Apartment 7A (2024) | Transcript

Apartment 7A (2024)
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: Natalie Erika James
Writers: Natalie Erika James, Christian White, Skylar James
Stars: Julia Garner, Dianne Wiest, Kevin McNally

Plot: An ambitious young dancer, Terry Gionoffrio, dreams of fame and fortune in New York City. But, after suffering a devastating injury, an older, wealthy couple welcomes her into their home in the luxury apartment building, the Bramford. When fellow resident and influential Broadway producer offers her another chance at fame, it seems that all her dreams are finally coming true. However, after an evening she can’t fully remember, disturbing circumstances soon have her second-guessing the sacrifices she’s willing to make for her career. She soon realizes that something evil is living not only in Apartment 7A, but in the Bramford itself.

* * *

[person humming]

Tackle box, tailbone, tiny toy car.

Tackle box, tailbone, tiny toy car.

Tackle box, tailbone, tiny toy car.

Tackle box, tailbone, tiny toy car. Ah.

Tackle box, tailbone, tiny toy car.

[humming]

[gasps]

Ah.

[tone rings]

…tailbone, tiny toy car.

We’re on in five. Nerve check.

[inhales, sighs]

Steady as she goes.

[stage manager] Places, people.

[sighs]

[sighs]

Okay.

Wish me luck, Mama.

♪ It’s too darn hot ♪

[singer] ♪ According to The latest report ♪

♪ Every average girl you know ♪

♪ Much prefers Her lovey-dovey to court ♪

♪ When the temperature is low ♪

♪ But when the thermometer Goes way up ♪

♪ And the weather Is sizzling hot ♪

♪ Mister Adam For his madam is not ♪

♪ ‘Cause it’s too Too, too darn hot ♪

[chorus] ♪ Too darn, too darn hot ♪

[singer] ♪ It’s too darn hot Too darn, too darn hot ♪

♪ It’s too darn hot ♪

♪ Cool ♪

♪ Hot ♪

♪ Hot ♪

♪ Hot ♪

♪ Hot ♪

♪ Hot ♪

♪ Hot ♪

[music ends]

Terry?

Terry?

[groans]

Somebody close the curtain! Terry.

[distorted] You’ll be okay.

[sirens wailing in distance]

[distorted voices continue speaking]

Breathe.

[Terry inhales]

[trumpet playing]

Your playing’s getting better. I like that tune.

How’s the leg?

[chuckles]

Thanks.

I’ll take care of it.

I don’t care, Annie.

She can find her own way.

[Annie] It’s not fair.

How long is she gonna be here?[Annie] I don’t know.

She’s your guest, Annie, not mine.

She should pitch in at least.

I’ll take care of it.

You can’t keep covering for her.

Got a date.

Good luck.

[door opens]

[door closes] Ness is an ass.

I mean, she’s not wrong.

I’m not your problem to solve.

These came for you.

[sighs]

No, thanks.

I’ll land something soon.

Of course you will.

[choreographer] Ladies, this is a casting call for tap only.

If you’re here and you can’t tap, I don’t wanna know you.

[jaunty music playing]

Sixteen, no.

Twenty-nine, no.

Seventeen.

No.

[sighs]

[gasps, groans]

[casting director] Name?

Uh, Theresa Gionoffrio.

Uh, Terry for short.

[director] Do we know each other, Miss Gionoffrio?

Oh, no, no.

We never met, but, uh, I know who you are.

[chuckles] And you too, Mr. Marchand.

Uh, obviously.

She’s the girl who fell.

Ah, Kiss Me, Kate, of course. You’re, uh… You’re infamous.

“Infamous.” Huh.

Wow. [chuckles] I…

I prefer famous, but I’ll take what I can get.

Um… [clears throat] I… I have six years of formal training at Kearney Dance Academy.

That’s in Hazard, Nebraska.

I have three shows under my belt.

Did you say Hazard?

Yes. Yes, sir.

Um, my family, they run a slaughterhouse there.

What happened that night won’t happen again, sir.

All I need is a chance.

What move was it?

Um… [clears throat]

A jeté.

I, uh… I hit the split just right, but my toe came down too early.

I mean, I’ve done it a million times, but just that one…

Show me.

Okay.

[chuckles]

Again.

Okay.

[grunts]

Again.

Mm-hmm.

[director] Again.

Again.

Again.

Again. Again.

Again.

[grunts, groans]

Again.

[exhales shakily]

[gasps] Ah.

[director whispering]

[groaning]

Um, I can… I can do it all day if you want me to.

We’ll call you.

You know, I haven’t even sang yet.

Just… How about one song?

[door opens, closes]

What kind of animals did your family process in Hazard, Miss Gionoffrio?

Pigs, mostly.

And what were they like?

Uh, what were they like, sir?

Yeah, do they…

roll around in the mud?

Do they sniff at the dirt?

Wiggle their little tails?

Sure.

Well, show me.

Show you?

Get down on your hands.

Show me.

Sniff around in the mud, roll in the dirt

and wiggle your little tail.

[chuckles]

Um…

I’ll… I’ll do just about anything for another shot, Mr. Marchand.

But I won’t humiliate myself.

[Marchand] Good for you.

Hey, you have to take it easy on those pills, Terry.

Being onstage isn’t worth this.

Oh, Annie.

Of course it is.

How’d you do?

They asked me in for a callback.

Of course they did.

[director] Number five showed real promise.

Thirteen was a little sloppy, but I can get her there.

Hon, have you thought about going back to Nebraska?

Look, I wouldn’t want to go back to London either,

but just until you’re back on your feet.

I came here for one reason, Annie.

To dance.

To make something of myself.

To see my name in big lights.

That’s three reasons.

[chuckles]

[shuffling]

[door opens]

What?

What?

[door closes]

I know you. What are you planning?

What? Uh…

I’ll see you at home.

[saxophone playing]

[sighs]

Evening, ma’am.

Is there someone I can help you find?

Good evening, sir. I’m here for Alan Marchand.

Uh, please tell him that Terry Gionoffrio is here to see him.

Is Mr. Marchand expecting you?

Uh, yes. Yes, he… he is.

Um, yes.

Maybe I should call you a cab.

Oh, no, no. I’m… I’m fine.

I, uh… I’m here… [metal groaning]

Wh… What was that?

What was what?

Ma’am?

[echoing, distorting] What was what?

Whoa, Nelly.

You lost, honey?

Excuse me.

You think the poor thing’s all right?

Let’s get her up.

Come on, honey.

One, two, three and up we go.

[groans]

[sighs]

[clock ticking]

[door closes]

[couple conversing, faint]

[Terry] I’ll do just about anything, but I won’t humiliate myself.

[choreographer] Seventeen. No.

Girl who fell.

[Terry humming]

Wish me luck, Mama.

[person 1] Forget it.

[person 2] Forget it?

[gasps]

No, no, I agree.

I told you not to go.

What did you say to me?

What happened?

She seemed sharp as a tack.

No, she wasn’t sharp as a tack.

Honey, hurry. I wanna read the paper too.

Look at this headline.

What’s going on in this world now?

I’d like to know.

Oh.

Oh, good morning, dear. How’d you sleep?

She needs coffee. You need coffee.

Sit down. Sit down.

You look terrible.

Make it a Bloody Mary, Roman.

What’s your name, dear?

Terry Gionoffrio.

Oh, I won’t ask you to spell that.

[chuckles] I’m Minnie. And this is my hubby, Roman.

Oh, uh, pleased to meet you. Thank you. [chuckles]

Drink up. I have one of these every morning.

One. Ha.

Sit down, will you? You’re giving me a neck ache.

Eat. Eat. Roman made enough for an army.

[chuckles]

Uh, I don’t eat meat, but thank you.

What do you mean, you don’t eat meat?

What are you? You a Hindu?

Uh, no. I grew up on a pig farm.

It’s kind of hard to enjoy the smell of bacon when you’ve seen how it’s made.

Huh.

Um… [clears throat] I’m sorry. I’m a little hazy on last night.

We found you on the sidewalk.

Like some junkie. You’re not a junkie, are you?

Oh, no, no, it’s just… I told you.

You mentioned you were a friend of Alan’s.

Not so much a friend as a prospective employee.

For his Broadway show.

You know, I… I’m a dancer, and I was just hoping that…

You’d waltz in there and show him it wouldn’t be a show without you.

[chuckles]

Well, something like that.

I was in really bad shape last night,

and there aren’t a whole lot of people in the world who’d help out a stranger like that.

Oh.

Oh, go on, will you.

What sense is a guest room without a guest to stick in there?

[chuckles]

I knew you was a performer, you know, as soon as I saw you.

[chuckles] Did my leotard give me away?

Nah, you got an interesting inner quality.

It’s a star quality, in fact.

Stop it. [chuckles]

I’m not one to yank chains, honey.

So what happened to the leg?

Oh. Uh…

I had an accident four months ago,

which is a shame because most dancers have two feet, not one.

You want some free advice?

It’s not our falls that define us.

It’s what we do afterwards.

Put that down. I want to show you something.

Come on.

[Roman] We bought this place as an investment.

[Minnie] We say we bought the place as an investment,

but the truth is we wanted to choose our neighbors.

[Roman chuckles] So what do you think?

Uh, it’s nice. It’s great.

Really.

The high ceilings and that view.

[chuckles]

Oh, that thing’s an eyesore.

Yeah, yeah. Roman, take a pill.

Well.

Anyway, Minnie and I were talking this morning…

The place is yours if you want it.

Mmm.

Oh, uh…

I appreciate the offer,

but I could never afford the rent on a place like this.

Oh, we wouldn’t be charging you.

We didn’t have kids of our own,

which means we’ve got a hell of a lot of money

and no one to spend it on.

[Roman] The young woman who was here before

was running away from an abusive boyfriend.

We helped her find her confidence.

We enjoy helping people.

[Minnie] Scores us points with the man upstairs.

Now, now.[laughs]

We’re not saying it would be forever.

[Minnie] Just until you get back on your feet.

Who knows? You might run into Alan one of these days.

The neighbors here are awfully friendly.

Uh… [chuckles]

Would you pass me that sweater?

No.

I refuse to be an accomplice. Terry, you don’t even know these people.

Look, they’re just lonely old people looking for someone to rescue,

and I am happy to play damsel in distress if it means…

[British accent] …living at the Bramford.[chuckles]

That would suit you, you know.

[Annie] Mm-hmm. Do you think my landlord would go for that excuse?

[imitating Annie] Oh, I’m sorry, I can’t make this month’s rent.

I just looked too damn good in this silk scarf.

[laughs]

Why do I sound so posh?

I couldn’t resist!

Okay. I can’t leech off of you forever, Annie.

Moving into my own place feels like a first step, and this is meant to be.

Afternoon, Miss Gionoffrio.

Hi.

I’ll take that.

Oh, thank you.

Welcome to the Bramford.

[door opens]

[sighs]

[knocking]

[chuckles] Mrs. Castevet, hi.

No, it’s Minnie, dear.

Mrs. Castevet makes me sound like an old crone.

I brought you a little housewarming gift.

Oh.

It needs plenty of light.

Thank you.

Yeah.

What you got there?

Oh, um… I think this belonged to your old tenant, Joan. Right?

Oh.

It’s fitting, really.

She skipped out of here like Cinderella at midnight.

It’s a shame.

You know, she was a gifted young woman.

Oh, I almost forgot.

Are you free for drinks tonight around 9:00?

Uh, yeah. Sure. What should I bring over?

Oh, it won’t be at our place.

Mr. Marchand, hi.

[chuckles] Mr. Marchand, hi.

Mr. Marchand, hi. [chuckles]

[gasps] Ow.

[buzzes]

[clears throat]

Ah, Theresa.

Uh, Mr. Marchand, hi.

Yeah. Come in. Come. Come, come.

What will you have?

Um, how about an old-fashioned?

Good choice. Good choice.

I’m guessing the Castevets are the fashionably late type.

Wait. Wait, Minnie didn’t tell you?

Ah, of course she didn’t.

The Castevets send their apologies.

Apparently they double-booked this evening.

Apparently. [chuckles]

Listen, if you’d rather pick this up some other time, I totally understand.

Oh, no, no, no.

It’s…

This is perfect.

All right. Good.

Please take a seat.

So, uh… [clears throat]

…exactly how hard did Minnie have to twist your arm to get me up here?

Uh… [chuckles]

[chuckles] Well, actually, it was Roman.

Yeah, you do not say no to a patron of the arts,

especially one with such deep pockets.

[chuckles]

Well, truth be told, that’s not actually why I agreed.

Oh.

Really? Why’d you agree?

I was curious.

Last time we met you were the girl who fell,

and now you live on the floor below.

I gotta say, I did not peg you for such a fighter.

Well, it’s not our falls that define us, Mr. Marchand,

but what we do afterwards.

[chuckles]

Well, cheers.

Cheers.

[Marchand] You know, it’s considered one of the first Broadway musicals,

a seminal work by Adrian Marcato.

Of course, ours will be a contemporary take,

but there’s plenty about this dusty old show that is,

as you say in Kansas, right, just ain’t broke.

Nebraska.

Right.

This revival is, uh…

Well, it’s a tribute to Marcato’s legacy.

You know, a heartfelt homage, really.

Oh, wow. That sounds really interesting.

Well, there’s been a considerable amount of financial

and emotional investment,

which is why I know you understand that I need the best.

Yeah, only the most devoted.

Well, if you’d be willing to let me audition again…

Why dance?

Dancing is my joy. It’s…

It’s the one thing you’ve always dreamed of. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

You and a million other girls. No, I want to know what drives you.

I want to know what fuels you.

Um… [clears throat]

My mother died when I was young.

There was an accident on the farm.

It was sudden.

And, um, when my dad fell to pieces…

dancing was my escape.

All I had to do was

move my body a certain way and…

and everything bad in the world would disappear.

It’s the only time I felt like I had control over my life.

I’d do anything to chase that feeling.

No.

Not anything.

[scoffs]

What, you want me to oink for you now, Mr. Marchand?

Crawl around on your floor and wiggle my little tail?

I got you.

Oh, come on. Let’s make a toast.

To body and soul.

To body and soul.

[Marchand, echoing] Are you all right?

I don’t feel that well.

[glass drops to floor][sighs]

Whoa. [chuckling]

Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

You really can’t handle your liquor, can you, sweetheart?

Oh.

[distorted] All right?

Yeah, I just… I don’t…

I don’t feel that well.

[“Heart” playing]

[backup singers] ♪ Corazón ♪

♪ Corazón ♪

♪ Corazón ♪

[lead singer] ♪ You gotta have heart♪ Corazón ♪

♪ All you really need Is heart♪♪ Corazón ♪

♪ When the odds are saying You’ll never win ♪

♪ That’s when the grin Should start ♪

♪ You gotta have hope♪ Corazón ♪

♪ Mustn’t sit around And mope♪♪ Corazón ♪

♪ Nothing’s half as bad As it may appear ♪

♪ Wait till next year And hope ♪

♪ When your luck Is battin’ zero ♪

♪ Get your chin up Off the floor ♪

♪ Mister, you can be a hero ♪

♪ You can open any door ♪

♪ There’s nothing to it But to do it ♪

♪ You’ve gotta have heart♪ Corazón ♪

♪ Miles and miles And miles of heart♪♪ Corazón ♪

♪ Oh, it’s fine to be a genius Of course ♪

♪ But keep that old horse Before the cart ♪

♪ First, you gotta have heart ♪

[backup singers] ♪ Corazón, corazón ♪

[song continues playing]

♪ When your luck Is battin’ zero ♪

♪ Get your chin up Off the floor ♪

♪ Mister, you can be a hero ♪

♪ You can open any door ♪

♪ There’s nothing to it But to do it ♪

♪ You gotta have heart♪ Corazón ♪

♪ Miles and miles And miles of heart♪♪ Corazón ♪

♪ Oh, it’s fine to be a genius Of course ♪

♪ But keep that old horse Before the cart ♪

♪ First, you gotta have heart ♪

[backup singers] ♪ Corazón, corazón ♪

♪ Yes, you gotta have heart Corazón, corazón ♪

♪ Yes, you gotta have… ♪

[breathing heavily]

[screams]

[gasps]

[clears throat]

Hey.

Hey, I hope you like espresso.

I don’t think I’ve ever had one.

Oh, come on. You gotta try it.

Here.

Look, I, uh… I had a wonderful time last night.

[chuckles]

Really?

I don’t remember a whole lot.

Okay, well, I’ll try not to take that personally. [chuckles]

No, I just… I don’t, you know, usually…

Relax. I understand. I do.

You know, last night was a one-off.

Right?

Right.

Well, you should eat up. You’ve got a big day today.

What’s today?

Wow, you really don’t remember much, do you?

You made the chorus, sweetheart.

You’re in.

[piano playing]

[choreographer] Five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three. Come on, girls, tighten up.

Three, four, five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.

One, two, three, five, seven.

One, two… [director] Stop! Stop.

Very sloppy, girls. Very sloppy.

You’re supposed to be warriors. Amazonians. Hmm?

Show me some teeth.

Take five. I need some air.

And a cyanide pill.

[dancers chattering]

[sighs]

The girl who fell.

Uh, it’s Terry, actually.

You’re dragging your step.

Well, I’m a couple of days behind the rest of you, but I’ll catch up.

[chuckles] Uh, look,

if you’re gonna sleep your way into the show,

at least have the talent to back it up.

Hmm.

[door opens]

[dancers chattering, laughing]

[door opens]

I thought that was you.

Come on in here a minute.

Oh, no, it’s been a long day, Minnie.

[sighs]

Terry, darling, meet Lily Gardenia.

She’s next door to you in 7E.

Hello, Terry.

[chuckles] It’s nice meeting you, Mrs. Gardenia.

[Minnie] Sit, sit.

Lily here, she was the first lady judge in New York State.

“Lady judge” wasn’t my official title.

I got tired of watching you limp around like a cripple,

so I told Lily here about your little… [clicks tongue] …problem.

Really, Minnie.

You make it sound like she has a venereal disease.

Get out your peg. Let her take a look.

[stammers] Really?

Chop-chop, little onion.

[chuckles]

Oh.

What is it?

Peppermint. Rosemary.

One or two odds and ends.

I grow it all myself.

Twice a day should do the trick.

I can always whip up another batch.

Oh, thank you. That’s…

You’ll be flying in no time.

[elevator bell dings]

[metal scraping][gasps]

[gasps]

[chuckles]

[choreographer] Six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.

Up!

And drop.

[clapping]

Been doing your homework, Gionoffrio.

Good. All right.

[dancers chattering, laughing]

[chattering, faint]

You okay?

Mm-hmm. Yeah.

A pittance for your blood, sweat and tears, kids.

Here it is, your first paychecks.

There you go. That’s it.

And remember, don’t spend it all in one place.

[“Jingle Bells” playing]

[guests chattering, laughing]

[gasps] Wow, look at that.

Oh, there are my girls. Are you having a ball yet?

The moment we stepped in. [chuckles]

Thanks again for letting me tag along, Mrs. Castevet.

No, it’s Minnie, dear. What are you supposed to be?

Come on. I want to introduce you to friends.

So, what’s it gonna take to get an introduction?

Yeah, yeah.

Meet Laura-Louise and Dan McBurney from 4F.

Wow, that’s quite a costume. Do you charge for calls?

And this is the wonderful Dr. Sapirstein.

You must be the famous Terry.

Well, not so famous yet, but give me a few more years. [chuckles]

This is my friend… Do you come from a big family, Terry?

Uh, no, not really. Just one brother.

Lots of cousins in Colorado though.[whispering]

[Sapirstein] Is that right?

Well, if you settle down, and you find yourself

in need of an obstetrician, you let me know.

Oh. [chuckles]

I don’t think that’ll be happening anytime soon.

All the same, you take my card.

Oh, well, thanks.

Uh, excuse me.

[Lily] I can’t do it. Not again.

Not another one.

[Minnie] Don’t start that again.

You know what’ll happen if you do.

[Lily] Is that a threat?

Oh, don’t be so dramatic.

Terry, darling!

I was just about to fix a vodka blush. You want one?

Oh, no, thanks.

Hey, Roman.

Grab the thing and get your big head in here.

Are you and Mrs. Gardenia okay?

Oh, just ignore us.

We’re a couple of bickering old maids. That’s all.

Merry Christmas, Terry, from the both of us.

Is this for me?[Roman] Mm-hmm.

Come on. While we’re still young.

[chuckles]

[chuckles] I…

I… I don’t know what to say.

How about a thank you?

Oh, yes, of course. Thank you.

Well, try it on.

[Minnie] Oh?[chuckles]

Oh, perfect.

Yeah?

I love it.

Look in the right pocket.

[Roman] It’s over 300 years old.

The green inside is tannis root.

[Minnie] It’s for good luck.

What’s the matter?

You’re acting like it’s the first time anybody gave you a gift.

I feel very lucky.

Jealous.

Mmm.

♪ If they could see me now ♪

♪ That little gang of mine ♪

[both] ♪ I’m eating fancy chow And drinking fancy wine ♪

♪ I’d like those stumblebums To see for a fact ♪

♪ The kind of top-drawer First-rate chums I attract ♪

♪ All I can say is, “Wowee Look at where I am ♪

♪ Tonight I landed, pow Right in a pot of jam” ♪

[giggles]

What?

Don’t look at me like that,

or I won’t give you your present.

Terry.

Open it! [giggles]

Oh, Terry, you can’t afford this.

[“Be My Baby” playing]

[giggling]

[both humming]

Annie, Annie, Annie.

I just want you to know

that I’ll forever and ever be so glad

that you absolutely bombed that Fiddler on the Roof audition

that we met at. [giggles]

But I’m glad I bombed it too.

Give us a twirl.

Okay.

[song continues playing]

[Terry gasps]

Ooh la la! Fancy lady.

♪ Say you’ll be my darlin’ ♪

♪ Be my, be my baby ♪

♪ Be my baby now ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ I’ll make you happy, baby ♪

[screams][music ends]

What? What is it?

Uh, nothing.

I thought there was something on me.

[church bell tolling]

[bell continues tolling]

[horns honking]

[groaning]

[vomiting]

[coughs]

I’m pregnant.

Are you gonna tell him?

No.

No. He’d kick me out of the show.

Forget the show for a second.

What do you want?

It’d be the end of everything I’ve been working towards.

So…

[sniffles, sobs]

My cousin got one last year.

I can ask her if you’re sure.

I hear drinking bleach works a treat.

That was private, Vera.

Sorry.

You could always get someone to push you down a flight of stairs.

Terry, stop![Vera] Ow!

God!

You’re a real loon, you know that?

[“Angel of the Morning” playing on radio]

♪ And there’s no need To take a stand ♪

♪ For it was I Who chose to start ♪

[baby crying, faint]

♪ I see no reason To take me home ♪

[crying, louder]

♪ I’m old enough To face the dawn ♪

♪ Just call me angel Of the morning, angel ♪

♪ Just touch my cheek Before you leave me, baby ♪

♪ Just call me angel Of the morning, angel… ♪

[music stops]

[inhales sharply, groans]

[dryer running][thudding]

[thudding continues]

[gasps]

[elevator bell dings]

[doors open][music resumes]

♪ Just call me angel Of the morning, angel ♪

♪ Just touch my cheek Before you leave me, baby ♪

♪ Just call me angel Of the morning, angel ♪

[whispering]

[cracking]

[laughter]

Looks like you made your problem go away, huh, Terry?

Yeah. If only your mother had the same foresight.

Oh.

Wow.

[laughs]

I suppose you think it’s funny, damaging company property.

Well, why don’t you make yourself useful

and help Terry clean up this mess? Go on.

[bells ring]

All right, everyone at the stage. Tech week is officially behind schedule.

Give me that.

You didn’t have to do that.

I can handle her.

Oh, I know you can.

But, uh, you’ve got enough to worry about…

and prepare for.

You know?

Well, you know, good news travels fast.

You think this is good news?

It’s unexpected news.

But it’s hardly the end of the world.

No.

No, it’s just the end of my career.

You know…

one day

everyone is gonna see what you’re capable of, Theresa.

And when that day comes,

people like Vera,

they’re not gonna stand a chance.

But until then,

I need you sharp onstage

and, uh, preferably yolk-free.

[chuckles]

[clears throat]

[silverware clinking]

Here she is, the lady of the hour.

Oh, look at her glowing already.

How’d you get in here?

The spare key.

We didn’t think you’d mind.

That Sapirstein sure has a big mouth.

Oh, don’t be sore at him.

He couldn’t contain himself.

He was like a kid at Christmas, wasn’t he, Roman?

Well, it wasn’t his place.

And it wasn’t your place to tell Mr. Marchand either.

So we told Alan. So what?

Terry, sweetheart, we know you’re scared being a single woman and all.

But we want to help. Anything you need.

Yeah. First thing tomorrow, we’ll go see Dr. Sapirstein together.

No, I haven’t decided if I’m gonna keep it.

The poor thing’s in shock.

No, I’m not in shock, Minnie.

I just worked too hard to get where I’m at to just throw it all away.

So, what are we talking here?

I can’t exactly raise a kid.

What the hell are you talking about?

You’d make a wonderful mother.

And besides, you’ve got plenty of family around to help.

You’re not my family.

Come with us.

Minnie, can you just leave, please? Both of you.

We just want to show you something.

Then we’ll let you be in your apartment.

We tried for years.

Decades, more like.

Why are you showing me this?

If there really is no room in your life for this baby, well…

We’ll make room in ours.

This is a lot.

I’m gonna need some time.

Look, all we’re saying is

you could give the kid up to some stranger you don’t know from a bar of soap

or you could give it up to us.

[Roman] You’d be giving us a great gift.

In return, we’d give you anything you want.

Yeah, anything in the world.

All I want is to work, to be onstage.

Don’t be so modest. Are you hearing this?

There must be more, Terry.

Forget the chorus line. You’re wasted there.

I know what you want.

You want your name up in big, flashy lights

on a big marquee.

The Pale Crook starring Terry Gionoffrio.

Terry, show biz is about relationships.

Let us take care of things.

What do you say?

Mmm.

There.

It’s settled.

[whimpers]

[metal clanking][voices whispering]

[chanting]

[chanting continues]

[gasps]

[creaking, thumping]

[Terry] Hello.

Is someone there?

[gasps]

[sighs]

Mrs. Gardenia.

You scared me.

I didn’t want it to come to this.

You, uh… You must have wandered out of your apartment.

I have to stop it.

I’m sorry.

[grunting][screaming]

No! No!

[thumping]

Open up!

[breathing heavily]

[Lily screams][panting]

[screams]

[Lily groans][thuds]

[blade slashes]

[groaning continues]

[wheezes]

Mrs. Gardenia.

[knocking]

[sighs]

[clears throat]

Oh, my God. You look terrible.

Well, I didn’t get much sleep.

How’s Mrs. Gardenia?

Comatose.

Oh, my God.

Well, in the grand scheme of things, it’s better than dead.

You got any sugar, dear?

Uh, yeah, I think so.

Don’t bother. I’ll help myself.

You know, most likely you saved that woman’s life last night, Terry.

We’re proud of you.

Something was wrong with her. She chased me around the apartment.

I’m not even sure how she got in here.

Must have left the door unlocked.

[Minnie] You can take the girl out of Nebraska,

but you can’t take Nebraska out of the girl.

Poor old bat was losing her marbles.

We should be going. Thanks for the sugar.

We’ll keep you updated.

But in the meantime, you get some rest.

[door closes]

[crunches]

[grunts]

[radio playing, indistinct]

[radio continues playing, louder]

[reporter on radio] It was the most widespread,

most destructive racial violence in American history.

White people driving through the riot area were considered fair game,

whether young or old, men or women.

And the cars were burned.

The mobs might groan and curse in disappointment when a white got away.

[clicks]

[clattering, scraping]

[choreographer] One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.

One, two, three, strong. Five, six, seven, eight.

[director] And stop.

Find your mark, Vera.

What, here?

Oh.

Here.

[technician] I can adjust to you, Miss Clarke. That’s fine.

Oh, what can I say? The spotlight always finds me.

[dancers chuckle]

Ooh.

You pull something?

Yeah, my leg just feels a…

Ah.

Oh! [sobs]

Something doesn’t feel r-right.

[bones crunching][groaning]

For God’s sake. Somebody call a doctor.

She’s having a fit. Come on!

[dancer] Somebody do something! Leo!

[groaning]

[Marchand] Well, fortunately, it seems Vera is in a stable condition,

but, as we all know, opening night is in a matter of days.

So Leo and I have decided upon a replacement.

Gionoffrio.

The part is yours.

If you want it.

I-I want it.

You didn’t have to go through all this trouble.

If you’re gonna be the star of the show,

then you gotta look the part.

Show me that photo again.

Yeah.

Now, she had a face for short hair.

They’re saying she might never walk again.

Is that right?

Yeah, I don’t…

I don’t know. It just…

It just feels strange, the timing.

Well, who’s got time for sensitivity, huh?

I thought you’d be over the moon.

What? No, I am.

Well, it doesn’t sound like it.

I-I am. I am really.

Um, it’s just, whatever you said to Alan worked like a charm.

Maybe I shouldn’t have bothered.

I didn’t mean anything by it.

You had every single thing you ever wanted handed to you on a silver platter.

This is your big break. This is a role of a lifetime.

[gasps]

Ow.

You’re right.

I’m always right.

[people chattering]

[dramatic orchestral music playing]

[orchestral music continues playing]

♪ Flushed with a drink That the heart makes bold ♪

♪ Drunk with the thirst For the glittering gold ♪

♪ Dark spells arise ♪

♪ Smite their longing eyes ♪

♪ That they never may gaze ♪

♪ On the glittering prize ♪

Terry, get your head on straight! Come on!

[music ends]

[applause]

[people chattering, laughing]

[laughing, chattering continues]

[inhales sharply, grunts]

[gasps]

Oh, God.

[heartbeat thumping]

[groans]

[line ringing, clicks]

[receptionist] City Clinic.

Yes, um… [clears throat] Hi. Uh, this is Terry Gionoffrio.

I need to speak to Dr. Sapirstein, please.

I’m sorry. He’s busy. It’s urgent.

One moment.

[Sapirstein] This is Dr. Sapirstein.

Yes. Um, hi. There’s… There’s something wrong.

I-I’m sure of it.

I’m having these… these blinding pains.

Well, it’s perfectly normal for expectant mothers

to feel that way in the first trimester.

Right, um,

I-I-I’m seeing things that aren’t there.

Uh, is that normal too? Well, it can be.

No two pregnancies are ever alike.

You’re not listening to me.

I-I-I’m telling you there’s something wrong with the baby or me.

I don’t… I don’t know, but I can feel it. Something’s not right.

Why don’t you come into the office and I’ll examine you?

I’ll ask Minnie to pack you a bag.

No, no. Don’t… Don’t call Minnie.

And… [clears throat] I’m sorry, what do I need a bag for? [chuckles]

It may be necessary to admit you to the hospital.

There’s a condition known as perinatal hysteria.

Oh, I’m…

No, no, no. I’m not… I’m not crazy.

If you could be a danger to yourself or the baby,

then measures must be taken.

[knocking]

[keys jingling]

[Minnie] Oh!

What’s the holdup, dear? You got company?

No. Did you… Did you need anything?

Oh, Roman and I made too much jiffy ground.

Oh, uh, thanks, but I-I’m not hungry.

Well, good night.

[exhales]

[exhales shakily]

[Minnie] Roman, come on!

[Roman] Go right now?

[Minnie] Come on. Your staff has waited long enough.

[bell dings]

[stagehand] Joan Cebulski?

Look, all I know is she said she’d be back for her things in a day.

And that was six months ago.

Her things?

I was this close to donating it to Goodwill.

[sizzles] Ah!

[bell tolling]

[grunts, inhales]

[gasps]

[groans]

Dear Father, I’m not… really the praying kind.

[gasps] Are you all right, dear?

Sister, please.

I need to know what’s happening to me.

Where did you get that book?

Uh, it belonged to someone at the Bramford.

Stay away from it.

For generations, rumors have persisted

about a congregation of Satan worshippers that made the Bramford home.

That book is their scripture.

I think they did something to her.

Her name was Joan Cebulski.

She lived in the apartment before me.

She’d come here to repent, but it wasn’t she who needed to repent.

They did terrible things to her, ungodly things.

She fled in the middle of the night.

She was hit by a bus.

The paper said she’d lost her mind,

but there were eyewitnesses who swore they’d seen somebody chasing her.

What did they want with her?

Just before the turn of the century,

the leader of their coven claimed to have conjured the devil himself.

He left a son and heir.

He will stop at nothing.

[inhales sharply]

No.

[groans, clears throat]

They chose you.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done… Sister. Sister.

If this child is born,

God have mercy on us all.

Ready?

Mm-hmm.

[tools scraping][gasps]

[speaking Cantonese] She needs to relax.

You doing okay?

Mm-hmm.

Fine.

[metal clattering, scraping]

[gasps]

[heartbeat thumping]

[screams]

I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?

What’s happening?

[Annie speaking Cantonese] Are you okay?

[gasping]

Terry. Terry!

Terry, Terry! Wait, Terry, wait. Wait!

[sobbing]

It’s all my… It’s all my fault.

[stammering] It was just so much pain.

It was like I just pushed it on to her.

Whatever that was, it had nothing to do with you.

No. Look what happened to Vera.

Vera?

The amount of times that I… I fantasized

about something terrible happening to her just because I wanted her part.

Hey, hey, hey. Slow down. Breathe.

Breathe.

You couldn’t have done this. It is impossible.

Yeah. You’re right. Yeah.

You’re right, Annie.

It’s not me, it’s them.

It’s them.

This is so much bigger than me.

[stammering] They did something.

They did something to that woman,

to Vera, to Mrs. Gardenia… and she was one of them.

Terry, you’re scaring me.

The way that that nun looked at me, she knew.

It’s too late, okay?

This thing, it’s just… There’s something wrong with it.

It’s, like, a part of me and I can’t run from this, okay?

Talk to me. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.

We’ll leave.

No, no.

I have to face this on my own.

Okay.

Terry…

Evening, Terry.

Everything all right?

[bell dings]

Minnie?

[elevator rumbles]

[voices chanting]

[wood creaks]

Alan, what the hell is this place?

You really don’t remember?

[chanting]

There were so many tries before you.

But you,

you were different.

You’re sick.

You violated me.

You practically begged for it.

[gasping]

Don’t touch me.

Oh, you really are a marvel.

[sniffles]

Do you want me to suffer?

Yes.

Please.

Please, don’t touch me. Don’t touch me.

You know you crave the spotlight,

but really…

you’ve always belonged in the dark.

The girl who fell no more.

Stop!

Do you feel powerful?

[gasps][grunts]

[knife clatters on floor]

[screams]

[gasping]

[bell dings]

Toby. Toby, please.

I’m sorry.

No! No!

[bell dings]

[jazz playing on phonograph]

[jazz continues playing]

Oh!

Looks like you’ve been busy.

[door closes]

Roman, get in here.

Terry.

My goodness.

I know what you did to me.

Why don’t you sit down?

I know about Joan.

I know what you are.

[Minnie] So what?

So, I won’t be a part of it.

No, that’s not how it works, girlie.

You remember how you were when we found you?

You know, you were kind of a mess.

I hate to say it, but you were nothing.

We have given you everything.

Everything isn’t worth this.

We have a deal.

Mmm.

Deal’s off.

It’s a little lower, honey.

[shouts, panting]

[groans]

[sobs]

[screaming]

Aw, baby doesn’t like that.

Baby’s here to stay.

Get away!

You’re evil.

Why?

Because I pray to a different god than you?

Let me tell you, when I was just a boy,

my father was violently attacked by a righteous, God-fearing mob,

beaten to within an inch of his life right in front of my eyes.

Why? Because they were scared of him.

Because he had harnessed a dark power

and it was mesmerizing.

You’re the heir.

Conjuring the devil was just the beginning.

We needed a human vessel.

A carrier.

For what?

His son.

[Minnie] Let me ask you.

You don’t actually think that Alan was the father, do you?

Our lord chose you. Your son will change the world.

All will be forgiven. We’re your family now.

[Roman] You’re not alone anymore, sweetheart.

And I can’t wait to watch the world discover what a treasure you are.

I could have made it on my own.

I know.

This is a role that you were born to play.

[Roman] He looked inside of you and saw your strength,

the depth of your ambition.

He will redeem the despised

and wreak vengeance in the name of the burned and the tortured.

He will live.

Every soul on this earth will know your name.

My friends,

God is dead.

Satan lives.

The year is one!

[all] The year is one!

Hail Terry, mother of our lord.

[all] Hail Terry.

Hail Satan!

Hail Satan!

[scoffs]

Hail Satan.

[all] Hail Satan.

Hail Satan!

Hail Satan!

[“Be my Baby” playing]

♪ The night we met I knew I needed you so ♪

♪ And if I had the chance I’d never let you go ♪

♪ So won’t you say You love me ♪

♪ I’ll make you So proud of me ♪

♪ We’ll make ’em Turn their heads Every place we go ♪

♪ So won’t you, please ♪

♪ Be my, be my baby ♪

♪ Be my little baby ♪

♪ My one and only baby ♪

♪ Say you’ll be my darlin’ ♪

♪ Be my, be my baby ♪

♪ Be my baby now ♪

♪ My one and only baby ♪

♪ Whoa-oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ I’ll make you happy, baby Just wait and see ♪

♪ For every kiss you give me I’ll give you three ♪

♪ Oh, since the day I saw you ♪

♪ I have been Waiting for you ♪

♪ You know I will adore you Till eternity ♪

♪ So won’t you, please ♪

♪ Be my, be my baby ♪

♪ Be my little baby ♪

♪ My one and only baby ♪

♪ Say you’ll be my darlin’ ♪

♪ Be my, be my baby ♪

♪ Be my baby now ♪

♪ My one and only baby ♪

♪ Whoa-oh-oh-oh ♪

[song continues playing]

You were right, Minnie.

Always am.

It’s a role of a lifetime.

♪ Say you’ll be my darlin’ ♪

♪ Be my, be my baby ♪

♪ Be my baby now ♪

♪ My one and only baby ♪

♪ Whoa-oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ Be my, be my baby ♪

♪ Be my little baby ♪

♪ My one and only baby ♪

[music ends]

[no audible dialogue]