# The Singing Fool

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| Song | Performer |
| "It All Depends on You" | Al Jolson |
| "I'm Sitting on Top of the World" | Al Jolson |
| "There's a Rainbow Around My Shoulder" | Al Jolson |
| "Golden Gate" | Al Jolson |
| "Sonny Boy (rendition 1)" | Al Jolson |
| "Keep Smiling at Trouble" | Al Jolson |
| "Sonny Boy (rendition 2)" | Al Jolson |
| "Sonny Boy (rendition 3)" | Al Jolson |
Cast and Crew :
| Cast ||
| Role | Actor |
| | Al Jolson |
| | Betty Bronson |
| | Josephine Dunn |
| Sonny Boy | Davey Lee |
| | Reed Howes |
| | Arthur Housman |
| | Edward Martindel |
| | Robert Emmett O'Connor |
| | Helen Lynch |
| | Carl M. Leviness (uncredited) |
| Crew ||
| Production company | Warner Bros., Vitaphone |
| Director | Lloyd Bacon (d. 1955) |
| Screenwriter | Charles Graham Baker (d. 1950), Joseph Jackson (d. 1932) |
| Cinematographer | Byron Haskin (d. 1984) |
| Editor | Ralph Dawson, Harold McCord |
| Composer | Louis Silvers (d. 1954) |
| Based on available information, the latest crew member that is relevant to international copyright laws died in 1984, meaning that this film may be in the public domain in countries and jurisdictions with 39 years p.m.a. or less, as well as in the United States. ||
a WARNER BROTHERS
W-B
PRODUCTION
Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. and The Vitaphone Corporation present
Al Jolson
in
"The Singing Fool by Leslie Burrows with Betty Bronson & Josephine Dunn
Passed by the National Board of Review—Copyright MCMXXVIII by Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.
Directed by Lloyd Bacon
Musical score & Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Louis Silvers
Produced with Western Electric Apparatus
Adaptation C. Graham Baker
Photography Byron Haskin
Edited by Ralph Dawson
Dialogue & Titles Joseph Jackson
Ass't Director Frank Shaw
Technicians
Lewis Geib - Esdras Hartley - F. N. Murphy - Victor Vance
~ The Players ~
- - - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
5 A.M.
The beginning of a workday for some, and the end of a playday for others——
Blackie Joe's
"You would bring us to a joint like this!"
"Find Blackie Joe and give him this card".
"My pal"
"No. I haven't seen Blackie."
Office
Globe Theatre
Al Stone——by occupation, a waiter——by ambition, a song writer——by nature, a Singing Fool.
- - - Al Jolson
"Champagne for the ladies——beer for us."
"Thank you, Al——that was awfully kind of you——"
"Two with foam——and one with bubbles."
"Please don't, Al——you'll spoil my make-up."
"But Molly, you ought to know by this time how much I love you."
"My love for you is so big that I had to write a song to really tell you how much I care."
"You've got as much business writting songs as a bow legged girl has on a step ladder."
"But this one's bound to be good Baby——it comes right from the heart."
"Stick to the waiter racket—I'm doing all right by myself."
"Some day I'll write a big hit, honey. Then you'll be sorry."
"Come on, Al——on the job!"
"Here's my new number Molly. Look it over, anyhow."
"It All Depends on You."
Words and music by Al Stone.
"Just read the words, Molly, please——do that much anyway."
"Show'em plenty tonight, Molly...Marcus, the producer is out there."
"How about meeting him?"
"There's a fly in my beer!"
"Not so loud! They'll all want one!"
"One beer straight——without flies!"
"Did you care for it, Molly?"
"Why, Molly——didn't you even read it?"
"No, I didn't read it—and I'm not interested in waiters except when they're serving me!"
"Get ready, Al—and I want to hear'em laugh."
"No laughs tonight, Blackie—I'm going to sing a sentimental song."
"Don't be a chump! You're a comic! You can't get by with sob stuff!"
"I wrote a song for Molly—a love song——but she wouldn't even read it——"
"——so I'm going to sing it to her then she'll understand how much I care."
"Go to it—and I hope you knock her over!"
"Sing as you never sang before, Al. Marcus may give you a break!"
"Thanks Grace."
Audience member Hey, Waiter! Waiter!
Al Stone Wait a minute! Wait a minute! One moment, folks. Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, I'm going to try and sing you a brand new little number. Well, it's a ballad—a sort of a sentimental song. And I'm just a little nervous about singing it, because it's the first time I've ever sung a ballad in my life, and I hope you like me. Well, anyway, hehe, my mother likes me.
Audience Hahahahahahahaha!
Al Stone Say, Bert, I want you to play this song for me—one verse and two choruses, and the second chorus gets kind of a little, uh, you know, sentimental-like, see?
Bert Why, you're screwy! This is a ballad!
Al Stone Well? What's the matter with it?
Bert Well, it's a ballad. You can't sing it.
Al Stone I can't sing a ballad? I may be screwy, but plenty of screwy guys sung a ballad. Go on, play it anyway!
Al Stone
Hal Hey, that fellow hit on marvelous for us!
Girl 1 I'll say, Hal!
Girl 2 I've never heard anything like it!
Marcus The song was wonderful. How that boy does singing!
Molly I've been coaching him for some time.
Marcus Did that waiter really write that number himself?
Molly Yes. But I gave him the idea.
Marcus Why, that chap should be on Broadway.
Molly He's got something all right, and I have worked hard to bring it out.
Marcus I've got a spot in my review for that number. Would you mind bringing that waiter over here?
Molly I'll get him and bring him right over.
Marcus Thank you very much.
Hal Hey, do you know, he's great!
Al Stone Oh, now, Molly, you see how I feel.
Molly I see now, Al. I had no idea how much you care.
Al Stone Oh, honey, I'm so happy! Hehe, but I knew that song'd get you.
Molly Put on your best personality. I've fixed your fate to meet Marcus.
Al Stone Marcus? You mean the big manager? Oh, honey, that's nice of you!
Molly Come on along, Al.
Blackie Joe No matter how smart a guy is or how long he lives, he'll never know anything about women.
Audience We love Al! We love Al!
Molly Mr. Marcus, this is Al Stone.
Al Stone How do you do, Mr. Marcus? I'm awfully glad to know you.
Marcus Glad to know you, Mr. Stone.
Al Stone Oh, boy, this is one of the big moments of my life! Can we exclude me for a minute while I quiet the folks?
Marcus Of course.
Al Stone Molly, I'll be right back, honey.
Molly All right.
Al Stone Tell him about me.
Al Stone
Wait a minute, folks! Please, wait a minute! Wait a minute! Oh, wait a minute, wait a minute, will you? Wait a minute! Oh, will you wait a minute? Please wait a minute, folks, please wait a minute!
It's awful nice of you folks to give me such a big hand. Heh, everybody knows I've got big feet. But i- Hahahaha! No, wait a minute, honest, folks, listen. Here's the whole idea. I'm here to, well, I'm here to sing till six o'clock in the morning. And honestly, I know, oh, fifty or sixty songs. But, if you'll let me alone for just three or four minutes, I've got seven or eight friends from right over at that table from Taconic Highway—hah!—and some folks from Peoria, and there's the mayor here from Racine, Wisconsin, sitting right over there! Don't laugh, honestly, he's a very nice fellow.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, I mean this in all sincerity, if you'll just let me alone for five minutes, I'll come back and sing songs, well, until you beg me to stop. I want to thank you. That's all.
Marcus Mr. Stone, I liked your number.
Al Stone Thanks.
Marcus I'd like to get it for my show.
Al Stone I'm sorry, Mr. Marcus, but that song doesn't belong to me.
Marcus Doesn't belong to you?
Al Stone No, sir. That song belongs to Molly. You see, well, without her, I couldn't have written it—why, she's been my inspiration.
Marcus Well, no matter where the inspiration came from, I want it, and all you can write like it.
Al Stone Listen, will you take Molly to sing it?
Marcus What's wrong with you singing it? You didn't do so badly.
Al Stone Well, I thank you for the compliment. But Mr. Marcus, if you ever heard Molly chirp this ditty, why, she's got it on me like a tent. Why, she'd be a panic. Come on, try her, will you?
Marcus I'll have to think about that. But come to my office tomorrow, both of you. We'll talk it over.
Al Stone Oh, gee, you're not kidding? Listen, this is the biggest break I'd ever had in my life! Molly, get that, he says "come to his office!" Why, I'm all goose-glad! Mr. Marcus, I don't want you to think that I'm funny, but I'm a little excited. Please tell me, what time does your office open up in the morning?
Marcus Oh, about ten o'clock.
Al Stone Ten o'clock?
Marcus Yes.
Al Stone Well, all I can say is, I'll be awfully lonesome on that doorstep from five to ten out there today.
Man in audience Come on, Al! Play for us music!
Al Stone Wait a minute! Wait a minute, will you, folks? Will you wait a minute? Folks, I told you I was gonna sing you as many songs as you wanted me to, and I will. And tonight, just to show you how I feel, I want to sing an old favorite of mine. Bert, will you tell the boys to play "I'm Sitting on Top of the World"? All right, boys, hit it, come on.
Al Stone
Al Stone Come on, give me all you've got, now!
Al Stone
Al Stone Oh, baby! Oh, Molly! With you in my arms, honey, I'm sitting right on top of the world—right on top of the world, Molly!
In the following four years, Al wore out eight pianos——rhymed "Mammy" and "Alabamy" 981 times——and did more for Dixie than Robert E. Lee.
Morning Will Come
by Al Stone B. G. DeSylva & Con Conrad
Al Stone in Bombo
Keep Smiling at Trouble
Al Stone in Big Boy Al Stone B. G. DeSylva Lewis Gensler
Swanee River Trail
Chorused by Al Stone by Al Stone and Irving Caesar
Four Walls
By Al Stone Billy Rose and Dave Dreyer
Irving Berlin, Inc.
Back In Your Own Back Yard
By Al Stone Billy Rose and Dave Dreyer
Irving Berlin, Inc.
Without You Sweetheart
Club Clicquot
Al Stone One moment! Hahaha! You ain't heard nothing yet. Say, are you folks having a good time down there? Well I'm glad of that, because I'm gonna spoil it in a minute by coming down. Now, don't go away, anybody, because I'm gonna sing a thousand songs tonight. Hold your horses.
Al Stone
I've got a brand new little ditty I wrote about a week ago called "There's a Rainbow Around My Shoulder", and I really think you'll like it.
Now, boys, look, I want you to get real hot in this. You know, like: La-da-da, la-da-di, bu-du-du-du-di, da-da-da-da-da-da-la-da-da-che-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha! Now you'll find it—number two of the gruel book. Let's have it. All right, boys, take it.
Al Stone
Al Stone Hit it!
Al Stone
Al Stone Haha! Hot diggity dog! Hot kitty! Hot pussy cat! Didn't I tell you you'd love it? Didn't I tell you you'd love it? Ain't that a song? Didn't I tell you you'd love it? That's all of that. That's all of that.
Molly Darn! You messed my hair!
Molly You didn't do this. Al might get suspicious.
JP
John He'd never be suspicious of you. Why, he thinks you're an angel.
Molly Well, don't you?
John No. I think you're a little devil. And after all that, what's more interesting?
Al Stone
Now, now. Now, now. Now, look. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Now, wait a minute. Now, wait a minute. Now, look.
Now, I'm gonna quit singing for a few minutes, see? And, then, I'll come back. I gotta have a little rest, you understand? I'll sing a sounder song.
But, in the meantime, we'll have a little dance. Now, look, stand close together when you dance, because the place is crowded, and if you're close together, why... Well, anyway, let your conscience be your guide.
Ready, boys? One, two...
Al Stone
Al Stone Hey! Hey, friend! Listen, you've come here to dance—to dance! Well, keep dancing, I'll tell you. None of that, haha!
Al Stone Well, brother, you're sure putting it on. And how if your wife saw you! And how!
Al Stone
Al Stone That's all. That's all! Come on, folks. No more. No more. Now look, folks. No more dancing for a little while. You know, you've gotta go back to those tables and pour their ginger ale. Because, after all, you know, the cover checks must suffer. Hahahaha!
Reserved
Al Stone Uh-uh. Just a moment, Carl, old boy. I want to tell you something. And kind of take it the way I give it to you. As long as you work here, old boy, remember this—this table's reserved for my wife.
Carl All right. Pardon me, Mr. Stone, but it's so late now, I really didn't think she was coming tonight.
Al Stone Well, it is a little late, but she'll be here. Don't worry, old boy.
Carl She's a mighty fine woman for you.
Al Stone You bet. Now, one drink?
Al Stone Hello, baby.
Molly Hello.
Al Stone Oh, sweetheart, I was worried. I didn't think you were coming.
Al Stone Hello, John.
John Hello, Al.
Al Stone I wanna tell you, it's mighty nice of you to take care of Molly while I'm working.
John Well, I can't imagine a nicer way of doing you a favor.
Al Stone Oh, boy. You know all the answers, don't you?
Carl Right this way, Mr. Stone, please.
To my darling wife— More beautiful than these — Love,
Al
Molly Al, they're beautiful!
Al Stone You like them?
Molly You're so thoughtful.
Al Stone How could anybody help but being thoughtful of a little wife like you are!
Al Stone Honey? Will you do something for me tonight? Just look around you. Everybody is daffy about you. They're all, well...they can't keep their eyes off of you. Remember that little song, that I sang at the piano last Wednesday night at home?
Molly Mhm.
Al Stone And you thought it was so good? "True Blue"? Will you sing it tonight here? Come on, baby, what do you say?
Molly Do you think the audience can stand it?
Al Stone Oh, do I think they can stand it? Why, baby, if you chirp that ditty tonight, you'll knock them for a loop! Come on, say "yes," will you, honey?
Molly All right.
Al Stone I'll introduce you to the gang.
Al Stone Hey, hey! Hey, hey! What a night. Folks, give me your attention. You ain't heard nothing yet. Who do you think we have here tonight? None other than the pet and the toast of Broadway, Miss Molly Winton.
Al Stone Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Wait a minute! You ain't heard nothing yet. Many a coo-coo here tonight will get jealous when I tell them this—Miss Winton in private life, boys, I am proud to say, is none other than my wife!
Al Stone Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Don't laugh. It'll all go on your cover charges. And, tonight, my friends, I want to tell you, I have a big surprise for you. Miss Winton has promised to sing my brand new song, "True Blue". All right, baby?
Molly's song was "True Blue"; but her indifferent attitude toward Al was apparent to him.
Sonny Boy Boo!
Al Stone Hahahaha! My big man! Come on, kiss him more. More, more, more. Do you love your daddy?
Sonny Boy Yes.
Al Stone Hahaha.
Sonny Boy Yes, Daddy.
Al Stone "Yes, Daddy." Whose big man? Whose big man?
Sonny Boy Yours.
Al Stone Mine. Hug me tight. Oh! Oh! You're hurting me! Oh, you're a bear. Hahahahaha! Oh, I love you. What would I do without you?
Al Stone Now, this little piggy, where'd he go?
Sonny Boy He went to market.
Al Stone That one went to market. And that one?
Sonny Boy That one went to bakery.
Al Stone That one went toward bakery. So, sweetheart, I wanna ask you something. If I gave you a rabbit, and Mama gave you a rabbit, how many rabbits would you have?
Sonny Boy Three.
Al Stone Three?
Sonny Boy Yes.
Al Stone Oh, no, darling, you're wrong. If I gave you a rabbit, and Mama gave you a rabbit, how many rabbits would you have?
Sonny Boy Three.
Al Stone No, no, no, dear. Mama gave you a rabbit, that's one, and I gave you a rabbit, that's two. How do you make it three?
Sonny Boy Because we have one.
Al Stone Oh, you have one, hahahaha! Now do you wanna hear a bedtime story, baby?
Sonny Boy Yes.
Al Stone What'll it be? The one about Jack and the Beanstalk?
Sonny Boy No.
Al Stone No? Now, how about the one about Little Red Riding Hood?
Sonny Boy No.
Al Stone Puss in the Boots?
Sonny Boy No.
Al Stone Well, there aren't so many more. Let's see... Oh, how about the one about the two little frogs?
Sonny Boy And I love that story.
Al Stone Huh?
Sonny Boy A good story.
Al Stone
It's a good story, yes, the one about the two little frogs.
Once upon a time, there were two little frogs sitting on a log, and one little frog had a headache, see? And the other little frog said, "Why don't you take some aspirin?" So the little frog said, "I'm too sick to go for an aspirin!"
Well, there was a little turtle sitting there. You know what a turtle is, darling.
Sonny Boy No.
Al Stone You don't know what a turtle is?
Sonny Boy No.
Al Stone Well, then, I can speak freely. Well, anyway, so the little turtle says, "I'll go for the aspirin." See, dear? Well, they waited a month, two months, six months, a year, and the turtle never came back with the aspirin. The little frog who had the headache felt terrible. You can understand that, can't you, dear?
Sonny Boy Yes.
Al Stone Oh, sure, sure. So, the little frog said, "Oh, that bad little turtle! He's no good, imagining me being so ill, and him not coming with the aspirin." And he called the turtle a lot of names. You see?
Sonny Boy Yes.
Al Stone Well, the turtle was behind a rock, and heard what the little frog said, and lifted up his little head and said, "I heard what you said about me! Now, just for that, I won't go for the aspirin."
Sonny Boy Hahahahahaha!
Al Stone
Hahahahahahahaha! Oh, isn't that wonderful? Yes. Now, darling, I'm gonna tell you a little bedtime story, and I want to see you go to sleep. Now, it's very late, and I really think it's time for you to go to bed.
Once upon a time, there were two great big goblins, a Papa Goblin and a Mama Goblin. And a little girl, every day, had to go and bring her daddy's lunch. Life would be good.
Well, one day, Papa Goblin saw this little girl and said to himself, "I want her in my house." But, the little girl wasn't afraid, because every day, the fairy prince used to come in the woods, and he would protect her.
Oh, all of a sudden, as the little girl was going through the woods, what do you think happened? The fairy prince came along, and he took his sword, and he killed the big old goblin. Naturally... Big old goblin.
Al Stone Molly, may I pay you a little compliment tonight? Molly, tonight you look more beautiful than ever.
Molly Please, Al, I'm awfully tired.
Al Stone I'm sorry.
Molly Are you gonna sit there and moan all night?
Al Stone What's the matter, honey?
Molly Oh, nothing's the matter.
Al Stone Oh, there must be something the matter. I don't know, you don't act like yourself lately.
Molly Go to sleep. I'm tired.
Al Stone Molly, haven't you everything in the world to live for? Haven't you a nice home, fine clothes, jewelry, a darling little baby, and my love?
Molly Al, let's not get into a gab fest at this hour of the night.
Al Stone Molly, listen to me, honey. You act...as if you don't love me anymore!
Molly Stop it, Al.
Al Stone
If you don't mind, I'd like to talk to you for a little while tonight—something I want to say to you. I just don't know how to say it.
You don't seem to realize that if it weren't for me, you wouldn't be the star of The Marcus Review. I've sat up night after night, writing songs to put you on top, while I stayed in the background.
And another thing—I didn't want to tell you this, but you force me—your extravagance has got me crazy! Don't turn away—you're gonna hear it and like it!
New this, new that, and last week a new car! I'm in debt, I tell you! I owe everybody in town! Deep in debt!
Molly Al, I'm in no mood to listen to a sob story.
Al Stone You're gonna be in a mood and you're gonna listen to it! Now, listen, we're going to come to an understanding tonight once and for all, you understand? Now, I wanna tell you one thing.
Sonny Boy Daddy!
Al Stone Don't you know little boys shouldn't run around with their bare feet? You're liable to catch a cold, darling.
Al Stone Why are you up with your matches, Daddy? Are you scared of something?
Al Stone No, I'm not afraid—I'm afraid of you catching cold, running around with your bare tootsies. God bless you. Now, sweetheart, I think we'd better get back to bed. Don't you wanna kiss Mama goodnight?
Sonny Boy Yes.
Al Stone All right, darling.
Sonny Boy All right.
Sonny Boy Goodnight, Mama.
Molly Goodnight, dear. Go to bed and be a good boy.
Sonny Boy I will.
Al Stone Now, we're going right in there, and we're gonna look for the Sandman, huh, darling?
Sonny Boy All right.
Al Stone Mhm.
Al Stone What's the matter, sweetheart?
Sonny Boy I'm not sleepy, Daddy.
Al Stone Oh, you're not sleepy? Why, darling, you should be in bed and asleep at this hour of the night. Don't you know you won't grow up to be a great big boy? You want me to sing you to sleep, darling?
Sonny Boy Yes. Sing me a song about Sonny Boy.
Al Stone Oh, bless you. You want me to sing you that song about Sonny Boy?
Al Stone Well, you put your arms around Daddy's neck, and I'll sing for you, darling.
Al Stone Bless you. I'll sing for you, darling.
Al Stone
The New Year always kindles old loves——and brings new hopes.
Happy New Year
Reserved
Al Stone Hello. Hello. Murray Hills 6943.
Al Stone Yes, 43. 43, yeah, and hurry, please.
Henny Hello?
Al Stone
Oh, hello, Molly. Molly, darling, I just called up to tell you, honey, that it's all my fault about our little quarrel yesterday. And I promise you, sweetheart, if you forgive me, well, I'll never quarrel with you again. Oh, I was a little excited. I don't know, one of my numbers probably went wrong down here at the café.
Listen, honey, in a few minutes it'll be twelve o'clock. And they're gonna ring in the New Year, and ring out the old one. Baby, listen, will you do something for me? Jump in a taxi, and come over here. And, honey, I've got a table reserved for you, we'll spread a couple of bottles of cider, and, baby, when the clock strikes twelve we'll make whoopee. What do you say, honey? Come over, won't you?
Henny This is the maid, Mr. Stone.
Al Stone The maid? Haha! I guess I might be excited. I thought it was Mrs. Stone. Listen, will you get my wife on the phone? Hurry up, will you? Come on, honey, get my wife.
Henny Well, Mrs. Stone has left, sir.
Al Stone Mrs. Stone has left? Oh, I see. She's on the way over here, huh?
Al Stone Hello. Hello, you say she's on her way over here?
Man Call your husband now. Call him up, and tell him to come over whenever he's not stoned.
Al Stone Hey, listen, will you folks wait a couple of minutes? I've a very important phone call. Just a moment.
Woman I'll call him, and, oh boy, what I'll call him.
Al Stone Hello. Hello. Hello, you say Mrs. Stone is coming over here?
Al Stone What? She's left...and she...took... Oh, no, no, no! Don't say that. She took the baby?
Woman Lester 1559, please.
Al Stone Oh, please, please, please!
Man What's the matter with you, now? Can't you get a girl? Huh?
Al Stone Oh, now, listen; now, listen; now, listen; have the booth to yourself, just give me a moment.
Al Stone Hello. Hello, listen. Henny, did you say she took the baby? She packed everything, and took Sonny with her? Oh, such a fine New Year! I'll be over in a half an hour.
Woman Hello, is my husband there?
"Why didn't you stop her?"
"I tried to—but she wouldn't listen!"
I am leaving. I tried to love you, but it just wasn't meant to be.
I am taking Sonny with me, as I am sure you will agree that a child of his age is better off with his mother.
Forgive, if you can—and, by all means, forget.
Hastily,
Molly.
The heavy heart is not attuned to song.
Al Stone Bill, I want to ask a favor of you.
Bill You know me, Al. What's on your mind?
Al Stone Well, I don't know how to, oh, say this, because it's a little tough for me. I want you to let me out of my contract.
Bill Al, has anybody made you a better offer?
Al Stone Oh, no, that isn't it. You know, I'd rather work for you for nothing, than be paid by anybody else. But, I wanna get away for a few weeks. I've gotta have a rest, that's the whole thing.
Bill Kid, don't you think you're foolish to quit when you're on the top?
Al Stone Well, maybe I am, Bill, but...I don't feel like myself lately. I get out there and try to sing a song, and the crowd, with the gang, and...I'm not funny. I'm sad. Oh, I don't have to tell you what it is. You know. I'm all shot to pieces, that's the whole thing.
Bill Listen, kid, I'm your pal. Tell me, are you going to let that dame ruin you?
Al Stone Oh, Bill, let's leave her out of it, please.
Bill Sorry. I wouldn't hurt you, kid.
Molly Winton, Stage Star, Plans Paris Divorce
Molly Winton
Interviewed at the Buckingham Arms today, prior to sailing for France, Miss Winton confirmed the rumor that she would seek a Paris divorce from her husband, Al Stone, song writer and Broadway's favorite
Al Stone Hello. Hello. Ryan 2398.
Al Stone Hello. Is this the Buckingham Arms Apartments? Please connect me with Miss...Mrs. Stone's apartment, please. Yeah.
Molly's maid Hello?
Al Stone Hello. Is this Mrs. Stone's apartment?
Molly's maid Yes.
Al Stone Will you please tell Mrs. Stone that Mr. Stone would like to talk to her?
Molly's maid Just a moment, please.
Molly's maid Telephone, Mrs. Stone.
Molly Hello?
Al Stone Hello, Molly. This is Al. Listen, is that right what I read in this afternoon paper, about you sailing for Paris at four o'clock this afternoon?
Molly Yes, it's true.
Al Stone Well, I just called you up, and wanted to wish you good luck on your journey. And, listen, dear, isn't there some way we can start all over again?
Molly No, Al, let's not go through that again.
Al Stone Well, then, Molly, listen, you can't go away without me seeing my boy. I wanna see Sonny before you take him away. I wanna bid him goodbye. Molly, can't I see Sonny?
Molly There's hardly time, Al. We're leaving shortly.
Al Stone Oh, well, I know, but he's the only thing left in the world for me to live for. Why, if it wasn't for him, gee whiz, I don't know what I'd do, Molly. Please. Oh, Molly, you've gotta let me see my boy!
Molly Oh, just a minute.
Molly It's Al. He wants to see Sonny before we leave. What shall I do?
John Oh, let him see the kid. But don't have him up here, because I'd rather not face him.
Sonny Boy Hi, there, Daddy. Why don't you never come see Sonny Boy no more?
Al Stone Oh, this is Daddy, Sonny. There's my little man!
Sonny Boy Daddy.
Molly Hello. I'll have Sonny in the park, the spot where he always plays.
Al Stone Molly, when are you gonna send him?
Molly Immediately, but you must give me a word of honor that you'll send him back.
Al Stone I promise.
Al Stone Bye.
Bill Well, kid, do you still want to quit?
Al Stone More now than ever.
"We've only a few minutes, Mr. Stone."
"Did you miss your old Daddy?"
"Why you sad Daddy?"
Wouldn't you like to stay with me?"
Uh-huh—but I pwomised to go back to Mama."
A body travels faster going down than it does going up——especially when the downward journey is weighted with despair.
Blackie Joe's
"Is that bird over there spotting the joint?"
"Hey, bo—got a match?"
"Well, if it ain't Al! Where you been hidin' all these months?"
"How you been doing, Al?
"Oh, I've been doing fine."
"Come on up and have dinner with me."
"Thanks, Blackie—I've just had a big dinner."
"Then come on up and watch your old pal eat."
I've got some good news. Marcus has been paging you all over town for months.
"Nix, Blackie——I'm all washed up——the old bean won't work anymore."
"Sure glad to see you, Al. This joint ain't the same without you."
"You remember Al Stone, don't you Grace?"
"He's in my office now—"
"—go in and cheer him up. Tell him he's got to get on his feet."
Al Stone
Grace Al!
Al Stone Grace!
Grace Gee, I'm glad to see you again!
Al Stone Oh, honey, I'm glad to see you.
Grace And Blackie tells me you're going back with Marcus.
Al Stone No. Mighty sweet of Blackie to say that, but I'm not going back with anyone. As far as I'm concerned, stage and I...well, we're through.
Grace Oh, Al, you can't quit. You've got everything in the world to live for. Don't you believe that song you were singing?
Al Stone Song? Why, I don't even remember singing a song.
Grace It was something about smiling at trouble. And that's what you've got to do.
Al Stone Oh, what's the use? Gee whiz! Nobody cared!
Grace Al, your boy cares.
Al Stone Oh, I hope so. Why, Grace, if it hadn't been for him, I don't know, I just couldn't have gone on living.
Grace Go on living, Al. Believe that song. Smile at trouble!
Al Stone You know, Grace, those are the first words of encouragement I've had in a long time. Oh, it's been mighty lonely. I'd like to ask a little favor of you. Would you mind if...if I walked home with you tonight?
Grace Oh, Al, I'd love it!
Al Stone Then, honey, I'm not only gonna smile at trouble. If you just help me a little bit, I'll laugh at trouble.
Determined to make Sonny proud of him——and inspired by Grace's friendship——Al again skyrocketed to stardom.
"You're early tonight Mr. Stone."
"Well, you know—it's the early worm that gets the bird."
It's all right—it's Kosher."
Stage
1
Assistant Why is this place average?
Al Stone Uh-huh. But you again, eh? I never saw a man in my life sleep as much as you do.
Assistant One thing I can say, Mr. Stone, when a man's sleeping, he ain't getting in no trouble.
Al Stone All right, son. When a man is sleeping, he's not getting into any trouble. But be careful, where you sleep. Hahahahahaha!
Al Stone Say, Grace. Listen, honey, do we know of anybody at the Rollerville Hospital who may be ill or something?
Grace Why, no, Al, I haven't heard of anyone we know being ill.
Al Stone Well, I've got a notice here that says, "Call up Rollerville Hospital, Room 508." I wonder who it could be.
Assistant It must be important, Mr. Stone. They've been calling you a dozen times.
Al Stone Really?
Al Stone See who's at the door.
Deliverer For Mr. Stone—very important.
Grace Why, Al, dear! What's wrong?
Al Stone Sonny Boy—he's very ill. I'm going to the hospital.
Al Stone Hi. I'm Mr. Stone. May I see my boy, please?
Nurse Yes, Mr. Stone.
Sonny Boy How's it been for you, old Daddy?
Al Stone Oh, I've been all around, sweetheart. I've been everywhere.
Sonny Boy Don't be all cruel sad, Daddy, now, for me.
Al Stone I'm not sad, darling. I'm...I'm so happy to see you. That's why I look this way.
Sonny Boy Take me, Daddy?
Al Stone What, dear?
Al Stone You want me to take you?
Al Stone Is it all right, Doctor?
Doctor Yes.
Al Stone All right, little man. I'll take you.
Al Stone Thank you so much.
Sonny Boy Daddy?
Al Stone What, dear?
Sonny Boy Sing me a song about Sonny Boy. Then, I'm gonna be a good boy, and go to sleep.
Al Stone All right, darling, I will.
Al Stone
Al Stone Shh! He's asleep. He's asleep.
Al Stone
Al Stone Doctor, you'll do everything in your power, won't you?
Doctor Rest assured, I will do everything that I can.
Al Stone Thanks. And, I'll be back, the minute the show is over.
508
Molly Ahh!!!
Molly Al!
Al Stone Sonny Boy...is gone!
Grace I'll see the manager, Al.
Al Stone No. No, please don't, honey. I'll make it. I've gotta go on, now. I'll feel bad if I...if I wouldn't.
Grace I think I'd better.
Grace Mr. White, you shouldn't let Al go on tonight. His boy has died.
Mr. White Oh, that's too bad. I'm really sorry about that, but I'm only the stage manager here, and my job's to keep the show going.
Grace Oh, but he's terribly abrupt now.
Mr. White Sean, get down and call on Mr. Stone again.
Sean Yes, sir.
Mr. White He's our arms trooper, and he'll go through with it.
Sean Oh, Mr. Stone. They're ready for you.
Al Stone Tell them...I'll be there, and not to worry about me. Just tell them I'll be there.
Mr. White Come on, boys, get ready for Al's act.
Grace Won't you please?
Sean I've called him, but he seems like he's drunk.
Mr. White That's all right, son, he'll be up.
Al Stone Tell them to change that song.
Mr. White Why, Al, that's your hit song.
Al Stone I know it is. But, I can't sing it tonight. Don't you understand that a song about...my baby, and tonight my baby...oh!
Mr. White I understand, Al, but I think if you went out there and sang, you'd feel a lot better.
Al Stone Well, all right, I'll try.
Al Stone Please, play that again, will you?
Al Stone
Al Stone Please, I can't make it, I tell you!
Al Stone
Mr. White Take a bow, Al! Take a bow!
Grace You'd better call a doctor.
Al Stone I'm all right. I'm all right.
Mr. White I'm sorry I sent you out there, Al.
Al Stone I'm not. I'm glad, you know? I was a quitter once. But now I know I'll never quit again. And as long as there are people who will listen to me, I'm gonna keep on singing.
Grace I'm prouder of you now, Al, than I ever was.
Al Stone Thanks, honey. And if you always stick, well, I know that everything is gonna be all right.
The End A Warner Brothers Vitaphone Production
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929.
Copyright law abroad tends to consider the following people authors of a film:
* The principal director
* The screenwriter, and/or other writers of dialogue
* The composer/lyricist (if the film is accompanied by sound)
* The cinematographer
* By extension, the authors of any works that may serve as the basis for a film's plot
The longest-living of these authors died in 1984, so this work is in the public domain in countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 39 years or less. This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.
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