Apartment 7A (2024) Movie Script

1
[person humming]
Tackle box, tailbone,
tiny toy car.
Tackle box, tailbone,
tiny toy car.
Tackle box, tailbone,
tiny toy car.
Tackle box, tailbone,
tiny toy car. Ah.
Tackle box, tailbone,
tiny toy car.
[humming]
[gasps]
Ah.
[tone rings]
...tailbone, tiny toy car.
We're on in five.
Nerve check.
[inhales, sighs]
Steady as she goes.
[stage manager]
Places, people.
[sighs]
[sighs]
Okay.
Wish me luck, Mama.
It's too darn hot
[singer] According to
The latest report
Every average girl you know
Much prefers
Her lovey-dovey to court
When the temperature is low
But when the thermometer
Goes way up
And the weather
Is sizzling hot
Mister Adam
For his madam is not
'Cause it's too
Too, too darn hot
[chorus]
Too darn, too darn hot
[singer]
It's too darn hot
- Too darn, too darn hot
It's too darn hot
Cool
Hot
Hot
Hot
Hot
Hot
Hot
[music ends]
Terry?
- Terry?
[groans]
Somebody close the curtain!
Terry.
[distorted] You'll be okay.
[sirens wailing in distance]
[distorted voices
continue speaking]
Breathe.
[Terry inhales]
[trumpet playing]
Your playing's
getting better.
I like that tune.
How's the leg?
[chuckles]
Thanks.
I'll take care of it.
- I don't care, Annie.
She can find her own way.
[Annie]
It's not fair.
How long
is she gonna be here?
- [Annie] I don't know.
She's your guest, Annie,
not mine.
She should
pitch in at least.
- I'll take care of it.
You can't keep
covering for her.
Got a date.
Good luck.
[door opens]
[door closes]
- Ness is an ass.
I mean, she's not wrong.
I'm not your problem
to solve.
These came for you.
[sighs]
No, thanks.
I'll land something soon.
- Of course you will.
[choreographer]
Ladies, this is a casting call
for tap only.
If you're here
and you can't tap,
I don't wanna know you.
[jaunty music playing]
Sixteen, no.
Twenty-nine, no.
Seventeen.
No.
[sighs]
[gasps, groans]
[casting director] Name?
- Uh, Theresa Gionoffrio.
Uh, Terry for short.
[director] Do we know
each other, Miss Gionoffrio?
Oh, no, no.
We never met,
but, uh, I know who you are.
[chuckles] And you too,
Mr. Marchand.
Uh, obviously.
She's the girl who fell.
Ah, Kiss Me, Kate, of course.
You're, uh-- You're infamous.
"Infamous." Huh.
Wow. [chuckles] I--
I prefer famous,
but I'll take what I can get.
Um-- [clears throat] I-- I have
six years of formal training
at Kearney Dance Academy.
That's in Hazard, Nebraska.
I have three shows
under my belt.
- Did you say Hazard?
Yes. Yes, sir.
Um, my family,
they run a slaughterhouse there.
What happened that night
won't happen again, sir.
All I need is a chance.
- What move was it?
Um-- [clears throat]
A jet.
I, uh--
I hit the split just right,
but my toe came down too early.
I mean, I've done it
a million times,
but just that one--
Show me.
Okay.
[chuckles]
Again.
Okay.
[grunts]
Again.
Mm-hmm.
[director]
Again.
Again.
Again.
Again. Again.
Again.
[grunts, groans]
Again.
[exhales shakily]
[gasps] Ah.
[director whispering]
[groaning]
Um, I can-- I can do it
all day if you want me to.
We'll call you.
You know,
I haven't even sang yet.
Just-- How about one song?
[door opens, closes]
What kind of animals
did your family process
in Hazard, Miss Gionoffrio?
Pigs, mostly.
And what were they like?
Uh, what were they like, sir?
Yeah, do they...
roll around
in the mud?
Do they sniff
at the dirt?
Wiggle their little tails?
Sure.
Well, show me.
Show you?
Get down on your hands.
Show me.
Sniff around in the mud,
roll in the dirt
and wiggle your little tail.
[chuckles]
Um...
I'll-- I'll do just
about anything for
another shot, Mr. Marchand.
But I won't
humiliate myself.
[Marchand]
Good for you.
Hey, you have to take it easy
on those pills, Terry.
Being onstage
isn't worth this.
Oh, Annie.
Of course it is.
How'd you do?
They asked me in for a callback.
Of course they did.
[director] Number five
showed real promise.
Thirteen was a little sloppy,
but I can get her there.
Hon, have you thought about
going back to Nebraska?
Look, I wouldn't want to go back
to London either,
but just until
you're back on your feet.
I came here
for one reason, Annie.
To dance.
To make something of myself.
To see my name in big lights.
That's three reasons.
[chuckles]
[shuffling]
[door opens]
What?
- What?
[door closes]
I know you.
What are you planning?
- What? Uh--
I'll see you at home.
[saxophone playing]
[sighs]
Evening, ma'am.
Is there someone
I can help you find?
Good evening, sir.
I'm here for Alan Marchand.
Uh, please tell him
that Terry Gionoffrio
is here to see him.
Is Mr. Marchand expecting you?
Uh, yes. Yes, he-- he is.
Um, yes.
Maybe I should call you a cab.
Oh, no, no.
I'm-- I'm fine.
I, uh-- I'm here--
- [metal groaning]
Wh-- What was that?
What was what?
Ma'am?
[echoing, distorting]
What was what?
Whoa, Nelly.
You lost, honey?
Excuse me.
You think
the poor thing's all right?
Let's get her up.
Come on, honey.
One, two, three
and up we go.
[groans]
[sighs]
[clock ticking]
[door closes]
[couple conversing, faint]
[Terry]
I'll do just about anything,
but I won't humiliate myself.
[choreographer]
Seventeen. No.
Girl who fell.
[Terry humming]
Wish me luck, Mama.
[person 1] Forget it.
[person 2] Forget it?
[gasps]
No, no, I agree.
- I told you not to go.
What did you say to me?
What happened?
She seemed sharp as a tack.
- No, she wasn't
sharp as a tack.
Honey, hurry.
I wanna read the paper too.
Look at this headline.
What's going on
in this world now?
I'd like to know.
- Oh.
Oh, good morning, dear.
How'd you sleep?
She needs coffee.
You need coffee.
Sit down. Sit down.
You look terrible.
Make it a Bloody Mary,
Roman.
What's your name,
dear?
Terry Gionoffrio.
Oh, I won't ask you
to spell that.
[chuckles] I'm Minnie.
And this is my hubby, Roman.
Oh, uh, pleased to meet you.
Thank you. [chuckles]
Drink up.
I have one of these
every morning.
One. Ha.
Sit down, will you?
You're giving me a neck ache.
Eat. Eat.
Roman made enough
for an army.
[chuckles]
Uh, I don't eat meat,
but thank you.
What do you mean,
you don't eat meat?
What are you? You a Hindu?
Uh, no.
I grew up on a pig farm.
It's kind of hard
to enjoy the smell of bacon
when you've seen how it's made.
Huh.
Um... [clears throat] I'm sorry.
I'm a little hazy on last night.
We found you
on the sidewalk.
Like some junkie.
You're not a junkie,
are you?
Oh, no, no, it's just--
- I told you.
You mentioned you were
a friend of Alan's.
Not so much a friend
as a prospective employee.
For his Broadway show.
You know, I-- I'm a dancer,
and I was just hoping that--
You'd waltz in there
and show him it wouldn't be
a show without you.
[chuckles]
Well, something like that.
I was in really bad shape
last night,
and there aren't a whole lot
of people in the world who'd
help out a stranger like that.
Oh.
- Oh, go on, will you.
What sense is a guest room
without a guest
to stick in there?
[chuckles]
I knew you was a performer,
you know, as soon as I saw you.
[chuckles]
Did my leotard give me away?
Nah, you got
an interesting
inner quality.
It's a star quality, in fact.
Stop it. [chuckles]
I'm not one
to yank chains, honey.
So what happened to the leg?
Oh. Uh--
I had an accident
four months ago,
which is a shame
because most dancers
have two feet, not one.
You want some free advice?
It's not our falls
that define us.
It's what we do afterwards.
Put that down.
I want to show you something.
Come on.
[Roman] We bought this place
as an investment.
[Minnie] We say we bought
the place as an investment,
but the truth is we wanted
to choose our neighbors.
[Roman chuckles]
- So what do you think?
Uh, it's nice. It's great.
Really.
The high ceilings
and that view.
[chuckles]
Oh, that thing's
an eyesore.
Yeah, yeah.
Roman, take a pill.
Well.
Anyway, Minnie and I
were talking this morning--
The place is yours
if you want it.
Mmm.
Oh, uh--
I appreciate the offer,
but I could never afford
the rent on a place like this.
Oh, we wouldn't be
charging you.
We didn't have kids
of our own,
which means we've got
a hell of a lot of money
and no one to spend it on.
[Roman] The young woman
who was here before
was running away
from an abusive boyfriend.
We helped her
find her confidence.
We enjoy helping people.
[Minnie] Scores us points
with the man upstairs.
Now, now.
- [laughs]
We're not saying
it would be forever.
[Minnie] Just until
you get back on your feet.
Who knows?
You might run into Alan
one of these days.
The neighbors here
are awfully friendly.
Uh... [chuckles]
Would you pass me
that sweater?
- No.
I refuse to be an accomplice.
Terry, you don't even
know these people.
Look, they're just
lonely old people looking
for someone to rescue,
and I am happy to
play damsel in distress
if it means...
[British accent]
...living at the Bramford.
- [chuckles]
That would suit you,
you know.
[Annie] Mm-hmm.
Do you think my landlord
would go for that excuse?
[imitating Annie] Oh, I'm sorry,
I can't make this month's rent.
I just looked too damn good
in this silk scarf.
[laughs]
Why do I sound so posh?
- I couldn't resist!
Okay. I can't leech off of you
forever, Annie.
Moving into my own place
feels like a first step,
and this is meant to be.
Afternoon, Miss Gionoffrio.
- Hi.
I'll take that.
- Oh, thank you.
Welcome to the Bramford.
[door opens]
[sighs]
[knocking]
[chuckles]
Mrs. Castevet, hi.
No, it's Minnie, dear.
Mrs. Castevet makes me sound
like an old crone.
I brought you
a little housewarming gift.
Oh.
It needs plenty of light.
Thank you.
- Yeah.
What you got there?
Oh, um-- I think this belonged
to your old tenant, Joan. Right?
Oh.
It's fitting, really.
She skipped out of here
like Cinderella at midnight.
It's a shame.
You know, she was
a gifted young woman.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Are you free for drinks
tonight around 9:00?
Uh, yeah. Sure.
What should I bring over?
Oh, it won't be
at our place.
Mr. Marchand, hi.
[chuckles] Mr. Marchand, hi.
Mr. Marchand, hi. [chuckles]
[gasps] Ow.
[buzzes]
[clears throat]
Ah, Theresa.
Uh, Mr. Marchand, hi.
Yeah. Come in.
Come. Come, come.
What will you have?
Um, how about
an old-fashioned?
Good choice.
Good choice.
I'm guessing the Castevets
are the fashionably late type.
Wait. Wait,
Minnie didn't tell you?
Ah, of course she didn't.
The Castevets
send their apologies.
Apparently they double-booked
this evening.
Apparently. [chuckles]
Listen, if you'd rather
pick this up some other time,
I totally understand.
Oh, no, no, no.
It's--
This is perfect.
All right. Good.
Please take a seat.
So, uh... [clears throat]
...exactly how hard did
Minnie have to twist your arm
to get me up here?
Uh... [chuckles]
[chuckles]
- Well, actually,
it was Roman.
Yeah, you do not say no
to a patron of the arts,
especially one
with such deep pockets.
[chuckles]
Well, truth be told,
that's not actually
why I agreed.
Oh.
Really? Why'd you agree?
I was curious.
Last time we met
you were the girl who fell,
and now you live
on the floor below.
I gotta say, I did not peg you
for such a fighter.
Well, it's not our falls
that define us, Mr. Marchand,
but what we do afterwards.
[chuckles]
Well, cheers.
- Cheers.
[Marchand] You know,
it's considered one
of the first Broadway musicals,
a seminal work
by Adrian Marcato.
Of course, ours will be
a contemporary take,
but there's plenty
about this dusty old show
that is,
as you say in Kansas, right,
just ain't broke.
Nebraska.
Right.
This revival is, uh--
Well, it's a tribute
to Marcato's legacy.
You know,
a heartfelt homage, really.
Oh, wow. That sounds
really interesting.
Well, there's been
a considerable amount
of financial
and emotional investment,
which is why I know
you understand
that I need the best.
Yeah, only the most devoted.
Well, if you'd be willing
to let me audition again...
Why dance?
Dancing is my joy. It's--
It's the one thing you've always
dreamed of. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
You and a million other girls.
No, I want to know
what drives you.
I want to know what fuels you.
Um... [clears throat]
My mother died
when I was young.
There was an accident
on the farm.
It was sudden.
And, um, when my dad
fell to pieces...
dancing was my escape.
All I had to do was
move my body
a certain way and--
and everything bad in the world
would disappear.
It's the only time I felt like
I had control over my life.
I'd do anything
to chase that feeling.
No.
Not anything.
[scoffs]
What, you want me to oink
for you now, Mr. Marchand?
Crawl around on your floor
and wiggle my little tail?
I got you.
Oh, come on. Let's make a toast.
To body and soul.
To body and soul.
[Marchand, echoing]
Are you all right?
I don't feel that well.
[glass drops to floor]
- [sighs]
Whoa.
[chuckling]
Whoa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
You really can't
handle your liquor,
can you, sweetheart?
Oh.
[distorted] All right?
- Yeah, I just-- I don't--
I don't feel that well.
["Heart" playing]
[backup singers]
Corazn
Corazn
Corazn
[lead singer]
You gotta have heart
- Corazn
All you really need
Is heart
- Corazn
When the odds are saying
You'll never win
That's when the grin
Should start
You gotta have hope
- Corazn
Mustn't sit around
And mope
- Corazn
Nothing's half as bad
As it may appear
Wait till next year
And hope
When your luck
Is battin' zero
Get your chin up
Off the floor
Mister, you can be a hero
You can open any door
There's nothing to it
But to do it
You've gotta have heart
- Corazn
Miles and miles
And miles of heart
- Corazn
Oh, it's fine to be a genius
Of course
But keep that old horse
Before the cart
First, you gotta have heart
[backup singers]
Corazn, corazn
[song continues playing]
When your luck
Is battin' zero
Get your chin up
Off the floor
Mister, you can be a hero
You can open any door
There's nothing to it
But to do it
You gotta have heart
- Corazn
Miles and miles
And miles of heart
- Corazn
Oh, it's fine to be a genius
Of course
But keep that old horse
Before the cart
First, you gotta have heart
[backup singers]
Corazn, corazn
Yes, you gotta have heart
- Corazn, corazn
Yes, you gotta have...
[breathing heavily]
[screams]
[gasps]
[clears throat]
Hey.
Hey, I hope
you like espresso.
I don't think
I've ever had one.
Oh, come on.
You gotta try it.
Here.
Look, I, uh-- I had
a wonderful time last night.
[chuckles]
Really?
I don't remember a whole lot.
Okay, well, I'll try not
to take that personally.
[chuckles]
No, I just--
I don't, you know, usually--
Relax. I understand.
I do.
You know, last night
was a one-off.
Right?
Right.
Well, you should eat up.
You've got a big day today.
What's today?
Wow, you really don't
remember much, do you?
You made the chorus,
sweetheart.
You're in.
[piano playing]
[choreographer]
Five, six, seven, eight.
One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight.
One, two, three.
Come on, girls, tighten up.
Three, four, five,
six, seven, eight.
One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven.
One, two, three, five, seven.
One, two--
- [director] Stop! Stop.
Very sloppy, girls.
Very sloppy.
You're supposed to be warriors.
Amazonians. Hmm?
Show me some teeth.
Take five. I need some air.
And a cyanide pill.
[dancers chattering]
[sighs]
The girl who fell.
Uh, it's Terry, actually.
You're dragging your step.
Well, I'm a couple of days
behind the rest of you,
but I'll catch up.
[chuckles] Uh, look,
if you're gonna sleep
your way into the show,
at least have the talent
to back it up.
Hmm.
[door opens]
[dancers chattering,
laughing]
[door opens]
I thought that was you.
Come on in here a minute.
Oh, no, it's been
a long day, Minnie.
[sighs]
Terry, darling,
meet Lily Gardenia.
She's next door to you
in 7E.
Hello, Terry.
[chuckles]
It's nice meeting you,
Mrs. Gardenia.
[Minnie] Sit, sit.
Lily here, she was
the first lady judge
in New York State.
"Lady judge" wasn't
my official title.
I got tired of watching you
limp around like a cripple,
so I told Lily here
about your little...
[clicks tongue] ...problem.
Really, Minnie.
You make it sound like
she has a venereal disease.
Get out your peg.
Let her take a look.
[stammers]
Really?
Chop-chop, little onion.
[chuckles]
Oh.
What is it?
Peppermint. Rosemary.
One or two odds and ends.
I grow it all myself.
Twice a day
should do the trick.
I can always whip up
another batch.
Oh, thank you. That's--
You'll be flying
in no time.
[elevator bell dings]
[metal scraping]
- [gasps]
[gasps]
[chuckles]
[choreographer]
Six, seven, eight.
One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight.
One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight.
Up!
And drop.
[clapping]
Been doing your homework,
Gionoffrio.
Good. All right.
[dancers chattering,
laughing]
[chattering, faint]
You okay?
- Mm-hmm. Yeah.
A pittance for your blood,
sweat and tears, kids.
Here it is,
your first paychecks.
There you go. That's it.
And remember,
don't spend it all in one place.
["Jingle Bells" playing]
[guests chattering,
laughing]
[gasps] Wow, look at that.
Oh, there are my girls.
Are you having a ball yet?
The moment we stepped in.
[chuckles]
Thanks again for letting me
tag along, Mrs. Castevet.
No, it's Minnie, dear.
What are you supposed to be?
Come on. I want to
introduce you to friends.
So, what's it gonna take
to get an introduction?
Yeah, yeah.
Meet Laura-Louise
and Dan McBurney from 4F.
Wow, that's quite a costume.
Do you charge for calls?
And this is
the wonderful Dr. Sapirstein.
You must be
the famous Terry.
Well, not so famous yet,
but give me a few more years.
[chuckles]
This is my friend--
- Do you come from
a big family, Terry?
Uh, no, not really.
Just one brother.
Lots of cousins
in Colorado though.
- [whispering]
[Sapirstein]
Is that right?
Well, if you settle down,
and you find yourself
in need of an obstetrician,
you let me know.
Oh. [chuckles]
I don't think
that'll be happening
anytime soon.
All the same,
you take my card.
Oh, well, thanks.
Uh, excuse me.
[Lily] I can't do it.
Not again.
Not another one.
[Minnie]
Don't start that again.
You know what'll happen
if you do.
[Lily]
Is that a threat?
Oh, don't be
so dramatic.
Terry, darling!
I was just about to fix
a vodka blush. You want one?
Oh, no, thanks.
Hey, Roman.
Grab the thing
and get your big head
in here.
Are you
and Mrs. Gardenia okay?
Oh, just ignore us.
We're a couple
of bickering old maids.
That's all.
Merry Christmas, Terry,
from the both of us.
Is this for me?
- [Roman] Mm-hmm.
Come on.
While we're still young.
[chuckles]
[chuckles] I--
I-- I don't know
what to say.
How about a thank you?
Oh, yes, of course. Thank you.
Well, try it on.
[Minnie] Oh?
- [chuckles]
Oh, perfect.
- Yeah?
I love it.
Look in the right pocket.
[Roman]
It's over 300 years old.
The green inside
is tannis root.
[Minnie] It's for good luck.
What's the matter?
You're acting like
it's the first time
anybody gave you a gift.
I feel very lucky.
Jealous.
- Mmm.
If they could see me now
That little gang of mine
[both] I'm eating fancy chow
And drinking fancy wine
I'd like those stumblebums
To see for a fact
The kind of top-drawer
First-rate chums I attract
All I can say is, "Wowee
Look at where I am
Tonight I landed, pow
Right in a pot of jam"
[giggles]
What?
Don't look at me like that,
or I won't give you
your present.
Terry.
Open it! [giggles]
Oh, Terry,
you can't afford this.
["Be My Baby" playing]
[giggling]
[both humming]
Annie, Annie, Annie.
I just want you to know
that I'll forever and ever
be so glad
that you absolutely bombed that
Fiddler on the Roof audition
that we met at. [giggles]
But I'm glad I bombed it too.
Give us a twirl.
- Okay.
[song continues playing]
[Terry gasps]
Ooh la la! Fancy lady.
Say you'll be my darlin'
Be my, be my baby
Be my baby now
Oh, oh, oh, oh
I'll make you happy, baby
[screams]
- [music ends]
What? What is it?
Uh, nothing.
I thought there was
something on me.
[church bell tolling]
[bell continues tolling]
[horns honking]
[groaning]
[vomiting]
[coughs]
I'm pregnant.
Are you gonna tell him?
No.
No. He'd kick me
out of the show.
Forget the show
for a second.
What do you want?
It'd be the end of everything
I've been working towards.
So...
[sniffles, sobs]
My cousin got one last year.
I can ask her
if you're sure.
I hear drinking bleach
works a treat.
That was private, Vera.
Sorry.
You could always get someone
to push you down
a flight of stairs.
Terry, stop!
- [Vera] Ow!
God!
You're a real loon,
you know that?
["Angel of the Morning"
playing on radio]
And there's no need
To take a stand
For it was I
Who chose to start
[baby crying, faint]
I see no reason
To take me home
[crying, louder]
I'm old enough
To face the dawn
Just call me angel
Of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek
Before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel
Of the morning, angel...
[music stops]
[inhales sharply, groans]
[dryer running]
- [thudding]
[thudding continues]
[gasps]
[elevator bell dings]
[doors open]
- [music resumes]
Just call me angel
Of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek
Before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel
Of the morning, angel
[whispering]
[cracking]
[laughter]
Looks like you made your problem
go away, huh, Terry?
Yeah. If only your mother
had the same foresight.
Oh.
- Wow.
[laughs]
I suppose you think it's funny,
damaging company property.
Well, why don't you
make yourself useful
and help Terry clean up
this mess? Go on.
[bells ring]
All right, everyone
at the stage. Tech week is
officially behind schedule.
Give me that.
You didn't have to do that.
I can handle her.
Oh, I know you can.
But, uh, you've got
enough to worry about...
and prepare for.
You know?
Well, you know,
good news travels fast.
You think
this is good news?
It's unexpected news.
But it's hardly
the end of the world.
No.
No, it's just
the end of my career.
You know...
one day
everyone is gonna see
what you're capable of, Theresa.
And when that day comes,
people like Vera,
they're not gonna
stand a chance.
But until then,
I need you sharp onstage
and, uh,
preferably yolk-free.
[chuckles]
[clears throat]
[silverware clinking]
Here she is,
the lady of the hour.
Oh, look at her
glowing already.
How'd you get in here?
The spare key.
- We didn't think you'd mind.
That Sapirstein
sure has a big mouth.
Oh, don't be sore at him.
He couldn't contain himself.
He was like a kid at Christmas,
wasn't he, Roman?
Well, it wasn't his place.
And it wasn't your place
to tell Mr. Marchand either.
So we told Alan. So what?
Terry, sweetheart,
we know you're scared
being a single woman and all.
But we want to help.
Anything you need.
Yeah. First thing
tomorrow, we'll go see
Dr. Sapirstein together.
No, I haven't decided
if I'm gonna keep it.
The poor thing's
in shock.
No, I'm not in shock,
Minnie.
I just worked too hard
to get where I'm at
to just throw it all away.
So, what are we
talking here?
I can't exactly raise a kid.
What the hell
are you talking about?
You'd make
a wonderful mother.
And besides, you've got
plenty of family around to help.
You're not my family.
Come with us.
Minnie, can you
just leave, please?
Both of you.
We just want
to show you something.
Then we'll let you be
in your apartment.
We tried for years.
Decades, more like.
Why are you showing me this?
If there really is
no room in your life
for this baby, well--
We'll make room in ours.
This is a lot.
I'm gonna
need some time.
Look, all we're saying is
you could give the kid up
to some stranger you don't know
from a bar of soap
or you could give it up to us.
[Roman]
You'd be giving us a great gift.
In return, we'd give you
anything you want.
Yeah, anything in the world.
All I want is to work,
to be onstage.
Don't be so modest.
Are you hearing this?
There must be more, Terry.
Forget the chorus line.
You're wasted there.
I know what you want.
You want your name
up in big, flashy lights
on a big marquee.
The Pale Crook
starring Terry Gionoffrio.
Terry, show biz is
about relationships.
Let us take care of things.
What do you say?
Mmm.
There.
It's settled.
[whimpers]
[metal clanking]
- [voices whispering]
[chanting]
[chanting continues]
[gasps]
[creaking, thumping]
[Terry] Hello.
Is someone there?
[gasps]
[sighs]
Mrs. Gardenia.
You scared me.
I didn't want it
to come to this.
You, uh-- You must have
wandered out of your apartment.
I have to stop it.
I'm sorry.
[grunting]
- [screaming]
No! No!
[thumping]
Open up!
[breathing heavily]
[Lily screams]
- [panting]
[screams]
[Lily groans]
- [thuds]
[blade slashes]
[groaning continues]
[wheezes]
Mrs. Gardenia.
[knocking]
[sighs]
[clears throat]
Oh, my God.
You look terrible.
Well, I didn't
get much sleep.
How's Mrs. Gardenia?
Comatose.
- Oh, my God.
Well, in the grand scheme
of things, it's better
than dead.
You got any sugar, dear?
Uh, yeah, I think so.
- Don't bother.
I'll help myself.
You know, most likely
you saved that woman's life
last night, Terry.
We're proud of you.
Something was wrong
with her. She chased me
around the apartment.
I'm not even sure
how she got in here.
Must have left
the door unlocked.
[Minnie]
You can take the girl
out of Nebraska,
but you can't take
Nebraska out of the girl.
Poor old bat
was losing her marbles.
We should be going.
Thanks for the sugar.
We'll keep you updated.
But in the meantime,
you get some rest.
[door closes]
[crunches]
[grunts]
[radio playing, indistinct]
[radio continues playing,
louder]
[reporter on radio]
It was the most widespread,
most destructive
racial violence
in American history.
White people driving
through the riot area
were considered fair game,
whether young or old,
men or women.
And the cars were burned.
The mobs might groan
and curse in disappointment
when a white got away.
[clicks]
[clattering, scraping]
[choreographer]
One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven.
One, two, three, strong.
Five, six, seven, eight.
[director] And stop.
Find your mark, Vera.
What, here?
Oh.
Here.
[technician] I can adjust
to you, Miss Clarke.
That's fine.
Oh, what can I say?
The spotlight always finds me.
[dancers chuckle]
Ooh.
- You pull something?
Yeah, my leg
just feels a--
Ah.
Oh! [sobs]
Something doesn't
feel r-right.
[bones crunching]
- [groaning]
For God's sake.
Somebody call a doctor.
She's having a fit.
Come on!
[dancer]
Somebody do something! Leo!
[groaning]
[Marchand]
Well, fortunately, it seems Vera
is in a stable condition,
but, as we all know,
opening night is
in a matter of days.
So Leo and I have decided
upon a replacement.
Gionoffrio.
The part is yours.
If you want it.
I-I want it.
You didn't have to go
through all this trouble.
If you're gonna be
the star of the show,
then you gotta
look the part.
Show me that photo again.
Yeah.
Now, she had a face
for short hair.
They're saying
she might never walk again.
Is that right?
- Yeah, I don't--
I don't know. It just--
It just feels strange,
the timing.
Well, who's got time
for sensitivity, huh?
I thought you'd be
over the moon.
What? No, I am.
Well, it doesn't sound like it.
I-I am. I am really.
Um, it's just,
whatever you said to Alan
worked like a charm.
Maybe I shouldn't have bothered.
I didn't mean anything
by it.
You had every single thing
you ever wanted handed to you
on a silver platter.
This is your big break.
This is a role of a lifetime.
[gasps]
Ow.
You're right.
I'm always right.
[people chattering]
[dramatic orchestral music
playing]
[orchestral music
continues playing]
Flushed with a drink
That the heart makes bold
Drunk with the thirst
For the glittering gold
Dark spells arise
Smite their longing eyes
That they never may gaze
On the glittering prize
Terry, get your head
on straight! Come on!
[music ends]
[applause]
[people chattering, laughing]
[laughing,
chattering continues]
[inhales sharply, grunts]
[gasps]
Oh, God.
[heartbeat thumping]
[groans]
[line ringing, clicks]
- [receptionist] City Clinic.
Yes, um-- [clears throat] Hi.
Uh, this is Terry Gionoffrio.
I need to speak
to Dr. Sapirstein, please.
I'm sorry. He's busy.
- It's urgent.
One moment.
[Sapirstein]
This is Dr. Sapirstein.
Yes. Um, hi. There's--
There's something wrong.
I-I'm sure of it.
I'm having these--
these blinding pains.
Well, it's perfectly normal
for expectant mothers
to feel that way
in the first trimester.
Right, um,
I-I-I'm seeing things
that aren't there.
Uh, is that normal too?
- Well, it can be.
No two pregnancies
are ever alike.
You're not listening to me.
I-I-I'm telling you
there's something wrong
with the baby or me.
I don't-- I don't know,
but I can feel it.
Something's not right.
Why don't you come
into the office
and I'll examine you?
I'll ask Minnie
to pack you a bag.
No, no. Don't--
Don't call Minnie.
And-- [clears throat]
I'm sorry, what do I need
a bag for? [chuckles]
It may be necessary
to admit you to the hospital.
There's a condition
known as perinatal hysteria.
Oh, I'm--
No, no, no. I'm not--
I'm not crazy.
If you could be a danger
to yourself or the baby,
then measures must be taken.
[knocking]
[keys jingling]
[Minnie] Oh!
What's the holdup, dear?
You got company?
No. Did you--
Did you need anything?
Oh, Roman and I made
too much jiffy ground.
Oh, uh, thanks,
but I-I'm not hungry.
Well, good night.
[exhales]
[exhales shakily]
[Minnie] Roman, come on!
[Roman] Go right now?
[Minnie] Come on.
Your staff has waited
long enough.
[bell dings]
[stagehand]
Joan Cebulski?
Look, all I know is
she said she'd be back
for her things in a day.
And that was six months ago.
Her things?
I was this close
to donating it
to Goodwill.
[sizzles]
- Ah!
[bell tolling]
[grunts, inhales]
[gasps]
[groans]
Dear Father, I'm not...
really the praying kind.
[gasps]
- Are you all right, dear?
Sister, please.
I need to know
what's happening to me.
Where did you get that book?
Uh, it belonged
to someone
at the Bramford.
Stay away from it.
For generations,
rumors have persisted
about a congregation
of Satan worshippers
that made the Bramford home.
That book is their scripture.
I think they did
something to her.
Her name was Joan Cebulski.
She lived in the apartment
before me.
She'd come here to repent,
but it wasn't she
who needed to repent.
They did terrible things to her,
ungodly things.
She fled in the middle
of the night.
She was hit by a bus.
The paper said
she'd lost her mind,
but there were eyewitnesses
who swore they'd seen
somebody chasing her.
What did they want with her?
Just before the turn
of the century,
the leader of their coven
claimed to have conjured
the devil himself.
He left a son and heir.
He will stop at nothing.
[inhales sharply]
No.
[groans, clears throat]
They chose you.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done--
- Sister. Sister.
If this child is born,
God have mercy on us all.
Ready?
Mm-hmm.
[tools scraping]
- [gasps]
[speaking Cantonese]
You doing okay?
Mm-hmm.
Fine.
[metal clattering, scraping]
[gasps]
[heartbeat thumping]
[screams]
I'm sorry.
Did I hurt you?
What's happening?
[Annie speaking Cantonese]
[gasping]
Terry. Terry!
Terry, Terry!
Wait, Terry, wait. Wait!
[sobbing]
It's all my--
It's all my fault.
[stammering]
It was just so much pain.
It was like I just pushed it
on to her.
Whatever that was,
it had nothing to do
with you.
No. Look
what happened to Vera.
- Vera?
The amount of times
that I-- I fantasized
about something terrible
happening to her just because
I wanted her part.
Hey, hey, hey.
Slow down. Breathe.
Breathe.
You couldn't have done this.
It is impossible.
Yeah. You're right. Yeah.
You're right, Annie.
It's not me, it's them.
It's them.
This is so much bigger than me.
[stammering]
They did something.
They did something
to that woman,
to Vera, to Mrs. Gardenia--
and she was one of them.
Terry, you're scaring me.
The way that that nun
looked at me, she knew.
It's too late, okay?
This thing, it's just--
There's something wrong with it.
It's, like, a part of me
and I can't run from this, okay?
Talk to me.
Whatever it is,
we'll figure it out.
We'll leave.
- No, no.
I have to face this on my own.
Okay.
- Terry--
Evening, Terry.
Everything all right?
[bell dings]
Minnie?
[elevator rumbles]
[voices chanting]
[wood creaks]
Alan, what the hell
is this place?
You really don't
remember?
[chanting]
There were so many tries
before you.
But you,
you were different.
You're sick.
You violated me.
You practically
begged for it.
[gasping]
Don't touch me.
Oh, you really are
a marvel.
[sniffles]
Do you want me to suffer?
Yes.
Please.
Please, don't touch me.
Don't touch me.
You know
you crave the spotlight,
but really...
you've always
belonged in the dark.
The girl who fell no more.
Stop!
Do you feel powerful?
[gasps]
- [grunts]
[knife clatters on floor]
[screams]
[gasping]
[bell dings]
Toby.
Toby, please.
I'm sorry.
- No! No!
[bell dings]
[jazz playing on phonograph]
[jazz continues playing]
Oh!
Looks like you've been busy.
[door closes]
Roman, get in here.
Terry.
My goodness.
I know what you did to me.
Why don't you sit down?
I know about Joan.
I know what you are.
[Minnie] So what?
So, I won't be
a part of it.
No, that's not
how it works, girlie.
You remember how you were
when we found you?
You know, you were
kind of a mess.
I hate to say it,
but you were nothing.
We have given you
everything.
Everything isn't worth this.
We have a deal.
Mmm.
Deal's off.
It's a little lower, honey.
[shouts, panting]
[groans]
[sobs]
[screaming]
Aw, baby doesn't like that.
Baby's here to stay.
Get away!
You're evil.
- Why?
Because I pray
to a different god than you?
Let me tell you,
when I was just a boy,
my father was violently attacked
by a righteous, God-fearing mob,
beaten to within
an inch of his life
right in front of my eyes.
Why? Because
they were scared of him.
Because he had harnessed
a dark power
and it was mesmerizing.
You're the heir.
Conjuring the devil
was just the beginning.
We needed a human vessel.
A carrier.
- For what?
His son.
[Minnie] Let me ask you.
You don't actually think
that Alan was the father,
do you?
Our lord chose you.
Your son will change the world.
All will be forgiven.
We're your family now.
[Roman] You're not alone
anymore, sweetheart.
And I can't wait
to watch the world discover
what a treasure you are.
I could have made it
on my own.
I know.
This is a role
that you were born to play.
[Roman]
He looked inside of you
and saw your strength,
the depth of your ambition.
He will redeem the despised
and wreak vengeance
in the name of the burned
and the tortured.
He will live.
Every soul on this earth
will know your name.
My friends,
God is dead.
Satan lives.
The year is one!
[all] The year is one!
Hail Terry,
mother of our lord.
[all] Hail Terry.
Hail Satan!
Hail Satan!
[scoffs]
Hail Satan.
[all] Hail Satan.
Hail Satan!
Hail Satan!
["Be my Baby" playing]
The night we met
I knew I needed you so
And if I had the chance
I'd never let you go
So won't you say
You love me
I'll make you
So proud of me
We'll make 'em
Turn their heads
Every place we go
So won't you, please
Be my, be my baby
Be my little baby
My one and only baby
Say you'll be my darlin'
Be my, be my baby
Be my baby now
My one and only baby
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
I'll make you happy, baby
Just wait and see
For every kiss you give me
I'll give you three
Oh, since the day
I saw you
I have been
Waiting for you
You know I will adore you
Till eternity
So won't you, please
Be my, be my baby
Be my little baby
My one and only baby
Say you'll be my darlin'
Be my, be my baby
Be my baby now
My one and only baby
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
[song continues playing]
You were right, Minnie.
Always am.
It's a role of a lifetime.
Say you'll be my darlin'
Be my, be my baby
Be my baby now
My one and only baby
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
Be my, be my baby
Be my little baby
My one and only baby
[music ends]
[no audible dialogue]