The Singing Fool
a
WARNER BROTHERS
W-B
PRODUCTION
"The
Singing Fool
by Leslie Burrows
with
Betty Bronson
& Josephine Dunn
Passed by the National Board of Review—Copyright MCMXXVIII by Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.
Directed by
Lloyd Bacon
Musical score
&
Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by
Louis Silvers
Produced with
Western Electric Apparatus
Adaptation
C. Graham Baker
Photography
Byron Haskin
Edited by
Ralph Dawson
Dialogue & Titles
Joseph Jackson
Ass't Director
Frank Shaw
Technicians
~ The Players ~
| Al Stone | Al Jolson | |
| Grace | Betty Bronson | |
| Molly Winton | Josephine Dunn | |
| "Blackie Joe" | Arthur Housman | |
| Louis Marcus | Edward Martindel | |
| Maid | Helen Lynch | |
| John Perry | Reed Howes | |
| Sonny | David Lee | |
| Cafe Owner | Robert O'Connor | |
With songs of sadness and of mirth,
That they might touch the hearts of men,
And bring them back to heaven again.
5 A.M.
The beginning of a workday for some, and the end of a playday for others——
Blackie Joe's
"You would bring us to a joint like this!"
"Find Blackie Joe and give him this card".
"My pal"
"No. I haven't seen Blackie."
Office
break in?
Louis Marcus
Globe Theatre
Al Stone——by occupation, a waiter——by ambition, a song writer——by nature, a Singing Fool.
- - - Al Jolson
"Champagne for the ladies——beer for us."
"Thank you, Al——that was awfully kind of you——"
"Two with foam——and one with bubbles."
"Please don't, Al——you'll spoil my make-up."
"But Molly, you ought to know by this time how much I love you."
"My love for you is so big that I had to write a song to really tell you how much I care."
"You've got as much business writting songs as a bow legged girl has on a step ladder."
"But this one's bound to be good Baby——it comes right from the heart."
"Stick to the waiter racket—I'm doing all right by myself."
"Some day I'll write a big hit, honey. Then you'll be sorry."
"Come on, Al——on the job!"
"Here's my new number Molly. Look it over, anyhow."
Words and music by Al Stone.
"Just read the words, Molly, please——do that much anyway."
"Show'em plenty tonight, Molly...Marcus, the producer is out there."
"How about meeting him?"
"There's a fly in my beer!"
"Not so loud! They'll all want one!"
"One beer straight——without flies!"
"Did you care for it, Molly?"
"Why, Molly——didn't you even read it?"
"No, I didn't read it—and I'm not interested in waiters except when they're serving me!"
"Get ready, Al—and I want to hear'em laugh."
"No laughs tonight, Blackie—I'm going to sing a sentimental song."
"Don't be a chump! You're a comic! You can't get by with sob stuff!"
"I wrote a song for Molly—a love song——but she wouldn't even read it——"
"——so I'm going to sing it to her then she'll understand how much I care."
"Go to it—and I hope you knock her over!"
"Sing as you never sang before, Al. Marcus may give you a break!"
"Thanks Grace."
Audience member
Hey, Waiter! Waiter!
Al Stone
Wait a minute! Wait a minute! One moment, folks. Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, I'm going to try and sing you a brand new little number. Well, it's a ballad—a sort of a sentimental song. And I'm just a little nervous about singing it, because it's the first time I've ever sung a ballad in my life, and I hope you like me. Well, anyway, hehe, my mother likes me.
Audience
Hahahahahahahaha!
Al Stone
Say, Bert, I want you to play this song for me—one verse and two choruses, and the second chorus gets kind of a little, uh, you know, sentimental-like, see?
Bert
Why, you're screwy! This is a ballad!
Al Stone
Well? What's the matter with it?
Bert
Well, it's a ballad. You can't sing it.
Al Stone
I can't sing a ballad? I may be screwy, but plenty of screwy guys sung a ballad. Go on, play it anyway!
)Al Stone
For a love affair.
Babies depend on mothers
For their tender care.
And the morning dew.
Each thing depends on something,
And I depend on you.
I could be goody, I could be bad,
It all depends on you.
I could be humble, yes, and I could be proud,
It all depends on you.
I'd go on living, or I could end it!
You're to blame, honey
For what I do!
Or I could be King,
I could be almost any old thing,
It all depends on you.
I could be good—oh! oh, so good—or I could be bad,
Honey, it all depends on you!
And I could be humble—humble, yes—and I could be proud,
Why, it all depends on you—just you!
For you I could go on living, or I'd end it!
Why you're to blame, you're to blame, honey,
For what I do!
Or I could be King!
Oh, God, I could be any old thing!
Why, it all depends on you!
Hal
Hey, that fellow hit on marvelous for us!
Girl 1
I'll say, Hal!
Girl 2
I've never heard anything like it!
Marcus
The song was wonderful. How that boy does singing!
Molly
I've been coaching him for some time.
Marcus
Did that waiter really write that number himself?
Molly
Yes. But I gave him the idea.
Marcus
Why, that chap should be on Broadway.
Molly
He's got something all right, and I have worked hard to bring it out.
Marcus
I've got a spot in my review for that number. Would you mind bringing that waiter over here?
Molly
I'll get him and bring him right over.
Marcus
Thank you very much.
Hal
Hey, do you know, he's great!
Al Stone
Oh, now, Molly, you see how I feel.
Molly
I see now, Al. I had no idea how much you care.
Al Stone
Oh, honey, I'm so happy! Hehe, but I knew that song'd get you.
Molly
Put on your best personality. I've fixed your fate to meet Marcus.
Al Stone
Marcus? You mean the big manager? Oh, honey, that's nice of you!
Molly
Come on along, Al.
Blackie Joe
No matter how smart a guy is or how long he lives, he'll never know anything about women.
Audience
We love Al! We love Al!
Molly
Mr. Marcus, this is Al Stone.
Al Stone
How do you do, Mr. Marcus? I'm awfully glad to know you.
Marcus
Glad to know you, Mr. Stone.
Al Stone
Oh, boy, this is one of the big moments of my life! Can we exclude me for a minute while I quiet the folks?
Marcus
Of course.
Al Stone
Molly, I'll be right back, honey.
Molly
All right.
Al Stone
Tell him about me.
Al Stone
Wait a minute, folks! Please, wait a minute! Wait a minute! Oh, wait a minute, wait a minute, will you? Wait a minute! Oh, will you wait a minute? Please wait a minute, folks, please wait a minute!
It's awful nice of you folks to give me such a big hand. Heh, everybody knows I've got big feet. But i- Hahahaha! No, wait a minute, honest, folks, listen. Here's the whole idea. I'm here to, well, I'm here to sing till six o'clock in the morning. And honestly, I know, oh, fifty or sixty songs. But, if you'll let me alone for just three or four minutes, I've got seven or eight friends from right over at that table from Taconic Highway—hah!—and some folks from Peoria, and there's the mayor here from Racine, Wisconsin, sitting right over there! Don't laugh, honestly, he's a very nice fellow.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, I mean this in all sincerity, if you'll just let me alone for five minutes, I'll come back and sing songs, well, until you beg me to stop. I want to thank you. That's all.
Marcus
Mr. Stone, I liked your number.
Al Stone
Thanks.
Marcus
I'd like to get it for my show.
Al Stone
I'm sorry, Mr. Marcus, but that song doesn't belong to me.
Marcus
Doesn't belong to you?
Al Stone
No, sir. That song belongs to Molly. You see, well, without her, I couldn't have written it—why, she's been my inspiration.
Marcus
Well, no matter where the inspiration came from, I want it, and all you can write like it.
Al Stone
Listen, will you take Molly to sing it?
Marcus
What's wrong with you singing it? You didn't do so badly.
Al Stone
Well, I thank you for the compliment. But Mr. Marcus, if you ever heard Molly chirp this ditty, why, she's got it on me like a tent. Why, she'd be a panic. Come on, try her, will you?
Marcus
I'll have to think about that. But come to my office tomorrow, both of you. We'll talk it over.
Al Stone
Oh, gee, you're not kidding? Listen, this is the biggest break I'd ever had in my life! Molly, get that, he says "come to his office!" Why, I'm all goose-glad! Mr. Marcus, I don't want you to think that I'm funny, but I'm a little excited. Please tell me, what time does your office open up in the morning?
Marcus
Oh, about ten o'clock.
Al Stone
Ten o'clock?
Marcus
Yes.
Al Stone
Well, all I can say is, I'll be awfully lonesome on that doorstep from five to ten out there today.
Man in audience
Come on, Al! Play for us music!
Al Stone
Wait a minute! Wait a minute, will you, folks? Will you wait a minute? Folks, I told you I was gonna sing you as many songs as you wanted me to, and I will. And tonight, just to show you how I feel, I want to sing an old favorite of mine. Bert, will you tell the boys to play "I'm Sitting on Top of the World"? All right, boys, hit it, come on.
)Al Stone
I'm singing a song, yes, singing a song!
And I'm quitting the blues of the world,
I'm going along, yes, going along!
"Hey, par, get ready to call."
Just like Humpty Dumpty, I'm a-going to fall!
I'm singing a song, yes, singing a song!
Al Stone
Come on, give me all you've got, now!
Al Stone
I'm going along, yes, going along!
And I'm quitting the blues of the world,
I'm singing a song, yes, singing a song!
"Get ready to call." Just like a-Humpty Dumpty,
Da-da-da, I'm going to fall.
I'm going along, 'long, 'long, going along!
Al Stone
Oh, baby! Oh, Molly! With you in my arms, honey, I'm sitting right on top of the world—right on top of the world, Molly!
In the following four years, Al wore out eight pianos——rhymed "Mammy" and "Alabamy" 981 times——and did more for Dixie than Robert E. Lee.
Morning Will Come
by
Al Stone
B. G. DeSylva
& Con Conrad
Al Stone
in
Bombo
Keep Smiling at Trouble
Al Stone
in
Big
Boy
Al Stone
B. G. DeSylva
Lewis Gensler
Swanee River Trail
Chorused by Al Stone
by
Al Stone
and
Irving Caesar
Back In Your Own Back Yard
By
Al Stone
Billy Rose
and
Dave Dreyer
Irving Berlin, Inc.
Without You Sweetheart
by
Molly Winton
Star of
"The Merry-Go-Rounders"Words and Music
by
Al Stone
Club Clicquot
Al Stone
One moment! Hahaha! You ain't heard nothing yet. Say, are you folks having a good time down there? Well I'm glad of that, because I'm gonna spoil it in a minute by coming down. Now, don't go away, anybody, because I'm gonna sing a thousand songs tonight. Hold your horses.
Al Stone
I've got a brand new little ditty I wrote about a week ago called "There's a Rainbow Around My Shoulder", and I really think you'll like it.
Now, boys, look, I want you to get real hot in this. You know, like: La-da-da, la-da-di, bu-du-du-du-di, da-da-da-da-da-da-la-da-da-che-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha! Now you'll find it—number two of the gruel book. Let's have it. All right, boys, take it.
)Al Stone
The why and the wherefore
Is someone I care for.
I'm yellin', and tellin' folks everywhere,
I know that she loves me,
So what do I care!
And a sky of blue above.
Oh, the sun shines bright, the world's all right,
'Cause I'm in love!
And it fits me like a glove.
Let it blow and storm, oh, I'll be warm,
'Cause I'm in love!
When they see that great big solitaire
That my little sugar ba-baby is goin' to wear!
And a sky of blue above.
And I'm shouting so the world will know
That I'm in love.
And a sky of blue above.
Oh, the sun shines bright, the world's all right,
'Cause I'm in love.
And it fits me like a glove.
Let it blow and storm, I'll be warm,
'Cause I'm in love.
When they see that great big solitaire
That my little sugar ba-ba-baby, baby, she's goin' to wear!
Al Stone
Hit it!
Al Stone
And a sky of blue above.
And I'm shouting so the world will know
That I'm in love!
Al Stone
Haha! Hot diggity dog! Hot kitty! Hot pussy cat! Didn't I tell you you'd love it? Didn't I tell you you'd love it? Ain't that a song? Didn't I tell you you'd love it? That's all of that. That's all of that.
Molly
Darn! You messed my hair!
Molly
You didn't do this. Al might get suspicious.
JP
John
He'd never be suspicious of you. Why, he thinks you're an angel.
Molly
Well, don't you?
John
No. I think you're a little devil. And after all that, what's more interesting?
Al Stone
Now, now. Now, now. Now, look. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Now, wait a minute. Now, wait a minute. Now, look.
Now, I'm gonna quit singing for a few minutes, see? And, then, I'll come back. I gotta have a little rest, you understand? I'll sing a sounder song.
But, in the meantime, we'll have a little dance. Now, look, stand close together when you dance, because the place is crowded, and if you're close together, why... Well, anyway, let your conscience be your guide.
Ready, boys? One, two...
)Al Stone
Where native hearts are cruel,
And playing bowling games,
That's what they're playing—bowling games.
And what a ditty!
Yes, sir, hey, hey!
What a life! What a life! Hey, hey!
Open up that Golden Gate!
Al Stone
Hey! Hey, friend! Listen, you've come here to dance—to dance! Well, keep dancing, I'll tell you. None of that, haha!
Al Stone
Well, brother, you're sure putting it on. And how if your wife saw you! And how!
Al Stone
I'm going strong now.
It won't be long, now.
Hit it!
Open up that, that Golden Gate!
Al Stone
That's all. That's all! Come on, folks. No more. No more. Now look, folks. No more dancing for a little while. You know, you've gotta go back to those tables and pour their ginger ale. Because, after all, you know, the cover checks must suffer. Hahahaha!
Reserved
Al Stone
Uh-uh. Just a moment, Carl, old boy. I want to tell you something. And kind of take it the way I give it to you. As long as you work here, old boy, remember this—this table's reserved for my wife.
Carl
All right. Pardon me, Mr. Stone, but it's so late now, I really didn't think she was coming tonight.
Al Stone
Well, it is a little late, but she'll be here. Don't worry, old boy.
Carl
She's a mighty fine woman for you.
Al Stone
You bet. Now, one drink?
Al Stone
Hello, baby.
Molly
Hello.
Al Stone
Oh, sweetheart, I was worried. I didn't think you were coming.
Al Stone
Hello, John.
John
Hello, Al.
Al Stone
I wanna tell you, it's mighty nice of you to take care of Molly while I'm working.
John
Well, I can't imagine a nicer way of doing you a favor.
Al Stone
Oh, boy. You know all the answers, don't you?
Carl
Right this way, Mr. Stone, please.
To my darling wife— More beautiful than these — Love,
Al
Molly
Al, they're beautiful!
Al Stone
You like them?
Molly
You're so thoughtful.
Al Stone
How could anybody help but being thoughtful of a little wife like you are!
Al Stone
Honey? Will you do something for me tonight? Just look around you. Everybody is daffy about you. They're all, well...they can't keep their eyes off of you. Remember that little song, that I sang at the piano last Wednesday night at home?
Molly
Mhm.
Al Stone
And you thought it was so good? "True Blue"? Will you sing it tonight here? Come on, baby, what do you say?
Molly
Do you think the audience can stand it?
Al Stone
Oh, do I think they can stand it? Why, baby, if you chirp that ditty tonight, you'll knock them for a loop! Come on, say "yes," will you, honey?
Molly
All right.
Al Stone
I'll introduce you to the gang.
Al Stone
Hey, hey! Hey, hey! What a night. Folks, give me your attention. You ain't heard nothing yet. Who do you think we have here tonight? None other than the pet and the toast of Broadway, Miss Molly Winton.
Al Stone
Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Wait a minute! You ain't heard nothing yet. Many a coo-coo here tonight will get jealous when I tell them this—Miss Winton in private life, boys, I am proud to say, is none other than my wife!
Al Stone
Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Don't laugh. It'll all go on your cover charges. And, tonight, my friends, I want to tell you, I have a big surprise for you. Miss Winton has promised to sing my brand new song, "True Blue". All right, baby?
Molly's song was "True Blue"; but her indifferent attitude toward Al was apparent to him.
Sonny Boy
Boo!
Al Stone
Hahahaha! My big man! Come on, kiss him more. More, more, more. Do you love your daddy?
Sonny Boy
Yes.
Al Stone
Hahaha.
Sonny Boy
Yes, Daddy.
Al Stone
"Yes, Daddy." Whose big man? Whose big man?
Sonny Boy
Yours.
Al Stone
Mine. Hug me tight. Oh! Oh! You're hurting me! Oh, you're a bear. Hahahahaha! Oh, I love you. What would I do without you?
Al Stone
Now, this little piggy, where'd he go?
Sonny Boy
He went to market.
Al Stone
That one went to market. And that one?
Sonny Boy
That one went to bakery.
Al Stone
That one went toward bakery. So, sweetheart, I wanna ask you something. If I gave you a rabbit, and Mama gave you a rabbit, how many rabbits would you have?
Sonny Boy
Three.
Al Stone
Three?
Sonny Boy
Yes.
Al Stone
Oh, no, darling, you're wrong. If I gave you a rabbit, and Mama gave you a rabbit, how many rabbits would you have?
Sonny Boy
Three.
Al Stone
No, no, no, dear. Mama gave you a rabbit, that's one, and I gave you a rabbit, that's two. How do you make it three?
Sonny Boy
Because we have one.
Al Stone
Oh, you have one, hahahaha! Now do you wanna hear a bedtime story, baby?
Sonny Boy
Yes.
Al Stone
What'll it be? The one about Jack and the Beanstalk?
Sonny Boy
No.
Al Stone
No? Now, how about the one about Little Red Riding Hood?
Sonny Boy
No.
Al Stone
Puss in the Boots?
Sonny Boy
No.
Al Stone
Well, there aren't so many more. Let's see... Oh, how about the one about the two little frogs?
Sonny Boy
And I love that story.
Al Stone
Huh?
Sonny Boy
A good story.
Al Stone
It's a good story, yes, the one about the two little frogs.
Once upon a time, there were two little frogs sitting on a log, and one little frog had a headache, see? And the other little frog said, "Why don't you take some aspirin?" So the little frog said, "I'm too sick to go for an aspirin!"
Well, there was a little turtle sitting there. You know what a turtle is, darling.
Sonny Boy
No.
Al Stone
You don't know what a turtle is?
Sonny Boy
No.
Al Stone
Well, then, I can speak freely. Well, anyway, so the little turtle says, "I'll go for the aspirin." See, dear? Well, they waited a month, two months, six months, a year, and the turtle never came back with the aspirin. The little frog who had the headache felt terrible. You can understand that, can't you, dear?
Sonny Boy
Yes.
Al Stone
Oh, sure, sure. So, the little frog said, "Oh, that bad little turtle! He's no good, imagining me being so ill, and him not coming with the aspirin." And he called the turtle a lot of names. You see?
Sonny Boy
Yes.
Al Stone
Well, the turtle was behind a rock, and heard what the little frog said, and lifted up his little head and said, "I heard what you said about me! Now, just for that, I won't go for the aspirin."
Sonny Boy
Hahahahahaha!
Al Stone
Hahahahahahahaha! Oh, isn't that wonderful? Yes. Now, darling, I'm gonna tell you a little bedtime story, and I want to see you go to sleep. Now, it's very late, and I really think it's time for you to go to bed.
Once upon a time, there were two great big goblins, a Papa Goblin and a Mama Goblin. And a little girl, every day, had to go and bring her daddy's lunch. Life would be good.
Well, one day, Papa Goblin saw this little girl and said to himself, "I want her in my house." But, the little girl wasn't afraid, because every day, the fairy prince used to come in the woods, and he would protect her.
Oh, all of a sudden, as the little girl was going through the woods, what do you think happened? The fairy prince came along, and he took his sword, and he killed the big old goblin. Naturally... Big old goblin.
Al Stone
Molly, may I pay you a little compliment tonight? Molly, tonight you look more beautiful than ever.
Molly
Please, Al, I'm awfully tired.
Al Stone
I'm sorry.
Molly
Are you gonna sit there and moan all night?
Al Stone
What's the matter, honey?
Molly
Oh, nothing's the matter.
Al Stone
Oh, there must be something the matter. I don't know, you don't act like yourself lately.
Molly
Go to sleep. I'm tired.
Al Stone
Molly, haven't you everything in the world to live for? Haven't you a nice home, fine clothes, jewelry, a darling little baby, and my love?
Molly
Al, let's not get into a gab fest at this hour of the night.
Al Stone
Molly, listen to me, honey. You act...as if you don't love me anymore!
Molly
Stop it, Al.
Al Stone
If you don't mind, I'd like to talk to you for a little while tonight—something I want to say to you. I just don't know how to say it.
You don't seem to realize that if it weren't for me, you wouldn't be the star of The Marcus Review. I've sat up night after night, writing songs to put you on top, while I stayed in the background.
And another thing—I didn't want to tell you this, but you force me—your extravagance has got me crazy! Don't turn away—you're gonna hear it and like it!
New this, new that, and last week a new car! I'm in debt, I tell you! I owe everybody in town! Deep in debt!
Molly
Al, I'm in no mood to listen to a sob story.
Al Stone
You're gonna be in a mood and you're gonna listen to it! Now, listen, we're going to come to an understanding tonight once and for all, you understand? Now, I wanna tell you one thing.
Sonny Boy
Daddy!
Al Stone
Don't you know little boys shouldn't run around with their bare feet? You're liable to catch a cold, darling.
Al Stone
Why are you up with your matches, Daddy? Are you scared of something?
Al Stone
No, I'm not afraid—I'm afraid of you catching cold, running around with your bare tootsies. God bless you. Now, sweetheart, I think we'd better get back to bed. Don't you wanna kiss Mama goodnight?
Sonny Boy
Yes.
Al Stone
All right, darling.
Sonny Boy
All right.
Sonny Boy
Goodnight, Mama.
Molly
Goodnight, dear. Go to bed and be a good boy.
Sonny Boy
I will.
Al Stone
Now, we're going right in there, and we're gonna look for the Sandman, huh, darling?
Sonny Boy
All right.
Al Stone
Mhm.
Al Stone
What's the matter, sweetheart?
Sonny Boy
I'm not sleepy, Daddy.
Al Stone
Oh, you're not sleepy? Why, darling, you should be in bed and asleep at this hour of the night. Don't you know you won't grow up to be a great big boy? You want me to sing you to sleep, darling?
Sonny Boy
Yes. Sing me a song about Sonny Boy.
Al Stone
Oh, bless you. You want me to sing you that song about Sonny Boy?
Al Stone
Well, you put your arms around Daddy's neck, and I'll sing for you, darling.
Al Stone
Bless you. I'll sing for you, darling.
)Al Stone
Though you're only three, Sonny Boy,
You've no way of knowing—
There's no way of showing
What you mean to me, Sonny Boy.
I don't mind. I don't mind the grey skies.
You make them blue, Sonny Boy.
Friends may forsake me.
Let them all forsake me.
I still have you, Sonny Boy.
And I know your worth.
Why, you made a heaven
For me here on Earth.
I know you'll never stray, dear,
For I love you so, Sonny Boy.
The New Year always kindles old loves——and brings new hopes.
Happy New Year
Reserved
Al Stone
Hello. Hello. Murray Hills 6943.
Al Stone
Yes, 43. 43, yeah, and hurry, please.
Henny
Hello?
Al Stone
Oh, hello, Molly. Molly, darling, I just called up to tell you, honey, that it's all my fault about our little quarrel yesterday. And I promise you, sweetheart, if you forgive me, well, I'll never quarrel with you again. Oh, I was a little excited. I don't know, one of my numbers probably went wrong down here at the café.
Listen, honey, in a few minutes it'll be twelve o'clock. And they're gonna ring in the New Year, and ring out the old one. Baby, listen, will you do something for me? Jump in a taxi, and come over here. And, honey, I've got a table reserved for you, we'll spread a couple of bottles of cider, and, baby, when the clock strikes twelve we'll make whoopee. What do you say, honey? Come over, won't you?
Henny
This is the maid, Mr. Stone.
Al Stone
The maid? Haha! I guess I might be excited. I thought it was Mrs. Stone. Listen, will you get my wife on the phone? Hurry up, will you? Come on, honey, get my wife.
Henny
Well, Mrs. Stone has left, sir.
Al Stone
Mrs. Stone has left? Oh, I see. She's on the way over here, huh?
Al Stone
Hello. Hello, you say she's on her way over here?
Man
Call your husband now. Call him up, and tell him to come over whenever he's not stoned.
Al Stone
Hey, listen, will you folks wait a couple of minutes? I've a very important phone call. Just a moment.
Woman
I'll call him, and, oh boy, what I'll call him.
Al Stone
Hello. Hello. Hello, you say Mrs. Stone is coming over here?
Al Stone
What? She's left...and she...took... Oh, no, no, no! Don't say that. She took the baby?
Woman
Lester 1559, please.
Al Stone
Oh, please, please, please!
Man
What's the matter with you, now? Can't you get a girl? Huh?
Al Stone
Oh, now, listen; now, listen; now, listen; have the booth to yourself, just give me a moment.
Al Stone
Hello. Hello, listen. Henny, did you say she took the baby? She packed everything, and took Sonny with her? Oh, such a fine New Year! I'll be over in a half an hour.
Woman
Hello, is my husband there?
"Why didn't you stop her?"
"I tried to—but she wouldn't listen!"
I am leaving. I tried to love you, but it just wasn't meant to be.
I am taking Sonny with me, as I am sure you will agree that a child of his age is better off with his mother.
Forgive, if you can—and, by all means, forget.
Hastily,
Molly.
The heavy heart is not attuned to song.
Al Stone
Bill, I want to ask a favor of you.
Bill
You know me, Al. What's on your mind?
Al Stone
Well, I don't know how to, oh, say this, because it's a little tough for me. I want you to let me out of my contract.
Bill
Al, has anybody made you a better offer?
Al Stone
Oh, no, that isn't it. You know, I'd rather work for you for nothing, than be paid by anybody else. But, I wanna get away for a few weeks. I've gotta have a rest, that's the whole thing.
Bill
Kid, don't you think you're foolish to quit when you're on the top?
Al Stone
Well, maybe I am, Bill, but...I don't feel like myself lately. I get out there and try to sing a song, and the crowd, with the gang, and...I'm not funny. I'm sad. Oh, I don't have to tell you what it is. You know. I'm all shot to pieces, that's the whole thing.
Bill
Listen, kid, I'm your pal. Tell me, are you going to let that dame ruin you?
Al Stone
Oh, Bill, let's leave her out of it, please.
Bill
Sorry. I wouldn't hurt you, kid.
Molly Winton, Stage Star, Plans Paris Divorce
Molly Winton
Interviewed at the Buckingham Arms today, prior to sailing for France, Miss Winton confirmed the rumor that she would seek a Paris divorce from her husband, Al Stone, song writer and Broadway's favorite
Al Stone
Hello. Hello. Ryan 2398.
Al Stone
Hello. Is this the Buckingham Arms Apartments? Please connect me with Miss...Mrs. Stone's apartment, please. Yeah.
Molly's maid
Hello?
Al Stone
Hello. Is this Mrs. Stone's apartment?
Molly's maid
Yes.
Al Stone
Will you please tell Mrs. Stone that Mr. Stone would like to talk to her?
Molly's maid
Just a moment, please.
Molly's maid
Telephone, Mrs. Stone.
Molly
Hello?
Al Stone
Hello, Molly. This is Al. Listen, is that right what I read in this afternoon paper, about you sailing for Paris at four o'clock this afternoon?
Molly
Yes, it's true.
Al Stone
Well, I just called you up, and wanted to wish you good luck on your journey. And, listen, dear, isn't there some way we can start all over again?
Molly
No, Al, let's not go through that again.
Al Stone
Well, then, Molly, listen, you can't go away without me seeing my boy. I wanna see Sonny before you take him away. I wanna bid him goodbye. Molly, can't I see Sonny?
Molly
There's hardly time, Al. We're leaving shortly.
Al Stone
Oh, well, I know, but he's the only thing left in the world for me to live for. Why, if it wasn't for him, gee whiz, I don't know what I'd do, Molly. Please. Oh, Molly, you've gotta let me see my boy!
Molly
Oh, just a minute.
Molly
It's Al. He wants to see Sonny before we leave. What shall I do?
John
Oh, let him see the kid. But don't have him up here, because I'd rather not face him.
Sonny Boy
Hi, there, Daddy. Why don't you never come see Sonny Boy no more?
Al Stone
Oh, this is Daddy, Sonny. There's my little man!
Sonny Boy
Daddy.
Molly
Hello. I'll have Sonny in the park, the spot where he always plays.
Al Stone
Molly, when are you gonna send him?
Molly
Immediately, but you must give me a word of honor that you'll send him back.
Al Stone
I promise.
Al Stone
Bye.
Bill
Well, kid, do you still want to quit?
Al Stone
More now than ever.
"We've only a few minutes, Mr. Stone."
"Did you miss your old Daddy?"
"Why you sad Daddy?"
Wouldn't you like to stay with me?"
Uh-huh—but I pwomised to go back to Mama."
A body travels faster going down than it does going up——especially when the downward journey is weighted with despair.
Blackie Joe's
"Is that bird over there spotting the joint?"
"Hey, bo—got a match?"
"Well, if it ain't Al! Where you been hidin' all these months?"
"How you been doing, Al?
"Oh, I've been doing fine."
"Come on up and have dinner with me."
"Thanks, Blackie—I've just had a big dinner."
"Then come on up and watch your old pal eat."
I've got some good news. Marcus has been paging you all over town for months.
"Nix, Blackie——I'm all washed up——the old bean won't work anymore."
"Sure glad to see you, Al. This joint ain't the same without you."
"You remember Al Stone, don't you Grace?"
"He's in my office now—"
"—go in and cheer him up. Tell him he's got to get on his feet."
)Al Stone
For trouble is just a bubble,
And bubbles—they'll soon blow away.
And never a sadness,
We'd weary of life in a day.
They bravely wait till it's May.
For trouble is just a little bubble,
And bubbles—they'll soon blow away.
Grace
Al!
Al Stone
Grace!
Grace
Gee, I'm glad to see you again!
Al Stone
Oh, honey, I'm glad to see you.
Grace
And Blackie tells me you're going back with Marcus.
Al Stone
No. Mighty sweet of Blackie to say that, but I'm not going back with anyone. As far as I'm concerned, stage and I...well, we're through.
Grace
Oh, Al, you can't quit. You've got everything in the world to live for. Don't you believe that song you were singing?
Al Stone
Song? Why, I don't even remember singing a song.
Grace
It was something about smiling at trouble. And that's what you've got to do.
Al Stone
Oh, what's the use? Gee whiz! Nobody cared!
Grace
Al, your boy cares.
Al Stone
Oh, I hope so. Why, Grace, if it hadn't been for him, I don't know, I just couldn't have gone on living.
Grace
Go on living, Al. Believe that song. Smile at trouble!
Al Stone
You know, Grace, those are the first words of encouragement I've had in a long time. Oh, it's been mighty lonely. I'd like to ask a little favor of you. Would you mind if...if I walked home with you tonight?
Grace
Oh, Al, I'd love it!
Al Stone
Then, honey, I'm not only gonna smile at trouble. If you just help me a little bit, I'll laugh at trouble.
Determined to make Sonny proud of him——and inspired by Grace's friendship——Al again skyrocketed to stardom.
"You're early tonight Mr. Stone."
"Well, you know—it's the early worm that gets the bird."
It's all right—it's Kosher."
Stage
1
Assistant
Why is this place average?
Al Stone
Uh-huh. But you again, eh? I never saw a man in my life sleep as much as you do.
Assistant
One thing I can say, Mr. Stone, when a man's sleeping, he ain't getting in no trouble.
Al Stone
All right, son. When a man is sleeping, he's not getting into any trouble. But be careful, where you sleep. Hahahahahaha!
Al Stone
Say, Grace. Listen, honey, do we know of anybody at the Rollerville Hospital who may be ill or something?
Grace
Why, no, Al, I haven't heard of anyone we know being ill.
Al Stone
Well, I've got a notice here that says, "Call up Rollerville Hospital, Room 508." I wonder who it could be.
Assistant
It must be important, Mr. Stone. They've been calling you a dozen times.
Al Stone
Really?
Al Stone
See who's at the door.
Deliverer
For Mr. Stone—very important.
Grace
Why, Al, dear! What's wrong?
Al Stone
Sonny Boy—he's very ill. I'm going to the hospital.
Al Stone
Hi. I'm Mr. Stone. May I see my boy, please?
Nurse
Yes, Mr. Stone.
Sonny Boy
How's it been for you, old Daddy?
Al Stone
Oh, I've been all around, sweetheart. I've been everywhere.
Sonny Boy
Don't be all cruel sad, Daddy, now, for me.
Al Stone
I'm not sad, darling. I'm...I'm so happy to see you. That's why I look this way.
Sonny Boy
Take me, Daddy?
Al Stone
What, dear?
Al Stone
You want me to take you?
Al Stone
Is it all right, Doctor?
Doctor
Yes.
Al Stone
All right, little man. I'll take you.
Al Stone
Thank you so much.
Sonny Boy
Daddy?
Al Stone
What, dear?
Sonny Boy
Sing me a song about Sonny Boy. Then, I'm gonna be a good boy, and go to sleep.
Al Stone
All right, darling, I will.
)Al Stone
I don't mind the grey skies.
You make them blue, Sonny Boy.
Friends may forsake me.
Well, let them all forsake me.
I still have you, Sonny Boy.
And I know your worth.
You've made a heaven...you've made a heaven
For me, right here on Earth.
Sandman is coming right up, Sonny.
Oh, I...I love you so, Sonny Boy.
Al Stone
Shh! He's asleep. He's asleep.
Al Stone
Promise, you won't stray, dear,
From your dear, old Dad, Sonny Boy.
Al Stone
Doctor, you'll do everything in your power, won't you?
Doctor
Rest assured, I will do everything that I can.
Al Stone
Thanks. And, I'll be back, the minute the show is over.
508
Molly
Ahh!!!
Molly
Al!
Al Stone
Sonny Boy...is gone!
Grace
I'll see the manager, Al.
Al Stone
No. No, please don't, honey. I'll make it. I've gotta go on, now. I'll feel bad if I...if I wouldn't.
Grace
I think I'd better.
Grace
Mr. White, you shouldn't let Al go on tonight. His boy has died.
Mr. White
Oh, that's too bad. I'm really sorry about that, but I'm only the stage manager here, and my job's to keep the show going.
Grace
Oh, but he's terribly abrupt now.
Mr. White
Sean, get down and call on Mr. Stone again.
Sean
Yes, sir.
Mr. White
He's our arms trooper, and he'll go through with it.
Sean
Oh, Mr. Stone. They're ready for you.
Al Stone
Tell them...I'll be there, and not to worry about me. Just tell them I'll be there.
Mr. White
Come on, boys, get ready for Al's act.
Grace
Won't you please?
Sean
I've called him, but he seems like he's drunk.
Mr. White
That's all right, son, he'll be up.
Al Stone
Tell them to change that song.
Mr. White
Why, Al, that's your hit song.
Al Stone
I know it is. But, I can't sing it tonight. Don't you understand that a song about...my baby, and tonight my baby...oh!
Mr. White
I understand, Al, but I think if you went out there and sang, you'd feel a lot better.
Al Stone
Well, all right, I'll try.
Al Stone
Please, play that again, will you?
)Al Stone
Though you're only three, Sonny Boy,
You've no way of knowing,
There's no way of showing,
What you mean to me, Sonny Boy.
I don't mind the grey skies.
You make them blue, Sonny Boy.
Al Stone
Please, I can't make it, I tell you!
Al Stone
Let them all forsake me.
I still have you, Sonny Boy.
And I know your worth.
You made a heaven
For me, right here on Earth.
Promise you won't stray, dear,
From your dear old Dad, Sonny Boy.
I don't mind grey skies!
I don't mind them!
You make them blue, Sonny Boy!
Friends may forsake me!
Let them...let them all forsake me!
I still have you, Sonny Boy!
And I know your worth!
Why, you've made a heaven
For me, right here on earth!
And they took you because they were lonely!
I'm lonely too, Sonny Boy!
Mr. White
Take a bow, Al! Take a bow!
Grace
You'd better call a doctor.
Al Stone
I'm all right. I'm all right.
Mr. White
I'm sorry I sent you out there, Al.
Al Stone
I'm not. I'm glad, you know? I was a quitter once. But now I know I'll never quit again. And as long as there are people who will listen to me, I'm gonna keep on singing.
Grace
I'm prouder of you now, Al, than I ever was.
Al Stone
Thanks, honey. And if you always stick, well, I know that everything is gonna be all right.
The End
A
Warner Brothers
Vitaphone
Production
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929.
Copyright law abroad tends to consider the following people authors of a film:
- The principal director
- The screenwriter, and/or other writers of dialogue
- The composer/lyricist (if the film is accompanied by sound)
- The cinematographer
- By extension, the authors of any works that may serve as the basis for a film's plot
The longest-living of these authors died in 1984, so this work is in the public domain in countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 39 years or less. This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.
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