Quantum Leap s03e06 Episode Script
Miss Deep South - June 7, 1958
and vanished.
He woke to find himself trapped in the past, facing mirror images that were not his own.
And driven by an unknown force to change history for the better.
His only guide on this journey is Al - an observer from his own time, who appears in the form of a hologram that only Sam can see and hear.
And so Dr Beckett finds himself leaping from life to life, striving to put right what once went wrong.
And hoping each time that his next leap .
.
will be the leap home.
' (CHATTER) Open the window! I wish I could go with you, honey, but your daddy would go crazy if I left him here alone with the twins.
I'm just so darn proud of you.
Oh! Wait.
I almost forgot.
Come and get this stuff.
Open that door.
If you'd have forgotten this, you would've looked pretty foolish.
These are my favourite earbobs.
It wouldn't do for my baby girl to go off to the biggest beauty contest in the South without her crown and her sash now, would it? Oh, Darlene.
Ohboy.
Yoo-hoo.
Miss Sugar Belle.
What in the name of heaven do you think you're doing? I'm sorry? Well, you're never going to become Miss Deep South moving like that.
Likewhat? Like a man.
Oh, didn't anyone ever teach you the proper way to walk? Was I doing it wrong? Not if you plan on becoming a truck driver.
Here, you watch me.
Now, remember, we step and glide and step and glide.
And glide and step.
All right? Now, you try it.
Go on.
You-you-you mean right here? Right now? Well, you could try it tomorrow, but it might be a little late, don't you think? Yeah.
I suppose.
Could I ask you something? Of course.
Who are you? Oh! Well, I'm Peg Myers.
I'm the pageant director.
I'm also a former Miss Orange Blossom, Miss Wisteria and second runner-up in the Miss Praline Pageant.
Which I would've won, had it not been for the fact that one of my batons failed to ignite.
And, of course, Miss Deep South, 1946.
So? That's it now.
Step and glide and step and glide.
Glide and Wellyou've still got 24 hours.
Don't give up.
(SIGHS) (BELL RINGS) WOMAN: Yoo-hoo.
Can you please hold the elevator? Thank you.
(GASPS) Oh.
Oh, I'm really sorry.
I-I didn't see you standing there.
Did I hurt you? No.
No, I'm fine.
Oh.
What's this? It's my little sister's.
I'm Connie.
Darlene.
Oh.
That's quite a grip you got there, Darlene.
Oh.
Oh, Miss Sugar Belle.
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah.
Andyou're Miss Corn Muffin.
It isn't that bad.
I wouldn't be here if hadn't been for this.
And believe me, I want to be here real bad.
Well, this is all kind of a new experience for me.
Oh.
Being Miss Deep South would be a dream come true.
It'd be an honour and a privilege.
And I'd do my best to wear the crown with pride and dignity.
That didn't sound too rehearsed, did it? No, no.
It sounded It was very natural.
Oh, good.
You never know when you might need to be spontaneous.
Do you mind moving your Little Miss Muffet stuff-it? Cute (!) You got your teddy bear in there too?! Don't let her bother you.
You know here? I know the type.
They're just bark.
One thing to remember about the beauty queens - it's a nice one you've got to keep your eye on.
Smile! Got it.
Another candid pageant moment.
I'm Clint Beaumont.
I'm pageant photographer.
Hi, I'm Connie.
Oh, this is Darlene.
Nice to meet you.
Have we ever met before? UhI don't think so.
Well, have you ever been to Buford City? Buford City? I think I'd remember that.
Have you ever done any print or runway work? Modelling? Oh, I wish.
Be careful what you wish for.
You just might get it.
I'll see you.
He kinda has a nice smile, doesn't he? First of all, I want to welcome you all to the 35th annual Miss Deep South Pageant.
Oh, it warms my heart to see all your hopeful, optimistic faces.
Remember, there are no losers here.
Every one of you brings something special to the pageant.
Something unique.
Something none of the other girls have.
Yeah.
We have a lot to do.
Like jockey shorts.
Very funny, Al.
I'm a beauty queen.
Did I ever tell you about the time I had a fling with a beauty queen? No, and I don't want to know.
I was at flight school and she was Miss Tail Gunner 1955.
I tell you, she had a major-league set of gun turrets.
That was a compliment.
(On what planet?) Watch out.
You're going to ruin your chances of being voted Miss Congeniality.
Just tell me what I'm doing here.
Well, we're not sure.
Ziggy's still running the program.
Your name is Darlene Monte and you earned your way into the Miss Deep South Pageant by oh, becoming Miss Sugar Belle.
That's nice.
And you come in third.
(I don't care about finishing, Al.
) (I just want to fix whatever it is and get out of here.
) Well, just don't worry and maintain a low profile andnobody will pay any attention to you.
.
.
learn a little more about each other.
(Keep a low profile? How can I keep a low profile? It's a beauty contest.
) It appears that Miss Monte has a lot to say, so why don't we start with her? Miss Monte? What? I ask if you'd mind standing and telling us what becoming Miss Deep South means to you? Go ahead.
Um I'll go and see if I can speed up Ziggy, so hang in there, Sam.
And remember, smile.
Smile.
Well, I don't really know where to start.
Uhwinning this contest would beuh .
.
well, it would be pretty darn nice.
That's for sure.
Could you be a little more specific? Specific? Oh.
Wellumbeing Miss Deep South .
.
would be like a dream come true.
It would be an honour and a privilege.
And I would do my best to wear the crown with pride and dignity.
Well, that was very nicely put.
Look, Connie, I'm really sorry.
I didn't mean to steal your speech.
No, it's all right.
You were just nervous.
Terrified is more like it.
It's funny, isn't it? We just met and we end up as roommates.
Yeah.
Sort of like we were meant to be together.
Uhyeah, Connie.
Funny, isn't it? (GASPS) Would you look at this room? I've heard about places like this, but I never thought I'd actually be staying in one.
They even have a television set.
Don't you have a TV at home? We got a radio.
And I go to picture shows in Chattanooga on the weekends.
Here, here, here.
TV: 'Mom and Dad don't want you eating with your face on the plate.
' 'But there's nobody here.
' (LAUGHS) I haven't seen a black-and-white set like this since I was a littlegirl.
Connieyou said that winning the pageant would be like a dream come true.
'They make you learn etiquette.
' 'What's that?' What kind of a dream? That kind.
'I didn't know they picked on you that much in high school.
' 'Yeah.
They were real strict about that kind of stuff.
' (CHUCKLES) You want to be the Beaver? No, I want to be on television.
Or the movies.
That's why I got into this in the first place - to get enough money to go to Hollywood.
Hollywood is a long way from Buford City.
Don't get me wrong, I love my family.
It's justmy mamma's 36 years old, she's got 8 kids.
One's still in diapers and the most exciting thing in her life is getting the new Sears and Roebuck catalogue.
I just don't want the same thing to happen to me.
Yeah.
But why Hollywood? We did this play in school - Our Town - I got the lead.
And when I was on that stage, I felt alive.
Like I had electricity shooting all through my body.
You ever felt that way? Yeah, once or twice.
You know, getting into showbusiness isn't easy.
Neither is watching the world pass you by.
I may not make it, but there's got to be more to life than kids and catalogues.
What do think of him? Who? Clint Beaumont.
Oh, II don't know.
He's OK.
I guess.
Why? Oh, no reason.
Oh, will you unzip me? I want to try on my formal.
Sure.
Yeah.
Sure.
I'm so excited.
(GIGGLES) OK.
Those zippers were a brilliant invention.
Buttons were OK, but All right! In the bathroom.
Al! What? I'll be back out in a couple of minutes.
You know, you're really a prude.
It's a good thing I'm not here to win this thing.
She could be tough to beat.
Well, don't start writing her acceptance speech.
Connie's the reason I'm here? We don't have the details yet.
She's not going to win, is she? She won't be around to win.
What do you mean? Well, according to Ziggy, she doesn't even finish the contest.
So there must be something terrible happens between now and tomorrow night, because she disappears and no-one ever sees her again.
All right, girls.
Let's try it one more time.
Remember, lots of smiles, lots of energy.
Musicand step.
(MUSIC STARTS) Step.
Step.
Ball change.
Good.
That's it.
Oh.
Now, watch out for those parasols.
That's it.
Now like ladies.
That's it.
And shuffle, shuffle, shuffle, shuffle, shuffle, shuffle.
Parasols.
Keep spinning.
Keep spinning.
That's it.
And up.
And sway.
Keep swaying, girls.
Keep swaying.
That's it.
And No.
1, go.
Hi.
I'm Cheryl Lynn Birch - Miss Mason-Dixon Line.
My goals are to become a professional secretary and to have many children.
No.
2, go.
Hi.
I'm Victoria Jenkins.
Miss Confederacy.
My goals include helping the needy and singing in the church choir.
No.
3, go.
Hi.
I'm Miss Darlene Monte.
UhMiss Sugar Belle.
And my goals includemy goals .
.
they include Stop! Stop! Is there a problem, Miss Monte? No.
I just can't get my parasol .
.
closed.
Seems to be working now.
I'll get it right the next time.
Well, there isn't any more time.
It's time for your pre-pageant interviews.
Everyone, go back to your rooms.
I'll come and get you when it's your turn.
Just it jammed up on me and How did you ever get here? (GIRLS GIGGLE) You see that? Even as a hologram, I've got it.
Don't tell me.
Let me guess.
Scarlett O'Hara on steroids? It's not working, Al.
I'm messing everything up.
Oh.
Don't worry about it.
You'll do great tonight.
Yeah? I wouldn't bet on it.
I guess we ought to get changed.
I'll catch up with you later.
Where are you going? Clint wants to talk to me about taking some pictures.
He says he knows some Hollywood people.
They want new talent, and he thinks I'm perfect.
When did this come off? Before rehearsal.
Darlene, this is just what I wanted.
Wish me luck.
She's gonna need more than luck.
What do you mean by that? UhI think you better sit down, Sam.
I think you'd better sit down, Sam.
(SIGHS) I think you'd better stand up, Sam.
Come, Al, just tell me why she doesn't finish the pageant.
Well, in about a month, some photographs of Connie turn up on a calendar.
The kind you see in the better muffler shops across the country.
Oh, come on, Al.
Connie's not the kind of girl who would pose for that kind of a picture.
People do a lot of things when they're desperate.
Clint.
He takes the pictures, doesn't he? Yeah.
Yeah, and the poor kid - when she realised what he was gonna do with them - she got so ashamed she couldn't go home.
I got to go find Myers.
Why? What are you gonna tell her? That your holographic friend told you about some photographs that haven't even been taken yet?! OK.
All right.
I'm going to stick with Connie until the pageant starts.
And then she'll still be here and I'll be able to leap out.
Mm-mm.
No.
Yeah, stick with Connie.
See, what you got to realise is that you use I mean, Darlene uses the money from the contest to go to college.
And she went on to become one of the first female cardiologists in this country.
So you have to keep her chances alive, so she can come in third.
She's saved a lot of people's lives, Sam.
So you keep your eye on Connie.
But as far you're concernedyou're Miss Sugar Belle.
He sure can get me a meeting with his friends.
The movie producers? They're not all producers.
Some of them are writers and directors.
Will you tie me up? Tie you up? Oh.
Oh, your hair.
Ha.
Yeah, I-I-I-I can do that.
Clint says they're starting a new picture next month and once they see the pictures he takes, they'll be interested.
How much do we really know about this Clint guy? What do you mean? Well, I mean, isn't it kinda strange that he'd know all these big showbiz types and still be working here? You think he's lying? I just think you should be careful.
Darlene, Clint's just trying to help me, that's all.
Well, maybe he's trying to help himself.
You're jealous.
Jealous? That's right.
You can't stand the fact that he picked me and not you.
You know that isn't true.
Do I? I should've known after what you did at the orientation.
I explained that.
You're just like the rest of 'em.
Believe me, Connie, I'm not.
Look, I know how badly you want to change your life, but Clint is not the answer.
How do you know? Can you see the future? Connie, I just - I won't spend the rest of my life scratching in a piece of dirt and having ten kids hanging from my skirt! I can't! Connie.
Connie, wait.
Connie.
Well, just the person I was looking for.
It's time for your pre-pageant interview.
Right now? I mean, is it absolutely necessary? Well, yes.
Unless you want to throw away every chance of winning.
So, uh what are your measurements? Why? I beg your pardon? No offence, but um why do you want to know what my measurements are? Well, just because we have to know, that's all.
I don't see where the size of a person's body has anything to do with who they are.
I don't either! Philippa! Well, I Well, I don't.
Well, I - (LAUGHS) - I suppose we can skip this for now and uhif you'll just sign this, we'll move right on.
What is this? Just a standard declaration of purity contract.
Purity? Nothing to get your back up about.
We just want to verify the fact that you are still a virgin.
Great.
Now, the people that I know, they're looking for a particular kind of girl.
A special kind of look.
OK.
Just relax.
Ready? Good.
Let's see.
Why don't we uhjust loosen this up just a little bit? What are you doing? Relax.
I was just trying to set the mood, that's all.
I-I don't know if I should be doing this.
Well, maybe you shouldn't.
Connie, I'm going to be very honest with you.
I think that you can go to the top, I really do.
But you gotta give me something in order to get there.
What? You.
Now, you know what sells in Hollywood today? Sex appeal.
(LAUGHS) And, honey, you got it.
It's up to me to get it on film.
When those movie people see pictures of you, they're going to be stepping all over themselves to sign you up.
But you're going to have to help me out.
Do you know what I mean? You-you want me to take my clothes off, don't you? I want you to do whatever you want to do.
I got to tell you, if you don't, there's a hundred other girls out there that will.
So, what's it going to be? Are you going to go back to Buford City and wonder 'what if' for the rest of your life? Or do you want to see the world? That's lovely.
Don't be afraid.
That's good.
I knew you were the kind of girl I was looking for when I first saw you.
You won't regret this.
Trust me.
Relax, now.
I won't shoot anything that will embarrass you.
It's lovely.
Uh-huh.
Uh-huh.
I'm looking at a star.
Give me a big smile.
That's right.
Pearly whites - lovely.
La gusta, la gusta, la gusta, la gusta, Cuanto la gusta, la gusta, la gusta What happened? Carmen Miranda have a garage sale (?) Who? Carmen Miranda! She put fruit on the map.
Ah, it's before your time.
Al, give me a break, will you? This is my costume.
Darlene must have sent it before she left home.
OH! SUSANNA Monte.
Darlene Monte, you're next.
II'm just gonna need a few more minutes.
Next! Did you see this? Jerry Lee Lewis will be here next week.
So am I, if I don't find Connie.
Come on, you'll find her.
But just remember - I know.
I know.
I got to keep Darlene in the contest.
I know that.
(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS) Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Oh.
Thank God it's just a rehearsal.
I've never even heard of this song - Cuanto La Gusta, Al.
That's OK.
Did you learn the lyrics? Well I'll be there to help you through, as always.
Cuanto la gusta, la gusta La gusta La gusta, la gusta, la gusta Cuanto la gusta, la gusta La gusta We gotta get going Where are we going? What are we going to do? We're on our way to somewhere The two of us and you What will we see there? What will be there? There may be caballeros with dark and flashing eyes We're on our way We're on our way Pack up your pack Pack up your pack And if we stay And if we stay We won't come back We won't come back How can we go? We haven't got a dime But we're going and we're going to have a happy time Thank you.
Thank you.
That was the most humiliating experience of my life.
Well, I thought she should have at least let us finish.
We were doing fine.
Finish? Yeah! Finish? Al, we were finished before we even started.
Now, I gotta find Connie or I'm never gonna leave.
And if I don't leave, Darlene is never gonna finish third.
All right, all right.
Ziggy says that Connie is in your room, so why don't you? Ooh.
Why don't you go and make sure that Connie isn't doing anything that she'll regret? And I'll go downstairs just in case Clint has tried to take advantage of any other youngbeautifulsoft Going down? (RUNNING WATER) It's me.
I lost you.
Connie, uhlook, I know you were upsetearlier and I'm sorry about that.
ButI just feel like maybe we should talk about things.
Hey.
Be careful, you're gonna shrivel up.
Connie? Are you OK? (SOBS) How are you feeling? Stupid.
How long were you in there? I don't know.
An hour.
Maybe more.
I felt so dirty.
I thought I could wash it off, but I couldn't.
He didn't? No.
But it wasn't because he didn't try.
So stupid.
It's not your fault.
But you tried to warn me and I didn't listen.
I thought I could just do it and forget it.
What am I going to do, Darlene? Now, first off, we got to get the film.
Yeah.
Maybe I could talk to him and ask him to give the pictures back.
Tell him I changed my mind.
He's not going to use those pictures to help me, is he? I got to get out of here.
Where's my case? Connie, Connie, stop it.
I got to get out of here! Connie, just stop.
You can't run away from your mistakes.
Trust me, I know.
I'll get the pictures back, but you have to promise you'll stay and finish the pageant.
Why are you doing this? Why do you care? Hey.
We we farm girls, we got to stick together, right? Right.
(KNOCK AT DOOR) It's OK.
It's OK.
It's all right.
Who is it? It's Peg Myers.
Hi.
Is everything all right? We missed you at the talent rehearsal, Miss Duncan.
Well, I was She's not feeling very well.
I think it might be a better idea if she stayed here and rested until the pageant starts.
All right.
If you think that's best.
But I'll expect to see you in ten minutes for photos by the pool.
OK.
In your bathing suit.
Bathing suit?! Nice suit (!) Come with a bucket and shovel (?) They're all yours, Mr Beaumont.
All right, ladies.
Let's take some pictures.
That's good.
OK, ladies, why don't you all relax and we'll get individual shots? Pretty as a picture.
Why don't we take some? I think you should start with somebody else.
Oh, don't worry.
I won't bite.
Just be yourself.
It's all right.
Stand right over there.
Good.
Ready? (CHUCKLES) Sweetheart, I can't get a good shot unless you cooperate.
I guess some people are easier to control than others.
Well, I usually get what I want.
Especially if the girl's desperate enough.
What kind of lies did you tell her? Why don't you ask her? You can't just use people and expect to get away with it.
Who's going to stop me? You're looking at him.
Him?! Sweetheart, you're more confused than I thought.
Besides, I've already gotten away.
Maybe not.
Give me the bag! What's going on here? Ask him.
She's lost her mind.
Give him the bag, Darlene.
Ask him about the private photo sessions in his room.
I have no idea what she's talking about.
Just, please, take a look at the film.
This is insane! You're not going to believe her.
I don't care if you believe me.
Take a look at the film.
It's your job to protect the contestants, isn't it? Give me the bag.
What the hell are you doing? Would you wait for me in the pageant hall, Mr Beaumont? Please.
I'm sorry.
I feel really bad about putting you in the middle of all this.
Not as bad as the person on this film is gonna feel.
What do you mean? If what you say is true, the person in these pictures will have to be disqualified from the pageant.
At least stick around until the pageant's over.
It's already over.
We can try and get the pictures back.
She wouldn't use them against you.
I ruined things for myself.
I won't let you hurt your chances to win.
Look, Connie - Hey! One good thing will come out of this.
Clint Beaumont won't be around to ruin any more chances for - (SOBS) - any dumb country girls, too plain to see the real truth.
I wouldn't be too sure about that.
Put your hand up on your hip.
There you go.
Don't go anywhere.
My bus leaves in ten minutes.
So you'll get the next one.
What? Give me ten more minutes.
All right.
Stay with her, Al.
Like white on rice, little darling.
Why did you kick Connie out and let Beaumont stay? Mr Beaumont has been with this pageant for 12 years.
He used her! She didn't have to let him photograph her naked.
What?! She obviously went along with it.
She made a mistake.
You sometimes do that at 19.
You're avoiding my question.
Why is Beaumont still here? I won't change photographers on the night of the pageant! You're ruining Connie's life.
Don't be so melodramatic! Her life isn't ruined.
What would've happened to you if you'd been kicked out of the pageant? Oh, my God.
You posed nude for him when you were a contestant.
Don't be absurd.
How could you let him do that to other girls after being through it? Or was posing naked your idea? No.
No.
It just happened.
First it was'Let me see some shoulder.
' And then, 'Drop that strap down a little lower to my shot.
' And then it was, 'Just so beautiful.
Don't be afraid.
Just relax.
I won't shoot anything that will embarrass you.
' (SOBS) And then before you realise it you're naked and - (SOBS) - and it's all too late.
(SOBS) I just wanted to say I'm sorry about what happened.
Cos the pictures would be worth a hell of lot more if she'd won.
It doesn't matter.
At least you don't have my pictures any more.
Youyou don't have 'em? OK, I don't have 'em.
You dog! She wouldn't give it back to you.
She would, and she did.
Well, I don't believe you.
Well, I'll send you a copy of the calendar, in a month or two.
Mr Beaumont.
I'd do anything to get those pictures back.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Well, why don't we talk about this over a drink? No, no, no.
In my room.
Sam, Clint has taken Connie to his room.
The skuzz wants to make a trade for the film.
Trade? Trade? Yeah, trade.
You know, trade, trade, trade, trade.
Room 318.
Hurry up! Just hang in there, Connie.
The cavalry's coming.
Clint.
(SIGHS) Oh, not you again.
Leave her alone.
Who the hell do you think you are? Her guardian angel?! I guess so.
I'm sorry.
Was that your foot? Oh! I'm sorry.
Are you OK? Yeah.
Where did you learn to? Um the 4-H Club.
Oh, Sam, get the film.
Where's the film? Film? What film? The film.
Oh! Sorry, I didn't see you there (!) I'm sorry! Oh, watch your head.
Ow! What are you doing? You're nuts! Uh-huh.
Where's the film? It's under the mattress.
Look under the mattress! Crazy girl, let me in! You're gonna kill me.
I got it.
Oh, watch your head.
There you go.
There you go.
(GROANS) Here you go.
Wellthere's always next year.
Not for you.
I'm gonna see that you never do another beauty pageant.
You got too much to lose.
I've already lost.
At least I can make sure no other young girl makes the same mistake.
Fire away.
Peg, you're all right.
Now, you two girls better go and get changed.
You have a beauty pageant to finish.
I can't believe this, Al.
Why am I still here? Relax.
I had a look at the judges' score cards and you're hanging on to a solid fourth.
Fourth?! I'm supposed to finish third, aren't I? Yes.
Third, I know.
But you haven't even started the talent contest yet.
OK, we're in a little bit of trouble.
All we have to do is figure out something else for you to do.
What? I don't know.
I don't know.
But whatever it is, you got to go out there and set the place on fire.
You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain This kind of love drives a woman insane You broke my will Oh, what a thrill Goodness gracious Great balls of fire This isn't on the programme.
What the heck is she doing up there? Lighten up.
It's rock 'n' roll.
And I like it! Goodness gracious Great balls of fire You kissed me, baby Whoooo! It feels good Hold me, baby I wanna love you like a lover should You're fine, so kind Gotta tell this world That you're mine, mine, mine, I chew my nails And I twiddle my thumbs I'm real nervous but it sure is fun Come on, baby, you drive me crazy Goodness gracious Great balls of fire Hold me, baby Whoooooo! It feels good Love me, baby I want to love you Like a lover should You're find, so kind Got to tell this world That you're mine, mine, mine, mine I chew my nails And I twiddle my thumbs I'm really nervous But it sure is fun Come on, baby, you drive me crazy Goodness gracious Great balls of fire (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) That was fourth place.
Finishing third - second runner-up - for the scholarship of $500 Cheryl Lynn Birch.
(APPLAUSE) I blew it, Al.
Darlene's never going to become a doctor.
Hey, Sam, you did the best you could.
The first runner-up - for the $1,000 scholarship - Vicky Jenkins.
(APPLAUSE) What happens to Connie? Uh Oh, she's fine.
She goes home.
She starts a little community theatre and uh she leads a good life.
This is the moment we've all been waiting for.
The winner of a $2,000 scholarship and the new Miss Deep South - Darlene Monte.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) You did it! You won! Darlene's gonna be a doctor! Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to present the new queen - 1959 - Miss Deep South! You're wonderful The way you walk The way you smile The way you talk We're here to crown you And surround you And to say That in our hearts You'll always stay How does it feel to be Miss Deep South? Sam, are you OK? I just wish Katie could be here to see.
Aw, Sam.
(SIREN AND DOG BARKING) (GASPS) Argh! No!
He woke to find himself trapped in the past, facing mirror images that were not his own.
And driven by an unknown force to change history for the better.
His only guide on this journey is Al - an observer from his own time, who appears in the form of a hologram that only Sam can see and hear.
And so Dr Beckett finds himself leaping from life to life, striving to put right what once went wrong.
And hoping each time that his next leap .
.
will be the leap home.
' (CHATTER) Open the window! I wish I could go with you, honey, but your daddy would go crazy if I left him here alone with the twins.
I'm just so darn proud of you.
Oh! Wait.
I almost forgot.
Come and get this stuff.
Open that door.
If you'd have forgotten this, you would've looked pretty foolish.
These are my favourite earbobs.
It wouldn't do for my baby girl to go off to the biggest beauty contest in the South without her crown and her sash now, would it? Oh, Darlene.
Ohboy.
Yoo-hoo.
Miss Sugar Belle.
What in the name of heaven do you think you're doing? I'm sorry? Well, you're never going to become Miss Deep South moving like that.
Likewhat? Like a man.
Oh, didn't anyone ever teach you the proper way to walk? Was I doing it wrong? Not if you plan on becoming a truck driver.
Here, you watch me.
Now, remember, we step and glide and step and glide.
And glide and step.
All right? Now, you try it.
Go on.
You-you-you mean right here? Right now? Well, you could try it tomorrow, but it might be a little late, don't you think? Yeah.
I suppose.
Could I ask you something? Of course.
Who are you? Oh! Well, I'm Peg Myers.
I'm the pageant director.
I'm also a former Miss Orange Blossom, Miss Wisteria and second runner-up in the Miss Praline Pageant.
Which I would've won, had it not been for the fact that one of my batons failed to ignite.
And, of course, Miss Deep South, 1946.
So? That's it now.
Step and glide and step and glide.
Glide and Wellyou've still got 24 hours.
Don't give up.
(SIGHS) (BELL RINGS) WOMAN: Yoo-hoo.
Can you please hold the elevator? Thank you.
(GASPS) Oh.
Oh, I'm really sorry.
I-I didn't see you standing there.
Did I hurt you? No.
No, I'm fine.
Oh.
What's this? It's my little sister's.
I'm Connie.
Darlene.
Oh.
That's quite a grip you got there, Darlene.
Oh.
Oh, Miss Sugar Belle.
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah.
Andyou're Miss Corn Muffin.
It isn't that bad.
I wouldn't be here if hadn't been for this.
And believe me, I want to be here real bad.
Well, this is all kind of a new experience for me.
Oh.
Being Miss Deep South would be a dream come true.
It'd be an honour and a privilege.
And I'd do my best to wear the crown with pride and dignity.
That didn't sound too rehearsed, did it? No, no.
It sounded It was very natural.
Oh, good.
You never know when you might need to be spontaneous.
Do you mind moving your Little Miss Muffet stuff-it? Cute (!) You got your teddy bear in there too?! Don't let her bother you.
You know here? I know the type.
They're just bark.
One thing to remember about the beauty queens - it's a nice one you've got to keep your eye on.
Smile! Got it.
Another candid pageant moment.
I'm Clint Beaumont.
I'm pageant photographer.
Hi, I'm Connie.
Oh, this is Darlene.
Nice to meet you.
Have we ever met before? UhI don't think so.
Well, have you ever been to Buford City? Buford City? I think I'd remember that.
Have you ever done any print or runway work? Modelling? Oh, I wish.
Be careful what you wish for.
You just might get it.
I'll see you.
He kinda has a nice smile, doesn't he? First of all, I want to welcome you all to the 35th annual Miss Deep South Pageant.
Oh, it warms my heart to see all your hopeful, optimistic faces.
Remember, there are no losers here.
Every one of you brings something special to the pageant.
Something unique.
Something none of the other girls have.
Yeah.
We have a lot to do.
Like jockey shorts.
Very funny, Al.
I'm a beauty queen.
Did I ever tell you about the time I had a fling with a beauty queen? No, and I don't want to know.
I was at flight school and she was Miss Tail Gunner 1955.
I tell you, she had a major-league set of gun turrets.
That was a compliment.
(On what planet?) Watch out.
You're going to ruin your chances of being voted Miss Congeniality.
Just tell me what I'm doing here.
Well, we're not sure.
Ziggy's still running the program.
Your name is Darlene Monte and you earned your way into the Miss Deep South Pageant by oh, becoming Miss Sugar Belle.
That's nice.
And you come in third.
(I don't care about finishing, Al.
) (I just want to fix whatever it is and get out of here.
) Well, just don't worry and maintain a low profile andnobody will pay any attention to you.
.
.
learn a little more about each other.
(Keep a low profile? How can I keep a low profile? It's a beauty contest.
) It appears that Miss Monte has a lot to say, so why don't we start with her? Miss Monte? What? I ask if you'd mind standing and telling us what becoming Miss Deep South means to you? Go ahead.
Um I'll go and see if I can speed up Ziggy, so hang in there, Sam.
And remember, smile.
Smile.
Well, I don't really know where to start.
Uhwinning this contest would beuh .
.
well, it would be pretty darn nice.
That's for sure.
Could you be a little more specific? Specific? Oh.
Wellumbeing Miss Deep South .
.
would be like a dream come true.
It would be an honour and a privilege.
And I would do my best to wear the crown with pride and dignity.
Well, that was very nicely put.
Look, Connie, I'm really sorry.
I didn't mean to steal your speech.
No, it's all right.
You were just nervous.
Terrified is more like it.
It's funny, isn't it? We just met and we end up as roommates.
Yeah.
Sort of like we were meant to be together.
Uhyeah, Connie.
Funny, isn't it? (GASPS) Would you look at this room? I've heard about places like this, but I never thought I'd actually be staying in one.
They even have a television set.
Don't you have a TV at home? We got a radio.
And I go to picture shows in Chattanooga on the weekends.
Here, here, here.
TV: 'Mom and Dad don't want you eating with your face on the plate.
' 'But there's nobody here.
' (LAUGHS) I haven't seen a black-and-white set like this since I was a littlegirl.
Connieyou said that winning the pageant would be like a dream come true.
'They make you learn etiquette.
' 'What's that?' What kind of a dream? That kind.
'I didn't know they picked on you that much in high school.
' 'Yeah.
They were real strict about that kind of stuff.
' (CHUCKLES) You want to be the Beaver? No, I want to be on television.
Or the movies.
That's why I got into this in the first place - to get enough money to go to Hollywood.
Hollywood is a long way from Buford City.
Don't get me wrong, I love my family.
It's justmy mamma's 36 years old, she's got 8 kids.
One's still in diapers and the most exciting thing in her life is getting the new Sears and Roebuck catalogue.
I just don't want the same thing to happen to me.
Yeah.
But why Hollywood? We did this play in school - Our Town - I got the lead.
And when I was on that stage, I felt alive.
Like I had electricity shooting all through my body.
You ever felt that way? Yeah, once or twice.
You know, getting into showbusiness isn't easy.
Neither is watching the world pass you by.
I may not make it, but there's got to be more to life than kids and catalogues.
What do think of him? Who? Clint Beaumont.
Oh, II don't know.
He's OK.
I guess.
Why? Oh, no reason.
Oh, will you unzip me? I want to try on my formal.
Sure.
Yeah.
Sure.
I'm so excited.
(GIGGLES) OK.
Those zippers were a brilliant invention.
Buttons were OK, but All right! In the bathroom.
Al! What? I'll be back out in a couple of minutes.
You know, you're really a prude.
It's a good thing I'm not here to win this thing.
She could be tough to beat.
Well, don't start writing her acceptance speech.
Connie's the reason I'm here? We don't have the details yet.
She's not going to win, is she? She won't be around to win.
What do you mean? Well, according to Ziggy, she doesn't even finish the contest.
So there must be something terrible happens between now and tomorrow night, because she disappears and no-one ever sees her again.
All right, girls.
Let's try it one more time.
Remember, lots of smiles, lots of energy.
Musicand step.
(MUSIC STARTS) Step.
Step.
Ball change.
Good.
That's it.
Oh.
Now, watch out for those parasols.
That's it.
Now like ladies.
That's it.
And shuffle, shuffle, shuffle, shuffle, shuffle, shuffle.
Parasols.
Keep spinning.
Keep spinning.
That's it.
And up.
And sway.
Keep swaying, girls.
Keep swaying.
That's it.
And No.
1, go.
Hi.
I'm Cheryl Lynn Birch - Miss Mason-Dixon Line.
My goals are to become a professional secretary and to have many children.
No.
2, go.
Hi.
I'm Victoria Jenkins.
Miss Confederacy.
My goals include helping the needy and singing in the church choir.
No.
3, go.
Hi.
I'm Miss Darlene Monte.
UhMiss Sugar Belle.
And my goals includemy goals .
.
they include Stop! Stop! Is there a problem, Miss Monte? No.
I just can't get my parasol .
.
closed.
Seems to be working now.
I'll get it right the next time.
Well, there isn't any more time.
It's time for your pre-pageant interviews.
Everyone, go back to your rooms.
I'll come and get you when it's your turn.
Just it jammed up on me and How did you ever get here? (GIRLS GIGGLE) You see that? Even as a hologram, I've got it.
Don't tell me.
Let me guess.
Scarlett O'Hara on steroids? It's not working, Al.
I'm messing everything up.
Oh.
Don't worry about it.
You'll do great tonight.
Yeah? I wouldn't bet on it.
I guess we ought to get changed.
I'll catch up with you later.
Where are you going? Clint wants to talk to me about taking some pictures.
He says he knows some Hollywood people.
They want new talent, and he thinks I'm perfect.
When did this come off? Before rehearsal.
Darlene, this is just what I wanted.
Wish me luck.
She's gonna need more than luck.
What do you mean by that? UhI think you better sit down, Sam.
I think you'd better sit down, Sam.
(SIGHS) I think you'd better stand up, Sam.
Come, Al, just tell me why she doesn't finish the pageant.
Well, in about a month, some photographs of Connie turn up on a calendar.
The kind you see in the better muffler shops across the country.
Oh, come on, Al.
Connie's not the kind of girl who would pose for that kind of a picture.
People do a lot of things when they're desperate.
Clint.
He takes the pictures, doesn't he? Yeah.
Yeah, and the poor kid - when she realised what he was gonna do with them - she got so ashamed she couldn't go home.
I got to go find Myers.
Why? What are you gonna tell her? That your holographic friend told you about some photographs that haven't even been taken yet?! OK.
All right.
I'm going to stick with Connie until the pageant starts.
And then she'll still be here and I'll be able to leap out.
Mm-mm.
No.
Yeah, stick with Connie.
See, what you got to realise is that you use I mean, Darlene uses the money from the contest to go to college.
And she went on to become one of the first female cardiologists in this country.
So you have to keep her chances alive, so she can come in third.
She's saved a lot of people's lives, Sam.
So you keep your eye on Connie.
But as far you're concernedyou're Miss Sugar Belle.
He sure can get me a meeting with his friends.
The movie producers? They're not all producers.
Some of them are writers and directors.
Will you tie me up? Tie you up? Oh.
Oh, your hair.
Ha.
Yeah, I-I-I-I can do that.
Clint says they're starting a new picture next month and once they see the pictures he takes, they'll be interested.
How much do we really know about this Clint guy? What do you mean? Well, I mean, isn't it kinda strange that he'd know all these big showbiz types and still be working here? You think he's lying? I just think you should be careful.
Darlene, Clint's just trying to help me, that's all.
Well, maybe he's trying to help himself.
You're jealous.
Jealous? That's right.
You can't stand the fact that he picked me and not you.
You know that isn't true.
Do I? I should've known after what you did at the orientation.
I explained that.
You're just like the rest of 'em.
Believe me, Connie, I'm not.
Look, I know how badly you want to change your life, but Clint is not the answer.
How do you know? Can you see the future? Connie, I just - I won't spend the rest of my life scratching in a piece of dirt and having ten kids hanging from my skirt! I can't! Connie.
Connie, wait.
Connie.
Well, just the person I was looking for.
It's time for your pre-pageant interview.
Right now? I mean, is it absolutely necessary? Well, yes.
Unless you want to throw away every chance of winning.
So, uh what are your measurements? Why? I beg your pardon? No offence, but um why do you want to know what my measurements are? Well, just because we have to know, that's all.
I don't see where the size of a person's body has anything to do with who they are.
I don't either! Philippa! Well, I Well, I don't.
Well, I - (LAUGHS) - I suppose we can skip this for now and uhif you'll just sign this, we'll move right on.
What is this? Just a standard declaration of purity contract.
Purity? Nothing to get your back up about.
We just want to verify the fact that you are still a virgin.
Great.
Now, the people that I know, they're looking for a particular kind of girl.
A special kind of look.
OK.
Just relax.
Ready? Good.
Let's see.
Why don't we uhjust loosen this up just a little bit? What are you doing? Relax.
I was just trying to set the mood, that's all.
I-I don't know if I should be doing this.
Well, maybe you shouldn't.
Connie, I'm going to be very honest with you.
I think that you can go to the top, I really do.
But you gotta give me something in order to get there.
What? You.
Now, you know what sells in Hollywood today? Sex appeal.
(LAUGHS) And, honey, you got it.
It's up to me to get it on film.
When those movie people see pictures of you, they're going to be stepping all over themselves to sign you up.
But you're going to have to help me out.
Do you know what I mean? You-you want me to take my clothes off, don't you? I want you to do whatever you want to do.
I got to tell you, if you don't, there's a hundred other girls out there that will.
So, what's it going to be? Are you going to go back to Buford City and wonder 'what if' for the rest of your life? Or do you want to see the world? That's lovely.
Don't be afraid.
That's good.
I knew you were the kind of girl I was looking for when I first saw you.
You won't regret this.
Trust me.
Relax, now.
I won't shoot anything that will embarrass you.
It's lovely.
Uh-huh.
Uh-huh.
I'm looking at a star.
Give me a big smile.
That's right.
Pearly whites - lovely.
La gusta, la gusta, la gusta, la gusta, Cuanto la gusta, la gusta, la gusta What happened? Carmen Miranda have a garage sale (?) Who? Carmen Miranda! She put fruit on the map.
Ah, it's before your time.
Al, give me a break, will you? This is my costume.
Darlene must have sent it before she left home.
OH! SUSANNA Monte.
Darlene Monte, you're next.
II'm just gonna need a few more minutes.
Next! Did you see this? Jerry Lee Lewis will be here next week.
So am I, if I don't find Connie.
Come on, you'll find her.
But just remember - I know.
I know.
I got to keep Darlene in the contest.
I know that.
(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS) Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Oh.
Thank God it's just a rehearsal.
I've never even heard of this song - Cuanto La Gusta, Al.
That's OK.
Did you learn the lyrics? Well I'll be there to help you through, as always.
Cuanto la gusta, la gusta La gusta La gusta, la gusta, la gusta Cuanto la gusta, la gusta La gusta We gotta get going Where are we going? What are we going to do? We're on our way to somewhere The two of us and you What will we see there? What will be there? There may be caballeros with dark and flashing eyes We're on our way We're on our way Pack up your pack Pack up your pack And if we stay And if we stay We won't come back We won't come back How can we go? We haven't got a dime But we're going and we're going to have a happy time Thank you.
Thank you.
That was the most humiliating experience of my life.
Well, I thought she should have at least let us finish.
We were doing fine.
Finish? Yeah! Finish? Al, we were finished before we even started.
Now, I gotta find Connie or I'm never gonna leave.
And if I don't leave, Darlene is never gonna finish third.
All right, all right.
Ziggy says that Connie is in your room, so why don't you? Ooh.
Why don't you go and make sure that Connie isn't doing anything that she'll regret? And I'll go downstairs just in case Clint has tried to take advantage of any other youngbeautifulsoft Going down? (RUNNING WATER) It's me.
I lost you.
Connie, uhlook, I know you were upsetearlier and I'm sorry about that.
ButI just feel like maybe we should talk about things.
Hey.
Be careful, you're gonna shrivel up.
Connie? Are you OK? (SOBS) How are you feeling? Stupid.
How long were you in there? I don't know.
An hour.
Maybe more.
I felt so dirty.
I thought I could wash it off, but I couldn't.
He didn't? No.
But it wasn't because he didn't try.
So stupid.
It's not your fault.
But you tried to warn me and I didn't listen.
I thought I could just do it and forget it.
What am I going to do, Darlene? Now, first off, we got to get the film.
Yeah.
Maybe I could talk to him and ask him to give the pictures back.
Tell him I changed my mind.
He's not going to use those pictures to help me, is he? I got to get out of here.
Where's my case? Connie, Connie, stop it.
I got to get out of here! Connie, just stop.
You can't run away from your mistakes.
Trust me, I know.
I'll get the pictures back, but you have to promise you'll stay and finish the pageant.
Why are you doing this? Why do you care? Hey.
We we farm girls, we got to stick together, right? Right.
(KNOCK AT DOOR) It's OK.
It's OK.
It's all right.
Who is it? It's Peg Myers.
Hi.
Is everything all right? We missed you at the talent rehearsal, Miss Duncan.
Well, I was She's not feeling very well.
I think it might be a better idea if she stayed here and rested until the pageant starts.
All right.
If you think that's best.
But I'll expect to see you in ten minutes for photos by the pool.
OK.
In your bathing suit.
Bathing suit?! Nice suit (!) Come with a bucket and shovel (?) They're all yours, Mr Beaumont.
All right, ladies.
Let's take some pictures.
That's good.
OK, ladies, why don't you all relax and we'll get individual shots? Pretty as a picture.
Why don't we take some? I think you should start with somebody else.
Oh, don't worry.
I won't bite.
Just be yourself.
It's all right.
Stand right over there.
Good.
Ready? (CHUCKLES) Sweetheart, I can't get a good shot unless you cooperate.
I guess some people are easier to control than others.
Well, I usually get what I want.
Especially if the girl's desperate enough.
What kind of lies did you tell her? Why don't you ask her? You can't just use people and expect to get away with it.
Who's going to stop me? You're looking at him.
Him?! Sweetheart, you're more confused than I thought.
Besides, I've already gotten away.
Maybe not.
Give me the bag! What's going on here? Ask him.
She's lost her mind.
Give him the bag, Darlene.
Ask him about the private photo sessions in his room.
I have no idea what she's talking about.
Just, please, take a look at the film.
This is insane! You're not going to believe her.
I don't care if you believe me.
Take a look at the film.
It's your job to protect the contestants, isn't it? Give me the bag.
What the hell are you doing? Would you wait for me in the pageant hall, Mr Beaumont? Please.
I'm sorry.
I feel really bad about putting you in the middle of all this.
Not as bad as the person on this film is gonna feel.
What do you mean? If what you say is true, the person in these pictures will have to be disqualified from the pageant.
At least stick around until the pageant's over.
It's already over.
We can try and get the pictures back.
She wouldn't use them against you.
I ruined things for myself.
I won't let you hurt your chances to win.
Look, Connie - Hey! One good thing will come out of this.
Clint Beaumont won't be around to ruin any more chances for - (SOBS) - any dumb country girls, too plain to see the real truth.
I wouldn't be too sure about that.
Put your hand up on your hip.
There you go.
Don't go anywhere.
My bus leaves in ten minutes.
So you'll get the next one.
What? Give me ten more minutes.
All right.
Stay with her, Al.
Like white on rice, little darling.
Why did you kick Connie out and let Beaumont stay? Mr Beaumont has been with this pageant for 12 years.
He used her! She didn't have to let him photograph her naked.
What?! She obviously went along with it.
She made a mistake.
You sometimes do that at 19.
You're avoiding my question.
Why is Beaumont still here? I won't change photographers on the night of the pageant! You're ruining Connie's life.
Don't be so melodramatic! Her life isn't ruined.
What would've happened to you if you'd been kicked out of the pageant? Oh, my God.
You posed nude for him when you were a contestant.
Don't be absurd.
How could you let him do that to other girls after being through it? Or was posing naked your idea? No.
No.
It just happened.
First it was'Let me see some shoulder.
' And then, 'Drop that strap down a little lower to my shot.
' And then it was, 'Just so beautiful.
Don't be afraid.
Just relax.
I won't shoot anything that will embarrass you.
' (SOBS) And then before you realise it you're naked and - (SOBS) - and it's all too late.
(SOBS) I just wanted to say I'm sorry about what happened.
Cos the pictures would be worth a hell of lot more if she'd won.
It doesn't matter.
At least you don't have my pictures any more.
Youyou don't have 'em? OK, I don't have 'em.
You dog! She wouldn't give it back to you.
She would, and she did.
Well, I don't believe you.
Well, I'll send you a copy of the calendar, in a month or two.
Mr Beaumont.
I'd do anything to get those pictures back.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Well, why don't we talk about this over a drink? No, no, no.
In my room.
Sam, Clint has taken Connie to his room.
The skuzz wants to make a trade for the film.
Trade? Trade? Yeah, trade.
You know, trade, trade, trade, trade.
Room 318.
Hurry up! Just hang in there, Connie.
The cavalry's coming.
Clint.
(SIGHS) Oh, not you again.
Leave her alone.
Who the hell do you think you are? Her guardian angel?! I guess so.
I'm sorry.
Was that your foot? Oh! I'm sorry.
Are you OK? Yeah.
Where did you learn to? Um the 4-H Club.
Oh, Sam, get the film.
Where's the film? Film? What film? The film.
Oh! Sorry, I didn't see you there (!) I'm sorry! Oh, watch your head.
Ow! What are you doing? You're nuts! Uh-huh.
Where's the film? It's under the mattress.
Look under the mattress! Crazy girl, let me in! You're gonna kill me.
I got it.
Oh, watch your head.
There you go.
There you go.
(GROANS) Here you go.
Wellthere's always next year.
Not for you.
I'm gonna see that you never do another beauty pageant.
You got too much to lose.
I've already lost.
At least I can make sure no other young girl makes the same mistake.
Fire away.
Peg, you're all right.
Now, you two girls better go and get changed.
You have a beauty pageant to finish.
I can't believe this, Al.
Why am I still here? Relax.
I had a look at the judges' score cards and you're hanging on to a solid fourth.
Fourth?! I'm supposed to finish third, aren't I? Yes.
Third, I know.
But you haven't even started the talent contest yet.
OK, we're in a little bit of trouble.
All we have to do is figure out something else for you to do.
What? I don't know.
I don't know.
But whatever it is, you got to go out there and set the place on fire.
You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain This kind of love drives a woman insane You broke my will Oh, what a thrill Goodness gracious Great balls of fire This isn't on the programme.
What the heck is she doing up there? Lighten up.
It's rock 'n' roll.
And I like it! Goodness gracious Great balls of fire You kissed me, baby Whoooo! It feels good Hold me, baby I wanna love you like a lover should You're fine, so kind Gotta tell this world That you're mine, mine, mine, I chew my nails And I twiddle my thumbs I'm real nervous but it sure is fun Come on, baby, you drive me crazy Goodness gracious Great balls of fire Hold me, baby Whoooooo! It feels good Love me, baby I want to love you Like a lover should You're find, so kind Got to tell this world That you're mine, mine, mine, mine I chew my nails And I twiddle my thumbs I'm really nervous But it sure is fun Come on, baby, you drive me crazy Goodness gracious Great balls of fire (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) That was fourth place.
Finishing third - second runner-up - for the scholarship of $500 Cheryl Lynn Birch.
(APPLAUSE) I blew it, Al.
Darlene's never going to become a doctor.
Hey, Sam, you did the best you could.
The first runner-up - for the $1,000 scholarship - Vicky Jenkins.
(APPLAUSE) What happens to Connie? Uh Oh, she's fine.
She goes home.
She starts a little community theatre and uh she leads a good life.
This is the moment we've all been waiting for.
The winner of a $2,000 scholarship and the new Miss Deep South - Darlene Monte.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) You did it! You won! Darlene's gonna be a doctor! Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to present the new queen - 1959 - Miss Deep South! You're wonderful The way you walk The way you smile The way you talk We're here to crown you And surround you And to say That in our hearts You'll always stay How does it feel to be Miss Deep South? Sam, are you OK? I just wish Katie could be here to see.
Aw, Sam.
(SIREN AND DOG BARKING) (GASPS) Argh! No!