Croupier Page #5

JACK:

Yes, I know that.

JACK SR.

Don't let yourself down.

JACK:

I won't. Goodbye, dad.

JACK hangs up.

INT. PHONE BOOTH - DAY

Stubbing out his cigarette, JACK SR. leaves the booth. We

now see where he is. A beach bar in South Africa. He walks

to the bar and....goes behind it, slipping on his barman's

jacket. A WOMAN in dark mirror glasses and a bathing suit

is waiting.

JACK SR.

(smiles)

Sorry to keep you. What'll you

have?

INT. JACK'S SITTING ROOM - DAY

JACK, disturbed by the call, pours himself a vodka. He

looks at what he's written: 'THE BALL... A NOVEL BY...

JACK MANFRED.'

JACK'S VOICE

Jack knew something was wrong.

He'd forgotten Giles' advice. Giles

said three words.

JACK inserts a word in the title. It now reads: 'ON THE

BALL'. JACK drinks. After a moment...

JACK'S VOICE

JACK'S VOICE No. Jack knew it still

wasn't quite right...

He types:
'IN THE BALLS'. Then, on reflection, deletes 'IN

THE'. Through the iron bars JACK watches feet pass on the

street above. A drunk drops a beer can over. The can falls

in SLOW MOTION but the clatter is loud.

DRUNK'S VOICE

I want to f*** the whole world

over.

INT. CASINO - DAY

Reception area. The CAMERA turns around the fake glitz of

the interior:
brass, drapes, polished wood, mirrors, and

moves towards the front door.

JACK'S VOICE

Welcome back Jack... to the house

of addiction.

The door opens. Against a blaze of street daylight, JACK'S

silhouette appears. The CAMERA moves forward to greet him.

JACK removes his wristwatch.

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