"Come in why don't you?"
Unsure what reaction to expect, Charlie tentatively enters the luxurious dressing room on wheels - its occupant's waspish reputation precedes her.
"Something needs fixing?"
"Took your time. Dam electrics have gone south."
"Thought it was a little dark," Charlie answers laconically, looking for obvious clues as to why things have gone awry.
"Do you know who I am?" The film star with an hourglass figure enquires irritably. Sure, Mae McLure, there isn't anyone in the country who wouldn't instantly recognise this broad, thinks Charlie who despite this truth has no intention of affording her ego the satisfaction of recognition.
"An actress I guess?"
This unimpressed response does not play well.
"A star dammit! Who has been waiting 30 minutes for some layabout to turn up to this slum." The art deco-style Airstream on the studio backlot seems plush to Charlie, who simply shrugs and begins to investigate the loss of power.
"Just how many appliances did you plug into this socket?"
"All of them," Mae answers with haughty disdain, "curling tongs, hairdryer, radio."
"Which is what tripped the fuse, there are other power outlets."
"I'm a performer, those rules are for the little people."
Charlie sighs and gets on the case. Beyond the glamour of film sets and sound stages, his daily task is to maintain everyday studio electrics, including the star's trailers lined up outside hanger-size buildings. His home is a modest bungalow in an unfashionable part of West Hollywood, where Charlie is grateful for quiet and the opportunity to live alone. The Veteran's Department paid for his sparks training and helped secure his current position; a union job, paying decent dough.
While he works, Charlie coolly considers the woman stalking crossly around the dressing room, knockout physical charms scantily covered by satin French knickers and bra. The ermine collar of Mae's revealing robe matches the fur trim on her kitten-heeled mules - classic screen siren attire, along with peroxide platinum blonde locks and an abundance of camera-ready Max Factor.
"I'm due on set in 15 minutes asshole, get this mess sorted now!" Mae's patience snaps, fixated on her mostly imaginary predicament she doesn't notice the dangerous glint in Charlie's eye. Slowly and deliberately, he stands.
"Enough with the insults lady. Act like a spoiled brat you're going to be treated like one."
"Oh yeah, like how?" Mae's response is instant and unwise.