THE COOLER
Written by
Frank Hannah & Wayne Kramer
EXT. STYGIAN DARKNESS - NIGHT
STYGIAN DARKNESS
The suggestion of traveling through space. Suddenly a star
sparkles to life in the distance. Gives rise to another...
and another... until we're looking at a whole galaxy of stars.
No, not stars. LIGHTS. NEON LIGHTS. A throbbing skyline of
neon. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. As seen from a descending aerial
shot. We PLUNGE down into her shimmering embrace... DISSOLVING
TO:
EXT. LAS VEGAS STRIP - NIGHT
Cruising the Strip, taking in modern day Las Vegas. Sin City
gone theme park. Gigantic behemoths of pulsating neon: THE
MGM GRAND... EXCALIBUR... LUXOR... TREASURE ISLAND... passing
revamped faithfuls like CAESARS and THE DESERT INN...
...then heading DOWNTOWN to Fremont Street, where "old school"
Vegas makes its last stand. BINION'S HORSESHOE, THE FOUR
QUEENS, THE LAS VEGAS CLUB arid...
THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL AND CASINO
One thing's for sure. This place ain't no bastard child of
Epcott Center. At least, not yet. Sure there's some flash
going on, but it's more class than overkill.
This is where the pro's come to savor a time forgotten. A
joint where every dealer knows your name. Where part of the
allure is the smell of moldy paneling and the tactile whisper
of worn felt. Where "funny business" doesn't just get you
blacklisted... It gets you dead.
Lets us enter.
INT. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL AND CASINO - NIGHT
CREDITS SEQUENCE
TRACKING through the casino floor; highlighting SLOT MACHINE
PAY-OFFS and pockets of rowdy players winning at BLACKJACK,
CRAPS and ROULETTE. It's just one of those nights. The tables
are on fire.
A FLOOR MANAGER nods as a hefty bet is paid out to a shooter
at a craps table: He checks out his watch, anxious for the
arrival of...
INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT
From behind a FIGURE in a suit. All we see is a murky
reflection in gold elevator doors. The floor numbers
descending rapidly...
INT. CASINO FLOOR - NIGHT
STICKMEN, CROUPIERS, DEALERS
all anticipating the arrival of...
INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT
The elevator doors open... and we PAN DOWN to the figure's
feet. He steps out onto the casino floor... and right away
we notice he has a pronounced limp.
Following behind the figure. We haven't seen his features
yet... (and won't for a while.)
TRACKING SERIES �
-- the figure (seen in soft focus) passes a ROULETTE TABLE,
the wheel already in mid-spin. His hand casually brushes the
side of the table... and we PAN ACROSS to the wheel -- just
in time to see the ball landing on 00. The players HOWL
defeat. The croupier rakes in all the losing checks with a
slight nod of respect to the passing wraith...
-- TRACKING PAST SOME BLACKJACK TABLES... RACKING from the
passing figure (still in soft focus) to a DEALER calling
out:
DEALER
Insurance?
At the next table, ANOTHER DEALER pulls a six card 21. Off
the players' stunned reactions. No way! One of the players
instinctively glances behind him... but the figure has moved
on. The dealer stifles a grin, her eyes following the figure
as he heads toward...
-- A HOT CRAPS TABLE. The CROWD APPLAUDS as the shooter lands
a hard eight. The dice are fished back to the player. He
shakes them up with double ought bravado. We RACK from his
hand LARGE in the f.g. to our murky figure passing in the
background. The player throws... (we keep tracking with the
figure) as the stickman calls it: SEVEN OUT! to a thundering
chorus of disappointment.
-- Our figure passes by in the foreground, while in the
background, we see a growing line of shame at one of the ATM
MACHINES.
-- Following behind our figure as he turns into a corridor
of SLOT MACHINES. CUT TO REVERSE ANGLE from the far end of
the corridor. As the murky figure approaches, a player in
the f.g. hits a jackpot.
Another player in mid-ground is also in the midst of a payout.
Suddenly -- with the approach of the figure -- both payouts
trickle to a stop.
PLAYER IN F.G.
(kicks the slot machine)
Don't you hold back, baby. Spit it
out, darlin'. C'mon... Hey! Hey,
this ain't right. S'posed to be eight
hundred dollars. Where's the goddamn
manager? Who's in charge of these
rip-off slots? Yo, ma'am... change
lady...
CASINO BAR FLOOR - BAR AREA - NIGHT
FOLLOWING BEHIND the figure as he turns out of the slot
corridor and heads over to the bar. He pours himself a cup
of coffee.
FIGURE/BERNIE
Hey Doris, you got any cream?
DORIS THE BARTENDER wanders over with a small container. She
starts to pour... Empty. We quickly STEADICAM AROUND to reveal
BERNIE LOOTZ's features for the first time. His sad sack
eyes register scant surprise at the empty cream container.
BERNIE
Forget it.
He's just about to leave, when an attractive COCKTAIL WAITRESS
cruises up. NATALIE BELISARIO -- late 20's-mid-30's.
Everything about her sparkles, except her eyes.
They're post-mortem. She appears frazzled. Sifts through
some coin tips.
NATALIE
(sotto)
Shit.
(to Doris)
Dewars and a Diet Coke. Please.
A sheepish look comes over Bernie. He tries to catch her
eye. She doesn't even glance at him.
BERNIE
Hi, Natalie.
She looks at him. Only the faintest hint of recognition.
NATALIE
Hi. Uh...
BERNIE
Bernie.
NATALIE
Yeah, Bernie.
(to Doris)
Hey, you seen Shelly around? He
promised to position me at the tables
tonight. I've been on skid row all
week.
DORIS
(chilly)
You didn't settle me from last night.
NATALIE
No? You sure? Fuck... And I was way
under. It's been, like, an A.A.
convention the whole week. I'll make
up for it tonight. Promise.
Doris mutters something under her breath -- heard that one
before -- and dumps Natalie's drinks on her tray.
BERNIE
If I see Shelly, I'll let him know.
That you're looking for him.
Natalie grabs up her tray. Doesn't even look at Bernie.
NATALIE
Thanks.
She takes off.
DORIS
Bitch. That's the third time this
month...
(to Bernie)
Let me get you that cream.
BERNIE
(staring after Natalie)
Nah, it's okay.
DORIS
Don't get sweet on that, Bernie. Not
unless you're looking to get short-
changed.
She raises the empty cream container for effect, turns it
over. A few drops dribble out.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - NIGHT
Bernie limps away from the bar. We hear another spike of
sound from the gaming area. As he approaches, a FLOORMAN
stops him.
FLOORMAN
Hey, Bernie, Shelly needs you on
eleven.
BERNIE
(nods)
Uh... Let's do the Chivas Regal.
Have that... Natalie bring it over.
The one working nickel slots next to
the Paradise. I spoke to Shelly
earlier, he wants her at the tables.
The floorman nods, walks off. Bernie makes for the rowdy
gaming tables. Takes his time about it. His approach brings
an ill-wind to the area. The players appear to sense it.
It's in their reactions. A slight hesitation of the dice.
Fingers tensing over a pile of chips. A hand tugging at a
tie.
The Cooler has arrived.
As he reaches table eleven, Natalie intercepts him with a
short glass of Chivas Regal.
NATALIE
This is you, right?
BERNIE
(takes it from her)
Thanks.
NATALIE
Joe said I should stick around. You
say something to Shelly?
Bernie just smiles at her.
NATALIE
Wow. That was fast. Hey, thanks.
She offers up a smile. It jump-starts those dormant eyes.
Her whole face comes alive. Notches her up from an eight to
a ten. Bernie immediately glances away. He's afraid what she
might read in his gaze.
BERNIE
Don't mention it.
Bernie gestures her over to table eleven. Immediately makes
the HIGH ROLLER in question. A good old boy named BULLDOG.
He's the one boasting loudly as he shakes the dice with one
hand.
BULLDOG
I'll make you a fortune on five and
nine. C'mon forty-five-sixty-three
fifty-four!
Bernie grabs the drink from Natalie's tray, intentionally
bumps Bulldog...
BERNIE
Hey, buddy, is this your drink?
BULLDOG
Back off, pal. I'm on a roll here.
Another man gladly accepts the drink. Meanwhile, Bulldog
sends the dice high up into the air. They drop perfectly on
the table. The stickman calls it.
STICKMAN
Seven out!
BULLDOG
Mother-fucker!
STICKMAN
Thank you for those bets, folks.
The croupiers hungrily devour the chips from the table.
Bernie moves on quietly before anyone notices.
But he's been noticed all right. By Natalie. Not quite sure
what she's just witnessed. Who is this guy?
We hear a VOICE over the intercom.
VOICE (V.O.)
Conway, party of twelve, please check
your reservation at the Paradise
Lounge.
Bernie reacts immediately to the code words over the speaker.
BERNIE
(to himself)
Yeah, yeah, I'm comin'...
CUT TO:
INT. CASINO FLOOR CRAPS TABLE - MONTAGE - NIGHT
A -- a player makes a hard six at a craps table. The players
howl...
B -- from the same angle we PAN UP from losing dice to the
same guy. Bernie looming large in the background.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - BLACKJACK TABLES - NIGHT
A -- Bernie taking a seat at another blackjack table. Next
to him, a full table of players on a good run of cards.
B -- The same table with less players as the dealer appears
to be gaining an edge over the players. The only thing filling
up are ashtrays.
C -- Same again, with one player. This time with Natalie
watching in the background. Intrigued. QUICK JUMP CUTS show
the player's mountain of chips going down until there is
only one.
D -- The dealer taps the felt for the man to bet his last
chip. After a moment of indecision he flips the chip into
the air...
BRIDGE CUT TO:
INT. SHELLY'S OFFICE - OVERLOOKING THE CASINO FLOOR - NIGHT
...the chip becoming an Alka-Seltzer dropping into a glass.
The glass is in SHELLY KAPLOW's hand. Director of Casino
Operations for the Shangri-la. Late 40's-early 50's.
Distinguished, slick, oozing charm. But lose the Cartier,
Armani and Paco Raban and you're looking at pure street.
He's watching Bernie through the two-way glass. Shakes his
head in admiration.
Suddenly the office door swings open. THREE MEN stride in.
Shelly projects immediate deference to NICKY "FINGERS"
BONNATTO. Mid-50's. Former Geovassi family underboss from
"back east." The guy's a relic from the days before MBAs
became the weapon of choice in the "family" business. He
wears his corporate makeover like a bad coat of paint with
traces of Mulberry Street primer showing through.
Nicky's accompanied by a pair of CORPORATE TYPES in Hugo
Boss threads. Shelly glances their way with a look that
suggests he's working himself into a full-on sphincter wind-
up. Bad news x2. Shelly's muscle, LOU stands off to one side
with an apologetic expression.
SHELLY
Nicky, how the hell are you? I didn't
know you were coming in...
Nicky reaches out to shake Shelly's hand. Gets nothing back,
then remembers.
NICKY
(shakes his head)
Whassimater? You think I don't wash
up after goin' to the John? Forget
about it.
Nicky grabs Shelly, embraces him.
SHELLY
(uncomfortably)
You shoulda called ahead. I woulda
sent a car...
NICKY
Ehh. We thought we'd surprise you.
SHELLY
Well, anytime, Nicky. Anytime.
Shelly sizes up the corporate types.
NICKY
Shelly, I want you to meet one of
our smartest VPs, Larry Sokolov. And
his numbers guy, Marty Goldfarb.
Shelly sees where this is going. Larry extends his hand...
LARRY
How do you do, Shelly?
...then catches himself. Quickly pulls it back. Shelly stares
him down for a tense beat.
SHELLY
What can I get you boys to drink?
Off their uncomfortable expressions...
INT. SHELLY'S OFFICE - A SHORT WHILE LATER - NIGHT
Shelly seated across from Nicky, Larry and Marty.
SHELLY
So... what brings you to town, Nicky?
Nicky looks cautiously across the table.
NICKY
Look, Shelly, this is your joint,
you run it the way you see fit. But
we got a smart kid here and he's got
some good ideas on how to revitalize
the Shangri-la.
SHELLY
Revitalize? What are you talking
about? We did thirty-five million
last year.
Nicky shoots a look over at Larry and Marty. Larry takes
this as his cue.
LARRY
First off, Shelly, I want you to
know, I have nothing but respect for
you. You've done a fantastic job
with the Shangri-la for the last
sixteen years. No one would dispute
that.
NICKY
Yeah, no one doubts that, Shelly.
Shelly nods carefully. But...
LARRY
But, the business has changed out
here. You just have to take a look
at the Strip to see what I'm talking
about.
SHELLY
You mean, that amusement park mook
fest out there? You know what that
is? That's a fucking violation of
something that used to be beautiful.
That used to have class. Like a
gorgeous high priced hooker with an
exclusive clientele. And then that
Steve Wynn cocksucker knocks her up
and puts her in a family way.
Nicky and Larry exchange looks. Marty drops his gaze into
his lap.
SHELLY
Now she's nothing but a cheap, fat
whore hiding behind too much makeup.
I look at her and see all those ugly
stretch marks and I want to cry.
'Cause I remember her as she was.
LARRY
Yes, well... there's no denying the
bottom line. Those eyesores are raking
it in. And we can't compete against
that.
SHELLY
What? You think I'm trying to compete
with that? You think this joint's
about bringing in the stroller crowd?
Fresh off some fucking E-ticket ride,
looking to break the house on red
and black. Fremont's never been about
that bullshit. This is where old
time and real money comes to play.
LARRY
The numbers, they don't back you up,
Shelly. Nostalgia's grand. We all
love nostalgia -- but it belongs in
a museum. I think it's time to decide
whether you're running a museum or a
casino.
Shelly is close to losing it. He catches himself, takes a
breath.
NICKY
Hey, forget about it. We'll talk
later. Over dinner.
MARTY
(rubs his hands
together)
So, how's the action?
Larry shoots him a disapproving look. Off Shelly's disturbed
expression. He's already calculating serious damage control.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - NIGHT
Bernie makes his way across the casino floor, when he's
intercepted by Shelly.
SHELLY
Bernie. Mr. Cool. Got a moment?
BERNIE
I was just heading over to --
SHELLY
It can wait.
Shelly escorts Bernie over to a nearby bar area. The BARTENDER
zips over with some drinks.
SHELLY
How's the knee?
Bernie shrugs. Natalie steps up to the bar a few feet away.
Puts in a drink order. She catches Bernie's eye. Nods.
Bernie smiles.
SHELLY
I was speaking to this orthopedic
surgeon over at Vegas Memorial. He
tells me they can replace a man's
entire kneecap with titanium. It's
the kinda thing that costs a shitload,
but since the man's into us for five
hundred large, I'm sure we could --
BERNIE
(stealing glances at
Natalie)
I told you, I'm not gonna be around
after Sunday.
SHELLY
(sighs)
Where you gonna go, Bernie? Where
the fuck are you gonna go that's
better'n here? I got you covered in
this town. People, they know you
work for me, that's currency in your
pocket. That's fuckin' respect when
you walk the floor. Where you gonna
get that anyplace else?
BERNIE
(sighs)
Seven days, Shelly. Seven days and
I'm out from under.
A beautiful WOMAN in a low cut dress, sashays her way past
them, heading for a high rollers craps table. Shelly reaches
out, napkin in hand, grabs her arm. Hands her his card. She
snatches it, looks it over. Immediately loses all attitude.
Oh shit.
SHELLY
That's right. I like to know who's
shopping it in my neighborhood. You
wanna keep working the Shangri-la,
you come see me tomorrow morning in
my office. We'll go over the rules
together. And before you come, you
bring me a clean bill of health. OK?
The hooker just nods.
SHELLY
All right, get outta here.
She takes off. At the same time Natalie leaves with her drink
order. They walk in the same direction. Shelly mistakes
Bernie's wandering look for interest in the hooker.
SHELLY
You want that, Bernie? She's yours.
Anytime. I'll keep a tab running for
you.
(Bernie shakes his
head)
What's a matter? Not your type?
Bernie just stares after Natalie, Shelly finally picking up
on it.
BERNIE
Things are getting hot on fourteen.
I gotta go.
He limps off. Shelly stares after him. A predator seizing up
his prey. Calculating.
EXT. LUCKY STAR MOTEL - NIGHT
Bernie's 1958 Buick Electra pulls into the parking lot of a
flea-bag motel. Next door to the motel, we see a convenience
store with the name, THE EZ MARK in pink glowing neon. It's
actually supposed to read: The EZ MARKET, but the last two
letters of "Market" have burned out.
INT. LUCKY STAR MOTEL - COURTYARD - NIGHT
One of those center pool style motels. A hard luck oasis, if
ever there was one.
As Bernie limps toward his room, his neighbor, a low rent
HOOKER, approaches from the opposite end of the courtyard
with a huge-ass JOHN in tow.
They converge at their doors at the same time. There's a
weariness about the hooker that's endemic to this town. She
winks at Bernie. He nods at her. Then casts a furtive glance
over at the John. The man flips him off. The hooker mouths,
"Sorry." Bernie hastily enters his apartment.
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Bernie flips on the light. A dim overhead bulb hardly makes
a dent in the gloomy surroundings. Typical drab motel
furnishings.
We notice a couple of dead plants on the radiator next to
the window. A single place setting on the counter. Something
odd: an empty cat food bowl on the kitchenette floor. No
sign of a cat. Go figure.
Bernie heads over to the dresser. A half-filled bottle of
gin rests next to a lone glass with a crack down the side.
He pours himself a shot. Turns on the TV. A religious channel.
Shitty reception.
ON SCREEN:
an Appalachian Pentecostal service. The members of the
congregation taking up snakes and writhing around in religious
hysteria, while a number at the bottom of the screen solicits
viewer donations.
Bernie doesn't even try to change the channel. He takes a
seat on his bed, props himself up against a pair of pillows,
stretches out.
From next door, the sounds of wild humping.
HOOKER (O.S.)
...Oh yeah, baby, give it to me. Oh
yeah, that's the spot... Do it to me
harder, you big stud... Oooooh...
Bernie closes his eyes, tries to ignore the X-rated soundtrack
coming at him through the carpaccio thin walls.
The hooker's moans are starting to get to him. He raises his
fist to the wall, then stops himself. He's just not the
confrontational type.
Instead, he heads over to the TV, cranks the volume up. The
hysterical moaning from the snake ritual now blends in with
the grunting and groaning from next door, making for a bizarre
remix that could only exist in the world of Bernie Lootz.
Bernie emits a deep sigh, closes his eyes.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - CRAPS TABLES - NIGHT
Big action at the craps tables tonight. The players cheer as
MR. PINKERTON makes another pass. He exudes USED CAR SALESMAN.
Natalie arrives with his drink.
NATALIE
Seven and Seven?
Pinkerton reaches for the drink without taking his eyes off
the table. He throws a hard six. The crowd cheers again.
He turns around, stuffs a hundred dollar chip down her shirt
and slyly cops a feel.
PINKERTON
Thanks, dollface.
Natalie shudders in disgust. She spins around to leave...
runs smack into Bernie, spilling her tray of drinks on him.
NATALIE
Oh shit... Sorry... I'm such a klutz.
Bernie wipes himself off, helps her pick up the pieces.
BERNIE
It's all right. Happens.
Natalie tries to wipe him down a bit more.
NATALIE
Sorry, this guy... fuckin' hands,
you know...
BERNIE
S'okay. You might want to stick
around.
Bernie wiggles his way next to Pinkerton. He gives the
stickman a certain look.
STICKMAN
Excuse me, Mr. Pinkerton. You have
no hard eight.
PINKERTON
(throwing in a chip)
Gimmie a hundred dollar hard eight.
Bernie just watches as Pinkerton throws the dice.
STICKMAN
Eight the hard way!
The players go nuts. The stickman taps the felt in front of
the shooter.
STICKMAN
Nine hundred dollars to Mr. Pinkerton.
PINKERTON
Parlay! Parlay!
The Boxman seated at the center looks up at him.
PINKERTON
C'mon. You can take that action.
The Boxman feigns concern, then nods in approval.
PINKERTON
That's what I'm talking about. None
of this low limit bullshit.
Just as the stickman feeds Pinkerton the dice, Bernie flips
a dollar chip over toward the center of the table. Natalie
peers between them to catch a glimpse.
BERNIE
Dollar hard eight.
The chip lands on Pinkerton's parlayed bet. He releases the
dice from his stubby little fingers.
STICKMAN
Eight easy! Easy eight! Hard eight
comes down.
The players cry out in defeat. Pinkerton grumbles to himself.
He fingers his rail of chips.
PINKERTON
Five hundred dollar hard eight. And
press my nine up two units.
He throws in the chips. The croupier places his bets. The
dice are fed back to him. He throws.
STICKMAN
Easy way eight! Eight easy!
Pinkerton is fit to be tied. After a passing moment of clarity
he empties his entire rail.
PINKERTON
Hard eight.
The entire table stops down for a second.
PLAYER (O.S.)
Way to go, Pinkie! Bet the farm.
Pinkerton sets his dice carefully and lets them fly.
STICKMAN
Seven out!
Pinkerton slams his fist down on the table. He turns to leave
the table to find Natalie smiling at him.
PINKERTON
What the fuck you smiling at, bitch?
Pinkerton starts to lose it. Security moves in, right on
time. Natalie shoots Bernie a satisfied look. He averts his
eyes shyly and limps away. She stares after him for a moment.
INT. PARADISE LOUNGE - NIGHT
BUDDY STAFFORD, the Paradise Lounge's star attraction, is
performing on stage. He's a poor man's Tony Bennett. Mid to
late 60's. A staple at the Paradise for the last 20 years.
The singer sluggishly descends the stage to the lounge floor,
almost tripping over his microphone cable.
Buddy works the room, leaning in real close to the ladies,
delivering the requisite eye contact. When their companions
react with mock outrage, Buddy raises his fists playfully in
a boxer's defensive stance. It's classic Buddy Stafford
schtick.
From somewhere across the lounge, an ATTRACTIVE WOMAN jumps
up and throws her panties at Buddy. Buddy catches them and
waves them in the air... just as another pair whizzes by...
We PAN ACROSS to Shelly seated at his corner booth, in the
company of Nicky Fingers, Larry and Marty.
TIGHT ON SHELLY as he focuses on Buddy. A smile threatens
his patented stoicism. He's flashing back on the old days.
While Nicky and Marty are clearly enjoying Buddy's
performance, Larry fixates on the singer with joyless eyes.
We take on LARRY'S POV of Buddy --
SLOW MOTION CLOSE-UPS of BUDDY SINGING. The MUSIC SLOWED
DOWN with the action, emphasizing Buddy's lack of energy.
Sweat dripping off Buddy's forehead, splattering into tiny
jewels against his microphone. Buddy's tired eyes. Shaking
hands around the mic.
SMASH CUT to real time APPLAUSE as Buddy reaches the end of
the song. Larry is the only one not clapping. RACK ACROSS to
Shelly as he picks up on this.
INT. PARADISE LOUNGE - BACK STAGE - NIGHT
Shelly approaches Buddy's dressing room. He enters without
knocking...
INT. BUDDY STAFFORD'S DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
...to find a trembling Buddy hunched over on a sofa, hugging
himself. Buddy immediately sits up...
BUDDY
Shelly. I was a goddamn embarrassment
tonight. I shouldn'a let you talk me
into going on.
(massages his throat)
It's definitely strep.
SHELLY
You were velvet out there, pops.
Silk.
Shelly throws a pair of red silk panties to Buddy. We see a
room number scribbled on the crotch area.
SHELLY
They were hanging on the door outside.
Forget your tonsils. When the muff
confetti stops coming, that's when
you got yourself a problem.
BUDDY
(dangling the panties
on his finger)
You get a receipt?
SHELLY
Excuse me?
BUDDY
Charmayne's in the lobby. They got
these on sale in the window. Victoria
Secret's Valentine's Collection. And
the broad waiting in the room, what
she set you back? Always Grade-A for
Ol' Buddy.
SHELLY
Are you kidding me? Gimme that.
(snatches the panties
away from Buddy)
You don't fucking deserve this. All
those ladies going home with a sweet
breeze between their legs because
you still do it for them and you're
fingering me for some kinda Buddy
Stafford ego pimp. Hey, fuck you,
old man.
Shelly feigns as if he's leaving.
BUDDY
(affectionately)
Get back here, you prick. Hand it
over.
Shelly throws the panties back at Buddy. Buddy just stares
at him with pained eyes, waiting for something else. Sweat
mirror balls his wrinkled forehead.
Shelly nods. Removes a foil package from his pocket. Hands
it to Buddy. The singer rushes over to his dressing table.
Unwraps his works. Rubber tubes his forearm. Trembling hands
juggle lighter and hypodermic.
Shelly takes a seat on the sofa. Buddy, euphoric as the dope
hits the spot. Tears in his eyes. He picks up on Shelly's
somber expression in the mirror.
BUDDY
Whassimatter, kid? You got that
Nostradamus look.
Shelly shakes his head.
BUDDY
You ever watch those nature shows on
TV?
Shelly shakes his head.
BUDDY
I've seen this one a dozen times.
It's about lions. Cycle of life thing.
The leader of the pack...
SHELLY
Pride. It's called a pride.
BUDDY
Yeah, pride. The leader of the
pride... when he gets on in years.
It's just a matter of time before
some young male arrives on the scene
to challenge him. They go at it and
the old cat gets the crap beaten
outta him. It's humiliating. In front
of all the females, this goes down.
And after he's defeated, he's cast
out of the pride, to scavenge and
die alone in the bush.
SHELLY
Yeah, nature's got a real sick sense
of humor.
BUDDY
No shit. It's fucking tragic because
the old lion can't figure it out on
his own. That he's past it. It'd be
so much easier for him to just walk
away and save himself all that pain
and humiliation.
SHELLY
That's like admitting to yourself
that you're already dead. I prefer
nature's way.
BUDDY
(a beat)
Yeah. Me, too.
Shelly holds Buddy's gaze in the mirror.
INT. PARADISE LOUNGE - BACK STAGE - NIGHT
Shelly exits the dressing room, to find Larry waiting on
him.
He's accompanied by a good looking YOUNG MAN.
LARRY
Shelly, got a minute...
Shelly's expression: no. But he heads over anyway.
LARRY
Shelly, this is Johnny Capella.
JOHNNY
How ya doin', Shelly?
Johnny extends his hand. Shelly ignores the gesture.
SHELLY
I know you from somewhere, right?
LARRY
Johnny's been opening for Danny Ganz
at the Mirage. Sony's talking about
signing him to a three album deal.
They're positioning him as the new
Ricki Martin.
SHELLY
And I should be interested in this,
why?
LARRY
Johnny's looking to headline. I told
him we might be interested.
SHELLY
(icy)
We?
JOHNNY
Hey, if this is a bad time...
SHELLY
Even if I were interested, Buddy's
got ink with us through 2003. I just
renegotiated his contract last year.
JOHNNY
Sounds like the two of you need to
get on the same page.
(to Larry)
If I don't hear from you by Thursday,
I'm taking the Stardust's offer.
Johnny nods at Shelly, takes off. Shelly and Larry eyeball
each other for a long, cold beat. Shelly's about to say
something, when Nicky and Marty approach. Larry shrugs,
flashes a chilling smile.
NICKY
Where's Buddy? I wanna buy the old
fart a drink.
SHELLY
Buddy asked me to send you his
regards, Nicky. He's not feeling so
great. I think he's got that stomach
flu that's going around.
NICKY
Oh yeah? That's too bad.
(Shelly isn't fooling
him)
Well, another time then.
MARTY
Hey, Shelly, Nicky says you might be
able to hook us up with some
showgirls. Something with class.
Shelly eyeballs Marty for a tense, extended beat. What do I
look like, some fuckin' pimp, college boy? Just as Marty's
starting to get real uncomfortable, Shelly cracks a smile.
SHELLY
Sure, no problem. You got any
preferences?
NICKY
(jumps in)
Yeah. Something with big headlights,
nice rims and low mileage.
MARTY
You got any Asian babes?
Shelly looks to Larry.
LARRY
I think I'll just stick with the
tables.
We linger on Shelly's unsettled look. This guy is bad news.
EXT. SHANGRI-LA PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Bernie weaves his way through the lot to his car. Arriving
at his Buick, he's startled to find Natalie leaning against
it. She holds up the $100 chip the drunk tipped her.
NATALIE
Buy you a drink?
Off of Bernie's surprised expression...
CUT TO:
INT. THE MAKAWAO BAR AND GRILL - NIGHT
Cheesy Polynesian decor. Mood lighting = an excuse to keep
the electric down. Basically, a joint where people come to
lose themselves.
Natalie and Bernie are seated in a booth near the back. She
sips on an umbrella drink; he's nursing his usual gin.
Natalie has an astrological chart in front of her. In between
sips, she makes annotations to the chart.
NATALIE
(almost to herself)
Your Progressed Venus is Gemini,
12.5 Degrees, and is in Direct motion.
Which tells me that you're a slow
starter when it comes to romance.
(off Bernie's taken
aback expression)
You know what? This is real
unprofessional of me. I shouldn't
discuss your chart with you until
I'm all done. I can tell by that
look, you think this is all a lot of
B.S.
BERNIE
No... I just know what the outcome's
going to be.
NATALIE
The outcome? There's not, like, one
particular outcome. A lot of things
enter into it. The planets, moon
phases...
BERNIE
The outcome won't change with me.
It'll be all bad.
NATALIE
God, I have never met anyone who was
so down on themselves. I used to be
down on myself, OK? I don't go there
anymore. I've got just three more
correspondence classes with this
stuff, then I'll have my certificate
and everything. And you know how I
got OK?
BERNIE
(deadpan)
You had your chart done.
NATALIE
Yes, as a matter of fact that is
perfectly correct.
BERNIE
Do you know what I do at the Shangri-
la?
NATALIE
I asked around. You're a "cooler."
You turn winners into losers.
BERNIE
And do you know how I do that?
NATALIE
I know there's stuff that goes on in
casinos all the time --
BERNIE
I do it by being myself. People get
next to me and their luck turns.
It's always been that way.
NATALIE
That sounds to me like a self
fulfilling prophecy. There's a whole
chapter on that in my course. Anyways,
I can see a big factor in your life
is that you're lacking companionship.
There's nobody to deflect off. If
you've got, as you put it, bad karma,
then you need someone with good karma
to neutralize it. Well, that's my
take on it anyway.
Bernie maintains eye contact with Natalie for an extended
beat. Then drops his head, gazes at his glass.
BERNIE
I don't know about you, but I'm real
tired.
Natalie nods. Bernie motions to stand. Natalie just remains
seated. Keeps talking.
NATALIE
I have this recurring dream where
I'm on some beautiful island in the
Bahamas. I'm sitting on the beach,
taking in this amazing sunset with
one of these in my hand
(gestures to her drink)
...and then it starts to rain. And I
wake up and it's my roof leaking on
me. Yeah, I'm also real tired, Bernie.
BERNIE
(not even sure why
he's telling her
this)
I only got six more days. Well, almost
five really. Then I'll be leaving
town.
NATALIE
Only five more days?
(a beat)
Then we shouldn't waste any more
time.
Natalie covers Bernie's hand with hers.
NATALIE
Why don't we go back to your place?
BERNIE
(completely caught
off-guard)
I, uh... If this is... I don't know...
I don't know if I can afford...
Natalie flinches slightly. Then swiftly regains her composure.
It's Vegas. An honest mistake.
BERNIE
Oh god... I'm so sorry... I didn't
mean... You see -- that's exactly
what I'm talking about. I've gone
and "cooled" the damn table.
NATALIE
Ah, just shut up, Bernie. You haven't
gone and cooled anything. Not by a
long shot.
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Natalie's hand flips on the television. Another bizarre
religious service. We pull back from the screen as she tries
to change the channel. Just gets a whole lot of static.
Bernie's standing uncomfortably in the middle of the room.
NATALIE
You should complain about this.
BERNIE
I'm not here that much. Drink? Sorry,
all I got's gin.
NATALIE
Nah. I've had my fill. Go ahead.
Bernie walks over to the dresser, pours himself a shot.
Natalie glances around. She notices Bernie's dead plants...
NATALIE
You know, once they're dead, they
don't really grow back. In case,
that's what you're waiting for.
Her eyes land on the empty cat bowl. She's about to say
something, when she picks up on Bernie's expression. Let's
not even go there. She gestures to an old record player in
the corner.
NATALIE
So... got any music?
Bernie opens one of the kitchenette cupboards. Bare shelves...
except for a lone RECORD up on top. He brings it down. It's
a Sinatra album. Never been opened.
Natalie looks on as Bernie meticulously removes the record
from its sleeve. He blows a few particles of dust from its
surface. Then delicately lays it on the turntable. The way
he goes about this is incredibly ceremonious. With as much
care as given to disarming a nuclear weapon.
Natalie can't help but smile.
Bernie lowers the needle to the first cut of the record.
Everything seems to be going so well, until...
SKREEEEEE! The needle skids across the surface of the record
with a sound worse than chalk on a blackboard.
Bernie opens his mouth in a silent grimace... and a delicious
laugh comes out.
It's Natalie's laugh. Talk about a tension breaker. Bernie
turns to her, shrugs. He tries again. This time the needle
catches... and Sinatra takes command of the room. He's singing
"This Town," a finger snapping upbeat Valentine to Vegas.
Marred only by a slight clicking caused by the scratch.
Natalie summons Bernie over with her wagging forefinger. He
picks up his glass, shuffles over.
NATALIE
Sit. Relax. I promise you, at least
one of us has done this before.
BERNIE
This is not my first --
NATALIE
Sssh. Surprise me.
She starts massaging his shoulders, eliciting involuntary
moans from him. Bernie is almost in tears. Nobody's touched
him like this in years. And it shows.
Natalie takes Bernie's glass, gulps down the remains herself,
then sets it on the floor. She drops down next to Bernie.
Starts kissing him. Takes it slow.
NATALIE
You're doing real good.
They fall back onto the mattress. Natalie taking the reigns,
maneuvering her hips, kicking off her panties...
Bernie gets an eyeful of a tattoo on her butt. A pair of
dice. Both twos.
In seconds, Natalie has separated Bernie from his pants and
underwear, taking him inside of her, Ol' Blue Eyes keeping
the rhythm...
Natalie moans uninhibitedly. Surprise: she's a real screamer.
Moments later, we hear banging from the hooker's side of the
wall. Some John telling them to keep it down.
Bernie, with tears of elation in his eyes, thrusts away at
Natalie... for all of thirty seconds, before he explodes,
convulsing in her arms with a stifled gasp.
Frank winds down "This Town" a few seconds later. Poor Bernie,
he didn't even make it through the song.
BERNIE
Sorry...
Natalie wraps her arms around him.
NATALIE
Don't worry, Bernie. I've had worse.
We'll try again later.
Bernie rests his head on her breasts. Closes his eyes. We
hold on him. A few seconds pass... and he breaks into a smile.
Fade to black.
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - DAY
TIGHT on Bernie sleeping. He still has that goofy smile on
his lips. A beat or two later, he opens his eyes. We PULL
BACK to reveal that he's alone in the bed. No sign of Natalie.
Bernie turns to the pillow next to him, buries his face in
it. Takes a deep breath. Moans at her scent. Ambrosia. He
still has his face in the pillow, sucking in deep breaths,
when Natalie steps out of the bathroom. Big smile.
NATALIE
Hey, so, you wanna get some breakfast?
Bernie just looks up at her; replay on the goofy smile.
Heaven.
BERNIE (V.O.)
-- I did six months at Rikers for
running numbers. It was Shelly's
thing, but I took the rap for it.
INT. MOONLIGHTER COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Bernie and Natalie sit eating breakfast.
BERNIE
After I get out, I call up Shelly
and he tells me to come out here. I
figure he's going to set me up good
at the Shangri-la. But he tells me
they got all these rules about casinos
employing felons. So he gets me this
gig doing telemarketing for one of
their fronts -- trying to scam
pensioners out of their retirement
money. I lasted two weeks.
As Bernie talks, Natalie spies a very PREGNANT GIRL (20's)
coming out of the restroom. Her eyes follow the girl back to
a table where a YOUNG MAN (20's) waits on her.
BERNIE
Already, I was getting in deep.
Finally it got so bad, I had to beg
Shelly to take on my markers around
town. That just bought me more time
to keep losing. I put Shelly in an
awkward position. I understand why
he did what he did.
(taps his knee)
NATALIE
He did that to you? What, he shot
you?
BERNIE
Baseball bat.
(off her cringing
expression)
I got off easy.
NATALIE
That's getting off easy?
BERNIE
I was out of control.
NATALIE
But he maimed you...
BERNIE
Let me tell you something. I'm
grateful for what he did.
(off her stunned look)
No kidding. Every time I get an urge
to play off the clock -- to so much
as drop a quarter in a slot -- I
reach down and squeeze what's left
of my cartilage. It's one helluva
reminder.
NATALIE
Jesus... I thought stuff like that
didn't happen no more. Like that was
just in the movies or something.
Bernie holds her gaze her for a moment.
BERNIE
Anyway, Shelly and I worked out a
payment plan. Two years off the books
at the Shangri-la, cooling tables.
Five more days and I walk.
Before Natalie can respond, we hear the pregnant girl start
to moan out loud. The waitress rushes over.
PREGNANT GIRL
(clutching her belly)
Oh shit, I think I'm going into labor!
The young man at the table rushes her to her feet, escorts
her toward the exit in a dramatic fashion. All this without
paying the bill.
As they pass by Bernie and Natalie's table, the girl trips
over Natalie's purse. Bernie quickly helps her up. That's
when he notices the young man...
BERNIE
(shocked)
Mikey?
MIKEY
Bernie...
There's a quick moment of confusion. Bernie feels a bit thrown
by it all.
EXT. MOONLIGHTER COFFEE SHOP - PARKING LOT - DAY
Bernie accompanies them out to their car at a quick step.
Once out the door, the girl's contractions appear to have
subsided. Natalie walks with the girl to try and help.
PREGNANT GIRL
I'm OK now. False alarm. Thanks.
Bernie pulls Mikey aside.
BERNIE
Mikey? Is that...? You're not the...
MIKEY
(nods)
Bull's eye. One time. Obviously runs
in the family. I guess you're gonna
be a grandfather, Bernie.
They reach the couple's car. A rusted out 1955 Ford Fairlaine.
By the looks of it, they've been living out of it.
BERNIE
This you?
MIKEY
Hey, what the fuck, it runs. Anyways,
we gotta be somewhere...
BERNIE
How's your mom doing?
MIKEY
I'm gonna pretend like you give a
shit and tell you, she's getting by.
As long as she's wasted.
Bernie nods. He gazes past Mikey to the girl.
MIKEY
Name's Charlene, in case you were
wondering. Looks like she's carrying
a whole litter in there, don't it?
NATALIE
When was the last time you saw a
doctor?
Charlene sidles up alongside Mikey.
CHARLENE
This clinic in Jersey. Maybe six
months ago. I wasn't about to go
back after they treated me like
cattle. Just because I didn't have
no insurance. And those places,
they're crawling with T.B. from all
'em spies.
BERNIE
So, you're in town...?
MIKEY
Maybe a week or so. Got some business
to take care of.
BERNIE
If you want, stop by the Lucky Star
Motel. Give us a chance to catch up.
I'm on three to eleven shift at the
Shangri-la. I work the floor.
MIKEY
No shit. Well, how 'bout that? Yeah,
maybe I'll do that. We can play catch
up. For the kid's sake. Gotta split.
NATALIE
(to Charlene)
Take care.
Mikey helps Charlene into the front passenger seat. They
drive off. Natalie looks to Bernie. She's curious, but doesn't
ask. He appears thankful for that.
INT. CASINO - BLACKJACK TABLES - NIGHT
CLOSE on a skyline of black chips neatly positioned on the
felt. We see the owner of the chips strike a match. His last
one. It fizzles out quickly. TILT UP to the PLAYER'S FACE
with an unlit cigarette hanging from his lips.
A hand quickly reaches in, lights the cigarette with a Zippo.
PULL BACK to reveal Bernie.
PLAYER
Thanks...
BERNIE
Don't mention it.
Bernie sits at the table.
DEALER
(he knows the routine)
Hundred dollar minimum here, sir.
Bernie peels off a hundred from his billfold. Lays it on the
felt.
DEALER
Money plays one hundred.
PLAYER
(to Bernie)
No offense, pal, but there's twenty
other tables. What do you wanna come
sit on my head for?
BERNIE
Just wanna play one hand. Feeling
lucky tonight. I got this voice in
my head, says this is the table...
PLAYER
I know this is the table. I'm already
doing good here. It's my fucking
table --
BERNIE
(touching him)
Hey, heard the one about the fella
walks into a bar and says, "Hey, who
owns that big great dane outside?" A
man at the end of the bar raises his
hand. "I do." The fella says, "Yeah?
Well, my dog just killed it."
The dealer finishes shuffling, begins to deal.
BERNIE
"Whaddya mean your dog just killed
my great dane? What kinda dog you
have?" The fella just shrugs and
says, "A chihuahua." "You tellin' me
your chihuahua just killed my great
dane? How?"
(a beat)
"I dunno," the fella says, "I think
he got stuck in his throat."
Bernie starts laughing. The player is less than tickled.
Just then the dealer interrupts them.
DEALER
Insurance?
We see the dealer's got an ace showing.
PLAYER
God damnit!
The player waves off the insurance, as does Bernie. The dealer
checks. Nothing. As the hand plays through the dealer busts
out. Bernie glances over at the dealer. What the hell? Bernie
places his chips again.
PLAYER
You said, one hand.
BERNIE
(agitated; to dealer)
Keep going.
The dealer plays. Bernie and the high roller win again.
Bernie glances around him uncomfortably. We see Shelly
approaching. Shelly just has a nose for when things aren't
running smoothly. Larry is lurking behind him.
The dealer turns up some cards. And again, Bernie and the
high roller win. Bernie looks absolutely perturbed. Shelly
gestures something with his head. Bernie cashes out.
PLAYER
Hey, stick around, pal. You and me,
we make a great team.
Bernie strolls over to Shelly. Shelly guides him away from
the table under Larry's watchful eye.
SHELLY
What was that?
Bernie shrugs, still confused.
SHELLY
Well, what fucking gives? Is it
McGann? He's been with us twelve
years. The man's as standup as my
dick.
(thinking to himself)
Maybe he's got money problems. I'm
gonna pull him. He wasn't counting
'em, was he? The mook with the streak?
Bernie shakes his head. Larry sidles over.
LARRY
Is there a problem?
SHELLY
(zero tolerance)
No, there's no problem. Fella's on a
streak, is all.
LARRY
(re: Bernie)
Let me guess? This is one of your
"coolers?"
SHELLY
Why don't you announce it to the
whole fucking joint?
LARRY
(lowers his voice)
Man, they told me you were a stickler
for the old ways. But coolers? What
is this guy, some kind of degenerate
gambler? Reformed card shark? He
doesn't look too effective to me.
SHELLY
He's the best. Take it from me.
LARRY
Sure. Whatever. But there ways --
subtle ways -- to keep things in our
favor. I'm talking more forward
thinking methods.
SHELLY
That right? I suppose you got a whole
fucking prospectus on the subject.
LARRY
As a matter of fact I do. Like, right
off the bat, I can tell you this
wallpaper isn't going to cut it.
It's too uplifting. I would go with
more muted tones.
SHELLY
Yeah? Wallpaper?
LARRY
And personally, I think the waitresses
can all pop another button or two.
Myself, I wouldn't hire anything
less than a C cup.
Shelly looks to Bernie. You believe this mook? Larry extracts
a CD from his jacket...
LARRY
Know what this is? Music to be sure.
Pleasant, non-intrusive. But blended
in at a subsonic level is a mantra.
"Lose... lose... lose." And that's
just skimming the surface. We really
need to talk, Shelly.
Shelly is close to losing it. When MORRIE, the manager of
the Paradise, comes running up...
MORRIE
Shelly, you better come quick.
INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Shelly, Larry and Bernie following behind Morrie as he hastily
leads them down a hallway of the Shangri-la's best suites.
They arrive at an open door, the sound of a TELEVISION
beckoning them inside...
INT. BUDDY STAFFORD'S SUITE - NIGHT
Starting on the TV set: "Lost Horizon" (1937) is playing.
It's the scene where Robert Conway (Ronald Coleman), his
brother and Maria are leaving the lost city in the end.
Conway looks back for one last tearful view of paradise.
PANNING OFF THE SCREEN to a pair of naked feet on the floor
next to the bed... revealing Buddy slumped against the side
of the mattress... a hypodermic needle protruding from his
arm. Death glaze fixated on the screen.
Bernie slumps back against the wall. Catches his breath.
Shelly just stares at Buddy, a slight tremor of grief
threatening his granite features. He glances over at Larry,
who takes in Buddy's deathly repose without a hint of emotion.
Larry meets Shelly's eye with a subtle smirk of one-upmanship.
An incendiary beat passes between them. Then...
SHELLY
(to Morrie)
Get a hold of his daughter. Assist
her with the arrangements. The Shangri-
la will take care of everything.
MORRIE
What about the Paradise?
SHELLY
She goes dark tonight.
LARRY
That won't be necessary.
Shelly and Larry exchange looks again. Bernie picks up on
it. The tension in the room threatens nuclear fission. A
loud ANIMAL ROAR reverberates on the soundtrack...
accompanied by jungle-like percussion... as we CUT TO:
INT. THE PARADISE LOUNGE - NIGHT
A "now performing" poster on a metal stand: JOHNNY CAPPELLA
live at the Paradise Lounge!
PANNING off the sign and following a COUPLE through the doors
into the theater.
...our eye drawn to the stage. A troupe of gorgeous FEMALE
DANCERS in leopard print G-strings, grinding their hips to
the muscular rhythm.
Flanking them are a pair of strutting LIONS in elevated cages.
An EXPLOSION OF LIGHT and SMOKE... and JOHNNY CAPPELLA makes
his entrance. Decked out in a reflective suit that picks up
every light in the house and throws it back at the audience.
Johnny's got the style of a Harry Connick Jr. and the moves
of Ricki Martin. The energy this guy brings to the stage
makes the last twenty years of Buddy Stafford's reign seem
like suspended animation. The women in the audience start
fanning themselves with delight.
It's a new dawn in Paradise. And the panties are coming fast
and furious.
We see Shelly watching from the back of the room. He shifts
his attention to Nicky, Larry and Marty at a primo table.
They're having a grand time. Nicky pats Larry on the back of
the head. "Good work, kid."
Larry turns and raises his drink to Shelly. Shelly stares
right through him. A declaration of war.
INT. CASINO MIDWAY - NIGHT
Bernie and Natalie wander around the midway. A middle-aged
WORKER at the ring toss booth gets her attention.
RING TOSS WORKER
Over here, young lady! C'mon, give
it a try. Eight for a dollar.
Natalie drags Bernie over. She pays her money and the worker
hands her the rings. Natalie throws, and misses all eight.
The man pats her on the shoulder.
RING TOSS WORKER
Sorry there, sweetheart. Better luck
next time. Wanna try again?
Natalie is about to take him up on it, when she catches
Bernie's eye. His look suggests she's being played for a
sucker. She decides against it.
They walk off down the midway. Bernie chuckles to himself.
NATALIE
What?
BERNIE
Nothing.
NATALIE
What?
BERNIE
Nothing. You're just an easy mark,
is all.
NATALIE
An easy mark?
BERNIE
Yeah. Easy mark. You never heard
that term?
Natalie shakes her head.
BERNIE
When we were kids, Shelly and me, we
used to work Coney Island during the
summer. When a guy would walk up and
seemed eager to open his wallet, we
would always mark him with chalk.
We'd pat him on the back or arm with
the chalk. Like, 'Hey buddy, good
job!'
(pats Natalie)
Meanwhile, he had no clue the other
guys saw him coming a mile away.
Easy mark.
Natalie looks down at her shoulder where the man patted her.
She brushes it for effect. Bernie smiles. They take a seat
at the end of the midway.
Natalie locks onto a little toe-headed BOY being dragged
around by his OLDER BROTHER and the brother's FRIEND. The
kid has a glazed look in his eyes.
Natalie fixates on the boy with a haunted expression. Bernie
picks up on it.
BERNIE
You OK?
NATALIE
You notice last night, that tattoo
on my butt?
BERNIE
(are you kidding?!)
Little Joe.
NATALIE
Yeah, two twos. Little Joe.
Natalie hides her face behind her soda cup. Looks off in the
distance.
NATALIE
I had a son. His name was Joe. I was
his mother for a year.
BERNIE
You know, you don't have to tell me
this.
NATALIE
I want to, Bernie. Better you know
the worst of me up front. Later,
when I'm already invested in you,
it'll be too hard to come clean.
After I tell you this, you'll
probably... I mean, I'll understand.
She tears her eyes away from Bernie. Bernie can't believe
what he's hearing. That she wants to be invested in him.
What could be so bad?
NATALIE
I gave my son up for adoption. I
just wanted my life back. I was
seventeen going on eighteen and I
was selfish. My family, they didn't
want to have nothing to do with me
after that. So I hitched a ride out
here. Figured I could make it as a
showgirl. Ten years later...
(shrugs; starts to
break up)
I like to think that if it happened
when I was older -- with some guy I
cared about -- maybe things would
have been different. I think about
my Little Joe. And, I do know he's
better off. I'm convinced of that.
She lowers her soda. Turns to Bernie. He studies her for a
lengthy beat, stoic features. She wipes away her tears. Oh
well, that's that. Bernie stands up. Looks around... focuses
on the arcade clock. It reads 1:40 a.m. He turns to her...
BERNIE
So, you wanna go try your hand at
the dime pitch? It's early still.
Off Natalie's tear-filled features. She breaks into a laugh-
cry...
CUT TO:
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Bernie and Natalie making love. Slow, tender. Natalie doesn't
make with the "Oh yeah, baby, you're doing great"
encouragement. Just some low key moans. Bernie doesn't come
too soon either. He outlasts Sinatra through several cuts.
In contrast, we hear the hooker and her John howling away
through the walls. An escalating ostinato of "Oh Baby's."
Until Natalie reaches behind her and raps her fist against
the wall. Big smile from both of them.
EXT. LUCKY STAR MOTEL - DAY
Bernie and Natalie returning from breakfast in Bernie's Buick.
Bernie can't find a parking spot. Natalie climbs out, heads
for the room.
Natalie arrives at the room. She's about to stab the key in
the lock, when she realizes the door is ajar. She hesitates
for a moment, then pushes it open...
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - DAY
...to find Mikey and Charlene waiting on them. Charlene is
puffing away on a Marlboro when Natalie enters. She
immediately stubs it out. Rises, heads for the bathroom.
CHARLENE
I gotta go pee. I'm always peeing.
She closes the door after her.
NATALIE
(to Mikey)
How did you get in here?
MIKEY
I told the desk clerk Bernie was my
old man. He let us wait inside. That
a problem?
NATALIE
Bernie's looking for a parking space.
MIKEY
(chuckles)
Shit. I musta taken the last one.
Mikey steps up to Natalie. She hasn't moved from the doorway.
Her dislike for Mikey is evident.
MIKEY
Tell me something, Natalie? Is he
paying you?
NATALIE
Excuse me?
MIKEY
My old man, is he renting your ass?
'Cause otherwise I just don't get
it. A loser like my pops in the
company of some primo T & A. It don't
compute.
Natalie doesn't dignify Mikey with an answer. She stares him
down unflinchingly. Mikey reaches out to Natalie's ear,
"pulls" out a $20 dollar chip.
MIKEY
This enough to get me a taste? Family
discount?
He drops the chip down Natalie's cleavage. Natalie still
doesn't react. Mikey reaches up, starts caressing her face.
She flinches. Right then, the door swings open. Bernie enters.
Mikey snaps his fingers and a rose appears in his hand. He
extends it to Natalie. She ignores the gesture, steps aside.
BERNIE
Mikey...
MIKEY
Hey, Bernie. I told you I was gonna
stop by.
BERNIE
Yeah... I figured you'd call ahead.
We were out at breakfast.
Charlene emerges from the bathroom. Natalie heads over. She
doesn't want to be around Mikey.
She stops in front of Charlene, points to a sprinkling of
white powder on the side of her nose.
NATALIE
You missed some.
Charlene immediately swats the coke off. Natalie enters the
bathroom. Closes the door.
MIKEY
You see, the thing is, Bernie, we're
kinda strapped. I mean, Charly here's
expecting like yesterday, and we
don't have the dough to make with
the right nutrition for her an' all.
So, I was wondering if you would
care to invest a little in your
grandchild's future... his well being.
Bernie scratches his head, thinks on it for a moment or two.
Then heads over to the kitchenette cupboard. Pulls down a
coffee can. Extracts a thick wad of bills. Hands them over
to Mikey.
BERNIE
There's about three grand there.
That's all I got.
CHARLENE
Bless you, Bernie.
(pats her belly)
You know, Michael, I -- think we
should name her Bernadette. After
your father.
MIKEY
You mean, Bernie. Trust me, it's a
boy.
Bernie seems quite moved by it all.
CHARLENE
(to Bernie)
Wanna feel her?
BERNIE
I don't think... I don't want anything
to hap...
CHARLENE
Ooh, I just felt her kick. C'mon,
Bernie, gimme your hand...
She places Bernie's hand over her stomach.
CHARLENE
Feel that?
BERNIE
(not sure)
I don't know... I think so...
Mikey takes Charlene by the arm...
MIKEY
We'll catch you later, Bernie. I
think I'm gonna take Charly over to
the hospital right now. Get her
checked up real good.
Charlene kisses Bernie on the cheek. He blushes.
CHARLENE
Take care, Pop.
BERNIE
Mikey...
Mikey turns in the doorway, eyebrows raised. Yeah?
BERNIE
You're not going to try anything
stupid while you're in town?
Mikey plays it dumb. Huh?
BERNIE
You mess up and they'll cut you no
slack. That's all I'm saying. You
got a kid to think about.
Mikey nods, backs out of the room. Charlene giggles. They
disappear into the parking lot. Natalie emerges from the
bathroom. She lights up a cigarette, just stares at him as
if to say: sucker. Bernie shrugs.
INT. SHELLY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Shelly enters to find Larry seated behind his desk. Larry
immediately leaps to his feet, phony apologetic grin.
Nicky and Marty are lounging on Shelly's sofa. Shelly's gaze
is drawn to a table in the middle of the room. There's
something on it, covered in a plastic sheet. He raises a
"what gives?" eyebrow.
NICKY
Shelly, I hope you don't mind...
SHELLY
What's going on, Nicky?
NICKY
I'm sorry we didn't say nothing about
this earlier... but the deal wasn't
closed yet.
MARTY
Don't worry, Shelly, you're gonna
love it.
Nicky gestures to Larry. Larry whisks the plastic sheet off
the table...
...to reveal an impressive SCALE MODEL of a redesigned SHANGRI-
LA HOTEL AND CASINO.
The model boasts huge snow-capped Himalayan peaks a la "Lost
Horizon," surrounding a completely overhauled hotel and
casino. A Matterhorn-like rollercoaster traverses the mountain
top. Gold and marbled pillars, terraces and floors promise
to raise the bar on Las Vegas opulence. We're looking at a
hundred million dollar investment easy.
NICKY
The new Shangri-la Hotel and Casino.
We break ground on her in six months.
Off Shelly's startled expression --
NICKY
I know what you're thinking? Where's
she gonna go? You need space to
expand, right? Well, that's been
taken care of. We're now the proud
owners of The Golden Frontier next
door.
LARRY
(gesturing to the
model)
She's perfect. Three floors of gaming,
IMAX theater, entertainment center,
boutiques, restaurants, rollercoaster,
you name it. She'll pay for herself
in three years, and then it's easy
money.
NICKY
Isn't she great, Shell?
Shelly slowly approaches the model like a condemned prisoner
mounting the scaffolding.
We see his stoic features reflected in her sparkling swimming
pool.
SHELLY
In "Lost Horizon," these people,
their plane crashes in the Himalayas --
and they get rescued and taken to
this Utopia in the mountains. Shangri-
la. It's beautiful. The place is
completely isolated. Untouched by
the outside world. There's no war,
no greed, no bullshit... Time is
slowed down. People, they don't age.
It's... paradise. That's what Shangri-
la is. Paradise.
LARRY
Yeah, we've all seen the movie. And
your point is?
Shelly whirls around, yells:
SHELLY
You don't fuck with paradise! All'a
ya!
NICKY
Hey, Jesus, c'mon, Shelly. We're not
trying to fuck with it. We're trying
to make it better.
SHELLY
How... how, Nicky, could it be any
better? Right now it's perfect. It's
the last of its kind. It's pure...
and this.
(points to the model;
weary)
...this is just... it's a mockery.
An insult. Trying to make something
of it that it isn't.
LARRY
What are you talking about? It's
right outta the movie?
SHELLY
Whose talking about a fuckin' movie?
This ain't a fuckin' movie. This is
my life. This is my house of worship.
You people are shittin' on all that's
sacred to me.
A tense silence ensues. Nicky, Larry and Marty exchange looks.
SHELLY
(tired laugh)
I got just one question? Where you
gonna be when they decide to change
it back? When the people, they come
looking for the real Vegas, from
before all this Epcott Center
bullshit. Who's gonna it give it to
them? You guys? I don't think so.
You know who? The same fucks who
started this shit in the first place.
It's all gonna come full circle and
bite you in the ass. Mark my words.
Shelly falls silent. Massages his forehead. Shit, that wasn't
the way to handle it.
Nicky gets up from the sofa, walks over to Shelly, places a
hand on his shoulder. Shelly flinches, but doesn't pull away.
NICKY
You make some good points, Shelly.
Maybe it'll swing back the other
way, who knows? But the smart money
suggests we roll the dice. I'm not
gonna bullshit you; naturally there's
gonna be a lot of restructuring in
the months to come, but I want you
to know, you'll always have a place
with us.
SHELLY
Where's that? Behind the bar?
MARTY
(laughs)
Behind the bar, that's a good one.
NICKY
I think you should take some time
and think things through. All this,
it's a lot to digest, y'know.
MARTY
Speaking of things to digest, I'm
starving. How's that buffet they got
in the Valley of the Blue Moon? You
recommend their prime rib, Shell?
Shelly stares right through Marty. Choke and die on it,
motherfucker.
SHELLY
It's food.
NICKY
Hey, my arteries can use a workout.
Lead us to the trough, Shell.
Shelly nods at Nicky, then shifts his gaze to Larry. Larry's
all smiles. He steps forward to join them, his hand dropping
down and caressing the surface of Shelly's desk behind him.
A subtle gesture not lost on Shelly. Shelly mentally unloads
a full chamber into Larry's chest. Returns the smile.
INT. CASINO - CRAPS TABLES - NIGHT
As Shelly and the group pass a hot craps table, Nicky is
drawn to it.
NICKY
Wait up a second...
MARTY
I thought we were gonna eat?
Only now do we see Bernie has arrived to cool the table of
its hot shooter -- A LOUD, pudgy, overdressed SUBURBANITE.
Shelly eyes Bernie.
SHELLY
Maybe we wanna play over there. Less
crowded.
NICKY
Nah, let's play here. This is my
lucky table. I always play here.
(to the others)
Go on ahead. I know where to find
you guys.
Shelly signals Bernie to back off. Bernie steps back.
Shelly, Larry and Marty head for the restaurant. Nicky quickly
slaps down some green.
The stickman slides the dice over to the suburbanite who is
shooting. He scuttles the dice. They bounce up over the rail
and spike Nicky on the forehead before dropping back on the
felt. The players chuckle.
STICKMAN
Out! Seven, line away seven...
Nicky rubs his forehead, glares at the suburbanite. He fires
back.
SUBURBANITE
C"mon, pops! What the hell? I coulda
paid my mortgage with the money I
just lost.
Nicky says nothing. The table is quickly cleared by the
dealers. The stickman skips the next shooter and feeds the
dice to Nicky.
SHOOTER
Hey? I'm supposed to be next...
NICKY
File a grievance, shithead.
Suburbanite is still fuming over his loss. Nicky places a
couple hundred on the passline.
STICKMAN
We're coming out. Crap Eleven, any
seven.
Nicky throws in some chips to the center.
NICKY
Hundred dollar big red.
Suburbanite watches as Nicky runs through a lengthy pre-shot
routine. Lots of hand jive and cuff shooting.
SUBURBANITE
Hurry it up, gramps. Your soup's
getting cold.
Nicky throws.
STICKMAN
Crap, Ace Deuce. Line down.
The croupiers takes down the pass line.
SUBURBANITE
Hey, Busketti, maybe you should try
shuffleboard.
Nicky is fed the dice again. Same routine. Nicky just fires
an incendiary look back at the suburbanite.
SUBURBANITE
Uncle Palsy? Shake'em this direction.
Nicky throws.
STICKMAN
Four, hard four. The point is four.
The players make their bets.
SUBURBANITE
Good now throw it before you fucking
keel over and die, old man.
Nicky slowly starts his routine defiantly.
SUBURBANITE
Happy birthday to me. Happy Birthday
to me... Jesus, fuck, I'm another
year older already.
Nicky throws.
STICKMAN
OUT! Seven! Line away.
Nicky claps his hands dealer style -- for effect -- and with
a gentlemanly smile steps back from the table. Nicky's chips
are quickly swept up by the croupier.
SUBURBANITE
Don't take it so hard, pops. Everybody
craps out.
Nicky locks eyes with the suburbanite. Then flashes a smile
that suggests he's going to brush it off. He turns away from
the table...
SUBURBANITE
Now go change your fucking Depends.
Nicky makes like it's all in good jest. Yeah, that's real
cute. He heads around the table to the suburbanite, holds
out his hand as if to say: Hey, no hard feelings. The
suburbanite shrugs. What the fuck? I was just playing with
you, pops. He reaches for Nicky's hand... when Nicky suddenly
headbutts him. Before anyone can react, Nicky starts laying
into the suburbanite. The man goes down and.
Nicky continues pummeling him...
NICKY
Who's laughing now, huh? ya fuckin!
prick! C'mon, crack wise again... Ya
fuckin' smooth as a Ken doll, no-
dick, suburbanite scum. How's that
for a game?!
Shelly alerted to the fracas, rushes back to the table. He
takes immediate control of the situation. Snaps his fingers
at security. The suburbanite is whisked away with a pocketful
of comps and a bruised ego. Shelly takes Nicky aside, attempts
to calm him. Nicky keeps railing at Shelly:
NICKY
That ain't right, Shelly! Guy fucks
up my game like that. Who the fuck
does he think he is?
SHELLY
You're right. He's just a piece of
shit. Forget about him.
NICKY
I thought this joint had more class.
Used to be, we wouldn't even let
bums like that in...
Nicky catches himself. He looks at Shelly for a beat.
There's an unspoken understanding between them. "The good
old days." We see Bernie in the b.g., looking more than a
bit shocked.
INT. THE MAKAWAO BAR AND GRILL - NIGHT
Bernie seated with Natalie.
BERNIE
This town... You know, Natalie, all
I want to do is go some place where
I can tell day from night. Where
they got clocks on the wall. I can't
breathe around here no more. Four
days and I'm gone. I'm not even sure
I can hold out that long.
NATALIE
(a beat)
So where does that leave us?
BERNIE
A week ago, I didn't remember what
it was like to have a woman's hands
on me. I'm still pinching myself,
expecting to wake-up from...
(just blurts it out)
Come with me, Natalie. I want you to
come with me.
NATALIE
God, Bernie, that's...
BERNIE
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spring
that on you.
NATALIE
Bernie... I want to be with you. I
do. But I don't know if I can leave
with you.
Bernie's look: Why?
NATALIE
I was working on a compatibility
chart for the two of us. And it looks
good, really, it does.
BERNIE
So, what's the problem?
NATALIE
That's with us here. In Vegas.
Bernie's expression: Oh.
NATALIE
Maybe I was being presumptuous, 'cause
I knew you were leaving... and I
tried working it in different ways...
It wasn't good, Bernie. I got scared.
But that's just for now, for the
immediate future. Once the planets
realign, maybe a year from now...
BERNIE
Natalie... I can't... Not another
year. Not another week.
A somber mood falls on the table. Bernie reaches for Natalie's
hand. Instead, he knocks the salt over. It spills out in
front of them.
BERNIE
I think... we probably shouldn't see
each other anymore.
NATALIE
Why, Bernie? We only got a couple
days left together. Why not make the
most of them?
BERNIE
(a long beat)
Because if I spend one more night in
your arms, I'm not going anywhere.
NATALIE
And that's so bad?
Bernie just stares at her, shrouded in sadness. Natalie stubs
out her cigarette, rises.
NATALIE
Take care, Bernie.
Bernie casts his eyes to the mound of spilled salt in front
of him. Nods. A few beats later he raises his head...
BERNIE
Natalie, don't...
Gone. A WAITRESS appears.
WAITRESS (O.S.)
Get you another?
BERNIE
(nods)
I think you better bring me the
bottle. Please.
INT. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL AND CASINO/BAR - NIGHT
Once again, we see Bernie's feet limp across the casino floor.
He walks up to the bar, asks for a cup of coffee.
Doris brings it over. Short on the cream again.
He just sips it black. Gloom and doom features. Life sucks.
His master's VOICE sounds over the intercom:
VOICE (V.O.)
Chang, party of fifteen, your table
is ready, Chang party of fifteen.
Bernie looks to Doris. Sighs. Only three more days.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - CRAPS TABLES - NIGHT
He heads for the crap tables, the sound of raucous CHEERING
becomes audible. A large crowd starting to gather.
Bernie noodles his way to the front of the crowd. As soon as
he gets a look at the heavy hitter at the table, he tenses
up.
Oh shit.
It's MIKEY. With Charlene. Charlene is making one hell of a
racket. Playing up her extremely maternal state.
Just then Natalie sidles up to Bernie with the Chivas Regal.
Without thinking about it, he grabs the glass off the tray,
downs it in a single gulp.
CHARLENE
(clutching her tummy)
Come on, Mikey. This is our future.
Don't blow it.
Mikey throws down a bet for the dealer.
MIKEY
Put this on the line for the boys.
The stickman thanks him as they place the bet. Mikey throws
down more money. We can see Mikey has bets all over the table.
MIKEY
With shoes!
STICKMAN
Dealer's got shoes. Hands high, the
dice are out! The point is nine.
CHARLENE
Come on all you's. Put a good thought
in for our baby!
As everyone dotes over Charlene, Mikey quickly swaps the
dice before anyone can see. He throws.
STICKMAN
Six the hard way!
Mikey is paid nine thousand by the croupier, as is Charlene.
Bernie stands frozen. He doesn't bother trying to get any
closer to the table. He knows it'll do no good.
CHARLENE
Oh my god, I just felt him kick! He
knows. He knows you're all pulling
for him. God bless you all.
Natalie looks over at Charlene. Their eyes meet for a second.
It's as though Natalie knows it's a scam and Charlene's
acknowledging it.
Mikey throws again.
STICKMAN
Six the hard way! Look out, we got a
shooter!
Another nine grand. Mikey's rail is nearly full. Charlene
hops around awkwardly causing more distraction.
Bernie is really sweating it out now. Then Shelly arrives.
Larry is hot on his tail.
SHELLY
How much?
BERNIE
Eighteen thousand since I stepped
up. I'm sorry, Shelly, I guess I've
been hit and miss lately.
Shelly's expression tells us he isn't so sure. Something
definitely isn't kosher.
As Charlene chatters on, Mikey switches the dice back.
Shelly makes him.
SHELLY
(sotto)
Fucking amateurs...
Mikey throws...
STICKMAN
Seven out! Line away.
The players and crowd, though disappointed, applaud Mikey's
achievement.
MIKEY
(bowing)
I thank you. My wife thanks you. My
unborn child thanks you.
Mikey moves his rail of chips to the felt.
MIKEY
Color me up will ya?
Larry notices Shelly slipping on a pair of leather gloves.
LARRY
You've gotta be kidding me.
(off Shelly's steely
glare)
That's not how I propose we handle
it. We'll turn the matter over to
the authorities. They'll be
blacklisted, their credit ruined...
SHELLY
(gets in Larry's face)
And then we'll give 'em both a
lollipop for the ride home. Come
watch and learn, Harvard. A little
lesson on how to protect your
investment -- the old school way.
Shelly walks over to Mikey and Charlene, Larry lingering
behind him.
SHELLY
Hey, that was some run you had back
there.
MIKEY
Uh, thanks. Just lucky I guess.
Mikey steals a tense glance at Charlene. She starts to fidget
nervously.
SHELLY
Why don't we go do this in my office?
I don't like to hand out all this
amount of cash on the floor.
Security (Tony and Lou) corrals the couple. Leads them away.
Bernie watches as they pass by. Mikey looks into Bernie's
eyes. They both know he's been made. Natalie doesn't say
anything, just looks at Bernie.
INT. CASINO RECEIVING AREA - NIGHT
Slot machines everywhere -- some on the way out, some on the
way in. Crates of casino supplies.
Bernie rushes in with Natalie behind him. Heading for an
aural beacon of BLOWS landing on flesh... GRUNTING,
PLEADING...
...arriving to find Tony and Lou kicking the shit out of
Mikey on the floor. Charlene lies clutching her belly a few
feet away. Shelly swings a baseball bat, warming up for some
blood sport. Larry watches from the sidelines -- at once
appalled and enthralled.
CHARLENE
Oh my God... I can feel the
contractions coming on...
Bernie rushes over to Shelly...
BERNIE
Shelly, stop them! Don't do this!
SHELLY
Get lost, Bernie, this got nothing
to do with you.
BERNIE
It's got everything to do with me.
He's my son.
Everyone stops dead. Freeze frame. Shelly gets a weird look
in his eye. A fuse has just been lit...
SHELLY
What did you say?
BERNIE
I said, he's my --
SHELLY
Who? This little prick?
Shelly smashes Mikey across the shoulder with the bat.
AARRRGGGGHHH!!! Shelly raises the bat to cream Mikey again...
Bernie grabs Shelly's arm. Shelly shoves him back.
Raises the bat again...
MIKEY
Pop, help me...
BERNIE
Shelly, don't you fucking do it!
Shelly freezes. He lowers the bat, throws it aside. Grabs
Bernie by his collar...
SHELLY
Were you in on this? Jesus, you better
come clean with me.
BERNIE
NO! God, no! I didn't know nothing
about it.
Shelly releases Bernie. There's a strange look in Shelly's
eye. We see the wheels turning...
SHELLY
How much you think their lives are
worth, Bernie? Myself, I don't think
they're worth piss. But, hey, it
ain't my kid...
Bernie sees where Shelly's going with this. We can almost
hear the cell door slamming in his head.
SHELLY
Let me see: they were up almost a
hundred and fifty grand. That's 150
G's someone's gonna have to account
for. What do you say, Bernie, seventy-
five grand a piece?
Bernie glances over at Natalie. She has tears in her eyes.
He looks to Shelly pleadingly. Please don't do this...
SHELLY
Hey, I know you don't have that kind
of cash. But, since you're a friend
of the house, I'm willing to front
you.
BERNIE
Shelly, they didn't get away with
the money... You didn't lose
anything...
Shelly glances over at Lou, nods. Lou kicks Mikey in the
face. His nose snaps like a twig.
BERNIE
Oh Jesus... Yes! All right. It's on
me. 150 G's.
Charlene clutches her belly, moans...
CHARLENE
Oh god, oh god... you gotta get me
to the hospital... contractions...
BERNIE
Shelly, please help her. That's my
grandson...
SHELLY
Hey, why don't we all break out the
champagne? Lootz is about to become
a granddaddy.
(walks over to her)
How you doin' there, sweetheart?
Must hurt like crap, huh?
CHARLENE
(nods)
Hurts so bad...
SHELLY
Yeah?
Suddenly Shelly kicks Charlene in the belly! WHAM! She
screeches out.
NATALIE
Oh God...
BERNIE
Jesus NOOOOO!!!
Even Shelly's goons can't believe what they've just witnessed.
Larry is aghast. Bernie rushes Shelly, starts raining blows
on him. Shelly swats him off. He drops down next to the
squirming girl, rips her sweater and blouse up over her
stomach...
...to reveal a mound of fake padding. He tears the padding
away from her, throws it at Bernie.
SHELLY
Here! It's a fuckin' boy. Anyone got
a cigar?
The muscle start laughing it up. Relief. Larry emits a nervous
giggle. Natalie's jaw hits the floor. Bernie takes a step
back. He's about to go into serious shock. Charlene curls
over, sobbing.
SHELLY
(to Bernie)
You sure you still want to be good
for it? Because if you want to change
your mind, I don't blame you.
Bernie looks over at Mikey. He stares up at his father,
trembling.
MIKEY
I'll make it up to you, Pop, I
swear...
Bernie holds his son's gaze for a beat. He's almost tempted
to... He just shrugs and nods at Shelly.
BERNIE
It's on me.
SHELLY
(shakes his head)
That's the worst fucking call you
ever made in your life.
ON NATALIE at that moment. We can tell she agrees with
Shelly... but thinks all the more of Bernie for it. That
might even be love in her eyes.
Shelly snatches his baseball bat up off the floor. Walks
over to Mikey, and brings it down full force, pulverizing
Mikey's left kneecap. Oh man, the scream...
BERNIE
What are you doing?! I thought we
had --
SHELLY
150 G's buys their lives. This is
just a little slap on the wrist to
remember me by.
Natalie turns her head. She's about to throw up. Larry
watches, unflinchingly. Charlene is making with some serious
pleading now.
CHARLENE
Oh god... it wasn't my idea.
Shelly steps up to Charlene, tapping the base of the bat in
the palm of his hand. He smiles reassuringly at her.
SHELLY
You know, motherhood is a beautiful
thing. This... you made a mockery
out of it. Maybe you'll get to
experience it for real one day.
CHARLENE
(nods, sobbing)
I want... to be a mother... please
don't hurt me...
SHELLY
I'm not going to hurt you.
Shelly turns his back on her. Charlene starts sobbing relief.
They're not going to hurt her. It's going to be all right.
Wrong. Shelly throws the bat to Lou. The heavy steps up to
the plate (as we RACK FOCUS to Shelly walking away) --
CRUNCH!!! followed by the girl's SHRIEKS. Natalie buries her
head in Bernie's shoulder.
SHELLY
(to Tony and Lou)
Get 'em outta here. You ever see
them in this joint again, kill 'em.
SHELLY
(to Bernie and Natalie)
You two, you're still on shift.
Shelly catches Larry's eye: I hope you were taking notes.
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Bernie's seated on the edge of his bed, drowning his sorrows
with a bottle of gin. Moonlight paints him in jail bars of
shadow. Natalie lingers in the b.g.
BERNIE
I did this to myself. I planted the
seed. When Angela took off with Mikey,
I didn't... I never made an effort
to get back in his life. I figured,
the kid don't need a loser for a
father. Now it's all come full circle.
I give him the money, I open the
door to all this... I musta had it
coming. Payback.
Natalie's hand lowers the needle onto the Sinatra record.
"Nice 'n' Easy" starts up.
She walks over to Bernie, takes the bottle away. Helps him
to his feet.
He gives himself over to her reassuring embrace. Natalie
raises Bernie's face to her's.
NATALIE
Bernie, it's a big world out there.
If you just took off -- if we took
off.
Bernie shakes his head. It's too late for that now.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - LATER - NIGHT
Natalie staring up at the ceiling, Bernie nuzzled against
her. Her features appear softer than ever. Luminous in the
moonlight. Realization moist in her eyes.
NATALIE
You awake, Bernie?
He grunts something inaudible.
NATALIE
I -- think I love you.
Bernie tenses up. Huh?
NATALIE
No, I don't think. I'm pretty certain
of it.
Bernie raises his head, not quite sure he heard her right.
Natalie sits up, hugs her knees. Bernie finds himself staring
at her back.
NATALIE
You blind-sided me, Bernie Lootz. I
never saw this coming. You shouldn't
do that to a girl.
Bernie reaches out, caresses her back. She emits a shiver...
NATALIE
There's still things you don't know...
should know... I don't want to ruin
it...
Bernie pulls Natalie back toward him.
BERNIE
It won't make any difference, Natalie.
Whatever you come clean about, I'm
not gonna feel any different about
you. I'd say the words, but with my
luck...
NATALIE
Say 'em anyway. To hell with rotten
luck. That's overs.
BERNIE
(a beat)
I love you, Natalie.
Natalie smothers her lips against Bernie's. He enshrouds her
in his arms. Fade out...
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - DAY
Fade into SOFT FOCUS. Slowing taking form... A CAT'S FACE
seen in extreme close-up.
WIDER -- to reveal the cat resting on Bernie's chest. She
MEOWS as he stirs awake. He's stunned to see her there.
BERNIE
Trixie?
The cat jumps off his chest and slinks over to her empty
food bowl. Meows again. Bernie breaks into a wide smile.
BERNIE
Trix. You came back.
Bernie shields his eyes from the bright sunlight streaming
in through the blinds. Huh? This is a first for him. He's
never gotten direct sunlight in his room before. What's the
deal? Did the world just turn on its axis?
He glances over his shoulder... No Natalie. Just her
impression in the sheets. And a note on her pillow. For a
moment his heart stops. He conjures up the worst. Grabs up
the note, unfolds it.
We see a lipstick kiss and the words: HAVE A SPECTACULAR
DAY!
Bernie lets out a joyful whoop! Leaps out of bed...
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS - DAY
CLOSE-UP: Trixie eating some tuna out of her bowl. We hear
the record player needle drop on "Luck Be A Lady." Cut to:
Bernie's feet gliding around the room... PAN UP to Bernie
dancing with himself. He's positively aglow. He snatches up
a salt shaker and sings along with Sinatra. It's true --
love makes the world go around. It obviously also gives life
to dead plants, as evidenced by the small bulb that has sprung
up overnight above his radiator. But we won't dwell on that.
INT. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL AND CASINO - DAY
Bernie struts into the casino a changed man (still to the
tune of "Luck Be a Lady"). Even his limp seems less pronounced
as he greets fellow workers as they pass.
He catches a glimpse of himself in a wall mirror. Maybe for
the first time, he likes what he sees. In the reflection he
notices Natalie smiling at him. He meets her eyes. She averts
them quickly, keeps walking.
INT. SHELLY'S OFFICE - THAT MOMENT
Shelly watches Bernie from the video monitor. He appears
less than delighted over Bernie's sunny disposition. He picks
up the phone, dials.
SHELLY
(into phone)
Yeah, it's me. Get Bernie over to
crap table six.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - NIGHT
Per usual, Bernie walks up to the bar, asks for a cup of
coffee. Doris slides it over.
BERNIE
(looking around)
Got any cre --
Before he can answer, Doris hands him a container of cream.
A full container. Taken aback, he starts pouring it into his
cup, when he hears a VOICE over the intercom:
VOICE (V.O.)
Lovett, party of six, your table is
ready, Lovett, party of six.
Bernie looks to Doris.
BERNIE
Duty calls.
INT. CASINO - MONTAGE - MOMENTS LATER
A -- Bernie arrives at a hundred dollar blackjack table just
in time for the dealer to bust out. The crowd goes crazy!
B -- Bernie takes a break by leaning up against the side of
a slot machine. Suddenly, the woman playing it hits a jackpot.
C -- Everywhere he seems to go, people continue to win.
D -- Bernie, despite the spooky irony, can't help but smile
as mountains of chips pile up on the tables. Shelly appears
behind him. Not a happy camper. He gestures Bernie to follow
him.
INT. CASINO SLOTS AREA - NIGHT
They head over to a section of slots. As they pass one of
those huge million dollar slots, the FLOOR MANAGER cuts in
front of them.
FLOOR MANAGER
Hey, Shelly, check it out. The new
Mega-Million. I call her Marnie,
'cause she's one frigid broad. Sure,
once in a while she'll flash you a
bit of tit, but your chances of
hitting a home run -- one in twenty
million. Here, give her a shot...
He hands Shelly a cup of quarters, takes off. Shelly looks
to Bernie. He's trying to keep a lid on his anger.
SHELLY
(feeding Marnie
quarters)
You wanna tell me what's going on
out there?
BERNIE
I don't know...
Shelly pulls the lever.
SHELLY
What do you mean...
Marnie immediately spits out a small jackpot.
SHELLY
(reacts with surprise)
What do you mean, you don't know?
We're down almost a mil out there.
Doesn't seem strange to you?
BERNIE
(shrugs)
Guess I'm having an off day.
SHELLY
You don't have off days, Lootz. You're
shitty luck incarnate. What's wrong?
You coming down with something? You've
got this look about you...
Shelly starts feeding Marnie again.
BERNIE
Nothing's wrong. Fact is, I've never
felt better.
SHELLY
What's that supposed to mean?
BERNIE
She loves me, Shelly. She told me
last night. Natalie.
On the mention of Natalie's name, we hear a shrieking SIREN,
followed by a deafening toll of slot bells. Shelly's just
landed the million dollar jackpot. Shelly stares at the slot
in surprise -- then looks over at Bernie. Realization hits
hard. Fuck! The floor manager staggers over. His expression
is priceless.
FLOOR MANAGER
Sweet Jesus... you popped her
cherries.
SEVERAL CASINO WORKERS have gathered to witness the
deflowering of Marnie. They gaze reverently upon her, as if
witnessing the "Close Encounters" mothership for the first
time. Shelly drags Bernie out of earshot.
SHELLY
Natalie? She told you, she loves
you?
Bernie nods, a huge grin wrenching his cheeks apart. He's
about to go helium on us.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - NIGHT
Natalie's serving drinks to a table of high rollers, when
Tony and Lou appear behind her...
INT. SHELLY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
The door to Shelly's office slams behind Natalie. Shelly
glares at her from behind his desk. We see him thumbing his
steel abacus. The beads drifting toward the center. Natalie
shakily lights up a cigarette.
SHELLY
Put that fucking thing out!
Natalie, startled, drops her cigarettes. She kneels to gather
them up.
NATALIE
Sorry.
SHELLY
You should be. You've gone and fucked
it up big time. I paid you to be his
cooze companion, not his fucking
true love. But, no, you had to go
and get all profound on the poor
schmuck.
(mimics female voice)
"I love you, Bernie." You know what
you've gone and done, sweetheart?
Those four little words of endearment
have already cost this casino a
million and counting today.
NATALIE
I don't understand...
SHELLY
(jumps to his feet)
Lady luck. You never heard'a lady
luck?! That's what's goin' on out
there. Lootz is Kryptonite on a stick.
He should have 'em throwing ice cubes
out there, but instead I got a fuckin'
meltdown on my hands.
Shelly walks around his desk to Natalie.
SHELLY
OK, here's what's gonna happen. You're
outta his life by the time he gets
home. Don't even tell him to his
face, just leave a note. I'll make
some calls, situate you at another
joint.
NATALIE
I can't do that.
SHELLY
(right in her face)
Excuse me?
NATALIE
It wasn't an act. I meant it. I love
him.
SHELLY
(close to losing it)
What's there to fuckin' love? He's a
loser. Always has been, always will
be.
NATALIE
I thought you were his friend...
SHELLY
And I thought you were a smart cookie
when I picked you out. You do not
want to fuck me over, darlin'. I'll
see to it that your next John's a
rattlesnake out in the desert. Now
get the fuck outta here.
Natalie rushes from the office in tears. Shelly closes his
eyes for a moment -- gotta keep it together.
INT. SHANGRI-LA CASINO - NIGHT
Bernie approaches some cocktail waitresses about to go off
duty.
BERNIE
Hi. Any of you seen Natalie around?
I'm supposed to give her a ride home.
COCKTAIL WAITRESS #1
I think she left already. She wasn't
feelin' too good. We been covering
for her.
Off Bernie's expression: Oh...
EXT. LUCKY STAR MOTEL - NIGHT
Bernie's Buick pulls into the lot. He parks, heads for his
room.
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Bernie enters. Flips on the light. No Natalie.
BERNIE
(calls to the bathroom)
Natalie? You in there?
No answer. He heads over. Finds it empty. Concern spreads
across his features. He glances around the room. Notices the
closet wide open. Natalie's clothes missing.
BERNIE
(sotto)
Natalie.
That's when he catches sight of the note taped to the dresser
mirror. He rushes over, rips it off.
I'M SORRY BERNIE. I GUESS IT JUST WASN'T IN THE CARDS FOR
US. TAKE CARE, NATALIE.
Bernie slumps to the floor in disbelief. Starts to tremble.
Then rocks back and forth, wracked by stifled sobs. Christ,
make it stop hurting...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - LATER
Bernie seated at the foot of the bed, drinking bourbon from
a solitary glass. He's almost gone through an entire bottle.
He glances down, notices a pair of Natalie's stockings
sticking out from under the bed. He brings them up to his
face. Breathes her in, only to exhale a sorry breath.
INT. SHANGRI-LA CASINO - BAR - NIGHT
Bernie stops at the bar for a cup of coffee. Doris starts to
pour the cream... whoops... empty. Bernie shrugs. Par for
the course. Time to go to work.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - NIGHT
We see Bernie back in top form. Forget Mr. Cool, he's turned
into Mr. Freeze with a vengeance. The high rollers are facing
a nuclear winter on the floor thanks to Bernie.
SERIES
A -- A man with a fresh bankroll sits at a card table full
of hubris. Bernie pulls up a chair next to him.
B -- We see a crowd of players hovering over a busy craps
table. The cheerful congregation turns sour as the dice are
flung. Players groan as they jettison the table, leaving
just Bernie...
C -- We see a dealer pull a six card twenty one as players
sit with twelves and thirteens. They sit stunned as their
money is swept away. The same man with the hefty bankroll
unclips the last of his green. He throws it over to the dealer
to change in.
D -- Larry, roaming the floor, is visibly disturbed by
Bernie's cooling ability. It's something he can't quantify
and it unsettles him. He glances up toward Shelly's
observation window, knows the man is gloating.
Good call. From behind the glass, Shelly lights up a stogey.
Hint of a smile. You go, Bernie.
INT. PARADISE LOUNGE - NIGHT
Johnny Cappella rocks the house. PAN ACROSS to Shelly and
Bernie seated in Shelly's booth. Shelly is in a jovial mood,
while Bernie is a portrait of misery.
BERNIE
I want you to tell me the truth,
Shelly. Did you say something to
Natalie? Did you muscle her --
SHELLY
Jesus, Bernie, is that what you think
of me? That I would fuck with your
happiness? That hurts.
Bernie shrugs an apology, shifts his gaze to Johnny Cappella.
BERNIE
This guy's all flash. No soul. I
miss Buddy. Place isn't the same
without him.
SHELLY
Buddy was tired. I gave him an easy
out. It coulda been a lot worse...
BERNIE
(confused)
You gave him an easy out? What are
you talkin' about? I thought he...
Shelly looks almost... tortured. Something he needs to get
off his chest.
SHELLY
He woulda never taken the buy-out
offer. Buddy woulda stuck to his
guns, no matter what. And they woulda
ended up hurting him. I couldn't let
that happen.
BERNIE
Jesus... you... How can you sit here
and justify it? Like you were Dr.
Kevorkian or something?
SHELLY
Listen to me, you dumb fuck -- I
loved that sonofabitch. But his time
was up. What I was supposed to do,
leave him to those corporate wolves?
What I did, it was the humanitarian
thing. That I have no doubt about.
Afterwards, I held him in my arms
and I cried like a fucking baby.
What? You got this look -- what's
this fucking look?
Off Bernie's shocked expression --
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Bernie sits watching TV, a bottle of Ten High next to him on
the bed. Same religious channel. This time it's a mass baptism
taking place on some river bank. He's about to doze off,
when he hears a light rapping on the door. He cocks his head,
not sure if it's the booze talking.
Bernie throws open the door --
Natalie standing there. A lonely angel framed in the doorway.
Suitcase at her feet. 24 carat tears glistening in the dark.
They just stare at each other for an extended beat. Then
Natalie stumbles into Bernie's arms. Clingwraps herself to
him. Bernie squeezes his eyes closed. Holds on for dear life.
It's a different kind of pain now; one that hurts so good.
ANGLE ON NATALIE
from over Bernie's shoulder. There's a bittersweet look about
her. Nothing good can come of this. But that's tomorrow. A
long ways off.
INT. BERNIE'S BEDROOM - LATER
Bernie and Natalie lie in each other's arms. Bernie seems at
ease. Natalie eyeballs the ceiling, smoke wisping up from a
cigarette.
NATALIE
Bernie? You awake?
BERNIE
Yeah.
NATALIE
Let's just take off.
Bernie looks over at her.
NATALIE
I mean it. Let's just pack up and
go. Tonight.
BERNIE
(closes his eyes)
I can't do that. I've got an
obligation to Shelly. There's no --
NATALIE
Fuck Shelly. He doesn't give a shit
about you. Let's just climb into
your car and get the hell out of
here.
Bernie cuts her off.
BERNIE
I can't do that, Natalie. They'd
come after me. And because you were
with me... I wouldn't want that on
me.
Natalie finishes her cigarette. Well, she's made her bed.
Bernie starts nuzzling her. She turns away.
NATALIE
Just hold me.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - DAY
Shelly looking on as a high roller cleans up at craps. With
Bernie standing right there next to the guy.
Which only seems to make it worse, as Bernie's presence spurs
the player on to an even bigger win.
Bernie has that goofy "my heart is full" look about him.
Which can mean only one thing in Shelly's book. The man looks
about ready to split an atom. We see Larry hovering nearby
with a smug grin. Off of Shelly's enraged expression...
EXT. LUCKY STAR MOTEL - DAY
Lou's black Oldsmobile pulls into the parking lot. Shelly
and the boys climb out, head for...
EXT. THE MOTEL COURTYARD - DAY
Natalie's sunning herself at the pool. The only other people
around are a middle-aged couple and a young boy.
Shelly (slipping on his leather gloves), followed by Lou and
Tony, strides purposefully up to Natalie -- no hellos, nothing --
just grabs her by the hair...
NATALIE
Hey! Ouch! What are you...?
He drags Natalie over to Bernie's room, kicks the door open,
shoves Natalie inside...
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - DAY
Shelly throws Natalie onto the bed. Lou closes the door and
draws the blinds.
NATALIE
You got no fucking right...!
SHELLY
What did I tell you?! What did I
fuckin' tell you?!
NATALIE
I tried... I couldn't...
SHELLY
I don't give a fuck!
Shelly heads over to the closet, rips it open, pulls out a
suitcase. He starts throwing Natalie's clothes into the case.
SHELLY
You're gone, sweetheart. History.
Kiss paradise goodbye.
NATALIE
(hysterical)
I can't leave! I won't! I love him.
Doesn't that mean anything to you,
you heartless fuck?
Shelly stops packing. He grabs Natalie up off the bed, starts
smacking her around.
SHELLY
Who the fuck do you think you are?
You ain't nobody! I could make you
disappear like this...
(snaps his fingers)
And nobody would ever notice you
were gone. Nobody!
NATALIE
(yells)
Bernie would! I got friends! You
don't fuckin' own me. You got no
right --
Shelly lifts Natalie up, throws her across the room into the
dresser mirror. SMASH! She crumbles to the floor, glass
showering her. Natalie grabs up a shard, rushes Shelly with
it...
NATALIE
Fuck you!
She slashes Shelly across the arm. Ouch, fuck! Before Tony
and Lou can make a move, Shelly ensnares her wrist -- snaps
it backwards -- AARRRRGGHHH!!! Shelly snatches up the shard,
shoves her back on the bed. We see her terror reflected in
the jagged glass against her cheek...
SHELLY
You fuckin' cunt...
He slices her cheek open.
Tony and Lou look on with mutual expressions: Shelly's getting
a little carried away here.
Shelly staggers to his feet...
SHELLY
You think that's bad? That's just a
taste, bitch. You're still here when
Bernie gets home and I'll finish the
job. I'll cut you into so many fuckin'
pieces, the vultures'll be trading
on you for a month.
Shelly reaches into his jacket, pulls out a wad of bills.
Throws them at Natalie.
SHELLY
Here... go get yourself some cosmetic
surgery.
Shelly gestures to Tony and Lou. They exit the room, leaving
Natalie sobbing into one of Bernie's pillows.
EXT. LUCKY STAR MOTEL - NIGHT
Bernie parks. Heads for his room. He's about to reach for
his key, when he realizes the door is slightly ajar. He pushes
his way into...
INT. BERNIE'S MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
...darkness.
BERNIE
Natalie.
Bernie fumbles for the light switch...
NATALIE (O.S.)
No, don't. I've got a headache.
BERNIE
(closing the door)
Did you take something? I got some
aspirin in the --
NATALIE
Yeah. I already took something.
There's just enough moonlight in the room for Bernie to make
out Natalie curled over on the bed. As he approaches, he
trips over Natalie's suitcase on the floor.
BERNIE
Ouch!
He cuts himself on a splinter of shattered glass as he
staggers to his feet. Which draws his attention to the mirror.
Moonlight glows off the edges. That's all there is -- edges.
On the dresser: his bottle of Ten High. Empty.
Confused, Bernie fumbles his way over to Natalie on the bed.
BERNIE
Natalie, what happened? The mirror...
He reaches out to touch her face... instead his hand makes
contact with a lump.
BERNIE
Natalie.
He jerks back, flips on the nightstand lamp.
NATALIE
Bernie, no! Shit...
Bernie chokes at the sight of her. She clutches a bloody rag
to her cheek. Blood on the pillow... blood on the sheets...
And tears.
BERNIE
Oh Jesus... Natalie, who did this to
you? We need to call the police...
NATALIE
I love you, Bernie. I just want you
to know that. I fell in love with
you. That wasn't part of the plan. I
thought... easy money...
BERNIE
What are you saying?
NATALIE
Shelly. He paid me to get next to
you. To keep you around. Whatever it
took...
BERNIE
(a whisper)
Shelly?
NATALIE
You got it right the first night. I
was for sale. Bought and paid for.
You were the easy mark, Bernie.
Bernie slumps down on the edge of the bed. Sucker-punched.
Trying to make sense of it.
NATALIE
At first you were just another John.
But then I started to take a closer
look. For the first time, here was
someone who wasn't trying to hustle
me. Wasn't pretending to be somebody
he wasn't. Just a decent guy trying
to get back on track. And it didn't
hurt any that you put me up on a
pedestal. It sure puts the gutter
into perspective...
BERNIE
(still in disbelief)
Shelly...
NATALIE
Shelly wants me gone. He says I bring
you luck. Lady luck. I stayed... to
tell you to your face... and then
you wouldn't want me no more... and
I could just go...
Bernie stands shakily.
BERNIE
We gotta get you to the hospital.
We'll talk about this later.
NATALIE
Just tell me one thing, Bernie. Tell
me there's gonna be a later.
Bernie doesn't answer her.
INT. HOSPITAL - EMERGENCY ROOM WAITING AREA - NIGHT
FADE IN on Bernie's hunched over figure, waiting on Natalie.
He tugs at his car keys as he wrestles with his emotions.
Natalie's betrayal has finally sunken in. The man's in pain.
His natural instinct is to just take off. Run. Fuck Natalie.
Fuck Shelly. Fuck this whole goddamn town.
Suddenly he looks up. A couple of people pass by in front of
him... and then there she is. Standing a few feet away, face
patched-up, arms clutching herself, not sure whether to
approach him or not.
The sight of her just breaks Bernie's heart. He stands slowly,
legs like jelly -- and in that instant it's all so clear to
him. He walks over, forgiveness in his eyes, contrition in
hers.
She tries to say something. He shakes his head.
BERNIE
Ssshh.
They embrace with an intensity that threatens to merge their
atoms into a single being.
INT. BERNIE'S CAR - MOVING - NIGHT
Bernie drives down a quiet Vegas street. It's spooky.
Almost too quiet. All the lights are green as they cruise
into the night.
NATALIE
Tell me again, Bernie. Tell me it's
all gonna be okay.
BERNIE
Everything's gonna be fine. This is
our time. This is you and me and
we're going for it.
Natalie leans over and kisses him. As she does so, she catches
sight of her face in the mirror. Starts to tear up.
BERNIE
You look in the mirror, you don't
like what you see, don't believe it.
You look in my eyes. That's the only
mirror you gonna need. Look in my
eyes, Natalie.
She looks into Bernie's eyes. Sees the most beautiful girl
in the world. Tears roll down her cheeks.
BERNIE
I love you. Marry me?
Off Natalie's startled reaction...
CUT TO:
EXT. HOLY ROLLER WEDDING CHAPEL - NIGHT
A NEON SIGN READS: "HOLY ROLLER WEDDING CHAPEL. OPEN 24
HOURS."
BOOM DOWN as Bernie carries Natalie out of the chapel, their
lips fused together.
INT. BERNIE'S CAR - MOVING - NIGHT
Bernie and Natalie burn down the highway. The lights of the
big city just a glimmer in the rearview.
Up ahead, a billboard reads: THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL AND CASINO.
TAKE A GAMBLE ON PARADISE.
TIGHT on Bernie. His expression turns grim. Natalie picks up
on it. She shakes her head. Silently pleading: Bernie, no.
Bernie tries to shrug it off. But the spectre of Shelly sits
firmly on his shoulder. There's no escaping him. We see Bernie
fighting it. Losing. SHIT!
In the next instant, Bernie pulls a quick U-turn across the
middle shoulder, starts back toward Vegas.
EXT. CASINO PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Bernie pulls into the parking lot. Kills his lights.
INT. BERNIE'S BUICK - NIGHT
Bernie reaches for the door. Natalie grabs his arm.
NATALIE
You don't have to do this, Bernie.
BERNIE
Yeah, I do. I have to tell him right
to his face. I will not look over my
shoulder for the rest of my life --
our lives.
NATALIE
Bernie, your chart... that first
night. I wasn't being straight with
you. It's the worst chart I've ever
seen. There's nothing in the cards
for you. I'm scared...
BERNIE
Don't you see, that was before you
opened your heart to me. Everything's
different now. I got lady luck on my
side. Ain't nothing gonna happen to
me.
Natalie shakily opens her purse, pulls out a handful of
hundreds. Pushes the money at Bernie...
NATALIE
It's three thousand dollars. Take
it. Maybe Shelly'll accept it as a
down payment. We can send him the
rest in installments... after we get
settled.
BERNIE
I don't think --
NATALIE
Take it.
Bernie stuffs the cash in his jacket. Climbs out.
BERNIE
Whatever happens, I --
NATALIE
(abrupt)
I know, Bernie.
She turns away. Stares out the window, tears streaming down
her cheeks.
NATALIE
(sotto; gentle)
I know.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - NIGHT
Bernie makes for the Paradise Lounge. SPLIT SECOND FLASHBACK
as he imagines Shelly laying into Natalie. Fast cuts.
Reverberating sound echoes. Just the fuel Bernie needs to
make his stand. By the time he arrives at
INT. PARADISE LOUNGE - NIGHT
He's practically foaming at the mouth with rage. He barges
in to find Shelly at a table in agitated conversation with
Nicky, Larry and Marty. They fall silent, realizing something
is wrong.
SHELLY
Bernie, what's the matter? You look
a little fucking spooked.
Bernie throws something in Shelly's face. It's that bloody
rag Natalie was holding to her cheek. It lands on the table
in front of everyone.
Shelly swats it away with disgust. Jumps to his feet. WHAM!
Bernie slugs him one. As Shelly doubles over, Bernie gets in
his face.
BERNIE
You lay another finger on her, I
swear to God I'll kill you. You hear
me? I'll fuckin' kill you!
Shelly's goons quickly move in, grab Bernie. Drag him away.
Shelly composes himself, turns to his guests.
SHELLY
Will you excuse me for a moment?
He rushes off. Nicky shoots Larry a resigned look.
INT. SHELLY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Lou shoves Bernie inside. Bernie kisses floor. Shelly strides
past, leans against his desk. Bernie slowly drags himself to
his feet.
BERNIE
(a hoarse whisper)
Why? Why, Shelly?
SHELLY
Because you never give up a good
thing, Bernie. You are a good thing.
The best fuckin' cooler there ever
was. And I need him back.
BERNIE
He ain't never comin' back.
SHELLY
That's a dead man talking.
BERNIE
I'm through with this joint, Shelly.
Natalie and me, we just got married.
We're outta here. I'll get a job out
there in the world. Send you half my
paycheck every month. Make good on
my obligations.
SHELLY
(gets in Bernie's
face)
You try to walk on me, Bernie, and
I'll fuckin' bury you. The both of
you.
BERNIE
I don't think so.
Shelly's expression: Oh yeah?
BERNIE
You whack me, then Bernie Lootz ain't
the world's biggest loser no more.
That honor's gonna fall upon you,
Shelly. And maybe you had it all
along.
SHELLY
What the fuck? Me? I'm the loser?
BERNIE
What you got? What do you got in
your life besides this joint?
SHELLY
What the fuck more do I need?
BERNIE
You got nothin', Shelly. This place --
your legacy -- it's a mirage. You
turn your back and it don't even
exist. There's no day, there's no
night, it's all just one big fuckin'
blur and it don't count for nothin'!
Shelly looks to Tony and Lou:
SHELLY
You believe this fuckin' guy?
Bernie gets eye-to-eye with Shelly. A first.
BERNIE
I feel real sorry for you. Yeah, you
got this fear of germs thing. But it
goes deeper than that. You can't get
close to no one. On an emotional
level. You're the worst kind of
gambler there ever was: too scared
to put his chips on the table. Too
scared to open his heart... to extend
any real kinda friendship. Always
afraid it's gonna end out in the
desert. Well, sweet fuckin' dreams,
pal, 'cause I'm out and if that's
where it ends, that's where it ends.
Bernie turns his back on Shelly, strides over to the door.
SHELLY
That's a real heartfelt speech, Lootz.
All that Jimmy Stewart in ya face
intensity. You almost sold me.
(massages his throat)
Man, I've got a fucking lump in my
throat.
(a beat)
But it still don't change things.
You bail on me without making good
on my 150 G's and I'm gonna be forced
to close the books on you. You and
the broad. You leave me no choice.
Bernie turns, looks at Shelly. Shelly's dead serious. They
hard stare each other for a beat. Bernie doesn't say anything.
At least, not out loud. His eyes do all the talking: "I guess
you leave me no choice either." HOLD on Bernie's steely
resolve.
INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT
This could be the opening of the film -- Bernie standing
with his back to us, facing the gold elevator doors. Murky
reflection. The floor lights ascending fast...
The doors open and the soundtrack goes SILENT. SLOW PUSH IN
on him as he takes in the action -- a gladiator about to
enter the Coliseum. Something comes alive in his eyes. A
spark of determination. This is not the expression of a loser.
CLOSE-UP as his foot steps onto the casino floor --
An explosion of amplified CASINO WALLA shatters the previous
silence.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - NIGHT
We follow Bernie as he wanders through the casino like he's
done a thousand times -- but this time with conviction.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - CRAPS TABLES - NIGHT
Bernie steps up to an empty table, throws down the whole
three grand onto the felt.
BERNIE
Change only...
The CREW working the table stop down as they realize who it
is. The table is dead. Bernie couldn't be needed. The croupier
slowly gathers up the green, hands it to the boxman.
CROUPIER
Check change three thousand.
The boxman counts the cash.
BOXMAN
This a pleasure cruise, Bernie?
BERNIE
You could say that.
BOXMAN
Well, it'll be a short one. Table's
dead.
CROUPIER
It is now, anyway.
The others chuckle. The boxman counts out the chips; they're
given to Bernie. He places them all on the passline.
The stickman pushes over the dice. Bernie picks a couple.
He throws....
STICKMAN
Yo Eleven! Pay the line.
Bernie picks up his three thousand dollars in winnings. He
lets it ride. The table quickly fills up with hungry players.
Bernie throws the dice again...
STICKMAN
Winner seven!
Bernie is now paid six thousand dollars on his pass line
bet.
The other players also collect their winnings. They can feel
something in the air.
Bernie, forehead beaded with sweat, rubs the felt a little
before he picks up the dice. He throws...
STICKMAN
Six easy. Easy way six!
Bernie takes double odds on his bet. The boxman isn't sure
what to do. Does he stop him? Does he dare?
In the b.g., people gather to watch the action. Whatever it
is, it's catching. The table next to them bursts into
applause.
INT. CASINO FLOOR � MONTAGE - NIGHT
A -- Close on a slot machine as it pays out. The woman grabs
the payout feverishly.
B -- A group at the blackjack table cheers as the dealer
busts out.
C -- The line at the cashier cage gets longer and longer.
-- CHIPS. Stacks and stacks of chips, being meticulously
counted.
D -- A quick shot of a roulette ball dropping into number
twenty-one. The dealer slowly puts the marker atop a large
stack of chips in the twenty-one square.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - CRAPS TABLES - NIGHT
A shot of the faces of frenzied dice players waiting for the
outcome of the throw. Followed by a thunderous release as
the point is made.
In the center of it all. Bernie Lootz. His rail is nearly
full of chips. The other players pat him on the back and
shake his hand as the croupiers busily pay the line.
He's a winner. And it's infectious. He's gone and
"contaminated" the entire casino. The slots are ringing out
of control. CHEERING. WHOOPING. MOANS of delight. This much
excitement threatens to take the fucking roof off.
Bernie just gazes around in amazement. If only Natalie could
see him now...
BERNIE
(sotto)
Natalie... this is you...
Bernie takes a thousand dollars in chips, tosses it gently
to the croupier.
BERNIE
For the boys.
The entire crew stop for a moment out of respect. Bernie
notices. They all nod as the boxman locks up the tip money.
STICKMAN
Okay, we're coming out. Get your YO
bets, C&E, any seven...
INT. SHELLY'S OFFICE - THAT MOMENT - NIGHT
Shelly sits alone in his office, nursing a glass of Scotch,
listening to some scratchy Chet Baker on the turntable. He
looks pre-occupied. Almost melancholic. Bernie's assessment
of his life having hit home.
Suddenly the door is thrown open. It's Tony...
TONY
Shelly, take a look at number 4.
INT. CASINO - CRAPS TABLES - MOMENTS LATER
Shelly wanders up slowly to find Bernie at the center of the
crowd. He steps behind the table into the casino pit to get
a closer look.
SHELLY
(to the boxman)
How much is he up?
The boxman looks up nervously.
BOXMAN
Around three hundred thousand.
Shelly mouths the words under his breath.
SHELLY
Why didn't one of you fucking geniuses
call me?
BOXMAN
We tried. You weren't picking up.
Besides, it was Bernie.
The game resumes.
STICKMAN
Alright. We're coming out folks,
hands high...
Bernie stops.
BERNIE
Wait!
Everybody quiets down to listen.
BERNIE
Color me up a hundred fifty thousand.
(beat)
And give it to him.
Bernie points to Shelly standing in the pit. The crowd watches
the drama play out.
BERNIE
That's what I owe you, Shelly. There
it is. We're square.
(to the table)
Let it be known, Bernie Lootz lives
up to his obligations.
The boxman colors up a hundred fifty thousand in chips, lays
them out on the table. He counts it and claps his hands
together for the cameras.
BOXMAN
One hundred fifty thousand, coming
in.
Shelly stands motionless. Staring into Bernie's eyes. The
whole crowd watches. After what seems like an eternity, Shelly
nods. Then the Boxman feeds the chips in with the others. A
moment later, we can nary tell they were ever gone.
Larry appears next to Shelly. Nicky and Marty watching from
the sidelines -- dour expressions.
LARRY
What's the matter with you? He's one
of ours and he's taking us to the
fucking cleaners.
SHELLY
Lootz's off the clock. As long as
he's off the clock, he's free to
play. Just like every other schmuck
in this joint.
LARRY
It smells wrong. I'm shutting him
down. He's not leaving here with a
dime --
Shelly suddenly jabs Larry in the throat with the tips of
his fingers. Larry gasps, starts to cave. Shelly keeps him
upright, escorts him to a nearby men's room. Nicky and Marty
looking on in amazement.
INT. MEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
The door flies open, Larry catapults into frame. OOF!
Bounces off the wall. Shelly's right behind him. He drags
Larry to his feet. Slams him into the wall again -- gets
right up in his face.
SHELLY
Now you listen real good, you Harvard
turd. Lootz is on the up-and-up. He
leaves here tonight with whatever he
comes out with. You so much as touch
a hair on his head and I'll fucking
wallpaper this joint with your ass.
Muted tones, right?
(slams him hard)
What's that? I don't hear nothing.
Wait a minute -- yeah, now I hear
it.
Blended in at a subsonic level.
Some kinda mantra: pain, pain, pain.
Shelly headbutts Larry. It's like the sound of a walnut
cracking. Larry slumps to the floor. Shelly takes a deep
breath. Control, control, control. He heads over to the sink,
washes his hands -- over and over. Larry moaning in the b.g.
Shelly adjusts his tie in the mirror. Control.
INT. CASINO FLOOR - CRAPS TABLES - NIGHT
Shelly exits the men's room, makes his way back to the craps
table where Bernie is. Just in time to see Bernie lay twenty
five grand on the pass line. A waitress hands a drink off to
Bernie. He takes a healthy swig. Then picks up the dice.
Throws.
STICKMAN
Crap ace deuce! Line down!
The crowd gasps in horror as Bernie's twenty five grand is
quickly raked in. He replaces it with another stack of chips.
The dice are pushed over to him. He rubs the felt real gently
before throwing. Then lets loose the dice.
All eyes follow the dice. They hit the felt and bounce around
behind a stack of chips. The stickman can't spot them.
STICKMAN
Call it.
A croupier makes the call as anxious players rubberneck to
get a look.
CROUPIER
Twelve crap.
The crowd groans again. It appears the streak is over.
Bernie looks out over the felt. This is his moment of truth.
He unloads his entire rail and puts it on the field.
He yells out.
BERNIE
Fifty thousand dollars!
The crowd chimes in with every opinion under the sun.
MAN (O.S.)
On the field? What're you fucking
nuts?
WOMAN (O.S.)
Don't do it!
MAN 2 (O.S.)
Shake it, don't break it, baby!
The dice are slowly pushed over to Bernie. The crowd is
feeling it. The entire casino is feeling it. Bernie lets out
a long soulful sigh. His whole life depends on the next throw
and everyone knows it.
Bernie rubs the felt as usual and lines up the dice to show
a six and a six. He picks them up.
BERNIE
Come on sixty-six!
Locks eyes with Shelly -- then lets loose. The dice fly from
his hand. Slowly, ever so slowly we watch them sail across
the table. The entire table holds their breath in
anticipation...
CUT TO:
EXT. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL AND CASINO - MOMENTS LATER - NIGHT
Bernie throws open the doors, stumbles out. His limp seems
more pronounced. He wears a miserable expression.
At the car Bernie steps up. Opens the door, slides in behind
the wheel.
INT. BERNIE'S CAR - NIGHT
Natalie throws her arms around him...
NATALIE
Thank God... I thought for sure...
Bernie just looks at her. Pale, mournful features.
NATALIE
It's okay, right? You guys worked it
out. He took the three grand? Tell
me it's okay, Bernie?
He doesn't answer. Just starts up the car...
INT. SHELLY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
On the surveillance monitors: the epidemic continues --
players winning at every table. The Shangri-la's been wiped
out. There's no way they can cover this amount of winning
action.
PANNING ACROSS to Shelly. Defeated. The phone rings
incessantly in the b.g. Shelly ignores it.
Lou pokes his head into the office:
LOU
Want me to get that, Shelly?
Shelly doesn't respond. He reaches into his desk drawer for
that bottle and a glass. Is about to pour himself a shot...
Fuck it. Pushes the glass aside. Takes it straight from the
bottle. The phone keeps ringing...
On the scale model of the newly proposed Shangri-la. Hold on
it.
WHAM! A chair enters frame, shatters "paradise."
WIDER: Shelly trashing the model with a vengeance. Kicking
the debris around the office.
Drenched in sweat, Shelly staggers over to his desk. Swats
the empty gin bottle to the floor. Picks up his disinfectant
spray, gives his desk one last wipedown. Immaculate.
Stands, walks out...
INT. BERNIE'S CAR - MOVING - NIGHT
We see the lights of the city receding in Bernie's rearview
mirror. Once outside of the city limits Bernie pulls the car
over.
NATALIE
What are you stopping for?
Bernie throws open his door...
BERNIE
I think I'm gonna...
Throw up. And he does. It's as if he's choking up the entire
city. Everything that's bad about it. Finally, he pulls
himself back into the car. Slams the door.
Natalie touches his cheek, a reassuring look in her eyes.
Suddenly, he's smiling. He opens his coat and a huge wad of
cash tumbles out. He throws it up into the air. Natalie almost
chokes with surprise.
BERNIE
Bahamas, here we come, baby.
She throws her arms around him...
Suddenly an EXPLOSION OF LIGHT! A flashlight. In the hand of
a MOTORCYCLE COP. He raps on the window...
COP
Step out of the car please.
BERNIE
(lowers the window)
What's the problem, officer?
The cop runs the flashlight over the bundles of cash littering
the car interior.
COP
Just step out of the car, please.
Both of you.
Bernie and Natalie exchange unsettled looks. The cop lowers
his hand to his gun. Bernie nods at Natalie. They climb out.
He directs them off to the side. Shines his light in their
faces.
BERNIE
If my driving... if I was going a
little fast -- I was just over
excited, officer. See, we just
had a big win at the Shangri-la --
COP
You didn't win nothing.
The cop pulls out his revolver, trains it on them.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. SHANGRI-LA UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE - NIGHT
Shelly opens the door to his Cadillac. Climbs behind the
wheel. His keys are already waiting in the ignition. Who's
gonna steal Shelly Kaplow's car, right?
Shelly doesn't start her up. He just leans back in his seat,
emits a deep sigh. He glances up at the rearview mirror.
Catches sight of a SILHOUETTE in the back.
INTERCUT WITH:
EXT. VEGAS HIGHWAY - NIGHT
Bernie and Natalie staring into the barrel of the cop's
revolver. Natalie clutches Bernie's arm. Bernie nods. So
there you have it.
NATALIE
Oh Jesus, Bernie, I knew it. It was
too good to be true. Who were we
kidding?
COP
Get down on your knees. Both of you.
They look at him in shock. He gestures them to the ground
behind Bernie's car. We CUT TO a shot from the highway: just
the cop standing at the tail-end of Bernie's car, Natalie
and Bernie hidden from view.
ON BERNIE AND NATALIE
down on their knees. Bernie places his arm around Natalie,
pulls her close to him. Paralyzed with terror, she still
manages a bittersweet smile.
Bernie should be projecting fear, but there's nothing but
his overwhelming love for Natalie in his eyes. It's a two
way current.
This is their last moment together; everything that needs to
be said is being transmitted through a look. A look that
says: no regrets.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. SHELLY'S CADILLAC - NIGHT
Nicky leans forward out of the shadows. Shelly holds his
gaze in the mirror. Nicky just shrugs.
NICKY
The kid wants you should know, Shelly,
he's just protecting our investment --
the old school way. See you around.
Shelly nods. He knows the score... A flash of steel appears
against his head. Muzzle strobe -- THUP! So long, Shelly
Kaplow.
EXT. VEGAS HIGHWAY - NIGHT
The cop looms over Bernie and Natalie. Cocks his pistol.
Lowers the gun to the back of Bernie's head.
They appear oblivious to it. They're already in another place.
Sunning themselves in the Bahamas.
The cop squeezes back the trigger.
ON BERNIE AND NATALIE
still looking at each other. Suddenly the piercing shriek of
SCREECHING TIRES... followed by a reverberating, bone
crunching --
WHAM! -- and a GUNSHOT.
Bernie and Natalie still staring into each other's eyes, not
quite sure what's just transpired. Only that they're still
breathing. They look around, startled to see the tail lights
of a PICK-UP TRUCK about ten yards away. The cop, their would-
be assassin, rendered road kill beneath the wheels.
All this in the blink of an eye.
Natalie clutches Bernie's arm. Suppresses a hysterical, shock-
induced giggle. Bernie just looks dumbfounded. He staggers
to his feet, rushes over to the pick-up truck. The driver's
head is protruding through the shattered windshield.
Death-glazed eyes.
Bernie feels for the man's pulse just to be sure. Shakes his
head. We see a dozen Coors empties on the seat and floor of
the truck.
Natalie checks the cop. Likewise. Bernie comes over. They
regard each other breathlessly.
BERNIE
He was drunk. It was just freak
luck...
(catches himself...)
NATALIE
Don't give it a name, Bernie. It
scares me. All I know is, you're
still running hot and that's a good
thing. But we're only winners if we
keep going. No looking back.
BERNIE
Lady luck, Natalie. I'm calling it.
Lady luck. And we got it as long as
we're together. They can't touch us
now.
He kisses her furiously. Then drags her over to his car.
They climb in. Drive off.
EXT. VEGAS HIGHWAY/INT. BERNIE'S BUICK - DAWN
Bernie's Buick racing into the sunrise. Racing toward the
dream. Bernie, eyes fixed on the road ahead, with the
contented smile of a man who has gambled on love -- and won.
His prize, resting her head against his shoulder.
The money, well, that ain't half bad as well. A smoky, trumpet
driven Chet Baker-like piece accentuates the triumphant mood
on the soundtrack, as we SUPERIMPOSE...
INT. PARADISE LOUNGE - NIGHT
...a little flash-forward into the future. Larry sits with a
group of CORPORATE TYPES.
LARRY
Gentlemen...
(beat)
I thank you for your vote of
confidence. As the Shangri-la's new
Director of Casino Operations, I'm
gonna make a personal guarantee to
each and every one of you. Your
investment in this casino will be
well looked after. The future looks
bright, gentlemen. Very, very bright.
They raise their glasses to him. Congenial smiles, one and
all. Smiles that don't transcend to their eyes. Promises,
promises. We'll see... DISSOLVING BACK INTO...
INT. BERNIE'S CAR - MOVING - DAWN
STARTING TIGHT on BERNIE and NATALIE speeding away from Sin
City, PULLING OUT and RISING above them (helicopter shot) as
we SUPERIMPOSE stock footage of all the old school casinos
being demolished. As we leave Vegas in the past... a Shangri-
la lost forever. Eulogized by Sinatra's LUCK BE A LADY.
FADE OUT.
THE END
