Zenobia (1939)

[bunniefuu]

[dramatic orchestral music]

[gentle music]

[sweet gentle music]

Jeff, it's beautiful.

There's just one thing, young lady.

What's that?

I don't believe in long engagements.

[woman] Neither do I.

Now, I may be wrong,

but I never did believe

in long engagements,

and I always will.

Oh, Mother.

Darling.

Isn't it wonderful?

Oh, it's lovely.

It looks just like the one

your father almost gave me.

[man]

I beg your pardon Mrs. Tibbitt,

but don't you think I better speak

to your husband about this?

Why, yes, Jeffrey, I think

that would be a good idea.

Zero! Zero!

Ma'am, Ms. Tibbitt?

[Bessie] Zero, come here!

Yes, Missus, this knife keeps slippin'

and spoilin' the size of them potatoes.

Zero, run down to the village

and tell Dr. Tibbitt to

come home right away.

- Yeah.

- Wait a minute.

"Tell him Mrs. Carter's comin" to dinner.

You will invite your mother, won't you?

Yes, of course.

Wait a minute!

Now, let me see.

What was the other thing

I wanted to tell you to tell him?

Uh, I don't know, do I, Ms. Tibbitt.

About the engagement.

[laughing] Oh, yes, of course.

Tell him Mr. Jeffrey wants to ask

his permission to marry Miss Mary.

You got that all straight?

Yes'm, but not exactly.

Well, that's just fine, now run along.

Yes'm.

And please hurry, because

I've got a million things to do.

Well, to work, to work, to work, to work.

[humming]

Don't folks know you can get places,

more safer without so much hurryin'?

Get outta my way, boy,

don't you see I'm on business.

[people chattering]

It's a boy.

[crowd cheering]

And you just take it easy

and relax, Mr. Dover,

and in a few days you'll

be yourself again.

A boy, Doctor. I still can't believe it.

[chuckles]

Well, if at first you...

Oh, by the way, Doctor,

ah, about your bill.

I'll pay it at just as soon as...

Never mind, Mr. Dover.

This one's on me.

[men laughing]

Well, good day.

Good day.

[people chattering]

[crowd cheering]

[Zero]

Dr. Tibbitt, Dr. Tibbitt, sir?

What's the matter, Zero?

Ms. Tibbitt's saying hurry to the house,

'cause it's powerful important.

- Get in the buggy.

- Yes, sir.

I forgot the other part of the message

and that was the most important.

What was wrong?

"It was somethin" 'bout plots or something.

Tell what I was supposed to...

What happened Zero?

Uh, trying to figure out now, but I can't.

Well, is somebody sick?

No, sir, she never said medicine, she ju...

Well, was there a fire?

No, there was no firemen there neither.

Well, can't you think of what's wrong?

Yes, sir, I know what's wrong,

but I just can't remember, Doctor.

And I remembered so much

when I first started to go there running.

And just, ain't that a shame.

Well, never mind, we're home now

and I can find out for myself.

Yes, sir. [Muttering]

[Bessie humming]

Bessie!

Oh, Bessie!

Bessie, are you all right?

Fine, thank you, Emory! How are you?

[Emory]

But, what about Mary, is she all right?

[Bessie] Fine, she's just fine, Emory.

[humming]

But, Bessie!

Yes, dear?

Zero told me

Mary, how does the upstairs look?

It's all finished, Mother.

Just sit down and stop worrying, dear.

Oh, Daddy, isn't it all exciting?

Isn't what exciting?

Where do these flowers go, Mary?

Right in that vase, Mother,

that's where I just put them.

Oh, well, you know how to do it, then.

[Bessie humming]

[Emory]

Mary, what's all this excitement about?

Zero, where's that silver polish?

Polish is uh

Mary, wait a minute.

DehHa! DehHa!

- Yes'm?

- [Mary] Where's the silver polish?

Never mind, I've got it.

Oh, Daddy, I'm so happy. Aren't you?

Dehlia.

Come out of that oven

and tell me what's going on in this house!

I's sorry, Dr. Tibbitt,

I got so much work to do,

and Ms. Tibbitt told me directly

that I wasn't to talk to nobody,

not even to myself.

But what I'm trying to find out is

Zeke, don't let me catch you messin'

with this here pie, ya hear me?

- Yes.

- Dehlia, what I want to know is

I's sorry, Doctor,

but Ms. Tibbitt done

give me strict orders.

Can't find out anything around here.

Nobody wants to tell you what's going on.

Ain't nothin' much going on here,

exceptin' the weddin...

- Wedding?

- Yes, sir.

Who's gettin' married?

Miss Mary.

My daughter?

Yes, sir!

Oh, Mary! Oh, Mary!

Mary! Mary!

Oh, Mary, I want to talk to you.

I beg your pardon, Dr. Tibbitt,

there's something I wanted to ask you.

Can't stop now, Jeff!

But Doctor, I

I'm sorry, Jeff, not right now,

I-I... this is very important.

But this is pretty important, too, sir.

Ah, you'll have to see me later, Jeff,

I want to talk to Mary.

But that's just it, I want to marry her.

That's fine, son.

What?

You wanna marry her?

Yes, sir!

If it's all right with you, sir.

Why, sure. Sure, it's all right with me.

If it's all right with you, pumpkin.

It's all right with me, Doc.

[sighs]

Bessie!

Now, Emory!

Don't stand there and shout at me!

I'm busy! I haven't time!

But, but they're gonna get married!

Of course they are,

that's what I've been tellin' you.

But, but, Bessie,

this is the finest piece of news

I've ever heard.

It's wonderful!

And we'll drink a toast to it right now!

Ah, Bessie, where is

that bottle of real, old sherry?

Oh, I threw that old sherry away.

I have some nice new sherry.

I'll show you right where

it is in the kitchen.

Unless I put it somewhere else.

Oh, Mary, put these flowers in water.

We want everything to look just right

before Mrs. Carter gets here.

[humming]

Sherry, kitchen.

Huh? [Laughing]

[Bessie humming]

- Jeff?

- Hm?

Did you tell her yet?

Mother? I haven't had a chance yet, honey.

I figured I'd tell her tonight.

Well, I'm kinda worried.

You see, you're folks have

always been so important.

And your grandfather and

father both being governor.

And a town named after

your family, and all that.

How's your mother gonna

feel about my family?

I know what you mean, honey.

But Mom's really not so bad.

She's got a lot of social ideas,

first family stuff, and all that.

She's gonna be all right!

I'm the happiest father

in the state of Mississippi.

So am I.

[gentle music]

Um, Mr. Doctor, I just remembered

the rest of that message...

Never mind, Zero.

Yes, sir, I sure I hope

I don't forget again.

Jeff, I was just thinking,

how'd it be we don't say

anything to mother tonight

about us getting married?

Why not?

I'm sure she'd be interested, too.

Well, you see, Mother,

Mrs. Carter's always had

an idea of Jeff marrying

well, someone sort of social.

Not just some

little ol' country doctor's family.

Well, it isn't as bad as that, I

Jeff, so, I thought if we

broke it to her kinda easy.

You know, like Doc does,

give it to her in small doses.

Well, that's a good idea, Jeff!

Back to work, to work, to work, to work.

[Bessie humming]

Well, I guess I'd better

be gettin' along, too.

I'll see you to the door, Jeff.

Good day, sir.

[Emory] Good day.

[Jeff] Now, you're not going

to worry about tonight, darling,

'cause everything's gonna work out

just fine, ya hear?

[Mary] I hope so. Hurry back.

[Jeff] I will.

[gentle music]

Doc, I'm sorry I hurt your feelings.

I didn't mean what I said about

your being a country doctor.

Well, what did you mean?

Well, I know you're the finest doctor

this town has ever had.

And you used to be successful.

You took care of all the best families.

Why, Mrs. Carter used to pay you

hundreds of dollars a year, didn't she?

Yes.

And then one day you insulted her.

Told her she wasn't sick

and didn't need a doctor

and you wouldn't go back to see her again.

Unless she broke her leg.

Didn't you?

Yes, but...

And it wasn't only Mrs. Carter.

Did the same to everyone else in town

who could really afford a doctor.

And now look at us,

we owe money to everyone.

We don't even own this house,

the bank owns it.

And Mrs. Carter owns the bank.

Why, we haven't even paid

our servants in over a year.

Actually, I'm so ashamed,

I can't hold my head up.

I'm sorry, pumpkins, but

I know, Doc, but what's the matter?

What's happened? What is it?

That!

Oh, what's that got to do with it?

Well, I was sitting here

reading it one day,

and I suddenly discovered that

it had a lot of sense to it.

Especially the part where it says,

"All men are created equal,

and are entitled to life, liberty,

and the pursuit of happiness.”

I still don't understand.

Aw, pumpkins,

I wasn't happy feeding pink pills

to Mrs. Carter and her rich friends.

I'd rather do something for

somebody that needs a doctor.

Even if they can't pay their bills.

And besides, I can't see where any man

can make a mistake in living up to

The Declaration of Independence.

Can you?

No.

Doc, I guess

you're still my favorite father.

Miss Mary, Ms. Tibbitt wants you

in the kitchen right away!

Run along, pumpkins,

your mother needs you.

I will if you promise me one thing.

What?

That you won't read it again

until after the wedding.

[both laughing]

[Emory sighs]

[overlapping chatter]

I done looked all down here and

everywhere.

That's mighty funny,

it was right here 10 years ago.

Things certainly do get mislaid

around this house.

Maybe they ain't mislaid.

Yes'm, I done looked all over for them.

Zero, why don't you look down your side.

- Look down on that side.

- I looked down here.

- Yes'm, I did.

- [overlapping chatter]

Mother, what are you looking for?

You remember

that cut glass punchbowl, Mary.

The one that we borrowed

from Mrs. Randolph,

that she loaned to Mrs. Smith,

after she borrowed it back

from Mrs. Watson.

I wonder where it is.

Why, that's our punchbowl.

You loaned it to Mrs. Randolph again.

How time flies!

Zeke, you run down,

ask her to lend it to us,

tell her she can borrow it

right back again in the morning.

- Yes'm.

- And hurry back, ya hear!

- [Zeke] Yes.

- Now, what was I lookin' for?

Bowl, Ms. Tibbitt.

Bowl, oh, oh, yes, I still

think it's down here somewhere.

- Look in there, Dehlia.

- Yes'm, I did.

Up... up there, Dehlia, did you

I oughta know what's in my own kitchen!

- [upbeat music]

- [people chattering]

[man] Ladies and gentlemen,

Professor J. Thorndike McCrackle's

famous Eastern Indian nerve tonic.

A remedy that I've brought you

at the risk of life and limb,

through the teaming jungles of Borneo

and across the burning sands

of the Sahara.

A remedy, [throat clearing],

a remedy that I've, I found,

pardon me just a moment,

just a moment, be right with you.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Professor J. Thorndike McCrackle's

famous Eastern Indian nerve tonic,

that will make you

as strong as an elephant.

[audience applauding]

Wait, wait, no rushing.

I absolutely refuse to sell

one bottle of this remedy

until I offer you first

a little entertainment,

by that Queen of the Private Herd,

that Sacred Elephant, Zenobia!

[people chattering]

Whatsa matter, Babe? Whatsa matter?

Are you sick? Are you sick?

[Zenobia trumpets]

Can't you tell me? Aw!

Something's gotta be done! Here, here!

Here ya are, honey!

Here, take this! C'mon!

Take this! C'mon!

Take this, this'll do ya good.

C'mon, drink it right down, Zenobia.

Thatagirl! Are you in pain, huh?

She's never acted like this before.

Is... is there a doctor in

this town, a good doctor?

Dr. Tibbitt, he's a good doctor.

Well, you go get him right quick

and I'll give you a bottle

of my tonic for nothing.

- Yes, sir.

- Hurry now!

[Zenobia trumpets]

[music continues]

Dr. Tibbitt! Dr. Tibbitt!

What's the matter, Zeke?

She's sick, she's dyin'.

Who's dyin'? Where?

Over to the carnival.

Come quick! She's dyin' fast!

Well, I better go and help her!

Emory, you can't leave now!

Oh! Mrs. Carter'll be here any minute.

But, Bessie,

it's my duty if someone's ill.

Oh, she ain't ill, she's sick.

Goodbye, dear.

C'mon, Zeke.

Hurry back, darling.

Oh, it won't take me long.

Well, to work, to work,

to work, to work, to work.

[humming]

Professor! Professor!

[Professor] Yes! Yes!

Professor, this is Dr. Tibbitt.

Oh, Doctor, thank goodness you're here.

Now, what seems to be the matter with her?

Why, I don't know.

It's never happened before

in all these years we've been together.

Ah, how old is your wife?

It's not my wife.

I beg your pardon, then.

How old is the patient?

Oh, uh, let's see,

I'd say about 104 years.

Hm, unusual. Is she an active person?

Uh, how much does she weigh?

Well, I haven't weighed her lately

but I'd judge about 6,172 pounds.

Do you feel all right?

Why, certainly I feel all right!

It isn't me, it's Zenobia.

- Where is the...

- She's in here! C'mon, hurry up!

Six thousand pounds,

There she is.

Look here, I'm not an elephant doctor.

Oh, well, then, in that case,

I don't think I trust you with Zenobia.

There's nothing too good for her.

My dear man, I didn't ask to get that

Dr. Tibbitt, please do something,

she's sick.

- Yeah.

- Well, as long as I'm here.

I'll see what I can do for her.

Well, that... that's fine.

It's all right, baby,

this is the doctor, he'll fix you up.

- Say, ah.

- Ah.

- Not you.

- Oh.

Excuse me.

I should've brought the thermometer

from the back porch.

Yeah, she quite a large girl.

Hm.

Take it easy, babe, take it easy!

Let's see.

- Uh.

- Of course.

- [Zenobia huffs]

- She hasn't got a temperature?

No.

Oh, thank goodness.

Take it easy now.

Down, down, down, don't exert yourself.

- That's it.

- [Zenobia huffs]

What do you hear, Doctor?

What do you hear?

A salute of 21 g*ns somewhere!

Oh, for goodness sakes, what'll we do?

Well, you must keep her good and warm.

Oh, I wonder how I'll do that.

Well, that's your problem.

Oh. Oh, yeah, sure. Well, say, Doctor.

- Hmm.

- Now, how much do I owe you for this?

Eh, forget it.

Well, well, thanks.

Say, you know what I'll do for you?

I'll tell everybody in this town

what a fine elephant doctor

you turned out to be.

- Thank you.

- It's all ri...

Oh, no, no, no!

We must keep the elephant

our little secret.

Oh.

Understand?

- Good day, then.

- Good day.

Oh, Mary, have you seen your father?

Why mother, you sent Zero for him.

Did 1? Well, let's find Zero and

then we'll know where your father is.

Ms. Tibbitt, I was lookin' all over for

the doc and I ain't seen him.

Doc is sure the one person

that oughtn't be hard to see.

Oh, Zero, this is so upsettin'.

Mrs. Carter'll be arrivin' any minute.

Now, Mother, he'll be here.

He said he would. It'll be all right.

Just so long as he

doesn't blurt out everything

in front of Mrs. Carter,

you know how he is.

Miss Mary.

Yes, Dehlia.

Oh, maybe we shouldn't have

invited your father tonight.

- [bell ringing]

- [gasps]

Here they are!

Now, now, don't... don't be excited!

Quick, everybody be calm!

I-I-I'll answer the door myself.

[bell ringing]

Straighten up, Zero.

Yes, Ma'am.

[door thudding]

Virginia, my smellin' salts.

You should answer the door, Zero.

- Yes, ma'am.

- Oh dear.

Not... not 'til I say, "Ready."

Mary! Ready?

Yes'm.

Not yet!

- No.

- [door thudding]

I think I'd better...

Oh, Mother, please wait a minute.

It's just some mistake.

Now, don't get yourself

all worked up, Mrs. Carter.

Thank you, Virginia.

What's the matter,

Mother, is anything wrong?

Everything's fine, just fine.

You... you sit here, darlin', that's right.

Ready!

Yes'm.

Good evening, Mrs. Carter, Mr. Jeff.

Good evening, Zero.

My smellin' salts, Virginia.

Ah, you have them Mrs. Carter,

in your hand.

Oh, yes, yes! Thank you.

Ms. Tibbitt is waitin'

in the livin' room, Mrs. Carter.

Come along, dear.

- Good evening.

- [Mary] Oh, good evening.

Mother, this is Mrs. Carter.

Is it? Oh, yes,

I... I'm so glad you could come.

- You know Virginia Reynolds.

- Of course I do.

I hope I'm not intruding.

Not at all, dear, I'm happy to have you.

Won't y'all sit down.

Oh, thank you, so nice of you.

I knew you wouldn't mind

my bringing Virginia along tonight,

she's company for me.

Why, Mrs. Carter, I'm delighted.

There's nothing like company

when you want somebody

with you, for company.

By the way, where is Dr. Tibbitt?

Mary, why don't you sing something?

Why, Mother, you know

I can't sing very well.

Perhaps Mrs. Carter would

enjoy a nice glass of sherry.

Yes, yes, I think that might help.

I feel one of my migraines coming on.

I'll get it for you

right away, Mrs. Carter.

Let me help you.

Oh, Jeff, it's all goin' wrong,

the whole thing.

Mother's always that way at first, honey,

but she'll thaw out.

Well, anyway, I'm glad we didn't plan

to break the news to her tonight.

So am I.

Dehlia, is this what you want?

No, that ain't it.

Mm, if that chicken don't

look good enough to eat, I'll eat it!

No, you won't!

Not even the gizzard?

No. Go over and get me that tureen.

Tureen. Tureen?

Dehlia, tureen is for the soup, ain't it?

Just get it!

Mm, but this is more appropriate.

Right, tureen.

And when I consulted with a specialist

in Vienna about my nose,

they told me I had the most unusual case

of a tropic rhinitis.

- Oh.

- Uh, sort of a smell blind, you know?

Smell blind?

Yes, for example, right now

I can almost imagine I smell

[sniffs] fried chicken.

Don't you like fried chicken?

Like fried chicken?

Why, it's the worst thing in the world

for a person even with

an ordinary stomach.

Course! That's just

the way I feel about it myself.

Will you excuse me a minute,

I think I hear Dehlia callin' me.

Oh!

- Dehlia! Dehlia!

- Yes'm?

Chicken, Dehlia, where's the chicken?

Right here, Ma'am, don't it look good?

Mm, mm, lovely, perfectly delicious,

Dehlia, throw it out!

- Throw it out?

- Uh-huh!

Zero, run out and get a pig!

- Pig?

- Pig, yes, we're gonna have roast pork.

Make some applesauce and figs,

you know me.

Oh, Ms. Tibbitt,

you can't just catch a pig

and dress it with roast pork.

Is it?

You run the kitchen, don't ask me.

Well, go and get the pig.

Dehlia, one of ours?

Of course one of ours!

Must I get Hanna?

Yes, Hanna!

Don't bother nobody, Dehlia

that's the nicest pig we got.

A person has to be so careful

what they eat.

Now something simple like roast pork...

Roast pork?

Roast pork!

Of course there's nothin' worse,

you're absolutely right.

Just a minute, I think I hear

Dehlia callin' me again.

I'm always hearin' things.

Oh!

[sniffing]

DehHa! DehHa!

- Yes'm?

- The roast pork, where's the roast pork?

It ain't come yet.

Oh, dear!

- [pig oinking]

- Why, we got.. [Muttering]

This "un all right, Miss?"

Yes, very cute, isn't it. Turn him loose.

- Turn him loose, ma'am?

- Eggs, Dehlia, get some eggs.

Eggs?

And scramble them. No, omelets!

[pig squealing]

Mary, while you're down there,

get some sherry, and please hurry.

[pig squealing]

Why... get... get him here.

Get outta here, get that pig

outta this kitchen, get on out!

[both shouting]

- Get on out!

- [pig squealing]

She's very pretty, isn't she.

Yes, very pretty.

I mean she's so attractive,

don't you think?

Such nice clothes and all.

Now, listen!

For the hundredth time,

I didn't know Mother was bringing

Virginia here tonight.

I didn't have anything to do with it.

Oh, but Jeffrey, you don't understand.

I think it's real nice she came along.

Uh...

Here, let me help you.

After all, as your Mother said,

you two were practically

brought up together.

Now, listen, are you gonna

stop talkin' about Virginia,

or will I have to do somethin' about it?

Oh, Jeffrey, I wasn't talkin' about her,

all I said was that... Jeff, oh no!

Are you gonna stop talkin' about her?

Darling, I was only saying

that Virginia was a very...

Did you call me, Miss Mary?

No, Dehlia.

[Dehlia sighs]

[Bessie]

And this one's Dr. Tibbitt and myself

when we were married.

Course, we were younger then.

And on our honeymoon

when we went to New York.

On my last visit to New York

I consulted four doctors

about the diffused hepatitis.

You know, liver.

They're all agreed

they've never seen

anything like it before. [Chuckles]

How nice.

And this one's Mary

when she was a little girl.

Sittin' on my lap, that's me

sittin' right here under her.

Virginia, my dear, my... oh, yes.

Sorry to have been so long,

but we had a terrible time

finding the sherry.

Didn't we, Jeff?

And it was right

in the bottle all the time.

Well, here's to you two

oh, [giggles] here's to spring.

Well, well, well, here we all are.

[chuckles]

Hello, dear.

Good evening, Mrs. Carter.

Good evenin'.

I never saw you

looking better in your life.

Evidently you disagree with

all the outstanding doctors

of this country and Europe.

Emory, what kept you so long, dear,

was it an important case?

Oh! A big case,

the biggest case I've ever had.

You know, Dr. Tibbitt,

everyone's been so mysterious,

they haven't told me yet why I'm here.

But that's just it,

we weren't gonna tell you until later.

Mother!

Really, Dr. Tibbitt,

if it's anything concerning

your daughter and my son...

Mother, Mary and I are gonna get married.

Why, that... that's impossible!

And just exactly why is it impossible?

What's the matter with us?

Well, my dear, there's a slight difference

in family background.

Mrs. Carter, I happen to like my family.

Jeffrey! We're leavin'

this house immediately!

I absolutely forbid this marriage!

I'm sorry, Mother,

but we're gonna get married anyway.

Oh!

- Oh, my heart.

- [glass clatters]

Oh, my... oh!

Mary, I'd better take Mother home.

Yes, I guess you had.

- [Mrs. Carter] Oh!

- Come along, Mother.

- Oh, Jeffrey.

- Come along.

Oh, Jeffrey.

Oh, my heart, Jeffrey.

- Oh!

- [door thudding]

Emory, do something!

There's nothing to do!

It isn't her heart, Bessie! It's us!

[Bessie sobbing]

[door thudding]

"Dinner is now bein" served.

The dining... is...

everybody was here just now.

It's all that pork and chicken was

[muttering]

[Mrs. Carter] Mary Tibbitt!

She's so disgustingly healthy.

I know, Mrs. Carter.

And such an ordinary person.

Yes, but Jeffrey's got to

find that out for himself.

Now, I wonder how?

Didn't Mary say

she couldn't sing very well?

Why, yes! Yes, I remember.

Oh, with music.

[Bessie]

"In honor of Miss Mary Tibbitt."

Oh, darling, I'm so happy for you.

Thank you, Mother.

It's mighty nice of

Mrs. Carter to want us.

Well, of course she wants us, Daddy.

I knew she'd come around.

It was just the shock when

she first heard the good news.

Music! Oh, it's no use my going,

I can't play a note.

Why, Bessie!

Remember?

Well, maybe if we practiced a little.

- All right!

- [both laughing]

- Ready?

- Mm-hmm.

[playing piano]

♪ I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls. ♪

- [piano clanging]

- Oh.

I'm sorry, darlin...

We'll try it again, dear. Ready?

♪ I dreamt I dwelt in marble ha... ♪

[piano clanging]

Dr. Tibbitt! Gentleman patient,

said he want to see you right...

Tell him I'll see him in a few minutes.

Ah, Doctor, it's about my baby.

- Hey, Doc.

- Music, Bessie, music!

Oh, yes, of course. I'll be right back.

[playing piano]

♪ I dreamt I dwelt... ♪

Will you go away!

But, Doctor!

- Sh, sh!

- I've been up all night with her,

- just pacing the floor.

- Sh!

- Pacing.

- Sh!

- Pacing, pacing the floor.

- Shh!

hot mustard foot bath.

We're not going to have

any more guesswork.

We're going to do

this thing scientifically.

Well, now, listen,

the old fashioned remedy,

you know, works pretty good.

If you don't mind,

we're going to make a thorough examination

from beginning to end.

Well, where are you gonna start?

We're going to start at

the bottom and work up.

We're going to sub-divide her into zones.

- Zones?

- Yes!

Now, this... will be zone... one!

- Hm.

- Mark her!

Now, this is... zone... two!

Now, the head will be zone... three!

Now, zone four, well,

we'll get to that later.

Now, you hold that!

Now, will you have her

raise her pedal extremity?

Her what?

Hoof!

Oh! Her foot, sure!

Come on, baby, raise your tootsie!

[hammer tapping]

[hat crunching]

Her reflexes are all right.

[hat rattling]

Hold this, please.

[drum banging]

Sounds very much like a bass drum.

Now for the heart.

I really don't think

there's anything wrong with her heart.

[mouse squeaking]

- Come on out! Come out!

- Keep quiet!

I'm trying to listen to her heart!

Yeah, but you better come out,

come out quick! Come on!

How can I hear anything

when you keep talking?

I know! I know!

But you don't know!

Will you get out of here

and let me alone, please!

Oh! Oh!

You better come out! You better come out!

She sees a... she see...

She sees a M-O-U-♪-E!

Come ou... No, wait, no, no!

- [Emory] Wait, no, no, wait!

- No, no, no, Zenobia!

No! Don't you... up, up, Zenobia, get up!

Get up, Zenobia,

will you get up outta there!

You're on the doctor, get up! Get!

[muffled shouting]

[hammer thudding]

There! Now, it's gone!

Will you get up!

Get up! That's it!

Get, now stay up there!

[Emory panting]

I told you to come out!

[Emory gasping]

I never had a patient

do that to me before!

- That's the last straw!

- No, no, no!

No, you can't go! You can't!

You can't go away and

leave a poor, dumb animal

to suffer like that!

Have you no conscience?

Have you no... no feeling?

Have you no pride?

Well, all right, maybe you're right.

I got myself into it, I'll finish it.

I guarantee she won't

sit on you again, I hope.

Oh, Doctor, how is her heart?

- Perfect.

- Oh, that's good.

Ah, let me have your trunk.

The trunk, baby, that's it.

[blows air through lips]

[Zenobia snorting]

Oh! Oh!

Well, anyway, that isn't stopped up!

Yeah, I'm sorry, Doctor. I'm sorry.

Would you mind getting me that ladder?

Oh, sure! Sure, sure, Doctor, sure.

A ladder? A ladder?

An elephant can't climb a ladder.

I'm going to climb the ladder.

Oh! Oh, yeah.

Stand still!

I'm doing the best I can!

Oh, I don't mean you, I mean Zenobia.

[shouts]

- Back, back! Back, Zenobia!

- [Emory shouting]

Back! Back!

This is a fine state of affairs!

But Zenobia, this is for your own good!

Back, back! Back!

Back, Zenobia! Back!

Oh, I'm sorry, Doctor.

It'll never happen again.

Oh! A touch a alopecia generalis.

What's that?

A slight touch of baldness,

but it's nothing.

Maybe she's deaf.

Say, that's possible.

- Hello!

- Hello, how are you?

I'm fine.

Hello!

- [trunk thudding]

- [grunts]

Well, she's not deaf!

Oh, that's fine, Doctor.

Now, you stop your playing!

Do you understand?

[Zenobia snorting]

[Emory grunting]

[sighs]

This thing has got me stumped.

Yes, me, too,

Say! Has an elephant

got a knot in its tail?

Ah, no! Why?

Oh, nothing.

[Emory whistling]

[Emory whistling]

Now, I wonder who did that. Oh.

Look! She feels better already!

[laughs] Well, you won't have to

worry with her anymore.

Thanks, Doctor, you did a great job.

[Zenobia trumpeting]

What's that for?

Oh, don't worry about that,

that's nothing.

She always does that when

she wants to pick me up.

Come on, baby, up we go! Up!

Oh, oh, no! No, no, no, stop!

Let go! Hey!

Aw, doctor, that's just

her way of showing gratitude.

She likes ya!

I like her, too,

but I wouldn't do this to her.

Tell her to put me down!

Oh, all right! Zenobia, let him down!

- Put him down! Put him down!

- Nice girl.

Ahh! [Groaning]

Say, Doctor, I don't know

how I'll ever re-pay you

for what you've done.

Never mind the pay!

I never want to see you

and that elephant again as long as I live.

But she'll always remember.

Remember, an elephant never forgets.

Yes! But I'm not an elephant!

No.

Well, not exactly.

Back! Back, back, back, Zenobia, back!

[shoring]

[chain rattling]

[shoring continues]

[dramatic music]

Zenobia!

Zenobia, you come back here,

come back and get to bed!

Zenobia, you know this night air

is no good for you.

Honey, you're gonna be the prettiest girl

at the whole reception tonight.

Thank you, Dehlia, now please hurry.

Hurry! I've been hurryin'

for the last two hours!

Oh, Zeke! Where are you?

[Zeke] Here I is!

- Get the boots shined?

- Yes, sir!

Oh, that's fine. Now let's put 'em on.

Dr. Tibbitt, will I ever turn white?

Mm, I'm afraid not, Zeke. Why?

Then I'm never gonna be nothin' else,

except just what I am, only bigger?

Well, what's wrong with

being just what you are?

Just that all

the other little boys around,

they can go to parties.

Like the party tonight,

'cause they're white,

and I can't 'cause I'm not.

Listen, Zeke, you don't

go to white folks' parties,

I don't go to colored folks' parties.

But that makes no real difference.

- Do you understand?

- No, sir.

Well, Zeke, it's like this,

you know that medicine kit

down in my office?

Yes, sir!

Well, there's black pills in it

and there's white pills in it.

And there both good kinds of pills.

Some people couldn't do without one kind

and some couldn't do without the other.

- Do you understand?

- No, sir.

Well, I'll put it another way, then.

You know next to that medicine kit,

what hangs in

that big frame over the desk?

Yes, sir!

Well, that isn't just about countries.

That's about people, all kinds.

Like black pills, white pills,

red, yellow, all colors.

What that tells us is that

all people can find life,

liberty, and happiness.

Do you understand now?

No, sir, not exactly.

Come here, Zeke.

Did you ever own a quarter?

No, sir!

Well, you go down in that office

and learn a little bit of that every day,

and when you get it all learned by heart,

I'm gonna give you this quarter.

Do you understand that?

Yes, sir!

[Bessie] Emory?

Coming, dear!

Now, don't you forget.

I sure won't.

All right.

♪ In the evening by the moonlight ♪

♪ you could hear the... ♪

- Evenin', Mrs. Carter.

- Good evenin'.

"So nice havin" y'all here.

I'm sorry Jeffrey isn't here

to receive ya,

but I asked him to drive over

and pick up Virginia.

They'll be back directly.

Pardon me, Ma'am,

the governor's in the library

and wishes to speak to you.

Oh, yes! Yes!

Will you excuse me?

Uh, just make yourselves comfortable.

Well, I guess we better go inside.

Yes, darling, that's what we came for.

- Hello, Mrs. Randolph.

- Good evenin'.

Good evenin', Mrs. Martin.

How do you do?

How do you do, Mrs. Webster?

Hello.

There are lots of nice people

at this party, but not many.

[chuckles]

♪ By the moonlight. ♪

[audience applauding]

[gentle music]

Pardon me. May I have this dance?

Certainly, Mr. Norris.

May I have the honor of

the first dance, pumpkin?

Thank you, Doc.

[chuckles]

Oh, what a shame,

the dance has already started.

Well, we might as well

enjoy what's left of it.

Wait right here, pumpkins, will ya?

May I cut in, Jeff?

Excuse me, Virginia.

You don't mind, do you, Virginia?

Thank you.

Hello, Mary.

Hello, Jeff.

Having a good time, honey?

I am now.

Pardon me, may I cut in?

May I cut in, Bessie?

[laughs] Oh, darlin'.

Do you mind?

No, not at all.

Thank ya.

Right after this is over?

[audience applauding]

[Professor] C'mere! Zenobia,

you listen to me. Zenobia!

Hey, hey! That's bad luck!

Come back, Zenobia!

Come, oh, Zenobia, baby, listen!

[audience applauding]

And now I have a little surprise for you.

There's someone here with a lovely voice.

I'm gonna ask her

to sing the next refrain.

Our guest of honor, Mary Tibbitt.

[chuckles]

[audience applauding]

Doc, I can't.

Even if you can't, pumpkins, do it anyway.

[gentle music]

♪ In the evening by the moonlight ♪

♪ you can hear those darkies singing. ♪

♪ In the evening by the moonlight ♪

♪ you can hear those banjos ringing. ♪

♪ How the old folks would enjoy it. ♪

♪ They would sit all night and listen. ♪

♪ As we sang in ♪

♪ the evening ♪

♪ by ♪

♪ the moonlight. ♪

[audience applauding]

Mary, darling! You were wonderful!

Thank you, Jeffrey.

[people chattering]

[dramatic music]

Virginia, my smellin' salts!

[people screaming]

What's a matter with everybody?

I don't know.

Why, Emory, I didn't know

this was a masquerade.

Masquerade?

Look.

Why, it's no ma...

Oh!

Bessie, I think we better be going home,

you're getting tired.

- No, darling, I'm not tired.

- Come on, Bessie.

[Emory] Good night, everyone.

It's been a lovely time.

[people chattering]

[Zenobia trumpeting]

[people screaming]

Put me down, I tell you! Put me down!

Put me...

Somebody do somethin' for poor Emory!

Elephant, you put my Emory down!

Ah-ha! So there you are, the both of you!

Listen here, you can't steal my elephant!

But she was a patient!

I treated her!

I'll have you arrested!

I'll take this matter right into court!

Yes, it's time somebody did something.

[Professor] Yes! I'll sue you!

- [Bessie] Yes!

- Yeah!

- No!

- No!

Yeah, oh yes! I'll go tell the sheriff.

Oh, hurry, darling!

I certainly will!

Darlin', don't worry,

everything's gonna turn out all right.

I hope so, Mother.

I'm sure nothin' else

could possibly happen.

Emory, look! [Gasps]

[dramatic music]

Emory, how could ya?

You've disgraced your daughter,

and your home and your wife

and, well, off-hand

I can't think of anything else.

Bessie, I can explain everything.

Let's go inside.

No, Emory! You should

have more consideration!

You can't just drag anybody

into your home!

Bessie!

But you don't understand.

Oh, yes I do.

I may be wrong, but I'm not far from it.

[Bessie] Good night, dear.

[Emory] Good night.

[bright music]

Shoo! Scat!

Scat!

- [gentle music]

- [birds chirping]

[people laughing and chattering]

[bright music]

[people screaming]

[bright music]

[dramatic music]

Go get it!

[man] If you insist Mrs. Carter.

But in all the years that

I've represented you and your family,

I've never been involved in

quite this sort of procedure.

We have our reasons, Colonel Culpepper.

All I'm askin' you to do

is to win this case.

Oh, I'm sure that'll not be difficult.

You remember how I told you to start?

Oh, uh...

In the first place, Zenobia and I.

Oh, yeah, oh, yeah, I got it, I got it.

Well, in the first place, Zenobia and I...

Have you drawn up the complaint, Colonel?

Oh, yes, yes!

I have it right here in my hand.

Well, he ain't home.

- What? He's not at home?

- No!

Listen, Sheriff, you've gotta find him.

My whole future depends on that elephant.

And if I... if I... look!

- [dramatic music]

- [Zenobia trumpeting]

What are you waiting here for?

[dramatic music]

[suspenseful music]

[dramatic music]

- [Emory whistling]

- [suspenseful music]

[dramatic music]

[bright suspenseful music]

- [dramatic music]

- [Zenobia trumpeting]

I guess we better get a new doctor, Ma.

Looks like it, Pa.

- [Zenobia trumpeting]

- [people screaming]

That's the biggest rabbit I ever saw.

Oh!

Good day, Doctor. I can get you

a nice set of sirloin steaks today.

I haven't got time to stop,

where's your back door?

Right in the back!

- Oh!

- Why, whatsa matter? Whatsa matter?

[Zenobia trumpeting]

- Oh, now, don't get excited!

- [wood cracking]

Excited! Who's excited?!?

Just keep yourself cool!

Who isn't cool? I'm always cool!

[gasping]

- [dramatic music]

- [door clattering]

[wood crashing]

[gasping]

[dramatic music]

[Emory] Stop, Zenobia!

[Zenobia trumpeting]

[crowd gasping]

[Clerk] Dr. Tibbitt.

Dr. Tibbitt!

Well, in the first place,

Zenobia and I, we had...

Not yet, Professor.

Oh, not yet.

Do you know where the doctor is?

I don't know. I'm so worried.

Last time I saw him

he hadn't come back yet.

He doesn't seem to be here, Your Honor.

Well, if he doesn't show up

in five minutes,

I'll have to hold him

in contempt of court.

Where's his attorney?

He's declined counsel, Your Honor.

Jeff, I'm worried.

Because he's not here?

No, because of this.

[Jeffrey]

Why, they couldn't do this to him,

it isn't his fault.

They will anyway.

Look at the way the people in the town

are acting toward him already.

Your Honor, may we proceed?

Clerk, call the defendant once more.

Dr. Tibbitt.

Did someone call me?

[crowd laughing]

We'll have no levity in this courtroom!

Dr. Tibbitt,

I'm surprised at your lack of

consideration for this court.

You will please come in here at once!

But, Your Honor, I can't.

Dr. Tibbitt, you will do

as you're ordered!

All right, if you insist.

Well, in the first place, Zenobia and I...

Sh! I'll tell you when to start.

[people murmuring]

[crowd gasping]

It hardly seems necessary

for me to request you

to take that... that thing out of here.

All right! But I'll have to

take out myself with it.

I can't conduct the case

without the defendant.

What about going outside and

looking through the window?

Very unusual, but I suppose

under the circumstances.

Thank you, Your Honor.

[people chattering]

[gavel tapping]

You may proceed with your witness.

- Ready?

- Ready!

Well, in the first place, Zenobia and I...

Here I am, Your Honor.

What are you waiting for?

Proceed.

Well, in the first place,

Zenobia and I have been together

ever since she was

a teeny, weenie little baby,

thirty-five or 40 years old.

Why, huh! We were like this together,

until that scoundrel came between us.

You can't say that about Emory Tibbitt!

Why, he's the dearest, most unscoundrely...

Well, he is anyway.

[people gasping]

Take that elephant out of this courtroom

and go back where you belong!

But, Your Honor,

my reputation is at stake,

and that man's maligning me.

Instruct your client to be

more careful in his language.

Thank you.

[people chattering]

You may continue.

Oh.

Well, in the first place, Zenobia and...

Wait a minute, start where you left off.

Oh. Yes.

Well, it all began one day

when Zenobia got a kink.

A kink?

Well, ah, it had

an unfortunate entanglement.

Anyway, the poor thing was ill,

and I had to do something.

So I summoned

that small minion over there,

I sent him on an errand of mercy,

little knowing what lay in store for me.

Little knowing I was

about to lose the elephant

who worked side by side with me

all these years.

The elephant who had helped me

sell the priceless product

of my life's effort.

A remedy that I brought

at the risk of life and limb

from the teaming jungles of Borneo,

and the burning sands of the Sahara,

Step up closely, ladies and gentlemen.

We're not interested in your medicine.

Ah! But you haven't tried it, Your Honor.

Please accept this with the compliments

of ♪. Thorndike McCrackle.

Stick to the facts, Professor.

Oh, yes! Yes, the facts,

yeah, you're right.

Well, in the first place

[clearing throat]

That's all, Professor.

Does the defense wish

to question the witness?

Just one question, Your Honor.

Professor, who's putting up the money

to pay for your attorney?

- Why...

- I object!

Objection sustained.

That's all I wanted to ask.

Call the next witness.

Mrs. Emory Tibbitt.

Mrs. Emory Tibbitt!

- Am I finished?

- Yes, indeed.

Be careful, Mother,

don't let him get you confused.

Confused? Me?

[giggles] Ridiculous!

[Clerk]

Do you solemnly swear that the testimony

which you are about to give in this case

now pending before this court

is the truth, the whole truth and

nothing but the truth, so help you God?

[Bessie] I do.

Mrs. Tibbitt, where were

you on the night of April 29?

Let me see, 29.

Oh! I remember!

I was at that party

that Mrs. Carter gave for Mary!

Where were you?

Well, that night

a few of the boys and myself...

[crowd laughing]

That has nothin' to do with it!

Is it true that after the party

at Mrs. Carter's

you refused to let your husband

into the house?

Well, that is because...

The witness will restrict

herself to answering questions.

All right, John.

[clears throat]

Is it or is it not true

that you locked your husband

out of the house?

Well, lots of times a wife

has a perfectly good reason

for what she does.

Do you mean to say your wife

never locked you out of the house?

Well, only once, and that was when...

[crowd laughing]

Mrs. Tibbitt, have you and your husband

ever quarreled before?

Why, no! We get along very well.

Course there's no married couple

in the world

that doesn't have a

little family squabble now and then.

Why, John, I'm sure even you and your wife

have had a little tiff

at some time or other.

Well, as a matter of fact,

last night the wife and I had

the darndest fight. [Laughs]

- [crowd laughing]

- [clearing throat]

[laughs]

Are you through with the witness?

Yes, sir, Your Honor.

Has the defense any questions

to ask the witness?

Do you love me, Bessie?

Emory, of course I do.

That's all, Your Honor.

Mrs. Tibbitt, you will kindly leave

the witness chair.

Oh, do you want to sit here?

Yes, thank you.

[crowd laughing]

Of course not!

Your Honor, may I call the next witness?

You certainly may.

Mr. Jeffrey Carter.

[Clerk] Mr. Jeffrey Carter.

Mary, I... I had no idea.

[Clerk] Mr. Jeffrey Carter.

Goodbye, John.

[crowd laughing]

[Bessie humming]

[Clerk]

Do you solemnly swear that the testimony

that you're about to give in the case

now pending before this court

is the truth, the whole truth,

and nothing but the truth,

so help you God?

[Jeffrey] I do.

Mr. Carter, have you

ever seen the elephant

show great affection for Dr. Tibbitt?

Please answer the question, Mr. Carter.

Yes.

On the night of your mother's party,

did you see the elephant follow

Dr. Tibbitt into your house?

We're waiting, Mr. Carter.

Yes, I did.

Did the appearance of the elephant

cause your mother

great anguish and humiliation?

Please answer. Yes or no?

Yes.

Gentlemen of the jury,

it's obvious from

the testimony of Mr. Carter,

that he's seen the manner

in which the defendant has stolen

the affection of this elephant,

as well as the sorrow which

has resulted from his theft.

Your Honor, may I interrupt

to ask one question?

What is it, Dr. Tibbitt?

What is the penalty in this state

for stealing the affections

of an elephant?

The penalty in this state

for stealing an elephant,

is, uh, uh, well, uh, uh...

- The... the, um, uh...

- [crowd laughing]

The... the penalty... the penalty is...

[stammering]

As a matter of fact,

this court declares a recess

for a half hour

while it digests the evidence.

Court adjourned.

[people chattering]

Emory, I don't like

the way everybody's actin',

I'm awfully upset.

Now, don't worry, Mother,

this'll work out somehow.

Well, I'll run home and

get you an nice cool drink.

And some hay for the elephant. [Laughs]

Mary, Mary, darling, I'm terribly sorry.

But what else could I do?

I guess you're right.

I guess there's nothin' else

you know how to do.

Maybe from now on

you'd better stick to your mother

and forget all about me.

[whistling airily]

Did pretty well, didn't I?

You were terrible.

Terrible? I don't think so.

- It only took me...

- Great Scott!

[horseshoe clanking]

Imagine, pitchin' horseshoes

as though nothing were the matter.

If I were he, I'd be havin'

a nervous breakdown.

Better hang onto that horseshoe, Doc,

you may need it for luck.

Joe, if you never do anything

to be ashamed of,

you don't have to worry about being lucky.

[men chattering]

A ringer, Dr. Tibbitt!

[men laughing]

Doc, can I see ya a minute?

Why sure, Jeff.

Ah, take my place, Bill.

Sure, Doc.

What's the matter, son?

Doc, I-I'm all mixed-up.

I keep tr yin' to figure this thing out,

but it just doesn't add up.

Something go wrong between you and Mary?

I guess she thinks

I listen to other people

and do what they want,

instead of what I want to do.

And what do you think?

I don't know what to think.

- Come here, Zeke.

- [Zeke] Yes, sir.

Once I promised you a quarter

if you'd learn something.

Yes, sir.

Do you want to earn that quarter now?

Yes, sir.

Declaration of Independence,

in Congress, July Fourth, 1776.

"When, in the course of human events,

it becomes necessary for one people

to dissolve the political bands

which has connected them with another

and to assume among

the powers of the Earth,

separate and equal stations,

to which the laws of nature

and of nature's God entitles them.

A decent respect

to the opinions of mankind

requires that

they should declare the causes

which impels them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident,

that all men are created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator

with certain unalienable rights,

that among these are life, liberty,

and the pursuit of happiness.

That to secure these rights,

governments are instituted among men,

deriving their just powers

from the consent of the governed.

That whenever any form of government

becomes destructive of these ends,

it is the right of the people

to alter or to abolish it

and to institute new governments,

laying its foundation on such principles

and organizing its power in such form,

as to them shall seem most likely

to effect their safety and happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate

that governments long established

should not be changed

for light and transient causes;

But accordingly all experience hath shown

that mankind are more disposed to suffer,

while evils are suffterble... sufferable,

than to right themselves

by abolishing the forms

to which they are accustomed.

But when a long train of abuses

and usurpation,

pursuing invariably the same object,

evinces a design to reduce

them under absolute despotism,

it is their right, it is their duty,

to throw off such government

and provide new guards

for their future security.”

Do I get my quarter now?

You bet you do! [Chuckles]

There.

Oh, thank you, sir.

Life, liberty, and

the pursuit of happiness.

[chuckles]

Mother, I'm not going back

on the witness stand.

Why, Jeffrey!

You see, I'm gonna marry Mary.

If she'll still have me after this.

I don't want to hurt you, Mother.

So... so, I won't say what I'm thinkin'.

But from now on

I'm gonna live my own life,

the way I want to live it.

I'm sorry, Mother.

[Clerk]

The Court is about to convene.

[people chattering]

The Court is now in session.

Recall the witness.

- Well, in the first place...

- Mr. Jeffrey Carter.

Zenobia and I...

Your testimony's finished.

Well give me...

Sit here, that's all!

Mr. Jeffrey Carter.

My son isn't comin' back.

If Your Honor so pleases,

I should like to call

the next witness, Mrs. Carter.

Proceed.

Mrs. Carter.

Your Honor.

You will please take

the witness stand and be sworn in.

I'd rather say what

I have to say from here.

This is a little irregular, Mrs. Carter.

I'll reimburse Professor McCrackle

for any damages he may have suffered.

I guess I've been very selfish.

Even though it made

a lot of people miserable,

I've always taken exactly what I wanted.

I almost ruined my own son's happiness.

This is the first time

I've ever thought about anybody else.

I

I'm sorry.

Emily, Emily, don't feel like that.

Thank you, my dear.

Case... dismissed.

[crowd] Hooray!

[people chattering]

- [Zenobia trumpeting]

- [people screaming]

- Oh, I'm so glad to see ya.

- Good evening.

Is everything all ready?

Oh, yes, we've been ready

for hours, just go in.

Oh, Emory, Emory.

- Good evening, Mrs. Tibbitt.

- Oh, good evenin',

just go in, won't you.

Zero, have you seen the Doctor?

Not since dinnertime,

or early this mornin', Ms. Tibbitt.

Oh, Zero, you'll drive me distracted.

Is she all right, Doctor?

She's getting along fine.

Oh, wonderful.

You have nothing to worry about.

Oh, thank you, Doctor, thanks.

My daughter's wedding! Oh!

Emily, be careful! Your hydrophobia!

Heart, you know.

Heart? [Laughs]

There's nothin' the matter with my heart.

Oh, of course there isn't, darlin'.

Well, to work, to work, to work, to work.

To work, to work, to work, to work.

[both laughing]

[Bessie] Come along, darling.

[gentle music]

- Do I look all right?

- Oh, you look lovely.

I remembers when I was a bride.

I wish I could forget it, though.

Don't start nothing. [Muttering]

[music continues]

I wonder where Emory is.

["Bridal March" playing]

What's a matter, Doctor,

is the elephant chasing ya?

No! And she won't chase me anymore.

But she sure needed me.

[music continues]

[bright music]