Till the End of Time (1946) Movie Script
Line up along the corridor.
This way men.
Line up along the corridor.
Place your stuff right here.
I don't know where most of
you guys were on VJ day.
For one reason or another
you're here today.
You're being discharged.
Before you know it you'll be home.
What the Corporal is giving you
now is your master schedule.
Showing you your group and where
that group must be at what hour.
Group 1. Sound off.
McConnell.
- Marks.
Hardy.
Ramsay.
- Curran.
Tabeshaw.
- Condon.
Harper.
- Bassett.
Name?
Tabeshaw. William J. 840067.
Guadalcanal, Saipan and Iwo Jima, right?
That's right.
Silver star. Purple heart.
Hospitalised New Zealand.
Skull trepanned and
silver plate inserted.
They put that gizmo in my head to
keep my brains where they belong.
You feel okay?
With this hunk of silver and a real
dime I can always get a cup of coffee.
Name?
Harper. Clifford W.
You got the same action
record as Tabeshaw's.
We've been together since
boot camp in Diego.
More than three years.
Three years nine months.
Four battle stars and a silver star.
We parted company when he was
dumb enough to get himself shot.
Why don't you own up, Harper?
I was a big hero and you were a coward.
When I find out about your
education and military specialities.
I'll pass you on to rehab.
Going back to truck driving?
You don't work as an MP for two years
and go back to truck driving.
I want to be a cop.
The rehabilitation officer
nearest you is in New Orleans.
Here is his name and address
if you want his help.
Maybe you'll find things changed.
I don't need help.
I'm going to buy me a farm.
Very little ever changes
on a farm, mister.
After here, go to the Red Cross.
That's important to you because there
is where you file claim to a pension.
That silver plate in your skull
entitles you to a pension.
You don't think I'll charge
somebody for that, do you?
Lots of men say that, Corporal.
But you file that claim with
the Red Cross anyway.
Did you sign for this
insurance when you went in?
Between now and the next year and a
half you'll have to convert that policy.
In the meantime ..
Don't forget to pay your premiums.
- Don't worry. I won't.
You left college in the middle
of your freshman year, huh?
Right after Pearl Harbor.
- Returning to school, I suppose?
Well, I hadn't thought about it.
Let's see.
You worked for your father one summer in
the construction business, didn't you?
I was getting primed for football.
It might be a good idea of you to
take some engineering courses.
Maybe. But first I want to get home.
You and me both, Mack.
Tabeshaw?
- Here.
Total: $455.97.
Back pay is $387.42.
Railway fare to Stinking Creek New
Mexico at 5-cents a mile is $68.55.
A hundred dollars mustering-out pay.
- We give you the first hundred now.
The second mailed from Washington
to your home in thirty days.
The third hundred 30 days after that.
- So you can't blow it all at once, huh?
That's the skinny, Corporal.
- Count it.
Are you kidding?
Tabeshaw.
Your discharge button, your honorable
discharge and an envelope to keep it in.
Thank you, sir.
- Good luck, Tabeshaw.
You can keep the change.
Hi, Cliff.
Hi. What's your name?
I'm Freddy Stewart.
Freddy Stewart?
Why, the last time I saw
you, you were this high.
Now I am this high.
- You sure are.
So long.
- So long.
Hi.
Your folks aren't home.
Your father is playing golf and your
mother is out shopping with my mother.
I'm sure they'll be positively grim ..
When they discover you came back from
the wars and they weren't here.
Welcome home.
What do you like to be
called? Leatherneck?
Marine or devil dog?
'Marine' suits me fine.
Just plain marine.
Okay, marine. I'm Helen Ingersoll.
We are your next-door neighbors.
What happened to the Cranshaws?
They moved north to Alameda three
years ago. Lucky for us too.
Because when daddy transferred here from
Detroit we didn't have a place to live.
Daddy is production manager at Lockheed.
And although we could have got into
war housing, we thought maybe ..
But you're bored, aren't you?
No. Go ahead.
I'm interested in people.
Especially our new neighbors.
We'll be your neighbors
for a long time too.
Daddy says southern California is
the coming part of the country.
Daddy says six out of every ten veterans
will settle here after the war.
Daddy says that ..
- Never mind about your daddy.
Haven't you got any ideas of your own?
For a returned marine I've
got some super ideas.
Anything I can help you with?
No thanks. I'll see you later.
Okay. Bye.
What will it be, chum?
Don't 'chum' me you
four-eyed little square.
Cliff.
Cliff Harper.
Well, Cliff. You are back.
You're back from the thing.
- I sure am, Scuffy.
Well, well.
Say.
You did alright, chum.
You did fine.
- You did alright yourself.
Why, when I left here this was nothing
but a candy and ice-cream parlor.
La Guerre, chum. La Guerre.
That's French for 'The war', chum.
The war.
Yes. What with all the rationing and
the liquor license I finally got ..
I'd have been a creep not
to jump on the gravy train.
Good going.
Give me a rum and coke.
Are you all in one piece?
Yes, sir.
I'm rigged as good as the day we took
the city championship away from Fairfax.
Boy, I'll never forget that one.
No, Chum.
Your money buys nothing here.
Until tomorrow.
Well, thanks.
Glad you are back, chum.
See your kisser?
Yeah. Where did you get it?
I mailed your ma for it.
- Hey. I am right next to Pinky.
Not only is he a
Lieutenant senior grade.
Having distinguished
himself as a naval flier.
But he's sitting right in
that booth over there.
Hey, Pinky.
Look what the marines threw back.
Cliff. How are you?
You're home.
- Yeah.
When did you get in?
- Just got off the train.
This is Cliff Harper.
- Hi.
These are two tired old crumbs.
I've made them even more tired by
telling them what a big hero I am.
Hey, grab it.
- Thanks.
How was it, Cliff?
It was alright. How was it with you?
Upstairs it was fine.
The minute I got back to the flight
deck it nearly drove me nuts.
I'll bet.
If you gents aren't careful you
are going to get maudlin.
Pat Ruscomb - this is Cliff Harper.
Hello.
Don't let the uniform fool you, Pat.
He is a civilian.
You're on terminal leave?
- I'm in for the duration.
The duration of the peace.
If they start another war,
brother, I'm resigning.
I have enough points to get
out but I like the navy.
I wanted the navy even before the war.
That's the kind of guy I am.
Any idea where they will send you?
There's a new carrier been
commissioned I'm bucking for.
I'd have been out of these today
but my clothes don't fit.
Going back to school?
I don't know.
Maybe.
That's one thing I'll miss.
But I'll be getting back more often to
see you guys and shoot it with you.
I know I want to.
Let's dance.
Alright.
Are you with Pinky?
With nobody.
Pinky didn't bring you?
I drove over by myself.
But I'm driving you home.
You know that, huh?
- Uhuh.
You told me.
When?
When you sat down next to me.
Do you want to say goodbye to them?
I'll say goodbye tomorrow.
This is it.
A bit on the elegant side, but home.
I share it with a friend of mine
who works for the government.
Not bad.
I thought it would work out pretty well.
Having someone around all the time.
So far, she's been in Washington
for the last three months.
Uhuh.
That gives you a little more room, huh?
Uhuh.
Is this your home town?
Yep.
Glad to be home?
Uhuh.
Marines are ..
Kind of rugged, huh?
Yep.
Well, that's fine.
Now, what do we talk about?
Not much of a talker.
Come here.
What if I don't?
You will.
I liked it.
I've got to tell you something.
It's true.
When I saw you, funny things happened.
I couldn't wait to put
my arms around you.
Don't be frightened.
It isn't love.
I don't think so.
What is it?
Lots of things.
Growing up.
Six, eight, ten months in the Pacific.
And.
A jukebox joint.
And then a room that's not too crowded.
All those things.
Half of them is enough.
You are pretty grown up.
For a kid your age.
If you're laughing at
me I don't like it.
I'm sorry.
Who's Flash Gordon?
His name is John Ruscomb.
First Lieutenant AEF.
8th Bomber Command.
Who's he?
My husband.
If you hadn't had his picture here ..
I don't think I'd care one way or the
other whether you were married or not.
But this way ..
I don't like me and I don't like you.
Great.
Where is he?
They.
Buried him in France.
They sent me the name of the
place about three weeks ago.
I ..
You're sorry.
I'm sorry too.
Sit down.
I ..
Met John about three years ago.
I was a hostess at the canteen
and he was a cadet.
It happened like that.
I went around with him until he got his
wings and his assignment to go overseas.
And away he went.
Out into the wild blue yonder.
It's very corny but true.
That's what makes it so corny.
It's happened to so many.
The last letter I got from him,
he'd made a second mission.
The C.O. told me he was
killed on his third.
He has been dead about fourteen months.
They sent me a package.
With some of his personal things in it.
But I never opened it.
I sent it to his family.
They live in Louisville.
They ought to give purple
hearts for war widows.
You are sweet.
I'll see you again.
I want to kiss you goodbye.
But the room is too crowded.
Goodbye, Cliff.
Goodbye, Pat.
Cliff.
- Dad.
How are you, son?
- I'm okay.
Where have you been?
- I left a note for you.
We called Scuffys. You weren't there.
Your mother is nearly
crazy waiting for you.
Why didn't you let us know?
- I thought I'd surprise you, dad.
You look mighty fit, son.
- I feel great too.
Amy.
Amy, he is here.
She has been crying ever
since she got home.
Imagine that.
Cliff.
My boy.
- Ma.
My boy.
You're home. Thank god.
Thank god.
He is home for good, Amy.
Be a good girl and don't carry on so.
You are thin.
- Thin?
He is thirty-two pounds heavier
than when he left here.
I felt just awful when I saw your note.
I could have killed myself for
going shopping this afternoon.
But we're having company for a barbecue
tonight and I had to get some things.
It was kinda spooky coming home
and not finding anyone around.
How does it look, Cliff?
Does it look the same to you?
Fine, ma. It looks just fine.
You're not tired after your trip?
- No. I'm alright.
You're old enough to
handle this now, son.
I've been saving this bourbon
for when you got home.
Say when.
Clifford.
CW, do you want to make him sick?
Women don't understand
us fighting men, son.
Glad to have you back from the wars.
Glad to be back.
I guess after the G.I. food
you'll enjoy home cooking.
I sure will, ma.
But I've got so much to talk about
I don't know where to begin.
To tell you where I've
been, what I saw ..
Don't talk about it, Cliff. I know
you don't want to talk about it.
It's sure great to have you home, son.
Now you two hurry and get washed up.
Company will be here before you know it.
That's the last club you'll get.
Is this the bag you wanted, ma?
- Yes.
Sure. There we are.
How you doing, dad?
- Fine, son. Fine.
If he gives me one of these ..
And I have this left.
I go down. See?
Want a cold drink
or something, Clifford?
No thanks, ma. I'm alright.
- That's fine, dear.
Did you play gin in the marines, Cliff?
No, Mr Ingersoll. Mostly Acey Deucey.
Sometimes a little poker.
In the last show CW and I
had a boy in our company.
A fellow named Scotty Blodgett.
He knocked off over $60,000
shooting crap in Paris.
What's the matter with the kids in
this war, Cliff? Nobody gambles.
There was a little of it, I guess.
I left a note for him that I'd be here.
- Who?
I told you. Tommy Hendricks.
He's taking me to the dance tonight.
He is her steady.
- Father.
You wouldn't be in the mood to
treat me to a drink, would you?
Yes, ma'am.
How is one?
I think you're safe.
- I have three.
You get fourteen.
In spite of what your old man tells you
that's the way to play gin, my boy.
I takes it as is.
What? No glass chaser?
- Just neat.
Hi.
- Where have you been?
Well, I couldn't get my car started.
That is, right away.
Cliff, this is Tommy Hendricks.
Tommy - Cliff Harper.
Hiya, Tommy.
- How are you, sir?
Do you think we'll make it?
Relax, Tommy.
I'll need a wrap.
Tommy, would you mind stepping through
the hedge and getting it for me?
Sure.
- Thank you.
We could be more comfortable.
Smoke?
I'm dying for one, but ..
My father. You know.
Yeah. I know.
My folks were like that
too when I was your age.
I'm not so young.
This thing needs oiling.
What it needs is using.
I've waited three and half
years to sit here and use this.
Oiling or no oiling.
Was it rugged?
Was what rugged?
The war. You know.
Yep. Got to get some oil tomorrow.
Tomorrow is Sunday.
You mean today started this morning?
- Sure. It started at ..
You want to go to the beach tomorrow?
- Tomorrow I sleep.
I honestly don't think I can take this
any longer, kid. It's making me seasick.
I thought the marines
were good on land or sea.
I'm an ex-marine.
Here you are.
I'm happy to have met you, sir.
- Same here, Tommy.
Have a good time.
- We sure will, sir.
Yes, sir.
Goodnight, Cliff.
I'm the dummy.
Ma, if you don't tell anybody I won't.
I saw you and Helen over
by the swing together.
Yeah.
The Ingersolls are nice people.
- They seem to be alright.
Helen can cook and sew and
is wonderful in the garden.
She's very smart in school.
- How's her knitting?
She'll be a sophomore next term at
USC and she made a very good sorority.
Amy darling.
- Yes, dear?
We made three hearts and rubber.
That's wonderful, dear.
We'll talk some more about it, son.
We have so much to talk about.
How are you doing, son?
- I guess I'll hit the sack, dad.
Alright, son. It's been a long day.
Goodnight, dad.
Goodnight, everybody.
- Goodnight.
Goodnight, ma.
- Goodnight, son.
Goodnight Cliff.
The poor kid is bushed.
Remember the day we got out?
We didn't stop celebrating for 72 hours.
Hi.
- Hiya, sailor.
What gives?
My folks had a barbecue last night.
It turned out to be a homecoming.
I had one of those things.
It turned out to be murder.
Half of them were afraid if they
said anything it would upset me.
The other half were afraid if I said
something I'd upset them.
Look, my friend. Let's face it.
Nobody is going to listen to us.
Let's take an hour off. You tell me
what you did. I tell you what I did.
You got it.
In the meantime we turn our
talents to something gainful.
Want to go skating?
I haven't had a pair of
skates on in four years.
I have got a date with Pat.
Pat who?
The girl you took out of Scuffys
yesterday without saying goodbye to me.
Oh. That girl.
Grab yourself a date.
I pick you up in an hour.
I'll try to think of somebody. Goodbye.
What you mean, goodbye?
I pick you up in an hour.
Goodbye for yesterday.
Hey, do you skate?
Do you skate?
Why, natch.
Hi.
- Hi.
Hi.
He said he'd get somebody. He did.
And she's cute.
Hey, aren't you going
to the beach with me?
I'm so sorry, Tommy.
Something terribly important has
come up and I just can't go today.
And get some clothes on.
He's such a child.
- Helen Ingersoll - Pat Ruscomb.
Hello Pat.
Things good with you?
- Everything is fine.
You guys?
- Aye aye, sir.
Where do you get the skates?
- Over this way.
I'll get them.
- Size 3 for me. Figure skates.
Are you in the Sonia Henie
department too?
You a flat foot?
- I come with you.
Give me a pair of
figures for a girl size 3.
A pair for a girl size 6.
A 10 for me, and you sir?
Make mine size 11. Figure skates.
I'm one of those hot kids.
- The girls seem to get along alright.
Pat can take care of
herself anywhere anytime.
Skip the details. Just tell me.
Is she is or is she ain't your girl?
Pat is nobody's girl but Johnny's.
What you mean is, she's not yours?
Me for the 'life of the
bounding main' my friend.
I don't figure.
Carry on.
Anybody who can't do this is grounded.
Hiya, fellahs.
Ever do much skating, Mrs Ruscomb?
Yes and no.
I was careful when I first got on ice.
You can get an awful rash on your back.
- Why?
Why don't one of you
fellows help Mrs Ruscomb?
That's me.
They all laughed when
I sat down to skate.
Very neat.
I know. I feel so old when
she calls me Mrs Ruscomb.
Come on. Let's try it.
She doesn't need any help at all.
Watch me.
Coffee?
Two coffees please.
Where did you learn to skate like that?
In a little town you never
heard of. In Wisconsin.
Tell me. I'll look it up on the map.
Ready?
Ready.
- Chippewa Falls.
Chippewa Falls?
I'll remember that.
- You have enough to remember.
I'm forgetting things
so I'll have my room.
You ought to try it sometime.
I will. Sometime.
Was it a lake or a river
in Chippewa Falls?
A river filled with deadheads.
Anybody I know?
A deadhead is a piece of timber
that has been waterlogged.
It just sits in the river with its head
above water going no place.
Then it's somebody I know.
Excuse me a minute.
Hiya, doll face.
Close in, marine.
I'm getting the shakes.
Go ahead. Shake.
Thanks.
Anybody looking?
What if they are?
Feeling better?
The doctor said they
would wear off in time.
Once you get home and things
brighten up you'll be fine.
I'm not going home.
My folks would go nuts if
they could see me like this.
I couldn't take it.
Where do you live, soldier?
Boise, Idaho.
I got a 21-day pass from the hospital.
I've used up five of them already.
I guess I had better check
back to the hospital.
You being afraid to go
home reminds me of myself.
My first year in high school.
My first dance.
My mother made my dress for me.
I was so sure it was awful that every
time a boy came and asked me to dance ..
I made up some silly excuse.
I was afraid to get out on the floor.
I was afraid people would laugh.
I was panicking.
'Patricia', I said to myself.
This is your first dance and
it's going to be your last.
Unless you stop being so ridiculous.
And beat this here and now.
While I have this big argument with
myself a cute little boy comes up.
And asked the girl next to me.
And before I knew what I was doing
I grabbed him and I was dancing.
And after that it was a cinch.
You figure I can beat this
by taking up dancing?
All I'm saying ..
Is let them look.
And if they don't like it.
Let them kill themselves.
Sure.
Let them kill themselves.
Thanks.
A good job.
That's us. Service with a smile.
You okay?
- Yeah.
A good deal.
I hope he does go home.
You handled him well, Pat.
- He is nice.
The coffee is cold.
I'll get some more.
Never mind. Come on, let's skate.
Come on, son.
Rise and shine.
Up and at 'em. Hit the deck.
Come on. A wonderful morning. God is
in heaven. All is right with the world.
Knock it off.
- Don't pound that pillow all day.
There's work to be done
and a world to be won.
It's too early, dad.
You got mail. A man must read his mail.
- The same old malarkey.
'We have your post-war
bungalow ready for you'.
'Today. Now'.
'Sign up for that post-war
trip around the world'.
'Today. Now'.
Everything has to be today.
And plugs from eighteen
veterans outfits.
Be careful of those, son.
Some of them can be bad.
Ever hear of the American
War Patriots? What's that?
I don't know. But when you want
to join up talk to me about it.
When I want to join up?
Gee, that's some suit.
Pretty snappy, huh?
I hope you charged it to
me like I told you to.
I've still got plenty of
cash, dad. 920 bucks.
I don't need your money for a long time.
Thanks anyway.
But ..
But if you don't start on something
your money won't last forever.
Know that, Cliff.
How about school?
It starts Monday.
Made up your mind yet?
I've made up my mind
about one thing, dad.
And that is not to make up my mind.
For a while yet.
Sure. Sure, Cliff.
I just thought I'd mention it.
Waffles.
Why, ma. That's sensational.
You always liked them.
I remember one night.
I forget where it was.
We were in a foxhole.
You don't know what a foxhole is, ma.
But try to think of three fellows
lying in a telephone booth.
It's raining and hot and ..
I don't want to upset you
ma but it really stunk.
I tried.
To think of something that would ..
Take my mind off how rugged it was.
So, for no reason at all
I thought of your waffles.
Son, don't talk about it. Just eat.
Anybody who talks about
another war us out of his mind.
Those foxholes sure can stink.
Clifford darling, please
don't lie in the past.
I'm not living in the past, ma.
I was just ..
What's that?
That's my past.
Hiya, Bill.
- Hiya, partner.
The kid from the Quadulane.
- In the flesh.
How is it, Cliff? What's the word?
- Everything's swell.
Come on in and meet my mother.
- These kids round here sure know you.
You must spend all your time digging
to scoop out a foxhole like this.
Ma.
I want you to meet a friend of mine.
Bill Tabeshaw. Bill - my mother.
Happy to know you, Bill.
Thank you, ma'am.
I'm glad to meet Cliff's mother.
Cliff is just having his breakfast.
Would you like a waffle?
No thanks, ma'am. But a cup
of coffee would be mighty fine.
Right.
Go ahead and finish your chow, Cliff.
Come on now. Sound off.
Where have you been?
How's the hunk of metal in your skull?
Say, I'm getting to like it
better than my own head.
So how do you like me?
Too beautiful for Stinking
Creek, New Mexico.
It's nothing.
Nothing that don't set you
back two months' pay.
Sit down, ma. Listen to the scuttlebutt.
- Thank you, ma'am.
What happened in Diego?
Remember I left the station to
cross the street for a beer?
Yeah.
Coming back I'm hailed by a couple of ..
A couple of girls going to
Tijuana to get some nylons.
You know me. I tag along.
I get down there and I get picked up by
two promoters who want to play red dog.
I figured they've seen the gooney bird
on my blouse. They know I'm loaded so ..
I play them very close.
I clipped them for 21 hundred fish.
Hubba hubba.
Still got it?
I'm going to keep it. I'm catching me
that Grand Canyon Limited tonight.
If they let a guy dressed
like you on the train.
Day after tomorrow I lay this dough down
for some ranch and I'm raising steers.
So hear this. What you
got on the roster today?
You tell me.
I've got to make a slight social call.
Has she got a sister?
This is a boy who was laying
next to me in the hospital.
When I got out I said
I'd play the tables.
He gave me a silver dollar for luck.
I got the luck. He gets ten percent.
You going to sit there all day and bore
my ma with the story of your life?
We're going to brighten up.
Ma'am, a pleasure to meet you. If you
ever get to Stinking Creek be sure ..
Thank you, Bill. I don't expect I will.
I sometimes wished my ma had said
that same thing years ago.
Hi.
Gee, do you look super.
Not a brass button anywhere.
You look like a dream, man.
Meet the cowboy of Quadulane.
Bill Tabeshaw - Helen Ingersoll.
Hello Bill.
- Miss Ingersoll, it's a pleasure.
What you up to?
The same thing I'm up to everyday
about this time. Waiting for you.
Haven't you got anything else to do?
Want some high-class chauffeuring?
A tour of the city with some
sightseeing chatter thrown in.
Boy, when you marines make up
your minds you make up your minds.
Do you know where 1121 South Orlando is?
I can't do it.
I can't do it. They hurt.
Come on, Perry. Give it another chance.
Shall we take her?
- No, honey. It won't be fun for you.
Sure, Bill. Go ahead.
You are a nice kid.
Thanks, grandpa.
[ Door knocks ]
Come in.
Son. You have visitors.
- Bill.
What do you say, partner?
How are you anyway?
Fine, cowboy.
Ma, this is the boy who was with me in
hospital. He had the bunk next to mine.
Hello.
Gunny, shake hands with ex-marine
corporal Bill Tabeshaw.
Hi, Gunner.
Gunny Watrous.
Rehabilitation office, Los Angeles.
Glad to know you.
PFC Cliff Harper - Mrs Kincheloe.
How do you do.
- Sergeant?
How are you?
- I'm Perry Kincheloe.
Hiya, Perry.
- Hi there.
Hi, Sergeant.
Hi Perry.
This is my youngest son, James.
Hi fellahs.
Working out this afternoon?
Better limber up first with the rope.
Sure. I'll whip it to death.
- Come on, James.
You're always welcome here.
Drop in often, will you.
Thank you, ma'am.
- We will, Mrs Kincheloe.
I remember seeing your papers when
they came through the office, Harper.
I wrote you a letter asking if
we can do anything to help.
Never got a word from you.
The letters a guy gets when he's
mustered out are murder, Sergeant.
It's just that everybody wants to help.
I thought letter writing was a lost art.
Like steer milking.
I have to get on.
I'll drop in again next week, Perry.
So long, men.
If you need any advice, Harper.
Just look in the wastebasket
and fish out that letter.
If I don't hear from you in forty
days you will get another.
Man, you're loaded.
What's this for?
- That's your cut.
I took the lucky silver
dollar you gave me.
And rolled it until it
showed 2,100 iron men.
Mighty nice of you Bill but I don't
need it. I got one more lucky dollar.
Well, turn it over, man.
I'll put it to work for you.
This one belongs to me.
That kid is skipping rope.
He is pretty good too.
'Young Perry' I'll title him.
All this year I'm working
on his wind and balance.
Next year I'll teach him timing.
He'll be adding weight by then.
I'll work him every year until he's 16.
That's when I had my first bout.
Then he'll be ready.
He's got a pair of shoulders like yours.
When he gets some meat behind them.
And if his jaw ain't made of
glass he'll be as good as I was.
Somebody in this family
has got to be a fighter.
You ain't by any chance trying to put
your life into Jimmy's, are you Perry?
Why not?
I got no life of my own left.
- Now don't give me that.
Do what you did at the hospital.
Put 'em on, mate. Put 'em on.
Number one. They murder me.
Number two. After I've got
them on, what have I got?
Cowboy, you have no idea
what a feeling I get ..
Letting my mother look at me like this.
I get sick in my stomach when she has to
help me in the chair. When she has to ..
Lift me back in the bed.
I'm twenty-one and I'm dead.
Now listen, dummy.
I'm pulling out for steak
and beer tonight.
When I return I'll see
you with those legs on.
I want see you kicking them around like
you were born with them. You hear me?
Got you, Bill.
That's what the man said.
Have a nice trip.
- Semper fidelis.
Drop around again, mate.
- I'll be by, Perry.
I'll be here.
I owe this to Perry.
I borrowed it from him at the hospital.
Well .. are you sure?
Ma'am, that's $200 there. I'd not
be giving it to you unless I'm sure.
Thanks.
Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Goodbye, Mrs Kincheloe.
- Goodbye, Mr Harper.
How are you, chums?
- Hiya, Scuffy.
Cliff. Hello. What will you have?
Rum and coke.
Go on. Tell the man.
Make it the same, Scuffy.
Now please. You know the law.
Come on, Scuffy. I've been
eighteen since last March.
Well, you come back
in about three years.
And bring your birth certificate too.
Right now, no rum.
A bourbon and ginger ale.
A bourbon and ginger ale.
A rum and coke.
Come back in three years.
You know, Bill.
That Perry.
He is never going to put on those legs.
And what he says makes sense.
That's what rocks you.
You know, when I left him at
Mare Island he was coming along.
I guess it's because there was thousands
of guys around us in the same fix.
The war was still on.
It was like when we hit the beaches.
Yeah. We were a team.
Everybody together.
A guy next to you who you can depend on.
Didn't know where you were
going but it was the same place.
So what difference did it make?
Now we're civilians again.
Rugged individuals.
There's nobody to tell us
what to do or when to do it.
We're on our own.
Perry, you, me. All of us.
Well, we've been gabbing for it.
Now we got it.
What you doing?
I've driven you fellows
on your business.
This is my business.
- How's business?
Which one of you is the lucky one?
No. I'm staying.
- Come on, Cliff.
Okay.
I brought you one of our
very best rum-less cokes.
I need a little courage.
Come on. I'll bring you up to date.
Cliff Harper.
You've been holding out on me.
Cliff, you make the rest
look like learners.
Should have seen me when I was young.
Let's have another one.
Any nickels?
Say, not bad at all.
- Yes, sir.
You kids are really groovy.
You're next Bill whether
you like it or not.
He's an old man, Helen.
Let him have his drink in peace.
Hey. I didn't pick that.
There must be somebody ahead of you.
Hi, Pat.
- Hi.
You're a good dancer.
- A girl always makes me look good.
You'll wear yourself out
doing it all afternoon.
I haven't been doing it all afternoon.
- No? Where you been, to the beach?
Making a bad social call.
Anybody I know?
You don't want to know him.
- You can't tell. I know many people.
What about tonight?
No good for tonight.
I like your new clothes.
I'll get used to them.
- Do you like my new dress?
I can't see anything but your eyes.
Are you sure about tonight?
I am pretty sure.
Hiya, Pat.
Very sure. Hello.
Captain Winthrop - ex-marine Harper.
How do you do.
- How are you, Captain?
I'll see you later.
Who's the babe, Clifford?
- My best friend.
No, no. A man's best
friend is his mother.
Pardon me.
- Where you going?
I just remembered a
previous engagement I had.
Thanks for the chauffeuring, Helen.
Well, I got to shove.
What's she mad about?
When she brightens up you
can write me a long letter.
You can also write me when
you get rid of that heartburn.
Take my advice and get yourself some
traveller's checks for that dough.
I'll be alright.
You figure this heap will
last until Union Station?
It did yesterday.
Keep pushing, Bill.
Take it easy, Clifford. Be good.
Oh, mother. Come on, come on.
Let the Carters wait five minutes.
Clifford, where have you been?
- Out.
Aren't you going to say
good evening, son?
Sorry dad. Good evening.
- That's better.
Son, you should call your mother
when you don't come home.
Instead of letting her
worry her head off.
Sorry, ma. I just didn't think.
That's one of your troubles, Clifford.
You never do much thinking.
Lay off me, will you ma.
Are you sick, Clifford?
- No. I'm alright.
Your father and I would like
to talk to you a moment.
Sure.
Go ahead, dear.
Cliff.
Your mother and I haven't been
seeing much of you lately.
We'd just like to ask you
where you have been.
And if you are happy.
What father is trying to say Clifford is
we are disappointed in your behaviour.
Why are you disappointed?
You come home, grab a bite
to eat and then you're off again.
I suppose you're gallivanting around
with boys like this Bill Tabeshaw and ..
Not the sort of company ..
Tabeshaw is my buddy.
The only guy who ..
Cliff.
What your mother is trying to say is
that since you've been back we are ..
Well .. just haven't been able to ..
Well son, it's just not like old times.
Maybe it's because old times
is three and half years ago, dad.
I know you're both sore at me.
Because I didn't go back to school.
You're upset as I've done nothing.
But I'm not ready yet.
That's all.
We had other plans.
Plans about the present.
About your future.
Maybe I have to make my own
plans about the future, ma.
I think I'll have a
beer and hit the sack.
There's a cold plate in
the icebox for you, dear.
You'll feel better later, Cliff.
Come over to the Carters.
Thanks.
Are you alright?
- Sorry. I'm fine.
I'm sorry.
I must be very, very hammered.
You're okay.
Goodnight Captain.
- Night.
I had a wonderful evening.
Officer, there's a man following me.
Have a cigarette.
Have a drink.
Well, have something.
I thought I said I was
going to be busy tonight.
So, you are busy.
So. I was busy.
What do you want to see me about?
I can say it all in a minute.
Fine.
I'll time you.
You are a tramp.
That leaves you just forty seconds.
[ Buzzer ]
Hot coffee.
If I'd wanted coffee I'd have made it.
You still owe me forty seconds.
I don't owe you anything.
Except for the price of that coffee.
If you tell me how much it was I'll
pay you and you can get out of here.
Come on. Drink this.
I'll tell you how I got my silver star.
I don't want to know anything about you.
Take a sip and then I'll go.
I'm sorry I called you that.
I came back to tell you.
That's very nice of you.
Very generous.
I know I shouldn't have
acted the way I did, but ..
I was beginning to think
of you as my girl.
Try to see it my way.
You're smart, Pat.
Of course I am smart.
And lots of smart girls like me.
We had a choice to make and we made it.
My John married me because ..
When he went to war he wanted
to be able to dream of home.
That's why I married him.
I wanted him to have that dream.
The thing I didn't count on was
that at the end of the war ..
John's coming home would be my dream.
And the war is over.
And John isn't coming home.
And I'm stuck with my dream.
'Patricia', I said to myself.
'This is your first dance'.
'And it's going to be your last'.
'Unless you stop being so ridiculous'.
'And beat this here and now'.
That's what the girl
said to the soldier, Pat.
That's exactly what she said.
Cliff.
Yep?
Could I have a cigarette?
What did you want to see me about?
I'm lonesome.
There are too many people in this town.
And you've got to be lonesome for me?
Does that make sense?
A lot of things don't make sense.
For instance.
Why was I so burned up when
I saw you with that captain?
That captain was John's co-pilot.
He is on terminal leave passing
through town on his way home.
Yeah.
And.
We talked about John.
And France.
He told me so many things about
John I had wanted to know.
Somehow.
Just for a moment.
He almost seemed to be John.
Is that alright?
Yes.
It's alright.
Pat. I am lonesome.
There is nobody.
Nobody?
My pal left for home.
Helen doesn't talk my kind of talk.
And my folks.
What's the matter with your folks?
I don't know.
I don't know what is the
matter with me either.
We just don't seem to get along.
Do you know why you are lonesome?
You've got nothing to do.
You have no interests.
What are you, a blank?
No. I mean.
Work or a job.
What kind of a job?
I don't know. What have you ever done?
Go to school.
Go to war.
Have you ever tried working?
Can you keep a secret?
'Keep-a-secret Ruscomb'.
That's what they call me at the club.
I tried working.
Half a day at a filling station.
And half a day at J.C. Roberts.
Men's clothing.
You were too good for them.
- No. They were swell jobs.
Someone else got them
and was going great.
It's me that's wrong.
I guess I just don't
fit in any place yet.
What about your father's office?
Too easy. Maybe later.
What do you do, Pat?
Ever since August 14.
Radios, recording machines, phonographs.
Do you think I could get in there?
We are hiring veterans every day.
You're a vet. You get the job.
It would be nice being
close to you all the time.
Would it?
You know what I'm talking about.
You know what I'm thinking about.
I think I'll go to work.
Monday.
That's a nice, clean decision.
Try and make it last.
Through the day.
No. Not me. I'm not joining anything.
What have they got to offer?
- I don't know.
Some of those veterans organisations
have done some pretty good things.
I guess they have.
So many new ones have come along I don't
know which is good and which is lousy.
I got a pitch last night from one outfit
called American War Patriots.
Ever catch them?
- Not yet.
But they will get to me. They all do.
Why can't the girls put the transformers
together so a guy can check them right?
There is another reject.
"Ben Hartman report to personnel."
"Ben Hartman report to personnel."
You've rejected a lot of
good material, Harper.
I call them as I see them.
Try it now.
What was wrong?
- You're off two degrees.
Got it. Okay.
Why not take ten minutes for a smoke?
This heat digs into everybody.
I've been in hotter places.
- I know that.
If I hadn't been ..
I'd have been sat at this bench
working at it for three years.
And I'd be as good as you.
Better, I think.
Quit riding me.
- I'm not riding you. I try not to.
I don't need any help from you.
If fighting would help
any, I'd take you on.
Hi.
Coffee. Black.
- Give me another one.
What's driving you to drink, Cliff?
I'll tell you.
It's the needles on the test tubes.
You see .. they were off two degrees.
Oh, Cliff.
I made a dummy out of myself.
The foreman tried to straighten
me out on things and ..
I got sore at him.
Now you're over it.
He'll forget about it.
I've been thinking.
I'll listen.
Okay.
Okay.
I'm back from the war. I'm lucky.
I've got two arms, two legs
and two eyes. Right?
Right.
- Right.
Nine out of ten fellows coming home
are going to be in the same shape.
Uhuh. Normal.
Normal.
Then what's burning me up?
I'm edgy.
I feel out of things.
Do you know why?
Tell me and we'll both know.
Because I have been scrounged.
I'm robbed of three and a half years.
Somebody stole my time.
Look, Cliff.
You can't twist up the rest of your
life worrying about lost time.
I know that.
I know. But if I had been in school ..
Maybe I would have an
engineering degree.
I might even have made
a good fraternity.
You made a good fraternity.
With fourteen million members.
Well, I had to be doing something.
I'm near you.
That's not much to make a career over.
What about going to the beach tonight?
As soon as we finish.
Sounds good.
- Okay.
Anything else?
- No. I've had enough.
I'm glad to see that stuff
isn't getting to you.
"Adele Jensen. Call purchasing."
"Adele Jensen. Call purchasing."
Hey, Hal.
Yeah, Harper?
I should have kept my
eyes on that tester.
You've a beef but I can't
help you square it.
Only time can.
Don't let that bench get you down.
After you learn every part of a radio
we transfer you someplace else.
I must start somewhere.
- You're doing okay.
"Cliff Harper. You are wanted
in the superintendent's office."
I'll see you.
Hello Harper.
Remember me?
Sure, Sergeant.
You kept your promise.
I got a second letter from you.
I didn't answer because ..
I have been pretty busy.
- Yeah.
You're doing alright.
- On the level?
No squawks?
- Of course not.
You've been out of the
Corps a few weeks.
It's kinda tough getting yourself
reorganised. Indoor work, but ..
You will make out.
These people here know
what you're up against.
80 percent of their men are veterans.
- And good guys.
No. You are no problem.
But I'd like to talk to
you about my problem.
One of them anyway.
What?
Remember Perry?
Yeah.
I'd be a problem too if I
had both my legs amputated.
I'll only be a minute.
- Take two.
Hiya, Cliff.
How you doing?
Hello, Mr Harper.
- Hello, Mrs Kincheloe.
How would you boys like
some nice cold iced-tea?
It's hot enough for anything cold.
Jimmy, go and help ma.
Don't let me break it up.
Did you ever punch bag?
No. But I have always wanted to.
What have you heard from Tabeshaw?
- Not a word.
If you're going to do it you
might as well do it right.
The idea is to keep it going.
Keep your eye on the one spot
and hit the centre of the bag.
So you're sure to meet
it as it comes to you.
Go ahead. Try it.
Say, this is alright.
You should teach this stuff, Perry.
I mean to a lot of people.
Gunny sent you?
Yeah, he did.
He sent me books to read about
being a playground instructor.
Did you read them?
How can I teach kids games?
- You teach Jimmy.
I can't teach him footwork.
You could if you'd put on
those legs they gave you.
They hurt.
Look, Perry.
You aren't doing yourself or anyone else
any good by refusing to lick this thing.
Maybe.
Why didn't Gunny tell me this himself?
He thought if he said it,
it would be official.
I got nothing against topside.
But if Gunny shows me a book teaching me
how to win boxing matches with no legs.
I'll read it.
No good?
I guess I made it even worse.
How is it?
- Still wet.
You're dripping on me.
- A little water will never hurt you.
You like?
I think I'll just do this
for the rest of my life.
Have me rub your back?
That.
Live on the beach and swim.
Lay on the sand in front of a fire.
Yes, sir. That's what I'm going to do.
Pat.
This is the best time I've
had since I've been home.
Why shouldn't I keep on doing it?
- You might get lonesome yet.
Nearly everybody else
has something to do.
I won't be lonesome.
I'll be with you.
You're my girl.
I'm your girl.
Well then, it's all settled.
We live on the beach until
our dough runs out.
And then?
Then we'll be all straightened out.
We'll go back to work.
The foreman will still be there.
Perry still won't wear his legs.
That has got nothing to do with it.
I just feel good here doing this.
I want it to last.
Pat.
What about us getting married?
- Go on.
Me to you. You to me.
Pat.
I am levelling.
You just think you want to marry me.
I know.
- You are sure?
Positive.
That's good.
Because that's the only
thing you're positive about.
I know what I want.
You're lucky.
I don't know what I want.
You must have some idea.
I don't think my idea of heaven ..
Is to be married to a guy who wants to
lie around on a beach until he's broke.
Okay.
If you don't like my idea
of heaven, what's yours?
I don't know.
Sometimes I think if I
do get married again ..
I'd like to marry a guy who
can make things easy for me.
A man who can deliver a 20-room house ..
And thinks a 16-cylinder car is
for bringing home the groceries.
Someone who doesn't yell when I hire a
nurse for each one of the kids he wants.
You make me feel like a cheap pickup.
I'm not talking about you, Cliff.
I'm talking about me.
You ask me what I think about and
sometimes I do think about security.
I don't mean the kind of
man I was talking about.
But.
If I do get married again.
I think I'd like to end up with more
than just a gold star and nothing else.
But until then?
I ..
Live on velvet.
Where do I fit in?
You are the velvet.
Darling.
- Let's take off.
Cliff.
Yeah?
Aren't you going to kiss me goodnight?
Goodnight.
Gee, Helen. I didn't know you ..
How dare you.
Hello, Cliff.
Hi, Bill. What you doing here?
Just breezed into town.
I thought I'd look you up.
Why didn't you wait in the house?
- I came to call on you, not your folks.
Careful, you'll get your hand caught.
I need twenty bucks.
Are you in any trouble?
For twenty dollars you
want the story of my life?
You look awful.
You look cute.
Come on in the house
and we'll have a beer.
It ain't polite to drink and run.
Who are you running to?
You're asking too many questions, Cliff.
Bill. Level with me.
What's the matter with you?
Bill.
My head.
It's busting wide open.
I've had headaches for weeks.
Sometimes it's better.
Sometimes like now.
Always there's pressure.
It's like clamps on my skull.
Why not go to the veterans hospital?
My folks don't know about the
silver plate. I can't worry them.
Go on in the house. I'll get a doctor.
- No.
I've a better idea. I got 20 bucks.
Let me buy you a drink.
I'll get the car keys and take
you to the V.A. hospital.
Will you stop talking
about the V.A. hospital?
Come on, Cliff.
Let me buy you that drink.
Okay. Maybe a drink will
do us both some good.
A couple of drinks.
That's for me.
Got any pain now?
I haven't felt better since
I've been off the force.
Me too, Bill.
Now hear this.
Tomorrow morning I take
you to the V.A. hospital.
Nah. I got better plans.
I get me some dough and go
back looking for another ranch.
Whatever happened to that
$2,000 you left here with?
Ever hear of a town called Vegas?
Yeah.
Brother, that fouled me up but good.
Come on, cowboy. All of it.
Well.
I get to Vegas with the dough.
I figure $5,000 will buy me better
land and more stock than $2,000.
Right?
- That's right.
I get in a game. I play.
I lose.
Flat.
So I ask the house for a goodbye drink.
A little while later three guys
come and toss me out of the joint.
I land on the back of my head.
It starts to hurt.
Didn't you ever get to Stinking Creek?
Sure. I hired out as a cowhand.
But my head started driving me crazy.
So I thumbed my way west.
Now, I get me some more dough and I ..
Go someplace else.
I've got some money at home.
700 dollars.
What's your 700 got to do with me?
Look. As soon as we
get your head fixed up.
Which we do first thing in the morning.
Maybe I'll go into ranching with you.
You've never even been on a horse.
- I can learn.
That would be a good deal.
It ought to be kinda nice
working with an ex-buddy.
Maybe we can work Perry
in on it some way too.
That's a good idea.
But I'm not going to the hospital.
This will stop by itself.
You're no doctor.
Then the deal is off.
I get it.
You're just saying all this to
get me to go to the hospital.
You don't know what
you are talking about.
It will be swell having Perry with us.
I'll call Perry and tell him.
Let me.
I'll be right here at
the pinball machine.
Hello?
Hello, Mr Harper.
Cliff. Yes he is. Just a moment.
Thanks, ma.
Greetings, Mack.
Perry, listen. Tabeshaw is in town.
And it's not good.
The silver plate in his
skull has acted up.
But he won't let me take
him to the hospital.
Look. Can you call that rehab
Sergeant Gunny Watrous ..
And ask him to come over
here and give me a hand.
Why, sure.
Give me the address.
It's The Swan Club on Western Avenue.
And tell him to hurry, will you.
The guy is really hurt, Perry.
Got you.
So long.
What's it, son?
One of my buddies
is sick and in trouble.
You have got to help him then.
Yeah.
Yeah. He'll take it better
from me than from Gunny.
I can't help him.
Yes you can, son.
I can't, ma. I can't.
Perry.
I watched you fight over twenty fights.
Every time you got hurt ..
It hurt me too.
It didn't matter because
you were a good fighter.
And you would fight, win, lose or draw.
I'm washed up with fighting.
There are different kinds of fighting.
You been losing a fight since ..
- Don't talk foolish, ma.
What can a man do when he's got no legs?
There was a man who lost the use of
his legs when he was 39 years old.
He didn't quit.
He got to be President.
Son, it's good to see you
in your fighting clothes.
Hey, you're getting a little stinky.
I've done a little thinking.
So don't fracture yourself.
- You know what?
That ranch deal makes a lot of sense.
- Of course it makes sense.
I was kidding before but
now I'm squaring off.
I'm going to tell my girl.
She should know everything I know.
No secrets.
The only way to be happy is
not to have any secrets.
Build up my score, will you soldier?
- Okay.
Hello?
Hi.
Hello. Sourpuss.
How are you?
- I'm fine.
Where are you?
I'm with friends. We're discussing
a big deal involving you.
What did I do to deserve this?
Patricia, I'm serious.
Look.
Patricia, how would you like
to go and live on a ranch?
Well, who are you?
There's much to say.
But none are as interesting as
the fact that I'm Cliff's buddy.
Patricia, what about
this here ranch deal?
What kind of a ranch?
- Outdoor ranch.
Everyone should get a lot of fresh air.
Do you like chickens?
- They're wonderful fried.
Okay. We'll have chickens and cows.
And horses.
And maybe some pigs too.
- No rabbits?
Ah, rabbits aren't trustworthy.
Now I'll tell you the best part.
- Where is Cliff?
Cliff is here standing right next to me.
We're in an exclusive rendezvous on
Western Avenue called The Swan Club.
In order to get in you
must push the door in.
Let me talk to Cliff, will you?
Hello, Patricia.
Cliff, You're getting drunk.
Get out of there.
Look. The reason I called was to see
if you want to go to this ranch with us.
I want Yes or No. Nothing else.
Get out of there, Cliff. You can
come up here and talk if you like.
Are you giving me a 'no' for an answer?
Cliff, please.
Very well. That's all I wanted to know.
I doubt we can count on
my girl for the ranch deal.
Forget about her, friend.
If the worst comes to the
worst we'll raise women too.
Hey, you hit 35,000.
Yeah, You win a free game.
My friend, I award it to you.
With clusters.
- Thank you.
Hey, get a load of that.
What's going on there?
- I don't know. Play it down.
Get a load of him.
Hubba, hubba, hubba.
What gives?
Gives a lot. We'll secure
us a ranch. All of us.
Cliff and you and me.
And we'll hire nobody but ex-servicemen.
That's the scheme.
We can't let a guy stand
there and not get him a drink.
Right away. Got to get the man a drink.
I don't get this.
You didn't have to come, Perry.
- You said Tabeshaw was in trouble.
The plate in his head is killing him.
I wanted to get him to hospital so
I figured Gunny's the guy to help.
Could you reach him?
- No.
Just as well.
I figure the size of the ranch depends
upon the amount of cash we can get.
Let's drink to old killer Kincheloe.
Do you want anything, lady?
- Give me a rye and water please.
That blond young man standing
next to the marine.
Now, lady.
The blond young man standing
next to the marine please.
This is a nice ranch you have.
- What are you doing here?
Oh. Just having a drink with you.
Did you order?
He is getting it too.
Happy days. As they say.
Go on. Drink.
What did you come down here for?
Because.
You're drinking and you
might do something silly.
What would I do that's silly?
I thought you'd straightened yourself
out with the foreman this afternoon.
It will happen again.
Then I'll really bust him in the jaw.
That will be that.
That takes care of your job.
That leaves me.
Go home and pack your bags.
Where are we going?
- To New Mexico to buy the ranch.
This is the growing city of the world.
- Pat.
Anywhere you go you have
to face the same headaches.
It will be fun. We'll see new places.
We'll see new people.
I see new people until
it drives me crazy.
We'll be happy.
Actually, you have no beef.
Who has?
Only the men who are never coming back.
Here we go.
Right back to Johnny Ruscomb.
Did you put his picture
back on the table again?
I'm going.
With you or without you?
With you or without you, Pat?
Without me.
Pay the man for my drink.
How you doing, men?
We're doing great.
I see we belong to the same club.
Where did you sweat out the
four freedoms, brother?
They busted him out of
the army on a frame-up.
Let's see you make that one.
A sharpshooter.
Fellows, this is Mr Prager
and Mr Lawson.
Hiya, fellows.
I suppose you told them all about
our organisation, have you Mitch?
Not yet.
Ever heard of our outfit?
American War Patriots.
That's us. The local district anyway.
We got 1,700 members
throughout the country.
I've heard of most of the rest of them
but I'm afraid that's one I missed.
Son, we start where those
fussbudgets leave off.
Know what we'll do for you boys?
How'd you like a bonus $200-a-month
income for as long as you live?
Without the labor union.
You guys know 15 percent
of every paycheck you get ..
Goes to those foreign-born
labor racketeers.
That's the kind of a free
country we were fighting for.
Of course, we don't know
whether you men are eligible.
See, we have certain restrictions.
What does that mean?
No Catholics, Jews or negros.
You know, we had a
friend named Maxie Klein.
If Maxie was here he'd probably
spit right in your eye.
Yeah?
Yeah. But Maxie is dead in Guadalcanal.
So just for him I'm going
to spit in your eye.
Push them to me.
Push them to me!
This one is mine.
Go and help Perry.
Bill.
Let's take off.
- The car is out front.
You go ahead, Perry. I'll cover you.
Can you make it, Perry?
- Yeah.
Cops.
Come on. Out the back way.
I'll see if it's clear.
Alright. Break it up.
Alright, you do the talking.
You'll have to do the talking
on the way to hospital.
Get an ambulance on the double.
- Right.
I don't know what gets into you fellows.
Once you get to be a hero you figure
you've got to be a hero all your life.
If I had a plate in my skull I wouldn't
go around looking for saloon fights.
They weren't looking for it, sir.
It came to them.
Okay, Sergeant.
Get the patient ready.
Cliff.
I'm not going to run away.
Yeah. Me too.
If I make this I'll go back to Stinking
Creek and get me that cowhand job.
It will take you a little longer
to get that cattle ranch but ..
You will be home.
I listen.
Hello, Cliff.
Hello dad. Glad you got here.
How's the other boy
going to be, Sergeant?
We'll check after the operation.
I'll call you at HQ.
We are holding all those men.
You fellows get an assist
for nailing them.
Good.
I'm going to get Tabeshaw's papers
squared away with Admitting.
I'll see you all later.
- I'll go along for the ride.
So long, Perry.
It's good to be back on my feet again.
Anything else I can do?
- I think not, Lieutenant.
Thanks for picking me up and
for straightening this out.
Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
I'm glad it happened, dad.
It showed me if you believe a thing
you'd better get in and fight for it.
A lot of things have happened
to me since I've come back.
I've got a good job.
Though I don't think I
want to do it all my life.
I'd like to be with my girl all my life.
If she'd let me.
But right now, standing
here with nothing decided.
I'm better off than Perry.
And luckier than Tabeshaw.
It will take time I guess.
Sure.
You didn't make yourself
a soldier overnight.
You can't make yourself a
civilian again overnight.
I'm going to stay here and
sweat out the operation, dad.
You had better run along.
I'll sweat it out with you, son.
This is what I did when I
waited for you once before.
23 years ago come May 18th.
Ma.
How is your buddy?
- He'll make it.
Oh, I'm glad.
You alright, son?
I'm alright, ma.
And I'm staying alright.
I know you are, Cliff.
Amy, you shouldn't have
come here at this hour.
Well, I had to keep Pat company.
Pat?
Cliff.
Pat.
..s-d..
This way men.
Line up along the corridor.
Place your stuff right here.
I don't know where most of
you guys were on VJ day.
For one reason or another
you're here today.
You're being discharged.
Before you know it you'll be home.
What the Corporal is giving you
now is your master schedule.
Showing you your group and where
that group must be at what hour.
Group 1. Sound off.
McConnell.
- Marks.
Hardy.
Ramsay.
- Curran.
Tabeshaw.
- Condon.
Harper.
- Bassett.
Name?
Tabeshaw. William J. 840067.
Guadalcanal, Saipan and Iwo Jima, right?
That's right.
Silver star. Purple heart.
Hospitalised New Zealand.
Skull trepanned and
silver plate inserted.
They put that gizmo in my head to
keep my brains where they belong.
You feel okay?
With this hunk of silver and a real
dime I can always get a cup of coffee.
Name?
Harper. Clifford W.
You got the same action
record as Tabeshaw's.
We've been together since
boot camp in Diego.
More than three years.
Three years nine months.
Four battle stars and a silver star.
We parted company when he was
dumb enough to get himself shot.
Why don't you own up, Harper?
I was a big hero and you were a coward.
When I find out about your
education and military specialities.
I'll pass you on to rehab.
Going back to truck driving?
You don't work as an MP for two years
and go back to truck driving.
I want to be a cop.
The rehabilitation officer
nearest you is in New Orleans.
Here is his name and address
if you want his help.
Maybe you'll find things changed.
I don't need help.
I'm going to buy me a farm.
Very little ever changes
on a farm, mister.
After here, go to the Red Cross.
That's important to you because there
is where you file claim to a pension.
That silver plate in your skull
entitles you to a pension.
You don't think I'll charge
somebody for that, do you?
Lots of men say that, Corporal.
But you file that claim with
the Red Cross anyway.
Did you sign for this
insurance when you went in?
Between now and the next year and a
half you'll have to convert that policy.
In the meantime ..
Don't forget to pay your premiums.
- Don't worry. I won't.
You left college in the middle
of your freshman year, huh?
Right after Pearl Harbor.
- Returning to school, I suppose?
Well, I hadn't thought about it.
Let's see.
You worked for your father one summer in
the construction business, didn't you?
I was getting primed for football.
It might be a good idea of you to
take some engineering courses.
Maybe. But first I want to get home.
You and me both, Mack.
Tabeshaw?
- Here.
Total: $455.97.
Back pay is $387.42.
Railway fare to Stinking Creek New
Mexico at 5-cents a mile is $68.55.
A hundred dollars mustering-out pay.
- We give you the first hundred now.
The second mailed from Washington
to your home in thirty days.
The third hundred 30 days after that.
- So you can't blow it all at once, huh?
That's the skinny, Corporal.
- Count it.
Are you kidding?
Tabeshaw.
Your discharge button, your honorable
discharge and an envelope to keep it in.
Thank you, sir.
- Good luck, Tabeshaw.
You can keep the change.
Hi, Cliff.
Hi. What's your name?
I'm Freddy Stewart.
Freddy Stewart?
Why, the last time I saw
you, you were this high.
Now I am this high.
- You sure are.
So long.
- So long.
Hi.
Your folks aren't home.
Your father is playing golf and your
mother is out shopping with my mother.
I'm sure they'll be positively grim ..
When they discover you came back from
the wars and they weren't here.
Welcome home.
What do you like to be
called? Leatherneck?
Marine or devil dog?
'Marine' suits me fine.
Just plain marine.
Okay, marine. I'm Helen Ingersoll.
We are your next-door neighbors.
What happened to the Cranshaws?
They moved north to Alameda three
years ago. Lucky for us too.
Because when daddy transferred here from
Detroit we didn't have a place to live.
Daddy is production manager at Lockheed.
And although we could have got into
war housing, we thought maybe ..
But you're bored, aren't you?
No. Go ahead.
I'm interested in people.
Especially our new neighbors.
We'll be your neighbors
for a long time too.
Daddy says southern California is
the coming part of the country.
Daddy says six out of every ten veterans
will settle here after the war.
Daddy says that ..
- Never mind about your daddy.
Haven't you got any ideas of your own?
For a returned marine I've
got some super ideas.
Anything I can help you with?
No thanks. I'll see you later.
Okay. Bye.
What will it be, chum?
Don't 'chum' me you
four-eyed little square.
Cliff.
Cliff Harper.
Well, Cliff. You are back.
You're back from the thing.
- I sure am, Scuffy.
Well, well.
Say.
You did alright, chum.
You did fine.
- You did alright yourself.
Why, when I left here this was nothing
but a candy and ice-cream parlor.
La Guerre, chum. La Guerre.
That's French for 'The war', chum.
The war.
Yes. What with all the rationing and
the liquor license I finally got ..
I'd have been a creep not
to jump on the gravy train.
Good going.
Give me a rum and coke.
Are you all in one piece?
Yes, sir.
I'm rigged as good as the day we took
the city championship away from Fairfax.
Boy, I'll never forget that one.
No, Chum.
Your money buys nothing here.
Until tomorrow.
Well, thanks.
Glad you are back, chum.
See your kisser?
Yeah. Where did you get it?
I mailed your ma for it.
- Hey. I am right next to Pinky.
Not only is he a
Lieutenant senior grade.
Having distinguished
himself as a naval flier.
But he's sitting right in
that booth over there.
Hey, Pinky.
Look what the marines threw back.
Cliff. How are you?
You're home.
- Yeah.
When did you get in?
- Just got off the train.
This is Cliff Harper.
- Hi.
These are two tired old crumbs.
I've made them even more tired by
telling them what a big hero I am.
Hey, grab it.
- Thanks.
How was it, Cliff?
It was alright. How was it with you?
Upstairs it was fine.
The minute I got back to the flight
deck it nearly drove me nuts.
I'll bet.
If you gents aren't careful you
are going to get maudlin.
Pat Ruscomb - this is Cliff Harper.
Hello.
Don't let the uniform fool you, Pat.
He is a civilian.
You're on terminal leave?
- I'm in for the duration.
The duration of the peace.
If they start another war,
brother, I'm resigning.
I have enough points to get
out but I like the navy.
I wanted the navy even before the war.
That's the kind of guy I am.
Any idea where they will send you?
There's a new carrier been
commissioned I'm bucking for.
I'd have been out of these today
but my clothes don't fit.
Going back to school?
I don't know.
Maybe.
That's one thing I'll miss.
But I'll be getting back more often to
see you guys and shoot it with you.
I know I want to.
Let's dance.
Alright.
Are you with Pinky?
With nobody.
Pinky didn't bring you?
I drove over by myself.
But I'm driving you home.
You know that, huh?
- Uhuh.
You told me.
When?
When you sat down next to me.
Do you want to say goodbye to them?
I'll say goodbye tomorrow.
This is it.
A bit on the elegant side, but home.
I share it with a friend of mine
who works for the government.
Not bad.
I thought it would work out pretty well.
Having someone around all the time.
So far, she's been in Washington
for the last three months.
Uhuh.
That gives you a little more room, huh?
Uhuh.
Is this your home town?
Yep.
Glad to be home?
Uhuh.
Marines are ..
Kind of rugged, huh?
Yep.
Well, that's fine.
Now, what do we talk about?
Not much of a talker.
Come here.
What if I don't?
You will.
I liked it.
I've got to tell you something.
It's true.
When I saw you, funny things happened.
I couldn't wait to put
my arms around you.
Don't be frightened.
It isn't love.
I don't think so.
What is it?
Lots of things.
Growing up.
Six, eight, ten months in the Pacific.
And.
A jukebox joint.
And then a room that's not too crowded.
All those things.
Half of them is enough.
You are pretty grown up.
For a kid your age.
If you're laughing at
me I don't like it.
I'm sorry.
Who's Flash Gordon?
His name is John Ruscomb.
First Lieutenant AEF.
8th Bomber Command.
Who's he?
My husband.
If you hadn't had his picture here ..
I don't think I'd care one way or the
other whether you were married or not.
But this way ..
I don't like me and I don't like you.
Great.
Where is he?
They.
Buried him in France.
They sent me the name of the
place about three weeks ago.
I ..
You're sorry.
I'm sorry too.
Sit down.
I ..
Met John about three years ago.
I was a hostess at the canteen
and he was a cadet.
It happened like that.
I went around with him until he got his
wings and his assignment to go overseas.
And away he went.
Out into the wild blue yonder.
It's very corny but true.
That's what makes it so corny.
It's happened to so many.
The last letter I got from him,
he'd made a second mission.
The C.O. told me he was
killed on his third.
He has been dead about fourteen months.
They sent me a package.
With some of his personal things in it.
But I never opened it.
I sent it to his family.
They live in Louisville.
They ought to give purple
hearts for war widows.
You are sweet.
I'll see you again.
I want to kiss you goodbye.
But the room is too crowded.
Goodbye, Cliff.
Goodbye, Pat.
Cliff.
- Dad.
How are you, son?
- I'm okay.
Where have you been?
- I left a note for you.
We called Scuffys. You weren't there.
Your mother is nearly
crazy waiting for you.
Why didn't you let us know?
- I thought I'd surprise you, dad.
You look mighty fit, son.
- I feel great too.
Amy.
Amy, he is here.
She has been crying ever
since she got home.
Imagine that.
Cliff.
My boy.
- Ma.
My boy.
You're home. Thank god.
Thank god.
He is home for good, Amy.
Be a good girl and don't carry on so.
You are thin.
- Thin?
He is thirty-two pounds heavier
than when he left here.
I felt just awful when I saw your note.
I could have killed myself for
going shopping this afternoon.
But we're having company for a barbecue
tonight and I had to get some things.
It was kinda spooky coming home
and not finding anyone around.
How does it look, Cliff?
Does it look the same to you?
Fine, ma. It looks just fine.
You're not tired after your trip?
- No. I'm alright.
You're old enough to
handle this now, son.
I've been saving this bourbon
for when you got home.
Say when.
Clifford.
CW, do you want to make him sick?
Women don't understand
us fighting men, son.
Glad to have you back from the wars.
Glad to be back.
I guess after the G.I. food
you'll enjoy home cooking.
I sure will, ma.
But I've got so much to talk about
I don't know where to begin.
To tell you where I've
been, what I saw ..
Don't talk about it, Cliff. I know
you don't want to talk about it.
It's sure great to have you home, son.
Now you two hurry and get washed up.
Company will be here before you know it.
That's the last club you'll get.
Is this the bag you wanted, ma?
- Yes.
Sure. There we are.
How you doing, dad?
- Fine, son. Fine.
If he gives me one of these ..
And I have this left.
I go down. See?
Want a cold drink
or something, Clifford?
No thanks, ma. I'm alright.
- That's fine, dear.
Did you play gin in the marines, Cliff?
No, Mr Ingersoll. Mostly Acey Deucey.
Sometimes a little poker.
In the last show CW and I
had a boy in our company.
A fellow named Scotty Blodgett.
He knocked off over $60,000
shooting crap in Paris.
What's the matter with the kids in
this war, Cliff? Nobody gambles.
There was a little of it, I guess.
I left a note for him that I'd be here.
- Who?
I told you. Tommy Hendricks.
He's taking me to the dance tonight.
He is her steady.
- Father.
You wouldn't be in the mood to
treat me to a drink, would you?
Yes, ma'am.
How is one?
I think you're safe.
- I have three.
You get fourteen.
In spite of what your old man tells you
that's the way to play gin, my boy.
I takes it as is.
What? No glass chaser?
- Just neat.
Hi.
- Where have you been?
Well, I couldn't get my car started.
That is, right away.
Cliff, this is Tommy Hendricks.
Tommy - Cliff Harper.
Hiya, Tommy.
- How are you, sir?
Do you think we'll make it?
Relax, Tommy.
I'll need a wrap.
Tommy, would you mind stepping through
the hedge and getting it for me?
Sure.
- Thank you.
We could be more comfortable.
Smoke?
I'm dying for one, but ..
My father. You know.
Yeah. I know.
My folks were like that
too when I was your age.
I'm not so young.
This thing needs oiling.
What it needs is using.
I've waited three and half
years to sit here and use this.
Oiling or no oiling.
Was it rugged?
Was what rugged?
The war. You know.
Yep. Got to get some oil tomorrow.
Tomorrow is Sunday.
You mean today started this morning?
- Sure. It started at ..
You want to go to the beach tomorrow?
- Tomorrow I sleep.
I honestly don't think I can take this
any longer, kid. It's making me seasick.
I thought the marines
were good on land or sea.
I'm an ex-marine.
Here you are.
I'm happy to have met you, sir.
- Same here, Tommy.
Have a good time.
- We sure will, sir.
Yes, sir.
Goodnight, Cliff.
I'm the dummy.
Ma, if you don't tell anybody I won't.
I saw you and Helen over
by the swing together.
Yeah.
The Ingersolls are nice people.
- They seem to be alright.
Helen can cook and sew and
is wonderful in the garden.
She's very smart in school.
- How's her knitting?
She'll be a sophomore next term at
USC and she made a very good sorority.
Amy darling.
- Yes, dear?
We made three hearts and rubber.
That's wonderful, dear.
We'll talk some more about it, son.
We have so much to talk about.
How are you doing, son?
- I guess I'll hit the sack, dad.
Alright, son. It's been a long day.
Goodnight, dad.
Goodnight, everybody.
- Goodnight.
Goodnight, ma.
- Goodnight, son.
Goodnight Cliff.
The poor kid is bushed.
Remember the day we got out?
We didn't stop celebrating for 72 hours.
Hi.
- Hiya, sailor.
What gives?
My folks had a barbecue last night.
It turned out to be a homecoming.
I had one of those things.
It turned out to be murder.
Half of them were afraid if they
said anything it would upset me.
The other half were afraid if I said
something I'd upset them.
Look, my friend. Let's face it.
Nobody is going to listen to us.
Let's take an hour off. You tell me
what you did. I tell you what I did.
You got it.
In the meantime we turn our
talents to something gainful.
Want to go skating?
I haven't had a pair of
skates on in four years.
I have got a date with Pat.
Pat who?
The girl you took out of Scuffys
yesterday without saying goodbye to me.
Oh. That girl.
Grab yourself a date.
I pick you up in an hour.
I'll try to think of somebody. Goodbye.
What you mean, goodbye?
I pick you up in an hour.
Goodbye for yesterday.
Hey, do you skate?
Do you skate?
Why, natch.
Hi.
- Hi.
Hi.
He said he'd get somebody. He did.
And she's cute.
Hey, aren't you going
to the beach with me?
I'm so sorry, Tommy.
Something terribly important has
come up and I just can't go today.
And get some clothes on.
He's such a child.
- Helen Ingersoll - Pat Ruscomb.
Hello Pat.
Things good with you?
- Everything is fine.
You guys?
- Aye aye, sir.
Where do you get the skates?
- Over this way.
I'll get them.
- Size 3 for me. Figure skates.
Are you in the Sonia Henie
department too?
You a flat foot?
- I come with you.
Give me a pair of
figures for a girl size 3.
A pair for a girl size 6.
A 10 for me, and you sir?
Make mine size 11. Figure skates.
I'm one of those hot kids.
- The girls seem to get along alright.
Pat can take care of
herself anywhere anytime.
Skip the details. Just tell me.
Is she is or is she ain't your girl?
Pat is nobody's girl but Johnny's.
What you mean is, she's not yours?
Me for the 'life of the
bounding main' my friend.
I don't figure.
Carry on.
Anybody who can't do this is grounded.
Hiya, fellahs.
Ever do much skating, Mrs Ruscomb?
Yes and no.
I was careful when I first got on ice.
You can get an awful rash on your back.
- Why?
Why don't one of you
fellows help Mrs Ruscomb?
That's me.
They all laughed when
I sat down to skate.
Very neat.
I know. I feel so old when
she calls me Mrs Ruscomb.
Come on. Let's try it.
She doesn't need any help at all.
Watch me.
Coffee?
Two coffees please.
Where did you learn to skate like that?
In a little town you never
heard of. In Wisconsin.
Tell me. I'll look it up on the map.
Ready?
Ready.
- Chippewa Falls.
Chippewa Falls?
I'll remember that.
- You have enough to remember.
I'm forgetting things
so I'll have my room.
You ought to try it sometime.
I will. Sometime.
Was it a lake or a river
in Chippewa Falls?
A river filled with deadheads.
Anybody I know?
A deadhead is a piece of timber
that has been waterlogged.
It just sits in the river with its head
above water going no place.
Then it's somebody I know.
Excuse me a minute.
Hiya, doll face.
Close in, marine.
I'm getting the shakes.
Go ahead. Shake.
Thanks.
Anybody looking?
What if they are?
Feeling better?
The doctor said they
would wear off in time.
Once you get home and things
brighten up you'll be fine.
I'm not going home.
My folks would go nuts if
they could see me like this.
I couldn't take it.
Where do you live, soldier?
Boise, Idaho.
I got a 21-day pass from the hospital.
I've used up five of them already.
I guess I had better check
back to the hospital.
You being afraid to go
home reminds me of myself.
My first year in high school.
My first dance.
My mother made my dress for me.
I was so sure it was awful that every
time a boy came and asked me to dance ..
I made up some silly excuse.
I was afraid to get out on the floor.
I was afraid people would laugh.
I was panicking.
'Patricia', I said to myself.
This is your first dance and
it's going to be your last.
Unless you stop being so ridiculous.
And beat this here and now.
While I have this big argument with
myself a cute little boy comes up.
And asked the girl next to me.
And before I knew what I was doing
I grabbed him and I was dancing.
And after that it was a cinch.
You figure I can beat this
by taking up dancing?
All I'm saying ..
Is let them look.
And if they don't like it.
Let them kill themselves.
Sure.
Let them kill themselves.
Thanks.
A good job.
That's us. Service with a smile.
You okay?
- Yeah.
A good deal.
I hope he does go home.
You handled him well, Pat.
- He is nice.
The coffee is cold.
I'll get some more.
Never mind. Come on, let's skate.
Come on, son.
Rise and shine.
Up and at 'em. Hit the deck.
Come on. A wonderful morning. God is
in heaven. All is right with the world.
Knock it off.
- Don't pound that pillow all day.
There's work to be done
and a world to be won.
It's too early, dad.
You got mail. A man must read his mail.
- The same old malarkey.
'We have your post-war
bungalow ready for you'.
'Today. Now'.
'Sign up for that post-war
trip around the world'.
'Today. Now'.
Everything has to be today.
And plugs from eighteen
veterans outfits.
Be careful of those, son.
Some of them can be bad.
Ever hear of the American
War Patriots? What's that?
I don't know. But when you want
to join up talk to me about it.
When I want to join up?
Gee, that's some suit.
Pretty snappy, huh?
I hope you charged it to
me like I told you to.
I've still got plenty of
cash, dad. 920 bucks.
I don't need your money for a long time.
Thanks anyway.
But ..
But if you don't start on something
your money won't last forever.
Know that, Cliff.
How about school?
It starts Monday.
Made up your mind yet?
I've made up my mind
about one thing, dad.
And that is not to make up my mind.
For a while yet.
Sure. Sure, Cliff.
I just thought I'd mention it.
Waffles.
Why, ma. That's sensational.
You always liked them.
I remember one night.
I forget where it was.
We were in a foxhole.
You don't know what a foxhole is, ma.
But try to think of three fellows
lying in a telephone booth.
It's raining and hot and ..
I don't want to upset you
ma but it really stunk.
I tried.
To think of something that would ..
Take my mind off how rugged it was.
So, for no reason at all
I thought of your waffles.
Son, don't talk about it. Just eat.
Anybody who talks about
another war us out of his mind.
Those foxholes sure can stink.
Clifford darling, please
don't lie in the past.
I'm not living in the past, ma.
I was just ..
What's that?
That's my past.
Hiya, Bill.
- Hiya, partner.
The kid from the Quadulane.
- In the flesh.
How is it, Cliff? What's the word?
- Everything's swell.
Come on in and meet my mother.
- These kids round here sure know you.
You must spend all your time digging
to scoop out a foxhole like this.
Ma.
I want you to meet a friend of mine.
Bill Tabeshaw. Bill - my mother.
Happy to know you, Bill.
Thank you, ma'am.
I'm glad to meet Cliff's mother.
Cliff is just having his breakfast.
Would you like a waffle?
No thanks, ma'am. But a cup
of coffee would be mighty fine.
Right.
Go ahead and finish your chow, Cliff.
Come on now. Sound off.
Where have you been?
How's the hunk of metal in your skull?
Say, I'm getting to like it
better than my own head.
So how do you like me?
Too beautiful for Stinking
Creek, New Mexico.
It's nothing.
Nothing that don't set you
back two months' pay.
Sit down, ma. Listen to the scuttlebutt.
- Thank you, ma'am.
What happened in Diego?
Remember I left the station to
cross the street for a beer?
Yeah.
Coming back I'm hailed by a couple of ..
A couple of girls going to
Tijuana to get some nylons.
You know me. I tag along.
I get down there and I get picked up by
two promoters who want to play red dog.
I figured they've seen the gooney bird
on my blouse. They know I'm loaded so ..
I play them very close.
I clipped them for 21 hundred fish.
Hubba hubba.
Still got it?
I'm going to keep it. I'm catching me
that Grand Canyon Limited tonight.
If they let a guy dressed
like you on the train.
Day after tomorrow I lay this dough down
for some ranch and I'm raising steers.
So hear this. What you
got on the roster today?
You tell me.
I've got to make a slight social call.
Has she got a sister?
This is a boy who was laying
next to me in the hospital.
When I got out I said
I'd play the tables.
He gave me a silver dollar for luck.
I got the luck. He gets ten percent.
You going to sit there all day and bore
my ma with the story of your life?
We're going to brighten up.
Ma'am, a pleasure to meet you. If you
ever get to Stinking Creek be sure ..
Thank you, Bill. I don't expect I will.
I sometimes wished my ma had said
that same thing years ago.
Hi.
Gee, do you look super.
Not a brass button anywhere.
You look like a dream, man.
Meet the cowboy of Quadulane.
Bill Tabeshaw - Helen Ingersoll.
Hello Bill.
- Miss Ingersoll, it's a pleasure.
What you up to?
The same thing I'm up to everyday
about this time. Waiting for you.
Haven't you got anything else to do?
Want some high-class chauffeuring?
A tour of the city with some
sightseeing chatter thrown in.
Boy, when you marines make up
your minds you make up your minds.
Do you know where 1121 South Orlando is?
I can't do it.
I can't do it. They hurt.
Come on, Perry. Give it another chance.
Shall we take her?
- No, honey. It won't be fun for you.
Sure, Bill. Go ahead.
You are a nice kid.
Thanks, grandpa.
[ Door knocks ]
Come in.
Son. You have visitors.
- Bill.
What do you say, partner?
How are you anyway?
Fine, cowboy.
Ma, this is the boy who was with me in
hospital. He had the bunk next to mine.
Hello.
Gunny, shake hands with ex-marine
corporal Bill Tabeshaw.
Hi, Gunner.
Gunny Watrous.
Rehabilitation office, Los Angeles.
Glad to know you.
PFC Cliff Harper - Mrs Kincheloe.
How do you do.
- Sergeant?
How are you?
- I'm Perry Kincheloe.
Hiya, Perry.
- Hi there.
Hi, Sergeant.
Hi Perry.
This is my youngest son, James.
Hi fellahs.
Working out this afternoon?
Better limber up first with the rope.
Sure. I'll whip it to death.
- Come on, James.
You're always welcome here.
Drop in often, will you.
Thank you, ma'am.
- We will, Mrs Kincheloe.
I remember seeing your papers when
they came through the office, Harper.
I wrote you a letter asking if
we can do anything to help.
Never got a word from you.
The letters a guy gets when he's
mustered out are murder, Sergeant.
It's just that everybody wants to help.
I thought letter writing was a lost art.
Like steer milking.
I have to get on.
I'll drop in again next week, Perry.
So long, men.
If you need any advice, Harper.
Just look in the wastebasket
and fish out that letter.
If I don't hear from you in forty
days you will get another.
Man, you're loaded.
What's this for?
- That's your cut.
I took the lucky silver
dollar you gave me.
And rolled it until it
showed 2,100 iron men.
Mighty nice of you Bill but I don't
need it. I got one more lucky dollar.
Well, turn it over, man.
I'll put it to work for you.
This one belongs to me.
That kid is skipping rope.
He is pretty good too.
'Young Perry' I'll title him.
All this year I'm working
on his wind and balance.
Next year I'll teach him timing.
He'll be adding weight by then.
I'll work him every year until he's 16.
That's when I had my first bout.
Then he'll be ready.
He's got a pair of shoulders like yours.
When he gets some meat behind them.
And if his jaw ain't made of
glass he'll be as good as I was.
Somebody in this family
has got to be a fighter.
You ain't by any chance trying to put
your life into Jimmy's, are you Perry?
Why not?
I got no life of my own left.
- Now don't give me that.
Do what you did at the hospital.
Put 'em on, mate. Put 'em on.
Number one. They murder me.
Number two. After I've got
them on, what have I got?
Cowboy, you have no idea
what a feeling I get ..
Letting my mother look at me like this.
I get sick in my stomach when she has to
help me in the chair. When she has to ..
Lift me back in the bed.
I'm twenty-one and I'm dead.
Now listen, dummy.
I'm pulling out for steak
and beer tonight.
When I return I'll see
you with those legs on.
I want see you kicking them around like
you were born with them. You hear me?
Got you, Bill.
That's what the man said.
Have a nice trip.
- Semper fidelis.
Drop around again, mate.
- I'll be by, Perry.
I'll be here.
I owe this to Perry.
I borrowed it from him at the hospital.
Well .. are you sure?
Ma'am, that's $200 there. I'd not
be giving it to you unless I'm sure.
Thanks.
Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Goodbye, Mrs Kincheloe.
- Goodbye, Mr Harper.
How are you, chums?
- Hiya, Scuffy.
Cliff. Hello. What will you have?
Rum and coke.
Go on. Tell the man.
Make it the same, Scuffy.
Now please. You know the law.
Come on, Scuffy. I've been
eighteen since last March.
Well, you come back
in about three years.
And bring your birth certificate too.
Right now, no rum.
A bourbon and ginger ale.
A bourbon and ginger ale.
A rum and coke.
Come back in three years.
You know, Bill.
That Perry.
He is never going to put on those legs.
And what he says makes sense.
That's what rocks you.
You know, when I left him at
Mare Island he was coming along.
I guess it's because there was thousands
of guys around us in the same fix.
The war was still on.
It was like when we hit the beaches.
Yeah. We were a team.
Everybody together.
A guy next to you who you can depend on.
Didn't know where you were
going but it was the same place.
So what difference did it make?
Now we're civilians again.
Rugged individuals.
There's nobody to tell us
what to do or when to do it.
We're on our own.
Perry, you, me. All of us.
Well, we've been gabbing for it.
Now we got it.
What you doing?
I've driven you fellows
on your business.
This is my business.
- How's business?
Which one of you is the lucky one?
No. I'm staying.
- Come on, Cliff.
Okay.
I brought you one of our
very best rum-less cokes.
I need a little courage.
Come on. I'll bring you up to date.
Cliff Harper.
You've been holding out on me.
Cliff, you make the rest
look like learners.
Should have seen me when I was young.
Let's have another one.
Any nickels?
Say, not bad at all.
- Yes, sir.
You kids are really groovy.
You're next Bill whether
you like it or not.
He's an old man, Helen.
Let him have his drink in peace.
Hey. I didn't pick that.
There must be somebody ahead of you.
Hi, Pat.
- Hi.
You're a good dancer.
- A girl always makes me look good.
You'll wear yourself out
doing it all afternoon.
I haven't been doing it all afternoon.
- No? Where you been, to the beach?
Making a bad social call.
Anybody I know?
You don't want to know him.
- You can't tell. I know many people.
What about tonight?
No good for tonight.
I like your new clothes.
I'll get used to them.
- Do you like my new dress?
I can't see anything but your eyes.
Are you sure about tonight?
I am pretty sure.
Hiya, Pat.
Very sure. Hello.
Captain Winthrop - ex-marine Harper.
How do you do.
- How are you, Captain?
I'll see you later.
Who's the babe, Clifford?
- My best friend.
No, no. A man's best
friend is his mother.
Pardon me.
- Where you going?
I just remembered a
previous engagement I had.
Thanks for the chauffeuring, Helen.
Well, I got to shove.
What's she mad about?
When she brightens up you
can write me a long letter.
You can also write me when
you get rid of that heartburn.
Take my advice and get yourself some
traveller's checks for that dough.
I'll be alright.
You figure this heap will
last until Union Station?
It did yesterday.
Keep pushing, Bill.
Take it easy, Clifford. Be good.
Oh, mother. Come on, come on.
Let the Carters wait five minutes.
Clifford, where have you been?
- Out.
Aren't you going to say
good evening, son?
Sorry dad. Good evening.
- That's better.
Son, you should call your mother
when you don't come home.
Instead of letting her
worry her head off.
Sorry, ma. I just didn't think.
That's one of your troubles, Clifford.
You never do much thinking.
Lay off me, will you ma.
Are you sick, Clifford?
- No. I'm alright.
Your father and I would like
to talk to you a moment.
Sure.
Go ahead, dear.
Cliff.
Your mother and I haven't been
seeing much of you lately.
We'd just like to ask you
where you have been.
And if you are happy.
What father is trying to say Clifford is
we are disappointed in your behaviour.
Why are you disappointed?
You come home, grab a bite
to eat and then you're off again.
I suppose you're gallivanting around
with boys like this Bill Tabeshaw and ..
Not the sort of company ..
Tabeshaw is my buddy.
The only guy who ..
Cliff.
What your mother is trying to say is
that since you've been back we are ..
Well .. just haven't been able to ..
Well son, it's just not like old times.
Maybe it's because old times
is three and half years ago, dad.
I know you're both sore at me.
Because I didn't go back to school.
You're upset as I've done nothing.
But I'm not ready yet.
That's all.
We had other plans.
Plans about the present.
About your future.
Maybe I have to make my own
plans about the future, ma.
I think I'll have a
beer and hit the sack.
There's a cold plate in
the icebox for you, dear.
You'll feel better later, Cliff.
Come over to the Carters.
Thanks.
Are you alright?
- Sorry. I'm fine.
I'm sorry.
I must be very, very hammered.
You're okay.
Goodnight Captain.
- Night.
I had a wonderful evening.
Officer, there's a man following me.
Have a cigarette.
Have a drink.
Well, have something.
I thought I said I was
going to be busy tonight.
So, you are busy.
So. I was busy.
What do you want to see me about?
I can say it all in a minute.
Fine.
I'll time you.
You are a tramp.
That leaves you just forty seconds.
[ Buzzer ]
Hot coffee.
If I'd wanted coffee I'd have made it.
You still owe me forty seconds.
I don't owe you anything.
Except for the price of that coffee.
If you tell me how much it was I'll
pay you and you can get out of here.
Come on. Drink this.
I'll tell you how I got my silver star.
I don't want to know anything about you.
Take a sip and then I'll go.
I'm sorry I called you that.
I came back to tell you.
That's very nice of you.
Very generous.
I know I shouldn't have
acted the way I did, but ..
I was beginning to think
of you as my girl.
Try to see it my way.
You're smart, Pat.
Of course I am smart.
And lots of smart girls like me.
We had a choice to make and we made it.
My John married me because ..
When he went to war he wanted
to be able to dream of home.
That's why I married him.
I wanted him to have that dream.
The thing I didn't count on was
that at the end of the war ..
John's coming home would be my dream.
And the war is over.
And John isn't coming home.
And I'm stuck with my dream.
'Patricia', I said to myself.
'This is your first dance'.
'And it's going to be your last'.
'Unless you stop being so ridiculous'.
'And beat this here and now'.
That's what the girl
said to the soldier, Pat.
That's exactly what she said.
Cliff.
Yep?
Could I have a cigarette?
What did you want to see me about?
I'm lonesome.
There are too many people in this town.
And you've got to be lonesome for me?
Does that make sense?
A lot of things don't make sense.
For instance.
Why was I so burned up when
I saw you with that captain?
That captain was John's co-pilot.
He is on terminal leave passing
through town on his way home.
Yeah.
And.
We talked about John.
And France.
He told me so many things about
John I had wanted to know.
Somehow.
Just for a moment.
He almost seemed to be John.
Is that alright?
Yes.
It's alright.
Pat. I am lonesome.
There is nobody.
Nobody?
My pal left for home.
Helen doesn't talk my kind of talk.
And my folks.
What's the matter with your folks?
I don't know.
I don't know what is the
matter with me either.
We just don't seem to get along.
Do you know why you are lonesome?
You've got nothing to do.
You have no interests.
What are you, a blank?
No. I mean.
Work or a job.
What kind of a job?
I don't know. What have you ever done?
Go to school.
Go to war.
Have you ever tried working?
Can you keep a secret?
'Keep-a-secret Ruscomb'.
That's what they call me at the club.
I tried working.
Half a day at a filling station.
And half a day at J.C. Roberts.
Men's clothing.
You were too good for them.
- No. They were swell jobs.
Someone else got them
and was going great.
It's me that's wrong.
I guess I just don't
fit in any place yet.
What about your father's office?
Too easy. Maybe later.
What do you do, Pat?
Ever since August 14.
Radios, recording machines, phonographs.
Do you think I could get in there?
We are hiring veterans every day.
You're a vet. You get the job.
It would be nice being
close to you all the time.
Would it?
You know what I'm talking about.
You know what I'm thinking about.
I think I'll go to work.
Monday.
That's a nice, clean decision.
Try and make it last.
Through the day.
No. Not me. I'm not joining anything.
What have they got to offer?
- I don't know.
Some of those veterans organisations
have done some pretty good things.
I guess they have.
So many new ones have come along I don't
know which is good and which is lousy.
I got a pitch last night from one outfit
called American War Patriots.
Ever catch them?
- Not yet.
But they will get to me. They all do.
Why can't the girls put the transformers
together so a guy can check them right?
There is another reject.
"Ben Hartman report to personnel."
"Ben Hartman report to personnel."
You've rejected a lot of
good material, Harper.
I call them as I see them.
Try it now.
What was wrong?
- You're off two degrees.
Got it. Okay.
Why not take ten minutes for a smoke?
This heat digs into everybody.
I've been in hotter places.
- I know that.
If I hadn't been ..
I'd have been sat at this bench
working at it for three years.
And I'd be as good as you.
Better, I think.
Quit riding me.
- I'm not riding you. I try not to.
I don't need any help from you.
If fighting would help
any, I'd take you on.
Hi.
Coffee. Black.
- Give me another one.
What's driving you to drink, Cliff?
I'll tell you.
It's the needles on the test tubes.
You see .. they were off two degrees.
Oh, Cliff.
I made a dummy out of myself.
The foreman tried to straighten
me out on things and ..
I got sore at him.
Now you're over it.
He'll forget about it.
I've been thinking.
I'll listen.
Okay.
Okay.
I'm back from the war. I'm lucky.
I've got two arms, two legs
and two eyes. Right?
Right.
- Right.
Nine out of ten fellows coming home
are going to be in the same shape.
Uhuh. Normal.
Normal.
Then what's burning me up?
I'm edgy.
I feel out of things.
Do you know why?
Tell me and we'll both know.
Because I have been scrounged.
I'm robbed of three and a half years.
Somebody stole my time.
Look, Cliff.
You can't twist up the rest of your
life worrying about lost time.
I know that.
I know. But if I had been in school ..
Maybe I would have an
engineering degree.
I might even have made
a good fraternity.
You made a good fraternity.
With fourteen million members.
Well, I had to be doing something.
I'm near you.
That's not much to make a career over.
What about going to the beach tonight?
As soon as we finish.
Sounds good.
- Okay.
Anything else?
- No. I've had enough.
I'm glad to see that stuff
isn't getting to you.
"Adele Jensen. Call purchasing."
"Adele Jensen. Call purchasing."
Hey, Hal.
Yeah, Harper?
I should have kept my
eyes on that tester.
You've a beef but I can't
help you square it.
Only time can.
Don't let that bench get you down.
After you learn every part of a radio
we transfer you someplace else.
I must start somewhere.
- You're doing okay.
"Cliff Harper. You are wanted
in the superintendent's office."
I'll see you.
Hello Harper.
Remember me?
Sure, Sergeant.
You kept your promise.
I got a second letter from you.
I didn't answer because ..
I have been pretty busy.
- Yeah.
You're doing alright.
- On the level?
No squawks?
- Of course not.
You've been out of the
Corps a few weeks.
It's kinda tough getting yourself
reorganised. Indoor work, but ..
You will make out.
These people here know
what you're up against.
80 percent of their men are veterans.
- And good guys.
No. You are no problem.
But I'd like to talk to
you about my problem.
One of them anyway.
What?
Remember Perry?
Yeah.
I'd be a problem too if I
had both my legs amputated.
I'll only be a minute.
- Take two.
Hiya, Cliff.
How you doing?
Hello, Mr Harper.
- Hello, Mrs Kincheloe.
How would you boys like
some nice cold iced-tea?
It's hot enough for anything cold.
Jimmy, go and help ma.
Don't let me break it up.
Did you ever punch bag?
No. But I have always wanted to.
What have you heard from Tabeshaw?
- Not a word.
If you're going to do it you
might as well do it right.
The idea is to keep it going.
Keep your eye on the one spot
and hit the centre of the bag.
So you're sure to meet
it as it comes to you.
Go ahead. Try it.
Say, this is alright.
You should teach this stuff, Perry.
I mean to a lot of people.
Gunny sent you?
Yeah, he did.
He sent me books to read about
being a playground instructor.
Did you read them?
How can I teach kids games?
- You teach Jimmy.
I can't teach him footwork.
You could if you'd put on
those legs they gave you.
They hurt.
Look, Perry.
You aren't doing yourself or anyone else
any good by refusing to lick this thing.
Maybe.
Why didn't Gunny tell me this himself?
He thought if he said it,
it would be official.
I got nothing against topside.
But if Gunny shows me a book teaching me
how to win boxing matches with no legs.
I'll read it.
No good?
I guess I made it even worse.
How is it?
- Still wet.
You're dripping on me.
- A little water will never hurt you.
You like?
I think I'll just do this
for the rest of my life.
Have me rub your back?
That.
Live on the beach and swim.
Lay on the sand in front of a fire.
Yes, sir. That's what I'm going to do.
Pat.
This is the best time I've
had since I've been home.
Why shouldn't I keep on doing it?
- You might get lonesome yet.
Nearly everybody else
has something to do.
I won't be lonesome.
I'll be with you.
You're my girl.
I'm your girl.
Well then, it's all settled.
We live on the beach until
our dough runs out.
And then?
Then we'll be all straightened out.
We'll go back to work.
The foreman will still be there.
Perry still won't wear his legs.
That has got nothing to do with it.
I just feel good here doing this.
I want it to last.
Pat.
What about us getting married?
- Go on.
Me to you. You to me.
Pat.
I am levelling.
You just think you want to marry me.
I know.
- You are sure?
Positive.
That's good.
Because that's the only
thing you're positive about.
I know what I want.
You're lucky.
I don't know what I want.
You must have some idea.
I don't think my idea of heaven ..
Is to be married to a guy who wants to
lie around on a beach until he's broke.
Okay.
If you don't like my idea
of heaven, what's yours?
I don't know.
Sometimes I think if I
do get married again ..
I'd like to marry a guy who
can make things easy for me.
A man who can deliver a 20-room house ..
And thinks a 16-cylinder car is
for bringing home the groceries.
Someone who doesn't yell when I hire a
nurse for each one of the kids he wants.
You make me feel like a cheap pickup.
I'm not talking about you, Cliff.
I'm talking about me.
You ask me what I think about and
sometimes I do think about security.
I don't mean the kind of
man I was talking about.
But.
If I do get married again.
I think I'd like to end up with more
than just a gold star and nothing else.
But until then?
I ..
Live on velvet.
Where do I fit in?
You are the velvet.
Darling.
- Let's take off.
Cliff.
Yeah?
Aren't you going to kiss me goodnight?
Goodnight.
Gee, Helen. I didn't know you ..
How dare you.
Hello, Cliff.
Hi, Bill. What you doing here?
Just breezed into town.
I thought I'd look you up.
Why didn't you wait in the house?
- I came to call on you, not your folks.
Careful, you'll get your hand caught.
I need twenty bucks.
Are you in any trouble?
For twenty dollars you
want the story of my life?
You look awful.
You look cute.
Come on in the house
and we'll have a beer.
It ain't polite to drink and run.
Who are you running to?
You're asking too many questions, Cliff.
Bill. Level with me.
What's the matter with you?
Bill.
My head.
It's busting wide open.
I've had headaches for weeks.
Sometimes it's better.
Sometimes like now.
Always there's pressure.
It's like clamps on my skull.
Why not go to the veterans hospital?
My folks don't know about the
silver plate. I can't worry them.
Go on in the house. I'll get a doctor.
- No.
I've a better idea. I got 20 bucks.
Let me buy you a drink.
I'll get the car keys and take
you to the V.A. hospital.
Will you stop talking
about the V.A. hospital?
Come on, Cliff.
Let me buy you that drink.
Okay. Maybe a drink will
do us both some good.
A couple of drinks.
That's for me.
Got any pain now?
I haven't felt better since
I've been off the force.
Me too, Bill.
Now hear this.
Tomorrow morning I take
you to the V.A. hospital.
Nah. I got better plans.
I get me some dough and go
back looking for another ranch.
Whatever happened to that
$2,000 you left here with?
Ever hear of a town called Vegas?
Yeah.
Brother, that fouled me up but good.
Come on, cowboy. All of it.
Well.
I get to Vegas with the dough.
I figure $5,000 will buy me better
land and more stock than $2,000.
Right?
- That's right.
I get in a game. I play.
I lose.
Flat.
So I ask the house for a goodbye drink.
A little while later three guys
come and toss me out of the joint.
I land on the back of my head.
It starts to hurt.
Didn't you ever get to Stinking Creek?
Sure. I hired out as a cowhand.
But my head started driving me crazy.
So I thumbed my way west.
Now, I get me some more dough and I ..
Go someplace else.
I've got some money at home.
700 dollars.
What's your 700 got to do with me?
Look. As soon as we
get your head fixed up.
Which we do first thing in the morning.
Maybe I'll go into ranching with you.
You've never even been on a horse.
- I can learn.
That would be a good deal.
It ought to be kinda nice
working with an ex-buddy.
Maybe we can work Perry
in on it some way too.
That's a good idea.
But I'm not going to the hospital.
This will stop by itself.
You're no doctor.
Then the deal is off.
I get it.
You're just saying all this to
get me to go to the hospital.
You don't know what
you are talking about.
It will be swell having Perry with us.
I'll call Perry and tell him.
Let me.
I'll be right here at
the pinball machine.
Hello?
Hello, Mr Harper.
Cliff. Yes he is. Just a moment.
Thanks, ma.
Greetings, Mack.
Perry, listen. Tabeshaw is in town.
And it's not good.
The silver plate in his
skull has acted up.
But he won't let me take
him to the hospital.
Look. Can you call that rehab
Sergeant Gunny Watrous ..
And ask him to come over
here and give me a hand.
Why, sure.
Give me the address.
It's The Swan Club on Western Avenue.
And tell him to hurry, will you.
The guy is really hurt, Perry.
Got you.
So long.
What's it, son?
One of my buddies
is sick and in trouble.
You have got to help him then.
Yeah.
Yeah. He'll take it better
from me than from Gunny.
I can't help him.
Yes you can, son.
I can't, ma. I can't.
Perry.
I watched you fight over twenty fights.
Every time you got hurt ..
It hurt me too.
It didn't matter because
you were a good fighter.
And you would fight, win, lose or draw.
I'm washed up with fighting.
There are different kinds of fighting.
You been losing a fight since ..
- Don't talk foolish, ma.
What can a man do when he's got no legs?
There was a man who lost the use of
his legs when he was 39 years old.
He didn't quit.
He got to be President.
Son, it's good to see you
in your fighting clothes.
Hey, you're getting a little stinky.
I've done a little thinking.
So don't fracture yourself.
- You know what?
That ranch deal makes a lot of sense.
- Of course it makes sense.
I was kidding before but
now I'm squaring off.
I'm going to tell my girl.
She should know everything I know.
No secrets.
The only way to be happy is
not to have any secrets.
Build up my score, will you soldier?
- Okay.
Hello?
Hi.
Hello. Sourpuss.
How are you?
- I'm fine.
Where are you?
I'm with friends. We're discussing
a big deal involving you.
What did I do to deserve this?
Patricia, I'm serious.
Look.
Patricia, how would you like
to go and live on a ranch?
Well, who are you?
There's much to say.
But none are as interesting as
the fact that I'm Cliff's buddy.
Patricia, what about
this here ranch deal?
What kind of a ranch?
- Outdoor ranch.
Everyone should get a lot of fresh air.
Do you like chickens?
- They're wonderful fried.
Okay. We'll have chickens and cows.
And horses.
And maybe some pigs too.
- No rabbits?
Ah, rabbits aren't trustworthy.
Now I'll tell you the best part.
- Where is Cliff?
Cliff is here standing right next to me.
We're in an exclusive rendezvous on
Western Avenue called The Swan Club.
In order to get in you
must push the door in.
Let me talk to Cliff, will you?
Hello, Patricia.
Cliff, You're getting drunk.
Get out of there.
Look. The reason I called was to see
if you want to go to this ranch with us.
I want Yes or No. Nothing else.
Get out of there, Cliff. You can
come up here and talk if you like.
Are you giving me a 'no' for an answer?
Cliff, please.
Very well. That's all I wanted to know.
I doubt we can count on
my girl for the ranch deal.
Forget about her, friend.
If the worst comes to the
worst we'll raise women too.
Hey, you hit 35,000.
Yeah, You win a free game.
My friend, I award it to you.
With clusters.
- Thank you.
Hey, get a load of that.
What's going on there?
- I don't know. Play it down.
Get a load of him.
Hubba, hubba, hubba.
What gives?
Gives a lot. We'll secure
us a ranch. All of us.
Cliff and you and me.
And we'll hire nobody but ex-servicemen.
That's the scheme.
We can't let a guy stand
there and not get him a drink.
Right away. Got to get the man a drink.
I don't get this.
You didn't have to come, Perry.
- You said Tabeshaw was in trouble.
The plate in his head is killing him.
I wanted to get him to hospital so
I figured Gunny's the guy to help.
Could you reach him?
- No.
Just as well.
I figure the size of the ranch depends
upon the amount of cash we can get.
Let's drink to old killer Kincheloe.
Do you want anything, lady?
- Give me a rye and water please.
That blond young man standing
next to the marine.
Now, lady.
The blond young man standing
next to the marine please.
This is a nice ranch you have.
- What are you doing here?
Oh. Just having a drink with you.
Did you order?
He is getting it too.
Happy days. As they say.
Go on. Drink.
What did you come down here for?
Because.
You're drinking and you
might do something silly.
What would I do that's silly?
I thought you'd straightened yourself
out with the foreman this afternoon.
It will happen again.
Then I'll really bust him in the jaw.
That will be that.
That takes care of your job.
That leaves me.
Go home and pack your bags.
Where are we going?
- To New Mexico to buy the ranch.
This is the growing city of the world.
- Pat.
Anywhere you go you have
to face the same headaches.
It will be fun. We'll see new places.
We'll see new people.
I see new people until
it drives me crazy.
We'll be happy.
Actually, you have no beef.
Who has?
Only the men who are never coming back.
Here we go.
Right back to Johnny Ruscomb.
Did you put his picture
back on the table again?
I'm going.
With you or without you?
With you or without you, Pat?
Without me.
Pay the man for my drink.
How you doing, men?
We're doing great.
I see we belong to the same club.
Where did you sweat out the
four freedoms, brother?
They busted him out of
the army on a frame-up.
Let's see you make that one.
A sharpshooter.
Fellows, this is Mr Prager
and Mr Lawson.
Hiya, fellows.
I suppose you told them all about
our organisation, have you Mitch?
Not yet.
Ever heard of our outfit?
American War Patriots.
That's us. The local district anyway.
We got 1,700 members
throughout the country.
I've heard of most of the rest of them
but I'm afraid that's one I missed.
Son, we start where those
fussbudgets leave off.
Know what we'll do for you boys?
How'd you like a bonus $200-a-month
income for as long as you live?
Without the labor union.
You guys know 15 percent
of every paycheck you get ..
Goes to those foreign-born
labor racketeers.
That's the kind of a free
country we were fighting for.
Of course, we don't know
whether you men are eligible.
See, we have certain restrictions.
What does that mean?
No Catholics, Jews or negros.
You know, we had a
friend named Maxie Klein.
If Maxie was here he'd probably
spit right in your eye.
Yeah?
Yeah. But Maxie is dead in Guadalcanal.
So just for him I'm going
to spit in your eye.
Push them to me.
Push them to me!
This one is mine.
Go and help Perry.
Bill.
Let's take off.
- The car is out front.
You go ahead, Perry. I'll cover you.
Can you make it, Perry?
- Yeah.
Cops.
Come on. Out the back way.
I'll see if it's clear.
Alright. Break it up.
Alright, you do the talking.
You'll have to do the talking
on the way to hospital.
Get an ambulance on the double.
- Right.
I don't know what gets into you fellows.
Once you get to be a hero you figure
you've got to be a hero all your life.
If I had a plate in my skull I wouldn't
go around looking for saloon fights.
They weren't looking for it, sir.
It came to them.
Okay, Sergeant.
Get the patient ready.
Cliff.
I'm not going to run away.
Yeah. Me too.
If I make this I'll go back to Stinking
Creek and get me that cowhand job.
It will take you a little longer
to get that cattle ranch but ..
You will be home.
I listen.
Hello, Cliff.
Hello dad. Glad you got here.
How's the other boy
going to be, Sergeant?
We'll check after the operation.
I'll call you at HQ.
We are holding all those men.
You fellows get an assist
for nailing them.
Good.
I'm going to get Tabeshaw's papers
squared away with Admitting.
I'll see you all later.
- I'll go along for the ride.
So long, Perry.
It's good to be back on my feet again.
Anything else I can do?
- I think not, Lieutenant.
Thanks for picking me up and
for straightening this out.
Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
I'm glad it happened, dad.
It showed me if you believe a thing
you'd better get in and fight for it.
A lot of things have happened
to me since I've come back.
I've got a good job.
Though I don't think I
want to do it all my life.
I'd like to be with my girl all my life.
If she'd let me.
But right now, standing
here with nothing decided.
I'm better off than Perry.
And luckier than Tabeshaw.
It will take time I guess.
Sure.
You didn't make yourself
a soldier overnight.
You can't make yourself a
civilian again overnight.
I'm going to stay here and
sweat out the operation, dad.
You had better run along.
I'll sweat it out with you, son.
This is what I did when I
waited for you once before.
23 years ago come May 18th.
Ma.
How is your buddy?
- He'll make it.
Oh, I'm glad.
You alright, son?
I'm alright, ma.
And I'm staying alright.
I know you are, Cliff.
Amy, you shouldn't have
come here at this hour.
Well, I had to keep Pat company.
Pat?
Cliff.
Pat.
..s-d..