Thirst Part 1 script

Art by: Ashley Nichols
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("Dipper Mouth Blues" by King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band ending)

(needle on record scratches, microphone button switches on, Alastor inhales)

Wasn't that a hum-dinger, folks? The was King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, with their toe-tapping "Dipper Mouth Blues", which has been a long-standing favorite since 1923.

And now, here is "How Can I be Blue?" by the Savoy Bearcats. We will return with the news and weather momentarily.

(microphone button switches off fx, needle on record scratches fx)

(How Can I be Blue?" by the Savoy Bearcats)

(Alastor stretches) So Phillip, you got to see that talkie, "Lights of New York last night?

Oh my, that's spectacular. Sadly, I missed my chance, what with it being sold out, but I've made it my number one priority to see it soon!

Oh, come in, cher!

(footsteps fx)

What have you got for me? (paper rustling fx)

Ooo, breaking news, I see!

They found another victim, did they? That's just tragic.

Ethel Thibodaux, age 28. Her body was also drained of blood, like the others.

Uh, Phillip, can I say that on the air, or will the censors penalize us?

Okay, it's your call - don't be garnishing my paycheck if we get a mark, though.

Oh, you're still here, Darling.

So sorry I read that grim news aloud. You shouldn't be hearing things like that.

I... I know it's in all the papers, but things like that can give someone nightmares.

After all, you fall into the targeted demographics of the victims: you're young, attractive, and single.

But, I reckon it's better you hear it here first, rather than getting the grotesque version from one of those printed gossip rags.

Oh, uh, shhh! (needle on record scratches fx, microphone button switches on fx)

And now, we at WWL present the news for July 8, 1928.

The first full-length talkie, "The Lights of New York" opened yesterday at cinemas to sold-out showings. Get your tickets soon to witness this groundbreaking event yourself!

American athlete Edward Hamm set a new world record for the long jump, with a measured distance of 25 feet 11 inches! Wow! Can you imagine?

Burgeoning automotive manufacturer Plymouth released its first motorcar, the Model Q, for $675.00.

And put away those bread knives, ladies, because making sandwiches just got a lot easier, thanks to Otto Rohwedder's machine that slices and wraps bread!
This modern marvel debuted in Chillicothe, Missouri. I wonder if bread knives will become a thing of the past?

And this just in: the Crescent City Ghoul strikes again! The victim this time was fair Ethel Thibodaux, age 28. Her body was discovered in Jackson Square, mere feet from King Louis' Basilica.

Like the other victims, her body was also drained of blood.

What unholy monster would commit such a crime in the shadow of a church?

May God have mercy on her soul.

And now, the weather.

Today's forecast for New Orleans is a balmy and clear 73 (F) degrees. Luckily, that storm system from the Gulf will just miss, and strike Baton Rouge instead.

Now, let's continue our foray into the world of music, with "Lady Mine", by the Ross De Luxe Syncopaters.

(microphone button switches off fx, needle on record scratches fx)

("Lady Mine", by the Ross De Luxe Syncopaters starts)

Why, thank you, cher. I do love these broadcasts.

So, I can't help but notice that you remained here even after you handed me the insert. Do you need something?

Oh, you're all tongue-tied. I can understand if you're a bit star struck, seeing as I am New Orleans' biggest celebrity.

Oh, you just wanted to see behind-the-scenes? Darling, you've worked here for over three months now, so you should be well-versed in how the broadcasts come to life.

Is there perhaps... another reason you lingered?

(laughs)

My goodness, what a nervous little rabbit you are! Tell you what: we break for lunch after these last two songs. How 'bout you join me out on the esplanade for lunch?

The weather's just perfect!

How grand! Let me finish the show, and then we can leave.

(needle on record scratches fx, microphone button switches on fx)

And that was "Lady Mine". I bet that tune will be stuck in your head all day!

I am your host, Alastor Bellivue. you are listening to New Orleans' own WWL, being brought to you live on 1220 kilohertz!

And now, I'd like to introduce you to a little ditty that's close to my heart....

(scene change)

Oh, there you are! (footsteps fx) Thank you for waiting for me!

I see you purchased the cafeteria's étouffée. Excellent choice!

I decided on the muffaletta sandwich. I do hope I didn't pick poorly.

Well, come on, let us go out to the esplanade!

(walking fx)

(door opens fx, traffic and city sounds fx)

After you!

(door closes fx)

Ahh... there's an empty table!

(New Orleans street band song starting)

(walking fx)

I'm ravenous!

(plates set on table fx)

(chairs slide fx)

Bon appétit, cher!

(fork on plate fx)

Meh, it's not like my mother's muffaletta, but it's edible. How's yours?

Well, of course it's spicy, Dear - it's étouffée!

You enjoyed the broadcast then?

So glad to hear that! Remember, even my coworkers are my audience, so I have to present a riveting show.

So, I never asked: what exactly got you interested in working at a radio station?

Ah, you're interested in the medium. It certainly is an exciting field.

I fell in love with radio as a child, and that love motivated me to become a radio host.

My Transatlantic accent? Oh goodness, it took me years to master! The accent's quite fun, and it sounds terrific on the radio!

Oh, don't flatter me, Darling!

So, have you always lived here?

Ah... you're a transplant from France, are you? Studying abroad?

I see.

You're here by yourself, then? No family?

Quite interesting!

Well, I hope you do find our station to your liking. We're the largest, with the widest transmission range in the Gulf... or so they claim.

I find the logistics of the technical side of radio quite boring.

No, it's the spoken part that dazzles me so. It's all a sublime performance. From intonation, tempo, breaths... every little step is part of a complicated dance...
... that aims to captivate all that hear it.

And I wonder, cher, as you sit here, with sparkling eyes and hanging onto my every word... does the broadcast mesmerize you?

And THAT is precisely why I've been dubbed the "Golden Voice of WWL".

No, no, ma petite lapine (my little rabbit), you shouldn't be bashful. It's quite an honor to sit before a fan, actually.

You are most endearing, and, I admit, you've charmed me.

From the first day you arrived, I immediately noticed you.

 However, I never detected reciprocation on your part, so I did not pursue anything.

Oh? You have noticed my glances then, yet you couldn't muster your courage to say anything?

(laugh) What a positively adorable creature you are! I could just eat you up!

My goodness, what a revelation! And here I thought it was all one-sided on my part!

This is no longer a lunch. This is, in actuality, our first date!

Ma petite lapine, you are too sweet for words, I tell you!

How could I possibly resist your spellbinding wiles?

Dear, I don't think I'll ever tire of showering you with flattery, not when you react the way you do!

Tell me: have you had a chance to visit Audubon Park? It's quite spectacular this time of the year.

Well then, I must take you there, and I won't accept no for an answer.

How about tonight?

You can't? Oh, pity. May I ask why?

You... have a ticket for tonight's showing of Lights of New York?

Well, I must admit, I'm a bit jealous.

Oh, you had also purchased one for a friend, but she's fallen ill?

You... you'd like to invite... me?

I-I-I'm speechless....

Oh, cher, do you really want to waste such a priceless item?

I mean, you'd be able to see it twice with two tickets.

Really?

I...I can't begin to thank you! I feared I'd never be able to get a ticket, being as I leave the studio so late.

This... this selfless gesture has... really touched me....

No, I speak the truth. No one's ever done anything so philanthropic for me before.

You've heard me speaking about the movie for weeks now? Well, it received so much coverage prior to its release, and I've been so exhilarated.

I....

This means so much to me. Your noble action has... caused me to rethink some things....

Oh, it - it doesn't matter now, really....

I... I see you a bit differently.

Well, the showing's at 7:00pm, right?

Excellent! We'll... we'll watch it together, and I'll walk you home directly afterwards.

No, no, I swear, I have no ill intentions, mark my words. I must escort you home, for protection.

Oh, no, I don't think we have to worry about the Crescent city Ghoul, I was meaning to protect you from ruffians.

And also, it's just... crucial that I get you back in time.

Why? B-because I want you to get enough sleep. Remember, we have work tomorrow.

No, I'm not going to turn into a werewolf.

I won't bicker about this with you. I'm taking you straight home after the movie.

Ah, look at the time! I think it's best we head back inside now. Got to get ready for the afternoon shift.

(forks on plate fx, chairs slide fx)

I will count the hours until tonight with you, cher.

(footsteps fx, door opens and closes fx)