a prominent publisher

 After Ann's boyfriend Donald Hollinger tells her he is thinking of giving up getting his novel published because he's had 12 rejection letters from 12 publishers, Ann is home in her apartment when the doorbell buzzes.

It's her dad, Lew Marie, portrayed by actor Lew Parker.  (Born in Brooklyn, New York, his father was a vaudeville performer.)

Lew Marie:

I had business in town, so I stopped by to deliver the blouses.

Ann:

What blouses?

Mr. Marie:

The ones your mother hand-washed for you - the ones I picked up the last time I had business in town.

Ann:

Oh, Daddy, can't you convince Mother I can do my own blouses?

Mr. Marie:

I doubt it.  Besides - then I'd have no excuse to bring you anything when I had business in town.

Ann:

You don't have to bring me anything!  Can't you just come see me, when you have business in town?

Mr. Marie:

Don't be silly.  I have no other business in town!

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        Donald arrives, and Mr. Marie, upon learning that the novel has been rejected by several publishers, asks, "I don't suppose you've submitted it to T. L. Harrison?"

Donald:

Who's T.L. Harrison?

Mr. Marie:

Never heard of T.L. Harrison?

Donald:

No sir.  Who is he?

Mr. Marie (with a glance at his daughter) - "Some writer!  T. L. Harrison happens to be one of the most prominent publishers in this country.  And who also happens to be one of my dearest friends."

Ann:

Daddy!  You know a prominent publisher?!

Mr. Marie:

You sound shocked!  As if you thought your humble father only knew - other humble fathers!

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