04x09 - Showstoppers

[bunniefuu]

Oh, uh... excuse me.

(DISTANT HONKING)

- (INHALES SHARPLY)
- Oh...

- Hey, how's it feeling?
- It's not great.

First positions, please. Quickly.

Our opening performance is tonight.

Please at least pretend it matters.

And... five, six, seven, eight, sway.

Two, three, four...

Six, seven and one, one, two, two.

And out. A-one-two-two.
Very good. Flick, flick!

Slow, slow and flick one,

flick two, flick...

Can I help you?

(PIANO MUSIC STOPS)

- (DANCERS SIGHING)
- Are you going to say something

- or are you watching a free show?
- Mary Shaw.

- Toronto Morality Officer.
- What an absolutely dreadful job.

- (INSTRUCTOR SIGHS)
- Why are you here?

Ah, well, I've received
a complaint that this show

is in violation of the City
of Toronto's morality standards.

(EXHALING HEAVILY)

(TENSE MUSIC)

Oh, you, ah... you can't do that!

That's funny. I just did.

(INHALES DEEPLY)

(EXHALES HEAVILY)

I should think the way
that you're leering at Jerome

is also in violation
of morality standards.

I'll be serving notice that you refused

- to honour the...
- I'm too busy for this conversation.

If you want to continue it, you can
have it with the owner of the theatre.

- Where could I find him?
- He's right behind you.

- Officer Shaw!
- Mr. Pembroke.

- What can I do for you?
- You bought a theatre?

- I... I have.
- Well... I'm afraid

to inform you
that these dancers' costumes,

they're in violation
of a number of city ordinances.

They'll... they'll have to be changed.

Are you crazy? The show's tonight.

If you refuse to comply,
I'll have to put a poster

in the door alerting
the public to the immorality

occurring in here.

- Art isn't immoral.
- Be that as it may,

- just cover up the dancers.
- I can't afford new costumes,

not before we've even sold a ticket.

Ah, Wallace, the show is sold out.

Yeah, you... you know
what I mean! Every dime

that I've made so far
has gone into Miss Hart's

- eight weeks of rehearsal.
- Excuse me? Miss Rita Hart?

- Yeah.
- I thought that she was

in New York.
I didn't realize that was her!

Well, she's trying something new.

Something... artistic.

Left vaudeville just to join her;

- biggest mistake I ever made.
- Mistake?

Standing room only is a mistake?

That woman is nothing
more than a royal pain

- in my backside.
- Look, put up your poster

if you want, but this show is
going on, Miss Shaw.

And! And da-da-da-da-da.

You want to see more? Buy a ticket.

- I'll get you one for half price.
- Really?

I'm a friend of the law.

All right. I will come back
with my poster. Rita Hart.

Golly!

- Oh!
- Oh, no.

- Are you OK?
- Oh, my gosh! Is she all right?

Happens all the time, OK?
Uh, now if you'll excuse us...

this rehearsal is closed.

(INDISTINCT SPEAKING)

- I'm OK. Ah.
- (UPBEAT JAZZ MUSIC)

(RITA): From the top, everyone!

(THEME MUSIC)

(WOMAN SCAT SINGING)

- (MAN): Order up!
- (SERVICE BELL DINGING)

Boyzey Pembroke bought Capitol Theatre?

Mm-hm. And he said he
could get us half-off tickets.

And, gals, we have to go. Rita Hart?

She is like nothing you've ever seen.

Didn't you give them a ticket
for indecency?

Well, a warning.
And they can still perform.

They just have to change the costumes.

Where did Boyzey get the cash
to buy Capitol Theatre?

Isn't that his thing,
buying and selling properties?

I mean, he owns some of the
shops my brother delivers to,

but, I mean, owning a theatre,
that's different.

Well, that would explain
the ticket price.

- Four bucks a pop. That's steep.
- I'm sure

Miss Hart's manager had
something to do with that.

All he did was complain about

how terrible she is at managing money.

You know what? I'm going
to ask him about this. Frankie,

- I'll see you back at the office.
- You got it.

- That was quick.
- Well, Boyzey fails,

it doesn't look good
for any Black entrepreneur.

True. Or maybe she just wanted
to see Boyzey?

(FRANKIE): Yeah. I think so.

Well, I have somewhere to be.
I'll see you girls later.

Oh.

Well, I guess lunch is over.

Maybe I should go down
to the theatre and check on

- that dancer?
- Miss Hart says she's fine.

There's nothing we have to worry about.

Well, if the Great Rita Hart says.

Flo, she is a genius.

I am telling you... there is no one

who understands
the human body better than her.

Mary, I gotta say I never
pegged you for a dance lover.

It's so... loose, and you're so...

- not.
- Well, dance is very strict.

And then the challenge is
to make it look loose.

I used to take dance lessons
when I was a kid.

My parents thought I just liked
the tutus, but, really...

it was the only place
I really felt like myself.

Why'd you stop?

No, it doesn't matter.
Morality Officers don't dance,

- do they? But they can watch.
- Hm!

(FLO CHUCKLES)

(LIVELY JAZZ MUSIC)

"KING CAPITOL: Ward Mogul

Makes Riskiest Bet Yet." Doesn't
sound like a vote of confidence.

Trudy Clarke. What are you wearing,

silk slippers these days?
I forgot we had a lunch date!

We don't. A theatre?

That's ambitious, even for you.

Exciting, isn't it?

This venture is going to put
Toronto on the map.

For what? Weird dances?

- OK. How can I help you, Trudy?
- I don't know anyone

who would lend that kind
of money to people like us,

but I do know it's not the bank.

- That's correct.
- So, I'm guessing

you put up all your properties
in the Ward as collateral.

- And then some.
- You know, if you fail,

Lady Justice isn't going to just
show up and forgive your loans.

She won't have to. Think about it.

People who go to the theatre

also go out to eat before the show.

- OK.
- And they buy

clothes for the event.
Doesn't your mother mend furs

for the uptown society ladies?
A theatre like this

- will be a boon for everybody.
- You especially.

I sure hope so.

It's all I ever wanted.

And to impress
the Trudy Clarkes of the world.

You mean Lady Justice.

Save your charm for her
because it doesn't impress me.

You sure about that?

You do look a little impressed.

(SULTRY JAZZ MUSIC)

OK. That should do it.

Next time, I'm going to have
to charge you my full price.

As long as I don't have to
hire that dandy race car driver.

- Well, he is very expensive.
- Oh.

Put in new spark plugs,
gave you an oil change,

but you should probably get in to
see a real mechanic at some point.

Where does a private detective learn

how to fix rusty old trucks?

The w*r.

Well, you're full
of surprises, aren't you?

Frankie!

There you are!
I was just finishing up here.

Ah! Thank you! Those are beautiful.

Hey, Alessandro.
Hell of a mechanic you got here.

- Yeah. She's full of surprises.
- (CHUCKLES)

Funny, that's what I said.

Drake, thanks again, for the, uh,

oil change and the spark plugs
and everything.

Any time!

So you are changing oil
for your neighbours now?

Just helping out a friend.

You know, Frankie, I know
a thing or two about cars, huh?

(CAR BACKFIRES AND DRIVES)

- (FRANKIE CHUCKLES)
- Next time, please,

leave it to me.

I'll fix your friend up real nice.

I don't mind the practice
for when I don't have

a pro around.

(LIGHT PIANO MUSIC)

- I'm starving. How 'bout you?
- Me, too.

Oh, my! Thank you for... so sorry.

- I beg your par...
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(MAN): Nuts? Nuts are not a snack

unless they're
in a cookie or a loaf cake.

(BOYZEY): Some of these are
covered in chocolate.

You're saying you spent
my money on a snack stand?

Audiences like to eat.
Wh... it's another revenue stream

- for the theatre!
- The only revenue I want is

from the interest on
the loan I gave you.

Or do I need to remind you what happens

- if those payments don't come in?
- Ah, sorry to interrupt. Um,

perhaps this is a good time
to revisit the morality

- violations we discussed earlier?
- It's actually not a good time.

- What violations?
- Well, uh, I still

require a signature agreeing
that the theatre will abide

- by morality standards.
- Can we talk about this later, Mary?

No, no. I'd actually like
to hear what Miss...

- Mary in red has to say.
- It's Officer Shaw.

Make these changes,
or I'll be forced to declare

- this establishment immoral.
- Officer Shaw,

I'm very interested
in discussing this and more

with you, if you'll just
excuse us for one moment.

All right. I'll just
stand out... out here.

Yeah.

Yeah, just out there. Yeah.

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

(PENSIVE PIANO MUSIC)

(INHALES SHARPLY)

Oh! Miss Hart!

Oh, Miss Hart! Are you all right?

- Lights!
- (CLANKING)

Uh... I thought you might be
hurt like that other dancer.

Yes, well that other dancer
doesn't concern

the virginity police
or whatever you are.

All right.

Well, I beg your pardon.
I... I didn't mean to interrupt.

Are you here to arrest me
for my scandalous costumes?

No! No, no. I mean, not exactly.

I can't arrest you.

I think you're wonderful. That's all.

I don't think that's all.

Sorry, I don't know what you mean.

(CHUCKLES)

I mean the body does not keep secrets.

You should stay
and observe our rehearsal.

But do not interrupt.

No.

(MISS HART SIGHS)

(DOOR CREAKS)

How did it go with King Capitol?

Leveraged to a loan shark.
So, you know, there's that.

That is risky, even for Boyzey.

- (TRUDY SIGHS)
- Think it's going to work out?

I don't know.

But a lot of people'll get hurt
if it doesn't.

Maybe we should go check it out.

Mary was so scandalized

by those male dancers, now I'm curious.

I thought you and Alessandro
were going steady?

Yes! Going steady, not going blind.

(LAUGHING)

(PENSIVE PIANO MUSIC)

(MISS HART): Don't over-point
your foot, Justine.

Look like a human being.

- Officer Shaw!
- Ooh!

Prudence Mayfair.

I see the immorality warning

I requested has not yet been
posted on the door.

Yes, Mrs. Mayfair,
your morality complaint is

being addressed.
Everything is under control.

- What on earth is this filth?
- The movement must come

from the pelvis. Yes!

Feel the pelvis! Feel the pelvis!

I see my concerns regarding
these degenerates

- have gone ignored.
- No, no, no.

Nothing has been ignored.
I can explain about all of this.

I'm telling you, give me
hours and I'll have your money,

- plus interest.
- I swear to God, I'm pulling

out of this pony show,
you don't cut the crap!

Watch your language, sir!

Who the hell's this tomato?

Mary... you were right.

The clothing-to-skin ratio on
these dancers is very becoming.

Apologies, everyone! Keep moving.

- OK? There's nothing to see here.
- We will resume rehearsal

once we stop being constantly disturbed.

Officer Shaw, this is highly improper!

Yes! Everyone shush! There is
a dance rehearsal in progress.

Why don't we continue this outside?

- Oh!
- (DANCERS GASPING)

Are you OK?

- Uh, yeah. I'm fine.
- Well, where

- does it hurt?
- My stomach.

It hurts to... (INHALES SHARPLY)

- ...to breathe.
- Frankie, what is it?

I've seen this before.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(g*nf*re)

(COUGHING AND WHEEZING)

(SOMBRE MARTIAL MUSIC)

(GASPS) You're burning
up. Who have you been

- in contact with?
- (INHALES SHARPLY)

- Stay back.
- What?

Boyzey, cancel the show tonight.

- Ah!
- Mary,

stay here and do not let anybody leave.

Frankie! Slow down. What's up?

The Spanish Flu is what's up.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(OMINOUS MUSIC)

You should wash your hands, Trudy.

- Frankie, hold up.
- We need to call the police.

You want to call the police?
That's a first.

We should alert the public.

You don't even know for sure
that it's the Spanish Flu.

You looked at that dancer for
a second. What if you're wrong?

An outbreak in the city

- would be a disaster.
- And if we call this wrong,

that will be a disaster.
People will panic;

they'll shutter their doors!
You already shut down

Boyzey's opening night.
That's damage enough.

We can't risk starting
another pandemic just to save

- Boyzey's theatre.
- We don't know what's going on.

Let's just make sure, OK?

Fine. But if anyone leaves
that theatre...

I doubt Mary would let that happen.

(PHONE RECEIVER CLATTERS)

Mary. Mary, tell me this doesn't have

- to do with costumes.
- It doesn't.

Then, for God's sake, why am I closing

- my theatre on opening night?
- That dancer? She has...

- What? What, what, what Mary?
- It's the Spanish Flu.

Frankie thinks that it's
the Spanish Flu. It's back.

- How would she know?
- She's seen it before.

- Up close.
- We've all seen it before.

- Is she going to the police?
- She should!

No! Ah, Lord! This is a disaster.

I'll lose everything. Damn it!

Boyzey, it is one night.

If it's not the flu, then we
have nothing to worry about.

Until then, we have to stay put.
Hey! Hey, you! No one leaves.

I heard what the blonde said.
There's no way I'm sticking

around this cesspool.
And you're still on the hook.

- Smith!
- This is a matter of public health.

Screw public health.
I got a wife and kids at home.

No pretend police is gonna
stop me from giving...

On authority of
the Ontario Public Health Act,

I will charge you with endangerment

of social hygiene and venereal disease.

They fall under the same umbrella.

That's a $ fine, or days
in jail. You pick.

- (CHEERFUL JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS)
- Great timing, Trudy. I am off

in five and I am dead ready for a gin.

(LAUGHING)

What do you know about the Spanish Flu?

- (RECORD SCRATCHES)
- (MUSIC STOPS)

Why? Who is it
and what are their symptoms?

It's one of the dancers
at the Capitol. Uh, dry heaving,

complaining of stomach pains,
couldn't breathe.

Is it the same one that Mary
told us about at lunch?

- No, it's a different one.
- (EXHALES HEAVILY)

- Will you help?
- (PHONE RINGING)

In ' , after the first outbreak,

I was drafted by the Ontario SOS,

the Sisters of Service.
If we didn't tend

the flu victims, they would kick us

out of our rooms at the boarding house.

They didn't give us
much choice, but they did

give us free workshops in medicine.

That's how I got my start.
Let me grab some things.

Put this on and don't
take it off unless I say so.

OK.

Has Frankie alerted the police?

- No. Not yet.
- What?

We cancelled the
show, but we want to make

sure it's the flu before
we sound the alarm.

Avoiding mass hysteria. Good thinking.

Grab me one of those sheets.
You know what? Grab me two.

We're gonna need them.

So, uh...

...technical difficulties.
Um, unfortunately,

there's been
some oversight in the delivery

of the equipment required
for the performance tonight,

- so...
- It was the lights, wasn't it?

I told you we didn't need
any more damn lights!

The Lord will judge you
for that language.

No, no it isn't a lighting
issue, exactly. It's, ah...

Why don't you tell them the truth, huh?

We're stuck here 'cause all your, uh,

your dancers got the Spanish flu.

We're all contaminated,
and none of us is going

anywhere any time soon!
Ain't that right, Pembroke?

This woman...

with somewhat
ambiguous authority, has said

it's the flu. Fine.

But if it is not the flu,
then the show must go on.

And if the show must go on,

then we must continue to rehearse!

- With all due respect, Rit...
- I've always said

- that a dancer's...
- Here we go.

I've always said
that a dancer's gift is to do

what the body is capable of doing.

Our fellows, Coraline and Justine,

exemplify strength of body and spirit

and, so, with rest,
will do what any human is

capable of doing, which is recover.

The Lord condemns
your lustful dancing bodies!

You'll have to answer to him
on Judgment Day.

If I ever have the pleasure of
meeting my maker, I'll be sure

to thank him profusely for
gifting me this body to dance with.

- Wallace!
- Maybe she's right.

Maybe we need to cut our losses
and do something a little bit

- more mainstream.
- Your losses, Wallace.

I haven't lost anything.

Although I wouldn't mind
getting rid of you.

Believe me, the feeling is mutual.

Well, great! Go back to vaudeville then.

You should have never have left!

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

Their morals are so diseased
their bodies are following suit.

Perhaps you'd be
more comfortable in the lobby,

- Mrs. Mayfair?
- Please, call me Prudence.

- I beg your pardon, Prudence.
- And, no, I am...

absolutely comfortable right here.

So are you, Miss Shaw.

"The Lord knoweth how to rescue
the godly from trials."

We have nothing to worry about.

(SOMBRE PIANO MUSIC)

(DISTANT WHISTLE BLOWING
AND m*ssile FLYING)

(g*nf*re)

(MUFFLED): Frankie!

Frankie.

- What are you doing here?
- We have a date, Bella.

Frankie, is everything OK?

No. (BREATHING SHAKILY)

One of the dancers at the Capitol is

showing symptoms of the Spanish flu.

- Well, how can you tell?
- I saw it hundreds of times

back in ' .
All the symptoms are there and...

and when I touched her forehead...

You touched her? What were you thinking?

I was just doing my job.

You... you didn't think to tell me?!

- To tell you what?
- I don't know, Frankie!

Maybe that you are contaminated?

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

- Alessandro!
- (RECEDING FOOTSTEPS)

- (SIGHS)
- (DOOR SHUTS)

It's nice.

That's it.
And then all you need to do...

just open yourself up... to the emotion.

Come on!

Enough. Take a break.

- Take a break! Get off!
- (DANCER SIGHS)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

I thought that was wonderful.

Well, it was lifeless. So...

- I think they're doing their best.
- No, they're not.

And now they're all...
riddled with fear, so...

- I don't know. I...
- Aren't you afraid, too?

No.

This troupe has allowed me to do
what I've always been destined

to do, which... is...

translate human emotion into movement

and then... share it with the world.

And that's enough for me.

If the flu must take me,
then let it come.

(WALLACE): It can't take you just yet.

We still gotta cash in
on our return to vaudeville.

Rita Hart and The Return Act!

Over my dead body.

(WALLACE SIGHS)

Break's over! Return to stage.

(KNOCKING)

Hello?

(MARY SIGHS) I can't let you in here.

I'm sorry. It's not safe.

I appreciate your concern,
Mary, but those dancers need

a medical professional, so open up.

It's OK, Mary. We have supplies.

- All right. Come in.
- (SOFT SOMBRE MUSIC)

Hey.

We have to wear these now.
Doctor's orders.

Turn around. Flo knows what she's doing.

All right. So, ah, where's Frankie?

She's going to keep quiet
about the "you know," right?

Yes. She's back at the office.

She's going to keep quiet
for the next hours.

- OK.
- But, if it is the flu,

- we have to warn people.
- Yeah, yeah. Of course,

it's the right thing to do.

You know, I've run
the numbers and it turns out

that one missed show, maybe two,
isn't going to sink us, so...

I might weather this yet.

And what if she's right?
You... you're not worried?

- Yeah. Of course, I'm worried.
- If something happens to me,

I don't know what my family will do.

Oh, well. What's possibly
going to happen to you?

You're surrounded by penny
candies and dust bunnies.

- (TRUDY LAUGHING)
- Right!

- OK, open one up!
- All right.

- (TRUDY LAUGHS)
- Yes!

Do you remember that time

- when, um...
- You mean how your mother was

convinced that we survived
the flu because of...

(BOTH): Cabbage, onion and Oxo.

- (BOTH LAUGHING)
- Yeah.

Ah. Yes.

- Bon appétit.
- (TRUDY LAUGHS)

Why do they all look
like they're in pain?

Well, that's called a contraction.

It's... a basic expression
of human emotion.

Uh-huh. Where do I find the sick ones?

Oh, uh, there and back there.

Honestly, they haven't stopped
dancing since they fell.

Is it possible that Frankie overreacted?

Frankie has seen this
up close and so have I.

She has a reason to be worried! HEY!

Excuse me!

I need to examine those two dancers.

- (MAN GROANS)
- And this one, too, apparently.

(DISCORDANT PIANO NOTES)

- Come on!
- (DANCER COUGHING)

There we go. Park it there, young man!

And you, there.

And you there.

- (TRUDY): What happened?
- Three sick dancers now.

Oh! Ah, Prudence,
you shouldn't be in here.

Don't mind me. I'm only
a witness to God's work.

- I can keep going.
- I'm fine too.

Sit down! Trudy, I need
some water. And, Mary,

I have some sheets in my bag,
rip them up into pieces.

Everyone needs a covering
on their face, now!

It's Coraline, right?

- (CORALINE COUGHING)
- ♪

Do I have the Spanish flu?

I don't know.

But from here on in,
everyone in here is quarantined

and everyone wears a mask.

- (KNOCKING ON DOOR)
- ♪

Miss Drake!

What can you tell me
about the Spanish flu outbreak

and why are you covering it up?

I don't know what you're talking about.

I'm talking about this, and
I quote, "Everyone stay in here.

This dancer has the Spanish
flu." Are those not your words?

- Who told you that?
- I'm not prepared to say.

Is it the Spanish flu, Frankie?

I don't know.
But none of those dancers are

leaving the theatre until I get
to the bottom of this.

They won't. Not after I publish this.

- Please don't.
- If it's the flu, Frankie,

- every moment is another life...
- I know that.

I know probably better than
you do, but we don't know yet

and we need to do
the responsible thing here.

- Twelve hours.
- Until what?

The paper goes to print
twelve hours from now.

That's the time you have.

- Who told you this?
- I'm not revealing my source.

(SIGHING)

- (KNOCKING)
- Hey!

(KNOCKING)

Yes? Oh!

Mary? What are you do...?

What are you doing here?

I'm observing the dance rehearsal

- to make sure it's not indecent.
- I heard there's more

- going on in there than that.
- I don't think so.

Are people sick in there?

- Sick?
- Yes,

sick. Spanish-flu sick

to be specific. Why won't you
tell me what's going on?

I'm sorry. I can't.

Mary, please, you have
to get out of there.

Steven, you know I can't do that.

For Pete's sake,
use your head! You're in danger!

I am using my head better
than ever before.

I know exactly what I'm doing

and if I mean anything to you,
you'll stay away from here!

- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (CAR HONKING)

Did you share anything with Justine?

- Of course.
- Like what.

Food, sleeping quarters, you name it.

How about you?

We all live on top of each other.

When did you start feeling ill?

A few days after I arrived in Toronto.

A few days.

Uh, Mr. Smith! Where are you going?!

- I'm getting some air.
- I already told you,

- you cannot leave the theatre.
- I'm not leaving! All right?

I'm not leaving. I'm just
going outside for a second

- to get some...
- No. No! We have a protocol.

- You are not allowed to leave...
- Stop, woman!

I'm just going outside for a moment

to get some air. I'll be back!

(KNOCKING)

- (WHISTLE BLOWING OUTSIDE)
- (CAR HONKING)

- You came back.
- I couldn't let you deal

- with this alone.
- Thank you.

- We have another problem.
- What's that?

Steven found out what's going on.

- Mary's Steven?
- And he's threatening

to publish the story.
Wonder how he found out.

And I just don't know if I've made

the right choices.
Or any choices, really.

But you wanted to be what you are.

Well, I wanted to be like my father.

And don't get me wrong,
I do love my work.

- But?
- But I'm nothing

like my father.

And I'm starting to realize
I never will be.

So, here I am as a morality officer.

I have no idea how I got here,
much less what I should do next.

- (CLOTH-TEARING NOISE)
- Ah. Thinking's overrated.

You know what isn't?

Movement.

Movement?

You will always reveal
what you feel in your heart

by what you do in your movement.

I don't understand.

I can tell by the way
that you move that you've got

something pent up inside of you.

And, maybe, it needs to come out.

I think you should try moving more...

...and thinking less...

...to see what your body has
to say about the issue.

- Well, that's not very helpful.
- (FOOTSTEPS)

Ooh! Frankie!

What are you saying?

He's your boyfriend. Maybe you needed

a sympathetic ear and it's
a great scoop for him...

No. I didn't need anything like that.

I want this show to go on,
probably more than anyone.

I would never betray
your confidence like that.

I'm sorry. I'm just
tightly wound right now.

It's OK. I know the feeling.

Hey, guys. This seem odd to you?

(FRANKIE): What's this? Aspirin?

(GAGGING)

(RETCHING)

(FLO): That's it. Just let it out.

They are reaping what
they've sowed you know.

- They disrespected the laws of God...
- (FLO): That's it. Just let it out.

You might want
to put a sock in it, Lady.

They will all recover if
they reject their wicked ways.

Didn't you hear me the first time?

(TRUDY): Listen to her and get out!

(FRANKIE): How are they doing?

It's still just the three
of them showing signs.

- It's something.
- They can't keep anything down.

Flo, we found these.

Acetylsalicylic acid. That's a lot.

This stuff ain't cheap.

It's possible... Trudy,

- can you find me some blueprints?
- Blueprints?

There must be some
for the theatre. Go ask Boyzey.

OK.

What do you mean you're going home?!

Sorry, Boyzey. I'm out.

We're pulling up stakes.
This wasn't meant to be.

(RITA): I'll be staying, Mr. Pembroke.

- Oh... yeah?
- Mm-hm!

Hm. Who's gonna pay for your dancers?

No money coming in means
no money going out.

You're coming back
to vaudeville with me.

Sorry, Pembroke,
but, uh, your ship has sailed.

- (BOYZEY): You can't bail on me.
- (TRUDY): Boyzey...

(BOYZEY): What is it?

(TRUDY): Do you have
blueprints to the theatre?

Trudy, this is hardly the time!

I need them now.

Thank you.

This will be perfect.

Perfect.

- (FLO): Oh!
- (TRUDY): Here they are.

So, what's the plan, Flo?

Blueprints are made
with a chemical transfer process

that involves ferrous ammonium citrate

- and potassium ferricyanide.
- (MARY): Cyanide?

Are we talking about cyanide poisoning?

Nice try, but no.

What I'm interested in
is the ammonium citrate.

- (WOMAN MOANING)
- Oh, geez.

(FRANKIE): You keep doing what
you're doing. I'll go check on her.

- (FLO): You sure?
- (FRANKIE): Yeah, I'll be fine.

Ah...

- Are you doing OK?
- Oh, it hurts everywhere.

Oh...

- You don't have a fever.
- Mm-mm.

Can I get you some water or anything?

Water makes it worse.

Are you having any problems breathing?

- (OMINOUS MUSIC)
- No.

Ah, perfect.

So, what exactly are you doing, Flo?

If acetylsalicylic acid mixes
with ammonium citrate,

- it should turn violet.
- Which proves...?

It doesn't prove anything,
but it strongly suggests

that these dancers were poisoned.

- With what?
- Acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin.

Jehosophat! That is a lot of Aspirin!

- (FRANKIE): Flo!
- I don't think that this is...

Spanish flu. No, neither do I.
The dancer that I just saw,

there's no fever,
there's no respiratory problems.

I think it's an ulcer.

Maybe that's what's
wrong with the other two.

- An ulcer. How?
- Aspirin overdose.

So, someone's trying
to poison the dancers?

- Very possibly.
- Who-who would do that?

Maybe someone who doesn't want
to see them perform.

The good news is it's not

- the Spanish flu.
- (SIGHS OF RELIEF)

I'd like everyone to stop taking Aspirin

- or any other medications.
- Anything else?

Something is going on here,

and no one is leaving until
we get to the bottom of it.

Frankie.

Frankie, look at this.

(SIGHING)

This is not good.

- He said that I had more time.
- No, Steven didn't write this.

This isn't his newspaper.

Guess he wasn't the only
journalist that was tipped off.

So, now we're looking for
someone who poisoned a dancer

and tipped off the newspaper.

And someone who is definitely
not a fan of Rita Hart.

- Or Boyzey Pembroke.
- Or modern dance in general.

- Well, that could be anyone.
- (BOYZEY): Give me a break!

- (FRANKIE): Everything OK?
- No, everything's not OK!

This vulture just stole my
theatre right out from under me!

I didn't have a choice.
All right? I'm sorry.

- She said it isn't the Flu!
- Yeah, the press did,

so it doesn't matter
what she said, all right?

Look, you owe me money. I owe

other people money.
I don't got a choice!

Sorry? No hard feelings, right?

Oh, there's plenty of hard feelings!

The Lord has spoken, Mr. Pembroke.

Heed His words.

Move away from me

or you'll be meeting him
before you'd like to.

I need to speak with Steven.
Will you come with me?

- Mm-hm.
- OK.

Good news then, Officer Shaw?

- How's that?
- With this theatre closed,

the city is safe from sin.

- Oh!
- Oh, I'm sorry, Prudence.

I couldn't see. I was
so blinded by righteousness.

Well...

that was a short-lived journey
into the world of entertainment.

You're taking this well.

Never let 'em see it hurts.

I'll be all right, though.
I'll bounce back.

Too bad about the theatre.

It'll just be a flop
with Smith in charge.

He'll give up the minute
the going gets hard.

You think he's the one behind this?

I don't even think
he wants the damn place.

Just needs to come out
of this mess with something.

That something is your theatre.

It's his now.

(HONKING)

You know, Steven, he has principles.

Of course he does. Otherwise,
you wouldn't be with him.

Oh, well, thank you,
but given those principles,

I really don't think he's going
to give up his source.

Well, he might change his mind
once he realizes he's being duped.

Not just him, I'd say.

Look how much money he's making!
God, that's criminal!

We'll be back in an hour. Gotta restock.

Wait! Uh, Frankie,
Steven's office is this way.

Yeah, but I think
the story might be this way.

Can you go fill Flo in? I'm gonna go

- check this out.
- Oh.

OK.

(HONKING)

(PHONES RINGING)

What the heck do you think
you're doing, Sweetheart?

Why don't you tell your goon to back off

- and then we can talk.
- He's not a goon,

- he's my employee.
- Yeah, well, he's...

looming in a goon-like fashion.

Why are you here?

As you may have noticed,
I have a pandemic to fight.

Of course, you're well aware of that.

I didn't talk to the press.
That was you.

(PHONES RINGING)

I'm just at the ready to help
the good people of Toronto.

And right now, more than ever...

...certainly seems like they need me.

- (TRUDY): Hold up!
- No! Uh-uh. I got places to go.

Done poisoning dancers for the day?

What are you talking about?

The medical supplies you gave
Rita's troupe were tainted.

- I had nothing to do with that.
- You supplied them, didn't you?

Yeah. Or my brother-in-law did.

He's in the medical-supply business.

He knew the dancers were going
to be worked hard,

so he wanted to ease
their aches and pains.

Well, his charitable donation
worked out in your favour, didn't it?

- (SCOFFING): How's that?
- The dancers get sick,

the show gets cancelled
and you end up with the theatre.

Oh, you think I want
this white elephant?

I gotta flip this thing
or my knees get broke.

- So, why'd you tell the press?
- I didn't tell the press!

Look...

I wanted this show to work.

I thought Boyzey had a chance
of making it happen,

make us... make us all a k*lling.

- Did you tell anyone?
- No.

I'm not sure you're telling
the truth, Mr. Smith.

You did tell someone.

Uh, Mr. Smith!

- Where are you going?
- I'm getting some air.

No! We have a protocol.
You are not allowed to leave...

Stop, woman! I'm just going outside

for a moment to get
some air. I'll be back.

You told your
brother-in-law, didn't you?

- No, I-I didn't tell him...
- Don't lie to us.

All right, fine.

Fine. I told him to tell my wife

I wasn't coming home.
I didn't want her to worry.

You tell him anything else?

- We need an answer!
- Fine!

I told him about the flu!
What? I was scared.

Oh! Nothing wrong with a fella

telling another fella he's scared.

Especially with you broads
running around telling

everybody the end of
the world's coming again.

Did he tell anyone?

Why don't you ask him yourself?

Let's go.

(FRANKIE): It's not the Spanish flu.

But you said it was, Miss Drake.

And I'm just trying to save the city.

You're trying to get rich.

- Good day, Miss Drake.
- (PHONES RINGING)

What? What are you doing here?

I'm busy. There's a plague going
on, if you haven't noticed.

- Is this your product?
- Name's on the label.

So, you're aware that the dosage of ASA

is times what it says
on the packaging.

- It's a mistake.
- You're trying to replicate

the symptoms of the Spanish flu.

There's a whole warehouse here
filled with medical supplies

that aren't being used.

You have a huge supply,
but no demand, so you create it.

Anyone could recognize the symptoms.

- You have no proof.
- Your brother-in-law supplied

the dancers with the tainted product.

You knew he was in deep
with the loan sharks,

- so you offered him a way out.
- No one got hurt.

Tell that to the dancers
who were coughing up blood.

Once everyone finds out,

I don't think we'll have enough
police to stop the angry mob.

- (PHONES RINGING)
- ♪

What do you want?

I have an idea.

So do I.

♪

You know, I never wanted
a theatre anyway.

Well, you were happy enough to take it.

Yeah. I would have flipped it
to cover my debts.

So, why are you signing it back?

'Cause somebody convinced my
brother-in-law to settle 'em.

Good luck, Boyzey.

(BOYZEY): Thanks, Smith.

So, what happens now?

Just waiting on the all clear
from the health commission.

Oh, I hope it all works out,
but not just for you.

So do I.

You know, if you do need some insurance,

I know a company that could
give you a great deal.

And you'd get the commission?

Of course.

(TRUDY LAUGHING)

I'll wait for the pitch.

The government gave the all clear.

So the show will go on.

And Denny Truitt will look like a hero.

It seems someone convinced him
to give free medical supplies

to any and all who need them.

What a guy.

- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- See you girls later.

- (PIANO MUSIC)
- Frankie, uh...

I apologize.

Sometimes, I feel like
one of those... soldiers

with... shell shock.

It's like the memories
of everything that happened,

I... I just... I can't...
I can't let it go.

The Flu hit cousins
in my hometown very hard.

Friends, neighbours. All dead.

Three on my family.

Like you, I could do nothing.

Except run and hope
that it didn't hit you?

I did not act in an honourable way.

I'm sorry.

You said that.

We're very lucky
that it did not come back.

Hopefully, it never does.

(CASH REGISTER CLINKING)

You didn't go home.

Of course not.

It's still a sold-out show.

Well, Mr. Wallace must be pleased.

Oh! How would I know? I dismissed him.

- Really?
- Mm-hm.

Why?

Well, I was never going
to succeed with him around.

The man has no vision,

and he's only interested in dollars.

Well, are your other dancers
well enough to perform?

Some of them. But I have replacements

coming up from New York.
They're already on the train.

- I see.
- Mm-hm.

Oh, well, unfortunately,
I, uh... I still have

to put this on the front door
of the theatre.

Oh, I thought you were on my side.

- Oh, I-I am.
- Mm-hm?

But who knows? A little scandal
might be good for business.

I wouldn't mind seeing the look
on Prudence Mayfair's face.

Well, there's more to you
than meets the eye, Miss Shaw!

Oh, I don't know about that.

Well, maybe we should find out.

Best seats in the house,
ladies, courtesy of Rita Hart.

You get to preview

the world premiere of her newest ballet.

♪

Is that...?

Holy jumping!

♪

♪

♪

♪

- Wooooo-hoo!
- Yeah!

- Mary!
- (CHEERING)

- (TRUDY): Way to go, Mary!
- (FRANKIE AND FLO LAUGHING)

(THEME MUSIC)