1 00:01:10,519 --> 00:01:16,619 Sunset Boulevard - Film Noir 1950 English 2 00:01:26,620 --> 00:01:28,329 [ SIREN WAILING ] 3 00:01:29,840 --> 00:01:33,629 [ GILLIS ] Yes, this is Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. 4 00:01:33,720 --> 00:01:37,089 It's about 5:00 in the morning. 5 00:01:37,180 --> 00:01:39,009 That's the homicide squad, 6 00:01:39,100 --> 00:01:42,769 complete with detectives and newspapermen. 7 00:01:42,850 --> 00:01:45,939 A murder has been reported from one of those great big houses 8 00:01:46,020 --> 00:01:48,269 in the 10,000 block. 9 00:01:48,350 --> 00:01:51,439 You'll read about it in the late editions, I'm sure. 10 00:01:51,520 --> 00:01:55,359 You'll get it over your radio and see it on television. 11 00:01:55,450 --> 00:01:59,619 Because an old-time star is involved. One of the biggest. 12 00:02:01,200 --> 00:02:05,159 But before you hear it all distorted and blown out of proportion, 13 00:02:05,250 --> 00:02:08,709 before those Hollywood columnists get their hands on it, 14 00:02:08,790 --> 00:02:12,209 maybe you'd like to hear the facts. The whole truth. 15 00:02:13,500 --> 00:02:17,379 If so, you've come to the right party. 16 00:02:17,470 --> 00:02:21,799 You see, the body of a young man was found floating in the pool of her mansion 17 00:02:21,890 --> 00:02:25,309 with two shots in his back and one in his stomach. 18 00:02:25,390 --> 00:02:27,229 Nobody important, really. 19 00:02:27,310 --> 00:02:31,149 Just a movie writer with a couple of B pictures to his credit. 20 00:02:32,270 --> 00:02:36,399 The poor dope. He always wanted a pool. 21 00:02:36,490 --> 00:02:39,239 Well, in the end, he got himself a pool, 22 00:02:39,320 --> 00:02:42,369 only the price turned out to be a little high. 23 00:02:45,370 --> 00:02:49,999 Let's go back about six months and find the day when it all started. 24 00:02:50,080 --> 00:02:54,299 I was living in an apartment house above Franklin and Ivar. 25 00:02:54,380 --> 00:02:56,799 Things were tough at the moment. 26 00:02:56,880 --> 00:03:00,969 I hadn't worked in a studio for a long time. 27 00:03:01,050 --> 00:03:04,969 So I sat there, grinding out original stories, two a week. 28 00:03:06,220 --> 00:03:09,309 Only I seemed to have lost my touch. 29 00:03:09,390 --> 00:03:12,309 Maybe they weren't original enough. 30 00:03:12,400 --> 00:03:15,149 Maybe they were too original. 31 00:03:15,230 --> 00:03:17,819 All I know is, they didn't sell. 32 00:03:18,780 --> 00:03:20,109 [ BUZZER SOUNDING ] 33 00:03:20,740 --> 00:03:21,859 Yeah? 34 00:03:31,830 --> 00:03:34,129 - Joseph C. Gillis? - That's right. 35 00:03:34,210 --> 00:03:37,299 We've come for the car. 36 00:03:37,380 --> 00:03:38,629 What car? 37 00:03:38,710 --> 00:03:43,549 1946 Plymouth convertible, California license 40R-116. 38 00:03:43,640 --> 00:03:45,889 Where are the keys? 39 00:03:45,970 --> 00:03:47,599 Why should I give you the keys? 40 00:03:47,680 --> 00:03:49,979 Because the company's played ball with you long enough, 41 00:03:50,060 --> 00:03:53,229 because you're three payments behind and because we got a court order. 42 00:03:53,310 --> 00:03:54,689 Now, come on. The keys. 43 00:03:54,770 --> 00:03:57,399 Or do you want us to jack it up and haul it away? 44 00:03:57,480 --> 00:04:01,399 - Relax, fans. The car isn't here. - [ MAN 1 ] Oh, is that so? 45 00:04:01,490 --> 00:04:04,819 I loaned it to a friend of mine. He took it down to Palm Springs. 46 00:04:04,910 --> 00:04:07,079 Had to get away for his health, I suppose. 47 00:04:07,160 --> 00:04:09,079 If you don't believe me, look in the garage. 48 00:04:09,160 --> 00:04:12,829 Sure, sure, we believe you. Only now we want you to believe us. 49 00:04:12,920 --> 00:04:16,999 That car better be back here by noon tomorrow or there's gonna be fireworks. 50 00:04:17,090 --> 00:04:19,169 You say the cutest things. 51 00:04:31,020 --> 00:04:33,769 [ GILLIS ] Well, I needed about $290, 52 00:04:33,850 --> 00:04:37,609 and I needed it real quick, or I'd lose my car. 53 00:04:37,690 --> 00:04:41,859 It wasn't in Palm Springs, and it wasn't in the garage. 54 00:04:41,940 --> 00:04:44,109 I was way ahead of the finance company. 55 00:04:45,030 --> 00:04:48,529 I knew they'd be coming around, and I wasn't taking any chances. 56 00:04:48,620 --> 00:04:50,039 So I kept it across the street 57 00:04:50,120 --> 00:04:54,209 in a parking lot behind Rudy's Shoeshine Parlor. 58 00:04:54,290 --> 00:04:55,669 Rudy never asked any questions 59 00:04:55,750 --> 00:04:57,629 - about your finances. - [ HONKING ] 60 00:04:57,710 --> 00:05:00,839 He'd just look at your heels and know the score. 61 00:05:05,300 --> 00:05:08,719 I had an original story kicking around Paramount. 62 00:05:08,800 --> 00:05:11,519 My agent told me it was dead as a doornail. 63 00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:14,729 But I knew a big shot over there who'd always liked me. 64 00:05:14,810 --> 00:05:17,809 And the time had come to take a little advantage of it. 65 00:05:17,900 --> 00:05:19,519 His name was Sheldrake. 66 00:05:19,610 --> 00:05:23,239 He was a smart producer, with a set of ulcers to prove it. 67 00:05:26,070 --> 00:05:29,329 All right, Gillis, you've got five minutes. What's your story about? 68 00:05:29,410 --> 00:05:32,159 It's about a baseball player, a rookie shortstop that's batting .347. 69 00:05:32,250 --> 00:05:33,250 Uh-huh. 70 00:05:33,330 --> 00:05:34,890 Poor kid was once mixed up in a hold-up. 71 00:05:34,960 --> 00:05:36,640 - But he's trying to go straight. - Uh-huh. 72 00:05:36,719 --> 00:05:38,919 Except there are a bunch of gamblers that won't let him. 73 00:05:38,940 --> 00:05:42,169 So they tell the poor kid he's got to throw the World Series or else, huh? 74 00:05:42,260 --> 00:05:43,359 More or less, except for the end. 75 00:05:43,380 --> 00:05:44,820 I've got a gimmick that's real good. 76 00:05:44,850 --> 00:05:45,969 Uh-huh. You got a title? 77 00:05:46,050 --> 00:05:48,219 Bases Loaded. There's a 40-page outline. 78 00:05:48,300 --> 00:05:52,349 Call Readers' Department. Find out what they have on Bases Loaded. 79 00:05:53,560 --> 00:05:55,360 They're pretty hot about it over at Twentieth, 80 00:05:55,600 --> 00:05:56,939 except I think Zanuck's all wet. 81 00:05:57,020 --> 00:05:59,519 - Can you see Ty Power as a shortstop? - Mmm. 82 00:05:59,610 --> 00:06:02,279 You've got the best man for it right here on this lot. Alan Ladd. 83 00:06:02,360 --> 00:06:03,989 Be a good change of pace for Ladd. 84 00:06:04,069 --> 00:06:06,229 And there's another thing. It's pretty simple to shoot. 85 00:06:06,250 --> 00:06:07,909 Lots of outdoor stuff. 86 00:06:07,989 --> 00:06:10,229 I bet you could make the whole thing for under a million. 87 00:06:10,250 --> 00:06:11,449 [ BURPS ] Excuse me. 88 00:06:11,530 --> 00:06:13,490 And there's a great little part for Bill Demarest, 89 00:06:13,539 --> 00:06:15,099 one of the trainers, an old-time player 90 00:06:15,120 --> 00:06:17,789 who got beaned, goes out of his head sometimes. 91 00:06:17,870 --> 00:06:19,110 - Hello, Mr. Sheldrake. - Hello. 92 00:06:19,170 --> 00:06:22,209 On that Bases Loaded, I covered it with a two-page synopsis. 93 00:06:22,300 --> 00:06:24,709 - Thank you. - But I wouldn't bother. 94 00:06:24,800 --> 00:06:26,629 - What's wrong with it? - It's from hunger. 95 00:06:26,720 --> 00:06:28,759 Nothing for Ladd? 96 00:06:28,840 --> 00:06:31,520 It's just a rehash of something that wasn't very good to begin with. 97 00:06:31,550 --> 00:06:34,559 I'm sure you'll be glad to meet Mr. Gillis. He wrote it. 98 00:06:34,640 --> 00:06:36,479 This is Miss Kramer. 99 00:06:37,770 --> 00:06:40,399 The name is Schaefer. Betty Schaefer. 100 00:06:41,770 --> 00:06:44,819 Right now I wish I could crawl in a hole and pull it in after me. 101 00:06:44,900 --> 00:06:46,739 And if I could be of any help... 102 00:06:46,820 --> 00:06:50,199 Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Gillis, but I just didn't think it was any good. 103 00:06:50,280 --> 00:06:52,869 I found it flat and trite. 104 00:06:52,950 --> 00:06:54,949 Exactly what kind of material do you recommend? 105 00:06:55,040 --> 00:06:56,869 James Joyce? Dostoyevsky? 106 00:06:57,000 --> 00:06:59,459 I just think that pictures should say a little something. 107 00:06:59,540 --> 00:07:02,669 Oh, one of the message kids. Just a story won't do. 108 00:07:02,750 --> 00:07:04,390 You'd have turned down Gone with the Wind. 109 00:07:04,420 --> 00:07:08,419 No, that was me. I said, "Who wants to see a Civil War picture?" 110 00:07:09,590 --> 00:07:13,139 Perhaps the reason I hated Bases Loaded is that I knew your name. 111 00:07:13,220 --> 00:07:14,860 I'd always heard that you had some talent. 112 00:07:14,940 --> 00:07:17,221 That was last year. This year I'm trying to earn a living. 113 00:07:17,250 --> 00:07:19,729 So you take plot 27-A, make it glossy, make it slick... 114 00:07:19,810 --> 00:07:21,939 Uh-uh, uh-uh. Those are dirty words. 115 00:07:22,020 --> 00:07:23,979 You sound like a bunch of New York critics. 116 00:07:24,070 --> 00:07:28,279 - That'll be all, Miss Kramer... Schaefer. - Goodbye, Mr. Gillis. 117 00:07:28,360 --> 00:07:31,609 Next time I'll write you The Naked and the Dead. 118 00:07:31,740 --> 00:07:36,869 Well, it seems like Zanuck has got himself a baseball picture. 119 00:07:36,950 --> 00:07:38,550 Mr. Sheldrake, I don't want you to think 120 00:07:38,580 --> 00:07:40,619 I thought this was going to win any Academy Award. 121 00:07:40,710 --> 00:07:43,709 Of course, we're always looking for a Betty Hutton. 122 00:07:43,790 --> 00:07:46,959 - Do you see it as a Betty Hutton? - Frankly, no. 123 00:07:47,050 --> 00:07:51,839 Now wait a minute. If we made it a girls' softball team, put in a few numbers. 124 00:07:51,930 --> 00:07:56,639 Might make a cute musical. It Happened in the Bullpen: Story of a Woman. 125 00:07:58,180 --> 00:08:00,689 Are you trying to be funny? Because I'm all out of laughs. 126 00:08:00,770 --> 00:08:03,729 - I'm over a barrel. I need a job. - I haven't got a thing. 127 00:08:03,810 --> 00:08:06,359 Any kind of an assignment. Additional dialogue. 128 00:08:06,440 --> 00:08:08,439 There's nothing. Honest. 129 00:08:11,030 --> 00:08:13,489 Look, Mr. Sheldrake. 130 00:08:13,570 --> 00:08:16,739 Could you let me have 300 bucks yourself, as a personal loan? 131 00:08:16,830 --> 00:08:18,829 Could I? Gillis. 132 00:08:21,620 --> 00:08:24,249 Last year somebody talked me into buying a ranch in the Valley. 133 00:08:24,330 --> 00:08:27,089 So I borrowed the money from the bank to pay for the ranch. 134 00:08:27,170 --> 00:08:30,339 This year I had to mortgage the ranch so I could keep up my life insurance, 135 00:08:30,420 --> 00:08:32,219 so I could borrow on my insurance... 136 00:08:35,890 --> 00:08:38,849 [ GILLIS ] After that I drove down to headquarters. 137 00:08:38,930 --> 00:08:42,019 That's the way a lot of us think about Schwab's drug store. 138 00:08:42,100 --> 00:08:46,109 Kind of a combination office, kaffeeklatsch and waiting room. 139 00:08:46,190 --> 00:08:49,819 Waiting. Waiting for the gravy train. 140 00:08:52,070 --> 00:08:56,949 I got myself 10 nickels and started sending out a general SOS. 141 00:08:57,030 --> 00:08:59,989 Couldn't get hold of my agent, naturally. 142 00:09:00,080 --> 00:09:03,499 So then I called a pal of mine, Artie Green, 143 00:09:03,580 --> 00:09:06,499 an awful nice guy, an assistant director. 144 00:09:06,580 --> 00:09:09,549 He could let me have 20. But 20 wouldn't do. 145 00:09:11,170 --> 00:09:14,339 Then I talked to a couple of yes-men at Metro. 146 00:09:14,430 --> 00:09:16,759 To me they said no. 147 00:09:16,840 --> 00:09:21,639 Finally I located that agent of mine. The big faker. 148 00:09:21,720 --> 00:09:24,479 Was he out digging up a job for poor Joe Gillis? 149 00:09:24,560 --> 00:09:28,559 No. He was hard at work in Bel-Air, making with the golf sticks. 150 00:09:32,990 --> 00:09:36,699 So you need $300. Of course I could give you $300. 151 00:09:36,780 --> 00:09:39,239 - Only I'm not going to. - No? 152 00:09:39,330 --> 00:09:43,409 Gillis, get this through your head. I'm not just your agent. It's not the 10%. 153 00:09:43,500 --> 00:09:45,499 - I'm your friend. - You are? 154 00:09:45,580 --> 00:09:47,340 Don't you know the finest things in the world 155 00:09:47,420 --> 00:09:49,079 have been written on an empty stomach? 156 00:09:49,170 --> 00:09:53,049 Once a talent like yours gets into that Mocambo-Romanoff rut, you're through. 157 00:09:53,130 --> 00:09:55,469 Forget Romanoffs. It's the car I'm talking about! 158 00:09:55,550 --> 00:09:57,550 If I lose my car, it's like having my legs cut off. 159 00:09:57,590 --> 00:09:59,190 Greatest thing that could happen to you. 160 00:09:59,220 --> 00:10:02,639 Now you'll have to sit behind the typewriter. Now you'll have to write. 161 00:10:02,720 --> 00:10:06,729 What do you think I've been doing? I need $300. 162 00:10:06,810 --> 00:10:10,189 Sweetheart, maybe what you need is another agent. 163 00:10:22,330 --> 00:10:26,409 [ GILLIS ] As I drove back towards town, I took inventory of my prospects. 164 00:10:26,500 --> 00:10:29,459 They now added up to exactly zero. 165 00:10:29,540 --> 00:10:32,419 Apparently I just didn't have what it takes. 166 00:10:32,500 --> 00:10:36,629 And the time had come to wrap up the whole Hollywood deal and go home. 167 00:10:36,720 --> 00:10:38,129 Maybe if I hooked all my junk 168 00:10:38,220 --> 00:10:41,299 there 'd be enough for a bus ticket back to Ohio. 169 00:10:41,390 --> 00:10:44,469 Back to that $35-a-week job behind the copy desk 170 00:10:44,560 --> 00:10:48,479 at the Dayton Evening Post, if it was still open. 171 00:10:48,560 --> 00:10:51,649 Back to the smirking delight of the whole office. 172 00:10:51,730 --> 00:10:55,649 "All right, you wise guys. Why don't you go out and take a crack at Hollywood?" 173 00:10:55,730 --> 00:10:58,399 "Maybe you think that you could make..." 174 00:10:59,030 --> 00:11:00,069 Uh-oh! 175 00:11:40,200 --> 00:11:41,449 [ TIRE BURSTING ] 176 00:11:56,630 --> 00:11:59,919 I had landed myself in the driveway of some big mansion 177 00:12:00,010 --> 00:12:02,889 that looked run-down and deserted. 178 00:12:02,970 --> 00:12:05,849 At the end of the drive was a lovely sight indeed, 179 00:12:05,930 --> 00:12:11,139 a great big empty garage, just standing there, going to waste. 180 00:12:11,230 --> 00:12:16,109 If ever there was a place to stash away a limping car with a hot license number. 181 00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:28,119 There was another occupant in that garage, 182 00:12:28,200 --> 00:12:31,409 an enormous, foreign-built auto-mobile. 183 00:12:31,500 --> 00:12:34,919 It must have burned up ten gallons to a mile. 184 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:38,089 It had a 1932 license. 185 00:12:38,170 --> 00:12:42,009 I figured that's when the owners had moved out. 186 00:12:42,090 --> 00:12:44,719 And I also figured I couldn't go back to my apartment 187 00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:47,509 now that those bloodhounds were onto me. 188 00:12:47,600 --> 00:12:49,809 The idea was to get to Artie Green's and stay there 189 00:12:49,890 --> 00:12:52,769 until I could make that bus for Ohio. 190 00:12:52,850 --> 00:12:56,439 Once back in Dayton, I'd drop the credit boys a picture postcard, 191 00:12:56,520 --> 00:12:59,359 telling them where to pick up the jalopy. 192 00:13:02,150 --> 00:13:05,609 It was a great big white elephant of a place. 193 00:13:05,700 --> 00:13:09,449 The kind crazy movie people built in the crazy '20s. 194 00:13:09,540 --> 00:13:13,159 A neglected house gets an unhappy look. 195 00:13:13,250 --> 00:13:15,829 This one had it in spades. 196 00:13:15,920 --> 00:13:19,419 It was like that old woman in Great Expectations, 197 00:13:19,500 --> 00:13:23,919 that Miss Havisham in her rotting wedding dress and her torn veil, 198 00:13:24,010 --> 00:13:27,889 taking it out on the world because she'd been given the go-by. 199 00:13:34,140 --> 00:13:36,849 [ NORMA ] You there! Why are you so late? 200 00:13:38,810 --> 00:13:41,569 Why have you kept me waiting so long? 201 00:13:45,240 --> 00:13:46,739 [ DOOR OPENS ] 202 00:13:51,740 --> 00:13:53,079 In here. 203 00:14:00,250 --> 00:14:03,089 I just put my car in the garage. I had a blow-out. I thought maybe... 204 00:14:03,170 --> 00:14:04,629 Go on in. 205 00:14:04,720 --> 00:14:06,969 Look, maybe I'd better take my car and get it off... 206 00:14:07,050 --> 00:14:08,589 Wipe your feet. 207 00:14:12,060 --> 00:14:13,269 Go on. 208 00:14:18,100 --> 00:14:21,359 You're not properly dressed for the occasion. 209 00:14:21,440 --> 00:14:25,649 - What's the occasion? - [ NORMA ] Have him come up, Max. 210 00:14:25,740 --> 00:14:27,319 Up the stairs. 211 00:14:27,529 --> 00:14:29,209 Suppose you listen to me for just a minute. 212 00:14:29,230 --> 00:14:31,819 - Madame is waiting. - For me? 213 00:14:33,950 --> 00:14:35,119 Okay. 214 00:14:42,590 --> 00:14:45,629 If you need any help with the coffin, call me. 215 00:15:05,150 --> 00:15:06,489 [ NORMA ] This way. 216 00:15:13,330 --> 00:15:15,449 In here. 217 00:15:15,540 --> 00:15:18,579 I put him on my massage table in front of the fire. 218 00:15:18,660 --> 00:15:22,129 He always liked fires and poking at them with a stick. 219 00:15:28,170 --> 00:15:30,719 I've made up my mind we'll bury him in the garden. 220 00:15:30,800 --> 00:15:33,429 Any city laws against that? 221 00:15:33,510 --> 00:15:35,759 - I wouldn't know. - I don't care anyway. 222 00:15:35,850 --> 00:15:40,059 I want the coffin to be white, and I want it specially lined with satin. 223 00:15:40,140 --> 00:15:42,269 White or deep pink. 224 00:15:45,860 --> 00:15:49,739 Maybe red. Bright, flaming red. Let's make it gay. 225 00:15:59,330 --> 00:16:00,959 How much will it be? 226 00:16:01,040 --> 00:16:05,629 I warn you, don't give me a fancy price just because I'm rich! 227 00:16:05,710 --> 00:16:10,469 Lady, you got the wrong man. I had some trouble with my car. A flat tire. 228 00:16:10,550 --> 00:16:13,839 I pulled into your garage until I could get a spare. 229 00:16:13,930 --> 00:16:19,139 - I thought this was an empty house. - It is not. Get out. 230 00:16:19,220 --> 00:16:22,729 I'm sorry. And I'm sorry you lost your friend. 231 00:16:22,810 --> 00:16:26,319 And I don't think red is the right colour. 232 00:16:26,400 --> 00:16:29,479 Wait a minute. Haven't I seen you before? I know your face. 233 00:16:29,570 --> 00:16:33,819 - Get out. Or shall I call my servant? - You're Norma Desmond! 234 00:16:33,910 --> 00:16:37,699 You used to be in silent pictures. You used to be big! 235 00:16:37,780 --> 00:16:42,249 I am big. It's the pictures that got small. 236 00:16:43,080 --> 00:16:44,289 Uh-huh. 237 00:16:44,750 --> 00:16:46,669 I knew there was something wrong with them. 238 00:16:46,750 --> 00:16:49,169 They're dead. They're finished. 239 00:16:49,250 --> 00:16:50,570 There was a time in this business 240 00:16:50,600 --> 00:16:53,339 when they had the eyes of the whole wide world. 241 00:16:53,430 --> 00:16:56,009 But that wasn't good enough for them. Oh, no! 242 00:16:56,090 --> 00:16:58,179 They had to have the ears of the world, too. 243 00:16:58,260 --> 00:17:03,519 So they opened their big mouths and out came talk, talk, talk. 244 00:17:03,600 --> 00:17:05,280 That's where the popcorn business comes in. 245 00:17:05,310 --> 00:17:07,689 You buy yourself a bag and plug up your ears. 246 00:17:07,770 --> 00:17:11,359 Look at them in the front offices, the masterminds! 247 00:17:11,440 --> 00:17:13,609 They took the idols and smashed them. 248 00:17:13,700 --> 00:17:16,449 The Fairbankses, the Gilberts, the Valentinos! 249 00:17:16,530 --> 00:17:19,279 And who have we got now? Some nobodies! 250 00:17:19,370 --> 00:17:22,869 Don't blame me. I'm not an executive, just a writer. 251 00:17:22,960 --> 00:17:26,629 You are. Writing words, words, more words! 252 00:17:26,710 --> 00:17:29,499 Well, you've made a rope of words and strangled this business! 253 00:17:29,590 --> 00:17:32,379 But there's a microphone right there to catch the last gurgles, 254 00:17:32,460 --> 00:17:35,469 and Technicolor to photograph the red, swollen tongue! 255 00:17:36,590 --> 00:17:39,429 - You'll wake up the monkey. - Get out! Max! 256 00:17:40,810 --> 00:17:43,389 Next time I'll bring my autograph album along. 257 00:17:43,480 --> 00:17:46,939 Or maybe a hunk of cement, and ask for your footprint. 258 00:17:50,820 --> 00:17:54,899 - It's okay. Okay, I'm going. - Just a minute, you. 259 00:17:54,990 --> 00:17:57,569 - You're a writer, you said. - [ GILLIS ] Why? 260 00:17:57,660 --> 00:17:59,829 Are you or aren't you? 261 00:17:59,910 --> 00:18:01,869 That's what it says on my Guild card. 262 00:18:01,950 --> 00:18:05,619 And you have written pictures, haven't you? 263 00:18:05,710 --> 00:18:08,579 Sure have. Want a list of my credits? 264 00:18:08,670 --> 00:18:11,589 I want to ask you something. Come in here. 265 00:18:11,670 --> 00:18:14,419 Last one I wrote was about Okies in the Dust Bowl. 266 00:18:14,509 --> 00:18:16,709 You'd never know it, because when it reached the screen, 267 00:18:16,730 --> 00:18:19,479 the whole thing played on a torpedo boat. 268 00:18:21,010 --> 00:18:23,179 [ ORGAN PLAYING ] 269 00:18:28,270 --> 00:18:29,689 Intimate, isn't it? 270 00:18:32,860 --> 00:18:36,359 The wind gets in that blasted pipe organ. I ought to have it taken out. 271 00:18:36,450 --> 00:18:38,779 Or teach it a better tune. 272 00:18:38,860 --> 00:18:41,119 Young man, tell me something. 273 00:18:41,200 --> 00:18:45,119 How long is a movie script these days? I mean, how many pages? 274 00:18:45,200 --> 00:18:47,789 Depends on what it is, a Donald Duck or a Joan of Arc. 275 00:18:47,870 --> 00:18:53,169 This is to be a very important picture. I've written it myself. Took me years. 276 00:18:53,250 --> 00:18:55,419 Looks like enough for six important pictures. 277 00:18:55,510 --> 00:18:58,799 It's a story of Salome. I think I'll have DeMille direct it. 278 00:18:58,880 --> 00:19:01,299 DeMille? Uh-huh. 279 00:19:01,390 --> 00:19:04,969 - We made a lot of pictures together. - And you'll play Salome. 280 00:19:06,680 --> 00:19:08,519 Who else? 281 00:19:08,600 --> 00:19:11,059 Only asking. I didn't know you were planning a comeback. 282 00:19:11,150 --> 00:19:14,109 I hate that word! It's a return! 283 00:19:14,190 --> 00:19:15,819 A return to the millions of people 284 00:19:15,900 --> 00:19:18,819 who have never forgiven me for deserting the screen. 285 00:19:18,900 --> 00:19:24,529 - Fair enough. - Salome. What a woman. What a part! 286 00:19:24,620 --> 00:19:26,949 The princess in love with a holy man. 287 00:19:27,040 --> 00:19:29,119 She dances the dance of the seven veils. 288 00:19:29,210 --> 00:19:33,089 He rejects her, so she demands his head on a golden tray. 289 00:19:33,170 --> 00:19:37,299 Kissing his cold, dead lips. 290 00:19:37,380 --> 00:19:41,009 - They'll love it in Pomona. - They'll love it every place. 291 00:19:41,090 --> 00:19:43,719 Read it. Read the scene just before she has him killed. 292 00:19:43,800 --> 00:19:46,200 Never let another writer read your material. He may steal it. 293 00:19:46,260 --> 00:19:49,769 I'm not afraid. Read it. Max, bring something to drink. 294 00:19:51,270 --> 00:19:54,899 - Sit down. Ls there enough light? - I've got 20-20 vision. 295 00:19:56,360 --> 00:19:57,979 I said sit down. 296 00:20:02,200 --> 00:20:05,029 [ GILLIS ] Well, I had no pressing engagement, 297 00:20:05,120 --> 00:20:08,159 except with those boys from the finance office. 298 00:20:08,250 --> 00:20:11,369 And she'd mentioned something to drink. Why not? 299 00:20:12,960 --> 00:20:18,419 Sometimes it's interesting to see just how bad, bad writing can be. 300 00:20:18,510 --> 00:20:21,429 This promised to go the limit. 301 00:20:21,510 --> 00:20:23,389 I wondered what a handwriting expert 302 00:20:23,470 --> 00:20:26,299 would make of that childish scrawl of hers. 303 00:20:28,680 --> 00:20:32,389 Max wheeled in some champagne and some caviare. 304 00:20:32,480 --> 00:20:37,939 Later I found out that Max was the only other person in that grim Sunset castle. 305 00:20:38,020 --> 00:20:41,489 And I found out a few other things about him. 306 00:20:41,570 --> 00:20:45,569 As for her, she sat coiled up like a watch spring, 307 00:20:45,660 --> 00:20:48,579 her cigarette clamped in a curious holder. 308 00:20:48,660 --> 00:20:51,909 I could sense her eyes on me from behind those dark glasses, 309 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:54,959 defying me not to like what I read. 310 00:20:55,040 --> 00:20:59,249 Or maybe begging me in her own proud way to like it. 311 00:20:59,340 --> 00:21:01,339 It meant so much to her. 312 00:21:08,180 --> 00:21:13,729 It sure was a cosy setup, that bundle of raw nerves and Max 313 00:21:13,810 --> 00:21:15,979 - and a dead monkey upstairs. - [ ORGAN PLAYING ] 314 00:21:16,060 --> 00:21:19,649 And the wind wheezing through that organ once in a while. 315 00:21:19,730 --> 00:21:21,359 [ DOORBELL RINGS ] 316 00:21:27,280 --> 00:21:33,079 Later on, just for comedy relief, the real guy arrived with the baby coffin. 317 00:21:34,830 --> 00:21:38,499 It was all done with great dignity. 318 00:21:38,590 --> 00:21:41,799 He must have been a very important chimp. 319 00:21:41,880 --> 00:21:44,669 The great-grandson of King Kong, maybe. 320 00:21:48,300 --> 00:21:50,639 It got to be 11:00. 321 00:21:50,720 --> 00:21:53,179 I was feeling a little sick at my stomach, 322 00:21:53,270 --> 00:21:57,479 what with that sweet champagne and that tripe I'd been reading, 323 00:21:57,560 --> 00:22:02,029 that silly hodgepodge of melodramatic plots. 324 00:22:02,110 --> 00:22:07,409 However, by then, I'd started concocting a little plot of my own. 325 00:22:08,700 --> 00:22:11,329 Well? 326 00:22:11,410 --> 00:22:14,249 - This is fascinating. - Of course it is. 327 00:22:16,919 --> 00:22:19,279 Maybe it's a little long and maybe there's some repetitions, 328 00:22:19,300 --> 00:22:21,999 but you're not a professional writer. 329 00:22:22,090 --> 00:22:27,339 - I wrote that with my heart. - Sure you did. 330 00:22:27,430 --> 00:22:29,589 That's what makes it great. 331 00:22:31,100 --> 00:22:35,139 What it needs is maybe a little more dialog. 332 00:22:35,230 --> 00:22:37,889 What for? I can say anything I want with my eyes. 333 00:22:37,979 --> 00:22:40,499 Well, it certainly could use a pair of shears and a blue pencil. 334 00:22:40,520 --> 00:22:42,859 I will not have it butchered. 335 00:22:42,940 --> 00:22:46,819 Of course not, but it ought to be organized. 336 00:22:46,900 --> 00:22:49,159 Just an editing job. You can find somebody. 337 00:22:49,240 --> 00:22:53,199 Who? I'd have to have somebody I could trust. 338 00:22:53,290 --> 00:22:56,119 When were you born? I mean, what sign of the zodiac? 339 00:22:56,200 --> 00:22:59,369 - I don't know. - What month? 340 00:22:59,460 --> 00:23:01,379 December 21. 341 00:23:01,460 --> 00:23:05,919 Sagittarius. I like Sagittarians. You can trust them. 342 00:23:06,010 --> 00:23:09,179 - Thank you. - I want you to do this work. 343 00:23:09,260 --> 00:23:11,339 Me? 344 00:23:11,430 --> 00:23:15,309 I'm busy. I just finished a script, and I'm due on another assignment. 345 00:23:15,390 --> 00:23:18,179 I don't care. 346 00:23:18,270 --> 00:23:22,609 You know, I'm pretty expensive. I get 500 a week. 347 00:23:22,690 --> 00:23:27,239 I wouldn't worry about money. I'll make it worth your while. 348 00:23:27,319 --> 00:23:29,759 Maybe I'd better take the rest of the script home and read it. 349 00:23:29,780 --> 00:23:33,159 Oh, no! I couldn't let it out of my house. You'll have to finish it here. 350 00:23:33,240 --> 00:23:35,409 Well, it's getting kind of late. 351 00:23:36,660 --> 00:23:39,869 - Are you married, Mr... - Name is Gillis. Single. 352 00:23:39,960 --> 00:23:43,419 - Where do you live? - Hollywood. Alto Nido Apartments. 353 00:23:43,500 --> 00:23:45,459 There's something wrong with your car, you said. 354 00:23:45,550 --> 00:23:47,669 There sure is. 355 00:23:47,760 --> 00:23:51,429 - Why shouldn't you stay here? - Look, I'll come back early tomorrow. 356 00:23:51,510 --> 00:23:55,099 Nonsense. There's a room over the garage. 357 00:23:55,180 --> 00:23:57,679 Max will take you there. Max! 358 00:24:02,520 --> 00:24:06,819 [ GILLIS ] I felt kind of pleased with the way I'd handled the situation. 359 00:24:06,900 --> 00:24:10,239 I dropped the hook and she snapped at it. 360 00:24:10,320 --> 00:24:15,489 Now my car would be safe down below while I did a patch-up job on the script. 361 00:24:15,580 --> 00:24:18,409 And there should be plenty of money in it. 362 00:24:23,420 --> 00:24:26,459 This room hasn't been used for a long time. 363 00:24:26,540 --> 00:24:30,049 It'll never make House Beautiful, but I guess it's okay for one night. 364 00:24:30,130 --> 00:24:32,049 I made your bed this afternoon. 365 00:24:32,130 --> 00:24:36,549 Thanks. How did you know I was gonna stay this afternoon? 366 00:24:36,640 --> 00:24:41,019 The bathroom's over there. I put in some towels, soap and a toothbrush. 367 00:24:45,110 --> 00:24:49,439 Say, she's quite a character, that Norma Desmond. 368 00:24:49,530 --> 00:24:53,569 She was the greatest of them all. You wouldn't know. You're too young. 369 00:24:53,660 --> 00:24:57,199 In one week she received 17,000 fan letters. 370 00:24:57,280 --> 00:25:00,869 Men bribed her hairdresser to get a lock of her hair. 371 00:25:00,950 --> 00:25:03,369 There was a maharajah who came all the way from India 372 00:25:03,460 --> 00:25:07,749 to beg one of her silk stockings. Later he strangled himself with it. 373 00:25:09,750 --> 00:25:13,299 Well, I sure turned in to an interesting driveway. 374 00:25:13,380 --> 00:25:16,179 You did, sir. Good night, sir. 375 00:25:22,270 --> 00:25:26,229 [ GILLIS ] I pegged him as slightly cuckoo, too. 376 00:25:26,310 --> 00:25:29,019 A stroke, maybe. 377 00:25:29,110 --> 00:25:32,569 Come to think of it, the whole place seemed to have been stricken 378 00:25:32,650 --> 00:25:38,239 with a kind of creeping paralysis, out of beat with the rest of the world, 379 00:25:38,320 --> 00:25:41,579 crumbling apart in slow motion. 380 00:25:41,660 --> 00:25:46,749 There was a tennis court, or rather the ghost of a tennis court, 381 00:25:46,830 --> 00:25:49,499 with faded markings and a sagging net. 382 00:25:54,340 --> 00:25:58,929 And, of course, she had a pool. Who didn't then? 383 00:25:59,010 --> 00:26:04,559 Mabel Normand and John Gilbert must have swum in it 10,000 midnights ago. 384 00:26:04,640 --> 00:26:08,559 And Vilma Banky and Rod La Rocque. 385 00:26:08,650 --> 00:26:11,729 It was empty now. Or was it? 386 00:26:12,820 --> 00:26:14,489 [ SQUEAKING ] 387 00:26:18,780 --> 00:26:21,489 There was something else going on below. 388 00:26:22,490 --> 00:26:28,369 The last rites for that hairy old chimp, performed with the utmost seriousness. 389 00:26:29,670 --> 00:26:32,589 As if she were laying to rest an only child. 390 00:26:34,510 --> 00:26:37,179 Was her life really as empty as that? 391 00:26:46,980 --> 00:26:52,069 It was all very queer. But queerer things were yet to come. 392 00:26:57,030 --> 00:26:58,659 [ ORGAN PLAYING ] 393 00:27:00,570 --> 00:27:03,579 That night I had a mixed-up dream. 394 00:27:03,660 --> 00:27:06,329 In it, there was an organ grinder. 395 00:27:06,410 --> 00:27:10,419 I couldn't see his face, but the organ was all draped in black, 396 00:27:10,500 --> 00:27:14,299 and a chimp was dancing for pennies. 397 00:27:14,380 --> 00:27:18,799 When I opened my eyes, the music was still there. 398 00:27:18,880 --> 00:27:20,339 Where was I? 399 00:27:22,550 --> 00:27:26,099 Oh, yes. In that empty room over her garage. 400 00:27:27,770 --> 00:27:32,229 Only it wasn't empty any more. I'd had a visitor. 401 00:27:33,650 --> 00:27:35,319 Somebody had brought in all my belongings. 402 00:27:35,400 --> 00:27:38,069 My books, my typewriter, my clothes. 403 00:27:40,110 --> 00:27:41,819 What was going on? 404 00:28:00,550 --> 00:28:05,889 Hey, you! Max, whatever your name is, what are my things doing here? 405 00:28:05,970 --> 00:28:10,309 I'm talking to you! My clothes and things are up in the room! 406 00:28:10,390 --> 00:28:16,399 - Naturally. I brought them myself. - Is that so? 407 00:28:16,480 --> 00:28:19,489 Why, what's the matter? Is there anything missing? 408 00:28:19,570 --> 00:28:21,239 Who said you could? Who asked you to? 409 00:28:21,320 --> 00:28:25,739 I did. I don't know why you should be so upset. 410 00:28:25,830 --> 00:28:27,539 Stop that playing, Max. 411 00:28:27,620 --> 00:28:31,119 It seemed like a good idea if we are to work together. 412 00:28:32,580 --> 00:28:34,669 Look, I'm supposed to fix up your script. 413 00:28:34,750 --> 00:28:36,710 There's nothing in the deal about my staying here! 414 00:28:36,790 --> 00:28:38,049 You'll like it here. 415 00:28:38,129 --> 00:28:40,209 Thanks for the invitation. I've got my own apartment. 416 00:28:40,230 --> 00:28:42,759 You can't work in an apartment where you owe three months' rent. 417 00:28:42,840 --> 00:28:46,799 - I'll take care of that. - It's all taken care of, it's all paid for. 418 00:28:49,270 --> 00:28:52,139 Okay, we'll deduct it from my salary. 419 00:28:52,230 --> 00:28:56,399 Now, now, don't let's be small about such matters. We won't keep books. 420 00:28:56,480 --> 00:29:01,399 - Max, unpack Mr. Gillis' things. - It is done, Madame. 421 00:29:01,490 --> 00:29:03,909 Well, pack them up again! I didn't say I was staying! 422 00:29:03,990 --> 00:29:08,029 Suppose you make up your mind. Do you want this job or don't you? 423 00:29:11,290 --> 00:29:13,079 [ GILLIS ] Yes, I wanted the job. 424 00:29:13,160 --> 00:29:16,789 I wanted the dough, and I wanted to get out of there as quickly as I could. 425 00:29:17,170 --> 00:29:21,509 I thought If I really got going, I could finish it up in a couple of weeks. 426 00:29:21,590 --> 00:29:23,879 But it wasn't so simple getting some coherence 427 00:29:23,970 --> 00:29:26,969 into those wild hallucinations of hers. 428 00:29:27,050 --> 00:29:30,809 And what made it even tougher was that she was around all the time, 429 00:29:30,890 --> 00:29:35,939 hovering over me, afraid I'd do injury to that precious brainchild of hers. 430 00:29:42,650 --> 00:29:46,569 - What's that? - Just a scene I threw out. 431 00:29:46,660 --> 00:29:48,029 Which scene? 432 00:29:48,120 --> 00:29:49,720 The one where you go to the slave market. 433 00:29:49,799 --> 00:29:51,759 It's better to cut directly to John the Baptist... 434 00:29:51,780 --> 00:29:53,869 Cut away from me? 435 00:29:53,959 --> 00:29:56,959 Honestly, it's a little too much of you. They don't want you in every scene. 436 00:29:56,980 --> 00:30:00,039 They don't? Then why do they still write me fan letters every day? 437 00:30:00,130 --> 00:30:01,629 Why do they beg me for my photographs? 438 00:30:01,710 --> 00:30:06,879 Why? Because they want to see me. Me! Norma Desmond. 439 00:30:06,970 --> 00:30:09,719 - Put it back. - Okay. 440 00:30:24,610 --> 00:30:26,609 [ GILLIS ] I didn't argue with her. 441 00:30:26,700 --> 00:30:31,239 You don't yell at a sleepwalker. He may fall and break his neck. 442 00:30:31,330 --> 00:30:32,659 That's it. 443 00:30:32,740 --> 00:30:36,659 She was still sleepwalking along the giddy heights of a lost career. 444 00:30:36,750 --> 00:30:41,669 Plain crazy when it came to that one subject, her celluloid self, 445 00:30:41,750 --> 00:30:44,209 the great Norma Desmond. 446 00:30:44,300 --> 00:30:47,969 How could she breathe in that house so crowded with Norma Desmonds, 447 00:30:49,140 --> 00:30:50,929 more Norma Desmonds 448 00:30:52,100 --> 00:30:54,429 and still more Norma Desmonds? 449 00:30:56,850 --> 00:30:59,229 It wasn't all work, of course. 450 00:30:59,310 --> 00:31:02,979 Two or three times a week, Max would haul up that enormous oil painting 451 00:31:03,070 --> 00:31:06,989 that had been presented to her by some Nevada Chamber of Commerce 452 00:31:07,070 --> 00:31:11,029 and we'd see a movie, right in her living room. 453 00:31:11,120 --> 00:31:14,659 So much nicer than going out, she'd say. 454 00:31:14,740 --> 00:31:19,169 The plain fact was she was afraid of that world outside. 455 00:31:19,250 --> 00:31:22,339 Afraid it would remind her that time had passed. 456 00:31:24,340 --> 00:31:29,049 They were silent movies, and Max would run the projection machine, 457 00:31:29,130 --> 00:31:31,219 which was just as well. 458 00:31:31,300 --> 00:31:33,099 It kept him from giving us an accompaniment 459 00:31:33,180 --> 00:31:35,139 on that wheezing organ. 460 00:31:37,430 --> 00:31:39,559 She'd sit very close to me 461 00:31:39,640 --> 00:31:42,979 and she smelled of tuberoses, which is not my favourite perfume, 462 00:31:43,060 --> 00:31:45,359 not by a long shot. 463 00:31:45,440 --> 00:31:49,649 Sometimes as we watched, she'd clutch my arm or my hand, 464 00:31:49,740 --> 00:31:51,949 forgetting she was my employer. 465 00:31:52,030 --> 00:31:56,409 Just becoming a fan, excited about that actress up there on the screen. 466 00:31:58,830 --> 00:32:02,419 I guess I don't have to tell you who the star was. 467 00:32:02,500 --> 00:32:06,919 They were always her pictures. That's all she wanted to see. 468 00:32:08,210 --> 00:32:10,339 [ INAUDIBLE ] 469 00:32:33,490 --> 00:32:38,619 Still wonderful, isn't it? And no dialogue. 470 00:32:38,700 --> 00:32:41,329 We didn't need dialogue. We had faces. 471 00:32:42,960 --> 00:32:46,089 There just aren't any faces like that any more. 472 00:32:46,170 --> 00:32:48,379 Maybe one, Garbo. 473 00:32:50,260 --> 00:32:54,219 Oh, those idiot producers. Those imbeciles. 474 00:32:54,300 --> 00:32:57,389 Haven't they got any eyes? Have they forgotten what a star looks like? 475 00:32:57,470 --> 00:33:00,769 I'll show them. I'll be up there again, so help me! 476 00:33:11,240 --> 00:33:14,239 [ GILLIS ] Sometimes there'd be a little bridge game in the house, 477 00:33:14,320 --> 00:33:16,659 at a twentieth of a cent a point. 478 00:33:16,740 --> 00:33:18,829 I'd get half of her winnings 479 00:33:18,910 --> 00:33:21,199 once they ran up to 70 cents, 480 00:33:21,290 --> 00:33:24,669 which was about the only cash money I ever got. 481 00:33:24,750 --> 00:33:27,749 The others around the table would be actor friends. 482 00:33:27,840 --> 00:33:31,669 Dim figures you may still remember from the silent days. 483 00:33:31,760 --> 00:33:34,509 I used to think of them as her waxworks. 484 00:33:34,590 --> 00:33:36,969 - One diamond. - One heart. 485 00:33:39,930 --> 00:33:42,309 - Spade. - Pass. 486 00:33:43,730 --> 00:33:45,599 [ NORMA ] Three no-trump. ANN: Pass. 487 00:33:47,100 --> 00:33:48,439 Pass. 488 00:33:48,520 --> 00:33:51,279 Empty the ashtray, will you, Joe, dear? 489 00:34:02,120 --> 00:34:03,619 [ INAUDIBLE ] 490 00:34:19,390 --> 00:34:20,509 There are some men outside, 491 00:34:20,559 --> 00:34:21,999 - they asked for you. - I'm not here. 492 00:34:22,020 --> 00:34:23,929 - That's what I told them. - Good. 493 00:34:24,020 --> 00:34:28,439 But they found your car in the garage, and they're going to tow it away. 494 00:34:28,520 --> 00:34:31,859 Where's the ashtray? Joe, can't we have the ashtray? 495 00:34:39,820 --> 00:34:41,780 [ WHISPERING ] I want to talk to you for a minute. 496 00:34:41,804 --> 00:34:43,659 Not now, my dear. I'm playing three no-trump. 497 00:34:43,740 --> 00:34:45,409 They've come for my car. 498 00:34:45,500 --> 00:34:48,829 Please. Now I've forgotten how many spades are out. 499 00:34:48,920 --> 00:34:52,419 - Look, I need some money right now. - Can't you wait until I'm dummy? 500 00:34:52,500 --> 00:34:55,259 - No. - Please. 501 00:35:30,000 --> 00:35:33,919 - Now what is it? Where's the fire? - I've lost my car. 502 00:35:34,000 --> 00:35:36,459 Oh! And I thought it was a matter of life and death. 503 00:35:36,550 --> 00:35:39,379 It is, to me. That's why I came to this house. 504 00:35:39,470 --> 00:35:41,799 That's why I took this job ghost-writing. 505 00:35:41,890 --> 00:35:45,599 Now you're being silly. We don't need two cars. We have a car. 506 00:35:45,680 --> 00:35:48,979 Not one of those cheap new things made of chromium and spit. 507 00:35:49,060 --> 00:35:53,189 An lsotta-Fraschini. Have you ever heard of lsotta-Fraschini? 508 00:35:53,270 --> 00:35:56,729 All handmade. Cost me $28,000. 509 00:35:59,900 --> 00:36:03,819 [ GILLIS ] So Max got that old bus down off its blocks and polished it up. 510 00:36:04,910 --> 00:36:07,749 She'd take me for rides in the hills above Sunset. 511 00:36:09,250 --> 00:36:12,289 The whole thing was upholstered in leopard skin 512 00:36:12,380 --> 00:36:16,379 and had one of those car phones, all gold-plated. 513 00:36:18,550 --> 00:36:22,049 - That's a dreadful shirt you're wearing. - What's wrong with it? 514 00:36:22,130 --> 00:36:23,889 Nothing, if you work in the filling station. 515 00:36:23,930 --> 00:36:28,429 And I'm getting rather bored with that sport jacket and the same baggy pants. 516 00:36:30,310 --> 00:36:35,019 Max, what's a good men's shop in town? The very best? Well, go there. 517 00:36:35,110 --> 00:36:38,279 I don't need any clothes, and I certainly don't want you buying them for me. 518 00:36:38,360 --> 00:36:42,989 Why begrudge me a little fun? I just want you to look nice. 519 00:36:43,070 --> 00:36:44,949 And must you chew gum? 520 00:36:51,790 --> 00:36:55,169 Now there's nothing like blue flannel for a man. 521 00:36:55,250 --> 00:36:57,249 Now this one, single-breasted, of course. 522 00:36:57,340 --> 00:37:00,879 Now we need a topcoat. Let me see what you have in camel's hair. 523 00:37:01,130 --> 00:37:03,929 - How about some evening clothes? - I don't need a tuxedo. 524 00:37:04,010 --> 00:37:06,719 Of course you do. A tuxedo and tails, and if you aren't careful, 525 00:37:06,800 --> 00:37:08,889 you'll get a cutaway. 526 00:37:08,970 --> 00:37:10,389 Tails! That's ridiculous. 527 00:37:10,470 --> 00:37:12,830 You need them for parties. You need them for New Year's Eve. 528 00:37:12,860 --> 00:37:16,149 - Where are your evening clothes? - This way, Madame. 529 00:37:19,690 --> 00:37:22,529 Here are some camel's hair, but I'd like you just to feel this. 530 00:37:22,610 --> 00:37:25,069 It's vicuna. Of course, it's a little more expensive. 531 00:37:25,160 --> 00:37:27,199 The camel's hair will do. 532 00:37:29,330 --> 00:37:33,499 Well, as long as the lady's paying for it, why not take the vicuna? 533 00:37:43,920 --> 00:37:47,339 [ GILLIS ] The last week in December, the rains came. 534 00:37:47,430 --> 00:37:50,059 A great big package of rain, 535 00:37:50,140 --> 00:37:54,269 oversized, like everything else in California. 536 00:37:54,350 --> 00:37:58,309 It came right through the old roof of my room above the garage. 537 00:38:00,020 --> 00:38:03,109 She had Max move me to the main house. 538 00:38:03,190 --> 00:38:05,779 I didn't much like the idea. 539 00:38:05,860 --> 00:38:09,779 The only time I could have to myself was in that room. 540 00:38:09,870 --> 00:38:13,579 But it was better than sleeping in a raincoat and galoshes. 541 00:38:50,740 --> 00:38:54,999 - Whose room was this? - It was the room of the husband. 542 00:38:55,080 --> 00:38:59,249 Of the husbands, I should say. Madame has been married three times. 543 00:39:05,130 --> 00:39:07,969 I guess that's the one you can see Catalina from. 544 00:39:08,050 --> 00:39:10,049 Only this isn't the day. 545 00:39:23,400 --> 00:39:26,779 Say, what's this with the door? There isn't any lock. 546 00:39:27,780 --> 00:39:30,909 There are no locks anywhere in this house, sir. 547 00:39:36,620 --> 00:39:40,079 How come? There must be a reason. 548 00:39:40,170 --> 00:39:42,879 - The doctor suggested it. - What doctor? 549 00:39:42,960 --> 00:39:48,259 Madame's doctor. Madame has moments of melancholy. 550 00:39:48,340 --> 00:39:51,049 There have been some attempts at suicide. 551 00:39:51,140 --> 00:39:52,140 Oh. 552 00:39:52,220 --> 00:39:56,139 We have to be very careful. No sleeping pills, no razor blades. 553 00:39:56,220 --> 00:40:00,019 We shut off the gas in Madame's bedroom. 554 00:40:00,100 --> 00:40:02,149 Why? Her career? 555 00:40:02,230 --> 00:40:04,189 She got enough out of it. She's not forgotten. 556 00:40:04,270 --> 00:40:05,939 She still gets those fan letters. 557 00:40:06,030 --> 00:40:08,989 I wouldn't look too closely at the postmarks. 558 00:40:12,070 --> 00:40:15,579 You send them. Is that it, Max? 559 00:40:15,660 --> 00:40:18,449 I had better press your evening clothes, sir. 560 00:40:18,540 --> 00:40:22,039 Mr. Gillis has not forgotten Madame's New Year's party? 561 00:40:23,170 --> 00:40:27,589 No, no, I haven't. I suppose all the waxworks are coming. 562 00:40:27,670 --> 00:40:31,009 I wouldn't know, sir. Madame made the arrangements. 563 00:40:50,780 --> 00:40:52,819 [ GILLIS ] There it was again. 564 00:40:52,910 --> 00:40:57,279 That room of hers, all satin and ruffles. 565 00:40:57,370 --> 00:41:00,249 And that bed like a gilded row boat. 566 00:41:00,330 --> 00:41:03,169 The perfect setting for a silent movie queen. 567 00:41:04,750 --> 00:41:06,539 Poor devil. 568 00:41:06,630 --> 00:41:10,839 Still waving proudly to a parade which had long since passed her by. 569 00:41:14,050 --> 00:41:15,370 [ ORCHESTRA PLAYING TANGO MUSIC ] 570 00:41:15,394 --> 00:41:19,183 It was at her New Year's party that I found out how she felt about me. 571 00:41:19,600 --> 00:41:23,349 Maybe I'd been an idiot not to have sensed it was coming. 572 00:41:23,440 --> 00:41:26,269 That sad, embarrassing revelation. 573 00:41:31,530 --> 00:41:32,899 Jew. 574 00:41:38,410 --> 00:41:41,659 You look absolutely divine. 575 00:41:41,750 --> 00:41:43,119 - Turn around. - Please. 576 00:41:43,210 --> 00:41:48,839 Come on. Perfect. Wonderful shoulders. I love that line. 577 00:41:48,920 --> 00:41:51,919 It's all padding. Don't let it fool you. 578 00:41:52,010 --> 00:41:53,446 You know, to me, getting dressed up was always 579 00:41:53,470 --> 00:41:55,179 just putting on my dark blue suit. 580 00:41:55,260 --> 00:41:56,540 I don't like the stud they sent. 581 00:41:56,590 --> 00:41:59,009 I want you to have a pearl. A big, luscious pearl. 582 00:41:59,098 --> 00:42:01,379 Well, I'm not going to wear earrings, I can tell you that. 583 00:42:01,400 --> 00:42:02,519 [ LAUGHS ] 584 00:42:02,600 --> 00:42:04,689 Cute. Come on, let's have a drink. 585 00:42:04,770 --> 00:42:08,519 - Shouldn't we wait for the others? - Max, champagne. 586 00:42:08,610 --> 00:42:11,319 Careful, it's slippery. I had it waxed. 587 00:42:13,740 --> 00:42:15,609 Here's to us. 588 00:42:16,860 --> 00:42:19,579 You know, this floor used to be wood, but I had it changed. 589 00:42:19,660 --> 00:42:24,539 Valentino said there's nothing like tile for a tango. 590 00:42:24,620 --> 00:42:27,539 - Come on. - Not on the same floor with Valentino. 591 00:42:27,620 --> 00:42:29,169 Just follow me. 592 00:42:47,690 --> 00:42:49,609 Don't bend back like that. 593 00:42:49,690 --> 00:42:52,819 - It's that thing. It tickles. - It does? 594 00:43:18,680 --> 00:43:21,469 It's quarter past 10. What time are they supposed to get here? 595 00:43:21,550 --> 00:43:23,139 - Who? - The other guests. 596 00:43:23,220 --> 00:43:24,769 There are no other guests. 597 00:43:25,060 --> 00:43:27,429 We don't want to share this night with other people. 598 00:43:27,520 --> 00:43:29,849 This is for you and me. 599 00:43:29,940 --> 00:43:33,019 - Oh? - Hold me tighter. 600 00:43:33,110 --> 00:43:34,479 Okay. 601 00:43:36,070 --> 00:43:38,779 Come midnight, how about blindfolding the orchestra 602 00:43:38,860 --> 00:43:41,619 and smashing champagne glasses over Max's head? 603 00:43:41,700 --> 00:43:44,739 - You think this is all very funny. - A little. 604 00:43:52,920 --> 00:43:55,959 [ GILLIS ] An hour dragged by. 605 00:43:56,050 --> 00:44:00,219 I felt caught, like the cigarette in that contraption on her finger. 606 00:44:05,180 --> 00:44:10,479 What a wonderful next year it's going to be. What fun we'll have! 607 00:44:10,560 --> 00:44:12,059 I'll fill the pool for you. 608 00:44:12,150 --> 00:44:15,519 I'll open my house in Malibu, and you can have the whole ocean. 609 00:44:15,610 --> 00:44:18,489 And when our picture is finished, I'll buy you a boat 610 00:44:18,570 --> 00:44:20,569 and we'll sail to Hawaii... 611 00:44:20,650 --> 00:44:22,610 Stop it. You're not going to buy me anything more. 612 00:44:22,700 --> 00:44:24,619 Don't be silly. 613 00:44:24,700 --> 00:44:27,829 Here. I was going to give it to you at midnight. 614 00:44:30,410 --> 00:44:32,709 Norma, I can't take it. You've bought me enough. 615 00:44:32,790 --> 00:44:34,419 Shut up. I'm rich. 616 00:44:34,500 --> 00:44:37,629 I'm richer than all this new Hollywood trash. 617 00:44:37,710 --> 00:44:39,919 - [ CHUCKLES ] I've got $1,000,000. - Keep it. 618 00:44:40,010 --> 00:44:44,549 I own three blocks down town. I've got oil in Bakersfield. 619 00:44:44,640 --> 00:44:47,639 Pumping, pumping, pumping. 620 00:44:47,720 --> 00:44:50,229 What's it for but to buy us anything we want? 621 00:44:50,310 --> 00:44:53,149 Cut out that "us" business! 622 00:44:53,230 --> 00:44:54,649 What's the matter with you? 623 00:44:54,730 --> 00:44:57,359 What right do you have to take me for granted? 624 00:44:58,480 --> 00:45:01,149 What right? Do you want me to tell you? 625 00:45:03,529 --> 00:45:05,929 Has it ever occurred to you that I may have a life of my own? 626 00:45:05,950 --> 00:45:09,699 That there may be some girl that I'm crazy about? 627 00:45:09,790 --> 00:45:13,459 Who? Some carhop or dress extra? 628 00:45:13,580 --> 00:45:16,209 What I'm trying to say is that I'm all wrong for you. 629 00:45:16,290 --> 00:45:20,209 You want a Valentino, somebody with polo ponies. A big shot. 630 00:45:20,300 --> 00:45:23,759 What you're trying to say is you don't want me to love you. 631 00:45:23,840 --> 00:45:26,139 Say it. Say it! 632 00:46:42,960 --> 00:46:46,969 [ GILLIS ] I didn't know where I was going. I just had to get out of there. 633 00:46:47,720 --> 00:46:52,099 I had to be with people my own age. I had to hear somebody laugh again. 634 00:46:55,060 --> 00:46:57,139 I thought of Artie Green. 635 00:46:57,230 --> 00:46:59,309 There was bound to be a New Year's shindig going on 636 00:46:59,400 --> 00:47:01,899 in his apartment down on Las Palmas. 637 00:47:01,980 --> 00:47:05,739 Writers without a job, composers without a publisher, 638 00:47:05,820 --> 00:47:10,199 actresses so young they still believe the guys in the casting offices. 639 00:47:10,280 --> 00:47:15,249 A bunch of kids who didn't give a hoot just so long as they had a yuk to share. 640 00:47:17,080 --> 00:47:22,749 Hollywood for us ain't been so good Got no swimming pool, very few clothes. 641 00:47:22,840 --> 00:47:26,759 All we earn are buttons and bows. 642 00:47:29,800 --> 00:47:31,339 - Hello, Joe. - Tom. 643 00:47:31,430 --> 00:47:32,799 [ WOMAN ] How are you, Joe? 644 00:47:32,890 --> 00:47:34,889 - [ MAN ] Welcome to the party. - Hi, Joe. 645 00:47:36,640 --> 00:47:39,559 - Well, what do you know! Joe Gillis! - Hiya, Artie. 646 00:47:39,640 --> 00:47:41,640 Where you been keeping that gorgeous face of yours? 647 00:47:41,670 --> 00:47:42,559 In a deep freeze. 648 00:47:42,650 --> 00:47:45,029 I almost reported you to the Bureau of Missing Persons. 649 00:47:45,110 --> 00:47:48,109 Fans, you all know Joe Gillis, the well-known screenwriter, 650 00:47:48,200 --> 00:47:50,699 uranium smuggler and Black Dahlia suspect. 651 00:47:50,780 --> 00:47:52,529 [ ALL LAUGHING ] 652 00:47:52,620 --> 00:47:54,909 - Come on, give me your coat. - Let it ride for a while. 653 00:47:54,990 --> 00:47:57,630 - You're gonna stay, aren't you? - Well, that was the general idea. 654 00:47:57,660 --> 00:48:01,159 Then, come on. What is this, mink? 655 00:48:03,250 --> 00:48:05,799 Judas H. Priest! 656 00:48:05,880 --> 00:48:08,379 Who did you borrow that from? Adolphe Menjou? 657 00:48:08,470 --> 00:48:09,629 Close, but no cigar. 658 00:48:09,719 --> 00:48:12,439 Say, you're not really in the smuggling business these days, are you? 659 00:48:12,460 --> 00:48:14,549 - Where's the bar? - Come on. 660 00:48:17,470 --> 00:48:19,099 - It's a good party. - The greatest. 661 00:48:19,180 --> 00:48:21,939 They call me the Elsa Maxwell of the assistant directors. 662 00:48:22,020 --> 00:48:24,899 Hey, wait a minute. Go easy on that punch bowl. 663 00:48:24,980 --> 00:48:28,319 Budget only calls for three drinks per extra. Fake the rest. 664 00:48:28,400 --> 00:48:30,529 Say, Artie, can I stick around here for a while? 665 00:48:30,610 --> 00:48:32,199 Sure. This will go on all night. 666 00:48:32,280 --> 00:48:34,409 No, I mean, can you put me up for a couple of weeks? 667 00:48:34,490 --> 00:48:36,619 It just so happens we have a vacancy on the couch. 668 00:48:36,700 --> 00:48:37,739 I'll take it. 669 00:48:37,829 --> 00:48:39,709 I'll have the bellhop take care of your luggage. 670 00:48:39,730 --> 00:48:41,899 Just register it here. 671 00:48:44,460 --> 00:48:46,339 - Hello, Mr. Gillis. - Hello. 672 00:48:46,460 --> 00:48:48,419 - You know each other? - Let me help you. 673 00:48:48,510 --> 00:48:52,429 - Betty Schaefer, Sheldrake's office. - Oh, sure. Bases Loaded. 674 00:48:52,510 --> 00:48:56,429 Wait a minute. This is the woman I love. What's going on? Who was loaded? 675 00:48:56,510 --> 00:48:59,019 Don't worry. She's just a fan for my literary output. 676 00:48:59,100 --> 00:49:00,309 Hurt Feelings Department. 677 00:49:00,390 --> 00:49:02,070 Hey, about that luggage. Where's the phone? 678 00:49:02,100 --> 00:49:04,139 Over by the Rainbow Room. 679 00:49:13,740 --> 00:49:17,329 Say, when you're through with that thing, can I have it? 680 00:49:20,660 --> 00:49:22,499 Hey, you forgot this. 681 00:49:22,580 --> 00:49:26,329 - Thanks. - I've been hoping to run into you. 682 00:49:26,420 --> 00:49:29,169 What for? To recover that knife you stuck in my back? 683 00:49:29,250 --> 00:49:32,469 No. I felt a little guilty, so I got out some of your old stories. 684 00:49:32,550 --> 00:49:33,679 Why, you sweet kid. 685 00:49:33,760 --> 00:49:36,969 There's one called Window, something with a window. 686 00:49:37,050 --> 00:49:39,139 - Dark Windows. How'd you like it? - I didn't. 687 00:49:39,220 --> 00:49:41,769 - Thank you. - Except for about six pages. 688 00:49:41,850 --> 00:49:44,769 - You've got a flashback there... - [ LAUGHING LOUDLY ] 689 00:49:44,850 --> 00:49:48,729 - Is there some place we can talk? - How about the Rainbow Room? 690 00:49:51,150 --> 00:49:53,649 Hey, Joe. I said you could have my couch. 691 00:49:53,740 --> 00:49:57,569 - I didn't say you could have my girl. - Oh, this is shop talk. 692 00:49:58,240 --> 00:50:00,920 Now, if I got you correctly, there was a short stretch of my fiction 693 00:50:00,950 --> 00:50:02,619 which you found worthy of notice. 694 00:50:02,700 --> 00:50:04,140 The flashback scene in the courtroom 695 00:50:04,230 --> 00:50:05,939 when she tells about being a schoolteacher. 696 00:50:06,020 --> 00:50:07,629 I had a teacher like that once. 697 00:50:07,710 --> 00:50:10,999 Maybe that's why it's good. It's true. It's moving. 698 00:50:11,089 --> 00:50:14,129 - Now why don't you use that character... - Who wants true? Who wants moving? 699 00:50:14,150 --> 00:50:16,549 Drop that attitude! Here's something really worthwhile. 700 00:50:16,640 --> 00:50:18,949 Want me to start right away? Maybe there's some paper around. 701 00:50:18,970 --> 00:50:21,890 - I'm serious. I've got a few ideas. - And I've got a few ideas of my own. 702 00:50:21,970 --> 00:50:23,570 One of them being this is New Year's Eve. 703 00:50:23,660 --> 00:50:24,949 How about living it up a little? 704 00:50:25,030 --> 00:50:27,019 - As for instance? - Well... 705 00:50:27,100 --> 00:50:29,439 We could make some paper boats and have a regatta. 706 00:50:29,520 --> 00:50:31,160 Or we could turn on the shower full blast. 707 00:50:31,230 --> 00:50:33,609 How about capturing the kitchen and barricading the door? 708 00:50:33,690 --> 00:50:36,529 - Are you hungry? - Hungry? 709 00:50:36,610 --> 00:50:40,909 After 12 years in the Burmese jungle, I'm starving, Lady Agatha. 710 00:50:40,990 --> 00:50:44,909 - Starving for a white shoulder... - Phillip, you're mad! 711 00:50:45,000 --> 00:50:47,369 Thirsting for the coolness of your lips. 712 00:50:49,630 --> 00:50:51,709 You can have the phone now. 713 00:50:53,340 --> 00:50:55,629 No, Phillip, no. We must be strong. 714 00:50:55,720 --> 00:50:58,049 You're still wearing the uniform of the Cold-stream Guards. 715 00:50:58,130 --> 00:51:01,139 Furthermore, you can have the phone now. 716 00:51:01,220 --> 00:51:03,559 Okay. 717 00:51:03,640 --> 00:51:06,139 Suddenly I find myself terribly afraid of losing you. 718 00:51:06,230 --> 00:51:09,849 You won't. I'll get us a refill of this horrible liquid. 719 00:51:09,940 --> 00:51:13,819 - You'll be waiting for me? - With a wildly beating heart. 720 00:51:14,150 --> 00:51:16,649 Life can be beautiful. 721 00:51:36,880 --> 00:51:40,179 Hello, Max. This is Mr. Gillis. I want you to do me a favor. 722 00:51:40,430 --> 00:51:43,179 I'm sorry, Mr. Gillis. I cannot talk now. 723 00:51:43,260 --> 00:51:45,769 Yes you can. I want you to get my old suitcase 724 00:51:45,850 --> 00:51:48,269 and put in all my old clothes, the ones I came with. 725 00:51:48,350 --> 00:51:50,519 And my typewriter. I'll have somebody pick them up. 726 00:51:50,600 --> 00:51:54,609 I have no time to do anything now. The doctor is here. 727 00:51:55,860 --> 00:51:57,989 What doctor? What's going on? 728 00:51:58,070 --> 00:52:01,359 Madame got the razor from your room and she cut her wrists. 729 00:52:02,530 --> 00:52:05,369 What? Max! Max! 730 00:52:17,050 --> 00:52:20,339 I just got the recipe. You take two packages of cough drops 731 00:52:20,430 --> 00:52:23,849 and dissolve in one gallon of lukewarm grape juice, and... 732 00:52:30,520 --> 00:52:31,809 Hey, Joe! 733 00:52:40,240 --> 00:52:41,649 Happy New Year! 734 00:52:46,790 --> 00:52:49,829 - How is she? - She's up in her room. 735 00:52:49,910 --> 00:52:52,579 Be careful. Don't race upstairs. 736 00:52:52,670 --> 00:52:55,089 The musicians mustn't know what happened. 737 00:53:39,340 --> 00:53:40,709 Go away. 738 00:53:50,930 --> 00:53:53,269 What kind of a silly thing was that to do? 739 00:53:53,350 --> 00:53:56,769 To fall in love with you, that was the idiotic thing. 740 00:53:58,610 --> 00:54:01,729 It sure would have made attractive headlines. 741 00:54:01,820 --> 00:54:05,239 "Great Star Kills Herself for Unknown Writer." 742 00:54:05,320 --> 00:54:07,989 Great stars have great pride. 743 00:54:14,000 --> 00:54:17,789 Go away. Go to that girl of yours. 744 00:54:22,800 --> 00:54:25,629 Look, I was making that up 745 00:54:25,720 --> 00:54:28,849 because I thought the whole thing was a mistake. 746 00:54:29,850 --> 00:54:33,809 I didn't want to hurt you. You've been good to me. 747 00:54:33,890 --> 00:54:37,769 You're the only person in this stinking town that has been good to me. 748 00:54:37,850 --> 00:54:41,359 Why don't you just say thank you and go? Go, go! 749 00:54:41,440 --> 00:54:45,029 Not until you promise to act like a sensible human being. 750 00:54:46,200 --> 00:54:48,819 I'll do it again. I'll do it again. 751 00:54:51,490 --> 00:54:53,159 I'll do it again. 752 00:54:55,120 --> 00:54:56,709 [ CRYING ] 753 00:54:57,710 --> 00:55:00,039 [ AULD LANG SYNE PLAYING ] 754 00:55:45,670 --> 00:55:47,589 Happy New Year, Norma. 755 00:55:58,600 --> 00:56:00,849 Happy New Year, darling. 756 00:56:10,700 --> 00:56:12,449 [ PHONE RINGING ] 757 00:56:18,790 --> 00:56:19,869 Hello? 758 00:56:19,960 --> 00:56:23,539 Is this Crestview 5-1733? 759 00:56:23,630 --> 00:56:24,959 I'm sorry to bother you again, 760 00:56:25,040 --> 00:56:28,379 but I've confirmed the number. I must speak to Mr. Gillis. 761 00:56:28,460 --> 00:56:31,629 - He's not here. - Well, where can I reach him? 762 00:56:31,759 --> 00:56:33,679 Maybe somebody else in the house could tell me... 763 00:56:33,700 --> 00:56:36,759 Nobody here can give you any information. 764 00:56:36,850 --> 00:56:39,429 And you will please not call again! 765 00:56:41,810 --> 00:56:42,849 [ NORMA ] Max! 766 00:56:45,690 --> 00:56:47,899 Who was it, Max? What is it? 767 00:56:50,280 --> 00:56:54,489 Nothing, Madame. Somebody inquiring about a stray dog. 768 00:56:55,580 --> 00:56:59,289 Our number must be very similar to the number of the pound. 769 00:57:00,160 --> 00:57:02,869 Wait a minute. I want you to get out the car. 770 00:57:02,959 --> 00:57:04,639 You're to take the script over to Paramount 771 00:57:04,660 --> 00:57:07,409 and deliver it to Mr. DeMille in person. 772 00:57:07,670 --> 00:57:09,339 Very good, Madame. 773 00:57:14,509 --> 00:57:16,389 You really going to send that script to DeMille? 774 00:57:16,410 --> 00:57:19,849 Yes, I am. This is the day. Here's the chart from my astrologer. 775 00:57:19,930 --> 00:57:21,650 She read DeMille's horoscope. She read mine. 776 00:57:21,680 --> 00:57:24,269 - Did she read the script? - DeMille is Leo. I'm Scorpio. 777 00:57:24,350 --> 00:57:26,729 Mars has been transiting Jupiter for weeks. 778 00:57:26,810 --> 00:57:30,439 Today is the day of the greatest conjunction. 779 00:57:30,820 --> 00:57:33,449 Turn around, darling. Let me dry you. 780 00:57:36,320 --> 00:57:39,909 I hope you realize, Norma, that scripts don't sell on astrologer's charts. 781 00:57:39,990 --> 00:57:42,289 I'm not just selling the script. I'm selling me. 782 00:57:42,370 --> 00:57:45,209 DeMille always said I was his greatest star. 783 00:57:45,290 --> 00:57:47,339 When did he say it, Norma? 784 00:57:48,090 --> 00:57:49,999 All right, it was quite a few years ago. 785 00:57:50,090 --> 00:57:53,219 But the point is, I never looked better in my life. 786 00:57:53,380 --> 00:57:57,219 Do you know why? Because I've never been as happy in my life. 787 00:58:01,890 --> 00:58:04,210 [ GILLIS ] A few evenings later, we were going to the house 788 00:58:04,234 --> 00:58:07,149 of one of the waxworks for some bridge. 789 00:58:07,230 --> 00:58:09,479 She'd taught me how to play bridge by then, 790 00:58:09,570 --> 00:58:12,569 just as she'd taught me some fancy tango steps 791 00:58:13,030 --> 00:58:15,659 and what wine to drink with what fish. 792 00:58:18,240 --> 00:58:21,829 That idiot! He forgot to fill my cigarette case. 793 00:58:21,910 --> 00:58:23,539 Here, have one of mine. 794 00:58:23,620 --> 00:58:25,919 They're dreadful. They make me cough. 795 00:58:29,420 --> 00:58:32,669 Pull up at the drug store, will you, Max? I'll get you some. 796 00:58:32,760 --> 00:58:34,589 You're a darling. 797 00:58:56,400 --> 00:59:00,529 Give me a package of those Turkish cigarettes. Abdullas. 798 00:59:00,870 --> 00:59:02,369 [ ARTIE MIMICKING MACHINE GUN FIRE ] 799 00:59:02,450 --> 00:59:06,249 Stick 'em up, Gillis! Stick 'em up or I'll let you have it! 800 00:59:07,710 --> 00:59:09,579 Hi, Artie. Good evening, Miss Schaefer. 801 00:59:09,670 --> 00:59:11,459 You don't know how glad I am to see you! 802 00:59:11,540 --> 00:59:13,839 Walking out on the mob. What's the big idea? 803 00:59:13,920 --> 00:59:15,209 Oh, I'm sorry about New Year's. 804 00:59:15,300 --> 00:59:17,839 Would you believe me if I told you I stayed with a sick friend? 805 00:59:17,930 --> 00:59:21,389 Someone in the formal set, no doubt, with a 10-karat kidney stone. 806 00:59:21,470 --> 00:59:24,769 Oh, stop it, Artie, will you? Where've you been keeping yourself? 807 00:59:24,850 --> 00:59:27,439 I've got the most wonderful news for you. 808 00:59:27,520 --> 00:59:30,099 I haven't been keeping myself at all. Not lately. 809 00:59:30,190 --> 00:59:32,819 I called your agent. I called the Screen Writers' Guild. 810 00:59:32,900 --> 00:59:35,399 Finally, your old apartment gave me some Crestview number. 811 00:59:35,490 --> 00:59:37,690 There was always somebody with an accent growling at me. 812 00:59:37,769 --> 00:59:39,689 You were not there. You were not to be spoken to. 813 00:59:39,710 --> 00:59:41,569 They never even heard of you. 814 00:59:41,660 --> 00:59:44,489 Is that so? What's the wonderful news? 815 00:59:44,580 --> 00:59:46,699 Sheldrake likes the angle about the teacher. 816 00:59:46,790 --> 00:59:48,409 - What teacher? - Dark Windows. 817 00:59:48,500 --> 00:59:49,999 I got him all hopped up about it. 818 00:59:50,080 --> 00:59:51,720 He thinks it could be made into something. 819 00:59:51,750 --> 00:59:54,499 - Okay. Where's the cash? - Where's the story? 820 00:59:54,589 --> 00:59:56,389 I bluffed it out with a few notions of my own. 821 00:59:56,410 --> 00:59:58,549 It's really just a springboard. It needs work. 822 00:59:58,630 --> 00:59:59,719 I was afraid of that. 823 00:59:59,800 --> 01:00:02,960 I've got twenty pages of notes and I've got a pretty good character for the man. 824 01:00:03,010 --> 01:00:04,810 Could you write in plenty of background action 825 01:00:04,899 --> 01:00:06,819 so they'll need an extra assistant director, huh? 826 01:00:06,840 --> 01:00:07,889 Oh, Artie, shut up! 827 01:00:08,229 --> 01:00:10,469 Now, if we could sit down for two weeks to get a story... 828 01:00:10,490 --> 01:00:12,899 I'm sorry, Miss Schaefer, I've given up writing on spec. 829 01:00:12,980 --> 01:00:14,569 But I tell you this is half sold. 830 01:00:14,650 --> 01:00:16,939 As a matter of fact, I've given up writing altogether. 831 01:00:17,030 --> 01:00:19,529 Mr. Gillis, if you please. 832 01:00:20,200 --> 01:00:22,029 I'll be right there. 833 01:00:22,910 --> 01:00:24,699 The accent! I get it! 834 01:00:24,780 --> 01:00:26,580 This guy's in the pay of a foreign government. 835 01:00:26,620 --> 01:00:28,539 Check those studs. Get those cuff-links. 836 01:00:28,620 --> 01:00:31,749 I've got to run along. Thanks anyway for your interest in my career. 837 01:00:31,830 --> 01:00:36,249 It's not your career, it's mine! I'd kind of hoped to get in on this deal. 838 01:00:36,340 --> 01:00:39,469 I don't want to be a reader all my life. I want to write. 839 01:00:39,550 --> 01:00:42,509 - I'm sorry if I crossed you up. - You sure have! 840 01:00:42,970 --> 01:00:44,219 So long. 841 01:00:55,400 --> 01:00:57,689 What on earth, darling? It took you hours. 842 01:00:57,780 --> 01:00:59,689 Oh, I ran into some people I know. 843 01:00:59,780 --> 01:01:03,029 - Where are my cigarettes? - Where are your... 844 01:01:04,870 --> 01:01:06,869 Norma, you're smoking too much. 845 01:01:10,330 --> 01:01:13,169 [ GILLIS ] Whenever she suspected I was getting bored, 846 01:01:13,460 --> 01:01:15,959 she would put on a live show for me. 847 01:01:16,130 --> 01:01:18,549 The Norma Desmond Follies. 848 01:01:18,630 --> 01:01:22,259 Her first number was always the Mac Sennett Bathing Beauty. 849 01:01:22,630 --> 01:01:25,599 [ HUMMING ] 850 01:01:29,600 --> 01:01:30,929 [ LAUGHING ] 851 01:01:31,230 --> 01:01:35,939 I can still see myself in the line. Marie Prevost, Mabel Normand. 852 01:01:36,230 --> 01:01:38,819 Mabel was always stepping on my feet. 853 01:01:38,900 --> 01:01:42,739 What's the matter with you, darling? Why are you so glum? 854 01:01:42,820 --> 01:01:46,869 Nothing's the matter. I'm having a great time. Show me some more. 855 01:01:46,950 --> 01:01:50,489 All right. Give me this. I need it for a mustache. 856 01:01:50,580 --> 01:01:52,959 Now, close your eyes. Close them. 857 01:01:59,920 --> 01:02:02,669 [ GILLIS ] Something was the matter all right. 858 01:02:02,760 --> 01:02:07,089 I was thinking about that girl of Artie's, that Miss Schaefer. 859 01:02:07,680 --> 01:02:11,389 She was so like all us writers when we first hit Hollywood, 860 01:02:11,470 --> 01:02:13,349 itching with ambition, 861 01:02:13,430 --> 01:02:18,609 planning to get your names up there. "Screenplay by, Original Story by." 862 01:02:22,030 --> 01:02:25,819 Audiences don't know somebody sits down and writes a picture. 863 01:02:26,200 --> 01:02:29,409 They think the actors make it up as they go along. 864 01:02:29,870 --> 01:02:31,409 [ NORMA ] Open your eyes. 865 01:03:06,030 --> 01:03:09,779 - Madame is wanted on the telephone. - You know better than to interrupt me. 866 01:03:09,870 --> 01:03:11,869 - Paramount is calling. - Who? 867 01:03:11,950 --> 01:03:13,659 Paramount Studios. 868 01:03:14,870 --> 01:03:18,869 Now! Now, do you believe me? I told you DeMille would jump at it. 869 01:03:18,960 --> 01:03:21,129 It is not Mr. DeMille in person. 870 01:03:21,210 --> 01:03:23,299 It is someone by the name of Gordon Cole. 871 01:03:23,380 --> 01:03:26,259 - He says it's very important. - Certainly it's important. 872 01:03:26,340 --> 01:03:28,719 It's important enough for DeMille to call me personally. 873 01:03:28,800 --> 01:03:31,639 The very idea of having some assistant call me! 874 01:03:31,720 --> 01:03:34,679 - Say I'm busy and hang up! - Very good, Madame. 875 01:03:41,520 --> 01:03:43,229 How do you like that? 876 01:03:43,320 --> 01:03:47,319 We've made 12 pictures together, his greatest successes! 877 01:03:47,400 --> 01:03:50,659 - Maybe he's busy, maybe he's shooting. - [ SCOFFING ] I know that trick! 878 01:03:50,740 --> 01:03:54,329 He's trying to belittle me. He's trying to get my price down. 879 01:03:54,410 --> 01:03:57,909 I've waited 20 years for this call. 880 01:03:58,000 --> 01:04:01,079 Now DeMille can wait until I'm good and ready. 881 01:04:03,880 --> 01:04:07,299 [ GILLIS ] About three days later she was good and ready. 882 01:04:07,380 --> 01:04:09,179 Incredible as it may seem, 883 01:04:09,260 --> 01:04:13,049 there'd been some more of those urgent calls from Paramount. 884 01:04:13,390 --> 01:04:17,639 So, she put on about a half a pound of makeup, fixed it up with a veil 885 01:04:18,270 --> 01:04:21,059 and set forth to see DeMille in person. 886 01:04:23,440 --> 01:04:28,109 Madame will pardon me, the shadow over the left eye is not quite balanced. 887 01:04:29,490 --> 01:04:31,069 Thank you, Max. 888 01:04:43,380 --> 01:04:44,669 [ HONKING ] 889 01:04:45,920 --> 01:04:47,839 Hold that noise! 890 01:04:49,170 --> 01:04:50,299 Hey! 891 01:04:50,800 --> 01:04:53,139 To see Mr. DeMille. Open the gate! 892 01:04:53,220 --> 01:04:55,719 Mr. DeMille is shooting. You got an appointment? 893 01:04:55,810 --> 01:04:59,389 No appointment necessary! I'm bringing Norma Desmond. 894 01:04:59,730 --> 01:05:01,059 [ OFFICER ] Norma who? 895 01:05:01,480 --> 01:05:04,229 Norma Desmond! 896 01:05:04,310 --> 01:05:07,479 - Jonesy! Hey, Jonesy! - Yeah? 897 01:05:08,320 --> 01:05:10,649 Why, if it isn't Miss Desmond. 898 01:05:11,650 --> 01:05:14,949 - How have you been, Miss Desmond? - [ NORMA ] Open the gate! 899 01:05:15,030 --> 01:05:17,329 Sure, Miss Desmond. Come on, Mac. 900 01:05:17,410 --> 01:05:19,329 They can't drive on the lot without a pass. 901 01:05:19,410 --> 01:05:21,619 Miss Desmond can. Come on. 902 01:05:31,970 --> 01:05:34,589 - Where's Mr. DeMille shooting? - Stage 18, Miss Desmond. 903 01:05:34,680 --> 01:05:38,099 Thank you, Jonesy, and teach your friend some manners. 904 01:05:38,180 --> 01:05:40,099 Tell him without me, he wouldn't have any job, 905 01:05:40,180 --> 01:05:42,500 because without me, there wouldn't be any Paramount Studio. 906 01:05:42,530 --> 01:05:45,279 - You're right, Miss Desmond. - Go on, Max. 907 01:05:53,990 --> 01:05:55,569 Stage 18. 908 01:05:56,410 --> 01:05:59,119 [ DEMILLE ON MICROPHONE ] Oh, I guess, get... Notify Henry Wilcoxon. 909 01:05:59,200 --> 01:06:02,579 Just clear them out, will you? Spread the thing out so I can see it. 910 01:06:05,540 --> 01:06:07,460 Keep it quiet a little bit, will you, back there? 911 01:06:07,490 --> 01:06:09,959 Norma Desmond's coming in to see Mr. DeMille. 912 01:06:10,050 --> 01:06:12,090 [ DEMILLE ] Can you hit that with a light, somebody, 913 01:06:12,114 --> 01:06:14,719 so I can get a look at that 'scape? 914 01:06:14,800 --> 01:06:16,839 Back up a little bit here, girlie, back up. 915 01:06:16,930 --> 01:06:19,469 Soldier, get out of the way. You fell over the back there. 916 01:06:19,560 --> 01:06:21,809 Norma Desmond's coming in to see Mr. DeMille. 917 01:06:21,890 --> 01:06:23,729 Norma Desmond? 918 01:06:25,190 --> 01:06:26,190 Wait a minute. 919 01:06:26,270 --> 01:06:28,059 [ DEMILLE ] Harry Wilcoxon! [ WILCOXON ] Yes? 920 01:06:28,150 --> 01:06:30,819 Draw your sword and raise that drape with it. 921 01:06:30,900 --> 01:06:32,989 Samson's lying unconscious over here. 922 01:06:33,070 --> 01:06:36,199 Norma Desmond is coming in to see you, Mr. DeMille. 923 01:06:36,910 --> 01:06:39,949 - Norma Desmond? - She must be a million years old. 924 01:06:40,660 --> 01:06:44,329 [ CHUCKLING ] I hate to think where that puts me. I could be her father. 925 01:06:44,410 --> 01:06:45,499 Very sorry, Mr. DeMille. 926 01:06:45,580 --> 01:06:48,629 It must be about that awful script of hers. 927 01:06:49,750 --> 01:06:52,169 What can I tell her? What can I say? 928 01:06:52,250 --> 01:06:54,490 I can tell her you're all tied up in the projection room. 929 01:06:54,520 --> 01:06:56,679 I can give her the brush. 930 01:06:56,760 --> 01:07:00,179 Thirty million fans have given her the brush. Isn't that enough? 931 01:07:00,260 --> 01:07:02,559 - I didn't mean to... - No, of course you didn't. 932 01:07:02,640 --> 01:07:06,939 You didn't know Norma Desmond as a lovely little girl of 17 933 01:07:07,020 --> 01:07:09,559 with more courage and wit and heart 934 01:07:09,650 --> 01:07:11,859 than ever came together in one youngster. 935 01:07:11,940 --> 01:07:14,109 I understand she was a terror to work with. 936 01:07:14,190 --> 01:07:16,359 Only toward the end. 937 01:07:16,450 --> 01:07:19,619 You know, a dozen press agents working overtime 938 01:07:20,240 --> 01:07:23,949 can do terrible things to the human spirit. 939 01:07:25,080 --> 01:07:26,749 Hold everything. 940 01:07:32,920 --> 01:07:35,799 - Don't you want to come along, darling? - I don't think so. 941 01:07:35,880 --> 01:07:37,719 It's your script. It's your show. Good luck. 942 01:07:37,800 --> 01:07:39,299 Thank you, dearest. 943 01:07:43,100 --> 01:07:45,309 Well, hello, young fellow. 944 01:07:45,390 --> 01:07:48,389 - Hello, Mr. DeMille. - [ CHUCKLING ] It's good to see you. 945 01:07:48,480 --> 01:07:51,019 That last time I saw you was some place very gay. 946 01:07:51,110 --> 01:07:53,899 I remember waving to you. I was dancing on a table. 947 01:07:53,980 --> 01:07:58,529 A lot of people were. Lindbergh had just landed in Paris. Come on in. 948 01:08:01,660 --> 01:08:02,949 Norma, I... 949 01:08:03,030 --> 01:08:06,909 - I must apologize for not calling you. - You'd better. I'm very angry. 950 01:08:07,000 --> 01:08:09,249 Well, as you can see, I'm terribly busy. 951 01:08:09,330 --> 01:08:12,539 That's no excuse. You read the script, of course? 952 01:08:13,210 --> 01:08:14,249 Yes, I did. 953 01:08:14,340 --> 01:08:16,420 Then you could have picked up the telephone yourself, 954 01:08:16,500 --> 01:08:18,539 instead of leaving it to one of your assistants. 955 01:08:18,630 --> 01:08:21,259 - Hmm? What assistant? - Now don't play innocent. 956 01:08:21,340 --> 01:08:25,559 - Somebody named Gordon Cole. - Gordon Cole? 957 01:08:25,640 --> 01:08:28,269 And if you hadn't been pretty darned interested in that script, 958 01:08:28,350 --> 01:08:31,099 he wouldn't have tried to get me on the telephone 10 times. 959 01:08:31,190 --> 01:08:32,979 Gordon Cole! 960 01:08:34,150 --> 01:08:36,359 Norma, I'm in the middle of a rehearsal. 961 01:08:36,440 --> 01:08:38,819 Now, why don't you just sit up here in my chair 962 01:08:38,900 --> 01:08:40,949 and make yourself comfortable, hmm? 963 01:08:41,030 --> 01:08:43,989 - Thank you. - That's a girl. There. 964 01:08:44,070 --> 01:08:46,159 I won't be a moment. 965 01:08:46,240 --> 01:08:49,079 Bring me a telephone and get me Gordon Cole. 966 01:08:49,200 --> 01:08:50,369 Right. 967 01:09:05,300 --> 01:09:07,309 [ HOG-EYE ] Hey, Miss Desmond! 968 01:09:09,220 --> 01:09:14,099 Miss Desmond! It's me! It's Hog-Eye. 969 01:09:14,770 --> 01:09:16,729 Hello, Hog-Eye! 970 01:09:19,030 --> 01:09:21,449 Let's get a good look at you! 971 01:09:24,490 --> 01:09:28,699 - Look, there's Norma Desmond! - Norma Desmond! 972 01:09:29,790 --> 01:09:32,249 - Norma Desmond. - Why, I thought she was dead! 973 01:09:32,330 --> 01:09:33,999 How nice to see you. 974 01:09:34,080 --> 01:09:36,499 Welcome home, Miss Desmond. You remember me, don't you? 975 01:09:36,590 --> 01:09:38,419 - [ WOMAN ] Miss Desmond! - Hello! 976 01:09:39,710 --> 01:09:41,919 [ WOMAN ] Mr. Wilcoxon, have you met Miss Desmond? 977 01:09:42,010 --> 01:09:43,679 It's a great pleasure. 978 01:09:43,760 --> 01:09:46,219 Oh, Gordon. This is C.B. DeMille. 979 01:09:46,300 --> 01:09:48,349 Have you been calling Norma Desmond? 980 01:09:48,430 --> 01:09:49,889 Yes, Mr. DeMille. 981 01:09:49,970 --> 01:09:52,679 It's that car of hers, an old lsotta-Fraschini. 982 01:09:52,769 --> 01:09:54,769 Her chauffeur drove it in on the lot the other day. 983 01:09:54,790 --> 01:09:56,689 It looks just right for the Crosby picture. 984 01:09:56,770 --> 01:09:59,269 We want to rent it for a couple of weeks. 985 01:09:59,360 --> 01:10:00,779 Oh, I see. 986 01:10:02,320 --> 01:10:05,449 Well, thank you very much. Thank you. 987 01:10:12,120 --> 01:10:14,789 [ INDISTINCT CHATTERING ] 988 01:10:20,710 --> 01:10:24,469 Hog-Eye, turn that light back where it belongs. 989 01:10:39,310 --> 01:10:40,399 Well, I... 990 01:10:40,940 --> 01:10:42,729 I got hold of Gordon Cole. 991 01:10:42,820 --> 01:10:45,449 Did you see them? Did you see how they came? 992 01:10:45,530 --> 01:10:46,819 You know, 993 01:10:46,910 --> 01:10:50,449 some crazy things happen in this business, Norma. 994 01:10:50,746 --> 01:10:52,506 I hope you haven't lost your sense of humour. 995 01:10:52,530 --> 01:10:53,859 [ SNIFFLING ] 996 01:10:54,710 --> 01:10:57,289 - What's the matter, dear? - Nothing. 997 01:10:57,540 --> 01:11:01,629 I just didn't realize what it would be like to come back to the old studio. 998 01:11:01,710 --> 01:11:04,169 I had no idea how much I'd missed it. 999 01:11:04,260 --> 01:11:05,549 We've missed you, too, dear. 1000 01:11:05,630 --> 01:11:08,889 We'll be working again, won't we, Chief? We'll make our greatest picture! 1001 01:11:08,970 --> 01:11:12,679 - That's what I want to talk to you about. - It's a good script, isn't it? 1002 01:11:12,760 --> 01:11:16,189 Well, it's... It has some good things in it, yes, but, 1003 01:11:16,890 --> 01:11:18,769 it would be a very expensive picture. 1004 01:11:18,850 --> 01:11:22,569 Oh, I don't care about the money. I just want to work again. 1005 01:11:22,690 --> 01:11:25,489 You don't know what it means to know that you want me. 1006 01:11:25,570 --> 01:11:28,529 Nothing would please me more, Norma, if... 1007 01:11:28,700 --> 01:11:30,569 - if it were possible. - And remember, darling, 1008 01:11:30,660 --> 01:11:34,449 I don't work before 10:00 in the morning, and never after 4:30 in the afternoon. 1009 01:11:34,540 --> 01:11:36,459 We're ready for the shot, Mr. DeMille. 1010 01:11:36,540 --> 01:11:40,829 All right. Norma, why don't you just sit here and watch? 1011 01:11:41,540 --> 01:11:44,629 You know, pictures have changed quite a bit. 1012 01:11:45,380 --> 01:11:47,469 All right, let's go! 1013 01:11:47,840 --> 01:11:49,339 Hit 'em all! 1014 01:11:51,470 --> 01:11:52,799 - Roll 'em! - [ CAMERA BEEPING ] 1015 01:11:54,180 --> 01:11:55,389 Speed! 1016 01:12:03,610 --> 01:12:06,489 You see those offices there, Mr. Gillis? 1017 01:12:08,150 --> 01:12:11,569 They used to be Madame's dressing room. The whole row. 1018 01:12:12,570 --> 01:12:14,449 That didn't leave much for Wallace Reid. 1019 01:12:14,540 --> 01:12:17,159 Oh, he had a great big bungalow on wheels. 1020 01:12:18,210 --> 01:12:20,119 I had the upstairs. 1021 01:12:20,210 --> 01:12:23,169 You see where it says "Readers' Department"? 1022 01:12:23,710 --> 01:12:27,419 I remember my walls were covered with black patent leather. 1023 01:12:36,390 --> 01:12:38,729 I'll be with you in a minute. 1024 01:12:51,070 --> 01:12:53,489 Hey, here's that funny car Gordon Cole was talking about. 1025 01:12:53,570 --> 01:12:55,829 - Yeah. - Do you mind if we look it over? 1026 01:12:55,910 --> 01:12:57,909 What's so funny about it? 1027 01:13:04,919 --> 01:13:06,679 Just so you don't think I'm a complete swine, 1028 01:13:06,700 --> 01:13:09,879 if there's anything in Dark Windows you can use, take it. It's all yours. 1029 01:13:09,970 --> 01:13:13,009 Well, for heaven's sakes! Come on in, have a chair. 1030 01:13:13,090 --> 01:13:15,889 I mean it. It's no good to me, anyway. Help yourself. 1031 01:13:15,970 --> 01:13:17,139 Now, why should you do that? 1032 01:13:17,220 --> 01:13:19,889 If you get 100,000 for it, you buy me a box of chocolate creams. 1033 01:13:19,980 --> 01:13:21,689 If you get an Oscar, I get the left foot. 1034 01:13:21,770 --> 01:13:23,689 You know, I'd take you up on that in a minute. 1035 01:13:23,770 --> 01:13:26,059 I'm just not good enough to do it all by myself. 1036 01:13:26,150 --> 01:13:27,859 What about all those ideas you had? 1037 01:13:27,940 --> 01:13:30,319 Well, see if they make sense. 1038 01:13:30,400 --> 01:13:33,319 To begin with, I think you should throw out all that psychological mess, 1039 01:13:33,410 --> 01:13:37,199 - exploring a killer's sick mind. - Psychopaths sell like hotcakes. 1040 01:13:37,280 --> 01:13:40,749 This is a story about teachers, their threadbare lives, their struggle! 1041 01:13:40,830 --> 01:13:43,999 Now, I see her teaching day classes while he teaches night school. 1042 01:13:44,080 --> 01:13:46,056 - [ CAR HONKING ] - Now, the first time they meet... 1043 01:13:46,080 --> 01:13:48,760 Look, if you don't mind, I haven't time to listen to the whole plot. 1044 01:13:48,790 --> 01:13:50,919 - I'll make it short. - I'm sorry. It's your baby now. 1045 01:13:51,010 --> 01:13:53,879 Couldn't we work in the evenings? 6:00 in the morning? 1046 01:13:53,970 --> 01:13:57,599 This next month I'm completely at your disposal. Artie's out of town. 1047 01:13:57,680 --> 01:14:00,809 - What's Artie got to do with it? - We're engaged. 1048 01:14:01,270 --> 01:14:04,979 Oh. Oh, well, good for you. You couldn't find a nicer guy. 1049 01:14:05,060 --> 01:14:09,319 That's what I think. They're on location in Arizona, making a Western. 1050 01:14:09,400 --> 01:14:11,439 I'm free every evening and every weekend. 1051 01:14:11,529 --> 01:14:13,129 We could work at your place, if you want. 1052 01:14:13,150 --> 01:14:14,779 [ CAR HONKING ] 1053 01:14:14,860 --> 01:14:17,069 Look, Betty, it can't be done. It's out! 1054 01:14:17,160 --> 01:14:19,279 Now, stop being chicken-hearted and write that story! 1055 01:14:19,370 --> 01:14:22,409 - Honest to goodness, I hate you! - And don't make it too dreary. 1056 01:14:22,500 --> 01:14:23,789 How about this for a situation? 1057 01:14:23,870 --> 01:14:25,919 She teaches daytimes, he teaches at night. Right? 1058 01:14:26,000 --> 01:14:27,680 - Right. - They don't even know each other, 1059 01:14:27,760 --> 01:14:29,929 but they share the same room. It's cheaper that way. 1060 01:14:30,020 --> 01:14:33,969 As a matter of fact, they sleep in the same bed. In shifts, of course. 1061 01:14:35,050 --> 01:14:37,889 Are you kidding? Because I think it's good. 1062 01:14:38,300 --> 01:14:39,639 - So do I. - Well, come on back. 1063 01:14:39,720 --> 01:14:42,309 - Let me show you where it fits in. - So long. 1064 01:14:42,390 --> 01:14:44,229 Oh, you... 1065 01:14:50,359 --> 01:14:52,519 - What's the matter, Max? - I just found out the reason 1066 01:14:52,540 --> 01:14:55,129 for all those telephone calls from Paramount. 1067 01:14:55,570 --> 01:14:59,489 It's not Madame they want. It's her car they want to rent. 1068 01:14:59,700 --> 01:15:00,949 What? 1069 01:15:04,250 --> 01:15:07,499 Well, goodbye, Norma. We'll see what we can do. 1070 01:15:07,580 --> 01:15:11,209 I'm not worried. Everything will be fine. The old team together again. 1071 01:15:11,290 --> 01:15:14,839 - Nothing can stop us. - The old team. Yeah. 1072 01:15:16,880 --> 01:15:19,679 - Goodbye, dear. - Goodbye, Mr. DeMille. 1073 01:15:28,520 --> 01:15:30,359 - How'd it go? - It couldn't have gone better. 1074 01:15:30,440 --> 01:15:32,019 It's practically set. 1075 01:15:32,110 --> 01:15:36,859 Of course, he has to finish this picture first, but mine will be his next. 1076 01:15:37,360 --> 01:15:41,909 Get Gordon Cole. Tell him to forget about her car. 1077 01:15:41,990 --> 01:15:44,909 Tell him he can get another old car some place. 1078 01:15:45,000 --> 01:15:47,829 I'll buy him five old cars, if necessary. 1079 01:15:54,960 --> 01:15:56,209 [ GILLIS ] After that, 1080 01:15:56,300 --> 01:16:00,389 an army of beauty experts invaded her house on Sunset Boulevard. 1081 01:16:01,300 --> 01:16:04,469 She went through a merciless series of treatments. 1082 01:16:04,560 --> 01:16:08,559 Like an athlete training for the Olympic Games, she counted every calorie. 1083 01:16:08,640 --> 01:16:11,019 Went to bed every night at 9:00. 1084 01:16:11,100 --> 01:16:14,269 She was absolutely determined to be ready, 1085 01:16:14,650 --> 01:16:17,649 ready for those cameras that would never turn. 1086 01:16:54,440 --> 01:16:56,939 - Joe, darling, are you there? - Yes, Norma. 1087 01:16:57,030 --> 01:17:00,149 Don't turn around! Keep your eyes on the book. 1088 01:17:02,530 --> 01:17:04,739 I just came to say good night. 1089 01:17:05,619 --> 01:17:06,699 I don't want you to see me. 1090 01:17:06,720 --> 01:17:09,659 - I'm not very attractive. - Good night. 1091 01:17:09,750 --> 01:17:11,749 You know, I've lost half a pound since Tuesday. 1092 01:17:11,830 --> 01:17:13,329 - Good! - I was a little worried 1093 01:17:13,420 --> 01:17:14,959 about the line of my throat. 1094 01:17:15,040 --> 01:17:17,549 - This woman has done wonders with it. - Good. 1095 01:17:19,380 --> 01:17:23,219 - You'd better get to bed yourself. - I think I'll read a little longer. 1096 01:17:25,050 --> 01:17:28,009 You went out last night, didn't you, Joe? 1097 01:17:28,100 --> 01:17:30,639 - Why do you say that? - I just happen to know it. 1098 01:17:30,730 --> 01:17:32,330 I had a nightmare and I screamed for you. 1099 01:17:32,390 --> 01:17:35,309 You weren't here. Where were you? 1100 01:17:35,400 --> 01:17:38,689 - I went for a walk. - No, you didn't. You took the car. 1101 01:17:40,280 --> 01:17:42,819 All right, I drove to the beach. 1102 01:17:42,900 --> 01:17:45,500 Norma, you don't want me to feel that I'm locked up in this house? 1103 01:17:45,570 --> 01:17:49,659 Of course not, Joe. It's just that I don't want to be left alone. 1104 01:17:49,740 --> 01:17:54,119 Not while I'm under this terrible strain. My nerves are being torn to shreds. 1105 01:17:54,210 --> 01:17:58,589 All I ask is for you to be a little patient and a little kind. 1106 01:18:00,380 --> 01:18:02,060 [ SIGHING ] Norma, I haven't done anything. 1107 01:18:02,130 --> 01:18:04,009 Of course you haven't. 1108 01:18:04,970 --> 01:18:08,509 I wouldn't let you. Good night, darling. 1109 01:18:37,790 --> 01:18:41,629 [ GILLIS ] Yes, I was playing hooky every evening alone in there. 1110 01:18:43,130 --> 01:18:44,839 It made me think of when I was 12 1111 01:18:44,930 --> 01:18:48,719 and used to sneak out on the folks to see a gangster picture. 1112 01:18:49,140 --> 01:18:53,769 This time, it wasn't to see a picture. It was to try and write one. 1113 01:18:54,480 --> 01:18:56,559 That story of mine Betty Schaefer had dug up 1114 01:18:56,650 --> 01:19:00,319 kept going through my head like a dozen locomotives. 1115 01:19:01,070 --> 01:19:03,989 So, we started working on it, the two of us, 1116 01:19:04,110 --> 01:19:09,029 nights when the studio was deserted, up in her little cubbyhole of an office. 1117 01:19:25,670 --> 01:19:28,049 I got the funniest letter from Artie. 1118 01:19:28,130 --> 01:19:31,099 It's rained every day since they got to Arizona. 1119 01:19:31,180 --> 01:19:34,889 They rewrote the whole picture for rain and shot half of it. 1120 01:19:35,730 --> 01:19:38,939 Now, the sun is out. Nobody knows when they'll get back. 1121 01:19:39,020 --> 01:19:40,609 - Good. - What's good about it? 1122 01:19:40,690 --> 01:19:43,109 I miss him something fierce. 1123 01:19:43,190 --> 01:19:44,939 I mean this is good dialogue along in here. 1124 01:19:45,030 --> 01:19:46,739 - It'll play. - It will? 1125 01:19:46,820 --> 01:19:50,779 Sure. Especially with lots of music underneath, drowning it out. 1126 01:19:51,240 --> 01:19:54,289 - Don't you sometimes hate yourself? - Constantly. 1127 01:19:55,790 --> 01:20:00,129 No, in all seriousness, this is really good. It's fun writing with you. 1128 01:20:01,330 --> 01:20:03,039 Oh, thanks. 1129 01:20:16,730 --> 01:20:18,229 BETTY: Who's Norma? 1130 01:20:20,060 --> 01:20:21,559 Who's who? 1131 01:20:21,650 --> 01:20:24,939 Oh, I'm sorry. I don't usually read private cigarette cases. 1132 01:20:25,030 --> 01:20:27,899 Oh, that. It's from a friend of mine, 1133 01:20:29,360 --> 01:20:32,989 a middle-aged lady, very foolish and very generous. 1134 01:20:33,070 --> 01:20:35,329 I'll say. This is solid gold. 1135 01:20:35,410 --> 01:20:37,909 I gave her some advice on an idiotic script. 1136 01:20:38,000 --> 01:20:40,079 Oh, the old, familiar story. 1137 01:20:40,170 --> 01:20:42,749 You help a timid little soul cross a crowded street. 1138 01:20:42,830 --> 01:20:47,089 She turns out to be a multi-millionaire and leaves you all her money. 1139 01:20:47,510 --> 01:20:50,879 That's the trouble with you readers. You know all the plots. 1140 01:20:50,970 --> 01:20:54,219 Now, suppose you proofread page 10 while the water boils. 1141 01:20:54,300 --> 01:20:56,259 Okay? Okay. 1142 01:21:19,950 --> 01:21:23,039 [ GILLIS ] Sometimes, when we got stuck, 1143 01:21:23,120 --> 01:21:25,959 we'd make a little tour of the drowsing lot, 1144 01:21:26,290 --> 01:21:28,249 not talking much, 1145 01:21:28,340 --> 01:21:31,969 just wandering down alleys between the sound stages 1146 01:21:32,050 --> 01:21:35,969 or through the sets they were getting ready for the next day's shooting. 1147 01:21:36,350 --> 01:21:38,099 As a matter of fact, 1148 01:21:38,180 --> 01:21:41,889 it was on one of those walks when she first told me about her nose. 1149 01:21:41,980 --> 01:21:43,769 Look at this street. 1150 01:21:43,850 --> 01:21:48,229 All cardboard, all hollow, all phony, all clone with mirrors. 1151 01:21:48,650 --> 01:21:52,199 You know, I like it better than any street in the world. 1152 01:21:52,820 --> 01:21:56,069 Maybe because I used to play here when I was a kid. 1153 01:21:56,990 --> 01:21:59,329 What were you, a child actress? 1154 01:21:59,740 --> 01:22:04,209 No, I was born just two blocks from this studio. Right on Lemon Grove Avenue. 1155 01:22:04,290 --> 01:22:06,709 My father was head electrician here till he died. 1156 01:22:06,790 --> 01:22:09,799 - Mother still works in Wardrobe. - Second generation, huh? 1157 01:22:09,880 --> 01:22:12,589 Third. Grandma did stunt work for Pearl White. 1158 01:22:12,670 --> 01:22:14,299 I come from a picture family. 1159 01:22:14,630 --> 01:22:17,139 Naturally, they expected me to become a great star. 1160 01:22:17,220 --> 01:22:21,429 So I had 10 years of dramatic lessons, diction, dancing. 1161 01:22:21,520 --> 01:22:25,399 Then the studio made a test. Well, they didn't like my nose. 1162 01:22:25,690 --> 01:22:29,269 It slanted this way a little. So, I went to a doctor and had it fixed. 1163 01:22:29,360 --> 01:22:32,029 They made more tests and they were crazy about my nose, 1164 01:22:32,110 --> 01:22:34,949 only they didn't like my acting. 1165 01:22:37,620 --> 01:22:39,029 - Nice job. - It should be. 1166 01:22:39,120 --> 01:22:41,449 It cost me $300. 1167 01:22:41,870 --> 01:22:44,289 - That's the saddest thing I ever heard. - Oh, not at all. 1168 01:22:44,370 --> 01:22:46,749 It taught me a little sense. I got a job in the mail room, 1169 01:22:46,830 --> 01:22:49,039 worked up to the Stenographic. Now I'm a reader. 1170 01:22:49,130 --> 01:22:50,130 Come clean, Betty. 1171 01:22:50,210 --> 01:22:53,379 At night you weep for those lost close-ups, those gala openings. 1172 01:22:53,460 --> 01:22:54,509 Not once. 1173 01:22:54,590 --> 01:22:57,469 What's wrong with being on the other side of the cameras? 1174 01:22:57,550 --> 01:23:01,349 - It's really more fun. - Three cheers for Betty Schaefer! 1175 01:23:01,720 --> 01:23:05,019 - I will now kiss that nose of yours. - If you please. 1176 01:23:09,650 --> 01:23:13,939 - May I say that you smell real special? - It must be my new shampoo. 1177 01:23:15,650 --> 01:23:20,909 That's no shampoo. It's more like freshly laundered linen handkerchiefs. 1178 01:23:21,910 --> 01:23:25,039 Like a brand-new auto-mobile. 1179 01:23:25,120 --> 01:23:27,789 - How old are you, anyway? - Twenty-two. 1180 01:23:29,080 --> 01:23:32,589 Smart girl. Nothing like being twenty-two. 1181 01:23:34,460 --> 01:23:37,129 And may I suggest that if we're ever to finish this story, 1182 01:23:37,220 --> 01:23:40,009 you stay at least two feet away from me. 1183 01:23:40,800 --> 01:23:42,520 The first time you see me coming any closer, 1184 01:23:42,600 --> 01:23:46,519 I want you to take off a shoe and clunk me on the head with it. 1185 01:23:47,440 --> 01:23:51,359 Now back to the typewriters, by way of Washington Square. 1186 01:24:37,820 --> 01:24:40,239 What is it, Max? 1187 01:24:40,320 --> 01:24:42,699 Want to wash the car, 1188 01:24:42,780 --> 01:24:45,909 or are you doing a little spying in your off hours? 1189 01:24:45,990 --> 01:24:49,329 You must be very careful as you cross the patio. 1190 01:24:49,410 --> 01:24:50,919 Madame may be watching. 1191 01:24:50,999 --> 01:24:53,559 How about going up the kitchen stairs and undressing in the dark? 1192 01:24:53,580 --> 01:24:55,249 Will that do it? 1193 01:24:55,340 --> 01:24:58,419 I am not inquiring where Mr. Gillis goes every night. 1194 01:24:58,510 --> 01:25:01,509 Why don't you? I'm writing a script. 1195 01:25:01,840 --> 01:25:04,259 And I'm going to finish it, no matter what. 1196 01:25:04,350 --> 01:25:07,559 It is just that I am greatly worried about Madame. 1197 01:25:08,850 --> 01:25:10,349 Sure you are. 1198 01:25:10,850 --> 01:25:14,979 And we're not helping her any, feeding her lies and more lies. 1199 01:25:15,360 --> 01:25:19,359 Getting herself ready for a picture. What happens when she finds out? 1200 01:25:19,690 --> 01:25:23,529 She never will. That is my job, 1201 01:25:23,910 --> 01:25:26,949 and it has been for a long time. 1202 01:25:27,040 --> 01:25:31,289 You must understand, I discovered her when she was 16. 1203 01:25:31,710 --> 01:25:36,499 I made her a star, and I cannot let her be destroyed. 1204 01:25:37,420 --> 01:25:42,549 - You made her a star. - Yes, I directed all her early films. 1205 01:25:43,630 --> 01:25:47,809 There were three young directors who showed promise in those days. 1206 01:25:48,010 --> 01:25:53,599 D.W. Griffith, Cecil B. DeMille and Max von Mayerling. 1207 01:25:55,520 --> 01:25:57,769 And she's turned you into a servant. 1208 01:25:57,860 --> 01:26:02,239 It was I who asked to come back, humiliating as it may seem. 1209 01:26:02,320 --> 01:26:05,199 I could have continued my career, 1210 01:26:05,280 --> 01:26:10,079 only I found everything unendurable after she had left me. 1211 01:26:10,580 --> 01:26:11,869 You see, 1212 01:26:13,250 --> 01:26:15,419 I was her first husband. 1213 01:26:42,610 --> 01:26:44,069 You're here, Joe! 1214 01:26:46,030 --> 01:26:47,949 When did you come home? 1215 01:26:52,450 --> 01:26:55,159 Oh, Joe, where were you? 1216 01:26:56,670 --> 01:26:59,379 Is it a woman? I know it's a woman. Who is she? 1217 01:27:00,130 --> 01:27:03,799 Why can't I ask you? I must know! 1218 01:27:58,770 --> 01:28:00,519 What's the matter? 1219 01:28:03,400 --> 01:28:06,819 Betty, wake up! Why are you staring at me like that? 1220 01:28:08,700 --> 01:28:10,529 Oh, was I? I'm sorry. 1221 01:28:11,910 --> 01:28:15,409 What's wrong with you tonight? What is it? 1222 01:28:16,290 --> 01:28:18,999 Oh, something came up. I don't want to talk about it. 1223 01:28:19,080 --> 01:28:20,459 Why not? 1224 01:28:27,880 --> 01:28:29,379 I just don't. 1225 01:28:37,890 --> 01:28:39,599 What have you heard? 1226 01:28:40,350 --> 01:28:43,859 Come on, let's have it. Is it about me? 1227 01:28:58,080 --> 01:29:02,419 Betty, there's no use running out on it. Let's face it, whatever it is. 1228 01:29:03,460 --> 01:29:09,089 - I got a telegram from Artie. - From Artie? What's wrong? 1229 01:29:09,970 --> 01:29:12,469 He wants me to come on to Arizona. 1230 01:29:13,140 --> 01:29:16,679 He says it only costs $2 to get married there. 1231 01:29:18,020 --> 01:29:20,559 It would kind of save us a honeymoon. 1232 01:29:21,020 --> 01:29:24,649 Well, why don't you? We can finish the script by Thursday. 1233 01:29:26,940 --> 01:29:30,279 Stop crying, will you? You're getting married. That's what you wanted. 1234 01:29:30,360 --> 01:29:32,109 [ SNIFFLING ] I don't want it now. 1235 01:29:33,660 --> 01:29:38,199 - Why not? Don't you love Artie? - Of course I love him. I always will. 1236 01:29:40,620 --> 01:29:44,289 I'm not in love with him any more, that's all. 1237 01:29:45,880 --> 01:29:49,919 - What happened? - You did. 1238 01:30:03,850 --> 01:30:06,979 [ GILLIS ] It wasn't until I got back to that peculiar prison of mine 1239 01:30:07,060 --> 01:30:09,439 that I started facing the facts. 1240 01:30:11,490 --> 01:30:16,279 There it was, Betty Schaefer's future right in the palm of my hand. 1241 01:30:17,410 --> 01:30:21,699 Betty Schaefer engaged to Artie Green, as nice a guy as ever lived. 1242 01:30:22,830 --> 01:30:26,289 And she was in love with me. Me! 1243 01:30:39,180 --> 01:30:43,559 She was a fool not to sense that there was something phony in my setup. 1244 01:30:43,640 --> 01:30:46,729 And I was a heel not to have told her. 1245 01:30:46,810 --> 01:30:51,189 But you just can't say those things to somebody you're crazy about. 1246 01:30:52,150 --> 01:30:55,609 Maybe I'd never have to. Maybe I could get away with it, 1247 01:30:55,700 --> 01:30:57,319 get away from Norma. 1248 01:30:57,410 --> 01:31:01,199 Maybe I could wipe the whole nasty mess right out of my life. 1249 01:31:01,290 --> 01:31:03,039 [ TELEPHONE DIALING ] 1250 01:31:10,090 --> 01:31:13,799 [ NORMA ] Hello. Is this Gladstone 9281? 1251 01:31:13,880 --> 01:31:18,049 May I speak to Miss Betty Schaefer? She must be home by now. 1252 01:31:18,550 --> 01:31:22,889 Hey, Betty! Here's that weird-sounding woman again. 1253 01:31:24,060 --> 01:31:26,389 Well, what is this, anyway? 1254 01:31:27,440 --> 01:31:29,559 This is Betty Schaefer. 1255 01:31:29,650 --> 01:31:33,779 You must forgive me for calling you so late, but I really feel it's my duty. 1256 01:31:34,110 --> 01:31:37,569 It's about Mr. Gillis. You do know Mr. Gillis? 1257 01:31:39,200 --> 01:31:42,239 Exactly how much do you know about him? 1258 01:31:43,330 --> 01:31:45,499 Do you know where he lives? 1259 01:31:46,080 --> 01:31:49,579 Do you know how he lives? Do you know what he lives on? 1260 01:31:50,750 --> 01:31:54,919 Who are you? What do you want? What business is it of yours, anyway? 1261 01:31:55,130 --> 01:31:58,839 Miss Schaefer, I'm trying to do you a favour. 1262 01:31:59,340 --> 01:32:03,009 I'm trying to spare you a great deal of misery. 1263 01:32:03,100 --> 01:32:07,599 Of course you may be too young to even suspect there are men of his sort. 1264 01:32:08,100 --> 01:32:11,899 I don't know what he's told you, but he does not live with relatives, 1265 01:32:12,150 --> 01:32:15,739 nor with friends in the usual sense of the word. 1266 01:32:16,690 --> 01:32:19,739 Well, ask him. Ask him again. 1267 01:32:24,870 --> 01:32:28,119 That's right, Betty, ask me again. This is Joe. 1268 01:32:28,750 --> 01:32:32,789 Joe? Where are you? What is this all about? 1269 01:32:34,880 --> 01:32:38,549 Or better yet, why don't you come out and see for yourself? 1270 01:32:38,630 --> 01:32:43,049 The address is 10,086 Sunset Boulevard. 1271 01:32:58,110 --> 01:33:01,989 Don't hate me, Joe! I did it because I need you. 1272 01:33:02,070 --> 01:33:04,949 I need you as I've never needed you before. 1273 01:33:05,030 --> 01:33:07,829 Look at me! Look at my hands! 1274 01:33:07,910 --> 01:33:11,169 Look at my face! Look under my eyes! 1275 01:33:11,250 --> 01:33:14,539 How can I go back to work if I'm wasting away under this torment? 1276 01:33:14,630 --> 01:33:17,669 You don't know what I've been through these last weeks! 1277 01:33:17,760 --> 01:33:19,299 [ NORMA SOBBING ] 1278 01:33:25,260 --> 01:33:27,309 I bought myself a revolver, I did. I did! 1279 01:33:27,390 --> 01:33:31,269 I stood in front of that mirror, but I couldn't make myself do it. 1280 01:33:31,350 --> 01:33:34,479 Don't just stand there hating me! Shout at me! 1281 01:33:34,560 --> 01:33:40,359 Strike me! But don't hate me. Say you don't hate me, Joe! 1282 01:33:41,400 --> 01:33:43,029 [ SOBBING ] 1283 01:33:55,210 --> 01:33:59,169 Here's 10,079, Connie. It must be over there. 1284 01:34:09,060 --> 01:34:11,729 Betty, let me come along with you. Please! 1285 01:34:11,810 --> 01:34:13,729 No, I'll be all right. 1286 01:34:20,650 --> 01:34:24,779 [ MUFFLED ] I love you, Joe. I love you, Joe. 1287 01:34:25,660 --> 01:34:28,079 - I love you, Joe. - [ DOORBELL RINGING ] 1288 01:34:31,370 --> 01:34:34,919 What are you going to do, Joe? What are you going to do? 1289 01:34:42,840 --> 01:34:45,549 It's all right, Max. I'll take it. 1290 01:34:45,930 --> 01:34:48,799 - Hello, Betty. - I don't know why I'm so scared, Joe. 1291 01:34:48,890 --> 01:34:51,269 - Is it something awful? - Come on in. 1292 01:34:57,940 --> 01:35:01,229 Ever been in one of these old Hollywood palazzos? 1293 01:35:01,320 --> 01:35:05,109 That's from when they were making 18,000 a week and no taxes. 1294 01:35:05,200 --> 01:35:09,529 Careful of these tiles, they're slippery. Valentino used to dance here. 1295 01:35:09,780 --> 01:35:12,079 - This is where you live? - You bet. 1296 01:35:13,700 --> 01:35:15,749 - Whose house is it? - Hers. 1297 01:35:17,080 --> 01:35:18,579 - Whose? - Just look around. 1298 01:35:18,670 --> 01:35:20,339 There's a lot of her spread about. 1299 01:35:20,420 --> 01:35:23,209 If you don't remember the face, you must have heard the name. 1300 01:35:23,300 --> 01:35:24,919 Norma Desmond. 1301 01:35:26,220 --> 01:35:27,639 That was Norma Desmond on the phone? 1302 01:35:27,719 --> 01:35:30,359 Would you like something to drink? There's always champagne on ice, 1303 01:35:30,380 --> 01:35:33,139 - plenty of caviare. - Why did she call me? 1304 01:35:33,520 --> 01:35:34,849 Jealous. 1305 01:35:36,140 --> 01:35:37,729 Did you ever see so much junk? 1306 01:35:37,810 --> 01:35:40,439 She had the ceiling brought from Portugal. 1307 01:35:40,520 --> 01:35:42,319 And look at this. 1308 01:35:44,990 --> 01:35:46,949 Her own movie theatre. 1309 01:35:47,360 --> 01:35:51,119 I didn't come here to see a house! What about Norma Desmond? 1310 01:35:52,740 --> 01:35:56,999 That's what I'm trying to tell you. This is an enormous place. 1311 01:35:57,670 --> 01:36:02,039 Eight master bedrooms. A sunken tub in every bathroom. 1312 01:36:02,540 --> 01:36:05,209 There's a bowling alley in the cellar. 1313 01:36:07,760 --> 01:36:10,929 It's lonely here, so she got herself a companion. 1314 01:36:12,300 --> 01:36:16,269 A very simple setup. An older woman who is well-to-do. 1315 01:36:18,230 --> 01:36:21,979 A younger man who's not doing too well. 1316 01:36:22,060 --> 01:36:24,689 - Can you figure it out yourself? - No. 1317 01:36:25,230 --> 01:36:30,359 - All right. I'll give you a few more clues. - No! I haven't heard any of this. 1318 01:36:31,160 --> 01:36:35,489 I never got those telephone calls and I've never been in this house! 1319 01:36:35,580 --> 01:36:38,869 Now, get your things together and let's get out of here. 1320 01:36:39,830 --> 01:36:44,379 All my things? All my 18 suits, all my custom-made shoes 1321 01:36:44,500 --> 01:36:46,259 and the six dozen shirts and the cuff links 1322 01:36:46,340 --> 01:36:49,719 and the platinum key chains and the cigarette cases? 1323 01:36:50,470 --> 01:36:51,929 Come on, Joe. 1324 01:36:53,100 --> 01:36:54,299 [ SIGHING ] Come on where? 1325 01:36:54,390 --> 01:36:57,099 Back to a one-room apartment I can't pay for? 1326 01:36:57,560 --> 01:37:00,769 Back to a story that may sell and very possibly will not? 1327 01:37:00,850 --> 01:37:02,729 If you love me, Joe. 1328 01:37:03,770 --> 01:37:07,229 Look, sweetie, be practical. I've got a good deal here. 1329 01:37:07,400 --> 01:37:11,069 A long-term contract with no options. I like it that way. 1330 01:37:12,610 --> 01:37:16,199 Maybe it's not very admirable. 1331 01:37:17,290 --> 01:37:20,659 Well, you and Artie can be admirable. 1332 01:37:23,830 --> 01:37:26,549 I can't look at you any more, Joe. 1333 01:37:28,760 --> 01:37:30,129 [ SNIFFLES ] 1334 01:37:30,420 --> 01:37:34,259 How about looking for the exit? This way, Betty. 1335 01:37:50,190 --> 01:37:54,909 Good luck to you, Betty. You can finish that script on the way to Arizona. 1336 01:37:57,120 --> 01:37:58,369 When you and Artie get back, 1337 01:37:58,450 --> 01:38:01,659 if the two of you ever feel like taking a swim, 1338 01:38:02,790 --> 01:38:04,369 here's the pool. 1339 01:38:49,130 --> 01:38:51,839 Thank you, darling. Thank you, Joe. 1340 01:38:54,010 --> 01:38:55,179 Jew. 1341 01:39:20,620 --> 01:39:24,039 May I come in, Joe? I've stopped crying. 1342 01:39:24,410 --> 01:39:28,129 I'm all right again. Joe, tell me you're not cross. 1343 01:39:28,330 --> 01:39:31,209 Tell me everything is just as it was, Joe. 1344 01:39:34,460 --> 01:39:35,549 Jew. 1345 01:39:39,180 --> 01:39:41,219 What are you doing, Joe? 1346 01:39:47,190 --> 01:39:49,729 - What are you doing? - I'm packing. 1347 01:39:53,230 --> 01:39:55,859 - You're leaving me! - Yes, I am, Norma. 1348 01:39:56,900 --> 01:39:59,659 No, you're not! Max! Max! 1349 01:40:00,740 --> 01:40:03,159 Thanks for letting me wear the handsome wardrobe. 1350 01:40:03,240 --> 01:40:06,289 And thanks for the use of all the trinkets. 1351 01:40:08,919 --> 01:40:10,679 The rest of the jewelry is in the top drawer. 1352 01:40:10,700 --> 01:40:13,619 - It's yours, Joe. I gave it to you. - And I'd take it in a second, 1353 01:40:13,700 --> 01:40:17,129 only it's a little too dressy for sitting behind a copy desk in Dayton, Ohio. 1354 01:40:17,220 --> 01:40:19,549 These are nothing! You can have anything you want. 1355 01:40:19,640 --> 01:40:23,639 What is it you want? Money? 1356 01:40:24,770 --> 01:40:29,059 Norma, you'd be throwing it away. I don't qualify for the job, not any more. 1357 01:40:29,140 --> 01:40:34,269 You can't go! Max! Max! [ CRYING ] I can't face life without you. 1358 01:40:36,780 --> 01:40:39,109 And you know I'm not afraid to die! 1359 01:40:39,200 --> 01:40:40,949 That's between you and yourself. 1360 01:40:41,030 --> 01:40:44,869 You think I made that up about the gun, don't you? All right. 1361 01:40:54,000 --> 01:40:56,759 See, you didn't believe me! 1362 01:40:56,839 --> 01:40:58,799 Now, I suppose you don't think I have the courage! 1363 01:40:58,820 --> 01:41:00,380 Oh, sure, if it would make a good scene. 1364 01:41:00,470 --> 01:41:01,589 You don't care, do you? 1365 01:41:01,680 --> 01:41:03,719 Well, hundreds of thousands of people will care. 1366 01:41:03,800 --> 01:41:06,429 Oh, wake up, Norma. You'd be killing yourself to an empty house. 1367 01:41:06,520 --> 01:41:08,280 The audience left 20 years ago. Now, face it! 1368 01:41:08,310 --> 01:41:11,399 - That's a lie! They still want me. - No, they don't! 1369 01:41:12,229 --> 01:41:13,869 What about the studio? What about DeMille? 1370 01:41:13,890 --> 01:41:17,989 He was trying to spare your feelings. The studio only wanted to rent your oar. 1371 01:41:18,110 --> 01:41:20,699 - Wanted what? - DeMille didn't have the heart to tell you. 1372 01:41:20,780 --> 01:41:22,569 None of us has had the heart. 1373 01:41:22,660 --> 01:41:26,619 That's a lie! They want me. I get letters every day. 1374 01:41:28,410 --> 01:41:31,669 You tell her, Max. Come on, do her that favour! 1375 01:41:31,750 --> 01:41:33,510 Tell her there isn't going to be any picture! 1376 01:41:33,580 --> 01:41:36,379 There aren't any fan letters except the ones you write! 1377 01:41:36,460 --> 01:41:39,879 That isn't true! Max! 1378 01:41:39,970 --> 01:41:42,719 Madame is the greatest star of them all. 1379 01:41:43,930 --> 01:41:47,009 I will take Mr. Gillis' bags to the car. 1380 01:41:53,310 --> 01:41:56,689 You heard him. I'm a star! 1381 01:41:57,690 --> 01:42:00,569 Norma, you're a woman of 50. Now, grow up! 1382 01:42:00,650 --> 01:42:05,369 There's nothing tragic about being 50, not unless you try to be 25. 1383 01:42:05,450 --> 01:42:07,869 I'm the greatest star of them all. 1384 01:42:14,250 --> 01:42:15,829 Goodbye, Norma. 1385 01:42:18,210 --> 01:42:20,589 [ WHISPERING ] No one ever leaves a star. 1386 01:42:20,670 --> 01:42:22,589 That's what makes one a star. 1387 01:42:29,850 --> 01:42:32,559 Joe! Joe! 1388 01:42:34,730 --> 01:42:35,849 Joe! 1389 01:42:42,190 --> 01:42:43,279 Joe! 1390 01:42:48,030 --> 01:42:49,449 [ GUN FIRING ] 1391 01:43:17,350 --> 01:43:20,939 Stars are ageless, aren't they? 1392 01:43:28,530 --> 01:43:33,539 [ GILLIS ] Well, this is where you came in. Back at that pool again, 1393 01:43:34,540 --> 01:43:37,169 the one I always wanted. 1394 01:43:37,250 --> 01:43:41,129 It's dawn now, and they must have photographed me a thousand times. 1395 01:43:41,670 --> 01:43:45,629 Then they got a couple of pruning hooks from the garden and fished me out, 1396 01:43:45,720 --> 01:43:47,299 ever so gently. 1397 01:43:48,220 --> 01:43:51,599 Funny how gentle people get with you once you're dead. 1398 01:43:53,310 --> 01:43:56,559 They beached me like a harpooned baby whale 1399 01:43:56,640 --> 01:44:00,649 and started to check the damage, just for the record. 1400 01:44:03,150 --> 01:44:05,529 By this time, the whole joint was jumping. 1401 01:44:05,610 --> 01:44:08,359 Cops, reporters, neighbours, passers-by, 1402 01:44:08,660 --> 01:44:10,659 as much whoop-de-doo as we get in Los Angeles 1403 01:44:10,740 --> 01:44:12,579 when they open a supermarket. 1404 01:44:12,660 --> 01:44:15,409 Even the newsreel guys came roaring in. 1405 01:44:15,500 --> 01:44:18,079 Here was an item everybody could have some fun with. 1406 01:44:18,170 --> 01:44:19,879 [ INDISTINCT CHATTERING ] 1407 01:44:19,960 --> 01:44:21,999 The heartless so-and-sos! 1408 01:44:23,500 --> 01:44:25,589 What would they do to Norma? 1409 01:44:25,670 --> 01:44:30,509 Even if she got away with it in court, crime of passion, temporary insanity, 1410 01:44:31,340 --> 01:44:34,139 those headlines would kill her. 1411 01:44:34,220 --> 01:44:37,179 "Forgotten Star a Slayer." 1412 01:44:37,270 --> 01:44:41,399 "Aging Actress, Yesterday's Glamour Queen." 1413 01:44:52,370 --> 01:44:56,659 Coroner's office? I want to speak to the Coroner. 1414 01:44:57,790 --> 01:45:00,169 - Who's on this phone? - I am! 1415 01:45:00,250 --> 01:45:02,999 Now get off! This is more important. 1416 01:45:03,080 --> 01:45:05,209 Times City Desk? Hedda Hopper speaking. 1417 01:45:05,300 --> 01:45:07,669 I'm talking from the bedroom of Norma Desmond. 1418 01:45:07,760 --> 01:45:11,639 Don't bother with a re-write, man. Take it direct. Ready? 1419 01:45:11,720 --> 01:45:13,639 "As day breaks over the murder house,." 1420 01:45:13,720 --> 01:45:16,099 "Norma Desmond, famous star of yesteryear," 1421 01:45:16,180 --> 01:45:19,139 "is in a state of complete mental shock." 1422 01:45:19,230 --> 01:45:20,869 "A curtain of silence seems to have fallen around her..." 1423 01:45:20,890 --> 01:45:22,499 [ CAPTAIN ] You don't deny having killed this man, Miss Desmond? 1424 01:45:22,520 --> 01:45:23,836 "She sits in the silken boudoir of her house..." 1425 01:45:23,860 --> 01:45:25,069 Just answer me that! 1426 01:45:25,150 --> 01:45:26,979 Was it a sudden quarrel? 1427 01:45:27,070 --> 01:45:29,989 Had you ever had any trouble between you before? 1428 01:45:30,070 --> 01:45:33,239 If it was a quarrel, how come this gun was right there? 1429 01:45:33,320 --> 01:45:36,579 This guy, where did you meet him for the first time? 1430 01:45:36,660 --> 01:45:38,499 Where did he come from? Who is he? 1431 01:45:38,580 --> 01:45:42,669 Did you hate him? Had you ever thought of doing something like this before? 1432 01:45:42,750 --> 01:45:45,839 Was theft involved? Did you catch him trying to steal something? 1433 01:45:45,920 --> 01:45:47,709 Or find he had stolen something? 1434 01:45:47,800 --> 01:45:49,549 The newsreel men are here with the cameras. 1435 01:45:49,630 --> 01:45:53,639 DETECTIVE: Tell them to go fly a kite! This is no time for cameras. 1436 01:45:53,720 --> 01:45:57,259 Now, Miss Desmond, is there anything you want to tell us? 1437 01:45:58,890 --> 01:46:00,179 Cameras? 1438 01:46:03,020 --> 01:46:04,689 What is it, Max? 1439 01:46:09,150 --> 01:46:11,899 - The cameras have arrived. - They have? 1440 01:46:12,990 --> 01:46:15,909 Tell Mr. DeMille I'll be on the set at once. 1441 01:46:16,320 --> 01:46:17,869 What is this? 1442 01:46:22,330 --> 01:46:24,539 Well, it's one way to get her downstairs. 1443 01:46:24,620 --> 01:46:25,879 Mmm-hmm. 1444 01:46:26,540 --> 01:46:31,299 Let's have the car right outside. Okay. 1445 01:46:33,050 --> 01:46:36,389 - Everything will be ready, Madame. - Thank you, Max. 1446 01:46:37,300 --> 01:46:41,219 You'll pardon me, gentlemen, but I must get ready for my scene. 1447 01:46:43,140 --> 01:46:45,540 [ MAN 1 ] What's happening up there? [ WOMAN ] Any statement? 1448 01:46:45,564 --> 01:46:47,753 - [ MAN 2 ] Why did she do it? - Ls there a confession? 1449 01:46:48,110 --> 01:46:50,979 - Everything set up, gentlemen? - Just about. 1450 01:46:51,110 --> 01:46:53,319 - Lights ready? - All set. 1451 01:47:05,830 --> 01:47:06,830 [ OFFICER ] Okay, fellas. 1452 01:47:06,880 --> 01:47:09,169 [ REPORTERS CLAMORING ] 1453 01:47:11,500 --> 01:47:13,629 [ MAX ] Quiet, everybody! 1454 01:47:16,380 --> 01:47:17,639 Lights! 1455 01:47:22,350 --> 01:47:24,559 Are you ready, Norma? 1456 01:47:26,390 --> 01:47:30,359 What is the scene? Where am I? 1457 01:47:33,490 --> 01:47:36,909 This is the staircase of the palace! 1458 01:47:38,370 --> 01:47:41,199 Oh, yes, yes... 1459 01:47:42,040 --> 01:47:44,999 Down below, they're waiting for the princess. 1460 01:47:47,870 --> 01:47:49,419 I'm ready. 1461 01:47:50,210 --> 01:47:54,049 All right. Cameras! Action! 1462 01:47:57,510 --> 01:48:01,219 [ GILLIS ] So they were turning after all, those cameras. 1463 01:48:03,060 --> 01:48:08,269 Life, which can be strangely merciful, had taken pity on Norma Desmond. 1464 01:48:09,810 --> 01:48:15,069 The dream she had clung to so desperately had enfolded her. 1465 01:48:43,640 --> 01:48:46,769 I can't go on with the scene. I'm too happy! 1466 01:48:48,270 --> 01:48:52,149 Mr. DeMille, would you mind if I say a few words? Thank you. 1467 01:48:53,150 --> 01:48:55,979 I just want to tell you all how happy I am to be back in the studio, 1468 01:48:56,070 --> 01:48:58,359 making a picture again! 1469 01:48:58,450 --> 01:49:01,819 You don't know how much I've missed all of you. 1470 01:49:01,910 --> 01:49:04,579 And I promise you, I'll never desert you again! 1471 01:49:04,660 --> 01:49:08,999 Because after Salome, we'll make another picture and another picture! 1472 01:49:09,330 --> 01:49:12,999 You see, this is my life! It always will be! 1473 01:49:13,630 --> 01:49:18,299 There's nothing else. Just us and the cameras 1474 01:49:19,420 --> 01:49:24,099 and those wonderful people out there in the dark. 1475 01:49:25,560 --> 01:49:28,769 All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up.