The Rise of Mr. Ponzi

The Rise of Mr.
Ponzi
by
Greg Santos
WGA Registration #1292035

FADE IN:
INT. LOCOMOBILE LIMO - DAY
A gold Liberty Dollar winking in a ray of sunlight.
It flips between a set of deft fingers.
Tumbling across the back of a man’s hand.
CHARLES PONZI (30) reclining alone in the luxurious cabin of

his custom limousine. Draped in a finely tailored linen suit.
He smiles wide like the cat that ate the canary. With gravy.
Lying on his lap is a crisp newspaper.
He eyes its headline with pride.
INSERT - BOSTON POST FRONT PAGE, reading:
“PONZI DOUBLES THE MONEY

Wizard of Finance Delivers the Goods”
BACK IN THE LIMO
Ponzi lays down the paper. Twists a cigarette into a slender

tortoise shell holder.
Gazes out the window at something in the distance.
LIMO DRIVER (O.S.)

(in Italian)
Signori Ponzi, will we be stopping
at the Tremont Trust this morning?
PONZI
Not today. Direct to the office.
LIMO DRIVER
Looks like all of Boston has come
out to see you.
Ponzi gets his first glimpse of the throng who have assembled
to greet him.
He touches a gold lighter to the tip of his cigarette.
From out of nowhere, a hand clutching a wad of bills smacks

against the window.
2.
EXT. SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON - SAME
From high above, the crowd is a sea of straw hats. They

overflow the red-brick chasm of School Street, continuing out
of sight.
SUPER: “Boston, 1920”
The excited shouts of the masses float up and away like

breath on a crisp Boston morning.
But it’s summer in the city. And it’s sweltering.
IN THE LIMO
Ponzi is cool as a cucumber. Adjusting his silk necktie.
An enormous diamond stickpin catches the morning light.
INT. BOSTON POST WAR ROOM - SAME
A group of reporters assembles at the window to observe the

spectacle below.
They track the limo as it inches through the mob. Pulling up

to a narrow doorway at number Twenty Seven School Street.
The paper’s seasoned City Editor shakes his head and

scratches at his scraggly beard.
CITY EDITOR
Pigs being led to the slaughter.
EXT. SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON - SAME
The limo driver hurries around to open the door for his boss.
Admirers press in tight to get a glimpse or lay a hand on the

man inside.
Madness has infected the crowd. The city.
MAN IN CROWD
There he is! There’s Ponzi!
Ponzi steps from the limo with a wave of his gilded cane.
The diverse crowd breaking into cheers and applause.

3.
Ponzi’s driver attempts to clear a path, doing double duty as

bodyguard.
They move swiftly. Ponzi shaking a few hands along the way.
A flashbulb POPS.
A brilliant white light.
Ponzi’s warm smile is frozen in black and white.
Several well dressed gentlemen look on with esteem.
A grey-haired black man approaches. Holding a beat up shoebox

tightly.
Two policemen on horseback loom above the mass of squirming

humanity.
Eager investors jostle for position in line. Snaking into the

building and up the stairwell.
All eyes are on Ponzi.
He reaches the door to his building as a HECKLER emerges from

the crowd.
HECKLER
Double my money in ninety days? I’d
like to see the man who could do
that.
Ponzi stops and turns as if hit by a stone from behind.
PONZI
(for all to hear)
Well I’m doing it. I’m the man.
INT. SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMPANY - SAME
An OLD WOMAN is pushed and shoved at the mercy of the

frenzied men in line.
Ponzi stops to help her.
PONZI
Signora, allow me to be your host.
OLD WOMAN
Grazie, Signori Ponzi.
He offers his arm leading her up the stairs.

4.
The smiling couple continues down a narrow hallway. Making

their way to the front.
The line ends abruptly at a wall with three barred windows.
Ponzi’s personal security guard, STAGGS, an aging mug built

like a brick shit-house, stands sentinel.
His .38 revolver is holstered, but clearly visible to the

crowd.
INT. MONEY CAGE - SAME
Three female tellers work frantically at their windows. They

accept what seems an endless stream of cash in exchange for a
single rectangular sheet of paper.
The cash is coming so quickly that each of their drawers has

already overflowed.
Money is everywhere. They’ve resorted to stacking it on any

available surface.
Stray bills scatter the floor.
One of the tellers drops a bundle into a wire wastepaper

basket already half full of bills.
INT. SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMPANY - SAME
PONZI
My Dear, are you making a deposit
or a withdrawal?
OLD WOMAN
I am here to redeem this note for
Seven Hundred-Fifty Dollars.
Ponzi takes the note from her and pretends to study it

closely.
He hands the note to a teller who stops to smile admiringly

at Ponzi.
PONZI
So you have.
(louder, to the crowd)
She’s come to clean me out.
The crowd shares a nervous laugh as Ponzi pulls a huge roll

of bills from his pocket.
5.
Their eyes widen.
Ponzi counts out loud for all to hear.
PONZI
Six hundred, seven hundred. Seven
hundred and fifty dollars. As
promised. Your principal plus
interest.
He hands the money to the woman and motions to Staggs.
PONZI
Will you see the young lady
downstairs and through the crowd.
(to the old woman)
Signori Cardinale, I hope you will
tell your family and friends of the
good investment you have made with
my Securities Exchange Company.
The Old Woman is bursting with joy. She takes the money from
Ponzi, kisses him on the cheek and addresses the people in
line.
OLD WOMAN
Ponzi is the greatest Italian in
history!
PONZI
Grazie Signora, grazie. Such a
generous compliment. But no,
Marconi invented the wireless and
Columbus discovered America.
She holds her personal fortune up for all to see.
OLD WOMAN
But Ponzi discovered the money.
INT. TREMONT TRUST BANK - MORNING
A man’s hand slides a few bills across a polished mahogany

bank counter.
SUPER : “Six Months Earlier”
A Teller exchanges his hard earned pay for a paper receipt.
He tucks it into his overalls as a man in a suit brushes past

him.
6.
Over his shoulder he watches the suited man hand over a fat
stack of bills. Receiving a similar paper receipt.
PONZI (V.O.)
The average man is never satisfied
with what he has.
Several crooked lines of people radiate from a wall of barred

windows.
PONZI
He does not realize when he is well
off...
Customers fidget, peeking over each others shoulders.
A well dressed gentleman is shown graciously into an inner

office.
PONZI (V.O.)
...If he has a shirt, he wants two.
If he is single, he wants a wife...
Behind brass bars, a female teller smiles at a male customer.

He holds her glance a little too long.
PONZI (V.O.)
...If he is married, he wants a
harem...
A guard fingers his pistol.
PONZI (V.O.)
He is always reaching for the moon
and stepping off into space.
A huge safe door slams closed.
Charles Ponzi sits with a dignified air, his jacket folded

neatly over his legs.
He checks his second-rate pocket watch.
Glares at a RECEPTIONIST posted outside the bank manager’s

office.
She feels his stare. Looks up and forces a fake smile.
RECEPTIONIST
Perhaps you should call at another
time.
7.
PONZI
I’m just fine. I can live on one
meal a day.
Her smile brightens at the quip.
The door behind her swings open. Her boss, SIMON SWIG (50s)
shows his LAWYER out.
Swig is a hulk of a man. Chewing on an unlit cigar.
The men laugh heartily like old friends.
RECEPTIONIST
Sir, a Mr. Ponzi is here--
The men pass by her desk. Paying no attention.
SWIG
...At least your son is interested
in business.
LAWYER
I gave it to him straight...
She shrugs at Ponzi.
LAWYER
...Son, I said...Suppose my
customer buys a hundred dollar item
with a crisp new bill. As he leaves
the shop, I realize that he has
mistakenly handed me TWO hundred
dollar bills stuck together...
The men continue past Ponzi as if he were a ghost.
LAWYER
...Now it becomes an issue of
business ethics. I must ask myself--
SWIG
Do I tell my customer?
LAWYER
No...
He leans in closer. Lowers his voice.
LAWYER
...Do I tell my partner.
They share a snide laugh.

8.
Ponzi steps to them, trying to keep pace.
PONZI
Mr. Swig, I’d like to talk to you
about my loan...
He extends his hand.
PONZI
...Charles Ponzi.
Swig and his lawyer continue walking as Ponzi subtly blocks

their exit.
SWIG
Mr. Bonzi--
PONZI
Ponzi.
He won’t be swatted away.
SWIG
(to his lawyer)
Excuse me a moment, Mr. Thompson.
I’ll meet you out front.
Swig faces the interruption. Raising a lighter to his cigar.
SWIG
Mr. Ponzi, our loan officers are
highly qualified to evaluate
applicants and recommend or deny
their loans. I trust the officer in
your case...
He inhales deeply, looking Ponzi up and down. Discharges a

thick cloud of smoke.
SWIG
...made an informed and proper
decision.
Ponzi forces some papers into Swig’s hand.
PONZI
I believe your employee overlooked
the great potential I outlined in
my business--
SWIG
Do you carry a balance with us?
9.
PONZI
I have an account with you in good
standing, yes.
SWIG
Does your account carry a balance?
Ponzi switches his coat to his other arm.
PONZI
If I had savings, I wouldn’t very
well need a loan now, would I?
SWIG
Mr. Ponzi, while it is our policy
to accommodate our investors
whenever we can...
He hands Ponzi back his file.
SWIG
...I’m afraid your account is more
of a bother than a benefit.
EXT. SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON - MORNING
A scruffy teen NEWSBOY hands a Boston Post to Ponzi.
Its headline reads, “YANKEES SNATCH THE BABE.”
Ponzi tosses a nickel in the air.
The Newsboy removes his hat in a flash, catching the coin.

Flops the cap back on his head.
Orange rays of sun paint the busy street between buildings.
Bostonians walk briskly through the cold morning.
A Policeman pokes a drunk dozing in a stairwell.
Ponzi turns into the doorway at Twenty Seven School Street.
INT. SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMPANY - MORNING
Two Movers carrying a shoddy desk out of an office.
Ponzi rushes up to stop them.

10.
PONZI
Careful gentleman. That’s second-
rate white pine...
He checks a couple of the drawers, finding some of his

belongings.
PONZI
...passed off as fine solid oak.
MOVER 1
Say goodbye.
PONZI
Allow me to make a quick phone
call. I’ll take care of this.
MOVER 1
You’ve got no phone.
PONZI
Now that’s ludicrous. I did not
purchase that phone from Primero.
MOVER 2
Interest.
Ponzi notices his secretary standing in the empty office.
She holds her work in one hand, a small vase with a single
rose in the other.
PONZI
What are you doing here? I told you
I can’t afford to pay you right
now.
She shrugs at him.
MS. MELLI
I’ve no where else to go. I thought
I might work a while on
expectations.
Ponzi watches his desk disappear down the stairs.
PONZI
That makes two of us.
11.
EXT. BOSTON COMMON - EVENING
ROSE PONZI (20s), a striking beauty, strolling alone through

the park. Her light skin flushed by an icy breeze.
She notices something in the air around her.
A light snow has just begun to fall.
Large white flakes settle on her shoulders and back. Sticking

to her wool coat and her lustrous black curls.
Someone approaches her from behind.
PONZI (O.S.)
Excuse me Miss, you dropped this.
She turns with a start.
Spots a black leather glove holding a single oversized

snowflake.
It is half gone in an instant. And then...
Nothing.
PONZI (O.S.)
Gotta take while the taking is
good.
Her face catches fire when she sees her husband.
Rose replaces the snowflake with her white gloved hand.
They walk together through the quiet park, enjoying a snowy

oasis in the city.
Ponzi can’t take his eyes off his lovely wife.
She is a vision in the soft evening light.
Rose lets out an embarrassed giggle.
ROSE
What?
PONZI
I am the luckiest man in the world.
Rose stops in her tracks. Looking for a hint of confirmation.

His smile is enough.
She throws her arms around him.

12.
ROSE
You got the loan.
Ponzi is silent. Returning her embrace.
ROSE
I was afraid to ask.
Ponzi holds her closer. Nearly whispering.
PONZI
We’re in business kitten.
ROSE
I’m so proud of you Charlie. This
is the one, I just know it. All
your hard wor--
He gently puts a finger to her lips.
PONZI
Never mind dear. Let’s forget the
business talk and relax. You and I
are going to have a nice little
supper somewhere, by ourselves, and
act like a couple of kids.
She smiles adoringly. Starts to run away from him.
He chases after her.
PONZI
The ice. Watch the ice!
INT. PONZI APARTMENT - LATER
Ponzi trips over something in the darkness.
He switches on a lamp.
It stays lit for barely a moment before burning out with a

POP.
PONZI
Merde.
Rose lights a couple of candles and sets them on a small

kitchen table as her husband pulls a box from a paper bag.
ROSE
I love ice cream. Even in winter.
13.
They share a spoon, enjoying their dessert by candlelight.
Rose shivers and moves closer to Ponzi.
PONZI
At least it wont melt anytime soon.
She pops a spoonful into his mouth.
ROSE
Play me a song.
Ponzi lays a small leather case on the table.
He opens it to reveal a fine looking mandolin.
He handles it carefully, plucking a couple strings while

tuning the instrument.
Ponzi sits on the table. Begins to strum a sweet melody.
Rose lays her head on his lap.
He sings softly to her in his native language as Rose slips

into a dream.
INT. PAWNSHOP - DAY
A pair of fat, soiled hands carelessly examine the mandolin.
The Pawnbroker eyes Ponzi through a barred window.
PAWNBROKER
Twenty dollars.
PONZI
That mandolin is Swiss pine with
mother-of-pearl inlay. Handmade in
Lugo, Italy.
PAWNBROKER
Italian made?
The Pawnbroker considers this a moment.
Ponzi eyes a pair of brilliant pearl earrings in a glass

case.
PAWNBROKER
Ten.
He points to the gold chain peeking out from Ponzi’s vest.

14.
PAWNBROKER
What about the watch?
Ponzi takes it out reluctantly, sliding it under the bars.
PAWNBROKER
Looked better in your pocket. I’ll
give you fifty for both.
Ponzi looks back at the pearls.
PONZI
I’ll take forty five if you hold
those for me.
The Pawnbroker knows this game too well.
PAWNBROKER
Forty.
PONZI
Bene. Fine.
PAWNBROKER
Thirty days. Then they’re mine.
A fat hand removes the lustrous pearls from the case.
INT. UNION OYSTER HOUSE - DAY
A plump raw oyster sits loosely in its shell.
The creature is plucked from a mound of ice and devoured by

PRIMERO (40s). He wears a soiled cloth bib and reigns over
his lunch table.
Several mounds of melting ice and countless oyster shells

litter the table.
PRIMERO
Stamps?
Primero washes things down with a messy gulp of beer.
PRIMERO
Don’t the U.S. Government have the
market cornered on that?
PONZI
Keep up with me Primero. I’m just
using the stamps to speculate in
foreign currency markets.
15.
Primero stares at him blankly.
Burps.
PONZI
In 1906 the World Postal Union
began issuing Reply Coupons
redeemable for stamps in any
country within that Union...
Primero is looking over Ponzi’s shoulder.
PONZI
...They were invented to allow
persons or businesses to prepay
postage for relatives and
associates...
Primero motions to the waiter for more oysters.
A man in a regal white uniform approaches Ponzi from behind.

Two stunning older women pinned to him like cuff links.
PONZI
...By purchasing the coupons in
countries with weak currencies
relative to the Greenback...
Ponzi leans in close for emphasis.
PONZI
...huge profits are possible.
The uniformed man is a ship’s Captain. He recognizes Ponzi on

passing. Shakes off his arm candy.
CAPTAIN
Mr. Ponzi...what a relief. I was
afraid I wouldn’t catch you before
I embark tomorrow.
Ponzi is surprised.
PONZI
Captain...
Jumps up to greet the skipper.
PONZI
...so pleased to see you.
CAPTAIN
I’m sorry to interrupt your meal.
16.
He presents his dates with a flourish.
CAPTAIN
Ladies, this is Mr. Charles Ponzi,
Financier.
Ponzi returns the introduction. Slightly less enthused about

his guest.
PONZI
Captain Silva, ladies...Dante
Primero.
Primero extends a salty hand.
PRIMERO
Pleased.
Then right back to feeding himself.
PRIMERO
Quite young for a ship’s captain,
no?
CAPTAIN
I...I come from a long line of
seamen.
The ladies can’t contain a giggle.
PONZI
Primero, would you excuse us just
for a moment?
Ponzi and the Captain move to the bar to talk business.
Primero offers the women what remains of his oysters.
They pass.
He calls to the waiter. Orders another dozen.
PRIMERO
(to the women)
They’re an aphrodisiac you know?
They giggle again. This time uncontrollably.
Primero watches the Captain hand Ponzi a large roll of bills.

Ponzi tucks it away.
The men shake hands. Ponzi leaving the Captain at the bar.
17.
He returns to Primero’s sloppy table. The women rush past him

to their uniformed host.
PONZI
Evening ladies.
Ponzi takes his seat, a pleased grin stretching across his

face.
PONZI
I’ve got prominent investors lining
up and that’s strictly word of
mouth.
Ponzi reaches for a wine bottle. Refills his glass.
PONZI
Foreign currency speculation is in
vogue. The banks are offering squat
and going belly up every week. I’m
offering fifty percent interest in
forty five days...
Primero coughs up half an oyster. Grabs for his beer.
PONZI
...Double your money in ninety.
Ponzi takes a sip of his wine. He’s rolling now.
PONZI
Many countries still haven’t
recovered from the War. They’re
currencies are severely depressed.
But the Dollar is strong...
He knocks on the table.
PONZI
...will always be. A four hundred
percent profit margin is not
impossible.
PRIMERO
How much did the Captain entrust
you with?
PONZI
My customer’s investment details
are confidential. I’m not at
liberty...
Primero considers the possible windfall.

18.
PONZI (V.O.)
He followed me all the way up to
seven figures. It looked like he
might sprout wings.
Primero takes a large swig of beer.
PONZI (V.O.)
I left him there for a moment. With
his head above the clouds.
PRIMERO
You want your furniture back?
Ponzi leans back in his chair.
PONZI
And a small loan for start-up costs
and incidentals.
Another plate of oysters drops onto the table between them.
EXT. LONG WHARF - MORNING
A crate of oysters is thrown onto the back of a truck.
A couple of the mollusks fall into Ponzi’s path as he strolls

with a smile down the crowded dock.
He passes a steady stream of workmen and newly arrived

immigrants.
A Young Mother is crying. She pleads in Italian with a

disinterested Police Officer.
She holds out her baby, tucks it under her arm. Motions a
trembling hand to her mouth.
Ponzi approaches the scene, withdrawing the roll of bills he

received from the Captain.
He peels off a few. Hands them to the woman.
Pinches the baby’s cheek, smiling playfully.
PONZI
(in Italian)
There is food at the church.
He points to a tall church steeple beyond the wharf.

19.
PONZI
They speak Italian.
YOUNG MOTHER
Grazie, Signori. Grazie.
As Ponzi continues on his way, he unrolls the remaining cash.
Spreading the wad.
A few bills totaling barely a hundred hide a stack of

carefully trimmed newspaper.
He drops the paper on the ground and tucks the money in his
pocket.
EXT. S.S. CARONIA, GANGPLANK - MORNING
A line of well-dressed passengers are greeted as they prepare

to board.
The SHIP STEWARD assists a fur clad widow onto the gangplank.
She looks at the Steward hungrily. Whispering something in

his ear.
PONZI (O.S.)
Pardon me, I’d like to speak with
the Captain.
SHIP STEWARD
I’m sorry Sir, but the Captain is
preparing--
SILVA (20s), a fresh-faced aspiring actor spins around on his

heel. He plays a recurring role as plaything to the divorcees
and widows sailing abroad. It pays pretty well.
He recently starred as “The Captain” so eager to invest with

Ponzi at the restaurant.
Silva drops his overly courteous air on seeing his friend.
SILVA
How was I?
PONZI
You should be on Broadway.
Ponzi watches the widow look back from the gangplank.

20.
PONZI
You’re sure a hit with the ladies.
SILVA
You think so? I nearly got pinched
returning that uniform. Did he
bite?
Silva turns back to his greeting duties.
SILVA
Welcome aboard the S.S. Caronia,
bound for Naples, Italy. Watch your
step, Madame. Sir.
(Looking back to Ponzi)
Well?
Ponzi glances around. Pulling out his bankroll.
He counts off about half the bills. Then a few more for good
measure. Handing the smaller stack to Silva. Tucking the rest
away.
SILVA
Broadway, baby.
PONZI
Now remember--
SILVA
When I get to Italy, exchange the
cash for Lire--
PONZI
All of it.
SILVA
Of course. Then I buy as many Reply
Coupons as I can. Bring them to
your office when I get back to the
States.
PONZI
As soon as you get back. How many
days?
SILVA
We’ll be in port for a week. Back
in Boston in under a month.
Ponzi considers the time frame.

21.
PONZI
Confirm with me by wire as soon as
they are in your possession--
SILVA
Or if there are any delays.
Silva springs to attention. Salutes Ponzi.
SILVA
Ay, Ay Captain.
The ship’s horn blows a final boarding call.
EXT. STATE HOUSE - DAY
Ponzi walks tall toward the great gold domed building.
PONZI (V.O.)
Primero’s loan was barely enough to
get started. For my plan to really
take flight, I needed more.
He carries himself as any titan of industry might. Blending

in with the politicians and judges who ascend the stairs
alongside him.
PONZI (V.O.)
I had wasted enough time in my
quest for capital in lump sums. I
knew I could borrow ten dollars
each from ten different persons
much easier than I could borrow a
hundred from one.
INT. STATE HOUSE - DAY
Ponzi glides across the opulent lobby.
PONZI (V.O.)
I decided to solicit investors from
the public at large...
Under the gilded ceiling men in dark suits cut across the
marble floor like ants through cheese.
PONZI (V.O.)
...against the promissory notes of
my own company...
Ponzi passes the District Attorney’s Office.

22.
PONZI (V.O.)
...But in order to procure even
small amounts from strangers, I
realized that I needed a certain
prestige. The status that a
legitimate firm lends...
He turns into the office of the State Business Registrar.
PONZI (V.O.)
...I needed a name.
INT. BUSINESS REGISTRAR’S OFFICE - SAME
Ponzi passes a few dollars over the counter to the clerk.
He signs a series of applications.
Under “NAME DOING BUSINESS AS” Ponzi writes in: “Securities

Exchange Company”
INT. SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMPANY - DAY
The Movers are back. This time they carry a finished oak desk
up the stairs and into Ponzi’s office.
Ponzi watches with pride as a sign painter finishes work on

his office door.
The frosted glass reads, “SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMPANY”.
Melli organizes her desk. Pleased with her new office

supplies. She sets her vase where it pleases her.
INT. PONZI’S OFFICE - DAY
Ponzi carefully positions his embossed business cards.
He picks up and replaces the receiver of a shiny black

telephone.
He centers a rectangular book of freshly minted Ponzi notes.
When things are arranged just so, he leans back and puts his
feet up on his new desk. Twisting a cigarette into a wooden
holder.
PONZI (V.O.)
The total cost of organization had
set me back a trifle.
(MORE)
23.
PONZI (V.O.) (CONT'D)

About the price of a couple packs
of cigarettes.
He strikes a match. Touching it to the exposed end.
INT. POOL HALL - NIGHT
The flame glows bright as a cigarette catches fire.
It dangles from the lips of a young red-head. She flashes an

appreciative smile.
Ponzi nods, extinguishing the match.
The crowded room is filled with smoke and noise. A handful of

men mull around two billiard tables sweating the action.
Ponzi sits at a long bar sipping a martini.
He greets a patron who has bellied up for a drink between

racks.
PONZI (V.O.)
I had a good thing. There was no
doubt in my mind about that.
He hands the man a business card as he leaves with a fresh

beer.
PONZI (V.O.)
Being a good thing, it needed no
high pressure salesmanship.
Ponzi occupies the same seat at the bar but his audience
begins to change rapidly.
Different men, coming and going in jumps. They are dazzled by

Ponzi, listening attentively to the dapper stranger.
PONZI (V.O.)
I was selling my dollars for sixty
six cents. That’s all there was to
it. Any attempt to force them on a
prospective investor would have
been to create suspicion rather
than confidence.
With all of them, he’s a showman. Gesturing with his long

smoke. Tempting them with tales of great riches.
PONZI (V.O.)
We are all gamblers at heart.
24.
A twenty dollar bill is slapped onto the rail of the pool

table.
PONZI (V.O.)
We all crave easy money. And plenty
of it.
A fresh rack of balls shatters to the far corners of the

green baize.
INT. POOL HALL - LATER
The BARTENDER staring, entranced by Ponzi. He holds the

evening’s tips. Slapping them into his empty hand.
They are the only two men that remain in the smoky room.
BARTENDER
So you’re tellin’ me that if I’s to
hand you over tonight’s tips...
He flashes a count.
BARTENDER
...nine dollars.
Ponzi remembers his own gratuity. Slides a crisp bill across

the bar.
BARTENDER
Much appreciated.
(adding it to his stack)
...Exactly ten dollars...You’d be
back here in forty five days with
fifteen?
Ponzi stands to leave.
PONZI
It’s not quite that simple, I’m
afraid.
Putting on his overcoat and gloves.
The Bartender straightens up with a smug grin.
BARTENDER
Never is.
Ponzi pulls something out of his pocket. Handing it to the

man before turning to leave.
25.
PONZI
I only accept investments at my
office...
The Bartender scans Ponzi’s business card.
PONZI
...and I don’t deliver.
Ponzi reclines at his desk. Reading the Boston Post.
It’s headline proclaims “AMERICA DRY TONIGHT.”
He perks up at a noise in the outer office.
Tucking the paper in a drawer, Ponzi snatches his phone off

the hook.
PONZI
(loudly into the receiver)
...It would be my pleasure to help
you with that, Sir.
The muffled sound of Melli greeting someone. Followed by a

knock on his door.
MS. MELLI (O.S.)

Mr. Ponzi.
PONZI
Yes, come in.
Melli shows the Bartender into the office.
Ponzi acknowledges them. Gesturing to an open chair.
PONZI
(into the phone)
...Well I greatly appreciate that,
Your Honor. My sincerest gratitude
and best to your new granddaughter.
Ponzi hangs up the phone. Turning his attention to the

Bartender who has declined to sit.
PONZI
How may help you, Sir?
A weeks worth of tips smacks down on the desk.

26.
Ponzi glances up at the man.
He looks a hell of a lot bigger without a bar in front of

him.
The new investor doesn’t hang around for pleasantries.
BARTENDER
See you in six weeks.
The door to the front office opens repeatedly. Each time a

different person enters curiously. A few of them are
recognizable from the bar.
Melli greets them all. Showing them into Ponzi’s office one
at a time.
PONZI (V.O.)
My proposition was decidedly
tempting. Apparently fool proof. It
could be tested with a ten dollar
bill.
A Catholic Priest hands one over.
PONZI (V.O.)
It might have looked unsound as an
investment. But it was extremely
attractive as a gamble.
Ponzi signs a series of promissory notes. Exchanging them for

dollars across his desk with a string of apprehensive
investors.
PONZI (V.O.)
By the first week of January, 1920,
I had rounded up exactly twenty
investors for a total of Seventeen
Hundred Five Dollars...
A Chimney Sweep covered head to toe in soot reaches over the

desk.
Drops a few coins into Ponzi’s open hand.
PONZI (V.O.)
...and ninety cents.
27.
INT. PONZI’S OFFICE - EVENING
Melli watches Ponzi counting money into neat stacks on his

desk.
MS. MELLI
I think you missed your vocation in
life.
PONZI
Banker, maybe?
She brightens.
MS. MELLI
Missionary. You can certainly
spread the Gospel.
INT. WESTERN UNION OFFICE - DAY
A CLERK flips through a large log book. Locates the page he’s
looking for.
CLERK
Patterson...Pollock...Here we are.
Ponzi. Arrived this morning.
The clerk rockets himself away on the wheels of his chair.

Finding a file cabinet right where it should be.
He pulls a telegram for Ponzi. Fires himself back to his

desk.
CLERK
From Mr. Silva. Naples, Italy.
Ponzi snatches the Telegram.
INSERT - TELEGRAM, reading:
“COUPONS READILY AVAILABLE STOP CAN BE

PROCURED IN LARGE QUANTITIES STOP HOME
SOON END”
Ponzi lets loose a grin.
PONZI
Hot Damn.
28.
EXT. SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMPANY - MORNING
Ponzi bounds up the stairs of his building.
He approaches a small crowd gathered by his office door. At

the front of line is his very first investor, the Bartender.
PONZI (V.O.)
Around the second week of February
I set about to affect my first
payments.
He approaches them with the tip of his straw hat.
PONZI
Buon giorno, ladies and gentleman.
The early bird gets the worm, eh?
Sorry to keep you waiting.
He unlocks the door. Leading them in.
PONZI
Come inside, lets build a fire.
Ponzi proudly hands the Bartender a stack of bills.
PONZI (V.O.)
Silva had not yet returned with the
coupons, but his telegram had
confirmed my assumptions...
The Bartender counts his principal and profit with a

surprised smile.
BARTENDER
Pleasure doing business with you.
PONZI (V.O.)
...The rest was just logistics.
INT. POOL HALL - NIGHT
A young girl marvels wide eyed as the Bartender shakes a fan

of twenty dollar bills.
PONZI (V.O.)
I got as much thrill out of each
note redeemed as a school girl gets
out of her first kiss.
29.
She leans across the bar throwing an arm around him. Plants
one on her man.
Snatching the money with a free hand while he’s occupied.
Ponzi counts out cash to a series of delighted Bostonians.
PONZI (V.O.)
I had yet to make a penny on my
Postal Coupon idea. But I had
enough ready cash in recent
investments to pay off those
earlier investors.
A husband and wife accept their money. Embracing each other.
PONZI (V.O.)
I decided to resort to the time
honored custom of robbing Peter to
pay Paul.
An excited Photographer thumbs through a pack of bills.
He hands off his equipment to Melli. Giving her a quick

tutorial. Positioning himself next to his new hero.
PONZI (V.O.)
Was it ethical?
The Photographer grips Ponzi like a brother. Smiling wide.
A flashbulb pops.
PONZI (V.O.)
Perhaps not. But environment had
made me rather callous on the
subject of ethics...
The Priest sits across from Ponzi. Counting the money from
his redeemed note.
PONZI (V.O.)
...Then, as now, nobody gave a rap
for ethics. The Almighty Dollar was
the only goal. And its possession
placed a person beyond criticism
for any breach of ethics incidental
to the acquisition of it. Many of
them just withdrew their principal.
30.
Padre considers a moment.
PONZI (V.O.)
Others took only the fifty percent
interest...
He hands most of the loot back.
EXT. SUFFOLK DOWNS RACETRACK - DAY
The Priest at a barred window placing a bet. His collar

conspicuously absent.
PONZI (V.O.)
...Probably straight to the track.
He jumps and hollers as the race comes to an end. Cursing the

outcome. Ripping up his ticket.
PONZI (V.O.)
...But most, upon seeing I was
perfectly willing and able to pay
them as promised, left their money
with me. Eager for another spin of
the wheel...
The churchman gazes up to
a cloudless blue sky.
PONZI (V.O.)
...I spun it for them.
A safe dial spins.
Ponzi’s manicured hand stops it at twenty seven.
MONTAGE - IN BUSINESS
-- Investors lining up outside of Ponzi’s office.
-- A young couple exits excitedly clutching their withdrawal.
-- Ponzi and Melli collecting investments and issuing

promissory notes.
-- A pad of Ponzi notes dwindles and a fresh one is begun.

31.
-- Money begins filling the drawers of Ponzi’s desk.
-- The line outside the office has grown to a dozen or more.
-- Two movers struggle with a large floor safe past the

investors.
-- Ponzi begins filling his new safe.
-- Cash rises like water in a plugged tub.
INT. TAILOR SHOP - DAY
Ponzi admires himself in a full length mirror.
Two tailors make adjustments to a custom powder blue suit.
The suit changes color as they work.
From blue to emerald green to plum.
Ponzi exits the tailor shop clad in fresh finery. Several

garment bags tucked under each arm.
Heads turn as soon as he hits the pavement.
INT. PAWNSHOP - DAY
The Pawnbroker polishes the gold handle of a Malacca Cane.
Ponzi counts out four ten dollar bills. Sliding them under
the bars.
He receives his gold watch, mandolin and a small black box in

return.
He plucks the pearls from a velvet crease. Tossing their

container on the counter.
PONZI
You can keep the box...and I’ll
take that stick.
INT. OLD NORTH CHURCH - DAY
A man stretches a wicker basket attached to a long wood pole

down each pew. Collecting donations from the congregation.
Sunlight illuminates a brilliant stained glass window.

32.
Rose Ponzi fingers her red rosary beads.
She fishes a coin from her purse. Dropping it into the

basket.
EXT. OLD NORTH CHURCH - DAY
Rose exits the church, not noticing the man who follows
closely behind her.
PONZI (O.S.)
Excuse me miss, you dropped this.
Rose instantly recognizes her husbands voice.
ROSE
It’s not even snowing Char--
His open palm is outstretched.
Her hand jumps to her mouth when she sees what lies in it.
Two dazzling pearl earrings catch the light.
Ponzi pulls back Rose’s hair. Holding up one of the pearls to

her ear.
PONZI
Positively radiant.
ROSE
Charlie. How did you...
She notices his new attire.
ROSE
...That suit. It’s the cat’s meow.
He models it for her.
PONZI
Business is booming. I couldn’t
print money this fast.
ROSE
Silva’s back? With the coupons?
Ponzi helps Rose on with the other earring.
PONZI
Investors are lining up in the
hall. Down the stairwell.
33.
She gazes into a store window. Admiring her own reflection.
PONZI
Looks like I’m going to need a
bigger office.
ROSE
I love them.
Rose throws her arms around him.
PONZI
Soon you’ll have everything you
ever wanted.
She looks deep into his eyes.
ROSE
I already do.
PONZI
Then let’s go show it off.
Ponzi swings his new cane as they make their way down the
street. It’s gold handle glistens in the noonday sun.
ROSE
Did you hurt yourself?
INT. PRIMERO’S FURNITURE SHOP - DAY
Primero backhands his young NEPHEW. Nearly knocking him to

the floor. He holds a meatball sandwich in the other hand.
NEPHEW
I’m sorry. Please. Don’t.
He cowers, trying to stand.
Primero threatens another slap. Takes a sloppy bite.
PRIMERO
(through a mouth full)
Go on. Screw.
His Nephew scurries out the door. Nearly running into Ponzi,
who’s just making his entrance.
PONZI
Good thing I’m on time.
34.
PRIMERO
Oh him, that’s nothing. He’s
family.
Ponzi hands Primero an envelope. Loading a cigarette into his

holder.
PRIMERO
Two months? You had three.
PONZI
It’s all there, plus interest.
Primero peeks at the payment. Noticing Ponzi’s new attire.
PRIMERO
Nice suit. Business must be
booming.
PONZI
Just staying afloat.
Primero eyes Ponzi’s cane.
PRIMERO
That your paddle?
He attempts to hand the payment back to Ponzi.
PRIMERO
Maybe you hold on to this. Let me
in on the action.
PONZI
That’s quite generous. But my idea
looks to be a colossal bust.
Primero waves the envelope. Slapping Ponzi hard on the back.
PRIMERO
Who’d you bump off for this?
He looses a sinister cackle.
VOICE(O.S.)
There a stiff I should know about?
DOWNEY, a greying, veteran flatfoot, is holding up the door

frame. He is old for a beat cop. Having foregone promotion
and desk work for the trappings of the street.
Ponzi tips his hat at Primero. Heads for the door.

35.
PONZI
Pleasure doing business with you.
Ponzi stalls a moment. Waiting for Downey to stand aside.
PONZI
(nodding)
Officer.
Downey’s a tree stump. Staring a Ponzi's shoes.
OFFICER DOWNEY
Some shoes.
PONZI
Macray's Footware--
OFFICER DOWNEY
--On Boylston. I know the place.
His eyes raise slowly. Scanning the rest of the man.
OFFICER DOWNEY
You can tell a whole lot about a
man by the shoe's on his feet.
Ponzi regards Downey's uniform.
PONZI
I’d say...
The cop’s shoes are polished coal.
Ponzi can’t help himself.
PONZI
...you’re some sort of policeman.
Primero coughs up a laugh.
Downey adjusts his gun belt.
OFFICER DOWNEY
Strange, yours didn't say comedian
to me. Thought perhaps Primero was
associating with some class for a
change...
Downey watches Primero attack the last of his sandwich.
OFFICER DOWNEY
...guess that's why I never made
Detective.
36.
He finally steps inside the office. Granting Ponzi an exit.
Ponzi doesn’t stick around.
The cop closes the door behind him. Throwing an icy glare at
Primero.
DOWNEY
What's his story?
INT. SPEAKEASY - NIGHT
A substantial female jazz singer crooning on a small stage.
The well dressed crowd mingles in the dim light. Sipping

their illicit beverages.
Ponzi posted up at the bar. A cigarette dangling from his

long holder.
Silva sneaks up behind him. Jabbing a finger in his back.
SILVA (O.S.)
Hands in the air.
He’s immediately wrapped up by STAGGS, a gorilla in a cheap

suit.
Ponzi recognizes his old friend. Reigning in the hired

muscle.
PONZI
Enough Staggs. He’s alright.
Silva shakes off the lug.
SILVA
Christ. Who’s the baby grand?
PONZI
Security. Welcome back.
Silva saddles up to the bar. Calls for a drink.
He Admires Ponzi’s attire.
SILVA
Glad Rags, bodyguard...I’m gone a
month and you hit the big time.
PONZI
A month? You’re late.
37.
SILVA
Wasn’t my fault. Got hung up in
Venice...
MONTAGE - SILVA IN VENICE
-- Silva and an Italian Beauty dozing naked. The morning

after.
-- Her husband arriving home with a suitcase.
-- Finding the lovebirds in bed.
-- The man grabs an empty wine bottle. Lunging at the home-

wrecker.
-- Silva jumps out the window naked. Falling into a canal.
-- He drags himself onto an embankment. Greeting an

embarrassed old woman.
-- He Snatches a white sheet from a line. Wrapping it around

his waist.
-- A Divorcee catches a glimpse of his bare bottom from her

balcony. Whistles through her fingers.
-- Their eyes meet and the rest is history.
-- The two of them making love in her small kitchen.
-- Shopping for a new suit.
-- She tucks some cash into his pocket. Pinching him on the
ass as he hops onto a water taxi.
-- Silva blowing her a kiss.
BACK IN THE BAR
SILVA
...woman was a bearcat.
PONZI
You’re a piece of work.
Ponzi slaps some bills onto the bar.
PONZI
Let’s get us a couple steaks.
38.
He heads for the exit. Staggs follows close.
Silva does a double take at the overpayment. Slugs down his

drink and starts to follow Ponzi.
He spins back, grabbing part of the tip before hurrying after

his friend.
INT. STEAKHOUSE - NIGHT
Silva devours the last of his rib eye. Sits back and pats his
belly.
SILVA
Just not the same without wine, is
it?
He dips a hand into his jacket. Removes a small flask and

takes a quick pull.
Ponzi examines the contents of a small envelope. A bunch of

Postal Reply Coupons from Italy.
PONZI
This isn’t going to cut it. It’s
too slow. And too expensive.
SILVA
Well I’m finished with the high
seas. I’ve got some auditions lined
up. Why don’t you send this one...
He pokes a thumb toward Staggs.
SILVA
...He looks like he floats.
The bodyguard grumbles.
PONZI
It’s fine. I’m working on another
angle.
Silva’s busy flirting with a woman at an adjacent table. He

throws her a wink behind her husband’s back.
EXT. POST OFFICE - DAY
A Mailman hands back the envelope full of coupons.
Ponzi stares at him in disbelief.

39.
MAILMAN
I’d love to help you man...Lord
knows I could use the money.
PONZI
When?
MAILMAN
Last week. Order came down from the
Post Master General. They shut the
whole program down. I’d say you’re
lucky if you can redeem the ones
you got.
He slings a heavy bag over his shoulder.
MAILMAN
I’ve got to get these delivered.
I’m sorry.
He leaves Ponzi behind, shell-shocked.
The envelope of coupons falls from his loose grip. Spilling

it’s worthless contents on the brick sidewalk.
INT. S.E.C. OFFICE - DAY
Ponzi gazes down out his window.
The line of investors continues to grow. Now extending out

the front of the building onto the sidewalk.
Excited chatter reaches his ears from the street.
Piles of cash cover the desk behind him.
There is a knock on the door and Melli peeks inside.
PONZI
Come in Ms. Melli. I’m decent.
MS. MELLI
It’s after five. Should I turn them
away?
He’s still looking down on the crowd.
PONZI
We can’t do that now, can we? Let’s
give it another hour.
He turns to his loyal secretary.

40.
PONZI
If that’s O.K. with you.
Melli is holding a small jewelry box.
MS. MELLI
Oh, that’s fine by me.
She approaches her boss.
MS. MELLI
Mr. Ponzi...I’ve told you about my
mother...back in Naples.
Ponzi places an arm on her shoulder.
PONZI
You have, dear. How is she doing?
Melli’s eyes begin to glisten.
MS. MELLI
Not so well I’m afraid...I don’t
know how long she has.
PONZI
I’m so sorry.
He embraces her before she breaks.
PONZI
My mother passed while I was en
route to the states. I found out a
month later.
MS. MELLI
That’s just it. I want to see her
before...
She straightens up. Wipes her eyes.
MS. MELLI
My father never returned from the
War. My brother and sister are
still so young.
She hands over the box.
MS. MELLI
I’ve been saving since I arrived
here. It’s not enough. I want to
invest it.
41.
Ponzi tries to hand it back.
PONZI
You’re due for a raise. A hefty one
at that.
Melli refusing the box.
PONZI
I can lend you the money...
She’s nearly out the office already.
MS. MELLI
I’ll write myself a receipt.
Ponzi watches her leave.
Lays the box onto his desk with the rest of the money.
INT. TREMONT TRUST BANK - DAY
Ponzi glides through the grand marble foyer. He heads

directly to the office of the bank’s vice president.
Swig is in conversation with his receptionist. He takes

notice of the well dressed gentleman approaching him.
SWIG
May I can be of assistance, sir?
PONZI
I guess so, I only wanted to open
an account.
SWIG
I could certainly help you with
that, Mr....
PONZI
(handing Swig his card)
Charles Ponzi.
Swig flashes a note of recognition.
SWIG
Have we met, Mr. Ponzi?
PONZI
Is that a requirement for account
holders of this bank?
42.
SWIG
Uh...of course not...I...
A smile germinates on Ponzi’s face. Grows into a grin.
SWIG
(laughing nervously)
...oh...I see...
Swig reads Ponzi’s business card.
SWIG
The Securities Exchange Company.
May I ask what you deal in?
PONZI
Pretty boring stuff really. We deal
in money.
SWIG
Well I’ve always found money quite
exciting. What type of account did
you wish to open?
PONZI
Checking.
SWIG
A business account?
PONZI
Personal.
Swig pockets the card.
SWIG
Splendid. We do require personal
accounts to carry a substantial
balance. Are you prepared for that?
Ponzi looks around, slightly embarrassed.
PONZI
Well what do you consider
substantial?
SWIG
Two or three hundred dollars and
up.
PONZI
Oh that’s reasonable enough. You
nearly scared me there.
43.
He laughs nervously. A gifted actor.
PONZI
You may put me down for two hundred
fifty.
SWIG
Two hundred fifty dollars. Our
minimum. Very well.
PONZI
Not Hundreds...
Ponzi begins pulling out several large stacks of money.

Piling them into Swig’s arms.
PONZI
...Thousands.
Swig struggles not to drop the cash.
SWIG
Two hundred fifty thousand dollars?
Why...I thought you wanted to open
a small personal account?
PONZI
So I did Mr. Swig. This is about
the smallest of my bank accounts.
EXT. TREMONT TRUST BANK - DAY
A snappily dressed CAR SALESMAN slithers up to Ponzi as he

exits the bank.
CAR SALESMAN
Pardon me sir. I noticed you were
walking.
The two men merging into a stream of pedestrians.
PONZI
That’s impressive. I should hire
you to watch over my books.
CAR SALESMAN
I don’t mean to be rude, Mr. Uh...
PONZI
Ponzi. The “Uh” is silent.
44.
The Salesman regards Ponzi’s chalk stripe suit and gold

tipped cane.
CAR SALESMAN
Mr. Ponzi, you seem the type of man
who appreciates the finer things in
life. Clothes, jewelry...
He hands Ponzi a business card as they turn onto
SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON
CAR SALESMAN
...luxury automobiles. You have a
car of course?
Ponzi glares at the huckster.
CAR SALESMAN
Of course...but a good car?
PONZI
Do I look like I drive a wheel
barrow?
CAR SALESMAN
Certainly not. I imagine you own a
respectable automobile. But think
of all the time you waste driving.
Ponzi regards him as if he were just asked to slow dance.
He rechecks the man’s business card.
PONZI
I must be fatigued. For a moment I
thought you trying to sell me a new
car.
CAR SALESMAN
Not a car, Mr. Ponzi. A limousine.
EXT. SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMPANY - DAY
A flock of investors crowd the narrow corridor.
They pat Ponzi on the back as he passes. Greeting him

enthusiastically.
The line detours around three gaping holes cut into the wall.
45.
A couple of workmen hoist a brass barred window frame.

Fitting it into one of the openings.
The Car Salesman struggles to keep up. Noticing the

construction.
CAR SALESMAN
Is this a bank?
Ponzi and his eager escort enter the outer office.
It’s a three ring circus.
Several men sit impatiently, waiting for an audience with the

financier.
Melli keeps TRENCKMAN (50s), the building’s landlord,

occupied at her desk. A phone receiver draped over her
shoulder.
PONZI
(to Trenckman)
Is it the first of the month
already?
TRENCKMAN
Mr. Ponzi, I am sorry, but if you
can’t regulate this crowd, I will
be forced to give you notice to
vacate.
PONZI
I’m afraid I’ve become attached to
the place.
TRENCKMAN
Do you expect me to lose all my
other tenants on your account.
PONZI
As you can see, I am much too busy
to worry about the affairs of my
neighbors.
Ponzi looks around at the crowded office.
PONZI
It’s getting a little cramped in
here, anyway. I’ll take the entire
floor. Pay you double their rents.
46.
TRENCKMAN
Your people are also blocking the
entry and the stairs.
PONZI
Oh let’s not argue over it. Name
your price.
TRENCKMAN
Sir, I’ll have you know I won’t be
bribed.
Ponzi places a consoling arm around Trenckman.
PONZI
Dear Trenckman. Not the price of
your silence. I’d like to purchase
the building.
Ponzi enters followed closely by The Car Salesman and

Trenckman.
The two men jostle for pole position.
He offers them each a seat at his desk.
The Car Salesman thrusts a brochure at Ponzi as he sits.
CAR SALESMAN
The Locomobile Limousine. Pinnacle
of luxury. Genuine leather seats,
air conditioning, polished mahogany
bar in the cabin.
Ponzi barely looks at the literature.
Begins opening his safe.
PONZI
I’ll take that one.
The Salesman can barely contain himself.
Ponzi begins placing several stacks of money in front of the

men.
CAR SALESMAN
That’s Twelve Thousand delivered.
47.
PONZI
All right. Send it over.
Piling yet more cash.
CAR SALESMAN
But...uh...I cannot deliver that
car just now. The car is custom
made. It will take at least three
months.
PONZI
Too late. I want that car right
away.
CAR SALESMAN
Our premier model is nearly
complete, but it has been promised
to a prominent New York
millionaire.
PONZI
When will it be ready?
CAR SALESMAN
Two weeks. It’s scheduled for
delivery on July first.
PONZI
Perfect. Have it downstairs in
front of my door on that date.
The Salesman squirms in his seat.
Trenckman listens intently.
CAR SALESMAN
But...the car is already sold.
PONZI
Listen, young man. I want that car.
And when I want something, I am
prepared to pay for it.
He pulls a roll of bills from his jacket pocket. Begins

counting out a separate pile.
The salesman’s eyes light up.

48.
PONZI
Have that car here by not later
than one o’ clock July first and I
will give you a thousand dollars
more for it.
He tosses the cash within the Salesman’s reach.
INT. THEATRE - DAY
A cramped room full of leading man types studying their

lines.
Silva leans confidently against the far wall.
An assistant peeks his head through a door. Addressing the

room.
ASSISTANT
Reggio Silva.
Silva tucks his script into his back pocket. Follows the
assistant.
Silva carries a large box into the office. Whistling a tune.
He spins his way through the usual commotion. Places the box
gingerly on Melli’s desk.
SILVA
I signed for ya.
Heads for Ponzi’s office.
MS. MELLI
(covering the phone
receiver)
He’s with someone from the Post.
Silva barges into
PONZI’S OFFICE
SILVA
I got it!
The financier paces across the room in mid-story.

49.
A Reporter scribbles in his notebook. Rapt with attention.
PONZI
Silva, my boy. I was just
recounting the story of my first
day on American soil.
Ponzi continues his tale.
PONZI
...I was told the streets were
paved with gold. But all I saw was
mud...
The Reporter chuckles.
PONZI
...I got on my knees, thinking it
had to be just underneath all that
muck...
He drops to one knee on the floor. Reliving the moment in the

office.
PONZI
...and what do you know.
He holds up his gold Liberty Dollar in triumph.
PONZI
There it was. I’ve carried it
since.
Silva takes the stage.
SILVA
I got the part. Second lead.
It finally gets through to Ponzi.
PONZI
Well that’s just jake.
(to the Reporter)
Silva here’s an actor.
Ponzi throws an arm around his friend.
PONZI
Look, I’ve got to finish this
interview. The Post is running a
feature--
50.
REPORTER
--Maybe front page.
PONZI
You hear that?
Walking Silva toward the door.
PONZI
We’ll celebrate tonight. How’s the
Chart House sound? Nine o’ clock.
Silva leans closer to Ponzi’s ear.
SILVA
I could use some scratch. It’s a
hell of a part. But the pay is
peanuts.
Ponzi dips into his pocket. Slaps a few bills into Silva’s
hand.
Silva looks twice at the paltry sum as he’s ushered toward

the door.
IN THE FRONT OFFICE
Melli closes up the box in frustration.
Calling to Silva as he passes.
MS. MELLI
Hey. They screwed these up. Spelled
his name with an S instead of a Z.
The phone rings again.
MS. MELLI
I’m buried here.
Silva looks at one of the misprinted books. Then around the

busy office. Something gleams in his eye for a moment.
SILVA
Don’t worry. I’ll take them back.
He tucks the loose book into his pocket.
Grabs the box off her desk.
MS. MELLI
Thank you. You’re an angel.
51.
INT. CHART HOUSE RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Silva and Rose sitting in silence. An empty chair between

them.
A waiter stalks the table.
Rose unfolds her napkin. Laying it in her lap.
ROSE
Let’s order.
She hands Silva a menu. Touches his hand with a smile.
ROSE
Anything you want. You’re a star
now.
A buxom BLONDE pulls a folded-up Ponzi note from her

cleavage.
She slips it under the bars to the embarrassed clerk.
BLONDE
Better safe than sorry. I’ve heard
the sharks are circling this place.
The Clerk examining the note between stolen glances of her

bosom.
CLERK
We have...
(clearing his throat)
...ample security ma’am.
He counts out her money. Sliding it across the counter.
CLERK
Perhaps you’d like an escort?
BLONDE
That’s nice of you, cutey. But my
boyfriend is right outside.
CLERK
Not me...I meant...
She snatches the money and is gone in a flash. Quickly

replaced by a less attractive investor.
52.
EXT. SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON - DAY
The Blonde turns the corner and approaches a man leaning

against the wall.
His face is obscured by another Ponzi headline.
BLONDE
Duck soup.
Silva peeks over the paper.
SILVA
No questions?
BLONDE
I could’ve handed him my grocery
list.
SILVA
I bet you stole his innocence, huh?
She hands over the wad of cash.
BLONDE
Just like I stole yours.
Silva tucks a few bills into the space between her breasts.
SILVA
Nice work.
He’s off down the street. The Blonde following like a puppy.
BLONDE
You’re still buying dinner.
INT. PONZI APARTMENT - DAY
Rose balances on a footstool wielding a feather duster. She

slays cobwebs in a far corner of the ceiling.
PONZI
I’m sorry about last night. I
showed that reporter the time of
his life. Bet he’ll write some
story.
Ponzi steadies his wife. Gripping her by the waist.

53.
PONZI
I’ll make it up to you, Petal. I
promise.
ROSE
You don’t need to apologize to me.
PONZI
Oh, Silva’s a big boy.
He helps her down gently from the perch.
PONZI
Take a ride with me. I only need to
sign some papers. They are
preparing a lunch.
He flashes her his winning smile.
PONZI
You’ve got to see this place.
ROSE
This apartment doesn’t clean itself
Charlie.
Ponzi admires the mess.
PONZI
A wonder someone hasn’t invented
that yet.
EXT. LEXINGTON MANSION - DAY
Ponzi’s black Hudson pulls up to an enormous house.
He guides the car through an open iron gate. Up the long

cobblestone entrance.
Rose stares out the window transfixed.
A moving crew unloads furniture from several trucks crowding

the driveway.
Ponzi alights from the car. Running around to open his wife’s
door and help her out.
She is blown away by the magnificent residence.
ROSE
It’s...enormous.
54.
PONZI
Told ya. Isn’t that something?
INT. LEXINGTON MANSION - DAY
The couple enter through a grand foyer. Falling in with the

train of home furnishings.
ROSE
Shouldn’t we knock?
The movers scurry around them. Rose admires a Louis XV

loveseat as it passes.
PONZI
We’re expected.
EXT. LEXINGTON MANSION - DAY
Ponzi and Rose are seated on a broad terrace, shaded by a

large umbrella.
A banquet fit for a king is laid out alfresco.
Several servants attend to the couple.
One of them trickles Dom Perignon into a pair of crystal

flutes.
Rose holds a silver spoon up to the light.
ROSE
Who lives here?
Ponzi smiles.
PONZI
They just bought the place. It’s
fit for the Rockefeller’s, no?
A Notary appears out of nowhere. Setting a leather folder

down and handing Ponzi a gold pen.
He stands witness as Ponzi signs several documents.
Ponzi hands the folder back. The Notary refuses the pen.
NOTARY
Keep it. Congratulations Mr. Ponzi.
Rose watches the Notary leave. Looks back to her husband.

55.
ROSE
Congratulations...for what?
Ponzi raises his champagne.
PONZI
A toast.
Rose hesitates a moment. Raises her glass to meet his.
PONZI
To my lovely wife...
He kisses her glass with his own.
A servant takes away their finished plates.
PONZI
...and her new self cleaning home.
EXT. LEXINGTON MANSION - MORNING
Ponzi kisses his wife good-bye on the front porch.
Bounding off the steps like a schoolboy.
His limousine awaits him curb side. The driver posted by an

open door.
Ponzi hops in the back seat. Settling in next to a warm copy

of the Boston Post.
IN THE LIMO
Ponzi eyes the paper’s headline as the car pulls away from
the house.
LIMO DRIVER (O.S.)

That’s some read.
PONZI
As long as they spelled my name
right.
The Newsboy works his corner. Barking details of the day’s

big story. Straining to be heard over the noise.
56.
NEWSBOY
(hollering)
Ponzi doubles the money! Wizard of
Finance takes on banks!
He is nearly swept away by a deluge of Bostonians. They

threaten to buy up his entire inventory.
The immense crowd radiates out from the young vendor.
ON A ROOFTOP
A few neighborhood kids bear witness to the spectacle below.
They point in awe at the sea of straw hats and squirming

humanity.
PONZI (V.O.)
Boston had come through in grand
style.
Ponzi’s limousine parts the multitude.
PONZI (V.O.)
I was the realization of their
dreams. The idol. The hero.
DOWN ON SCHOOL STREET
A line of investors stretches for blocks.
PONZI (V.O.)
The master and arbiter of their
lives. Of their hopes. Their
fortunes.
Ponzi followers clutching handfuls, wallets and boxes of

cash. Eager to hand it over to the man on the front page.
PONZI (V.O.)
The discoverer of wealth and
happiness. The wizard who could
turn a pauper into a millionaire
overnight.
IN THE LIMO
Ponzi reclines, playing with his gold Liberty Dollar.

57.
PONZI (V.O.)
I might have started a snowball
downhill...
PONZI
The newly minted celebrity alights from his luxury auto into
the throng.
PONZI (V.O.)
...but it became an avalanche all
on it’s own.
INT. SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMPANY - MORNING
Melli ignores the incessant ringing of the phone.
She’s too busy counting cash. Covering her desk in neat

piles.
Ponzi enters, throwing his back against the closed door.
PONZI
They nearly tore me to shreds.
Melli jumps up. Snatching his straw hat and cane as he darts
across the room.
MS. MELLI
I’m going to need an escort to the
Tremont. We’ve taken in nearly...
She can barely believe it.
MS. MELLI
...a million. And it’s not even
lunch yet.
Ponzi grabs the knob of his office door.
PONZI
Lunch. I’ll need a reservation at
the Copley.
Melli remembers something.
MS. MELLI
SIR. There’s an--
He’s already inside.

58.
INT. PONZI’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
PONZI
Officer Downey.
Downey leans against the wall. Admiring the mob out the
window.
DOWNEY
Some crowd.
PONZI
The power of advertising.
DOWNEY
I’ve been hearing your name in
every corner of this city lately.
PONZI
Thought that ringing in my ears was
from the phones.
DOWNEY
More than a few cops been visiting
you on payday. I hear you can turn
a dime into a dollar.
PONZI
These days, I’d much prefer being
able to turn water into wine.
Ponzi stations himself behind his desk.
PONZI
I am offering fifty percent
interest in six weeks.
DOWNEY
That’s some trick. How do you do
it?
Downey looms behind Ponzi. Fingering something in his waist

band.
PONZI
Trade secret I’m afraid.
The officer drives his nightstick down into Ponzi’s desktop.

Barely missing his face.
59.
DOWNEY
Honestly. I don’t give a rat’s ass
how you do it. Sign me up for a G
note.
Ponzi starts filling out a receipt for the cop.
PONZI
Your making a fine investment. Rest
assured your money--
DOWNEY
Not mine.
Downey rips the note from the pad. Heads for the door
swinging his baton.
DOWNEY
Stay out of trouble.
INT. PRIMERO’S FURNITURE SHOP - DAY
Primero flips through a stack of bills. Eyeing them close for

authenticity.
He wears a grungy apron. Looming over an iron pot of water.
His Nephew buzzes around him with a smug grin.
PRIMERO
You better not have hit my sister
up for this.
Primero cranks up the flame on the burner.
NEPHEW
No, no. I got it on my own. I made
an investment.
PRIMERO
In what, a gun?
NEPHEW
For real. Down on School Street.
Fella name of Ponzi.
Primero averting his eyes from the stove top.
PRIMERO
Baloney.
60.
NEPHEW
Yeah. He’s got some operation.
People linin’ up around the block,
throwin’ dough at him. Don’t you
read the paper?
Primero snaps a handful of spaghetti in half.
The water reaches a violent boil.
INT. BATHHOUSE - DAY
Ponzi and Silva reclining next to each other. Simmering in a

pair of hot tubs.
Silva quaffs a full glass of champagne. Grabbing his personal

bottle for a refill.
SILVA
Sure beats the shower room in
Montreal Pen.
PONZI
And how.
PRIMERO (O.S.)
Colossal bust, huh?
Ponzi picks up a hand mirror from the table next to him.

Identifying his inquisitor in the glass.
PONZI
If I could see the future I
wouldn’t need to go to work
everyday.
PRIMERO
You call this work?
SILVA
It’s a living.
PRIMERO
I want a cut.
PONZI
Go see a barber.
PRIMERO
Without my loan you’d have nothing.
Ponzi wipes steam off the mirror. Admiring himself.

61.
PONZI
I’d have my good looks.
Primero is ready to pounce.
PRIMERO
That’s easy to fix.
Ponzi pours himself a fresh glass of champagne.
PONZI
(calling out)
Staggs.
His bodyguard appears through the mist. All meat and gristle.
STAGGS
Sorry Mr. Ponzi. Had to use the
little boys room. Everything O.K.?
PONZI
Will you please show Mr. Primero
out. I think the heat is getting to
him.
Primero storms out of the spa before Staggs can comply.
SILVA
(to Staggs)
Grab some more champagne will you
stooge...I mean Staggs.
INT. SWIG’S OFFICE - DAY
A PINKERTON DETECTIVE, hiding under a low-brimmed fedora,

peruses the Post’s cover story. He throws the paper onto
Swig’s massive oak desk.
Swig scrutinizes a Postal Reply Coupon. Chewing on an unlit

cigar.
SWIG
He’s making a fortune with these?
PINKERTON
Not anymore.
Swig scowls at the detective.

62.
PINKERTON
The Postal Congress froze the
program. Stopped issuing coupons
over a month ago.
Swig looks back at the specimen.
PINKERTON
I stole that one from my mother.
The banker throws a thick envelope at him.
The Pinkerton tucks his payment away. Moving toward the door.
SWIG
So he found a better way to make
his money.
The Pinkerton peers through the office door at the empty bank
lobby. Then back to Swig.
PINKERTON
Looks like he’s trying his hand at
banking.
INT. SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMPANY - NIGHT
Ponzi locking up his office door in the poorly lit hallway.
VOICE (O.S.)
Charles Ponzi?
Ponzi spins around, startled.
PONZI
Christ man. You must be in my will.
An Unknown Man steps from the shadows. His hand tucked into
his jacket.
PONZI
You’ll have to come back
tomorrow...
Realizing the late hour.
PONZI
...Or later today.
The Unknown Man steps closer.

63.
UNKNOWN MAN
I’m not here to invest.
Ponzi notices him going for something.
Drops his keys.
The Unknown Man whips out
an envelope.
Thrusting it into Ponzi’s hand.
UNKNOWN MAN
I’m not here to invest.
Ponzi peeks inside at the contents.
PONZI
Then how can I help...
The unknown man is a Court Clerk. And he’s not hanging

around.
COURT CLERK
(yelling back)
You’ve been served.
INT. PRIMERO’S FURNITURE SHOP - NIGHT
Primero reigns over a poker game with several shady

characters.
He lays down a half eaten pickle just long enough to peek at

his cards.
Ponzi throws the summons down in front of him.
PONZI
You’re suing me?
He’s irate.
PONZI
Your friends know you’ve been
hanging around the court house?
PRIMERO
My lawyer makes house calls.
He throws some chips on the pot.

64.
PRIMERO
Raise.
Keeping his eyes on the game.
PRIMERO
I kept you from going belly-up. I
figure I’m entitled to some of the
spoils.
PONZI
You got your money. With interest.
PRIMERO
Interest...
He scoffs.
PRIMERO
They’ll be plenty of interest in
how you’re making money hand over
fist...
Popping the last bite of the dill into his mouth.
PRIMERO
...A million dollar action is sure
to make the papers. Perhaps we can
work something out...
He slurps the green juice from his fingers.
PRIMERO
...like gentleman.
Now it’s Ponzi turn to scoff. He heads for the door.
PONZI
(calling back to the
players)
He’s bluffing.
Primero chucks his cards into the pot face down.
INT. PONZI BEDROOM - NIGHT
Ponzi creeps into the darkened room. Begins to undress in the

moonlight.
Sliding under the covers like a man returning from an affair.
Rose lies awake.

65.
ROSE
I can smell it on you.
PONZI
You’re awake, Petal?
He leans over to kiss her.
PONZI
Silva spilled a glass of wine at
dinner.
She pulls away slightly.
ROSE
Not liquor. Money.
Ponzi cowers onto his side of the bed.
PONZI
There are worse smells.
She’s not amused.
PONZI
The Mass Ave. subway stop.
The sounds of night.
ROSE
Our old apartment.
He flops back to face her. She’s holding her nose.
PONZI
Let’s have a picnic tomorrow. In
the garden. Just me and my Rose.
Ponzi lays his head back on a plump down pillow.
PONZI
Sweet dreams, angel.
INT. PONZI BEDROOM - MORNING
Sun streaming through a sliver of plush drapery.
Charles and Rose slumber like birds in a nest. Swaddled in

ruby colored silk sheets.
Murmurs penetrate through the window.

66.
A car horn stirs Rose awake.
She pulls apart the tall curtains.
Revealing the full splendor of the Ponzi’s master bedroom.
Her eyes adjust to the blinding sunshine. She gasps at the

scene just outside her window.
ROSE
Charlie. Wake up.
EXT. LEXINGTON MANSION - MORNING
The yard is teeming with people.
A line of cars inches by the mansion. Families gawking at the

spectacle.
A mother cranes her neck to catch a glimpse of the mansion.
Ponzi steps onto his front porch in a silk bathrobe.
He is assaulted by several reporters calling out his name.
POP POP POP
A series of flashbulbs catches Ponzi off guard.
He readies himself for the next round. Slipping into his

trademark smile.
POP POP POP
PONZI
I hope one of you brought a copy of
the Post.
Picking up the newspaper lying on his step.
PONZI
I need my paper first thing.
A SKINNY REPORTER steps out of the crowd and up to the plate.
SKINNY REPORTER
Ponzi, You buy this house with
coupons?
PONZI
Why? You think the bank would take
‘em?
67.
A SHORT REPORTER pinch hits.
SHORT REPORTER
How can you offer such a return
when the banks are barely giving
two percent?
PONZI
Maybe you should be asking the
Brahmins downtown that question.
He steps to the edge of his porch.
PONZI
Now I can’t divulge all the details
for fear of outright pilfering. But
I will give you the gist...
The Reporters crowd closer.
PONZI
Who’s got a buck.
A Smart Ass yells out.
SMART ASS
Don’t you have plenty?
The Skinny Reporter hands over a crumpled bill.
PONZI
Gentleman my system is simple...
Ponzi folds the bill into a tiny figure.
A sailboat.
Gently setting it afloat in a nearby birdbath.
PONZI
An adventurous dollar bill takes a
trip across the sea...
Ponzi propels the vessel with a stiff breath.
Motioning to his audience to examine it as it reaches the far

side.
Smart Ass plucks it from the water. Unfolding it with haste.
It has transformed into several hundreds.
The crowd is ecstatic.

68.
PONZI
...and comes back married with a
couple kids.
Ponzi takes the bills from Smart Ass. Handing them out to a
lucky few.
PONZI
Now if you’ll excuse me gentleman,
my eggs are getting cold.
A MOVIE DIRECTOR steps through the crush of men. Followed

closely by his Cameraman.
MOVIE DIRECTOR
Mr. Ponzi, just a moment if you
please. We are making a film.
ROSE (O.S.)
My husband would never make it in
the movies. He loves hearing
himself talk.
Laughter from the crowd.
Rose standing in the doorway. Fully dressed and radiant as

the morning sun.
MOVIE DIRECTOR
How ‘bout it Mrs. Ponzi? A day in
the life?
The Director framing the couple through his fingers.
Ponzi looks to her for the answer. She lets him sweat.
ROSE
If my husband promises to put on
some clothes.
FILM MONTAGE - A DAY IN THE LIFE
--The sound of a camera WHIRRING up to speed.
--A title card, reading: “CHARLES AND ROSE PONZI AT THEIR

LEXINGTON ESTATE JULY 4TH, 1920”
--Grainy black and white film images flicker on screen.
--The Ponzi’s enjoy a lavish buffet. All crystal and sterling

silver. Their movements slightly sped up.
69.
--Ponzi doing laps in his pool.
--Ponzi swings a croquet mallet. Chasing Rose around the

yard, between the wickets.
--She’s laughing at him.
--They pose together on a horse and carriage.
--Rose smiling, shielding her eyes from the bright sun.
--The screen flashes white.
--Ponzi touches a sparkler to a rocket stuck in the lawn.
--Fireworks burst in the sky.
EXT. LEXINGTON MANSION - NIGHT
Ponzi and Rose see her parents to the door.
ROSE’S MOTHER
What a lovely day. Your house is
just...magnificent.
Rose gives her mother a warm hug.
ROSE’S FATHER
Charles, my daughter has always
believed in you.
Rose grasps her husband around the waist. Looking up at him

proudly.
ROSE’S FATHER
And I have to be honest. I thought
this was going to be like all the
rest of your business ideas.
PONZI
Why, thanks Dad.
Rose’s father admires the house.
ROSE’S FATHER
But I’m glad to say I was wrong.
He takes a thick envelope from his inside pocket.
ROSE’S FATHER
I want to invest this with you.
It’s our life savings.
70.
Ponzi hesitates.
PONZI
I’m honored, sir...but...what about
putting all your eggs in one
basket?
Rose’s father throws an arm around Ponzi. Insisting he take

the envelope.
ROSE’S FATHER
It’s not just any basket.
Ponzi waiting across from an empty chair.
A Nervous Clerk returns accompanied by Swig.
SWIG
Mr. Ponzi, I do apologize--
PONZI
What seems to be the trouble Swig.
You lose my money?
SWIG
I’m afraid I have some bad news
regarding your account with us.
PONZI
What’s the skinny?
SWIG
Perhaps we should discuss the
matter in my office.
PONZI
Just have it out already.
SWIG
The majority of your balance has
been frozen due to a writ of
attachment on a certain lawsuit. It
will be secured by Tremont Trust,
without accruing interest until
such time as the court releases
it...
He lights a thick cigar.

71.
SWIG
...or claims it.
PONZI
The majority? And what of the
minority?
Swig spews a mouthful of smoke.
SWIG
Five Hundred.
Ponzi looks barely satisfied. He stands abruptly to make his

exit.
PONZI
Half a million will do just fine.
In cash please Mr. Swig, and we’re
in a hurry.
SWIG
Five HUNDRED dollars, Mr. Ponzi.
He drives it home.
SWIG
Would you like that in ones?
INT. S.E.C. OFFICE - DAY
Melli works busily at her desk. A phone to her ear. Another

ringing off the hook.
She covers the receiver.
MS. MELLI
This morning’s deposit has just
been counted and bagged. Staggs is
waiting to accompany me.
Ponzi stands over her desk.
PONZI
I’m on my way to the Trust. I’ll
convey the money.
Ponzi hoisting a leather satchel. He exaggerates it’s weight.
PONZI
The size of these deposits, you
think they’d send someone for them.
72.
MS. MELLI
Yeah, don’t you own that bank by
now.
Ponzi looks back at her.
She smiles. Finally answering the ringing phone.
INT. ROTHSTEIN’S OFFICE - DAY
ROTHSTEIN (50s) a pinch of a man in a fine grey suit and

round spectacles hangs off the side of a ladder.
Surveying a high shelf in a wall of books.
He spots the leather bound object of his search. Extracting

it from its place among the volumes.
Seating himself behind a huge desk across from Ponzi.
He places the large tome between them.
Staggs looms by the door to the office.
ROTHSTEIN
The writ of attachment ligatures
three million dollars across
several of your accounts. It can be
released only on the courts order.
PONZI
I need to get at that money.
ROTHSTEIN
Judge Javik is presiding over the
case. We attended Harvard together.
A phone call should suffice to free
the assets. As for the suit--
PONZI
I’m going to settle.
ROTHSTEIN
The action is groundless...
He adjusts his glasses.
ROTHSTEIN
...his council, a complete amateur.
Ponzi motions for his man.

73.
PONZI
I’ve no time for court proceedings.
Time is money. Can you handle this?
ROTHSTEIN
Of course.
Staggs drops a heavy leather satchel onto the desk.
PONZI
And I will need you on retainer.
This should cover your fee.
Rothstein peers over the top at its contents.
ROTHSTEIN
That leaves only one more thing
then.
Rothstein slowly opens the book.
Ponzi furrows his brow.
The tome is hollowed, concealing a small amber bottle and two

glasses.
The attorney fills the tumblers.
They touch with a clink.
ROTHSTEIN
L'Chaim.
PONZI
Salute.
INT. BOARD ROOM - DAY
Swig governs over the conference table. Chomping on a cigar.
He is flanked by the bank’s board of directors.
SWIG
Exactly how many shares are you
proposing we sell you?
Ponzi and Rothstein are posted across from them. Ready for
battle.
PONZI
Oh...two thousand or so.
74.
Swig shakes his head in disbelief. Cracking a bemused smile.
SWIG
That would give you control of the
bank.
PONZI
That is just what I want.
SWIG
Mr. Ponzi. Why would I...
Looking to his fellow bank officers.
SWIG
...why would we hand over
controlling interest to you. A mere
account holder?
PONZI
Haven’t I explained myself. I am
perfectly willing to pay for it.
One of directors lets loose a giggle.
Swig fires a glare at him.
SWIG
We are willing to sell you a
standard block of stock and make
you a director.
Swig’s Lawyer butts in. Speaking directly to Rothstein.
LAWYER
It is a very generous offer.
PONZI
Will you sell me the shutters on
your house as well?
SWIG
I’m sure you will be pleased with a
directorship. We throw a wonderful
picnic each year in the spring.
The bankers share a collective laugh.
PONZI
How much of your own money is in
this institution, Swig? And I’m not
talking about the nickels in your
office couch.
75.
Swig swells at the challenge.
SWIG
My father was president of this
bank for thirty years.
He stands. Gesturing to a series of portraits on the wall.

The resemblance clear.
SWIG
My grandfather directly preceded
him, having been one of it’s
founders in 1855. I consider this
bank my home.
Ponzi looks around the board room. Admiring the decor.
PONZI
And you’ve done a fine job with the
place.
He knocks hard on the thick mahogany table.
PONZI
But my account is larger than all
of your others combined. Quite
frankly, it’s beginning to look
like a ten carat diamond in a
pawnshop window.
Swig chews on his cigar like a pretzel.
Ponzi checks his watch.
PONZI
It seems to me that our differences
cannot be bridged.
He pulls out his checkbook.
PONZI
You keep your bank. I’ll find
another one.
Swig puffs up, having won this battle.
PONZI
Can you tell me what my balance is
today?
It’s a pin in Swig’s balloon. He shutters at the thought.

76.
SWIG
You are not planning to withdraw
your entire balance?
PONZI
Certainly I am. Right now.
SWIG
I believe your funds are still
attached to one hell of a law--
Rothstein is out with the judge’s release in a flash. Handing

it across the table to Swig.
Swig slides it to his lawyer.
The attorney’s confirmation seals Swig’s defeat.
PONZI
Let’s talk numbers.
INT. SWIG’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Swig scowls at the front page of the Boston Post.
Ponzi smiles back at him in black and white.
SWIG
Under that pastel suit and slick
hair is nothing but a common
criminal.
The Pinkerton Detective looms behind him in the darkness.
SWIG
Find out everything about the man.
He doesn’t belong in this game.
Swig throws a Boston Post Newspaper into his fireplace.
SWIG (O.S.)
I want him carried off the field.
Ponzi’s face burns bright then blackens.
Melli working late in the darkened office.
She notices something strange on a redeemed note as she logs

it in her ledger.
77.
She retrieves a saved specimen from her desk drawer.
Scrutinizing the two under the lamp. She confirms her

suspicion.
INSERT - TWO MISPRINTED PONZI NOTES, READING:
Charles Ponsi
The Blonde is back, exchanging another fake note.
BLONDE
Thanks, cutey pie.
A different, equally naive teller smiles nervously as she

hurries away with her money. He leaves his window. Brings the
note directly to Ms. Melli.
EXT. SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON - MOMENTS LATER
The Blonde exiting the building. Merging onto the crowded

sidewalk.
Staggs is moments behind her. Cutting a path. Never losing

sight.
He halts his pursuit. Watching as she meets up with her

accomplice.
The couple disappears around a corner.
INT. PARKER HOUSE RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Ponzi revelling in a meal with Staggs and some associates.
Cutting into a rare steak.
A bloodied handkerchief falls into his plate.
He spins around.
Silva bearing down on him. His face ground chuck. There are
early signs of a couple shiners.
SILVA
Too bad I’m not playing the Phantom
of the Opera.
78.
PONZI
What happened to your face?
Silva looks at Staggs with scorn.
Ponzi following his glance, confused.
STAGGS
Melli caught him passing fake
notes. I was gentle. I only used my
hands.
He raises his giant mitts innocently.
PONZI
(back to Silva)
I had no idea. You know I never
would’ve...
Noticing Silva’s ragged new suit.
PONZI
How much did you take?
SILVA
What does it matter? You’ve got
more than enough.
PONZI
Why didn’t you just ask? You didn’t
have to steal.
SILVA
Is that so?
Ponzi bristles at his tone.
He notices the other diners, who have taken an interest in

the drama.
PONZI
(to his guests)
It’s a wonder what they can do with
make-up these days.
His guests laugh at Silva’s expense.
SILVA
Why don’t you replace me? You’re
the best actor in town.
Turning to address the entire restaurant.

79.
SILVA
Ladies and gentlemen. Lay down your
forks and lookee here. Don’t you
know who sits before you...
Ponzi reaches out to silence him.
Staggs rising to his feet.
SILVA
...It’s the Wizard of Finance...The
Sultan of Securities...
Silva jumps up on an adjacent table, knocking a couple of

glasses to the floor.
Introduces Ponzi with a flourish.
SILVA
...The Pied Piper of Boston.
Staggs looks to Ponzi, who nods. And the bodyguard goes into
attack mode.
SILVA
Take out your wallets. Pry loose
your fillings...
Staggs grabs a hold of his legs. Throwing him over his

shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Heading for the exit.
On the way out, Silva finishes his rant.
SILVA
...Lay it all at the feet of this
man, Ponzi. And he will return to
you exactly everything you deserve.
Doubling your money as promised. By
folding it in half and placing it
into his pocket.
Silence fans over the dining room.
Ponzi is quick to react. Motioning to the startled Maitre d’

and addressing the diners.
PONZI
Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize
for disturbing your meal. The man
was merely a disgruntled employee.
Wanted to be transferred to my New
York office so he could watch Ruth
play.
80.
Boos from the customers.
PONZI
Please enjoy your dinner and don’t
skimp on dessert, as I will be
personally paying the tab.
Applause breaks out.
In a far corner of the dining room, the Pinkerton Detective

throws down a tip by his unfinished steak.
Following the commotion out the door.
Ponzi rejoins his guests. His smile slightly less convincing

than usual.
INT. SWIGS OFFICE - NIGHT
Swig smiling wide, chewing on smoke.
A black and white mug shot splashed across a Canadian

newspaper.
It’s Ponzi. Younger and sporting a mustache. But we’d know

that smile anywhere.
Swig hands the paper to the Pinkerton Detective.
SWIG
Read it again.
PINKERTON
“The jury found Charles Ponzi, AKA
Charles Bianchi, guilty on five
counts of forgery. Ponzi was
arrested while attempting to pass
fake checks and sentenced to thirty-
six months in Montreal
penitentiary.
Swig twists the fat cigar between his lips. Exhaling a thick,
grey cloud.
INT. LEXINGTON MANSION - NIGHT
Ponzi enters the darkened foyer. Nearly tripping over a large

suitcase by the door.
He sees Rose descending the staircase with another.

81.
ROSE
Did he find you?
PONZI
Silva?
He sees her puffy, red eyes.
Rose...I didn’t--
ROSE
He came here first. How could you?
PONZI
Melli caught him stealing from me.
Staggs attacked him on his own.
ROSE
Stealing? From you? He told me
everything.
She moves past him. Reaching for the door.
He grabs her.
PONZI
Rose wait. We can go somewhere.
Start a new life. Just you and I.
ROSE
Charlie...
He mops her cheek with a silk handkerchief.
ROSE
...all those people...they trusted
you...
She shakes her head in disbelief.
ROSE
...my family.
Embraces her husband.
ROSE
I’ll be staying with them.
Ponzi grips her tightly. As if for the last time.
PONZI
I wanted all this for you, Rose.
82.
ROSE
I never wanted it, Charlie.
PONZI
I’m sorry.
She pulls away.
He lets her go.
She gathers her things and is gone.
Ponzi looks to his trembling hand.
The pearl earrings lie in his palm.
EXT. SCHOOL STREET - NIGHT
Ponzi walks the quiet street alone. He peers over his

shoulder at a noise in the distance.
A man passes close by as Ponzi approaches his office

building.
MAN
Evening.
PONZI
That it is.
It’s the Pinkerton Detective.
PINKERTON
Charles Ponzi?
Ponzi spins. The empty street has him jumpy.
PONZI
Who’s asking?
PINKERTON
Simon Swig would like to speak with
you.
PONZI
Never heard of him. Do you always
accost strangers in the mid--
Ponzi doubles over a swift wallop to his gut.
When he gathers himself he spots the Pinkerton’s pistol

winking at him.
83.
INT. SWIG’S OFFICE - NIGHT
The smoke clears on Ponzi’s pale face. He holds the

newspaper.
He is shell shocked. Staring at his past. At his stupid grin.
Swig leans way back in his chair. Enjoying every minute.
PONZI
How much do you want?
SWIG
I don’t want your money. You’re
going to need all you can carry. I
would however like my bank back.
Swig’s lawyer is there. Contract at the ready.
Ponzi signs it without dispute. Laying his gold pen on top of

the document.
SWIG
You have twenty-four hours to leave
Boston. Then I call the
authorities.
PONZI
I’ll be needing my money.
SWIG
Oh, I’m quite sorry sir. You’ll
have to come back during business
hours.
Ponzi rises, heading for the exit.
SWIG
You’d never make it as a banker...
He doesn’t look back.
SWIG
...the people like you too much.
As Ponzi reaches the door.
SWIG
Oh, and don’t forget...tomorrow is
Sunday.
As soon as the door closes, Swig picks up his phone.

84.
SWIG
Operator, connect me with The
Boston Post please. Thank You. City
Desk.
Ponzi creeping through the dark.
PONZI (V.O.)
The money itself meant nothing to
me...
He kneels behind his desk.
PONZI (V.O.)
...What I wanted to do was test
it’s power. To derive from it the
thrill incidental to the
accomplishment of things called
impossible...
He empties the floor safe into a large leather bag.
PONZI (V.O.)
...But I was swept up along with
everyone else by hope and greed and
the worst type of madness...
The cash is overflowing. Ponzi struggles with the zipper.
PONZI (V.O.)
...But I never had to sell my soul
to the devil...
Ponzi looks back one last time before closing his office
door.
PONZI (V.O.)
...He found he could get it for
nothing if he waited long enough.
EXT. SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON - MOMENTS LATER
Ponzi nearly trips over a something large while exiting his

building.
A Mother and her young son lie slumped against the wall on
the sidewalk.
85.
PONZI
Ma’am. Are you alright? Is your boy
alright?
She’s awake. The kid dozes.
MOTHER
(whispering)
Thank you sir. We’re just trying to
beat the crowds.
She holds up a Ponzi note proudly.
Ponzi looks around at the empty block. Morning light has just
begun paint the quiet street.
PONZI
Why that’s just what I planned to
do. Early bird they say...
He lays down the leather bag. Pulls out a large stack of

twentys.
PONZI
Why don’t I take care of that now.
You and your boy can go home. Get
some rest.
She recognizes the famous financier. Her eyes brighten.
MOTHER
Ponzi!
The kid stirs.
Ponzi quickly tucks the money in her purse. Helps her and the
child up.
MOTHER
That’s too much...
She hands him the note as he directs them down the sidewalk.
PONZI
Get that one to bed.
Ponzi turns on his heel. Heads in the opposite direction.
The Mother’s note falls to the ground.

86.
The Newsboy hawking his wares on the corner.
He’s less enthusiastic today. Grim.
NEWSBOY
Ponzi the Snake!
An unruly crowd surrounding. Near riotous.
Two men wrestling in the dusty street.
A Ponzi note floats out of their reach but neither seems much
interested in it now.
A speculator prowls the endless line. Propositioning the

nervous investors.
SPECULATOR
I’m willing to pay half face value
on all Ponzi notes. Of any
denomination. Cash.
The Cameraman from the Post steps out of line to take him up
on his offer.
SPECULATOR
Has the man even shown for work
today?
The Speculator exchanges a few bills for the note.
CAMERAMAN
(to the crowd)
Ponzi is on his way far from here.
We’ll never see him again.
EXT. INTERNATIONAL TICKET OFFICE - DAY
Ponzi lays a pile of cash in front of a Travel Agent.
PONZI
Naples. First class.
She cranes her neck to get a better look through the bars.
Ponzi quickly turns his face away.
Snatching the ticket off the counter as soon as it’s issued.

87.
Downey cuts a path through the unruly crowd in the hallway.
He finds the office closed. Door locked.
DOWNEY
(banging on the glass)
Open up. It’s the police.
Staggs cracks the door and the flatfoot storms in. Melli
cowers by her desk.
DOWNEY
Where is he?
He shoves the bodyguard hard.
Doesn’t wait for an answer. Launches into Ponzi’s office.
The room is empty.
Under Ponzi’s desk he finds the empty safe.
EXT. SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON - DAY
The Newsboy and his pal playing jacks in the dirt.
Behind them, the gold dome of the State House shimmering in

the low sun.
They notice Ponzi staring up at it. Possessed by something.
He starts toward the building. Resolve growing with each step

forward across the cobblestone.
PAL (O.S.)
Hey it’s Ponzi.
The Newsboy runs up. Waving the front page.
NEWSBOY
Is it true? Are you a crook?
Ponzi’s not slowing down for anyone.
He flashes his brightest smile. The last barrel in his

chamber.
PONZI
Do I look like a crook?
88.
NEWSBOY
Why no! You look like a million
bucks.
PONZI
Thanks Kid, But I think you’re
selling me short.
NEWSBOY
Howzat?
His Pal struggles to keep up.
PAL
Where you going Ponzi?
PONZI
See that gold building?
PAL
You going to buy it?
NEWSBOY
He’s going to buy it.
Ponzi looks down with a grin.
PONZI
I think I’ve bought enough for a
while.
A handful of men have spotted the millionaire. Joining the

procession toward the State House.
Ponzi swings his cane like a drum major.
The troupe grows with every step. Drawing the devoted and the
curious.
A few more blocks and he’s leading a small army.
A carriage pulls up alongside. It’s driver slowing his horse

to a trot.
AT THE BASE OF THE STATEHOUSE STEPS
Ponzi turns to address his followers one last time.
PONZI
I think you’ve all followed me far
enough.
89.
He reaches into his pocket, pulling out the gold Liberty

Dollar. It glints in the light.
Ponzi flips it into the air.
It turns slowly, end over end, in a high arch toward the sky.
The Newsboy snatches it from the air in his cap. Laying it

back on his head.
PONZI
Don’t spend that one, kid. It’s
lucky.
INT. STATE HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Ponzi retracing his earlier steps under the large gold dome
and across the marble foyer.
Everyone stops to watch the famous financier walk by.
INT. DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Ponzi sitting surrounded by the DISTRICT ATTORNEY and his

assistants.
His Secretary and a few others peek inside.
The entire office hanging on his every word.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Mr. Ponzi that is some tale.
PONZI
And every word of it true.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Then I’m afraid...
The District Attorney signals to his deputies. They step up

behind the financier.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
...I must place you under arrest
for fraud.
Ponzi stands, offering them his wrists.

90.
INT. MELLI’S APARTMENT - DAY
A Courier stands in her doorway with a large duffel bag.
PONZI (V.O.)
They had bought my six-cent Reply
Coupon for fifteen million dollars.
And it was cheap at that price...
IN THE KITCHEN
Melli lays the delivery on the table.
Unzips it. Peeking inside.
PONZI (V.O.)
I had given them the best show ever
staged in their territory since the
landing of the Pilgrims...
On top is a ticket embossed with a drawing of a ship.
Then she sees the loot.
Filling the bag to the brim.
PONZI (V.O.)
...The most brazen exhibition of
sheer nerve that had ever been
witnessed in the world of finance.
She falls into a chair.
PONZI (V.O.)
It was easily worth fifteen million
bucks to watch me put the thing
over.
EXT. SCHOOL STREET - MORNING
The Newsboy holding up the morning’s Post. He’s not selling

many today.
The headline reads, “PONZI HOPELESSLY INSOLVENT.”
NEWSBOY
S.E.C. closed! Ponzi bankrupt!
91.
A line of customers snaking out the door.
Tellers struggling to keep up with a windfall of deposits.
Swig takes in the scene. Chewing on his cigar with a wide

grin.
INT. THEATRE - NIGHT
A sold-out crowd fix their eyes on the stage.
Silva woos his leading lady on a park bench.
He flubs a line as his eyes meet a seductive patron of the

arts in the front row.
EXT. BOSTON COMMON - DAY
Rose walking alone among the bare willows.
She gathers her coat. Sparring with an icy breeze.
Then stops.
Noticing something in the air around her.
Holding out a gloved hand as the first snowflake of the

season drops lightly into her palm.
INT. JAILHOUSE - DAY
Five prisoners surround a metal table covered with chips and

playing cards.
They look to the bettor.
Ponzi
A dapper gentleman even in stripes. Grinning behind a

mountain of chips.
An inmate sits beside him. Sorting through hundreds of

envelopes.
A prison guard enters. A sack slung over his shoulder.
He dumps its contents on the pile.

92.
PRISON GUARD
Here you go Santa Claus.
The Inmate plucks an envelope from the top.
Ripping it open he finds a folded letter and several dollar

bills.
INMATE
Another one.
Ponzi finally lets the other players off the hook.
PONZI
I bet it all.
FADE OUT.
THE END

The Rise of Mr. Ponzi

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The Rise of Mr.

WGA Registration #1292035

INT. LOCOMOBILE LIMO - DAY

A gold Liberty Dollar winking in a ray of sunlight.

It flips between a set of deft fingers.

Tumbling across the back of a man’s hand.

CHARLES PONZI (30) reclining alone in the luxurious cabin of

Lying on his lap is a crisp newspaper.

He eyes its headline with pride.

INSERT - BOSTON POST FRONT PAGE, reading:

“PONZI DOUBLES THE MONEY

BACK IN THE LIMO

Ponzi lays down the paper. Twists a cigarette into a slender

Gazes out the window at something in the distance.

LIMO DRIVER (O.S.)

He touches a gold lighter to the tip of his cigarette.

From out of nowhere, a hand clutching a wad of bills smacks

EXT. SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON - SAME

From high above, the crowd is a sea of straw hats. They

SUPER: “Boston, 1920”

The excited shouts of the masses float up and away like

But it’s summer in the city. And it’s sweltering.

Ponzi is cool as a cucumber. Adjusting his silk necktie.

An enormous diamond stickpin catches the morning light.

INT. BOSTON POST WAR ROOM - SAME

A group of reporters assembles at the window to observe the

They track the limo as it inches through the mob. Pulling up

The paper’s seasoned City Editor shakes his head and

EXT. SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON - SAME

Admirers press in tight to get a glimpse or lay a hand on the

Madness has infected the crowd. The city.

The diverse crowd breaking into cheers and applause.

Ponzi’s driver attempts to clear a path, doing double duty as

A brilliant white light.

Ponzi’s warm smile is frozen in black and white.

Several well dressed gentlemen look on with esteem.

A grey-haired black man approaches. Holding a beat up shoebox

Two policemen on horseback loom above the mass of squirming

Eager investors jostle for position in line. Snaking into the

All eyes are on Ponzi.

He reaches the door to his building as a HECKLER emerges from

Ponzi stops and turns as if hit by a stone from behind.

INT. SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMPANY - SAME

An OLD WOMAN is pushed and shoved at the mercy of the

Ponzi stops to help her.

He offers his arm leading her up the stairs.

The smiling couple continues down a narrow hallway. Making

The line ends abruptly at a wall with three barred windows.

Ponzi’s personal security guard, STAGGS, an aging mug built

His .38 revolver is holstered, but clearly visible to the

INT. MONEY CAGE - SAME

Three female tellers work frantically at their windows. They

The cash is coming so quickly that each of their drawers has

Money is everywhere. They’ve resorted to stacking it on any

Stray bills scatter the floor.

One of the tellers drops a bundle into a wire wastepaper

INT. SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMPANY - SAME

Ponzi takes the note from her and pretends to study it

He hands the note to a teller who stops to smile admiringly

The crowd shares a nervous laugh as Ponzi pulls a huge roll

Their eyes widen.

Ponzi counts out loud for all to hear.

He hands the money to the woman and motions to Staggs.

She holds her personal fortune up for all to see.