The Barkleys of Broadway Page #8

---

It's been coming for a long time.

It had to happen.

You've been taking me for granted

too long.

I have to stand on my own two feet,

as a person...

and as an actress.

Until I do,

I can't take time to think about...

us or anything connected with the future.

That's how it's got to be.

You really do mean it, don't you?

Yes, I do.

Thanks for the dance.

I knew this would do it.

I know how to handle those kids.

I'll bet they're in each other's arms

right now.

Good, Ezra.

Josh, where's Dinah?

She's right over there.

Well, if at first you don't succeed, give up.

- Hello, Ez.

- Hello, Josh.

- Hello, Genevieve.

- This is Henrietta.

Sorry.

Helen, Scotch and plain water, please?

- Yes, sir.

- Tonight's the night.

- For what?

- Dinah's show's opening.

Oh, that. Give me a cigarette.

Not interested?

- Barredout come in yet?

- What do you care?

Where have you been these past 10 days?

- I can't even get you on the phone.

- I'm taking a day course at City College.

Stop kidding, Josh. You look a wreck.

Well, I'm not. I feel fine.

- Here's to Dinah.

- To Dinah, right.

The honorable judges

of the Conservatoire Franais.

Mademoiselles,

you have each been coached...

in gesture and diction for this audition...

and you will all have an equal chance.

But only one will be chosen...

to join the ranks

of the Conservatoire Franais.

You may each perform one selection.

When you finish,

take your place over there.

Let us begin, please.

Mademoiselle Clementine Villard.

Don't be nervous, mademoiselle.

What will you recite?

Portia's speech from

The Merchant of Venice.

"The quality of mercy is not strained

"It droppeth,

as the gentle rain from Heaven

"Upon the place beneath"

Hello, Joe. How's it going?

Terrific, so far. Looks like a hit.

"And then is heard no more

"It is a tale told by an idiot,

full of sound and fury

"Signifying nothing"

Mademoiselle Sarah Bernhardt.

What will you recite, Mademoiselle?

The potion scene from Romeo and Juliet.

There's no need for you to be nervous.

I am not nervous, Monsieur le Juge.

Very well, in that case you may begin.

"Farewell!

"God knows when we shall meet again

"I have a faint cold fear

thrills through my veins

"That almost freezes up the heat of life

"I'll call them back"

Forgive me, Monsieur.

These are words and gestures taught me

by my coach. I learned them like a parrot.

They have nothing to do with acting.

With your permission,

I'd like to recite something else.

Very well. Be quick about it.

I'll recite the Marseillaise.

Any child can recite that.

That's not acceptable. Let us go on.

Monsieur, you cannot deny

a loyal French citizen...

the right to stand in public...

and speak the words

of our national anthem.

Wait.

By unanimous consent,

this committee has chosen you...

for the Conservatoire Franais.

Bravo!

Ladies and gentlemen,

I'm much too excited to say anything.

I can only hope

that this evening marks the beginning...

of a long association between myself...

and my beautiful, enchanting star,

whom I worship...

on and off the stage.

- Josh, did you see any of it?

- Last scene.

- She was pretty good, wasn't she?

- Pretty good? Great.

She sure was terrific.

What I can't get over

is that Barredout fellow.

- He should be in the movies.

- Wish he were.

He's dreamy.

They make such a handsome couple.

Marie, this is Mr. Barkley, her husband.

I thought you two were divorced.

- You were wonderful.

- See you later, Dinah.

- You were terrific, darling.

- Thank you very much.

Thanks for coming back.

See you at Millie's later.

- Dinah, I'm so proud of you.

- Thank you, Jacques.

I feel like a tongue-tied schoolboy.

I really meant what I said before.

I do worship you.

I was hoping that tonight

you would give me some word, some sign.

Well, later, Jacques.

All right. This is your night.

- I'll wait for you at Floriano's, darling.

- All right.

- Don't be too long.

- All right.

- Mrs. Barkley, you were wonderful.

- Thank you, Mary.

- Mary?

- Yes, ma'am?

- Are these all the telegrams?

- That's all there are.

- Did you ask the doorman?

- Yes, I did.

You did?

There he is.

He is handsome, isn't he?

Gee, she's a lucky girl.

Marie, why don't you go

powder your nose?

I just did. Everyone in the powder room

was talking about him and her.

She thinks she's proved

she doesn't need me.

Thinks? She has proved it. Drink up.

- And I helped her do it.

- You what?

When he got up on stage

to make his speech, I held my breath.

I thought for sure he was

going to announce their engagement.

Why don't you get your broomstick

and fly home?

I threw Dinah right into his arms.

What a sap.

If ever a fellow dug his own grave...

What are you talking about?

You were both to blame.

So you think it's over, too?

I don't know, not necessarily.

You think she doesn't love me anymore.

- You think I've lost her.

- I didn't say that.

- You think she loves Barredout.

- Well, what do you think?

I don't know, but I'm gonna find out.

I love her, Ez.

I've got to know where I stand.

This night might be the end.

She's still at the theater.

Why don't you call her up?

I couldn't do that.

You've got to face it and talk to her.

Otherwise it might be too late.

- No, I can't.

- Mr. Barredout.

Sure, I'll call her.

Good luck. Ten-to-one it's still you.

Yes, I agree with you.

I think she's going to be...

one of the greatest legitimate actresses

of our time.

There's no doubt.

Mary, you did double-check

all the cards from the flowers?

Yes, I did, Mrs. Barkley.

- And there wasn't anything?

- No, not a thing.

Hello. Just a minute, please.

Hello. Yes, Jacques.

What on earth do you want?

I'll be right over.

I just wanted to ask you

something frightfully important.

I hope you realize what you mean to me.

I don't mean anything to you, do I?

Why do you ask me these questions now?

We'll talk later.

But I must know this minute.

Do you still love your husband, or is it me?

But I can't possibly answer you

over the telephone.

Why not? What better way is there

to find out things, than on the phone?

- This is absurd.

- I'm sorry, dear.

I'll be with you in just a second.

I don't see how...

Jacques.

Just a minute.

Will you hold on just a second?

Jacques, come here.

They've gone to Millie's,

so I thought I would...

I've got to ask you

something very important.

Jacques, you did telephone me

at the hotel during rehearsals, didn't you?

No. Why?

You didn't telephone me

during rehearsals?

No. I knew you were resting.

I didn't want to bother you.

Will you wait outside for...

I'll get dressed now.

I'll get a cab.

- What's the matter with you?

- Nothing.

- Good. I'll be waiting.

- Yes.

Hello, Jacques.

Yeah? Yes?

I just took a minute to think things over...

darling.

And I'll answer you now.

I love you.

Only you.

I did think for a while that...

I might have some feeling left for Josh...

when I was faltering in rehearsals.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes