73. INT. KENNETH REGAN’S HOUSE – FOYER - NIGHT
Frankie and Kay, formally dressed, are let in the font door by the maid and they walk through the foyer toward the back of the house.
HYMIE (V.O.)
Frankie had stacked the deck, and was ready for the hand to be played. And the game at Regan’s party was showdown. It was Frankie’s first public outing since the press conference.
74. EXT. KENNETH REGAN’S HOUSE – BACKYARD – NIGHT
As FRANKIE and KAY enter onto the patio, they look out over a lavish Hollywood backyard party that is in progress. Every studio notable is there.
HYMIE (V.O. CONT’D)
He was facing a black-tie jury of his peers. The scene to be played: humble but proud. Color it sincere. Lights. Camera. Action.
When they spot the new arrivals, several GUESTS rush up to Frankie and Kay.
GUESTS
(enthusiastically)
“Hi, Frankie!” “Congratulations on your nomination!” “Congratulations!” “Good to see you!” etc.
The rest of the guests at the party begin to applaud. While Frankie soaks up the adulation, Kay walks over to REGAN.
REGAN
Kay, how nice of you to come. Edith is right over there at the bar. Why don’t you join her for a drink?
KAY
I will. Thank you very much.
Kay makes her way over to Edith Head at the bar.
KAY (CONT’D)
Hi, Edith!
Elsewhere, Frankie is shaking hands with well wishers.
FRANKIE
Thank you. Thank you very much.
He walks over to Regan
FRANKIE (CONT’D)
I want to thank you for this party, Kenneth.
REGAN
It isn’t really necessary for me to listen to this slice of humility, is it Frankie? You don’t think my attitude toward you has changed do you? I still consider you one of the most despicable men I ever encountered.
FRANKIE
Then why go to so much trouble for a bitter enemy?
REGAN
I’m not at all certain I can put it in terms you’d grasp.
FRANKIE
Then tell it like a giant golden book. I think I can cut it.
REGAN
Well, it has to do with pride in craft, Frankie. With identification and the industry.
FRANKIE
(sarcastically)
I didn’t know this was a testimonial dinner.
REGAN
Easy enough to be flippant, but I’ve been in the motion picture business for thirty-seven years and this smear that’s being aimed at you, it’s throwing mud on the Academy Awards as well. And despite your sneers, Fane, the Oscars mean a great deal to me, to many of us in the industry. They’re a symbol, we don’t like to see them tarnished. I find myself repelled and repulsed by you, but you’re getting a severely raw deal, and this party is meant to say we won’t stand for it.
FRANKIE
I think my line is “thanks for nothing.”
REGAN
I’m sure you think that’s your line.
Disgusted, Regan walks away. Frankie thinks a moment, and then goes up to a nearby GUEST he recognizes. Standing next to him is art director HAL PEREIRA.
GUEST
(sincerely)
Frankie, I’ve seen men back away from things this nasty. It takes guts to stand up to this the way you’re doing.
FRANKIE
Thank you.
PEREIRA
My name is Pereira, I’m in art direction. Just wanted to say hello.
FRANKIE
Thank you very much, Sir.
Frankie continues to mingle, shaking hands with several other guests.
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