This is a follow-up to the previous post.
Gonzo looks at the audience in an intense CLOSE UP.
GONZO
The puppetry arts were dead to begin with.
RIZZO
Wh– Pardon me?
GONZO
That’s how the story begins, Rizzo! The puppetry arts were dead to begin with! As dead as a doornail.
RIZZO
Hold on a second, Mr. Jones. You can’t just say the puppetry arts were dead before Jim Henson came along! We’ll get angry letters! Puppetry has a long, rich history of talents. Think of all the people in the audience you’ll upset!
GONZO
Oh really?
Gonzo gets up in Rizzo’s face and looks him in the eye.
GONZO (CONT’D)
(flatly)
Who?
RIZZO
I dunno… Bil Baird stans?
Gonzo stares at him for a while in judgmental silence.
Gonzo turns to us again.
GONZO (CONT’D)
Dead as a doornail.