Ninotchka Page #20

CLOSE SHOT -- ROOM-SERVICE PANTRY -- LEON AT PHONE

LEON:

(into phone)

So! You want to make a strike breaker

out of me! I am surprised at you,

Comrade! Is it too much for the

workers of the world to ask you to

walk around the corner for lunch?

All I can say to you is take your

hammer and sickle and get out of

that Royal Suite!

He hangs up the telephone with a triumphant smile.

DISSOLVE TO:

LOBBY OF THE HOTEL CLARENCE

Ninotchka emerges from the elevator and starts toward the

street. As she passes the showcase of the millinery shop

again, she stops and looks at the same hat. Again she shakes

her head sadly.

NINOTCHKA:

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

She walks toward the street, as we

EXTERIOR, HOTEL CLARENCE

DISSOLVE TO:

A taxi is parked at the curb. Ninotchka comes from the hotel

and goes to the taxi.

CLOSE SHOT -- NINOTCHKA AND TAXI DRIVER

The Driver puts his hand on the handle of his cab's door

expectantly.

TAXI DRIVER:

Where to, madame?

NINOTCHKA:

Can you recommend a restaurant?

TAXI DRIVER:

Well, there's Pruniers if you care

for seafood. If you want to lunch in

the Bois, there's...

NINOTCHKA:

(interrupting)

Where do you eat?

TAXI DRIVER:

At Père Mathieu's.

NINOTCHKA:

Where is that?

TAXI DRIVER:

It's just a place for workmen.

NINOTCHKA:

Where is it?

TAXI DRIVER:

Eight blocks down in the Rue de

Poivrel.

He opens the door of his cab.

NINOTCHKA:

Thank you.

She turns and starts away in the direction he has indicated.

The Driver looks after her astounded.

The CAMERA PANS from her to the car which stands behind the

taxi. It is Leon's smart roadster. Leon sits at the wheel.

He too is looking after Ninotchka, astonished. He gets out

of his car and starts in the direction she has taken. As he

does so, we

DISSOLVE TO:

PARIS STREET -- IN FRONT OF PÈRE MATHIEU'S

Père Mathieu's is a workman's restaurant set a few steps

below the level of the sidewalk. A few typical French workmen

are going in for lunch. Ninotchka enters the scene, looks

around for a second, then goes in too.

INTERIOR -- PÈRE MATHIEU'S

It is a pleasantly simple place crowded with workmen sitting

at lunch. An electric piano is playing. Père Mathieu, greeting

all his guests like a typical restaurateur, sees Ninotchka

enter.

PÈRE MATHIEU

This way, madame. Are you alone? By

the window perhaps?

(He leads the way)

Or a nice little corner table?

NINOTCHKA:

This will do.

(She sits down)

PÈRE MATHIEU

I think this is the first time you

have been to my little place. Your

face is new to me. Now, what shall

it be?

NINOTCHKA:

Raw carrots and beets.

PÈRE MATHIEU

(horrified)

Oh, madame! This is a restaurant,

not a meadow.

He hands her a slate on which the menu is written.

PÈRE MATHIEU

Here is what we are offering today.

Please make your choice. I am sure

you will find something to tempt

your appetite.

Suddenly Ninotchka stares in the direction of the door.

MEDIUM SHOT -- AT THE DOOR

Leon has just entered. The CAMERA follows him as he makes

his way casually in Ninotchka's direction affecting not to

see her. He seats himself at the table directly opposite

Ninotchka and pretends to be overwhelmed with surprise as he

sees her.

LEON:

Why, hello! It certainly is a small

world!

SHOT INCLUDING BOTH TABLES

PÈRE MATHIEU

(to Ninotchka)

Well, madame? Shall we start with

soup? Fish soup today. I got up at

five to fish them from the Seine.

LEON:

(calling over to Père

Mathieu)

Crayfish soup for me!

PÈRE MATHIEU

(to Leon)

Very well, monsieur.

(back to Ninotchka)

Then, may I suggest an omelet with

mushrooms?

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