19. EXT. LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – DAY
Shot of a jet plane landing.
20. EXT. GALAXY PICTURES - MAIN GATE – DAY
A limousine enters the main gate of Galaxy Pictures, Inc. Frankie and Sophie are in the back seat. The guard waves them through.
21. INT. GALAXY PICTURES - KENNETH REGAN’S OFFICE – DAY
FRANKIE is sitting in the outer office nervously fingering a statue, while KAPPY, SOPHIE, and KENNETH REGAN, behind his desk, are in the middle of a conversation. Regan’s SECRETARY is taking notes.
KAPPY
Kenneth, you ran Frankie’s screen test three times. Why can’t you give us an answer?
REGAN
(to his secretary)
Note to the Budget Department: I have not yet received the cost breakdown sheets for the second unit in Rome. I want those figures immediately.
SOPHIE
I think his basic strength came through quite effectively, Kenneth. What to you think about it?
REGAN
Note to Art Department: The sets for “Timbuktu” are still standing. Why can’t they be revamped for “The Mongol Horde?”
SOPHIE
Kenneth, what is your decision?
REGAN
No. That’s what my sense tells me. No. Something is not right with him.
SOPHIE
If Kappy walks out of here without a contract and signs him up at Metro . . .
REGAN
Why you pushing me, Sophie?
KAPPY
Very, very simple, he’s a new talent, and Sophie brought him to you, that makes our first obligation.
REGAN
You, you want your dollars, ride with Fane, so you bow and murmur to me all the words you think I want to hear: vitality, dynamic personality, good box office.
(to Sophie)
And you sense time passes, no stars have come your way. I just hope you’re telling me a little truth. I never know with either of you.
KAPPY
Kenneth, this is all foolishness.
REGAN
Yes, foolishness. Once in a while when the weather is cooler, and you move a little faster, you bring me meat like this meat. It all has different names, Prime Rib of Gloria, Shoulder Cut of Johnny, Filet Fane. Meat.
SOPHIE
I’ve been with the studio a lot of years, Kenneth, and I know what I’m doing. Frankie is the best potential I have ever uncovered for you.
REGAN
There is something I miss in Fane’s performance, I can’t identify it. It disturbs me.
There is a long pause while everyone waits in anticipation.
REGAN (CONT’D)
All right, I’ll pick up the option on him. I’ll notify the Legal Department.
KAPPY
No rush, Kenneth. Your word is good enough for me.
As everyone prepares to leave, Frankie walks to Regan and shakes his hand, but addresses his line to the secretary.
FRANKIE
Note to Regan: Nice meeting you. We’ll have to get together again sometime.
Sophie and Kappy are embarrassed. They all leave.