SIDE 1

VON HUSSLER

Herr Banks, what objections can you have? My security is more than adequate and Latin America is an expanding market. Have you no courage?

GEORGE

But Mr. Von Hussler, what I haven't been able to grasp is: What exactly is your final product?

VON HUSSLER

What do you think? Money, of course!

GEORGE

Yes, money. But I wonder, making money out of money, is that enough?

VON HUSSLER

Are you man enough to be a banker?

(VON HUSSLER exits. GEORGE now meets with JOHN NORTHBROOK.)

NORTHBROOK

Have you come to your decision, Mr. Banks? There's a town of good people whose future depends on you.

GEORGE

I know that...

NORTHBROOK

Give us this chance. The factory could be running in weeks and expanding before the year's out. Please, Mr. Banks. I'd give it everything I've got.

GEORGE

I believe you, Mr. Northbrook, and I've tried to find a way, but how can I be sure the money would be safe?

NORTHBROOK

What about my workforce? They'll make it safe!