Mrs Danby's Destiny, Page 2
Liz Wainwright
back here to live with you when your Dad died. That was what we used to dream about, wasn't it, when we were kids?
35. SUSAN: Yes. But you'd got married.
36. JULIA: Yes. Again! (LAUGHS) Never learn, do I?
37. SUSAN: Don't you ever get tired of being - with men?
38. JULIA: (BRIGHTENING) Ooh, no!
39. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) That's always been a big difference between me and Julia. She's always been a one for the men. And they all love her - well, she's got so much to offer. I must look up her star sign - her birthday's in May, so she's Taurus, or Gemini. Must be Taurus,
"they frequently make disastrous mistakes in their love life, and are ardent and fascinating lovers." Yes, definitely Taurus.
I've never been ardent, I don't think. I used to have my dreams - like any other young girl, but . . . . I was never pretty enough to be passionate. And Greg has never been . . .
40. JULIA: Shall we have a look round, and talk about what needs doing?
41. SUSAN: Yes, all right.
SCENE 3.
MUSIC: TRUE LOVE (HIGH SOCIETY)
THE HALL AND STAIRCASE (CARPET ON THE STAIRS). A GRANDFATHER CLOCK TICKS LOUDLY THEN CHIMES THREE.
1. JULIA: (STARTLED) Oh, that flaming clock! Honestly, Susan - this house, it's like a posh funeral parlour!
2. SUSAN: You didn't use to think so! You used to envy me, living here!
3. JULIA: I still do! I wish I'd had parents with a big house and money to leave to me!
4. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Julia's never had it easy.
(TO JULIA) Mind you don't catch those heels in this old carpet. I still don't know how you manage to walk in those shoes and that tight skirt.
5. JULIA: Oh, give over! The day I stop wearing sexy clothes they can put me in my box!
6. SUSAN: I never did have the courage to wear anything eye-catching, did I?
7. JULIA: No. Remember the struggle I had to get you into a mini skirt! And nobody laughed, did they?
8. SUSAN: My Dad did, before he got nasty about it.
9. JULIA: Oh, well - your Dad!
THEY WALK ALONG THE LANDING.
10. SUSAN: I think you were right, you know, I should have left home. I should have done a lot of things. I'm only just learning that now.
11. JULIA: You should have learned years ago - I was willing to teach you!
12. SUSAN: I know. You've always been so good to me, Julia. From the moment you arrived at our school, and rescued me from the bullies, you've been special.
13. JULIA: (WISTFUL) That was all a long time ago, love.
(OPENING A DOOR) Ooh, is this the master bedroom?
SCENE 4.
THE KITCHEN. SOUNDS OF WASHING UP. GREG BANGS HIS FIST ON THE DRAINING BOARD, MAKING CROCKERY JUMP.
1. GREG: Why can't you understand? It'll be a good investment!
2. SUSAN: It's a lot of money. And I've told you, I'm not sure about it.
3. GREG: When were you ever sure about anything! (PAUSE)
I'm an easy man to please, Susan. Why can't you make me happy, give me what I want?
4. SUSAN: I thought I did when I married you.
(TO HERSELF) But Greg is Aries, you see - the ram.
(PAUSE. SUSAN CLEARS HER THROAT)
5. GREG: (PERSUASIVE) Look, Susan, I've told you, it's only short term. When things really start moving again, I'll sell those houses I built at Stanton and pay you back. Come on, love.
6. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Oh, it's different when he wants something - then it's all "come close and breathe me in!" I'm not falling for that again!
(TO GREG) I've told you, I'm not keen on the idea of turning my home into a hotel.
7. GREG: You're never ‘keen’!
8. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Greg's horoscope said he would resent opposition to his plans this week. One of the characteristics of Aries is that they are ambitious, and that they like a good time. Greg chose Torremolinos for "a good time" this year. Topless bathing. You know.
9. GREG: Think about it. I know what I'm doing. I always have done, haven't I?
10. SUSAN: (SARCASTIC) Oh, yes!
11. GREG: Oh, I'm going!
EXIT - SLAMS THE DOOR.
12. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Aries again. Tend to react aggressively to any opposition. I've learned a lot about him, studying his horoscope.
SHE OPENS A MAGAZINE.
It's been a comfort to me in a way - I used to think everything was my fault.
SCENE 5.
MUSIC: NAT KING COLE "A BLOSSOM FELL"
THE LOUNGE. SUSAN PICKS UP THE TELEPHONE. SHE DIALS A NUMBER. JULIA ANSWERS.
1. JULIA: Hello? Is that you?
2. SUSAN: Yes, it's Susan. I was wondering if you'd like to come round.
3. JULIA: Oh, of course, I'd love to, pet! When were you thinking of?
4. SUSAN: Well, now, actually. This evening. Greg's out. We've had a row - just like Dorothea predicted. Opposition and deceit she said I'd have to face this week.
5. JULIA: Oh. You're not still reading that nonsense are you? What was this row about?
6. SUSAN: Money for his hotel idea.
7. JULIA: Oh. Well, you'd get it back when he sells those houses.
8. SUSAN: Has he told you about those?
9. JULIA: Oh. He just mentioned it - when he came round to see about my central heating.
(HASTILY) It was ever so kind of him to come all the way over here and fix it. I think he feels sorry for me - being on my own.
10. SUSAN: Yes. (PAUSE) He can be . . sympathetic
PAUSE
11. JULIA: Are you all right?
12. SUSAN: No. He's making me miserable, Julia, just like my Dad used to. If I wasn't so scared of being on my own again, I'd leave him.
13. JULIA: Would you? (PAUSE) Well, perhaps you ought to think about it. I'm sure you'd be all right in a nice little flat.
14. SUSAN: No, I wouldn't like that. He wouldn't divorce me anyway - he needs my money at the moment.
15. JULIA: Yes.
16. SUSAN: Anyway, he's gone out again, and I could do with some company. Can you come round?
17. JULIA: No. I'm sorry, love, but I can't. Not this evening.
18. SUSAN: Oh. Are you sure? We could work on the kitchen design Greg wanted.
F/X JULIA'S DOOR BELL RINGS.
19. JULIA: Yes. Look, I'm expecting, a visitor.
20. SUSAN: (TEASING) Ooh! Anyone I know?
THE DOOR BELL RINGS AGAIN.
21. JULIA: No! No, of course not! Susan, I've got to go.He's here. See you soon!
SHE RINGS OFF.
22. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Lucky Julia!
SHE PUTS THE PHONE DOWN.
23. SUSAN: (SIGHS) So, another evening on my own, trying not to hear strange noises. I'm not going to take a tablet though.
(GETS UP AND WALKS ACROSS TO THE DRINKS CABINET)
I'll have a whisky instead!
SHE POURS HERSELF A DRINK.
I find I don't need the tablets as often since I started to consult Dorothea. And since I've got my Julia back again. She's the only person who's ever made me feel really happy. I was fairly happy with Greg at first, but I've come to realise - he's a bully really, and, I don't think he cares about me any more - if he ever did.
Julia says men like you to show your gratitude. But I'm not very good at showing anything - not that I've much to show. Some women spread nicely in their middle years, get more cuddly - like Julia. And some women do the opposite. Like me. I looked at myself in the bedroom mirror the other evening when I was getting changed. Grey flesh sagging in the sunset.
I put the light on, but it didn't help! I mustn't let things get me down, though. In my next week's horoscope Dorothea's promised romantic intrigue - sounds exciting, doesn't it? Perhaps I'll meet someone at the bridge club.
SCENE 6.
THE LOUNGE. SINATRA SINGS "IT'S ALL RIGHT WITH ME". JULIA SINGS ALONG WITH THE TAPE.
1. JULIA: I can't believe you've still got your mother's old radiogram! I always liked her records though. Sinatra, Nat King Cole. So romantic!
2. GREG: Let me fill your glass up, Julia.
POURS MORE WINE INTO HER GLASS
3. JULIA: Oh, isn't he naughty, Susan!
4. SUSAN: He likes to think he's a good host. (TO HERSELF) And he likes to have the excuse to lean over her. Look at him, touching her! He's almost got his tongue hanging out!
5. JULIA: (GIGGLES) Ooh, Greg! Stop it!
6. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) And she's playing up to it. She can't help herself - she's always reacted to men. (TO GREG) Could I have some more wine, too, Greg?
7. GREG: Oh. Sorry. Mustn't neglect the wife, eh, Julia?
8. JULIA: No.
SHE BEGINS TO SING AGAIN, AND THEN GETS UP AND STARTS TO DANCE ROUND.
Come on! Let's have a dance! Can't waste these floor boards! You'll have the new carpet down next time I come. Can't dance on carpet!
9. SUSAN: Oh, yes, come on, Greg - we haven't danced together since we were courting.
10. GREG: No. Get off!
11. SUSAN: (ANNOYED) Well, if you won't dance with me, dance with Julia. It's only manners to entertain your guests!
12. JULIA: Now, now, you two!
13. SUSAN: Go on, Greg. Enjoy yourself!
14. JULIA: (FEELING AWKWARD) We can all have a good time!
15. SUSAN: Can we? I'm just going to the bathroom.
16. GREG: (HEAVING HIMSELF UP) Oh, well, come on then, Julia, a quick twirl then. Anything to keep the ladies happy!
17. JULIA: Oh, Greg!
18. SUSAN: (CLOSING THE DOOR) I'll bring the supper things when I come back.
(TO HERSELF) Look at him! Look at the way he's running his hands over her body. He's never done that to me.
SHE CLOSES THE DOOR AND PAUSE
S BEFORE SHE GOES UP THE STAIRS, HEARING JULIA AND GREG LAUGHING.
19. JULIA: Takes a lot more than a quick twirl to keep me happy!
SHE AND GREG LAUGH TOGETHER.
SCENE 7.
THE LANDING. TOILET FLUSHED IN THE BATHROOM.IN THE LOUNGE SINATRA IS SINGING "YOU'RE SENSATIONAL" SUSAN COMES OUT OF THE BATHROOM, CLOSES THE DOOR AND STARTS TO WALK BACK DOWNSTAIRS. THE MUSIC ENDS. SUSAN PAUSES AS SHE HEARS GREG AND JULIA FROM THE LOUNGE.
1. JULIA: Ooh, Greg!
2. GREG: Go on!
3. JULIA: (LAUGHING) No! Get off! She'll be back in a minute!
JULIA SQUEALS AND GIGGLES.
4. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) I wish I'd walked straight past the door on my way to the kitchen. I wish I hadn't seen them! Oh, Julia!
SCENE 8.
THE LOUNGE. NO MORE MUSIC.
1. SUSAN: Help yourself. I'll get the vol au vents - they're in the oven.
2. JULIA: Ooh, lovely! Shall I put another record on?
3. SUSAN: Haven't you danced enough for one night?
4. JULIA: Oh . . .
SUSAN EXITS, BANGING THE DOOR A LITTLE. FADE UP.
5. JULIA: No, Greg. you won't want me here on your birthday. You'll want a candlelit dinner for two, won't you?
6. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Candlelit dinners - she knows all about those. She's had all the love and romance I've never had. And now she's got Greg!
(TO JULIA) Oh, no. I think Greg will want you for his birthday, won't you, Greg dear?
7. GREG: Well . . .
8. SUSAN: We'll have a special meal and forget all about the doctor's diet. I've decided all this low cholesterol business is a waste of time!
9. JULIA: Oh, I think Greg should be careful.
10. SUSAN: It's the week after next, his birthday.The second of April.
11. JULIA: Yes.
12. SUSAN: When's your birthday, Julia?
SCENE 9.
KITCHEN. GREG AND SUSAN ARE HAVING BREAKFAST. GREG EATS ENTHUSIASTICALLY.
1. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) A cooked breakfast every morning now. No porridge, though, far too good for him!
(TO GREG) Another slice of fried bread, Greg?
2. GREG: Yes, all right. (SERVED) Ta. Susan, I went to the bank again, yesterday.
3. SUSAN: Oh, yes?
4. GREG: I need that money from you soon. It's holding things up.
5. SUSAN: There's no rush. By the way, the new lounge curtains have arrived at last. Julia's coming round tomorrow to put them up for me.
6. GREG: (OVER INNOCENT) Oh, is she?
7. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) As if you didn't know her every movement - you and your dancing partner!
Julia's birthday's May 31st. Gemini. You can't depend on Geminis. When I look back through my personal horoscope,I can see that Dorothea was trying to warn me.
8. GREG: You can cash in some of your Dad's shares. You won't miss them.
9. SUSAN: Oh?
10. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Greg doesn't give up. When he wants something he goes all out to get it. Aries again. They impose their will on others. Some women like it, apparently.
(TO GREG) No, Greg. I'm not selling any shares.
11. GREG: For god's sake, why not?
12. SUSAN: Because they're mine, not yours, and I'll do what I want with them - not what you want!
(TO HERSELF) Doesn't sound like a timid, hesitant crab, does it? But Dorothea's revealed that there's more to my personality than I thought.
13. GREG: I'm wasting my time talking to you these days!.
(STRIDES TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT)
A wife is supposed to support her husband, help him! You do nothing for me - in any department.
PAUSE
14. SUSAN: (ANGRY) Oh, really? (PAUSE) Going out, are we?
15. GREG: We are! I've just about had as much as I can take of you!
16. SUSAN: The golf club again?
17. GREG: Yes!
18. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) It's on the way to Julia's. He used to have a drink there first - to back up his story but he doesn't even bother about an alibi now. I don't like that - him being so flagrant about it.
19. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) I couldn't bear people to laugh at me. At school, they used to laugh at me - before Julia stopped them.
GREG BANGS THE FRONT DOOR. CAR TYRES SCREECH AS HE DRIVES OFF AT SPEED.
20. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) I wouldn't have let Greg have a fast car like that at one time - not the way he drives. I bought it for him for his birthday. I prefer something you can wrap, really. But it was what he wanted.
Men seem to always know what they want, don't they? And they get it, while we're still making our minds up. I'm beginning to think that's the secret of male dominance.
I've started thinking quite a bit, since Dorothea put me on the right track. She says that, in this my fiftieth year, I should take a firm hold on my destiny and find the excitement and happiness I have always longed for.
SCENE 10.
THE LOUNGE. MUSIC: "JEZEBEL" FRANKIE LANE
JULIA IS STANDING ON STEPS, HANGING CURTAINS. SHE SLIDES HOOKS ALONG THE RAIL.
1. JULIA: I'm not keen on Frankie Lane.
2. SUSAN: Oh. I'll turn it off then. Have you got enough hooks?
3. JULIA: Yes. Is that hanging even?
4. SUSAN: Yes. Oh, they are beautiful curtains. You were absolutely right about the colours.
5. JULIA: Yes, I like them.
(PAUSE)
6. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) I understand now why Julia was so keen to help me choose everything.
7. JULIA: (DRAWS THE CURTAINS ALONG) How's that look?
8. SUSAN: Wonderful! Now come down and I'll get you a drink. Gin and tonic?
(TO HERSELF) I don't want to blame Julia.She always has been - vulnerable, that way. So I haven't said anything to her. And actually, Cancerians can gain a lot from the company of Geminis, if they know how to handle them. No, I've no intention of losing Julia.
FADE UP. ICE CHINKS IN GLASSES.
9. JULIA: So, do you agree - pink and ivory in the master bedroom.
10. SUSAN: Yes, that sounds all right. It's funny, isn't it, that it's still referred to as the master's bedroom. We can't have come as far as we thought, can we?
11. JULIA: Oh, you're not going to start on about women's lib, are you? That was played out in the eighties.
12. SUSAN: Oh, I missed it, then. (PAUSE) Well, perhaps I can have a go on my own.
SCENE 11.
THE LOUNGE.
1. SUSAN: What do you think of the curtains, Greg?
2. GREG; Marvellous! She's got style, has your friend, Julia.
3. SUSAN: Yes. I'm glad you appreciate her.
4. GREG: Oh, I do!
5. JULIA: (COY) Well, I'm pleased you like them, Greg.
6. GREG: Thank you, sweetheart.
(KISSES JULIA WITH PASSION).
7. JULIA: (EMBARRASSED) Greg!
8. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Yes, quite flagrant. Well, you see, he's sold a couple of those houses, so he's got some money again.
(TO GREG & JULIA) I'll see how that casserole is doing.
SHE EXITS, AND HALF CLOSES THE DOOR. BUT BEFORE SHE WALKS AWAY, SHE HEARS GREG AND JULIA EMBRACE.
9. JULIA: Ooh, Greg!
10. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF - LISTENING BY THE DOOR) They hardly wait till I'm out of the room these days.
11. GREG: You will come this weekend? She knows it's the Builders' Conference, so there's no problem. A whole weekend, Julia!
12. JULIA: I don't know if I should.
13. GREG: Oh, please! I'll talk to the solicitor when we come back, I promise!
14. JULIA: Oh. All right, then.
15. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) So, he's decided what he wants, has he? Oh, Greg.
16. JULIA: Oh, I feel awful about Susan. But I do want you, Greg!
THEY KISS PASSIONATELY.
17. SUSAN: (UPSET) He's never kissed me like that! Never held me with that sort of passion! He's cheated me! He took my money and gave me nothing!
SCENE 12.
ON THE DRIVE GREG REVS UP THE CAR ENGINE.
1. JULIA: (FORCED BRIGHTNESS) Goodnight, Susan! I'll make sure he comes straight back after he's taken me home!
2. SUSAN: (WITH IRONY) Thank you.
3. JULIA: (EMBARRASSED) You watch that video I brought. It's a lovely musical High Society.
4. SUSAN: I might have an early night.
5. JULIA: Yes. You do look a bit tired.Well, good night, love!
SHE SLAMS THE CAR DOOR.
THEY DRIVE AWAY.
6. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) She does care about me in her way. And now Greg's going to take her away from me. (PAUSE) If I let him.
(PAUSE)
It's a characteristic of those born under the sign of the crab - when they make their minds up that they really want something - they're very tenacious and stop at nothing to achieve their aim!
SCENE 13.
THE LOUNGE. HARRY SECOMBE RECORD, TRACK
'Katharine'(is there no mercy in your unforgiving heart)
SUSAN POURS HERSELF A DRINK.
1. SUSAN: I don't usually drink before lunchtime.Not like Greg. he thinks he's running late if he hasn't had one by eleven. I've stopped telling Greg his horoscope. He wasn't interested anyway. Men are too ready to laugh at that sort of thing. Greg says horoscopes are only right if you make them come true.
(SHE GIVES A LITTLE LAUGH)
I must get some more whisky. I don't like Greg to be without his whisky.
SCENE 14.
THE LOUNGE. WHISKY POURED INTO A GLASS.
1. GREG: (SLIGHTLY DRUNK) No, Susan. Not after I've downed nearly a full bottle of wine!
2. SUSAN: But Greg, it's that whisky you've been looking for, the special malt you had in Scotland.
3. GREG: Really? Yes,
that's the one! Go on, then, "just a wee dram!"
SUSAN LAUGHS AS SHE POURS A LARGE DRINK GREG DRINKS NOISILY
4. GREG: Oh, superb! (SUSAN POURS MORE INTO HIS GLASS) No! Well, just one more, then. I've got to go in a minute, though.
5. SUSAN: Oh, yes. Mustn't miss your night at "the golf club". It's the first time you've had the chance all week, isn't it? What with one thing and another.
6. GREG: Yes.
SUSAN POURS AGAIN, AND ONE FOR HERSELF.
7. GREG: (SURPRISED) Are you having one?
8. SUSAN: Yes. Even I need a drink sometimes!(PAUSE) Come on, one for the road!
CAR SPEEDING
MUSIC: "UNFORGETTABLE"
SCENE 15.
INSIDE A CHURCH. 23RD PSALM IS BEING SUNG.
JULIA WEEPS NOISILY.
1. SUSAN: I suppose I could blame myself for Greg's death if I wanted to. After all I bought him the car, and the whisky. And the roads are always busy on Friday night. People rushing off to "have a good time".
But it's all down to your stars in the end, really - isn't it?. Greg
35. SUSAN: Yes. But you'd got married.
36. JULIA: Yes. Again! (LAUGHS) Never learn, do I?
37. SUSAN: Don't you ever get tired of being - with men?
38. JULIA: (BRIGHTENING) Ooh, no!
39. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) That's always been a big difference between me and Julia. She's always been a one for the men. And they all love her - well, she's got so much to offer. I must look up her star sign - her birthday's in May, so she's Taurus, or Gemini. Must be Taurus,
"they frequently make disastrous mistakes in their love life, and are ardent and fascinating lovers." Yes, definitely Taurus.
I've never been ardent, I don't think. I used to have my dreams - like any other young girl, but . . . . I was never pretty enough to be passionate. And Greg has never been . . .
40. JULIA: Shall we have a look round, and talk about what needs doing?
41. SUSAN: Yes, all right.
SCENE 3.
MUSIC: TRUE LOVE (HIGH SOCIETY)
THE HALL AND STAIRCASE (CARPET ON THE STAIRS). A GRANDFATHER CLOCK TICKS LOUDLY THEN CHIMES THREE.
1. JULIA: (STARTLED) Oh, that flaming clock! Honestly, Susan - this house, it's like a posh funeral parlour!
2. SUSAN: You didn't use to think so! You used to envy me, living here!
3. JULIA: I still do! I wish I'd had parents with a big house and money to leave to me!
4. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Julia's never had it easy.
(TO JULIA) Mind you don't catch those heels in this old carpet. I still don't know how you manage to walk in those shoes and that tight skirt.
5. JULIA: Oh, give over! The day I stop wearing sexy clothes they can put me in my box!
6. SUSAN: I never did have the courage to wear anything eye-catching, did I?
7. JULIA: No. Remember the struggle I had to get you into a mini skirt! And nobody laughed, did they?
8. SUSAN: My Dad did, before he got nasty about it.
9. JULIA: Oh, well - your Dad!
THEY WALK ALONG THE LANDING.
10. SUSAN: I think you were right, you know, I should have left home. I should have done a lot of things. I'm only just learning that now.
11. JULIA: You should have learned years ago - I was willing to teach you!
12. SUSAN: I know. You've always been so good to me, Julia. From the moment you arrived at our school, and rescued me from the bullies, you've been special.
13. JULIA: (WISTFUL) That was all a long time ago, love.
(OPENING A DOOR) Ooh, is this the master bedroom?
SCENE 4.
THE KITCHEN. SOUNDS OF WASHING UP. GREG BANGS HIS FIST ON THE DRAINING BOARD, MAKING CROCKERY JUMP.
1. GREG: Why can't you understand? It'll be a good investment!
2. SUSAN: It's a lot of money. And I've told you, I'm not sure about it.
3. GREG: When were you ever sure about anything! (PAUSE)
I'm an easy man to please, Susan. Why can't you make me happy, give me what I want?
4. SUSAN: I thought I did when I married you.
(TO HERSELF) But Greg is Aries, you see - the ram.
(PAUSE. SUSAN CLEARS HER THROAT)
5. GREG: (PERSUASIVE) Look, Susan, I've told you, it's only short term. When things really start moving again, I'll sell those houses I built at Stanton and pay you back. Come on, love.
6. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Oh, it's different when he wants something - then it's all "come close and breathe me in!" I'm not falling for that again!
(TO GREG) I've told you, I'm not keen on the idea of turning my home into a hotel.
7. GREG: You're never ‘keen’!
8. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Greg's horoscope said he would resent opposition to his plans this week. One of the characteristics of Aries is that they are ambitious, and that they like a good time. Greg chose Torremolinos for "a good time" this year. Topless bathing. You know.
9. GREG: Think about it. I know what I'm doing. I always have done, haven't I?
10. SUSAN: (SARCASTIC) Oh, yes!
11. GREG: Oh, I'm going!
EXIT - SLAMS THE DOOR.
12. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Aries again. Tend to react aggressively to any opposition. I've learned a lot about him, studying his horoscope.
SHE OPENS A MAGAZINE.
It's been a comfort to me in a way - I used to think everything was my fault.
SCENE 5.
MUSIC: NAT KING COLE "A BLOSSOM FELL"
THE LOUNGE. SUSAN PICKS UP THE TELEPHONE. SHE DIALS A NUMBER. JULIA ANSWERS.
1. JULIA: Hello? Is that you?
2. SUSAN: Yes, it's Susan. I was wondering if you'd like to come round.
3. JULIA: Oh, of course, I'd love to, pet! When were you thinking of?
4. SUSAN: Well, now, actually. This evening. Greg's out. We've had a row - just like Dorothea predicted. Opposition and deceit she said I'd have to face this week.
5. JULIA: Oh. You're not still reading that nonsense are you? What was this row about?
6. SUSAN: Money for his hotel idea.
7. JULIA: Oh. Well, you'd get it back when he sells those houses.
8. SUSAN: Has he told you about those?
9. JULIA: Oh. He just mentioned it - when he came round to see about my central heating.
(HASTILY) It was ever so kind of him to come all the way over here and fix it. I think he feels sorry for me - being on my own.
10. SUSAN: Yes. (PAUSE) He can be . . sympathetic
PAUSE
11. JULIA: Are you all right?
12. SUSAN: No. He's making me miserable, Julia, just like my Dad used to. If I wasn't so scared of being on my own again, I'd leave him.
13. JULIA: Would you? (PAUSE) Well, perhaps you ought to think about it. I'm sure you'd be all right in a nice little flat.
14. SUSAN: No, I wouldn't like that. He wouldn't divorce me anyway - he needs my money at the moment.
15. JULIA: Yes.
16. SUSAN: Anyway, he's gone out again, and I could do with some company. Can you come round?
17. JULIA: No. I'm sorry, love, but I can't. Not this evening.
18. SUSAN: Oh. Are you sure? We could work on the kitchen design Greg wanted.
F/X JULIA'S DOOR BELL RINGS.
19. JULIA: Yes. Look, I'm expecting, a visitor.
20. SUSAN: (TEASING) Ooh! Anyone I know?
THE DOOR BELL RINGS AGAIN.
21. JULIA: No! No, of course not! Susan, I've got to go.He's here. See you soon!
SHE RINGS OFF.
22. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Lucky Julia!
SHE PUTS THE PHONE DOWN.
23. SUSAN: (SIGHS) So, another evening on my own, trying not to hear strange noises. I'm not going to take a tablet though.
(GETS UP AND WALKS ACROSS TO THE DRINKS CABINET)
I'll have a whisky instead!
SHE POURS HERSELF A DRINK.
I find I don't need the tablets as often since I started to consult Dorothea. And since I've got my Julia back again. She's the only person who's ever made me feel really happy. I was fairly happy with Greg at first, but I've come to realise - he's a bully really, and, I don't think he cares about me any more - if he ever did.
Julia says men like you to show your gratitude. But I'm not very good at showing anything - not that I've much to show. Some women spread nicely in their middle years, get more cuddly - like Julia. And some women do the opposite. Like me. I looked at myself in the bedroom mirror the other evening when I was getting changed. Grey flesh sagging in the sunset.
I put the light on, but it didn't help! I mustn't let things get me down, though. In my next week's horoscope Dorothea's promised romantic intrigue - sounds exciting, doesn't it? Perhaps I'll meet someone at the bridge club.
SCENE 6.
THE LOUNGE. SINATRA SINGS "IT'S ALL RIGHT WITH ME". JULIA SINGS ALONG WITH THE TAPE.
1. JULIA: I can't believe you've still got your mother's old radiogram! I always liked her records though. Sinatra, Nat King Cole. So romantic!
2. GREG: Let me fill your glass up, Julia.
POURS MORE WINE INTO HER GLASS
3. JULIA: Oh, isn't he naughty, Susan!
4. SUSAN: He likes to think he's a good host. (TO HERSELF) And he likes to have the excuse to lean over her. Look at him, touching her! He's almost got his tongue hanging out!
5. JULIA: (GIGGLES) Ooh, Greg! Stop it!
6. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) And she's playing up to it. She can't help herself - she's always reacted to men. (TO GREG) Could I have some more wine, too, Greg?
7. GREG: Oh. Sorry. Mustn't neglect the wife, eh, Julia?
8. JULIA: No.
SHE BEGINS TO SING AGAIN, AND THEN GETS UP AND STARTS TO DANCE ROUND.
Come on! Let's have a dance! Can't waste these floor boards! You'll have the new carpet down next time I come. Can't dance on carpet!
9. SUSAN: Oh, yes, come on, Greg - we haven't danced together since we were courting.
10. GREG: No. Get off!
11. SUSAN: (ANNOYED) Well, if you won't dance with me, dance with Julia. It's only manners to entertain your guests!
12. JULIA: Now, now, you two!
13. SUSAN: Go on, Greg. Enjoy yourself!
14. JULIA: (FEELING AWKWARD) We can all have a good time!
15. SUSAN: Can we? I'm just going to the bathroom.
16. GREG: (HEAVING HIMSELF UP) Oh, well, come on then, Julia, a quick twirl then. Anything to keep the ladies happy!
17. JULIA: Oh, Greg!
18. SUSAN: (CLOSING THE DOOR) I'll bring the supper things when I come back.
(TO HERSELF) Look at him! Look at the way he's running his hands over her body. He's never done that to me.
SHE CLOSES THE DOOR AND PAUSE
S BEFORE SHE GOES UP THE STAIRS, HEARING JULIA AND GREG LAUGHING.
19. JULIA: Takes a lot more than a quick twirl to keep me happy!
SHE AND GREG LAUGH TOGETHER.
SCENE 7.
THE LANDING. TOILET FLUSHED IN THE BATHROOM.IN THE LOUNGE SINATRA IS SINGING "YOU'RE SENSATIONAL" SUSAN COMES OUT OF THE BATHROOM, CLOSES THE DOOR AND STARTS TO WALK BACK DOWNSTAIRS. THE MUSIC ENDS. SUSAN PAUSES AS SHE HEARS GREG AND JULIA FROM THE LOUNGE.
1. JULIA: Ooh, Greg!
2. GREG: Go on!
3. JULIA: (LAUGHING) No! Get off! She'll be back in a minute!
JULIA SQUEALS AND GIGGLES.
4. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) I wish I'd walked straight past the door on my way to the kitchen. I wish I hadn't seen them! Oh, Julia!
SCENE 8.
THE LOUNGE. NO MORE MUSIC.
1. SUSAN: Help yourself. I'll get the vol au vents - they're in the oven.
2. JULIA: Ooh, lovely! Shall I put another record on?
3. SUSAN: Haven't you danced enough for one night?
4. JULIA: Oh . . .
SUSAN EXITS, BANGING THE DOOR A LITTLE. FADE UP.
5. JULIA: No, Greg. you won't want me here on your birthday. You'll want a candlelit dinner for two, won't you?
6. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Candlelit dinners - she knows all about those. She's had all the love and romance I've never had. And now she's got Greg!
(TO JULIA) Oh, no. I think Greg will want you for his birthday, won't you, Greg dear?
7. GREG: Well . . .
8. SUSAN: We'll have a special meal and forget all about the doctor's diet. I've decided all this low cholesterol business is a waste of time!
9. JULIA: Oh, I think Greg should be careful.
10. SUSAN: It's the week after next, his birthday.The second of April.
11. JULIA: Yes.
12. SUSAN: When's your birthday, Julia?
SCENE 9.
KITCHEN. GREG AND SUSAN ARE HAVING BREAKFAST. GREG EATS ENTHUSIASTICALLY.
1. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) A cooked breakfast every morning now. No porridge, though, far too good for him!
(TO GREG) Another slice of fried bread, Greg?
2. GREG: Yes, all right. (SERVED) Ta. Susan, I went to the bank again, yesterday.
3. SUSAN: Oh, yes?
4. GREG: I need that money from you soon. It's holding things up.
5. SUSAN: There's no rush. By the way, the new lounge curtains have arrived at last. Julia's coming round tomorrow to put them up for me.
6. GREG: (OVER INNOCENT) Oh, is she?
7. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) As if you didn't know her every movement - you and your dancing partner!
Julia's birthday's May 31st. Gemini. You can't depend on Geminis. When I look back through my personal horoscope,I can see that Dorothea was trying to warn me.
8. GREG: You can cash in some of your Dad's shares. You won't miss them.
9. SUSAN: Oh?
10. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Greg doesn't give up. When he wants something he goes all out to get it. Aries again. They impose their will on others. Some women like it, apparently.
(TO GREG) No, Greg. I'm not selling any shares.
11. GREG: For god's sake, why not?
12. SUSAN: Because they're mine, not yours, and I'll do what I want with them - not what you want!
(TO HERSELF) Doesn't sound like a timid, hesitant crab, does it? But Dorothea's revealed that there's more to my personality than I thought.
13. GREG: I'm wasting my time talking to you these days!.
(STRIDES TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT)
A wife is supposed to support her husband, help him! You do nothing for me - in any department.
PAUSE
14. SUSAN: (ANGRY) Oh, really? (PAUSE) Going out, are we?
15. GREG: We are! I've just about had as much as I can take of you!
16. SUSAN: The golf club again?
17. GREG: Yes!
18. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) It's on the way to Julia's. He used to have a drink there first - to back up his story but he doesn't even bother about an alibi now. I don't like that - him being so flagrant about it.
19. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) I couldn't bear people to laugh at me. At school, they used to laugh at me - before Julia stopped them.
GREG BANGS THE FRONT DOOR. CAR TYRES SCREECH AS HE DRIVES OFF AT SPEED.
20. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) I wouldn't have let Greg have a fast car like that at one time - not the way he drives. I bought it for him for his birthday. I prefer something you can wrap, really. But it was what he wanted.
Men seem to always know what they want, don't they? And they get it, while we're still making our minds up. I'm beginning to think that's the secret of male dominance.
I've started thinking quite a bit, since Dorothea put me on the right track. She says that, in this my fiftieth year, I should take a firm hold on my destiny and find the excitement and happiness I have always longed for.
SCENE 10.
THE LOUNGE. MUSIC: "JEZEBEL" FRANKIE LANE
JULIA IS STANDING ON STEPS, HANGING CURTAINS. SHE SLIDES HOOKS ALONG THE RAIL.
1. JULIA: I'm not keen on Frankie Lane.
2. SUSAN: Oh. I'll turn it off then. Have you got enough hooks?
3. JULIA: Yes. Is that hanging even?
4. SUSAN: Yes. Oh, they are beautiful curtains. You were absolutely right about the colours.
5. JULIA: Yes, I like them.
(PAUSE)
6. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) I understand now why Julia was so keen to help me choose everything.
7. JULIA: (DRAWS THE CURTAINS ALONG) How's that look?
8. SUSAN: Wonderful! Now come down and I'll get you a drink. Gin and tonic?
(TO HERSELF) I don't want to blame Julia.She always has been - vulnerable, that way. So I haven't said anything to her. And actually, Cancerians can gain a lot from the company of Geminis, if they know how to handle them. No, I've no intention of losing Julia.
FADE UP. ICE CHINKS IN GLASSES.
9. JULIA: So, do you agree - pink and ivory in the master bedroom.
10. SUSAN: Yes, that sounds all right. It's funny, isn't it, that it's still referred to as the master's bedroom. We can't have come as far as we thought, can we?
11. JULIA: Oh, you're not going to start on about women's lib, are you? That was played out in the eighties.
12. SUSAN: Oh, I missed it, then. (PAUSE) Well, perhaps I can have a go on my own.
SCENE 11.
THE LOUNGE.
1. SUSAN: What do you think of the curtains, Greg?
2. GREG; Marvellous! She's got style, has your friend, Julia.
3. SUSAN: Yes. I'm glad you appreciate her.
4. GREG: Oh, I do!
5. JULIA: (COY) Well, I'm pleased you like them, Greg.
6. GREG: Thank you, sweetheart.
(KISSES JULIA WITH PASSION).
7. JULIA: (EMBARRASSED) Greg!
8. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) Yes, quite flagrant. Well, you see, he's sold a couple of those houses, so he's got some money again.
(TO GREG & JULIA) I'll see how that casserole is doing.
SHE EXITS, AND HALF CLOSES THE DOOR. BUT BEFORE SHE WALKS AWAY, SHE HEARS GREG AND JULIA EMBRACE.
9. JULIA: Ooh, Greg!
10. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF - LISTENING BY THE DOOR) They hardly wait till I'm out of the room these days.
11. GREG: You will come this weekend? She knows it's the Builders' Conference, so there's no problem. A whole weekend, Julia!
12. JULIA: I don't know if I should.
13. GREG: Oh, please! I'll talk to the solicitor when we come back, I promise!
14. JULIA: Oh. All right, then.
15. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) So, he's decided what he wants, has he? Oh, Greg.
16. JULIA: Oh, I feel awful about Susan. But I do want you, Greg!
THEY KISS PASSIONATELY.
17. SUSAN: (UPSET) He's never kissed me like that! Never held me with that sort of passion! He's cheated me! He took my money and gave me nothing!
SCENE 12.
ON THE DRIVE GREG REVS UP THE CAR ENGINE.
1. JULIA: (FORCED BRIGHTNESS) Goodnight, Susan! I'll make sure he comes straight back after he's taken me home!
2. SUSAN: (WITH IRONY) Thank you.
3. JULIA: (EMBARRASSED) You watch that video I brought. It's a lovely musical High Society.
4. SUSAN: I might have an early night.
5. JULIA: Yes. You do look a bit tired.Well, good night, love!
SHE SLAMS THE CAR DOOR.
THEY DRIVE AWAY.
6. SUSAN: (TO HERSELF) She does care about me in her way. And now Greg's going to take her away from me. (PAUSE) If I let him.
(PAUSE)
It's a characteristic of those born under the sign of the crab - when they make their minds up that they really want something - they're very tenacious and stop at nothing to achieve their aim!
SCENE 13.
THE LOUNGE. HARRY SECOMBE RECORD, TRACK
'Katharine'(is there no mercy in your unforgiving heart)
SUSAN POURS HERSELF A DRINK.
1. SUSAN: I don't usually drink before lunchtime.Not like Greg. he thinks he's running late if he hasn't had one by eleven. I've stopped telling Greg his horoscope. He wasn't interested anyway. Men are too ready to laugh at that sort of thing. Greg says horoscopes are only right if you make them come true.
(SHE GIVES A LITTLE LAUGH)
I must get some more whisky. I don't like Greg to be without his whisky.
SCENE 14.
THE LOUNGE. WHISKY POURED INTO A GLASS.
1. GREG: (SLIGHTLY DRUNK) No, Susan. Not after I've downed nearly a full bottle of wine!
2. SUSAN: But Greg, it's that whisky you've been looking for, the special malt you had in Scotland.
3. GREG: Really? Yes,
that's the one! Go on, then, "just a wee dram!"
SUSAN LAUGHS AS SHE POURS A LARGE DRINK GREG DRINKS NOISILY
4. GREG: Oh, superb! (SUSAN POURS MORE INTO HIS GLASS) No! Well, just one more, then. I've got to go in a minute, though.
5. SUSAN: Oh, yes. Mustn't miss your night at "the golf club". It's the first time you've had the chance all week, isn't it? What with one thing and another.
6. GREG: Yes.
SUSAN POURS AGAIN, AND ONE FOR HERSELF.
7. GREG: (SURPRISED) Are you having one?
8. SUSAN: Yes. Even I need a drink sometimes!(PAUSE) Come on, one for the road!
CAR SPEEDING
MUSIC: "UNFORGETTABLE"
SCENE 15.
INSIDE A CHURCH. 23RD PSALM IS BEING SUNG.
JULIA WEEPS NOISILY.
1. SUSAN: I suppose I could blame myself for Greg's death if I wanted to. After all I bought him the car, and the whisky. And the roads are always busy on Friday night. People rushing off to "have a good time".
But it's all down to your stars in the end, really - isn't it?. Greg
