[Footsteps]
Hello, Rose-Ann. It can't be that late.
You're early, aren't you?
Early? I feel like
I've been standing on my feet for a week.
Cleaning up after a bunch of slobs.
Hey, what you been up to?
Where's my supper?
I'm just going to get it.
I'm just going to get it what?
I'm just going to get it, Rose-Ann.
That's better.
If I can't have some proper respect
in my own home...
Now, who's been guzzling my gin?
I don't know, Rose-Ann.
I know darn well
there was a slug or 2 in the bottom of this.
The old bum!
When he gets home,
I'm really going to pin his ugly ears back.
Why in the hell
did you have to leave that thing there?
And they're all loose!
Why ain't they all been strung together?
Answer me!
Answer me, can't you,
or would you like a slug in the puss?
Man: Quiet, bigmouth!
Button it up for once in your life.
Oh, you no-good old drunk.
You been guzzling my gin again, ain't you?
Get lost!
For crying out loud!
Could have broken my lousy neck.
How did all that junk get on the floor?
Ask her.
Ask lady selina.
Come on, now.
No dinner ready, no beads strung.
What's with you?
I'm sorry, Rose-Ann.
I went out today, and the time just--
you went out? Where?
Just in the park.
The park?
How the hell did you get yourself
to the park?
Mr. Faber took me
after he come with the beads.
Faber? He's got a nerve.
Wasn't his idea. I've been at him for ages.
Oh, you've been scheming behind my back, have you?
Well, listen.
You get any more big ideas like that
and you tell me about them.
You understand?
I'm sorry, Rose-Ann.
I didn't think you'd mind.
Well, I do.
I do mind, see?
You seen my specs anywheres?
No, ole pa.
Rose-Ann?
What?
If I promise to get all my work done on time,
couldn't I go again tomorrow?
Who do you think around here's got time
to take you walking in the park?
Yeah. Old Faber don't come tomorrow.
You could take me, ole pa.
Drop me off on your way to work.
No he can't, 'cause you ain't going.
Please, Rose-Ann.
What you got against it?
It sticks out a mile, stupid.
When you going to do your beads?
I'll take them with me.
I'll work double-quick in the park.
If I don't do twice as much work
the first week,
I'll give up the idea. I promise.
Says you.
And when are you gonna do your work around here?
I'll get up earlier, and I'll stay up longer.
I want my supper on time like I'm used to.
Do you good to skip supper
once in a while, blubber-belly.
Oh, listen to old beer-belly talking
about blubber.
Only one thing messing up your idea, selina,
and it ain't fatso's supper.
What, then?
Nobody to bring you home.
You could. I can wait.
Many a time I'm not on my way
till good and dark.
Is that all? Dark's nothing to me.
I'm always in the dark.
How about that?
So you are.
You hear that, Rose-Ann?
With a face like hers,
I wouldn't want to go parading around the streets.
My face? What's wrong with my face?
If you could see you, you'd know.
It ain't true.
There's nothing wrong with my face, is there, ole pa?
No, it's all right. Pay no attention to her.
Her face is a mess.
Now, come on, get moving with the supper.
I got a heavy night in front of me.
And would you clean up those beads?
Forget about the park, selina.
You got a nice, quiet life here.
No problems.
Where's my purse?
Have supper on time tonight.
[Loudly] And as for you,
try and get home sober for once, pig-face!
Oh, go jump in a lake!
Ole pa?
Does this look better, ole pa?
Will you take me if I wear this?
Ok.
Get some clothes on you, then,
and take that god-awful hat off.
You don't want none of Rose-Ann's trappings.
You sure, ole pa?
I mean, if my face is so bad--
it ain't bad.
It's just your eyes.
It's only that people are so nosy.
When you was a kid, they was always at it.
"Poor little girl," they'd say.
"What happened?"
Oh, Rose-Ann used to get so mad.
Well, come on. Get a move on.
I ain't got all day.
Thank you, ole pa.
Thank you for being nice to me.
Can't do this every day.
No, just sometimes.
It feels good, the grass.
Come on.
Mr. Faber said it was green.
What's green like?
Green is green, stupid. Same as the trees.
I wish I knew green.
I can remember blue. The sky's blue, ain't it?
Yeah, sometimes.
Here you are.
Now you sit here by this tree.
And you stay put, see?
Ok.
Thanks again, ole pa.
And ole pa, my face--
you're sure it's not too bad?
Ole pa?
Ooh!
What is it?
Ooh!
Get off!
May I help you?
Who's there?
You seem to have a problem.
Anything I can do?
There's a crawly thing down my back,
and I can't reach it.
I got it. All right, all right.
It's a...
It's a caterpillar,
and he seems just as frightened as you are.
Oh, thank you, sir.
It's all right.
Ooh!
Holy mackerel! My beads!
Oh!
I'm sorry.
I'll never find them in all this.
Here, let me.
Sure is kind of you to help, sir.
Nonsense. It was my fault.
What do you do with them?
String them.
That's clever.
Do you ever make mistakes?
Mistakes?
Even a fool couldn't make mistakes with this.
So easy even a blind girl can do them, right?
Yeah, that's right.
Never seen you here before.
I only been once before.
Do you come here much?
Mm-hmm.
Nearly every day.
Are you out of job, then?
No. I work nights, but I live around here.
There. Every bead back in the box.
Thank you, sir.
Well, I hope we found them all.
So long.
You must be very tall.
Eh?
Your voice sounds tall.
Oh, about 6 feet and a bit.
Excuse me. Is that very much taller than me?
Well, let's see. I'd say you're about...
5' 4" or so,
which would make me about 9 or 10 inches taller than you.
Any more questions before I go?
I'm sorry. I don't usually talk so much.
I got to get moving. I promised I'd get
2 days' work done by tonight.
Oh, cripes! The damn things is all mixed up.
Damn things are all mixed up,
you should say.
What?
Are all mixed up.
You sound like the radio.
I do? How's that?
Different. Kind of sure.
Lots of things is different on the radio.
Are different on the radio.
Oh, I'm sorry. Are different.
That's better. Like what, for instance?
You know, like "god" and "Jesus" not really
being swear words.
I love the church stuff,
only Rose-Ann-- she won't have it on.
And ole pa, he says religion's a lot of bunk.
Ole pa, is that your father?
He's my grandfather. He lives with us.
We never heard of my father after I got this.
Does it look bad?
No, it doesn't look bad.
How did it happen?
It was when I was 5.
One night after I was in bed,
Harry--that's my father-- he come home unexpected.
He was in a war or something.
Rose-Ann: Just a minute!
Selina: Rose-Ann-- that's my mother--
she had one of her friends in.
Harry--he got mad,
and he sliced up Rose-Ann's friend to a mush.
Then Rose-Ann threw the bottle.
Aah!
It was meant for Harry.
That's too bad.
I'm sorry.
Well, I got to be going.
Bye-bye.
Excuse me.
I know something happened to my face,
but is it, you know--
well, somebody said it was a bit of a mess.
A mess? No.
You got a couple of scars
around your eyes, that's all.
No kidding?
No kidding.
Bye.
Thank you.
Hi there.
I brought you a present.
A present?
Why should you bring me a present?
I don't know.
Here.
Take it.
It's glasses...
Like ole pa wears for reading.
Not quite. They're sunglasses.
Sunglasses?
It's very kind of you, but what are they for?
Never mind. Put them on.
There. Just as I thought.
What?
Now you're a very pretty girl.
Pretty? Me?
Yeah. No sign of a scar.
Your face looks perfect.
Perfect?
Oh, you're pulling my leg!
No, I mean it.
All because of these glasses?
Mm-hmm.
Sounds like magic.
Yes, it is.
A kind of magic.
Hey, would you like something to drink?
Yes, please.
I love them.
Are you wearing glasses?
No, but I often do.
Here.
Lots of people do.
Why?
Oh, to keep the sun from being too bright.
To hide behind.
You'd be surprised how many people
wear dark glasses to hide behind.
You?
Sometimes.
What's the name of this wonderful drink?
Wonderful drink?
It's just pineapple juice.
You like it?
Yes, I do.
I want to thank you.
It's all right.
I guess stringing beads is awful thirsty work.
Oh, holy smokes! The beads--
I'm way behind with the beads.
Those beads seem to mean a lot in your life.
Sure do. It's my work,
and I promised to do double today.
Some hope with them all mixed up like this.
I'll tell you what.
I could give you a hand
for a couple of minutes if you want.
Thanks, but you got better things to do.
Well, it's my fault they're all messed up,
and I wouldn't want them on my conscience
for the rest of the day, boy.
So...
Well, let's see.
I think you're a real nice person.
You mind telling me your name?
Gordon ralfe.
My name's selina. Selina d'arcey.
Selina? That's right.
How do you spell it?
S-e-l-i-n-a.
Oh, selina.
That's a lovely name.
How did you say it?
Selina.
Selina. It sure does sound better.
It sure does. You like this work?
Nobody likes work, do they?
How long you been doing it?
Um, 5 or 6 years.
5 or 6 years?
Ooh! Even while you were in school, huh?
I never been to school.
Why not, for heaven's sakes?
Well, you know, being blind and all.
That's no reason.
There are blind schools.
Never kind of come up.
I guess Rose-Ann was too busy.
Can't you read braille?
What's that?
You're not serious.
You mean you've never heard of braille?
Haven't you been taught any of the things
blind people do nowadays?
I ain't been taught nothing.
Oh, that's not possible.
It's ok. I get by.
[Typing]
[Clunk]
Did you hurt yourself?
No. I'm doing the watusi.
Maybe you really need that.
Excuse me.
Is anyone there?
Is anyone around?
Is there anyone here?
[Slurring] Selina!
Selina, where the heck are you?
Selina!
Get a load of lover girl and her sunglasses.
What did you say, Rose-Ann?
I said, dumbbell, I said I got me
a brand-new pair of sunglasses.
They belong to somebody else.
Not anymore, they don't.
I found them in the park.
Whoever dropped them
might come looking for them today.
Says you.
[Gargling]
Shut up in there! Do you have to behave like a pig?
Pffft!
So you had your day in the park, hmm?
Mm-hmm.
How was it?
It was like, wow!
You sick or something?
I never felt finer.
Oh!
You feel like "wow" now?!
I--i washed your nylons, Rose-Ann.
I cleaned up.
I didn't skip nothing.
Except my supper.
That don't matter, I suppose.
And what about your beads?
I done them.
I done quite a few.
You just better.
Aw, watch where you're going.
And what's more,
I'll have a thing or 3 to say
if I get home tonight and find out
that kid's been in the park again.
Rose-Ann: Oh, look at the time!
I'm warning you, both of you.
Drop...
Dead!
Ole pa?
Shut up.
Did Rose-Ann still have the glasses?
What glasses?
You know, the sunglasses-- when she went out.
I don't know.
I don't think she did.
There's your choppers, ole pa.
I know. I got eyes.
Here.
Mr. Faber will take me to the park today.
You'll pick me up, won't you?
I don't mind how late.
It don't matter how late, ole pa,
just as long as I'm back in time
for Rose-Ann's supper.
You heard what your ma said.
Yes.
Well, then.
Ooh!
[Dog barking]
[Arf arf]
Hello, scum-dog!
Best dog in the world.
I sure am glad to see you.
And how is my best worker today?
It's getting so late, Mr. Faber.
You still got time to get me
to the park, ain't you?
Aha! It's the park again, is it?
Yes.
Please?
I work good in the park.
Look.
Oh, this is just fine.
You will take me there, won't you?
I shall be glad to.
More than glad.
Aw, thank you, Mr. Faber!
Which one of these is the prettiest?
I--uh--i think the one with the white spots.
This one?
That's it.
Do you see a pair of sunglasses around?
I forgot where I put them.
I'll look.
[Dog barks]
Oh, here they are.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Do I look ok?
You look lovely.
Oh! I never heard you coming.
I hope you've been working hard today.
Yeah. I done a lot.
Just stopping for lunch.
Hey, you want some?
What you got there?
Crackers.
Crackers? Crackers is for the birds.
Well?
Come on, let's go get something.
Ooh! How did I get up like that?
That was easy. You lead the way.
Who, me?
Yes. When we get to the exit, I'll show you what to do next.
I don't know how to the exit.
Then you'll have to learn, won't you? Come on.
It's not so difficult if you know a little geography.
Now, can you feel the sun on you?
Sure. It's hot.
Now try facing straight towards it.
Here?
Good.
Now, about this time of day the sun
is roughly in the south,
which means you're facing south.
Now raise your left arm.
That's east.
Now raise your right arm.
That's west,
and the nearest exit is west from here,
so which way do we go?
Both: That way!
Good.
We're on the path.
Turn right.
Now it's smooth sailing.
This is a parking meter.
Oh.
It costs 10 cents to park,
or 5 bucks if you try to be a wise guy.
Come on.
Now, we want to cross the street, right?
So we have to stop the traffic.
Stop the traffic!
Yes. That's no problem.
Now feel for this post here.
About level with your waist is a button.
Here?
That's it. Press it.
That's the signal for the traffic to stop.
It'll take a minute or so,
but I want you to listen for it.
[Brakes squeal]
Now, one step down...
And count your steps as you go across.
One step up.
There you are.
Now, there's a delicatessen a little bit further on.
Wait! Don't we have to let the traffic go?
No. That's automatic.
Wait a minute.
[Engines rev up]
How about that!
I could just about kill ole pa.
He never told me none of this,
nor Mr. Faber, neither.
Most of us take too much for granted.
Now, the next thing-- I want you
to tell me when we get to the delicatessen.
How will I know?
I think you'll know.
It's here someplace, ain't it?
Right.
I thought so.
Mmm! Whatever they're cooking,
it sure smells good.
[Cash register rings]
They make great corned beef sandwiches here.
You like corned beef?
I love corned beef.
Still hot, too.
Here's your drink.
Uh...no, thank you, Gordon.
It's pineapple juice.
I don't care to drink anything today.
[Whispering] You don't have to worry.
A few steps from here is a place
for little girls to wash their hands, etcetera.
I'll show you how to get there
anytime you say.
Oh.
Now, how about that drink?
I would love a drink.
Here.
You need a...
Partner for stringing beads with this system.
If I ever took up stringing beads seriously,
boy, I'd...
Probably stab myself.
[No audio]
Stop. Stop, please!
Please, Gordon, don't make me laugh anymore.
Oh.
What's the matter?
Ok?
Uh-huh.
Straight ahead.
It's wonderful to have a friend.
You know, that's going to be
my favorite word from now on.
I know a better word.
Well, perhaps friend doesn't mean
so much to you.
I suppose you got lots of them.
A few.
Well, what's your word, then,
or is it a secret?
Uh...
Tolerance.
Tolerance?
Yeah.
I don't think so much of that.
What's it mean?
Well, it means--
oh, I know!
Like, when I've got a headache,
Rose-Ann says, "you'll just have to tolerate it."
Well, it means more than that.
It means you don't knock your neighbor
just because he thinks or looks different from you.
That's a pretty good word, too.
I'll bet you're full of tolerance.
No, I'm not-- not by a long shot.
What a gorgeous smell.
Oh, it's a Rose garden.
[Bell tolling]
It's 5:00. I got to go to work.
Oh, do you have to?
I certainly do
if you expect to live a life of luxury,
swilling down pineapple juice.
Do you think you'll be coming
this way tomorrow?
Tomorrow is Sunday.
Oh, cripes, so it is.
There.
How about Monday?
Mr. Faber comes Monday.
Noon Monday.
Thank you for my lovely day, Gordon.
[Barking]
[Laughs]
Oh, hello, scum-dog.
This is my lucky day.
Good evening, selina.
Me and scum-dog,
we was just taking a little walk
in the park.
You want us to walk you to home?
Oh, Mr. Faber, how tolerant you are!
Yes, yes.
You are a fine and tolerant friend.
No, just walking.
Scum-dog!
[Bell tolling]
You here again?
Yeah. Ain't you glad you're going out?
Sure am.
[Footsteps]
Woman: Yoo-hoo!
Hi, Rose-Ann. How's the girl?
Hi, doll. Sit down and take a load off.
Hello, Sadie.
Man, dig that crazy ghost!
Hey, you hear a ghost telling me
hello, Rose-Ann?
Please, Sadie, not that again today.
You standing for her giving me lip, Rose-Ann?
Selina, tuck in your tongue.
Get Sadie and me some coffee, huh?
Yeah. Bring me a glass.
[Sarcastically] With pleasure.
Are you going to let her get away with that?
Aw, Sadie, come on, it's Sunday.
Take it easy. The kid didn't mean nothing.
Yeah? Well, I wouldn't take any
of that upstage malarkey from her.
Thank you, dear.
You want a drop?
Uh...no, thanks, honey. I'm sticking to coke today.
Kind of cleans out my system for the week.
Yeah. Well, I suppose you've got
to watch yourself.
You ain't exactly Marilyn Monroe anymore, either.
Maybe not. Makes me spit when I think
of what I could have been.
Well, that's it.
Neither one of us is getting any younger.
No. We ain't getting any younger, are we?
[Bell tolls once]
Selina's voice: You think you'll be coming
this way tomorrow?
Gordon's voice: Tomorrow is Sunday.
Selina's voice: How about Monday?
Gordon's voice: Noon Monday. Noon Monday. Noon Monday.
[Sobbing]
[Footsteps]
[Paper bag rustles]
[Whistling somewhere over the rainbow]
[Gordon whistling same tune]
Don't stop, selina.
[Whistling]
You thought I wasn't coming, didn't you?
I was a bit worried.
I'm sorry. Something came up.
I haven't even done me marketing yet,
and Monday is me day for that.
Would you like to help me?
Oh, I sure would!
I won't be a nuisance, though, will I?
Sure you will, but I could use your advice.
Gordon: Asparagus, chili beef,
minestrone, clam chowder,
tomato, chicken gumbo,
Turkey noodle,
uh...kangaroo tail, vichyssoise,
vegetable, or just plain pea.
Kangaroo tail sounds interesting.
Kangaroo tail?
I'll bet you it tastes interesting, too.
All righty.
It's freezing!
Ice cream section.
Strawberry, chocolate, vanilla,
and all sorts of fruit flavors.
Hey, do they have pineapple?
Pineapple?
Pineapple.
Pineapple sherbet. You want some?
I guess so. It's not easy to choose.
Makes you feel kind of greedy.
One pineapple sherbet,
and one vanilla for the experience.
Now, what's next?
Eggs, bread, milk.
That's over here.
Hey, hop on.
Huh?
Step up.
Continuing along aisle 3,
on your right, exotic fruits of the earth:
Pears, pineapples, peaches,
apricots, plums, mango, lichees--
Libby's wonderland.
And on your left, spices from the orient.
On aisle 5:
Candy, cookies, cereal, pickles.
Aisle 6:
Prepared foods, canned soups,
and vegetables, cereal,
baking goods.
Forward!
Wheee!
Ha ha! Oh!
Almost forgot. I'm out of detergent.
Now, this is where I really need your help.
There's swish.
Keeps your hands soft as velvet.
Good. Whizz?
Retains your girlish skin.
Marvelous.
Jiffy?
Jiffy makes you feel like a Princess.
Oh, beautiful! Froth?
Froth? I never heard of that one.
That one's just for washing dishes,
but that's the one we need.
Let's go.
[Selina laughing]
Off you get. No room for passengers now.
This sure is fun.
And the way Rose-Ann always gripes
about marketing!
You know what this is?
Tomato.
Don't buy this one. It's too soft.
Thanks, kid.
Go get me some oranges.
Me?
Yeah.
Straight ahead.
How many?
A dozen.
Did I drop one?
Take them from the top.
It's safer.
9,
10,
11,
12.
That's it.
Now all we have to do is pay.
It'll cost a fortune.
You must be very rich.
Not so you'd notice.
Selina: What's happening now?
They're adding it all up.
In their head?
No. On machines.
They don't use heads anymore.
Here are your beads.
We're going to have to dump the rest
of this stuff. My pad's just
around the corner. You don't mind, do you?
No, I don't mind.
Here, turn to the left.
And...whoa!
Ha ha ha!
[Door closes]
[Elevator hums]
Man, what's happening?
What do you think is happening?
Is this an elevator?
Yes.
Oh. I thought we was gonna hit the ceiling!
[Door opens]
Now, this is a hallway.
Jeepers!
What is it?
Carpet in the hall?
Ha ha ha!
Shh! Don't laugh so loud.
You're too much.
Oh. My, it's cool in here.
It's air-conditioned.
Is it all new?
No. Why?
It smells new.
Come. You sit down over here
while I go dump this stuff.
[Radio playing music]
You sure you're not rich?
Quite sure.
Hello.
You been taken care of?
It's all right.
I'm just waiting for Mr. ralfe.
Oh. Where is he?
He's in there putting some stuff away.
Well, maybe I can help you, then.
What was it you wanted?
Nothing. I'm a friend of his.
I see.
Oh, please, sit down.
This noise.
[Turns radio off]
I'm Mark. I'm Gordon's brother.
Oh.
He must have forgotten his manners,
leaving you alone like this.
Sit down. I'll go dig him up.
Say, bro, what goes on here?
Hi! What happened,
the hospital burn down or something?
I'm whipped, man.
I just dropped in for a shower
and some sack time.
What's with little orphan Annie out there?
Nothing.
She says she's a friend of yours.
Yeah. That's right.
Since when? I never saw her before.
Since a few days.
Where'd she come from, this, uh...
Selina.
Thanks. Where did you meet her?
In the park.
In the--oh, man!
You're picking up chicks in the park now?
Knock it off. That kid's blind.
Oh. Yeah, I thought
there was something a bit off-center,
but I still don't get it.
It's very simple.
She's blind, and she needs help.
She's just a friend.
Very touching.
Man, you got to be out of your mind.
The most you're likely to get out of this
is a kick in the pants.
Why don't you go take a shower and cool off?
You want some lunch?
No, thanks. I had mine.
That was Mark.
I know. Talks fast, doesn't he?
Yeah. He's a bit wound up.
He's been having a tough time
at the hospital.
Selina: He been sick?
No. He works there. He's an intern,
and he thinks he's one great ball of fire.
What do you think?
I think he's one great ball of fire.
I thought you thought that.
Open that.
[Music box playing]
[Singing in French]
[Music slowing down]
[Music stops]
Where did you get it?
It belonged to my grandmother.
Can we play it again?
How do you wind it up?
I'm starved. Come on.
Bring it in the kitchen, and I'll show you how.
Mmm! This tastes real good.
I'm glad you like it. It's nothing special.
Maybe it's because we're sharing it.
It's great eating and talking. Man!
Most of the time I have the radio on,
but you can't talk to the radio.
There's your milk.
Oh, thanks.
Mmm!
Whoo.
[Music playing]
Sounds so gentle.
I bet your grandmother
was just like that--
sweet and gentle.
What was her name?
It was Pearl.
Well, that suits her.
I had a friend called Pearl once.
She used to come up to the room
and play with me.
We had a lot of fun together.
Me and Pearl, we was great buddies.
Not anymore?
No. Rose-Ann, she put a stop to that.
What for?
She came home early one day
and raised hell.
What were you up to?
Nothing much.
She got mad because Pearl
was colored-- you know, black?
She said I could never have a black friend.
Did you ask her why?
Uh-uh. When Rose-Ann gets going,
you don't bother about why.
You just keep out of the way.
Pity Pearl was colored.
Anyhow, she never came no more.
When was this?
Hmm... A long time ago.
I was only 9, but I miss Pearl a lot.
She was my only friend till now.
She used to teach me things, too.
Everybody ought to have a friend.
Well, go on.
Tell me about your grandmother.
Where'd she get the music box?
Oh...it was a present.
From a man?
That's right.
And did he marry her?
No, he didn't.
Why not?
I don't know why not.
I don't know all the details.
See, my grandmother was...
Yes, go on.
Well, the man, he was from a different world.
He was very rich and important.
And she?
She was just a beautiful woman.
Well, go on. Tell me some more.
I don't know any more.
You must know some more!
The man...
He was her lover.
Yes?
Yes, they were lovers.
Aha!
"Aha"!
What are you laughing at?
You sound so experienced.
You're a baby.
I'm no baby, Gordon. I got experience.
You have, have you?
Yeah. I been done over, about a year back.
I don't know who he was--
some fellow Rose-Ann brought back.
I could tell they'd been drinking.
Rose-Ann: Don't pay no attention to her.
Man: I ain't no circus performer.
Rose-Ann: Oh, but she can't see nothing.
Man: Yeah, but you better get rid of her.
Rose-Ann: All right. I'll go find the old man.
He can take her for a while.
[Door slams]
Man: You're quite a find.
Come on.
Selina: Aah! Rose-Ann! Ole pa!
Knock it off! Yeow!
I'll teach you to bite, you little bitch.
Aah! Rose-Ann!
Get away from there!
[Selina screaming]
Selina: No! No!
Ole pa blew his top when he heard about that.
Rose-Ann had to take another room
down the hall.
I don't think she ever forgave me for that.
You know, I always used to think
Rose-Ann was having a good time for herself
on that bed of hers.
I know better now.
I feel a bit sorry for her sometimes.
Are you still there, Gordon?
I'm...here.
[Giggles]
[Classical music playing]
[Music ends]
[Clicking]
[Waltz music playing]
What do you think of the book?
I never knew you could feel words,
but I can't read it
any more than an ordinary book.
You will. As a matter of fact,
that one was written by a blind woman.
She was deaf and dumb as well.
Don't seem possible.
Certainly is.
Come, we have to go.
[Music box playing]
Would you like to take it with you?
You mean it?
[Music stops]
Oh!
It's yours.
[Music playing]
Rose-Ann's voice: Get a load of lover-girl
and her sunglasses.
Selina's voice: What did you say, Rose-Ann?
Rose-Ann's voice: I said,
I got me a brand-new pair of sunglasses.
[Music stops]
[Thunder]
[Loud crack of thunder]
[Wind and thunder stop]
[Thunder]
[Sobbing]
No! No!
Aah! No.
You're safe now.
Don't cry.
Don't cry anymore.
Here, take my coat. Put it around you.
You poor baby.
Don't cry.
I can't stop gulping.
You will. You will.
What made you come?
I don't know.
Is it dark?
Yep.
I'm glad.
Why?
It makes you more like me.
It's stopped.
Yeah.
Seems to be all over now.
Is your grandfather coming for you?
Yes.
Good, cause I have to get back to work.
Is there a step?
Yeah--2.
Don't let go.
I won't.
You ok?
Uh-huh.
I love you so much.
Don't be silly, selina.
I do love you.
Stop it.
You hardly know me.
There's your tree.
You sure your grandfather's coming?
Ole pa? Oh, sure.
He's bound to come soon.
Thank you for coming back.
I was crazy to get scared.
It's time I grew up
and stopped acting like a kid.
I'll be fine now.
I'll be fine.
Ole pa, he's bound to come soon.
Ole pa, slurred: Selina!
Selina, you still here?
That's him now.
He's plastered for sure.
Ole pa: Selina!
Selina!
You blind broad.
Selina!
Don't let him see us.
Selina!
Where the heck are you?
You poor darling.
Ole pa: Selina!
Here!
I'm here, ole pa!
Come on.
Oh, my darling.
[Loud snoring]
[Snoring]
Selina: Where's your lunchbox, ole pa?
I don't know. Maybe left in the saloon.
I don't know.
Ole pa, you want I should
punch the time clock for you this morning?
You speaking to me?
You're gonna be good and late, ain't you?
I'll punch the clock for you.
Thanks, Rose-Ann.
That's good of you.
Ohh! I feel terrible.
Aw, that's tough.
Poor old fella like you oughtn't to have to rush.
Ole pa: You all right, Rose-Ann?
Oh, I'm fine. I feel good and rested.
Sadie treated me to supper last night.
We took it easy.
Beats me how anybody could take it easy
with that broad.
She don't make it exactly hard to get now, huh?
Oh. Oh!
Ha ha--oh!
Don't kill yourself. It wasn't that funny.
Oh, I got to get going.
Poor old buzzard.
You're going to be real late this morning,
what with taking selina to the park and all.
What you say?
You're going to be in a real bind
if you take her with you.
Like hell.
Like hell you are, or like hell you ain't, huh?
Like hell I ain't!
I'm finished with that baloney--
going into the park
in the middle of the night
in pouring rain.
Wonder I ain't dead. Nuts to that!
Good-bye, selina.
Good-bye, Rose-Ann.
You didn't mean that, ole pa, did you?
You are taking me, aren't you?
What's this?
That's your lunch.
You are taking me to the park, aren't you?
No!
I'm all through with that hula-hula.
[Rock and roll music playing]
[Horns honking]
Oh!
Watch it. Leave me alone.
Selina: Oh!
Help me!
Somebody! Please help me!
You sick, honey?
No. I'm blind.
Can you get me across the street?
Sure. Come on.
Watch your step.
Take it easy. Ok?
Oh!
Are you all right?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm all right.
Where am I?
W-which side am I on?
What?
I'm blind. I can't see where I am.
You've no right to be out alone.
Where do you live?
73--73 pine street.
Why, that's around the corner. Come on.
[Rock and roll music playing]
[Kids shouting in distance]
Radio announcer: And now in a moment, 5:00 forum.
This topical program is brought to you each day
by swish, the detergent that--
Gordon's voice: It's 5:00. I got to go to work.
Selina's voice: Oh, do you have to?
I certainly do.
If you expect to live a life of luxury
swilling down pineapple juice?
I'm blind! I can't see where I am!
Man on street: You've no right to be out alone.
Selina: No right.
No rights at all!
Do I have to take this?
Do I have to?
[Crying]
Oh! Oh! Oh!
I hate you, ole pa!
I hate you, you dirty, drunken, selfish old bastard!
I hate you!
I hate you, too, Rose-Ann!
You filthy, cheap, stinkin' whore!
You mean, ugly, slobbering cow!
I hate you both!
I hate everybody!
Everybody in this lousy, stinking world!
I hate them! I hate them all!
[Sobbing]
I hate them!
I'm going mad!
I know I'm going mad!
Oh.
Oh, my darling.
Oh, my darling Gordon!
[Knock on door]
[Knocking]
Who is it?
Boy: I got a message.
There's nobody home.
I got a message for d'arcey.
Mrs. d'arcey ain't here.
Your name selina?
My name is-- yeah, that's my name.
I got a message for you from my father.
Your father? For me?
Yeah. Mr. Faber.
He said to tell you he had a phone call
from a friend of yours-- from Mr. ralfe.
He wanted to know if you were sick or something.
Are you sick?
No. No, I'm not sick.
Well, then if you're not sick,
he said he'd meet you tomorrow.
He said you'd understand.
I understand. Oh, yes, yes, yes!
Ok? Ok. Thank you.
Oh.
[Knock on door]
Yes?
Papa said he had to go
through the park tomorrow. Wanna go?
Oh, yes. Tell your father yes, please.
Ok. Bye now.
Good-bye! Bye.
Oh!
[Giggling]
Ooh!
Those eggs were great!
I think I'm going to hire you as a full-time cook.
You couldn't afford me.
I think I'll make my brother the doctor
pay half.
I won't have you share me with Mark.
I'm going to give you my phone number.
You could have called yesterday, you know,
and saved yourself a lot of grief.
Wouldn't have done no good.
We haven't got a phone.
There must be a pay phone somewhere nearby.
Maybe.
I'll walk you home today, and we'll find one.
I don't know how to phone, Gordon.
We'll take care of that, too,
at the same time.
Oh! Oh, Gordon, I'm sorry!
It's all right. It's all right.
It happens to me all the time.
I never break anything. Really I don't.
Why did I have to break something of yours?
Just forget it.
Forget it.
Was that a kiss?
It was a kiss.
Kiss me again.
Oh, Gordon.
Gordon.
Oh...
Oh, I wish I'd never been done over.
What did you say?
Nothing.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
You were much sinned against.
Are you angry with me?
No.
Do you think I'm bad? Dirty?
No, I don't.
I said what I did
because I love you so much.
I know why you said it.
I'm glad you said it. You brought me back to earth.
I didn't want you to come back to earth.
I wanted you to make love with me.
I know.
Thank you.
[Tapping cigarette]
Wait.
[Blowing out flame]
Hey, can I try a puff?
You won't like it.
[Puffs]
Don't blow. Draw.
[Sucking]
[Coughing]
I told you.
You really like that?
[Cough]
It helps me to think.
Are you thinking now?
Mm-hmm.
I'm thinking about you, as a matter of fact.
Oh? What about me?
You cannot go on living the way you are.
It's a dark-age story.
I don't know what else I can do.
Well, there must be some way.
I'm all right, Gordon, really I am.
I've never been so happy before.
That's good, selina, but we have to look ahead.
Things change.
I don't want anything to change!
I just want to go on being with you.
That's just it.
You can't be with me all the time.
I don't want you to go on living
with Rose-Ann either.
I'll think of something.
If I'm going to walk you all the way home,
it's time I got changed.
[Classical music playing]
Hello. This is a surprise.
Mark?
You know, I'm always finding you abandoned.
I don't know why you put up with it.
Don't you get mad at him?
I could never get mad at Gordon.
Well, where is he this time?
He's changing his clothes.
Oh. Excuse me.
Uh-huh.
Hi.
You bring that girl here every day now?
No. It's just the second time.
Well, maybe you better make it the last.
Wait a minute.
Since when are you my keeper?
I don't want to be your keeper,
but I don't like to see you wasting your time, either.
I think that girl comes from the trash heap.
Maybe, but she isn't trash.
Given half a chance, she could...Be something.
You planning on providing that chance?
I think I can help.
How?
Get her in a school.
You planning on educating a white girl?
Man, that's not your job.
Let whitey educate his own women.
They never given us anything
but a hard time.
Ok, Mark.
Let's not get into a political argument.
This is a personal matter.
Too personal for my liking.
What do you mean by that?
Nobody takes this kind of interest in a girl
if there isn't something in it.
You're off your stick.
Yeah? All right, then tell her.
Tell her she can
never really mean anything to you.
On race and politics we don't agree.
So let's drop this.
Tell her that she can't fit in here.
If she could see, she'd know that already.
I said drop it! Let me handle this my way.
This isn't your way.
Facts have always been facts to you,
no half-truths.
You've rammed that down my throat often enough.
Go tell her the score, man, or I will.
Don't tell me what to do.
She doesn't have to know the score.
I want to get her settled somewhere first,
is that clear?
Yeah.
Just make sure you can see the forest.
Make sure the trees aren't getting
in the way.
[Music stops]
Let's go.
I've got it.
555-3268.
Right.
[Whispering] Uh-huh.
555-3268.
Pick up the receiver.
Here's a dime.
Put your hand up there.
[Ding ding]
This one?
Mm-hmm. That's the one.
Operator, I'm blind, and I can't read the dial.
Would you please get me
555-3268?
Thank you.
I'm doing it.
It's ringing!
Ha ha ha!
The number doesn't answer.
It's a shame to trouble him
for nothing.
Sorry I wasn't in.
[Ding]
What's that?
Your money comes back when nobody answers.
Here.
Hey!
Here.
You keep it for good luck.
Now you got that?
Yeah.
He ain't much trouble.
I'm not having that mangy old buzzard,
and I should have thought you'd be glad to lose him.
But you don't mind selina.
Well, that's different. She can do the chores.
When can I see it, Sadie?
I'll take you around there tonight.
Oh, it's a swell place. You'll love it.
Oh.
How about that?
73. You sure you can manage from here?
I'll be fine, Gordon.
Bye.
Bye-bye.
She's getting to be a big girl now.
See you later.
[Quick footsteps]
Hello, Rose-Ann.
You're early.
You clean up this room today?
Yes. Yes, I did, Rose-Ann.
Don't you lie to me.
You've been out again, hmm?
I cleaned up before I went out.
It doesn't look like it to me.
What's wrong with it? Tell me. I'll fix it.
I'll tell you what's wrong.
I seen you with that nigger!
That what?
That black man.
You know what I always told you
about colored trash!
Gordon's voice: I don't know all the details.
See, my grandmother was--
well, the man, he was from a different world.
Selina's voice: And she?
She was just a beautiful woman.
What you grinning at?
What you been up to with him?
He's teaching me things,
wonderful things.
I just bet he is.
I bet you're learning some swell things
from that black buck!
Shut up!
Don't you dare say
those ugly things about Gordon!
He's a lot better than anybody--
don't you tell me to shut up,
you ungrateful little chippy!
Ow!
Ooh!
Oh!
Hit me, would you? Your own mother?
Is that what your learning from your black boyfriend?
Ow! Stop it! I hate you!
If I ever catch you with him again,
I'll beat the hell--
what the hell is going on here!
What are you trying to do to selina?
You stay out of this one,
you stupid old drunk!
Who are you calling stupid?
Why, you, 3-buck broad, you!
Uhh!
Ok. You black-hearted bitch,
if you want to fight...
You filthy old bum!
In all my 35 years,
I never saw such a filthy old bum!
Oh! My own father!
35 years?
45 is more like it.
And you look every bit of 45!
Yeahhh!
Yeah, you're a fat 45-year-old whore!
Do anything, anytime for a buck!
And what wouldn't you do for a buck?!
What wouldn't you do for a buck, you pig!
Cow!
Selina.
Selina!
Come on out.
Get out! Selina!
[Selina crying]
Aah!
[Selina screams]
Rose-Ann: Ow!
Get out!
Hey, ole pa!
[Men speaking Italian]
That's enough, you!
Are you all right?
Mind your own stupid business!
I guess it is our business.
We thought you were trying to scream the building down.
This is a private argument!
Yeah! Get out of our house!
Keep your hands to yourself!
Yeah, does he know what goes on across the hall
when he's out working?
Yeah, you!
She wiggles her fat can at the grocer!
Yeah!
[Shouting in Italian]
Man: Ow!
I got one of them.
Ah! Did you see the look on his face?
We fixed them good!
Ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
Ohh!
[Vomiting]
Stop that. Stop it, selina.
Leave her be. She's sick.
Come on, get up. Get up.
I can't.
Oh.
Easy with her.
Oh! Easy.
Oh, what a mess.
What are you sitting down for?
Clean up.
What?
You heard me. She'll just make it worse.
You do it. She's your kid.
I'm going to take a bath.
[Water running]
I feel so sick, ole pa.
Me, too.
I'm an old man, selina.
Too old.
I can't clean it up.
I'd like to, but I can't.
I'm going out to get plastered.
Do you understand, selina?
Don't go out.
Not tonight, ole pa.
I have to.
Sorry, selina.
I'm a no-good old drunk.
I'm a flop.
[Door closes]
[Alarm clock ringing]
[Softly] Come on, out of it.
I got a lot to do today.
And I settled your hash, too.
Killed 2 birds with one stone.
What do you mean, Rose-Ann?
We're moving out of this dump.
[Loudly] Moving out?
Shh. Keep your voice down.
He don't have to know everything.
[Whispering] But why are we moving?
Me and Sadie got plans.
You and Sadie?
Quit talking like some parrot.
Me and Sadie are going in together.
We got a new place.
Sadie says we can make some real dough.
Doing what?
Don't ask stupid questions.
All I know is I got a chance to get out of
that crummy hotel job,
and I ain't going to miss it.
I don't want to go anyplace with that Sadie.
You'll do as you're told,
and consider yourself lucky
that she'll have you after what we seen.
Well, what about ole pa?
Nothing about ole pa.
There ain't going to be any room.
Couldn't I stay here and look after him?
I don't want to leave ole pa.
Oh, that would suit you, wouldn't it,
on your own?
No telling what you wouldn't get into.
Not a chance.
Here.
I see.
But you could take a girl of that age?
Yes, I understand.
All right.
Yes.
I'll be there tomorrow at 3:00.
Thank you.
[Telephone rings]
[Ring]
Thanks to you, doll,
I've seen the last of that place.
I told them just what they could do
with their lousy job.
Well, good for you.
I've been waiting to do it for years.
You should have seen the expression
on their faces.
Ha ha ha!
It's mighty nice of you, doll,
to give me a hand.
I wasn't looking forward to packing
all this stuff.
Well, we're partners now, ain't we?
Selina?
Can you believe it?
After the smacking around I gave her last night?
Get going on this stuff, honey.
I'll be back as soon as I can.
Come on, speedy Gonzales, get a move on.
Look, Rose-Ann, I told you the place.
It ain't any sense in me coming, too.
I want to make sure.
Congratulations! You made it! Hello!
Oh, Gordon, I tried to phone you,
but you weren't home.
Why? What happened?
Ro...
Rose-Ann's taking me away.
I won't be able to get here anymore.
Where is she taking you?
I don't know exactly,
but she's leaving her job.
She's moving in with Sadie.
They're going to start one of those places.
[Sniffling]
Oh, Gordon.
Well, that Rose-Ann must be some dame.
Oh, she sure is.
Come, let's sit over here.
And just put the whole cockeyed idea
out of your mind.
How can I?
I can't help wondering what might happen to me
in a place like that.
Just forget it. Now, there are laws
against what Rose-Ann and Sadie have in mind,
and a word or 2 in the right place
will soon take care of that.
The cops won't do anything.
The cops like Rose-Ann.
You don't know anything about it,
so stop worrying.
I can't help worrying about it
while it hangs over my head.
It is not hanging over your head, not anymore.
In a few days,
I hope you'll be leaving Rose-Ann for good.
I've found a school for you.
A school?
At my age?
People go to school at all ages.
But if you can stop Rose-Ann starting her place,
I won't need to go to school,
and things can stay just the way they are.
The way things are, selina, isn't good enough.
You do want to learn how to live properly, don't you?
Yes, I do.
But this school... Is it far away?
Not too far.
I'll be with strangers.
They'll laugh at me.
I don't think they will.
Isn't there something else we can do?
I think this is best.
Will I still be able to see you?
Of course you will.
Oh...
Ok?
Ok.
You know, I think it's about time
you fixed me some lunch.
Ok, Gordon.
Come on.
Jeepers, I nearly forgot.
There's something I got to get.
I'm going to miss my lunch.
Oh, come on.
I hope it's still ok.
Defy me again, would you, you little tramp?
Wait a minute.
Oh, and as for you, I got a good mind to call a cop.
From what I hear, that wouldn't be
such a bad idea.
What? Wait till I get you home, blabbermouth.
Let me go!
Selina!
No!
[Moaning]
It's all right. Be quiet.
It's all right.
Take your filthy hands off my kid!
Leave her alone, Mrs. d'arcey.
Did you see that? He struck me.
He struck me!
You can't get away with this.
That's my daughter he's got there.
That's my daughter!
Ain't anybody going to do nothing?
Selina!
You come back here!
[Breathing heavily]
You realize what you're doing?
You fool, you blind little fool,
come back here.
You...
Rose-Ann: Selina!
Selina!
Whose side are you on?
Don't you care what happens to the kid?
She ain't a kid anymore, Rose-Ann.
[Door unlocks]
Selina?
Yes, Gordon?
What are you doing in the dark?
Oh, sorry.
It's ok.
Ole pa's always doing that.
Well, it's all set.
They can take you tonight.
They're sending a whole school bus for you.
They'll call when it's on its way.
[Whistling]
Oh, I put the kettle on.
I thought you'd like some coffee.
They wanted to know how old you were.
I told them 18. That's right, isn't it?
Yes. April 23.
Look, you must--
[telephone rings]
[Ring]
Gordon ralfe.
Yes, that's right.
Gordon: Thank you.
Yes, she'll be ready.
That was the school.
The bus is on its way.
Already?
When will I be able to see you?
Oh...I'll be around.
Are you married already?
What do you mean, already?
I mean--i mean, I thought--
well, you've never said, um...
You've never said you were married,
and I was thinking if you were
already married, then that's why--
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have asked.
Please be tolerant.
It's all right. You can ask me anything.
No, I am not married.
I've never been married.
Then why don't you be--
why don't I ask you to marry me?
Not ask, just marry. You don't have to ask.
Come.
We'll take these inside.
There's something I want to talk about
before the bus arrives.
I'm not wrong, am I?
You do love me, don't you?
Of course.
Gordon, you've gone away from me.
Everything is changing.
No, I haven't.
Come on.
I thought you'd gone away.
Sit down.
Selina, there are many kinds of love.
Most of them
have nothing to do with marriage.
You mean you don't want to marry me?
I believe there are reasons why it
wouldn't work out.
Because of my being blind?
Because of where I come from?
Selina, you'll meet many new people,
men and women.
You will see lots of things differently.
And after a time,
you'll be able to tell--
we'll both be able to tell whether what
we feel for each other
has anything to do with marriage.
How long is all this going to take?
Let's say a year from today.
A year?
A year's forever.
I couldn't hold out longer than a week.
A year is not forever, selina.
Now, you listen to me for a minute.
There's something I want to tell you
about me.
I know everything I need to know about you.
I love you.
I know you're good and kind.
I know you're colored--
what's that?
And I think you're beautiful.
Beautiful?
Most people would say the opposite.
Well, that's because they don't know you.
[Doorbell buzzes]
It's time to say good-bye, selina.
Oh, Gordon, do I really have to go?
Yes, darling.
For awhile.
How did you learn about me?
Rose-Ann saw us together yesterday.
[Knock on door]
You want me to come with you?
And have to say good-bye again?
Miss selina d'arcey?
She's ready.
Captioning made possible by Warner Bros.
Captioned by the national captioning institute --www.Ncicap.Org--