I Wake Up Screaming Page #5

But when I told her that, she just laughed

at me. She told me I was a has-been.

She said she was going places

and didn't want to hitch her wagon...

to a- a falling star.

I even arranged for a screen test

for both of us.

A director I knew said

he would give us a chance.

But when the day came,

she went down there alone.

They decided

they didn't need me.

Well, I couldn't stand that.

I went down there and started a row.

A few days later, when she sent

for Christopher and Evans and me...

I pretended to them

that I knew nothing about it.

I pretended to myself

that I didn't care.

But I-I didn't kill her!

- Where were you on the day of the murder?

- I was in the sanitarium...

on East 77th Street.

I go there occasionally when things

get tough, and they take care of me.

- You can verify that if you like by calling the doctor.

- Check up on that.

I've already checked.

He was there, all right.

So there goes another one

of your suspects.

- Is that all for today, gentlemen?

- For today.

Hello, Frankie. I see they're still

lettin' you out of here.

- I come and go as I please.

They made me a trustee.

- Cornell must be slipping.

According to my calendar,

you should be in the death house by now.

Uh-oh.

- Well, if it isn't Operator 13.

- The nails for your coffin.

- Hi, Inspector.

- How about giving me a lift uptown, Frankie?

Sure. Always glad to oblige a ghoul.

Right this way.

## [Whistling Funeral March]

[Simulates Bomb Dropping]

- You can drop me at 58th and Madison.

I live on the corner.

- Okay.

I'm sorry to have to ask you to do this,

but I'm a little short on cash lately.

You see, I've spent so much of my own dough

trying to build up this case against you.

Well, if there's anything

you need, just let me know.

I imagine they'll make it right with me

when I bring in the material for your trial.

They usually do in these cases. I nick a guy

on my own time and send him up to the chair.

- Then I get back pay.

- Must be a great life.

Like a garbageman,

only with people.

I got practically

all the evidence I need now.

I could arrest you today, for that matter,

but you might get some smart mouthpiece...

and get off with life

instead of the chair.

I won't be satisfied

until I'm sure it's the chair.

You're a gay dog, Cornell.

You make me feel as if I'm driving a hearse.

I know your type. I've seen hundreds of 'em.

I don't scare you enough...

to make you commit suicide,

but I worry you just the same.

And when the day comes,

they all act different.

Some scream. A few faint.

Some light a cigarette

and try a wisecrack...

but it sticks in their throats,

especially when they're hung.

All right, Dracula. Get your rotten corpse

out of that seat.

- Thanks.

- Not at all.

It won't be long now.

Just a day or two.

[Water Running]

[Door Buzzer Buzzing]

[Buzzing Continues]

Good evening, Miss Lynn.

- What do you want?

- I just wanna ask you a few questions.

You've asked enough questions already.

Now, go away.

Now, don't be like that,

Miss Lynn.

You wanna find the man

who killed your sister, don't you?

- Of course.

- Maybe I can help you.

Maybe you can help me.

It's simply a matter of justice.

Nice little place you got here.

The garden of hope.

Do you believe in hope, Miss Lynn?

Naturally. What's the good

of living without hope?

It can be done.

Miss Lynn, I got a hunch you know more

than you're telling me.

- Especially about Frankie Christopher.

- That's not true.

I've told you everything I know.

What more could there be?

If I knew,

I wouldn't be asking, would I?

Now, listen. I know what you're going through.

But justice is justice.

That guy is a sham,

and he played your sister for a sucker.

When she tried to run out on him,

he let her have it.

I don't believe that.

- You're in love with him, aren't you?

- No, I'm not!

Yes, you are.

Your sister knew it,

and I know it.

You're in love with him and trying to

cover up his tracks, but it won't work.

I'll get him,

with your help or without it.

I've never been wrong yet.

That man's guilty.

If you know what's good for you,

you'll play along with me.

- Get out of here!

- You keep telling yourself

he's innocent, don't you?

But you're not certain.

That's what's driving you crazy.

If you were certain, you wouldn't

be holding out on me, would you?

Get out of here!

All right, Miss Lynn.

But think it over.

Get me Mr. Frank Christopher.

Columbus 46738.

- Say, you look all right.

- Thanks.

- Where are we going?

- Well, first of all, we're going to the fights.

Frankie, do you really

think we should?

Why not? I've got nothing

to be ashamed of.

- I know, but-

- Don't worry.

I'll take you in the gallery

where the real fans go.

- [Crowd Shouting]

- Look at that boy go!

Attaboy, Lloyd!

Give it to 'im!

Give him your left!

Let 'im have your left!

Give it to him again!

[Shouting, Indistinct]

[Shouting Continues]

- Was that good?

- Was it? It wasn't bad!

He looks so little.

I don't know which is which.

I own a piece of the boy

in the green pants.

Take it easy!

Take your time!

He's a great little kid.

I raised him from a pup.

- Take it easy!

- Did you ever bring Vicky here?

Nope.

She wasn't interested.

Go after him! Don't stand there

as if you're being milked!

Go after his stomach, you lug!

His stomach!

- Who was hit?

- Uh, the one in the green pants.

- What's he doing?

- Taking it easy on the floor.

- [Referee] Five, six-

- Foul! Foul!

Well, anyway, he was

a great little fighter.

- I thought he was fine.

- It was that clumsy referee.

He's nearsighted.

We only keep him on out of charity.

- Hello, Frankie. How are ya?

- Hello, Gus. How's business?

- Ah, so-so.

- I love this neighborhood.

I was brought up here.

I even miss the "L."

It used to sound like thunder.

- Did you ever bring Vicky down here?

- No. Vicky liked the nightclubs.

I've never been

in a New York nightclub.

- What?

- No.

See, I've never known a man

who had the cover charge.

Lady, we're going to

fix that right now.

- Pegasus Club.

- Yes, sir.

- Hi, Frankie.

- Hello. How's tricks?

Not so good.

I still got that ringing in my head.

That's too bad. Here. Get yourself

a big dinner and see what happens.

- Thanks, Frankie.

- Keep punchin'.

- Who's that?

- He used to be a pretty good heavyweight...

but he's slaphappy now.

He always hears

the bell in his head.

He seemed to know you were

going to give him that money.

Always do.

I may be a has-been myself someday.

Perhaps this isn't wise, Frankie.

Are you sure we oughta be seen together?

I was never so sure

of anything in my life.

## [Band]

Well, what do you know

about that?

Pardon me, baby, while I go out

and sink a battleship.

- Would you like to dance?

- No, thanks.

I don't feel like dancing.

Why did you suddenly

call me tonight?

It's very simple.

I was lonely...

and I thought you might

possibly be lonely too.

- Is that all?

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