[3.15]A Word To The Wiseguy
A Word To The Wiseguy Written by Joe Keenan
Directed by Philip
Charles MacKenzie
=====================================================================
Production Code: 3.15.
Episode Number in Production Order: 64.
Original Airdate on NBC: 20th February 1996.
Transcript written on 20th March 1999.
Transcript revised on 13th May 2001.
References
- Jimmy Hoffa
American labor leader who mysteriously disappeared, probably killed
by the Mafia.
- Zsa Zsa Gabor
Hollywood actress who attacked a police officer that pulled her over
for speeding.
- Leona Helmsley
New York hotelier, aka "The Queen of Mean" who terrorized the staff
of her hotel chain and was later convicted of tax evasion.
- Martin Scorsese
American film director of "Taxi Driver", "Casino."
- "Commodore"
A naval officer ranking between captain and admiral; also, the head
of a yacht club.
- The Vatican
The Catholic Church's administrative headquarters in Rome.
- "demi-monde"
Literally, "half world" - a term coined by Dumas to refer to the
underworld.
- "poi ramekins"
Small serving dishes used at a luau (a Hawaiian barbecue).
- "Bugsy"
Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, American gangster.
AWARDS & NOMINATIONS
Nominated
EMMY
· Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: Harris Yulin
Transcript {abby fletcher}
ACT ONE
Scene One - Apartment
The scene opens with Daphne sitting at the table eating her breakfast.
Martin is sitting in a chair against the door. Frasier enters from the
direction of the bedrooms.
Frasier: Morning Daphne, Dad.
Daphne: Shhh! [re: Martin] You'll ruin his concentration! He's on a
stakeout to catch whoever's been pinching our newspaper. He's
been at it for over an hour! I must say, I can see why he was
such a good policeman.
Frasier walks over towards his father to investigate. Loud snoring
soon becomes apparent.
Frasier: Yes, very impressive, isn't he? When he wakes up you must
get him to tell you about his stint as security coordinator
for Jimmy Hoffa!
Doorbell rings. Frasier wakes up Martin.
Frasier: Dad, come on, rise and shine.
Martin: [waking up] Huh?
Frasier: You fell asleep. [he opens the door] Oh, good morning, Niles!
Niles: Hello.
Frasier: [looking for the paper] Ah yes, I see our newspaper thief
has struck again!
Martin: Damn, he's good!
Martin crosses to sit by Daphne at the table. Frasier moves the chair
back to where it should be. Niles follows him over to the table.
Frasier: [to Niles] Come on in.
Niles: This morning, for the first time since our separation, Maris
actually picked up the phone and called me! She needs a
favour.
Frasier: Well Niles, I think that's hardly cause to celebrate. She
called you just because she wants something?
Niles: No, no, not "wants," Frasier; "needs." This is my chance
to show her how necessary I really am to her, and all I have
to do is fix one small problem!
Martin: What's the problem?
Niles: Uh, she's wanted by the police. Apparently, she was driving
past a shoe store last week, when she spotted a stunning pair
of Ferragamo pumps. Well, I need not remind you what effect
a Ferragamo sighting can have on Maris's hand-eye coordination.
She drove up on the sidewalk, and when the police ran her name
through the computer they found quite a little backlog of unpaid
parking tickets!
Frasier: What else would you expect from a woman who thinks her
chocolate allergy entitles her to park in a handicapped
space?
Niles: Oh, and to top it all off she neglected to appear for her
summons, and so they immediately swore out a warrant, and
that brings us to you, Dad.
Martin: Why?
Niles: You were a cop. I'm sure you still have "chums," hint-hint?
Who could lend you a hand, wink-wink?
Martin: No. Look, you know I'd do anything for you, but not this.
All my years on the force I never even fixed a ticket, let
alone an arrest warrant.
Niles: You couldn't pull one little string?
Martin: No, I hope everything works out for you, but I think the
law should be the same for everyone.
Niles: Well, it's not. We'd all like to believe that justice is
blind, but the sad truth is, wealthy white women just can't
get a fair shake! The courts love to make examples of them.
Daphne: Oh, they do. Just think of Zsa Zsa Gabor, or Leona Helmsley.
Frasier: [sarcastic] Oh yes, two perfectly lovely women victimised by
an unjust system.
Niles: Alright, fine. [standing] If you won't help me, I'll just
have to help myself. [goes towards door] I'm going down to
that precinct house, and I'm not leaving until I get
justice. Well, not exactly justice, I suppose, more like
preferential treatment, but I'm not leaving 'til I get it!
[exits via front door]
Daphne: What a horrible thing to happen. Can you picture poor Mrs.
Crane confined to a jail cell?
Frasier: Only if they moved the bars closer together.
FADE OUT
THE LITTLE COMMODORE
Scene Two - KACL
Fade in to the KACL studio booth, where Frasier is wrapping up his
show for the day.
Frasier: Well, that's it for today, folks! This is Dr. Frasier Crane
wishing you good mental health!
He hits the off-air switch, and Niles enters, distressed.
Niles: Frasier, I feel as if I'm being sucked into a vortex of rage
and despair!
Frasier: Well, right back atcha! I take it things didn't go down so
well at the station?
Niles: The police simply would not listen to reason.
Roz: [entering from producer's booth] Police?
Niles: They're persecuting my Maris over some silly parking fines.
I felt sure they'd ease up if they understood Maris a little
better, so I tried to explain her to them.
Frasier: Oh, dear God.
Roz: You know, I dated a guy once who got in trouble with the
cops...
Niles: Notice the complete absence of gasps following that statement.
Roz: Oh! OK fine, you little weasel. Just forget it. I was going
to help you, but Maris can just rot in the slammer.
She walks back into the producer's suite.
Niles: [suddenly very apologetic] Ooh Roz, I was joshing! I know
how you enjoy our little by-play! That weasel line, ouch,
touché!
Roz: You know what, you're even more annoying when you grovel.
Niles: Zing! Got me again!
Frasier: Roz, if not for his sake, then for mine, please?
Roz: OK, for you. My friend Phil had some major traffic violations,
and he was so freaked that he called this guy who, you know,
fixes things.
Frasier: Sounds just a tad shady, Roz. You mean he went to some
hoodlum?
Roz: Well, I wouldn't use the word "hoodlum" in front of him.
[Searches her rolodex] Just think of him as a guy who
makes wishes come true. Like a fairy godfather. Another
word I wouldn't use in front of him. [finds the card]
Here we go! Jerome Belasco.
Niles: [takes the card] Oh Roz, you are an angel of mercy. How can
I repay you?
Roz: The next time you think of some witty little thing to say
about my sex life, or what I'm wearing, just keep it to
yourself.
Niles: [looking her up and down, searching for something nice to
say] Consider it done.
Roz snatches the card back, then Niles snatches it off her.
Niles: Give me that!
Roz exits. Frasier takes the card from Niles.
Frasier: No, give me that!
Niles: Frasier!
Frasier: Are you mad? I will not have you turning a minor, albeit
annoying situation into a, a Martin Scorsese film!
Niles: You don't understand what this means to me. When Maris asked
me for this favour, do you know what she said? She said,
"Niles, will you be my Commodore?"
Frasier: Her Commodore?
Niles: That's what she used to call her father. Frasier, there was
no problem so great that that man couldn't fix it.
Frasier: I'm sure.
Niles: Remember that lovely jeweled crucifix Maris picked up on
her first communion trip to Rome? Who do you think smoothed
things over with the Vatican?
Frasier: Yes, whatever happened to the days when a parent would take a
wayward child by the hand, march them back to the scene of the
crime and make them say, "I'm sorry, Your Holiness, it'll
never happen again"?
Niles: You don't understand. If I show Maris that I can step into
the Commodore's plimsolls, she'll have a whole new respect
for me. We can rebuild our marriage on a healthier
foundation. Frasier, please.
Frasier hesitates, then gives him the card.
Niles: Thank you. I just know this man is the answer to my problems.
Frasier: Yes, who better to mend the fragile fabric of a troubled
marriage than a man whose business address is a wharf!
They both exit the booth, FADE OUT.
A WORD TO THE WISEGUY
Scene Three - Outside Café Nervosa late at night.
Frasier and Niles are sitting at one of the tables drinking coffee.
Frasier: Niles, look. This is ridiculous, it's past midnight.
I'm leaving.
Niles: No, no, no, you can't leave. You're my backup. I wonder
what's keeping him?
At this point a man in his late 40's enters the scene, wearing a
long dark overcoat. He sits opposite the boys at another of the
outside tables.
Frasier: Do you suppose that's him?
Niles: [scoffs] I doubt it, that overcoat is Armani!
Frasier: [sarcastically] Good point, Niles. Where would a criminal
come up with the money for something like that?
The man looks at them and Frasier waves his hand. The man then stands
and crosses to meet them. The boys also stand.
Jerome: Oh, Dr. Crane, I presume?
Niles: Oh, yes. I'm Niles Crane, this is my brother, Dr. Frasier
Crane.
Jerome: Jerome Belasco. [shakes hands with Frasier]
Frasier: Pleasure.
Jerome: Excuse my tardiness, but my lady friend and I were having
one of those discussions from which it is difficult to
remove oneself.
Frasier: [to Niles] Yes, we certainly know about those, don't we?
Niles: Yes, dames!
Jerome: So you have some problem you think I can help you with?
Niles: Well, I do. Please, Jerome.
He indicates for Jerome to sit, and the boys sit themselves.
Niles: Well, you see, last week my lady got on the wrong side of
"Larry Law," and since then certain, shall we say,
"complications" have arisen, and in brief, things have got
"hot-hot-hot," and we believe you are the man to "turn on
the air conditionin'."
Jerome: I sense you're a film buff, Dr. Crane.
Frasier: Just show him the charges, Niles.
Niles: [getting charge sheet out of pocket] Yes, here we are.
Quite a few. [hands sheet to Jerome]
Jerome: [reading] "Ignoring a summons, speeding, reckless endangerment."
Your wife sounds like a very carefree lady.
Frasier: Oh, yes. She's ounces of fun.
Niles: Do you think you could persuade the police to show some
leniency?
Jerome: Well, there's never any harm in making a phone call. Excuse
me.
He gets up and looks around for a telephone.
Niles: Thank you! Yes, around and straight to the back.
Jerome goes inside.
Niles: [excitedly] He's making the call! He's making the call!
Frasier, you're going to think I'm mad for saying this,
but... that was fun!
Frasier: Well, I must admit, Niles, it is not entirely unpleasant to
rub shoulders with the demi-monde. I definitely felt a real
testosterone surge, you know?
Niles: Me too, me too! It's like an actual tingling in my chest.
And now it's gone... there it is again! ...and now it's
gone.
Frasier: Oh, Niles, it must be your cellular phone vibrating.
Niles: Oh, it is! You're right. [he reaches into his inside pocket
and takes out the phone] Hello? Oh hello, Maris! Yes, I'm
tending to that very matter right now. [he sees Jerome
approaching] Oh, just wait a second.
Frasier: Well?
Jerome: You may consider the matter dealt with.
Niles: Maris, it's all taken care of... What did you say? No, I've
just never heard those words before. You're welcome. [he
hangs up the phone] Oh Jerome, thank you!
Jerome: Now, if you'll excuse me gentlemen, I've got another business
engagement.
Frasier: At this hour of the night? [looks at watch] My God, it's past
midnight. What kind of business could it possibly be [realises
what he's saying] ...of mine where you're going! [laughs
nervously]
Niles: Tell me, what do I owe you? [Takes out wallet]
Jerome: Oh, nothing. I was happy I could help.
Niles: Oh, don't be silly. I insist!
Jerome: Consider it a favour. I was in a position to help you.
Perhaps someday you'll be in a position to help me. [he
stands to leave]
Niles: Oh, I would love that. If there's ever anything I can do for
you, just say the word.
Jerome: You're very kind. It was a pleasure meeting you both.
Niles: And you. [calling after Jerome as he leaves] And I meant
that! Anything at all, you just let me know!
As soon as Jerome is gone, Niles realizes his mistake even before
noticing Frasier's appalled look.
Niles: [shaking his head] I shouldn't have said that, should I?
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
DOESN'T EVERYONE HAVE POI RAMEKINS?
Scene Four - Back at Frasier's apartment.
Niles and Frasier enter, wearing their squash kit. Jerome is already
in the flat, talking with Martin and Daphne.
Jerome: Dr. Crane.
Frasier: Jerome! Look Niles, it's Jerome! [sotto voce] In my house!
Daphne: We've been having the most delightful chat.
Jerome: Dr. Crane, you're a lucky young man to have such a charming
young woman in your employ.
Daphne: [obviously flattered] Oh, go on. Did you know his brother
supplied the cement for this very building?
Niles and Frasier look positively horrified at this statement.
Niles: What a small world, oh look at the time!
He tries to leave but Frasier puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
Martin: So Jerome, you didn't tell us what line of work you're in.
Daphne: Oh wait, let me guess! [to Jerome] I'm a bit psychic. Let's
see... you're some sort of doctor. An osteopath, perhaps?
Jerome: No.
Daphne: Well that's odd. I can see you hovering over people with
broken bones.
Niles shuts his eyes and leans his head onto Frasier's shoulder.
Martin: [standing] Boys, why don't you help me get some refreshments
for your new friend?
Frasier: Yes, yes! Excuse us, Jerome!
The boys follow Martin into the kitchen.
Martin: Who the hell is this guy?
Niles: He's some hooligan who helped fix Maris's legal problem, and
in return I promised him a favour. Oh God, do you think
that's why he's here? To collect?
Frasier: [sarcastically] No, Niles. He's probably having a luau and
he came to borrow our Poi Ramekins!
Martin: Are you guys nuts? You don't get involved with somebody like
that!
Niles: Wait, before we panic, we should at least talk to him. You
know, get the "straight dope." Also known as "the skinny."
Frasier: Knock it off, Bugsy!
They re-enter the living room, Frasier carrying a tray with a jug of
Orange Squash on it. Jerome is talking to Daphne.
Jerome: Stealing newspapers is most un-neighbourly behaviour. If you
would like I could find out who's doing it, and make sure they
never even think...
Frasier: [interrupting] Oh no! No! That's fine!
Niles: So Jerome, is there something we can do for you?
Jerome: Since you ask, you may recall the other evening I mentioned
my lady friend? If I may...
He reaches into his breast pocket, and Niles and Frasier clutch
together, thinking he's about to pull out a gun, when he instead
pulls out several photographs.
Daphne: Oh! She's a pretty thing, isn't she!
Jerome: This is at the dog track where we met. And here's our first
Sinatra Concert. And this was at the funeral of a business
associate.
Martin gives Niles a hooded look.
Frasier: You know, for the life of me, I can't recall ever having seen
a woman wearing so many different kinds of furs all at the
same time.
Jerome: Well, Brandy is a uniquely stylish woman.
Niles: Brandy?
Jerome: Yeah, the traditional spelling.
The Crane boys all look at each other, trying to work out when "Brandy"
started to classify as a traditional name.
Jerome: We've been engaged for eight years, but she refuses to set
a wedding date. This upsets me. It also upsets my mother,
whose comments on the subject are frequent and vivid.
Martin: So where do these two come in?
Jerome: Well, if she's reluctant to marry me, obviously she needs
therapy.
Frasier: Well, you're in luck! Niles happens to be one of the finest
marriage counselers in all of Seattle!
Jerome: Well actually, Dr. Crane, I would prefer it if Brandy spoke
to you.
Frasier: To me?
Jerome: [to Niles] No offense to you, Dr. Crane.
Niles: [very relieved] Oh, none taken!
Jerome: She's a great fan of your show. I'm sure she'd heed any
advice that you might care to offer. Such as "Marry him.
Promptly." But I'm not here to put words into your mouth.
You'll know what to say. [he gets up to leave]
Frasier: Jerome, you know I'm a psychiatrist. I'm used to rendering
my opinion, not being a mouthpiece for someone else. I'm not
sure I'm comfortable with this.
Jerome: Dr. Crane, there are some times in life we must do unpleasant
things. I'd hate to tell you some of the unpleasant things
I've had to do.
Frasier: I see. Well then, why don't you just give Brandy my unlisted
home number, which I'm sure you came across when you were
finding out where I lived. I'll be glad to chat with her.
Jerome: Thank you. She'll be in touch. [shakes Frasier's hand] And
I hope that one day you'll dance at my wedding.
He leaves.
Frasier: If I'm able to dance.
Martin: If you ask me, you're getting off easy. He could have asked
you for a much bigger favour.
Frasier: Dad, how can I possibly as a self-respecting psychiatrist
tell any woman to marry that thug?
Daphne: What are you talking about? He seemed very nice to me.
Frasier: This coming from the psychic who thought he was a chiropractor!
Martin: Listen, I've heard your show. One more piece of half-assed
advice isn't going to kill you.
Frasier gives him a look.
Martin: Jerome, on the other hand...
Frasier: Okay, dad!
Fade out.
Scene Five
Fade in to Frasier's booth at KACL, where he is mid-show.
Frasier: The key to lasting weight-loss is to change the way you view
food everyday. You can't go on through life binging and then
starving yourself for two weeks just to fit into that gorgeous
new evening gown you've bought for a special occasion. Can
you understand that?
Steve: [v.o.] Yeah. Thanks Doc.
Frasier: Don't mention it, Steve. Roz, who's our next caller?
Roz: We have Randy, from Richmond Beach.
Frasier: Hello Randy, I'm listening.
Brandy: Not Randy, Brandy. [Frasier looks suddenly worried]
Frasier: Brandy?
Brandy: The traditional spelling.
Frasier: You know we're all out of time, my goodness I feel so sorry
but...
Roz: No, you're not. We've got five minutes left!
Frasier: Thank you, Roz! Alright Brandy, go ahead. Your problem,
please.
Brandy: It's my boyfriend, Jerome. He said I should call you.
We've been semi-engaged for eight years, and he wants
to get married.
Frasier: Well, I can certainly hear the love in your voice, so I say
case closed, best of luck to you in the future!
Brandy: Whoa! You got a bus to catch?! There's a lot more to it.
For starters I think he's cheated on me.
Roz: Well, in my experience, if you suspect something like that,
nine out of ten times you're right.
Frasier: Well, I think a little mistrust adds mystery to a relationship.
Roz starts to look perplexed at Frasier's opinions. He gives her a
little stare as if to say "Shut up and play along!"
Brandy: Mystery I could stand if he didn't neglect me so much. Every
time we go for a romantic dinner he gets a phone call and
bang, it's "Gotta work babe, finish your lobster. I'll send
you a limo."
Frasier: Lobster? Limos? My God, give me his number and I'll marry
him!
Brandy: Money ain't everything, especially when you've got a sex life
like ours...
Roz: He's not even good in bed?
Brandy: Who knows? We're never there long enough to find out!
Frasier: You know, this really isn't necessary...
Brandy: I said to him last night, "What the hell was that?! I've been
vaccinated slower!"
Frasier: Well, that just leaves more time to cuddle!
Roz: Can I say something?
Frasier: No!
Brandy: Look, I could deal with the other problems, if it weren't
for one thing. All my life I've dreamed of being a career
woman, but he says I'm not allowed to work! I'm supposed to
sit home all day, let him take care of me. So, what do you
think Doc? Should I marry him?
Frasier: Well... taking into account the years you've invested in the
relationship, and Jerome's obvious love for you, not to
mention his generosity...
Brandy: Tell me what you think Dr. Crane 'cause I really, really
respect you.
Frasier thinks hard for a moment, but is caught.
Frasier: Brandy... run! [Roz holds up two thumbs] Save yourself.
Do not marry this man. [he presses the button to cut her
off] This is Dr Frasier Crane, saying goodbye, and see you,
God willing, tomorrow.
Fade out.
Scene Six
Fade in at Café Nervosa. Frasier is sitting at a table on his own,
ordering a drink from a passing waiter.
Frasier: Yes, I'll have a non-fat, decaf latte, please. Oh, what the
hell? Look, make it a full-fat mocha with extra whipped
cream. What the hell, put a slice of bacon on it!
Niles approaches Frasier, who is sitting with his back to him.
Niles clamps his hand down on Frasier's shoulder, and Frasier
jumps, terrified.
Niles: Hello, Frasier.
Frasier: Niles! Don't do that!
Niles: Sorry. [to waiter] Double espresso, please. [to Frasier]
I heard you on the radio today. I thought what you did
Was noble. [pause] To what South American nation will you
be fleeing?
Frasier: Oh, like I'd tell you. One minute of interrogation and you
would crack like a Jordan almond!
Niles: Frasier, I never meant for any of this to happen. How long
are you going to stay mad at me?
Frasier: For as long as I live. Which'll probably take us through
breakfast.
He sees Jerome entering the cafe, looking rather depressed.
Frasier: Oh, wrong again!
Niles: Oh, oh look! It's Jerome Belasco! Jerome, take a seat!
Look Frasier, it's our friend, [turns to lady sitting behind
them] Jerome Belasco.
They all sit down, Frasier and Niles very nervously. There is an
ominous silence.
Jerome: I heard your broadcast this afternoon. It displeased me.
[the waitress comes over to get his order] Yeah, let me
have a little hot milk, please. When I'm displeased I get
acid in my stomach, Dr. Crane.
Frasier: Believe me, the last thing I wanted to do is displease you.
Or to hear the words "acid" and "Dr. Crane" in the same
sentence. But - Jerome, I'm sorry - how could I have advised
her otherwise? She said that you cheated on her.
Jerome: She said she suspected me! I've never cheated on Miss Brandy.
Frasier: Alright, be that as it may, how can I advise her to marry a
man who's so controlling that he won't even allow her to work?
Jerome: It may interest you to know that over the years I've called
in favours to get Miss Brandy fourteen jobs! She lost all of
them.
Frasier: So you're saying she's had trouble finding her niche?
Jerome: No, I'm saying she's a dodo. Now you may love a dodo; you may
think the dodo is beautiful; you may even wish to marry the
dodo. But you do not encourage a dodo to fly! Now, when she
loses these jobs it makes her very unhappy. So for her sake
I said "No more jobs." But now, in order to convince her to
marry me, I've had to reverse this policy.
Frasier: So she has agreed to marry you?
Jerome: If I get her a job. And not just any job. A job that she
can never lose. A job where if she burns the place down,
they will apologise to her for having made it so flammable.
Niles: Well, good luck finding someone who'll hire her.
Jerome and Frasier look at Niles, then each other, then Niles again.
He gives a little moan of realisation. FADE OUT.
Scene Seven
Fade in to Frasier's apartment.
Daphne and Martin are sitting at the table, eating. Frasier enters,
obviously just having had a shower.
Daphne: Dr. Crane, your brother called. The court time for your
tennis game is 11 o'clock.
Frasier: Oh, good Lord. I distinctly told him I wasn't available until
noon.
Martin: Hey, if you're going to call him back, put it on the
speakerphone.
Frasier: Don't you think this is getting a little old?
Daphne: Well I think it's just mean, is what I think.
Martin: So sue me, I enjoy it.
Frasier presses the AutoDial on the phone. Brandy answers.
Brandy: [v.o.] Good morning! Niles Crane, psy-kee-at-trist.
Martin bursts into hysterics at the table.
Frasier: Yes, is Dr. Crane there? This is his brother, Frasier.
Brandy: Oh hi, Dr. Crane. It's me, Brandy. Hang on, I'm getting
another call.
She presses the wrong button and cuts Frasier off. Martin bursts
into hysterics again.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT TWO
Credits:
A woman is outside Frasier's apartment. She looks around to check
no-one can see her, then picks up his paper and heads for the lift.
However it opens and Niles steps out. She drops the paper, pretending
she hadn't picked it up. Niles thinks she hasn't noticed she's dropped
it, and picks it up for her. She leaves in the lift.
Martin then opens the door to try and catch the thief, but realises
it's just Niles. Martin starts to look for the paper, and Niles
realises what he's done, and pretends he hasn't seen the paper either.
Guest Appearances
Guest Starring
HARRIS YULIN as Jerome Belasco
Guest Callers
FAITH PRINCE as Brandy
RANDY TRAVIS as Steve
Legal Stuff
This episode capsule is copyright 1999 by Abby Fletcher & Nick
Hartley. Abby Fletcher wrote the transcript, Nick Hartley edited it
for use on his site. This episode summary remains property of
Frasier, Copyright of Paramount Productions and NBC. Printed without
permission.