Sweet Smell of Success Page #11

RESUME HUNSECKER

He smiles disarmingly.

HUNSECKER:

(continuing)

...Are we kids or what?...

Hunsecker rises.

GROUP SHOT:

As Hunsecker stands up, Sidney follows suit. The Agent,

very nervous, gets to his feet and the Girl does likewise.

The Senator, whose face is sober, also rises from the table.

HUNSECKER:

(to the Senator, affably)

Next time you come up, you might

join me at my TV show.

With Sidney making way for him, Hunsecker walks round the

end of the table to the Senator. The Senator faces Hunsecker

solemnly.

SENATOR:

(quietly and cautiously)

Thank you, J.J., for what I consider

sound advice.

Hunsecker matches the Senator's solemnity.

HUNSECKER:

(deadpan)

Go, Thou, and sin no more.

Hunsecker moves out of shot. Sidney murmurs a "pleased to

meet you" to the Senator; then he follows Hunsecker. The

Senator remains looking after Hunsecker. Behind him, the

Agent and the Girl, watch him apprehensively. The Senator,

his face now showing the traces of guilt which he did not

reveal to Hunsecker, seems unwilling to turn back to face

them.

ON THE WAY TO THE FOYER

Hunsecker and Sidney. Hunsecker addresses the Captain on

his way out of the restaurant.

HUNSECKER:

Mac, don't let the Senator pay that

check...

CAPTAIN:

I'll take care of it, Mr. Hunsecker.

CAMERA tracks with Hunsecker and Sidney as they move out

towards the hat check stand.

HUNSECKER:

(murmuring)

President! My big toe would make a

better President!

By now they are at the coatroom, Hunsecker smiling.

ATTENDANT:

Mr. Hunsecker's coat, Joe.

HUNSECKER:

Find me a good one, Joe.

He accepts the proferred coat as he moves past CAMERA.

LONGER SHOT - NIGHT

The Doorman on the sidewalk has noticed Hunsecker, almost

before the columnist has appeared. The Doorman wheels,

snapping his fingers and signaling towards the car park

attendant, who can be seen at some distance in the background

under the lights of the Kinney Car Park. The attendant is

seen to react with alacrity, running into the Park.

HUNSECKER:

Putting on his overcoat, he addresses another of the Captains

who has escorted him out of the Club.

HUNSECKER:

Dan, anyone calls, tell 'em I'll be

at the Morocco, maybe the Embers.

DAN:

Very good, Mr. Hunsecker.

Sidney catches up with Hunsecker as he moves out onto the

sidewalk.

HUNSECKER:

Where's your coat, Sidalee? Saving

tips?

Sidney thinks of an impertinent reply, decides not to be

drawn and says nothing.

HUNSECKER:

(to Sidney)

My curiosity is killing me; what

are you so rambunctious about

tonight?

Sidney again does not answer; this time he points across the

street...

SIDNEY:

There's your fat friend.

LONGER SHOT - POLICE CAR - NIGHT

The car is framed in foreground; We can read the sign POLICE

attached to the visor. Two men in plain-clothes, detectives,

are in the front seats. The man nearest is HARRY KELLO.

Wanting to look like a prosperous business man, Kello looks

soft, fat, mild and well-barbered; but he is dangerous; he

knows it and enjoys it. With "big shots" he is playful and

kidding, always says just enough, not too much. He is very

relaxed, and mild in manner, but underneath there is not

only an animal energy, but a feral pressing at you. His

voice is on the hoarse side. He measures situations

automatically and instantly.

The police radio is chattering. Also in evidence is the

telephone, the radio link with headquarters. The detective

at the wheel nudges Kello, pointing across the street.

Kello gets out of the car and moves to meet the columnist.

HUNSECKER:

(as he approaches)

Hello, Harry.

KELLO:

(cheerfully)

Bonna sera, commendatore. Come sta?

Sidney follows a couple of paces behind Hunsecker; he is in

no hurry to meet the detective, whom he clearly dislikes.

HUNSECKER:

(turning to Sidney)

You see, Sidalee, that shows that

Lt. Kello likes your people.

REVERSE ON KELLO

Kello offers his hand to Hunsecker.

KELLO:

It's my Brooklyn background, J.J.

I'm good on Yiddish, too.

Hunsecker accepting the handshake, winces with pretended

pain at what is clearly an over-enthusiastic grip.

HUNSECKER:

Harry, am I supposed to say "uncle"?

Kello laughs, releases the grip; Hunsecker strolls past him

stoops to lean into the car listening to the police calls on

the radio.

HUNSECKER:

Anything fit to print, tonight?

(to the policeman in

the car)

Hello, Phil. How're the kids.

The detective inside the car answers, respectfully.

PHIL:

Fine, Mr. Hunsecker.

HUNSECKER:

Any news fit to print tonight?

KELLO:

(joining Hunsecker)

I just checked "downtown". Quiet

everywhere tonight.

HUNSECKER:

Incidentally, what happened to that

doll? - You gave me the item last

night. Still alive?

KELLO:

Yeah. At Bellevue. Still hanging

on. But they still don't know if

she was pushed.

HUNSECKER:

She mighta jumped. Love suicide?

(to the policeman in

the car)

Check it for me, Phil...it's a real

heart throb.

While Phil lifts the radio phone, calling headquarters,

Hunsecker turns back to Kello and Sidney.

ANOTHER ANGLE:

Mischievously, Hunsecker nods at Sidney.

HUNSECKER:

(to Kello)

Say hello to Sidney Falco. Tickle

him - he's been a bad boy tonight.

He called you my fat friend.

KELLO:

(mildly)

I don't believe it.

Instantly aware that J.J. is toying with Sidney, Kello

offers his large hand to Sidney, who refuses it.

SIDNEY:

I know...I know you're the strongest

cop in town.

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