CONFESSIONS  OF A LINGERIE SALESMAN                         

FADE IN

EXT. NEW YORK CITY -   NIGHT  

The sky has an unearthly glow,  as it catches the streets and walls of apartment houses.

Several young girls with flowers in their hair, sing and laugh, as they jump rope in front of an apartment house.

LESTER SLOAN, 20's walks in front of the girls.  He is tall, his dark brown hair and eyes accentuate his handsome features.

He moves around the girls and and enters 

THE APARTMENT HOUSE

Lester opens the mail box.  He takes out a letter and reads it.  He shakes his head and places the letter in his pocket.  He enters an elevator.

INT. APARTMENT DINING ROOM - NIGHT.

A large crystal chandelier shines on glittering plates, silver and crystal glasses.

BEN, a middle age man sits at the head of the table.

IDA a middle age woman, her hair sprinkled with gray and  LEAH, a teen-age girl of sixteen sit beside him.

					BEN
		Why do we always have to wait for him?
		Let's eat now.

					IDA
		He'll be here any minute.  He had an
		important interview today.

					BEN
		I'll bet

					LEAH
		I'm hungry.

					BEN
		It's already two years since he graduated 
		College and he's done nothing with his life 
		except play pool, gamble and who knows what 
		else.

					IDA
		He hasn't found himself yet.

					BEN
		Huh!  He's found himself here all right and 
		it doesn't cost him a cent.  When I was his 
		age I had a job, responsibilities and worked 
		day and night to make sure my family was well 			
		provided for.   

					IDA
		All right Ben, we've heard the story 
		before.

					LEAH
		And many times.

					BEN
			(at Leah)		
          Don't be fresh.  When you grow up you'll               
		understand.

A door opening is heard.

Lester enters the dining room.

					LEAH
		Hi.
	
					BEN
		You're late.

					LESTER
		And it's good to see you too.

					IDA
		Wash up and come to the table.

Lester leaves the room.

LATER

The family are finishing dinner.

					IDA
			(at Lester)
		You've hardly eaten.  Didn't you
		like the dinner?

					LESTER		
		It was delicious, but I'm not 
		too hungry tonight.

					BEN
		Your mother tells me you went for 
		a job interview today.  

					LESTER
		I got a job with Heavenly Lingerie
		as a sales trainee.
				
					BEN
			(a sneer across his lip)
		It figures.

					IDA
		Oh Lester!  How wonderful!  I have three
		slips and a robe from Heavenly and they are
		heavenly.  They're just so soft and perfect.
		I'm so happy for you.  I know that you'll be
		a huge success and make us proud of you.

Ben's wrinkled expression is unchanged.

Leah has a wide smile as she giggles.

					LEAH
		Well Lester, now you'll know what keeps 
		the bras and panties up.

Lester glares at Leah.

					LESTER (V.O)
		Am I embarking on the right career?
		Can I turn my life around with this
		great company.  Mr. Stanley Knuckles,
		the Sales Manager who hired me thought  
		so.

FLASHBACK

INT. SALES MANAGER'S OFFICE - DAY
In a small sparse office, Lester sits at a desk in front of Stanley Knuckles, a short obese man. Stacks of paperwork, letters, catalogues and fabric samples are on his desk.  

On another desk nearby, Florence, a middle age woman sits at a nearby desk.  She wears a headset,while typing a document.

					KNUCKLES
		Our interviews and psychology tests have 
		shown that you have leadership qualities 
		and an aggressive sales ability and...  

As Knucles talks on, his voice becomes muffled.  Lester appears deep in thought.

					LESTER (V.O.)
		One question on the psychiatry test still 
		baffles me.  Do I hate my father because 
		he loves my mother?"  I've forgotten my 
		answer, but remember the question.

					KNUCLES
			(full voice)
		We expect great things from you Lester.

					LESTER
		I'll try my very best.

BACK TO PREVIOUS SCENE

Ida and Leah take off dishes, silverware and glasses from the table.  They bring them into the kitchen.  They return and start to wipe the table.

					IDA
		Get to sleep early tonight and you'll 
		be ready for your first day at Heavenly.
		The name fits perfectly. Don't you think 
		so Ben?

					BEN
		Like a glove.

EXT/INT. SUBWAY - DAY

Leonard with a crowd of commuters enters the subway.  After waiting in line, he drops a token into the turnstile slot.  A subway train pulls up to the platform with a screeching halt.  

A mass of people pour out of the train and nearly knock Lester off his feet.  As soon as the last passenger leaves the train, an explosive force of passengers bolt wildly into the train. Leonard is last to squeeze painfully into the train. 

Lester is squashed in between two overweight women who are involved in a heated argument about their husbands.     

Some of the half-awake humans are squashed in sardine fashion on board the train.  Others manage to read newspapers and some with headsets shake their head and bodies.

The train approaches several more stations with screeching halts.

Passengers pour in an out of the train with the same bull like fashion.  

After a beat, Lester gets off the train at his station.  He spends several minutes taking out the creases in his suit,tying his tie and combing his hair.   

He emerges from the subway station.  He stops and looks up.

Skyscrapers jut toward the sky. 

People walk hurriedly in all directions.

Lester enters a tall building.

INT. HEAVENLY LINGERIE COMPANY - SHOWROOM - DAY

The showroom is very posh with thick rugs.  Walls are blanketed with modern paintings.

Lester enters the showroom.  He looks down at his shoes that seem to disappear under the thick rug.  He approaches a voluptuous receptionist.

					LESTER	
		I'm Lester Sloan.  I'm here to see
		Mr. Knuckles.

					RECEPTIONIST
			(getting up from her chair)
 		They're expecting you.

					LESTER (V.O.)
		Hum!  Looks like a 40-23--36.

					RECEPTIONIST
			(pointing)
		Go through that door and turn left and
		you'll see Mr. Knuckles office.
	
				LESTER
		I know where it is, but thank you.

					RECEPTIONIST
		You're welcome.

Lester leaves the showroom.  

INT. KNUCKLES OFFICE

Lester, KARL and GILBERT, two other trainees, sit in front of Knuckles at his desk. They all wear the same navy blue suits.    

Knuckles gets up and hands the trainees thick sales manuals.

					KNUCKLES
		The manual will answers all the questions 
		you might have about our company, its products, 			
		services and your future.  Study the contents 			
		thoroughly and you'll be tested shortly.

The trainees and Lester leaf through the manuals.

					KNUCKLES
		Come with me.

Knuckles leads the trainees into the showroom.  

Several models prepare to model lingerie items.

Lester stops in front of CHARLENE, a very attractive young model.  Their eyes lock.  Lester is abut to speak, when Knuckles grabs his hand and pulls him away.

					KNUCKLES
		There's no time for that.

Lester reluctantly follows the group.					

Knuckles gives the group a tour of the sales booths, the advertising and administration department.  At several VP's offices, Knuckles introduces the trainees to the VP's.

At the end of the tour, Lester and the group return on the same route where Lester met Charlene.  She is no where in sight.

At lunch time, Lester, Karl and Gilbert enter a health food restaurant.   

They take a table.

TILLIE,a tall, well endowed waitress approaches.  She appears theatrcal.  Her lips are full and moist as she speaks.
 
					TILLIE
		Are you boys from BBDO?

					LESTER
		No, were not.

					TILLIE
		But you're in the advertising field.  

Lester's colleagues nod their heads.		
		
					TILLIE
		The special today is turkey cheese,
		lettuce and tomatoes burger, pie and   		
		cranberry juice.

					LESTER
		Sounds good.

The others nod there heads.

					LESTER
		Make it three of the same.

Tillie jots down the order on a pad.  She stops in front of Lester, gives him a broad smile and leaves.

Within minutes, Tillie returns with a tray of foods.  She expertly doles out the food to the group.  Before she leaves she manages to slip a note to Lester.  After she leaves he reads the note.

INSERT  

Call me tonight at 766 8349 Tillie.  I'll be home all night.

END INSERT					

The trio devour their burgers while quickly leafing through the manual.  When they come to the back pages, their eyes widen as they stare at the pages.

INSERT

The pages contain colorful photos of models wearing revealing and seductive lingerie.  On one photo Charlene wears a sheer lingerie.  She is a symphony of legs and curves.

END OF INSERT 

					KARL
		So that's what they look like.

					GILBERT
		The last layer before the final
		peeling.

					KARL
		So what do you think about our jobs?

					LESTER
		A great opportunity to change our lives.

					KARL
		What about you Gilbert?

					GILBERT
		I've been driving a Ferrari for ten years.
		I don't know if I can adjust to a domestic
		car.

					LESTER
		You have a problem all right.

The group finish their lunch.

Tillie approaches and hands Lester the check.

					TILLIE
		Thank you.  Do come again.

She smiles and winks at Lester.

INT. HEAVENLY'S SHOWROOM - DAY

Heavenly is in the midst of a fashion show.

Lester sits in the corner near the entrance to the model's dressing room.

Young, nubile,models emerge, writhed around in their sheer negligees and stilleto heels.  Sultry and blank-faced.  

Lester sits with pen and pad, taking notes of the various styles that are shown to an array of buyers.  His notes transcend to the drawing of Charlene.  He improvises on several parts of her torso.  A cough is heard.

Mr. Knuckles peers over his shoulder.

					KNUCKLES
		You're not going to get far with that
		attitude.

Knuckles leaves in a huff.

The models return to their dressing room and within 
minutes return to the showroom with costume changes.

Lester smile at the models as they pass by.

Charlene exits the dressing room.  She walks up to Lester.
and smiles. She is a symphony of legs and curves.

					CHARLENE
		You're Lester. Aren't you?  I'm Charlene.

					LESTER
		It's a great pleasure meeting you.

Charlene gives Lester a broad snmile and follows the other models onto the showroom floor.

					LESTER (V.O.)
		Charlene! Will you change my luck?

The fashion show is in high gear.

Cocktails and foods are consumed in no small portions.

Salesman are busily engaged in writing sizable orders, employing suave and persuasive techniques.

In a corner Lester and Charlene are huddled together in conversation.

					LESTER
		So we have a date tonight?

					CHARLENE
		Yes.  Where are we going?

					LESTER
		I'll surprise you.  I'll pick you up
		at your house.

					CHARLENE
		Don't be late.

INT. CHARLENE'S BEDROOM- NIGHT

Lester and Charlene languish in bed.

Perspiration rolls from Lester's body, as he attempts to catch his breath.

					CHARLENE
		You were wonderful.

					LESTER
		I aim to please.

Lester kisses Charlene.

					LESTER
		I should be home studying the sales 
		manual.

Charlene springs out of the bed.

					CHARLENE
		I've got the complete line and catalogue
		I can model all the styles and you could 
		study them right here.

					LESTER
		That's an excellent idea.

					LESTER (V.O.)
		Now I can get to feel the difference
		between satin, batiste, tricot, taffeta,
		and the other materials.  I never really 
		knew what I was feeling before.	  
			
Charlene starts to model several seductive lingerie items, quickly making her changes in front of Lester who's eyes and mouth are wide open, as he makes notes on his pad.

					LESTER (V.O)
		Heaven couldn't be sweeter!

After a beat, Charlene ends her modeling.

					CHARLENE
		Did you get everything?

					LESTER
		And more.

He closes his pad.  He moves to Charlene, lifts her up in his arms and deposits her onto the bed.  He lays next to her.

					LESTER
		How can I ever thank you?

Charlene smiles and kisses Lester lightly and then passionately.

SEVERAL WEEKS LATER

INT. KNUCKLES OFFICE DAY

Lester sits at Knuckles desk.  
A pile of documents and papers are on his desk.
				
					KNUCKLES
		You've been chosen to represent Heavenly		
		in the southern territory and...

					LESTER
		...What about Karl and Gilbert?  				
					 
					KNUCKLES
		They've quit, so that leaves you.

  			          LESTER
		Huh!					

Knuckles hands him a check, keys and a stack of documents.

					KNUCKLES
		Now here's your first week check
          for your draw against commissions, the 
		keys to your Hertz fleet car and all the 				
		stationary you'll need.  Now be sure to 
		send in all your orders and sales reports 				
		promptly.

Knuckles gets up and shakes Lester's hand heartily.

					KNUCKLES
		Good luck and drive carefully.

INT. CHARLENE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Lester and Charlene are in bed, screaming loudly, as they climax at the same time.

Charlene's tears soak Lester's body.

They lay back in bed exhausted.

					CHARLENE
		You'll write?

					LESTER
		Every day and Sunday.

					CHARLENE
		You'll forget me.

					LESTER
		I'll also call.

					CHARLENE
		You promise?

					LESTER
		And hope to die.

They kiss and embrace.

SEVERAL WEEKS LATER

INT. KNUCKLES OFFICE - DAY

Florence sits at Knuckles desk and takes dictation.

					KNUCKLES
	MEMO TO LESTER 2/10/60
	SUBJECT YOUR TWO WEEK REPORT:
	
	It's been two weeks since we received your 
	last report.  I note that you have given 
	New Orleans as your address.  We find that 
	most of your time is spent in Louisiana and 
	your letters are postmarked from New Orleans.  
	It has also been brought to my attention that 
	thus far your territory has the lowest sales 
	volume on record with Heavenly.  The one item 
	that you are selling and I must admit in surpri-
	singly large volume is our panty line.  As a 
	matter of fact you have been named The Champ 
	Panty Seller Of The Month.  Should you need any 			
	further assistance, please advise and send in 
	your reports promptly.  

Signed 

Stanley Knuckles Sales Manager

INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Lester sits at a small desk and reads Knuckles memo.
He takes a pen and writes on a memo.   

					LESTER (V.O.)
MEMO TO
Stanley Knuckles
2/19/60
SUBJECT
Your memo of 2/10/60

Mr. Knuckles,
Thank you for your memo of 2/10/60, regarding the two weeks missing sales reports.  In reality, I have been ill with a virus and confined to my bed for two weeks.  On the third week, I made an attempt to return to work.  Unfortunately, I had a relapse and was confined to my bed for another week.  I do appreciate your offer for assistance, but as soon as I get my sea-legs back, I am confident that I shall lead sales in other items besides panties.
Sincerely,
Lester

Lester seals the envelope.  He turns his head, slowly slips into the bed and cuddles up to the body of a young woman. She groans, as she turns to Lester, who embraces and kisses her passionately.

INT. KNUCKLES OFFICE - DAY

Knuckles reads the memo and shakes his head.

Florence sits at Knuckles desk with pad and pen.

					KNUCKLES

MEMO TO 
LESTER 2/22/60
SUBJECT Your memo of 2/19/60

Lester:
It seems very strange that you chose New Orleans to become ill, especially at Mardi Gras time.  I have attempted to call you at your hotel, but you are never in.  The hotel manager has advised me that the only time he has ever seen you, was when you checked in.  If you are confined to your bed, please advise which bed and under what roof.  Ms. Peabody of The Dixie Department store has advised me that you never kept your appointment with her last month and that she was forced to purchase elsewhere.  She also added that she bumped into you and a female leaving a strip joint on Bourbon Street and that you were in an inebriated state.
We at Heavenly are both disturbed and concerned about you. Please send in your reports promptly.
Stanley Knuckles Sales Manager

INT. BAR - NIGHT

Several men and women drink whiskey, their faces dark and drooped.  A juke box plays western music.

Lester sits at the end of the bar.  He writes a memo, as he drinks a beer.

					LESTER (V.O.)
MEMO TO 
STANLEY KNUCKLES SALES MANAGER
2/26/60
SUBJECT
Your memo of 2/22/60
	I am in receipt of your memo of 2/22/60 and I 
	wish to extend my heartfelt thanks for your 
	concern of my health.  You will no doubt be happy 
	to know that I am at last back on the road to 		      
	recovery.  I have discovered that strawberry 
	yogurt has great healing properties.  At the 
	time of my relapse, I collapsed on Bourbon Street 
	and was assisted by a young lady that happened by.  	She was extremely kind and brought me to a hospital.  		
	This was no doubt that Ms. Peabody of the Dixie 
	Dep't Store mistook my condition.  Ms. Peabody is 
	a sweet woman, but frankly an old maid who's sight 
	is not so good and they say that she has relapses 
	of memory.
	Sincerely.
	Lester

	INT. KNUCKLES OFFICE - DAY
     Knuckles gives dictation to Florence.  He shakes 
	his head, his face red with rage

	MEMO TO 
	Lester 3/3/60
	SUBJECT
	Your memo of 2/26/60

     Lester:
	What I should like to know, is who are THEY?
	Ms. Peabody has advised us that she is discontinuing 
	our line permanently and replacing it with another.  	She also advised us that you only visited her store 	once this season and that was two months ago at  	which time she cashed your personal check for a 	$100.00 and it bounced.  She was too embarrassed too 	advise us of this matter before, but now that she 	has been 	questioned about relapses of memory, she 	insists on immediate payment of the $100.00.  We are 	therefore sending her a check for $100.00 and 	deducting that amount from you next week's paycheck.
	We are in receipt of your recent sales report and 	after a costly check, we find that you visited only 	ten of the twenty stores you listed.  We were also 	advised by the buyers of these ten stores, that you 	were accompanied by your wife.  We find it strange 	that there are conflicting descriptions of your
	wife. One buyer described your wife as a blond, 	others a 	brunette, short, tall, plump, thin.  Your 	sales report shows no sales made in these stores, 	but according to the buyers, you purchases all 	styles of cothing in sizable quantities for your 	wife or is it wives?  Did you pay these bills by 	check?  Are you married and to whom?  We at Heavenly 	are gravely concerned 	especially with your future.  	Please call me collect immediately.

	Sincerely,
	Stanley Knuckles, Sales Manager

INT. FEDERAL CORRECTION INSTITUTION - DAY

Lester sits in a prison cell.  He writes a letter 

INSERT

STANLEY KNUCKLES
HEAVENLY LINGERIE CO.
333 5th AVE.
NEW YORK, NY 11668

					LESTER (V.O.)
	As you can read by this letter, I have become 		stationary here.  It was just two weeks ago, that 
	two well dressed and courteous gentlemen, knocked 
	on my hotel door near the border town of Juarez.  
	They were most kind in permitting me some minutes 
	to bid my lady friend good-bye. I never realized 
	that a company like Hertz Rental would be 
	responsible for initiating such an extensive search 
	by the FBI. I sincerely regret that the taxpayer's 	money has gone to such a cause.  I am told that my 
	car has been recovered and that it's in good shape.  	You will find that my car air conditioner that I 
	had installed in Miami for $350.00 is still in good 	working condition.  You have my approval to use this 
	item as barter in helping defray part of the cost of 
	making my checks good.  My bank has notified me that 
	thus far the amount of my insufficient funds total 
	$4,390.00.  It is peaceful here and there are no 	stressful influences. Mr. John Clinghoffer, the 	warden, isone 	of the nicest gentlemen you could 	meet.  Matilde, his wife has your catalogue, and is 	especially interested in the panty line.  Would you 	sell her any of these items and would you give her 	the wholesale price?  She is willing to  pay cash.
	Fondest regards,
	Lester
     
	FADE OUT                                
					THE END