All About Eve Edit

A beautiful and an intelligent woman, and a great actress.

A graduate of the Copacabana School of Dramatic Art.

A great actress and a great woman...

A great actress at the peak of her career. You have every reason for happiness.

A lamb loose in our big, stone jungle.

A martini, very dry, please.

A mass of music and fire.

A matter of opinion, granted.

A part in a play.

A revolutionary approach to the theater.

A simple exchange of favors.

A situation pregnant with possibilities, and all you can think of is "go to sleep".

About Eve.

About how you live, what kind of clothes you wear...

Acted out all sorts of things. What they were isn't important.

Addison knows how Margo happened to miss that performance...

Addison told her how superbly Eve had read the part.

Addison, come in for a minute, will you?

Adorable.

After all you've said. Don't you know that part was written for Margo?

After all, it was no more than a harmless joke...

After all, you didn't personally drain the gasoline tank yourself.

After the other day, I regarded it as simply a promise fulfilled.

After you change, if you're not busy elsewhere, we could have supper.

Ah! Feeling better, my dear?

Ah... Eve.

All about Eve, in fact.

All of us invited that afternoon...

All playwrights should be dead for 300 years!

All ready.

All right!

All the religions in the world rolled into one...

All this hysteria because of an impulsive excited kid...

Almost four.

Also a contempt for humanity, an inability to love and be loved.

Also rodeos, carnivals, ballets...

Also, the boot would land where it would do the most good for all concerned.

Although I am going to Hollywood next week to make a film...

Am I going to lose you, Bill? Am I?

Amen!

Among so many quiet qualities.

And as for being fifth rate...

And Bill, especially Bill. She did that too.

And cut that out right now.

And don't let anybody try to muscle in.

And I could take care of everything here and meet you at the gate with the ticket...

And I shot my mouth off.

And I thought it might be best if I skipped rehearsals from then on.

And I want him to want me.

And I'll never forget you for making it possible.

And I'll never forget you, Eve.

And I'm fed up with both the young lady and her qualities!

And if I can't tell them apart, how can he?

And in the last analysis, nothing's any good unless you can...

And it was a night to remember, that night.

And Karen mentioned, of course, that Margo expects to play the part?

And Mr. Sampson. What's he like?

And never before has this award gone to anyone younger than its recipient tonight.

And no brighter light has ever dazzled the eye than Eve Harrington.

And no reason why she shouldn't be told about it... in time.

And one without whose great play and faith in me...

And she gave the performance of her life.

And suddenly you're not saying what you mean, but what he means.

And that even a fifth rate vaudevillian should understand and respect.

And that memorable night when Margo first dazzled you from the stage...

And the man or woman who accepts those terms can't be ordinary...

And the man who invented the steam engine, he was watching a teakettle.

And then a childish routine about not knowing Eve was her understudy.

And then, one night, Margo Channing came to play in Remembrance...

And there was a little theater group there, like a drop of rain on the desert.

And there were theaters in San Francisco.

And this getting into a jealous froth because I spent ten minutes with a stage struck kid.

And this is my dear friend and companion, Miss Birdie Coonan.

And those cheques for the income tax man.

And we who are about to die salute you.

And what a happy coincidence that several representatives...

And what is that? Besides something spelled out in light bulbs, I mean.

And what's left will be... what?

And when was this unholy alliance joined?

And who remembered it? Who was there on the dot at 12 midnight?

And why not?

And you pose as a playwright.

And you realize and you agree how completely you belong to me?

And you, I take it, are the Paderewski who plays his concerto on me, the piano?

And, believe it or not, if there's anything I can do...

And, further, that I regard it as bestowed upon me only in part.

Answer my question. Weren't you paid to get out of town?

Any time you want, starting with tonight's performance.

Are you proud of me, Bill?

Are you that sure of tomorrow?

Are you threatening me with legal action, Mr. Fabian?

Arrives here for an audition when everyone knows I will be here...

Arthur Miller? Sherwood? Beaumont and Fletcher?

As a matter of fact, I sent him a telegram myself.

As a matter of fact, you're looking at it.

As a nonprofessional, I think it's an excellent idea. Excuse me.

As always with women who try to find out things, she told more than she learnt.

As if my mind was outside of my body and couldn't control what I did or said.

As it happens, there are particular aspects of my life...

As of this moment, you're six years old.

As you see, I kept my promise, too.

As young as they want, you mean.

At any rate, I felt terribly guilty and ashamed of myself...

At anything or anyone else, but never at me!

At best, let's say I've been oversensitive to...

Autograph fiends! They're not people. Little beasts that run around in packs like coyotes.

Back to the Copacabana.

Be proud of yourself. You've got a right to be.

Because after tonight you will belong to me.

Being a woman.

Being an actor, he will go on speaking for some time.

Being here with Miss Channing has been a... I just can't say.

Being violently ill to her tummy.

Belong? To you?

Besides a temperament, which consists mostly of swooping about on a broomstick...

Besides, it went out with Mrs. Fiske.

Bill didn't come at all.

Bill Sampson? He's... he's a director.

Bill stuck it out. Lloyd seemed happy.

Bill, oddly enough, refused to direct the play at first... with Eve in it.

Bill! Have I gone crazy, Bill?

Bill?

Bill...

Bill's 32. He looks 32.

Bill's here, baby.

Bill's in love with Margo Channing. He's fought with her, worked with her, loved her.

Bill's welcome home birthday party... a night to go down in history.

Bravo!

Brilliant, vivid, something made of music and fire.

But "the evil that men do..." How does that go, groom?

But don't you find it, apart from everything else, don't you find it expensive?

But due to some uncontrollable drive, you permit the slightest action of a kid...

But Eddie wasn't there.

But Eve, Margo. Let me tell you about Eve.

But Hollywood. You mustn't stay out there.

But how? The answer was buzzing around me like a fly.

But I do know the part so well, and every bit of the staging...

But I let it go. Screaming and calling names is one thing...

But I will not have you sharpen them on me, or on Eve.

But I'd never known Lloyd to meddle as much with Bill's directing...

But I'm not going to. I'm too mad.

But if I tell you it is, as I just did... were you listening to me?

But if I thought I'd offended her, of all people...

But if you'd only see her... You're her whole life.

But it can't be! We can't be out of gas!

But it isn't basic. It isn't standard. If it were, the theater couldn't survive.

But Lloyd listened to his play as if it had been written by someone else, he said.

But Lloyd said Max's publicity man probably sent out the story.

But me, not Margo Channing.

But not me. My big idea came to me just sitting on a couch.

But not right away. First fight them back, chin up, stout fellow.

But not this time.

But not tonight. I'm forgiving tonight. Even Eve. I forgive Eve.

But ten years from now Margo Channing will have ceased to exist.

But that in itself is probably the reason.

But the other day when Mr. Fabian told Miss Channing...

But the wardrobe women have got one and, next to a tenor...

But then I'd never met Addison DeWitt.

But those who remained cheered loudly, lustily and long for Eve.

But what could she say? That's what fascinates me.

But you can't put her out! I promised!

But you did it. With work and patience, you'll be a good actress...

But you did. More to yourself perhaps, as it turned out, than to anyone else.

But you know that. You probably tell her what to write.

But you must have friends, a home, family?

But you won't or can't tell me.

But you're not a woman.

But you've done so much! What's new?

But, somehow, acting and make believe began to fill up my life more and more.

By your smart dress, I take it your companion is a lady?

Byron couldn't have said it more graciously.

Call me Birdie.

Can't we sit down just for a minute? I've got a lot to say and none of it's easy.

Carefully rehearsed, I have no doubt.

Certainly, Mr. DeWitt.

City Hall, that's for prizefighters and reporters. I see a cathedral, banks of flowers...

Claudia, come here.

Clyde Fitch, though you may not think so, was well before my time!

Coincidence.

Come in, Eve.

Come now, as though you were an old lady!

Come on, get up. I'll buy you a drink.

Come on, I'm the host. I got to get home before my guests start stealing the liquor!

Come to the pantry.

Come to think of it, I haven't been very pleasant for weeks. For that, I'm truly sorry.

Cora. Still a girl of 20?

Cos that's what they are. Now go and make him happier.

Cos you've got to stop hurting the two of us by these paranoiac tantrums.

Couldn't go on with the play or anything else until I promised to marry him.

Cut! Print it! What happens in the next reel? Do I get dragged off to the snake pits?

Dear Margo, you were an unforgettable Peter Pan. You must play it again soon.

Dear sentimental, generous, courageous Max Fabian...

Diamond collar, gold sleeves. You know picture people.

Did I say killer? I meant champion. I get my boxing terms mixed.

Did she tell you about the theater and what it meant?

Did you place a call from me to Bill for midnight California time?

Do you expect me to believe that you didn't say any of that? That they were all Addison?

Do you know why I forgive Eve? She left good behind.

Do you wanna know what the theater is? A flea circus. Also opera.

Don't be condescending.

Don't calm down.

Don't cry. Just score it as an incomplete forward pass.

Don't get up. And don't act as if I were the Queen Mother.

Don't get up. And please stop acting as if I were the Queen Mother!

Don't give it a thought. One of destiny's merry pranks.

Don't let me kill the point. Or isn't it a story for grown ups?

Don't pick up that phone. Don't even touch it.

Don't run away, Bill.

Don't underestimate him. You have a powerful friend in Addison.

Don't worry too much about what people think.

Don't worry, Lloyd. I'll play your play.

Don't worry.

Don't you think it's about time it became important?

Donald Duck, Ibsen and The Lone Ranger.

Eddie was in the air force.

Elder statesmen of the theater or cinema...

Especially if you're me between now and tomorrow morning.

Eve became my sister, lawyer, mother, friend, psychiatrist and cop.

Eve did mention the play, but in passing.

Eve Evil, little Miss Evil.

Eve Harrington has never by word, look, thought or suggestion...

Eve Harrington will be among them.

Eve has no intention of going to Hollywood.

Eve was incredibly modest. She insisted that no credit was due her.

Eve would ask Abbott to give her Costello.

Eve would, wouldn't you, Eve?

Eve, dear, this is Addison.

Eve, of course, was superb.

Eve, this is an old friend of Mr. DeWitt's mother

Eve, you mustn't mind Margo too much, even if I do.

Eve?

Eve? My understudy?

Eve.

Eve.

Eve. Eve Harrington.

Eve. Eve, the golden girl. The cover girl.

Eve... but more of Eve later.

Eve... I don't think you meant to cause unhappiness.

Eve... I'm fond of Margo, too. But I know Margo. And every now and then...

Eve's disloyalty and ingratitude must be contagious!

Even before the party started, I could smell disaster in the air.

Even if I wanted to, as you say, be less humble, blow my own horn...

Even so... one pretty good performance by an understudy, it'll be forgotten tomorrow.

Every performance? Then am I safe in assuming you like it?

Every performance.

Everything a playwright first thinks of wanting to write about...

Everything is beer.

Everything on its proper shelf, eh, Max? All done up in little ribbons.

Everything wise and witty has long since been said...

Everything's all right now.

Except for a letter a week.

Except that the unreal seemed more real to me...

Farmers were poor in those days. That's what Dad was, a farmer.

Fasten your seat belts. It's going to be a bumpy night.

Fife!

Fine old theater, the Shubert. Full of tradition.

For an audition for this part we are replacing.

For me to thank you as equals would be presumptuous.

For services rendered beyond... whatever it is of duty, darling.

Frankly, I don't remember.

From me, from Lloyd, from Eve, Bill, Max and so on.

From now on it isn't applause

From the trunks you're packing, you must be going to stay a long time.

From what would I be running?

Full of fire and music and whatnot!

Full of those Bill Sampson touches.

Funny, the things you remember...

Give Eve Harrington a job in your office.

Give Karen more wine.

Good evening, Mr. Richards. Mr. Fabian.

Good morning. Well, what do you think of my elegant new suit?

Good night to you all, and to all, a good night.

Good night, Eve. I hope I see you again soon.

Good night, Margo!

Good night.

Goodbye, darling. Sleep tight.

Goodbye, Margo.

Goodbye, Mr. Sampson.

Got any messages? What do you want me to tell Tyrone Power?

Groom, may I have a wedding present?

Hand me that empty bottle. I may find her.

Happy birthday, darling.

Harrington.

Having covered in tedious detail not only the history of the Sarah Siddons Society...

He can't take his eyes off my legs.

He couldn't sleep, he said. He'd left Karen.

He is the producer of the play which has won for Eve Harrington the Sarah Siddons Award.

He likes a few drinks after we finish, so he sent it up.

He looked it five years ago. He'll look it 20 years from now.

He needed help behind a notions counter.

He never went home.

He was a radio technician.

He woke me up at three o'clock in the morning, banging on my door.

He'll write great plays for me. I'll make them great.

He's going to leave Karen. We're going to be married.

He's in love with you.

He's not my friend. You were my friends.

Heart to heart? Woman to woman?

Heaven help me.

Hello, Mr. Richards. She's upstairs in her room.

Hello!

Hello?

Hello. Who are you?

Hello. Will you please call Miss Eve Harrington to the phone?

Her loyalty, efficiency, devotion, warmth and affection, and so young!

Here I am.

Here we go.

Here, take it to the party instead of me.

Hey, Junior!

Hey, wait a minute! You haven't even said it yet!

Hm?

Hm?

Hold that coat up.

Hollywood.

Honeychild had a point. Lloyd, honey, be a playwright with guts.

Honored members of the Sarah Siddons Society...

How about calling it a night?

How are you making out in Mr. Fabian's office?

How can I repay Lloyd Richards?

How can I repay the many others...

How can you take offense at a kid trying to be like her ideal?

How childish are you gonna get before you stop it?

How could I compete? Everything Lloyd loved about me...

How could I miss her? Every night, every matinee.

How could I?

How did you get the idea of letting Eve read with Miss Caswell?

How fitting that it should pass from my hands to hers.

How I walk, talk, think, act, sleep!

How long does it take?

How nice for Lloyd. How nice for Eve. How nice for everybody.

How nice.

How nice.

How thoughtful of her to call and invite me that afternoon.

How was Miss Caswell?

How you walk, talk, eat, think...

How... was Miss Caswell?

However, during her senior year at Radcliffe, Lloyd Richards lectured on the drama.

However, it is important that you know where you are and why you are here.

Hungry?

I admit I was worried when Max called. I had my doubts.

I admit there's a screwball element in the theater.

I ain't going to drop dead. Not with the heat.

I always deny that you were in Our American Cousin the night Lincoln was shot.

I am a critic and commentator.

I am Addison DeWitt. I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours.

I am an apprentice in the theater...

I am essential to the theater.

I believe I will.

I came as soon as I read that piece of filth. I ran all the way.

I came to tell you that you will not marry Lloyd, or anyone else...

I can get a fresh one... Karen, you're a Gibson girl.

I can imagine. All it needed was a little taking in here and letting out there.

I can't believe my ears!

I can't believe you're making this up.

I can't see that Lloyd's plays have hurt you any.

I can't tell you how sorry I am.

I can't think of anything else to do. I wish I could.

I confide in you and rely on you more than anyone I've ever known.

I could die right now and nobody'd be confused.

I could watch you play that last scene a thousand times, cry every time.

I couldn't be more surprised if she'd said Grant's tomb.

I couldn't get into the girdle in two and a half hours!

I couldn't imagine how they found out about it.

I couldn't. Not possibly. I couldn't go on.

I detest cheap sentiment.

I didn't know Eve was your understudy until this afternoon.

I didn't look. You know I don't pay attention to those things.

I didn't mean just the theater.

I didn't promise Eve anything. I said she'd be fine for the part...

I discussed it very openly. I told her I'd spoken to Lloyd, and that he was interested.

I don't care if I never get home.

I don't enjoy putting it this bluntly.

I don't expect you to be pleasant.

I don't expect you to believe anything...

I don't have to play parts I'm too old for...

I don't intend to be.

I don't know what you mean. But I want to take my nap. It's important...

I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be her understudy.

I don't see why she hasn't given Addison heartburn.

I don't suppose the heater runs if the motor doesn't.

I don't suppose there's a drink left?

I don't think I could be.

I don't think I've done anything to sound off about.

I don't wanna be childish. I'd settle for a few years.

I don't wanna make trouble. All I want is a drink.

I don't want it to come after me.

I doubt very much that you'd like her in The Hairy Ape.

I expected to find this room with a theaterful of people at your feet.

I felt helpless. That helplessness you feel when you have no talent to offer...

I figured I'd stay in San Francisco.

I filled it myself yesterday. Wasn't it full when you drove to Brewster this morning?

I find it odd that Karen isn't here for the opening.

I find these wisecracks increasingly less funny.

I found a job, and his insurance helped.

I found myself going the next night and the next and the next.

I found myself saying things I wasn't even thinking.

I got the idea myself while she was talking about the play.

I guess at this point I'm what the French call "de trop".

I guess I was asleep when you got home.

I guess it started back home. Wisconsin, that is.

I had a time persuading him.

I had it!

I had lunch with Karen not three hours ago.

I had no idea you were even here.

I had to get in to meet Margo. I had to say something, be somebody. Make her like me!

I had to help out.

I hate men!

I have a suggestion. There's really not very much time left.

I have been proud and privileged to have spent my life in the theater...

I have no other world, no other life.

I have not come to New Haven to see the play, discuss your dreams...

I haven't your unyielding good taste.

I hope you mean what you say.

I intend to hold you to it.

I just asked a simple question.

I just don't want Margo to miss her train. As it is, she'll barely make the theater.

I knew it. I sensed it even as I finished dressing for that blasted party.

I know nothing of Lloyd's loves. I leave those to Louisa May Alcott. But I know you.

I know what I'm talking about. They're my plays.

I like the title, Footsteps on the Ceiling.

I love a psychotic.

I love you for some and in spite of others. I haven't let those become too important.

I love you too. Good night, darling.

I love you.

I may have seen better days, but I'm still not to be had for the price of a cocktail.

I mean, you haven't had a minute alone yet.

I might.

I must say, you can certainly tell Mr. Sampson's been gone a month.

I never said it was!

I ran into Eve and she told me you were dressing.

I read George Jean Nathan every week.

I really hate to bother you this way, but the way Eve's been feeling...

I refer to your new and unpregnant understudy, Miss Eve Harrington.

I remember I had a tooth pulled once.

I remember, Addison, crossing you off my guest list. What are you doing here?

I said before it was gonna be my last try, and I meant it.

I said this would be a night to remember, that it would bring me all I ever wanted.

I saw Mr. Richards with her a couple of times. I thought, they being such good friends...

I say your idolatry of Margo started in San Francisco, didn't it?

I seem to be forever thanking you for something, don't I?

I shall go to the party alone. I have no intention of missing it.

I shall never understand the process by which a body with a voice...

I shall propose the toast...

I sneaked in and hid till she'd finished. Then I just looked around.

I start shooting a week from Monday. Zanuck is impatient.

I take it she read well.

I think part of Miss Channing's greatness lies in her ability to pick the best plays.

I think the time has come to shed some of your humility.

I think we'd like very much.

I think you do know.

I thought I'd be panic stricken, want to run away or something.

I thought that one went out with Woollcott! Now listen to this.

I thought you knew. She started a week ago.

I told her you wanted Margo to play the part and I would want your approval.

I trust the setting was properly romantic.

I understand she's now the understudy in there.

I want a run of the play contract.

I want my friends back!

I was afraid someone would notice the lights were on, so I turned them off.

I was alone. I couldn't go back without Eddie.

I was an only child. I used to make believe a lot when I was a kid.

I was awful.

I was dreadful, Miss Channing. I have no right to be anyone's understudy, much less yours.

I was sure you'd want to, being his birthday.

I was there. I saw you and heard you through the dressing room door.

I was wondering whether you'd come at all.

I wish I could have gone to Radcliffe, too, but Father wouldn't hear of it.

I wish I did. I wish someone would tell me about me.

I won't be a minute.

I won't forget.

I won't play tonight.

I wouldn't be surprised. Sometimes you frighten me.

I wouldn't think of taking that girl away from you.

I wouldn't want you to marry me just to prove something.

I... I don't know, Bill.

I'd be just another tongue tied fan.

I'd do much more for a part that good.

I'd hoped that you would have taken it for granted that you and I...

I'd like him to be dead.

I'd like that.

I'd love to. Or should I pretend I'm busy?

I'd never known Bill and Lloyd to fight as bitterly and often...

I'd saved my money and vacation time and went to San Francisco to meet him.

I'll be back to claim it... and soon.

I'll get it.

I'll give you some pleasant news.

I'll just take this to the wardrobe mistress.

I'll marry you if it turns out you have no blood at all.

I'll never forget this night as long as I live.

I'll say.

I'll tour a year with this one, anything. Only you do understand, don't you?

I'll wear rompers and come in rolling a hoop, if you like.

I'm about to go into the shower. I won't be able to hear you.

I'm afraid Mr. DeWitt would find me boring before too long.

I'm being rude now, aren't I? Or should I say, ain't I?

I'm going to bed.

I'm going to look up at six o'clock, and there he'll be.

I'm lied to, attacked behind my back...

I'm not even enough for a paragraph.

I'm not interested whether thousands of people think I'm six or 600!

I'm not surprised, after all that humble pie.

I'm nothing but a body with a voice. No mind.

I'm on my way. Is there anything else?

I'm only human, rumors to the contrary, and I'm as curious as the next man.

I'm so happy I can do something for you at long last.

I'm sure that's flattering. There's nothing wrong with it.

I'm sure you mean something, but I don't know what.

I'm sure you must have things to do in the bathroom, Birdie, dear.

I'm sure you underestimate yourself. You always do.

I'm the carbon copy you read when you can't find the original.

I'm the lowest form of celebrity.

I'm trying hard to follow you.

I've acted pretty disgracefully toward her too.

I've been going over our financial position, if you'll pardon the expression.

I've been told off in no uncertain terms, all over town.

I've been wanting you to meet Eve for the longest time.

I've earned my place out of the sun.

I've got a box in the pantry.

I've got something to tell you.

I've listened backstage to people applaud.

I've never seen her backstage, but with so many people loitering about... Well, well.

I've seen you so often. It took every bit of courage I could raise.

If Equity or my lawyer can't or won't do anything about it...

If I haven't, I'll find something till you get normal.

If I play Cora, Addison will never tell what happened, in or out of print.

If I'd known... Some other time. Looking like this!

If it isn't, it's going to be. I can't find the other one.

If my guests do not like it here, I suggest they accompany you to the nursery...

If she can act, she might not be bad.

If we don't blow them, who else will?

If we got married?

If you told him so, he'd give me the part. He said he would.

If you'll excuse me, I'll go and tell Miss Caswell.

Imagine to know every night that different hundreds of people love you.

Imagine how snide and vicious he could get, and still tell nothing but the truth.

In a tin can, cellophane or wrapped in a Navajo blanket, I want you home.

In good conscience, I must give credit where credit is due.

In the ladies' shall we say "lounge"?

In this case, as trustworthy as the world almanac!

In time, she'll be what you are.

Including a casual reference to the part of Cora and your hopes of playing it?

Infants behave the way I do, you know.

Insatiable ambition... and talent.

Instead of waiting until next season to do Footsteps on the Ceiling...

Instead, I can't wait for tonight to come. To come and go.

Is it over or is it just beginning?

Is it possible that you've confused me...

Is it really? I must start wearing a watch! I never have, you know.

Is it sabotage? Have you no human consideration?

Isn't it a lovely room? The Cub Room.

Isn't it awful? I'm about to ask you for another favor...

Isn't it silly? Suddenly I've developed a big, protective feeling toward her.

Isn't it strange, Addison?

Isn't that what they always say?

It affected me strangely.

It can't be. I came here to read with Miss Caswell. I promised Max.

It got less and less dull, until your boss's wife had your boss followed by detectives.

It got so I couldn't tell the real from the unreal.

It has been spared the sensational publicity...

It has everything to do with you having a fight with Bill.

It is here that managers have what are called out of town openings...

It is just as false not to blow your horn at all as it is to blow it too loudly.

It is my last wish to be buried sitting up.

It is not important that you hear what he says.

It is now 5.43. When you ask again a minute from now...

It is the annual banquet and presentation of the highest honor our theater has:

It is unlikely that the windows have been opened since his death.

It isn't important whether you do. We are wearing long underwear.

It isn't the part. It's a great part and a fine play. But not for me anymore.

It just slipped your mind?

It looks much better on you than it did on me.

It may not be your theater, but it's theater for somebody, somewhere.

It means a concentration of desire or ambition and sacrifice...

It might've been 15 years ago. It's my part now.

It must have seemed so new and fresh to you...

It needn't be.

It seemed odd, suddenly, your not being here.

It seemed to me I had known always that it would happen. And here it was.

It seems a lifetime ago.

It seems I can't think of a thing you haven't thought of.

It seems Miss Harrington left her award in the taxi cab. Will you give it to her?

It sounded so fresh, so new, so full of meaning.

It sounds like something out of an old Clyde Fitch play.

It started in San Francisco, didn't it?

It sticks out, it's got spotlights on it and a brass band.

It was a cold weekend, outside and in.

It was a drizzly night. I remember I asked the taxi to wait.

It was just Mom and Dad and me.

It was Karen who first brought me to one whom I'd always idolized...

It was the last week. I went one night.

It was very thoughtful of you, Eve. I appreciate it.

It wasn't a reading, it was a performance.

It wasn't much fun, but it helped at home.

It will stay there always, just for you.

It would all seem perfectly legitimate. And only two people in the world would know.

It would be so much easier for everyone concerned if I were to play Cora.

It'll be a night to remember.

It'll bring me everything I've ever wanted.

It's a new Margo, but she's just as late as the old one.

It's a very famous name, Mr. DeWitt.

It's about time the piano realized it has not written the concerto!

It's Addison from start to finish. It drips with his brand of venom.

It's after one now. You won't get home till all hours.

It's all over.

It's been... I can hardly find the words to say how it's been.

It's friends that count.

It's funny, a woman's career. The things you drop on your way up so you can move faster.

It's gonna be a cozy weekend.

It's good luck before an audition.

It's June now. That was early October.

It's just a feeling. I don't know.

It's just that there's so much bushwa in this ivory greenroom they call the theater...

It's like...

It's nothing of the kind!

It's obvious you're not a woman.

It's on my list of things I'll never understand, like collecting shrunken Indian heads.

It's only for the license. There's a three day wait for blood tests.

It's quite a story. Addison could make quite a thing of it.

It's that Miss Caswell.

It's the latest thing one earring.

It's unnatural to allow a girl in an advanced state of pregnancy...

It's your birthday.

Jeanne Eagels another, Paula Wessely, Hayes. There are others, three or four.

Just a little skid, that's all. This road's like glass.

Just a taxi driver, Miss Harrington.

Just be sure to lock up all blunt instruments and throwable objects.

Just because you can't even work a zipper!

Just being happy? Just stopping all this nonsense about Eve?

Just give him my phone number. I'll tell him myself.

Just huddle in that doorway and wait?

Just incredible!

Just like that, eh?

Just like that.

Just name it.

Just one person, isn't that so?

Just refer all of Miss Eve Harrington's future requests to me.

Just shut up about Eve. That's all I want.

Just something to do till the aisles get cleared.

Just that alone is worth anything.

Just that she'll be happy to do what she can to see that I play it.

Just the four of us. Bill, Margo, you and I.

Just when does an actress decide...

Karen and I were just chatting.

Karen, let me tell you about Eve. She's got everything. A born actress.

Karen!

Karen.

Keep your eye on her. Don't let her get lonely. She's a loose lamb in a jungle.

Kids' stuff or not. It doesn't happen every day and I wanna hear it!

Kill the people.

Ladies and gentlemen, for distinguished achievement in the theater...

Leave the door open a bit... so we can talk.

Let me say only that I am proud and happy...

Let the rest of the world beat their brains out for a buck.

Let's have a minimum of pretending. I shall want to do a column about you.

Let's not get overdramatic.

Life goes where she goes. She's been profiled, covered, revealed, reported...

Lights on dimmers and gypsy violins offstage.

Like a nylon lemon peel.

Like a salted peanut.

Like I just swam the English Channel. Now what?

Like opening out of town, but terrifying. There's nothing you can do.

Like she's studying you.

Like some magic perfume.

Like waves of love coming over the footlights and wrapping you up.

Like you was a play, or a book, or a set of blueprints.

Like...

Listen, Junior, and learn.

Little Nell from the country? Been my understudy for a week without me knowing it!

Lloyd always said that in the theater a lifetime was a season and a season a lifetime.

Lloyd and I.

Lloyd and I. There's no telling how far we can go.

Lloyd and Max finally won him over.

Lloyd loves me. I love him.

Lloyd may leave Karen, but he will not leave Karen for you.

Lloyd never got around to asking...

Lloyd Richards, do not consider giving that contemptible little worm the part of Cora!

Lloyd Richards.

Lloyd says it's a publicity release.

Lloyd says Margo compensates for underplaying on stage by overplaying reality.

Lloyd, I want you to be big about this.

Lloyd, I'm not 20 ish. I'm not 30 ish.

Lloyd, we've got to go!

Lloyd, will you promise not to be angry with me?

Lloyd!

Lloyd! Please.

Lloyd. I never have any.

Look closely, Eve. It's time you did.

Looks like I'm going to have a fancy party.

Lots of actresses come from Brooklyn. Barbara Stanwyck and Susan Hayward.

Mademoiselle, je vous remercie pour I'invitation.

Madill fix it in the morning.

Mansfield's voice filled this room.

Many happy returns of the day.

Many of the audience understandably preferred to return another time to see Margo.

Many of your guests are wondering when they may be permitted to view the body.

Margo and Bill want us to meet them at the Cub Room tonight after the theater.

Margo and I were having lunch at 21...

Margo Channing in the Cub Room.

Margo Channing is a star of the theater.

Margo didn't know where he was and didn't care... she kept saying.

Margo has to realize what's attractive on stage need not be attractive off.

Margo hasn't done badly by it.

Margo is a great star. A true star.

Margo just doesn't miss performances. If she can walk, crawl or roll, she plays.

Margo never came to rehearsal. Too much to do around the house, she said.

Margo, Bill is all of eight years younger than you.

Margo, I have lived in the theater as a Trappist monk lives in his faith.

Margo, tell me what's behind all this.

Margo, this is Eve Harrington.

Margo, what a wonderful surprise!

Margo, you by any chance haven't got any bicarbonate of soda in the house?

Margo, you haven't got any age.

Margo, you've got to see her. She worships you. It's like something out of a book.

Margo. Margo, I want you to know how sorry I am about this.

Margo's great. She knows it, that's the trouble.

Margo's interview with a reporter from the South.

Max has gone to a lot of trouble. This is going to be an elaborate party and it's for you.

Max is paying for it. He and Lloyd had a terrific row, but Lloyd insisted.

Max, Karen's decided it's time to go.

Max, you sly puss.

Max! Mon vieux!

May I be so bold as to say something?

May I come in?

May we never be farther apart.

Maybe get some younger actress? Someone who'd look the part as well as play it?

Maybe just a little around the edges.

Maybe somebody's name is Butler.

Meanwhile, would you check about the hors d'oeuvres, Eve?

Meet Max Fabian.

Merchandise laying all over the shop.

Minor awards are for such as the writer and director...

Miss Caswell got lucky too late. The audition is over.

Miss Caswell is where I can lend no support, moral or otherwise.

Miss Channing is ageless. Spoken like a press agent.

Miss Channing should be happy to hear that.

Miss Channing, I can't tell you how glad I am that you arrived so late.

Miss Channing?

Miss Harrington knows all about it.

Miss Harrington's resting, Mr. DeWitt. She asked me to see who it is.

Mm hm!

Mm hm.

More than any two people I know, I don't want you and Lloyd to be angry with me.

More than anything in this world, I love Bill. And I want Bill.

More time to relax in the fresh air at a racetrack.

Mr. Sampson's birthday, I couldn't forget that. You'd never forgive me.

Mrs. Richards?

Mrs. Richards?

Mrs. Richards? You won't forget, will you? What we talked about before?

My heart is here in the theater...

My name is Addison DeWitt.

My name wouldn't mean anything. I room across the hall from Eve Harrington.

My native habitat is the theater. In it, I toil not. Neither do I spin.

My wonderful junkyard. The mystery and dreams you find in a junkyard.

Need any help?

Neither your name nor your performance entered the conversation.

Never have I been so happy.

Never have I seen so much elite, all with their eyes on me...

Never the wrong word at the wrong time.

Newton, they say, thought of gravity by getting hit on the head by an apple.

Next time, tell your lover to blow smoke rings or tap a glass.

Next to that sable, my new mink seems like an old bed jacket.

Nice speech, Eve. But I wouldn't worry too much about your heart.

No matter how many other careers we've had or wanted.

No more make believe, offstage or on.

No playwright in the world could make me believe...

No sense in sitting here. I'm gonna walk up about half a mile, just in case.

No, don't go.

No, Eve. I won't forget.

No, I told her. I sounded off.

No, it isn't. It's for this.

No, stick around, please.

No, thank you.

No, thank you.

No.

No. No, no, not at all.

Nobody's done so much.

Nor can anyone else present tell you how Miss Caswell read...

Not at all. And now you can do me a great favor.

Not at all. I'll wait.

Not exactly. Sometimes, though, I wish I understood you better.

Not for a foursquare, upright, downright, forthright, married lady.

Not here and now with my hair down.

Not many cars either. Not much chance of a lift.

Not mouse. Never mouse. If anything, rat!

Not much, but full of praise.

Not much.

Not that I'd consider anything that would take me away from her.

Not to you, not to Bill.

Not with me, you're no champion. You're stepping up.

Nothing in her background should have brought her closer to the stage than Row E.

Nothing of the kind. Karen and I had a nice talk.

Nothing personal, Junior. No offense.

Now "many happy returns of the day".

Now do you want to change your story about Lloyd beating at your door that night?

Now I must. I am busting to find out...

Now I suddenly feel as if I've taken all my clothes off.

Now just a minute...

Now remember, as long as you live, never to laugh at me.

Now that's cooperation. I appreciate it.

Now there's something a girl could make sacrifices for.

Now we must join our sunburnt eager beaver.

Now what's this?

Now, don't worry about your little charge. She'll be in safe hands.

Now, go and do yourself some good.

Now, Max, I don't want you working this child too hard just because you promised.

Now, once and for all, stop it!

Now, really. That's kids' stuff.

Oddly enough, she didn't say a word about Margo.

Of all the star ridden, presumptuous, hysterical...

Of course I've got bicarb.

Of course, they're just movie stars.

Of course.

Oh, Addison, won't it be just perfect?

Oh, Eve! I've heard the most wonderful things about your performance.

Oh, hi, Margo.

Oh, I give up. Look in the wigs. Maybe it got caught in one.

Oh, Lloyd, I'll make it up to you, believe me.

Oh, Margo, darling!

Oh, no. I see the play.

Oh, now, Bill. You know how much I do, but over a phone...

Oh, oh.

Oh, the mousy one with the trench coat and the funny hat.

Oh, there you both are.

Oh, those previews!

Oh, yes. Something about an old road ending and a new one starting, all paved with stars.

Once in a great while, I experience that moment of revelation...

One good burp and you'll be rid of that Miss Caswell.

One has a great many wealthy friends who will risk a tax deductible loss.

One more?

One of the differences between the theater and civilization!

One week he wrote me he had leave coming up.

Only last October.

Or London, Paris or Vienna?

Packed houses, tickets four months in advance.

Paved with what, then?

Peace and quiet is for libraries.

People waiting around night after night just to see you. Even in the rain.

Perfectly innocent? Men have been hanged for less!

Performance number 1,000 of this one, if I play it that long...

Perhaps more than one. There's so much I want to know. I've heard your story in part.

Playing that childish game of cat and mouse!

Playwrights everywhere would give their shirts for that compromise.

Please don't have me arrested. I didn't steal anything. You can search me.

Please don't misunderstand me, Mr. Richards.

Please don't play governess, Karen.

Please say what you have to say, plainly and distinctly, and then let me take my nap.

Please sit down.

Please, please.

Please.

Plenty of time for a nice, long nap.

Poor little flower. Dropped her petals and folded her tent.

Poor Max! Heartburn?

Put it on one of the trunks, will you? I wanna pack it.

Quite a night. I hear your understudy, a Miss Harrington, has given her notice.

Real diamonds in a wig! The world we live in!

Remember, Lloyd? I mean it now.

Remind me to tell you about the time I looked into the heart of an artichoke.

Rex the Wild Horse, Eleonora Duse all theater.

Right here.

Right now, I feel like there is one burning in me.

Right. 11.45ish.

San Francisco has no Shubert Theater. You've never been to San Francisco.

San Francisco, an oasis of civilization in the California desert.

Sarah Bernhardt and Poodles Hanneford. Lunt and Fontanne, Betty Grable.

See ya.

See you then.

Shall we?

She can play Peck's Bad Boy all she wants and who's to stop her?

She cried so.

She did like you. She helped and trusted you.

She doesn't want a doctor and...

She has been a star ever since.

She has had one wish...

She is the wife of a playwright, therefore of the theater by marriage.

She isn't well. She's been crying all night and she's hysterical.

She left just before you came in. You just missed her.

She looks like she might burn down a plantation.

She loves me like a father. Also, she's loaded.

She made her first stage appearance at the age of four in Midsummer Night's Dream.

She may be later than you think.

She moved into the little guest room on the top floor.

She never was or will be anything less or anything else.

She played a fairy and entered, quite unexpectedly, stark naked.

She thinks only of me...

She wanted to know about Hollywood. She seemed so interested...

She went out to get something and left the door open.

She won't get away with it. Nor will Addison DeWitt and his poison pen.

She'd be a great help. She'd read scripts...

She'd never have the nerve to ask to play a part like Cora.

She's been so wonderful, done so much for me.

She's got two things to do: carry clothes and press 'em wrong.

She's just outside the door.

Shucks! And I sent my autograph book to the cleaners.

Silly, isn't it? You'd think they'd fix it so people could just sit in a car and keep warm.

Six nights a week for weeks of watching even Margo Channing enter and leave a theater.

Sleep tight, rest easy and come out fighting.

Slow curtain. The end.

Smart, good head on my shoulders, that sort of thing.

So does the history of the world for the past 20 years.

So Eve is not working for Max, after all.

So I quit school, went to Milwaukee, became a secretary... in a brewery.

So many people know me.

So many qualities so often!

So much better theater, too.

So that's it. Lloyd.

So when you start judging an idealistic, dreamy eyed kid...

So you've pointed out so often!

So young and so fair.

So, don't approve or disapprove.

Some morning papers carried a squib about Eve's performance.

Some of us are privileged to know her.

Some plain soda. Lloyd must be expecting a record run in New Haven.

Some vague promises of a test. If a particular part should come along, one of those things.

Somebody's got to be very witty about a toast.

Somehow Eve kept them going.

Somehow we staggered through Sunday...

Something about the good they leave behind. I played it once in rep in Wilkes Barre.

Something maybe grew a size larger.

Something told you to do what I said, didn't it?

Sooner or later, we've got to work at it.

Spoken like an author.

Stage struck! She's a young lady of qualities.

Standing room doesn't cost much. I manage.

Stars.

Stick to Beaumont and Fletcher. They've been dead for 300 years!

Still just the theater, after all.

Stop calling her a kid!

Stop rehearsing your column.

Stop thinking of yourself as one of the hundred neediest cases.

Strange. I'd become so accustomed to seeing her there night after night...

Studying me as if I were a play or a blueprint!

Such young hands. Such a young lady.

Suites are for expense accounts. You're being extravagant.

Suppose I had to go on one night...

Suppose you dropped dead. What about your inventory?

Sure, like the Western Union boys used to do.

Sure, Miss Harrington.

Surely no actor is older than I.

Taking advantage of a kid, twisting her words...

Tell her not to worry. Tell her I'll be right over.

Tell me this. Do they have auditions for television?

Tell me, do you share my high opinion of San Francisco?

Tell me, Eve. How are things going with you? Happy?

Tell me, how did you know my name?

Tell me, how did your luncheon turn out with the man from Hollywood?

Tell me, Phoebe, do you want someday to have an award like that of your own?

Tell me, was... Bill swept away too?

Tell me, what was your husband's name?

Tell me. What do you do in between the time Margo goes in and comes out?

Tell us about it, Eve.

Tell you what. We'll put Stanislavsky on his plane, then go somewhere and talk.

Tell you what. Why don't I read with her?

Terribly sorry I was late. Lunch was long and I couldn't find a cab.

Thank you, Eve. I'd like a martini, very dry.

Thank you.

Thanks for your help. Good luck.

That bitter cynicism is something you've acquired since you left Radcliffe!

That book is out of print. Those days are gone.

That boot in the rear to Margo. Heaven knows, she had one coming.

That cynicism I acquired the day I discovered I was different from little boys.

That Eddie was dead.

That ex ship news reporter. No body, no voice, all mind.

That French ventriloquist taught you a lot.

That I should want you at all suddenly strikes me as the height of improbability.

That instinct is worth millions. You can't buy it, Eve. Cherish it.

That is, if you want me back.

That lack of pretense, that strange directness and understanding.

That little place "just two hours from New York".

That Lloyd felt as he did because she read his lines exactly as he'd written them.

That quality of quiet graciousness.

That same night, we sent for Eve's things... her few pitiful possessions.

That slipped out. I hadn't quite made up my mind to admit it.

That sounds medieval. Something out of an old melodrama.

That spilled drink's gonna ruin your carpet.

That suddenly makes the whole thing believable.

That was a stupid lie, easy to expose, not worthy of you.

That was not only a lie, it was an insult to dead heroes and the women who loved them.

That would solve none of their problems because actresses never die!

That you have the same contempt for me as for them?

That's all television is, my dear. Nothing but auditions.

That's fine. Fine and dandy.

That's for tonight. You're invited.

That's me. An old kazoo with some sparklers.

That's my job. See you at teatime.

That's never stopped you before.

That's one career all females have in common, whether we like it or not.

That's right.

That's the door.

That's what I said, bub.

That's where I met Eddie.

The audition was at 2.30. It's now nearly four.

The bed looks like a dead animal act.

The cameraman said:

The caterer forgot them. The varnish wasn't dry or something.

The caterer had to go back for the hors d'oeuvres.

The critics thought so. The audiences think so.

The curtains. I made them myself.

The distinguished looking gentleman is an extremely old actor.

The end of an old road, the beginning of a new one.

The following year Karen became Mrs. Lloyd Richards.

The four of us here together it's Eve fault. I forgive her.

The four of you must have so much to say to each other with Mr. Sampson leaving.

The general atmosphere is very Macbethish.

The girl next door, the girl on the moon. Time has been good to Eve.

The heave ho.

The honeymoon was on.

The hors d'oeuvres are here. Is there anything else I can do?

The implication being that I did not read them as written?

The larger share belongs to my friends in the theater...

The minor awards, as you can see, have already been presented.

The most important night of my life... until now.

The names I've been called, but never Svengali. Good luck.

The next three weeks were out of a fairy tale, and I was Cinderella in the last act.

The one that came from Washington.

The only thing I ordered by mistake is the guests.

The other is one to whom each production means potential ruin or fortune.

The picture's wrapped up. We previewed last night.

The playwright doesn't make the performance. It doesn't just happen.

The point is this. In a cathedral, a ballpark or a penny arcade...

The reading could've been better, but you said it.

The reason is Margo and don't try to figure it out. Einstein couldn't.

The remains of Margo Channing...

The Sarah Siddons Award for Distinguished Achievement.

The Sarah Siddons Award is perhaps unknown to you.

The seams.

The setting wasn't romantic...

The situation I'm in ain't the kind you can belch your way out of.

The so called art of acting is not one for which I have a particularly high regard.

The stars never die and never change.

The theater! The theater!

The witch must have sent out Indian Runners...

The woods are full of one scene sensations.

The world is full of love tonight. No woman is safe.

Then if you won't get out, I'll have you thrown out.

Then it comes up again and everything's fine.

Then stop being a star and treating your guests as your supporting cast.

Then take your nap, and good luck for tonight.

Then the war came and we got married.

Then this will be five.

Then what would be enough?

Then why? Why, if you're the most successful young director in the theater...

Then you two must have a long talk.

Then you're crazy.

Then, when the show went East, I went East.

Then... would you speak to Mr. Fabian about it?

There are certain characteristics for which you are famous, on stage and off.

There are some human experiences that do not take place in a vaudeville house!

There are very few moments in life as good as this. Let's remember it.

There are, in general, two types of theatrical producers.

There goes Eve.

There is something.

There isn't another like you. There couldn't be.

There must be some reason, something I've done without knowing.

There never was, and there never will be, another like you.

There should be a new word for happiness.

There they go.

There was no Eddie, no pilot. You've never been married.

There was nothing he didn't know.

There you are, Maxie dear.

There you are.

There's a message from the bartender.

These hallowed walls, indeed many of these faces...

They become his words.

They carry on and misbehave. They'd get drunk if they knew how...

They don't care what they drink as long as it burns.

They forwarded the telegram from Milwaukee.

They gave me some anesthetic. I don't remember the name.

They never see a play or a movie. They're never indoors long enough.

They sent him to the South Pacific.

They smile, their eyes shine, you've pleased them.

They want you. You belong.

They would like to know how you are. They haven't heard from you for three years.

They're gonna play it offstage.

They're juvenile delinquents. They're nobody's audience.

They're lovely. Aren't they lovely, Birdie?

They're part of your equipment for getting along in what is called "our environment".

This concerns a contract that you cannot rewrite or ad lib.

This is all too laughable to be anything else!

This is Karen Richards.

This is Lloyd Richards. Where is Eve? Let me talk to her.

This is my cue to take you in my arms and reassure you.

This is my house, not a theater. In my house you're a guest, not a director.

This is the dining hall of the Sarah Siddons Society.

This is the most ghoulish conversation!

This must be, at long last, our formal introduction.

This type is interested in art.

This type is out to make a buck.

Those years stretch as the years go on. I've seen it happen too often.

Three months ago I was 40 years old.

Throw that dreary letter away. It bores me.

To be a good actor or actress, or anything in the theater...

To begin with, your name is not Eve Harrington. It's Gertrude Slescynski.

To belong to us.

To each of us and all of us never have we been more close.

To find Eve?

To give so much for almost always so little!

To intimate anything else spells a paranoiac insecurity that you should be ashamed of!

To keep her here with nothing to do, I'd be standing in her way.

To know how loyal her friends are...

To Margo.

To Max Fabian. Dear Max.

To my director...

To my first friend in the theater...

To put me to bed? Take my clothes off, hold my head?

To say a thing like that now, without any reason...

To say that... Eddie wasn't coming at all.

To so many things I want to be for Bill.

To speak to just a playwright's wife?

To the theater world, New Haven, Connecticut...

To those who do not read, attend the theater, listen to unsponsored radio programmes...

To thousands of people you're as young as you want.

Tomorrow morning, you will have won your beachhead on the shores of immortality.

Tonight her dream has come true...

Too bad. We're gonna miss the third act.

Tuck me in, turn out the lights and tiptoe out?

Undramatic, perhaps, but practical.

Untouched by the earthquake. Or should I say fire?

Usually at the point when she has to rewrite and rethink them...

Very effective, but why take it out on me?

Very indiscreet. A note in the open like that.

Very touching. Very Academy of Dramatic Arts

Very well. Although it's unnecessary, because you know what I'm going to say.

Wait right here. Don't run away.

Wanted to apologize to someone, and didn't dare face Margo.

Was she that bad?

We all have abnormality in common.

We are ready with the call you placed for 12 midnight, California time, to Mr. Sampson.

We are the original displaced personalities.

We come into this world with our little egos equipped with individual horns.

We decided night before last, before we came up here.

We deserve each other. Are you listening to me?

We have a great deal in common, it seems to me.

We have seen beyond the beauty and artistry...

We haven't finished with the embalming.

We know her humility, her devotion...

We know you too well.

We now got everything a dressing room needs except a basketball hoop!

We played Liliom for three performances.

We rehearsed most of last night.

We sat and talked until it was light.

We usually wind up screaming as the curtain comes down.

We'd all felt those size fives of hers often enough.

We'd better let Mrs. Brown pick up the wardrobe.

We'll put your name on it. "Max Fabian."

We're a breed apart from the rest of humanity, we theater folk.

We're all busy little bees, full of stings, making honey day and night.

We're having everyone up after the performance.

We're never deeply angry. We just get mad the way you do.

Well done. I can see your career rising in the east like the sun.

Well, I can't yell out "butler", can I?

Well, I certainly think it's odd he hasn't even come up to...

Well, I don't want to play Cora.

Well, I think you're painting the picture a little blacker than it is, really.

Well, if I didn't come to see the play, I wouldn't have anywhere else to go.

Well, if I'm not in the way...

Well, if she has to pick on someone...

Well, it can wait.

Well, it started with the play before this one.

Well, let's say she thinks only about ya, anyway.

Well, look! There's Rasputin!

Well, say something. Anything!

Well, she's on her way with half the men in the joint.

Well, there's one indoors right now.

Well, this beats all world's records for running, jumping or standing gall.

Well, to the fact that she's so young, so feminine and so helpless.

Well, we won't disturb her rest.

Well, we've spent weekends before with nobody talking.

Well, why should he and why should you?

Well, with Eddie gone, my life went back to beer.

Well, you needn't be. I will not be tolerated and I will not be plotted against.

Well...

Well...

Well... all right.

What a body. What a voice.

What a day! What a heavenly day!

What a lovely, clever name. Where the elite meet.

What a pity. All that fire and music being turned off.

What a story. Everything but the bloodhounds snapping at her rear end.

What a thoughtful, ever lovin' thing to do!

What can there be to know that you don't know?

What else?

What gets me is how all the papers happened to catch that particular performance.

What I go after I want to go after.

What is there for me to say?

What of it?

What rules say the theater exists only within some ugly buildings...

What time?

What would happen to it if she knew the cheap trick you played on her for my benefit?

What, again?

What's her name? Your sister?

Whatever it is, it's here, it flares up, burns hot...

When it gets printed, they're gonna fire on Gettysburg again.

When that alarm goes off, go to your battle stations.

When they feel unwanted or insecure or...

When was it? How long?

When you're a secretary in a brewery, it's hard to make believe you're anything else.

Where are you going?

Where is Princess Fire and Music?

Where was she?

Where were we going that night, Lloyd and I?

Where would you like to go? We must make this a special night.

Wherever there's magic and make believe and an audience, there's theater.

Which we are. Which we'll always be.

Who is it?

Who is it? What's it all about?

Who read with Miss Caswell?

Who was it?

Who? Who's calling Mr. Richards?

Who'd show up at this hour? It's time people went home.

Who's to give her that boot in the rear she needs and deserves?

Why did you call me a killer?

Why do they always look like unhappy rabbits?

Why not read my column to pass the time?

Why not? "Why" I said to myself "not?"

Why should you? The theater's for everybody you included but not exclusively.

Why so remote, Addison?

Why, if there's nothing else, there's applause.

Why, yes, I'm sure we can and I'm sure we'd love to.

Why? I'm curious.

With changing and everything, a little over an hour.

Without that, you're not a woman.

Women with furs like that where it never even gets cold.

Won't you sit down, Miss Worthington?

Wondering where she was.

Work done the hard way by sweat, application and craftsmanship.

Wouldn't you feel more natural taking a bow?

Write me one about a nice, normal woman who just shoots her husband.

Yes, Addison.

Yes, but let's get back to this one.

Yes, I do.

Yes, I guess you were. It was very thoughtful of you, Eve.

Yes, I've seen every performance.

Yes, it is, but I don't understand.

Yes, the Shubert.

Yes.

Yes. Yes, it does.

You all know all about Eve.

You and Lloyd, how long, even in the theater...

You be host. It's your party. Happy birthday. Welcome home.

You better sit down. You look a bit wobbly.

You bought the new girdles a size smaller. I can feel it.

You can always put that award where your heart ought to be.

You can breathe it, can't you?

You can get into one of those girdles and act for two and a half hours.

You certainly can.

You could sleep now, couldn't you?

You didn't have to tell me.

You didn't hurt my feelings, Miss Coonan.

You disapprove of me when I'm like this, don't you?

You don't like Eve, do you?

You don't understand them all. You don't like them all.

You find yourself trying to say what you mean, but somehow the words change.

You forget you'll need them again when you get back to being a woman.

You get me so mad sometimes. Of all the women with nothing to complain about...

You get quick action, don't you?

You had a mixed up inventory when she took over.

You have a point. An idiotic one, but a point.

You have to keep your teeth sharp, all right.

You haven't been running a settlement house exactly. The kid has earned her way.

You haven't noticed my latest bit of interior decorating.

You just can't pick up champagne and drink it.

You knew when you came in that Eve was your understudy.

You know nothing about feelings, natural or unnatural.

You know the Eve Harrington Club that they have in most girls' high schools?

You know what I feel about your age obsession.

You know what this is all about. It has little to do with whether you should play Cora.

You know, Eve, sometimes I think you keep things from me.

You know, I've always considered myself a very clever girl.

You know, she probably means well after all.

You left your award in his cab, and he brought it back.

You listen as if someone else had written your play. Whom do you have in mind?

You look just fine. By the way, what's your name?

You may change this star any time you want...

You mean all this time she's done nothing but apologize? What did you say?

You must have spotted her by now. She's always there.

You rang a bell. Little things here and there, but it doesn't matter.

You really have a low opinion of me, haven't you?

You rest. I'll get it.

You said yourself my inventory was in shape, all my merchandise put away.

You see that man? That's Max Fabian, the producer.

You see the play? You've seen every performance of this play?

You should know what it means to want a little peace and quiet.

You take charge.

You theater people always do. Nothing is forever in the theater.

You think Miller or Sherwood would stand for the nonsense I take from you?

You told me that whatever I became, it would be because of you.

You used my name to blackmail Karen into getting you the part of Cora.

You wanna play Cora. You want me to tell Lloyd I think you should play it.

You want an argument or an answer?

You were about to tell me about Eve.

You were better than all right.

You were with the OWI, weren't you, Mr. Richards? That's what Who's Who says.

You won't bore him, honey. You won't even get a chance to talk.

You won't have to read his column tomorrow, Eve. You just heard it.

You'd be a man of leisure, Maxie.

You'd do all that just for a part in a play?

You're always after truth on the stage. What about off?

You're an improbable person, Eve, and so am I. We have that in common.

You're being very childish.

You're going to Hollywood, aren't you?

You're in a beehive, pal!

You're Margo Channing's best friend. You and your husband are always with her.

You're Margo. Just... Margo.

You're maudlin and full of self pity. You're magnificent.

You're more than kind. But it's still Miss Channing's performance.

You're not funny. Actors would cost less! How about the food?

You're not much of a bargain. You're conceited, thoughtless and messy.

You're something with a French provincial office or a... a book full of clippings.

You're talented, famous, wealthy.

You're the only one who knows, except Lloyd and me.

You're trapped. You're in a tin can.

You're very young and very talented.

You've been so busy lately. Last night I meant to tell you before you went out.

You've done your share, Eve. You've worked wonders with Margo. Good night.

You've got it backwards, even for Wilkes Barre.

You've had so many reasons for not wanting to marry me.

You've heard it. I looked through the wrong end of the camera.

You've talked to that venomous fishwife DeWitt.

Young in years, but whose heart is as old as the theater.

Your friendship with Margo...

Your genius for making a bar room brawl out of a perfectly innocent misunderstanding.

Your guests were also wondering whether the music couldn't be...

Your home in Wisconsin, your tragic marriage, your fanatical attachment to Margo.

Your next move, it seems to me, should be towards television.

Your timidity must have kept you from mentioning it.

Zanuck, Zanuck! What are you two? Lovers?

5.55. We'll be at the station in plenty of time.

20 ish. It's not important.

39 times have I placed in deserving hands...

40! Four 0.

47 minutes from now my plane takes off and how do I find you?

80% of it'll go for taxes.

20! 30 minutes, 40 minutes. What of it?

A girl of so many rare qualities. So she seems.

A kid! ...a kid to turn you into a screaming harpy.

A married lady. With a paper to prove it.

About what? This.

Addison. So full of meaning, fire and music!

Addison... She was always so devoted to Lloyd.

Aged in Wood happens to be a fine play. That's my loyal little woman.

Ain't it the truth? Yes, it is.

All paved with diamonds and gold? You know me better than that.

Also Addison DeWitt. Every day.

An answer. No.

And Eve and me? It's not nonsense.

And I have friends. I love you, Max. I really mean it.

And if you won't say it, you can sing it. Sing it?!

And Karen. She doesn't know.

And probably has. Sable!

And what's your name? Phoebe.

And you felt like that talking to Addison? In a way.

And you need her, Max. What will she do?

And you're going to be on time. Yes, sir.

Any houses where we can borrow gas? There's not much along this back road.

Are you breaking the contract? Answer my question.

Are you sure you won't want it yourself? Quite sure. I find it too seventeenish for me.

Aren't we, honey? Margo, really!

Aren't you? Frankly, yes.

Bill, don't get stuck on some glamour puss. I'll try.

Bill! This is Eve Harrington. Hi.

Bill? Lloyd? No.

Birdie. Hm?

But if I may make a suggestion... Please do.

But Mr. Richards and Mr. Sampson? They'll do as they're told.

But the raves about your performance... An understudy's performance.

Call? What call? Is this Templeton 89970? Miss Channing?

Can I fix you a drink? With the reluctant compliments of Max?

Carefully hidden, no doubt. Don't get carried away.

Check. Very classy. Lots of technique.

Coming, Max? In a minute.

Congratulations, Eve. Thank you, Karen.

Congratulations, Miss Harrington. Oh, thank you so much.

D day. Just like it.

Did Miss Harrington tell you to call? Oh, no. Eve didn't say to call him.

Did you see it here in New York? San Francisco.

Didn't you know? Of course I knew.

Do you know what I'm going to be? A cowboy?

Don't be dense. The party. I ain't dense. He's been here for 20 minutes.

Don't bother. Mrs. Brown will be along soon. No trouble at all.

Don't mix your metaphors. I'll mix what I like!

Easy now. Relax, kid, it's just me and my big mouth.

Easy or not, I won't believe a word of it. Why should you?

Eddie. Eddie what?

Encore du champagne. More champagne, Miss Channing?

Eve read with Miss Caswell. Eve? How enchanting!

Eve, don't cry. I'm not crying.

Eve, why don't you start at the beginning? Oh, it couldn't possibly interest you.

Eve? She's been to see me.

Ever since that first night in here. I told you what every actress should know.

Everybody can't be Gregory Peck. You're a setup for some young babe.

Except happiness! Every reason!

Extra help get here? There's some characters...

Find out. Only thing:

For instance, what? For instance, you.

For you. Thank you.

Get out. You're too short for that gesture.

Go on, find out. Karen, in all the years of our friendship...

Golly, I forgot to tell you! Yes, dear, you forgot all about it.

Gone. I must have frightened her away.

Good evening, Gus. Good evening, Mrs. Richards.

Good evening, Mr. DeWitt. I had no idea you knew each other.

Good luck, genius. Geniuses don't need good luck. I do.

Good night. Good night, Gus.

Good night. Good night.

Goodbye, Karen. Goodbye.

Groom? Yes, dear.

Guilty! Mad!

Happy little housewife. Cut it out.

Has Miss Channing come in? Not yet.

Have you ever heard of the word "union"? Behind in your dues? How much?

Have you really seen every performance? Yes.

He can help you. I wish I'd never met him.

He does not exaggerate. I was good. You were great.

He's the best. He'll agree with you.

Hear, hear. But you may quote me as follows:

Hello, Miss Channing. My husband.

Hello, Miss Harrington. How do you do?

Hello, Mrs. Richards. How are you, dear?

Hello. We are ready with your call to Beverly Hills.

Hello. What's your name? Eve Harrington.

Her plane got in late. Discouraging, isn't it?

Here we go. Such nonsense! What do you take me for?

Hi. Hello!

Hi. Hi, Margo!

How about you, Max? How about me what?

How did you get in here? I hid outside till the maid came in.

How did you hear about it? There was an item in The Times.

How do you do, my dear? Oh, brother!

How do you mean that? I'll tell ya how.

How do you mean? Don't be evasive.

How far is the station? About three or four miles.

How is Eve? OK? OK.

How much time have we got? Roughly ten minutes.

How'd you get up here from Brooklyn? Subway.

How's the new one coming? The play? Oh, all right, I guess.

I am tired of these paranoiac outbursts. Paranoiac?

I can't believe Eve said those things. In this rat race...

I don't agree, Addison. That's your particular abnormality.

I don't have to. I want to. Is it the money?

I don't think it's such a good idea. Promise?

I don't think that's funny. It wasn't meant to be.

I don't think that's funny. Of course it is!

I get a party, don't I? Of course. Birthday and coming home.

I haven't been very pleasant this weekend. We've all been a little tense lately.

I haven't got a union. I'm slave labor. Well?

I just can't believe it! It gets better!

I love you. I'll check with Eve.

I love you. I love you! Hah!

I made a promise. To Miss Caswell? What?

I never intended you to be. Yes, you did, and you still do.

I placed? Go ahead, please.

I said I'm a dying man! Not until the last drugstore...

I think I know. Something most important you can do.

I thought you were going to be late. Well, I'm guest of honor!

I thought you'd forgotten about me. Not at all.

I want to apologize for Birdie. You don't have to apologize for me!

I wish I could believe that. Give yourself time.

I wonder why. She started talking and couldn't finish.

I'd like anything Miss Channing played in. Would you really? How sweet!

I'd like to hear it. Some snowy night in front of the fire.

I'll be at the old stand tomorrow matinee. Not just that way. As a friend.

I'll call you tomorrow. Not too early!

I'll just clean up the mess. Don't bother.

I'll never get over it. Oh, yes, you will.

I'm beginning to catch up. If we can cast it properly, that is.

I'm for it. Then face it. I have.

I'm glad Bill's back. They'd die without each other.

I'm gonna take you to Margo. Oh, no!

I'm in love with Lloyd. He is a commercially successful playwright.

I'm in love with Margo. Hadn't you heard? You hear all kinds of things.

I'm lucky they didn't throw things. Your performance was no surprise to me.

I'm not worried about you. Keep the thought.

I'm so happy for you, Eve. Thank you so much.

I'm so sorry. Won't you sit down? Thank you.

I'm somebody. You certainly are.

I'm sorry, I didn't... Outside of a beehive, Margo...

I'm talking a lot of gibberish, aren't I? Not at all.

I'm talking about you and what you want. So am I.

I'm the president. Erasmus Hall. That's in Brooklyn, isn't it?

I'm tired. I want to go home. Very well. I'll drop you off.

I've been aware of that for some time. Well, I am.

I've brought her back to see you. You've what?

I've heard of them. Ours was one of the first Erasmus Hall.

If I only knew how. Try.

If you'd like. I wouldn't like.

Isn't that enough? I wish it were.

It was for my report. What report? To whom?

It was Fort Sumter they fired on. I never played Fort Sumter.

It's a good thought. It won't play.

It's been a real pleasure, Eve. I hope so, Mr. Richards. Good night.

It's important that we talk, killer to killer. Champion to champion.

It's made me so happy your taking Eve in. I'm so happy you're happy.

It's nothing definite. Just lunch. They'll be wasting their time.

It's only a fur coat. What do you expect? Live sable?

It's only a one picture deal. So few come back.

It's possible she didn't. She knew.

It's the same thing, isn't it? Exactly.

Just slipped your mind? Completely.

Just wondered what? Why?

Karen and I just don't want an accident. I don't intend to have an accident.

Karen? Mm hm?

Knit me a muffler? Call me when you get in.

Leave it to me. I'll get you one. Thank you, Mr. Fabian.

Let's not get into a big hassle. It's time we did.

Liebestraum. I just played it.

Lloyd, what's happened? Up to here, that's where I've got it.

Macbeth. We've seen you like this before.

Make up's a little heavy. And for you.

Margo again. And again and again.

Margo, darling! How are you?

Margo, let's make peace. The terms are too high.

Margo! Drink!

Margo. Margo lunching in public?

Max is gonna drop us. Good night.

May I have your coat? I'll take it up.

May I say a word? No!

Maybe she just wants to apologize. I have no interest in anything she may say.

Miss Caswell, Miss Harrington. How do you do?

More than anything else in the world. Then ask Miss Harrington how to get one.

Mrs. Richards? Karen.

Mrs. Richards? Yes.

No heart to burn. Everybody has a heart, except some people.

Not ready, looking like a junkyard! Thank you so much!

Not that Lloyd and I are gonna be married. I see.

Nothing in the world will make me say that. Addison wants me to play it.

Nothing? Everything. Everything's so funny.

Now just a minute... Margo's not been exactly a compromise.

Of course. You won't forget?

Oh no, I couldn't possibly! I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Oh, brother, what? When she gets like this...

Oh, brother! Miss Coonan.

Oh, I forgot I had it. I didn't.

Oh, waiter. That isn't a waiter, my dear. That's a butler.

Oh, yes! She's got to meet you. No, I'd be imposing on her.

One would think only death could keep her... Addison...

One? No, two, please.

Only in some ways. You're prettier. I'm a junkyard.

Or were you too full of revelation to notice? Bill didn't say.

Over my dead body. That won't be necessary.

Phoebe? I call myself Phoebe.

Play it again. But that was the fourth straight time.

Please. Thank you.

Promise. That's my Max.

Really, Eve? Why? Otherwise, I never would have dared to read.

Relief that I managed to stagger through it. She was magnificent.

Remember Miss Caswell? I do not. How do you do?

Remember, Karen? I remember.

Remembrance. Remembrance.

Right here, just a minute ago. That's nice.

Sable? Did she say sable or Gable? Either one.

Same size? Of course.

Sensitive, understanding, young, exciting... You'll run out of adjectives, dear.

She apologized, didn't she? On her knees, I've no doubt!

She did? She hasn't missed a week since I left.

She is a louse. Never try to outguess Margo.

She knows enough not to be here. But not all of it.

She never proved a thing! But the $500 you got to get out of town...

She was a revelation. Oh, to you too?

She works hard. Night and day.

She's a girl of so many interests. It's a pretty rare quality these days.

She's loyal and efficient. Like an agent with only one client.

She's quite a girl, this whatshername. Eve. I'd forgotten they grew that way.

Show me a human and I might have. Airlines have clocks, even if you don't.

So you're going to Hollywood? Mm hm.

Such as? You, for one.

Sure you won't mind? Of course not.

Take care of yourself out there. They have the Indians pretty well in hand.

Tell that to Dr. Freud along with the rest of it. No, I'll tell it to you for the last time.

Thank you. Nothing.

That $500 brought you straight to New York. She was a liar. She was a liar!

That depends. No, I mean deeply angry.

That script to take to the Guild. I've got it.

That was a pity. Wanted to explain about the interview.

That word. I don't even know what it means. It's time you found out.

That's all. What for?

That's beside the point. It is the point!

That's quite a change of subject. What with taxes coming up, and...

The gong rang, the fight's over, calm down. I will not calm down.

The house looks lovely. I like that girl.

The minutes will fly like hours. Thank you, Addison.

The party's on the first floor. Hi, Bill.

The show must go on. No, dear. Margo must go on.

Then I guess I fell asleep. You were just looking around?

Then say so. Yes, Addison.

Then you've heard, too. I was there.

There are other plays. Not with you in them. Not by Mr. Richards.

There can't be very much. But there is.

They're your fans. They're nobody's fans.

To my bride to be. Glory hallelujah.

Too bad. I'm broken up about it.

Two hours late for the audition. That's on time for Margo.

Until now, we've only met in passing. That's how you met me. In passing.

We're having lunch with a talent scout. They certainly don't waste much time.

We've never met. Maybe that's why. She is an actress.

Well, it can't have been Max. Who? Naturally, your understudy.

Well, she's your understudy. Eve? My understudy? I had no idea.

Well, what happened? Nothing much. She apologized.

Well... Don't fumble for excuses.

Well... Think of your health.

What about Bill? What about Bill?

What about her teeth? Her fangs? She hasn't cut them yet and you know it!

What are you doing here? I... I guess I fell asleep.

What are you going to wear? Something simple...

What do you mean by that? It must have been a revelation...

What do you mean by that? More plainly and more distinctly?

What do you take me for? I don't know that I "take you" for anything.

What fire and music? You wouldn't understand.

What has or is about to happen? What is he talking about?

What have I got to do with it? Everything.

What have you got to do with it? Everything.

What is it? Miss Channing's affairs are in good shape...

What is? We're driving to the country tomorrow.

What of it? True, your parents were poor, and still are.

What time is it? When you asked a minute ago, it was 5.42.

What would you like? Texas? I want everybody to shut up about Eve.

What? You're always so touchy about his plays.

What'll you have? A milk shake?

What's all over? The audition.

What's so funny? Nothing.

What's your being married got to do with it? It means I've finally got a life to live.

When are you coming back? I leave in a week.

When you do, let me in on it. I will.

When? When are you going to do it? Tomorrow we meet at City Hall at ten.

When's the audition? A couple of weeks.

Where did you get all that information? Eve.

Where do you suppose it could be? It'll show up.

Where has it been laid out? It hasn't been laid out.

Where is she now? Up in your room.

Where's Bill? He's late. Late for what?

Where's Miss Caswell? Oh, hello, Eve. Hello, Miss Channing.

Where's my coat? Right where you left it.

Which one is sable? But she just got here!

Who am I to threaten? I'm a dying man. I don't hear you.

Who are you? Miss Harrington!

Who will I ask? I know all about the party. Eve wrote me.

Who? The kid. Junior.

Who's left out there? Too many.

Whose is it? Some Hollywood movie star.

Why not? Because I don't want to.

Why not? If you'd come in the middle...

Why not? Now you want an argument.

Why not? The mark of a true killer.

Why should you think I wouldn't be? Why should you be?

Why what? Why you have to go out... there.

Why? I just wondered.

With gestures, of course. To write something...

With tears? With tears.

Would you like a drink? I was saying how often you've seen the play.

Would you? Anything to help you out, Max.

You all put together? My back's open.

You can have one at Max's. I don't think I'm going.

You don't mind my speaking to you? Not at all.

You got your key? See you at home.

You have no right to say that. And, artistically, very promising.

You in a hurry? In a big hurry, so be quick about it.

You know of her interest in the theater? We have that in common.

You lied to me about it. No! No! No!

You mixed Margo up with a five and ten. Make it Bergdorf Goodman.

You need new girdles. Buy some.

You probably won't believe me. Probably not.

You repaid her by trying to win Bill. That's not true!

You sat and talked until it was light? We sat and talked, Addison.

You shouldn't have had any doubts. After all, the other day was one scene.

You talk just as Addison said you did. Cora is my part. You've got to tell Lloyd.

You think Miss Channing would approve? I think she'd cheer.

You wanna be Margo's new understudy? I don't let myself think about it even.

You want it on? It doesn't matter.

You were at the play last night? A happy coincidence.

You were saying? The theater is nine tenths hard work.

You'd have been proud of her. I'm sure.

You'll be there, won't you? Often enough to keep the franchise.

You're beautiful and intelligent. A body with a voice.

You're being terribly tolerant, aren't you? I'm trying terribly hard.

You're more than modest. It's not modesty. I don't try to kid myself.

You're my girl, aren't you? That I am.

You're not going, are you? I think I'd better.

You're quite a girl. You think?

You've already met. Huh? Where?

You've got to admit, it'd be a novelty. Now you're quoting Addison... or Eve.

Your new play is for Miss Channing, isn't it? Of course it is.

..."meet me in the ladies' room. Eve."

...a fur coat over a nightgown.

...a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage...

...a shade more on the... shall we say, happier side?

...a wardrobe woman is the touchiest thing in show business.

...about the lamentable practice in our theater of permitting...

...accused of reading your play as if it were the holy gospel!

...after all you've done already.

...and 3,000 miles are too far to be away from one's heart.

...and a professional manure slinger named DeWitt!

...and always over some business for Eve...

...and by the time we drove Margo to the station late Monday afternoon...

...and gives a performance out of nowhere! You've been all through that with Lloyd.

...and have it realized completely. For once, not to compromise.

...and have much to learn from all of you.

...and henceforth we shall dream the same of her.

...and I went to see it.

...and I've been honored to be, for 40 years...

...and if Margo can be talked into going on tour with Aged in Wood...

...and it's gone.

...and Miss Harrington's unsupported struggle for opportunity."

...and screaming at the top of my voice.

...and that I regard this great honor...

...and the things you don't.

...and those awards presented annually by that... film society.

...and to the theater itself...

...and wanted nothing so much as to forget the whole thing.

...and we're gods and goddesses.

...and where she was and when and where she's going.

...as far as it affected Eve, that is.

...assure the public that actors and actresses are just plain folks...

...because I will not permit it.

...become firmly rooted about my ears, is lifted to Miss Harrington."

...before people forgot what happened and trusted you again?

...Bill Sampson.

...brought you straight to New York, didn't it?

...but also the history of acting since Thespis first stepped out of the chorus line...

...but as a standard to hold against what I have yet to accomplish.

...but it's important that I speak with you."

...but Lloyd was.

...but there were practical difficulties.

...but this could mean...

...but who taught me patiently and well...

...by minds more mature and talents far greater than mine.

...by the bar room, Benzedrine standards of this megalomaniac society, I won't have it!

...can't be just someone.

...chief prompter of the Sarah Siddons Society.

...crowded into one square mile of New York City?

...distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

...do not think for a moment that I am leaving you.

...doesn't she?

...dressed as maids and butlers. Did you call the William Morris Agency?

...everybody's guilty till proved innocent.

...except that the responsibility is mine... and the disgrace.

...for a new and fresh and exciting one, fully equipped with fire and music.

...for what we are and what we do the theater.

...for which all true believers wait and pray. You were one.

...has sold its last pill.

...have looked upon Modjeska, Ada Rehan and Minnie Fiske.

...have made this, the happiest night of my life, possible.

...he'd gotten used to long ago.

...her love, her deep and abiding love for us...

...her loyalty to her art...

...how I happened to know she'd miss it in time to notify every paper in town.

...how much more loyal than she had a right to expect me to be.

...how would I do it? I'm less than nobody.

...I closed the first half for eleven years, and you know it!

...I couldn't have gone on.

...I found myself looking for a girl I'd never spoken to.

...I have never let you go to the ladies' room alone.

...I shall personally stuff that pathetic little lost lamb down Mr. DeWitt's ugly throat!

...I'd just as soon it was me.

...I've been worried sick, what with her leaving tomorrow for New Haven.

...if that's what you wanna be. Is that what you want me to be?

...if you'd like.

...ignoring the fact that their greatest attraction to the public...

...Indian tribal dances, Punch and Judy, a one man band all theater.

...indicated anything to me but adoration for you and happiness at our being in love!

...interview people you have to see, get rid of those you don't have to.

...is a short stretch of sidewalk between the Shubert Theater and the Taft Hotel...

...is their complete lack of resemblance to normal human beings.

...it is perhaps necessary to introduce myself.

...just like girlfriends... with hats on.

...Karen. Mrs. Lloyd Richards.

...look up just before dinner or...

...making her say what he wanted her to say.

...Margo Channing.

...mature actresses to continue playing roles...

...means wanting to be that more than anything else.

...not so much as an award for what I have achieved...

...of other newspapers happened to be present.

...of such questionable honors as the Pulitzer Prize...

...one prayer, one dream:

...one who became my benefactress and champion.

...or a move, or the way she read a speech.

...or know anything of the world in which you live...

...or pull the ivy from the walls of Yale.

...or whether Miss Caswell read or rode a pogo stick.

...our distinguished chairman has finally arrived at our reason for being here.

...outside of loving your husband.

...requiring a youth and vigor of which they retain but a dim memory."

...she and Lloyd had thawed out to the extent of being civil to each other.

...she starts playing Hamlet's mother.

...since I'm a playwright and not an oil well operator, I was thinking...

...since they merely construct a tower...

...sitting up.

...snatching critics out of bars, steam rooms and museums or wherever they hole up.

...so exciting, to have your lines read just as you wrote them!

...so many, I couldn't possibly name them all...

...so that the world can applaud a light which flashes on top of it.

...so there isn't enough to keep me as busy as I should be.

...sometimes it gets up around my chin.

...such as no other profession demands.

...suddenly fancies itself as a mind.

...surrounded by what looks very much like a small city.

...that have made her name resound through the nation.

...that her understudy was going to have a baby and they'd have to replace her...

...the like of which I have never seen before and expect rarely to see again."

...the Sarah Siddons Award... to Miss Eve Harrington.

...there is nothing I wanna do so much as kick her right square in the pants.

...there'd be no need to break in a new girl.

...they're her words she's saying and her thoughts she's expressing?

...this highest honor the theater knows.

...this night could never have been.

...this would happen between two adult people.

...to an audience that came to see Margo Channing.

...to attend an understudy's performance, about which the management knew nothing...

...to encourage, shall we say, younger actresses...

...to have a 24 year old character played by a 24 year old actress.

...to keep the audience from leaving the theater.

...to which I would like to maintain sole and exclusive rights and privileges.

...turn around in bed and there he is.

...unloved.

...until his play becomes a vehicle for Miss Channing.

...until they were forced to ring up the curtain at nine o'clock.

...waiting for me to crack that little gnome on the noggin with a bottle.

...we could put Footsteps into production right away.

...we want you two beside us, as our nearest and dearest friends.

...what kind of perfume and books, things like that.

...what she eats and what she wears and whom she knows...

...what theater was it in San Francisco? Was it the Shubert?

...what's going on in that feverish little brain waiting in there.

...when I need you more than ever.

...when they can't have what they want.

...where I'm sure you will all feel more at home.

...whether it was all right with me for Eve to play Cora.

...which are openings for New Yorkers who want to go out of town.

...which has given me all I have.

...which is in pretty good shape...

...which Margo herself would be the first to enjoy.

...who demanded always a little more than my talent could provide...

...who took a chance on an unknown, untried amateur.

...whose help, guidance, and advice...

...whose kindness and graciousness I shall never forget...

...will take place in a well padded booby hatch.

...with those backward children you've played tricks on?

...without wit, with all my heart.

...your behavior is hardly queenly or motherly.

...your deep, close friendship.

"About the understandable reluctance of our entrenched first ladies of the stage...

"And so my hat which has, lo, these many seasons...

"Belong" to you?

"Couldn't go on"? You'll give the performance of your life.

"Does Miss Channing know that she ordered domestic gin by mistake?"

"Even De Mille couldn't see anything looking through the wrong end!" So...

"Forgive my butting in to what seems such a happy occasion...

"I am available for dancing in the streets and shouting from the housetops."

"I don't think you can rightly say we lost the war."

"I don't understand all these plays about love starved Southern women."

"If the South had won, you could write plays about the North."

"Love is one thing we were never starved for in the South."

"Miss Harrington had much to tell and these columns shall report her faithfully...

"Please", and that's underlined...

"So little", did you say?

"So little"?

"Taken it for granted"?

"That you and I..."?

"The kid" will be down in a minute, unless you'd like to take her drink up to her.

"Tonight Miss Margo Channing gave a performance in your cockamamie play...

"We are"?

"We was more starved out, you might say."