Imitation of Life (1959)

[bunniefuu]

Susie! Susie!

Susie!

Susie!

Pardon me. Have you seen
a little girl in a blue sun suit?

Oh!

Oh, I'm awfully sorry.
No harm done.

I'm looking for my daughter.

Have you seen
a little girl all by herself?

No, but if you'll...
Well, she's lost and I...

Susie!
Relax, lady! Take it easy!

Susie!

The easiest way to find Susie
is to go to the police.

Well, where are the police?

Right there.

Right where?

Right down there under the pier.

You're it!

Come, children!

Do you hear me, Sarah Jane?

- Hot dogs!
- Hot dogs!

Come on!

Boy!

It might be the noise
of that old ocean,

but it seems to me I didn't hear
any "thank yous" for those hot dogs.

I was too hungry.
Thank you.

Thank you.

Honey,
you're gonna be all right. I reported you.

Come on, Sarah Jane!

No, you're gonna stay right here.

Else, how your mama
gonna find you, huh?

Susie!

Oh, Susie! Oh, my baby!

I thought you were lost!

Thank you, officer!
Thank you very much.

And thank you for being so kind, Mrs...

Johnson.

I'm Lora Meredith.

I've never been so
frightened in my life!

One moment I had her,
and the next moment she was gone.

Well, thank Mrs. Johnson
for being so nice.

Thank you.

And say goodbye to the little girl.

Goodbye? Now?

But, darling, we have
to go back to the city.

But we want to play!

Please!
Please, Mommy, please!

Oh!

All right, but only for a little while.

Come on, Sarah Jane!

You're it!
You're it!

You're it!
You're it!

You're it!

Susie doesn't have many
children to play with where we live.

I guess Sarah Jane's
kind of lonesome, too.

They got along fine, right off.

Sarah Jane's a lovely child.

How long have you taken care of her?

All her life.

I wish I had someone
to look after Susie.

A maid to live in?

Someone to take care
of your little girl?

A strong, healthy,
settled down woman who eats like a bird

and doesn't care if she gets no
time off and will work real cheap?

Yes, if one exists.

Some day.

Why not today?
I'm available.

You?

Me, Annie Johnson.

You mean you'd consider
leaving that lovely little girl?

Oh, I wouldn't be leaving her.

My baby goes where I go.

Sarah Jane is your child?

Yes, ma'am.
It surprises most people.

Sarah Jane favors her daddy.

He was practically white.

He left before she was born.

Seems to me, Miss Meredith,
I'm just right for you.

You wouldn't have to pay no wages.

Just let me come and do for you.

I couldn't do that.

I'd have to pay you, and I can't now.

Susie!

I ought to knock your blocks off!

I'll take care of it, mister.

I'll wham the hides off both of them.

Susie! What are you doing?

About time you showed up.

Your husband can't
keep these brats in line.

No use talking to her.

She not only spoils them,
she goes around losing them.

I don't know what this is all about.

Mommy, look at his stomach.

It went up and down.

It was so funny.

He took our picture!

Will you send me one?
Me, too?

Sure. Where?

Send it to Susan Meredith. 450
Prescott Place, Apartment 32.

Never mind, dear.

See? I remembered.

And send her one, too.

Where do you live, Sarah Jane?

Where do I...

No place.

We'll find a place come night, honey.

Come on, darling.
We have to go.

Say goodbye to Sarah Jane
and Mrs. Johnson.

Goodbye.

It was very nice meeting you.

Same here.
And good luck, Miss Meredith.

Mommy, I'm tired.

I know, baby. I know.

I want to go home, too.

Come on, honey.

Thank you.

Mrs. Johnson!

Oh. Oh.
Come on.

First!

I don't like to mention it again,
but you must understand

that this arrangement
can only be for tonight.

Oh, I understand, Miss Lora.

There must be plenty of jobs
for a woman like you.

But people just won't take
in a woman with a child,

and no matter what,
I won't be separated from my baby.

Hurry up, Mother.

I want to show Sarah Jane my dolls.

Well, all right.

There's a little place off the kitchen,

but you could hardly call it a room.

Oh.

It'll do for Sarah Jane and me.

And the kitchen!

We can make use of that, too.

Well, I'll get you
some pillows and blanket.

Thank you.

Here, Sarah Jane.
You can have Nancy.

It's a present.
Mommy just got it for me.

I want that one!

Frieda's my friend!
I've had her all my life!

Mommy!

Mommy!
Yes?

She took my doll!

Sarah Jane, where are your manners?

Now, give it back!

I don't want the black one!

I'll take those.

It's been a long day and
they're both tired and cranky.

Yes, Miss Lora.
Everything'll be all right.

Now, come along. Come on.

Come on.

I don't want to live in the back!

Why do we always have
to live in the back?

Honey!

Thank you, Mr. McKinney.

Goodbye.

Good morning, darling.

Good morning, Sarah Jane.

I want a kiss, too.

Well, of course.

Annie said we had to be quiet until
you got up. Now we can talk out loud.

Now we can even scream!

Children! Children!

What... Oh. Good morning, Miss Lora.
- Good morning.

How are you this morning?

I'm just fine.
And I'd love some coffee.

Annie, you shouldn't
have done my laundry.

I like taking care of pretty things.

Thank you.

Eggs?
Where did they come from?

The milkman was here a minute ago,

and I just told him
to leave your regular order.

Oh, no. He didn't
come to leave my order.

He stopped doing that two weeks ago.

May I?
Thank you.

He wanted to collect
something on his bill.

Didn't say anything about a bill to me.

He was very polite.

Just gave me the order

and said it looked like things
were picking up for Miss Meredith.

He thought you were my maid.

Now he thinks I'm prosperous.

No sin in looking prosperous.

It's just a way of showing
your trust in the Lord.

Telling him you're
ready whenever he is.

I'll get it, Miss Lora!

Miss Meredith's residence.

Well, I'll see if it's convenient for
Miss Meredith to come to the phone.

Is it the landlord,
Mr. Berwitt?

Pretty sure he said
the Acme Model Agency.

Hello? Yes,
this is Miss Meredith.

Yes. Yes, I can
be there by then.

Fine. Thank you.

Annie, I've got a job modeling!

A job?

I've registered everywhere,
but this is the first call.

Now, isn't that fine?

Annie, if you have no other plans,

will you stay with Susie
until I come back?

Why, certainly.

Do you know, this will be the first money
I've earned since I came to New York?

Except for those envelopes.

Why, I was wondering what they were.

I address them for a mail-order house.

By hand.
Gives them a personal touch.

And I can do them at home.

They should've been finished yesterday.

Well, it can't be helped.

If I get a job modeling,
at least I'll be seen.

Good boy.

Yes, that's fine.
Now, that's what I want.

Now, hold it.
Beautiful! Just a minute.

Hold it!

How could you sneeze?
I had it!

I'm sorry, but it
must be this flea powder.

No, no, no! Don't move!
You'll un-focus me!

Art they want, and I get sneezers.

Now, don't move a hair.
Not one hair.

Hold it! Hold it!

Okay.

Got it. Perfect!

You were wonderful, Henry!

I never sneeze, really.
I can't imagine...

Your check will be in the mail.

But it would be so much
more convenient if I could...

Checks are mailed out on Thursday.

We don't want to
confuse the bookkeeper.

Don't forget to leave the wardrobe.

But wouldn't you like
to have a bite to eat?

Later, thanks.

You can keep the money
from this batch, Annie.

It'll pay you for staying
today and cooking and...

Uh-uh. That money
goes into our kitty.

Our?

Seems as if you intend staying.

Seems like I do, if you want it.

You know I do,
but you can see how bad things are.

Miss Lora, we just come from a place

where my color deviled my baby.

Now, anything happens here
has gotta be better.

Oh, Annie.

Susie!

Susie, I'm home.

Oh! Baby! Hi, dear!

Hello, Miss Lora.
Hello, Annie.

Mommy, we had such fun today.

Annie took us to the park,
and we caught a squirrel!

No, we didn't.

Well, we nearly did.

Well, tomorrow, I'll take you both
to the park and we'll really catch one.

How did it go?

Oh, Annie, it didn't.

And I'm exhausted.

Walked my feet off trying to
see every agent on Broadway,

and some off Broadway.

Way off.

I'll get it.
The children have eaten.

Yes?

Hello, this is Steve Archer.

Steve Archer?

I brought the pictures.

You brought the pictures?

The ones of the children on the beach.

Oh, the man on the beach.

The man on the beach?
The man on the beach!

It's our picture with the fat man!

Mommy, tell him to come up!

Yes, please!

All right. Will you
come up, Mr. Archer?

Come on, let's see the pictures!

Oh! Hi, Susie!
Hi, Sarah Jane!

Hurry in!
Come in! Where is it?

Aren't you kids supposed to be in bed?

No, we're waiting for you!

Hello.
Good evening.

Well, if it's that funny,
let me see it.

Don't you think it's funny, Annie?

I don't know who's funnier,
you or that man!

All I gotta say, it's lucky I didn't
catch Sarah Jane playing such pranks.

It just ain't seemly, Miss Lora.

Now, off to bed.

Good night.
Good night.

Good night, Mr. Archer.
Good night, ladies.

Good night!
Good night!

Won't you sit down?

It was very nice of you
to remember the children.

I like what you did
for Sarah Jane and Annie.

Well, they didn't have a place,

and since I live here alone...

I'm a widow.

Oh, you are?

What do you think of this?

Mother in Distress.

Well, it's good, very good.

Who are you, anyway?

Well, you don't look
like a photographer.

Apparently the army thought I did.

Anyhow, they made me one.

Now all I want to do is get pictures
like this in the Museum of Modern Art.

Oh, you're aiming high.

Why not?
It doesn't cost any more.

Don't you believe in chasing rainbows?

Well, if I didn't, I wouldn't be here.

I'm an actress.

What's the matter?

Your bones.

What about my bones?

They're perfect.

My camera could easily
have a love affair with you.

Don't you think it's
getting a little late?

I don't suppose you'd like
to have dinner with me?

Maybe sometime.

I don't mean right away.

How about tomorrow?

I'm sorry, but I don't like to miss

having dinner with the
children two nights in a row.

I can understand that.
How about lunch?

Lunch.

Would you mind taking me to Rodney's?

It's a little place on 45th and Eighth.

Unemployed actors can afford it.

It's sort of a poor man's 21.

All right, I'll meet you there at noon.

By the way, the name's Steve.

Everybody in here an actor?

Just about.

So far,
you're the only one I really believe.

Thank you.

Only, so far,
you're the only one in New York who does.

Someday I'm going to
make them all feel that way.

Aren't you a little
late getting started?

I mean, it's...
Yes, five years late.

That's why every day counts.

Why the five-year lapse?

My husband was in the theater, too.

A director, a good director.

Everything I know, I owe to him.

It was a small town and a little theater,
but professional.

When he died,
I had to make a living doing something else.

I never really wanted
anything but the stage.

Oh, except Susie.

So, it took me five years to save
enough money to come to New York.

But you did it.

And I'm going to be an actress.
- Lora?

An important...

Lora!

Excuse me.

Nothing in it for me, honey,

but they're beginning to cast a
new Tennessee Williams play.

Oh. What agent?

Allen Loomis, today,

so put on your roller skates!

Thanks, Fay!

Coffee?
Sorry, but I've got to go.

You haven't eaten.
Well, you go ahead. Goodbye.

How about dinner? Tonight?
We'll take Susie.

Fine.
Where?

Why don't you come
and have dinner with us?

All right.
Good luck!

Thanks, Fay!

But when can I have an appointment?

How about a week
from today? Thursday.

Put me down. It's Iris
Dawn. Don't forget it.

Well, I'm sorry to
add to your troubles,

but I'm afraid I'm a little
late for my appointment.

Name, please?

Miss Meredith.

Meredith...

Well, I don't seem to have you down.

Well, never mind. Just tell
Mr. Loomis that Robert Hayes sent me.

Robert Hayes?

From International Studio.

It's probably just
a slipup from the coast,

but Mr. Hayes
won't like it at all.

I hope you didn't slip up.

Me?

Well, if you say there's no appointment,
goodbye.

Well, just a second.

Why don't you sit down,

and I'll see if I can straighten
this whole thing out?

Thank you.

Mr. Loomis?
Yes?

There's a Miss Meredith here
from Hollywood.

Yes, quite lovely.

Think we should send her away?

No. No, I think
you ought to see her.

Fine.

Okay.

Miss Meredith?
You can go in now.

This way.

Robert sends his warmest greetings.

Well, thanks.
And how is he?

Marvelous.
He's lost 15 pounds.

You know what an effort
that is for him.

And what can I do for you?

Well, Robert thought that I
shouldn't do any more pictures

before I did a show on Broadway.

Very sensible.

I'm glad you think so, too.

That's why Robert sent me to you.

He thought that I'd get more
personal attention from you.

He could be right there.

Do you mind?
No.

Incidentally, how's the new
Tennessee Williams play?

Bound to be a blockbuster,
but all cast.

Hello? Oh, Lillian.

What?
Well, can't you break it?

No, I don't mind.

I don't mind your standing me up.

I'm fine.
I'll just k*ll myself.

Yeah.

Never be a bachelor.
There's no security.

I know how you feel.

Yeah?

Say, how'd you like
to go with me tonight?

I'm afraid I can't.

Big party.
Lots of important people.

Well, I could see if I could
break a couple of engagements.

I'll call my place.

I'll call. What's the number?

Montgomery...

7-6-1 -2-0.

...1 -2-0.

Miss Meredith's residence.

This is Miss Meredith's residence?

That'll be Annie, my maid.
I'll talk to her.

Annie? Call the Waldorf
and tell you-know-who

I cannot have c*ck
and dinner with him.

I-know-who? Oh, yes,
Miss Lora. I'll do that.

Thank you.

Well, Mr. Loomis,
it looks like I'm free.

That'll be just fine.

Should be
an interesting evening for me.

Hollywood actress and...

That reminds me. Excuse me.

Yes, Mr. Loomis?

Annette, get me Hollywood,

Mr. Robert Hayes.

International Studios, right?
International...

Maybe you'd better not
go through with that call.

You don't think so?
Why not?

Because Robert Hayes doesn't exist.

I understand.

Annette, cancel the call.
Yes, Mr. Loomis.

I was desperate.
You were pretty good.

You lied.
All actresses lie.

I know that, but I believed you.

I'm sorry.
Don't leave.

You took me in.
For all of 20 seconds,

you took me in, but I don't mind.

It was a good acting job,
and you're very pretty.

Now, about tonight,
shall I pick you up?

No. It'll be easier
for me to meet you here.

8:00?

You'll find me very prompt,
Mr. Loomis.

Come on in.

Sit down. I just have
a few letters to sign.

Oh. A drink?

No, thank you. But aren't we
going to be late to the party?

Plenty of time, plenty.

And I need a drink, so relax.

Say, you're not
allergic to mink, are you?

Mink? No, I don't think so.

Good.

Try this on for size.

But whose is it?

Mine, and I only loan it
to very special clients.

I want you to wear it tonight.

You want me to wear...

Please, got to think of my reputation.

I haven't been seen
with a girl without a mink

since the heat wave of '39!

Come on.

We should spend a little time
talking about our future.

You can act. Well,
that's of no importance at the moment.

The main thing is you're a beaut.

Please don't.

And you're decent, too.

No doubt possess some fine principles.

Well, me, I'm a man
of very few principles,

and they're all open to revision.

But I'm in a position
to do something for you.

You'll get 10% of everything
I make. Isn't that enough?

No. Now sit down and listen.

Here it is, short and clear.

You're not a chicken.
You're no high-hearted kid

out of some drama school wanting
to do or die for dear old Thespis.

And you're beginning under a handicap.

Well, I know I'm starting late.

So time isn't on your side.

But you do have some qualifications.

Your face will pass.

You've good, nice, long, silky legs.

I like them.

You have a chest full of
quality and quantity. I like it.

Aren't you taking a few things
for granted? After all...

Me, I don't count.

But there are certain people who do,

and you're going to meet all of them.

That is,
if you're really serious about your career.

I am, but...
Good.

Then you're going every place with me.

Every party, every opening night,
every saloon in town,

with a complete new wardrobe,
at my expense.

Oh, it's tax-deductible.

This is a tough, competitive racket,

and although it's a lot more than
any agent is supposed to do, I'd do it.

What's this got to do with acting?

Nothing, but I'll show you
how to realize your ambitions

if you do as I say.

If the Dramatists' Club wants to eat and
sleep with you, you eat and sleep with them.

If some producer with
a hand as cold as a toad

wants to do a painting
of you in the nude,

you'll accommodate him
for a very small part.

It's disgusting.

It pays off.

You're disgusting.
Maybe I am.

But let me assure you,
once you get it made,

you can be idealistic all of
10 seconds before you die.

You're trying to cheapen me.

But you won't, not me!

Oh, I'll make it, Mr. Loomis,
but it'll be my way.

You have a wonderful
handwriting, Annie.

Thank you, Mr. Steve.

But my spelling
wouldn't take no prizes.

I don't think Lora has anything to
worry about as long as you're with her.

We'll get by,
I made an agreement with the landlord.

He's really a nice person.
Oh?

Just for doing the staircases twice a week,
we get $10 off our rent.

Is that a fact?

I also answered an ad in the paper

and got myself a job
while the kids are at school.

Doing what?

Doing shirts for a gentleman.

He's real persnickety about his shirts.

Oh, Steve.

Hello.

I'm sorry. It's just
that I got so involved.

We're having a wonderful time.

How did everything go, Miss Lora?

Just fine. I went to
the 21 with Mr. Loomis.

Everybody there was somebody
exciting and important,

and for the first time,
I felt that I was somebody, too.

Is Mr. Loomis
gonna find you a job?

Well, he wanted to represent me, but...

But I...

Oh, Annie!

What's wrong, Miss Lora?

Everything! Everything!

Now, you just rest.

Everything will work out.

I'll go get you
a glass of hot milk, huh?

Can I help in any way?

No.

No one can.

No one.

I'm so ashamed.

It was horrible.

He tried to make me feel so cheap.

You could never be cheap.

You don't know what I mean.

Yes, I do. It happens all the time,
not just in the theater.

But I love the theater.
It's what I want.

Then hold on to your dreams.

Forget tonight.

But they seem so stale after tonight.

So stale I can't
believe in them anymore.

Maybe I'm a fool.

Maybe I should see things
as they really are,

and not as I want them to be.

If I know you,
they'll have to be the way you want them.

Thanks, Steve.
You're so...

So good for what ails me.

It's all part of the Archer Service,
day or night.

I'll call you soon, Lora.

Tomorrow?

Yes, please. Tomorrow.

Annie, what's happened
to Susie's wrist?

Oh. Nothing serious.

Just a little experiment.

Experiment?
Sarah Jane's fault.

After class, one of the kids said that

n*gro blood was different.

So later this evening, Sarah Jane
wanted to compare her blood with Susie's.

Well, I spanked her good.

Well, you know how
children are. They...

They were only playing.

I hope so, Miss Lora.

I hope so.

Santa Claus has many names
in many different countries.

In Holland, he is called Sinter Klaas,
in France, Saint Nicolas,

in Sweden, he is known as Jul Tomte,
in Germany, he is...

Can I do something for you?

Sorry to trouble you, miss,
but I brought these for my little girl.

I'm afraid you've made a mistake.

I don't have any little
colored girl in my class.

But they said 3-B.
This is 3-B, isn't...

Why, there's Sarah Jane!
There's my baby!

You mean Sarah Jane Johnson?

Yes, ma'am.
I'm Mrs. Johnson.

Sarah Jane.
Baby, I brought you your...

Sarah Jane!

We didn't know.

Sarah Jane, wait!

Sarah Jane!

Baby, wait!

Sarah Jane!

Sarah Jane, wait!

Wait.

Now, now, let me do it.

Now, put your coat on.

What do you want to do,
catch pneumonia?

I hope I do!
I hope I die!

Honey, nothing's hurt. You
shouldn't have let them think...

They didn't ask me!
Why should I tell them?

Because that's what you are,
and it's nothing to be ashamed of!

Why do you have to
be my mother? Why?

Why, you're practically normal.

You two are soaking wet!

Get out of those things
and I'll make some tea.

I'll be fine.

You'd better get ready.
Mr. Steve's coming.

It'll serve him right to wait.

He was due here over an hour ago.

I just don't want
everybody having colds.

I'll get cups and...

What's wrong?

Sarah Jane's been passing at school,
pretending she's white.

But I am white.
I'm as white as Susie.

Honey, don't you see?

It doesn't make any difference
to us because we all love you.

I'll take you back to school myself.

I'm never going back to that school!

Never, as long as I live!

Sarah Jane, don't cry!

Annie, don't be upset.

Children are always pretending.

You know that.

No.

It's a sin to be
ashamed of what you are.

And it's even worse to pretend, to lie.

Sarah Jane has to learn that the
Lord must have had his reasons

for making some of us white
and some of us black.

Sarah Jane doesn't want me with her.

She says I'm not her friend.

She says nobody's her friend.

Darling, she's upset right now,
but she'll be better soon.

So will you if you get
back in bed. Come on.

Don't worry, Annie.

I'm sure you'll be able
to explain things to her.

I don't know.

How do you explain to your
child she was born to be hurt?

Hello.

Hi, sorry I'm late.

That's all right, I'm ready.

I thought you'd never get here.

Why, Steve, you sold it!

More than that!

They gave me a job, a steady one,
on the advertising staff.

That's wonderful.

But, darling,
is it really what you want?

Well, it's not
the Museum of Modern Art,

but they pay you in the nicest looking green,
folding money.

Which reminds me,
this is the season for spending it.

Let's go.

We have to get a tree, and I have
a list of gifts for the kids and Annie.

And I hope you like
what I picked out for you.

Steve, you... But...

You have to have something
to put under a tree, don't you?

Well, I know, but...
This way, ma'am.

Oh, I feel awful.

I haven't been able to buy
you anything really nice.

You know,
it's been five months without a job and...

Then I guess you'll have to marry me.

It's the least you can
do for me for Christmas.

I love you.

But, darling,
you're just getting started and...

It would be foolish.

At least we'd be foolish together.

But marriage is such a big step.

I want us to be together.

Well, we are, most of the time.

Most of the time,
you're out fighting to get somewhere,

breaking your heart,
trying to do for yourself and Susie

what I want to do for you.

What I finally can do for you...

Pardon me. I'm sorry.

Pardon me.

Well, wait a minute!

I want to give you a home,
take care of you, love you.

Steve, you don't know me at all.

I still love the theater.

You've tried it and it's only hurt you.

Realize that, and you'll get over it.

I want to be honest with you, darling.

I want more.

Everything.

Maybe too much.

Well, don't think I want any less.

So let's settle something right now.

Do you love me?

I think I do.

I want to kiss you so badly.

But if you did,

the way things are right now,

I might say something
I wouldn't really mean.

That's why I want to kiss you.

That's my phone.

Hello, Miss Meredith's residence.

Who? Mr. Loomis?

She's not in.

She isn't in, Mr. Loomis.

No, not even if it's important.

What, a job?

I have to find out.
It could be something.

Yes, Mr. Loomis?

You look good with
the Saint Bernard dog.

The Saint Bernard dog?

Yes. Uh-huh.

Well, that's you in
the picture, isn't it?

Sprinkling flea powder?

All right. Well,
I'm here with David Edwards.

David...
Edwards, yes.

You know, the prize-winning playwright.

He saw that picture in the magazine.

It seems he's looking
for a girl with that certain

je ne sais quoi for his new play,

that certain something you
managed to get with the dog.

Now, it's not a very
big part, I know, but...

If this is one of
your jokes, Mr. Loomis...

Jokes? Well, so help me,
I'm only thinking percentage-wise.

The part calls for about...
Two and a half.

...250 a week.

Look, I've left the script
with my secretary.

Can you pick it up immediately?

Yes. Yes, Mr. Loomis. Yes.

He wants me to come right
over and pick up a script.

I'm to audition tomorrow.

And you're going down there?

Well, of course.

Even after what happened last time?

This has nothing to do with Loomis.

I'm to audition for David Edwards.

How do you know that?

I know. I just know.

All right, but do you know if he's
gonna be any different from Loomis?

No, I don't.
I don't want you to go.

Do you know what you're asking?

Don't you realize what
this could mean to me?

I'm not asking you not to go down there,
Lora. I'm telling you.

And what makes you think
you have that right?

'Cause I love you.
Isn't that enough?

No, Steve. I'm sorry.

Good night.

Lora, wait!

I didn't mean to sound
dictatorial or try to run your life,

but you have to understand how I feel.

And what about me?
What about the way I feel?

Stop acting.

I'm not acting.

I want to achieve something,
something you'll never understand.

What you're after isn't real!
What you're after is just a...

At least I'm after something!

What's a snapshot of a disgusting
old man with a beer can on his belly?

Is that your idea of
achieving something?

Is a beer can real?

Going up and down and up and down!

Well, I'm going up and up and up,

and nobody's going to pull me down!

Lora, listen, please!

You know how hard I've been trying

to do something with my pictures.

It's meant everything to me, too.

Every minute for a long time now.

No, it hasn't,

or you wouldn't give it up
to sell beer!

I gave it up for something much better.

Something right now. You.

But you're asking me to give up
something I've wanted all my life,

ever since I was a child,
and I can't do it!

If you grew up, you could.

What do you mean?

You're not a child anymore,

and I might not be around
to pick up the pieces this time.

Good. I'd like it that way.

Forever!

And Joseph and Mary
couldn't find no place at the inn,

so they had to go to the stable,
among the animals.

The animals?
Mmm-hmm.

And in the manger, Jesus was born.

And the heavenly
host sang, "Hallelujah!"

There was a shining bright star in
the sky and it was a beautiful time.

That'll be Mr. Steve again.

- Hello?
- Hello, Annie.

Hello, Mr. Steve.

Has she come in yet?

I'm sorry.

I see.

Well, Merry Christmas, Annie.

Merry Christmas to you,
Mr. Steve.

Mommy, isn't Steve coming here tonight?

I think you'd better
go to bed, both of you.

But Annie was telling us a story.

All right.
Annie can finish it.

Now, where were we?

Jesus was almost borned.

That's right. As soon as
the Holy Infant was born,

the Three Wise Men saw a
beautiful bright star in the sky,

the Star of Bethlehem.
Was Jesus white or black?

Well, it doesn't matter.

He's the way you imagine him.

But Annie said he was a real man.

He's not a pretend man.

He was real. He is real.

Then what color was he?

He was like me, white.

Now, the closet door is over here.

The clothes closet door is over there.

The door to your bedroom is over here.

And you trip over the
vacuum cleaner over there.

All right.
Come on, come on.

Let's have your offstage line!

Is anybody home?

Marjorie. Oh, Marjorie.

Colonel, what are you doing in there?

Why, Mr. Overmeyer.
Why aren't you in Duluth?

Oh, Herbert. You, too?

No! No, no, Miss Meredith.

David, David!
She can do it, David.

I guarantee it.
She's just a little nervous.

Miss Meredith!

Yes, sir?

This scene is supposed to be played
for high comedy with delicate reactions,

not loud, goggle-eyed takes.

I'm sorry, Mr. Edwards,

but I'm an actress, and a good one.

But I couldn't play this part
for high comedy.

Nobody could. Nobody.

I think that's all, Miss Meredith.

And if you'll forgive me for saying it,
you're too good a writer

to have such a scene in your play.

Okay, sister. This way out.

I might as well confess, David.

She's not really my client.

Tell her to wait a minute.
What?

Lora!

Lora, wait a minute!

I think we've still got a chance.

Mr. Edwards...
No, I don't.

Miss Meredith,

it's been a long time
since anyone told me off.

Tell me, what would
you do with that scene?

I'd cut it out.
Drop it entirely.

That's not a bad idea.
Let me think.

Yes, but the scene has a
couple of lines that are important.

Give them to Amy.

Yes, it would work.

Think you could play Amy?

Amy?

Of course, we'll have to work
very hard together, Miss Meredith.

I'd love it!

So would I.

Tom?
Yes, Mr. Edwards?

Call off auditions
for the day. I'm busy.

You know, I always
believed in that girl.

Bravo, Meredith!

Bravo, Meredith!
Bravo, Meredith!

Bravo, Meredith!

Thank you, David.

They applauded me.
Did you hear them?

Why not?
You were great!

Author! Author!
Your turn, Mr. Edwards.

Tom, may I borrow a dime?

Sure.

I'll pay you back.

Don't rush. You'll be
around a long time.

Yes?

Oh, Miss Lora.

And they liked me, too.

They did?

Now, isn't that wonderful?

Do you want Susie?

Yes. Yes,
let me speak to her, please.

Congratulations, Mommy.

Congratulations, Mommy!
Did you remember your lines?

Yes, I remembered all my lines.

Did they clap for you?

Yes, they did clap for me, too.

I'll be home very soon.
I'll only stay a little while,

and then I'll come right home.

Here's a kiss, Mommy.
Oh...

And here's one for you, too.

Let's go. Let's go.

The papers will be out soon
and the party's waiting.

"This should be a Pulitzer
Prize play for David Edwards,

"for tonight,
we saw the ranking comedy of the season,

"marvelously performed by
Geraldine Moore and Preston Mitchell."

Listen to The Times. Atkinson says,
"A new star was born.

"Lora Meredith,
an actress who heretofore

"has been hiding her
light under a bushel

"somewhere in the hinterlands,
gave a great performance

"in a small part last night."

Congratulations, baby!

Thank you, Allen.

Congratulations, that was really a...

Lora, this is a great night for us.

For us?

Oh. Oh!

Well, I, for one,
can't keep my beady eyes open anymore.

I'm going home.
Well, good night, David.

Good night, all you lucky people.

Good night.
Good night, dear.

Good night.

Good night, David.
Good night, Gerry.

Good night, David.
See you tomorrow.

Good night, David.

Good night, all.

Well, congratulations again, baby.

We did it, all right.

I'll see you first
thing in the morning.

Yes, Allen.
In my office.

Agents.

By morning it'll be all over town

that he wrote your part,
directed you personally,

and was your lover before you met me.

Well, lady, there's your new empire!

Not big. Just stretches
from 42nd to 52nd Street.

But it's the heart of the world.

You happy?

Oh, yes.

Yes.

I can't thank you...

I can't begin to thank you
for giving me the chance.

No thanks. It's
something we did together.

Yes.

We'll have more evenings like this,
more plays.

I promise that.

Please.

And with you, David.
Always with you.

You are good for me.

You mean that?

Well, you must be because
I've never felt this way before,

never so complete and so happy.

I don't think I could be
happier with anyone else, either.

I'm in love with you, Lora.

Though I must hasten to add,
I always fall in love with my leading ladies.

Maybe that's all it is,
but I don't care,

because I'm loving you now.

You and tonight.

Thank you.

Marvelous performance, darling.

Just as fresh as it was
seven months ago.

Now, hurry up and get ready.

David, can't I beg off
tonight? I am so...

Beg off?
Impossible, darling!

There's some nice,
untouched money out there from Cincinnati.

Hardware, I think.

They want to meet you,
to invest in your success and my next play.

She ought to go to bed right now.

Annie, you're much too pretty
to be a watchdog.

And I can bite sometimes.

Five minutes, darling.
But, darling...

While I keep Cincinnati
and the money happy.

Doesn't he ever stop?

He can't, Annie.

If he did, he'd be sure to
find out how sad he really is.

And I know that feeling.

Funny, isn't it?

After all this time,
the struggling and heartache,

and you make it,

then you find out it doesn't seem worth it,
something is missing.

Now David wants to marry me.

I don't know.

Do you love him?

No.

But he's good for me in many ways.

At least,
I'm trying to make myself think he is.

And of course,
it would be better for Susie.

This ain't no time to make decisions.

You're tired,
and you don't know what you want.

Maybe I don't want so much anymore.

But what would you do
if you gave it all up?

Well, I could spend
more time with Susie.

And you could stay at home
with Sarah Jane.

Do you know I haven't been up to
see my baby at school in weeks?

Susie knows you love her.

And you need show business
as much as it needs you.

Annie, what would I do without you?

Well, beautiful!

Do you really like it?

You're more beautiful than I
could ever possibly remember.

And we're late.

Good night, Annie.

You see she gets home at a decent hour.

Annie, I think we'll
try these over here.

Miss Lora, we've been spending
an awful lot of money up here.

Do you think we can really
afford to have this place?

Well, we can't afford not to.

Ma'am, ma'am?

Oh... Would you put it
over there, please?

That's fine.

Will you sign this, ma'am?
Mmm-hmm.

Thank you very much.

Come on, let's go, Joe.

Did you see the bills
from Susie's new school?

Mmm-hmm.
And it doesn't matter.

But, Miss Lora...
No matter what it costs,

Susie's going to have
everything that I missed.

From her letters, she misses you,

more than she'd ever miss Latin.

She just wrote and told me...

Annie, you still haven't told me

what the doctor said about
those spells you've been getting.

What do doctors always say
when they can't find nothing wrong?

"Take it easy."

Well, do, and I mean it.
Oh, Miss Lora.

You know you can have anyone
you want in here to help you.

Be more work getting
them out of my way.

I'll get it.

Hello, Mr. Edwards.
Hello, Sarah Jane.

How are you?
Fine, thanks.

I'm going to the Village.
I'll be back by 3:00.

Annie, that daughter of yours
gets prettier every day,

and so sophisticated.

Darling.
Hello, dear.

Oh, nice.

Yes, it's new.

Didn't you get my messages yesterday?

Or have you given up telephones?

Well, we've been so busy, David,
getting the house in order.

Come, sit down.

Would you like a drink?
A long one.

It's quite a trek from Manhattan.

Your usual?
Uh-huh.

I'll get it. All right,
enough chitchat.

Have you read my new play?

Great, isn't it?

Yes, it's very good, but, David...

Darling, I don't think
I should do another comedy.

No, no, wait a minute.

I've decided to do
the new Stewart play.

That? What part?

Not the dull social worker with
the high dreams and low heels.

Yes.
It's drama.

No clothes, no sex. No fun.

I know,
but it's a great chance for good acting.

And that colored angle in it.
It's absolutely controversial.

What do you know about controversy?

Nothing, and I don't want to know.

I only know it's a good script,
and they're not easy to find.

Besides, I feel I need something different,
a new experience.

All right, if you want a flop,
have it on your own time.

I wrote my play for you,
I tailored it to your every mood.

I never wrote better laughs in my life.

You tell me you want controversy?

It may sound ungrateful

after all you've done for me...

You're right.
It is ungrateful.

But then, I never expected gratitude.

Personally, I couldn't stand it.

May I have my property back?

Of course.

Good luck, David.
I know it will be a hit.

You know, without you,
it will never be done.

Under the circumstances,
I think it's best if I destroy this.

What?
But, Mr. Edwards...

There goes my pride, up in ashes.

Well, goodbye.

Just a theatrical gesture.

He never makes less than six copies.

Wasn't she great?

You're going to join us, aren't you?

No. Just wish her all the
luck in the world for me.

Tell her I was wrong.

Oh, Annie,
wasn't Mother just wonderful?

Susie! Susie, wait.

We've gotta hurry. Remember,
Mama's bringing them all home.

Sarah Jane!

Thank you.
That's very sweet...

Darling, you were wonderful.

Steve.

Hello, Lora, and congratulations.

Steve, I can't believe it.

Lora, I'd like you
to know Louise Morton.

How do you do?
How do you do, Miss Meredith?

I loved your performance.

Thank you very much.

Steve Archer, everybody.

A very old and dear friend.

Oh, and Miss Morton.

Hi. Hello.

Steve, it's been so long.
Ten years.

And you haven't changed a bit.

How are Annie and the kids?

Annie's fine.

You'd never know the children.

They're so grown up and lovely.

Look, we're all going to my
house to wait for the reviews.

Why don't you join us?

Well, let's get going.

I'm glad the opening's over.

Now I hope Mother'll have some
time for me before my graduation.

You know, I have a lot of
subjects I want to discuss with her

and I don't want to forget any of them.

Annie, do you want to hear them?

Sure, honey.
Good.

Well, the most important
is Jane Beeler's party.

There are gonna be boys,

and under that I have an "A" and a "B"

I want to discuss with Mother.

"A," how do I make a boy like me?

And "B," should I let him kiss me?

Isn't that subject
coming up a little soon?

But the girls at school
discuss it all the time.

My goodness, they're here already!

Honey, will you run upstairs
and get Sarah Jane?

All right.

All right, ma'am?
Yes, it's wonderful.

Thank you.

Annie, are you ready for a surprise?

Wait till you see who's here.

Hello, Annie.

Why, Mr. Steve.

My goodness!

I'll get you a drink.

You certainly look fine.

You, too, Annie.
How's everything been?

Oh, each day I count my blessings.

You call doing this at 1:00
in the morning a blessing?

Yes, sir. I can remember when plenty of
ham and eggs was more than a blessing.

It was a miracle.

Here you are!

Scotch and water, I remembered.

Thanks, but I'd better
get back to Louise.

Oh, she wouldn't even
know you're there.

She's being mesmerized by Allen Loomis.

Steve, it's good to
have you here. I mean it.

And now that we finally have you back,
we will not let you go.

No, sir. You're gonna
stay with us.

Listen, I have this Sunday off,

the first Sunday I've had in weeks,

and we're going to drive
into the country for a picnic,

Susie, Sarah Jane and Annie.

How does that sound?

Wonderful.

Steve, I heard your voice.

This can't be Susie.

So pretty and not little anymore.

Little? Why,
I'm graduating in two weeks.

You'll come, won't you, Steve?

I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Sarah Jane, look who's here.

Sarah Jane?

Hello, Steve.

It can't be.
Why, you were all legs.

I still have them.

Yes, but they came up to here.

Steve, don't ever
go away from us again.

Will you promise?

Well, are we holding the party in here?

Hi, Annie, Sarah Jane.

No, Allen, we're coming right out.

Was it a surprise to see her?

You have an open
invitation to come here

any time you can get away
from Madison Avenue.

Yes, do, Steve. Not just any time,
but all the time.

Come on.
Even though it is a long drive.

You forget, young lady,
I used to walk up three flights of stairs

to see you in the old days.

Oh, Mama, look!
A falling star.

The food's on.

Excuse me.

Did you wish on it?
Mmm-hmm.

I wish it could always be like tonight.

All of us together.
Don't you?

Yes, my darling.

And I'm going to do something about it.

I will not do another play
for a long, long time.

Oh, Mama.

Come on.

We're going now, honey.

Now, if that headache
ain't gone in an hour's time,

you take another aspirin.

Do you hear?
Yes, Mama.

Okay.
Have a good time.

Mama?
Yes, baby?

Tell them I'm sorry
I had to miss the picnic.

Okay. Okay.

But by the time I find Steve,
the fire'll be just perfect.

Now, you let them alone.

Maybe they got things to talk about.

This is a fine picnic.

Sarah Jane suddenly
announces she's getting the flu,

and Mama and Steve just go off.

Oh, well, if this is
the way it's going to be,

I guess I might as well
get on with my list.

Now, I can cross off
pink sweater for Elizabeth,

and yellow sweater for Sarah Jane.

Then we skip ahead to algebra.

Do you think another year
of that stuff is a good idea?

I sure do. It's gonna come in mighty
handy with prices always going up.

Which brings us back
to the subject of boys.

What do you think about kissing, Annie?

Well, there's kissing and kissing.

I still take pictures
every chance I get.

Still trying to get them exhibited.

Stop hedging.
What is your job, really?

I'm vice-president in charge
of advertising for P-C Beer.

Don't tell anybody. Why
not? I think it's wonderful.

Because I'm quitting,
just as soon as I can wind things up.

But why?

Didn't you ever get the feeling

that you're tired of what you're doing?

That it isn't all you really wanted?

And did you ever get the urge
not to do what you don't want to do?

To let yourself go and
follow the wind or a star?

Maybe even a dusty old rainbow?

Yes.

Well, that's why I'm going.

Where to?

I don't know.

Around the world, I guess, for a start.

You going alone?

I'm afraid so, I...

I went through my
entire little black book.

Well, you shouldn't
have skipped my name.

I don't know why I said that, Steve.

Except that I haven't been
this happy with anyone for years.

You know I still have you
in my blood, don't you?

Steve, do you, really?

I never got over you, Lora.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't.

Now, there's a kind of kissing that's
not careless and doesn't lead to harm,

when the two people kissing
are nice and right.

Kissing is part of falling in love,

and the Lord wants his
children to fall in love,

when they're old enough
and got sense enough.

Then kissing is like yeast is to bread.

If people never got
around to kissing...

Pardon me, Annie,
but I'm starving to death.

Can't I please find Steve?

Don't think you'll have to.

Steve! It's time
to cook the steaks.

Even Annie says so.

Telling them will be wonderful,
but Loomis! Ugh!

Why tell him at all?

Well, he has a lot of commitments
he'll have to get me out of.

Susie.
Yeah?

Will you go upstairs
and see how Sarah Jane is?

Tell her I'll be right up.

Okay.

Wait a minute. Let me
help you with that first.

Thank you, honey.

Hello, Allen? I...

Oh, you've been trying to call me?

Well, I'm sorry.
We've been out all day.

When?

Well, it sounds
simply marvelous, but...

No, no, not for dinner.
I'm having guests.

Why don't you bring him for c*ck?

Yes. All right.

Steve! Amerigo Felluci!

The Italian movie director?

Yes. Oh, he wants me for the
part of Rena in No More Laughter.

His agent is in New York now
to talk to me about it.

I see.

That means you'd have to go to Italy.

Of course.

Oh.

Well, I'll have to give
a two-week notice to the play.

Yes.

Well, don't be so calm.

They want me for Rena!

Well, who is she?

Only the best part
since Scarlett O'Hara.

Sarah Jane?

Sarah Jane, where've you been?

I've been looking all over for you.

You know, you're supposed to be in bed!

Sit down.

Cross your heart,

you won't tell my mama?

No, no, I won't tell Annie.

Well, what is it?

I've been out

with my boyfriend.

Boyfriend?

I didn't know you had a boyfriend!

Where's he from?

The Village.

Oh.

Did you meet him in school?

School?

No.

There's an ice-cream parlor
in the Village with a jukebox.

Yeah?

And he used to stand outside,
and every time I'd walk by he'd whistle.

No kidding?

At first, I pretended
he wasn't on Earth.

Yeah?

But finally, I had to laugh,
and he followed me, and we started to talk.

He's cute. Really cute.

Is he a colored boy?

Why did you ask that?

I don't know.
It just slipped out.

It was the first thing you thought of.

I told you, it just slipped out.

Well, he's white.

And if he ever finds out about me,

I'll k*ll myself.

But why?
Because I'm white, too.

And if I have to be colored,
then I want to die.

Sarah Jane, what are you saying?

I want to have a chance in life.

I don't want to have to
come through back doors,

or feel lower than other people,

or apologize for my mother's color.

Don't say that!
She can't help her color.

But I can.

And I will.

But we've always talked things over,

and, well, you never
told me this before.

Because I never had a boyfriend before.

Because he wants to marry me someday.

A white boy. Me!

But how do you think he'd feel,
or his folks,

with a black in-law?

What do you think people would say
where we'd live, if they knew my mother?

They'd spit at me and my children.

Sarah Jane, you know that's not true!

It is!

That's why he mustn't know her.

I don't want anybody to know her.

What if he comes here?

He doesn't even know where I live.

I pretend I'm a rich girl
with strict parents.

But he's bound to find out.

How?

I'm going to be
everything he thinks I am.

I look it, and that's all that matters.

And you're not to say anything either.

I won't. You know I won't.
I never did, but...

Sarah Jane, if Mama ever found out,

why, she'd never stand for it.

I don't care.

Your mother doesn't own me.

I guess I won't be seeing you
before you leave, so good luck in Italy.

Why, you make that sound like goodbye.

Why couldn't we meet in Italy?

What for?
You'll have a film.

You won't need me.

But, Steve, wait.

You tell Susie I'll
be at her graduation.

Goodbye, Lora.

Oh, Sarah Jane?

Yes, Miss Lora?

I'm having some people come
for a business meeting,

and later the dinner
guests will arrive.

I wonder if you could help
your mother a bit.

Well, Miss Lora, I'd...

Well, I'd like to, but I have a...

A date?
Is it the Hawkins boy?

Hawkins?

Well, the Miller's chauffeur,
down the road.

Why do you say that?

Well, I met him at the station the
other day and he asked about you.

No. It's with
someone else.

Oh.

Well, all right, you run along.

I'll try to manage here.

There they are.

Look, honey, why don't you go
over to the party at the church?

They bore me.

You're making a big mistake.
You're young.

You shouldn't be sitting around.

Miss Lora feels the same way.

She'll lend you her car.

She will?
How nice of her.

I'd be happy knowing you're
meeting nice young folks.

Bus boys, cooks, chauffeurs!

Like Hawkins.

No, thank you.

I've seen your nice young folks.

I don't want to fight with you, honey.

Not tonight.
I don't feel too good.

While I get started on the anchovies,

will you take this tray in
to Miss Lora and her friends?

Why, certainly.

Anything at all for Miss
Lora and her friends.

But, Signor Romano,
why should she need rehearsals?

You know her work. Her last play
was a fantastic success! I'm sure that...

Mr. Felluci always insists
on two weeks rehearsal.

Pictures are a different
medium than the stage.

She will need the rehearsal.
She will...

Fetched you all a mess
of crawdads, Miss Lora,

for you and your friends.

Well, that's quite a trick, Sarah Jane.

Where did you learn it?

No trick to toting,
Miss Lora. I learned it from my mammy,

and she learned it from ole
massa 'fore she belonged to you.

Well...
Excuse me.

Another drink, Signor Romano?

Sarah Jane, why did you do that?

What's the matter with you?

Annie, did you see what she did?

I heard her.

You and my mother are so
anxious for me to be colored.

I was going to show you I could be.

You weren't being colored.

You were being childish.

I don't understand why you would
want to hurt your mother, or me.

I told her she has to be patient.

Things will work out.

How?

Miss Lora, you don't know
what it means to be different.

Have I ever treated you
as if you were different?

Has Susie? Has anyone here?

No.

You've been wonderful, but...

Then don't ever do this to us again,

or to yourself.

It won't solve anything, Sarah Jane.

Mama?

Please...

Try to understand.

I didn't mean to hurt you.

I love you!

I know, baby.

You're just like a puppy that's
been cooped up too much.

That's why I wanted you
to go to the party.

Oh, Mama, don't you
see that won't help?

Lora, wait a minute.

I didn't mean
the whole thing. I said...

Signor Romano...

Frankie, you're late.

I thought you'd never get here.

Let's walk down by the river.

I want to talk to you.

We can talk here.

Frankie,

I'm having trouble at home.

Your mother?

Yes.

Frankie, you said you wanted
to take a job in Jersey.

Couldn't we run away?

I'd do anything to be with you.

Anything.

That's not a bad idea.

That's not a bad idea at all.

Just tell me one thing.

Yes?

Is it true?

ls what true?

Is your mother a n*gg*r?

Tell me. Tell me!

What difference does
it make? You love me!

All the kids talking
behind my back. Is it true?

No!
Are you black?

No, I'm as white as you!

You're lying!
No, I'm not!

You're lying!
I'm not!

You are!
I'm not!

That felt so good.

And I'm glad the guests have gone.

And I'm glad you're not going to Italy.

So am I.

Felluci wanted me in Rome in one week,

but I won't miss Susie's graduation,
not for anything.

You know, I can't believe it,
Susie and Sarah Jane all grown up.

You and I have gone through a lot together,
haven't we?

The years are flying.
I'm getting old.

You never sounded so solemn before.

Don't you feel well, Annie?

Just a little tired.

Do you need anything?
Any money?

No, Miss Lora. Thanks
to you, I'm well-fixed.

I've plenty to send
Sarah Jane to college,

and something set aside for
her and enough for my funeral.

Annie, that funeral again!

Well, I'm getting on,
and that's the one thing

I've always wanted to splurge on.

I really want it elegant.

Got it all written down,
the way I want it to be,

and all the friends
I'd like to have there.

It never occurred to me
that you had many friends.

You never have any visit you.

I know lots of people.
Oh, hundreds.

Really?

I belong to the Baptist Church,

and I belong to several lodges, too.

I didn't know.

Miss Lora, you've never asked.

Mama! Annie! Quick!
Quick, it's Sarah Jane!

Sarah Jane!
Oh, my baby!

Get some water and towels!

What happened, baby?
What happened?

Leave me alone.

Honey, who did this
to you? Tell me!

Leave me alone!

Sarah Jane, you've got to tell me.

Who was it?

It was her boyfriend.

Boyfriend?

Yes, he found out I'm not white

because you keep telling
the world I'm your daughter.

Anything you can spoil, you spoil!

Stop that! Stop it!

Don't you talk to
your mother like that!

I told you.
Lies don't help none!

This always happens when you lie.

It wouldn't if you
weren't always around!

Thank you.

Are you sure Annie'll make it in time?

Honey, you know Annie. If she says she will,
she will.

Oh, Mama, I'm so happy.

Gee, you know,
I never really believed you'd be here.

Are you sorry about the picture?

I'm only sorry I couldn't
bring your present with me,

but he's a little bit too big.

He? Who's he?
Who's too big?

That thoroughbred you told me about?

The one you loved so?
Yeah.

Well, he's waiting for you at home!

You got him?
You mean, he's mine?

Yes.
Oh, Mama, thank you!

Happy graduation, angel!

Mama, look! It's Annie!

And Steve.

Steve!

Hi.
Susie.

Oh, and, Annie,
I'm so glad you made it!

And, Steve, you're
such a darling to come.

I meant it when I said
I wouldn't miss it for the...

Lora!

Hello, Steve.
I thought you were in Italy.

Annie, why didn't you tell me?

Slipped my mind, I'm afraid.

This came for you this morning.

Honey.
Yeah?

Sarah Jane's much better.
I'm glad.

She's sorry she couldn't come,
but she sends her love.

I think I'm going to faint.

You know, this is the most
exciting day of my entire life?

I never expected you'd all be here.

It's from Felluci.

He still wants me for the part.

And he'll wait after all.

Imagine, he's even made my plane
reservations. I'm to leave in two weeks.

Two weeks? Oh, Mama.

At least that time
will be ours together.

Oh, don't look like that, Susie.

Felluci agreed to my terms.

I can't turn him down now.

I know, Mother. I know.

Look, honey,
your mama feels worse than you.

Girls. The exercises
are beginning. Come on.

Darling...

When do you leave, Steve?

I don't know when I'll
be able to get away now.

Oh.

Would you do me a favor?

Will you look after my
child for me while I'm gone?

Please?

I can think of nothing I'd like better.

All right?

Fine. Let's ride down
to the river.

Thank you.

Isn't this fun?

I wrote Mother last week and told her

you were riding like Audie Murphy.

I'll wear my six-shooters
tomorrow morning!

And your black tie
tomorrow night at Bocce's.

Did we make it definitely tomorrow?

Well, you said Monday night.

Well, I hope you won't be
disappointed. It's nothing glamorous.

Disappointed with you, Steve?
Never.

Come on, I'll race you
back to the old mill.

I hope you won't be disappointed.

No. I think it's romantic.

Good evening.
A table for two?

Please.

Steve, what a wonderful place
to end a perfect evening!

I'll have cognac and...

Could I have one,
too? Just once? Mmm-mmm.

Maybe a little wine?

No. Coke.

You don't want them to lose their license,
do you?

No, of course not, but...

Shall we dance?

Dance?
Oh, I'd love to, Steve.

You know, you're about the only
one that I can talk seriously with.

What about Annie? I thought she
was everybody's Rock of Gibraltar.

She still treats me like I was a child,

as if I were just out of rompers.

But you don't.

Well, you're almost a woman.

Almost?

But any time you have
anything serious on your mind,

you try it out on me.

Well, I do have a problem
that's been bothering me.

Let's have it.

No, maybe I shouldn't.

I'll bet I know what it's about.

You do?

Boys.

No.
You were teasing me.

Yes.

Steve, what's the proper age
for people to...

Well, to get married?

That is a problem.
I'm no authority.

Isn't being in love enough?

As long as it's on both sides.

But then, at your age,
there's always the possibility

of being in love with love.

No. No, it's real. I am.

In love?

Want to talk about it?

Well, I...

No, not yet.

Sometimes, though,
I feel awfully lonely.

Love is always a little
lonely in the beginning,

especially when you're not sure

the other party feels as you do.

But it's heavenly, though.
Don't you agree?

I do. Marvelous.
No substitute for it.

Oh, I'm so glad I'm alive!

I've never been so glad before.

Every time we've been together,
it's been just perfect.

I think you ought to go out
more with friends your own age.

Than go out with Steve?

Annie, you can't believe
how much we have in common.

Oh, it's Steve.

Now, you're not
going out without a coat.

But I was going to
borrow one of Mother's.

Steve's seen all of mine.

Sarah Jane bought herself a
new one. You can wear hers.

I'll be right down!

Annie, I haven't seen
Sarah Jane in weeks.

Does she like that new job in New York?

Oh, yes.
Thank you.

The head librarian
thinks she's so good,

why, she even gave her a raise.

That's wonderful!

Why, she just wrote me the
other day and she said that...

Oh! Don't wait up
for me, Annie.

I'm going to be terribly late.

Good night, sweetie.

Harry's Club?

Hope I didn't keep you
waiting too long, Steve.

Hello, is this
the Manhattan Public Library?

Yes, it is.

Well, may I speak to Miss Sarah Jane Johnson,
please?

Well, I'm sorry, the library is closed.

Yes, I know, but she's on a late shift

reclassifying books
after hours, she said.

Well, there's no one here by that name.

You have no one there by that name?

No.

Are you sure?
Absolutely sure?

Yes, I'm sure. No one.

I see.
Well, thank you very much.

Thank you.

Can I help you, lady?

Is there a girl named Sarah
Jane Johnson working here?

Never heard of her. Two?

The loneliest word
I've heard of is empty

Anything empty is sad

An empty purse can make a good girl bad

You hear me, Dad?

The loneliest word
I've heard of is empty

Empty things make me so mad

So fill me up with what I formerly had

Now Venus, you know,
was loaded with charms

And look at what happened to her

Waiting around, she's minus two arms

Could happen to me? No, sir

Now is the time to fill what is empty

Fill my life brim full of charms

Help me refill these empty

Empty, empty arms

I thought you were
great tonight. Really great.

Thank you.

Where do you go when you
run out of here every night?

You got a boyfriend?

Could be.

If you weren't such a cute
little... Sarah Jane Johnson!

You put your clothes on
and get out of this place!

Say, honey, who is this character?

I don't know.

I've never seen her before in my life.

Now quit lying.

You tell me you had a
respectable job in the library.

Hey! What's going on here?

Oh, she must be crazy.

Tell her my name's Judy Brandi.

Make her go away.

Look, lady, why don't you blow?

You'd better keep out of this, mister.

This girl here is my daughter,

and if you don't tell her to go home with me,
her mother,

I'll have the law on you!

Your mother?

Well, I'll be!

Go on, beat it.
She's through, anyway.

Sarah Jane.

What did you expect me to do when I
find you dancing in that lowdown dive?

Honey, think!

If it ever got back to
the teachers' college

that you were mixed up in such a place,

they would never let you in!

I wouldn't be found dead in
a colored teachers' college!

Please, come home!

We'll have some coffee
and we'll talk about this.

Honey, nobody's all right about anything,
and nobody's all wrong.

Now, if you don't want
to be a teacher, all right.

We'll talk about what you want to be.

Honey, Miss Lora gets home from
Italy in the morning and I'm sure...

Sarah Jane!

Sarah Jane!

Susie, darling!

Oh! The flowers!

It's wonderful.

I was never so glad to be home.

Annie was up at the crack of dawn.

Where is she?

Well, I don't know.

Annie? Annie?

That's funny. You know,
she was so anxious to see you.

Annie?

Annie, what's the matter?

What happened?

Is it Sarah Jane?

"Mama, if you really want to be kind,

"really a mother, don't try to find me.

"Just pretend that I died,
or was never born.

"This is my life and I'm
going to live it my way.

"Sarah Jane."

Darling, I'm sorry.

We'll find her and bring her back.

No, Miss Lora.

It's her life and I'm
done with interfering.

All I'd like to know
somehow is where she is,

so if she should ever need anything,
I can kind of help her.

Do you have any idea
where she might have gone?

No, ma'am.

I bet Steve will know
what to do. I'll call him.

All right.

You lie down for a while.

We're going to take
care of you for a change.

Hello, Steve?

Yes. Susie!

Let me have it.

Hello. No, this isn't Susie.

That's right.

A few moments ago.

It was wonderful. Yes.

And thank you for taking
such good care of my child.

Yes, she is.

What's he saying about me?

He thinks you're as cute as a button,
and you are.

Only, Steve,
something dreadful has happened.

When?

No. I'll put
a detective agency on it

and I'll report
the moment I hear anything.

Goodbye.

Then under the name of Linda Carroll,

she got herself a job
in the chorus line

at the Moulin Rouge in Hollywood.

Where's she living?

At a motel nearby.

Thanks, Mr. Steve.
I'm going out there.

No, Annie, you can't.

You're not well enough.

I'll go get her myself.

No, Miss Lora.
I have to go.

I've just got to see my baby once more.

All right, Annie, I'll have my
office make your train reservations.

Thanks, but I'm not going by train.

I'm going to fly.

I'm in a hurry.

Hey, what's up, honey?

I don't know.
Just a funny feeling.

Well, don't forget,
the guys are picking us up at 12:30.

Well, I'll rush back
to the motel and change.

See you then.

Door's open.

I'll be ready in a minute.

I hope they're not here...

Now, don't be mad, honey.
Nobody saw me.

It was you.

You were there tonight.

Why can't you leave me alone?

I tried, Sarah Jane.

You'll never know how hard I tried.

Well, I might as well pack.

Look,
baby... I suppose you've been to the boss.

Lost me my job, my friends...

I've been no place!

I didn't come to bother you.

Well, you won't.
Not ever again.

Spoil things for me here and
I'll just go somewhere else,

and I'll keep on going
until you're so tired and so...

Baby, I am tired.

I'm as tired as I ever want to be.

You mind if I sit down?

Yes, I do!

Somebody's coming. That's
why the door was unlocked.

I'll only stay a minute.

I just want to look at you.

That's why I came.

Are you happy here, honey?

Are you finding what you really want?

I'm somebody else!

I'm white. White.

White!

Does that answer you?

I guess so.

Then please, Mama, will you go?

And never do this again.

And if, by accident,
we should ever pass on the street,

please don't recognize me.

I won't, Sarah Jane.
I promise.

I settled all that in my mind.

There's just one thing I wish from you.

What?

If you're ever in trouble,
if you ever need anything at all,

if you ever want to come home,

and you shouldn't be able
to get in touch with me,

will you let Miss Lora know?

Yes. Yes, anything!
Now, will you go?

That wasn't all I wanted, honey.

That was only part of it.

What's the rest?

I'd like to hold you in my arms once more,
like you were still my baby.

All right, Mama.

All right.

Sarah Jane.

Oh, my baby.

My beautiful, beautiful baby.

I love you so much.

Nothing you ever do can stop that.

Mama!

Mama, Mama.
My baby.

Oh, my baby.

Come on, Linda, they're waiting.

Say, listen, if you're the new maid,

I want to report that
my shower is full of ants.

I'm sorry, Miss.

That must be very uncomfortable.

But I just happened to be in town

and I dropped in to see Miss Linda.

I used to take care of her.

Well, I guess I'll be running along.

My plane's leaving in a little while,
Miss Linda.

Goodbye, honey.

You take good care of yourself.

Goodbye.

Well, get you.

So, honey child, you had a mammy!

Yes.

All my life.

Hello, Steve.

Hello, Lora.

You know, some of my girlfriends
get embarrassed when their mothers

wear shorts or Capri pants
and things like that,

but I really don't mind.

Oh, that's very big of you.

Here, I mixed you a highball,
but you only get one before lunch.

Yes, ma'am.

I just had a call from Loomis.

Don't say a word. He's
got a new role for you.

No, no.
Highball?

Yes.

No, they've flown over a print
of the Italian picture,

and he's arranged a special showing tonight,
and a party afterwards.

Darling, I'd like you to see it,
too, but I'm worried about Annie.

Ever since she came back from Los Angeles,
she's changed.

Doctor Miller's quite
concerned about her condition.

I think someone should stay
in the house with her tonight.

Do you mind?

No, of course not, Mama.

I'll see you tomorrow, Steve? Sure.

What can we do to help Annie, Steve?

There's no answer, Lora.
Never has been.

Not for a broken heart.

And I know Mother didn't understand.

It was so embarrassing.
And poor Steve.

I mean, what could he do?

She just swept over him
like a tidal wave!

Now, honey, it's only natural
he'd like to go out with your mother.

He always enjoyed her company.

You remember that.

But it's different now.

All summer long,
it's been Steve and me.

Annie, you know, don't you?

Know what?

That I'm in love with Steve.

I've always been in love with him,
and always will be.

Sure, Susie, but like a little girl.

No, I don't think it
even started like that.

In a funny way, I always knew.

Every time I thought I liked a boy,

it was because he reminded me of Steve.

And then I'd stop liking him
because he wasn't Steve.

Susie? Are you up, darling?

Yes.

I just had to tell you.

I have the most wonderful news!

You're going to do another picture?

No. Not a picture,
not a play, never again.

I know you don't believe me.

I can't blame you.
Steve didn't either.

He probably won't until
our 10th anniversary.

Anniversary?

Steve and I have always been in love,

but it seems I've never had
time for anything but my work.

So I just up and proposed
that we get married...

Why, Susie, what's the matter?

Are you all right?

Yes, I'm fine.

I hope you'll be very happy.

We will be.
All of us.

What is it, darling?
Tell me.

I'm very tired.
Good night, Mother.

Good night, dear.

You know, Annie,
last night when I told Susie the news,

she was like ice.

It's strange. I thought
she would be ecstatic.

She always seemed to adore Steve.

Something's wrong with her, Annie.

Do you know what it is?

Miss Lora, you've got to be very
careful the way you handle Susie.

She's got a real problem.

Problem?

Why don't I know about it?

Why didn't she come to me?

Maybe because you weren't around.

You mean, I...

I haven't been a good mother?

I know you meant to be a good mother,
the best kind of mother,

but, look, I meant to be a good one,
too, and I failed.

But you couldn't have been
a better mother to Sarah Jane.

Then where's my little girl?

But, Annie, that's different.

Hers is a very real problem.

But what complicated Susie's life?

Good heavens, we made a home for her,

prettiest clothes, the best schools...

Susie's in love.

Oh, Annie.

Is that all?
Why didn't you say so?

It's not unusual for a girl
Susie's age to be in love.

It's who she's in love with
that's causing all the trouble.

Why?

Who is it?

Mr. Steve.

What?

It's impossible.

How did it happen?
Why did he let it happen?

I don't think he knows.

Annie, it can't be serious.

It is, Miss Lora, plenty serious.

I'd better have a talk
with Susie, right now.

Wait. Wait.

Susie.

I've just spoken to Annie. Have you?

Now I know why you
were so upset last night.

So Annie told you.

Well, that's how you usually
find things out about me.

That's not true.

Let's face it, Mama.

Annie's always been
more like a real mother.

You never had time for me.

By the way, is this worded correctly?

An application to college?

Uh-huh.

But you were going
to study in New York.

Denver, it's 1,500 miles away.

1,628, to be exact.

Well, that's quite a distance.

I don't think I'll be missed.

Oh, don't be unfair, Susie.
You know I'd miss you.

I'm sure you'd be too busy to miss anyone,
much too busy.

Why, you give me credit for nothing.

Yes, I'm ambitious,
perhaps too ambitious,

but it's been for your
sake as well as mine.

Isn't this house just a little
bit nicer than a coldwater flat?

And your new horse,
aren't you just crazy about it?

Yes, but I...
And that closet of yours...

Has all the dresses fit for
the daughter of a famous star.

Now, just a moment, young lady!

It's only because of my ambition
that you've had the best of everything,

and that's a solid achievement

that any mother can be proud of!

And how about a mother's love?

Love?
But you've always had that.

Yes, by telephone, by post card,
by magazine interviews!

You've given me
everything but yourself.

No wonder I went to Annie last
night when I told her about Steve.

Oh, Susie!

If Steve is going to come between us,

I'll give him up.

I'll never see him again.

Oh, Mama, stop acting!

Stop trying to shift people around

as if they were pawns on a stage!

But, Susie, I... Don't worry,
I'll get over Steve,

but please don't play the martyr.

Mama, I'm sorry.
I didn't want to hurt you,

but last night I was so unhappy.

My darling.

I don't know,
maybe it was all to the good, because...

Well, this morning,
I feel strangely independent and,

well, I like the feeling,

and that's why I think I'd like to go away,
at least for a while.

Mama, please try to understand.

I'm very sincere about it.

Oh, it's funny the way things turn out.

Thank you.

I still can't get over Susie
at the station yesterday.

She looked so grown-up
when she said goodbye.

Yes, she did.

It does seem awfully
quiet here without her.

Annie and I were talking
about that last night.

With both the girls gone,
we've felt so alone in this big house.

When did this idea of college come up?

Susie never once mentioned it to me.

She decided suddenly.

But why Colorado?
It's so far away.

It's what she wanted.

Miss Meredith, it's Annie!
She's terribly sick!

Did you call the doctor?

Yes. He'll be right over.

And she wants the minister, too.

Oh, God, no!

I hate to dispute you, Miss Lora.

Oh, Annie, don't talk.

I've got to talk, I've got to.

Please, please, not now.

You stop crying.

But I...
No, listen to me.

All right, I'm listening.

When my bills are all paid,
I want everything that's left to go to

Sarah Jane.

Of course.

Mr. Steve?

Yes, Annie?

Find her, Mr. Steve.

Find her.

I will.
You may be sure I will.

Thank you.

Miss Lora, just tell her...

Tell her I know I was selfish,

and if I loved her too much,

I'm sorry, but I didn't mean
to cause her any trouble.

She was all I had.

Tell her, Miss Lora.
Please, Annie.

Promise me.
Promise me.

I promise.

My pearl necklace...

Yes?

I want you to give it to
Susie for her wedding.

Give her a real bridey
wedding with all the fixings.

Our wedding day and the day we die

are the great events

of life.

Oh, Annie! Annie, darling!

There's no cause to cry, honey.

Reverend?

Yes, Annie.

I'd like for your wife
to have my fur scarf.

She always admired that fur.

She never believed me when
I said it was genuine mink.

She did, Annie.
She did.

Oh, please, you don't have to.

And I want Mr. McKinney to have a nice,
clean $50 bill.

Mr. McKinney?

The milkman at the old coldwater flat.

He was so nice and
understanding about the bill.

I always sent him a little
something at Christmas time,

in both our names.

You've been so good.

Sure hope you're right, Miss Lora.

I'd like to be standing with the lambs

and not with the goats on Judgment Day.

And my funeral...

Mr. Steve,
you'll find what I want

in the drawer over there.

I've got it, Annie.

I wanna go the way I planned,

especially the four white horses,

and a band playing,

no mourning,

but proud and high-stepping,

like I was going to glory.

No, I won't listen!

There isn't going to be any funeral!

Not for a long, long time!

You can't leave me!
I won't let you!

I'm just tired, Miss Lora.

Awfully tired.

Annie!

Annie!

No!

Soon I will be done

Trouble of the world, Lord

Trouble of the world

Trouble, Lord, of the world

How soon I will be done

Trouble, Lord, of the world

I'm going home to live

with God

No more

weeping and wailing

No more

weeping and wailing

No more

weeping and wailing

I'm going home to live with my Lord

Soon I will be done

My trouble of this world

Oh, my trouble in this world

Lord, the trouble in this world

Lord, how soon I will be done

The trouble of this world

I'm going home

to live

with my Lord

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the
hills from whence cometh my help.

"My help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth.

"He will not suffer
thy foot to be moved.

"He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

"Behold, he that keepeth Israel

"shall neither slumber nor sleep.

"The Lord is thy keeper.

"The Lord is the shade
upon thy right hand.

"The sun shall not smite thee by day,
nor the moon by night.

"The Lord shall
preserve thee from all evil.

"He shall preserve thy soul.

"The Lord shall preserve thy
going out and thy coming in."

Let me through!

Please.
Please, let me through!

Stand back, miss.

But it's my mother!

Stand back, miss.

I'm telling you, it's my mother!

Stand back.

Please, please.
Please, miss.

Mama!

Mama!

I didn't mean it!
I didn't mean it!

Mama! Do you hear me?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, Mama.

Mama, I did love you.

Sarah Jane.
Sarah Jane, don't!

Miss Lora.

Miss Lora,
I k*lled my mother. I k*lled her.

I wanted to come home.

Now she'll never know how much
I wanted to come back home.

Come on. Come with us.