Playback Page #5

MITCHELL:

Of course.

MARGO:

How about your new friend?

MITCHELL:

(with a laugh)

I told you she's just..

MARGO:

(cutting in sharply)

A girl you meet on the train.

Excuse my bringing it up again.

(she glances at her

wrist watch)

Be back in an hour. Right?

MITCHELL:

Right.

MARGO:

In an hour, Larry.

Mitchell stares at her levelly for a moment, then goes

without a word.

INT. ROYAL HOTEL - CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MARGO'S ROOM -- DAY

Mitchell has just closed the door, stands with his hand on

the knob, a smile playing across his features. He starts

to whistle as he walks down the corridor. He takes a little

dance step perhaps, this is to indicate that his whole

attitude with Margo is just part of an act. He stops beside

the big sand jar, lights a cigarette, drops the match in

the jar, takes out the money from Margo's bag, flips it

with a smile on his face, puts it back in his pocket, takes

out the two checks Margo gave him, tears off the signatures,

places checks in his pocket, tears the signature fragments

into small pieces, drops them into the jar, goes on

whistling.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. ROYAL HOTEL - DESK AND ELEVATOR BANK -- DAY

A couple of GUESTS at the desk. A CLERK is handing out

mail. CAMPBELL, the manager, is standing to one side. The

elevator comes down. Mitchell comes out, crosses to the

desk and addresses Campbell.

MITCHELL:

Good afternoon, Mr. Campbell.

CAMPBELL:

(coldly)

Mr. Mitchell.

MITCHELL:

(airily)

A little something on account

perhaps?

CAMPBELL:

Rather more than a little something,

Mr. Mitchell.

MITCHELL:

I'm afraid this is all for the

moment.

Campbell picks up the money, counts it, puts it down.

CAMPBELL:

I think we'd better discuss this

in my office, Mr. Mitchell.

MITCHELL:

Nothing to discuss. Tomorrow the

sun will shine even brighter. Be

grateful for small mercies.

Campbell shrugs, reaches for the money.

MITCHELL:

Oh, I forgot. I have a dinner

engagement. Excuse me.

He removes a couple of bills from the money.

MITCHELL:

Thank you, Mr. Campbell.

He puts money in his pocket, turns away. Campbell looks

after him with cold anger. Mitchell dodges back into

elevator just as it is about to start up.

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

Hat and suitcase in sight. Light is on in the closet. Betty

is inside closet, hanging up clothes. As she comes out,

switching off light, DOOR BUZZER SOUNDS. She opens door,

Mitchell breezes on past her. She registers annoyance,

then closes door. Mitchell crosses to the open French door

of the balcony.

MITCHELL:

Nice room. Balcony and everything.

Lovely view too.

BETTY:

(coolly)

Very nice Mitchell turns.

MITCHELL:

No thanks?

BETTY:

(same voice)

Thank you.

MITCHELL:

(frowning)

Suppose I hadn't known that

immigration inspector? Hadn't put

in a good word for you?

BETTY:

I'm supposing.

MITCHELL:

I think you're a nice girl. I like

you. But I can read signs if the

print is large enough. It was your

manner more than the wedding ring

that bothered the inspector. A

sort of tenseness, as if you were

afraid of something.

Betty just goes on looking at him.

MITCHELL:

I have a darned good idea you're

name isn't Betty Mayfield at all.

BETTY:

Yes?

MITCHELL:

How about taking to Uncle Larry

into the old firm? He's a useful

guy to have on your side.

BETTY:

(no answer)

MITCHELL:

(slight change of

pace)

Don't get me wrong, Betty. I'm not

suggesting you murdered anybody,

you know.

Betty reacts. He sees the reaction. His smile broadens.

Then very casually,

MITCHELL:

Dine and dance tonight? I've got

fifty bucks to throw away.

BETTY:

Not tonight.

MITCHELL:

What's the matter?

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