S09E01

The Butter Shave

Full screenplay script transcript for Seinfeld S09E01: The Butter Shave

26 Scenes379 Lines
Scene 1

Opening Scene

17 lines
Cut to Jerry and George at their regular booth.
A newspaper blocks out view of George's face. He lowers the paper to reveal... a moustache.
George
What is Holland?
Jerry
(also wearing a moustache) What do you mean, 'what is it?' It's a country right next to Belgium.
George
No, that's the Netherlands.
Jerry
Holland *is* the Netherlands.
George
Then who are the Dutch?
Jerry
(picking at his moustache) You know I cannot stand this thing anymore.
George
I know, I hate it too. I feel like an out of work porn star.
Jerry
I told you, we should have taken some kind of vacation.
George
Well why didn't we?
Jerry
Because you said this would be better. Remember? A vacation from ourselves. That's what you said.
George
What if we grew muttonchops?
Jerry
No.
George
Buzz cuts? Parachute pants!
Jerry
Stop it, George. Stop it. I'm sorry, you've gotta get a job.
George
(resigned) Dammit.
Scene 2

Int. Nightclub

20 lines
George approaches Jerry at the bar of a nightclub, carrying a cane.
George
Hey hey hey, check me out, huh?
Jerry
No more crutches, that must be a relief.
George
Yeah, with crutches everyone has questions.
Jerry
Not with a cane?
George
Nah, with crutches it's a funny story, with a cane it's a sad story. You through with those?
George uses the cane handle to drag a bowl of pretzels over from the other end of the bar.
Jerry
That is a sad story. Hey, you should have been here tonight. Some guy from NBC saw my set, he wants me to do a showcase. I might have another shot at a pilot.
George
Alright, we're back in!
Jerry
We? No.
Club Announcer
(off camera) Ladies and gentlemen, Kenny Bania.
Applause from off camera, then Bania walks up to the bar.
Bania
Thank you, thank you, (To Jerry) Hey, Jerry, did ya see me up there? I was killing, Jerry. Killing. I killed.
Jerry
Killed?
Bania
Killed. (pause) I'm gonna go pick up some chicks. Good-looking ones, too! (walking away) Hey, what's your name?
Jerry
Yeah, killed. Because I killed first and warmed up the crowd. He's like that fish that attaches himself to the shark.
George
And you're the shark?
Jerry
Yeah, I'm the shark and he's the fish eating my laughs.
George
I don't know how a fish could eat laughs.
Jerry
Well, I'm glad I brought it up.
Scene 3

Int. Jerry's Apartment.

27 lines
George and Jerry are there, clean shaven, George is on the phone. Kramer walks in wearing a moustache.
Kramer
You got any shredded coconut?
Jerry
(looking at Kramer's moustache) Uh, we're not doing that anymore.
Kramer
Yeah, yeah, right. (walks out)
George
(on the phone) Oh my God.
Jerry
What?
George
I got a job interview. They want to see me this afternoon.
Jerry
So what's this job?
George
Oh, it's beautiful. It's in sports.
Jerry
Knicks? Rangers?
George
Playground equipment.
Jerry
Welcome back to the show.
George
Yeah haha.
Kramer walks back in, clean shaven.
Kramer
Yeah, this is better. So, you got any shredded coconut?
Jerry
No.
George
(holding his cane) I gotta hobble. (walks out)
Kramer puts some aftershave on his lip.
Kramer
D-d-d-d. I gotta switch shaving creams. I'm getting no protection.
Jerry
What kind do you use?
Kramer
Whatever you get.
Jerry
(nods) Look, postcard from Elaine from Europe.
Kramer
Don't tell me she's dragging another poor guy across Europe.
Jerry
Remember David Puddy?
Kramer
Oh, the face-painting auto mechanic. So she's dating him again, huh?
Jerry
Well, I guess she's batted around and she's back at the top of the order.
Kramer
Boy, a month in Europe with Elaine. (whistles) That guy's coming home in a body bag.
Scene 4

Int. Backseat of Taxi

9 lines
Puddy
Well, let's see, I've got a ten kroner, a five kroner, a twenty kroner? No wait, that's another ten kroner. A fimty kroner? How much is that?
Elaine
We have to break up.
Puddy
What?
Elaine
I can't take this anymore! I don't want to hear how interesting the change with the hole in it is! And if you tell me what time it is in New York again, you are going home in a body bag!
Puddy
Well what about you? What do you think The Gap in Rome has that's not in The Gap on Broadway?
Elaine
Okay, alright listen. Forget about The Gap because we are through!
Puddy
Fine!
Elaine
Fine!
Cab Driver
Okay, terminal three. Have a nice flight.
Scene 5

Int. Airplane.

3 lines
Elaine and Puddy are seated together. Puddy is crying.
Captain
Ladies and gentlemen, our flight time, with stopovers, will be approximately 22 hours.
Elaine
(to flight attendant) Hey, you gonna bust out that drink cart or what?
Scene 6

Int. Jerry's Apartment

21 lines
Kramer and Jerry are there.
Kramer
Hey, what are you doing?
Jerry
Oh, I'm taking this lace out. It came undone and touched the floor of a men's room. That's the end of that.
Kramer
Did you see Bania's set last night? 'Cause I read on the Internet he killed.
Jerry
He killed. He only does well when he has me for a lead-in. He's a time slot hit.
Kramer
Jerry, you gotta give him some credit. (starts rubbing a stick of Jerry's butter across his face) You're just being totally ridiculous. (keeps rubbing) I'll see you later buddy.
Jerry
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait a minute.
Kramer
What?
Jerry
Do I have to ask?
Kramer
I ran out of butter so I had to borrow yours. Anything else, Mr. Nosy?
Kramer starts to walk out, Jerry grabs him by the shirttail and drags him back.
Jerry
Why are you buttering your face?
Kramer
I'm shaving with it.
Jerry
Oh Moses smell the roses.
Kramer
Jerry, it's vastly superior to any commercial shaving cream. The shave is close and clean, and the natural emolients keep my skin silky-smooth. Now feel my face.
Jerry
No.
Kramer
Feel it.
Jerry
I don't want to.
Kramer
Feel it. Feel it.
Jerry
(places two slices of bread against Kramer's face) That is close.
Kramer takes the bread and eats it as he walks out of Jerry's apartment.
Scene 7

George's Job Interview at Play Now Sporting Goods.

11 lines
George
I got the job?
Mr. Thomassoulo
George, everybody here at Play Now is very impressed with you. I, I'm sure you heard that.
George
Well, no.
Mr.thomassoulo
Now I don't want you to think that anyone's gonna treat you any differently just because of your, uh, (clears his throat) handicap.
George
Handicap? (gesturing to his cane) Oh, I'm not handicapped.
Mr. Thomassoulo
I'm sorry. Differently, uh, advantaged.
George
Yeah, I didn't mean that.
Mr. Thomassoulo
Of course you will have your own private, fully equipped bathroom.
George
(shocked) When do I start?
Mr. Thomassoulo
Whenever you feel that you're able. (rises to show George out) Um, you need a hand here.
George
(Thomassoulo helps George get up) Yeah, what the hell.
Scene 8

Int. Monk's Cafe

31 lines
George and Jerry are in their regular booth.
Jerry
You got the job?
George
Jerry, it's fantastic. I love the people over there. They- they treat me so great. You know they think I'm handicapped, they gave me this incredible office, a great view.
Jerry
Hold on, they think you're handicapped?
George
Yeah, yeah, well, because of the cane. You should see the bathroom they gave me!
Jerry
How can you do this?
George
Jerry, let's face it, I've always been handicapped. I'm just now getting the recognition for it. Name one thing I have that puts me in a position of advantage. Huh? There was a guy that worked at the Yankees-- no arms! He got more work done than I did, made more money, had a wife, a family, drove a better car than I did.
Jerry
He drove a car with no arms?
George
All right, I made up the part about the car, but the rest is true. And he hated me anyway!
Jerry
Do you know how hard it's getting just to tell people I know you?
George
I love that bathroom. It's got that high, high toilet. I feel like a gargoyle perched on the ledge of a building.
Kramer walks up holding an institutional sized container of butter.
Kramer
Hey! They hooked me up.
George
What's with all the butter?
Kramer
I'm shaving with it, and you know what I discovered?
Jerry
You can eat it?
Kramer
No, my face feels so good, I'm gonna use it all over my body.
Jerry smirks, Kramer walks away. Bania and Jenna enter
Jerry
Oh my god, it's Bania and Jenna.
George
Who?
Jerry
The tooth brush in the toilet bowl.
Bania and Jenna walk over.
Bania
Hey Jerry, this is Jenna. Pretty good-lookin' huh?
Jenna
Uh, Jerry's the guy that I dated right before you.
Bania
Oh. This is awkward.
Jenna
Don't worry, Kenny. After dating Jerry, you're a pleasure.
Bania and Jenna leave.
Jerry
I don't believe this.
George
You miss her, don't you?
Jerry
No! He's riding my coattails again. He's getting everything off me, first laughs now ladies.
George
You miss her.
Scene 9

Int. Plane

6 lines
Puddy
(to flight attendant) You know I think ultimately, I'm upset with myself. I knew what I was getting into, she's a bitter, unstable person. I mean the sex was good. I'm sure it was fine for her. I need more.
Elaine
(to another passenger) Huh. You believing this?
Passenger
Excuse me, I...I was sleeping.
Elaine
You missed quite a performance.
Elaine drinks from a can of juice.
Passenger
(disbelieving) That's my apple juice.
Scene 10

A "handicapped George Montage" at Play Now Sporting Goods.

1 lines
With "Morning Train" by Sheena Easton as the background, George rides up the stairs on a rail, is carried through the hall by a woman, is caught 'fencing' with his cane and fakes a lame knee, and trips a co-worker with the cane handle and gets laughs from everyone, including the man he tripped.
Scene 11

Int. Jerry's Apartment

9 lines
Jerry walks into his apartment sniffing the air, followed closely by Newman.
Jerry
Someone's cooking.
Newman
Hello, Jerry.
Jerry
Hello, Newman.
Newman
You know, old friend, sometimes I ponder this silly gulf between us and I say, "Why?" Are we really so different. For what is--
Jerry
(cutting in) I'm not the one doing the cooking, Newman.
Newman
Damn you Seinfeld. You useless pustule. Um, somebody's got something on the griddle. maybe it's Kramer.
Jerry
No, he's up on the roof getting some sun with the butter (pauses) Oh no!
Newman
Butter?
Scene 12

Int. Airplane.

16 lines
Passenger
(explaining the coins to Elaine) This is the fimty kroner.
Elaine
(to passenger) Oh? You know my last boyfriend, he had a real kroner comprehension problem. Know what I mean? A real cement head.
Puddy and the woman across the aisle share a laugh.
Woman
David, you are so funny.
Puddy
Yeah, I know.
Elaine
(grabbing Puddy) What are you doing?
Puddy
It's a long flight, Elaine. I had to get on with my life.
Elaine
By making time with some floozy across the aisle?
Puddy
Yeah, that's right. Well, what's going on over there with you and, uh, Vegetable Lasagna?
Elaine
This guy? He's an idiot. he doesn't mean anything to me.
Passenger
(hereon known as Vegetable Lasagna) I can hear you.
Puddy
Well, she doesn't mean anything to me either. If it were up to me, we'd still be together.
Elaine
Well maybe I feel the same way.
Puddy
Ok.
Elaine
Ok, so now what?
Puddy
Let's make out.
Scene 13

Ext. Jerry and Kramer's Building (roof), Day

5 lines
Kramer is decked out shirtless and sleeping on a lawn chair, and he's bright red.
Jerry
Kramer!
Kramer
Oh, man. I think I cooked myself.
Jerry
Look at your skin.
Kramer
Stick a fork in me, Jerry. I'm done.
Scene 14

Int. Jerry's Apartment

30 lines
Kramer walks in.
Kramer
I'm fried.
Jerry
Technically, you're sautéed. So, what are you doing for that?
Kramer
Well, I just gotta keep my skin moist so I don't dry out.
Jerry
Is that what the doctor said?
Kramer
No, I read an article in Bon Appetit magazine. (grabs a baster) I'll see you later.
Jerry
Yea.
George enters limping
Kramer
Hey.
George
Hey.
Kramer
How you doing? (Kramer leaves)
George
(sniffing) Hmm. Game hen?
Jerry
Kind of. Nice limp, you're bringing your work home with you?
George
No, I fake limp on my right. This is a real limp because I sprained my ankle.
Jerry
What happened?
George
Well, I was buttering myself up for a nice shave --
Jerry
Oh no, not you too?
George
I must have dripped some on the floor and I slipped and...
Jerry
You know what's good for that? Relish.
Phone rings, Jerry answers.
Jerry
Hello? Yeah, this is Jerry Seinfeld. What? No. No! No! No!! No!!! Thank you. (Hangs up.) I don't believe this. They've added Bania to the network showcase and he's going on right after me.
George
So what, he's got a couple of good jokes.
Jerry
Oh, like what, Ovaltine? Why do dogs drink out of the toilet? Shopping carts with one bad wheel?
George
That's true, that always happens to me.
Jerry
You think that's funny?
George
I don't know, I like stuff you don't have to think about too much.
Jerry
You like Bania's act. You're a closet Bania fan!
George
Maybe I am.
Jerry
Oh, I'm gonna puke.
George
Puke! That's a funny word. Puke. (laughing) Puke! Don't have to think about that.
Scene 15

Int. Plane.

18 lines
Elaine
I can't believe we broke up like that.
Puddy
It was stupid.
Elaine starts reading, Puddy stares off into space.
Elaine
Do you want something to read?
Puddy
No I'm good.
Elaine
Well, are you going to take a nap or --
Puddy
No.
Elaine
You're just going to sit there staring at the back of a seat?
Puddy
Yeah.
Elaine tries to read but cannot concentrate.
Elaine
That's it! I cannot take this! I mean, look at this, nothing has changed. We've been back together two hours, we're having the same problems we had 12 hours ago.
Puddy
Tell me about it, I don't know why I ever took you back.
Elaine
Oh, please! I took you back. You know it, I know it, Vegetable Lasagna here knows it.
Vegetable Lasagna
Please, please, I don't want to get involved.
Elaine
Ugh, I hope a giant mountain rises out of the ocean and we just ram right into it and end this whole thing!
Vegetable Lasagna
Oh God.
Elaine then slams her seat back several times into the legs of the passenger seated behind her.
Passenger 2
Ow! Ow!!
Scene 16

Int. Kramer's Apartment

11 lines
Kramer is in the hot tub, Newman is seated beside it, reading "Alive"
Newman
How much longer you gonna be, I'm starving here.
Kramer
Just a few more squirts. Cause I gotta stay juicy.
Newman
That smell. It's still with you, huh?
Kramer
Yeah, it's baked on in. Hey, put another stick of butter in.
Newman
Here.
Kramer
Yeah, stir it up so it melts.
Newman stirs the hot tub with a lacrosse stick, licking his lips and working himself up.
Kramer
Oh yea that feels good. Ahh, now I'm simmering.
Newman drops the stick and runs out.
Newman
I'll meet you at the coffee shop.
Scene 17

George and Mr. Thomassoulo at Play Now.

13 lines
Mr. Thomassoulo
Good morning, George.
George
Good morning, sir.
Mr. Thomassoulo
Is there something wrong with your other leg?
George
Oh, no, that's just the old, uh, the old handicap acting up.
Mr. Thomassoulo
But your cane's on the wrong side.
George
Oh well, that's, uh, thatís just because we're, uh, standing on opposite sides.
Mr.thomassoulo
Huh?
George
Yeah, see, uh, when we met, I was over there and, uh, you were over here, so the image, uh, the image was reversed, like, uh, like in the mirror.
They walk over to a mirrored wall.
George
See? This looks right to you, doesn't it?
Mr. Thomassoulo
Uh, yeah, I guess.
George
(passes cane from right to left and back a few times) But, see here. Right. Wrong. Right. Wrong. Right. Right. Wrong--
Mr. Thomassoulo
Will you stop it, George? Just stop it! I think I can see what's going on here.
Scene 18

Int. Jerry's Apartment

36 lines
There's a beeping sound coming from the hall. Jerry opens the door, George rolls in on a Rascal scooter.
George
Well, you're not gonna believe what happened.
Jerry
You mugged Stephen Hawking?
George
Play Now thinks I got problems in both legs. My own personal Rascal, Jerry. On the house.
George rides around the apartment.
Jerry
Well it must be comforting to know you'll be going straight to hell at no more than three miles an hour.
Jerry's phone rings, he answers it.
Jerry
Hello?
Elaine
Jerry.
Jerry
Hey, Lainie, how's the trip going?
Elaine
Awful. This trip was a *huge* mistake. Huge!
Vegetable Lasagna
Please don't shout. I can't take it.
Jerry
Who's that?
Elaine
It's Vegetable Lasagna.
Jerry
Who?
Elaine
Vegetable Lasagna!
Vegetable Lasagna
My name is Magnus.
Elaine
Shut up or I'll snap you in half and stuff you in the overhead!
Jerry
Get me some duty free Kahlua.
Jerry hangs up.
George
How's the trip?
Jerry
Sounded good.
George
Well. Gotta motor.
Jerry
Hey, if you got any juice left, you might wanna roll by the big showcase tonight.
George
Ah, you still going on in front of Bania, eh?
Jerry
That's right, and I'll tell you what. I'm feeling a little off.
George
What are you talking about? (Jerry grins) You're not!
Jerry
That's right, I'm taking a dive.
George
You're throwing the set?
Jerry
I'm laying down! Then we'll see how he does up there, without all the assistance.
George
Listen Jerry. With all due respect, Bania's voice is the voice of a new generation. My generation.
Jerry
We're four months apart.
George
Nevertheless. His time has come.
George tries to back out but his front wheel becomes wedged under Jerry's coffee table.
George
Now if you will kindly help me unwedge my front wheel, I'll be on my way.
Jerry ignores him, George leans on his horn.
Scene 19

Int. Monk's Cafe

5 lines
Newman is seated at the counter at Monks, mumbling to himself.
Newman
Butter. Kramer. Butter. Kramer.
The waitress brings a roasted turkey out on a tray. Newman hallucinates Kramer's head on the turkey.
Kramer/turkey
(waving wing) Hey buddy.
Newman screams and runs out of Monks.
Scene 20

Int. Back Room of a Comedy Club

9 lines
Kramer
Jerry, what are you doing? George tells me you're gonna throw your set?
Jerry
That's right, Choochie. Let's see how Bania does without the cushy timeslot.
Club Announcer
(OC) Ladies and gentlemen, Jerry Seinfeld!
Jerry removes his jacket to reveal a pair of rainbow-colored suspenders.
Jerry
If you'll excuse me.
Jerry tosses the jacket to Kramer.
Kramer
Whoa, man!
Jerry bolts through the kitchen door, presumably towards the stage.
Jerry
(OC) Hey everybody! Who's ready to laugh?
Scene 21

Int. Comedy Club

8 lines
Jerry is on stage at the comedy club, Kramer is in the audience.
Jerry
What's the deal with lampshades? I mean if it's a lamp, why do you want shade?
Kramer laughs hysterically, he's the only one.
Jerry
And what's with people getting sick?
Newman
Hee hee! Yeah yeah!
Jerry
I mean, what's the deal with cancer?
Man In Audience
I have cancer!
Kramer
Oh, tough crowd.
Scene 22

Ext. New York Street

10 lines
George is riding his Rascal scooter on a city sidewalk when he accidentally bumps another scooter as its owner and some friends are walking out of a nearby store.
Man
Hey, hey! You dented my ride.
George walks back to inspect the damage.
George
Whatcha got there, the 4-volt? Heh, I did you a favor.
Man
How about I do you a favor upside your head?
George
Oh yeah?
Man
Oh yeah.
George leaps back on his scooter and floors it.
Man
Hey!
Woman
Get the bikes.
Scene 23

Int. Comedy Club

25 lines
Jerry returns to the comedy club kitchen to a chorus of boos. he's soaked with sweat. Kramer and Bania are there.
Bania
Ouch.
Kramer
Well, that wasn't so bad, huh?
Jerry
What are you talking about? I bombed!
Kramer
No, you had some good stuff. The cancer bit? I mean, it was edgy, it was not my sort of thing but some of those people out there, they really liked it.
Jerry
Like who?
Kramer
Well, that guy who yelled out.
Jerry
He *had* cancer!
Kramer
And laughter is the best medicine.
Jerry
Hey, sorry Kenny. Guess you got your work cut out for you.
Club Announcer
(OC) Ladies and gentlemen, Kenny Bania!
Bania walks out, Jerry leaves, Newman walks in.
Kramer
Hey, Jerry, he could have used your laugh. He was a big turkey out there.
Newman
(salivating) Turkey?
Kramer
A big fat turkey.
Newman
I'm sorry I missed that.
Kramer
I tell ya, he worked so hard and then he just--
Kramer accidentally knocks over a bowl of oregano, getting it all over himself.
Kramer
What is this, oregano?
Just then the other kitchen door swings open and a chef bursts through carrying a bowl of Parmesan cheese. he trips and empties the bowl all over Kramer.
Kramer
Look at me! I'm all covered in oregano and Parmesan, and it's sticking to me because of the butter! Look at me!
Newman, still salivating, now with a vacant stare, grabs a bunch of green leaves and hands them to Kramer.
Newman
Here. Hold this.
Kramer
What is this, parsley?
Newman makes as if to attack Kramer.
Scene 24

Jerry Watching Bania From the Wing.

3 lines
Jerry
Ah, the sweet stench of failure.
Kramer and Newman, locked in struggle, run past Jerry and onto the stage.
Kramer
Ah you bit me. Get off of me, get off of me!
Scene 25

Ext. City Sidewalk

21 lines
George is leading an extremely low speed chase. Action movie music plays, and pedestrians walk by faster than the scooters. George's battery dies and his scooter stops.
Man
Now I got you!
George jumps up from the scooter, picks it up and begins hauling it as fast as he can. He meets up with Mr. Thomassoulo who's exiting a building at that moment.
Mr. Thomassoulo
George? Your legs!
George
Are you a religious man, sir?
Mr. Thomassoulo
No.
Unbeknownst to George, the old man catches up to him and is about to lay into him with a cane.
Man
Eat hickory!!
The man swings the cane at George's head
JERRY, SITTING IN THE BAR AT THE COMEDY CLUB DRINKING A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE. BANIA WALKS IN.
Bania
Hey Jerry, didja see it?
Jerry
Ouch.
Two men in suits walk in and introduce themselves.
Stu
Kenny! There you are. Jay Shermak and Stu Crespi from NBC. Listen, Kenny. Really funny out there.
Jerry
What?
Jay
That thing you did having the two guys running through? I love stuff you don't have to think too much about.
Stu
Give us a call. We want to be in the Kenny Bania business.
Jay
By the way, Jerry? The suspenders? A little hacky.
Bania
How about that Jerry? First you had a pilot on NBC and now I'll have one. Looks like I'm following you again.
Jerry
Oh, I'm gonna puke.
Bania
Puke? That's a funny word. Can I use that?
Scene 26

Ext. of Nyc Airport.

14 lines
Elaine
David, this has been the worst month of my life and if I never see you again it'll be too soon.
Puddy
Ditto.
Elaine
Oh that's origi-
Puddy
Go to Hell.
Elaine gets into a taxi cab.
Elaine
86th and Broadway please.
Cab Driver
I'm sorry lady, there's a cab shortage. The Transit Police are making everybody share.
Puddy enters the cab on the left.
Elaine
Oh no.
Vegetable Lasagna enters the cab on the right.
Vegetable Lasagna
Hello! (sees Elaine) Oh no. I'm sorry.
Elaine
Noooooooooooo!
Cab rides away.
Episode Dedicated to the Memory of Brandon Tartikoff