INT. DANCE STUDIO - DAY
VIVIENNE HARTLEY (21), premiere ballerina, glides across the
DANCE FLOOR alone, pirouettes, spins, leaps into the air, and
as she does, we catch a glimpse of a dashing young man,
CHARLES STERLING (22) leaning against a wall, smiling ear to
ear.
Vivienne does one final pirouette, then slowly sinks to the
floor.
CHARLIE (O.C.)
Bravo! Bravo!
Charles walks over, takes her hand and pulls her into an
embrace.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
As graceful as the strokes in a
Monet.
VIVIENNE
Oh, Charles, I think I’m ready.
CHARLIE
Swan Lake will never been the same.
You were made for Odette. You ARE
Odette.
Vivienne twirls away.
VIVIENNE
I AM Odette. You’ll be at the show
tomorrow night, won’t you? And your
mother?
CHARLIE
Don’t be silly, of course we’ll be
there.
He walks over and take her hand again. Then to her surprise,
drops down to one knee. Vivienne gasps.
Charles pulls a ring from his pocket
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
But first, Vivienne Hartley, will
you marry me?
VIVIENNE
Oh, Charlie! Yes, a thousand times
yes!
Credit Sequence
MONTAGE
Vivienne performs Swan Lake in a large theater, with Charles
and his mother in attendance
Vivienne and Charlie are married in the courthouse.
The couple move into an apartment.
Charlie receives notice he’s been drafted into the war.
Tearful sendoff as Charlie in his military uniform, is driven
away in a bus.
War scenes of battles. Mortar fire rips the air, machine guns
blasting everywhere. Dozens of men fall.
Charlie is hit, but survives, is taken to a military
hospital.
END MONTAGE
CUT TO:
Legend: San Francisco, Two Years Later
Genres:
["Romance","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Tensions and Returns
INT. STERLING HOME PARLOR - AFTERNOON
Rain taps the window - its a dreary day. The parlor is grand -
polished floors and pillows beaten into submission.
Charlie sits in a wheelchair at a side table, hunched over a
crossword puzzle, pencil between his teeth. He looks small,
swallowed by a space so large it could be a wing of the
Louvre.
Viv paces, fumbling with a newspaper, staring at an
advertisement.
CLOSE-IN ON AD: San Francisco Ballet to present Swan Lake.
War Memorial Opera House. Casting Underway.
Viv walks to the bookcase, runs her hand a long the spines.
VIVIENNE
The San Francisco Ballet will be
performing Swan Lake.
CHARLIE
Lake! That’s it!
He scrawls on the crossword.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
It’s always the easy ones that
stump me. I saved one for you. Six-
letter word for ‘yearn’ that starts
with a D.
Viv peers over his shoulder.
VIVIENNE
Desire.
Viv pulls a book at random from the shelf - The Great Gatsby
CHARLIE
Are you going to the ballet?
VIVIENNE
Sure, I’ll go.
She sinks into the sofa and opens the book. A newspaper
clipping flutters out.
In the center of the article is a black-and-white photo of a
ballerina in a white tutu, her hair pinned in a low bun. The
headline in bold print: Vivienne Hartley will Grace the Stage
at the War Memorial Opera House this Saturday, May 17, 1941.
She slips free from her loafers. Her toes point, arch,
stretch.
She walks to the GRAMOPHONE and lowers the needle.
Tchaikovsky’s violins swell. She takes a breath, lifts her
chin, and steps into the light of the window.
CHARLIE
What are you doing?
She stretches her arms like the wings of a swan. Plié, fourth
position, développé. Fifth. Chassé. The sofa brushes her hip.
VIVIENNE
Odette’s variation from Swan Lake.
Haven’t I ever shown you?
CHARLIE
Viv, don’t. Please. I can’t…I don’t
want to watch you hurt yourself.
VIVIENNE
I used to rehearse for eight hours
a day. I only want two minutes.
Just enough to feel like I haven’t
forgotten everything.
Glissade, arabesque. Her foot smacks the table, wobbling the
Tiffany lamp.
CHARLIE
Viv.
She tosses her hair over her shoulder. Développé, fifth,
chassé.
He pushes his crossword aside.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
It’s not funny. Mother would never
forgive you if you broke that lamp.
VIVIENNE
Add it to the list of grievances.
She still hasn’t forgiven me for
denying her son a proper church
wedding when the hydrangeas were in
bloom.
CHARLIE
I’m serious, Viv.
She stops. Looks at him bound to a wheelchair for life.
VIVIENNE
Alright, Charlie. I was finished
anyway.
She reaches down and slides his scarf off.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Better?
He nods. Pulls the crossword back. Viv leans over his
shoulder.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Us.
CHARLIE
Hmm?
VIVIENNE
Twenty-six across. A two-letter
word for you and me. It’s ‘us’.
CHARLIE
Didn’t see that one. Don’t see the
point in a two letter word. It’s
just a waste of space.
VIVIENNE
Charlie, don’t you ever miss ‘us’?
We barely had time before you left.
Only a few nights.
CHARLIE
Viv, come on. We don’t need to talk
about this right now.
She turns away.
VIVIENNE
You’re right. We don’t need to say
another word.
Viv leans in, pressing her chest to his, her lips to his
mouth.
After a gut-wrenching moment, he turns his head, retracting
into his chair.
CHARLIE
What are you doing, Viv?
VIVIENNE
I just thought...
CHARLIE
Viv, please. You know I can’t. Not
like before.
VIVIENNE
I don’t care, Charlie, I just want
to be close.
He rubs the back of his head, his gaze distant.
CHARLIE
Maybe someday when we move out and
have a place of our own. I know you
don’t like sleeping in my brother,
Danny’s room. Isn’t that what you
want - your own space?
VIVIENNE
I don’t mind for now.
The front door bursts open. ELEANOR STERLING (Late 40’s),
mildly elegant, MATRIARCH, old money, shakes out an umbrella
on the front porch tiles.
ELEANOR
You’ll never believe it!
Not even bothering to close the door, her gaze sweeps the
parlor, the rug askew from dancing, and the gramophone still
spinning.
ELEANOR (CONT’D)
Vivienne, what’s going on?
VIVIENNE
I was just...
ELEANOR
Maggie! Can you move Vivienne’s
things into the sewing room?
MAGGIE (40’s), the housekeeper, dressed in proper uniform,
appears from the kitchen and heads for the stairs.
VIVIENNE
I’m not sleeping in a closet. If
anything, I’ll sleep in the guest
room.
Eleanor waves a dismissive hand.
ELEANOR
We aren’t going over this again,
Vivienne. You know it’s too tight
in there, and the bed is stacked
with boxes of sugar and flour. You
can’t depend on supply these days,
not when shops are half-empty and
goods vanish fast. You can sleep in
the sewing room.
VIVIENNE
Closet. Why can’t I stay in Danny’s
room?
ELEANOR
Danny is home to heal, so he’ll
need his room.
CHARLIE
Danny’s home?
Eleanor straightens the rug.
ELEANOR
Oh yes! Just a furlough. Battle
fatigue, but he’s fine. Nothing to
worry about.
CHARLIE
Where is he?
ELEANOR
I just picked him up from Fort
Mason. He’s getting his duffel bag
from the Lincoln.
Boots thud against the floor, as DANIEL STERLING (21), tall,
terribly handsome, piercing blue eyes, steps through the
door. He immediately rushes to Charlie and gives him a bear
hug.
DANNY
Hello, big brother. Good to see
you.
CHARLIE
You too, Danny. You look good.
Older. Better than me.
Danny pulls away and his eyes fall on Vivienne. Rain drips
from his hat as he removes it.
DANNY
Oh. Hello there.
CHARLIE
Danny, this is my wife, Viv.
DANNY
Viv. Charlie’s wife, Viv.
Danny holds out his hand and Viv slips her hand into his, the
grip lingering a moment longer than necessary.
VIVIENNE
It’s a pleasure to finally meet
you.
Danny stares at Viv a moment longer, then pulls away and
slaps Charlie on the back
DANNY
I can’t believe you married
Vivienne Hartley.
Charlie looks uncomfortable, turns back to his crossword.
CHARLIE
I would have written more. Told
you. Letters were slow, you know.
Viv watches them both. So much alike, yet so different.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
For months, I watched Charlie sit
in his chair with a pencil in hand,
a newspaper folded on his lap,
scribbling words. And he didn’t
even write a single one to his
brother to tell him I existed. I
wanted to tear the pencil from his
hand and snap it in half. I wanted
to scream. I stood silent. The
devoted wife.
The rain stops. Silence settles over the parlor, broken only
by the mantle clock’s steady tick. Eleanor can only go so
long without reasserting her control.
ELEANOR
It should be Vivienne Sterling! I’m
tired of explaining to the ladies
on the gala committee that Charles’
wife doesn’t share his last name.
VIVIENNE
Charlie, you could have written
some letters...
ELEANOR
Oh! Your letters, Daniel. I’ve kept
every one of them.
She hurries to her writing desk, oblivious to the tension
settling like a too-heavy quilt.
ELEANOR (CONT’D)
Here they are.
CHARLIE
Mother, we’ve read the letters. You
don’t need to pull them out.
Danny claps Charlie on the shoulder.
DANNY
Hey, don’t worry about it.
Danny glances at Vivienne.
DANNY (CONT’D)
Looks like you’ve whipped my
brother into shape. Someone needed
to tame him.
Charlie whacks Danny’s arm with his crossword.
CHARLIE
No taming needed. Viv’s handled me
just fine. Viv’s been a good nurse.
Viv kneels in front of Charlie and pulls up his socks. She
stands abruptly, smooths her dress.
DANNY
Well, it sounds like you’ve been
the one holding down the fort. Must
not be easy…managing this stubborn
guy.
Eleanor presses a stack of envelopes against her chest.
ELEANOR
Daniel Sterling. Enough teasing.
I’m worried about the stress you’ve
been under. You’ve lost weight.
Have they not been feeding you?
Danny rolls his eyes.
DANNY
There’s a war, Mother. The soldiers
survive off anything in a tin can.
I’m lucky if my coffee doesn’t come
with mud.
Vivienne laughs, then quickly catches herself. Eleanor gives
her a stern look.
ELEANOR
Danny, you look exhausted.
DANNY
I just need a real pillow and a hot
shower with running water. I’ll be
back at Camp Wood in no time.
Eleanor scowls.
ELEANOR
How long are you home for?
DANNY
They said six weeks. I just need a
doctor’s clearance. Hell, I
wouldn’t be surprised if I’m ready
tomorrow.
ELEANOR
Daniel! You will not use that
language in this house!
Charlie chuckles. Viv places a hand on his shoulder.
CHARLIE
Careful Danny. She’ll wash your
mouth out with soap.
Danny salutes then shoots Viv a wink. She blushes.
DANNY
Yes, drill sergeant.
ELEANOR
Enough of this. Maggie should have
dinner ready.
DANNY
I can’t stay, Mother. I have a date
tonight.
ELEANOR
You haven’t seen your family in two
years!
DANNY
My family isn’t going anywhere.
Mind if I take the Lincoln?
Charlie leans forward.
CHARLIE
Who’s your date?
Danny smiles.
DANNY
Remember Rebecca Morgan?
CHARLIE
That raven-haired girl we nicknamed
Jezebel?
DANNY
That’s the one.
Danny flattens one of Eleanor’s oversized pillows and sinks
into the sofa.
Viv can’t quite decide what to make of Danny.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
All Charlie ever said about his
brother was how much women liked
him, and seeing him, I kind of
understood why. Some might even
find him attractive, if one were
into that all-American charm, the
square jaw, and piercing blue eyes.
I preferred Charlie’s intellectual
personality.
Danny slings his jacket over the sofa and rolls up his shirt
sleeve, revealing a red and blue tattoo of a bald eagle.
Eleanor’s eyes widen, and she nearly tramples Viv to get to
him, yanking the sleeve higher.
ELEANOR
Where did you get that?
DANNY
Back in Hawaii on some R and R.
ELEANOR
It looks permanent.
DANNY
That’s the general idea, Mother.
Eleanor moves to Charlie’s wheelchair and, with a click,
unlocks the wheels.
ELEANOR
Viv, dear. Would you take Daniel’s
bag up and show him to his room?
Surely Danny knew where his own room was. Viv shrugged.
VIVIENNE
Sure, Eleanor.
CHARLIE
Don’t be ridiculous, Mother. Danny
can find his own room. Viv, join us
in the dining room.
Viv, wide-eyed, smiling because Charlie stood up for her.
ELEANOR
She’ll join us soon, dear.
Eleanor turns Charlies wheelchair to the dining room. He
cranes his neck to look back at Viv and Danny before
disappearing through the arched doorway.
Viv tries to lift Danny’s duffel, but it won’t budge. Danny
grabs it and slings it over his shoulder.
DANNY
I've got it. And I’d say I can find
my room, too, but I won’t turn down
the company.
Up the stairs they go, Danny following almost too close. Viv
stops at the first door at the top of the stairs, smooths her
skirt.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Uncomfortable Arrangements
INT. DANNY’S ROOM - AFTERNOON
She steps aside and motions him in.
DANNY
So, where did you and my brother
meet?
VIVIENNE
At the de Young Museum. After I
performed, he accidentally bumped
into me. He said I was as graceful
as the strokes in a Monet.
DANNY
Did he now? Wonder where he heard
that?
VIVIENNE
We only dated two weeks. Didn’t
even want to wait. Married at City
Hall.
Danny chuckles.
DANNY
Would love to have seen Mother’s
reaction to that.
Danny sits on the bed. Squeak.
DANNY (CONT’D)
Smells good in here. Like a woman.
VIVIENNE
Sorry...it was Eleanor’s idea to
move my things in here.
DANNY
What do you mean? You don’t share
the room with Charlie?
It’s suddenly uncomfortable speaking of such private things.
VIVIENNE
Not always. Eleanor felt it was
best if Charlie had his own space.
I sleep next door.
DANNY
In the closet?
VIVIENNE
No, the sewing room.
DANNY
So, my brother marries while I’m
gone, is injured in the war and
puts his wife in a closet.
Viv’s eyes dart around the room. Now, very uncomfortable.
VIVIENNE
I slept here a few times.
DANNY
Uh, huh.
He strides past Viv out into the hallway and into the sewing
room.
INT. SEWING ROOM - AFTERNOON
A table is shoved into a corner, surrounded by cardboard
boxes, filled with expensive fabrics and sewing notions.
Charlie’s old mattress lay on the floor, underneath the desk,
with a stack of sheets and a blanket folded on top.
Viv’s clothes hang neatly on a rack and her underthings —
panties, hosiery, and nightgown — are neatly folded on the
desk.
Danny scoops her clothes off the rack and races out of the
room.
INT. DANNY’S ROOM - AFTERNOON
Viv trails after him. Danny hangs her clothes up in his room.
DANNY
If my mother thinks I’m going to
sleep in my comfortable bed while
my sister-in-law sleeps on the
floor with her clothes hanging from
a makeshift rack, she’s got another
thing coming.
VIVIENNE
I don’t mind...really.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Tangled Threads
INT. SEWING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Back to the sewing room, where Danny grabs her shoes, then a
panicked look on Viv’s face as she sees her undergarments on
the desk. Danny notices them too, looks back at Viv with a
coy smile.
VIVIENNE
Please! I’ll sleep in here. I like
cold, dark rooms!
He lunges for the underwear, Viv grabs his arm, but he slips
free.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Danny, no!
Danny scoops up the entire pile with a smirk, cradling the
bundle like an armful of goodies, then strides back out of
the room.
INT. DANNY’S ROOM - AFTERNOON
Danny opens a drawer to the dresser and drops the garments.
DANNY
Why are you so embarrassed? You
think I haven’t seen underwear
before? We’re family now. Right,
sis? I’ve washed ten-day-old briefs
in a creek for a bunkmate who had
the flu.
He plucks a pair of pale blue panties from the heap, the lace
torn, the satin worn so thin it is nearly transparent.
He dangles them in the air.
DANNY (CONT’D)
But these? These I could...
Viv snatches the panties and shoves them into the drawer and
slams it shut.
His eyes drop to his boots where a pair of pink panties are
draped over the black leather.
VIVIENNE
Don’t.
They both move to grab them at the same time, their heads
colliding. The panties tear as he pulls them back.
Viv grabs the panties from him.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Great. Now they’re ruined.
DANNY
Sorry, I didn’t mean to...
ELEANOR (O.S.)
Dinner is getting cold! What’s
taking so long up there?
DANNY
I knew my skills from the army
would come in handy. Now that I’ll
be sleeping in the sewing closet, I
can repair them.
He gives her a crooked smile. Viv rolls her eyes and flings
the panties into the air where he catches them.
VIVIENNE
You know what? Life isn’t one giant
jamboree, and I’d appreciate it if,
while you’re home, you did your
best to stay out of my way.
DANNY
Can’t do that. We’re family now,
whether you like it or not.
VIVIENNE
Well, I don’t have to like you. And
I don’t like your tattoo.
He moves close to her, his breath so close.
DANNY
And I don’t like the sadness behind
your dark eyes. Vivienne Hartley
used to be more than my brother’s
nurse.
VIVIENNE
I’m not Charlie’s nursemaid. I’m
San Francisco’s prima ballerina.
I’m going to be performing in the
company’s upcoming production of
Swan Lake.
DANNY
That’s good, Viv. I’m happy for
you.
Viv turns and starts out of the room.
VIVIENNE
I believe you have a date to get
ready for.
INT. HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Viv makes her way down the stairs.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I couldn’t take time away from
Charlie to be in Swan Lake. But
now, I wanted it more than
anything. The Sterling mansion
wasn’t big enough for Daniel
Sterling and me. I didn’t like how
he made me feel, like he was
looking straight into my soul, like
he really knew me, like he was
seeing me in a way nobody else had.
Charlie didn’t see me that way. Or
talk to me that way. Or look at me
that way…
FADE OUT.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Morning Tensions
INT. DANNY’S ROOM - MORNING
A bell ringing. Viv stirs. The bell rings again. She throws
off the covers and puts on a thin robe.
INT. DOWNSTAIRS HALLWAY - MORNING
Viv nudges Charlie’s bedroom door open. He is trying to sit
up.
INT. CHARLIE’S BEDROOM - MORNING
She steps to his bedside. His hair is damp, his flannel
pajama top hanging open and crooked.
VIVIENNE
Are you alright?
CHARLIE
I’m fine, Viv.
VIVIENNE
Fine...you say that a lot Charlie.
You don’t look fine. Your body
temperature is bouncing all over
the place again.
She adjusts his blanket. His leg spasms. Eleanor rushes into
the room and pushes Viv aside.
ELEANOR
I spent good money on this
mattress, but they don’t make
anything of quality anymore.
Viv helps Charlie sit up and she carefully lifts his legs
over the edge of the bed.
ELEANOR (CONT’D)
I’ll get him dressed.
She props his listless body against her and fluffs three
pillows behind him.
He falls back into the pillows, his shoulders softening,
almost looking peaceful.
Viv opens a cedar chest, pulls out a patchwork quilt and
smooths it over him.
Charlie yanks it from her.
CHARLIE
I’ve got it! (Then more gently)
I’ve got it.
Viv pulls a T-shirt from the chest of drawers, but Eleanor
moves past her to the wardrobe where she takes out a green-
knit shirt and a faded button-up.
Viv puts the T-shirt back and turns to the window.
ELEANOR
The green-knit shirt or the gray
linen?
CHARLIE
I’ll wear the green one, Mother.
Eleanor helps him put on the shirt.
Viv walks back to the bed.
VIVIENNE
Are you glad to have Danny home?
Charlie nods.
CHARLIE
Danny and I used to gather fellas
at Lafayette Park. We’d play
baseball for hours.
VIVIENNE
Oh, you never told me you played
baseball.
ELEANOR
My windows are happy you don’t play
baseball anymore.
Charlie lies back, closes his eyes.
VIVIENNE
Charlie, I’ve got some exciting
news. I’ve decided to go back...
CHARLIE
Viv, sorry to be a bother. Could
you bring me my tea? Feeling a
slight chill.
VIVIENNE
Of course, Charlie. Maybe later I
can pick some fresh peonies for
your bedroom. They’re blooming in
the garden.
CHARLIE
Just bring me my tea.
VIVIENNE
Of course.
She closes her eyes briefly as she hears Danny’s words: You
used to be more than my brother’s nurse.
Viv shuffles out of the room
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Morning Tensions
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
Viv fills the kettle and sets it on the stove. She sits in a
kitchen chair, stretches one leg out, pointing her toes.
The front door slams, rattling the shutters. Danny’s whistle
carries across the foyer, growing louder as it approaches.
Danny enters the kitchen. Viv stands, wraps her arms around
herself, covering her bosom. He doesn’t seem to notice.
DANNY
Why, hello. What kind of tea are
you brewing?
VIVIENNE
Dandelion. I dried the leaves from
the garden.
DANNY
Hmmm.
Danny opens the fridge and starts drinking out of a milk
carton. Vivienne yanks it from his mouth.
VIVIENNE
Oh no you don’t! This isn’t an Army
barracks. You can’t put your dirty
lips all over anything you want.
Danny suddenly steps uncomfortably close. His eyes drop down
to her robe, to her breasts. Viv’s face is red.
DANNY
What about my dirty lips has your
feathers so ruffled?
VIVIENNE
What? I...I don’t care what you do
with your lips.
The kitchen door swings open. Milk sloshes on the front of
Viv’s robe. Eleanor strides in.
ELEANOR
Good gracious, child! This isn’t
your ballet dressing room. We must
remain civilized in this house!
Danny winks at Viv as he leans against the counter.
DANNY
See? I’m not the only uncivilized
one around here.
Viv’s eyes burn anger at him.
ELEANOR
Why are you standing half-naked,
soaked in milk? Do you know how
scarce milk is? I’d hoped you’d
have better sense than to behave
one of those scandalous dancers.
DANNY
Wait a minute, Mother, that’s going
a bit too far..
Viv shoves past him stepping forward, shooting daggers at
Eleanor.
VIVIENNE
You think that’s what I’m doing,
Eleanor? Between emptying catheter
bags and managing Charlie’s bowel
care, you think I’m sneaking out at
night? Dancing in sweaty clubs for
strange men in this worn-out
nightgown, trying to make an extra
buck?
Eleanor is wide-eyed, speechless.
Charlie’s bell rings
ELEANOR
Charlie is waiting for his tea.
Viv looks at the milk bottle in her hand, then begins
chugging it down. Danny is clearly amused.
She stops drinking, wipes her mouth with the back of her hand
and shoves the bottle at Danny.
DANNY
Finally, someone in this house who
makes sense.
FADE OUT.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","War"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
A Dance of Longing and Opportunity
INT. BALLET STUDIO - DAY
Viv trudges up the squeaky steps to the main floor. BALLET
MASTER ALEXANDER (50’s) can be heard chanting.
ALEXANDER (O.S.)
Five...six...seven...eight.
INT. BALLET STUDIO DRESSING ROOM - DAY
In the dressing room, Viv exchanges her loafers for soft
ballet slippers. After a few stretches, she opens the door to
the studio’s main dance room.
INT. BALLET STUDIO
The studio is a large space, its ancient lathe walls stripped
down to the studs, exposing arched wooden beams and intricate
moldings beneath. One bucket sits in the corner of the room
and another beneath the windowsill to catch rain.
Alexander is demonstrating a battement tendu series, his leg
extending forward, foot sharp and pointed.
He’s dressed in all-black, button-down shirt, its collar
popped and open to mid-chest, revealing a dusting of gray
hair. His slicked-back ponytail, a mix of black and gray
curls, only adds to his sophistication, along with a thick
French accent.
He catches Viv’s eyes in the studio mirror.
ALEXANDER
Ah, Vivienne Hartley. Of course,
you’ve returned. It’s your raison
d’être.
A beautiful dark-haired girl stands at the center of the
longest barre. FIONA BECKETT (20’s)holds her chin high as she
gracefully continues warming up her arms with a port de bras.
VIVIENNE
May I join?
ALEXANDER
Of course. Find a space.
All three barres are full, but Viv’s old friend, BEA (20’s),
waves her over, making room for Viv in the corner next to a
waste bin. She hugs Viv.
BEA
Glad to see you back, Viv. Is
everything alright?
Viv smiles as Music fills the studio, a gentle intro with its
soft, resonant arpeggios. The music hums and Viv begins to
move, but her legs are heavy, clumsy.
She makes her way to the cubicles where the girls store their
slippers. Viv finds a new pair with her name scrawled above
them.
She does her best to bend and break the shoes, then puts them
on began dancing. After a few minutes, she’s struggling.
ALEXANDER
Vivienne, you must work through the
pain.
Viv keeps to the back row, head down as they finish their
pirouettes.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Then I saw her for the first time
in two years. Leaning on her cane
in the doorway, her long hair
coiled into a perfect bun and an
oversized blue shawl draped over
her shoulders. My heart thrummed.
Oh, how I’d missed her. She was the
reason I was anybody at all.
MISTRESS HELENA (60’s), steps into the room. Her eyes light
up at the sight of Viv.
HELENA
(Thick Russian accent)
Vivienne! Look who has come back.
Alexander bowed to her.
ALEXANDER
Mistress, I’ll let you take over.
HELENA
As you all know, we work hard
toward the production of Swan Lake.
The room buzzes.
HELENA (CONT’D)
We had planned to give you more
time for rehearsals and stage it in
the fall. But San Francisco needs
something to focus on besides war.
We’ve decided to hold tryouts next
week and perform six weeks after.
Excited squeals erupt.
HELENA (CONT’D)
Together with Alexander, we will
closely observe your abilities in
the coming days. Our main focus
will be to identify the dancer who
not only embodies the grace and
poise of a swan but also best
portrays Odette’s transformation
from swan to human. Odette is the
most difficult role in all of
ballet.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Odette might have been the most
difficult, but it was also the most
coveted lead of all the ballets. If
only they’d performed it last year
before Charlie was injured. I could
have been Odette.
HELENA
Vivienne, come here, dear.
Every head turns. Viv’s knees wobble. She steps forward and
stares at the tips of her pointe shoes.
Helena rests a hand on Viv’s shoulder.
HELENA (CONT’D)
I want you to do something for me.
Forget the music. Forget everyone
here. In fact—
She waves a hand.
HELENA (CONT’D)
Everyone to the barre. Stretch for
a few minutes.
VIVIENNE
But, Mistress...
HELENA
Vivienne, you know this dance. I’ve
seen you practice it many times.
VIVIENNE
Of course...
HELENA
Andrew, partner Vivienne for the
pas de deux. Can you show me
Vivienne?
ANDREW (20’s) steps forward.
HELENA (CONT’D)
Prince Siegfried. You’re searching
for Odette among twenty-four other
swans. You suddenly stop. Odette
floats into the scene, barely a
human after her transformation.
Siegfried only sees a beautiful
swan. You’re about to draw your bow
when the swan transforms into a
woman—Odette. Swan by day and woman
by night. Vivienne, can you pretend
to transform? Can you be a swan and
a woman?
Viv nods, almost in a trance.
HELENA (CONT’D)
Show me. Dance from the heart. You
feet will follow.
Viv takes Andrews hand and falls into the iconic steps, into
the music, transcending into another time and place, another
person, another body.
The melody seems to engulf her. She sinks to the floor, her
arms fluttering gently down, resting on her outstretched leg
as she transforms from the cursed swan into her human form.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I don’t know how long my arms were
reaching, or how high my arabesque
was, or how pointed my toes were. I
didn’t look in the mirror. I only
focused on Odette, what she felt,
the love she had for her Prince
Siegfried, and the safety that came
from knowing the curse would soon
be broken in his care.
HELENA
Vivienne, you are not the same
dancer.
Is this an insult or complement? Viv’s eyes fall to the
floor.
HELENA (CONT’D)
Alright class. That’s all of Swan
Lake we will do today.
FIONA
Will the rest of us get a chance
for a solo or just Vivienne?
HELENA
You had your chance with the swan
maidens. Not even the men had that.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Doubts and Encouragement in the Dressing Room
INT. BALLET STUDIO DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Viv slumps on a bench, unties her shoes. Her toes are red and
angry looking. She massages them to work out the soreness.
BEA
Viv, you were amazing! You’re
definitely getting the part.
VIVIENNE
Me? You heard Helena. I’m not the
same dancer I once was.
BEA
I heard exactly what Helena said.
You’re not the same dancer. You’re
better.
Fiona watches from across the dressing room.
FIONA
Do you really think you can return
mid-season? We’ve already been
preparing for Swan Lake for months.
VIVIENNE
It doesn’t matter. I’m not trying
out for Swan Lake.
BEA
You’re not trying out?
VIVIENNE
I can’t leave Charlie alone.
Bea grabs her by both shoulders and turns her around.
BEA
Viv, you must. You were made for
that part.
Fiona approaches, her silky chocolate hair bouncing around
her shoulders.
FIONA
You girls coming out with us? We’re
going dancing at The Silver Swing
tonight. You’re welcome to bring
your husbands.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Tensions at Dusk
EXT. CITY STREETS - EARLY EVENING
The moonlight shimmers against the wet pavement. The damp,
rusty-scented steam rises from the subway grates, mixing with
the aroma of rain. Few lights are lit, and those that are
have been softened.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
The city isn’t as strict as it had
been during blackout orders, when
people feared another Japanese
attack, but we still adhered to dim-
out rules to avoid being a target
for enemy aircraft. Cars with muted
headlights hummed by, and the
surrounding buildings stood like
fortresses, their windows
barricaded with sandbags. I wasn’t
ready to go back home.
The night air is cool, and Viv hugs her raincoat tightly
around her. She lifts her trembling chin toward the Opera
House. Tears roll down her cheeks. She wipes them away and
starts home.
FADE OUT.
INT. STERLING HOME FOYER - EARLY EVENING
Laughter echoes from the dining room as Viv enters the house.
She tiptoes through the foyer but the floor creaks, cutting
the laughter short.
ELEANOR
Vivienne? Is that you?
Viv grips her ballet bag and enters the dining room
INT. STERLING HOME DINING ROOM - EARLY EVENING
The table is set as though the King of England were expected.
Eleanor’s finest crystal glasses, blue floral plates with
silver trim, and polished silverware gleam under the
candlelight, burned to their stubs. A starched linen cloth
stretches beneath it all, dotted with streaks of gravy,
smudges of potatoes, and wilted carrots.
Danny’s fork clanks against his plate, and three pairs of
eyes turned to Viv.
Her hair is slicked back in a sweaty bun, and her worn trench
coat gapes open, revealing her faded black leotard. Eleanor’s
gaze drifts down to Viv’s pink tights. Her mouth tightens.
ELEANOR
Hello, Vivienne. We were just
discussing the Sterling Gala.
Charlie’s head tilts.
CHARLIE
Did you dance somewhere?
VIVIENNE
I tried to tell you earlier,
Charlie.
Viv moves to her normal place at the table, but there is no
setting, no plate.
ELEANOR
I figured you found something to
eat while you were out. I told the
boys to have seconds, assuming you
weren’t hungry, especially after
downing a jar of milk earlier.
CHARLIE
Sorry, Viv. You can have a bit of
mine.
Danny stares at Viv with his crooked smile. Viv slides into a
chair next to Charlie, but Danny pushes his half-eaten plate
in front of her.
Viv grabs a warm piece of roast with her bare hands and
shoves it into her mouth.
ELEANOR
Vivienne! What’s gotten into you?
DANNY
It’s alright, Mother. I’ve eaten
enough.
He leans back in his chair and threads his hands behind his
head, grinning.
DANNY (CONT’D)
Besides, I enjoy watching wild
animals in their natural habitat.
CHARLIE
I would have given you the rest of
mine, Viv, if I knew you were that
hungry.
VIVIENNE
Thank you, Charlie. I know you
would have.
She licks gravy from her fingertips.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
And thank you, Danny, for the
generous offer. You’re a true
saint, giving up half of your
second helping.
Eleanor scoffs, rising from her chair.
ELEANOR
Well, I’ll take Charlie into the
parlor for his crossword. Vivienne,
you can do as you please. That
seems to be what you do anyway.
Eleanor unlocks Charlie’s wheels, straightens his shirt, and
smooths his hair like he is a toddler.
CHARLIE
I wish you wouldn’t do that,
Mother.
Viv throws down her napkin and stacks the dishes, ignoring
Danny, who watches her from across the table.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Tensions in the Kitchen
INT. STERLING HOME KITCHEN - EVENING
Viv fills the sink with warm, soapy water and begins to wash
the dishes.
The kitchen door swings open and Danny enters. Reaches over
and takes a plate from her. His mouth so close to her ear.
DANNY
Let me help you with that. You’ve
been on your feet all day.
His hand curls on her waist and she jerks back, splashing
water all over him.
VIVIENNE
I know what you’re trying to do!
DANNY
You do?
VIVIENNE
Yes. You’re trying to prove how
little I’m needed around here.
DANNY
No. I was only trying to help.
VIVIENNE
Help? First, feeding me when no one
saved me any roast. Now, doing my
dishes. I can handle it, Danny.
DANNY
If this is about Charlie, I love
him too. It hurts me to see him
like this.
VIVIENNE
It’s not about that. At least not
just about that.
DANNY
You and I can lean on each other
and be strong for him.
VIVIENNE
You and I? There is no you and I.
Viv hands him a dirty dish towel.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Your shirt is soaked.
DANNY
I’m okay with the new fashion
statement. But I’m going to a movie
with Becca tonight. She might not
agree.
Viv storms out of the kitchen.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Tension in the Evening
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - EVENING
Viv goes to the wardrobe, digs around and finds a pale blue
button-up. Danny walks in behind her.
VIVIENNE
Sorry about your shirt. You can
wear one of Charlies...
She turns around and Danny is standing there, bare-chested.
He’s lean, muscles sculpted like a marble statue. Viv gasps.
Silver dog-tags hang around his neck.
Danny grins, swipes a hand over his pectorals.
DANNY
I get that reaction from a lot of
ladies.
VIVIENNE
Is that what you think, Daniel
Sterling?
His smile falls as though someone has kicked him in the
teeth.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Do you think every woman is after
you? Do you think I’m so wrought
with desire that I would betray my
husband in the next room?
Danny swipes the shirt from her hands.
DANNY
No, that’s not what I meant.
VIVIENNE
Has it ever occurred to you that
every day, I look at a man who used
to be strong but is now fading
away? Charlie could squeeze into my
clothes; he’s so thin. Does that
make you want to show off? Do you
think I would want a man who treats
women like harlots and casts
feelings aside like worn-out shoes?
DANNY
I’m not casting anyone aside. Least
of all, my brother. I was only
having a little fun, Viv. I’m
sorry.
VIVIENNE
Why do you treat everything like a
joke? Always laughing. Shouldn’t
you be spending time with your
family instead of running around
with…Becca?
DANNY
Of course, I...
VIVIENNE
Have your fun, Danny, then go back
to war. We don’t need you here.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
There. I’d said it. Something that
could push him away—to keep him
from getting too close. To stop me
from feeling so deranged.
DANNY
Viv.
VIVIENNE
What an awful thing to say. I’m
sorry. Of course I don’t want you
going back to war.
DANNY
You may think I’m a big buffoon,
but that’s not who I am.
VIVIENNE
I didn’t mean it. I only meant
because you spend so much time...
DANNY
Because I seek Becca’s company
instead of sitting in this house,
stewing, you think I’m enjoying
myself too much?
VIVIENNE
No, of course not.
DANNY
Then don’t judge me for wanting
respite outside of this sad house.
And I won’t judge you for dancing
and doing the same.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Morning Tensions
INT. STERLING HOME KITCHEN - MORNING
Viv places a pot of oatmeal on the stove, looks out the
window at a new day. She I tops the oatmeal the way Charlie
likes with brown sugar and raisins and places it on a silver
tray.
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - MORNING
Charles’ eyes light up when Viv sets his breakfast on the
bedside table. He smiles.
VIVIENNE
Good morning, Charlie. Glad to see
you’re in a good mood today. I even
saved you some milk.
CHARLIE
Why wouldn’t you?
VIVIENNE
Oh, well I drank all the milk the
other day...never mind.
CHARLIE
I don’t want my wheelchair yet.
Just let me eat here. Mother acts
like I’m three years old. If a man
wants to eat in bed, it should be
his choice.
Charlie reaches for the oatmeal. Reluctantly, Viv hands it to
him, but it teeters, slipping from his hands, and tumbling
into his lap, oozing across the sheets.
VIVIENNE
I’m so sorry!
He curses, pulling his sticky hands back. The contentment in
Charlie’s eyes turn to anger. Viv grabs a cloth, biting back
tears, and wiping his hands.
CHARLIE
Can you stop treating me like a
child? Help me shower so I can wash
this off me.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Morning Care and Conflict
INT. BATHROOM - MORNING
Viv helps him into his chair and wheels him to the bathroom.
His eyes follow her while she unbuttons his shirt and pull
his pants off.
She slides his pale and thin body from the wheelchair onto
the shower bench and adjusts the faucet.
Viv closes the bathroom door, undresses and gets into the
shower with him.
VIVIENNE
Is the temperature good?
CHARLIE
Whatever you think, Viv.
He kept his eyes on the drain, never looking at Viv’s
perfect, naked body. He closes his eyes and inhales as the
water drains down his back.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
That’s good.
She tries to lift him to spray his legs, but he doesn’t grab
the bar and his weight it too much for her. He slips from her
grasp...hits the floor.
VIVIENNE
Charlie! I’m so sorry!
CHARLIE
I’m too much for you, Viv.
VIVIENNE
No...I can do this, I just...
She tries again, but can’t lift him.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
ELEANOR! Help!
A moment later, the shower curtain rips open, but it’s Danny,
not Eleanor.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Help me get him up.
Without hesitation, Danny lifts Charlie into his arms like he
weighs nothing. Water sprays over Danny’s clothes and the
bathroom floor.
Viv turns the water off, grabs her nightgown from the floor,
and hugs it to her chest.
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - MORNING
Danny lays his brother’s frail body on the bed. Charlie’s
teeth chatter. Viv wraps him in his father’s quilt.
He groans. Viv notices he has a gash around his eye,
bleeding.
DANNY
It’s alright, Viv. I’ve got him.
Danny grabs Charlies robe and tosses it to Viv to cover up.
Eleanor rushes in.
ELEANOR
Good heavens! What happened to
sweet Charles?
She looks at Viv, robe open, cleavage showing.
ELEANOR (CONT’D)
Vivienne, get dressed immediately!
Danny is trying to put Charlie’s shirt on.
CHARLIE
Would everyone stop doing things
for me! I’m not a complete invalid.
Viv, you’ve done enough. Please,
just go.
Viv rushes out of the room
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Unresolved Tensions
INT. VIV/DANNY’S ROOM - MORNING
Viv pulls on her pink tights, and leotard as fast as her
flustered hands allow.
She slicks her hair into a bun without looking in the mirror.
As she throws on a scarf, a knock sounds at the door.
DANNY (O.C.)
Viv?
She opens the door and strides past him, but he grips her
arm.
DANNY (CONT’D)
Viv, can we talk?
VIVIENNE
There’s nothing to talk about.
DANNY
Charlie shouldn’t have spoken to
you like that.
VIVIENNE
I know it wasn’t my fault.
DANNY
Then what’s bothering you? Is it
because I saw you naked?
Nervous laugh
VIVIENNE
It’s nothing.
DANNY
Would it make you feel any better
if I told you I tried not to look?
VIVIENNE
No, Danny it wouldn’t. I’m only
worried about Charles.
He stepped closer, almost touching. He stands wet, his white
cotton tee clinging to hard muscles, every line of his form
visible through the damp fabric.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
I’m going to be late.
She starts out of the room.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Told myself not to care that those
blue eyes had seen me naked. So
many human desires swirled inside
of me, and I swallowed hard. When
was the last time I’d touched a man
the way I wanted to right now? I
wanted to ask where he had been the
last three nights and what he saw
in Becca, but it was none of my
business.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Rivalry in the Studio
INT. BALLET STUDIO DRESSING ROOM - MORNING
Viv shoves her bag into a locker and slams it shut. Fiona’s
laughter rumbles behind her. Viv whirls around to face her.
Fiona is undeniably beautiful, with her silky brown hair,
swept back in a romantic style bun.
Her cap-sleeved leotard, with delicate ruching at the bust,
and soft-knitted leg warmers both match the pink unbuttoned
cardigan.
FIONA
Helena mentioned you stay late
practicing your pirouettes after
everyone leaves. Maybe that hour
makes up for the eight months you
disappeared?
Viv shrugs.
VIVIENNE
I really only need thirty minutes.
She gives Fiona a smug smile and walks away.
INT. BALLET STUDIO - MORNING
Viv takes her place at the barre, next to Bea
BEA
I’m so glad you decided to try out.
Viv begins a grand battement series, swinging her legs to
loosen her hips, when Fiona strolls up and positions herself
right next to Viv at the barre. She breezes through a grand
battement combination, her legs so extended they almost hit
her nose.
ALEXANDER
Everyone is warm, yes?
Bea steps out behind me in temps lié, and Fiona trails in
last, her arms arched a little too high, her leg extension
much higher than the others, reminding everyone she is the
greatest.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
No, no, no, Fiona. That’s not what
I want right now. Right now, you
must disappear. Blend. To stand out
is to fail.
FIONA
I disagree. Some of us were never
meant to blend in.
Alexander’s eyes narrow.
ALEXANDER
I am a sculptor of flesh. I show
you what I want, and you do it.
The music comes on and everyone dances. Viv looks graceful,
beautiful. Afterwards they all file into the dressing room.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Unspoken Tensions
INT. BALLET STUDIO DRESSING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Viv packs her shoes and puts on a blouse.
BEA
Great job today. It’s like you
never left.
VIVIENNE
I’m happy, considering how my day
started...
BEA
What do you mean?
Viv looks away. She shouldn’t have said anything, but it is
too late. And Bea is her friend.
VIVIENNE
Charlie’s younger brother is home
on furlough. It’s nothing, really.
He’s hardly ever there—comes and
goes so much, he’s nearly
invisible.
BEA
Invisible...the way you say that,
maybe he’s more visible that you’d
like to admit?
INT. STERLING HOME PARLOR - EARLY EVENING
Back home, Viv drops her ballet bag and smiles at Charlie who
is doing his crossword. She changes the bandage above his eye
and kisses his forehead.
She wheels him into his bedroom
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - EVENING
She helps Charlie into bed and flattens the covers over his
chest.
CHARLIE
I’m sorry.
VIVIENNE
You don’t need to apologize,
Charlie. I’m the one who’s sorry.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Relationship"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Morning Reflections
INT. VIV/DANNY'S ROOM - MORNING
Viv rolls to her side, stretching lazily as rays of light
filter through the curtains. Eleanor’s footsteps echo softly
down the hall, descending the stairs.
She finally rubs her eyes and sits up. Her pink silk panties
dangle from the knob of her dresser—the ones Danny had torn.
Had he watched her while she slept? She rose and lifted them
from the dresser, and a tiny note fell to the floor.
Sorry about the tear—not as bad as battle wounds, right? Hope
we can mend things. —Danny
She moves her fingers across the ink. Closes her eyes, shakes
her head.
INT. BATHROOM - MORNING
Viv drew a bath. Bathed, shaved her legs. Drained the tub and
studied her face in the mirror before pulling her robe back
on.
INT. VIV/DANNY'S ROOM - MORNING
She pulls from the closet her only Sunday dress—a clean, navy
blue frock with a modest neckline, short sleeves, and a hem
that falls mid-calf. It is well-worn, but pressed and
presentable. She smooths her hair back into a bun and heads
downstairs.
INT. HALLWAY - MORNING
Viv is about to enter the kitchen, when Eleanor’s voice rings
out from the parlor.
ELEANOR (O.S.)
“The ballet world is abuzz with
talk of Vivienne Hartley, the long-
forgotten darling of American
ballet, rumored to have re-entered
the scene.
(MORE)
ELEANOR (O.S.) (CONT'D)
As the San Francisco Ballet gears
up for its much-anticipated
production of Swan Lake,
speculation arises about whether
Hartley, the talent who captivated
audiences nationwide, will grace
the stage once more. After months
away from the limelight, caring for
her husband, Charles Sterling, a
veteran left wounded in service to
our nation, Hartley's potential
resurgence poses a question: Will
she even make the corps de ballet?
Her rival, Fiona Beckett, is
expected to dance the lead role of
Odette.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Morning Tensions
INT. PARLOR - MORNING
Charlie’s wheelchair is positioned in the cozy space between
a reading lamp and a table stacked with crosswords and
pencils. He looks up from his chair, his face softening.
Eleanor lowers the Chronicle, a smirk curling at her mouth.
Danny jumps up from the emerald sofa.
DANNY
Viv! Good morning.
ELEANOR
Just catching up on those who can’t
seem to let go. I’m sure Fiona will
make a lovely Odette.
VIVIENNE
It’s just gossip, Eleanor.
Danny brushes past me.
DANNY
And not even good gossip, at that.
Let me get you some coffee. How do
you take it? Black? Milk and sugar?
VIVIENNE
Whatever is fine. Thanks.
DANNY
I’ll add some milk and sugar.
ELEANOR
If you had taken the Sterling name,
Vivienne, nobody would question
your capabilities.
CHARLIE
Viv? Nobody expects you to jump
back to principal dancer. You’ve
been away too long.
Danny returns, setting a cobalt blue mug onto a saucer and
placing it in Viv’s hands. Eleanor gasps.
ELEANOR
Honestly, Daniel. Your father’s
mug?
She charges toward Viv and snatches the cup.
ELEANOR (CONT’D)
You can be so insensitive at times.
DANNY
He’s a ghost, Mother. He won’t
mind.
Viv jumps up. Heads into the foyer.
VIVIENNE
I have to go.
CHARLIE
Church starts soon, Viv. Where are
you going?
VIVIENNE
God will have to forgive me. I’m
not going to church today.
ELEANOR
Not going to church?
INT. FOYER - MORNING
Viv pulls open the door, the sunshine spilling in.
CHARLIE (O.S.)
You can’t miss church, Viv. What if
we walk together?
ELEANOR (O.S.)
That will never do, Charlie, you’ll
ruin your suit.
Viv tries to pull the door shut, but Danny catches it with
his foot and follows her out.
DANNY
I’m coming with you.
VIVIENNE
No you’re not! And why do you want
to talk every time I’m upset?
The door clicks behind them as they start down to the
sidewalk.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Driving Lessons and Family Bonds
EXT. CITY STREETS - MORNING
She walks fast, but Danny catches up.
DANNY
I’m not allowing a woman to wander
the streets alone.
VIVIENNE
Don’t be silly. I do it every day
when I go to ballet.
DANNY
Well, why don’t you take the
Lincoln to class?
Viv laughs.
VIVIENNE
Eleanor would never allow it.
Besides, I don’t know how to drive.
Danny’s face lights up, his dimples like little sparks of
mischief.
DANNY
Come on!
He runs back inside.
DANNY (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Mother, I’m taking the car!
He rushes back out, dangling the keys. He grabs her hand and
races to the Lincoln.
INT. LINCOLN - MORNING
Danny climbs in the driver’s seat and Viv reluctantly sits
next to him in the passenger seat.
VIVIENNE
Where are we going?
DANNY
Somewhere I can teach you how to
drive!
He turns onto Howard Street and stops in front of a row of
sagging, smoke-stained buildings. A neon sign flickers
Benny’s Bar and buzzes above cracked pavement. Danny turned
the engine off, and they sit in the quiet.
VIVIENNE
Why did you bring me here? People
get mugged in these kinds of
places.
DANNY
Relax, I come here all the time.
He slouches into the seat, loosens his tie, unbuttons his
collar. He opens the door, walks around the front of the
vehicle, opens the passenger door and pushes his way in.
DANNY (CONT’D)
Move over.
VIVIENNE
Danny, I can’t...
He slides all the way in and pulls the passenger door closed.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
You don’t really have to teach me.
Eleanor’s never going to let me
take her precious car.
DANNY
You’re probably right. Look, I know
you’ve been avoiding me
since…well…since I tore your
panties and saw you naked.
Viv’s face is instantly flushed.
DANNY (CONT’D)
All I’m saying is if you need
someone to talk to, I don’t have a
lot going on right now. You can
always talk to me.
She moves the rearview mirror, runs her fingers over the
radio dials. Anything to distract her from his intensity.
VIVIENNE
I’ve never opened up to anyone like
this before,” I whispered. “I don’t
really fit in at the Sterling
house. I don’t even have a bedroom.
DANNY
You have mine. And if anything, I’m
the one who doesn’t fit in. I’m not
like Charlie, who’s always had his
life figured out. And I’m not like
you, who’s always known what you’re
good at.
VIVIENNE
Why would you say that? You’re a
thoroughbred. I’m the one who
doesn’t belong.
DANNY
You do belong. Maybe more than the
rest of us. You’re ballet slippers
among Oxfords. We could use some
grace in the Sterling house.
Danny points to the pedal on the left.
DANNY (CONT’D)
If you want to learn to drive,
you’ll need to push the brake and
the clutch right there.
She does both and the engine fires up. She squeals.
VIVIENNE
Can I roll down the window?
DANNY
Of course. Now, hold the clutch and
brake while you put the car into
first gear.
VIVIENNE
How do I do that?
Danny slides across the seat, their bodies almost touching.
He places his hand over hers and shifts the car into first
gear. She stares at his hand.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
His hand was warm and calloused, a
simple touch, but it stirred
something in my stomach. It had
been so long since Charlie had
touched me like that.
DANNY
Good, now let go of the brake, ease
up on the clutch. Be gentle at
first. You don’t want to send the
car—
The Lincoln lurched forward with an ear-piercing squeal. Viv
slams on the brakes.
DANNY (CONT’D)
I was going to say you don’t want
to make the car do that.
VIVIENNE
I don’t think this is a good idea.
She tries to work the gearshift again. Danny puts his hand on
hers again.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
We shouldn’t be doing
this...missing church. Abandoning
Charlie. Your mother’s not going to
walk. And poor Charlie...it’s his
only time to get out of the house.
DANNY
Mother will get over it and I’ll
make it up to Charlie.
VIVIENNE
Can I ask you something?
DANNY
Anything.
VIVIENNE
Why are you so nice to me? I’ve
said and done some pretty horrible
things to you.
DANNY
Because…you’re Charlie’s. He’d want
it.
VIVIENNE
That’s sweet of you.
DANNY
We should probably get back.
He gets out and comes around to the driver’s side. Viv slides
over.
VIVIENNE
I’m not ready to go back yet.
They stare out the window like they’d robbed a bank, the
silence heavy between them.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
What was war like?
He watches a few kids kick around a ball as a church bell
rings in the distance.
DANNY
About what you’d expect. Cold,
bloody, lonely. Brutal.
VIVIENNE
Charlie hasn’t spoken about the
war. He says he’s fine. I want
someone to be honest with me and
stop telling me everything is fine.
Nobody says what they’re really
feeling. It’s suffocating.
DANNY
Fair enough. I’ll tell you about
the war. Then I want to know more
about you, being family now, of
course.
VIVIENNE
Alright, but I have to warn you,
I’m quite boring.
DANNY
I doubt that. I don’t like noise.
Even church reminds me of hidden
bombs and the rat-tat-tat-tat of
machine guns. I hate the silence
just as much.
(MORE)
DANNY (CONT’D)
It’s never quiet in the city.
That’s why I come here to sleep at
night.
He points to the backseat of the car.
VIVIENNE
You sleep here? In the car?
DANNY
I like the sounds of the city.
Soothes me. After all that gun
noise, there’s always a period of
quiet. Sometimes, the eerie silence
is followed by crying. It’s one
thing to hear a baby cry, but a
grown man? That’s when you know the
pain has crushed the human soul.
And I’m not talking about the
friends you lose…I mean the ones
that aren’t friends. The ones that…
His voice chokes. Viv instinctively takes his hand.
VIVIENNE
I’m sorry you have to go back to
the war.
DANNY
There’s no reason to burden anyone
with my war stories. Charlie
doesn’t want to hear about the war.
And my mother’s world would come
crashing down if she knew what it
was really like. Can we keep it
between us?
VIVIENNE
My lips are sealed.
DANNY
Now your turn. Tell me about you.
He holds up his hand like it’s a microphone and speaks in his
best radio announcer voice.
DANNY (CONT’D)
Ballet prodigy, Vivienne Hartley,
born into an orphanage, raised by
nuns, and nurtured by her own
discipline.
VIVIENNE
I think people got tired of hearing
about the war, so they tuned in to
their radio for stories of triumph.
An orphan turned ballet star was a
better headline. I’m glad somebody
paid attention to my career.
DANNY
You don’t forget a name like
Vivienne Hartley.
VIVIENNE
The article said I might not even
be good enough for the corps de
ballet, much less Odette.
DANNY
What that article should have said
is Vivienne Hartley robs women of
the chance to dance Odette as she
returns to the San Francisco
Ballet.
Viv laughs.
VIVIENNE
I don’t want to be Odette. I’ve
been gone too long. I’d be happy
with being in the corps de ballet.
DANNY
Standing in the background? I don’t
think so. Why can’t people just say
what they want, say what they mean?
VIVIENNE
What do you want, Danny?
DANNY
When I was a boy, I realized I
wanted to hear what lights people
up and write it down. That’s why I
studied journalism. I love
interviewing people, hearing their
stories, and turning the ordinary
extraordinary.
Viv squeezes his hand.
VIVIENNE
I pray you make it back from the
war and can follow your dream.
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - NIGHT
Viv is in Charlie’s room tonight, curled up in the wingback
chair, a blanket covering her. Moonlight filters through the
sheer drapes, casting a pale glow over Charlie’s tense face.
He moans and Viv rushes to his bedside, but he rings the bell
anyway.
VIVIENNE
Charlie, I’m here.
She takes the cloth from his bedside table, wipes his brow,
and kisses his forehead.
Danny rushes in and flips on the light, moving to Charlie’s
other side without a word. Charlie’s legs convulse,
stiffening before jerking against the mattress. Eleanor comes
racing to his side.
Viv kisses Charlie’s hands as he falls back to sleep.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","War"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Striving for Perfection
INT. BALLET STUDIO - MORNING
During morning practice, Viv’s black leotard blurs with the
others in the mirrored wall as Frederick plays Chopin’s
prelude. Her legs tangle, her changements too slow, and her
jetés lack height.
ALEXANDER
Vivienne, find your raison.
Viv joins the other ladies, while the men line up behind. Viv
glances back at Fiona, who gives her a smug look.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
We will partner and dance a portion
of the Black Swan.
He switches some dancers around so each person is paired with
a suitable partner—the taller and stronger men with the
taller women, the shorter males with the more petite ladies.
Viv is paired with a mid-height dancer who joined the company
the previous year.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
No ballet will seduce the audience
as Swan Lake. The grace and
vulnerability of Odette; the
cunning duplicity of Odile. Odile’s
movements are sharp and precise,
while Odette’s are fluid and
ethereal. And one very talented
ballerina must dance both roles.
(MORE)
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
Let’s begin with the pirouette
grand battement series.
Niko supported Viv’s waist, and Frederick plays music for The
Black Swan pas de deux. Viv begins with a battement, which
she executes perfectly, per pointe shoes broken in just
enough to give her feet a strong arch.
But when she pirouettes, her hand smacks her partner in the
face.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
No, no, Vivienne! Ballets are like
butterflies. Months of preparation,
all for a few brief moments of
beauty before it’s gone. There is
no room for mistakes.
She repeats the dance flawlessly.
Later, the dancers funnel into the hallway.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
Vivienne, I need to speak to you.
VIVIENNE
Yes?
ALEXANDER
Vivienne, do you want to be here?
If you need to step away to care
for your husband, everyone will
understand.
VIVIENNE
You know I want to be in Swan Lake.
I’ve dreamed of it since the time
Helena demonstrated Odette’s solo
when I first arrived.
Danny’s voice in her head: Say what you want!
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
I don’t just want to be in Swan
Lake…I want to be Odette.
Alexander nods.
ALEXANDER
I know. I see it in the way you
dance. I see fire when you dance,
and I see determination and raw
emotion.
VIVIENNE
It will take months to build up my
strength and flexibility to what it
was. How will I ever do it?
ALEXANDER
We are not looking just for the
best dancer but the one who
embodies the American Dream. A
story of perseverance. With you in
the lead role, the papers will not
stay quiet.
VIVIENNE
You want me for publicity?
ALEXANDER
No, no. I’m simply telling you
there’s more to you than just a
beautiful dancer. Don’t give up. Go
home and rest. The last day of
tryouts is going to be demanding.
Come prepared in the next few days
to dance for your life.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
A Rushed Reunion
EXT. CITY STREETS - LATE AFTERNOON
Viv rushes home on foot, dodging pedestrians in crosswalks
and darting through honking cars.
INT. PARLOR - LATE AFTERNOON
Viv enters the house. Maggie is standing on a stool in the
parlor.
MAGGIE
Careful, I just mopped the floors.
VIVIENNE
Maggie, where is everyone?
MAGGIE
Charlie’s room.
Viv drops her coat and ballet bag and hurries to Charlies
room.
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Charlie lies nestled between several pillows, covered with
his patchwork quilt, eyes closed.
His chest drifts peacefully up and down. Eleanor sits in the
wingback chair, her knitting needles clinking together as a
trail of pink yarn dangles from her lap.
ELEANOR
Shhh...it took an hour to get him
comfortable. He asked for you, but
I reminded him you’d gone to your
ballet class.
VIVIENNE
He asked for me? What happened?
ELEANOR
Another muscle spasm. His leg shook
so violently, he almost fell off
the bed.
VIVIENNE
And Danny?
ELEANOR
Out with Rebecca.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Dancing in the Rain
INT. BALLET STUDIO - AFTERNOON
The other dancers file out the door, but Viv stretches her
legs, deciding to work on her fouettés for an extra thirty
minutes.
HELENA
Good job today, Vivienne. I imagine
you’ll be soaking your feet in an
ice bath after that.
VIVIENNE
At least I didn’t fall on my face.
HELENA
You are different and that’s a good
thing. Remember Giselle at the
Opera House two years ago? That
girl had everything going for her.
She taps her finger to Viv’s collarbone.
HELENA (CONT’D)
But this, Vivienne, this one right
here...she’s got passion like I’ve
never seen.
Helena moved to the door.
HELENA (CONT’D)
Lock up when you leave.
Viv watches her go, then begins to dance.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
My body started moving to a song I
envisioned in my head. My song. My
arms reached into the air as I
moved with wild abandon. I dipped
my head; my hair skimmed my back
and swirled around my bare
shoulders as I leaped, spun,
circled my arms around me, and
leaped again. No technique. Just
me, barefoot and dancing from my
heart. Then, suddenly, he was
there.
Danny is leaning against the piano in khaki trousers and a
white tee paired with a tan striped sports shirt worn
unbuttoned and untucked. He stares at Viv with such
intensity.
VIVIENNE
Daniel! How long have you been
watching me?
DANNY
Only a minute. Sorry I startled
you. It’s raining. I didn’t want
you walking in the rain.
He looks at the ceiling. Water droplets splash on the wooden
floor.
DANNY (CONT’D)
Do you have something to catch that
in? Someone really should take a
look at that.
VIVIENNE
Ballet Master can’t afford repairs.
DANNY
Really? I thought tickets were sold
out for every show. Thought
everyone wants to see the great
Vivienne Hartley dance.
She brushes past him. He touches her arm, halting her.
VIVIENNE
Let me get my things.
DANNY
Viv, don’t stop because of me.
His hand slides to her waist. She licks her lip.
DANNY (CONT’D)
I’ve never seen anyone dance like
that. You really are the greatest,
aren’t you?
VIVIENNE
I...I was just fooling around.
DANNY
You’re still going after the lead
role, aren’t you.
VIVIENNE
The role of Odette was made for me
because I am Odette. My life is
cursed.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Danny squeezed my fingers and ever
so slightly pulled me closer,
sending my pulse into a frenzy. All
thoughts of Charlie settled and
disappeared like a puff of smoke.
DANNY
Don’t say that. Vivienne, you have
so much going for you. You’re the
most talented woman I’ve ever
known. Charlie can’t take that from
you.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Deferred Connection
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - NIGHT
After getting Charlie into bed, Viv sits beside him and takes
his hand. She leans down, brushing her lips against his,
dragging her mouth across his cheek, letting her breath warm
his ear.
CHARLIE
(whispers)
Viv, you can’t keep doing that.
She drops his hand.
VIVIENNE
Why not?
CHARLIE
Because...because I can’t give you
what you want. Look at me.
She cups his cheeks.
VIVIENNE
No, you look at me. Remember what
you said the first time we met?
Remember how you sent champagne
flying across the de Young Museum
floor, scaring poor Mr.and Mrs.
Hutchinson half to death just to
get my attention?
CHARLIE
I remember, Viv. I remember
everything. That’s what’s killing
me.
VIVIENNE
Please, Charlie.
CHARLIE
I’ll try to be better. But not
tonight, Viv. Not tonight.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
The Final Tryout
INT. BALLET STUDIO - MORNING
Final day of tryouts.
HELENA
Lift your backs, ladies! If you
can’t dance for your life at the
barre, how will you dance Swan
Lake?
Alongside the other dancers, Viv performs a petite allegro, a
series of jetés, sautés, and changements, followed by a
series of pirouettes and fouettés. When it’s over, several
dancers stumble into the hallway to catch their breath.
The dancers are called back to the center for the final
adagio, a slow, expressive dance that marks the end of ballet
class. Bea nudges Viv forward, so she is in the front row.
ALEXANDER
You may stay and wait for the
results or return in the morning.
Viv slides down the wall, collapsing in a heap
BEA
You did good, Viv.
VIVIENNE
They do it on purpose, you
know—have you do the most difficult
moves like fouettés turns after
you’ve already exhausted your body.
I guess it’s preparing you for the
real thing.
As the hour drags on, Viv drains her thermos, re-stretches
her muscles.
Finally, the door opens, and Alexander and Helena step into
the room. Voices fall silent as every eye is upon them.
Alexander stands at the front and scans the room, not pausing
on any one face.
ALEXANDER
Thank you all for your dedication
and hard work. We understand how
much effort you’ve put into this,
and we appreciate all of you.
HELENA
The results are posted in the
lobby.
A flock of excited dancers rush into the hallway. Bea hooks
her arm in Viv’s.
BEA
Come on, Viv.
VIVIENNE
You go on. I’ll be there in a
minute.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
My life had turned into a series of
choices between two lesser evils, a
constant weighing of one
disappointment against another. I
stared at the wear on my ballet
slippers, wondering if I had done
enough.
Viv stands and pushes the lobby door open.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Casting Triumph and Rivalry
INT. BALLET STUDIO LOBBY - DAY
The girls part to let Viv through, revealing a paper taped to
the wall.
Odette/Odile–Vivienne Hartley
Understudy–Fiona Beckett
Tears spring into Viv’s eyes. Bea rushes over and hugs her.
BEA
I knew it!
Fiona glares at them both.
FIONA
I’m understudy for the ficklest
dancer in the company. Have you
ever been on time, Vivienne? My
odds of dancing on stage as Odette
are looking pretty good.
VIVIENNE
I’m sure the newspapers will visit
the studio to do interviews. People
will wonder why we have buckets
around the room if, allegedly, we
have the richest man in California
supporting our company. Maybe your
father’s businesses aren’t doing so
well.
Fiona’s face turns scarlet and she walked away.
Viv turns around as Danny emerges from a crowd of black
leotards and leggings. He’s wearing the baby blue shirt Viv
gave him—the one from Charlie’s closet. The shirt accentuates
his blue eyes. His military-cut hair has grown out just
enough to comb back the sides, and a light stubble dusts his
face.
DANNY
Hey Viv. Did you get the part?
VIVIENNE
Yes, Danny. I got it.
He rushes to her, but stops short, knowing all the eyes are
on them.
DANNY
I knew you would. Of course you
did.
VIVIENNE
Let me get my things. I’ll be right
out.
DANNY
Oh, sorry. I didn’t come to give
you a ride. I have someplace I need
to go. I just wanted to see if you
got the part.
VIVIENNE
Oh, yes, of course.
Bea swoops in and flings her arms around Viv’s shoulders.
BEA
I’m already taking her for a
celebratory drink. In fact, let’s
all go!
Danny shoves a hand in his pocket.
DANNY
You have a good time. Talk to you
later.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Caught in the Riptide
INT. STARLIGHT LOUNGE - LATE AFTERNOON
Even at this early hour, the lounge is nearly full.
Businessmen, sailors, drowning sorrows.
BEA
You’re playing with fire. Not that
I blame you. Danny is certainly not
invisible.
Viv slumps into the velvet stool. Bea waves away a cloud of
cigar smoke.
VIVIENNE
I know I’m playing with fire. But
it feels like Danny is the only one
who gives a damn about me. Charlie
hasn’t kissed me since he’s been
home. He barely looks at me.
BEA
Oh Viv, I’m so sorry.
VIVIENNE
It’s like I’m caught in a riptide.
The man I married is lost, and I’m
fighting against the current to
resist any desire for Danny. All I
want to do is surrender and let the
water carry me away. What am I
supposed to do? Stop…feeling?
Because feeling is my only crime. I
have done nothing to betray
Charlie. I would never…
BEA
I remember when you first started
dating Charlie. He was a good man,
but you hardly knew each other.
Have you talked to Charlie about
this?
VIVIENNE
I try, but I always end up crying
and he gets upset.
BEA
You still have to tell him you got
the part.
VIVIENNE
Maybe.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Night Terrors and Unspoken Desires
INT. VIV/DANNY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Screams pierced the night air. Danny, not Charlie. Viv jolted
awake and rushed to Danny’s room.
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
Viv looked through the door. Eleanor was already there,
holding him.
ELEANOR
It’s ok, Daniel. Just a nightmare.
Go back to sleep.
Viv slips back into the shadows as Eleanor leaves and goes to
her room.
INT. DANNY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Viv lowers herself onto his bed.
VIVIENNE
Danny?
He suddenly grabs her and hugs her tightly. He pulls back.
DANNY
I thought you were my mother. What
a pleasant surprise.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
He stroked my hair as if comforting
me from a nightmare, and I fisted
the bottom of my nightgown. It was
one thing to have improper thoughts
about Danny, but this…this was so
wrong. What would Charlie think of
me sitting in his brother’s bed
right now, my forehead against his?
DANNY
I should be the one protecting you.
VIVIENNE
From what?
DANNY
The pain...from him.
She wrenches away from him.
VIVIENNE
Was your nightmare about the war?
DANNY
Yes.
VIVIENNE
I’m sorry...
He cups her face. His stubbled cheek brushes against hers.
His mouth grazes her neck, then her jaw and cheek. She is
losing herself. She leans in for a kiss, when a floorboard
creaks. She jerks away, backs toward the door.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
I...I have to go.
Danny stands and comes to her.
DANNY
Don’t go.
VIVIENNE
I have to.
She spins on her heels and rushes out of the room.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Tension on the Dance Floor
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
Bea parks her car a block away from the Silver Swing Dance
Club, and she and Viv step out into the cool evening air. A
queue snakes down the sidewalk on Van Ness Avenue. Servicemen
in uniforms enjoy free entry and quite a bit of attention
from giggling ladies, dressed in flowing mid-calf skirts and
peep-toe wedges. Laughter and music spills onto the streets.
Vivienne is dressed in a tight black skirt.
VIVIENNE
This was a mistake. I should be
home with Charlie.
BEA
You need one night out. Fun is not
a crime, you know.
INT. SILVER SWING - NIGHT
They slide into a booth as Viv notices Fiona enter, looking
smashing as usual. Men seated at nearby tables rise to greet
her, tipping their hats and offering charming smiles.
VIVIENNE
I envy her, the way men look at
her.
BEA
And what man do you want to look at
you like that?
VIVIENNE
Charlie. I want Charlie to look at
me like that.
Bea gripped her wrist and steers her toward the center of the
floor. The lively trumpets fill the air as they swing with
the music. Before long, Viv is laughing and dancing.
She swings around and spots Danny enter the club, dressed in
his full uniform. His eyes are immediately searching.
Fiona spots Danny and strides to him, hooking her arm in his.
But he ignores her...his eyes still searching, until they
spot Viv.
BEA
Charlie’s brother is staring right
at you.
VIVIENNE
Yes, he is.
BEA
Did something happen between you
two?
VIVIENNE
What? No.
Danny turns to the bartender, who slides a tall, foaming
glass his way. He takes several swallows before setting it
down with a heavy hand.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Danny drained the last of his glass
and headed straight toward me, eyes
blazing with an intensity that
rooted me in place. A strange,
fluttery tension tightened in my
stomach, equal parts excitement and
dread. I glanced around the room
for an escape, but his eyes held me
captive, leaving nowhere to run.
BEA
He looks like trouble, Viv. What
are you going to do?
Danny strides up before Viv can reply.
DANNY
Viv, what are you doing here?
BEA
I’ll give you two a moment.
She rushes back to the dance floor. Traitor.
VIVIENNE
Some of the girls wanted to go
dancing after class.
DANNY
Then, dance with me.
He moves his hand to the small of Viv’s back and pulls her
close.
DANNY (CONT’D)
You weren’t supposed to be here
tonight, Viv, looking so…
VIVIENNE
Should I leave? I didn’t mean to
neglect Charlie. It’s just that—
DANNY
Stay right where you are. That
wasn’t what I meant. Seeing you
here, like this, it’s...unsettling
in a way I didn’t expect. I
shouldn’t feel like this...
VIVIENNE
You’re drunk.
DANNY
Hardly.
VIVIENNE
Where’s Rebecca?
DANNY
I needed to step away for a night
and clear my head.
VIVIENNE
Are you two becoming serious?
DANNY
Becca wants it to be. Her father,
my mother. They all do.
VIVIENNE
What do you want, Danny?
DANNY
What I want will only bring pain to
the people I care about.
Viv pulls back
VIVIENNE
We’re just friends. Right?
DANNY
Friends?
Danny grips her hand and leads her through the crowd toward a
dark corner, tucked away from the noise and eyes of the
bustling club.
DANNY (CONT’D)
Don’t be coy with me, Vivienne.
He braces his hands on either side of me.
DANNY (CONT’D)
Were you just my friend when you
danced for me in your ballet
studio? Or when you came into my
room in the middle of the night to
comfort me? How about the way
you’re looking at me now? Is that
how you look at all your friends?
How long are you going to keep
pretending?
VIVIENNE
Stop! That’s not fair. What do you
want from me?
DANNY
It’s killing me, Viv. I have to
know. What if I had been the one to
spill champagne so I could talk to
you? What if you'd left the de
Young Museum with me, and we sat on
the Opera House steps sipping sodas
until dawn?
VIVIENNE
How do you know all that?
DANNY
Because I asked him. I wanted to
know every detail. How did a man
like my brother end up with a woman
like Vivienne Hartley?
VIVIENNE
How dare you say those things about
Charlie! I should be with you
instead? I’m not one of your
floozies.
Viv starts back toward the dancefloor, but Danny grabs her
arm and pulls her back.
DANNY
If you were mine, I would never let
you slip through my fingers. I
can’t stand to watch my brother
fail to see what’s right in front
of him.
VIVIENNE
Charlie needs me at home.
DANNY
What about what I need? Am I going
crazy? Tell me I’m not the only one
who feels this way.
VIVIENNE
I can’t do this.
DANNY
Fine, but keep your distance. No
more sneaking into my room. Because
if our friendship continues like
this, I’m taking what I want.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Morning Tensions
INT. VIV/DANNY'S ROOM - MORNING
Viv dresses early in the morning for church, wearing a navy
high-collared dress.
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - MORNING
Charlie allows Viv to dress him. No fighting about what he
can and can’t do.
CHARLIE
Thank you.
VIVIENNE
Of course, Charlie.
She moves her mouth to his cheek to kiss him, but pauses.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Is now a good time?
CHARLIE
Not today. I’m not feeling well.
VIVIENNE
What’s the matter? Is it nausea? Do
you want me to bring you something?
CHARLIE
It’s not that, Viv. Don’t you see
what I am?
VIVIENNE
Charlie?
CHARLIE
Not now, Viv. Not now.
She unlocks his wheels and pushes him into the kitchen.
INT. STERLING HOME KITCHEN - MORNING
Maggie sets a pot of tea on the breakfast table as Eleanor
starts into her usual complaining.
ELEANOR
And to think women these days
gallivant about all night with no
regard for propriety.
VIVIENNE
It was a night out with friends.
Just dancing, Eleanor.
Danny walks into the kitchen and pours a glass of milk. He
doesn’t look at Viv.
ELEANOR
Daniel, dear, You’ve nearly burned
through the three gallons of the
allowed gasoline this week.
DANNY
I’m heading out.
He strides out of the kitchen, letting the swinging door
squeal behind him.
Charlie’s oatmeal is untouched.
VIVIENNE
You haven’t eaten your breakfast.
CHARLIE
Not hungry. Would you mind putting
my hands in my lap? I’m ready to
go, and we don’t want to be late
for church.
VIVIENNE
Of course, Charlie.
She folds his hands in his lap and Eleanor wheels him from
the kitchen.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Dinner Tensions
INT. DINING ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Maggie puts a pot roast out for dinner. Viv sets out the
dishes —a pristine white set with delicate blue flowers along
the edges. Danny doesn’t come home.
Eleanor says grace.
CHARLIE
I’m not hungry.
ELEANOR
Charles, you have to eat. You
didn’t eat breakfast.
VIVIENNE
Please, Charlie, can you manage a
few bites?
Charlie stares at his fork. It shakes in his hand. After a
moment, he manages to snare a piece of meat and bring it to
his mouth.
ELEANOR
I think he’s going to propose.
Charlie drops his fork.
CHARLIE
Mother, don’t spread rumors.
ELEANOR
I can have an opinion in my own
home. And I think Daniel’s going to
propose. I’ve never seen him spend
so much time with a woman before.
Can you imagine a girl like Rebecca
Morgan becoming a Sterling? He’d be
crazy not to propose.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I nodded in agreement, hiding how
her words affected me. I had no
right to want anything different
for Danny. If he was in love with a
woman, then he should propose. But
I knew he didn’t love Becca—not
after his confession to me the
night before.
ELEANOR
I’m hoping for a summer wedding.
The blue hydrangeas in front of the
church will make a stunning
backdrop.
CHARLIE
Mother, stop it!
VIVIENNE
Charlie, is everything alright?
CHARLIE
Do you think I want to listen to
her plan a wedding for Danny when I
can’t even be a husband—”
He closes his eyes as his chest rapidly rises and falls, his
face flushed.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
It’s fine. I’m sorry. I didn’t
sleep last night.
ELEANOR
Well, here’s something that might
cheer you up. We received a letter
addressed to you, Charles, from the
United States Army. It looked
important, so I opened it.
CHARLIE
Mother, you had no right to do
that.
ELEANOR
On Thursday evening at the Opera
House, they’ve invited you to a
special ceremony to receive a
Purple Heart. Isn’t that exciting,
Charles? A Purple Heart!
She walks over and gives him a hug.
ELEANOR (CONT’D)
You’ll be honored for your bravery!
CHARLIE
It’s not bravery. I didn’t have a
choice when a mortar hit my Jeep.
I’d rather be a nobody with
functioning legs than a disabled
war hero.
ELEANOR
It says you can bring a guest. If
you want me to go rather than
Vivienne...
CHARLIE
I’m not going. I don’t need an
award, nor do I deserve one. That
day was—
ELEANOR
Charles...
CHARLIE
I’m sorry. I don’t want to talk
about this anymore. Of course, I’ll
go with Vivienne. Viv, can you take
me to bed?
VIVIENNE
Of course, Charlie.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Strained Connections
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - NIGHT
In his room, Charlie leans into his pillows as Viv wraps him
in his favorite quilt.
VIVIENNE
Charlie, what’s the matter? I’ve
never seen you yell at your mother
before.
CHARLIE
I’m sorry. I don’t know what got
into me.
VIVIENNE
I feel like if we could talk
more...touch more, things wouldn’t
feel so hard. Wouldn’t that be
nice.
His eyes are closed. Viv nuzzles into his neck, trailing his
throat, and kissing his jaw. She gently kisses his mouth and
hovers, waiting to see if he will give any signal for
something more.
CHARLIE
Viv, you know I can’t...
VIVIENNE
I don’t care, Charlie. I want you
to do something. Anything. I’m
afraid you don’t love me anymore.
CHARLIE
You know that’s not true. Don’t
talk like that.
Tears stream down her face.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
Don’t cry. I’m grateful to you,
Viv. I don’t deserve you—never
will.
She lies down beside him
VIVIENNE
Do you love me, Charlie?
He turns away but she grips his chin.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Charlie?
He squeezes his eyes shut, the closest a paralyzed man can
come to slamming the door in her face. Viv stands and the bed
squeaks with the loss of her weight.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Then why am I here? Why do I stay?
CHARLIE
Are you leaving?
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I could have easily said no. I
hadn’t really meant I would leave.
Had I? No words to soothe him came
out, not even remorse. The look of
fear on his face was the most
emotion toward me I’d seen from him
in months.
CHARLIE
All right. Thursday then. We’ll go
to the Purple Heart Ceremony
together. I’ll try harder. I
promise.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
A Twisted Ankle and Tensions at Home
INT. BALLET STUDIO - DAY
Helena tapped her cane sharply against the floor.
HELENA
All right, ladies, Andrew, Henry.
Let’s get started.
Joining the others at the barre, Viv focuses on warming up.
After warm-up, Viv ties her pointe shoes and fastens the
practice tutu around her waist. The stiff taffeta rustles as
she moves. She and her partner fall into sync while the
gramophone plays Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.
HELENA (CONT’D)
Stunning, Vivienne! Yes! Yes!
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
When I piqué onto pointe, Andrew’s
foot snags mine, and my ankle
twists sharply. I yelp, and we
tumbled to the floor in a tangled
heap. A stabbing pain shoots up
from my ankle.
PARTNER
Viv, are you okay? I’m so sorry. I
miscalculated a step.
Viv manages to stand, but it’s clear her ankle hurts.
VIVIENNE
I’m fine.
FIONA
Let Vivienne go home. I can finish
out the rehearsal.
Viv sits and unwinds the ribbons on her pointe shoes and
slides her swollen foot free. Helena appears with a rolled up
bandage in hand.
HELENA
We must wrap it quickly before the
swelling gets out of control. No
dancing or walking for at least a
few days.
EXT. OUTSIDE STERLING HOME - DAY
Helena pulls up to the residence and opens Viv’s door,
supporting her along with a cane.
The front door opens and Danny rushes out.
DANNY
What happened?
VIVIENNE
It’s just a twisted ankle. I need
some ice and rest for a day.
He snakes his hand around her waist, pulling her tight.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I melted into his stable arms,
inhaling the scent of the Ivory
Soap from our shared bathroom. His
simple touch ignited me, and I
quivered, wondering if that moment
breached his threat.
Danny guides her towards the porch, the sunlight starting to
fade. As they reach the porch, Eleanor swings the door open.
ELEANOR
Good heavens, Vivienne. How are you
going to take care of Charles like
that?
VIVIENNE
Not now, Eleanor.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Ceremony Tensions
INT. VIV/DANNY'S ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Legend: Night of the Purple Heart Ceremony
Viv tries on a few dresses and settles on a backless
buttercup-yellow satin sheath with spaghetti straps. It
features a crisscross low V-neck and soft ruching at the
waist, with a skirt that cascades to the floor in shiny
golden waves.
She heads downstairs to Charlie’s room
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Charlie is in his wheelchair, dressed for the ceremony.
Eleanor is adjusting pillows on the bed.
CHARLIE
I’m tired, Mother. Can you help me
get ready for bed?
When Viv steps into the room, Charlie is trying to unbutton
his jacket.
VIVIENNE
Charlie, we don’t have to stay all
night. Just long enough to receive
your award.
CHARLIE
Not tonight, Viv.
ELEANOR
Well, somebody needs to accept his
award. People will expect it. Can
you do that, Viv?
VIVIENNE
I better not. I don’t want to go
alone. Besides, I’d have to take a
streetcar and walk in these heels.
DANNY (O.S.)
I’ll drive and escort her.
They all turn to see Danny standing there in his full
military uniform.
ELEANOR
Daniel, you look so handsome. Well,
that’s settled then. Daniel and
Vivienne can accept the award for
you.
CHARLIE
Mother, if she doesn’t want to go,
we shouldn’t make her. Besides, I
don’t know if I trust you with my
wife.
DANNY
I don’t know if I trust me with
your wife.
Charlie rolls his eyes.
ELEANOR
Daniel, that’s not funny.
Viv leans down to Charlie.
VIVIENNE
Are you sure you’re ok if I go?
CHARLIE
Uh…sure, Viv. It would be a shame
for you to waste a nice dress.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Tension in the Lincoln
INT. LINCOLN - EVENING
Daniel and Viv are in the car. Daniel doesn’t start it. He
grips the steering wheel until his knuckles turn white.
VIVIENNE
What’s the matter?
DANNY
Does he even see you, Viv?
He turns the key and revs the engine.
DANNY (CONT’D)
When was the last time Charlie
touched you?
VIVIENNE
He kissed me goodbye before we
left.
DANNY
No, you kissed his forehead.
VIVIENNE
It’s none of your business, Danny.
DANNY
When was the last time he made love
to you?
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
The cold air stung my cheeks. I’d
been focused on Danny while he
spoke, but now, my hands itched to
do something else. I unclasped my
purse and began rearranging its
contents: lip rouge, compact, a
handkerchief, coin pouch—everything
was there.
VIVIENNE
That’s not fair. Charlie is in a
wheelchair.
DANNY
I don’t care what does or doesn’t
work.
(MORE)
DANNY (CONT’D)
He’s got two hands, doesn’t he? And
he’s got a mouth. There are many
ways to make love to a woman.
VIVIENNE
I...I wouldn’t know.
DANNY
That’s what I was afraid of.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Tension at the Opera
INT. OPERA HOUSE - EVENING
The Opera House glows a warm yellow through its arched
windows, majestic against the blue starlit sky.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
In a few weeks, people would step
into the grand building to see me
perform in Swan Lake. But tonight,
my heart raced for other reasons.
Danny guides her through the entrance to their seats in the
front row.
The ceremony goes as expected, the names read aloud, each a
reminder of the sacrifices made. Families step forward to
accept awards on behalf of soldiers who never returned.
The Master of Ceremonies peers into the dark theater.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Charles Richard Sterling.
Danny nudges Viv gently. She walks up and graciously accepts
the award—a brass medallion with an embossed face of George
Washington, nestled inside a velvet-lined box, then returns
to her seat.
Danny smiles, casually shifting his hand on his knee. Viv
straightens in her seat, gripping the edge of the red velvet
cushion. Their knees nearly touching.
As though he’d waited long enough, Danny’s hand slide onto
Viv’s thigh, his fingers threading through hers.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
The air tightened between us, as if
all oxygen had been sucked out of
the room. Sitting beside him,
holding his hand, feeling the
weight of his stare on me, was too
much. I knew what Danny wanted, and
I wanted the same.
Viv stands suddenly and rushes out of the theater. She
hurries down the red-carpeted steps, pulling the mink around
her, the buttercup-yellow satin dress swirling at her ankles,
spilling onto the marble floors.
Hurried footsteps behind her and she hastens her pace. Danny
catches her wrist and yanks her into a nearby telephone
lobby. The door clicks shut behind them, and Viv backs
against the wall, her breath shallow and uneven.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Tension and Betrayal
INT. TELEPHONE LOBBY - EVENING
Danny finds her waist, turning her until she faces the wall.
Viv splays her hands against the wood, bracing for whatever
comes next.
He presses against her, kissing her neck, sliding his hand
inside the low V of her neck.
She gasps.
VIVIENNE
Daniel.
Suddenly the sound of footsteps in the hall. Viv pulls away
and steps outside the telephone lobby.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
No, Danny. I can’t be doing this.
I’m not just hurting Charlie, which
should be enough reason for me to
stop. It would hurt—my reputation.
DANNY
Why did you come here, Viv?
VIVIENNE
Danny, I...
DANNY
I’ll meet you outside.
INT. LINCOLN - EVENING
Danny drives home in silence. When they pull up to the house,
he stays behind the wheel. No walk to the door.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
As I looked at the house, my heart
accelerated. Charlie’s lamplight
glowed from the arched window of
his bedroom.
(MORE)
VIVIENNE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
He was waiting for a summary of my
evening. And I was a terrible liar.
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - EVENING
Viv opens his door. He is propped up with pillows.
VIVIENNE
I brought you your Purple Heart.
CHARLIE
Put the medal in the valet box on
the dresser.
VIVIENNE
Don’t you want to see it?
He shakes his head, not meeting her gaze.
CHARLIE
What was it like, going with a man
who can drive you?
VIVIENNE
Charlie, I would have gone with
you...
CHARLIE
It’s fine, Viv. I’ll have Mother
stay with me tonight. You should
sleep upstairs.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Unspoken Tensions
INT. STERLING HOME DINING ROOM - NEXT EVENING
Viv helps set the table, pulling plates from the hutch. Danny
pushes Charlie into the room
ELEANOR
Just three, dear. Daniel, what time
are you going out with Rebecca?
Danny glances at Viv.
DANNY
We have reservations at six.
Viv reaches for a pitcher. Danny brushes by her, their bodies
briefly touching.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Danny’s eyes shot to mine. This
time, I didn’t look away.
(MORE)
VIVIENNE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I let him see everything— anger,
confusion, and all the things I
couldn’t say aloud.
Viv pushes through the kitchen door.
ELEANOR
Vivienne, we are about to start
dinner.
VIVIENNE
Start without me. I’m going to take
out the trash.
INT. KITCHEN - EVENING
She yanks the can up and kicks the back door open. The sun is
already setting, and the sky is golden yellow.
DANNY (O.S.)
Viv! You don’t need to do that.
Lett me take it out.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Unresolved Tensions
EXT. BACK YARD - EVENING
His boots crunch on the gravel behind her.
VIVIENNE
I don’t need your help, Danny.
DANNY
Viv, what do you want from me?
VIVIENNE
You didn’t ask me what I wanted
from you last night when you were
shoving your hand down my dress.
DANNY
Oh, Viv. Always saying exactly
what’s on your mind.
VIVIENNE
Not always. Only with you. I didn’t
know you would run back to Rebecca.
I didn’t—
DANNY
That I’ll drop everything for you?
Because I don’t know what to do
anymore.
VIVIENNE
I’ve never asked anything of you.
You’re the one who complicated
things!
ELEANOR (O.S.)
Daniel, Rebecca is here!
Danny pulls her from behind and holds her to his body,
concealing them behind the dangling branches of a willow
tree. His lips brush her ear.
DANNY
This is hard for me too, Viv.
Viv motions to the back door.
VIVIENNE
You should go.
Danny nods and starts towards the house.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Don’t marry her.
His jaw falls open.
ELEANOR
Daniel! You’re being rude. Rebecca
is waiting. Dinner is getting cold.
Daniel walks away, the screen door slapping behind him.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
An Evening of Introductions
INT. STERLING HOME DINING ROOM - EVENING
Viv drifts into the dining room and there she is. REBECCA
MORGAN (20’s). Breathtaking with raven-black hair that
cascades in perfect waves around a porcelain face,
accentuated by smoky eyes and bold red lips. She wears a
black figure-hugging dress as though she’s stepped out of a
movie.
CHARLIE
Viv, meet Rebecca.
VIVIENNE
Hello, Rebecca.
ELEANOR
Rebecca’s father owns Morgan
Motors.
REBECCA
Vivienne Hartley. Pardon me, I’m a
little star-struck. I’ve been a big
fan of yours ever since you danced
in Giselle.
DANNY
Viv’s performing Swan Lake in a few
weeks.
REBECCA
Oh, I’d be delighted to see you
perform.
DANNY
We better go.
ELEANOR
Any plans after dinner?
REBECCA
Twin Peaks. It’s a delightful
night. Thought we could watch the
stars. My Cadillac has a roll-down
top.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Twin Peaks was a notorious make-out
spot, with fantastic views of the
city. I had no doubt Rebecca’s
black silk dress had a roll-down
top as well.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Caught Between Desire and Duty
INT. KITCHEN - EARLY MORNING
Morning light streams through the window as Viv sits at the
table looking like she hasn’t slept all night.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I had no business caring what Danny
did at night. I needed to focus on
my rehearsals for Swan Lake.
Channel all my passion for Danny
into my dancing.
She goes to the window, looks out at the pond in the back
yard. She pushes open the back door, walks to the edge of the
pond and without hesitation, jumps in, only wearing her
nightgown.
Floating on the surface, her nightdress ripples out— like the
wings of a butterfly.
Suddenly, a splash beside her. Danny’s hands grip her arms,
hauling her from the water; spilling her onto the lawn. She
shudders and gasps for air.
DANNY
Viv, are you alright?
VIVIENNE
Let go of me!
She swats him harder and harder until the tears fall and she
collapsed on the grass.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
If Charlie saw me drowning, he’d do
nothing. He’d already watched me
drown emotionally. But Danny was
right there. He scooted closer
until his body pressed against
mine, his face hovering above. He
looked at me like he wanted to be
the one to save me. And I was tired
of resisting him.
His arms wrap around her. She tilts her chin. Parts her lips.
The kiss is urgent, unrestrained. His hand slides beneath her
nightgown, his fingers gripping her thigh.
She nudges him onto his back, and he surrenders, a soft moan
slipping from his throat. She lies on top of him, pressing
her body against his, and kisses him once more.
ELEANOR (O.S.)
Vivienne! Are you out there, dear?
Danny pushes her off and dives into the bushes. Viv jumps
back into the pond as Eleanor opens the back door.
ELEANOR (CONT’D)
Good heavens! Get out of there at
once! What are you doing?
VIVIENNE
Just clearing my head.
ELEANOR
Charlie is awake and he’s calling
for you.
Viv hoists herself out of the pond and heads to the house.
ELEANOR (CONT’D)
Don’t ever step foot in my pond
again.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I wasn’t even good enough for her
dirty pond.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Morning Reflections
INT. VIV/DANNY'S ROOM - MORNING
She dresses in the navy square-necked dress, and heads for
Charlie’s room.
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - MORNING
She hovers by the doorway, watching. He sits in his chair
with a mirror propped in front of him, lathering shaving
cream across his jaw. His hand unsteadily lifts the blade,
pausing for a moment before carefully dragging it over his
skin. He wipes away more shaving cream than actual stubble.
His reflection in the mirror stares back at her.
VIVIENNE
I’m surprised Eleanor let you shave
yourself.
CHARLIE
A man needs a razor to feel
complete. I need nothing else.
VIVIENNE
So, you feel more complete with a
razor than with me?
CHARLIE
Viv, don’t. Doctor Harrington will
be here shortly. Help me dress.
VIVIENNE
Sure, Charlie.
She begins helping Charlie dress when Eleanor comes in.
ELEANOR
Glad to see you’ve decided to
rejoin civilized society, Viv.
CHARLIE
What do you mean?
ELEANOR
Vivienne decided to take a swim in
that filthy pond this morning.
Charlie stares at Viv.
CHARLIE
I’d give anything to be able to
swim again.
Viv takes his hand.
VIVIENNE
Would you like me to take you...
ELEANOR
Absolutely not!
CHARLIE
It’s ok, Viv.
Viv finishes dressing Charlie. Pushes him into the parlor.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Facing Reality
INT. PARLOR - MORNING
The doorbell rings and a moment later, DOCTOR HARRINGTON
(50’s) enters the parlor. He’s a lanky man with dark hair and
glasses too big for his face.
DR. HARRINGTON
Sorry I’m late. I had to convince
my last patient that a cat’s
sprained paw wasn’t a reason for a
house call. Good to see you again,
Charles. How have things been?
Charlie flexes his fingers.
CHARLIE
I–I’ve been experiencing increased
numbness and burning in my hands.
Is this a normal progression of
paralysis?
DR. HARRINGTON
Well, let’s have a look.
He pulls out a stethoscope and places it against Charlie’s
back, asking him to inhale and exhale. Then, he waves a
flashlight over Charlie’s pupils and runs a steel pinwheel
across Charlie’s hand. Charlie remains still as the pinwheel
makes tiny dots across his skin.
DR. HARRINGTON (CONT’D)
Do you feel that?
CHARLIE
Not like I used to. Not really at
all. Some days, I can’t even lift
my arms.
DR. HARRINGTON
Well, I wish I had better news for
you. Unfortunately, it seems to be
getting worse. You’ll likely lose
more of your fine motor skills,
like holding a fork or a razor.
ELEANOR
Nonsense! He holds a pencil and
does his crosswords every day.
CHARLIE
Are there medicines I can take to
slow the progression or help me get
better?
DR. HARRINGTON
I’m afraid there is no magic pill
for this, Charles.
CHARLIE
Will I die?
VIVIENNE
Charlie...
DR. HARRINGTON
We don’t know how far it will
progress. I’m hopeful we can at
least get you more comfortable.
Doctor Harrington snaps his bag shut and stands.
DR. HARRINGTON (CONT’D)
I know you don’t want to hear this,
Mrs. Sterling. There’s an inpatient
facility only minutes from here,
with state-of-the-art equipment and
twenty-four-hour care.
Eleanor shakes her head emphatically, refusing to listen.
VIVIENNE
Is there anything we can do here?
DR. HARRINGTON
He’ll need more therapy. We can
talk more at his next appointment.
Viv takes Charlie’s hand.
VIVIENNE
Charlie, what can I do...
CHARLIE
Don’t. I don’t want to talk about
it.
Eleanor unlocks his wheels and rolls him down the hall.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Intimacy and Concern
INT. VIV/DANNY'S ROOM - LATE NIGHT
Viv stands at the window holding a bottle of wine, looking
down at the empty street. Danny hasn’t returned with the
Lincoln.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I had never been drunk—at least,
not as much as I wanted to be at
that moment. Since there would be
no rehearsal tomorrow, I’d risk a
hangover. If Eleanor discovered I’d
uncorked her prized bottle of
decade-old Château Margaux, she
might kill me. But the way I was
feeling, I would welcome it.
Faint glow of headlights as the Lincoln pulls up and Danny
gets out.
Soft thud of footsteps. Her door opens and Danny steps in.
He comes to her, takes the bottle, downs a long swig, sets
the bottle on the bedside table and wraps his arms around
her.
DANNY
I can’t stop thinking about you.
VIVIENNE
Me either.
He pushes her back on the bed.
DANNY
We have all night.
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - MORNING
She dresses Charlie without making eye contact, then makes
his bed.
VIVIENNE
Your appointment with Doctor
Harrington is in an hour, Charlie.
Aren’t you a little excited about
touring the Bayview facility. I
hear they have wonderful
therapists.
CHARLIE
I don’t need a therapist.
VIVIENNE
Why didn’t you tell me about your
hands going numb?
CHARLIE
I didn’t want to burden you. I new
you wanted to dance. I didn’t want
to hold you back.
Viv leans down and hugs him.
VIVIENNE
Oh, Charlie, you’re not a burden.
Danny comes in.
DANNY
You ready, big guy? Let’s get you
in the car.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Tensions at Bayview Facility
INT. BAYVIEW FACILITY - AFTERNOON
Viv, Eleanor and Charlie finish touring the facility with
Doctor Harrington.
DR. HARRINGTON
Well, what do you think, Charles?
CHARLIE
I like the gym and the art center.
It would be…nice. I didn’t realize
so many people had the same
condition as me. I’d love to come
here, only if it’s not too much
trouble to drive me every day.
DR. HARRINGTON
Charles, you would be staying here.
This is an inpatient facility only.
CHARLIE
Oh, I didn’t realize I wouldn’t be
home.
ELEANOR
That’s settled then. We’re going
home now.
VIVIENNE
It’s not settled. Are you sure,
Charlie. It’s such a nice facility.
ELEANOR
Vivienne, he already said he didn’t
want to stay. What are you going to
do? Force your poor husband to live
among the other invalids while you
flit off to your rehearsals?
VIVIENNE
He said he likes the place. Let him
speak for himself.
CHARLIE
I don’t want to be a burden to
anyone. If you think I should stay,
Viv...
ELEANOR
This is a discussion for another
day.
She yanks his wheelchair around and heads down the hall.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Secrets and Confrontations
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - MORNING
Viv puts Charlie’s razor away and straightens his bed, when
Danny enters with a mug of coffee. He hands the mug to
Charlie
DANNY
Drink up, brother. You’ll need your
energy today.
CHARLIE
For what?
DANNY
I’m taking you to the beach. You’re
probably sick of this house. I know
I am.
VIVIENNE
You should go Charlie.
DANNY
You too, Viv. Get your swimsuit.
VIVIENNE
No, I think you two should have
some time alone. Rehearsals this
week have been killer. I just want
to rest.
DANNY
Alright then. Me and Charlie will
have some time alone while he
leaves the ole’ ball and chain at
home.
EXT. LINCOLN IN FRONT OF STERLING HOME - MORNING
After packing everything in the trunk with extra towels and
snacks, Viv kisses Charlie’s forehead and bids them farewell.
INT. PARLOR - MORNING
Stepping back into the house, Viv had barely crossed the
foyer, when Danny comes back through the front door and
closes it.
He reaches for her pulling her into a secluded corner of the
parlor.
DANNY
I’ve missed you. How are you doing
with all this.
VIVIENNE
Not too bad, I guess.
DANNY
Good. I didn’t want you to think
I’ve been ignoring you. I’ve been
trying to give you space to think
things through, but it’s torture.
Their lips meet in a passionate kiss.
The door swings open and Eleanor stands there, stunned.
ELEANOR
What is—how could—Vivienne! I
should have known you would try to
seduce Daniel. Every other woman
wants him, why not you!
DANNY
Mother, this is not Viv’s fault,
it’s mine.
VIVIENNE
Eleanor...
ELEANOR
I can’t imagine what this would do
to Charles. He would be crushed.
How could you do this to him?
VIVIENNE
Eleanor, please...
Eleanor jabs a finger in Danny’s chest.
ELEANOR
And you! How could you betray your
own brother?
DANNY
If Charlie must know, I’ll tell
him. But you will not blame Viv for
this.
Eleanor stares at them both, eyes of steel.
ELEANOR
You will not tell him. Charlie must
never know. Vivienne, You will see
Father Simon today, confess your
sins, and get on the straight and
narrow. Whatever is going on
between you two stops this instant.
VIVIENNE
You’re right, Eleanor. It stops
now.
ELEANOR
Go see Father Simon.
VIVIENNE
I will not.
ELEANOR
I knew you were trouble the day my
son brought you home. You waltzed
in here with your perfect little
ballerina posture, like you owned
the place. Beautiful back then,
weren’t you? I suppose you still
are, and that’s why Danny has gone
mad.
Eleanor swept her eyes down Viv’s body before storming out of
the room.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I gripped the banister, determined
to keep my promise. I would salvage
my marriage, even if it shattered
me. This time, Charlie would
notice. He would finally see the
lengths I was going to for him. And
maybe I’d find the redemption I
desperately needed.
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Viv cleans the beach sand from Charlies shoes. The door eases
open and Danny walks in carrying a steaming mug. He sets it
on the table beside Charlie.
DANNY
Thought you could use some tea.
CHARLIE
Thanks Danny.
INT. VIV/DANNY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Danny stands outside the room, gently tapping on the door.
Viv shoves a pillow over her ears until the shadow beneath
the threshold moves down the hall.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Odile's Dance: A Test of Stamina
INT. BALLET STUDIO - DAY
The dancers are all lined up along the barre.
HELENA
Today, we focus on Odile's dance.
Places, please.
Fiona, her partner, Viv and her partner gather around Helena.
No one looks ready to dance. Even Fiona, stifles a yawn. Her
partner, busily adjusts the wrap around his ankle.
HELENA (CONT’D)
The dance of the Black Swan is one
of the most challenging pieces you
will ever perform. It not only
demands incredible stamina for the
thirty-two fouettés, but you must
also have masterful technique.
Fiona shoots Viv a sidelong glance.
HELENA (CONT’D)
It's not only about the steps.
Odile is cunning and seductive.
She’s there to fool everyone at the
ball into believing she's Odette,
so Prince Siegfried will propose to
her.
Viv centers herself and dances Odile’s sharp, staccato moves.
HELENA (CONT’D)
Convince me, ladies! Show me you
want to win the prince's heart,
only to crush it once he falls in
love with you.
Viv dances with energy and passion.
HELENA (CONT’D)
Bravo, Vivienne. That’s the best
rendition of Odile I’ve ever seen.
Genres:
["Drama","Dance"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Unresolved Tensions
INT. PARLOR - AFTERNOON
Viv steps in the door, hangs her ballet bag on the hook. A
minute later the doorbell rings. She opens it to find
Rebecca, looking elegant as always.
REBECCA
Hi Viv. Is Danny home?
Eleanor steps into the parlor
ELEANOR
Oh dear, Rebecca, I forgot to tell
Danny you were coming. Viv, could
you fetch him?
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - AFTERNOON
Viv steps into Charlies room. Danny is sitting on the
windowsill, smoking a cigar. He jumps down when he sees her.
DANNY
Viv.
VIVIENNE
Eleanor wanted me to let you know
that Rebecca is here for dinner.
CHARLIE
You better freshen up, Brother.
Don’t want to keep your future ball
and chain waiting.
DANNY
Viv...I had no idea...
VIVIENNE
Eleanor invited Becca. Best go see
her.
Danny smooths his hair, tucks in his shirt and leaves the
room.
CHARLIE
What was that all about?
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
If you only knew… You see, Charlie,
it's about me being Odile. I've
deceived you, and you're the only
one in this house who doesn’t know
it. I'm not Odette, the white swan
you thought I was; I'm the cunning
daughter of the evil sorcerer, Von
Rothbart. I’m The Black Swan.
VIVIENNE
I guess Eleanor wants to ensure a
proposal.
INT. VIV/DANNY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Viv slips under the covers of the bed, but can’t resist
peeking through the curtains. Down below, the soft glow from
the porchlight catches Danny holding Becca’s hand.
HE WALKS BECCA TO HER CADILLAC. THEY STAND NEXT TO THE
DRIVER'S SIDE, LIKE DANNY IS WAITING FOR SOMETHING. BECCA
DOESN’T MOVE FOR A WHILE.
Danny opens her door and she leans in and kisses him. Danny
pulls back and runs his hand over the back of his neck. He
looks up at Viv’s window and meets her gaze. Viv slumps back
into the bed.
The front door closes. His footsteps outside her door. They
pause for a moment, then move on.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Tension in the Studio
INT. BALLET STUDIO - AFTERNOON
Helena taps her cane on the piano and the music stops.
HELENA
Vivienne, what's going on? You’re
rushing through the steps and
avoiding the music. It's as though
you’ve forgotten how to be Odette.
Viv’s arms drop to her side.
VIVIENNE
Why did Siegfried choose Odette?
There are twenty-four other maidens
under Von Rothbart's spell. Why did
he fall in love with Odette?
HELENA
You can’t tell the heart who to
love or not love. The heart wants
what the heart wants.
Viv strolls home, keeping her eyes ahead on the next dim
streetlamp.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
The heart wants what the heart
wants.
INT. PARLOR - AFTERNOON
Charlie sits under a reading lamp, a folded newspaper over
his lap, while Danny leans against the Victrola, setting a
record. Eleanor knits in her floral wingback chair next to
Charlie.
CHARLIE
Hi, Viv. This one’s for you. A
performer with leaps and turns
ending with r.
VIVIENNE
I don’t know, Charlie.
CHARLIE
Dancer. That’s an easy one.
Danny gently places the needle on the vinyl. The familiar
strains of Tchaikovsky’s oboe and violin from Swan Lake flow
through the speakers.
DANNY
I thought you could show us what
you do all day.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
If Danny wanted to take away my
burdens, I would not stop him. My
feet twitched, and my legs started
to move.
Viv places her hand on the mantel, slides off her loafers,
and points her toes, drawing her leg out in a slow développé.
The music drones on, and she raises her leg and circles into
ronde de jambe, extending into an arabesque penché. Her skirt
slides above her thighs as she drops deeper.
CHARLIE
Don’t wear yourself out, Viv.
She opens her arms and lifts into an arabesque and begins a
promenade. She finishes with a flourish.
Danny tosses a shoe at Charlie.
DANNY
Did you see her? Did you watch your
wife’s incredible performance?
Charlie’s eyes snap up, his crossword rippling to the floor.
CHARLIE
What do you mean? I watch her dance
all the time. I’m not in the mood
tonight, all right?
DANNY
I don’t care if you haven’t slept
in a year. It’s not an excuse.
(MORE)
DANNY (CONT’D)
Did you think Vivienne was dancing
for the empty fireplace? If your
wife is dancing, pay attention.
Viv grabs her bag and heads upstairs. Stops on the landing.
CHARLIE
Well, now that you bring it up, I
don’t think she was dancing for me
at all. Something tells me she was
dancing for you.
DANNY
You think so?
CHARLIE
I see the way she looks at you.
It’s not right. Maybe if you hadn’t
hesitated to talk to her after her
ballet performance two years ago,
things might have turned out
differently. I was the one who
talked to her first. She chose me,
Danny. Don’t forget that.
DANNY
Viv is a prima ballerina. Don’t you
see? She’s the best damn thing
that’s happened to this sad city in
a long time, and you’re
discouraging her from pursuing her
dreams.
CHARLIE
Do you think I chose this? I don’t
enjoy relying on anyone to bring me
food or wipe me. Vivienne changed
the day you showed up. Whatever is
going on between you two, it ends
now.
DANNY
She’s as graceful as the strokes in
a Monet. Really, Charlie? Since
when do you talk like an art
critic? Are you going to tell her
where you heard that one?
CHARLIE
There’s nothing to tell. Stay away
from my wife.
Danny heads to the stairs, staring up at Viv, then takes the
stairs two at a time, passing her by. She heads back down.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
Viv, Can you put me to bed?
VIVIENNE
Sure, Charlie.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Unspoken Truths
INT. CHARLIE’S ROOM - NIGHT
Viv helps him into bed, fluffs his pillows.
VIVIENNE
Charlie, what was Danny talking
about? What story?
CHARLIE
It’s almost laughable now. If he
hadn’t talked about the Great
Vivienne Hartley before going off
to war, I might not have approached
you at the de Young Museum. You
danced in front of that painting
with the waterfall and the rainbow.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
People had flown in from all over
the country to watch me perform.
Charlie had only seen the beautiful
ballerina his brother had talked
about. And suddenly, with sickening
clarity, I understood. Even his
words that night hadn’t been his.
“Graceful as a Monet.” Danny’s
words.
CHARLIE
I’m sorry, Viv. That day was real
for me. I did fall in love with
you.
VIVIENNE
You don’t need to apologize,
Charlie.
She cups his face and leans in to kiss him. But he turns
away.
CHARLIE
Not now, Viv.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
A Heart in Turmoil
INT. BALLET STUDIO - DAY
Viv I nods and steps onto the rehearsal marks, taking her
partner’s hand as he guides her into a passé cambré for the
iconic pas de deux of the Black Swan. Odile was a deceiver.
They finish and Viv collapses to the floor panting.
HELENA (O.S.)
You’ve got an hour break.
Viv changes her shoes and pads outside. The Lincoln is parked
in front of the studio, Eleanor driving, Charlie in the
passenger seat.
ELEANOR
Viv, hop in. We are going to lunch
at Nessi’s Café.
Viv smiles at Charlie, touches his arm and climbs in the back
seat.
INT. NESSI’S CAFE - DAY
As they enter the cafe, Viv instantly spots Danny across the
room with Rebecca. She sees them and rushes over, waving her
hand, now adorned with a beautiful ring.
REBECCA
We’re engaged!
Danny walks up behind her. His head is down, not looking at
Viv.
VIVIENNE
Congratulations, both of you.
CHARLIE
Congratulations, Becca. Good
luck—you’re gonna need it.
He gives Danny a playful shove.
VIVIENNE
I need a moment. I’ll be in the
ladies room.
INT. NESSI’S LADY'S ROOM - DAY
Bursting through the swinging doors, Viv rushes to the
counter and drops my ballet bag. She stares in the mirror.
Her hair is in a bun. She’s not wearing makeup.
She yanks her bun loose, drags a brush through her hair. She
pushes through the door and makes her way to the long table
where everyone is seated.
ELEANOR
I ordered for you. You were gone so
long.
VIVIENNE
Thank you, Eleanor. I’ll just walk
back to the dance studio. Perhaps
the waitress can wrap my meal.
Charlie’s napkin falls to the floor and Viv bends to retrieve
it, smoothing it back on his lap. She looks up at Danny, then
gives Charlie a long kiss on his mouth. Charlie looks
shocked.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
I have to go.
Viv rushes though the restaurant and out onto the sidewalk.
EXT. SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF NESSI’S - DAY
Viv takes a deep breath and starts walking.
DANNY (O.S.)
Viv! Wait up!
She whirls around.
VIVIENNE
Go tend to your fiancée, Daniel.
DANNY
Viv, please...
VIVIENNE
Don’t say anything, Danny.
DANNY
I don’t know what else to do.
VIVIENNE
There’s no future with us. You did
what you needed to do, and I won’t
condemn you for that.
Danny nods and turns away. Viv starts walking, then breaks
into a run back to the ballet studio.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
The cafe, the Sterling residence,
church, everywhere else was like
finding my way through a fun house,
only to realize it was all a ruse.
Soon, Danny would belong to Becca,
and I would leave ballet forever to
take care of Charlie.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
A Dance of Confessions
INT. BALLET STUDIO - DAY
The next morning, Viv walks in and stares up at the perfectly
restored ceiling. No more drips. No more buckets.
ALEXANDER
From the top!
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I exhaled and became the grieving
Odette. It was easy to pretend,
collapsing into my despair as
images played over and over in my
mind—Danny proposing to Becca, the
look on Charlie’s face when I’d
kissed him. I leaned into all of
it. I would use my pain to dance
the hell out of the piece.
Her partner lifts her arms, and she extends into a développé
before turning into a pirouette, finishing in an attitude and
leaning into her partner’s arms.
ALEXANDER
Beautiful, Vivienne. Beautiful!
EXT. CITY STREETS - EVENING
After rehearsal, Viv sprints downstairs, and pushes open the
door leading to Van Ness Avenue. When I reaches the sidewalk,
she grips her ballet bag to keep from stumbling.
Danny is there, leaning against the Lincoln.
DANNY
I didn’t think you’d ever come out.
VIVIENNE
Danny!
DANNY
Viv, I just need five minutes to
talk to you.
INT. LINCOLN - EVENING
She climbs into the car and Danny slides in next to her.
DANNY
Yesterday, after you saw me with
Becca at the restaurant, I ended
things.
VIVIENNE
Danny, I...
DANNY
Let me finish. As much as I want to
do the right thing, I can’t marry
Becca. If there’s the smallest
chance, Viv, we could be something
more, I’m willing to take that risk
and wait. I don’t want you to
choose between me and Charlie. The
thought of it makes me sick. I’m in
love with you. As much as I try not
to be, I’m desperately in love with
you. I have been since the first
time I saw you.
VIVIENNE
In...in the parlor?
DANNY
No, in the Opera House, two years
ago. I was representing Bay City
Times as an intern, sent to
interview you after your
performance in Lilac Garden. But,
you were already speaking with
another journalist from the
Chronicle. I wanted to come up to
you, find the words...but then you
left.
The car is silent except for their breathing. Danny shifts
into reverse, drives out of the space, and into traffic. He
speeds down Van Ness Avenue, weaving through the city streets
until he enters an obscure neighborhood with an unkept park
and a flickering lamp post.
He brushes the hair from her face.
DANNY (CONT’D)
We may not get another chance.
She wraps herself around him and they make love under the
streetlight. Afterwards, she traces light circles along his
shoulder.
VIVIENNE
I’m complicated and imperfect.
DANNY
So am I.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Secrets and Sacrifices
INT. OPERA HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Swan Lake is days away and rehearsals have moved to the Opera
House.
ALEXANDER
Slower and slower and slower,
Vivienne! We won’t get out of here
before midnight. Get in step with
the music!
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
The lights dimmed and brightened.
The stage spun. A wave of nausea
rose in my belly and then I
collapsed.
Alexander won’t let her finish. Her partner drives her home.
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - AFTERNOON
Charlie wants to listen to music in the parlor, so Viv
trudges upstairs to lie down.
With Danny gone, his door is ajar, and Viv sneaks inside. She
lays her head on his pillow. A note on the sewing table
catches her eye.
The note is open, laid out in plain English.
To Whom It May Concern, This letter serves to certify that
Mr. Daniel Sterling has undergone a thorough medical
examination at our facility and has been deemed physically
and mentally fit to resume military duties. Sincerely, Dr.
Penn
INT. BATHROOM - AFTERNOON
Viv barely makes it to the bathroom before she throws up. She
cleans up the mess then heads back to bed.
INT. VIV/DANNY'S ROOM - AFTERNOON
She crawls into bed. A soft tapping at the door.
DANNY
Can I come in?
VIVIENNE
It’s open.
Danny smiles as he enters, wearing a button-up striped shirt
tightly tucked into his trousers. He is carrying a tray with
a steaming bowl.
DANNY
Charlie told me you looked pale
when you retreated upstairs. Are
you feeling any better?
VIVIENNE
A little. Oh, Danny. I found the
note in your room. It says you’re
fit to serve. You’re going to
leave.
DANNY
Yes. The doc cleared me. I have to
go.
VIVIENNE
How much more time do I have with
you?
DANNY
I board the ship day after
tomorrow. Going to the Pacific.
The door bursts open and Eleanor stares at them.
ELEANOR
I saw Mrs. Morgan today. You broke
up with Rebecca? Why?
DANNY
You know why, Mother. I’m not in
love with Rebecca. I’m in love with
Viv.
ELEANOR
You two could at least have the
decency not to act like animals in
the same house as Charles.
DANNY
I have no problem telling Charlie
right now if that’s what’s
bothering you. I’m in love with
Viv, and nothing can stop that.
Charlie might as well know, too.
Danny strides toward the door, and Eleanor moves in his path,
catching hold of his shirt.
ELEANOR
Don’t do that, Daniel. Don’t tell
poor Charles. Please.
Eleanor suddenly looks defeated.
ELEANOR (CONT’D)
Just be more discreet. That’s all
I’m saying.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Danny’s hand hovered near the
doorknob, hesitating. Then, as if
reading my mind—or maybe he just
felt the same—he stepped back. If
Eleanor Sterling could keep our
secret, so could I.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Shattered Trust
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
Viv steps into the kitchen, wearing a lavender dress.
Eleanor comes in from the front porch carrying a newspaper,
which she tosses into Charlie’s lap.
Viv bends down and kisses Charlie’s forehead.
CHARLIE
Good morning, Viv.
He reaches for the paper, barely gripping the edges, and
straightens the print in front of him. But Charlie’s face
grew pale as the newspaper slid from his fingers.
Viv rushes to him.
VIVIENNE
Charlie? What’s wrong?
Her gaze falls to the newspaper, lying open on the floor.
Across the front page is a black-and-white photo of Danny and
Viv in the front seat of the Lincoln, their lips locked in a
passionate kiss.
The headline is in a bold black font: America's Sweetheart
Shatters Hearts: War Hero's Wife in a Scandalous Affair.
Viv falls to her knees, scraping up the paper. She reaches
for Charlie’s hand.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Charlie, let me explain.
CHARLIE
Don’t touch me! Don’t you dare
touch me!
The sound of heavy boots coming down the stairs. Whistling
echoes from the stairwell.
Danny steps into the foyer. His whistling trails off as he
takes in the scene—Viv huddled over the damning newspaper.
Charlie’s pained expression, tightened to rage. Eleanor
freezes behind Danny with the teapot in one hand, a tray of
teacups in the other.
Danny glances at Viv, brow raised. Charlie points a finger at
him.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
I told you to stay away from her!
Danny’s jaw hardens.
DANNY
I didn’t do it to hurt you,
Charlie. I’m in love with her.
VIVIENNE
Charlie, please! What can I do...
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
The sight of him—his red eyes,
sullen face, and pale lips—pierced
me deeper than any physical wound
could. I had hurt Charlie in the
worst possible way.
CHARLIE
I can’t bear to look at either of
you. I’m trapped in my own home,
and I can’t leave! I can’t lift my
arms to defend my honor. What does
that say about me? What kind of man
am I?
Suddenly, the precious Venetian glass vase that sits on the
Sterlings’ mantel crashes. Eleanor gasps.
Danny stands at the mantel, running his fingers through the
broken glass.
DANNY
What else can I break for you
Charles?
ELEANOR
Daniel, stop it!
Charlie points to a side table.
CHARLIE
That over there. The ridiculous
decanter set. I’ve always hated
that thing.
Danny rushes to the table and sends each piece flying, one by
one. Eleanor nearly collapses on the floor crying.
CRASH! Crystal candle holders shatter across the floor.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
What about that damned clock? If I
hear that chime again, I’ll go
crazy.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
The mantel clock was a treasured
piece of art from the Paris
Exposition. Polished brass and
wood, inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
The chimes imitated the tones of
the bells of Notre Dame—Eleanor’s
most prized possession. I couldn’t
look.
CRASH! Beautiful dark wood splinters on the floor.
CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! E
Eleanor is hysterical, crying, screaming for Danny to stop.
Viv grips Charlie’s calves, buries her face in his lap. He
pushes her off.
CHARLIE
Viv, please go. I can’t bear to
look at you.
Danny leans down and lets Charlie punch him in the face, over
and over.
The scene shifts from baffling to surreal—Charlie’s grief,
Danny’s bloodied nose, Eleanor’s broken parlor. Viv grabs her
ballet bag, an umbrella, and a coat and heads out the door.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Scandal and Solitude
EXT. CITY STREETS - AFTERNOON
Viv races down the street to the Ballet Studio; yanks open
the door.
Helena is studying the clipboard, her gray hair hanging
loosely around her shoulders. I After making ticks on her
board, she glances around the room.
HELENA
Ok, everyone. Let’s get started.
Viv takes her place in the center. She moves through the
steps effortlessly.
As the mournful strains of Tchaikovsky’s fourth act fade into
silence, Viv lifts her chin.
VIVIENNE
If you haven’t heard by now, I hit
the front page of the Chronicle.
I’ve been deemed San Francisco’s
harlot!
Helena drops her clipboard.
HELENA
Alright, enough rehearsal for
today. I’ll have to speak with
Alexander and decide what steps to
take now. This kind of publicity
could jeopardize our ticket sales.
INT. CHARLIES ROOM - NIGHT
Viv slips into Charlie’s room.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
That night, I slept in Charlie’s
armchair. I could at least take
care of him. He wouldn’t look at
me, but he didn’t tell me to leave,
probably because being next to him
meant I wasn’t in Danny’s arms.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Confrontation in the Studio Bathroom
INT. BALLET STUDIO BATHROOM - DAY
Viv sprawls on the bathroom floor watching the green bile
swirl down the toilet bowl.
The door rattles and Helena enters.
HELENA
Vivienne, I’m worried about you.
When was the last time you had your
period?
Viv buries her face in her hands.
HELENA (CONT’D)
Are your breasts tender?
Viv just nods.
HELENA (CONT’D)
Vivienne, I think you might be
pregnant.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Now that Helena had said the words,
my brain couldn’t block them, no
matter how many stories I tried to
conjure up. Deep down, I knew she
was right. I’d known it for days.
Viv stands up.
VIVIENNE
I’m fine.
HELENA
Vivienne. The company’s reputation
is already hanging by threads since
the news broke. What will people
say when they find out the star of
the ballet is pregnant with another
man’s child? We can’t let you dance
Odette.
VIVIENNE
Please, I’ll do anything. Women
have danced pregnant. It’s not
impossible.
HELENA
Everyone’s watching. You are the
name and face of the ballet
company. You used to be the city’s
most promising star.
(MORE)
HELENA (CONT’D)
Now, the San Francisco Ballet is on
the front of the gossip column.
VIVIENNE
Nobody interprets Odette the way I
do. Fiona has the attitude and
sharp lines for Odile, but I was
made for Odette.
HELENA
I agree with you, Vivienne. But
now, if you have a baby, you’ll
have to care for a child. Go see a
doctor.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
A Heart Divided
EXT. STERLING HOME DRIVEWAY - DAY
Viv walks home slowly and finally reaches the familiar tiered
garden and cobblestone path of the Sterling home The sight of
Danny standing in the driveway stops her short. He is there
with Eleanor, his green army bag slung over his shoulder, his
hair freshly cut, fully dressed in uniform. He rushes to her.
They embrace.
DANNY
Viv, a telegram came. I have to
leave early.
Eleanor stands beside the car, the driver’s side door ajar.
Her white gloves are pristine, her calf-length coat trimmed
with fur. They kiss passionately.
DANNY (CONT’D)
I’ll always be here for you, no
matter what. I want you for myself,
but if you choose to stay with my
brother, I’ll support you. This
isn’t about winning or losing.
Nobody wins here. Hurting Charlie
is unbearable, and so is losing
you.
And with that, he climbs in the car and Eleanor drives him
away, leaving Viv with tears streaming down.
INT. PARLOR - AFTERNOON
In the tidied-up parlor, now bare without most of its
valuables, Charlie sags in his chair, his dark silhouette
framed by the chiffon drapes, his view of the driveway
unobstructed. Enough for a husband to see his wife embracing
his brother in a farewell kiss.
She drops beside Charlie, taking his hand.
VIVIENNE
I hate how much I’ve hurt you,
Charlie. Tell me what you need, and
I’ll do it.
CHARLIE
Leave, Viv. I can’t stand to be in
the same house with you right now.
I can’t walk away or slam doors in
frustration, so I’m asking
you—please, go.
VIVIENNE
Did you ever love me, Charlie?
CHARLIE
Of course. I still...do you want to
love a man without legs? And
now...you’re in love with Danny?
Viv stands. Nods. She touches her belly.
VIVIENNE
I’m pregnant.
His face falls, then suddenly lights up.
CHARLIE
That’s wonderful news. I knew I
wouldn’t be able to give you a
child, and I could never make you
happy. But now that Danny’s gone…we
can be a family.
VIVIENNE
But Danny is not gone forever.
CHARLIE
You said to tell you what I want.
This might be the break we need.
She steps away.
VIVIENNE
The baby doesn’t fix us, Charlie.
It won’t make you want to touch me
or look at me. It only anchors me
more to this life. And I can’t do
this life anymore.
Viv rushes upstairs.
INT. KITCHEN - AFTERNOON
Viv lifts the telephone. Dials the studio. Maggie stares at
her. A familiar voice answers.
VIVIENNE
Helena, I need a place to stay for
a few days.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Rebirth on Stage
INT. APARTMENT ABOVE THE STUDIO - EVENING
Viv sits alone at a dusty writing desk. Pen and paper before
her.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I had ruined my life with Charlie.
I had ruined my reputation with the
ballet. I needed to find a sense of
belonging in myself that no one,
and nothing, could ever take away.
Something inside of me.
She touches her belly.
VIVIENNE
You belong to me, little one.
She picks up the pen and begins composing.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Dear Danny, The moment you left in
Eleanor’s car, a part of me went
with you. You’re not just in my
heart, you’re coursing through my
veins. Literally, a piece of you
grows inside of me. We’re going to
have a baby. I can’t imagine anyone
else raising this child by my side.
You’re the man I want to be with
for the rest of my life, the father
I wish for our child. Please come
back soon. With all my love, Viv
She lies on the bed and falls asleep. The telephone
downstairs in Helena’s office rings. She pulls the string on
my bedside lamp and looks at the clock. Past eleven. She
throws on a robe and hurries out of the room.
INT. HELENA’S OFFICE - NIGHT
She picks up the phone. It’s Charlie.
VIVIENNE CHARLIE
Hello? Hi Viv.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D) CHARLIE (CONT’D)
Charlie? I’ve been thinking a lot
lately. I’ve thought about
how I’ve treated you this
last year. I want to ask you
to come home, so we could try
again.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D) CHARLIE (CONT’D)
Oh, Charlie I know I’ve been distant
lately. But we had something
good, didn’t we?
VIVIENNE (CONT’D) CHARLIE (CONT’D)
I’m so sorry, Charlie. I Before my damned brother!
can’t. Before Danny...
VIVIENNE (CONT’D) CHARLIE (CONT’D)
Yes, before your damned I don’t think I know what
brother, I would have done love is.
anything for you. Love isn’t
just comfort. It’s actions
and understanding. It’s
passion and pleasure. We were
both blind, Charlie, but
Danny gave me a taste of what
it feels like. And now that I
know, I can’t go back.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D) CHARLIE (CONT’D)
Hey. Do you remember that Yes, it was one of the best
night when we got stuck in nights of my life.
the rain after the jazz
festival?
VIVIENNE (CONT’D) CHARLIE (CONT’D)
Mine too... Good night, Viv. Talk to you
soon.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Good night, Charlie.
INT. APARTMENT ABOVE THE STUDIO - NIGHT
Viv falls asleep again, only to be woken by the phone
ringing. She jumps up, runs downstairs.
INT. HELENA’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Viv grabs the phone.
VIVIENNE HELENA
Hello? Oh, Vivienne, I’m so glad I
got you. Fiona and the girls
went out to the Silver
Spring. Fiona sprained her
ankle.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D) HELENA (CONT’D)
Oh, that’s awful. We need you. I know I said
you couldn’t dance. And it’s
short notice, but can you
dance Odette?
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
I’ll be there.
INT. OPERA HOUSE - EVENING
The theater is full. Tuxedos and evening dresses.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
I’d been branded a ‘heartbreaker,’
a ‘home wrecker’ and a ‘floozie’
across every San Francisco
newspaper headline. But, when I
grande jetéd onto that stage, the
audience erupted into applause,
flooding me with relief. Seemed San
Francisco would let me captivate
their hearts once again, even if I
was a seductress.
She is no longer Vivienne; She was Odette in her first
moments on stage, trapped between human and swan. Her white
fitted bodice, adorned with silver sequins, sparkles against
the spotlight. Her headdress is a delicate fan of white
feathers with a rhinestone-studded crown. The Opera House is
quiet. The only sounds are the faint tapping of her pointe
shoes against the wood-planked stage and the solo oboe
playing Odette’s motif.
After their final pose of the pas de deux, an arabesque
penché with her arms extended like the wings of a swan, the
audience erupts in applause. Viv holds the pose as long as
she can, then ballet-runs offstage.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
A Heartbreaking Farewell
INT. APARTMENT ABOVE THE STUDIO - NEXT MORNING
Someone is pounding on the studio door downstairs. Sunlight
trickles in through the small rectangular window of my
apartment. Viv looks at the clock. 9:07.
She puts on her robe and hurries downstairs.
INT. DANCE STUDIO - MORNING
The knocking is insistent. She opens the door.
A man with a neatly trimmed mustache, wearing an olive-green
coat lined with badges and a matching hat, nods to her.
MAN
Mrs. Sterling?
Viv opens her mouth, but she can’t speak. Tears are already
falling.
MAN (CONT’D)
Eleanor Sterling said she called
multiple times with no answer, so
she sent me a note to deliver in
person.
VIVIENNE
He’s gone, isn’t he? Mr. Sterling.
He’s dead?
MAN
I wish I had better news.
EXT. CITY STREETS - MORNING
Viv runs all the way down Van Ness. She reaches the Sterling
house, out of breath. Eleanor stands outside on the porch,
hairpins jutting out, loose tendrils clinging to her damp
cheeks, black makeup smudged beneath her swollen eyes.
ELEANOR
Vivienne!
Viv grips her wrist.
VIVIENNE
Where’s Charlie?
ELEANOR
I sent a serviceman. Don’t you
know?
VIVIENNE
I got a telegram that Danny...
ELEANOR
Daniel? No, dear. It’s Charlie.
Viv throws her arms around Eleanor, hugging her close.
VIVIENNE
What...what happened?
ELEANOR
Charlie...the pond...I don’t know
how. He drowned.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Somehow, Charlie’s death was worse
than if it had been Danny. His
brother had found happiness; he had
accepted life’s challenges with
grace. But Charlie—Charlie was sad.
Broken. And I had left him.
Three men in crisp white uniforms carry a stretcher past them
a blue sheet draped overtop. Viv faints and collapses in the
grass.
LATER
EXT. FRONT PORCH - DAY
Viv sits on the swing beside Eleanor. Viv can’t stop crying.
VIVIENNE
This is my fault. He called
me...asked me to come home.
ELEANOR
No, Vivienne. He begged me to let
him swim. I locked his wheels, told
him it was too dangerous. But I
didn’t stay. The phone rang…and
when I came back…
A young medic approaches.
MEDIC
Ma’am, would you like to see him
before we take him away?
ELEANOR
We both would.
They walk to the ambulance. The medic pulls back the sheet.
His face is ashen, his lips drained of color, dark shadows
pooling beneath his closed eyes. A sound erupts from Viv—a
raw, guttural sob. Then a scream, one after another.
Eleanor strokes her back.
ELEANOR (CONT’D)
Shh, daughter. We’ll get through
this.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Grief and New Beginnings
EXT. GRAVESIDE - DAY
Legend: A Week Later
Under the shade of a sprawling oak tree, they drape Charlie’s
casket with an American flag. Seven servicemen fire their
rifles three times in unison in a three-volley salute,
followed by a farewell song played on the bugle.
They walk back to the car.
ELEANOR
If Charles did this to himself, I
know you would take the blame. And
if it was an accident, I’ll never
forgive myself. Somehow, we must
find the strength to accept that
this wasn’t in our control.
VIVIENNE
I need to tell you something. I’m
pregnant. I’m going to have Danny’s
baby.
They walk on in silence.
ELEANOR
I’m going to be a grandmother? You
can’t possibly live in a ballet
studio with a baby.
VIVIENNE
Helena said I could live there as
long as I need.
ELEANOR
Absolutely not. You will come home
and live with me.
VIVIENNE
I...I can’t live in that house. I
need to find my own place, Eleanor.
We would drive each other mad if we
lived together.
ELEANOR
Well, I can’t stay here any longer.
It’s time to sell the house, the
furniture, and everything else that
holds soured memories. And I
especially need a place without a
pond.
VIVIENNE
I’ll stay in the studio until Danny
gets home. Then we can find a place
we can afford.
ELEANOR
My grandchild can have their
inheritance early. Use some of the
money to buy a decent place. You’re
carrying a Sterling. I want my
grandchild to grow up in a
respectable neighborhood and go to
the best schools.
VIVIENNE
Thank you, Eleanor.
ELEANOR
I’ll be ok, you know. We both will.
VIVIENNE
I think so, too. I hope so. Charlie
would have wanted that.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
A Proposal of Love
INT. VIV AND DANNY’S HOUSE - DAY
Legend: Fifteen Months Later
Danny sits in the living room, reading the newspaper. Viv
sits on the sofa, nursing her baby.
DANNY
Listen to this. Made the front
page.
Vivienne Sterling will once again grace the stage in the role
of Odette at the Opera House, making her second comeback to
the ballet world.
Having stepped away from the limelight, this time to care for
her daughter, Charlotte Sterling, Vivienne’s story is one of
resilience and perseverance. A woman who dances not with only
her feet, but her whole heart. This weekend, she dances for
her late husband Charles, for her daughter Charlotte, and for
anyone who has ever felt like they were too forgotten to
dance again. —San Francisco Chronicle, Daniel Sterling.
DANNY (CONT’D)
I can’t believe I missed her birth.
VIVIENNE
You’re here now, that’s all that
matters.
Danny suddenly drops to one knee in front of her and the
baby.
DANNY
I love you, Viv. I always have.
There’s never been anyone else for
me. Make me the happiest man in the
world.
VIVIENNE
Of course, Danny. But let me finish
nursing Charlotte first!
Danny pulls out a beautiful diamond ring.
VIVIENNE (CONT’D)
Your mother’s ring?
DANNY
Yes, she insisted. But it came with
one stipulation.
VIVIENNE
And what’s that?
DANNY
That we’ll marry at St. Dominic’s
when the blue hydrangeas are in
season.
VIVIENNE (V.O.)
Eleanor would never stop obsessing
over those blue hydrangeas. And I
would never stop obsessing over
Danny.
THE END