Room At The Top Page #3

I tell you, I didn't see anything. It was pitch dark.

And the only sign of light was that old workman or nightwatchman sitting by his brassiere.

(PEOPLE LAUGHING)

Brazier.

That's a wonderful thought. Erotic vise among the working class.

Let me tell you, I am working class.

I didn't mean...

Working class and proud of it!

You're nothing of the sort, you're a stock broker and Alice is the lover

and the suspected of murder in the play.

Now shut up the lot of you. Now we'll start again.

When you come to the point when you say "What's the point?" I want you to make a turn,

half turn towards the window.

(PEOPLE TALKING IN BACKGROUND)

I didn't mean to snap at you.

Oh, forget it.

We'll you come and have a coffee with me?

No, but you may buy me a drink.

Can you drive?

Yes, oddly enough.

Cause I never owned a car but I learned to drive in the RAF.

Here, you're very touchy, aren't you?

Where to?

To the Saint Claire. It's quiet.

(HE STARTS THE ENGINE)

That's the Brown's place.

Yes, I know. I walked passed it.

Hmm, seems like there's something going on tonight.

Susan told me that they were having a party.

What a place!

It's like a castle.

Charles tells me that they've even got a swimming pool.

They've got just about everything, haven't they?

I wouldn't say that.

If you really want to know I thought you would be coming the lady of the mansion over me that's all.

My father didn't know engineering works or a mill.

He never even owned his own house.

But that doesn't mean that I can't drive a car or pronounce brazier.

Who cares about these things?

Some people do.

It's Susan, isn't it? That was bothering you.

It's Jack Wales, really. That type they make me mad.

The boys with the big mouths and a silver spoon stuck in them.

But they think they can take everything worth having by sort of divine rights.

Calling me sergeant.

It is Susan, A. could we have the same again please ?

Right away, Mrs. Aisgill.

You're jealous.

I suppose I am.

Very well, why don't you phone the girl and ask her to go out with you then?

Why don't you?

Hmm, you feel inferior to Jack Wales?

No, I don't.

I've a feeling I know I'm right.

I know she doesn't want him.

I suppose you think I am conceded.

Young and terribly inexperienced but not conceded.

Well if that's the way you really feel about her, then you must be right.

Your trouble is you don't believe enough in yourself.

I'll tell you something Alice.

I like you, I don't mean sex, I mean "like you".

I like to talk to you.

I just ... like you.

You look about 18 sometimes.

Do you know that?

You remind me of a boy I used to know in university in Paris.

It must be funny being French here in Warnley.

No, it's not funny.

Are you very unhappy Alice?

Not very... Come on...

(MUSIC PLAYING)

Susan, there's a telephone call for you.

Then who is it ?

It's a gentleman. I think he said Mr.Lampton.

What will I tell him?

Oh, it's allright Marry. I'll take it.

Very well Miss. Susan.

Hello...Susan Brown.

Well hello Joe, I didn't know it was you.

Saturday evening? I'd love to but .. hold on a minute.

Hello Joe, I just looked up on my book, I've got another engagement on Saturday.

Yes I'd love to some other time.

Gosh! Here's mummy... Bye...

Who's that telephoning, Susan?

Joe Lampton.

I met him at "The Thespians".

What did he want?

He wanted to take me to cinema on Saturday.

But we don't know him, do we? Socially I mean.

Well I suppose so. He works at the town hall

Really?

Ah, it's allright mummy, I told him I had a previous appoinment but only because I had.

He's very nice really.

What did you say his name was ?

Lampton, Joe Lampton.

Curious names some of these people have.

Listen Alice... Tell me, but supposing you are a girl,

I mean a young girl. And I asked you out, I mean would you hang up in a hurry

just because your mother came into the room.

Look Joe, if I had a mother like Mrs. Brown, I would hang up in a great hurry

whenever she came into the room.

Aren't you two coming? Where's Charles?

He'll be over in a minute.

I still think she was trying t give me the brush off.

Well supposing she was.

Keep trying, call her again.

You really mean it?

Ofcourse, why not?

Oh, errr... well While I'm handing out advice,

Do you mind if I tell you about our last scene, the bedroom one...

Oh, I know I... I made a mock of it.

You're not frightened of me, are you?

No.

Well you must take hold of me as if you meant it. I'm not fragile, you know I won't break.

I'll try Alice.

Is it so difficult?

That we'll be another bitter gin & tonic...

(PEOPLE TALKING AND LAUGHING LOUDLY)

Hello Alice.

I'm just telling them about Gwen.

Bernard and I were talking to her after the rehearsal the other day and she said

I'll take him on myself but I can't bare bandy legged man.

Ha, ha,ha !!!

Good evening. Bernard said you'd be here.

Hello, George. This is a surprise.

It's not a social call.

I think you know everybody, don't you?

Yes, I think so.

And ofcourse Joe Lampton, my lover in the play.

The war hero.

Well I'm always glad to meet one of Alice's lovers.

Look Alice, let me have the keys,will you? I've got to take the Citroen.

Why?

My ignition's gone and I've got to get over to Leeds tonight.

So late?

Something cropped up unexpectedly. I'll be away couple of days.

(SNAPPING HIS FINGERS)

But errr... What about the car for tomorrow.

What about it?

You know I was going to take Elspeth to Manchester to the ballet.

You know I arranged it weeks ago.

Well you'll just have to make it some other time, won't you?

Enjoy yourselves everybody.

Goodnight dear.

CAR DRIVES OFF)

Well I thought you said you were going to be word perfect tonight.

Well I thought I would till I got on stage.

Well Bernard...

You know what that means couple of days hard labor with his secretary.

Yeah... Does she...

Shall I see you home?

No.

Alice, I hate to see you hurt.

I'm not hurt.

You sure you don't want me to take you home?

I'd like to.

I'd rather not.

Good night Joe.

Joe!

Shhh!

What are you doing here? I was just thinking about you.

You were?

I was thinking about you when I passed town hall and the thought stuck on.

Like a hangover. What were you thinking about me?

Nothing exactly.

What are you doing here?

I often come down here to do the library account.

You know Susan, you're looking very pretty.

Thank you kindly, sir. You think this is any good?

I wanted it, but there was a waiting list.

If you could wait for me for about 10 minutes, we can go and have some coffee together.

I can't, I'm meeting my mother for lunch.

Oh well... they tell me that there's a very good film on at the Regal.

The musical? Super!

Have you seen it?

No.

Would you like to go?

Yes.

When?

Oh.

You know Susan, you're not only pretty, you're beautiful.

Tonight then.

Oh, Tonight will do like no other night has ever done.

I'll pick you up at your house. At 7 o'clock.

No, I'd rather meet you there.

Charles! Lend me some money.

Rate this script:4.0 / 1 vote