SEVEN (to SIX). Y’know something? It’s hot. (SIX nods.) You’d think they’d at least air-condition the place. I almost dropped dead in court.
(SEVEN opens the window a bit wider. The GUARD looks them over and checks his count. Then, satisfied, he makes ready to leave.)
GUARD. Okay, gentlemen. Everybody’s here. If there’s anything you want, I’m right outside. Just knock. (He exits, closing the door. Silently they all look at the door. We hear the lock clicking.)
FIVE. I never knew they locked the door.
TEN (blowing nose). Sure, they lock the door. What did you think?
FIVE. I don’t know. It just never occurred to me.
(Some of the JURORS are taking off their jackets. Others are sitting down at the table. They still are reluctant to talk to each other. FOREMAN is at head of table, tearing slips of paper for ballots. Now we get a close shot of EIGHT. He looks out the window. We hear THREE talking to TWO.)
THREE. Six days. They should have finished it in two. Talk, talk, talk. Did you ever hear so much talk about nothing?
TWO (nervously laughing). Well … I guess … they’re entitled.
THREE. Everybody gets a fair trial. (He shakes his head.) That’s the system. Well, I suppose you can’t say anything against it.
(TWO looks at him nervously, nods, and goes over to water cooler. Cut to shot of EIGHT staring out window. Cut to table. SEVEN stands at the table, putting out a cigarette.)
SEVEN (to TEN). How did you like that business about the knife? Did you ever hear a phonier story?
TEN (wisely). Well, look, you’ve gotta expect that. You know what you’re dealing with.
SEVEN. Yeah, I suppose. What’s the matter, you got a cold?
TEN (blowing). A lulu. These hot-weather colds can kill you.
(SEVEN nods sympathetically.)
FOREMAN (briskly). All right, gentleman. Let’s take our seats.
SEVEN. Right. This better be fast. I’ve got tickets to The Seven Year Itch tonight. I must be the only guy in the whole world who hasn’t seen it yet. (He laughs and sits down.) Okay, your honor, start the show.
(They all begin to sit down. The FOREMAN is seated at the head of the table. EIGHT continues to look out the window.)