to the full script of IN A BOOTH AT CHASENS

IN A BOOTH AT CHASEN'S:
THE REAL-LIFE HOLLYWOOD LOVE STORY OF RON AND NANCY REAGAN
Music and Lyrics by
Al Kasha and Phillip Swann
Book by
Samantha Bennett
David Friedlander, Esq.
81 Park Drive
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
Phone: 914-241-1277
Fax: 914-470-2244
E-mail: david@davidfriedlander.com
WGA# 1380348
INTERSTITIAL SLIDES: SCENE ONE – NOVEMBER 1949
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OVERTURE
SCENE 1: November 15, 1949, Hollywood, California.
Chasen’s.
VOICE OVER
Hello.
MERVYN
Mervyn Le Roy here.
NANCY
Hello, Mervyn. This is Nancy
Davis. I’m still very concerned
about that little matter we
discussed...
MERVYN
Nancy, sweetheart, everyone knows
that you are not a Communist
sympathizer. Just because there’s
someone with the same name showing
up on that list NANCY
I’m worried... Don’t you know
someone? Someone powerful?
Someone at the Screen Actor’s
Guild?
MERVYN
I know Ron Reagan.
Perfect.
NANCY
MERVYN
OK, I’ll set it up. It’s actually
not a half bad idea - Dutch has
been pretty unhappy since he and
Jane Wyman got divorced last year.
It’s a terrific idea. You two
should know each other.
NANCY
I think so, too.
NANCY DAVIS (29) ENTERS over music. Sits at table. Fluffs.
Moves to other side of table. Starts to take off her hat.
Doesn’t. Gets up and exits.
Nancy reenters with a slightly different walk. Sits at table.
Moves around silverware. Waits. Gets up and exits again.
Nancy re-reenters with a different walk. Sits at table. Looks
around. Gets up. Starts to exit. Sits back down. Fluffs.
Takes out compact.
2.
NANCY (CONT’D)
WHY DID I WEAR THIS
WHY DID I WEAR THIS
OH LOOK, IT’S JIMMY
OVER THERE (spoken:
HAT?
DRESS?
STEWART
Hi, Jimmy!)
EVERYBODY COMES TO CHASEN'S
I SHOULD HAVE SAID LA RUE'S
OH, MY WORD, THAT’S AVA GARDNER,
I SWEAR (waves at Ava)
I LEFT THE IRON ON
I SHOULD GO
HE’LL NEVER KNOW THAT I WAS HERE
THIS TABLE CLOTH IS WRINKLED
THE WAITER IS A SNOB
WALTER PIDGEON REALLY HAS GRAY HAIR
I THINK I’LL CALL HIM RON
NO RONALD WOULD BE BEST
HE WILL CALL ME NANCY
I WOULD BET
THIS SPOON GOES OVER HERE
MY PERFUME IS TOO STRONG
THIS DATE IS ONE I KNOW
THAT I’LL REGRET
HE’S SUCH STAR
WHEN HE WAS SPEAKING
AT THE GUILD
THERE WAS MAGIC IN HIS SPEECH
OH HOW HE MOVED ME SO
HE’S A VISIONARY MAN
WHAT ARE YOU THINKING NANCY
HE’S SO OUT OF REACH
WHAT IF HE DOESN’T LIKE ME?
HE’S BEEN SEEN WITH EVERY
ACTRESS IN LA
NANCY, DON’T BELIEVE
EVERYTHING YOU READ
YOU DON’T LIKE THAT GOSSIP ANYWAY
I FORGOT TO CALL MY MOM
I FORGOT TO PAY THE RENT
DON’T FORGET, YOU’RE THE ONE
WHO MADE THIS DATE?
MAKE SURE YOU GET THE CHILI
YUK! YOU HATE CHILI, I MEAN REALLY
WHAT’S THE TIME? HE’S EIGHTEEN
MINUTES LATE
(MORE)
3.
NANCY (CONT’D)
I’M SO NERVOUS
WHAT’S GOING ON?
THIS WILL WIND UP BEING A
CATASTROPHE
NANCY, PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER
RELAX AND BE YOURSELF
THERE’S TONY CURTIS
AND HIS GIRL FRIEND JANET LEIGH
WHAT IF HE DOESN’T LIKE ME?
THIS MIGHT BE
THE ONLY CHANCE I GET
I KNOW IT’S IN THE STARS
I FEEL IT IN MY HEART
WE’D BE THE PERFECT COUPLE AND YET
WHAT IF HE DOESN’T LIKE ME?
WHAT IF HE DOESN’T LIKE ME?
WHAT IF HE DOESN’T LIKE ME?
AND WHAT IF HE DOESN’T SHOW!
NANCY EXITS.
RONALD REAGAN (39) ENTERS on crutches (or two canes).
Awkwardly, he starts to sit down in the booth.
NANCY RE-RE-REENTERS, feigning surprise.
Nancy?
RON
NANCY
Yes, of course.
(She was right, he called her Nancy)
They do an out-of-sync handshake/crutches thing.
NANCY (CONT’D)
Thank you. Mr. Reagan.
Ron.
RON
NANCY
Yes, of course. Ron. Feels... Thank
you for meeting me. For taking on
my little cause.
RON
Well, I can understand how seeing
your name...
4.
NANCY
Actually, a different Nancy
Davis...
RON
Of course, a different Nancy
Davis...on a list of Communist
sympathizers...
NANCY
I told Mervyn LeRoy you were the
only one who could help me.
RON
Yes, Mervyn said...
NANCY
I mean, really, you’re so powerful
and all...
Well...
RON
NANCY
Head of the Screen Actors Guild...
RON
Yes. Just call me Mr. President.
NANCY
Mr. President. That’s funny.
Anyway. Thank you again for
agreeing to meet me.
RON
I’m always happy to do whatever it
takes to make sure each and every
member of the union has her needs
met.
NANCY
Very kind of you.
RON
Don’t mention it.
NANCY
You look so well - I mean, I heard
you had pneumonia.
RON
Just a bad head cold.
NANCY
Oh. And might I
enquire...(gestures to crutches)
5.
RON
Old war wound.
NANCY
(Sympathetic gasp)
RON
No...I’m kidding. Third base.
Pardon?
NANCY
RON
I broke it sliding into third base
at a charity baseball game. If
Spencer Tracy was a better pitcher
it never would have happened.
NANCY
Oh, I know Spencer...he’s so
lovely...he set me up on my first
date with Clark Gable.
RON
I dated Lana Turner.
NANCY
From what I understand, you’ve
dated everybody.
RON
Now who would say...
NANCY
Nonsense. You’re a grown man,
happily divorced, free as the
wind...and you’re a big movie star.
You can do whatever you want.
Thank you.
Chili?
RON
NANCY
RON
Beg pardon?
NANCY
Are you going to have the chili?
It’s Dave Chasen’s special recipe.
RON
Yes, I know. Sure. I think I might
have the chili. But then straight
home. I’ve got an early call
tomorrow.
6.
NANCY
Oh, yes, me, too. Early call. It’s
just brutal how much earlier we
girls have to be on set for hair
and makeup. Not fair.
RON
I can’t imagine you need much
touching up - you’re so pretty
already.
NANCY
Why, Mr. Reagan, are you flirting
with me?
RON
According to my mother, I flirt
with everyone. And yes.
NANCY
So, how did you start acting?
Broadcasting, wasn’t it?
RON
Yep. “We’re going into the fourth
quarter now. A chill wind is
blowing in through the end of the
stadium and the long blue shadows
are settling over the field.
Western still leads, six to
nothing, as Eureka - defending the
south goal - puts the ball in play
on their own twenty-yard line.”
NANCY
Oh - football! (she applauds)
RON
Yep. Then I came out to Los
Angeles, met an agent who made me
take off my glasses and next thing
you know, I’m the Gipper.
NANCY
See, you make it sound so easy. I
mean, I started out on the subway
circuit in New York. I painted
sets, passed out flyers, cleaned
dressing rooms. You can tell a lot
about a person from the way they
leave their dressing rooms. I could
tell you stories about RON
But then they finally noticed you
and you got your big break.
7.
NANCY
Yes. I still remember my first
line: “Dinner is served.”
RON
Speaking of which(he calls
offstage) Maude, two of your finest
chilies, please. And a bottle of
Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva
Ducale Tradizionale, please. You
like red?
NANCY
Sure. But only one glass BOTH
Early call.
Early call.
NANCY
It’s a rough life.
RON
(gesturing at the plush restaurant
around them) Oh, it’s a struggle
all right. Nevertheless, we must
endeavor to excel. Say, would you
like to go see Sophie Tucker at
Ciro’s tonight? I think we can
still catch the first show.
NANCY
I’ve never seen Sophie Tucker. But
I love that joke she has that goes,
“From birth to age 18, a girl needs
good parents, from 18 to 35 she
needs good looks, from 35 to 55 she
needs a good personality, and from
55 on she needs cash.”
RON
We’re going to have to work on your
delivery.
Really?
NANCY
RON
Yes. I like that line where she
tells neglected wives not to worry
because, ‘that’s what God created
sailors for.’
NANCY
I think I’d rather see the
original.
8.
RON
Then it’s settled. Sophie at Ciro’s
it is.
NANCY
What about your early call?
RON
What about your early call?
NANCY
Mr. Reagan?
Ron.
RON
NANCY
Ron. I hope you won’t think less of
me, but I lied about having an
early call.
RON
I see. Escape hatch, huh?
Yes.
NANCY
RON
I see. Not quite sure you would
like what you saw?
NANCY
No, I knew I would like what I saw,
I just wasn’t sure I would like who
I met.
RON
I see. Well, thank you for being
frank with me. And I think it’s
only fair that I tell you - I don’t
have an early call either.
What?
Nope.
Really?
NANCY
RON
NANCY
RON
I haven’t even had a decent offer
in what feels like forever. It’s
been a dark time in ol’ Ron’s
world.
(MORE)
9.
RON (CONT'D)
But I have a feeling that there
might be a little ray of sunshine
peeking in.
NANCY
Oh, that’s nice.
RON
You’re nice.
NANCY
Oh, I’m sorry, I’m not very good at
accepting compliments.
RON
Well, you’ll just have to get used
to it.
Music starts for “ANOTHER WOMAN IN MY LIFE.”
monologue continues under his song.
NANCY
You know, Walter Houston has been a
family friend forever - I call him
Uncle Walter - and one summer we
were visiting him up at his big
place in Lake Arrowhead - have you
been? It's so lovely with all that
crisp air and big trees…Anyway,
Jimmy Stewart came up with Josh
Logan one time and he took a little
shine to me, I think, and one night
he took out his accordion and
serenaded me under the stars and I
almost fainted, but I was only 15
and when he wanted to take me
dancing, my father said,
“Absolutely not.” And believe me,
when Dr. Loyal puts his foot down,
nobody, not even Jimmy Stewart
dares countermand him. Turns out
Jimmy Stewart is just about the
worst dancer in the world, so no
great loss there….
RON
SHE'S CUTE
SHE'S INTERESTING
TOO BAD I'M NOT INTERESTED IN
ANYONE TOO INTERESTING
NOT CURIOUS
'BOUT MYSTERIOUS
THE LAST THING I WANT RIGHT NOW IS
ANYTHING TOO SERIOUS
THIS HAS BEEN A HELLUVA YEAR
ONE BOUT WITH PNEUMONIA
THREE AGENTS WON'T PHONE YA
(MORE)
Nancy’s
10.
RON (CONT'D)
THE DIVORCE ALMOST TOOK ME OUT OF
HERE
MY CAREER IS ON THE ROPES
I'M SURROUNDED BY DOPES
ANOTHER WOMAN IN MY LIFE IS ALL I
NEED
I'M FUN
I GET ACTION
EVEN WITH THIS STUPID LEG
HANGING UP IN TRACTION
I FLY SOLO
THAT'S HOW I GO
A NEW ROMANCE DON'T STAND A CHANCE
I PUT MY HEART IN LIMBO
THE STUDIO HAS STOPPED CALLING ME
WHAT IS GOING ON?
WHERE DID I GO WRONG?
NOW THEY'RE EVEN ASKING ME TO DO TV
I GOT TWO KIDS TO FEED
AND ZERO SCRIPTS TO READ
ANOTHER WOMAN IN MY LIFE IS ALL I
NEED
NANCY (SINGS)
I THINK HE REALLY LIKES ME
LOOK AT HOW HE'S FOCUSED JUST ON ME
HE IS SUCH A JOY
TO THINK WE'RE BOTH FROM ILLINOIS
I DON'T KNOW HOW MORE PERFECT
IT COULD BE
RON
I'M DOWN BUT WON'T STAY DOWN
I STILL GO TO ALL THE PREMIERES AND
OPENINGS IN THIS TOWN
I'M JUST STATING, I'VE BEEN DATING
ONE COULD EVEN SAY
I'VE BEEN CONJUGATING
I'M FOOTLOOSE AND THAT'S HOW I'LL
STAY
I'VE SEEN THE OTHER SIDE
I WON'T ABIDE
AND I WON'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY
I'M FREE AS A BIRD
AND FREE IS THE WORD
ANOTHER WOMAN IN MY LIFE IS ALL I
NEED
11.
RON (CONT’D)
AND I'LL NEVER, NEVER, NEVER,
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER EVER,
EVER, EVER,
NEVER CONCEDE.
NANCY
I THINK HE REALLY LIKES ME
I THINK HE REALLY LIKES ME
RON (CONT’D)
You know what happened when a horse
walked in to Chasen’s?
No, what?
NANCY
RON
The bartender said, “Why the long
face?”
They exit, laughing.
BLACKOUT
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INTERSTITIAL SLIDES: SCENE TWO: DECEMBER 1949
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12.
SCENE 3: FOUR WEEKS LATER.
CHASEN’S.
NANCY ENTERS LOOKING FRESHLY-SCRUBBED AND ACHING. RON IS
ALREADY AT THE TABLE.
RON
There she is - the prettiest ranch
hand in the West.
NANCY
Every bone in my body aches. I
never thought I’d get that paint
off of my skin and out from under
my fingernails. I must have spent
25 minutes in that shower.
RON
Closer to 30. But you clean up
good, kid. Prettiest ranch hand I
ever did see.
NANCY
I told you I could do it.
You did.
RON
NANCY
You didn’t think I could.
I didn’t.
RON
NANCY
But I stuck to it.
You did.
RON
NANCY
Every single fence post.
RON
Every single one.
NANCY
That’s a lot of fence.
RON
That’s a lot of fence.
13.
NANCY
And it looks so much better now,
doesn’t it? All fresh and bright.
RON
Yes, it does. And I know the horses
appreciate it.
Ron!
NANCY
RON
I’m sorry honey, I don’t mean to
tease you. You’re just so cute when
you get teased, it’s hard to
resist. But in all seriousness, you
did yeoman’s work today,
sweetheart. That place is where my
heart is.
NANCY
Well, who wouldn’t love it? It’s a
beautiful spot - who knew eight
acres in Northridge would be so
pretty? And it was nice to spend
some time with the children.
Maureen and Michael are such
wonderful kids.
RON
Which brings me to my first award
presentation of this evening: Miss
Davis, in recognition of your
extraordinary effort in the
refurbishment of the Reagan Ranch
fence posts, I would like to
present you with this: The
Dungarees Of Glory Award.
He rises and pulls out her work jeans, which are solid with
paint. They can stand up by themselves.
NANCY
I’m overcome by this honor. I’d
like to thank the Academy, and also
the manufacturers of Ivory Soap,
who made my appearance here tonight
possible.
RON
Here, here! Well said! And I’ve
ordered some champagne to
commemorate the occasion.
NANCY
“Some” Champagne?
14.
RON
I ordered the Krug 1949, possibly
the best post-war vintage, very
small vintage, of course.
Tremendous richness...Are you
laughing at me?
She is.
NANCY
You’re just so cute when you get
teased.
RON
Just for that I’m not going to tell
you the second half of your prize.
NANCY
Oh - you big meanie! What is it?
Please tell me.
RON
Well, earlier today, Maureen and I
were visiting the new foal, and I
told her that since she was such a
big grown-up girl of nine-and-threequarters that she could have the
responsibility of naming her. I
told her she could pick out any
name under the sun and I’d go along
with it.
OK...
NANCY
RON
And she said she wanted to name her
“Nancy D.”
NANCY
Oh, Ronnie!
RON
She really likes you, Nancy. I
mean, once a girl names her new
pony after you, you’re in for life.
NANCY
Oh that IS an honor. How sweet of
her.
RON
And I didn’t even coach her or
anything - frankly, it never even
crossed my mind to name her after
you.
15.
NANCY
Thanks a lot.
RON
Well, when I think of you, I think
of...other things.
NANCY
It’s nice getting to know your
family, Ron. And Michael let me rub
his back on the car ride home the
other day - he’s so shy, I know
it’s not easy for him to let anyone
get too close. Actually, I think
that’s something he and I sort of
have in common.
RON
And you know who’s your biggest
fan?
You?
NANCY
RON
Of course. But other than me. My
mother. Nelle thinks you are the
best thing since the electric
toaster.
NANCY
She’s wonderful. I bet she was a
wonderful mother to grow up with.
RON
Oh, she was. Just like she is now:
an absolute tornado of goodness.
She would bring food and books to
the sick and to the prison inmates.
Of course that meant that whenever
they were released, they often
showed up at our door.
Oh my...
NANCY
RON
No, it was fine. We were poor, but
we didn’t know it. There was always
room at the table for one more.
And both my father and my mother
insisted on treating every single
person exactly the same.
(MORE)
16.
RON (CONT'D)
Everybody got treated with respect:
didn’t matter if you were a
prisoner or a king, or colored,
white, Catholic, immigrant, rich,
poor - every one gets looked square
in the eye and given a fair shot.
NANCY
That’s remarkably open-minded of
them.
RON
One time, when I was playing
football for Eureka College, we had
traveled downstate for an away game
but when we got there, the motel
owner wouldn’t let the colored
players stay. So I just turned
around and drove them to my
parent’s house - I knew they would
be happy to have any friend of mine
stay overnight, no matter what
color his skin was.
And one time, when my father was a
traveling shoe salesman, it was the
dead of winter and he was checking
in to a hotel and the clerk said
something like, “You’ll like it
here, Mr. Reagan - we don’t let any
dirty Jews stay here.” And my
father got so angry that he
hollered at the clerk that if Jews
weren’t welcome then neither was
he, and he stormed off and slept in
his car. There was a blizzard that
night. But he wouldn’t have it any
other way. Mom neither.
NANCY
You know, my mother was a working
actress my entire childhood, so I
grew up meeting all kinds of
strange people with strange habits
and affectations and never thought
they were strange at all. Odd
hours, impromptu parties, waking up
to find Walter Houston or Nazimova
at the breakfast table... Same sort
of thing, really - it didn’t matter
who you were. All that mattered was
whether or not you were good
entertainment. Or a good audience,
which was my job. And my father’s.
Dr. Loyal?
RON
17.
NANCY
Yes, of course he’s my stepfather,
but I think of him as my real
father. Now there’s a serious
fellow: the best neurosurgeon in
Chicago and his name is Loyal. No
one could believe that my freewheeling mother would end up with
such a straight-arrow.
RON
Maybe that’s what makes their
marriage work. Like my parents: my
father loved a good party, and he
never met a stranger he couldn’t
turn into a friend. Now, Mother is
friendly enough, but she’s as
sensible as a pair of black shoes.
She’s the one who kept the
household running.
NANCY
They balance each other out. One
person to tell the jokes, one
person to laugh.
Right.
RON
NANCY
It’s as though in every
relationship, one person is the
kite, and one person is the string.
A RIVER CAN’T FLOW
WITHOUT BANKS BY ITS SIDE
DREAMS ARE JUST DREAMS
‘TIL A PLAN IS APPLIED
A SHIP NEEDS AN ANCHOR
A PICTURE, ITS FRAME
THEY WORK WELL TOGETHER
THOUGH THEY’RE NOT THE SAME
LIKE A KITE AND A STRING
THAT SOARS ‘CROSS THE SKY
ONE HOLDS TO THE GROUND
LETS THE OTHER ONE FLY
BECAUSE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER
IT DON’T MEAN A THING
THAT’S THE REAL TRUTH
OF A KITE AND A STRING
RON
ONE LIVES BY HOPE
THE OTHER BY STRENGTH
ONE’S IN THE CLOUDS
ONE’S COMMON SENSE
(MORE)
18.
RON (CONT'D)
ONE’S SPRINKLED WITH STARDUST
ONE’S STEADY AND TRUE
TWO HALVES OF THE WHOLE
ANY LESS WOULDN’T DO
BOTH
A KITE AND A STRING
THAT SOARS ‘CROSS THE SKY
ONE HOLDS TO THE GROUND
LETS THE OTHER ONE FLY
BECAUSE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER
IT DON’T MEAN A THING
AND THAT’S THE REAL TRUTH
OF A KITE AND A STRING
RON
EVERYONE HAS THEIR PART
IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF LIFE
NANCY
SOMETIMES A VILLAIN
RON
SOMETIMES A HERO
NANCY
A MOTHER, A FATHER
RON
A HUSBAND, A WIFE
BOTH
A KITE AND A STRING
THAT SOARS ‘CROSS THE SKY
ONE HOLDS TO THE GROUND
LETS THE OTHER ONE FLY
BECAUSE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER
IT DON’T MEAN A THING
AND THAT’S THE REAL TRUTH
OF A KITE AND A STRING
BLACKOUT
19.
SCENE 4: EARLY DECEMBER, 1949
Ron is reciting the poetry of Robert Service, and Nancy is
listening attentively - fixing him with “the gaze.” His
recitation is intercut with her internal monologue/song
“Perfect”
RON
“The Cremation of Sam McGee”
There are strange things
done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil
for gold;
The Arctic trails have
their secret tales
That would make your
blood run cold;
The Northern Lights have
seen queer sights,
But the queerest they
ever did see
Was that night on the
marge of Lake Lebarge
I cremated Sam
McGee....
NANCY
THIS IS PERFECT.
HE’S SO PERFECT.
WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT TO HAVE
HIM TAKE GOOD CARE OF ME.
I DON’T HAVE TO THINK
HE’LL THINK FOR BOTH OF US.
I DON’T HAVE TO WORRY,
HE’LL BE IN CHARGE OF US.
AND IT SEEMS THAT I ALSO
WON’T HAVE TO TALK HE’LL TALK
FOR BOTH OF US.
(MORE TO COME)
INTERSTITIAL SLIDES: SCENE FIVE – CHRISTMAS 1949
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20.
SCENE 5: CHRISTMASTIME, 1949.
CHASEN’S.
As they enter:
NANCY
(bubbling) It did go well, didn’t
it? But I’m so glad we escaped! I
hate those big studio parties.
RON
You love those big studio parties.
And I think Dore Schary has a
little crush on you. And you look
great in red. You should wear red
more often.
NANCY
I will take that suggestion under
advisement, Mr. Reagan. Speaking
of which, you could use a new suit.
I’ll call Mariani’s of Beverly
Hills tomorrow and schedule a
fitting for you.
RON
Aren’t you the little dictator?
Fine.
NANCY
Look like a hobo, then.
RON
I wish I was a hobo - I could just
jump a train and go go go and no
one could ever find me.
NANCY
Wouldn’t that be fun? But where
would I keep all my things?
RON
Yes - you and your things.
NANCY
I love my things!
RON
Would you like another thing?
Hm?
NANCY
RON
Are you ready for your Christmas
present? It’s just a little thing.
21.
NANCY
I love little things.
RON
Well, then, here you go.
He hands her a very small box with a small card.
box is an uncut gold key.
NANCY
(reading) “Dear Nancy - How about
that dressing room? - Well anyway
if you’ll take this to Ruser
Jewelers they’ll cut this to fit
said dressing room. - Anyway it is
to wish you a Merry Christmas Ronnie.” Oh, Ronnie!
RON
Well, Miss Nancy Pants Davis, I
figured with you being such a big
star that MGM gives you your very
own dressing room, you should have
your very own key.
I love it!
NANCY
RON
You know what happened when a
sandwich walked in to Chasen’s?
No, what?
NANCY
RON
The bartender said, “We don’t serve
food here.”
NANCY
Silly Santa. Thank you, Ronnie.
Very thoughtful of you. And,
listen, actually, since we’re on
the subject - about MGM - I was
wondering if your agent is really
pulling his weight for you. I
mean, his star is sort of on the
descent, don’t you think? And we
don’t want him to pull you down
with him. I’m just not sure he’s
really seeing the possibilities
here. Maybe you should talk to
Eddie Albert about it - he seems to
know which way the wind’s blowing.
Nancy -
RON
Inside the
22.
NANCY
You know, Burt Lancaster has an
independent production contract and
everyone’s talking about him like
he just hung the moon. I wonder if
we could set up something like that
for you? I know it’s risky, but
you’ve just got to screw your
courage to the sticking place. We
can leverage your Nancy.
Yes?
RON
NANCY
RON
It’s Christmas. Can we wait until
after the holidays to take over the
world?
NANCY
Of course. Thank you for the gold
key. I love it.
RON
You’re welcome.
NANCY
I got a few little presents for
Michael and Maureen - do you think
that’s all right? Nothing big - I
don’t want them to think I’m
bribing them to like me. I’m so
nervous. Children have feelings,
too, you know.
RON
I’m sure it will be fine.
NANCY
Well, sure, you’re sure. You
Aquarians. Never worry about a
thing. It’s all about the big
picture with you and let everyone
else take care of the details.
RON
(vaguely) Hmmm.
NANCY
(suddenly stricken) Jane won’t be
there, will she?
RON
No, of course not.
23.
NANCY
Well, you two have been seen out on
the town lately.
RON
I’m not seeing her, Nancy. It’s a
contractual obligation. She needs
an escort - if she’s seen with
anyone else, well - you know how
the press can be.
NANCY
Rumors, rumors...you know how it
is.
RON
I hate rumors. Now, if you have a
question for me, just ask it,
straight out.
NANCY
What happened between you and Jane?
RON
Oh. (pause) Nancy, I hope you
will not think I’m being evasive.
But Jane and I made an agreement,
and neither she nor I have ever
discussed what happened between the
two of us with anyone. And I never
will. Perhaps some time in the
future NANCY
(brightly) Oh. OK.
I understand.
That’s fine.
RON
Somber Santa. Hey, there, Little
Monkey... (jollying her along)
RON (CONT’D)
HEY THERE, LITTLE MONKEY
WHAT'D YOU GET FOR CHRISTMAS?
WHAT IS SWINGIN' 'NEATH YOUR TREE?
Begin soft-shoe
SANTA BROUGHT YOU BANANAS
AND A BRAND NEW DRESSING ROOM
THAT'S WHAT SANTA GOT FOR ME
HEY THERE, LITTLE MONKEY
WHAT'D I GET FOR CHRISTMAS?
WHAT IS SWINGIN' 'NEATH MY TREE?
24.
RON
SANTA BROUGHT BANANAS
AND THIS CASHMERE SWEATER
THAT'S WHAT SANTA GOT FOR ME
HEY THERE, LITTLE MONKEY
WHAT'D YOU GET FOR CHRISTMAS?
WHAT IS SWINGIN' 'NEATH YOUR TREE?
NANCY
SANTA BROUGHT BANANAS
AND A BOX OF CHOCOLATES
THAT'S WHAT SANTA GOT FOR ME
RON
Okay, Nancy, that's nice, but dream
a little bigger.
NANCY
But I really did get a box of...Oh,
I see what you mean. I’m not good
at making things up like you are.
RON
Oh sure you are. Here. I'll show
you. Go ahead, set me up.
NANCY
HEY THERE, LITTLE MONKEY
WHAT'D YOU GET FOR CHRISTMAS?
WHAT IS SWINGIN' 'NEATH YOUR TREE?
RON
SANTA BROUGHT BANANAS
AND A FILM WITH BILLY WILDER
THAT'S WHAT SANTA GOT FOR ME
See?
RON (CONT’D)
NANCY
Yeah, I see how you do it. Okay,
I'll give it a try. Go ahead, you
start.
RON
HEY THERE, LITTLE MONKEY
WHAT'D YOU GET FOR CHRISTMAS?
WHAT IS SWINGIN' 'NEATH YOUR TREE?
25.
NANCY
SANTA BROUGHT BANANAS
AND A....BEST ACTRESS OSCAR
THAT'S WHAT SANTA GOT FOR ME
RON
Now, that's the way you do it.
That's dreaming big. Okay, let's do
it again. You start.
NANCY
HEY THERE, LITTLE MONKEY
WHAT'D YOU GET FOR CHRISTMAS?
WHAT IS SWINGIN' 'NEATH YOUR TREE?
RON
SANTA BROUGHT BANANAS
AND A GUILD MEETING THAT ACTUALLY
ENDS ON TIME
THAT'S WHAT SANTA GOT FOR ME
NANCY
Well, now, you're just really
dreaming, aren't you?
RON
Yeah, that might be too tall an
order even for Santa. Okay, I'll
do you.
HEY THERE, LITTLE MONKEY
WHAT'D YOU GET FOR CHRISTMAS?
WHAT IS SWINGIN' 'NEATH YOUR TREE?
NANCY
SANTA BROUGHT BANANAS
AND (referring to another table)
DEBBIE REYNOLDS
REALLY SHOULDN'T BE WEARING THAT
SHADE OF GREEN
THAT'S WHAT SANTA GOT FOR ME
RON
Nancy. Thank you for
understanding. You are a very nice
girl. And you know that’s the
truth. I’m not smart enough to
lie.
NANCY
Oh, Ronnie. Let’s just start this
evening over. No sad monkeys.
RON
No sad monkeys.
26.
NANCY
HEY THERE, LITTLE MONKEY
WHAT'D YOU GET FOR CHRISTMAS
WHAT IS SWINGIN' 'NEATH YOUR TREE
RON
SANTA BROUGHT BANANAS
AND THE MOST WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL,
INCREDIBLE GIRL, ANY GUY COULD EVER
WISH FOR
THAT'S WHAT SANTA GOT FOR ME
RON (CONT’D)
Come on, my little wide-eyed
chimpanzee. Let’s go get the car.
BLACKOUT
27.
SCENE 6: SPRING, 1949 - CHASEN’S
They argue - she’s jealous that he’s still seeing other
women, he’s resisting any form of commitment.
They confide the truth about their families: she was
abandoned by her mother and sent to live with relatives in
Bethesda when she was between the ages of 3-9 years old.
His father was a drunk; when he was 11 he came home to find
his father passed out on the front lawn and Ron carried him
upstairs so the neighbors wouldn’t see.
REPRISE “KITE AND A STRING” (with darker lyrics)
INTERSTITIAL SLIDES: SCENE SEVEN – FALL 1950
!
28.
SCENE 7: FALL, 1950.
CHASEN’S.
RON
Since the end of the war, nothing’s
been the same.
NANCY
I know, sweetheart.
RON
Teenagers are disrespecting their
parents. The “Beat” generation what does that even mean?
NANCY
I know, honey.
RON
And nobody knows what kind of
movies to make. Suddenly REAL
stars like Robert Taylor can’t get
arrested and all I’m getting
offered is television.
Well...
NANCY
RON
I don’t want to do it. It’s a big
step down. And that’s not just my
ego talking. I think it affects
the art if people can just turn you
on and watch you for free NANCY
Well, Milton Berle RON
I know. How did that guy get so
popular. And I’m not jealous. I
just...
NANCY
I know, sweetheart. It’ll be OK.
Everything will be fine.
RON
Oh, how would you know?
NANCY
You are in the awful-est mood.
Poor you. Poor you.
29.
NANCY (CONT’D)
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
I CAN SEE YOUR POINT OF VIEW
BABY, WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO?
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
TOUGHER THAN A BAD REVIEW
BABY, WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO?
WHO DO PEOPLE THINK YOU ARE
YOU’RE ONLY JUST A MOVIE STAR
THAT CAN TAKE YOU JUST SO FAR
OH, WAIT,
YOU’RE ALSO HEAD OF THE GUILD
AND WHILE I’M AT IT,
MISTER PITTY-PANTS
AM I WRONG
OR DON’T YOU OWN A RANCH?
MAYBE SOMEDAY
YOU WILL HAVE A CHANCE
FOR ALL YOUR DREAMS TO BE FULFILLED
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
RON
So that’s how we’re going to play
it, huh?
NANCY
YOU’RE PATHETIC, RIGHT ON CUE
RON
Oh, now I’m pathetic!
NANCY
BABY, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
RON
Well, let’s just talk about you for
a second, honey.
YOU SEND THANK YOU NOTES
FOR THANK YOU NOTES
TO PEOPLE WHO SEND YOU
THANK YOU NOTES
AND WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH ENVELOPES?
THE LETTERS HAVE
TO BE THE PERFECT SIZE?
NANCY
I’M METICULOUS
30.
RON
RIDICULOUS
YOUR RULES OF ORDER TICKLE US
AND FOR THE LOVE OF
GOOD SAINT NICHOLAS
ON EVERY POINT YOU AGONIZE
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
NANCY
Oh, so that’s what you think?
RON
Hey, if the shoe fits.
NANCY
HAVE WE MOVED ON TO ACT TWO
RON
HEY, I’M JUST SAYING
NANCY
SO THIS IS WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO
BOTH
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU.
NANCY
DID I MENTION HOW YOU LOVE TO TALK
AND TALK, AND TALK,
AND TALK, AND TALK
AND TALK, AND TALK,
TALK, AND TALK
AND TALK, AND TALK, AND TALK...
RON
OKAY, I THINK YOU’VE
MADE YOU’RE POINT
DID I MENTION HOW YOU DRIVE
AND HOW YOU COOK, OH MAN ALIVE!
IT’S AMAZING YOU SURVIVE
NANCY
DID I MENTION HOW YOU LOVE TO TALK?
RON
Yeah, you might have mentioned
that.
BOTH
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
RON
Well, it’s not easy being me if
there’s a you.
31.
NANCY
YOU GET YOURSELF IN SUCH A STEW
RON
I never get in a stew!
BOTH
OH BABY, WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
NANCY
YOU’RE ALWAYS WEARING COWBOY BOOTS
EVEN WHEN YOU’RE WEARING SUITS
RON
NANCY, YOU KNOW, THAT IS JUST MY
ROOTS
NANCY
RONNIE, PLEASE, YOU’RE FROM
ILLINOIS
RON
WELL, YOU’RE ALL ABOUT APPEARANCES
What?
NANCY
RON
ADHERING TO ADHERENCES
I. Never.
NANCY
RON
SOCIAL INCOHERENCES
NANCY
I’m not a socialite.
RON
YOU’RE NOT EXACTLY HOI POLLOI
No, I’m -
NANCY
BOTH
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
NANCY
IT’S NOT EASY
BEING ME WITH YOU SOMETIMES
RON
LIKE A FRAGILE INGÉNUE
32.
NANCY
LAUGHING AT YOUR CORNY JOKES THE
WAY YOU TALK AND TALK AND TALK
BOTH
IT’S BREAKING MY HEART, BOO-HOO
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
RON
NANCY, THE PARTS
ARE GETTING SHORTER
READ THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
GUYS LIKE ME AND TYRONE AND TAYLOR
AREN’T IN VOGUE
WHO’S THIS GUY NAMED BRANDO?
HE MUMBLES AND GRUMBLES
AND STANDS SO HUNCHED OVER AND
ANGRY...I DON’T KNOW
IF I CAN BE THAT FELLA
BUT NANCY ONE THING I CAN TELL YA
I’D LIKE TO TRY
(Screams)
STELLA! STELLA!
Both laugh
NANCY
Oh, Ronnie, it’s the same thing for
me, look how everything has
changed. Look at who they’re
casting.
RONNIE, I MIGHT NOT BE ENDOWED
BUT FOR HEAVEN SAKES
I’M STILL PROUD
TO BE A WOMAN, AN ACTRESS
WHO WEARS A BRA
INNOCENT AND SWEET
HOW CAN THOSE VIRTUES COMPETE
WHEN BREASTS THE SIZE OF RUSHMORE
ARE THE STAR
RON
Nancy, you be who you are. Truce?
Truce.
NANCY
They shake hands
BOTH
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
BUT SOMEHOW WE’LL MUDDLE THROUGH
I CAN SEE YOUR POINT OF VIEW
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
(MORE)
33.
BOTH (CONT'D)
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
NO, IT’S NOT EASY BEING YOU
RON
BY THE WAY, I LOVE YOU....
BLACKOUT
34.
SCENE 8: NANCY, ALONE.
HER SOLO LOVE SONG
NANCY
DIRECTORS SEE ME SO DAINTY AND
DEMUR
THAT'S THE IMAGE I CAREFULLY SEWED
BUT IF THEY COULD ONLY SEE WHAT'S
ERUPTING IN ME
I'M A VOLCANO ABOUT TO EXPLODE
CHORUS
LOOK AT ME
UP ABOVE THE CROWD
DANCING AROUND
THIS NUMBER NINE CLOUD
ONE COULD SAFELY SAY I HAVE BEEN
WOWED
I FLY LIKE THE BLUEBIRDS CAN
I'M IN LOVE WITH A MARVELOUS MAN
LOOK AT ME
EVEN I'M SURPRISED
DREAMING NEW DREAMS
NEARLY THREE TIMES MY SIZE
THESE ARE NOT DREAMS I WOULD
NORM'LLY ADVISE
SO MUCH FOR THAT OLD PLAN
I'M IN LOVE WITH A MARVELOUS MAN
BRIDGE
I'M OUT OF MY HEAD
AND INTO MY HEART
IT'S LIKE BEING LOST OUT AT SEA
WITHOUT A COMPASS
OR NARY A CHART
IT'S SO VERY NEW TO ME
CHORUS
LOOK AT HIM
HE'S THE PERFECT BEAU
HANDSOME AND SWEET
HE DON'T EVEN KNOW
HOW HE PLAYS MY HEART LIKE A
VIRTUOSO
HE'S A MODERN DAY CHOPIN
I'M IN LOVE WITH A MARVELOUS MAN
BRIDGE
HE'S SO CURIOUS
SO KIND AND SMART
HE'S CLEVER AND WITTY AND WISE
SO MUCH POTENTIAL
THAT SETS HIM APART
FROM ALL THE OTHER GUYS
CHORUS
LOOK AT ME
(MORE)
35.
NANCY (CONT'D)
UP ABOVE THE CROWD
DANCING AROUND
THIS NUMBER NINE CLOUD
SOMEDAY I'M GOING TO SHOUT IT OUT
LOUD
THIS IS WHERE LIFE BEGAN
I'M IN LOVE WITH A WONDROUS
COMPLETELY FABULOUS
UTTERLY MARVELOUS MAN
RON
(rushing in) So sorry I’m late,
darling, and even worse luck I
can’t stay. Virginia Mayo wants me
to....to go over lines for
tomorrow’s shoot and I couldn’t
find a...I know you understand.
You’re such a trooper. Kiss, kiss She is crestfallen as he rushes back out.
BLACKOUT
INTERSTITIAL SLIDES: SCENE NINE – SUMMER, 1951
36.
SCENE 9: SUMMER, 1951.
CHASEN’S.
NANCY
(looking at photos in a gossip
magazine) Look - here’s another
one. You look great, Ardis and
Bill Holden look great and I look
awful.
RON
Why do you even read that stuff,
Nancy?
NANCY
I don’t read it.
The cook buys it.
RON
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A BUCK
THIS IS OUT OF LINE
IT'S JOURNALISM RUN AMOK
GOD FORBID THEY GET A PICTURE
CAUSE THEN YOU'RE OUT OF LUCK
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A BUCK
NANCY
So when Ava Gardner met Frank
Sinatra at a pool party at Darryl
Zanuck’s house in Palm Springs, it
was love at first sight. Just like
in the movies. They couldn’t keep
their hands off each other, they
got crazy drunk, and pie-eyed, they
drove to Indio and started shooting
out the streetlamps with a pistol!
BOTH
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A BUCK
LOUELLA PARSON'S IS A WITCH
WALTER MITCHELL IS A SHMUCK
THEY SPREAD SO MUCH MANURE
YOU COULD FILL A PICK-UP TRUCK
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A BUCK
NANCY
Joan Bennett - she was so good in
“Father of the Bride” with Spencer
Tracy, wasn’t she - she’s married
to the producer, Walter Wanger, but
she was having an affair with her
agent, Jennings Lang.
(MORE)
37.
NANCY (CONT'D)
Walter finds out about it, corners
the two of them and shoots Jennings
right in the testicles!
Ah, nuts!
RON
NANCY
But that’s not the best part. The
best part is that when Walter
discovered them, and started toward
them, gun drawn, Joan threw out her
arms and said, “For God’s sake,
Walter - he’s only an agent!”
BOTH
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A BUCK
THEY'RE DIGGING UP THE DIRT
ON ROBIN HOOD AND FRIAR TUCK
IF MY MOTHER EVER READ THIS
SHE WOULD BE JUST HORROR STRUCK
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A BUCK
SOME THINGS ARE BETTER LEFT UNSAID
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BEDROOM
SHOULD STAY IN BED
IT'S NOT LIKE IT USED TO BE
WHAT HAPPENED TO INTEGRITY?
WHAT HAPPENED TO PLAIN DECENCY?
WHAT HAPPENED TO SINATRA?
LET ME SEE
RON
All right, here’s what I heard:
Marilyn Monroe learned to walk from
John Wayne. Really. Look - here’s
John Wayne’s walk: point, and
swivel. Point, and swivel. The
hips go first and the shoulders
follow. Now here’s Marilyn’s walk:
point, and swivel. Point, and
swivel.
NANCY
Well, what do you know about that!
BOTH
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A BUCK
IF THEY EVER TOLD THE TRUTH
IT WOULD BE BEGINNER'S LUCK
THEY'RE ALL A BUNCH OF VULTURES
AND YOU'RE THE SITTING DUCK
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING
(MORE)
38.
BOTH (CONT'D)
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A BUCK
SOME THINGS ARE BETTER LEFT UNSAID
CLOSETED THINGS SHOULD STAY
CLOSETED
IT'S NOT LIKE IT USED TO BE
WHAT HAPPENED TO PRIVACY?
WHAT HAPPENED TO HONESTY?
WHAT HAPPENED TO TALLULAH?
LET ME SEE
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A BUCK
THIS IS OUT OF LINE
IT'S JOURNALISM RUN AMOK
GOD FORBID THEY GET A PICTURE
CAUSE THEN YOU'RE OUT OF LUCK
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING
WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A BUCK
RON
Say...is that a photograph of you?
Hm?
NANCY
Oh, yes, I suppose it is...
RON
With Errol Flynn?
NANCY
Mmmm-hmmm...
RON
You went on a date with Errol
Flynn?
NANCY
Oh, yes - lovely evening...
RON
He’s got quite a reputation.
NANCY
(smiling) I know.
RON
I’m not sure how I feel about that.
NANCY
I’m not sure you’re in a position
to object. Oh - look at the time!
I have to get to the hair house or
Orlando will never forgive me.
Kiss, kiss, darling --
39.
Ron stares after her as she breezes out the door.
BLACKOUT
INTERSTITIAL SLIDES: SCENE TEN – FALL 1951
40.
SCENE 10: FALL 1951.
CHASEN’S.
Club of Two - this scene is performed without words. It is
not necessarily a silent scene, and it is certainly not a
pantomime. Just two people who are so in tune with each
other that they don’t always need to speak to be understood.
Lights up on Nancy, assiduously reading the menu. Ron is,
too, but he keeps shooting little glances at her. Finally,
he catches her eye. Ron gives her a big, cat-that-ate-thecanary grin.
Nancy blushes and looks back at the menu - setting it up as a
wall. Ron looks back at his menu, too, but then puts it down
and just flat-out grins at her.
She puts down her menu and gives him her best stern-teacher
look. He starts to chuckle. She gets more stern. He starts
to laugh and she gets increasingly embarrassed and annoyed
until she finally puts her head down on the table in
mortification.
He forces himself to stop laughing and he pats her hand to
let her know that it’s OK. He’ll stop teasing now. He
extracts one of her hands and kisses it. She looks up, she
is regaining her composure and forgiving him.
Back to square one.
They are looking at menus.
Now Nancy starts giggling. He chuckles, too, except he’s not
quite sure what she’s laughing at and he’s worried that it’s
him.
She is now off into gales of semi-hysterical laughter.
Really, she’s kind of losing it. He tries to quiet her down looks around the restaurant - she’s pounding the table and
positively weeping with helpless laughter.
He exits to get her a glass of water, during which she sighs
a bunch of times to calm herself down.
He returns with the water. She drinks it. She nods that
she’s all better now, thanks. She exits to powder her nose.
Ron takes out a piece of paper and a pencil and writes her a
little love note and tucks it in her menu.
She returns.
the menus.
He stands while she takes her seat.
Back to
Her note falls out. She reads it. She is very touched. She
takes a look around the restaurant and then gets up and
slides on to his side of the booth. She gives him a little
kiss, and he puts his arm around her.
41.
He opens his menu and they both look at it.
RON
Chateau Boeuf for two?
NANCY
Oysters Rockefeller for two?
RON
Care to split the asparagus
hollandaise?
NANCY
And if we tell them now, we could
get the chocolate souffle for two
for dessert.
Ron gives her a little kiss.
NANCY CONT’D)
Honestly, it would be a great idea
for a restaurant - a place where
everything is made for two people
to share.
RON
But what about people who have
different tastes?
Poor them.
Poor them.
NANCY
RON
NANCY
Not like us.
RON
Not like us.
NANCY
We’re like our own little club.
Music trans: “Club of Two”
RON
Our own little club of two.
NANCY
No one else is invited.
RON
I don’t like other people.
like you.
I only
42.
NANCY
Our perfect little Club of Two.
RON
Maybe we could skip dinner and just
go...
Ron!
NANCY
RON
No, no...but maybe we could dance?
THE OUTSIDE WORLD
DOESN’T EXIST FOR ME
WHEN I’M DANCING WITH YOU
WHY DO OTHERS PERSIST I SEE
THEIR POINT OF VIEW
FRILLS AND FADS AND FASHION
COME AND GO THE WAY THEY DO
BUT YOU AND I WILL INSIST WE STAY
IN A CLUB OF TWO
IT DOESN’T MATTER
IF THE MOON IS OUT
I SHINE WHEN YOU’RE HERE
THERE’S ABSOLUTELY
NO ROOM FOR DOUBT
WHEN YOUR LIPS ARE NEAR
THERE’S NO SUMMER, FALL OR WINTER
IT’S SPRINGTIME ALL YEAR THROUGH
CAUSE EVERYDAY I SEE ROSES BLOOM
IN OUR CLUB OF TWO
NANCY
OH, HOW SAD I FEEL FOR THE REST
THOSE WHO CANNOT BE OUR GUEST
THEY’LL NEVER KNOW OF
THE SWEET SENSATION
LOVELY INITIATION
DANCE BREAK - DOUBLE VERSE
BOTH
OH, THERE’S NO ONE ELSE
ON THIS FLOOR
JUST YOU AND I AND AMOUR
PERFECTING A LOVER’S ORCHESTRATION
WITH MOONLIGHT AND IMAGINATION
IT DOESN’T MATTER
IF THE MOON IS OUT
I SHINE WHEN YOU’RE HERE
THERE’S ABSOLUTELY
NO ROOM FOR DOUBT
WHEN YOUR LIPS ARE NEAR
THERE’S NO SUMMER, FALL OR WINTER
(MORE)
43.
BOTH (CONT'D)
IT’S SPRINGTIME ALL YEAR THROUGH
CAUSE EVERYDAY I SEE ROSES BLOOM
IN OUR CLUB OF TWO
OUR HEARTS HAVE JOINED TOGETHER
LOVE IS WHAT WE DO
THE OUTSIDE WORLD
DOESN’T EXIST FOR US
RON
IT’S YOU AND I IN LOVE
NANCY
AND THUS THAT’S MORE THAN ENOUGH
BOTH
IN A CLUB OF TWO
BLACKOUT
INTERSTITIAL SLIDES: SCENE ELEVEN – WINTER 1951
44.
SCENE 11: WINTER 1951.
CHASEN’S.
Ron and Nancy enter.
Nancy might occasionally try to get a word in edgewise, but
not really. She doesn't interrupt. She is rapt, listening.
RON
No, no, no...Here, let me see if I
can find the words to explain this
to you, honey. Because you’re
right...in a way: the basic ideals
are fine. Equality. Fairness.
Community. No one’s disputing
that. But we’re talking about a
system where the ideals of equality
and liberty and justice create a
system in which there is no
equality or liberty or justice.
That’s the problem: Communism, in
practice, is a gross mockery of its
own ideals.
America is founded on the rights of
the individual, Nancy. And any
time - ANY time - you see the
rights of the individual being
restricted and the rights of the
government being increased, well,
just hold on to your hat, because
there’s a terrible wind about to
blow. Any time you see the
government becoming more important
than the people it was meant to
serve you have a recipe for the
very worst kind of corruption. As
Lord Acton said, “Absolute power
corrupts absolutely.”
And that’s what they want, you
know: absolute power over the
American people. And they’re trying
to get in through the trade unions.
Infiltration. Sowing seeds of
dissent. Misinformation. All for
financial control.
Sounds crazy, huh? You think,
well, how could someone infiltrate
a well-organized union of redblooded Americans? But I’ve seen
it happen.
Here two ways I’ve seen them do it:
(MORE)
45.
RON (CONT'D)
First, they use threats and
intimidation. A few years ago, I
was on the committee to do the
research and advise the Guild
membership on how to vote about a
Teamsters strike, and the evidence
was clear: no strike. And that’s
what I advised.
Next thing I know, the Burbank
police are coming to my house to
arm me with a .32 Smith and Wesson
to carry in a holster under my arm.
These thugs had threatened to throw
acid in my face so that I’d never
work again. I carried that gun for
seven months. I had a 24-hour
guard. Because these Communists couldn’t just let the citizens
decide for themselves.
Secondly, they create dissent. One
night I presided over a meeting at
SAG with over 289 members. For
better than two hours I listened as
Guild policy was attacked. And
they were just vicious about it.
At one point I thought that if we
went to a vote, we’d be clobbered,
the sentiment was running so high
against us.
But I also noticed that every time
someone on our side tried to make a
statement in favor, the opponents
would call for a “point of order”
or a “point of privilege” or a
“point of personal information” and
according to Robert’s Rules of
Order, we have to silence the
original speaker and ask the
interrupter to state his point of
order.
Nine times out of ten, they didn’t
have a legitimate point, but that
doesn’t matter - see, they’ve
succeeding in disrupting the flow
and preventing anyone else from
having a clear shot at explaining
themselves.
It’s a very effective trick: create
a loud enough distraction, and
suddenly no one even remembers what
the actual issue is.
(MORE)
46.
RON (CONT'D)
And, they scatter their people, so
as the chairman tries to be fair
and call on people in some kind of
order - front, back, middle, then
either side - they’ve positioned
themselves so most of the time,
it’s one of them who gets called
on.
Finally, exhausted, we called a
vote. 278-11.
Eleven people voted against.
Eleven people dominated that
discussion for over two hours and
gave the impression that they were
the majority. This is how they can
fool the nation, Nancy, and I won’t
have it.
There are two blacklists in this
town. And Humphrey Bogart been
accused by the House Un-American
Activities Committee of being a
Communist, but he isn’t. And
neither is my pal Jimmy Cagney.
And neither is Olivia de Havilland
or Ida Lupino. And neither is John
Huston, for all he kicks and
screams. HUAC is going too far in
some ways, but in other ways, they
don’t go far enough.
They aren’t reaching the hearts and
minds of those who are confused and
convincing them, once and for all,
that any form of totalitarianism or
centrist government is a sham - an
unworkable sham - and that it is
the duty of every single American and every single artist in America to remain vigilant against the
insidious Red tide.
The Communist activists in
Hollywood are keeping a blacklist,
too, and they are seeking to
destroy anyone who gets in their
way. And I am getting in their
way, Nance. I am getting in their
way every way I know how.
They are Communists, Nancy. And
Communists are the same as Fascists
and terrorists and any other -ist
you can find. And they want to
destroy America.
(MORE)
47.
RON (CONT'D)
When I was at Fort Roach, I saw the
footage from when the US troops
arrived at Auschwitz. Classified
films of the death camps. Horrible,
godless, soul-killing images. An
arm You cannot imagine. No one can
imagine that kind of evil. But it
is out there and it starts just
like this. Voices being silenced.
Good people doing nothing. We have
a sacred obligation to make sure
that it never happens again.
We will bring the Communists to
their knees, Nancy - I know we
will.
BLACKOUT
INTERSTITIAL SLIDES: SCENE TWELVE – FEBRUARY 1952
48.
SCENE 12: FEBRUARY 6th, 1952.
CHASEN’S.
It’s the conclusion of Ron’s birthday dinner. Half-eaten
chocolate cake on the table. He might even be wearing a
paper hat. But the mood has turned a little grim. He’s
trying to jolly her along, but he’s being pretty ham-fisted
about it, and she’s pretty wound up.
NANCY
It’s good you’re going.
RON
It’s only for ten days.
NANCY
Don’t say it like that - only ten
days - it’s a long time. I’ll miss
you.
RON
I’ll be home before you know it.
NANCY
Cut it out. Just let me be
miserable if I want to.
RON
You’re not going to cry, are you?
No.
NANCY
RON
Because, really, honey - we both
know that you’re prone to tears. I
mean, you cry when we send out the
laundry.
Ha.
NANCY
RON
Now how can you miss me if I never
go away? Absence makes the heart
grow fonder. Familiarity breeds
contempt. Say, remember last trip
and you put little notes in each of
my jacket pockets? That sure was
cute.
NANCY
(flatly) Yes. I’m adorable.
49.
RON
Nancy, if a person is going to
continue to be able to buy a person
nice dinners at Chasen’s, a person
is going to have to work.
NANCY
We don’t have to go out all the
time.
RON
You’d cook?
(Nancy does not cook.
Her housekeeper, Frieda cooks.)
NANCY
Frieda can cook. Any night except
her Mondays off and then I can make
pancakes for supper. You love
Frieda’s cooking.
RON
Well, it doesn’t matter who cooks
because for the next ten days, I’m
out of town. Now, are you going to
leave me some cute love notes?
Maybe sneak a package of jelly
beans into my dopp kit?
NANCY
How else am I supposed to make sure
you’re thinking of me?
RON
I’m always thinking of you, honey.
In fact, I thought of you just the
other day. I was driving around
the valley - you know there’s all
that new construction there - and I
thought what with real estate
prices the way they are, you should
really think about buying yourself
a little place.
Nancy = glacier.
NANCY
Well, I’ll certainly have to look
into that. Did you give Doris that
same advice the other night?
Pardon?
RON
NANCY
You escorted Doris Day to that
event...
50.
RON
That girl’s recently done a lot for
sweaters.
Nancy fumes.
RON (CONT’D)
It was the premiere, Nancy. We’re
the stars. You know there’s
nothing between Doris and I, honey.
It was a publicity thing. You know
how that is.
NANCY
Yes. I know how it is. I know how
it is. I know exactly how it is.
And I think Doris knows how it is,
too. Hollywood Confidential said
you two had dinner every night when
you were on location.
Honey...
RON
NANCY
And Doris herself said you never
shut up. How can she know that you
never shut up if she wasn’t with
you all the time?
RON
Well, she’s not with me now, is
she? Now, am I on a date with my
best girl? Or am I on a date with
a hairdo suffering from anxiety?
NANCY
That’s not funny.
RON
It’s a little bit funny.
Truce?
Truce.
NANCY
Of course.
Honey?
Truce.
I saw Jane Wyman featured in the
paper because she’s in that bio-pic
- “The Story of Will Rogers” - the
other day. She looks marvelous.
Sometimes it’s a little staggering
to me that you could go from being
with such a beauty to being with
little mousey old me.
RON
I’m not taking the bait, Nance.
51.
NANCY
Of course, her career is going so
well.
Suddenly very earnest.
NANCY (CONT’D)
Is that it, honey? Do you feel
burned? Are you embarrassed
because she’s so much more
successful than you are? Because
it’ll turn around for you, honey, I
just know it will. And I know it
all feels like a big step down, but
soon people will forget “That Hagen
Girl” movie with Shirley Temple and
how horrible it was and they’ll
remember what a wonderful actor you
are. Much better than that dumb
old Montgomery Clift.
RON
You’re not helping, here.
NANCY
Is it the Guild? I know things at
the Guild are complicated. I don’t
know how you stand to sit in those
meetings. Ardis says that Bill
comes home just pulling his hair
out, but nothing seems to affect
you. I mean - I know it does on
the inside, right? But on the
outside...I just don’t know what
you’re thinking. I could help, you
know? You could tell me things.
RON
How about if I tell you later?
NANCY
Tell me later - Just be patient. I
know. I know. But how much longer
am I supposed to be understanding,
Ron?
RON
Do not pressure me, Nancy NANCY
I’m not trying to pressure you.
OK, then.
RON
Don’t.
NANCY
But what if there was a
circumstance...
52.
RON
Hmm?
NANCY
I mean, sometimes people have
a...A...A good reason to get
married...
RON
Nancy.
I mean...
NANCY
RON
Nancy. Are you telling me that we
have to get married?
NANCY
Of course not. Absolutely not.
But if I were, would you?
Are you?
Would you?
Are you?
RON
NANCY
RON
NANCY
No. Yes. I don’t know. I’m not
sure. I could be but I might just
be late, too, I’m not sure and I
wasn’t even going to say anything
and it’s probably nothing but even
so, would you? Hypothetically?
Sure.
RON
Yes.
NANCY
Because you had to?
RON
Because I want to.
NANCY
You really want to?
Sure.
RON
NANCY
That’s romantic.
53.
Nancy.
RON
He throws his napkin (eyeglasses?) down on the table. This is
his signal that he is very, very angry.
Nancy...
RON (CONT'D)
NANCY
Did you see this today?
She takes out a newspaper/tabloid.
“Miss Davis has had that about-tomarried look for two years now.”
RON
You know you can’t pay any
attention to the press, Nancy. And
I’ll tell you right now - you
better not tell anyone - not one
single solitary soul that you even
suspect you might have some kind of
“circumstance” because they will
tear me up into little bits and
toss me out. Not you - me. I’ll
be the one who suffers for this.
They’re vultures, and our private
life is none of their business.
NANCY
No. It’s none of their business.
But it’s my business.
WHEN YOU SEE A SUNSET
DO YOU JUST SEE THE SUN?
IS THE OCEAN NO MORE THAN A SEA?
WHEN YOU HEAR SONG
ARE YOU SINGING ALONE?
IS THERE ROOM IN THAT SONG FOR ME?
WHEN I SEE A LOVER’S MOON
RONNIE, YOUR FACE APPEARS
WHEN I DREAM, I’M DREAMING FOR TWO
MY LIFE IS YOURS
WHEN I FELL IN LOVE
THAT’S WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE TRUE
I HAVE TO KNOW
IS THERE AN US IN YOUR LIFE?
I HAVE TO SEE WHAT YOU SEE
WHEN I LOOK DOWN THE ROAD
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW
IS IT YOU? IS IT ME? IS IT WE?
I’M STUMBLING IN THE DARK
WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?
(MORE)
54.
NANCY (CONT'D)
PLEASE TELL ME
WHERE I STAND IN YOUR HEART
HALF OF YOU IS HERE
HALF IS OVER THERE
IT’S LIKE WE’RE TOGETHER
BUT SEPARATE APART
I HAVE TO KNOW
IS THERE AN US IN YOUR LIFE?
I HAVE TO SEE WHAT YOU SEE
WHEN I LOOK DOWN THE ROAD
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW
IS IT YOU? IS IT ME? IS IT WE?
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
WHEN WE FLY AS ONE
TOGETHER WE MIGHT DO
WHAT THEY SAY CAN’T BE DONE
I HAVE TO KNOW
IS THERE AN US IN YOUR LIFE?
I HAVE TO SEE WHAT YOU SEE
WHEN I LOOK DOWN THE ROAD
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW
IS IT YOU? IS IT ME? IS IT WE?
NANCY (CONT’D)
This is our happiness, Ron. Tell me
what’s going on.
RON
Happiness? George Burns says
“that’s a good cigar and a good
woman - or a bad woman; it depends
on how much happiness you can
handle.”
Nancy doesn’t laugh. She turns and leaves.
RON (CONT’D)
Nancy? Where are you...Nancy? Oh,
for Pete’s sake...I...
I’M STUMBLING IN THE DARK
WHAT A RIDICULOUS REMARK
IT SOUNDS LIKE A SILLY LINE
FROM A SILLY SCENE
IS IT YOU? IS IT ME? IS IT WE?
PLEASE TELL ME
WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN?
THERE MUST BE SOMETHING IN-BETWEEN
WHAT AM I SO AFRAID OF
WHY AM I STANDING HERE
WHERE’S THE SWAGGER
I’M SO FAMOUS FOR
(MORE)
55.
RON (CONT’D)
WHEN DID I GET SO CARELESS
WHO DO I THINK I AM
LOOK AT ME,
I LET LOVE WALK OUT THE DOOR
SHE’S EVERYTHING TO ME
AND EVEN MORE
SHE MAKES ME RIGHT
THAT’S ALL I KNOW
I WAS HALF THE MAN TWO YEARS AGO
BEFORE OUR FIRST HELLO
SHE DRIVES ME MAD
BUT EVEN SO
SHE MAKES ME RIGHT
THAT’S ALL I KNOW
WHY AM I SO TORN HERE
I’M A MAN WHO KNOWS HIS WAY
I SET MY SIGHTS
THEN IT’S FULL STEAM AHEAD
BUT HERE I STAND NOT MOVING
NOT KNOWING WHERE TO TURN
REMEMBERING EVERY WORD
SHE EVER SAID
LONG AGO SHE COULD HAVE LEFT
BUT INSTEAD
SHE MAKES ME RIGHT
SHE MAKES ME FINE
WITH NO MORE THAN JUST
A LOOK FROM HER
SHE CAN MAKE ME SHINE
HER GENTLE TOUCH
IT MAKES ME STRONG
SHE MAKES ME RIGHT
THAT CAN’T BE WRONG
I’M SO DAMNED INDEPENDENT
I NEVER THOUGHT I’D FIND
SOMEONE I DEPEND UPON
OH, GOD, IS SHE REALLY GONE?
GOD, IS SHE REALLY GONE?
I KNOW HER AND SHE MEANT IT
I CAN’T LET HER GET AWAY
IF IT’S THE LAST THING I EVER DO
I GOTTA BRING HER BACK
BRING HER BACK TO STAY
SHE MAKES ME RIGHT
SHE MAKES ME WHOLE
SHE MAKES EVERY DAY A PERFECT DAY
SHE FILLS MY VERY SOUL
SHE IS MY LIFE
I LOVE HER SO
SHE MAKES ME RIGHT
SHE MAKES ME RIGHT
SHE MAKES ME RIGHT
(MORE)
56.
RON (CONT’D)
SHE MAKES ME RIGHT
SHE MAKES ME RIGHT
THAT’S ALL I NEED TO KNOW
Hi.
Hi.
RON (CONT’D)
NANCY
RON
You came back.
Yes.
NANCY
RON
Nancy...you make me right.
What?
NANCY
RON
You make me right.
What?
NANCY
RON
YOU MAKE ME RIGHT
YOU MAKE ME WHOLE
YOU MAKE EVERY DAY
A PERFECT DAY
YOU FILL MY VERY SOUL
YOU ARE MY LIFE
I LOVE YOU SO
YOU MAKES ME RIGHT
YOU MAKES ME RIGHT
YOU MAKES ME RIGHT
YOU MAKES ME RIGHT
YOU MAKES ME RIGHT
NANCY
WHAT? OKAY, NANCY
LISTEN WHAT HE’S SAYING
OH GOD, NOT NOW,
NANCY, PLEASE STOP THINKING
HANG ON HIS EVERY WORD
THEY ARE WORDS YOU’VE NEVER
HEARD YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED
TO HEAR THEM FROM HIM
HERE THEY COME
YOU’RE GOING TO MISS IT
I LOVE YOU TOO, RONNIE
I MAKE HIM RIGHT
I MAKE HIM RIGHT
RONNIE JUST SAY IT
MUSIC sustains
RON
I think we should get married.
NANCY
I think so, too.
MUSIC UNDERSCORES
RON
I feel so wonderful -
57.
PHOTOS OF WEDDING
I feel on top of the world!
PHOTOS OF FAMILY
I feel like I could run the whole
state of California!
PHOTOs OF SWEARING IN
NANCY
I think you could!
FAMILY PHOTOS
RON
I think I could be President!
PHOTOS OF ELECTION
NANCY
I think so, too.
RON
I think I could solve any problem!
PHOTO OF NEWSPAPER
NANCY
I think so, too.
RON
I want to dance with you!
PHOTO OF INAUGURAL BALL
NANCY
I would love to dance with you.
RON
It feels like Morning in America
NANCY
I think so, too.
RON
I think I could survive anything!
PHOTO OF BEING SHOT
NANCY
I think so, too.
PHOTO FROM HOSPITAL - RECOVERING
58.
RON
I feel like I could end the Cold
War!
PHOTOS WITH GORBACHEV
NANCY
I think so, too.
RON
Let’s tear down this wall!
Yes!
NANCY
PHOTO OF BERLIN WALL SPEECH
RON
I feel like I’ve won by a
landslide!
Me, too!
NANCY
RON
I feel like I’m ready to move on.
PHOTO OF DEPARTING OFFICE
NANCY
I think so, too.
PHOTO OF HIM KISSING HER B/W
PHOTO OF HIS ALZHEIMER’S LETTER TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC
Nancy?
RON
NANCY
I’m right here.
RON
Don’t ever leave me.
NANCY
I will never leave you.
PHOTO OF THEM KISSING (HIM SEATED - WEARING RED)
NANCY (CONT’D)
I think it’s time to take a rest.
RON
I think so, too.
SCENE TWELVE – FINAL MONTAGE
59.
THE END