24. INT. CHERYL BARKER’S HOUSE – NIGHT
The interior of the mansion is lavish, far superior to Frankie’s. The MAID goes to the front door, opens the door, and FRANKIE enters wearing a tuxedo. CHERYL BARKER, a movie starlet, is waiting impatiently in her living room.
MAID
You’re late!
They walk to the living room, where the MAID announces him to Cheryl who is wearing a black evening dress.
MAID (CONT'D)
Mr. Fane.
CHERYL
You’re late!
She puts down her drink and hands Frankie a Polaroid camera.
FRANKIE
What’s this?
CHERYL
It’s usually called a camera.
She puts on her fur, and he begins to take her picture.
CHERYL (CONT’D)
Full length.
He takes the picture.
CHERYL (CONT’D)
All right, Mr. Fane. Let’s get a few things straight before we’re seen on the street together. Now, in as much as this date was set up through the studio by our respective publicity managers, you can put your suave masculine charm in escrow for the night. We either do it by the ground rules or we don’t do it.
FRANKIE
Ground rules?
CHERYL
One. When they ask for autographs, this is my scene. You play straight man. Two. You keep your mouth shut when the columnists ask questions. Oh, I’ll spell Fane properly, but I don’t like grabbers so don’t volunteer any remarks.
FRANKIE
Can I bark once in a while so they’ll know I haven’t stopped breathing?
CHERYL
(looking at the Polaroid)
Terrible! All wrong.
She leaves with her fur and goes up stairs. DISSOLVE TO sometime later when she descends the stairs wearing an equally elegant white evening dress.
CHERYL
(giving him the camera again)
Ground Rule Number Three. I photograph best from my left side, so stay on my right at all times. Four. Don’t try to drop any hints about our big romance to the fan magazines.
Frankie snaps another picture.
CHERYL (CONT’D)
One pinkie on my thigh and they’ll be mailing you back to Pocatello or wherever you come from . . . in an envelope.
FRANKIE
Is that all?
CHERYL
You’re the one who needs to be seen. Take it or leave it.
(looking at the developed photo)
Ah, perfect, just perfect! My wrap is on the chair.
She begins to leave. Frankie grabs the fur and purposely lets it drag on the floor. The maid opens the front door for them. When Cheryl looks out to the street, she stops.
CHERYL (CONT’D)
That’s your car?
FRANKIE
About twelve more payments.
CHERYL
(to the maid)
Call William. Tell him to bring the Continental around.