All About Eve 'Uncut' -- English Style

by AAEfanatic

 

Episode 4A

 

Act 3. 1

SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's house, night 1

SERIES OF SCENES: Various locations in Kent County, morning. 2

SCENE: Dover, inside a restaurant, night 9

SCENE: Dover, on a shopping street, night 10

SCENE: Dover, in Hyung-Chul's car, night 11

SCENE: Dover White Cliffs, along the coastline, night 12

SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's house, night 14

SCENE: Dover White Cliffs, in Hyung-Chul's car, night 12

SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's house, night 14

SCENE: Dover White Cliffs, in Hyung-Chul's car, night 15

 

 

 

Act 3

 

 

SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's house, night

 

Sun-Mi comes in the door and walks into the living room where her aunt is reading.

 

Gwi-Sun looks up as Sun-Mi approaches.

 

Gwi-Sun............ Did you eat?

 

Sun-Mi stops to chat...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Uh-huh. Senior took me to a Thai place in Stratford that he likes.

 

Gwi-Sun............ Oh? He seems to be taking you out someplace almost every night lately.

 

 

Sun-Mi comes over to the couch and sits next to her aunt.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Senior does treat me really nice... On Saturday, we're...

 

She stops, realizing that she'd accepted Hyung-Chul's invitation before getting her aunt's approval.

 

Sun-Mi.............. I mean, tonight Senior asked me to go with him to Dover for a day trip. This Saturday. Can I?

 

 

Gwi-Sun looks over her reading glasses...

 

Gwi-Sun............ You don't want to work at the restaurant? You haven't come in even once this week.

 

Sun-Mi.............. I know... But I'd really like to see the White Cliffs while I'm here.

 

She looks at her aunt plaintively...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Please, Auntie?

 

Gwi-Sun............ I see... Just the two of you, is it? Is something going on that I should know about?

 

Sun-Mi.............. Auntie! It's not like that. We're not dating. Senior and I are just friends... good friends.

 

 

The older woman smiles, nodding to signal her approval...

 

Gwi-Sun............ Of course you can go. You don't need to ask permission, you're an adult. Go and have fun!

 

Sun-Mi.............. Thanks, Auntie! You're the best!

 

She gives her aunt a hug.

 

Sun-Mi.............. I'm going upstairs now, to study.

 

 

Sun-Mi gets up from the couch and heads for the stairs.

 

Gwi-Sun............ Oh... Wait!

 

Sun-Mi stops and looks back...

 

Sun-Mi.............. What?

 

Gwi-Sun............ Take some money from the jar in the kitchen. Treat Hyung-Chul for dinner, to thank him.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (smiling) Yes...

 

Gwi-Sun............ I'll bring up some fruits later.

 

 

After Sun-Mi leaves, her aunt smiles, congratulating herself that things are developing as she'd hoped...

 

Gwi-Sun............ (musing) Going out every night, but it's not dating?... And it's just 'good friends'?

 

 

SERIES OF SCENES: Various locations in Kent County throughout the day

 

With music and lyrics from Sting's 1993 song, Fields of Gold...

 

You'll remember me when the west wind moves upon the fields of barley

You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky as we walk in fields of gold

So she took her love for to gaze awhile upon the fields of barley

In his arms she fell as her hair came down among the fields of gold.

 

Will you stay with me, will you be my love among the fields of barley?

We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky as we lie in fields of gold

See the west wind move like a lover so upon the fields of barley

Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth among the fields of gold.

 

I never made promises lightly and there have been some that I've broken

But I swear in the days still left we'll walk in fields of gold

We'll walk in fields of gold

 

Many years have passed since those summer days among the fields of barley

See the children run as the sun goes down among the fields of gold

You'll remember me when the west wind moves upon the fields of barley

You can tell the sun in his jealous sky when we walked in fields of gold

When we walked in fields of gold, when we walked in fields of gold.

 

 

Kent County

 

Leaving from Sun-Mi's aunt's house at daybreak, Hyung-Chul heads east on the motorway...

 

 

 

Leaving the motorway they cruise local roads through the lush, green countryside of scenic Kent County...

 

 

 

 

Canterbury

 

Arriving at Canterbury, they park and walk to the famous Cathedral at the heart of the city center.

 

One of the oldest Christian structures in England, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in the 6th century.

It was rebuilt several times and much of the structure dates to the 12th century.

 

 

 

The soaring 80-foot high Gothic nave is awe inspiring.

 

 

 

After touring the Cathedral, they stop in for breakfast at The Moat Tea Rooms on Burgate Street.

 

 

 

Dover

 

Hyung-Chul takes the A2 from Canterbury to Dover and drives directly to Dover Castle.

 

 

 

They tour the historic castle, which dates back to King Henry II in the 1180's.

 

 

 

On the grounds is a lighthouse dating to the Roman empire, and the restored Anglo-Saxon church of St. Mary de Castro.

 

 

 

Burrowed into the solid rock under the castle is a hospital and secret tunnels used during World War II.

 

 

 

After touring the castle, they lunch at a popular coffee shop in Dover, La Salle Verte.

 

 

 

National Trust -- The White Cliffs of Dover

 

Following lunch, they drive out of Dover to the White Cliffs Visitor Centre at Langdon Cliffs.

 

Walking east along the footpaths, they enjoy breathtaking views from the cliff top...

 

 

 

Soon they come to the South Foreland Lighthouse, built in 1843.

 

 

 

They climb the 73 steps to the open balcony for a sweeping view of the area.

 

 

 

Before moving on, they take tea and cake at the infamous Mrs. Knott's tea room, located in the former keeper's cottage.

 

 

 

St. Margaret's Bay

 

Hiking on to village of St. Margaret's Bay, they follow Beach Road to the Pines Garden Tea Room and Museum.

 

 

 

From there it is a short walk down to the public beach.

 

They rest on one of the benches and watch waves lap on the pebbled shore.

 

 

 

A pint at the shore side Coastguard public house finishes their afternoon adventure.

 

 

 

Catching the bus back to Dover, they choose Italian for dinner...

 

 

 

SCENE: Dover, inside a restaurant, night

 

Hyung-Chul contemplatively sips his wine as he looks across the dining table at Sun-Mi.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Thanks again for dinner. It was a good choice.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Thank my Auntie. She gave me the money to treat you.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Doesn't she pay you for working?

 

Sun-Mi.............. Yes, when I work... which hasn't been as much lately.

 

She looks at him accusingly.

 

Hyung-Chul....... What? Just say you can't come out, if you'd rather be bussing tables.

 

Sun-Mi.............. To be honest, it's more fun hanging out with you, and more educational, too.

 

Hyung-Chul....... But we hardly work on your English studies.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (smiles) I meant learning what all the kinds of beers, wines, liquors, and cocktails taste like.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Tsst! ... If your aunt heard that, she'd scold me!

 

 

Sun-Mi takes a last swallow, draining her wine, and puts the empty glass down.

 

 

Sun-Mi.............. One more, then I'm done.

 

Hyung-Chul notices her cheeks are flushed.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Haven't you had enough?

 

She grins impishly as she raises her right hand with a small gap between the thumb and forefinger.

 

Sun-Mi.............. The wine is so good. Just a little more?

 

Hyung-Chul laughs.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Sure. It doesn't matter anyway, 'cause I'm driving.

 

She moves her glass closer so he can pour the wine.

 

Hyung-Chul....... It's a lot nicer sightseeing with a friend, than going alone.

 

She eyes him curiously.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Would you really have come by yourself?

 

He nods.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Yes. But today I didn't have to. Thanks for coming.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Thanks for asking me. I had a lot of fun, too.

 

 

He raises his glass in a toast.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Here's to good times and good friends.

 

She lifts her glass to touch his.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Yes, to good friends.

 

 

SCENE: Dover, on a shopping street, night

 

Hyung-Chul walks out of a souvenir shop, carrying a shopping bag.

 

Sun-Mi follows him out, carrying another bag.

 

 

Hyung-Chul....... Is this everything?

 

She shakes her head.

 

Sun-Mi.............. The plate's for my Auntie Song. I still need some gifts for friends.

 

 

They stroll along, window-shopping the store displays, and come to a bookshop.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Oh! Look!

 

The window features a display of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit books and figurines.

 

 

 

She stops to look closer at the figurines.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Peter Rabbit was one of my favorite stories when I was little.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Why Peter Rabbit?

 

Sun-Mi.............. I wanted to be like him, bold and audacious, not afraid of anything.

 

Hyung-Chul chuckles...

 

Hyung-Chul....... If I recall, he barely escaped the cooking pot. Impertinent and foolhardy is more apt if you ask me.

 

 

Sun-Mi.............. (frowning) Are you insinuating something about me?

 

He grins, playing innocent...

 

Hyung-Chul....... Huh?... I was talking about the rabbit.

 

She is dubious, so defends herself...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Foolhardy or bold, impertinent or audacious... It all depends on the point of view, right?

 

Hyung-Chul....... (laughing) Okay, I'll give you bold and audacious. Happy?

 

Sun-Mi.............. Umm...

 

 

A few doors down is a bakery. Sun-Mi stops and points to the window display.

 

 

 

Sun-Mi.............. (excitedly) Fairy cakes! Those are my Auntie's favorite! Let's get some.

 

She grabs Hyung-Chul's arm and pulls him inside...

 

 

SCENE: Dover, in Hyung-Chul's car, night

 

It is after dark when they return to the car.

 

Hyung-Chul puts the shopping bags in the boot while Sun-Mi settles down in the passenger seat.

 

She is yawning as he gets behind the wheel, starts the engine, and turns on the headlamps.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Tired?

 

Sun-Mi.............. A little. I'll be fine.

 

 

But just a minute later, as he steers out of the car park, lulled by the purring motor, she falls into a sound sleep.

 

He looks over at Sun-Mi, dozing peacefully, and marvels at how meeting her had changed him...

 

Hyung-Chul....... (quietly) Someday, 'Sleeping Beauty', I hope I can be your Prince Charming...

 

 

SCENE: Dover White Cliffs, along the coastline, night

 

Several miles west of Dover, Hyung-Chul turns the BMW roadster off the highway onto a narrow, paved road.

 

A little further, the lane devolves into a gravel track.

 

He proceeds slowly, headlamps illuminating the ruts as the car bounces along.

 

Sun-Mi stirs in her seat, but does not awaken.

 

The lane dead ends in grass near the cliff edge.

 

Hyung-Chul cuts the engine and lowers the convertible's roof with a low-pitched whirr of the geared motor.

 

The sound awakens Sun-Mi from her nap. She sits up and looks around.

 

There is just enough ambient light from the glow over Dover in the distance to see.

 

They appear to be in the middle of nowhere. Close by, she can hear the crash of waves on rocks below.

 

She turns to Hyung-Chul, looking for an explanation.

 

He gazes steadily back, leaning slightly toward her as if poised to move closer, his dark eyes intense ...

 

 

SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's house, night

 

Gwi-Sun looks up from her book at the living room wall clock.

 

The clock shows 11:50.

 

She looks over at the phone, debating whether to call, but puts the idea aside.

 

Gwi-Sun............ (to herself) Well, he did say they'd be back late.

 

 

She puts her book down on her lap, then takes a sip of water from a glass on the side table.

 

Gwi-Sun............ (pondering) I wonder what those two are up to right now?

 

She smiles as she considers the possibility of a budding romance from her matchmaking...

 

 

 

Picking up her book, she turns to the next page to resume her reading.

 

 

SCENE: Dover White Cliffs, in Hyung-Chul's car, night

 

Hyung-Chul....... (jokingly) So, you woke up, Sleeping Beauty. I was just about to take personal action myself.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Ha-ha, very funny.

 

Accustomed to his teasing, she smiles back to hide her self-chastisement for falling asleep and giving him opportunity.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Well, anyway, we're here now.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Where is 'here'? What are you thinking?

 

 

He grins boyishly...

 

Hyung-Chul....... Going stargazing.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Stargazing?

 

Hyung-Chul....... Look up.

 

Sun-Mi looks up. The clear, dark sky overhead is filled with stars.

 

Hyung-Chul paraphrases a portion of her list of 'favorite things'...

 

Hyung-Chul....... Ocean waves below, and a star-filled sky above... Now you have them together.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (amazed) You remembered that?

 

He chuckles...

 

Hyung-Chul....... It was something on my mind, too.

 

 

He reclines his seat back. Sun-Mi adjusts hers, too, and they settle in to enjoy the celestial majesty.

 

Sun-Mi.............. This is so nice. So many stars, like so many blessings to count.

 

Hyung-Chul....... You count your blessings?

 

Sun-Mi.............. Uh-huh. Every night, before I sleep, I give thanks for the all the good things in my life.

 

 

A sudden bright white streak crosses the sky, catching her attention.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Senior, look!

 

She points excitedly. Then another leaves a fiery trail, followed by a third, moments later.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Wow!... Another one! ... Over there, too! Did you see them?!

 

Hyung-Chul....... (amused) Yes.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Why are there so many falling stars tonight?

 

Hyung-Chul....... It's the Perseid meteor shower, that happens at this time every year.

 

 

They watch another meteorite burn a long trail across the sky.

 

Sun-Mi.............. How do you know about this?

 

Hyung-Chul....... I used to watch the Perseids as a child, with my Mum.

 

He reflects nostalgically...

 

Hyung-Chul....... (quoting) 'The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

 

Sun-Mi.............. What is that from?

 

Hyung-Chul....... It's part of Psalm 19 from the Bible. My Mum was a devout Catholic. It was one of her favorite verses...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Did you go often with her?

 

Hyung-Chul....... Just once a year, if the sky was clear. It was her special treat for me, to celebrate...

 

 

Sun-Mi recalls the message left on his answering machine...

 

Joo-Hee............ (voiceover) I'm sending a special package for your birthday...

 

Immediately she puts the pieces together...

 

Sun-Mi.............. It's your birthday today?

 

Hyung-Chul....... Actually, tomorrow.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Still, why didn't you say earlier? We could've had cake and candles to celebrate.

 

Hyung-Chul....... It's not that important.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (adamantly) Birthdays are always important!

 

Her brow creases for a moment, as an idea brings a spark to her eyes...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Senior, what time is it?

 

He checks his watch...

 

Hyung-Chul....... Five minutes to midnight. Why?

 

Sun-Mi.............. There's just enough time, if I hurry.

 

Hyung-Chul....... What are you going to do in the next five minutes?

 

Sun-Mi.............. Wait and see... Give me your cigarette lighter.

 

 

He looks at her outstretched hand, mystified at the unusual request.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Why?

 

Sun-Mi.............. Just give it here.

 

Grudgingly acceding to her demand, Hyung-Chul hands over his lighter. She takes it with an impish grin.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Now, pop the boot, please.

 

 

Giving up trying to figure out her intentions, he complies, releasing the lid remotely.

 

Sun-Mi.............. I'll be just a minute.

 

 

Sun-Mi undoes her seatbelt and alights from the car.

 

Rustling sounds emerge as she rummages through the shopping bags in the boot.

 

Sun-Mi.............. If I'd known, I would've bought a proper gift...

 

Hyung-Chul....... That's unnecessary. I already have one from you.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Oh? When did I give you a gift?

 

Hyung-Chul....... The day you absent-mindedly crashed into my car.

 

 

The rustling sounds cease and he sees in the rear-view mirror Sun-Mi poking her head around the boot lid.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (irately) What did you say? Who crashed into whom?!

 

He laughs...

 

Hyung-Chul....... I'm saying it was a big gift just getting to know you.

 

Sun-Mi smiles happily as she returns to her task.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Be careful what you ask for! My daddy says I'm quite bothersome to people who know me well.

 

Hyung-Chul grins in agreement.

 

 

Sun-Mi.............. Anyway, I have another gift for you, so close your eyes tight and cover them with your hand.

 

Hyung-Chul....... What?

 

Sun-Mi.............. Just do it!

 

He obediently closes his eyes, raising one hand over them.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Okay, I'm ready.

 

Sun-Mi.............. No peeking!

 

 

He hears the boot close. The car moves slightly as she gets in her seat and closes the passenger side door.

 

Then the scrape of knurled metal on flint sounds as she strikes the lighter, followed by her cheery voice...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Senior, open your eyes now!

 

He opens his eyes, and stares, speechless, at her 'gift'...

 

 

SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's house, night

 

Gwi-Sun is dozing in her chair, the book dropped in her lap.

 

[sound of the telephone ringing]

 

She picks up the handset to answer...

 

Gwi-Sun............ (in English) Hello?

 

 

 

Gwi-Sung.......... Yeodonsaeng (little sister), can I speak to Sun-Mi?

 

Gwi-Sun............ She's not in right now, oppa.

 

Gwi-Sung.......... Out so late? Is she studying, or just playing around?

 

Gwi-Sun............ Of course she studies, all the time. But today she went sightseeing to the White Cliffs.

 

Gwi-Sung.......... Oh... With friends?

 

Gwi-Sun............ I'm expecting them back at any moment. Do you want her to call when she comes in?

 

Gwi-Sung.......... No, it's late. Have her call me in the morning... How is she doing?

 

Gwi-Sun............ Just fine. Don't worry so much. You call too often. Give her a chance to spread her wings a bit.

 

Gwi-Sung.......... I know, I'm being an overprotective father. But she's all I have.

 

Gwi-Sun............ That's why I'm taking extra good care of her for you. Before you know it, she'll be back in Seoul.

 

Gwi-Sung.......... (sighs) You're right. Don't tell Sun-Mi I called to check up on her, okay?

 

Gwi-Sun............ As you say, oppa... I've already forgotten...

 

 

SCENE: Dover White Cliffs, in Hyung-Chul's car, night

 

Hyung-Chul �is totally surprised by what Sun-Mi has done...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Ta-da!

 

She triumphantly displays the souvenir plate she'd bought, arranged with a circle of fairy cakes around the lighter.

 

Sun-Mi.............. What do you think?

 

He stares at the makeshift 'birthday cake', amazed and moved...

 

Hyung-Chul....... It's...(choking up) ... It's about the best birthday cake I've ever had...

 

 

The flame casts a soft yellow glow, sparkling in the dark pupils of her half-moon eyes as she smiles brightly...

 

 

 

Sun-Mi.............. What time is it now?

 

He checks his watch...

 

Hyung-Chul....... 12:01.

 

Sun-Mi.............. It's officially your birthday now! Go ahead, make a wish.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Umm ... what should I wish for? It's hard to decide.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Wish something really big, something that you want with all your heart...

 

 

He gazes at her, thinking about what she said...

 

Hyung-Chul....... Okay... I got it.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Good! ... Ready? ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... Happy birthday, Senior!

 

 

Hyung-Chul puffs, blowing out the flame just as a brilliant falling star burns a long trace across the sky.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Wow! A falling star, too! That means you'll get your wish for sure!

 

Hyung-Chul....... Really? You think so?

 

She nods seriously... then laughs.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Why not? They say the stars are never wrong.

 

 

He gazes into the heavens, wondering if it's possible... if his wish will come true...

 

Hyung-Chul....... (voiceover) Someday, Sleeping Beauty, I want to be your Prince Charming...

 

 

To Be Continued...