Sunset Boulevard (1950) Edit

A baseball player, a rookie shortstop that's batting 347, once did a hold up,

A bunch of kids who didn't give a hoot, so long as they had a yuck to share.

A curtain of silence surrounds her

A dozen press agents working overtime

A great big empty garage, just standing there going to waste.

A great package of rain. Oversized like everything else in California.

A lot of people were. Lindbergh had just landed in Paris. Come on in.

A lot of people were. Lindbergh had just landed in Paris. Come on in.

A murder's been reported from one of those houses in the 10000 block.

A neglected house gets an unhappy look.

A return to the millions who've never forgiven me for deserting the screen.

A stroke maybe.

A younger man who's not doing too well.

About three days later, she was good and ready.

Actresses so young they still believed the guys in the casting office.

Afraid it would remind her that time had passed.

After that, an army of beauty experts

After that, I drove down to headquarters.

After twelve years in the Burmese jungle, I'm starving, Lady Agatha...

All cardboard, all hollow, all phoney, all done with mirrors.

All handmade. Cost me $28,000.

All I ask is for you to be a little patient and a little kind.

All I know is, they didn't sell.

All my things?

All right, it was quite a few years ago. But I've never looked better in my life.

All right, let's go.

All right, Mr DeMille, I'm ready for my close up.

All right, notify Henry Wilcoxon. Spread that out so I can see it.

All right. Cameras. Action!

All right. Give me this. I need it for a moustache. Now, close your eyes.

An awful nice guy, an assistant director.

An enormous foreign built automobile.

An hour dragged by.

An old trainer got beaned, goes out of his head sometimes.

And a chimp was dancing for pennies.

And Black Dahlia suspect.

And I found out a few other things about him.

And look at this.

And set forth to see DeMille in person.

And she was in love with me me.

And she'd mentioned something to drink. Why not?

And she's turned you into a servant.

And started to check the damage, just for the record.

And Technicolor to photograph the swollen tongue.

And that bed like a gilded rowboat.

And the wind wheezing through that organ once in a while.

And there should be plenty of money in it.

And those wonderful people out there in the dark.

And Vilma Banky and Rod La Rocque.

And we'd see a movie, right in her living room.

And we've got a court order. The keys.

And what wine to drink with what fish.

And you will please not call again.

And, of course, she had a pool. Who didn't then?

Another writer may steal your material.

Apparently, I just didn't have what it takes.

Are you kidding? I think it's good.

Are you trying to be funny, because I'm out of laughs. I need a job.

As day breaks over the murder house, Norma Desmond,

As for her, she sat coiled up like a watch spring,

As I drove back towards town, I took inventory of my prospects.

As if she were laying to rest an only child.

As much whoop de do as we get when they open a supermarket.

Ask him. Ask him again.

At the end of the drive was a lovely sight.

Audiences don't know somebody sits down and writes a picture.

Back at that pool again. The one I always wanted.

Back up a little. Get out of the way! You fellow at the back.

Be careful as you cross the patio. Madame may be watching.

Be careful, don't race upstairs. The musicians mustn't know.

Because after "Salome" we'll make another picture and another.

Because an old time star is involved, one of the biggest.

Because I thought the whole thing was a mistake.

Because they want to see me me, Norma Desmond.

Before those Hollywood columnists get their hands on it,

Betty Schaefer engaged to Artie Green, as nice a guy as ever lived,

Betty, there's no use running out on it. Let's face it, whatever it is.

Bring me a telephone and get me Gordon Cole.

Bring something to drink. Sit down. Is there enough light?

But before you hear it all distorted and blown out of proportion,

But he's trying to go straight, except some gamblers won't let him.

But it ought to be organised, edited. You can find somebody.

But it wasn't so simple getting coherence into her wild hallucinations.

But that wasn't good enough. They had to have the ears, too.

But they found your car and they're going to tow it away.

But you just can't say those things to somebody you're crazy about.

Cameras? What is it, Max?

Can do terrible things to the human spirit.

Can you see Ty Power as the shortstop?

Careful of these tiles, they're slippery. Valentino used to dance here.

Careful, it's slippery. I had it waxed.

Clunk me on the head with a shoe.

Come clean. At night you weep for the lost close ups, those galas.

Come midnight, how about smashing glasses over Max's head?

Coroner's office. I want to speak to the coroner.

Could I? Gillis...

Cut away from me?

D W Griffith, Cecil B DeMille and Max Von Mayerling.

December, 21 st.

Defying me not to like what I read,

DeMille always said I was his greatest star.

DeMille didn't have the heart to say. None of us has.

Depends whether it's "Donald Duck" or "Joan of Arc".

Did you see how they came?

Dim figures you may still remember from the silent days.

Do you know where he lives, how he lives, what he lives on?

Do you want this job or don't you?

Don't be silly. Here. I was going to give it to you at midnight.

Don't blame me. I'm just a writer.

Don't bother with a rewrite. Take it direct. Ready?

Don't hate me, Joe. I did it because I need you.

Don't just stand there hating me.

Don't think I thought this would win an Academy Award.

Don't turn around. Keep your eyes on the book.

Down below they're waiting for the princess.

Draw your sword and raise that d**** with it. Samson's lying over here.

Drop that attitude. It's something worthwhile.

Eight master bedrooms. A sunken tub in every bathroom.

Even if she got away with it in court, crime of passion, temporary insanity,

Ever been in one of these old Hollywood palazzos?

Ever heard of Isotta Fraschinis?

Ever see so much junk? She had the ceiling brought from Portugal.

Ever so gently.

Exactly how much do you know about him?

Except with those boys from the finance office.

Famous star of yesteryear, is in a state of complete mental shock.

Finally, I located that agent of mine. The big faker!

First, throw out all that psychological mess, exploring the killer's sick mind.

For heaven's sakes! Come in, have a chair.

For instance? We could make some paper boats and have a regatta.

Forget that! It's a car I'm talking about. Losing it is like losing my legs.

Forgetting she was my employer,

Forgive me for calling so late, but I feel it's my duty.

Funny how gentle people get with you once you're dead.

Furthermore, you can have the phone now.

Get your things and let's go.

Go away.

Go away. Go to that girl of yours.

Go easy on that punchbowl. Budget only calls for three drinks per extra.

Go on.

Good luck, Betty. You can finish that script on the way to Arizona.

Goodbye, Norma.

Goodbye, Norma. We'll see what we can do.

Gordon Cole?

Gordon, this is C B DeMille. Have you been calling Norma Desmond?

Grandma did stunt work for Pearl White. I'm from a picture family.

Greatest thing that could happen. Now you'll have to sit down and write.

Had you thought of doing something like this before?

Happy New Year, darling.

Happy New Year, Norma.

Happy New Year!

Have they forgotten what a star looks like?

Have you thought I may have a life of my own, a girl I'm crazy about?

He always liked fires and poking at them with a stick.

He could let me have twenty, but twenty wouldn't do.

He had a great big bungalow on wheels.

He has to finish this picture first. Mine will be next.

He must have been a very important chimp.

He rejects her, so she demands his head on a golden tray.

He says it only costs two dollars to get married there.

He wants me to come on to Arizona.

He was a smart producer with a set of ulcers to prove it.

He was hard at work in Bel Air, making with the golf sticks.

He wouldn't have tried to get me on the telephone ten times.

He'd just look at your heels and know the score.

He'd just look at your heels and know the score.

He's shooting. Got an appointment?

He's trying to belittle me, to get my price down.

Hello, is this Gladstone 9281?

Hello, Max. I need a favour.

Hello, Mr Sheldrake. "Bases Loaded", I covered it with a two page synopsis.

Her chauffeur drove it here the other day. It's perfect for the Crosby picture.

Her cigarette clamped in a curious holder.

Her first number was always the Mack Sennett Bathing Beauty.

Her own movie theatre.

Here are some camel's hair, but feel this, it's vicuÒa.

Here was an item everybody could have some fun with.

Here's 10079, Connie. It must be over there.

Here's that funny car Cole was talking about. Can we look it over?

Here's to us! This floor used to be wood, but I had it changed.

Hey, Betty, here's that weird sounding woman again.

Hey, Joe!

Hey, Miss Desmond.

Hey, you! Max, whatever your name is, what are my things doing here?

His greatest successes!

Hit 'em all.

Hit that with a light, somebody, so I can get a look at that scape.

Hold it.

Hold that noise!

Hollywood for us ain't been so good Got no swimming pool

How about going up the kitchen stairs and undressing in the dark?

How about looking for the exit? This way, Betty.

How about the rainbow room?

How about this? She teaches daytimes, he teaches at night.

How can I work if I'm wasting away under this torment?

How come this gun was right there?

How come? There must be a reason.

How could she breathe in that house so crowded with Norma Desmonds?

How do you like that? We've made 12 pictures together.

How long is a movie script these days? How many pages?

How much? Don't give me a fancy price just because I'm rich.

However, by then, l'd started concocting a little plot of my own.

Hundreds of thousands will!

I am big. It's the pictures that got small.

I bluffed it out with a few notions.

I bought a revolver. I stood in front of that mirror, but I couldn't do it.

I called your agent, the Screenwriters' Guild.

I can still see myself in the line: Marie Prevost, Mabel Normand.

I can tell her you're in the projection room, give her the brush.

I can't go on with this scene, I'm too happy.

I can't look at you any more, Joe.

I can't take it. You've bought me enough.

I cannot let her be destroyed.

I could've continued my career,

I couldn't get hold of my agent, naturally.

I couldn't go back to my apartment now those bloodhounds were on to me.

I couldn't see his face, but the organ was d****d in black.

I didn't argue with her.

I didn't come to see a house. What about Norma Desmond?

I didn't know where I was going. I just had to get out of there.

I didn't know you were planning a comeback.

I didn't realise what it would be like coming back to the studio.

I didn't want to hurt you. You've been good to me.

I don't care.

I don't care.

I don't have to tell you who the star was.

I don't know what he's said, but he does not live with relatives,

I don't know why you're so upset. Stop that playing, Max.

I don't like the stud. I want you to have a luscious pearl.

I don't need any clothes and I don't want you buying them for me.

I don't want it now.

I don't want to be a reader. I want to write.

I dropped the hook, and she snapped at it.

I drove to the beach. You don't want me to feel I'm locked up here?

I felt caught like the cigarette in that contraption on her finger.

I felt guilty, so I got out some of your old stories.

I felt kind of pleased with the way l'd handled the situation.

I found it flat and trite.

I found out the reason for those telephone calls from Paramount.

I got myself ten nickels and started sending out a general SOS.

I got the funniest letter from Artie.

I got the recipe.

I had a nightmare and screamed for you. Where were you?

I had an original story kicking around Paramount.

I had the upstairs. You see where it says "Readers Department"?

I had to be with people my own age. I had to hear somebody laugh again.

I hadn't worked in a studio for a long time.

I hate that word. It's a return.

I hope you realise scripts don't sell on astrologers' charts.

I hope you realise scripts don't sell on astrologers' charts.

I just came to say goodnight. You mustn't see me.

I just don't.

I just put my car in the garage. I had a blowout. I thought...

I knew there was something wrong with them.

I knew they'd come and I wasn't taking chances.

I know it's a woman. Who is she? Why can't I ask you?

I like it better than any street in the world.

I love you, Joe. I love you, Joe.

I love you.

I must know.

I need you as I've never needed you before. Look at me.

I needed about $290 and I needed it real quick, or l'd lose my car.

I never got those telephone calls and I've never been in this house.

I own three blocks downtown, I've got oil in Bakersfield pumping, pumping.

I pegged him as slightly cuckoo, too.

I pegged him as slightly cuckoo, too.

I pulled in till I could get a spare. I thought the house was empty.

I put him on my massage table by the fire.

I remember I was dancing on a table.

I remember my walls were covered with black patent leather.

I saw you last someplace very gay.

I sure have. Want a list of my credits?

I thought if I got going I could finish it in a couple of weeks.

I thought it was a matter of life and death.

I thought of Artie Green.

I thought of them as her waxworks.

I want the coffin to be white and specially lined with satin,

I want to ask you something. Come in here.

I want to say how happy I am to be in the studio making a picture again.

I want to work again. You don't know what it means knowing you want me.

I wanted the job and the dough and to get out of there quickly.

I was a heel not to have told her.

I was living in an apartment house above Franklin and lvar.

I was thinking about that girl of Artie's, that Miss Schaefer.

I was way ahead of the finance company.

I was worried about my throat. This woman's done wonders.

I will take Mr Gillis's bags to the car.

I would do that, but I'm not good enough to do it alone.

I wouldn't know, sir. Madame made the arrangements.

I wouldn't let you. Goodnight, darling.

I wouldn't worry about money. I'll make it worth your while.

I'd hoped to get in on this deal.

I'd take it, only it's too dressy for a copy desk in Dayton, Ohio.

I'd teach it a better tune.

I'll be up there again, so help me!

I'll be with you in a minute.

I'll do it again.

I'll do it again. I'll do it again!

I'll fill the pool or open my Malibu house and you can have the ocean.

I'll have the bellhop take care of your luggage. Just register it here.

I'll say, this is solid gold.

I'm all right again. Tell me you're not cross.

I'm all wrong for you.

I'm free every evening and weekend. We could work at your place.

I'm in the middle of a rehearsal.

I'm not afraid. Read it.

I'm not afraid. Read it.

I'm not enquiring where Mr Gillis goes every night.

I'm not going to wear earrings.

I'm not in love with him any more, that's all.

I'm not worried. The old team together again. Nothing can stop us.

I'm ready.

I'm so scared. Is there something awful?

I'm sorry to bother you again, but I must speak to Mr Gillis.

I'm sorry you lost your friend. I don't think red is the right colour.

I'm sorry, I don't usually read private cigarette cases.

I'm talking from Norma Desmond's bedroom.

I'm talking to you. My clothes and things are up in the room.

I'm to fix your script. There's nothing in the deal about staying here.

I've forgotten how many spades are out!

I've given up writing on spec.

I've got 20 pages and a good male character.

I've got some, too. This is New Year's Eve, let's live it up.

I've waited 20 years for this. DeMille can wait till I'm good and ready.

If ever there was a place to stash a car with a hot licence number.

If so, you've come to the right party.

If there's anything in "Dark Windows" you can use, take it, it's all yours.

If we made it a girls' softball team, put in a few numbers,

If you hadn't been pretty interested,

If you need help with the coffin, call me.

Important enough for Mr DeMille to call me personally.

In all seriousness, this is really good.

In fact, it was on one of those walks when she told me about her nose.

In here.

In here.

In one week, she received 17,000 fan letters.

In the boudoir of her house on Sunset Boulevard...

In the end, he got himself a pool, only the price turned out a little high.

Incredibly, there'd been some more

Invaded her house on Sunset Boulevard.

Is it about me?

Is that so? What's the wonderful news?

Is there a confession?

Is there someplace we can talk?

It can't be done. Stop being chicken hearted and write that story.

It does?

It got to be eleven, and I felt a little sick at my stomach,

It had a 1932 licence. I figured that's when the owners had moved out.

It has some good things in it, but it would be a very expensive picture.

It is not Mr DeMille in person, it's someone named Gordon Cole.

It meant so much to her.

It must've burned up ten gallons to a mile.

It reminded me of being twelve, sneaking out to see a gangster film.

It seemed like a good idea if we are to work together.

It sure was a cosy set up.

It taught me sense. I worked up from the mail room to being reader.

It was a great big white elephant of a place.

It was all done with great dignity.

It was all very queer, but queerer things were yet to come.

It was at her New Year's party that I found out how she felt about me.

It was empty now. Or was it?

It was I who asked to come back, humiliating as it may seem.

It was like that old woman in''Great Expectations';,

It wasn't in Palm Springs, and it wasn't in the garage.

It wasn't until I got back to my peculiar prison

It would save us a honeymoon.

It'd be a change of pace for Ladd. And simple to shoot.

It'll never make "House Beautiful", but it's OK for one night.

It'll never make "House Beautiful", but it's OK for one night.

It's a rehash of something not very good.

It's about five o'clock in the morning.

It's about Mr Gillis. You do know Mr Gillis?

It's all right, Max. I'll take it. Hello, Betty.

It's dawn now and they must've photographed me a thousand times.

It's for buying us anything we want.

It's just that I am greatly worried about Madame.

It's lonely here, so she got herself a companion.

It's more like freshly laundered linen handkerchiefs,

It's not Madame they want, it's her car they want to rent.

It's not the script, I'm selling me.

It's not the script, I'm selling me.

It's OK, OK. I'm going.

It's one way to get her downstairs.

It's rained every day since they got there.

It's Salome's story. I'll have DeMille direct.

It's too much of you. They don't want you in every scene.

Itching with ambition, planning to get your names up there:

Joe, I said you could have my couch, not my girl.

Joe, where are you? What is this all about?

Joe!

Joe!

Joe! Joe!

Judas H Priest, who'd you borrow that from? Adolphe Menjou?

Just a minute, you. You're a writer, you said.

Just a story won't do. You'd have turned down "Gone with the Wind".

Just a writer with a couple of B pictures to his credit.

Just as well.

Just becoming a fan, excited about that actress up there on the screen.

Just say thank you and go. Go, go!

Just us and the cameras

Keep quiet back there!

Kept going through my head like a dozen locomotives.

Kind of a combination office, Kaffeeklatsch and waiting room.

L'd landed in the driveway of some big mansion

Lady, you've got the wrong man. I had some trouble with a flat tyre.

Last one was about Okies in the Dust Bowl.

Last year, somebody talked me into buying a ranch,

Later he strangled himself with it.

Later I found out Max was the only other person in that grim castle.

Later on, just for comedy relief,

Let's get a good look at you.

Let's go back about six months and find the day when it all started.

Let's not be small about such matters. We won't keep books.

Life, which can be strangely merciful, had taken pity on Norma Desmond.

Lights.

Like a brand new automobile.

Like an athlete training for the Olympics, she counted every calorie,

Look at my hands, my face, under my eyes.

Look at them in the front offices, the masterminds!

Look at this street.

Look, I was making that up,

Look, there's Norma Desmond.

Looks like enough for six important pictures.

Lots of outdoors stuff. I bet you could make it for under a million.

Mabel Normand and John Gilbert swam in it 10,000 midnights ago.

Mabel was always stepping on my feet.

Madame got the razor from your room and cut her wrists.

Madame's doctor. Madame has moments of melancholy.

Mars has been transiting Jupiter for weeks.

Max wheeled in some champagne and caviar.

Max will take you there. Max!

Max, champagne.

Max, what's the very best man's shop in town?

Max!

May I come in, Joe? I've stopped crying.

May I say that you smell real special?

May I speak to Miss Betty Schaefer? She must be home by now.

May I suggest, if we're ever to finish this story, stay at least two feet away.

Maybe I could get away with it, get away from Norma.

Maybe I could wipe the whole nasty mess out of my life.

Maybe if I hocked all my junk, there'd be enough for a ticket back to Ohio,

Maybe it's a little long and repetitious, but you're not a professional writer.

Maybe l'd been an idiot not to have sensed it was coming.

Maybe red, bright, flaming red. Let's make it gay.

Maybe they weren't original enough, maybe they were too original.

Maybe you'd like to hear the facts, the whole truth.

Me? I'm busy. I just finished a script and I'm doing another assignment.

Men bribed the hairdresser for a lock of her hair.

Might be a musical: "It Happened in the Bullpen: The Story of a Woman".

Miss Desmond can. Come on.

Miss Schaefer, I'm trying to do you a favour

Money?

More Norma Desmonds and still more Norma Desmonds.

More or less. I've got a gimmick.

Mr DeMille, do you mind if I say a few words? Thank you.

Mr Gillis has not forgotten Madame's New Year's party?

Mr Sheldrake, could you let me have

My 18 suits, my custom made shoes, the six dozen shirts,

My agent said it was dead, but I knew a bigshot who liked me.

My astrologer read DeMille's horoscope and mine.

My car would be safe down below while I patched up the script.

My father was head electrician here. Mother still works in wardrobe.

Naturally. I brought them myself.

Next time I'll bring my autograph album.

No appointment necessary.

No, I haven't. I suppose all the waxworks are coming?

No, I was born two blocks from the studio, Lemon Grove Avenue.

No, that was me. I said, "Who wants to see a Civil War picture?"

No, you're not. Max! Max!

Nonsense. There's a room over the garage.

Nonsense. There's a room over the garage.

Nor with friends in the usual sense of the word.

Norma Desmond!

Norma Desmond?

Norma Desmond's coming in to see you, Mr DeMille.

Norma Desmond's coming to see Mr DeMille.

Norma Desmond's coming to see Mr DeMille.

Norma, I must apologise for not calling you.

Norma, you're smoking too much.

Not a cheap thing made of chromium and spit: an Isotta Fraschini.

Not my favourite perfume, not by a long shot.

Not once. What's wrong with being the other side of the cameras?

Not talking much, just wandering down alleys between the stages,

Not until you promise to act like a sensible human being.

Not while I'm under this strain. My nerves are torn to shreds.

Nothing for Ladd?

Nothing, for work in a filling station. I'm bored with that jacket and pants.

Nothing, honest.

Nothing's the matter. I'm having a great time. Show me some more.

Now do you believe me? I told you DeMille would jump at it.

Now suppose you proofread page ten while the water boils, OK?

Now the sun's out, nobody knows when they'll get back.

Now, back to the typewriters, by way of Washington Square.

Now, Miss Desmond, is there anything you want to tell us?

Of course I do. Hello, Patsy.

Of course it is.

Of course not. I just don't want to be left alone.

Of course you do. A tuxedo, tails and, if you aren't careful, a cut away.

Oh, Joe, where were you? Is it a woman?

Oh, that. It's from a friend of mine.

Oh, was I? I'm sorry.

Oh, yes, in that empty room over her garage.

Oh, yes, yes.

OK, fellas, hold it, hold it!

OK.

OK.

OK.

OK.

OK.

Older woman who's well to do.

Once in Dayton, l'd drop the credit boys a postcard

Once they ran up to 70 cents, which was about the only cash I ever got.

Once your talent gets into that Mocambo Romanoff rut, you're through.

Only I found everything unendurable after she'd left me.

Only I seemed to have lost my touch.

Only it wasn't empty any more. l'd had a visitor.

Open your eyes.

Or are you spying in your off hours?

Or maybe begging me in her own proud way to like it.

Or through the sets they were getting ready for the next day's shooting.

Our number must be similar to the number of the pound.

Out of beat with the rest of the world, crumbling apart in slow motion.

Over by the rainbow room.

Paramount Studios.

Pardon me, gentlemen, but I must get ready for my scene.

Perfect! Wonderful shoulders, and I love that line.

Presented to her by some Nevada chamber of commerce.

Psychopaths sell like hot cakes.

Pull up at the drugstore. I'll get you some.

Put it back.

Read the scene just before she has him killed.

Ready for those cameras that would never turn.

Ready, Norma?

Remember, I don't work before

Roll 'em. Speed.

Rudy never asked any questions about your finances,

Rudy never asked any questions about your finances,

Sagittarius. I like Sagittarians, you can trust them.

Say he can get another old car someplace.

Say you don't hate me, Joe.

Say, she's quite a character that Norma Desmond.

See? You didn't believe me. You don't think I have the courage?

She had Max move me to the main house.

She teaches day classes while he teaches night school.

She turns out to be a multi millionaire and leaves you all her money.

She was a fool not to sense there was something phoney in my set up.

She was absolutely determined to be ready,

She was like all writers when we first hit Hollywood,

She was the greatest. You wouldn't know, you're too young.

She went through a merciless series of treatments.

She'd put on a live show for me.

She'd sit very close to me, and she'd smell of tuberoses.

She'd take me for rides in the hills above Sunset.

She'd taught me bridge by then, just as she'd taught me fancy tango steps,

She's a fan for my literary output.

Shout at me, strike me, but don't hate me.

Shut up! I'm rich, richer than all this new Hollywood trash.

Shut up. If we could get a story...

Six in the morning? This month I'm completely at your disposal.

Slanted this way a little. So I had it fixed.

Smart girl. Nothing like being 22.

So I borrowed the money.

So I called a pal of mine, Artie Green.

So I had ten years of dramatic lessons, diction, dancing.

So I sat there grinding out original stories, two a week.

So Max got that old bus off its blocks and polished it up.

So much nicer than going out, she'd say.

So she put on about half a pound of make up, fixed it up with a veil,

So they opened their big mouths and out came talk, talk, talk!

So they were turning after all, those cameras.

So you take plot 27 A, make it glossy and slick?

Someone had brought in my belongings, my books, typewriter and clothes.

Something was the matter all right.

Sometimes as we watched, she'd clutch my arm or my hand,

Sometimes it's interesting to see just how bad bad writing can be.

Sometimes there'd be a little bridge game.

Sometimes when we got stuck,

Sorry about New Year's. Would you believe I stayed with a sick friend?

Stage 18.

Stick 'em up, Gillis, or I'll let you have it.

Still waving proudly to a parade which had long since passed her by.

Still wonderful, isn't it? And no dialogue.

Stop crying. You're getting married. That's what you wanted.

Stop it. Where've you been keeping yourself?

Suddenly I'm terribly afraid of losing you.

Sure would've made attractive headlines.

Sure, especially with lots of music drowning it out.

Sweetheart, maybe what you need is another agent.

Taking it out on the world because she'd been given the go by.

Tell me everything is just as it was, Joe.

Telling them where to pick up the jalopy.

Thank you, darling. Thank you, Joe.

Thank you, Jonesy. And teach your friend some manners.

Thanks for the handsome wardrobe and for the use of all the trinkets.

That bundle of raw nerves and Max and a dead monkey upstairs,

That car better be here by noon tomorrow or there'll be fireworks.

That didn't leave much for Wallace Reid.

That I started facing the facts.

That idiot! He forgot to fill my cigarette case.

That is my job and it has been for a long time.

That isn't true. Max!

That looked rundown and deserted.

That night I had a mixed up dream. In it there was an organ grinder.

That silly hodgepodge of melodramatic plots.

That story Betty Schaefer dug up

That's a lie. They want me. I get letters every day.

That's from when they were making $18,000 a week tax free.

That's how a lot of us think about Schwab's drugstore.

That's it. She was still sleepwalking along the giddy heights of a lost career.

That's the homicide squad, complete with detectives and newspapermen.

That's the trouble with you readers. You know all the plots.

That's what I'm trying to tell you. This is an enormous place.

That's what makes it great.

That's where the popcorn business comes in. Buy it to plug your ears.

The accent! This guy's in the pay of a foreign government.

The address is

The bathroom's there. I put in some towels, soap and a toothbrush.

The company's played ball long enough, you're three payments behind.

The cufflinks, the platinum key chains and the cigarette cases?

The dream she had clung to so desperately had enfolded her.

The Fairbankses, the Gilberts, the Valentinos!

The first time they meet...

The first time you see me coming any closer,

The flashback scene when she tells about being a schoolteacher.

The great grandson of King Kong maybe.

The great Norma Desmond.

The greatest star of them all.

The heartless so and sos. What would they do to Norma?

The idea of having some assistant call me! Say I'm busy and hang up.

The idea was to stay at Artie Green's until I could make that bus for Ohio.

The kind crazy movie people built in the crazy twenties.

The last week in December, the rains came.

The name's Schaefer, Betty Schaefer. I wish I could crawl in a hole with it.

The Norma Desmond Follies.

The old familiar story. You help a timid soul across a crowded street.

The old team? Yeah.

The only fan letters are the ones you write.

The only time I had to myself was in that room.

The other players would be actor friends,

The perfect setting for a silent movie queen. Poor devil.

The plain fact was she was afraid of that world outside,

The real guy arrived with the baby coffin.

The slave market. It's better to cut directly to...

The stars are ageless, aren't they?

The time had come to wrap up the Hollywood deal and go home.

The whole joint was jumping, cops, reporters, neighbours, passers by.

The whole place seemed stricken with a creeping paralysis,

The whole thing played on a torpedo boat.

The whole thing was upholstered in leopard skin,

The wind gets in that pipe organ. I ought to take it out.

Then come on. What is this, mink?

Then the studio made a test. They didn't like my nose.

Then they got a couple of pruning hooks and fished me out

Then they loved my nose, only they didn't like my acting.

Then why do they still write me fan letters and beg for my photographs?

There are no locks anywhere in this house, sir.

There had to be a New Year's shindig in his apartment.

There have been some attempts at suicide.

There it was again.

There it was. Betty Schaefer's future right in the palm of my hand.

There just aren't any faces like that any more. Maybe one, Garbo.

There was a time when they had the eyes of the world.

There was another occupant in that garage.

There was someone with an accent growling: you weren't there,

There was something else going on: the last rites for that hairy old chimp,

There's a bowling alley in the cellar.

There's always champagne, plenty of caviar.

There's nothing like blue flannel for a man.

There's nothing tragic about being 50, unless you try to be 25.

These are nothing. You can have anything. What do you want?

They beached me like a harpooned baby whale.

They call me the Elsa Maxwell of the assistant directors.

They don't know each other but share a room. It's cheaper.

They expected me to become a star.

They never heard of you.

They rewrote the whole picture for rain and shot half.

They sleep in the same bed. In shifts, of course.

They smashed the idols!

They think the actors make it up as they go.

They used to be Madame's dressing room. The whole row.

They were always her pictures. That's all she wanted to see.

They were silent movies, and Max would run the projection machine.

They're dead, they're finished.

They're on location in Arizona making a Western.

They're pretty hot about it at Twentieth, except Zanuck's all wet.

They've come for my car.

Things were tough at the moment.

Thirsting for the coolness of your lips.

Thirty million fans gave her the brush. Isn't that enough?

This guy, where did you meet him? Where did he come from?

This is a story about teachers, their threadbare lives.

This is more important.

This is no time for cameras.

This is shop talk.

This is the palace staircase.

This is the woman I love. What's going on?

This is to be a very important picture. I've written it myself. Took me years.

This one had it in spades.

This one, single breasted.

This promised to go the limit.

This room hasn't been used for a long time.

This time, it wasn't to see a picture, it was to try and write one.

This way.

This year, I had to mortgage the ranch to keep up my life insurance...

This year, I'm trying to earn a living.

Those are dirty words. You sound like New York critics.

Those headlines would kill her.

Three times a week, Max hauled up that painting

To a one room apartment I can't pay for,

To a story that may sell and very possibly won't?

To fall in love with you was the idiotic thing.

To that $35 a week job at the copy desk of the''Dayton Evening Post';,

Today is the day of the greatest conjunction.

Turn around, darling. Let me dry you.

Turn around, darling. Let me dry you.

Two packages of cough drops dissolved in warm g**** juice...

Uh oh!

Understand, I discovered her when she was sixteen. I made her a star.

Up in her little cubby hole of an office.

Valentino said, "There's nothing like tile for a tango." Come on.

Very few clothes All we earn are buttons and bows

Very simple set up.

Wait. Get the car out and take the script to Paramount.

Waiting... Waiting for the gravy train.

Was he out digging up a job for poor Joe Gillis?

Was theft involved? Did you catch him trying to steal something?

We didn't need dialogue. We had faces.

We don't want to share this night with others. This is for you and me.

We have to be very careful. No sleeping pills, no razor blades.

We shut off the gas in Madame's bedroom.

We'd make a little tour of the drowsing lot.

We'll bury him in the garden. Any city laws against that?

We'll deduct it from my salary.

We're looking for a Betty Hutton. Do you see it as a Betty Hutton?

Well, as long as the lady's paying for it, why not take the vicuÒa?

Well, hello, young fellow.

Well, I got hold of Gordon Cole.

Well, I had no pressing engagement.

Well, I sure turned into an interesting driveway.

Well, seems like Zanuck has got himself a baseball picture.

Well, what is this anyway? This is Betty Schaefer.

Well, you and Artie can be admirable.

Went to bed every night at nine.

Were you a child actress?

What a part. The princess in love with a holy man.

What a wonderful next year it's going to be. What fun we'll have.

What are you doing, Joe?

What are you going to do, Joe? What are you going to do?

What can I tell her?

What do you think I've been doing? I need $300.

What happened?

What have you heard? Come on, let's have it.

What is the scene? Where am I?

What kind of material do you recommend? Joyce, Dostoyevsky?

What right do you have to take me for granted?

What silly thing was that to do?

What was going on?

What with that sweet champagne and that tripe l'd been reading,

What would a handwriting expert make of her childish scrawl?

What you're trying to say is you don't want me to love you. Say it.

What?

What?

What? Max! Max!

What's so funny about it?

What's the matter?

What's the matter? Why are you so glum?

What's with the door? There's no lock.

What's wrong with you tonight?

When did he say it, Norma?

When did you come home?

When I opened my eyes, the music was still there.

When our picture's finished, I'll buy you a boat and we'll sail to Hawaii...

When were you born? What zodiac sign?

When you and Artie get back, if you ever want a swim...

When you're through with that thing, can I have it?

Whenever she suspected I was getting bored,

Where does that put me? I could be her father.

Where was I?

Where you been keeping that gorgeous face? I almost reported you missing.

Where's the ashtray? Joe, can't we have the ashtray?

White or deep pink.

Who are you? What do you want? What business is it of yours?

Who was it, Max? What is it?

Who? I'd have to have somebody I could trust.

Who? Some car hop or dress extra?

Who've we got now? Some nobody.

Why begrudge me a little fun? I just want you to look nice.

Why don't you sit in my chair and make yourself comfortable?

Why don't you? I'm writing a script and I'm going to finish it!

Why don't you? We can finish the script by Thursday.

Why have you kept me waiting so long?

Wipe your feet.

With a twentieth of a cent a point. l'd get half her winnings.

With faded markings and a sagging net.

With more courage and wit and heart than ever in one youngster.

With two shots in his back and one in his stomach. Nobody important.

Without me he'd have no job, because there'd be no Paramount.

Write plenty of background so they'll need an extra director.

Writers without a job, composers without a publisher,

Yeah? Why, if it isn't Miss Desmond!

Yes, I was playing hookey every evening along in there.

Yes, Mr DeMille. It's that car of hers, an old Isotta Fraschini.

Yes, this is Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California.

Yes, you can. Put my old clothes and my typewriter in my suitcase.

You all know Joe Gillis, the famous screenwriter, uranium smuggler,

You are? Writing words, words, more words.

You can have the phone now.

You can't go. Max! I can't face life without you.

You could've called me yourself, instead of leaving it to an assistant.

You did, sir. Goodnight, sir.

You did, sir. Goodnight, sir.

You did.

You didn't know Norma Desmond as a lovely girl of 17,

You don't know how I've missed you. I'll never desert you again.

You don't know what I've been through these last weeks.

You don't yell at a sleepwalker. He may fall and break his neck.

You get $100,000, buy me chocolates; an Oscar, I get the left foot.

You heard him. I'm a star.

You know why? Because I've never been as happy in my life.

You know, I'm pretty expensive. I get $500 a week.

You know, some crazy things happen in this business, Norma.

You look absolutely divine. Turn around.

You may be too young to even suspect there are men of his sort.

You say the cutest things.

You see those offices there, Mr Gillis?

You see, I was her first husband.

You send them. Is that it, Max?

You tell her, Max. Do her that favour. Tell her there'll be no picture.

You there, why are you so late?

You think I made that up about the gun, don't you? All right.

You want a Valentino, somebody with polo ponies, a big shot.

You won't buy me anything more.

You'd be killing yourself to an empty house. The audience left years ago.

You'd be throwing it away. I don't qualify for the job any more.

You'd better, I'm very angry.

You'd never know because on screen

You'll be glad to meet Mr Gillis, he wrote it. This is Miss Kramer.

You'll get it over your radio and on television,

You'll read about it in the late editions.

You're a darling.

You're a woman of 50. Grow up.

You're being silly. We don't need two cars, we have one.

You're here, Joe.

You're Norma Desmond. You were big in silent pictures.

You're not properly dressed for the occasion.

You're still wearing the Coldstream Guards uniform,

You're the only person in this stinking town that has.

You've got a flashback there...

You've got five minutes. What's your story about?

You've got the best man, Alan Ladd.

You've made a rope of words and strangled this business.

Young man, tell me something.

"Dark Windows". How'd you like it? I didn't, except for about six pages.

A spade. Pass.

Alright, I'll give you a few more clues. No, I haven't heard any of this.

And you'll play Salome. Who else?

Are you hungry? Hungry?

Are you married, Mr? Gillis. Single.

Betty, let me come with you. No, I'll be all right.

But it needs a little more dialogue. What for?

But it needs work. I feared so.

Can you figure it out? No.

Check those studs and cufflinks. I must go.

Close, but no cigar. You're not really a smuggler?

Come on, Joe. Come on where?

Cut out that "us" business. What's the matter with you?

Darling, are you there? Yes.

Deliver it to Mr DeMille in person. Very good.

DeMille? We made a lot of pictures together.

Don't bend back like that. It's that thing, it tickles.

Don't you sometimes hate yourself? Constantly.

Don't you want to come along? It's your script, your show.

Evening clothes? I don't need a tuxedo.

Everything set up? Just about.

Excuse me. There's a great part for Bill Demarest.

Fair enough. Salome. What a woman.

Fake the rest. Can I stick around a while?

Finish it here. It's getting kind of late.

Frankly, no. Wait a minute.

Go on in. Maybe I'd better take my car...

Good luck. Thank you, dearest.

Good party. The greatest.

Good. Why good? I miss him terribly.

Good. You'd better get to bed yourself.

Goodbye, dear. Goodbye, Mr DeMille.

Got a title? "Bases Loaded". There's an outline.

Got a title? "Bases Loaded". There's an outline.

Have one of mine. They're dreadful and make me cough.

Have you met Miss Desmond? It's a great pleasure.

Haven't I seen you before? Get out, or shall I call my servant?

He says it's very important. Certainly it is.

He took it to Palm Springs. Gone away for his health?

He's not here. Where can I reach him?

Hello, Joe. Tom.

Hello, Mr DeMille. Good to see you.

Hello, Mr Gillis. Hello.

Hello. Is this Crest View 51733?

Hey, you forgot this. Thanks.

Hey! To see Mr DeMille, open the gate.

How are you? Hi, Joe.

How is she? She's in her room.

How nice to see you! Welcome home. Remember me?

How old are you? 22.

How'd it go? It couldn't have gone better.

How've you been, Miss Desmond? Open the gate.

Hurt feelings department. Where's the phone?

I didn't mean... Of course not.

I don't know. What month?

I don't want to talk about it. Why not?

I got a telegram from Artie. From Artie? What's wrong?

I had a teacher like that. Maybe that's why it's good.

I hate you. Don't make it too dreary.

I haven't done anything. Of course you haven't.

I haven't got a thing. Any assignment, additional dialogue.

I haven't time to listen. I'll make it short.

I hear she was a terror to work with. Only toward the end.

I mean it. Help yourself. Why should you do that?

I mean this good dialogue will play. It will?

I need money now. Can't you wait until I'm dummy?

I want to talk to you about that. Isn't it a good script?

I want to talk to you. Not now, I'm playing three no trump.

I went for a walk. No, you didn't. You took the car.

I will not have it butchered. Of course not.

I will now kiss that nose of yours. If you please.

I wouldn't know. I don't care, anyway.

I wrote that with my heart. Sure you did.

I'd no idea how much I missed it. We've missed you, too.

I'll have somebody pick them up. I've no time. The doctor is here.

I'll read the rest at home. I couldn't let it out of my house.

I'll take care of that. It's all taken care of, all paid for.

I'm bringing Norma Desmond. Norma who?

I'm not very attractive. Goodnight.

I'm sorry if I crossed you up. You sure have.

I've got 20 20 vision. I said sit down.

I've got wonderful news for you. I haven't been keeping myself at all.

I've lost half a pound. Good.

If I could be of any help. Sorry, I just didn't think it was good.

If you don't believe me, look. We believe you, now believe us.

If you love me, Joe. Look, sweetie, be practical.

Is that so? I loaned it to a friend.

It is not. Get out. I'm sorry.

It took you hours. I ran into some people I know.

It's 10.15. What time will they arrive? Who?

It's a little more expensive. The camel's hair will do.

It's fun writing with you. Oh, thanks.

It's not the 10%. I'm your friend. You are?

It's padding, don't be fooled. Here.

It's really more fun. Three cheers for Betty Schaefer.

It's true and moving. Why not? Who wants true and moving?

It's your baby. Couldn't we work evenings?

Joseph C Gillis? That's right.

Just a scene I threw out. Which scene?

Just a scene I threw out. Which scene?

Let's have a drink. Shouldn't we wait for the others?

Lights ready? All set.

Madame is waiting. For me?

Madame's wanted on the telephone. Don't interrupt me.

Maybe he's busy shooting. I know that trick!

Maybe somebody else could tell me. Nobody can give you any information.

Miss Desmond, it's me, Hog eye. Hello, Hog eye.

Mr Gillis, if you please? I'll be right there.

Must be my new shampoo. That's no shampoo.

My eyes can say anything I want. It could use some shears.

No? I'm not just your agent.

No. Please.

Norma Desmond! I thought she was dead.

Norma Desmond? She must be a million years old.

Norma Desmond. Jonesy, hey, Jonesy.

Now, what is it? Where's the fire? I've lost my car.

Oh? Hold me tighter.

One diamond. One heart.

Or do you want us to haul it away? The car isn't here.

Pack 'em up again. I'm not staying! Make up your mind.

Paramount's calling. Who?

Pass. Empty the ashtray, Joe, dear.

Please! Come on.

Second generation, huh? Third.

Sh! You'll wake up the monkey. Get out! Max.

She read the script? DeMille's Leo, I'm Scorpio.

She still gets those fan letters. Don't look closely at the postmarks.

Sheldrake likes the teacher angle. What teacher?

So do I. Let me show you where it fits in.

So long. Oh, you...

Some men outside ask for you. I'm not here.

Something's wrong with your car? There sure is.

Something's wrong with your car? There sure is.

Sorry, Mr DeMille. It must be about her awful script.

Sure, "Bases Loaded". Wait.

Sure, if it makes a good scene. You don't care.

Sure, Miss Desmond. Come on. They can't enter without a pass.

Sure. This'll go on all night. No, I mean a couple of weeks?

Tails, that's ridiculous! For parties and New Year's Eve.

Tell Mr DeMille I'll be right on set. What is this?

Thank you. I want you to do this work.

Thank you. That's the girl. I won't be a moment.

Thanks for the interest in my career. It's not yours, it's mine.

Thanks. But I wouldn't bother.

That was her on the phone? Drink?

That'll be all Miss Kramer... Schaefer. Goodbye, Mr Gillis.

That's a dreadful shirt. What's wrong with it?

That's sad. Not at all.

That's what I said. Good.

That's what's on my Guild card. And you have written pictures?

The cameras have arrived. They have?

The doctor suggested it. What doctor?

The newsreel cameras are here. Tell them to go.

The other guests. There aren't any.

The rest's in the drawer. It's yours.

The studio only wanted your car. What?

They'll love it in Pomona. They'll love it everyplace.

Three no trump. Pass.

Unpack Mr Gillis's things. It is done, Madame.

Up the stairs. Listen for a minute...

Wait a minute. Harry Wilcoxon?

We want to rent it for two weeks. Oh, I see.

We're engaged. Good for you.

We're ready, Mr DeMille. All right.

We've come for the car. What car?

Well? This is fascinating.

Whaddya know, Joe Gillis! Hi, Artie.

What about DeMille? He was sparing your feelings.

What about those ideas you had? See if they make sense.

What are you doing? I'm packing.

What assistant? Don't play innocent. Gordon Cole.

What happens when she finds out? She never will.

What is it? Something came up.

What's happening? Any statement?

What's the matter? Nothing.

What's the occasion? Have him come up, Max.

What's wrong? It's from hunger.

Where are my cigarettes? Where are your?

Where are the keys? Why should I give you them?

Where are your evening clothes? This way, madam.

Where do you live? Hollywood. Alto Nido apartments.

Where's Mr DeMille shooting? Stage 18.

Where's the bar? Come on.

Where's the cash? Where's the story?

Who asked you to? I did.

Who's Norma? Who's who?

Who's on this phone? I am. Get off!

Whose house is it? Hers.

Whose room was this? The room of the husband.

Why did she call me? Jealous.

Why not stay here? I'll come back early tomorrow.

Why not, don't you love Artie? Course I love him. I always will.

Why? Are you or not?

You can see I'm terribly busy. That's no excuse.

You couldn't find a nicer guy. I agree.

You know each other? Betty Schaefer, Sheldrake's office.

You made her a star? Yes, I directed all her early films.

You sweet kid. One's called something "Window".

You think this is funny. A little.

You'll be waiting for me? With a wildly beating heart.

You'll like it here. I've my own apartment.

You're leaving me? Yes, I am, Norma.

You're right, Miss Desmond. Go on, Max.

You're sending it to DeMille? Yes. This is the day.

...

...here's the pool.

...starving for a white shoulder. Phillip, you're mad.

''Ageing actress. '; ''Yesterday's glamour queen. ';

"Dark Windows". He thinks it could be made into something.

"Great star kills herself for unknown writer."

"Times" city desk? Hedda Hopper speaking.