Ninotchka

FADE IN ON:

AN ESTABLISHING SHOT OF PARIS IN THE MONTH OF APRIL

DISSOLVE TO:

THE LUXURIOUS LOBBY OF THE HOTEL CLARENCE

CAMERA MOVES to a CLOSE SHOT of the desk. In the background

is a revolving door leading to the street. Through the

revolving door comes a strangely dressed individual, obviously

one who doesn't belong in such surroundings. It is Comrade

Buljanoff, a member of the Russian Board of Trade. Despite

the spring climate of Paris, he still wears his typical

Russian clothes, consisting of a coat with a fur collar, a

fur cap, and heavy boots.

Buljanoff glances around the lobby, obviously over-whelmed

by its magnificence. The Manager, puzzled by Buljanoff's

strange appearance, approaches him.

MANAGER:

(politely)

Is there anything I can do for you,

monsieur?

BULJANOFF:

No, no.

He exits toward the street. The Manager returns to his

customary duties, when suddenly a second Russian, similarly

dressed, pushes his way through the door and gazes around.

It is Comrade Iranoff.

The Manager, definitely mystified by now, approaches him.

MANAGER:

Yes, monsieur?

IRANOFF:

Just looking around.

Iranoff exits. Again the Manager returns to his duties, when

suddenly he sees that a third man, dressed in the same

fashion, has appeared in the revolving door. It is Comrade

Kopalski.

Kopalski doesn't leave the revolving door at all but as it

turns, drinks in the whole spectacle of the lobby. The Manager

is by now dumfounded.

STREET IN FRONT OF THE HOTEL CLARENCE

A taxi stands at the curb. Buljanoff and Iranoff are waiting

beside it, Iranoff holding a suitcase. Kopalski, returning

from the hotel, joins the group.

KOPALSKI:

Comrades, why should we lie to each

other? It's wonderful.

IRANOFF:

Let's be honest. Have we anything

like it in Russia?

ALL THREE:

(agreeing with him)

No, no, no.

IRANOFF:

Can you imagine what the beds would

be in a hotel like that?

KOPALSKI:

They tell me when you ring once the

valet comes in; when you ring twice

you get the waiter; and do you know

what happens when you ring three

times? A maid comes in -- a French

maid.

IRANOFF:

(with a gleam in his

eye)

Comrades, if we ring nine times...

let's go in.

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