Latest / Chicago / Act I

Transcript

Act I · Chicago

0:00
Act one of Chicago by Maureen Watkins. This is a LibriVox recording. All
0:07
LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer,
0:13
please visit LibriVox dot org. Act one, Sunday afternoon, two days later,
0:21
Woman's Ward of the Cook County Jail, Chicago. While the curtain is
0:26
still down, there is heard, in heavily accented tones, the salvation Army,
0:33
be not dismayed. What air betide, God will take care of you.
0:38
Beneath his wondrous love. Abide, God will take care of you.
0:43
The curtain rises slowly on a large room flanked on each side left and right
0:49
with tiny white bunk rooms equipped with cot, washstand, and chair. The
0:56
rear wall is a huge double iron screen at which the prisoners receive their friends
1:02
and relatives on visiting days in it. At the extreme left is a double
1:07
locked door that opens into the hall. Around the elevator shaft. There's a
1:14
small stand table and a few straight chairs. At the right of this door
1:19
a long white enameled table with chairs on either side. Down the center of
1:25
the room, a stairway invisible at the right rear leads up to the women's
1:32
recreation and lounging room. Roxy sits at the center table. She wears a
1:38
jade green satin dress, sleeveless nude hose decorated with turquoise ribbon garters, and
1:45
black velvet pumps. She is pale minus rouge powder and lipstick. There is
1:52
a box of cigarettes by her side, and she smokes like mad, straightforward,
1:57
honest, smoking with a pree inhalation now and then. The table is
2:02
stacked with newspapers and the floor strewn with discarded sheets. Missus Morton, the
2:09
matron, in dark dress with large white apron, sits across from her with
2:15
scissors ready to clip any bit. Roxy designates she's a stalwart woman of fifty
2:22
or so with iron gray hair, dark eyes with flabby lids, ruddy complexion,
2:29
and weak mouth. Another woman lounges in a low rocker, a dark,
2:35
quiet woman in the late thirties with smooth sallowed features, large dreamy eyes,
2:40
and full lips that have a dipsomaniacal droop. She moves with studied languor
2:47
and her voice is soft and low. She wears a heavy, dull crape
2:53
dress and topaz earrings that match a certain tawny gleam in her smoldering eyes.
3:00
She is engrossed in the society sheet while Roxy pours over the news sections.
3:07
The voices of the singers several rooms away ring out, fresh and clear with
3:13
a syncopation. Jazz can't touch. God will take care of you through all
3:19
the day or all the way. He will take care of you. God
3:24
will take care of you. Roxy casually as she hands missus Morton another paper
3:30
to clip. Then yesterday must have been his day off. Matron puzzled.
3:37
What I just said. God wasn't on the job at the inquest or I
3:42
wouldn't have landed here. The music starts up again. Say does that keep
3:46
up all day? Just an hour or so? It's the Salvation Army.
3:52
The men likes to hear him. I'll have him close the doors, gets
3:55
up and goes to the door with them squawkin', and the radio stares,
4:00
tuning in to why a Meetin's health talks and sermons as Matron is out of
4:04
earshot. This is a hell of a joint Sunday here, and not a
4:10
drop a licker in the house. Velma looks up in ready sympathy. That's
4:15
the hardest thing to get used to, gives a little shiver and takes another
4:19
cigarette. Smoking helps some Roxy as Matron returns Look Look, gives a squeal
4:28
of delight and points to page whole page of pictures. Odd, Why it's
4:34
just like I was president or something beautiful, Roxy Heart the jazz slayer,
4:42
Roxy in her attorney, Roxy and her husband gives a gasp of surprise.
4:48
For the lover My Diary, the little book to which she told her secrets.
4:56
Can you beat it? Only you and I diary? No how much
5:00
we love him, Say, who do you suppose wrote that stuff? You
5:04
ought to see the real one, Velma darkly, they've got it all right,
5:11
no sense of honor. Reporters broke into my apartment the night I left
5:15
and stole a whole suitcase of letters, valuable letters, letters for men who
5:20
loved me. She is overcome with emotion and a diagram of the apartment.
5:28
My god, see the spot marked X points with satisfaction. That's where he
5:34
fell, the dirty piker, Matron reprovingly, sh deary mustn't talk like that
5:43
to Velma. She ain't seen her lawyer yet. Well, he was scornfully
5:48
one of these wise guys that wants to be a daddy on sixty a week
5:53
can keep a family on the side. But I called him, all right,
5:58
I know virtuously, I never hear a man's being killed, but I
6:01
know he got just what was comin to him. But you mustn't say it.
6:05
What's your defense? Roxy, shrilly defense? Do you think I'd let
6:12
a guy hold out on me like that? But you can't tell the jury
6:15
that, Oh can't I it's just like divorce. The reason don't count.
6:21
It's the ground. Well if that ain't grounds, but it's got to be
6:26
according to law, dearie, like he threatened or attacked you or something.
6:30
Roxy to Velma, what's yours mine? Why I didn't do it? Then?
6:36
Who did? There was just you and him in the room? I'm
6:41
sure I don't know. I was drunk, my dear dead, drunk,
6:45
passed out completely and remembered nothing from the time we left the cafe till the
6:48
officers found me washing the blood from my hands. But I'm sure I didn't
6:53
do it. Why I've the tenderest heart in the world, haven't I,
6:58
missus Morton? Oh she has indeed, and wouldn't hurt a worm Tremolo,
7:04
Not even a worm is being drunk grounds. Now, don't you worry,
7:11
dearie. Billy Flynn will take care of all that. He's coming this afternoon,
7:15
matron wisely, he'll fix you up, all right. They don't make
7:20
him any smarter than Billy. What he don't know about juries and women.
7:25
A roll of her eyes intimates that the Britannica is a tyro. He's the
7:30
best in the city except mister Hussler Matron hastily. Criminal lawyers, I mean,
7:38
Roxy quickly to Velma, ain't yours criminal? Oh dear no, he's
7:44
doing this just for me. Divorces his line. He's handled all of my
7:50
cases my family attorney lips brows languidly, very exclusive. Roxy to men is
8:01
mine exclusive, Velma laughs scornfully. Billy Matron hastily, Yes, in his
8:11
way, Yes, and he'll give you a pretty trial. Well, he
8:13
ought to for five thousand dollars. My, that's a lot of money,
8:18
but it's worth it. A cheap one could do it, all right.
8:22
Why with your looks, you don't need a lawyer at all. But it's
8:26
a satisfaction to know it'll be done right. That's what I said when I
8:30
buried my husband. Roxy expectantly did you kill your suicide? It was I
8:37
went in debt, but I had all the trimmings. Never skimp on a
8:41
funeral or a trial, especially a murder trial. Do it right, finishes
8:45
clipping and counts the columns. There five, eight, twelve, seventeen columns,
8:52
and twenty three pictures. Besides all them they got this morning. Roxy
8:58
takes one and reads with pleasure. Roxy Heart, the prettiest woman ever charged
9:03
with murder in Cook County, was held to the grand jury. Um runs
9:09
on down column, smiled and cast coquettish glances from pansy eyes, half hid
9:16
by her purple turban breaks off in anger. Can you beat it? I
9:22
never wore a turban in my life? To Velma, why I'd look as
9:26
old as you? Velma affably, yes, you gotta have chick for a
9:33
turban. Roxy glares, but has no answer. They're awful, dumb reporters,
9:39
never get anything right. Roxy continues reading beije hose topped with turquoise.
9:45
Garters say they don't miss a trick. Garters, what next? And rouged
9:52
knees that Warren Dan Pennington to look to her laurels. Well, it's the
9:56
last rouge they'll see for some time. Think Evan's eye can stand it,
10:01
but it must be hard on people who are old or sallow. What's the
10:05
big idea anyway? Shuttin down on make up matron apologetically, it's the rules,
10:13
dearie. I don't know why, but you'll get it for the trial,
10:15
all right, Oh my, it's going to be a real pleasure to
10:18
do you. Roxy takes up another clipping. The wife of the dead man
10:24
sat with bowed head during the inquest. Say you ought to see her and
10:30
the clothes she wore. They ought to run our pictures together and call it
10:35
why men leave home? She must be all of forty. Heent fat men
10:41
like em round, but not fat. No pep, no life. While
10:46
I'm always rarin to go, continues reading. But the jazz slayer showed neither
10:52
grief nor remorse, powdered her nose and registered calm amusement. Velma bitterly you
11:00
ought to cried and took on a lot. They rased me the same way.
11:05
Well, it's only the papers and the juries all you care about,
11:07
and thank god they're men. Roxy flings down the clippings and springs up in
11:13
rage. A nasty little cat on the Ledger calls me knock kneed, I'll
11:20
scratch her eyes out, matron in alarm. Oh, dearie, you mustn't
11:24
get them down on you treat them nice and well. They can't print lies
11:28
about me, Oh can't they? If you think you've had a raw deal,
11:33
tell her, missus Morton. It's terrible the things they wrote. Made
11:37
fun of my jewels, Yes they did, said my diamond sparkled like reel,
11:43
like reel and honest to God. Three carrot from my second husband,
11:48
mister Fayley, you know him, the clothes manufacturer, and my emerald and
11:54
platinum bracelet, a divorce present from my first and my pearls real Japanese pearls.
12:01
And your coat, don't forget your coat, velma. A genuine Eastern
12:05
mink, mind you. And they called it weasel. It was his mister
12:11
Clap's last gift to me before he passed away. Roxy bewildered, your husband,
12:20
such a generous man, wonderful to me, more like a friend than
12:24
a husband. That very night, just before he went to his reward,
12:31
he offered me two hundred a week alimony. I had just started my divorce,
12:35
you know, Oh, my dear didn't you see that. All the
12:39
papers had it, with pictures of me and everything. And I said to
12:41
him, no, Clarence, you're too generous. I won't take it.
12:46
Quite firmly, I said it a hundred yes, or maybe one hundred and
12:50
fifty, and not over one seventy five at the most triumphantly. Now in
12:56
the face of that, is it likely I do what they say I did?
13:01
Would I trade an offer like that for a measly ten thousand insurance cigarette?
13:07
Roxy holds up an empty box and Velma goes to the stairs Matron indignantly,
13:13
which the company won't pay. Think of them holding out on her like
13:16
that? Oh what women suffers from men? But she must have killed him
13:22
for the papers, all said Matron severely. Now listen, dearie, if
13:28
you're going to believe what the papers say, you'll be suspicious of everybody here,
13:31
including yourself. You'll get along better if you just forget all that and
13:35
take each one as they come. That's my motto. And as for Velma,
13:39
she's a pleasure to have around, no fightin', no ugly language,
13:43
refined and genteel, A real lady if I ever saw one, and classy.
13:46
All the papers say she's the dressiest one we've ever had. She don't
13:50
look like Ashiba to me. She must be forty and dark and skinny.
13:56
Men like em slim but not skinny. Matron with quick diplomacy, Well,
14:03
of course she ain't got your looks, Oh my no, but she is
14:05
a lady, uses black Narcissu's perfume and never makes her bed. Roxy with
14:11
a regretful glance at her bunk, I thought you had to. She hires
14:16
Lucilla, who's Lucia. Velma returns with cigarettes, that Italian woman who chopped
14:24
her husband's head off while the starboarder held him down, And she wasn't even
14:28
drunk, my dear, not a drop, Matron reproachfully, now, dearie,
14:33
you mustn't be narrow minded in explanation to Roxy, she's waiting a new
14:39
trial. They gave her fourteen years, but there's something wrong with the indictment
14:43
or other. Anyhow, here she is, and she does Velma's laundry.
14:46
I'll get her too, and I won't make my bed either. I'm just
14:50
as good as Matron. Hastily sure you are, both of you, Velma
14:58
languidly. I've had everything done for me roxy recklessly. So have I everything
15:07
a maide to bring in my breakfast? Really? Oh? Yes, breakfast
15:11
in bed every morning. Well, you gotta get up for you breakfast,
15:16
that's rules. But you can have it brought in from woosters just around the
15:20
corner. Anything you want. Only twenty dollars a week and we'll all three
15:24
eat together. Song is heard again as the army conducts its lively questionnaire.
15:30
Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in
15:35
the blood of the lamb? There appears at the end of the corridor with
15:39
scrubbing brush and bucket, a small, wiry woman of forty or so,
15:45
with a straggly mop of hair that is the weird color left by many peroxides.
15:50
Her eyes are washed out blue with now and then a wild fanatic gleam.
15:58
Her mouth is broad fill with a fascinating mixture of natural and artificial teeth.
16:03
There are deep wrinkles, almost cuts around her mouth and eyes. She
16:10
puts down her bucket and stands surveying the women. Suddenly she bursts into wild
16:17
shrieks of mirthless uncontagious laughter. Shriek, She bends double shriek. She advances
16:25
toward them. Liz gasp. Oh, it's so funny, so funny.
16:33
She's off again now, Liz. Liz gives Matron a reassuring little pat.
16:38
Oh, no, I'm not. Don't you worry now. To others,
16:42
it's just so funny. Starts again on a wild spasm of laughter. Hush
16:52
or I'll tell God on you. Liz subsides instantly. Oh, you wouldn't
16:57
do that, would you? Missus Morton? Cause it is funny. What's
17:00
funny? The three of us? You? Her? She points a skinny
17:06
egzamud hand toward Velma and me, all here together. They call you the
17:10
prettiest, her the stylishest, and me the queer one. We've all got
17:14
our tags so folks will know us. We've come different roads. Mine's a
17:18
long and hard one. It might have been different once, just once,
17:22
but I went into a far country, goes on in the sing song call
17:26
of the revivalist, Oh gott oh, gott oh God to Velma, yours
17:32
might have two several times you could have turned off, but dancing feet find
17:36
sorrow to Roxy, and you took a short cut. That's all. What
17:41
are you talking about? She's off? Don't mind her go on away,
17:45
Liz. She thinks I'm crazy. I am sometimes, but when I ain't,
17:51
her eyes flashed triumphantly. I got more censinnati of you. And right
17:56
now I ain't. I'm God's messenger, That's what I am. Oh my,
18:00
she's awful when she starts on that, Liz gaily And here we are,
18:07
now, the three of us. To Velma. You killed your husband
18:11
for his insurance to Roxy, and you put a bullet in your lever when
18:15
he got tired of you. That's a lie. He's dirty. Don't argue.
18:18
It just makes her worse. And I shot Jim because he her voice
18:23
sinks to a hoarse whisper, laughed because he wouldn't marry you. Liz decidedly
18:30
alert again. Nope, I'd asked him lots of times. We've been living
18:34
in sin for seven years, years of the Locust. But this time he
18:40
laughed quietly, and I shot him. There was a candle sin on the
18:45
floor, you know. The Good Book says not to hide your light under
18:48
a bushel, and he fell right by it, and I knelt beside him
18:52
and prayed look out for them. That's all is reading the Bible and praying
18:57
something's wrong. Someplace. Liz back in the revivalist character again. And here
19:03
we are staying with the blood that only the lamb of God can cleanse.
19:07
Murder esses, murder esses, Shut up, you fool. You're not that
19:15
unless you're convicted. Oh yes you are. It. Don't take no trial.
19:19
I was a murderous the minute Jim fell. God judged me then right
19:23
then I can see him. Now. Her eyes grow glassy and her voice
19:30
is shrill in horror. Sit there on his throne gives a wild shriek.
19:36
Matron rises and takes her by the arm. Come on, now, that's
19:40
enough out of you upstairs, now go along, takes her, shrieking to
19:45
the stairs. Well that's a cheerful, little playmate. What's her defense?
19:49
Insanity is beIN crazy grounds? Velma nods. It may mean the asylum,
19:57
and besides it's so embarrassing. Matron returns with a pack of cards from table.
20:04
Thank god, there ain't many like her. Well, girls, what
20:07
about a hand to Roxy? Are you good at bridge? Better at poker?
20:12
Oh no, Dearie, Bridge is all we play Penny a point.
20:17
The bell rings and she goes to answer. She always wins from you,
20:22
maybe, but watch little Roxy the girl gambler. All right, but I
20:29
warned you warned me. Oh you mean I've got to let her win suit
20:34
yourself. Well, I'll be damned. Matron calls from door. It's your
20:41
husband, missus Hart. Roxy springs up. Did he bring my clothes?
20:45
Reaches for the battered suitcase. The matron holds, I'll have to look at
20:49
him first to be sure there's nothing concealed, returns to table, followed by
20:55
Roxy. Ain't you gonna talk to him? Roxy looks blank. They're at
21:00
the screen. Velma bitterly to Roxy, that's your reception room. You play
21:07
peekaboo through the bars. Roxy to matron, who's inspecting the clothes? Leave
21:11
out the purple bengalein if goes to screen, Amos, did you bring the
21:17
purple bengalen? Evidently he answers, but the words are undistinguishable. My god,
21:25
can't you do nothing right? Terrible? Locked up all night in one
21:30
of them sartine boxes, and I have to wash in cold water. What
21:33
the hell are you walking the floor about? You got it easy? Well,
21:37
I'm locked up here with God's messenger. There's a flash and explosion outside.
21:44
The cameramen have their picture of Amos at the screen. Matron hurries to
21:48
the door. It's them, blame photographers. Roxy and Velma preen for pictures.
21:56
Now boys, none of that. Babe outside, Hello, missus Morton,
22:00
I got my ticket, all right. Matron nods toward Amos, but
22:06
not him. It's against the rules, you know that, mister Maloney relatives
22:10
is never allowed inside. But just for a little picture. Have a heart,
22:15
Missus Morton. Justice once the first day, you know, with you
22:19
here beside him. Matron opens the door and Babe enters, followed by Amos.
22:26
Come on, Obadiah, what amos all right? Amos? Velma goes
22:32
upstairs. At a nod from Matron, Babe blows Roxy a kiss and starts
22:37
to set up camera. Amos makes a dash for Roxy, who starts to
22:41
match his ardor but sees the camera is not quite ready. Roxy, my
22:48
wife, Wait a minute, Wait a minute, how did they treat you?
22:52
My god? Just remember this. Strides up and down, glaring fiercely.
22:56
I ain't gonna have my wife. Matron dangles keys. Look here,
23:02
young man out you go. Don't mind him. They dropped him when he's
23:06
a baby to Amos, keep your clothes on, habakuk she's sitting pretty and
23:11
having the time of her young life, all for nothing. For nothing,
23:15
say, boy, you've been reading the wrong ticker. Now hold him again,
23:21
hart as you were. Amos and Roxy resume stiff embrace. That's right,
23:26
face the camera and smile, just a little smile. Flash bang.
23:32
Now you here at the table, clears it of papers. Ain't you the
23:36
lucky girl though? With all these pictures? And you can thank your stars.
23:40
You're in Chicago, where the poor workin. Girl's got a chance.
23:44
In New York, now you gotta be a millionaire to make front page.
23:48
You could shoot up the whole town and nobody gives a damn unless you're in
23:51
the social register. Roxy flounces down on top of the table, crossing her
23:56
feet. That's right, we want them million dollar knees more. She lifts
24:02
skirt just a little more. Flash bang done, gathers up equipment, and
24:08
I won't see you no more's sister till the judgment day so long. Matron
24:14
lets him out. Roxy at table with Amos. All right, then I'll
24:19
eat with the wops and niggers. Amos thundering, Now you don't, My
24:26
wife will have the best there is twenty a week hell, what's that I
24:32
got a raise fifty five? Now? My god? Sure the boss has
24:37
been swell to me, offered me a week's vacation, and when I got
24:40
back from the inquest, the whole office crowded around and shook hands with me
24:44
and wished me luck. Well, it's just because you're my husband. You'd
24:48
be nobody if it wasn't for me. Amos indignantly, it's because I'm sticking
24:56
by you. I guess there's not many guys would do it. Well,
24:59
whatever where it is, you got to raise out of it, didn't you.
25:02
And I've got to have money for laundry and making beds and cigarettes,
25:07
and you know how a penny a point counts up. Say, look here,
25:11
Roxy, shrilly, do you want me to look like a cheapskate before
25:15
all these people? All right, all right, there's plenty of money in
25:21
the world, you know, and you ain't got no corner on it.
25:25
God, why did I ever marry you? Amos takes out wallet and begins
25:30
counting bills. We'll ten do yes, twenty gives a generous grab for the
25:37
money. Amos in alarm. Yeah, what about me? My god?
25:42
Can't you think of nothing but yourself. The bell rings, and there is
25:47
heard outside a rich voice, hypnotic in its suggestive power, with a minor
25:52
undertone that's Gaelic. Well well, missus Morton. He enters our hero counsel
26:02
for the defense, Billy Flynn. He's a little man like Napoleon, and
26:07
he carries himself with the corporal's air, a magnificent iron gray mane with a
26:12
forelock. He tugs at to convey the impression of thought, or tosses back
26:18
now and then to reveal. The cesarean brow. The eyes are deep set
26:23
and keen. The nose starts out to be Semitic, but ends with an
26:29
Irish tilt. The mouth is broad without being generous, and the jaw is
26:36
pugilistic. He is dressed with careful carelessness, tweed topcoat and Fedora pepper and
26:44
salt sack suit, blue shirt with soft collar and striped necktie with golden horseshoe.
26:51
He buys on Michigan Boulevard, but follows the style of West Chicago.
26:56
A millionaire would know his tailor, but a bricklay would feel comfortably that his
27:02
Sunday clothes beat Billy's matron. In a note of tragedy. Oh, mister
27:07
Flynn. The photographer's just gone. Oh, that's all right. He got
27:11
me downstairs. The husband's here too, good, just the man I want
27:18
to see. She goes down the corridor at the left and he stalks by
27:23
Roxy without a word or look straight to her husband. Well, heart,
27:30
amos turns and what about me, Amos? Grandly have a chair. Flynn
27:37
ignores invitation and repeats, and what about me? Hi, I I didn't
27:45
do quite as well as I hoped. No, but I will all right.
27:51
I will take certificates, books, et cetera. From pocket. Here's
27:56
five hundred on my insurance. Roxy, shrilly cashing your insurance? Not much,
28:02
you don't, that's mine. Flynn's hand reaches it first. That makes
28:07
a thousand, yes, sir, and three hundred that I borrowed. Gives
28:12
it to Flynn, and seven hundred out of the building and loan two thousand
28:19
and and that's all I got so far. Flynn watching him keenly. What
28:26
about her father? I phoned him yesterday, long distance, and he'll probably
28:33
raise some later. Flynn bites his cigar and snaps out his words with an
28:37
ugly look. You damned liar, I phoned him too last night, and
28:44
he told me just what he told you, that she went to hell six
28:48
years ago and she could stay there forever. Before he'd spend one cent to
28:52
get her out. Roxy to Amos, I told you not to try him.
28:57
Now. I don't get a damn. Where you get the money?
29:02
That's your problem? Beg it, borrow it anyway. I'll pay you twenty
29:07
a week. And where do I come in? Your big stiff? What
29:11
about me? Shut up you, Roxy subsides. I give you notes with
29:15
interest, double t every cent. No, you don't none of that installment
29:22
stuff. I wouldn't be bothered with your chicken feed. I play square hort,
29:27
dead square. When you come to me yesterday, I didn't say is
29:33
she innocent? Is she guilty? Will it be an easy case or a
29:37
hard one? Nothing like that, now, did I? No? I
29:41
said, have you got five thousand dollars? And you said yes, eyes
29:48
him in contempt, you dirty liar. And I took your case and I'll
29:53
keep it, but you're rot in jail before I bring it to trial.
29:59
Roxy angrily to Amos. See what you've done, you big amos, trying
30:04
to be nonchalant. You needn't worry about your money. You get it all
30:10
right, Flynn in well simulated rage, Get out, get out, and
30:15
don't come near me again till you've got three thousand in your fist. Well,
30:21
so long. Roxy starts to kiss her, but she pushes him away.
30:26
Can the soft stuff see you Thursday? And don't forget my dinner now
30:32
from Wooster's PDQ. Amos goes slowly, and she softens her tone as she
30:37
turns to the lawyer. Listen, you didn't mean what you said about delay
30:41
in my case, did you. Flynn takes a cigar and doesn't answer.
30:47
Couldn't I pay you? Flynn, unconcerned that depends on your bank account,
30:53
Roxy softly laying her hand on his arm. I mean, couldn't we be
31:00
friends? Flynn vigorously. Good, You've got that out of your system.
31:08
Now listen, I'm not interested in your looks, your age, your sex,
31:14
nothing except as it affects the case. You mean just one thing to
31:18
me, five thousand dollars. Get that. Roxy takes the slap, philosophically,
31:25
lights a cigarette, re seats herself on the table. Suit yourself,
31:30
but if you change your mind, forget it, draws up chair and goes
31:34
on in business like tone. Now that sob sister from the evening Star is
31:40
coming Mary Sunshine, and the woman from the ledger, I won't see her.
31:45
You've talked so much you can't stop now. Grimly, if you tell
31:51
enough lies, they're bound to forget. If you but not her, I'll
31:55
be damned if I do, Flynn pleasantly, you'll be hanged if you don't.
32:00
And by the way, pipe down on that swearing. What we've got
32:05
to do now is go out for sympathy through the press. The story of
32:08
your life starts tomorrow in the Star. From convent to jail. What my
32:15
secretary's riding it this afternoon? Sign with your name, of course, Gee
32:21
an authoress, beautiful southern home, every luxury and refinement. She listens with
32:28
interest. Parents dead, educated at the sacred Heart, fortune swept away,
32:35
runaway marriage severely. You're a lovely, innocent child, bewildered by what has
32:40
happened. Young, full of life, lonely, you were caught up by
32:45
the mad whirl of a great city. She gives a red hot picture of
32:49
a cabaret life. That jazz stuff is always good, and you were drawn
32:53
inevitably like a moth to the flame. Roxy drinks it in open mouthed,
33:00
And now the mad whirl has ceased, a butterfly crushed on the wheel,
33:04
and you sob with remorse for the life you have taken. Oh God,
33:09
cut out, God, stay where you're better acquainted, and don't overdo it.
33:15
Go as far as you like. With Merry Sunshine, she'll swallow,
33:17
hook line and sinker, for that's what she wants. But easy with the
33:22
Ledger Woman. The important thing is regret. You're sorry. Sorry, you'd
33:28
give your life gladly to bring him back. Roxy drops pose, Say why
33:34
did I do it? What's my defense? Was I drunk or crazy?
33:38
Flynn shakes head. Nobody cares about a lunatic unless they've got money. Whenever
33:45
they ask why, all you remember is a fearful quarrel. He threatened to
33:50
kill you. You can see him coming towards you with an awful look in
33:53
his eyes, that wild look. And get this now, you both grabbed
33:59
for the gun. See self defense. Whatever else we weave in afterwards,
34:05
that's there from the start. You've spent a sleepless night tossing about, walking
34:09
the floor. The bell rings and Flynn looks down the corridor, here's Sunshine
34:15
now, with a look of dismay at Roxy's brilliant garb. Oh my god,
34:22
that dress, Roxy resentfully, what's the matter with it? You ought
34:27
to have something simple, plain dark. Wait a minute, dashes to suitcase
34:31
and waves a black dress at him. How's this? Flynn nods mmm,
34:37
and slip down your hair as she starts off, and don't forget regret remorse,
34:45
I got you and we both grabbed for the gun. She runs lightly
34:50
upstairs with the dress clasped in her arms, as the matron admits Mary Sunshine,
34:55
who is really Pollyanna's older sister. She a soulful, semi blonde with
35:01
protruding front teeth and adnoids, who talks with a slightly affected lisp and boundless
35:07
enthusiasm. Flynn holds out a hand but doesn't rise. Well, here she
35:15
is, Sunshine herself. Nice little store you had last night. Isn't this
35:21
wonderful? You're just the person I want to see. How is she today?
35:25
Flynn shakes his head gravely. Oh, terrible strain, terrible strain.
35:32
But she's a brave little woman. Oh. I heels so sorry for her
35:37
when I think of all she must have gone through. To be driven to
35:42
a step like that only a woman can understand. But she has everyone's sympathy
35:47
that will help her in this awful hour. Fumbles in bag and brings out
35:52
a handful of telegrams and letters. We're paying ten dollars a day for the
35:58
best letter, you know, and some of these are just too lovely.
36:01
I cried and cried over this one. Hands him letter on pink paper with
36:07
purple ink. Flynn reads, gravely, quoting a line now and then the
36:13
old heartbreaking story there but for the grace of God go I and and the
36:19
woman always pays true, true. And here's one that's just darling from five
36:25
college boys. And they club together and send her a huge box of roses
36:30
and lilies. Isn't that sweet? It's too bad they won't let her have
36:34
flowers. There are eight boxes downstairs. Now, Matron comes in from corridor,
36:39
followed by Jake. Just run on up miss Sunshine, Oh may,
36:45
I goes on upstairs. Jake waves friendly salute to Flynn and smiles cynically after
36:52
Sunshine, Little Sunshine gathering tears. Nice little story this morning, Jake.
36:59
Jake pulls up chair. Used your name six times, Flynn takes flask and
37:06
poor s drink. Yeah, nice little story. Jake drinks anything new,
37:12
Flynn shakes head. Indictment tomorrow, of course, drinks bail bail. Hell
37:20
no, they ain't even got money from me. The fine case you got
37:24
me, Jake grins. We'll charge it up to publicity. You'll get enough.
37:30
Oh no, Henry, I like to see my name in print,
37:35
all right, but it don't take the place of the little old dollar cash
37:37
and advance. And so far this guy hasn't scraped up at two thousand.
37:43
Say why not a sale? Sale? Sure, an auction. They got
37:49
four rooms of junk, secondhand furniture, don't bring enough to but look whose
37:53
it is. You should have seen him at Muldoon's furniture, books, clothes,
38:00
everything at triple prices, and he was nothing but a garage quick fake.
38:04
Another PONSI while this girl in Chicago's latest slayer? Or was the last
38:08
time I found the office? Flynn thoughtfully, Hmmm, that's not a bad
38:15
idea, Jake indignantly, it's the best of lade on the South Street.
38:21
If her stuff's paid for, call her down, Flynn bellows at foot of
38:24
stair. Missus Hart Roxy, why they'll go wild at the chance they want
38:30
to take up drink out of by a real live murderiss And of course if
38:36
she dies by the process of law, the value is enhanced. He could
38:39
use a car load of underwear and patrol the records. I'll kill a chicken
38:44
over him. Think of owning the record. She played while the boyfriend ly
38:49
Die slaps Flynn on the back. Great stuff, Billy, great stuff.
38:54
Go do it, kid, if you can raise my three thousand, Roxy
38:59
enters. She wears a black dress, yes, but sleeveless, with huge
39:04
scarlet flower on one shoulder and hula hula skirt of red fringe. Her hair,
39:09
glistening from a wet brush, lies smooth like a medieval saint's, and
39:15
she turns sad eyes from Flynn to Jake. Jake excitedly, see is it
39:22
pay for your furniture? Roxy drops the sad pose and flops into a chair.
39:28
My god, are they coming here? Tell them they got the wrong
39:31
party, that I'm out, That that gives up? Can you beat it?
39:37
No respect for grief at all? Oh hell, I used to hang
39:43
crepe on the door, but it never worked. More than once. Jake
39:47
rallies to Flynn Oh, well, what's a few hundred to Roxy. Listen,
39:53
kid, We're going to have an auction and sell off your things.
39:58
Roxy sits up like kell you are, Flynn coolly like hell, we are.
40:04
Well, there's not enough to pay you, even if hastily. My
40:08
things are grand, perfectly grand. But you'd never get what I paid for
40:13
him. Jake solemnly five times as much. She stares. He takes auctioneer
40:20
stand and holds up imaginary articles, the mirror of Mary Antoinette, Gary Nation's
40:25
hatchet, the bed of Roxy Heart. Why they're museum pieces, my dear,
40:31
Roxy squirms with delight. Museum pieces. Oh gee, sure you're famous.
40:39
Whither upperneck buses are already crying. Half a block your left is the
40:43
home of Roxy Heart, the beautiful jazz slayer. Roxy genuinely impressed. My
40:49
God, tell my husband, that, won't you. He thinks it's him,
40:53
and they're tearing up the shrubbery for souvenirs. Roxy with animation. There's
40:59
a lot of poker chips and cards that be cute for that, and little
41:02
ash trays that we use that night, Jake nodding and his last ashes.
41:08
Roxy gives a little cry. Oh and all my dresser things. Ohlaw,
41:15
yes, there's a fortune there. The crystal bottles, an adamizer. Jake
41:20
holds aloft, the mystic perfume that lured young Casey from his home. What
41:24
am I off at twenty thirty? The magic scent? I always use black
41:30
Narcissus and my jewels in honest to God, three carrot and a diamond and
41:36
platinum bracelet and pearls real Japanese pearls. Flynn alert to Jake, we'd better
41:44
keep them out. Jake nods and passing on to the wearing apparel Roxy firmly.
41:51
Wait, if I sell my clothes and you're going to the first five
41:54
hundred dollars goes to buy more, after my fee, after the furnisure people,
42:00
after nothing. It's my clothes, and it's because I wore them that
42:05
their museum pieces the first five hundred. My god, do you think I'm
42:10
a cubie? You will need a different get up for the trial. There's
42:15
a winter coat with carricle fur. Hell with your winter coat? How much
42:20
underwear have you got? Roxy beams, Oh, there's a closet full of
42:24
them, rose with fur all around it, and a green georg jet and
42:30
the blue you know the one I wore the night with triumphant look at Flynn.
42:36
We both grabbed for the gun, Jake regretfully. Unfortunately the blue estates
42:43
exhibed b and dozens and dozens of scurries to the suitcase. Here, take
42:50
these two, lays a few garments aside, then tosses rest back in case.
42:55
Take them all and bring me some new ones. Quick pausess herself a
43:00
reflective wriggle, then stoops and swiftly removes her garters. Jake waves them aloft,
43:07
bravo. You've read about him. Boys, Here they are. When
43:12
am I offered for the famous turquoise garters, breaks off in alarm as she
43:16
seems bent on further disapparelment. Stop, this is not strip poker. Roxy
43:23
straitens with dignity. I was only rolling my stockings. They drop to her
43:29
ankles and Jake retreats. Flynn with a look towards stair. Sunshine's coming.
43:37
Jake hastily grabs suitcase. Remember kit, this is my story. Roxy nods
43:44
the first five hundred. She sits at table rolling hose as they leave and
43:50
Sunshine comes down the stairs. Sunshine flutters in pauses a moment at the sight
43:54
of the curiously bent figure rolling hose then goes to her, My dear,
44:00
Oh my dear, what is it? Roxy lifts, sweet tragic face.
44:07
I've given all all that a woman can give, Sunshine grabs note book.
44:14
Yes, yes, you've given your all, And now the mad whirl is
44:17
over. A butterfly crushed on the wheel, you know, a butterfly moth
44:23
and the flame with that lovely wistful smile. Sunshine scribbles, and what caused
44:30
you to roxy? Sadly? With Lizz's mystic intonation? It might have been
44:37
different once, but dancing feet fine sorrow dancing, Uh jazz the Charleston,
44:45
shall we say the Charleston, missus hard? And uh drink? You had
44:51
been drinking Roxy with Velma's ease. Oh yes, I was drunk, my
44:58
dear, dead drunk. Oh lovely, lovely, My paper's dry? You
45:02
know, so you would advise girls to avoid jazz and drink? What else,
45:07
missus Hart? How did you happen to? Just why did you shoot?
45:14
Roxy grows dramatic? I was mad, crazy, insane, Oh dear
45:21
Roxy hastily not enough for the asylum, you know? Over with right away,
45:27
Sunshine nods temporary insanity, for I really have the tenderest heart in the
45:32
world. Wouldn't hurt a worm, not even with Velma's tremmelo a worm.
45:42
Sunshine sympathetically and what brought it on Roxy? Her eyes grow dark and her
45:49
emotion rises. He he threatened my life. What a terrible man, Oh,
45:55
he was very terrible. Matron enters with two monstrous baskets, one tied
46:02
with pink ribbon, which she places on the table and examines. It's your
46:07
supper two of them. Roxy looks blank. Two one from Woosters and a
46:13
fancy chicken dinner from someplace. With a note, Roxy opens and reads,
46:19
my heart and hand are at your feet. With you, my life would
46:22
be complete yours with pleasure. An unknown admirer poetry, hain't that romantic?
46:31
Sunshine takes note. I'll thank him for you through the paper. Roxy arranges
46:37
food. You might tell him too that I like Russian dressing. Shortcake say
46:45
he's a regular guy. Matron disappears with other basket. Roxy falls to eating
46:52
heartily, and Sunshine watches fascinated. They'll all be so glad to know you
46:57
can eat. Roxy stops short and resumes character. It's choking me every mouthful,
47:05
but I feel it's my duty. Oh it is. You must keep
47:08
your strength. Roxy forces herself to a more languid pace. The first bite
47:15
I've tasted since he went to his reward, presses handkerchief to her eyes.
47:22
Sunshine pats her hand. Dear missus Hart, Oh, if only I could
47:27
bring him back, How gladly, how gladly I'd give my own life.
47:32
Chokes with emotion, takes a few healthy bites and sleep. I can't sleep
47:38
either. All night I walked about, tossing the floor. Oh my dear
47:45
Roxy in hollow tone, always his face coming toward me. Her emotion rises
47:52
as she lives through it all with that terrible look, that wild look in
47:58
his eyes. Both grabbed for the gun. She reaches forth her hand and
48:04
clasps a roll of bread, and I shot dramatic pause to save my honor.
48:13
The Salvation Army starts up again. In the sweet by and bye,
48:17
we shall meet on that beautiful shore in the sweet by and by. Hein
48:22
it grand, the Salvation Army. I love to hear him. I'm awful
48:30
refined. You see, I was born in a convent. Continues talking and
48:36
eating while Sunshine writes as the curtain falls and Act one