CAL
If you change your mind…
DESSI
I won’t, but thanks for stepping on all my toes with your two left feet.
They laugh and Dessi leaves for the next customer. Cal stands on the sidelines and watches her go with a smile.
VIEW OF DANCE FLOOR
Dance sequence/montage showcasing the Lindy Hop, the Flying Charleston, Snakehips, and Rhumboogie. Cal stands by all night, not dancing again, but watching Dessi from the sidelines. At the end of the night, Dessi thanks her last customer and looks around for Tilda. When she doesn’t see her, she heads for the coatroom, collects her hat, and exits the building.
EXTERIOR – LENOX AVENUE – OUTSIDE THE SAVOY – NIGHT
Dessi stands on the street, scanning the well-dressed people leaving the Savoy. Cal approaches her, holding up his trumpet case for her to see.
CAL
Told ya I was a musician.
DESSI
Hmmmh. If you say so.
CAL (LAUGHING)
I’ll show you if you come with me to the Radium. You been on the track all night. Come have some breakfast.
DESSI
No, I ain’t—
She spots Tilda with a well-dressed man headed in the opposite direction. Tilda looks over her shoulder at Dessi guiltily and then shrugs. Dessi glances down at the sidewalk and blinks away tears.
CAL
It’ll be a good time. Best music in the city. White boys show up, too. Benny Goodman and Harry James came last week. And the best grits you ever had.
Dessi looks in the direction Tilda went, seeing her red dress swallowed by the late-night crowd. She forces a smile and looks up at Cal.
DESSI
Did you say grits?
CAL (LAUGHING)
Best in Harlem. Come on.
EXTERIOR MOVING SHOTon Cal and Dessi talking inaudibly with a jazz music bed under the shots as they walk the few blocks to the Radium Club.
INSERTshots of Harlem nightlife, buildings lit up, Tillie’s Chicken House, The Log Cabin, the Theatrical Grill, well-dressed white patrons entering the Cotton Club, and finally ending on the entrance to the Radium Club.
INTERIOR — RADIUM CLUB – NIGHT
When Cal and Dessi enter, the club is filled with smoke and people and music. A dimly lit stage sits in the center of the room, and a small band tunes up.
CAL
