THE EDGE OF NIGHT
Airdate: Monday, December 8, 1975
Transcript By: Mark Faulkner
Note: When The Edge of Night moved from CBS to the ABC Television Network December 1, 1975, many stations were unable to carry the serial due to contractal obligations for other series. While some affiliates chose to air the show on a delayed basis, others simply picked it up when their obligations to another program expired. Stations that began The Edge of Night in-progress -and did not telecast the premiere week- were given the opportunity to broadcast a voice-over synopsis of recent storylines accompanied by stills from previous episodes. The following transcript is an example of an ABC affiliate in Pennsylvania that telecast Edge one week after its debut.
VOICE-OVER ANNOUNCER:Wealthy Geraldine Whitney, recently injured in a mysterious fall down the stairs at her home, remains unable to move or speak. Her daughter in-law Tiffany Whitney Douglas has sent reporter Kevin Jamison to Paris to investigate a similar medical case concerning a woman recently recovered from a coma. He discovers the woman is Nicole Travis Drake, Adam Drake's wife who was lost at sea and presumed drowned following a boat explosion in the Caribbean more than a year ago. The Mark Faraday versus Serena Faraday child custody hearing appears to be swaying in Mark's favor with the revelation of Serena's other personality Josie. Josie intercedes, however, and shoots and kills Mark on the courthouse steps, a very tragic development. Adam Drake is prevailed upon to defend Serena for the murder, while Brandy Henderson -assisted by Mr. Draper Scott- is assigned to prosecute the case. And that about brings you up-to-date on what has been happening in the series. So, there you are. You have some of the background developments. And now, we present proudly...The Edge of Night. Here it tis, please enjoy.
OPENING TITLE
DISSOLVE TO:
ACT ONE
Scene One
Kevin and Nicole’s airplane in flight to Monticello.
KEVIN
Two hours before we land. It’s going to be a shock to a lot of people to find out that you’re alive. But, they’ll get over it in a few minutes, and it’ll be nothing but a celebration.
NICOLE
Do you really think so?
KEVIN
Oh, I’m sure of it. Can you think of one person who won’t be overjoyed to see you back home?
NICOLE
At first –maybe. But what then?
KEVIN
Then…life will go on as normal.
NICOLE
No. Their lives will go on. Just as if nothing had changed. They’re used to things without me. They’re used to things the way they are... and not the way they were...
KEVIN
You know, you’re worrying about nothing.
NICOLE
Actually, I can’t say that I blame them, really. I mean…the past is alright ...if it stays in the past. (PAUSE) I just wish I didn’t feel like a ghost, Kevin.
KEVIN
But you are not a ghost, Nicole. You’re flesh and blood…
DISSOLVE TO:
Scene Two
The Karr living room. Adam is talking to Mike and Nancy.
ADAM
…and when I told her that I wouldn’t take the case, she slapped me.
NANCY
She what…?
ADAM
Yeah, and she packs quite a wallop, too.
MIKE
It’s obvious that there’s more violence in Josie’s personality than there is in Serena’s.
NANCY
What’s going to happen to her? I mean, if Adam … you don’t handle the case, and she refuses to accept anyone else, what’s going to happen?
TAKE ADAM'S SOBER REACTION, AND
CUT TO:
COMMERCIAL BREAK
ACT TWO
Scene One
The Karr living room
ADAM
About Serena having an attorney, if she doesn’t choose another one -the court will…for her.
MIKE
The court will appoint a public defender, of course, but right now –we don’t even know what the charge will be.
NANCY
Well, now wait minute. We’ve been through this before. Please…not murder in the first degree.
ADAM
Maybe not.
NANCY
I wish you wouldn’t say “maybe.”
ADAM
It’s all I can say, Nancy. I have no idea what the DA’s going to charge her with. It’s anybody’s guess.
MIKE
We can pretty well assume it will be a lesser charge. Second-degree is my guess. But, I think it’s wise to wait and find out.
NANCY
Adam, is there…any possibility… you might change your mind and help her…?
TAKE ADAM, AND:
CUT TO:
Scene Two
Bill Marceau’s office. Luke enters, escorting Josie to a chair.
LUKE
Come right in, have that seat there, Mrs. Faraday.
JOSIE
Now, what can I do to get you to keep from calling me that?
LUKE
That’s your legal name, isn’t it?
JOSIE
(flatly) The law says I can myself whatever I wanna call myself, and what I wanna call myself is “Josie”...
LUKE
All of your identification says “Mrs. Serena Faraday”. Your driver’s license, your credit cards, your charge plates.
JOSIE
Yeah…I use her identification. Why shouldn’t I?
LUKE
It’s astonishing that your signatures are absolutely identical.
JOSIE
(Giggles) Now, what’re ya gonna do…arrest me for forgery?
BILL ENTERS THE OFFICE.
JOSIE
(loud, animated) Hey...! Big Chief! How are you...!?
BILL
(serious) Mrs. Faraday…
JOSIE
(curt) Josie…
BILL
Josie? Josie…
JOSIE
Yeah…
BILL
Well, I’m fine, Josie. Just fine. I thought we might have a little informal talk here about exactly what happened.
JOSIE
Oh, that’s fine with me. Nothing I like more than a nice chat.
BILL
Alright, that’s very good. I think I should tell you that even though this conversation is not an official one, you will be protected against incriminating yourself.
LUKE
I’ve already read the Miranda card to Mrs. Faraday.
BILL
Good. Then you understand that you’re not really required to say anything? And that if you so desire, you can have a lawyer here?
JOSIE
Yes, okay, Chief. I –I’ve seen that a thousand times on cop shows on television.
LUKE
On the other hand, you have the option to sign a waiver of rights, and to say anything you want to.
JOSIE
Now, what makes you think I wanna say anything? I mean, everybody knows what happened. At least fifty people saw it when I did it. Whaddya’ expect me to do? Deny it?
BILL
We’d just like to get a complete statement from you, that’s all.
JOSIE
And then what?
BILL
Well…the rest is known as due process.
JOSIE
Does due process have anything to do with letting me out of here?
BILL
Well…that could happen, if your lawyer asks for –and receives permission for- bail.
JOSIE
I don’t have a lawyer yet.
LUKE
I thought your lawyer was Mike Karr.
JOSIE
That’s her lawyer.
LUKE
Her meaning Serena Faraday…?
JOSIE
That’s right. My lawyer will be Adam Drake.
BILL
You certain of that…?
JOSIE
Yeah… he doesn’t know it yet, but he’ll defend me.
BILL
Mrs. Faraday…my understanding is that Adam Drake is not going to represent you. Which means that if you fail to appoint another lawyer, the court will have to appoint someone for you.
JOSIE
Hey! No way! I’m not havin' some two-bit shyster defend me. Hey, c’mon! Boys… this is a murder case!
LUKE
You’re wrong about the two-bit shysters, I assure you. Top criminal lawyers in this state serve as public defenders on a rotating basis.
JOSIE
Including Adam Drake?
BILL
That’s right.
JOSIE
Hey…now there you see, cutie? What were ya gettin’ so upset about? We haven’t got any problem. I’ll just wait till they rotate Adam.
BILL
Now that attitude really won’t help you very much. You have got to understand the seriousness of this charge.
JOSIE
(stands) I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t know what I was doing…
BILL
(firm) Please, don’t get up. Will you sit down? Please. (JOSIE SLOWLY OBEYS) That’s better.
LUKE
Now you be careful of what you say. Don’t say anything that you don’t want used in court against you.
JOSIE
I…shot…Mark… Faraday…through…the…heart. Bang! I oughta get a marksmanship medal. As a matter of fact, I oughta get a distinguished service medal. I did a lot of people a favor.
LUKE
Including Mrs. Faraday –someone you don’t like?
JOSIE
(defensive) I had to do it, I had to find a way to protect our kid.
BILL
Our kid…?
JOSIE
He’s mine. As a matter of fact, now that she’s gone…I’m all he’s got.
CUT TO:
COMMERCIAL BREAK
ACT THREE
Scene One
Bill’s office, continued.
LUKE
Serena Faraday’s gone, is she?
JOSIE
Don’t see her anywhere around…do you?
BILL
Gone for good, is she?
JOSIE
Dear God, I hope so. She sure couldn’t take any of this. Being pushed around by a coupla gorillas in blue…
LUKE
(annoyed) Nobody has pushed you around…!
JOSIE
She’d fall apart without me! She needs me! To do her dirty work for her!
LUKE
Her dirty work? Like committing murder?
JOSIE
Killing Mark Faraday was not murder, that was an act of charity.
BILL
Mrs. Faraday…
JOSIE
Josie…
BILL
Josie -now, I have to warn you again… anything you say in here can be used against you in court.
JOSIE
(whispering, mocking) I’ll make any statements you want me to make…
LUKE
Then you’ll have to sign this waiver of rights. (HE HANDS HER THE DOCUMENT)
JOSIE
(cheery) Okay, cutie. How’d ya want it? Shall I forge you a signature again?
LUKE
Go ahead…
JOSIE
(smiling) Good. Listen, remember –ya told me to do it. (SHE SIGNS THE DOCUMENT WHILE NONCHALANTLY HUMMING)
BILL
(whispering, as Josie signs the waiver) Luke, I think we’d better tape this.
LUKE
Okay, chief. (HE GETS A CASSETTE RECORDER)
JOSIE
There ya go…
LUKE
Thank you, Mrs. Faraday.
BILL
Now, you just start whenever you like and just tell us in your own words exactly what happened. Alright?
JOSIE
(into the recorder) Testing…one, two, three, four. Testing…one, two –
BILL
Please…
JOSIE
Well, now…it all started when she ran out of the courthouse. You knew about that, didn’t you?
BILL
Yes…I know what happened.
JOSIE
On account of that kid –Timmy. Dumb kid said he was afraid of me. Now, can you imagine that? I mean, look at me – do I look like the kinda person who’s gonna scare an eight-and-a-half year old kid? What am I? The Wicked Witch of the West, or something? Okay, so –she ran outta the courthouse. She knew it was all over. She knew there was no way the judge was gonna let her keep that kid. Uh-unh. That judge was all set to hand him over to Big Daddy.
LUKE
That upset her a lot, didn’t it?
JOSIE
Oh…you better believe it. That kid is the only thing she cares about in the whole damn world. (softly) She’d do anything to keep him. Anything…
BILL
Including murder…?
JOSIE
(pause) Nah. No, Serena can’t handle that sort of thing. That’s why she had to go away. Just vanished…poof. Left good old Josie to do the job for her.
BILL
And what was it exactly that you did?
JOSIE
Well, well…the first thing I did was I went to Gerry’s apartment.
LUKE
Gerry…? Gerry who?
JOSIE
Oh, come on! Now, cutie, you know who. Gerry Kincaid. You got him locked up.
BILL
Gerald Kincaid is under indictment for attempted homicide. I guess you know about that.
JOSIE
Yeah, I knew about something else. I knew about something else that you guys didn’t find when you searched that apartment…
LUKE
The gun…
JOSIE
The gun! Yeah! That’s clever of you, cutie. Yeah. See, Gerry told me that he kept the gun –he stashed it inside his television set. Kept it for –emergencies. Well, now –if this wasn’t an emergency, what was? Right?
BILL
So, you took that gun and returned to the courthouse?
JOSIE
Yeah. Well, I had to do a little change first. I mean, I was not about to meet my public in this mousy hair, so I put on the old wigaroo –and then I got into the cab, and went to the courthouse, and …oh, God…the timing was perfect. I mean, there was old Mark coming down those steps with his lawyer. (pause) Bang. He’s dead. (lightly) Okay, how’s that for a statement?
BILL
Mrs. Faraday…
JOSIE
Yeah…
BILL
There’s something I don’t understand.
JOSIE
Uh, huh…
BILL
How did you expect to commit a crime of this nature –an assassination- and manage to escape any penalty?
JOSIE
Awww, Chiefy! C’mon! Who’s gonna put me in prison?
BILL
The law might. Very possibly for the rest of you life.
JOSIE
(giggling) Awwww, you’re kidding! They won’t put a poor, sick woman in prison!
LUKE
Poor, sick woman?
JOSIE
Yeah! Didn’t you know that’s what I am? I’m a poor sick woman. Poor wittle old me, I can’t take care of myself. Oh, c’mon, boys –you don’t have to worry about me. I’m gonna be just fine. (BILL AND LUKE ARE QUIET. THEY STARE AT HER WITH PITY) Stop it! Stop it! Stop looking at me like that! Stop ! (leaping out of the chair) Stop it! Now, it’s true, what I said –isn’t it!? C’mon, stop! Look, they don’t lock up sick people! All they’re gonna do is make me stay on Henderson’s couch a little while, that’s all! That’s all that’s gonna happen to me, isn’t it!? (THEY DON’T RESPOND) Isn’t it!? (screaming) Answer me!
LUKE
(hard) I wouldn’t count on it…
JOSIE
They can’t. They can’t lock me up. (she circles the room like a frightened animal) They can’t! They can’t lock me up! They can’t, they can’t! I won’t let them! I won’t let them lock me up, I won’t let them lock me up! (JOSIE SUDDENLY CLUTCHES HER FOREHEAD AND COLLAPSES. SHE BEGINS TO MOAN AND CRY AS BILL AND LUKE LOOK ON WITH DISBELIEF)
CUT TO:
COMMERCIAL BREAK
ACT FOUR
Scene One
The Whitney mansion living room. Tiffany is pacing nervously while Noel enjoys a cocktail.
TIFFANY
I should have gone to the airport. I should have gone with John to meet Kevin.
NOEL
What? And leave me all alone, my darling?
TIFFANY
Oh, you wouldn’t know it if I wasn’t here.
NOEL
Yes, I would, my precious. I’m painfully aware when you’re not in the house. In fact, the whole place echoes with my loneliness.
TIFFANY
The only thing that’s echoing around here is the neck of that bottle on that glass. My God, Noel. What are you trying to do? Drown yourself?
NOEL
Just my sorrows, Tiffany. That’s all.
TIFFANY
What sorrows? Did one of your horses lose…?
NOEL
What makes you think I’m interested in the horses?
TIFFANY
Oh, for goodness sake, Noel. You’re so obvious it’s pitiful. Every wastebasket in this house is filled with those little scraps of paper that has odds and names and numbers. And those mysterious phone calls from a man who’s got a voice like…(she shudders in revulsion) wet sandpaper.
NOEL
Just a little diversion, my pet. A little hobby to help me pass the time. (chuckles at his bon mot) My hobby horses…
TIFFANY
Your only hobby is drinking…I’m sick of it, Noel –I’m tired of it. You walk around here like a skid-row bum in a five-hundred dollar suit.
NOEL
I’m celebrating. Why shouldn’t I celebrate? My pal Kevin is coming home. (sarcastic) Oh…I hope he doesn’t crash…
TIFFANY
(annoyed) Where’s the cable? Where’d I put the cable?
NOEL
On the mantel, my sweet…
(TIFFANY WALKS TO THE MANTEL AND RETRIEVES KEVIN’S TELEGRAM. SHE READS IT, IGNORING NOEL)
TIFFANY
Urgently need you advice…
NOEL
Too bad he didn’t ask me for my advice…
TIFFANY
You aren’t even going to be coherent by the time he gets here!
NOEL
I’d make it my business to be coherent. I’d tell him exactly what to do. (HE MOVES TO THE BAR)
TIFFANY
Oh, you couldn’t possibly need more to drink…
NOEL
Kevin doesn’t even belong in this house. He isn’t a Whitney. He isn’t married to a Whitney. He isn’t even adopted by a Whitney. He’s just… Geraldine’s household pet. Only the pet doesn’t have a master anymore. I think I’m speaking for Geraldine, too. I mean, somebody has to speak for that poor old lady lying there in her vegetable bin. She wanted him out of here. She told him so. In vino veritas, my darling. (HE RAISES HIS GLASS) Out of wine…truth. Only this isn’t wine. It’s whiskey. But what’s the difference?
TIFFANY
If I were you, I’d go upstairs and sleep it off.
NOEL
And, if I were you, I’d think about what I said. Because one of these days, my darling…it may come down to a very difficult choice.
TIFFANY
Choice? What do you mean?
NOEL
Between that beardless youth and your not-so-beardless husband…
TIFFANY
Is that an ultimatum, Noel?
NOEL
No…not yet. Maybe some day. You see, sweetheart –this house isn’t big enough for Kevin and me.
(TIFFANY PICKS UP THE PHONE AND DIALS)
NOEL
Calling your lawyer, my pet? (SHE CONTINUES DIALING. NOEL LAUGHS SOFTLY) No…
TIFFANY
Hello…yes. I want some information about Flight 31 arriving from Paris…thank you…Yes, please, can you tell me is Flight 31 arriving on time…I see…alright…thank you very much…goodbye.
NOEL
Crashed on landing…?
(TIFFANY GLARES SHARPLY AT NOEL; SHE’S IRRITATED)
CUT TO:
Scene Two
The plane still in flight.
KEVIN
(peering out the window) Can’t see any lights. Must be overcast. (NICOLE IS UNRESPONSIVE) Look, will you try to think of it as a happy occasion?
NICOLE
Kevin, are you sure no one’s meeting you at the airport?
KEVIN
I don’t think so. Tiffany usually doesn’t pick me up. She’s sending John.
NICOLE
John…
KEVIN
Her chauffeur…butler…
NICOLE
Kevin, I know! John and Trudy. I remember them.
KEVIN
I’m sure they remember you.
NICOLE
Kevin…what exactly are we going to do right after we land…?
KEVIN
Well…I thought we’d go straight to the house. I think that Tiffany should have some good suggestions as to how to proceed.
NICOLE
I’m sure she will. Tiffany was always a very practical lady.
KEVIN
Of course, she’s going to be a little stunned to find out that you’re alive. So maybe I better tell her before you come in the house.
NICOLE
I think that’s a very good idea.
KEVIN
It’s going to be ok, I promise.
STEWARDESS VOICE
Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be landing at Monticello International Airport in approximately ten minutes. Please extinguish all cigarettes and make sure your seatbelts are fastened…
NICOLE
Kevin…before we land…there’s something I want to ask you.
KEVIN
Go ahead, ask…
NICOLE
I just want to know if there’s something you haven’t told me.
KEVIN
What do you mean?
NICOLE
I think you know what I mean. Is there something about Adam and this woman that he’s seeing…that I should know about? If so, I want you tell me. Right now.
TAKE KEVIN, AND
DISSOLVE TO BLACK.
HAL SIMMS:
Our story will continue…in a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
ACT FIVE
Scene One
The airplane, still in flight.
NICOLE
Do you think that you’re going to upset me?
KEVIN
We’re just not that close. I don’t know what he’s thinking or feeling. Let’s face it, we’re not the closest friends in the world.
NICOLE
Kevin, you’re close enough. After all, you know all of his friends. Mike and Nancy Karr and Bill and Martha and Phoebe and… (STOPS) Oh, Kevin. I never asked you about Phoebe.
KEVIN
Don’t ask.
NICOLE
You and she were engaged to be married.
KEVIN
That’s right. We were.
NICOLE
And you didn’t?
KEVIN
No, I’m still blissfully single.
NICOLE
Well…what happened?
KEVIN
Nothing –everything happened. Do you really wanna hear a long, sad story…?
NICOLE
No…I don’t want to hear any sad stories.
KEVIN
It’s only sad because it doesn’t have an ending yet. Phoebe and I spilt up. But, we’re still seeing each other, though not really on the same footing. Who knows, maybe in time…
NICOLE
Time does change things, Kevin.
KEVIN
Time changes people.
NICOLE
(ruefully) People change…
KEVIN
Will you stop looking at the dark side? Try to think optimistically. Look …(points out the window) there’s the lights of Monticello…
TAKE NICOLE LOOKING SAD AND ANXIOUS, AND
CUT TO:
Scene Two
Mike and Nancy’s living room.
ADAM
Well…I gotta go. Let you two people get dinner.
NANCY
Oh, I was hoping you’d join us.
MIKE
If you’re not seeing Brandy…
ADAM
No, she’s having dinner with her brother.
NANCY
Well, then stay…please…
ADAM
Oh, thank –you, Nancy. But I think I’ll go home and make self a ham sandwich and catch the football game…
(THE PHONE RINGS. NANCY GOES TO ANSWER WHILE ADAM AND MIKE SAY THEIR GOODBYES, AND ADAM LEAVES)
NANCY
Hello…Oh, yes…hello, Bill.
BILL
Nancy, is Adam still there?
NANCY
Yes…just a second. (to Mike) Get Adam…
MIKE
(opens front door) Adam…!
NANCY
He was just on his way out, Bill. Just a second…
(ADAM ENTERS)
NANCY
(to Adam) It’s Bill. He wants to talk to you…
ADAM
Thank you. (in phone) Yeah, Bill…
BILL
Adam…could you come back to headquarters?
ADAM’S VOICE
Sure. What …is it something about Josie? She ask for me…?
BILL
No. Josie has left, Adam. Serena Faraday is here now…
TAKE SERENA LOOKING FRIGHTENED, AND
FADE OUT
COMMERCIAL BREAK
CLOSING CREDITS:
The EDGE
of NIGHT
This episode ran over its allotted time and did not feature a closing credit crawl.
