Hey, you!
There's a law in this town
against posters of women
without any clothes on.
Say, these are the regular circus posters
and we're paying for the billboard.
Well, in this town, they either come down
or ya got to cover 'em up.
We'll see about that.
- Hello, kiddies. - Hello, Polly.
Boys, this is too much, but I thank you.
Excuse me, and I was thinking
that that cup of java's for the wife.
Well, come back and buy another.
Turn on the jazz, Herbie. I've gotta have action this morning.
- Hello, Beef. - Hey.
Come on, Eric. Let's dance.
Not me. I'm too much losing.
Oh, you haven't got a chance. They know you're bluffing.
Throw away your Jack and draw to the Ace.
So, this is Oronta.
- For the love of Mike. Look. - 'What's that?'
'A Princess Eugenie skirt?'
Somebody's got wise to that dame's figure at last.
Hey, Beef. Look out the window and grab yourself a belly laugh.
Look it. Pants.
Maybe the next one will have corsets.
They're certainly billing you strong in this town, Polly.
Sure. Reno, the boss bill poster, is a wise guy.
He knows what brings the shekels into the ticket wagon.
And if I do say so, I shouldn't.
What nature gave Mademoiselle Polly
doesn't do any billboard a bit of harm.
'What's that?'
For the love of..
Beef, I'm wearing--
Pants.
Is that supposed to be news?
- It ain't pants. - They're panties.
'Looks like real lace.'
Somebody's trying to make a sap out of me.
Somebody's been peeping in your trunk.
Say, look.
- 'Polly, who's your boyfriend?' - 'Shut up, runt.'
I'm gonna find out who did it.
And what I'll tell that goat-legged
long-bearded, blue-nosed, hot-head old fossil
will be more than you can put in your old man's hat!
'A knock on the chin for him.'
On the chin? Alright.
What is this? A wrestling match?
- Mister.. Mr. Hartley? - Yes, Downey?
Your uncle, the Bishop is upstairs.
Oh.
Well, ask him to come down now.
Very well.
I'll see you tomorrow, you big gorilla.
- Oh, yeah? - Yeah.
And I'll put those right there, Benny.
Ah, there you are.
I just drove in to say goodbye, John.
I'm going for my train now.
Goodbye, Uncle James.
What's the matter, boy? You seem worried.
- What say, uncle? - Anything wrong?
Oh, not a thing, not a thing.
You're a confounded young liar. Out with it.
- Well, Uncle James, I-- - Anything I can do?
Well, well, with you my Bishop
it's a, it's a little awkward.
'Here. Read this telegram.'
'It's a call from St. Peter's in Southbury.'
Splendid, John. A great compliment.
Thank you, sir.
I want to accept the call.
Leave this church? And my diocese?
Well, I want to stand on myownfeet, Uncle James.
You're my nephew, John
so it's only natural that I should want to help you.
Stay here, my boy, and let me prompt and guide you.
With my help, you'll go further
in the church than I've gone.
And someday, these old eyes of mine will see you a Bishop.
Hey, you. Where's the preacher?
He's in the vestry room.
Vestry? Can I go in?
Or do I have to wait until he puts on his vest?
He's busy now. You'll have to wait.
Who says so?
Pardon me, but if you ain't too busy
I'd like to have a few words with you.
Well, I'm in rather a hurry. But if it's important--
It'splentyimportant.
You're Reverend Hartley, ain't you?
- I am not. - I'm the Reverend Hartley.
You mean that you.. Are you the preacher?
I'm the rector of this church.
Is there anything I can do for you?
Yes. There's something I've just got to know.
You'll tell me the truth, won't you?
Of course. What is it?
It's the stork that brings the little, new babies
to the mamas, ain't it?
That's onetheory. There's another.
And there's something else.
I want to know who elected you inspector
of what women ought to wear and why.
What's this, young woman?
Thunder! My train! Quick, my boy, my coat, my hat.
- Here, Uncle James. - I won't stay to put them on.
Trains don't wait. Goodbye, my boy.
See you in about six weeks' time.
Goodbye, Uncle James.
Now, then, young lady... who are you?
I'm Mademoiselle Polly of the circus.
Say, what do you mean by pasting
dinky little aprons and pantalets
all over my billing?
What makes you think it was I?
You're head of the city beautiful league, ain't you?
Yes.
So you know what's beautiful, eh?
I've been four years with this circus
and nobody's complained about my figure yet.
No? Well, I'mnot complaining, either.
I suppose you think I ought to work in a middy blouse
and a couple of petticoats.
Did you ever see a trapeze act?
I haven't missed a circus since the summer
I had the whooping cough.
Well, tights are my uniform.
And it burns me up to have anyone like you
tell me how I ought to dress.
Tights are alright in circuses.
But this is a conservative town.
People have different viewpoints.
Having viewpoints is alright.
But putting paper bloomers on them is an insult.
You know, I thought it looked rather cute.
After all, it's a matter of taste.
Taste? Tripe. It's my figure, ain't it?
- It's the irtown. Ain't it? - Yes. Ain't, ain't, ain't.
Now I don't even talk to suit you.
Yes, go on and grin.
'This is just a joke to you.'
You know, you're going to be late for your matinee.
Say, are you trying to kid me?
Well, now that it's all over, I'll tell you something.
I had nothing whatever to do with disfiguring your posters.
There's a law in this town against certain forms
of advertising.
And it was your own bill poster
who stuck on the pantalets.
What?
On your way out, would you mind telling the old lad out there
not to let anyone else in?
What's the trouble here?
Oh, go take a running jump
at yourself.
- How's it comin', Billy? - Well..
Shh, shh. Here comes Polly.
Oh-oh. She's hot about the pants.
Say, listen, peewee, that pants business is out.
And didn't I knock them off the blues?
Say, Polly, do you know they recognized you
when they saw the elephant's south end?
Why, you little runt! I'll--
'Oh, don't get sore about it.'
Excuse me, miss. Oh. It's Polly.
I didn't know you with your pants off.
Well, if I had legs like yours, I'd begladto wear pants.
Ladies and gentlemen
you're about to witness
the most spectacular, the most hazardous
and the most breathtaking performance
ever attempted on the flying trapeze!
I take great pleasure in introducing
the charming and lovely young lady
Mademoiselle Polly!
Her two fearless partners..
...Don and Eric Alvarez!
'This little lady'
'has thrilled countless thousands'
'with her daring!'
This hazardous feat
will be performed 50 feet in midair!
'Fifty feet above the ground without a net!'
- I'm all burned up. - Oh, come on, Polly.
Snap out of the trance, or you won't make it.
If I'm supposed to make it, I'll make it.
- Go on. Peddle your fish. - Okay.
Well, see you later.
Hey, Polly! Where's your pants?
Come on. Give us some music. Quick, quick.
- Somebody call an ambulance. - The hospital is miles away.
My house is just up the street. You better take her there.
That's mighty good of you, father.
Bring her right over. I'll run ahead.
Give me those blankets!
Here, put that on her.
Downey, get the spare room ready.
They're bringing a girl from the circus here.
- In here? - Yes.
Don't let them do it, Mr. Hartley.
Now, don't waste time talking.
All day long, I've watched those circus women
pointing at this house and grinning.
I tell you, it's a trick.
A trick? The girl fell 50 feet.
You're talking like a fool.
I spent eight long years in jail
because I pitied a woman and took her into my house once.
Look out for the steps.
Listen, now, don't-don't break step. It joggles her.
- Which room, father? - That door there.
Pardon me.
- Good evening, John. - Right this way, doctor.
- A basin of hot water. - Get it, Downey.
Can you see anything?
Thank you.
Out. Out.
Hurry and get out, all of you. Close that door.
Dust blowing in here, settling all over the house.
Come on. This is no place for children.
Children? What do you mean, you big goof?
I got a son bigger than you are.
'Get out. This is the minister's house.'
'Yeah, minister.'
That's enough, half-pint.
It was them posters.
A hick in the blues made some crack about 'em
and Polly lost her head and took off at the wrong time.
Well, I'm terribly sorry.
It's a fine time to be sorry now.
For a plugged nickel, why, I'd, I'd--
- Outside and cool off. - Let me go, will ya?
Everybody outside. Come on.
I assure you, old man, that no one intended
to humiliate the girl.
No use worrying about what's already done, father.
There's an old circus saying, "You can't make any money
hanging around the town you played last night."
Go on to your next stand.
- John? - Yes, doctor.
Fracture, the right fibula.
Bruises and shaken up considerably.
Possible internal injury.
Gangway, Gangway.
Hello, Dr. Brownell. Where's the case?
Sorry to have called you, Tom.
Moving the girl is out of the question.
Alright, Pete. Let's go.
How long does she have to be here, doctor?
Mm, maybe three weeks.
Three weeks?
Maybe six. Who knows?
Will that be alright with you, father?
Yes.
Of course, I don't have to tell you there's plenty of money.
- No, no. Please. - Thanks, father.
Well, I guess I'll be going.
I'll be back when the wagons are loaded.
I've known her ever since she was a kid that high.
I used to hold her in my arms
while her mother was in the ring doing her act.
What'd he say, Beef? How long is she gonna be here?
- How is she? - First she's up and then down.
If you don't mind watching her a bit
I'll go out to the kitchen and 'eat her milk.
- "Eat her milk?" - Oh, yes.
The doctor told us everything the patient eats
has to be 'eated.
- 'How are you feeling?' - How do you expect?
I came in as soon as the doctor would let me.
Well, how are you?
Not that I care a hoot, but just to keep
the conversation going.
- I'm very well, thank you. - That's too bad.
I wanna tell you how sorry I am about the accident.
That makes it unanimous.
From what I can make out you think I'm a good deal to blame.
I suppose you expect me to say
"Not at all, old chap, not at all."
No, I don't.
I brought you some reading matter.
I know, the Bible.
Oh, no. Wrong. Not the Bible.
The Bible hasn't any pictures in it.
Oh, yes, it has.
And if it hasn't enough
maybe I can find you a tabloid edition.
There you are.
- Hm. - See the pretty pictures?
Say, who's that? One of the pallbearers?
You, uh, better let it go till tomorrow, Downey.
If I don't keep ahead of the dust
it dries up my throat
starts me wanting to drink.
Oh, let him dust his head off. It's nothing to me.
You better go now, Downey.
Oh, alright.
If I'm in the way, I'll go.
You're a little feverish. I'll call Mrs. Jennings.
- I wanna sit up. - No, no, no. Lie down, please.
And try and get a little sleep.
Oh, don't paw me.
You're one of those fellas that has to put your hands
all over a girl?
Listen, young lady, I don't know or care
whether you're a girl or, or an Egyptian mummy.
Oh, yeah?
I guess you ain't so different from other men.
No, probably not.
Nor do all other men find it impossible
to keep their minds off that sort of thing.
Keeping your mind off women
is like learning to pitch horseshoes by mail.
You know how it's done.
But can you do it?
- Mrs. Jennings? - 'Coming, sir.'
You'd better take your patient's temperature.
She's quite hot.
Sure. Still burning up over the bloomers.
Bloomers?
Say, reverend, where's the reading matter?
Reading matter?
- Hymn books, I'll bet. - Oh, no.
No, books with pictures
eminently suited to your taste.
You know, at that, the Bible has some love stories
'that are much more interesting.'
Interesting, maybe, but they're not so hot.
Well, that depends upon what you call hot.
Goodnight.
Interesting love stories, eh?
I don't believe it.
Give me that Bible!
Sure, hot stuff.
There you are.
Smells good.
First fresh air I've had in weeks.
Yes, must make you homesick
for that dear old smell of the circus.
Then sit down and soothe me. Come on, reverend.
Visit with the sick and injured.
Well, I'm due at the church, a wedding rehearsal.
Do you really allow people to get married in your church?
Oh, yes, yes. I quite approve of marriage.
Well, I might even go so far
as to get married myself someday.
Oh, what a break for the girl.
All your wife would have to do would be learn her catechism
and you'd give her a big fat kiss every ash Wednesday.
My wife will probably be as happy as most wives.
Well, I suppose even a minister has his moments.
But, of course, she'd have to sleep in the woodshed
during lent.
Well, that's something.
I didn't think there was a good laugh in you.
Did you always wanna be a minister?
When did you feel it coming on?
In college.
When you were in college, were you like the rest of the boys?
Sure. More or less.
Did you ever do anything wrong?
For instance, didn't you ever..
...didn't you ever break the fifth commandment?
- Certainly not. - Alright, alright.
It has happened, you know.
College boys sometimes lose their heads.
Yes, well, even that doesn't excuse ingratitude.
Ingratitude?
Hey, what is the fifth commandment, anyway?
"Honor thy father and thy mother."
Oh.
Well, I'll soon be out of a job.
Oh, a nurse's life is queer.
Half the time, they're hoping their patients will get well
but they don't want to lose their patient.
And the other half, they're hoping they won't.
They don't want to lose their job.
Well, I'll go and get ready for your rub.
Thanks, Mrs. Jennings.
What are you all dressed up for? It ain't Sunday.
Well, I gotta keep covered even if it ain'tSunday.
Isn't Sunday, I mean.
Hm. Trying to make a hit with him, eh?
Oh, go tend to your knitting.
The minister doesn't mean a thing to me.
Say, you've been here going on two months now.
When are you going back to that circus?
You expect me to do my trapeze act in a wheelchair?
It's time you was out of a wheelchair.
Now, you better look out or you'll be like a woman I knew
used to go around in one of them things.
Oh, go away, I tell you.
When she tried to walk, she couldn't.
She'd been in that chair so long
her hips was petrified.
Hey, what are you trying to do, put the Indian sign on me?
Hmm. You better look out..
Because I see trouble coming.
- Oh, Mr. Hartley? - Good morning, Polly.
Don't tell me the church has a special matinee
Saturday mornin'.
No, I'm going to meet the parish treasurer.
Where? In the vestry or the coatery or the pantery?
In the vestry room.
I have a Grant work to show the Bishop tomorrow.
Oh, your uncle. I met him the first day. Don't you remember?
Yes, he's a grand old man.
Well, I really have to go. I'm late.
You're a fine minister.
Haven't got time to keep a girl from taking her first full step.
What? Will you stop kidding?
Well, the doctor said I could try to move today
so I thought you might help me.
Hold on, there. Take it easy.
Well, if you're going to help a girl, help her.
Well, if you don't mind, uh
Mrs. Jennings will be right back.
I-I really must go.
Well, if she lets me fall down
it won't be on my responsibility.
You know you're not strong enough yet.
You mean, you'renot strong enough to hold me up.
Oh, no?
Maybe withtwoarms.
There. That's better, isn't it?
If it's more comfortable for you.
Well, is it more comfortable for you?
No inconvenience at all.
Mr. Hartley? Mr. Hartley?
- Yes, what is it, Downey? - He's waiting.
- Who? - Mr. Stevens.
And he's mad at being kept waiting.
Oh, yes.
Here, uh, take her.
I fixed you that time, didn't I?
Go away, nut.
Might as well make up your mind you'll never get him.
Your hips is petrifying.
I could feel them.
'For Pete's sake, where have you been?'
It's nearly 2 o'clock. I've been frightened stiff.
When did you last see Downey?
- Not since dinner. - I've been looking for him.
The police warned he was on the loose, drinking again.
Hm. Downey's about 30 cents shy, isn't he?
Yes, a little. He used to work for my father.
Started drinking, got mixed up with some women
and did a jail sentence.
Oh, don't worry about him. He'll come home.
Why, your feet are wet.
Upstairs and take those shoes off.
Alright.
I wonder if Mrs. Jennings could get me
some coffee and a sandwich.
I haven't had any dinner.
- I'll see. - Thanks.
- 'Hi, Mr. Hartley?' - Come in.
Here's a nice, hot supper for you, Mr. Hartley.
I'm sorry to disturb you at this hour, Mrs. Jennings. I--
Oh. Where's Mrs. Jennings?
"I've just had a telegraph dispatch
from my daughter in New York, who is Mrs. Harry Hopper."
Is something wrong?
"You'll be happy to hear, Miss Brown
that she's going to have a baby."
Oh, that's great.
"That I'm taking the 8:30 to New York."
That explains Downey.
He must have got his start on your medicinal Brandy.
And as a result, you're all alone in the house..
...with a circus girl.
Who should be asleep. I'm sorry I disturbed you.
Oh, I wasn't asleep.
Afraid you'll miss your train tomorrow morning?
This morning.
- This morning? - Hm.
Then it's your last few hours in the old house.
And I'll miss it.
- I'll miss you too, Polly. - Will you?
Oh, but I can't blame you for wanting to get away
now that you're well again.
Polly, I let you walk up and down stairs
carrying food for me.
Oh, I'm alright.
I'll have to walk by myself from now on.
- Wanna see? - Mm-hmm.
Look.
- Are you alright? - Mm-hmm.
Just let me sit down for a second.
There you are.
Thanks.
It's been wonderful being here.
It's been nice having you here, Polly.
And the little circus girl you've been so good to
won't forget you and the things you taught her.
Haven't you noticed I ain't saying "Ain't" anymore?
Not for weeks.
I'll always remember you as I see you there now
'with the firelight on your face.'
And I'll read the Bible every day.
The hot stuff?
I was reading the "Book of Ruth" this afternoon.
A beautiful story.
The story of a mother and her dead son's wife.
Well, not the part, I mean. I mean, where it says..
'"Entreat me not to leave thee or to... to..'
To return from following after thee."
Wouldn't it be a shame to waste this on a mother-in-law?
Listen.
"For whither thou goest, I will go.
"And where thou lodgest, I will lodge.
"Thy people shall be my people
'and thy God my God."'
That could be a girl telling a man
she'd give up everything she had just to be with him
'couldn't it?'
"Where thou diest, will I die.
"And there will I be buried.
"The Lord do so to me, and more also
'"if ought but death'
'part thee and me."'
Polly, could you say that and meanit?
Yes.
Are you blind, John?
I can walk, John.
You've walked enough for one day.
You know when I first found out I was going to love you?
When?
The day you carried me out
on the porch.
My heart went bumpety-bumpety-bump.
Didn't your heart give even one little bumpety-bumpety-bump?
It gave a lotof them.
But I thought it was indigestion.
No more.
I won't get enough sleep tonight as it is.
- Goodnight, sweetie. - Goodnight.
Jezebel has triumphed.
This is a house of sin.
You couldn't wait, could you?
The first night you're alone in the house
you went straight to his room.
Downey, you're full of hooch. Get out.
I'm gonna put you out of here.
- Keep away, Downey. Keep away! - I know your sinful ways!
John! John!
Oh, no, you don't! Calling John!
What in heaven's name is the matter with you, Downey?
Have you lost your senses?
- Did he hurt you? - Yeah.
The way I hurt her is just too bad.
Downey, I've had about as much of you as any man can stand.
Get out of this house.
Alright. I'll go.
But this woman has got you. She looks soft, but she ain't.
She's got the strength of 10 men.
- Get out. - Oh, let it go, John.
I've been in the circus. I'm used to freaks.
You better go to bed, John.
It would never do for a future Bishop
to have circles under his eyes.
Goodnight.
Goodnight, sweetie.
- Good morning, dear. - Good morning.
Where are you going so early?
To meet my uncle at the station.
- The Bishop? - Mm-hmm.
I hope he doesn't remember what I said the first time we met.
Suppose he doesn't like me?
Oh, of course he'll like you. How could he help it?
You say it easily, but you're just as nervous as I am.
Well, I'm not in the least bit nervous.
What are you looking for?
- My hat. - It's in your hand.
I'm glad you're not nervous.
You're sweet.
Hold me tight. Never let me go.
I'm so happy, I'm afraid.
I'll never let anything happen, Polly.
8:30. I'll have to hurry.
Uncle James and I will have breakfast at the hotel
and then go on to the church from there.
I hope your sermon goes over big.
Are you coming to hear it?
When you hear that loud burst of applause
and three cheers, that'll be me.
- Goodbye. - Goodbye.
Dust.
Dust everywhere.
How are you, Polly?
Women.
Women everywhere.
Dust and women.
In the houses.
Even in the church.
Hey, Downey, snap out of it.
I've got to finish my work.
- But this is Sunday. Come on. - That's the trouble.
Is top work on Sunday, but the dust goes right ahead.
'Come on. You can dust after the service.'
'Alright, Mr. Donovich.'
- What are you doing here? - Come on, Downey.
No! I have as much right here asshehas.
Look at her, with a face like an angel.
'But she didn't look like that at 4 o'clock this morning'
'in John Hartley's bedroom.'
* Amen **
"The Lord is in his holy temple.
Let all the earth keep silence before him."
'Let us humbly confess our sins unto almighty god.'
Almighty and most merciful God
we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep.
We have followed too much
the devices and desires of our own hearts.
We have offended against thy holy laws.
'We have left undone those things'
'which we ought to have done.'
'And we have done those things'
'which we ought not to have done.'
And there is no health in us.
Sorry I walked out on you, John.
But I couldn't stand it.
Polly, you remember my uncle, Bishop Northcott?
Oh, how do you do?
I've often heard
John-Mr. Hartley speak of you.
Awfully hot for this time of year, isn't it?
No.
I guess lunch is ready by now. I imagine you're hungry.
No.
Well, I'll say this for you
you can bring a conversation to a full stop
quicker than anybody I ever saw.
What's wrong? I suppose you believe what Downey said.
What he said is true, isn't it?
Well, I wasin John's room, but is that a crime?
I've explained it all, Polly.
He understands there's nothing wrong.
My child, I think it would be better for both of you
if you were to go away.
What do you mean?
Hey, what have you got against me, anyway?
I have nothing against you at all
except that you're in a fair way to wreck that boy's future..
...and your own.
How?
Do you think you've had the sort of training
that John's wife should have?
I didn't suppose a girl had to be trained to beanybody'swife.
I thought you just married them and got your training after.
You're as unsuited to be the wife of a minister
as he is to be the husband of a circus performer.
Just a moment, sir. You're going a bit too far.
Never mind, John.
I don't wanna come between you and your people.
Suppose I go upstairs and let you decide?
But that doesn't mean I wanna give him up.
Wait, Polly.
We're excited now, sir.
Suppose you and I talk the matter over later?
There's nothing to talk over, John.
The parish will never accept this woman as your wife.
The vestry will remove you.
If they decide to remove me, then it'll have to be that way.
Nothing is going to come between Polly and me.
As you say, John.
- Oh, John, I'm sorry-- - Don't worry, Polly.
The first day you came into my life
I declined an offer for a much bigger church in Southbury.
Yesterday, Jimmy Adams phoned. They still wanted me.
So, you see, darling, you bring me luck.
I'll never get it straight, John.
Oh, yes, you will. You're just nervous.
Let's try again.
Now, we're up to the point where the minister says
"If any man can show just cause
"why they may not lawfully be joined together
let him now speak."
I do.
You don't. You don't say anything there.
And when you do say something, it's "I will,"not "I do."
Oh, yes, of course.
Then the minister says "John Hartley
wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife?"
and so and so.
I will.
No, Polly, no.
Well, John, you just this minute told me to say "I will."
I answer that.
My mistake. Go ahead.
"Pauline Brown
"wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband?
"wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him
"in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others
keep thee only unto him so long as ye both shall live?"
John, did you see it? That beautiful little bungalow.
Polly, you haven't paid the least bit of attention
to anything I've been saying.
Oh, I'm sorry, John. Alright, go ahead.
And the minister says
"Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?"
I do.
I think, under the circumstances we had better ask Mr. Maxwell
to postpone his retirement a while longer.
If necessary.
That must be as you wish, of course.
Good morning, gentlemen.
John?
Don't you see? We can't take side.
It would be just the same as giving the Oronta vestry
a slap in the face.
Why don't you see your uncle and get him to try
to straighten things out?
I'm sorry, Jimmy. I can't.
Oh, don't talk like that. This is a serious matter.
It isn't only this church. It's the diocese, any diocese.
Don't you see your position?
A minister asked to resign on account of scandal--
Beg your pardon, sir.
Mrs. Hartley said for you to come to this address.
Oh, yes, of course.
- Thank you. - Yes, sir.
Think it over, John.
We'll wait a few days before selecting anybody else.
- You see your uncle and-- - It's no use, Jimmy.
That's one quarrel that will never be straightened out now.
Goodbye. And thanks.
Look at it, John. Isn't it a honey?
Yes, it's lovely.
All you have to do is to go down and sign the lease
and pay the first month's rent.
Then we can move right in.
Wait, John.
Isn't there something in the Bible that says
"If thou carry thy bride in over thy threshold
she won't walk out on thee?"
No.
Then it must have been Shakespeare.
- Well, let's do it anyway. - Alright.
Home.
I never really had a home.
Just a bump in the circus car or a room in a theatrical hotel.
But this is so wonderful, it..
And it's a very select neighborhood too.
No dogs, no cats, no children.
'No children?'
Well, I only took it for a year.
Come on.
Look at it, John.
All nice and shiny
like a..
Like a string of beads.
Look, they're labeled "Hot" and "Cold."
Absolutely foolproof.
This is the hot..
...and this is the cold.
Watch out, Polly!
That plumber was left-handed.
But isn't it grand, John?
It's all very nice, Polly.
You'd think there wasn't a tool in the place
but they're all here right under your hand.
For instance, suppose you're writing a sermon
and you suddenly yell, "I got to have a mop!"
You rush in here. You can't find one.
You look at me sternly and say, "What? No mop?"
That's my big moment.
I look you calmly in the eye.
"What's this?"
I reach over here, press this button
the door flies open and..
Are you hurt?
I guess I pressed the wrong button.
It'll give you a rough idea of what I mean.
Let's get out of here before I kill myself.
And the rent is practically nothing.
Only $100 a month for a dream house like this.
A hundred?
And you haven't seen anything yet.
The man called this the master's bedroom, John.
But I thought that maybe the master
would let his new wife come into it once in a while.
This is the heart of the house.
This is where we come when we wanna be alone.
There'll be tired times and sleepy times.
And loving times.
Maybe some unhappy times.
But it won't make any difference
because we'll be together.
And wait till you see the view.
Look, John.
This is the first thing you'll see every morning.
Our church. The church we were married in.
What's the matter, John? What's wrong?
Polly..
...I'm afraid we can't take the house.
John.
You see... I didn't get the church.
But that isn't fair.
Oh, well, what difference does it make?
There are lots of other churches you can get.
I don't think so.
- You see-- - I know.
It's your uncle.
No. It's just.. Just circumstances.
Oh, forget about it, John. Don't worry about the future.
If we're supposed to make it, we'll make it.
Yes, of course. We'll be alright.
I have a little money, John.
We won't talk about that, Polly.
What does it matter? You and I could be happy in a tent.
'Mrs. Hartley, 'tis me, Mrs. McNamara.'
- Hello, Mrs. M. - Hello, darlin'.
The laundry lad left this with me.
It's Mr. Hartley's shirts.
I haven't got up the nerve
to tackle starched shirts yet.
'You know, that lad kept ringing the bell'
till I thought he'd bring down the house.
I'm not answering the bell these days. You see--
Say no more.
Your good man ain't working yet?
No, not yet.
Well, there's many like him.
I'm just gonna run along up the Avenue after a can of salmon.
You know, I had me dinner all cooked
before I found out it was Friday.
- Goodbye, Mrs. M. - Goodbye, darlin'.
- Goodbye. - Goodbye.
- Hello, honey. - Hello, sweetie.
What's new?
Well, I was offered a position today.
Say no more, darlin'.
'Tis a fine lad you are.
What's the job?
Selling Bibles for a publishing house.
Why, John, that's practically the same
as being back in your pulpit, isn't it?
And, say, if you can make $100 a week--
A hundred? The salary is $28 a week.
But, John..
...that isn't a salary, it, it's an insult.
I only got $1800 a year in Oronta.
I don't wanna offend you, John
but a good barker on the circus midway
makes twice that much.
Oh, it isn't the money.
You know, being a minister isn't a business, dear.
- I love the church. - I see.
My training all my life has been toward that goal
to help others.
For $35 a week.
For nothing, if necessary.
'For the divine privilege of guiding mankind'
'out of unhappiness.'
Oh, I'm sorry.
John
why don't you let me go back to the circus?
Absolutely not.
Just for the balance of the season? Please?
I could make a lot of money in four months.
And I wouldn't spend it this time, and--
No, no, no. Let's not even discuss it.
Alright, sweets. We'll get along somehow.
If we're supposed to make it, we'll make it.
We won't starve. Wait a minute.
- I had another lead today. - Really? What is it?
A friend of mine in New York, he has an East Side Mission.
He said he might need an assistant.
John, church again.
It's nothing but church, church, church.
Can't you forget it and think about mea little?
What's the church ever done for you?
Paid you starvation wages while you were working for it
and now it won't have you at any price.
And yet you're always talking church.
Well, I'm fed up. I'm sick of it!
Alright, dear. Dinner's ready.
Aw, honey lamb, don't be mad.
I didn't mean what I said.
You and I could be happy even if we didn't have a nickel.
John?
Oh, good evening, Mrs. Hartley.
Is it looking for your good man, you are?
Yes, dinner's on the table.
Well, I just saw him walking up near the big church
beyond the Avenue.
- St. Peter's? - Aye.
So, how and when good ol' Saint Peter
got to be a protestant is something I don't know
a turn at all.
Thanks, Mrs. McNamara.
Bishop Northcott?
I told Brooks I was not to be disturbed.
I know. I heard you tell him.
In that case, if you'll excuse me, I'll--
Please, Bishop. Give me a chance, won't you?
Sit down, Mrs. Hartley.
John and I are miserably unhappy.
- Did John send you? - Oh, John wouldn't.
He isn't that kind. He never complains.
'But I just found out that life doesn't mean anything to him'
'outside the church.'
He's miserable.
He's got a look on his face that makes you..
...makes you wanna cry.
I can do nothing.
He persisted in acting foolishly and --
Oh, don't say that. Don't blame him.
The whole mess started because he took me in
when they thought I was dying.
Oh, you'vegotto do something.
I can't go all through life
knowing that he's miserable just because of me.
Why do you come Tome? I have nothing to do with it.
I know better than that. You could fix it up
somehow if you wanted to.
What do you mean?
Oh, don't be angry, Bishop.
I didn't mean to offend you.
What I was trying to say is..
...well, I'm not pleading for myself.
I love John.
I love him so much, I can't sleep.
I lie awake nights thinking of him there beside me and unhappy.
Oh, I love him so, Mr. Northcott.
That if you'll take him back, I'll give him up.
- I'll get a divorce. - What?
A minister divorced by his wife?
It, it's unthinkable.
Then I'll let him divorce me.
We'll frame up something that'll make him seem fine
and me awful.
You're talking nonsense.
No congregation in the world
would accept a divorced man as its minister.
You're just saying that. It isn't true.
In my comprehension, there is no such thing
as divorce.
His people won't have John because he's married to me.
And the church won't have him if he's divorced.
Well..
...that seems to leave just one way... out.
Huh? What's that you say?
I'm all packed up, Beef.
There's just one more thing I've got to do
the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.
You mean, you ain't told Father Hartley yet?
No.
And stop calling him father. He isn't anybody's father.
And he isn't likely to be.
- Hello. - Hello.
- Hello, Beef. - Hello, father.
The trunks are in here, Beef.
Trunks?
I'm going back to the circus, John.
What?
Polly... you don't mean that.
Oh, I know it hasn't been very pleasant here for you
but it won�t always be like this.
Oh, it isn't that.
I just can't stand this sort of life.
I'm dying on my feet here.
I wanna go somewhere where it's gay and cheerful
and light-hearted
'where there's always something going on.'
Then our marriage is... a mistake?
Oh, John, you and I are different.
You belong to the church
and I belong to, to the circus.
We were all steamed up about each other..
Rushed into the thing without sufficient thought.
Polly, are you trying to tell me that you don't love me?
Love. What is love, anyway?
You meet a man, and you think you can't live without him.
Then some other man comes along, and--
'Has another man come along?'
I see.
Well, I suppose you wanted a divorce.
No!
What's the use? Life's too short.
In a circus, anything can happen.
Alright, Beef, let's go.
On the last rope, Polly.
So, all these months, you've just been..
...what you'd call kidding me along.
'Well, I suppose if I'd been a little more sophisticated'
'I'd have known.'
Small time minister, he..
...well, he shouldn't be expected to know.
Maybe you'll get a church again... after I'm gone.
John?
Will you... will you kiss me goodbye?
Okay, Polly.
What's got into you?
Beef... what was he reading?
"Entreat me not to leave thee..
"Or to return from following after thee.
"For whither thou goest, I will go.
"And where thou lodgest
"I will lodge.
"Thy people shall be my people
"And thy God... my God.
"Where thou diest, will I die.
"And there will I be buried.
"The Lord do so to me
"and more also.
If ought but death part thee and me."
We will load up on extra blues.
Step on it. We got a big jump tonight.
Hey, you two boys, get that guy off that horse top.
- Hi, Beef. - Hi, Polly.
I just heard Don and Eric have been using
a net since I left.
Well, that don't make it no harder, does it?
Well, you tell Billy no net tonight
or I don't go on, and that's that.
Hey, listen, don't get hard-boiled with me
just 'cause you're sore at your pastor.
You mind your own business.
If you had any sense, you wouldn't have left him.
Maybe in a couple of months, everything'd have been alright
and you'd have a new pasturage.
Why, you big..
Say..
I'm sorry, Beef. Don't mind me.
- I'm just nervous. - It's alright.
But don't forget it was me that learned you your ABC's.
I've been a lot of trouble, haven't I?
Oh, I wouldn't say that.
No more trouble bringing you up
than it would have been, say, a couple of young wildcats.
You've done a lot for me, Beef.
Sure. When I think of the days you was bad
you screamed and yelled and kicked my shins.
Oh, forget those times, Beef.
Just remember the times when I was good
and sat quiet in my little chair and learned my arithmetic.
Won't you, Beef?
I'm just trying to remember any time you was good
and sat quiet in your little chair.
- Come in, Uncle James. - Glad to see you.
John, I've thought things over.
I wish you'd ask Polly to come in.
I have something to say to you two children.
I'm sorry, Uncle James, but Polly..
Polly has left me.
Left you? What do you mean?
She's gone to Lynn to join the circus.
John, I don't understand.
Well, she-she seemed to think
that I'd be much happier without her.
She said I'd probably get my church back
when she was gone.
When she was gone?
John, Polly came to see me.
I was mistaken in that young lady.
She's a fine girl, John.
And she loves you..
...loves you better than anything else in this world.
And there isn't anything she wouldn't do for you.
- You understand? Anything. - What do you mean?
I mean we'd better get to Lynn as soon as possible.
Ladies and gentlemen
you are about to witness
the most spectacular, the most hazardous
'And the most breathtaking performance'
'ever attempted'
'on the flying trapeze.'
well, you got your way. We work without a net.
No wonder your act's been a flop.
With a net, it must have looked like something
the kids do in the basement of a Sunday school.
Oh, yeah?
Well, see you later.
Watch your step.
You're a little out of practice, Polly.
Better watch your step.
This road never seemed so long before.
The road's clearing here. We can make better time now.
There's something awful funny about Polly tonight.
Cut the triple. Finish on the next trick.
Okay.
The triple's out. Cut after the next.
- Who says so? - Eric.
- I want the triple in. - But he said--
Eric's always trying to boss me.
What's he think he is, a Bishop?
You almost got it, Polly. Better quit.
I'm not quitting.
- Where's Polly? - Hello, fella.
- What's the excitement? - Beef, where's Polly?
She's on doing her act now.
- I hope we're not too late! - Too late?
'This hazardous feat'
'will be performed'
'Fifty feet in midair'
'Fifty feet above the ground.'
'without a net!'
Better cut it, Polly. I don't think you'll make it.
If I'm supposed to make it, I'll make it.
Polly!
And I'll make it.
Okay, Bishop?
Okay, Polly.