[7.19] Morning Becomes Entertainment




Morning Becomes Entertainment              Written by Rob Hanning
                                           & Jay Kogen
                                           Directed by Pamela Fryman
=====================================================================
Production Code: 7.19
Episode Number In Production Order: 164
Original Airdate on NBC: 6th April 2000
Episode filmed on 22nd February 2000
Transcript written on 19th June 2000
Transcript revised on 19th May 2001

I Summon Thee...

Bebe Glazer has appeared in:
- [1.09] Selling OOut
- [1.18] And The  Whimper Is...
- [2.22] Agents IIn America, Part III
- [3.21] Where Thhere's Smoke, There's Fired
- [4.17] Roz's Tuurn
- [5.12] The Zoo  Story
- [7.19] Morning  Becomes Entertainment

Transcript {nicholas hartley}

[Act One.]

[Scene One - Café Nervosa.
Daphne is sat at a table as Frasier enters.]

Frasier: Daphne.
 Daphne: Hey.
Frasier: Hello, I thought you were spending the afternoon with dad.
 Daphne: He's in the loo.  Why don't you join us?
Frasier: All right, thank you. [sits] Hey, did you happen to catch 
         the show today, I was on fire.  First caller was an 
         agoraphobic, [fists the air] boom!  I knocked it right out 
         of the park.  Then, two troubled marriages and a compulsive 
         over-eater; Boom! Boom! Boom!  I was a regular mental health 
         dispensing machine.
 Daphne: I did two loads of laundry and cut a piece of gum out of 
         Eddie's hair.
Frasier: Now, Daphne, don't get down on yourself.  The work you do at 
         home is very important.  In fact, I don't know what dad and 
         I are going to do once you're married.
 Daphne: Thank you, Dr. Crane, that makes me feel better.
Frasier: Boom!  Boy, there is no off-switch on this thing!
 Daphne: Sadly, that's true. [laughs]

[Roz enters.]

Frasier: Oh, there she is, the other half of our team.  Roz, are you 
         still as jazzed as I am?
    Roz: They're taking us off the air! [sits]
Frasier: What?!  Since when?
    Roz: Well, while you were out looking for Gatorade to pour over 
         yourself, Kenny came by and said he's yanking us for a week. 
         He wants to try out that new show - you know, "Car Chat with 
         Bob and Bethany."
Frasier: "Car Chat with Bob and Bethany," what the... [pauses] Oh, 
         touché, Kenny.  Indeed a worthy adversary but you shall find 
         I have a trick or two of my own! [laughs]
 Daphne: You know, Dr. Crane, maybe a week off would do you some 
         good.
Frasier: No, no, no, you don't understand.  See, I'm actually 
         renegotiating my contract right now, this is merely the 
         station's tactic to try and get me to cave.
    Roz: I hope you're right.
Frasier: Well, of course I'm right; Bob and Bethany, Car chat, please!  
         I mean how can anyone drone on for three hours about a 
         subject that nobody even understands! 
    Roz: Yeah!  We were there first!

[Roz goes to the counter.]

 Daphne: Don't worry, Dr. Crane, I'm sure you're right about these 
         things.  After all, you usually are.
Frasier: Well, thank you, Daphne, that's exactly what I needed to 
         hear.
 Daphne: Boom!

[Martin enters from the toilets.]

Frasier: Oh, hi, dad.
 Martin: [sits] Boy, they really did a job in the men's room, didn't 
         they? 
Frasier: I hadn't noticed.
 Martin: Oh, yeah, completely re-did it: Fancy wallpapers, bright new 
         tiles, even those little perfumed soaps that you like to use 
         at home, Fras'.
 Daphne: Oh, for heaven's sakes, you went into the ladies room, you 
         blind old sod!  I've been begging him for months to get 
         glasses.
 Martin: Ladies room?!  You're crazy, that guy was just in there.

[Martin points out a very masculine looking woman.]

Frasier: [calls over to the woman:] Oh hi, Bethany.  Listen, good 
         luck in the slot next week.
Bethany: Thanks, we're pumped. [exits]
Frasier: Granted, dad, Bethany may be a bit of a tough call, but 
         still, you know, it wouldn't hurt to get a check-up.
 Martin: Oh, come on, don't you start too.  There's nothing wrong with 
         my eyes. [picks up cream holder] Now, if you don't mind, I 
         just want to sit here quietly and have a... [notices the cup 
         he picked up] ...have a drink of cream, do you have a 
         problem with that?!  Good.

[The rest look at him as he sips the cream.]

[Scene Two - Frasier's Apartment.
Daphne is cutting some coupons as Frasier enters.]

 Daphne: Hi, Dr. Crane.
Frasier: Oh, hello, Daphne.  Say, you know my agent, Bebe, said she 
         might be stopping by.  Have you heard anything?
 Daphne: No, and I hope she's not staying for lunch, I'm afraid we're 
         fresh out of live mice.

[Martin then enters wearing a pair of "old-women" glasses.  Frasier 
looks at him alarmed.]

 Martin: Hi, Fras'. 
Frasier: Dad.

[Martin proudly exits to the kitchen.]

Frasier: Is it my imagination or are those ladies glasses?
 Daphne: Yes, but don't you say anything.  I had to drag him down to 
         the store.  He tried on every pair in the place, those were 
         the only ones he liked. 
 Martin: [enters] So, how do you like the new specs?
Frasier: They certainly are eye-catching.
 Martin: Yeah.  You should have seen the looks I got all day.  Mostly 
         from women.  You know, I'd like to think it was me but I've 
         got an idea that these frames were designed with an eye to 
         pleasing the ladies.
Frasier: I'd say that's a safe assumption. [laughs with Daphne]
 Martin: Have you seen the case for them?  I don't know what I did 
         with it.
 Daphne: Yes, I think I popped them into my purse, check my room.
 Martin: Okey-doke.  Oh, wait till you see this case, Fras'.  This 
         Loren guy really knows what he's doing. [exits to Daphne's 
         room]
Frasier: Ralph Lauren?
 Daphne: Sophia.
Frasier: I'm amazed you could keep a straight face all day.
 Daphne: Well, I've done enough clothes shopping with your father. 
         [doorbell sounds] I'm pretty good at pretending to like 
         things, no matter how horrifying I find them.

[Daphne opens the door and smiles at Bebe.]

 Daphne: [cheeful pretense] Bebe, how nice to see you. [she hands her 
         coat to her before she exits]
   Bebe: [enters] Frasier, my favourite client, Seattle's gold and 
         glowing gift to the airwaves.
Frasier: So, I take it negotiations aren't going so well?
   Bebe: You remember that insulting figure you said you'd never 
         accept?  They haven't come up to it yet.
Frasier: Oh, dear. 
  Niles: [at open door] Knock, knock.
Frasier: Oh, come on in, Niles.  Bebe's just bringing me up to speed 
         on her depressing news about my contract negotiations.
   Bebe: Don't worry, dear, I just need to find a way to throw a 
         scare into 'em.
  Niles: Have you tried turning into a bat?
   Bebe: I would, love, but most grown men don't share your fear of 
         tiny creatures! 
Frasier: Could you two please catch up later?
   Bebe: I did get one offer that I thought might give us some 
         leverage.  It's a TV job.
Frasier: Television?
   Bebe: Unfortunately it's all wrong for you.  They want you and Roz 
         to host "AM Seattle" next week.
  Niles: That vapid morning chat show?
   Bebe: Exactly what I told them.  Frasier Crane is a doctor.  He 
         heals the masses, he doesn't pander to them.  He's not going 
         to do some silly morning coffee clash, no matter how 
         fabulously popular it is.
Frasier: No, it's quite right, Bebe.  That sort of show, it's beneath 
         me.
   Bebe: Exactly.
Frasier: It's undignified.
   Bebe: Horribly.
Frasier: Still...
   Bebe: I'm listening.
Frasier: If there were a way to do it with a bit more dignity, some 
         polish and substance.
   Bebe: Why didn't I think of that?
Frasier: You know, a dash of high society, a dollop of culture.
  Niles: I can't believe you're even considering this.  The show is 
         nothing more than a melange of bad jokes and mind-numbing 
         banter.
Frasier: Yes, well, it doesn't have to be, Niles, don't you see?  I 
         mean, if I could choose the guests myself-
   Bebe: You can.
Frasier: And control the content-
   Bebe: You could.
Frasier: Well, then, I'd accept.
   Bebe: We did. [realises] I mean, we will.  In fact, why don't I 
         call them right now with the exciting news. [takes out phone 
         and a cigarette] May I?
Frasier: On the balcony, if you don't mind.
   Bebe: Mind?  I don't want a single puff tearing up the baby blues 
         of TV's newest sensation.  By this time next week...
  Niles: You heard him, if you're gonna blow smoke, do it on the 
         balcony.

[Bebe exits to the balcony.]

  Niles: Well, I can't say I'm surprised.
Frasier: What is that supposed to mean?
  Niles: Only that something like this was inevitable.  It's the final 
         step in your descent from legitimate psychiatrist to dancing 
         bear.
Frasier: Niles, we are talking about doing a sophisticated television 
         show for one week in order to improve my contract
         negotiations.
  Niles: This has nothing to do with your contract negotiations!  You 
         have been an applause junky ever since you first set foot on
         a grammar school stage.
Frasier: I was drawn to the theatre because of its discipline and 
         collaborative spirit!
  Niles: Oh please, in your sixth grade production of "Oaklaholma!" 
         you took so many curtain calls Mrs. Van Raphorst had to 
         lasso you and pull you from the stage.
Frasier: That woman never understood me or the role of Farmer Number 
         Three!
  Niles: Oh, I'm just wasting my breath.  As usual you have fallen 
         under the spell of that sorceress out there.
Frasier: I have done no such thing.  I wish you would just lay off of 
         Bebe, she is not some malign people who can transform 
         people at will!

[Martin enters wearing his glasses and searching through Daphne's 
purse which is hung on his arm]

Martin: I can't find a damn thing in this purse! [exits]
 Niles: If I say I'm sorry, will she change dad back into a man?

[Frasier gives Niles a look.]

[End of Act One]

[Act Two]

[Scene One - TV Studio.
Frasier arrives with Bebe on the stage.  The producer, Matt, is 
standing by.]

Frasier: Well, it took several of your best people, but I believe 
         they have finally wrestled this feisty cow-lick of mine into 
         submission.  So, are we ready to roll?
   Matt: Not quite, your partner's not here.
Frasier: Roz is not here?  But we're on in four minutes.
   Matt: At this point a re-run is on in four minutes.
   Bebe: Don't worry, Matt, she'll be here.
   Matt: We won't even have time to put her through make-up.
   Bebe: A natural beauty like Roz?  Oh, please, darling, pinch her 
         cheeks, stand back and watch her glow.

[Roz enters - she look rather under weather]

    Roz: Hey, sorry I'm late.
Frasier: Roz, oh for God's sakes, you look awful, are you sick?
    Roz: No, of course not, I wouldn't be sick for our big debut.  
         I'm totally fine.
Frasier: [feels her forehead] Roz, you're burning up.
    Roz: Well, it's kinda hot in here, maybe it's all these lights. 
         Let's just get this jacket off!

[Roz begins to unbutton her shirt until Frasier stops her.]

Frasier: Stop, stop, you're delirious.
   Bebe: With anticipation, darling.  Don't worry, I'll calm her down.

[Bebe takes Roz to the side and shakes her.]

   Bebe: Pull yourself together, do you hear me?  We need this show!
   Matt: All right, everyone, we're doing a re-run, let the audience 
         go, cue the tapes.
   Bebe: Wait?  Can't Frasier do the show without her?
   Matt: This is a chat show, who's he going to chat with?
   Bebe: Me, I'll go on with him.
Frasier: [upon hearing this, shakes Roz:] You!  Pull yourself 
         together, Roz!
   Matt: I don't think so, Bebe.
   Bebe: Why not, all he needs is someone to suck up to, laugh at his 
         jokes, pretend to listen to his stories.  I'm his agent, for 
         God's sakes, that's what I do!
Frasier: You know, I believe she could pull it off.
   Matt: The problem is she needs to be likable.
Frasier: Right.  Do I at least get to keep the suit?
   Bebe: Hold on, I can be likable.  I can also be very unlikable. 
         Maybe if you explain the difference to poor confused Bebe. 
         For instance, what you were doing in the dressing room with 
         the wardrobe girl an hour ago.  Would your wife find that 
         likable or unlikable?
   Matt: [worried] Put some make-up on this woman.

[Bebe walks over to Frasier.]

Director: Okay, folks, sixty seconds.
 Frasier: All right, Bebe, just follow my lead.  I'll introduce us and 
          then I'll get to our guests, all right? 

[They sit and look through the scripts.]

Frasier: Wasn't our first guest Susan Sontag?
   Bebe: She had a conflict.  Don't worry, we've got a fabulous 
         replacement.
Frasier: "Baby Leo, the world's biggest two-year old"?!
   Bebe: You're gonna love him, just remember to lift with your legs.
Frasier: This is unacceptable.
   Bebe: Oh, now who's the world's biggest baby?

[Frasier and Bebe begin arguing as the intro music starts.]

Frasier: Hi, welcome to "AM Seattle."  I'm Dr. Frasier Crane.
   Bebe: And I'm Bebe Glazer.
Frasier: We're gonna be your hosts this week and believe me, we've 
         got some great shows lined up for you.  But before we get to 
         our guests I'd like to take a few moments to share with you 
         a few thoughts I've prepared on a very special time of the 
         day, the time that we'll be spending together, morning.  A 
         new beginning.  A daily rebirth, if you will.
   Matt: What the hell is this?  Banter, banter. [he mimes banter to 
         Bebe]
Frasier: And even though AM stands for Anti-Meridian, if you simply 
         put them together, they also make up the word "am" as in "I 
         am." 
   Bebe: Whoa!  Not before my coffee!  As you can see, Frasier has a 
         way with words, but did you also know that he has a way with 
         voices.
Frasier: Excuse me?  
   Bebe: Who wants to hear Frasier's famous Sean Connery impression?

[The crowd goes wild. (NB: They used the real studio audience that 
attended the filming of this episode)]

Frasier: [Sean Connery voice:] Now, Now, Moneypenny, you're 
         embarassing me.
   Bebe: Dr. Frasier Crane, ladies and gentlemen.  Anymore 
         impressions, Frasier? 
Frasier: You know what, maybe I should just get back to my...
   Bebe: Now, don't be shy!  Who wants to hear Frasier do more 
         impressions?

[The crowd applauds.]

Frasier: It's just that I'd hate to take time away from our other 
         guests.  I believe that [in James Mason voice:] James Mason 
         may be stopping by to visit.

[The crowd applauds as we fade out.]

I THINK THAT SMELL IS GREASE PAINT!
[Scene Two - TV Studio. A few days later, Bebe and Frasier are presenting another show] Frasier: Well, this has been some week. Bebe: It's really flown by. Frasier: Hasn't it? Bebe: Whoosh! Frasier: A-whoosh! Bebe: And there's even time for Thursday's kitchen corner. We'll be right back with Chef Frasier. [They take the show to commercials.] Matt: And we're clear. Frasier: Bebe, "Kitchen corner?" I thought we had the violin prodigy up next. For God sakes, we've bumped Kim Lee twice this week. Bebe: I know, but we're running short of time and the cooking segment's going to be bopo! Frasier: Well, all right, but I insist Kim Lee play over the closing credits, all right? We're not running some sort of tacky, run-of-the-mill morning show! Director: Here's your chef's costume. [he takes it in anguish] Bebe: Now, now, big dear. You know, Frasier, the most magical thing happened to me last night during dinner. Frasier: Really? Bebe: I was recognised. Frasier: Intoxicating, isn't it? Gosh, I myself, no stranger to celebrity, have noticed more heads swivelling in my direction. Matt: And we're back in five, four, three, two... [Frasier and Bebe take their place.] Frasier: Welcome back. Bebe: Frasier, I hear you're quite the gourmet. Frasier: Oh please, I don't do anything fancy. A few soufflés, a flambé or two, just good eats! Now, this morning I'm going to be making my signature breakfast for you. That's "Eggs Pelemo Fontana." Bebe: Mmmm, makes my mouth water. But before we start, I have a little sweetheart backstage who's dying to come out and give you a hand. Frasier: Is it Kim Lee? Bebe: Not even close. It's Bobo, the cooking chimp! [Bobo enters in a chef's jacket.] Frasier: [covering] Ho-ho, that's very funny, it is. Has Matt's fingerprints all over it! Bebe: We thought it might be great fun if you were to match your skills against him. Frasier: Oh, I don't know, Bebe. Er.... Bebe: Well, let's let the audience decide. How many of you want to see the monkey make eggs? [they all clap] Now, how many of you want to see Bobo make eggs? Frasier: Ouch! [laughs] Well, all right, apes before beauty! [Bobo and Frasier take their seat in the kitchen corner.] Bebe: Frasier, Bobo, may the best chef win! Frasier: Now, the first rule of boute cusine is to be sure that you have all of your ingredients at hand. You see, we have eggs, milk, butter, spinach and of course our old friend, the shallot! [Bobo meanwhile has already cracked his egg in the pan.] Frasier: Why, look at that, he's not even pre-heating the pan, the beast! [laughs] Bebe: Bobo's getting an early lead. Frasier: It's very important to keep your eggs light and fluffy, so what you want to do is add a bit of milk and a touch of flour. [Bobo meanwhile throws an egg at Frasier. They begin to have an improvised slinging match, throwing the eggs at each other] [Scene Three - Frasier's Apartment. Meanwhile, Frasier, Daphne and Martin (wearing his women's glasses) are watching it on the television] Frasier: This whole thing was improvised. Daphne: You're kidding, it's like you and chimp have been working together for years! Martin: Boy, that's great stuff, Frasier. You know, I can't tell you how impressed the guys at McGinty's are that I have such a famous son. Frasier: What did they say? Martin: Well, they don't say anything to my face, but when I walk in they kind of nudge each other and whisper. Daphne: [responding to a bell heard in the kitchen] That'll be my Shepherd's Pie. [exits] Martin: Shepherd's Pie. [takes glasses off] Frasier: You know, I must confess, there's a part of me that wishes I could still do the TV show. [doorbell] Martin: Well, there's a part of me that wishes that monkey was cooking dinner instead of you know who... but we put our dreams away! [Martin exits as Frasier opens the door to Roz.] Frasier: Oh, hi, Roz. Well, don't you look nice. Are you feeling better? Roz: Yes, thank you. Can we talk? Frasier: Well, of course, come on in. What's the matter? Roz: Well, I talked to my friends in business affairs and they say they're ready to close our deal but Bebe's holding it up. Frasier: Well, of course she's holding it up, she's trying to make them sweat a little bit. That's the whole strategy behind the TV show: leverage. Roz: Yeah, well, I heard a rumour that "AM Seattle" isn't happy with their regular hosts and I think she's angling for you to take over. So where does that leave me? Frasier: Even if that was Bebe's plan, you're forgetting that it's still my career and I'm calling the shots. There is no way I would continue doing "AM Seattle." Roz: Yeah, well, you look like you are having the time of your life. Frasier: I'm playing a character! There is a big difference between "Dr. Frasier Crane, psychiatrist" and "Frasier Crane, the guy who starts your morning right." I'll tell you what. I will speak to Bebe when we're in the chair. Oh, that's the industry term for when we're getting our make-up put on. Roz: Thanks, Frasier. [picks up Martin's glasses] God, this is so weird! Daphne usually has such great taste, what was she thinking with these glasses?! Frasier: Well, actually, Roz... Roz: [laughing, puts them on] I've gotta go see what these look like. [Roz heads to the powder room as Martin enters and notices her.] Martin: Hi, Roz. [she exits] He-he-he, somebody ought to tell Mr. Doyle she's wearing a dude's glasses! [Frasier rolls his eyes.] [Scene Four - Backstage. Behind the scenes of "AM Seattle," Frasier is getting his make-up put on as Bebe enters.] Frasier: Oh, Kiki, you're a magician. Bebe: Frasier, you're not going to believe the wonderful news I just got: they want us to stay on. Frasier: What?! Bebe: Yes, we had the highest ratings the show's had all year. Frasier: I don't believe this, Roz was right. You had no intention of negotiating my radio contract. Bebe: I don't expect gratitude, Frasier, just a little faith. I finished your KACL contract this morning. [hands it over] Frasier: You did. Bebe: And I did quite a good job, I might add. Frasier: Oh, I'm sorry, Bebe, I owe you an apology... [reads it] Well, this is wonderful, got an extra week's vacation and a very handsome raise. Bebe: It's garbage compared to what they'll give us to stay on here. You'll get an expense account, a wardrobe allowance, not to mention a car and driver. Frasier: No, no, let's not forget why I took this job. It was to raise my profile, to get a better deal with the radio contract. We've done that, Bebe and I thank you. Bebe: You're welcome, darling, and I respect your choice. Frasier: Thanks. Bebe: Now, let's talk about today's show. Frasier: Right. Bebe: We start with the Friday Fiesta, here are our costumes... [hands over Mexican ponchos] and then we move on to the Girl Scout cookie-selling champ... [Bebe turns to tears] and then we... Frasier: Bebe, are you all right? Bebe: I spent my life in the wings, it was just nice having my moment in the spotlight. The rush when that little red light on camera turns on... [captivating him] The stupid masking tape on that dressing room door with my name on it... Frasier: The stage door johnnys, whatever that strange man with the autograph book calls himself... [Niles enters, noticing her tactics.] Bebe: Admit it, darling, you want this as much as I do. I saw it in your eyes during the pie-eating contest. Nobody loves blueberries that much, it's the audience you love! Director: [v.o:] Are you ready for Bebe and Frasier? [The crowd goes wild. Bebe clutches Frasier.] Bebe: Listen to them! They want you! Frasier: They do want me, don't they? Bebe: Let me tear up the contract, Frasier. Frasier: Maybe it is time for a change. Niles: [moves in] Get away from him, you she-thing! It's a good thing dad started choking on that peanut or I would have never come back here for water. Stop this madness! Bebe: He can't stop it, no-one can, show business is in his blood! Niles: No, psychiatry is. Frasier, you're a healer. Bebe: Anyone can heal, you're better than that, [eyes light up] you're an entertainer! Frasier: God, Niles, she's right. I love the audience. I know it's shallow but it makes me feel alive. Niles: Do you have any idea how ridiculous you look in this outfit? Frasier, I know I sometimes I make light of your radio show, but the truth is you provide help and hope and comfort to people who need it. I have always envied you that. Bebe: Don't listen to that drivel! Frasier: He's right, Bebe. I'm a psychiatrist, I can't do the show anymore. I'm sorry. Bebe: Then quit! Who needs ya'? I'll find some other stuffed shirt who's happy to ride my coat tails to fame. Niles, you're a doctor! Frasier: [stands between them] Niles, don't look into her eyes! Bebe: Well, that's it, the dream is over! Matt: [o.s:] Thirty seconds! Bebe: But I'm still a professional, there's an audience out there waiting for two people to ride in on a donkey. I don't know about you, but I'm not going to let them down. [gets onto the donkey] Niles: [off Frasier's glance] It's your last show, get out there! Frasier: Thanks, brother, for keeping me grounded. [Frasier then puts his Mexican hat on and clambers onto the donkey and sets out to the stage] Niles: Vaya Con Dios! [End of Act Two] Credits: Martin is sat in Café Nervosa cleaning his glasses. As he does so, a woman comes in and sits with him wearing the exact same type. Martin realises they are ladie's glasses and quietly slips the glasses away before striking up conversation with her.

Guest Appearances

 Special Guest Stars
 HARRIET SANSOM HARRIS as Bebe Glazer
 
 Guest Starring
 KAREN HENSEL as Bethany
 CARLOS JACOTT as Matt
 ILO ORLEANS as Stage Manager

Legal Stuff

 This episode capsule is copyright 2000 by Nick Hartley.
 This episode summary remains property of Frasier, Copyright 
 of Paramount Productions and NBC. Printed without permission. 

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