Daily Dialogue — May 21, 2012

Jack and Frank lock eyes again.
Frank’s glance drops to Jack’s glass.

FRANK
Jesus, when was the last time we played the Mallory?

JACK
Five years ago.
(thinking)
November.

FRANK
Right. It was someone’s birthday.
Halloran?

JACK
Daughter’s. Sweet sixteen.

FRANK
Christ, that’s right. How could
I forget. What a nightmare.

JACK
She asked for it.

FRANK
I told Halloran we didn’t do
vocals, but he said:

JACK AND FRANK
(in unison)
What my Sissy-wants, my Sissy gets.

JACK
She got it all right.

Jack and Frank glance at one another, little boy
mischief glowing in their faces. Suddenly they swivel
on the pianos and begin to play “You’re Sixteen.”

JACK AND FRANK
(singing)
She comes on like a dream
Peaches and cream
Lips like strawberry wine
She’s sixteen, she’s beautiful and she’s mine.
Ribbons and curls
Ooh, what a girl
Eyes that sparkle and shine
You’re sixteen, you’re beautiful, and you’re mine.

As Jack and Frank finish, they’re laughing. After a
moment, their voices die and the house is quiet again.
Full of ghosts. Each stares at the tiny keyboard before
him, awkward with the intimacy of the moment. It is
quiet for a very long time. Finally, Frank looks over.

FRANK
Well … One more time?

Jack glances up and sees Frank has his empty glass
held out. He hesitates, then picks up the bottle.

JACK
One more time.

— Jack (Jeff Bridges), Frank (Beau Bridges), The Fabulous Baker Boys (1992), written by Steve Kloves

The Daily Dialogue theme for the week is siblings suggested by mommyfollows. Today’s suggestion by plinytheelder.

Trivia: The first time Jeff and Beau Bridges have acted in a film together. Some of the disagreements between the Baker Boys are based upon actual differences between the Bridges.

Dialogue On Dialogue: Perfect movie to kick off siblings week as the two leads are also brothers themselves. Check out that scene description after they get done singing “You’re Sixteen”:

As Jack and Frank finish, they’re laughing. After a
moment, their voices die and the house is quiet again.
Full of ghosts. Each stares at the tiny keyboard before
him, awkward with the intimacy of the moment. It is
quiet for a very long time.

“Full of ghosts.” That’s the Internal World intruding into the External World, a classic example of a scene where something happens… then something else happens.

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