American Madness Page #5

Just then Oscar enters the scene, en route somewhere. He

stops beside Matt, notices he and Helen are holding hands.

MED. CLOSE SHOT

As Helen and Matt separate guiltily.

OSCAR:

Say, Matt! Matt! Did you hear the

news?

MATT:

No, what?

OSCAR:

Pardon me. All the big shots are

in a huddle, and it looks like

Dickson's out on his ear.

Helen and Matt react to this piece of news. They look at

one another. Apparently, it will have a definite effect on

their lives.

MATT:

(to Oscar)

Oh, you're kidding me, aren't you?

OSCAR:

No, I'm not kidding. Everybody's

talking about it. Ask her.

HELEN:

I haven't heard about it.

OSCAR:

Sure, everybody's talking about

it.

CLOSE UP - MATT

As he speaks sadly.

MATT:

If that's on the level, there goes

my assistant cashier's job.

MED. CLOSE SHOT

Taking the three in.

OSCAR:

Well, I just thought I'd drop by

and cheer you up a bit.

As he turns to go out of scene, he looks at Matt.

OSCAR:

I'll be seeing you, Matt - in the

breadline.

CUT TO:

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM MED. - SHOT

The men are all gathered around the table now. Apparently,

they have been discussing ways and means of ousting Dickson.

As we cut to this scene, Ives is pouring himself a glass

of water.

IVES:

That ham I had this morning was

very salty—

CLOSER SHOT ON THE GROUP

CLARK:

Gentlemen, let's get organized

before Dickson gets here. Schultz,

can I count on you?

37. CLOSE SHOT

On Schultz, who is seated next to

Clark.

SCHULTZ:

Absolutely.

CLARK:

What about you, Ames?

38. CLOSE SHOT

On Ames, who is seated next to Schultz.

AMES:

That's the way I feel about it.

CLARK:

Ives, how about you?

39. CLOSE SHOT

IVES:

Well, the way I look at it, it

seems that—

CLARK:

(interrupting)

All right. O'Brien?

40. CLOSE SHOT

At other end of table, where O'Brien

is.

O'BRIEN

Well, you've got an awful fight on

your hands. That's all I've got to

say.

41. CLOSE SHOT

On Clark, determined.

CLARK:

Gentlemen, I think it's time that

we do fight.

CUT TO:

INT. MAIN FLOOR OF BANK - FULL SHOT

The outer offices of the bank are in this shot. A spacious

stretch of desks occupied by clerks and junior officers,

all busily at work.

A wizened old doorman is greeting clerks as they arrive.

CLERK:

(passing by)

Hello, Gardiner.

GARDINER:

Good morning. You're on time this

morning. It's about time.

We see Dickson, looming in the doorway, for the first time.

43. CLOSE SHOT

As Dickson stops to speak to the doorman. Dickson is a man

of about fifty, whose looks belie his years. There is a

robustness and virility about him that is compelling. His

very walk radiates power.

He now puts his hand on the old man's shoulder.

GARDINER:

Good morning, Mr. Dickson.

DICKSON:

John, how's your wife this morning?

GARDINER:

(looking up, worship

in his eyes)

Much better this morning, thank

you.

DICKSON:

Got a handkerchief?

Gardiner hurriedly produces a handkerchief, and starts to

blow his nose.

GARDINER:

Excuse me—

DICKSON:

Wait a minute.

(he takes the

handkerchief, and

polishes the brass

on Gardiner's

uniform)

How do you feel this morning?

GARDINER:

I'm feeling fine this morning.

DICKSON:

That makes it unanimous. I feel

all right too.

GARDINER:

Thank you!

AS DICKSON EXITS FROM SCENE:

CUT TO:

TRUCKING SHOT WITH DICKSON

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