The Velvet Touch

New York City, it's almost midnight, and the theaters west the Broadway are turning out their lights. One theater is going to remain dark for several weeks, for tonight after 300 performances, Gordon Dunning, the eminent producer, has rung down the final curtain on another great success.

In his office adjoining the upper balcony, Dunning has a visitor, his celebrated star, Valerie Stanton. But you're being ridiculous, Valerie. Just answer my question, Gordon. Did you give that story out to the newspapers? Well, of course I did.

I said you were turning down Gunther's offer. Your next play would be for me as usual. Then you're retracted. Look, Valerie, if that play means so much, you all get it away from Gunther, we'll do it together.

We're never going to do anything together again. It isn't the play. It's Michael Morell. Yes. I'm going to marry him. Marry him. It isn't funny, Gordon. I happen to be in love. And what about me? I picked you up on nobody. I taught you how to walk and dress an act.

I taught you how to get on top of this doggy dog world. You've something I've created and I won't let you go. Maybe that's love too, I don't know. Right now it's hate and contempt for stupidity. I've had to knock a lot of silly ideas out of your head in ten years time.

And if you don't think I'll do it... Or are you going to issue that retraction? No. I think I wish you a confidential statement, Morel. I have an excellent and somewhat more You're out of your mind.

I don't doubt it. I get a little crazy whenever you're out of my sight. I might even kill you. Only why kill you when I can kill whatever attraction you have for Morrell. That's smarter.