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Ponzi
by
Greg Santos
He smiles wide like the cat that ate the canary. With gravy.
PONZI
Not today. Direct to the office.
LIMO DRIVER
Looks like all of Boston has come
out to see you.
Ponzi gets his first glimpse of the throng who have assembled
to greet him.
IN THE LIMO
CITY EDITOR
Pigs being led to the slaughter.
The limo driver hurries around to open the door for his boss.
MAN IN CROWD
There he is! There’s Ponzi!
Ponzi steps from the limo with a wave of his gilded cane.
They move swiftly. Ponzi shaking a few hands along the way.
A flashbulb POPS.
HECKLER
Double my money in ninety days? I’d
like to see the man who could do
that.
PONZI
(for all to hear)
Well I’m doing it. I’m the man.
PONZI
Signora, allow me to be your host.
OLD WOMAN
Grazie, Signori Ponzi.
PONZI
My Dear, are you making a deposit
or a withdrawal?
OLD WOMAN
I am here to redeem this note for
Seven Hundred-Fifty Dollars.
PONZI
So you have.
(louder, to the crowd)
She’s come to clean me out.
PONZI
Six hundred, seven hundred. Seven
hundred and fifty dollars. As
promised. Your principal plus
interest.
PONZI
Will you see the young lady
downstairs and through the crowd.
(to the old woman)
Signori Cardinale, I hope you will
tell your family and friends of the
good investment you have made with
my Securities Exchange Company.
The Old Woman is bursting with joy. She takes the money from
Ponzi, kisses him on the cheek and addresses the people in
line.
OLD WOMAN
Ponzi is the greatest Italian in
history!
PONZI
Grazie Signora, grazie. Such a
generous compliment. But no,
Marconi invented the wireless and
Columbus discovered America.
OLD WOMAN
But Ponzi discovered the money.
Over his shoulder he watches the suited man hand over a fat
stack of bills. Receiving a similar paper receipt.
PONZI (V.O.)
The average man is never satisfied
with what he has.
PONZI
He does not realize when he is well
off...
PONZI (V.O.)
...If he has a shirt, he wants two.
If he is single, he wants a wife...
PONZI (V.O.)
...If he is married, he wants a
harem...
PONZI (V.O.)
He is always reaching for the moon
and stepping off into space.
RECEPTIONIST
Perhaps you should call at another
time.
7.
PONZI
I’m just fine. I can live on one
meal a day.
The door behind her swings open. Her boss, SIMON SWIG (50s)
shows his LAWYER out.
RECEPTIONIST
Sir, a Mr. Ponzi is here--
SWIG
...At least your son is interested
in business.
LAWYER
I gave it to him straight...
LAWYER
...Son, I said...Suppose my
customer buys a hundred dollar item
with a crisp new bill. As he leaves
the shop, I realize that he has
mistakenly handed me TWO hundred
dollar bills stuck together...
LAWYER
...Now it becomes an issue of
business ethics. I must ask myself--
SWIG
Do I tell my customer?
LAWYER
No...
LAWYER
...Do I tell my partner.
PONZI
Mr. Swig, I’d like to talk to you
about my loan...
PONZI
...Charles Ponzi.
SWIG
Mr. Bonzi--
PONZI
Ponzi.
SWIG
(to his lawyer)
Excuse me a moment, Mr. Thompson.
I’ll meet you out front.
SWIG
Mr. Ponzi, our loan officers are
highly qualified to evaluate
applicants and recommend or deny
their loans. I trust the officer in
your case...
SWIG
...made an informed and proper
decision.
PONZI
I believe your employee overlooked
the great potential I outlined in
my business--
SWIG
Do you carry a balance with us?
9.
PONZI
I have an account with you in good
standing, yes.
SWIG
Does your account carry a balance?
PONZI
If I had savings, I wouldn’t very
well need a loan now, would I?
SWIG
Mr. Ponzi, while it is our policy
to accommodate our investors
whenever we can...
SWIG
...I’m afraid your account is more
of a bother than a benefit.
PONZI
Careful gentleman. That’s second-
rate white pine...
PONZI
...passed off as fine solid oak.
MOVER 1
Say goodbye.
PONZI
Allow me to make a quick phone
call. I’ll take care of this.
MOVER 1
You’ve got no phone.
PONZI
Now that’s ludicrous. I did not
purchase that phone from Primero.
MOVER 2
Interest.
She holds her work in one hand, a small vase with a single
rose in the other.
PONZI
What are you doing here? I told you
I can’t afford to pay you right
now.
MS. MELLI
I’ve no where else to go. I thought
I might work a while on
expectations.
PONZI
That makes two of us.
11.
PONZI (O.S.)
Excuse me Miss, you dropped this.
Nothing.
PONZI (O.S.)
Gotta take while the taking is
good.
ROSE
What?
PONZI
I am the luckiest man in the world.
ROSE
You got the loan.
ROSE
I was afraid to ask.
PONZI
We’re in business kitten.
ROSE
I’m so proud of you Charlie. This
is the one, I just know it. All
your hard wor--
PONZI
Never mind dear. Let’s forget the
business talk and relax. You and I
are going to have a nice little
supper somewhere, by ourselves, and
act like a couple of kids.
PONZI
The ice. Watch the ice!
He switches on a lamp.
PONZI
Merde.
ROSE
I love ice cream. Even in winter.
13.
PONZI
At least it wont melt anytime soon.
ROSE
Play me a song.
PAWNBROKER
Twenty dollars.
PONZI
That mandolin is Swiss pine with
mother-of-pearl inlay. Handmade in
Lugo, Italy.
PAWNBROKER
Italian made?
PAWNBROKER
Ten.
PAWNBROKER
What about the watch?
PAWNBROKER
Looked better in your pocket. I’ll
give you fifty for both.
PONZI
I’ll take forty five if you hold
those for me.
PAWNBROKER
Forty.
PONZI
Bene. Fine.
PAWNBROKER
Thirty days. Then they’re mine.
PRIMERO
Stamps?
PRIMERO
Don’t the U.S. Government have the
market cornered on that?
PONZI
Keep up with me Primero. I’m just
using the stamps to speculate in
foreign currency markets.
15.
Burps.
PONZI
In 1906 the World Postal Union
began issuing Reply Coupons
redeemable for stamps in any
country within that Union...
PONZI
...They were invented to allow
persons or businesses to prepay
postage for relatives and
associates...
PONZI
...By purchasing the coupons in
countries with weak currencies
relative to the Greenback...
PONZI
...huge profits are possible.
CAPTAIN
Mr. Ponzi...what a relief. I was
afraid I wouldn’t catch you before
I embark tomorrow.
Ponzi is surprised.
PONZI
Captain...
PONZI
...so pleased to see you.
CAPTAIN
I’m sorry to interrupt your meal.
16.
CAPTAIN
Ladies, this is Mr. Charles Ponzi,
Financier.
PONZI
Captain Silva, ladies...Dante
Primero.
PRIMERO
Pleased.
PRIMERO
Quite young for a ship’s captain,
no?
CAPTAIN
I...I come from a long line of
seamen.
PONZI
Primero, would you excuse us just
for a moment?
They pass.
PRIMERO
(to the women)
They’re an aphrodisiac you know?
The men shake hands. Ponzi leaving the Captain at the bar.
17.
PONZI
Evening ladies.
PONZI
I’ve got prominent investors lining
up and that’s strictly word of
mouth.
PONZI
Foreign currency speculation is in
vogue. The banks are offering squat
and going belly up every week. I’m
offering fifty percent interest in
forty five days...
PONZI
...Double your money in ninety.
PONZI
Many countries still haven’t
recovered from the War. They’re
currencies are severely depressed.
But the Dollar is strong...
PONZI
...will always be. A four hundred
percent profit margin is not
impossible.
PRIMERO
How much did the Captain entrust
you with?
PONZI
My customer’s investment details
are confidential. I’m not at
liberty...
PONZI (V.O.)
He followed me all the way up to
seven figures. It looked like he
might sprout wings.
PONZI (V.O.)
I left him there for a moment. With
his head above the clouds.
PRIMERO
You want your furniture back?
PONZI
And a small loan for start-up costs
and incidentals.
She holds out her baby, tucks it under her arm. Motions a
trembling hand to her mouth.
PONZI
(in Italian)
There is food at the church.
PONZI
They speak Italian.
YOUNG MOTHER
Grazie, Signori. Grazie.
He drops the paper on the ground and tucks the money in his
pocket.
The SHIP STEWARD assists a fur clad widow onto the gangplank.
PONZI (O.S.)
Pardon me, I’d like to speak with
the Captain.
SHIP STEWARD
I’m sorry Sir, but the Captain is
preparing--
SILVA
How was I?
PONZI
You should be on Broadway.
PONZI
You’re sure a hit with the ladies.
SILVA
You think so? I nearly got pinched
returning that uniform. Did he
bite?
SILVA
Welcome aboard the S.S. Caronia,
bound for Naples, Italy. Watch your
step, Madame. Sir.
(Looking back to Ponzi)
Well?
He counts off about half the bills. Then a few more for good
measure. Handing the smaller stack to Silva. Tucking the rest
away.
SILVA
Broadway, baby.
PONZI
Now remember--
SILVA
When I get to Italy, exchange the
cash for Lire--
PONZI
All of it.
SILVA
Of course. Then I buy as many Reply
Coupons as I can. Bring them to
your office when I get back to the
States.
PONZI
As soon as you get back. How many
days?
SILVA
We’ll be in port for a week. Back
in Boston in under a month.
PONZI
Confirm with me by wire as soon as
they are in your possession--
SILVA
Or if there are any delays.
SILVA
Ay, Ay Captain.
PONZI (V.O.)
Primero’s loan was barely enough to
get started. For my plan to really
take flight, I needed more.
PONZI (V.O.)
I had wasted enough time in my
quest for capital in lump sums. I
knew I could borrow ten dollars
each from ten different persons
much easier than I could borrow a
hundred from one.
PONZI (V.O.)
I decided to solicit investors from
the public at large...
Under the gilded ceiling men in dark suits cut across the
marble floor like ants through cheese.
PONZI (V.O.)
...against the promissory notes of
my own company...
PONZI (V.O.)
...But in order to procure even
small amounts from strangers, I
realized that I needed a certain
prestige. The status that a
legitimate firm lends...
PONZI (V.O.)
...I needed a name.
The Movers are back. This time they carry a finished oak desk
up the stairs and into Ponzi’s office.
When things are arranged just so, he leans back and puts his
feet up on his new desk. Twisting a cigarette into a wooden
holder.
PONZI (V.O.)
The total cost of organization had
set me back a trifle.
(MORE)
23.
PONZI (V.O.)
I had a good thing. There was no
doubt in my mind about that.
PONZI (V.O.)
Being a good thing, it needed no
high pressure salesmanship.
Ponzi occupies the same seat at the bar but his audience
begins to change rapidly.
PONZI (V.O.)
I was selling my dollars for sixty
six cents. That’s all there was to
it. Any attempt to force them on a
prospective investor would have
been to create suspicion rather
than confidence.
PONZI (V.O.)
We are all gamblers at heart.
24.
PONZI (V.O.)
We all crave easy money. And plenty
of it.
They are the only two men that remain in the smoky room.
BARTENDER
So you’re tellin’ me that if I’s to
hand you over tonight’s tips...
He flashes a count.
BARTENDER
...nine dollars.
BARTENDER
Much appreciated.
(adding it to his stack)
...Exactly ten dollars...You’d be
back here in forty five days with
fifteen?
PONZI
It’s not quite that simple, I’m
afraid.
BARTENDER
Never is.
PONZI
I only accept investments at my
office...
PONZI
...and I don’t deliver.
PONZI
(loudly into the receiver)
...It would be my pleasure to help
you with that, Sir.
PONZI
Yes, come in.
PONZI
(into the phone)
...Well I greatly appreciate that,
Your Honor. My sincerest gratitude
and best to your new granddaughter.
PONZI
How may help you, Sir?
BARTENDER
See you in six weeks.
Melli greets them all. Showing them into Ponzi’s office one
at a time.
PONZI (V.O.)
My proposition was decidedly
tempting. Apparently fool proof. It
could be tested with a ten dollar
bill.
PONZI (V.O.)
It might have looked unsound as an
investment. But it was extremely
attractive as a gamble.
PONZI (V.O.)
By the first week of January, 1920,
I had rounded up exactly twenty
investors for a total of Seventeen
Hundred Five Dollars...
PONZI (V.O.)
...and ninety cents.
27.
MS. MELLI
I think you missed your vocation in
life.
PONZI
Banker, maybe?
She brightens.
MS. MELLI
Missionary. You can certainly
spread the Gospel.
A CLERK flips through a large log book. Locates the page he’s
looking for.
CLERK
Patterson...Pollock...Here we are.
Ponzi. Arrived this morning.
CLERK
From Mr. Silva. Naples, Italy.
PONZI
Hot Damn.
28.
PONZI (V.O.)
Around the second week of February
I set about to affect my first
payments.
PONZI
Buon giorno, ladies and gentleman.
The early bird gets the worm, eh?
Sorry to keep you waiting.
PONZI
Come inside, lets build a fire.
PONZI (V.O.)
Silva had not yet returned with the
coupons, but his telegram had
confirmed my assumptions...
BARTENDER
Pleasure doing business with you.
PONZI (V.O.)
...The rest was just logistics.
PONZI (V.O.)
I got as much thrill out of each
note redeemed as a school girl gets
out of her first kiss.
29.
She leans across the bar throwing an arm around him. Plants
one on her man.
PONZI (V.O.)
I had yet to make a penny on my
Postal Coupon idea. But I had
enough ready cash in recent
investments to pay off those
earlier investors.
PONZI (V.O.)
I decided to resort to the time
honored custom of robbing Peter to
pay Paul.
PONZI (V.O.)
Was it ethical?
A flashbulb pops.
PONZI (V.O.)
Perhaps not. But environment had
made me rather callous on the
subject of ethics...
The Priest sits across from Ponzi. Counting the money from
his redeemed note.
PONZI (V.O.)
...Then, as now, nobody gave a rap
for ethics. The Almighty Dollar was
the only goal. And its possession
placed a person beyond criticism
for any breach of ethics incidental
to the acquisition of it. Many of
them just withdrew their principal.
30.
PONZI (V.O.)
Others took only the fifty percent
interest...
PONZI (V.O.)
...Probably straight to the track.
PONZI (V.O.)
...But most, upon seeing I was
perfectly willing and able to pay
them as promised, left their money
with me. Eager for another spin of
the wheel...
PONZI (V.O.)
...I spun it for them.
MONTAGE - IN BUSINESS
Ponzi counts out four ten dollar bills. Sliding them under
the bars.
PONZI
You can keep the box...and I’ll
take that stick.
Rose exits the church, not noticing the man who follows
closely behind her.
PONZI (O.S.)
Excuse me miss, you dropped this.
ROSE
It’s not even snowing Char--
Her hand jumps to her mouth when she sees what lies in it.
PONZI
Positively radiant.
ROSE
Charlie. How did you...
ROSE
...That suit. It’s the cat’s meow.
PONZI
Business is booming. I couldn’t
print money this fast.
ROSE
Silva’s back? With the coupons?
PONZI
Investors are lining up in the
hall. Down the stairwell.
33.
PONZI
Looks like I’m going to need a
bigger office.
ROSE
I love them.
PONZI
Soon you’ll have everything you
ever wanted.
ROSE
I already do.
PONZI
Then let’s go show it off.
Ponzi swings his new cane as they make their way down the
street. It’s gold handle glistens in the noonday sun.
ROSE
Did you hurt yourself?
NEPHEW
I’m sorry. Please. Don’t.
PRIMERO
(through a mouth full)
Go on. Screw.
His Nephew scurries out the door. Nearly running into Ponzi,
who’s just making his entrance.
PONZI
Good thing I’m on time.
34.
PRIMERO
Oh him, that’s nothing. He’s
family.
PRIMERO
Two months? You had three.
PONZI
It’s all there, plus interest.
PRIMERO
Nice suit. Business must be
booming.
PONZI
Just staying afloat.
PRIMERO
That your paddle?
PRIMERO
Maybe you hold on to this. Let me
in on the action.
PONZI
That’s quite generous. But my idea
looks to be a colossal bust.
PRIMERO
Who’d you bump off for this?
VOICE(O.S.)
There a stiff I should know about?
PONZI
Pleasure doing business with you.
PONZI
(nodding)
Officer.
OFFICER DOWNEY
Some shoes.
PONZI
Macray's Footware--
OFFICER DOWNEY
--On Boylston. I know the place.
OFFICER DOWNEY
You can tell a whole lot about a
man by the shoe's on his feet.
PONZI
I’d say...
PONZI
...you’re some sort of policeman.
OFFICER DOWNEY
Strange, yours didn't say comedian
to me. Thought perhaps Primero was
associating with some class for a
change...
OFFICER DOWNEY
...guess that's why I never made
Detective.
36.
The cop closes the door behind him. Throwing an icy glare at
Primero.
DOWNEY
What's his story?
SILVA (O.S.)
Hands in the air.
PONZI
Enough Staggs. He’s alright.
SILVA
Christ. Who’s the baby grand?
PONZI
Security. Welcome back.
SILVA
Glad Rags, bodyguard...I’m gone a
month and you hit the big time.
PONZI
A month? You’re late.
37.
SILVA
Wasn’t my fault. Got hung up in
Venice...
-- She tucks some cash into his pocket. Pinching him on the
ass as he hops onto a water taxi.
SILVA
...woman was a bearcat.
PONZI
You’re a piece of work.
PONZI
Let’s get us a couple steaks.
38.
Silva devours the last of his rib eye. Sits back and pats his
belly.
SILVA
Just not the same without wine, is
it?
PONZI
This isn’t going to cut it. It’s
too slow. And too expensive.
SILVA
Well I’m finished with the high
seas. I’ve got some auditions lined
up. Why don’t you send this one...
SILVA
...He looks like he floats.
PONZI
It’s fine. I’m working on another
angle.
MAILMAN
I’d love to help you man...Lord
knows I could use the money.
PONZI
When?
MAILMAN
Last week. Order came down from the
Post Master General. They shut the
whole program down. I’d say you’re
lucky if you can redeem the ones
you got.
MAILMAN
I’ve got to get these delivered.
I’m sorry.
PONZI
Come in Ms. Melli. I’m decent.
MS. MELLI
It’s after five. Should I turn them
away?
PONZI
We can’t do that now, can we? Let’s
give it another hour.
PONZI
If that’s O.K. with you.
MS. MELLI
Oh, that’s fine by me.
MS. MELLI
Mr. Ponzi...I’ve told you about my
mother...back in Naples.
PONZI
You have, dear. How is she doing?
MS. MELLI
Not so well I’m afraid...I don’t
know how long she has.
PONZI
I’m so sorry.
PONZI
My mother passed while I was en
route to the states. I found out a
month later.
MS. MELLI
That’s just it. I want to see her
before...
MS. MELLI
My father never returned from the
War. My brother and sister are
still so young.
MS. MELLI
I’ve been saving since I arrived
here. It’s not enough. I want to
invest it.
41.
PONZI
You’re due for a raise. A hefty one
at that.
PONZI
I can lend you the money...
MS. MELLI
I’ll write myself a receipt.
Lays the box onto his desk with the rest of the money.
SWIG
May I can be of assistance, sir?
PONZI
I guess so, I only wanted to open
an account.
SWIG
I could certainly help you with
that, Mr....
PONZI
(handing Swig his card)
Charles Ponzi.
SWIG
Have we met, Mr. Ponzi?
PONZI
Is that a requirement for account
holders of this bank?
42.
SWIG
Uh...of course not...I...
SWIG
(laughing nervously)
...oh...I see...
SWIG
The Securities Exchange Company.
May I ask what you deal in?
PONZI
Pretty boring stuff really. We deal
in money.
SWIG
Well I’ve always found money quite
exciting. What type of account did
you wish to open?
PONZI
Checking.
SWIG
A business account?
PONZI
Personal.
SWIG
Splendid. We do require personal
accounts to carry a substantial
balance. Are you prepared for that?
PONZI
Well what do you consider
substantial?
SWIG
Two or three hundred dollars and
up.
PONZI
Oh that’s reasonable enough. You
nearly scared me there.
43.
PONZI
You may put me down for two hundred
fifty.
SWIG
Two hundred fifty dollars. Our
minimum. Very well.
PONZI
Not Hundreds...
PONZI
...Thousands.
SWIG
Two hundred fifty thousand dollars?
Why...I thought you wanted to open
a small personal account?
PONZI
So I did Mr. Swig. This is about
the smallest of my bank accounts.
CAR SALESMAN
Pardon me sir. I noticed you were
walking.
PONZI
That’s impressive. I should hire
you to watch over my books.
CAR SALESMAN
I don’t mean to be rude, Mr. Uh...
PONZI
Ponzi. The “Uh” is silent.
44.
CAR SALESMAN
Mr. Ponzi, you seem the type of man
who appreciates the finer things in
life. Clothes, jewelry...
CAR SALESMAN
...luxury automobiles. You have a
car of course?
CAR SALESMAN
Of course...but a good car?
PONZI
Do I look like I drive a wheel
barrow?
CAR SALESMAN
Certainly not. I imagine you own a
respectable automobile. But think
of all the time you waste driving.
PONZI
I must be fatigued. For a moment I
thought you trying to sell me a new
car.
CAR SALESMAN
Not a car, Mr. Ponzi. A limousine.
The line detours around three gaping holes cut into the wall.
45.
CAR SALESMAN
Is this a bank?
PONZI
(to Trenckman)
Is it the first of the month
already?
TRENCKMAN
Mr. Ponzi, I am sorry, but if you
can’t regulate this crowd, I will
be forced to give you notice to
vacate.
PONZI
I’m afraid I’ve become attached to
the place.
TRENCKMAN
Do you expect me to lose all my
other tenants on your account.
PONZI
As you can see, I am much too busy
to worry about the affairs of my
neighbors.
PONZI
It’s getting a little cramped in
here, anyway. I’ll take the entire
floor. Pay you double their rents.
46.
TRENCKMAN
Your people are also blocking the
entry and the stairs.
PONZI
Oh let’s not argue over it. Name
your price.
TRENCKMAN
Sir, I’ll have you know I won’t be
bribed.
PONZI
Dear Trenckman. Not the price of
your silence. I’d like to purchase
the building.
CAR SALESMAN
The Locomobile Limousine. Pinnacle
of luxury. Genuine leather seats,
air conditioning, polished mahogany
bar in the cabin.
PONZI
I’ll take that one.
CAR SALESMAN
That’s Twelve Thousand delivered.
47.
PONZI
All right. Send it over.
CAR SALESMAN
But...uh...I cannot deliver that
car just now. The car is custom
made. It will take at least three
months.
PONZI
Too late. I want that car right
away.
CAR SALESMAN
Our premier model is nearly
complete, but it has been promised
to a prominent New York
millionaire.
PONZI
When will it be ready?
CAR SALESMAN
Two weeks. It’s scheduled for
delivery on July first.
PONZI
Perfect. Have it downstairs in
front of my door on that date.
CAR SALESMAN
But...the car is already sold.
PONZI
Listen, young man. I want that car.
And when I want something, I am
prepared to pay for it.
PONZI
Have that car here by not later
than one o’ clock July first and I
will give you a thousand dollars
more for it.
ASSISTANT
Reggio Silva.
Silva tucks his script into his back pocket. Follows the
assistant.
He spins his way through the usual commotion. Places the box
gingerly on Melli’s desk.
SILVA
I signed for ya.
MS. MELLI
(covering the phone
receiver)
He’s with someone from the Post.
PONZI’S OFFICE
SILVA
I got it!
PONZI
Silva, my boy. I was just
recounting the story of my first
day on American soil.
PONZI
...I was told the streets were
paved with gold. But all I saw was
mud...
PONZI
...I got on my knees, thinking it
had to be just underneath all that
muck...
PONZI
...and what do you know.
PONZI
There it was. I’ve carried it
since.
SILVA
I got the part. Second lead.
PONZI
Well that’s just jake.
(to the Reporter)
Silva here’s an actor.
PONZI
Look, I’ve got to finish this
interview. The Post is running a
feature--
50.
REPORTER
--Maybe front page.
PONZI
You hear that?
PONZI
We’ll celebrate tonight. How’s the
Chart House sound? Nine o’ clock.
SILVA
I could use some scratch. It’s a
hell of a part. But the pay is
peanuts.
Ponzi dips into his pocket. Slaps a few bills into Silva’s
hand.
MS. MELLI
Hey. They screwed these up. Spelled
his name with an S instead of a Z.
MS. MELLI
I’m buried here.
SILVA
Don’t worry. I’ll take them back.
MS. MELLI
Thank you. You’re an angel.
51.
ROSE
Let’s order.
ROSE
Anything you want. You’re a star
now.
BLONDE
Better safe than sorry. I’ve heard
the sharks are circling this place.
CLERK
We have...
(clearing his throat)
...ample security ma’am.
CLERK
Perhaps you’d like an escort?
BLONDE
That’s nice of you, cutey. But my
boyfriend is right outside.
CLERK
Not me...I meant...
BLONDE
Duck soup.
SILVA
No questions?
BLONDE
I could’ve handed him my grocery
list.
SILVA
I bet you stole his innocence, huh?
BLONDE
Just like I stole yours.
Silva tucks a few bills into the space between her breasts.
SILVA
Nice work.
He’s off down the street. The Blonde following like a puppy.
BLONDE
You’re still buying dinner.
PONZI
I’m sorry about last night. I
showed that reporter the time of
his life. Bet he’ll write some
story.
PONZI
I’ll make it up to you, Petal. I
promise.
ROSE
You don’t need to apologize to me.
PONZI
Oh, Silva’s a big boy.
PONZI
Take a ride with me. I only need to
sign some papers. They are
preparing a lunch.
PONZI
You’ve got to see this place.
ROSE
This apartment doesn’t clean itself
Charlie.
PONZI
A wonder someone hasn’t invented
that yet.
Ponzi alights from the car. Running around to open his wife’s
door and help her out.
ROSE
It’s...enormous.
54.
PONZI
Told ya. Isn’t that something?
ROSE
Shouldn’t we knock?
PONZI
We’re expected.
ROSE
Who lives here?
Ponzi smiles.
PONZI
They just bought the place. It’s
fit for the Rockefeller’s, no?
Ponzi hands the folder back. The Notary refuses the pen.
NOTARY
Keep it. Congratulations Mr. Ponzi.
ROSE
Congratulations...for what?
PONZI
A toast.
PONZI
To my lovely wife...
PONZI
...and her new self cleaning home.
IN THE LIMO
Ponzi eyes the paper’s headline as the car pulls away from
the house.
PONZI
As long as they spelled my name
right.
NEWSBOY
(hollering)
Ponzi doubles the money! Wizard of
Finance takes on banks!
ON A ROOFTOP
PONZI (V.O.)
Boston had come through in grand
style.
PONZI (V.O.)
I was the realization of their
dreams. The idol. The hero.
PONZI (V.O.)
The master and arbiter of their
lives. Of their hopes. Their
fortunes.
PONZI (V.O.)
The discoverer of wealth and
happiness. The wizard who could
turn a pauper into a millionaire
overnight.
IN THE LIMO
PONZI (V.O.)
I might have started a snowball
downhill...
PONZI
The newly minted celebrity alights from his luxury auto into
the throng.
PONZI (V.O.)
...but it became an avalanche all
on it’s own.
PONZI
They nearly tore me to shreds.
Melli jumps up. Snatching his straw hat and cane as he darts
across the room.
MS. MELLI
I’m going to need an escort to the
Tremont. We’ve taken in nearly...
MS. MELLI
...a million. And it’s not even
lunch yet.
PONZI
Lunch. I’ll need a reservation at
the Copley.
MS. MELLI
SIR. There’s an--
PONZI
Officer Downey.
Downey leans against the wall. Admiring the mob out the
window.
DOWNEY
Some crowd.
PONZI
The power of advertising.
DOWNEY
I’ve been hearing your name in
every corner of this city lately.
PONZI
Thought that ringing in my ears was
from the phones.
DOWNEY
More than a few cops been visiting
you on payday. I hear you can turn
a dime into a dollar.
PONZI
These days, I’d much prefer being
able to turn water into wine.
PONZI
I am offering fifty percent
interest in six weeks.
DOWNEY
That’s some trick. How do you do
it?
PONZI
Trade secret I’m afraid.
DOWNEY
Honestly. I don’t give a rat’s ass
how you do it. Sign me up for a G
note.
PONZI
Your making a fine investment. Rest
assured your money--
DOWNEY
Not mine.
Downey rips the note from the pad. Heads for the door
swinging his baton.
DOWNEY
Stay out of trouble.
PRIMERO
You better not have hit my sister
up for this.
NEPHEW
No, no. I got it on my own. I made
an investment.
PRIMERO
In what, a gun?
NEPHEW
For real. Down on School Street.
Fella name of Ponzi.
PRIMERO
Baloney.
60.
NEPHEW
Yeah. He’s got some operation.
People linin’ up around the block,
throwin’ dough at him. Don’t you
read the paper?
SILVA
Sure beats the shower room in
Montreal Pen.
PONZI
And how.
PRIMERO (O.S.)
Colossal bust, huh?
PONZI
If I could see the future I
wouldn’t need to go to work
everyday.
PRIMERO
You call this work?
SILVA
It’s a living.
PRIMERO
I want a cut.
PONZI
Go see a barber.
PRIMERO
Without my loan you’d have nothing.
PONZI
I’d have my good looks.
PRIMERO
That’s easy to fix.
PONZI
(calling out)
Staggs.
His bodyguard appears through the mist. All meat and gristle.
STAGGS
Sorry Mr. Ponzi. Had to use the
little boys room. Everything O.K.?
PONZI
Will you please show Mr. Primero
out. I think the heat is getting to
him.
SILVA
(to Staggs)
Grab some more champagne will you
stooge...I mean Staggs.
SWIG
He’s making a fortune with these?
PINKERTON
Not anymore.
PINKERTON
The Postal Congress froze the
program. Stopped issuing coupons
over a month ago.
PINKERTON
I stole that one from my mother.
The Pinkerton tucks his payment away. Moving toward the door.
SWIG
So he found a better way to make
his money.
The Pinkerton peers through the office door at the empty bank
lobby. Then back to Swig.
PINKERTON
Looks like he’s trying his hand at
banking.
VOICE (O.S.)
Charles Ponzi?
PONZI
Christ man. You must be in my will.
An Unknown Man steps from the shadows. His hand tucked into
his jacket.
PONZI
You’ll have to come back
tomorrow...
PONZI
...Or later today.
UNKNOWN MAN
I’m not here to invest.
an envelope.
UNKNOWN MAN
I’m not here to invest.
PONZI
Then how can I help...
COURT CLERK
(yelling back)
You’ve been served.
PONZI
You’re suing me?
He’s irate.
PONZI
Your friends know you’ve been
hanging around the court house?
PRIMERO
My lawyer makes house calls.
PRIMERO
Raise.
PRIMERO
I kept you from going belly-up. I
figure I’m entitled to some of the
spoils.
PONZI
You got your money. With interest.
PRIMERO
Interest...
He scoffs.
PRIMERO
They’ll be plenty of interest in
how you’re making money hand over
fist...
PRIMERO
...A million dollar action is sure
to make the papers. Perhaps we can
work something out...
PRIMERO
...like gentleman.
PONZI
(calling back to the
players)
He’s bluffing.
ROSE
I can smell it on you.
PONZI
You’re awake, Petal?
PONZI
Silva spilled a glass of wine at
dinner.
ROSE
Not liquor. Money.
PONZI
There are worse smells.
PONZI
The Mass Ave. subway stop.
ROSE
Our old apartment.
PONZI
Let’s have a picnic tomorrow. In
the garden. Just me and my Rose.
PONZI
Sweet dreams, angel.
ROSE
Charlie. Wake up.
PONZI
I hope one of you brought a copy of
the Post.
PONZI
I need my paper first thing.
SKINNY REPORTER
Ponzi, You buy this house with
coupons?
PONZI
Why? You think the bank would take
‘em?
67.
SHORT REPORTER
How can you offer such a return
when the banks are barely giving
two percent?
PONZI
Maybe you should be asking the
Brahmins downtown that question.
PONZI
Now I can’t divulge all the details
for fear of outright pilfering. But
I will give you the gist...
PONZI
Who’s got a buck.
SMART ASS
Don’t you have plenty?
PONZI
Gentleman my system is simple...
A sailboat.
PONZI
An adventurous dollar bill takes a
trip across the sea...
PONZI
...and comes back married with a
couple kids.
Ponzi takes the bills from Smart Ass. Handing them out to a
lucky few.
PONZI
Now if you’ll excuse me gentleman,
my eggs are getting cold.
MOVIE DIRECTOR
Mr. Ponzi, just a moment if you
please. We are making a film.
ROSE (O.S.)
My husband would never make it in
the movies. He loves hearing
himself talk.
MOVIE DIRECTOR
How ‘bout it Mrs. Ponzi? A day in
the life?
Ponzi looks to her for the answer. She lets him sweat.
ROSE
If my husband promises to put on
some clothes.
ROSE’S MOTHER
What a lovely day. Your house is
just...magnificent.
ROSE’S FATHER
Charles, my daughter has always
believed in you.
ROSE’S FATHER
And I have to be honest. I thought
this was going to be like all the
rest of your business ideas.
PONZI
Why, thanks Dad.
ROSE’S FATHER
But I’m glad to say I was wrong.
ROSE’S FATHER
I want to invest this with you.
It’s our life savings.
70.
Ponzi hesitates.
PONZI
I’m honored, sir...but...what about
putting all your eggs in one
basket?
ROSE’S FATHER
It’s not just any basket.
SWIG
Mr. Ponzi, I do apologize--
PONZI
What seems to be the trouble Swig.
You lose my money?
SWIG
I’m afraid I have some bad news
regarding your account with us.
PONZI
What’s the skinny?
SWIG
Perhaps we should discuss the
matter in my office.
PONZI
Just have it out already.
SWIG
The majority of your balance has
been frozen due to a writ of
attachment on a certain lawsuit. It
will be secured by Tremont Trust,
without accruing interest until
such time as the court releases
it...
SWIG
...or claims it.
PONZI
The majority? And what of the
minority?
SWIG
Five Hundred.
PONZI
Half a million will do just fine.
In cash please Mr. Swig, and we’re
in a hurry.
SWIG
Five HUNDRED dollars, Mr. Ponzi.
He drives it home.
SWIG
Would you like that in ones?
MS. MELLI
This morning’s deposit has just
been counted and bagged. Staggs is
waiting to accompany me.
PONZI
I’m on my way to the Trust. I’ll
convey the money.
PONZI
The size of these deposits, you
think they’d send someone for them.
72.
MS. MELLI
Yeah, don’t you own that bank by
now.
ROTHSTEIN
The writ of attachment ligatures
three million dollars across
several of your accounts. It can be
released only on the courts order.
PONZI
I need to get at that money.
ROTHSTEIN
Judge Javik is presiding over the
case. We attended Harvard together.
A phone call should suffice to free
the assets. As for the suit--
PONZI
I’m going to settle.
ROTHSTEIN
The action is groundless...
ROTHSTEIN
...his council, a complete amateur.
PONZI
I’ve no time for court proceedings.
Time is money. Can you handle this?
ROTHSTEIN
Of course.
PONZI
And I will need you on retainer.
This should cover your fee.
ROTHSTEIN
That leaves only one more thing
then.
ROTHSTEIN
L'Chaim.
PONZI
Salute.
SWIG
Exactly how many shares are you
proposing we sell you?
Ponzi and Rothstein are posted across from them. Ready for
battle.
PONZI
Oh...two thousand or so.
74.
SWIG
That would give you control of the
bank.
PONZI
That is just what I want.
SWIG
Mr. Ponzi. Why would I...
SWIG
...why would we hand over
controlling interest to you. A mere
account holder?
PONZI
Haven’t I explained myself. I am
perfectly willing to pay for it.
SWIG
We are willing to sell you a
standard block of stock and make
you a director.
LAWYER
It is a very generous offer.
PONZI
Will you sell me the shutters on
your house as well?
SWIG
I’m sure you will be pleased with a
directorship. We throw a wonderful
picnic each year in the spring.
PONZI
How much of your own money is in
this institution, Swig? And I’m not
talking about the nickels in your
office couch.
75.
SWIG
My father was president of this
bank for thirty years.
SWIG
My grandfather directly preceded
him, having been one of it’s
founders in 1855. I consider this
bank my home.
PONZI
And you’ve done a fine job with the
place.
PONZI
But my account is larger than all
of your others combined. Quite
frankly, it’s beginning to look
like a ten carat diamond in a
pawnshop window.
PONZI
It seems to me that our differences
cannot be bridged.
PONZI
You keep your bank. I’ll find
another one.
PONZI
Can you tell me what my balance is
today?
SWIG
You are not planning to withdraw
your entire balance?
PONZI
Certainly I am. Right now.
SWIG
I believe your funds are still
attached to one hell of a law--
PONZI
Let’s talk numbers.
SWIG
Under that pastel suit and slick
hair is nothing but a common
criminal.
SWIG
Find out everything about the man.
He doesn’t belong in this game.
SWIG (O.S.)
I want him carried off the field.
Charles Ponsi
BLONDE
Thanks, cutey pie.
He spins around.
Silva bearing down on him. His face ground chuck. There are
early signs of a couple shiners.
SILVA
Too bad I’m not playing the Phantom
of the Opera.
78.
PONZI
What happened to your face?
STAGGS
Melli caught him passing fake
notes. I was gentle. I only used my
hands.
PONZI
(back to Silva)
I had no idea. You know I never
would’ve...
PONZI
How much did you take?
SILVA
What does it matter? You’ve got
more than enough.
PONZI
Why didn’t you just ask? You didn’t
have to steal.
SILVA
Is that so?
PONZI
(to his guests)
It’s a wonder what they can do with
make-up these days.
SILVA
Why don’t you replace me? You’re
the best actor in town.
SILVA
Ladies and gentlemen. Lay down your
forks and lookee here. Don’t you
know who sits before you...
SILVA
...It’s the Wizard of Finance...The
Sultan of Securities...
SILVA
...The Pied Piper of Boston.
Staggs looks to Ponzi, who nods. And the bodyguard goes into
attack mode.
SILVA
Take out your wallets. Pry loose
your fillings...
SILVA
...Lay it all at the feet of this
man, Ponzi. And he will return to
you exactly everything you deserve.
Doubling your money as promised. By
folding it in half and placing it
into his pocket.
PONZI
Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize
for disturbing your meal. The man
was merely a disgruntled employee.
Wanted to be transferred to my New
York office so he could watch Ruth
play.
80.
PONZI
Please enjoy your dinner and don’t
skimp on dessert, as I will be
personally paying the tab.
SWIG
Read it again.
PINKERTON
“The jury found Charles Ponzi, AKA
Charles Bianchi, guilty on five
counts of forgery. Ponzi was
arrested while attempting to pass
fake checks and sentenced to thirty-
six months in Montreal
penitentiary.
Swig twists the fat cigar between his lips. Exhaling a thick,
grey cloud.
ROSE
Did he find you?
PONZI
Silva?
Rose...I didn’t--
ROSE
He came here first. How could you?
PONZI
Melli caught him stealing from me.
Staggs attacked him on his own.
ROSE
Stealing? From you? He told me
everything.
He grabs her.
PONZI
Rose wait. We can go somewhere.
Start a new life. Just you and I.
ROSE
Charlie...
ROSE
...all those people...they trusted
you...
ROSE
...my family.
ROSE
I’ll be staying with them.
PONZI
I wanted all this for you, Rose.
82.
ROSE
I never wanted it, Charlie.
PONZI
I’m sorry.
MAN
Evening.
PONZI
That it is.
PINKERTON
Charles Ponzi?
PONZI
Who’s asking?
PINKERTON
Simon Swig would like to speak with
you.
PONZI
Never heard of him. Do you always
accost strangers in the mid--
PONZI
How much do you want?
SWIG
I don’t want your money. You’re
going to need all you can carry. I
would however like my bank back.
SWIG
You have twenty-four hours to leave
Boston. Then I call the
authorities.
PONZI
I’ll be needing my money.
SWIG
Oh, I’m quite sorry sir. You’ll
have to come back during business
hours.
SWIG
You’d never make it as a banker...
SWIG
...the people like you too much.
SWIG
Oh, and don’t forget...tomorrow is
Sunday.
SWIG
Operator, connect me with The
Boston Post please. Thank You. City
Desk.
PONZI (V.O.)
The money itself meant nothing to
me...
PONZI (V.O.)
...What I wanted to do was test
it’s power. To derive from it the
thrill incidental to the
accomplishment of things called
impossible...
PONZI (V.O.)
...But I was swept up along with
everyone else by hope and greed and
the worst type of madness...
PONZI (V.O.)
...But I never had to sell my soul
to the devil...
Ponzi looks back one last time before closing his office
door.
PONZI (V.O.)
...He found he could get it for
nothing if he waited long enough.
A Mother and her young son lie slumped against the wall on
the sidewalk.
85.
PONZI
Ma’am. Are you alright? Is your boy
alright?
MOTHER
(whispering)
Thank you sir. We’re just trying to
beat the crowds.
Ponzi looks around at the empty block. Morning light has just
begun paint the quiet street.
PONZI
Why that’s just what I planned to
do. Early bird they say...
PONZI
Why don’t I take care of that now.
You and your boy can go home. Get
some rest.
MOTHER
Ponzi!
Ponzi quickly tucks the money in her purse. Helps her and the
child up.
MOTHER
That’s too much...
She hands him the note as he directs them down the sidewalk.
PONZI
Get that one to bed.
NEWSBOY
Ponzi the Snake!
A Ponzi note floats out of their reach but neither seems much
interested in it now.
SPECULATOR
I’m willing to pay half face value
on all Ponzi notes. Of any
denomination. Cash.
The Cameraman from the Post steps out of line to take him up
on his offer.
SPECULATOR
Has the man even shown for work
today?
CAMERAMAN
(to the crowd)
Ponzi is on his way far from here.
We’ll never see him again.
PONZI
Naples. First class.
She cranes her neck to get a better look through the bars.
DOWNEY
(banging on the glass)
Open up. It’s the police.
Staggs cracks the door and the flatfoot storms in. Melli
cowers by her desk.
DOWNEY
Where is he?
PAL (O.S.)
Hey it’s Ponzi.
NEWSBOY
Is it true? Are you a crook?
PONZI
Do I look like a crook?
88.
NEWSBOY
Why no! You look like a million
bucks.
PONZI
Thanks Kid, But I think you’re
selling me short.
NEWSBOY
Howzat?
PAL
Where you going Ponzi?
PONZI
See that gold building?
PAL
You going to buy it?
NEWSBOY
He’s going to buy it.
PONZI
I think I’ve bought enough for a
while.
The troupe grows with every step. Drawing the devoted and the
curious.
PONZI
I think you’ve all followed me far
enough.
89.
It turns slowly, end over end, in a high arch toward the sky.
PONZI
Don’t spend that one, kid. It’s
lucky.
Ponzi retracing his earlier steps under the large gold dome
and across the marble foyer.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Mr. Ponzi that is some tale.
PONZI
And every word of it true.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Then I’m afraid...
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
...I must place you under arrest
for fraud.
PONZI (V.O.)
They had bought my six-cent Reply
Coupon for fifteen million dollars.
And it was cheap at that price...
IN THE KITCHEN
PONZI (V.O.)
I had given them the best show ever
staged in their territory since the
landing of the Pilgrims...
PONZI (V.O.)
...The most brazen exhibition of
sheer nerve that had ever been
witnessed in the world of finance.
PONZI (V.O.)
It was easily worth fifteen million
bucks to watch me put the thing
over.
NEWSBOY
S.E.C. closed! Ponzi bankrupt!
91.
Then stops.
Ponzi
PRISON GUARD
Here you go Santa Claus.
INMATE
Another one.
PONZI
I bet it all.
FADE OUT.
THE END