place like this.
Some of our greatest stars
have come from places like this.
Well, of course, not being a star yet,
I wouldn't know.
You can, if you behave yourself.
-What's on now, Fannie?
-Jim Boss.
-If that guy's funny, I'll be a--
-That guy's gonna be a big star someday.
-He can make you laugh and make you cry.
-Yeah, and he can make me sick.
Comics bore me.
You give me a pain in the neck too, always
telling me who's gonna be a great star.
Once in burlesque, always in burlesque.
Unless you got looks or a voice
or something.
-Well, that's what I got, kid.
-What?
-Something.
-On the level...
...you don't hope to get out
of burlesque?
You're good here because these people
are from 1 0th Avenue.
How good do you think you'd be
on Fifth Avenue?
Half as good.
Another silk stocking gone.
I'll never buy anything
from those stage-door peddlers again.
That's what you said before.
What'd you let the fella in for? Here.
He told the stage doorman
his name was Belasco.
And you thought it was the Mr. Belasco,
the producer.
-Calling personally to see you?
-Well, maybe I was a little optimistic.
Miss Brice,
Mr. Ziegfeld is here to see you.
Another peddler.
First it's Belasco, now it's Ziegfeld.
Tell Mr. Ziegfeld I'm not in, and if
I was in, tell him I wouldn't see him.
And if I did see him,
tell him I wouldn't buy a thing.
-Yes, miss.
-Thank you.
Miss Brice?
I hope I'm not intruding.
-I'm Florenz Ziegfeld.
-Is that so?
Sarah, this is Mr. Ziegfeld.
Mr. Ziegfeld, this is Sarah Bernhardt.
Not the Sarah Bernhardt?
Well....
-A pleasure to run into you.
-If you run into your friend Belasco...
...tell him about the runs
in his stockings.
-Do you know David Belasco?
-Better than you know Ziegfeld.
Well, come on,
what do you want for it?
I'm not interested.
Miss Brice, I am here to offer you
a great opportunity.
That's what they all say.
What kind of fur is this?
This?
-That's mink.
-That so?
And what's the price?
Well, the original cost was $2700.
Who cares from originals?
Copies is just as good.
Come on, I'll try it on.
Yes, of course.
As a matter of fact,
it ought to fit you very well.
Don't give me the talk,
just tell me the price.
I don't wanna buy it,
but I'll give you $50 for it.
-And not a cent more.
-Miss Brice, the coat is yours.
-Stuck again.
-Fannie! Are you really gonna buy it?
If I can give Belasco 4 dollars
for silk stockings made of cotton...
...I can give Ziegfeld more
for a mink coat made of skunk.
Besides, a bargain's a bargain.
Here.
Here's your $40.
Get out before I change my mind.
Thank you.
Fannie!
-Fannie!
-What?
Fannie, look!
-What? Moths already?
-No, feel! It's real mink.
How do you know?
I've been promised one
often enough to tell.
It's real mink, all right.
It's probably stolen goods.
-You mean it's hot?
-Of course it's warm.
-Then I'll be arrested if I keep it?
-Of course you will.
Call the stage manager!
Call the police! Call my mother!
Come in.
Message for Miss Brice.
You read it. I'm dying.
"Dear Fannie Brice.
I can't accept your $40, but you can
please me by accepting the coat.
I shall expect you at my office
in the New Amsterdam tomorrow...
...as I want to engage you
for the Follies.
Florenz Ziegfeld Jr."
Fannie, it was him!
It was Ziegfeld!
How do you like that?
I like it.
Fannie! Fannie!
Have you fainted?
Can't you see I have, you chump?
Get me some whiskey!
-Oh, Miss Brice?
-Yes, sir?
-We're ready for you.
-I'm coming right down.
Yes, sir, I'll be right down.
I'm coming as fast as I can.
I thought I had more time.
Don't lose your nerve, kid.
This is your big chance.
Be a trouper!
Look at you. You're working
for Ziegfeld now.
And you look like a million dollars.
For the first time in your life,
you're class, you mug.
Wait a minute! Ho!
What in the--? Fannie!
What in the world are you made up for?
Veronica? Clarence?
Anything I can do, Mr. Ziegfeld?
Yes. Come