1931
Cocky reporter Stew Smith charms the aristocratic Schuyler family while covering a scandal, then betrays their trust by publishing the story and marrying Anne Schuyler despite her family's disapproval. Stew struggles to adapt to high society, clashing with Anne over his working-class friends and his desire for independence, culminating in a raucous party at the Schuyler mansion. Anne discovers the party and finds Gallagher alone with Stew, leading to a heated argument and Stew's decision to leave Anne and the Schuyler family. Stew moves into his own apartment, finds inspiration for a play after rejecting a divorce settlement, and punches the Schuyler family lawyer.
Save the Cat beat sheet
A hard‐drinking reporter, Stew Smith, woos the wealthy Schuyler family for a scoop and unexpectedly falls for their daughter, Anne.
Open full beat sheetStew Smith is listed as Newspaper Reporter. A cocky, talented, and unconventional reporter who marries into high society. In the parsed data, Stew Smith is connected to 38 scenes, 380 dialogue lines, 392 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
38 scenes / 380 dialogue linesAnne Schuyler is listed as Socialite. A beautiful, aristocratic, and slightly hard-edged socialite. In the parsed data, Anne Schuyler is connected to 23 scenes, 124 dialogue lines, 134 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.
23 scenes / 124 dialogue linesGallagher is listed as Newspaper Reporter. A dedicated, hardworking reporter and Stew's long-time friend. In the parsed data, Gallagher is connected to 23 scenes, 106 dialogue lines, 160 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
23 scenes / 106 dialogue linesSmythe is listed as Butler. The Schuyler family's stiff and formal butler. In the parsed data, Smythe is connected to 16 scenes, 58 dialogue lines, 80 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
16 scenes / 58 dialogue linesDexter Grayson is listed as Family Lawyer. The Schuyler family's officious and stuffy attorney. In the parsed data, Dexter Grayson is connected to 14 scenes, 52 dialogue lines, 54 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
14 scenes / 52 dialogue linesMrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler is listed as Matriarch. A stern, imperious grande dame of the Schuyler family. In the parsed data, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler is connected to 13 scenes, 43 dialogue lines, 43 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
13 scenes / 43 dialogue linesBingy is listed as Tribune Reporter. A lazy, sloppy, and opportunistic rival reporter. In the parsed data, Bingy is connected to 10 scenes, 37 dialogue lines, 46 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
10 scenes / 37 dialogue linesMichael Schuyler is listed as Socialite. Anne's dissipated and spoiled brother. In the parsed data, Michael Schuyler is connected to 5 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 22.
5 scenes / 4 dialogue linesConroy is listed as City Editor. Stew's cynical and demanding boss. In the parsed data, Conroy is connected to 4 scenes, 33 dialogue lines, 39 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
4 scenes / 33 dialogue linesThe busy city room of a newspaper office where Conroy, the City Editor, is looking for his reporter, Stew Smith.
Conroy, Stew Smith, GallagherStew and Gallagher are hiding behind a screen playing a hand-puzzle.
Stew Smith, GallagherConroy discovers Stew and Gallagher behind the screen and confronts them.
Conroy, Stew Smith, GallagherExterior shots of the Schuyler mansion.
The Schuyler family and their lawyer discuss a scandal involving Michael and letters.
Michael Schuyler, Anne Schuyler, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler, Dexter Grayson, SmytheStew and Bingy wait to be interviewed by the Schuyler family.
Stew Smith, Bingy, Smythe, Dexter GraysonBingy meets the Schuyler family.
Bingy, Dexter Grayson, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler, Anne Schuyler, Michael SchuylerGrayson attempts to bribe Bingy to suppress the story, then dismisses him and calls for the next reporter.
Dexter Grayson, Bingy, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler, Anne Schuyler, SmytheStew Smith arrives, charms the family, then betrays their trust by calling his editor to report the story.
Stew Smith, Smythe, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler, Michael Schuyler, Dexter Grayson, Anne SchuylerStew and Gallagher discuss the published story and Stew's plan to return to the Schuyler mansion.
Stew Smith, GallagherStew and Gallagher discuss Stew's plan to visit Anne Schuyler, leading to a tense exchange about their relationship.
Stew Smith, GallagherStew forces his way into the Schuyler house and encounters Smythe and Anne.
Stew Smith, Anne Schuyler, SmytheAnne attempts to bribe Stew for the letters, but he refuses and asks for lunch instead.
Stew Smith, Anne SchuylerStew and Anne have lunch, flirting until Mrs. Schuyler interrupts.
Stew Smith, Anne Schuyler, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne SchuylerStew is confronted by Mrs. Schuyler and Anne; he is eventually told to leave.
Stew Smith, Anne Schuyler, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne SchuylerAnne and Dexter Grayson discuss Stew and their relationship.
Anne Schuyler, Dexter GraysonStew and Anne attend a party; they eventually slip away to the roof garden.
Stew Smith, Anne Schuyler, Dexter GraysonStew and Anne share a romantic moment and discuss their future.
Stew Smith, Anne SchuylerStew is confronted by Conroy for being scooped on his own marriage news.
Stew Smith, Gallagher, ConroyStew finds Gallagher at the speakeasy.
Stew Smith, GallagherStew and Gallagher discuss Stew's marriage and his future, interrupted by Conroy who mocks Stew's new social status.
Stew Smith, Gallagher, ConroyMrs. Schuyler and the family confront Anne about her marriage to Stew, followed by Stew's unexpected arrival.
Anne Schuyler, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler, Michael Schuyler, Dexter Grayson, Smythe, Stew SmithStew and Anne discuss their future living arrangements while Michael observes; Stew rejects the idea of living in the Schuyler mansion.
Stew Smith, Anne Schuyler, Michael Schuyler, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler, Dexter GraysonStew wakes up to find a valet, Dawson, hired by Anne, and resists the intrusion of domestic help and a canary.
Stew Smith, Anne Schuyler, SmytheStew is at his desk at the newspaper office.
Stew SmithStew is reading a newspaper article about himself and Anne when his colleagues discover his fancy gold garters, leading to a confrontation.
Stew Smith, Gallagher, BingyAnne talks to Stew on the phone while receiving a massage.
Anne SchuylerGuests arrive at the Schuyler estate for a party.
Gallagher arrives at the Schuyler home to cover the event.
Gallagher, SmytheGuests watch a tango performance.
Gallagher meets Miss Wilson.
GallagherGallagher and Miss Wilson tour the ballroom.
GallagherGallagher searches for Stew.
GallagherGallagher finds Stew, and they are joined by Anne.
Stew Smith, Gallagher, Anne SchuylerStew apologizes to Gallagher.
Stew Smith, GallagherBingy arrives at the Schuyler home.
Smythe, BingyBingy arrives at the Schuyler home to see Stew Smith and is met with disapproval by Smythe.
Bingy, SmytheStew is informed of Bingy's arrival and leaves to meet him.
Stew Smith, GallagherStew confronts Bingy as he examines an antique vase.
Stew Smith, BingyBingy offers Stew a job at the Tribune, leading to a physical altercation.
Stew Smith, Bingy, SmytheAnne and Mrs. Schuyler discover a scandalous newspaper article about Stew.
Anne Schuyler, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler, Dexter Grayson, SmytheStew prepares to face the family in the drawing room.
Stew SmithStew confronts the family and Grayson regarding the newspaper article.
Stew Smith, Anne Schuyler, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler, Dexter GraysonThe family prepares to leave for a reception, but Stew refuses to go.
Anne Schuyler, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler, Dexter Grayson, SmytheAnne and Stew argue about his refusal to attend the reception.
Stew Smith, Anne SchuylerStew argues with Anne about his friends, leading to her leaving the room. Stew then attempts to work on his play but gets stuck.
Stew Smith, Anne SchuylerStew, bored and lonely, calls Smythe to talk and eventually convinces him to let him host his friends.
Stew Smith, SmytheStew calls Gallagher to invite her and the rest of the newspaper gang over.
Stew Smith, GallagherGallagher, Hank, and a large group of reporters arrive at the Schuyler house, much to the butler's dismay.
Stew Smith, Gallagher, Smythe, BingyStew and Gallagher discuss his play.
Stew Smith, GallagherStew and Gallagher discuss writing a play based on Stew's life with Anne.
Stew Smith, GallagherAnne and Mrs. Schuyler return home to find a wild party in progress.
Anne Schuyler, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne Schuyler, Dexter Grayson, Smythe, BingyAnne discovers Gallagher in Stew's room, leading to a confrontation and Stew's departure.
Stew Smith, Gallagher, Anne Schuyler, Mrs. Stuyvesand Van Alstyne SchuylerStew and Gallagher leave the house and encounter a panhandler.
Stew Smith, GallagherStew is writing his play when Grayson arrives to discuss a divorce settlement from Anne. Stew refuses alimony, punches Grayson, and throws him out, finding inspiration for his play.
Stew Smith, Gallagher, Dexter GraysonThat's exactly what you mean. Heaven knows you've made that clear to me often enough. Well, I'm sick and tired of it. I've given you party after party - I've taken you to some of the best houses in this town - and introduced you to people of importance - and are you grateful? No! You insult them and act like a bore. I'm sick and tired of having to make excuses for you and the things that you've done. Perhaps it's just as well you're not coming tonight. Maybe I can enjoy myself for once without having to worry about you, and what you're going to do.
You know, the Indians used to walk like this. Except the squaw always walked in the back. You know why that was? That was in case of attack from the front. Of course, if the attack was from the rear, she had to depend upon her papoose. Oh yes, the papooses always had bows and arrows. Of course, if she wasn't married then she'd have to protect her own - er, er. What country is this library in? Miss Schuyler, how about carfare back to the front door, huh?
I've heard of people being scooped on their own funerals, but this! Holy mackerel! Why, it's news when Anne Schuyler gets her fingernails manicured, but this! She gets married to one of our own reporters and the Tribune beat us to it! Well! What do you guys want? Go on, get back to your desks. Go back to your work. Now don't tell me you were drunk at the time and don't remember! Or is this one of Bingy's snow-storms?
Well sir, to be a putterer, one's mind must be at ease. A person with a problem could never be a putterer. For instance, sir, a fish can putter in water but not on land because he'd be out of place. An eagle can putter around a rugged mountaintop but not in a cage, because he'd be restless and unhappy. Now sir, if you will pardon me, with all due respect, sir, as a Smythe to a Smith, you are an eagle in a cage.
It's a good thing your father passed away before he saw insanity ravage the family. I can't imagine what made you do such a thing. A reporter! Of all things, a reporter! A barbarian who lets his socks come down!
You've done nothing but watch me - watch me! - ever since I've been here. Treated me like a thug, watched me like a hawk, mistrusted me. Every time I leave the house, that Janegoes out and counts the silverware.
Now I'm sorry. I appreciate your efforts. But I don't need anybody to help me button my pants - I've been buttoning my pants for thirty years all right, and I can button 'em with one hand as a matter of fact.
Hello, Conroy? This is Smith talking. I'm up at the Schuylers. No, I'm not having tea - that is, not yet. Is she beautiful? Oh boss, her pictures don't do her justice. If I was that guy Ziegfield - what?
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