Blue Rendezvous

INT. CANCER TREATMENT HOSPICE-DAY
Former original G-man Frank Lee Roiles is ready in his room to commence
a commitment he made to Miss Beulah Mae Jackson before she died---to
tell his story, the story he played so critical a role in in defeating
the biggest criminals of a century filled with them; he is waiting for
the journalist, her great niece.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
Good morning, how in the world are we today?!
(embracing him)
FRANK ROILES
Well, the Devil's not ready for me, so I'm doin ok.
They have agreed that only the first hour will be videotaped as the
chemo is relieving him of his hair, and energy to sit in a chair for
too long. She is light skinned black, married to an Italian
American.
WE SEE FRANK GLUED TO HIS TV; CARLOTTA WATCHES WITH HIM; IT IS A
PREVIEW OF THE ACADEMY AWARDS, FEATURING A CLIP OF JEFF BRIDGES IN
'STARMAN', AS A NOMINEE.
V.O.
"Shall I tell you what I find beautiful about you? You are at your best
when things are at their very worst."
FRANK ROILES
Schoepenhauer.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
The German philosopher, right....don't tell me you knew him?
FRANK ROILES
Knew a German who knew him.
(smirking)
Fished him outta the Med after we sunk his sub; I jumped into a god dam
burning oil patch, don't ask me why. But he seemed to know, kept sayin
this name, over and over, amazed he could speak, really.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
I'm not sure I understand.
FRANK ROILES
Seems this guy was the skipper, pretty-well educated; through the medic
on our boat, whose parents were from the old country, we figured out
that he was talking about the position taken by this Schoepenhauer,
bout the way people respond to danger to another being, how they forget
all about themselves as a seperate person; spent a whole book arguin it
was proof we are all connected, underneath surface appearances and all.
Stuck with me, I guess;' Bridges had that same look in his eyes just
then.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
(choked up)
Fine start for today, don't you think.
(smiles)
FLASHBACK TO 1938:
INT BUREAU HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON, D.C. DAY
Special Agent Frank Lee Roiles reports to the office; he is a little
hung over, and late, per usual....; old-fashioned federal offices of a
still publicly obscure agency.
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
(into mouthpiece)
Federal Bureau, can you hold?
(to Frank)
Hoi, polloi....any other survivors from the crack-up?
FRANK ROILES
(removing hat, rubbing temples)
Save it, Meg, huh; just a late night
(under his breath)
...cap.
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
(hands Frank message)
Called twice already, says its urgent.
(smiling at his wincing)
FRANK ROILES
On a Tuesday....
(recognizes number)
Holy moley, ain't this the White House exchange?
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
I'm impressed, considerin.
FRANK ROILES
How bout a break, huh Doll; get me
(squinting at message) Mr. Carter, ok?
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
(into mouthpiece)
Good morning, may I be connected to Mr. 'Dips' Carter, Jr.?
(pause for reply)
I see, that's odd; he just called not 20 minutes ago. Thanks,
hun.
(hangs up)
Strange, say he's left for the doctor's, feeling poorly.
FRANK ROILES
(gaining interest)
He say what it's about?
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
No, very polite gent, older Negro, sounded nervous, you know,
jittery.
FRANK ROILES
(grabs hat)
Think I'll hop over to see FDR, you want I should bring you back a
souvenir?
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
Maybe an invite to the 'Children's Hour'.
(sees he doesn't get reference)
The poem by Wordsworth he uses to cue the drinkeys.....never
mind.
FRANK ROILES
Speakin of mind, yours is sorta one track, as in alcohol....good thing
Volstead's monster is dead....
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
(smirking)
Poils before swine, dearie.
Meg takes another call, as Frank saunters out.
FADE OUT.
EXT FBI HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON, D.C. DAY
Frank walks the short distance to the casually protected White House,
doffing his hat and ogling at an attractive couple of women, giggling
in reply, shyly. He approaches the guard shack, greeting a familiar
face.
WHITE HOUSE GUARD
Say, what brings you to the palace, Edgar lose a cat or somethin?
FRANK ROILES
Everybody's a wiseguy today; you keep a staff roster out here?
WHITE HOUSE GUARD
Sure, who ya need?
FRANK ROILES
(squints at phone message)
'Dips' Carter, Jr.; Got him?
WHITE HOUSE GUARD
(finds him on list)
Name like that, gotta be a ni...
FRANK ROILES
Come on, Jim, ain't got time be shootin the sea breeze, even if we are
such old Navy 'pals', ya get me?
WHITE HOUSE GUARD
Sure....don't get sore or nothin...here he is....but he ain't
here..
(smirking)

Went over to St. Elizabeth's, the colored hospital, I think. Looked
fine to me, but you know these 'house' ni....
FRANK ROILES
Sure, so damn lazy, alls they ever do is keep this country runnin, doin
the jobs on one else wants.
(angry now)
Know what,

Tell ya what Jimbo, just for old times sake, why don't ya do yourself
and the country a big favor and take the rest a the day off....ya fat
tubba shit!
PULL BACK AERIAL VIEW OF DC &; ITS SEGREGATED ENVIRONS AS IF ANOTHER
WORLD JUST BLOCKS AWAY FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT NEW YORK HARBOR DOCKSIDE WAREHOUSE AREA- EVENING
Two men, faces obscured by darkness in trench coats and hats are
walking around the docks, the night watchman seems to know they are
'authorized' and ignores them.
FIRST MAN
You tellin me he's the only protection they got?
SECOND MAN
Relax; look, we ain't at war; besides, everybody knows not to mess with
this place, could be very bad for the health!
FIRST MAN
I dunno, you know what that creep Mussolini is up to in the Old
Country.
SECOND MAN
Yeah, and he's going after every family clan around, can't stand the
competition I guess. You know what, I says have at em, if it means less
Guineaus in this world.
FIRST MAN
Great way to make yourself scarce, permanent like, sayin a thing like
that round here; you are so naive......
SECOND MAN
One thing's for sure: the Brits gave him a goddam knighthood, so looks
like he's got some mucky mucks' blessing.
FIRST MAN
Whaddya expect; the Limeys got a tin soldier army just like
us---they've go those rose-colored glasses on when it comes to that
kraut with the bad haircut, too.
SECOND MAN
Who knows these days, people just tryin ta get enough ta eat with this
damn Depression; Hell, we're lucky we got jobs; let's get some chow,
it's Sammy's quittin time.
CUT TO:
INT APARTMENT OF MARTA SUNDSTRUM NEW YORK EVE
Jeffords Roosevelt, self-exiled, estranged youngest son of the
President, is under the spell of a half-Italian exchange grad student
at NYU; she is an Italian military agent, seeking information about
longshoremen's union and dockyard affairs. He has obtained it, in some
detail, from the White House on the understanding that she needs it for
a thesis.
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
Darling, be a dear and run my bath water, hmm?

Jeffords has dutifully hand delivered the documents, some internally
sensitive, to her; she is perusing them when he returns to the
room.
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
What are we some old couple, so bored we read dull statistics instead
of,well, you know.
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
(recovering quickly)
Don't be silly, just impressed with how important you must be; I'm
certain to gain highest marks with this!
(she turns on the radio to some jazz from Harlem)
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
That's more like it, Mar; say, now that your reward is so secure, how's
about mine.
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
(demurely posing)
You mean you don't wish to read along.....
(places documents on the table)
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
Madam, you've got me confused with that other Mr. Roosevelt; now he
would have said yes to those documents, especially with a certain
woman, by appointment.
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
Now, don't spoil the mood with talk of mommy and daddy.
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
You're absolutely right.....
(he begins to help her undress)
Besides, I don't have an appointment.
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
Well, how about a rendezvous, his term, right?.....a rendezvous in
blue, instead!
(seductively giggling)
FADE TO:
INT FBI HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON, D.C. DAY
It is the following morning; Roiles has tried to locate 'Dips', without
success.
FRANK ROILES
Morning, doll; any calls?
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
You're in early; spoke with the hospital people,like ya asked... never
heard of him, much less seen him.
FRANK ROILES
How bout the White House, they heard from him?
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
Not a word; say its not like him, been there forever.
FRANK ROILES
Say, did this Carter ask for me, specific?
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
Why, yes, now that you mention it, didn't register till now.
FRANK ROILES
What, were we both hung over; look, he say how he got my name,
anything, think.
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
Hey, don't get sore, all I get are calls on top of calls; wait, think I
scrawled a note cause it was out a the ordinary, the way he put
it....here it is: 'friend of his told him to call you, from back home
in Alabama'---no name, though.
FRANK ROILES
Never even been there; this is gettin screwier by the minute.
(phone rings)
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
Federal Bureau................just a moment sir, please, calm
down....
(points to Frank's phone)

FRANK ROILES
Roiles, who's.....Carter! Been doin a personal All Points on
you.....where.....what the....look, stay put, I'll be there in half an
hour...
(writing address)
Got it.
(grabs his hat)
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
So?
FRANK ROILES
Call ya when I can; you don't hear from me for a while, means um
busy.
(he looks for ammunition in his desk)
SWITCHBOARD RECEPTIONIST
What if the White House calls?
FRANK ROILES
Tell em they'll have to polish the silver themselves for a while, I
dunno;

for some reason, he's scared to go back, so you know nothin; gotta
go.
CUT TO:
EXT RUNDOWN SHOTGUN HOUSE IN N.E. DC DAY
Roiles has pulled up in his company car, marked 'US Government
Carpool'; dogs are barking like they've never seen a white man, or a
car.
FRANK ROILES
It's Roiles....
(knocking at weathered door)
MISSY JACKSON
Who dat?
FRANK ROILES
Frank Lee Roiles, I just talked with Dips.
The door opens slowly, without anyone visible; it is dark by
contrast.
(O.S.)
Come on in, den.
Door closes without anyone yet seen.
MOMENTS LATER:
FRANK ROILES
Hello....
MISSY JACKSON
You member me?
FRANK ROILES
Holy Jesus!
(recognizing her)
Why, haven't seen your sweetness since....
MISSY JACKSON
You was knee high, reckon. How's your mama?
FRANK ROILES
Restin in Peace.
(hugging her)
DIPS CARTER (O.S.)
It safe?

MISSY JACKSON
Fool, this here's my baby boy! Raise him up, almose.
FRANK ROILES
Hello, Dips. I need some information, right away....
DIPS CARTER
(tense, fearful)
What dat be, suh?
FRANK ROILES
Exactly what kinda name is Dips?
(laughing)
The ice is broken, they retire to neat sitting room; Dips has got a
spit cup for his chew.
FRANK ROILES
Good thing they've still got plenty of those spitoons at the
palace.
(pulls out notepad)
Shoot, I'm all ears.
DIPS CARTER
Now....now, I needs my job....you sure....
FRANK ROILES
Missy Jax can tell ya, shoot straight, and don't nobody trouble you for
telling me the truth.
DIPS CARTER
(reaches in pocket)
See, I foun dis at the House; doan read so good but Missy J sez I needs
to call you.
FLR uncrumples what looks like a letter.
SHOT: LETTER ON SCREEN, HIGHLITED ON CERTAIN PARAGRAPH.
FRANK ROILES (V.O.)
....."and, if you can do this for me, I will be ever so grateful my
darling. MY sponsors are talking about ending my stipend should I not
excel with my thesis. You are so very important I know that you will
save me from this fate.
Your adoring Marta".
FRANK ROILES
Jeffords been staying at the House lately?
DIPS CARTER
Oh, yassir, he come and go all de time; he even use hiz Daddy's own
office sometime when he gone.
MISSY JACKSON
Mr. Frank, now you know I read the paper, religious like----been readin
bout dis Hitler usin people to do spying and such things; dis here
gal's some kinda Matta Hari, you ast me, can feel it.
FRANK ROILES
I'm gonna have a photostat made at a secure spot I know, right away,
then, Dips, you're gonna put it right back where you found it.
DIPS CARTER
Yassir, you betcha, cain't have it roun me no mo, for sure.
FRANK ROILES
Right...now Dips, ya gotta be copacetic for me; nobody knows bout this
sept us three and that's gotta be how it stays. Mum's the word. Miss
Jax, can you meet me at the main post office lobby downtown this
evening?
MISSY JACKSON
I can iffen you needs me to.
FRANK ROILES
Good; at 5 o'clock; Dips,, you done good.
(pats his shoulder)
CUT TO:

INT ORNATE HEADQUARTERS OF THE SERVIZIO INFORMAZIONE MILITARE ROME
DAY
Discussions are under way in earnest concerning 'Operation Blue
Rendezvous': it is aimed at sabotage in America's Eastern ports as a
misguided attempt to use, then wipe out the Italy-based Mafia 'using'
American mobsters as unwitting ally while hurting any prospect of
American aid to England, now that the Pact of Steel has been signed by
Italy.
MAJOR FRANCESCO SARGENTO

I am pleased to report that our initial contacts with the U.S. gangster
factions have been most promising; thus far, we have used lower-level
contacts, we have both agreed on this, until the payment has been made;
this is to the good, as they are completely untraceable to us.
COLONEL HEINRICH HINCHE
Berlin wants no mistakes----you and they must not raise any suspicion
of our involvement.

MAJOR FRANCESCO SARGENTO
We shall do whatever is necessary to point the blame directly at these
gangsters, all of them, in due time.
(he motions to an aide)
Here you see the key disembarkation ports with the capacity to supply
England; we have assurances from the U.S. mobsters controlling the
longshoremen's guilds, provided they are paid in untraceable
commodities, principally gold, to be prepaid in part through our Swiss
agents. Not to worry---how did Lenin phrase it: they are 'useful
idiots', largely illiterate, hardly even speaking the mother tongue,
with little connection to these 'old timers', with their primitive
superstitious ways, you see?
COLONEL HEINRICH HINCHE
Nevertheless, we want assurances that whoever you select are not double
agents. Since the botched assassination in Miami certain suspicions
have been aroused, mostly among this Roosevelt's many Jewish advisors
and friends---it is owing only to their greedy bankers that we continue
our rearmament efforts.
MAJOR FRANCESCO SARGENTO
Please understand, I have known Sicilians my whole life, we understand
each other: they only see the gold!
COLONEL HEINRICH HINCHE
You will, of course, forgive me for saying so, but it would seem they
have much in common, these American gangsters and your 'black shirts',
yes?.
(smiling)
MAJOR FRANCESCO SARGENTO
I take your meaning, not my aesthetic, all this plumage and trappings
of ancient Roman Legions, it is not simply grotesque, but they seem to
forget that black was the color of their greatest defeat, by the black
man, Hannibal---this is somehow to be avenged in Ethiopia,
foolishness.
COLONEL HEINRICH HINCHE
I....trust that you are more discreet when handling our affairs.

FRANCESCO SARGENTO
Have no doubts; you see,these walls are soundproof, compliments of Il
Duce!
AN ITALIAN OFFICER, WITH SPECIAL INSIGNIA, IS EAVSDROPPING IN ANOTHER
OFFICE.
FRANCESCO SARGENTO
Further to your point, they will serve our needs, the Axis and your
Fuhrer; remember, our ruthless homeland roundups of these mafiosi clans
here in Italy leave only American gangsterism as culprit when the
contracted sabotage is done, nothing more and, then, at the appointed
time, they shall meet their ultimate fate.
COLONEL HEINRICH HINCHE
Let us hope so, for everyone's sake, even these American bumpkins may
not be fooled twice; by the way Major...
(stern face)

do you not mean 'our' Fuhrer?!
JUMP CUT TO:
INT GERMAN EMBASSY WASHINGTON, DC EVE
Lindbergh is on hand, guest of honor of the Reich.
GERMAN AMBASSADOR
Mine Herren &; Damen....our duly elected Reichfuhrer extends his
warmest welcome to Germany...in America!
(self-conscious laughter)
I have the great honor of presenting to you a hero of Germany, America
and the world; his aerial exploits are only matched by his, so to say,
'down to Earth' common sense....I give you our honoree, the great
Charles Lindbergh!
(applause)
As Lindbergh ascends to the podium, he is surprised to see the German
military attache approach with an elaborate box.
GERMAN AMBASSADOR
Kind sir, before you begin your remarks, allow me the privilege of
presenting to you my homeland's highest honorary medal.....
(he places it around L.'s Neck as L. Smiles broadly)
CHARLES LINDBERGH
I am truly moved, thank you, thank you.
(more applause)
Mr. Ambassador, esteemed guests, America stands at a crossroads, one
path leading to continued peace the other to hysterical and unwarranted
conflict with countries we need not fear.........
CUT TO EARLIER THAT EVENING:
INT LARGE CENTRAL POST OFFICE WASHINGTON DC EVE
Miss Jackson walks in hurriedly, scanning a nearly empty lobby lined
with post office boxes.
MISSY JACKSON
Mr. Frank, ah jus gettin here, that jitney ta the street car late, like
always.
FRANK ROILES
Don't worry yourself, all to the good; wanted this place empty.
(looks around handing her large envelope)
Be sure and see this gets to that address, pronto.
MISSY JACKSON
Dips, he nervous as can be but ah make certain he do as you tole
him.
(pregnant pause)
Mr. Frank, ahs got somethin to say to you, here awright?
FRANK ROILES
Let's walk outside.
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT ALLEYWAY OF LARGE CENTRAL POST OFFICE WASHINGTON DC EVE
FRANK ROILES
(looking around)
We're all set, town's only got ghosts.
MISSY JACKSON
Now, you knows I be careful as can be.....fore ah comes here lady fren
a mine come over; by den, Dips he gone to call his woik at da
payphone.
FRANK ROILES
(sensing her distress)
Miss J, you act like you've seen one a my ghosts---what gives?
MISSY JACKSON
You see, it's like this here, she got the giff, the shine; I don't tell
her nuthin when she say---"Sense somethin evil, bad evil....like Judas
hisself wid us".
FRANK ROILES
That, from a piece of paper?
MISSY JACKSON
Ah don't say nuthin, and she in her spell, but I knows was about this
here letter. She never wrong, Mr. Frank!
Strong wind gust from nowhwere blows up, causing Frank to start.
FRANK ROILES
Well, there's your standard 'ill wind'......
FLR's attempt at levity falls flat.
MISSY JACKSON
....dat Blows no good! YOu be careful, you hear.
FRANK ROILES
It's a bet; come on, my car's around the corner.
(puts his arm around her)
CUT TO:
EXT LITTLE ITALY BISTRO NEW YORK DAY
Ensconced in a private booth are Frank Costello and Lucky Charles
Luciano, conferring....
FRANK COSTELLO
......looks good for the slots down in Big Easy town; had it with Dewey
and that fat slob Guineau LaGuardia.
LUCKY LUCIANO
Tell me bout it, can't a paisan live at the Waldorf in peace!
FRANK COSTELLO
May be time fur ya ta use Mussolini to our advantage; sides, got all
the old time Dons in a twist, cocksucker!
LUCKY LUCIANO
Waitin for da right time is all; gotta have a scare then the G-men'll
be all ears.
FRANK COSTELLO
What ya got in mind----hey, my boys would love a goodbye
kiss-off!
LUCKY LUCIANO
Soon, got us da spot cased, easy pickins, way ole 'Il Duchebag' is
kissin Kraut ass could work out better n we hoped.
Waiter obsequiously comes with their food.
LUCKY LUCIANO
Hey, Luigi, what you think a dis Mussolini?
WAITER
(stream of Italian expletives and hand gestures)
FRANK COSTELLO
(laughing heartily)
Hey, ya know, the Limeys are talkin bout givin im uh knighthood!
LUCKY LUCIANO
(poker faced)
Enough!!
(pause of dread)
How you know I don't like him, eh?......
(pause)
Relax!!! YA see, I do....like him......Morta!
(big belly laugh)
That's the kinda 'night' for that hood----permanent night!
SHOT: NEWSREEL FOOTAGE OF IL DUCE RECEIVING HIS KNIGHTHOOD.
CUT TO:
INT. HOOVER'S PLUSH CADILLAC LIMOUSINE-EVENING
Edgah is being briefed....by the mob, having been instructed by the FDR
to 'get them', potential saboteurs; worshipping the Prez's high
origins, and fearing his own 'lowly' beginnings, he will do whatever it
takes to curry favor, in both his and the coincidental national
interest.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
So, what you want me to believe, and cause the Chief to also believe,
is that Jeffords Roosevelt himself is a spy ring's dupe!?
MOB MESSENGER
Mr. H, don't get sore, I'm just the mess...
(cut off)
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Yes, yes, I know, don't shoot the messenger; see here, and speaking of
shooting
(self-amused smirk)
I need a smoking gun, the kind of thing that lays it out so plainly
that we---I---look like a hero and not some come lately Keystone
copper, capish?
MOB MESSENGER
We're workin on it, Chief.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
That's another thing----till you earn the title 'Agent'----and don't
think for a minute that would ever come to pass----I'll thank you not
to call me Chief; that's reserved for better ilk than you'll ever
see.
(flushed)
Now....get me what I need, or I might forget my usual aplomb, my blind
eye might just experience a miracle cure, got it?
WE 'HEAR' THE PRIVATE THOUGHTS OF THE MOBSTER, IN A FUZZY SWIRL TO
FROZEN ACTION.
V.O.
Look at im, thinks he's got fuckin aplomb----Hell, the half-niggah
problee tinks the too-high class woid means 'a bomb'!
MOB MESSENGER
I'll deliver your exact words to Mr. L right away, Ch......sir.
The mob go-between is let out, the car hardly coming to a stop, at a
deserted trucking company warehouse district in the underbelly of the
District.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Hoover taps his deaf driver---he's that paranoid and private---and
hands him a pre-printed card.
WE SEE THE NEATLY CALLIGRAPHIED CARD: 'TAKE ME TO NATIONAL AIRPORT,
FRITZ".
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT. THE ISLAND OF CORSICA-DAY
The Sicilian Dons, being systematically slaughtered by the black
shirted Fascists who don't like competition, have reached out to their
American cousins. Luciano, himself anticipating this gesture, has made
one of his own. They speak in Italian.
LUCIANO'S CONSIGLIERE
Don Vincenzo, an honor.
(kneels, kissing hand)
DON VINCENZO
Up, up! We meet as equals, with the common enemy.
A ceremony is held, wherein wine is mingled with ancestral blood from
an ornate vial, the attendees' own blood being drawn with an ancient
Moorish dagger.
DON VINCENZO
In Roma, this strutting buffoon and his minions from Hades may fool the
swine they herd, but not us; tht is why they have been persuaded that
we would be betrayed by you, la familia.
LUCIANO'S CONSIGLIERE
(smiling)
Then they have truly accepted our bait, our pledge to serve their needs
in America, on their promises to wipe out anyone seeking to share in
their spoils of Axis conquest----this we could only surmise until now.
Of course, the worthless ancient Roman 'rites'
(he pauses, smirking)
We concocted from thin air, must have held sway, so self-impressed are
they with their cheap Legions standards.
DON HERRERA
A bunch of fools, certainly, but not their Bosch masters; they are not
so easily misled, yes?
LUCIANO'S CONSIGLIERE
Wisely said; this is why there must be a convincing demonstration of
Mussolini's 'success', which your 'disloyal', greedy American brothers
must appear to carry out for Il Duce, taking the 'rap', as we say, at
least for a while. This will be no trouble----we have certain patrones
in high places who will put it down to anarchistic communists----they
are everywhere these days in America!
(smiling broadly)
DON HERRERA
When do you expect the explosive situation to develop?
(also smirking)
LUCIANO'S CONSIGLIERE
When else----but American Independence Day, such things are less
conspicuous then, eh?
The elder Don Vincenzo seems to dampen the enthusiasm with his mere
body language, so respected is he.
DON VINCENZO
I am concerned
(pregnant pause)
In the interim period, another month, our people disappear by the dozen
daily.
Luciano gave strict orders that all assurances must be made to engender
solidarity.
LUCIANO'S CONSIGLIERE
Don Vincenzo......you know best the history of these rugged mountains;
Don Paolo and his protege Bonaparte succeeded in making them an
impenetrable fortress in their fight for liberation; your people must
hide out here. Just as we have not been detected, this island will take
care of them even if found out; besides, there is grumbling all around
about Ethiopia, Duce needs time to regain his prestige.
Sensing the need for a little levity, Luciano's man closes the
deal.
LUCIANO'S CONSIGLIERE
We call it 'going to the mattresses'!
The desired effect is achieved. After another day of planning and
cordiality, a surprise parting ceremony is arranged by the Sicilians.
The capo di tutti capi is wheeled in, having not attended due to his
frailty.
DON GERALDONATO
I am 95 years of age.......I have seen much, and many; you, paisano,
have made me very glad. I am an old swordsman, and have killed 14 of
our enemies in this time-honored way of honor, with the blade.
I am the honorary keeper of this symbol of our having been conquered by
the Moors; take it!
He turns somber, motioning for the Americans to draw closer; producing
the dagger used earlier, he speaks softly. Opera music comes up
softly.
For 500 years it was the weapon of choice of men of honor....our
maestros were sought out all over the world, like the Toledo steel of
the blades they used....the Roman legions were beaten with such
weapons, used by Hannibal's armies.....the Romans were no fools, they
adopted these blades, never to lose again....until now! You, our
American brothers, who know little of this, must know its power, the
power we honor in our bloodletting ceremonies.
(pauses for breath)

You, you must lead our botta segreta, con stresso tempo! Sr. Luciano,
he is now our Guardia Prima, but we must fight with brace a una spada
solo! Go, then, and fulfill our destiny through this brilliant
impetinata!
ENGLISH SUBTITLES ARE SEEN ON SCREEN: 'OUR SECRET ATTACK,
SIMULTANEOUSLY ATTACKING WHILE DEFENDING, TWO SWORDS AS ONE
SWORD!'
He makes the universal gesture of throat-cutting with the sheathed
blade.
Il Duce.....and his black shirts, black like the Moors...and, so,
blackest death to such blackhearts!
He simulates melodramatically the consequent slumping, tongue
out.
The Americans are blown away by the gesture, literally
speechless;
Then, demonstrating his own sense of levity and its timing.
And, yet, what is there to worry and fret about----you all are under
the protection, after all is said and done, of one called 'Lucky'----La
Fortuna!
(all laugh and embrace)
FADE TO:
EXT. THE WHITE HOUSE GUARD SHACK-DAY
'Dips' Carter is returning to work the day after his sudden
disappearance.
WHITE HOUSE GUARD
Welcome back, Dipsey! Don't look any the worse for wear, me boy; why,
even if ya was hung over, couldn't tell if me life depended....
(pausing for effect)
Say, ya can tell me, have a few nips, eh, Dips....yesterday, whilst we
was here runnin the show?
DIPS CARTER
Like his race mates for generations, he has learned well to play the
fool, and even that would be the source of further grief to come.
No, no...su....suh, I doan drinks tall, you gots me con fews.
Dips returns to his duties in the House; a formal Congressional dinner
is to take place that night and he seeks to do Frank's bidding while
dispatching an alternate duty: to maintain the President's private
study, where he found the letter; it is windowless yet he is extra
cautious.
WE SEE HIM CAUTIOUSLY GO ABOUT HIS BUSINESS, LEADING TO HIS REPLACEMENT
OF THE LETTER; HIS THOUGHTS ARE 'OVERHEARD'.
DIPS CARTER
No, suh, this 'guilty dog' ain doin no barkin; ain done nuthin wrong,
dat's da truth, so help me Gawd!
CUT TO A FEW HOURS LATER:

INT. DIPS' BEDROOM-NIGHT
WE SEE DIPS, NORMALLY A SOUND SLEEPER, SUDDENLY SHOOT STRAIGHT UP IN
HIS BED, NIGHT SWEATED, HIS PAJAMAS SOAKED; HIS EYES SCAN THE ROOM,
DAZED, FINALLY, SHARPLY FOCUSING, ACCOMPANIED BY A MUFFLED SOUND, UPON
HIS SHOES, HIS SIZE 19EEE SHOES.
DIPS CARTER
Sweet Jesus, ma fooprins!
FADE OUT.
INT. NY APARTMENT OF JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT-DAY
He is rushing for a mandatory visit home to Washington; he dials the
phone to Marta.
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
I already explained to you why I can't take you; look, Pa insists that
I be present at some bloody soiree....I should be able to train it back
tonight, alright?
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
(hangs up mad)
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
(redialing immediately)
She, Dr. Marta 'Pavlov', is very pleased with his planned reaction to
her peevishness about some lackluster Broadway show; it was to have
been a public display of her house-broken 'puppy' for her
handlers.
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
I'm so very disappointed.......
(pause for effect)
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
Make it up to you, you'll see.

CUT TO LATER THAT EVENING.
INT. WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENTIAL STUDY-EARLY EVE.
The President, as is his habit, is taking refuge prior to a public
affair and enjoying his cache of German schnapps; he has wheeled
himself into the windowless dimly lit room, with its freshly vacuumed
deep pile plush carpet. After almost an hour, he begins to leave,
finding a piece of paper enmeshed in his wheels.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
What the Dickens?!

CUT TO LATER THAT EVEINING.
INT. PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SECTION OF WHITE HOUSE-NIGHT
A Secret Service man stands guard at a door; it is the bedroom door of
Jeffords R.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
And Chief, I want a thorough going over of this graduate student of
ours, all the lot of it, understand?
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Mr. President, just leave it to me and my Agents---we'll get to the
bottom of it, by God.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Knew I could count on you, Edgah; come to dinner next Sunday....and
Report.
FLASHBACK TO 1864:

INT. EXECUTIVE MANSION CABINET ROOM-EVENING
Secretary of State William H. Seward, of Folly fame, is pacing &;
haranguing the President.
WILLIAM H. SEWARD
Sir, with respect, Benjamin's got his swarthy clutches far too deep
into Washington City's homes and hearths for me----us----to allow this
very house to be so infested with seditious operators.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
(seeming to mumble)

'Perpetual Exigency Machine'.
WILLIAM H. SEWARD
Begging your pardon, sir?
The President appears to have ignored Seward, utterly, lost in deep
thought, rubbing his forehead.
WILLIAM H. SEWARD
I shall retire, Mr. President, and leave you to your prior business,
with but one more point, if I may
(not waiting for permission)
Mrs. Lincoln shares my concerns about the Negro staff.
Seward melodramatically exits stage right; Lincoln knows, however, that
he is not the fool of public Folly, but a crafty old fox.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
(sighs deeply)
WE SEE A LETTER IN COMPOSITION; IT BEGINS, IN HIS OWN HAND: 'MY DEAR
MRS. WHITE, IT IS WITH A HEAVY HEART THAT I CONVEY TO YOU THE DIRE NEWS
OF THE DEMISE OF YOUR SON JACOB IN BATTLE; IT IS ESPECIALLY BURDENSOME
WHEN THE RECIPIENT IS OF A RACE SO ACCUSTOMED TO AN ALREADY INHUMAN
BURDEN....
CUT TO NEXT DAY:
EXT. EXECUTIVE MANSION SOUTH 'FIELD'-DAY
A Pinkerton man has approached a older Negro man, one accustomed to
house duties; it is a hot day and he is tilling a makeshift victory
garden.
PINKERTON MAN
Now, Jed, tell us again how you came to leave the South.
JEDEDIAH CARTER
Ah done toll the other man....
(cut off abruptly)
PINKERTON MAN
You mean Captain Pinkerton, my good fellow.......
(looking at pad)
Says here that you lived in Louisiana, that right?
They are obviously trying to trick him into small contradictions,
condescendingly.
JEDEDIAH CARTER
Suh, meanin no disrespek, my peoples been here in dis city since they
was a Federal City; ma daddy woiked on dis here buildin, way back den;
dose days, wadn't no where a Negro could go what wiff dem redcoats
acomin....dey boin down dis house, he wuz scared, found woik on a
plantation there, in da house.
PINKERTON MAN
Yes, working for Senator Benjamin, Judah P. Benjamin, of New Orleans;
you know about this man?
JEDEDIAH CARTER
I knows de name, sure does, was mighty good to my kinfolk, treed em
ride, I reckon.
PINKERTON MAN
You and your 'people' here at the Mansion know what he's doing now, do
you?
JEDEDIAH CARTER
Only what ah sees in de papers.
PINKERTON MAN
(shocked)

You read?
JEDEDIAH CARTER
(afraid)
A liddle, ah guess; ma daddy he knew how ta reed dem drawins, he made
me to loin soze to get good woik.
PINKERTON MAN
Took quite a chance, it being illegal and all; are you, Jed, takin any
chances these days?
JEDEDIAH CARTER
I is ride now......
(boldly pausing)
If'n ah doan git these here maters out the groun, Foist Lady gonna have
my hide!
PINKERTON MAN
Never mind that, my clever fellow; see here, you having any truck with
rebel spies, are ya?
A distinct Irish lilt has characterized this cop's voice; he is growing
frustrated with the intelligence of this supposed fool.
JEDEDIAH CARTER
(proudly)
Eyes a loyal Union man, ah am; loss two cousins in dis here war, down
South.
PINKERTON MAN
We'll be watchin ya, fella, you see that ya keep yer nose in this here
dirt.
JEDEDIAH CARTER
(sensing strength)
But suh, ah woiks in de house...ain't no dirt in dat house!
(smiling)
Cop walks away in a huff, looking back in anger.
CUT TO PRESENT DAY:
INT. LUCIANO'S SOCIAL CLUB IN NY-NIGHT
The Luciano gang leaders are gathered for a meeting, in pursuit of the
actions planned in Corsica: pressure is on from Hoover for
'information' and from the black shirts, through their killings of the
Sicilians, who must be led to believe that they have bought their
American cousins.
MOB BUTTONMAN
'Scuse, Don Luciano.....
LUCKY LUCIANO
What is it? Has she arrived?
MOB BUTTONMAN
Yeah....yes, Don.
LUCKY LUCIANO
Show her in.
Marta enters, commanding, owning the room with her elegance--she is
attired as if just come from a formal evening out, an evening when she
was to have displayed her 'house broken' puppy, Jeffords, to her
handlers for reassurance of them that her mission was well in
hand.
LUCKY LUCIANO
Welcome, Miss Sundstrum.....may I get you some refreshment?
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
Why, yes, thank you; perhaps a mineral water, this is business.
He motions for the water; she is taken with his manners and his
ruggedly handsome face, in the way women drawn to power are.
LUCKY LUCIANO
As you say, to business.
(looks at purse)
I don't think you have brought it with you.
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
Not quite.
(hands him paper)
Will this do?
LUCKY LUCIANO
Without looking at it, he passes it to a short, balding man, not
Italian by appearance.
MEYER LANSKY

This international letter of credit is not 'irrevocable'.
LUCKY LUCIANO
What about that?
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
I'm at a loss....you see I don't handle such things, the brass
does.
He senses she is merely a sex toy, albeit an elegant one, only a
go-between in this instance; this time, she is just the distracting
messenger; they never figured on Meyer, a Jew, as Luciano's ironic
touch.
LUCKY LUCIANO
So are we, according to my associate here; tell me my lovely messenger,
do you happen to know who does?
(she nods)
Well, then maybe you could deliver a message for us: 'Your attempted
delivery tells me that the 'brass', as your beautiful messenger calls
you, is mostly hangin in your private parts'-----you getting this?
Capish? You're part Italian, right....
(she nods again)
Good; now, can you see to it that it gets to the 'brass' balls band you
represent as soon as possible----we need the gelt, as my associate
calls it, to acquire certain Chinese fireworks, lots a middle men these
days.
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
So I've heard; there's a Depression on, I'm told. Made quite an
impression on most of the world, your system's collapse.
MEYER LANSKY
You got us confused with those crooks on Wall Street, honey; that's a
closed shop, especially to us; we're just businessmen....our 'system's'
more like a reallocation of previously kleptoed wealth. And just so
we're clearly understood, it's your people are holding up
progress----ours and theirs as new...partners.
LUCKY LUCIANO
Yes, be a real shame, no fireworks on the Fourth, of this year...or any
other year, for that matter. People suffered enough, don't you think,
need a 'new world order', ain't that right? You ready for the rest of
the message?
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
Certainly, all part of the service, and, uh, I believe that phrase is
Herr Hitler's.
She has kept her cool, no giveaway pantomimes, proving them right about
her relative innocence.
LUCKY LUCIANO
Touche....heard that in a swordfightin movie once, always wanted ta use
it....here goes: 'Unless we're made happy about this obvious mistake in
the paperwork, we're gonna need our kinda metal, as in Fort Knox,
acid-tested ....and up front.'
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
His Excellency's people will comply, I am sure, immediately in
correcting this.... error. On behalf of Il Duce, you have my personal
assurances.
LUCKY LUCIANO
He is, if I may say so, one very lucky 'cue ball', you ask me.
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
How do you mean?
LUCKY LUCIANO
Having you in his service, of course.
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
It is an honor to be so; owing to him I have had the privilege of, how
do you say, rubbing elbows with certain royal personages of Europe,
including, now, of course, Il Duce, Sir Benito Mussolini. But, you
haven't answered my question---cue ball?
LUCKY LUCIANO
Usually, it's me askin the questions...they play billiards, right,
these royals......let's just hope that certain newly crowned cue ball
don't rub up against this eight ball....
(smirking)
...tell me, Miss Sundstrum, you enjoy your work, is it
satisfying?
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
Let's just say that commerce is the most satisfying intercourse.
They are duly impressed with her acumen and poise.
LUCKY LUCIANO
Perhaps some day your 'services' may be useful to me as well.
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
(boldly)
I'm sorry, but they are the sole property of Il Duce.
LUCKY LUCIANO
Dark nights servicing the black Knight, eh? Well, now that we are
'partners' in crime, maybe he'll agree to the occasional loan of
your...skills.
(the men laugh)
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
She ignores the sexual innuendo, long since immune.
I'm afraid I don't take your meaning---what is this 'black' knight
reference you make?
LUCKY LUCIANO
Oh, that, just a, what you call it, observation concernin a question a
sartorial taste's all; you know, black shirts and all that stuff.
She rises to leave, ignoring beautifully the last innuendo.
MEYER LANSKY
Miss Sundstrum, one more thing: be sure and tell your handlers, the big
brass ones, to avoid any further fucking with us, especially with the
help, however inadvertent, of so lovely a distraction .
MARTA SUNDSTRUM
If it's any consolation, if it was what you say it was, it was their
attempt at a royal fucking.
(she smiles)
They stand out of respect for her 'brass balls' loyalty.
CUT TO NEXT DAY:
INT. WHITE HOUSE DINING ROOM-EVENING
FDR is dining with Edgah, per invitation; Hoover has little or nothing
to go on, so he bluffs/bullshits, telling the Prez what he wants to
hear, he thinks.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Well, Edgah, hope your appetite is good, my Negress cook, Cecelia, has
prepared one of your favorite dishes.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
He is puzzled, having never eaten there before.
Oh, oh....fine, but that wasn't necessary.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Nonsense, gotta keep the Chief copper well-nourished for the tough
battles ahead, eh?
J. EDGAR HOOVER
You're too kind, sir; and I think I can put your mind at ease with this
Jeffords business, Mr. President. My confidential sources tell me that
this Sundstrum woman, if I recall her name correctly, is from a family
of ne'er do well hangers on to Tyrolian Italian-German lesser idle
royal types, really low living, sinful.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
That so, idle rich, eh; go on.
FDR is probing, as he knows more than Hoover knows he knows, by
far.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Yessir, in a few days I think we'll have it all wrapped up, this sordid
business; don't be too hard on Jeff, just impressionable's all, if I
may say so, sir.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Good to hear, reassuring; is she attractive?
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Not by my standards, sir, no, just a foreign tart it would
appear.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Interesting; if my recollection serves, know the type, very sensual.
Time was, when I was a young scamp, it was hard....not to be
hard!
(belly laugh)
Sorry, Edgah, didn't mean to spoil your supper.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Not at all, sir, I take your meaning; still, not a woman born could
cause me or any of my trained Agents to compromise themselves or their
country.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
You're not suggesting.......
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Oh, no, sir! Red-blooded young American, your Jeffords; no, just naive,
barely 23 as I recall; besides, don't see what on Earth she could have
thought to get out of him.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
You think she's a spy?
J. EDGAR HOOVER
If she is, she's not a very capable one; from what you've told me,
young Jeff might have given her some dry statistics about shipping,
but, no, siree, nothing you couldn't learn on the street.......
Hoover catches himself, bordering on revealing his cozy 'confidential
sources' and their nefarious identity.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Do go on, fascinating stuff, really; you were saying?
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Nothing really, sir, just mean that they could have gone about it more
easily, using street toughs, that sort of thing if they wanted to probe
for weaknesses.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
It's the 'they' part that bothers me, not the young woman or even
Jeffy. Do you remember my original, very public charge to you
Edgah?
FDR has grown stern of face, posture, catching Hoover off guard.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Why yes, sir, you were very supportive, very prescient about this
sabotage business being a real potential problem.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
"Find them", I said, stuck my neck out for you, in an important cause.
Tell me Edgah, have any plans for the upcoming Fourth?
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Why, no sir, nothing in.....
(cut off)
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Excellent; how would you like to go to New York for me, sort of a 'show
the flag' tour, the kind old TR did with the 'white navy', that sort of
thing.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Great man, Theodore, like yourself sir; I'd be proud, even though New
York is hardly a hostile world; you flatter me.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Don't be so hasty, Edgah-----remember, I was Governor of New York; and
that City can be like a foreign bastion, now can't it?
OLD FASHIONED TELESCOPING DOWN FADE OUT.
EXT. NEW YORK HARBOR DOCKSIDE WAREHOUSE AREA- EVENING
The Fourth of July celebration is nearing; security is lax, in accord
with the Luciano shills and fronts' plan.
WE SEE A HUGE EXPLOSIVE CONFLAGRATION, AT PRECISELY THE TIME THE
FIREWORKS BEGIN; HOOVER IS RUSHING TO THE SCENE, AS IS FRANK LEE
ROILES, WHO HE HAS SENT FOR, AND WHO HAS TRAINED UP FROM
WASHINGTON.
FRANK ROILES
What the Hell were you thinkin, Edgah, letting this sorta thing
happen?
Frank, of course, knows HE could have helped prevent it, with the
letter he has copied, but he planned to use that as leverage when it
might be far more important, when he was sure something he only sensed
was up; now was that occasion, when Hoover couldn't use it against
him.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Don't you take that tone with me, you low living son of a bitch! Goddam
NY cops're on the take, alls I can say.
FRANK ROILES
Sell it somewhere else, will ya Edgah, that's news only to
newborns.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Well, you bastard, I'm sure no newborn; why, I built the goddam Bureau
from nothing, trained every Agent........
FRANK ROILES
Would you put a sock in it! Remember me, um one of those agents, know
the score, right; you think there's a mouse farts round here don't have
mobster permission?!
J. EDGAR HOOVER
What're you implying, you lousy ingrate? Why, I....
FRANK ROILES
Nothing, except you're the guy's got all the confidential informants,
and the guy whose gettin hosed by em at the same time's all.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
God damn it, you been holding out on me, you......Jimmy Egan over at
the White House tells me you been snoopin round there, and the carpool
people say you're visiting some strange places lately. Maybe you need a
rest, reassignment, maybe to California, say.
FRANK ROILES
Ok, Edgah, but any direction I go, the 'way' I go, you're goin with me,
capish?
Edgah has gone pale; he now is listening intently.
FRANK ROILES
Look, with the dynamite I'm onto, this looks like what it was: an
unfortunate fireworks explosion----see, some wino sleeping in the
warehouse there
(pointing)
Lights a butt and, boom....capish? Do we understand each other, you
pickin up what um puttin down? This thing is big, whatever it is, and
your pals been screwin with you so hard ya can't feel the smoke they're
blowing up your shute!
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Now just calm down, for Christ's sake; I know you're an old fencer,
alright, so stop sticking that damn sword in me; let's get this place
cordoned off and secure, then it's back to my---our---hotel!
Frank knows when to lighten things up; now is such a moment.
FRANK ROILES
And for your information, it's called 'parrying', with palpable hits,
not even blood drawn sometimes, I might add. A true fencer is a
strategist, see, doesn't always wanna kill the adversary, might be
useful alive, reminder to others, that sort of thing. With what I know
and they know, could be all this sparring can be turned in favor of
America, remember her, Edgah, starts with an A, not an E.

It begins to rain, helping the firefighters behind them.

Come on, got somethin been savin for a rainy day wanna show ya.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Yeah, yeah, don't worry, I'm 'en garde', now.
CUT TO:
INT. MANHATTAN DA'S OFFICES-DAY
The ambitious District Attorney, Thomas Dewey, is elated at having
finally obtained enough 'evidence' to bust up the New York mobsters;
this will be his ticket to a Republican White House, as he abhors the
ideas of a reelected Roosevelt.
THOMAS E. DEWEY
Are you absolutely sure....
(interrupted)
CHIEF INVESTIGATOR
Thom, would you please relax, we've got the goods on him this time, no
question. Funny how witnesses can 'find' their memories when you make
it worthwhile.
THOMAS E. DEWEY
Just as long as we can deport him, that's all I care about----can you
believe it, the son of a bitch never became a citizen!
(laughing)
FLASHBACK TO THREE YEARS AGO:
INT. RECORDER OF VITAL STATISTICS OFFICE D.C.-LATE AFTERNOON
One J. Edgar Hoover has paid a visit to the long-serving official
incharge of birth and other statistical records for the District; he
has a very special request to make.
WILEY RAMSON
Well, saints preserve me, if it ain't J. Edgar Hoo....
(interrupted)
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Alright, alright, you can cut the Lodge greetings, got it? Are we
alone?
WILEY RAMSON
Why, sure, Edgah, told ya everyone leaves 4:30, like clockwork. Don't
worry.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Can't be too careful in my position; look, are we agreed on this
thing.....you know I can do a lot of good for you and your
family.
WILEY RAMSON
Hey, we's old pals, ain't we, no need for all that talk bout
favoritism---now that makes me nervous, know I don't like no public
life, no sir; me, just wanna be left alone, doin my job, all proper
like.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
(angry)
You call this proper?
WILEY RAMSON
Well, sir, yes I do, if'n it'll kill off all this rabid nonsense the
coloreds been spreadin ever since can remember
(holds up document)
This'll do the trick, sure enough. Why, most folks don't recall that
small fire we had back in '98.....I was a junior clerk then; yessir,
all the Negro records was burnt up, what ones we had, notorious about
not reportin, to this day, what with no doc around.
Edgah peruses the Duplicate Birth Certificate and is impressed.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
This is nice work....official seal, from that period and all!
WILEY RAMSON
Packrat, that's me; throw nuthin out, and this here seal was near wore
out
(shows it)
Why, no good anymore, after this last impression!
He smashes the seal into small pieces, places them in a handkerchief
and hands it to Edgah.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
This calls for a celebration!
He pulls out a flask, passing it to Wiley; then, he is out the back
door, into the alley, where Wiley's brother,his deaf driver, is
waiting.
FADE TO BLACK/PRESENT DAY..
INT. MARTA'S NEW YORK APARTMENT-MORNING
It is July 5th; Marta is found dead by her landlady, strangled; the
local Agent tailing her has called in Edgah.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Anybody else on this?
NY AGENT
No sir, you wanted.....
(cut off)
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Alright; now, you wanna tell me how the Hell this happened with you
shadowing her?
NY AGENT
Well, I was hit over the head, sir.
(wincing)
FRANK ROILES
Smitty, you better get that looked at, huh?
NY agent leaves them alone with the coroner, who is preparing to take
her to the City morgue.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Say, doc, you know this is a federal matter, no locals, and no press,
got it?
FRANK ROILES
That's right, doc.
(flashes his ID)
CORONER
Ok, ok, hey, what do I know from spies.
FRANK ROILES
Just keep it like that---ignorance is bliss, eh.
Coroner and crew leave.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Well, this is just fucking ducky! What the blazes do I tell the
Pres......looks like I'll have to implicate your Negro friend, what's
his name, Dipsey Carter?
(smirking)
FRANK ROILES
Slow down, there, Chief, you know you don't want to do that, Wiley or
no Wiley...
Hoover turns his whitest; as he is dark, this is something even to
Frank.

Look pretty white to me, all of a sudden; no, if you talk to anyone
it's your 'confidential sources' buddies---something tells me they, and
the President, may just know more than you think.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
What are you saying, that the White House is somehow involved, covering
up for little Jeffy?!
FRANK ROILES
Maybe, but not the way you think; he's far too smart for that sort of
thing without a damned good reason. No, even with the '40 election, he
could use this thing either way.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
You mean......against the isolationist crowd and her murderers with one
stone, claiming Jeffords volunteered for 'king &; country' as
bait?
FRANK ROILES
Well, here's one bird already killed that would tend to get you off the
hook, huh, Edgah; anyway, I mean he knows who she was, what she was up
to.
Frank has been searching the apartment while they spoke; he comes
across a phone number, with "LL" next to it.
FRANK ROILES
Know any one with these initials that she might have met?
(smiling)
One thing's for sure---whoever did this wanted that to be found.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Frame up, seen it to many times.
FRANK ROILES
Yeah.....the question is always who's the framer. Who knows, might've
even studied your methods.....
Frank dials the phone, handing it to Hoover, who stares intently at it,
then puts it to his ear.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENTIAL STUDY-EARLY EVE.
FDR and Jeffords are having a father/son heart to heart; they are both
enjoying a cocktail and a rare time together.
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
Pa, you know, these last few days, I can't recall a time when we
were........
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Good from bad, my boy, positive from a negative---why it reminds me of
all the hand-wringing when I was diagnosed; they all wrote me off,
including me, I suppose, was awfully blue, bluer than I've ever been,
son.
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
Almost the way I felt that evening, when you confronted me about the
letter Dips...
.... introduced me to the 'blues'....
(under breath)
had found; funny, she referred to our .....well, tryst as a
'blue.......blue rendezvous'.....how could I have been so...
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Human? Some of the brightest do the dumbest th.....
(the wheels are turning)
interesting; might be some sort of code name for her
operation......
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
You always were keen on this espionage business...
(cut off)
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Young man!.......
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
(apologetic)
Pa, I didn't mean......
(cut off)
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
You've given me a capital idea, young man, simply capital! Be a good
fellow and fetch Harry Hopkins for me, will you....and Jeff, I'm proud
of the way you're handling this thing and....so very sorry to have
neglected....my fatherly duties, won't happen again, if I can....
(faint tear)
JEFFORDS ROOSEVELT
Let's not forget my duties.....I'm off, this time with the Secret
Service.
FADE TO WHITE.
INT. LUCKY LUCIANO'S PENTHOUSE AT THE WALDORF ASTORIA-NIGHT
FRANK ROILES

I don't have to tell you the risk I'm taking by coming........
(cut off)
LUCKY LUCIANO
Please, relax; no one knows you're here, 'sides, your boss can always
call ya a loose, how you say.....
FRANK ROILES
Canon....I'm an old salt. Edgah says you have a proposition for him;
ain't it funny, we got one for you.
JUMP CUT TO SAME DAY:
INT. WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENTIAL STUDY-LATE EVE.
HARRY HOPKINS
Boss, gotta admit, this is some pickle.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Harry, you know sometimes the pickle's just the thing that's missing to
make the sandwich, hey old boy?
HARRY HOPKINS
Well, I guess that makes us the meat, half-baked at that, what with the
Republicans and Dewey on one side, and the old guard New Dealer
'domestic'-only agenda squeezing us but good.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Well said, my boy; which leads me to the extra garnish to this snack,
perhaps fit for a 'king'!
HARRY HOPKINS
Just as long as his highness is popular, spell that popularly
electable, and throwing the crown into the public coffers, for good
measure.

FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
The master politician is now in full flower, best in the face of
fearful events.
Amen &; Hallelujah, that is the gospel! Now look, thanks to a couple
of loyal citizens, old Frankie Roiles--remember him from the Harvard
fencing squad?
HARRY HOPKINS
Hell, yes, real pistol.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Right,good man, he, nonetheless......he and one of our top porters
here, we got wind of this 'Blue Rendezvous' plan that the Fascists
cooked up to please their Bosch corporal master, what with that
assassination business down in Miami few years back blowing up in his
face---press actually thought to lay that one at the corporal's feet,
my idea, but the Wall Streeters liked doing business with him too much,
'birds of a feather'....; now, good red-blooded American lad that he
was, 'twas young Jeffords 'unto the breach', sacrificing his
virginity.....
HARRY HOPKINS
Come on, boss, the public isn't that damnably naive!
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Just joshing with you, Harry, old man, forget the deflowering , good
idea, carried to excess to drive home a point, the old fencing
enthusiast in me, suppose; nevertheless 'Young American lad, barred
from the military, undertakes to defend America, the homeland, on its
own soil, with manhood his weapon'---can see the papers now. Any
problems with it, speak up, old man.
HARRY HOPKINS
Mr. President.....Franklin, been with you a long time, and you know
that I don't mince words
(pauses)
It's so unorthodox, it might just work, by Jupiter. Why, you, your
Bureau and the Party look swell, finally shutting up the appeasers, all
that ilk. They'll simply never see it coming, at home or abroad.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
(pensive)
Harry, I sense it may just be old mighty Jupiter, or, more properly,
the Jewish Jehovah, at work here.
He has turned suddenly somber yet resolutely powerful in his aspect and
Hopkins feels it, the thing that has always made FDR charismatic.
(now smiling, out of reverie)
Capital.....get me Edgah, think he's back from New York.
OLD FASHIONED PEEL AWAY CUT TO NEXT WEEK.
EXT. HYDE PARK NEW YORK ROOSEVELT HOME-DAY
In this secluded spot, on a Sunday's seemingly normal retreat, long
before the days of Camp David or a prying media, and when deference to
the President's privacy was the rule, a diverse group of men have
gathered to alter history in a way even they had not forseen.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Gentlemen, all, welcome; I'm sure that most of you who don't know me or
otherwise may have opposed me or my policies from time to time are more
than curious about why, and just how, our paths, our 'destinies', if
you will, have converged.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Mr. President, as you know, the press is expecting an announcement, in
exchange for their agreement to keep mum's the word, so I hope all
present understand that we are Americans first and last; party
differences, and other so-called priorities, must be subordinate to our
present crisis.
HARLAN LIEBOWITZ
I share the Director's, and your, patriotism Mr. President and, as
legal counsel to Mr. Luciano, allow me to say that he does as
well.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Mr. Dewey, may we depend upon your discretion as well?
THOMAS E. DEWEY
Let me reiterate what I told you in my office, Edgah: America first,
politics be damned! I am prepared to wait until Hell freezes over for
my chance at the Presidency.......
(looks at Prez)
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
(to himself)
Why you old dog you, playing it to the 'hilt.'....
(smiling at own cleverness)
Why, there's another of those fencing terms!
THOMAS E. DEWEY

.......if it means actually being able to defeat the Axis's growing
threat to us all and, into the bargain, remove Mr. Liebowitz's client
from these shores and our headlines.
J. EDGAR HOOVER
Well, Thomas, it's that last comment we wish to take up in some detail
here; you see, Mr. Luciano will be effectively acting as an agent of
mine in Italy, a seeming captive tool of Mussolini himself-----he must
appear in the headlines, and often, reminding all Americans that we are
in mortal danger from these thugs of the Axis.

In exchange, of course, he may keep the Axis lucre and enjoy amnesty
from all past crimes.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Well said, by all. Into this so-called bargain with the Devil, our
botta segreta believe the Italian maestros call it, we shall enjoy his
unwittingly foolish arousal of Americans of Italian descent against
Mussolini whilst Ill Duce, with 2 'l's, mind you, believes precisely
the opposite, thinking to portray us as callous, exploitative
xenophobes, if not racialists at that!
HARRY HOPKINS

Begging your pardon, Mr. President, but exactly how will Mussolini and
his Fascists be sold this notion that Luciano can control his organized
criminals, not to mention us ,through them---no offense intended to
your client, Mr. Leibowitz---from Rome?
HARLAN LIEBOWITZ
To the contrary, Harry, he'd be flattered, way you put it so
pointedly....
(smiling)
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
That's where Edgah and his boys, his agents, headed up by Frank Lee
Roiles, old Harvard man, I might add--- hell of a fencer, I'm told,
spread the word to their operatives here and abroad that, well, we're
all corrupt, been in bed with them for years!
Edgah noticeably squirms especially with Dewey and FDR glaring at him.
Frank Lee Roiles comes out of the house joining his boss.
HARRY HOPKINS
Why, here's Frank now.......just talking about you.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
'Speak of the Devil, he appears.'...that how it goes?
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Droll, very droll; isn't there another aspect of your plan, something
you've called 'mis-information', some such cloak 'n dagger thing?
FRANK ROILES
Well, yes; borrowed from an Italian fencing term, actually, call it
'impetinata', a feint, false attack, that sort of thing, your 'dagger'
remark's right on....point
(smiles at Prez)
Boy, these bladey terms do get into the language, don't they!....and
the cloak, really a defensive weapon, very useful...apropos to that,
the Director here
(gesturing to Edgah)
Has agreed to a smear campaign aimed at his background-----it seems
he's really a Negro, you see
(all laugh)
Mixed, really, sort of a mutt, with Italian and German blood, to
boot!
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
As in 'jack boot', eh?
FRANK ROILES
Nice one, Mr. President; anyway, the 'Ity/Kraut' blood gambit is
especially cute---Edgah's own touch, might add
(Hoover squirms)

--- what with all that racial crap these clowns been weened on from the
bloody teet of absurdity; along with the negroid thing, well, it'll go
over big with their propaganda jerks, 'goosing up' their bravado to the
point of foolhardiness.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Rather like that comical marching business, that 'goose-step', they
call it, completely ridiculous; your teet analogy, brings to mind that
Roman legend of Romulus &; Remus, suckled by a she-wolf-----and they
dare to call us bumpkins!
FRANK ROILES
(this time he smiles at Prez)
This, gentlemen, is the coup de grace...
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
You see, another swordplayer's term, well done; please,
continue.....

FRANK ROILES

Uh, yeah, thanks again, sir, good a you to point that out to the
uninitiated, refers to putting a vulnerable adversary out of their, and
our, misery---the 'grace' part, nothin to do with whether they deserve
it, but, fair play's at the heart a swordsmanship---sort of a double
whammy, with them thinkin we're so damned Puritanical, no low blows
from these guys, ha!, that's a laugh, ain't it Edgah. On top a all
that, Mr. Luciano, he becomes a valuable propaganda tool for the
Fascists and the Krauts, what with your point about America turning on
its immigrant populations, second class citizens when the heat is on,
that sort of thing; usin him, so visible in the press and all, Mr.
Luciano persuades the 'sweet one' to lay off his Sicilian cousins,
valuable allies in dealing retribution to those ingrate Americans. I
met with Mr. L and, well, pretty intelligent fellow, loyal American,
really, for a non-citizen, thinks he can hoodwink these nut jobs, with
our help, says it's easier than what he had to deal with growing up in
the streets of New York.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
'Hell's Kitchen', they call it....very descriptive....even profound,
actually.
(motions to go on)
FRANK ROILES
Now, to really help sell this fine 'kettle of fish', we have enlisted
the press boys; just got off the phone with all the big editors and the
wire services, who're on board 100\% once you confirm it, that is,
sir.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Of course, it's hush-hush, press can't, well, act like the press on
this one....they can't have it in writ.....
FRANK ROILES
No, sir; they've been made to realize that it's gotta be strictly
verbal, like the Italian maestros taught us back there on the fencing
team, not up on all my funny Italian terminology, but it means
'plausible deniability', that sorta thing....
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Say, like that, don't recall ever having heard it.... but our
particular maestro was a German; Harry, let's get the War Department
onto that, eh, could be rather useful in wartime should it come, heaven
forbid.
FRANK ROILES
Seems they've been impressed by the investigative work ole Edgah--- and
our boys have done, linking this fireworks display to 'Ill' Duchey
himself. The dead woman clinched it, really, what with her mother being
Mussolini's main squeeze and all.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Capital, just capital! I wish to propose a toast.
A black porter, Dips Carter, Jr. himself, comes out with champagne on
cue, serving Hoover first who is self-consciously kind to him.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Thank you, Dipsey.... boys, this man here was quite important to
setting this whole plan in motion, real American hero, won't forget
it----thank you, my friend.
Frank Lee Roiles is beaming, Hoover continues to squirm, smiling like
the clown he is, crying on the inside.
DIPS CARTER
Why, th...thank you, suh, thank you very kindly.....
(misty eyed, leaves proudly)

Gentlemen, on this momentous occasion for the freedom and sanctity of
the lives of all freedom loving men and women everywhere, I propose a
toast to what we have decided to call our 'Blue Rendezvous', borrowed,
like Frankie's Italian fencing maneuvers, from these Italian brutes
themselves, so named in reference---coded of course, to , how shall I
phrase this delicately......
FRANK ROILES
(sarcasm)
Beggin your pardon for the interruption, sir, but might I suggest we
adopt the Limey term 'buggering', seems somehow more, shall we say,
civilized than the Germanic counterpart......under the circumstances,
that is.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Can't be using that gutteral term, splendid, very classy, old boy, sure
our staunch allies the Brits would approve, something tells me they'll
be integral to our plan's overall enforcement, one way or
another....yes, now, where was I, oh, yes, to Operation 'Blue
Rendezvous', and the ultimate fu....buggering of 'Ill'---- spell that
with two 'l's----Duchey and
(Cheshire grin)
those nefarious enemies who have sought to do thusly unto us!
Glasses are raised and clinked.

FADE OUT FROM BRIGHT LIGHT TO SEPIA TONE.
INT. CANCER TREATMENT HOSPICE-DAY
Carlotta's story, an exclusive, has just been nominated for a Pulitzer.
It is 1985.
FRANK ROILES
I heard bout your good luck.
(smiles painfully)
CARLOTTA PIETRO
Good luck spelled F R A N K, and not just for me, how about the free
world.
FRANK ROILES
Happy for you.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
And I for you, finally you will get the credit you deserve; Frank, I
never connected the dots till I finished but you, you're kind of a
modern day Schoepenhauer, the way you brought all those different
players together.
FRANK ROILES
Not like I planned it, don't get carried away.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
Spare me the humility----just look at the material you had to work
with: a deeply conflicted boss, didn't know, or really want to know,
who the Hell he was till the day he died. Then you got a kid trying to
get even with the old man, turns into a cardboard hero.........The real
miracle was Dewey.
FRANK ROILES
You kiddin, ever heard of 'strange bedfellows'----these two took the
taco, but .....it had to be a continent-sized bed!
(laughing)
Naw, the really tough nut was Edgah goin along with that black thing,
all over the press; finally, after I told him it was gettin out one way
or the other, he caved ,figured 'misinformation' was his best bet, and
it worked......too well, made it his signature mode of operation.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
But the King letter, it's public knowledge.
FRANK ROILES
Sweetness, that's why I got with you in the first place, remember;
can't tolerate folks not knowing their history's all. Yes Edgah was as
black as you, but he hated himself , all the more for hating himself,
costliest identity crisis in American history. Yes, he tried to come
clean then, in the 60's, but it was too late, he was in too deep with
other elements, the die was cast, just look at the Kennedy thing,
goddam disgraceful the way he played everybody, 'sept his masters----I
could piss blood! Today, he's more hated than he could have imagined
being who he was. God may not throw dice, but that rascal's mode of
operation is spelled 'i-r-o-n-y'!
CARLOTTA PIETRO
Hey, careful or you will; look, I'll carry the torch from here on out,
ok?

FRANK ROILES
You're gonna need more than a torch, honey; do me a favor, get me that
tall deal in the closet, got somethin for ya.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
What? You think you can give me more than you have?
She fetches a velvet coverlet with a thin heavyish long object.
FRANK ROILES
Open it......want you to have it, key to the whole deal, really.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
All the fencing references.....of course.
FRANK ROILES
Actually used it against the President.....
(smiling)
Seriously, great sense of humor: we were sitting down, both in
wheelchairs, damnedest thing you ever saw; beat me.
WE SEE THIS WILD EVENT INSIDE THE ESTATE AT HYDE PARK; IT IS THE
SEMINAL EVENT OF ITS KIND, LATER REFERRED TO BY FUTURE DISABILITY
ADVOCATES AS THE SEED BED OF THE WHEELCHAIR ATHLETE MOVEMENT.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
Didn't you hold back?
FRANK ROILES
You kidding, man had the upper body strength of a charging bull, but
finesse at the same time; really, couldn't get near him with my rapier.
Says to me, goading me, 'Stop sitting on the fence', Frank! Really beat
me with his mind, you see. Greatest political mind since Lincoln, and
Lincoln never fenced. Now, see how important that stick is? It can help
win some mighty big battles.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
I hear you. You know, my favorite story in a story, what I think helped
me get nominated was the Carters, how they worked for those two great
Presidents.
FRANK ROILES
Dips....... what a character; know what we did after the world's first
seated fencing match.......listened to the blues, with Mr. Carter
himself; President even gave him an engraved spitoon from the White
House!
They share a laugh, then Frank grew pale again. Carlotta is asked to
leave as Frank is weak.
CUT TO SIX MONTHS LATER:
INT. NEW YORK HOTEL BALLROOM-EVENING
It is the Pulitzers, and Carlotta has won.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight I have the signal honor of presenting to
you this year's winner of our storied prize, to a great storyteller,
fittingly; the truth, while her ally in this superb work, was itself
aided by her heartfelt energy, somehow coming through in every word,
every page. I give you this year's awardee, Ms. Carlotta
Pietro......along with the Roiles Brothers Trio!
Ovation and cheering by her family, children. A blues trio, backed by
Frank, is playing, Frank's surprise.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
(laughing/crying)
Distinguished guests, tonight I am very much saddened.
The crowd is hushed.
CARLOTTA PIETRO
I do not exaggerate when I say to you that I would gladly relinquish
this honor to have in our midst its inspiration, Mr. Frank Lee Roiles.
They say we all have teachers, with a capital T, always there, with us,
that angel tapping on our shoulder, or that knowing in your heart that
the brain ain't got a clue about; so very patiently---they know we've
got eternity--- until one day we finally listen, and we 'get it'. Frank
was mine......And what did I learn? History is made by people, and not
just the so-called great ones who, they would all admit freely, all had
their quiet Teachers, too. Its made by the Beulah Mae Jacksons, my
great aunt, and Frank's nurse maid; the Dips Carters, and his proud
ancestor, Jedediah who served Abraham Lincoln; and, of course, Frank,
who, as you know, was America's practicing disciple of a guy with the
unlikeliest name for so exquisite a truth, Schoepenhauer----my editors
know I sure couldn't spell it! Frank's story, you know the one, of the
enemy skipper----that's our story, all of us, it's just that we have
forgotten it. And what's the moral of that story of stories: we are
all, somehow, some way, connected, like it or not; I don't know about
you, but I'm not going to ever forget it, that moral, again.
Applause, enthusiastic.
For it's that moral that puts morality itself to shame-----fact is, you
don't need anything else to guide you. Now, Frank, he wasn't perfect,
Lord knows, liked to drink on occasion.....and every day was an
occasion. But, often our weaknesses are our strengths, reminding us
that we're all exactly the same underneath, deep down where science
tells us what the preacher always knew: an atom is an atom-----even
sounds like 'Adam', doesn't it?! That ought to seal it, then, end of
sermon, you'll be glad to know. And, so, in closing, let me share one
other Frankism with you........
She is handed the velvet covered sword he gave her.

You would think with all the fencing terms I used in the book that I
know how to use this; well, somehow, I do, never had a lesson or even
saw one till recently, this one, in fact.
(tears form)

He gave it to me, for the battles yet to come. And, so, as their
literal sister, I say unto to those among the world's singular family
who have yet to learn this Schoepenhauer's, a/k/a Roiles's lesson,
be'en garde', the truth is right there in your heart, just be still,
stop 'thinking'...and listen! I share this award, and this sword, with
you all, my family!
Music up, by the Frank Roiles trio, playing a jazzy 'Auld Lang
Syne'.