Advise and Consent Page #11

---

Hello, lover.

Bob, I know about the argument | between Brig and the president.

- How? | - His wife.

- Now I know why I never married again. | - No, no. She's scared.

Bob. Brig's got a blackmailer on his tail.

Blackmailer?

- You know anything about it? | - Are you joking?

It's about Leffingwell.

Thought maybe you had some ideas.

Where is Brig?

I've been looking for him. | That's why I'm late.

Blackmail. Are you sure | his wife isn't exaggerating?

I don't believe so.

Well?

Yes, I might have some idea.

Why in the devil didn't he come to me | with this or to you? Somebody?

- Did you leave word for him to call here? | - His wife or office will tell him.

- Yes? | - Ray?

Who is it?

Is this Raymond Shaff?

Hello.

- You want Ray? | - Yes, please.

- He doesn't live here, you know. | - He left this apartment number.

- I'm a friend of Ray's. Are you a friend? | - Where can I find him?

Won't you sit down, please?

- Do you know where I can find Ray? | - Rlease, sit.

I'm making some tea. | Would you like some tea?

Thanks just the same.

- My name is Manuel. I didn't get your name. | - Do you know where I can reach Ray?

- I'd appreciate it. | - I said, I didn't get your name.

Anderson.

Where are you from, Mr. Anderson?

Well, if it's any help, I'm from out | of town. Utah. I knew Ray in the Army.

Oh, Utah. Way out West.

Mormons, and "This is the place" | and all that.

Mr. Manuel, if you don't mind, | I'm in kind of a hurry.

I have kind of a mail and answering service | here for friends like Ray.

Nothing big.

Confidential, you understand.

See?

Oh, yes. Yes, I see.

- Will this do? | - Oh, anything. Just put it there.

Would you like to meet Ray here?

Can't you give me his address | or phone number?

It's convenient here. It's quiet.

Cream or lemon?

Mr. Manuel, do you know | where Ray is or don't you?

Oh, it's like that.

Urgent, sudden, PDQ.

Won't you sit down, please?

Yes, it's urgent.

I think he'll be at 602.

- It's a big night at 602. | - 602 what?

The club, 602.

I'll give you the address.

You can come back here with Ray.

I mean, you've paid.

Well, come on in.

Don't just stand there.

Hey, don't run off.

Ray?

Ray! You're with me.

Brig?

- Wait a moment, Brig. | - Taxi!

Let me explain. Brig, wait a moment.

- Taxi! | - Brig...

I needed money, Brig. | Well, you wouldn't see me.

I kept calling. I was drunk.

Newark Airport!

Drive, will you? Drive!

Please fasten your seat belt, senator.

You mind, Brig?

Harley. Sure. I didn't see you.

- If you'd rather sleep... | - No, no, no. Sit there.

- What time do we get to old Foggy Bottom? | - About midnight.

What? What were you doing | in New York, making a speech?

PTA convention. You?

Business. Just business.

Are you going to give in?

On Leffingwell, I mean.

I know what you mean.

- What do you know about it? | - Well, I can't say I know anything.

I'm not included in very much, | either by the senators or the president.

But that doesn't prevent me | from doing a little guesswork.

You're being pushed and pushed hard, | aren't you, Brig?

Why are you going it alone? | That's what I don't understand.

Some character once said that being | vice president isn't exactly a crime.

They can't put you in jail for it.

But it is a sort of a disgrace, | like living in a mansion with no furniture.

If you don't mind traveling | in such impoverished company...

I might be able to help you.

I've suddenly gotten the feeling you're the | most underestimated man in Washington...

Anything I can do, Brig.

Maybe you're right. Maybe if...

Go ahead.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are approaching | an area of possible turbulence.

Please fasten your seat belts. Thank you.

Brig?

Forget it, Harley.

Please forget it.

Well, looks like rain. I'll run you home.

- Come on, hop in. | - What? Oh, no. No, thanks, Harley.

I've got my car over here.

Brig?

Do you feel all right?

Good night, Harley.

Good evening, senator.

- Hi, Mike. | - Senator Smith was around looking for you.

He said you can get him | at Mrs. Harrison's.

Thanks.

But the elevators are running, senator.

Senator.

You in there, senator?

It's Mike, senator.

Ace queen bets three.

Dear me. I may be forced to drop out.

Is that how the British | played their cards at Waterloo?

No, but it served us well at Dunkirk. | Different hands, of course.

- Out. | - No good.

Nope.

- Running a sandy, Seabright? | - No. I'm running a possum.

It looks like I've got him nearly treed.

Senator Smith, | you're wanted on the telephone.

Thank you. Excuse me.

- Closed. | - All right?

Wheel and deal, madam.

Still a possible flush. Rair of sevens.

Jack to me.

Is that Brig?

What's the matter?

He's dead.

Brig?

In his office.

He cut his throat.

Are you two at it again? | We're on the last hand.

Sorry, everyone.

- We just got word Brig Anderson's dead. | - What?

Oh, Bobby.

Stan, will you get Harley and meet Lafe | and me at the Anderson home?

- I know he'd like to be there. | - Of course.

How did it happen?

It looks like he killed himself.

No, I don't know.

He was good, and kind and honest.

I don't know what it was | they were trying to use against him.

But whatever it was, | they can't use it anymore.

So it doesn't matter, does it?

Did Brig have any idea about...

who might be behind all this?

No.

No.

Excuse me.

Please excuse me!

I know Van Ackerman's behind it.

What I don't know, is he alone in it?

If he is alone in it, | it becomes a Senate matter...

for the Senate to handle in its own way.

And if Van Ackerman isn't alone?

Is that what they think of me on the Hill? | Is that what you think of me, Bobby?

No, I don't. But Harley here | might like a straighter answer than that.

As God is my witness, Harley, | I know nothing of it.

- What about Leffingwell? | - There will still be a suspicion...

in some quarters that you're involved in | Brig's death. Better withdraw Leffingwell.

The president is always suspect by some | because people are suspicious of power.

I can't be guided by that.

I'm sorry about Brig Anderson. | Don't misunderstand me.

I wish he were alive and happy.

But he's dead, morning's coming, | and I still need a secretary of state.

The situation hasn't changed.

Except now you could bring | Leffingwell to the floor for a vote.

You've got the votes committed, | Bobby, use them.

Well, Harley, what are you looking | so shocked about?

You think in my place, you'd feel | any differently about this than I do?

I don't know, Mr. President.

But the last night I saw Brig Anderson, | I saw a man in terrible pain.

I wonder if Leffingwell | or any one man is worth all of this.

Wondering doesn't run a government.

Good night, Harley.

Good night, Mr. Rresident.

Good night, Mr. Rresident.

Bobby.

Yes, sir?

I do want to confirm a suspicion to you.

Maybe it will help you understand | why I want Leffingwell so badly.

I understand.

I'm going fast. There's nothing left | inside here that's working anymore.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes