MASCARAS:
Well there I was staring at paper ...
(lifts glass to air) watching my wine
turn to vinegar as it were ...
JOAN (Smiling):
You can turn a phrase.
MASCARAS:
I said I couldn't write, I'm a wiz at
speaking. Anyway there I was staring
at blank paper, not a stitch of an idea,
and the damn typewriter had cost me
4400 pesetas in Andorra.
JOAN:
So what happened to the great American
novel?
MASCARAS:
After seven months all my money ran out.
Then I spent another month looking at the
"wine dark sea," and then I came home ...
JOAN:
Properly humbled and chastened.
So how did you become a (points
glass of wine towards him) ...
MASCARAS:
Probation Officer? No bread. Tapped out.
Saw a blind ad in the paper asking for
people with experience dealing with people,
took the test, and the rest (sips wine)
is history.
JOAN:
Well, you're wasting your time. But I like
you anyway ...
In Medias Res: The Beginning
In Medias Res: Paupers, Peasants and Kings
A typical New York shopping bag man is seen
approaching. He is talking to himself.
MAN (loudly):
Why is Pharaoh spelled with a "p" and an "h"?
Oh, yeah, there is something worth looking at
there--yes sir ...
Mascaras and Joan watch him as he disappears.
MASCARAS:
My God, they are out today. Must be something
in the air.
JOAN:
Poor man, wonder why people get like that?
MASCARAS:
That's the difference between us, I just wonder
why he's walking when he should be in the rubber
room.
JOAN:
Nonsense--you're just trying to pull that tough
guy routine.
MASCARAS (laughing):
Know me like an open book eh?
JOAN (standing):
Let's walk a bit. I'm due back soon.
MASCARAS:
O.K.
JOAN:
By the way, I'm going to a party this Saturday.
Care to come.
MASCARAS:
Sure. Have to visit my mother and brother in
the afternoon. How about I pick you up at
eight?
JOAN:
Fine. We should be there at about nine anyway.
MASCARAS:
Just where is there by the way?
JOAN:
Some old family friends on East End Avenue.
MASCARAS (laughs softly):
Always wanted to see how the other half lives.
JOAN:
Well you will. We are very nice ...
MASCARAS (smiling):
Don't doubt it for a moment.
JOAN:
Oh, there will be a moment here and there when
you will.
Camera DOLLIES away from Mascaras and Joan as
they walk in the park.