The Scarlett Heels by Petra Michelle

 

FADE IN:

INT. 1930's HOLLYWOOD STUDIO - DAY

With an orchestra at the ready, the LEADING MAN/TAP DANCER embraces a WOMAN casting for the role of his leading lady.

DIRECTOR Action.

As the couple tap and glide in perfect harmony, a mischievous gleam in the woman's eye travels to her feet as she disregards the scripted choreography, ad-libbing with barrel roll-s and bombershay-s.

Initially, her partner expresses exasperation at her unspoken challenge, then competitively accepts.

As their pace accelerates, the orchestra follows in tempo to chasse-s, chaine-s, and balance-s while their heels cluster click, scuff, stubb, twist and thump across the floor; she growing attracted to him, as he to her with every tap.

The silence of the entraced CREW is broken with...

DIRECTOR Cut! Cut!

As he gropes for his chair,

DIRECTOR That wasn't in the script. (to cameraman) Tell me you got it!

CAMERAMAN (smacking on his chewing gum) Got it, boss.

In that moment, the woman sits, lifts her gown, and carefully removes her blood-soaked high heels. In her bare, swollen feet, she walks to the director and drops them at his feet. As she turns to leave, the director rushes after her.

DIRECTOR Where are you going?

WOMAN Why? Did I get the part?

DIRECTOR Name your price!

The leading man catches up with her and extends his hand.

LEADING MAN Shall we dance?

When she accepts, he draws her towards him and begins to sing.

LEADING MAN Heaven. I'm in heaven. And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak. And I seem to find the happiness I seek. When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek.

WOMAN You can be very charming.

LEADING MAN (whispers) I'm in heaven.

When they kiss, the director throws the original script into the air, then winks at the cameraman.

FADE TO BLACK