Playback Page #36

SHOPPERS, MEN, WOMEN and CHILDREN, etc., sitting around.

In the background a line of phone booths. CAMERA PICKS

OUT a deadpan, nondescript-looking MAN who might be a

dick as he stands up from a chair, crosses towards phone

booths, CAMERA WITH HIM. Phone booths are all full. He

stops before a booth, through the glass door of which Betty

can be seen on the phone. She catches his eye, turns away

quickly. The Man nonchalantly lights a cigarette, leans

against the booth.

CLOSE SHOT:

BETTY:

(into phone in booth)

I had no right to call you anyway.

I've made you enough trouble. I--

I think I know what to do--if

they'll let me.

Her eyes turn to look at the man outside the booth. He is

not looking at her.

CUT TO:

INT. ROYAL HOTEL - BRANDON'S LIVING ROOM -- DAY

BRANDON ON PHONE

Killaine, behind him in a chair; has picked up a magazine.

BRANDON:

(casual voice)

It sounds like a fair location.

Could you be a little more exact?

CUT TO:

INT. DEPARTMENT STORE - PHONE BOOTH -- DAY

BETTY ON PHONE:

BETTY:

I'm in the Hudson Bay Company's

store. That man last night--the

one that followed me--

CUT TO:

INT. BRANDON'S LIVING ROOM -- DAY

BRANDON:

I don't think that's on the market

anymore. I'd like something much

closer to the water.

Killaine is listening, but he does not look up.

BRANDON:

Cant be too close for me. Right

across the street from it suits

me. Anything else listed?

INT. PHONE BOOTH -- DAY

BETTY ON PHONE:

BETTY:

(into phone, low

penetrating voice,

her mouth very

close to the

mouthpiece)

There's another man--right outside

the booth here. I never saw him

Before.

CUT TO:

INT. BRANDON'S LIVING ROOM -- DAY

BRANDON:

You're probably mistaken about

that. Let's get together sand

talk it over. There's always a

solution to these problems. But

it must be near the water. Quite

near--

(pause)

Yes, if you don't mind waiting.

CUT TO:

INT. PHONE BOOTH -- DAY

BETTY ON PHONE:

Showing the Man is still standing outside the booth. He

glances in casually. Betty turns her head into phone.

BETTY:

Close to the water. Like last

night. I'll try. Goodbye.

She hangs up, stands a moment as if mustering her courage,

then turns.

INT. WAITING ROOM NEAR BETTY'S PHONE BOOTH -- DAY

The Man is standing there, smoking. Betty opens the door,

comes out past him, not looking at him, then turns with a

quick decision and faces him.

BETTY:

(to man)

I'm sorry I kept you waiting.

He has his hand on the knob of the booth door, holding it.

He smiles quickly

MAN:

Don't give it a thought, Miss.

Matter of fact, waiting is my trade.

A BIG WOMAN pushes past them, starts to leave herself into

the booth he is about to enter. The man reacts smoothly.

MAN:

(to big woman)

Pardon me, Madam. Is that your

handkerchief?

He points to a spot on the floor behind her. She steps

back and turns. He glides into the booth, draws the door

shut, winks at Betty through the glass. Betty hides her

face as she turns away. The Big Woman is furious.

CUT TO:

INT. BRANDON'S LIVING ROOM -- DAY

He has just left the phone and crossed to make another

drink, Killaine tosses the magazine aside and stands up.

KILLAINE:

No more for me, thanks. Remember

what I said. I can't interfere

with the law.

BRANDON:

Where would she go, anyway. Don't

tell me you haven't got her covered.

Killaine just looks at him, then nods, turns away.

BRANDON:

Mitchell was a heel. We both know

that. Why take it for granted

that somebody in the hotel knocked

him off?

Killaine doesn't answer.

BRANDON:

You forgetting the gag line,

Killaine. The police don't take

anything for granted.

KILLAINE:

I'm afraid they do. Far too often.

So long.

BRANDON:

Wait a minute. I'll go with you.

Crosses, picks up hat and coat, reaches Killaine at the

door, they start out.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes