The Impresario

Lines for Silverpeal

VOGELSANG: Well, are you waiting for me to light your candle, young lady? Come in!

Thank you. I hope I'm not too late. It took forever to catch a bus.

V: Not to worry. What's your story, morning glory?

Well, I've been in L.A. about two years. I'm originally from Kansas City, where I studied at Miss Ulrica's Dance Studio - have you heard of her?

V: Can't say that I have.

Seems nobody here has. Anyway, I went to a cattle call for a Busby Berkeley movie and got cast in a bit part. Since then I've been waitressing to make ends meet, and auditioning here and there. DIck Powell, whom I met on the set - he's the nicest man! - He says I'm the new "it" girl! He's going to make me a star! He sent me to Mr. Bluff, and here I am.

V: We'd certainly like to hear you sing for us today, wouldn't we Mario? What did you bring?

A little ditty I worked up just for this audition. Not too slow, like this -- 1-2-3-4.

B: Righto!
V: Sweetie, we've decided to offer you the role.

Whoop-de-doo! Wait'll I tell my friends at the diner! Doesn't that beat all?

G: ...enter Lucinda... in boy's clothes.

The Silverpeal always enters in boy's clothing. Dickey says my legs are the despair of women everywhere.

G: Leave here, ma'am. He has engaged me.

Mr. Vogelsang, you are ignorant, and scurrilous, and very impertinent. Are you trying to hornswoggle me?

V: You'll be playing the daughter of Elizabeth Goldentrill--

THE Elizabeth Goldentrill, the famous one? I saw her when my parents took me to my first movie. I think I was five.

B: Or ten, or twenty, or more.

Mr. Vogelsang, I have listened tamely. You cannot think that I would appear with that...

G: You're right to worry... No one would notice you if you did!

The pouting puppet! She gapes for flattery like a nest of unfledged crows for food.

G: Flattery!? Do regale me with your glowing reviews in the papers.

I would not stoop to read the dailies. I sing, but you bark like a dog!

G: You have no more expression than a toasted muffin!

I have a sweet but thrilling voice of even tone and ravishing quality!

V: Ladies, that's better.

I'm clearly the star here.

V: Ladies, not again. I beg you! Listen to my proposition.

I won't listen.

G: Calm!?

Why, sir, do you have the assurance to say I am not calm!

G: Have you ever been so provoked?!

Not calm indeed. I could cry with vexation!

V: If you will only appear together...

I'll die first!

V: Never before have two such voices appeared on screen together.

And never will!

G: Well, when you put it like that...

Oh, I'd be delighted! I'll do it!

G: My dear Silverpeal!

You sing like an angel!

V: You may depend upon that, Madame Goldentrill.

Mr. Vogelsang, I must insist that my name be printed first in the papers.