Idiot's Delight Page #2

Come on, next act. Strike the orchestra.

They're deliberately trying to ruin us.

Excuse me, Mr. Van.

Clear the stage.

Let's get out of here.

Ready Fellara ? Take it away.

Who do you suppose hollered to Zuleika from the wings ?

I don't know. Probably the ghost of

P.T. Barnum trying to help out a pal.

What's gonna happen to you now, Harry ?

She'll have a fine hangover tomorrow,

then she'll take the pledge and swear

she'll never take another drink so help her.

Then next week in Little Rock

she'll feel another cold coming on

and it'll be the same thing all over again.

Then one day you'll look at the billboard

and see "Harry Van at Liberty, Again".

That's show business.

Yes, yes, the gay, carefree world of entertainment.

Come on, old lady.

Good night, Harry.

Good night, Jim. Good night, Mumpo. Be a good girl.

Well, what can I do for you ?

If it's an autograph, I'm sorry.

I never learned how to read or write.

No, I'm not collecting autographs, Mr. Van.

I have something rather important to tell you.

What is it, babe ?

Do you mind if I sit down ?

As a matter of fact I do. But anyway, have a seat.

And if you see a bottle of champagne

sitting around, open her up.

Now, what's on your mind ?

I want to confess.

You'll find a church right around the corner.

I was the one who prompted Madame Zuleika.

You ?

Yes, I couldn't help it, Mr. Van.

Who are you anyway ?

I'm one of the Fellara troupe.

I know you're an acrobat, but...

Oh, you noticed me.

We've been on the same bill a week, haven't we ?

Yes, but you never seem

to pay any attention to anyone.

Why did you holler out like that

tonight and ruin the act ?

Anybody could see

that she was in an alcoholic fog.

So thick that your signals couldn't get through.

I knew what you were trying to say.

How did you know that ?

I've been watching your act, Mr. Van.

I couldn't help picking up some of the code.

I mean, your tone of voice when you say...

... "Concentrate".

There are subtle changes that mean different things.

Where did you learn words like "subtle" ?

I haven't always been an acrobat, Mr. Van.

I attended the University in Vienna.

I worked with Freud, Jung, all the great teachers.

From the University in Vienna to the Eldorado in Omaha.

Some jump.

Yes.

That's been my whole life.

Today the mountain tops, tomorrow the Dead Sea.

Yeah, I guess you're right, sister.

But you haven't yet explained

why you tried to please Madame Zuleika.

I had to, Mr. Van, because...

... because I have a great admiration for you.

You liked my electrical personality, hm ?

No, nothing as obvious as that.

I think you have a very remarkable brain.

So you've noticed that too, eh ?

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