She'd Be Far Better Off With You

ALEX
I should never have come back here...

GEORGE
Oh, don't talk such nonsense!

ALEX
I'll bow out now --
It's the decent thing to do.

GEORGE
Don't be absurd.

ALEX
I'm a disaster...

GEORGE
Oh, come, come!

ALEX
...It wouldn't last a week --
She'd be far better off with you.

GEORGE
You two have your lives before you.

ALEX
It would end in murder...

GEORGE
I'm too old for her --
It's high time I withdrew.

ALEX
Your place is here.

GEORGE
The jowls are dropping...

ALEX
It's the light.

GEORGE
...The paunch needs propping up --
She'd be far better off with you.

BOTH
Your words are generous and selfless,
But alas untrue --
She'd be far better off with you.

ALEX
You are steeped in wit and wisdom.

GEORGE
Well, I've learnt the odd thing...

ALEX
You could teach George Bernard Shaw
A thing or two!

GEORGE
I had a go...

ALEX
You've dined with Garbo...

GEORGE
Only twice.

ALEX
...Translated "La Bohème" --
She'd be far better off with you.

GEORGE
You're athletic.

ALEX
You're distinguished.

GEORGE
You don't cheat at croquet.

ALEX
You're more seasoned.

GEORGE
You can skate.

ALEX
You're in "Who's Who".

GEORGE
Just half an inch.

ALEX
We're talking drivel.

GEORGE
So we are.

BOTH
Can't we be civilized?
She'd be far better off with you.
Your words are generous and selfless,
But alas untrue.
It's only Rose that matters!
Just take a look: there's no comparison
Between us two --
She'd be far better off with you!

GEORGE
You're too young
And too confused
To understand what's best,
And what's best is obvious:
The two of you belong together --
There'll be less damage!

ALEX
Perhaps you're right --
I'll do my best
To turn our lives around
And brush away this memory.

GEORGE
I'll phone you when I get to Venice.

ALEX
Giulietta?

GEORGE
Now you be good to her...
I have to say these were
The sweetest days I've ever known...

ALEX
Well, have a pleasant journey...

GEORGE
One thing before I go,
Just one thing you should know:
Rose doesn't like to be alone...

ELIZABETH
You're a delinquent.
A silly schoolboy with a gun.
Take a look at what you've done.
I hope you're satisfied.

ROSE (re-entering)
Goodbye, Alex.
Goodbye forever.
We've packed your tunic,
Here's your gun as well.
So, blow your brains out,
Go to hell,
Just leave me.

ALEX (stunned)
You don't know what you're saying...

ROSE
I've phoned Marcel.
To see you off.

MARCEL
Come along,
Get marching.
Double-quick,
Look lively.

ALEX
Let me see...
My suitcase...

ROSE (momentarily alone)
Will he ever forgive me?
But what can I do?
I'm in love with them both...
But I only have one life,
Not two...

MARCEL
Your life is one enormous drama!
My God, you'll be the death of me!

What a mess...
Let me see...

A memory that is best forgotten --
That's what this ugly scene should be.
Life goes on,
So must we...

ROSE "Trapani"...
Marcel, we're taking a trip.
I'm told that Venice is fun.
We have to meet an Italian lady...