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MURDER FOR HIRE PRESENTS

MURDER

ABOARD THE TITANIC

SOUND TECH

Porter Starboard is here to protect the Heart of The Ocean. However he may have made a mistake about who stole

it. What happens next on this blood vessel will make you wonder if boarding this ship was a wise choice.

Copyright Protected by Murder For Hire

Last updated September 12, 2018

MURDER ABOARD THE TITANIC is exactly what this 1912 story is all about.

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CHARACTER COSTUME PROPS EVIDENCE

Porter Starboard

Not a very smart man, although he thinks

he’s very bright. He is very clumsy and

knocks things, hurts himself, stumbles.

He’s here to protect the Heart of The Sea.

He is seen showing map of the cabins

around. He forgets to take them with him

Maps

Aud 6 card (Scene 3)

Helen Highwater

Very rich, proper lady of leisure. She is

very protective of her daughter. She is

suspicious of all of Rose’s boyfriends.

She’ll stop at nothing to protect her. She has a delusion of greatness. She thinks

everyone is discussing her, and in a good

way, all of the time.

Pearl Necklace

Purse for Molly with gun,

Necklace, and next line

after murder

Aud cards – singers

(Scene 3)

Rose Highwater

Daughter of Helen. Rose is a naive

damsel in distress. She often finds herself

in situations where she must be rescued or

helped in one way or another. She is in

love with Randy (from Steerage) and

believes that he loves her too and that he

is a very good person. What will she do

when she finds out otherwise.

Purse

Gun

Newspaper Article

Aud cards for Molly

Brown (Scenes 1 and 3)

Newspaper article

Randy Boat

New boyfriend of Rose. He is a chimney

sweep and a philanderer (not a

philanthropist) on the Titanic, but always

looking to get rich quick. He has a criminal past and has crossed paths with

Molly Brown (Kitty Supreme) in the past.

He is a shifty nervous guy…because he’s

usually guilty of something. He wants the

Heart of the Sea to himself at any cost.

Blood

Letter from steel

company

Aud cards for Me Too movement. (Scene 2)

Blood on head

Calledon Berg

Was to marry Rose but she changed her

mind. He is a wealthy steel manufacturer

whose company built the Titanic. The

company has sent him a letter advising of

the poor steel used in the construction.

The letter is found in Randy’s pocket

Heart of The Sea

Business Card for Steel

Company

Aud 1 cards (Radio

Operator) (Scene 1 and

2)

Heart of The Sea

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Setting – Reception with the Captain of the ship. Calledon Berg is hosting the evening and

presentation of the Heart of The Sea Necklace to his future Bride Rose.

Porter Starboard has been sent to protect the Heart of the Sea. Molly believes the necklace to be

hers and believes it was stolen in a jewelry heist. She wants it back.

Randy also wants the Heart of the Sea. Is someone willing to kill for the Heart of the Sea? Or to

keep someone from stealing it? Or is something else amiss?

NOTES

FOR PORTER: distribute maps to various guests during mingling period.

Direct your questions directly to the telegraph messenger and wait for response.

FOR RANDY: distribute me too cards while Rose is talking to Porter

(I was just telling Randy how nice that we are able to spend time getting to know

each other on the ship. We just came back inside. Randy had me bent over the

bow of the ship to get a better view of the maidenhead, right Randy?)

ALL CAST – Grab a rubber duck, buoy, water wings, rubber ring etc. for

introductions.

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PLAY CUE 0 & 0V (VIDEO)

FADE OUT 0A

CUE 1 - Intro Music

Fade out Cue 1A on Directors Cue

SCENE 1 – Beginning of Cocktail Hour

Calledon: Ladies and Gentlemen, can I please have your attention. It is my

honour to have you all here this evening to join us with the Captain of

this great ship…The Titanic.

I suspect you all know me. I am Calledon Berg, and I am, in part,

responsible for the building of this great vessel. I wish you all to

enjoy your time on her maiden voyage and I’ll personally make sure

your every need is accommodated. Just ask one of the crew.

Helen: Oh in that case Calledon….

Calledon: Please, call me Berg.

Helen: Alright Berg? Have you presented the Heart of the Sea to Rose yet?

Berg: No. I thought I would do so after our meal with the Captain this

evening.

Helen: Oh yes, that would be a perfect opportunity for you to pledge your

affection for her. And what better way, than to present her with such a

precious piece. I understand the blue diamond was once owned by

Louis XVI?

Berg: Yes, that’s correct. And then cut down to this beautiful necklace.

(Porter approaches as they are both admiring the piece)

Porter: Ah, you must be Helen Highwater, good evening. Allow me to

introduce myself. I am Porter PLAY CUE 2…Porter Starboard.

Berg: Well neither [port or startboard] I believe we are right about in the

middle.

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(Helen and Porter give him an odd look) PLAY CUE 3

Helen: Hello, nice to meet you Mr. Starboard.

Porter: I’ve been assigned to the ship for security purposes due to the high

volume of valuables aboard the ship.

Helen: Oh yes, I understand, with so many affluent passengers, it really is no

surprise. In fact, we were just admiring this beautiful necklace that

Berg intends to present my daughter with.

Porter: Nice ice Berg. No need to worry. I’ve made some maps of all of the

cabins with valuables in them so I know which ones need the most

protection. (looking in his pocket for the map and not finding it.)

Well, no matter. I have made several. (pleased with himself)

Helen: Speaking of security, I have heard rumours of pickpockets coming up

from the lower class decks.

I’ve actually noticed a young man from steerage sniffing around my

daughter. I believe he may have rather dishonourable intentions, if

you know what I mean.

Porter: I do know, indeed.

I’m sorry to hear about your concerns. Although, I’ve been watching

your daughter, and she seems quite capable of taking care of herself

ma’am. I’m sure you’ve no need to worry.

PLAY CUE 4

Helen: I hope you’re right.

(AUD 1 comes out with a telegraph)Given by Calledon Berg

STOP CUE 4A

AUD 1 Excuse me sir, I’ve received a telegraph from Scotland Yard.

Porter: Well let’s hear it then.

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AUD 1 We have received information about the Heart of the Sea (stop)

It seems the necklace is to be stolen (stop)

(Helen leaves him and joins Rose. Molly calls out to Porter just then and Randy

comes to join Rose and her mother.)

Porter: Oh my! By whom? (waits for reply from AUD and then eventually

dismisses him when he is unable to answer)

PLAY CUE HotKey C (CRICKETS)

Molly: Ah Mr. Starboard, we meet again. Helen Highwater to give Aud 2

(Molly) her card

Porter: Molly Brown! What are you doing here? PLAY CUE 5

Molly: The same thing as everyone else of course. I’m going to America to

seek opportunity. I couldn’t help but notice that necklace. It’s

gorgeous. You know, I had one just like it. It was stolen from me

many years ago during a robbery. PLAY CUE 6

(In the meantime Helen has been chatting with Rose and Randy and moves in to

interrupt Molly)

Helen: Mr. Starboard, have you met my daughter Rose? (Randy will chat to

Molly briefly.)

Porter: My pleasure Miss…. (He bows to greet her)

Rose: Rose… with an ‘i’

Porter: oh, Rosie?

Rose: Oh no, the e is silent. PLAY CUE 7

Porter: Yes, of course. (looking confused)

Rose: And this is my new gentleman friend. He’s a philanderer. (boasting)

He has such a good heart.

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Porter: I assume you mean a philanthropist. (turns to Randy)

Randy. Hello, I’m Randy.

Porter: Yes well…..not to worry, that happens to us all from time to time.

But thanks, it’s good to know.

Randy: Randy Boat, Mr. Starboard.

(Randy extends his hand)

Porter: Mr. Boat. (Porter avoiding Randy’s hand) Won’t you both join me for

a drink.

Randy: Sure. (he starts to follow Porter to the bar when Rose stops him)

Rose: Randy, I saw you talking to that lady earlier. Who is she? How do

you know her?

Randy: Oh you must mean Molly. Umm. She was involved in a fundraiser

that I organized last year for, ummm, (making something up) for

abandoned orphans. Yes that’s it… abandoned orphans.

Rose: I should have known it would be something like that. You spend all

of your time on such charitable causes. Why, you don’t even care if

you make any money for yourself in the process. How did I ever get

so lucky to meet such a selfless man?

Randy: Oh, you must live right. I guess we’re just lucky that you have

enough money to support us both.

Rose: Yes. I agree.

(They all walk off to the bar to meet up with Porter.) (Berg and Helen are left

behind.)

Berg: I’d like to thank you ma’am for giving me this chance. PLAY CUE 8

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Helen: I’m always willing to give a man a second chance…. After all, it

seems the whole thing was not your fault, isn’t that right? A bit of a

misunderstanding from what I hear? PLAY CUE 9

Berg: Yes ma’am. I can assure you that I had nothing to do with that

scheme at Acme Ship Lines. And, to show Whitestar of my good

intentions though, I’ve agreed to wait till we dock in America before

receiving payment for the work I've done on the Titanic. Of course,

that’s why I needed to borrow the money for the Heart Of The Sea

from you.

Helen: Well I was happy to help you with the purchase. And I have no doubt

you will make good on the debt upon your receiving payment from

Whitestar.

Berg: I am glad that you understand. I will make sure that when we reach

America, that you are paid and that your daughter is very well cared

for. And you can also rest assured that now that I’m with Whitestar, I

will keep things on the up and up.

PLAY CUE 10

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SCENE 2 – after salad

Fade out Cue 10A on Director’s cue

(Berg approaches Randy.)

Berg: Randy, I didn’t think I’d see you again. I thought you were warned to

stay out of First Class.

Randy: Oh Berg, you’re not getting rid of me that easily. I just wanted to get

a look at that necklace you’ve been flashing around.

Berg: I’m afraid it’s been put away for safe keeping. Now back to Steerage

with you, before I call security and have you taken to the brig instead.

Randy: Are you sure you want to do that. After all, if security gets a hold of

me, I might have to give them this letter. (waiving the letter around in

front of him)

Berg: Where did you get that?

PLAY CUE 11

Randy: Well you’d be surprised what you might find in an unlocked cabin.

And let’s be honest Berg, you’d do the same thing if it was the other

way around. Not only do I have this letter but I also know how you

came upon that necklace.

(silence)

Berg: Well, regardless, I have a large sum coming to me in America and I

will be able to provide for Rose in a way you’ll never be able to.

Randy: PLAY CUE 12 (background)Don’t be a fool Berg. I don’t want to

care for her. I’ve got other interests on this ship. But that’s just our

little secret. (waving the letter under his nose)

Berg: (says nothing, but obviously concedes)

Fade out CUE 12A

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Aud card given by Porter Starboard

AUD 3: Lady Highwater, I’ve heard all of the discussion about the Heart Of

The Sea, but I must confess, I am more interested in the piece you’re

wearing around your neck.

Helen: Oh this? My husband gave me this just before he passed away. It’s a

pearl necklace. He claimed to be more delighted to give it to me, than

I was be to receive it. Ah, bless his soul, what a sweet man. I’m afraid

I could never part with it. PLAY CUE 13

Porter: (Porter interrupts) Lady Highwater, this is quite a voyage. Are you

enjoying the journey.

Helen: Surprisingly, I am. But enough small-talk Mr. Starboard, back to our

discussion earlier, about my daughter. You know I had Mr. Berg

chosen to be a husband to Rose given that he is to be a rich man when

he is paid for the Titatic steel. She will receive The Heart of the Sea

necklace from him as a token of his intentions.

Porter: Yes, yes I see. So what are your concerns?

Helen: Well this Randy fellow, I’ve seen him up here in first class several

times. I’m afraid he’s not only stealing from the passengers, but also

Rose’s attention. I was wondering, maybe you could conduct a little

investigation for me?

Porter: Investigation…what did you have in mind?

Helen: Well, I believe he is a womanizer.

Porter: Yes, I see. And what is it you want from me?

Helen: Find out what he wants with my daughter. Please Mr. Starboard, if

you bring me the information I need to get her away from Randy and

back into the arms of Berg, I will, um, um, my pearl necklace….you

can have the pearl necklace that my husband gave to me.

Porter: hmm. Well I think you may be right about this man.

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PLAY CUE 14

(Aud 1 returns with another telegraph) given by Calledon Berg

STOP CUE 14A

AUD 1: Excuse me sir, another telegraph from Scotland Yard...They

say that

Randy is a philanderer (stop)

He has been caught philandering with a woman named

Molly Brown (stop)

Porter: How do they know each other? (again, dismissing him when he can’t

answer)

hold

PLAY HKC (CRICKETS)

Helen: (interrupting Porter’s discussion with the messenger) Mr. Starboard?

My daughter?

Porter: PLAY CUE 15 Oh yes, I’ll see what I can do…but I don’t want any

payment. I’ll do it only as a personal favour to you Ma’am. I’ll let

you know what I find out.

Helen: Thank you Mr. Starboard. I’ll be indebted to you.

(Porter approaches Rose & Randy who are cavorting somewhere)

FADE CUE 15A

Porter: So, together again, are we?

Rose: I was just telling Randy how nice that we are able to spend time

getting to know each other on the ship. We just came back inside.

Randy had me bent over the bow of the ship to get a better view of the

maidenhead, right Randy?

Randy: Oh yes, yes, yes of course.

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Me Too Movement cards given by Randy

AUD 3: He is a philanderer. He had me on the bow of the ship.

AUD Me too.

AUD Me too.

AUD Me too.

Rose: Yes, that’s right Mr. Starboard. I’ve been told by many passengers

that Randy is a Philanderer.

Porter: you mean philanthropist.(shaking his head at Rose)

Rose: Yes. He’s donated his time and money to many good causes. Right

Randy?

Porter: Randy, I understand that you work on the ship?

Randy: Yeah, I work down in the engine room, I’m a stoker. But that’s why

I’m on the ship. Like many, I’m heading to America to pursue better

opportunities.

PLAY CUE 16 (they all walk off together engaged in their conversation.)

Porter: Yes, I see. What makes you think that you are worthy of such a

wealthy girl?

Randy: Well, although merely a stoker on this ship, I have a good education

and I come from an affluent background myself.

PLAY CUE 16A (FADE)

CUE 17 (starts automatically) (level decreases automatically)

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Fade Cue 17A on Director’s cue

SCENE 3 – After Main course

Helen Highwater to find singing group

Berg: Now ladies and gentlemen, for your listening pleasure, please

welcome the ships quartet, The Seamen who are going to entertain us

this evening.

PLAY VIDEO CUE 18V (when singers are in place)

(Randy should steal the necklace while the singers are coming out.)

AUDIENCE #4 singing GROUP

AUTO PLAY CUE 19V (Kiss From A Rose)

Berg: (finally catching Rose alone without Randy) Rose, I’m somewhat

concerned about the attention you’ve been paying to that commoner.

Rose: I’m sorry Cal, but I just don’t think we’re well suited. That was all

my mother’s idea.

Berg: Your mother is right though. That scoundrel certainly can’t provide

for you the way I can.

Helen: Berg is right Rose. That Randy fellow is a common criminal. He’s

not even following through with his job here on the ship. Berg comes

from a much better family too.

Rose: But mother, Randy is not a criminal. He’s a philanderer.

(All cast should contribute to the arguing and carrying on)

Berg: Rose, I have something to give you that you just can’t say no to. (he

goes to get the necklace)

(The song finishes)

AUTO CUE 20

Berg: The Heart of the Sea...It’s gone. The Heart of the Sea is gone!!!

PLAY CUE 21

X3

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Helen: What do you mean, gone? PLAY CUE 22

Berg: I mean, the case is empty. PLAY CUE 23 (turning to Porter). What

sort of security do you call this? You were sent to make sure exactly

this did not happen. PLAY CUE 24

Porter: Well, yes. I am sorry.

Helen: That was to be my daughter’s necklace. You? (To Randy.) I’ll bet

you are responsible for this. Where is that necklace?

Rose: Mother, Randy would never do such a thing. He’s a good man.

Randy: Rose’s right.

Berg: Berg: R – o – s – e – (sobbing)

Randy: What do you take me for.

Helen: Well you’re from steerage. That says it all. You have no money. All

you have is…. my daughter.

Rose: I’m all he needs….and he’s all I need. Why do you always assume

the worst? Come on Randy, let’s get out of here.

(Rose & Randy leave the room together)

Berg: R – o – s – e – (sobbing)

Helen: Rose wait.

Berg: R – o – s – e – (sobbing)

Helen: You have to listen to me. Don’t go with him. He’s no good. Molly,

go after her will you. Tell her he’s a cad. ((Molly runs after her to

green room where Helen gives Molly her purse (with necklace, and a

gun) and her next line.))

Berg: O-h- R-o- s- e-.

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Porter: (to Berg) Alright Berg what do you know about the Heart of the Sea?

Berg: All I know is that I turned my back for just a second and now it’s

gone. Just like Rose (still sobbing).

Porter: I remember the story about your position with Cunard Liners. You

came out of that a little…..shady to say the least. And, I happen to

know that you have that necklace heavily insured. And you haven’t

even paid for it yet.

Berg: I had nothing to do with the necklace disappearing. I swear.

But…(getting an idea)…I think I know who did. (He leaves the

room)

Porter: Sounds like there might be some “investigation” to be done. FADE

CUE 24, CUE 25 STARTS AUTOMATICALLY (He leaves the

room.)

(A gunshot and a crash into an ice berg is heard just outside the door.)

Stop 25A upon hearing the gunfire

CUE 26 & 27V START AUTOMATICALLY

(Helen, Molly and Rose run in, followed by Berg & Porter )

Helen: What was that? PLAY CUE 28

Porter: Sounded like gunfire to me. PLAY CUE 29

Berg: It sounded like a crash to me. PLAY CUE 30

Porter: yes, I though it sounded like chairs falling….rows of chairs.

Berg: (sobs when he hears “rows”) Oh, R- o- s- e -.

Rose: Where is Randy? PLAY CUE 31

Helen: Last I saw of him was when he left the room with you.

Rose: I went to the ladies’ room and left him waiting on the Grand Staircase.

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Porter: That must be when I went out and saw him talking to Molly.

(to AUD 8) Let’s go get Randy, PLAY CUE 31A I might need some

help. CUE 32 STARTS AUTOMATICALLY

(They come back in with Randy dragging behind)

FADE CUE 32A

Porter: Well, it seems our suspicions have been confirmed. Randy is dead.

PLAY CUE 33

Rose: Oh, my poor Randy. Who did this to him? PLAY CUE 34

Porter: Now, let’s just calm down. I must insist that no one leave the room

until we’ve sorted out what happened here. Now, there’s no point

making any accusations. Let’s just gather any evidence we can find

and figure out the mystery logically. We’ll put it over here with the

case from the Heart of the Sea.

Berg: Let’s start with you Mr. Starboard. That “treasure” map you have is

very suspicious.

Porter: My map? (looking confused) Alright, fair enough. …(can’t locate the

map). Does anyone have my map?

Molly: Here it is. Map given to Molly by Rose Highwater

Porter: I’ll take that. And your gun too Molly. Second line given to Molly by

Rose Highwater

Molly: But how did you know I was carrying a gun?

Porter: I didn’t PLAY CUE 35…(Porter takes her gun/purse).till now. Aha.

Rose: And this newspaper article I have may also shed some light on the

situation. (She hands it to Porter) PLAY CUE 36

Porter: It’s the story about when Berg was accused of embezzling from his

last employer, Acme Ocean Liners.

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Berg: But that story will explain, that it wasn’t me, it was the other

employees. I was cleared, remember? The newspaper story will tell

you that. PLAY CUE 37

Porter: The story tells how he begged for another chance to prove his

honesty. PLAY CUE 38

Helen: And we believed him and gave him that chance.

Rose: We all believed him. Randy too, and look where that got him.

Berg: Wait a minute what about you Lady Highwater? You didn’t want

your daughter running off with that rat. You could’ve killed him.

Helen: That’s ridiculous. I didn’t want Rose running off with him….but

murder….where would that leave me?

FADE CUE 36A

AUTOPLAY CUE 39

Porter: Enough accusations. Everyone here will help us sort this out. Okay

everyone, come up and have a look at the body, and at the evidence

and let’s see what we come up with.

CUE 39A-(level decreases)

CUE 40 STARTS AUTOMATICALLY

Rose is to guard the body

Porter Starboard to guard the evidence.

Berg & Lady Highwater to collect answers

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DENEOUMENT – during dessert

Fade Cue 40A

Porter: Alright, you’ve all had a chance to look at the body and to look at the

evidence. You’ve each given your input as to what you think may

have happened to Randy.

Helen: Well, my guess would be you Berg? You believe that Randy stole

your necklace.

Rose: I agree. Berg believed Randy stole the Heart of the Sea, so he killed

him in order to it back. But (to Berg) Randy didn’t steal the necklace,

so you killed him for nothing.

Porter: They’re right. (Pointing at Berg) You killed Randy. You thought he

stole the Heart of the Sea and you wanted it back, at any cost.

Berg: I don’t know who stole the Heart of the Sea. I think that Randy and

Molly are both very suspect. After all, she’s the one who had

possession of the map. So, wouldn’t I have killed Molly too?

Porter: Yes, right.

Porter: Berg is right. I also believe that Molly came here to steal the Heart of

the Sea. Molly, you killed Randy because you were afraid he would

steal the Heart of the Sea before you did. It was your intention to steal

the Heart of the Sea, and when it looked like Randy might beat you to

the punch, you had to stop him.

Berg: Porter, weren’t you and Molly together when the Heart of the Sea

disappeared?

Porter: Yes, right.

Berg: What about Lady Helen over there? She didn’t want Randy running

off with her daughter, so she probably killed him to stop them from

running off together.

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Porter: Berg is right. Lady Helen, you didn’t want Rose marrying this cad.

So, you killed him to prevent her from running off with him. But, if

that’s what happened, then what happened to the Heart of the Sea?

Helen: Are you suggesting that my daughter was going to run off with Randy

AND steal that necklace? That’s ridiculous. Rose stood to inherit all

of my jewels some day, she didn’t need to steal any.

Porter: Yes, right

Rose: Of course I didn’t steal it. But you, Miss innocent Molly. I came out

of the lavatory and heard you and Randy talking. I heard you talking

to him about the Heart of the Sea and how the two of you would run

off together once he stole it for you.

I didn’t believe it at first. I thought I must be hearing things wrong,

but then I saw Randy pull it out and give it to her…. She has it in

her…in her box.

Porter: I knew it!!!! I knew you were up to no good Molly. Let me see your

box. Aha, I was right. Here is the Heart of the Sea.

PLAY CUE 41

Helen: They would have gotten away with it if Rose didn’t come back so

quickly.

Rose: I heard Randy tell Molly he’d always loved her and that he would

meet her in America after we docked. So, when Molly left, I took out

the gun that you gave to me, mother and I shot him. No one will use

me and throw me away. You were right about him mother, he was a

philathropist.

Helen: But Rose, now you’ve killed him, you’ll be sent to prison.

Rose: That’s okay, it was worth it. Besides maybe I’ll get a second chance

someday, everyone else seems to get them.

Porter: Berg, here is your necklace. (to Rose) Let’s go Rose, I’ll have to turn

you in. PLAY CUE 42

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(Porter and Rose leave the room, Helen follows. )

HKS SPLASH

Berg: (awkwardly) Well, umm, umm, thank you all for joining us on the

Titanic. Now, I’m not sure if any of you have noticed PLAY CUE

43V & CUE 44 STARTS AUTOMATICALLY but I’m not waiting

any longer... All of the life boats are gone and the water level seems

to have rose. Berg runs off. R- o – o – s- s – e – e. HKS SPLASH

Cue 42A (level increases) WITH EXIT

THE END

FADE CUE 42B – WHEN DIRECTOR RE-ENTERS

Introductions

PLAY CUE 46 (POST SHOW MUSIC)