The Quitter (1934)
68 min | Drama | 5 February 1934 (USA)
When her husband, who founded the town's crusading local newspaper, doesn't come back from the French battlefields of World War I, a woman struggles to raise her two sons and keep the newspaper going. Matters are complicated by the fact that, several years later, one of the sons wants to turn the paper from its position as a hard-fighting champion of the working-class into an upscale society paper catering to the rich and powerful. Matters are complicated even further by rumors that their father was in fact NOT killed in France during the war but took another man's identity and is still living there.
Director: Richard Thorpe
Writer: Robert Ellis
Stars: Charley Grapewin, Emma Dunn, William Bakewell
68 min | Drama | 5 February 1934 (USA)
When her husband, who founded the town's crusading local newspaper, doesn't come back from the French battlefields of World War I, a woman struggles to raise her two sons and keep the newspaper going. Matters are complicated by the fact that, several years later, one of the sons wants to turn the paper from its position as a hard-fighting champion of the working-class into an upscale society paper catering to the rich and powerful. Matters are complicated even further by rumors that their father was in fact NOT killed in France during the war but took another man's identity and is still living there.
Director: Richard Thorpe
Writer: Robert Ellis
Stars: Charley Grapewin, Emma Dunn, William Bakewell
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:30You're going to stand there sniffing them posies all night?
00:00:54I always had a powerful liking for flowers, Anna.
00:00:58There's no smell left in it, how Mr. Trout was like that.
00:01:01It's wonderful how he never forgets to send her flowers.
00:01:06And it's wonderful the way you always got to smell them.
00:01:09Give them to me, and I'll put them in a room.
00:01:16You can get out if you wanted to.
00:01:19Well, I haven't seen you in two days.
00:01:22Well, you always find time to go out with Bill Stirrer.
00:01:24You've been on that phone almost an hour.
00:01:26Wait a minute, wait a minute.
00:01:27Leave me alone.
00:01:29I've got to call up the market and get a pound of butter.
00:01:31Your mother and Russell will be home here soon expecting supper.
00:01:34Go away, will you?
00:01:35Those boys like you running after girls.
00:01:38Enough to make me sick.
00:01:43Is that old pest Hannah?
00:01:45Who's that?
00:01:46Go and put the car away for me, will you?
00:01:47The garage door's been closed and I left it in the driveway.
00:01:50Didn't Russell come home with you?
00:01:52No, Bill Stirrer's going to meet him at the country club with a new car.
00:01:55Now, he'll want to be buying that, I suppose.
00:01:59Can you tell me what's the matter with the old car?
00:02:02That's the answer, I guess.
00:02:03It's an old one.
00:02:04Let us take the supper, Zack.
00:02:09Mr. Travers left something at the office for you, and I brought it up here.
00:02:12Zack, run down to Durkin's Market and get me a pound of butter.
00:02:16Never get her to get ready to get away from that phone.
00:02:19He's been talking to some girl every minute since he came in.
00:02:23It's a wonderful invention, Hannah.
00:02:25It's perfectly safe.
00:02:30Well, we could for a little while.
00:02:33Your mother wouldn't mind if we went out right after supper and I brought you home early.
00:02:39Maybe you don't want to go out with me.
00:02:41Maybe you got a date with somebody else.
00:02:44Now, don't be like that.
00:02:46That old car of your mother's is all right in its day.
00:02:49But you're a college man.
00:02:50You stand for progress in this community, and this is just what you need.
00:02:54Well, I'll drop around with mother in the morning, and we'll see.
00:02:58I like those little lights on the fenders.
00:03:00We could say we went to a picture show.
00:03:04Oh, well, I'll come around your house after supper.
00:03:06Yeah, well, goodbye.
00:03:09Why don't you invite her over?
00:03:11No one wants to mope around the house all night.
00:03:15Anyone I know?
00:03:17Mother, why do you have to go ask me a lot of questions?
00:03:19Don't you realize I'm not a baby anymore?
00:03:23Anyhow, there's some things I'd like to keep to myself.
00:03:27Of course, dear.
00:03:28You have a perfect right to keep your own little secrets.
00:03:32Well, I didn't mean to exhort her, Mom.
00:03:35And I didn't mean to act inquisitive.
00:03:37I just wanted to know.
00:03:39Say, are you going to use the car tonight?
00:03:41No, but Russ may need it.
00:03:43I might have known that.
00:03:45Perfectly natural that he should have first call on the car.
00:03:47He's older than you.
00:03:48And he doesn't ever let anyone forget it.
00:03:50All he does is boss me around.
00:03:52I'm not a baby anymore.
00:03:54I'm getting old.
00:03:55No one seems to realize that.
00:03:57Oh, yes.
00:03:59Your mother realizes it.
00:04:01She's getting older, too.
00:04:06I'm sorry, Mom.
00:04:08Gee, you look swell tonight.
00:04:10Do I?
00:04:12Guess you're about the best-looking mother a fellow ever had.
00:04:14Well, then we're still friends.
00:04:16Oh, sure.
00:04:18Say, if Russ doesn't want the car, can I have it?
00:04:20Of course.
00:04:23Say, Mother, will you ask Hannah to have dinner right away?
00:04:25You're the only one she'll take orders from.
00:04:27Yes, dear.
00:04:27Hey, are you going to use the car tonight?
00:04:28Well, supposing I am.
00:04:29You've had it every night since you've been home.
00:04:31You might get somebody else a chance.
00:04:32A chance to what?
00:04:33Chase after Annabelle here?
00:04:34That's none of your business.
00:04:35Now, that's where you're mistaken.
00:04:36I know what kind of a girl she is.
00:04:37And you keep away from her.
00:04:38You can't tell me what to do.
00:04:39Well, I am telling you what to do.
00:04:40And you'll do it or I'll beat some sense into you.
00:04:42Who are you going to get to help you?
00:04:44Why don't you two get the boxing gloves and have it out?
00:04:46Our referee.
00:04:48He won't box me anymore because he knows I can lick him.
00:04:50Listen, Mother, this kid's been chasing around after Annabelle Hibbs.
00:04:53And I told him to cut it out.
00:04:54Is that what you went to college for, to learn to snitch?
00:04:56I'll smack you right in the face.
00:04:57Oh, yeah?
00:04:58If you can't handle him, Mother, someone else will have to.
00:05:00There are plenty of decent girls here.
00:05:01Without his chasing after some common...
00:05:02Don't you say anything about her you can't prove.
00:05:05Now, Russell, don't worry about that.
00:05:07I know Eddie wants me to meet the girl he's found out.
00:05:09That's right.
00:05:10Sign in with him.
00:05:11I'm nobody around here.
00:05:13He does everything he pleases.
00:05:14Well, I'm not a baby anymore.
00:05:15And I'm going to have my rights, too.
00:05:17Supper's ready.
00:05:18Come on, before it gets spoiled.
00:05:20I don't want anything to eat.
00:05:22I'm going out.
00:05:30Hello?
00:05:32Oh, yeah, just a minute.
00:05:37Mr. Travis, for you, Mom.
00:05:44Hello?
00:05:47Hold the phone just a minute, John.
00:05:53And put the rest of that butter in the icebox.
00:05:55There.
00:05:56Eddie's gone uptown.
00:05:58What's the matter with him?
00:05:59I just put the vittles on the table.
00:06:00I know, but he's all upset.
00:06:02Go and warn him of his actions if you can't bring him back to supper.
00:06:05I'll bring him back.
00:06:08Needs a good spanking.
00:06:10Boy, he'll do a thing like that.
00:06:13Awfully sorry, John.
00:06:15I had to attend to some household duties.
00:06:18No.
00:06:19No, we're just sitting down now.
00:06:22Why don't you come over a little later?
00:06:24All right.
00:06:25Goodbye.
00:06:29Seems like that fellow Travis is always hanging around.
00:06:33Well, he's the very oldest friend I have.
00:06:38And a dear one.
00:06:40That's obvious, since he spends most of the evenings here,
00:06:42and in the days at the shop, anyone would think he was courting you.
00:06:46That isn't it, is it?
00:06:48Suppose it were.
00:06:50Mother, you're joking, aren't you?
00:06:52I suppose you think I'm too old and too passé
00:06:55for some nice man to be interested in me?
00:06:58No, certainly not.
00:07:00But you're not thinking seriously of marriage, are you?
00:07:03Would you be shocked if I were?
00:07:05Oh, but why should you want to get married?
00:07:08Oh, but why should you want to get married?
00:07:10What for?
00:07:12Well, you and Eddie will soon be leaving me for homes of your own.
00:07:15You want to live your lives your own way.
00:07:18Not right away.
00:07:19But you will sometime.
00:07:21Then what's to become of me?
00:07:24Gee, this wouldn't seem much like home anymore
00:07:26if some outsider were to suddenly barge in.
00:07:29It wouldn't be very easy to call a stranger father.
00:07:32That just doesn't sound right.
00:07:34It might have been all right when Eddie and I were kids, but not now.
00:07:37When you and Eddie were kids
00:07:39were the hardest and happiest years of my life.
00:07:42I wouldn't have shared you boys with anyone then.
00:07:45I don't know what to say.
00:07:47Well, I want you to say just what you feel.
00:07:50But try to realize, too, that my work is nearly done.
00:07:54And I've been looking forward to something
00:07:57that passed me by when I was younger.
00:07:59But I don't see what you want to get married for.
00:08:02I rather expected to look after the family and run the newspaper.
00:08:06In fact, I've spent four years with that in view.
00:08:08Then I've spent the best years of my life
00:08:10worrying and working so that you'd be prepared to do it.
00:08:13You've forged ahead.
00:08:15You have a few more comforts than we started with.
00:08:18And I'm happy.
00:08:19I'd gladly do it all over again.
00:08:22But you're a man now, and I thought you'd understand.
00:08:27You'd be ungrateful.
00:08:28Oh, don't feel that way about it.
00:08:31You're just what I wanted you to be.
00:08:33And you're what your father would have wanted you to be
00:08:36if he'd been here.
00:08:38You'll forget all about it.
00:08:40And we'll carry on just as we've been
00:08:44till you make me a grandmother.
00:08:46Mother, don't be absurd.
00:08:48Oh, it does happen.
00:08:52Well, if you ain't gonna eat,
00:08:53I might as well put these vittles back on the stove.
00:08:58You'll have to excuse me, Mother.
00:08:59I'll just have time to get to the city.
00:09:00Your dinner's already.
00:09:01Stay and have a bite.
00:09:02I won't have time.
00:09:03I've got to see some people I met at school.
00:09:05Don't wait up for me, dear.
00:09:07Good night.
00:09:15You gonna eat?
00:09:17No, no thank you, Hannah.
00:09:18I don't want anything.
00:09:22A person might just as well be in a lunatic asylum.
00:09:28Never mind Russ.
00:09:29Because he's the oldest,
00:09:31he kind of wants to take your dad's place.
00:09:34Let him try and do it.
00:09:39You and my dad were pals, weren't you, Zack?
00:09:41We were great friends
00:09:43when your family lived back in Newton.
00:09:46What was he like?
00:09:48Oh, he was a fine man.
00:09:50And a mighty smart man, too.
00:09:53Did he enlist or was he drafted?
00:09:56He enlisted.
00:09:58That's good.
00:09:59That's what I'd have done.
00:10:01You know, someday I'm going over to France
00:10:04and I'm gonna see the place where he was killed.
00:10:08And it might not be so long, either,
00:10:10if Russ thinks he can give me the runaround.
00:10:12Now, don't you get those ideas, Eddie.
00:10:14Your daddy was always talking about going places and traveling.
00:10:17But you mustn't leave your mom.
00:10:19She'd take it awfully bad
00:10:21if she lost you both over there.
00:10:25I'm going back to the house.
00:10:27You coming?
00:10:28No.
00:10:29I got some work to do at the printing office
00:10:31after I finish my coffee.
00:10:32Well, good night.
00:10:40Coffee and donuts.
00:10:42Just get off the freight?
00:10:43Yeah.
00:10:45And I have the money to pay for it.
00:10:48Pass the sugar, please.
00:10:50Yes, it's me, Zack.
00:10:52I thought you were dead.
00:10:55Everybody thought you were dead.
00:11:04What are you doing here?
00:11:06Traveling.
00:11:07You know, that was always my weakness.
00:11:10I never could stay in one place very long.
00:11:14Cordelia's here.
00:11:16She's a good woman.
00:11:18I know.
00:11:19Cordelia's here.
00:11:21She moved here about two years after you disappeared.
00:11:25She's running the newspaper.
00:11:32Yes.
00:11:35It's in the blood.
00:11:38We worked side by side in that little shop back in Newton.
00:11:43Are you aiming to let her know you're here?
00:11:46I don't know.
00:11:49The boys think you were killed being a soldier in France.
00:11:54Yes.
00:11:56They must be pretty big by now.
00:11:58Yes, Russ has graduated from college
00:12:01and Eddie's just about to start.
00:12:05Oh, they're growed up.
00:12:08Yes, they must be.
00:12:11I'd like to see them.
00:12:12Eddie just went out as you came in.
00:12:15He's a fine boy.
00:12:17Takes after his mother.
00:12:19Russ is helping him.
00:12:23If you ain't got any place to stay tonight, Ed,
00:12:27you'd be welcome to come and share my shack.
00:12:33Thanks.
00:12:43Thanks.
00:12:44Who's your lady friend?
00:12:45Oh, Dad has a lot of junk like that around the house.
00:12:48You better look it all over and get used to it.
00:12:50You might inherit it someday.
00:12:52I'm an only daughter, you know.
00:12:53Now, you promised to let me do all the providing.
00:12:56You wouldn't hold my gold against me, would you?
00:12:58No, I...
00:12:59Anyhow, Dad's responsible for it.
00:13:01But just between you and me, I don't think he got it on us.
00:13:04As long as you make good use of it.
00:13:06That's my motto.
00:13:07Dad, you remember that.
00:13:09As long as you make good use of it.
00:13:10That's my motto.
00:13:11Dad, you remember Russ Tilford?
00:13:13Why, yes, of course.
00:13:14How are you, Tilford?
00:13:15And this is your rival, Earl Easton.
00:13:17Mr. Easton.
00:13:18How are you?
00:13:19Fine.
00:13:20You relieve me of a great responsibility, Tilford.
00:13:23If you hadn't come along, I'd have had to marry the girl myself.
00:13:27Well, as a future father-in-law,
00:13:29I'd better show some marked interest in you, youngster.
00:13:32We spurn your crumbs, Dad.
00:13:33Russ is all set.
00:13:34He has his own newspaper,
00:13:35and he's going to be editorial colossus
00:13:37at the wide open spaces.
00:13:39Have a cigar.
00:13:40No, thanks.
00:13:41Where is your newspaper?
00:13:42Forest Park.
00:13:43Oh, that's a nice little suburb.
00:13:45That's the place I mentioned to you
00:13:46in regard to the water project, Earl.
00:13:48Oh, yes.
00:13:49If you talk shop, I'll scream.
00:13:51Russ knows how you made your ill-gotten wealth,
00:13:53your bridges and your aqueducts and your dams.
00:13:56Now drop it.
00:13:58As a newspaper man,
00:13:59you must be interested in local projects.
00:14:01What is your sheet?
00:14:02The Free Press.
00:14:03Do a little bragging, Russ,
00:14:04or these worms will turn and bite you
00:14:06and give you a couple of kicks
00:14:07and tell you how clever they are.
00:14:10Oh, women don't belong in business.
00:14:12They won't understand.
00:14:13Great field newspaper work,
00:14:15and you're in the right spot.
00:14:16It won't be long before the city annexes Forest Park.
00:14:19Then you'll be right in line for the big city dailies.
00:14:21Yes, I've anticipated that.
00:14:23I intend to put the Free Press on a new basis.
00:14:25Make it a daily, install modern presses,
00:14:27get my share of national advertising
00:14:29and boost circulation.
00:14:31Now that's that.
00:14:32I said we wouldn't talk shop.
00:14:33We're going dancing.
00:14:35Let me help you with that.
00:14:37Have you got a car?
00:14:39Well, maybe you can call it a car.
00:14:41Never mind. We'll take mine.
00:14:44Well, I know all that stuff about rolling stones,
00:14:47but a rolling stone goes places and sees things.
00:14:50Your stomach's out of order.
00:14:51You'll be all right in the morning.
00:14:52In the morning.
00:14:53Tomorrow.
00:14:54They're all tomorrows and yesterdays.
00:14:56There are never any todays around here.
00:14:59Oh, I wish there was another war,
00:15:00and then I could get away like Dad did.
00:15:04I know you don't know what you're saying.
00:15:09Oh, I...
00:15:11I shouldn't make you feel bad by talking like that.
00:15:17I guess I'll go upstairs and read.
00:15:20Night.
00:15:21Night.
00:15:26There's a man at the front door.
00:15:28Mr. Travers?
00:15:29No, he looks to me like a tramp.
00:15:31Did he say what his name was?
00:15:32No, he didn't.
00:15:33He said he was an old friend of yours.
00:15:35Well, show him in, Hannah.
00:15:52I can't say I'm glad to see you.
00:15:56No, I don't suppose you can, Prudy.
00:16:01It's been a long time, hasn't it?
00:16:04Yes, it has.
00:16:06Zack told me how the boys had grown up,
00:16:08and I thought you wouldn't mind if I saw them.
00:16:20They can't mean anything to you.
00:16:23If they had, you couldn't have deserted them.
00:16:26I didn't mean to, Prudy.
00:16:29Sounds foolish, I suppose, but it...
00:16:32it just happened that way.
00:16:34Have you ever stopped to think
00:16:36what might have happened to them
00:16:38while they waited for their father to come back?
00:16:41No, I guess I only thought of myself.
00:16:45You see, when the war was over,
00:16:47there was nothing for me to do,
00:16:49and I didn't want to come back to that little hole of a town
00:16:53and sink into that rut
00:16:55and the same thing over again.
00:16:57I had to stay in that little hole of a town, as you call it,
00:17:01and provide a home and food for your boys.
00:17:04Yes, I figured when I made a success of things,
00:17:07I could come back and they would be proud of me.
00:17:10They wouldn't be very proud of you now.
00:17:13No, I guess not.
00:17:14You didn't care.
00:17:16You didn't think of the disgrace and the gossip
00:17:19the boys and I had to face,
00:17:21and all the years of struggle and poverty.
00:17:24Oh, yes, there were days when we went hungry.
00:17:27You didn't think of the loneliness and the heartbreak it caused me
00:17:32while I struggled on to try to make something of them.
00:17:36Well, I've succeeded in making something of them,
00:17:40and I'm proud of them,
00:17:42and I'm not going to let you interfere with their lives.
00:17:48Well, glad to see you looking so well.
00:17:52Those flowers remind me of when you were a girl.
00:17:57You always had one tucked in your dress somewhere.
00:18:03Well, I guess that's about all I have to say.
00:18:08Good night.
00:18:23If you don't stay out of here,
00:18:25help me out and squeeze your ears in that roller.
00:18:28Get this old thrashing machine all apart.
00:18:30Get out, you little devil. I've got work to do.
00:18:32Why don't you get Rustin to help you?
00:18:34He's running the paper now.
00:18:36Now you go on and fill the stacks.
00:18:38Okay.
00:18:45Well, hello, Annabelle.
00:18:47Where are you going?
00:18:49Well, hello, Annabelle.
00:18:51Where are you going?
00:18:52I have to take these to Mother's shop.
00:18:54Well, let me carry them for you.
00:18:56Oh, you needn't bother.
00:18:57Oh, it's no bother at all.
00:19:00Gee, can you get out tonight?
00:19:02I don't know.
00:19:03I got fits for staying out so late the last time.
00:19:05Well, if I can get the car,
00:19:06we can go over to Oldport and dance.
00:19:08Get her quiet down.
00:19:09Here comes Sister Hooten.
00:19:11Good afternoon.
00:19:13Hello.
00:19:14That old battle-axe
00:19:15could walk a mile to stick her nose in somebody's business.
00:19:18She tells Mother everything I do.
00:19:23Ed's still with you?
00:19:25Yep.
00:19:27I always was kind of taken with Ed.
00:19:30I'm glad to have company who do me good.
00:19:37Reckon he's powerful sorry
00:19:39for everything that happened, Cordelia.
00:19:42You're the only one around here
00:19:43who knows anything about those days.
00:19:46You promised you'd never mention it.
00:19:48I wouldn't.
00:19:49Not to anyone.
00:19:51I never have.
00:19:55Let me know when he needs anything.
00:19:57Oh, I got to get some stamps for the office.
00:20:00Well, give me my package.
00:20:02No.
00:20:03You wait here.
00:20:05Now, don't go away.
00:20:10Hello.
00:20:12Well, how's the young Helen of Troy?
00:20:14Oh, quit your kidding.
00:20:15I'm not kidding.
00:20:16I mean it.
00:20:17You know yourself.
00:20:18You got the rest of the local stuff
00:20:19knocked off the block for looks.
00:20:22You ought to go in the movies or something.
00:20:24Mother says I'm a good ad for her bleach shop.
00:20:26You are, too.
00:20:29Hey, how about running up to the city tonight
00:20:32in one of the new cars?
00:20:33Well, maybe.
00:20:35If I can get away without getting caught.
00:20:38I'll meet you at the drugstore at 7.30.
00:20:40Come on, Annabelle.
00:20:41Just a minute.
00:20:42I'm busy.
00:20:43No, you're not.
00:20:44Listen here, Gilbert.
00:20:45You're acting like a hero.
00:20:46I'm not talking to you.
00:20:47But you're talking to someone who's with me.
00:20:49Oh, pipe down, you big chiseler.
00:21:02You little snipe, you could have smashed him in the head with that.
00:21:05I'll have you arrested.
00:21:06No, no, you won't.
00:21:07Perhaps you don't know the penalty for striking a minor.
00:21:09He started it.
00:21:10No, he didn't.
00:21:11I saw the whole thing from across the street.
00:21:13Hey, I understand you.
00:21:14Come on, get out of here now.
00:21:15Come on, do it right now.
00:21:16Come on now, listen to me.
00:21:22Thank you, Mrs. Delbert.
00:21:24That's a splendid arrangement for me.
00:21:25Now, just a minute, Mr. Durkin.
00:21:27Oh, hello, Russell.
00:21:28You expect people to pay you money for your merchandise, don't you?
00:21:31Why, yes, of course.
00:21:32Well, running a newspaper is a business, too.
00:21:34We need money to operate.
00:21:36Now, I'm inaugurating a new policy here,
00:21:38and in the future I'll expect you to pay cash for your ads.
00:21:40We'll pay cash for anything we get.
00:21:42How do we handle this, Mother?
00:21:43Well, your mother and I have had that arrangement for the past ten years.
00:21:46I didn't think you'd feel that way about it, Russ.
00:21:48Oh, Russell doesn't understand.
00:21:49Yes, I do understand, Mother.
00:21:50I understand that you need money to operate a newspaper.
00:21:53Well, that's all right, Mrs. Delbert.
00:21:55Don't you worry.
00:21:56Just cancel my ad, young fellow, and we'll call it square.
00:22:02You shouldn't have done that, Russ.
00:22:04Mother, the attic and the garage are stuck with junk that you've traded for space.
00:22:08You see, you allow yourself to be imposed upon.
00:22:12You see?
00:22:31First run.
00:22:32I expect you'd like to see it.
00:22:38Now, Mother, I ask you.
00:22:40The owner of our prominent dry goods merchant has returned from the hospital.
00:22:43The Twins are doing nicely.
00:22:45So they are. I saw them yesterday.
00:22:47I'm not speaking of the Twins.
00:22:49Surely you don't expect me to give space to such old lady's gossip as that.
00:22:52Printer's ink and pulp paper are the cheapest part of our newspaper, Russ.
00:22:55People like to see their names in print,
00:22:57and Mr. Tobin's our biggest advertiser for cash.
00:23:00But people aren't interested in Mr. Tobin's progeny.
00:23:02They want to know what's going on in the world.
00:23:04Well, this town is the world for most of the people living here.
00:23:07Oh, don't be archaic, Mother.
00:23:08It's only a matter of time before Forest Park will be annexed by the city.
00:23:11Then we'll be competing with all the big dailies we practically are now.
00:23:14I haven't heard anyone complaining about our newspaper.
00:23:19Well, I wouldn't be bringing bad news if it wasn't my bounding duty.
00:23:23Eddie got in a fist fight down to the post office with that Bill Sterritt.
00:23:26Did he win?
00:23:27Who started it?
00:23:28All on account of that brazen Annabelle Hibbs.
00:23:30There you are, Mother. I told you.
00:23:32Well, Eddie was knocked down.
00:23:33He threw a brick, and it went smack dab through the post office window.
00:23:36I never heard such a crash of glass in all my life.
00:23:39It made me think of the time that Grandma Hooton's preserve covered for...
00:23:43What about Eddie?
00:23:44Oh, well, an old tramp dragged him out before the fight went any further.
00:23:47I reckon the police will be arresting the two of them for the disturbance of the peace.
00:23:50You stay here, Mother. I'll tend to this.
00:23:52No, you'll do nothing of the kind.
00:23:53I'm still ahead of the family, at least until the next edition.
00:23:56And the newspaper might need you.
00:24:03What did you drag me away for?
00:24:04I don't need anyone butting in my business.
00:24:06You wanted to be a friend of Zach's.
00:24:09That's why I brought you here.
00:24:10If you'd stayed around there, you'd have been in a terrible mess.
00:24:13Here.
00:24:14Put this under your upper lip.
00:24:16It'll stop your nose from bleeding.
00:24:21You're a stranger around here, aren't you?
00:24:23Yes.
00:24:24I thought no one in this sneaky town would be helping me.
00:24:28What makes you say that?
00:24:29My brother's a big noise around here.
00:24:32He runs the newspaper.
00:24:33And everything else.
00:24:35Not that he meant a jamboree.
00:24:36He'd just make it tougher for me.
00:24:38Oh, I don't think he would.
00:24:40No, you don't know him.
00:24:42He runs our whole family.
00:24:44I haven't got an old man.
00:24:46He went away to France with the army.
00:24:48He didn't ever come home.
00:24:51I wish he had.
00:24:52He was a regular guy.
00:24:54That's what Mom says.
00:24:56Do you want to mind a little scrap?
00:24:58He went places and did things.
00:25:03Well, I know what I'm going to do.
00:25:04What?
00:25:05I'm not going to stick around this rotten place.
00:25:09I can take care of myself.
00:25:11No one needs to worry about me anymore.
00:25:14I'm going to hit the road.
00:25:15No, no, you're not.
00:25:16Why shouldn't I?
00:25:18Nobody cares what I do.
00:25:19Oh, yes, your mother cares.
00:25:22She'd want you to stick and see things through.
00:25:25You don't know anything about the spot I'm on.
00:25:28Well, I know you're going to be sorry if you run away.
00:25:31What are you worrying about me for?
00:25:33I'm thinking about your dad.
00:25:35He said he was a soldier.
00:25:37Supposing he'd run away.
00:25:39Suppose he was a quitter.
00:25:40Well, he wasn't.
00:25:43Well, he wouldn't want his son to be with him.
00:25:47No.
00:25:49No, I guess not.
00:25:51He'd want him to stick and fight.
00:25:56No matter how tough it seems.
00:25:57How tough it seems.
00:26:00Don't you think he would?
00:26:04Incommon strife.
00:26:05What do you want me to do?
00:26:06You and your swell friends?
00:26:07Now, you'll have to leave me or else you'll have...
00:26:08Or what, Russell?
00:26:10Well, there are schools where you can be taught to respect...
00:26:13I think I'm still capable of deciding what's good for my family.
00:26:16Well, this brat's a splendid example of it.
00:26:19I'd rather live anywhere than under the same roof with you.
00:26:22I don't care if I never set eyes on you again.
00:26:25What about me, dear?
00:26:27Oh, it isn't you, Mom, but...
00:26:29Oh, I didn't mean to get in that scrap.
00:26:31I saw Stark getting familiar with Annabelle.
00:26:34And I got sore.
00:26:35I understand, dear.
00:26:38I'll do anything you want me to do.
00:26:40All right, dear, we'll talk about it later.
00:26:42If you ask me...
00:26:43I'm going to ask you a few things.
00:26:46Who are the Winthrops?
00:26:48Well, I told you that they were people I met at school.
00:26:51But you never told me their names before.
00:26:53Is it Stephen Winthrop's daughter?
00:26:55Yes, it is.
00:26:57You see, Mother...
00:26:58I've been meaning to tell you this.
00:27:01We're engaged.
00:27:03I hope you'll approve.
00:27:05I can't approve or condemn.
00:27:07I've never met her.
00:27:09I didn't want to bring her down here till I had things well started on the paper.
00:27:13To be quite frank, I...
00:27:15I was rather embarrassed.
00:27:17About what?
00:27:18Well, I didn't want her to know what a dinky little sheep we were running down here.
00:27:22You know, it's quite a comedown after editing the college paper.
00:27:25Is that why you didn't want me to meet the girl you're going to marry?
00:27:28Oh, now, Mother, please don't make this a personal thing.
00:27:31It isn't that, but...
00:27:32You must realize that our paper is behind the times.
00:27:35It's passé.
00:27:36Is it?
00:27:37You see, Mother, there's a great field in newspaper work.
00:27:40But the free press has got to be developed.
00:27:42And it can't be helped if you're going to cling to a lot of antiquated ideas.
00:27:46Do you think I'm interfering with your progress, Ross?
00:27:49Well, that can't be tied to your apron strings.
00:27:52This is a man's work.
00:27:53Being a woman, you probably can understand some of the things that are expected of one in the business world.
00:27:58What do you suggest?
00:28:00Well, I'd like to expand.
00:28:02There's no reason why we shouldn't publish a daily sheet.
00:28:05Be a paper we could be proud of.
00:28:07I don't think they'd stand that here, Ross.
00:28:10It is a small community and they're intolerant of sudden changes.
00:28:14Well, then let's forget it.
00:28:15But you're the one who always urged me to be ambitious.
00:28:18All I've ever heard was about Father and Grandfather being newspaper men.
00:28:23But this isn't a matter of sentiment, it's business.
00:28:26I have to make a place for myself and the girl I'm going to marry.
00:28:30Would you be happy here, Ross, if you could do that?
00:28:34Well, that's what I've been talking about.
00:28:37All right.
00:28:40The free press is yours to do with as you please.
00:28:44Thanks, Mother.
00:28:46I didn't mean to be brusque, but we just had to have an understanding.
00:28:50Yes, and now we understand each other.
00:28:54Well, I'm going to get to the office now and do a little figuring.
00:29:16Yes?
00:29:17It's Russell calling you, Mr. Shelford.
00:29:19Oh.
00:29:24Hello, dear.
00:29:25Just saw the first edition.
00:29:27Local boy makes good.
00:29:29Congratulations.
00:29:30Thank you, darling.
00:29:31How did your father like it?
00:29:33I'll let him tell you.
00:29:36Well, Russell, it's quite an achievement.
00:29:38I wish you a lot of luck.
00:29:39Stop broadcasting.
00:29:41I called him up for my own special interest.
00:29:44Go away.
00:29:45Go away.
00:29:47Now let's talk about me.
00:29:49You're saving the 18th, aren't you?
00:29:51I'm saving every night.
00:29:52Why the 18th especially?
00:29:54I didn't think you'd forget that.
00:29:56It's the date I expect to announce you're taking me for better or worse.
00:30:00And why not bring your mother up?
00:30:03Well, we'll see.
00:30:06I'm coming up to enroll Eddie in school this evening and I'll drop in and see you.
00:30:11Are you sure you haven't forgotten anything?
00:30:13No, I got everything.
00:30:14You did not. You forgot your gold lashes.
00:30:16Oh, don't wear those things at school anymore.
00:30:18You better take them with you, dear.
00:30:20You treat me like I was a baby.
00:30:22You still like your molasses and gingerbread the same as you did when you were a baby.
00:30:26Want to get pneumonia and cause you more worries.
00:30:29Ain't your brother enough?
00:30:32Why don't you ride up to school with me?
00:30:34No, you go along and pick up Russell at the office.
00:30:36He'll attend to everything.
00:30:37If I went with you, I might weep and disgrace you.
00:30:41Let me know if you need anything.
00:30:45Sure.
00:30:46Feels kind of funny walking out on you like this.
00:30:49It's the first time I've really been away from home.
00:30:55I guess I am still a baby.
00:30:58Yes, you're my baby.
00:31:00And I don't want you ever to grow up.
00:31:02Now, listen.
00:31:03Oh, I didn't expect you to understand it.
00:31:05But I wanted to say it just the same.
00:31:07I don't want you to grow up and get wise and superior and feel that you don't need me.
00:31:13That's what mothers are for.
00:31:15Oh, cut it out.
00:31:17You know you're still my best girl.
00:31:22Well, bye.
00:31:24Bye.
00:31:38The little devil threw these out the window so he wouldn't have to take them.
00:31:43We'll be sending them to him later, Hannah.
00:31:45What's the matter with you lately?
00:31:47All you do is mope around the house and look sad.
00:31:49Why don't you get up somewhere?
00:31:51I will.
00:31:52I'll go and call on some of my friends tomorrow, Hannah.
00:31:56Oh, I thought you were asleep.
00:31:58Feeling any better?
00:32:00Oh, yes, I'm feeling a lot better.
00:32:02Sure.
00:32:03What you been working on?
00:32:05Oh, just a little gadget for a typesetting stick.
00:32:10You always were smart about those things.
00:32:14I'm not.
00:32:15You're not?
00:32:16No, I'm not.
00:32:17You're not?
00:32:18No, I'm not.
00:32:19You're not?
00:32:20No, I'm not.
00:32:21You're not?
00:32:22No, I'm not.
00:32:23You know, one of those things.
00:32:26I never knowed nothing but setting type and running a press.
00:32:33Won't even let me do that now.
00:32:36I guess the parade is past me, too, Zeg.
00:32:40What you going to do with your invention?
00:32:42Oh, nothing.
00:32:43They have machinery for everything now.
00:32:47I just work on it to keep my mind occupied.
00:32:51Can I... can I get you some more hot water?
00:32:57I guess you might.
00:33:10Oh, how's that?
00:33:12He says he's feeling better.
00:33:13Come on in, Eddie.
00:33:17Had to stop by to tell you goodbye.
00:33:19It's awfully nice of you to remember me.
00:33:21To tell you the truth, Zack,
00:33:23there's something I'd like you to do for me.
00:33:25Sure. Anything.
00:33:27I've got some money laid by you.
00:33:29Oh, no, no. Nothing like that.
00:33:31You're the only one who can do this.
00:33:33What is it?
00:33:35Well, Russ is getting Mom to run around.
00:33:37He doesn't seem to have time for any more
00:33:39of what with his high-half newspaper and swell friends.
00:33:42But if he neglects her too much,
00:33:44I wish he'd write and tell me, will you?
00:33:46And I'll be back here plenty fast.
00:33:48Eddie, your Ma wouldn't let anybody...
00:33:50Oh, I know she wouldn't let anybody know.
00:33:52She's too proud. But you'll know.
00:33:55Promise me you'll tip me off.
00:33:57I'm about all she's got now.
00:33:59Don't you worry, Eddie.
00:34:01I'll look after your Ma.
00:34:03Oh, thanks, Zack.
00:34:05Well, I got to be going.
00:34:07Hope you'll be up and kicking right soon, Zack.
00:34:09Thanks, son. I'll be all right.
00:34:13I hope you won't forget that little talk we had.
00:34:16Oh, sure. Well, I know what you mean.
00:34:20Oh, Zack.
00:34:22I left my tennis racket and shoes down at the old office.
00:34:25I didn't have a key.
00:34:27Will you get them for me and send them to me?
00:34:29Sure, I will.
00:34:30Well, so long.
00:34:32Don't let me forget to do that, Ed.
00:34:34Oh, I'll do it for you the first thing in the morning, Zack.
00:34:39You gentlemen don't think I'd back an issue
00:34:42without giving it careful consideration, do you?
00:34:44That fear is that this community has suffered from Oxcart administration long enough.
00:34:48Now, nothing personal, Mr. Travert, but we're going to change all that.
00:34:51We're going to catch up with the bandwagon
00:34:53and be part of a march of progress.
00:34:55But this isn't progress.
00:34:57It's a plot to force added expense on the taxpayer.
00:34:59We've got more water than we know what to do with now.
00:35:02It's plain ground to be dealt out to the contractor and the politician.
00:35:05Oh, no. No, you're mistaken.
00:35:07I know the men who are sponsoring this project
00:35:09and their integrity is beyond question.
00:35:11But your mother fought this for years.
00:35:13Your mother isn't running this newspaper now.
00:35:15I am, and it isn't being run on sentiment.
00:35:17I've noticed that common sense seems to have departed with sentiment.
00:35:20Now, we won't discuss my family affairs.
00:35:22Let's have a definite understanding, Russell.
00:35:25Are you determined to support this water measure
00:35:27against the best interests of your fellow townsmen?
00:35:29I'm convinced I'm right.
00:35:31I wish I'd had an understanding of your attitude
00:35:33before I financed this splurge of new quarters and presses.
00:35:36Now that we understand you,
00:35:38you can do without my advertising in the future.
00:35:40You're making a big mistake, Russell.
00:35:48Miss Hewlett, send back that editorial on Travers and the city council.
00:35:52I have something to add to it.
00:36:10Hello, John. Come in.
00:36:41I was just leaving the bank when I saw you coming in here.
00:36:45I haven't seen much of you lately
00:36:47and thought this would be a good time to have a chat.
00:36:49Sit down.
00:36:53Well, are you going to sue Russell for defamation of character
00:36:57or fight him with you?
00:37:00Oh, I don't mind what he said about me, Cordelia,
00:37:03but he's on the wrong track.
00:37:05If he continues, he'll lose the support of the community
00:37:08and have no newspaper.
00:37:10She's a newspaper.
00:37:12He made that very clear to me.
00:37:14I won't fight him, you know that.
00:37:16I'd rather get out and let the younger fellas run things.
00:37:19Feeling low?
00:37:21I'd like to get away someplace,
00:37:23and I'd like to take you with me.
00:37:26That's the best offer to run away I've ever had, John.
00:37:29All you need to say is yes, and we leave right now.
00:37:33You've always understood me,
00:37:36and I want you to understand me now.
00:37:39There was a time when I thought I could
00:37:42find the end of the rainbow,
00:37:46but I've waited too long.
00:37:49The rainbow's gone.
00:37:51Well, that's nonsense, Cordelia.
00:37:53You've sacrificed yourself long enough.
00:37:55The boys are grown up now and can take care of themselves.
00:37:58Your mother never feels that way.
00:38:01She always hopes that they'll need her,
00:38:03that they'll come running to her
00:38:05as they did when they tore their kites
00:38:07or had splinters in their fingers.
00:38:09And while that feeling persists,
00:38:11I can't run away.
00:38:13Well, you've told me that often enough.
00:38:16I ought to begin understanding it after a while.
00:38:34It's going to be a long winter
00:38:37when the thermometer drops to 30 before Thanksgiving.
00:38:41Yes, I guess I'd better be leaving before the snow falls.
00:38:47Eh, you ain't thinking about leaving, are you?
00:38:50Yes, there's something important that I have to attend to.
00:38:54Well, I'll see you later.
00:38:57Good-bye.
00:39:04Isn't there anything more I can do around here?
00:39:06Don't go, Ed. I need you.
00:39:09I don't expect I'll see the winter out.
00:39:12Oh, Shad, don't be foolish.
00:39:15Why, you're all right.
00:39:18You'll be up soon and around a sticking kite with the best of them.
00:39:22No, I've set my last line, Ed.
00:39:25I don't want you to go away even if I ain't here.
00:39:29It won't be long till you won't have anybody either.
00:39:33You want to be near your family.
00:39:35You'll be wanting them,
00:39:37and you'll be wanting them powerful bad.
00:39:40I want them now, Shad.
00:39:42I want them more than anything in the world.
00:39:44Then don't go away, Ed.
00:39:46You can have this place. It's mine.
00:39:49I've saved some money,
00:39:51and you can start all over again.
00:39:54I've drawn up the paper,
00:39:56and it's with my bank book in the coffee can there in the cupboard.
00:40:08Good evening.
00:40:10Well, howdy, Brother Zachary.
00:40:12Won't you sit down?
00:40:13Well, I just felt it my Christian duty to come by and cheer you up a bit.
00:40:17I wasn't expecting company.
00:40:19How are you feeling?
00:40:20Oh, I'm tolerable.
00:40:22Well, I'm glad to hear that.
00:40:24You better be getting well mighty quick,
00:40:26because they're going to need you down at that newspaper office the way things are going.
00:40:30Oh, I guess Russell can run his paper without any help.
00:40:33Well, I don't know so much about that.
00:40:36Yes, folks, I don't think so.
00:40:38I tell you, there ain't no normal people going to subscribe to newspapers.
00:40:43What's chock full of murders and politics
00:40:46and flying straight in the face of religion.
00:40:49Well, I didn't know that anybody had a copyright on religion.
00:40:53Exactly, I did.
00:40:56I see nothing here to warrant my increasing your credit.
00:41:00I realize the report isn't very favorable,
00:41:03but you must appreciate that I've expanded and it takes money to get started.
00:41:07It didn't warrant it.
00:41:08Your advertising and circulation have dropped off even the last three months.
00:41:12Well, any new venture runs into certain difficulties.
00:41:15Yeah, but you've multiplied yours.
00:41:17Now, I'm not criticizing just for the fun of butting in,
00:41:21but as your banker, I have the privilege of saying a few things.
00:41:24I financed your new deal because I knew your mother had the support of this community
00:41:28and I expected the paper to remain under her guidance.
00:41:30That's a family matter, Mr. Graham.
00:41:32Well, it's too bad it didn't remain so.
00:41:35You've run this new sheet by yourself.
00:41:37You've run to the end of your rope.
00:41:39You've failed.
00:41:41You mean I'm not to expect any more support from you?
00:41:45You still have one solution.
00:41:47What?
00:41:48The old shop is standing idle.
00:41:50Go back to it.
00:41:51Start over again on a semi-weekly basis
00:41:54and win back your townspeople by understanding them.
00:41:57Oh, no. No, I couldn't go back to the old shop.
00:42:00Why, that would mean a victory for everyone who's opposed me.
00:42:03A victory for yourself?
00:42:04Why, I'd be the first one to help you.
00:42:06No, I don't like that solution.
00:42:09Well, the only other one, then, is more credit.
00:42:11And I shall insist on more collateral if you get it from me.
00:42:15Well, give me a little time.
00:42:17I'll figure some way out of this.
00:42:22It's pretty cold here at school,
00:42:24so I guess you'd better send me my long woollen ones
00:42:27and the yoga shoes.
00:42:29If I can get high credits this month,
00:42:31I can leave to come home for your birthday.
00:42:33But maybe you'd better not expect me.
00:42:35Anyhow, I made the football squad.
00:42:38Football?
00:42:39Might get his neck broken.
00:42:41Oh, I'd love to see him in his uniform.
00:42:43Looked the same as all the rest, I expect.
00:42:45If you saw them all together, you wouldn't know which one was your own.
00:42:50Now, who could be that bothering us this time of night?
00:42:58Oh, hello, Annabelle. Come in.
00:43:01Would you give this to Mrs. Tilford?
00:43:03She's been so nice to me. I wanted to do something for her,
00:43:06and I couldn't think of anything else.
00:43:08Thank you, dear. She likes flowers.
00:43:10We haven't had any around here for such a long time.
00:43:13Why, Annabelle, how do you do?
00:43:15How do you do?
00:43:16How nice of you to come and call on me.
00:43:18She brought you this.
00:43:19Oh, auntie, lovely.
00:43:21How's your mother, dear?
00:43:23Just fine, thank you.
00:43:25Have you heard from Eddie lately?
00:43:27Yes. I had a letter to give him.
00:43:29Did he mention me?
00:43:31I was hoping he might.
00:43:33Yes, he did.
00:43:35I was hoping he might.
00:43:37Yes, he did.
00:43:39He said to be sure and give you his best.
00:43:41Poetry, did he?
00:43:43It didn't say nothing like that in it when you read it to me.
00:43:46Oh, that was a private part of the letter just for Miss Annabelle.
00:43:49I couldn't read that to you, Annabelle.
00:43:51I wish you'd tell Eddie when you write that I'm studying hard
00:43:54and I'm going to be somebody.
00:43:56I didn't know how much I liked him, but it's just great.
00:43:59I suppose you're right in telling yourself that.
00:44:02Oh, I'm sorry.
00:44:06May I see you just a minute, mother?
00:44:08Yes, I'll be going.
00:44:10Goodbye, dear. Come sometime if you stay and have a nice visit.
00:44:13All right, I will.
00:44:15Thank you so much for the flowers.
00:44:19What did she want?
00:44:21She stopped in on her way home from school to bring me some flowers.
00:44:25My school was over hours ago.
00:44:27Oh, but in the morning she helps her mother
00:44:29and she's taking a business course at night.
00:44:31I like her very much.
00:44:33Now, dear, how can I help you?
00:44:36Graham is shut down on my credit.
00:44:38I don't think I understand.
00:44:40Well, I haven't much time to explain,
00:44:42but the newspaper hasn't been doing very well lately
00:44:45and Graham and I don't agree about politics,
00:44:47so I'm afraid I'll have to ask you for a little help.
00:44:51All right, dear, I'd be glad to help you.
00:44:53I'll see Graham in the morning.
00:44:55Oh, no, no, I don't want you to do that.
00:44:57Then he'd know that he'd beaten me and that you were fighting my battles for me.
00:45:00Well, what can I do?
00:45:02I want you to endorse these papers.
00:45:04But, dear, my endorsement isn't any good.
00:45:07You see, you own this house
00:45:09and Graham is willing to accept that as collateral.
00:45:12I wonder if you realize what you're saying.
00:45:15Well, it'd only be temporary.
00:45:17Of course, if you won't stand by me, all right.
00:45:19I don't want to argue with you.
00:45:21This is all I've got.
00:45:23It's the security I struggled for when you and Eddie were children.
00:45:26It's my accomplishment, my pride.
00:45:29Well, what about my pride?
00:45:31Do you want to see me humbled in front of everyone in this town?
00:45:34You know what it'd mean if I failed.
00:45:36I just couldn't go on living here, that's all.
00:45:38No one will blame you for failing.
00:45:40If you're man enough to start again,
00:45:42you could go back to the little shop.
00:45:44No, thanks.
00:45:46I'm looking forward to a better future
00:45:48than working for my bread and butter in that crow's nest.
00:45:51How bad is it, Russell?
00:45:54We'll have to suspend publication.
00:45:57You know, you can't run a paper without money.
00:46:00I did at times.
00:46:02For 12 years, the free press never missed a mission.
00:46:05Well, you'll see its obituary on the front page tomorrow.
00:46:08That is, unless you're willing to help.
00:46:18What do you want me to sign?
00:46:30I don't know.
00:46:51Anybody know what kind of iron is used to make sausage?
00:46:54That answer wasn't in the book I studied.
00:46:57You might get mangled in the rush.
00:46:59Oh, and say, Benny wants to know
00:47:01what kind of iron you put in sausages.
00:47:03Any of you know?
00:47:05Pig iron.
00:47:07Oh, come on, you'll get a medal for that.
00:47:15You'll love me?
00:47:17With all the answers, including yes.
00:47:20It's too bad your mother didn't come over
00:47:22so she could hear Dad broadcast arbitrago.
00:47:25Any mother wants to know what sort of a siren is taking her boy?
00:47:28I know I shall.
00:47:29You see, Mother doesn't like parties very much.
00:47:31She's rather quiet.
00:47:32Well, then I'll go and visit her.
00:47:34I want her to tell me what a little brat you are,
00:47:36so I'll be prepared.
00:47:37Oh, now look here, Diane.
00:47:38Oh, I won't smoke or use slang.
00:47:40I want her to like me.
00:47:41Oh, Mother doesn't mind smoking or using slang.
00:47:43She's very modern.
00:47:44Well, then you should have brought her.
00:47:46Maybe she can teach me some new stuff.
00:47:48What's that doing alongside of Russell's place?
00:47:50It's a gift for him.
00:47:51What are you giving him as a present for on your birthday?
00:47:54Fair exchange, Hannah.
00:47:56Well, I guess he ain't going to give you one,
00:47:58or he'd be here by now.
00:47:59Have you called the police?
00:48:01No.
00:48:02Of course not.
00:48:03Fix up a nice party for him and he forgets all about it.
00:48:05Oh, no.
00:48:06He's been detained on something important somewhere.
00:48:08I'll set the spoils now.
00:48:12That ain't him.
00:48:13He always uses his key.
00:48:25It's that same old tramp that was here once before.
00:48:27He wants to see you.
00:48:36I'm sorry to bother you, Peter,
00:48:38but there's something I have to tell you.
00:48:41What is it, Ed?
00:48:43Zack just died an hour ago.
00:48:45Poor Zack.
00:48:48He was such a nice man.
00:48:50Yes, he was.
00:48:52I did everything I could.
00:48:54Would you mind taking care of the rest of the arrangements?
00:48:58Why, if you'd wish it could be me?
00:49:00Certainly.
00:49:01I know.
00:49:02He'd have liked that.
00:49:04I hope you don't mind if I...
00:49:06if I wish you a happy birthday.
00:49:10Good night.
00:49:13Ed.
00:49:14Yes?
00:49:17Would you like to stay and have dinner with me?
00:49:20Why, yes, if it would be quite all right.
00:49:24Of course it would be all right.
00:49:26Take off your coat.
00:49:31Hannah, you serve dinner now.
00:49:34You gonna eat alone?
00:49:35No, serve for two.
00:49:51You sit there in Russell's place.
00:49:54It's mighty sweet of you to do this.
00:49:57They're all together now, Dad.
00:50:21You might as well say a little speech and get it over with.
00:50:24Not now.
00:50:27You better do it now.
00:50:28Tighten up your courage.
00:50:32Quiet, you morons.
00:50:33Dad's gonna sing my swan song.
00:50:36Come here, Diana.
00:50:37You too, Russell.
00:50:43My dear friends.
00:50:45This responsibility has been thrust on my aging shoulders.
00:50:49I didn't know how many candles to put on the cake.
00:50:52I thought you wouldn't want people to know your real age.
00:50:55The cake wouldn't be large enough for all the candles.
00:50:58We'll just use three.
00:51:02Now, who's that?
00:51:04One for Russell.
00:51:06One for Eddie.
00:51:08And one for me.
00:51:10Well, hello there.
00:51:13How are you, old hands and feet?
00:51:14Where's Mom?
00:51:15She's in there.
00:51:17Hey, Mom.
00:51:20Mama, it's your birthday.
00:51:22How did you get here?
00:51:24It's a secret.
00:51:25I'm supposed to be in bed at school.
00:51:27You didn't run away.
00:51:28Sure, I'm playing hooky.
00:51:30The other fellows will take care of that.
00:51:31One of them let me spliver and I drove it here in three hours.
00:51:34Oh, you shouldn't have left like that.
00:51:35Oh, it's all right.
00:51:37I can get back and sneak up the fire escape before Reveille.
00:51:40No one will be the wiser except you and me.
00:51:42Had dinner yet?
00:51:43You must be hungry as a bear.
00:51:45Hannah, put the food on again.
00:51:46Take off your coat.
00:51:47Where's Russell?
00:51:49Oh, he detained on business.
00:51:51He couldn't get here tonight.
00:51:54Leave you here alone on your birthday?
00:51:58He couldn't help it.
00:52:00You might expect from a washout like him.
00:52:08Oh, this is...
00:52:09Oh, I know him.
00:52:11Hiya, stranger.
00:52:12Fine, thanks.
00:52:13Not necessary to ask how you are.
00:52:15I'm fit as a fiddle and ready for groceries.
00:52:17I just dropped in to deliver a message to your mother about Zack.
00:52:20Oh, we'll tell him later.
00:52:23Thanks, sweetheart.
00:52:24Say, bring on the rest of the grub.
00:52:26The army's hungry.
00:52:27Landy, gosh, I didn't want to think you were the general.
00:52:31Well, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll be getting along.
00:52:33Sit down.
00:52:34Have some of mom's birthday cake.
00:52:36Yes, draw up a chair.
00:52:39My, but you're getting grown up.
00:52:42Seems to me that school's good for you.
00:52:45Mom, it's swell.
00:52:48Why don't you light the little bitty candles?
00:52:50I like to see them burn.
00:52:54I don't think you ever told me your name, stranger.
00:52:58It's the same as yours.
00:53:00Ed?
00:53:02Well, what do you know about that?
00:53:04Maybe somebody named you after me.
00:53:08Well, it's a good name, anyhow.
00:53:10When do you have to get back to school?
00:53:13I can't stay long.
00:53:15I've got to be back to the dormitory before daylight.
00:53:17But you should have some rest.
00:53:18Now, don't you worry about me.
00:53:20This is your birthday.
00:53:21Now, go on.
00:53:22Let me see you blow out all those candles at once.
00:53:24All right.
00:53:26Hey, wait a minute.
00:53:27Gotta make a wish first.
00:53:28Oh.
00:53:29Now, wish for something you want most.
00:53:34Good God!
00:53:35What'd you wish for?
00:53:36Oh, I can't tell you.
00:53:37It might not come true.
00:53:39I'll tell you my second best wish.
00:53:41What's that?
00:53:42That I might always have my family with me on my birthday.
00:53:47I'll have to see what I can do about that.
00:53:50Hey, there.
00:53:51Hey.
00:53:54Oh, there.
00:53:55If you don't mind, I think I'll run off to bed.
00:53:59I don't seem to be able to stay up as late as you youngsters.
00:54:03Good night, Mr. Winthrop.
00:54:04It's been a wonderful party and a very happy time for me.
00:54:06Good night, my boy.
00:54:08Good night, Dad.
00:54:09Good night, dear.
00:54:10Pardon me, sir.
00:54:11There's someone here to see you, Mr. Tilton.
00:54:13See me?
00:54:14Yes, sir.
00:54:15Excuse me, dear, while I see who it is.
00:54:22What in the world have you come here for?
00:54:24I stayed outside for two hours waiting for you to come out.
00:54:27I couldn't wait any longer.
00:54:28I've got to get back to school.
00:54:29Why was it necessary to see me at all?
00:54:31I don't know.
00:54:32I just wanted to see you.
00:54:33I'm sorry.
00:54:34I'm sorry.
00:54:35I'm sorry.
00:54:36I'm sorry.
00:54:37I'm sorry.
00:54:38I'm sorry.
00:54:39Why was it necessary to see me at all?
00:54:41Because I've got some things I'd like to say to you.
00:54:43This is hardly the place nor the time to start any heroics.
00:54:46It's all you seem to care about, about your fun.
00:54:48You never think of anybody else.
00:54:50Whatever you have on your mind, you'd better say it and get it over with.
00:54:53I'm only sorry your friends aren't here to hear what I've got to say.
00:54:56I'd like to tell them what a swell fellow you are,
00:54:59and how you sneaked out and left Mom alone tonight.
00:55:02I'd like to tell them how she waited, expecting you to show up for her birthday dinner.
00:55:06I don't think my friends would be interested in our family affairs.
00:55:09Now, the best thing for you to do is to get out of here before you disgrace us both.
00:55:12You're ashamed of us.
00:55:13I know that.
00:55:14You're ashamed to have the meat-mother in me
00:55:16because they might find out what a big fore-flusher you are.
00:55:19They might find out the mother gave you all she had
00:55:21and what a mess you've made of it,
00:55:23and how unappreciative you are,
00:55:25and how rotten you've been treating her.
00:55:27Get out of here.
00:55:28You're afraid they'd find out what kind of a guy you are.
00:55:31Might spoil your chances to marry a rich girl.
00:55:34But don't worry, we don't need you.
00:55:36I can take care of Mother, and I don't want any part of you.
00:55:39I'm ashamed to call you my brother.
00:55:42You're a cheat, and a quitter, and you're yellow.
00:55:50Do it again if you like,
00:55:52because it's the last chance you'll ever get.
00:55:55You sent me away to learn discipline.
00:55:57Well, I've learned it.
00:55:59And I've learned to be too much of a gentleman to start a fight in your friend's house.
00:56:02Come on, get out of here.
00:56:03We'll talk about our affairs later.
00:56:04You don't have to shove me out.
00:56:06I'll go.
00:56:08But if you cause Mother one more little heartache or trouble,
00:56:11I'll be back and I'll take it out of your hide.
00:56:13Oh, she won't tell me either.
00:56:15She's too square a shooter for that.
00:56:17But I'll find out.
00:56:19I hope you haven't been listening to that kid's hysterics.
00:56:36Is it true, Russ, that this is your mother's birthday?
00:56:38Yes, it is.
00:56:41But I can explain, Anna.
00:56:43I didn't ask for an explanation.
00:56:44I don't want one.
00:56:46I'll have another party tomorrow and call the engagement off.
00:56:53Surely you don't believe what that kid said about my wanting you because of your family position.
00:56:57I wasn't thinking of my family.
00:56:59I'm thinking of yours.
00:57:01And a man who hasn't any affection for his mother certainly doesn't know what love means.
00:57:05No, Russ.
00:57:06I'll look for a man first.
00:57:07And then I'll look for a husband.
00:57:10Diana, you can't doubt that I love you.
00:57:13Yes, I can.
00:57:15I can hardly remember my mother, Russ.
00:57:17And I've been looking forward to knowing yours.
00:57:19And I will know her.
00:57:21I'll go and see her myself and apologize for the heartaches I've caused her.
00:57:24Good night.
00:57:38Well, it just serves him right.
00:57:40But I am sorry for his mother.
00:57:43Yes.
00:57:56What do you mean knocking like that on the door?
00:57:58There's a bell on the house.
00:58:00What do you want?
00:58:01Well, I had to put that notice up.
00:58:03What do you mean tacking up your old advertisements on the front door?
00:58:06Hey, you can't do that.
00:58:08I've got a heap more important things to do than stand here listening to you.
00:58:10Get out of here.
00:58:11Get out of here.
00:58:12Go on, get.
00:58:18I suppose it'll be accepted as legal.
00:58:20It looks all right to me.
00:58:22What else do you want to do?
00:58:23Well, is there enough there to lift the paper on the old print shop and on Mrs. Tilford's home?
00:58:30Well, there isn't much against the old shop.
00:58:32Yes, it'll take care of that.
00:58:34But it won't clear the home.
00:58:37Well, as in hopes it would.
00:58:41Could you apply what there is left on the home and give me an extension or something?
00:58:46Yes, I guess I could arrange to do that, all right.
00:58:49Glad to, but good idea.
00:58:50That's fine.
00:58:52Of course, you know this is strictly confidential.
00:58:55No one will know.
00:58:56I'll handle it personally.
00:58:57What are you going to do with the old shop?
00:59:00Well, I haven't quite made up my mind yet.
00:59:14Well, here we are.
00:59:16What did you want?
00:59:17Well, I wanted to know if you were going to continue issuing the free press.
00:59:21What has that to do with you?
00:59:23Well, I had to know before I made my plans.
00:59:27I don't see what good it would do to try and carry on.
00:59:30The easiest thing to do would be just to drop it.
00:59:33That's the coward's way.
00:59:35It seems a pity to throw away what it took your mother 12 years to build up.
00:59:40What do you think, Mrs. Tilford?
00:59:42Well, the paper hasn't missed an issue in 12, nearly 13 years.
00:59:47Have you thought what that means?
00:59:49The work and the worry and the sacrifice it took to establish that record?
00:59:54Now, here's a chance to show what you are made of.
00:59:57You can either take off your coat and pitch in and get out an issue of the paper if it's only one page,
01:00:02or you can take the easiest way and slide out
01:00:05and have the people say you're no good and a disgrace to your mother.
01:00:10I don't care what the people around here think of me,
01:00:12and I don't intend to stay here and be snubbed by them.
01:00:14You're the same people your mother dealt with before you took over the paper.
01:00:17The sooner I forget about them, the more satisfied I'll be.
01:00:20If you quit now, you're going to be sorry the rest of your life.
01:00:23It takes courage to face obstacles.
01:00:25What right have you to lecture me?
01:00:27Me? I'd like you to listen to me just the same.
01:00:31It's your battle, boy, and you can win it if you try.
01:00:33I know you can, because you have printer's ink in your blood.
01:00:36It's all over you. You can't wash it off.
01:00:38You're raving like a Sunday school teacher. You don't know what you're talking about.
01:00:41Oh, yes, I do.
01:00:43And I'm going to find out just how much of a man you are.
01:00:49I was setting type in our little shop.
01:00:52Your mother's and mine.
01:00:56The night that you were born.
01:00:59She didn't whine and cry because I couldn't be with her.
01:01:03No.
01:01:04She knew how important it was to get that paper out on time to keep the record clean.
01:01:10She was the brave one.
01:01:11You have to know this, Russell.
01:01:14You have to know the truth.
01:01:17So you could see what taking the easier way out did for me.
01:01:22I had everything to work for.
01:01:25I didn't appreciate.
01:01:28And I didn't want to see that weakness coming out in my own son.
01:01:41What do you want me to do?
01:01:42Get out the paper.
01:01:44I don't know how to start.
01:01:46I'll set up the headers and you get out the copy.
01:01:48I'd rather you'd get out the copy, Mother.
01:01:51Isn't there something else I can do?
01:01:53Yes.
01:01:54Clean and grease that old press.
01:01:55And dig out every old advertising cut you can find in the place.
01:01:59The neighbors are going to get some free coffee.
01:02:01Now, come on, let's get busy.
01:02:09I want to see Mrs. Tilson.
01:02:11She ain't here.
01:02:12She and Russell went down to the shop.
01:02:14Where is the shop?
01:02:15Anybody can tell you.
01:02:16It's right across from the bank on the main street.
01:02:19I'll go down there.
01:02:20You ain't a bill collector, are you?
01:02:21No, I'm not.
01:02:31Hello, Russell.
01:02:32How are you coming?
01:02:33All right.
01:02:34You better check on me, though.
01:02:35Yeah.
01:02:36Say, can that liner type man that worked for you stick tight?
01:02:39I think so.
01:02:40He's an old timer.
01:02:41Well, you better look him up.
01:02:42We're liable to need help.
01:02:43All right.
01:02:44I'll go get him.
01:02:45He's down at the hotel.
01:02:46Atta boy.
01:02:49Hurry up.
01:02:54Yes, Mrs. Tobin?
01:02:55Mrs. Tobin, she's the wife of the drag goods man.
01:03:00What, again?
01:03:02Twins?
01:03:05A boy and a girl.
01:03:06Fine.
01:03:08Well, tell her for me if you hear anything else.
01:03:10Goodbye.
01:03:12You're Mrs. Tilford, aren't you?
01:03:14Yes.
01:03:15I'm Diana Winter.
01:03:17How do you do?
01:03:18Won't you come in?
01:03:20Sorry, we've never met before.
01:03:22I'm so glad to see you.
01:03:24I've wanted to see you, too.
01:03:25There's something I want to talk to you about.
01:03:27I think I understand.
01:03:29If Russell's been inattentive lately, you must forgive him.
01:03:32He's been having difficulty with the paper, and he's been awfully worried.
01:03:35He'll be back in a minute.
01:03:37We're trying hard to get the next issue out on time.
01:03:40Is Russell working here in the shop with you?
01:03:42Oh, yes.
01:03:44Gee, that's swell.
01:03:46We shan't be through until late, but we'd be so glad if you'd stay and have supper with us.
01:03:50I'd love to.
01:03:52If I ever get over the shock of Russell really working.
01:03:56Come right over here and take your coat off.
01:04:02Grab yourself a stick and come over here and I'll give you some coffee.
01:04:06Russ.
01:04:14Don't you use soap and water in the newspaper business?
01:04:17I don't know. I'm just a beginner.
01:04:21Well, why don't you say something?
01:04:24I don't know what to say.
01:04:26You big ninny.
01:04:27I forgot to get all greasy.
01:04:28Shut up. It's my dress.
01:04:30It was nice of you to bring these flowers.
01:04:33Although it makes more work for me.
01:04:36Can't complain, though.
01:04:38It's just a bit of work, you know.
01:04:40I suppose there is something I would like to get some work done on.
01:04:43Oh, I don't know.
01:04:45I'm just a newbie.
01:04:47Oh, isn't that the thing?
01:04:49You're a newbie.
01:04:51I'm a newbie.
01:04:52You're a newbie.
01:04:53You're a newbie.
01:04:54You're a newbie.
01:04:55I'm a newbie.
01:04:56I'm a newbie.
01:04:57Can't complain though. Ain't been no one under my feet to bother lately.
01:05:02I haven't seen much of Russell myself in the last two weeks.
01:05:05No? He and Cordelia spend all their time at the office now.
01:05:10After you marry him, maybe you'll wish you didn't have to see him any oftener than once every two weeks.
01:05:16Men and folks can cause you a lot of worry.
01:05:19He may not always have to work so hard.
01:05:22Well, I ain't got time to stay here and entertain you. I've got to cook shortbread for supper.
01:05:26Well, can I go with you?
01:05:28You don't know what you'd want to be sitting around the kitchen for.
01:05:30I may want to know something about cooking some day.
01:05:33All right, come along.
01:05:35I guess I'll be on my way again.
01:05:38I don't want you going trapping around again, Ed.
01:05:42Then I'd only be in the way.
01:05:45There's plenty of things around here you could do.
01:05:48Eddie has three years more of school and Russell's been offered a position by Mr. Winthrop.
01:05:55Well, don't let him take it, Cordelia.
01:05:57Russell would be better off sticking around here for a year.
01:06:01If I'm not around, perhaps he'd realize what he owes you.
01:06:09Wait a minute, Eddie won't speak to me.
01:06:15Hello? Oh, yes!
01:06:18I did call you, Annabelle.
01:06:20I've had a letter from Eddie.
01:06:22He's coming home tomorrow for the holidays, and I want you to come over for dinner.
01:06:29I'm just as thrilled as you are.
01:06:32Why don't you come to the train with me?
01:06:34All right, I'll call for you.
01:06:36And I want you to help me plan a party that he will remember the rest of his terms.
01:06:41No, dear, no.
01:06:43Hannah's been fixing things ever since she heard he was coming home.
01:06:47Yes.
01:06:49Thank you, dear. Oh, I shall be so happy to have my little family together again.
01:06:55Yes.
01:06:57Goodbye.