c is for (1)

C is for cat in words and picture.

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  • Nice, fun, mostly logical puzzle! Thanks! ~:)
    March 1, 2013, 12:04 am
  • Thanks.
    August 19, 2016, 11:36 pm
  • Thanks.
    March 19, 2018, 3:37 am
  • Again and after solving 2 of these before I can now write "is for" right off the bat.
    October 9, 2018, 11:41 am
  • We want Pollitt. Brick Pollitt.







    We want Pollitt.







    Brick Pollitt.







    Don't you do that!







    I'm warning you, Trixie.







    Gooper!







    Can't you stop your child

    from putting her hands in the ice cream?







    Couldn't you at least wash your hands

    before you did that?







    Maggie!







    You stop that!







    How could you do that to a child?







    Like this, honey.







    Did you see what she did?







    I told her to wash her hands first.







    One of those no-neck monsters

    hit me with some ice cream.







    Why do you call Gooper's kiddies

    "no-neck monsters"?







    Because your brother's children

    have got no necks.







    Their fat little heads sit on their fat bodies

    without a bit of connection.







    That's too bad.







    Especially 'cause, if they have no necks

    you can't wring them. Right, honey?







    Here we are!







    Come on, Buster, Sonny.







    Go get in the car. We're all going to go.







    Did you ever hear so many dog's names

    tagged on to children?







    They've got five monsters

    and number six coming up.







    They've brought the whole bunch here

    like animals to display at a county fair.







    It's so obvious, it's disgusting.







    It's obvious what they're up to.







    What are they up to, Maggie?







    I'll tell you what they're up to, boy of mine.







    They're up to cutting you out

    of your father's estate.







    Everybody knows Big Daddy's...







    ...dying of...







    I ought to send Sister Woman a bill

    for a new pair of stockings.







    Do we?







    Do we what?







    Know that Big Daddy is dying of...







    Don't you believe it?







    You'll know soon enough.







    Suppose he is?







    There's some things you've got to face.







    There's some things in this world

    you've simply got to face.







    Why was Big Daddy in that horrible clinic

    for six weeks...







    ...if the examination didn't show anything?







    Why did Brother Man bring his whole tribe

    down here in this sticky heat?







    And why so many allusions

    to you and Rainbow Hill?







    You know what Rainbow Hill is?







    It's a place that's famous for treating

    famous alcoholics and dope fiends.







    I'm not famous.







    No...







    ...and you don't take dope.







    Otherwise you'd be a perfect candidate

    for Rainbow Hill.







    That's where Brother Man's

    going to tell Big Daddy to ship you.







    Over my dead body!







    Rainbow Hill.







    With you out of the way,

    Gooper gets hold of the estate...







    ...signs the checks, and cuts off our credit

    whenever he wants.







    How'd you like that, baby?







    You're doing just about everything...







    ...to aid and abet them

    in grabbing control, after Big Daddy...







    Well, you are.







    Quitting work,

    devoting yourself to drinking!







    Breaking your ankle last night

    on the high school field.







    Brick?







    We've got one thing on our side.







    No, two things.







    Are my seams straight?







    Big Daddy dotes on you, honey.







    He just can't stand Brother Man

    and his wife...







    ...that fertility monster.

    She's odious to him.







    I can tell.







    Just like I can tell he likes me.







    That's the second thing

    we've got on our side.







    He likes me.







    The way he looks me up and down,

    and over...







    He's still got an eye for girls.







    That kind of talk is disgusting.







    Anybody ever tell you

    you were a back-aching Puritan?







    I think it's mighty fine how that old fellow,

    on death's doorstep...







    ...takes in my shape with what

    I consider deserved appreciation.







    Gooper still cherishes the illusion

    he took a giant step up the social ladder...







    ...when he married Mae Flynn

    of the no-neck Memphis Flynns...







    ...because she was queen

    of the Cotton Carnival.







    I can just see Gooper

    falling for Her Majesty...







    ...sitting on that brass throne,

    riding that tacky float down Main Street...







    ...smiling and bowing, and blowing kisses

    to all the trash on the street.







    You know what happened to her?







    No, what happened to her?







    Somebody spat tobacco juice in her face.







    Some drunk at the Hotel Gayoso

    leaned out the window and said:







    "Hey, Queenie! "







    Sister Mae looked up and smiled

    and waved...







    ...and that drunk shot a squirt

    of tobacco juice...







    ...right in her face.







    Why are you looking at me like that?







    Like what?







    Like you were just looking.







    I wasn't conscious of looking at you.







    I was conscious of it.







    - Lf you were thinking the same thing...

    - No, Maggie!







    - Why not?

    - Will you please keep your voice down?







    No!







    I know you better than you think.







    I've seen that look before...







    ...and I know what it used to mean.







    - And it still means the same thing now.

    - You're not the same woman now, Maggie.







    Don't you think I know that?







    - Don't you think I know...

    - Know what, Maggie?







    That I've gone through

    this horrible transformation.







    I've become hard and frantic and cruel.







    Are you planning on meeting

    Big Daddy's plane?







    I get so lonely.







    Everybody gets that.







    Living with somebody you love can be...







    ...lonelier than living entirely alone...







    ...when the one you love doesn't love you.







    You can't even stand

    drinking out of the same glass, can you?







    Would you like to live alone?







    No!







    No, I wouldn't.







    Why can't you lose your good looks, Brick?







    Most drinking men lose theirs.







    Why can't you?







    I think you've even got better looking

    since you went on the bottle.







    You were such a wonderful lover.







    You'll be late!







    You were so exciting to be in love with.







    Mostly, I guess, because you were...







    If I thought you'd...







    ...never make love to me again...







    ...I'd find the longest, sharpest knife

    and stick it straight into my heart.







    I'd do that.







    How long does this have to go on,

    this punishment?







    Haven't I served my term?

    Can I get a pardon?







    Your finishing-school voice sounds like

    you were running upstairs to say, "Fire! "







    Is it any wonder?







    You know what I feel like?







    I feel all the time like a cat

    on a hot tin roof.







    Then jump off the roof, Maggie.







    Cats jump off roofs and land uninjured.

    Do it. Jump.







    Jump where?







    Into what?







    Take a lover.







    I don't deserve that!







    I can't see any man but you.







    Even with my eyes closed, I just see you.







    Why can't you get ugly, Brick?







    Why can't you get fat or ugly or something,

    so I can stand it?







    You'll make out fine.

    Your kind always does.







    I'm more determined than you think.







    I'll win all right.







    Win what?







    What is the victory

    of a cat on a hot tin roof?







    Just staying on it, I guess...







    ...as long as she can.







    Calm down. Not yet. Now wait a minute.







    Where are the flowers?







    Aren't you putting it on a little thick?







    Get ready, now!







    Mama, she didn't bring anything

    for Big Daddy.







    Pretty seedy looking flowers

    for Big Daddy, huh, Gooper?







    I picked them myself.







    Looks like she picked them off a grave.







    Don't talk about graves when we don't

    know if Big Daddy's going to live or die.







    Get ready.







    Hello, Mae.







    Hello, children.







    Doc, isn't it great?







    Kiss me!







    Kiss your grandmother.







    Darling Big Daddy!







    You look fine, Big Daddy.







    Doc, do you want to tell them the news?







    The exploratory operation proved

    there's nothing wrong with Big Daddy.







    Nothing at all!







    Just a spastic colon. And that's all.







    - Great news!

    - Isn't that great news?







    That's the best birthday present of all.







    Where's Brick?







    Uncle Brick got drunk and broke his leg.







    - How?

    - What's that?







    Got drunk again and tried to jump

    the high hurdles at : AM.







    That poor boy still thinks he's an athlete.







    Couldn't keep it out of the local paper.







    AP got hold of it too.







    Yeah, and UP...







    ...and thanks to your professional

    legal advice, every other P.







    Let's go home.







    Don't you want to ride with the children?







    No!







    He's his sassy old self again, all right!







    Be quiet, woman!







    Hush up!







    Welcome home, Cap'n Pollitt.







    I'm going to live, Maggie. I'm going to live.







    They had me real scared.







    I've wasted so much time.







    I've got a million different kinds

    of feelings left in me.







    And I'm going to use them.

    I'm going to use them all.







    Why did you and Brick

    suddenly drive up from New Orleans?







    For your birthday, what else?







    I had one last year and the year before.

    Didn't see you then.







    You know how Brick is sometimes.







    Maybe he thought he was coming

    to my funeral instead.







    Brick loves you! He does!







    But does he love you?







    What do you want? Proof?







    If I was married to you three years...







    ...you'd have the living proof.







    You'd have three kids

    and a fourth in the oven.







    Get me out of this. I want to talk to Brick.







    He wants some more ice, Miss Margaret.







    "We love you when we're with you







    "And we love you out of sight







    "Big Mama, too"







    I've got news, honey!







    Big news.







    Big Daddy's going to live.







    That's right, he's a well man.







    That's what Big Mama said and Dr. Baugh

    was right there with them.







    You should've seen Mae and Gooper's face.







    They almost dropped dead

    from shock themselves.







    He's all right?







    Feeling like ...







    ...and talking like .







    And we can drive back

    to New Orleans tonight.







    - I'm taking no chances on moving you.

    - I won't break.







    Or letting them poison

    Big Daddy's mind against you.







    I just want you to get dressed

    and come to Big Daddy's birthday party.







    First thing Big Daddy asked about was you.







    Big Daddy! Now what makes him so big?







    His big heart, his big belly...







    ...or his big money?







    The heat has made you cross.







    Give me my crutch.







    Why don't you put on

    your silk pyjamas, honey...







    ...and come on down to the party?







    There's a lovely cool breeze.







    Give me my crutch, Maggie.







    Lean on me, baby.







    You've got a nice smell about you.







    - Was your bathwater cool?

    - No.







    I know something

    that would make you cool and fresh.







    Alcohol rub.







    Cologne.







    No thanks. We'd smell alike.







    Like a couple of cats in the heat.







    It's cool on the lawn.







    I am not going down there.

    Not for you and not for Big Daddy!







    At least give him this present...







    ...that I remembered to buy for you,

    for his birthday.







    Just write a few words on this card.







    You write something.







    It's got to be your handwriting.

    It's your present.







    I didn't get him a present.







    What's the difference?







    If there's no difference, you write the card!







    - And have him know you didn't remember?

    - I didn't remember!







    You don't have to prove it to him!







    Just write, "Love, Brick"...







    ...for heaven's sake!







    - You've got to.

    - I don't have to do anything!







    You forget the conditions I agreed on

    to stay living with you!







    I'm not living with you.

    We occupy the same cage, that's all!







    That's the first time you've raised

    your voice in a long time.







    A crack in the stone wall?







    I think that's a fine sign. Mighty fine.







    What did you do that for?







    To give us a little privacy for a while.







    Don't make a fool of yourself.







    I don't mind making a fool

    of myself over you.







    I mind. I feel embarrassed for you.







    Feel embarrassed!







    I can't live on this way.







    - You agreed to accept that condition!

    - I know I did, but I can't!







    Let go.







    Let go, Maggie!







    Son!







    We've got the most wonderful news

    about Big Daddy!







    What's this door doing locked?







    You think there's robbers in the house?







    Brick's getting dressed, Big Mama.







    He's still getting dressed.







    It won't be the first time

    I've seen Brick not dressed.







    Open this door.







    Brick, honey!







    Sweetheart, how does your leg feel?







    Come out of there. I want to give you

    the news about Big Daddy.







    I told him already.







    I just hate locked doors in the house.







    I know you do

    but people need privacy, don't they?







    No, ma'am, not in my house.







    What did you take this off for?

    It looked so sweet on you.







    Not sweet enough

    for Big Daddy's birthday party.







    Out!







    Out, you little monster!







    Mae and Gooper are so touchy

    about their children.







    You hardly even dare suggest

    there's any room for improvement.







    Brick, hurry on out!







    Shoot, Maggie, you just don't like children.







    Why that's not true. I adore them.







    Well brought up.







    Why not have some, then,

    and bring them up well?







    - Instead of picking on theirs?

    - Big Mama!







    Hugh and Betsy have got to go.

    They're waiting to say goodbye.







    I'll be right down.

    Tell them to hold their horses.







    Where's Brick?







    What you said about having children...







    It's still kind of a secret, but...







    Shoot, Maggie! Stop playing so dumb.







    Is he still drinking this stuff much?







    - He may have had a little highball.

    - Don't laugh about it.







    Some men stop drinking when they marry.

    Others start.







    - He never drank before...

    - That's not fair!







    Fair or not, I want to ask you a question.







    Do you make Brick happy?







    Well?







    - Why don't you ask if he makes me happy?

    - I know...







    It works both ways.







    Something ain't right.

    You're childless and my son drinks.







    - We're leaving, Big Mama.

    - I'm coming!







    When a marriage goes on the rocks...







    ...the rocks are there, right there!







    Goodbye, Ida.







    I'm coming.







    That's not fair.







    All right, I'm coming.







    Is Brick here?







    I thought I'd check his ankle.







    Is it giving him much pain?







    You know how Brick is, Doc.

    He hardly ever complains.







    Even when he had

    that awful back injury in football.







    Brick's birthday present for Big Daddy.







    I think they're fixing

    to sit down at the table.







    You forgot to write out the card, honey.







    Thanks, Doc.







    Can I get you something cool?







    No, thanks.







    How's the ankle?







    Itches some.







    Funny, that's the same leg

    you tore a muscle in the...







    'Bama State.







    Twenty-one to...







    Nothing.







    You miss football, don't you?







    Hurt much when you put weight on it?







    Some.







    Yeah, you were quite a team,

    you and Skipper.







    What is it, Doc?







    You didn't leave that party

    to come up and discuss my health.







    That's right.







    - I've already heard the good news...

    - It's bad news.







    It's what we expected.







    It's malignant and it's terminal.







    He hasn't a chance.







    - But Maggie said, and Big Mama...

    - Lies.







    I lied to them.







    I lied to him, too.







    Professional ethics.







    Gooper?







    I told him the truth

    coming in from the airfield.







    He's going to die.







    He's going to die.







    "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam"







    What kind of truth is that?







    "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam







    "To shine for him each day







    "In every way try to please him







    "At home, at school, at play







    "A sunbeam







    "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam







    "A sunbeam, a sunbeam







    "I'll be a sunbeam for him"







    Amen!







    - Did you like the singing, Big Daddy?

    - Pass the black-eyed peas.







    Look at Big Daddy eat!

    Ain't it something to thank your stars for?







    They've been practicing just for you.







    Tell them to sit and eat.







    - Children, come on.

    - Over there!







    Yeah. Over there.







    Look here. Telegrams!







    Hundreds of them from every corner

    of this great state...







    Wishing you happy birthday.







    Do you want me to read them?







    One from the governor and the senator...







    It must be getting on to election time,

    hey, Deacon?







    Let's remember,

    we're all lambs in the same pasture.







    Everybody, including Big Daddy,

    owes thanks to those in high places who...







    Gave us nothing!







    Every scrap on this table was raised

    right here on this place, Deacon.







    I made a pastureland out of this place

    when it was nothing but a swamp.







    And it was done with the help of God,

    and not any governor.







    Amen.







    "Boom, boom and it makes me crazy"







    Great balls of fire!







    Surprise!







    - What are they up to now?

    - It's part of the entertainment.







    Don't they get any intermission?







    That's funny!







    That's very funny!







    He don't mean it, Sister Woman.







    - He loves children!

    - Of course he does!







    Will you put some honey on this?







    They're all Pollitts,

    I'm proud to say, every one of them.







    I know Big Daddy's

    just as proud as we are...







    ...that there's a flesh-and-blood dynasty...







    ...waiting to take over.







    That's no way to talk.







    What way?







    "Take over." When we all know...







    ...Big Daddy's going to live

    to be at least .







    I'll drink to that!







    Anytime, anyplace, anywhere!







    To Big Daddy!







    In the name of every person

    in this county...







    ...in the name of the church

    and school board, the board of trustees...







    ...felicitations on your th birthday.







    Brick, honey,

    I brought you something to eat.







    I'm not hungry.







    What's that supposed to mean?







    We're leaving.







    - We can't.

    - I can.







    - The party's coming up here to you.

    - I'll get one of the boys to drive me.







    You just can't walk out

    on Big Daddy's birthday party!







    Don't you care nothing about him?







    Get out of my way.







    Get out of my way, Maggie!







    You've got no cause to dislike him.







    Do I dislike him?







    It's obvious to everybody.

    Especially to him.







    What's he ever done to you?







    What?







    Why do you hate him so much?







    What's he ever done to you?







    Nothing.







    What was Dr. Baugh doing up here?







    What did he...







    That's right. Big Daddy is going to die.







    I don't believe that.







    Dr. Baugh wouldn't lie to Big Daddy.







    Wouldn't he, Maggie?







    Poor Big Daddy.







    I'm fond of him.







    I'm genuinely fond of that old man.







    I really am, you know.







    When he finds out...







    I wouldn't want to be the one to tell him.







    That's why you want to go now.







    Yeah, that's why I want to leave now.







    You've got to do this for me, Maggie.







    And leave the field to Gooper and his wife?







    No, sir!







    Let's face facts, baby.







    You're a drinker. That takes money.







    I don't want his money!







    Are you ready to settle for ten-cent beer?







    That's what Gooper'll dole out to you

    when they freeze you out.







    They've got a plan, baby.







    You should've heard them

    laying it on to Big Daddy. A mile a minute!







    Big Mama's already on their side.







    You're a drinker and I'm childless.







    We've got to beat that plan,

    we've just got to!







    I've been so...







    ...disgustingly poor all my life.







    That's the truth, Brick.







    Have you, Maggie?







    You don't know what it's like to have to...







    ...suck up to people you can't stand,

    just because they have money.







    You don't know what it's like...







    ...never having any clothes.







    That dress I married you in...







    ...was a hand-me-down

    from a snotty, rich cousin I hated.







    You can be young without money.







    But you can't be old without it.







    Where did I fail you?







    Where did I make my mistake?







    Make that your last drink

    until after the party...







    ...please, honey.







    I think I made my mistake

    when I tried to tell you about Skipper.







    That's my fatal error.







    - I never should...

    - Shut up about Skipper!







    I mean it! Shut up!







    The laws of silence won't work about that!







    Not about Skipper and us.







    It's like locking the door on a fire

    to forget the house is burning.







    Hey, everybody!







    But not looking at a fire doesn't put it out.







    This time I'm going to finish.

    That night in the hotel room, Skipper...







    I don't want to hear about it!







    Why won't you face the truth, just once...







    ...about Skipper, about me, about yourself?







    Are you bringing that party up here or not?







    Kit and caboodle, son.







    That won't do any good.

    I'm going to say this...







    ...and I don't care if it's in front of them.







    Do you want to be hit with this crutch?







    Are you still blaming me

    for Skipper's death?







    I could kill you with this crutch.







    Good Lord! Do you think I'd care?







    Skipper and I had a friendship.

    Why won't you let it alone?







    - It's got to be told!

    - I don't want to hear it!







    It's got to be told

    and you never let me tell it. I love you...







    ...and that's worth fighting for.

    Not Skipper!







    Skipper was no good!







    Maybe I'm no good.







    Nobody's good.







    But Skipper is dead!







    And I'm alive!







    Maggie the cat is alive!







    I'm alive!







    Why are you afraid of the truth?







    Truth?







    Little girl, somebody ought to teach you...







    ...to knock before you open a door.







    Otherwise, people might think

    you're lacking in good breeding.







    What's Uncle Brick doing on the floor?







    I tried to kill your Aunt Maggie...







    ...but I failed...







    ...and I fell. Little girl,

    would you hand me my crutch, please?







    What were you jumping high hurdles for?







    Because I used to, and people like to do

    what they used to do...







    ...after they've stopped being able to do it.







    That's right. And that's your answer.







    Now go away.







    Stop that, you little no-neck monster!







    You're just jealous

    because you can't have babies.







    You see?







    Mae and Gooper gloat over us

    being childless...







    ...even in front of their little

    no-neck monsters.







    I went to a doctor in Memphis.







    A gynaecologist.







    He says there's no reason

    why we can't have a child...







    ...whenever we want.







    - Are you listening?

    - Yes, Maggie, I hear you.







    But how in hell do you imagine

    you're going to have a child...







    ...by a man who cannot stand you?







    That, boy of mine...







    ...is a problem I'll just have to work out.







    Here comes that party, here we come!







    Here comes that birthday party!







    That's nice.







    The preacher almost cried when I told him

    I got a stained-glass memorial window.







    Who gave you that window, Deacon?







    Clyde Fletcher's widow,

    a generous woman of fine character.







    What someone should give our church

    is a cooling system.







    Yes, sir. Exactly my thought.







    Let's see, they've had the typhoid shots

    and the tetanus shots...







    ...diphtheria shots, hepatitis shots,

    polio shots.







    Gooper, what have all the kiddies

    been shot for?







    Everything but stealing chickens.







    Well, Brick?







    Congratulations, Big Daddy,

    on your birthday.







    - Bull!

    - Guess what memorial Gus's family gave?







    - A new house and basketball court...

    - Deacon!







    What's all this talk about

    memorial stained-glass windows?







    Figuring on somebody kicking off

    around here?







    How about some nice music

    to start the party off with?







    Turn that damn thing off!







    Where's my Brick?







    - Where's my precious baby?

    - Sorry, turn it back on.







    How does your leg feel, honey?







    Your hand was made for holding

    something better! Put that liquor down.







    - He is putting it down, all right!

    - Turn that off!







    How about a birthday kiss, honey?







    Hey, everybody, you know the first time

    Big Daddy kissed me, I fainted.







    It's a fact. Ain't that so, honey?







    Do you all know how he proposed to me?

    I was four months swole with Gooper...







    ...and Big Daddy said,

    "That's my kid, ain't it?"







    It was kind of funny.

    I'd never had a beau...







    ...till I met your father.

    He said, "I want that kid.







    "I need him.







    "He ain't going to have nobody else's name

    but mine. Let's get the preacher.







    "That's what marriage is for. Family."







    Children were mighty important

    to Big Daddy, even then.







    Ida, will you stop that yammering?







    That's just his manner of talking.

    He don't mean it.







    I've been his one and only lover,

    haven't I, sweetheart?







    Ida, will you keep quiet?







    Children, come on!







    Here comes Big Daddy's birthday!







    "Big Daddy's a jolly good fellow







    "Big Daddy's a jolly good fellow







    "And so is Big Mama, too







    "Big Daddy's a jolly good fellow







    "And so is Big Mama, too"







    - Ida, what the hell's the matter with you?

    - She's just so happy.







    I'm so happy.

    I've just got to cry or something.







    Big Daddy's percent...







    ...healthy!







    Aren't you going to give Big Daddy

    his birthday present?







    - You can open up your birthday present.

    - You open it. I want to talk to Brick.







    Brick, come over here.







    Big Daddy's calling you.







    Big Mama, take them out for me.







    - It's a cashmere robe!

    - You sound surprised.







    - I've never seen a cashmere robe before.

    - That's funny!







    What's so funny about it?







    All my family ever had was family.







    Quiet!







    - You bought it yourself last Saturday.

    - I said quiet!







    The salesgirl that sold it to you

    waited on me and she told me about it.







    - Sister Woman!

    - Quiet!







    - Stork and the Grim Reaper, neck and neck.

    - Deacon!







    Deacon!







    I'm not butting in on more talk about

    memorial stained-glass windows, am I?







    Not at all.







    What do you get out

    of this charity work, anyway?







    I love humanity. That's my reward.







    And if humanity returns your love,

    you might get elected...







    ...councilman or mayor, hey, Deacon?







    Don't start picking on Deacon.







    - That's all right. I was...

    - Good night, Deacon.







    That's exactly what I was about to say.

    I better go before it starts raining.







    Good night, everybody.

    Bless each and every one in this place.







    They tell me you were indulging in

    some athletics last night.







    - I was trying to, yes, sir.

    - At : in the morning?







    What were you doing on the high school

    athletic field at : in the morning?







    I was running and jumping the hurdles.

    They've got too high for me now.







    Because you were drunk!







    Sober, I would not have tried

    to jump even the low ones.







    It's time to blow out the candles!







    A toast to Big Daddy Pollitt...







    ...on his th birthday.







    - To the biggest cotton planter...

    - I told you, quit this bull!







    I won't let you talk this way,

    not even on your birthday.







    I'll talk like I want to on my birthday,

    or any other rotten day.







    Anybody don't like it,

    they know what they can do about it.







    - I know you don't mean that.

    - You don't know nothing, never did.







    - You don't mean that.

    - Yes, I do mean it.







    I've put up with a lot of bull around here

    because I thought I was dying.







    That's when you started taking over.







    Your loud voice and busybody butting in

    here and there and everywhere.







    Sashaying around here,

    making a big noise like a boss.







    I'm the only boss around here.







    I built this place with no help from you.







    And I'll run this place till the day I die.







    Is that plain to you, Ida?

    Is that perfectly clear to you?







    I ain't going to die.







    Ain't nothing wrong with me

    but a spastic colon!







    Made spastic, I reckon,

    by all the lies and liars...







    ...I've had to put up with around here.







    And all the hypocrisy I've had to live with

    these years I've lived with you.







    Now blow out them candles.







    Go on. Blow out them candles

    on that stupid cake.







    In all these years

    you never believed I loved you.







    And I did.







    I did so much.







    I did love you.







    I even loved your hate and your hardness.







    - Big Daddy should make plans.

    - Lf he should die before...







    Excuse me.







    Son!







    I was calling Brick.







    I was just delivering him to you.







    - What did you do that for?

    - Do what?







    Wipe off her kiss?







    Did I?







    Your woman's got a better shape on her...







    ...than Gooper's got on his.







    - Is that the only difference you've noticed?

    - Difference in shape is pretty important.







    - But in a way, they're a lot alike.

    - How's that?







    They don't look peaceful. How's that?







    They're a couple of cats...







    ...sitting in the middle of acres

    of land. That's a lot of land.







    They're both squaring off, determined

    to get a bigger piece whenever you let go.







    Yeah, well, I've got a surprise

    for them babies.







    I ain't letting go for a long time yet,

    if they're waiting for that.







    You just sit tight and let them

    scratch each other's eyes out.







    You bet your life.







    Gooper's wife, she's a good breeder.

    You'll have to admit she's fertile.







    Five head of them already

    and more coming.







    - . She'll probably drop a litter next time.







    - Are you stuck out there?

    - I was just passing by.







    You were just sneaking and spying.







    Do I have to lock all the doors around here

    to have a private conversation?







    - Why hurt those that really love you?

    - Bull!







    I'm going to move you and Gooper

    out of that room.







    It's none of your business what goes on

    in here between Brick and Maggie.







    I hate sneaking and spying!

    It makes me puke!







    They listen, do they?







    Yeah, they listen.







    They run and tell Big Mama

    everything they hear.







    They say Maggie sleeps on the bed

    and you sleep on the sofa. Is that true?







    If you don't like Maggie, get rid of her!







    - What are you doing now?

    - Freshening up my drink.







    - You know you've a real liquor problem?

    - Yes, sir.







    - Is that why you quit sports announcing?

    - I guess so. Yes, sir, that's it.







    Don't guess!







    It's too important!







    So you quit.







    - Some kind of a disappointment?

    - I don't know. Do you?







    I'm asking you.

    How should I know if you don't?







    Do you think a shot of that whisky

    would injure my spastic condition?







    No, sir.







    It might do it some good.







    The sky is open again, boy. It's open!







    That's the way to feel.







    I can breathe.







    All my life I've been like a doubled-up fist...







    ...pounding and smashing and driving!







    But now I'm going

    to take things easy with them.







    Do you know what I'm thinking?







    What's that, sir?







    Pleasure!







    I'll tell you, I still have a feeling for women,

    and I'm .







    - That's mighty remarkable.

    - Remarkable?







    Admirable.







    It's not only remarkable and admirable,

    it's downright satisfying.







    - I'm going to have me a ball.

    - A ball?







    I'm going to pick me a choice woman...







    ...and I'm going to smother her in minks

    and choke her with diamonds.







    I'm going to be happy!







    Why are you so restless?

    You got ants in your britches?







    - Yes, sir.

    - Why?







    - Something hasn't happened yet.

    - What's that?







    - A click in my head.

    - Did you say, "click"?







    Yes, sir. That click in my head

    that makes me feel peaceful.







    Boy, sometimes you worry me.







    Like a switch clicking off in my head.

    Turns the hot light off and the cool one on.







    All of a sudden, there's peace.







    You're a real alcoholic!







    That is the truth.







    Yes, sir, I am an alcoholic.

    So, if you'll just excuse me.







    - No, I won't!

    - I'm waiting for that click...







    ...and I don't get it unless I'm alone!

    I'm not talking. When it's quiet!







    You'll hear plenty of that in the grave.

    Right now we're going to talk.







    This talk is like all the others.

    It gets nowhere and it's painful!







    - Let it be painful.

    - I can crawl and hop if I have to.







    If you aren't careful, you'll crawl out

    this family and be drinking on skid row.







    Yeah, that will come too.







    No. Now that I'm straightened out,

    I'm going to straighten you out.







    Sit down!







    It's no use. We talk in circles.

    We have nothing to say to each other!







    - Where are you going?

    - To get another bottle.







    No, you're not, you drunken whelp!







    - Why are you shouting? I can't stand it!

    - Get out of here!







    Leave us alone! Why do you drink?







    You had better know why you drink

    or give it up!







    Give me my crutch.







    Why do you drink?







    I stepped on that foot and now I'm in pain.







    Good!







    At least you're not too numb...







    ...with liquor to feel pain.







    - Why do you drink?

    - Give me my crutch.







    - Tell me first.

    - No, give me a drink first.







    - First you've got to tell me!

    - All right! Disgust!







    - Disgust with what?

    - You strike a hard bargain.







    - Boy, do you want liquor that bad?

    - Yes, sir, I want liquor that bad.







    What are you disgusted with?







    Mendacity! Do you know what that is?

    It's lies and liars!







    Who's been lying to you? Maggie?







    No, not one lie or one person.

    The whole thing.







    - You got a headache?

    - No, I'm trying...







    Trying to concentrate, but you can't

    because your brain is soaked with liquor.







    Wet brain!







    Mendacity!







    What do you know about mendacity?

    I could write a book on it.







    - It's your sister calling from Memphis.

    - To hell with her!







    Get out of there!







    Go on. Close the door after you.







    Mendacity!







    Look at the lies I've got to put up with.

    Pretenses, hypocrisy!







    Pretending like I care for Big Mama.

    I haven't tolerated her in years.







    Church! It bores me, but I go.







    All those swindling lodges, social clubs,

    and money-grabbing auxiliaries...







    ...that's got me on their number one

    sucker list.







    Boy, I've lived with mendacity.

    Why can't you live with it?







    You've got to. There's nothing to live with

    but mendacity. Is there?







    Yes, sir, you can live with this.







    That's not living.







    - That's dodging away from life.

    - I want to dodge away from it.







    Then why not kill yourself?







    Because I like to drink.







    I can't talk to you!







    I'm sorry.







    Do you expect me to turn over

    acres of the richest land...







    ...this side of the Nile to a drunk fool?







    No, sir.







    I like you, son, but why should I subsidize

    worthless behavior?







    Give it to Gooper and Mae.







    I can't stand Gooper and Mae

    and those five screaming monkeys.







    I don't have to turn it over to any of you!







    To this day, I ain't made no will.

    Now I don't have to, the pressure's off.







    I can wait and see

    if you pull yourself together or not.







    That's right.







    - I'm not kidding.

    - No, sir, I know you're not kidding.







    You don't care?







    No, sir, I don't care.







    Tell Lacey to drive me to the station.







    - Now wait a minute!

    - Or I'll drive myself.







    I'm going home tonight. Now!







    - This is your home.

    - Is it? Since when?







    Let's not leave it like this.







    Like all them other talks we've had.







    We always seem to talk around things.







    Seem to leave things unsaid and unspoken.







    - Now we've got to talk straight.

    - It's too late for talk.







    Why?







    What are you disgusted about?







    Because you can't play football anymore?







    Because you lost your job?

    I'll get it back for you!







    What? Sit in a glass box

    watching games that I can't play?







    Describing what I can't do

    while others do it?







    Filling my Coke with bourbon so I can

    stand it? You'll get that back for me?







    I think you're passing the buck.







    Do you know many drinking men?







    I've known a good number.







    Could any of them they tell you

    why they drank?







    You're passing the buck?







    You're passing the buck

    to things like disgust and mendacity.







    If you've got to use that kind of language...







    ...it's proof bull and I ain't buying any!







    You started drinking with your friend

    Skipper's death. Ain't that the truth?







    What are you suggesting?







    Nothing. But...







    But what?







    Say your mind.







    Say it!







    - Why are you so excited?

    - Go ahead, say it!







    Why are you shouting like that?







    Skipper and I were friends, understand?







    Gooper said that Skipper was...







    Skipper is the only thing

    that I've got left to believe in!







    And you drag it through the gutter!







    - Just a minute!

    - You make it shameful and filthy!







    Give me your hand.







    I don't want your hand.

    To hell with all lies and liars!







    Didn't you ever look up to anybody?







    Anybody at all in your whole life?







    Didn't you ever believe in anything,

    anybody?







    No, sir, I guess you didn't.







    Nothing and nobody

    except Big Daddy himself.







    You and Skipper played football together.







    Made a few touchdowns.

    Does that make him God Almighty?







    I could depend on him.







    - On the football field!

    - Anytime, anywhere, anyplace!







    - Are you sure of that?

    - Yes.







    Bull!







    Why did your big strong man fall apart?







    Why did Skipper crack up?







    All right.







    You're asking for it,

    we're going to have that talk.







    That straight, true talk.







    It's too late to stop now.







    Can you say it without a drink?







    I haven't heard that mechanical click yet.







    You need a lot of crutches, don't you?

    Clicks. Whisky.







    What else do you need?







    Skipper?







    - He was a crutch for you too, wasn't he?

    - Yes, sir.







    I could lean on him, in school and out of it.







    How did Maggie take

    this great and true friendship?







    Ask her.







    I'm asking you.







    If you want to know why Skipper

    cracked up, ask Maggie the cat.







    What did she do?







    Chase him out of the window

    of that Chicago hotel?







    Did that little bitty girl shove

    your big hero out all by herself?







    Why?







    What went on

    between Skipper and Maggie?







    Ask her.







    Maggie, come here.







    Can I be of assistance, Big Daddy?







    Trixie's ready to play the piano for you!







    Go ahead, play.







    What was going on

    between you and Skipper?







    Well, you see, Big Daddy...







    Well?







    Come on, Maggie!







    You wanted to talk truth upstairs.







    Go ahead!







    Big Daddy wants to know. Tell him!







    Skipper didn't like me.







    Why didn't Skipper like you?







    - You know he was against our marriage.

    - Why?







    - Because it meant less freedom for you.

    - Freedom to do what?







    Freedom to run from town to town.







    Planes, trains, always running!







    - Football practice, dirty stories...

    - Nobody forced you to come along with us!







    I didn't expect to spend my honeymoon

    in the locker room with the boys.







    Since when did a man's smell

    ever injure your sensitive feelings?







    Football, baby!







    The idea of football smelled.







    Especially the notions

    of a professional team.







    He didn't need any team of his own.







    He could've gotten a spot

    on any pro team in the country.







    You organized your own team

    on account of Skipper.







    - You're a liar!

    - He wasn't good enough on his own.







    Professional football is a business...







    ...not a social club!







    You mean the business of making money?







    Yeah, money!

    The stuff your dreams are made of!







    The Dixie Stars never made a nickel!







    Not from the first day to the last.







    It wasn't the money, it was the cheers.







    He lapped them up.







    The cheers didn't mean anything to me.

    But they did to you!







    Because they shut you out

    and you hated that.







    Not by the crowds, baby, by you.







    By the man I worshiped.







    That's why I hated Skipper.







    You hated him so much you got him drunk

    and went to bed with him.







    Is that true?







    You don't think I ravished a football hero?







    Skipper was drunk.







    So are you most of the time.







    I don't seem to make out so well with you.







    Are you saying nothing happened

    between you and Skipper?







    - You know what happened.

    - I don't know!







    I wasn't there.







    I couldn't play that Sunday.

    I wasn't in Chicago.







    - I was in the hospital...

    - Skipper played.







    He played all right!







    His first professional game without Brick.







    Tell Big Daddy what happened.







    Go on, tell him.







    You're a sports announcer.







    Give us a running account

    of the all-American bust.







    Tell him how many times

    Skipper fumbled...







    ...and stumbled and fell apart.







    On offensive he was useless.

    On defensive he was a coward.







    And it was all over:







    Chicago: Dixie Stars: .







    Bad breaks. An off day.







    No, baby.







    Without you, Skipper was nothing.







    Outside: Big, tough, confident.







    Inside: Pure jelly!







    You saw the game on TV.

    You saw what happened.







    But I didn't see what happened

    in Skipper's hotel room.







    That little episode was not on TV.







    Tell Big Daddy

    why you were in Skipper's room.







    He was sick.







    Sick with drink.







    He wouldn't come out.







    He'd busted some furniture...







    ...and the hotel manager said to stop him

    before he called the police.







    So I went to his room.







    I scratched on his door

    and begged him to let me in.







    He was half crazy.







    Violent and screaming one minute...







    ...weak and crying the next.







    And all the time, scared stiff about you.







    So I said to him maybe it was time

    we forgot about football.







    Maybe he ought to get a job

    and let me and Brick alone.







    I thought he'd hit me.







    He walked toward me...







    ...with a funny sort of smile on his face.







    Then he did the strangest thing.







    He kissed me.







    That was the first time

    he'd ever touched me.







    And then I knew what I was going to do.







    I'd get rid of Skipper.







    I'd show Brick that their deep,

    true friendship was a big lie.







    I'd prove it by showing...







    ...that Skipper would make love

    to his best friend's wife.







    He didn't need any coaxing.







    He was more than willing.







    He even seemed to have the same idea.







    You're just trying to whitewash it.







    I'm not!







    I was trying to win back my husband.







    It didn't matter how.

    I would've done anything.







    Even that.







    But at the last second...







    ...I got panicky.







    Supposing I lost you instead?







    Supposing you'd hate me

    instead of Skipper?







    So I ran.







    Nothing happened!







    I've tried to tell him a hundred times

    but he won't let me.







    Nothing happened!







    Hallelujah, St. Maggie.







    I wanted to get rid of Skipper.







    But not if it meant losing you.







    He blames me for Skipper's death.







    Maybe I got rid of Skipper.







    Skipper won out anyway.





    January 30, 2019, 8:36 pm
  • Thank you.
    January 24, 2020, 4:20 pm