The Jazz Singer
TITLE 1: The New York ghetto, the daily life of which
throbs to the rhythm of music that is as old as
civilization.
FADE IN
1. EXT. NEW YORK STREET LONG SHOT
It is a typical East Side business street at the height of the day's
activities, a street that is lined with pushcarts, sidewalk vendors and
little stores, with its milling shoppers, its petty marketing arguments,
its unkempt kids playing in the street heedless of consequences. In the
distance is seen an elevated train flashing across the background like
a comet across the sky.
2. MOVING SHOT SAME
A shot may be made from an auto or truck down the street showing the
teeming life of the ghetto. As the camera reaches a street intersection,
a half dozen kids come into the scene.
3. MED. SHOT KIDS (STUDIO STREET)
They are playing tag on the intersecting street which is given over to
tenements. There are no pushcarts and only a few stores in the basements
or ground floors of the buildings which house many thousands of ghetto
folk. The kids are attracted to something. They all look down the street
and then start running in the direction they have been looking. Some
little girls join them. (Vitaphone street piano, at some distance.)
4. EXT. SIDE STREET MED. SHOT
In front of a low brick building is an Italian with a street piano and
he is grinding out that always popular classic of the East Side, "The
Sidewalks of New York." The kids come into the scene and gather around
the hurdy-gurdy.
5. CLOSE-UP GROUP
The Italian smiles as the children start dancing about. He looks
expectantly at the windows above him and nods pleasantly to someone up
above as he continues cranking the piano.
6. EXT. TENEMENTS LONG SHOT
Looking upward from the street piano. This may be a very effective shot.
In several of the windows women are looking down at the music-maker and
other heads appear in other windows. Several take deliberate aim and
toss coins to the street.
7. CLOSE-UP ITALIAN
He holds out his ragged cap and expertly catches several coins without
once taking his hand from the crank of the street piano. The piece ends.
He pulls a little lever and starts turning on another selection -- some
old operatic favorite like the "Intermezzo" from Cavalleria Rusticana.
He starts moving down the street as he plays.
8. TENEMENT STREET LONG SHOT
As the street piano, still in operation, goes down the street, the group
of kids, now much larger, follows along. The Italian stops in front of
another building, which adjoins the Orchard Street synagogue.
9. CLOSE SHOT FRONT SYNAGOGUE
It bears the name, in Hebrew, of the temple. Several children get up on
the steps in front of the closed doors to listen to the music, which is
approaching. Next door is an old brownstone front, before which the
Italian stops. Underneath is a store, and in the flat over the store
live Cantor Rabinowitz and his family.
10. INT. ROOM IN SYNAGOGUE
Full shot of the little anteroom in which the rabbi holds school for the
children of the congregation and in which the cantor teaches the boys of
the choir the songs and chants of the orthodox -- the prayers set to
music that has been handed down for generations. Several boys are seated
on a bench beside a battered old square piano (one of the old square
Knabes may be obtained here). The sound of the street piano comes
through the open window, and the kids rush to the window. They no sooner
get to it and climb up to look out when the door into the room from the
synagogue proper slowly opens and the head of the venerable Cantor
Rabinowitz appears.
TITLE 2: Cantor Rabinowitz, who sang and taught the
youth of his congregation to sing the age-old
songs of Judea -- a man revered and respected
by all the ghetto.
11. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He peers into the room to see if his class is ready for him. He has some
difficulty in finding them. Finally he discovers them at the window. He
lifts his head as he hears the strains from the street piano, and a look
of disgust comes to him. He closes the door behind him and starts in
with a determined look.
11A. REVERSE SHOT BOYS
They are packed in the window, patched pants seats and legs only being
visible.
12. EXT. MED. SHOT
The Italian is now in front of the synagogue and is grinding out another
tune while the children dance about the discordant instrument.
13. INT. SCHOOL ROOM MED. SHOT
The four or five boys are jammed into the open window, some of them half
way out with feet sticking almost straight out backward. With determined
tread the cantor comes up behind them and starts yanking them out of the
window. They are badly frightened and duck as the cantor cuffs them
right and left.
14. FULL SHOT ROOM
The boys, some of them propelled from behind by the irate cantor,
scramble for their seats. The cantor starts to come after them, then the
strains of the music assault his delicate ear and he turns instead to
the window.
15. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He takes hold of the window and yanks it down roughly as though he
cannot shut out the sound from without quickly enough. (Vitaphone music
quickly dimmed to just a faint sound.) Then he turns and faces the boys.
He looks them over, muttering to himself imprecations on the terrible
sounds from without -- an insult to his musically attuned ear.
16. MED. SHOT BOYS AND CANTOR
The boys straighten up with solemn looks on their faces as the cantor
looks them over scowlingly.
17. EXT. STREET OUTSIDE TEMPLE LONG SHOT
The Italian and his piano are disappearing in the distance, and a group
of boys are playing ball in the street. One is batting.
18. INT. CANTOR CLOSE-UP
He is looking at the boys as he says:
TITLE 3: "Where is Jakie, my son?"
19. FULL SHOT ROOM
The cantor is in the foreground addressing the boys. As he finishes the
question one of the boys starts to answer it. The old man suddenly jumps
around and looks up in back of him.
20. CLOSE-UP WINDOW
There is a big round hole in the window.
21. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He looks down at the glass on the floor, then stoops and picks up a ball
from the floor. He shakes his head ominously. He scowls at the kids,
then looks toward the door.
22. CLOSE-UP AT DOOR
It is opening cautiously and the black curly head of a boy of about
thirteen appears. He enters hesitatingly and fearfully of the possible
consequences.
23. FULL SHOT ROOM
The kids all look from father to son expectantly, each hoping that Jakie
will get a licking as soon as possible. The cantor comes toward the boy,
his brows knitted in a deep frown. Jakie starts toward his father
repeating, "I couldn't help it -- I didn't mean to hit it so hard --
honest I didn't." They meet in the center of the room, the boy still
protesting half tearfully. The old man brings back his arm as though to
strike him.
24. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
As the cantor brings back his arm, Jakie shuts his eyes and ducks, but
the cantor reconsiders and brings the hand down alongside without
striking the boy. He waves him to his seat on the bench with a half-
uttered threat to "fix him good the next time."
25. FULL SHOT ROOM
The cantor turns from Jakie with an impatient gesture and lines the boys
up for their lesson. He calls them to attention, then tells them to
listen to what he is going to sing. He walks to the piano and poises a
hand over the keys.
26. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He strikes a note to give him the key he wants but the piano is
evidently out of tune. He shakes his head disgustedly, then takes an
old-fashioned tuning fork out of his inside coat pocket and strikes it
on the side of the piano, then holds it to his ear. He sings the note
and then indicates to the boys that they are to follow him as he sings.
27. MED. SHOT CANTOR AND BOYS
The cantor is singing and one of the boys is paying no attention. He is
looking around toward the window longingly. The cantor, still singing,
walks over to him and cuffs him on the ear.
28. CLOSE-UP CANTOR AND BOY
The boy ducks a second swipe. The cantor glares at him and demands that
he give his undivided attention to the lesson.
29. CLOSE SHOT OTHER BOYS
They are singing but taking in the scene on the side. They grin at each
other in joy at their companion's trouble, then they quickly turn their
eyes forward and sing more lustily as they feel the cantor's eyes on
them.
30. FULL SHOT ROOM
The cantor takes his place again. He shows his disgust with the manner
in which the boys are singing and, with an impatient gesture, he stops
and tells them to go home.
31. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He waves them away, saying:
TITLE 4: "Go now, you sound like crazy cats crying
already."
32. MED. SHOT GROUP
The cantor finishes his dismissal and as the boys, including Jakie,
start for the door, he stops his son. Jakie, with a crestfallen look,
follows with his eyes the disappearing figures of his playmates, who
quickly exit. His father calls him and he comes opposite him and looks
up rather sullenly for the scolding he expects.
33. CLOSE-UP CANTOR AND SON
The cantor looks down at Jakie with a scowl and starts berating him. He
points to the window and his anger again rises. Jakie starts backing
away as though expecting violence. The old man gets himself together and
his attitude changes from anger to sadness. He says to the boy:
TITLE 5: "A fine cantor you are going to be -- smeshing
synagogue windows yet!"
The boy looks up at him with an effort, which reflects something of the
length of time he has thought about this unpleasant future. He blurts
out:
TITLE 6: "But Papa, I don't want to be no cantor."
The father looks at him as though not willing to believe his ears. He
has never heard anything quite so blasphemous. He gulps a few times and
then, with a grimly sarcastic smile, he says:
TITLE 7: "And if not a cantor, what are you going to be?"
He looks at the boy, awaiting an answer to a question which he regards
as unanswerable.
34. CLOSE-UP BOY
He swallows a few times, then looking up at his father courageously, he
declares:
TITLE 8: "I want to be a singer in a theayter."
He half ducks as if expecting a blow.
35. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He looks at the boy in amazement, his hands going aloft in horror. It is
difficult for him to speak. Finally he breaks out:
TITLE 9: "For five generations there has been a
Rabinowitz as cantor -- I have taught you to be
one--"
He pauses for a breath, then, sticking out his bristling beard in the
boy's direction, he almost yells:
TITLE 10: "And you -- you want to be a common actor in a
lowlife theayter!"
36. CLOSE-UP FATHER AND SON
The father makes as though to strike the boy, who this time stands his
ground bravely. The hand of the aged man is raised for the blow, but he
halts it in mid air. The father looks down into the eyes of the boy,
which are fixed steadfastly on him. He shakes his head sorrowfully.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
37. INT. MULLER'S CAFE
Long shot discloses one of those places so common in New York before
Prohibition, a long bar in front, and behind, separated from the bar by
a partition and swinging doors, a "garden" approachable from the "family
entrance" where "ladies" may dine and drink their beer, whether with
escorts or without them. The back of the place can be seen faintly. The
bar is being well patronized, and the three German bartenders are busy
putting out huge schooners of the amber fluid. Waiters are going in and
out of the swinging doors.
38. INT. GARDEN FULL SHOT
Looking toward the bar, there is a battered old piano in the foreground
on a slightly raised platform, at which sits a young man who looks twice
his age because of dissipation. He is smoking a cigarette in a listless
manner, and there is a schooner of beer on the piano at the end of the
keyboard. He is running his hands over the keys as though playing to
himself. Back of him may be seen the diners and drinkers. There is an
occasional family group and several of the tables are occupied by
flashily dressed women of an obviously well-known occupation. Some are
accompanied by men. At other tables are men alone quietly drinking.
39. CLOSE-UP FAMILY ENTRANCE
Seen from the inside, the door opens slowly and the head of Jakie
Rabinowitz appears. He looks about as though to see if the coast is
clear, then enters. His attitude indicates that he has been there
before.
40. FULL SHOT GARDEN
Jakie threads his way among the tables to the piano. Several of the
drinkers look at him as they recognize the boy, and there is some
conversation about him among the groups. Jakie calls to the piano
player, who swings around to greet him, as he gets on the platform.
41. CLOSE SHOT FLAYER AND JAKIE
The pianist greets Jakie jocularly:
TITLE 11: "Well how's the kid Caruso today?"
Jakie answers him in kind:
TITLE 12: "Great! How's old kid Paderooski?"
They laugh and the piano player indicates the diners and drinkers,
saying that maybe there's a few dimes for the kid in the place. They
confer a moment, then the piano player whirls around and strikes a
chord.
42. FULL SHOT GARDEN
Those at the tables look toward the piano with interest as Jakie, in the
background, is seen standing on the little platform facing them.
43. MED. SHOT BOY AND PIANO PLAYER
The player plays the introduction to "Mighty Lak a Rose" and the boy
starts to sing. (The various shots for this will have to be in
accordance with Vitaphone technique and its necessities.) Vitaphone
singing stops, when cut is made.
FADE IN
44. INT. RABINOWITZ LIVING ROOM
It is a rather large room for that locality, the living room and dining
room of the modest flat occupied by the cantor and his family. The
furniture is good but old, and there are many shelves and tables which
are filled with knickknacks, china, glassware, and silver. Mrs.
Rabinowitz, a sweet-faced, motherly woman of between forty-five and
fifty, is just setting the table. It is the day of the eve of Atonement
Day, the most important holiday of Judaism, which is observed by even
the least religious of Jews, by twenty-four hours of abstinence from
food or drink. The cantor is pacing up and down the room in a very
nervous manner. He pauses occasionally to make a quick remark,
punctuated by an elaborate gesture, then resumes his pacing. The subject
of his remarks is Jakie.
TITLE 13: Sara Rabinowitz was not as learned in the lore
of her race as her husband, but she had a
deeper and better understanding of life -- and
Jakie.
45. CLOSE-UP MOTHER
She is setting plates on the table as she listens to the cantor. She
hesitates, then says:
TITLE 14: "Jakie is a good boy, Papa -- but maybe he
shouldn't be a cantor."
46. MED. SHOT BOTH
As Sara finishes title and resumes her work, the cantor stops and looks
at her in amazement. He starts to say: "What, not a cantor, you say
that?" Then he takes a long breath and, bringing his fist down through
the air, he breaks out into a stream of Yiddish.
47. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He declares violently that Jakie must be a cantor, just like himself and
his fathers before him. He leans closer to his wife as he says, with
some semblance of pride:
TITLE 15: "He knows all the songs and prayers even now so
good as I do. He could take my place yet
tonight and sing 'Kol Nidre' when Yom Kippur
begins."
He pauses as though awaiting an answer to what he considers an
unanswerable argument.
48. CLOSE-UP SARA
She nods her head in acquiescence of what her husband has said; then she
shakes her head slowly and replies:
TITLE 16: "He has it all in his head, yes, but it is not
in his heart. He is of America."
49. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
As she finishes the old man looks at her in horror. This which she has
said is, to him, treason. She turns her back as he begins to scold
breathlessly.
50. FULL SHOT CAFE FROM FRONT END OF BAR
(Vitaphone singing is resumed.) There are only a few people drinking at
the bar in the foreground. The "garden" is visible as people pass
through the swinging doors.
51. FULL SHOT GARDEN
As seen from the doors, Jakie is singing and the people at the tables
are watching and listening approvingly.
52. MED. SHOT BAR
A tall, spare Hebrew with a straggly beard and a cutaway coat comes into
the foreground. He orders a glass of beer, putting his nickel on the bar
as he does so.
53. CLOSE-UP YUDELSON
He drinks slowly and with relish.
TITLE 17: Moisha Yudelson, a man of influence in the
business and religious affairs of the ghetto.
Back. He reaches over and takes some of the free lunch. His attention is
attracted to the music. He listens curiously, then starts for the door
to the garden.
54. MED. SHOT DOOR
Yudelson pushes the swinging door open, his glass of beer in one hand
and a slice of meat on a piece of bread in the other. His eyes bulge as
he sees the singer.
55. LONG REVERSE SHOT
Jakie is singing.
56. CLOSE-UP YUDELSON
His lips tighten. He determines that something must be done about this
and he knows just what it is. He goes quickly to the bar.
57. MED. SHOT BAR
Yudelson gulps down the beer, crams the rest of the food into his mouth,
and exits. (Vitaphone singing stops.)
58. INT. RABINOWITZ HOME
The cantor is walking up and down the floor nervously. Sara is putting
the dishes of food on the table. The cantor stops and faces Sara
sternly.
59. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He takes out a huge silver watch, looks at it, and says:
TITLE 18: "Tonight Jakie is to sing 'Kol Nidre' in school
and he isn't yet here."
He snaps shut the watch and glares at Sara.
60. MED. SHOT BOTH
Sara makes some excuse for the boy. Maybe he doesn't know what time it
is. He starts pacing up and down again. Sara finishes the placing of
food on the table and starts arranging the chairs.
61. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He scowls as he pauses in his pacing and says:
TITLE 19: "If he don't come now in a minute, he starts
his Yom Kippur fasting without supper."
62. FULL SHOT ROOM
As the cantor resumes his pacing, Sara hears someone at the door and
goes to it, only to admit, instead of the expected Jakie, an excited
Yudelson. The cantor turns around in surprise. Yudelson rushes up to him
and starts telling him about seeing Jakie singing nigger songs in
Muller's. The cantor throws up his hands in horror. Yudelson nods grimly
but in a satisfied manner.
63. CLOSE-UP YUDELSON
He says in a self-righteous manner:
TITLE 20: "Of course it ain't any of mine business, but I
say to myself it's my duty, I--"
He looks around surprised.
64. FULL SHOT ROOM
The cantor has grabbed his hat and is on his way out of the door as
Yudelson stands open-mouthed. Sara starts wringing her hands.
65. CLOSE SHOT YUDELSON AND SARA
As they see the cantor disappear, Sara looks at Yudelson with marked
disapproval. He decides that it is time to go and turns as Sara starts
to reprove him for his tattling. She tells him he would be better off
attending to his own business. With a hurried excuse Yudelson turns.
66. FULL SHOT ROOM
Yudelson quickly disappears out of the front door and Sara drops into a
chair heavily. She knows that there will be an unpleasant scene before
long and she dreads it.
67. INT. BEER HALL FULL SHOT
Jakie is just finishing a song and those at the tables start applauding.
Some of them throw coins to Jakie.
68. CLOSE-UP JAKIE
His singing manners have gone. Now he is just business as he starts to
pick up the scattered coins. He picks up the last one and pockets it.
Then he turns to the piano player.
69. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
They discuss what Jakie is to sing next. Then the piano player starts a
ragtime piece and Jakie starts to sing in the most approved darkey
manner.
70. FULL SHOT GARDEN
The people at the tables are showing new interest in the singer.
71. CLOSE SHOT FAMILY ENTRANCE
The door opens suddenly and the figure of the irate cantor appears. He
pauses and takes one look, then strides in with great determination.
72. MED. SHOT JAKIE FROM FRONT
He is putting everything he has into his song. He is rolling his eyes
and calling on "his baby." His eyes drop and he looks forward just in
time to see his father coming toward him. His voice breaks as the old
man comes into the scene. A determined arm reaches up and grabs him, and
the song ends abruptly.
73. FULL SHOT ROOM
With the boy in a viselike grip, the cantor starts toward the door with
the squirming figure of his young son. The people at the table are
laughing heartily at the unexpected entertainment. Father and son exit.
74. CLOSE-UP PIANO PLAYER
Getting the humor of the situation, he starts playing something
appropriate, like "Stay in Your Own Backyard" or perhaps something more
modern and more to the point.
75. RABINOWITZ LIVING ROOM
Sara is sitting in the rocking chair, rocking slowly back and forth,
occasionally dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. She gets up and
goes to the table. She feels one of the dishes and, seeing that it is
cold, she starts with it to the kitchen. As she returns she looks toward
the front door, then rushes hurriedly in that direction.
76. MED. SHOT FRONT DOOR
The cantor comes in breathlessly, pushing the boy ahead of him, just as
Sara comes up to them. The boy tries to go to her but the irate cantor
holds him tightly and motions Sara not to interfere.
77. CLOSE SHOT GROUP
The cantor glares down at the boy who starts squirming. He tightens his
grip on him as he repeats over and over: "Singing nigger songs in a beer
garden! You bummer! You no good lowlife!" As Sara tries to intercede,
the cantor silences her almost roughly. As he half pushes her away he
says:
TITLE 21: "I will teach him he shall never again use his
voice for such low things."
He takes a fresh grip on the boy and starts in the direction of the
bedroom.
78. FULL SHOT ROOM
As father with son in tow go toward the bedroom, the mother follows a
few steps, pleading with the cantor not to whip Jakie. He turns around
and demands what she means by such interference. She looks at him
imploringly.
79. CLOSE-UP SARA
She holds out her outstretched hands to the cantor, saying:
TITLE 22: "It will do no good, Papa -- and he must get
ready for school in a few minutes. Yom Kippur
begins soon."
80. CLOSE SHOT GROUP
The cantor answers her with a snort of disgust and renewed determination
to continue with what he considers his duty. The boy, emboldened by his
mother's championship, turns and faces his father courageously. The old
man looks down at him in surprise.
81. CLOSE-UP CANTOR AND SON
The boy looks up at his father, his boyish face set with determination.
He declares:
TITLE 23: "I told you before -- if you whip me again,
I'll run away -- and never come back."
At this show of rebellion the cantor stiffens. He nods his head
menacingly as though accepting the challenge, takes another grip on the
boy's shoulder, and pushes him toward the bedroom, as Jakie starts
sobbing hysterically. At the door, the cantor takes a strap that is
hanging over a chair near the door.
82. MED. SHOT ROOM
As the cantor shoves open the door, Sara again tries to intervene. The
cantor holds out a hand to prevent her following, pushes Jakie into the
bedroom, and follows him, closing the door behind him with a bang. Sara
stands looking tearfully at the door, realizing the expected crisis in
the little family, which she has feared, has finally arrived.
83. CLOSE-UP SARA
She stands mutely facing the door. Suddenly she starts and listens, then
puts her hands over her ears as though to shut out the sounds she hears,
and her shoulders heave with repressed sobs. She starts for the door,
then restrains herself. Her emotions finally overcome her and she drops
into a chair and cries without restraint. (Nothing of what occurs in the
bedroom is shown.)
84. MED. SHOT SAME
The door of the bedroom opens suddenly and Jakie emerges. He is shaking
with a mixture of anger and the painful effects of the whipping. He
comes out quickly, looks at his mother, rushes over, and kisses her
impulsively, and as she puts her arms around him, he breaks away and
before she can stop him, he runs toward the front door.
85. FULL SHOT ROOM
Jakie rushes to the door and dashes out, as the cantor appears in the
doorway of the bedroom. He is somewhat breathless from exertion. He does
not look to see what has become of the boy. He pauses and looks at his
wife in a dazed way. He looks toward the door. Then in a mechanical way
he takes his watch from his pocket and glances at it.
86. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He holds the watch up to his eyes closely, then looks in the direction
of his wife and says:
TITLE 24: "It is time for the services, Mama."
He turns to the wall behind him where hangs the prayer shawl and the
freshly washed and ironed robe which the cantor wears when he sings the
"Kol Nidre" on the Day of Atonement.
87. MED.SHOT BOTH
The cantor starts putting on the robe, with great deliberation. Sara is
standing mutely looking toward the door through which her boy vanished.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
88. INT. SYNAGOGUE LONG SHOT
Every pew in the place is filled with men, and in the balcony behind sit
the women in the place reserved for them. On the raised platform, the
cantor and the choir boys are taking their places.
89. CLOSE SHOT CANTOR AND CHOIR
As the boys line up, a solemn look on each young face, the cantor looks
from one to the other.
90. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He has his back to the congregation. He has his eyes fixed on the place
where Jakie usually has stood.
91. MED. SHOT
As the Cantor stands motionless, the rabbi steps up to him. The old man
looks at him and they exchange a few words.
92. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
The cantor looks at the vacant place again, then turns to the rabbi and
says, with a break in his voice:
TITLE 25: "Tonight my boy Jakie was to sing 'Kol Nidre'
-- but he is not going to be a cantor now."
Back. He finishes title. The rabbi moves out of scene, and the cantor
takes the position in which he is to sing.
93. FULL SHOT SYNAGOGUE
The congregation comes to attention, and small groups that have been
conversing look toward the cantor.
94. MED. SHOT CHOIR
The cantor is in the foreground, his back to the camera, as the first
low notes of the "Kol Nidre" are sung. Never has the cantor's voice sung
the heart-breaking song like this before. There is a tear in every note,
and as his voice rises in the wailing harmony that is handed down from
the walls of Jerusalem, the choir boys look at him in wonder. (Vitaphone
is used in full volume.)
95. FULL SHOT SYNAGOGUE
As the cantor's voice rises in a long, mournful wail, the scene and
music slowly FADE.
TITLE 26: Ten years and three thousand miles away from
the ghetto.
FADE IN
96. AIRPLANE VIEW OF SAN FRANCISCO
A shot may be obtained which immediately identifies the city, with its
hills and ferries and the Golden Gate in the distance.
DISSOLVE INTO:
97. OFFICE STAR VAUDEVILLE CIRCUIT
Full shot of room shows various types of performers seated about the
room awaiting an opportunity to talk to the booking manager. There is an
old-time legitimate actor of the East Lynne period, a dancing team of
girls, three Teutonic-looking acrobats, a fat young man whose clothes
were once quite "snappy," and a few other types found usually in such a
place. The fat man is hidden behind a copy of Variety. An office boy,
small, weazened, and wise beyond his years, pertly tells all inquirers
that Mr. Schuler is "in conference." All of the people in the room look
hopefully toward the door every time it is opened and look away
hopelessly every time it closes. A big, husky, flashily dressed blonde
enters and breezes up to the boy. He gets up and tries to hold the gate
of the enclosure shut, so that she cannot enter.
98. CLOSE-UP BLONDE AND BOY
She says that she is there to see Mr. Schuler. The boy looks at her and
says:
TITLE 27: "Mr. Schuler's in conf'rence and can't be disturbed."
The girl gives him a supercilious look, shoves him aside, and sweeps up
to the door to the inner room. She opens it and passes in as the boy
stands with open mouth and gazes after her.
99. FULL SHOT ROOM
The less fortunate performers sit and look wonderingly at the closed
door. The boy finally shrugs his shoulders and takes his chair. The
outer door opens and a young man enters. He is shabbily dressed and,
although he is neat of person, it is obvious that he is down on his
luck. He pauses and then hesitatingly goes up to the railing where the
office boy sits idly hammering a typewriter with no paper in it. The boy
doesn't even look up.
100. CLOSE-UP JACK
He stands looking at the boy nervously.
TITLE 28: It was a long jump from Jakie Rabinowitz to
Jack Robin -- and the roses in his pathway
were almost hidden under the thorns.
--George Jessel
Back to scene. Jack asks the boy if he can see Mr. Schuler.
101. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
The boy just looks up and snaps out that "it car,'t be done -- he's in
an important conf'rence." Jack hopelessly turns away and the boy
continues his mauling of the typewriter.
102. FULL SHOT ROOM
As Jack walks disconsolately over to the one vacant chair, the young man
hidden behind the copy of Variety looks up. He recognizes Jack and, with
a smile, he jumps up and they grab each other's hands.
103. CLOSE-UP BOTH
They exchange the usual greeting: "If it ain't my old partner of the
sticks, Jack Robin!" and Jack's return:
TITLE 29: "--and the last time I saw you Buster Billings,
you were getting ready to climb a side door
Pullman in Cheyenne."
Back to scene. They reminisce some more. Jack asks him what he is doing,
and Buster points hopelessly to the door of the inner office, saying,
"The same thing you are."
104. FULL SHOT ROOM
As they are talking, the boy suddenly jumps up as though answering a
buzzer and goes to the inner door. He opens it, listens to something
said within, nods, and closes the door. He walks to the rail and gives
the people sitting around the room a contemptuous look.
105. CLOSE-UP BOY
He pauses a moment as he feels the expectant eyes on him, and with the
cruelty of youth, he barks out at them:
TITLE 30: "The boss ain't seeing anybody else today --
you can all duck."
106. FULL SHOT ROOM
The occupants start getting up wearily. They start for the door. Jack
and Buster are the last to go. They pause in the doorway.
107. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
They look at each other and Jack says to him: "Where to?" Buster pauses
and says they can take a walk and stall around awhile. He adds:
TITLE 31: "Later we'll go to Coffee Dan's. My old side
kick, Frank Tames, is the -- impresario down
there and we can bum a feed off him."
They start out of the door.
108. EXT. STREET
In the near foreground looking down the street is the entrance to the
Orpheum theater. The electric sign in front is lighted. The lighted sign
is suddenly extinguished to indicate that the show is over, and people
start coming out of the doors. This DISSOLVES INTO:
109. INT. THEATER BACKSTAGE FULL SHOT
The players who have just finished their act, the closing one on the
bill, a troupe of acrobats, are just going to their dressing rooms. A
door to one of the stage dressing rooms opens, and a girl dressed neatly
in street attire comes halfway out.
110. CLOSE-UP GIRL
She is a small blonde girl, dressed in excellent taste. She is calling
out to someone not in sight.
TITLE 32: Mary Dale, of the "Little Follies" act, was not
yet a headliner in her own right, but ambition
pointed the way to fame.
111. MED. SHOT GIRL
She comes out of the door and closes it behind her. She calls again, and
in the background another girl and a young man, Ben Thorpe, appear. The
girl is a tall, wise-looking blonde of about twenty-five and the young
man is tall, blond, and good-looking. They come up to Mary and there is
some talk as to where they are going.
112. CLOSE SHOT THREE
They argue a while, then Mary says: "Let's go over to Coffee Dan's."
Estelle says that she won't remain long. The young man takes each by an
arm and they start out.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
113. INT. COFFEE DAN'S FULL SHOT
The tables are pretty well filled by a fairly well-dressed crowd. Some
even are in evening clothes. There is a general air of hilarity, but no
drinking is in evidence. Next to a table filled by people in evening
clothes, their women bedecked with diamonds, is a table at which sit
several tough-looking characters. But there are not many of these. Men
waiters dash back and forth carrying mostly ham and eggs, the piece de
resistance of a Coffee Dan meal. At the piano on the platform sits Frank
James, tortoise shell-bespectacled musician and entertainer as well as
master of ceremonies. In the background, up near the platform, is a
small table at which sit Jack Robin and Buster Billings.
114. CLOSE-UP TABLE
Jack and Buster are eating heartily with all the gusto that
characterizes a healthy appetite that has been whetted by lengthy
fasting. They look up at Frank and grin happily.
115. CLOSE-UP FRANK
He looks down at them, gives them a signal, then walks to the edge of
the platform nearest them.
116. FULL SHOT ROOM
Frank is trying to get the diners to be quiet. The people at the tables
gradually hush their noise. Jack and Buster shove their plates away in
complete satisfaction.
117. CLOSE-UP FRANK
He has a hand upraised as he looks over the crowd. Then he casts a look
down at Jack's table and winks as he starts announcing:
TITLE 33: "And now I am going to ask Mr. Jack Robin to
sing something. Mr. Robin is the famous tenor
from Petaluma."
Back to scene. He winks again as he looks down at the table.
118. CLOSE SHOT TABLE
Jack is shrinking back in an embarrassed manner. Buster reaches over and
claps him on the back, telling him to be a good sport, that they all do
it there, even the big ones in grand opera.
119. MED. SHOT TABLES
The people at the tables are looking at Jack and hammering on the tables
with their hammers in an encouraging manner.
120. CLOSE-UP JACK AND BUSTER
Jack dumbly accuses Buster of framing him, but the latter just laughs.
Jack finally pulls himself together as he realizes that there is no out
for him.
121. MED. SHOT TABLE AND PLATFORM
As Frank leans down with hand extended, Jack stands up, straightens his
coat, and joins him. Frank gives him a hand and yanks him up on the
platform, where they go into a conference as to what Jack is to sing.
122. LONG SHOT FROM PLATFORM
Jack and Frank are in the foreground at the piano talking. In the
background, a group appears at the foot of the stairs just entering the
place. It is the group from the vaudeville theater. Mary is in front,
and as the head waiter motions to them, they enter the place and are
seated at a table just in front of the platform as Frank sits down at
the piano and starts playing for Jack, who has advanced to the edge of
the platform.
123. CLOSE-UP JACK
He starts to sing his song. (The song, which is to be Vitaphoned, should
be one especially written for the occasion, as any current number would
be out of date long before the picture has played every theater equipped
for Vitaphone by release time.)
124. MED. SHOT FROM FLOOR
The table at which Mary and her party are seated is in the immediate
foreground. They are paying attention only to the waiter who is standing
over them awaiting their orders, as Jack is singing. Mary, attracted by
his voice, looks away from the group wonderingly as she listens.
125. CLOSE-UP MARY
She is looking up at Jack curiously as she listens. This is something
new to her.
126. CLOSE-UP JACK
He is singing, his eyes aimed toward the back of the place. As though
feeling the attraction of Mary's gaze, his eyes slowly come down. As
they meet those of Mary, he gulps and almost breaks. With an effort, he
continues singing, his eyes on the girl.
127. CLOSE SHOT GROUP AT TABLE
Mary still has her eyes on the singer. The others of the group, Estelle
and Ben Thorpe, are looking at Jack as they see him looking intently at
Mary. They turn to her and start kidding her about her conquest. She
kids them in return and does not look at Jack again. She is again her
usually reserved self, a girl intensely interested in her work and
wrapped up in her career.
128. MED. SHOT JACK
He is bringing his song to a close. As he does, Frank gets up quickly
and shakes hands with him. Jack is embarrassed at this and, at Frank's
instigation, he turns and bows to the audience and jumps down from the
platform hurriedly as though in fear that he would be called on again.
129. FULL SHOT ROOM
The diners are applauding and pounding on the tables with their hammers.
Jack, in the background, is seen going to his table, where Buster rises
and slaps him on the back and compliments him on his work. The diners
are still applauding and Jack turns and bows to them. Buster tries to
get him to go up again but he shakes his head and sits down at his
table.
130. CLOSE-UP JACK AND BUSTER
Buster is still complimenting Jack, but the latter's eyes have wandered
to the table occupied by Mary and her companions. Buster follows his
gaze. His face lights up with recognition. Jack notes this and turning
to him eagerly says: "Do you know her?" Buster says: "Which her?" Jack
indicates Mary. Buster nods: "Sure I know her -- I'm going over and say
Hello." Jack starts to follow, then subsides, his eyes on Buster.
131. CLOSE SHOT MARY'S TABLE
Mary is saying to Thorpe:
TITLE 34: "Well, I'm going to tell Berg about him -- with
a voice like that --"
Buster comes up as she is talking. He shakes hands with Mary and
Estelle, and Thorpe is introduced. As they shake hands, Estelle spots
Jack and tells Buster to ask Jack over. Buster waves his hand and sits
down.
132. CLOSE-UP JACK
He sees the signal and jumps up eagerly. Then with an effort to slow
down in order to hide his eagerness to meet Mary, he walks slowly over
to the table.
133. CLOSE SHOT MARY'S TABLE
Buster is telling them about Jack, when the latter appears. Buster
presents him, and Mary asks him to sit down in the chair next to her. He
does so. Mary turns to him and asks him something about himself, first
congratulating him on his singing.
134. FULL SHOT ROOM
Frank goes to the piano and starts a dance number. The couples flock out
to the little dancing space. Thorpe asks Estelle to dance and she gets
up. Mary and Jack are deep in conversation.
135. CLOSE SHOT MARY'S TABLE
As Estelle and her escort move away in the dance, Buster looks at Jack
and starts to say something. Neither pays any attention to him. He makes
a facetious excuse, then gets up. They never notice him leave.
136. FULL SHOT ROOM
Buster threads his way through the dancers and climbs up on the
platform. He goes over to Frank and sits down on the stool alongside of
him. Frank starts to talk to him while he is playing.
137. CLOSE-UP JACK AND MARY
Jack thanks her for her approval of his song. Then, after a moment of
embarrassment, Jack tells her that he has seen her act on the Orpheum.
He says:
TITLE 35: "I caught your act in the Orpheum at Salt Lake
-- I think you're great!"
He leans over toward her in a gesture of boyish enthusiasm rather than
one of forwardness. Mary smilingly acknowledges the compliment. She asks
him where he played in that city. Jack replies:
TITLE 36: "Oh, I sang in a movie house there -- and I've
been two weeks getting here."
He pauses and looks at her in a sidelong glance to see if, knowing the
truth about him, she would regard him any differently. She gives him a
quick look of sympathy, then says:
TITLE 37: "If you come over to the Orpheum tomorrow at
2:00, I'd like to introduce you to the
manager."
Jack looks at her wonderingly. He has been buffeted about so much that
he has long since lost confidence in his own ability. He asks Mary
eagerly if she thinks he can make the grade there. The girl nods and
says:
TITLE 38: "I think your voice would get you a long ways
on the big time -- you sing jazz, but it's
different -- there's a tear in it."
Jack looks at her gratefully. He is close to a tear now himself. The
girl smiles at him in a purely impersonal manner as he reaches out his
hand toward hers in an impulsive gesture. Then he slowly withdraws it
without touching hers.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
138. INT. RABINOWITZ HOME
The cantor, much older and more feeble than when we last saw him, is
seated at the table in the living room. His beard is almost white and
the hair about his temples is white and thin. There are deep lines in
his face, but a look of resignation has taken the place of the
indomitable sternness that marked his appearance ten years before. At
his side is standing a little Jewish boy, Moey -- a youngster of about
ten -- a typical ghetto child of the underfed, frail build. He is
singing and the old man is nodding his head in time as he does so.
139. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
The cantor suddenly stops the boy. He tells him that he is singing it
wrong. He adds:
TITLE 39: "You must sing it with a sigh -- like you are
crying out to your God."
He motions to him to sing it again. The boy tries it and is again
stopped, this time more impatiently by the cantor.
140. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He looks at the boy and his mind seems to wander. There is a misty look
in his eyes as he says:
TITLE 40: "I wish I had my Jakie here -- he could show
you how to sing it -- he had a voice like a
angel."
141. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
Moey looks up at him curiously. The old man has turned his eyes back
into the past and is oblivious to the boy's presence until Moey looks up
and says:
TITLE 41: "He ran away from home, didn't he, your boy?"
The old man looks at the boy, suddenly awakened from his reverie. His
face sets and his lips compress as he says, very slowly:
TITLE 42: "I haven't got any boy."
Back to scene. Moey looks up at him wonderingly. The old man looks away
and Moey, boylike, is persistent. He tries it again:
TITLE 43: "But Mike Lefkowitz says your boy is a singer
in a theayter way out west -- in Pittsburgh or
Buffalo."
The cantor looks down at Moey as though he just faintly hears him. He
shakes his head, saying to himself, "I have no boy." Then he rises
quickly from the chair and says to the boy:
TITLE 44: "That is all for today -- come back tomorrow."
142. MED. SHOT ROOM
The boy starts out of the room at this, and the cantor sits down again
and is deep in thought as Moey exits.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
143. RABINOWITZ LIVING ROOM
Mrs. Rabinowitz is seated in the rocking chair, just opposite and a
short distance from Yudelson. Both have aged considerably. Yudelson is
better dressed and has more of the air of a prosperous citizen. His
beard is neatly trimmed and he wears well-tailored clothes. Mrs.
Rabinowitz's hair is grayer and there are deeper lines in her face. She
is leaning over, listening to Yudelson who has a letter in his hand from
which he is reading.
144. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
Yudelson looks up from the letter as he says: "Y' understand what he
means?" He starts to explain. But Mrs. Rabinowitz stops him and says:
TITLE 45: "What else does Jakie say in the letter?"
Yudelson starts to read again. Sara leans over closer so that she won't
miss a word.
145. CLOSE-UP YUDELSON
He is reading the letter with elaborate gesticulations.
INSERT LETTER
Omaha, June 4th.
Dear Mama:
I thought you would like to know I am getting
along great in vaudeville, and maybe I will
soon be a headliner, and a wonderful girl
whose name is Mary Dale got me my big chance
out in 'Frisco. Maybe I will be in New York
soon.
Your loving son,
Jakie
P.S. You can write me care State-Lake theater,
Chicago. Remember the name is Jack Robin.
Back to scene. Yudelson looks up as he finishes reading.
146. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
Mrs. Rabinowitz asks Yudelson what Jakie means by headliner. Yudelson
explains, and the old lady is thoughtful a moment.
147. CLOSE-UP MOTHER
She hesitates a moment, then turns to Yudelson and says:
TITLE 46: "Read it again, what he says about the girl."
148. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
Yudelson again reads the passage about Mary Dale. He looks at Mrs.
Rabinowitz as though realizing what she is thinking of. He says: "Nu,
anything else?" Mrs. Rabinowitz hesitates, then says:
TITLE 47: "Maybe he is fallen in love -- and by her name
she is a shiksa."
Yudelson thinks a moment, then shrugs his shoulders. He says:
TITLE 48: "Maybe not -- you know Jennie Levi on the
theayter is Genevieve Leeds."
The old lady is relieved at this solution of her problem. Yudelson hands
her back the letter. She thanks him and he starts to get up.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
149. LONG SHOT BACKSTAGE
It is the stage of the State-Lake theater in Chicago, and a matinee
performance is in progress. There is the usual activity among the
stagehands preparatory to changing the set. The act which is now on is a
dancing act, and there is only a fleeting glimpse of the dancers through
the aperture of a narrow entrance. (A novel effect may be had by
shooting through the first entrance so that [there is] a view of part of
the audience as well as some of the dancers who are downstage. The dance
music may be reproduced by the Vitaphone.)
150. MED. SHOT STAGE
Through entrance from another angle there is a more complete view of the
dancers. Mary Dale, the principal of the act, is seen doing a movement
of her dance. (This should be of such grace and technique that would
warrant headline position for Mary.) As the dance comes to a close, a
figure comes into the foreground, and a side view shows that it is Jack
Robin in blackface. He applauds from the wings as Mary finishes.
Apparently he is just ready to go on with his act, or has just finished
and is watching Mary before he takes the make-up off his face.
151. CLOSE-UP JACK
He is applauding vigorously.
TITLE 49: Orchard Street would have had some difficulty
in recognizing Jakie Rabinowitz of Beth-El
choir under the burnt cork of Jack Robin.
Back. He takes a step forward as though to meet the receding dancer as
she bows repeatedly in making her exit.
152. MED. SHOT SAME
Mary almost backs into Jack as she comes off the stage, and he puts out
a hand to catch her arm. The supporting dancers have exited on the other
side. There is just time for an exclamation of surprise from Mary as she
goes on the stage again for another bow. She turns to Jack as she gets
to him and puts a hand on his arm, as he compliments her on her dancing.
153. CLOSE-UP JACK AND MARY
She says to Jack with a humorous gleam in her eye:
TITLE 50: "I don't know what I'd do, Jack, if it wasn't
for the encouragement you give me."
She laughs as she says this and Jack, realizing that she is kidding him,
says, in a rather embarrassed manner:
TITLE 51: "Well, you know I'm just crazy about -- your act."
It is evident that he loses his nerve as he is about to tell her that it
is she he is crazy about. Mary starts for her dressing room, but is
suddenly awakened to the fact that the audience is still applauding and
she turns quickly to the entrance.
154. MED. SHOT SAME
Mary is out on the stage bowing to the audience again. She bows several
times as she backs into the narrow space again where Jack awaits her.
155. FULL SHOT STAGE
As Jack and Mary walk toward the dressing rooms, several persons on the
stage observe them. Two of the girls in the dancing act who are standing
at a door on the balcony overlooking the stage look at them and turn to
each other.
156. CLOSE-UP GIRLS
One of them, indicating Jack and Mary, says to the other:
TITLE 52: "He's surely goofy about her."
The other one nods and says:
TITLE 53: "But he ain't got a chance -- no Mammy singer
for Mary."
Back to scene. One opens the door and they go into girls' dressing room,
through the door of which may be seen the girls in various stages of
dishabille.
157. MED. SHOT JACK AND MARY
They are standing in front of the door of the stage dressing room. Jack
starts to leave, but Mary halts him telling him that she has something
to show him. He looks at her wonderingly. She opens the door and darts
into the room, returning immediately with a telegram which she hands
him.
158. CLOSE-UP JACK AND MARY
Jack takes the telegram and looks at it. It reads:
INSERT TELEGRAM
NEW YORK
Miss Mary Dale
State-Lake Theater, Chicago, Ill.
Would you consider leading role new musical
show Fall opening, rehearsals begin two weeks.
Wire answer.
Harry Lee
Back to scene. Jack's face brightens as he finishes reading it. He hands
back the wire to Mary, saying:
TITLE 54: "Gee, it's a great chance for you."
Mary nods, smilingly telling Jack it's the opportunity she has been
working for, ever since she began her professional career. Jack pauses a
moment as realization begins to come to him that Mary's good fortune
means the end of the happiest period of his life. He puts out a hand and
congratulates her, then he adds falteringly:
TITLE 55: "I'll be sorry ... in one way to see you go.
I ... we ... we'll miss you a lot."
Mary smiles tenderly. She puts a hand on his arm affectionately. Jack
looks away as he says:
TITLE 56: "I'll never forget that it is to you I owe
everything I am -- or ever will be."
Mary affects a light manner as she laughs and tells him to snap out of
the gloom. Jack pulls himself out of his sentimental mood to meet her
assumed gaiety. He asks her when she is leaving and she says after the
night performance the next day.
159. FULL SHOT ALONG DRESSING ROOMS
As Mary and Jack are talking, the door of another room opens and the
head of Buster Billings comes out. He sees Jack and shouts to him to
hurry up and get dressed. Jack, with another hesitating look at Mary
during which he seems desirous of saying something else, turns suddenly
and leaves her. She pauses a moment and looks after him. Then with a
smile, she enters her own room and closes the door.
NOTE: Playing a romantic scene in blackface may be something of an
experiment and very likely an unsuccessful one. As an alternative,
should it not prove as effective as desired, there could be a scene
after No. 161 in Jack's dressing room, showing him enter in blackface
and start taking off the make-up.
160. INT. JACK'S ROOM
He enters, followed by Buster, who is urging him to get cleaned up and
dressed. Jack turns to the table, hesitates, and turns around to Buster.
161. CLOSE-UP BOTH
Jack tells him of Mary's good fortune. Buster nods understandingly as
though to convey that he always knew she would "make it." Buster looks
at Jack as though to read his thoughts. Then he puts an arm on Jack's
shoulder and says:
TITLE 57: "Better forget it, kid. She's wrapped up in her
career -- and you got a chance for Broadway
yourself if you keep up your present gait."
Jack nods and looks off into space. He slowly turns and reaches for the
can of cold cream.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
162. LONG SHOT MICHIGAN AVENUE
It is a general atmospheric shot showing the traffic on the boulevard
and the stately line of high buildings on the West Side.
163. MED. SHOT THEATER ENTRANCE
It is the entrance to a place like Orchestra Hall. There is a placard on
an easel in the center of the lobby.
164. CLOSE SHOT ENTRANCE
The lettering on the placard is as follows:
SPECIAL MATINEE
LAST CHICAGO CONCERT
CANTOR ROSENBLATT
IN SACRED SONGS
Popular Prices
165. MED. SHOT ENTRANCE
Among the people passing are Jack and Buster. Jack's eyes fall on the
placard and he stops. Buster stops and looks at Jack, who immediately
shifts his glance. He takes a quick look at his wristwatch.
166. CLOSE-UP JACK AND BUSTER
Jack tells Buster to go ahead adding:
TITLE 58: "Forgot something. Run along and I'll meet you
at the hotel."
Buster gives him a wise look, shrugs his shoulders, and starts ahead.
Jack turns as though to retrace his steps; then as he sees that Buster
has vanished he darts into the theater lobby.
167. MED. SHOT LOBBY
Jack dashes up to the box office, lays down a bill, takes a ticket in
return, and goes quickly to the entrance through which he disappears.
DISSOLVE INTO:
168. INT. THEATER FULL SHOT FROM CENTER
The place is filled with a fashionable throng and a generous sprinkling
of Jewish types, mostly the better, well-to-do Jews of both sexes. The
stage is set for concert. There is a small orchestra of string pieces
and a grand piano. A man of dignified appearance and dressed in stylish
afternoon clothes comes out of the wings and faces the audience.
169. CLOSE-UP MAN
He announces:
TITLE 59: "The next and last number to be sung by Cantor
Rosenblatt will be the famous song, 'Eli, Eli.'"
He bows and retires.
170. MED. SHOT STAGE
As the announcer retires, Cantor Rosenblatt appears and takes his
position. He turns to the orchestra leader who gives the signal for the
orchestra to play the introduction.
171. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He starts singing "Eli, Eli."
172. CLOSE SHOT AUDIENCE
In a small group sits Jack Robin. He is sitting up straight, his eyes
fixed on the cantor in an almost hypnotic stare.
173. MED. SHOT STAGE
Showing the cantor singing and the orchestra playing. (Other shots as
needed for Vitaphone purposes.)
174. CLOSE-UP JACK
He has slumped in his seat and he is listening intently, his eyes still
fixed on the singer.
175. REVERSE SHOT CANTOR
It is a fairly close shot of the singer alone as Jack would see him from
a seat well in front of the house. The figure slowly dissolves into the
figure of Jack's aged father, Cantor Rabinowitz.
176. CLOSE-UP JACK
His eyes are half closed as he visions his aged father singing in
Rosenblatt's place. He rubs a hand across his eyes slowly.
177. CLOSE-UP RABINOWITZ
The figure slowly dissolves into the real singer, Rosenblatt. In this
shot he finishes the song. He bows and starts to exit.
178. CLOSE SHOT SECTION AUDIENCE
They are applauding. Jack is still under the spell of the singing and
his thoughts. The people on either side of him get up and start out. He
is alone, slumped down in his seat, his eyes half closed again as the
scene slowly FADES OUT.
FADE IN
179. SYNAGOGUE ANTEROOM
There are about twenty Jewish boys in the room, much as they were in the
early part of the story. One of the boys, Moey, goes over to the
battered old piano, which, like other furniture of the room, is exactly
as it was ten years ago. Moey starts to play on the piano and the boys
quickly gather around him. They start to sing with him. (Vitaphone.)
180. CLOSE-UP MOEY
He is playing and singing "Yes, Sir, She's My Baby" with much gusto.
181. MED.SHOT GROUP
All of the boys are singing with him.
182. EXT. SYNAGOGUE
Cantor Rabinowitz, much more feeble than when we last saw him, is
approaching the door of the room in which the boys are singing. He
pauses as he hears the strains of unfamiliar -- and, to his ears,
profane -- music.
183. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
As he stops, his brow sets in a frown and his lips tighten. He throws
back his shoulders in a determined manner and starts for the door.
184. INT. ROOM MED. SHOT
The boys are still singing the popular song to Moey's jazzy
accompaniment.
185. FULL SHOT ROOM FROM PIANO
The door opens and the cantor's rigid figure appears. One of the boys
jabs Moey in the back with a whispered alarm.
186. CLOSE-UP MOEY
As the other boy jabs him, Moey, with hardly a change in tempo, starts
playing and singing "Eli, Eli" with a very sanctimonious expression on
his face.
187. MED. SHOT BOYS
They, with Moey, are all singing "Eli, Eli."
188. FULL SHOT ROOM FROM DOOR
The boys are singing the famous wailing song, as the cantor, standing in
the foreground, listens uncertainly.
189. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He brushes a hand across his forehead in a perplexed manner. He is sure
that the music he heard from outside was not "Eli, Eli." Yet, he is
getting old and perhaps his ears are failing as well as his sight. Maybe
he has done the boys an injustice. His manner relaxes and he starts
toward the boys. (Vitaphone music is still going on.)
190. FULL SHOT ROOM
The cantor goes over to a side of the room, hangs up his battered old
derby hat, and puts on his familiar skullcap. One of the boys turns
around and, just as though discovering that the cantor has entered, he
tells Moey.
191. CLOSE SHOT MOEY AND BOYS
Moey gives an exclamation of surprise and stops playing suddenly.
(Vitaphone music stops.) The boys cease singing also and, with their
best synagogue manner, they start toward the cantor to extend the usual
salutation. Moey goes to the other side of the piano on which there is a
box. He picks up the box and goes toward the cantor.
192. MED. SHOT CANTOR
As Moey with the box goes up to him, the other boys fall in behind him.
The cantor looks at them in a surprised way, reaches in his pocket for
his glasses and puts them on, looks at Moey, and says: "Nu, what is
going on yet?" Moey hands the box in the direction of the cantor and
starts to say something.
193. CLOSE-UP MOEY AND CANTOR
Moey stammers a moment, then reaches in his pocket and, with the other
hand still holding out the box, he unfolds a wrinkled slip of paper with
the other, holds it up, and reads it:
TITLE 60: "On the occasion of your sixtieth birthday,
Cantor Rabinowitz, your loving choir boys wish
to present you this token, with best wishes for
your continued peace, prosperity, and
longevity."
Back to scene. Moey stammers over the last word and, with a sigh of
relief, drops the paper. The cantor looks puzzled, then a smile
illumines his face as he takes the box, saying:
TITLE 61: "That was a nice speech, Moey -- I forgot it
was my birthday."
Moey smiles happily and, referring to the speech, he says:
TITLE 62: "Yes, my brother Clarence what goes to collitch,
writes it for me."
Meanwhile, the cantor is opening the box. He takes out a prayer shawl,
wrapped in tissue paper.
194. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He unfolds the shawl eagerly and holds it up in pleased admiration,
saying:
TITLE 63: "It's a prayer shawl! Just what I needed!"
Back to scene. There is a tear in his eye as he beams on the boys.
195. MED. SHOT GROUP
The boys gather around him. Moey assumes an air of importance.
196. CLOSE-UP MOEY
He says, in reply to the cantor's remarks:
TITLE 64: "Yes, it's a good one. Regular price nine
bucks, but we got it for seven-ninety-eight."
197. MED. SHOT GROUP
The cantor beams on Moey again as he starts wrapping the shawl up again.
He puts it in its box and places it on the piano, then turns to the
boys.
198. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He assumes his old familiar attitude as he addresses the youngsters,
saying:
TITLE 65: "And now we sing 'Kol Nidre' some -- in a month
it will be Yom Kippur and we must get it good."
199. MED. SHOT GROUP
The boys line up in their accustomed manner, and the cantor gives them
the signal to begin singing."
200. INT. LIVING ROOM FULL SHOT
Sara is standing at the table talking to another woman, Mrs. Rubin. She
is untying a parcel and the other woman is watching her eagerly.
201. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
As Sara unwraps the package, she takes out a prayer shawl. She holds it
up in admiration as she says:
TITLE 66: "I couldn't think of a more nice birthday
present for him."
Mrs. Rubin strokes it admiringly and nods her agreement with Sara's
remark.
202. EXT. HOME
Yudelson is coming along the street with several packages and carrying a
jug of wine under his arm. He mounts the steps and rings the bell at the
Rabinowitz door.
203. CLOSE-UP YUDELSON
He readjusts the packages which are slipping from his hold. One of the
packages is seen to be a large fowl, of which the feet are protruding.
He transfers the jug of wine carefully to the other hand.
204. INT. HOME
Mrs. Rabinowitz hears the bell and starts for the door. Mrs. Rubin
starts to make a hurried exit out of the back door as though not
desiring to encounter visitors in her housedress, but is prevailed upon
to remain, as Sara goes to the front door to admit Yudelson. Mrs.
Rabinowitz reappears, ushering in the visitor very ceremoniously. Mrs.
Rubin goes up to greet the new arrival, apologizing as she does for her
attire. Yudelson walks over to the table and dumps on it his parcels
with a long sigh of relief. The last thing he deposits is the jug of
wine, which he sets down carefully.
205. CLOSE-UP GROUP
As Yudelson arranges the parcels on the table, Mrs. Rabinowitz looks
askance at him, and Mrs. Rubin starts fingering the fowl. He tells Sara
that it is for the cantor's birthday dinner. He picks up the long
package and hands it to Sara, saying:
TITLE 67: "The turkey is from Nathan Levy for the
birthday dinner -- but this from me is a fine
prayer shawl for the cantor."
Sara gives Mrs. Rubin an embarrassed look. Then, thanking Yudelson, she
says:
TITLE 68: "It's awful good of you -- just what the cantor
needs, a new shawl."
Yudelson beams proudly as Sara edges over to Mrs. Rubin. Yudelson starts
walking away.
206. CLOSE-UP BOTH WOMEN
Sara whispers to Mrs. Rubin:
TITLE 69: "Now I got to exchange my present for something
else again."
207. FULL SHOT ROOM
As Sara finishes title, Yudelson joins the women. He asks where the
cantor is and Sara points to the synagogue next door. Yudelson says
he'll drop in on him and exits out of the front door, leaving it open
behind him. Sara picks up the packages, then drops that containing the
shawl back on the table and takes the fowl into the kitchen. Mrs. Rubin
tells her she must be going, and she goes out with her. In the distance
she is seen going out of the back door.
208. EXT. STREET
Coming along the street approaching the house is Jack Robin. He is
walking briskly, a leather traveling bag in one hand, a cane in the
other, and a straw hat set rakishly on his head. He is wearing a well-
fitting grey suit, tailored in excellent taste. People he passes stop
and look at him as though they thought such a figure was out of place in
this neighborhood. He looks curiously at the house in which he spent his
early youth and passes up the steps.
209. EXT. ENTRANCE CLOSE SHOT
At the door which stands slightly ajar as Yudelson left it, Jack pauses.
His light manner leaves him as he finds himself again on the threshold
of his home. He hesitates as though not knowing whether to ring the bell
or walk in. He finally decides on the latter and enters the house
hesitatingly.
210. INT. LIVING ROOM FULL SHOT
Sara is visible through the door into the kitchen as Jack walks into the
room rather haltingly. He lays down his bag on a chair, places his stick
alongside of it, and looks about to note what changes have been wrought
since he left home. His attention is attracted to sounds from without.
He pauses and listens.
211. INT. CHOIR ROOM FULL SHOT
The boys under the leadership of the cantor are singing. (Vitaphone at
distance.)
212. MED. SHOT JACK
He recognizes the air, and a look of yearning comes into his eyes. He
brushes away a tear. Then as he spies his mother in the kitchen, he
coughs to attract her attention.
213. CLOSE-UP MOTHER
She turns suddenly from the fowl on which she has been working. She is
startled for a moment, then the look of surprise is followed by a
puzzled glance at the stranger in the living room. Slowly over her face
comes a realization of the identity of the visitor. With a glad cry she
starts toward the other room.
214. INT. LIVING ROOM MED. SHOT
Jack sees his mother coming toward him and, with arms outstretched, he
goes forward to greet her and in a moment they are locked in each
other's arms.
215. CLOSE-UP MOTHER AND SON
As they kiss each other affectionately, Sara wipes the tears from her
eyes. There are tears of joy in Jack's eyes too. Finally he holds her
off and looks at her with a semblance of his old impudent grin. He says
kiddingly:
TITLE 70: "You don't look a day older, Mama -- just like
a chicken."
Sara chides him with mock solemnity.
216. CLOSE SHOT BOTH
Sara starts plying Jack with questions which come so fast that he is
obliged to call a halt. He puts a hand gently over her mouth and says,
"Listen, just a minute, Mama." He adds:
TITLE 71: "I just got into town and I hurried right down
to see you and Papa before I went to find out
about my new job."
Sara looks at him questioningly. He continues:
TITLE 72: "I got a wire to come and join a new revue show
-- it's a great chance -- my name in electric
lights -- everything -- no more vaudeville --
me Jakie Rabinowitz maybe a Broadway star,
Mama."
Sara looks at him, only half comprehending what he is talking about.
Finally Jack sits her down in a chair.
217. MED. SHOT SAME
Jack tells her to keep quiet a moment. Then he goes to his bag, opens
it, and extracts a small jeweler's box. He hands it to his mother,
telling her it's a little something he picked up for her. She holds it a
moment as she looks from Jack to the box. He says it's for her and to
open it. She does so hesitatingly, and her eyes widen as she sees the
glittering brooch which reposes in the plush-lined box.
218. CLOSE-UP MOTHER
Her lips form the word "diamonds" in a startled manner as her eyes
reflect the glitter of the jewel. She looks up at Jack and says:
TITLE 73: "Are you sure it's for me, Jakie?"
219. MED. SHOT BOTH
Jack laughs as he says of course it's for her. She shakes her head at
this unheard of extravagance. She tells him he shouldn't have spent so
much money for her. Jack laughs heartily.
220 CLOSE-UP JACK
He tells her that it's nothing at all, adding:
TITLE 74: "I got so much money, Mama, Rockefeller is
jealous of me -- and Henry Ford is always
trying to borrow from me."
221. MED. SHOT BOTH
Sara gets up and tells Jack that she will call his father. Jack tells
her not to, that he wants to look around first. He spies the piano and
goes over to it.
222. CLOSE-UP JACK AT PIANO
He looks over the piano, fingers the keys appraisingly, and asks when
they got it.
223. CLOSE-UP SARA
She says:
TITLE 75: "The congregation presented it to Papa last
year."
He pats her shoulder tenderly.
224. FULL SHOT ROOM
Sara walks over to the piano as Jack sits down and starts to play a
jazzy tune. He gets through several bars when the front door opens and
the cantor appears. He hesitates at the unwonted sounds coming from his
cherished piano.
225. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
His brows knit in a deep frown as he listens a moment. Then he takes a
resolute step forward.
226. FULL SHOT ROOM FROM DOOR
As the cantor enters the room, he takes out his glasses and adjusts
them. Sara sees him coming and she puts a hand on Jack's arm to stop
him, telling him that his father has arrived. Jack swings around on the
stool, gets up, and hurries over to greet his father. As Jack puts out
his hand, the cantor makes no effort to take it. Sara hurries forward.
227. CLOSE SHOT THREE
Jack is saying, "Why, hello, Papa!" The cantor remains impassive as the
frown deepens. Sara goes to him and, pointing to Jack, says eagerly to
her husband:
TITLE 76: "Look, it's your son -- he said 'Hello, Papa'
to you."
Jack nods in corroboration of this news. The cantor merely stiffens.
228. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He glares at Jack as he demands:
TITLE 77: "What you mean, coming in my house and playing
on my piano your music from the streets -- your
jazz?"
229. CLOSE SHOT GROUP
Jack is abashed at this. He hesitates and Sara rushes in and takes the
blame for Jack playing. She pleads with the old man to welcome Jack, but
he remains adamant. He again points a condemning finger at Jack.
230. CLOSE-UP FATHER
He almost shouts at him:
TITLE 78: "I taught you to sing to God -- to be a cantor
like your fathers. But you liked better to
sing in beer halls than in the temple. You're
the same now."
231. CLOSE SHOT GROUP
Sara takes the cantor's hand and pleads with him, saying that Jack
doesn't deserve such treatment. Jack assumes also a pleading attitude.
Sara tells the cantor to remember that it is his birthday. At this Jack
goes to his bag.
232. CLOSE-UP JACK AT CHAIR
He is rummaging in the bag excitedly and fishes out a package. He looks
up and says:
TITLE 79: "Sure, Papa, I remembered it was your birthday.
See, I brought you a present too."
He unwraps it, disclosing a prayer shawl.
233. CLOSE-UP CANTOR AND WIFE
Sara is talking to him excitedly, telling him how wonderful that Jakie
should remember all these years, his papa's birthday. The cantor is
beginning to weaken under this assault. Sara leaves him for Jack.
234. MED. SHOT ROOM
Sara goes over to Jack excitedly and takes the shawl from him. As she
sees it, there is just a second's change when she sees with dismay that
it is another prayer shawl. Her manner changes immediately to one of
excited delight. As Jack looks appealingly at his father, Sara holds up
the shawl for him.
235. CLOSE-UP SARA
As she holds up the shawl, stroking its soft folds affectionately, she
says:
TITLE 80: "See, Papa, just what you needed -- a nice new
prayer shawl."
She starts toward him.
236. MED. SHOT GROUP
Jack follows Sara to the side of the old man. He takes the shawl from
her and addressing his father says, almost tearfully:
TITLE 81: "Many happy returns of the day to our cantor.
Ever hear that before when I was a little boy,
Papa?"
237. CLOSE SHOT GROUP
As the cantor stands impassively, Sara takes his arm and says to him:
TITLE 82: "Look, Papa, Jakie is making you a speech,
like when he was a little boy on your
birthday."
The cantor looks up as though from a reverie and, bowing in a dignified
manner, says: "Thank you." He makes no effort to take the shawl, which
Sara takes. She exclaims upon the fine weave and cloth, saying it is the
best one the cantor has ever had, etc. Jack grows more embarrassed as
the cantor shows no sign of relenting and shifts from one foot to
another. He finally looks away from his father to his mother and, taking
the cue from her, remarks:
TITLE 83: "Sure, it's a good one -- the best money could
buy."
The old man shows interest at this. He repeats the boy's words. There is
a question in his manner, or a conclusion, but seizing upon it as an
opening, Jack eagerly declares:
TITLE 84: "Sure, Papa, I'm making plenty jack. And I'm
going to make more. Ain't many can put over a
Mammy song like me."
He continues talking about his work. The old man's eyes assume a steely
glitter. Jack continues talking glibly.
238. CLOSE-UP FATHER
He glares at Jack. Finally he holds up a hand for silence, then snaps
out:
TITLE 85: "So you sing your dirty songs in theayters now!
First on the sidewalks, then beer halls and now
theayters."
239. CLOSE-UP GROUP
Sara tries to stop the old man. Jack, surprised at this new attack,
tries to defend himself. The old man doesn't want to listen. Finally
Jack, aroused now to the fact that he must fight to get the respect of
his father, demands that his father listen to him. He grasps his
father's hand. The old man stares at him in surprise. He starts to
protest and Jack silences him.
240. CLOSE-UP JACK
He leans forward as he says, earnestly:
TITLE 86: "You taught me to sing -- and you told me that
music was the voice of God -- and it is just as
honorable to sing in the theater as in the
synagogue."
241. CLOSE-UP FATHER AND SON
As Jack finishes title, he endeavors to continue but the old man stops
him. He points to the door. Jack, with a gesture of defeat, turns away
from him, toward the chair upon which are his things.
242. MED. SHOT GROUP
Sara goes to the old man and pleads with him not to be so hard on their
only boy. The old man stiffens and waves her away. Jack starts closing
his bag. The old man picks up the shawl and holds it to him, saying that
he wants nothing bought with his unclean money.
Jack disregards him, closing the bag. Sara takes it and the old man
tells her to burn it if it is not taken away. Jack turns to his mother.
She comes to him, and he puts his arms around her. The old man stands
like a statue waiting for Jack to leave his roof. Sara kisses Jack, and
he kisses her and pats her on the back.
243. CLOSE-UP JACK AND MOTHER
He finally disengages her hands and talks to her soothingly. He picks up
his things and starts to go. Then he turns and faces his father.
244. CLOSE-UP FATHER
He stands looking over Jack's head, silently waiting his departure .
245. CLOSE-UP JACK
He hesitates a moment, then addresses his father quietly. He says:
TITLE 87: "Some day, Papa, maybe you'll understand things
like Mama does."
246. MED. SHOT GROUP
The father affects not to hear. He merely points to the door. Jack turns
to his mother, says good-by to her again, and starts toward the door.
The old man stands impassively as Jack passes him on his way out. Sara
makes an impulsive gesture in Jack's direction, but the old man stays
her with a slight movement of his hand.
SLOW FADE OUT
FADE IN
247. FULL SHOT STAGE THEATER
The camera is set upstage center and is shooting toward footlights.
There is a row of twenty-four chorus girls downstage, extending across,
all in rehearsal rompers, and they are dancing in unison. As they finish
a kick, a tall lanky figure of a man in shirt-sleeves rises from the
footlights and halts them with a hand in the air. He is Jim Sparks who
puts on the dances, and he starts telling the girls in expressive
language just what he thinks of their efforts and where he thinks they
belong.
248. CLOSE-UP SPARKS
He finishes telling them what he thinks of them, then tells them to
watch him. Although his timing and technique are correct, his efforts,
because of his build and attire, make him appear ludicrous. He stops and
calls to the piano player to do it over again. Addressing the girls, he
says:
TITLE 88: "Now let's have some life in it -- and don't be
afraid of busting anything."
249. FULL SHOT STAGE FROM SIDE
Sparks backs away and the girls go into the steps as he did it. He nods
approvingly. A small group of people appear in the wings on the opposite
side of the stage and stand watching the dancers. There are two men and
a woman.
250. CLOSE SHOT GROUP
Camera is in wings behind them and dancers are seen in the background
going through their evolutions. The girl turns to talk to the man at her
left, and it is seen that she is Mary Dale. The man is Randolph
Dillings, a middle-aged, well-dressed, rather distinguished type, a
well-to-do businessman who finds amusement and sometimes profit in
dabbling in stage enterprises. The other man, somewhat younger, is Harry
Lee, the producer of the show.
251. CLOSE-UP DILLINGS
He looks away from the dancers and says something to Lee.
TITLE 89: Randolph Dillings whose money was behind the
new edition of "April Follies."
Back. He is talking.
252. CLOSE-UP LEE
He answers Dillings and turns away with a frown.
TITLE 90: Harry Lee who was staking his reputation as a
producer on the same show.
He is watching the girls and nervously chewing his cigar. He takes out
his watch and looks at it.
253. CLOSE SHOT THREE
Lee turns to Mary and tells her that it is about time that the new
comedian is showing up. Mary smiles and tells him that they needn't
worry about him. Dillings turns to Mary anxiously and says:
TITLE 91: "You're sure, Mary, that this discovery of
yours can sing as well as Hal Bolton?"
Mary nods and smiles confidently. She says:
TITLE 92: "He's better than Bolton. You won't be sorry
you took my advice."
The men continue to look worried, however, and Mary starts to tell them
more about the new comedian.
254. EXT. STAGE DOOR
The old man who sits in the doorway looks up and instinctively puts a
foot across the entrance, and a second later Jack Robin appears. He is
not carrying the bag or cane now. Otherwise he appears as he did a few
hours earlier at the home of his father. He tells the old man who he is.
The latter grudgingly admits him.
255. FULL SHOT STAGE FROM WINGS
The three are still in the foreground, and Sparks is drilling the girls
relentlessly. They stop at the end of the dance, and Sparks walks over
to the group. Dillings steps over and starts to talk to him as Jack
comes into the scene. Mary turns as she hears his step and goes to greet
him. Lee stands where he was. Jack stops as he sees Mary. She goes to
him with outstretched hands.
256. CLOSE-UP JACK AND MARY
He stands looking at Mary in a surprised manner as she comes into scene
and greets him. Jack is still speechless except for the first "Mary
Dale!" Mary takes his hand. He looks at her, then blurts out:
TITLE 93: "Why, what are you doing here?"
Mary laughs mischievously as she asks him if he has any objections to
her being there. Jack in an embarrassed manner says that he only said
that because he was so surprised to see her. He says:
TITLE 94: "Then you're in this show, too?"
Mary nods and says with mock modesty:
TITLE 95: "I'm merely the star, sir."
She looks up at him and says with a smile:
TITLE 96: "And you're to be the other star."
Jack looks at her in a stunned manner. Gradually he solves the riddle:
it was Mary who was responsible for his summons to the big city -- the
great chance at last to shine on Broadway, every actor's ultimate goal.
He starts to blurt out his thanks. Mary stops him, then with a hurried
look around, she tells him to wait until later and they'll talk it all
over.
257. MED. SHOT SAME
Lee and Dillings come into the scene and Mary presents Jack to them.
Jack is somewhat embarrassed. He shakes hands perfunctorily with
Dillings but is rather more impressed by Lee. Dillings turns away after
the introduction, and Lee, trying to put Jack at his ease, asks him if
he will be ready for a rehearsal that evening. Jack nods.
258. CLOSE-UP JACK AND LEE
Lee takes a part book out of his pocket and hands it to Jack and tells
him he will give him the songs later. He says to Jack:
TITLE 97: "You've been very highly recommended -- but
we've only got one person's word for it that
you can deliver."
Jack takes a step closer to Lee eagerly and tells him that he is sure
that he can make good. Lee nods rather ruefully and says:
TITLE 98: "Well if you don't I'm sunk, because there is
only two weeks before the opening -- and
Dillings will be out a bunch of jack."
Back to scene. Jack again assures him eagerly.
259. MED. SHOT GROUP
Mary and Dillings rejoin Jack and Lee. Mary's attitude toward Jack is so
friendly that Dillings looks askance at her. Mary and Jack start talking
about the last time they saw each other in Chicago. Dillings breaks in
on the conversation. Lee looks at his watch and walks away toward the
center of the stage.
260. CLOSE SHOT THREE
Dillings turns to Mary and says that if she is ready he will take her to
dinner. Mary hesitates a moment, then after a quick look at Jack, she
turns to Dillings and says:
TITLE 99: "I'm awfully sorry -- I just promised Mr. Robin
I'd have dinner with him -- I want to tell him
about the play."
Dillings looks from one to the other and, with an inarticulate grunt of
disgust, he raises his hat grudgingly and stalks out of the scene. Jack
stands looking at Mary dumbly. She turns and smiles at him.
LAP DISSOLVE INTO:
261. INT.CAFE CLOSE-UP
Jack and Mary are sitting in a corner of the cafe at a little table
facing each other. Mary is talking with animation. The waiter sets down
some dishes before them and exits. Mary finishes what she is saying and
Jack leans forward. He says:
TITLE 100: "I can never -- if I live to be a million --
ever thank you, Mary, for what you have done
for me."
Mary holds up a hand in mock severity, much in the attitude of a traffic
cop halting an auto. She tells him to forget it. He says that he can't
and doesn't want to forget it. She is becoming embarrassed under his
earnestness. Finally he reaches over and takes her hand. Her eyes look
away from him. He leans over further and says half whisperingly:
TITLE 101: "I suppose you think I'm out of my head, but
I--I'm crazy about you, Mary."
Mary looks up and says promptly:
TITLE 102: "I'm crazy about you, too."
Jack looks at her then, a puzzled imploring look. He stammers out:
TITLE 103: "You don't know what I mean."
Mary smiles and says, "What do you mean?" Jack takes a deep breath and
blurts out:
TITLE 104: "I mean that I love you -- that I want to marry
you."
Mary leans over. The smile leaves her face. She strokes his hand as she
says quietly:
TITLE 105: "That is what I thought you meant."
They lean over closely, looking into each other's eyes.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
262. CLOSE-UP DILLINGS
The camera is behind him and takes in part of his shoulder and hand
holding newspaper, without disclosing his identity.
DISSOLVE INTO:
Vignetted column section which reads as follows:
INSERT NEWSPAPER
"April Follies," which will be the next musical
revue on Broadway, opens tomorrow night at the
Fulton with several newcomers making their bow
in New York. Heading the list will be Jack
Robin, recruited from vaudeville, who is
expected to prove a sensation, and Mary Dale,
the clever danseuse, a vaudeville headliner
early this season. Robin is said to have been
discovered by Miss Dale while singing in a
resort in San Francisco.
DISSOLVE INTO:
263. CLOSE-UP DILLINGS FROM FRONT
He is seated in a very luxuriously equipped office. He shows much
annoyance at what he has read. He crumples up the paper and throws it on
the floor. Then he hurls his cigar into a corner of the room. He pauses
a moment as though considering what to do and finally jumps to his feet.
264. FULL SHOT OFFICE
Dillings goes quickly over to a hat tree, takes his coat and hat, and
exits hastily.
265. INT. THEATER
With camera in fly gallery, unique shot may be had of chorus in action
on stage in the midst of a rehearsal. Mary Dale is doing her dance with
the chorus.
266. CLOSE-UP MARY
She is seen as from the front in her dance.
267. FULL SHOT STAGE FROM WINGS
The chorus closes in behind Mary in some evolution of the dance, as Jack
and another player, both in costume, come into the foreground. As the
dance ends, they applaud heartily, and Lee, who has taken charge of the
last few rehearsals, motions from the side, dismissing them. The girls
troop off on the other side and Mary comes over to Jack.
268. CLOSE-UP JACK AND MARY
Jack is still applauding Mary as she, slightly out of breath from her
exertions, joins him. He takes her hands and tells her what a wonderful
dancer she is. Mary smiles in a deprecating manner and says:
TITLE 106: "But it's you who will be famous tomorrow
night, Jack. It looks very much as though it
were your show. They're giving you everything."
Jack makes a nervous, self-disparaging gesture. Then he comes closer to
her and says:
TITLE 107: "If I'm the success all of you think I will be,
I will only have you to thank."
Mary smiles and, without saying anything further, she presses his hand
and starts out of the scene toward her dressing room.
269. FULL SHOT STAGE
As Mary leaves him, Jack turns around to look after her. He hesitates,
however, as he sees Lee and Randolph Dillings, a few steps away, follow
the girl with their eyes, then turn and look at him. Jack starts toward
them, then, seeing that they start talking earnestly together, he turns
the other way as though to go over on the other side of the stage. He
goes to the piano downstage.
270. CLOSE-UP LEE AND DILLINGS
Dillings has finished saying something to him as Lee's jaw drops. He
looks at him in surprise and blurts out:
TITLE 108: "You don't mean you'd take your money out of
the show the last minute?"
Back to scene. Dillings nods firmly. Lee demands to know the reason for
this sudden determination. Dillings points in the direction of Mary's
room and then to Jack. He says:
TITLE 109: "Just the idea of Mary's interest in this jazz
singer of yours."
Back to scene. Lee starts to argue with Dillings, telling him that it is
nothing serious. Dillings, however, has guessed the true state of
affairs. He adds:
TITLE 110: "I have no further interest in her career. Just
mail me a check today."
He starts to leave.
271. FULL SHOT STAGE
As Dillings leaves, Lee follows him, still eagerly trying to explain
that there is nothing between the two principals of the show. Just as he
is about to exit, Mary comes from her dressing room and almost collides
with him. Lee rushes up to them and takes Dillings's arm. Jack, who is
at the piano, sees Mary and starts across stage toward the group.
272. MED. SHOT GROUP
Mary takes Dillings's arm, and he stops his progress somewhat
unwillingly. It is evident that he wishes to avoid a scene with Mary.
Before she can say anything, however, Lee says to Mary:
TITLE 111: "He's taking his money out of the show on account of Jack."
Dillings is growing more embarrassed. Mary looks at Lee, then at
Dillings, not understanding at first. Then she realizes the true
situation. She looks at Lee.
273. CLOSE-UP MARY AND LEE
She smiles quietly and says to Lee:
TITLE 112: "I suppose you would like to have me say that
I only regard Jack as a fellow performer."
Lee nods eagerly. The smile does not leave Mary's face. She turns away
from Lee.
274. CLOSE-UP OF THREE
As Lee leans closer to hear her answer, Mary says to Dillings:
TITLE 113: "Well, I'm sorry that I cannot -- or perhaps it
would be better to say that I am glad."
Dillings nods in quiet acquiescence. Lee looks crestfallen. Mary puts a
hand affectionately on Lee's arm.
275. MED. SHOT GROUP
Dillings is raising his hat as he endeavors again to leave, just as Jack
comes into the scene. Jack goes up to Dillings and says "how do you do"
to him. The latter gives him a cold look of nonrecognition, bows again
stiffly to the other two, and exits, Jack looking after him in mock
dismay.
276. CLOSE-UP JACK
He looks at the other two and says ruefully:
TITLE 114: "I just got a hunch that he don't like me --
maybe he thinks I wear these clothes on the
street."
He looks down at his trick suit.
277. CLOSE SHOT THREE
Mary and Lee laugh at this sally, and as Jack joins them, Mary looks up
at Lee, her hand on his arm:
278. CLOSE-UP MARY
She says to Lee:
TITLE 115: "Does it mean that you are going to be in a fix
for money?"
279. CLOSE-UP THREE
Lee pats the girl's hand. He hesitates, then says, "Oh, I'm always in a
fix for money." Mary is too much in earnest, however, to accept this
light dismissal of his difficulty. She looks up at him and says:
TITLE 116: "If you need it, Mr. Lee, I have a few thousand
in the savings bank, and--"
Lee stops her, telling her that she is a good kid and how much he
appreciates her offer, but he'll worry through all right. Jack is about
to say something, when the stage doorkeeper enters and addresses him.
Lee mops his brow in his nervousness and starts away from group. Mary
looks after him, reflecting his worry.
280. CLOSE-UP JACK AND DOORMAN
He is telling Jack that there is a caller for him. Jack asks again what
the name is. The doorman says:
TITLE 117: "Says his name is Bugelson, or something like
that, and he knew you when ... "
Jack breaks in on him, his face lighting up. He tells the doorkeeper to
show the man in. The doorman leaves.
281. FULL SHOT STAGE
The chorus girls are trooping out on the stage from all sides for
another number when Yudelson is seen entering from the outer entrance.
He looks around puzzled, as he would be on a first visit to such a
place. He stops and looks around him, puzzled by the strange
surroundings.
282. CLOSE-UP YUDELSON
He is dressed in his best Shabbas suit as befits the business head of a
prosperous congregation as well as a successful broker. He looks around
in a dazed way and his eyes fall on the girls of the chorus. He has
never seen that many bare knees in his life and his eyes bulge. He
starts in the direction of the stage where the girls are congregating,
in the manner of a man under a hypnotic spell.
283. MED. SHOT JACK
Jack, who has been talking to Mary, spies Yudelson and starts toward
him. Mary goes to the stage opening.
284. CLOSE-UP GROUP OF GIRLS
One of the girls in the center of the group is doing some high kicks and
the others are critically viewing her efforts.
285. MED. SHOT STAGE
Yudelson walks right out on the stage where the girls are grouped, his
eyes fixed on the kicker's legs. Jack comes up to him and takes his arm,
and Yudelson comes out of his trance.
286. CLOSE-UP YUDELSON AND JACK
Yudelson exclaims with pleasure as Jack takes his hand and shakes it,
although he is still puzzled at Jack's appearance. He shakes his head as
he sees the changes that the years have wrought in the boy. He points to
the door and says:
TITLE 118: "He didn't know who I mean by Jake Rabinowitz
-- I forget your mama told me you are now Jakie
Robin."
Jack laughs and takes Yudelson's arm to walk him off the stage.
287. FULL SHOT STAGE
As Jack and Yudelson walk toward camera, Lee calls for the rehearsal of
another number and the girls start taking their positions. Yudelson, now
in the immediate foreground, turns around to get another look. Jack,
laughing, turns him back the other way, telling him that he's liable to
lose an eye if he doesn't look out. Yudelson pulls himself together. He
turns to Jack seriously as both stop just clear of the stage.
288. CLOSE-UP BOTH
Yudelson tells Jack he has an important message for him. Jack looks at
him, a question in his eyes. Yudelson says:
TITLE 119: "Tomorrow it is Yom Kippur and we want you
should sing 'Kol Nidre' in the temple."
Jack looks at him in astonishment as Yudelson keeps talking about the
meeting of the committee and how he had held out for Jack, who looks at
him in surprise. He tries to interrupt several times but Yudelson
rattles on. Finally Jack takes his arm and stops him, asking what it's
all about. He says:
TITLE 120: "But what's the matter with my father singing,
Mr. Yudelson?"
Yudelson looks surprised, then says: "I forgot to tell you, your papa is
sick." Jack is alarmed at this. He asks how long he has been sick and if
his illness is serious. Yudelson says:
TITLE 121: "It's been two weeks -- since the day you was
there -- and he's got a good doctor -- Dr.
O'Shaughnessy from the Rockefeller Institute."
Jack looks thoughtful.
289. CLOSE-UP JACK
He is saying to himself: "Two weeks -- since the day I was there."
290. CLOSE-UP BOTH
Jack looks at Yudelson as though weighing his request. Yudelson
continues with his arguments, saying that some of the committee were
against it, but he insisted because they all owed him money. As a final
argument he says to Jack, eagerly:
TITLE 122: "It would be a fine surprise for your papa if
you sing."
Jack shakes his head slowly. He says, "But he threw me out of the house
only two weeks ago." Yudelson nods and replies:
TITLE 123: "Sure, he threw you out but a son's a son no
matter if he is thrown out twenty times by his
papa."
Back to scene. Jack smiles at Yudelson's eagerness to overcome his
objections. He looks toward the stage, then turns to the old man,
shaking his head as he says, with an air of finality:
TITLE 124: "But, Mr. Yudelson, our show opens tomorrow
night -- it's the chance I've dreamed of for
years -- I can't do what you ask."
Yudelson shrugs his shoulders hopelessly and starts to turn.
291. MED. SHOT SAME
As Yudelson turns, Mary comes into scene. Yudelson pauses and looks at
her. Jack, somewhat embarrassed as Mary looks from him to Yudelson,
introduces them. Yudelson gives her an admiring look. He gives Jack a
look of approval as though personally complimenting him on his good
taste. Realizing instinctively that the girl has some influence with
Jack, he tries to prevail on her to persuade Jack to do what he wants.
292. CLOSE-UP THREE
Mary looks at Yudelson, then at Jack. The latter explains the situation.
Mary looks at Yudelson, full of sympathy but unable to help him. She
shakes her head as she tells him the impossibility of his wish coming
true. Yudelson shakes hands with Jack, then with Mary and turns to
leave.
293. MED. SHOT SAME
As Yudelson walks slowly away, Lee comes into the scene. He pauses and
looks toward the stage.
294. CLOSE-UP LEE
He yells to the girls:
TITLE 125: "Remember, dress rehearsal at two tomorrow --
and I don't want anyone drifting in at five
after two."
He turns to the others.
295. CLOSE-UP JACK AND MARY
Jack is on the verge of tears and Mary pats his shoulder softly.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
296. LIVING ROOM CANTOR'S HOME
Yudelson is sitting in a rocking chair reading a Yiddish newspaper. Mrs.
Rubin is using a broom on the floor. She comes over to Yudelson and
starts to talk with him.
297. CLOSE-UP BOTH
The woman points to the bedroom door and asks Yudelson if he thinks the
cantor will recover. Yudelson affects a facetious manner in order to
cover up his grief. He says, flippantly:
TITLE 126: "Am I a doctor or a riddle guesser you should
ask me such questions? I am worrying now about
who sings 'Kol Nidre' when Yom Kippur begins
tonight."
298. MED. SHOT SAME
Mrs. Rubin shakes her head sadly and continues her work. Seeing that he
is not observed, Yudelson takes out his handkerchief surreptitiously and
gives his eyes a furtive wipe. He looks toward the bedroom door in the
background as it opens, and a young woman in nurse's garb comes into the
room. Yudelson gets up and rushes to her with a question as to how the
cantor is getting along. She shakes her head, and Yudelson drops into
the chair as the nurse proceeds to the kitchen.
299. INT. BEDROOM FULL SHOT
Cantor Rabinowitz, pale and emaciated, is lying helplessly on the bed.
His eyes are open and are fixed on the figure of Sara who is busying
herself about the room. He motions feebly to her, and she hastens over
to his side. She sits in the chair at the bedside and leans over closely
to hear what he has to say, gently stroking his hand which she has
taken.
300. CLOSE-UP CANTOR AND WIFE
He asks her to lean closer and as she does he starts to whisper to her.
301. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He looks at his wife pathetically. He says hesitatingly:
TITLE 127: "It's Yom Kippur tonight -- the first time in
forty-five years I didn't sing in the temple."
302. CLOSE-UP BOTH
Sara pats his hand soothingly and tells him not to worry about that --
that he will be well sooner if he doesn't worry. His eyes are in the
past, however, and he is not listening to her. He continues:
TITLE 128: "It will be the first time in five generations
a Rabinowitz has not sung on the Day of
Atonement."
He closes his eyes as he says this and is silent for awhile. Sara
continues stroking his hand.
303. MED. SHOT LIVING ROOM
Mrs. Rubin is again talking to Yudelson. He is trying to get her to quit
talking.
304. CLOSE-UP BOTH
She leans over and, undismayed by his manner, she asks with many
gestures:
TITLE 129: "But who will sing tonight in the cantor's
place?"
Yudelson makes a gesture of repulsion. He waves her away with:
TITLE 130: "You should let me worry about that -- I am the
chairman."
He tries to read again. She asks him why they don't get Jakie back. He
ignores her and says:
TITLE 131: "Anyhow, it won't be that croaker Levy who will
sing."
305. FULL SHOT ROOM
Mrs. Rubin hears a ring at the door and hurries to the entrance.
Yudelson gets up as Dr. O'Shaughnessy enters. He is a big husky, grey-
haired Irishman, and he greets the two of them heartily, as one would
very old friends.
306. INT.BEDROOM CLOSE-UP
The cantor still has his eyes closed, and Sara is stroking his forehead.
Without opening his eyes, he reaches up and puts his withered old hand
on that of hers. He opens his eyes and smiles wanly at her. Then he
says:
TITLE 132: "I been dreaming Jakie came back to sing 'Kol
Nidre'--"
307. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He pauses a moment, then continues:
TITLE 133: "Maybe God would forgive him -- if he would
come tonight and sing."
He closes his eyes.
308. CLOSE-UP BOTH
Sara looks startled as the idea comes into her mind of getting Jakie.
She removes her hand and looks down to measure the possible effect of
her departure.
309. FULL SHOT ROOM
As Sara is nervously considering her next step, the door opens and the
doctor enters, solving Sara's problem for the moment. She tells the
cantor that the doctor is here and that she will go away for a little
while. The nurse follows the doctor into the room and Sara exits.
310. INT. LIVING ROOM
As Sara enters, she goes hurriedly to Yudelson. Mrs. Rubin comes over
hastily in fear of losing a word.
311. CLOSE-UP GROUP
Sara tells Yudelson that she is going to get Jakie. The latter tells her
it's no use, but she is insistent, and he agrees to go along. Sara tells
Mrs. Rubin to remain there until they return.
312. INT.BEDROOM MED. SHOT
The doctor is leaning over the sick man, listening to his heart with a
stethoscope. The cantor's eyes are closed. The nurse stands at the side
of the doctor. He raises up, folds the stethoscope, and looks at the
nurse. They exchange a look which both understand as leaving little hope
for the life of the cantor.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
313. THEATER STAGE FROM FRONT
The orchestra is in the foreground, and the curtain is down. In the
immediate foreground are empty seats in the first few rows of the house,
and several men with hats on are sitting down front. Lee is among them.
He calls out something, and the orchestra starts to play the curtain
music. (This may be Vitaphoned with good effect.)
314. CLOSE-UP LEE AND OTHER MAN
The man with him is a typical businessman of Hebraic type -- the sort
that one finds financing shows on Broadway. Lee turns to him and says:
TITLE 134: "A dress rehearsal isn't the easiest thing on
the nerves."
The other man nods sympathetically. He replies:
TITLE 135: "If that new jazz singer is what you say he is
-- we've got nothing to worry about."
315. FULL SHOT STAGE FROM FRONT
The men are in the foreground as before, and Lee nods anxiously as the
other man finishes the title. The orchestra gives a signal and the
curtain goes up, showing the line of girls across the stage for their
first number. (This should be Vitaphoned and the volume cut down to a
minimum when we cut to the following scenes in the dressing room.)
316. INT. JACK'S DRESSING ROOM
Jack is dressed and is just beginning to put on his facial make-up when
Mary enters. She pirouettes before him and pouts as he evinces only a
slight interest in her. She stops and goes over to him.
317. CLOSE-UP JACK AND MARY
Mary puts a hand on Jack's shoulder and, pointing to her costume, as he
turns around, says to him:
TITLE 136: "You haven't said a word about my nice new
costume for the first dance."
Back. Jack gives himself a mental dig and assumes an air of much
interest. Mary, however, has lost her interest in Jack's reactions to
her appearance by this time. She realizes that Jack is worried about his
father. She asks him if that is what is worrying him. Jack shakes his
head. He says:
TITLE 137: "No, I have only one thing on my mind now --
the opening tonight."
He turns to his make-up. Mary shakes her head. She knows that the other
matter is worrying him more than that. Jack starts to blacken his face.
318. LONG SHOT STAGE
This is a shot downward from fly gallery, showing one of the ensemble
dance numbers in progress, just as it would be were the performance
really on. The chorus falls back and two adagio dancers come on.
319. MED. SHOT STAGE FROM FRONT
The adagio dancers do a part of their routine.
320. CLOSE-UP DRESSING ROOM
Jack has just about completed his make-up. Mary is sitting on a chair a
short distance away. They are talking as Jack puts the finishing touches
to his make-up, the enlarging of the lips. Mary leans over.
321. CLOSE-UP BOTH
Mary asks him just what Yudelson wanted of him. Jack explains about the
age-old customs, which mark the observation of Yom Kippur. Mary nods as
he explains. She says:
TITLE 138: "And they want you to sing tonight in his place?"
Back. Jack nods. He throws out his hands in an eloquent gesture as he
tells her how hopeless it is. He adds as he leans over earnestly:
TITLE 139: "I don't really belong there -- here's where I
belong, on Broadway, but there's something in
the blood that sort of calls you -- something
apart from this life."
Mary nods understandingly. She says:
TITLE 140: "I think I understand, Jack. But no matter how
strong the call, this is your life."
322. MED. SHOT SAME
Jack nods and gets up. He inspects his make-up in the glass closely.
Mary looks at herself in the long glass at the other side of the room as
the stage doortender enters. He pauses in the door and, as Jack sees
him, he tells Jack that there is someone at the door to see him.
323. CLOSE-UP DOORTENDER
He says apologetically:
TITLE 141: "It's the old bird who was here yesterday --
and he's got a lady with him."
324. FULL SHOT ROOM
Jack stands and stares at him. Mary starts for the door saying that she
will leave. Jack motions to her to remain.
325. LONG SHOT TOWARD DOOR
Before the old doorman can turn, Yudelson enters, followed by Sara. She
is wearing a shawl over her housedress, just as she left in her haste.
As Jack sees her he goes rapidly toward her, crying, "Mama! " She stands
and looks at him in a puzzled way. He goes up and takes her hands in
his. He starts to kiss her, then remembers her [sic] make-up. Sara holds
him off as Yudelson comes up to them, looking at Jack in a puzzled
manner.
326. CLOSE-UP THREE
Sara looks at Jack, eager though puzzled, and says:
TITLE 142: "Jakie, this ain't you ..."
Yudelson adds:
TITLE 143: "It talks like Jakie, but it looks like a
nigger."
Sara waves Yudelson aside, telling Jack that she has something to ask
him. Jack asks her to sit down, and he sits down opposite her. She
starts pouring out her grief in an uninterrupted flow of words.
327. FULL SHOT ROOM
Mary is standing in the doorway, in the foreground. She looks intently
from the mother to her son, her gaze resting on him to see, if possible,
what the results of this visit will be. Then she turns slowly and leaves
them, a worried frown on her face.
328. CLOSE-UP MOTHER AND SON
He is leaning close as she talks. He tries to interrupt her with a
hopeless gesture, but she motions to him to listen to her. She
continues:
TITLE 144: "For generations God has heard a Rabinowitz
sing every Day of Atonement ..."
She pauses for a breath and adds:
TITLE 115: "Maybe your papa is dying. God will ask him and
he will have to tell him his only son is
singing in a theayter instead ... "
She leans over closer and pleads with him.
329. CLOSE-UP YUDELSON
He leans over and adds his argument:
TITLE 146: "And if you don't come, there is only Levy the
Shammas to sing -- with a voice like a frog."
He gives a gesture of disgust.
330. CLOSE-UP MOTHER AND SON
Jack takes her hand tenderly and tells her that what she asks is
impossible, that they're all depending on him -- that this is the one
big chance of his life. Fame and fortune will be his if he succeeds. He
adds:
TITLE 147: "And that's what you are asking me to give up."
He gives her a pleading look.
331. FULL SHOT ROOM
Gene, the stage manager, comes to the door and summons Jack. He starts
to get up and Sara clings to him. Mary enters again, worried about Jack.
332. CLOSE-UP GENE
He says to Jack that the orchestra is already playing his introduction.
333. CLOSE-UP JACK AND MOTHER
He unfastens her hands gently from him. He tells her that he must go on
the stage and tells her to wait.
334. MED. SHOT ROOM
Jack starts out of the room with his mother's last plea ringing in his
ears. Mary goes to her and puts her arm around her. Yudelson follows
Jack out curiously.
335. FULL SHOT STAGE FROM FRONT
The chorus is lined up looking toward entrance at which Jack is
expected. The orchestra is playing the introduction to his song as he
enters. He speaks the few lines which serve as an introduction to his
song and then begins singing it.
NOTE: The rendition of the song will have to be governed entirely by the
Vitaphone routine decided upon. The scenes herewith are only those
necessary to carrying on the story. In all scenes before he exits, the
voice of Jack is heard in volume according to the distance from him.
336. CLOSE-UP JACK
He goes into the first bars of his song.
337. MED. SHOT OUTSIDE ROOM
Yudelson and Sara are watching through the wings, but back in the
passage leading to the outside door. Mary asks Mrs. Rabinowitz if she
doesn't want to go closer. She points to the stage but the mother shakes
her head.
338. CLOSE-UP YUDELSON
He is listening, an ear cocked stageward. He nods as he says, half to
himself:
TITLE 148: "Yes, that's Jakie -- with the cry in the
voice, just like in the temple."
He looks away hurriedly.
339. MED. SHOT YUDELSON
Two girls in very scant attire make him forget Jack for the moment as
they pass close to him. He looks after them in a daze and starts to
follow them.
340. FULL SHOT PASSAGE
Mary still has an arm around Sara. The latter, overcome by emotion,
starts for the door. Mary tries to hold her because of Jack.
341. CLOSE-UP BOTH
As Mary endeavors to persuade Sara to remain, Sara tearfully says that
she must go. She turns to Mary and says, hopelessly:
TITLE 149: "Here he belongs -- If God wanted him in His
house, He would have kept him there."
Mary nods understandingly. Sara starts for the door.
342. FULL SHOT SAME
Mary starts with Sara. Yudelson suddenly sees them going toward the
door. He looks after the two girls who had attracted his attention, as
though not knowing which to follow, then reluctantly follows Sara. In
the doorway Mary leans over and kisses Sara. The latter grasps the
girl's arms eagerly.
343. CLOSE-UP MARY AND SARA
The mother says to her:
TITLE 150: "Tell him maybe he can see his papa anyhow
before it is too late."
Mary nods and Sara exits. Mary looks after her sorrowfully.
344. MED. SHOT STAGE
Jack is singing.
345. CLOSE-UP LEE AND GENE
They are standing in the wings. They look at each other in speechless
admiration of Jack's singing.
346. LONG SHOT THROUGH WINGS
Jack finishes song and makes exit. As he comes into foreground, he is
surrounded by Lee, Gene, Mary, and several of the other principals. They
grab his hands and congratulate him. He smiles gratefully.
347. CLOSE-UP JACK AND LEE
The latter is enthusiastically pumping Jack's hand as he says:
TITLE 151: "Wonderful, Jack!! You were actually crying. Do
it that way tonight and you're a hit on
Broadway!"
He drops Jack's hands and turns to Gene with instructions for the next
act.
348. MED. SHOT OUTSIDE DRESSING ROOM
Those surrounding Jack fall away from him as Mary goes to him. She takes
his hand and shakes it. She pantomimes that his mother has gone. Then
she turns and leaves. Jack wipes a white glove across his eyes, leaving
a white streak on his damp face. He comes slowly toward the camera and
enters the door of his dressing room.
349. MED. SHOT ROOM
Jack goes slowly to one of the chairs in the room, drops heavily into
it, and then leans over and puts his blackened face into the white
gloves.
SLOW FADE OUT
FADE IN
350. CHOIR ROOM SYNAGOGUE
Yudelson is presiding at a meeting of the synagogue trustees. He is
seated at the head of the little cheap table with a very important air.
There are four others, all in their holiday clothes. One is Levy, the
Shammas, or sexton, a little scrawny fellow with a straggling beard. Two
others have the long orthodox beards, and the fifth member of the
committee is clean-shaven, a prosperous Jewish businessman. Yudelson
says something and they all start talking at once. Levy finally attracts
the attention of Yudelson. He gets up and tries to speak. Yudelson
endeavors to quiet him, but Levy is insistent.
351. CLOSE-UP LEVY
He holds out both hands pleadingly, as he says:
TITLE 152: "Gentlemen, I think it should be me who should
sing in the cantor's place. I--"
352. CLOSE SHOT TABLE
Yudelson interrupts him, pounding on the table and ordering him to sit
down. He insists that he is chairman and must be listened to.
353. CLOSE-UP YUDELSON
He yells out at Levy:
TITLE 153: "Do you think, schlemiel, our congregation paid
for special music to hear you squawking like a
tomcat yet?"
He glares at Levy.
354. CLOSE SHOT GROUP
Levy subsides with a beaten gesture. His lifelong wish to sing "Kol
Nidre" has been dashed to the ground. Yudelson continues rubbing it in.
355. CLOSE-UP YUDELSON
He says, still glaring at Levy and desiring to rub it in:
TITLE 154: "Our beloved cantor is very sick next door --
if he hears you singing, he dies sure."
356. CLOSE SHOT GROUP
They all start arguing, and Yudelson takes out his watch and tells the
committee that the meeting is over. They surround him and bombard him
with questions as to who is going to sing. He throws up his hands
hopelessly and starts out of the door, just as the boys of the choir
start arriving.
357. RABINOWITZ LIVING ROOM
Sara is sitting in the rocking chair, rocking slowly back and forth. Her
eyes are swollen with crying. Her grief has reached the bottom-most
depths. Every few moments she looks toward the bedroom door as though
expecting some message from the sick chamber.
358. CLOSE-UP SARA
As she rocks slowly. She looks toward the bedroom, then suddenly wipes
her eyes and gets up.
359. FULL SHOT ROOM
The nurse is just coming out of the door. Sara goes toward her, but the
nurse motions for silence as Sara reaches her side.
360. CLOSE-UP NURSE AND SARA
The nurse whispers to her:
TITLE 155: "He's asleep."
Sara turns to resume her chair as the nurse goes toward the kitchen.
361. EXT. HOUSE
A taxicab drives up quickly, and before it stops Jack is out of the
door. He pays the driver and dashes up the steps. Jack is dressed for
the street in well-tailored but quietly styled clothes. He rings the
bell.
362. CLOSE-UP AT DOOR
The door is opened and Sara appears. She looks at Jack in surprise, then
throws her arms around him saying:
TITLE 156: "You come to sing, Jakie? You come to sing?"
Jack shakes his head saying, "I come to see Papa." They go into the
house.
363. EXT. SYNAGOGUE
The doors are open and there is a steady stream of people entering,
Jews, old and young, bearded and clean-shaven, women in shawls and
stylish street attire. Occasionally a fine automobile drives up and a
prosperous family gets out, while the liveried chauffeur holds open the
door. Yom Kippur is about to begin, the one holiday of the year when
even the least orthodox Jews think of their religion. It is approaching
sundown and the sinking orb is casting long shadows into the East Side
street.
364. INT.HOUSE FULL SHOT LIVING ROOM
Jack and his mother are standing in the middle of the floor, talking to
the nurse. The nurse is shaking her head.
365. CLOSE SHOT GROUP
The nurse says as she shakes her head that Dr. O'Shaughnessy would not
want the sick man's sleep disturbed. Jack pleads with her.
366. CLOSE-UP JACK
He takes the nurse's arm pleadingly and says:
TITLE 157: "I'll be awful quiet -- I just want to look at
him."
367. CLOSE-UP GROUP
The nurse finally succumbs to Jack's eloquent pleading and starts over
toward the bedroom door, followed by Jack and his mother.
368. MED. SHOT GROUP
They reach the door. The nurse cautions Jack to be very quiet as she
slowly opens the door. She motions for Sara to remain behind. Sara
bursts into tears as she turns away. Jack enters and the nurse closes
the door softly behind him.
369. FULL SHOT BEDROOM
The old cantor is lying with his eyes closed as Jack enters on tiptoe.
He walks very quietly over to the bed where he stands for a moment, then
he drops down to his knees beside the bed and gives way to his grief.
370. CLOSE-UP JACK AND CANTOR
Jack, with eyes streaming, puts out a hand to touch that of his father,
then, fearing that he will wake him with serious results, he withdraws
his hand. His shoulders are shaking convulsively with suppressed sobs,
and he suddenly buries his face in his hands, which are resting on the
bed. The old man's eyelids flutter for a moment. His eyes slowly open
and he looks over and sees the bowed head of his son.
371. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
There is just the faintest flicker of a smile on the wan face of the
dying man. With an effort he slowly moves his hand over until it rests
on Jack's head in an unspoken blessing. Jack's hands come up and grasp
that of his father.
372. CLOSE-UP JACK AND FATHER
With a sudden impulsive gesture Jack grasps the hand of his father and
kisses it. Then the old man's eyes close and Jack looks suddenly around
to the door.
373. CLOSE-UP NURSE AT DOOR
She is motioning for Jack to come out. As she does, the figure of the
doctor appears behind her.
374. FULL SHOT ROOM
As the doctor enters, Jack goes to the door. He grasps the doctor's hand
and the doctor greets him heartily, though quietly. Jack points to the
bed in mute inquiry. The doctor says, quietly: "I'm afraid not." He goes
toward the bed and Jack with streaming eyes starts slowly out of the
room.
375. EXT. HOUSE
It is now almost dark and lights are beginning to flicker. A taxicab
drives up hurriedly and Mary and Lee get out of it. Lee tells the driver
to wait for them. Mary by this time is looking at the number to verify
the place. They hurry up the steps and Mary rings the bell.
376. INT. LIVING ROOM FULL SHOT
Yudelson and Mrs. Rabinowitz are standing at the door of the bedroom as
the bell rings. Sara tells Yudelson to go to the door. As he starts for
it, the door of the bedroom opens and Jack, wiping his eyes, comes
slowly out and into his mother's arms.
377. MED. SHOT AT DOOR
Yudelson admits Mary and Lee. They both ask at once for Jack, and as
they see him they go quickly toward him.
378. CLOSE-UP JACK AND MOTHER
Jack's attention is attracted by the newcomers. He looks at them in
surprise and half pushes his mother away to greet them. He is still in a
daze but realizes the nature of their mission.
379. MED. SHOT GROUP
Mary and Lee each take one of Jack's hands and ply him with questions as
to what he is going to do. Yudelson and Sara exchange significant
glances.
380. CLOSE-UP DOOR
Levy the Shammas enters hurriedly.
381. FULL SHOT ROOM
Levy enters and goes quickly to Yudelson. He tells him that the
congregation is waiting for the services to begin and suggests that he
be designated to sing.
382. CLOSE-UP TWO MEN
Yudelson greets this suggestion angrily. He yells at Levy:
TITLE 158: "You don't sing -- even if I got to do it
myself."
Back. In a crestfallen manner, Levy retires. Yudelson stands and looks
at the others speculatively. Then a determined look comes over his
features.
383. FULL SHOT ROOM
As Jack argues with Lee and Mary, Sara enters the group. She begs Jack
to sing, for the sake of his father. Yudelson walks to the side of the
room and takes the cantor's praying shawl and skull cap which are
hanging up. He carries them over to Jack and holds them in front of him.
384. CLOSE SHOT GROUP
With Yudelson and his mother on one side and Lee and Mary on the other,
Jack is besieged by the old life and the new, filial duty against his
life's ambition, the past against the future. He stands staring from one
to the other.
385. CLOSE-UP LEE
He holds out his hands appealingly. He says:
TITLE 159: "You can't throw away this one great chance,
Jack -- the house sold out -- and it will ruin
me too! "
He looks to Mary for help.
386. CLOSE SHOT GROUP
Mary adds her entreaties to those of Lee, while Sara takes the shawl and
cap from Yudelson and holds them out to Jack mutely. Jack looks slowly
from Mary to mother, then he stares ahead as though trying to pierce the
curtain of the future.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
387. THEATER LOBBY NIGHT
People in evening clothes are passing into the brilliantly lighted
lobby. There is a line at the box office. In the center of the lobby are
two large easels containing photographs. Several persons pause before
them.
388. CLOSE-UP EASELS
One of the easels contains a full-length portrait of Mary Dale in ballet
costume and the other a full-length portrait of Jack Robin in blackface.
There is a couple standing beside it, and the man says to the woman that
this fellow will be the hit of the town. They pass in.
389. MED. SHOT LOBBY
The people are still passing into the lobby.
DISSOLVE INTO:
###. INT. THEATER
It is a shot from about the center of the audience showing the front
part of the house filled with people in evening dress. Several late
arrivals enter. The orchestra has presumably just finished the overture
when a man in tuxedo steps from behind the curtain at one side of the
stage. He walks onto the apron and starts making an announcement.
390. CLOSE-UP MAN
He says that he regrets to announce that because of some unforeseen
occurrence, the plans for opening the "April Follies" have had to be
changed at the last moment, and he adds:
TITLE 160: "The unfortunate accident to our chief
comedian, Mr. Jack Robin, occurred too late to
fill his place. We hope that you will
pardon ..."
He continues the announcement, finishes, then bows and makes his exit.
391. FULL SHOT THEATER FROM STAGE
The people in the theater are getting up and leaving.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
392. FULL SHOT CANTOR'S BEDROOM
The doctor is at the bedside of the dying man. At the other side sits
Sara, while the nurse is busy at a nearby table. Sara realizes that the
end is near, and she is holding the hand of the old man as she weeps
quietly.
393. CLOSE-UP BED
The cantor is lying on his back with eyes closed. Just the outline of
Sara is visible. (Vitaphone of singing starts very dimly as though from
the synagogue next door. As the sound increases in volume, the voice of
his son comes into the wailing higher notes of "Kol Nidre.") The old
man's eyes open slowly. The misty look slowly clears and, as he
recognizes the voice, he looks about him rather wildly. Slowly
realization comes to him that his last earthly wish has been granted.
With a glorified smile on his face, he mutters: "It's my Jakie." He
starts to raise himself slowly. He looks toward the window.
394. FULL SHOT ROOM
As the cantor slowly raises his shattered body, the doctor, anticipating
his wish, goes quickly to the window and raises it. (Music of singing
becomes much louder.)
395. CLOSE-UP CANTOR
He is raising himself until he is almost sitting up in bed, Sara's arm
behind him, helping him. He lifts his eyes to heaven and his lips move
in a prayer. Then his eyes close and he falls slowly back to the pillow.
The end has come, and Sara throws herself across his body in a paroxysm
of grief.
396. FULL SHOT SYNAGOGUE
With the camera in back of place, Jack, with prayer shawl and skullcap
on, can be seen with back to congregation. The choir boys are lined up
on either side of him, facing the center. His voice is now loud and
clear.
397. CLOSE-UP JACK
He is singing, with eyes half closed, one of the wailing passages from
the "Kol Nidre."
398. INT. LIVING ROOM MED. SHOT
Mary and Lee stand listening. In the background the doctor and nurse
come quietly out of the bedroom door. The nurse goes to the back of the
house. The doctor pauses and looks at the two listeners, then quietly
goes to the front door.
399. CLOSE-UP MARY AND LEE
They are still listening as though spellbound. As the volume increases,
they look from one to the other wonderingly. Lee says in an awe-stricken
voice:
TITLE 161: "You are listening to the stage's greatest
blackface comedian singing to his God."
He looks to Mary for a solution of his problem. Her face lights up as
Lee shrugs his shoulders in a gesture of resignation, and she says:
TITLE 162: "Listen. Don't you understand? It's his last
time in there. He has to come back to us."
Lee looks at her in a puzzled manner, then nods.
400. INT. SYNAGOGUE CLOSE-UP JACK
He is singing an exceptionally sorrowful passage of the "Kol Nidre."
401. MED. SHOT JACK
As he comes to the closing notes of the song, the figure of the old
cantor in his synagogue robes appears on the side of the screen very
faint and shadowy. The misty form slowly comes to the side of the
singer. It pauses. There is a smile on the face of the old cantor as he
slowly raises his hand in a blessing. The shadowy figure becomes fainter
and fainter, finally disappearing, leaving Jack standing alone. The
music and his figure slowly
FADE OUT
THE END
Screenplay by Alfred A. Cohn
========================BONUS ITEM==========================
Dialogue transcript of scene 224 from the finished film:
After an emotional reunion with his mother, Jack tells her about his big
break and sings and plays for her Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies," the song
he's going to do in the show. After one chorus, Jack turns from the piano
and speaks to his mother. Throughout this exchange her replies and
protestations are heard very faintly and indistinctly.
JACK
Did you like that, Mama?
MOTHER
Yes.
JACK
I'm glad of it. I'd rather please you than
anybody I know of. Oh, darlin', will you give
me something?
MOTHER
What?
JACK
You'll never guess. Shut your eyes, Mama. Shut
'em for little Jakie. Ha. I'm gonna steal
something.
(Kisses her. She titters.)
Ha, ha, ha, ha. I'll give it back to you some
day, too, you see if I don't. Mama, darlin',
if I'm a success in this show, well, we're
gonna move from here. Oh yes, we're gonna move
up in the Bronx. A lot of nice green grass up
there and a whole lot of people you know.
There's the Ginsbergs, the Guttenbergs, and the
Goldbergs. Oh, a whole lotta Bergs; I don't
know 'em all. And I'm gonna buy you a nice
black silk dress, Mama. You see Mrs. Friedman,
the butcher's wife, she'll be jealous of you.
MOTHER
Oh no--
JACK
Yes, she will. You see if she isn't. And I'm
gonna get you a nice pink dress that'll go
with your brown eyes.
MOTHER
No, Jakie, no. I-I-I-
JACK
What? Whatta you mean, no? Who is -- who is
telling you? Whatta you mean, no? Yes, you'll
wear pink or else. Or else you'll wear pink.
(He laughs.)
And, darlin', oh, I'm gonna take you to Coney
Island.
MOTHER
Yeah?
JACK
Yes, I'm gonna ride on the Shoot-the-Chutes.
An' you know in the Dark Mill? Ever been in
the Dark Mill?
MOTHER
Oh, no. I wouldn't go ...
JACK
Well, with me, it's all right. I'll kiss you
and hug you. You see if I don't.
(Mother starts blushing.)
Now Mama, Mama, stop now. You're gettin'
kittenish. Mama, listen, I'm gonna sing this
like I will if I go on the stage. You know,
with this show. I'm gonna sing it jazzy. Now
get this ...
Jack launches into a few more lines of the song. He bangs at the
keyboard with his right hand and turns to his mother.
JACK
Do you like that slappin' business?
As he is singing the next part, his father enters in the background and
cries out:
FATHER
Stop!
And the music (and the dialogue) stops ...