THE EDGE OF NIGHT
Episode #3045
Airdate: Friday, December 22, 1967
Summary By: Mark Faulkner
OPENING BILLBOARD
Hal Simms: The Edddddge of Night!
ACT ONE
Steve, Ruth, and Ernie arrive at the Hillyer mansion for their first meeting with Orin. Ernie immediately embarrasses Steve with uncouth behavior, such as mistaking Maynard for Liz's old man and then joking about Maynard playing Jeeves. Liz is more amused than embarrassed, but Steve is clearly tense with his relatives, who seem out of their element in sophisticated surroundings. Orin attempts to lessen the tension by casually introducing himself to Ruth and Ernie. He suggests that Ernie's error was understandable. They should pretend it never happened. Liz makes small talk and says that Ruth looks gorgeous in her new dress, and Ruth jokes a little too loudly that she hasn't told Ernie what it set it him back because she doesn't want to return it. Orin offers brandy to everyone, and Maynard goes to the bar to fill the snifters.
Ernie:
Hey...Jeeves.
Maynard:
You mean me, sir?
Ernie:
Yeah...who else? Hey, if it's all the same to you, I'd rather have a double bourbon on the rocks.
Ruth
Oh boy, leave it to Ernie...
Ernie:
What's wrong with that? I don't go for these fancy drinks. You never get loaded on 'em --just sick to your stomach.
Ruth gazes around the room, completely awed. She confides to Orin that he must have the most beautiful home in Monticello. It absolutely takes her breath away. Steve agrees that it's a great place, hoping that she'll drop the subject. Ruth remarks that it beats her why he and Liz would want to live in a crummy flat over somebody's old garage when they could live like kings in the Hillyer mansion. Orin surmises that it's because of their youth. At that age, nothing is more significant than mutual love. Surely she must remember what it was like. Ernie says that he doesn't remember that at all and jokes that it was at least a hundred years ago. As they all sip the drinks handed to them by Maynard, Orin proposes a toast to Steve and Liz's first hundred years, and may every hour of them be infused with love and harmony...
Hal Simms:
COMMERCIAL
ACT TWO
Scene 2A
Julie enters Harry's office at the Riverboat. She wonders why he wanted to talk to her. Harry says that he wanted to talk to her on the way to work. Why did she not drive in with him and Fletch? Julie admits that Lloyd drove her out. He doesn't like her hanging around Harry and Fletch; he's jealous of Fletch especially because he thinks she's stuck on him. Harry asks if she is. Julie admits that she likes Fletch, but not in that way. Harry tries to make her see that Lloyd's got no right to feel anything. He leaves and only shows up when he needs something, like a square meal. Why should Julie put up with his jealousy? She insists that it's just easier. "Than tossing him out?" Harry questions. Julie says that she thought Harry understood that; she's beholden to him. Julie doesn't want to discuss Lloyd. She came there to see Harry wanted to talk about. Harry reveals that they are talking about it. He wanted to discuss her and Lloyd, or rather, her without. Harry feels that with Lloyd gone, Julie might cooperate with him and play ball where Orin Hillyer's concerned. Julie replies that Lloyd's got nothing to do with it. Even if he weren't around, she's still married. How could she date another man? "It's done every day," Harry declares flatly. Julie counters that it still wouldn't be fair to fool a nice man like Mr. Hillyer just so that Harry could get money out of him. Harry reminds Julie that he's got an option to drop her act after one month. He suggests that she's got to be more than a good singer to work for him. She's got to be a good girl, too. He warns her to think it over.
Scene 2B
At the Hillyer mansion, the group discusses the history of Monticello and homes in the Claybank area. Ernie comments that he knows about another antique: the Riverboat. Orin admits that he's never seen one. Ernie suddenly suggests that they all whip in there tonight for a look around. Liz bristles at the idea. She attempts to dissuade them by saying that Orin wouldn't like it. It's not his style. She looks to Steve for support, but he's clearly tempted by the idea of an opportunity to gamble and says Orin might get a charge out of it. Orin asks Ruth's opinion. She concedes that she's intrigued because Ernie and Steve spend so much time there, and after all, Harry Constable did invite her to drop in any time. Liz insists she's against the idea, but Orin counters that they should defer to the wishes of their guests. If everyone else would like to go, he will acquiesce. He wonders if it's advisable to phone ahead and reserve a table. Ernie laughs and comments that Orin's really cooking. "Hey, Liz," he says, "how come you never told us?" "What?" she asks. Ernie chuckles. "How come you never told us that your old man's such a swinger?"
COMMERCIAL
ACT THREE
Scene 3A
Harry is pouring over figures in his office at the Riverboat, his face grim. Fletch enters the office, allowing the ambient sounds of casino activity to creep in. Fletch has good news, but Harry says there's no such thing. Fletch realizes that Harry's troubled by the figures. He's got bills, invoices, and interest due from all over: Vegas, Miami...Frisco. Fletch remarks that his news might help clean up the numbers. Stubby just received a phone call reserving a table for a party of five. The name: Orin Hillyer.
Scene 3B
Liz and Orin are driving to the Riverboat in her car. She is at the wheel, tight-lipped and silent. Orin reminisces about the night he and Laura went "slumming" to that place with Rick Oliver. What was it again? "A discotheque," Liz mumbles lowly. Orin remarks about the poor, misguided children taken in by Oliver and the effect he had on Laura, only Orin didn't realize it that night. Liz blurts out that the two nights are related because Orin's going to the Riverboat to see Julie Jamison, and Julie looks like Laura. Orin denies the accusation, reminding Liz that Julie is married, and the two have nothing in common. Liz sighs. Although Orin might believe what he claims, nevertheless, they are on their way to see Julie.
COMMERCIAL
EDGE TITLE CARD
Hal Simms: The first half of The Edge of Night has been brought to you by Thrill Dishwashing Liquid. We'll continue with our story after station identification.
STATION BREAK
Hal Simms: And now... the second half of The Edge of Night. Brought to you by French's...Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Mixes.
COMMERCIAL
ACT FOUR
In the Riverboat's nightclub, Julie is sitting alone at the bar. She's thoughtful and pensive. The club is festively decorated for Christmas, but there are very few patrons. Marty, the bartender, approaches Julie and asks if she'd like the usual. She decides that she'd like something other than ginger ale; she's tired of it. Marty offers her vodka, gin, whiskey. Julie says she guesses she'll have a ginger ale then. Marty reckons that one day, he'll slip her a slug of rye in her drink. Julie jokes that there won't be a floor show if he does that; one drink will put her under the piano. In the distance, Stubby's voice is heard. He's welcoming Orin's party to the boat. Julie quietly grouses. Then Harry is heard welcoming them, too. Stubby jokes that there's so much holly and Christmas junk on board, the boat's starting to founder. Julie seizes the opportunity to slip off her stool and escape before Orin sees her, but as she's leaving, Harry appears and stops her. She tells him that she needs to go to her dressing room and rest before the show. Harry counters that tonight she'll skip her rest. Orin Hillyer is there specifically to see her, so Julie will sit at his table and be real friendly when she's not performing. Julie tells him that she can't. Liz Hillyer asked her to stay away from Orin. Harry asks where Julie gets her paycheck: from him or Orin Hillyer's daughter? He further threatens her by mentioning that it's no longer a question of whether or not he picks up her option; it's a question of does she even go onstage tonight?
In Orin's party, Ruth is taking in the scene. She wonders why Ernie and Steve never told her the place was so cute. Ernie and Steve cast knowing glances to one another and state that it looks even better below deck...in the casino...where all the action is. Orin makes eye contact with Julie, who is still talking to Harry. His gaze is fixed on her, and he doesn't hear Stubby taking his drink order. Liz snaps him out of it. Orin wants to know if Ruth will join him in a brandy. Without turning, her gaze steady on Harry Constable, she comments that she may switch to something new. Over Liz's subtle objections, Ernie and Steve excuse themselves to see what's going on down in the casino. Harry wanders over and tells Stubby that he knows what Mrs. Tuttle wants. He'll take care of her while Stubby gets the other orders. Liz introduces Harry to Orin, and they exchange pleasantries. Orin invites Harry to join them, but he declines, as he has to see to Ruth's drink. Excited, Ruth asks what he's going to get for her. He replies that she'll have the house specialty: Harry's Hurricane. Harry suggests she follow him to the bar and watch him mix the cocktail. They move away from Orin's table and pass Julie, who is waiting a few feet away. Harry nods to her, signaling that she's to move in on Orin. Julie goes to the table. Orin is positively entranced by her arrival. She says that she's surprised to see him there. He seems out of place in those surroundings. Liz quickly states that it was Ernie's idea to come, not Orin's. Julie coyly replies that she's disappointed. She thought maybe Orin came to hear her sing. Liz states flatly that he does want to see her perform. Orin eyes remain locked on Julie's face, while Liz's eyes, deeply troubled, are locked on her father's.
Hal Simms: Our story continues after this message.
COMMERCIAL
ACT FIVE
Ruth is at the bar about to sip the drink Harry has just mixed for her. She hesitates. Harry jokes that he didn't figure her for chicken. She says that she can't let him think she's chicken. She drinks the cocktail, sits the glass down, and lets out a gasp. Ruth wonders what went into it. Harry says she watched him mix it; it's mostly lime juice. Ruth asks what went into the lime juice, then? They both laugh and stare at one another a moment, neither saying a word. Finally, Harry speaks.
Harry:
Hey...
Ruth:
What?
Harry:
All right to call you Ruth?
Ruth:
Why, sure, Harry...
Harry:
(Their eyes meet; then) Hey...
Ruth:
What...?
Harry:
All right to have a drink with you sometime?
Ruth:
We are having a drink...
Harry:
I don't mean here...like this. I know a nice, quiet place in town...cocktail lounge...
Ruth:
Oh, no. I'd better not do that.
Harry:
Like next week maybe. You know, between Christmas and New Years. Just you and me. A little holiday celebration.
Ruth:
I can't, really.
Harry:
Why not?
Ruth:
You know why not.
Harry:
No, I don't.
Ruth:
I never did nothing like that before...not in all the years I been married.
Harry:
(Eyes her hungrily) Like I said before, I didn't figure you for chicken.
Ruth:
(she meets his eyes; then) Like I said...I can't let you think I'm chicken.
Harry:
(smiles) I'll call you?
Ruth:
(she smiles back) All right...
The lights dim as Julie makes her way to the piano to begin her set. Seated, she tells her audience that although she usually sings blues or ballads, tonight, she doesn't think anyone wants to hear those. She begins to play a Christmas carol. From the bar, Harry glances over Ruth's shoulder to get a better look at Orin's table. Orin and Liz are watching Julie play. Harry smiles, satisfied with the obvious look of enchantment on Orin's face. At the table, Liz has noticed the look, too. She reminds Orin that Julie only looks like Laura. Orin replies, "Yes...seated at the piano...very much like Laura."
COMMERCIAL
CLOSING TITLE CARD
Hal Simms: We invite you to join us... each weekday afternoon for... The Edddge of Night.
Episode #3045
Airdate: Friday, December 22, 1967
Summary By: Mark Faulkner
OPENING BILLBOARD
Hal Simms: The Edddddge of Night!
ACT ONE
Steve, Ruth, and Ernie arrive at the Hillyer mansion for their first meeting with Orin. Ernie immediately embarrasses Steve with uncouth behavior, such as mistaking Maynard for Liz's old man and then joking about Maynard playing Jeeves. Liz is more amused than embarrassed, but Steve is clearly tense with his relatives, who seem out of their element in sophisticated surroundings. Orin attempts to lessen the tension by casually introducing himself to Ruth and Ernie. He suggests that Ernie's error was understandable. They should pretend it never happened. Liz makes small talk and says that Ruth looks gorgeous in her new dress, and Ruth jokes a little too loudly that she hasn't told Ernie what it set it him back because she doesn't want to return it. Orin offers brandy to everyone, and Maynard goes to the bar to fill the snifters.
Ernie:
Hey...Jeeves.
Maynard:
You mean me, sir?
Ernie:
Yeah...who else? Hey, if it's all the same to you, I'd rather have a double bourbon on the rocks.
Ruth
Oh boy, leave it to Ernie...
Ernie:
What's wrong with that? I don't go for these fancy drinks. You never get loaded on 'em --just sick to your stomach.
Ruth gazes around the room, completely awed. She confides to Orin that he must have the most beautiful home in Monticello. It absolutely takes her breath away. Steve agrees that it's a great place, hoping that she'll drop the subject. Ruth remarks that it beats her why he and Liz would want to live in a crummy flat over somebody's old garage when they could live like kings in the Hillyer mansion. Orin surmises that it's because of their youth. At that age, nothing is more significant than mutual love. Surely she must remember what it was like. Ernie says that he doesn't remember that at all and jokes that it was at least a hundred years ago. As they all sip the drinks handed to them by Maynard, Orin proposes a toast to Steve and Liz's first hundred years, and may every hour of them be infused with love and harmony...
Hal Simms:
COMMERCIAL
ACT TWO
Scene 2A
Julie enters Harry's office at the Riverboat. She wonders why he wanted to talk to her. Harry says that he wanted to talk to her on the way to work. Why did she not drive in with him and Fletch? Julie admits that Lloyd drove her out. He doesn't like her hanging around Harry and Fletch; he's jealous of Fletch especially because he thinks she's stuck on him. Harry asks if she is. Julie admits that she likes Fletch, but not in that way. Harry tries to make her see that Lloyd's got no right to feel anything. He leaves and only shows up when he needs something, like a square meal. Why should Julie put up with his jealousy? She insists that it's just easier. "Than tossing him out?" Harry questions. Julie says that she thought Harry understood that; she's beholden to him. Julie doesn't want to discuss Lloyd. She came there to see Harry wanted to talk about. Harry reveals that they are talking about it. He wanted to discuss her and Lloyd, or rather, her without. Harry feels that with Lloyd gone, Julie might cooperate with him and play ball where Orin Hillyer's concerned. Julie replies that Lloyd's got nothing to do with it. Even if he weren't around, she's still married. How could she date another man? "It's done every day," Harry declares flatly. Julie counters that it still wouldn't be fair to fool a nice man like Mr. Hillyer just so that Harry could get money out of him. Harry reminds Julie that he's got an option to drop her act after one month. He suggests that she's got to be more than a good singer to work for him. She's got to be a good girl, too. He warns her to think it over.
Scene 2B
At the Hillyer mansion, the group discusses the history of Monticello and homes in the Claybank area. Ernie comments that he knows about another antique: the Riverboat. Orin admits that he's never seen one. Ernie suddenly suggests that they all whip in there tonight for a look around. Liz bristles at the idea. She attempts to dissuade them by saying that Orin wouldn't like it. It's not his style. She looks to Steve for support, but he's clearly tempted by the idea of an opportunity to gamble and says Orin might get a charge out of it. Orin asks Ruth's opinion. She concedes that she's intrigued because Ernie and Steve spend so much time there, and after all, Harry Constable did invite her to drop in any time. Liz insists she's against the idea, but Orin counters that they should defer to the wishes of their guests. If everyone else would like to go, he will acquiesce. He wonders if it's advisable to phone ahead and reserve a table. Ernie laughs and comments that Orin's really cooking. "Hey, Liz," he says, "how come you never told us?" "What?" she asks. Ernie chuckles. "How come you never told us that your old man's such a swinger?"
COMMERCIAL
ACT THREE
Scene 3A
Harry is pouring over figures in his office at the Riverboat, his face grim. Fletch enters the office, allowing the ambient sounds of casino activity to creep in. Fletch has good news, but Harry says there's no such thing. Fletch realizes that Harry's troubled by the figures. He's got bills, invoices, and interest due from all over: Vegas, Miami...Frisco. Fletch remarks that his news might help clean up the numbers. Stubby just received a phone call reserving a table for a party of five. The name: Orin Hillyer.
Scene 3B
Liz and Orin are driving to the Riverboat in her car. She is at the wheel, tight-lipped and silent. Orin reminisces about the night he and Laura went "slumming" to that place with Rick Oliver. What was it again? "A discotheque," Liz mumbles lowly. Orin remarks about the poor, misguided children taken in by Oliver and the effect he had on Laura, only Orin didn't realize it that night. Liz blurts out that the two nights are related because Orin's going to the Riverboat to see Julie Jamison, and Julie looks like Laura. Orin denies the accusation, reminding Liz that Julie is married, and the two have nothing in common. Liz sighs. Although Orin might believe what he claims, nevertheless, they are on their way to see Julie.
COMMERCIAL
EDGE TITLE CARD
Hal Simms: The first half of The Edge of Night has been brought to you by Thrill Dishwashing Liquid. We'll continue with our story after station identification.
STATION BREAK
Hal Simms: And now... the second half of The Edge of Night. Brought to you by French's...Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Mixes.
COMMERCIAL
ACT FOUR
In the Riverboat's nightclub, Julie is sitting alone at the bar. She's thoughtful and pensive. The club is festively decorated for Christmas, but there are very few patrons. Marty, the bartender, approaches Julie and asks if she'd like the usual. She decides that she'd like something other than ginger ale; she's tired of it. Marty offers her vodka, gin, whiskey. Julie says she guesses she'll have a ginger ale then. Marty reckons that one day, he'll slip her a slug of rye in her drink. Julie jokes that there won't be a floor show if he does that; one drink will put her under the piano. In the distance, Stubby's voice is heard. He's welcoming Orin's party to the boat. Julie quietly grouses. Then Harry is heard welcoming them, too. Stubby jokes that there's so much holly and Christmas junk on board, the boat's starting to founder. Julie seizes the opportunity to slip off her stool and escape before Orin sees her, but as she's leaving, Harry appears and stops her. She tells him that she needs to go to her dressing room and rest before the show. Harry counters that tonight she'll skip her rest. Orin Hillyer is there specifically to see her, so Julie will sit at his table and be real friendly when she's not performing. Julie tells him that she can't. Liz Hillyer asked her to stay away from Orin. Harry asks where Julie gets her paycheck: from him or Orin Hillyer's daughter? He further threatens her by mentioning that it's no longer a question of whether or not he picks up her option; it's a question of does she even go onstage tonight?
In Orin's party, Ruth is taking in the scene. She wonders why Ernie and Steve never told her the place was so cute. Ernie and Steve cast knowing glances to one another and state that it looks even better below deck...in the casino...where all the action is. Orin makes eye contact with Julie, who is still talking to Harry. His gaze is fixed on her, and he doesn't hear Stubby taking his drink order. Liz snaps him out of it. Orin wants to know if Ruth will join him in a brandy. Without turning, her gaze steady on Harry Constable, she comments that she may switch to something new. Over Liz's subtle objections, Ernie and Steve excuse themselves to see what's going on down in the casino. Harry wanders over and tells Stubby that he knows what Mrs. Tuttle wants. He'll take care of her while Stubby gets the other orders. Liz introduces Harry to Orin, and they exchange pleasantries. Orin invites Harry to join them, but he declines, as he has to see to Ruth's drink. Excited, Ruth asks what he's going to get for her. He replies that she'll have the house specialty: Harry's Hurricane. Harry suggests she follow him to the bar and watch him mix the cocktail. They move away from Orin's table and pass Julie, who is waiting a few feet away. Harry nods to her, signaling that she's to move in on Orin. Julie goes to the table. Orin is positively entranced by her arrival. She says that she's surprised to see him there. He seems out of place in those surroundings. Liz quickly states that it was Ernie's idea to come, not Orin's. Julie coyly replies that she's disappointed. She thought maybe Orin came to hear her sing. Liz states flatly that he does want to see her perform. Orin eyes remain locked on Julie's face, while Liz's eyes, deeply troubled, are locked on her father's.
Hal Simms: Our story continues after this message.
COMMERCIAL
ACT FIVE
Ruth is at the bar about to sip the drink Harry has just mixed for her. She hesitates. Harry jokes that he didn't figure her for chicken. She says that she can't let him think she's chicken. She drinks the cocktail, sits the glass down, and lets out a gasp. Ruth wonders what went into it. Harry says she watched him mix it; it's mostly lime juice. Ruth asks what went into the lime juice, then? They both laugh and stare at one another a moment, neither saying a word. Finally, Harry speaks.
Harry:
Hey...
Ruth:
What?
Harry:
All right to call you Ruth?
Ruth:
Why, sure, Harry...
Harry:
(Their eyes meet; then) Hey...
Ruth:
What...?
Harry:
All right to have a drink with you sometime?
Ruth:
We are having a drink...
Harry:
I don't mean here...like this. I know a nice, quiet place in town...cocktail lounge...
Ruth:
Oh, no. I'd better not do that.
Harry:
Like next week maybe. You know, between Christmas and New Years. Just you and me. A little holiday celebration.
Ruth:
I can't, really.
Harry:
Why not?
Ruth:
You know why not.
Harry:
No, I don't.
Ruth:
I never did nothing like that before...not in all the years I been married.
Harry:
(Eyes her hungrily) Like I said before, I didn't figure you for chicken.
Ruth:
(she meets his eyes; then) Like I said...I can't let you think I'm chicken.
Harry:
(smiles) I'll call you?
Ruth:
(she smiles back) All right...
The lights dim as Julie makes her way to the piano to begin her set. Seated, she tells her audience that although she usually sings blues or ballads, tonight, she doesn't think anyone wants to hear those. She begins to play a Christmas carol. From the bar, Harry glances over Ruth's shoulder to get a better look at Orin's table. Orin and Liz are watching Julie play. Harry smiles, satisfied with the obvious look of enchantment on Orin's face. At the table, Liz has noticed the look, too. She reminds Orin that Julie only looks like Laura. Orin replies, "Yes...seated at the piano...very much like Laura."
COMMERCIAL
CLOSING TITLE CARD
Hal Simms: We invite you to join us... each weekday afternoon for... The Edddge of Night.