Old Hollywood One Shots

MGM Application

INT. MGM STUDIOS - 1944 - DAY

Jane walks up to the front desk of MGM.

JANE
Is this where I'm supposed to apply for the new front desk position?

A kind, plump, Southern woman answers her.

WOMAN
Yes, sweetie. If ya just have a seat, we'll be with ya shortly.

Jane nods.

JANE
If I may ask, why does MGM need a new front desk woman?

WOMAN
Ah, ya see, I'm leavin' in a few days to move back home with my family. My father lost his job, and my mother isn't feelin' well. It's a whole mess.

The woman waves her arms like it's no big deal as she says 'whole mess'.

Jane apologetically nods and takes her seat.

Minutes later, a man walks into the front lobby.

MAN
Jane? We're ready for your interview.

INT. MGM STUDIOS - A FEW DAYS LATER

Jane sits at her desk, the same one the Southern woman used to work at. She fiddles with a piece of paper as she talks on the phone.

JANE
I know, Anne, isn't it amazing? I've already met three movie stars, and I only work at the front desk!

A chime rings. Jane knows the door has opened.

JANE
Listen, Anne, I'll have to call you back. Okay. Bye.

Jane hangs up the phone and looks up from her desk.

The sight before her makes her jaw drop to the floor. She stands up and makes her way to the front of the desk.

JANE
How can I help you?

Gene Kelly steps forward, Frank Sinatra standing behind him like a small puppy.

GENE
We were just wondering if our scripts were sent to you?

JANE
Oh, yes! I have them. Anchors Aweigh, right?

GENE
Yes, ma'am.

Jane looks through the files in her desk. Her fingers fly through the files faster than she would've thought possible.

JANE
Found them!

Jane walks over to them again and hands them their scripts.

JANE
For Mr. Gene Kelly, and for Mr. Frank Sinatra.

Jane blushes as Frank's hand brushes past hers.

Frank notices and smirks.

Gene turns to leave, beckoning for Frank to follow him.

FRANK
(whispers)
You're one cute dame. Would you say yes to dinner tonight, doll?

Jane's eyes widen.

GENE
Frank, come on! We're going to be late.

FRANK
I'm coming. I'm coming.

Frank holds out his hand to Jane. She extends hers.

He takes her hand and gives it a kiss. As he lets go of her hand, he slips a piece of paper into her palm.

Frank turns and runs out the door after Gene.

Jane watches them exit. Once out of sight, she opens her hand to see a phone number written on the paper.

Jane thinks to herself: Frank must have a bunch of pre-written papers with his number on it.

She laughs, but makes a note to call him later anyway. It's an opportunity she can't pass up.