Playback Page #15

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. ROYAL HOTEL - PORTER'S DESK/CORRIDOR/MAIN FLOOR --

NIGHT:

The NIGHT PORTER is seated at his desk, reading a paper.

He is a middle-aged man in uniform and military bearing,

with a row or ribbons across his chest. Probably, in order

of seniority, a Military Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, the

Long Service Medal, and two or three campaign ribbons.

Betty, now fully dressed, COMES SLOWLY INTO THE SHOT and

stops by his desk. Porter lays down his paper and stands

up.

PORTER:

Good evening, Miss.

BETTY:

How soon can I get a plane to

Seattle?

PORTER:

I'm afraid there's nothing more

tonight, Miss. Unless you charter

a plane.

BETTY:

How long would that take?

PORTER:

Well... they have to service the

plane... and get a pilot down to

the field, unless there's one

hanging around there still... and

then they have to get the

immigration officer...

BETTY:

Immigration Officer?

PORTER:

Crossing the border this time of

night they're a bit particular.

You'd have to prove your identity,

you know... unless you've got a

passport. They might even want to

know why you're in such a hurry.

(he grins)

Otherwise they might think...

He breaks off, staring at her.

BETTY:

They might think I was running

away from something.

PORTER:

Possibly, Miss.

He smiles.

BETTY:

Thank you very much.

She turns and exits. CAMERA FOLLOWS HER ALONG. She turns

the corner by the elevator bank, starts into the elevator.

Brandon is standing there in a light overcoat, with his

hat in his hand. She get's in without noticing him.

INT. ROYAL HOTEL - ELEVATOR IN MOTION UP -- NIGHT

BRANDON:

Leaving us so soon, Miss Mayfield?

She realizes his presence.

BRANDON:

I don't blame you.. For running

away.

Betty reacts sharply, controls herself, says nothing.

Elevator stops, doors open.

ELEVATOR BOY:

Good night, Miss.

BETTY:

Good night.

She starts out. Brandon after her.

ELEVATOR BOY:

This isn't the penthouse floor,

Mr. Brandon.

Brandon keeps going.

INT. ROYAL HOTEL - CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ELEVATOR -- NIGHT

Betty is walking quickly down the corridor towards her

room. Brandon is following her. She seems unaware of him.

BRANDON:

(calling)

Miss Mayfield...

Betty stops turns, and he comes up to her.

BRANDON:

I know it's a littler late for an

apology.

BETTY:

(in a strained, un

natural voice)

Much too late.

BRANDON:

Don't take it so big... it isn't a

tragedy.

Betty goes into a peal of hysterical laughter, Brandon

grabs hold of her arm and shakes it.

BRANDON:

What's the matter with you?

Betty stops laughing just as suddenly as she began.

BETTY:

You said it wasn't a tragedy.

BRANDON:

What's funny about that? If you

pick up people like Larry Mitchell

other people are bound to get funny

ideas about you. The world is full

of Larry Mitchells.

BETTY:

There's one less tonight.

Brandon reacts. Silently she holds out a key. He takes it.

It's a tabbed hotel room key.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. ROYAL HOTEL - BETTY'S ROOM -- NIGHT

DOOR OPENS:

Brandon comes in, stands aside as Betty comes in. He shuts

and locks the door. The room is lighted up. Brandon looks

around swiftly.

BETTY:

Out on the balcony.

CAMERA PANS Brandon across the room to the balcony door,

he steps out.

EXT. ROYAL HOTEL - BETTY'S BALCONY -- NIGHT

Brandon enters. He goes quickly to chaise, stares down,

bends, appears to pick something up. What is it not seen.

INT. ROYAL HOTEL - BETTY'S ROOM -- NIGHT

Betty is standing motionless in the middle of the floor.

BRANDON:

Through the heart, apparently.

Very little blood. What's the story?

Betty looks him straight in the eye.

BETTY:

There isn't one.. That anyone would

believe. I went for a walk after

dinner, down to the ocean...alone...

I came up and went to bed. I didn't

sleep very well. Then there was a

thunderstorm. And it began to rain.

I went across to close the French

door. That's the first time I saw

him out there.

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