|
Roman Holiday PART 14
(In the bathroom, Ann gets herself ready, dressed in a bedrobe. Looking in the mirror, she smooths her hair over.) (She goes outside, standing beside the closed door. Joe, preparing a drink, greets her with a smile.)
(with a laugh) Everything ruined?
No. They'll be dry in a minute.
Suits you--you should always wear my clothes.
Seems I do
(giving a her a glass of wine) I thought a little wine might be good.
Shall I cook something?
No kitchen; nothing to cook; I always eat out.
Do you like that?
Well, life isn't always what one likes-- (pauses) is it?
No, it isn't
Tired?
A little.
You've had quite a day.
A wonderful day
This is the American Hour, from Rome, broadcasting a special news bulletin in English and Italian. Tonight there is no further word
from the bedside of Princess Ann in Rome, where she was taken ill yesterday, on the last leg of her European goodwill tour. This has given rise to rumours that her condition may be serious, which is causing alarm and anxiety among the people in her country.
The news can wait till tomorrow.
Yes.
(she walks to him) May I have a little more wine?
Sorry I couldn't cook us some dinner.
(as Ann drinks from the glass) Did you learn how in school?
Mmmm, I'm a good cook; I could earn my living at it. I can sew too, and clean a house, and iron--I learned to do all those things, I just haven't had the chance
to do it for anyone.
Well, looks like I'll have to move; and get myself a place with a kitchen.
(she turns around to look at him, heart-broken) Yes
I... will have to go now.
(comforting her) Anya... there's... something that I want to tell you.
No, please
nothing.
I must go and get dressed. (Ann walks to the bathroom. Joe stands with his back to her, heart-broken. He walks over to pick up his jacket and puts it on.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Solemnly, without speaking, Joe drives Ann through Rome.)
(looking straight ahead) Stop at the next corner, please.
'K.
Here?
(looking out her window) Yes.
I have to leave you now. I'm going to that corner
there, and turn. You must stay in the car and drive away. Promise not to watch me go beyond the corner. Just drive away and leave me, as I leave you.
(solemnly) Alright.
(keeping back the tears) I don't know how to say goodbye. I can't think of any words.
Don't try. (They look at each other and she throws her self into his arms, holding her tight. They kiss, passionately, then hold each other for a few more moments and Ann cries against his shoulder. They release, enough for her to turn around to look back down the street, then she looks at back him. They manage a smile at each other and then Ann looks down, unable to stay the inevitable. Turning away from him, she opens the door and gets out. Without looking back she starts off down the street, her walk turning into a run. Joe watches her as she disappears round the corner. Joe looks out at the empty street toward the gate and looking as if he might go after her but, after a pause he looks away, glumly, then switches on the engine and drives off.) (In the Embassy. Princess Ann stands in a large room across from the others in their bedclothes: Ambassador; the Countess, who is upset, wiping her nose with a handkerchief; and the General, who stands grim-faced.)
Your Royal Highness: twenty-four hours--they can't all be blank.
They are not.
But what explanation am I to offer Their Majesties?
I was indisposed. I am better.
Ma'am: you must appreciate that I have my duty to perform, just as Your Royal Highness has Her duty--.
Your Excellency: I trust you will not find it necessary to use that word again. Were I not completely aware of my duty to my family and my country, I would not have come tonight.
Or indeed ever again.
Now, since I understand we have a very full schedule today, you have my permission to withdraw.
No milk and crackers.
That will be all, thank you, Countess.
(Alone in the room the Princess walks slowly over to a window, looking out over the city in silence.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (The next day, Joe sits in his apartment, looking out of his window over the town. There is a knock at the door and Joe looks up, hopefully. The knocking persists and he walks to the door slowly and opens it, then turns around in disappointment.)
(bursting in) Joe, is it true: did you really get it?
(turning back to him, hands in pockets) Did I get what?
The Princess story, the exclusive: did you get it?
No, no, I didn't get it
What? But that's impossible!
Have a cup of coffee or something?
(waving his finger at him) Joe, you can't hold out on me.
Who's holding out on you?
You are.
(absently, pretending to busy himself with something on the desk) What are you talking about?
I know too much: First you come into my office and ask about an exclusive on the Princess; next, you disappear; then I get the rumour from my contact at the Embassy that the Princess isn't sick at all and she's out on the town.
What kind of a newspaper man are you? You believe every two-bit rumour that comes your way?
Yeah? And a lot of other rumours: about a shindig at a barge down by the river
and the arrest of eight Secret Service men from a country which shall be nameless. And then comes of news of the lady's miraculous recovery. It all adds up! And don't think by playing hard-to-get that you're raised the price of that story: a deal's a deal!
Now, come on, come on, come on: where is that story?
I have no story
(as Joe pours a drink) Then what was the idea of--.
(loudly, approaching from outside) Joe!
Man, wait till you see these!
Irving.
(walking to Mr. Hennessy, holding out the packet) Hiya, Mr. Henne-- oh, you got here at the right time. ( JOE Irving.) Wait till you get a look at-- (Joe discreetly throws his drink, all over Irving.) What's the idea?!
What do you mean, charging in and spilling things all over my place.
Who's spilling?
You did--I spoke to you about that once before, don't you remember?
Joe, look at my pants!
(pulling him by the arm to the bathroom) Yeah, you better come in here and dry 'em off, Irving.
(protesting, pulling away from him) Aww, knackers to that.
Hey, did you tell him about Smithy?
Irving.
Smithy?
Oh ho! Mr. Hennessy (JOE Irving.), wait till you-- (Joe trips him as he walks to Mr. Hennessy.)
There you go again, Irving.
(getting up, steaming) Joe. Listen, th--.
Hey, alright, save that till later; you're here early anyway. Why don't you go home and (shave!)
(putting a hand on his beard) Shave?
Yeah, or else keep quiet till Mr. Hennessy and I are finished talking.
(walking over, putting his hat on) Hey, what kind of a routine is that? What are you guys up to?
Who's Smithy?
(quickly) Oh, he's a guy that we met; you wouldn't care for him.
(grabbing the envelope from Irving) What am I supposed to look at?
(quickly, grabbing the envelope back) Oh, just a couple of Irving's dames; you, you wouldn't like 'em.
Er, maybe you would...
(stopping him) Don't change the subject! When you came back into my office, yesterday--.
Yeah, I know, yesterday at noon I thought I had a lead, but I was wrong! That's all there is to it; there is no story
Ok; she's holding the press interview today, same time, same place--maybe that's one story you can get.
And you owe me five hundred bucks! |
|
This Free Ebook is Produced
|
