China Doll by David Mamet

Author:David Mamet
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781559368315
Publisher: Theatre Communications Group
Published: 2015-12-02T16:00:00+00:00

TWO

The apartment. Morning.

Coffee service on a tray on the table. An overnight bag, open, sits next to it. Mickey enters from a room off to the side. He is carrying a Dopp kit, and puts it into the bag. He opens a newspaper, which is sitting next to the breakfast tray, and reads.

There is a knock on the door.

MICKEY: Yes, come in.

(Carson enters carrying some files.)

Well, I had a vision. An old man. His obligations are met. He takes a young wife. And retires. To a new life. This new life, you might say, is just the ultimate fantasy of wealth: that success, can buy simplicity. But. It is not a fantasy, this new life. One may have it. But one must abandon the old. In which process I was involved. During which I went and acted like a fool. And dragged myself back. When all I had to do was walk away. No. I don’t need the files.

CARSON: What would you like me to do with them?

MICKEY: Would you please get me Ms. Pierson?

(Carson dials a phone.)

(Looks at his watch) Have her picked up, at the Choate Hotel, and taken to Flight Services, in Toronto.

CARSON (Into phone): Ms. Ann Black. Hello?

MICKEY: Call Aerstar. I’ll take their plane with thanks. It’s not their fault.

CARSON (To Mickey): Right away, sir. (He hands him the phone)

MICKEY (Into phone): Hello? (To Carson) Thank you. (Into phone) Hello. Frankie? How are you this morning? You see the Queen up there? She out today? Well, she goes there sometimes. And the Mounties? Yeah. They Always Get Their Man.

(Pause.)

Just like you. That’s right. Thank God.

(Pause.)

No. No. Don’t worry about anything.

(Pause.)

’Cause there’s nothing to worry ab . . . (To Carson, gesturing at the coffee, offering him some) . . . They brought in some coffee.

CARSON: No thank you.

(Mickey points to the coffee service. Carson picks up the tray, and exits.)

MICKEY (Into phone): Yes. Yesterday was a bad day, and we’re going to let it go. Isn’t that what you always advise?

(Pause.)

Well, that’s what we’re going to do. And our trip? I’m reminded that it’s called “a honeymoon.” Zat too corny for you?

(Pause.)

We’ll get married in London.

(Pause.)

You’re shook up, of course you’re shook up.

(Pause.)

No. Here’s why. Because I’ve been through it. Babe, it’s just “The Old Life.” Reaching out to drag one back. We’re going to walk away.

(Pause.)

“How did I get so wise?” Because I’m old enough to be your father. (Pause. He laughs) . . . France? You kiss your mom with that same mouth? Where did you learn those words? Talk that way to me? I’m almost a married man . . . “Don’t worry.” It’s just some old friends down here wanted to play Ringolevio. But I ain’t playing.

(Pause.)

Tell you later. I’m gonna fly up there, I’ll see you in . . . (He checks his watch) Three hours.

(Pause.)

The green card, babe, is not an issue. Because, one: they took you off the plane, you did not leave the . . .

(Pause.)

“Two?” Two is: should they mess with us, we’ll take our football and go home, and you won’t need a green .

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