Screenplay: Meeting Gatsby

INT: Gatsby’s mansion.

                                              

The party roars around NICK as he sits with JORDAN and a few others. The sounds around them quiet down a bit before one of the men at the table lean in and talk to NICK.

STRANGER

(GATSBY)

Your face is familiar. Weren’t you in the Third Division in the war?

NICK

Why, yes. I was in the Ninth Machine-gun Battalion.

STRANGER

I was in the Seventh Infantry. I knew I’d seen you before.

NICK

Maybe you saw me in Château-Thierry.

STRANGER

Yes. What a gray little French town.

NICK

It’s hard to remember much of the place to be honest.

STRANGER

You know, I just purchased a hydroplane. Want to go with me, old sport? Just along the Sound.

NICK

What time?

STRANGER

Any time that suits you.

NICK

You know, this is an unusual party for me. I haven’t even seen the host and this man

Gatsby sent over his chauffeur with an invitation.

GATSBY

I’m Gatsby...