38

ETTA  
(chuckles)
Be nice.  I admit he’s heavyset, but
at least he has a good tailor.
 
VIVIAN  
Yeah.  You can say Moby Dick cuts  
quite a figure in that tuxedo.

They laugh.

But DOTTIE is not amused. She has a somber expression, her eyes fixed on AUNTIE MAMA and the MIDDLE-AGED MAN on the dance floor.

DOTTIE’S POV—the ballroom appears to grow still. All of the dancing COUPLES, except AUNTIE MAMA and the MIDDLE-AGED MAN, become a misted blur.

CAMERA CLOSES IN on DOTTIE’s face. Her eyes grow wide. She is startled at what she sees.

DOTTIE’S POV—RUBY and AUNTIE MAMA are slow-dragging cheek-to-cheek on the deserted dance floor. FAINT APPLAUSE is heard in the background.

JIMMIE (V.O.)     
And now, ladies and gentlemen, I take  
pride in presenting the newest addition  
to our Orchestra…three vibrant young  
ladies of song.  Give a warm welcome  
to…The Dandridge Sisters!