The Woman in Red (1935) Movie Script
"Line up, please."
"Class 27. Yearling saddle horses."
"Won by number 177."
"Number 177."
"Queen Of Maids."
"Ridden by Miss Shelby Barret."
"Owned by Mrs C.K. Nicholas."
A splendid piece of
horseflesh, my dear Nicko.
That's a real compliment
coming from you, Major.
I'll add my sheaf of praises if I may.
Isn't she a beauty, Johnny?
She looks alright by me.
Who is she?
I'm talking about the horse, silly.
Queen Of Maids. My equine choice.
Out of Paulette.
A spiffing piece of horseflesh.
"Second prize. Won by number 65."
"Brigador. Owned and shown
by Mr Eugene Fairchild."
"Before announcing the next event."
"We take pleasure in introducing
the Wyattville Polo Team."
"The Eastern Challengers."
"Who will play tomorrow
against Chaparral."
Congratulations.
- Thanks.
That's two blues you won today.
Nicko certainly has all the luck.
- Luck?
To have you riding for her.
Mighty nice of you, Gene.
You made a grand show yourself.
I watched you.
To see you need to extend yourself.
Maybe I'll ride your string someday.
You have a standing offer.
- Thanks.
I'm going back to Buck. Probably
see you in the next class.
Good luck.
- I'll need it.
Who's the girl you've
got riding for you?
Shelby Barret .. a Professional.
A Pro?
She doesn't look it.
- She's not been professional very long.
She does a mighty good job of it.
I've never seen better riding.
Hello Gene. Don't forget you're
coming to my party tonight.
Any time after ten.
With your cousin of course.
We'll be there.
- Fine.
Who's the one-girl show?
- Eugene Fairchild.
A cousin.
You can give her a better
looking-over tonight, Johnny.
But .. hands off.
Are you always invited out to dinner?
That depends. There was a time
when I wasn't invited at all.
I don't see why you let this bunch
of snobs push you around ..
Because your sixth cousin didn't
come over on the Mayflower.
We haven't done badly.
Not for a family that started out
in life carrying a dinner pail.
Don't feel too sorry
for me or for yourself.
Like the show?
Thrilled to pieces.
Gene Fairchild. Horseman, ladies' man.
And oodles of new money.
And actually works for it.
Extraordinary.
Yes, and very determined
to buy his way in.
So Nicko says.
Shelby, you've simply
got to win this for me.
I'll do the best I can.
Crozier entered Briary Bush.
The only one that can take it from me.
Which?
- Number 7.
Johnny, isn't that a stunning hunter?
The best I've seen today.
Have you ever seen him in action?
No, I haven't.
But I've heard of him and
I understand he's for sale.
That's interesting.
Won't you present me?
- I am sorry.
Mr Wyatt - Miss Barret.
Mr Wyatt rides my ponies
in the polo matches.
Really?
A fellow professional.
- No. Just a fellow.
Shelby, you know Mr Wyatt's not ..
- Of course not.
If I could handle a horse the way you
do, I wouldn't mind being professional.
That's very kind of you.
Oh dear.
He's in no condition to ride.
See if you can stop him, Mooney.
- Don't be silly, Shelby.
Mooney, you work for me.
Not Mr Crozier.
Come on, Johnny.
"Fast number 50. Hunters. Thoroughbred."
"To be shown over three jumps."
"Post and rail, stone wall, and brush."
"Number 7 first."
"Number 7. Briary Bush."
That's one less to beat.
That's such rotten bad riding.
What difference does it make?
It means so much just to win.
I like my blue ribbons.
"Number 88 next ."
"Mile High. Miss Shelby Barret."
My dear, I wish you'd remember
there are only five gaits.
Walk. Slow gait. Trot. Rack and Canter.
No reverse?
I have seen them back a horse up.
And so the girl said: 'I want it too'.
It's lovely, Nicko.
- Thanks, dear.
Welcome, stranger. How about a dance?
Before you dance.
Do something for me, will you?
Separate the Major and
his wife for a little while.
He is boring her to distraction.
- I'll do my best.
His wife married him. You didn't.
Why should you stand for it?
Now, Johnny. Don't be difficult.
We'll dance later.
That's a divine tune.
Dance it?
I'd love to.
What do you make of it?
I can't think of anything the Wyatt clan
needs more than an attractive widow.
With plenty of money.
That house of Johnny's on Long Island
is actually going to collapse one day.
If someone doesn't repair it.
It was alright to ask her
to dance, wasn't it?
Of course. If you want to.
I mean.
You still consider her a guest even
though you pay her to ride for you?
Yes. But of course I expect
her to make herself useful.
Any way she can.
Sort-of an assistant hostess
to take care of all the boys.
Exactly. And leave all the
interesting men to me.
Can't you see, my dear girl?
Every time a rider sits back.
Whether on purpose or by accident.
Dash it, the horse's mouth is pulled.
- Yes, of course.
Quite.
Do you ride, Mrs Casserly?
- I detest the beasts.
I detest even the odor.
And I practically live in the stables.
I just can't imagine anybody
feeling that way about horses.
I was brought up with them.
I rode once and discovered myself on
the ground holding the horse in my lap.
Thank you. Keep your horses.
And I still insist a five-gaited horse
who backs up is a six-gaited horse.
Take no notice of my wife.
She's a ridiculous woman.
But it can't be disputed, Miss Barret.
Ponies who persist in keeping a
rigid pole while they rein all stop.
Ruin their mouths in time,
if one keeps them at fast polo.
Yes. I reckon they do.
Shelby, dear.
Would you mind getting the photograph
of Dixiana Chief in my bedroom?
And put it on the desk in the library.
- Surely.
Hi there, Shelby.
- Hello. Where is Nicko?
Dan cut in. She wants me to bring my
Ukulele down. But you know what?
What?
I'll say a string is busted.
It naturally pulled a tendon.
Why?
You know people. Once you learn
to put a billiard ball in your mouth ..
They make you do it
so often it isn't fun.
What?
It's the same with the Uke.
They want me to play all the time.
It gets to be a business.
Something you ought to be paid for.
It's how you spoil anything that's fun.
I get paid for riding, but being a
professional doesn't spoil the fun.
I didn't mean that.
Listen, Miss Barrett.
There's no room in my mouth for a
billiard ball as my foot's always in it.
Let's start over again.
I like you.
I like you a lot.
You don't even know me.
I know what you can do with a horse.
I know you have lots of spunk.
I want you to like me.
I'll tell you why.
You see .. I have a
reason for everything.
Has anyone ever told you that
you have the gift of the gab?
That's only one of my accomplishments.
Good .. I like to play polo.
I'm pretty good on the Ukulele.
Do you feel yourself
being drawn towards me?
That's all you can offer?
No.
No. There is health.
Nobility of character.
And a high spiritual nature.
Well.
You, I and your high spiritual nature
had better be getting downstairs.
I suppose so.
Do you live here in
the house with Nicko?
No, I have a little house down the road.
It used to be the gardener's cottage.
- I noticed it.
Tell you what.
- What?
I'll bring my Uke and play for you.
You'd better not. Nicko won't like it.
- That'll be too bad.
It might be for me.
She pays me my salary you see.
Shelby dear.
Gene Fairchild has just come in.
Be a dear and see that he
meets everyone, will you?
Surely.
- Thanks.
Johnny Wyatt. Another dance?
We'll be talked about.
Excuse me.
Come here, Fanny.
That's a lot of cupboard love.
Now don't slobber all over me.
There.
No more.
You're beautiful.
But maybe you don't know it.
Here.
Hello.
I saw you swipe the sugar so
I knew where you were going.
You shouldn't have come here.
I told you that you mustn't.
You told me I mustn't go to the cottage.
And play for you with my Uke.
This is the cottage.
Am I playing the Uke?
- You know perfectly well what I meant.
Come on now.
Don't I even rate a piece of
sugar or a pat on the head?
There's a bar in the tap room
if you'd like a drink.
If you'll have one with me.
Come on, I want to talk to you.
That's encouraging.
What shall it be?
- Scotch for me, please.
Say.
Nicko does pretty well
by herself, doesn't she.
Nicko has a habit of doing
very well by herself.
You can't tell me much about Nicko.
She owns a place near
Wyattville on Long Island.
That's the town I come from.
Thanks .. here's to you.
May I call you 'Shelby'
instead of Miss Barret?
And here's to you.
- Johnny.
Johnny.
I'm glad I missed the party.
This is much nicer.
But it can't happen again.
- The old Nicko bugaboo?
I'm not aiming to tell you about Nicko.
- Drop Nicko from the conversation.
I think you're an awfully nice person.
But I don't want you paying
any attention to me.
I'm just part of the scenery.
I don't see why I shouldn't admire it.
No. The only thing you
give a hang about is polo.
Sure .. I love polo.
Played it since I was old
enough to sit on a horse.
My granddad played it.
My dad, my uncles.
A couple of old aunts.
The game is part of me.
But I still have an eye for the scenery.
Drink up. Let's be going.
Just because I ride Nicko's ponies.
Doesn't mean I belong to her.
Who said you do?
I'm going this way.
You're going that way.
Goodnight.
- Goodnight, but first ..
We've been discussing a very important
question that needs more talking over.
Luncheon tomorrow?
Luncheon tomorrow.
Johnny .. where have you been?
Just strolling around.
I'm in love.
With the scenery.
That was a beauty, Johnny.
After you served it to
me on a silver platter.
What's the matter? Somebody missing?
Come on.
I was telling the missus about the bad
effect of a rigid pole on a polo pony.
Yes. Yes.
I concede there's some cold-jawed ponies
with bent poles and tender mouths.
I concede that.
Very generous of you, Albert.
Very generous.
Miss Barret. Miss Barret.
You can buy Briary Bush for 3,500.
- Thirty-five?
That's a lot of money but he's
a lot of horse. Crozier is broke.
Buy him.
- You bet I will.
How's this string going?
- Marvelously.
Johnny is in top form, the dear boy.
Why, Johnny.
Will somebody please hit me
in the head with a mallet.
Come on.
He may have got a bad
bounce on the ball.
I think he looked down here
and saw me watching him.
It's nerves. I had to take him in
hand this noon and give him lunch.
Oh.
What a dull afternoon.
There hasn't even been a decent spill.
Hi, Shelby.
Hi there.
Say, I have some great news.
Nicko is buying Briary Bush.
No? I was seeing Crozier
tomorrow to make him an offer.
Haven't you enough horses?
I'm afraid people like
us never have enough.
You'll have to jump high, wide and
handsome for blue ribbons this year.
I just about decided that
red is my favorite color.
While you're around anyway.
- So long.
I don't like her.
Why not?
Always snooping around,
trying to attract your attention.
You're crazy.
- Am I?
I know women.
I know human beings pretty well.
There's a square-shooter.
Did you see that miss of mine?
- Miss?
You didn't come close
enough to call it a miss.
What were you doing, riding in the park?
- No.
Just looking at the scenery.
Hiya, Shelby.
- Hi. Nice playing.
Yeah.
Of course I felt proud of myself when
I missed that shot by an easy six feet.
But that was your fault.
- Mine?
Hmm. Just being there.
That's what you do to me.
I can't keep my mind on the game.
- Nicko ought to put blinders on you.
I hear you had a nice
quiet rest for luncheon.
I was sorry about that.
- I understand.
You got sudden orders from the boss.
Now, Shelby.
Polo is your business and you
have to keep business hours.
I'm not meant to make snoots at
you because you're a Pro, huh?
You're a Pro yourself.
- Me, a Pro?
Yes. A professional amateur.
You're hauled around the country by
other people to ride their ponies.
A professional guest.
The only difference between you and
me is I get paid for it and you don't.
Hmm. That's telling me.
I guess I'm not taking the
game as seriously as before.
When I saw you today I didn't
give a hoot about the game.
That's high treason coming from a Wyatt.
Polo is the most important
thing in the world.
Not always.
So I see.
But you haven't said
how you like the string.
Great. I'd give my
shirt for that string.
I guess you can have them
if you want them, but ..
They'll cost you a lot
more than your shirt.
[ Car horn ]
That's Nicko honking for you.
Better run along.
Give my compliments to our boss.
Mush.
[ Johnny singing ]
Are the stars out tonight?
I don't know if it's cloudy or bright.
Because I only have eyes ..
For you, dear.
The moon may be high.
But I can't see a thing in the sky.
Because I only have eyes ..
For you..
I thought you went to
the dance with Nicko.
Right. I'm back from the dance.
Without Nicko.
She won't like it.
The most important thing I
can think of is .. do you like it?
Perhaps.
I was lonely.
You know, that's just
the way I felt about it.
Come on out. You're too far away.
You should have stuck the party out.
Nicko will be furious.
Now look. I didn't come all the
way back here to talk about Nicko.
Let's drop her from the conversation.
We can't very well drop her when
she's so set on marrying you.
Says who?
- Says I.
Definitely.
She hasn't proposed yet.
Let's be frank about it.
You know she's in love with you.
Alright, let's be frank about it.
I don't love her. I never have.
Now, let's be frank some more.
You're the one I love, Shelby.
With all my heart.
I'd like to find one author who writes
about how wonderful it is to be in love.
I'd shoot him just for the fun of it.
I've never been more
miserable in all of my life.
But I don't know what
we're going to do about it.
I know what we're going to do.
It's difficult to be sensible
when you feel like this.
I'm being sensible.
No. It's no use, Johnny.
What would we use to pay the bills?
You can't drag me around the country
while you play polo even if I'd go.
You'd get no more invitations, Johnny.
No more room and board.
No more strings of ponies to ride.
themselves on account of you.
Don't you see it won't work?
Are you saying 'no'?
- I'm saying 'no'.
Shelby, that 'no' makes no sense at all.
That's the trouble.
It's the one thing that does make sense.
You're wrong.
I love you and you love me.
That's all that counts. You know it.
Don't you?
I wasn't quite prepared for this.
You have nothing on us, Nicko.
You can make other arrangements
for the balance of the season, Shelby.
I shan't need your services any longer.
I believe we have a verbal contract.
Not that I know of.
You'll get your pay and
your fare back to Kentucky.
I don't want anything from you.
Look here, Nicko.
- You don't have to defend her, Johnny.
No. I Just asked her to marry me.
A Wyatt of Wyattville
marrying a stable employee?
That's what people will say, you know.
And your family will
probably love it too.
You're a rotten sport, Nicko.
Come on. Get your things together.
We're on our way.
You're not going to play tomorrow?
- Nope.
You mean you're going
to throw the team down?
Certain things I have found are
more important than polo.
And you called me a rotten sport.
Nicko.
I'm fed up being a professional amateur.
You get hold of one of my family.
One who seems the least mad.
Tell them Johnny Wyatt has resigned
from polo until he can afford it.
Don't you be long now.
Shelby.
Shelby.
Do you want to wreck Johnny's chances of
being the person he was intended to be?
That's what you're headed for.
You and I never agreed
on many things, Nicko.
I'm figuring on making
Johnny's life for him.
By the way.
Crozier's secretary made the bill of
sale for Briary Bush in my name.
But you can mail him the
check in the morning.
Suppose you settle with Crozier.
What does that mean?
- I've changed my mind about the horse.
You would have me assume a $3,500
obligation with exactly $35 to my name.
You call yourself a sport.
What will you do about it?
I know one sportsman, thank goodness.
Hello, Gene? This is Shelby.
Listen. I'm in a jam.
It's a bargain.
I gather La Belle Nicko did you dirt.
I am grateful to her.
They'll cut off your phone
for language like that.
Thanks a million, Gene.
Ready?
- Uhuh.
What's the idea of a horse?
Briary Bush.
Briary Bush or not.
I didn't expect to elope with a horse.
Come on, darling. Throw in your tackle.
I'll tell you all about it later.
I hope you like the romance, old boy.
The horse and trailer are in your
stables. Here's the bill of sale signed.
Nicko probably won't like it
but that's your lookout.
You won't change your
mind and ride for me?
No.
Johnny Wyatt and I are
going to be married.
How thrilling.
My best wishes to you both.
Are you going all the way in this car?
- No, we'll sell it and buy tickets.
Where to?
Yuma, Arizona. Then on to Wyattville.
This will give the family
the surprise of its life.
I hope they'll like me.
- They'll love you.
The whole family will be lined
up at the station to greet you.
All aboard.
Well.
The family certainly turned out to
give us a royal welcome home.
I loved the brass band.
- You do?
The fellow with the big
horn was out of tune.
If that's the mayor over there
about to make a speech.
Tell him to make it snappy. I'm tired.
I guess they didn't get my wire.
- Of course.
How are you, Mr Wyatt?
Glad to see you home again.
Hello Joe. This is Mrs Wyatt.
- Pleased to meet you.
The old Wyatt homestead. Yes, sir.
The right wing.
Kitchen, living room and dining room.
The left wing closed for repair.
Here we go.
An old Wyatt custom.
Carry the bride across the threshold.
Silly. Lots of people do it.
Sure. But history records
they filched the idea from us.
Here we go.
Hello.
Hello, Cora.
I rather expected to
see you at the station.
We got your wire, and put Mrs Agnew
on the job as soon as possible.
Johnny, you really
ought to introduce her.
I'm Cora Furness.
This is Mr Furness.
Your housekeeper, Mrs Agnew.
Glad to know you.
If you'll excuse me, I'll see if I
can find something for you to eat.
That is, if I can keep a fire
going in that rusty old stove.
Your news sort-of took
the family by surprise.
They're not quite over it yet.
You know, elopement. All that sort
of thing are foreign to the family.
Decidedly.
Now you're here, we'll run along.
Yes. Grandpa wants you
for dinner tomorrow night.
You'll come, of course?
He's a bit upset you walked
out on the polo team.
A horrible breach of etiquette.
- Yes.
Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Johnny, put your arms around me
quick or I'll blow up and bust.
Now, now. None of that.
You're tired and cold and hungry.
And so am I.
I dare say the ancestral home is
equal to a cup of coffee anyway.
Mrs Agnew, you certainly have
given us a pleasant homecoming.
I wouldn't say that, ma'am, until
you see the rest of your home.
Hey.
What way is that to wake up a guy?
- Right effective.
While you slept I explored our house.
I've something to show you.
What?
Put on a dressing-gown
for Mrs Agnew's sake.
Do me a favor, Johnny Wyatt. Count them.
I make it 36.
- 18 pairs.
Want to buy a centipede?
Next, ladies and gentlemen I direct your
attention to this pitiful collection.
One button and a half on this one.
As for this, with the severe
Long Island winters.
I got some gear down in the stables.
Yes. Bits and crops and
snaffles and saddles.
But not a whole pair of
underpants to your name.
Johnny, it scares me.
We've got to go to work.
I know. I've got to find a job.
Honestly, I don't know where to look for
one. There's nothing here in Wyattville.
We'll find one.
Come on, get dressed.
Breakfast is ready.
Then you're going to show
me over the Wyatt estate.
Old Huntington Wyatt, an uncle of
dad's used to raise trotters here.
He was a funny old guy.
He smelt of cigars and whiskey.
I want to look it over.
- You'll get bats in your hair.
I like them.
Johnny, look at it.
I've looked at it for 25 years now.
Man and boy.
You darling idiot.
Can't you see? It's our job.
How, for heaven's sakes?
- We both know horses. All about them.
There's no money in it.
- Yes there is.
Board them, train them.
Everybody around here has horses.
They always go to Europe or somewhere.
Someone has to board the horses.
They're always buying new ones that
must be trained for polo and shown.
With your name ..
- You think we could?
I know we could.
It would take dough.
- We'll find it. Come on.
You know, in my polo days.
A thing like that, leaving a
team during a series of matches.
Was unheard of.
Weren't people falling in love
in your polo-playing days, sir?
Ha?
Match?
Who left what match?
Johnny, sir. In California.
Of course, we found it
rather hard to understand.
Hmm.
Alright.
Do tell me why you children
were married in Arizona.
It takes three days to be
married in California.
I wanted to grab Shelby
before she had time to think.
Johnny's always in a hurry.
We said he should have come
east and to let us know.
He never takes anything seriously.
Running about the country getting
married here, there and any other place.
Come on. I only got married once.
Johnny is taking
something seriously now.
We're going into business.
- Huh?
Who's going into what business?
- Shelby and I, sir.
Shelby?
Never heard of him.
My wife, sir.
We're remodelling the old stables.
Fixing up the race track.
Look here, old boy. You're not serious?
- Certainly.
Both you and Shelby would be
professional horse trainers.
I'm already a professional rider.
You mean? I don't quite understand.
I ride for money.
Show horses for money. I'm good at it.
The little girl Johnny married.
Did she say she rides for money?
- Yes, sir.
Good.
Yes. Very good. It serves her right.
A pack of family-proud nincompoops.
I'd dismiss it from my mind
if I were you, old chap.
It's still very vague of course.
Why did you say our plans were vague?
- They are vague, sweet.
But you made them hope
we'd give the whole idea up.
You pretty much gave them
to understand we would.
Not at all. I don't know, Shelby.
I don't like to ..
- Embarrass the clan?
Exactly.
Besides.
They made it clear I can't
look to them for finance.
Johnny, darling. Don't give in so easy.
If they won't help we get it elsewhere.
- Where?
I'll write granddad in Paducah.
He's not so well-to-do but he's
the most generous man alive.
But Shelby, even if we
can get the money.
Careful, sweet. Hurt yourself?
No. I just bumped my lowdown,
professional shin ..
On part of the Wyatt roof that's
laying rotted on the ground.
Shelby. You're not angry
at what they said?
No. I love to be looked
at like I had fleas.
Don't mind them, sweet.
I know they're fogeys.
But they're my family.
Johnny, promise me to go ahead.
Get estimates on the work and
let me write granddad. Please.
But Shelby, they are my family.
- I am just your wife.
You bet you're my wife.
Johnny. I hate to be mad with you.
If you let me down on
this I have to be mad.
You and I mad at each other? Oh no.
Johnny, don't just be a Wyatt.
Be my Johnny that I love.
Alright, Mrs Agnew.
Now we have to kind-of ease it on.
[ Doorbell ]
Never mind the doorbell.
Hang on to the paper.
It has to go a little higher.
Hang it all. That's no good.
Oh dear.
Nicko.
Well.
This is a surprise.
That's an old line, but it seems to fit.
We were pretty angry with
each other, weren't we?
Were?
I don't blame you.
Not that I'm apologizing, understand.
I understand.
After you left.
- After I was fired.
I didn't win another blue ribbon.
If that's any satisfaction to you.
- Nice of you to admit you missed me.
I do admit it. Now, tell me everything.
What everything?
- About you and Johnny, silly.
I suppose you're divinely happy?
- Divinely.
Hello.
- Hello, darling.
Nicko, I heard you were in town.
Johnny, you two romantic children never
gave me a chance to wish you happiness.
We don't need wishes, Nicko.
I want you to try out a string
of ponies I just shipped in.
Fine. Any time you say.
But now it costs you money.
'Easy-going Johnny'.
A Captain of Industry.
What's so darned funny about that?
I like being a businessman.
Besides.
We only got the idea three days
ago and work is already under way.
Will wonders never cease.
Good luck.
- Thanks. We may need it.
Come and have dinner, you two. Any time.
Johnny Wyatt a 'Pro'.
I've never heard of such a thing.
The Wyatt family never
heard of it either.
Get together with them.
You'll all have a lovely time.
I might do that.
Goodbye.
- Bye.
What are we going to use for money?
Maybe we'd better get in touch with
your granddad in Paducah, Kentucky.
See what they're using out there.
- I'll write him tonight.
Johnny, Johnny.
Yeah?
- Look at what we've got.
Hey, what a peach.
You didn't steal him, did you?
- A wedding present.
From who? Granddad in Paducah?
- No.
Briary Bush. Don't you remember?
The elopement horse.
He's a wedding present now. Read that.
Listen, sweet.
It's an awful big present to
take from Gene Fairchild.
It doesn't mean much to him.
He owns a mint.
I don't think we should.
- He'll be hurt if we send him back.
People talk. Don't give them the chance.
Let them talk.
Remember. Gene will be around
soon with a string of ponies.
That means business for us.
He always wanted me to ride for him.
Now I wish we hadn't
entered this business.
Can't back out now.
- How do we take care of him?
I'm a better stable boy
than a paperhanger.
If we don't hurry up, two of the best
people won't get to the club party.
Coming, Johnny.
Gene Fairchild moves to Wyattville.
And is elected a member of the
yacht club before he can unpack.
Yep, a full-fledged member. All because
he's shelling out for a new yacht basin.
Sometimes my family makes me laugh.
It's kind-of funny.
Speaking of money.
I got those estimates today.
Johnny, how much?
I'm afraid we're sunk.
Nine thousand.
I suppose your grandfather
will stand for the extra two?
Well, he ..
He probably can give us the
nine as well as the seven.
Something I didn't tell you.
I put up our land as a
guarantee of this payment.
You mortgaged the land?
- The same thing.
I had to, before they'd start work.
But we can't quit now.
If I don't make the payment
we lose the land.
Johnny. You should have told me.
- Yes. I know.
But I was so anxious to take hold
and start things off with the bank.
I wanted to prove your faith in me.
Now I've fixed everything swell.
If your grandfather says
no we're in the soup.
He won't. We'll get the money.
But, Johnny.
Always remember we're partners.
That we must never do anything
without telling each other.
That's a promise.
Thanks for that one, Mrs Wyatt.
- I love dancing with you.
There's aunt Jean over there.
I guess I'd better go over.
- Do you mind if I don't?
That's my yacht.
Third from the left. Only I'm not on it.
Gene, how are you?
- Hello, Shelby.
Why haven't we seen you?
When you calling on Johnny
and Briary Bush and me?
Whenever I'm asked.
I've been busy getting admitted into
Wyattville. Now I am admitted ..
Gene, why do you bother to
buy your way into Wyattville?
I wanted to be near Briary Bush.
A yacht basin for Briary Bush?
No. That's business.
Ever hear of Fairchild &
Son, private bankers?
Who hasn't?
I am they. They are I.
That is, father and I.
Hurrah for grammar.
What's that ..
- I'm their social contact.
These people are customers of ours.
Others want to be customers of us too.
I see. Smart businessman.
- Uhuh. Sometimes.
That's that. Let's talk about Shelby.
Let me look at you.
I want to be sure.
Johnny Wyatt is taking good care of you.
- Only the very best.
I was afraid of that.
- Afraid?
I'd like to find you wan and weary.
Then I can dash to the rescue.
I'm in no need of rescuing, Gene.
That is, I ..
How are you at giving advice?
As a businessman.
Very good.
Why? Trouble?
No. Not exactly.
You see. Johnny and I
are in business too.
But not so smart.
Business?
Ride with me in the morning.
I'll tell you a long story about
my granddad in Paducah.
Your what?
I think it's a cinch to win
the 12-metre class this year.
A good boat.
There's Shelby with that smooth
pirate, Gene Fairchild.
I can't understand that chap selecting
Wyattville as a place to live.
I can. Hope dies hard.
First he sends her that horse.
Which I was going to buy.
That Gene grabbed from me
in the most bare-faced way.
Are you fond of cats?
Never mind. Just look over there.
Excuse me. I have work to do.
Gene generally buys what he wants
if he can't get it any other way.
Hello, dear.
- Nicko, I'd like to talk to you.
Excuse us.
- Surely.
I had the feeling the other day you
didn't want to talk to me at all.
This won't keep.
Shelby, need we take
a cross-country hike?
Nicko, I'm going to talk
mighty fast and blunt.
You're to stop spreading lies about me.
- What are you talking about?
You wanted Johnny. I got him.
Knowing your standards of sportsmanship
it's no surprise you're a bad loser.
You want Johnny's family to believe
dirty gossip of me and Gene Fairchild.
I warn you to shut up and take
your loss like the lady you're not.
Sign a note if you like. Three months.
I'll charge you 5% on your money.
The only thing I got you down
here to give me was advice.
The only advice I can give is
to let me put up the money.
Loaning money is my business.
You make it very easy for me.
Putting it on a real business basis.
You wouldn't want it any other way.
- Thanks for realizing it.
Shelby.
Where are you?
- In here. In the tub.
Did you get the money?
- Wait a minute.
What?
- Did you get the money?
Yes. I'll have it in cash tomorrow.
- Great.
I heard today the Curtis Bunkers in East
Woollaston are going south for 6 months.
I think we can get their whole
string to board for the winter.
This infant business of
ours is cutting its teeth.
Johnny, isn't it grand.
I go to Woollaston to see
them for the weekend.
Will you miss me?
What do you think?
- I think you come in and dry my back.
Because I love you and we're going
to be big business successes.
Wyattville 229.
Yes please.
Hello.
Hello, Shelby?
Fine, thanks.
Shelby, I'm giving a party
on the boat tonight.
I wonder if you and Johnny
could come along?
He's out of town?
Woollaston?
The big horse deal? That's grand.
Look, Shelby. You come then.
No, Gene.
Thanks just the same, but I'd
rather not come without Johnny.
You wouldn't want an extra girl anyway.
But I do, Shelby. As a matter
of fact I ask a favor of you.
The man associated with
me in that big deal.
He and his wife are coming aboard.
It's important for me to have
some darned attractive guests.
That means you of course.
That's mighty sweet of you, but ..
I'd rather talk it over with Johnny.
Do that, Shelby.
Really, it's very important.
I've never asked a favor of you before.
I'm asking one now.
Alright.
I want East Woollaston 450.
This is Wyattville 229.
Hello. Is Mr John Wyatt in the hotel?
This is Mrs Wyatt.
Oh.
No thanks. It's not important.
Wyattville 229.
Shelby?
Hello, Gene.
I couldn't get hold of Johnny.
But if I'm really necessary to your
campaign, of course I'll come.
Alright, I'll come aboard at
Huntington tonight at six.
Thanks, Shelby. That's great.
The race today was a test.
- Then we won't count that one.
Hello Nicko.
- Hello. Don't get up please.
Join us for a cocktail.
- Thanks, I can't. I've guests coming.
You've plenty of time.
If I drive from here to Wyattville
in nothing flat I'd still be late.
Tell me, how is the
high life in Huntington?
Same as usual.
Nothing has changed in this
town within the memory of man.
We'll have cocktails another time.
Goodbye.
Goodbye, Nicko.
A charming girl.
- Yes, she is.
Welcome to the White Bell.
It's not so bad, is it?
- It's nice. It really is.
I just had to have you, Shelby.
If I can swing this man it will
be a tremendous deal for me.
Mrs Goodyear's a climber. And ..
You are a Wyatt.
- I'm afraid the Wyatts don't think so.
That's why I have to be
so careful and proper.
I understand. You're in a tough spot.
It's exasperating sometimes.
By the way, I wanted to tell Johnny you
gave me the money, but somehow ..
I know.
Who is coming?
We go to Greenwich to pick up the
Goodyears and the Paxton Drumms.
You'll excuse me.
We're not officially under way
until the owner's on the bridge.
Aye aye, sir.
I'll teach you how to
salute when I get back.
Radiogram, sir.
All through playing 'Admiral'?
- For a little while.
There's always things to
worry about aboard a boat.
I just worry about you now.
Alright, where shall we begin?
- Anywhere you say.
Shelby, I'd give my right arm for the
chance to make your life all can to be.
But my life's alright. It suits me fine.
No.
You're grubbing around in a
tumbledown house full of snobs.
Trying to launch this pathetic
little horse business.
Please, Gene.
How long before we're in Greenwich?
Just a little while.
This came from Pax Drumm.
He can't make it.
But Mrs Goodyear will be along.
That will make us chemically pure.
There is Greenwich just ahead.
I've never been there but I guess
I can wait until the next time.
Thanks. You're a real sport for staying.
Shelby, you can always depend on me.
Thanks, Gene.
You know, I don't believe those Wyatts
appreciate what very nice people we are.
I'm sure they don't.
White Bell ahoy.
Goodyear coming aboard.
Hey, Gene.
Gene. Hoo. Gene.
Hi, Gene. How's the old kid?
How's the horses, horses, horses?
I thought you were bringing your wife.
- Yeah .. I'll take scotch.
He's mad and I'm glad.
Scotch without soda, scotch without
anything you got. Scotch without a wife.
What difference does it make
whether my wife is here or not?
I can talk business
just as well without her.
Better. Better at business.
- Of course. Only I hadn't expected ..
Rubbish. What's she up for anyway?
For lottery, for love. I love you.
Gene, are you going to keep us standing
on deck like the burning boy all night?
It doesn't look that way.
All tired and sweaty.
He's worked so hard.
He's all wore out.
He's cockeyed.
As I live.
If that isn't our own
professional rider.
That's a laugh .. I mean ..
You're trying to hang
on to a good thing, eh?
Nice work. Congratulations.
Listen, baby.
When he's had enough and wants
to show you the gangplank.
Come round to me.
I'll give you some advice.
There's a lot of men.
Real big-shots.
Just waiting for the right ..
And they'll let you ride their horses.
Ow!
Hey .. what's the idea?
Just trying to offer some
high-priced friendly advice.
And I get treated like a leper.
Shelby, I'm sorry.
Steward.
Help me with Mr Goodyear.
Wait a minute, wait a minute.
Where'd she go?
Where's my Goody, Mr Caveman?
Forget it. He's been put to bed.
I thought you were rehearsing a show.
- I quit it cold.
They didn't appreciate me.
Goody is going to give me a swell part.
Maybe with George Sanders. Ha-ha.
He's crazy about me too.
A lot of men are.
Aren't you sorry you
chucked me out, Gene?
What's the idea of coming aboard?
You knew it was my boat.
I just wanted to see how you'd take it.
- Cut it.
So it's the little girl
on horseback, eh?
Listen to me, Olga.
If you mention her again, I'll lose my
temper and give you a bath in the sound.
Old cousin Gene. Ha-ha.
[ Door knocks ]
Shelby. It's Gene. Open the door.
I wouldn't have this
happen for the world.
You believe that?
- Yes.
I want to go ashore.
- When we're opposite Shoreham.
In about 15 minutes.
Take the jitney from
Shoreham to Wyattville.
If this gets around,
I don't know what happens.
It won't get around.
Come on out on deck.
We'll look for those Shoreham lights.
Hey, Gene.
What's the matter with the people
on this boat? They're all dead.
You two go right ahead. Don't mind me.
Remember what I told you.
- Whoops .. I'm sorry.
Do I get anything to drink?
No.
- Poor Gene.
Do you make love on cold water?
I beg your pardon.
You got rotten ventilation
out on this ocean.
I'm simply gasping.
Get down from there. Right away.
What for?
- Because I say so.
Plastered and sitting on that rail.
- What's a rail for but to sit on?
Stay there or I have you
locked in your cabin.
Whoo.
Shelby, I'm sorry.
You chatter like a rabbit.
Stand by. Passenger overboard!
Man overboard.
My pal.
The most accommodating
jail I was ever in.
Gene, how can they think you killed her?
They won't think so for long.
A small-town jury trying to
crash the New York papers.
I'm going to testify.
Come to court and get your
name smeared over the papers?
One thing I did was get you off the boat
without anyone aware you'd been aboard.
Don't undo that.
The trial will be over in three days.
You're awfully confident.
- You bet I am.
Now go home and don't come again.
I don't want to see you
until all this is over.
Then I'll come looking for you.
Raise your right hand and be sworn.
You swear to tell the truth, nothing
but the truth, so help you God?
Sure, I tell the truth.
I always tell the truth.
Me, I don't care who likes
it or who doesn't like it.
That's right, Mr Ericson.
Just answer to the best of your
ability the questions put to you.
Sure. I tell everything I've seen.
Your full name is?
- Niels Ericson.
Wasn't it grand? The handmade day.
Johnny, must we go in?
- To breakfast? Sure.
Grandfather gets a kick out of
seeing us come in after the hunt.
You go, but I'd rather go home.
What's the matter, darling?
Don't you feel well?
You look kind-of white around the gills.
- Johnny, I want ..
Wasn't it glorious?
Poor old Gene would have loved it.
He always liked dressing up to give
his flawless imitation of a gentleman.
Nicko, you have a wicked tongue.
We had a fine run, sir.
- Ran? Ran where?
We did, sir. The hunt, you know.
We had a capital run.
Yes. How long?
- Point to point of seven miles.
From here to Hadley Wood.
Good.
Mr Fairchild pushed her.
He knocked her down the
after companionway. Part way.
You saw him push her down the stairs?
They call it a 'companionway' on a ship.
Not 'stairs'.
You witnessed this?
- I don't say nothing I didn't see.
The other lady with the coat on,
was beside Mr Fairchild.
That lady said something to her
and Mr Fairchild pushed her.
Shelby, you've nothing to eat.
- Please. I'm not hungry.
Everyone's hungry after a hunt.
Shelby, didn't it strike you funny?
Riding Briary Bush?
With poor old Gene down
there at the courthouse.
What fascinates me is the
missing girl in the red coat.
Why doesn't Gene get her to testify?
It's probably some poor kid who
got mixed up in the rotten mess.
Gene's shielding her.
Perhaps she's married.
Maybe her husband thinks she
was home-alone that night.
Playing solitaire.
- No, I don't think that's it.
They don't go in much for
chivalry, fellows of that type.
Gene was an alright type to be a
member of the Wyattville yacht club.
Shelby, you sound positively vicious.
Is your heart bleeding for Gene?
Gene is one of the squarest,
kindest men I've ever known.
She was sitting on the rail.
Mr Fairchild went to her, put his hands
on her arm, and gave her a shove.
The next I saw, the
lady was in the water.
It won't surprise me if they fried him.
- Never.
Don't you think he's guilty, Johnny?
- Darned if I know. They haven't a case.
I don't agree with you.
In the first place they've
established a motive.
Olga shook him down for plenty of money.
She was probably planning
to shake him down for more.
Naturally, he wanted to
get her out of the way.
He was probably in love with
this girl in the red coat.
Olga came aboard the yacht uninvited.
And interrupted a budding romance.
I bet ten dollars they get
a verdict against him.
Not first degree necessarily.
But a verdict. Manslaughter perhaps.
I'll take that bet.
Johnny, you can't bet.
Why not, Shelby?
Are you shocked at their betting?
Doesn't any one of you realize
what it must be like for Gene?
You've accepted his hospitality.
Not on the yacht.
He never invited any of us.
Not me anyhow.
What about you, Johnny?
And you, Shelby?
The young lady in the red coat.
Who was a stranger to you.
Was a complete stranger to me
as I've repeatedly told you.
Now to the later incident.
When Miss Hungerford was on the rail.
You heard the testimony of Mr Ericson.
Do you deny again that you pushed
the girl harder than you meant to?
I do deny it.
It looks as if the Fairchild case
is all over except the verdict.
A chap from the office phoned me. The
case goes to the jury this afternoon.
I said they had no case against him.
You're wrong there, my dear.
It's Fairchild's word against the word
of the Mate, who saw the whole business.
It looks bad for Fairchild.
I suppose it's the girl in the red coat.
She could clear him alright
if she stepped forward.
If you ask me, she couldn't clear him.
That's why she's staying under wraps.
Probably a bright young thing
with an eye to business.
I'll bet Gene pays her
plenty to keep out of it.
You can't say Wyattville hasn't come
through with its yearly scandal.
Shelby, why do you look so downhearted?
Win, draw or lose.
Our mysterious lady in the
red coat .. comes out ahead.
You people are horrible.
There isn't one decent,
generous thought in your heads.
Shelby.
- Don't touch me.
Shelby's upset. She's fond of Gene.
- Yes. I was fond of him.
Not in the way Nicko wants
you to believe either.
I liked him. He's a straight-shooter.
More than you can say for any of you.
Shelby, please.
- I despise the whole lot of you.
I'd rather associate with
a bunch of stable boys.
I'm going to the court now to help him
because I was the girl in the red coat.
How do you Wyatts like that?
I knew it.
When Mr Goodyear boarded
the yacht with Miss Hungerford.
What did he say?
What he said made very little sense.
He was terribly drunk.
As I remember, he wanted another drink.
Where at this moment was
the lady in the red coat?
I'm the girl in the red coat.
Mrs John Wyatt.
The high-and-mighty Wyatts never got
mixed up in anything stronger than tea.
The next moment, the yacht rode a swell.
She lost her balance and
fell overboard. That's all.
You're positive the defendant
did not lay hands on her?
To push her off the rail?
Positively not. It's ridiculous.
Thank you, Mrs Wyatt. That's all.
Please.
Your witness.
Mrs Wyatt.
Will you preface your interesting story
of Miss Hungerford's accidental death ..
By enlightening us to the circumstances
under which you first met the defendant?
Of course. I was ..
The whole Wyatt family
are on the warpath.
Tom, they're hard.
By their looks they're with you.
Better get in action.
The first time the Wyatt tribe's
been seen without their horses.
Order.
Order.
I must have order in this court.
You will continue, please.
- Your Honor.
Answer my question if you please.
What .. what was it?
I asked you for the circumstances under
which you first met the defendant.
I was riding professionally
in California.
Mr Fairchild had a number
of entries and we met there.
What was the nature of your
relations with the defendant?
We were friendly competitors.
That's all.
What have your relations been with the
defendant since he came to Wyattville?
The same.
Isn't it true, Mrs Wyatt ..
That the defendant presented
you with a very expensive horse?
I object, Your Honor. Immaterial.
- Not the least, Your Honor.
We'll get dirt in this case yet.
- You said it.
I mean to establish that the witness ..
Is so under obligation to the
defendant that she's prejudiced.
You may follow that line of questioning.
Mr Fairchild gave me ..
Gave us a very expensive
horse as a wedding present.
What was the value of that horse?
About $3,500.
Your husband was well
acquainted with Mr Fairchild?
No.
I don't believe so.
- Then the gift was really to you?
No.
Did he present you with any other
such little tokens of his esteem?
Never.
Now, Mrs Wyatt. Aside from the
horse the defendant gave you ..
As a wedding present.
- Of course.
Aside from that.
Were you under obligations
to the defendant?
Answer the question.
Answer the question.
Answer me, if you please.
Mr Fairchild kindly helped my husband
and I financially in a business venture.
To what extent did the defendant
render this financial aid?
The extent of several thousand dollars.
You recall the exact amount?
$9,000. It was for ..
We understand.
It was for a business venture.
This help was rendered with the full
knowledge of your husband, of course?
No.
Yet you say it was a business venture
with you and your husband?
Yes.
Mrs Wyatt.
I want you to tell us if, on the night
in question, you went aboard this yacht.
With the full consent of your husband?
I object.
If it please, Your Honor.
The prosecution tries to
discredit the witness.
By proving she was engaged in a
clandestine affair with the defendant.
And consequently is obliged to defend
her own name and to defend his as well.
I don't care what you and the
whole world believes of me.
I was there.
I saw a bad accident for which you try
to send an innocent man to his death.
What difference does it
make who I am or what I am?
Gene Fairchild is innocent.
That's all that counts.
Order. Order in the court.
You will disregard the unethical
conduct of the witness.
She certainly cut through a whole
spool of red-tape with that eruption.
In that case I ask the
court for a recess.
The surprise witness will surely
alter the aspects of the case.
The court declares a recess of one hour.
He'll put Johnny on for our surprise.
If he knew all about this he
wouldn't have kept silent.
Hold it right there, Mrs Wyatt.
Did your husband know you
were on that yachting party?
Why not ask me that question?
- Well, did you?
Of course I knew it.
- Young man.
No wife of a Wyatt family ever went
any place without her husband's consent.
I saw her at the docks myself.
- Absolutely.
This is no occasion for publicity.
Wait until you read the morning papers.
You can kiss your murder goodbye.
It's out of the picture.
Put Wyatt on the stand.
It'll make a hero out of Fairchild.
The Wyatts stick together like flypaper.
Is that the legal department
getting together?
I smell a dismissal.
Five dollars says so.
Case dismissed.
Fairchild case dismissed.
I don't mind telling you things were
looking pretty black when you came in.
I looked up and saw you there.
It meant a lot to me to know you
cared enough. To see it through.
Don't get things mixed up, Gene.
How do you mean?
It's just that I couldn't have held my
head up again if I hadn't done it.
It was something I had to do for myself.
Not for me?
I see.
So, it's still Johnny?
- No.
No. This morning I managed to cut
myself off from Johnny once and for all.
But he came into court and stood by you.
That was the Wyatts putting up a front
to the world to save their cussed pride.
No.
Johnny's through with me.
And you love him?
Of course.
He is ..
He is Johnny.
May I take you home?
- No thanks. I have my car.
You're a great sport.
And so are you.
Hey, you.
Get in.
Come on. Get in.
What do you want to cry for?
You know you never have a handkerchief.
Here. Blow.
Remember saying we're partners?
We must never do anything
without asking each other first?
Young lady. I guess we're even now.
Johnny, is it alright?
Of course it's alright.
It's better than that.
From now on, we're partners.
A closed corporation.
Nobody else counts.
Nobody but us.
Come on, honey.
This partnership has some
unfinished business to attend to.
..f-s..
"Class 27. Yearling saddle horses."
"Won by number 177."
"Number 177."
"Queen Of Maids."
"Ridden by Miss Shelby Barret."
"Owned by Mrs C.K. Nicholas."
A splendid piece of
horseflesh, my dear Nicko.
That's a real compliment
coming from you, Major.
I'll add my sheaf of praises if I may.
Isn't she a beauty, Johnny?
She looks alright by me.
Who is she?
I'm talking about the horse, silly.
Queen Of Maids. My equine choice.
Out of Paulette.
A spiffing piece of horseflesh.
"Second prize. Won by number 65."
"Brigador. Owned and shown
by Mr Eugene Fairchild."
"Before announcing the next event."
"We take pleasure in introducing
the Wyattville Polo Team."
"The Eastern Challengers."
"Who will play tomorrow
against Chaparral."
Congratulations.
- Thanks.
That's two blues you won today.
Nicko certainly has all the luck.
- Luck?
To have you riding for her.
Mighty nice of you, Gene.
You made a grand show yourself.
I watched you.
To see you need to extend yourself.
Maybe I'll ride your string someday.
You have a standing offer.
- Thanks.
I'm going back to Buck. Probably
see you in the next class.
Good luck.
- I'll need it.
Who's the girl you've
got riding for you?
Shelby Barret .. a Professional.
A Pro?
She doesn't look it.
- She's not been professional very long.
She does a mighty good job of it.
I've never seen better riding.
Hello Gene. Don't forget you're
coming to my party tonight.
Any time after ten.
With your cousin of course.
We'll be there.
- Fine.
Who's the one-girl show?
- Eugene Fairchild.
A cousin.
You can give her a better
looking-over tonight, Johnny.
But .. hands off.
Are you always invited out to dinner?
That depends. There was a time
when I wasn't invited at all.
I don't see why you let this bunch
of snobs push you around ..
Because your sixth cousin didn't
come over on the Mayflower.
We haven't done badly.
Not for a family that started out
in life carrying a dinner pail.
Don't feel too sorry
for me or for yourself.
Like the show?
Thrilled to pieces.
Gene Fairchild. Horseman, ladies' man.
And oodles of new money.
And actually works for it.
Extraordinary.
Yes, and very determined
to buy his way in.
So Nicko says.
Shelby, you've simply
got to win this for me.
I'll do the best I can.
Crozier entered Briary Bush.
The only one that can take it from me.
Which?
- Number 7.
Johnny, isn't that a stunning hunter?
The best I've seen today.
Have you ever seen him in action?
No, I haven't.
But I've heard of him and
I understand he's for sale.
That's interesting.
Won't you present me?
- I am sorry.
Mr Wyatt - Miss Barret.
Mr Wyatt rides my ponies
in the polo matches.
Really?
A fellow professional.
- No. Just a fellow.
Shelby, you know Mr Wyatt's not ..
- Of course not.
If I could handle a horse the way you
do, I wouldn't mind being professional.
That's very kind of you.
Oh dear.
He's in no condition to ride.
See if you can stop him, Mooney.
- Don't be silly, Shelby.
Mooney, you work for me.
Not Mr Crozier.
Come on, Johnny.
"Fast number 50. Hunters. Thoroughbred."
"To be shown over three jumps."
"Post and rail, stone wall, and brush."
"Number 7 first."
"Number 7. Briary Bush."
That's one less to beat.
That's such rotten bad riding.
What difference does it make?
It means so much just to win.
I like my blue ribbons.
"Number 88 next ."
"Mile High. Miss Shelby Barret."
My dear, I wish you'd remember
there are only five gaits.
Walk. Slow gait. Trot. Rack and Canter.
No reverse?
I have seen them back a horse up.
And so the girl said: 'I want it too'.
It's lovely, Nicko.
- Thanks, dear.
Welcome, stranger. How about a dance?
Before you dance.
Do something for me, will you?
Separate the Major and
his wife for a little while.
He is boring her to distraction.
- I'll do my best.
His wife married him. You didn't.
Why should you stand for it?
Now, Johnny. Don't be difficult.
We'll dance later.
That's a divine tune.
Dance it?
I'd love to.
What do you make of it?
I can't think of anything the Wyatt clan
needs more than an attractive widow.
With plenty of money.
That house of Johnny's on Long Island
is actually going to collapse one day.
If someone doesn't repair it.
It was alright to ask her
to dance, wasn't it?
Of course. If you want to.
I mean.
You still consider her a guest even
though you pay her to ride for you?
Yes. But of course I expect
her to make herself useful.
Any way she can.
Sort-of an assistant hostess
to take care of all the boys.
Exactly. And leave all the
interesting men to me.
Can't you see, my dear girl?
Every time a rider sits back.
Whether on purpose or by accident.
Dash it, the horse's mouth is pulled.
- Yes, of course.
Quite.
Do you ride, Mrs Casserly?
- I detest the beasts.
I detest even the odor.
And I practically live in the stables.
I just can't imagine anybody
feeling that way about horses.
I was brought up with them.
I rode once and discovered myself on
the ground holding the horse in my lap.
Thank you. Keep your horses.
And I still insist a five-gaited horse
who backs up is a six-gaited horse.
Take no notice of my wife.
She's a ridiculous woman.
But it can't be disputed, Miss Barret.
Ponies who persist in keeping a
rigid pole while they rein all stop.
Ruin their mouths in time,
if one keeps them at fast polo.
Yes. I reckon they do.
Shelby, dear.
Would you mind getting the photograph
of Dixiana Chief in my bedroom?
And put it on the desk in the library.
- Surely.
Hi there, Shelby.
- Hello. Where is Nicko?
Dan cut in. She wants me to bring my
Ukulele down. But you know what?
What?
I'll say a string is busted.
It naturally pulled a tendon.
Why?
You know people. Once you learn
to put a billiard ball in your mouth ..
They make you do it
so often it isn't fun.
What?
It's the same with the Uke.
They want me to play all the time.
It gets to be a business.
Something you ought to be paid for.
It's how you spoil anything that's fun.
I get paid for riding, but being a
professional doesn't spoil the fun.
I didn't mean that.
Listen, Miss Barrett.
There's no room in my mouth for a
billiard ball as my foot's always in it.
Let's start over again.
I like you.
I like you a lot.
You don't even know me.
I know what you can do with a horse.
I know you have lots of spunk.
I want you to like me.
I'll tell you why.
You see .. I have a
reason for everything.
Has anyone ever told you that
you have the gift of the gab?
That's only one of my accomplishments.
Good .. I like to play polo.
I'm pretty good on the Ukulele.
Do you feel yourself
being drawn towards me?
That's all you can offer?
No.
No. There is health.
Nobility of character.
And a high spiritual nature.
Well.
You, I and your high spiritual nature
had better be getting downstairs.
I suppose so.
Do you live here in
the house with Nicko?
No, I have a little house down the road.
It used to be the gardener's cottage.
- I noticed it.
Tell you what.
- What?
I'll bring my Uke and play for you.
You'd better not. Nicko won't like it.
- That'll be too bad.
It might be for me.
She pays me my salary you see.
Shelby dear.
Gene Fairchild has just come in.
Be a dear and see that he
meets everyone, will you?
Surely.
- Thanks.
Johnny Wyatt. Another dance?
We'll be talked about.
Excuse me.
Come here, Fanny.
That's a lot of cupboard love.
Now don't slobber all over me.
There.
No more.
You're beautiful.
But maybe you don't know it.
Here.
Hello.
I saw you swipe the sugar so
I knew where you were going.
You shouldn't have come here.
I told you that you mustn't.
You told me I mustn't go to the cottage.
And play for you with my Uke.
This is the cottage.
Am I playing the Uke?
- You know perfectly well what I meant.
Come on now.
Don't I even rate a piece of
sugar or a pat on the head?
There's a bar in the tap room
if you'd like a drink.
If you'll have one with me.
Come on, I want to talk to you.
That's encouraging.
What shall it be?
- Scotch for me, please.
Say.
Nicko does pretty well
by herself, doesn't she.
Nicko has a habit of doing
very well by herself.
You can't tell me much about Nicko.
She owns a place near
Wyattville on Long Island.
That's the town I come from.
Thanks .. here's to you.
May I call you 'Shelby'
instead of Miss Barret?
And here's to you.
- Johnny.
Johnny.
I'm glad I missed the party.
This is much nicer.
But it can't happen again.
- The old Nicko bugaboo?
I'm not aiming to tell you about Nicko.
- Drop Nicko from the conversation.
I think you're an awfully nice person.
But I don't want you paying
any attention to me.
I'm just part of the scenery.
I don't see why I shouldn't admire it.
No. The only thing you
give a hang about is polo.
Sure .. I love polo.
Played it since I was old
enough to sit on a horse.
My granddad played it.
My dad, my uncles.
A couple of old aunts.
The game is part of me.
But I still have an eye for the scenery.
Drink up. Let's be going.
Just because I ride Nicko's ponies.
Doesn't mean I belong to her.
Who said you do?
I'm going this way.
You're going that way.
Goodnight.
- Goodnight, but first ..
We've been discussing a very important
question that needs more talking over.
Luncheon tomorrow?
Luncheon tomorrow.
Johnny .. where have you been?
Just strolling around.
I'm in love.
With the scenery.
That was a beauty, Johnny.
After you served it to
me on a silver platter.
What's the matter? Somebody missing?
Come on.
I was telling the missus about the bad
effect of a rigid pole on a polo pony.
Yes. Yes.
I concede there's some cold-jawed ponies
with bent poles and tender mouths.
I concede that.
Very generous of you, Albert.
Very generous.
Miss Barret. Miss Barret.
You can buy Briary Bush for 3,500.
- Thirty-five?
That's a lot of money but he's
a lot of horse. Crozier is broke.
Buy him.
- You bet I will.
How's this string going?
- Marvelously.
Johnny is in top form, the dear boy.
Why, Johnny.
Will somebody please hit me
in the head with a mallet.
Come on.
He may have got a bad
bounce on the ball.
I think he looked down here
and saw me watching him.
It's nerves. I had to take him in
hand this noon and give him lunch.
Oh.
What a dull afternoon.
There hasn't even been a decent spill.
Hi, Shelby.
Hi there.
Say, I have some great news.
Nicko is buying Briary Bush.
No? I was seeing Crozier
tomorrow to make him an offer.
Haven't you enough horses?
I'm afraid people like
us never have enough.
You'll have to jump high, wide and
handsome for blue ribbons this year.
I just about decided that
red is my favorite color.
While you're around anyway.
- So long.
I don't like her.
Why not?
Always snooping around,
trying to attract your attention.
You're crazy.
- Am I?
I know women.
I know human beings pretty well.
There's a square-shooter.
Did you see that miss of mine?
- Miss?
You didn't come close
enough to call it a miss.
What were you doing, riding in the park?
- No.
Just looking at the scenery.
Hiya, Shelby.
- Hi. Nice playing.
Yeah.
Of course I felt proud of myself when
I missed that shot by an easy six feet.
But that was your fault.
- Mine?
Hmm. Just being there.
That's what you do to me.
I can't keep my mind on the game.
- Nicko ought to put blinders on you.
I hear you had a nice
quiet rest for luncheon.
I was sorry about that.
- I understand.
You got sudden orders from the boss.
Now, Shelby.
Polo is your business and you
have to keep business hours.
I'm not meant to make snoots at
you because you're a Pro, huh?
You're a Pro yourself.
- Me, a Pro?
Yes. A professional amateur.
You're hauled around the country by
other people to ride their ponies.
A professional guest.
The only difference between you and
me is I get paid for it and you don't.
Hmm. That's telling me.
I guess I'm not taking the
game as seriously as before.
When I saw you today I didn't
give a hoot about the game.
That's high treason coming from a Wyatt.
Polo is the most important
thing in the world.
Not always.
So I see.
But you haven't said
how you like the string.
Great. I'd give my
shirt for that string.
I guess you can have them
if you want them, but ..
They'll cost you a lot
more than your shirt.
[ Car horn ]
That's Nicko honking for you.
Better run along.
Give my compliments to our boss.
Mush.
[ Johnny singing ]
Are the stars out tonight?
I don't know if it's cloudy or bright.
Because I only have eyes ..
For you, dear.
The moon may be high.
But I can't see a thing in the sky.
Because I only have eyes ..
For you..
I thought you went to
the dance with Nicko.
Right. I'm back from the dance.
Without Nicko.
She won't like it.
The most important thing I
can think of is .. do you like it?
Perhaps.
I was lonely.
You know, that's just
the way I felt about it.
Come on out. You're too far away.
You should have stuck the party out.
Nicko will be furious.
Now look. I didn't come all the
way back here to talk about Nicko.
Let's drop her from the conversation.
We can't very well drop her when
she's so set on marrying you.
Says who?
- Says I.
Definitely.
She hasn't proposed yet.
Let's be frank about it.
You know she's in love with you.
Alright, let's be frank about it.
I don't love her. I never have.
Now, let's be frank some more.
You're the one I love, Shelby.
With all my heart.
I'd like to find one author who writes
about how wonderful it is to be in love.
I'd shoot him just for the fun of it.
I've never been more
miserable in all of my life.
But I don't know what
we're going to do about it.
I know what we're going to do.
It's difficult to be sensible
when you feel like this.
I'm being sensible.
No. It's no use, Johnny.
What would we use to pay the bills?
You can't drag me around the country
while you play polo even if I'd go.
You'd get no more invitations, Johnny.
No more room and board.
No more strings of ponies to ride.
themselves on account of you.
Don't you see it won't work?
Are you saying 'no'?
- I'm saying 'no'.
Shelby, that 'no' makes no sense at all.
That's the trouble.
It's the one thing that does make sense.
You're wrong.
I love you and you love me.
That's all that counts. You know it.
Don't you?
I wasn't quite prepared for this.
You have nothing on us, Nicko.
You can make other arrangements
for the balance of the season, Shelby.
I shan't need your services any longer.
I believe we have a verbal contract.
Not that I know of.
You'll get your pay and
your fare back to Kentucky.
I don't want anything from you.
Look here, Nicko.
- You don't have to defend her, Johnny.
No. I Just asked her to marry me.
A Wyatt of Wyattville
marrying a stable employee?
That's what people will say, you know.
And your family will
probably love it too.
You're a rotten sport, Nicko.
Come on. Get your things together.
We're on our way.
You're not going to play tomorrow?
- Nope.
You mean you're going
to throw the team down?
Certain things I have found are
more important than polo.
And you called me a rotten sport.
Nicko.
I'm fed up being a professional amateur.
You get hold of one of my family.
One who seems the least mad.
Tell them Johnny Wyatt has resigned
from polo until he can afford it.
Don't you be long now.
Shelby.
Shelby.
Do you want to wreck Johnny's chances of
being the person he was intended to be?
That's what you're headed for.
You and I never agreed
on many things, Nicko.
I'm figuring on making
Johnny's life for him.
By the way.
Crozier's secretary made the bill of
sale for Briary Bush in my name.
But you can mail him the
check in the morning.
Suppose you settle with Crozier.
What does that mean?
- I've changed my mind about the horse.
You would have me assume a $3,500
obligation with exactly $35 to my name.
You call yourself a sport.
What will you do about it?
I know one sportsman, thank goodness.
Hello, Gene? This is Shelby.
Listen. I'm in a jam.
It's a bargain.
I gather La Belle Nicko did you dirt.
I am grateful to her.
They'll cut off your phone
for language like that.
Thanks a million, Gene.
Ready?
- Uhuh.
What's the idea of a horse?
Briary Bush.
Briary Bush or not.
I didn't expect to elope with a horse.
Come on, darling. Throw in your tackle.
I'll tell you all about it later.
I hope you like the romance, old boy.
The horse and trailer are in your
stables. Here's the bill of sale signed.
Nicko probably won't like it
but that's your lookout.
You won't change your
mind and ride for me?
No.
Johnny Wyatt and I are
going to be married.
How thrilling.
My best wishes to you both.
Are you going all the way in this car?
- No, we'll sell it and buy tickets.
Where to?
Yuma, Arizona. Then on to Wyattville.
This will give the family
the surprise of its life.
I hope they'll like me.
- They'll love you.
The whole family will be lined
up at the station to greet you.
All aboard.
Well.
The family certainly turned out to
give us a royal welcome home.
I loved the brass band.
- You do?
The fellow with the big
horn was out of tune.
If that's the mayor over there
about to make a speech.
Tell him to make it snappy. I'm tired.
I guess they didn't get my wire.
- Of course.
How are you, Mr Wyatt?
Glad to see you home again.
Hello Joe. This is Mrs Wyatt.
- Pleased to meet you.
The old Wyatt homestead. Yes, sir.
The right wing.
Kitchen, living room and dining room.
The left wing closed for repair.
Here we go.
An old Wyatt custom.
Carry the bride across the threshold.
Silly. Lots of people do it.
Sure. But history records
they filched the idea from us.
Here we go.
Hello.
Hello, Cora.
I rather expected to
see you at the station.
We got your wire, and put Mrs Agnew
on the job as soon as possible.
Johnny, you really
ought to introduce her.
I'm Cora Furness.
This is Mr Furness.
Your housekeeper, Mrs Agnew.
Glad to know you.
If you'll excuse me, I'll see if I
can find something for you to eat.
That is, if I can keep a fire
going in that rusty old stove.
Your news sort-of took
the family by surprise.
They're not quite over it yet.
You know, elopement. All that sort
of thing are foreign to the family.
Decidedly.
Now you're here, we'll run along.
Yes. Grandpa wants you
for dinner tomorrow night.
You'll come, of course?
He's a bit upset you walked
out on the polo team.
A horrible breach of etiquette.
- Yes.
Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Johnny, put your arms around me
quick or I'll blow up and bust.
Now, now. None of that.
You're tired and cold and hungry.
And so am I.
I dare say the ancestral home is
equal to a cup of coffee anyway.
Mrs Agnew, you certainly have
given us a pleasant homecoming.
I wouldn't say that, ma'am, until
you see the rest of your home.
Hey.
What way is that to wake up a guy?
- Right effective.
While you slept I explored our house.
I've something to show you.
What?
Put on a dressing-gown
for Mrs Agnew's sake.
Do me a favor, Johnny Wyatt. Count them.
I make it 36.
- 18 pairs.
Want to buy a centipede?
Next, ladies and gentlemen I direct your
attention to this pitiful collection.
One button and a half on this one.
As for this, with the severe
Long Island winters.
I got some gear down in the stables.
Yes. Bits and crops and
snaffles and saddles.
But not a whole pair of
underpants to your name.
Johnny, it scares me.
We've got to go to work.
I know. I've got to find a job.
Honestly, I don't know where to look for
one. There's nothing here in Wyattville.
We'll find one.
Come on, get dressed.
Breakfast is ready.
Then you're going to show
me over the Wyatt estate.
Old Huntington Wyatt, an uncle of
dad's used to raise trotters here.
He was a funny old guy.
He smelt of cigars and whiskey.
I want to look it over.
- You'll get bats in your hair.
I like them.
Johnny, look at it.
I've looked at it for 25 years now.
Man and boy.
You darling idiot.
Can't you see? It's our job.
How, for heaven's sakes?
- We both know horses. All about them.
There's no money in it.
- Yes there is.
Board them, train them.
Everybody around here has horses.
They always go to Europe or somewhere.
Someone has to board the horses.
They're always buying new ones that
must be trained for polo and shown.
With your name ..
- You think we could?
I know we could.
It would take dough.
- We'll find it. Come on.
You know, in my polo days.
A thing like that, leaving a
team during a series of matches.
Was unheard of.
Weren't people falling in love
in your polo-playing days, sir?
Ha?
Match?
Who left what match?
Johnny, sir. In California.
Of course, we found it
rather hard to understand.
Hmm.
Alright.
Do tell me why you children
were married in Arizona.
It takes three days to be
married in California.
I wanted to grab Shelby
before she had time to think.
Johnny's always in a hurry.
We said he should have come
east and to let us know.
He never takes anything seriously.
Running about the country getting
married here, there and any other place.
Come on. I only got married once.
Johnny is taking
something seriously now.
We're going into business.
- Huh?
Who's going into what business?
- Shelby and I, sir.
Shelby?
Never heard of him.
My wife, sir.
We're remodelling the old stables.
Fixing up the race track.
Look here, old boy. You're not serious?
- Certainly.
Both you and Shelby would be
professional horse trainers.
I'm already a professional rider.
You mean? I don't quite understand.
I ride for money.
Show horses for money. I'm good at it.
The little girl Johnny married.
Did she say she rides for money?
- Yes, sir.
Good.
Yes. Very good. It serves her right.
A pack of family-proud nincompoops.
I'd dismiss it from my mind
if I were you, old chap.
It's still very vague of course.
Why did you say our plans were vague?
- They are vague, sweet.
But you made them hope
we'd give the whole idea up.
You pretty much gave them
to understand we would.
Not at all. I don't know, Shelby.
I don't like to ..
- Embarrass the clan?
Exactly.
Besides.
They made it clear I can't
look to them for finance.
Johnny, darling. Don't give in so easy.
If they won't help we get it elsewhere.
- Where?
I'll write granddad in Paducah.
He's not so well-to-do but he's
the most generous man alive.
But Shelby, even if we
can get the money.
Careful, sweet. Hurt yourself?
No. I just bumped my lowdown,
professional shin ..
On part of the Wyatt roof that's
laying rotted on the ground.
Shelby. You're not angry
at what they said?
No. I love to be looked
at like I had fleas.
Don't mind them, sweet.
I know they're fogeys.
But they're my family.
Johnny, promise me to go ahead.
Get estimates on the work and
let me write granddad. Please.
But Shelby, they are my family.
- I am just your wife.
You bet you're my wife.
Johnny. I hate to be mad with you.
If you let me down on
this I have to be mad.
You and I mad at each other? Oh no.
Johnny, don't just be a Wyatt.
Be my Johnny that I love.
Alright, Mrs Agnew.
Now we have to kind-of ease it on.
[ Doorbell ]
Never mind the doorbell.
Hang on to the paper.
It has to go a little higher.
Hang it all. That's no good.
Oh dear.
Nicko.
Well.
This is a surprise.
That's an old line, but it seems to fit.
We were pretty angry with
each other, weren't we?
Were?
I don't blame you.
Not that I'm apologizing, understand.
I understand.
After you left.
- After I was fired.
I didn't win another blue ribbon.
If that's any satisfaction to you.
- Nice of you to admit you missed me.
I do admit it. Now, tell me everything.
What everything?
- About you and Johnny, silly.
I suppose you're divinely happy?
- Divinely.
Hello.
- Hello, darling.
Nicko, I heard you were in town.
Johnny, you two romantic children never
gave me a chance to wish you happiness.
We don't need wishes, Nicko.
I want you to try out a string
of ponies I just shipped in.
Fine. Any time you say.
But now it costs you money.
'Easy-going Johnny'.
A Captain of Industry.
What's so darned funny about that?
I like being a businessman.
Besides.
We only got the idea three days
ago and work is already under way.
Will wonders never cease.
Good luck.
- Thanks. We may need it.
Come and have dinner, you two. Any time.
Johnny Wyatt a 'Pro'.
I've never heard of such a thing.
The Wyatt family never
heard of it either.
Get together with them.
You'll all have a lovely time.
I might do that.
Goodbye.
- Bye.
What are we going to use for money?
Maybe we'd better get in touch with
your granddad in Paducah, Kentucky.
See what they're using out there.
- I'll write him tonight.
Johnny, Johnny.
Yeah?
- Look at what we've got.
Hey, what a peach.
You didn't steal him, did you?
- A wedding present.
From who? Granddad in Paducah?
- No.
Briary Bush. Don't you remember?
The elopement horse.
He's a wedding present now. Read that.
Listen, sweet.
It's an awful big present to
take from Gene Fairchild.
It doesn't mean much to him.
He owns a mint.
I don't think we should.
- He'll be hurt if we send him back.
People talk. Don't give them the chance.
Let them talk.
Remember. Gene will be around
soon with a string of ponies.
That means business for us.
He always wanted me to ride for him.
Now I wish we hadn't
entered this business.
Can't back out now.
- How do we take care of him?
I'm a better stable boy
than a paperhanger.
If we don't hurry up, two of the best
people won't get to the club party.
Coming, Johnny.
Gene Fairchild moves to Wyattville.
And is elected a member of the
yacht club before he can unpack.
Yep, a full-fledged member. All because
he's shelling out for a new yacht basin.
Sometimes my family makes me laugh.
It's kind-of funny.
Speaking of money.
I got those estimates today.
Johnny, how much?
I'm afraid we're sunk.
Nine thousand.
I suppose your grandfather
will stand for the extra two?
Well, he ..
He probably can give us the
nine as well as the seven.
Something I didn't tell you.
I put up our land as a
guarantee of this payment.
You mortgaged the land?
- The same thing.
I had to, before they'd start work.
But we can't quit now.
If I don't make the payment
we lose the land.
Johnny. You should have told me.
- Yes. I know.
But I was so anxious to take hold
and start things off with the bank.
I wanted to prove your faith in me.
Now I've fixed everything swell.
If your grandfather says
no we're in the soup.
He won't. We'll get the money.
But, Johnny.
Always remember we're partners.
That we must never do anything
without telling each other.
That's a promise.
Thanks for that one, Mrs Wyatt.
- I love dancing with you.
There's aunt Jean over there.
I guess I'd better go over.
- Do you mind if I don't?
That's my yacht.
Third from the left. Only I'm not on it.
Gene, how are you?
- Hello, Shelby.
Why haven't we seen you?
When you calling on Johnny
and Briary Bush and me?
Whenever I'm asked.
I've been busy getting admitted into
Wyattville. Now I am admitted ..
Gene, why do you bother to
buy your way into Wyattville?
I wanted to be near Briary Bush.
A yacht basin for Briary Bush?
No. That's business.
Ever hear of Fairchild &
Son, private bankers?
Who hasn't?
I am they. They are I.
That is, father and I.
Hurrah for grammar.
What's that ..
- I'm their social contact.
These people are customers of ours.
Others want to be customers of us too.
I see. Smart businessman.
- Uhuh. Sometimes.
That's that. Let's talk about Shelby.
Let me look at you.
I want to be sure.
Johnny Wyatt is taking good care of you.
- Only the very best.
I was afraid of that.
- Afraid?
I'd like to find you wan and weary.
Then I can dash to the rescue.
I'm in no need of rescuing, Gene.
That is, I ..
How are you at giving advice?
As a businessman.
Very good.
Why? Trouble?
No. Not exactly.
You see. Johnny and I
are in business too.
But not so smart.
Business?
Ride with me in the morning.
I'll tell you a long story about
my granddad in Paducah.
Your what?
I think it's a cinch to win
the 12-metre class this year.
A good boat.
There's Shelby with that smooth
pirate, Gene Fairchild.
I can't understand that chap selecting
Wyattville as a place to live.
I can. Hope dies hard.
First he sends her that horse.
Which I was going to buy.
That Gene grabbed from me
in the most bare-faced way.
Are you fond of cats?
Never mind. Just look over there.
Excuse me. I have work to do.
Gene generally buys what he wants
if he can't get it any other way.
Hello, dear.
- Nicko, I'd like to talk to you.
Excuse us.
- Surely.
I had the feeling the other day you
didn't want to talk to me at all.
This won't keep.
Shelby, need we take
a cross-country hike?
Nicko, I'm going to talk
mighty fast and blunt.
You're to stop spreading lies about me.
- What are you talking about?
You wanted Johnny. I got him.
Knowing your standards of sportsmanship
it's no surprise you're a bad loser.
You want Johnny's family to believe
dirty gossip of me and Gene Fairchild.
I warn you to shut up and take
your loss like the lady you're not.
Sign a note if you like. Three months.
I'll charge you 5% on your money.
The only thing I got you down
here to give me was advice.
The only advice I can give is
to let me put up the money.
Loaning money is my business.
You make it very easy for me.
Putting it on a real business basis.
You wouldn't want it any other way.
- Thanks for realizing it.
Shelby.
Where are you?
- In here. In the tub.
Did you get the money?
- Wait a minute.
What?
- Did you get the money?
Yes. I'll have it in cash tomorrow.
- Great.
I heard today the Curtis Bunkers in East
Woollaston are going south for 6 months.
I think we can get their whole
string to board for the winter.
This infant business of
ours is cutting its teeth.
Johnny, isn't it grand.
I go to Woollaston to see
them for the weekend.
Will you miss me?
What do you think?
- I think you come in and dry my back.
Because I love you and we're going
to be big business successes.
Wyattville 229.
Yes please.
Hello.
Hello, Shelby?
Fine, thanks.
Shelby, I'm giving a party
on the boat tonight.
I wonder if you and Johnny
could come along?
He's out of town?
Woollaston?
The big horse deal? That's grand.
Look, Shelby. You come then.
No, Gene.
Thanks just the same, but I'd
rather not come without Johnny.
You wouldn't want an extra girl anyway.
But I do, Shelby. As a matter
of fact I ask a favor of you.
The man associated with
me in that big deal.
He and his wife are coming aboard.
It's important for me to have
some darned attractive guests.
That means you of course.
That's mighty sweet of you, but ..
I'd rather talk it over with Johnny.
Do that, Shelby.
Really, it's very important.
I've never asked a favor of you before.
I'm asking one now.
Alright.
I want East Woollaston 450.
This is Wyattville 229.
Hello. Is Mr John Wyatt in the hotel?
This is Mrs Wyatt.
Oh.
No thanks. It's not important.
Wyattville 229.
Shelby?
Hello, Gene.
I couldn't get hold of Johnny.
But if I'm really necessary to your
campaign, of course I'll come.
Alright, I'll come aboard at
Huntington tonight at six.
Thanks, Shelby. That's great.
The race today was a test.
- Then we won't count that one.
Hello Nicko.
- Hello. Don't get up please.
Join us for a cocktail.
- Thanks, I can't. I've guests coming.
You've plenty of time.
If I drive from here to Wyattville
in nothing flat I'd still be late.
Tell me, how is the
high life in Huntington?
Same as usual.
Nothing has changed in this
town within the memory of man.
We'll have cocktails another time.
Goodbye.
Goodbye, Nicko.
A charming girl.
- Yes, she is.
Welcome to the White Bell.
It's not so bad, is it?
- It's nice. It really is.
I just had to have you, Shelby.
If I can swing this man it will
be a tremendous deal for me.
Mrs Goodyear's a climber. And ..
You are a Wyatt.
- I'm afraid the Wyatts don't think so.
That's why I have to be
so careful and proper.
I understand. You're in a tough spot.
It's exasperating sometimes.
By the way, I wanted to tell Johnny you
gave me the money, but somehow ..
I know.
Who is coming?
We go to Greenwich to pick up the
Goodyears and the Paxton Drumms.
You'll excuse me.
We're not officially under way
until the owner's on the bridge.
Aye aye, sir.
I'll teach you how to
salute when I get back.
Radiogram, sir.
All through playing 'Admiral'?
- For a little while.
There's always things to
worry about aboard a boat.
I just worry about you now.
Alright, where shall we begin?
- Anywhere you say.
Shelby, I'd give my right arm for the
chance to make your life all can to be.
But my life's alright. It suits me fine.
No.
You're grubbing around in a
tumbledown house full of snobs.
Trying to launch this pathetic
little horse business.
Please, Gene.
How long before we're in Greenwich?
Just a little while.
This came from Pax Drumm.
He can't make it.
But Mrs Goodyear will be along.
That will make us chemically pure.
There is Greenwich just ahead.
I've never been there but I guess
I can wait until the next time.
Thanks. You're a real sport for staying.
Shelby, you can always depend on me.
Thanks, Gene.
You know, I don't believe those Wyatts
appreciate what very nice people we are.
I'm sure they don't.
White Bell ahoy.
Goodyear coming aboard.
Hey, Gene.
Gene. Hoo. Gene.
Hi, Gene. How's the old kid?
How's the horses, horses, horses?
I thought you were bringing your wife.
- Yeah .. I'll take scotch.
He's mad and I'm glad.
Scotch without soda, scotch without
anything you got. Scotch without a wife.
What difference does it make
whether my wife is here or not?
I can talk business
just as well without her.
Better. Better at business.
- Of course. Only I hadn't expected ..
Rubbish. What's she up for anyway?
For lottery, for love. I love you.
Gene, are you going to keep us standing
on deck like the burning boy all night?
It doesn't look that way.
All tired and sweaty.
He's worked so hard.
He's all wore out.
He's cockeyed.
As I live.
If that isn't our own
professional rider.
That's a laugh .. I mean ..
You're trying to hang
on to a good thing, eh?
Nice work. Congratulations.
Listen, baby.
When he's had enough and wants
to show you the gangplank.
Come round to me.
I'll give you some advice.
There's a lot of men.
Real big-shots.
Just waiting for the right ..
And they'll let you ride their horses.
Ow!
Hey .. what's the idea?
Just trying to offer some
high-priced friendly advice.
And I get treated like a leper.
Shelby, I'm sorry.
Steward.
Help me with Mr Goodyear.
Wait a minute, wait a minute.
Where'd she go?
Where's my Goody, Mr Caveman?
Forget it. He's been put to bed.
I thought you were rehearsing a show.
- I quit it cold.
They didn't appreciate me.
Goody is going to give me a swell part.
Maybe with George Sanders. Ha-ha.
He's crazy about me too.
A lot of men are.
Aren't you sorry you
chucked me out, Gene?
What's the idea of coming aboard?
You knew it was my boat.
I just wanted to see how you'd take it.
- Cut it.
So it's the little girl
on horseback, eh?
Listen to me, Olga.
If you mention her again, I'll lose my
temper and give you a bath in the sound.
Old cousin Gene. Ha-ha.
[ Door knocks ]
Shelby. It's Gene. Open the door.
I wouldn't have this
happen for the world.
You believe that?
- Yes.
I want to go ashore.
- When we're opposite Shoreham.
In about 15 minutes.
Take the jitney from
Shoreham to Wyattville.
If this gets around,
I don't know what happens.
It won't get around.
Come on out on deck.
We'll look for those Shoreham lights.
Hey, Gene.
What's the matter with the people
on this boat? They're all dead.
You two go right ahead. Don't mind me.
Remember what I told you.
- Whoops .. I'm sorry.
Do I get anything to drink?
No.
- Poor Gene.
Do you make love on cold water?
I beg your pardon.
You got rotten ventilation
out on this ocean.
I'm simply gasping.
Get down from there. Right away.
What for?
- Because I say so.
Plastered and sitting on that rail.
- What's a rail for but to sit on?
Stay there or I have you
locked in your cabin.
Whoo.
Shelby, I'm sorry.
You chatter like a rabbit.
Stand by. Passenger overboard!
Man overboard.
My pal.
The most accommodating
jail I was ever in.
Gene, how can they think you killed her?
They won't think so for long.
A small-town jury trying to
crash the New York papers.
I'm going to testify.
Come to court and get your
name smeared over the papers?
One thing I did was get you off the boat
without anyone aware you'd been aboard.
Don't undo that.
The trial will be over in three days.
You're awfully confident.
- You bet I am.
Now go home and don't come again.
I don't want to see you
until all this is over.
Then I'll come looking for you.
Raise your right hand and be sworn.
You swear to tell the truth, nothing
but the truth, so help you God?
Sure, I tell the truth.
I always tell the truth.
Me, I don't care who likes
it or who doesn't like it.
That's right, Mr Ericson.
Just answer to the best of your
ability the questions put to you.
Sure. I tell everything I've seen.
Your full name is?
- Niels Ericson.
Wasn't it grand? The handmade day.
Johnny, must we go in?
- To breakfast? Sure.
Grandfather gets a kick out of
seeing us come in after the hunt.
You go, but I'd rather go home.
What's the matter, darling?
Don't you feel well?
You look kind-of white around the gills.
- Johnny, I want ..
Wasn't it glorious?
Poor old Gene would have loved it.
He always liked dressing up to give
his flawless imitation of a gentleman.
Nicko, you have a wicked tongue.
We had a fine run, sir.
- Ran? Ran where?
We did, sir. The hunt, you know.
We had a capital run.
Yes. How long?
- Point to point of seven miles.
From here to Hadley Wood.
Good.
Mr Fairchild pushed her.
He knocked her down the
after companionway. Part way.
You saw him push her down the stairs?
They call it a 'companionway' on a ship.
Not 'stairs'.
You witnessed this?
- I don't say nothing I didn't see.
The other lady with the coat on,
was beside Mr Fairchild.
That lady said something to her
and Mr Fairchild pushed her.
Shelby, you've nothing to eat.
- Please. I'm not hungry.
Everyone's hungry after a hunt.
Shelby, didn't it strike you funny?
Riding Briary Bush?
With poor old Gene down
there at the courthouse.
What fascinates me is the
missing girl in the red coat.
Why doesn't Gene get her to testify?
It's probably some poor kid who
got mixed up in the rotten mess.
Gene's shielding her.
Perhaps she's married.
Maybe her husband thinks she
was home-alone that night.
Playing solitaire.
- No, I don't think that's it.
They don't go in much for
chivalry, fellows of that type.
Gene was an alright type to be a
member of the Wyattville yacht club.
Shelby, you sound positively vicious.
Is your heart bleeding for Gene?
Gene is one of the squarest,
kindest men I've ever known.
She was sitting on the rail.
Mr Fairchild went to her, put his hands
on her arm, and gave her a shove.
The next I saw, the
lady was in the water.
It won't surprise me if they fried him.
- Never.
Don't you think he's guilty, Johnny?
- Darned if I know. They haven't a case.
I don't agree with you.
In the first place they've
established a motive.
Olga shook him down for plenty of money.
She was probably planning
to shake him down for more.
Naturally, he wanted to
get her out of the way.
He was probably in love with
this girl in the red coat.
Olga came aboard the yacht uninvited.
And interrupted a budding romance.
I bet ten dollars they get
a verdict against him.
Not first degree necessarily.
But a verdict. Manslaughter perhaps.
I'll take that bet.
Johnny, you can't bet.
Why not, Shelby?
Are you shocked at their betting?
Doesn't any one of you realize
what it must be like for Gene?
You've accepted his hospitality.
Not on the yacht.
He never invited any of us.
Not me anyhow.
What about you, Johnny?
And you, Shelby?
The young lady in the red coat.
Who was a stranger to you.
Was a complete stranger to me
as I've repeatedly told you.
Now to the later incident.
When Miss Hungerford was on the rail.
You heard the testimony of Mr Ericson.
Do you deny again that you pushed
the girl harder than you meant to?
I do deny it.
It looks as if the Fairchild case
is all over except the verdict.
A chap from the office phoned me. The
case goes to the jury this afternoon.
I said they had no case against him.
You're wrong there, my dear.
It's Fairchild's word against the word
of the Mate, who saw the whole business.
It looks bad for Fairchild.
I suppose it's the girl in the red coat.
She could clear him alright
if she stepped forward.
If you ask me, she couldn't clear him.
That's why she's staying under wraps.
Probably a bright young thing
with an eye to business.
I'll bet Gene pays her
plenty to keep out of it.
You can't say Wyattville hasn't come
through with its yearly scandal.
Shelby, why do you look so downhearted?
Win, draw or lose.
Our mysterious lady in the
red coat .. comes out ahead.
You people are horrible.
There isn't one decent,
generous thought in your heads.
Shelby.
- Don't touch me.
Shelby's upset. She's fond of Gene.
- Yes. I was fond of him.
Not in the way Nicko wants
you to believe either.
I liked him. He's a straight-shooter.
More than you can say for any of you.
Shelby, please.
- I despise the whole lot of you.
I'd rather associate with
a bunch of stable boys.
I'm going to the court now to help him
because I was the girl in the red coat.
How do you Wyatts like that?
I knew it.
When Mr Goodyear boarded
the yacht with Miss Hungerford.
What did he say?
What he said made very little sense.
He was terribly drunk.
As I remember, he wanted another drink.
Where at this moment was
the lady in the red coat?
I'm the girl in the red coat.
Mrs John Wyatt.
The high-and-mighty Wyatts never got
mixed up in anything stronger than tea.
The next moment, the yacht rode a swell.
She lost her balance and
fell overboard. That's all.
You're positive the defendant
did not lay hands on her?
To push her off the rail?
Positively not. It's ridiculous.
Thank you, Mrs Wyatt. That's all.
Please.
Your witness.
Mrs Wyatt.
Will you preface your interesting story
of Miss Hungerford's accidental death ..
By enlightening us to the circumstances
under which you first met the defendant?
Of course. I was ..
The whole Wyatt family
are on the warpath.
Tom, they're hard.
By their looks they're with you.
Better get in action.
The first time the Wyatt tribe's
been seen without their horses.
Order.
Order.
I must have order in this court.
You will continue, please.
- Your Honor.
Answer my question if you please.
What .. what was it?
I asked you for the circumstances under
which you first met the defendant.
I was riding professionally
in California.
Mr Fairchild had a number
of entries and we met there.
What was the nature of your
relations with the defendant?
We were friendly competitors.
That's all.
What have your relations been with the
defendant since he came to Wyattville?
The same.
Isn't it true, Mrs Wyatt ..
That the defendant presented
you with a very expensive horse?
I object, Your Honor. Immaterial.
- Not the least, Your Honor.
We'll get dirt in this case yet.
- You said it.
I mean to establish that the witness ..
Is so under obligation to the
defendant that she's prejudiced.
You may follow that line of questioning.
Mr Fairchild gave me ..
Gave us a very expensive
horse as a wedding present.
What was the value of that horse?
About $3,500.
Your husband was well
acquainted with Mr Fairchild?
No.
I don't believe so.
- Then the gift was really to you?
No.
Did he present you with any other
such little tokens of his esteem?
Never.
Now, Mrs Wyatt. Aside from the
horse the defendant gave you ..
As a wedding present.
- Of course.
Aside from that.
Were you under obligations
to the defendant?
Answer the question.
Answer the question.
Answer me, if you please.
Mr Fairchild kindly helped my husband
and I financially in a business venture.
To what extent did the defendant
render this financial aid?
The extent of several thousand dollars.
You recall the exact amount?
$9,000. It was for ..
We understand.
It was for a business venture.
This help was rendered with the full
knowledge of your husband, of course?
No.
Yet you say it was a business venture
with you and your husband?
Yes.
Mrs Wyatt.
I want you to tell us if, on the night
in question, you went aboard this yacht.
With the full consent of your husband?
I object.
If it please, Your Honor.
The prosecution tries to
discredit the witness.
By proving she was engaged in a
clandestine affair with the defendant.
And consequently is obliged to defend
her own name and to defend his as well.
I don't care what you and the
whole world believes of me.
I was there.
I saw a bad accident for which you try
to send an innocent man to his death.
What difference does it
make who I am or what I am?
Gene Fairchild is innocent.
That's all that counts.
Order. Order in the court.
You will disregard the unethical
conduct of the witness.
She certainly cut through a whole
spool of red-tape with that eruption.
In that case I ask the
court for a recess.
The surprise witness will surely
alter the aspects of the case.
The court declares a recess of one hour.
He'll put Johnny on for our surprise.
If he knew all about this he
wouldn't have kept silent.
Hold it right there, Mrs Wyatt.
Did your husband know you
were on that yachting party?
Why not ask me that question?
- Well, did you?
Of course I knew it.
- Young man.
No wife of a Wyatt family ever went
any place without her husband's consent.
I saw her at the docks myself.
- Absolutely.
This is no occasion for publicity.
Wait until you read the morning papers.
You can kiss your murder goodbye.
It's out of the picture.
Put Wyatt on the stand.
It'll make a hero out of Fairchild.
The Wyatts stick together like flypaper.
Is that the legal department
getting together?
I smell a dismissal.
Five dollars says so.
Case dismissed.
Fairchild case dismissed.
I don't mind telling you things were
looking pretty black when you came in.
I looked up and saw you there.
It meant a lot to me to know you
cared enough. To see it through.
Don't get things mixed up, Gene.
How do you mean?
It's just that I couldn't have held my
head up again if I hadn't done it.
It was something I had to do for myself.
Not for me?
I see.
So, it's still Johnny?
- No.
No. This morning I managed to cut
myself off from Johnny once and for all.
But he came into court and stood by you.
That was the Wyatts putting up a front
to the world to save their cussed pride.
No.
Johnny's through with me.
And you love him?
Of course.
He is ..
He is Johnny.
May I take you home?
- No thanks. I have my car.
You're a great sport.
And so are you.
Hey, you.
Get in.
Come on. Get in.
What do you want to cry for?
You know you never have a handkerchief.
Here. Blow.
Remember saying we're partners?
We must never do anything
without asking each other first?
Young lady. I guess we're even now.
Johnny, is it alright?
Of course it's alright.
It's better than that.
From now on, we're partners.
A closed corporation.
Nobody else counts.
Nobody but us.
Come on, honey.
This partnership has some
unfinished business to attend to.
..f-s..