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  • 6/2/2025
Trapped by Television is a 1936 American comedy-drama crime science fiction film directed by Del Lord and starring Mary Astor, Lyle Talbot and Nat Pendleton. The film is also known as Caught by Television in the United Kingdom.
Transcript
00:00:00The End
00:00:30Oh hello boss how many times have I got to tell you to quit reading the machinery magazines
00:00:54around the office I know I know this is science fellas got to keep up with what's going on
00:01:00in the world can you imagine there's an electrical aeroplane flies without wings I bet in 50 years
00:01:07from now you'll be able to fly without the aeroplane why do you care you won't be here in 50 years
00:01:12you won't be flying either but boys that ain't a scientific attitude now you listen to me you
00:01:18haven't earned a dime in a week are you supposed to be a bill collector or a professor on look
00:01:23science is my hobby that's all yeah well how would you like to spend all your time fiddling
00:01:29with that hobby oh gee that'd be swell all right Marconi you're fired oh look I was only
00:01:37kidding see I'm laughing kids you take a joke all right then get out and get this Fred Dennis
00:01:44those hundred and sixty four bucks the money or the machinery keep it as good as in your pocket
00:01:49hey there's a guy named Dennis live here yes right over there and who are you well I'm a bill collector and he owns a bill
00:01:51he owns your money he owns your money
00:02:00how about me three months rent and take my word for it if you don't pay pretty quick he won't live here much longer oh you don't know how to handle those guys he's probably got a whole
00:02:09sock full of money maybe under the mattress
00:02:17do you really think so sure
00:02:19say mister I'm asking you a favor do you think you could get me rent for me
00:02:24well now that ain't exactly in my line
00:02:26oh can't worry I see that you get your share now you're talking just leave it to me
00:02:36just leave it to me
00:02:40just leave it to me
00:02:44just leave it to me
00:02:46just leave it to me
00:02:56come in
00:03:00your name Frederick Dennis
00:03:02yeah I represent the Acme collection agency
00:03:04how about this bill
00:03:06oh yeah I know about that
00:03:08why don't you pay it
00:03:10oh I intend to pay it if you give me a couple of months
00:03:12couple of months you've been owning it for eight months already
00:03:15well I know but
00:03:17if I can get this machine completed I'm sure I'll have enough to pay you
00:03:20listen brother I don't want to hear any of your sob stuff
00:03:22I'm here to get either the money or the equipment
00:03:24which is it gonna be
00:03:26well it looks like it'll have to be the equipment
00:03:29now we're getting some place
00:03:31wait a minute
00:03:33all this doesn't belong to you
00:03:34what are you talking about
00:03:35well I made a lot of these parts myself
00:03:37well take them out I'll wait
00:03:40let's see
00:03:42say
00:03:44what is this thing anyway
00:03:46well this is the simplest receiver ever made
00:03:48oh
00:03:49radio huh
00:03:50no it's a television receiver
00:03:51oh no it ain't
00:03:52you can't kid me
00:03:53I've seen plenty of pictures of television sets
00:03:55and a radio magazine
00:03:56well
00:03:57I don't suppose you would see one like this
00:03:59you see it's my own invention
00:04:00well you're an inventor huh
00:04:02say
00:04:14what do you call this contraption
00:04:16well that's the televisor
00:04:18looks like a camera to me
00:04:20well it is a type of camera
00:04:21but instead of taking pictures it sends them out on the air
00:04:24what you mean it sends out pictures without film or nothing
00:04:27it's very simple
00:04:28all you do is focus it on whatever you want to take
00:04:31turn the switch here
00:04:32and it sends out a picture
00:04:33if you talk it transmits the sound
00:04:35yeah
00:04:37well why don't you sell it
00:04:39well it needs some more parts and
00:04:42I haven't the money to buy them with
00:04:44say
00:04:57a broadcasting company go big for a thing like this wouldn't they
00:05:00well I suppose they would
00:05:02what's the difference now
00:05:04well
00:05:05you see science is my hobby
00:05:08and if I was to take them things back
00:05:10now would that be a scientific attitude
00:05:13you mean you might let me keep the parts for a while
00:05:16well
00:05:17something like that
00:05:19seeing the science is my hobby
00:05:21gee you're a swell guy
00:05:23oh that's alright
00:05:24I'll tell the boss that
00:05:26I'll fix it somehow
00:05:27I'll say you blew town
00:05:29oh this means a lot to me
00:05:31I don't know how to thank you
00:05:32oh forget it
00:05:33what do you say we go out and have some grub together huh
00:05:36thanks that's nice of you but
00:05:37let's make it some other time
00:05:38I got some milk and stuff here
00:05:40oh you can't invent on baby food
00:05:42come on I'll get your feet
00:05:43it'll stick to your rib
00:05:44besides I got an idea
00:05:49hello
00:05:50good day Mr. Dennis
00:05:51how are you
00:05:52oh fine thanks Mrs. Leary
00:05:54now park here a second Fred
00:06:07remember what I told you
00:06:09good
00:06:11it ain't the policy of the acme to threaten people
00:06:13but if you don't kick in with that dough fast
00:06:16I'm coming up there myself and smack you right on the button
00:06:22what do you want
00:06:23a friend of mine outside there he wants a job
00:06:26so what
00:06:27well he's a good man for you
00:06:29he's fresh out of jail for beating up six fellas on 10th Avenue
00:06:32and all he was doing was collecting a bill
00:06:34now take it easy with him chief he's a pretty tough bird
00:06:37all right send him in
00:06:39hey Spike
00:06:49this is Spike the fellas tell you about
00:06:51glad to meet you
00:06:52you don't look like no bill collector to me
00:06:54next chief next he's fresh out of stir
00:06:56a little pale maybe
00:06:57that sounds like a lot of hooey
00:06:59you look like a college kid
00:07:01beat him
00:07:02listen you
00:07:07I don't care if I work for you or not
00:07:09I can get plenty of jobs see
00:07:11I got a good notion to pop you for that college kid Craig
00:07:14wait a minute Spike
00:07:15now don't get excited
00:07:16don't hit him
00:07:17look out chief you don't know what you're doing
00:07:24not bad
00:07:25not bad at all
00:07:27give him a list and put him to work
00:07:32but
00:07:41why don't we fold up this joint go back to manicuring
00:07:44well I saw our old boss this morning
00:07:46he said be alright
00:07:47back to that place no thank you
00:07:49though how we could use a million dollars
00:07:52I'll send for a hundred
00:07:54well
00:07:55we can always huck you for a coat
00:07:57we cannot
00:07:58that coat is the last bit of front I have
00:08:00Well, don't get excited. It was only a suggestion.
00:08:03This isn't the first time we've been broke.
00:08:05And I'd counted so much on that potato peeler to pull us through.
00:08:09I had a hunch nobody'd fall for that phony gadget.
00:08:12It was as bad as the Blake automatic mosquito trap.
00:08:15And the Blake system for learning Greek in six lessons.
00:08:18Aren't you the fair-weather friend?
00:08:20Oh, you know, I'll stick with you, Bobby.
00:08:22But we gotta eat.
00:08:24Honestly, we haven't had any money in so long
00:08:26I'm ashamed to carry a pocketbook.
00:08:28Even the chumps we know aren't putting out for mosquito traps.
00:08:31Did I hear you call our clientele chumps?
00:08:34Because they sympathize with my attempts to emancipate the American housewife?
00:08:38Because they understand my desire to teach every citizen Greek?
00:08:41And you call our clientele chumps?
00:08:44Nay, I'm ashamed of you.
00:08:46Gee, you've got a great line again.
00:08:48If we weren't trying to promote funny paper inventions, we'd make millions.
00:08:52Oh, keep your chin up.
00:08:53One of these days we'll hit something that'll put us on easy street.
00:08:56Sure.
00:08:57Sure.
00:09:04Oh, hello.
00:09:06What can I do for you?
00:09:07I'd like to see Mr. Blake.
00:09:09If you're selling hosier, pencils, chewing gum, shoelaces or books, no.
00:09:13Well, I'm not selling anything and I'd still like to see Mr. Blake.
00:09:16Oh, you mean Miss Blake, don't you?
00:09:17Well, I guess so, if that's the only Blake there is.
00:09:19Well, what do you expect, an assortment of Blakes?
00:09:21Say, what is your business?
00:09:23I'm here to collect the bill.
00:09:24Oh.
00:09:25Well, Miss Blake isn't in.
00:09:26Thanks.
00:09:27I'll come back later.
00:09:28Miss Blake?
00:09:29Yes?
00:09:30I'd like to see you for a moment.
00:09:31Your secretary said you weren't in.
00:09:32She said I wasn't in?
00:09:33Is this true?
00:09:34Well, yeah, but I...
00:09:35There are no buts, Miss Collins.
00:09:36This has happened before.
00:09:37And if it occurs again, I shall be compelled to give you notice.
00:09:38I'm very sorry, Miss Blake.
00:09:39It won't happen again.
00:09:40See to that.
00:09:41I'm into everyone.
00:09:42Yes.
00:09:43Won't you come in?
00:09:44Now, what do you wish to see me about?
00:09:45Well, I'm from the Acme Collection Agency.
00:09:46I have a bill for you.
00:09:47Okay.
00:09:48Okay.
00:09:49Well, I'm from the Acme Collection Agency.
00:09:50I have a bill for you.
00:09:51Okay.
00:09:52Okay.
00:09:53Okay.
00:09:54Okay.
00:09:55Okay.
00:09:56Now, what do you wish to see me about?
00:09:58Well, I'm from the Acme Collection Agency.
00:10:01I have a bill for you.
00:10:02Okay.
00:10:03Okay.
00:10:04Yes, I think our check is in the mail.
00:10:07Fifteen thousand.
00:10:08Why, that's ridiculous.
00:10:09I won't pay it.
00:10:10Well, no.
00:10:11Well, no, you...
00:10:12Well, you don't understand.
00:10:13That's not dollars.
00:10:14It's volts.
00:10:15Well, I won't pay fifteen thousand volts either.
00:10:16I never heard of anything.
00:10:17Well, there's been a mistake, Miss Blake.
00:10:18I apologize.
00:10:19See, those are just some notes of mine that I jotted down.
00:10:21I...
00:10:22Here's the real bill.
00:10:24We expect immediate payment.
00:10:27I see.
00:10:28Considerably less than three.
00:10:29I see.
00:10:30I see.
00:10:31I see.
00:10:32Considerably less than fifteen thousand, isn't it, Mr...
00:10:35Dennis.
00:10:36Fred Dennis.
00:10:37Well, Mr. Dennis, I can't tell you how intrigued I am by this diagram.
00:10:41Now, about that bill, Miss Blake.
00:10:43Mr. Dennis, you can't fool me any longer.
00:10:46You're not a bill collector, are you?
00:10:48Well, not for very long, I hope.
00:10:50I mean, it's not my regular work.
00:10:52I knew it.
00:10:53You're much too nice for this sort of thing.
00:10:55I wouldn't say that exactly.
00:10:56I have a friend who's a professional bill collector.
00:10:58Oh, I'm sure of it.
00:10:59What I meant was that you probably have a great personal ambition of some kind.
00:11:04A career you want to follow.
00:11:05Am I right?
00:11:06Perfectly.
00:11:07I'm really an electrical engineer.
00:11:09Well, how interesting.
00:11:10I thought it was something like that.
00:11:12Well, I've got to make a living, and about that bill, Miss Blake...
00:11:15Yes, of course.
00:11:16But, Mr. Dennis, let me ask you just one more question.
00:11:19What does this diagram mean?
00:11:20Oh, that's just a rough outline of an invention of mine.
00:11:23Invention?
00:11:24In what field?
00:11:25Television.
00:11:26Well, you must be clever.
00:11:28Our best scientists have been working on television for years.
00:11:31Yes, I know, but I think I have an entirely new theory.
00:11:33But can you prove your theory?
00:11:35Well, this is not just a lot of talk.
00:11:36I'm close to finishing the actual machine.
00:11:39Really?
00:11:40Why, Mr. Dennis, that's very interesting.
00:11:42I'm tremendously interested in the advancement of television.
00:11:45I'll be glad to explain the principle to you sometime.
00:11:47Well, that's not enough.
00:11:48I want to see it at once.
00:11:50Shall we go?
00:11:51But, Miss Blake, about that...
00:11:52Mr. Dennis, you're not inconveniencing me one single bit.
00:11:59Well, if it does what you say it will, the entire industry will be affected.
00:12:05Mr. Dennis, have you a manager?
00:12:06No, I haven't.
00:12:07Then this is the luckiest day of your life.
00:12:10Remember, opportunity knocks but once.
00:12:13Did you say once?
00:12:16Excuse me.
00:12:17Hiya, Freddie.
00:12:18Oh, pardon me.
00:12:19I didn't know you had company.
00:12:20Well, that's all right, Rocky.
00:12:21Come in.
00:12:22Mr. O'Neil, this is Miss Blake and Miss Collins.
00:12:23I've been wanting to meet you for a long time.
00:12:24What do you mean?
00:12:25I never saw you before.
00:12:26Oh, that's all right.
00:12:27I'm glad to meet you anyway.
00:12:28These ladies have been looking at the machine.
00:12:29Oh, it's a swell invention, ain't it?
00:12:30Rocky's my best friend.
00:12:31He's liable to be a little prejudiced.
00:12:32Oh, not at all.
00:12:33I can hardly be called a friend of yours,
00:12:34and yet I think it has tremendous possibilities.
00:12:35Oh, thanks very much.
00:12:36Oh, I speak purely from a commercial standpoint, Mr. Dennis.
00:12:38You see, it's our business to take struggling inventors like yourself and market their products.
00:12:41We protect you from thieves and promoters and what's most important to you.
00:12:44What's most important to you, Mr. Dennis?
00:12:45You see, it's our business to take struggling inventors like yourself and market their products.
00:12:46We protect you from thieves and promoters and what's most important to you, Mr. Dennis.
00:12:51Secure financial backing.
00:12:52I repeat, Mr. Dennis.
00:12:53This is a very lucky day for both of us.
00:12:54I'll say.
00:12:55You mean you're going to promote the money for me to finish the machine?
00:12:56I'm going to start the first thing tomorrow morning.
00:12:57I'm going to start the first thing tomorrow morning.
00:13:21I had a test made last night.
00:13:49We're ready to stop manufacturing just as soon as you give the word.
00:13:54That depends on what news Standish brings.
00:13:59Let me out of here.
00:14:01Let me out.
00:14:02You can't hold me here.
00:14:04How long are you going to keep Tanner in there?
00:14:08Until the deal with Paragon goes through?
00:14:19Any news, Mr. Standish?
00:14:24Nothing, dear.
00:14:25Mr. Curtis just asked for you.
00:14:27Oh, thanks.
00:14:28They'll put those in my office for me.
00:14:30What'd you find out, Standish?
00:14:32Just came from headquarters.
00:14:33The police haven't turned up the slightest trace of them.
00:14:36Years of research.
00:14:39Thousands of dollars spent to perfect television.
00:14:42And then our engineer and his assistant disappear.
00:14:44It's very simple.
00:14:46Turner and Griffin have taken the plans and are going to cash in on them at our expense.
00:14:50Why, that's inconceivable, Standish.
00:14:53Turner's been with me for 15 years.
00:14:55Mr. Curtis, we may as well face the facts.
00:14:57There doesn't seem to be much hope of finding out what became of them.
00:15:00I suppose you're right.
00:15:02We both know if we don't jump into television, Paragon faces bankruptcy.
00:15:07It's a serious problem.
00:15:10There's only one thing to do.
00:15:12Go and buy television on the open market.
00:15:15We've waited too long as it is.
00:15:17I'm afraid we can't stand the added expense.
00:15:19Well, if we don't, what are we to fall back on?
00:15:21Let me get in as many bids as possible on equipment and see where we stand.
00:15:26Go ahead.
00:15:28And I'll call the board meeting to consider them.
00:15:30Now, don't worry.
00:15:32We'll work out of this predicament somewhere.
00:15:34I hope so, Standish.
00:15:36You won't get away with it, Griffin.
00:15:41I won't let you.
00:15:42You can't keep me here forever.
00:15:46Open up, it's Standish.
00:16:01Wait a minute.
00:16:03You've got to keep Turner quiet, Griffin.
00:16:04You can hear him way down the road.
00:16:05Forget it.
00:16:06There isn't anyone within 20 miles of here.
00:16:08How'd you make out?
00:16:09Curtis is ready to buy.
00:16:10Told me to start in getting bids.
00:16:11You'll never sell Curtis back his own machine.
00:16:12I won't let you.
00:16:13He paid for that invention.
00:16:14It belongs to him.
00:16:16It's starting to get me nervous.
00:16:17I'll get out of here all right.
00:16:18And when I do, I'm going to leave.
00:16:19I tell you somebody's going to hear him.
00:16:23Maybe you're right.
00:16:24Maybe you're right.
00:16:25Maybe you're right.
00:16:26I'll let you.
00:16:27I'll let you.
00:16:28I'll let you.
00:16:29He paid for that invention.
00:16:30It belongs to him.
00:16:31It's starting to get me nervous.
00:16:32I'll get out of here all right.
00:16:33And when I do, I'm going to leave.
00:16:35I tell you somebody's going to hear him.
00:16:40Maybe you're right.
00:16:45Maybe you're right.
00:17:13I'll get you.
00:17:14I'll get you.
00:17:16I'll get you.
00:17:19You're wrong.
00:17:20Standish.
00:17:21You handle those bids.
00:17:23Shade them any way you like as long as you keep ours out in front.
00:17:26Thornton.
00:17:27Get down and put the pressure on Curtis for a quick sale.
00:17:34Oh, by the way, get me some new darts.
00:17:37These are all worn out.
00:17:43Did you notice the shoulders on that rocky fellow?
00:17:46I was there on business.
00:17:49Say, you don't really think that machine's any good, do you?
00:17:52I don't think it can squeeze orange juice.
00:17:54What difference does it make?
00:17:56It looks complicated enough to fool anybody, and that's all we need.
00:17:59What could be more complicated than learning Greek in six lessons?
00:18:02Look where that got us.
00:18:04But don't you understand?
00:18:05Television is sweeping the country.
00:18:08Everybody's interested in it,
00:18:10and practically nobody knows the first thing about it.
00:18:12That's where the chumps come in.
00:18:14Curtis would fall for it like a ton of bricks.
00:18:17Have to show me.
00:18:19I know I'm right.
00:18:20It looks like a million dollars.
00:18:22And he's a pretty impressive-looking fellow.
00:18:25Uh-oh. So you noticed that, did you?
00:18:27I thought this was business.
00:18:29Be yourself.
00:18:36And that, gentlemen, is our final price
00:18:38for installing complete television equipment
00:18:40in your 12 key stations throughout the country?
00:18:43Impossible.
00:18:44It's out of the question.
00:18:45Why, and to be sure, I don't want to take such an investment.
00:18:47It's entirely too much. I'm against it.
00:18:49I agree with you.
00:18:51Now, Mr. Thornton, you see how the officers of our company feel.
00:18:55Couldn't you revise your bid to a figure we could hope to meet?
00:19:00My associates absolutely cannot see their way clear to lower their bid.
00:19:03Why, it would take us at least 10 years to pay off for something like that.
00:19:06And if things take a bad turn,
00:19:08standard equipment would be in a position to absorb our company.
00:19:11That's right.
00:19:20Gentlemen, I've closely examined other bids for the purchase of this equipment.
00:19:25I'm making quality my first consideration.
00:19:28I found Mr. Thornton's bid the lowest.
00:19:31And as assistant to our president,
00:19:33I feel that I should call your attention to the importance
00:19:36of an immediate decision to install television.
00:19:39Other companies in the field are far ahead of us.
00:19:42Any delay on our part now would be poor business judging.
00:19:45Hello.
00:19:46How do you do, Miss Blake?
00:19:48Mr. Curtis in?
00:19:50He's tied up at a board meeting.
00:19:52Now, I've heard that one before.
00:19:54Well, believe it or not, this time it's true.
00:19:57All right, I'll wait.
00:20:03What Mr. Standish has just told you is undeniably true.
00:20:06But for the present, I think we must withhold our decision.
00:20:10And in the meantime, Mr. Thornton,
00:20:12I trust that you can get your associates to cut their price.
00:20:16I'm sorry, gentlemen, but these figures must remain final.
00:20:22Good day.
00:20:23Certainly there must be some way of cutting them down.
00:20:25If I thought they were possible, Standish, I wouldn't hesitate.
00:20:28Well, it's perfectly possible that Turner, his assistant, might show up yet.
00:20:32There seems to be very little chance of that.
00:20:34Well, if we want to stay in business, we've got to do something.
00:20:36And we've got to do it fast.
00:20:37I suggest we wait.
00:20:38We still have a little time.
00:20:39Anything can happen.
00:20:40There's even bankruptcy.
00:20:41Well, gentlemen, there's nothing more we can do.
00:20:44I'll call you just as soon as there's something else to discuss.
00:20:47All right.
00:20:48All right.
00:21:01All right.
00:21:02Yes, Mr. Curtis?
00:21:03Miss Waltz, get me some aspirin.
00:21:05Yes, sir.
00:21:06Mr. Curtis, Miss Blake is waiting to see you.
00:21:09Is she in again?
00:21:11Well, I'm not here.
00:21:12I'm out.
00:21:13Tell her anything.
00:21:14Yes, sir.
00:21:15Oh, Miss Waltz.
00:21:17You remember what happened the last time I refused to see Miss Blake?
00:21:22She came in through the fire escape.
00:21:24He better send her in.
00:21:26I believe it would save time, sir.
00:21:28Hmm.
00:21:29Miss Blake, Mr. Curtis will see you now.
00:21:30Oh, thank you.
00:21:31Well, well, well, Mr. Curtis, my dear old friend.
00:21:32I'm so glad to see you.
00:21:33How are you?
00:21:34Terrible.
00:21:35And since you've come in worse.
00:21:36Now, what do you want this time?
00:21:37Now, is that nice?
00:21:38I call on you for a pretty friendly chat, and you accuse me of wanting something.
00:21:41I'm speaking from bitter experience, my dear.
00:21:42You're always wanting something.
00:21:43And that last venture you inveigled me into was the limit.
00:21:46A potato peeler.
00:21:47Bah.
00:21:48Oh, well, that wasn't my fault.
00:21:50So many unfortunate things happen, and don't you think I suffered, too?
00:21:53Yes, sir.
00:21:54Yes, sir.
00:21:55Yes, sir.
00:21:56Yes, sir.
00:21:57Yes, sir.
00:21:58Yes, sir.
00:21:59Yes, sir.
00:22:00Yes, sir.
00:22:01Yes, sir.
00:22:02Yes, sir.
00:22:03Yes, sir.
00:22:04Yes, sir.
00:22:05Yes, sir.
00:22:06Yes, sir.
00:22:07Yes, sir.
00:22:08Yes, sir.
00:22:09Yes, sir.
00:22:10Yes, sir.
00:22:11Yes, sir.
00:22:12Well, I'll tell you, too.
00:22:13Yes, I know.
00:22:14I know, my dear.
00:22:15I promise I won't speak of business again.
00:22:17If you don't.
00:22:18You see, you don't trust me.
00:22:21Well, I do, my dear.
00:22:23I do.
00:22:24And I had such marvelous news for you.
00:22:27News?
00:22:28What news?
00:22:29Well, you've been so mean, I don't think I'll even tell you.
00:22:32Oh, I apologize, Bobby.
00:22:34What is it?
00:22:36I don't know.
00:22:37Trying to rouse my curiosity, aren't you?
00:22:41When you won't.
00:22:45What is it?
00:22:47Well, if you insist, I'll tell you.
00:22:49But only on one condition.
00:22:51What's that?
00:22:53Promise you won't interrupt until I finish.
00:22:55Now, promise.
00:22:56All right, go ahead.
00:23:00Do you know that I am the sole representative
00:23:02for a man who has the greatest invention
00:23:04since the electric light?
00:23:05Uh-uh. Remember your promise.
00:23:07And do you know that just because you're my friend
00:23:09I'm going to give you the chance to invest $2,000 in it?
00:23:11For that measly sum of money,
00:23:13Paragon will have the option on the most efficient, practical,
00:23:15and economical television set in the world.
00:23:18Miss Blake,
00:23:19it cost me $200 to find out
00:23:21that people are still peeling potatoes in the same old way.
00:23:24It cost me another $200 to find out
00:23:26that you can't teach Greek in six easy lessons.
00:23:28And now you come here and ask me for $2,000 for a television machine.
00:23:31Why, it's ridiculous.
00:23:32But this is something new.
00:23:33You've never seen anything like it.
00:23:35My dear young lady,
00:23:36I'm confronted with the greatest problem I've had since I've been in business.
00:23:40Twelve years of research blown to the winds.
00:23:42All kinds of complications.
00:23:44Engineers missing.
00:23:45Then you come here and tell me you have the answer.
00:23:48Now I'm busy.
00:23:49Go home.
00:23:50But isn't it worth the money to find out?
00:23:52Look how much you've already spent experimenting.
00:23:54No.
00:23:55Mr. Curtis, you're making a great mistake.
00:23:57This is the opportunity of a lifetime.
00:23:58Only $2,000.
00:23:59No.
00:24:00Paragon will be sitting on top of the world.
00:24:02No.
00:24:03I won't take no for an answer.
00:24:04No.
00:24:05Will you go home?
00:24:06No.
00:24:07I'm going to convince you if it's the last thing I do.
00:24:09Well, you're wasting your time.
00:24:10No.
00:24:11No.
00:24:19There.
00:24:20There you are.
00:24:21$200.
00:24:22And I'll charge it up to charity.
00:24:24It's not charity, Mr. Curtis.
00:24:26Here's your option.
00:24:27You will thank the day I came into this office.
00:24:29I'll thank you to get out.
00:24:31Why, just think.
00:24:33Your name engraved forever on the scrolls of history
00:24:36as the man who backed the first perfect television machine.
00:24:39You should be proud.
00:24:48What have I ever done to deserve this?
00:24:53File that, please.
00:24:55And charge the $200 off to research.
00:24:58Research?
00:24:59On what?
00:25:00A new television machine.
00:25:02The greatest invention since the electric light.
00:25:05Are you serious?
00:25:06Bah, she couldn't even make a potato peeler work.
00:25:08She?
00:25:09Oh, I understand.
00:25:19So it's you.
00:25:20Say, where have you been?
00:25:24Just interviewing a prospect.
00:25:26Working up an appetite, eh?
00:25:28With two eggs in the house.
00:25:30Oh, I wouldn't say that.
00:25:31Money!
00:25:32How much would you rob?
00:25:33Where's the body?
00:25:34Oh!
00:25:35Two hundred dollars!
00:25:36All right, you've held it long enough.
00:25:37Oh, where'd you get it?
00:25:38At the Paragon Broadcasting Company.
00:25:39Curtis!
00:25:40Oh, don't tell me.
00:25:41He fell again.
00:25:42It wasn't so easy this time.
00:25:43Took a lot of fast talking to sell that television idea.
00:25:45Well, you've talked us into an eight-course dinner.
00:25:46Will it be the Ritz?
00:25:47You've lasted two months without a decent meal.
00:25:48You can hold out for another hour.
00:25:49I've got to see Fred.
00:25:50Oh, so that's why you're polishing up.
00:25:51Don't be silly.
00:25:52This is business.
00:25:53Yeah, I'll bet.
00:25:54You get 200 bucks and now it's Fred.
00:25:55You're not smart at all.
00:25:56It isn't Fred we need.
00:25:57It's the machine.
00:25:58Just a few dollars will keep us on the right side of Mr. Dennis.
00:26:00Hmm, tossing the doggy a bone, eh?
00:26:01Exactly.
00:26:02But just how big is this bone?
00:26:03Oh, twenty or thirty dollars.
00:26:04Well, hurry up and I'll get dressed and be raring to go when you get a little bit.
00:26:06Oh, I'll get dressed.
00:26:07Well, I'll get dressed and be raring to go when you get dressed.
00:26:08I'll get dressed and be raring to go when you get dressed.
00:26:09Oh, you've lasted two months without a decent meal.
00:26:10You can hold out for another hour.
00:26:11I've got to see Fred.
00:26:12Oh, so that's why you're polishing up.
00:26:13Don't be silly.
00:26:14This is business.
00:26:15Yeah, I'll bet.
00:26:16You're not sure if you're costing the doggy a bone, eh?
00:26:17Exactly.
00:26:18But just how big is this bone?
00:26:20Oh, twenty or thirty dollars.
00:26:22Well, hurry up and I'll get dressed and be raring to go when you get back.
00:26:25And order a table at the wrist.
00:26:27Gee.
00:26:33Miss Blake.
00:26:34Hello.
00:26:35Come in.
00:26:36I'm awfully happy to see you.
00:26:37You'll be even happier when I tell you the good news.
00:26:38Won't you sit down?
00:26:39No, thanks.
00:26:40I can't stay very long.
00:26:41How have you been?
00:26:42Aren't you a bit interested in what I have to tell you?
00:26:44Oh, yes, of course I am.
00:26:45But I'm so glad to see you.
00:26:46I have a backer for your invention.
00:26:48Really?
00:26:49Oh, that's swell.
00:26:50He thinks this contraption of yours is a miracle.
00:26:52Oh, well, I'd hardly call it that.
00:26:54But it will be revolutionary when it's finished.
00:26:56In fact, he has so much faith in it that he's made a cash advance.
00:26:59Not much, but it's a starter.
00:27:01Oh, the amount doesn't matter.
00:27:02The important thing is that you believe in it.
00:27:04Of course I do.
00:27:06And I predict that there are big things ahead for us.
00:27:09I'm glad to hear you say that.
00:27:10It somehow gives me the feeling that, well, that I'm not alone in this.
00:27:14And I'll prove to you that your confidence in me isn't wasted.
00:27:17You talk as if this thing can't fail.
00:27:20Well, you don't think I'd accept money if I thought it could.
00:27:25Well, that'd be like stealing.
00:27:27Well, that's one way of looking at it.
00:27:30How much money will it take to finish this machine?
00:27:32I've got it all figured out.
00:27:33By buying the material and constructing the parts myself, I can manage on about $200.
00:27:37$200.
00:27:41Well...
00:27:45Oh, don't worry.
00:27:46I didn't expect the money all at once.
00:27:48I'm lucky to be back on the machine at all.
00:27:50And I can't tell you how grateful I am.
00:27:53Isn't it a strange coincidence?
00:27:56$200 is just the amount Mr. Curtis advanced.
00:28:00Bobby...
00:28:02I mean, Miss Blake...
00:28:04You know the grandest thing that ever happened to me?
00:28:07Oh, don't get the idea that that's anything.
00:28:11What's the mere $200?
00:28:14PIN money.
00:28:15Is that you, Bobby?
00:28:27Uh-huh.
00:28:36I've got a ringside table at the rest.
00:28:38Let's go.
00:28:39Oh, uh, May.
00:28:41Did you say there were two eggs in the house?
00:28:43Yeah.
00:28:44Why?
00:28:45Well, if you're hungry, you better start cooking them.
00:28:48Say, I'm thinking something.
00:28:51Well, will you please tell me I'm wrong?
00:28:54You're right.
00:28:56Oh, not the whole $200.
00:28:59Well, of all the unconscious jellyfish I ever saw, you take the cake.
00:29:04With a couple of streetcar tokens between us and the poorhouse,
00:29:07you throw a whole bankroll into the lap of a goofy inventor.
00:29:11Oh, I just couldn't help it.
00:29:13Couldn't help it?
00:29:14Well, if you were robbed, why didn't you call the police?
00:29:16Oh, I wish you could have been there.
00:29:18And seen his face and listened to him.
00:29:21I just had to give him the money.
00:29:23Now, isn't that pretty?
00:29:25I know what's happened to you.
00:29:26You're going soft.
00:29:27You're falling for the guy.
00:29:28Don't be foolish.
00:29:29After all, that money wasn't ours.
00:29:30Did we ever have any that was?
00:29:32Oh, let's stop arguing like a couple of kids.
00:29:34How do you want those eggs?
00:29:36Scrambled.
00:29:37And be sure and save the shells.
00:29:39We can eat those tomorrow.
00:29:59Hey, be careful with that.
00:30:00That's the most expensive piece of equipment I've got.
00:30:03What is it?
00:30:04A cathode ray tube.
00:30:05Gee, ain't science wonderful?
00:30:07Isn't science wonderful?
00:30:33Well, what are we waiting for?
00:30:35Let's try it.
00:30:36Oh gosh Rocky I'm afraid to what do you mean afraid I've worked on this so long for years
00:30:42I've done nothing but sleep eat and dream this machine yeah I know just how you feel
00:30:46I had a girl once went through the same thing she wouldn't work either and was I floored
00:30:53I don't know what I'll do if it doesn't work well come on and try it anyway
00:30:57flops I know a shortcut to the river all right give me a hand with it will you Rocky
00:31:01I'll take it easy I will lie all right all clear okay that's fine Rocky now let's get
00:31:14the televisor set now you understand what you to do Rocky oh sure just find this here
00:31:21switch that's right and be sure and take it easy now stand in front of the machine wait
00:31:25for it to warm up and then start talking well what do I say anything sing dance act I don't
00:31:31care well I would sing only my first ain't up the bar I think I'll just talk all right
00:31:38and keep talking till I tell you to stop I'll try to pick you up in here
00:32:01all right I don't know what to say I I ain't much of an actor all I know is bill collecting and science is my hobby you get me Fred
00:32:08all right I don't know what to say I I ain't much of an actor all I know is bill collecting and science is my hobby you get me Fred
00:32:23you get me Fred
00:32:30in case you didn't get me before I'm telling you again science is my hobby
00:32:38you see science is my hobby I'd invent something of my own only I don't know what
00:32:45now you take a simple thing like the automobile now I could have an added that only a guy beat me to it
00:32:52hobby you see science is my hobby I'd invent something of my own only I don't
00:33:01know what now you take a simple thing like the automobile now I could have
00:33:06invented that only a guy beat me to it hey what are you doing in there like am
00:33:13I talking to myself or what I'm gonna not hear it it works it's a success it
00:33:20works look mr. Dennis mr. Dennis we're made we're made we're a success I'll pay a
00:33:43whole year's rent what's going on in here let them complain let them do
00:33:51anything they want we'll throw them all out goodness gracious they've gone crazy
00:33:56rocky I'm gonna call up Bobby she's been asleep for hours now whatever I'll wake
00:34:00her
00:34:30Hello? Hello? Yeah, Alfred. It works, I tell you. No, no, there's no doubt about it. Wait a minute, wait a minute. Don't talk so fast. Is somebody sick? I want a good doctor. Keep quiet. Yes, yes, we can show it now.
00:35:00Tomorrow, anytime. Is it a fire? Oh, nothing's happened. No fire, lady. Just a five-cent phone call. You're sure no one was murdered? You're not calling the police. No, lady. No one's been murdered. Yet. All right. Goodbye. Now, Mr. O'Neill, about me rent.
00:35:30Wake up at work. All right. Let me sleep. We're in the money. I tell you, we're rich. No kidding.
00:35:40The members of the board will be here at three o'clock. They all seem anxious to know what the meeting's about. Five, five. They'll get the surprise of their lives.
00:35:56All this mystery has made me quite curious, too. Well, you may as well know, Stanis. You remember that two hundred dollars you marked off to research?
00:36:04You mean the girl? I said research. That two hundred's the best investment Paragon ever made. I don't understand.
00:36:11You will this afternoon. We're having a demonstration of a new television machine. This afternoon?
00:36:18Yes. And if what that girl told me is true, we're no longer at the mercy of standard equipment.
00:36:24Why, it can't amount to anything. Well, I don't think they'd come here to demonstrate a fake, do you?
00:36:28No, it doesn't seem reasonable. No, of course not. You'd better get temporary contracts ready.
00:36:35Because if that machine's all that girl claims it to be, we've got to be prepared to sign.
00:36:40Yes, sir.
00:36:45But how could I know? Curtis has given her money two or three times before and didn't dream himself that anything would come of it.
00:36:52We can't afford to take any chance. But the meeting's already been called. I don't know what we can do about it.
00:36:58If you don't, I do.
00:37:01Now, Griff, you can't.
00:37:02Shut up.
00:37:03I got an idea.
00:37:05Let's hear it.
00:37:05All we're worried about is their machine.
00:37:08Yeah.
00:37:08They're going to show it at the office.
00:37:11Yeah.
00:37:12Then here's what we can do.
00:37:14Four hundred bucks? You're crazy.
00:37:17They give one of these away with every set of new tires.
00:37:19That's the price.
00:37:21Well, I ain't saying yes till I try it out.
00:37:24Well, I don't know about that.
00:37:25Now, wait a minute. You don't expect me to buy a pig and a poke, do you?
00:37:28I just want to drive it around the block, fella. That's all.
00:37:31Well, I guess it's all right.
00:37:49This demonstration better go over or I'll be pinched for stealing the truck.
00:37:53It'll mean more than that.
00:37:55What I'm worried about is how we're going to spend that first fat royalty check.
00:37:59Dinner at the Ritz for me.
00:38:01What are the Ritz?
00:38:01You should get a load of Mahoney's joint.
00:38:03Now, there's real class.
00:38:04I've got other plans.
00:38:23Hiya, Mason.
00:38:24Here it is, ready to go.
00:38:27I have to pull a lot of wires to get permission for you to do this.
00:38:30But work's out.
00:38:31Buy you the football field.
00:38:33Yeah?
00:38:33Thanks.
00:38:43Don't worry about it.
00:38:44We'll put it over.
00:38:45See you later.
00:38:45Now, you understand what you're going to do, Rocky?
00:38:55Ain't I been telling you all along science is my hobby?
00:38:58How can I miss?
00:38:59Well, don't forget to turn the switches easy and focus on the clearest point of vision.
00:39:02Get some excitement, crowd yelling, good plays, anything.
00:39:05Believe it or me.
00:39:06I'll wow them.
00:39:09There you are.
00:39:10Where's this going?
00:39:36Paragon Broadcasting.
00:39:37All right, I'll take it up.
00:39:40Sorry, buddy, but you'll have to use the passenger elevator.
00:39:42Well, they sent us around here.
00:39:44Yeah, sure, for the baggage.
00:39:45But can't you read?
00:39:49Oh, all right.
00:39:50But you'll be very careful with it.
00:39:51As if it were my own mother-in-law.
00:40:03Nice work, Al.
00:40:04You almost had me believing it.
00:40:06There were a cinch.
00:40:07Now, for a nice, slow ride up.
00:40:10gentlemen, Mr. Dennis, our young inventor.
00:40:22How do you know?
00:40:23Hello, Miss Blake, his manager.
00:40:24How do you know, Miss Blake?
00:40:25Pulled a fast one, eh, Curtis?
00:40:27Oh, vision, Howland, vision.
00:40:29You should be congratulated.
00:40:30Not at all, not at all.
00:40:35I'm banking everything on you, too.
00:40:37You have nothing to worry about.
00:40:39Okay.
00:40:39Mm-hmm.
00:40:41Well, all set.
00:40:57Who are you shoving?
00:40:58Can't you see I'm broadcasting?
00:41:00Oh, with what, that slut machine?
00:41:03Yeah, and it runs with slugs.
00:41:05I can spare one for you, wise guy.
00:41:07Hey, save that for later.
00:41:08We've got work to do.
00:41:10That's right.
00:41:12Well, look at this.
00:41:13Oh, gee, nice.
00:41:15Well, rather a fun looking object.
00:41:17Isn't it?
00:41:18I mean, that's a book, isn't it?
00:41:19Yes.
00:41:19All right.
00:41:21Hmm, complicated, isn't it?
00:41:23It's like anything we've seen, isn't it?
00:41:24Unusual looking device.
00:41:26Mm-hmm.
00:41:27It's, uh, what?
00:41:29I'm going to announce the game myself.
00:41:31I'm experienced.
00:41:32You're going to announce?
00:41:34Well, who's playing?
00:41:36I don't know.
00:41:37Get a programmer.
00:41:38Quick, hurry.
00:41:49There they go.
00:41:53He tackled.
00:41:55A pimp of a tackle by Kelly.
00:41:57Tell you, Kelly, it's Cohen.
00:41:59Say, who's broadcasting, me or you?
00:42:01It seems useless to be.
00:42:08I can't understand.
00:42:10Something's gone wrong.
00:42:12There they go.
00:42:13They're lining up again.
00:42:16There goes Murphy, right on left hand.
00:42:19Murphy, it's Jones.
00:42:20So, this is the demonstration.
00:42:23I didn't know if you wanted to see it there.
00:42:27I wanted to see it there.
00:42:27Pretty quirky.
00:42:28A little bit of luck.
00:42:29All right.
00:42:30It's not for worth it.
00:42:35What's the matter, boy?
00:42:36What's wrong?
00:42:37I don't know.
00:42:38I can't figure it out.
00:42:41Fine.
00:42:42Waste of time.
00:42:44Gentlemen.
00:42:45Gentlemen, please.
00:42:46Please be patient.
00:42:47Well, now, baby, you better walk down.
00:42:54Romero's got the paw.
00:42:55Desati's with him.
00:42:56There they go.
00:42:57Romero and Desati.
00:42:58What a day for the Irish.
00:43:0250 yards.
00:43:0360 yards.
00:43:07What's a waste of time?
00:43:12What's that?
00:43:13What's happened, Fred?
00:43:14What is it?
00:43:14I don't know.
00:43:17Vision.
00:43:19Just a waste of time.
00:43:20Oh, let's forget it.
00:43:22We'll go back to work.
00:43:23What do I want to do?
00:43:24She ought to blame for this.
00:43:25I should have known better than to have listened to you.
00:43:28If you give me this office again, I'll have you thrown out.
00:43:30And that goes for you, too.
00:43:32Now, get that thing out of here.
00:43:33I can't understand it.
00:43:41Worked last night.
00:43:44Bobby, you believe that, don't you?
00:43:48Oh, sure.
00:43:49Sure.
00:43:51Better pick up the pieces and go home.
00:43:53Oh, come on, Fred.
00:44:11Lay off that thing for a while, will you?
00:44:13You've been at it all night.
00:44:14I'm all right.
00:44:15Here, have a little coffee.
00:44:16No, thanks.
00:44:21You think it might have got bumped around in the truck?
00:44:23No, but I'm going to find out what did happen if I have to take this whole machine apart.
00:44:27Yeah, I've done that to a watch of mine once.
00:44:30I've still got the pieces.
00:44:31I wonder if it isn't too late for us to commit suicide.
00:44:41Wasn't I a fool to throw away that 200?
00:44:43Well, I don't know.
00:44:45You think of what we could have had if the thing had been any good.
00:44:48That's just the point.
00:44:49When did I start to believe in miracles?
00:44:51Well, miracles have happened.
00:44:53Fred's a pretty nice boy, you know.
00:44:55Don't rub it in.
00:44:57I'll admit he's good-looking.
00:44:59He's sincere and ambitious.
00:45:00But am I supposed to give 200 dollars to every good-looking man who walks into this office?
00:45:05I have myself to look after.
00:45:06All right, all right.
00:45:07Don't blame me.
00:45:08Oh, I'm blaming myself.
00:45:09You were right.
00:45:10I did go soft.
00:45:11And now we're right back where we started before Mr. Fred Dennis walked into this office.
00:45:20Uh-oh.
00:45:21The hunting season's on.
00:45:30May is, uh...
00:45:32Yeah.
00:45:38Hello, Bobby.
00:45:40You know, something happened at the demonstration.
00:45:42Now, that's news.
00:45:44I took the machine apart and found that the cathode ray tube had been blown out.
00:45:48I was there.
00:45:48Don't you remember?
00:45:49Don't you understand?
00:45:51Somebody deliberately crossed the wires.
00:45:52People are always crossing the wires, aren't they?
00:45:57I know you were disappointed, and I don't blame you.
00:45:59The machine was an awful bust.
00:46:01But we're not through yet, Bobby.
00:46:02It can be repaired.
00:46:03Oh, that's simple.
00:46:04Repair it.
00:46:05Well, it's not as easy as that.
00:46:07The cathode tube has to be replaced.
00:46:10Cathode tube?
00:46:10Oh, yes.
00:46:14One cathode ray tube.
00:46:16A mere item of $146.
00:46:21What's the matter, Bobby?
00:46:22Let's get this straight, Fred.
00:46:24I'm a businesswoman.
00:46:25You came to me with an invention, and I got $200 for you.
00:46:28The demonstration of the invention failed.
00:46:30Well, it wasn't my fault.
00:46:31Oh, well, let's not go into that.
00:46:33I took a gamble, and I lost.
00:46:35Now, let's drop it.
00:46:36I see.
00:46:37I'm just a bad business investor.
00:46:39Well, maybe you're right.
00:46:41But I'm not going till I tell you how I feel.
00:46:43I didn't come here just for more money.
00:46:45I came to tell you what really happened,
00:46:46because I thought you'd understand.
00:46:48I thought the machine meant more to you
00:46:50than just a business transaction.
00:46:52But I was mistaken.
00:46:54I thought you cared.
00:46:56It shows you how crazy I was.
00:46:58I guess the only thing I didn't think about was the money.
00:47:01I didn't know it was so important to you.
00:47:06Let's forget it.
00:47:09Well, don't get the idea that I need you.
00:47:16I'll fix the machine, and I'll show it again.
00:47:18You'll get that $200 you're so worried about with interest.
00:47:32Say, what are you crying about?
00:47:35Mr. Dennis?
00:47:50Yes.
00:47:51Package for you.
00:47:52Sign right here.
00:47:53Atlas Electric Company.
00:47:54Well, I didn't order anything.
00:47:55Well, somebody did.
00:47:56Will you please sign?
00:47:57Well, there must be some mistake.
00:47:59Say, mister, your name is Dennis, ain't it?
00:48:00Yeah.
00:48:01Is it costing you anything?
00:48:02No, but I didn't...
00:48:03Well, I'm asking you like a buddy.
00:48:05I've got to get home because my wife has thrown a surprise party for me.
00:48:08Now, will you please sign?
00:48:09Yeah.
00:48:14Thanks, pal.
00:48:15Rocky.
00:48:36Oh, good old Rocky.
00:48:39Hello.
00:48:53Hello.
00:48:54Where have you been?
00:48:55Shopping.
00:48:56Say, I never saw this before.
00:49:08I just bought it.
00:49:09Bought this rag?
00:49:10Mm-hmm.
00:49:11Couldn't resist it.
00:49:12It was cheap, too.
00:49:13Couldn't resist it.
00:49:15Well, I could.
00:49:16And in a dark room.
00:49:19Say, where's your fur coat?
00:49:21My fur coat?
00:49:23Why, I'm having it cleaned.
00:49:25You had it cleaned less than a month ago.
00:49:27Did I?
00:49:27Well, that's funny.
00:49:28I forgot.
00:49:34Mr. O'Neill.
00:49:36Well, good evening, Mrs. Leary.
00:49:37Oh, never mind the evening.
00:49:38You appear awful friendly with that Dennis chap,
00:49:40and I ain't seen me money yet.
00:49:43Shh.
00:49:45That's my system.
00:49:46You act friendly like it first, see?
00:49:48But do you think he's got it?
00:49:50Hey, that landlady ain't fooling anymore.
00:49:57Rocky, you're a prince.
00:49:59Well, thanks.
00:50:00You're a pal, a real friend.
00:50:02I like you, too.
00:50:03Oh, I knew I could depend on you.
00:50:05But where did you ever get the money?
00:50:07What money?
00:50:08Oh, now, stop clowning.
00:50:09I know you sent it.
00:50:10I got the machine fixed already.
00:50:12And it works, too.
00:50:13Look.
00:50:13It works?
00:50:14You must have got a new cut, a new tube.
00:50:16Well, thanks to you.
00:50:17When I opened the package, it nearly knocked me over.
00:50:19Package?
00:50:20Say, who's crazy here, me or you?
00:50:22I don't know what you're talking about.
00:50:23Well, it was delivered here an hour ago.
00:50:25Didn't you send it?
00:50:26Me?
00:50:26Where would I get that kind of dough?
00:50:28You're not kidding me.
00:50:29Honest.
00:50:30Well, that's funny.
00:50:32I wonder who could have sent it.
00:50:34I got a pretty good idea.
00:50:36The girls.
00:50:38Wait a minute.
00:50:39Wait a minute.
00:50:39Wait a minute.
00:50:44It's a fire.
00:50:49Hello?
00:50:52Did you notice something go past?
00:50:59Hey, what is this?
00:51:01Old home week?
00:51:06It was swell of you to do it.
00:51:10Rocky says the machine is fixed.
00:51:12Is that true?
00:51:13All I needed was that cathode tube.
00:51:15You ought to go see Curtis.
00:51:16Curtis?
00:51:17It's worth our lives to go near him.
00:51:19We'll tell him the truth.
00:51:20He's bound to listen.
00:51:22All right.
00:51:23It's worth a try.
00:51:24But if we're not back in an hour, call the city morgue.
00:51:29What's the number of the morgue?
00:51:30Mr. Curtis is dreadfully sorry, but he can't see you.
00:51:46I told you.
00:51:47Oh, Mr. Standish.
00:51:47Oh, Mr. Standish.
00:51:49We've got to see Mr. Curtis.
00:51:49Well, isn't he in?
00:51:51Well, yes, but not to us.
00:51:52It's a matter of great importance.
00:51:53I'm sure if he knows, he'll want to see us.
00:51:54Well, if it's that urgent, I'll see what I can do.
00:51:57Come into my office.
00:51:58Oh, that's great.
00:51:59Oh, that's great.
00:52:00I am.
00:52:01I am.
00:52:01Oh, Mr. Standish, we've got to see Mr. Curtis.
00:52:06Well, isn't he in?
00:52:08Well, yes, but not to us.
00:52:09It's a matter of great importance.
00:52:11I'm sure if he knows, he'll want to see us.
00:52:12Well, if it's that urgent, I'll see what I can do.
00:52:15Come into my office.
00:52:16Oh, that's awfully nice, isn't it, Mr. Standish?
00:52:20Now, what did you wish to see Mr. Curtis about?
00:52:22We want to tell him that Mr. Dennis' television machine is in perfect working condition again.
00:52:26We can show it in 20 minutes if he says the word.
00:52:29Well, you know how Mr. Curtis is.
00:52:30He's pretty stubborn at times.
00:52:32I know.
00:52:33However, I'll see what I can do for him.
00:52:34Oh, thanks.
00:52:38It's in the bag.
00:52:39Shall I talk to Curtis or will you?
00:52:40I think we'd both better shout at the same time.
00:52:46Mr. Curtis.
00:52:47Yes, Dennis.
00:52:48I've just gone over the standard equipment figures.
00:52:50I've managed to shade some of the cost, but you know we have to give our answer tomorrow.
00:52:55I suppose there's no way out.
00:52:57Maybe it's for the best.
00:52:59I hope so.
00:53:00Anything else?
00:53:01No.
00:53:02That's all.
00:53:10Howland, Jones, Tully, Tucker, North, Holman, Jackson, Caldwell.
00:53:15Our troubles don't end with Curtis.
00:53:16We've got to sell these directors, too.
00:53:18And I'll bet all eight of them are from Missouri.
00:53:20I'm sorry.
00:53:23I did everything I could, but he won't see you.
00:53:25Well, I can't understand.
00:53:26He needs this machine.
00:53:28Unfortunately, Mr. Curtis is not of the same opinion.
00:53:30He's decided to buy other equipment.
00:53:32The deal will be settled tomorrow.
00:53:33Well, are you sure you told him the facts, that it works?
00:53:38Are you suggesting that I withheld the information?
00:53:41Oh, no, no.
00:53:42But it seems impossible.
00:53:44This means so much to Paragon.
00:53:45Don't worry, Fred.
00:53:46I'll get to Curtis before morning if I have to sleep on his doorstep.
00:53:51Oh, Mr. Dennis, give me your address in case anything new should develop.
00:53:55205 West 192nd Street.
00:53:57I'll get in touch with you.
00:53:58Let's go.
00:53:59All right, just a minute, Fred.
00:54:00May I leave a note for Mr. Curtis?
00:54:02Well, certainly.
00:54:04Thank you so much.
00:54:22So there he was, wrassling like tigers.
00:54:25In a flash, he grabs my arm with his gnashes and bites right through the bone.
00:54:29Here, you can see this guy.
00:54:30Not there, honey.
00:54:31There.
00:54:32Then I grabs a stranglehold.
00:54:34I reach this for a cradlehold.
00:54:36Hey, lay off.
00:54:37I'm not interested in cradleholds.
00:54:39What happened to your father?
00:54:41Oh, yeah.
00:54:42Well, then my old man and my best friend done a dumb thing.
00:54:45They got into a fight with each other.
00:54:47What a spot for me.
00:54:48What was I to do?
00:54:49Well, what did you do?
00:54:51Well, blood is thicker and water, so I knocked out my old man.
00:54:56Did you see Curtis?
00:54:57No.
00:54:58That's a list of Paragon directors.
00:55:00Get the telephone number of every man on it.
00:55:01You're working for Paragon.
00:55:02It's a lie.
00:55:03You're Curtis the secretary.
00:55:04You're calling a meeting in the board tonight.
00:55:05Understand?
00:55:06Not a word.
00:55:07We've got to show them the machine before tomorrow morning.
00:55:09Oh, well, we might get them all together, but after that last block, who's going to make
00:55:12them see the same show?
00:55:13What about me?
00:55:14I ain't been collecting bills for ten years without learning how to make people listen.
00:55:17That's the idea, Rocky.
00:55:18You take the receiving set down there, and I'll do the broadcasting from home.
00:55:21Here's one.
00:55:22J.F.
00:55:22Howland.
00:55:23Hempstead 6231.
00:55:24Get it, Maeve.
00:55:26Well, what did I say?
00:55:27There's a special conference in the Paragon boardroom at nine o'clock tonight.
00:55:30Well, this is a fine time to tell me.
00:55:41Important.
00:55:42Well, I hope my wife thinks so.
00:55:44What?
00:55:45A meeting at nine o'clock?
00:55:48Well, I thought that meeting was called for tomorrow.
00:55:52Oh, all right.
00:55:53I'll be there.
00:55:53It was easy enough to stall them at my office, but I have a hunch they're not giving up.
00:56:00If they get to Curtis, we can throw our deal in the ash can.
00:56:04What makes you think they're going to get to Curtis?
00:56:08You know where he lives, don't you?
00:56:10Yes, but...
00:56:11Well, that's all we need to know.
00:56:12Come on.
00:56:20This evening, don't say, Tucker, have you any idea what this thing is all about?
00:56:23I don't know.
00:56:24Curtis' secretary telephoned me and said it was important.
00:56:26Well, same thing happened to me.
00:56:28I thought this meeting was called for tomorrow.
00:56:30An hour's notice.
00:56:31I counted on the opera tonight.
00:56:33Where's Curtis?
00:56:34I haven't seen him.
00:56:35Well, I assure you, gentlemen, that I'm just as curious as you are.
00:56:39Curtis ought to be here himself any minute.
00:56:42Caldwell, what's the meaning of this?
00:56:44I thought it was my place to call meetings for this company.
00:56:47Just a moment.
00:56:48Here's the wire you sent me.
00:56:50What?
00:56:53Gentlemen, this is all a mistake.
00:56:55Someone has carried this little joke too far.
00:56:57Joke?
00:56:57I think there's no need for us to remain any longer.
00:57:00We'll hold the meeting tomorrow as originally planned.
00:57:07What are you doing here?
00:57:09Well, I heard you guys was looking for a television machine, and I'm going to show you this one.
00:57:13Isn't this the dentist's machine?
00:57:17That's right.
00:57:19I assure you, gentlemen, I knew nothing of this.
00:57:23Oh, you made those phone calls.
00:57:26And the telegrams, too.
00:57:28Why, this is ridiculous.
00:57:30Get this thing out of here.
00:57:31Now, wait a minute, Whitey.
00:57:32Keep your shirt on.
00:57:33You ain't going anyplace till you see this machine work.
00:57:36Boy, I'll call the police.
00:57:38Oh, will you?
00:57:41Now, go on.
00:57:41Sit down.
00:57:42Decompose yourself.
00:57:46Hey, Griff.
00:57:47How rough is this going to be?
00:57:49It all depends.
00:57:51Why?
00:57:52I was just wondering.
00:57:53Well, if you're worried, you can get out right now.
00:57:56We ain't got any room for you.
00:57:58Don't worry about me.
00:57:59I was only asking.
00:58:00Gee, I hope Rocky put it over.
00:58:04You ought to be telephoning pretty soon.
00:58:06What are we going to say when the show starts?
00:58:07Well, I could tell the Paragon board of directors that I love you.
00:58:11Well, that would only take a couple of minutes.
00:58:12Not the way I'll tell it.
00:58:14The whole thing is preposterous.
00:58:16It's even better than that.
00:58:17And she's all set.
00:58:18Honey, call Fred and tell him we're ready.
00:58:20Keep the motor running.
00:58:31I won't be long.
00:58:40Oh, that's Rocky.
00:58:41It must have worked.
00:58:43Get back in there.
00:58:45But that telephones from me.
00:58:46I've got to answer it.
00:58:47You're not answering anything.
00:58:48Well, who are you?
00:58:49A ghost for you, too, sister.
00:58:52Somebody's coming, Griff.
00:58:57Hello?
00:59:00Mr. Dennis?
00:59:02I'll see if he's in.
00:59:07Keep your trap shut.
00:59:19Well, I guess that about settled.
00:59:30Oh, now, wait a minute, fellas.
00:59:31Hold everything.
00:59:32Look.
00:59:33He'll be starting in a couple of minutes.
00:59:35All right, I'll get to work on that machine.
00:59:43Stop it out!
00:59:45Why not look, fellas.
00:59:46You come all the way down here.
00:59:47Peacebound to start.
00:59:48Honest.
00:59:49It's the best television set in the world.
00:59:57Turn on the switch.
00:59:58If you don't wait now, you're missing the chance of a lifetime.
01:00:10You fellas look like good sports.
01:00:12Give us that chance.
01:00:14Look!
01:00:18It's working.
01:00:19I told you.
01:00:20See?
01:00:20See?
01:00:21It's remarkably clear, isn't it?
01:00:23Well, that's really marvelous.
01:00:32Why, that's the best television I've ever seen.
01:00:35It's a very well-stayed fight.
01:00:37Stayed nothing.
01:00:38That's on the level.
01:00:39I'm going up there.
01:00:47Ah!
01:00:48Oh, stop crawling, buddy.
01:00:58Step on it, will you?
01:00:59Say, if you think you can do any better, drive it yourself.
01:01:03You've got a winner at last.
01:01:05Watch our stock go up.
01:01:06Yeah.
01:01:07What a fight.
01:01:32I should say so.
01:01:33That's real.
01:01:33Look at that.
01:01:34Come on, Richard.
01:01:35Come on, Richard.
01:01:35Come on, Richard.
01:01:35Why, he's going to be on the floor.
01:01:36He's got a chair.
01:01:36Look at that ball.
01:01:37Look at that ball.
01:01:37Right.
01:01:53That's with him.
01:01:57Oh, he smashed the machine.
01:01:58That's what it is.
01:01:59Yes, I...
01:02:00It's full.
01:02:22All right, buddy.
01:02:36Rocky!
01:02:37How's Fred?
01:02:38He's all right, but are you hurt?
01:02:39No, but they are.
01:02:43Do your duty.
01:02:52Gentlemen, Paragon is sitting on top of the world.
01:03:08Ain't that marvelous?
01:03:11Did I ever tell you science was my hobby?
01:03:13Is that all you can think of, looking at them?
01:03:22Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.