THE EDGE OF NIGHT
Airdate: Friday, December 8, 1978
Transcript By: Mark Faulkner
ACT ONE
Raven emerges from her bedroom in Geraldine's suite.
GERALDINE
Well...Raven. You seem to be feeling a bit better...
RAVEN
(sighs) Oh...I suppose I am...
GERALDINE
That little trip you took this afternoon --that must have taken a good deal of your strength.
RAVEN
Look...I know it was really foolish of me to run off like that, but I felt all alone and I wanted to see Mother.
GERALDINE
Raven...if you had taken that plane to London...you might have done yourself and that baby some real harm. Thank heavens the airline clerk was sensible enough to call me.
RAVEN
Geraldine, tell me about this friend of yours...Eliot Dorn.
GERALDINE
Frankly, I was very grateful that Mr. Dorn was here when the call arrived. I'm not sure I could have managed the rescue alone.
RAVEN
You know, I met him once before. He came to visit Deborah in the old house.
GERALDINE
Yes, he mentioned that he was there. In fact, Deborah's very much a part of his group right now. Did you know that?
RAVEN
(laughing) She is...? Well, what do you know. Poor Steve...
GERALDINE
Why do you say that?
RAVEN
Are you kidding? You know what Deborah's interested in, and sure isn't ecology.
GERALDINE
I know nothing of the sort.
RAVEN
Tell me about Kevin. Does he know what I did yet?
GERALDINE
I haven't seen Kevin all day. (There's a knock at the door. Geraldine opens to Draper) Why...Draper. What a nice surprise. Do please come in.
DRAPER
Thank you, Geraldine. Excuse me for not calling first. Raven...I'm glad you're here, too.
RAVEN
Hi, Draper. It's nice of you to come visit. I know you're probably worried about me, but don't be. I'm fine as you can see, and I'm really sorry that I caused you distress by running off like that--
DRAPER
(overlapping, stern) Raven...there's something I've got to tell you. You, too, Geraldine.
GERALDINE
(concerned) What is it, Draper...?
DRAPER
I didn't want to have to do this, but I am involved since Kevin took my car, and I didn't want you to hear the news from anyone else...
RAVEN
Hear what...?
DRAPER
Geraldine...Kevin was in an accident.
GERALDINE
(quietly) Oh...God...
DRAPER
He came by my apartment...(to Raven) shortly after you left. He borrowed my car and went to the airport.
GERALDINE
Is he hurt...? Where is he...?
DRAPER
Geraldine, I'm sorry... Kevin was killed...
TAKE THE DEVASTATED REACTIONS OF GERALDINE AND RAVEN, AND
CUT TO:
OPENING TITLE
COMMERCIAL BREAK
ACT TWO
Scene One
Geraldine's hotel suite, continued.
GERALDINE
(a whisper) Oh...no. That can't be true. Oh, God... Draper. Not Kevin, too...
DRAPER
I can't tell you how sorry I am...
RAVEN
(softly) Why was he driving your car...?
DRAPER
You had your car, Raven...when you came over to see me. And then you decided to fly to London. Geraldine, it's such a terrible waste.
GERALDINE
(quietly, bitter) Yes...a terrible waste...
RAVEN
Draper, I don't understand. Why did you do it? Why did you tell him?
DRAPER
Raven, I had to. You were sick. I thought you were going into labor. He was your husband.
RAVEN
Why didn't you tell me what you were doing!?
DRAPER
Because you didn't want me to...
RAVEN
No, I didn't! And if you hadn't he would --(long pause, then she breaks down) He's dead...and I'm all alone. Why did you do it, Draper? Why...? It's all your fault!
DRAPER
(he turns to Geraldine, who remains quiet, shocked) It was just a terrible circumstance, Geraldine...
RAVEN
Tell me what happened. Where was he going, and why was he in your car?
DRAPER
He was coming after you, Raven. I told him what you told me about going to the airport, then getting a ticket and flying off to England to see your mother.
RAVEN
(crying) I can't believe it. I just can't believe it...
DRAPER
Perhaps... if you hadn't disappeared...if you'd waited --oh, what's the use. He had my car, Geraldine. I lent it to him because I didn't need it. I was going to visit April this afternoon, and I took the train.
RAVEN
Well, maybe it was your car. Maybe your car was defective...
DRAPER
No, I had the car inspected not too long ago. It was just a combination of... too much speed...too much emotion.
GERALDINE
Yes. Too much emotion. Draper...was anyone else involved in the crash...?
DRAPER
No, it was simply...and solely...Kevin. Although I feel like I was involved. April had a dream. She knew a long time before she went to jail that an accident was going to happen in my car.
GERALDINE
Good Lord...
DRAPER
When she saw me this afternoon...it was like she was seeing a ghost. Geraldine...are you sure you're all right?
GERALDINE
Yes...Draper. I'm all right. My main concern is for Raven now. Raven...you must be especially careful now.
DRAPER
Yes...you're very close to delivering the baby...
RAVEN
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking it was all my fault. I can tell. You're thinking that if I hadn't run off like I did...then Kevin wouldn't have come after me...and the accident wouldn't have happened, right...? It's all punishment! (weeping) And I'm a widow...I'm a widow, and I'm all alone...I'm a widow, and I'm going to have a baby...and it's just not fair. Geraldine...Kevin's troubles are all over, but mine are just starting...
GERALDINE
(enraged) Stop it...! My God, Raven. Stop thinking that you're the center of the universe. My son is dead! Your husband is dead! And the only tears you can shed are for yourself! What kind of woman are you...?
(Raven collapses and hides her face in tears. Geraldine and Draper are silent)
GERALDINE
I'm sorry, Draper. If you'll excuse me...I...I prefer to do my mourning alone... (she exits, leaving Draper and Raven, who continues to shed her tears)
CUT TO:
Scene Two
Logan's office.
LOGAN
Mr. Parsons...it is well past five o'clock, and I do have a life outside this office, believe it or not.
MR. PARSONS
Well, so do I, Mr. Swift. And you are ruining that life. Mine and all the citizens of Cobble Hill.
LOGAN
How many times do I have to explain this to you --
MR. PARSONS
Look...you sold us out. The last time I came to you about that X-rated theater, you made a lot of big promises. Now that you're the DA, I guess our problems aren't important enough...is that it?
LOGAN
Oh...I didn't say anything like that...
MR. PARSONS
This job is only temporary, Swift...until the next election. Now if you don't change your tune, I'll see to it that you couldn't even make dog catcher in Monticello...
LOGAN
You haven't heard one word I've said, have you? Not one word.
MR. PARSONS
All I know is that you got an injunction to stop that theater from opening, and you let it drop!
LOGAN
Yes...! And I told you why!
MR. PARSONS
How much did Meecham pay you...!?
LOGAN
(leaps from his seat and opens the office door) I'm sorry, Mr. Parsons. I'm gonna have to ask you to leave...
MR. PARSONS
Alright...alright. I guess I got a little warm under the collar. That theater is going to ruin our neighborhood.
LOGAN
Look...if I proceed with that injunction...I'm only gonna be postponing the inevitable.
MR. PARSONS
You said you found a law...
LOGAN
Yes...dated 1911. That law is so antiquated...it's funny to read that law today...
MR. PARSONS
But it's still on the books...
LOGAN
All Meecham has to do is walk into court... and the injunction will be lifted.
MR. PARSONS
Can't we take a chance that it won't be?
LOGAN
I'm the district attorney now, Mr. Parsons. The court calendar is bulging as it is. I cannot waste valuable time on a case that would be so easily challenged. When I was the assistant district attorney --then I could fight for lost causes. I'm just not in that position anymore.
MR. PARSONS
You strike me as being a pretty smart lawyer. If you really wanted to help us, you could.
LOGAN
Five minutes...five minutes after we walk in that courtroom, Meecham will have the court's blessing to open that theater. Now...is that what you want...?
MR. PARSONS
Thanks for nothing...
LOGAN
Your neighborhood is gonna survive...
MR. PARSONS
Oh, sure it will. With the prostitutes and the junkies...
LOGAN
My hands are tied! There is nothing that I could-- (Logan notices Winter entering)
WINTER
Oh...I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were still busy.
LOGAN
Perfectly alright. Mr. Parsosns and I have concluded our business.
MR. PARSONS
Alright. I'll go, Mr. District Attorney. (threatening) You think you've heard the last of me...you're greatly mistaken.
LOGAN
Your attitude about this is totally unrealistic.
MR. PARSONS
Look, Swift. You are in office to help people like me. I don't think I'm going to wait until the next election to get you out of this office. By the time I get through with you, the only cases you'll be handling will be jaywalking summonses and night court.
LOGAN
You can't threaten me, Mr. Parsons...it won't work.
MR. PARSONS
Oh, no...? I can go to the mayor and tell him that he man he made district attorney is on the side of the smut peddlers in this town...and not the law-abiding taxpayers.
LOGAN
Let me tell you something. The smut peddlers in this town couldn't make a nickel if the law-abiding taxpayers like you didn't buy their stuff. It's not the junkies and the prostitutes that go to the movies! Wade Meecham is in your neighborhood because he thinks he can make a profit. You and your friends wanna get him out of there...? You've got the power. Just don't buy any tickets to his films!
MR. PARSONS
Don't you get too comfortable in this office...because I don't think you're going to be here very long. (to Winter) Goodnight. (Mr. Parsons leaves)
WINTER
(concerned) What did you do...?
LOGAN SINKS INTO HIS CHAIR, GRIM AND EXHAUSTED, AND
CUT TO:
COMMERCIAL BREAK
ACT THREE
Scene One
Logan's office, continued.
LOGAN
We better talk about this over dinner, don't you think...?
WINTER
I think we should talk about it now.
LOGAN
Hey, now. You promised me you'd keep your pretty nose out of my professional life.
WINTER
Logan, this concerns me. What did you tell that man?
LOGAN
You know that injunction I slapped on Meecham and his porno place?
WINTER
Yeah...
LOGAN
It's been dropped.
WINTER
But you said that there was an antiquated law. Did they just toss it out of court?
LOGAN
Never got to court.
WINTER
Why not?
LOGAN
'Cause I decided to drop the action.
WINTER
Logan, the people in that area were counting on you--
LOGAN
I didn't have any choice...
WINTER
Why not?
LOGAN
Because the law that I was counting on just wouldn't have stood up. It would have been an exercise in futility, and I didn't need that.
WINTER
But you can't be sure of that...
LOGAN
You see...you see this stack of files on my desk? I do not have time to give every citizen's committee that comes in here with a beef my undivided attention.
WINTER
You promised Parsons you'd help him...
LOGAN
I promise Parsons that I would do my best. And my best wasn't good enough...
WINTER
I never thought you'd do it, Logan.
LOGAN
Do what...?
WINTER
Buckle under pressure. You gave up.
LOGAN
That case was as good as lost. What's the matter...don't you trust my professional judgment?
WINTER
Your judgment seems a little foggy to me right now.
LOGAN
I know what I'm doing.
WINTER
So do I! You're paying Wade his price...
LOGAN
What are you talking about?
WINTER
You're allowing him to blackamil you. I know he'd be willing to throw out Lacey Lady and not show it in the Cobble Hill or the Brewery section...just so you let him show any other X-rated film he wants to show in that theater.
LOGAN
Meecham's threat to show Lacey Lady was a bluff...that's all there was to it. I gave in because I didn't wanna lose in court. It's not a good way for a brand new district attorney to start out his first term.
WINTER
I don't believe that for one minute...
LOGAN
It was the practical solution, Winter...!
WINTER
It isn't fair. There's no reason for you to compromise your ethics.
LOGAN
I didn't compromise anything.
WINTER
It isn't necessary. It wasn't necessary. Wade promised me he'd never show Lacey -- (stops herself, the secret's out)
LOGAN
What...?
WINTER
You heard me. He's not going to show my masterpiece.
LOGAN
Why would he make a promise like that?
WINTER
I guess he figured he put me through enough hell. He got the satisfaction he wanted.
LOGAN
When did he have this little change of heart, huh...?
WINTER
Logan... it doesn't matter. The most important thing is that it's over.
LOGAN
Right now, Wade Meecham's word doesn't mean a hell of a lot to me...
WINTER
Call Parsons right now and tell him that you're going to help him. I don't want to see you lose your job...
LOGAN
Parsons can't hurt me.
WINTER
But you said yourself that he's a respected civic leader. He can cause trouble.
LOGAN
Just forget it...!
WINTER
I can't...! If you lose the job, it will be my fault!
LOGAN
Why...? You gonna vote for my opponent in the next election?
WINTER
That's not funny...
LOGAN
Who's laughing...?
WINTER
It could destroy us. We could never get married.
LOGAN
I've never regretted one thing that I've done for you, Winter. Not one. I love you.
WINTER
How long?
LOGAN
Meecham's got his theater. Lacey Lady is not going to be shown. For all intents and puposes...all's right with the world!
WINTER
I feel terrible...
LOGAN
Why...?
WINTER
Because if you let Wade open that theater and don't fight him...you're going against everything you ever believed in...
LOGAN
Like you said...it's over now, isn't it?
WINTER
You're not going to let me help you change your mind?
LOGAN
No. Come on. Let's go have that dinner.
WINTER
I'm not hungry...
LOGAN
Winter...don't do this to me.
WINTER
Look...I'll meet you at your house later, okay?
LOGAN
Why can't we stay together now?
WINTER
I have a few I have to run-- (she starts out the door)
LOGAN
Oh, look...that doesn't make sense. Don't be -- (she slams the door shut) Winter...!
CUT TO:
COMMERCIAL BREAK
ACT FOUR
Scene One
Margo's penthouse. Wade pops the cork from a bottle of champagne.
WADE
(chuckling) Ahhhh...music to my ears. Oh, I love to hear the little bubbles...
MARGO
My goodness...you're in a good mood. You haven't even tasted the champagne yet.
WADE
My mood improved because of a sound I heard earlier this evening.
MARGO
What was that?
WADE
Money...being pushed into the box office at the new Cobble Hill Palace.
MARGO
You'd think you were celebrating an opening on Broadway instead of a little X-rated movie house...
WADE
I tell you, Margo...when that theater opened up today I felt like a miner discovering gold.
MARGO
You know, if that place is half as profitable as you seem to think it's going to be...you're going to be a rich man ...
WADE
Hey...I will drink to that! (he sips the champagne) I was gonna have a big gala premiere...but I decided that with all the controversy --it was probably better I kept the opening as quiet as possible.
MARGO
I was a little surprised how all those legal roadblocks disappeared overnight. I thought everyone was going to fight you tooth and nail.
WADE
Well...I had a little talk with District Attorney --Mr. Swift...
MARGO
Oh...?
WADE
And presented him a nice, reasonable argument. It was amazing how cooperative he turned out to be.
MARGO
But I thought everyone was up in arms about the sort of element those films might attract to the neighborhood.
WADE
Oh, I'll tell you, Margo. In that part of town, what I'm gonna attract is nice, respectable, suburban husbands. I may even raise my prices next month...
MARGO
Watch out...I wouldn't get too greedy...
WADE
Why not? The more I make --the more you make.
MARGO
Wade...listen. When I agreed to put some of Transtock Communications money into your little venture, it was with the strict understanding that our arrangement was going to remain secret. Now...I am not involved...don't you forget that.
WADE
My dear, beautiful boss...the money that you're gonna make from your share of my theater is the same color as the money you make from your television station.
MARGO
That's true...
WADE
That's very true. Oh, you know, I was thinking...
MARGO
What...?
WADE
If my plans work out the way I hope they do --I may have to give up some of the responsibilities to your outfit.
MARGO
Why?
WADE
I'm gonna need the time to count my own money.
MARGO
In that case, maybe we better look for some more administrative help...because I intend to spend less time behind my desk at WMON, too.
WADE
Where're you gonna be?
MARGO
Would you believe behind the anchor desk in studio 6?
WADE
Whaddya' gonna do...replace Nicole Drake?
MARGO
No...just for one night. But I must say I do enjoy that on-camera work. I'd like to do a little more of it.
WADE
When's your debut?
MARGO
Nicole's going to a three-day convention -a broadcasting convention in Chicago- I will cover for her on Friday night.
WADE
The ratings have always been very good for Nicole. (suspicious) Why are you giving her the day off...?
MARGO
She'll meet lots of influential people in Chicago... and it could do her career worlds of good.
WADE
I see. And you have nothing to gain from Nicole's trip, right?
MARGO
Moi...? Alright... what's rattling around in that seedy little brain of yours?
WADE
With the lovely Mrs. Drake in Chicago...the very eligible Dr. Cavanaugh will be left alone for three days.
MARGO
I suppose...
WADE
Yes...and I suppose you'd be close enough to keep him company if he got lonely...
MARGO
Well...if he wanted to spend a little time with me when Nicole was away...I wouldn't object.
WADE
(laughs heartily) I have the feeling Nicole will be going to a lot of conventions.
MARGO
Oh, now come on...no, really. Get that look off your face. It's going to do the studio a lot of good.
WADE
Margo...what are the dates Nicole will be in the Windy City...?
MARGO
Why do you want to know that...?
WADE
There's some film companies there that have invited me to come up and see their new releases.
MARGO
Oh...?
WADE
(suggestive) Might be a very good time for me to make the trip...
TAKE MARGO, CONTEMPLATING HIS INFERENCE, AND
CUT TO:
Scene Two
The Karr home.
NANCY
Are you sure I can't give you something to eat?
MILES
No, no thank-you. We're going to stop for a hamburger. I've got to get Nicole back to the studio for the eleven o'clock news.
NICOLE
Yeah...I'm not looking forward to it. I guess you know what my lead story has to be tonight.
MIKE
Yes. It came as quite a shock to all of us.
NANCY
At first we thought it was Draper who was killed.
MIKE
The preliminary information was from the car registration.
MILES
Since it was Draper's car...they assumed he was driving it.
NANCY
It was such a shock when Draper showed up here. It was then that he told us about lending the car to Kevin... and then we realized it was Kevin who was in the wreck.
MILES
What a shame...
MIKE
Nancy, we'll have to arrange to visit Geraldine.
NICOLE
I wonder how she's taking this news...
NANCY
(sadly) She's lost everybody she's ever loved... (the phone rings)
MIKE
I'll get that. Hello...
DR. KNAPP
Mr. Karr?
MIKE
Yes...
DR. KNAPP
This is Dr. Knapp at Monticello General.
MIKE
Yes, doctor...how is Mr. Selkirk?
DR. KNAPP
I've just come from Mr. Selkirk's room. A few hours ago he took a turn for the worse.
MIKE'S VOICE
I'm very sorry to hear that.
DR. KNAPP
Selkirk has had periods where his condition has deteriorated slightly...but this time I don't expect there'll be a remission. Selkirk was just able to hang on longer than most. But, I don't expect he'll make it through the night.
MIKE'S VOICE
That's too bad.
DR. KNAPP
Look...I was wondering if you might find it possible to come down here this evening. Actually --as soon as possible.
MIKE
Doctor...do you really think that would be wise...?
DR. KNAPP
Selkirk has been asking for his daughter...and you. I'm not one to try and lure someone down here on last requests...unless I think it will give my patient some peace of mind.
MIKE
Alright, doctor...tell Mr. Selkirk I'll be there as soon as possible.
TAKE NANCY LOOKING AT MIKE QUESTIONINGLY, AND
CUT TO:
COMMERCIAL BREAK
ACT FIVE
Wade's hotel suite. He is relaxing with a drink and classical music. There's a knock at the door. He opens the door to Winter.
WADE
Well, well, well. Look who's here.
WINTER
(entering) Hello, Wade...
WADE
Well, come on in, come in. To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?
WINTER
I want to talk to you.
WADE
(referring to their last sexual encounter) Oh, I was hoping you'd be here for a return engagement
WINTER
Everytime I think of the other night... I get sick.
WADE
Would you like a drink? I've got some left.
WINTER
What kind of deal did you make with Logan?
WADE
I don't know what you're talking about...
WINTER
The hell you don't. I just came from his office. All of a sudden he decided to let you open the Cobble Hill theater.
WADE
That's a very smart move on his part.
WINTER
The only reason he did it is because you threatened to show Lacey Lady in that fleabag movie house down in the Brewery section.
WADE
No, darlin'...the only reason he did it is that he found out he didn't have a legal leg to stand on.
WINTER
You told me that our little agreement would be enough to ensure that no one would see that film. That should have been enough!
WADE
Oh...Winter. I'm a businessman. I needed a little insurance.
WINTER
You...double-dealing rat. I'm not going to let you ruin Logan's career.
WADE
(laughs) Winter...why don't you just relax? I swear to you that that's the only print of Lacey Lady in existence...and you gave your all for that one. What more could I ask for?
WINTER
Drop dead!
WADE
You know...I'll bet that your husband-to-be would be very proud of the things you did to prevent people from finding out that his future wife was once a porno queen.
WINTER
Don't even think of telling him...
WADE
No...I wasn't going to say a word. (He opens a videocassette case and puts the video in his tape player) I don't have to. Let's turn on the television. You see...we turn on the televison so that we get a good picture. And I have always felt that...a good picture...was worth...a thousand words. (He hits the play button on the VCR. The tape begins to play. An image of Wade and Winter in bed fills the screen. Winter is stunned. She realizes that Wade has secretly videotaped them having sex.
WINTER
(mortified) Oh my God...!
WADE EMITS AN EVIL LAUGH AS WINTER WATCHES THE SCREEN IN HORROR AND DISGUST, AND
FADEOUT
COMMERCIAL BREAK
CLOSING CREDITS
