[instrumental music]
[music continues]
I thought so. This flow isn't worth a dime.
I told you Guidon tapped them too young.
Now, it'll take three years with the best of care
to get 'em back in shape.
Guidon, that squealing liar.
Before he left, he told me he'd cleaned out
all the bamboo in 347.
- Yes, he did. - We could use some rain.
Ah, the rains will just flood us rotten
if those drain ditches aren't finished.
Look at those slugs.
[speaking in foreign language]
That's another one of Guidon's finished jobs.
Whining for leave when I'm short-handed.
I knew he'd overstay it.
Oh, he will have come up on today's boat, sure.
Yeah?
He tells me any more of his lies
and I'm gonna kick in his face.
Oh-ho-ho. Not that, Denny.
It's hard enough for a man to breathe up here as it is.
Here she comes for fairs.
[wind howling]
[speaking in foreign language]
Ah, that roof will go in a minute!
[speaking in foreign language]
[indistinct chattering]
[howling continues]
There's Limey.
Hey! Did you bring Guidon?
Yes. I dropped him.
He's home to stay alright.
The prodigal is returned.
He's got a lot of nimble explaining to do.
[frogs croaking]
(McQuarg) Maybe he's already pounding his ear.
These dust storms are something like the fogs
off the coast of Labrador.
Only, uh... the result is different.
Holds up a whole day's distilling.
Now, tomorrow, you and Guidon take a clearing squad and..
Mr. Guidon come back. Him very happy see me.
Me hit like a hell, see him.
[chuckles]
Uh..
[mumbling]
Grab his feet.
Smells like as if he's been drinking benzene.
At that, he'd sell pretty well in the States
if we could put a label on his chest
and seal up both ends.
Alright, heave.
(Vantine) 'Hey! What's the idea?'
You poor saps.
How many times do I have to tell you
you haven't a chance of..
Well, for the love of muds
where am I sleeping, on a race track?
Come on, let's have it!
Who are you? Where did you come from?
Don't rush me, brother.
I'm Pollyanna, The Glad Girl.
I see. Came up on the boat with him, eh?
I came up on the boat, sure, but not with that.
He was in the steerage as far as I was concerned.
I thought I'd convinced this drunken rug.
Get him out of here, will you?
Why did you get off the boat at all?
You know it doesn't stop here again for four weeks, don't you?
Sure, I do. Think I'm overjoyed about it?
But it's just got to be.
- That's all. - Well, then?
I left the boat here for the same reason
I took it at Saigon.
What reason?
I got mixed up in a little trouble
and I thought I'd stay out of town
until the gendarmes forgot about it.
And what a cast iron nerve you've got.
You have to have in my line.
But don't worry, big boy, I'll stay out from underfoot.
I'll even pay for my board, if you insist on it nicely.
You're the headman around here, aren't you?
Come on, Mac.
You're not gonna leave the corpse here?
It's his room.
- Didn't you know? - Honest, I didn't.
I just took the first room the houseboy showed me.
Aw, please, you guys
this place is full of lizards
and cockroaches as it is.
One more won't hurt.
Well, you know, Denny
she might be able to sew.
I haven't got a pair of pants to my name
with a full set of buttons on 'em.
It's bad enough having to play around
with them in Saigon, much less have one in your house.
Not bad looking.
That doesn't change her.
A-ha, beans!
What happened to that quarter of beef?
Did you leave the refrigerator door open again?
Yes, sir, Mr. Denny. Ice all water.
You no want beef now.
Oh, stinky, stinky.
[chuckling]
Uh, better eat something, Denny.
Yeah, later maybe.
Mac... did you ever wanna quit?
Oh, sure. I quit your old man once.
And when I sobered up in Singapore
I saw a British loading rubber
and I turned around and came back.
The company's made me a swell offer.
- I could sell out pretty. - But you won't.
You was born smelling rubber and sweating to get it
and you'll die that way.
You think so?
Do you think I'm going to sink my whole life
in this dry rot just so the rest of the world
can ride around on balloon tires?
- Sure, you will. - Who says so?
Why should I spend the rest of my days
worrying about guys like Guidon?
Kicking a herd of crawling coolies around
fighting fever
swallowing dust one month
wading in mud the next?
Just so some old woman can take
a hot water bottle to bed with her.
Yeah, and just as long as there's one baby in the world
to suck on a rubber nipple.
Now, listen, Dennis
you've got your yearly case of nerves.
'Now, why don't you go down to Saigon and'
'uh, blow the lid off?'
'Get a laugh out of your liquor.'
With this outfit running the way it is
how am I going to get to Saigon?
Well, as a matter of fact, what came up
from Saigon isn't so bad lookin'.
Yeah. I've been looking at her kind
ever since my voice changed.
[growling]
Let's lay off tomorrow and knock that fellow over.
Haven't got time.
Don't mind me, boys. I'm just restless.
Hello, Polly.
And I thought you were going back to sleep.
Not with that alley cat yodeling out there.
Guess I'm not used to sleeping nights anyway.
Listen... tomorrow, you and Guidon
see about clearing a road down to that creek area..
I thought you were gonna let that wait
until that new survey, engineer fellow, uh..
- You mean Willis? - Yeah.
He's due on Limey's next trip up, isn't he?
Yes, but I'm not counting on him.
Probably some textbook ingenue like the last one.
What Polly's name?
Hmm, she never had one.
Well, I'll have to tend to that.
You can't have a poor bird without...
You just tend to minding your own business.
Hmm, this place certainly reeks
of hospitality and good cheer.
Or maybe it's this cheese.
Ooh, Gorgonzola. My favorite tango.
[chuckling]
Mr. Denny, you no wanna eat?
No. Clear this stuff.
You won't grow up to be a big, strong boy
like grandpa here if you don't eat your din-din, Fred.
Hey, listen, Lily, as long as you've got to use it
the name's Dennis Carson.
Okay, Fred.
This name is Vantine
as long as you've got to use it.
Don't worry, I won't have much occasion to.
Nice lighthearted little fellow, isn't he?
Well, we've had a hard day's work, Vantine.
What else do you do besides work?
Don't you know any games?
If it was the summer of 1894
I'd play games with you, sister.
But life is much simpler now.
I bet you painted your hometown red.
I'll say I did.
- Goodnight, Denny. - Goodnight, Mac.
Goodnight.
Here, cut that out and eat something.
You'll just get stewed...
I never get stewed.
And what if I did, would it turn your hair gray?
No, but it'll put red spots on your liver
especially if you don't eat something.
Aw, come on, big boy.
I know you've had a hard day in the office.
Hey, get out of here.
Put the rest of that cheese in your mouth
where it will do the most good.
I'll go quietly, officer.
[humming]
That's Roquefort. The other's Gorgonzola.
I happen to like Roquefort.
I like Gorgonzola.
Is there any brand that would stop you from talking?
I'll order a ton of it.
I'll keep quiet.
You know, you wouldn't like Roquefort
if you knew the way it was made.
They've got a whole town that does nothing
but make Roquefort somewhere in France.
I was reading about it the other day.
It comes from sheep's milk, did you know that?
And they do the rottenest things to the sheep.
Um, Ewes, don't they call 'em?
Before they milk 'em, the cheese people
slap them all around underneath to make the milk thicker.
And then they put it in a cave underground...
I don't care where it's made
or who slaps who. All I want...
Well, you don't have to snarl about it.
There are a lot of people that'd be mighty interested
to know how they slap cheese...
I'm not interested in cheese.
You said you like Roquefort
and I was just telling you how they slapped it out...
You want me to slap you out of this room?
You and what man's army?
If you don't keep quiet, I'm gonna lock you up
in one of the outhouses.
What would you think of that?
I'd still like Roquefort.
I mean, Gorgonzola.
[laughing]
There, I knew you had a laugh in you. That's perfect.
Shake and go to the head of your class.
Now, wait a minute, Fred.
Come here.
Hey!
Now you talk too much but you're a cute little trick at that.
Why haven't you been around before?
You change your mind quick enough.
Your hair always been that color?
Uh-huh. Always been a towhead.
And you always shot your face off that way?
Well, I like that.
[parrot squawking]
Hello, Lily. Hello, Lily.
[laughing]
[indistinct chattering]
Well... goodbye, Denny.
Goodbye, kid, it's been nice having you.
Hey, where's the rest of that B allotment?
Coming up.
Gee, Denny, I don't want
any ceremonies, but..
...but..
Turn around and give me the works.
What?
Oh... I'm forgetting, the expenses, huh?
Aw, Denny, no.
- What's the matter? - Oh, please, don't.
This wasn't like that.
Ah, where's that fellow Willis? Did you bring him?
He's in the port cabin.
Here you are, kid.
It isn't half enough
but when I get down to Saigon
there'll be more.
Keep your chin up.
Willis.
Oh.
Mr. Carson?
Right. Gary Willis, I take it.
Got any more luggage?
Yes?
Babs, this is Mr. Carson.
- My wife. - You're who?
Mrs. Willis.
Oh. How do you do?
Well, thank you.
Rather longer trip than we expected.
What's the matter? Dizzy?
Well, Gary's been feeling the heat
a little more than usual today.
No, I'm alright.
Better get up to the house.
Mr. Carson will see that you run a nice cold tub, darling.
He looks like he's ready for one himself.
Thanks, dear.
This is Mac, Mr. and Mrs. Willis.
How do you do?
This way, lad. We'll get the duffle up.
[speaking in foreign language]
My, it's good to be here.
Where's the plantation?
That's it.
Oh, I mean the main house.
That's it.
Oh.
Why? Is it a big shock to you?
Well, of course, I haven't been inside yet.
Well, you're a big shock to me.
What do you mean?
I didn't expect you at all.
Gary, darling, wait a moment..
Kind of rustic and pioneering, isn't it?
Yes.
Well, we can't live the rest
of our lives in a bridal suite.
- Can we? - No.
But where do you take a bath?
Pretty lady like to take a bath? I show you.
[chuckling]
See?
Pretty lady just take off clothes.
Hold water, topside head.
Peep, peep. Water goes all over.
[laughing]
But isn't there any curtain?
No. No curtain.
Take a bath, talk to people
'in here same time.'
That'll be fixed, darling.
- Where's our room? - 'Follow Hoy.'
Nice room. Very nice.
- That's all. - Alright, me come again.
Bab, I didn't know it was going to be like this.
I may as well face it, this is no place for you.
Here now, any place is my place where you are.
And I'll put a curtain on that bath place
I'm gonna get a broom and some soap and water
for this room and I'll..
Why, darling, what's the matter?
Oh, here now, you're all worried and hot
and excited, all at once and that's bad.
Take your coat off and lie down.
Heat never hit me like this before.
It's gone now.
Men think they can stand anything.
Gosh. Do you think we can stand this bed?
Who else is going to?
Pardon me.
I feel like a fool
landing here this way.
You've no idea how anxious I am
to get started working, Mr. Carson.
Say, there's a great new mulch for replanting
I wanted to talk to you about.
Yes, sir. Lie down, will you?
Let me see your tongue.
Alright.
Say, what's the idea of all this?
That's quinine. Give him four right away.
And here's a bromide.
It'll give him a good night's rest and he needs that.
And here's a thermometer.
Take his temperature every four hours and let me know.
Hey, is there anything really wrong with me?
Yes. You've got the start of a good attack of fever.
- Fever? - Listen, Carson, are you...
Now, stop getting excited, both of you.
That's the surest way to help it along.
Get him undressed and under the covers.
You'll pull through if you follow orders.
Mr. Carson.
I'd like to speak to you a moment.
- Certainly. - Now, Babs...
I'll only be a moment, Gary.
[speaking in foreign language]
Mr. Carson, I wonder if you..
[speaking in foreign language]
Of course, we must get a doctor at once.
The nearest doctor's in Saigon
that's three days down and three back.
Well, then we must go back with the boat.
Frankly, I'd just as soon you did.
But I've got a little conscience left.
He'd likely be dead by the time you got there.
Oh.
Now, all I want you to do is to keep your head.
He'll be burning up by tomorrow night.
But if he's here with me instead of being
bumped around in that cigar box, he'll have a chance.
I've only missed out on a couple
and I've had dozens.
[speaking in foreign language]
I won't stand for this!
Do you think you can treat Gary like
like one of your coolies?
Why not?
He's just another worker on the place.
Only he's coming down with the fever
and therefore isn't quite as valuable.
I won't have you talk like that. I've never...
I know you won't.
The only excuse you have for being here
is to help take care of him.
Now get in there and give him that quinine
and take a little yourself while you're at it.
Give him all the water he wants and more.
China boy will give you whatever else you need.
You're not going to leave him.
You're not going out!
Yes. I work here.
You don't expect me to sit around
and hold his hands, do you?
Alright... if that makes you feel any better.
[crying]
[frogs croaking]
[growling]
What was that?
That was a tiger.
A tiger? It sounded so close, I...
Oh, he just sits out there in the bush
and swears at us every now and then.
He won't come within 100 yards of the compound.
Now don't give him another thought.
I see.
Well, if you're sure he won't.
I, um... I'm sorry about this morning.
Let me apologize.
It's quite unnecessary, really.
You know, running a plantation sometimes gets on the nerves.
With your husband arriving sick and wondering
just how you were going to fit into the scheme of things...
You don't have to explain anything.
All you've got to do is to get Gary through this.
Of course. I need him almost as badly as you do.
You, uh, gave him that bromide?
Yes. He's asleep.
Is there anything more I should do?
No, let him sleep as late as he can
in the morning and I'll look at him then.
I will.
By the way, my, uh
room is that front one off the porch
if you should want me during the night.
Thank you.
Are we, uh, friends now?
Does that really matter so much at the moment, Mr. Carson?
Goodnight.
- Lady scared of the cat? - Why not?
She probably never thought of one except in a zoo.
Beautiful, isn't she?
Very. Only don't start telling her, will you?
Reserving that privilege for yourself?
Explain the joke and I'll die laughing.
Somebody would have had a lot of explaining to do
if she and Vantine had ever met.
What would you have said, Denny?
Called her your sister?
No. We'd have panned her off better as your governess.
Can you imagine the mixed feminine
population we would have had then.
Well, that's one trouble we haven't got, so let's forget it.
- She's gone and... - 'Hi, there.'
(Vantine) 'Hey, are you guys still up?'
Hey, where's the reception committee?
It's been a nice little walk.
Did you hear that hungry pussycat back there?
I'd begun to feel like a porterhouse steak.
- What's the idea? - I bounced back, that's all.
One month up here and I turn into a rubber check.
- What happened? - You tell them, admiral.
I wanna get away from these eagles.
A disaster, gentlemen. A blooming disaster.
Well, come on, out with it. Let's have it.
I ain't saying how it happened
'but we got past the rapids, alright.'
And I just left the bridge to go down and get a pot of tea
and before you knew it, that orangutan at the wheel
runs her nose right in the mud bank.
The current gets her in deeper and trying to pull her out
the shaft snaps in two... like a stick of macaroni.
That old shaft's been due to snap
for the last 20 odd years.
The boat's a sister-ship to the Ark.
And Noah here couldn't understand
why I wouldn't stay onboard with a bunch of monkeys.
(McQuarg) 'What was the matter with using the tender?'
Tender? I'll say it was.
We put it in the water and the bottom dropped out.
How long is that boat going to be laid up?
Well, I've got to get a couple of boys
trekking down to Saigon for help.
And by the time I get a new shaft and propeller in it
it'll be, let me see now, one...
It'll be at least six weeks
even if you're lucky.
I guess you're right, Mr. Carson.
[chuckles] I'm not lucky this season.
Well, you boys can stay here
and give the story to the papers
I'm gonna drop the body in the hay.
Just a minute.
You'll be much more comfortable upstairs.
Willis brought his wife.
Oh, a lady.
And no noise, do you understand?
Willis is up to his gills in a fever.
What a pleasant little house party this is gonna be.
Never mind about that. Get upstairs and keep quiet.
Me very glad Miss Van come back. Very glad.
Hoy, old pal. That's nice to hear from someone.
Even though you are slightly simple-minded.
Thank you. I make new kind biscuit, special for Miss Van.
Say, what tree did this one ooze out of?
[laughing]
Miss Van tell funny joke! Oh, funny.
(Dennis) 'Clear that fresh out on 291.'
[speaking in foreign language]
- 'Hey, Mac!' - 'Yeah?'
(Dennis) 'That off bullock's gone lame!'
(McQuarg) 'I'll look after it, Denny.'
Gary, don't!
Babs, I'm not sick.
If I get up and move around and stop thinking about it...
You don't know how sick you are. Now please, dear.
Where's Carson? He'll know I'm alright by just looking at me.
I know, but you can't get up. You've got to stay in bed.
I'll speak to Mr. Carson, see what you can have for breakfast.
- Alright. - That's the boy.
- Oh... good morning. - Hello.
We haven't met, but don't let that stop you if you're hungry.
I was looking for Mr. Carson.
Oh, he's outside being noisy about something or other.
You better sit down and drink your pineapple juice
before it starts cooking.
As you say, we haven't met.
- I'm Mrs. Willis. - Yeah, I know.
They told me about your husband.
How is he today?
Oh, I hope we could get a doctor.
Oh! These doctors.
Even if you did get one..
Why, all they do is sit by the side of the bed
and start crabbing the government
for not stamping out fever.
Then they prescribe brandy and have the sample
themselves to see if it's any good.
By the time you're deciding whether to live or die
they're under the bed singing "Sweet Adeline."
You seem to be very familiar with the country.
Are you, uh, married to one of the men here?
Do you think I'd live in a menagerie like this?
I've been visiting my brother.
He has the next plantation below here
and it's a lovely place.
You know, he copied it from our old family plantation
'in Bluefield, West Virginia.'
'Have you ever been to Bluefield?'
No, I haven't.
Well, we are the Jefferson's there.
I'm Vantine Jefferson.
You know, supposed to be happy about staying home
and marrying the son of another FFV.
But I'm just the restless, adventurous type, I guess.
Had to come out and stay with my brother
and see the world.
Then you're visiting here too?
Oh, no. But how I got here?
Mr. Carson nearly died laughing.
I got on the boat to go down to Saigon
you know, to do a little shopping.
And, uh, the boat turns back to pick up
some elastics or something and gets stuck in the mud.
My dear, and I have to walk back through the jungle.
Wait till the folks back in Richmond hear about this.
Aren't you gonna drink your pineapple juice?
When Mr. Carson comes in, will you
tell him that I wanna see him.
Yes, miss.
You didn't believe a word
of it, did you?
Did you expect me to?
Nope.
But there was a guy on the next plantation
even though he wasn't my brother.
And that story about the boat's all true, see?
I haven't any connection here at all
whether you believe it or not.
Why, Denny, you're all shaved and dressed up fancy.
[sniffing]
Hmm, you even smell good.
What have you been telling her?
You don't think I'd..
Say, I know when to keep my mouth shut.
I hope so.
I merely said I came from the next plantation
and the boat broke down.
She'll believe that if you'll back me up.
I don't wanna crawl in and dirty up her goldfish bowl.
Now, listen, this woman's decent.
You watch your language and stop
running around here half naked.
I'll stay as comfortable as I like.
You'll go back to Saigon.
On what? That speed boat stuck in the mud?
No. Slung in a hammock, through the bush.
Oh, I see.
Two weeks in the swamps, playing tag
with your trusted coolies at night.
I guess that would be good enough for me.
You can keep your mouth shut and keep out of the way.
Pretty lady want to see, Mr. Denny.
Alright. Now remember what I said.
Say, Denny..
- What? - Ah, nothing.
You look kind of cute, that's all.
[knock on the door]
Gary, I told you not to get up.
You shouldn't. Come in.
He insisted on getting up and...
Oh, not obeying orders, eh?
Hoy. Bring me some blankets, snap into it.
- Gosh... what hit me? - Fever chills.
You gotta get used to them for a couple of days.
Get me a coat, anything.
Denny, can I help?
Yes, tell Mac to go on out.
- Get me the medicine box, Hoy. - Yes, sir.
You won't leave him now, will you?
You'll stay?
Naturally. There are things to be done.
Come on, boy, dig in your heels.
Here.
Hi, doc.
How am I doing?
Great. Eat your spinach.
And the rest of your milk.
All of it now.
Well, it looks as though you were going to stay married.
He's really through it? There's no more chance...
He'll be outside working in a week.
Oh.
I don't know what to say.
You'd better think about getting some sleep.
I know I am.
Oh, I mean when I think of what I did the first day we came.
Slapping you.
And here, ever since..
Why, it's been almost three days..
...you've stayed with him practically every minute.
Pulling Gary through this terrible..
Oh, don't you see how ashamed I am?
[chuckles] Oh. Oh, that, I..
Out here, we all slap each other sooner or later.
You were just getting it out of your system
a little early, that's all.
Well... apologies or even thanks
would be silly now.
I just want you to know that I owe you a great deal.
I'll take your "I owe you."
Remember now, don't hesitate to call me if you need me.
I won't, thanks.
Goodnight.
What are you doing here?
Oh, I was just roamin' around.
Yeah? Well, go to bed. Nobody asked you to lose any sleep.
- How is he, Denny? - He's through it.
Ah, gee, that's swell. He's such a nice kid.
Say, what's this? Some new kind of an alarm clock?
It, it doesn't seem to ring or tick at all.
Hey! It was a barometer.
I wouldn't swear to it now.
Listen, if you're just roaming around
keep it up, will you?
I'm dead on my feet.
Oh, I'm sorry, Denny.
Can't I.. Here, let me get those.
[grunts] There.
Denny, have you got a headache?
'Maybe, I don't know.'
Would you like me to rub your forehead?
'Nope.'
Well, could I get you a drink or something, hmm?
'No, thanks.'
'Beat it to bed, will you?'
Well, let's forget about the drink.
I'll just rub your forehead with sandpaper.
[Dennis laughs]
- Denny, I... - No.
We'll just let Willis go out and look around today.
I thought we'd show him that road site and then
where we're going to lay out the new stand on...
I don't care what you show him.
Let him get his bearings and know where he's at.
We'll find out soon enough if he knows his business.
Well, don't bite my arm off. What's the matter with you?
[speaking in foreign language]
Hey, aren't you goin' out with us?
No, I'm not.
Oh.
You are mean not to have wakened me.
I wanted to see you off on your first day.
You need all the sleep you can get for a while.
You lost plenty over me.
All the trouble I've been to everybody around here.
Dennis is a prince, isn't he?
He was rather wonderful.
Believe me I'm going to try to make it up to him.
Wish me luck, darling.
You don't need it, you're good.
I've got to hurry, they're waiting.
Goodbye, honey. Now, don't worry if...
Here.
I don't know what time we'll be back.
What the..
Hey! Hey!
How many times have I told you to let down those curtains?
Why? They've all gone off to work.
You heard me, let 'em down.
What's the matter?
Afraid I'll shock the Duchess?
Don't you suppose she's ever seen a French postcard?
You let those curtains down
or this is the last bath you'll ever..
Get out of there!
- Say, what's the idea? - What?
Getting in that barrel.
Oh, I don't know.
Maybe I'm goin' over Niagara Falls.
Whoops.
[laughing]
Hey, you're supposed to rinse off with that gourd.
Hey, listen, do you know we drink that water?
Yeah, well, you won't this.
Unless you're stubborn and insist on it.
- Come on, get out! - Oh, no, don't.
(Vantine) 'Denny, I'm in it. Now, stop.'
Now don't, Denny.
Gee, can't a girl take a bath in privacy without..
Oh, good morning.
You're just in time to see the trained seal.
'Hey, Denny, scrub my back.'
- Hey. Get back in that barrel. - Ouch!
'No, Denny, you just said you didn't want me in it.'
One more occurrence like this and you'll live
in that shack across the river.
I will not. And if you think I give a..
Ah!
Pardon the disturbance, one of the guests
was misusing the plumbing.
I thought you'd gone with Gary.
No, I'm tied up here this morning.
Oh.
What are your plans?
Oh, I thought I'd take a walk before it gets too hot.
By the way, uh, you haven't had much of a chance
to see what goes on here.
Would you like to see how we make the stuff?
Why, uh..
Why, yes, I'd like to.
- Okay. - Should I put on some boots?
No, you're alright.
[indistinct chattering]
- Good morning, Bob. - Good morning, sir.
Here's where we find out what a bad day we've had.
Why, it's milk.
Oh, no, no, just rubber.
But you could drink it if you cared to stretch a point.
Oh. I once knew a man who made a joke like that.
- He was run over by a truck. - Were you driving it?
- Yes. - Well, you're out of luck here.
We only have only ox carts and every ox knows me personally.
[laughing]
And here's where the milk turns to cheese.
You know it usually takes three hours or more
but, uh, for your entertainment, I'll perform a miracle.
You see, nothing up the sleeve.
'No trap doors.'
'No mirrors.'
'All visible to the naked eye.'
'Just pour in acetic acid.'
'The more acid, the quicker the liquid rubber'
'resents the insult and stiffens up into an indignant mass.'
[birds chirping]
'There, crude rubber.'
Well, I can't believe it.
But how does it, uh..
[speaking in foreign language]
The pastry cook refuses to roll it thin enough.
You're a strange lot of civilized barbarians
working and living your whole lives out here.
Somebody's got to do it.
I know, but don't you ever miss the people
and the comforts of the outside world?
Don't you ever get tired of this?
Oh, we go on fighting it and grumbling about the life
but we're born to it.
Perhaps it's hard for a woman to understand.
A little.
I've just realized that I've seen but one woman
since I've been here.
For instance, where are the wives of all these natives?
Backcountry in the villages.
They've got to sign on without them.
You mean, you don't allow wives on your plantation?
Women don't belong here, white or native.
If they're white, they can't stand the gaff.
If they're native, one of them
is bound to drift from the coolies quarters
and end up waiting on you at breakfast.
And that's curtains for a man in this country.
Oh.
Here's something that might interest you.
This is, uh, what pencil erasers look like before they're born.
There you are.
See all the little pencil erasers
trying to erase each other?
Yes.
Oh, what about that girl, back at the house?
'Vantine, isn't it?'
Yes. What about her?
I mean, uh..
Is she a part of the life here?
Very definitely. If a man wants to be interested.
[thunder rumbling]
- First rains coming. - Yes.
Perhaps, we better get back to the house.
Is there going to be a storm?
Well, usually only threatens this time of the year.
It's a little early for the monsoons.
Here. Look out for the traffic.
I'd have walked right into it. I was wool gathering.
Oh, no profit in wool these days.
What about?
Well, you said that a white woman out here
couldn't stand the gaff, as you call it.
Perhaps I was thinking of my mother.
Her grave is on the hill at the far edge of the compound.
You know, I faintly remember asking my father
if he was digging a well.
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know.
However, I'm not forecasting any such dark future for you.
[thunder rumbling]
But don't you really think that I could fit in out here?
Don't you think that I could be happy?
Would you mind if I made it my job to see that you are?
Well I, I want everyone to like me out here.
Well, that's not difficult.
I have a special fondness for somebody
who stands up and fights back.
Particularly, if she's a woman who looks extraordinarily
beautiful when she's doing it.
And even more beautiful when she's calmed down.
Well, that's a
that's very polished little speech for a barbarian.
You admitted the barbarian was civilized, didn't you?
Oh, I've forgotten what I said.
[thunder rumbling]
Are you going to forget what I said?
[wind howling]
Goodness, what's happening?
Come on, we've got to leg it.
[howling continues]
[rumbling continues]
Hoy, hurry up, you idiot.
[shouting in foreign language]
[howling continues]
Thank you.
Please let me down.
Aren't you comfortable?
Why..
[chuckles]
[thunder rumbling]
We shouldn't have done that.
But we did.
[rumbling continues]
[howling continues]
- Hoy, tell them to saddle up. - 'Alright.'
[speaking in foreign language]
Did the Duchess sprain her ankle?
It must be wonderful to be big and strong.
Think how all the girl..
Be careful the rain doesn't wash the rouge off your mouth.
[rumbling continues]
Do you mind if I stay in here with you?
Think you can stand the company?
Please, it's, it's just that I..
Pity the poor sailors on a night like this.
Hmm, dear little sailors.
Oh, how long is this going to keep up?
Does it ever stop even for a minute?
Not even for lunch.
[rumbling continues]
Stop playing stoop tag.
You won't know it if you're hit.
Here. Put this inside of you.
[coughing]
All of it.
It'll make you forget a lot of things.
That was nice of you.
Stupid of me to be so frightened.
This storm isn't the only thing
that has you worried around here, is it?
I saw him kick the door shut.
He came out with rouge all over his mouth.
Why?
I suppose he asked to use your lipstick.
I don't know how it happened.
I didn't do anything.
He didn't have any reason to believe that I'd..
I didn't hear any cries for help.
Oh, I don't know what came over me.
I should have stopped him.
I tried, but..
But you couldn't.
Even when you tried, could you?
No.
That's why I'm scared.
Oh, it's too silly.
What do I mean I'm scared?
It was just one of those excitement of the moment things.
Well, watch out for the next moment, honey.
It's longer than the first.
Gosh, these peaches are good.
I never ate so much in my life, have I, Babs?
You know, ever since we were married
that one over there has been after me for not eating enough.
Guess you're not worried about me wasting away
after this meal, are you, Mrs. Willis?
You have rather stuffed yourself.
That's what a full day's work will do for you.
Full day's work, I'll say it was.
Those coolies are tough to handle, aren't they?
Didn't I tell you they were a lazy bunch?
I mean, I didn't know they were so sneaky about it.
The minute you turn your back on them they're up to something
or other they shouldn't be doing.
- 'Are they always like that?' - 'I'm afraid so.'
I was telling him about the time
that Malay tried to knife you in the back.
It's a great country for that sort of thing.
(Gary) 'Yeah. I guess Mac could have used you out there today.'
But I imagine you had plenty to do around here.
You should have seen us, Babs.
'We were up to our knees in water trying to get'
'a drain ditch through to the main channel.'
And every time we'd look for a coolie..
Hey, darling, what game are you playing in?
What's the score?
- 'Babs!' - What? Oh.
- 'Whoa.' - Set 'em up in the other alley.
- Oh, Gary, please don't. - Well, Babs.
This little taste of bad weather we've had today
is enough to upset anybody, Gary, if they're not used to it.
Why don't you turn in early?
I think I will if you'll all excuse me. Goodnight.
- Goodnight. - I'll be in soon, darling.
(Barbara) 'Alright, Gary.'
I might have realized
that all that thunder and lightning today.
Gee, I'm dumb.
No. How were you to know?
Well, Gary, now that you're in shape again
we can start out on the first real job I have for you.
Great. You know me.
(Dennis) 'You and Mac and Guidon will leave here tomorrow.'
'Take a full crew.'
'Camp down below the South Creek'
for the next three or four weeks.
Remember? I-I started to tell you about it the other day.
There's that 500 acres I want you to survey.
Lay out a course for the best drainage
then throw up a bridge over the creek
and cut through a road leading back to the compound
for sure that's easiest hauling.
Well, we can't do that job now, Denny.
The rains have started.
It's a nice time to pick for it.
What's the matter with you guys? Getting soft?
This plantation's got to increase production.
Okay, Denny, if you're dead set on it.
Well, believe me, I am.
I've got to begin to earn my salt here.
Let me see, three or four weeks.
What about Babs? Would it be alright for her?
If she wants to go, but I think it'd be foolish to take her.
Down in them swamps?
Why, that's no place for a woman, boy.
There won't be a dry blanket in the outfit.
Now, it's tough enough for a man.
But I'll be riding down every now and then while you're there.
Maybe I could bring her along for a visit.
Fine.
I better go and see if there's anything
I can do for her.
I'll come back later and talk it over, eh?
Oh, the morning's time enough. Just a few details.
Right.
Come on, you fellas, we've gotta cover up those vats.
That's a sensible girl.
You must be dreadfully tired, Gary.
Silly.
You better be pretty nice to me, lady.
I'm going to leave you a widow for three or four weeks.
Why?
What-what do you mean?
Dennis is sending me out on my first field trip.
Mac, Guidon and I are leaving in the morning.
'I asked Dennis if you could go along, darling.'
'But he says it's an awfully rotten area'
'even for a man.'
Gary.
- Yeah? - Maybe I..
Well, maybe I'd better go.
But, dear, do you really think you could stand it down there?
It's nothing but a swamp, you know.
Sleeping in tents and the wet and everything.
What do you think?
Oh, I don't know what to think.
It's alright, darling.
- Hey. - Yeah?
A few days ago, you said something about sending me back
to Saigon in a hammock through the bush.
Have you been behaving yourself?
Maybe.
Bring on the hammock and the coolies, will you?
What's the matter with you? Crazy?
Just a little nauseated.
This rain seems to have uncovered
a pile of garbage around here.
Stop looking through keyholes. It's bad for the eyes.
Can I have the coolies? Nice speedy ones.
No. I can't spare a one.
I'll reduce your rent, however.
Increasing production, eh?
Listen.
What goes on here is my business.
Suppose I were to tell that nice white kid?
He'd make it his business, wouldn't he?
Suppose I tell him myself.
[door closing]
[rain pattering]
Okay. Mark in station 30 plus 24.
Station 30 plus 24.
[whistling]
Can't you whistle another tune?
That's all I've heard for three weeks.
Maybe Dennis will bring my saxophone when he comes.
You didn't know I had one, did you?
Yeah. When's he coming? That's what I wanna know.
[whistling]
Look, Miss Van.
[laughing]
Goodness. You even find them in the jungle.
Pretty lady, pretty pants. Beep, beep.
Yeah, lady.
That's why he's so nuts about her.
Mr. Denny very, very happy. Mr. Denny got love.
He's in love alright.
The real thing too, I guess.
Of all the people in the world.
Miss Van never been in love?
Hoy thought one time you and Mr. Denny...
- Never mind about that! - Yes, Miss Van.
What you been eatin', cement?
Miss Willis, clean clothes.
(Barbara) 'Come in.'
Where Hoy put these?
Oh, any place over there, Hoy.
Alright.
- 'Hoy?' - 'Here, Mr. Denny.'
You put that new lamp in Mrs. Willis room?
Yes, sir, Mr. Denny.
You'll find a couple more pheasants hanging up
in the back shed. Fix them for dinner tonight.
'You know, the way Mrs. Willis likes them.'
(Hoy) 'Yes, Mr. Dennis.'
[knocking]
Can I come in?
Wait a minute.
Alright, come in.
I, uh, did you get the lamp alright?
Yes. Thanks so much.
- Does it light up alright? - It lights up perfectly.
I heard you ordered the pheasants.
Well, I thought you might like a little change.
Yes... a change.
I'm glad.
You're glad?
I never thought this could happen.
Why?
I'm afraid I'm pretty crazy about you.
Always? For keeps?
And after that too.
We'll get out of this rotten country.
I've always known that some day..
...we'll have a swell time, Babs.
Don't call me Babs, dear.
Do you mind?
Why not?
Oh..
Say, look..
...I've got to go downriver today.
They're having a little trouble with the coolies.
You'll see him?
Yes.
[sighs]
Are you going to tell him so soon?
Sure. Might as well get it over with.
Now?
No. Can't we just..
- Oh, Dennis, maybe... - You wanna back out?
Oh, no.
But he's so... helpless.
Well, it's just a tough break.
Oh, Dennis, you'll come back to me?
Day after tomorrow.
- I'm frightened. - What of?
Well, say, at that it might be better if..
- Did Gary leave you a gun? - It isn't that.
You do love me, don't you?
Want it in writing?
Goodbye, kid.
It's only for a couple of days. And then..
Goodbye, dear.
[door opening]
Now, listen, I'm going downriver
and probably wont be back till morning.
If you can't be pleasant to her while I'm gone
just keep out of her way, you understand?
Oh, that's too bad.
She and I could have had such a lovely day.
Just two girls together, with so much in common.
Now, you heard me.
I thought we might run up a few curtains
and make a batch of fudge
while we were planning what to wear
to the Country Club dance Saturday night.
Just remember, Lily.
All those lame cracks won't help you any
if I come back and find you've been annoying her...
Oh, I wouldn't touch her with your
best pair of rubber gloves.
[rain pattering]
Hey!
Hey, it's Denny! Here's the boss!
- Ah, hello, boys. - Hello.
Hear you're having little cat trouble.
Yeah. He's a big calm tiger.
The first bullock was chewed up last week.
Same old story.
I can't convince them he is no man-eater.
We can't haul any more lumber for this bridge.
The brave fellows won't go in and cut it out.
[speaking in foreign language]
All like that.
Now, if you can't get them back to work
Denny, nobody can.
Yeah, well, the quickest way to fix that
is to put a little lead in the fiend cat.
You got his run spotted?
Yeah, he was over the rim of the hill last night.
Let's have a look, we'll put up some blinds
and, uh, stake-out a few bullocks tonight.
[speaking in foreign language]
Babs didn't feel like coming down, huh?
Why, no.
Gee, I-I was sort of expecting her.
Well, it's a long hard trip, you know.
Bad weather and all.
She, uh, she didn't send a note or anything?
No. As a matter of fact, she didn't have time.
I came right away, just yelled in to her I was going
as they brought the horse around.
Ah, she, uh, sent her love, of course.
[chuckles]
She couldn't send very much.
I brought most of it along with me.
How's your work been coming?
I'll take you over everything I've done tomorrow.
I think you'll be pleased about it.
I've worked night and day to rush the job. I..
I sure wanna get back to the house.
- Hey, Mac. - Hey.
We'll each take a blind tonight.
You take Gary in with you.
Okay, Denny.
Couldn't I stick along with you?
Mac and I've been cooped up so long together
we haven't got a new joke between us.
- Sure, if you like. - Then we can talk things over.
[speaking in foreign language]
That cat will be good and hungry again.
He'll start stalking one of the baits
soon after sundown.
Yeah.
That's a mighty nice lad, Denny.
I guess he is.
But just as you thought, he'll never make the grade.
The poor lad, he wants to make good too.
His fever came back on him a little bit yesterday
but he sat up all night going over his charts.
And say, to hear him talk about you.
He'd cut off both his legs if you give him the word.
Better stake out that other bullock.
Okay, Denny.
[speaking in foreign language]
Say, could I have first shot at him?
If you'll guarantee you won't miss.
Well, you'll be right there.
I'd give anything to be able to take the hide back to Babs.
Let's get up.
[speaking in foreign language]
It's something like spearing sunfish with a lantern.
Only not so easy.
[chuckles]
Nothing's easy down in this country.
That's what makes the life worth living, I say.
What are you going to do after you leave here?
Oh, I don't know.
That's a little far ahead to think of now, I guess.
Always thought I'd like to go on doing this sort of thing.
Go to South America. You know, expeditions.
But that was BB.
"BB?"
[chuckling] Yeah.
- Before Babs. - Oh.
You must think I'm an awful ass
to keep talking about Barbara this way all the time.
No.
Here's your gun.
I always feel a fellow can talk about things
that are close and intimate to him
if he's with a guy who..
Well, who understands.
That's why I'm not at all ashamed to tell you.
I'd fold up without Babs.
[chuckles] Just being away from her this long has proven that.
This would be a bad country to raise children in, wouldn't it?
Oh, I don't know.
You see, Babs and I were going to have children right away.
And-and this job came up.
[chuckles] Kids.
First a couple of boys and then a girl perhaps.
Ah.
Will I walk down the main street.
I guess we'll wait till we get back home.
See, before we left, we bought a piece of property
outside New York, up on the Hudson.
We're going to build and settle down there.
It's only 35 miles from New York
and it's real rural country.
So I can commute and Babs will be right there
with all the people she's known and grown up with.
All our closest friends have settled there too.
And it'll be a swell place for the children.
And when their Uncle Dennis comes up from the tropics
he can tell them about the time their dad shot a tiger
as he charged ruthlessly...
Keep quiet, will you?
What's the matter?
I thought you said we could talk until it got dark.
Well, we won't talk anymore. Better not.
[rain pattering]
[growling]
[gunshots]
Yay! You got him.
Gee, that was a swell shot. He was too fast for me.
Gee, look at him.
Gee, what a thrill that was.
[speaking in foreign language]
I'm going home tonight, Mac, get my horse.
But it's a rotten ride this late, Denny!
I have to go, I tell you.
Alright.
Feel like you could eat some supper?
Not particularly.
I guess you must be pretty well done in at that.
You take my cot and turn in right after chow.
I've got the most comfortable cot in the outfit.
Nope. I'm going back right now.
- Going back? - Yep.
I got a first batch from some young trees
coming through for coagulation tomorrow. I gotta be on hand.
But I thought we could spend the morning
going over everything...
No. I'll leave it to you, Gary.
Mac says you're doing great.
Oh, but, I think it's too much for you to...
Well, it can't be helped.
Goodbye, kid.
So long, Denny.
- So long, you guys! - Goodnight, Denny!
Gosh, it doesn't seem at all worthwhile
for Denny to go back this way.
Six hours in the dark... through this weather.
You ought to know whether it's worthwhile or not.
- What do you mean? - Just what I say.
You ought to know your wife better than I do.
What the devil are you driving at?
What do you suppose he sent you up on this job for?
He got you up and out of the house as soon as
you could walk, didn't he?
Why, the night before we left
it was an open book on both their faces
there was something up.
He's been making a play for your wife ever since..
- Hey. - Why, you..
Cut it, you two.
Wait a minute. Hold it now. Now..
Didn't you hear what he said? Why, you..
Now, now, wait a minute.
Don't pay any attention to his
dirty mouth, lad.
He's been drinking all day.
And whenever he gets that way
he always gets ugly about Dennis.
Now, forget it.
Alright, Mac.
Okay.
[rain pattering]
Hey, Limey!
Hi, Mr. Carson!
What are you doing so far from home at this time of the night?
Communing with nature?
When will you get fixed up?
All shipshape again.
We'll be dropping her back again in the morning
and then I'll head back and pick up that little girl
with the goldy locks, eh?
- Yes. - 'Oi!'
Won't you come aboard and take a nip?
I'm just about to wring the neck off another bottle!
No thanks. See you tomorrow, Limey.
Alright, then.
[rain pattering]
[pattering continues]
Well, if it ain't old Master Fred.
Back after all these years.
Is the burial private?
Or didn't you bring the body with you?
You don't look a day older than when you ran away.
We just loved your postcards.
My, you ought to see how little Emily is growing.
And the twins!
Thanks, old man.
Don't care if I do.
Well, now, tell me everything you've been doing.
Guidon sent you his love.
How is dear, dear Guidon? As divine as ever?
Say, what's ever become of, um, what's his name?
That young fellow with the attractive wife?
You'd be surprised.
Dear me, and he was so nice too.
[chuckles] Treacherous climate down here.
Where'd you get that kimono?
Now, Fred, don't change the subject.
What are you trying to do, get drunk?
That's not a bad idea.
What is it? Did your team win?
No. We lost.
A hundred and seven to nothing.
What's the matter, wet field?
Sloppy, sticky.
You know what I've just been?
- What? - I've been noble.
I give you St. Dennis, the big sacrifice boy.
Oh!
There isn't gonna be any funeral?
Sure, mine.
With a lily in my hand.
Little Denny is an angel now with a harp
and a big, round rosy halo.
Fred, I'm awful glad.
Are you? Well, I'm not.
Of all the sap tricks.
He is a nice white kid, isn't he?
What are you gonna do about..
I don't know.
I'll fix it up tomorrow.
You were pretty close to something there, Fred.
- Yeah. - Maybe you aren't out yet.
She'll get over it.
I was thinking more about you.
Forget it.
Mind if I get a little drunk with you, Fred?
So you went noble, eh?
Hallelujah, brother.
- Come here. - Why, Mr. Carson.
Come here, you lug.
Well, it's about time.
Welcome home, stranger.
You're not a bad kid, Lily.
You know about us? We belong here.
They don't, those two.
Ah, it's a dirty, rotten country.
And we're dirty, rotten people, I suppose, eh?
- Sure. - Who is?
- You are. - Take that back, huh!
[glass clinking]
[thudding]
Dennis.
Wouldn't you know it.
Sorry we woke you up.
Are you?
We were just kidding.
Dennis.
Well, Fred, it's not too late.
I don't want you here.
Why, certainly.
Okay, Fred, you can check the wings and halo at the desk.
- I'll be right up, Vantine. - Dennis.
What?
What did you mean?
I meant what I said.
What's happened to you?
Figure it out for yourself.
- You're drunk. - 'Sure, I'm drunk.'
That's why I'm telling you the truth.
And do you wanna hear some more truth?
I didn't say anything to your husband down there
and I'm glad I didn't
'I've just been kidding you all the time.'
- 'And everybody knew about it.' - Stop it.
'If you wanna come down here, you come down under our rules'
and if you wanna cheat on your husband, that's okay with me.
'Then I'm the boy you're looking for.'
- Stop it! - Now let me tell you this.
I'm not a one-woman man, I never have been
and I never will be.
'And if you wanna take your turn..'
[gunshot]
Alright, if that'll make you feel any better.
- Denny! - 'I'm okay.'
Where?
I'm finding out.
No bull's-eye?
No.
(Gary) Babs.
What's the matter? What happened?
I shot him.
Why?
Because he, because he...
Because I made a pass at her.
[crying] Oh, Gary.
'Help me. Help me.'
[whimpering]
Then you haven't?
- Guidon said that you... - Guidon's a liar!
You ought to be proud of her.
This bozo's been after her every minute.
And tonight, he comes in drunk, tries to break into her room
and she shoots him.
The way any virtuous woman with a beast like that.
If I were you, Mr. Willis, I'd take her away from here.
And the quicker the better.
And now, as long as you aren't dead
I suppose we'll have to save your rotten life.
'Hoy!'
I thought you were a great guy.
Never mind about me.
The boat will get here in the morning, see?
You two pack your tennis rackets and go back where you belong.
We'll do that alright.
If she hadn't have plugged you, I'd have done it myself.
- Come on, Babs. - Oh, Gary.
I'm so sorry. So sorry.
Sorry, nothing.
I'm proud of you.
[whimpering]
Oh, Denny. Denny, does it hurt awful?
Oh, stop blubbering.
You've been using your head pretty well up to now.
- Get me the medicine kit. - Okay.
Oh! Oh, Mr. Denny! Oh, Mr. Denny!
Oh, Mr. Denny! Oh, Mr. Denny...
Ah, shut up!
- Go heat some water. - Yes, sir.
- Medicine kit coming up. - That's more like it.
Give me the iodine.
Here now.
Push that thing through there
and pull it out the other end.
You mean, push the bullet out or somethin'?
No. That bullet's 50 yards out in the compound.
Come on, clean out that hole.
- Oh, Denny! - Come on.
One for the money.
Two for..
Two for the show.
Three to get ready.
Oh, Denny!
Well, come on. Hurry up, you sap.
Four to... go.
[gasps]
Come on. All the way through.
[whimpers]
Something I overlooked.
(Vantine) '"And the next day, when the big, round sun'
"was high in the heaven, little Bobby Chipmunk
"could hardly believe his eyes.
"Because there, across farmer Brown's meadows
he saw little Molly Cottontail."
[whistles]
A chipmunk and a rabbit.
Say, I wonder how this comes out.
"But the faster he ran across the ground
the faster she went hippity hop, hippity hop, hippity.."
- Fred. Stop it. - Ouch.
Sorry. But once more and you'll get the works right there.
Can't you read anything but bedtime stories?
I've read you everything four times.
Except one certain item.
What?
Well, I didn't want to upset you.
You're not well yet, you know.
Let me see.
I'll read it.
Where is it? Oh.
Mm, here.
"Sailing for San Francisco on the Mahoya Maru
'was Mr. Gary Willis and his attractive wife of.."'
'Look how they spelled Philadelphia.'
'F-F-I-L.'
Well, anyway, Let's see now.
Um..
"Way across the meadow.."
Come on, Fred, shake out of it.
"Way across the meadow as old Daddy Sun
"was setting behind the purple hills
"little Molly Cottontail went
hippity hop, hippity hop, hippity hop, hip.."
Fred?
- What, Lily? - You big cheese.
Roquefort or Gorgonzola?
[laughing]
Me come again. Beep, beep!
[laughing]
[instrumental music]