The Edge of Night
Airdate: Thursday, August 3, 1978
Transcript By: Mark Faulkner
ACT ONE
The Karr home.
BILL
Mike, I was amazed to learn you were able to go out on the street by yourself in such short time.
NANCY
Bill, he's only been on his own a few times and at that... it's just outside this house.
MIKE
And that's not the same thing. It was a moment of sheer terror -I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life as when I took the first step off that curb to try to walk across that street.
BILL
I can imagine...
MIKE
I've often imagined what it would be like to venture out into the world without eyesight... with only a cane to tell you about threatening objects in front of you -ready to bloody your nose or bang your head or even send you sprawling onto the ground.
BILL
It took guts, Mike. But I'm not sure you're not pushing yourself too far.
NANCY
Well, that's what I've been telling him, but it doesn't help.
MIKE
When I used to see blind people making their way down the street, I never appreciated what they go through to do something that I took for granted.
BILL
We can all learn a lot about the human spirit from the blind. They see life in a way that the rest of us just can't.
NANCY
(fighting her emotions) Excuse me. (SHE EXITS TO THE KITCHEN)
BILL
Mike, Nancy's right, you know. Don't push yourself. Take it slow.
MIKE
It's difficult.
BILL
I know, but it's difficult for her, too. Think of how she feels.
MIKE
(Silent, then breaks the long pause) Well...I haven't shown you my latest accompishment, have I?
BILL
What's that?
MIKE
(Begins to demonstrate his mobility around the room by counting steps) One, two, three... (the phone rings) Bill...would you get that, please?
BILL
Oh, of course. (picks up the receiver) Hello...
RANEY
(Raney is calling from a pay phone on the steet. His voice is disguised in a raspy whisper) Mr. Karr. This is your "friend". Know what I mean...?
BILL
(stern) Now listen to me. I know who this is. This is Chief William Marceau speaking, and you can start dealing with me directly...
(Raney slams the receiver down)
BILL
Hello? Hello...!
DISSOLVE TO:
OPENING TITLE
FIRST COMMERCIAL
ACT TWO
Scene One
The Karr home immediately afterward
MIKE
It was him, wasn't it?
BILL
Yes, it was him...
MIKE
Bill, you shouldn't have done that. You shouldn't have told him who you were...
BILL
You shouldn't have gotten involved with this guy. It's too risky.
MIKE
Bill, it's just a voice on the telephone. I have nothing to fear from a voice on the phone.
BILL
It's more than that. This guy has got to be a criminal or he wouldn't be hiding behind a telephone... he'd be out in the open...telling what he knows.
MIKE
I'm sure he has his reasons, and I'm just as sure those reasons are unsavory. But, Bill, this wouldn't be the first time that a tipster remained anonymous.
BILL
The police can give him protection just as well as you can, Mike.
MIKE
Obviously he doesn't believe that!
BILL
We protect our sources, otherwise they'd dry up on us!
MIKE
That doesn't mean he understands that. We've had this out before...
BILL
I know we have, but that doesn't mean you've convinced me.
NANCY
(entering the room, upset) What's going on here...?
MIKE
Nothing, Nancy.
NANCY
Who was on the phone?
BILL
It was Mike's mystery man.
NANCY
Again. What did he say?
MIKE
He didn't have a chance to say anything.
BILL
I answered the phone, Nancy.
MIKE
And the informant hung up...but not before Bill identified himself...
BILL
Nancy, I wanted to switch this guy to me. I wanted to make him my contact instead of Mike's.
NANCY
Oh, you know I would prefer that!
MIKE
But he doesn't prefer it. He will deal only with me!
BILL
Mike, an informant is not the only way that we can nail Tony Saxon.
MIKE
Have we ever found another way!? Now, look! This could be the answer to the problem that has plagued this city for a decade.
NANCY
Did he say that he was going to call back?
NANCY
He didn't say anything, Nancy. He just hung up. But, I'll bet you that he calls back because this man wants something -I don't what it is- whether it's money or revenge --
(the phone begins to ring)
BILL
There he is now...
NANCY
(grabs the phone) Hello...
RANEY
Mrs. Karr...?
NANCY
Yes...
RANEY
Is Chief Marceau still there...?
NANCY
Yes, he is. Do you want to talk to him...?
RANEY
No, Mrs. Karr. I don't wanna talk to no cop. I thought I made that very clear to your husband the other day. I'm a nice guy. I told him the first smell of cop he loses me... but I'm gonna give 'em one more chance...
NANCY
Wait a minute. Now, look, if there's some way that I might be --
RANEY
Get your husband on the phone, Mrs. Karr. Tell him to hurry.
NANCY
Just a minute. Mike, it's for you. It's him.
BILL
Mike...!
MIKE
No...no, Bill. (takes the phone) Hello.
RANEY
Evening, Mr. Karr. Got company, I understand...
BILL
Now, look. Just because Chief Marceau picked up the phone before doesn't mean I'm trying to pull a double-cross. I made you a promise, and I'm going to keep it.
RANEY
Sure. Sure, Mr. Karr. I know. You're an honorable man. Fine. I'm gonna give you a chance to prove it. But first, you tell the chief to get the hell off the extension.
MIKE
He's not on any other phone... I swear it!
RANEY
Okay. I'll take your word for it. Now, I assume you want some more information about Tony Saxon, right? How would you like proof -black and white proof- that he's mixed up with the biggest rackets in this town?
MIKE
I'd like that very much.
RANEY
I'm talkin' about prostitution, Mr. Karr. The numbers -the protection racket. I'm talkin' about a certain loan company on the south side, bankrolled by Mr. Saxon. The kinda company where they break your fingers if you miss a payment. Does that sound good to you, Mr. Karr?
MIKE
Just tell me how I can get this information.
RANEY
It's very simple. Ya gotta meet me. All alone. No cops even knowin' about it. No cops lookin' at us through binoculars. No cops followin' us. No cops waitin' to grab me. If you can do that...meet me all alone -guarnateed- I'll give you everything you need to put Tony Saxon behind bars for the rest of his life. (He hangs up, smiling)
CUT TO:
Scene Two
A Chinese restaurant. Miles and Nicole are having dinner.
NICOLE
Was this a bad idea?
MILES
What...?
NICOLE
Dining out. You don't seem to be much in the mood for it. Maybe we should have just had a quiet meal at home.
MILES
We're having a very quiet meal right here. I'm sorry I haven't said much. I can't even carry on a normal conversation, can I?
NICOLE
Don't you think I understand?
MILES
Oh, listen... it's not because I'm in mourning. I'm very sad about Denise's death, but what's worrying me right now is my sister's frame of mind.
NICOLE
Well why don't you talk about it? I'm just as worried about April as you are. She's had far too many shocks in the last few weeks.
MILES
That's what I'm concerned about. The next shock.
NICOLE
What do you mean?
MILES
April is convinced that she is going to be accused of causing Denise's death.
NICOLE
That's ridiculous. It doesn't make any sense.
MILES
Denise's death doesn't make any sense. The facts are all muddled. And the only thing that seems to get rid of the muddle is the explanation that puts the blame squarely on April's shoulders.
NICOLE
Are you saying that you think April's justified in thinking the way she does?
MILES
Yeah...that's the worst part. I think she is...
TAKE NICOLE'S STUNNED REACTION, AND:
DISSOLVE TO:
COMMERCIAL BREAK
ACT THREE
Scene A
Restaurant.
NICOLE
Miles, you can't possibly mean that you think they're going to end up accusing April of...murdering Denise.
MILES
The verdict at the inquest wasn't necessarily homicide. It was "death at the hands of person or persons unknown".
NICOLE
I don't understand. How did they arrive at that verdict?
MILES
They had four choices. Death by natural causes...death by accident...death by suicide...and the one they chose.
NICOLE
What do you think it was...honestly.
MILES
Well...I think they were right in crossing off the first one. The medical report made it very clear that Denise died of an overdose of that narcotic she was taking. There's nothing natural about that.
NICOLE
And accident --I think that's by far the most likely explanation. She may have been too sick to know what she was doing...
MILES
It was the explanation I was hoping would prevail. That Denise brought it on herself whether by accident... or by design. Unfortunately, there's a matter of the fingerprints.
NICOLE
The fingerprints...
MILES
Denise's fingerprints weren't on the syringe. April's were.
NICOLE
Oh, no...
MILES
You know what the police want April to admit to?
NICOLE
No, what?
MILES
Mercy killing. See, that'd tie everything up in a nice little neat package. They want her to say that she was overwhelmed with pity. That she gave Denise a full syringe of that stuff.
NICOLE
But that's murder , isn't it?
MILES
Yes, it's murder. Well...there've been cases in the state where it's been called manslaughter.
NICOLE
But if April denies it, then --
MILES
She does. She denies it vehemently.
NICOLE
Miles... you don't have to answer this question. (LONG BEAT) You do believe April, don't you? You don't think she'd lie to you...?
MILES
No...she wouldn't. There's just one thing that concerns me.
NICOLE
What is it?
MILES
Whether April herself really knows what happened in Denise's bedroom...
DISSOLVE TO:
Scene B
Winter's apartment.
[Winter's doorbell buzzes. She opens it to reveal Logan]
LOGAN
Hi... [he kisses her, but she doesn't return his ardor] Well...that was a cool one...
WINTER
Was it? You oughta appreciate that in all this hot weather...
LOGAN
It's ten degrees below zero in here...
WINTER
Yes, I do keep my air conditioning on pretty high.
LOGAN
Who's talking about the air conditioning...?
WINTER
Do you want a drink?
LOGAN
Sure...why not? Make it a hot toddy. Take the chill off my bones. [She begins to make his cocktail] Hey, c'mon, c'mon...I don't need a drink. What's wrong?
WINTER
I guess I'm just not my usual charming self, that's all.
LOGAN
Well I noticed that. Is there any particular reason?
WINTER
Yes...there is. You know that bad penny that keeps showing up in our lives?
LOGAN
You mean Raven?
WINTER
Yes...Raven ...the blackbird of unhappiness...
LOGAN
She was here, wasn't she?
WINTER
Oh, she was here alright! It was what you might call a follow-up visit.
LOGAN
I'm sorry...I don't get you.
WINTER
Look... I didn't tell you something, Logan. If you hadn't worked so late last night I might have called you... but I didn't want to add to your problems.
LOGAN
You sure got me curious now. What happened?
WINTER
Your old friend decided to fly into Bennett's yesterday... desperately in need of new luggage. Or else just desperate to take a look at the woman you decided to marry. We had a few words... not about luggage. I ended up returning the message she gave you.
LOGAN
Message? What message? [She gives him a knowing look] (realizing, then almost elated) Ohhhh, darling! Did you take a sock at her?
WINTER
I didn't draw blood like she did --I don't have her right...but you know she throws a mean one-two...
LOGAN
So what happened when she came here? I don't see any broken furniture...any scratched wallpaper...
WINTER
No, no. It was all very civilized. Meaning that it was much more vicious. She used words this time, Logan. She told me that I was your second choice of brides. (BEAT) Was she right...?
TAKE LOGAN, AND
CUT TO:
COMMERCIAL
ACT FOUR
Scene A
Winter's apartment.
WINTER
This is what she said exactly. Mrs. Jamison claims that you -Logan Swift- party of the first part...proposed marriage to her, oh -- a few weeks ago. Of course I said that that was ridiculous. It was, wasn't it?
LOGAN
It's the most ridiculous thing in the world.
WINTER
She was a married woman, of course. A pregnant married woman no less. And yet she still claimed that a young, intelligent, free bachelor proposed marriage to her. Asked her to leave her husband to whom she was very, very devoted. Can you believe that story?
LOGAN
I think Raven's capable of just about everything. That includes arson...murder...larcency...stealing hubcaps...
WINTER
I knew it was a lie...really. I mean, not only three weeks ago was she a happily married woman, but you and I were just beginning the relationship we have now.
LOGAN
Oh...Winter. You gotta do me a favor. Next time she comes to the door, just slam it right in her face. When she calls you on the phone...hang up. I'm going to do the same thing, and pretty soon she'll get the message that she is not wanted.
WINTER
(chuckling) I think she gets the message already. In fact, I think that's why she's so vengeful. That woman is a very spiteful lady...
LOGAN
I've been aware of that for quite some time.
WINTER
There's only one thing, though. I just expected her to be a little more clever about the story. It's so ridiculously obvious.
[Logan doesn't respond]
WINTER
You still haven't said that it's false.
LOGAN
(A LONG, NERVOUS BEAT) That's because it isn't...not exactly...
WINTER
Do you mind explaining that?
LOGAN
When I told you it was the most ridiculous thing in the world, I was thinking about myself. What I did.
WINTER
And what did you do...?
LOGAN
I did what she said. I proposed marriage. I asked her to leave Kevin and marry me.
WINTER
Oh...I don't believe I'm actually hearing this...
LOGAN
Wish I wasn't...
WINTER
You wanted to marry Raven?
LOGAN
(emphatic) No! No, I didn't want to. I just felt -- Look, it was a mistake. It was an aberration. It was something that was said in the heat of the moment. Can't we just leave it like that...
WINTER
Oh...of course...let's just drop it, let's just forget that I brought it up...why don't we talk about something more important...like...I think I'll have garlic bread with dinner...
LOGAN
Oh...Winter... It was a stupid, stupid proposal. I regretted it the moment I made it. (softly) I already loved you .
WINTER
But you made it anyway...
LOGAN
Yeah...I did...
WINTER
But why, Logan? For God's sake...why? If you weren't crazy about the woman... I mean what compelled --(she suddenly realizes) Oh my God. Logan...it's not because it's the right thing to do. The noble, damn right thing to do! (BEAT) That baby of hers...it's yours, isn't it? [he doesn't answer] Yes, of course it is. How could I have been so stupid? It was obvious all the time. [She moves to the door] Listen, you can forget about that garlic bread, honey. I won't be breaking bread with you tonight. Garlic...or any other kind.
[She unlatches the lock and opens the door. Logan stands for a moment just looking at her, hoping for a reprieve, but none comes. Winter stands her ground. Without speaking, Logan walks dejectedly out the door. She slams it behind him. The tears come.]
DISSOLVE TO:
Scene B
The Whitney mansion.
KEVIN
John, did Mrs. Saxon say she was ill?
JOHN
No, sir. Just that she was very tired and that she preferred to have her dinner upstairs.
KEVIN
How did she look?
RAVEN
Kevin! He's a butler not a doctor.
KEVIN
Well, John should know her about as well as anyone else in this house.
RAVEN
Try telling that to her husband.
JOHN
Will there be anything else, sir?
KEVIN
No thank you, John. Unless you want something, Raven.
RAVEN
(dryly) Yes, I'd like a double martini.
JOHN
Excuse me, but I thought --
KEVIN
You thought correctly, John. Raven isn't having any alcohol. Doctors' orders.
RAVEN
Husbands' orders, you mean.
KEVIN
Raven, if you want to have something, have a little bit of mineral water with lime or something like that.
RAVEN
(pouty) Oh, alright. I don't know who makes up all these stories about how wonderful it is to be pregnant. How amusing it is. And all this nonsense about craving ice cream and pickles. All I crave is a good, stiff drink...and nobody'll give it to me...
JOHN
(brings her mineral water) Here you are, Mrs. Jamison.
RAVEN
Thank you, John. (BEAT) Do you have any children?
JOHN
No, ma'am.
RAVEN
(sarcastic) Lucky Trudy...
KEVIN
Raven! John, for dinner tonight...it's so hot... why not just have a large salad and--
RAVEN
Speak for yourself, honey! I'll have a nice steak...rare. Ice cream for dessert. And you can hold the damn pickle...
JOHN
I'll tell Trudy what to prepare.
ANTHONY ENTERS FROM AN EXHAUSTING DAY
JOHN
Good evening, sir.
ANTHONY
(short) I can't think of a single good thing about it, John. (to Raven and Kevin) Hello, you two. Anybody seen my wife?
KEVIN
She's upstairs lying down. It's been a very rough twenty four hours...
ANTHONY
Yes...it's been a rough twenty four hours for us all...
RAVEN
Not me... I've enjoyed every single minute of it. How did your day go, by the way? I bet it was a dilly.
ANTHONY
Yes...I think one can definitely say it has been... a dilly.
KEVIN
How did you manage to avoid the press?
ANTHONY
It wasn't easy, I assure you. I've said "no comment" so many times my throat is parched. Which reminds me... (he goes to mix a drink). Well...it's to bad Geraldine isn't here to hear the news first. I guess you two will be the first...
RAVEN
What did you do?
ANTHONY
The only thing that I could do under the circumstances... given all this bad publicity. I offered my resignation to the mayor. Now we'll see if he'll be foolish enough to accept it...
CUT TO:
COMMERCIAL BREAK
ACT FIVE
Scene A
Karr living room.
BILL
Mike, I know something's going on. I know you've arranged something between you and your secret informant, and I am not leaving this house until you tell me what it is...
MIKE
Bill, I assure you...nothing's been arranged.
BILL
You've arranged a meeting, Mike. You're gonna meet this guy face to face.
MIKE
At some point that will be necessary.
NANCY
Alone. Completely alone.
MIKE
He won't have it any other way. Bill, he's promised me the moon.
BILL
That doesn't mean he can deliver it!
MIKE
The other information he delivered was accurate. Information that might have taken us months --even years to uncover. But this time, he says he can provide me with documentation about Saxon's involvement with the rackets...prostitution...numbers...loan sharking...who knows what else.
NANCY
(desperate) Mike...you can't meet him alone! You can't see him...
MIKE
He knows that, too.
NANCY
It's too dangerous!
MIKE
I don't have anything to fear from this man, Nancy. His grudge is against Saxon...not me.
BILL
I can't let you go out and meet this man yourself. No way.
MIKE
Bill, I've got to ask you this --not just as a friend but as someone who is just as interested as I am in seeing the truth about Saxon finally emerge. I've got to ask you not to interfere. You've got to let me keep my promise to this man. When I do meet him there will be no police presence...no police surveillance.
BILL
Tell me when the meeting is... at least that.
MIKE
We haven't arranged that yet. He's cautious, Bill...and I have to be cautious, too. Please! Will you make me that promise... and keep it? When we do meet, there will be no police presence...and no surveillance?
BILL
Alright, Mike. I'll make you the promise on one condition --
NANCY
You can't!
MIKE
Let him finish, Nancy! What is it, Bill?
BILL
I agree that there'll be no surveillance...providing I know exactly where you are at all times. I have to know where you are, and where you can be reached in case you're in trouble.
MIKE
If I'm in trouble, I'll let you know.
NANCY
How can you do that?
BILL
He can if he lets us use an electronic tracng device.
MIKE
No! I will not be bugged. If he spots a bug, we're all through!
BILL
It isn't that kind of a bug, Mike. Don't you understand? All I want you to do is carry a device... a small device that will allow us to find you by means of a radio frequency. He'll never notice it, I promise you...
MIKE
He may search me..
BILL
I don't intend for you to wear it in your lapel. As a matter of fact, it may look no different than this... [he picks up Mike's white cane].
CUT TO:
Scene B
Whitney mansion.
ANTHONY
I know what you're both thinking, of course. Exactly what everybody else in this town is thinking... [the phone rings] ...that you are witnessing the end of a career. But you may be wrong...
RAVEN
Atta boy, Tony...never say "die"...
ANTHONY
(ruefully) No...one must never say "die".
JOHN
(to Tony) Excuse me, sir, there's a telephone call for you.
ANTHONY
It isn't the press, is it?
JOHN
The gentleman mentioned an appointment he has.
ANTHONY
Oh yes...yes, of course. Thank you, John. Excuse me. [he goes to the phone] Hello...
RANEY
(chipper) Hello, Mr. Saxon. How ya feelin' tonight?
ANTHONY'S VOICE
Merely rotten, thank you.
RANEY
Yeah... well, you're gonna feel a whole lot better tomorrow... I'm just callin' to let ya know that...Tomorrow all you problems get solved ...
TAKE TONY'S REACTION AND,
FADE OUT
COMMERCIAL BREAK
CLOSING CREDITS
Written By
HENRY SLESAR
Associate Writer
STEVE LEHRMAN
Directed By
ANDREW WEYMAN
A Presentation
of
PROCTER & GAMBLE
Productions
