[JOE] How about: they don't know each other. He works the night shift and she takes classes all day. Here's the thing: they both share the same room. Sleep in the same bed. It works out cheaper that way.
[BETTY] I've a feeling you're just kidding. But to me it sounds believable. Makes a better opening than that car chase scene. Girl finds boy, borrowing her toothbrush, or oversleeping, or at her sewing machine.
[JOE, spoken] You know, it's not bad, there are some real possibilities
[BETTY, seeing the cigarette case] Who's Norma?
[JOE, spoken] Who's who?
[BETTY, spoken] Sorry, I don't usually read private cigarette cases.
[JOE, spoken] Norma's a friend of mine: middle-aged lady, very foolish, very generous.
[BETTY, spoken] I'll say: this is solid gold. "Mad about the boy"?
[JOE, spoken] So how's Artie?
[BETTY, spoken] Stuck in Tennessee. It rains all the time - they're weeks behind. No one knows when they'll be back
[JOE, spoken] Good.
[BETTY, spoken] What's good about it? I'm missing him something fierce.
[JOE, spoken] No, I mean this idea we had. It's really pretty good. Back to work
[BETTY] What if he's a teacher?
[JOE] Where does that get us? Don't see what good it would do
[BETTY] No, it's great. If they do the same job…
[JOE] So much in common! They fall in love, wouldn't you?
[BETTY] Yes, but if he's just a teacher, then we lose those scenes in the factory.
[JOE] Not if he's a champion for the working man. Girl likes boy, she respects his talent.
[BETTY] Working with someone can turn you into a fan.
[JOE] This is fun. Writing with a partner.
[BETTY] Yes, and it could be...
[JOE] A helluva movie.
[BETTY] Can we really do this?
[BOTH] I know that we can.
Joe : Trouble is, they will never buy it. Unhappy endings won’t pay to keep up your pool.
Betty: You sound like you really hate yourself. When did you become so cynical? Why are you so frightened of reality? Grow up, Joe. Please respect your talent. That’s why I asked you to come and share it with me.
Joe (spoken): All right, we’ve come this far. Might as well bite the bullet. So, how’s Artie?
Betty: Stuck in Tennessee. It rains all the time. They’re weeks behind, nobody knows when they’ll get back.
Joe: Good
Betty: What’s good about it? I’m missing him something fierce.
Joe: No, I mean it’s good we decided to go for broke. Back to work.
Betty: So, we let the kid die?
Joe: Sounds kinda brutal. They’ll hate it in Idaho.
Betty: Don’t agree. We’re writing for grownups
Joe: Endangered species, wiped out a long time ago.
Betty: Audiences are much smarter. Smarter than we give them credit for. Let’s agree we’re going to do the best we can.
Joe: Yes, you’re right, no more second guessing.
Betty: Working with someone can turn you into a fan.
Joe: This is fun, writing with a partner.
Betty: Yes, and it could be…
Joe: a helluva movie.
Betty: Can we really do this?
Both: I know that we can.