 There's an auction in progress tonight in Hollywood. Lots of people in searchlights and baleen. They're selling the personal effects of Margaret Elliott, a famous motion picture star. Around the corner from the auction is a little coffee shop. I don't know what got into you, Maggie. Standing there watching them sell your furniture, your clothes, your silver. Going, going, gone. What were you doing there, Harry? Or is that part of an agent's job? Watching them pick his client's phone. Oh, no, take it easy, Maggie, and listen to me. Don't touch me. You can do anything, can't you, Harry? But get me a decent part in a picture. Harry Stone, the great star maker. The gentleman agent. My friend. I am your friend. I know. I know I'm sorry. Harry, I saw in Variety that Joe Morrison is going to produce the painful winter. Yes, you had an option on that story once. I love that book. It could have been written for me. Harry, go to Joe, will you? One good picture is all I need. Maggie, you have to face a few facts. But they can't put me out to pasture. I was a star, Harry, as big as they come. Look, I've been your friend for a long time. I love you, but there's no denying that fresh, duly quality. But something else takes its place. You tell me how to stay duly in this town. I know it's tough, but that's what the public wants. This new kid of mine's got it, Laura Belden. Morrison signed her last week. Laura Belden. Harry, go to Morrison. Tell him how much I love the painful winter. That could impress him. One good part would put me back just where I was. Besides, I'm desperate for money. I won't get anything from the auction if all go to the creditors. I was wondering if you... You're into it now for thousands. Another advance, well, how could I justify it to the company? That's all you can think of, isn't it? Well, what about the years when your 10% brought you 40 and $50,000 year after year? Maggie, John Morgan must have cost you 20 when you were married to him. Well, now that those westerns of his are cleaning up... Ask my ex-husband for money. Haven't you heard? He's putting all his savings into a trust fund for his wife and kitty. Just a suggestion? Don't you think I have any pride? Well? Thanks for the coffee. You're not going back there, back to the auction. I don't know where I'm going. Good night, Harry. Good evening, Miss Sallyhead. I know it's late. But I must see Mr. Morgan. He's home with me. Well, maybe I'd better see... Mother! Mother! By question, you still await... It's all right, Anita. I'll see that you get back to bed. Darling, I've missed you so. Let me look at you. Oh, I had the most beautiful mother in the whole world. Now, come on in the bedroom where we can talk. Well, fine, but I don't think I can stay very long, darling. You don't have to. This long enough to help me pack my things. My six months with Daddy was up on the 17th. I was wondering when you'd come for me. But you... You are happy here, aren't you, darling? Oh, I like it all right. It won't take me a minute to get dressed and park. Where are we living now? Well, you see, that's it. I have such a tiny apartment, dear. I don't care. I just want to be with you. But I'm gone most of the day, darling. Where are you? I'm most of the day. Why, at the studio, of course. Mother, I've got to ask you something. Darling, not right now. Wait until I've had a chance to talk to your father. But he's not home. He's on location. And it's something very important. Margaret, won't you come down? That's Peggy. Anita must have told you you're here. Hello, Peggy. I'll be right there. Now, darling, you go to bed. I'll come back in a few minutes and tuck you in. OK. OK. It's us if you want. That's my girl. What brings you here this time? I suppose you're entitled to a reason, Peggy. If it's about Gretchen. Well, you know how fond we are of her. She can stay with us indefinitely. She's a delightful child. I kid you to adore her. Thanks again. John phones every day from Arizona. If there's something you'd like me to tell him... No, no, I don't think so. Is this money? Do you want more from John? More money. I never asked him for any. No, I don't suppose you have. But he has given you... $2,500 over the past two years. Yes, that's quite true, Peggy. It's also true, but I gave him $25,000 when I divorced him. I gave him that money so he could marry you. But I dare say you didn't know that. He has no secrets from me. Well, he got plenty of secrets from me. That's a crack, I suppose, when you threw yourself at him, didn't you? That is those eyes. I told him what a great, big, wonderful man he was and how bad I was for him. But I was too busy with my career. What he needed was a real life. And he fell for it. Because it happened to be the truth. His name is Morgan. He didn't like being Mr. Elliott living in Miss Elliott's house, entertaining Miss Elliott's guests. He wasn't a husband. He was merely a convenience. Anything else? You deserve to lose him. I'd made him happy, Maggie, because I've let him be Mr. Morgan. Thanks for the inside story. May I go up now? I promised Gretchen. Oh, dear. Yes, of course. But I'll have to stay here? Just for a while, darling. And I'll see you again just as soon as I can. Mother, there's something I have to ask you. Yes, dear. You are a big movie star, aren't you? Why? Well, the kids this day can't. They say you don't make pictures anymore. And Janie Marks, or her father's a writer, and she says he told her mother you were... you were all washed up. Gretchen. You tell us, Janie Marks. Your mother is a star. I knew you were. But they say you'll never be in any more pictures. I'm going to start a new picture in three weeks. And when you do, can I... can I do my six months with you? Yes, yes, darling. Oh, I'm so glad. I love you. You're so beautiful, and you always smell so good. I wanted to put on some of the perfume you like, but there wasn't any left. Why are you crying? Well, haven't you ever cried because you're happy? No. That's funny. Yes, it is, isn't it? Now lie down. Go on, get some sleep. Where are you going? Going home. I've got to work, you know. Why, you should read a pile of scripts they want me to read. I feel good. I feel all good inside. You just stay that way. Good night, baby. Hello, Mrs. Adams. Your sister and her husband stopped by. I left them in your apartment, as usual. Oh, thank you. Miss Elliott. Yes? Do you know what I'm going to say? Look, all I want is one day more. You can give me one more day. I'm only the manager, Miss Elliott. Oh, I'm sure you could let them have just one month's rent. Let me know who I am. Didn't you tell them there's a contract on my agent's desk right now? I told them. But to them you're not Margaret Elliott. To them you're just another tenant who hasn't paid the rent. Well, don't let it worry you tonight. We'll talk about it tomorrow. Good night, Mrs. Adams. Margaret, where have you been? Roy and I got to get started for Alhambra. Hello, Faith. I didn't know you were coming tonight. Oh, it's the first of the month, isn't it? You've been to some glamor party? Yeah, yeah. A glamor party. I've been having a ball. Hi, Margaret. I was expecting a sandwich. That kind of hungry, waiting for you. Help yourself, Roy. Mama keeps asking and asking for you, Margaret. Now, don't get the idea I'm complaining, but between Mama and the kids, and you should see those kids. They're growing out of everything. I haven't bought a stitch for myself in months. Not a stitch. Well, the course is too alone for those boys. Sorry? I'm afraid I haven't any shoes for 14-year-old boys. So, don't say too much. I was just telling you the family news. Aren't you interested? I have some rather interesting family news, too. I'm bankrupt. Get it? Understand? Oh, my goodness. I always knew you were extravagant and all, but whoever needed two cadlights and all those servants and everything. Well, we never said anything, Maggie, because, well, you'd have been mad if we did. But all that money you made. Money just don't melt. Oh, doesn't it? For instance, there's a house I bought for you. You promised to pay me back, remember? Then the hospital and the doctors when the kids were born. And for their clothes, ever since. And their saxophone lessons. And for Roy's free operations. Oh, wait a minute. Yeah. Because I help it if Roy enjoys poor health. And you know what, Mother's costume. Mama is living with us now. And if you think that that's a picnic, you're up. All right, now, now, girls, let's not have a ruckus. If you'll just give us the monthly check, Margaret will be shoving along. Can't you get it for your thick skull? I'm broke. Here's my purse. I've got $3.85. Do you want that, Roy? She doesn't mean that, Princess. I've given you two over $50,000. You must have some of it left. Roy, could I please borrow $200? $200? Margaret! For Pete's sake, where would we get money like that? Well, you could print it. I'd only thought to give Roy a printing press. Aw, you're just tired. You wouldn't say. I'm sick and tired. Now, leave me alone. Whoa! Is that the way you feel? It's just the way I feel. Now, go on. Get out. Get out and leave me alone. We wake up. Roy. Roy, wait. Look. Right on the front page of the morning newspaper. Just look at this. What do you know? My own sister. In jail. In jail for junk and driving. How do you like that thing? Kick this out of her apartment and go out and get loaded. If the boys see this, I'll just die. I'll just die with shame. Well, we'll just let her stay in jail. Big movie star. Huh? Go on, honey. Let me get some rest. You came down to the jail. $150. You bailed me out. That's about it, Miss Elliott. Are you crazy? I don't even know who you are. My name's Johansson. Jim Johansson. I read about it in the paper. Well, you're in trouble, so I wanted to help you. Why you, of all people? Why not? Now, I made a picture once. It was called Night Court. I made a girl who was arrested. Critics said it was great. I guess they never sent her night in jail. Next time you'll know better, huh? Where are we going? Not that it matters. Well, there's a drive in here to the beach. I don't know about you, but I haven't had breakfast. Okay? Anything you say, Mr. Johansson? Aren't you hungry? I want to know why you got me out of jail. Okay. Once a long time ago, you did something very nice for me. I was sent out to your house to fix the filter on your swimming pool. Ten days later, I'm in pictures. You got me a big party, a picture. It's called Stateless. Now, do you remember me? Wait a minute. It gave you a new name, didn't it? Barry something. Barry Lester, of course. How I hated that name. Well, there's never been a movie star named Jim Johansson. Barry Lester, either. It was an interesting picture. Was the worst picture ever made? I took one look at myself and listed in the Navy. Go ahead, eat your breakfast. No, I don't want any. How do I get to Hollywood from here? Why? I've got to get home. I'll have you there in 30 minutes, okay? Okay. Thank you very much, Mr. Johansson. Nothing I could do, Miss Elliott. After they read the papers, they changed the lock on your door. Anyway, I managed to take some of your clothes in a suitcase. Thank you, Mrs. Adams. You're very kind. But I like to think I'm a human being. That young man in the car, are you waiting for you? Yes, I guess he is. I don't know why. Well, you come with me. I've got your things down on the list. Where to? Isn't this the end of the line, Mr. Johansson? Well, but you must have plenty of friends. Oh, sure. Sure, I'm the perfect guest who wouldn't be happy to have me. Okay. Get in the car. This is where I live. The harbor's right down there in that little shipyard, just below us. Well, that's how I make my living. And it's all mine. From swimming pools to shipyards. Congratulations. I got it right after the war. Not too much dough, but it's a lot better than getting up in the morning and having some characters slap makeup on your push. This house used to be a sail loft. They told me it once was... Are you all right? What am I going to do? First of all, you're going to lie down and get some rest. I'll find a lawyer to square things up at court. Just remember you're lucky to be alive. But I shouldn't be here. It's something I've got to do, but I can't remember. I'll be out in the yard if you need anything. Now, come on. Lie down and try to get in. Hello, Peggy. Peggy, did Gretchen read the paper? Oh. Thanks, that was very nice of you. What? Those nasty kids. But you told her, didn't you? You told her it wasn't true. Oh. Well, thanks for trying. Oh, no, I'm all right. I'd like to speak to her, Peggy. She's not home. Please, Peggy, I promise not to upset her. All I wanted... Oh, I see. Thank you. There's nothing in that paper you want to see. And keep away from the phone until you've had a little rest. Are you a doctor or something? You're going to stay here a few days until this blows over. After that, we'll decide where you're going. Going. That's the story of my life. Only now it's finished. Going. Going. It's several hours later. In the little shipyard adjoining his house, Jim Johansson has a visitor. Think better? Yes, much better. Well, I suppose I owe you several explanations. You don't owe me a thing. You owe me an explanation. Do I? Why have you been so kind to me? Well, one of these days maybe I'll tell you. Oh, I talked to a lawyer. He'll take care of everything. I don't know what made me do it. I had a bottle of scotch in the apartment. Then to get into the car and start driving. Would you hand me that wrench, please? Wrench? Right there beside you, the wrench. Oh. You remember that scene in Vacation for a Lady where I was snowed in in the forest range of cabin? So? This reminds me of it. I remember the way I stumbled into his cabin half dead. Oh, terrible-looking face, untidy, the dishes unwashed. Thank you. Oh, I... Sorry I didn't mean it that way. I meant the mood. The girl, that was me. And the poor young man... Me. No, no, Clark Spencer. Are you sure you never saw it? I've seen the same story a thousand times. That picture made four and a half million. You know all I got out of it? What? $150,000. Oh, I feel very sorry for you. You know something I always remember about you? What? Your perfume. Silly, huh? How was it? Desire me. Very expensive. Oh, the names they think up. Maybe that's where some of it went, huh? Why? Your dough. I'll tell you where it went. I was on top. Put my name on a marquee and there'd be a line around the block. I was sick of the pipe they were forcing me to play. Yeah, yeah, I read about it. So I put my own money into three great pictures. Big companies wouldn't give me a decent release, so I lost everything. They said I was boxed off as poison. You wouldn't be bitter or anything, huh? Wouldn't you? I don't know, maybe. You juggled a book. That all my independence were slots. Of course they lied. I got tremendous fan mail. Believe me, you don't win an Academy Award for nothing. All right, Skippet. I don't understand the picture business. It just won't give me a chance anymore. Look, you're confusing what words with what is. That's why you got drunk last night. Try to kill yourself. Me? Kill myself? If I were going to kill myself, I'd really rip the lid off this pound first. Look at it this way, Margaret. It would swell while it lasted, but it's over. It's not over. It will never be over. And one of these days I'll prove it to you. You have a radio in the house? Radio? Sure. Five o'clock news. I want to hear what they're saying about me. Does it matter? Yes, very much. I have a daughter. It's going to matter to her, too. Oh, all right. I wasn't thinking about it. Come on, let's go out. She was arrested last night in Beverly Hills and charged with drunken driving. Miss Elliott was released on bail early this morning and apparently has gone into hiding. But whereabouts are not known, but reporters are now checking a rumor that the celebrated actress is... Why did you turn it off? You've heard enough. I should tell that announcer the real story, shouldn't I? Margaret Elliott is the guest of Jim Johansson, wet nurse for sick boats, spending a glamorous holiday with a mechanic who bought her for $250 bail. Is that what you think? Oh, that's why the heavy bailed me out in a very successful picture called night court. Can't you ever think beyond a script? Ah, the truth makes a man mad. Stop it. Or perhaps you were always in love with him. Is that it? Lots of men have been. And you're a man. But you're not a woman. You're just a career. You were in love with me, weren't you? I suppose I was. I thought you were the greatest. And now? You wouldn't want to hear it. Just listen to your ego. It's all you have left. I told you I was going for a walk. Went to a drug store. Tried to buy some sleeping pills. Why? That's an intelligent question. I need a good night's rest. It wouldn't give me any without a prescription. How I bought a magazine, see? Had her picture on the cover. Laura Belden. Lovely, isn't she? So fresh and young and dewy. Yes. Yes, she is. Oh, that's not all. Hey, see this? Perfume. My favorite perfume. I stole it. Margaret. I've never stole anything before in my life. Jim once got into me. I don't need perfume. Nobody needs perfume. Forget it. I'll pay for it tomorrow. But what's the matter with... That's a good question. Going, going. Gone. No, no, you're not. You know that something is the matter. And believe me, that's the first step. What am I going to do, Jim? Please tell me what to do. Well, I think we'll go sailing tomorrow. Maybe we can take a little girl along. What you like now, Margaret? Well, I don't know. How can you tell what a child is like? Look, I'm so sorry about the things I said. Forget it. I'm sorry about a lot of things. Who isn't? You know, you thought I was doing you a favor when I... forced them to give you that part in Faithless, didn't you? You what? No. I wanted to show Charles Humphrey. What did he have to do with it? Wanted him to the picture and he bolted it made me mad. I swore I'd pick out the very first man I saw. I'm making a bigger start than Charlie ever was. I was the first man? Yes. Next day I was down by the pool and there you were. Yeah. Yeah, you, you were really something in that blue bathing suit. Really? Oh, I'd never seen anybody like you in my life. Well, you see, you don't owe me anything. Yeah, you're perfect. Might as well keep it. Can't you just take it back? Can't you tell me if I picked it up by mistake, Jim? Tell him I... Funny. I wasn't any older. Where'd this come from? Little drugs store near the theater. Must have been a display bottle. It's nothing but colored water. Colored water? But you thought it was real. Just like a lot of other things you've grabbed for us. Isn't it? First thing we yell is coming. See you home soon. You like sailing? Yes, it's wonderful. You know something? I haven't heard the word Hollywood all day. Longer, if you can forget that rat race for one day, you can forget... Give up my career? Is that what you mean? No disgrace to be through with pictures. But what else is there for me? Well, you... You could go into real estate, start a little restaurant, even be a sales lady. I've never done anything but acts. Well, all right, acts. Play it like another part at first, give a performance. I wouldn't know where to begin. Well, what if some of those fancy department stores out in Beverly? Magnum? Yeah. Sacks? Have everybody gloat over me and say, there she is. There's Margaret Elliot? Oh, no, no thanks. Well, then go somewhere else. Flendale at stores, Long Beach, Pasadena, and it may surprise you. People, too. I'd better wait, Gretchen. Wake up, darling. Come on, wake up, please. We're coming in. It's impressive. Well, thank you, Mr. Carter. I'm pleased, you're pleased. Well, you'd better get back to work. Mustn't keep the customers waiting. Oh, no, no, no. Oh, miss. Yes, madam? That negligee in the showcase. How much is it? $39.95, isn't it lovely? You see it, please. Excuse me, I'll get one for you out of stock. Harriet, that sales girl. That's Margaret Elliot. Oh, but it couldn't be. She's in jail. Oh, that was three weeks ago. No, some mystery man got her out. I went all about. Well, if it is Margaret Elliot, I think it's just great. A respectable store like this. Hiring the jailbird. It's Margaret Elliot. All right, you can't fool me. Oh, I can't believe it. Besides, Margaret was much better looking than her. Take a good look, lady. So there's no doubt. Yes, it is Margaret Elliot. And it is a disgrace. Margaret Elliot waiting on a couple of old bats like you. Why you? You can't talk to us this way. I'll call the manager. Call the manager. Call the president. Call the fire department. I won't be here. I'm going back where I belong. I'm Margaret Elliot. And I intend to stay Margaret Elliot. Good afternoon, Harry Stone Agency. Oh, Miss Elliot. Oh, I'm terribly sorry. He's still at lunch. Well, fine. I didn't know if you were alive or dead. Maggie, I'm your agent. Why didn't you call me? By the time I heard about it, they told me somebody had bailed you out. Then you did come to the jail. Remember me? I'm your friend. Then get me that part in fatal winter. Harry, I want to go to the studio. I want to see Joe Morrison this afternoon. Oh, I'm not so sure. This is quite the right time. All those stories in the papers, Maggie. That's not good. Morrison is mad about publicity. Well, it is an angle. I'll think it over. No, you're sorely, Harry. We're going now. All right. All right, we'll see more. Just one thing you've got to promise me. Well? I'm not giving Joe any of your ideas. He has the ideas. Understand? Come on. We're wasting time. Dropped in, Joe. Well, to talk to you about Margaret Elliott. It's a terrible thing, Harry. That poor girl. They forget their people. They get up there at the top. They begin to slip to get panicky. Joe, if you give her a part right now, it'd be one of the finest things anyone has ever done. She... Well, she asked me to talk to you about the fatal winter. The girl in that story is 18. Laura Belden's going to play it. Margaret had an option on that book once. Very important to her. Everything is very important to stars. What do we do with them, Harry? What do we do without them? Would you... Would you talk to her? Why, when I have nothing for her? She's waiting out there in my car just to be inside a studio with Bucker. Wait a minute. Do you suppose she played a part of the older sister? A big part, but a strong... Well, was she ought to? You could tell her on the idea. Isn't it terrible you have to sell somebody something that's good for them? All right, Harry, bring her in. Joe, I'm grateful. I'm very... Looking wonderful, Margaret. Wonderful! I never felt better in my life. Well, I've got an idea, Margaret. I hope you like it. I've got the test seat right here at my desk. I'd like you to look at it. Test? Well, I know you haven't had to make a test for a long time, but if we agree on this role, it'll be a departure for you. Oh, Margaret will make a test, won't you, dear? Oh, yes, of course. Uh, how old do you see the girl? Oh, uh... 40 years? I see. You want me to play the older sister. And if we like the test, we'll build a plow to take advantage of your talent. Well, that will be quite a challenge. Thank you, Joe. It sounds like a very interesting experiment. It's been a big day for you, Margaret. You quit your job in the department store, walk right back into pictures. Congratulations. Well, I don't actually have the part, Jim. I'm not too sure that I want it. Oh, you don't mind if I do my nails? No, no, not at all, go ahead. Well, we can talk while they're drying. Well, anyway, in the picture, I play a strange sort of recluse. Oh, I suppose she's had a tragic love affair, but there's no reason why she can't look attractive as I see it. Anyway, here's the script. Oh, cue me, will you, Jim? Oh, wait a minute. I'm supposed to be scrubbing the floor. All right, Betty. Knock on the door. Yes. Who is it? Door opens, jet enters, stands looking down at Sarah. Aren't you going to ask me to sit down? You can do as you like. Well, it says here that she speaks in a solemn manner. Oh, well, I never follow stage direction. It's one of the first things a real actress learns. Oh, who's the director? Keith Barclay in New York stage thinks he's slumming out here. Oh, if I were you, I'd play along with him. Jim, will you admit I know more about Hollywood than you do? Sure, sure, but I just don't want to see you hurt again like those two old bats hurt you at the store. I wasn't hurt. I was just plain mad. Look, you don't get mad unless you're hurt. Jim, please, no lecture tonight. Now, come on, let's start from the beginning. OK. Knock on the door. Yes. Who is it? Door opens, jet enters. Aren't you going to ask me to sit down? Well, you can do anything you like, but it isn't like you to pay a social visit, jet guard. Margaret Elliott is once again on a solemn stage. It's just a test, of course, but that doesn't worry Margaret. And the part she's testing for isn't the lead. Margaret knows exactly what she's doing to the considerable annoyance of Mr. Barclay, the director. Sorry, Miss Elliott, but your makeup and these clothes, I'm afraid you look much too young for this part. Now, why don't we... Really, Mr. Barclay, women of 42 don't have to look ready for the old ladies' home, you know. Oh, no, but this is the special case. The woman in our story hasn't bothered to keep up appearances. She avoids people. She's a... Yes, I've read the book, Mr. Barclay. As a matter of fact, I was... Joe! Oh, how sweet of you to come down and see me. Good luck, Margaret, dear. Thank you, darling. Now, you two be nice to each other. Oh, I always get along with my director. Are you going to watch the test, Mr. Morrison? No, I just stop by to wish you both good luck. Bless you. Now, you and I know that this test, well, it's just a formality, right? Of course. All of it, my dear. Well, shall we rehearse our little theme? Fine. This is Mr. Bailey, Miss Elliott. He's going to play Jed. How do you do? How do you do? Mr. Bailey's a very good actor. He worked for me in New York. Oh, how nice. You can always use good actors. All right, let's run through it. Quiet please. This is a rehearsal. Settle down. Action. Yes. Who is it? Aren't you going to ask me to sit down? Well, you can do anything you like. But it isn't like you to pay a social visit, Jed Garfield. Cut. Miss Elliott, you're too light. This woman is fallen. She's not flirting with Jed. He's her enemy. Well, if she wants to win her points, she's got to use sex. But you're playing her like a young girl. Oh, do you really think so? Now, look, we've got to get this one point straight. Mr. Barclay, I have been in this business a long time. I know what I'm doing. I'm sure you do. On the other hand, I... Well? Nothing. Forget it. Ben, may we continue the rehearsal? I don't think we need to rehearse it at all. Why don't we just go ahead and shoot it? All right, quiet. Settle down, boys. This is a take. Ready? Roller. Test. Margaret Elliott. Take one. Action. Settle the studio, Harry. Oh, it went just beautifully. Who is Barclay, please? He must have been one take, Harry. Just one. I'll call Morrison later. I may have a surprise for you. When Morrison sees this test, it might very well be that I'll get the lead after all. Maggie, now, now, wait a moment. Well, stranger things have happened, darling. Now, forgive me, I've got a million things to do. Well, just tell me one thing. When you made the test, you did it. Now, stop worrying. I'll see you tomorrow. Oh, Jim, I've had the most wonderful days. Look. Look what's parked in front of the house. Struck oil, huh? It's a Cadillac. They let me take it on approval, and you should see the clothes I've ordered. Oh, it's so wonderful to go in and charge things again. You wouldn't be a little charged yourself, would you? Now, come on. Stop working. Go inside and get all spruced up. Oh, are we going somewhere? Romano, we're celebrating my return to the screen. Well, at last I know. So you got the part. Well, we see the test tomorrow, but... Oh, then you haven't got the part. Joe Mars and himself said it's just a formality. Oh, Jim, you don't know what it means to be in front of a camera again. Well, are you just going to stand there, or should I get myself another date? Maggie, there's a swell little place in the valley. Why don't we drive over there? Don't you want to go out on the town with me? Well, Maggie, I... Don't make me big. I've begged so much. You won't have to beg. I'll be ready in half an hour. Oh. What's the matter? Well, what about clothes? Stop worrying. I own a very nice suit. Please hurry, Jim, please. Margaret. Margaret. Hey, wake up. One o'clock. Jim. Oh. You can fell asleep. What time is it? One o'clock. Oh, no. I only meant to close my eyes for five minutes. Why did you let me sleep? You passed out in high spirits. Do you promise to take me out tonight? Take it easy, Margaret. If you'd gone out, you'd have only run into a lot of people. What's wrong with people? I love people. Wait till tomorrow night, and things will be definite. Everything is definite. I have told the papers I've ordered, clothes, dice. Time to tell me I won't get this to you. What do you know? Like, this will put me right back where I was. Why couldn't you have waited one more day? Now, what impelled you? Impelled? I... Are I impelled? You went out on a limb? Yes, I did, didn't I? It's probably all right. Oh, no. I thought maybe if I... I made those promises. I got myself involved. I went out on that limb. It would be so because I said it was so. And then God couldn't be so cruel as to cut me down. You suppose that was it? Why do you keep torturing yourself with all this? You must know by now you could... You could stay here with me. Margaret, I... I'm asking you to marry me. How about it? Thank you. Thank you, but I can't tell you. I can't answer you right now. I'm scared. I... I'm scared. Help me. Oh, please, please help me. What are you going to do tomorrow morning? Do. Go to the studio there. I'm just going to run the test. Then at the risk of repeating myself, why worry now? Yes, you're right. Of course you're right. And it will be cut. It will. It will. For heaven's sake, what are you doing home this time of day? I've brought Maggie with me, fellas. She isn't feeling well. Will you put her to bed and tell Robert to bring her a tray? Where is she? Downstairs, I thought I'd better talk to you first. She's been drinking? No, no, I wish it were that simple. They've seen the tests she made yesterday. Horrible. What happened? Oh, she was testing for the part of the older sister. Somehow she got it into her head as she played it sexy and tried to look young. They'd give her the other part. Joe Morrison says it's hopeless. Bad, bad. They told her? They didn't have to tell her. She knows. Oh, you'd better give her a sleeping pill, but don't leave them around. I'll put her in the back room. It's going to get a little noisy after the guest start arriving. Good. Oh, good grief. I forgot all about the cocktail party. Oh, can't be helped. Come on, dear, let's get her up. Down here, I thought you were resting. Thanks for everything, Simmons. But I've got to go. No, I'm fed. Stay for the party. No, I couldn't. I just couldn't. It'll be good. Who knows? We've got lots of Hollywood brass here tonight and we can... Look, the old friend of yours. Didn't Dave write a song for you once? Hi, Maggie. Hello, Dave. Remember? Do I? This is Joan from iClub. I can still see you standing there, that black, sequined girl. Hi, Margaret. Haven't seen you in a long time. Oh, hi. Phyllis Webb Harris. He's in Saad. Laura Belden just came in. He has to introduce it. It's a... Oh, here he is now. Sorry? Well, I'm glad you came down, Maggie. You better take care of Laura Belden. I'm all right, Harry. It was just about to leave. Well, can you wait a few minutes? Why? Because Hutchison happened to bring a friend along tonight, a writer named Richard Stanley, and he asked for you. For me? I don't even know him. He wants to talk to you, Maggie. Come along with me. Hi. I'll leave you to it. I'll close the door, and maybe you can hear yourself talk. I must apologize, Mr. Stanley. Harry didn't mention what this is all about. Well, I wanted to talk to you about a script I have. I thought you might be interested in it. Oh? Forgive me for daring at you. Your face, Miss Elliott, is still the same wonderful, beautiful face. Well, anyway, there's stories about Hollywood. Or it could have happened anywhere. A woman could be the head of a department store, publisher of a newspaper, politician, anything that generates drive. Another way of written it, she happens to be a movie star. She's been on a sleigh ride, but she can't face the fact that it's over. Why cast people in this town? How do you mean that? Well, I'm not talking about your dedicated artist. No, this is your story. Your dedicated artist. No, this is your Simon Pure Movie Star, the one who plays at 24 hours a day, demanding, driving, ambitious. And for what? For power to stay on top. Go on, Mr. Stanley. Well, like all clamors that have reached such a precarious pinnacle, she cannot look back unless she falls. So she stands clutching what she has with fear, her only companion. Well, that's the character of this heroine, if you can call her that, of falling star. How do you get any sympathy for her? Oh, not sympathy, Miss Elliot. Pity, profound pity worthy of the gods. This is a great tragedy. But my character has denied her birthright. The privilege and glory of just being a woman. Thank you, Mr. Stanley. Thank you very much. But Miss Elliot, that's a strange way to behave. Oh, pictures, stars, you can have. I'll tell you all about it later, darling. All that matters now is at least pack your clothes and hurry out of here. And it's all right. I spoke to your father and Peggy. You're going to come with me. Oh, Mother, am I really awake? Oh, maybe I'm dreaming. I'd awake, sweetie. And I think that maybe I am, too. You know something? That sounds like a great idea.