Writing the Photoplay Part 33

Blinker shrugs, and rises, protesting, imploring Oldport to let him get away. Oldport rises, and follows him to door, where he stops him.

21--Close-up door of Oldport office.

Oldport is serious, almost pleading, as Blinker wheels.

Oldport says:

_Cut-in leader--_

"BECAUSE THE PARLORS ARE RENTED AS ROOMS, THE GIRLS, MOSTLY SHOP WORKERS, MUST DO THEIR ENTERTAINING OF MEN--ELSEWHERE--"

Blinker turns deprecatingly, and says:

_Cut-in leader--_

"DEAR OLD MAN--ANOTHER TIME, _PLEASE_!"

He hurries out. Oldport frowns with annoyance, then shrugs.

Diaphragm out.

Diaphragm in:[47]

[Footnote 47: The close of one incident and beginning of another, no leader being required.]

22--Front of hat-shop where Florence is employed.

Frank, a typical street-flirt, is lounging, watching some girls pa.s.s; they laugh and nudge each other; then Florence comes out of shop and Frank, lifting cap, falls into step beside her. Depict innocence on Florence's part--she does not "get his drift."[48]

[Footnote 48: This scene-sequence develops character, with contrast of the two leads; also registers that Florence's future conduct is influenced by Ella--not voluntary.]

23--Exterior of golf club.

Blinker arrives in haste, to find friends and players waiting. Emphasize his egotism and self-centeredness as they start off for the golf links.

24--Street in tenement district.

Frank is keeping up with Florence as she comes on. He takes her arm. She stops dead still. Sudden fear shows in her face. Tearing herself free, she fairly runs from the scene, Frank staring in surprise, and indicating "Holy Mackerel--stuck up little skirt!"

25--Door in Brickdust Row.

Florence comes hurrying on, looks over her shoulder to be sure she is not followed, and rushes into house.

26--Golf course.

Blinker tees up and drives. He shows satisfaction as he watches the flight of the ball, then sets off, smiling at his caddie's muttered "Some drive!"

27--Ella's room.

Florence is coming in. She is panting. Still shaking with fright and mortification, she flings herself across the bed.

28--A street corner.

Ella is parting from a "gentleman friend" and thanks him for a "swell time," then starts for home as he turns, hat lifted, and goes.

29--Golf course.

Show Blinker's egotism as he wins match amid plaudits of his friends.

30--Ella's room.

Florence still on bed as Ella comes in. "What's up, Kid?"

Florence explains. Ella laughs, and tells her the lad meant no harm, then rising in denunciation of their environment, she exclaims:

_Cut-in leader--_

"LORD, KID! A GIRL CAN'T STICK IN THE HOUSE AND BE A DRIED PRUNE WITHOUT NO FRIENDS. IF SHE CAN'T BRING 'EM HOME--SHE HAS TO MEET 'EM WHEREVER SHE FINDS 'EM."

This is a new idea to Florence, and it impresses her, though she is dubious about it. Finally, reconciling herself, she agrees, saying:

_Cut-in leader--_

"YES, A GIRL HAS _GOT_ TO HAVE _SOME_ FUN. I GUESS IT'S NO HARM TO LET _NICE_ FELLOWS SPEAK, AND TAKE YOU OUT SOMETIMES."

Ella a.s.sures her that it is no harm. Florence is less dubious.

_Leader--_

DUN, DREARY MONOTONY DRIVES FLORENCE TO THE ONLY ENTERTAINMENT HER ENVIRONMENT PERMITS.

31--A park entrance.

Florence allows a neat chap who has been flirting to take her arm, and they go off together.

_Leader--_

SOMETIMES THE MOVIES--

32--Outside moving picture house. Night.

Florence is laughing as she comes on with ANOTHER nice-looking chap who takes her in to see the show.

_Leader--_

SOMETIMES MOONY SPOONING--

33--Park seat near lake. Moon on water for pretty view.

Florence is allowing a different fellow to sit close and hold her hand. (No inclination to get "fresh.")