Another Wild Idea (1934)

Frank Austin: Betty's Father

Photos 

Quotes 

• [first lines] 

  Betty's Father : [in Charley's laboratory]  Shh, I've finished it at last.

  Betty's Father's Assistant : Finished what?

  Betty's Father : The invention I've been working on for years! I must be very careful not to let a single soul know about it. Shh.

  [Betty's father silently gasps and looks somewhat worried as Charley gets a piece of scientific looking equipment out of a door in the wall] 

  Betty's Father : My brainchild. Look.

  Betty's Father's Assistant : What does it do?

  Betty's Father : When I push this button and turn this crank, it sends forth an ultra-lavender ray. Whoever this ray strikes will be incapable of suppressing their desires. In other words, the thing they would like to do most - but don't *dare* on the count of conventions - they just do.

  Betty's Father's Assistant : Have you tried it yet?

  Betty's Father : No, but I'm going to try it now on you!

  Betty's Father's Assistant : I have a desire that doesn't need a ray to bring out: I want to go home!

  Betty's Father : Stop!

  [stops Betty's father at the door as he puts his hand on his shoulder] 

  Betty's Father : Promise me you won't tell a soul.

  Betty's Father's Assistant : I - I promise.

  Betty's Father : Good. Now I'll hide it before my daugter comes in.

  Betty's Father's Assistant : Why, doesn't she know about it?

  Betty's Father : No! And she's libel to be here any minute. She went to a masquerade ball.

  Betty's Father's Assistant : Well, I must go. Aha, goodbye.

  [exits very briskly and nervously] 

  Betty's Father : Goodbye.

• Betty's Father : [singing 'Henry VIII' in the car while driving home with Betty]  I'm Henry the King, the eighth of my name. / I married my way into history and fame. / Of wives I've had many, in fact quite a lot, / but when they annoyed me I put them on the spot. / I was a great lover, I know you'll agree. / I loved them and left them - it just had to be. / And each a blooming flower, I sent up to the tower. / And many-a dame lost a head over me!