"MASTER HAROLD"...and the Boys

On a rainy afternoon, Sam and Willie are working at the St. George’s Park Tea Room. There are no customers, so Sam is flipping through comic books while Willie begins to practice ballroom dancing, singing “Scandalize My Name.” Willie asks Sam to help him with the quick step, and admits that he is struggling to practice properly as his partner Hilda hasn’t worked with him for several days; after she last made a mistake, he “hided” (or beat) her. Sam teases Willie, reminding him that he should treat Hilda better so that he can compete in the upcoming ballroom championships.

Sam demonstrates dancing while Willie sings “You’re the Cream in My Coffee” (the men don’t have enough extra change to play the jukebox). Suddenly Hally enters, grousing about the rain but otherwise in good spirits. He is surprised that his mother isn’t there, and Sam tells the boy that she is at the hospital with his father--and it sounds like his father will be going home. Surprised and a little upset, Hally