses

of A Lot In Common.

Hi, soldier. Having fun?

No. Are you?

What's the matter?

Oh, they don't like the way I dance.

Want me to hold them way out here.

Not for me. I got to go to town.

Ha ha ha!

DRUM ROLL PLAYS

THEY PLAY MUSICAL INTRO

Get out.

# Psychiatrists have said

# A man who's slightly cracked

# Can like a maid who's tetched in the head... #

FRED: # And so it goes with me

# My addled brain can't see

# Why a love such as ours

# Shouldn't be

# Think it over

# You're lonesome, I'm stranded

# You're truthful, I'm candid

# And we're both left-handed

# I seem to have a lot in common with you

# You slay me, I floor you

# You vex me, I bore you

# But I can't ignore you

BOTH: # We seem to have a lot in common, we two

# Two noble souls designed above... #

Get out of here, will you? I will not.

# Two silly characters in love

# You're woozy, you're whacked up

# I saw you, I cracked up

# you're breaking my act up

# Lonesome, stranded

# Truthful, candid

# Silly or sappy, long as I'm happy

BOTH: # I've got a lot in common with you

# The stage was my born field

# I've made it my sworn field

# Get back in that cornfield

# I think that we're slipping

# You'd better start stripping

# My zipper ain't zipping

FRED: # Perhaps we'd better tell a gag

# Perhaps we'd better wave the flag

# What's all this horseplay worth?

# These eggs that we lay worth?

# Where's Cagney?

# Where's Hayworth?

BOTH: # I've got a lot in common with you. #

APPLAUSE

Where did you learn to dance like that?

Arthur Murray.

MAN: Thanks, Joan. OK, buddy.

Thanks.

WOMAN: Joan, darling, you were lovely.

Oh, Mr What's-your-name, you were wonderful.

You said you can wash dishes.

The kitchen's right over there.

Pardon, friend. You got a match?

You got a cigarette to go with it?

Oh, no. No. Not you guys.

What are you doing here?

We came to see you dance.

It was lovely.

How do you bill yourself these days?

The Dancing Tiger?

Who's the hep chick?

Now, don't crowd my act, fellas.

She doesn't know anything about me.

Let's do a little reconnoitring.

Very intelligent idea.

Nothing doing. If she finds out who I am,

I'll spend the rest of my leave telling her all about China.

Beautiful girl.

Not bad.

There's lots of other beautiful girls.

Yeah, but we like this one. Changed, hasn't he?

Yeah. Become jittery and excitable.

Nothing doing, see?

Oh, you mean you don't want to go with us?

Uh, Joan...

these fellas wanted to meet you.

This is, er, Reg, er, Fenton...

and, er, Dick - what, uh..

Merlin. Merlin.

By the way, my name is Burton.

B-U-R-T-O-N.

JOAN: How do you do? Shall we sit down?

Uh, well, they were just leaving.

Thank you. Thank you.

DICK: Nice to meet you.

You boys are Flying Tigers, aren't you?

Yes.

FRED: Tell us about it, will you?

I'll be glad to.

What don't you know about it?

I don't know everything about it.

By the way, we've got to make that midnight show

at the, er, aquarium.

What show?

REG: It certainly is swell of you

to come up and dance for us fellas, mister.

Mm-hmm. Helps our morale.

You know, I feel better about the whole war already -

just watching our friend here dance with you.

Thanks. Glad to do my bit.

Say, why don't you fellas take a bus ride?

There's a special trip -

Grant's tomb, Chinatown, the subway - marvellous.

This is a great town. You ought to see it.

You go see it.

DICK: Would you care to dance?

Surely.

DICK: Sorry, Reg.

It's all right. I'll wait my turn.

Anything I can do to amuse you in the meantime?

Yes. You can hop up on the table

and do a snake dance.

I said, hop up on the table

and do a snake dance.

Are you serious?

Come on. Up, up, up, up.

Maybe you'd rather I tell the young lady who you are.

Reg, now, come on. All kidding aside.

Fun is fun. Up, up, up.

Say, what's the matter with you?

Up, up.

What? Get thrown in the brig or something?

It's dangerous up here.

Now what do you want?

Is that all right? OK.

What's the matter?

Do your dancing on the floor, buddy.

Thank you very much.

And thank you, you...

REG: Thank you.

Reg.

All right.

Here it is.

It's all I've got.

Now, will you and Dick take it and peel off?

Oh, what's money? Just lettuce.

We got a date in the Pacific next week,

and the Japs don't eat lettuce.

It has taken me all this time

to get where I am with this girl.

Yeah, but where are you?

That's what I'm trying to find out.

Well, this is a fine how-do-you-do.

Those fellas certainly ruined our evening.

Oh, there'll be other nights for us.

JOAN: The boys only have a few days.

I know.

You ought to be glad of a chance

to do something for them.

Someday maybe I'll get another chance.

Say, tell me something, will you, please?

Hmm?

How does it happen that you never married your boss?

Whatever made you think of that?

He's asked you, hasn't he?

Well, I suppose you'd call it a proposal.

He digresses when he get flustered.

Fumbles the ball, huh?

Once he got off on the love life

of a polyp.

Long as it's love, what's the difference?

Polyps, people.

It's not particularly flattering

to be compared to a fish

in the middle of a proposal.

HE CHUCKLES

Maybe you don't give him the right cues.

Maybe.

But I like him, really.

Well, Harriman seems like a perfectly swell fellow.

He is.

Tell me. Just what are you looking for in a man?

Well, he...

Oh, I don't know.

Wordsworth put it pretty well.

How?

"A creature not too bright and good

"for human nature's daily food,

"for transient sorrows, simple wiles,

"praise, blame, love, kisses, tears,

"and smiles."

MAN: Where do you think you are? In the parlour?

Point killer.

I guess this just isn't my night.

You're not really as crazy

as you pretend to be, are you?

I couldn't be, could I?

You haven't forgotten your promise about tomorrow?

Oh, no, no. What was it?

Seeing Mr Harriman.

That's right. I won't forget.

I'll pound on your door, get you up.

Thanks.

Good night, baby.

Good night.

KNOCK ON DOOR

I'll be with you in a minute, dear.

It's all right, honey.

Take your time.

Reg!

What are you doing here? How'd you get in?

I just sideslipped in.

Well, sideslip out, will you?

Listen. I got something to tell you.

Look. KNOCK ON DOOR

Yes?

JOAN: Are you ready, Fred?

Uh, wait for me downstairs, dear, will you?

In the nice fresh air and beautiful sunshine.

I'll be with you in a minute.

All right, but hurry.

All right.

(Say, uh, how are things working out?)

Oh, fine. Just a few more days,

and everything is...

What's that?

Read it.

What is it?

"Report for duty"

Say, that's day after tomorrow. Yeah.

Did you and Dick get yours?

Yep.

Well, there it is. That's it.

That's it. I don't suppose

this'll change your plans any,

Mr B-U-R-T-O-N?

Oh, no. It only knocks them

into a cocked H-A-T, that's all.

Say, do me a favour, will you?

Stick around here for five minutes

until we get out of sight.

Well...

lot of fun while it lasted.

Now, if Mr Harriman offers you a job,

try to be enthusiastic, will you?

Does Old Philly know I'm coming?

Yes. Don't call him "Old Philly" to his face.

Oh, mustn't call him "Old Philly" to his face.

Be enthusiastic. Bow and scrape...

Oh, you don't have to overdo it.

Oh, mustn't overdo it.

In here.

Good luck and please don't be...fresh.

I'll try.

WOMAN: Good morning.

Good morning.

Have you an appointment

with Mr Harriman?

Yes, ma'am.

Who shall I say?

The name is Burton, I think.

You think it's Burton?

Burton.

These are good. You want one?

I'll get you one.

No, thanks.

PHIL: 'Yeah?'

Mr Burton to see you, Mr Harriman.

'I'll see him in just a minute.'

Just have a chair, Mr Burton.

Oh, darn it!

What's the matter?

My stocking caught on that chair again.

A brand-new pair, too.

Holy smokes. That's not so good.

This is no time for girls

to be catching their stockings in chairs, I always say.

Ouch!

Maybe I can help you. I used to be a hosiery salesman.

Thanks, but I can manage.

Have you, er,

have you got a little colourless nail polish?

Yeah. Here it is. This is it.

That's awfully nice of you, Mr Burton,

but I'd rather do it myself.

Put your foot up here, honey.

I'll fix this thing.

Better let me do it because it takes an expert.

I used to be a silkworm.

I used to, um, um...

Hmm.

Yeah.

This is a little like shoeing a horse, isn't it?

Uh...there.

Beautiful.

I-I mean, a beautiful pair of stockings.

Present from your boss, I guess.

THEY CHUCKLE

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT Oh, Mr Harriman,

I caught my stocking on the chair...

Oh, hello, Harriman.

Be with you in just a second.

Hold still, honey. Would you just turn around?

Take your time. Take your time.

Right here. Just around there.

Need any help?

No. I'm just doing my good deed for the day.

Well, I'm busy,

but I wouldn't want to leave you out on a limb.

Oh, Mr Harriman.

Well, I think that'll do it, honey.

Now, just let that dry, and it'll stop the run.

Oh, thank you, Mr Burton.

You're wonderful.

Thank you.

Mr Harriman, remember me?

Sure. Hey, by the way,

how did you know, or, er,

what made you think that those stockings

were a gift from me?

I just put one and one together.

Beautiful, aren't they? Isn't she?

Well, nothing serious.

I just like to be in pleasant surrounding,

that's all.

Who doesn't?

Frankly, Mr Burton, are you serious

about wanting a job?

Frankly, Mr Harriman, no.

Well, I've got lots of decks

of cards around here.

People seem to give me gin rummy sets for Christmas.

You wouldn't want to try a whirl, would you?

Sure. I'll play you.

One game.

What will we play for?

Oh, I don't know.

Dollar a point.

Ooh. All right.

I've been wanting to talk to you.

Why?

Well, I've heard a lot about you lately.

From Miss Manion, I suppose.

Yeah. Joan.

Well, since you're not here to discuss a job,

I suppose it's to discuss Miss Manion.

I don't mind saying I...

I think a lot of your little protegee.

I was afraid of that.

I don't want that.

I don't want it, either.

Well, there's nothing to be afraid of.

As far as I can see,

she's waiting for a proposal from you.

Well, that's where you're wrong.

I've already put in my bid.

You put in your bid?

You make her sound like some sort of project.

Have you ever given her to understand

that your life is incomplete without her?

Oh, uh... Of course you haven't.

Asked her to marry you the same way

that you'd ask somebody for a match.

Well...

You don't care how you throw those little cards, do you?

I play a different type game

from the averages.

Yes, you do.

Say, what's the name of this game?

Gin.

That's just what I have.

Now I'll do the talking.

Blitzzzz.

Well, you just barely made it - 101.

Well, I guess I owe you some money.

Oh, let's forget it.

Please give it to your pet charity or something.

She's out at lunch. I'll give it to yours.

Mr Harriman... Joan is for you.

I've been in love before,

and I probably will be again -

plenty of times.

I know myself better than you do.

In other words, you don't want to marry.

Live alone and wolf it, huh?

Yeah.

BUZZER SOUNDS

Uh, I'm out, huh?

If I ever get married, it'll be someone...

"A creature not too bright and good

"For human nature's daily food..."

Et cetera, et cetera.

Hey, that's a good line, that.

Do you mind if I jot that down?

No. Don't.

That belongs to the only girl I'll never forget.

Listen, Mr Harriman, I want to do something for you.

Do you want to marry Joan? I do.

OK.

You have her up to your apartment for dinner,

and I guarantee she'll marry you in 12 hours.

12 hours? Well, I've been after her for two years.

Yes, but how?

What do you do?

Well, I gather that you think

that my technique leaves something to be desired?

I'll say it does.

All you do is just put in your bid.

There's no finesse.

You just buck the line. No lateral passes.

No strategy. Where do you live?

Beekman Place. "No lateral passes"?

What kind of a layout have you?

Oh, the usual penthouse.

Chromium trimmings.

View of the Dearmount.

Not exactly sordid.

I got a terrace.

Have you ever had her up there for dinner?

Yes. Many times.

To dine out in the terrace?

No, in the dining room, naturally.

Well, there you are.

Where am I?

Give me your key. My what?

The key to your apartment.

Key to my apartment? Yeah. Come on.

Whoa. What do you propose doing?

You're gonna propose. I'm going to arrange.

What do you mean? Arrange what? Why?

Let's call it a military secret.

Oh, but, hey, wait just a minute.

Leave it to me, will you?

I'll call you later.

Yeah, but my dear man, I...

"A creature not too bright or good...

"For human nature's daily food..."

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come in.

Remember me?

What?

Oh. Hello, Phil.

How did you come out with him?

It's rather indefinite.

Well, is he working for you or isn't he?

I think he is.

You think he is?

Well, he gave me a couple of very good ideas.

Oh, you mean for the magazine?

Indirectly, yes.

Aren't you being rather mysterious?

I hope so.

Come on. What are you trying to build up to?

A lateral pass-uh, an invitation to dinner.

Oh, well, you don't have to be so subtle

to ask me to dinner.

I'd love to come.

On the terrace?

Why not?

I think it'd be nice for a change.

Gosh darn it.

You're just the kind of girl I like.

"A creature not too bright..."

What? Let me finish.

"A creature not too bright or good

"for human nature's daily food,

"for transient sorrows, simple wiles..."

Er, something.

"Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles."

That's it. Who told you?

I told Fred.

So you're the girl.

You're the one he'll never forget.

Did he say that?

Don't tell me I've butched this one, too.

Oh, but you haven't, Phil.

Thanks a million.

I, er, I have to go.

He's at my apartment.

Oh, he is? What's he doing there?

He's fixing something for me...for us.

He's fixing something.

You're a darling. Thanks, Phil.

HE SIGHS

Not too bright.

Very fine, Jackson. Very fine.

Thank you, sir.

In fact, it's excellent.

You've even got the moon in the right place.

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

We do our best to oblige.

Don't forget, Jackson. When they arrive, you leave.

Very good, sir.

Good night. Good night.

DOORBELL BUZZES

DOORBELL BUZZES

DOORBELL BUZZES

Good evening, Jackson.

Good evening, Miss.

How are you tonight?

Well, I'm feeling a trifle haggard, Miss.

You do look a little worried.

Why don't you take the evening off?

Go to a movie.

Oh, yes, Miss, but what about the dinner?

I want to be alone with him.

With him, Miss?

Oh, so he's in there.

Get going, Jackson.

Yes. Very good, Miss.

If I weren't a gentleman's gentleman,

I could be such a cad's cad.

(Hey, Jackson?

(Jackson?)

MUSIC PLAYS

JOAN: How is it in there? Stuffy?

Oh, about like a nightclub.

Thanks.

Where's Phil?

Oh, he said to say hello.

Hello.

Shall we go into the living room?

Well, I think Phil would be kind of surprised

to find me here.

But he isn't coming.

Does he know that?

Oh, I think he has a vague idea, yes.

What's the matter with Phil?

What happened to him?

Oh, let's not talk about that.

Let's talk about us.

Let's talk about you.

Me? Yes.

No. Let's not.

Has anyone ever told you

how fascinating you are to women?

No.

Do you like etchings?

Not particularly.

Oh, there's some beautiful ones here.

Phone's off the hook.

Isn't this exquisite?

It's upside down.

Oh, so it is.

Oh, there's The Bread Line by Reginald Marsh.

Don't you just love it?

Mm-mm. I've been in it. Oh.

I wonder where Jackson is.

I've got to be leaving. It's late.

Oh, no! Not yet.

I know what we need -

a little fresh air, champagne.

I believe there's some out here on the terrace.

Oh, yes.

Ohh, isn't it perfect?

Isn't it beautiful?

Just look at that city.

Look at the sky. Look at that moon.

SHE SIGHS

You know, this is the kind of night

that doesn't belong to your life.

You could just do anything,

and it wouldn't count.

I always like to drink the first one fast,

then sip the next one, don't you?

Come on, now. What's back of all this?

Well...

I just want to make sure that you'll never forget, darling.

Oh, so Phil spilled it, did he?

Yep. Phil spilled it.

Why didn't you take that job with him?

Why? I may have a bigger job coming up.

You have? What?

Airplanes.

You know something about airplanes, too?

A little.

Why, that's perfect.

I can take you with me tomorrow night.

All the big, important people will be there.

I'm sure I could arrange a meeting with Mr Sloan.

Sloan? Who's he?

Oh, you know him. He makes all those planes -

head of Sloan Aircraft.

Oh, yes. I've heard of him.

I could have Phil talk to him first

and break the ice.

What ice?

SLOW DANCE MUSIC PLAYS

I like this tune.

Hmm?

We don't mind if it isn't a big job at first, do we?

No.

Oh, I forgot to tell you.

We're going to be married.

Who? You and Sloan?

What happened to Harriman?

JOAN: Oh, no!

You and me, darling.

Oh.

Oh.

Oh, is that all you've got to say?

"Oh"?

Now, wait a minute.

I've been in some pretty tough spots in my life,

but this is the first time

a beautiful girl has ever proposed to me,