Description of A Murder to Report - Essay Example

Alice Hu ELL 5/15 A Murder to Report Cast of characters: Stanley Peters- A TV talk show host known for his witty analyses of films to captivate his audience. He also helps actors and actresses become more famous through his talk show because of his ability to present them as lovable characters if he wants to, which he often does for favors. For instance, he is doing a cover story to the movie series entitled “A Murder to Report” because he is dating one of the stars, Karen Lam. Lam is a new actress who is playing the protagonist in the movie who needs the help Stanley offers for aspiring actors. Herman Fox- young and ambitious, he always wanted to have his own talk show but he thinks he can never have his dream come true unless Peters is out of the way. Karen Lam- protagonist in the movie series who plays the wife of a reporter. She is known as a philanderer. Stanley’s love interest in real life. Charlie Sterns- plays the male protagonist in the movie, a reporter and philanderer. James Hunter- plays the antagonist in the movie who is an ambitious reporter. He hates Sterns for neglecting a beautiful woman like Karen Lam who is also his first love. Stephen Storm -the detective known for his harsh treatment of lawbreakers even if they have not yet been proven guilty. He is short and stout but he is greatly feared for his accusing tongue and fierce looks. The play opens with the main cast of the movie series “A Murder to Report” namely, Karen Lam and James Hunter, seated on a couch at the center of the stage. The talk show host, Herman Fox on the other hand is seated on a fancy settee angled ninety degrees from the couch. The stage is set so that Lam, Hunter and Fox can easily adjust themselves to look at each other and look at the audience at the same time. Behind them is a big screen where cuts from the movie are being shown. The three people on the stage are facing the screen while the shots are being run. After the last picture, Lam, Hunter and Fox all turn toward the audience. Herman Fox: (Smiles at the audience and with an obviously well-practiced professional voice, he greets the audience) Good evening everyone! I am glad to present to you the stars of the new movie series entitled “A Murder to Report”. This is an interesting movie because it portrays the lives of reporters like me. Unfortunately, we do not have our main host tonight, Stanley Peters. For some reason, Peters cannot be contacted through his mobile phone. On the other hand, the male protagonist, Charlie Sterns was unable to make it as well. The two are known to be buddies so perhaps they have met each other somewhere instead of here (Fox smirks). Anyway, I hope their absence will not be too obvious after we give you a good talk show tonight. So, let us start with Karen Lam, the protagonist. How does it feel to play the main role considering that you are new in the industry? Karen Lam: Well, honestly, I am quite honored that I have been given the chance to have the main role of a good movie series. Obviously, I am also nervous about the whole thing because I do not know how the people will react to my character and acting. Fox: Oh, yes. Perhaps that is natural to all newbies. So, we would also like to know more about the movie, would you mind sharing us some specifics? Of course I understand that you dont want to spoil anything among the viewers, but I hope you could at least give us a glimpse about what the story is all about. Lam: The story reveals the life of a reporter who is handsome and perfect in many ways. He is good with his work and he is also extremely successful in making women fall in love with him. This makes his wife, who I am playing, very angry with him. Eventually, the reporter dies and it was found out that he was murdered. The question is: is his wife involved? The play will revolve more on the investigation and will show how the murder is resolved. Fox: Mr. Hunter, I understand you play the part of the antagonist, can you tell us about your role? Hunter: Well, my character has always been in love with Karen in the movie but was never successful in showing her that. When she married, my character thought he could let her go but then he discovers that her husband was fooling around. He wants to protect Lam. Thinking that Karen is attracted to reporters, he decides to pursue the news-casting field and strives to become a famous and well-respected reporter. Fox: Well, I heard that your role seems to fit you well, because in real life you are quite jealous with Mr. Sterns, is that right? Hunter: (Gives a brittle laugh) Well, I could say I’m jealous of Sterns because his success in the industry. I mean, who would not want to be the hottest male star in the planet. However, I could assure you that it is not because of such a trivial reason that I am good in what I do. I want to think that I am a competent actor as much as any other in the set . Otherwise, I would not have been taken for the role, right? Look, this is a primetime show and with famous writers, director and producers working for its success, there are a lot at stake. I mean, they have to make sure to hire the best actors, even for the smallest character. Fox: Yes, I agree about the necessity to make sure the movie will pay off but what about the fight you had with Mr. Sterns during one of your shootings? Hunter: Oh, that. We had a misunderstanding over something. That has been settled now. Fox: Was your fight with him at a bar the other night settled as well? Hunter: Wait, that was a chance encounter. No one was supposed to know about that. There were no reporters then. We were just with our friends. How did you get that information? Fox: I am a reporter, Mr. Hunter. It is time for a commercial break. We will continue this when we return. (During the commercial break, detective Stephen Storm arrives and reports that Charlie Sterns’ body was found, he was murdered. Everyone looks at Hunter suspiciously.) Hunter: What’s with those looks? You think I killed him? Storm: No one said anything like that. Fox: (Looks at Hunter and with an excited voice, he accuses the actor) Or are you feeling guilty already, Hunter? Everyone already knows that your hatred towards Mr. Sterns is not just a show. You just said no one was supposed to know about your fight with him last night. Are you going to say now that no one is supposed to know about this murder as well? Storm: (Looking at Hunter in disgust) You are such an evil person, ambitious and overly jealous. You want to take his position, become the star that is cherished and praised by the people. But your ambition is not going to take you anywhere but to prison. One of the reasons why many people patronize movies is because they often reveal many things about people like you! You surely have been given the right role. You do not only play it well for the viewers but you also played it well in real life. Hunter: Wait, I did not kill anyone. I may have hated Sterns but that does not mean I killed him. Fox: You are the only one with a motive, right? Stanley Peters: Wrong! Fox: (Shocked, he turns to see Stanley. Nervously) Stanley? Peters: I know I was being poisoned so I have been very careful with what I ate and drank in the studio. I knew that somehow, whoever was doing that will find some other ways to kill me. I was right. (Opens his shirt) I have been wearing a protective vest since my doctor told me about the poisoned bottle of water I was given at the studio. (To Fox) You shot me right to the heart and you thought I was dead. You shot Charles Sterns who happened to enter my private office just when you were leaving because you knew you could go down for murder. I had to stay with the policemen and give my statement while they take care of Sterns so I was late for my show. You know, I had my thoughts on many people I might have offended through the years, but...I never thought it would be you! Perhaps the rumors about you wanting to have the talk show to yourself were all true after all, huh? Storm: Herman Fox, you are under arrest for the murder of Charles Sterns and the attempted murder of Stanley Peters. Fox: No, you got this all wrong! I did plan to kill Peters but he and Sterns were already on the floor when I arrived at Peters’ office! (Acting pathetic, almost angry) Believe me, I did not kill Sterns! (Bows his head) [I should have made sure Peters was dead before I left his office. I know they could have never found out I killed that bastard. Oh, why didn’t the poison work?] Read More