Woman Between,The (1931)

[bunniefuu]

- Helen, Helen, oh, the most wonderful thing.
- Doris Whitcomb, well.

Oh, say. You mind if I turn this off?

I've never been so excited in my life.

- What on earth has happened?
- It's Victor. He's come back.

Victor? Your brother?

First word we've had from him
in all these years.

Oh, Doris. Isn't it thrilling?
Have you seen him?

No, he telephoned me at the house
at four o'clock.

He just got in from Europe. And oh,
he wanted to know if father...

Is your father still angry with him?

Well, I'm not sure. You know...

Victor ran away from Oxford
when dad married Julie.

He was so furious, he said he'd never come
home with anyone here in mother's place.

And we haven't heard from him since
until he telephoned today.

And he never even saw your father's wife?

- No...
- Have you told your father he's back?

Oh, I couldn't reach him.
But I left word for him to phone me.

Will you please hurry and get dressed?
What for?

Oh, I want you to look your grandest
tonight at dinner with Victor.

Oh, I haven't a thing to put on tonight.

Oh, you poor darling.

Well, we'll pick up
a couple of models at Julie's.

Are you sure you don't mind going there?

No, darn it. I've tried everybody else and...

Well Julie's shop
is still the smartest thing in town.

Darling, come here a moment.

Look at this part back here.
Don't you love that?

- Go right up to Mrs. loans, quickly.
- All right.

She's one of our advanced models.

- Hurry up dear.
- All right.

- Are you sure, then?
- I ain't seen your father.

- If Mister...
- All right, thank you.

- Evelyn.
- Hello, Doris.

- It's nice to see you.
- It's nice to see you.

- My dear, oh, congratulations.
- Oh, thanks.

Mrs. black. Did my father telephone here?

No Miss Doris. How do you do Miss Weston?

I've got some great news for him, Blacky.

- And we want two dinner gowns, quick.
- Yes.

The smartest you have, for tonight.

It's mighty important, so show us some speed.

But if you could wait a little...

I know madame Julie would like
to select something for you herself.

Well, I've been selecting
my own gowns for years.

Oh, yes, of course.

Well, if you'll just go in the fitting
room, I'll have some models sent right in.

Evelyn...

Isn't that Doris Whitcomb?

Yes and the row she raised
when her father married madame Julie.

I'll let you know if your father telephones.

He possibly went down to meet the boat.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Every time Julie comes back
I get hot all over again.

While she's away I can almost
forget she's married to father.

Well, at least you have a vacation
twice a year when she's in Paris.

I can't understand Whitcomb with all
his money, letting Julie run this shop.

My dear Julie was a Paris mannequin.

And, of course, everyone thought
she was marrying Whitcomb for his money.

This shop is her answer.

It makes her absolutely independent of him.

Madame is here?

- Yes and she's coming right up.
- Splendid.

- What's the matter, Doris?
- Oh, I don't want Julie at dinner tonight.

But she's been abroad a whole month.

Well, she can at least give us
a chance to see Victor without...

Well, I can't talk about it now, Helen.
I've got to hurry.

Look at that Charlie.

Doggone, that's cute.

For your little girl. She can play with it
when she's in the bathtub.

- Oh, thank you. Thank you.
- And you know, it swims on the water too.

Thanks, thanks.

- Oh, yes.
- Welcome home madame Julie.

- Mrs. black.
- Madame Julie.

Oh, I'm glad to see you.

Nice to see you.

- Very, very well. And you?
- Oh, I'm all right.

- But...
- Those customs, they are terrible.

They must see everything,
even what I'm wearing underneath.

But thank goodness,
this time the inspector is a woman.

Bon.

Doris, how nice of you to come to see me.

- And miss Weston.
- Glad to see you.

How is your father?

He's fine, thank you. Ah?

I did not see him at the pier,
but I cabled him not to bother.

Father is on his way here now.

No, really?

Everybody go home.
No more work today, go home, girls.

But madame, before they all go Miss Doris
and miss Helen want some gowns for tonight.

- Gowns for tonight?
- Something especially enticing.

- Eh?
- Enticing.

- Oh. Oh...
- I've got mine.

Well, I will take care of that.

Something enticing. Let me see.

I suppose you'll have
so much to attend to here...

you won't be able to get home
to dinner tonight.

Of course I have things to do here, but I...

You see,
I have some special plans for tonight.

I understand.

How about this one? Go there, turn around.

Oh, no. No.

That will not do at all.

It goes wrong with your personality.

I knew something was wrong with it.

Tell me, for what do you want a gown?

I want to look very pretty.

It's going to be very hard for you to do.

Well, really, I...

I want Helen to meet somebody tonight,
and I want that somebody to like her.

A man. Of course.

- Now I understand.
- Oh...

But I don't want to look
like a temptress or something.

Oh, no.

Let me see...

I have just the thing.

Oh, it will be adorable on you.

Oh, thank you.

And you know that gowns are supposed to do...

Well, just that to a man.

Just what?

Just that and don't forget, perfume.

It is very important. Orchid.

You shall see.

Isn't she marvelous?

I think she's vulgar.

Oh, Doris...

Have you any orchid perfume at home?

- Yes, darn it.
- Oh, I'll go and change.

- Well, I'll wait for you out here.
- Ok, bye.

Oh, Doris.

Oh, hello, daddy. Isn't it wonderful?

- Now, tell me all about it.
- Well, he asked for you first.

And then he recognized my voice
and said, is this my little sister Doris?

Oh, I can't tell you how I felt.

I can scarcely believe it.

Victor. Come home at last.

- You will see him?
- Oh, yes, yes.

Well, I've arranged a little dinner,
just the Westons.

Oh...

Wouldn't it be better to, to meet him alone?

I thought it would be easier for you
if there were others.

Perhaps you're right.

You're sure he wants to see me?

Oh darling.

The first thing he asked was
if you would want to see him.

Impulsive boy, running away,
just because I decided to marry again.

Well, now, daddy. In a way,
there was an excuse for Victor.

Well, he was so devoted to mother.

Well, they were inseparable.

And naturally, the thought of anyone else...

Oh, but...

He must love you or he wouldn't come back.

Oh Mr.Whitcomb.

- I'm just thrilled, aren't you?
- Oh, yes, yes.

I'll, I'll wait for Julie.

But she's here. Here?

In her office.

Oh...

Dinner is at 7:30.

I'll be on time.

Blacky, you have no idea
what they're wearing this season.

They're wearing muffs and sleeves and
long gloves, just like my great-grandmother.

- Julie.
- John. How nice of you to come here.

Oh, I brought you the most
beautiful cravat from Charvet.

- Just the kind you like.
- Oh, thank you dear, for thinking of me.

Well, I got your cable telling me
not to meet you at the pier.

I know you are so busy,
I don't like to disturb you.

I went to the boat anyway.

And when I got to your cabin,
you'd already left.

I'm sorry I missed you.

By the way, the steward told me
to give you this cigarette case.

You left it in your cabin.

But...

This is not mine.

- This is a man's case.
- Yes, I see it is.

He picked it up while I was there,
as a matter of fact.

That's probably why
he felt obliged to mention it.

Oh, those stewards are stupid John.

And I don't think it's very good, eh?

- No.
- No. Not worth to try to return it.

- Oh, no. No.
- No, no.

I suppose it's useless
my asking you again to give up all this?

All this? What do you mean?

This running around.

Paris and back, London and back.

Oh...

And what should I do
if I give up my business?

Well, you have a home.

No, but I need my business to...

Keep my peace of mind John.

Can't I give you enough to make you happy?

But dear, with this I don't need your money.

And the people who knew your first wife
and do not like me as Mrs. Whitcomb...

they find me very important as madame Julie.

Well, let's hurry home.

We're going home to dinner.

Something...

Something, most surprising is happened.

No John. Doris has her plans.
I don't want to intrude.

- Nonsense, I know all about the plans.
- Do you?

Yes, I do.

My son Victor, is coming home tonight.

- Victor?
- Yes, Victor.

So you see, it's most important
that you should be there.

Oh no, no, I think Doris is right.

I always felt so sorry for your boy.

How anyone could hate me
as much as he does without...

Ever seeing me.

Oh, nonsense, he doesn't hate you.

He can't when he knows you.

Oh, come dear.

I'm worried myself about meeting him
after all these years.

And I want you to be there so...

So he'll understand from the first
your position in the household.

You'll come.

Well, if you wish.

That's right. Come on.

No, I must stay here for a few minutes
with Mrs. black.

I have some business to talk with her.

- Oh.
- But I won't be long.

You'll hurry home soon?

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye darling.

Oh, la, la, la, la.

Hello?

Yes.

Paul.

No, but I told you,
you, you shouldn't call me.

Where you are? Across the street?

Oh no, no, Paul please.

No.

Paul? Paul?

Paul.

Julie.

- Oh, you promised.
- A bad promise is better broken than kept.

But...

You promised that...

You wouldn't try to see me again.

But I didn't try. It was no effort.

- Oh...
- Julie.

You see, my taxi happened
to follow yours from the pier.

And then, after I'd registered
in my hotel, I took a walk and...

Strangely enough, my feet
bore me exactly in this direction.

Well?

- Oh, well...
- Oh Julie.

You see, I've been walking all around
the street, a stranger in a strange land.

Oh, it's good to find an old friend.

An old friend, eh?

Twenty-four hours,
that can be a very long time.

Funny, eh? How little we,
we know of each other.

I know all I need to know of you.

And besides,
what difference does it make who we are?

Oh, a great deal.

For all you know...

Maybe I'll not be free to listen to you.

Yes, I'd even thought of that.

But...

There's always a way to free oneself
when the thing is right.

I learned that in the African jungles...

where they know nothing about
our so-called civilized customs.

No, no. But there is one custom.

You must've guessed.

I am married.

- And you don't love your husband.
- Oh...

I know Julie.

Your first kiss, last night, told me that.

You can't go on living
with a man you don't love.

- Julie...
- Oh, but I...

Nothing can keep us apart.

No...

- Paul...
- Yes?

You are very careless
where you leave your cigarette case.

Oh, gee, I thought I'd lost it.

I thought I'd lost...

You.

Never Julie.

- Oh, no Paul. No Paul please.
- Never.

Go, go.

Yeah, but, but Julie.

- No please, go Paul.
- Oh Julie.

I shall see you again. When?

- Julie...
- Oh, go.

I'll see you again.

I'm sorry about this extra place sir,

but miss Doris distinctly said
there would be seven to dinner.

And Mr. Whitcomb, when he arrived,
made it very clear there'd be eight.

And I suppose when Mrs. Whitcomb
gets here, there'll be other orders.

Mrs. Whitcomb arrived ten minutes ago.

And has gone to her room.

One never knows what to expect in this house.

Now listen here, when you've
been here a little while longer...

you'll understand it's your business to...

To mind your own business
and not discuss family affairs.

Yes sir.

Mr. Whitcomb has changed a good deal
since he married his second wife.

It don't surprise me at all.

It takes a woman to do
a bit of changing to any man.

How many times have I told you
not to discuss family matters?

Yes sir.

Oh, any sign of my brother?

Not yet Miss Doris.

You can depend upon me
to let you know as soon as he arrives.

Thanks.

- No?
- No.

Oh, he's sure to be here soon.

- Doris, like it?
- Well, turn around.

It's sweet.

I hope he thinks so.

Can you smell the orchid perfume?

Well, faintly.

Well, naturally,
I don't want to asphyxiate him.

I wonder what he looks like.

Well, everybody used to say
that he looked like mother.

- Oh?
- Now what's the matter?

What if he's married already?

Well, then he's married, that's all.

- Doris...
- Oh, Helen, it isn't you, it's Julie.

She got around father some way.

The idea of her being here
tonight of all nights.

Every time I want the house to myself,
she has to come snooping around.

Well, Victor will show her that she can...

- Not here?
- Oh, don't frown, precious.

I'm as nervous as...

I never realized how much I wanted my boy.

Oh, daddy...

It's wonderful to know he's coming back.

Oh, yes.

I, I think I'll...

- I'll wait for him in the library.
- Why?

Well, under the circumstances,
it's proper that he should come to me.

Oh, daddy, you do love being a father.

- There...
- Oh, that must be Victor.

Don't forget...

Send him to me, in the library.

I will, daddy.

- Oh, it's only mother and father.
- Oh...

- Hello dears.
- I told you we were too early Frederick.

- Where's your father?
- In here, waiting in solitary dignity.

Oh...

And suppose we clear out
and wait till Victor arrives.

Quite right, hurry.

- Yes, but, my dear, I...
- Please Frederick, wait outside.

Of course dear. Just as you say.

- Just as you say...
- Come here, come.

- But, mother...
- On the terrace dear.

Where did you get that awful frock?

- But, mother, I...
- It's atrocious.

I'll talk to you about that later.

- But, mother...
- Outside dear.

Please do as mother asks you.

Is she here?

When I think of the times
your mother, in this very room...

And Victor was just a little boy.

Life is like that.

- That's probably Victor, now.
- Yeah.

Well, I'll go.

I wanted to be in there when Victor came.

Yes and your mother didn't
want it and that's why you're here.

Well, Barton, old fellow.

There we are, safe and sound.

How do you do sir?

Oh, I'm so happy that you're home again.

Yes, but you don't look a day older.

Well, how do you manage?

Victor. How you've changed, master Victor.

Why, I would hardly have known you if I...

Master Victor, eh? Well...

That makes me feel like a little boy again.

Pardon me sir, but miss Doris
is so anxious to see you.

Yeah, where is she?

- Doris...
- Oh, Victor.

Oh Dory.

- Well you...
- What's the matter with me?

Yes, but you're all grown-up.

Oh, what did you expect?

- And to think I used to call you waddles.
- Waddles?

When you were a little fellow
you used to walk with just a tiny waddle.

Oh, Victor...

You never even wrote one word
to say you were alive or anything.

Yes, I know. I know.

But I'm here now, anyway, eh?

And you'll never go away again?

- How's father?
- Happy as a kitten.

He's so thrilled at your being here.

But you know, he can't resist
being the stern parent.

Well, I don't blame him.

- Waiting for you in the library, now.
- Oh...

And is his wife with him?

She's in her room, mother's room.

Oh, I hoped she wouldn't be here tonight,
but father wanted her and...

Well, after all, Doris,
it was father's right to marry again.

We had no right to dictate it.
Why shouldn't she be here?

You've changed? Like that?

Well, I've learned a little
about the world since I've been away.

We must try to understand
their side of it too.

We're not children any longer.

Well...

The Westons are here, Victor.

I'll tell them that you've arrived.

You better go on in and see father.

Well, come with me.

No, no. I think
you'd better see him alone, first.

Then I'll come.

Hello, dad.

Well, I...

Well...

Well, I...

I guess I'm still pretty old-fashioned
about being a father.

Well, it's been pretty long, hasn't it?

Gee, you're looking fine, dad.

How do you do it? How do you keep fit?

Well...

Well, we have to keep up
with you young fellas, you know.

I know.

Well, I think they've been alone
just long enough.

- Come Frederick.
- Oh, but really, I...

- Go on in.
- Yes, but, my dear...

Go right in Frederick. Go on.

Helen, come. Come dear. Come quickly, come.

Come on, Helen.

Well, well, well.

So, the prodigal is returned, eh?

- Hello, glad to see you.
- Victor, glad to see you back.

- Victor.
- Hello Mrs. Weston.

You still have your dear mother's eyes.

Helen. Helen dear, come quickly. Come.

You remember little Helen?

Well, but...

I feel as if I've been away a century.

Oh...

Do I look 100 years old?

No.

You look beautiful.

Oh, thank you.

Tell me, can you still turn a cartwheel?

- I certainly can.
- Helen...

- Well, I can.
- I'll bet.

Oh, these modern girls.

- Well, daddy, here we are.
- Yes, here we are.

At last.

I left it rather abruptly.

Don't think we better mention that, Victor.

Tell us about Africa.

You really were exploring in the jungle,
weren't you?

Oh, yes.

My, you might have been k*lled
by the hippopotami.

Just missed.

We saw many. We bought them.

Yes, it wasn't...

You brought them with you, Victor?

I don't think I should like Africa.

Did you catch any baboons?

Well, no darling.
They don't make very good playmates.

You didn't bring any back with you?

Oh, Victor.

We had nothing to do with a little monkey.

I wonder where Julie is.
I'll see if I can find her.

John...

John.

Darling, what is it?

I'm afraid to meet him.

Afraid of what?

Oh darling, you look, you look beautiful.

Come.

You should be glad
that no baboons were brought back.

They'd make a very bad household pet.

- Well, I would like a monkey.
- A monkey, eh?

Victor. Yes?

Victor, come here.

This...

Is Julie.

My wife and my son.

He's looking daggers at her.

She's a businesswoman, Victor.

What do you think of that?

Trips abroad.

London Paris and all that sort of thing.

Oh please, don't make fun of me.

I'm not.

It's the modern spirit.

She returned from Paris only today
on the lle-de-France.

- If I'd known, I...
- What boat did you come back on, Victor?

I'll bet she was flying the English flag.

Did you arrive today?

Yes, on the Baltic.

What a coincidence.

One boat brings my wife and the other my son.

Will you stay? I'll send at once
to your hotel for your luggage.

Oh, no. Don't bother, dad please.

You see, I think I'd better stay at the
hotel until my plans are fully settled.

- Plans?
- Yes.

I may leave at once,
on another expedition into Yucatan.

Nonsense.

You'll have no plans except to take your
place in your home where you belong.

Here, come.

Write a note on your card.

- No, dad please, after all...
- Must I...

Spank you?

He will too.

Your father would be happy to have you here.

Oh, bless you. Now, how can you refuse?

Where are your cards?

All right.

Another expedition?

We'll soon put a stop to that.

Don't you think...

It is better to tell Barton?

Yes dear.

Just as soon as he's written the card.

So, you're thinking of running away again?

You've done enough globetrotting, young man.

Yes, indeed.

- There you are sir.
- Thanks. I'll send at once.

Barton...

Oh, Victor.

Yes?

May I have one of your cigarettes please?

Why, Helen. Don't tell me you smoke too?

Well, who doesn't?

If you don't mind...

Please don't smoke.
I have a terrible headache.

Well, I wouldn't have come down
to dinner if I'd had a headache.

Well, after all, Doris,
we can do without a cigarette.

Why, of course we can.

Paul Niles?

Paul Niles?

What's this nonsense
about this name Paul Niles?

Well, dad, you see,
when I joined the expedition

I didn't have much money.

It was your own fault.

Well, perhaps.

But I took the name of Paul Niles
and I've used it ever since.

Well, from now on,
Paul Niles is in the discard.

Hey, Barton.

But Victor, why the name Paul Niles?

Send the car down at once.

Jerry can pay the bill, whatever it is.

Oh, no. Just a minute, dad. I can do that.

Besides being my son please remember,
you're also my guest.

Cheerio, everybody.

- Oh.
- Oh, come here.

Hello, mother.

I suppose you don't recognize this young man.

Great Scott, buddy. Victor.

Well, you were just sprouting when I left.

Oh, I wasn't so little.

No, well you never were little this way.

Yes, taking a football course.

Oh, daddy.

Yes, dinner at last. Victor.

Will you take Julie in?

Buddy...

I must see you alone.

Oh please.

Be careful.

Buddy, things are just going to be
impossible around here from now on.

Well, I always said
the thing to do is to marry me.

You'd better before our license runs out.

- Oh, buddy, hush up.
- Oh, beautiful.

Papa, does this
orchid perfume do things to you?

- Do things?
- Yes.

Madame Julie said it would.

What are you talking about?

I hope Victor liked it.

Oh, so that's it, eh?

In love already, eh?

- I suspected.
- Father...

John, I'm going to
sound just like a scheming mother...

but wouldn't they make a charming pair?

Oh, I meant Victor and Helen.

- Oh.
- Yes.

Perhaps.

Good.

- Oh, Victor.
- Yes?

This quail came down
by airplane in our Canadian camp.

- Oh, really?
- Do you remember the camp?

Yes, that's where I did my first exploring.

Well, it's a home-cooked
dinner you're getting, my boy.

Rather tasty
after eating elephant's hide, eh?

Oh, do they eat elephant hide?

Hide, hoof and tusk.

I thought they made piano keys
out of the tusk.

Well, you see we had no pianos in the jungle.

So, we boiled the tusks for dinner.

And the aroma gathered
the animals for miles around.

You could hear them in the jungle.

Oh.

You know, this is the first time

I've had my family all together in our home.

Oh, I think it's wonderful.

Bravo.

Well.

Oh.

Hello, come in.

I've just got out
some old photographs of Victor.

I want you to look at them.

This one was taken when he was six years old.

- And this...
- John.

Why did you marry me?

What?

Why did you marry me?

Why, I...

Are you joking?

No, I'm asking you because I want to know.

Why did you marry me?

Why, I...

Why wouldn't anyone marry you?

Oh, it would've meant so much
if you said something else.

Julie...

Julie.

Julie dear.

Julie...

You're more tired than you think.

Let's not talk anymore about it tonight.

You conceited fool.

Why did you marry her...

When you couldn't tell her?

That's the easiest thing to answer.

Well...

We've been associated together now
for a good many years.

There are times when we all lost
a little sleep over one deal or another.

For what was sleep or anything
compared to building up a great fortune?

Ah.

That's what I used to think.

I've been one man who always said
he'd never retire. Well, I still say it.

In fact, I'm just ready to go to work.

But the job I picked for myself
is a little different.

I want to get out from under all this strain.

Why don't you take up golf, JW?

Gosh, I'm not old enough for that, ed.

I want to play hooky.

And I'd like someone to take my place
with you men, someone who'll...

Keep the name of Whitcomb alive.

I mean my son, Victor.

Well, that's great for you.

But how about us?

I remember distinctly, a few years ago...

a certain man who was
near bankruptcy, yes and suicide.

That man came to me and I had faith in him.

I went on his notes.
My associates thought I was crazy.

- But he came through...
- John...

Well...

Good heavens, old man. I didn't mean to...

Why, of course you didn't.
I knew I could count on you.

In fact, I thought
I could count on all of you...

to put your shoulders back of the boy
and help him to the top where I want him.

Well, that's fine.

Say, I'll bet there are a lot of things
you fellas want to say about me.

- And I've got a most important...
- A cable just arrived for you sir.

- Oh...
- A most?

Cable reply and tell him to offer 5,000 more.

Yes sir.

I'm trying to buy the finest little villa on
the riviera, just a little place in beaulieu.

But it has the sweetest strip of
the Mediterranean right at the front door.

Not thinking of living abroad John?

No definite plans of any kind yet, ed.

But you can
bet your life this little villa...

will be very much in my
plans when they are made.

Gosh, I got to go.

Standing, talking to a lot of fellas...

If I didn't know John Whitcomb
as well as I do,

I'd say there was a woman
in the back of all this.

Well, I suppose we'll read all about it
in the morning tabloids.

All right dear. Let's hurry,
I have to get back to the office.

Please dear, it's just thrilling me.

Happy?

Strange, that melody...

Is the same one they
played on the lle-de-France...

- that night.
- Yes, I know, I asked them to play it.

I wanted to find out
if it was the music or me.

How can you say that?

Because I can't understand Julie.

You keep making excuses
to keep away from the house, from dinner.

Any place that I might be.

Why, when you love me?

I want to be a little...

A little decent to him.

That is the least I can do, Victor.

Yeah, but are we to go on like criminals?

Whispering in corners, stealing glances?

Oh, it's unbearable Julie.

Oh, you should've let me go away,

back to Europe or any place.

And I'd have followed you
on the next boat, you know that.

Well but, you would've forgotten.

And me...

Well, at least I
would've done one fine thing...

by giving you back to him.

But Julie, nothing else matters.

I love you.

Oh, no.

No, Victor.

- I must go.
- No, no please. Please don't go.

- No.
- I promise, I'll just look at you.

That will be all right, won't it?

That is the last time for such madness.
I'm going.

Julie...

Alone.

John.

Yes?

Look at that.

Hyde.

Look at that.

Sweet, look at that.

- How do you do Mr.Whitcomb?
- Hello Mrs. black.

I'm so sorry, but madame is not here.

- Oh, that's too bad.
- Oh, she'll be so disappointed.

- I'll wait. Do you mind?
- Not at all. Will you come in the office?

Thank you.

Surprised?

It, it is a surprise.

- Have you been waiting long?
- No time at all dear.

Oh, I'm glad John.

I suppose you've been slaving to make
some old fussbudget look like a duchess.

Oh, no. I went to lunch.

- Lunch?
- Yes.

You? With Victor.

Vic...

- John, I have to...
- Now you'll see.

I hesitate to break in on your sacred
business hours, while he, the young scamp...

Well, let him try it again.

Julie, now I know it can be done,

I'm going to keep you so busy you won't
have time to lunch with anyone but me.

I'm learning a lot from that boy.

Oh.

About tonight,
now I insist on your being there.

These people who are coming...

it's the first time that many of them have
been in our home since we were married.

- Listen...
- They all knew Victor as a boy.

- John, I...
- I know, I know, I know.

They all know you as madame Julie.

But I want them to know you dear,
as Mrs. Whitcomb.

- But, Doris, she always...
- Oh...

Boo-poop-a-doop.

Now, promise. Do as I ask.

Oh, oh John.

Oh.

♪ Just to know... ♪

♪ You're close to me... ♪

♪ Make such moments dear to me. ♪

♪ Even when clouds, they are in the sky. ♪

♪ What can I... ♪

♪ When I know you're close by. ♪

♪ Just a little ♪

♪ Word from you... ♪

♪ Changes the shadows... ♪

♪ To sunshine. ♪

♪ Take... ♪

♪ All life can give... ♪

♪ But let me live. ♪

♪ Just to be... ♪

♪ Held close in a spell... ♪

♪ Of your love... ♪

♪ When you're close... ♪

♪ To... ♪

♪ Me. ♪

Oh, bravo Julie.

That was splendid.

Sing again.

Oh, no. No John, it's enough.

Please, play for dancing.

Don't you think
it's getting very close in here?

Oh, you know, I hadn't noticed it.

It seems so to me.

Julie, I know that...

That was splendid. We enjoyed it so much.

Magnifique madame.

But you know,
I didn't know that she could sing...

Oh, close to me.

- I'd just like to see anyone...
- Pardon me.

- This is my dance.
- Well.

Well John.

Just what sort of influence is necessary
for me to get a dance with your wife?

I'll see what I can do for you.

I haven't had a chance all evening.

Well, don't give up hope yet, old man.

Thank you for the song.

You think I meant it for you?

I know you did.

That child, Helen, when she looks at you...

Why, I hadn't noticed.

It's nice to see Mr. Whitcomb
entertaining again.

Yes, it needed something like his son
coming home to stir things up a bit.

Yes...

He seems to be getting on very well
with his stepmother.

Oh darling,
it was beautiful to watch you both.

Now John, when are you going
to persuade Mrs. Whitcomb to...

Victor, may I speak to you for a minute?

Well, this time, Bob,
I think I'm going to speak for myself.

John.

What is it, sis?

You've danced only once with me tonight.

Why honey, what's the matter?

Oh, just nothing at all.

You've danced the last three with her,
and you danced the first one with her too.

But you should've danced it with me.

Well, after all, she's the hostess.

Well, no more than I am.
I have more rights here than she has.

Now darling, don't get upset
and be silly over nothing.

Oh, I suppose it's nothing when you
lie to me for the first time in your life.

- Doris darling...
- You told me you came over on the Baltic...

but I know you came over
on the lle-de-France.

Barton saw the labels on your luggage.

There were a half dozen labels on my luggage.

Well, I know what I'm talking about,
and you'll find out before I'm through.

Now, Doris, listen...

- What's wrong?
- Oh, everything.

Don't ask me.

- Well, I thought, I...
- Oh, I can't stand this house any longer.

Oh, have you got that marriage license?

Gosh, I've carried it around so long
it's almost worn out.

And anyway, it's run out now.
I'll have to get a new one.

Well, get a new one.
You may have a chance to use it.

Gee, you've accepted me?

Oh, wait a minute.

- Aren't you supposed to give me a kiss?
- Oh, buddy...

Here she comes. I'll leave you alone.

No, no, no please. Please don't go.

- Victor darling.
- Yes?

I can remember when your dear mother
danced in this very room.

And you and Doris and Helen
were little children.

Isn't she sweet tonight?

- Oh, mother please...
- Yes, she's lovely.

Victor, do dance with her
just as you used to.

Dance with her please.

May I?

I'd love to.

What a charming pair.

Don't they look well together?

Helen is so pretty.

She dances beautifully.

Victor was so fond of her
when they were only children.

It was always dear Ann
Whitcomb's wish that they would marry.

Really?

I'm sure I can count on your help to
carry out the wishes of Victor's mother.

Marriage is so serious.

Well...

What is it?

- It's Doris.
- Doris? What's wrong?

Well, I've been trying for ages
to get her to marry me.

Doesn't she love you?

That's just what I don't know.

Oh, I could go out and bust myself.

I'm crazy about her and she treats me
like a phonograph record.

- Put on, take off, put on.
- You poor boy.

You know how it feels to feel...

Well, you know how it feels.

You are a nice boy, buddy.

A sweet boy. You must be happy.

What's the matter with that young elephant?

Toothache? Me?

- I'm all right.
- How did you get here?

- Doris invited me.
- Go away.

I'm in such a good humor tonight
that everything seems all right, even you.

- Go away.
- Yes sir.

Darling. What?

Come with me to the foot
of the stairs, it's getting late.

- She's a grand person, eh?
- Isn't she?

- Hello Malcolm.
- How are you doing?

- Congratulations. Just heard the news.
- Did you, really?

Hello, happy. Nice to see you here.

I must hurry and change.
I'm leaving at once for Washington.

You are going how?

I must be there at eight o'clock
tomorrow morning.

I can't tell you now.

Be patient for just a little while.

I'll see you again before I go.

Did father go upstairs?

- Yes.
- I've got to see you.

I'm going to put the cards on the table.

- I'm going to tell him we love each other.
- Are you mad?

It's better for me to
tell him than someone else.

What do you mean?

Be very careful
what you say in front of Doris.

Why?

I'm not sure how much she knows, but...

Victor please don't.

Can't you wait?

No darling. I've got to see you.

Victor.

Hello, serious face. What's on your mind?

Dad...

I can't go on like this any longer.

Oh, of course you can't.

I've been expecting this
ever since your return.

I know that a fine, active young man
like you couldn't be expected to idle about.

But don't worry.

Matters are being arranged
to take care of that.

What do you mean? Well...

I didn't mean to tell you
until my return from Washington.

But, Victor,

I'm arranging to turn over
all my business interests to you.

That'll put you in a position second to
no young man of your age in New York.

But, dad. That's not what I meant.

Don't try to be modest now.

Say nothing to anyone about it yet.

Julie doesn't know.

I'm arranging everything
as a surprise for her.

- Oh, but, dad...
- Oh, come on, come on.

Quick, I've got to catch this train.

Oh, hello darling.

Well, I'm off.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Victor.

Did you tell him?

No. I couldn't get to it.

He kept talking about other things.

Oh, dieu merci.

It would've been so much better
if I had just never come home.

Don't say that.

Do you remember darling?

I don't know what to say dear.

Is that the coffee and toast
you prepared for her?

Yes sir.

- I'll take it to her sir.
- No, you won't.

I'll take it in myself.

- You seem to annoy her.
- I'm sorry sir.

Yes, you annoy a great
many people roundabout here.

Yes sir.

You'll have to be a great deal smarter,
you understand?

Yes sir.

- Yes.
- Yes.

Pardon me Miss Doris, but...

Was anything wrong with breakfast
this morning?

I don't know.

I noticed you hadn't eaten anything, so I...

I brought you in some coffee.

- I don't want any coffee.
- Oh dear dear dear.

No one seems to want anything this morning.

Mr. Victor went out very early.

- Was anyone with him?
- No, no one was with him Miss.

Madame went directly from her
room to the car and left for church.

Church...

- Oh, Barton.
- Yes?

Did a telegram arrive this morning?

No Miss Doris.

Are you expecting your father today?

I don't know.

Could you tell me how many
there will be for lunch?

Oh, it doesn't matter.
I won't be here anyway.

- I can't stand this house any longer.
- But Miss Doris...

Oh, if you can't see.

If you don't know what's going on here, oh...

Well, I've written it all in this letter.

You give it to my father, personally,
the moment he returns.

Believe me, when he reads that...

Well, it may open his eyes.

Barton...

- Has Mr. Whitcomb returned?
- Not yet madam.

I should think my father
be the last person you'd want to see.

And why?

After what's been going on
in this house since he went away.

I can well imagine what happened
on the lle-de-France.

Oh, I should think you'd never want
to look anyone in the face again.

Doris...

- What you think is a lie.
- You, talk about lying.

Who were you before you married?

Your father knew well enough
who I was before he married me.

You wanted his money, that's what you wanted.

No.

I have my business.

I am independent of your father
and I always will be.

Well, I suppose you can pull the wool over
his eyes, but you can't pull it over mine.

Doris.

You listen to me until I'm through.

You see this?

My wedding ring?

Your father gave it to me.

- And if I...
- Was that all you have to say to me?

- Doris darling please...
- Oh, get out of my way.

Listen...

Doris, don't.

Well, that's all right. I'll wait right...

- Oh, hello, Doris.
- Buddy, have you got your car?

Yes, but gee, I didn't expect you
to decide so suddenly.

Well, I want to get out of this house.

If I leave my own home, my father
may wake up to what's going on here.

- Well, what's going on?
- Oh, you don't have to know.

All you have to do is to take me away.

- Gosh...
- Well, hurry, buddy.

- Doris...
- Oh please don't talk to me.

Hello.

I'll wait for you in the car.

Oh, let go. I wish you'd never come back.

- I wish I were dead.
- Now just a minute honey. Now come on.

Come on, tell me. What's the trouble?

Oh, you know what the trouble is.

I can't stay here any longer after what's
been going on between you and Julie.

Stop it.

One thing is true.

I do love Julie.

I've tried to tell father.

But what you insinuate, Doris, is not true.

And you can thank Julie for that,

- for if she'd listened to me...
- I don't believe you.

You lied to me once,
and you'd lie again to protect her.

Oh, I never want to see you or anybody
in this house as long as I live.

Doris? Oh D...

Julie, I just returned from the east river.

There's a small mail steamer
sailing at 12 o'clock sharp, this noon.

Oh, what a relief.

Almost a year at sea with no one to bother.

Victor...

- You are going?
- Yes and you're going with me.

I booked our passage.

- But your father...
- Julie, I love you.

He couldn't even understand.

It's useless to try to
explain to them and besides Julie...

it's up to you to decide
whether you're going or not.

Oh, it's settled, eh?

Oh darling.

But my luggage is already
on the way to the boat. Now you hurry.

- Hurry and pack Julie.
- Running away again, Victor?

Oh, but I couldn't stay
another minute in this house.

And besides, I was sure you'd come with me.

- I'll go.
- Good, good.

Now darling, the boat is the Segundo,
east river, foot of 20th street.

- Segundo, 20th street.
- Right, yes. Now, remember...

- What?
- It's Doris and Buddy.

- Now you and I.
- Oh, but darling, come, come. Hurry.

- Oh, he'll be lonely.
- Yes, but we can't help that.

Oh...

I'll go, Victor.

But you go first, will you?

Why?

I want to leave some words for him.

And you see, I'm sure Barton suspects.

It's better you go. I will follow in a taxi.

- Go please.
- All right, very well.

But darling, remember now.

You can't be late. 12 o'clock sharp, noon.

And when we get on that boat, we'll have
the first real happiness we've ever known.

- Oh darling...
- Oh, no, no.

Not in this house, no.

Now, quickly. Victor...

Barton.

Beg pardon madam,
but has Mr. Whitcomb returned?

I thought I heard his voice.

- No, that was Mr. Victor's voice.
- Yes madam.

Is that the letter miss Doris
gave to you to give to Mr. Whitcomb?

Yes madam.

All right. But I...

- Please, I...
- I will attend to it.

Yes madam.

Could you tell me
how many there will be for lunch?

Oh, I don't know.

Please, will you send Jeanette
to my room right away, Barton?

Yes ma'am.

Jeanette? Jeanette.

- Oui madame?
- Hurry.

Pack a few things for traveling.
I'm going away.

No evening gowns.
I'm going away on a little trip.

- A little trip.
- Yes.

Oh madame, I know all about it.

I have everything ready for it.

Voila madame.

What's this?

The four new traveling suits
for your little trip.

Who sent that?

Why Mr.Whitcomb.

- Mr. Whitcomb?
- Oui madame.

A little trip...

Well, that was a wild ride.

What's the matter with James this morning?

Oh, Barton, that Vuitton case.

Get it and bring it in, will you?
I have something special in it.

I hope you had a successful trip sir.

Oh, I did indeed. I did indeed.

Excuse me sir, but could you tell me
how many there will be for lunch?

Lunch? I don't know. I don't know.
Ask Mrs. Whitcomb.

Oh.

- I'll be closing the house, then, Barton.
- What sir?

How you like to live
abroad after a couple months' vacation?

Well sir.

I don't know. You don't know?

Perhaps I might.

Perhaps you might.
Well, think it over, think it over.

Julie.

Julie.

Come here.

I didn't telegraph, I wanted to surprise you.

Oh darling.

Oh, it's so good to be home.

I've so much to tell you.

I don't know where to begin.

You know darling, I...

I never realized how
empty a home would be without you.

But we won't be here much longer.

I've something for you.

See here.

Look at this.

Purchased villa at beaulieu for you.

Stop.

Deal being completed this week.

Stop.

- John...
- Our honeymoon villa, it's yours now.

Not rented. Bought and paid for, yours.

And next, the little trip
we've talked about so often.

What you say to this? I resigned.

Got rid of my committees in Washington
and all my responsibilities here.

There's an example for you Julie.

Now, will you forget that shop of yours?

Give it to Mrs. black, sell it if you like...

and go holidaying with me
round the world, then beaulieu to live...

with your Paris near at hand.

Oh Julie, I've just found out how much I...

Ever since you asked me that question,
why did I marry you,

I should've told you then.

It's because I, because I love you.

I want you more
than anything in the world, I...

Oh, I'll have to stop this raving.

No, no John. Go on please.

- Go.
- I just need you close to me.

Oh, but...

What of your children?

Doris will soon marry.

She has gone with buddy.

Well, I'm not surprised, I expected it.

And Victor...

Has gone.

Victor...

Oh...

He left me once.

It's in his blood, I guess.

But things will go on.

So, you see Julie...

I'm alone.

There's only you, after all.

You may not want even me.

- After you read this.

Yes, Doris left for you.

Read it now.

Do you know what's in it?

I can guess.

You may not want even me after you read it.

I can just see that little strip of
the Mediterranean in front of the villa.

And you...

And me.

Oh Julie.

Julie...

Nothing...

Nothing could ever stop that.

Oh.

- Oh John.
- Oh.

Beg pardon madam, but could you
tell me how many there be for lunch?

Two, Barton.

Thank you.