15. INT. LITTLE THEATER AUDITORIUM – NIGHT
FRANKIE is sitting in the near empty theater. The DIRECTOR is blocking several actors in a knife fight on stage. Also in the audience is SOPHIE CANTARO, a Hollywood talent scout. KAY walks down from the stage.
KAY
OK, Frankie, I delivered the costumes. Let’s go.
He pulls her down to a seat, as he continues following what is going on in the rehearsal.
KAY
Let’s go. Come on.
FRANKIE
(referring to the action on stage)
It’s terrible.
KAY
Since when have you become an authority on acting?
FRANKIE
I don’t know anything about acting, but . . .
KAY
Keep your voice down. You’re embarrassing me.
FRANKIE
(still in a loud voice so everyone can hear)
Those two jokers don’t know how to handle a knife. If they ever get into a rumble they’d wind up looking like cheese cloth.
Sophie is taking notice of the disruption, as is the director who looks annoyed.
FRANKIE (CONT’D)
Look at them. A couple of clowns.
DIRECTOR
Who the devil out there is making all that noise?
(noticing Sophie in the audience)
Oh, I’m sorry about this Miss Cantaro.
SOPHIE
It’s all right, Bert.
DIRECTOR
All right, whoever you are, we’re trying to rehearse up here. If you don’t know how to keep your mouth shut then get out.
KAY
Bert, he’s a friend of mine. I must apologize.
ACTOR ON STAGE
All right, Kay. Get that creep out of here before I throw him out.
Frankie, enraged, rushes to the stage, grabs the knife and wields it against all of the people on stage. He points it at the throat of the actor who just called him out. There are gasps and exclamations from everyone.
FRANKIE
(menacing, to the actor)
You got a busy mouth on you, friend. Wanna throw this creep out? Start throwin’. Now I’m gonna show you what a knife is for.
Frankie shoves the actor against a wall and brings the knife close to the actor’s throat. Everyone on stage and in the audience is startled and in total fear for what might happen next. Frankie utters a maniacal laugh. Then just as suddenly, he smiles, and throws the knife so that it lands point down on the stage.
FRANKIE (CONT’D)
(pointing to the assembled group)
That’s how it’s done.
He straightens his clothes, gives the actor a condescending pat on his face, and walks off the stage into the audience. He grabs for Kay’s hand.
FRANKIE (CONT’D)
Let’s get out of here.
DIRECTOR
(regaining his voice)
You lunatic! Ya damned kook!
Frankie laughs. He and Kay leave the theater. Sophie stares after them in amazement.