From This Day Forward

It's just down a few blocks. I'm gonna help Martha get packed, unless you want me to go with you?

-No, honey.

-I'd like to. What are you looking for?

-My card.

-What card?

The card the interviewer gave me at the Separation Centre.

-A card - white?

-Yeah.

"Loaf of bread, a quart of milk, vegetables - not peas."

-A grocery list, huh?

-Goodbye, honey.

-Bye-bye.

-You've learned bad habits.

-Good luck and don't worry, cos I know you'll get it. Bye.

-Bye.

-Oh, sorry.

-Sorry, mate.

Hey, I think it's down this way.

-Cigarette?

-No, thanks, I don't use them. You been home long?

-Two months. My discharge came through.

-How about you?

-I got mine three days ago.

-Great.

-I want a job.

-Name, please?

-William Cummings.

-Discharge papers?

-What kind of work were you doing before?

-I was a lathe operator.

Look, lady, in the Army I filled out forms for four years. I got a twitch in my finger.

I want a job and I'm not filling out any more forms unless I get one.

We can't help you till you fill out the forms.

-Fill out the forms.

-Fill out the forms.

-Take this over to the table, please.

-I know. Fill out the forms.

'Yeah.

'Fill out the forms, soldier.

'Same form, same questions.'

'Even look like the same faces.'

'What did you expect, soldier? It's just routine.

'If you want a job, you gotta answer questions - the same questions.

'And YOU want a job.'

'It never asks, "Do you love your wife? Would you like to have a kid?

' "Have you ever been hungry, scared, cold?

' "How do you feel about things generally?"

'Why should it?

'It's everything to a guy himself,

'but what's it got to do with getting a job? Answer the question, soldier.'

LIGHTNING CRASHES

-It's only rain.

-Gosh, I sure hope so.

'You're home, soldier, and it's raining.

'Rain's lucky for us.

'That's what Susie said back in '38. That was seven, no, eight years ago. Just before we were married.'

< The rain's lucky for us.

The rain's lucky for us!

-Hey, didn't you hear me?

-Huh?

It rained the day you came to New York and it rained the day we met.

I guess, well, spring's not too far.

Boy, look at it come down! Maybe we can't go.

-Nervous?

-She'll think I'm an awful dope.

-She won't. She's my sister. She'll love you.

-What if we brought her candy?

-You don't have to do that.

-Martha likes the hard-centred kind.

-You're afraid too.

-A little bit.

Let's go. Hey, wait a minute.

-Excuse me.

-Come on, baby. Your family can't scare us.

CHILDREN SHOUT

Hey, hurry up!

Hey! Throw back the ball!

-When he gets back, he's gonna get a spankin'.

-Come on, George, we've gotta give him a spankin'.

Joey wants to jump.

-Come on, Joey.

-There you are.

-There you go, honey.

-Take him home.

Hey, Grandma! Grandma!

-That's Mrs Beesley. That's Martha's mother-in-law.

-Oh!

-See her handbag?

-She's never without it. They say she's got 6,000 in it.

-Yeah?

-She lets the family know she's got it.

Give us some ice cream!

-Hi, Mrs Beesley.

-Hi.

-I want you to meet Bill Cummings.

-Hello.

Your sister says I'm interfering with the kids. If I give them candy, she says I make them sick.

She says I should keep my nose to myself! I ain't giving them ice cream cos it might give them a bellyache.

-Come on, Grandma, please!

-You ain't got no-one to blame but your ma.

It's good too - pistachio.

-Don't cry, Barbara, we'll get ice cream some day.

-Here you go, kids - one for each of you.

Yippee!

I hate kids.

Charlie Beesley, this is Bill Cummings. ..Martha's brother-in-law.

-Hello...

-So this is the guy?

-How's the fireman? ..He's just passed the state exams for firemen.

-Jake's fixing it up for me...

-Charlie! Look in the buggy to see if Delores is OK...

-Hi, Lois.

Oh, Susan! Pardon my appearance.

My wife. Go on in.

BUZZER RINGS

BUZZER RINGS

Wait a minute.

It always sticks. Come on in.

Hi! You would bring a date - the house is a mess.

-We came to see you, not the house.

-You're Mr Cummings. Willie?

-Bill.

-I sent these for Susie.

-You didn't need to do that. Come on.

-Want to take a movie in with us?

-I haven't finished my ironing yet.

-Where's Hank? Sleeping?

-Uh-huh.

-I wanted him to take the kids to the farm, but he said it was too hot.

-Not too hot to do that.

-Kids' stuff.

-I can't wait for schools to open.

-Timmy! Barbara! >

That woman again.

Jake! Barbara!

-Timmy! What are you doing?!

-We ain't doin' nothin', Ma.

I just told them not to go in the gutter.

-Did you go in the gutter?

-No! Honest!

-Then what are you fussing at them for, Ma?

-I ain't fussin'. I told them not to go before they went.

-I thought you were going for a ride with Jake and Charlie.

-They ain't here yet. They don't want me along.

Ma, don't talk like that.

My mother-in-law!

You probably get a fine impression of me, but I'm going to kill her.

It's bad enough living in the same house, but as she owns the building, it's like living in a tent.

When Hank gets a job, I'm gonna shove this down her throat.

Ah, so you're deciding to get up?

-I don't know how anyone can sleep with you yellin'.

-Hi, Hank.

Hi, Susie. Is this the guy?

-Stop it, Hank. ..Bill Cummings, this is my husband, Hank.

-Hello.

-Glad to know you. Got a match?

-Yeah.

-Put on a shirt.

-My underwear's clean!

You'd kill him. Pretend to have some manners.

-Why don't you lay off? What about a beer for our guests?

-It's on the ice.

Come on, Bill. I'll give you the low-down on these dames before you get sucked in.

-You're so smart.

-Smart.

PIANO NOTE CHIMES

Does this still work?

Off and on. The kids break it.

-Do you like him?

-Hank fools with it and it plays again.

-But do you like him?

-Susie, I wish you'd think a long time before you do it.

-Do what?

-Get married.

-Wait a minute.

-I mean it. Course, I want you to use your own judgment.

-Haven't heard that for a while.

-Susie, why don't you...?

-Why don't I what?

Why don't you learn something from Hank and me? Look at us.

-Why don't you leave?

-Leave Hank? He needs me!

-You love him.

-Yeah. Sure I do.

That's got nothing to do with you.

I'm glad it's Sunday - I don't have to go out and look for a job.

So tell me, Bill, how did you and Susie happen to get together?

-Well...

-Take Martha and me - had jobs in the same factory making boxes. You gonna get married?

-Eventually...

-Martha had an awful time deciding about us.

Finally, she says OK. So she gives up her career and we done it.

-Susie gonna quit her job?

-We talked about it...

-Don't let her.

Drink up! Mazel tov!

-Say, you're a great little talker, ain't ya?

-So are you.

Still got the job at the bookstore? And your room at the YW?

-Isn't much of a life.

-< Martha!

-Just don't go for something worse.

-< Martha!

-So I haven't the right to bawl at you any more?

-I don't see why you should be worried about Bill and me.

-< Martha!

-Yeah. I see how he looks at you.

-Martha, did you know Bill was a machinist?

-I've been one...

-He brought his micrometer home

and he measured my hair - it measures 1.2 thousandths.

I guess you don't learn a trade like that in a week.

-I guess you don't. Plug that in.

-He sets up the lathes too.

-I want a chicken farm.

You take 100 chickens and they lay 50 eggs a day.

At the end of the week, you've got 350 chickens, roughly speaking.

At the end of the year, you've got thousands of them. You just sit back and let the chickens do the work.

First you gotta get the job and the money to get the chickens.

Sure. But I read in the paper the other day that instead of there being 8 million unemployed, there's 7½.

- That's pretty encouraging. - Mum! Uncle Jake says we can go in the car too, if you say OK.

-When would you be back?

-In five minutes.

-Honest!

-It's just before supper.

-SHE SOBS

Shut up! It don't make no difference to me, Mom, if we don't go.

Barbara might get upset and vomit.

-Timmy!

-I just said she might, if she got upset.

-I think you both better stay home.

-Let 'em go, Martha.

- Can we, Mom? - Certainly, you can.

Can we?

-OK, but you gotta wash first.

-OK.

-Are you leaving?

-I think we'd better.

-Wait a minute.

-So long!

-You're studying to be an artist?

-I didn't say anything.

-Is it a secret?

-No, but sometimes he acts as if he's ashamed.

-You don't paint oil paintings with a studio and models?

He just likes to draw.

Maybe I could come up the next time you painted some real live women.

You should live so long! ..Bye, Martha.

So long. Don't forget what I said.

Bye, Pop. Bye, Mom.

-You kids behave yourselves and don't harass your uncle Jake.

-We won't.

So long, Hank. Thanks for the beer.

So long, lovebirds. Don't do nothing I wouldn't do.

-Hey, Susie. Maybe I'll buy a book from you some day.

-Martha and the kids could read it to you!

Come on. Get in the car.

-We'll be waiting all day.

-What's the matter with my mother?

You want me to tell you?

What are you waiting for?

-Come on!

-Hurry up.

-Bill Cummings - Marge Beesley.

-Hi!

Jake!

Get off of here, you hoodlums. Come on, you!

-I want you to meet Bill Cummings. This is Jake Beesley.

-How you doin'?

-Jake's a lawyer.

-If you want to fix a murder up, let me know. ..Where have you been?

-Can we stop for rye bread?

Get in the car!

Get in, Charlie. Stop talking!

-You forget this is a SUNDAY drive.

-Bring back some beer, will you?

Go get your own beer!

-All of that just because of the heat. It's hot today.

-You should see them in the winter.

-Do you know what movie you want to see?

-It doesn't matter.

-All Of You?

-OK.

-How about a drink first?

-Yeah.

-What do you want?

-Orangeade.

-A short grape.

-No grape.

-Right, pineapple.

-No pineapple.

-OK, orangeade.

-Hey, Max, give us a glass of water.

I'll give you water in the eye. Get out of here.

He kept laughing, Susie.

-Mm?

-Hank.

-Hey, give me a match, will you?

-A cent a pack.

A wife and two kids and no job and he can make jokes.

-What a guy. Can you imagine how he feels? He must be sorry he ever got married.

-Martha loves him.

That makes it even worse.

-I don't know what they expected, but what they got isn't much of an advert for marriage, is it?

-Is it?

Come on, let's go. We can make the second show.

Hey, Romeo - a dime!

Big spender(!)

Hey, look - the first star.

Star light, star bright, first star I've seen tonight.

I wish I may, I wish I might.

I wish my wish would come true tonight.

What did you wish?

That every day was Sunday.

-You know what I mean?

-Yeah, me too.

Excuse me, have you got a match?

Oh, I'm sorry. I always leave mine at home.

Susan, a guy's gotta look ahead.

He's got to be practical. A guy depends on a job for a living. What right's he got to think of marriage?

-What about it?

-Supposing he loses his job.

-Well?

How can he be sure of anything? How can he promise a girl security, guarantee her happiness?

Do you love me?

-Yes.

-Are you asking me to marry you?

Yes, I guess I am.

If you put it that way, I guess I am. Are you surprised?

-No.

-Hey, Charlie! Wait for me!

Gosh, I never thought it'd be anything like this - a hot Sunday night, High Bridge in the Bronx.

But it's all I've got. Maybe it isn't enough.

But you'll make a beautiful bride, Susan.

All brides are beautiful, cos they're young and full of hope, a kind of shining inside.

Martha was a bride once too, Alice and Margie,

-even Mrs Beesley.

-Yeah.

What else can I say but I love you?

I've said that.

-What are we waiting for?

-Are you afraid?

-Yes, Bill.

-So am I.

LIGHTNING CRASHES

Ow!

Wake up.

Breakfast.

Wedding breakfast.

-Oh, don't look.

-What's wrong?

-I don't have any make-up on.

Mrs Cummings!

Susan Cummings.

-Mrs William Cummings.

-Bill!

-Yeah?

-Hand me my make-up, will you?

-What?

-My make-up's in my purse.

-Oh, no.

-Bill!

-Come on out. I want to see you the way you are.

-Please!

A husband has a right to know.

Mrs Cummings, you're beautiful.

Bill.

I'd like you this way, just for today.

-One day isn't long for a honeymoon.

-Uh-uh.

-Isn't it wonderful to have a place where it's all ours?

-Ow!

-What?

-Oh.

-I didn't expect you this early this morning, Susan.

-Morning, Mr Higgler.

-Morning.

Comforting...I imagine - to be married.

Yes, it is comforting, Mr Higgler. Better than living alone.

I see.

-I haven't forgotten your present, Susan.

-Thank you, Mr Higgler.

It's been hiding behind these a long time.

-It's a book - a good book called The History Of Coffee.

-Lovely.

-Tells you how to make good coffee.

-Mine tastes like I fried it.

-Never met a woman who makes good coffee -

that is apart from my mother.

-Hey. ..Hey!

-Oh!

-What's the matter? Didn't you sleep last night?

-Yeah, sure.

-OK. Get going.

HOOTER BLOWS

How do you feel, pal? MEN LAUGH

-You gonna eat?

-Yeah, over at the beanery.

-Did you forget your lunch?

-Looks that way.

-You can eat with me. My wife always makes too much anyhow.

-I'm going to get a hamburger.

-You gotta eat here.

-Huh? What for?

-The boys expect you to.

-You just got married?

-Yeah.

-The boys have got a few jokes.

-A little rough, but don't let it get to you.

-Then they'll leave you alone.

A guy who ain't married don't know what living is.

Billy, we got something for you.

LAUGHTER Here's a diaper to go with it.

Bill? Oh, there you are!

-Look - dinner.

-You can cook too?

-Uh-huh.

-Was it an awful day for you?

-Awful.

-I thought it would never end.

-Susie, what would you get with 25 bucks?

-Buy a house or a car.

-No, I mean it. What would you do?

-What are you talking about?

-I came home with 25 bucks...

-25?

-I got it with a letter from the boss.

-You didn't!

-Read it.

"Dear Mr Cummings, on behalf of the company,

"congratulations on your marriage. With three mouths to feed..."

-Three?

-Go on.

"..yours, your wife's and that of the JJ Wilson Engineering Corporation." Where's the cheque?

Here. It says, "Pay to the order of Mr Cummings the sum of 25.

-"Buy something for Mrs Cummings."

-No. I'm gonna buy you a drawing board.

-I got one.

-A nice one.

-Susan, we're going to buy you a dress.

-Drawing board.

-I got one.

-I got a dress!

-Look!

Well, eh...

-How about a savings account?

-Yeah.

We could get one of those books and each week... And another thing,

-JJ Wilson's got his eye on you.

-Huh?

-He sent you a letter and a cheque.

-He's got 3,000 men working for him.

-And did they all get letters and cheques?

-No.

-So it's like I said.

-I've never even seen JJ Wilson. The foreman gave me the cheque.

-He knows you got married.

-It goes on my file.

-He sent you the letter.

He spelt my name wrong.

The point is you got a cheque from JJ Wilson and, Bill, I'm proud of you.

< Employment Service.

Hey, you can't miss with all those jobs.

-Having trouble, huh?

-Yeah. I know who I am, where I live and what race I am.

But there's no space on the form to ask what you'd like to do. All it asks is what you did before.

-I've never worked.

-What about the Army?

-I learned to drop bombs.

-But that's no trade, is it?

-I guess not.

I guess a guy's really out of luck until he learns a trade. Then he's safe - like you.

Lathe operator.

I sure wish I could do it.

Well, I think I'll give this joint a work out. Some case, eh, sarge?

You're doing all right, lieutenant.

'He thinks a guy's safe if he's got a trade.

'Keep telling that to yourself too, soldier.

'But things happen that are bigger than a guy or his trade.

'You're a bombardier and the war ends - no more bombs. Or you're a lathe operator...'

-Good luck, take it easy.

-So long, Mike.

Well, Pete... I'll see you.

-Another round?

-Fill 'em up.

-Leave the bottle.

-It's all yours.

-Salut!

-Let's have another.

-No.

-C'mon, Bill.

-I gotta go.

-One for the road.

OK.

-Salut.

-Salut.

-Salut.

-Say, Bill, you wouldn't want to sell a tool box?

-No, I wouldn't.

-Shut up, Steve.

-OK, OK.

-I gotta go.

-John, good luck.

-Let me buy a round.

-This is the first time you've ever offered to buy a drink.

-Fellas...

-You gotta stay.

-I don't get it.

-Might as well start.

What good is being an artist if you don't paint with real models?

He ain't that kind of an artist.

Eight o'clock already and he ain't here yet. He might have met a blonde...

-Hank!

-..to draw.

-Something must have happened to him.

-These peppers smell wonderful.

-I remember the first special meal I ever... You'd have heard if something had happened.

-Don't worry.

-Maybe he got caught with some overtime.

-Maybe.

DOOR CLOSES

HE KICKS THE CHAIR

Hello.

What do you mean, "I'm drunk?"

-Now, Bill, I'm not mad.

-Good.

-I don't want to be a nagging wife.

-Good.

-Or need to know where you are.

-I don't want you to feel tied down.

-Good.

-Stop saying "good"!

-Good.

You knew Martha and Hank were coming to dinner and I'd made a special dinner. How do you think we felt?

I thought you'd had an accident.

-And you come home like this.

-So I'm drunk. What about it?

-You're as drunk as an old goat!

-Let's go to bed.

-No.

-What's that?

-That's my tool box.

-What did you bring it home for?

That's what it is. It belonged to my father. He made it himself.

He gave it to me before he died.

Beautiful.

What did I say?

-What did I say?

-What do you mean?

When I proposed to you on the bridge?

You said that you loved me.

-What else?

-That you wanted me to marry you.

-What else?

-Said you couldn't promise me happiness.

-Go on.

-Or give me security.

I did and I was right. I'm always right.

Remember that lovely letter I got from JJ Wilson? I got another one.

Only this time, all the boys got it.

I'll read it.

Sit down.

"Dear Mr..."

You read it.

"Dear Mr Cummings, owing to circumstances beyond my control,

"JJ Wilson Machinery has had to curtail our operations."

"Therefore, I regret to say your services are no longer required."

-Now you know.

-"Sincerely, JJ Wilson. President."

He spelt my name wrong.

-Come here, Bill.

-Susie!

-I lost my job!

-It's going to be all right.

Maybe better!

-I've still got my job and we've got some money saved.

-25 bucks!

-I know it won't go far.

What are we supposed to do? Break down and cry? It won't kill us cos you lost your job.

You've still got your trade and your tools.

You got me.

Looks like the honeymoon's over.

Listen, Bill,

all it takes to make a honeymoon is you and me.

Got it?

All right. Remember it!

-No.

-No?

-Absolutely not.

-The drawings are not right.

-Ssh!

-Don't "ssh"!

-No!

-But Mr...

-No!

That man is an idiot.

-The drawings are not what I want.

-Everybody says they're good.

My man, for my book, the edition I'm about to publish,

as...as...Jean Jacques Rousseau was one to say,

"Art is the way."

-Is it?

-It is.

As..as...Lucretius wrote,

"In art there is neither good nor bad, there is only right and wrong."

-No, huh?

-No.

-No?

-No.

-OK.

-Are you gonna be much longer?

-We're just closing. Come on in.

Been waiting long?

Not long.

-No luck, eh?

-No.

I'll just be a minute.

-Thank you very much.

-Oh, good night.

-CUSTOMER:

-You have a very fine collection, sir. I'll be back.

-Good night.

-Good night.

-After supper, Hank and Martha want us to take care of the kids.

-OK.

Ah, Mr Cummings. How are things going with you?

-Any luck?

-No.

-No job yet?

-Nope.

I see. ..Good night, Susan.

-Night, Mr Higgler.

-Bright and early tomorrow.

-OK.

The whole world has to know I'm out of work?

Martha! Martha, will you come down here!

­ Why don't you shut up?!

What do you want from me?

Ssh! Henry, be quiet.

Hey, Ma, lend me a buck, will you?

-No.

-Come on! 50 cents. Me and Martha are going to Jake's for a loan.

-Nothing doing.

-Gee, Ma.

-Hi, Hank.

-Hi, kids.

-Hello, Hank.

-Get a job yet, Bill?

-Nope.

-See, Ma, HE ain't working.

Guess that makes us tramps. Lovely woman, my mother, at 6,000 bucks and a heart like a gangster.

-Did you get any dough?

-Yeah, I owe Ted a dime.

-I got money.

-No, thanks.

The kids have had their supper. If they're still hungry, there's dried food. We'll be back early.

-Don't you worry about a thing.

-And good luck with Jake, huh?

-Sure.

I'd rather work for it.

-You can't have everything. Come on, Martha.

-Yeah. So long.

-See you later.

-Good night, Hank.

Me too, Aunt Susie. You gotta kiss me too.

-I did kiss you.

-You did?

-Sure I did.

-I didn't feel it.

-Just once more.

-That's all.

-Gee, I hope Pop will put the buyer on Uncle Jake tonight.

Yeah, so do I. Go to sleep now.

-Night!

-Ssh!

-You'll wake up Barbara. She's asleep.

-No, I'm not. Aunt Susie.

-Yes?

-Could I have a drink of water?

-I've given you two already. I'm afraid...

-No, I wouldn't.

Yeah, I guess I would. OK.

Now, really go to sleep, will you?

-Good night. No more noise.

-Good night, Aunt Susie.

Hey, Uncle Bill!

-What's the matter?

-Good night.

Good night, Timmy.

-I don't know how Martha does it.

-Swell kids, aren't they?

-Wonderful.

Gee, Bill, wouldn't it be something if...

-Timmy.

-I couldn't sleep.

-This is an outrage.

-I know.

But I got something important to tell.

Important?

-What is it, son?

-Well, you see, Uncle Bill, if you need it,

I can get your next meal for you.

-What do you mean?

-Come on. Let's go to bed.

Wait a minute. What do you mean, son?

I heard that you were canned from your job

and you didn't know where your next meal was coming from. So I thought I'd get it for you, Uncle Bill.

-How?

-It's a cinch. I do it for Papa all the time.

I just go to the butcher, tell him I need a bone for my dog.

Then I bring the bone home and Ma makes soup out of it, and I can do it for you and Aunt Susie tomorrow.

It's easy, only big people can't do it. It takes a kid.

-Does the butcher ever get wise?

-No. Anyway...

-Anyway what?

He knows.

-He knows what?

-I ain't got a dog.

Thanks, Timmy. I appreciate your offer very much, but...

you got it a little wrong.

Your mom...

-Your mom was joking.

-Mom don't joke about that.

-Well, this time she was.

-Pop, yeah. Mom - no, sir.

Look, Timmy, your mom was joking.

I lost my job, sure... What I mean is...

What do you mean, Uncle Bill?

Uncle Bill means he's going to find a job right away and everything's going to be all right.

-Yeah?

-Sure.

-I figured you was going to be like Pop.

-Yeah, yeah.

-I just wanted you to know...

-We know.

-Let's go to bed, shall we?

-OK. Just so long as you know, Uncle Bill.

Good night, Aunt Susie.

-Aunt Susie.

-Yes, dear?

I'm sorry if I made Uncle Bill feel bad.

Timmy, oh, Timmy, listen.

Everything's going to be wonderful. They'll both get jobs.

You'll never need to worry about getting soup bones from the butcher.

You'll have steak and a real dog and he's gonna have steak too.

-Yeah, Aunt Susie, sure. Don't cry.

-Don't cry, Aunt Susie. Please.

Employment Service. One moment. He's not in.

-I'm sorry, but you've got to list it.

-I'd rather not.

-It's regulations!

-I'm not going to.

-You'd better see Mr Hoffmann.

-I better see somebody.

-That office over there.

-Thank you!

Now, what kind of...? Pardon me.

Take this form over to the dispatcher... ..Come in.

-Mr Hoffmann?

-Just a second.

Mr Nanier is the man to place you if there is anything. Good luck.

-Look, Mr Hoffmann, for ten minutes I've been...

-Take it easy, sergeant.

-Sit down.

-Thanks.

So what can I do?

I've been talking to this girl out there. She keeps saying, "Fill out the form." She doesn't understand.

-You talked to Miss Gordon?

-At her, not to her.

-What about?

-This form.

-If I fill it out, it might keep me from getting a job.

-How?

-I'd better give it to you straight.

I've got a police record... I used to do a little drawing...

That's good coffee.

-Susan, a publisher has an artistic responsibility.

-You're right.

-And an economic responsibility.

-You're right.

-Has your husband ever before received money for drawing?

-Yes, he did, for a portrait.

-He did?

-It doesn't really count cos it was for an uncle.

-An uncle!

You see, Susan, your husband is an amateur. An amateur is someone who works without remuneration.

-Shaw said...

-"Never trust work..."

-"..you get for nothing."

He was right.

-And Bill wouldn't be working for nothing, and you wouldn't want him to.

-No.

-Look at more.

-They're not bad.

-I knew a man of your taste would like these.

-I didn't say that.

-This is my favourite.

This is High Bridge over Harlem on a summer's night. He really got it.

You can feel that heat.

-Course, you understand, this isn't quite what I'm interested in.

-No?

-What?

-Figures.

-Figures?

Oh, Bill can do fine figures.

Here's one. Now, look at that.

-Has he got the feeling for it?

-Sure he has.

Hey, hold...

All right!

One, two, three, four!

One... Two...

Three... Four! Go ahead and burn if you want to.

-You never do it when she's here, only when I'm here. So go and burn yourselves rotten!

-Bill!

-Shut up! You want to make something of it?

-Not a thing.

-Susie, I'm not going to...

-Never mind. Look at this.

-What is this? 50 bonus. What is it?

-Look who it's made out to.

-What for?

-Because you're a great artist. Because you're my husband. Because I love you.

-50?

-Mr Higgler's putting out a private edition. He wants you to do the drawings.

-He saw my work?

-I showed him your drawings and they sold themselves.

-He'll pay me 50?

-That's just the advance. The full price is 300!

-300!

THEY WHOOP AND CHEER

Thanks.

-Bill.

-Uh-huh?

You know, when you're famous, we'll go to Mexico.

-You'll do a book full of drawings, and when we come back, it'll be a bestseller.

-Wait a minute, baby.

-I'm still a machinist. It's my trade.

-You can do both.

When we come back, we can build a house - a medium house.

-Big enough for Jo's boyfriends.

-Jo?

Our daughter, Joanna.

-She'll be the oldest.

-Yeah, sure.

-Gee, baby, I've been scared.

-I know.

-Gosh, you know, I can finish that book within three weeks...

-In three weeks?!

Yeah.

-My husband's earning 100 a week!

-Hey, that's not bad. Not bad!

WHISTLING

-Marge, are you sure you like my dress?

-It's great.

-What?

-It's great.

Leave it down, madam.

I shouldn't have spent the money, but tonight's an occasion.

Tim Bagley's dance.

-It's the first... What?

-You could call the brawl an occasion.

It's the first new dress since we got married.

-I hope Bill likes it.

-But you like it.

-Mm?

-You like it, don't you?

-But I hope Bill does.

I used to be like that.

When we got married, I wouldn't buy anything unless Jake came along.

Now, for all he cares, I could wear a burlap bag with beer bottle caps.

-Mm?

-Beer bottle caps.

-Oh.

Hurry it up. The party's tonight.

-It'll be an up hairdo. You think he'll like it?

-It'll be gorgeous.

So we've got to get your dress. I need some new perfume, and then I want to get a girdle.

It's still wet!

Maybe I should get your dress before the store closes.

-Just one minute. I want to try the dress on.

-OK.

-Susie?

-Hi, Bill.

-Hi.

-Bill.

-Mm-hm?

-Is it fine?

-Mm-hm.

-It was copied after an original.

-Wow.

-If you knew all the stores I went to.

-Sure.

-If it weren't for tonight, I'd have given it up.

-Mm-hm.

-BILL!

-Oh, you got a new dress.

-Do you like it?

-It's swell, honey. I thought you were going to buy a plaid suit.

-Don't you like this?

-Sure, baby.

-It's just that you had me expecting a suit.

-I knew it!

-You wanted me to get a plaid suit.

-Wait a minute! How can I tell what it looks like till I see you in it?

Try it on, won't you? Please?

All right. But you better change your attitude.

-Hey, Susie, remember that black dress you used to have?

-I hated it.

-This one's just like it.

-What did you say?

This one has white collar and cuffs too.

The other had a white pique collar and cuffs and was a business dress.

-Why would I get one just like it if I HAD one just like it?

-That's what I mean.

-Bill.

-Yeah?

Notice anything?

-About you?

-Mm-hm.

You look a little tired, maybe. Did you have a hard day?

No! About my hair!

What's wrong with it?

-I had it done in a beauty shop.

-It looks wonderful and so do you.

-How could you know?

-Because...

Oh, you look beautiful.

Yeah. I do, don't I?

BIG BAND MUSIC PLAYS

-Since you're so smart, when was it?

-It was when we took the Hudson River boat to Indian Point.

-Bill!

-No? It was the time you had the date with Victor Bonbrain, then I found out you didn't have a date.

-No, it was on August 21st at 10 o'clock.

-Sure it wasn't 9.29?

I had snagged my stockings. I said that you needed a haircut. You got mad,

-and then you kissed me - that was the first time.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

Without asking to.

Bill, this is swell.

Look! There go the dumb but happy newlyweds.

What about a little colour in this stuff.

Here you are - the Beesley boomerang. You drink it down, it comes back up.

-Charlie, how's the hook and ladder business?

-Alarming, but I ain't kicking!

I know a fella that even if he could swim it wouldn't kick.

-Let's razzle.

-Gimme some, will you?

-Hey, Michelangelo!

-Hi, Hank.

-How are you?

-Some inspiration?

-No, thanks.

-No?

In that case, I've got to give it to the grandest lady in the world - my ma.

-Take it easy - you might lose some of those 6,000 bucks.

-People'd think I won money.

All I want to do is keep what I got and get maybe a little bit more.

-A little bit more!

-Maybe.

Hey, Marge! Come on over!

-Hello, Bill.

-How about a little shot?

No, thanks. I never touch it.

Get lost, will you?

HE WHISTLES That's some dress.

-You like it? I had it made.

-When are they going to finish it?!

-Listen, knucklehead, no-one asked you to look.

-All right.

# From this day forward

# I promise you with all my heart

# That we shall never be apart

# From this day on

# From this day forward

# I'm yours to call your very own

# I live my life for you alone

# From this day o-o-n

# On and on

# And even beyond forever

# Heaven is mine whenever You're near

# From this day forward

# I give you me with all my love

# From this day forward

# From this day on. #

There's somebody at the door.

All right.

-Who could it be?

-Honey, I don't know.

-LOUD KNOCKING

-All right.

-Yeah, what is it?

-Detective Sole.

-Bill!

-Yeah?

-What is it?

-I don't know.

-Are you William Cummings?

-That's right.

-I have a warrant for your arrest.

What for?

-Violation of section 11.41, consolidated laws.

-What's it about?

Better get your clothes on and come with me.

It's on account of pictures you drew.

Who asked you to come? Why didn't you stay in the fire barn and mind your own business?

-Susie, you'd better do it just like he tells you.

-But Jake wants Bill to plead guilty.

-Let Jake handle it.

-He's right.

-There's nothing dirty about those pictures. Bill didn't even read Higgler's book.

-Mr Higgler wouldn't let him.

-Who's going to believe that?

-They lock him up and I can't see him!

Quiet!

-Now they want him to plead guilty.

-She's right.

-Let Jake handle it.

They're making a criminal out of him when he hasn't done a darn thing! I won't let him plead guilty.

-Jake'll handle it.

-I'm trying to have a disorderly conduct plea accepted.

Just smile and look sweet. It shows Bill in a good light.

A respectable citizen entangled in the clutches of the law. So smile.

Ed? Mrs Cummings, I want you to meet Ed Jager,

-one of the leading lights of the New York bar.

-How ya doin'?

Mrs Cummings is an honest American wife who works for a living.

-Who does she work for?

-Higgler.

-Ah-ha.

-There's a clear absence of wilfulness.

I suggest we're amenable to a guilty plea with probation.

-Vice Society want your client held for action by the Grand Jury.

-Ed!

-Cummings has got it clear as a bell ringing.

-That cuts no ice.

-It's the guy's first offence.

-Remember the guy that got the chair last Tuesday?

-Sure.

-He committed murder. It was his first offence.

I was talking to Tim Bagley...

-Here are 16 more complaints from the Vice Society.

-16 more.

-All right, Jake, I'll take a disorderly conduct guilty plea and recommend probation.

-Thanks, Ed.

But he can't plead guilty...

..if he isn't.

He didn't do anything.

Quiet! Defendant Higgler is hereby held for action by the Grand Jury. Bail is posted at...

-What is your suggestion, Mr Yate?

-1,000.

-1,000.

-Your Honour, I'd like to make a recommendation.

-What?

-I suggest that the charge be changed to disorderly conduct.

-I want him held for the Grand Jury.

You gave me 16 more complaints. They can't all go to the Grand Jury.

Case 64831, People versus William Cummings.

What is your name?

-Your name?

-William Cummings.

-Speak up!

-William Cummings.

-Are you represented by council.

-Huh?

-Do you have a lawyer?!

-Jake Beesley.

-Oh, yeah.

-Where were you born?

-Hamilton, New York.

-Speak up!

-Hamilton, New York!

-Where do you reside?

-515 East 109th Street.

-For how long?

Oh, I...

-How long?

-About six... No.

-Approximately, young man?

Eight months.

-Eight months.

-How do you plead?

How do you plead?!

-The magistrate wants to know how you plead.

-Your Honour!

Well, who are you?

-I'm his wife and I wanted to say...

-LAUGHTER

-If you've something to say, this is neither the time nor the place.

-But...

-Be quiet, Susie.

-This is the preliminary hearing.

But, your Honour, Bill didn't do anything.

Listen, lady...

The complaints are already here. Nobody can do nothing. The wheels of justice have got to turn.

Excuse me.

-How do you plead?

-The magistrate wants to know how you plead.

Well, how do you plead?!

-Guilty.

-Guilty.

What is the position regarding the plea of guilty in number... What is that number?

< 64381.

-That's a half a grand even, Jake.

-Right. And see you don't jump bail.

-I'd better not.

-And I'll mention this to Tim Bagley.

-Can't wait.

-Excuse me, Susan. I can't tell you how sorry I am about this.

-Yeah.

-I'm terribly sorry.

-We're all sorry.

The entire first edition of my book was confiscated and so I can't pay for the drawings.

-Naturally.

-Excuse us, please.

Now, look. Here's what happens. You appear at a hearing - just a judge, no jury.

You give him the facts. ..Will you excuse us, please?

You had to make a living. You didn't know it was that kind of a book. Higgler told you what to do.

..Don't you have a home?

So you get a suspended sentence with probation, and the judge says, "Don't do it again."

-I see.

-Well, stop worrying.

-Thanks.

-Take it easy.

-Your car got a ticket.

-Did you park it next to a fire hydrant? ..Can I drop you anywhere?

-We'll walk.

-OK. Take it easy.

-See you, pal.

-Yeah, Hank.

-Susie.

No matter what anyone says, those are good drawings. ..But the book!

Will I see you in the morning?

-Yes, Mr Higgler.

-Can you spare a cigarette?

-No.

I gotta get a job, Susie.

-It was my fault.

-I gotta get a job...

Employment Service.

Where it says, "What kind of business?" put down "artist".

"Employer" - Self. "Rate of pay" - 100 a week.

-I think that clears it up.

-Thanks very much.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

If you wait for an interview. The time you don't account for - you were unemployed?

Yeah. Will I put it down?

That's all right. We're not concerned with that.

' "We're not concerned with that..." Surely? '

'Why should you be? That won't get me a job.'

'Besides, you've got your own problems.

'What are yours to me or mine to you?'

'Births, deaths, anniversaries.

'Anniversaries.'

Oh, my feet are killing me.

Say, be sure to thank Jake for the use of his car.

-Yeah, sure.

-Let's set this down.

Thanks.

Look, the old lady told Martha and me that if you wanted to, you could move into her place - third floor.

It'd only be 22 bucks a month.

All the stink from the rest of the house goes up there and we said you wouldn't want it. I was right, eh?

-That's right. Thanks.

-In case she should ask you.

-OK.

-You got it?

-Yeah.

Oh!

-Is that thing the one with the shelf paper in it?

-I think so.

-Put it in the other room.

-Right.

-Thanks a lot, Hank.

-Yeah, thanks.

-Oh, it's nothing.

Take it easy.

Oh, I forgot, Martha says to wish you a happy anniversary.

-Thanks.

-That goes from me too.

-Thanks.

Well...good luck.

So long.

-Honey, let's go out for a walk.

-I gotta finish the kitchen, put the shelf paper up, do the bedroom.

Come on. Let's go.

-Bill, there must be something we can do.

-Like what?

-Don't get sore.

-Susie, I've been thinking. You don't need to go on supporting me.

-Cut that out.

I thought I'd get out of town, see if I could pick up a job.

Oh, you make me so darn mad.

All right.

-Hey!

-Mm?

-Do you think I forgot?

-Forgot what?

-Our anniversary. A lot of guys do, you know.

-Oh, Bill, I don't mind.

-What do you mean?

-Why?

-Well, I got some money...

-Where did you get it?

-Picked it off a tree in Central Park.

-You sold your tool box?

-No.

-I didn't see it when we moved.

-I hawked it.

-Oh, Bill!

-Well, honey, it's our anniversary.

Are we supposed to sit at home and look at a tool box?

I thought we could go some place special for dinner.

-And I got you a present.

-You didn't.

It's not much, Susie.

Oh, it's gorgeous.

-Yeah, it's... Wait, there's a stone missing.

-That's nothing.

-And another!

-There are still eight stones. Will you put it on?

-Sure.

Gee, a slide fastener and everything.

It's a little stiff, though.

-There you are.

-Oh, Bill!

It's charming. That's what it is, it's just charming.

I'm glad you like it, honey.

-Put it on my other wrist.

-What for?

-It's my right one, which I use a lot, so it might get broken. My left arm - I don't use it so much.

-Sure.

If I can get it off here.

I guess it's stiff cos it's new.

Here it is! ..Ow!

-Sorry.

-Happy anniversary, Bill.

Same to you, baby.

Bill! Bill!

The union call! The union call!

Hello, it's Bill Cummings.

Yeah, sure!

Yeah. Veller Brothers. V-E-L-L-E-R Brothers?

175 Harper, Brooklyn. Tonight?

Oh, swell! Thanks very much.

Thanks, Bob. ..Oh, swell!

-Lathe operator, experienced required, bring your own tools.

-The tool box!

Not enough.

It's not enough.

It's all I've got.

Ever work on a crankshaft grinder?

-No, I got called for a lathe job.

-We build that. Can you handle it?

-Well...

-Well?

-I think so. Sure.

-What makes you think so?

-I've done all kinds of precision work. I can handle that.

-OK. Get it set up.

And brand these to print size...

2 inches, 872 thousandths.

OK.

-All right. Let's go.

-Charlie, give him a hand.

Let's have a look.

Gimme a micrometer.

Thanks.

OK. Come on, Charlie.

-Bill!

-John, how are you?

-When did you get here?

-Tonight. How about you?

-Last night, and it's OK - except the night shift.

Employment Service.

-So you went to work in a water plant?

-Yeah.

There were jobs for everybody. We felt so good about it, we forgot it didn't mean prosperity.

It meant war. The plant's closed now.

-Here, have a cigarette.

-Is it OK?

-Sure, go ahead.

-Thanks.

-But your job was a good one, wasn't it?

-Yeah, it was OK, except for it being the night shift.

Didn't you like the night shift?

Yeah, night shift's OK.

'Yeah, sure.

'Night work's fine.

'For a single man - great.

'For a married man...'

HE WHISTLES MERRILY

Hi...

TOOL BOX BANGS

TOOL BOX BANGS AGAIN

WATER RUNS LOUDLY

ALARM RINGS

Bill?

Morning, Bill.

Susie.

Susie!

Susie?

Susie!

How are you doing?

Hey! What are you doing up?

-Waiting for you.

-What for?

-You shouldn't have.

-Says who?

You can't be staying up all hours just because I work at night.

How else am I going to see you?

-You've just got to accept the fact, that's all.

-That's too sensible.

Listen, when you've got to work all day, you can't do without sleep.

I can manage.

That's just it - you can't.

You've got to stick to a routine.

-I don't like routine.

-So I work at nights a lot. You get used to it.

Can't do a job without sleep.

-Thousands of people work at night.

-I was beginning to forget what you looked like.

If I didn't get my sleep, I'd fall flat on my nose - so will you.

I say only for tonight, dear...

Hey.

Mrs Cummings!

Mrs Cummings!

Not you, Meg.

Mrs Cummings! You're wanted on the telephone.

Hello?

Hello, Susie? I've got wonderful news.

-No, not a raise. ..Two weeks off with pay!

-Two weeks!

-Two weeks with worker's compensation.

I got my hand caught in the machine and busted my finger. Great, huh?

'..Construction of the New York World Fair of 1939 is speeded up.

'It'll bring 150 million to American industry.

'12,000 workers will profit from the wages paid to convert a salt marsh into a land of investment.

'So, prosperity as New York builds the world of tomorrow.'

'At Santa Monica...' BABY CRIES

'..They've warmed it up and there she goes...'

-Excuse me, could you shut that brat up?

-Come on.

He sure makes a lot of noise.

-Say, what do you think he weighs?

-I don't know, but he's awful heavy.

How old do you think he is?

About a year old, I guess. Oh, golly.

-I hope Joanna has red hair too.

-Better not have.

Martha was saying she's got a lot of baby clothes. We could use those.

-Where'd she sleep?

-There's room in the bedroom.

-You'd have to quit your job.

Well, you've got your salary now.

Bill...

Supposing a child came last year when I was out of work?

-We'd have managed.

-Suppose she'd gotten sick?

-We'd have managed.

-When I was a kid, we were down and out. I want everything to be right for Jo.

-Maybe we'll be lucky.

-Maybe we'll be able to give her the things we always wanted her to have.

-Give HIM.

-Thank you.

-Not at all.

Goodbye.

Do you want to see the rest of the movie?

Uh-uh. Let's go.

Baby, if things keep going the way they are, if I keep my job, maybe next spring, huh?

ADOLF HITLER GIVES A SPEECH

SPEECH REACHES A CRESCENDO

"Heil! Sieg heil!

"Sieg heil...!"

Bill, you'll be late!

-It's quarter past six.

-I've to be there at six-thirty.

-Get dressed. What'll they do if you're late?

-Court-martial me?

-Bill!

-Guard house, I don't know.

-You gotta hurry.

Here, Bill.

NOTHING RATTLES

Bill!

Susie, what's the matter?

-Baby, what's wrong?

-I told you last night.

-I told you there wasn't any food in the house and you wouldn't let me go to the store.

-That's all right.

-We've no coffee and the milk is sour.

-It doesn't matter.

-But you aren't going to be inducted without your breakfast.

-Sue!

Look, baby, they'll give me breakfast at the induction centre.

-They don't take guys into the Army and not feed them.

-But I wanted to cook breakfast for you.

I'll just have some coffee.

-That'll be swell.

-Oh, Bill, you're bleeding!

-It's nothing. I'll just use my styptic pencil.

-Where is it?

-Mm?

My styptic pencil. I left it here.

It was there but I threw it out.

You what?

I was cleaning up and I saw things you didn't want. At least I didn't think you'd want the styptic pencil.

Threw it out?

Bill, it wasn't that I was in a hurry. You make me feel like I...

-Bill, I was just cleaning up.

-It's all right, Susie.

-It's just a little cut.

-Oh, Bill!

Hey, what time is it?

Oh, what time is it?

Oh, Bill, it's 6.25.

-Keep calm, baby.

-They'll call you a deserter.

-Get my sweater.

-Papers.

-Papers and your kit.

-And coffee, Bill.

-Haven't got time.

-Bill, the Army wouldn't want you without your coffee.

-OK.

Bill...I forgot to turn it on.

Susie.

Oh, Susie.

Darling, what am I going to do without you?

You take care of yourself, you hear?

I'll see you later, baby.

THUNDER RUMBLES

ALARM RINGS

Bill! Come back, Bill!

You've gotta come back!

Don't you remember?

We set the clock ahead last night on purpose. We set the clock ahead.

We've got 15 minutes more, Bill.

We've got 15 minutes more.

Employment Service.

Well, I had a lot of experience with a tank repair outfit overseas.

-Like a foreman, except with more responsibility.

-For long?

-It's not on my form, but two years.

-Good night, Sam.

-Night.

-Well, I can't promise you anything.

-I see.

Your experience and background...

-Night, Sam!

-See you downstairs.

Hello? Mr Garrety, please. ..He's the personnel manager.

-Good night.

-Good night.

-Why don't you sit down?

-Thanks.

Mr Garrety? Are you still looking for that foreman?

Well, I've got just the man for you.

-Thanks, Mr Brewer.

-Night.

Right.

Right!

It's not a job. It's just an interview.

But he won't fill it until he talks to you.

Here's your introduction card.

-Oh, thanks, Mr Brewer.

-Good luck, Cummings.

-Sorry to have kept you.

-Going down?

-Hold it!

Charlie. Charlie!

Let it go.

LET IT GO!

Charlie, come and help Jake.

-Come on, Barbara.

-Where are you going, Timmy?

-To say goodbye to Maxwell.

-Be back soon.

-Sure.

-Susie...

-Martha, if you ain't gonna put these in, I'll take them.

-We need 'em, Ma.

-They got holes.

We're taking them to the farm.

Susie, I don't want to tell you it's easy, cos it isn't. It's no rolling off a log. There'll be pain, crying.

-Doctor says I was born to have children.

-But HE never had any!

-The first time you have that kid in your arms, you'll forget everything that happened.

-Martha!

-Yeah, Ma.

-And right away, you want another.

-Look!

-We need it, Ma.

-OK!

-What did you say about a baby?

-Quiet! Bill don't even know.

-A baby!

-Ssh!

Susie's going to have a baby!

ALL TALK OVER EACH OTHER

-Susie, that's marvellous.

-That's the stuff.

-I could bawl.

-Ain't that touching?

-Shut up!

-What you gonna call him?

-Joanna.

-What, don't you like kids?

-Sit down, Susie. You gotta rest.

-Hank!

-She gotta stay off her feet.

Anything you want to know, Hank'll tell you all about it.

Bill, Susie's going to have a baby.

< Did you get a job yet, Bill?

-I got an interview.

-An interview!

-That's swell, Bill.

-He'll get the job OK.

-An interview!

He'll be buying a farm out in New Jersey, just like Martha and me.

-Farms?! HE's without a job and he's a wife and baby to support.

-Ain't you no faith?

-This ain't no time to be making big plans.

-Don't point your finger!

-He's right.

-A pig's eye, he is!

-He's like his father.

What was the matter with my father?! You think you're so smart!

How do you know when we ain't going to have another Depression?

-And you're worried to death!

-I'm not.

-And look at him. Just back for the war and he's out of a job.

-No wonder he's sunk!

-Listen, stupid, give them a little time.

-Just because Tim Bagley's out and you're out with him don't make no difference to Bill.

-What?!

-He wants to make an honest living!

-How?!

-The Unemployment Service, it's a great thing.

-You can't find a job...

-The doctor couldn't be mistaken?

-No, Bill.

-Said you're going to be all right?

-Yes, Bill.

-You're strong enough, aren't you?

-Couldn't be healthier.

Well...

-I'd better do a good one when I see Garrety tomorrow.

-You'd better.

-Bill?

-Yeah?

Scared?

Yeah.

-Bill!

-Yeah, I'm scared, honey.

But there's nothing wrong with being scared.

We'll be scared lots of times.

Star light, star bright, first star I've seen tonight.

Where?

-I don't see any stars.

-There aren't any.

We don't need them any more.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd