Maisie Goes to Reno (1944)

[bunniefuu]

[roaring]

[orchestral music]

[music continues]

[whistling]

[whistling]

- Well!

- Hi, Maisie, what's new?

Come on, let's go.

Didn't you hear the whistle?

Okay, you don't have to

jump down my throat.

[drill whirring]

There's still a w*r

going on, you know?

- I've heard some rumors.

- Next, next.

- Next!

- Listen, Ravier.

That's all, I'm going

to take from you.

Oh, dry up.

Lead man, lead man!

Oh, pipe down, honey.

I'm sorry, I'll behave.

- Come on, let's go.

- What's the matter now?

Well, I won't work

with her, anymore.

Oh, you won't?

You can just

get me a new girl, too.

- And, don't you wink at me!

- You winked at me.

But I can't help it, I'm nervous.

Gee, doc.

I don't know, what ails me

and that's the gospel truth.

Between you and I,

I think I'm going bats.

Can't sleep?

- Right eyelid twitches?

- Mm-hmm.

- Easily upset.

- Yeah, you can say that, again.

I might be an absentee, heaven


forbid, if this is the way I am.

How long have you been

working here, Miss Ravier?

Uh, 16 months.

- Hmm, no time off?

- Time off?

What do you think

I am, a dilettanti?

- Now, now, now..


- You'll have to excuse me, doc.

I'm just not myself.

What do you do

with your leisure time?

Plenty of rest?

Any sports?

Well, uh, we have this nursery

in our block,


for the day shift's kids and..

...I work there, mornings.

I see.

Sleep here at midnight.

Go to work at the nursery at..

5.30 AM.

Mm-hm.

How long have you been suffering


with this nictitating spasm?

Well, it's--

- The what?

- This tic.

This involuntary glad eye

you've been giving everyone.

Oh! For the last six weeks.

And talk about embarrassing, say.

I can well imagine.

Here's a little prescription

that'll fix you up.

Well, thanks, doc.

I don't like being a crab.

Oh, gee!

I don't know. Do you think

I should with so much to do?

Even soldiers

have to have furloughs.

[swing music]

[music continues]

[clapping]

Well, Maisie, what

I'm really trying to say is

we all want you to know,

you have our best wishes

for a happy vacation

and a good rest.

[clapping]

Thanks, kids.

And to you especially, Elaine.

I call it more than swell of you

after what you've been taking

from me the last couple months.

Skip it. I didn't know you're

nerves were all shot to pieces.

Yeah.

Gee, two weeks with pay.

It's like a dream.

- Maisie!

- Oh, Tommy!

How are you, Tommy?

- Where did he come from?

- Hey, quiet, girls.

Mr. Cutter happens

to have a wife and four kids.

Five, as of last reports.

Jeepers! Come here,

I want to talk to you privately.

Maisie, it's good to see you.

What have you been up to?

- Riveting.

- You're kidding!

That I am not!

Essential, that's me.

I'm just starting

a two weeks' vacation

on account I'm

a frazzle of nerves.

Gee, Tommy,

hearing your aggregation

makes me wish

I was back working for you.

Make believe, I don't.

You could do more

than any singer I ever had.

-What you doing?

- Me and the gals open in Reno.

At the El Presidente Hotel,

for two weeks.

No kidding!

A class joint at last, huh?

Say, you've got a vacation.

Why don't you spend it with us?

Oh, no.

Mm-hm.

I'm strictly supposed to rest.

That's what I mean. You sing

a couple of numbers at night.

In the day, sit around

in the sun pickin' up vitamins.

Believe me, that's all I want to

pick up, the way I feel.

What say? It'll make a new woman

of you, if you can get there.

Well, uh, what's the hitch?

Well, you know,

how travel is today.

We had to book our

train tickets weeks in advance.

But if you could grab

a bus or something.

All I do is sing few numbers

at night and the rest is free?

Sure! All you've got to do

is get there.

Well, don't worry.

I'll get there.

I'll grab me a bus or if worse

comes to worse, roller skates.

Attagirl!

I'll see you later.

- Roger.

- Roger.

[man on P.A.]

'Stage 12, loading at gate 3

for immediate departure.'

Hey, take it easy.

Too bad about you.

There's a w*r on.

Yeah, we have to rehearse

for it here?

[footsteps]

They ought to warn you

when the tide's coming in.

Look, buddy, I've got

to get to Diego.

I'm two days late, already.

We're all sold out, soldier.

Look, my husband's expecting

me at Camp Roberts.

- Yes?

- Ticket to Reno, please?

- Reno?

- Yes.

What you doing

in six weeks, cutie?

What do you care?

You'll be in the brig.

- When do you wanna go to Reno?

- Today.

We're all sold out

for three weeks.

Look, I got to

get there tomorrow.

- Nothing for three weeks.

- Oh, but I--

- I want to turn in this ticket.

- 'Cashier's window.'

I'll stand all the way to Reno.

Dearie, come here.

Don't go, make it up with him.

Even a bad hubby is better

than no hubby at all.

Thanks for your interest

in my case, madam, but--

I was all set to go this

afternoon, but we made it up.

Lady, tell it to Mr. Anthony,

will ya? I've--

You're cashing

in a ticket to Reno?

Indeed I am, dearie.

I put my pride in my pocket.

I apologized.

Now, why don't you go along home

and say, "Daddy, I'm sorry."?

Well, look, lady.

I'm not married.

Got a job waiting in Reno.

Sell me that ticket, huh?

Alright. Maybe, while you're

there, you'll catch a hubby.

- There's lots of men in Reno.

- A regular hubby lovie, huh?

- How much do I owe you?

- 8.70 plus tax, 9.57.

Okay, here, keep the change

and thanks a million.

Thank you.

Hey, prince charming, when does

the Reno bus pull out?

- '4:30.'

- Roger.

Hi, soldier. Think you knew me

or think you'd like to?

Oh, I'm not trying to

flirt with you.

Oh, well, a girl can't bat

a thousand all the time.

I want to ask your advice.

You can help me.

Look, sergeant, my bus pulls out

in a couple of minutes.

This'll all be decided

by the time the bus leaves.

Hey, you AWOL?

What? Oh, no, no.

Oh, then go ahead and tell me.

Uh, not here. Come on.

[man on P.A.]

'Attention, all military police

report to Lt. Brown's office.'

'All military police

report to Lt. Brown's office.'

- What'll you have, a coke?

- Uh, two cokes.

Look, here it is.

A friend of mine, not much tall,

but smart and ambitious.

He went to college,

worked his way through.

- Hash slinger, sock salesman.

- Mm-mm.

He met a girl, up in Stanford.

Freshman, when he was a senior.

Stanford, 1941.

I knew your face was familiar!

You mean, we've met?

Only on goal lines, mister.

I'm a football fan.

You were always tops

at running interference

so the other guy could score.

You got the broken ribs

and he got the press notices.

Well, let's skip the football

and get back to cases.

Okay. And let's skip that

"friend of mine" routine, huh?

The guy you're

talking about is you?

Yeah, that's right.

[laughing]

Well...I met a girl.

- Very beautiful.

- Mm-hm.

- Very sweet.

- Mm-hm.

- And very, very rich.

- Oh, oh.

But she-she dressed

like all the others.

Never put on any lugs.

Didn't want anybody to know--

She had a million, in the bank.

She thought she was

getting away with it, too.

We fell in love.

I finished school.

- And you got married.

- Yeah, very quietly out here.

- No kids?

- No.

The day after Pearl Harbor,

I enlisted.

Sure, I was married

but-but she had plenty.

Uh, more than plenty,

if you'd ask me.

My enlisting and leaving her

was the first shock.

And then finding out I knew

about the trust fund all along.

Well, you didn't marry

her for that.

Then, out of the blue, one day

she said something

about a divorce.

Ah, gee!

If you really loved each other,

couldn't you have ironed it out?

Well, usually I'm pretty smart.

But not then.

I said if that's the way

you feel about it...go ahead.

- And she went ahead?

- 'Yeah.'

The next day I woke up, I began

to realize what I'd lost.

But by then,

she'd packed up and left.

Well, you must have wrote her?

'Of course, I wrote her

and phoned and wired.'

When she didn't answer at first,

that didn't bother me.

She's stubborn.

She'd miss me.

- As much as you missed her.

- 'Yeah.'

But that's been almost

six weeks now.

Yesterday, I found out why

she's so dead set against me.

Somebody's been telling her

lotta things that aren't true.

I've got to tell her they're not.

- Can you get a furlough?

- 'I've got it. Fifteen days.'

Well, then what

are you waitin' for?

Wherever she is,

get yourself there, quick.

That's what I hoped you'd say.

That's why I brought you in here.

To tell you to do what

you're all set to do, anyhow?

Uh-huh, to tell me that.

And to do one thing more.

What's that?

When I was playing football..

...we had a word we used

when a guy got in a tight spot.

- It's skiddle-de-ruff-ka-doo.

- Skiddle-de-ruff-ka-doo?

'Really?'

It means, there's

a man in the way..

...block him out.

Help the fella with the ball.

I'm not wearing shoulder pads.

What's that gotta do with me?

Well, everything.

I'm saying it to you now.

Skiddle-de-ruff-ka-doo.

What am I supposed to do?

- Give me your ticket to Reno.

- Oh.

Congratulations, sergeant.

- That was pretty smooth.

- Not smooth. Desperate.

They're sold out for three weeks.

By then she'll have a decree,

and I'll be outta the country.

I've-I've got to have a ticket.

I've gotta job at the

El Presidente Hotel in Reno.

I'll pay you whatever it's worth.

I don't know how or when,

but I will.

Well, okay.

Kinda wish you hadn't

tricked me into it, but..

...here you are.

Gee, thanks.

You're swell!

Well, thanks again.

- And you're really swell.

- Hey, wait up.

- That will be 9.57, soldier.

- Oh, I forgot.

Uh, there's nine-nine fifty.

- That's all the change I got.

- That's alright, skip it.

- I'll go to the bus with you.

- Oh, swell.

You give me your name and address

and I'll send you the rest of it.

- That's on the level above--

- That's okay.

You might send me a card, let me

know how you're getting along.

Alright. That's swell.

[man on P.A.]

'Stage 8 for Bakersfield.'

'Fresno, Merced, Modesto,

Carson City and Reno.'

'Loading gate for

immediate departure.'

What's your name and address now?

It's Maisie Ravier. 82

Heliotrope Terrace, Burbank.

- May I see your pass, sergeant?

- Uh-oh.

Report back to camp

immediately, sergeant.

Oh, but that's a 15-day pass.

My-my C.O. signed it.

I've got 15 days.

No, your outfit's been alerted

to transfer to a new post.

- All leaves cancelled.

- But this is an emergency.

Sorry, sergeant.

On your way.

Ah, gee. That's a shame.

[bus driver]

'All aboard.'

Oh, well, here's your ticket.

- And give her this, will you?

- Wait a minute--

I wrote it just in case

I couldn't get there.

But don't mail it, understand?

Please, don't mail it.

Give it to her

and make her read it.

And tell her how I feel.

Yeah, but I can't do that.

I-I don't know her!

- Skiddle-de-ruff-ka-doo.

- But, uh--

[engine revving]

- Here's your money.

- Oh, thanks.

Be sure and give it to her in

person. Don't mail it, please.

Please, sit down, lady.

[engine revving]

♪ There's the guy

with an evil eye ♪

♪ And a great big

black moustache ♪

♪ He played his part

to steal my heart ♪

♪ But instead he stole my cash ♪

♪ I was young

and I sure was stung ♪

♪ But I ain't no child no more ♪

♪ And now I'm bent

on finding that gent ♪

♪ For to even up the score ♪

♪ Panhandle Pete,

Panhandle Pete ♪

♪ Better hit the trail ♪

♪ All the gold

that you can hold ♪

♪ There ain't no good in jail ♪

[music continues]

♪ I was spoiled

'cause his hair was oiled ♪

♪ And his talk

was just as slick ♪

♪ He swore that

he was stuck on me ♪

♪ But the quitter didn't stick ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Panhandle Pete,

Panhandle Pete ♪

♪ Better make a break ♪

♪ Ain't no law I ever saw ♪

♪ That said don't sh**t a snake ♪

[music continues]

♪ Grandpa lay very sick one day

and Pete gave him some scotch ♪

♪ The fever cleared,

then disappeared ♪

♪ Right along

with grandpa's watch ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Panhandle Pete,

Panhandle Pete ♪

♪ Was a silly grime ♪

♪ 'Cause where you are going to ♪

♪ You'll have lots of time ♪

[whistling]

♪ Money is gone and the mortgage

on my rent is coming due.. ♪

George.

- Take over. I've got business.

- Sure.

♪ That it's either me or you ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Panhandle Pete,

Panhandle Pete ♪

♪ My life you have wrecked ♪

♪ And if yours has been insured ♪

♪ Someone will soon collect ♪

[drum roll]

[g*nsh*t]

♪ I'd like you to meet ♪

♪ The late Mr. Pete ♪

♪ Who's unable to breathe today ♪

♪ He might have grown old ♪

♪ But now he's out cold ♪

♪ 'Cause you just ♪

♪ Can't ♪

♪ Make ♪

♪ Crime ♪

♪ Pay ♪♪

[clapping]

Hi, Jerry.

- Hello, Miss Ravier.

- Hello.

[clapping continues]

Gee, Maisie, you were great.

What did I tell you?

Say, what's with that bellhop?

- He's stuck on me.

- That little kid?

Honey, these days you don't even

throw the little one's back.

Where are you going?

I got to locate this party

I was telling you about.

- I want to get this off.

- But we're going to eat now.

- Roger.

- Yeah. With mayonnaise.

Be seein' you.

[crowd mumbling]

[waltz music]

Take a card.

- Take a walk.

- Thanks. I will.

[music continues]

Is Mrs. William Fullerton

stopping here?

Mrs. Fullerton was a guest here.

She's checked out.

Well, could you tell me

where she is?

I'm not at liberty to

give out that information.

If you write a note,

we'll forward it to her.

- This is something personal.

- I'm sorry.

- But if you could--

- I'm sorry.

Take a card.

Look, sleight of hand.

I'm busy.

Take a card.

Put it back.

You a friend

of Gloria Fullerton's?

You a talent scout

for the quiz kids?

- Five of spades.

- Hey, that's good.

Why do you wanna

see Gloria Fullerton?

- Why do you wanna know?

- Because I like your voice.

And you gave me

a steam-heated wink.

It so happens that is no wink.

It's a nictitating spasm.

On you, it looks a wink.

I figured I could use knowing

where to locate Mrs. Fullerton

as a way to get

acquainted with you.

Oh, well, I have to

deliver this letter

from her ex-husband to be, maybe.

Give it to me.

Ah-huh! I said

I'd deliver it personally.

You're the wrong type

for a mailman.

Why monkey in people's business?

It'll get you in trouble.

- Well, you ought to know.

- Give it to me.

I'll address it

and I'll buy you a drink.

I don't drink.

Where is she?

At the ranch about

10 miles out, Joan's ranch.

Well, could you tell me

the phone number?

- No phone.

- No phone.

- Joan's ranch, huh?

- Mm.

I'll be back

for the midnight show.

If you make that

drink a root beer, you're on.

- You were planning to walk?

- Planning to grab me a cab.

No cabs.

We go in my car.

Using what for gas?

I've been saving my cue points

for important trips.

Oh!

And this shapes up

as being important.

Important. Is that the

Reno word for impertinent?

I guess it's important.

A couple lives may be affected.

That's what I figured.

Suppose you change

and then I'll meet you outside.

- Hello, Flip.

- Hello, Donna.

Flip.

Flip.

They call you that on account

you flip the cards?

Name's Philip Francis Hennahan.

- Oh! Why, Flip?

- Say Philip fast.

- Philip.

- Faster.

- Philip.

- Faster.

- Flip.

- You got it.

See you.

[upbeat music]

Some ranch.

I bet even the cows have

red polish in their toenails.

Look, I'll only be long enough

to convince this character

she shouldn't

divorce this soldier.

Why don't you just use that

to hold up your powder?

Meaning what precisely?

Meaning, keeping out of

other people's business.

I'll only be a minute.

[bell ringing]

Yes.

I'd like to see

Mrs. Fullerton, please?

Mrs. Fullerton's not in.

Like to leave a message?

- I've got this letter here--

- I'll see that she gets it.

Oh, thanks. But I said

I'd give it to her myself.

Is the letter

from Sergeant Fullerton?

Well, I can't give it to any

intermediate. If she's out--

Please, wait.

Mrs. Fullerton will see you.

Say, she got back awful quick.

Ordinarily, I wouldn't

disturb her so late.

But, uh...this way.

Uh, look...I don't know

who you are

but I'd sooner see her alone.

- Certainly. Right in here.

- Thanks.

Good evening.

I understand

you have a letter for me.

- Well, are you Mrs. Fullerton?

- Yes.

Oh.

Oh, I had kind of a different

type picked out for you.

Not knowing you, of course,

just hearing your hus--

I mean sergeant speak about you.

- Do sit down.

- Oh, thanks.

Have you known Bill long?

The truth is

I don't know him at all.

I started talking to him

in this bus station.

Oh, let me give you some coffee.

Thanks.

I can't stay long.

- How about a cordial.

- Sure, if you've got some made.

- Green mint?

- Sure. Any color.

So, uh, you met Bill

in a bus station

and he gave you a letter for me?

Well, yes.

He meant to come personally,

but at the last minute, uh..

...this M.P. told him he

was being transferred and well..

He asked me to put this

into your hands, which I guess

I'd better do

without further ado.

Thank you, Miss, uh..

Oh, get me,

I didn't introduce myself.

My name is Maisie Ravier.

Thank you very much, Miss Ravier.

Do me a favor

and read it now, will you?

I'd like to tell him

I knew for sure you read it.

Very well.

Alright, Miss Ravier, you can

tell Bill I read his letter.

It doesn't change your mind

in any shape or form?

I'm afraid not.

I'm sorry to hear that.

I know this is none of

my business, Mrs. Fullerton.

Just tonight, an acquaintance

was balling me out for meddlin'

in things, so to speak but, gee,

he sure struck me as a fellow

who's carrying a torch,

if I ever seen one.

Bill is very appealing.

I believed he loved me once.

I believed it enough

to marry him.

Finding out I was wrong

was just the worst thing

that ever happened to me.

Well, you mean him knowing

you had all this money?

Oh, gee, Mrs. Fullerton,

people can fall in love

with a rich girl

irrespective of their money.

Not Bill, I'm afraid.

Even in his letter

he asked me for money.

Money?

In that letter there?

Well, how'd you like that?

I'm sorry, Mrs. Fullerton.

Please, pardon me for buttin' in.

I know you brought me this

letter from the kindest motive.

Thank you very much, Miss Ravier.

Ah, skip it.

I was way out of line.

Well, goodnight, Mrs. Fullerton.

- Best of luck.

- Thank you.

- Goodnight.

- Goodnight.

Roger.

[buzzing]

Katie's out.

I better see what she wants.

[female #1]

'Come in, Katie.'

It's not Katie, Mrs. Fullerton.

I let her and Sam drive

into town after dinner.

- Something I can get you?

- No, thanks, Miss Ashbourne.

I was gonna ask her

to warm some milk for me.

These darn sleeping pills

seem to work a little better

if I take them in milk,

but I'll get it myself.

You just stay in bed and I'll

bring it to you right away.

- Still not sleepy?

- No.

I keep wishing things were..

...were the way

I used to think they were.

There's no sense

in it I know, but..

...I can't seem to help it.

How do you like that soldier

turning out to be a

four star general heel.

What did dear papa

tell you about your nose?

Well, you kinda inferred

you liked it.

Out of other people's business.

Oh, okay.

Does that wind up your career

as a repairer of broken homes?

Hopefully not.

Good. Maybe, we both can get

some lamps while we're here.

Dealing blackjack

doesn't take up all my time.

- Say, what about that any way?

- What?

You doing that kind of work?

For me, it's strictly a vacation

and doctor's orders at that,

but a big husky guy like you--

- Ah-huh!

- Oh!

Sorry.

Oh, gee, will you look.

Mrs. Fullerton's matchbox.

Turn around, Flip.

I'll give it back to her.

You can leave it at the hotel

desk, she comes in every day.

With that swell layout,

she don't cook home?

Has to see the manager

once a day to prove

she hasn't left the state.

Don't tell me Mrs. Tinplates

would run out on a hotel bill.

No, not exactly.

The hotel manager is a

residential witness

for her divorce.

Oh.

Why didn't you tell me she came

into the hotel every day?

I, uh, wanted to

drive you out and back.

Any objections?

No.

[engine stuttering]

Uh-oh!

- What's the matter?

- I think I'm out of gas.

You can just start it up, Bub.

The answer is no.

Maisie, on the level,

I'm out of gas.

And I'm out of the car.

But look at the gauge.

Never mind the gauge,

I'm walkin'.

'It's a good three miles.'

Well, I'm glad something's

good around here.

Well, you can't walk.

With the practice I've had.

Huh.

[car honking]

Take a car.

[phone ringing]

Miss Ravier speaking.

- Who?

- Fullerton. Sergeant Fullerton.

I've been transferred

to Camp Roberts.

- I gave you a letter, remember?

- Oh! Sergeant Fullerton.

Well, how's your

personal w*r chest doing?

I-I don't get you.

Never mind about that.

Did you give Gloria the letter?

Yes, she got the letter okay.

She didn't say much.

Well, how did she look?

Well, she looks pretty sad.

Who can blame her?

She married

cash on the line, Fullerton.

Uh, what kind

of double-talk is that?

Double-cross talk.

It sure ain't smart of you,

sergeant, let alone disgusting.

Maybe you'd get some money

if you didn't let your

itchy palm show so plain.

I'm hanging up, sergeant.

I do not like you.

Hello. Hello.

Philip.

Philip.

Flip.

[Roger]

'C'mon, Clave.

Pull yourself together.'

Listen, Pelham.

Never worry about me.

We want this letter to give

to Gloria in the morning.

- Tomorrow morning.

- Never fear.

Head may be a little bit woozy

but I can always write.

Backhand, forehand and vertigo.

Don't review you career.

Just write this now.

- In Bill Fullerton's hand.

- Cinch.

Know it by heart.

Never forget a handwriting.

- You start.

- Dearest Gloria.

Once again, darling,

I beg you not to go

through with the divorce.

Divorce.

Well, a little cleverly huh?

Cute.

Never mind the comments.

- What's next, Roger?

- Paragraph.

Gloria.

whatever you may

think of me now..

Now.

...after all,

I am your husband.

Husband.

And you owe me something.

Something.

It's impossible to live

on my army pay.

[instrumental music]

- You ride very well, Maisie.

- Well, thanks.

- You mean for a riveter.

- Ha-ha.

- Is this it?

- Yup.

- Can you get off?

- Well, I got on.

Maybe, I'd better help you.

What's in, in here?

Practically nothing.

Till we get in there.

And then?

You're the nosiest dame

I ever met.

Come on in.

Make yourself at home.

You like it?

Has all the comforts

of a covered wagon.

A little hideout I found.

Sort of a rustic wolf den, huh?

I haven't brought girls here,

if that's what you're asking.

- You're the only one.

- You come here to be alone?

You try to sleep

in the daytime at that hotel

you'll think you're

in the riveting factory.

I come here practically

every day and sleep myself

back into making sense.

Ah, wanna try?

- That?

- Great for the nervous system.

[laughing]

- Nice, huh?

- Ah!

When I'm back home

working swing shift

I'll see this place

in my mind's eye.

Only the place?

Oh, I'll remember

the company, too.

Now, you're talking.

Relax.

- Not bad, huh?

- Well.

Hey.

That wink of yours

must've given me the wrong idea.

- Look, Flip, I explain--

- Sure, sure, relax.

After all, the two of us are

strangers or next door to it.

We needn't be.

Now, Flip,

we just met last night.

And what we know about

each other is that I'm singing

with the band a couple weeks

and you deal blackjack.

Last night, you thought I was

dealing the bottom of the deck.

Now, it turns out that I had

a pure heart and an empty tank.

We're still a long ways

from being well-acquainted.

What do you wanna do?

Correspond for a couple years?

No. But it's just that I don't

know anything about you.

- I'm a gambler, honey.

- I like a safe bet, honey.

I don't even know whether

you're married or not.

- How about you?

- No.

Any strings?

Well, there was a guy, a pilot.

But he got interested

in studying the native dances.

In Dallas, Texas.

Well, then?

You won't get mad

if I ask you something?

No. What?

- Where is she?

- She?

Your loving wife.

What is this?

Well, you must be married

and have four kids or something.

Otherwise.

You don't look

exactly like a four F.

You are the nosiest

dame I ever met.

Well, gee, Flip,

you gotta expect people

to wonder about things

like that these days.

Okay, okay, so you

gotta know everything.

A sn*per let a little air

through me in Sicily

and the w*r department

thought I'm better here

where I didn't whistle

on windy nights.

Oh, Flip, I'm sorry.

I volunteered to get into

the army and had nothing

to say about getting out.

It's one thing I don't like to

talk about, but you asked.

Gee, wounded in action.

Does it hurt much?

I know when it's gonna rain.

Makes you feel better?

Oh, I just knew it had to be

something like that.

Okay, so I'm not married

and I'm not a draft dodger.

'Anything else you wanna know?'

Not right now.

What are we wasting time for?

- Wait a minute.

- What now?

I mean I feel.

Uh, I mean, how do you feel?

More questions.

Well, I'll tell you.

I'm riding on a cloud baby and

I'm not giving anybody my seat.

Oh!

What's wrong now?

But, gee, I only

met you yesterday.

Too quick, huh?

And now, Flip, if you think

every time I wink it means

put your arms around me, honey,

we're gonna get awfully tired.

Well, quit winking then.

Well, I can't help it.

It's involuntary.

And this is voluntary.

Oh, honey. Let's get back

on the horses.

I think I'm on a merry-go-round.

- Don't you wanna be?

- Well, yeah, well.

I just think

let's both take it easy.

After all, I'm gonna be here

couple of weeks and

there's still a lot

we ought to know.

More questions?

Alright, ask me.

Well, I mean about me. You don't

know anything about me.

Well, give out.

Give out.

Okay, honey.

But it takes time to give out.

C'mon.

And thanks for saying,

"give out."

[swing music]

Mm. This is good.

How can you drink that stuff?

Lemonade is for kids at circuses.

You sure are touchy

about something.

Oh, I oughta

have my head examined.

- Why?

- I don't know.

I never ran after a girl

like this in my life.

- Mm-hmm.

- I mean it.

Take it easy, take it easy.

What for?

Do I have to bring flowers

and take you to the movies

a whole year before

I can convince you?

A girl does like to have flowers

and a little romance

before she's married.

Heaven knows,

few of them get it after.

Don't know why I'm sitting here.

There's plenty of

other women in the world.

- Plenty.

- Good sports, good pals.

- No questions asked.

- Hmm.

- As for instance.

- Huh.

- Her.

- Who?

The girl with the endowments

that just passed.

- When?

- You didn't see her?

- No.

- Well.

I guess I'm doing alright.

Oh, there's Mrs. Fullerton.

What now?

I'm merely going to return

her matchbox.

Be right back.

- Oh, Mrs. Fullerton.

- Yes.

I just wanted to give Mrs.

Fullerton back her matchbox.

- I'm Mrs. Fullerton.

- No, she's Mrs..

Huh?

I'm Mrs. Fullerton. I think that

is a matchbox from the ranch.

You're Mrs. Fullerton?

Well, then, may I ask

just whom that was that left?

Oh, that's my secretary,

Miss Winifred Ashbourne.

Mrs. Fullerton, there's

something you ought to know.

You just stay where you are.

I was at your house last night.

- With a letter by your husband.

- Yes.

This character whoever he thinks

he is met me at the door.

- Yes, but--

- Just go ahead and deny it.

He passed that woman off as you.

Well, and how is the pseudo

Mrs. Fullerton, today?

Ask them what they did with that

letter? Just ask them.

Oh, yes, The letter that

my husband gave you.

I think I have it with me now.

Yes, here it is.

Mr. Pelham and Miss Ashbourne

told me about your bringing it.

Up to and including her passing

herself off as you?

I'm sorry, but you see

there's been some people

from the newspapers

and I don't like to see anybody

I don't know and they didn't

know anything about you.

But it was very kind of you

to bring the letter, thank you.

Well, now, just a minute.

I'm by no means satisfied.

- Call for Mrs. Fullerton?

- No, for Mr. Pelham.

Give me the phone.

- Well, plug it in.

- Yes, sir.

[Maisie]

'They had no right

to read that letter.'

I think that's a matter

that concerns me

Mr. Pelham and Miss Ashbourne.

Mr. Parsons, I ask you to see

that Miss Ravier

doesn't annoy Mrs. Fullerton.

Mrs. Fullerton

has to contend with--

Contend? Who's contending? I'm

trying to wise her up is all.

Mrs. Fullerton simply

won't come to the hotel anymore.

You are an employee

of this hotel.

'I'll see you in my office.'

Yes, sir. Shall I bring the whip

along or do you keep one handy?

Go away.

I wish you'd call

your husband, go on.

Go to my office at once.

Yes, sir.

- Mr. Pelham, it was your call.

- Oh, thanks.

And really, Mrs. Fullerton,

I assure you

I regret this happening.

But I promise you

it will not happen again.

[Clave]

'Hello, Pelham.'

'I hate to interrupt you,

I'm in a bad run in'

'my luck at blackjack.'

Yeah, I see. Well, uh,

that generally happens

if you stay with it.

So I find myself

kind of short, see.

I don't wanna come in the dining

room while you're with

you understand. I don't wanna

make a trip out to the ranch.

'So how can we get together?'

This afternoon.

Uh, just a minute.

Okay, understand I wouldn't

want to inconvenience you

in the smallest degree.

I'll be in my room in an hour.

And I know I'll be hearing

from you. So long.

What're you doing here?

Come into my office.

Well, now, listen, Mr. Parsons,

I had no intention of annoying

Mrs. Fullerton, it was

a highly personal matter.

Mr. Parsons, Miss Ravier's been

working hard in a w*r plant.

Maybe, she's a little nervous

and quick tempered.

That's okay, Flip.

Please don't apologize for me.

- When I see monkey business.

- It won't occur again.

How can I be sure?

The girl's been here one day

and already there's been a scene.

- My guarantee mean anything?

- Oh, now, look Flip--

If you overlook this, you have

my word she won't cause trouble.

If she does, you can fire

the pair of us.

Alright, then

I'll hold you responsible.

Who's mixing in other

people's business, now?

Isn't a question of that at all?

He makes me sore.

Well, anyway, thanks

for speaking up for me.

If there's ever anything

I can do to repay you..

Oh, pardon me.

I thought you were alone.

- Say, what about him, anyhow.

- What about him?

- Who is he?

- Name's Clave.

- What's he do?

- I don't know.

I watched him a little while ago.

He struck me as

a very suspicious..

What did I tell you

about that nose?

Sorry.

Maisie, if I'm not rushing you

fast, how about having

supper with me tonight?

- Okay.

- Seven?

- Right.

- Listen, angel face.

Drop this Fullerton routine,

will you?

Parsons wasn't kidding.

And we might as well

have this couple of weeks here.

We might as well.

- See ya.

- Ah-huh. Bye.

Bye.

- Hi, Jerry.

- Good evening, Miss Ravier.

- You know something?

- What, Miss Ravier?

I'm a mind reader.

- You are?

- Uh-huh.

If you wanna slap my face,

you got a right.

I can't help it, Miss Ravier.

I got an intense nature.

Oh, honey. If I were ten years

older, I'd adopt you.

And if you were ten years older,

who knows..

But no kidding, I am psychic.

I bet you I could tell you

who that note is for.

- The one you got there.

- Oh, you could?

Sure. Come on inside,

I'll show you.

Here, now, give it to me.

Now, I'll close my eyes,

so I won't see the name on it.

Okay...take my hand.

In connection with this object,

I vibrate to earth.

- C.

- Yeah.

C and L.

C-L-A-V-E.

Say, that's-that's right.

Mr. Clave in 309.

Mr. Clave. Well, what do you

know. We're old friends.

Jerry...let me pull a gag, huh?

Let me take this to him.

Well, we're not

strictly supposed to.

Oh, Mr. Pelham wouldn't mind.

Honest. We're old friends, too.

It's a regular reunion

around here.

Well, did Mr. Pelham

send this here?

Can you read that off it, too?

Oh, sure. He did send it,

didn't he?

I don't know.

The bell captain gave it to me.

I'm sure it was him.

They're old friends, right?

Mr. Clave and Mr. Pelham?

I'm sure you've brought messages

from one to the other

many times, huh?

In my line of work, you don't

know who's friends with whom.

Least of all in Reno.

Oh, well, let me take it to him

for a laugh.

Well, okay.

Let me walk to the door, to feel

I've done the correct thing.

Okay.

But stay outta sight,

so you don't spoil the gag.

Okay.

Well! This is an unexpected

pleasure. Come on in.

- Make yourself at home.

- Thanks.

Say, I think I'm gonna like

Reno after all.

Clave...Tom told me

to give you this.

Thanks.

Wasn't you down in the lobby

when I was on the phone?

- Yeah.

- Where you've been all my life?

Oh, I've been here,

there, and everywhere.

What's with you and Pelham?

Well, what's with

any of us and Pelham?

- You in?

- Huh?

- He cut you in?

- Oh, sure.

How much?

Well, same as any of us

in my line, I mean, I mean..

- Yeah? What's your line?

- Who me?

Oh, I'm versatile.

Anything that pays off.

- What's yours?

- On that we gotta have a drink.

Well, I don't drink.

But on second thought, why not?

You're cute.

You k*ll me.

This one, you'll

have to take with water.

We'll get the next round

on it's way.

Okay.

You know, I get the feeling

that I've seen you some place.

Could be.

I've been some place.

I had an uncle who got

into trouble back east.

You know something, beautiful?

I don't care about your uncle.

I'm only interested in you.

Wait a minute. I won't be able

to think of anything else

till I get this straight.

Uncle Joe was in the big house.

I used to visit him regularly.

Maybe, that's where I saw you.

- Sweetheart, what's your name?

- Ravier. Maisie Ravier.

- Maisie, huh?

- Uh-huh.

Cute name

for a cute little package.

But my uncle..

You sure you've

never been in Stir?

Sure I ain't never

seen you before, doll baby.

You, I couldn't forget.

Here's to the two of us, Maisie.

May we go places.

Well, if we're gonna

go places, pal

we better start

getting acquainted.

Baby, you can say that again.

What about that next round?

But you haven't touched

that one yet.

Don't worry.

I'll polish this off.

Okay.

[Clave]

'Room service.'

'Two scotches and sodas in 309.'

'Doubles.

And hurry up.'

Now, supposing

I tell you all about me

then you tell me

all about you, huh?

Maisie, that wink

you gave me downstairs

told me the whole story.

Uh, but not all of it.

- No?

- No.

Now, me,

I've had quite a history.

- Yeah?

- Yes, sir.

Juvenile delinquent at ten--

How we gonna get acquainted

if you sit in a chair like that?

Might as well be comfy,

eh, beautiful?

Then, I took up shoplifting

for a while.

But it wasn't till my first con

game, I really hit my stride.

Now, tell me about you.

Over here.

Gee, you sure

got an unusual hand.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

Let me guess what line of work

you're in from your hand.

Look, sweetheart,

if we're gonna play games.

- Let's play 'em sittin' down.

- But wait a minute.

Could it be, uh,

locks and safes, maybe?

Oh, I'm safe, sugar.

But not too safe.

Uncle Joe used to brag he could

open any safe that was made.

You got plenty to brag

with pair of games like that.

- Yeah, but my uncle--

- Where you going? Come back--

Let me show you

what my Uncle Joe used to do!

He'd rub his fingertips

in the carpet, like this.

Then, he'd take

a little sandpaper and he--

My Uncle Moe used to have

a cute trick, too.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

He'd take one arm, see, and he'd

put it around a babe like you.

- Wait a minute.

- Then, he'd take the other arm.

[knock on door]

Now, just a minute. You better

answer the door. Yes, yes.

Oh, okay.

[knock on door]

- Yeah?

- 'Room service.'

Okay, sonny.

Don't you think you better

order another round

while you got him here?

Something tells me I'll be glad

to see Jerry again very soon.

You think of everything,

honeybunch.

Another round, half-pint.

Very good, Mr. Clave.

[Clave]

'Lovely, you know something?'

[Maisie]

'Honeybun, I know everything

except about you.'

Oh.

- Sorry, Mr. Hennahan.

- That's okay, Jerry.

[Clave]

'Maisie, you not only

got a pretty leg'

'you got a hollow one.'

Oh, Mr. Clave, you ought to be

on the stage. You're so comical.

Come on. Let's go back

to our little cozy--

[Maisie]

'Oh, yeah, but we can't let

these drinks get warm, can we?'

[Clave]

'Come on, Maisie.

Somebody left the door open.'

'Fine thing.

I'm gonna shut it.'

[Maisie]

'Yeah, we gotta have

a long, private talk.'

[door shuts]

Yes, sir, we have to talk over

our plans and Pelham's.

Especially my plans, Maisie.

I got lots of plans.

[knocking on door]

Oh, Jerry, honey,

we won't need any more drinks.

Oh, I prefer dealing

with Mr. Clave directly.

Well, not to put

too fine a point on it

Mr. Clave has passed out cold.

Pardon me.

- Mr. Clave. Mr. Clave.

- Hmm?

Sir, the bar is closing.

You've gotta settle up

for these drinks.

You can sign, if you wish.

Run along, sonny boy.

You bother me.

Aw, Clavey, come on.

Don't be like that.

- Sign the checks for the kid.

- Kid.

Anything for Maisie.

Anything Maisie wants.

Yeah, that's right.

Now, come on over.

Get on the chair.

That's right.

And we'll take the little pen.

And we'll take the little checks.

And we'll put

your little name on them.

As drunk as I am, and I am drunk

I can always write.

[Clave]

'Here you are, tootsie-wootsie.'

Nothing to it.

Okay.

Thank you very much, Mr. Clave.

I've only this to say to you,

Miss Ravier.

It's a shock to me personally

that one so sharp-looking

should be a mere coquette.

Oh, that's okay, Jerry.

Don't mention it.

♪ Penelope, Penelope ♪

♪ Penelope, Penelope ♪

[Clave singing]

[Clave]

'What's you up to, Maisie?

Come here.'

I'll be right there.

'Maisie.'

Better go sleepy-bye, Mr. Clave.

Sandman's coming.

♪ Penelope ♪

♪ Penelope ♪

[Clave humming]

Hello, operator.

I want to put in

a person-to-person call

to Sergeant William Fullerton,

located at Camp Roberts.

Yeah.

What? Don't concern yourself

unduly, my friend.

I'll settle for this call

prior to checking out.

Hurry up.

[knock on door]

Oh, Tommy.

Maisie...where you been?

You missed the supper show.

Oh, Tommy, I bet, you're

provoking. You got a right.

Hello. But something

came up that was--

More than me being provoked,

the manager raised the roof.

Knowing you, I told him

you must have a good excuse

but...gee, Maisie, I'm sorry.

- Fired, huh?

- That's about the size of it.

Oh, gee, Tommy,

I'm sorry for letting you down

but it couldn't be helped.

Thanks for everything.

You can stay here tonight, but

he wants the room in the a.m.

Okay.

Hello.

Excuse me, Tommy.

I've got to get this call.

- I'll be seeing you.

- Okay.

Bill? Bill?

This is me.

Yeah, Maisie Ravier.

Yeah.

First, I want to apologize

for whatever I said on the phone

the other night.

I'm on your side now, and how!

Listen, Bill, you gotta get

yourself out here quickly.

Get myself there? Honey,

what's the matter with you?

I can't get there.

It's absolutely impossible.

Well, then you've got

to do the impossible.

Have a man-to-man talk

with the general or something

but get here.

I can prove in black and white

that all this trouble

between you and her, I mean,

your wife, is a put-up job.

But the divorce comes up

in the morning.

What did you find out?

Never mind what I found out.

I've got evidence.

You just get here

by hook or crook.

What? Well, you've got

to do the impossible!

It's skiddle-de-ruff-ka-doo

and I ain't foolin'.

You get here!

- I'll stand.

- Hit me.

Hit me again, not too hard.

- Bust.

- Tough luck, Mr. Pelham.

This is sure your night,

Miss Ashbourne.

- Uh, Flip..

- I'm working.

- Pardon me.

- Pardoned.

- Flip, something's come up.

- I'm busy.

- Yeah, but I want to tell--

- Beat it.

[swing music]

Maisie..

Where's my Maisie?

How do you like that?

[scotch dripping]

- Flip.

- Look, go play somewhere else.

Flip, take a card.

Any card.

Excuse me.

- Look at it.

- So you know the tricks.

You know lots of tricks.

Now, beat it.

No, Flip, you gotta try it again

and look at it this time.

I want to see if I can do it.

[waiter]

Call for Mr. Pelham.

- Here, boy.

- Telephone, sir.

I'll be right back.

This is one night

I gonna quit a winner.

Please, Flip.

Take a good look.

Okay.

Your card was

the two of diamonds?

Right. Okay.

- Playing, Miss Ashbourne?

- I certainly am.

[Winifred]

'I'll have you begging

for mercy, pretty soon.'

Hit me.

- Winifred.

- Just a minute, Roger.

- Hit me again.

- Come on, something's come up.

Alright.

21, Mr. Hennahan.

Pay 21. This has been

your lucky night, alright.

And my last.

We're leaving tomorrow.

Goodbye, Mr. Hennahan.

It's been fun.

Goodbye, Miss Ashbourne,

Mr. Pelham.

- We've enjoyed having you here.

- Thanks.

- Hurry up, will you, my dear?

- Goodbye.

George.

George, take over.

Oh, look, now,

I'm eating my supper.

Five minutes!

Alright, but don't forget

when I want a favor.

Gee, honey, I couldn't feel

worse about standing you up.

If you're gonna apologize or

explain about the date, skip it.

Oh, no, there's a lot more to it.

Oh, alright.

- Hi, Jerry.

- Hi.

Well, what's this

life and death matter?

I heard Parsons canned you.

Do you need some money?

Oh, that, no. But it's sure

sweet of you to offer.

Flip, I know you told me

to keep my nose out

of the Fullerton business.

Forget it.

Do whatever you want.

That's kind of different from

what you said before dinner.

You said some things

before dinner, too.

Yeah. I know, I passed my words

and let the whole matter drop.

But, Flip, it's no longer a

hunch on my part or a suspicion.

I've absolute proof that there's

something crooked going on.

Where did you find that proof?

In Clave's room?

- Yes. Uh..

- Mm-hm.

But how did you know?

Oh...that's what made

the icicles grow.

Oh, honey, I can clear that up.

Let me tell you.

- Don't bother.

- Yeah, but, Flip..

Wait, till you hear.

Uh, um..

They're out for

Mrs. Fullerton's money.

They wanna break up the marriage

to gain a free hand.

Pelham's in it,

and Ashbourne, and Clave.

- Do you suspect anyone else?

- There may be more.

The three, I know for sure.

Clave's been forging letters.

Hey...how do you happen

to know all this?

Don't worry how I know.

I've got the goods.

Evidence that will stand up

in any court in the land.

That why you were hanging

around Clave? For evidence?

Well, sure.

Honey, I know up to now you've

taken the attitude that I'm nuts

but with the evidence

I've got right here

I'll blast this nefarious ring

wide open.

[knocking on door]

Oh!

Whoa. Calm down.

[knocking on door]

Yeah, who is it?

[Jerry]

'I wish to speak

to Miss Ravier, please.'

- Jerry?

- 'Yes.'

Well, I can't come, right now.

I'm busy.

Miss Ravier, your whole future

life is at stake.

I ask you, please,

to speak with me.

What is it, Jerry?

I cannot speak

in the presence of others.

- Miss Ravier--

- Is it about Clave?

Oh, no, no,

it's about you, Miss Ravier.

- Is your mother alive?

- Mama?

No, she's dead and buried these

ten years. Rest her soul. Why?

If she was alive, she'd say

to you what I'm about to say.

Well, Jerry, for heaven's sake,

spill it.

Miss Ravier..

...Maisie...I beg you

to stop and ask yourself

to where you are drifting to.

To what?

Well, you've got something good

and fine about you, Miss Ravier.

I'm a great judge of character.

Oh, honey, you're sweet.

Jerry, things aren't always

as they seem. Dig me?

Well, all I know is

what I saw with my own eyes.

First, 309, and now 102.

Oh...uh, Jerry.

Did you ever hear of

J. Edgar Hoover?

- Sure.

- Okay.

A word to the wise is sufficient.

Do you need any help?

I'm plenty rugged.

Well, we'll have a password.

Skiddle-de-ruff-ka-doo.

Is that FBI?

It means "Block off

the interference."

I get you.

You mean he's in the way.

Flip? Oh, no, he's on our side.

Oh, you've made me very happy,

Miss Ravier.

- Skiddle-de-ruff-ka-doo.

- Skiddle yourself, honey.

- And remember, shh.

- Yeah, okay.

Excuse me, honey.

Gee, is your attitude towards

this whole matter gonna change

when you see the proof

right before your eyes.

- I'd like to see it.

- I've got it right here.

Look, Maisie,

I'm supposed to be working.

What do you wanna show me?

You've got to help me

'cause these people are tough.

Yeah, yeah.

I read d*ck Tracy too.

Where is that thing?

I had it right here.

Oh!

I guess, you lost

your alibi, huh?

Well, that blotter was in my bag

when I entered this room.

- It's not there now.

- Evidently not.

- Quite evidently not.

- What happened to it?

I don't know.

Do you?

Yeah. I might've taken it.

You were the only person

in the room.

- That's right.

- Why would you wanna do that?

I might be one of those crooks.

Ever think of that?

Not until now.

I'm beginning to think

you're nuts.

What I'm beginning

to think you are

I wouldn't demean myself

by saying.

What kinda idiot

do you take me for?

You invent a story and when

I call you a bluff

to produce this evidence, you

accuse me of stealing.

Now, when I've got you

dead to rights

when I know you took that

blotter outta my bag..

...you've the cast iron gall

to pretend you're all broken up

about some romance

between I and Clave.

[phone ringing]

[Flip]

'Hello?'

Goodbye!

Okay, George, I'm coming.

[Jerry]

'Miss Ravier.'

Oh, yeah..

You're wanted on the phone.

Long distance. The army.

- Oh, him.

- You can take it in the booth.

Okay.

Miss Ravier speaking.

I worked it, Maisie.

I'm in the bus terminal

in Salinas right now.

Oh, Bill, that's

a big load off my mind.

Contact me the minute you get in

and I'll tell you everything

that's transpired.

But you've got to go to Gloria,

right now, tonight.

I can't, Bill. They watch her

like the U.S. Mint.

Especially after all that's

happened. No, that's impossible.

The divorce will be granted

and she'll leave

before I can get there unless

you show her the evidence.

Well, Bill, there's no use

horsing around.

- I haven't got it.

- But you told me you had it.

I did have it,

but it was stolen off me

by the biggest rat of all.

I'm bushed, Bill,

I don't know what to do.

Gloria would never believe me

without any evidence

and I can't get near her.

You must, Maisie.

I'm counting on you.

Stop that divorce somehow,

anyhow, but stop it.

Look, my bus is pulling out

right now. Don't fail me.

Keep her out of that courtroom

even if you've to kidnap her.

And remember..

...skiddle-de-ruff-ka-doo.

Now, listen, Bill, it's all very

fine to skiddle-de-ruff, but..

Hello?

H..

Kidnap her?

- Jerry.

- Yes?

- What time you're off?

- Stroke of midnight.

Stroke of midnight.

Come to my room

when you're through.

Maybe, we can work something out.

- A big job?

- Yeah, a kidnap..

- Uh, colossal.

- Oh, I'll be there.

- Don't forget.

- No.

If I'd known you folks were

coming, I'd have baked a snake.

Miss Ravier, you mix too much

in other people's business.

Yeah, so I've been

told...by your associate.

- He didn't lose any time?

- Not much.

- Where's that blotter?

- Huh?

Don't stall around.

You took it off the desk.

I take back what I said.

News travels slow in your set.

You guys ought to get together.

Come on. Give.

Well, it so happens

that that blotter is now

in the United States mail.

Registered. Special delivery.

On its way to the proper

authorities, too.

Together with a sworn out

deposition signed by me

in front of a notary public.

- She hasn't had time to do it.

- Yeah.

Start with this.

Search away.

You won't find anything.

I'll be darned. It was stuck

in the lining all the time.

Look, I've got to see somebody

right now and square myself.

- Sit down, sister.

- Hey, quit shovin'!

She knows too much

and she talks too much.

She doesn't walk out

in any shape to talk.

- I'll take care of her?

- Shut up.

Stick to your penmanship.

What harm can she do?

Are you kiddin'?

- 'Now, she has no evidence.'

- 'She can still talk.'

'She's the talkinest dame

I ever met.'

Let her talk.

Who'd believe her?

Gloria might.

That sentimental dope.

She won't get within

shouting distance of Gloria.

We'll take care of that.

That dame ain't beyond

talking to the cops.

[Pelham]

'Now, wait a minute. Imagine

you're a police captain'

That much imagination

I ain't got.

Shut up, Clave.

Into the police station

walks this dame.

This common looking

little bleach blonde--

Bleach? I'll show you

my baby pictures.

Ow!

In walks this crazy little

nobody fired from a plane plant.

- Fired? I--

- Because she was off her head.

She comes in with a story about

some word she thought she saw.

On a blotter she hasn't got.

That's supposed to prove

Gloria's business manager

and her confidential secretary

are crooks.

How much stock would the police

take in a story like that?

From a silly little crumb like

her. They'd laugh at her.

You're right.

She's harmless.

Come along, Clave.

[door shuts]

Phew.

[instrumental music]

- Flip, listen, honey--

- Take some aspirin, will you?

Let me have a chance--

Give me a chance

to deal these cards.

Okay.

- Your room?

- Yes, yes, okay. Scram.

George.

Oh, come now.

Too much is plenty.

Oh, Flip, honey,

I want to apologize.

I've been wrong in my life

before but never this wrong.

Save it till we get inside.

I thought you stole the blotter,

but I had it all the time.

There's a hole

in the lining of my bag.

Yes, yes.

Alright, Maisie.

Well, you can't blame me.

Well, yes, you can too.

But here's what happened. First

off, the soldier's on his way.

- What soldier?

- Fullerton. Her husband.

- He's on his way now.

- Oh.

I told him that the evidence

had been stolen.

He kept saying

I had to stop that divorce.

Evidence or no evidence.

Well, I was in a terrible

predicament, as you can see.

- Yes, Maisie.

- Well, I go up to my room.

Not knowing which way to turn.

And there they are.

- The three of them waiting.

- What three was that?

Clave, Pelham,

and Ashbourne, of course.

Oh, Clave, Pelham, and Ashbourne.

Yeah. Part of the time they had

a g*n on me, threatening me.

Then, Pelham, the ringleader,

demanded the blotter.

Not knowing of the hole

in my lining

I was sure I didn't have it,

thinking you'd stolen it, see?

When she pulled that blotter

out, I nearly dropped dead.

Maisie, darling.

Forgive me, honey.

I didn't understand

how things were with you.

- Here, sit down.

- Gee, me forgive you?

I thought you were one of them.

But you don't suspect me

now, do you, Maisie?

- I'm on your side.

- I know you're on my side now.

Well, honey,

they won't bother you anymore.

Flip won't let

the bad people hurt you.

He'll take care of you. He'll

get you another blotter too.

Flip, don't you believe me?

Sure, I know how very real

it was to you, darling.

You saw them and you heard them.

But Flip's gonna help you now.

There's a wonderful guy

here in this hotel

who'll understand

the whole thing.

Well, would he believe me

without any proof?

Sure, he will. He's got

an office right downstairs.

You'll be crazy about..

I mean, you'll like him, Maisie.

- Dr. Cummings. Joe Cummings.

- A doctor?

What good would he do?

I need somebody that'll help me

hold Gloria Fullerton

in some secret place

till she comes around

to our way of thinking.

But now, honey, Clave and Pelham

and Ashbourne are the bad ones.

But you like Mrs. Fullerton.

- Why would you wanna hurt her?

- I don't wanna hurt her!

I wanna hold her back

till her husband gets here.

I know. You just tell

Dr. Cummings everything.

He'll straighten you all out.

Flip, are you intimating again

that I'm a little nutsy?

No, honey, of course not. You've

just been working too hard.

After you've had a good rest

and plenty of sun

and lots of nourishing food,

you'll be fine.

Yeah, while I'm getting sun

and nourishment

Gloria's getting gypped

and divorced.

You just leave

all those things to Flip.

Maybe, I can

get the doctor tonight.

- Not tonight.

- But you'll like Dr. Cummings.

I'll like it better

in the morning.

[phone ringing]

Uh, just a minute.

[Flip]

'Alright, in the morning.

Promise?'

Yeah, I promise,

and thanks for everything, Flip.

I don't know

what I'd do without you.

But I will.

[door shuts]

Okay, George.

Now, Mrs. Fullerton comes up

the courthouse steps.

- Yeah. Front steps marked A.

- Right.

[Maisie]

Then, she goes through

the front door. Front door B.

And there'll be crowds milling

around and flashbulbs exploding.

- Mm-hm.

- Yeah.

Now, right about here,

make that C..

...you step up to her

and you say--

I say it like a court attendant.

"Mrs. Fullerton,

kindly follow me.

Case will be heard in the annex

to avoid crowds."

That's right. And from then on,

it's boom! boom! boom!

Bang! Zist, boom, bang!

You're out!

And then boom, you cut her up.

And it's zing, zing,

zing, zowie, and we're in.

Then you g*n her up again.

And it's..

...slam! Bang! 40, 50, 60,

skiddley-ruff-ka-doo.

And it's over.

- Oh, Joseph.

- 'Yes, sir.'

While we're in court, deliver

these to real estate office.

Return at once.

The hearing won't be long.

We'll go right to the airport.

Yes, sir.

- I can't go through with it.

- It won't be too difficult.

Just a few questions. Mr. Hues

has gone over it with you.

You only have to say yes and it

will be over in a few minutes.

But all those people.

I have to walk those courthouse

steps through that mob.

I just can't do it.

If I never get my divorce,

I can't.

But Gloria..

None of that will be necessary.

I can fix it.

There'll be no courthouse steps,

no crowds.

- Joseph.

- 'Yes, sir.'

Get the station wagon.

[indistinct chatter]

[chattering continues]

Let us pass, please.

Mrs. Fullerton, give us

a picture without the veil.

- Will you please?

- No photos. Absolutely not.

- But Mr. Pelham we are--

- Stand back and let 'em pass.

Mrs. kindly...

oh, I mean, Mrs. Fullerton.

Kindly follow me, your case will

be heard in the annex

in order to avoid the crowds.

Oh, Mr. Pelham will

be escorted there also.

I must get to the side door.

Oh, that's right,

to the side door.

That's just where we're going,

Mrs. Fullerton. Right this way.

[indistinct chatter]

Keep quiet.

Here you are, Jerry.

Into the car, Mrs. Fullerton.

Any resistance is useless.

Go on.

[screaming]

Keep quiet.

Jerry, it's not her, it's Wini.

Gee, what do we do now?

I don't know.

Get in while I think.

[muffled talking]

[rattling]

[muffled talking]

- 'Oh, keep quiet.'

- Oh, I beg your pardon.

That's her. Get her.

I can't get this door open.

Could you help me?

- Right in here.

- Yes, but I..

[Gloria]

'Help!'

Start her up.

I'm taking this off so you can

chirp and save us trouble.

You little meddler.

- Where are you taking us?

- To a nice quiet spot.

Step on it, Jerry.

Mr. Pelham will follow us

with the police.

- I advise you to turn back.

- I don't think so.

Your pal, Mr. Pelham's

kind of anxious

to stay away from the cops,

isn't he, Wini?

You'll get what's coming to you.

Oh, now, now, Winnie-the-Pew..

[door rattling]

It's a frame-up all the way.

Can't you see it?

She's crazy, Gloria.

Her actions prove it.

[tire hissing]

Jerry!

We're alright now, Miss Ravier.

Here come the cops.

Oh, yeah. Just dandy.

Help, police!

- Help!

- Help!

- Please.

- Please stop.

- Over here.

- Help!

- Help.

- Help.

What's the matter? Don't tell me

one of you is having a baby.

It's kidnapping, officer.

- She forced us with a g*n.

- Not true. I haven't got a g*n.

- She's doing her duty, officer.

- She's a dangerous criminal.

Trying to keep Mrs. Fullerton

from her divorce.

I'm due in the

courthouse at Reno.

- Wait a minute. Let--

- The girl's out of her mind.

It's the only explanation

for kidnapping us.

Listen, I'm the one that's being

kidnapped. I'm in the middle.

She pulled a g*n on me.

Just look under her purse.

She planted that on me.

A likely story,

a very likely story.

I demand to be taken back

to the courthouse now.

Quiet.

[indistinct chatter]

Quiet! You're all pinched.

You can explain it

at the headquarters.

I'm afraid, I'll have to agree

with Miss Ashbourne, captain.

The poor girl must be

mentally unbalanced.

- Anyone can see she's cracked.

- She is not!

What do you know about this, son?

Uh, nothing. He had absolutely

nothing to do with it.

[Captain]

'I'm asking him.'

You can beat me with stool

pigeons. My lips are sealed.

You better tell the truth, son.

What should I do?

Tell the truth.

We have nothing to hide.

Alright, Miss Ravier is

a secret operator for the FBI.

What's this?

Oh, well, not exactly,

Your Highness.

I mean, Your Honor.

You see--

You're not.

Oh, Miss Ravier..

- Well, Jerry--

- But she told me.

There you are!

I'll tell you she's insane.

Well, I'm no more nuts

than you are, captain.

Alright, son.

You can go.

We'll call if we want you.

Thanks.

Miss Ravier, I have only

this to say.

I'll never trust another woman

as long as I live.

Oh, uh, captain,

do we need to wait?

Our main consideration is

Mrs. Fullerton's divorce.

Under the circumstances,

Judge Carter has consented

to hear her case in his private

chambers immediately.

I'm sorry, but I can't let you

go until this is settled.

Now, you accused this girl

of kidnapping.

- She accuses you--

- But she's crazy.

Can't you see that?

If that's proved, I'll hold her

and discharge the rest of you.

- Fair enough, major.

- Captain.

Well, I promoted you.

That'll do you no good.

I'm a married man.

- 'Maisie!'

- Flip!

Oh, honey, I'm glad you are here.

They're trying to tell

the captain I'm crazy.

Alright, darling, take it easy.

I've brought Dr. Cummings along.

Dr. Cummings?

Captain, I'm Flip Hennahan.

This is Dr. Cummings.

I'd like to know the charge

against Miss Ravier.

We have several.

Kidnapping, mental deficiency.

And as*ault with a deadly weapon.

It is not a deadly weapon.

It won't even sh**t beans.

That man's the blackjack

dealer at the hotel.

There're evidently accomplices.

We are not.

We're hardly speaking.

Keep out. Let me handle it.

I'll take care of you.

But I don't need taking care of.

Just tell them I'm as sane as..

What's he looking at?

Well, he's a psychiatrist, dear.

I don't care if he's Arabian, he

can't stare like I was a steak.

'We're wasting time, doc.'

What about this girl? Is she

alright upstairs or isn't she?

It's difficult to say

without a complete examination.

I see traces of an afronike

displacement.

- What's that crack?--

- The doctor's here to help you.

But I don't need a doctor.

There's nothing wrong with me.

He's just gummin' up things.

Captain, Miss Ravier's been

overactive in w*r work.

She came here to rest. She's

nervous and tired. Poor kid.

Hey, doc, does this kind

ever get violent?

That's possible.

Possible?

Oh, I, I didn't mean it.

She's in a highly nervous state.

I tell you, she's not

responsible for what she says.

- That's possible.

- Thanks, doc.

- Flip.

- 'Captain.'

- Surely, you're satisfied now.

- Yeah, I've heard enough.

You folks can go.

But don't leave the courthouse,

in case I want you.

Thank you, captain.

Come along, Gloria.

Don't be too hard

on her, captain.

I'm sure she didn't mean

to harm us.

I'm sorry, my dear.

Oh, Mrs. Fullerton, you're

making a terrible mistake.

- They're pulling a fast one.

- Come along, Gloria.

- Mrs. Fullerton..

- Hold it. Take it easy.

You take your hands off me.

I would've been alright

if you hadn't come here.

They'll beat my knees and tell

me I'm in love with a spoon.

The excitement's too much for

her. I'll take her back to rest.

Nothing doing. I'll have to hold

her till tomorrow morning

so the state alienist

can check her.

No, you can't do that.

You'll spoil everything.

- I gotta be at the courthouse.

- 'Put her in the cage.'

A night at the police station

is not gonna help her condition.

- No! No!

- 'Put her in 26, Joe.'

No!

Oh, oh!

Here get a chair, hurry.

[groaning]

[groaning continues]

What happened to her, doc?

Oh..

- Where am I?

- You're with Flip, honey.

Oh...was it a spell?

I'm afraid so, honey.

But don't worry.

- The doctor's right here.

- Oh.

Am I alright now, doctor?

No, dear. That's the doctor.

Doctor.

Oh, doctor, afronike?

Gee, I haven't had one of these

since I was nine years old.

Tell me were any members

of your family dementia praecox?

Oh, well, Grandma

was sort of dementia.

But Grandpa was more

the praecox type.

[giggling]

Perhaps, if this lady could be

put in a hospital, captain--

A hospital. That's it.

Maybe, if I rest

for a couple of days

I'd be alright again..

...for years.

Put her in my care.

I'll be responsible for her.

Well, alright. Remember she

still has charges against her.

She won't run away.

I'll be with her.

- Go ahead.

- Come on, darling.

- Oh.

- Lean on Flip, honey.

Bad luck to step on a crack.

As soon as you feel better,

we'll take a trip.

So that you can get

good and strong.

- That will be wonderful, Flip.

- Sure it will.

Wait here with him

while I get a taxi.

Okay.

[Maisie]

Bill!

Bill!

[dramatic music]

Bill.

Get me back to the courthouse.

Come on.

[dramatic music]

Come on, doctor.

Why'd you let her get away?

'She's crazy!'

[indistinct chatter]

'Stop her!'

[music continues]

- Now..

- What's the meaning of this?

- That pest again.

- Bill.

You haven't got time for that.

Lock the other door.

[dramatic music]

Maisie, open the door.

Now, we girls can talk this over

nice and quiet.

- 'Maisie!'

- Maybe, not quiet, but quick.

I'll settle this.

Skiddle-de-ruff, Bill.

What are you trying to prove?

It's my word and Bill's against

them. But you gotta listen.

They proved she was crazy.

Don't listen to her, Gloria.

Shut up.

They forged those letters

so they can split you

and get the money.

Maisie! Maisie open the door.

- What's going on?

- There's a maniac in there.

- So you feel positive--

- 'Maisie, open the door.'

Reconciliation

is out of the question.

- Yes, Your Honor.

- 'Maisie, open the door!'

[Flip]

'Maisie, open the door!'

There'll be a five minute recess.

Open this door.

That's the truth, the whole

truth. Take it or leave it.

You believe one word,

you're crazy as she is.

Even if I am crazy, Bill ain't.

- Did you know about this?

- Not until Maisie dug it up.

Oh, Bill.

[Judge]

'Open this door.'

Oh, yeah.

I think the Judge wants in.

[people chattering]

[officer #1]

'Quiet!'

- Quiet, please.

- Quiet!

Silence!

May I ask what in the..

What's going on in here?

Your honor, your honor

Miss Ravier was placed

in my charge.

She got away,

but she's not responsible.

Tell him, Gloria.

Gloria?

I'm Gloria Fullerton,

Judge Carter.

And this is my husband.

This young lady saved us

from divorce and embezzlement.

- Is that right, soldier?

- That's right, Your Honor.

I demand the arrest

of those two for conspiracy

and grand larceny.

- Why, she's crazy.

- Your Honor, this is absurd.

The ravings of a mad women.

You can pick up a forger

called Clave

at the El Presidente Hotel.

He's in with 'em too.

[indistinct chatter]

Hold that man!

[indistinct chatter]

Phew, I never felt

more like a sardine.

You come here. We've got more

than sardines to talk about.

- Look, Maisie, tell me--

- Now, listen, you big lug.

This is all your fault. You

and your old psychic analysis.

Alright, honey, I give in.

I guess, maybe, I'm the one

who should've had the doctor.

Honey, you don't need a doctor.

Pardon me.

[orchestral music]