"Four Rooms"
by
Allison Anders
Alexandre Rockwell
Robert Rodriguez
Quentin Tarantino
MAIN TITLES
As presentation credits begin, we hear Johnny Cash's "Home of the Blues."
Then we see Allison's name, under it Alex's, under that Robert's, under that
Quentin's, then under that the title logo for Four Rooms, followed by
"Starring Tim Roth as the Bellboy." Then "The Guests" listed in alphabetical
order of all the actors playing guests. After the actors' names, we . . .
FADE UP ON A WALL
The camera pans down a weathered wall covered with postcards from Miami
Beach, Florida, the Copacabana, N.Y.C., "Wish You Were Here" from Niagara Falls,
rickshaws and babes on beaches, etc . . . .
The camera comes to rest on an old photograph of a 1930s hotel, the "Mon
Signor," in its heyday, with a full staff of 30 people posed on the lawn in
front.
An old guy with a staccato voice delivers a monologue:
VOICE-OVER
There used to be a staff of fifty in this place. I'm the only
one left from those days. It all comes down to one sap: the
night-shift bellhop, that's me. What the hell is a bellhop?
You know where the name comes from?
(silence)
Of course not. . . . It's so simple it's stupid. They ring a
bell
and you hop. You hop to front and center. No heroes in this
line, kid. Just men doing a job. No questions asked, none
answered. I try to keep it simple, kid, not too personal. . .
.
Another voice of a young man interrupts.
TED
You met any of those old stars?
THE OLD GUY
Stars! Are you kidding me? I took Rin Tin Tin out for a
shit, for Christ's sakes. I taught Shirley Temple how to
roller-skate. I saw Fatty Arbuckle regurgitate three cheese
sandwiches right on the spot you're sitting, kid. What did
you say your name was?
TED
Ted.
THE OLD GUY
Ted, right. I remember Marilyn used to come down at night
and doze off in the kitchen. She liked the sound of the fans
out back spinning around. Sure, these were stars, kid. Errol
Flynn used to call me "Alibi." You'll pick up a few stories
yourself, kid.
TED
I don't think so, not like yours.
THE OLD GUY
What do you think a star does when he goes to the bathroom,
kid?
TED
Beats me.
THE OLD GUY
He pulls his pants down and takes a crap just like you and
me. Take my word for it.
A wisp of smoke passes over a napkin pinned to the wall with a lip print
on it signed "Marilyn." The camera pulls back to reveal Ted and the Old Guy
sitting on a foldout cot in a small back room of the Hotel Mon Signor. The old
man is dressed in a striped T-shirt with a bellhop's cap on. He looks like an
old pirate. Next to him on the bed sits Ted, a young guy with a bellhop jacket
draped over his knees. The old bellhop takes a long drag off a big cigar.
THE OLD GUY
Camacho!
TED
Who?
THE OLD GUY
The cigar. Cuban. A good cigar, wrapped in Miami. I get a
box of them every Christmas from the chairman of the
board. I think he sends them to me to keep my mouth shut.
It's tough not to get a little personal in this business.
The old bellhop takes a hit off his cigar and stares down at his cap,
lost in thought.
TED
What do you mean?
The old guy passes the cap over to Ted.
THE OLD GUY
Put it on.
Ted puts the cap on.
THE OLD GUY
Frankly, you look stupid . . . like the Philip Morris guy. I
can't believe I wore that thing for fifty years. You keep
it.
The Old Guy gets up from the bed and throws a jacket on. Pulls a few
postcards off the wall, throws them in an old straw suitcase, and slams the lid
down. He heads for the door. Ted follows.
THE OLD GUY
Stay away from night clerks, kids, hookers, and marital
disputes.
The Old Guy pauses for a second and looks Ted dead in the eye.
THE OLD GUY
Never have sex with the clientele.
TED
No way, not me. You got any other advice.
THE OLD GUY
Always get a tip.
The door slams shut on the back room.
INT. HOTEL LOBBY--TWILIGHT
The big empty lobby of the Mon Signor. You can tell that at one point
this used to be a swank place. It still is, kinda. It's also kinda decrepit. The
concierge--a snappy, fast-talking, red-haired young woman in a blue blazer named
Betty--stands behind the reception desk. The old man, suitcase in hand, makes a
beeline through the lobby, heading toward the front door. Betty sees him.
BETTY
Sam! Hey, Sam, wait a minute!
The Old Guy stops in his tracks and turns around.
THE OLD GUY
What?
Betty comes from behind the desk.
BETTY
I just want to say good-bye.
THE OLD GUY
Who are you?
BETTY
Uhhh, Betty. The concierge. Your boss.
The Old Guy squints his eyes at the young gal.
THE OLD GUY
Oh yeah. Gotta light, sister? Goddam cigar went out.
BETTY
Yeah, sure.
She speaks to the Old Guy as she lights his cigar and he puffs away.
BETTY
I just want you to know, from the owner and all the staff,
your fifty years of service have been an inspiration to us all.
You're a legend in your own time, and the Mon Signor will
never be the--
THE OLD GUY
Just forward my cigars, Red.
(He turns around the walks out, saying over his
shoulder)
Aufwiedersehen!
Betty is left standing in the lobby. Ted appears behind her in his
bellbody uniform, sans cap.
TED
Sam the bellboy. Now there was a man.
BETTY
Yeah. Oh, hi, Teddy. Ready to start the night shift?
TED
Yeah.
BETTY
Well, let me buy you a drink.
TED
You wanna buy me a drink? I'm starting my shift.
BETTY
You're not an alcoholic, are you; one drink won't kill you.
TED
Yeah, sure.
They walk out of frame. In the empty frame we
SUPER: NEW YEAR'S EVE 7:00 P.M.
INT. BACK ROOM--NIGHT
Betty and Ted sit in the back room, both with drinks in their hand. This
dialogue is to be delivered rapid fire, Howard Hawks style.
BETTY
After fifty years, Sam retires, and you're taking over the night
shift.
TED
Correct.
BETTY
You're filling some mighty big shoes.
TED
Oh, I know.
BETTY
Sam was a legend in the hotel business.
TED
Oh, I know . . .
BETTY
A bellhop's bellhop.
TED
An inspiration to us all.
BETTY
He ran the night desk for fifty years, all by
himself.
TED
An amazing man.
BETTY
No desk clerk. No night man. No help. Just fuckin' Sam,
and his wits.
TED
A man alone.
BETTY
And you're gonna do the same.
TED
I know.
BETTY
Tonight.
Ted spews his drink.
TED
Tonight!
BETTY
Yes, tonight.
TED
I can't.
BETTY
Yes, you can.
TED
No, I can't. I never worked the night shift before.
BETTY
Oh night shift--smight shift.
TED
We were supposed to work it together.
BETTY
I know, but I can't.
TED
Why not?
BETTY
I'm having a New Year's Eve party.
TED
Since when?
BETTY
Actually, I'm not having it. My roommate is. And there's
this guy. German guy. He's gonna be there. And so am I.
TED
I can't run this place by myself.
BETTY
Oh, sure ya can.
TED
No, I can't.
BETTY
Sam ran this place by himself for fifty years.
TED
Yeah, and he had fifty years of fuckin' practice, too. I
haven't had a day.
BETTY
Look, Teddy, calm down--
TED
--Don't call me Teddy.
BETTY
Ted, the night's cake. It's easy. The day's when it's busy.
During the night there's nothing to do.
TED
It's New Year's Eve.
BETTY
Which'll make it less busy than normal. Ever worked on
Christmas? Unless you sell turkeys, business is dead. You
just got butterflies, that's all.
TED
What I have ain't butterflies. I can't handle this hotel all by
myself.
Betty slows the scene down.
BETTY
Okay, let's calm down a minute. Slow it down, cool it off.
Let's just talk.
TED
You can say any goddamn thing you want--
BETTY
--Ted? I thought we were calming down? I thought we were
cooling off? No hostility. Say good-bye to hostility. We're
just talking.
TED
Okay . . . okay . . . okay . . . I'm calm, I'm cool, let's
talk.
BETTY
Ted, in a nutshell, all you have to do is hold the fort. It's
New Year's Eve. Most of the guests are going out. You'll
just be giving them a little nod as they come staggering in
at three . . . four . . . five . . . in the morning. Nobody's
having any parties, a few get-togethers, but no parties. You
got about three people checking in tonight, that's it. The
only variable is Chester Rush in the penthouse.
TED
Chester Rush? The guy from The Wacky Detective?
BETTY
Yeah, him and his entourage checked in last night. They're
in the penthouse. The only reason I refer to it as a variable
is that he's a movie star. Ya never know about movie stars.
I'm tellin' ya, Ted, it's cake.
Betty takes a piece of paper and writes her number down.
BETTY
(continuing)
And look, if you have any problems, call me at the party.
Ted thinks about it for a moment.
TED
Okay.
BETTY
Great--
TED
--For fifty bucks.
BETTY
Fifty bucks!
TED
You're shirking your duties for this Nazi. For that you pay
a price, and the price is fifty bucks.
BETTY
One, Horst is not a Nazi. Two, that's not a fair price. You're
taking advantage of the situation. Twenty bucks. Now,
twenty bucks is a fair price.
TED
Yeah, but what you're doin' to me ain't fair. And, you are
completely and totally taking advantage of me and your
position. So fifty bucks is the perfect price.
Betty begrudgingly digs in her purse.
BETTY
Okay, but don't be a pussy. You don't bother me unless it's
an emergency. In fact, for fifty bucks, you better not call me
unless the fuckin' building's burning down.
She gives him the money.
BETTY
Get ready to take the desk.
Betty leaves.
Ted sits in the chair, takes another drink, and prepares himself for the
night.
FADE TO BLACK
STORY TITLE CARD:
room 321
"STRANGE BREW"
FADE IN:
EXT. THE MON SIGNOR HOTEL--DUSK
Ted, the bellboy, meets his first guest of the evening, as a taxi unloads
her luggage. To his warm surprise, the guest is a Beautiful Mediterranean
Goddess (actually, we will come to see she is not technically a goddess, but a
High Priestess). She is about 25 years old, speaks with an Italian accent and is
dressed in Gypsy garb. She is Athena.
Ted takes Athena's luggage onto his cart. But one item in a woven
Moroccan bag proves to be unbearably heavy. Athena is concerned as he attempts
to lift it.
ATHENA
Pleeze be careful--my God. You have no idea . . .
Ted strains as he uses all his cojones to lift the insanely
heavy bag onto the cart. Athena tips the cab driver, stingily. The driver winces
and gets in the cab. Ted has now managed with grunts and groans and strained
blood vessels to put this thing on the cart. The cab skids away. Athena looks at
Ted, who is out of breath.
ATHENA
I'm usually a good tipper, but this one--this cab
driver--he had green all around him. I don't like that in a
man.
Ted wheezes and pounds on his chest.
TED
Green? Is that bad? Like you read auras or something like
that?
ATHENA
Something like that.
TED
Yeah, well what color are you seein' around me . . . how's
the tip lookin?
ATHENA
I see purple . . . in your face, and . . .
As if she can't help herself, Athena's eyes are strangely drawn to his
crotch. She frowns, confused by this impulse. Ted appears to be charmingly
oblivious.
Athena looks back into his face.
ATHENA
. . . you're okay.
Ted touches his face--as if searching for the "purple" in it--and moves
the cart inside, discreetly checking out his crotch and giving her a confused
side glance.
INT. FRONT DESK--DUSK
Ted shifts hats to check the girl in. He checks her reservation.
ATHENA
Athena Z.
TED
(scratching his head--weird name, okay)
You're booked in the Honeymoon Suite--just one night?
With all this luggage?
ATHENA
I will only need to stay till sunrise.
TED
Okay . . . and how will you be paying?
ATHENA
With gold.
He looks at this wacky Gypsy chick numbly--she pulls out her Gold Card
and smiles.
EXT. ELEVATOR--DUSK
The doors open and Ted and Athena emerge upon the third floor. Ted
follows Athena with the cart down the hallway to her room.
AT THE HONEYMOON SUITE DOOR
Ted opens the door, then lifts the easiest bags first. In the center of
the room is a Jacuzzi with hokey plastic cupids poised with urns on each side. A
dormant fireplace looms beyond the still hot tub.
Ted stares at the heavy bag with anxiety--then looks in front of him to
Athena as she rubs the round plastic head of a little Cupid and mumbles,
"Perfect." Then, arms open wide, chin lifted to heaven, eyes closed, she mumbles
a faint incantation. Then she does a belly-dance wiggle and turns to Ted, who is
truly perplexed.
ATHENA
Well--the other bag--I need it.
TED
Right.
He starts to lift it, again straining and turning purple. He laughs
sickly.
TED
What the hell you got in here, lady? Nuclear weapons?
She relieves him of the task and effortlessly picks up the bag.
ATHENA
(dryly)
The White Cliffs of Dover.
Ted is stunned as she slings the bag over her shoulder and pauses to pull
a 10 spot out of her cleavage. She hands it to him. Ted is grateful and
disoriented.
ATHENA
The others will be coming soon. Send them, pleeze.
Ted nods, confused by "the others," and walks off with the cart. Then he
turns from outside the doorway.
TED
Oh--I forgot to show you how to turn on the Jacuzzi.
But Athena is ahead of him--she flips a switch and water begins to flow
from the baby cupids' urns into the hot tub.
ATHENA
I been in dis' place many New Year's. So . . . you send the
others to me, huh. Go now.
As she says this, the door closes with a strange force, shutting Ted out.
Athena takes the bag to the bedroom of the suite.
IN THE SUITE BEDROOM
A round bed with pink tuck'n'roll headboard. It's impossible to imagine
having an orgasm in this room--unless it were achieved by laughing.
Athena carefully removes a large, beautiful white slab of stone from her
tapestry bag. She caresses it and carries it like a baby to the bed and places
it in the very center, the head of the rock resting on dusty heart-shaped
pillows.
Then she removes from her bag a pink negligee and matching high-heeled
slippers. And these she places with reverance on the bed.
ATHENA
On this night, oh great goddess Diana, we restore your
virgin flesh and bring you back to real life.
CLOSE ON the rock slab. We hold the artifact.
ATHENA
Soon--I take you to the pond for a cleansing. Well, it's a
swimming pool, but it will be under the setting sun, okay?
INT. FRONT DESK--DUSK FALLS
Just as Ted is recovering from the mystery of this first guest, Elspeth
arrives. She has skin like marble, the body of Venus, piercing blue eyes, blond
hair and is dressed all in black clothing, like Honey West in a rubber dress.
She carries several bags, and a silver sword on her shoulder.
TED
May I help you?
ELSPETH
I . . . we . . . have a reservation.
Then she snaps, irritated, behind her.
ELSPETH
Kiva!
ANGLE ON a young punk rocker chick with long orange hair, a long leather
coat, wearing a tight T-shirt with studs spelling "PUSSY" across her
breasts. This is Kiva.
Kiva is kicking the tar and nicotine outta the cigarette machine. Just as
Ted's eyes grow wide with anxiety, several packs of smokes drop into the
juvenile delinquent's hands.
KIVA
Wait up, gawd! I had to get supplies for this boring ass
night.
ELSPETH
(to Ted)
We have a reservation in the Honeymoon Suite.
TED
Oh yeah . . . you must be one of "the others." And what're
you carrying--the Rock of Gibraltar?
She stares at him without humor. He fumbles for the key. He walks around
the desk to help her with her black crocodile luggage. Jars clang inside. He is
ready to go, but Elspeth turns to lecture Kiva on the hazards of smoking, as
Kiva lights up.
ELSPETH
What'd I tell you about smoking?
KIVA
You smoke.
ELSPETH
That's right--I smoke, and I'm addicted to it, and I don't
want the same thing to happen to you.
KIVA
(in game-show host voice)
"Hello--welcome to this week's edition of the Hypocrite of
the Year Award--"
As Kiva goes off on her impression of a game-show host, Elspeth is
growing increasingly rageful, like a mother with an unruly child. Ted waits,
luggage in hand.
ELSPETH
Kiva! That's enough--
She cuts Kiva's ramble off. Kiva blows smoke defiantly.
KIVA
You're not my mother!
ELSPETH
Yes I am.
KIVA
Then why're we sleeping together?
Ted looks on uneasily at the relationship that is beginning to unfold
here. Elspeth checks his reaction and becomes self-conscious at his
scrutiny.
ELSPETH
Well . . . I didn't mean it . . . literally. I . . . I happen to
be
the only one who . . . cares about you--
But her wild child looks off, bored. Elspeth turns to Ted,
flustered.
ELSPETH
Please--take us to our room!
Ted smiles uneasily and reaches to relieve her of her sword, but Elspeth
quickly slams her palm on the sword and shoots him a piercing glare. He jumps
back with a light nervous laugh. He leads the way to the elevator.
AT THE HONEYMOON SUITE DOOR
The couch has been set out here in the hall, as well as coffee tables,
lamps, and the TV. Elspeth and Kiva enter the room. Athena is gone. As Ted
stumbles around the furniture in the hall, he peers in the room and see a
transformation. With most of the furniture removed, candles and incense and
flowers are beginning to form an altar around the fireplace.
But oddest of all is the pink-tinged water swirling in the Jacuzzi and
pouring from the cupid urns. A sprinkle of white powder on the carpet encircles
the hot tub. Elspeth hands him a tip as he gawks at the circle.
ELSPETH
Flea powder. One of the others is bringing her cat.
Ted starts away again, perplexed. He turns for one last look to see
Elspeth kneeling before Kiva, who sprawls on the floor. He shakes his head and
leaves.
ELSPETH
You're gonna have to wait in the other room.
KIVA
Why?
ELSPETH
Because I said so.
KIVA
I'll watch TV.
ELSPETH
You can't watch TV because the noise will interfere with
our ritual.
Kiva looks around the room and spies the TV in the hallway. She turns to
Elspeth with sarcastic concession.
KIVA
Okay . . . Mommy.
Elspeth bristles as the brat saunters off to the bedroom. Elspeth enters
the sacred circle, stands before the altar, whips out her sword, and makes a
ceremonial gesture pointing the sword upward, perfectly centered between her
breasts.
Kiva, behind Elspeth's back, exits from the bedroom doorway into the hall
and comes back in, lugging the TV into the honeymoon bedroom.
Elspeth kneels before the altar. Athena enters the room with the
"cleansed" artifact and lays the slab in the center of the altar upon the
heart-shaped pillows as Elspeth lays her sword next to the rock. The women look
upon the union with tender affection.
ATHENA
Soon--our goddess will come. I will go get her negligee.
Athena stands up but her reverie is dispelled as she shrieks! Loud TV
suddenly blasts from the bedroom and Kiva the brat is trying on the pink
negligee over her clothes. Athena takes the negligee off the irrepressible
youth.
ATHENA
What are you doing! Have you no respect--who--who is
dis girl?
ELSPETH
Kiva. My friend. Kiva, turn off the TV! I can't leave her at
home--she's on probation and I gotta keep an eye on her.
ATHENA
Well, Elspeth, your friend cannot stay here during the
ritual.
She may be one of your kind, but she is not one of
us.
ELSPETH
She stays!! Or I go--along with my offering!
The women have a stare-down. Then Athena calls out--
ATHENA
TURN OF THE FUCKING TV, MAN!
KIVA
(in a seductive pout)
Make me . . .
Elspeth becomes anxious with jealousy. Athena is exasperated as she
firmly demands from Elspeth--
ATHENA
Let's not forget--I am the High Fucking Priestess. Deal
with dis girl!
Elspeth defers to Athena with remembered reverance and respect. She bows
apologetic and scurries to the bedroom.
ATHENA
(eyes lifted to heaven, wearily)
Tell me--did we have these problems in Salem? I don't
think so . . .
IN THE BEDROOM
Elspeth swallows her rage and approaches the brat with a soft touch.
ELSPETH
Kiva . . . you know what I love about you?
Kiva smirks . . . yeah, she knows.
ELSPETH
Your sweet side.
KIVA
And what do I get if I'm sweet?
ELSPETH
You get whatever you want. And you know what else I love
about you?
KIVA
(seduced now)
What?
ELSPETH
Your nose.
And saying this, she kisses Kiva's nose and leaves the room. Kiva is
quieted now. As Elspeth closes the bedroom door, she has the last word.
ELSPETH
And I saw you checking her out.
Kiva slinks back on the bed, put in her place--for now.
IN THE HALLWAY/EXT. ELEVATOR--DUSK
The doors open and Ted pushes a cart of expensive designer luggage--and
lots of it--behind yet another Gorgeous Gal. This one is Jezebel, a Southern
beauty, fawning over her cat, as she carries nothing else, and proceeds down the
hall like a Southern princess.
JEZEBEL
(talking to her cat in baby talk)
Oh you little stinker . . . oh you sweet little muffin. Yes . .
.
Mama loves the baby.
AT THE DOOR
Jezebel bursts in, chattering.
JEZEBEL
Well, this is just darlin'! Just darlin' Hi-dee, girls . . .
Ted carries all her bags inside awkwardly. Again, the place has become
all the more tranformed with wild canopies of exotic cloths and fixings. Elspeth
and Athena are hard at work on a strange nature sculpture as Jezebel enters. She
stands inside the powdered circle and before the hot tub, which now has dark
blue water swirling inside. She presents her cat--upward toward heaven--frees
the cat, bares her breasts and sucks in the vibes: "Ahhhh."
Ted settles the bags down, hoping for a peek at her charms, but her back
is to him. The kitty rubs on her leg. She picks it up and presses it against her
bare breasts, petting it sweetly. She winks and hands him a tip.
JEZEBEL
Toodle-loo.
And saying this, she shoos him away. Through the glass doors to the
bedroom, she sees Kiva sprawled on the bed, writing on herself.
JEZEBEL
Well--I see Elspeth has herself a new lil' fool--what the
hell is she doin' here on our night of annual ritual?
ATHENA
(wearily)
I have sanctioned her presence, as long as she behaves.
Come on--there is more work to be done to welcome our
great Diana.
KIVA
I WANT ROOM SERVICE!!
ELSPETH
Why do I always attract girls who are looking for a
babysitter?
JEZEBEL
Well now, honey, maybe Juvenile Hall ain't the best place
to find serious relationship material.
Elspeth seethes at her. Jezebel acts blithely innocent.
IN THE HALLWAY
Ted is walking from the room with the cart. His face is etched in a mask
of perpetual frown as he looks at the tip in his hand--at least these lunachicks
tip well.
Waking him out of his deep mood is Raven. Another female intoxication,
she wears a short skirt, all done up in Native American, Southwestern themes. No
shoes. But she carries a small, old handmade broom. She moves down the hall,
blissed-out. Ted makes eye contact, despite himself.
RAVEN
I'm looking for the room for making love.
TED
You might be referring to the Honeymoon Suite. Straight
thata way . . . you can't miss it--see all that furniture in
the hallway--
RAVEN
Oh I know the way. I just wanted you to know that I knew
where I was going and that you needn't bother yourself with
me. The others are here--great!
TED
(wearily)
Oh yeah--it's so great--it's fantastic.
RAVEN
(in deep empathy)
Ohhh . . . I know it all seems very strange but you're coping
with us much better than the bellboys of past New Year's.
TED
Past New Year's?
RAVEN
Oh yes--we've been coming here every New Year . . . for a
long time. Thanks for your patience.
TED
Oh hey--no problem--wreck the place. Bring in cats. Ruin
the carpet with flea powder, pour paint in the Jacuzzi.
Throw the furniture out the . . . where're your bags?
RAVEN
I travel very light.
Ted looks down at the broom at her side, her bare feets, her thick dark
hair. It keeps getting weirder. She wanders off.
INT. FRONT DESK--NIGHT
The last of the lovely girls arrives. She is different from the others.
She looks like a farm girl, very Earth Mother, with a tablecloth halter top and
skirt, sandals, and a simple scarf over her long dark curls. She carries two
bags by herself and holds a small black pot under her arm. She is Eva.
TED
(already weary of these girls)
Yeah, yeah, Honeymoon Suite.
EVA
Oh . . . yes . . . I'm late.
She lowers her eyes, worried.
TED
All right--lemme give ya a hand.
EVA
Oh . . . no, that's all right. I can carry them by myself.
She is so sweet and sincere that he feels like a heel to have been
irritated with her. He picks up her bags.
TED
I'm a man doin' a job--no hero.
Eva smiles, beautifully.
EVA
Well gosh--thank you!
IN THE ELEVATOR
Ted holds Eva's hippy sacks as she holds her black pot. There is a shy
quiet tension here.
EVA
Tell me, how long have the others been here?
TED
About an hour.
Eva's heart sinks. They arrive at the door. He carries her bags in.
IN THE SUITE
The room is entirely transformed into a beautiful glowing palace with an
elaborate altar, both earthly and the other-earthly. The other four girls are
arranging the altar as Eva enters.
ATHENA
You are very late, Eva.
EVA
I'm sorry, Athena. I was attending a birth and the placenta
was late in coming.
Ted is slightly queasy. She hands him a tip and smiles, then takes it
back.
EVA
Oh, wait, lemme give you a little more than that . . .
Ted's no fool, he waits while Eva looks through her change purse.
ELSPETH
Which birth is more important to you, that of a mortal or
that of a goddess?
EVA
All life is precious . . . but I do apologize for being late,
Elspeth.
JEZEBEL
Back home, they jist yank on the umbilical cord, do a Karate
chop on the mama's belly, and them things come right out.
EVA
They do that here, too, Jezebel, in the hospitals, but it
causes hemorrhages. I fed the mother a bowl of comfrey tea
and it brought the afterbirth down perfectly. The couple
are going to use it for fertilizer to plant a lovely tree for their
baby.
KIVA
Oh wow--if they were really back-to-nature, they'd eat it,
like other mammals do.
CLOSE ON Ted's face as he gets thoroughly grossed out.
RAVEN
In some Native American cultures, they dry the umbilical
cord, grind it to a fine powder, and put it in a leather pouch
that the baby wears to ward off evil. But burying the placenta
is also a very sound ecological practice--'cause of the oxygen
it carries.
EVA
(cheerfully to the others)
Yes--because you see when the placenta detaches from the
uterine wall . . .
TED
(wincing in disgust)
Uh, thank you, ladies--I'll be going now. If you need
anything--
Eva places a nice tip in his palm.
ATHENA
Wait. We do need a few things.
Ted sighs as Eva enters the circle with her black pot. She kneels softly,
holds her hands in piety before the altar, and softly incants as she offers her
pot and places it on the altar. The stone and sword and flowers now rest here on
pillows covered in chiffon scarves. The negligee hangs from the mantel, the
slippers underneath as if expecting someone to materialize into the
garments.
ATHENA
We need fresh rosemary from the kitchen. Mostly what we
need is from the kitchen. Hey, are you listening?
Ted is watching Eva, enchanted.
TED
Yeah, yeah, rosemary.
ATHENA
And a little bit of sea salt or Kosher salt if you don't got no
sea salt. A bottle of spring water--Italian please, not
French shit.
KIVA
And some french fries!
ELSPETH
Kiva, shut up.
ATHENA
(irritated)
And some ginger, two of the eyes of a trout fish, and a piece
of raw meat, liver if you have it.
KIVA
(whining)
I want fries--you dumb jerks with your stupid fucking
ritual!
ATHENA
Shut up, you little shit.
ELSPETH
Don't talk to her that way!
Ted has scribbled down the items as she speaks. He looks at this list and
these girls and shudders as he walks away. He turns, points at Eva.
Ted smiles at this angel of a girl. She smiles back. But, as she looks
him in the eyes, he feels a strange buzzing connection happening. He holds his
head, almost swooning with dizziness. Athena smirks.
ATHENA
Get to work, man.
Ted comes out of his daze, looks at the list again and huffs off. After
he goes, the girls begin to bring forth their most treasured offerings in ornate
ancient bottles, vases or vials.
Jezebel folds her arms and clears her throat in the direction of Kiva,
sitting idly on the edge of the blue water Jacuzzi, with her feet dipping
irreverently in the water.
ELSPETH
Kiva . . .
KIVA
What?
ELSPETH
You have to go in the next room now.
KIVA
Oh, wow, like I'm bummed out that I can't watch.
(whining at Elspeth)
I'm bored!
ELSPETH
UP!
She climbs up the stairs, trying to pull the brat to her feet.
KIVA
Don't put me in there by myself. I'll miss you way too much.
ELSPETH
Kiva, don't do this to me.
Kiva sees a bit of weakening here; she takes her feet out of the Jacuzzi.
She begins to speak softly.
KIVA
Please . . . if you just lemme . . . I'll play dress-up with
you, the way you like it . . . you know what I mean . . .
remember . . . ?
Elspeth begins to weaken. But continues to pull the brat up. Kiva pours
on softer seduction.
KIVA
We can pretend and I'll do it exactly . . . the way you want
it . . . with the egg whites and the kilt.
Elspeth is now fully seduced. Kiva takes Elspeth's hand and presses it
lightly on her face.
ELSPETH
You mean . . . like last week?
Kiva nods. Elspeth is enthralled, but from a disgusted "ick" sound from
Jezebel, Elspeth realizes she's revealing this side of her life--in front of her
coven. She nervously looks around and see all the coven looking at her: a
disgusted Jezebel, an understanding Raven, a preoccupied Eva and an impatient
and stern Athena.
Elspeth comes to her senses, straightens her posture.
ELSPETH
We'll talk about this later, Kiva.
KIVA
(angrily)
No!
She turns on Elspeth and bites her hand. Elspeth pulls her arm away and
grabs Kiva by the hair.
JEZEBEL
Aw, really now--child abuse?
ELSPETH
You stay outta this!
ATHENA
I demand this stop now, Elspeth!
Elspeth lets go of Kiva's hair. Kiva jerks away from her.
KIVA
I'm running away from you!
ELSPETH
Fine. Go ahead. And I'll call your parole officer and she'll
find you and send you back to Eastlake!
Kiva stomps off into the bedroom.
ATHENA
Now that the fucking melodrama is over, can we start
the goddamn ritual--pleeze?
Elspeth enters the powered circle. Each girl takes off her shoes. They
anoint themselves with oils.
ATHENA
We are communing here on New Year's Eve to bring to life
the great goddess Diana, who was turned to stone in this
very room forty years ago today.
The girls moan in sleepy, eerie agreement as they begin to sway within
the circle.
ATHENA
Diana, great beautiful one, we make these offerings to you,
that we may undo the wicked spell which deprived you of
the seed of your lover, your virginal blood, of your very life.
We now form the symbolic rock with our bodies.
And saying this, the girls all form a "rock" with their bodies gracefully
draped one upon the other. Music begins, and slowly they start to unfold from
the rock. The girls each find their place in a semicircle around the Jacuzzi.
Some bare their breasts, other strip off a layer of clothes. They anoint their
arms with water from the Jacuzzi.
They begin a lovely dance, snaking their way around the semicircle. The
first one to go from one end to the other is Athena. She then proceeds up the
stairs and positions herself between the altar and the Jacuzzi. She steps forth
with a bottle to the altar and pours it into the Jacuzzi.
ATHENA
On this night, in this hour, we
Call upon the Ancient Power
O Goddess bride, I offer thee
Milk from a mother's sweet titty!
Each of the girls moans eerily. Athena places the bottle on the altar and
bows away. She joins the circle as Elspeth now steps forward with her offering
in a vial.
ELSPETH
To reverse the evil which has been done
I make this offering to the Divine One
A whore not, an innocent was,
For whom I seized a virgin's blood.
JEZEBEL
Goddess of Light, Goddess of Lust,
To undo this awful spell is a real must.
To bring you life and get you high
I offer the sweat of five men's thighs.
The girls moan loudly as they sway. Jezebel places her offering in the
hot tub and bows out, returning to the circle. Now Raven comes forth with a
small leather canteen. She unscrews the lid as she offers in her opiate
stupor.
RAVEN
Diana, oh great one, we live without sun
Until this wicked curse is undone.
In hope that you live, and to us appear,
I have collected a year's worth of tears.
She pours liquid into the mix, as the witches moan. Now it's Eva's turn.
Eva continues to sway, not moving forth to the altar. The girls keep their eyes
closed as they sway, waiting for Eva's offering. Athena finally gives her a push
and she goes.
Eva kneels before the altar. She produces a silver bottle with a chain on
its cap and neck. She timidly begins to incant.
EVA
Great Goddess Diana, fail you I will,
I was to bring fresh sperm from my Bill.
I had him erect, and his semen would follow
But alas I was hot, so hot that I swallowed.
The moans turn to wails as the girls GASP and SHRIEK! Athena opens her
eyes, wildly.
ATHENA
You stupid little witch! You swallowed the sperm!
Aye-yi--yi!
Elspeth opens her eyes and folds her arms, smirking bitterly.
ELSPETH
It just shows what an amazing lack of control you have over
yourself, Eva!
JEZEBEL
Honey, why didn't you just use your hands? Didn't your
mama teach you not to put them things in your mouth?
RAVEN
I understand though . . .
Eva bursts into tears. Athena is firm.
ATHENA
There is no time to cry over swallowed sperms. You're
gonna have to get some, baby. You have one hour to prove
what kind of witch you really are.
Just then: a knock at the door.
ATHENA
(calling out)
What do you want?!
TED
Ted . . . the bellboy.
Athena smiles and turns to Eva.
ATHENA
Mr. Bellboy, come right in!
Ted opens the door. His eyes bulge out as he looks upon the fleshly
feast. He steps back. They giggle seductively, all except Eva, who sniffles,
red-eyed. Amazingly, Ted's attention is captivated by Eva's sorrow, not by the
naked charms of the other witches. She shyly covers her breasts. Sensitive to
her shame and sorrow, he looks away and steps from the door to fetch the
room-service cart. Athena directs the others to put on their shirts. Ted wheels
in the cart.
TED
Here's the things you asked for. Oh, and uhh, sorry, but I'm
not gonna pick the eyes outta this dead fish.
He points to the trout. Elspeth picks it up, flings the eyes into the
Jacuzzi, and tosses the trout out of the window. She smirks at him
comtemptuously.
ATHENA
(handing Ted 50 bucks)
Okay, mister, here's your fifty-dollar tip, only, you have to
do one more thing . . . make our little Eva smile. Can you?
We'll leave you alone.
(to Eva, firmly)
And don't your mouth!
The girls step out. Athena turns to Eva and points to her watch, then
holds up one finger. Eva looks up, worried. The door closes on her and Ted. She
looks at Ted and sighs. He covers her with a shawl.
IN THE HALLWAY
The other witches listen at the door.
ELSPETH
If she doesn't get his goop in ten minutes, I'm going to take
him myself.
JEZEBEL
Ha! That'll be a first for you.
ELSPETH
Oh shit--Kiva!
She runs back in for her bratty girlfriend, who is already sneaking out
the bedroom door.
ELSPETH
And just where do you think you're going?
KIVA
Well, gawd--I need a candy bar or something--you haven't
fed me all day. I'm getting all shaky. My blood sugar's
really low.
JEZEBEL
Elspeth--honestly now--some babysitter you're turnin'
out ta be!
ATHENA
Enough, girls. I will collect fresh earth. Jezebel, I want you
to gather damp moss. Raven, you bring me a birch branch.
Elspeth, you go feed your terrible girlfriend. We meet back
here in one hour and let's all have faith that Eva can get this guy
off.
The witches disperse.
INT. HONEYMOON SUITE--NIGHT
Eva sits among pillows before the altar as Ted stands in front of her.
Ted is trying his best to make poor Eva smile. But no matter what his antics,
she looks off sadly.
TED
Help me out, lady. I gotta earn this fifty bucks!
EVA
Oh look, they don't care if I smile or not! All they want is . .
.
Ted waits; she sighs and rest her chin in her hand.
EVA
You won't understand, believe me.
She begins to cry tearfully again.
TED
Try me. I've been around, y'know.
He postures proudly, all puffed out. Eva looks at him helplessly. And he
paternally encourages her to explain.
EVA
Well . . . okay. The five of us--Elspeth, Jezebel, Athena,
Raven and me--are a coven.
TED
Ha, like a coven of witches?
EVA
Yes.
TED
(stunned)
Oh.
He looks around the room: QUICK CUTS of candles, iconography, jars of
lurid substances, unknown body parts of animals woven into the nature sculpture
. . . and are those tongues in that can? Ted's getting the creeps, but again
puffs himself up.
TED
I knew that!
EVA
(getting calmer)
And you see, our coven has spent forty years trying to perfect
a ritual to undo a wicked curse put on our goddess Diana.
TED
Gee, you don't look a day over twenty!
EVA
Oh . . . ha ha . . . I mean the witches before us tried and
failed. But Athena, our High Priestess, discovered a great
potion to reverse the evil spell which turned our beautiful
goddess into an old rock.
TED
(looking at the rock)
Yeah? Is . . . is that her?
Eva nods, looking lovingly at the stone.
EVA
She was a beautiful virgin. An entertainer by trade, but a
great sorceress by design. It was here in this very room, on
her wedding night, a jealous rival placed the curse on
Diana.
TED
She turned to--that--here?
EVA
Yes . . . and her young husband turned into a pink fish!
They found him swimming in the pool in circles. While our
dear goddess: a stone in her honeymoon bed.
Ted frowns as he ponders all this. Eva takes a photo from the altar and
hands it to Ted.
EVA
This was Diana.
CLOSE ON photo: a Blond Bombshell in full-on Betty Page attire, a
bare-tittied pinup girl, playfully spanking a girl in bondage with a spiked high
heel.
TED
This girl here? This is the goddess Diana?
The photograph slowly comes alive. Diana stops spanking the girl and
unties her. She pulls the girl (in the black satin mask) up off her lap and
makes the girl stand. The women face each other and break into a cheek-to-cheek
tango.
CLOSE ON Ted as he shakes his head. Are his eyes playing tricks on
him?
TED
I hate to tell you this, but I kinda doubt she was a virgin.
EVA
Oh, but she was! She had lovers, but she saved that
for
marriage. Which is the example I've tried to follow: to do
everything but that till I marry . . .
She begins to sob again. Ted comforts her.
TED
Hey, don't cry . . . a virgin is a rare and beautiful thing. If
you say she was a virgin, I'll believe it.
EVA
Well, it doesn't matter now . . . and she won't be resurrected
tonight 'cause I failed her. I let my whole coven down!
TED
Wait a sec--that rock was gonna turn back into
this?
He holds up the photo. Eva nods.
TED
Now, that would be something worth seeing!
EVA
Only, not now--we were each supposed to bring
something--a life fluid.
TED
(wincing in disgust)
If this is gonna be like one of those afterbirth conversations,
I don't think I wanna hear this.
EVA
Only . . . I swallowed it . . .
TED
You swallowed what?
Eva looks off. Ted searches his brains, thoroughly sickened now.
TED
You mean, you were supposed to bring . . . like . . . like a
guy's . . . and you . . . ?
She nods; he winces, queasy. Eva looks at him, helpless.
EVA
And now, you're my last chance!
TED
(laughing)
Yeah, sure.
TED
(then--panic)
Whoa, what? You want my--for the--witchy poo--ahh
no--no way--nope. Besides, it's against hotel policy. I was
warned: "No sex with the clientele"!
Eva sobs, pleading. She throws off her shawl, baring her lovely breasts,
and reaches her arms around his neck. He keeps backing off. Unbeknownst to him,
he is already doing a ritualistic shuffle.
TED
Ha, c'mon now, joke's over.
(seeing this is no joke)
Hey, we're gonna step in the flea powder.
EVA
That's not flea powder, that's sacred dust ground from the
horns of Albino goats.
TED
Right! I knew that!
He is backing away, into the circle, as she comes for him, soft and
sweet. Her eyes are again putting the magic hex on him, as he tries to resist
her gaze.
TED
What's a nice girl like you doing in a coven, anyway?
EVA
Well, see, what I really want to do is be a midwife. I've
attended four births already! I can prevent vaginal tears
and everything.
TED
(trying to dodge her hexing eyes)
Well, that's a good thing! A guy doesn't like surprises down
there.
All the while she is stepping toward him into the circle.
EVA
I joined the coven to attain greater understanding of my
feminine power so I could become a truly great midwife!
TED
(the hex working now)
Oh, well, I see you've been gaining a lot of insight into your
. . . girl powers . . .
Eva sweetly takes his hand and places it on her breast.
EVA
Do you really think so?
TED
(buckling under the temptation)
Well, yeah, I'd say that seems to be the case . . . .
(she licks his neck; his eyes roll back heavenly)
Ohhh, God! Betty's gonna kill me!
EVA
Who's Betty--your girlfriend?
TED
No. My boss.
EVA
Oh good!
TED
Oh no!
They fall into a kiss, as she begins to remove his cap. She moves him
toward the Jacuzzi, closer and closer.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HALLWAY--NIGHT
Ted pushes his room-service cart. He is flushed. Puffed up. Lights a
cigarette, takes a great big, satisfied drag. Eva runs to the door dreamily, her
naked body wrapped in her shawl. She passes him a card.
EVA
My phone number in Topanga. Call me?
TED
(cocky)
Sure, baby. Yeah, I'll give ya a call.
She smiles and shuts the door. The other witches are arriving with
supplies from the garden. Kiva, now having raised her blood sugar, sucks on a
lollipop, a sunny girl. She talks to Raven, who carries a birch limb.
KIVA
What's that used for?
RAVEN
It's a birch branch, symbolizing eternal life. You can also
use the bark for a tea which assists in astral travel.
KIVA
Hey--I wanna be a witch!
The other girls roll their eyes as Elspeth smiles proudly. Ted blows
smoke at them and pushes his cart off down the hall. The witches run inside the
room.
IN THE SUITE
Eva sits, blissed-out, in the center of the circle, smiles.
EVA
I'm a woman now!
ATHENA
But where is his "stuff"?
EVA
(pointing to the Jacuzzi)
We did it right there, in the big cauldron!
JEZEBEL
Ooohhh honey, you're gonna be sore tomorra! Didn't your
mama teach you that water strips a girl's lubrication?
RAVEN
Sex in water is great in the movies, not in real life . . . but
you will learn. As we all did.
JEZEBEL
Yeah, when she can't walk . . .
(to Elspeth)
I guess you wouldn't have those kinds of problems--
without penetration.
ELSPETH
No. And virtually no cervical cancer, either.
ATHENA
Okay, girls, enough Sex Education 101, let's get going with
our ritual, goddammit.
Athena regally leads the ritual as they all bare their breasts again.
Kiva throws off her shirt to join in. As she does, we see black bondage tape on
her nipples. Elspeth darts a quick look at the tape, looks at the other
witches--not sure she likes this--but she goes with it. The witches sway in a
circle, eyes closed, as Eva makes her offering.
EVA
Goddess Diana, I offer you
The jism of one I wooed for you
That you may live and know such bliss
Of getting laid by a guy like this.
The witches all incant.
ALL OF THE WITCHES
So must it be.
Three times three times three.
They march half-naked as they moan and revel in eerie cries. The Jacuzzi
begins to bubble and boil. Their cries heighten; the potion bubbles over.
DISSOLVE TO:
HOURS LATER
Athena reads from a huge leatherbound book, The Book of Shadows,
full of potions and spells. Four discouraged witches pack their bags. The
room has been restored to its worldly under-splendor. Kiva uses the remote on
the TV . . . so much for witchcraft. The slab of rock remains a slab.
ATHENA
I don't understand what went wrong.
ELSPETH
I say Eva pulled one over on us.
EVA
What?
JEZEBEL
Honey--Eva was wearing the face of someone just fucked
good . . . and the best actress in this world, or any other,
can't fake a thing like that!
ELSPETH
Exactly--if she was fucked so good, how could she save
his come?
RAVEN
It could be done . . .
ATHENA
Girls, knock it off.
(she looks up from the book)
Maybe . . . maybe it needed to be the sperm of a virgin
male.
EVA
(dreamily)
He was no virgin!
The witches sadly collect their things. Athena, deep in thought, strokes
the slab.
ATHENA
Let's leave her here, with the sword, until dawn. I will come
back for her before checkout time. I just . . . feel too sad to
carry her away before the sun comes up to warm her.
They all agree. They pick up their bags and head out.
JEZEBEL
(cuddling her cat)
I can't believe we have to carry our own bags out! My mama
would have a hissy fit!
KIVA
(flirtatiously)
I'll carry your bags.
ELSPETH
(firmly)
You're carrying my bags!
They leave the room. Jezebel's cat leaps from her arms as she hoists her
luggage. Eva walks out satisfied, thought perhaps a little sore--"ouch," she
says, and smiles. Athena takes one last look at their goddess slab.
ATHENA
Next year, we try again--with virgin sperm.
She closes the door on the Honeymoon Suite (till next New Year's
Eve!).
FADE TO BLACK.
four rooms
FADE UP ON:
INT. MON SIGNOR LOBBY--NIGHT
Ted behind the desk, on the phone. We only hear his side.
TED
Oh, Jesus, what did I tell you? Do you want milk and
cookies, or do you not?
(pause)
I can't turn on an adult station without permission from
your parents.
(pause, he checks his computer)
That's not what the machine tells me.
(pause)
You be good and you'll get milk and cookies, but for now
leave me alone, please. I'll be up later to put you both to
sleep.
He hangs up.
TED
(to himself)
Goddamn kids.
SUPER: 1:00 a.m.
The phone rings again.
TED
Room Service.
INT. ROOM 404--NIGHT
A small party is going on. A long-haired Yuppie Scum type in on the line.
Music BLARES. People dance in background.
YUPPIE SCUM
What room am I in?
INT. FRONT DESK--NIGHT
BACK AND FORTH
TED
This is the front desk, sir.
The Yuppie turns away from the phone and speaks to Real Theodore.
YUPPIE SCUM
What room are we in?
REAL THEODORE
How should I know? I just got here.
YUPPIE SCUM
(into phone)
You know, don't you have one of those light things?
TED
If you care to go to the door and look on the other side,
you'll find the room number.
YUPPIE SCUM
(to Real Theodore)
Call my assistant and ask her what floor we're on.
REAL THEODORE
Who's your assistant?
YUPPIE SCUM
The girl you party with every night.
REAL THEODORE
(to himself)
Who?
TED
I'm here alone, sir.
REAL THEODORE
It's room 404, I think.
YUPPIE SCUM
I could have sworn we were on the fifth floor.
REAL THEODORE
Right. 404.
YUPPIE SCUM
(into phone)
Right. 404.
TED
What do you need, sir?
YUPPIE SCUM
(to Real Theodore)
What do we need?
REAL THEODORE
Ice.
YUPPIE SCUM
Ice?
REAL THEODORE
Ice.
YUPPIE SCUM
(into phone)
Ice.
TED
Ice.
YUPPIE SCUM
Yeah. Ice.
TED
Right, sir. Ice. 404. I'll be with you momentarily.
CUT TO:
STORY TITLE CARD:
room 404
"THE WRONG MAN"
INT. DARK HALLWAY
Ted saunters down a hallway with a butt hanging out the corner of his
mouth and a bucket of ice swinging at his side. He pulls up at a door on which
the faded numbers read something like "Room 404."
Ted knocks on the door. After a moment, the latch is thrown and the door
swings open. Ted cautiously steps into the dark room.
INT. ROOM 404
TED
Anybody home?
A DEMONIC CACKLE cuts through the darkness.
MAN'S VOICE
No one here but us chickens.
TED
Say, it's pretty dark in here, sir.
MAN'S VOICE
What do you expect, Theodore, a fuckin' floor show?
TED
Do I know you?
MAN'S VOICE
I don't know. Do you?
In a flash the lights switch on and Ted finds himself staring down the
barrel of a pretty intense-looking .357 Magnum, cocked and ready to fire. At the
other end of the gun stands a 50-year-old man, Sigfried, who sports a Cheshire
Cat smile and a "just try fuckin' with me" look on his face. Sigfried isn't the
only person in the room. Directly behind him sits a beautiful young woman,
Angela, gagged and bound to a chair. Ted drops the bucket to the floor.
TED
I brought your ice.
SIGFRIED
That's cute. In fact, the whole getup's kind of cute. The
monkey suit's a nice touch, honey puss.
TED
This has to be a mistake. Is this room 404?
SIGFRIED
Theodore? What do you take me for, Theodore?
TED
A very upset man?
Sigfried reaches in his pocket and throws a handful of assorted
stimulants into his mouth, chewing on them like they were breath mints. Sigfried
thrusts his hand forward, gripping Ted by the throat, and leads him to
Angela.
SIGFRIED
(to Angela)
I am an upset man, Theodore.
TED
How do you know my name, sir?
SIGFRIED
I'm psychic, Theodore.
TED
Look my name is Ted, actually, and I have no idea what's
going on here, but I've obviously come at a bad time.
SIGFRIED
Let's not belabor the fact that you have no sense of timing,
Theodore. The fact is you're here.
Sigfried turns to Angela.
SIGFRIED
(continuing)
And I couldn't think of a better time for you to introduce
me to your beau than on New Year's Eve.
TED
Oh fuck, there's a mistake. You're fucking wrong here. My
name is Theodore, yes! My mother named me that and I
hate the name. But I'm a fucking bellhop. People call me
Ted. I work here.
Suddenly, with great force, Sigfried slams the butt of his pistol smack
into Ted's temple, sending him to the floor. Ted looks up at Sigfried in
shock.
SIGFRIED
Look, I'd love to sit here all night with you talking about
things like when you broke in your first mitt--
(pause)
That was insensitive of me, wasn't it, T H E O D O R E?
But let's cut to the chase, okay?
TED
Okay.
SIGFRIED
So apologize!
A tense silence fills the room. All eyes are on Ted, who can't figure out
what the fuck this guy wants.
TED
For what?
Sigfried looks hard with disbelief at Ted, who winces back.
SIGFRIED
You are really beginning to annoy me, Theodore.
Sigfried throws another handful of pills into his mouth.
TED
Look, obviously you two are working something out and if I
could help you with your problem I would.
SIGFRIED
What are you saying? Are you saying I got a problem? Are
you trying to say I don't give her what she needs? That I'm
FUCKING INSENSITIVE!!
TED
Look, is this about another man? Or something?
Ted has struck a raw nerve. Sigfried's mood swings drastically; he bends
down next to Ted.
SIGFRIED
Let's get our ABC's right, here, Theodore. Theodore, right?
TED
Ted's better.
SIGFRIED
Ted, okay . . . Are you saying my wife cheats on me?
TED
I didn't say that . . . I . . .
SIGFRIED
Oh, for Christ's sake, Theodore, this is about as intimate a
situation as you can get, you, me, and Angela here. It's
pretty cozy. To say nothing of how stupid an idea it is to lie
to a man with a loaded gun without considering the possible
response. I demand an apology!
The phone rings.
SIGFRIED
Don't move. I've got to take this.
Sigfried glances at it. Then to Angela. He picks up the phone.
SIGFRIED
(into phone)
What?
(pause)
We ain't got any needles here, kid. Just a big fucking gun.
He listens to the other line, says good-bye, and hangs up.
SIGFRIED
(to Ted)
Now, where was I? Oh yeah, I remember.
Sigfried kneels next to Ted and assumes a prayer position.
SIGFRIED
I want you to pray for forgiveness, Theodore.
Sigfried, hands clasped together, signals for Ted to do the same. The gun
lies at his side. Ted considers a bold move, but thinks better of it. Sigfried's
eyes pop open. He cuts a look to Ted, signaling him to assume the pose.
SIGFRIED
(continuing)
Now say after me, "I apologize . . ."
TED
I apologize . . .
SIGFRIED
For what?
Ted looks to Angela for help. She can only stare back with intense,
wide-open eyes.
SIGFRIED
For fucking what?
TED
That I said you might have been unfaithful?
SIGFRIED
"That I said you might have been unfaithful?" Listen, Theodore,
you're in church here . . . you're kneeling in front of an
altar.
Truth . . . truth is all it hears. Say the following, "I,
Theodore,
must humbly and sincerely apologize for saying that you
fucked another man!"
Ted repeats what Sigfried has told him. This appears to have a calming
effect on Sigfried, who gets up off the floor, turning his face to Angela.
SIGFRIED
(continuing)
Satisfied?
Angela nods.
SIGFRIED
(continuing)
Do you accept the fucking apology?
Naturally, Angela says nothing.
SIGFRIED
(continuing)
You always gotta get the last word, don't you? It's one way
with you, Angela, isn't it? I give and I give and I get nothing
back.
Sigfried turns to Ted.
SIGFRIED
(continuing)
She just sits there waiting for me to jump through hoops . . .
.
Angela attempts to speak through the gag. Both men wait with bated breath
for a response. Sigfried's had enough.
SIGFRIED
(continuing)
Stupid me, for a second I thought you were going to say
something . . . something like, "I'm sorry." HA! "I'm
sorry." You're absolutely right, love cakes, I wouldn't want
it that way. That's one thing you can say about Angela.
She'll never do anything she doesn't want to do. If the feeling
ain't there, she just isn't going to do it. There is nothing in
this world as fucked as a woman who gives when she doesn't
want to. Never let that happen to you, Theodore. It makes
you feel very little indeed.
Ted beckons Sigfried.
TED
You mind if I . . . ?
SIGFRIED
Go ahead. Spit it out.
TED
I don't mean to upset you further, sir, but I think she was
trying to say yes.
SIGFRIED
Are you condescending to me, Theodore?
TED
Absolutely not, I would never do that.
SIGFRIED
Why don't you just say it?
TED
Say what?
SIGFRIED
That you think I'm an idiot.
TED
I would never say that.
SIGFRIED
You think you're superior to me, don't ya, Theodore? You
don't think I notice there is a gag in the woman's mouth.
TED
Of course you do.
SIGFRIED
Naturally "of course." And do you know how I know that?
TED
How, sir?
SIGFRIED
Because I PUT THE GAG IN HER MOUTH! I'm gonna let
you in on a little secret about communication, Theodore.
It's all in the eyes . . .
(points the gun at Ted)
Him?
(turns the gun on himself)
Or me? Him or me? No one? Okay. Let's drag it out.
Sigfried empties the last of the pills into his mouth, heaving the empty
bottle over his shoulder. He takes off, disappearing into the bathroom.
INT. ROOM 404
Ted finds himself alone with Angela. They lock eyes. Angela implores Ted
to lean forward. Ted sizes up the situation: His chances of making it to the
door are slim due to the fact that he would have to pass by the bathroom door.
Ted paces back and forth in front of Angela, who struggles to get his attention.
He whips around and they face off in what appears to be a game of charades. Ted
finally gets the point and cautiously removes the gag from Angela's mouth.
Angela spits an old sock out.
TED
What!
ANGELA
We don't have time to play charades here, asshole! Untie
me quick.
TED
Listen, lady, I don't know what in the hell is going on here,
but I'd appreciate it if you would explain to that nutcase
that he's making a big mistake.
ANGELA
Look, whether you like it or not, you're in the middle of a
situation here you can't just wish your way out of.
TED
But I've never seen you people before, we're complete
strangers.
ANGELA
Everyone starts out strangers, Ted, it's where we end up
that counts. Hurry up.
Ted wrestles with the idea of whether to untie Angela or not.
TED
I don't know if I can do this. It's too hard.
ANGELA
Life is hard, Ted. You ever stopped to consider how many
times you change your underwear in a lifetime?
On nervous impulse, Ted begins the calculations.
ANGELA
I don't mean literally, you ignoramus.
TED
What?
ANGELA
Forget it, listen to me. There's a gun in my suitcase behind
the bed, it's loaded . . .
TED
I'm not going to shoot anybody.
ANGELA
Fine. Get the gun and I'll shoot "anybody."
TED
And make me an accessory in the murder of your husband?
Ted collapses to his knees in front of Angela.
TED
That's not fair. It just isn't fair.
ANGELA
Get a fucking grip on yourself. First off, who says he's my
husband? And second, we are a long way from fair here,
fair is back in jolly old England eatin' crumpets and sipping
on tea.
Ted collects himself.
TED
Tut. Tut. Tut. Not so fast. Well, maybe there are two sides
to this thing.
ANGELA
There are two sides to a plate, still you only eat off of one.
Now GET THE GUN!
TED
So why's he got you tied up?
ANGELA
I'm a werewolf, Ted! Get the gun!
Ted is at a loss as to what to do. Angela turns on the charm.
ANGELA
Come on, Ted. Come over here just for a minute. You can
do it. Come on, Ted. You look like a good guy.
Ted creeps towards her.
ANGELA
That's it, Teddy. You look so much more attractive when
you're self-assured.
Sigfried suddenly comes to life . . . . He's heard from the bathroom
belting out "Life is but a dream . . . she-boom, she-boom."
ANGELA
(she panics)
Quick, he's coming back. Put the gag back in, and
remember the gun!
Ted hurries to replace the sock in her mouth.
TED
Nine thousand, three hundred and twenty-two times, to the
best of my estimation.
INT. ROOM 404
Sigfried coughs, sending a chill up Ted's spine. Ted whips around to
discover Sigfried leaning up against the door to the bathroom.
SIGFRIED
I was just beginning to think I could trust you, Theodore.
Silly me.
Ted's fingers are frozen over Angela's lips.
TED
I was just trying to help her breathe a little.
SIGFRIED
Don't let me stop you, Teddy. You don't mind me calling
you Teddy, do you?
TED
That's fine.
SIGFRIED
I used to have a little bunny rabbit named Teddy, it looked
real cute nibbling on Angela's ear. Only problem here is
you're no bunny rabbit, Theodore, and it really fuckin'
razzes me to picture you doin' it. But don't let me stop you,
Teddy . . . no need to play sneaky-poo.
Ted starts to back toward the door.
TED
Look, man, if this is some kind of Voodoo thing and you
want me to have sex with your wife, there is absolutely no
way.
SIGFRIED
(shouts at the top of his lungs)
I said, nibble, asshole! Now!
The directness of Sigfried's command, coupled with the SOUND of a trigger
being cocked, forces Ted to approach Angela. Angela is a stunning beauty, and
Ted being kind of a shy guy makes for an awkward situation. Ted leans forward.
As he closes in, Angela's eyes close.
TED
(whispers)
Sorry, lady.
Ted pulls up short of actually nibbling on Angela.
SIGFRIED
What's the matter, no whiz left in the cheese? I'm not
cramping your style, am I?
TED
Look, I'm not playing this game anymore.
Sigfried yanks Ted backwards. He wraps his arms around him.
SIGFRIED
It's almost all over, Theodore, and soon you can go home to
Mommy.
Ted struggles to free himself from Sigfried's powerful bear hug and
blasts out the following monologue.
TED
My name is not Theodore, it's TED, TED, TED,
T . . . E . . . D . . . . TED . . . . NOT TEDDY, NOT
THEODORE . . . TED . . . . Yes, my mother did me the
service of naming me Theodore and I haven't a clue as to
how you know that because everyone who knows that lives
a long way away from here. Do you have any idea what it's
like to go to school where all the other kids' parents are in
jail doing time for crimes like grand larceny, aggravated
assault, burglary and murder, and you get stuck with a
mother who names you Theodore and dressed you up in
little matching pink outfits with, get this, a little blue bow
fucking tie! Well, I'll tell you what happens. Pretty soon
Theodore becomes "Theo the Thumper," and when Theo
the Thumper gets old enough, he packs his bags and
goes thousands of miles away where he can put the whole
bloody mess behind him. So, if you don't mind, shoot me
now, because no one is going to call me that again. My
name is Ted, okay? Got it? TED!
Sigfried has followed the entire tirade in stunned silence. He takes a
step toward Ted and offers him his hand.
SIGFRIED
Sigfried.
TED
What?
SIGFRIED
My name is Sigfried.
TED
Sigfried?
Sigfried cuts a "Something wrong with that?" look at Ted.
SIGFRIED
Yah, Sigfried.
TED
Nice to meet you, Sigfried.
Ted cautiously takes Sigfried's hand.
SIGFRIED
Very impressive, Ted. "Theo the Thumper?" . . . Ouch. It's
a deal, kid. Ted it will be.
TED
Thanks.
Sigfried holds onto Ted's hand. The soft sound of distant fireworks pops
in the background. Car horns and a muffled countdown signal that it's New
Year's. Sigfried moves uncomfortably close to Ted and from out of nowhere bolts
forward, planting a wet kiss right on Ted's mouth. Something snaps in
Sigfried. He is either really getting off on this or he is caught in the grips
of a seizure. He doubles back on the floors. Ted and Angela watch as he flops
around like a flounder with the cocked gun waving all over the place. Ted wipes
his mouth with his jacket sleeve while trying to dodge the barrel of the
gun.
TED
You okay, mister? I'll get help!
Sigfried manages to steady the gun and point it directly at Ted. He
signals for Ted to go to the bathroom.
TED
(continuing)
That's the wrong door, sir.
Sigfried grabs Ted by the leg and shove the barrel of the gun into his
crotch. Sigfried pulls Ted's face closer to his.
SIGFRIED
Get me the nitro . . . it's in the bathroom cabinet.
Now!
Ted rushes into the bathroom, leaving Sigfried a babbling mess
behind.
CUT TO:
INT. BATHROOM--SAME TIME
Ted enters the bathroom, which appears shaken by an earthquake. Towels
and wet clothes are all over the place. An evening gown is flushed halfway down
the toilet and pills are everywhere. Sigfried is shouting from the other room to
hurry. Ted checks the cabinet, searching for a bottle marked "Nitro." No luck.
Ted spots a small window set above the toilet.
He figures this is the best chance he's got to make a break.
Ted goes for it. He manages to get his head and one arm through the
window before he gets stuck. His legs dangle in the bathroom. Struggle as he
may, he can only hit the toilet-bowl lever, which sends a loud FLUSH SOUND out
through the apartment.
SIGFRIED (OS)
(shouting in the distance)
It's no time to take a leak, Teddy, I'm fucking dying here!
EXT. BATHROOM WINDOW--NIGHT
Outside the window, Ted's in another world. He's almost safe. It's a
strange feeling, kind of like bathing in warm water in paradise, knowing a huge
shark is ready to rip his ass off. He can see the flickering red glowing light
from the witches' room from the floor below.
EXT. BATHROOM WINDOW AND BELOW--NIGHT
Ted sees Eva bopping naked past the window. He shouts her name out, to no
avail. The MUSIC drowns out his voice and they ignore his calls for help. The
blood rushes to his head. He lets himself hang there for a moment. He wonders
how many other people have found themselves in situations like this before him.
Probably everyone. Right next to his face, Ted recognizes a bloody hand print.
It's not his blood.
EXT. BATHROOM WINDOW AND ABOVE--NIGHT
Ted hears a sound from above and twists himself around, spotting a young
man (previously seen as the Yuppie Scumbag on the phone) leaning out of the
window directly above him. After a quick moment of sizing him up, Ted gathers
himself.
TED
Hi . . .
No answer. Something's wrong with the guy, all the blood is drained from
his face and he is mumbling something.
TED
Listen, I'm stuck here in a situation that I can't even begin
to explain, but would you be so kind as to get help? Could
you call the police, please?
Silence.
TED
(continuing)
You okay?
The young man manages to belt out the word "ice" just before hurling a
mouthful of vomit toward Ted. It takes all Ted's strength to dodge the puke and
pull himself back into the bathroom. He falls back on the floor.
He props himself up and checks for damage. He notices something odd . . .
the room is silent. No Sigfried. He walks into the bedroom.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL BEDROOM--MOMENTS LATER
Ted looks around the still room. No one's there.
TED
Sigfried?
He heads toward the door and, from out of the corner of his eye, he spots
Sigfried's hairy leg. Sigfried has passed out on the floor. Angela's chair has
been knocked on its side. Ted races over to help lift her back up. He pulls the
gag from her mouth. Angela jumps all over him.
ANGELA
Where's the fucking nitro?
TED
I couldn't find it!
ANGELA
You took long enough. Untie me, for Christ's sake, you
fucking upset him and he's dying.
Ted struggles to untie Angela.
TED
I thought you wanted to kill him.
ANGELA
You'd make a great cop, Theodore.
The knots are all over the place and a real bitch to untie.
TED
I can't handle this alone, I'd better get help.
Ted turns on a dime and runs smack into Sigfried, who's been taking in
the whole conversation.
SIGFRIED
I tie a pretty good knot, don't I, Ted?
TED
Thank God you're okay . . .
SIGFRIED
Never felt better.
Angela hears Sigfried's voice from behind her back.
ANGELA
You bastard!
SIGFRIED
(to Angela)
Come on, honey, don't get mad. It was just a little test, and
I'm glad I did it because now I'll know forever that you
really do love me. Truly and deeply.
ANGELA
If the simple fact that I didn't want your bloated, dead body
lying out on the floor is love, then no wonder we find
ourselves as we are at this very fucking moment.
SIGFRIED
Oh, no. I heard you and there was genuine care in that
voice. Can't be denied. Can it, Ted?
TED
I think you're right and, if you just keep this kind of open
dialogue going, you'll go a long way to resolving this
misunderstanding.
Ted edges his way toward the door.
TED
(continuing)
You'd be surprised what happens when people just listen to
each other without succumbing to all that pain and anger.
ANGELA
You heard shit, monkey boy. Easy for you to say after you
fuck another man's wife. You should at least have the guts
to stand by your convictions.
Sigfried turns an icy eye on Ted, who has given up all hope of ever
getting out of the room.
TED
That's a lie, Sigfried. I swear to God.
Angela continues her tirade.
ANGELA
When I think of all the times you were inside me promising
me a better life, it makes me want to puke.
Sigfried slowly raises his gun, pointing it directly at Ted's chest.
TED
Why are you doing this? What have I ever done to you people?
ANGELA
What didn't you do, stick man? Unfortunately, you don't
have the balls to back up the actions of your huge cock.
The words hit Sigfried like bullets to the chest . . . his legs
weaken.
SIGFRIED
(whimpering)
He's got a huge cock?
TED
She's lying again, mister. It's not that big.
SIGFRIED
Show it to me.
TED
Come on, man, she's lying. Can't you see she's fucking with
you?
ANGELA
Put it this way, God made up for what he did to Gumby
with Ted here.
SIGFRIED
Show it to me.
ANGELA
Show him your cock, Theodore.
Sigfried runs over to Angela and kneels in front of her.
SIGFRIED
Stop talking about his cock, will you?!
ANGELA
It's hard to stop talking about something so huge. I could
go on and on about his cock, bone, nob, bishop, wang,
thang, hotrod. Hump mobile, Oscar, dong, dagger, banana,
cucumber, salami. Sausage, kielbasa, schlong, dink, tool,
Big Ben, Mister Happy, prick, disk, pecker, peter, pee-pee,
wee-wee, weiner, pisser, pistol, joint, hose, horn, middle-
leg, third-leg, meat, stick, joystick, dipstick.
Angela is on a roll. She fires the words at Sigfried, hitting him
pointblank. He staggers. He pleads with her to stop, covering his ears. Ted
watches the man crumble.
ANGELA
(continuing)
Junior, the little head, little guy, Rumple Foreskin, Tootsie
Roll. Snake, one-eyed monster, one-eyed wonder, shaft,
sword, meat whistle, skin flute, love muscle, Roto-Rooter,
instrument, banger, rammer, ramrod, cherrypicker, log,
pole.
Sigfried tries jamming the sock back in her mouth to stop the flow; she
manages to give him a "fuck of a bite" in the process. Meanwhile, Ted figures
this to be his moment to make a move and bolts for the door, only to be tackled
by Sigfried at the one-yard line. After a struggle, the two men rest on the
floor, catching their breath in a relaxed embrace.
SIGFRIED
Please, don't leave me. I'll call you Ted from now on.
TED
It's not me, mister, I swear.
SIGFRIED
Personally, I don't give a fuck, Ted, it's just I don't want to
be alone right now. I'm feeling a little vulnerable.
Sigfried heaves the gun over his shoulder, grabs a half-empty bottle of
Jack Daniel's, and passes it to Ted, who takes a hit.
SIGFRIED
(continuing)
No guns, okay? Just you and me, Ted. You know my father
used to say that forgiveness is the only thing that evil can't
sink its teeth into.
TED
That's beautiful.
SIGFRIED
Kind of nice down here on the floor, isn't it, Ted?
TED
Yes, actually.
SIGFRIED
Things take on a whole new perspective . . . . You'd like my
trust, wouldn't you, Ted?
TED
Yes I would.
SIGFRIED
I just got one thing to ask you and I'll let you go.
TED
Okay. Okay.
SIGFRIED
Tell me straight now.
TED
What?
SIGFRIED
What was it like?
TED
What was what like?
SIGFRIED
You know, you and her.
TED
Oh, for fuck sake, Sigfried, what do you want me to say?
SIGFRIED
Either way you're fucked, right? You ever gonna see her
again, Theodore?
TED
If I ever saw her again, I'd run the other way.
SIGFRIED
Promise?
TED
I promise.
Sigfried releases Ted and stands up.
SIGFRIED
You're lying, but I can respect that, Ted. If you told me, it
would no longer be a secret, and secrets have a power, kid.
You open that box and they disappear forever. A bad secret
will rip you apart, but the good one are all you got. In the
end, when all the people you knew are dead and gone, all you'll
have left are you secrets. And when you die, the box is open
and it all blows away--dust to dust--all the anger, jealousy,
desire and love just blow away.
Sigfried throws his hand out to help Ted up.
SIGFRIED
(continuing)
So you know what I say, let's call it a truce, kiddo.
Sigfried takes Ted by the hand and leads him to an open window. Ted is
overcome by the sweetness in Sigfried's voice and follows him to the window
willingly. The two men look out into the dark Los Angeles night.
SIGFRIED
(continuing)
I'm a man of love, Theodore. Love is all I live for.
TED
I can see that.
SIGFRIED
Maybe to a fault.
TED
Don't beat yourself up over it.
SIGFRIED
That's nice of you to say, Ted, but I probably should make
a clean break of it, cut her loose and get my own place. I
just can't imagine living without her. Do you think I should
seek professional help?
TED
It's not for everyone, but maybe in your case it could help.
SIGFRIED
You ever been out on the ocean at night?
Ted shakes his head.
SIGFRIED
(continuing)
I have . . . scary as a motherfucker, all that darkness around
you. It's like a big black carpet rolled out as far as the eye
can see. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll see a light. It
could be as small as a little spark, but it will cut a path
straight through all that blackness, straight to you. It could
be another boat, or some distant fire on an island, but that
light will shed a shining path of diamonds cutting through
mile after mile of darkness to lie at your feet. That's love,
Ted, it's like a path of light in an ocean of darkness.
Ted and Sigfried stare out of the window in peace, transfixed by the
glimmering lights of the city. A loud SHOT rings out, shattering the still
moment. The two men spin around. Angela stands there with a smoking gun hanging
at her side. Sigfried drops to his knees. Ted checks him out, no blood. Angela
has fired the gun into the floor below. Ted looks up at Angela. Angela opens the
chamber of the pistol and hands the bullets to Ted.