Zelman: [learning that Carl has hired a ship to get to a location for his picture]
What location, Carl?! You're supposed to be shooting on the back lot! Carl Denham:
Yes, I understand that, but fellas, we're not making that film anymore. And I'll tell you why. The story has changed. The script has been rewritten. Life... intervened. I've come into possession of a map. The sole surviving record of an uncharted island. A place that was thought to exist only in myth. Until now... Zelman:
Whoa, Carl, slow down. Sleazy Studio Guy:
Is he asking for more money?
Thuggish Studio Guy:
He's asking us to fund a wild goose chase.
Carl Denham: [After a moment's silence]
Where we're going is the only place on Earth where the geese chase us! I'm talking about a primitive world, never before seen by man. The ruins of an entire civilization. The most spectacular thing you've ever seen. That's where I'll shoot my picture. So... any questions? Sleazy Studio Guy:
Will there be action?
Thuggish Studio Guy:
Will there be mystery and drama?
Sleazy Studio Guy:
Will there be... romance?
Thuggish Studio Guy:
Will there be danger, terror and suspense?
Sleazy Studio Guy:
Will the island natives be friendly or hostile?
Thuggish Studio Guy:
Depends on what?
Carl Denham: [after a long pause]
On which side they're on, and whether or not they might turn out to be... bloodthirsty savages. Any other questions? Zelman:
Are you sure this new picture will make a lot of money at the box office? Sleazy Studio Guy: [raises his hand]
Just one more question... if you don't mind my asking?
Sleazy Studio Guy:
Will there be breasts?
Sleazy Studio Guy:
You know what I mean! Jigglies. Jiblonkas. Bazooms. You see, in my experience, people only go to these films to observe the undressed form of the native girls.
Carl Denham: [[w:Cecil B. DeMille|DeMille; Zelman gives the thuggish studio guy an angry look]
What are you, an idiot? You think they asked ] if he would waste his time on nude shots? No! They respected the filmmaker! They showed some class! Not that you'd know what that means, you cheap lowlife! Is there anything I can do to make it up to you guys? Zelman:
Actually, there is. Would you step outside for a moment, Carl? Carl Denham: [leaves the room and points to a glass of water]
Gimme that! Preston:
You won't like it. It's non-alcoholic. Carl Denham: [emptying the water into a plant pot; he presses the glass against the door and listens intently]
Preston, you have a lot to learn about the motion picture business. Zelman:
Don't write him off, fellas. He's hot-headed, sure. But up to now, Carl Denham's made some interesting pictures; he's had a lot of... near success. Thuggish Studio Guy:
He's a preening self-promoter... an ambitious no-talent! The guy has "loser" written all over him.
Zelman:
Look, I understand your disappointment – Thuggish Studio Guy:
He's washed up. It's all over town!
Sleazy Studio Guy:
He can't direct. He doesn't have the smarts.
Thuggish Studio Guy:
This jumped-up little jerk's gonna bankrupt us!
Zelman:
The animal footage has value? Sleazy Studio Guy:
Sure! Universal is desperate for stock footage!
Thuggish Studio Guy:
Then sell it! Scrap the picture! We gotta retrieve something from this debacle.
Zelman: [sighs]
Get him back in. Zelman's Assistant:
Mister... Denham?