Alimony Madness (1933)
1h 5min | Drama | 1 April 1933 (USA)
A man's wife is put on trial for the murder of his first wife.
Director: B. Reeves Eason (as Reeves Eason)
Writers: John T. Neville (adaptation) (as John Thomas Neville), John T. Neville (dialogue) (as John Thomas Neville)
Stars: Helen Chandler, Leon Ames, Edward Earle
1h 5min | Drama | 1 April 1933 (USA)
A man's wife is put on trial for the murder of his first wife.
Director: B. Reeves Eason (as Reeves Eason)
Writers: John T. Neville (adaptation) (as John Thomas Neville), John T. Neville (dialogue) (as John Thomas Neville)
Stars: Helen Chandler, Leon Ames, Edward Earle
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
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00:13:07Happy dreams.
00:13:17Baby, I almost feel sorry for you.
00:13:25Go to sleep now, come on.
00:13:30This is the reception hall when completed.
00:13:34And the music room.
00:13:42Now, Mrs. Vann, in the exteriors, you'll notice that I attempted to...
00:13:45John, you're a very remarkable young man.
00:13:48I intend building a country home next spring.
00:13:51You'll design that, too.
00:13:53Something rural English, Norman, or Spanish?
00:13:56Oh, baronial, I think, with battlements and towers, and maybe a moat.
00:14:01Oh, pardon me.
00:14:02Oh, thank you so much.
00:14:04It will be quite a showplace.
00:14:06Something you can point to as an architectural achievement.
00:14:09Well, I hardly know how to thank you. I really don't deserve it.
00:14:13Oh, yes, you do, my boy.
00:14:15You have great talent, a lovely wife, and you're a very upright young man.
00:14:19Coming from you, that means a lot.
00:14:21Well, anyway, I've decided to lend a hand to your career.
00:14:24Well, I hope I don't disappoint you.
00:14:26You never will.
00:14:27You never will.
00:14:28You've come a good start, and you hold everyone's respect.
00:14:34You're going abroad, I believe.
00:14:37Yes, I shall be there during most of the winter and early spring.
00:14:40When I come back, the townhouse should be finished.
00:14:43And then I want you to have all your plans ready for the country place.
00:14:46Well, I shall devote the entire winter months to planning something of real beauty.
00:14:51Something you'll be happy to own, and something that I'll be proud to have created.
00:14:54Oh, splendid.
00:14:55Pardon me.
00:14:56Yes?
00:14:57Mr. Joel Mason to see you.
00:14:59He says it's very important.
00:15:00Joel Mason?
00:15:01Well, I'm quite busy now.
00:15:02Joel?
00:15:03Oh, he's a dear boy.
00:15:04Do let him come in.
00:15:06All right.
00:15:07Send him in.
00:15:09A friend of yours?
00:15:10Oh, yes.
00:15:11You know, I select my friends very carefully.
00:15:14It's seldom one disappoints me.
00:15:16And if he does?
00:15:17Well, if he does, all friendship, even the most casual, ceases.
00:15:24Mr. Mason.
00:15:26Why, Joel!
00:15:27Good morning, Mrs. Vann.
00:15:28John, I want you to meet a very fine boy, Joel Mason.
00:15:32I think we've met before, haven't we?
00:15:34Why, yes, I believe we have.
00:15:36I want you two boys to know each other better.
00:15:38Oh, I'm sure we shall.
00:15:40I'm sorry to intrude, but I have a little business that, if you weren't too occupied, but really nothing important.
00:15:46Well, Mrs. Vann and I were merely discussing some house plans.
00:15:49I'll drop in next time I'm in the building.
00:15:51Oh, no, no.
00:15:52I must hurry along.
00:15:54Luncheon at the Ritz.
00:15:55A matinee in company for dinner.
00:15:57John, show Joel your drawings.
00:15:59He's interested in beauty.
00:16:00My love to the charming Eloise.
00:16:02Bye, Joel.
00:16:03Thanks so much for coming in.
00:16:04Oh, not at all.
00:16:05You're going far in your profession, my boy.
00:16:07You'll always have well-paying clients.
00:16:09Goodbye.
00:16:10Goodbye.
00:16:22Sir?
00:16:23I'm in to no one until further notice.
00:16:25I'm out.
00:16:27Cigarette?
00:16:29No, thanks.
00:16:31I prefer a cigar.
00:16:33Cigar.
00:16:50Nice office you have here, Mr. Thurman.
00:16:53Very nice.
00:16:54Thanks.
00:16:56Well?
00:16:58I suppose you know why I'm here.
00:17:02Yes, I have an idea.
00:17:05Your wife has talked this over with you?
00:17:08Yes, but she can't be serious about this.
00:17:11I'm afraid she is serious, Mr. Thurman.
00:17:14Though I've tried to reason with her.
00:17:17Yes, I can picture an attorney talking himself out of the case.
00:17:22Yes, I can picture an attorney talking himself out of the case.
00:17:26Well, after all, divorce is becoming equally important with marriage.
00:17:32More so, I'd say, with divorce attorneys.
00:17:36There is no charge you wish to bring against your wife?
00:17:40Of course not.
00:17:41I would do nothing to harm her.
00:17:43I love my wife.
00:17:46Believe me, Mr. Thurman, it's a pleasure to meet a man of your caliber.
00:17:50A man who refuses to drag his wife's name in the mire.
00:17:53My wife can't be serious.
00:17:55She doesn't intend to go through with this madness.
00:17:58I'll talk to her again.
00:18:00Mrs. Thurman has taken quarters in a very secluded hotel.
00:18:06Well, I've never refused my wife anything she wanted.
00:18:10If she wants divorce, she may have it.
00:18:12But let's get it over with as quickly and as quietly as possible.
00:18:17There is, of course, some property.
00:18:20Yes, there's around $40,000 in stocks and bonds, I think.
00:18:24Which you will share with her?
00:18:27Oh, she can have it all.
00:18:29I'm doing very well in my profession and she has no means of earning a livelihood.
00:18:33That's very good of you.
00:18:35I'm sure she'll appreciate that.
00:18:37And salt it away for a rainy day, if she takes my advice.
00:18:40Mrs. Thurman should live very handsomely on her alimony.
00:18:47Alimony?
00:18:51I hadn't thought of that.
00:18:53Why, surely you're not going to leave her to the mercy of stock market fluctuations, are you?
00:19:03All right.
00:19:05How's $500 a month?
00:19:07With Mrs. Thurman's social obligations, I should think that $1,000 would be more suitable.
00:19:15What?
00:19:16Oh, of course she has no desire to hamper you in your career.
00:19:19She'd rather skimp than...
00:19:20All right, all right, make it $1,000.
00:19:23I suppose that my wife will go to Reno or Mexico or...
00:19:28As far as I am concerned, Reno and Mexico are out.
00:19:32There is danger of our state courts declaring such divorces invalid.
00:19:36The law here permits divorce only on one ground.
00:19:42I prefer to keep my reputation clean.
00:19:45The suit will be filed and tried secretly.
00:19:48No publicity whatever.
00:19:50Of course, Mrs. Thurman can't be expected...
00:19:52Oh, all right, all right, anything that she wants.
00:19:56That's very good of you.
00:20:00I'll arrange the little details you do not understand.
00:20:04Believe me, Mr. Thurman, you're a real man.
00:20:07A gallant, chivalrous gentleman.
00:20:10That's quite a lot of praise for giving a woman something she would take anyway.
00:20:15Mrs. Thurman will be proud of you.
00:20:19Yes.
00:20:41You're Mr. Thurman?
00:20:43Yes.
00:20:46Well, my name is John...
00:20:48Never mind your name, I don't care to know it.
00:20:54I was told that...
00:20:55Not interested. Sit down over there.
00:21:00I was told that...
00:21:02Not interested. Sit down over there.
00:21:08Will I have long to wait?
00:21:10You're being paid for it, aren't you?
00:21:13Yes.
00:21:15I needed the money terribly.
00:21:17Yes, that seems to be what all women need.
00:21:20Well, it's hard enough to live on $25 a week.
00:21:23It's hard enough to live on $25 a week.
00:21:26It's hard enough to live on $25 a week.
00:21:29It's hard enough to live on $25 a week.
00:21:32It's hard enough to live on $25 a week.
00:21:35It's hard enough to live on $25 a week.
00:21:38But when that started...
00:21:39I had an idea that girls of your profession would pay rather well.
00:21:42Should be, anyway.
00:21:44I don't spell any too well.
00:21:46That's my trouble.
00:21:49Spell?
00:21:51What does spelling to do with your profession?
00:21:54Well, letters, of course.
00:21:55I have to write letters all the time.
00:21:57Oh, I hardly thought that was necessary.
00:21:59But you don't need to worry about any misspelled words in my letters.
00:22:02Well, that's funny.
00:22:04Mr. O'Shea couldn't stand an incorrectly spelled word.
00:22:07Mr. O'Shea?
00:22:09The criminal lawyer.
00:22:10He was my last employer.
00:22:13He said he could defend any crime except a stenographer's poor spelling.
00:22:17Stenographer?
00:22:20I thought you were talking about love letters for evidence.
00:22:24I'm a stenographer out of a job.
00:22:26First time I ever did anything like this.
00:22:30Do you expect me to believe that?
00:22:32I suppose not.
00:22:37Do you know...
00:22:41Somehow I believe you're telling me the truth.
00:22:44I am.
00:22:45It's nice of you to think so.
00:22:48How did you get rung in on this mess?
00:22:51You see, I live with another stenographer.
00:22:53A girl who works for Joel Mason.
00:22:55She knew I needed money to send home.
00:22:58Needed it so badly, I'd do almost anything to get it.
00:23:01So she talked Mason into giving me a hundred dollars to come here tonight.
00:23:09Come on, you'll have to get out of here before they come.
00:23:14Well, didn't you hear me?
00:23:15Come on, I said get out of here.
00:23:16But I can't.
00:23:18They've already paid me and I've sent the money home.
00:23:20Well, that's all right, I'll repay Mason.
00:23:22This is the way to the joint office.
00:23:26Open up.
00:23:27Let's go.
00:23:36What's the stall?
00:23:38Where is she?
00:23:42We know you're hiding a woman in here after midnight.
00:23:45We saw her come up.
00:23:47Stand aside, young man.
00:23:48We want to see that woman.
00:23:49This is a good, clean kid and I won't have her mixed up in this sort of a mess.
00:23:53All we want to do is take a look.
00:23:56We don't need to make an arrest.
00:23:57You touch this door and I'll push that smiler foot down your throat.
00:24:00Suppose I show you a warrant.
00:24:02You do it, I'll make you eat it.
00:24:04Send Mrs. Thurman in.
00:24:06There's no need to identify this woman.
00:24:09All we want to know is that there is a woman in there.
00:24:12Yeah, you know there's one in there, all right.
00:24:13You sent her.
00:24:14She's too decent a girl to be mixed up in this sort of business.
00:24:17I didn't think you'd do this, John.
00:24:19You knew I'd do anything for you.
00:24:21That's why you came up here tonight.
00:24:23Let's see her.
00:24:24Oh, no.
00:24:26You'll have to find some other dirty way of shelving me.
00:24:29This is a good, decent girl,
00:24:31but foolish enough to risk her good reputation
00:24:33to try and earn a few dollars to send home to her family.
00:24:38Here I am.
00:24:40Why did you do this?
00:24:43Now you've seen me, I'll take a look at you.
00:24:51Well, just as I thought.
00:24:55You've done enough damage for one night.
00:24:57You may leave now.
00:24:58There's no need for us to remain here any longer.
00:25:01Sorry, John.
00:25:03Sorry that one of your own sex could read in two seconds
00:25:06what a man couldn't see in two years.
00:25:08I... I hope you'll forgive me for letting you remain.
00:25:28But why did you let them see you?
00:25:30I was afraid you might go back to her.
00:25:33Oh, what possible difference could that make to you?
00:25:36Oh, none at all. I wouldn't let it.
00:25:38Only I don't think women like her deserve men like you.
00:25:42Well, you hardly know me.
00:25:45Well, we only know what we think.
00:25:47Sometimes it isn't safe to think too much.
00:25:49Goodbye.
00:25:50Well, uh...
00:25:51What is your name?
00:25:52Oh, it doesn't matter.
00:25:54Where are you going?
00:25:55Where every nice little girl should be at this hour.
00:25:58I'm going home.
00:25:59Goodbye.
00:26:06Hey, turn off that buzz saw.
00:26:26Hey, wake up.
00:26:33Wake up.
00:26:36I never heard so much snoring.
00:26:38Oh, I never snore.
00:26:39No?
00:26:40When I opened the door, I thought I was walking into a thunderstorm.
00:26:43Say, how'd you come out?
00:26:45Lucky I wasn't thrown out.
00:26:47What'd you do, done the work?
00:26:49Oh, I suppose so.
00:26:50And after me recommending you.
00:26:52Oh, well, I'll be named all right.
00:26:54Mason got all he needed anyway.
00:26:56Thurman got fresh, huh, and you popped him one?
00:26:59No.
00:27:00Mrs. Thurman got fresh, and I almost popped her one.
00:27:05Tell me, what happened?
00:27:06Well, Mr. Thurman thought I was too nice a girl to be a correspondent.
00:27:10So he hid me in a back room just as they all broke in.
00:27:13Go on, go on.
00:27:14There was a terrible row because he wouldn't let them see me.
00:27:17So then I stepped out and told Mrs. Thurman what I thought of her.
00:27:23That must have made a hit with Joel.
00:27:25It wasn't Joel I was thinking of.
00:27:27It was John.
00:27:29Oh, so it's John and Joan already.
00:27:32Fast work.
00:27:34Well, it's a good thing you got your pay in advance.
00:27:37When I came in, he wouldn't listen to my name.
00:27:40And when I went out, I wouldn't tell him.
00:27:42All he had to do was ask Mason.
00:27:45I don't think they'll be on speaking terms after tonight.
00:27:48I told him I lived with you.
00:27:51So, if he should phone,
00:27:56You don't know anything.
00:27:58Not even where you live.
00:28:01I get you one way, and still I don't savvy another.
00:28:05You're goofy about the guy.
00:28:07And you never want to see him again.
00:28:09Well, I guess I can hold out if I never see him again.
00:28:13But if I'd have stayed there ten minutes longer, I'd have told him I was dizzy about him.
00:28:19Think you wouldn't rate, huh?
00:28:21He'd probably have hysterics.
00:28:24Oh, what does his wife look like, an orchid?
00:28:27Yeah, that's it, an orchid.
00:28:30Cold and beautiful, and a parasite.
00:28:36Well, honey, you made a hundred bucks for the old folks anyway.
00:28:45Say, Mary,
00:28:48Do you think I could ever learn to spell well enough to be a stenographer in a high-class office?
00:29:07Oh, good morning.
00:29:09Good morning, Miss Harkness. Sorry I'm late.
00:29:12Any important calls?
00:29:15Mason's been calling again.
00:29:17He says your alimony payments are behind three months.
00:29:20What's this?
00:29:21I marked an article I thought might interest you.
00:29:24Any answer? My cable to Mrs. Van?
00:29:49None at all.
00:29:50I cabled all the hotels on her itinerary.
00:29:52London, Paris, Rome, Cannes.
00:29:54Mr. Mister all around.
00:29:56I'm afraid she's purposely ignoring your messages.
00:29:59That thought occurred to me, but it isn't like Mrs. Van.
00:30:03If anything displeases her, she hits right out from the shoulder.
00:30:08I've worked particularly hard all winter on those plans for her country house,
00:30:12and now they're ready for inspection.
00:30:14If she should get in soon, it'll be a piece of luck.
00:30:17Mason's getting pretty ugly.
00:30:20Yeah?
00:30:22I'll phone him.
00:30:24Any dictation today?
00:30:26We'd better get out some letters to all outstanding accounts
00:30:29urging immediate payment.
00:30:31I'm afraid that's useless.
00:30:33The Bell Estate is in litigation.
00:30:35Mr. Worthington is in Europe.
00:30:37And Ransom has gone into bankruptcy.
00:30:39How about Mrs. Clifford Dowell?
00:30:41Mrs. Dowell is in Palm Beach.
00:30:43Palm Beach?
00:30:46Well, I'm afraid if we don't make some collections pretty soon,
00:30:49I'll be out of a job and I'll be in jail.
00:30:52I was going to speak about that.
00:30:54Would it inconvenience you any if I resign?
00:30:58Better offer?
00:30:59I wouldn't say better.
00:31:01Perhaps a little more stable.
00:31:03I see.
00:31:04Afraid the old ship might go down at any moment, huh?
00:31:07You know I wouldn't think of leaving, except that I have the pen.
00:31:11It's all right.
00:31:12It's a wise move, not only on your account, but mine.
00:31:16You mean my work hasn't been satisfactory?
00:31:18Oh, quite.
00:31:19No, I mean it would be a saving if I employed a stenographer
00:31:23who could take a few letters and also act as receptionist.
00:31:26Well, with business so slow as it is, you hardly need an executive secretary.
00:31:31Oh, I almost forgot.
00:31:33There's a Mr. Anderson waiting to see you.
00:31:36Mr. Anderson?
00:31:37Have we had any business dealings before?
00:31:40No, I think not.
00:31:41He said a third party referred him to you about a house.
00:31:44We'll show him in.
00:31:49Oh, Mr. Anderson.
00:31:54Mr. Anderson.
00:31:55How do you do, Mr. Anderson?
00:31:56All right.
00:31:57I understand you want to see me about a house.
00:31:59That's right.
00:32:00What kind of a house?
00:32:01Oh, a big house.
00:32:03In fact, a courthouse.
00:32:05Well, I've designed a lot of them.
00:32:07Yeah?
00:32:09Well, this one has designs on you.
00:32:13Here's a citation for contempt of court.
00:32:17Contempt of court?
00:32:18Mm-hmm.
00:32:19You must be a little behind your alimony, ain't you, buddy?
00:32:23Alimony?
00:32:24Yeah.
00:32:25That's the salve for wounded dames.
00:32:35Name and occupation.
00:32:37Antonio Giuseppe Ponesa.
00:32:39Oh, hello, Tony.
00:32:40You're back.
00:32:41The old lady, she told a lie to the judge.
00:32:42She says I got the money, but I no pay.
00:32:44What do you do with your money, Tony?
00:32:46I pay the lawyer man to keep me out.
00:32:48You take my advice and pay your old lady.
00:32:51That's the way to keep out of here.
00:32:52Get over there.
00:32:57Name and occupation.
00:32:58Collins.
00:32:59James Collins.
00:33:00Newspaper reporter.
00:33:01Well, there's his commitment over there.
00:33:03The one from Judge Greer's court.
00:33:05Greer's been sending a batch of them over here.
00:33:07He's the divorcee's champion, all right.
00:33:09Well, I'll stay here and rot before I'll give her a cent.
00:33:13That's a tune they all whistle when they come in.
00:33:16But when they go out, they sing a different song.
00:33:19Well, suppose I did want to pay her.
00:33:21No job, no money, and locked up.
00:33:25The judge never thought of that, I suppose.
00:33:27How will you have your eggs in the morning?
00:33:29Sunny side up or over easy?
00:33:32Go on, get over there.
00:33:36John Thurman.
00:33:39That's you, isn't it?
00:33:40Yes.
00:33:42Rather a new experience for a man like you, Mr. Thurman.
00:33:44I hope you can put up with our accommodations.
00:33:47I never thought I would occupy the place when I designed the building.
00:33:51Oh, I thought I'd seen your name somewhere before.
00:33:55It's on the cornerstone.
00:33:57Well, the man who created the guillotine was beheaded by it.
00:34:01The man who invented the electric chair was executed in it.
00:34:04And now the man who designed the alimony jail is being incarcerated in it.
00:34:08Check your valuables here.
00:34:10You can keep your cigars and cigarettes.
00:34:12Thanks.
00:34:13Hello.
00:34:15You going to be with us for supper, son?
00:34:23Hail, hail, the gang's all here.
00:34:26Quick, boy, new customers coming.
00:34:28Get ready.
00:34:35Hello, kid.
00:34:37Hello, Tony, back again, huh?
00:34:39Order, order.
00:34:40Me and three beers.
00:34:42Sheriff, seat the prisoners.
00:34:44Come on, boys, sit down here.
00:34:46Hello, big darling.
00:34:48Sit right down there.
00:34:50Order.
00:34:51Oyez, oyez, oyez.
00:34:54The kangaroo court of Alimony County is now in session.
00:34:58Gentlemen, you are charged with defrauding women.
00:35:02I mean, stealing horses.
00:35:05Guilty or not guilty?
00:35:07Guilty.
00:35:09What else?
00:35:17And that's that.
00:35:19You mean that's it?
00:35:21Yes, sir.
00:35:24And that's that.
00:35:26You mean they can keep him in Alimony Jail
00:35:28because he can't pay that woman $1,000 a month?
00:35:31If the court thinks he can pay and he doesn't,
00:35:33they can keep Thurman there indefinitely.
00:35:35It's about the only form of debt in America that can jail a man.
00:35:38Well, she doesn't deserve a nickel.
00:35:40Live with him less than a year,
00:35:42then let her shyster frame him so he'd have to slave for her the rest of his life.
00:35:46How do you know so much about this case?
00:35:49Well, I was the girl Mason planted in Thurman's office.
00:35:52Joan!
00:35:54In case you don't understand the circumstances,
00:35:56I'll give you a few details.
00:35:58After I lost my job here,
00:36:00I couldn't get another for weeks.
00:36:02My family out west were in desperate need of money.
00:36:05I saw a chance to earn $100, and I took it.
00:36:07But that was collusion going up there
00:36:09with the intention of deceiving the court.
00:36:11I should report this to the trial judge.
00:36:14But a lawyer can't betray his client's confidence.
00:36:16He has a dime as retainer's fee.
00:36:18Oh, thanks.
00:36:19Of all the messes,
00:36:21the woman's a moral cheat.
00:36:23Her husband's a ninny for signing his life away.
00:36:25The lawyers are crooked, and you're a little fool.
00:36:28Well, I'll thank you not to call John Thurman a ninny.
00:36:31I suppose you'd like to go to jail so you could be near him.
00:36:34I haven't seen him in six months.
00:36:37It's been like six years.
00:36:39Now, I'm warning you.
00:36:40This fellow's getting everything he deserves.
00:36:43You know, there's only one reason why a man insists upon being a minor.
00:36:47He's afraid the world will condemn him
00:36:49if he stands up against a parasitical wife.
00:36:51So he pretends to be chivalrous.
00:36:54I suppose even you will admit
00:36:56there are times when alimony is justifiable.
00:36:58Yes, times without number.
00:37:00Usually, when a man goes into court and fights like a wildcat,
00:37:03he keeps some woman from getting what she's entitled to.
00:37:06Well, now that's settled.
00:37:08How about a habeas corpus?
00:37:10I think we'd better try a hocus-pocus.
00:37:17Get me attorney Joan Mason on the phone, please.
00:37:22It's all bluff, Joe.
00:37:24If I took you into court and exposed Mason,
00:37:26they'd put you all where you belong, in jail.
00:37:31Hello?
00:37:32Mason?
00:37:34This is Dennis O'Shea.
00:37:36Yes, I'm calling on behalf of a client of mine.
00:37:41Yeah, Joan Armstrong.
00:37:44She was at that little affair in Thurman's office last year.
00:37:49I'm wondering if it'd be necessary for me to go in
00:37:52and get a writ of habeas corpus to bring Thurman into court.
00:37:56Or would you do me a favor and ask Judge Greer for a court order?
00:38:02Oh, I'm sure he intends to pay.
00:38:07Thank you, Mason.
00:38:10You can be my lawyer anytime.
00:38:12You sit down there and listen to some good advice.
00:38:16Just because this fellow's out temporarily
00:38:18doesn't mean that he won't have to pay.
00:38:20The alimony laws in this state have so many feet
00:38:22they make an alligator's mouth look as barren as a hen's beak.
00:38:34What a farce this place is.
00:38:38The alimony club is the greatest social leveler in the world.
00:38:42Millionaires, playboys, day laborers, all pals here.
00:38:48Some won't or can't pay their former wives
00:38:51thousands a month in alimony.
00:38:54Others won't or can't give up ten, twelve dollars a week.
00:39:01Ah, this place has got me down in the dumps.
00:39:04I wish I could get out and get a little sunshine or something.
00:39:10Say, how about a cig?
00:39:14It's the last one I got.
00:39:16I don't want to take your last one.
00:39:18Go ahead, you got it.
00:39:19Thanks.
00:39:20Grand smoker.
00:39:21You see that little bop there,
00:39:23spreading the cigarettes with the American?
00:39:25Yes.
00:39:26He gets three dollars a day, digging ditches.
00:39:29What he has to do with it.
00:39:31He gets three dollars a day, digging ditches.
00:39:34What he has to do with it.
00:39:36The other fellow is Davy Dugan.
00:39:39Quits supporting his ex-wife and kiddies
00:39:42so he could feed a string of pole pawns.
00:39:50Well, this isn't so bad after all, is it, Tom?
00:39:52You'll get used to it.
00:39:53Sure.
00:39:55Who's that old fellow with the white hair?
00:39:58A sugar daddy with a flair for showgirls.
00:40:02Wife had to get a divorce and take him washing.
00:40:10Hey, wait a minute.
00:40:11I'm still in there.
00:40:12Well, sit down.
00:40:13No one's trying to cheat you, pal.
00:40:14Well, you better not.
00:40:16That's my card.
00:40:18Now, there's a heavyweight prize fighter
00:40:20who never took the college.
00:40:22He's white, weighs 105 pounds,
00:40:25and how she took him.
00:40:27He's taking the count now, I'd say.
00:40:30How long?
00:40:32Two years already.
00:40:35Everybody here swaps tobacco
00:40:37and thinks they have a contempt for women.
00:40:42My old woman was doing the Riviera.
00:40:45Money I've already paid.
00:40:47Can't understand there was a depression.
00:40:50Can't understand there was a depression.
00:40:54How about yours?
00:40:56Oh, I only hear indirectly.
00:40:58Through lawyers is a pretty direct
00:41:00and indefinite communication.
00:41:13Have a seat.
00:41:15Call John Thurman.
00:41:18John Thurman.
00:41:27You.
00:41:28Well, I helped to get you in here,
00:41:30so I decided it was up to me to get you out.
00:41:32You get me out?
00:41:33Mm-hmm, I need a job.
00:41:35My spelling's improved a lot.
00:42:18Good morning, Joan.
00:42:20Oh, good morning, Mr. Thurman.
00:42:22I hope I haven't kept a long line of clients waiting this morning.
00:42:25No, I told them all to come back next year.
00:42:27Told them you had all you could possibly do for months.
00:42:31Yes, in the two months you've been here,
00:42:33I've had just one client.
00:42:35Mr. O'Shea.
00:42:37And you brought him in.
00:42:39I have a grand surprise for you.
00:42:43Surprise?
00:42:44Mm-hmm.
00:42:46You know that Mrs. Vann you cabled all over Europe?
00:42:49Yes.
00:42:50She's on her way here.
00:42:51Telephoned about an hour ago.
00:42:53Mrs. Vann?
00:42:54Well, I'd almost given up hope hearing from her.
00:42:56I've got all her plans and sketches out of the drafting room.
00:42:58She'll want to see them.
00:42:59Oh, yes.
00:43:00You know, these plans represent months of hard work, Joan.
00:43:03Here, come on, let's clear the desk
00:43:04and have the exhibit ready for her.
00:43:06Get this out of the way and help her.
00:43:08There we are.
00:43:12Come on.
00:43:16Oh, come on and help.
00:43:18Don't stand there and gape.
00:43:20What's the matter with you?
00:43:21Set that pole on there to hold it down.
00:43:24That's right.
00:43:28There.
00:43:29How's that?
00:43:30Well, they're marvelous.
00:43:31I'm sure she'll be pleased with them.
00:43:33Oh, she's very discriminating.
00:43:34She can read values at a glance.
00:43:36Architecture, paintings, people, anything.
00:43:38Well, then I'm sure she wouldn't like it
00:43:40if there was no one in the reception room to meet her.
00:43:43Oh, I almost forgot.
00:43:44Make out two checks for $1,000 each.
00:43:46One to Mrs. Eloise Thurman and the other one to Joel Mason.
00:43:49Have the first converted into a draft
00:43:51to be mailed to her London hotel.
00:43:53The one to Joel Mason.
00:43:54Just mark it, legal services.
00:43:56Well, I'm afraid there isn't enough money
00:43:58in the account to cover both checks.
00:43:59Oh, that's all right.
00:44:00Mrs. Vann will make a down payment of $10,000.
00:44:02You can deposit that when you make out
00:44:04the draft for Mrs. Thurman.
00:44:05Very well.
00:44:10Oh, I'm so sorry.
00:44:11I must have kept you waiting.
00:44:13Merely a slight inconvenience.
00:44:15Why, Mrs. Vann, I thought you were lost.
00:44:18I cabled everywhere for you.
00:44:20Kindly have this young woman remain.
00:44:22Certainly.
00:44:23I wish her to hear why I didn't answer your cables.
00:44:27Well, this is my new secretary, Miss Armstrong.
00:44:30How do you do?
00:44:31Won't you please sit down?
00:44:43I...
00:44:44I hope there's been no misunderstanding.
00:44:47None whatever.
00:44:48I understand everything perfectly.
00:44:52Has Miss Armstrong done anything that you disapprove of?
00:44:56I presume she's no more to blame than you.
00:45:00I met Eloise in Cannes some months ago.
00:45:03Poor child.
00:45:04She confided in me about the divorce.
00:45:07Said she'd come abroad to forget.
00:45:10Eloise wanted a divorce.
00:45:14Naturally, under the circumstances.
00:45:20I'm sorry, I can't explain.
00:45:24John, I very much regret that I so misread your character.
00:45:28Of course, you understand I can't have my name
00:45:30connected with scandal in any possible way.
00:45:33I'm sorry now that I gave you my business.
00:45:36Sponsored you among my friends.
00:45:39Your conduct forces me to withdraw all future patronage.
00:45:45But Mrs. Bennet, I've...
00:45:47Well, I've worked particularly hard all winter on your plans.
00:45:50And now they're ready for your inspection.
00:45:52The house will not be built for some time.
00:45:54And when I get ready to go ahead, I shall consult another architect.
00:45:58Don't you consider that you did enough in breaking up his home
00:46:02without coming here to flaunt yourself in his public life?
00:46:05I only came here to help.
00:46:07You call this helping you?
00:46:09Where is your shame?
00:46:12Miss Armstrong is absolutely innocent of any wrong.
00:46:15I prefer not to discuss that subject.
00:46:17I trust my change in plans will not interfere with your successful career.
00:46:22Good day.
00:46:36Don't cry, dear.
00:46:41We'll get along some way without her help.
00:46:44I don't mean anything to you.
00:46:46And she does.
00:46:48Why don't you go to her and tell her you're rid of me?
00:46:50But I'm not rid of you.
00:46:52And I'll never want to be.
00:46:56I got you in trouble that night.
00:46:58And I got you in trouble again today.
00:47:00Oh, you will.
00:47:02I got you in trouble that night.
00:47:03And I got you in trouble again today.
00:47:05Well, you rescued me from the alimony jail
00:47:07and brought me my only client in months.
00:47:10You never even noticed the rose I brought you.
00:47:13Rose?
00:47:15The one you knocked off the desk.
00:47:20Oh.
00:47:22Do you really want me to stay?
00:47:26Forever and ever.
00:47:51Guess what?
00:48:13That Thurman guy in the can again?
00:48:18Look out! Look out!
00:48:20Don't make me break these eggs.
00:48:21I'm married.
00:48:23Married?
00:48:25Look out or you'll break the eggs.
00:48:27Well?
00:48:28Who's the goose?
00:48:29John Thurman.
00:48:33John Thurman?
00:48:35Now we broke the eggs.
00:48:37We broke the eggs.
00:48:39Well, say, you better get that cleaned up.
00:48:41You know what they'll do to you here if they find you cooking?
00:48:44What are you going to live on?
00:48:45Mrs. Thurman's alimony?
00:48:47Well, oh, I argued and argued with John.
00:48:50I told him that he wasn't making enough to afford a wife
00:48:52and pay alimony as well.
00:48:54Oh, yeah?
00:48:55You argued, huh?
00:48:57How long?
00:48:58Until I was afraid I'd convince him.
00:49:00Oh, well, I won't mind.
00:49:02We'll just have a little place and I'll do all the work.
00:49:04Even the laundry.
00:49:05I'd be glad to share anything with him.
00:49:07Sure.
00:49:08You'll be happy.
00:49:10I'd be glad to share anything with him.
00:49:12Sure.
00:49:13You'll scrub while the ex-Mrs. Thurman dances.
00:49:15You'll wear last year's dress while that orca's buying new evening gowns
00:49:18on your husband's money.
00:49:20Oh, no.
00:49:21I've already seen Dennis O'Shea.
00:49:22He says the courts will reduce John's alimony.
00:49:25Okay, sisters.
00:49:27But any time you get lonely and your husband's in the jailhouse,
00:49:30that little Betty will be waiting for you.
00:49:40Okay.
00:50:11Oh, hello, darling.
00:50:13Hello, dear.
00:50:15What are you doing?
00:50:16Making a dress?
00:50:17Yes.
00:50:18It's my very first creation.
00:50:20Like it?
00:50:21Yes, but I thought I gave you money to buy a dress.
00:50:24Well, I looked all over downtown,
00:50:26and I couldn't find anything half as becoming as this.
00:50:29You're not pinching pennies, are you, dear?
00:50:31No.
00:50:33But I thought it would be a saving,
00:50:35and you'll like the dress just as much as I do.
00:50:37But I thought it would be a saving,
00:50:39and you'll like the dress just as well.
00:50:41First it's cooking and washing, and now it's dressmaking.
00:50:45Joan, dear, you should have a maid.
00:50:47I don't need one, darling.
00:50:49It's my part of the bargain,
00:50:50and keeping it makes me very happy.
00:50:52Besides, I have you.
00:50:56Oh, I'll answer.
00:51:08Poor kid.
00:51:13It's a Mr. Anderson.
00:51:14He says he wants to see you about house.
00:51:33Hello.
00:51:35Hello.
00:51:38Your ex is clamoring for more soothing syrup.
00:51:51How far in the rear is this, the defendant?
00:51:53Your Honor, almost $2,000.
00:51:56You've been here several times before, haven't you?
00:51:59Yes, Your Honor.
00:52:00I believe I cut your alimony in half some months ago.
00:52:03Well, business has been very bad, Your Honor.
00:52:06Your Honor, I don't wish to seem to persecute this man,
00:52:09but I must insist that he live up to his obligations to his former wife.
00:52:13Your Honor has already committed him to the delinquent jail,
00:52:16and I've had him before you several times.
00:52:19All right.
00:52:21Well, what do you want to do?
00:52:22Go back to jail again?
00:52:24I gave her $40,000 in stock when we were divorced.
00:52:28Granted, Your Honor, but that stock today is practically valueless.
00:52:32I've done everything I can to keep up the payment, but I'm a married man now.
00:52:36You couldn't pay your alimony, but you married another woman.
00:52:40The defendant has since married the correspondent in this case.
00:52:43This court has been very lenient with this defendant on several prior occasions.
00:52:48The fact that he married a woman who broke up his wife's home
00:52:52is certainly no recommendation for further leniency.
00:52:55Please, Your Honor, may I say something?
00:52:58You may.
00:53:00Well, my husband gave me $100 to buy some clothes,
00:53:04and I'd gladly pay Mrs. Thurman's attorney if it would keep Mr. Thurman out of jail.
00:53:09Are you the second Mrs. Thurman?
00:53:11Yes, and I want to do everything I can to help him.
00:53:15The plaintiff's attorney will give you a receipt.
00:53:18Case continued for 30 days.
00:53:20Unless a substantial sum is paid to your former wife within that time,
00:53:26you will be sent to the jail for alimony delinquency.
00:53:31Next case.
00:53:33Carroll v. Carroll.
00:53:56No.
00:54:02Stop crying, darling.
00:54:04Don't be so despondent.
00:54:06It won't be like this always.
00:54:08Oh, yes, it will.
00:54:10Every dollar you earn, she'll want.
00:54:13Every time I need a new dress, I'll have to remember that the money must be saved for her.
00:54:17No, no, no.
00:54:19I thought we could live on nothing, and love was all that mattered.
00:54:23But I know different now.
00:54:25We've got to eat and have clothes the same as she does.
00:54:28Well, maybe she'll remarry.
00:54:30Oh, no. No, she won't.
00:54:32Not as long as she can bleed you and make me miserable.
00:54:36Oh, I was a fool to get you into this.
00:54:40But I'll... I'll give you your freedom.
00:54:50Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry.
00:54:54I just couldn't control myself.
00:54:57It's my nerves, I guess.
00:54:59Oh, it's been an awful day for you.
00:55:01No, it isn't that.
00:55:05It's that I'm going to have a baby.
00:55:11Joan, darling.
00:55:24Joan.
00:55:44Joan.
00:55:45Yes?
00:55:46Can't you keep Johnny quiet?
00:55:48I'll try, darling.
00:55:55Dad!
00:56:08Boo!
00:56:10It's for Johnny. His first birthday cake.
00:56:13Oh, silly. He can't eat cake.
00:56:15Oh, I know. He'll like to light his candle and you and I can eat the cake.
00:56:19Afraid there hasn't been much cake in our lives, has there?
00:56:22I guess cake wasn't meant for us.
00:56:25You know, dear, I don't know whether I'm ever going to get out of this alimony hole.
00:56:30Sometimes I wonder if it wouldn't be wise if we pulled up stakes and went to Canada somewhere
00:56:35and started all over again without this handicap.
00:56:38Oh, no, I'd never do that.
00:56:39I'd rather stay here and work than let her think she made us hide.
00:56:43The old guard never surrenders, huh?
00:56:45I should say not.
00:56:48Besides, I know you'll succeed someday, darling.
00:56:55John, I don't want to worry you, but aren't you behind in Eloise's payments again?
00:57:02Yes, I am.
00:57:05Joan, darling.
00:57:08Would you be angry if I dropped by and had a talk with her
00:57:13and asked her if she couldn't reduce her living expenses so that it wouldn't be so hard on you?
00:57:16No, I've stood for everything but that.
00:57:18I don't want you to go near her, even speak to her.
00:57:25I guess I'd better go and try and quiet him.
00:57:28The candle will amuse him.
00:57:30Here, here, let me light it first.
00:57:40There you are.
00:57:55Look, Johnny, look at the pretty cake.
00:57:58It's for your birthday.
00:58:00Look, honey.
00:58:13John?
00:58:15John, come here quickly.
00:58:17What?
00:58:20Feel his cheeks.
00:58:29He's been feverish all day, but...
00:58:31Why, he's burning up.
00:58:33I think you'd better go for a doctor right away.
00:58:35All right.
00:58:38Oh, poor baby.
00:58:46All right, don't cry, Johnny.
00:58:55The child's facing a very serious illness.
00:59:00How long has he had this cold?
00:59:02About a week.
00:59:04It's settled in both lungs.
00:59:10Please get this filled immediately at the nearest drugstore.
00:59:13I'll get a coat.
00:59:17Is it really serious, doctor?
00:59:19Yes.
00:59:21And to keep the room well ventilated and...
00:59:24give the medicine according to the directions on the label.
00:59:28Yes.
00:59:30I'll be right back.
00:59:33You'd better call me again later this afternoon if he doesn't improve.
00:59:37Yes, thank you, doctor.
00:59:43Ellen!
00:59:50Hey! Hey!
00:59:52Listen, I'm getting sick and tired of coming out here for you.
00:59:55Why don't you move in closer to the judge's court?
00:59:57Well, my baby's very ill. I've got to go to the drugstore and get this prescription.
01:00:00Wait a minute. You're always full of excuses.
01:00:02Well, it's only a citation. I'll appear at the proper time.
01:00:04Yeah? Well, this time it's a bench warrant and Judge Greer's waiting for you.
01:00:10Well, I'm not going.
01:00:12No? Well, now are you going to ride peaceably or are you going to ride with ease?
01:00:17Well, just a moment.
01:00:19Just a moment. Nothing. Come along with me.
01:00:24And that's all I can say.
01:00:26I've listened to your excuses for the last time.
01:00:29I'll be able to make a payment next week if you'll just let me go.
01:00:32Your Honor, this man has been a persistent violator of the orders of the court in regard to his alimony.
01:00:37There is illness in the home of his former wife and she cannot wait until next week for the money.
01:00:41Well, if you'll only let me explain.
01:00:43The past year this court has wasted a great deal of valuable time listening to your explanations.
01:00:49I do not care to hear any more excuses in this matter.
01:00:52Well, I only have $20, Your Honor, and I need that desperately.
01:00:55Give her the money to Mr. Mason.
01:00:58I'll give you a receipt for it.
01:01:00I can't wait.
01:01:08Here it is.
01:01:10They arrested me on the way to the drugstore.
01:01:12They forced me to go to court.
01:01:14They took that $20 bill, the last money I had.
01:01:17You let them drag you off the court?
01:01:19You let them rob you of your last $20 while my baby was dying?
01:01:26It took me a long time to convince that druggist that I would pay him tomorrow.
01:01:30Tomorrow.
01:01:32Something that was valuable only today.
01:01:34Something that was valuable only today.
01:01:40You mean...
01:01:43the baby's worse?
01:01:46By the time I could get the doctor back, Johnny was dead.
01:02:05Oh.
01:02:15The doctors say you may hold baby, Mrs. Thurman.
01:02:18Oh, mother darling.
01:02:20And he says he must have four ounces of papad milk,
01:02:25one teaspoon of grated spinach,
01:02:28and three drops of paraguay.
01:02:32Him little tummy hurt.
01:02:34And here's the bill.
01:02:36Oh, just put it on the table, Paul.
01:02:38Mother.
01:02:40Yes?
01:02:42I'm not at home to anyone but my attorney.
01:02:45Well, there's the baby.
01:02:47Mother's so glad to see him.
01:02:49He ain't been away...
01:02:51I told her you weren't in, madam,
01:02:53and she braced me aside when I tried to stop her.
01:02:57Well?
01:02:58I've come here to settle things.
01:03:00To settle things for once and all.
01:03:02The courts have settled everything as far as I'm concerned.
01:03:06You have my husband.
01:03:07John is my husband.
01:03:09I should have said my former husband.
01:03:11And your present meal ticket.
01:03:14How long do you intend to go on bleeding him for alimony,
01:03:17robbing his family of every cent he earns?
01:03:19I believe a woman collects alimony until she remarries.
01:03:23Your kind never remarries.
01:03:25You're just a parasite.
01:03:27There.
01:03:28You're getting poor sick baby nervous.
01:03:31You call that thing baby?
01:03:33If you'd have been a real mother,
01:03:34you'd have still been John's wife and entitled to his earnings.
01:03:37Now that you've so rudely intruded,
01:03:40perhaps you'll be good enough to go.
01:03:44There, baby darling.
01:03:46There, baby.
01:03:47Go to sleep, honey.
01:03:49Yes, my little darling.
01:03:53Go to sleep, honey.
01:03:55That's it.
01:04:01My little darling.
01:04:03Twenty dollars.
01:04:19Don't!
01:04:20Don't!
01:04:26And then?
01:04:28I asked the maid to phone for the police.
01:04:33Thank you, Mrs. Thurman.
01:04:35That's all, Your Honor.
01:04:36Your witness.
01:04:39No further questions.
01:04:46This is our tragic story.
01:04:48The defense asks for an instructive verdict of not guilty.
01:04:52There is nothing more to add to the state's case.
01:04:59In the opinion of this court,
01:05:01the jury should render its own verdict in this case.
01:05:04Therefore, the motion for an instructive verdict is hereby denied.
01:05:10Before retiring to consider the evidence,
01:05:13which the court considers clear and decisive,
01:05:16the jurors will be instructed as to the extent to which
01:05:20The jurors will be instructed as to the various degrees of murder
01:05:24as defined by the penal code.
01:05:31Mrs. Thurman, now that the jury has exonerated you,
01:05:35I want you to go home with your husband
01:05:37and begin life anew and unhampered.
01:05:49THE END