Minute 028: Get the Key to Room 796

As Roger escorts his mother into the Plaza Hotel, he explains that she lends “an air of respectability.”“Don’t be sarcastic, Roger,” scolds his mother.They enter the lobby and walk past the front desk, then turn a corner to a row of golden house phones. “There you are, dear,” says Roger, maneuvering his mother next to the phones. “Park yourself there.” He picks up a phone. “Now, here goes.”“Hello, operator – have you got a George Kaplan staying here? – – That’s right.  – – You have? Room 796. Ring it, will you please?” Roger continues on the phone, turning to his mother, “You see?” he says to her. “I see,” says Roger’s mother. “Well, I hope he clears up this silly business because you’re ruining my whole day…”“Shut up,” orders Roger. Then, into the phone, he says, “Oh — well, did he leave word of when he’d be back? – – Really? Well, thank you.” Roger hangs up the phone. “Well, that’s odd – – he hasn’t answered his telephone in two days!” Roger says to his mother.  “Maybe he got locked in the bathroom,” suggests his mother. “Mother,” says Roger, reaching into his pocket for a wad of bills, “do me a favor, will you? Put on that sweet, innocent look you do so well and go to the desk and get the key to 796.”“Don’t be ridiculous!” says Roger’s mother.