Bernice bobs her hair

The year was 1920, the first whiff of the jazz age. F. Scott Fitzgerald had noted its arrival in his first novel, This Side of Paradise. It was the beginning of a rich vein of literary works like The Beautiful and Damned, The Great Gatsby, Tender as the Night, and short stories with opulent titles like The Rich Boy, The Diamond as Big as the Ritz, Winter Dreams, The Ice Palace, Babylon Revisited. A shelf of Fitzgerald's work conveys the essence of the 20s, complete with all the sounds and sightes and other textural details that mark him as a brilliant social historian. 1920. It was in that year the Saturday Evening Post first published his short story called Bernice Bobs Her Hair. It's a sparkling story of kids, a melodic introduction to Fitzgerald's lush world where handsome young men toy with beautiful debutants miss the rhythms of cocktail music. There's a good deal of fun here, but Fitzgerald took his kids seriously and made them reflect society at large. Renise's adventures may appear all frolic with little of the bittersweet haunting emptiness that Fitzgerald was to place at the center of his creations. After all, Bernice is just flirting with the idea of a risque gesture, cutting her hair. But beneath the playfulness, there is a tension, a minor theme about the painfulness of growing up, of being a young woman trying to define herself among the pressures of boyfriends and girlfriends. It's 1920. Women in America have just been given the right to vote. But the rituals haven't changed that much. Young men still prepare for careers while young women prepare for marriage. Fitzgerald brings it to life for us. And it begins well where else but on a warm summer evening. The air laced with oda cologne, cigarette smoke, and the sweet sounds of dance music. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. Marie, have you seen my jelly beans? I can't find them anywhere. No, I haven't, but I have plenty in my purse. You can borrow one. Oh, do you have red ones? Red ones? Pink ones? Pink ones? You use pink ones? Yes. During the day? Does your mother know? No. She thinks I have a terrible sweet tooth. [Music] Marjorie, you saved my life. Who gave you those gardinas? Warren. Warren McIntyre. Who else? How peculiar. I thought he'd get over you when he went away to Yale. No. All that happened was I got over him. Well, I know about three girls in the East that are just wild about him. Really? I don't know. When you've grown up across the street from someone, he loses his mystery. Excuse me, Otis. Certainly, Bernice. I'll leave you a minute. That's all right. Take your time, Bernice. [Music] Hey, why don't some of you dandies cut in? She likes more varieties. What's the matter, Otis? You're doing just fine. You're just barely picking up steam, old man. Thanks. Honestly, Marjorie, my brother's been stuck with your cousin Bernice for over an hour. All right. Thank you. Oh, hello, Bernice. Having a good time? Oh, yes. Hi. Hello, Jenny. Hello, Bernice. [Music] It's just so much hotter here than an Oclair. That's interesting. We have a breeze there even in the hottest summer. Really? I'll bet you do. Yeah. I know, Otis. I know. I'm going to do something about it right now. Charles. Oh, not me. Audrey, sorry. Coming, Genevie. Mhm. Goodbye. Bye-bye. Bye, Bernie. [Music] Marie, I've been looking all over for you. Oh, have you? Darling, you play so much. Oh, my dress is so pink and the gardinia is so white. That cost me $150. Oh, I'm sorry, but would you do me a favor? Would you dance with my cousin Bernice? Your cousin Bernice? She's been stuck with Otis Almond almost an hour. I'd say it's the other way around. I'd say Otis Orman has been stuck with your cousin Bernice. Oh, no. She's not that bad. Oh, you don't mind, do you? Yes, I do mind. I most emphatically do mind. I came here to dance with you, not with your cousin, Bernice. Well, I'll dance with you a little later. $150. Just this one dance, please. All right, Marjorie. You're an angel. She's in the dressing room. Marjorie. Oh, hi. How are you? Fine. You don't wonder? Well, when am I going to get to dance with you? Oh, a little later. [Music] How little? [Music] Good evening, Venice. Good evening, Warren. [Music] Have you seen Otis or mind? Otis has absconded. He has. I I was just supposed to have this next dance with you. I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to have the next dance with you. Oh, I don't think so. The floor is too crowded and there's too many people and it's just too hot. Oh. Oh, well, if you like, we could step out in the veranda. I'm sure if there's a breeze out there. Oh, I don't think so. You know, Claire, there's a breeze even in the hottest summer. Yes. Um, well, if you don't want to dance and and you don't want to sit out, have you got a better idea? Oh, no. I didn't mean to. All right, let's go out on the ground. Oh. Uh, we look, we could always change our minds. That's right. We can, can't we? All [Music] right, man. [Music] It's the humidity. [Music] Huh? As compared to Oaklair. As compared to Oaklair. The temperature could be the same, but you just don't feel it as much. Bernese, you have an awfully kissable mouth. Wait. [Music] She's ruining my summer. Marjorie, she's your first cousin and I wish you wouldn't talk like that. No one ever cuts in on her. I always have to go out and lasso them in to get them to even dance with her. Adita Orand was telling me just yesterday she thought Bernice was very lovely. Oh, mother, please. I know all your friends think she's very sweet and very pretty. What difference does that make when men don't like her? Well, I know Bernice isn't very vivaceious. Vivaceious? Good grief. You know, I have never heard her say anything except, "Oh, it's so hot in here." Or, "The floor is too crowded," or what school she's going to next year. Well, sometimes she does ask them what kind of a car they have, and then she tells them what kind she has. Thrilling. [Music] [Music] [Music] Oh, good morning, Mr. Warren. Good morning, Annie. Is Marjorie here? I'm sorry, Mr. Warren. Miss Marjorie isn't up yet. Oh, all right. Thank you. Oh, I wonder would do you know is she free this afternoon? No, I believe she's going to a matinea this afternoon. Is there a message? Oh, no. No, thank you. Um, I told him you weren't up yet, Miss Marthur. Oh, could you pass me some berries, please, Annie? Good morning. Good morning, Miss Bernice. Morning. Thank you. I don't care for breakfast this morning, Annie. No. No, thank you. I heard what you said about me to your mother last night. Where were you? In the hall. I didn't mean to listen at first. I'm ruining your summer. I may as well go home. Your friends don't like me either. Well, if you're not having a good time, I suppose you'd better go. No point in being miserable. Do you think you've treated me very well? I should think common kind. Oh, please don't quote little women. I mean, what modern girl could possibly live like those ninnies? They were models for our mothers. Our mothers. Listen, our mothers were all very well in their day, but when it comes to their daughters, they know next to nothing. Please don't talk about my mother. [Laughter] I think you're hard and selfish and having a feminine quality in you. Oh my lord, Bernice. Girls our age divide into two groups. There's the ones like me who like to have a good time. And there's the ones like you who just love to sit around and criticize us for it. You can go or stay just as you please. McRie Bernice must not be feeling well. At least I assume so. She said if you'd go under the mat without her. I think it's that crazy Indian blood in her. Maybe she's a reversion to type. Indian woman just sat around all day and never said anything. Marjorie, I wouldn't have told you that if I thought you were going to remember it. Look at it this way, Charlie. It's my machine. Cousin Dopilus is too tall for me. I'm going with Marjorie. How do you think Audrey? I don't care how you feel. Oh, who left these two parlor snakes into my house? How do you saw them? Marjorie, my cousin can't make it. She's sick or something. Oh jeez, that's too bad. Too bad. That is too bad. But hurry. She might recover. Maybe we ought to call it out. What picture are you going to see? just come on. [Music] Bernese. Yes, Aunt Josephine. Are you feeling better, dear? I'm all right, Aunt Josephine. I'm just riding my mother. Will you come down? Young Dracott Deo is here to see you. All right, and Josephine. [Music] Are you enjoying your visit? Oh, yes. How are your studies coming along, Draott? Very well, thank you. You're studying to be a doctor, a minister. You weren't at the dance last night, were you? At the country club. No, I understand it was even noisier than usual. The floor was crowded. Noisy, crowded dance floor. It's my pet abomination. In my opinion, some of our generation will end up dancing themselves to death. Oh, no. Oh, yes. Present company. Accept it. Of course. No one could ever accuse you of such a thing. I guess not. Well, come right in. I've decided that maybe you're right about things. Possibly. Of course I am. And if you'll tell me what it is that I do wrong, I'll see what I can do. Do you mean it? Yes. You'll do everything that I tell you to do. If they're sensible things, you're no case for sensible things. Are you going to recommend everything? If I tell you to take boxing lessons, you're going to do it. Write home and tell your mother you're going to stay an extra two weeks. Where are you going? To write my mother. You can do that later. Sit down. I have so much work to do on you. I can't lose a minute. First off, it's your personal appearance. Don't I look all right? No. You're also a bad conversationalist. Personality is boring. You lean on men when you dance with them. I do not. Yes, you do. You have the vaguest idea of how to make a man fall in love with you. willing to admit all that? Maybe. No babies. All right, but how are you going to fix all that in just two weeks? Well, if you'll pay attention, I can fix it in 2 days. Oh, when you go home, you've got to have your teeth straightened. Until then, just smile with your mouth closed. I think I'm on to Lisa. better. You mean Mona Lisa's teeth were crooked? Well, of course. How do you know all these things? Oh, you just learned them along the way. [Music] Why aren't you saying anything? Well, you aren't either. I'm the man. The girl always makes the conversation. It's hard to think of something. Your niece, when you're with a man, there are only three topics of conversation. You, me, and us. [Music] Maybe it would help if I knew who you were. Pick somebody. You pick anybody. Um, Warren McIntyre. Why'd you pick him? [Music] Are you going back to college soon? Oh, Bernice, that's just thrilling. Well, you said you, me, and us. But what can I say except yes, I am or no, I'm not. And who cares anyway? Is it true what I hear about Yale men? Warren McIntyre. What did you hear? Oh, that they're thicker than other men. He'd probably say, "Who told you?" And I'd say, "Oh, never mind. I just hope it's true because I think thickle men are much more interesting, more of a challenge. Sure fire, actually. I use it all the time. What would you do if he said something like, "You have an awfully kissable mouth." What's your criteria for a kissable mouth? One that looks like it's been kissed a lot or one you'd like to kiss. Marjorie, have you ever? Oh, of course. Lots of times. But if you're a nice girl from a good family, you like to have just as much fun as everybody else. Did you ever kiss Warren? Oh, of course. Lots of times. I want you to use this cream every night. On my face? On your face? On your hands? Your elbows? Your knees? My knees? Who'll ever see my knees? Oh, lots of people if you work it right. Marie, did you really turn three cartwheels at the pump and slipper dance at Yale? Five. Oh, that's old hat. We'll think of something better for you. I know. We could bob your hair, Marie. All right. It was just a thought. Tell you what, though. Would make a terrific line. Marjorie, you better get dressed. It's almost time. I think I'm going to put Robera on the other side of Charlie Poser. That'll be good practice for you. If you can get a man to pay attention to you with Robera Dylan on the other side, you know you got what it takes. Marjorie. Good. Now I can get dressed. [Music] Good evening, Mr. Warren. Miss Mary's dressing, but Miss Bernice is down. What? Joe Parker going to do his birth call tonight. All 25 of them in possession for Yeah, I know. He's a little Oh, hello. Hi, Bernie. Hello, Bernie. Where's Marie? Oh, she's upstairs getting ready. She always likes to make it. Please save the bird. Carl's Reese laid an egg last time. You look beautiful tonight. I want to talk to you for a minute. You aren't even trying. If you've been wasting my time, I'll never forgive you. Oh, you might as well go home. No. Well, then get out there and do something. You passed all afternoon yesterday and when you got caught smoking heard about she had a lot of you. It was the next day it was green. He goed me into the office and made me sick. He said green day he came in and she said who do you like the Virgin Mary? Mr. Charlie Pollson. Do you think I ought to have my hair bobbed? My hair. Do you think I ought to bob it? Why, I want to be a society vampire and I don't see how I can unless I have my hair bobbed. Do you? I don't know. Bernice, I decided to ask your opinion because I heard you were so critical of girls. What are you talking about down there? I was just telling Charlie that first thing next week, I'm going down to the Sevier barber shop, sit in the first chair, and have my hair bobbed. Of course, I'll have to charge admission, but if you'll all come down and encourage me, I'll issue passes for the front row seats. I'll take one front and center. right now. Me too, Bernice. I thought bobbed hair was only for the picture show vaps. Would you really do it? I know it's immoral, but my philosophy is that you have to either amuse people, beat them, or shock them. [Laughter] What did you mean before when you said that I was critical of girls? That's just what I heard. I heard it practically the minute I got to town. Who told you that? Several people. Who? Yes. Male or female? Charlie, wait a minute. Car, take your pictures. Nuts. Uh, are you really going to bob your hair first thing next week? Can you come? Sure. I heard something about the men who go to Princeton. Yeah. And I just wanted to know if it was really true. Will you be honest with me? All right. Just promise me you won't tell Mr. TV started. Tell me what. I'm afraid you'll get mad at me. Oh, I won't tell me. Who told you that? Never mind. I think I'll put something else on, Bernice. All right. I just hope it's true because Picklemen are the only guy that interests me. You're more of a challenge. Is that a fact? Would you hurry up, Roberta? I can't find anything good. Charlie, don't you have something more romantic? Just don't rush me. I'd like to get another dancing with Bernice, if you don't mind. Bernice? Did you say Bernice? Yes, I fed Bernice. Charlie Pawson, have you lost your mind? Won't you? Would you just please hurry up? Robera, if you tell me to hurry up once more, I'm going to slap your face. Hey, Robera, let's just listen to the same one. Come on. What's on the boards? Bernice. Charlie, would you hold this? Thank you. [Music] Now, careful. jail. Thanks, L. [Music] Why do you keep looking over there, Ji? I think they're good dancers. We're Nathan and Martin. I think we're much better than they suppose we are, aren't we? What do you mean suppose? Aren't you sure? Very. How do you feel about the hair bobbing issue? Do you think a woman should bob her hair? I think women should feel free to indulge themselves. Depending on the shape of their heads, of course. You're not seriously considering doing it, are you? Of course I am. Did you think it was just a line? The only one in this room with a line is Mr. Warren McIntyre. I beg your pardon. You have an awfully kissable mouth, Bernice. I meant to ask you, what is your criterion for a kissable mouth? One that looks like it's been kissed a lot or one you'd like to kiss? One I'd like to kiss, of course. Thank you, wife. That's very handy information. [Music] Don't you just love the ocean? Oh, Bernice, your hair is like the spray on the ocean on a moonlight night. Oh, Charlie Pollson, you devil. I heard that you can make a girl believe almost anything. [Music] Oh, Mr. Otis. Miss Marjorie's gone downtown with her mother. That's funny. Charlie Pollson's sister said he was over here. He is. But what's he doing here if Marjory's downtown? Bernice. Hey, Pawson. What about our game? Bernice, I forgot all about it. Otis, it's all right. If you hurry, we can still play a set or two. Uh, I'll take a rain check. Thank you. What do you mean? I mean, I'm busy right now, Otis. Busy doing what? I'll see you later, Otis. [Music] No, cop. Mary's downtown. Where's Bernice? Bernice? [Music] [Applause] You know, I have such a frightful lot of hair. Do you know what I've taken to doing? What? First, I powder my face and fix my hair. Then, I put on my hat, hop into the tub, and then I get dressed. No hearts, Charlie. Uh oh. I'm sorry, Charlie. Don't you think that's a wonderful plan? My bathtub plan. I think it's first. I love it. Bernice, you've got the smile down pat, but now you have to perfect a pathetic look, too. Why? Well, it comes in handy in certain situations. With men? Well, of course with men. When you go east to school, you're going to run into Bab Spinley. The one who got fired from Miss Walkers. Oh, well, she's been fired from three schools that I know of. Maybe more. Anyway, she has probably got the greatest pathetic look of any girl in our generation. How do you do it? Open your eyes wide. and you drew up your bottom lip and you look straight into the man's eyes and say, "I hardly have any bows at all." I hardly have any bows at all. Not bad. I thought the idea was to seem popular. Oh, but it only works if you're popular. Can you imagine an unpopular girl saying, "I hardly have any pose at all." What could the man say? But if you're popular, see, do you think I'll ever know all these things you do? Well, I don't know. You got a late start. I don't think I'm doing so bad. How'd you like my bathtub line? Snazzy. You can use it if you want to. Bernice, I don't need to use other people's lines. [Music] Miss Bernice. Hello. Shellshock. [Music] Annie. Yes, Miss Marjorie. Who was that? It was Mr. Warren. Miss Marjorie. Oh, we'll tell him. I can't see him right now. He just took Miss Bernice out for a ride. Oh, well, I'm glad he finally found someone who appreciates him. His marchie totally poisoned you against me. Oh, Warren. No, not at all. [Music] Are you still in love with Marjorie? No. Marjorie is a true vivacious spirit. I responded to her great devivve. I do not respond, however, to her turning five cartwheels at the pump and slipper dance. We need someone more stable. That's all. I would hope so. I would be mortified if she started turning cartwheels in my home. What were the children then? I'm losing patience with Marjorie. If she can't see me for who I am at this point in my life, I'd be a twerp not to look elsewhere. Oh, Warren, I could never think of you as a twerk. You're a handsome man, you know. Well, thank you, but I I don't want to seem vain talking about my looks. Oh, you don't? I hope not. Oh, no. Do you think my hair would look better parted in the middle rather than on the side? I've been thinking of doing that. Oh, I don't know. It sort of enhances your widow's peak. Thank you, Warren. Will you write me when I go back to Oaklair? I'm going to write about you. I think you're a remarkable girl. Are you studying to be a writer? I don't like to talk about it. I can only say that I'm trying to reveal myself as honestly as I possibly can under an assumed name. Of course. A pin name. Oh, yes. What is it? Charlotte Van Husen. Charlotte, I don't want anyone to know it's me. I'm in too much pain. Oh, why? I tell you, I'm at a point in my life where I don't have time for anything but the truth. Life is too short and I'm getting too old. How old are you? 19. I'm going through something very important in my life. It's hard to explain. I have a lot of energy. Every muscle, every every senue, I'm I'm full. I'm I'm full of sap. I'd never know it. You certainly look healthy. [Music] I could get him back just like that. Could you? Oh, you might as well get Warren McIntyre out of your head. What? Stop making a fool of yourself. Warren McIntyre doesn't give up. Think about you. You act like I stole your private property. I'm not interested in discussing it now or later. [Music] I give it a When are you going back to kindergarten? Me? Yes. Gabriel gets her hair bobbed. Oh, well then your education's over. Huh? Well, that was just a bluff. I thought you realized that. You mean that was just a line? I don't know. Oh, splash. Admit it. Splash. [Music] Give her what for, Bernice. I like bobbed hair and I intend to bob mine. When? Anytime. No time like the present. Boom. We'll have a summer hair bobbing party. Yes. Sanier barber shop. Isn't that what you said, Bernice? That's what I said. Come on, Robera. Great. Now, don't worry. She'll back down. All right. I don't mind if I do. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] those kids out here. Come on, I want you to bob my hair. Excuse me. You know how, don't you? I've cut men's hair, but I've never cut ladies hair before. You're not fun of me, are you? Oh, no. I decided to Don't touch the B. You're not checking with me. You have very lovely hair. You want to have your hair bob? Good heavens. Just do it. Well, just have a little patience and if we do it, we'll do it right. All right. Why don't you take your seats? Oh, we can see fine from here. Excuse me. Just don't get in the way, Charlie. It's a delicate operation. Well, you know what they say. Hair today, gone tomorrow. This is so you don't get blood on your clothes, Brenice. Wonderful. Excuse me. Why don't you just let me do that? I can do it much faster. You can back down if you want. Why should I Well, I guess that's it. Well, I did it. That's right. Yes, you sure did. Bernice, how do you like it? It's different, Bernice. It's It's really interesting. It looks fine. Yeah, that's it, Bernice. It looks fine. Yeah. Bravo. But how do you make it look like those vampires? I think it looks real sweet, Bernice. I like it. Thanks for bringing. Um, would you mind doing me a favor? What? Would you run me to the dry cleaners? I simply have to pick this dress up before supper. Oh, sure. I'd be glad to. Robera, you wouldn't mind driving everyone home, would you? Oh, no. Of course not. I told you I'd do it. And I did it. Yeah. You did it. That's right. Well, we have to go. Bernice. Hey, Reese. My cat. Oh, sure. Well, Bernice, we'll see you later. Maybe tomorrow. All right. Bye. See you. Who's going to take me home? Me. I'll wait for you outside. I'll see you in a few minutes. Thanks, Marjorie. If you and Bernice aren't busy tomorrow afternoon, I thought perhaps we might go down to Partridges for tea. Ardita, Orand, and Genevie will be there around 3:00, and perhaps we could all do a little shopping afterward. Oh, Bernice, what will your parents say? They'll think I let you do it. I'm sorry, Aunt Josephine. I'm awfully sorry, Bernice. It's all right. Maybe we could wet it so it won't stick out like that. It's all right. I really didn't think you'd go through with it. Doesn't matter. Well, you'll get used to it. Maybe. I'm used to it now. I like it. Well, for heaven's sakes, don't let it worry you. I won't. Life's too short. Yes. Night, Bernice. Good night, Marjorie. [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]