All About Eve 'Uncut' -- English Style
by AAEfanatic
Episode 3A
SERIES OF SCENES: London to Cambridge, morning
SCENE: Cambridge King's College Registrar's office, morning
SCENE: Cambridge street, outside Darwin College, morning.
SCENE: Cambridge, at Darwin College Porter's Lodge, morning
SERIES OF SCENES: Darwin College campus, afternoon
SCENE: Cambridge street, outside Darwin College, afternoon
SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's living room, night
SPLIT SCENES: Cho-Jeh's home / Sun-Mi's home, night
SCENE: London, Hyung-Chul's living room, night
Act 2
SERIES OF SCENES: London to Cambridge, morning
THE NEXT MORNING...
Right after breakfast, Sun-Mi starts off for Cambridge to complete registration for her summer class...
On a London Street
From her Aunt's house, she takes a city bus...
At a London Underground Station
From the bus, she takes the Northern Tube across London...
At King's Cross Station
Boarding the next 'Semi-fast' train, she has an hour-long trip to Cambridge...
Shepreth Branch Junction, South Cambridgeshire
Cambridge Train Station
Disembarking at the train station, Sun-Mi catches a city bus to the University...
Alighting at the bus stop, it is a short walk to King's College...
King's College, Cambridge University
SCENE: Cambridge King's College Registrar's office, morning
(All dialog in this scene is in English except as noted)
Sun-Mi is at the head of a queue at the King's College Registrar's counter.
A Registrar clerk working the counter returns her papers.
Registrar........... I'm sorry, all class sections are filled.
Sun-Mi.............. But... I pre-register, in Korea... umm... last month.
Registrar........... Foreign students have to confirm pre-registration in person, before the class session begins.
Sun-Mi.............. I come today, confirm. Class start tomorrow. See...?
Sun-Mi points to a date on the paper.
Registrar........... Yes, but the session started today, the last day to confirm was yesterday.
Frowning, Sun-Mi expresses her frustration...
Sun-Mi.............. (harshly, in Korean) Idiots! No one told me that!
The Registrar glares at Sun-Mi over her glasses.
Registrar........... (sternly) What?!
Sun-Mi takes a calming breath, and tries again...
Sun-Mi.............. But I already... uh... pay the money.
Registrar........... We can refund tuition, but not the application fee. I'll give you a form for the Cashier.
Sun-Mi.............. (pleading) But I gotta take the class... Please... it's important...
... if she has to go back to Seoul now, it will brand her as a failure in front of Young-Mi ...
Sun-Mi's sweet, woeful face elicits sympathy, even from a callous bureaucrat inured to student's sob stories...
Registrar........... Let me check if there is a different class available.
The woman searches for alternate classes on her computer as Sun-Mi waits.
Registrar........... A class is still open in Darwin College that meets at 10 o'clock. Do you want it?
Sun-Mi.............. (fretting) But King's College is best. No one knows Darwin College.
The queue behind Sun-Mi is growing longer, and the Registrar impatiently pushes for a decision...
Registrar........... Do you want the class , or the refund? Make up your mind!
Sun-Mi.............. (displeased) Okay... I can take Darwin class.
The Registrar types an entry on the computer and prints off a form. She hands it to Sun-Mi with some other papers.
Although unhappy, Sun-Mi remembers to smile to show her appreciation, and dips her head respectfully.
Sun-Mi.............. (speaking in Korean) Kamsamida...
The Registrar raises an eyebrow... and Sun-Mi quickly corrects herself...
Sun-Mi.............. Uh... Thank you.
Registrar........... Mr. Baker will sign the transfer form. His office is out that way, the door on the right... Room 103...
The Registrar points to a doorway leading into a corridor.
Registrar........... Take the signed form over to the Porter's Lodge in Darwin College. The clerk there will help you.
Sun-Mi.............. (confused) Porters what?
The Registrar is reaching the end of her tolerance...
Registrar........... (impatiently) The Porter's Lodge, by the main entrance in the Rayne Building. They'll help you.
Sun-Mi.............. (still confused) How can I... uh... go Darwin College?
Registrar........... (rapidly) Out that door on the left. Take Queens Lane to Silver Street, then cross the River Cam.
Sun-Mi doesn't understand half of what the woman said, and smiles apologetically...
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry... Can you give to me the direction... to Porters... uh... no, to Darwins... again, please?
Someone in the queue titters.
Flustered and embarrassed, Sun-Mi's face burns a bright crimson as, humiliated, she stares at her shoes.
Sun-Mi.............. (mumbling) Sorry... I'm not understand...
The Registrar shoots a stern glare at the perpetrator, then smiles comfortingly at Sun-Mi.
Registrar........... It's fine... don't worry.
She repeats the directions, this time speaking slower...
Registrar........... Take Queen's Lane ... to Silver Street ... then across the River Cam ...
....................... Darwin College is on the left side... the Porter's Lodge is in the Rayne Building. Okay?
Sun-Mi is still uncertain, but wants to get away from the ignominious situation as quickly as possible...
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles and nods) Okay. I'm gonna go there now. Thank you.
She bows out of habit, then starts off, repeating the directions to herself...
Sun-Mi.............. Queen's Lane ... Silver Street ... across River Cam ... on the left ...
Registrar........... Next, please!
She motions to the next student in line to come forward, as Sun-Mi exits out the doorway on the left...
SCENE: Cambridge street, outside Darwin College, morning
Following directions carefully, Sun-Mi heads for Darwin College, the short walk invigorating her spirits.
She arrives outside the Rayne Building, the uncomfortable experience in the Registrar's office behind her...
SCENE: Cambridge, at Darwin College Porter's Lodge, morning
(All dialog in this scene is in English except as noted)
Inside the Rayne Building, Sun-Mi enters the Porter's Lodge.
She approaches the young female clerk at the desk for help...
Sun-Mi.............. Hi.
Clerk................ Hello.
Sun-Mi places her enrollment paperwork on the counter.
The clerk looks at the papers and points to a blank line.
Clerk................ You need to sign here.
Sun-Mi.............. What?
Hyung-Chul enters the room, goes over to the mail cubbyholes, and starts looking through the mail for any letters addressed to him.
Clerk................ Uh... You need to sign here and we also need Mr. Baker's signature.
....................... His office is on the first floor at King's College.
Sun-Mi.............. (confused) King's College? ... (in Korean) I just came ...
She pauses when she catches herself speaking Korean.
Hyung-Chul looks over at Sun-Mi when he hears his native language spoken.
Sun-Mi.............. I ... I just came from there.
The clerk, not understanding Sun-Mi's accent, is annoyed and impatient...
Clerk................ (sharply) What? Speak in English!
Sun-Mi.............. (in Korean) If I could speak in English I would.
Hyung-Chul recognizes Sun-Mi as the girl from the restaurant he'd pegged correctly as a Summer English Brat.
But he resolves to keep uninvolved, and let her handle her own problems...
Frustrated, Sun-Mi berates herself, beating her chest with her hand.
Sun-Mi.............. (in Korean) Why did I come alone?
Clerk................ (impatiently) What?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes, I'm gonna get the sign.
Sun-Mi runs out to get her papers signed back at King's College...
Content he has made the right decision by staying aloof, Hyung-Chul watches with amusement as she leaves.
SERIES OF SCENES: Darwin College campus, afternoon
After completing her enrollment in the English class, Sun-Mi takes a tour of the college.
The late morning is sunny but not too warm as she acquaints herself with the small, secluded campus...
The grounds are maintained in a park-like setting, with numerous benches for studying or enjoying a break...
The campus straddles a narrow section of the River Cam...
Across the footbridge is a small island with more gardens and benches...
From the island, she views the architecturally acclaimed Study Center and historic Old Granary...
Amid the serenity of her new surroundings, Sun-Mi rests on a bench, watching punts go by on the river.
Sun-Mi.............. (musing) Maybe Darwin College isn't so bad after all...
SCENE: Cambridge street, outside Darwin College, afternoon
(All dialog in this scene is in English except as noted)
Leaving Darwin College to take the bus back to the train station, Sun-Mi walks down Silver Street...
Coming to the crosswalk, she turns to step off the curb...
Beeeep! ... Beeeep! ... The blaring car horn startles Sun-Mi.
She looks up to see a red Cortina convertible coupe rolling to a stop in front of her...
With surprise Sun-Mi recognizes the driver -- the same man she spilled on in the restaurant the night before!
John................. Are you all right, Miss?
Sun-Mi.............. (catching her breath) Your horn startled me!
John................. That was because you were about to step into the street without looking...
Sun-Mi.............. I did look!
John................. But traffic here drives the other way.
Sun-Mi ............. (embarrassed) Oh...yes... I so stupid!
John................. You're not stupid. It happens to people when they first come here. Just be more careful.
Sun-Mi is relieved that he isn't looking down on her for making a second mistake.
Sun-Mi ............. Thanks. I try.
John................. It's a surprise to see you again so soon.
Sun-Mi.............. (smiling) England must be small place...
John................. Actually, I'd hoped to talk with you more last night, but you never came back out of the kitchen.
Sun-Mi.............. Oh? (sudden realization) Oh, yes... jacket... Sorry. You want I pay for clean...?
John................. That's not necessary. I just wanted you to know that everything was fine...
He shows her that his jacket is not stained...
John................. See? Nothing to be concerned about.
Sun-Mi.............. Okay... Thanks for tell me.
John................. So you're a student here, too?
Sun-Mi.............. (nods) I study summer English class, Darwin College.
John................. I'm in Broadcast Journalism, King's College.
Sun-Mi.............. (amazed) Really? That's my major in Seoul!
John................. So we have something in common?
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles) Yes. It look like so.
John................. That must be why I felt I should see you again.
Sun-Mi.............. Oh?
John................. My name is John White. And yours?
Sun-Mi.............. Jin Sun-Mi... I mean, Jin is family name. You call me Sun-Mi.
John................. All right, Sun-Mi... Would you like to have some coffee? There's a place nearby I go to often...
Sun-Mi hesitates, wondering ... should she get into a car with someone she just met and hardly knows? ...
John reaches across the seat and opens the passenger side door.
John................. Hop in, I'll drive...
She recalls Sister Agnes' advice...� 'This is your day to seize ... don't be afraid to step out in faith and move forward' ...
Sun-Mi ............. (smiling) Sure. I like that...
SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's living room, night
LATER THAT NIGHT...
Sun-Mi and her aunt are sitting in the living room, watching TV.
Gwi-Sun............ How did registration go today?
Sun-Mi.............. (sighs) I missed the correct registration day, so I had to transfer to a different college for the class.
Gwi-Sun............ That's not so bad. At least you got a class.
Sun-Mi.............. (complaining) But I lost my room in the King's College dorm. So I have nowhere on campus to live.
Gwi-Sun............ Then you'll stay here, with me. You can commute.
Sun-Mi.............. But that takes over two hours!
Gwi-Sun............ Look at it this way... you'll have four hours each day with nothing to do except study.
Sun-Mi doesn't seem very excited about the suggestion, but then her eyes light up...
Sun-Mi.............. Since I'm staying here, I can work at the restaurant every day, and not just on weekends!
Gwi-Sun gives her a dubious look, as if that isn't going anywhere...
Gwi-Sun............ You want to work every day?
Sun-Mi comes over to her aunt and gives her a warm hug, hoping to persuade her.
Sun-Mi.............. I can practice my English when I'm working, too.
Gwi-Sun............ Let me think about it...
Sun-Mi.............. Auntie... Please?
Gwi-Sun............ Oh... All right. But only if you keep up on your studies.
Sun-Mi smiles happily
Sun-Mi.............. Auntie, you're the best!
SPLIT SCENES: Seoul, Cho-Jeh's home / London, Sun-Mi's bedroom
After her aunt retires for the night, Sun-Mi is in her bed room talking on the phone with her college friend Jo Cho-Jeh...
Cho-Jeh............ (excitedly) Tell me what's it like in England? Anything interesting happen?
Sun-Mi.............. Nothing exciting. So far, all I've done is register for class.
Cho-Jeh............ Meet anyone new?
Sun-Mi.............. On the flight to London, I met a nun who teaches Philosophy in CUK. We had a long talk.
Cho-Jeh............ (impatiently) I'm talking about guys.
Sun-Mi checks to see if her aunt is around first, before she goes on, speaking in a lowered voice...
Sun-Mi.............. Well... I did meet this English guy...
Cho-Jeh............ Whoa! ... How is that 'nothing exciting' ?
Sun-Mi.............. It's no big deal. I met him while working at my Auntie's restaurant.
Cho-Jeh............ Did he hit on you, for a date?
Sun-Mi.............. Actually it's a bit embarrassing... I spilled something on him, and made a real mess.
....................... But he was real nice about it, and I didn't get into trouble.
Cho-Jeh............ So... that's when he asked you out?
Sun-Mi.............. No, I went home to clean up, so I didn't see him after that.
Cho-Jeh............ Oh, that was it?
Sun-Mi ............. Well, today we happened to meet again near my campus, and had coffee together.
Cho-Jeh is still not persuaded...
Cho-Jeh............ So one day you dump on him, and the next he asks you out for coffee?
....................... (suspiciously) Were you just trying to get his attention?
Sun-Mi.............. How can you say that?
Cho-Jeh............ All right, I take it back... So tell me about this guy.
Sun-Mi.............. He's a graduate student in Broadcast Journalism, and interning for the BBC this summer.
Cho-Jeh............ I meant the important stuff... Is he handsome? Rich? Have a nice car?
Sun-Mi.............. You know I don't care about those things.
Cho-Jeh............ W-e-ell?
Sun-Mi.............. (sighs) Okay... he's not that handsome, he's doesn't appear to be rich, and his car is old...
Cho-Jeh............ (deflated) Oh... Not a Prince Charming type?
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry to disappoint. He's just a nice guy...
Cho-Jeh............ Nice?
Sun-Mi.............. He offered to help with my English studies.
Hearing this perks up Cho-Jeh's imagination...
Cho-Jeh............ Hmm... Study date? ... Are you sure he doesn't like you?
Sun-Mi.............. It doesn't matter. I'm not looking for a boyfriend.
Cho-Jeh............ (dubiously) Really? Even a little?
Sun-Mi.............. (chuckles) Okay... maybe he does, a little... I think...
Cho-Jeh............ Do you like him?
Sun-Mi.............. I just met him. Don't go off writing stories already...
Cho-Jeh............ Then you don�t like him?
Sun-Mi.............. I didn't say that.
Cho-Jeh............ Then you do, right?
Sun-Mi.............. (defensively) Well... he does treat me nicely... why shouldn't I?
SCENE: London, Hyung-Chul's living room, night
LATER THAT NIGHT...
Hyung-Chul is watching auto racing videos on his laptop...
(sound of a telephone ringing)
He picks up the phone handset.
Hyung-Chul....... Hello?
John................. It's me... Got a minute?
Hyung-Chul....... Sure. One sec...
He pauses the video.
Hyung-Chul....... Okay. What is it?
John................. You remember that girl in the restaurant?
Hyung-Chul....... The clumsy one?
John................. Yeah. Her name is Sun-Mi Jin... You were right, she's a summer English student.
Hyung-Chul....... What? You actually checked her out?
John................. You could say our paths fortuitously crossed today.
Hyung-Chul....... Meaning... you went there for a pick up?
John................. (laughs) Yeah... just for coffee, though. Turns out she's a Broadcast Journalism major in Korea.
Hyung-Chul....... Ah... the 'we have something in common' line, right?
John................. Anyway, I offered to help with her English studies.
Hyung-Chul....... (laughs) Ever the gentleman...
John................. Hey, the reason I called is to get a few tips on dating a Korean.
Hyung-Chul....... Sorry, I don't do relationship counseling.
John................. As a favor?
Hyung-Chul....... Nope. You're on your own, buddy. Good luck.
John................. (chuckles) Thanks for nothing.
Hyung-Chul....... You're welcome. When's our next match?
John................. I'll call you. I might be busy the next several days.
Hyung-Chul....... (laughs) Okay, I get it... Bye...
After Hyung-Chul hangs up, he ponders John words...
John................. (voiceover) Her name is Sun-Mi Jin... she's a genuinely nice girl, not a spoiled Princess...
Then he recalls his conversation with Gwi-Sun at the restaurant...
Hyung-Chul....... (voiceover) Actually.... someone who would make me happy, with a nice smile, is enough for me.
Gwi-Sun............ (voiceover) Then I should introduce you to my niece. She's a bit blur and clumsy, but has a nice smile.
Hyung-Chul....... (musing) So... Jin Sun-Mi, eh? Auntie Jin's niece? ... Is it possible...?
To Be Continued...