Sweet Smell of Success Page #5

RITA:

I don't think so.

SIDNEY:

You're sure. Find out for me.

RITA:

(with a nod)

Sidney, can I talk to you a minute?

Rita wears an injured air. Sidney, preoccupied with other

worries, callously ignores it.

SIDNEY:

Is Frank D'Angelo around?

RITA:

At the bar - Sidney...

But Sidney has moved away from her.

D'ANGELO

He is at the bar, listening with satisfaction to the music,

watching the performers and studying the audience. Sidney

comes up behind him. We see Sidney's eyes flick from

D'Angelo towards the bandstand and back again. Then, as he

takes the stool next to D'Angelo, he assumes a different

manner, a sulky resentment. D'Angelo sees Sidney.

D'ANGELO

(to the bartender)

Joe, give my nephew a drink.

SIDNEY:

(sullen)

Your nephew doesn't want a drink.

D'Angelo is still watching the quintet. The guitar can be

heard again.

ANOTHER ANGLE:

Shooting past D'Angelo and Sidney towards the bandstand.

D'ANGELO

That's a lollipop that, boy. The

kid is only great.

SIDNEY:

And with ten percent of his future,

you're great, too, Frank.

D'Angelo looks quickly at Sidney, sensing the undercurrent.

Then he turns his back on the musicians, remarking in a

quiet tone.

D'ANGELO

Went over to Philly yesterday an'

seen the folks...it's nice you send

them the fifty a month...

SIDNEY:

(after a pause)

See my mother?

D'ANGELO

(shaking his head)

I only had a few hours.

A glum moment. Frank sips his highball: Sidney lights a

cigarette, animosity on his face.

D'ANGELO

Thanks for the publicity spread you

got the boys for the benefit

tomorrow.

SIDNEY:

(begrudgingly)

Robard's my client. I did it for

him and his club, not your boys.

Frank again notes Sidney's resentful manner. Sidney looks

towards the musicians.

SIDNEY:

(quietly)

Frank, I think maybe you lied to me.

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