Home > Reel (Hollywood Renaissance #1)(24)

Reel (Hollywood Renaissance #1)(24)
Author: Kennedy Ryan

* * *

 

DESSI

Not at flirting either.

 

 

* * *

 

CAL

I mean my horn. I’m a trumpet player.

 

 

* * *

 

DESSI

Oh. A musician, huh? I don’t believe you.

 

 

* * *

 

CAL

I can prove it, but I had to leave my trumpet in coat check. Come with me to the Radium Club when you get off. See for yourself.

 

 

* * *

 

DESSI

When I get off? We don’t shut down ’til three o’clock in the morning.

 

 

* * *

 

CAL

Night’s just gettin’ started. Jam sessions and breakfast ’til the sun comes up. Just over off 142nd Street. Whatta ya say, doll?

 

 

* * *

 

DESSI

I say don’t call me doll, and I don’t think so. Me and my roommate gotta get home.

 

 

* * *

 

CAL

If you change your mind . . .

 

 

* * *

 

DESSI

I won’t, but thanks for stepping on all my toes with your two left feet.

 

 

* * *

 

They laugh and Dessi leaves for the next customer. Cal stands on the sidelines and watches her go with a smile.

 

 

* * *

 

VIEW ON DANCE FLOOR

Dance sequence/montage showcasing the lindy hop, the flying charleston, snakehips and rhumboogie. Cal stands by all night, not dancing again, but watching Dessi from the sidelines. At the end of the night, Dessi thanks her last customer and looks around for Tilda. When she doesn’t see her, she heads for the coatroom, collects her hat and exits the building.

 

* * *

 

EXTERIOR – LENOX AVENUE – OUTSIDE THE SAVOY – NIGHT

Dessi stands on the street, scanning the well-dressed people leaving the Savoy. Cal approaches her, holding up his trumpet case for her to see.

 

* * *

 

CAL

Told ya I was a musician.

 

 

* * *

 

DESSI

Hmmmmh. If you say so.

 

 

* * *

 

CAL (LAUGHING)

I’ll show you if you come with me to the Radium. You been on the track all night. Come have some breakfast.

 

 

* * *

 

DESSI

No, I ain’t—

 

 

* * *

 

She spots Tilda with a well-dressed man headed in the opposite direction. Tilda looks over her shoulder at Dessi guiltily and then shrugs. Dessi glances down at the sidewalk and blinks away tears.

 

* * *

 

CAL

It’ll be a good time. Best music in the city. White boys show up, too. Benny Goodman and Harry James came last week. And best grits you ever had.

 

 

* * *

 

Dessi looks in the direction Tilda went, seeing her red dress swallowed by the late-night crowd. She forces a smile and looks up at Cal.

DESSI

Did you say grits?

 

 

* * *

 

CAL (LAUGHING)

Best in Harlem. Come on.

 

 

* * *

 

EXTERIOR MOVING SHOT on Cal and Dessi talking inaudibly with a jazz music bed under the shots as they walk the few blocks to the Radium Club.

 

* * *

 

INSERT shots of Harlem nightlife, buildings lit up, Tillie’s Chicken House, The Log Cabin, the Theatrical Grill, well-dressed white patrons entering the Cotton Club, and finally ending on the entrance to the Radium Club.

 

* * *

 

INTERIOR - RADIUM CLUB – NIGHT

When Cal and Dessi enter, the club is filled with smoke and people and music. A dimly lit stage sits in the center of the room, and a small band tunes up.

 

* * *

 

CAL

I gotta get up there. I was waiting for a certain hostess to finish her shift and now I’m late.

 

 

* * *

 

DESSI

Oh, you in the band?

 

 

* * *

 

CAL

I am tonight.

 

 

* * *

 

DESSI

What y’all playing?

 

 

* * *

 

CAL (PULLING HIS TRUMPET FROM ITS CASE)

“Body and Soul” is the only one I know for sure. We kinda just figure it out as we go some nights.

 

 

* * *

 

Dessi starts humming “Body and Soul.”

 

* * *

 

DESSI

Oh, I love that song.

 

 

* * *

 

CAL

You sing?

 

 

* * *

 

DESSI (LAUGHING)

For an audience of none.

 

 

* * *

 

CAL

You sound like you can do a lil’ something.

 

 

* * *

 

DESSI (SHRUGS)

I’m okay, but I get scared.

 

 

* * *

 

CAL

Well order you some breakfast and I’ll be back on our first break.

 

 

* * *

 

Cal heads up to the stage. Time lapse of Dessi eating and enjoying her pancakes and grits while Cal’s band plays. Montage ends with the sun rising outside, illuminating the room.

 

* * *

 

CAL (INTO MICROPHONE ONSTAGE)

Looks like we’re the last ones standing. Well, I think we saved the best for last. I got a special treat for you.

 

 

* * *

 

Turns and whispers to the band members, who nod.

 

* * *

 

CAL

Making her debut right here at the Radium Club singing “Body and Soul,” my very good friend who I just met tonight, Odessa Johnson.

 

 

* * *

 

Dessi gapes at him with a mouthful of grits.

 

* * *

 

CAL

Don’t be shy and don’t make me look like a fool up here. Come on, Odessa.

 

 

* * *

 

The few patrons still remaining give Dessi encouraging applause and wolf whistles. Dessi stands up like she’s headed for the stage, but dashes for the door. Cal runs, catches her around the waist and drags her to the stage.

 

* * *

 

DESSI

You crazy? I can’t sing.

 

 

* * *

 

CAL

I heard you. I think you can, and you won’t know ’til you try.

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