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                                TOUGH LOVE

 

                        The story of Ruth Barnett

 

                             by Charles Deemer

 

 

 

 

          A DARK SCREEN

 

          and we hear the opening refrain of a classic doowop song,

          perhaps "In the Still of the Night" by the Five Satins:

 

                                          DOOWOP SONG

                         Shoo-doot-n-shoo-be-doo . . .

                         shoo-doot-n-shoo-be-doo . . .

 

          and the music continues as:

 

          FADE IN:

 

 

          EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT

 

          A taxicab, vintage late 1940s, is driving down a dark

          street.  It is raining.  Streetlights reflect off the wet

          pavement.

 

 

          INT. TAXI - NIGHT

 

          In the back seat is a YOUNG WOMAN, college age, who has been

          crying.  She clearly is very upset about something.  She is

          dressed expensively, clearly coming from a wealthy family.

 

 

          EXT. STREET - NIGHT

 

          The taxi pulls into a dark alley.  It continues a bit, slows

          down and stops.

 

 

          INT. AUDITORIUM - STAGE - NIGHT

 

          Behind the podium at a political rally is JACK CORD, a

          handsome ambitious man in his forties.  He stands under a

          BANNER announcing his candidacy for mayor.

 

          Cord's hands are clasped over his head and he is grinning,

          as his supporters cheer but it still is only the doowop we

          hear on the soundtrack.

 


 

                                                                   2.

 

 

 

 

          EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

 

          The young woman gets out of the cab, opens an umbrella and

          starts to move off through the rain, forgetting to pay her

          fare.  The cabby calls her back.

 

          The young woman opens her purse and hands the cabby a bill.

          He makes change, but the woman has gone on without waiting

          for it.  The cab backs up out of the alley.

 

          The young woman takes a slip of paper out of her purse,

          fumbling to do this and hold the umbrella at the same time.

          She matches an address written down on the paper with the

          number over a dark doorway.

 

          She moves to the door and knocks.

 

          The door opens.  A MALE DOCTOR, an older man, appears in the

          doorway, looking a little unsteady, a little intoxicated.

 

          The young woman closes the umbrella and starts to step

          inside out of the rain but is stopped.  The doctor says

          something.

 

          The young woman takes money out of her purse and gives it to

          the doctor.  Only then does he move aside so she can enter.

 

 

          INT. BUILDING - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

          The hallway inside the building is dark, dusty and dreary.

          Light spills out from a small room down the hallway, and the

          doctor leads the way to it.

 

 

          INT. BUILDING - ROOM - NIGHT

 

          A bare light bulb hangs from the ceiling, illuminating the

          room and contributing to a feeling of stark depression.

 

          A NURSE, also older, is making preparations for an operation

          as she stands near a long table, the dominating piece of

          furniture in the room.  The sheet spread over the table is

          blood-stained.

 

          The young woman is led to a screen in the corner and given a

          hospital gown.  She is told to change her clothes.

 

          It is still only the doowop that we hear on the sound track.

 

 

          INT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

 

          Finally the doowop stops.  Cord gestures for his family to

          join him on stage.

 


 

                                                                   3.

 

 

 

 

          His wife and daughter, all grins and teeth, hurry up on

          stage beside Cord.  He gets the attention of his supporters.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         My wife, Carol . . . my daughter,

                         Heather . . .  I couldn't do it

                         without them, people!

 

          CAROL is an attractive woman in her late thirties.  HEATHER

          is sixteen and pretty.

 

          Both women embrace him, wave to the cheering crowd, then

          move off again.

 

          Cord waits for his supporters to quiet down.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         My friends . . . my friends, I

                         pledge to you tonight more than

                         victory . . .  I pledge to you that

                         as mayor, under my administration,

                         the streets of Portland will become

                         streets where our wives and

                         daughters, our mothers and sisters,

                         can walk safely and securely . . .

                         where they will not be accosted by

                         prostitutes, where they will not be

                         confronted by the din from gambling

                         halls . . . I pledge to you an end

                         to the embarrassing and immoral

                         reputation that our fine city has

                         acquired over the years as being

                         the Sin City of the west

                         coast . . . I pledge to you a

                         return to decency!  I pledge to you

                         a city based on family values!

 

          His supporters are cheering wildly.

 

 

          EXT. RACE TRACK - NIGHT

 

          Cheering of a different tone continues as two thoroughbreds

          race neck-and-neck, turning into the backstretch.

 

 

          INTERCUT - RACE TRACK, AUDITORIUM

 

          racing fans cheer for their horses, Cord's supporters cheer

          for their candidate.

 

 

          EXT. RACE TRACK - FINISH LINE - NIGHT

 

          The horses thunder across the finish line, one winning by a

          nose.  Suddenly:

 


 

                                                                   4.

 

 

 

 

          A RISING WAILING SCREAM

 

          comes up under the cheering, and it chills to the bone.

 

 

          CLOSE ON YOUNG WOMAN

 

          her mouth open and screaming in pain.

 

 

          EXT. RACE TRACK - WINNER'S CIRCLE - NIGHT

 

          RUTH BARNETT, owner of the winning horse, accepts a huge

          bouquet of flowers in the winner's circle.  She stands

          beside the horse as the JOCKEY dismounts, and she hugs him.

 

          RUTH is an attractive woman in her forties, dressed

          fashionably and more for the symphony or opera than for a

          racetrack.  She wears furs, a scarf, a hat.

 

          Flashbulbs pop as Ruth pets the horse, beaming, posing for

          the cameras.

 

 

          CLOSE ON BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE

 

          as its cork pops open.

 

 

          INT. RACE TRACK - CLUB HOUSE - NIGHT

 

          In the clubhouse Ruth and her best friend FLO STEVENS clink

          champagne glasses.  Flo, like Ruth, is dressed to the nines.

          The women clearly are enjoying their night out at the track.

 

          The BARTENDER offers a toast.

 

                                          BARTENDER

                         To Dr. Ruth Barnett, who knows a

                         good horse when she sees one!

 

          People in the clubhouse applaud.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Thank you, Fred.  Open a few more

                         bottles for everybody.

 

          Ruth and Flo move to a table and sit down.

 

 

          INT. CLUBHOUSE - TABLE - NIGHT

 

          Ruth lights a cigarette in her long cigarette holder.

 


 

                                                                   5.

 

 

 

 

                                          RUTH

                         I can't tell you how much I've

                         needed a night like this.  Not

                         winning - just getting away from

                         the clinic.

 

                                          FLO

                         Enjoy it.  We've got fifteen

                         scheduled for tomorrow.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I thought it was eight.

 

                                          FLO

                         That was Monday.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Then we're staying til they kick us

                         out.  I want to enjoy as much of

                         this as I can.

 

          They laugh and clink glasses again.

 

 

          EXT. CLUBHOUSE - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo come out of the clubhouse.  The crowd is moving

          for the exits after the last race.

 

          Suddenly a MAN in the exiting crowd accosts them.

 

                                          MAN IN CROWD

                         Baby killer!  Murderer!

 

          A SECURITY POLICEMAN is quickly on the scene, dragging the

          man away.

 

                                          MAN IN CROWD

                         You'll rot in hell, Barnett!

 

          Flo gives Ruth's arm a squeeze, as if to say, Don't let it

          bother you.

 

                                          FLO

                         Creep.

 

           They move quickly for the gate.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S CAR - PARKING LOT - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo get into a car, Ruth behind the steering wheel.

          It's a black Cadillac, very uptown.

 

                                          RUTH

                         The job never goes away, does it?

 


 

                                                                   6.

 

 

 

 

          She starts the car.

 

 

          EXT. HOTEL - STREET - NIGHT

 

          A taxicab pulls in front of a hotel.  The back door opens

          and a gorgeous woman steps out.

 

          This is HELEN DIMARCO, a Hollywood starlet, trying to be

          incognito in dark glasses and a hat and veil.

 

 

          INT. HOTEL - BAR - NIGHT

 

          Sitting at a small bar off the hotel's lobby are RUSSELL

          ARMSTRONG and BUD MCELROY.

 

          Armstrong is a reporter for the Journal, a bit disheveled,

          looking a little like a misplaced academic.  His

          photographer, McElroy, is prim in comparison.

 

          Armstrong has seen DiMarco enter and go to the front desk.

          He slides off the barstool.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Be right back.

 

          McElroy looks up from his drink but lets Armstrong go

          without a word.  He's a little drunk.

 

 

          FOLLOWING ARMSTRONG

 

          as he leaves the bar and goes into the hotel lobby.

 

 

          ARMSTRONG'S POV

 

          of DiMarco registering.  As soon as she registers, she is

          moving off to the elevator.

 

 

          INT. HOTEL - LOBBY - NIGHT

 

          Armstrong quickly moves to the elevator and stands beside

          the woman.  They exchange a glance.  Armstrong smiles, and

          Helen DiMarco turns away.

 

          The elevator door opens, and DiMarco steps in.  She expects

          Armstrong to follow.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I'm going down.

 

          The elevator door closes.

 


 

                                                                   7.

 

 

 

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Miss DiMarco.

 

 

          INT. HOTEL - BAR - NIGHT

 

          Armstrong slips back onto the barstool.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         You'll never guess who just

                         registered.

 

                                          MCELROY

                         Who?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Helen DiMarco.

 

                                          MCELROY

                         No kidding?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I was as close to her as I am to

                         you.  What in the world would bring

                         Helen DiMarco to Portland?  I

                         haven't heard anything about a

                         movie being shot.

 

                                          MCELROY

                         Who says she's here for a movie?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Why else would she be in town?

 

                                          MCELROY

                         Maybe to get an abortion.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         You think so?

 

                                          MCELROY

                         Why the hell else does anybody with

                         money and fame ever come here?

                         We're the capital of the west

                         coast, you know that.

 

          McElroy has said this matter-of-factly, as common knowledge.

          Armstrong considers the matter, realizing that he may be

          right.  Such is Portland's reputation.

 

 

          EXT. ALLEY - BUILDING - NIGHT

 

          The young woman from the opening scene comes out of the

          building into the alley.  She looks pale and weak.

 


 

                                                                   8.

 

 

 

 

          It is still raining, and she realizes she has forgotten her

          umbrella.  She'd rather get soaked than go back inside and

          moves off.

 

          She moves down the alley, slowly, painfully, and reaches the

          sidewalk.  She continues walking.

 

 

          EXT. PORTLAND - CITY STREET - DAY

 

          Traffic moves down a city street in the morning rush hour,

          past a corner building.

 

 

          INT. BUILDING - RUTH'S CLINIC - DAY

 

          In the building, Ruth's clinic resembles a fine hotel suite.

          Vases of fresh flowers are everywhere, thick carpet

          stretches across the waiting room, prints of classical art

          are on the walls, classical music plays softly in the

          background.  The place is clean and immaculate.

 

          PATIENTS sit in the waiting room.  They represent a wide

          variety of ages, from teenagers to women in their forties.

 

          Flo sits behind a receptionist's desk.  Periodically

          ASSISTANTS wander through the waiting area or fetch a

          patient, suggesting an atmosphere of intense business and

          busy work.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S CLINIC - ANOTHER AREA - DAY

 

          A large room is partitioned into cubicles.  Ruth moves from

          one cubicle to another, making her rounds.

 

 

          INT. CUBICLE

 

          Ruth is all smiles.  The woman in bed is a college student,

          who is reading a book.

 

                                          RUTH

                         How are you feeling?

 

                                          PATIENT-1

                         Not too bad.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Good.

 

          Ruth sticks a thermometer under the woman's tongue.

 

                                          RUTH

                         We'll schedule you for later this

                         morning, how's that sound?

                                          (MORE)

 


 

                                                                   9.

 

 

 

 

                                          RUTH (cont'd)

                         Tonight we'll put you up in our

                         motel.  You can recuperate there

                         for a few days.

 

          The woman, with the thermometer under her tongue, tries to

          ask, "How many?"

 

                                          RUTH

                         Two or three days should be enough.

                         If you want someone to bring you

                         more of your school books, we can

                         do that.  Might as well make good

                         use of your time.

 

          Ruth removes the thermometer and reads it.

 

                                          PATIENT-1

                         I would like that.  I have midterms

                         next week.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Make a list of the books you need,

                         we'll have them in your motel room

                         tonight.

 

          She puts her hand on the woman's cheek.  The woman manages

          to smile.

 

                                          RUTH

                         If you're like me, you'll find a

                         trip to the dentist is much worse

                         than this.

 

 

          INT. ANOTHER CUBICLE

 

          Ruth enters another cubicle.  The woman in bed is

          middle-aged.

 

                                          PATIENT-2

                         You're late.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Feisty as ever, aren't we?  That's

                         a good sign.

 

                                          PATIENT-2

                         I have stomach cramps.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm scheduling you late this

                         afternoon.  I'd like you to relax

                         more.  Take these with lunch.

 

          She gives the woman two pills.

 


 

                                                                   10.

 

 

 

 

                                          PATIENT-2

                         I don't like to take pills.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't like to have to give them.

                         In your case, I think they will do

                         you good.

 

          She takes the woman's hand.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I know you're scared.  Do you know

                         how many women come through here a

                         week?  We've never lost a patient

                         yet.

 

                                          PATIENT-2

                         Just my luck to be the first.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Well, I'm not letting you get away

                         with that.  I have my reputation to

                         think of.  Don't forget to take the

                         pills.

 

          She squeezes the woman's hand.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'll schedule you at the end of the

                         day.

 

 

          EXT. PARK - DAY

 

          The young woman from earlier is sitting on a park bench.

          She looks weak.

 

          It's stopped raining but she looks disheveled from the night

          before.

 

          She struggles to her feet and moves across the park.  In the

          distance children are playing, screaming happily as their

          mothers watch.

 

 

          EXT. STREET - DAY

 

          The young woman reaches the sidewalk and continues walking.

          She looks as if she's ready to pass out at any minute.

 

 

          INT. NEWSPAPER BUILDING - NEWSROOM - DAY

 

          Armstrong wanders through the busy and loud newsroom at the

          Journal and stops behind the chair of a woman, JANET, who is

          working on a story on her typewriter.  Her desk is near a

          window, looking down on the street below.

 


 

                                                                   11.

 

 

 

 

          He playfully squeezes her from behind, and she jumps.

 

          Janet turns, looking up to him, and Armstrong steals a quick

          kiss.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         How's it coming?

 

                                          JANET

                         Slowly.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         You'll never guess who I saw at the

                         Benson last night.

 

                                          JANET

                         You're right, I won't.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Helen DiMarco.

 

                                          JANET

                         You're kidding.  What movie's being

                         shot in town?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I think she's here for an abortion.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - OPERATING TABLE - DAY

 

          Ruth is doing surgery, performing an abortion on Patient-1

          from above.  Her manner is very professional:

          concentrated, capable, confident.  Several assistants help

          her.

 

          When the operation is over, Ruth touches the young woman's

          cheek and kisses her on the forehead, very motherly.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - RECEPTION AREA - DAY

 

          A middle-aged woman enters the clinic and goes to Flo's

          desk, taking a checkbook out of her purse.

 

                                          WOMAN

                         I have an appointment for eleven.

 

                                          FLO

                         I'm sorry, we don't take checks.

                         You can cash it at the bank down

                         the street.

 

                                          WOMAN

                         Can't you make an exception?

 


 

                                                                   12.

 

 

 

 

                                          FLO

                         No, ma'am.

 

                                          WOMAN

                         A strange way to do business.

 

          The woman leaves in a huff to cash her check.

 

 

          EXT. STREET - DAY

 

          The young woman is still walking slowly down the sidewalk.

          She is looking weaker by the moment.

 

          She falters and starts to lose her balance.  Finally she

          collapses on the street.

 

 

          INT. NEWSROOM - JANET'S DESK - DAY

 

          Armstrong stands idly by the window as Janet works on her

          story.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I'm getting very hungry here.

 

                                          JANET

                         Let me finish this paragraph.

 

          Armstrong notices something on the street below.

 

 

          ARMSTRONG'S POV

 

          as a crowd gathers around something on the sidewalk.

 

 

          INT. NEWSROOM - JANET'S DESK - DAY

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Something's going on down there.

 

          He moves away.

 

                                          JANET

                         Where are you going?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I'll meet you downstairs.

 

          And he's gone, leaving Janet to wonder what is going on.

 

 

          EXT. SIDEWALK

 

          The young woman has fainted on the street, and a crowd has

          gathered around her.

 


 

                                                                   13.

 

 

 

 

          Armstrong appears on the scene.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         What happened?

 

                                          WOMAN IN CROWD

                         She fainted.  Look, she's bleeding.

 

 

          THE YOUNG WOMAN

 

          lies on the sidewalk, her thighs covered with blood.

 

 

          EXT. SIDEWALK - DAY

 

          Armstrong is scribbling notes as an ambulance pulls up.

          Janet joins him.

 

                                          JANET

                         What's going on?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I think the Lt. Governor's kid just

                         had an abortion.

 

          This is news, and Janet reacts with a reporter's excitement.

 

 

          INT. OPERATING AREA

 

          Ruth finishes operating on patient-2, the middle-aged woman

          above.

 

                                          RUTH

                         That wasn't so bad, was it?

 

                                          PATIENT-2

                         A trip to the dentist is worse.

 

                                          RUTH

                         That's my line.

 

                                          PATIENT-2

                         I know, I heard you tell someone

                         that.

 

                                          RUTH

                         So you're stealing my best lines

                         now?

 

          She gives the woman a supportive squeeze on her shoulder.

 


 

                                                                   14.

 

 

 

 

          INSERT: NEWSPAPER HEADLINE

 

          A headline reads "Lt. Governor's daughter collapses on

          street".

 

          Under this, a subhead asks, "Victim of illegal abortion?"

 

          The byline under the headlines is Russell Armstrong.

 

 

          CLOSE ON DOOR

 

          which reads, "Jack Cord - Sheriff - Multnomah County".

 

 

          INT. CORD'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Cord is reading the newspaper story in his office.  Two of

          his aides, MIKE and TOM, look on.  Both are young police

          enforcement types.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Terrible thing.

 

                                          MIKE

                         It might be a blessing in disguise.

 

                                          TOM

                         How so?

 

                                          MIKE

                         We've been talking about finding a

                         cause for the campaign.

 

                                          TOM

                         I thought we found one.

 

                                          MIKE

                         Gambling's fine.  But I think

                         abortion is better.  Killing babies

                         is more emotional than losing

                         money.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Go on.

 

                                          MIKE

                         Ruth Barnett is practically an

                         institution.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         This wasn't Barnett's doing.  She

                         has a reputation for being clean as

                         a whistle.

 


 

                                                                   15.

 

 

 

 

                                          MIKE

                         But she's the most visible

                         abortionist in town.  We all know

                         Portland's reputation.  Closing the

                         abortion clinics would make more

                         headlines than closing a few

                         gambling halls.

 

                                          TOM

                         You may have a point.  Jack?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Let me think about it.

 

          But he looks a little troubled, as if he wishes this subject

          had not come up.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - RUTH'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Ruth is at her desk, cutting out a photo from the newspaper.

 

 

          INSERT: PHOTOGRAPH

 

          It's the photo of Ruth in the winner's circle last night.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Flo enters with the front section of the paper and throws it

          down on Ruth's desk.

 

                                          FLO

                         Read this: Swayze butchered the Lt.

                         Governor's daughter last night.

 

                                          RUTH

                         My God.

 

          Ruth picks up the paper and glances at the headlines.

 

                                          FLO

                         Hacks like him should be locked up.

 

                                          RUTH

                         That poor girl.  Why didn't she

                         come to us?

 

                                          FLO

                         This probably means more pressure

                         from the police.

 

                                          RUTH

                         If they think this will frighten me

                         into paying them off, they don't

                         know who they're dealing with.

 


 

                                                                   16.

 

 

 

 

                                          FLO

                         I think they know.

 

                                          RUTH

                         We have our connections, too.

 

                                          FLO

                         But how long can he protect us?

 

                                          RUTH

                         The police will come and throw

                         their weight around, and I'll tell

                         them no deal, same as before.

 

          Ruth gets up and starts around the desk, ready to get to

          work.

 

                                          FLO

                         I hope you're right.

 

                                          RUTH

                         The poor girl isn't the first

                         celebrity to be butchered by

                         Swayze's kind.

 

          She leaves the office.  A look of concern crosses Flo's

          countenance before she follows.

 

 

          INT. CORD'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Cord's SECRETARY comes into the office.

 

                                          SECRETARY

                         The Lt. Governor is on the line.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I wonder what took him so long.

 

          He picks up the phone as the secretary leaves.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Hello.  I'm sorry to read about

                         your daughter.

 

 

          INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

                                          MR. JANOVICH

                         Abortion's illegal in this state,

                         what the hell's going on?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         We're looking into that, I assure

                         you.  Only this morning I met with

                         my aides to plan- . . .

 


 

                                                                   17.

 

 

 

 

                                          MR. JANOVICH

                         I don't want plans, I want action.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         The abortion syndicate is very

                         tightly organized.  It will take

                         planning and under-cover work to

                         root them out.

 

                                          MR. JANOVICH

                         Then plan, goddamn it, and do

                         something about it.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Exactly what we're doing, sir.  The

                         abortion racket will have top

                         priority in my campaign.

 

                                          MR. JANOVICH

                         I hope so.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I'm very sorry about your daughter.

                         How is she doing today?

 

                                          MR. JANOVICH

                         Better.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         That's wonderful news.  Thank you

                         for calling.

 

                                          MR. JANOVICH

                         You're not getting rid of me that

                         easy.  You know, I had a

                         considerable contribution to make

                         to your campaign.  I expect to see

                         some action before I sign the

                         check.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You'll see action very soon now.

 

                                          MR. JANOVICH

                         I damn well better.  We'll talk

                         again, Cord.

 

          He hangs up, leaving Cord with the telephone's buzz.  But he

          looks relieved to be off the phone.  Cord's secretary comes

          back in.

 

                                          SECRETARY

                         Carol is here.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Send her in.

 


 

                                                                   18.

 

 

 

 

          Cord's wife, CAROL, already is coming through the doorway.

          She is fashionably dressed today, a striking woman.

 

                                          CAROL

                         Have you had lunch already?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Nope.  Let me get my coat.

 

          He moves to a coat rack for his jacket.

 

          Carol sees a small box on his desk and opens it.  It's a

          striking, very unusual piece of jewelry, perhaps an

          expensive broach.

 

          Cord puts on his jacket and notices that Carol is looking at

          the broach.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         That's supposed to be a secret for

                         Diane on Secretary's Day.

 

          He takes it and quickly puts it in a drawer.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I didn't realize it was where she

                         could see it.

 

                                          CAROL

                         You have excellent taste, as usual.

                         I'm almost jealous.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You want it?

 

                                          CAROL

                         Of course not - Diane does a

                         wonderful job for you, she'll love

                         it.

 

          And they are on their way out the door.

 

 

          EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

 

          Armstrong approaches the entrance to a hospital.

 

 

          INT. HOSPITAL - ELEVATOR - DAY

 

          An elevator opens and Armstrong steps out.  He goes to the

          front desk of a ward.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Which room is Miss Janovich in,

                         please?

 


 

                                                                   19.

 

 

 

 

          The nurse checks a roster.

 

                                          NURSE

                         I'm sorry, sir, Miss Janovich is

                         not permitted to have visitors.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Her condition is that critical?

 

                                          NURSE

                         No, sir, it's a security matter.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I'm not sure what you mean.

 

                                          NURSE

                         We've been instructed not to permit

                         visitors.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         By whom.

 

                                          NURSE

                         The sheriff's department.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Thank you.

 

          Armstrong, puzzled but intensely curious, moves back to the

          elevator.

 

 

          A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

          of Ruth and Flo in the clinic, trying on different high

          fashion clothes of the early 1950s.  They pose and strut

          before a portable mirror, as a SALESWOMAN looks on.

 

          Doowop music plays on the sound track, perhaps a doowop

          version of a classic, such as "Zing Went the Strings of My

          Heart."  The women are having a grand old time.

 

          As it turns out, they are in the cubicle where Helen DiMarco

          is in bed before surgery.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - DAY

 

          Ruth has found an outfit she really likes.

 

                                          RUTH

                         What do you think?

 

                                          HELEN DIMARCO

                         It's perfect on you.

 


 

                                                                   20.

 

 

 

 

                                          FLO

                         Ruth, I really like it.

 

                                          SALESWOMAN

                         You'll be the envy of every woman

                         at the opera.

 

                                          RUTH

                         It's nice, isn't it?

 

                                          HELEN DIMARCO

                         You could get whistled at on

                         Hollywood Boulevard in that.

 

                                          RUTH

                              (playfully)

                         I don't like being whistled at.

 

                                          FLO

                         She has to say that, you know.

                         Actually, she loves it.

 

                                          HELEN DIMARCO

                         Just buy the damn thing - I'm here

                         on business, remember?

 

                                          RUTH

                         I will buy it.

 

                                          FLO

                         And I'll take the green

                         full-length.

 

          The saleswoman is gathering up her garments.  Ruth and Flo

          are each writing a check.

 

                                          HELEN DIMARCO

                              (teasing)

                         They don't let me shop on the set

                         at Columbia.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Well, you're in the wrong

                         profession, aren't you?

 

                                          HELEN DIMARCO

                         Perhaps so.  I give men what they

                         need; you give women what they

                         need.

 

                                          FLO

                         I like that.

 

          The saleswoman has the checks for the clothes.

 


 

                                                                   21.

 

 

 

 

                                          SALESWOMAN

                         I'll have them pressed and

                         delivered tomorrow.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Perfect.

 

          As the saleswoman leaves, GLADYS, an assistant at the

          clinic, enters the cubicle.

 

                                          GLADYS

                         Phone call for you, Ruth.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'll take it in the office.

                              (to Helen)

                         And then you're getting what you

                         came here for.

 

                                          HELEN DIMARCO

                         I can hardly wait.

 

                                          RUTH

                         A trip to the dentist is worse.

 

          Ruth is gone.

 

                                          HELEN DIMARCO

                         Is she serious?

 

                                          FLO

                         It's one of her pet lines.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          She picks up the phone.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Hello? . . .

 

          Ruth's entire manner changes when she hears the voice on the

          other end.  Clearly it's a man with whom she has a romantic

          interest.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I was hoping it was you.  I've

                         missed you. . . . Of course, I'll

                         be there.

 

 

          INT. HOTEL ROOM - BED - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Cord are making passionate love.  This is the first

          time we've seen them together; it should be a great

          surprise.

 


 

                                                                   22.

 

 

 

 

          At the end of lovemaking, Cord lights a cigarette.  He finds

          a small box in his coat jacket and rather matter-of-factly

          hands it to Ruth in bed.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         For you.

 

                                          RUTH

                              (teasing)

                         You're paying me now?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Very funny.  I thought it would

                         look good on you.

 

          She opens the box and is genuinely moved by the splendor of

          the jewelry, which is the broach we saw earlier.

 

                                          RUTH

                         It's beautiful.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I thought you'd like it.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You're a sweet man, Jack.

 

          She takes his hand and kisses it.  She looks at him

          flirtatiously.

 

          Instead of responding, Cord gets out of bed and begins to

          dress.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Something's wrong.  You're

                         buttering me up with this.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You read about the Janovich girl

                         passing out on the street?

 

                                          RUTH

                         You ought to lock Swayze up.  He's

                         a butcher.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         The heat's on, love.  How do you

                         feel about taking an extended

                         vacation?

 

                                          RUTH

                         What's "extended" mean?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Two, three months.  There's a lot

                         of pressure in the department.

                                          (MORE)

 


 

                                                                   23.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD (cont'd)

                         Janovich is raising hell, as you

                         can imagine.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm booked solid for months.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         So reschedule.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Nature doesn't wait on

                         rescheduling, Jack.  If you don't

                         get them in the first trimester, it

                         starts to get complicated.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         What I'm telling you is, you have

                         no choice.  Besides, you deserve a

                         vacation.  When things cool off,

                         we'll meet in the San Juans for a

                         week.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Too many women are depending on me.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You don't understand.  I don't

                         think I can keep you out of it

                         unless you close up for a while.

 

          Ruth is thinking.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I mean, you're not the only

                         abortionist in town.  They can go

                         somewhere else for a while.

 

                                          RUTH

                         To somebody like Swayze?  I'll have

                         to think about it.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Do that.  To tell the truth, you

                         can use time off.  Look at you,

                         you're a wreck.  A rest will do you

                         good.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm not comfortable with this.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You don't have a monopoly, Ruth.

                         They can go to another doctor.

                         What's the big deal?

 

          He's ready to go now.

 


 

                                                                   24.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Aren't you getting dressed?  I'll

                         buy you a nightcap.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You go on.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You're sure?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Of course.  We'll talk soon.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I'm serious about the San Juans.

                         We owe ourselves something like

                         that.

 

          He starts for the door.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Jack?

 

          He turns to her.

 

                                          RUTH

                         The broach is beautiful.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I'll give you a call soon.

 

          And he's gone.  Ruth looks disturbed, thinking about what

          has just transpired.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Flo enters with two cups of coffee, setting one on Ruth's

          desk.  Ruth is doing paper work and looks up.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Sit down a minute.

 

          Flo does.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Last night Jack asked me to shut

                         down for a few months.  He's

                         feeling the heat.

 

                                          FLO

                         And?

 

                                          RUTH

                         I can't do it.

 


 

                                                                   25.

 

 

 

 

                                          FLO

                         I'm glad to hear you say that.  How

                         did he react?

 

                                          RUTH

                         I haven't told him yet.  He assumes

                         I'll do what he says.

 

                                          FLO

                         So you weren't sure last night?

 

                                          RUTH

                         I tried to talk to him.  Sometimes

                         Jack only hears what he wants to

                         hear.  I'm telling him after work

                         today.

 

                                          FLO

                         Are you really clear about what you

                         want to do?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Absolutely.  This will blow over,

                         just like this sort of thing always

                         has.

 

          Flo gets up with her coffee.

 

                                          FLO

                         We have a busy day.

 

                                          RUTH

                         We're going to have lots of busy

                         days.

 

          Flo smiles: this is what she wants to hear.

 

 

          EXT. ROSE GARDENS - EVENING

 

          Ruth and Cord are strolling through the Rose Gardens in the

          hills overlooking the city.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You're too stubborn for your own

                         good.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm not doing this because I'm

                         stubborn.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         For the hundredth time, you are not

                         the only abortionist in the city.

                         Far from it, unfortunately.

 

          Ruth stops walking.  Cord stops.

 


 

                                                                   26.

 

 

 

 

                                          RUTH

                         Unfortunately?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You know I don't approve of it.

 

                                          RUTH

                         No, I wasn't exactly aware of that.

                         Every time I've tried to bring up

                         the subject, you change it.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I don't like what you do.  Maybe

                         this is the time for you to change

                         careers.

 

          Cord starts walking again, and Ruth follows.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Your department has always looked

                         the other way.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Which hasn't been easy for me.  I

                         love you.  I'm asking you to get

                         out now.  It's time.

 

                                          RUTH

                         No, it's time to get the butchers

                         off the street and legalize clean

                         and- . . .

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Abortion will never be legal.  What

                         a ridiculous thing to hope for.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm not changing careers, and I'm

                         not taking a vacation.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I feel like you're painting me into

                         a corner.

 

                                          RUTH

                         What you don't understand, Jack, is

                         that the reason I'm in business is

                         because I provide a service that is

                         desperately needed.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         So do prostitutes.  It doesn't make

                         it right.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I think we tend to be hypocrites in

                         both instances.

 


 

                                                                   27.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You enjoy the notoreity you get,

                         don't you?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Of course not.  I think abortion

                         should be legal.  I think I should

                         be practicing in a hospital.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I can't believe you said that.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'd have said it months ago if

                         you'd have listened.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You leave me little choice, Ruth.

 

                                          RUTH

                         So be it.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         If you love me, you'd do this for

                         me.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I do love you.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You won't bend, you won't

                         compromise.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I can't.  I'm sorry.

 

          Cord stops and looks at her.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I feel like I don't even know you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         We have been having a rather

                         "focused" affair.  I've tried to

                         talk to you about this before,

                         Jack.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         What if you set up shop somewhere

                         else?  Moved across the river into

                         Washington?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Would that solve anything?

 


 

                                                                   28.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         It would help my situation, believe

                         me.  I love you.  I don't want to

                         have to arrest you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I love you, too.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Then why are we doing this to one

                         another?

 

                                          RUTH

                         I suppose because we both believe

                         in what we're doing.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I feel like we're ending something

                         here.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Maybe you can bend, Jack.  You're

                         not mayor yet - pass the buck and

                         let City Hall deal with me.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         And when I'm mayor?

 

                                          RUTH

                         We'll cross that bridge when we get

                         to it.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         How can I rid the city of abortion

                         and not include you in the bargain?

                         I made a campaign pledge.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Maybe you should rethink what

                         you're doing.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You kill babies, you- . . .

 

                                          RUTH

                         Is that what you think, for God's

                         sake?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Yes.  That's what I think.  I

                         didn't let myself dwell on it

                         before.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Didn't want to jeopardize a good

                         roll in the hay, is that it?

 


 

                                                                   29.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         No.  You know how much I care for

                         you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         No, Jack, I don't.  Eighty percent

                         of our time together has been in

                         bed.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         That's ridiculous.  I have to go -

                         I'm running late.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm not going to change my mind.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         What about moving into Washington?

 

                                          RUTH

                         You'd still be sleeping with a baby

                         killer.  Think you can live with

                         that?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Don't force my hand, Ruth.

 

          He heads off toward the parking lot, with Ruth following.

 

 

          EXT. PARKING LOT - EVENING

 

          They have driven up in separate cars, Ruth's black Cadillac

          parked next to Cord's Buick.

 

          They stand by their separate cars.

 

                                          RUTH

                         What now, Jack?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         We'll talk later.

 

          He gets in his car and starts the engine.  Ruth, standing by

          her car, watches him pull away and go.

 

 

          EXT. CITY - SIDEWALK - DAY

 

          Doowop plays on the soundtrack as a frightened Heather Cord

          walks down the sidewalk.  She enters the building of Ruth's

          clinic.

 


 

                                                                   30.

 

 

 

 

          INT. BUILDING - DAY

 

          The teenaged Heather comes out of the elevator and enters

          the clinic.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - DAY

 

          Flo is at the receptionist's desk as Heather enters.

          Heahter is frightened and shy.

 

                                          FLO

                         Can I help you?

 

          The girl tries to speak but can't.

 

                                          FLO

                         Are you here for a consultation?

 

          Heather nods.

 

                                          FLO

                         Please sit down.  Dr. Barnett will

                         be right with you.

 

          The girl takes a seat as Flo leaves the area.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - RUTH'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Ruth is going over paper work when Flo enters.

 

                                          FLO

                         Heather Cord came in.  I think

                         she's in trouble.

 

          Ruth looks up, suddenly concerned.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Send her in.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - WAITING AREA - DAY

 

          Flo returns.

 

                                          FLO

                         Please come with me.

 

          Heather gets to her feet.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Ruth has been listening to the girl's story.  The girl has

          been crying, and Ruth hands her a tissue.

 


 

                                                                   31.

 

 

 

 

                                          RUTH

                         This happens to many girls, all the

                         time.  Who is the father?

 

          The teenager doesn't reply.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I know you feel you should protect

                         him.  But this is his

                         responsibility, too.

 

                                          HEATHER

                         I promised myself not to say.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Well, then, write down his name on

                         a piece of paper.  That's not

                         really "saying," is it?

 

          She hands the girl a pen and paper but Heather won't take

          it.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I think I should call your mother,

                         Heather.

 

          Heather looks at her with great surprise.

 

                                          HEATHER

                         You know who I am?

 

                                          RUTH

                         You do get your picture in the

                         paper.

 

                                          HEATHER

                         My dad will kill me.

 

                                          RUTH

                         He doesn't have to know, dear.

 

          She dials a number from memory.

 

                                          RUTH

                              (on phone)

                         Mrs. Cord? . . . This is Ruth

                         Barnett. . . . I'm sitting here

                         with Heather.   I think we need to

                         talk.

 

 

          EXT. PITTOCK MANSION - GROUNDS - DAY

 

          The Pittock Mansion overlooks the skyline of the city below,

          surrounded by parklike grounds.  Ruth and Heather are

          sitting on a bench, waiting.

 


 

                                                                   32.

 

 

 

 

          Ruth sees Carol coming and stands.  She gives Heather a

          squeeze on the shoulder, as if to say, Let me handle this.

 

          Carol arrives.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Mrs. Cord?  Ruth Barnett.

 

                                          CAROL

                         I know.

 

          Carol sits down on the bench next to Heather, who is very

          frightened of her mother's possible reaction.  But Carol

          quickly embraces her daughter, who breaks into tears.

 

          Ruth waits for the embrace to end.

 

                                          CAROL

                         Of course, we want an abortion.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I know.

 

                                          CAROL

                         How much will it cost?

 

          She takes a checkbook out of her purse.  Ruth starts to say

          something, that she deals in cash only, but stops herself.

 

                                          CAROL

                         How much?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Four hundred dollars.

 

          Carol writes a check.  She tears it out and hands it to

          Ruth.  She stands, taking Heather's hand, who stands as

          well.

 

                                          CAROL

                         I assume this doesn't go beyond us.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Of course not.

 

                                          CAROL

                         How soon can it be done?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Bring her in tomorrow afternoon at

                         three.

 

                                          CAROL

                         Very well.

 

          She starts away, still holding Heather's hand.  Heather

          doesn't move yet, forcing Carol to stop.

 


 

                                                                   33.

 

 

 

 

                                          HEATHER

                         Thank you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I know how you feel.  The same

                         thing happened to me at your age.

                         Everything will turn out fine.

 

                                          CAROL

                         I'll bring her in tomorrow.

 

          She leads her daughter away as Ruth watches them go.

 

 

          EXT. CITY - OPERA HOUSE - NIGHT

 

          Taxis and limousines are pulling in front of an opera house

          under a light rain.  The social set, dressed to the teeth,

          get out and hurry inside under umbrellas.

 

          Ruth and Flo get out of a cab, wearing the formal attire

          that we saw them try on earlier, and hurry into the opera

          house.

 

 

          INT. OPERA HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo are moving to their seats when they pass the

          middle-aged woman, patient-2, who recently had an abortion.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Hello, Alice.  I like your dress.

 

          But Alice, patient-2, is shocked that Ruth would address her

          in public and moves off quickly, ignoring her.

 

          Flo gives Ruth a look of sad amusement, and Ruth

          acknowledges it.

 

 

          INT. OPERA HOUSE - STAGE - NIGHT

 

          The orchestra is playing as the first dramatic moments of

          the opera begin.  Perhaps it is "Turandot."

 

 

          INT. OPERA HOUSE - BOX - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo have their own box.  They exchange a glance of

          anticipation.

 

 

          INT. OPERA HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT

 

          It is intermission and the audience mingles and waits for

          service at portable bars.

 


 

                                                                   34.

 

 

 

 

          Ruth and Flo have just received glasses of champagne and are

          moving off when they pass Cord and Carol in line.  There is

          an awkward moment, Ruth and Cord not knowing whether or not

          to acknowledge one another, when Cord acts first.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Hello - Ruth Barnett, isn't it?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Mr. Cord.  This is my friend, Flo.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         My wife, Carol.

 

                                          CAROL

                         How do you do?

 

                                          FLO

                         Hello.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Enjoying the opera?

 

                                          RUTH

                         It's one of my favorites.

 

          Ruth is wearing the expensive broach that Cord bought her,

          which Carol has been staring at.  Ruth notices this.

 

                                          RUTH

                         It's beautiful, isn't it?

 

                                          CAROL

                         Very beautiful.

 

          Cord understands what has happened.  So does Ruth, who wants

          to get away quickly.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Nice seeing you.

 

          She moves away with Flo.

 

 

          FOLLOWING RUTH AND FLO

 

          as they move quickly through the crowd.

 

                                          FLO

                         What was that about?

 

                                          RUTH

                         The broach is from Jack - I think

                         his wife knows.  I hope to Christ

                         it doesn't belong to her.

 


 

                                                                   35.

 

 

 

 

          INT. FOYER - NIGHT

 

          Carol moves out of line but Cord stops her.

 

                                          CAROL

                         I'm going home.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You're doing no such thing.

 

          He leads her to a private area of the foyer.

 

 

          INT. FOYER - ANOTHER AREA

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         She must have bought it at the same

                         place I did.

 

                                          CAROL

                         Is that the best you can do?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You don't actually think I gave it

                         to her?

 

                                          CAROL

                         As a matter of fact, I do.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         She performs abortions.

 

                                          CAROL

                         I know perfectly well what she

                         does, believe me.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You think I'd become involved with

                         someone like that?

 

                                          CAROL

                         "Become involved" is an interesting

                         phrase to use.  I didn't say

                         anything about "become involved."

                         Then you are sleeping with her.

 

          Carol slaps him.  She starts to move away but he stops her

          again.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Okay, I gave it to her - but it's

                         not like you think.  She's trying

                         to blackmail me.

 

                                          CAROL

                         I don't believe you.

 


 

                                                                   36.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         We had an affair once.  It was a

                         long time ago, when we were

                         separated.  Now that I'm running

                         for mayor, she's throwing it back

                         in my face.  I thought maybe -

                         hell, it's such a stupid idea - I

                         thought if I was nice to her . . .

 

                                          CAROL

                         You're faltering, Jack.  I think

                         you're still sleeping with her.  I

                         know you're not sleeping with me.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         That is not true.  She's trying to

                         blackmail me.

 

                                          CAROL

                         I'm calling a cab.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You know the pressure I'm under.

                         I'm sorry if I've been neglecting

                         you.

 

                                          CAROL

                         Let go of me.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Don't do this.

 

                                          CAROL

                         I don't know what I'm doing, except

                         to get out of here.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Carol, I love you.

 

                                          CAROL

                         Is that panic I hear?  It's not my

                         problem if divorce hurts your

                         campaign.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Divorce?

 

          He grabs her.

 

                                          CAROL

                         I want to go home.  Let go of me.

 

          Cord does.  Carol storms off to get a cabl.

 

          Cord stands alone, wondering what to do, as the audience

          moves back into the auditorium.

 


 

                                                                   37.

 

 

 

 

          FOLLOWING CORD

 

          as he moves through the crowd, looking for Ruth.  He stops

          at a portable bar and orders a drink.

 

 

          INT. AUDITORIUM - RUTH'S BOX - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo are seated in their box after intermission,

          watching the opera, when Cord enters and takes Ruth's arm.

          He's been drinking rather than watching the opera.

 

          OPERA MUSIC is on the soundtrack, perhaps the aria, "While

          Everybody Sleeps," over the following action:

 

          Cord and Ruth briefly argue, Cord pulls her up and together

          they move out of the box.

 

 

          INT. AUDITORIUM - HALLWAY/FOYER - NIGHT

 

          As the OPERA MUSIC continues, very dramatic now, Cord leads

          Ruth toward an exit.  She is protesting but he won't listen.

 

          They reach the exit door and Cord pushes it open.

 

 

          EXT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

 

          It is raining hard outside, as the OPERA MUSIC continues,

          and they come outside.  They start arguing with great

          energy, standing under the hard rain and getting soaked.

 

          Finally we hear what they are saying as the music stops.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You shouldn't have given it to me

                         if you didn't want me to wear it!

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Carol thinks I'm having an affair

                         with you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         How perceptive of her.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I'm not leaving her, if that's what

                         you think.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I have never asked you to leave

                         her.

 


 

                                                                   38.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You just can't go along with the

                         program, can you?  Everything has

                         to be done your way.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Why are you showing your wife

                         presents you buy me?  Or did you

                         steal it from her?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Of course I didn't steal it from

                         her.  It was on my desk.  I told

                         her I bought it for my secretary.

 

                                          RUTH

                         So don't accuse me of being

                         reckless.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I want you out of the goddamn

                         abortion business.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Go to hell.

 

          She starts away but Cord grabs her.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Take an extended vacation, Ruth.

                         It's the last time I'm asking you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         And I won't even answer that

                         because I already told you my mind

                         is made up.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Then this is it for us.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Yes, that appears to be true.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I'll close you down.  You'll wish

                         you listened to me.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You have a wife waiting inside for

                         you, Jack.  Maybe you'd better join

                         her.

 

          She pulls free and goes back inside.

 


 

                                                                   39.

 

 

 

 

          INT. OPERA HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT

 

          Ruth comes back in.  She is being stared at by a bartender

          and realizes what a sight she is, soaked to the bone.  She

          hurries back to her box.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S BOX - NIGHT

 

          Ruth rejoins Flo as the opera continues.  Flo is shocked at

          Ruth's being soaked.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Don't ask.

 

          Flo respects this.  There is unresolved tension in the air

          as Ruth forces herself to watch the opera.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - DESSERT - DAY

 

          Ruth's black Cadillac is speeding across the desert in

          eastern Oregon.

 

          Uptempo rock-n-roll from the fifties plays on the

          soundtrack.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S CAR - DAY

 

          Ruth and Flo look like a couple of Hollywood starlets on

          vacation: dark glasses, scarves blowing in the wind.

 

 

          EXT. RANCH - DRIVEWAY - DAY

 

          The Cadillac turns off the highway onto a long driveway,

          which leads under an archway reading "Barnett Thoroughbred

          Farms."

 

 

          EXT. DRIVEWAY - ANOTHER AREA - DAY

 

          Ruth's car approaches a ranch.  Various vehicles are parked

          near a barn off the ranch.  A training track is nearby.

 

 

          EXT. RUTH'S CAR - DAY

 

          Ruth and Flo get out and are greeted by STAFF, who run the

          thoroughbred farm in Ruth's absence.

 

 

          CLOSE ON THOROUGHBRED

 

          coming down the backstretch on the training track.

 


 

                                                                   40.

 

 

 

 

          EXT. TRAINING TRACK - DAY

 

          Ruth and Flo are watching the workout.  Ruth holds a

          stopwatch and clicks it as the horse thunders past her.

          Ruth checks out the time.

 

                                          FLO

                         That felt real good.

 

                                          RUTH

                         It was real good.

 

          She shouts to the jockey.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Good workout, Freddy!

                              (to Flo)

                         We'll sure see him in the winner's

                         circle soon.

 

 

          INT. RANCH - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo are sipping brandy before a roaring fire in the

          ranchhouse.

 

                                          FLO

                         A penny for your thoughts.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I look that bad?

 

                                          FLO

                         Is it just Jack?

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm wondering how far he's going to

                         go.

 

                                          FLO

                         No one's stopped us yet.

 

                                          RUTH

                         We've always had someone in power

                         on our side.

 

                                          FLO

                         If we went out of business, where

                         would the politicians' wives get

                         their abortions?

 

          Ruth sips, realizing this is a valid point, but still

          feeling troubled.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Hell hath no fury like a male ego

                         scorned.

 


 

                                                                   41.

 

 

 

 

                                          FLO

                         A male penis scorned.

 

          Ruth laughs, then finishes her brandy in one gulp and gets

          up.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm going to bed.

 

                                          FLO

                         I'll be up shortly.  Try not to

                         worry.  What happens- . . .

 

                                          RUTH & FLO

                         . . . happens.

 

                                          RUTH

                         If one man ever had to have a baby,

                         everything would be so different.

 

                                          FLO

                         Hear, hear!

 

                                          RUTH

                         We have a busy day tomorrow, don't

                         stay up too late.

 

                                          FLO

                         I'll be right behind you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Goodnight.

 

          She leans down and kisses Flo on the top of the head.  She

          goes up to bed as Flo stares into the fire.

 

 

          EXT. SHERIFF'S DEPT - DAY

 

          A rendevous of numerous sheriff and police cars is being

          assembled in the parking lot of the sheriff's department.

 

          Cord is in charge.  Armstrong is there, taking notes,

          accompanied by McElroy with his camera.

 

          Cord makes a hand gesture, indicating that it's time to

          start.  Cars start pulling out of the parking lot, over a

          dozen of them.  Armstrong approaches Cord for a statement.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         What are your feelings right now,

                         sheriff?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I think we're beginning a process

                         that is long overdue.

                                          (MORE)

 


 

                                                                   42.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD (cont'd)

                         This city is going to be clean as a

                         whistle as long as I have anything

                         to say about it.

 

          Armstrong scribbles down the remark as Cord gets into his

          sheriff's car.

 

 

          A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

          of RAIDS on various back alley abortion clinics.  What the

          series of raids all have in common is a large degree of

          overkill, with the authorities outnumbering the people being

          raided in significant numbers.

 

          The authorities, in fact, are enjoying themselves, as they

          bust their way in, causing patients and nurses to scream and

          scramble, and they like making a mess of the place as well.

 

 

          EXT. RANCH - DAY

 

          Ruth and Flo are horseback riding on the grounds of the

          thoroughbred ranch.

 

          Mountains are glorious in the background, the morning sky is

          high and blue, and the women are enjoying themselves.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S CLINIC - DAY

 

          Cord personally leads the way into Ruth's clinic, followed

          by far more personnel than are necessary to do the job.

 

          Gladys, replacing Flo behind the front desk, gets to her

          feet but quickly is put in handcuffs as the authorities rush

          into the clinic.

 

 

          INTERCUTS - RIDING, RAID

 

          of Ruth and Flo horseback riding and the raid on Ruth's

          Portland clinic, which is done with as much overkill and

          abandon as the earlier raids.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - DAY

 

          Armstrong approaches Cord as the last of the staff and

          patients are being booked and removed from the premises.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         How about posing over the record

                         book?

 


 

                                                                   43.

 

 

 

 

          Cord grabs a book from the front desk, opens it and looks

          down as if he were reading a journal from hell.

 

          McElroy snaps the photo.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Thanks, Jack.

 

 

          EXT. RANCH - DAY

 

          Ruth and Flo ride up toward the ranchhouse.  One of the

          STAFF rushes out of the house.

 

                                          STAFF

                         Ruth, Gladys is on the phone from

                         Portland!  She says it's very

                         urgent!

 

          Ruth gets off her horse and heads for the house.

 

 

          INT. RANCHHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

          Ruth picks up the phone.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Hello?

 

 

          EXT. EASTERN OREGON - HIGHWAY - DAY

 

          A police car is traveling down a highway in the same part of

          the state where Ruth's ranch is located.

 

 

          EXT. RANCH - DRIVEWAY - DAY

 

          The police car turns into the driveway and heads for the

          ranch, going under the arched sign that identifies it.

 

 

          EXT. RANCH - DAY

 

          The police car pulls near the ranchhouse and stops.  Ruth's

          black Cadillac is nowhere to be seen.  Two policeman get out

          and walk to the house.  One knocks on the door, and the

          staff person answers.

 

                                          POLICE-1

                         Hello, Rhonda.  Beautiful morning,

                         isn't it?

 

                                          STAFF

                         It sure is.  What brings you way

                         out here?

 


 

                                                                   44.

 

 

 

 

                                          POLICE-1

                         Your boss wouldn't be home, would

                         she?

 

                                          STAFF

                         You know, she and Flo left early

                         this morning.  They were going to

                         picnic on the Snake.

 

                                          POLICE-1

                         Is that right?

 

                                          STAFF

                         Is something the matter?

 

                                          POLICE-1

                         Haven't read your paper this

                         morning?

 

                                          STAFF

                         Oh my, time to read the paper in

                         the morning!

 

                                          POLICE-2

                         Where abouts on the Snake?

 

                                          STAFF

                         Oh, I can't tell you that.  Ruth

                         likes to explore.

 

                                          POLICE-1

                         Thank you, Rhonda.  I'll let you

                         get back to work.

 

                                          STAFF

                         You're sure it's nothing I can help

                         you with?

 

                                          POLICE-1

                         Are they due back tonight?

 

                                          STAFF

                         You know, I don't even know.  I

                         think maybe they were going to see

                         friends in Idaho.

 

                                          POLICE-1

                         Thanks anyway.

 

          The police walk back to their car, "casing the joint" as

          they leave and satisfied that Ruth isn't there.

 

 

          POV FROM HAYLOFT IN BARN

 

          as the police get into their car, turn around and leave.

 


 

                                                                   45.

 

 

 

 

          INT. BARN - HAYLOFT - DAY

 

          Ruth and Flo are up in the hayloft, in hiding.  When the

          police are gone, Ruth heads for the ladder back down.

 

                                          FLO

                         Is it safe?

 

                                          RUTH

                         They won't be back.  I'm ready for

                         lunch.

 

 

          INT. BARN - GROUND AREA - DAY

 

          Ruth and Flo come down the ladder to ground level, where the

          black Cadillac is parked.

 

 

          EXT. RANCHHOUSE - NIGHT

 

          Several staff people come out of the house with suitcases,

          putting them in a pickup truck that is parked nearby.

 

 

          INT. RANCHHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

          Ruth is on the phone.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You don't know how much I

                         appreciate this. . . . We'll look

                         for you at ten. . . . Thanks, Shad.

 

 

          EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - NIGHT

 

          The pickup truck, with several suitcases in back, pulls up

          at a dock along the Columbia River and stops.

 

 

          INT. PICKUP - NIGHT

 

          Ruth is driving, Flo in the passenger street.  They are

          still dressed fashionably, which in the pickup truck makes

          them look out of place and even a little comic.

 

                                          RUTH

                         It'll be about an hour.

 

          She gets out.

 

 

          EXT. TRUCK/DOCK - COLUMBIA RIVER - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo get out and walk out onto the dock.

 


 

                                                                   46.

 

 

 

 

                                          RUTH

                         I used to love to come here and

                         swim when I was a girl.  I haven't

                         in years.

 

          Flo takes Ruth's hand.  They look out at the river.

 

                                          FLO

                              (spontaneously)

                         "It's a big river!"  I love the way

                         Woody Guthrie yells that in his

                         song.

 

                                          RUTH

                         When have you been listening to

                         Woody Guthrie?

 

                                          FLO

                         I listen to him all the time.

                         You're the one who gave me the

                         record.

 

                                          RUTH

                         "It's a big river!"

 

          Ruth turns, and spontaneously the women embrace.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Jack's going to play dirty pool.

 

                                          FLO

                         We'll see.  We'll see.

 

 

          EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

 

          A sternwheeler is churning downriver, approaching a dock

          ahead where we can see the pickup truck.  SHAD, a bearded

          captain, sees the women on the dock and toots his whistle.

 

 

          EXT. RIVER - DOCK - NIGHT

 

          The sternwheeler docks.  Ruth and Flo, their suitcases in

          hand, board the boat with the help of Shad and other crew

          members.

 

 

          EXT. STERNWHEELER - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Shad embrace.

 

                                          SHAD

                         Hi, stranger.

 


 

                                                                   47.

 

 

 

 

                                          RUTH

                         I appreciate this, Shad.  I don't

                         know what's wrong with my car.

 

                                          SHAD

                         Like I always say, the best way to

                         get to Portland is by river.

 

          He gestures up to the bridge that they're ready to go.

 

 

          EXT. RIVER - STERNWHEELER - NIGHT

 

          The sternwheeler churns down the river under a clear sky of

          stars.

 

 

          INT. STERNWHEELER - NIGHT

 

          A casino occupies the main area of the boat, clearly its

          major attraction.  Passengers crowd around roulette wheels

          and dice games and card games.

 

          Ruth and Flo are playing blackjack when Ruth notices

          something.  She points a person in the crowd out to Flo.

 

 

          RUTH AND FLO'S POV

 

          of a man in a suit moving through the crowd, clearly looking

          for someone.  He looks like the law.

 

 

          INT. CARD TABLE - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo abruptly cash in their chips and move off,

          looking behind them.

 

 

          INT. STERNWHEELER - CASINO - NIGHT

 

          The man, who is DETECTIVE RILEY, is still looking through

          the crowd, moving in the direction of Ruth and Flo.

 

 

          EXT. STERNWHEELER - DECK - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo come out from the casino to the deck.

 

                                          RUTH

                         He can't be looking for us - if

                         there was danger, Shad would have

                         warned me.

 

                                          FLO

                         I don't know why else he'd be on

                         board.

 


 

                                                                   48.

 

 

 

 

          Ruth looks through a window into the casino.

 

                                          RUTH

                         He's coming out.

 

          They hurry off down the deck, getting out of sight just as

          detective Riley comes out.  He looks around, then moves off

          in the same direction that Ruth and Flo hurried off in.

 

 

          INTERCUTS

 

          as Ruth and Flo move through the sternwheeler, followed by

          detective Riley, who continues searching for someone.

 

 

          INT. STERNWHEELER - CASINO - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo are back in the casino.  They look confused,

          having lost sight of the detective.

 

          Suddenly they hear:

 

                                          DETECTIVE RILEY

                         There you are!

 

          Ruth and Flo turn to see Riley coming right at them: but his

          WIFE moves around Ruth and Flo and goes to him.

 

                                          DETECTIVE RILEY

                         Where the hell you been?

 

                                          WIFE

                         I've been looking for you as well.

 

          Now the detective recognizes Ruth, standing nearby.

 

                                          DETECTIVE RILEY

                         Dr. Barnett, what a surprise.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Captain Riley, I'm surprised to see

                         you, too.  Excuse us.

 

          She takes Flo's arm and quickly moves off.

 

 

          FOLLOWING RUTH AND FLO

 

          as they move through the casino for the deck again,

          expecting to be followed.

 

 

          EXT. DECK - NIGHT

 

          But they come out onto the deck alone.  They move to a

          railing.

 


 

                                                                   49.

 

 

 

 

          POV FROM DECK

 

          of roadblocks along the river highway.  Lots of flashing

          lights and lines of cars waiting to get through, etc.

 

 

          EXT. DECK - NIGHT

 

          Riley and has wife have moved behind Ruth and Flo without

          their noticing.

 

                                          DETECTIVE RILEY

                         They're sure looking for somebody,

                         aren't they?

 

          Ruth turns nervously to face Riley.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Apparently so.  Any idea what might

                         be going on?

 

                                          DETECTIVE RILEY

                         Hey, I'm on one hell of a vacation

                         here.  I've been avoiding the news

                         like the plague.  I'd say it's

                         pretty big, though.  Murder, maybe.

                         They sure want somebody real bad.

 

          He and his wife move off down the deck.

 

          Ruth and Flo exchange a glance of relief.

 

 

          EXT. RIVER - LATER - NIGHT

 

          The sternwheeler enters Portland, the skyline majestic

          against the night sky.

 

 

          EXT. STERNWHEELER - DECK - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo are out on the deck, looking at the city's

          skyline.  They take one another's hand for support.

 

 

          CLOSE ON RUTH

 

          who is posing for a photograph.  She is smiling, posing, one

          would think she was in the winner's circle again.

 

 

          INT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT

 

          But she is in the police station after surrendering and

          posing for the press.  Flo also is posing.

 

          Armstrong is there, taking notes.

 


 

                                                                   50.

 

 

 

 

          Cord is there, looking grim.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Will you be pleading guilty?

 

                                          RUTH

                         To what?  I haven't done anything

                         wrong.

 

          A policeman leads her and Flo off.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Anything to say?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         This is just the beginning.

 

 

          INSERT: NEWSPAPER HEADLINE

 

          "Barnett gets six months" with subhead, "Accomplice

          sentenced to three months".

 

 

          INT. LARGE ROOM - DAY

 

          Flo is being taken through a vacant business space by a

          REALTOR.  Exposed cables run up one wall of a large room.

 

 

          SUPER ON SCREEN

 

          "Four months later"

 

 

          INT. LARGE ROOM

 

                                          REALTOR

                         The cables run from the radio

                         station downstairs to an antenna on

                         the roof.

 

                                          FLO

                         They have to stay?

 

                                          REALTOR

                         I'm afraid so.  We could cover them

                         with paneling.

 

                                          FLO

                         Yes, I'd want that.

 

                                          REALTOR

                         Then you'll take it?

 

                                          FLO

                         Yes.

 


 

                                                                   51.

 

 

 

 

          A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

          of Flo single-handedly redocorating the business space,

          cleaning, putting paneling over the cables, painting,

          decorating.

 

 

          INT. WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC - DAY

 

          The space is transformed into an attractive exercise area

          for a weight-loss clinic.  Flo is putting up the final

          touch, a sign reading "Barnett-Davis Weight-Loss Clinic."

 

 

          INT. WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC - DAY

 

          Uptempo rock and roll is playing as a dozen overweight women

          exercise vigorously in the large room.  They are led by a

          WOMAN on staff, as Flo looks on.  The music stops.

 

                                          WOMAN

                         Okay, take ten minutes!

 

          The staff woman moves to Flo.

 

                                          WOMAN

                         What time do you pick her up?

 

                                          FLO

                         I'm just about on my way.

 

                                          WOMAN

                         I think she'll be pleased.

 

                                          FLO

                         I hope so.

 

 

          EXT. PRISON - DAY

 

          Female PRISONERS are doing yard work in front of the prison.

 

 

          EXT. PRISON - GATE - DAY

 

          Flo stops at the entrance gate, shows her identification and

          is waved into the parking area by the GATE GUARD.

 

 

          INT. PRISON - FOLLOWING RUTH - DAY

 

          Ruth, in prison garb, is being led down a long hallway,

          passing through one barred door after another.

 


 

                                                                   52.

 

 

 

 

          INT. PRISON - CHANGING ROOM - DAY

 

          Ruth is given her civilian clothing.  She starts to change.

 

 

          INT. PRISON - CHECK OUT COUNTER - DAY

 

          Ruth is being officially checked out.  She is given personal

          belongings and money.

 

 

          EXT. PRISON - DAY

 

          Ruth comes out of the prison, a free woman.  Prisoners are

          still working in the yard.  One PRISONER sees Ruth and

          smiles, giving her a "thumbs up" sign.  Another prisoner

          starts applauding, and most of the other women join in.

 

          The guard yells at them.

 

                                          GUARD

                         All right, back to work, ladies,

                         back to work!

 

          Ruth spots Flo.  She starts walking faster, then running.

          Flo starts running toward Ruth, too.  They meet one another

          and embrace.

 

                                          FLO

                         Welcome home.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Let's get out of here.

 

 

          EXT. PRISON - GATE - DAY

 

          The guard stops Flo's car at the gate.  He is carrying a

          bouquet of roses.

 

                                          GUARD

                         You Dr. Barnett?

 

                                          RUTH

                         That's right.

 

                                          GUARD

                         These came for you.

 

          He hands her the flowers, then steps aside.

 

 

          INT. CAR - DAY

 

          Flo is driving and pulls away as Ruth opens the card.

 


 

                                                                   53.

 

 

 

 

                                          FLO

                         Who are they from?

 

          Ruth opens the card.

 

 

          INSERT: THE CARD

 

          The card is inscribed: "Welcome home, Jack."

 

 

          INT. THE CAR

 

                                          RUTH

                         Jack.

 

                                          FLO

                         Really?

 

          Ruth throws the flowers and card out the window.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I need a cigarette.

 

          Flo gives Ruth her purse.  She finds a cigarette and lights

          up.

 

                                          RUTH

                         How long did it take you to realize

                         you were actually free?

 

                                          FLO

                         Not long.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I feel like I'm in a dream.

 

          She blows smoke.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Jack Cord with a guilty conscience.

                         That's damn funny.

 

 

          EXT. CITY - DAY

 

          Flo's car is moving down a main street in downtown Portland.

          She pulls into a parking space.

 

 

          INT. CAR - DAY

 

                                          RUTH

                         Where are we going?

 

                                          FLO

                         I have something to show you.

 


 

                                                                   54.

 

 

 

 

          INT. BUILDING - ELEVATOR - DAY

 

          An elevator door opens, and Flo leads the way out.  The

          women start walking down a hallway.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You're keeping something from me.

 

          They reach a door.

 

                                          FLO

                         Ta-da!

 

          Ruth sees the door: "Barnett-Davis Weight-Loss Clinic" is

          painted on the glass.

 

                                          RUTH

                         What is this?

 

                                          FLO

                         Exactly what it says.  Welcome

                         home, partner.

 

          Flo opens the door and gestures for Ruth to enter.

 

 

          INT. WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC - DAY

 

          Ruth comes into the clinic, with Flo behind her.

 

          The uptempo music is playing and beyond the entrance foyer,

          in the large exercise room, women are huffing and puffing as

          they work out to the music.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't believe this.

 

                                          FLO

                         You'd be surprised what a need this

                         business fulfills.  I never

                         realized how many overweight women

                         there are in this world.

 

          Ruth is still in a semi-state of shock.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You put this together yourself?

 

                                          FLO

                         Of course.  I can use a partner,

                         believe me.  Do we have a deal?

 

          Flo offers her hand.  Ruth moves past it and embraces her.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't know what I'd do without

                         you.

 


 

                                                                   55.

 

 

 

 

                                          FLO

                         It's a new start for us.  And I'm

                         serious, there's a contribution to

                         be made here.

 

 

          A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

          with uptempo fifties music on the sound track, as Ruth takes

          charge at the weight loss clinic, getting herself in shape

          by leading exercise programs, bringing in flowers and art

          prints and making the place look more feminine, going over

          the books and tightening the belt, making the business more

          profitable.

 

 

          EXT. BUILDING - DAY

 

          Ruth and Flo come out of the building after work.  They talk

          briefly and move off in different directions.

 

 

          INT. WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORE - DAY

 

          Ruth enters a fasionable woman's clothing store.

 

 

          A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

          as Ruth tries on new outfits, posing before a mirror.

 

 

          INT. STORE - MIRROR - DAY

 

          Ruth's reflection is in the mirror when, suddenly, the

          reflection of Cord appears behind her.  Their eyes lock.  A

          saleswoman comes up to Cord with a box.

 

          He thanks her and turns back to the mirror.

 

          Again, Ruth and Cord lock eyes in the mirror.  The

          suggestion of sexual energy and passion is evident.

 

          Then Cord moves out of the mirror.

 

 

          INT. STORE - DAY

 

          Ruth quickly turns and watches him go.

 

 

          RUTH'S POV

 

          of Cord's back as he leaves the store.

 


 

                                                                   56.

 

 

 

 

          INT. STORE - DAY

 

          Ruth's saleswoman approaches her.

 

                                          SALESWOMAN

                         I think this would be wonderful on

                         you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Thank you, I think I'll take the

                         last one.

 

 

          EXT. STORE - DAY

 

          Ruth comes out of the store, carrying a box, and heads down

          the street.

 

          She moves around the corner and runs into Cord, who has been

          waiting for her.  She jumps.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Hello.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Hello.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I heard you were released.  Running

                         a weight-loss clinic, I hear.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Yes.

 

          The sexual energy between them is strong now, as if each is

          very close to embracing the other.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Honest labor.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'll ignore that.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I didn't mean it the way it

                         sounded.  Do you have time for a

                         drink?

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't think so, Jack.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I've missed you.  Did you get my

                         flowers?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Yes.  I threw them out the window.

 


 

                                                                   57.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You hate me that much, huh?

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'd better be going.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I'd like to see you again.  I mean

                         it.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't think that's a good idea.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You didn't leave me much choice,

                         Ruth.  I was hoping you'd have

                         realized that and forgiven me by

                         now.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You want forgiveness?  That's rich.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You backed me into a corner.

 

                                          RUTH

                         That's not the way I see it.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I was hoping we could pick up the

                         pieces.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't think so.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Seeing you in the store - I can't

                         tell you how much I've missed you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Excuse me, Jack, I'm running late.

 

          She starts to move around him, and he grabs her arm.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I said, Excuse me.

 

          He releases her.  She moves off.

 

 

          FOLLOWING RUTH

 

          as she walks quickly away from Cord.  Her manner suggests

          confusion rather than certainty, that she's winging it but

          not at all sure that she is doing the right thing.

 

          Suddenly she turns and looks back.

 


 

                                                                   58.

 

 

 

 

          RUTH'S POV

 

          of the street, with Cord nowhere to be found.

 

 

          EXT. STREET - DAY

 

          Ruth suddenly looks disappointed that he is gone.  She turns

          and continues on her way.

 

 

          EXT. RUTH'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

          Dozens of cars are parked in front of Ruth's house.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

          A party is going on.

 

          Ruth sits at the piano, playing while a crowd around her

          sings, Ruth singing along too, a pop song from the big band

          era.

 

          At the end of the song, everyone applauds.  Ruth gets up

          from the piano and goes to a table where drinks are being

          served.

 

          At the drinks table, Ruth encounters a GUEST who has had too

          much to drink, an overweight man.

 

                                          PARTY-GOER-1

                         Ruthie, gal, you throw one hell of

                         a party!

 

                                          RUTH

                         You're taking a cab home, right?

 

                                          PARTY-GOER-1

                         Hey, I'm okay - listen, I need to

                         know something, the sweetie in the

                         red dress, there, she married or

                         what?

 

          He's pointing out a very sexy young woman in a bright red

          dress.

 

                                          RUTH

                         She's single.

 

                                          PARTY-GOER-1

                         Then excuse me . . .

 

                                          RUTH

                         She's also a pro, if you know what

                         I mean.

                                          (MORE)

 


 

                                                                   59.

 

 

 

 

                                          RUTH (cont'd)

                         I don't think she's interested in

                         dating, if that's what you have in

                         mind.

 

                                          PARTY-GOER-1

                         You mean pro like in . . .

 

                                          RUTH

                         Like in, it's what she does for a

                         living.  Very exclusive, very

                         expensive.  I think she's out of

                         your league, frankly.

 

          The man contemplates this.  He has an alternative idea.

 

                                          PARTY-GOER-1

                         The sweetheart in the black dress

                         over there, she single or what?

 

          Ruth has to smile.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Better choice.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

 

          Flo is in the kitchen, making coffee.

 

          The detective from the river boat is one of the guests.

          He's telling a story to other guests.

 

                                          DETECTIVE RILEY

                         I wonder who the roadblocks are

                         after?, Ruth asks me, all the time

                         knowing they're after her!  I'm on

                         vacation and don't suspect a thing!

 

          He laughs like hell, enjoying the story much more than

          anyone else.

 

                                          DETECTIVE RILEY

                         I'll tell you, you crash a party of

                         Ruth's and you'd get rid of most of

                         the sin in this city.

 

                                          FLO

                              (teasing)

                         Then why don't you?

 

                                          DETECTIVE RILEY

                         I'm having too much fun!

 

          He's laughing like hell again.

 


 

                                                                   60.

 

 

 

 

          INT. PARTY - ENTRANCE - NIGHT

 

          Ruth is passing by as Cord steps into the house.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Ruth.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't remember inviting you here.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         When you throw a party, word gets

                         around.  I never had the idea

                         written invitations were the rule.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Don't cause a scene, Jack.  Turn

                         around and go home.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I want to see you.

 

          Ruth is aware that guests have noticed the two of them

          together.  She takes his arm and leads him outside.

 

 

          EXT. RUTH'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

          She leads Cord off the porch.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Where's your car?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Ruth, listen to me a minute.  Just

                         let me have my say.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Make it quick.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         The only thing keeping us apart

                         before was abortion.  You know

                         that's true.  Now you're out of

                         it - I think we owe it to ourselves

                         to pick up the pieces.

 

                                          RUTH

                         What about your wife?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         After I'm elected, I'll get a

                         divorce.

 

                                          RUTH

                         How nice of her to protect your

                         career.

 


 

                                                                   61.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I made it worth her while.  I want

                         to talk about you and me.

 

                                          RUTH

                         But there's nothing to talk about.

                         Now if you'll- . . .

 

          Cord suddenly embraces her and kisses her hard.  Ruth

          resists but slowly gives in and begins kissing back.

 

          Suddenly the sexual energy between them explodes, and they

          are all over one another for a moment.

 

          It is Ruth who breaks it.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Tell me you don't still love me.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I won't see you, Jack.  I mean it.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Tell me you don't love me.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Just leave me alone!

 

          She turns and walks quickly back to the house.  Cord lets

          her go.

 

 

          INT. HOUSE - ENTRANCE - NIGHT

 

          Flo sees Ruth come in, looking disturbed.

 

                                          FLO

                         Is everything all right?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Of course.  No - this party's too

                         damn quiet.  Let's go liven things

                         up.

 

 

          INT. PARTY - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

          Ruth is at the piano again, singing up a storm.  Guests are

          gathered around the piano.

 

          Between songs, Flo enters the room and comes up behind her

          to say something privately.

 

                                          FLO

                         Two women are at the door.  They

                         won't go away til they talk to you.

 


 

                                                                   62.

 

 

 

 

          Ruth stops playing.  She looks at Flo, understands it's

          serious, and gets up.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Excuse me.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S HOUSE - ENTRANCE - NIGHT

 

          Ruth and Flo go to the front door.  A MOTHER and her

          DAUGHTER are waiting just inside.

 

                                          FLO

                         This is Dr. Barnett.

 

                                          MOTHER

                         Thank you for your time.  I know

                         it's late.

 

                                          FLO

                              (to Ruth)

                         I'll be in the living room.

 

          Flo moves off.

 

                                          MOTHER

                         I don't know who I can turn to.

                         Years ago my sister visited you.

                         She speaks so highly of you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Your daughter?

 

                                          MOTHER

                         Yes.

 

                                          RUTH

                         How far along?

 

                                          MOTHER

                         Three months.  The father . . .

 

          The mother starts breaking down.  Her daughter embraces her.

 

                                          MOTHER

                         It's so horrible . . .

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm not in the business any more.

 

                                          MOTHER

                         It's my husband, you see.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm so sorry.

 


 

                                                                   63.

 

 

 

 

                                          MOTHER

                         My sister said you were very, well,

                         professional and- . . .

 

                                          RUTH

                         But I'm not in business any more.

                         I'm sorry.

 

                                          MOTHER

                         Oh.

 

          Mother and daughter are fighting back tears, embracing.  The

          moment is very awkward for Ruth.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't even have connections any

                         more.

 

                                          MOTHER

                         I'm sorry to take your time.

 

                                          RUTH

                         That's quite all right.  Wait here

                         a minute.

 

 

          FOLLOWING RUTH

 

          as she moves into the living room, finding her purse.  She

          takes a business card out of it.

 

 

          INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

          Flo sees what Ruth is doing.

 

                                          FLO

                         Is that about what I think it is?

 

                                          RUTH

                         The poor girl's pregnant by her own

                         father.  I'll make some calls

                         tomorrow.

 

          Ruth moves off.

 

 

          INT. ENTRANCE - NIGHT

 

          She hands the mother a business card.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Come by tomorrow afternoon.  Maybe

                         I can find someone for you.

 


 

                                                                   64.

 

 

 

 

                                          MOTHER

                         Thank you so much.  I don't have

                         much money.

 

                                          RUTH

                         We'll talk tomorrow.

 

                                          MOTHER

                         God bless you, I've been so

                         worried.

 

          Ruth is leading her to the door.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Everything will be all right.

 

                                          DAUGHTER

                         Thank you . . .

 

          Ruth lets them out the door.

 

          After the door closes behind them, she takes a deep breath.

          She clearly has been very moved by their plight.

 

 

          INT. WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC - RUTH'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Ruth is on the phone.

 

                                          RUTH

                              (on phone)

                         Thanks, anyway.

 

          She hangs up.

 

          She is frowning when Flo enters with two cups of coffee.

          She gives Ruth one and sits down.

 

                                          FLO

                         Any luck?

 

                                          RUTH

                         The butchers still rule the roost.

 

                                          FLO

                         It doesn't surprise me.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't know what to tell her when

                         she comes in.  I can't send her to

                         someone I don't trust.

 

                                          FLO

                         It's a difficult situation.

 


 

                                                                   65.

 

 

 

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't even have my instruments

                         any more.

 

                                          FLO

                         I do.  I saved everything.

 

          Ruth looks at her.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Flo?  What are you thinking?

 

                                          FLO

                         That's my line.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Come with me.

 

          She gets up and leads the way out of the office.

 

 

          FOLLOWING RUTH AND FLO

 

          through the exercise room to a door, which Ruth opens.  They

          step into another smaller room.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - ROOM - DAY

 

          Ruth looks the room over, which is not being used except for

          storage.

 

                                          RUTH

                         What do you think?

 

                                          FLO

                         Plenty of room for a table.

                         There's an outlet.  It would work

                         fine.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't feel right turning her

                         away.

 

                                          FLO

                         I know.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You really saved everything?

 

                                          FLO

                         Yes.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You expected me to go back to it?

 


 

                                                                   66.

 

 

 

 

                                          FLO

                         I thought that WE might do that,

                         yes.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I won't force that poor girl to go

                         to a butcher.

 

                                          FLO

                         You don't have to defend your

                         decision to me.  I agree with you

                         completely.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Then I guess we're doing it.

 

                                          FLO

                         Apparently so.

 

          Relief suddenly overtakes them, and they laugh and embrace.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Well, let's get started!

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - ENTRANCE - DAY

 

          Ruth and Flo are rushing through the area when the mother

          and her daughter appear.

 

                                          MOTHER

                         You asked me to come by- . . .

 

          Ruth is quickly to her.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You bring your daughter here

                         tomorrow at nine in the morning,

                         understand?  We'll take care of

                         everything right here.

 

                                          MOTHER

                         I don't understand.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Just be here.

 

                                          MOTHER

                         How much will this- . . .

 

                                          RUTH

                         Just be here.  Nine o'clock - be

                         here!

 

          She all but shoves the woman and her daughter out the door.

 

 


 

                                                                   67.

 

 

 

 

          Then she's back in action, a bundle of energy making

          preparations to convert the room into a space suitable for

          operating.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - OPERATING ROOM - DAY

 

          Ruth, with Flo's assistance, is performing an abortion on

          the daughter.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - EXERCISE ROOM / WAITING AREA - DAY

 

          Ruth comes through the exercise room, where overweight women

          are working out, to the waiting area, where the mother is

          sitting nervously in a chair.  Seeing Ruth coming, the

          mother stands.  She starts to speak.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Your daughter's fine.

 

                                          MOTHER

                         Bless you . . . can I see her?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Of course.

 

 

          EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT

 

          A cab drives down the street, pulling into an alley.  The

          cab stops.

 

 

          EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

 

          Janet gets out of the cab.  She pays her fare, and the taxi

          pulls out of the alley.  Janet goes to a door and starts to

          knock but doesn't.  She looks around.

 

          She sees light coming out of a window.  She goes to it and

          looks inside.

 

 

          JANET'S POV

 

          through the window into a small room lit by a bare light

          bulb hanging from the ceiling.  The room is small, stark,

          depressing.  An operating table takes up most of the space.

 

          A DOCTOR is in the room and moves toward the window.

 


 

                                                                   68.

 

 

 

 

          EXT. ALLEY - AT THE WINDOW - NIGHT

 

          The doctor closes the blinds as Janet ducks out of sight.

          She moves away, running out the alley, getting away from

          this depressing scene as quickly as she can.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - DAY

 

          Flo is behind the front desk when a MAN and WOMAN enter.

          They appear nervous.

 

                                          FLO

                         Can I help you?

 

          The couple notice the exercising women in the large room

          beyond the entry area.  They look confused.

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         Perhaps we're at the wrong place.

                         We're looking for Ruth Barnett.

 

                                          FLO

                         This is the right place.  Let me

                         see if she's busy.

 

          Flo gets up.  In her absence, the couple exchange a glance.

          They look out of place.  Flo returns.

 

                                          FLO

                         This way, please.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - RUTH'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          The couple enter Ruth's office.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Please sit down.  Coffee?

 

                                          WOMAN AT CLINIC

                         No thank you.

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         No thanks.

 

                                          RUTH

                         What can I do for you?

 

          The man clears his throat.

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         I'm sorry, I was led to believe

                         that - well, you were referred to

                         us by a Dr. Hamilton.

 


 

                                                                   69.

 

 

 

 

                                          RUTH

                         Yes?

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         I don't know where to begin.  We're

                         not at a point in our lives where a

                         child is a good thing for us.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I understand.

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         Then we are in the right place?

 

          Ruth ignores this and focuses her attention on the woman.

 

                                          RUTH

                         How far along are you?

 

                                          WOMAN AT CLINIC

                         Four months.

 

                                          RUTH

                         We need to schedule you right away.

                         I could fit you in this afternoon.

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         How much will this cost?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Four-hundred dollars, payable in

                         cash.

 

          The woman smiles and takes a wallet out of her purse.  The

          man takes out his wallet.  Both flash police badges at her.

 

                                          WOMAN AT CLINIC

                         You're under arrest.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'll call my lawyer.

 

          She picks up the phone.  The man reaches across the desk and

          hangs up.

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         Maybe we can work something out.

 

                                          RUTH

                         So that's it.

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         That's it.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I've never made a payoff in my

                         life.

 


 

                                                                   70.

 

 

 

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         Well, there's a first time for

                         everything.  What we expect from

                         you is four hundred dollars a week,

                         payable each Friday.  We can start

                         right now.

 

                                          RUTH

                         That's outrageous.

 

                                          WOMAN AT CLINIC

                         It's only one operation.

 

                                          RUTH

                         And if I don't pay it?

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         You'd better make that call to your

                         lawyer.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You're with the city police.

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         That's right.

 

                                          RUTH

                         What if I told you I have

                         connections at the county level?

 

                                          WOMAN AT CLINIC

                         Maybe the county is cooperating

                         with us.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Are you working for Jack Cord?

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         That's not your concern.  Now if

                         you want to call your lawyer, be my

                         guest.

 

          Ruth thinks a moment, opens a desk drawer and counts out

          four hundred dollars.  She silently pushes it across the

          desk.  The man picks it up.

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         In the future, we'll meet you at

                         Broadway and Oak, 3p.m. each

                         Friday.  One of us will be there.

                         Have the money in a business

                         envelope.

 

          The man and woman get up.

 


 

                                                                   71.

 

 

 

 

                                          MAN AT CLINIC

                         It's a pleasure doing business with

                         you.

 

          They move out.

 

          When they are gone, Flo comes into the office, immediately

          sensing that something is wrong.

 

                                          FLO

                         Were they police?

 

          Ruth nods.

 

                                          FLO

                         What's the deal?

 

                                          RUTH

                         I gave them four hundred dollars.

                         I can't believe I did that.

 

                                          FLO

                         Lesser of two evils, I think.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Is it?

 

                                          FLO

                         We're still in business.

 

                                          RUTH

                         They'll want more.

 

                                          FLO

                         We'll worry about that later.  We

                         have a ten o'clock scheduled.

 

          Ruth gets up to go to work.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I think Jack is behind this.  I

                         hate giving that son-of-a-bitch

                         money.

 

 

          INT. JANET'S APT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

          Armstrong and Janet are making love.

 

 

          INT. JANET'S APT - KITCHEN - NIGHT

 

          They are drinking tea at the kitchen table, after

          lovemaking.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         You're real quiet tonight.

 


 

                                                                   72.

 

 

 

 

                                          JANET

                         Well.  I have something to tell

                         you.  I'm having a hard time saying

                         it.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Try English.  Have I done

                         something?

 

                                          JANET

                         WE have done something.  I'm

                         pregnant.

 

          Armstrong lets this sink in.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         You're sure?

 

                                          JANET

                         Very.  I, ah - I scheduled an

                         abortion.  I couldn't go through

                         with it.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Without telling me?

 

                                          JANET

                         If you tell me you want to be a

                         father . . .

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I am a participant here.

 

                                          JANET

                         It seemed to me to be the quickest

                         way to take care of it.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         You had second thoughts or what?

 

                                          JANET

                         Not at all.  I couldn't stand

                         walking into the place where it

                         would be done.  I looked in the

                         window before knocking on the

                         door - it looked so sordid.  So I

                         left.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         When was that?

 

                                          JANET

                         Two nights ago.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         And you still want an abortion?

 


 

                                                                   73.

 

 

 

 

                                          JANET

                         Of course.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Good.

 

                                          JANET

                         They put the best doctor in the

                         city out of business.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         She may still have connections.

                         I'll talk to her.

 

                                          JANET

                         I don't think she'll talk to you

                         after the stories you wrote.  Let

                         me handle it.

 

 

          EXT. CITY STREET - DAY

 

          Armstrong's car pulls over to the curb near the building in

          which Ruth's weight-loss clinic is located.

 

 

          INT. CAR - DAY

 

          Janet leans over and gives Armstrong a quick kiss.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I'll wait for you at Jake's.

 

                                          JANET

                         Okay.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Everything's going to be fine.

 

          Janet gets out.

 

          Armstrong watches her enter the building.  Then he sees

          something.

 

 

          ARMSTRONG'S POV

 

          as Janet enters the building in one door and Ruth comes out

          of another door.

 

 

          EXT. STREET - DAY

 

          Armstrong pulls his car up to park.  He gets out and starts

          following Ruth.

 


 

                                                                   74.

 

 

 

 

          INTERCUTS - ARMSTRONG, RUTH

 

          as Ruth walks to Broadway and Oak, followed by Armstrong.

 

 

          EXT. STREET CORNER - DAY

 

          Ruth reaches Broadway and Oak and stops, looking around.

          The man from before steps forward to her.

 

 

          EXT. STREET - DAY

 

          Armstrong watches what is going on with interest.

 

 

          ARMSTRONG'S POV

 

          as Ruth opens her purse and hands a business envelope to the

          man.

 

 

          EXT. STREET - DAY

 

          Armstrong puts two and two together, turns and starts

          walking quickly back to his car.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - RUTH'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Janet is in Ruth's office.  Ruth sits behind her desk,

          nodding sympathetically.

 

                                          JANET

                         I need your help.  I'm pregnant.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You work for the paper, don't you?

 

                                          JANET

                         Yes.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm not in that business any more.

 

                                          JANET

                         I realize that.  I was hoping you

                         might make a recommendation.  I did

                         schedule with a Dr. Ramsey but

                         couldn't go through with it.

 

                                          RUTH

                         A wise decision.

 

                                          JANET

                         Can you help me?

 


 

                                                                   75.

 

 

 

 

          Armstrong suddenly comes into the office, followed by Flo.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         We need to talk, Dr. Barnett.

                              (to Janet)

                         It's all right.

 

                                          RUTH

                              (to Flo)

                         Close the door.

 

          Flo does, staying in the office.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I saw your encounter at Broadway

                         and Oak.  Why is she giving an

                         envelope to detective O'Hara, I ask

                         myself?  Why does the word "payoff"

                         come to mind?

 

                                          RUTH

                         You would have a hard time proving

                         that.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I could make ugly publicity for

                         you, all the same.  But I'm here to

                         make a deal.  Janet needs an

                         abortion.  You're the best in the

                         business.

 

                                          JANET

                         I'll pay you, of course.

 

                                          RUTH

                         How do I know I can trust you?

 

                                          JANET

                         I give you my word for both of us.

                         Russell?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         You can trust me.

 

                                          RUTH

                         How far along are you?

 

                                          JANET

                         In my first trimester.

 

                                          RUTH

                         The fee is four hundred dollars.

                         Flo will schedule you.

 


 

                                                                   76.

 

 

 

 

          EXT. BUILDING - DAY

 

          Armstrong and Janet come out of the building.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I need a raincheck on Jake's.  I

                         have something to take care of.

 

                                          JANET

                         You're going to pursue this, aren't

                         you?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I want to know what Jack Cord knows

                         about it.  I'll call you.

 

                                          JANET

                         You promised you wouldn't do a

                         story.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I'm doing research.

 

          He kisses her and moves off.

 

 

          INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Armstrong is thumbing through a magazine when Cord enters

          the office.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Waiting for me?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         As a matter of fact, I am.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Come in.

 

          Armstrong follows Cord into his office.

 

 

          INT. CORD'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Cord gestures for Armstrong to sit down.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Had enough coffee for the day?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         More than enough.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         What's on your mind?

 


 

                                                                   77.

 

 

 

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I'm thinking of a follow-up story

                         on the abortion crackdown.  Is it

                         safe to say that the city's clean

                         now?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Unfortunately, no.  There'll always

                         be some butcher operating out of a

                         storefront.  But compared to what

                         it was, yes, the city is clean.

 

          Armstrong nods, considering this.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         But haven't you heard the rumor

                         that Barnett is back in business?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         That's ridiculous.  She runs a

                         weight-loss clinic.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         You know how rumors are.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Exactly.  We've got abortions under

                         control, and we're going after the

                         gambling dens next.  You can print

                         that.

 

          Cord is beaming.

 

 

          INT. JANET'S APT - NIGHT

 

          Armstrong is working on a story.  He is stuck, staring at

          the paper in the typewriter.

 

          Janet, in her robe, comes up behind him, reading over his

          shoulder.  She is shocked at what she reads and pulls the

          paper out of the typewriter.

 

                                          JANET

                         You promised you wouldn't do the

                         story.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I'm just writing up some notes.

 

                                          JANET

                         She's doing us a favor, Russell.  I

                         want you to keep your word.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I think Cord is taking payoffs.  He

                         lied to me today.

 


 

                                                                   78.

 

 

 

 

                                          JANET

                         What would we do without her?  No

                         story.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         I won't touch it until it breaks

                         some other way.  Then I'm going

                         after Cord.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - OPERATING ROOM - DAY

 

          Ruth and Flo are performing an abortion on Janet.

 

          When Ruth is finished, she comforts the reporter, wiping her

          head with a damp cloth.  Then she leaves, while Flo cleans

          up.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - WAITING AREA - DAY

 

          Armstrong is sitting in a chair in the waiting area when

          Ruth enters.  He quickly gets to his feet.

 

                                          RUTH

                         She's fine.  You can see her in ten

                         or fifteen minutes.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - RUTH'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Ruth is at work behind her desk when Flo enters.

 

                                          FLO

                         Are you aware of the time?  If

                         you're busy, I can run to Oak for

                         you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm not going to Oak.

 

                                          FLO

                         Oh?  Are you sure you want to bite

                         that particular bullet?

 

                                          RUTH

                         They raised it to five hundred.

                         I'm not playing any more.  As a

                         matter of fact, I'm going to the

                         source.

 

                                          FLO

                         What do you mean?

 


 

                                                                   79.

 

 

 

 

                                          RUTH

                         I think Jack is behind this.  When

                         Heather had her abortion, his wife

                         wrote a check.  I made a copy of

                         it.

 

                                          FLO

                         You're going to blackmail him?

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm going to fight fire with fire.

 

 

          EXT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT

 

          Cord's car pulls up in front of a fancy restaurant and

          cocktail lounge.  He gets out, carrying flowers, and the car

          is whisked away by a uniformed attendant.

 

          Cord moves to the entrance into the lounge.

 

 

          INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT

 

          Cord enters, looking around.  Finding the party he's looking

          for, he breaks into a wide grin.

 

 

          INT. LOUNGE - TABLE - NIGHT

 

          Ruth is sitting at a table as Cord arrives.  He bends down

          to kiss her but she turns her head away.

 

          Cord sits down and puts the flowers in front of her.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         By your message, I expected a

                         better welcome.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Did you?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I mean, this is "our place" - we

                         have lots of good memories here.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I wanted to be sure you showed up.

 

          The WAITER arrives.

 

                                          WAITER

                         A drink, sir?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Scotch on the rocks.

 


 

                                                                   80.

 

 

 

 

                                          WAITER

                         Very good.

 

          He moves off.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Why do I feel like this isn't going

                         to be a fun evening?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Because it isn't.  I stood up

                         detective O'Hara today.  You know

                         him?  And his lady friend?

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I know O'Hara.  Why?

 

                                          RUTH

                         He works for you.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         He's not county, he's city.

 

                                          RUTH

                         He moonlights for you.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         What are you getting at?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Payoffs, Jack.  You made the

                         mistake of getting greedy.  I won't

                         play any more.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Wait a minute.  You've been paying

                         off O'Hara?  Then you're back in

                         the goddamn business?  Ruth, have

                         you lost your marbles?  You'll get

                         more than six months next time.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I have something I can use against

                         you, Jack.  I don't want to.

                         Believe me, I don't.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I'll deny everything.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You don't know what I'm talking

                         about.  Client anonymity is a

                         matter of principle with me, but

                         I'm staying in business, whatever

                         the cost.  I want O'Hara pulled

                         off.

 


 

                                                                   81.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I know nothing about your clients.

 

                                          RUTH

                         One, you do.  Heather had an

                         abortion.

 

          Cord lets this sink in.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I don't believe you.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I have a copy of the check your

                         wife wrote me.  If you don't

                         believe me, ask her.

 

          Cord stares at her.  The waiter brings his drink and goes.

          Cord takes a big sip.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         My heart started racing when I got

                         the message to meet you here.  I

                         thought it was going to be like old

                         times.

 

                                          RUTH

                         It a way, it is like old times.

                         You're going to protect me.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         What if I told you I still love

                         you?

 

                                          RUTH

                         If you don't pull O'Hara off, I'm

                         going to that reporter, Armstrong,

                         with everything.  It's the last

                         thing I want to do, believe me, but

                         I'm not going down alone this time.

                         If I go, you go with me.  I can

                         keep you out of the mayor's office,

                         Jack.  That's the bottom line.  I

                         can do that.

 

          Cord finishes his drink and stands up.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         I don't think you want these.

 

          He picks up the flowers, walks over to an adjacent table and

          drops them down in front of a young woman.

 

          He comes back to Ruth's table.

 


 

                                                                   82.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You didn't learn much in jail, did

                         you?  I don't scare easy.  You want

                         to play hard ball, Ruth, we'll play

                         hard ball.

 

          He turns and goes.  Ruth is shaken, she thought she had a

          winning hand.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

          Flo sits in a chair, sipping a drink.  Ruth is pacing and

          smoking.

 

                                          FLO

                         He'll be here.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Right.  He's always late for the

                         story of his career.

 

                                          FLO

                         You know how things are at a

                         newspaper, something's always

                         coming up.

 

                                          RUTH

                         He would've called.

 

                                          FLO

                         Relax, he'll be here.

 

          Ruth keeps pacing.

 

 

          INT. CORD'S OFFICE - NIGHT

 

          Cord is pacing behind his desk.  His aides, Mike and Tom,

          are seated.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         If O'Hara takes the fall, it'll

                         make us all look bad.  It'll put

                         the idea of corruption in the

                         public's mind.

 

                                          MIKE

                         That's my vote, too.  We keep

                         O'Hara clean.

 

                                          TOM

                         But somebody's got to take the

                         fall, don't they?

 


 

                                                                   83.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Why?  It's her goddamn word against

                         the police, against me, against the

                         whole goddamn city government.  And

                         she's an abortionist!  Who's going

                         to believe her?

 

                                          TOM

                         I just worry she can jeopardize the

                         campaign.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Not if she's locked up.  And the

                         sooner the better.

 

                                          MIKE

                         I think we should raise the ante.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         How do you mean?

 

                                          MIKE

                         Why settle it at the local level?

                         Get the state involved, with state

                         charges she'd be put in prison, not

                         the county jail.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Mike, you just earned your salary.

 

          He picks up the phone to make a call.

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

          Ruth opens the door and Armstrong steps in.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Sorry I'm late.  What's up?

 

                                          RUTH

                         How much time do you have?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         As long as it takes.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Good.  Flo, get him a drink.  I'm

                         going to tell you more than you

                         ever wanted to know about the

                         underbelly of this city.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Great - but what's in this for you?

 


 

                                                                   84.

 

 

 

 

                                          RUTH

                         I don't want you to break the story

                         unless I'm arrested.  Can we still

                         do business?

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Yeah, I think so.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - OPERATING ROOM - DAY

 

          Ruth is performing an abortion, assisted by Flo.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - WAITING ROOM - DAY

 

          Patients fill a waiting area.  There is no longer evidence

          of weight-loss activity going on at all.

 

          Gladys, who worked at the earlier clinic, sits behind the

          receptionist's desk.

 

 

          EXT. CLINIC BUILDING - DAY

 

          Dozens of police cars and sheriff cars pull up in front of

          the clinic building.

 

          Cord gets out of his car and moves to the door.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Where's the photographer?

 

          A REPORTER and PHOTOGRAPHER push their way forward.

          Armstrong is nowhere to be seen.

 

                                          PHOTOGRAPHER

                         Ready when you are, sheriff!

 

          Cord poses, grasping the door handle and looking grim, as if

          he's about to raid hell itself.  A flash goes off.

 

                                          PHOTOGRAPHER

                         Got it!

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Then let's do it!

 

          Cord enters first, followed by a stream of law enforcement

          officials.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - WAITING AREA - DAY

 

          The door bursts open, and Cord leads the way inside.  He

          goes quickly to Gladys.

 


 

                                                                   85.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Where's Ruth?

 

          He grabs her, shaking her.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Where is she?

 

                                          GLADYS

                         Operating - the room at the end of

                         the hall.

 

          Cord hurries off.

 

          Patients are screaming, as the law is invading with more

          overkill than ever, arresting anyone that moves.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - OPERATING AREA - DAY

 

          Ruth and Flo hear the commotion.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Don't let them in!

 

          Flo moves to the door, stacking a chair against it, moving

          whatever is available to delay the entrance of the law.

 

          Ruth tries to calm the patient, who sits up, very upset now.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Relax, please, I'm almost done!

 

 

          INT. HALLWAY

 

          as Cord, followed by police, reaches the end of the hall.

          He tries to open the door but it is jammed.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Open up, Ruth!  You're only making

                         things tougher on yourself!

 

 

          INT. OPERATING ROOM

 

          Flo is struggling to keep the door shut.  But she can't hold

          out long, and the door bursts open.  Cord leads the way in.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm in the middle of an operation

                         here!

 

          Cord gestures for the others to let him handle it.  He moves

          slowly toward Ruth.

 


 

                                                                   86.

 

 

 

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         Dr. Ruth Barnett, you are under

                         arrest.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Let me finish up here . . .

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         If you don't come peacefully- . . .

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm not at a point where I can

                         stop!  Now get out of here!  I'll

                         be out when I'm done.

 

                                          JACK CORD

                         You're leaving me no choice - for

                         the last time, come peacefully.

 

          Ruth ignores him, trying to continue the operation.

 

          Cord moves to her, grabs her from behind and pulls her from

          the patient.  The patient starts screaming.

 

          Confusion reigns, Flo tries to rush to the aid of the

          patient but is stopped and handcuffed, someone even

          handcuffs the poor woman on the table.

 

          Ruth is screaming and fighting, as Cord drags her away.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Her life is in your hands!

 

          Cord ignores Ruth, and he gets help to get handcuffs on her.

          She still resists as he drags her out of the operating room.

 

 

          INT. CLINIC - WAITING AREA - DAY

 

          Cord is dragging Ruth toward the exit.  She is cussing like

          a sailor at every law officer in sight.

 

          One of the policemen is ripping off the paneling in the

          room, exposing the radio cables.

 

                                          A POLICEMAN

                         Cord, look here!  They must have a

                         national abortion ring going!

                         They're broadcasting all over the

                         damn place!

 

          Cord continues dragging Ruth to the door.  The photographer

          appears.

 

                                          PHOTOGRAPHER

                         Can you keep her still a minute?

 


 

                                                                   87.

 

 

 

 

          This only infuriates Ruth, who struggles all the more.

 

                                          RUTH

                         You'll never become mayor, Jack!  I

                         swear to God I'll do anything it

                         takes!

 

          The camera flashes, and Cord drags Ruth outside.

 

 

          INSERT: PHOTOGRAPH AND HEADLINE

 

          of Cord dragging Ruth away, under the banner headline "Ruth

          Barnett arrested again in midday raid!"  But whereas the

          earlier headline was from the Journal, this headline is from

          the Oregonian, the rival daily.

 

 

          INT. NEWSPAPER - EDITOR'S OFFICE - DAY

 

          Armstrong is facing his editor.

 

                                          EDITOR

                         Scooped, Russell.  I think you're

                         familiar with the term.  You have

                         the inside track, you supposedly

                         have the confidence of the sheriff,

                         and they pull this off without you,

                         they forget the Journal and give

                         the scoop to the goddamn Oregonian!

                         Now what the hell's going on here?

 

 

          INSERT: NEWSPAPER HEADLINE

 

          "Barnett Prison-bound!"

 

          A subheading reads:  "DiMarco testimony denied"

 

 

          INT. RUTH'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY

 

          Ruth closes a suitcase.  A second is on the bed.

 

          Flo picks up one, and Ruth picks up the other.  Both are

          dressed as if going on an expensive vacation.

 

 

          EXT. RUTH'S HOUSE - DAY

 

          Armstrong and his photographer are waiting outside when Ruth

          and Flo emerge, walking to Ruth's car.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         Can we get a picture, Ruth?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Why not?

 

          She hands her suitcase to Flo, who carries both to the car.

          Ruth strikes a happy pose, smiling.  The flash bulb pops.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         How are you feeling?

 

                                          RUTH

                         Like I live in a world of

                         hypocrites.

 

          She goes to the car, where Flo has already slipped in behind

          the wheel.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I want to drive.

 

                                          FLO

                         I don't mind.

 

 

                                                                        2.

 

 

 

                                          RUTH

                         I'm perfectly capable of driving

                         myself to prison.

 

          Flo slides over, and Ruth gets in behind the wheel.

 

          Ruth's car backs up out of the driveway.  Armstrong and

          McElroy hurry into their car and pull out to follow.

 

 

          EXT. PRISON - DAY

 

          The black Cadillac pulls up in front of the prison.

          Outside, a women's work detail is during gardening work.

 

          Ruth and Flo get out.  They embrace.

 

          Armstrong and McElroy get out, the photographer snapping a

          photograph of the embrace.  Ruth picks up both suitcases.

 

                                          FLO

                         Will they let me help you in with

                         that?

 

                                          RUTH

                         I can manage.

 

                                          FLO

                         I feel cheated getting a suspended

                         sentence.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Don't be ridiculous.  Write me.

 

                                          FLO

                         I'll visit as often as I can.

 

                                          RUTH

                         I guess I'll be taking up

                         gardening.  Among other new skills

                         I'll learn, I'm sure.

 

                                          FLO

                         Ruth . . .

 

          She hugs and kisses her.  Armstrong has come forward.

 

                                          ARMSTRONG

                         "We live in a world of hypocrites."

                         Good last words, Ruth.

 

                                          RUTH

                         Last words, hell.  You don't think

                         I'll be back?

 

          With this, she turns and moves through the gate into the

          prison.

 


 

                                                                        3.

 

 

 

          FOLLOWING RUTH

 

          as she walks proudly ahead, keeping her composure, heading

          for the entrance into the prison.  She passes the work

          detial and nods at women who smile and greet her.

 

                                          WOMAN

                              (V.O.)

                         You did the right thing, Dr.

                         Barnett.

 

          Ruth mouths "Thank you" but the words aren't heard.

 

          At the door into the prison, she turns.

 

 

          EXT. PRISON - DAY

 

          Flo and Armstrong wave at Ruth.

 

          RUTH

 

          waves back and manages a proud, defiant smile.

 

          FREEZE FRAME

 

          on this final image of Ruth Barnett, the moment before she

          enters prison, still sticking to her guns.

 

          ROLL THE FOLLOWING:

 

          "After serving less than a year in the Oregon State

          Penitentiary, Dr. Ruth Barnett was released for reasons of

          failing health.  She died shortly thereafter."

 

          "Jack Cord was elected mayor of Portland."

 

          FADE OUT.