(soft music) (film reel clicking) (drum roll) (lion roars) (gentle orchestral music) (train whistle blowing) (bright orchestral music) >> Taxi!

(bright orchestral music) (gentle orchestral music) (upbeat carnival music) (gentle piano music) (woman singing in French) >> Charles!

>> (laughs) Maurice.

Maurice.

You're fat!

>> And you are thinner.

(Charles laughs) Jeanette.

Jeanette.

Jeanette.

Look.

>> Charles.

Charles Wills.

(Jeanette speaking French) >> English, Mama, English.

>> She loves you in French.

We all miss you in any language.

>> He does not look well.

>> That means she wants to feed you.

(woman singing in French) You're away too long.

Almost two years, huh?

>> Thanks, Maurice.

You remembered.

>> Bourbon straight, water on the side.

You and Mr. Gamble.

Only people who speak English would put things like that in their stomachs.

You're back on business, perhaps?

>> No, no, just to see my little girl.

>> Ah, little ballerina.

She don't go back with you?

>> No more for me, thanks.

>> The world has changed.

>> Uh, yes.

>> It's not so crazy anymore like it was after the war, huh?

(chuckles) You remember?

We had much laughter together, eh, Charles?

>> Maybe we had too many laughs, Maurice.

(eerie music) (crowd cheering) (bold band music) (crowd singing) Maurice, how are you?

>> Some big day, huh?

>> Which calls for a very big and very cold bourbon and water.

>> No bourbon, no gin, no cognac, no anything.

>> How are you celebrating?

>> For me I keep the Perignon.

>> For you and me.

>> That, uh, lady over there, how do you say, uh, she gives you the eye.

>> That one?

She's not even smiling at me.

>> The eye without a smile, is the most dangerous eye.

(crowd cheering) >> Excuse me.

>> Charles!

>> Claude!

Ah, I knew you'd make it.

>> Claude: Ooh, but you, I was afraid that-- >> Nah, don't you know the bad characters never die in war.

Excuse me, I saw my old friend and I-- >> This is my dear and crazy friend, Charles Wills, Miss Ellswirth.

>> Miss Ellswirth.

>> Marion, please.

>> American?

You've been here all through this?

>> Oh, we never left.

Dad and I stayed on in unoccupied France, Lyon mostly.

How do you know Claude?

>> Oh, he was an observer with our outfit.

Haven't seen him since D-day in Normandy.

>> (chuckles) I parted company with you shortly after Saint-Lo.

>> Charles: Back into the FFI?

>> Claude: With General de Gaulle.

>> Uh, quite a, a coincidence meeting here.

>> Well, if I hadn't seen you in the mirror, I thought some stranger was giving me the eye.

>> But no, no, I didn't see you.

>> Am I interrupting anything important?

>> Well, uh, Marion and I are-- >> Uh, you must have influence around here.

You have a drink.

>> Power of the press, ma'am.

Let's see what my influence and lots of money can accomplish.

Maurice.

>> I've got a better idea, let's go to my father's celebration.

>> Well, where would he get enough whiskey for a party?

>> (laughs) You don't know my father.

>> To fathers.

>> To men.

>> To Frenchmen.

(outside crowd celebrating enthusiastically) >> We'll continue our celebration.

(speaking French) >> Bonsoir.

>> Bonsoir, monsieur.

Marion, ah.

>> Hi, Dad.

>> You, my boy, you have a thirsty look in your eye.

>> Oh, does it show?

>> It might go away if you have a drink.

>> Andre.

>> And, uh, who have we here?

>> Charles Wills, he's a reporter for the "Stars and Stripes."

This is my father.

>> How do you do, sir?

>> A reporter?

We don't need a reporter, we need a bartender here.

(Charles laughs) >> I invited him here because it seems to be the only place in town where you can get a drink.

>> And do you know that all these people came to precisely the same conclusion.

(people singing in French) (people chattering happily) >> What is Helen doing here?

>> Uh... >> Hi!

>> What are you doing here?

>> What are you doing here?

Well, the fact of the matter is-- >> Your sister has made me very proud.

We couldn't tell you the good news before, but Helen has been expelled from the university.

>> What?

>> If we're going to have a scene, either ask this young man to leave or introduce us.

>> Marion, please.

>> Helen-- >> Ah, now look, let her alone.

After all, I was expelled from Harvard, wasn't I?

Why shouldn't a girl follow in her father's footsteps?

>> Excuse me a moment.

I'll talk to you later.

>> I have a feeling she'll be talking to me, too.

(Helen laughs) >> Name, please?

>> Uh, Charlie something or other.

He, uh, says he's a bartender.

(man speaking French) Ah, yes.

>> Charlie what?

>> Uh, Wills.

I wish I were a bartender, a nice civilian bartender.

(man and Helen speaking French) >> Oh, thank you.

>> I told him we knew each other.

>> Well, we do in a way.

We were only kissing an hour ago.

>> We were?

Let me see now.

You were one of the ones at the Ritz bar?

>> (chuckles) No.

(Helen speaks French) No.

(Helen speaks French) (chuckles) No.

>> I know.

Near the Dingo Cafe.

>> You do remember.

(both laugh) >> No.

It's the only other place I ran into more uniforms today.

(Charles laughs) Are you rich?

>> No, does that finish me off?

>> No, but it does slow us up a little.

We're not rich either, we just live that way.

Daddy says it's the same thing only it's much cheaper.

>> I think I like him.

>> That's good, because he'll try to barrow money from you.

And I don't want him to be disappointed.

(Charles chuckles) I like the way you kiss.

>> Really?

>> My dear, I'm afraid I've underestimated the alcoholic capacity of our guests.

>> I'll only be a few minutes.

>> Uh, get the bartender here to help you with it.

Say, Wills, Wills, are you one of the wealthy Willses from Maryland?

>> No.

(chuckles) >> Oh.

>> This way, lieutenant.

>> Thank you.

>> Thank you, sir.

(crowd singing in French) (crowd chattering happily) >> Where are you from?

>> Milwaukee.

>> Would you help me?

>> Sure.

Noted for good beer, women with lovely legs, and practically no millionaires.

(both chuckle) And you?

>> New York till I was 12.

Then Daddy moved us to Paris.

When the Germans came in 1940, I was sent to school in Switzerland.

That's where the loot's kept.

>> Charles: No.

(Charles laughs) >> Daddy put it there so the Germans wouldn't drink it.

>> Very resourceful man.

>> And lots of fun.

>> Is he?

>> That's his eleventh commandment, having fun.

Especially now.

He says that after a war everybody should always be gay and have fun.

>> Isn't your father a little old for this war?

>> Oh, he wasn't in this one.

He was in the 1918 War.

And he's been celebrating ever since.

(bottles clinking) Now that the war in Europe is over, what are you gonna do?

>> Try to stay out of the war in the Pacific.

>> That's very sensible.

(bottle clinking) That oughta be enough to tame the tiger.

>> Yeah.

(crowd singing in French) >> Charles, I was wondering what had happened to you.

>> Nothing, yet.

>> Everybody's waiting to meet you.

>> Well, I've really got, gotta report back to the paper with some sort of story.

>> Oh, can't you stay just a few minutes?

>> I'm sorry, I've got a deadline.

>> Oh lieutenant, don't take the party with you.

>> Oh.

(laughs) >> That's a nice laugh.

Do you think someday soon you might be rich?

>> Could you come back later?

>> All right, I'll try.

>> Uh, better yet, I'll meet you.

You call and tell me where.

>> All right.

Hello.

(typewriter keys clicking) Who is this, please?

Who?

Oh, Helen, this is Charlie Wills.

No, no, Charlie the bartender.

>> The Army bartender?

>> That's right.

Could you give Marion a message, please.

Tell her that the lights of Paris go on tonight for the first time since the war began.

Well, she wanted to meet me, at the Arch de Triomphe, right by the Shrine for the Unknown Soldier.

Thank you.

(typewriter keys clicking) (announcer speaking French) (bold band music) >> Hi.

>> Hi.

I thought that-- >> Disappointed?

>> No, but-- >> Not Marion though but, you know.

(crowd cheers) (bells tolling) (fireworks whistling) (crowd singing in French) (fireworks whistling) (bells tolling) Do that again.

>> Thought you were asleep.

>> Only my eyes.

>> And my arm.

>> They're weaklings, your arm and my eyes.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Not worthy of us.

>> Uh-huh.

They're not bad eyes.

>> It's a nice arm.

>> I'll take you home.

>> Did you read Thomas Wolf, "You Can't Go Home Again?"

>> It's late.

>> All right.

(bells tolling) (crowd cheering distantly) (distant drumming music) Promise me something.

Promise?

(Charles chuckles) Don't ever let the celebration end.

>> There'll be another celebration when the rest of the war is over.

>> But it is over.

For us it's over.

I'm sick to death of death.

I want to enjoy things and have fun.

And live like everyday is the last day.

Wouldn't that be nice?

A lifetime full of last days.

Except there never really would be a last day.

You're too serious.

Make that nice smile.

(Charles chuckles) That's better.

I don't care if you're not rich.

(bells tolling) (car horn toots) >> Chocolate!

(children playing distantly) >> Hi.

>> Hi.

>> Oh, how wonderful.

(Charles chuckles) Look.

>> Hm, yes.

You didn't have to this, my boy.

>> Oh, yes he did.

He's trying to make time with me.

(Charles chuckles) Dad.

>> What is it, animal or vegetable?

>> Ah.

>> Powdered eggs!

Chocolate!

>> You shall not go unrewarded, my boy.

Come to think of it, you're generosity shall be repaid this very day.

Now-- >> Good morning.

>> Good morning.

>> Good morning.

>> Look, meat, eggs.

>> About the powdered eggs, you see they look something like eggs-- >> Never mind, we'll cook them in sherry, that'll make them taste like eggs.

>> Helen, please.

I wish to make some small token of appreciation.

Charles, my boy.

A golden opportunity awaits us.

Now the question is.

At a mile and 3/8, he can't loose.

>> Why not?

>> Um, it's a trade secret.

>> Daddy means he has a hot tip, right?

>> Another hot tip?

>> Look, we have less than two hours to become wealthy.

>> I think I can come along.

I'll make a phone call.

>> Excellent.

Now, If we pool our resources, uh, what is your capital, my boy?

>> Oh, about $40.

>> Let's see-- >> Oh.

>> That means if we pool our resources we have $40.

>> What a pity.

>> Maybe I can barrow some.

>> Don't you do it, Charles.

He'll keep you as broke as he is.

>> Opportunity, my dear, is concerned with the future, not the past.

Now look, if it's collateral you're worrying about, I happen to own oil leases in Texas that are worth, uh, well you know Texas.

>> Oh, Daddy.

>> The oil leases are a family joke.

Plenty of leases but not one drop of oil.

>> Charlie.

>> What?

>> I feel lucky today.

>> I'll see what I can dig up.

>> I have the utmost confidence in the courage and ingenuity of the United States Army.

To horse, my boy, to horse.

Destiny hates a laggard.

Ah!

Uh, (sighs).

(bell clanging) (people chattering) >> The paper said that-- >> Don't be nervous.

Daddy's really very brilliant.

>> Well, what could possibly make me nervous?

If we lose the race, I'll owe half a year's pay.

The money belongs to four captains who fought their way out of Bastogne with their bare hands.

>> We won't lose.

>> Well.

>> Did you bet it all?

>> Every penny.

And at 12 to one.

>> Why did the odds go up?

>> The suckers think that Benedictine will lose.

What can you expect of agnostics, my boy?

Over this way, what?

(crowd chattering) >> Which one is Benedictine?

>> Uh, number four.

He'll lay back for the first half mile.

>> He looks scrawny.

>> Lean, my boy.

Lean and ready and fit.

>> Who gave you this tip?

(crowd murmuring) (crowd cheers) Where's Benedictine?

>> Running beautifully.

>> But where is he?

>> Sixth.

In perfect position.

(crowd chattering excitedly) >> Is Benedictine-- >> Seventh.

He's outsmarting them.

>> Helen.

>> I think I'll buy a new dress with my share of the winnings.

(crowd chattering excitedly) >> He won.

Benedictine won!

>> Of course, he won.

>> Why should that surprise you?

>> He won.

>> Not so much surprise as relief.

>> You know at 12 to one, that makes your share-- >> Maybe there's another race fixed today.

If you could-- >> Fixed, fixed race, my boy?

>> You mean this race wasn't fixed?

>> You've been reading too many crime novels.

(Helen and James laughing) >> There was no hot tip either was there?

>> Well-- >> You just picked a crazy long shot out of a hat.

>> Intuition and experience, my boy.

>> But we could have gotten killed.

>> It's a wonderful way to make a living, isn't it?

(James laughs) >> Announcer: This is the American Forces Network in Paris.

A pall of black destruction and chaos still hangs over Hiroshima.

Events are now moving swiftly.

The president of-- >> Hey, Maurice, leave it on.

(men grumbling) >> Did you hear the news?

>> First things first.

>> Man At Bar: It'll take more one bomb to end this caper.

>> Man At Bar: One will get you twenty it's over in a week.

>> Man At Bar: Will you cover $60 bucks worth?

>> Man At Bar: You got it.

>> Don't do it.

Barney just came from the office.

Japan offered to surrender if-- >> What?

>> To who?

>> If we let the emperor stay in his throne.

>> When are we going home?

>> Yeah.

Charlie, what's the dope on discharges?

>> Well, if you start right now you're already behind 10,000 other guys.

(gentle piano music) I'll have to get right back to the office.

>> Why?

>> I tried to phone you.

>> Don't ever phone if you can possibly come yourself.

And don't ever leave if you can stay.

>> Maybe we can meet for late supper or something.

>> We'll see.

Is it really over?

The war?

Because I want to buy you silk shirts and silk socks and silk shorts.

Oh, darling.

(gentle piano music) (rain splattering) >> Taxi.

>> What did you do with my umbrella?

>> I had it when I started over here and stopped a second, must've lost it.

We've got a special edition coming out.

>> You'd better hurry.

>> I'll get you a taxi first.

Taxi!

>> Now you stop fussing about me.

>> Will you, will you wait for me?

>> I think I'll go home early and give Daddy a shock.

>> But in this rain?

>> I may not be able to cook and to sew, but I really can find myself a taxi.

It's the first thing I learned at finishing school.

Now you go on ahead.

>> You're a girl after my own heart.

>> Make no mistake about it.

I'm after it, all right.

(gentle music) Taxi.

(gentle music) (uplifted orchestral music) >> Violets.

(uplifted orchestral music) Merci.

Marion.

I phoned, and they said it was all right for visitors.

Did she get my flowers?

>> Every day.

>> All my messages?

>> Every one.

>> Can I go in now?

>> Charles.

>> What?

(gentle orchestral music) >> Hi.

>> How do feel?

>> The nurse answers all the stark questions.

>> The patient improves, but it is required not to really hurt.

>> (sighs) I was gonna ask you to dance, but I guess that's out, huh?

(Helen laughs) I was expecting a younger, more attractive nurse.

>> She's the fourth in two weeks.

Daddy's a pincher.

(Charles chuckles) (gentle orchestral music) For heaven sakes, get that guilty look off your face.

>> I lost your umbrella.

I gave you the flu.

>> Don't be silly.

It was raining, I got wet, so I got the flu.

And it's not your fault.

I was wondering how you'd look out of uniform.

Even better.

(Charles chuckles) >> It was my fault.

>> I would have caught this, anyway.

I catch cold even from weather forecasts.

Thank you for the lovely flowers.

>> Oh.

>> What's the matter?

>> I don't know.

You look so pale and sweet and faceless.

>> Remember, the nurse is right outside the door.

Not that I'll call her.

(gentle orchestral music) >> One thing I learned these last weeks, I love you.

>> You loved me the first day.

>> I did?

>> You sure did.

We should have told each other then.

Look at all the headway we could have made.

(Charles sighs) >> For the first time in my life, I wish I had lots of money.

Oh, money.

>> Daddy says it isn't what you have, it's what you owe.

>> (sighs) I don't even owe enough.

>> And what are your prospects, young man?

>> Prospects?

My old job on the news at 65 a week.

>> Please.

I'm only suppose to think beautiful thoughts.

(Charles chuckles) (sighs) Doesn't DuPont or General Motors need a president or something?

>> Well, the Paris office of the Europa News Service needs a reporter.

>> Paris.

>> It doesn't pay as much as the New York job.

>> But you don't need money to have fun in Paris.

>> Yeah.

Yeah.

Well, I've been working on a book.

I should get back to the States.

>> Why can't you write your book here?

Oh, Charlie darling, please marry me and let's stay here.

Please?

>> Oh, it sounds so wonderful.

But isn't it a little crazy?

>> Yes, it is crazy.

If you had any sense, you'd walk right out that door and never see me or call me again.

Maybe send back my umbrella and call it quits.

>> But I haven't any sense.

No sense at all.

(gentle orchestral music) >> You have no sense, I have a one degree temperature.

If I were 98.6, this would never happen.

(gentle orchestral music) (door clicks shut) >> Forgive me, but uh, I'm rather enjoying playing the anxious father.

After all, it's Helen's first marriage, you know.

>> Only marriage, sir.

>> Tut, tut.

No arrogance, please.

Helen tells me that you are a very serious-minded person.

You know, both feet on the ground, hard working, industrious.

>> Well, I try to be, sir.

>> I tell you frankly, these are not the qualities I'd hope for in a son-in-law.

I'll uh, go even further.

They're uh, not the qualities to make Helen happy.

>> Oh, well, sir, I uh, I'm gonna work on a Paris news agency.

I'll be surrounded by carefree, irresponsible characters.

Some of it's bound to rub off on me.

>> Mm.

Well, let us hope so.

Tell me, do I uh, do I strike you as being an unusual father?

>> You certainly do.

>> That's a very straightforward answer.

Try to overcome this tendency.

You understand, of course, that I can't afford to give you a large wedding.

>> I don't care for one, thanks.

>> Care for a drink?

>> Oh, yes.

I'd love one, thank you.

>> Oh, that's too bad.

You know, I'm getting a little low on this stuff and I was-- >> Oh, that's all right.

>> Ah, here you are.

>> Oh, thank you.

>> Do you know what you're getting for a wedding present?

>> Well, Helen told me what not to expect.

>> My dear sir, you are getting the old family joke.

4,000 acres of invaluable oil land.

>> Thank you, very much, sir.

>> Not at all.

You know, after all, it's not bad being an oil baron, even if there's no oil, huh?

(both chuckle) Well, did you give Helen your permission?

>> I had to give her my permission.

>> Huh?

>> Claude has asked me do be the mother of his children.

>> Really?

That, that, that seems a bit irregular, doesn't it?

>> Dad, Claude has asked her to marry him.

>> Oh.

Well, then I suppose I must kiss you.

(chuckles) >> Do you, uh, say best wishes to the bride?

Or congratulations to the groom?

Or which way is it?

I've forgotten.

>> You just go ahead and kiss each other.

What did you put into that kiss?

>> Well, why don't you come here and find out.

>> Helen, getting married, Marion getting married.

A father abandoned in middle age.

(sighs) Hm, what man could ask for more?

(typewriter keys clicking) >> Give me a rewrite on that, will ya?

>> How you feeling?

>> Pretty good.

>> Good, good.

That, that beard looks good.

>> Ah, Charlie, if you're getting around to asking for money, not a chance, I haven't got a franc.

If I had any, I wouldn't give it to you anyway.

>> The prices aren't going up here like in the States.

>> Neither are the (indistinct).

>> Fellas, please.

I've got a wife and baby waiting in the hospital.

I need 500 bucks to get 'em outta hock.

>> Why don't you leave them there?

It's the healthiest in town.

>> Ah, you can make jokes, you're not a father.

>> Oh, I don't know.

All the returns aren't in yet.

(baby crying) >> Ah, ah.

How about it, your highness?

There's nothing like a hot tub after a long day's hollering, is there?

Ah, there she is.

(laughs) Look at those legs, will you.

A regular man-killer.

Forgive me, your highness.

This is not the Follies Percheron.

(baby screeching) >> I beg your forgiveness.

>> What can you expect from the common herd, my lady?

Huh?

(woman speaking French) >> Claude!

>> Charles!

>> Well.

>> I have good news.

>> Fine, fine.

Where's Helen?

>> Helen: Charlie?

>> Oh.

Oh, how's Marion?

>> She's fine.

>> Oh, that's fine, fine.

Hiya, fatso.

>> (sighs) Fatso is right.

Look at me, bulging out of my own clothes.

>> I happen to be insane about each and every bulge.

Where's Vicki?

>> Being bathed.

>> Mm.

I just can't help it.

You look so pretty to me.

Of course, I've been looking at my editor all day.

>> Oh, did you hit him for the bonus?

>> Mm-hmm.

I got it, too.

Only it's not a bonus, it's a loan.

And I sent it right off to the hospital.

So you can tell your daughter to come out now, she's all paid for.

>> (sighs) I'll never, never be a size 10 again.

>> Vicki will be exactly like you.

Then I'll be surrounded by beautiful women.

>> That compliment and a martini would just about square you for putting me in jail for nine months.

>> Mm, martini coming right up.

>> Charles?

>> Yes, Claude.

>> I was appointed to the prosecutor's staff today.

>> Well what about your private practice?

>> But this is more important.

There are many corruptors must be brought to justice.

>> Sure.

And the lawyers who defend them will get rich and you'll get convictions and be broke.

>> Ta-da!

Gentlemen, the queen.

(Charles sighs) (James chuckles) >> Hello, highness.

Well, what happened to her hair?

She had some yesterday.

>> Wishful thinking, that's all.

>> You know, she's not bad for our first try.

>> You'd better be beautiful.

A genius and terribly rich.

>> The beauty she got from my daughter.

The genius she inherited from me.

You better get busy with your contribution, my boy.

>> The last nine months I've devoted to you.

Now, I'm going to have fun.

What do you say, sweetheart?

Whee!

>> Hey!

(Helen laughs) >> No guts, eh?

(James sighs) (typewriter keys clicking) >> I was wondering if you could uh, uh.

Thank you.

I uh, trust you're keeping a record of these loans, huh?

Goodnight.

(typewriter keys clicking) >> Goodnight.

(typewriter keys clicking) >> Goodnight, angel.

(typewriter keys clicking) (gentle orchestral music) Sure you won't come along?

You hate me for not holding your hand while you have your baby?

>> If you held my hand, the next thing I'd hold yours, and the next thing, I'd kiss you.

And the next thing, um.

>> Mm, I'd like that.

>> You're a glutton.

>> Coax me not to go out.

>> I can finish this thing tonight.

>> Please, it's not a thing.

It's the great American novel.

Charlie?

Will you still worship me when you're famous?

(typewriter keys clicking) (gentle orchestral music) (typewriter keys clicking) (uplifted orchestral music) (somber orchestral music) (uplifted orchestral music) (slow somber orchestral music) >> Well?

Say it.

>> It's even better than the first book.

It's beautiful.

It's too good for them.

Let's send it off tonight.

>> Come on, wake up.

Spit on it for good luck.

That a girl.

>> Radio Announcer: This Christmas night, it is five years since the end of World War II.

Veterans everywhere pray that peace will come with the new year.

("Oh Come All Ye Faithful") >> Daddy?

Daddy?

Daddy?

(radio clicks off) >> Well.

(chuckles) Ah.

(Vicki speaks French) >> English, darling, English.

Oh.

>> I had a bad dream.

>> Grownups have them too, darling.

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

(people shouting) >> Ma, mama, (speaks French).

(gentle orchestral music) >> Oh.

>> One kiss for the road.

>> Oh, you're not Ben Hur.

You lost the race.

>> I need consolation.

Hiya, Charlie.

I lost the race and your wife won't console me.

>> Man On Street: Hi, Charlie!

>> Next time win the race, huh?

>> Goodnight.

>> Look, see here.

>> Mm.

>> I didn't forget.

(Charlie sighs) Goodnight, everybody.

Hi.

>> Hi.

(people shouting) (lively music) >> Charlie!

You're not Charlie.

Where is Charlie?

(lively music) >> You haven't told her yet, huh?

>> Why spoil her fun?

>> Why let it spoil yours?

>> I'm peculiar, that's why.

I used up a year of my life trying to write a book.

For some unaccountable reason, I thought somebody would wanna publish it.

>> My boy, you're not in the least peculiar.

You're merely naive.

Now I knew a publisher once, and he made it a rule never to read a manuscript.

Oh, he'd smell it and weigh it and feel it and taste it.

But read it?

No.

Now, if this manuscript smelled and weighed and felt and tasted like garbage, then he published it.

Would you like to know the secret of success?

Mediocrity, my boy.

To be a rich writer, you've got to remember your three R's, riches, ruffians, and rape.

(party horns blowing) >> Hi.

♪ Should auld acquaintance be forgot ♪ ♪ And never brought to mind ♪ ♪ Should auld acquaintance be forgot ♪ ♪ And days of auld lang syne ♪ ♪ For auld lang syne, my dear ♪ ♪ For auld lang syne ♪ >> Hey.

Hey.

"Saturday Evening Post" bought my serial, 15,000 bucks.

>> How about that.

>> Yeah!

>> Good boy.

>> Thanks, thanks.

>> That's great.

>> Uh, uh, uh.

Farewell, hacks, forever.

>> Man In Newsroom: $15,000, tax-free too.

>> Man In Newsroom: He could've at least thrown a party for everybody.

>> Merci beaucoup.

(typewriter keys clicking) Charlie, uh, run down to the police station will you?

>> What for?

>> They're holding some crazy American dame.

Seems she held up traffic by taking a dive into a fountain at noon today.

>> Not much of a story is it?

>> No, but you know how Americans in Paris love to read about Americans in Paris.

>> Oh, all right, what's her name?

>> Helen Wills.

(all laughing) >> That's my girl.

(all laughing) (horns honking) >> No use acting as if you didn't know me.

I'm your wife.

In sickness and in health, in dry clothes and damp.

>> You know how you are with colds.

You'd better go home and change.

>> We can't go home, Vicki's at the Dingo.

>> Again?

>> Isn't she better off in a nice respectable bistro than all alone at home?

This gonna get in the papers?

>> One more crazy American jumping into one more beautiful fountain.

That isn't news any more.

Is that why you did it, to get into print?

>> I guess it was silly and stupid.

But it was fun.

>> Was it?

>> Well, almost fun.

On the verge of being fun.

>> Only it never is quite, is it?

>> No, somehow it never is.

I don't know why.

Maybe it's something about Paris, or me, or the times, or something.

It's as if you gotta hurry up.

Hurry before, it's like you're trying to find out something terribly important only-- >> Only you never do.

>> Oh, come on now, you always laughed at these things.

It took a little time, but you laughed.

>> It isn't that.

Campbell just sold a serial to the "Saturday Evening Post" for $15,000.

>> And you hate him for it?

Oh, darling I think that's wonderfully human of you.

(both laugh) Finally.

(lively piano music) (men speaking French) >> What's he saying?

He's talking so fast.

>> This is Marcel.

>> How do you do.

Who are you?

>> He says he's going to immortalize me.

(Marcel speaking French) >> What are you running for office or something?

>> Oh, you me.

Always good for a couple of laughs.

>> Mrs. Wills, it's a good thing to make people laugh.

>> Well, don't I get anything?

I paid the fine to get her outta jail.

(Marcel speaking French) (lively piano music) (crowd laughing and chattering) (gentle music) >> Papa!

(Vicki speaking French) >> Anglais, sweetie, English.

>> Papa, I've been waiting to show you, this morning (speaks French).

>> No, Vicki, not half and half.

All English.

>> Watch, Daddy, watch.

(Charles laughs) >> Hold it.

I haven't been kissed yet.

(Charlie laughs) >> Hey, Charlie.

>> Barney.

You wanna see something great?

Go on.

(gentle music) (Charlie laughs) Oh.

>> Pretty young to be hitting the bottle, isn't she?

>> It's the floor, darling.

Even Pavlova couldn't dance on a floor like this.

Are you all right?

>> I'm sorry.

>> Say something nice.

>> It's swell kid, great.

The boss wants me on an interview at the Royal France.

I can't handle it, got a heavy date.

Cover for me, will ya?

Uh, the woman's name is Lorraine Quarl.

>> Who's Lorraine Quarl?

>> Cafe society.

So long, kid.

You got a great act there.

Great.

All it needs is a finish.

>> Oh, you've got the right finish, haven't you, sweetheart?

Right into my arms.

(Charlie laughs) >> Mr. Wills.

(crowd laughing and chattering happily) >> Mrs. Quarl.

I am Wills from the Europa News Service.

>> I hate to be late.

I'm sorry.

And I need a drink.

Leon.

>> The same, Mrs. Quarl?

>> Please.

You can skip the usual.

Paris is beautiful.

American women love French men.

French men love American women.

Prices are too high.

I haven't picked out my next husband yet.

Might be the bartender, at least he has talent.

>> You've been interviewed before.

>> The last time, an hour ago.

He wasn't very young or very attractive.

The interview was very, very short.

But then, take your time.

>> First trip to Paris?

>> No, no.

First divorce here, that's all.

>> Why'd you choose Paris?

>> I get saddle sores in Reno, and I lose too much money in Las Vegas.

>> According to our files, you were married four times.

>> Three.

Annulments don't count.

Leon?

>> Is something wrong?

>> Is something right?

You, you really can tell one of my marriages from another without a problem.

Husband number one, for love.

Failure.

Husband number two for money.

Failure, except for the money and the name Quarl.

(Charlie chuckles) Husband number three, annulment.

He forgot to tell me he already had a wife.

Husband number four, a bullfighter.

Four times at bat, haven't had a hit.

>> Any children involved?

>> No.

And that's my only contribution to humanity.

I told you I was a failure.

Mm, shouldn't you be writing this down?

>> Oh, the interview stopped long ago.

>> Thank you.

I'm hungry.

What about dinner?

>> Uh, I am not on an expense account.

I'm just a struggling newspaper man.

>> Oh well, stop struggling.

The dinner is on my four husbands.

I'll change and I'll be right down.

>> But what about the-- >> Please, Mr. Wills.

At home my analyst charges $50 an hour to listen to me talk.

(upbeat dance music) (both chuckling) >> Charlie: Hey, that's my taxi.

>> Charles.

>> Hello, Claude.

I'm glad to see ya.

How have you been?

>> Fine.

>> You look fine.

How are ya, Marion?

>> Fine.

>> You look fine.

I'm fine, too.

(laughs) Oh, excuse me.

Uh, my sister-in-law, Mrs. Matine, Mr. Matine, Mrs. Quarl.

>> How do you do?

>> Uh, Claude's with the prosecutor's office.

>> Oh?

I hope we haven't done anything wrong.

(both chuckle) >> Uh, Mrs. Quarl just arrived in Paris.

I'm, uh, interviewing her.

>> How's Helen?

>> Fine.

Fine.

Oh, and you should see Vicki, she's, you know, we really should see more of each other.

After all family and-- >> I'll get in touch with Helen in the morning.

Goodnight, Mrs. Quarl.

>> Goodnight.

>> Goodnight.

>> Goodnight.

>> Charles, I really would like to see you again.

Goodnight.

>> Goodnight, Claude.

Thank you.

>> How is Helen?

>> Oh, now what's one little wife among all your husbands?

>> I imagine you'll catch it when you get home.

>> From Helen?

Not Helen.

She's the most wonderful, most understanding... Do you mind if we don't go on with the interview?

Somehow, I'm suddenly cold sober.

And it's awfully late.

And if I don't get back to the office and do this story-- >> Can I go with you?

To the office, I mean.

>> Why?

>> I don't know.

We'll probably never see each other again, and I, I'd like to drag the night out a little.

And I should see that story.

>> Oh, that office is awful cold and dingy at this hour of the morning.

>> You'd be surprised how often I feel cold and dingy.

I'll be simpatico.

>> Well, good morning.

Now what's the matter?

Oh, Charlie, how could you?

Don't Charlie me, sister.

What about you?

I'm sick and tired of you sitting around these crummy cafes day and night, the darling of every phony, petted by writers who don't write, adored by painters who don't paint.

And what do you write?

Interviews with useless, sloppy women.

Well, at least I don't jump into fountains and lap up all the liquor in Paris.

Well, why don't you ask me why I drink, why I jump in the fountains?

That's right, blame me.

Blame me.

Did I wanna stay in Paris?

What right have you to criticize me?

You're suspicious?

You?

Ah!

That's a laugh.

Now you just listen to me.

(door slams) >> Morning, darling.

>> Helen.

Do you realize what time it is?

(Helen groans) >> Mm, does it matter, darling?

>> It's eight o'clock in the morning.

>> (groans) It's your turn to take Vicki to school.

>> Do you realize I've been out all night?

>> Mm, poor darling.

All right, I'll take her to school.

>> Well, don't you care where I've been?

>> You look awful.

Was it a tough assignment?

>> I was interviewing a woman.

>> Mm, that's nice.

Much better coffee in bed.

(water flowing) >> She was a rich, beautiful, exciting woman.

She was interested in me.

Well, don't you even care?

>> What are you trying to say, Charlie?

>> I'm trying to say that I love you.

>> What kind of a woman did you say she was?

>> How many kinds are there?

>> Was she really pretty?

>> I'd lie about it, but Marion saw her too.

Yes, she's very pretty.

>> Marion?

>> Oh, we ran into Claude and Marion.

She'll probably try to build up into something, but-- >> Just how rich and how pretty was she?

>> Oh, shut up.

>> Mm, that's nice.

(telephone ringing) (Helen groans) (Helen sighs) >> I don't hear a thing, do you?

>> I'll be back in a minute.

(telephone ringing) Hello?

Marion?

What?

What?

Say that again!

>> It's a lie.

>> Last night.

I stopped by Marion's on my way home this morning and had breakfast with her and told her then.

>> How much are we worth?

Marion said that you said that we're stinking rich.

>> Oh, Marion always editorializes.

Money has no odor.

>> Oh, especially lots of it.

(Vicki speaking French) >> English, Vicki.

>> Are we millionaires?

>> Insanity, there's a wide streak of insanity in this family, Vicki, on your mother's side.

>> We have hit an oil gusher.

>> We what?

>> Oil, darling.

The stuff that put Texas on the map.

>> You mean, those worthless oil leases of ours?

>> A generous wedding present from me, which I trust you'll remember and keep in mind.

>> How rich are we?

>> Well, there's a state law about only pumping out 80 barrels a day.

Now at $2 a barrel, that's, uh-- >> That's only $160 a day.

>> Seven days a week?

>> Of course.

Oil is an act of God.

>> That, that's $1,100 a week.

>> And 27 1/2% tax-free.

>> What if we sold out?

>> My thoughts exactly.

A capital gain.

>> But if we didn't sell out, we'd have an income for life.

>> Is everybody from Milwaukee cautious?

>> Sensible, just sensible.

>> We'll redecorate everything from top to toe.

Me too.

I'll have my hair cut.

We'll take Marion's room and turn it into a writing room for you.

Do you suppose we really could run through $50,000 in a year?

>> Well, we could try.

>> We?

>> Oh.

Hm.

>> You know what?

>> Of course, we could drill another well.

>> Marion never said a word about running into you last night.

>> Mama, what's oil?

>> Oh, Vicki.

(laughs) Oh!

Woo!

(upbeat orchestral music) (Helen and Charlie laughing) (upbeat orchestral music) (tires screeching) (man whistling) >> How do you like it?

It's mine, it's all mine.

(car horn honking) (all singing a dirge) Open the shroud.

No more deadlines, no more journalism.

The job is dead.

Lower away.

>> Catch it!

(all cheer) (all laugh) >> That's wonderful.

>> What are you gonna do now, Charlie?

>> Now?

Now I'll finish my third novel.

If this one doesn't get published-- >> It'll get published.

>> I got no money worries, I got no job worries.

What would I use for an excuse?

>> If you got enough money, no excuses are necessary.

Good luck to ya, Charlie.

>> Good luck, Charlie.

>> Good luck, Charlie.

(all talking) (pleasant orchestral music) >> That'll be 5,000 francs, please.

>> Oh, I should like to do more for charity.

Oh, well, that's nice.

>> Helen.

Uh, pardon me, s'il vous plait?

>> Uh, 6,000 for another kiss.

>> I'm really worth much more, you know.

>> But-- >> I never expected to see you at a charity event.

>> Neither did I.

>> Something wrong?

>> Yeah.

>> Vicki?

>> No, Charlie.

Look, he hasn't moved from his room all day.

He's still there.

He won't eat anything, he won't say anything.

Just sits there in the dark, alone.

(somber orchestral music) >> Charlie?

What's the matter, darling?

Have you had dinner?

Do you want me to fix something?

>> Go away, Helen.

Let me alone.

>> Is it something I've done?

Please, Charlie, whatever it-- >> All right, I'll admit it.

You're a good wife.

You're devoted and loyal.

You've done your duty.

(sighs) Now please go back to your party and let me alone.

>> I'm only trying to help.

>> Help what?

>> You, me, us.

I don't know.

>> Help what?

This?

Can you help another rejection?

Can anybody help that?

(dramatic music) >> Why?

Because some publisher turned you down again?

>> Yes.

Again.

Again, Helen.

And again.

Can you help it that I'm stupid enough to spend five years writing three stupid books?

Can you help it that I'm no writer?

>> But you are.

You're wonderful.

They're the ones that are stupid, not you.

>> Dear Mr. Wills, we regret to inform you.

I'm no good, Helen.

Go away and let me alone.

>> Oh, Charlie.

>> Please, I can't explain my failure to you.

Now be a good girl and let me alone.

>> But you're not a failure, not to me.

>> When I was 20, I used to think I would write great books.

I would be able to do this because I was different.

I wanted perfection, and that made me different.

Well, I'm not 20 anymore.

And it's too late now.

>> Helen: But we'll try again.

>> No!

I just don't have what it takes.

All I need to do now is get used to the idea.

I'm rich.

For the price of a few drinks, I could buy fame and friends, or something like them.

Why spend years writing?

I can hold court in some noisy bar and criticize writing and talk about writing and.

(objects clatter) (door slams) (Helen crying) >> You'll never make it, boy.

>> 25 bucks says I do.

>> Stop that.

>> We've already got 75 bet.

>> Make it a hundred.

>> All right, a hundred.

Sucker.

(man speaking French) >> Charlie.

>> Oh!

Watch this, baby.

>> Come on, Charlie.

Pull, pull it, Charlie.

(man speaking French) >> Hey, Charlie, you can beat him.

Pull it, Charlie.

Charlie, hold it.

Charlie, Charlie-- >> Viola!

>> That a boy, Charlie!

(clapping) (piano keys plunking) >> All right, Charlie.

>> Winner, and still champion.

And this is the arm that did it.

(laughs) >> Take me home.

>> Waiting for the car.

It's getting souped up for the race.

>> Race?

>> Sports car event.

Monte Carlo to Paris.

(gentle piano music) ♪ The last time I saw Paris ♪ ♪ Her heart was warm and gay ♪ >> Take me home now, please.

>> That's what I thought you said.

♪ The last time I saw Paris ♪ ♪ Her trees were dressed for spring ♪ ♪ And lovers walked beneath those trees ♪ ♪ And birds found songs to sing.

♪ (typewriter keys clacking) >> Uh, anybody phone?

>> No.

(Charlie sighs) >> Kinda quiet, isn't it?

>> It's nice, though, isn't it?

>> Why hasn't Vicki come in to say goodnight?

>> Your daughter is in a compete state of crisis.

One of her front teeth fell out.

>> How's she taking it?

>> Oh, life is completely over for her.

She says she'll come in if she doesn't have to smile or open her mouth.

>> Sure.

I know a big, dramatic situation when I see one.

>> You don't really mind staying in tonight, do you?

>> Of course not.

>> How's it going?

>> Uh, it's not easy getting started again.

>> But you promised.

>> And I'm trying.

>> And you'll make it.

(Charlie sighs) (typewriter keys clacking) (gentle orchestral music) >> Poor little ballerina.

(Charlie chuckles) Hm, thank you, very much.

Not a bad kiss at all, considering.

When will you smile again?

At least can you give me an estimate?

Teeth grow back in a few months, you know.

But by that time, those muscles will be all set hard and you won't be able to smile.

They say you're the wickedest woman in Paris.

You know what I'll look like pretty soon?

(Vicki laughs) >> Daddy.

(Charlie laughs) (knocking at door) >> May I borrow a pair of cuff links?

I can't seem to-- (Charlie laughs) Both of you put your upper plates back in, you're making me self-conscious.

>> Can I dance for you, Grandpa?

>> In the morning, my dear.

>> I have to get up at six tomorrow.

>> Well, now that'll work out fine, 'cause I should be getting in by then.

>> Goodnight, darling.

(Vicki speaking French) Bon oui.

>> Milk, literature, what's the meaning of this?

>> I'm supposed to be working.

>> Your idea?

>> It's a fine idea.

Don't you corrupt him.

>> I wouldn't think of it.

But we will miss you at the Wilson's.

Can you imagine throwing a white tie party simply because it's Thursday?

>> Couldn't we go?

>> Oh, Charlie.

>> Really, it would be good for me.

And tomorrow morning, I'll chain myself to that chair.

Please.

(Helen sighs) >> Why do I always end up saying yes when I really mean no?

>> By the way, I'm bringing a friend.

He's an international tennis bum.

Paul.

Now don't worry about him at the Wilson's, he's invited everywhere.

Come to think of it, that's uh, how he makes his living.

>> You mean he gets paid for being a guest?

>> No, no.

Uh, he steals the silverware.

>> Charming.

>> Paul, my uh, my daughter and Charles Wills, my son-in-law.

>> How do you do?

>> Anchante.

>> I hear you played in Rome.

>> I play all the tournaments.

>> How do you make out?

>> Brilliantly, until the second round.

Then invariably some young Australian or American school boy beats me.

>> But nobody beats him in jumping over the net and congratulating the winner.

>> I'm the champion graceful loser.

Forgive me, but you're the lady in the fountain in the Cafe Dingo.

Why, it's my favorite painting.

Whenever I'm in Paris, I go there to stare at it.

>> Well, you're in luck.

Now you can stare at the original.

>> James: Come with me, Paul.

>> Until later?

>> Sort of appealing, isn't he?

>> What?

>> Appealing.

>> Yes, in a revolting sort of way.

Anchante.

(gentle orchestral music) >> Well, my dear, it was the funniest thing you ever saw.

All those gangsters on the television and it's DuFour asking all those questions.

Nobody in New York works at all.

>> What?

>> What did George Bernard Shaw die of?

>> Mostly old age.

(man speaking French) >> You're going to drive in this race yourself?

>> Certainly.

>> What do you get if you win?

>> What do you get?

You get to be winner, that's what you get.

>> Well, what do you know.

It's my wife.

Hiya, wife.

All right sporting blood, run along to the locker room.

>> Come back in a few minutes, Paul.

It's only his guilty conscience.

It won't take long.

(Charlie groans) >> Hey, what kind of a wife are you, dancing with other men?

>> The average kind, neglected.

>> Oh.

Whats with Mr. Tennis and you?

>> Oh, we're Paul and Helen now.

>> Mm.

>> He's sweet and attentive.

Doesn't think it's terrible at all that I'm married and have a seven-year-old daughter.

>> Maybe he just wants to be mothered.

(laughs) >> Not exactly.

He's made several suggestions, that wasn't one of them.

>> Well, let me know how he makes out.

Lorraine!

Lorraine Quarl!

You've forgotten me?

>> Oh, believe me, the only thing I've forgotten about you is your name.

>> Wills, Europa News Service.

>> Charlie!

(laughs) Oh, it's so good to have my arms around you again.

>> Oh, well, you've got me confused with somebody else.

We never got that far.

>> Why not?

>> You get married again?

>> Of course.

And I'm embarrassed now to get rid of him.

Are you still married?

>> Yes, of course.

>> Lorraine: To the same woman?

>> To the same wonderful woman.

I have to say that, 'cause she's standing right here.

May I present my wife, Helen, Mrs. Quarl.

>> Oh, it's Mrs. Johnson now.

But not for long.

How do you do?

>> I'm not quite sure.

>> You're much prettier than I expected.

>> And you're much less beat up than you have a right to be.

(Lorraine laughs) >> Uh, is it all right if I, uh, come back now?

>> Oh, Paul Lane, this is the, uh, temporary Mrs. Johnson.

>> The best mediocre tennis player in the world.

>> I've seen you around my hotel.

>> Oh, I always stay at the Royal France.

>> Tennis anyone?

>> Yes.

(soft orchestral music) >> The air is like wine.

It keeps you drunk.

(Lorraine chuckles) >> Charlie.

I'd like to go home.

>> Home?

What's the matter?

>> Nothing.

I'd just like to go home.

>> Does that sound reasonable to you?

(chuckles) >> Are you going to take me home?

>> Oh, I would, but I can't.

I promised to show Lorraine how fast the car would go.

(Charlie laughs) >> Do you mind if Paul takes me home?

(Charlie sighs) >> Paul?

Paul, who?

>> Paul anybody.

A party like this, there must easily be six or seven Pauls around.

>> (sighs) You can't hold a serious discussion with her.

I can get up to 60 miles an hour with this baby, in second gear.

(Lorriane laughs) (car engine rumbling) (tires squealing) (James whistles quietly) (door slams) >> I've been up for hours.

>> Well, that, that's a habit you must try and grow out of, kitten.

>> Why do grownups drink milk when they have all 32 teeth?

>> Well, we develop butterflies in our stomach, and milk seems to quiet them down.

>> How do they get in your stomach?

>> They usually hide in the bubbles of champagne.

>> But-- >> It's a well-known fact of hydrodynamics.

Goodnight, my dear.

>> Goodnight.

(door clatters) >> Get you coat, Vicki.

>> Can Daddy come with us to de Beaune?

>> We're going to church first.

>> Is it Sunday already?

What happened to Friday and Saturday?

>> Run along, Vicki.

>> Are you coming, Daddy?

>> I'll meet you at de Beaune later.

Church on Friday?

What happens at church on Friday?

>> The usual thing.

>> Well, as long as you're in that sort of mood, can I expect a little sympathy for this head?

Heads?

>> Helen: Very little.

>> What'd I do?

>> That, I'd be very interested to hear.

(upbeat carnival music) >> I'd like to go for a ride on that thing myself.

How 'bout it?

Must you look so grim?

>> I'm waiting to hear the end of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.

You got the car up to 103 miles an hour and then started back, right?

>> Right.

>> Then what?

>> Then nothing.

I dropped Lorraine at her hotel, or she dropped me at the house, I forget which.

>> You sure that's all you've forgotten?

>> I'm sorry to disappoint you, but nothing happened last night.

>> Tonight's another night.

She'll be beautiful again.

You'll be full of wine again.

>> And nothing will happen again.

Who took you home last night?

That tennis player?

>> He didn't exactly take me home.

>> Oh.

>> He asked me back to his hotel for a nightcap.

I went.

>> Did you have to fight your way out?

>> Oh, there was a battle, all right.

But it wasn't Paul I had a fight with, it was myself.

>> Did you win?

>> Now you listen.

I'm under the same strains and stresses you are.

I live in Paris too.

And I'm bored too.

And all that time, I had a picture in my mind of you and that woman.

And don't underestimate Paul.

He's charming and attentive and, and I'm so unhappy.

Charlie, let's go home.

>> All right, as soon as Vicki finishes with-- >> I mean really home.

America.

Home.

>> It won't work, running home.

>> Charlie, let's go back, before we crack up.

Please.

If you love me, let's go back home.

>> You used to say, let's live it up a little.

You were right.

There's lots of time to go home.

Plenty of time for everything.

>> Suppose time runs out on us.

>> You're just having a bad day, darling.

Tomorrow will-- >> I've been having a bad day for a year now.

Maybe I'm growing up.

>> It's too late to grow up.

I'll tell you what.

Come racing with me.

We'll go to Monte Carlo.

>> Why is winning a race so important?

>> Oh, I don't know.

Maybe I could do a short story about racing.

Why not?

Oh, all right, all right.

I get a kick out of racing.

It's fun.

To quote your illustrious father, "Nothing is more important than fun."

Does that make me sound stupid?

Is that what you want me to say?

Come with me, Helen.

>> No, Charlie.

>> Well, maybe I'll take somebody else.

Wouldn't that be reasonable?

>> You'll find a reason to make it reasonable.

Look out for Vicki, will you?

>> Well, where are you going?

>> To do something important.

Buy a new hat.

(engines revving) (tires squealing) >> Can we stop for a while now?

Please?

(thunder rumbling) (woman singing in French) Cognac, quickly, two of them.

>> Mr. Wills.

>> Mrs. Wills, is she here?

(woman singing in French) >> This ought to be good.

>> Well, look who's here.

What's the news from the racing world?

>> I called you at the house, you weren't there.

>> Of course not.

I'm here.

>> That's not funny.

>> You haven't been at that house for a week.

I didn't think that was very funny either.

Now I think it's very, very funny.

You remember Paul, don't you?

No?

Well, that's sort of funny, too, because I remember Lorraine.

>> Uh, will you join us for some dinner?

>> Ah, shut up!

>> I'd love to join you.

>> What time does he drink champagne from your slipper?

>> We've already done that.

How do you like him?

Don't you think he makes me look years drunker?

>> I hope you don't mind a harmless little dinner.

>> Oh, come on, Paul.

You can do better than that.

You could tell them to go away, for instance, leave us alone.

>> Not me, dear.

He's your responsibility.

>> Oh, please.

We're all very civilized, no?

>> No.

>> That's my boy.

>> Touch me again and I'll take a poke at ya.

>> I wouldn't do that, Charlie, because then I'd have to take a poke at Lorraine.

(Paul laughs) >> What's so funny?

>> Why, you, me, all of us.

Very funny.

(woman screams) (lively horns music) >> Please stop, Charles.

(lively horns music) Please.

(lively horns music) (rain splattering) (slow somber music) >> Wiseguy.

The world's full of wiseguys.

Helen.

(Charlie sighs) Oh, oh, Helen.

(upbeat orchestral music) >> You're beautiful.

>> And married.

>> And exciting.

>> And rich, too.

Ah, love, old soul.

>> Of course, I love you.

>> Love is never, of course.

Is it?

>> Please, I'll never let you be lonely.

>> Paul?

>> Hm?

>> How are we going to tell him?

>> Tell him?

Tell him what?

>> About us.

That you love me.

That I'm not going back to him.

>> Why, that's silly.

Well, of course you're going back to him.

Well, if you don't go back to him, well, he'll spoil everything for us.

You can see that, can't you?

>> Of course, darling.

I stay married and keep you on the side.

And when I'm lonely, (chuckles) oh, brother.

>> Paul: The idea wasn't invented just now.

(scoffs) It's done all the time.

Half your crowd have arrangements.

>> Is that what you expected of me?

>> Helen, listen.

What's the matter with you?

>> Suddenly, I've got very cold feet.

(gentle music) (rain splattering) Charlie.

(bottle clunking) Please, Charlie.

Do you want me to go away?

Is that what you want?

(gentle somber orchestral music) (doorbell ringing) >> Coming, Ma.

(doorbell ringing) Helen.

>> I am sorry.

I couldn't find a taxi.

I, I couldn't... (somber music) >> Doctor.

>> Go and see Wills.

(doctor speaking quietly) >> He's outside.

>> He can't see her.

I won't let him.

>> Marion.

(gentle orchestral music) You took my umbrella.

>> I'm sorry, darling.

So sorry.

Please forgive me.

>> Sh.

Take care of Vicki.

Don't let Vicki make the same mistakes.

(gentle orchestral music) I'll always love you.

(gentle orchestral music) >> Please, Mr. Wills.

>> Leave us alone.

(gentle sorrowful orchestral music) >> Mr. Wills-- >> Get out.

>> You'll have to leave here.

Now, Mr. Wills, this no way to-- >> Get out of here.

>> Out in the hall, doctor.

>> But doctor, (speaking quietly).

>> You'd better go, son.

Vicki's alone.

(Charlie crying) (rain splattering) Charlie, what are you going to do, son?

You've got to talk to Marion.

If you don't, you're going to lose Vicki.

She's going into court today and going to ask for custody of Vicki, charging you're unfit as a parent.

>> She's right.

I'll hurt Vicki, just as I did Helen.

>> What'll you do?

>> I wanna go home.

All the way home.

(eerie music) (woman singing in French) >> A thing of beauty, huh?

>> Oh, Maurice.

I'm sorry, I'm late now.

>> Americans.

Always in a haste.

When it's a rich American, it's even worse.

>> Not rich anymore, Maurice.

>> What happened to the, uh, oil?

No?

>> No, Maurice.

It changed back to salt water a year ago.

>> Oh, that's unfortunate.

>> Maybe not.

>> You must dine with us tonight, like old times, Charles.

>> I don't know.

It depends.

>> Jeanette will be very disappointed.

You have many things to remember together.

Come back, Charles, please.

>> Oh, I'll try.

(woman singing in French) (doorbell ringing) >> Charlie.

Hello, son.

>> What happened?

>> Oh, a slight stroke.

>> When?

>> Eight or nine months ago.

>> But you never wrote me about it.

>> Oh, it wasn't serious.

Mostly old age.

Charlie, I read your book.

It's good.

Very honest.

>> Thanks.

>> Yeah.

I liked it.

I liked it, fine.

>> Uh, here.

For you, Havana cigars.

The kind you like.

Shall I open them for you?

>> Oh, later.

Uh, doctor says when I'm better, huh?

>> Where's Vicki?

>> You've come for her?

>> If I can get her back again.

>> Good.

Good.

>> Daddy!

Daddy!

Daddy!

Daddy!

>> You're taller.

>> Daddy.

>> What?

>> You're not gray.

I told everybody at school you'd be gray.

>> Oh, I'm terribly sorry.

Oh, here.

>> Thanks.

>> Claude.

>> Welcome, Charles.

I'm very happy to see you.

>> Thanks.

For everything, thanks.

>> As soon as I got your telephone message, I went to school and got Vicki.

>> Look, Daddy, look.

>> Uh-oh.

Oh.

Oh.

(Charlie sighs) It's wonderful, as usual.

>> Daddy?

>> What?

>> Could we go to de Beaune?

Remember the rainbow train?

>> Well, I-- >> Oh, please?

Please?

That was the very first thing I wanted to do when you came.

>> You've got about an hour till Marion comes back.

>> I'll wear my new coat.

>> Okay.

How is Marion?

>> She's fine.

>> I want to know, Claude, how much I appreciate-- >> Oh, I didn't do anything.

I showed Marion your letter.

She couldn't stop you from seeing Vicki.

>> I was hoping she'd let me have Vicki back.

I've got to have her, Claude.

I need her.

>> Yes, I think she needs you, too.

>> Thanks.

>> Vicki: Daddy.

Daddy, hurry, Daddy.

The hour's almost is almost up.

>> I bought your book.

(Charlie sighs) And about Marion, if we are careful, if may be all right.

(door clicks shut) (upbeat carnival music) >> Daddy?

>> What?

>> What's the matter?

>> Why, nothing, darling.

Why?

>> You didn't even look at me.

You didn't even wave at me.

>> Oh.

Well you give me another chance.

You get back on that train and I-- >> Daddy, may I sit out the next ride?

>> Oh?

>> I'm really getting too old for that sort of thing.

(Charlie chuckles) Don't you think so?

>> Yes, you're real old now.

(Vicki chuckles) Darling, do you ever think of your mother?

>> Oh, yes.

>> I don't want you to forget her.

>> I have a picture of her in my room.

Grandpa says I look like her.

Do you think so, Daddy?

>> Yes.

Very much like her.

>> That's lucky for me.

Daddy?

>> What?

>> Why don't I live with you?

>> Why?

Aren't you happy?

>> Yes.

But not perfectly happy.

Do you know what I mean?

>> Yes.

I know what you mean.

>> Then I can come and live with you?

>> I don't know.

I don't know.

>> Don't you want me to?

>> Oh, of course, darling.

>> Oh, Daddy.

If you really love me, please let me come and live with you.

Please.

(Charlie sighs) >> We'll see.

>> Say yes, Daddy.

>> Yes.

>> There, you see?

It wasn't so hard to say yes, was it?

(doorbell ringing) Hello, Uncle Claude.

From de Beaune we went to Ernay's and we bought something for you, Uncle Claude, and for Aunt Marion.

And something for me, too.

It's a wonderful store and a wonderful day.

(Claude chuckles) Oh, Aunt Marion.

You ought to see what we bought for you.

It's a surprise.

Look.

>> You're late for your nap.

>> Vicki: But I thought today-- >> Marion: Go on up to your room.

>> Don't you wanna see your present?

>> Do as I say, please.

>> Hello, Marion.

>> Hello, Charles.

>> It's good to see you again.

I'm sorry about getting back so late with Vicki.

>> Oh, well.

She would have been too excited to sleep anyway.

>> And it's very important.

>> You've done a wonderful job with Vicki.

She's grown up.

>> How do find Paris?

>> Well, most of the old crowd is gone.

(sighs) Funny, I dropped in at the Dingo bar this afternoon, just to see how it looked.

There wasn't a man I knew.

>> I should think you've had enough of bars.

>> As I wrote you, I take one drink every afternoon, but no more.

And I take that drink deliberately.

Just so the idea of taking a drink won't get too big.

>> Claude: Of course, Charles.

We understand.

>> Sometimes I forget and don't take the drink.

But, well, I went to the Dingo to see how it looked.

I went to a few other places, too.

Places where, uh, Helen and I, look, Marion, I just can't keep on talking.

I'm all tied up in knots.

(gentle music) Marion, can I have Vicki back?

>> I don't know.

It's all very well to talk about one drink a day, but what guarantee have we that, well, when I, I think of those wasted years.

>> But I think about them too.

I'm working hard now, Marion.

I've, uh, got a contract for several short stories.

And I'm, I'm starting on another book.

And my sister's coming from Milwaukee to, to keep house for me.

I want Vicki.

Please, Marion.

If we wait much longer, I'll, I'll lose her childhood and, and my chance for a home.

I, I just can't lose her, don't you see?

It will be almost like having Helen back.

>> Marion?

>> I can't help it.

I'll never, in my life, be able to forget that morning when Helen, soaked and, and shivering.

You locked her out!

>> Claude: Marion!

>> But you only remember one night.

How long are you gonna make me pay for that one night?

What about those years Helen and I loved each other?

>> I don't want to hear about it.

>> Marion, you're not gonna let me have Vicki?

>> No.

>> Marion, please.

>> I don't wanna talk about it anymore.

(slow somber orchestral music) >> I'm sorry, Charles.

>> What'll I do?

>> We'll see.

>> (sighs) Thanks.

>> I'll get dinner started.

>> Marion.

>> There's no use talking about it.

He's not getting Vicki.

Not now, not tomorrow, never.

>> Why?

Do you hate him that much?

>> Yes.

For what he did, yes.

>> Yes.

It's true.

He committed an unforgivable crime, against you, personally.

He's guilty of never knowing you loved him.

You found him, but he married Helen.

And yes, he's guilty of that, too.

And being guilty, of course, he must be punished.

The penalty?

What would hurt him most?

Take away what he loves most, his little girl.

My poor darling, we can't have everything we want.

Take me.

I wanted all your love.

I wanted our own child.

A child out of our love, not out of your disappointment.

♪ I remember her but why ♪ (woman singing in French) >> Charles.

May I see you outside for a moment?

(woman singing in French) I, I don't think Helen would have wanted you to be alone.

(woman singing in French) >> Daddy!

Daddy!

Daddy.

(woman singing in French) (uplifted orchestral music)