Monte Carlo

MONTE CARLO

Written by

Ron Bass

Based on the novel

"HEADHUNTERS"

by Jules Bass

THIRD DRAFT November 4, 2007

OVER BLACK:

ALICE (V.0.) Think of the future, and events that will have already happened.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY

ALICE PERRY (30s), her innate and amiable authority eclipsed only by a self-consciousness about her hair, afraid perhaps that she hasn't lived up to the promise of its red color, chalks "Futur Anterieur" in precise cursive at the board.

ALICE "By tomorrow, we will have flown to         France." She turns to face her TENTH GRADE FRENCH CLASS. Though Alice's make up, earrings and practical flats are simple, there is an inherent elegance to their combination that hints at a more complex, if uncharted, interior.

ALICE (CONT'D)          Who can give me an example? Paul? NOTE: Throughout, all blocks of italicized dialogue should be

read as in FRENCH with ENGLISH subtitles.

PAUL "I will have completed the assigned         translation by the end of          vacation."

ALICE C'est bon! Amber?

AMBER I will have failed French again by         the end of the year. Alice pauses, regarding Amber with a pained sympathy.

ALICE En francais si'l vows plait?

INT. HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY

EMMA So, the definition of the derivative of the function "f" at         point "x" is..?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 2.

CONTINUED: EMMA LINDGARD (late 20's) rapidly scribbles a complex calculus formula at the board while all of her TWELFTH GRADE MALE STUDENTS avidly admire her shape in a tight, stylish skirt and heels. She turns suddenly, smiling brightly.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Okay! Kyle? KYLE snaps his eyes up to Emma's face, tries to cover.

KYLE Um... I guess I'm a little lost. If optimists see a glass as half full, Emma's is in a         constant state of cheerful, blonde overflow, even when a          level of wilfulness is required.

EMMA Try to follow along. I really want you guys to get this! David? DAVID gazes back dumbly, stuck in an erotic fog.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Cindy?

IS

INT. HIGH SCHOOL - HOME ARTS LAB - DAY

TWO GIRLS ( 17) laugh conspiratorially, dredging woven pot holders through an egg mixture and dropping them into a         sputtering pan, as the rest of the CLASS makes French toast. The girls sneak looks at MEG KELLY (30's) who tears recipes from a Gourmet magazine at her desk at the front of the room. Dark hair pulled into a pony tail, face unadorned by makeup, Meg's natural sexiness is muted by an air of indifference. She glances up when the pan erupts in flames and the girls leap back with a shriek, shakes her head. The girls attempt to knock the pan from the burner with the handle of a broom when a pot lid bangs down, instantly snuffing the flames. They shrink back as Meg waves the lid, clearing the smoke.

MEG Do me a favor, and let's just try to get to vacation. The class bell RINGS!

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED:

MEG (CONT'D)         You can burn the school down as          soon as we're back.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

Alice, a heavy bag slung over her shoulder, and her boyfriend RICHARD (30's, scruffily handsome in sweats and a coach's         jersey), carrying three binders and a bag of baseball bats, exit the school among a crush of students. Together, they cross a lawn dotted with patches of late snow, to the parking lot, stopping at Alice's weathered Volvo where Richard hands over the binders with a kiss.

RICHARD Got practice until five thirty, then I'll be by.

ALICE I'll see you then. Thanks. They kiss again and Richard takes off for the athletic fields, passing Meg as she comes from the school, waves.

RICHARD Hey, Meg! Bon voyage! Alice offers a binder to Meg as she arrives at Alice's car.

ALICE I finished our travel binders! Meg takes the binder, looks it over.

MEG Remind me again why we're taking phonebooks to France? Alice gives her a look.

MEG (CONT'D)         I love my binder. I do.

ALICE Where's Emma? She knows we're         meeting, right?

MEG Forgot her purse. (watching the students)

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED:

MEG (CONT'D)         You know, for the first time in a          long time, I feel just as lucky as           any of these kids. They may have their whole lives ahead of them but we've got a week in Paris.

ALICE Oh, that's right. I keep forgetting your life is completely over. So sad. I'm really going to         miss you.

MEG Funny.

EMMA Well, that was a close call! They turn to see Emma. crossing the parking lot holding a         quality knock-off designer handbag over her head.

MEG Look at her. The only teacher in         Racine County that wears four inch heels in six feet of snow.

ALICE She always looks great, doesn't         she?

ME G

(WITH AFFECTION) Damn her.

EMMA

(ARRIVES) My passport was in here!

MEG Where'd you find it?

EMMA Second floor girl's bathroom. Right where I left it. This

MORNING--

(SEES BINDER) Ooh, binders! Great! Alice passes one to Emma.

EMMA (CONT'D)         You guys were so nice to ask me to          come with--

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2)

ALICE Emma, we're a team.

EMMA I'd just be sitting around the condo, trolling e-Harmony...

MEG The fact that you have trouble finding a date--

EMMA I'm telling you, it's this town!

MEG Gives me less than no hope.

EMMA You know what we should do, Meg? When we're over there? we should all treat ourselves. Find a real salon. Total spa treatment. And I'm gonna get my hair done. Just like this! She holds up a European tabloid she's pulled from her purse,

stabbing a finger at a photograph: CORDELIA WINTHROP SCOTT (30's), a blonde heiress deflecting paparazzi in couture. NOTE: EMMA and CORDELIA are Played by the same actress.

ALICE Look at us. Meg and Emma turn to Alice, smiling.

ALICE (CONT'D)

(MARVELLING) We're really going.

INT. ALICE'S HOME - BEDROOM - NIGHT

Alice's passport and a brochure emblazoned with a logo: Esprit de Corps Tours, sit on top of her dresser, next to a         framed photo of Alice and Richard at the Wisconsin Dells. Alice struggles to close the overstuffed suitcase on her bed, tugging at the stubborn zipper.

ALICE Come on... Please... please...

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: The zipper tears away from the suitcase witha loud RIP! is

INT. MEG'S HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Meg pulls a well-worn stuffed dog from her open suitcase on         the couch, holding it up to her daughter, FINN (6) who wears a spangled tutu and cowboy boots.

FINN She wants to see Paris, too!

MEG Finn, if Edith goes to Paris with me, she can't go to Daddy's with you. Finn's brows come together as she considers this, then reaches for the dog.

MEG (CONT'D)         That's what I thought.

(CALLING) Seamus! SEAMUS, Meg's ten year old son, pounds down the stairs carrying an enormous backpack as Meg zips her bag closed.

MEG (CONT'D)         Toothbrush? Seamus makes a face, drops his bag and heads back up the stairs as the doorbell rings.

FINN Daddy!

EXT. MEG'S HOUSE - NIGHT

GLENN (30s), in a police uniform, watches Meg squeeze her children tightly.

MEG

(TO SEAMUS) Remember. Gameboy goes to bed when you do. Nine o'clock.

GLENN Seam, why don't you take your sister to the car while your mom and I talk.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED:

FINN Can we get on the radio?

MEG GLENN No. No.          Meg watches her kids run to the squad car parked at the curb, just as KARYN (30's, also in uniform) emerges on the passenger side to meet them.

GLENN And no lights!

KARYN Hey, Meg! Meg lifts her chin in greeting, but that's it.

GLENN I uh... I heard from my lawyer. She said you'd signed your papers. Meg watches her kids climb in the car with Karyn.

GLENN (CONT'D)          Guess that makes us official, then.

MEG You and me? (a nod to the car) Or...

GLENN You and me, Meg. A beat as they look at one another, hold.

SEAMUS Mom! Seamus reappears, charging up the walk to pull Meg down to         his level, hugging her.

SEAMUS (CONT'D)         Have fun.

INT. EMMA'S CONDO - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Emma's packed suitcases stand neatly arranged by the door of         the sparsely furnished, undecorated room.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED:

ANSWERING MACHINE You have no messages. Leaning on the lip of the kitchen's bar, Emma presses the record button on her answering machine, then speaks with a         put-on, coolly sophisticated,'jet-setting accent.

EMMA Hello. You've reached the home of         Emma Lindgard. I'm afraid I won't         be able to return your call right away, as I'm currently traveling. In Europe. But, please, do leave a         message.

TV ANNOUNCER ". .She was known as 'The People's         Princess'...          Emma turns at the counter to see Princes Diana touring an          African encampment with children on the television.

EMMA Ooh! She hangs up the phone and sits herself down at the coffee table where a game of solitaire is laid next to a microwaved Lean Cuisine dinner. She turns up the volume with the remote and gathers the cards, shuffling. Eyes glued to Princess Diana on television, Emma suddenly shoots her hands three feet wide, rifling the cards in         perfect vertical formation like a seasoned cardsharp.

EXT. ALICE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Alice opens the door, kissing Richard who holds up a suitcase in one hand, a bottle of champagne in the other.

RICHARD Special delivery.

INT. ALICE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Alice zips the suitcase shut and raises her arms in victory as Richard pours the Champagne into two glasses.

ALICE That's it! I am good to go!

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: Richard brings a glass to Alice, nuzzles her ear.

RICHARD I'm proud of you, you know. Alice takes her glass and presses Richard down onto the bed, climbing on top of him.

ALICE Like Christmas when I was a kid. There's no way I'm going to be able to sleep tonight--

RICHARD Good for me. They kiss.

ALICE I mean, how long have I been talking about this?

RICHARD Mmm... You were reading Colette. In the teacher's lounge. First time we met. Long time. Alice pauses as this lands somewhere deep inside.

RICHARD (CONT'D)         This is just the beginning.

ALICE

(BRIGHTENING) It feels like it. They clink glasses and Richard watches Alice tip her glass back then stop mid-sip to peer down at the delicate diamond ring sitting at the bottom of her glass.

ALICE (CONT'D)

(STUNNED) Oh. Richard... It's so... It's         beautiful...          Richard takes her glass and fishes out the ring.

RICHARD Let's try it on.

ALICE But, we can't even celebrate--

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2)

RICHARD What are you talking about? We're

CELEBRATING--

ALICE But, I'm leaving. I'm--. I'm         getting on a plane in the morning.

RICHARD

(LAUGHS) Maybe I want to make sure you come

BACK-- (stops, sobers) Wait. You're serious. Are you serious? You're serious.

ALICE Let's do this when I get back. In         a week.

RICHARD Can you hear yourself?

ALICE Honey, listen, it's just the timing. I wasn't planning on this

TONIGHT--

RICHARD Whoa. I planned tonight. Tonight was my plan--

ALICE And it's great. This is great. You're great. But, Richard, I feel like I just need to do this one thing first. Then I can do the next. Then I can do this. (off his silence) Can you understand? There's a         world I haven't even seen yet... Alice, hopeful, searches Richard's inscrutable expression a         beat, then he turns away and gets up, ring in hand.

RICHARD I thought we'd be seeing it         together. (pockets the ring) Have a great trip, Alice. He heads for the door.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (3)

ALICE

(STRICKEN) Richard, come on. You're leaving?

RICHARD (without looking back) Maybe I'll see you in a week. Alice listens to his footfalls and the slam of the front door, then falls back on the bed, striking her head on the open suitcase, wincing.

ALICE

(MISERABLE) I'm sorry...

PILOT (PRE-LAP) Ladies and Gentleman, we are about to begin our descent into Charles de Gaulle International Airport...

INT. AIRPLANE - IN FLIGHT - DAY

Meg sleeps in an aisle seat of the dim coach cabin where all the window shades have been drawn down, Emma dozing beside her, a game of cards laid out on her tray table.

Alice brings her seat to the upright position as instructed and sits, hyper-alert, looking at her closed window shade. A beat. She reaches out and raises the shade a tentative crack, flooding their row with light. She glances furtively around the cabin, then inches the shade higher, drawing in a sharp breath at what she sees. She flings the shade up. ALL OF PARIS is laid out below her; a magical nautilus-like wheel with the Eiffel Tower as its central axle. Her breath steams the window as she drinks it all in. She turns, eyes full, to Meg who cranes across Emma to share in the view and squeeze Alice's arm with a smile.

EMMA Are we there?!

0

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INT. CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT - DAY

A CUSTOMS AGENT stamps Alice's passport with a thump.

CUSTOMS AGENT Bien venue. Alice looks up from her imprinted passport, smiles hugely.

ALICE Merci.

EXT. CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT - DAY

Alice emerges with Meg and Emma, each struggling with their luggage, onto the thronged arrivals deck.

EMMA There it is! Esprit de Corps! Alice looks to where Emma points, seeing a small sky-blue flag at the end of a long staff held by MADAME VALERY (40s,         pinched) their harried tour guide in a suit of the same blue.

ALICE Excuse me, are you Madame Valery?

0         Madame Valery glances up from her clipboard beside their bus.

ALICE (CONT'D)         Hi, my name is Alice Perry--

MADAME VALERY

(GESTURING) Bags go under the bus.

ALICE I'm traveling with my friends, Meg Kelly and Emma Lindgard--

MADAME VALERY

(FLAT) I speak English.

EMMA Well, that's great!

ALICE We're so excited! Madame Valery eyes Alice unfolding a map from her binder.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED:

ALICE (CONT'D)         Now, I was hoping you could tell me          which route the bus will be taking--

MADAME VALERY

(WEARILY PREDICTIVE) You're not going to be a problem, are you?

EXT. PARIS - DAY

The battered Esprits de Corps Tours bus careens through the streets, listing wildly from side to side.

INT. TOUR BUS - DAY - MOVING

MADAME VALERY (over bus's P.A.) On your right... Alice, squashed beside Meg on the over-crowded bus, whips her head up from her guidebook.

MADAME VALERY (CONT'D)         Was the Arc de Triomphe.

ALICE This is ridiculous...

EMMA Hey, Alice! Meg! Alice and Meg turn to Emma across the aisle, who hooks a         thumb at CARL and DEEDEE (late 60's, both stout) beside her.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Can you believe? They're from St. Paul! On their honeymoon!

CARL Waited a long time for this! But, we finally made it!

EMMA Alice, that's like you! (back to couple) We're here celebrating my friend Meg's divorce!

0

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EXT. THE LOUVRE - DAY

The bus hurtles around the drive, screeching to a halt, bouncing roughly on its shocks at the museum's entrance.

INT. LOUVRE - DAY

Alice, Meg and Emma race past gallery after gallery, trying to keep Madame Valery's little blue flag in sight as it flies over the crowd in the distance. Alice whipsaws her head at everything they're missing, making notes in her guidebook on the fly.

ALICE Try to remember that! We'll double back for the Chagalls!

INT. LOUVRE - DAY

Madame Valery leads the charge up the right wing of the Daru staircase, past the statue of Winged Victory. Alice stops Meg and Emma in front of the statue, while Carl and Deedee try to catch their breath on the landing.

ALICE

(READING FAST) .Also called Nike of Samothrace. Greek goddess Nike, meaning victory. Two-twenty to one-ninety B. C. Okay, go! They head for the right stairs just as Madam Valery reappears, descending with her group on the left.

ALICE (CONT'D)         Oh. Alice turns Meg and Emma around to come back down.

DEEDEE Well, that saved us a climb.

INT. LOUVRE - DAY

Emma elbows her way out of a crush of raised cameras and cellphones to Alice and Meg who strain at the rear of the CROWD to view a painting, all but the top of its gold frame obscured.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED:

EMMA (waving her camera) I got it! I got it!

INT. BISTRO - NIGHT

Meg and Emma sit hunched over Emma's camera and its shaky, digital image of the Mona Lisa, squeezed in with Alice and the rest of their tour at too few tables.

EMMA Alice, I'll e-mail it to you. Meg looks up, catching Alice eyeing their surroundings.

MEG (re: Mona Lisa) At least she's smiling.

ALICE (snaps to, smiling) What? No. I'm--. I'm just a         little tired.

EMMA (a happy idea)

Hey! I'll bet you have jet lag! We'll probably all get it! Meg raises a glass of wine.

MEG To jet lag. Emma and Alice raise their glasses to toast as WAITERS plunk down identical plates of steak frites before them.

MEG (CONT'D)         To Alice. Best organizer. Best guide. Best friend.

EMMA To Alice! They clink glasses and Alice is suddenly jostled, just as         she's about to sip, by Carl as he turns from the table behind her, spilling her wine.

DEEDEE Oh, Carl!

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED:

CARL I am so sorry!

ALICE (mopping her front)

IT'S OKAY--

DEEDEE He was just looking for the catsup-

CARL If you're not using it. As Emma passes the bottle of catsup, Meg offers Alice her napkin, and waiters sweep their plates away, replacing them with creme brulees.

ALICE Oh! No. Wait. Pardon, Monsieur--

CARL

(RECEIVING CATSUP) Merci! He turns now, catsup in hand, to blink at the creme brulee that has replaced his own and Deedee's steaks.

Alice places a hand on Madam Valery's arm as she passes.

ALICE Pardon, Madame, but...         Madam Valery slowly raises her eyes from Alice's hand.

ALICE (CONT'D)         I'm sorry, but--

MEG Are you apologizing?

ALICE They've taken our dinners away-- Madame Valery taps her watch and then her clipboard.

MADAME VALERY There were stragglers at the. museum. Now, I am behind schedule.

0

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EXT. LE PETIT SOMMEIL HOTEL - NIGHT

Esprit de Corps tour members disembark from their bus in         front of a comically narrow and vertical Baroque hotel with its name in feeble buzzing neon: Le Petit Sommeil.

ALICE (PRE-LAP) Look! Look at this picture and tell me what's different!

INT. LE PETIT SOMMEIL HOTEL - NIGHT

The women lower the travel brochure and its photograph of a         tidy well-appointed suite, to regard the actual one in which they stand; dingy, impossibly small, crowded by an armoire that nearly meets the low sloping ceiling, with two spindly twin beds and a military-style cot.

EMMA Toujour le suck-ez vous.

ALICE I researched at least a million

TOURS--

MEG Well. This is the one we could afford. A beat as they consider the room and their lot in life.

MEG (CONT'D)         It's only five nights--

EMMA Five nights? Here?!

MEG And, Alice, you said yourself, we'll hardly ever be in our room.

(SELLING IT) It'll be like camping. At Eagle River. It'll be fun! Emma opens what is essentially a closet with a toilet.

EMMA Here's your outhouse, Meg. Go         nuts. Alice joins Emma at the bathroom door.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED:

EMMA (CONT'D)          Me? I'm going to try to hold it.

MEG Okay, Emma. Let's just unpack-- she turns for the luggage, nearly falling over at the weight of Emma's suitcase as she reaches to lift it.

MEG (CONT'D)         Holy--! Alice, help-- Alice climbs onto one of the beds to help Meg lift.

ALICE Emma, what have you got in here?

EMMA Just the stuff you put on my list-- (off her look) And a couple options. The bag slips from Meg's grasp, crashing onto the foot of the bed which collapses, catapulting Alice onto the cot which flips up over her, knocking Emma into the tiny bathroom.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Hey! Come on, guys!

INT. LE PETIT SOMMEIL HOTEL - NIGHT

Alice gazes out a window that opens onto a narrow alley and the ugly backsides of buildings, as Meg and Emma sleep fitfully behind her. She looks down at the cellphone in her hands, scrolling through her speed dial to stop at: 1. Richard. She hesitates with her thumb over the "call" button. She turns back to the miserable view, considering for a beat, then folds her phone away as she blinks back tears.

EXT. PONT DES ARTS BRIDGE - DAY

Madame Valery leads a diminished flock, bobbing her staff with its blue flag, in a forced march across the span of the ornate pedestrian bridge toward the waiting tour bus.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED:

MADAME VALERY The Pont des Arts has it's name for the vast number of art students that come here to paint this famous city view... Meg and Emma, the worse for wear, trail Madame Valery at a         distance with Alice who now leads her own handful of tour members, Carl and Deedee among them.

ALICE It's called the Pont des Arts because the Louvre was formally known as the Palais des Arts... Madame Valery stops ahead, turning back to take in Alice and her cluster of appreciative followers.

MADAME VALERY People! We must keep together!

EXT. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL -- DAY

Alice's group circles an inscribed stone medallion with a         star-shaped brass inset on the pavement outside Notre Dame.

DEEDEE "Point zero. Dez roots dee France."

ALICE It's from right here that all the highway miles in all of France are measured. They also say that if         you stand on this exact spot, you are be destined to return to France in the future.

MEG Oh, I'm in! Come on. Everyone! Together, they all step forward, arms entwined, laughing.

EMMA I want a picture! Of all of us! Alice looks up as Emma breaks away, to see Madam Valery leading her dwindling group from the great church. Madame Valery sends her charges to the bus, then heads straight for Alice as Emma tries to enlist a JAPANESE COUPLE to take a group photo with her camera.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED:

MADAME VALERY My head count was short in the cathedral.

ALICE I'm sorry. I was explaining about

POINT ZERO-- Madame Valery sizes Alice up and taps her staff as the group forms around them, joined by the Japanese couple.

MADAME VALERY This flag? I do not carry it for my pleasure.

ALICE We were just on our way inside--

MADAME VALERY Well, now you may head to the bus.

ALICE But, we haven't been--

MADAME VALERY Which is why you must follow my          flag!

ALICE okay. We will. I promise. But, these people haven't seen the

CATHEDRAL---

MADAME VALERY There are many churches on the tour.

ALICE But, this is Notre Dame! They need to see this--

MADAME VALERY I assure you, they will see everything they need to see--

ALICE

(LOSING IT) Well, what's the point if it's all a big fat blur? When nobody can see anything properly? Let alone experience it, or appreciate--

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2)

MADAME VALERY You seem quite the Paris expert, for someone who has never been.

EMMA Ill bet she knows more about it         than you! The Japanese wife frames the action with Emma's camera.

ALICE I might not have ever been here before, but...

(EMOTIONAL) I've waited my whole life for this trip.

CARL We've waited thirty years--

MEG You tell her, Carl.

ALICE You keep rushing us through, like this is some kind of race--

(REALLY HURT) And you won't even speak French with me.

(SGUARES HERSELF) Now, I think I've been very nice. We're from Wisconsin. But, I'm         telling you, I am not getting on          that bus until my friends and I          have seen Notre Dame. Meg and Emma exchange looks as Alice plants herself with folded arms and steely resolve before Madame Valery.

MADAME VALERY Perhaps, if Madame is not satisfied with my tour she could conduct her own.

EMMA What'd she say? Alice's eyes narrow in regarding Madame Valery and all fall silent a beat; a crowd anticipating fireworks. CLICK! The Japanese wife snaps a picture of the standoff, the sound of the shutter triggering Alice to action.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (3) With lightning speed, she seizes Madame Valery's flag.

CROWD Whoa! Madame Valery, nonplussed, reaches out to reclaim her flag, but Alice jerks it further away, while the Japanese woman snaps picture after picture.

DEEDEE Carl, we're getting on the bus! Madame Valery lunges for the stick.

EXT. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL - DAY

The bus pulls away, revealing the Japanese couple who return Emma's camera with a bow, Meg, and Alice holding the flag.

EMMA That was fantastic!

MEG "A" plus! Alice, cheeks flushed, watches Carl waving goodbye from the

0         bus's rear window.

MEG (CONT'D)         Alice, you okay? Alice brings the staff down across her knee, snapping it in         two, casting the broken ends into the gutter as she raises herself to her full height.

ALICE Now, the real tour can begin!

MEG Let's kick this town's ass! Alice marches forward as a few drops of rain fall.

EMMA I think it's starting to rain--

ALICE Who cares? We're in Paris! What's         a little rain?

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EXT. LE MEURICE HOTEL - NIGHT

Water pours in sheets from the sky as Alice, Meg and Emma splash down the Rue de Rivoli and duck beneath the shelter of         the hotel's canopy. They shake water from their arms and hair, pluck at their sopping clothes.

PHOTOGRAPHER 1 Cordelia! They glance over at a few PAPARAZZI sharing the protection of         the overhang on the far side of the entrance, as a camera flashes in taking Emma's picture. Emma smiles, blinks, confused as another photographer admonishes the first.

PHOTOGRAPHER 2 You're wasting your film. That's         not her.

EMMA What're they saying?

Alice looks about in equal confusion, but stops short when she sees the opulent restaurant behind the window's glass.

ALICE Oh. Meg and Emma turn to gape as well at the DINERS and elegant tables inside as the rain hammers down.

ALICE (CONT'D)         That, mes aims, is Paris.

EMMA You think they'd let me use the bathroom?

INT. LE MEURICE HOTEL - LOBBY - NIGHT

Meg and Emma step into the lobby, a palatial world of marble, gold and flowers, as Alice confers with the DOORMAN.

EMMA Wow.

0

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED:

ALICE

(TO DOORMAN) Merci. (joins Emma and Meg) Okay, Emma, it's down the hall to         the left. Meg and I'll go and get us a table--

EMMA Meet you in there. Emma heads for the ladies room, gaping at the lobby.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Wow...

MEG Get us a table? Alice, we can't         afford to eat here--

ALICE My treat.

ME G         You can't afford---

ALICE (hooking Meg's arm) We're going to do one thing right in Paris. I don't care how much it         costs. They turn for the dining room, passing the front desk where CORDELIA WINTHROP SCOTT (dressed similarly to Emma, though at         ten times the cost) unleashes her ire on the CONCIERGE.

CORDELIA And, just how do you propose I am         to travel tomorrow, then?

CONCIERGE I am sorry, but, there is nothing-- A MANAGER enters from the back.

MANAGER Mademoiselle Scott, I have checked and there is no sign of a package--

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: ( 2)

CORDELIA Marvelous. I'd like to see someone who speaks English, please. If         there is such a person in France. The concierge and manager look to one another and back.

MANAGER This is not English we are speaking?

INT. LE MEURICE HOTEL -- LADIES ROOM - NIGHT

Emma swings through the door into the black marble bathroom, grabbing a towel to swipe at her wet hair. She stops abruptly, examines the towel.

EMMA These are cloth! She takes the towel into one of the stalls, closing the door behind her just as Cordelia strides in, stops at the counter.

CORDELIA

(ACID DISGUST) France. Cordelia's cellphone RINGS! and she pulls it from her purse.

EMMA (O.S.) Hello?

CORDELIA

(INTO PHONE) You would not believe these people. So rude! She takes her phone into the stall next to Emma's and closes the door just as Alice and Meg enter.

CORDELIA (O.S.) (CONT'D)         And they wonder why none of us do          Paris anymore! What I've been through--. And, Daddy is being

PERFECTLY HIDEOUS-- Alice and Meg look at one another in the mirror, overhearing Cordelia, as they pick up towels to dry off.

CORDELIA (O.S.) (CONT'D)          He's making me go to Monte Carlo!

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 26.

CONTINUED:

ALICE Emma?

EMMA (0. S.) Yeah. I'm here.

CORDELIA (O.S.) I don't know. Some auction. One of those foundations--. But, have I heard from them? No. And they were to take care of the plane--. Well, I'm certainly not going to go         if, Wait, where are you?

(LISTENS) Reykjavik? Would I need a coat? A toilet flushes and Cordelia opens her stall door, heads for the counter, oblivious to Alice and Meg who freeze with their towels, blinking at her uncanny resemblance to Emma.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         Do you know if there's an evening flight--? Alice and Meg turn to each other, then to Cordelia's         reflection in the glass, their mouths hanging open.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         Ooh, I think I can just make it. No. I won't even check out here. It's better if everyone thinks I'm         being a good girl and taken the trip down to-- Cordelia stops when her eyes snag on Alice and Meg.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         Let me call you when I get to the airport. It may take awhile...         She gives Alice and Meg a devastating look up and down.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         It appears to be raining outside. Quite hard. She picks up her purse and exits without looking back just as         Emma opens her stall door and joins Alice and Meg, who gape at her with towels in their hands.

EMMA Did you see those are cloth?

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 27.

INT. LE MEURICE HOTEL - RESTAURANT - NIGHT

MEG No, Emma, I mean, exactly like you.

EMMA Well, she sounded awful. And kind of mean. Alice, Meg and Emma, punchy and a little drunk, enjoy wine from enormous glasses as they finish their meals.

ALICE (draining her glass) She should be ashamed. Can you imagine having a room here and then not staying in it? An ANXIOUS WAITER races in, refilling Alice's glass.

EMMA

(PERFECT MIMIC) Darling, I was thinking of ordering this entire menu, and then not eating it!

The waiter retreats, joining FIVE others standing at         discreet, fearful attention, all careful not to look at Emma whom they've clearly mistaken her for Cordelia.

MEG We should just take it. Her room.

EMMA And her trip to Monte Carlo!

(TO ALICE) That's still France, right?

MEG Alice, how fast can you get a         binder going on a trip like that?

ALICE

(LAUGHS) Oh, I'd love to see that. Us in         Monte Carlo.

MEG What's so funny about that? We got in here.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 28.

CONTINUED:

EMMA

(MIMICKING) Indeed. It is pitiful how low the standards here have fallen. Two waiters step in to clear plates, hearing all.

EMMA (CONT'D)

(MIMICKING) Remind me to have Daddy buy this hotel so that I can knock it down. Alice and Meg laugh with Emma as the waiters head for the kitchen in panic.

WAITER (whispers to other) She is a monster!

MEG Emma, you could be her!

EMMA

(MIMICKING) Darling, Meg. Always making me         laugh!

(DROPPING IT) Who in their right mind would ever believe that I was--

MANAGER Pardon, Mademoiselle Scott? The three look up at the manager in surprise.

ALICE I'm so sorry. Were we being too loud?

MANAGER No, no, we are all very happy to         see Mademoiselle Scott smile... A WINE STEWARD hustles up to the table with an ice bucket stand and a bottle of Champagne.

MANAGER (CONT'D)         Please. In apology for our earlier misunderstanding.

EMMA Our misunder--?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 29.

CONTINUED: (2)

MANAGER Your dinners as well. With our compliments... The three women exchange glances as the steward begins to         open the bottle and the manager bows, backing away.

EMMA Excuse me, Monsieur?

MANAGER Oui, Mademoiselle? Emma smiles, broadly, batting her eyelashes as the steward pops the Champagne cork.

EMMA

(PERFECT BRITISH) I so hate to be a bother, but I         seem to have misplaced my room key.

INT. LE MEURICE HOTEL - SUITE - NIGHT

CLICK! The door swings open into the dark room, framing the three drunk laughing women.

Alice fumbles for a switch, hitting the lights, and their laughter cuts abruptly at the sumptuous interior of gleaming marble, gilt and silk.

ME G

HOLY--

EMMA Scheize. Alice sees but one the thing: The Eiffel tower illuminated on the other side of a bank of French doors.

ALICE A view! There's a view. Alice races to push back the window sheers, revealing a         staggering panorama of the city, the Seine, and the Eiffel tower in the pouring rain. The entire city of light is reflected in her eyes.

EMMA (O.S.) Now this is more like it!

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 30.

CONTINUED:

MEG There's whole other room in here!

INT. LE MEURICE HOTEL - SUITE -- BEDROOM -- NIGHT

Alice enters, steering around a tower of Louis Vuitton luggage, as Meg pulls a fresh bottle of Champagne from a         bucket of ice.

ALICE Wait. What are you guys doing? Emma launches herself onto the enormous bed.

EMMA This is the room we were supposed to have!

ALICE On what planet? Come on. We were only going to take a look!

MEG So, we're looking. (pops the Champagne) And we like what we see.

ALICE Meg! Meg takes the bottle and crawls up with Emma.

EMMA Alice, take a break, would you? We

WALKED EIGHTY-POINT-FOUR-SIX-SEVEN- two kilometers... A lot happened today.

ALICE

BUT--

MEG (pats the bed) Alice, how many do chances do we         get? For something like this? Alice considers, looks out the window at the streaming rain.

ALICE Okay. But, just until it stops raining. Then we go.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 31.

CONTINUED:

MEG (makes room for Alice) Agreed. Alice climbs up and together, the three pass the bottle of         Champagne as they study the ceiling's ornate plasterwork.

MEG (CONT'D)

(LAUGHS) I'm sorry, I just keeping thinking of the look on that woman's face!

EMMA I'm glad I got pictures!

ALICE I did surprise her--

MEG Surprised me!

EMMA Really loved that flag, didn't she?

ALICE Poor Carl and Deedee...

EMMA Do you think that if you sleep in a         bed like this every night your dreams are different? Alice rolls to her side and the view of the Eiffel tower.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Like, are they bigger? You know? Do you dream a more amazing life? Meg kicks off her shoes, lets them drop.

MEG Well... We'll never know. Seen from the bed, the light atop the Eiffel tower breaks through the dissipating clouds to swing a searching arc through the night sky...

MATCH DISSOLVE The Eiffel tower gleams gold and orange in the morning sun.

0

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 32.

INT. LE MEURICE HOTEL - BEDROOM - SUITE - MORNING

A telephone rings, stirring Alice. It rings again. She reaches for it in her sleep as Emma sits up groggily beside Meg curled around the empty Champagne bottle.

ALICE

(ANSWERING) Hello?

EMMA What time is it? Alice's eyes fly open as she snaps awake.

ALICE Oh, yes. Yes...

EMMA

(SHAKING MEG) Meg, wake up. We're in trouble-- Meg pulls herself up, sees Alice on the phone.

MEG

Oh, shiii--

ALICE We'll be right down. Merci. She hangs up.

EMMA We were only joking! We didn't         mean to--!

MEG We'll tell them it was a mistake!

EMMA Alice?

ALICE Cordelia, your car is here.

INT. LE MEURICE HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY

Alice, Meg and Emma attempt to conceal themselves behind Cordelia's tower of cases as it's wheeled from the elevator by two PORTERS.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 33.

CONTINUED: The women scurry for the exit past the desk manager.

MANAGER Mademoiselle Scott!

ALICE Just keep moving. The three women increase their pace, but the manager catches up to them with an express envelope.

MANAGER Mademoiselle Scott, this came for you this morning. The package you were seeking? Emma merely blinks at the offered envelope.

MEG Take it. Just take it.

EMMA

(SNATCHING IT) Thanks again! They break for the door, but the manager follows.

MANAGER I'm afraid there may still be some

PHOTOGRAPHERS OUTSIDE--

EMMA What?

EXT. LE MEURICE HOTEL - DAY

As they emerge, the manager and doormen hustle Alice, Emma and Meg towards a waiting car and driver, as paparazzi call and shoot from across the boulevard.

ALICE Thank you so much but I think we'll

WALK--

MANAGER

(LAUGHS) But, you can not walk to the airport.

ALICE

(STOPS FAST) The airport?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 34.

CONTINUED: A beat, as Emma and Meg look to Alice for direction and the frenzied calls of the paparazzi increase.

INT. CAR - MOVING - DAY

ALICE It's fine. It's fine. We'll just have him drop us off... Alice and Meg look out the back window at the manager who waves them farewell, the doorman shooing photographers.

MEG They really do think she's her...         RIP! Alice and Meg spin to Emma as she spills the envelope 's         contents.

EMMA What? I want to know where we're         going.

ALICE We're going back to our hotel-- Emma holds up an itinerary with a big mischievous grin.

EMMA No. We're going to Monte Carlo!

ALICE No. We're not.

MEG

(TAKING ITINERARY) Let me see that--

EMMA Alice, what's "prive?" Is that like an airline?

ALICE Emma, for crying out loud. Meg, you want to help me out here?

MEG Hold on... I'm reading...

EMMA See? Meg wants to go. Don't you, Meg?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 35.

CONTINUED:

ALICE No, Meg, doesn't.         Meg looks up from the itinerary, shrugs.

MEG Trip's paid for, whether that girl takes it or not.

ALICE Oh! And somehow that magically makes taking it right?

EMMA What's the worst that could happen?

ALICE I can think of a lot of things--

MEG You're in charge. You want to go         back to that hotel, okay by me. A beat while Alice looks between Meg and Emma, trapped.

MEG (CONT'D)

Totally your call.

EMMA

(FULL-ON CORDELIA) And, darling, we'll completely understand if you feel we shouldn't         go.

EXT. AIRPORT - TARMAC - DAY

The car drives across the wide stretch of runway on a         trajectory for a waiting private jet.

INT. PRIVATE JET - IN FLIGHT - DAY

The women swivel around in their plush seats at the POP! of a         cork as a STEWARD opens a bottle of Champagne.

ALICE Okay. We go. We take a look around. We get on a train and come right back...

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 36.

CONTINUED:

MEG Anything goes wrong, we say it was a language thing, that we didn't

UNDERSTAND--

EMMA Now, I like that idea, because it's         true! They fall silent as the steward appears with glasses of         Champagne, wait for him to retreat.

ALICE Go, look, come right back. It's a         good plan. Alice, Meg and Emma clink glasses.

MONTAGE:

EXT. AIRPORT - NICE - DAY

The steward helps the women from the plane, where another UNIFORMED MAN waits on the tarmac to escort them further.

INT. NICE AIRPORT - DAY

Their escort opens a door ahead of them to a roof deck, wind spilling in to the stairway they climb.

EXT. NICE AIRPORT - ROOF DECK - DAY

They emerge onto the deck, Emma squealing and grabbing Alice when she sees their waiting helicopter.

INT./EXT. HELICOPTER - IN FLIGHT - DAY

Alice, Meg and Emma delight as the helicopter banks along the coast, the Mediterranean glittering in blue and green below. A craggy ridge falls away and all of MONTE CARLO unfolds in         step upon step of coral rooftops, cream and gold.

END MONTAGE.

EXT. HOTEL DE PARIS - DAY

Alice, Emma and Meg step from a limousine, blinking in the bright sunlight to take in the square in front of the hotel, its fountain and the adjacent casino.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 37.

CONTINUED:

ALICE Okay! What do we want to do first? Check out the palace, or the beach?

MEG EMMA Beach! Palace?!

ALICE (CONT'D)         Let's find a map--

JEAN-PIERRE Mademoiselle Scott! They turn as JEAN-PIERRE MICHAND (late 30's), sophisticated in jeans and a sportscoat but with a warm bohemian air, comes down the steps, an oversized envelope tucked under his arm.

EMMA Well, bon jour me.

JEAN-PIERRE You made it! I was getting a         little frantic--. When I did not hear from you--. So I sent your

TRAVEL-- (laughs at himself) But, you are here. (off her blank look) Forgive me. Jean-Pierre. Michand. With the foundation-- He pauses in shaking Emma's hand as his eyes land on Alice with friendly curiosity, a charge.

JEAN-PIERRE (CONT'D)         Welcome--. I---. I didn't realize you would be bringing--

EMMA Oh, I'm sorry! This is Alice Perry and Meg Kelly. Two of my dearest friends. Visiting from America!

ALICE

(SHAKING HANDS) Hello. Jean-Pierre has trouble pulling his eyes from Alice as he         shakes Meg's hand.

JEAN-PIERRE It is a pleasure to meet friends--

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 38.

CONTINUED: (2)

EMMA I'll say. Emma sneakily indicates Jean-Pierre's empty ring finger to         Alice and Meg as he consults his wristwatch.

EMMA (CONT'D)

(WHISPERED ASIDE) No ring.

JEAN-PIERRE I'm terribly sorry, but, I am         already late for a meeting--

MEG We won't keep you--

JEAN-PIERRE I just wanted to make sure you arrived safely and that I was here to greet you.

(AN AFTERTHOUGHT) Oh. And, of course, to deliver your invitations for the week, and the foundation's report--

EMMA Invitations for the week--?

JEAN-PIERRE Various events. Leading up to the

AUCTION--

(THE WATCH) Again, I am so sorry, but, I am         reluctant to keep His Highness waiting.

EMMA His Highness?

JEAN-PIERRE The Prince. But, we will see each other at the casino for tonight's         game. Please, bring your friends--

ALICE You are very generous, and we'd         love to, but, I'm afraid Cordelia has other plans this evening-- Jean-Pierre turns, charmed by Alice's perfect French, and alarmed by this news.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 39.

CONTINUED: (3)

JEAN-PIERRE

BUT--

ALICE We're very sorry--

JEAN-PIERRE

(MOUNTING ANXIETY) Perhaps we have misunderstood each other. Mademoiselle Scott--. She must be there for tonight's game. The prince. His Highness has asked to be seated across from her--

EMMA What's he saying? Which prince? Jean-Pierre looks imploringly between the three.

JEAN-PIERRE Please. It is for the foundation.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

Within a glossy brochure: A collage of "snapshots" shows happy African children grouped outside their new school; raising their hands at their desks in a pristine classroom; finding their country on a glossy globe.

ALICE

(ANGUISHED) Oh, would you look at these kids?

MEG No, I can't. I can't stand it. Emma reads to Alice and Meg from the brochure in the seating area of their luxurious suite, enjoying none of it, nor the incredible balcony view of Monte Carlo's marina and bay.

EMMA "With your help The Michand         Foundation is able to sow the seeds          of education, transforming lives,          families, and villages, one child          at a time..." She didn't say anything about a school!

MEG Schools, with an "s." More than one.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 40

CONTINUED:

ALICE

(MISERABLE) In Africa.

MEG That horrible, irresponsible girl! I've never stolen a thing in my         life, now I've taken a trip from school children.

ALICE In Africa. Meg hangs her head.

EMMA Reykjavik! That takes some nerve! They're counting on her for a         charity auction and she doesn't          even show up!

ALICE Only she did. Emma reaches for a gigantic wrapped fruit basket.

EMMA She did?

MEG Do not touch that!

ALICE You, Emma. If you're Cordelia. They've seen you. You're here.

EMMA Well, I can't go to that thing tonight.

(A BEAT) I don't have anything to wear. The phone RINGS! and Emma snatches it up before Alice can.

EMMA (CONT'D)

(PERFECT BRITISH) Hello? Alice gestures for Emma not to say anything, to hang up.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 41.

CONTINUED: (2)

EMMA (CONT'D)

(INTO PHONE) Oh yes, please. Send it up... Um. Yes, all of it. Everything. Thank you, ever so. Merci! She hangs up and holds a beat before turning to Alice.

EMMA (CONT'D)         My luggage is here.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

Alice and Meg stand in front of the tower of Louis Vuitton trunks and cases while Emma idly thumbs the combination lock of a steel briefcase in her lap.

ALICE Okay. But, just for tonight. And, that's it. CLICK! Alice and Meg look to Emma, holding the now open briefcase, eyes wide.

EMMA Lucky guess?

0         A necklace of diamonds and enormous yellow stones sparkles like a constellation from within the case's velvet lining.

ALICE

(CLOSING IT) No jewelry. Emma nods.

ALICE (CONT'D)         Then it.all goes back.

MEG Dry-cleaned.

INT. LES CASINO DES MONTE CARLO - NIGHT

The gaming hall's towering ornate doors are opened by TWO DOORMEN for Alice, Emma and Meg to make their big entrance in         Cordelia's couture chiffon, silk and organza. Heads held high, backs straight, they strike a remarkable tableaux as they pause in unison at the top of the room's         raised landing to survey the swirl of roulette wheels and the tony European jet set.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 42.

CONTINUED: At first glance they look spectacular, but under closer scrutiny one can read Meg's composed discomfort in wearing a         dress that is too tight, nearly spilling her breasts, and the self-consciousness Alice endures in a dress made daringly short by her height. But, this is because we know them; to all other eyes they not only belong here, they own the room. They glance at one another, eyebrows up: "We're here!"

EMMA Don't you feel like we've won something already? Jean-Pierre comes to greet them with PRINCE DOMENICO DA         SILVANO (30's, movie-star handsome), both in tuxedos, offering a hand to escort Emma down the few steps.

JEAN-PIERRE Mademoiselle Scott, you made it! Emma withholds her natural smile, placing just the tips of         her fingers in Jean-Pierre's palm with exaggerated hauteur.

EMMA Enchante. Jean-Pierre assists Meg and Alice, Meg clutching the top of         her dress, Alice anxiously keeping the skirt of hers in place with a hand as she steps down.

JEAN-PIERRE And Mademoiselle Margaret Kelly and Mademoiselle Alice Perry--

(FOR ALICE) I am very glad you were able to         come this evening. Alice nods, blushes and tries to cover.

JEAN-PIERRE (CONT'D)         May I present His Highness, Prince Domenico Da Silvano? Prince Da Silvano bows from the waist.

DOMENICO

MADEMOISELLE SCOTT--

EMMA Please, call me "Cordelia."

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 43.

CONTINUED: (2)

DOMENICO If you will call me "Domenico."

EMMA I shall certainly try. Domenico escorts Emma out onto the casino floor as Jean- Pierre touches Alice's elbow.

JEAN-PIERRE Shall we? Alice and Meg allow Jean-Pierre to lead them, following Emma as GAMBLERS break from their games to track these three elegant women gliding smoothly through the room.

MEG (aside to Alice) I may as well be topless.

ALICE Please. I'm mooning everyone behind us.

INT. LES CASINO - PRIVATE GAME ROOM - NIGHT

A DEALER unseals a new deck of cards as Domenico pulls out a         chair for Emma at the room's enormous game table.

EMMA Oh, but, I really wasn't planning on playing this evening. I so much prefer to watch-- Emma looks to Alice and Meg for help as Jean-Pierre leads them to the far side of a low railing to view the game.

DOMENICO

(A WINK) This I do not believe about you. He turns to the eight other PLAYERS (of various ages and         genders, but all rich) clustered at the room's small bar.

DOMENICO (CONT'D)         Ladies and gentlemen? Shall we         begin? The other players make obligatory introductions and take up         positions at the table as Jean-Pierre offers Alice and Meg tall upholstered stools to sit.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 44.

CONTINUED: Alice moves to sit, but then remembers her skirt, looks to          Meg who is unable to even raise a leg in her tight dress.

ALICE

(TO JEAN-PIERRE) Easier to see if we stand. Jean-Pierre hands them both a glass of Champagne.

ALICE (CONT'D)         And why aren't you playing?

JEAN-PIERRE Ah. I play behind the scenes. Like Robin Hood, I take from those who have more than enough, for those who have nothing but need.

(LAUGHS) Also, I do not play because I have no money of my own. Alice smiles, charmed by his candor, but then stops.

ALICE They're playing for money? (turns to Meg, flat)

IS         They're playing for money. Together they turn to see Emma happily arranging the cards she is dealt in her hands.

DOMENICO Cordelia, why don't you do us the honor of setting this evening's         stakes? Emma glances over to Alice and Meg who look back at her, ashen, and turns to the players who smile expectantly.

EMMA Oh. Um. Okay...         She takes her handbag into her lap, opens it, looks.

EMMA (CONT'D)

(A GUESS) Alright. Why don't... Why don't         we start at ten? A shocked player sputters into his drink. Emma places a twenty Euro note on the table.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 45.

CONTINUED: (2)

EMMA (CONT'D)         That is if anyone is able to make change. A beat. Jean-Pierre, Domenico and all the other players burst out laughing and Emma smiles, laughing too, but shoots a         desperate look to Alice and Meg.

DOMENICO Marvelous! He signals an ATTENDANT over as Emma's shoulders relax.

DOMENICO (CONT'D)         Please bring Mademoiselle Scott a          rack of chips.

(TO EMMA) Two hundred?

EMMA

(BIG GULP) Um. Sure.

JEAN-PIERRE You would not know it, but she is         very funny.

MEG A riot. Domenico casts a glossy chip into the pot.

DOMENICO Mademoiselle Scott starts us at ten thousand a hand. Alice and Meg freeze, their champagne glasses sliding from their hands, while Emma's eyes grow as large as all the zeroes on Domenico's chip.

DOMENICO (CONT'D)         You must be feeling very lucky.

INT. LES CASINO - PRIVATE GAME ROOM - NIGHT

DEALER Mademoiselle Scott? It is your call.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 46.

CONTINUED: Emma sits locked in a cool stare-down over the top of her cards with Domenico across from her at the tensed table. Meg downs a glass of Champagne in one gulp, snagging the back of the WAITER's jacket, hauling him back for a refill. The waiter turns to Alice, who pats at her face with a damp napkin, struggling to breathe.

MEG (takes bottle from waiter) I should probably keep this.

DEALER

(PRODDING) Mademoiselle? Emma places her cards face down before her, appears to fold.

EMMA Well... She moves her hands to the stacks and stacks of chips beside her, and pushes them to the center of the table.

EMMA (CONT'D)

0         I'm all in. The other players gasp and Alice fails to suppress a whimper as she grasps Meg's pouring hand, spilling Champagne, drawing Jean-Pierre's attention.

JEAN-PIERRE Are you alright?

ALICE Great. I'm just--. Excuse me. Alice slips around the railing and heads for Emma as two players fold in near tears, leaving just Emma, Domenico and a         DOWAGER (60's) in the game.

ALICE (CONT'D)         I'm terribly sorry to interrupt. But, Cordelia, you look a little overheated... Why don't we--?

(WHISPERS LOW) .Have you completely lost your mind?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 47.

CONTINUED: (2)

EMMA

(WHISPER BACK) Hey. Don't distract me. I'm in         the middle of a hand--

ALICE Emma! That isn't Monopoly money!

EMMA Relax. I've got it under control--

ALICE And this isn't the mathletes finals in Kenosha!

EMMA Jean-Pierre, would you be a dear and get Alice some water?

(TO ALICE) You're the one that got us into this--!

ALICE What?!

DOMENICO I will see you, Cordelia. Domenico pushes his own mountain of chips to the pot in the center of the table and Alice buries her face in her hands when the dowager folds her cards.

EMMA (whisper to Alice) Now, go sit down and try to be         cool, would you? Jeeze! Let me         handle this. Alice moves back to her stool, tries to smile as she takes the water Jean-Pierre offers.

MEG What'd she say? What'd she say?

ALICE

(SICK) We're going down, Meg. Going down hard.

DEALER Mademoiselle. Your Highness. Your 0 cards, please.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 48.

CONTINUED: (3) Alice and Meg turn helplessly to the game table.

DOMENICO Ladies first.

EMMA After you. Please. Domenico can hardly contain his gloating as he reveals his three aces.

DOMENICO I am very sorry, Cordelia. A beat, then Emma shrugs.

EMMA Well. It is just a game after all. She turns her cards over and fans them on the table felt: A         royal flush in the suit of hearts, ace high.

EMMA (CONT'D)         I do hope there are no hard feelings. The other players cheer as Domenico's smile crashes. Emma shrieks with delight, turning to Alice and Meg who grab each other, barely keeping themselves from pitching over, glasses spilling, as the other players applaud. Emma rakes in the Everest of multi-colored chips with both arms, laughing as she's congratulated.

DOWAGER You must play often, Miss Scott.

EMMA Oh, a little, online. But, this is         so much more fun!

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - LOBBY - NIGHT

Domenico and Jean-Pierre, each toting buckets of chips, escort Alice, Emma and Meg to the elevator, all giddy.

DOMENICO Not even a last drink in the bar?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 49.

CONTINUED:

EMMA It's been such a splendid evening, I am reluctant to press my luck any further.

MEG Yeah. Good call, Cordelia. DING! The elevator arrives and the doors open as Domenico leans in towards Emma.

DOMENICO Then you must promise to dance with me at my party tomorrow. Emma evades Domenico by stepping onto the elevator.

EMMA Oh, Delmonico--

DOMENICO "Domenico."

EMMA I would not miss it for the world.

Meg collects the buckets from Domenico and steps on.

MEG Great meeting you, your Highness. Good times. Really. Jean-Pierre places his buckets in Alice's hands, a certain frisson to the simple exchange.

JEAN-PIERRE Tomorrow night?

EMMA Wait! Before Alice can respond to Jean-Pierre, Emma takes one of         the buckets from Alice and hands it back to him.

EMMA (CONT'D)         You must keep this one. For your foundation.

JEAN-PIERRE But, your family has already been

SO GENEROUS--

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 50.

CONTINUED: (2)

ALICE She really believes in education. The doors start to close.

JEAN-PIERRE Good night, then.

DOMENICO And, welcome to Monte Carlo. The doors close, leaving Jean-Pierre and Domenico to gaze fondly where the three women had just been. They both sigh and turn for the bar, when they hear shrieking from the elevator as it rises above them.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - ELEVATOR - NIGHT

Alice, Meg and Emma jump up and down, screaming like girls at         a slumber party, chips flying everywhere.

MONTAGE:

EXT. BEAUTY SALON - DAY

Alice, Meg and Emma burst through the salon doors into the street, their hair color richer, eyes brighter, a new lightness to their step; vivid, brilliantly polished versions of their essential selves. Heads turn as they set out together.

INT. BOUTIQUE - DAY

The wings of a brass-framed three-way mirror spin and spread in a swirling kaleidoscope of shifting reflections: Alice, Meg and Emma work their way through an increasingly spectacular and audacious series of combinations, dresses and gowns, modeling for each other as they are tended to by         SHOPGIRLS and SEAMSTRESSES...          --Alice twirls in a navy dress with white polka dots. --Meg slaps her own ass with a laugh, admiring herself from the back in a pair of pencil thin sexy black jeans. --Emma glows in a pale lavender strapless satin gown.

END MONTAGE:

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 51.

INT. BOUTIQUE - DAY

Alice, Meg and Emma watch as a number of their dresses are boxed and a CASHIER writes them up.

SHOP GIRL Would you like these put on your account, Mademoiselle Scott?

ALICE No. Thank you, we'll be paying

CASH--

EMMA But, it would be darling if you could have them sent round our hotel.

MEG Wait. You know what, on second thought, I'm not getting these-- She pulls the pair of jeans from her pile of clothes.

EMMA But, they looked amazing on you!

EXT. OPEN AIR MARKET - DAY

MEG Where was I ever going to wear them? Seriously?

EMMA You wear them here! Anywhere! Alice, you tell her-- Alice opens her mouth, but stops herself as the three wander the crowded market stalls heaped with fountains of flowers in         every color, breads, fresh produce, trinkets and souvenirs.

ALICE No. I'm not going to tell you what to do.

MEG Thank you. It's silly, anyway. They're just jeans. I want to find something for the kids--

EMMA Oh, Meg! Look! For Finn!

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 52.

CONTINUED: Emma leaps to one of the stalls, seizing a profusion of          plastic jeweled tiaras displayed alongside photographs of          Princess Grace. She places a tiara on her head, modeling.

EMMA (CONT'D)         How perfect is this?!

ALICE Even better! Alice holds up a pair of pink satin toe shoes, swinging them from their ribbon laces.

INT. SHOE REPAIR SHOP - DAY

A SHOP OWNER (60's) slips a pair of freshly polished men's         shoes into a paper bag, placing them on the counter in front of Richard, who pulls out his wallet.

RICHARD

(REMEMBERING) Oh. And the suitcase. The shop owner retrieves Alice's mended suitcase from a         nearby shelf, a tag on the zipper.

RICHARD (CONT'D)          How much do I owe you for that?

EXT. STRIP MALL - DAY

Richard exits the shoe repair carrying Alice'.s repaired suitcase, headed for his car.

GLENN Hey, Richard! Richard glances up to see Glenn crossing the parking lot with Seamus and Finn, pushing a cart piled high with groceries.

CUT TO: Richard finishes helping Glenn and the kids transfer grocery bags to the open trunk of Glenn's squad car.

GLENN (CONT'D)

(CLOSING TRUNK) So, we'll see you at seven then--

RICHARD And that's two with sausage, extra sauce, no onions--

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 53.

CONTINUED:

SEAMUS Thin crust.

RICHARD Got it. Richard picks up Alice's suitcase.

FINN Are you going to France, too?

RICHARD No. I just-- Glenn turns, noticing the suitcase for the first time.

GLENN Whoa! Hold on! You're going to         surprise Alice--?

FINN I love surprises!

RICHARD What? No, I---

GLENN Oh, man, I win! Richard blinks as Glenn claps him on the shoulder.

GLENN (CONT'D)         Meg and I've had this bet going: She thought it would be on Alice's         next birthday, but I knew it was going to be this trip to France!

RICHARD Glenn, listen--

GLENN Don't worry! I won't blow it for you! I won't call anyone, ruin the

SURPRISE--

(PLAYFUL PUNCH) You sly dog! You've probably booked the best suite in Paris. Am         I right? Got the ring, the whole show--. This is so you!

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 54.

CONTINUED: (2)

RICHARD (confused, but flattered) So...me?

GLENN Sure! That's why Alice loves you. You get how much this trip's meant to her; now, you're just putting the icing on the cake. The big gesture, you know? Not too dominating: Supportive. Loving! (shakes his head) You're the man, Richard. Big props. Glenn pulls Richard into a big happy bear hug.

GLENN (CONT'D)         Congratulations.

RICHARD Glenn. She said, no.

EXT. OPEN AIR MARKET - DAY

BERNARD ROCHAND (late 30's), an appealing Frenchman in a worn

sportscoat, pauses in collecting leeks when he spots Meg on         the other side of the open stall. He watches as she surveys the rich array of fresh produce, lifting a tomato to her nose, inhaling with a private smile. Meg bites into the tomato, spurting juice onto her cheek and down her front. She looks up as she attempts to wipe the juice away, stopping when she catches Bernard smiling with amusement. Meg rolls her eyes with self-deprecation and moves on along the line of stalls. Bernard pays for his purchase and follows, finding Meg at         another stall where a FRENCHWOMAN tries to communicate how to          prepare the fish they both admire. Meg nods, not entirely understanding, but getting enough of         it to gesture responses. The woman grabs some newspaper, wrapping the fish, and thrusts it towards Meg with a smile.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 55.

CONTINUED:

MEG Oh, no. No. I'm sorry. I'd like to. But...         The woman is confused, vaguely insulted.

MEG (CONT'D)         I don't have a kitchen. No place to cook.

BERNARD She is only a visitor. Without a         kitchen. But, it is a beautiful fish. Maybe next time. Meg turns to find Bernard beside her.

BERNARD (CONT'D)         I have explained. Meg hesitates uncertainly before this friendly stranger.

MEG Well, thank you... She smiles at the woman and starts to walk away, only to find

Bernard falling into step with her.

BERNARD You are American. Meg glances at Bernard and away, uncomfortable, but curious, drawn by his warmth and the familiar greetings he exchanges with various vendors as they walk.

MEG From Wisconsin. Yes. Bernard reaches a handkerchief from his jacket for Meg.

BERNARD You cook in Wisconsin? Meg uses the handkerchief to blot the remaining tomato juice.

MEG I try. But... We don't have even half of this at home. She points to a tray of miniature lobsters.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 56.

CONTINUED: (2)

MEG (CONT'D)         Like those. I've only seen them in         magazines.

BERNARD Ah, langoustines. Many ways to

PREPARE THESE--

MEG I'd go for a saute, being a         Midwestern gal.

BERNARD Court-bouillon.

MEG

(IMPRESSED) Poaching.

BERNARD With sea water. Amazing.

MEG So, you cook. Bernard dips his head modestly.

BERNARD As you say, "I try." (offers his hand) Bernard. Rochand. Meg shakes his hand and returns the handkerchief.

MEG Meg. Kelly. Thank you again for

YOUR HELP--

BERNARD And, how long are you in Monte Carlo, Meg? Meg's brow furrows slightly and she turns to head back.

MEG I need to find my--. . My friends are around here somewhere...

BERNARD I will help you find them. We can

WALK TOGETHER--

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 57.

CONTINUED: (3)

MEG

(LAUGHS) Look. It was nice to meet you--

BERNARD "Bernard."

MEG Yeah. But, I'm gonna walk myself. Thanks, though. She slips into the moving crowd, leaving Bernard to watch as         she meets Alice and Emma further up the street. He holds a beat, then turns when called to by a vendor.

INT. RICHARD'S APARTMENT - DAY

Glenn paces as Richard holds the phone at his desk, the Esprit de Corps Tours website on his computer's screen.

RICHARD It's been two days and it didn't         occur to you to call anyone?

EXT. PALAIS DE CHAILLOT - DAY

Madame Valery, cellphone to her ear, leads'the few remaining members of her flock down the wide steps, across the Seine from the Eiffel tower.

MADAME VALERY She refused to follow my         instructions. She sabotaged my         tour. Ruined it for everyone!

RICHARD Wait. Alice did? Alice Perry?

MADAME VALERY She took my flag!

CUTTING BETWEEN:

RICHARD But, if their luggage is still there, then they're missing--

GLENN Missing? What the--?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 58.

CONTINUED:

RICHARD How do I get in touch with the police?

GLENN Hey, I'm the police!

RICHARD Are you the police in France?

MADAME VALERY The police? Monsieur. Nothing could keep her from seeing Paris her way. Believe me. She was very determined.

RICHARD

BUT--

GLENN What's she saying?

MADAME VALERY You are the husband, yes? Richard hesitates, looks to Glenn.

RICHARD

(FIRMLY) Yes. I am the husband. Glenn nods emphatically.

INT. VILLA DA SILVANO - NIGHT

A cascade of yellow and gold balloons washes over Alice as         she dances with Meg and Emma to a Euro-trance-pop beat at the center of the crowded dance floor. Emma screams with delight in a new dress and plastic tiara, batting balloons as Domenico who spins her away. Alice watches with heightened vigilance as Emma dances with her prince and blows a kiss to Alice and Meg.

MEG Alice, she's fine...

(MARVELING) Look where we are! Can you even remember the last time we danced like this? It's gotta be-Martha Lapland's wedding--

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 59.

CONTINUED:

ALICE Actually, sometimes Richard and I         go to Madison's on Saturdays--

MEG (stops dancing, laughs) The gay bar?

ALICE (shrugs, matter of fact) They've got the best music.

MEG I am so butting in on that. Alice laughs and spins, crashing directly into Jean-Pierre.

JEAN-PIERRE And I was looking for you! From the edge of the dance floor, NIKOLAI LUDOVIC (late 30s), squat, bald, completely nondescript but for his white tie and tails, watches Emma ardently. He stops a waiter, taking his tray of Champagne flutes.

Emma spins to find Nikolai at her elbow, grinning, holding up         this offering, and she takes him for a waiter.

EMMA Ooh! Thank you! I'm so thirsty! Nikolai remains planted, holding his tray with a smile, watching with bright eyes as Emma drinks. She lowers her glass and her full attention snags on Nikolai, really registering his presence now as she searches his warm, gentle eyes.

EMMA (CONT'D)         It's a wonderful party, isn't it? Nikolai nods and offers her another glass of Champagne. Alice, dancing with Jean-Pierre, subtly repositions herself in order to keep an eye on Emma.

JEAN-PIERRE Cordelia, she can take care of         herself, yes?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 60.

CONTINUED: (2)

ALICE What? Oh, yeah, of course... Meg dances by herself, having a great time, taking in the room, the music and the people, when a handsome MAN begins to         match her moves, insinuates himself. She smiles but shakes her head as she moves away, turning her back to evade him. Another gorgeous MAN sidles up to Meg, joining her solo dance, wiggling his eyebrows invitingly.

MEG No, thanks. She moves off only to be met by GIORGIO (40's, sexy, Euro-         suave) who smoothly steps in.

MEG (CONT'D)

NO--

GIORGIO

(GRINNING WIDE) Yes! Giorgio!

Emma slips away from dancing with Domenico, moving to Nikolai who remains with his tray at the ready,.brightening at her approach, lifting a glass.

EMMA Don't you need to, like, circulate?

NIKOLAI Ya znal, chto naydu tebya. Emma blushes as though showered in compliments.

EMMA Really?

PENELOPE

(FLAT) Cordelia Winthrop Scott. Emma turns, still smiling, to find PENELOPE PENROSE (late         20s, British), frail and bird-like, but attempting to hold a          warrior's stance with her shoulders thrown back.

EMMA Yes?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 61.

CONTINUED: (3)

PENELOPE Do you not know who I am? Emma's smile falters as she glances furtively about.

EMMA Um. 'Course I do... Hi.

PENELOPE Penelope. Penelope Penrose. Penelope's chin quivers as she reads Emma's blank look.

PENELOPE (CONT'D)         I spent a year in hospital--

EMMA Hospital? What happened?!

PENELOPE You did! You happened! Alice swivels around at the raised voices, spots Penelope facing Emma.

ALICE

Excuse me! She dodges away from Jean-Pierre, hooking Meg's arm in         passing, yanking her away from Giorgio as she heads for Emma.

PENELOPE Don't pretend you don't remember! Third year at Le Rosey! You threw my luggage in the pool. Set fire to my mattress. You cut off all my

HAIR--

MEG What? That's awful!

PENELOPE While I was sleeping

EMMA She did that to you?

ALICE

(CORRECTING) Cordelia! How could you?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 62.

CONTINUED: (4)

PENELOPE That was just the first night.

ALICE Say you're sorry, Cordelia.

(WHISPERS) And let's get out of here!

EMMA Alice, no--. Wait a minute--

PENELOPE (to Alice and Meg) she turned all my friends against me... They had to send me away... To live with the nuns-- Emma grabs Penelope by the shoulders.

EMMA Now, you listen to me, Penelope Penrose. You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment. Penelope flinches, preparing for a beating.

EMMA (CONT'D)         But, I had no way of finding you after you left us, and...Oh, Penny. Don't you see? Don't you know that I was just jealous? Alice and Meg exchange looks.

PENELOPE

(SMALL) Jealous?

EMMA You were so smart. So clever and

BEAUTIFUL--

PENELOPE I was ugly--

EMMA No, Penny. I was ugly. I was a         monster.

PENELOPE Penny Pignose. That's what you called me--

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 63.

CONTINUED: (5)

EMMA Because, I knew I could never compete! Not with anyone as         special as you.

PENELOPE You thought I was special? Emma looks at Penelope, nods emphatically.

EMMA You want to know what I've waited for all these years, Penelope Penrose? Penelope shakes her head almost imperceptibly.

EMMA (CONT'D)         To do this. Emma opens her arms wide and pulls Penelope into a hug. She looks at Alice and Meg over Penelope's shoulder, and then closes her eyes with genuine emotion for a beat, pulling back to smile into Penelope's grateful, tear-streaked face.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Now... Friends?

INT. BISTRO - LATE NIGHT

DOMENICO (raising a glass) To friends! old and new! Emma seizes Penelope's hand from across the table, placing it         in Domenico's as she drunkenly sings the old Girl Scout song.

EMMA "Make new friends and keep the old,         one is silver and the other's          gold!" Alice and Jean-Pierre lean toward each other intimately' across the packed, lively table of PARTY-GOERS.

JEAN-PIERRE But, no one really lives here. Monte Carlo. It's like Hong Kong. People merely come and go. People like me. Well, and then, people like yourself.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 64.

CONTINUED: Alice nods to a WAITER who arrives to refill her Champagne glass, pouring as Jean-Pierre speaks.

ALICE People like me?

JEAN-PIERRE People with money. This is why I         come. I help assuage their guilt when I remind them that there are children in this world who do not have clean water to drink, while they drink Champagne.

ALICE And that works? Jean-Pierre blinks, then bursts out laughing.

JEAN-PIERRE I take myself far too seriously.

ALICE No. I'm sorry, I didn't mean--. I've seen the pictures of the schools. The work you do is

ADMIRABLE--

JEAN-PIERRE And I'm afraid I talk about it         because I myself am not that interesting... (a hand on her arm) I'd rather know about you.

ALICE

(TRAPPED) Oh. Well. You know. I...do what I can, here and there. A little volunteer work...         She turns to her Champagne, rolling her eyes at herself.

ALICE (CONT'D)         Oh, brother. Meg sits further down the length of all the tables laid end to end, beside Giorgio, who has pulled his chair close, draping an arm casually across the back of hers.

MEG Okay, wait. You're a man, right?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 65.

CONTINUED: (2) Giorgio laughs.

MEG (CONT'D)         Yeah, I know: I'm funny. But, see if you can answer something for me. Ten years you're married, to the girl you dated in high school. I'm         talking the girl you lost your virginity to, the one who gave you two great kids that you're just crazy about. Then one morning, what? You wake up, and out of the blue, it's like, "Oh, hey, honey, I         think I'm in love with this other          woman..."

(PAUSES) His patrol partner. A beat as Giorgio shakes his head sadly.

MEG (CONT'D)         I thought I was his partner. Giorgio takes Meg hand, more in comfort than come on.

GIORGIO You heart feels betrayed.

MEG (telling a secret) I feel like I failed.

GIORGIO I tell you this: A man...he will always love the mother of his children. Meg blinks, taking this in.

GIORGIO (CONT'D)         Now you must kiss someone else.

MEG

(LAUGHS) Oh, I see--

GIORGIO To break the spell. You must! Then you will be free. A plate of beautifully arranged langoustine is placed on the table in front of Meg.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 66.

CONTINUED: (3)

MEG Oh, I'm sorry, 'I didn't order-- She looks up to find Bernard standing in chef's whites.

BERNARD (smiles, nods) Madame Kelly. He heads toward for the kitchen before she can say anything. Emma pours sloppy glasses of Champagne for her companions as         though playing a game of tag, spilling wine.

EMMA And you're my friend...and you're         my friend. . .and you're my-- She turns with the bottle to find Nikolai who has materialized beside her on the long banquette.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Oh, hey! You were at the party! Do you work here, too? Nikolai cheerfully shakes his head, holds up her purse.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Oh! Did I forget that? Wow, what a lifesaver! Thanks!

NIKOLAI Ti takaya vaskhititel'naya. Emma sets the bottle down to concentrate on Nikolai.

EMMA You're not from here, are you?

(OVER-ENUNCIATING) I'm Emm--. My name is Cordelia.

NIKOLAI (points to himself) Nikolai.

EXT. STREET - PRE-DAWN

Alice and Jean-Pierre walk along, side by side, their hands nearly touching, among the rest of the restaurant party. Alice looks up, taking in the bowl of pre-dawn sky, and glances over at Jean-Pierre who watches her.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 67.

CONTINUED:

ALICE The stars are still out. Ahead, Emma breaks away from Penelope and Domenico, leaving the two to walk on together as she comes back toward Alice.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Where's Meg? Alice looks around and sees Giorgio walking alone among the strolling party guests.

ALICE I thought she was right behind us--

INT. BISTRO KITCHEN - PRE-DAWN

Bernard takes a tray of dishes from his FATHER (70's,         striking resemblance) who enters from the dining room.

BERNARD Papa, sit down. Rest.

INT. BISTRO - PRE-DAWN

Bernard enters with the tray, stopping when he sees Meg examining a menu by the front door of the empty bistro.

MEG

(SLY SMILE) You do cook. Bernard shrugs, smiling as he comes forward.

BERNARD You enjoyed your meal?

MEG Adding the fresh orange; nice. Bernards nods, accepting the compliment.

MEG (CONT'D)         But, a little fennel would've been "wow."

BERNARD Next time, you cook.

EMMA Meg! What are you doing? Come on! We're going to watch--

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 68.

CONTINUED: Emma and Alice stop short just outside in the street, pausing as they sense they've interrupted.

ALICE We were--. We're going to watch the sunrise. Meg hesitates, turning between her friends and Bernard.

BERNARD

(SMILES) You should not miss it.

EXT. STREET - PRE-DAWN

Alice and Emma walk with Meg down the narrow street at the end of which the party guests stroll and Jean-Pierre waits for Alice, with Penelope, Domenico and Nikolai.

ALICE The guy from the market?

EMMA He is so cute! And a cook--!

MEG Chef.

EMMA And you're single now! Meg slows to a stop, stands a beat.

MEG

(QUIETLY) I'm single. I'm single, now.

ALICE You know, Julia Child didn't take her first cooking class until she was thirty seven.

MEG

(SMILES) I told you that.

PENELOPE It's coming, Cordelia! The sun!

0

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 69. is EXT. PLACE DE CASINO -- DAWN Alice, Emma and Meg, arms linked, round the corner into the square with the rest of the party guests, just as the very edge of the sun crests the horizon of the open sea. Alice turns to Meg and Emma, sharing this moment so far beyond anything they could have dreamed.

MEG We'd be getting up now.

ALICE If we were home.

EMMA But, we're not.

PHOTOGRAPHER Cordelia! The spell is broken by a TRIO OF PAPARAZZI who spring to life by the hotel's entrance.

PAPARAZZI Cordelia! Cordelia!

EMMA Oh, good! I want a picture! Of         the three of us! All of us! The paparazzi swarm from the steps towards Emma.

EMMA (CONT'D)         By the fountain! She runs for the sprays of water, pulling Alice and Meg, and the paparazzi meet them, flashing away. Leaning against the fountain's balustrade, Emma gestures for everyone to join them.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Penelope! Come on. I want one with everybody! Penelope, Domenico and Jean-Pierre join with other members of         the group and Emma lines them all up.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Okay! Ready? One, two--

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 70.

CONTINUED: She spots Nikolai observing at a short distance.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Wait! Wait! Niki! He shakes his head, bashful, but Emma gestures him over, swinging her arms wildly.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Nikolai, you, too! I need all my         friends--Whoops! Her feet zip out from beneath her and she sails backwards over the balustrade, reaching for Alice and Meg, pulling them with her as the camera's flash.

SPLASH!

EXT. CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT - DAY

A 747 airliner touches down on the tarmac.

INT. CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT - BAGGAGE CLAIM - DAY

Alice's repaired suitcase tumbles off the conveyer belt.

RICHARD Excuse me. Pardon me. Richard skirts around a man with a newspaper to retrieve the bag and heads for customs. As Richard exits, the man folds his newspaper to its bold headline: SCOTT MAKES A SPLASH!, and a huge photograph of         Emma, Alice and Meg laughing together in the fountain.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

Emma enters from the bedroom in a swimsuit and wrap, to find Alice hanging up the desk phone.

EMMA Alice, have you seen my sandals?

ALICE Okay, there's a two o'clock and a         four o'clock train to--

EMMA Train? Where are you going? Alice looks up and takes in Emma's costume.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 71.

CONTINUED:

ALICE Where are you going?

EMMA I'm going to the beach. With Penelope. Meg enters through the suite's door carrying a bakery bag.

MEG Breakfast is here! There's this fantastic bakery around the corner. I've already had three brioche. And I saw the greatest little shop for the kids, but they weren't open

YET-- (off Alice's look) What's going on?

(TO EMMA) What happened?

EMMA I don't know. She's talking about train schedules... Emma trails off as she and Meg and Alice look between each

other in confusion, each processing for a beat.

ALICE We need to start packing, right? If we're going back to Paris--

EMMA Back to Paris?

ALICE That was the plan--

MEG What plan?

EMMA We're not staying for the auction?

ALICE We were just going to come down, take a look around and--

MEG That was before we knew it was for a charity. Remember the kids?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 72.

CONTINUED: (2)

EMMA In Africa.

ALICE The ones we stole a trip from? The kids who are paying for this room?

MEG Alice, what's with you? We'll pay for the room--

EMMA We're rich!

ALICE So, I'm the only one worried about the fact that we're lying to         everyone we've met?

MEG Lying? To who? Jean-Pierre?

EMMA You're the one who said we had to         go to the casino--

ALICE And now I'm apparently the only who's worried we might get caught.

MEG She's in Iceland.

ALICE One of her friends is bound to find out, or her family--

MEG What friends?

EMMA I've got friends. The doorbell rings and they turn their heads in unison, then look to each other with sudden alarm. A beat. Emma goes to the door, finding Penelope, also dressed for the beach, who holds up the newspaper with it's fountain photo.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 73.

CONTINUED: (3)

PENELOPE Have you seen?

EMMA Oh, my god! We look great! (ushers Penelope in) Alice, look! Alice takes the paper, Meg reading over her shoulder.

MEG

(LAUGHS) We have got to get that in the yearbook.

PENELOPE Yearbook?

ALICE Penelope, could you excuse us?

PENELOPE Oh. of course. Where--? Alice shows Penelope to the bedroom, closes the door and spins to face Emma and Meg.

ALICE

(HUSHED PANIC) This is what I'm talking about! This is why we have to go--

EMMA Doesn't it mean we have to stay?

MEG Oh, this is so typical. Just because it's not on your map, 'cause you didn't plan it--. We         all agree to take this adventure and then you won't jump.

ALICE I won't--? Jump? Meg drops into a chair, mumbling an aside to herself.

MEG Now I know how Richard must feel. Alice comes to a full stop and gapes at Meg, stung.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 74.

CONTINUED: ( 4)

ALICE Richard...?

MEG

(FEEBLE APOLOGY) I'm just saying...

ALICE Well, you're sure one to talk. Meg's eyes flick up to Alice.

ALICE (CONT'D)         You can't even bring yourself to          buy a pair of jeans anymore--

EMMA Okay, you know what? Let's just pack. It's not fun anymore. Alice, if you think we should go, then that's what we're gonna do. You're in charge. Meg scoffs, an exasperated exhale.

ALICE No way. Not anymore I'm not. You want to go to the beach? Go to the beach. You want to go the market? Go! "Liberte, egalite,         fraternite!"

EMMA What does that mean? Alice snatches up her purse and heads for the door.

ALICE It means everyone should do exactly what they want.

MEG Exactly.

EMMA Alice, wait! Where are you--? You're not going back to Paris--?

ALICE

(RIGHTEOUS) Me? No. I'm going to have an         adventure.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 75.

CONTINUED: (5) She exits, slamming the door behind her. A beat.

MEG (off Emma's look) Don't look at me like that. The door opens, and Alice re-enters, striding across the room for the desk, not looking at either Emma or Meg.

ALICE I just--. My guide book. She picks up her book and crosses back to the door.

EXT. LE PETIT SOMMEIL HOTEL - DAY

Richard steps from the hotel with a MANAGER (50's) who pantomimes that he recognizes Alice from the snapshot Richard shows him, but has no idea where she could be. Richard pulls out a map to point at a random spot and the manager gestures up the street, down the street, shrugging: She could be anywhere.

EXT. GRIMALDI PALACE - DAY

Alice, amid a crowd of tourists, only half watches the changing of the guards outside the palace gates. She snaps herself out of her distraction with a shake of her head and turns to the marked pages in her guide book.

CARL Alice? She glances up to find Carl and Deedee from the tour.

DEEDEE We thought that was you!

ALICE Oh! Carl! Deedee! Alice is surprisingly overcome and impulsively throws her arms around both of them.

DEEDEE Well, we're sure surprised to see you, too!

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 76.

CONTINUED:

ALICE But, what are you doing here? How did you--?

CARL Well, when we saw how you stood up         to that Madame Valery--! If Alice can do that, we thought, what the heck's holdin' us back? This is         our honeymoon!

DEEDEE I was scared, but then, well, you only live once! And as long as         we've got each other--

CARL We've got everything, right? Alice blinks, unaccountably teary eyed.

ALICE Yes. That's right.

CARL Sometimes you've just gotta follow

your heart. Be bold: Let the rest take care of itself.

EXT. PARIS - ARC DE TRIOMPHE - DAY

Richard stands with his map beneath the arch where all roads come together in a spinning roundabout of bleating car horns. He looks down the length of the Champs Elysees, overwhelmed. The Japanese couple from Notre Dame approach Richard to ask directions and he shrugs helplessly, pressing the map on         them, and steps out as a crosswalk signal turns to green.

EXT. MONTE CARLO - STREET - DAY

Alice embraces Deedee and Carl beside a waiting taxi.

CARL Tell the girls we would have loved to see them, but--

DEEDEE Italy calls! And Greece! We're         even thinking of hitting Turkey! Imagine! We'll send you postcards.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 77.

CONTINUED: 0 Alice puts her friends in the taxi, closing the door as         Deedee scrolls the window down.

ALICE Enjoy every second of it!

DEEDEE You, too, honey!

CARL Bon voyage! The car pulls away, Carl and Deedee turning in their seats to         wave at Alice through the rear window. Alice waves until they are out of sight and slowly lowers her hand, standing alone in the street. A beat. Alice sighs and pulls out her guide book, unfolding a map as         she looks up to gather her bearings. She takes in the quiet street, the view of the ocean, then looks back at the map in her hands.

She straightens up, a new look of purpose on her face, and crosses the street to toss her guide book and map in the trash can on the corner, striking out unaided down a narrow twisting street hung with vines and flowers.

EXT. MONTE CARLO - STREET - EVENING

Alice rounds the corner of one street into the tight intersection of two narrow alleys in the fading twilight. She looks around,.cheeks flushed, hair pasted to her forehead, lost in a maze of dilapidated walled courtyards and apartment blocks; home to the city's service workers. She hesitates, then forges ahead down one street until she sees that it dead ends, and she doubles back.

EXT. MONTE CARLO - STREET - EVENING

Alice suppresses panic as she walks briskly up a steep alley, high in the hills, trailed now by a small stray DOG. She stops, turns to the dog that also stops then sits.

ALICE is Go. Go home.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 78.

CONTINUED: She turns and starts forward, the dog following. Alice stops again, turns, and the dog sits.

ALICE (CONT'D)         Don't follow me. I have no idea where I'm going...         The dog cocks its head in comment.

ALICE (CONT'D)         Okay? Alice turns to climb the street's incline. The dog follows.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - LATE AFTERNOON

Penelope, dressed for the evening, gets up from reclining on         the bed to join Emma who models a gown before a mirror. The two regard Emma's reflection, cocking their heads in an         identical manner at precisely the same time. Penelope draws a necklace in gesture, indicating Emma's bare

collar bone. Emma turns, lit by an idea, and pulls the'steel briefcase from its hiding place beneath the bed.

INT. BISTRO - EVENING

Meg opens the door from the street, stepping inside, wearing the sexy jeans she hadn't bought the day before. Bernards's father makes his way to meet her with menus.

EMILE Madame?

MEG Just one. He leads her to a table along the wall and holds out a chair. Seated, Meg follows him with her eyes to the kitchen where Bernard works furiously at the stove, tossing the contents of         a sauce pan with an expert flick of his wrist. Bernard glances out to the dining room, seeming to sense Meg before knowing he'll find her there.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 79.

CONTINUED: 0 Meg matches the broad smile that sweeps Bernard's face.

EXT. CAFE - PARIS - EVENING

A pair of strolling LOVERS draw Richard's attention as he         massages his stockinged foot at a sidewalk table. He watches them stop, kiss, then continue on their way. A WAITER returns with Richard's change on a plate and Richard fits his shoe back on his foot, gathers his things to stand. He stops when he notices the front page of a newspaper folded on a chair at the next table. He quickly unfolds it to the photograph of Alice and Meg with Emma in the fountain, scans down to the caption: Cordelia Scott and friends in Monte Carlo. Hotel de Paris, etc...

EXT. MONTE CARLO - STREET - EVENING

Alice feeds the little dog a scrap of meat as she eats a         kabob, seated on the curb by a street vendor's food cart around which ALGERIAN MEN lounge in plastic lawn chairs. The dog looks at her avidly, hungry for more. Alice holds her kabob stick out for the dog to eat, surrendering her dinner with pleasure. As Alice sips from a bottle of beer, a soccer ball bounces off the curb and rolls to a stop beside her. She looks up as a ragtag BAND OF KIDS call from the dusty lot across the street, asking for their ball. A beat as Alice regards the ball.

INT./EXT. YACHT PARTY - EVENING

Emma wears Cordelia's elaborate necklace, standing alone, within a throng of PARTY GOERS, all conversing in French. she nods and smiles absently, though she's clearly lost, out of her element, when Giorgio approaches.

GIORGIO Where is Meg? I do not see her.

EMMA No. I... I don't think she's         0 coming. I'm sorry.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 80.

CONTINUED: Emma drifts away to the ship's rail where she turns to          survey the party, smiling wistfully at Penelope and Domenico locked in intimate conversation.

PHOTOGRAPHER Cordelia! There she is! Cordelia! The trio of paparazzi putter alongside in a small boat, peppering the yacht with their camera flashes. Emma looks out at them, without her usual animation.

PHOTOGRAPHER (CONT'D)         Smile, Cordelia! Please, smile! Emma waves, but can't seem to manage that smile.

NIKOLAI Ty v poryadke? Emma turns to find Nikolai standing beside her in white tie, a piece of cake extended in one hand, a fork in the other. Emma's eyes light up as if a switch has been thrown and the flash of a camera records her huge, dazzling smile.

EMMA Niki. He bows slightly, offering the cake.

EMMA (CONT'D)         You work here too? You never get a         night off...          He smiles, shaking his head, hands her the cake.

NIKOLAI Ya sa-meey shas-li-veey che-lo-vek na zem-le, pa-ta-mu chto u me-nya yest' tee. Emma hangs on every incomprehensible word.

NIKOLAI (CONT'D)         Vy menya panimayete?

EMMA Oh, Niki... I'm so glad you found me.

0

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 81.

INT. BISTRO - KITCHEN - NIGHT

MEG Seamus. He's ten. Built a website for his fourth grade class. Now he's got actual clients. And that's Finn, the prima ballerina. She'll be six in June-- Emile examines photographs of Seamus and Charlotte from Meg's         wallet while she refills their glasses at the kitchen table and Bernard works at the stove.

EMILE Elle est coquin, oui?

MEG Oh, she's no chicken. She's not scared of anything--

BERNARD

(LAUGHS) Not a chicken. He says, she looks like a rascal.

MEG

No idea where she gets that... Meg lifts her glass with a sly smile as Bernard brings plates of food to the table.

MEG (CONT'D)         But, that's a nice word for it.

EXT. MONTE CARLO - DIRT LOT - NIGHT

ALICE I'm open! I'm open! Alice sails down the makeshift soccer field as one of the kids passes the ball to her, chased by the others. She dodges and kicks the ball through the goal to score. Her "team" jumps and cheers, as do a collection of spectators who have gathered to watch this tall red headed woman in a         summer dress racing around the dusty lot with a band of kids.

ALICE (CONT'D)         Go! Go!

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 82.

CONTINUED: Alice races back down the field with her team, the little dog running along and barking from the sidelines.

EXT. BISTRO - ALLEY -- NIGHT

BERNARD But, she is perfectly safe.

MEG Yeah. No. No way. Bernard straddles a beat up moped, motor running, as Meg shakes her head emphatically.

BERNARD I can not take you, if you will not get on.

MEG What do you want me to tell you? I'm not getting on that thing. Bernard fixes her with a level look, which Meg mimics.

BERNARD

(AMIABLY)

C'est bon. Au revoir. He swings a leg over the moped, revs the engine.

MEG Hold on.

EXT. MOPED - NIGHT - MOVING

Meg hangs on to Bernard as they zip along the beachfront drive and turns her face to the wind with a smile. She surrenders to the ride, the sheer fun of it, laughing.

MEG How do you say "faster?"

INT. BLUE RIBBON RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Bernard and Meg, flush from their ride, enter the kitchen through a back door, to be hailed by a half-dozen CHEFS crowded around a table littered with dishes.

IS

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 83.

CONTINUED:

BERNARD The best chefs of Monte Carlo. They come here to drink and show off. The end of every night. HENRI (60's, a bear in chef's whites) lumbers towards them.

HENRI No! No! No! We are only cooks allowed here!

BERNARD Ah, but, this is why we've come! I         have finally found someone who can teach you how to cook!

(INTRODUCING) This is Meg, from America.

(TO MEG) And this is Henri, the worst egotist, my mentor. The two men embrace, merrily kissing each other on both cheeks, then Henri pulls Meg under his arm.

HENRI (turns to the table) A chef from America! Come to flip hamburgers!

INT./EXT. CAR - NIGHT - MOVING

Jean-Pierre drives an open silver sports car full of PARTY GOERS down the twisting streets, when he sees the commotion and crowd around the dirt lot. Then he spots Alice running-around.

EXT. MONTE CARLO - DIRT LOT - NIGHT

Alice sticks like glue to a kid with the ball, maneuvers in, steals the ball, and doubles back in the opposite direction, racing up the field as the crowd laughs and claps. She passes the ball to kid who drives it to the goal, scores. Alice looks up from the game at the tapping of a car horn to         see Jean-Pierre honking in celebration as he leans against the car with his GUESTS, enjoying the game. Alice stops to wave, and takes the ball full in the face.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 84.

CONTINUED: Jean-Pierre's smile winks out as Alice drops and he races from the car as worried kids and spectators form a circle around Alice's prone body. The little dog licks Alice's face and she opens her eyes. She leaps up as Jean-Pierre crosses the lot.

ALICE I'm up! I'm up! Let's go! She sets off down the field with the kids.

EXT. YACHT - PRE-DAWN

Empty and half-filled glasses, bottles litter every surface along with plates, ashtrays, crumpled napkins. Emma sits on the lower landing deck, legs in the water, shoes in her hand, looking out at the lights. Nikolai moves his legs in the gentle current beside her, tuxedo trousers rolled, while he concentrates on working a         napkin into intricate folds. Emma turns to look back at the silent boat.

EMMA It doesn't seem fair. Leaving you to clean up all alone.

(THINKS) I'll help. But, you've really got to talk to your boss. Nikolai laughs, shaking his head.

NIKOLAI Ya ryadom.

EMMA It must get kind of lonely sometimes... Not being understood.

(PAUSES) I know how that can feel. Nikolai holds up the napkin he's transformed into a crown adorned with flowers and the wire cages from Champagne corks. Emma looks at him, her face soft and vulnerable, open, as         Nikolai places the makeshift crown on her head with care.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 85.

CONTINUED:

NIKOLAI

(HEAVILY ACCENTED) My princess. They look at one another for a beat, then simultaneously turn to the sea and the frail sky, awaiting the sun.

EMMA

(SOFTLY) You get me. Nikolai looks down at his hand on the edge of the deck next to Emma's, and turns it palm up in invitation. Emma places her hand in his.

EMMA (CONT'D)         You get me.

INT. BLUE RIBBON - PRE-DAWN

Meg tries to follow the discussions and familiar teasing of         the chefs as they pass plates, goading her to taste. She looks over at Bernard, who smiles as he holds his hands up at the scene, his boisterous friends, the food; as though

to say "this is good, enjoy." Meg relaxes her shoulders and gives in to the spirit of the table, spears a bite of food and lifts her glass to Bernard.

CUT TO: Meg and another chef, locked in a chopping duel, plow though onions at a blinding pace, their knives flashing, creating an         escalating staccato on their cutting boards. Meg sweeps her onion from her board to a pan, and slams her knife down in victory as all the chefs erupt with applause. Henri seizes Meg's hand, raising her arm in the air, and presents her with a bottle of wine. Meg turns to Bernard, beaming, thrilled, utterly happy, as         the other chefs clap her on the back, shake her hand.

INT./EXT. HOTEL DE PARIS - ROOF - PRE-DAWN

Jean-Pierre opens the door at the top of the fire stairs, revealing the open sky, turning back to take Alice's hand.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 86.

CONTINUED:

ALICE (V.O.) What's the most amazing place you've ever been?

JEAN-PIERRE (V.0.) Hard to say. There are many. Alice steps out onto the hotel's roof with Jean-Pierre's         jacket over her shoulders.

ALICE (V.O.) Well, Africa, then. How often do         you get to go? He leads her around the maze of skylights to the front of the building that faces the sea and the lightening sky.

JEAN-PIERRE (V.0.) Not enough. Mostly I am on planes. To the places where sunlight and parties make people generous.

EXT. HOTEL DE PARIS - ROOF - MOMENTS LATER

Alice's smile flickers with a vague disappointment as she leans against the hotel's crown beside Jean-Pierre.

ALICE That seems a shame...

JEAN-PIERRE But, I can think of one place I         have never been. It is in my         imagination only, so it is very special. He places an arm around Alice as they take in the view.

JEAN-PIERRE (CONT'D)         It is just a small town, in a vast, open space. Maybe in the middle of         America. There are people there like yourself, who are kind. And children who have everything they need. Alice turns to Jean-Pierre as he takes a strand of her hair in his fingers, and they hold a beat, looking at one another.

JEAN-PIERRE (CONT'D)         In my mind, it is bordered by          fields that are green.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 87.

CONTINUED: 0 Alice breaks the moment by turning her head to search the far horizon just as the rising sun crests the open sea.

EXT. YACHT - DAWN

Nikolai shrugs himself out of his formal shirt to stand before Emma in nothing but starfish printed boxer shorts. He lifts his hands: This is me. Here I am. Emma hesitates, then lets her gown fall around her, bare except for her panties, the necklace, and her napkin crown. Nikolai pushes himself off the side of the boat at a run, hiking up his legs into a cannonball. SPLASH! He surfaces and turns back to the boat just as Emma dives in         with a SPLASH! She swims to Nikolai, pushing him under in a child's game, and he pops up, spitting water like a fountain. They laughs and Emma loops her arms around him. A beat as they sober.

Emma pulls Nikolai close to her, and they kiss. On the landing deck, Emma's gown shimmers in the morning sun with Nikolai's crown and Cordelia's yellow gem and diamond necklace nestled among its satin folds.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - HALLWAY - DAWN

Alice, still wearing Jean-Pierre's jacket, walks down the hall with Jean-Pierre close beside her, neither speaking. She turns to him when they reach the door of her suite. A long beat stretches, full of every possibility.

JEAN-PIERRE Come with me.

ALICE What?

JEAN-PIERRE To Dubai. I leave the day after--. What is today? Friday? I leave tomorrow. You could come too. You wouldn't need to bring anything.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 88.

CONTINUED:

ALICE But--. Jean-Pierre... (a near confession) You don't know me.

JEAN-PIERRE This is why I ask. I would like to         know you, Alice. Very much. Alice regards him a beat, then slowly pulls his jacket from her shoulders.

ALICE Before this, I'd never even been to         France. Jean-Pierre blinks and Alice laughs, as much at herself.

ALICE (CONT'D)         It's true. Just kept putting it         off. Always managed to find an         excuse. But, really, it was that I         was afraid. That it couldn't ever live up to the France I'd imagined. And if it did... Then I'd never be         able to go home.

JEAN-PIERRE And, now? Alice gently places Jean-Pierre's jacket in his hands and steps near to kiss him on the lips.

ALICE But, thank you. She turns and opens the door with her key as Jean-Pierre smiles ruefully.

ALICE (CONT'D)         For everything. Alice steps into her room and closes the door.

EXT. NICE AIRPORT - DAY

Richard exits the plane, walking down a mobile stairway onto the tarmac, carrying Alice's repaired suitcase.

0

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 89.

INT. NICE AIRPORT - DAY

Richard stands at the information counter, conferring with an         ATTENDANT in his broken French.

RICHARD Excusez-moi...I'm looking for the train. To Monte Carlo. Behind him, Cordelia strides through a set of doors to stop directly at Richard's back as she searches the terminal and hisses into her cellphone.

CORDELIA Yes, Daddy, I'm here. No, I do not see a driver. Yes, I am looking! The attendant points over Richard's shoulder to an exit. Richard begins to turn in Cordelia's direction, but the attendant corrects him, pointing the other way.

RICHARD Merci. He picks up Alice's suitcase and heads off just as a         UNIFORMED DRIVER approaches Cordelia.

DRIVER Mademoiselle Scott?

CORDELIA Where have you been? The driver leads her away, neither she nor Richard having taken note of the nearby newsstand and its display of today's         front page: Emma on the yacht wearing Cordelia's necklace.

EXT. HOTEL DE PARIS - DAY

Meg zooms the moped around the fountain a last loop, Bernard on the back, before jerking to a stop in front of the hotel. Bernard steadies the moped as Meg climbs off.

ME G         Well, this is me. Back to the old Grimaldi suite.

BERNARD

(WITH REGRET) I have to open the restaurant.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 90.

CONTINUED: A beat as they face each other, neither knowing how to end the evening, how to say goodbye.

MEG Thank your father for me?

BERNARD I will, Meg.

MEG Thank you. Meg hugs him briefly, awkwardly, then turns for the steps.

BERNARD Goodbye, Meg. Meg stops, holds a beat with her back to Bernard. Then she turns and marches to him with purpose, seizing his face in both her hands and kisses him passionately. She releases Bernard, who staggers against the moped, catching himself just before going over, as she turns again for the steps, an enormous smile on her face.

IS

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

Alice sits on the edge of the bed with the hotel phone, idly looking out at the sparkling bay and anchored boats.

ALICE (leaving a message) Well, I wish you were there. Or         here. I wish you were here, Richard. I do... Because I keep thinking, no matter what I see, I'm         only seeing half of it. Because we're not seeing it together... Meg lets herself in the front door and heads for the bedroom, stopping when she overhears Alice on the phone.

ALICE (CONT'D)         I'm sorry, Richard. I hope you'll         be there when I get home...          Because that's all I want. Alice hangs up the phone, so lost in thought she doesn't see Meg standing at the door.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 91.

CONTINUED:

MEG

(SOFTLY) Hey. Alice looks up, smiles to see her friend.

ALICE Oh. Hey-- (taking Meg in) Hey! You bought the jeans! They look great--!

MEG (tearful, comic) Alice, I am so sorry! For what I         said. About you. And Richard. I         didn't mean any of it! I love you. I don't know how I would've gotten through the past six months if it         weren't for you--

ALICE No. It's okay. You were right-- (bursts into tears) Oh, Meg! I made a huge mistake!

MEG Wha--?

ALICE Richard asked me to marry him--

MEG Wait. What? When?

ALICE I told him we should wait a week!

MEG No. You didn't--

ALICE I did! He surprised me!

MEG Alice...

ALICE I'd imagined him asking me a         million times, but then when he          did, I just panicked. suddenly all I could think about was the trip.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 92.

CONTINUED: (2)

ALICE (CONT'D)         That I hadn't already been to          France. It was like this wave, all the years, and chances I'd had but didn't take, they just crashed down on me: And I hadn't seen anything but the end of Lake Avenue. The only clear thought in my head was, "this guy is so wonderful, how can         he marry half a person?"

MEG But, Alice. You were going. We         were on our way.

ALICE I thought he was asking me to make a choice. But, he wasn't. He         wasn't doing that at all. It was me. Because I couldn't believe he         loved me just for who I was. France or no.

(PAUSES) All I had to do was say, "yes."

MEG Honey, Richard knows you... It         might feel like it's over. But,

it's not.

ALICE

(CRYING) I really ruined it this time...         The suite's doorbell rings and they both look up.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - MOMENTS LATER

Alice opens the door for Emma who stands up from retrieving the morning paper just outside the door.

EMMA (hands off paper) Thanks. I couldn't find--. I         musta left my key someplace... (on a cloud) But, what does it matter, really? When I already have everything I'll         ever need... Alice exchanges a look with Meg as Emma swans across the suite to tear open on the fruit basket, pluck out an apple, and drape herself across a chaise.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 93.

CONTINUED: is EMMA (CONT'D)         Moooorning, Meg... (back on track) For the first time in my life, everything makes perfect sense, you know?

MEG I'm trying to follow you--

EMMA I'm in love! I am! Oh, you guys, I'm in love with Niki...         Nikolai... Nikolai. And, I don't         care if he is just a busboy. Or         waiter. Whatever he is... Alice unfolds the paper, taking in the image of Emma wearing Cordelia's necklace.

EMMA (CONT'D)         It's funny if you think about it. I could have had a prince. A real one. But, I wanted my Niki-- (a big bite of apple) Hey. Why are you guys crying?

This is good news!

ALICE I thought we said no jewelry--

EMMA No--? What jewelry?

MEG What? Alice holds up the newspaper.

EMMA Ooh, that's a good one!

ALICE The necklace, Emma! Emma's face clouds as she distractedly reaches a hand to her bare collar bone, then flicks her eyes up to Alice.

ALICE (CONT'D)          Emma, where's the necklace--?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 94.

CONTINUED: (2) Emma leaps up and races to the window, throwing the doors 0 wide as Alice and Meg dash after her onto the balcony.

EMMA The yacht! There! I left it on--!

MEG Are you kidding me?!

PHOTOGRAPHERS (O.S.) Cordelia! Cordelia! They look directly down to the base of the hotel where the trio of paparazzi call as Cordelia emerges from a limousine. Alice and Meg look at each other, stricken.

EMMA Oh, hey. What's she doing here?

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - LOBBY - DAY

Cordelia strides across the lobby, passing WORKERS who set up         for the auction, and arrives at the front desk. A busy DESK CLERK glances up, brightening happily.

DESK CLERK Mademoiselle Scott! Cordelia looks at him with typical, withering disdain.

CORDELIA The driver was late. The clerk's smile falters, fades.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         Hello? I'm checking in.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

Alice, Emma and Meg race around, frantically grabbing clothes, stuffing them into shopping bags.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - HALLWAY - DAY

DING! The elevator doors open and Cordelia steps off with a         BELLHOP toting her bags, as her cell phone rings.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 95.

CONTINUED:

CORDELIA

(ANSWERING) Hello?!

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

The three women scramble though the suite, collecting, straightening, smoothing in a blind panic.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - HALLWAY - DAY

The bellhop stops outside the door with Cordelia.

CORDELIA Beijing? Oh, I want to come! Will you wait for me?

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS SUITE - DAY

CLICK! Alice, Meg and Emma freeze in their tracks at the very center of the suite, their heads swinging toward the door when they hear the key inserted from the other side.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - HALLWAY - DAY

The bellhop opens the door, holding it wide for Cordelia who

marches in to the room...

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

.where everything, impossibly, appears to be in place.

CORDELIA I can be there in, say, a day--

(TO BELLHOP) I was meant to have a suite.

(INTO PHONE) Of course, they've screwed this up         as well--. Who else is going? The bellhop opens the bedroom doors, revealing the tower of         Cordelia's luggage, crowned by the reassembled fruit basket. Cordelia, unimpressed, indicates the bags the bellhop holds.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         Put those with the others--

(INTO PHONE) Wait, wait! She spins away for the French doors, twisting their handles, and throwing them wide.

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 96.

EXT. HOTEL DE PARIS - DAY

Cordelia steps to the railing, completely unaware of Alice, precariously perched atop the adjacent balcony's railing, back pressed against the face of the hotel.

CORDELIA

(INTO PHONE) Stavros is supposed to be here, isn't he? I don't see his boat! Alice carefully turns to Meg and Emma who look back her with desperate faces from the balcony on the far side of Cordelia, where they balance with their shopping bags.

BELLBOY (O.S.) Mademoiselle?

CORDELIA

(INTO PHONE) Majorca?! Hold on. She does a quick turn, marches inside.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

The bellboy stands expectantly by the front door.

CORDELIA Yes? He nods, not quite with his hand out, but waiting.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         If you're done, you may go. The bellboy turns but hesitates in catching a quick glimpse of Alice, fleet as a gazelle, as she passes the open doors on         the balcony behind Cordelia.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         I said, you can go. He bows a retreat, backing out the door.

EXT. HOTEL DE PARIS - DAY

Alice climbs across to the next balcony where Meg tries the handles of another set of French doors.

MEG They're locked!

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 97.

CONTINUED: They each look about for a route of escape. Emma looks down, on the heads of the unsuspecting paparazzi while Alice scrutinizes the facade above. Alice looks at Meg.

MEG (CONT'D)         No. Forget it. Alice laces her fingers together, turning to Emma.

ALICE Emma, help.

MEG

ALICE---

ALICE You're first. There's a door on

THE ROOF--

EMMA The roof?!

EXT. HOTEL DE PARIS - ROOF - DAY

Shopping bags swing up over the edge of the roof, landing in         profusion, followed by three sets of gripping hands. Alice, Meg and Emma haul each other over the hotel's crown, the view of the ocean and the yachts in the bay behind them.

EXT. MOTOR BOAT - AT SEA - DAY

A BOAT DRIVER in uniform passes a captain's hat to Nikolai, who places it on his head as they speed towards the marina.

EXT. DINGHY - AT SEA - DAY

Meg turns to get a gauge on the distant yacht as she and Alice labor with the oars of a fisherman's dinghy.

MEG Why'd they have to park so far out, anyway?!

ALICE One point five million Euros, Emma!

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 98.

CONTINUED:

EMMA I said I was sorry! You think I         would have worn it if I knew how much it cost? Busy fighting, none of them notice as Nikolai's boat passes fifty feet off their side.

MEG What am I going to tell my kids?! How am I'm going to explain to         Glenn that we're in a French jail?

ALICE For the auction, Emma!

MEG My kids'll be in college when we         get out! They won't even know me.

EMMA None of us knew that, Alice--

MEG Trespassing. Burglary. Oh, god. Grand larceny, by trick and

DECEPTION--

ALICE For the children--!

EMMA In Africa. I know!

MEG I'm standing in a stolen boat!

EMMA Well, sit down then! Nikolai's wake hits the dinghy, rocking them hard.

EXT. MONTE CARLO TRAIN STATION - TRACKS - DAY

Richard steps off the train, with today's paper wedged under the arm that carries Alice's suitcase.

EXT. YACHT - DAY

The dinghy strikes the side of the yacht and the three women scramble to their feet, grasping the side of the boat.

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 99.

EXT. YACHT - DAY

EMMA It was right here!

MEG Oh, I can't believe this... Meg doubles over, hands on her knees as Emma stands over the empty spot on the landing.

ALICE Are you even sure you took it off?

EMMA Definite "yes."

ALICE Well... Were you this close to the edge? I mean, it could've fallen--

MEG Do not even say it!

EMMA 0 You know, I'm getting a little tired of this. Just because I

SOMETIMES FORGET--

ALICE Emma, we're not talking about a         pair of sunglasses!

MEG We don't have time for this! Let's         just split up! Alice you go fore, Emma take the aft, and I'll check the cabin. Emma glares at Alice with steely, narrowed eyes.

EMMA Alright. Fine.

(PAUSES) Which way is aft?

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - LOBBY - DAY

The clerk looks up as Nikolai arrives at the front desk.

CLERK Yes?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 100.

CONTINUED:

NIKOLAI Ya khotel by perepisyvat'sya s         vami.

CLERK Excusez moi, monsieur?

INT. YACHT - DAY

Alice, Meg and Emma reconvene in the cabin's salon, each coming from a different direction.

MEG Nice boat. No necklace.

ALICE Where is he, anyway?

EMMA He just works here. I don't-- (an idea forming) You don't think he could have taken it, do you?

MEG Who knows?! I mean, is there anyone who understands a word he         says?!

EMMA

(STRICKEN) Oh, this could all be my fault! He         probably thought he needed it, to          finance our new life together. The temptation was just too much for

HIM--

ALICE Emma, it's your fault because you wore it in the first place!

EMMA He works like fifteen jobs already! You don't know what it's like being around rich people all the time--

MEG Actually, we do.

IS

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 101.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - LOBBY - DAY

Nikolai picks up the hotel phone as he removes Emma's room key from his pocket.

NIKOLAI

(TO OPERATOR) Pozhalujsta.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

CORDELIA

(INTO CELL) Gratitude, Mummy. That's what I'm         talking about. It's just so unfair the way Daddy assumes I've nothing better to do than-- The hotel phone rings, interrupting her complaint.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         Hold on. She picks up the ringing telephone at the desk.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)

What is it? What?

(LISTENS) I cannot understand you. She hangs up, heads for the fruit basket with her cell.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         Mummy, Mummy, I'm just saying I          wish someone, anyone, would consider my feelings. Just once. She snatches up an apple from the basket without looking.

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         You go ask him how much he thinks a          simple "thank you" might cost. She hangs up her cell with a sniff and raises the apple, stopping when she sees where Emma has eaten. She recoils, dropping the apple, which rolls across the carpet and hits one of Emma's sandals beneath the desk. Cordelia approaches, looking down to discover the other sandal in the wastebasket, along with Emma's broken plastic tiara, room service dishes, and the newspaper.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 102.

CONTINUED: Cordelia pulls the newspaper from the trash, curiosity turning to shock as she takes in the huge torn photograph of         Emma wearing her necklace.

EXT. DINGHY - AT SEA - DAY

The women paddle back towards the Marina.

ALICE Well, we're just going to have to         talk to her.

MEG Oh, yeah, that was the first thing that struck me about her. How reasonable she seemed--

EMMA (seizing on the idea) Yeah, we'll just explain.

MEG We should have sailed that yacht right back to Wisconsin--

EMMA

IS

(SELLING HERSELF) it was an accident. This whole

THING--

MEG You think she'd fit in one of those trunks of hers--?

ALICE Meg?

MEG Just thinking out loud.

EMMA You never know. She might understand.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

Cordelia slams the steel briefcase onto the bad, scrabbling at the combination lock. CLICK! She rips the lid open to reveal the empty velvet lining and she SCREAMS!

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 103.

EXT. HOTEL DE PARIS - DAY

Richard pays a taxi driver, taking Alice's repaired suitcase, and mounts the steps directly behind Domenico escorting Penelope through the revolving door.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - LOBBY - DAY

Domenico and Penelope head for the ballroom entrance and Richard arrives at the front desk, just as the clerk's phone begins to ring. Richard holds up the newspaper with Emma's photo.

RICHARD I need to find this woman-- The clerk puts up a finger as he lifts the receiver.

CLERK Une moment, Monsieur. Pardon. Behind Richard, Nikolai crosses from the bank of house phones for the elevator, stopping to pluck a flower from the lobby's         arrangement.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

CORDELIA (on hotel phone) Send security! Immediately! This is Cordelia Winthrop Scott. I've         been robbed!

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - LOBBY

Nikolai steps into the elevator, the doors closing, just as         Alice, Emma and Meg throw themselves through the lobby's          revolving door. At the desk, the clerk hangs up one phone to pick up another, stalling Richard again with his finger.

CLERK Pardon.

(INTO PHONE)

SECURITE-- The clerk stops, spotting Emma as she, Alice and Meg, sprint past the front desk and Alice wipes out, tripping over her own suitcase on the floor beside Richard.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 104.

CONTINUED:

ALICE Oh! Richard whips around to see Alice spread-eagled on the marble floor as Meg and Emma slide to a stop.

RICHARD Alice?

MEG ALICE Richard! Richard--?

RICHARD (CONT'D)         Alice!

EMMA Wow! Richard! Richard drops down to help Alice as she struggles up, dizzily finding her feet to stand.

RICHARD Honey, are you alright--?

ALICE You got my message.

She hugs Richard tightly.

RICHARD I had no idea where you were. I         looked all over Paris, but, I

COULDN'T FIND--

(NOW HEARING) What message?

ALICE You went all the way to Paris?

RICHARD A week's an awfully long time.

MEG Longer in France.

CLERK Excusez moi, Mademoiselle Scott?

EMMA Hey, Francois! How are you--?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 105.

CONTINUED: (2)

CLERK

(UTTERLY CONFUSED) You--? You still need security? Alice and Meg's heads swing in the clerk's direction.

CLERK (CONT'D)         You are still robbed?

ALICE No!         (dials it down) A misunderstanding. We're fine. She's fine.

(TO EMMA) You're fine, right?

EMMA Super fine.

ALICE Richard, we've got to-- (sighs, in love) I can't believe you're here--!

MEG

But, we've got a little situation--

EMMA (grabbing Alice's arm) It'll just take a minute! We'll         have her right back!

MEG Don't worry about a thing!

RICHARD (holds up newspaper) Like this?

ALICE

(KISSES RICHARD) I'll explain everything! I         promise! They take off for the elevator.

EMMA Boy! Does he love you.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 10 6.

CONTINUED: (3)

ALICE

(GLEEFUL) Did you see he fixed my suitcase?

EXT. HOTEL DE PARIS - HALLWAY - DAY

Nikolai rings the doorbell.

CORDELIA (O.S.) Oh, thank god! Cordelia opens the door to Nikolai, who holds out the room key and flower with a smile as her brows come together.

NIKOLAI Lechu k tebe na krylyah lyubvi.

CORDELIA Security? They look at each other in confusion, Nikolai's smile fading, Cordelia with mounting alarm. She slams the door in his face. At the end of the hall, the elevator doors open for Alice,

Emma and Meg, as Nikolai removes the necklace from his pocket and reaches to ring the suite's bell again.

EMMA Niki!

ALICE The necklace!

MEG Don't touch that bell! They race down the hall towards Nikolai, who gapes, perplexed by the sight of Emma.

EMMA Oh, Niki! I knew it! I knew it! I believed in you the whole time!

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

Cordelia hides behind the drapes with the hotel phone.

CORDELIA Yes! Police! This is Cordelia Winthrop Scott.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 107.

CONTINUED:

CORDELIA (CONT'D)         In the Grimaldi Suite at the Hotel de Paris. You must come straight away. I've been robbed! And now some horrible, foreign man--! I         believe someone is trying to kill me!

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - HALLWAY - DAY

Emma kisses Nikolai as she pushes him onto the elevator.

EMMA Wait for me in the lobby, sweetie. Down in half a second--

NIKOLAI Ya tebya lyublyu.

EMMA I know. Me, too. The doors close and Emma sprints back down the hall to Alice and Meg at the door.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Okay! Do it! Alice rings the bell.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

Cordelia approaches the door cautiously and spies through the peep hole at the back of Meg's head.

CORDELIA Yes? Who is it?

MEG (voice dropped low) Security, Madame.

CORDELIA Finally--! She opens the door. A beat where Cordelia focuses on Alice and Meg first, possibly remembering them, then she registers Emma. She blinks, completely nonplussed.

ALICE We can explain.

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 108.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - LOBBY - DAY

The elevator doors open and Nikolai steps off just as the revolving door begins to spin, spitting uniformed POLICE OFFICERS and their CAPTAIN into the lobby. The clerk looks up and hustles around the desk to meet them.

CLERK Pardon? Is there a problem--?

POLICE CAPTAIN We received a report of an         attempted murder in the Grimaldi Suite. Cordelia Scott-- Richard, sitting nearby, looks up at the mention of         Cordelia's name, at the same time that Nikolai takes a seat at the far end of the same sofa.

CLERK No. No. It is robbery. But, Mademoiselle Scott said it wasn't.         Jean-Pierre, checking lists at the ballroom's entrance, notes the commotion and Cordelia's name, joins the group.

JEAN-PIERRE Excuse me. What's--? Mademoiselle Scott has been robbed?

CLERK No. She said, not.

POLICE CAPTAIN She said someone was trying to kill her! We are going up! Richard seems to debate getting involved as the police, the clerk and Jean-Pierre head for the elevators. Looking over, he notices Nikolai, who smiles and nods.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

CORDELIA You can save your "sorrys" for the

POLICE--

EMMA The police--?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 109.

CONTINUED:

CORDELIA You robbed me!

ALICE But, the necklace is right here--!

CORDELIA You stole from me--!

EMMA

ONLY BORROWED--

MEG We haven't taken anything--

EMMA And, we dry-cleaned the dresses-- Meg and Alice wince, look daggers at Emma.

CORDELIA

(ICY DISGUST) You wore my clothes?

EMMA Well... For the children.

CORDELIA Wha--? What children?

MEG In Africa.

ALICE

(IMPATIENT) This whole thing is for charity. Your necklace is for the auction.

CORDELIA Well, there will certainly be no

AUCTION NOW--

EMMA But, that's not fair! It's not the

CHILDREN'S FAULT--

ALICE Look, you weren't here. Everyone thought she was you--

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 110

CONTINUED: (2)

CORDELIA

(INCREDULOUS LAUGH) Thought she was me? Who could possibly believe--?

ALICE They all did. Cordelia looks at Alice a beat as this lands with her.

MEG (drives it home) Every one of them.

CORDELIA But, look at you! Emma takes a step towards her doppelganger, facing off.

EMMA Well, look at you!

ALICE

EMMA--

CORDELIA

(DRIPPING CONTEMPT) Common country cows playing dress up. Pretending to be something you're not. Trying to be something that not one of you could ever hope

TO BE--

EMMA You mean miserable? Cordelia blinks.

EMMA (CONT'D)         Or a petty, spoiled, selfish--

CORDELIA

(REELS BACK) You--!

EMMA Bitch! Cordelia slaps Emma across the face. Alice and Meg gasp and they all stand a beat in shock.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 111.

CONTINUED: (3) Emma raises a hand to cup her cheek as Alice and Meg turn slowly to Cordelia, their faces set like warrior masks.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - HALLWAY

DING! The elevator doors open and the police spill out, followed by the clerk and Jean-Pierre. They hear a SCREAM! and break into a run.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

Alice shoves Cordelia roughly into a chair, thrusting her back down as she tries to struggle up, points at Emma.

ALICE You apologize to her right now!

CORDELIA Apologize--?!

ALICE You know, I feel sorry for you--

MEG I don't.

Cordelia scoffs and Alice leans over her, menacing.

ALICE Because no matter where you go, no         matter where you jet to in this world, you are still going to be         you. (points to Emma) And, let me tell you; she is who you want to be! The all freeze when a BANGING erupts at the door.

POLICE CAPTAIN (O.S.) Mademoiselle Scott? It is the police! Open up! Alice claps a hand over Cordelia's mouth, looks to Meg.

EMMA (mouths the words) The police?

0

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 112.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - HALLWAY - DAY

The police captain pounds on the door again, motioning for the clerk to use his pass key.

POLICE CAPTAIN Mademoiselle? Open this door!

ALICE (O.S.) Coming! Just a moment, please! The captain grabs the key from the clerk and turns the handle, just as Alice coolly opens the door from within.

ALICE (CONT'D)         Bon jour.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - DAY

The police enter, followed by Jean-Pierre and the clerk.

ALICE

(FEIGNED SURPRISE) Cordelia, it's the police. Emma turns her head from the mirror she faces.

EMMA Oh, no! This is going to be so         embarrassing. Please tell me you didn't run all the way over here just for me.

POLICE CAPTAIN You said there was someone trying to kill you--

CLERK It was a robbery, but, no.

JEAN-PIERRE Alice, what's going on?

ALICE A terrible misunderstanding. You see, she couldn't find her necklace.

JEAN-PIERRE

(PANICKED) But, you have it?

IS

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 113.

CONTINUED: Emma turns, holding the necklace up to her throat.

EMMA Yes, but, Jean-Pierre, would you be         a dear and help me? I can't seem to manage the clasp. Jean-Pierre senses something amiss, but steps to assist Emma.

POLICE CAPTAIN We heard a scream--

ALICE When she found it--

EMMA

JUST NOW--

ALICE She was so happy--

EMMA Relieved! I screamed with delight.

POLICE CAPTAIN And there is no one that wants to

kill you?

EMMA

(LIGHTLY JOKING) Well, I can't speak to that.

POLICE CAPTAIN You said on the phone--

ALICE She said she would die. If she didn't find it--

EMMA The necklace!

ALICE Yes! Alice turns her brightest smile to the captain.

POLICE CAPTAIN And this is the necklace? For the auction?

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 114.

CONTINUED: (2)

JEAN-PIERRE

(CHECKING) It is. He looks back and forth between Alice and Emma.

JEAN-PIERRE (CONT'D)         Very lucky.

EMMA Extremely! Think of all the schools we'll build! (to charm captain) Do you like it?

POLICE CAPTAIN (falling for it) Allow me to escort you, Mademoiselle. As a precaution. Emma, spots one officer poking his way toward the bedroom.

EMMA (seizes captain's arm) Oh, but, yes! Would you? What an         entrance I'll make! So dramatic!

Alice, are you coming, dear? Jean-Pierre takes Alice's elbow as Emma leads the captain and the rest of the group from the suite.

ALICE Let me just grab my purse.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - BEDROOM - DAY

Alice opens the door as narrowly as possible.

ALICE You okay in here? Meg sits on top of Cordelia who is tied to a chair with a         scarf, the fruit-basket apple jammed in her mouth.

MEG We're great. But, now you can add

KIDNAPPING--

ALICE

(RE: CORDELIA) Well, don't tell her that. Throw me a purse.

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 115.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - LOBBY - DAY

DING! Richard and Nikolai both look up as the elevator doors open and Emma emerges led by the police captain. Nikolai leaps up.

NIKOLAI Moy angelochek? Richard jumps up when he sees Jean-Pierre escorting an         anxious Alice from the rear of the battalion.

RICHARD Alice? Alice winces as she sees Richard approaching, at the same time Nikolai rushes to Emma.

EMMA Niki, I'm sorry. It's just going to another minute.

NIKOLAI Ya sdelayu vsyo, chto smogoo--

EMMA Perfect! That sounds good. Emma is led to the ballroom by the captain as Richard meets Alice and Jean-Pierre in the center of the lobby.

ALICE (quick, preemptive) Richard, this is Jean-Pierre, Jean- Pierre this is Richard, my fiance--

RICHARD JEAN-PIERRE

(BLINKS) (BLINKS) Fiance? Fiance? Jean-Pierre offers his hand to shake, smiling knowingly.

JEAN-PIERRE Ahh... A pleasure to meet you. You've come for the auction--?

ALICE Yes! He came all this way! Richard tightens his grip on Jean-Pierre's hand.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 116.

CONTINUED:

RICHARD Alice? Who is this guy--? Alice breaks Richard's vice grip with a bright smile.

ALICE I told you, that's Jean-Pierre!

(TO JEAN-PIERRE) He's exhausted! It's such a long trip! Richard flicks his eyes narrowly at Jean-Pierre.

JEAN-PIERRE

(DEFLECTING) I believe we are ready to start. Shall we go in? Alice loops an arm through Richard's to follow Jean-Pierre, but jerks to a stop when Richard doesn't budge.

RICHARD Is there something I need to know? Alice looks at Richard, reading his face, and smiles.

ALICE No. There's isn't.         She leads Richard through the ballroom entrance only to be          stopped by an ATTENDANT.

ATTENDANT Pardon, Monsieur, invitation--?

ALICE He's with me! As Alice pulls Richard through to the ballroom, Nikolai steps to the reception table behind them, producing an elaborate invitation from inside his jacket.

ATTENDANT Oh! Monsieur Ludovic! Welcome! As Nikolai is ushered into the auction with great fanfare, the lobby's revolving doors turn and Bernard enters, carrying Meg's bottle of wine.

0

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 117.

0 INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - BEDROOM - DAY

Meg, holding the apple, sits facing Cordelia, still tied to a         chair, the two glaring at each other.

CORDELIA You will never get away with this.

MY FATHER--

MEG Believe me, nothing would make me         happier than having a little talk with your father-- Both their heads swing toward the door when the bell RINGS! Meg jumps to Cordelia, stuffing the apple in her mouth just as she opens it to scream.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - HALLWAY - DAY

Bernard looks up when Meg opens the door a crack.

MEG Bernard...? He holds out the bottle of wine.

BERNARD We forgot your prize.

MEG Oh, I... She glances back into the room behind her, carefully obscuring Bernard's view through the half open door.

BERNARD I have come at a bad time?

MEG No. No, Bernard, that's not it.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SUITE - BEDROOM - DAY

Cordelia kicks her legs against the floor, straining against the scarf as she tries to overturn the chair.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - HALLWAY - DAY

MEG I'd invite you in, but--

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 118.

CONTINUED:

THUMP! They both hear Cordelia's chair hit the floor inside and Bernard darkens.

BERNARD I think--. You are busy. I think now I go-- Meg reaches out to stay him with a hand on his arm.

MEG No. Bernard, wait-- CLICK! Meg and Bernard both turn their heads to look down the corridor when Cordelia sticks her head out the bedroom door into the hall. A beat as Cordelia and Meg lock eyes. DING! The elevator doors open at the end of the hall, closer to Cordelia. She looks back at Meg for an instant then bolts as Meg leaps past Bernard into the hall.

MEG (CONT'D)         Hey! Stop!

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - BALLROOM - DAY

Emma models Cordelia's necklace on a stage for over a hundred GUESTS with Domenico fielding bids beside her.

DOMENICO The bid is three hundred thousand! Alice stands just off to the side on the floor below, between Richard and Jean-Pierre, with Penelope.

RICHARD so, they all think she's this Cordelia Scott because...

ALICE It's for a school, Richard--

RICHARD In Africa.

NIKOLAI

(HEAVILY ACCENTED) Five hundred!

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 119.

CONTINUED: All the heads in the room turn with an excited murmur as         Nikolai steps to the front of the assembly.

DOMENICO Five hundred thousand!

ALICE Oh,no...

JEAN-PIERRE Yes !

EMMA

(TO HERSELF) No.         Nikolai smiles up at Emma as ANOTHER GUEST raises a Champagne glass in bidding.

DOMENICO Five hundred, five hundred fifty thousand!

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - SERVICE STAIRS - DAY

Bernard races to catch up as Meg flies down the stairs.

BERNARD But, Meg! Why do we run? Meg stops on a landing, turns.

MEG Bernard, you should stop. You really don't need this. I may be         going away for a long time--

BERNARD To America?

MEG Something like that. Look, this is         where we should say "au revoir." Bernard smiles and pulls Meg to him, kisses her.

BERNARD But, I must see how this ends! 0 He grabs her hand and they plunge down the stairs together.

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 120.

INT. HOTEL DE PARIS - BALLROOM - DAY

NIKOLAI Eight hundred! The crowd applauds happily.

EMMA Niki. What are you doing?

NIKOLAI Vsyo, chto ya de-la-yu, lish dlya.

EMMA Well, don't. Just stop, okay?

JEAN-PIERRE

(ALARMED) Why is she stopping him?

ALICE

(MISERABLE) He doesn't have any money. He's         just a busboy, but they're in love-

JEAN-PIERRE That's Nikolai Ludovic--

ALICE He means no harm--

JEAN-PIERRE Alice. Lithuania?

ALICE Yes?

JEAN-PIERRE He owns it. Alice blinks.

DOMENICO The bid stands at eight hundred

THOUSAND EUROS--

EMMA No! No. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm         terribly sorry, but, there's..

(TO NIKOLAI) Honey, you can't bid on this, okay?

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 12 1.

CONTINUED:

EMMA (CONT'D)          Put your hand down, and I'll be           done in a second. Then we can go.

JEAN-PIERRE Mon dieu!

ALICE Emma! Jean-Pierre reacts to Alice's "Emma!" as she breaks away.

RICHARD Alice--! She climbs the stage to Emma before the baffled audience.

EMMA Alice, he doesn't understand. It's         like a foreign language to him--

ALICE Actually, it's not. Let him bid.

EMMA But, he'll get in trouble--

ALICE

He's fine. Let's just get this

THING DONE--

NIKOLAI One million!

EMMA Nikolai! You cannot bid against yourself!

DOMENICO One million Euros!

EMMA No! Stop! Stop! I'm sorry. I         can't... I cannot allow this sweet, wonderful man to buy this necklace, because... (finds the courage) It is not mine to sell.

CORDELIA No. It is mine..

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 122.

CONTINUED: (2) The crowd gasps, stepping back to reveal Cordelia in the center of the ballroom, backed by all the police, just as Meg .and Bernard enter, skidding short when they see the crowd.

MEG Oh, shhhh--

EMMA Merde. Richard, Jean-Pierre, Penelope, and Domenico all swing between the two "Cordelias," as Meg makes her way forward with Bernard.

CORDELIA Arrest those women! They are imposters! A wave of comment sweeps the confused crowd.

PENELOPE Wait! Penelope steps up onto the platform, shielding Emma and Alice as the police come forward and Meg climbs up.

PENELOPE (CONT'D)          These are not imposters! These are my friends!

CORDELIA Penelope Pignose?!

PENELOPE And, you were never anyone's         friend. Alice takes in the escalating situation, steps bravely forward to the front of the stage.

ALICE It's true! A ripple of exclamation sweeps the dumbfounded crowd.

ALICE (CONT'D)         We're not who we said we were. We're... We're only high school teachers. From Racine, Wisconsin.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 123.

CONTINUED: (3)

CORBEL IA         (turns to captain) There! You see?

ALICE We'd never been anywhere. And we         took a trip, that didn't belong to          us... Because, well, because you thought we were... important. And that she was Cordelia...         Richard smiles at Alice, supporting her with his gaze.

ALICE (CONT'D)         We wanted to help.

MEG

(TO BERNARD) We never meant to mislead anyone--

EMMA

(TO NIKOLAI) Or hurt anyone--

ALICE We're very sorry. And, we're         willing to face the consequences, whatever they are... But...         She turns to Meg and Emma as a smile blossoms.

ALICE (CONT'D)         But, this was our adventure.

MEG And it was an excellent one.

ALICE We wouldn't change a minute of it.

EMMA Not for anything in the world. Richard takes the pulse of the frighteningly still crowd, the, hesitating police, the charged air in the room.

RICHARD one million five hundred thousand! The crowd gasps and Alice gapes at Richard.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 124

CONTINUED: (4)

RICHARD (CONT'D)          Why not go big?

PENELOPE One million six hundred thousand!

EMMA Penny, you don't have to...

PENELOPE Friends. Right?

DOMENICO Excellent! We have a bid for one million six hundred thousand! Cordelia whirls to the police captain amidst applause.

CORDELIA Why are you just standing there?! Arrest them!

POLICE CAPTAIN Arrest them? For what? They seem very nice.

0

DOMENICO One million six hundred thousand! Do I have another bid?

CORDELIA They confessed! They're imposters! They stole my necklace!

POLICE CAPTAIN That necklace? But, it is here, no?

CORDELIA They kidnapped me!

POLICE CAPTAIN And yet you are here. I see no         problem. Everyone is very happy--

CORDELIA Excuse me, but, I'm not happy!

POLICE CAPTAIN Ah, but, this...

(GALLIC SHRUG) I can do nothing about.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 125

CONTINUED: (5)

NIKOLAI Three million! The crowd erupts, giddy, their applause escalating.

DOMENICO Three million Euros!

EMMA Nikolai! No...

ALICE Emma. It's okay.

EMMA How? How can it be okay?

ALICE He's rich.

JEAN-PIERRE

(LEAPING IN) SOLD! To Monsieur Nikolai Ludovic! For three million Euros! The crowd cheers, overwhelming a forgotten Cordelia as it

rushes forward to hoist Nikolai up on the stage. At the same time, Alice breaks through the throng to jump down and wrap her arms around Richard.

ALICE Richard...

RICHARD

ALICE--

ALICE Take me home?

RICHARD Anywhere you want, Alice. We'll go         anywhere you want. They kiss as Meg finds Bernard who shakes his head with a         broad smile, holding out the bottle of wine.

MEG Oh, good. I could use a drink.

BERNARD First prize. To the champion.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 12 6.

CONTINUED: (6) Nikolai takes Emma's hands in his up on stage.

EMMA (scared, shaky) Niki? What's going on?

NIKOLAI Ya das-ta-nu to-be zvyoz-dee. Emma nods, without any real understanding, as he indicates the necklace.

NIKOLAI (CONT'D)         Is my gift. For you. Emma's eyes slowly come into focus as it all becomes clear-and she FAINTS.

EXT. HOTEL DE PARIS - DAY

Together, Alice, Meg and Emma offer an envelope fat with Euros to Jean-Pierre. They stand, with Richard, Bernard, Nikolai, Penelope and Domenico, beside a waiting sedan at the base of the hotel's         steps where the trio of paparazzi shoot away.

ALICE This is for our room. And the trip down.

MEG The rest is for the schools. Jean-Pierre hesitates in accepting the envelope, but Alice presses it on him.

ALICE Please.

JEAN-PIERRE You are all extraordinary women.

(TO RICHARD) I wish you much happiness.

RICHARD

(SHAKING HANDS) Thank you. Meg turns to Bernard, holding up the bottle of wine, as         Richard places Alice's suitcase in the trunk with their shopping bags.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 127.

CONTINUED:

MEG You come to Wisconsin, we'll drink this in my kitchen.

BERNARD Yes. They embrace and Meg turns with Alice to Emma who stands arm in arm with Nikolai.

ALICE Now, Emma, you're sure about this?

EMMA I'll call you both as soon as I         know. They may have to get a sub at school for a couple of weeks, but, oh, you guys, I swear it         sounded like a proposal! Alice and Meg turn to Nikolai who grins and nods away.

NIKOLAI Yes! Yes!

0 EXT. HOTEL DE PARIS - FRONT DRIVE - MOMENTS LATER

Jean-Pierre closes the car's door with Alice, Meg and Richard inside, stepping back to join Emma, Nikolai, Bernard, Penelope and Domenico, who watch as the car pulls out. Together, they wave their friends away. Jean-Pierre shakes hands with Nikolai and kisses Emma, tips his head in farewell to Bernard, then enters the hotel with Penelope and Domenico. Emma and Nikolai shake hands with Bernard, then turn and head for the marina, trailed by one of the paparazzi while the other two pause to reload their cameras. As Bernard hops on his moped to zip away, the revolving doors turn and Cordelia steps out, talking on her cellphone, followed by a train of bellhops and luggage.

CORDELIA Yes, Daddy! It was a huge success-- She stops suddenly, as if struck, and her expression of         perpetual anger melts away as she listens, blinks.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 12 8.

CONTINUED:

CORDELIA (CONT'D)

(DEEPLY MOVED) Thank you? You're, you're welcome. One of the paparazzi raises his camera to take her picture, but another places his hand over the lens.

PAPARAZZI That's not her. That's the other one.

INT. NICE AIRPORT - TERMINAL GATE - DAY

Alice sits between Richard and Meg at the departure gate, each lost in their own thoughts as TRAVELERS pass to and fro. A long beat. A small smile finds its way onto Alice's face and she gently lowers her head to rest it on Richard's shoulder. Richard finds Alice's hand and squeezes it in his own.

INT. NICE AIRPORT - JETWAY - DAY

Meg walks down the jetway in her skinny jeans, a bounce in          her step, shopping bags in one hand, the bottle of wine gripped in the other, as though headed for a party. Behind her, Alice carries her shopping bags and Richard totes Alice's suitcase.

ALICE (V.0.) "I used to wander aimlessly,/         Wanton my goal, grievous my          plight./Your dear hands led me,          guided me." Alice encircles Richard's waist as they walk, and he slings an arm around her shoulder, kisses her hair.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

EXT. ZAMBIA, AFRICA - DAY

Under a beating sun, Emma, dressed in immaculate white linen, holds hands with Nikolai as a MOB OF LAUGHING CHILDREN and their TEACHERS greet them outside a new Marchand Foundation schoolhouse.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 129.

CONTINUED:

ALICE (V.0.) "Over the far horizon, night/         Glowed with the pallid hope of          dawn./Your eyes' glance was my          morning light." A YOUNG GIRL presents a length of brightly woven fabric, draping it over Emma's shoulders as Emma picks the girl up         and the other children lead Emma and Nikolai inside.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY

A bulletin board in Meg's classroom is covered in African fabric, photographs and letters, all under a banner that reads: Food Drive for Our Sister School - Zambia. The two students who had cooked their pot holders sort canned goods beneath the board, while Meg cooks, surrounded by the rest of her CLASS.

ALICE (V.0.) "No sound - save his own tread         upon/The ground - to ease the          wanderer's heart./Your voice          encouraged me: 'go on!"'

0         A STUDENT carefully scoops spices with a measuring spoon, holding it out for Meg to add to her pan. She ignores the spoon, instead reaching to pinch some spice with her fingers and encourages the student who follows her example.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY

Alice moves freely around the center of the circle of desks her STUDENTS have formed, reciting by memory.

ALICE "Yes, my heart - dark, cowed, set         apart,/Alone - bewailed its dire          distress./Sweet love, with its all-          conquering art." The entire classroom hangs on her every word.

ALICE (CONT'D)         "Joined us as one in joyousness." A beat as she and her class float on the last phrase of Paul Verlaine's poem.

(CONTINUED)

Monte Carlo Draft 3 - November 4, 2007 13 0.

CONTINUED:

AMBER 0

(HALTING FRENCH) Mademoiselle Perry, what was it         really like? Alice refocuses to smile at Amber and survey all the faces of         her students for a beat.

ALICE Everyone should go. At least once in their life.

(PAUSES) There's a whole world for you to         see.

FADE OUT.

FINISH