Brazil

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INT. MOTHER'S FLAT NIGHT 56

SAM steps inside, where the flunky proceeds to search him. The place is full of sleek people - smartly but less formally dressed than SAM. It is an elegant baroque room - lavishly appointed but still violated by the ubiquitous Central Service ducts that thrust through antique tapestries and gilt mirrors with little regard for aesthetics or the interior decorator's feelings.

SAM (bewildered)

Mother? Is that you?

MOTHER (taking his arm - looking slightly askance at his clothes)

Of course. Isn't it wonderful? The bandages came off this afternoon. Come and join the fun.

Everybody's here.

SAM

Is Mr Helpmann here?

MOTHER

Yes he is - he wants to talk to you.

SAM

I want to talk to him.

SAM pushes away the FLUNKY who is by now passing a metal detector over him.

MOTHER

It seems you're the first person ever to turn down a promotion. He thinks you should see a doctor.

SAM

Actually, I've decided ...

DR JAFFE hoves into view.

MOTHER

Oh, Louis! You know Sam.

DR JAFFE is no longer suave. He has been transformed by drink and success. Mostly by drink.

DR JAFFE (as high as a kite)

Can you believe it?! Just me and my little knife! Snip - snip - slice - slice - Can you believe it?

SAM (repelled)

Congratulations ...

DR JAFFE

And this is just the beginning!!

SAM

Really?

DR JAFFE

Chirst yes, you've seen her with her clothes off. Faces are a doddle compared to tits and arse. (explains) No hairline.

MOTHER (primly)

Really, Louis.

A handsome young piece of BEEFCAKE delivers a drink to MOTHER.

BEEFCAKE

I've been looking everywhere for you, Ida.

The BEEFCAKE takes MOTHER away.

DR JAFFE

Ah, dear boy ... And what do you think of your mother now?

VOICE (off camera)

It will never last.

SAM and DR JAFFE turn to see who is speaking. It is DR CHAPMAN a tall, pipe-smoking, professional-looking gent.

DR JAFFE (a trifle haughtily)

Excuse me, Dr Chapman, did you say something?

DR CHAPMAN

That technique ... I've tried it. A nice effect. But highly unstable. In six months she'll look like Grandma Moses.

SAM wishing to escape from this bitchery turns away but suddenly freezes - the reflection in the large wall mirror next to him is not that of the party guests - but of the GREY PRISONERS in his dream - they are massed in the room looking pleadingly towards him.

DR JAFFE (unsuave again)

Now see here, Chapman. At least mine don't look like they've been mugged. Through the GREY PRISONERS pushes MRS TERRAIN.

MRS TERRAIN (calls)

Sam!

SAM turns around to see her pushing through the party guests.

MRS TERRAIN is limping and is even more heavily swathed in bandages than the last time. DR CHAPMAN hastily moves away as MRS TERRAIN comes up. She claims SAM, taking his arm.

SAM (looking at her worriedly)

Whatever happened to you?

MRS TERRAIN

There was a slight complication. Dr. Chapman says it often happens with a delicate skin like mine. Nothing to worry about. He's promised me I'll have these bandages off in a ...

SAM (trying to disengage)

Actually, there's someone I want to meet ...

MRS TERRAIN (roguishly)

I know, I know ...! She drags SAM through the party and we arrive at her daughter, SHIRLEY, who is, of course, a wallflower.

MRS TERRAIN

Here we are! I'm going to leave you two lovebirds in peace.

SAM

I ... uh ...

But he is alone with SHIRLEY, standing at the entrance to his MOTHER's embarrassingly rampant boudoir style bedroom. In amongst the diaphanous curtains enclosing the bed

MOTHER is playing hide and seek with a YOUNG STUD.