Mark, come on, when are you gonna
admit you got stiffed?
I was not stiffed.
I paid five bucks for that map.
The kid swore it was the latest map
of all the in-spots.
You were stiffed.
Come on, Jonathan.
Yokels get stiffed,
not former cops, not people
with a professionally-trained eye.
Well, so far, with this up-to-date list
of all the in-spots in Hollywood,
we've seen three parking lots,
two supermarkets,
and a coin-operated laundry.
We don't have time for this.
- We got work to do.
- Oh, come on, Jonathan.
We're in Hollywood, we at least have
to see a couple of the sights, huh?
Excuse me, pal. Could you tell us
how to get to the Mocambo?
- The Mocambo?
- Yeah. It says on the map
it's one of them real big nightclubs.
It's gone.
- How about the Crescendo?
- Long gone.
What about Romanoff's
or the Brown Derby?
You've gotta be kidding.
Schwab's Drugstore?
Or the Trocadero?
Hey, wait a minute, you're Allan Funt.
I recognise you behind
that phoney beard and that big nose.
Hey, where's the camera, huh?
You know, I seen that thing
with the talking mailbox.
This is great.
I am not Allan Funt.
We are from out of town, all right?
From out of town, huh? Sounds to me
like you bought one of them maps.
All right, don't say anything, all right?
Just don't say a word.
- I'll tell you one place that's still there.
- Yeah, what's that?
The Hollywood Grill.
Number on your map.
Right between the Moulin Rouge
and Rin Tin Tin's house.
What's so special about that place?
It's where you're gonna be working.
Where I'm gonna be working?
What about you?
Jonathan.
Jonathan.
Oh, I really hate it when he does that.
Look, Mr. Harris,
you gotta give this guy a break.
- He has a wonderful act.
- Death.
What death? Who death?
What are you talking, death?
The guy's act is death.
I saw it years ago, years ago.
- Kory Klein and His Canine Clowns.
- His Canine Clowns.
Death.
- Mr. Harris, that was years ago.
- That's what I just said.
But he's changed the act,
totally, completely.
With all those "K" sounds.
Nobody likes "K" sounds.
There's no warmth in "K" sounds.
Kory, Klein, canine, corpses.
You were right, it was death,
but that's all history.
- So how did he change it?
- You're gonna love it:
Manny Mumford
and his Marvellous Mutts.
"M" sounds.
There's warmth there, heart.
Listen to it:
- Sounds like "Mother."
- Vinny.
You're a good agent.
No, I take that back.
You're a lousy agent,
but you're a good person.
But "Mumford's Marvellous Mutts"?
It's death.
It's wholesome.
You gotta have respect for wholesome.
The only thing I got open
is an Elks convention.
That's perfect. Elks, mutts.
What could be more natural?
- A hundred bucks and you got the act.
- I can't do it.
Fifty bucks.
And he'll leave the Doberman at home.
- No way.
- Twenty bucks.
I told you no.
All right. I'll pay you to take him.
You'll pay me?
I'll pay your commission and slip you
bucks for Manny and the Mutts.
Vinny, Vinny, Vinny.
- You're crazy. You know that?
- Mr. Harris.
Manny's been with me for years,
since before he was Kory Klein.
I'm all he's got. Is it a deal?
They don't make them anymore
like you, Vinny.
Maybe they never did.
All right, it's a deal.
But you don't breathe
a word of this to Manny.
- My lips are sealed.
- Thanks.
- Vinny, you're a good man.
- Well, I try to be.
Try to be what?
Never mind.
I thought you said something.
Mr. De Geralimo?
Don't hurt me.
- I got a few dollars in my jacket pocket.
- No, no, sir. I'm not here to rob you.
- You're not?
- No.
I usually don't tell people this
right off the bat,
but I'm in a rush,
so I'll get right to it.
I am an angel.
- Go on, you're kidding.
- No sir, I'm not kidding.
You're really an angel?
That's right.
Well, you've come to the right place.
Come on in.
I got a show for you
that will bring back vaudeville.
- Mr. De Geralimo--
- Vinny. Call me Vinny.
Hey, can I get you something?
A glass of water, a cup of coffee.
I'm trying to cut down on caffeine.
A soda?
- Actually, all I got is water.
- Look, Vinny.
- Just let me tell you why I'm here-
- I know just why you're here.
I don't know how you found me,
but believe you me, you're a godsend.
- Actually that's the truth--
- You want to talk acts?
I got acts.
Here.
Marvin Mandrake
and his Musical Saw.
- Vinny, that's not exactly--
- I know.
You're gonna say
he's not highbrow enough.
Let me tell you,
Marvin Mandrake can play
"Flight of the Bumblebee"
on that thing
and cut through
a two-by-four at the same time.
I'd like to see your
Jascha Heifetz try that.
Vinny, try to understand, I'm not
that kind of angel. I don't back shows.
- What kind of angel is there?
- The kind you were talking about.
- The kind that is heaven-sent.
- I don't know what you're talking about.
Look, I don't usually show people
my powers just for the fun of it,
but if it's gonna help you to believe:
Goodbye.
What happened? Where did he go?
Vinny.
My gosh.
That's the most amazing thing
I've ever seen.
I gotta sit down.
- Now you believe me?
- I sure do.
You could have knocked me over
with a feather. What's your name?
Jonathan. Jonathan Smith.
Look, Vinny. I know you've got
a daughter named Cindy.
And I know you haven't spoken
to each other for over a year,
except maybe a couple of times
on the phone.
- That's amazing.
- What? What are you doing?
I gotta make a quick call,
be right with you.
Hello, Mr. Harris. Vinny De Geralimo.
I got an act that's gonna
knock you on your ear.
- Johnny Angel.
- Vinny.
What does he do?
He appears. He disappears.
He does an act.
He does a psychic act
that makes The Amazing Kreskin
look like Mickey the Dunce.
Wait a second, I'll ask. If you make
Queen Elizabeth disappear,
I can get you a spot
on the Carson show.
Try to understand, please,
I'm not a magician.
I'm an angel sent from heaven.
Do you understand?
I sure do. Harris, are you listening?
You're not going to stiff me on this one.
This kid is sent from heaven.
He's angel, a sweetie pie, a pussycat.
- You gotta play straight with him.
- I'm not a sweetie pie, not a pussycat.
And I'm not a magician. I'm an angel
from heaven on a mission for God.
Hold on, Harris, the kid's freaking out
at me. I'll call you right back.
Look, let me see if I got this straight.
You are an angel.
- That's right.
- Sent from heaven.
- You got it.
- Kid.
I gotta tell you, you got a lot of talent,
but I don't handle druggies.
- Out.
- Vinny, if you'll just listen to me--
Call me old-fashioned, call me a kook,
but it's not my bag.
You're a good kid. Come see me
when you get yourself straightened out.
I'll be back.
Dear God, what is with people?
Burning out their brains.
Well, Mark,
you look very nice in your uniform.
Very nice, indeed.
- Thank you, Mrs. Schtepmother.
- Schtepmutter.
Now, I'd like you to meet
my daughters. Hortense and Clarice.
Oh, hi. Mark Gordon.
- Charmed.
- Likewise.
They both work here?
Oh, no, no, no.
No, my daughters are artistes.
Actresses.
Bright, new stars ready to add their
lustre to the Hollywood firmament.
- Well, good luck to you guys.
- Guys?
Guys?
Mommy, he's so coarse.
He's so common.
Of course he is, dear. He's the help.
Now then, come along,
I'll show you the kitchen.
Cindy. This is Mark Gor--Cindy.
Oh, that girl.
- Cindy.
- Hey, hey, hey.
You don't have to shout.
I ain't deaf, you know?
"Ain't" deaf?
You should be flogged at high noon
in a public square for the crimes
you commit against the language
of the immortal bard.
This is Mark Gordon,
our new executive chef.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Welcome to Hog Heaven there.
- I'm sure you two will get on famously.
- Mrs. Schtepmutter--
- Schtepmütter. With an umlaut.
Right.
Do you think I could knock off early so
I could go audition at the Music Box?
Audition at the Music Box?
Why, my daughters are auditioning
for that production.
It doesn't look like we're busy. I could
handle this if she wants to take off.
Well, thanks, mac.
You're a real stand-up guy.
So, is that okay and everything?
It's really important to me.
Well, Cindy, you just finish your chores
and, yes, that'll be fine.
Oh, jeez, thanks, Mrs. S.
I mean, I really appreciate it.
That's quite all right, my child.
You just finish chopping those
vegetables and scrub down the grill,
clean the grease pits, mop the floors,
hose down the garbage bin,
and wash all the windows,
clean the ovens,
and launder the tablecloths,
clean the slicer,
and polish the silverware,
peel those two bags of potatoes
and that sack of onions,
then you're free to go.
Sorry, kid.
Maybe I said the wrong thing.
Hey, don't sweat it.
There's no way in the world
she would ever let me go.
Why? I mean,
what has she got against you?
Nothing. It's just that her daughters
are up for the same part.
Tell you the truth,
I kind of respect her for that.
You're kidding.
That woman just dumped all over you
to make sure you couldn't
get to your audition.
She was mean to me
but she sure stands by her kids.
Got to give her credit for that, huh?
Hey, you don't need to do that.
You are the executive chef.
Well, Cinderella had those mice
helping her.
I figure you can have a former cop.
Cinderella, huh? That is a laugh.
I don't exactly have a fairy godmother,
let me tell you.
The closest I ever came to that
was a metre maid who let me
- slide on a parking ticket.
- Well, maybe not.
But you might just have
a guardian angel.
Hey, fellow, hold it.
Where do you think you're going?
I don't know, he hasn't told me yet.
Who hasn't told you?
My boss.
This is private property.
Unless you have legitimate business--
No, no, I have business here.
I'm with Heavenly Productions.
- What's your name?
- Jonathan Smith.
Smith.
- There's no "Smith" on my list.
- I'm here to see Mr. Prince.
I'm sure my name must be on the list,
if you could just check it one more time.
Oh, sorry.
I must have skipped it before.
- His office is right--
- I know. Thank you.
- Sergio.
- Yes, Mr. Prince?
Look at this. I have been through
both trades twice, cover to cover,
and there's not one word
about my film in there.
I don't exactly have
that strong a deal here.
King is expecting action on this thing.
We're going to have to generate some,
Sergio.
Yes, Mister Prince.
Excuse me, I'm working the mailroom
today and your secretary wasn't in.
We have nothing to pick up yet.
We need a gimmick.
Something to stir the press up.
Why don't you have a ball?
Why don't you take a hike?
No, no. No, wait a minute.
What is this about a ball?
He's trying to sell some kind
of tickets to a ball or something.
No. I'm just saying,
why don't you hold a ball?
A fancy-dress ball where
you pick your next actress.
Have a ball.
How tacky can you get?
Hey, I don't see anything tacky about it.
Like a modern-day Cinderella story.
- You could get a lot of publicity.
- It's stupid.
- It's brilliant.
- Yes, I think you're right.
We have a fancy-dress ball,
invite every starlet in town,
and that night, right at the ball,
we choose the one
to star in my next picture.
You've done it again, Mr. Prince.
This guy is good. What's your name?
Smith. Jonathan Smith.
I can't believe it.
You really got in to see Maxim Prince?
Right. The man doesn't know it yet,
but you've got the girl he's looking for
- to star in his next picture.
- I do?
- That's right.
- Ida Washkikovsky.
- Oh, Vinny.
- The Contortionist Contralto.
I knew she'd catch on
one of these days.
it's just like I always said, the body
of a pretzel and the soul of a Pavarotti.
Vinny, it's not Ida.
- Then who?
- You'll see.
You're gonna find out she's gonna be
the most important client you've had.
Why are you doing all this?
What's the angle? What's in it for you?
- It's like I said. I'm an angel.
- Okay, Johnny.
If the chick, whoever she is, gets
the part, you got a piece of the action.
Oh, Vinny.
When are you gonna understand?
Okay, okay, you drive a hard bargain,
but you got it.
We'll figure out a way
to work your magic act into the show.
Anything you say, Vinny.
Here we are.
Wait a second.
This is where we're gonna find
the future star of Prince's next picture?
Vinny, if they could discover
Lana Turner in a drugstore,
you could certainly discover
Cinderella in the Hollywood Grill.
Let's go.
I guess we're early, huh?
That's okay, we'll wait for her.
I'll be right with you.
Daddy?
- Cindy.
- So much for introductions.
Why didn't you tell you were coming?
I would've gotten some time off.
- What are you doing here?
- That's what I'd like to know.
The only way I could get you together
was show business.
That's all you wanna talk about.
Besides, I think she's just
what he's looking for.
- Just what who's looking for?
- You're a good magician
but you got to learn about people.
This'll never do.
- What won't?
- You won't do.
- I think she'll do.
- What do?
- You'll do.
- She won't do.
Says who? Says you?
Yeah me, that's who.
And you won't do.
Yeah, maybe I don't want to.
- You'd want to.
- Wanna what?
Wanna do, but you won't do.
Even if you could do, I wouldn't do,
so there's nothing to do
and that's the end of it, it's done.
There's nothing more to talk about.
Daddy, I have not seen you
in a whole year
and instead of coming in here
and saying:
"Hey Cindy, how you doing?"
you lay into me with a who-do,
what-do, voodoo,
with some clown
I never seen before in my life
and then you say
there's nothing more to talk about.
- She's right, Vinny.
- Thank you.
- Who are you anyway?
- I'm a friend of Mark's.
- Who's Mark?
- Fry cook.
You think some kook magician and a
fry cook know better than your father?
I never said any such thing.
Did I say any such a thing?
- Well, what do you think?
- I think I know what's best for me.
Are you ready to wash that paint
out of your hair,
move back home and go to college
and look like a normal human being?
No, I don't think so.
Like I said, there's nothing more
to talk about.
- Why? Why can't he just accept me?
- I don't know.
I think that most parents
have two children:
the real one
and the one they dreamed about.
The one who isn't gonna make
the same mistakes they did.
I wish I could do something
to make him proud.
Come on, Cindy.
That's not your job in life.
Try telling that to him.
Holy cow. What was that?
I don't know. I'll take a look.
My father.
How you doing, Mr. Prince?
- The genius from the mailroom.
- Yeah.
- Looks like it's not your day, huh?
- Tell me about it.
Women and cars.
First, my girlfriend and now this.
- It's all your fault.
- What do you mean, my fault?
I told my girlfriend about
your brilliant idea about the ball.
Pick the actress for my next film, right?
She dumps me.
- Why?
- That's what I said, you know?
She says "Why do you think I was
going with you in the first place?"
She thought we had
an understanding, right?
She was going with me to get a part.
Why don't you come inside,
and have a cup of coffee?
Later on, I'll take a look at this.
I used to be pretty good with these.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Yeah, thanks.
Women. They're all alike in this town.
Get them a part,
that's all they care about.
- What'll it be?
- Just some coffee.
I hate to disagree with you, Mr. Prince,
but I really don't think they're all alike.
Sure they are. Now watch this.
- What's your name?
- Cindy De Geralimo.
- You wanna be an actress?
- How'd you know?
- See what I mean?
- Come on.
- Just because she wants to be an--
- Do you mind?
My name is Maxim Prince.
I'm producing a new movie
for King Studios.
- Are you kidding?
- No, no, I'm not kidding.
And I think you would be perfect
for one of the parts.
I'm gonna faint.
Do you think that maybe
I could audition for you?
Maybe.
But I gotta know you better.
You know? Tonight, maybe we'll go
out to dinner and we'll talk about it.
Oh, listen, I don't want to be rude
or anything, but if--
If you think I might be right for the part,
why not let me read first
and then leave it at that?
Wait a minute, are you saying
you're not gonna go out with me?
Yeah, that's what I'm saying.
You don't understand.
No date, honey, no part.
- Tough tomatoes.
- Now, what is it with you?
What is it with me?
What is it with you?
I'm a producer.
Yeah, well, I'm a person
and I don't know you
and you're trying to put
the make on me. So goodbye.
How about that?
What a dame.
All right, go ahead, give it a try.
Hey, all right,
you're a regular magician.
You know,
a lot of people tell me that.
Listen, that girl. Cindy?
I'm gonna send her an invitation
to the ball.
Just tell her it's an audition.
No strings attached.
Don't worry, I'll tell her.
Thanks. What a dame.
What a Prince.
Mark, do you really think he's gonna
get me an invitation to that ball?
- Well, if he said he would, he will.
- How can you be so sure?
Because...
Because.
Cindy, we have a customer.
Hi, kid.
Two days in a row.
That's more than I've seen you all year.
Yeah, and whose fault is that?
- I don't want to go into that.
- Listen.
I want to apologise for what I said
and everything.
- What?
- Look, Johnny told me
that Maxim Prince guy thinks you
might be right for a part in his picture.
It's probably just talk,
I wouldn't count on it.
I don't know, that Johnny Angel
seems to be well connected.
What I'm trying to say is,
if you do get that invite,
maybe I can help you.
You wanna help me try to get a part?
Nothing would make me happier, kid.
But what about me going to college
and looking like what you call normal?
I know, but Johnny came by to see me
and he got to talking.
He's quite a talker, that guy.
And what it boils down to is,
everybody's got their dreams
in this life.
And if being an actress
is your dream,
then from here on out,
it's my dream, too.
- You mean that?
- What do you think?
I think you're the best dad
in the whole world.
This invitation is mine!
Get your hands off it, Tubby.
It's mine!
Tubby?
It came to me, you gargoyle!
It came addressed to the girl
from the Hollywood Grill.
He could only have meant me!
Girls, girls, girls.
Where are our manners?
Mommy, Lardo here is trying to steal
my invitation to Maxim Prince's ball.
- Let me see that.
- It's not a masked ball, deary.
That's the only kind
you'd be welcome at.
Stop that bickering this minute.
There are three invitations to the ball.
We're all going to that ball.
Hello, excuse me. Excuse me. I believe
those invitations are for Cindy.
- Who are you?
- My name is Jonathan Smith.
I'm a friend of Mr. Prince.
He wanted me to make sure
that Cindy got the invitation.
Don't be absurd.
Why, Cindy doesn't even
want to go to that ball.
Not if she wants to keep
her job, she doesn't.
Well, Cindy?
- Well, if you put it that way-
- That's exactly the way I put it.
Then, no.
I guess I didn't really want to go.
- But, Cindy.
- It's okay, Pop.
Well, come along, darlings.
Mommy is going to take you both
to Mr. Richie of Laguna to be
outfitted for new gowns for the ball.
Oh, Mommy. You're the sweetest
mommy in the whole world.
Yes, isn't that true?
Well, Cindy. Don't forget
to clean up before you leave.
Come along, girls.
- Well, so much for that.
- No, not necessarily.
What do you mean?
Well, what good is a magician
if he can't come up with a few tricks?
Like, four more invitations to the ball.
Holy cow. How did you do that?
Magicians never tell.
This is it.
As soon as you close up today,
we go to work.
On what?
On how to act like an actress.
Dad, it's : in the morning,
can't we knock off?
No way. You're almost there, kid.
Now let's try it one more time.
- Okay, okay.
- Now.
If somebody says they saw a picture
that they liked, what do you say?
I thought it was marvellous.
The texture of the layers,
the ambience.
And if they didn't like it?
Oh, I thought it was a travesty.
No texture, no layers, no depth,
and so manipulative and pretentious
really, don't you think?
Bingo! The kid's got it.
Yeah, in just eight short hours
I sound like a real phoney.
Hey, kid.
That's part of the game, you know?
Yeah. Well, if you say so, I guess.
I want this for you as much
as you want it for yourself,
but face it, kid.
You sound like me when you talk.
And who's gonna hire somebody
what sounds like me?
I know you got talent, but all they want
is glamour, you know?
- Do you mean that?
- Of course I do.
Glamour is the name of the game.
No, no.
I mean about me having talent.
You bet I do.
You got me convinced you're some
hoity-toity lady, and I'm your old man.
I've seen them come and go, kid.
But you're the real thing.
You're special.
Daddy.
That means more to me
than getting any part in the whole world.
Hey, anybody hungry?
I found an all-night pizza place.
Hey, good. I'll go and wash up.
Well. How's it going?
Oh, great.
Great and it's not so great.
What do you mean?
What's wrong?
I just wish that I didn't have to put on
all this phoney accent and stuff.
I just wish I could go there as me.
- Well, what's stopping you?
- Jonathan, come on, look at my dad.
I mean, he's so happy
to be helping me.
He walked that extra mile
just coming around to the idea
of me being an actress.
The least I can do is take his advice.
He could be wrong, you know.
Even with the best intentions
in the world.
No. He's probably right.
Don't sell yourself short, Cindy.
Hey, Johnny. The kid is doing great.
Yeah, so she's been telling me.
- Daddy.
- Yeah.
I just want to tell you how much
I appreciate all you're trying to do.
- But, it's just that I--
- Forget it.
I gotta tell you, kid,
I never knew how happy helping you,
working with you instead of
against you could make me.
I mean, I feel like we're partners
or something, you know?
- Yeah, I know--
- Hey, I got you something.
You couldn't go to that ball with your
hair looking like the end of the rainbow.
And I know
you don't wanna change it,
so I figured this'd be
a happy compromise, huh?
What do you think?
- Well, it's super, Daddy, I just-
- I know what you're going to say.
I shouldn't have spent the money, huh?
Hey, so what if it costs a bundle?
You deserve the best.
What do you think?
It's beautiful. Thank you, Daddy.
Cindy!
Cindy, come on.
Cindy.
- How do I look?
- You look beautiful.
How did you get that dress?
I made it from some of Mrs. S's
good tablecloths.
After tonight, it goes back
in the linen closet.
- You made it?
- Yeah. Yeah, I like to sew.
Just like your mother.
I never realised how much
you looked like her till now.
I guess that's because she
didn't have blue and orange hair.
What do you think?
- Cindy, you're a knockout.
- You look lovely.
Well, shall we?
Let's go get them.
Oh, Maxim.
May I call you Maxim?
Call me Mr. Prince.
Oh, I understand. There has to be
a professional distance
between an artiste and his actress.
Yeah, right.
Well, Monsieur Prince,
I saw your last film five times.
It was--What is that word in English?
A b*mb. The director was a stiff.
I wouldn't hire that clown again
to direct me to the men's room.
Isn't that très amazing?
That is exactly what I thought
when I saw it. Stiff.
Yes, stiff.
I said, a marvellous premise, but stiff.
But there is another word in English
I am searching for.
Crud.
- Crud?
- Yeah, the movie was crud.
I'm terribly sorry.
I'm afraid I'm not very light on my feet.
You're not very light on mine either.
Look at that.
- Good evening.
- Hi.
- It is you.
- It's me.
What do you think?
- Big difference, huh?
- Yeah, big difference.
Prince.
My, my. Why didn't you tell me
about this latest find of yours?
I haven't had a chance to, sir.
Well, my dear. I'm Arthur King.
I own the studio.
It is a pleasure to meet you,
Monsieur King.
- And you are?
- Your mystery guest.
But for right now,
why don't you just call her Cinderella?
Oh, I like that.
I like your flair, my man. Cinderella.
Well, my dear, may I have
the pleasure of this dance?
That was good, Johnny.
That Cinderella gimmick.
- I do my best.
- I'll look around.
- I'm gonna get some eats.
- Okay.
There's Mr. King.
Who is that girl?
I heard she's some sort
of European starlet.
Roger Vadim's latest find.
Well, she's nothing
but skin and bones.
That's all right, dear.
You have enough meat and potatoes
to go around for everyone in the room.
Well, at least I danced with Maxim.
He wouldn't even look at you.
- You make me sick, you know that?
- Oh, shut up, the both of you.
It would do you both some good to
watch how a real lady carries herself.
Did you see Godard's last picture?
Yes. What did you think of it?
Not much.
But what interests me
is what you thought.
I thought it was a travesty.
Really?
Why?
No depth, no texture, no layers.
And so manipulative,
pretentious really, don't you think?
Précisément,that's exactly
what I thought
And, what did you think
of Fellini's last film?
Well, what can one say, huh?
Fellini is Fellini.
Either you like him or you don't.
But in the end, he remains Fellini.
- Oh, yes, can I help you, Mr. Prince?
- No.
Mr. King, may I cut in?
Well, I'll allow it.
Let me have your promise you won't
monopolise this creature for too long.
Don't worry, I won't.
I'll see you in a few minutes.
- Ciao.
- Ciao.
Ciao?
What is with the voice
and this get-up?
I don't know what you mean,
Monsieur.
I mean, I met someone the other day
who wasn't a phoney like all the rest.
That's who I invited.
You have to understand.
It was not my idea.
Hey, it's okay.
King likes you.
You'll probably get the part.
That's what you were after anyway.
I was just dumb enough
to think you were different.
- If you'd just let me explain--
- You don't have to explain.
I mean, you got what you wanted,
right? That's all that counts.
I don't wanna waste
any more of your time.
You know, I'm just small potatoes
compared to King.
He owns the joint.
Don't let him get away.
Hey, Cindy. Hey.
- Where you going?
- I wanna go home.
- I wanna get out of here.
- But why?
I'm tired of being a phoney,
that's why.
Honey, you're doing great.
Daddy, I'm not doing great.
Cinderella's doing great.
I mean, I'm glad you helped me.
I have never been so happy knowing
that you were backing me up.
- But I gotta go.
- Cindy, Cindy, honey.
What's wrong with that kid?
Everything was working out.
Look, see she gets home okay.
I'm gonna try to straighten things out
with King.
Hi.
Hi.
- Don't I know you?
- I don't think so.
Oh, we've met somewhere.
- Your name is...
- Mark.
Mark, of course.
You're Mark Sloane, the director.
No, no. Mark Gordon.
Mark Gordon. Of course.
The producer from Australia.
No, I'm Mark Gordon,
ex-cop from Oakland.
Then you're nobody.
Well, I wouldn't put it like that.
- Have you seen her?
- No, sir, I don't know where she went.
Mr. King, if you're looking
for Cinderella, you should know,
she ran off.
- Ran off?
- Yeah.
It's about twelve, you know.
Vinny, I like your style.
Cinderella runs out of the ball
at midnight,
leaving the King wondering why.
I love it. I love it. Prince.
You delivered exactly what I ordered:
a bright, beautiful European starlet.
and a publicity gimmick
to go along with it.
Thank you, sir.
Well, all right.
We'll sign her up tomorrow.
I wanna spread the word
to the press.
I love it.
See you, Mr. King.
We went by Cindy's place.
She wasn't there.
What's going on? Where is she?
She's in the ladies room, crying.
Crying? Is she crazy?
King wants to sign her.
It all worked like a charm.
She's in.
Vinny, she doesn't care
about that now.
Why?
Because she thinks you're ashamed
of who she really is.
What are you talking about?
She tried to tell you tonight,
but you wouldn't listen.
That wasn't your daughter tonight.
She doesn't wanna be that person.
She doesn't wanna be Cinderella.
She just wants to be Cindy.
But that's not good enough for you.
I just want her to be happy.
Then tell her you love her,
not some character out of a fairy tale.
Hey, Cindy.
Cindy, honey.
Cindy, look.
I want you to try to understand
something if you can.
You see...
...you and me, we're kind of alike,
you know?
I mean...
...I see a lot of me in you.
And well...
...I never made nothing of myself.
I'm a nobody.
A nobody who handles nobodies.
Maybe I was trying to
make you into somebody else,
because I didn't want
you to be like me.
I didn't mean to hurt you by doing it.
I love you more than anything.
What do you mean, you're nobody?
You know another agent in this town
that could get work
for Kory Klein
and his Canine Clowns?
Or for Marvin Mandrake
and his Musical Saw?
Daddy, these people,
they're not just your clients.
You care about them
and they care about you.
The nicest thing you ever said to me
was that I reminded you of you.
Why did we have
to come down to this dump?
Mr. King, like I told you,
it's the only place I know to find her.
All right, let's go.
Look at this.
All they write about is "Mystery Girl
Snags Lead in King's New Flick."
I wonder which one she was.
This better not be a wild-goose chase,
Prince.
Mr. King, Mr. Prince.
What an honour.
I'm sure.
All right, my boy. Where is she?
Where is my mystery girl?
You mean the girl you want
for the part is here?
Then it can only be
one of my daughters.
It's me. I danced with him.
You danced on him, you mean.
It's definitely not you daughters.
Where is she, Prince?
She's over there.
Cindy?
Well, that's the most ridiculous thing
I've ever heard.
But I thought it was a travesty.
No texture, no layers, no depth.
And so manipulative and
pretentious, really, don't you think?
It is you.
But it can't be you.
This is me, Mr. King.
Not some phoney-baloney
you met last night.
You said she was an actress.
A European actress.
No, no. You said it.
I am an actress,
and I'm a darn good one.
And I would like a chance to audition
for you, but as me. Cindy.
I don't like being made a fool of.
You'll never get that part.
Not if you were
the last actress on Earth.
And I want an explanation
from you, Prince.
That's if you wanna keep your job.
He didn't know nothing, sir.
I fooled him, too.
And he was a lot harder
to trick than you.
No, I wasn't.
What's that?
Mr. King, she's right for the part.
Not the way she was the other night,
but the way she is right now.
Gutsy and honest.
She's definitely not gonna be
in my picture. And if you keep it up--
No, no, Mr. King, it's not your picture.
It's mine.
It's my script, I wrote it.
And I know who should play the part.
Somebody special and that somebody
is standing next to you right now.
You are through at my studio.
Then I'll go to another studio.
See, Mr. King,
I'm very good at what I do.
And I don't need your money to do it.
But I do need her.
- You're a fool.
- Mr. King.
After him, girls.
After him. He owns a studio.
What did you do that for?
Like I said, because you're special.
So are you.
That makes two of us.
Yeah.
Do you want a cup of coffee?
No.
Me neither.