Platinum Blonde Page #7

While he waits for the connection, he turns and addresses

the group expansively.

STEW:

Say, I interviewed a swell guy the

other day - Einstein. Swell guy, a

little eccentric, but swell. Doesn't

wear any garters. Neither do I as

a matter of fact. What good are

garters anyway—?

(he turns back to

the phone)

Hello, Conroy? This is Smith

talking. I'm up at the Schuylers.

No, I'm not having tea - that is,

not yet.

(again, he winks

expansively at the

group—then returns

to Conroy)

Is she beautiful? Oh boss, her

pictures don't do her justice. If

I was that guy Ziegfield - what?

46. CLOSE SHOT - ANNE AND MRS. SCHUYLER

Anne smiles in spite of herself at this flattery. Stew's

voice goes on.

STEW'S VOICE

Yes, it's easy to see where her

beauty comes from. From her mother.

For the first time, Mrs. Schuyler unbends to the extent of

giving forth a smile. She cannot help but be pleased at

this compliment. The atmosphere is now very friendly.

Everybody feels that everything is all right.

CONTINUATION SCENE 45

Stew at the phone

STEW:

Now wait a minute. Just hold on.

Keep your shirt on. I'm coming to

that. The Schuylers admit the story

is true. Right. They gave the gal

ten thousand bucks. But she's got

some letters - and she's holding

out for more dough - and it looks

to me like she's going to get it.

47. MEDIUM SHOT - SCHUYLER GROUP

Horrified and shocked at this betrayal and double-crossing.

STEW:

(on the

phone—breezily)

Right boss. I'll be right over.

Right - no, I don't think I can

get any pictures now. Right.

He casually hangs up and turns from the phone.

MRS. SCHUYLER

(involuntary gasp)

Oh-h-h . . .!

Anne confronts him as if he were a reptile of the lowest

order.

ANNE:

(voice cold as ice)

I've met some rotters in my time,

but without a doubt, you're the

lowest excuse for a man I've ever

had the misfortune to meet—

Stew starts walking toward the door, still holding his

book. The family is tremendously indignant and agitated.

Stew stops, turns, looks at them. He is met by icy glares.

He indignantly takes a nickel out of his pocket and hands

it to Grayson.

STEW:

(with dignity)

Well, if you feel that way about

it, here's a nickel for the phone

call.

He glares at them—turns and walks out.

They watch him walk out, stunned and open-mouthed.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

DAY:

INSERT:
Dingy board sign outside a building.

JOE'S

LAP DISSOLVE TO:

INSERT:
Three column heading in newspaper:

SCHUYLER HEIR SETTLES BREACH OF PROMISE SUIT FOR $10,000.

Gloria Golden, Follies Beauty, Retains Love Letters.

LAP DISSOLVE TO:

INT. JOE'S SPEAKEASY - DAY

MEDIUM FULL SHOT

A reasonably respectable speakeasy, smoke-filled. Quite a

number of men and a few women are leaning on the bar and

seated around at the tables. Stew and Gallagher are seated

at one of the rude round tables, smoking, drinks before

them. Gallagher is reading the newspaper story.

49. CLOSE SHOT - STEW AND GALLAGHER

She is grinning at the story.

STEW:

—and she walked up to me and put

her hand on my shoulder and said,

(mimicking Anne)

'Mr. Smith, You wouldn't print

that story, would you?' Oh no, I

wouldn't print it - read it!

CLOSE SHOT - GALLAGHER

Over Stew's shoulder. She laughs at his attempted imitation.

GALLAGHER:

You're sure going to be poison to

that Junior Leaguer[4] from now

on!

STEW:

I hope not . . . I've got to call

on her this morning!

Gallagher looks up in astonishment.

GALLAGHER:

You what?

STEW:

Sure, I must drop in on the mad

wench. Her wounds need soothing.

GALLAGHER:

For heaven's sake, Stew, are you

completely bats? What for? I thought

the story was cold. You can't go

back there.

STEW:

Sure, the story is cold, but I'm

not. I'm sizzling - look! Psst!

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