Moonstruck Page #20

FROM OVER LORETTA'S SHOULDER WE SEE THE RUSHING WATER

Forming an opaque wall before her. Then the fountain, for

its next piece of aquatic choreography, drops away to nothing

quite suddenly. And there, facing Loretta, on the opposite

side of the fountain, is Ronny.

He's looking incredibly handsome and dashing in a tuxedo and

topcoat and, of course, gloves. He smiles slightly and raises

a hand in greeting. Loretta, caught off guard, smiles

brilliantly at him. Then she remembers her situation and

starts to put on her usual serious expression. But the

fountain has rushed up into the sky again, obscuring her

attempt at composure from, Ronny.

Ronny COMES INTO VIEW again, walking toward Loretta around

the fountain's perimeter. He comes close to her.

RONNY:

Hi.

LORETTA:

Hi.

RONNY:

You look beautiful. Your hair...

LORETTA:

I thought I'd try it.

(qrudgingly)

You look good.

RONNY:

Thank you.

He goes to kiss her. She takes a step back.

LORETTA:

I said I'd go to the opera with you.

Nothing else.

Ronny immediately relents, gently takes her arm, and they

walk off in the direction of the opera house.

ONE OF THE CHAGALL'S FROM IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF THE MET

Ronny and Loretta looking up at it.

LORETTA:

Who painted that?

RONNY:

Marc Chagall. A Russian.

LORETTA:

Kinda gaudy.

RONNY:

He was having some fun. Yeah, well

he's dead.

(he smiles)

Come on, let's go in.

Ronny and Loretta join the crowd streaming into the building.

INT. THE OPERA HOUSE - NIGHT

Ronny and Loretta enter, giving tickets to usher.

INT. OPERA HOUSE - COATCHECK - NIGHT

Ronny and Loretta checking their coats. Ronny's coat is

already off, and he's helping Loretta off with hers. He hands

her coat to the CHECKER and pockets the check. Then he turns

and sees Loretta in her dress for the first time.

He's stunned by her beauty. He's at a loss. He mumbles.

RONNY:

Thank you!

LORETTA:

For what?

RONNY:

I don't know. For your hair. For

your beautiful dress. For... you

know, I feel like a man again. You

know I love the Opera. You know it's

been a long time since I've been to

the Opera.

His eyes are bright with tears. Loretta is touched and starts

to put her hand out to him. But she stops herself.

LORETTA:

So. Where are we sitting?

RONNY:

Come on.

He takes her arm. They pass under the great chandelier and

go into the house.

THE OPERA HOUSE - NIGHT

THE CAMERA PICKS OUT A SERIES OF COUPLES

The first couple is PEGGY and CLIVE, a very distinguished

pair of silver-haired lovers dressed magnificently. They are

in their seats, delighted to be where they are, holding hands.

Next is the CELEBRITY COUPLE. Maybe Jackie O and her son,

John. They are seated and people are looking at them.

Next is Cosmo and Mona. Cosmo is helping Mona to sit down,

something she could probably handle herself. He's wearing

good but old-fashioned suit. She is in a dress that makes

her look like a big piece of hard candy.

Next is Ronny and Loretta. They are sitting in the first row

of the First Circle; in other words, very good seats.

They are holding their programs. Loretta opens her program.

THE OPEN PROGRAM - LORETTA'S POV

The opera is LA BOHEME. But then the page fades away into

the dark as the house lights go down.

WE SEE RONNY AND LORETTA FROM BEHIND

Ronny leans his head toward her and whispers.

RONNY:

Here we go.

As the lights come up in the orchestra pit. The CONDUCTOR

takes his place. The AUDIENCE APPLAUDS. He bows and turns to

the orchestra. The OVERTURE begins and PLAYS UNDER NEXT.

EXT. THE GRAND TICINO - NIGHT

The OVERTURE PLAYS THROUGH this ESTABLISHING SHOT and then

FADES AWAY at the start of the NEXT SHOT. WE SEE Rose enter

the restaurant.

INT. THE GRAND TICINO - NIGHT

The dinner crowd is in and most of the tables are occupied.

The entranceway door opens and Rose enters.

She's got herself up very nice. The host, JIMMY, quickly

approaches her. She's very dignified.

JIMMY:

Hello, Mrs. Castorini. Who's coming?

ROSE:

It's just me. I want to eat.

JIMMY:

Okay.

JIMMY:

I got a table for you right now.

Jimmy leads her to a table for two against the wall.

JIMMY:

This alright?

ROSE:

Fine.

He seats her.

JIMMY:

Enjoy your meal.

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