In a droning voice-over, he narrates cynically from the tattered journal he keeps in a school composition book purchased at a dimestore...the chance came at last to Mother McTeague." By nightfall, a crowd has gathered in front of the saloon, where the dentist exhibits his art to an audience.There was a close-up of the animals observing as a knife sliced into the juicy duck meat (decorated with orange slices) on the dinner table.He came from a wealthy and well-connected family, but was eager to prove himself on his own.He chose to neglect introducing his demanding and overprotective mother (Katharine Warren) at his graduation to his girlfriend - nightclub singer May Wynn (May Wynn, originally Donna Lee Hickey), fearing her disapproval of her lower class status.She intrudes unexpectedly, garrulously dominating the conversation until it is time for Alec o abruptly part to catch his 5:40 train to Churley ("I go in he opposite direction").