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Can I help you?

Hi.

I think I'm supposed to work here today.

Sit here until someone comes and tells you what to do.

You can read this while you're waiting.

Oh, my feet are killing me.

Who's the new girl?

Must be filling in for someone.

I can't believe you've been waiting for two hours.

Why didn't you say something?

They um, they told me to wait here.

Well, I hope you can type. Follow me.

Okay.

Type the information from this list onto the invoice form

and then when you're done,

you will make three copies of each

and the copy room is down the hall.

Um, try not to make too many mistakes.

These forms are very expensive.

Hi. Um, you know what?

This machine isn't working very well.

You better use that one.

Damn, you know, I think

someone put a curse on it, it just keeps jamming.

All right.

Excuse me...

You know, if you-- if you hit it evenly,

and put pressure down, it like, doesn't smear that way.

It works better.

And if you, when you're done, would you close it,

because they dry up really fast.

I like your shoes.

I once read there are two kinds of time,

mechanical and human.

You could say my story began at 8:59,

the day I started that job,

and ended months later when I left it.

But I'd tell you it began in the past

with my old self and ended in the future, with a new one.

Hello?

Uh, I'm not sure.

I'm just a temp. Could you please hold on, please?

Um, he's kind of busy right now.

May I take a message?

Uh-huh.

Yeah.

Um...

Yeah.

Uh...

I saw you in the bathroom.

You must be the new girl.

Um, I'm just, uh, temporary.

Figures.

That's why they sent me over.

They don't like our kind mingling with the permanents.

Um, there's a phone call for Mr. Wheeler.

Eh, just leave 'em on hold.

They'll just get tired and hang up.

That's lesson number one.

People that sit in those little glass rooms

don't answer the phone before 10.

Maybe I should take a message.

Hm.

Oh, don't worry.

If it's important, they'll call back.

So, see they stuck you at Louise's desk.

Might as well get comfortable.

She's gonna be out for a while, if you know what I mean.

Claims she was in a motorcycle accident.

She's probably faking it.

I'll get it.

Oh, that pen doesn't work.

Oh, just go swipe one off another desk.

Thanks.

Good morning. Global Credit.

I'm sorry, he's in a meeting.

Hank Starkwell.

Taxpayer.

Says he needs an answer right away.

It's not 10 o'clock yet.

Hi.

Yeah, I talked to him.

He said go ahead and sell.

No, thank you.

All right, you have a good day now. Bye.

That's another thing about temping, give advice.

You know, by the time anyone finds out, you'll be long gone.

Just be sure to cover your tracks.

Mm.

Oh, the only real challenge of this job

is trying to look busy when there's nothing to do.

They'll keep you here though, it's how it works.

Part of the corporate hierarchy.

There's got to be a butt in every seat

or the entire infrastructure crumbles.

You drink coffee?

Sometimes.

Sooner or later, someone will ask you

to fetch it for them.

I'll show you the kitchen.

This way, please.

I'm going to be your tour guide today.

Welcome to the wonderful world of credit.

Oh, how about this music?

Some Dodo bird in Charleston did a study.

Said it increases worker efficiency.

- - Scary, isn't it?

You know, sooner or later, you learn to tune it out.

This is where Art sits.

Oh, that's nice.

The smaller the man, the bigger the desk, I always say.

See that rubber band ball?

It's his prized possession. Stay away from it.

Who's Art again?

He's the critter that guards the supplies.

He does nothing really.

He counts paperclips, checks the mileage

on the copy machine.

Another tax deduction, same as us.

Speak of the devil.

Why aren't you at your desk, Art?

I needed pencil holders.

Oh really?

Well, we're working here.

Oh. I'm working, too.

Well act like it.

I am acting like it.

Well let's see you sit in that chair then, okay?

- Okay. - The clock is ticking.

We're at work.

He'll look directly at your feet.

He's got a thing about 'em.

I was in at 8:30.

Oh, God.

See that man? That's Mr. Kilmer, the chairman.

I'm hoping he gives me a recommendation

when I leave this place.

Good morning Mr. Kilmer. Hi.

I'm not gonna be a temp much longer.

- Oh, Miss? - I've got seniority here.

- I've been here two years. - We'll talk about it later.

- Hello? Excuse me? - They hire from within.

Person in the purple dress?

- Hello? - Hi.

- What's your name? - Margaret.

Margaret. I'm Milton Lasky.

I know, I did that mass mailing for you last month.

- You did that? - It was 3,000 letters, yeah.

Really? You know, we got a couple of them back.

I think it was insufficient zip code.

But anyway, listen,

can you get me the Copeland file immediately?

And then I need some pencils and I need a cup of coffee,

and you know, what I really need is I need an assistant

because I mean, you know, an executive assistant is uh...

An assistant?

Here's the filing room.

Obviously.

Oh, my God, geez.

This place is booby-trapped.

I swear.

This should be it. Look at this.

You know, got files within files.

If you ever want to make something disappear,

just misfile it.

Be gone forever.

Like magic.

Oh, hi.

Coffee's fresh. I just made it.

Oh, we're just looking.

Remember to leave a donation.

Okay, mm-hm.

Come here, watch this.

Milt Lasky's cup.

One of these days, the entire cup is going to disappear

just like that little bikini.

You never know.

Okay, let's deliver this,

I'll show you the rest of the building

and then we'll get to the other 50 percent of the job.

What's that?

Lunch.

See the girl in blue? That's our spot.

Jane, Paula, this is Iris.

Don't panic. She's one of us.

Hi.

- Hi. - Let me get you a chair.

Oh it's okay. I can just stand.

Oh, I'll just grab one from the secretarial pool.

Have you been temping for very long?

No, just one other job at a bank.

Oh, a bank.

All right. Any cute guys?

I spent most of my time in the basement.

God, they think they own the furniture now, too.

Here you go.

You know, they're just jealous, hm?

Right? You know?

You know, I-I-I got sent to a bank once

and it was a nightmare.

I set the alarm off and the cops came.

Ooh, I love the police, eh?

How'd you do it?

There was this button on the desk

and I kept looking at it every day for a month,

and finally I just, I pushed it.

Really?

Why?

Well, well how was I supposed to know?

I mean, you know how it goes.

They never really explain anything to you

when you're a temp.

They figure you're not gonna be around long enough

or you're trying to take away their stupid job or something.

Well fat chance of that, huh?

I've got bigger plans.

I'm a performer.

Oh?

Yeah, yeah. Drama's in my blood.

You know, but there's just, here's no outlet for it here.

Oh.

God, here he comes.

Eddie Pope, works in the mailroom.

Another reject of capitalism.

Hi, ladies.

Who's your friend?

Her name's Iris. She's not interested.

So Jane, you think we can get together

for those drinks this week?

Oh, gosh.

You know Eddie, um, well, Derek and I were going to go

and pick out our China patterns for our wedding.

Oh.

Maybe some other time then.

- Bye. - I gotta go.

I'm working on a job for Mr. Kilmer.

- Ooh. - Mmm.

Oh, God.

He has such a crush on Jane.

He can't even figure it out with that big diamond ring and all.

Jane honey, shown 'em that necklace Derek gave you.

Do you like it?

He felt bad for not picking me up the other day,

so he gave this to me.

I can't wait for you guys to meet him.

He's going to come to the happy hour tonight.

- Really? - All right.

Great. You want to come?

We go every Wednesday.

It's great. You know, you buy one drink,

you get all the free snacks you can eat.

You should come. Wanna?

Oh, um...

Oh, you should come.

It's fun.

Be a good time.

I don't know.

Good.

Hey, you guys, let's go to the Thirty-Fiver this time.

I hear a lot of single men go there.

Hey, as long as there's food.

No, I have to mail something for Mr. Anderson first.

Oh, of course you do.

What was--what'd you say?

I said of course she does.

Oh, sure.

Aww.

I've never been in the Thirty-Fiver.

No, but I hear it's really great.

Oh, oh, she's doing it again.

- Oh no. - I--I'm gonna go get her.

Oh, God.

Jane's got this checking thing going.

She's a perfectionist. It's a bit much.

Oh, where's the waitress?

I need a drink.

She's flirting, with the entire restaurant.

On ladies night. Shame on her.

Look at these, aren't these cute?

I've got to remember to put these shot glasses

on my bridal list.

Oh, give me your purse.

- What? - Give me your purse.

Why?

Just give it to me.

There, saved you the trip.

Best wishes, Jane.

Somebody could have seen that, Margaret.

If anyone saw us, we'd be drinking by now!

Taking another tip?

I don't like her.

Let's hit the buffet, come on.

Get me some nachos. I'm gonna make a phone call.

Watch out, 'cause those are spicy.

Ooh, you're right.

Burns.

Ow. Ooh.

- Yeah. - Oh, excuse me.

Now, I haven't ever seen you here before.

Oh yeah?

You work around here?

Um, well I'll tell ya, I'm freelance.

Oh?

What, uh, what line of work?

Um, the credit business. For now anyway.

Credit?

I did a book report once for, uh, for extra credit.

Oh.

But that's not what you do, I'm sure.

No it isn't, no.

Uh, let me give you one of these.

Okay.

Ooh.

Boy.

Derek's gonna come by and pick me up later.

He has to work late.

Hm.

Did you see that guy?

Did you see him?

He gave me his card, and a pen.

Jack Shoberg, CLU.

- Cute. -

What does CLU stand for?

Well, I tell you, I don't know,

but he's probably an executive of some kind.

How do I know that name?

That sounds so familiar to me, and I don't know.

Um, I think I need to get more wings.

Oh, here I'm finished. You can take mine.

Hm, well, I think I want to stretch my legs.

Get it?

Oh.

N-no, Jack Shoberg, I know how I know his name.

The ladies room.

His card was on the floor in my stall.

Ew, he's passing out his business cards like it's candy.

That's gross.

Oh, God, they're laughing at her.

Jerks.

Hey Jack!

Okay, let's get out of here.

Time to go.

Come on, Paula, we're out of here.

What?

Let's go.

But what about that guy I just met?

You can do better.

- All right. - Hi, Camille.

Hi.

Hi.

I think he thinks you're someone else.

Uh-huh.

Thank you.

Oh, I--I forgot just one thing.

Oh, let's go in.

Eh, nah, I don't believe that crap.

Oh, you know, some people can really see into the future.

It's a fact.

- Oh really? - Yeah.

I read about a horse once that had ESP.

He could type out messages on a giant typewriter

with his, um, nose and he predicted we would

enter World War II, and he helped find the body

of a boy who'd been missing for two years.

- Huh. - He could type?

- Hey, how you doin'? -

Whoa.

No, I'm just kidding.

- Hi. - Hi.

Any of you want a reading?

I could give you a discount.

All right.

You said the magic word. Discount.

Oh.

I see changes ahead.

Something to do with work.

My dad wants me to get a real job.

Could that be it?

Depends. Is that what you want?

No.

I don't want to do sales.

Do you think maybe I'll just be able to stay where I am?

Do you want to change your destiny?

You tiptoe through life.

Don't be afraid to make your mark.

What'd she say to you?

Some crap-oh-la she read off some fortune cookie.

The nail that stands out gets pounded down.

- What a fraud. -

Hey.

Derek's here.

Do I smell like booze?

Oh, you shouldn't care.

Come on, hurry up.

See you tomorrow.

- Goodnight girls.

- Goodnight. - Okay.

Hi, Derek.

Wow, do you see him?

Damn he's gorgeous.

What's his deal, though, anyway?

You know anything about him?

Well, I don't know much about him

except they've been going out forever

and he buys her a lot of gifts.

What more do you need to know?

I'm tired. I'm going home.

How do you get home?

Oh, I take the Broad Street bus.

- So do I. - I'll walk you guys.

Come on.

- We should ride together. - Oh.

Right?

- Yeah! - All right.

Don't tiptoe through life.

You have to make your mark.

Hi there.

Hello.

Hi. Would you mind typing this letter from me?

Okay.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Come in.

That was quick.

Could you make me 40 copies of this please?

- Yes, sir. - Thank you.

By the way, what's your name?

Iris.

Iris. Thank you, Iris.

I'm so--I'm so sorry, I'm sorry.

These are excellent.

Did you make 'em from scratch?

Uh-huh.

Where's yours?

Oh, I ate it already.

Mm.

- Mm. - Yeah?

I fit right in.

I liked it there.

We were becoming good friends.

Ooh, oh, excuse me.

Sorry.

I am so bad.

Okay, watch this.

- Happy? - Uh-huh.

Okay.

- Sad? - Mm-hm.

- Angry. - Uh-huh, right.

Okay.

I give up.

It's fear.

Yeah.

Got my stage name all figured out, too.

Camille LaPlante.

Oh, you look beautiful.

Thanks.

Oh, Camille LaPlante, that's perfect.

Uh-huh, yeah.

I'm gonna change it legally, too,

as soon as I can afford it, you know?

Oh, I tell you, ever since I was little,

I just, I knew I was meant for something big, you know?

That I was just, like, meant to be somebody.

Just a matter of time before I get discovered.

Oh look, here's one.

Low wages and all the office supplies you can steal.

Oh, forget it.

You have to type.

I thought you could type.

No, I cheated on that test.

Oh, I just want a desk by a window and a decent chair,

but this place is so cheap.

You know, they don't want to pay benefits.

That's why they hire transients.

Yeah, and they keep on hiring them, too.

Hm, I should probably introduce myself.

I'm sure I'll be showing her the ropes later.

Oh, her loss.

There she goes.

I don't know, it's good to care, you know?

And to look like you care.

Jane.

Oh, Eddie?

Let me have Kilmer's mail.

- No I-- - Let me deliver this for you.

I have to give it to his assistant.

His what?

The new girl, Cleo, over there.

Jane, I was at lunch and I didn't see you down there.

Oh, I'm on a diet.

You don't need a diet.

Excuse me, I thought she was just a temp,

'cause look at her.

Oh no, no.

She's Kilmer's new assistant.

And she's permanent.

How'd she get that job?

I checked the bulletin board every day.

It wasn't posted.

Can I have those back?

Yeah, here.

Thank you. It's the president's mail.

Would you look at that?

A new desk.

Damn this place, and everyone in it.

You look busy.

I didn't think you would come back until Friday.

Well.

I thought I'd swing by and see my girl.

You know, before I take a crack at those stores in Greensburg.

So, what have you been up to?

Well, my job's going really well.

My boss really likes me.

There you go.

Haven't I always told you, just hang in,

be your sweet self, and good things are bound to happen.

I made some good friends there, too.

We went out to dinner and everything.

Well they have good taste.

I hope you're gonna stay in touch with them.

What do you mean?

I mean after you move on

to the big job with International Foods.

You know, I have a feeling this is it.

This is the one.

Yeah, I don't do so well with interviews.

Don't be silly.

Of course you do.

You've just got to get in there and promote yourself.

You know what they say, uh,

a good salesman is born, not made.

You just happened to be born Bud Chapman's daughter.

You're not a nobody.

Listen, you want me to call Ed Clayburn

and see if I can't speed up the whole process?

Oh no, no, that's okay, um...

I actually spoke to him today and he said he had

to go out of town for a while, but he got my letter

and he's going to give me a call

when he gets back and set up an interview.

Great. You're off to a good start.

You know with your education and personality,

why, you could take over a company.

You just have to get in the door!

Most people spend their lives

dreaming about the future.

Every day, events are taking place around us

while we wait for them, unaware.

Little things.

Quiet things.

You hardly even notice.

That is a French tip.

French tip.

Maybe you only pay attention

when something announces itself with a shout.

That's how it went in that office.

We were all just killing time,

waiting for something to happen, anything.

And then one day, something did.

Thief, thief!

The money from the coffee can.

It's missing.

- - Crime in the office,

crime in the workplace.

- Can you believe it? - This is stupid.

Three lousy dollars, the whole place falls to pieces.

I hope they don't take it out of our pay.

- Oh, I hope not. - Oh, three dollars.

No, come on now, they wouldn't do that.

I don't think so.

They've done stupider things, my dear.

Hey, now.

God, they were screaming.

A handful of change.

It seemed small enough.

We didn't know what it meant at the time.

Didn't change our routine.

Still, maybe there was something in the air,

like a spell had been cast over the office.

I wondered if there was anything

to what that fortune teller had said.

My time card's gone.

It was here before, wasn't it?

I checked out at lunch, didn't I?

I don't know, honey.

I don't know, but I gotta go, okay?

- Copy guy is here. - You know what, here.

Just take a new one, a blank one.

Here you go, watch out for me.

People clung to the adventure.

They looked for ways to draw it out.

Some folks created their own dramas

and practiced their roles.

And Art...

Hey, Art.

He kept an even tighter watch over the supplies.

Hey, Margaret.

Can I have some staples?

How many?

How should I know? Just give me some.

Thank you.

I have a confession to make, Art.

I've been hocking Wite-Out and pencils on the corner.

Just to try to make ends meet, you know?

Is that okay with you?

Well...

You'll keep it a secret?

Okay.

We were supposed to go today.

I--I don't...

Excuse me, this is personal.

Anyways...

Yeah, it just keeps jamming.

I don't know.

Um, so how do you get to be a repairman anyway?

I mean, do you go to a special school, or what?

Um, the machine is being repaired right now.

You're going to have to come back.

Iris, you wanna play hide and seek?

Have you seen my coffee mug?

Oh, that really nice one with the naked lady on it?

- Yeah, have you seen it? - No I haven't.

Are you sure you didn't move it?

I'm sure, yeah.

'Cause it had three pencils in it and it was on my desk.

I'll tell you what, I'll look for it.

- It's very important. - Okay.

Thank you.

Hi.

Move out.

Conference room!

Everybody in the conference room,

chop, chop.

Let's go.

- What's this all about? - Staff meeting.

We're not on the staff.

It's for everyone.

All the department heads are going to be there.

Um, I have to ask you to sit in that chair

because you're sitting in my seat, thank you.

I always sit in this seat.

It's--it's respect. It is my seat.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

I've called this meeting today because

a serious problem has been brought to my attention.

This morning, Tom Briggs in accounting

noticed his crystal paperweight was missing.

A number of you have also reported--

My--my, uh coffee mug was also missing.

I mean, actually it was stolen.

It wasn't really missing. It was stolen.

From my office.

Recently.

A number of you have also reported

- personal items missing. - Sh.

Mr. Dalton's gold cigarette lighter,

a framed photograph and dictionary

from Fred's desk, I believe.

And some spoons from the kitchen.

Yes, Diane?

I keep a pair of shoes in my desk

and now one of them is missing.

What?

I didn't take it.

If anyone here has a problem, financial or otherwise,

come forward and say something.

I like to think of us as a family here.

It's difficult for me to believe that someone in this room

could be capable of stealing.

Mm.

Who do you think is doing it?

Use your heads. It's that new girl.

- You mean Cleo? - Yeah, I do.

All that missing junk?

None of it was missing until she showed up.

Oh, Margaret, how could you be so sure it's her?

Oh, come on. She's Kilmer's assistant.

She's got free access to anyone's office she pleases.

- Uh-huh. - Yeah, but why?

Why would she steal?

Why? Why not?

What difference does it make?

Look, all I know is that everything was fine

- until she showed up. - Mm-hm.

- Hm. - This is not right for me.

You know who would look great with this?

Iris.

Oh, no, I don't wear much lipstick.

Why not?

You got such a beautiful mouth.

You got lips that say hi, I'm here.

I wanna be heard.

Look at that.

Excuse me.

Hi.

Yeah, um, do you have any free samples of this?

No, we certainly don't.

Uh, that's 50 dollars an ounce.

Okay, great. I have very expensive taste.

Yes, you do.

Oh, I gotta get my hands on some of that.

Oh, that's pretty. You should get that.

Oh no, I don't need anything.

- It'd look really good on you. - Hm.

Yeah. Maybe it's part of the sale.

You know, why don't you ask that lady over there?

Oh no, I don't wanna bother her.

Excuse me, is this part of the sale?

Excuse me, miss?

Excuse me.

If it's not on sale, it should be,

I could tell you that much.

No, it's okay, I'll pay whatever.

Just go like this if she looks our way, okay?

We're going for the discount.

That night I thought about

the missing items at work.

How every object has its own story,

like a seashell, or a notebook.

What seems ordinary to one person is another's treasure.

- Hi, Iris. - Well I love

- that ensemble. -

- Look. - Wow.

Matching umbrella.

- Morning. - Good morning.

Ooh, mamacita.

What's the big occasion?

The copy guy.

Today's the day I make my move.

Oh, well you smell nice.

Thank you.

- Hey Barbara. - Oh, morning Barbara.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

Um, I understand that the four of you

left early yesterday.

I hope you remembered to adjust your time cards.

- We will. - Oh yeah, we will.

Also, it has come to my attention that some of you

are making personal phone calls.

That is against company policy.

Wow. You know what? I love your scarf.

Ooh, these colors really compliment your skin tone,

you know that?

Oh Barbara, listen.

The um, the copy machine's not working again.

Now, do you want me to call the repair guy?

'Cause I will.

Oh no, no. That won't be necessary.

I'll have Cleo take a look at it.

She's very good with office equipment.

Okay, great. Okay.

Shit, shit.

Shit, I just got this new outfit and everything.

I just ...can't believe that skinny bitch

knows how to fix a copy machine.

She was hanging around my desk the other day

when I was on the phone.

I wonder if she was the one who ratted on me

for making personal phone calls.

I wonder if she saw us leave early yesterday, you know?

I'm not afraid of her, I mean, 'cause she's got a job.

She's a nothing.

She's wearing your sweater.

Yeah.

That's weird.

I like your blouse.

Hi--

Yeah.

That new girl, she kept to herself.

That made her suspicious, I guess.

But somehow just by being there,

she seemed to bring us closer together.

Mm!

Hey, guess who I saw last night?

Jack Shoberg.

- CLU? - Uh-huh.

Wow, shoot, it's so huge.

I know.

My presentation is gone.

In fact, somebody has stolen my presentation,

and I don't have a copy of it.

My--my presentation's in 30 minutes.

- Oh that's terrible. - So, could we do

something about this please?

My presentation is gone.

In 30 minutes, the client is coming in.

I can't find it and I don't have a backup file,

and I think, in fact, somebody has stolen my presentation.

Okay. We're on it.

Hey, did you guys see Jane?

I need help.

Could you, like be busy and you know, help?

I'd like help, okay?

My presentation is gone.

They won't remember it, so when you get to the numbers,

you just follow the numbers.

Don't care about the colors, okay?

They happen to be different colors 'cause I did it

- on different days. - He wants to talk to Bob.

Well, I don't care who he is.

You keep talking to Mort and you find an answer

because he has some of the papers.

Ugh, I just bought this blouse.

I was going to wear it for an audition.

I told you to wear a bib.

Oh God, let me go help her.

Mr. Lasky, we've got it all taken care of.

You can take this call into your office.

Honey, I'll call back. Bye-bye, sweetie.

- Did we do spell check? - Of course.

- You're sure? - Mm-hm.

- You wanna check? - Uh-huh.

Thank God one of us can type, huh?

Got it.

Oh, Jesus.

Oh, check out the new look.

Wire rims.

Why--why is she looking at us and writing stuff down?

- I don't understand-- - Because she's spying on us.

Noticed that Cleo didn't get her hands dirty, huh.

Who do you think took those damn documents, anyway?

She was watching us the whole time.

I'm getting a little sick of it.

I don't know about you girls,

but we're doing all the shit work

and they still don't even notice us.

I don't think it's very funny.

Hey, I'm not laughing.

Yeah, you know what, Jane?

Honey, get me a tissue, will you?

In fact, give me a whole roll because I'm low at home.

You know what? This calls for action.

I think we should go on strike.

Just not show up one day.

Could you imagine?

They'd be-- they'd be totally lost.

They'd be completely scrambled.

Especially between nine and 10.

My God, the phones.

You know, with all of us out,

they'd definitely see how much they need us.

I think we should do it.

Oh, count me in.

I'm looking forward to it, huh?

Yeah, so am I.

Ooh, me too. Oh, my God.

Wow, it's really coming down.

Even the old ladies are running.

Geez.

You coming or what?

Criminals secretly wanna get caught.

I read that once, they have a guilty conscience.

Right, yeah.

She'll trip up. Nothing lasts forever.

Iris, isn't that Jane's boyfriend?

That chick better be his cousin.

Oh, man.

Son of a bitch.

Two weeks before her shower.

He's going to have to buy her something

really big for this one.

Sorry about the mess.

My roommate's out of town.

Just make yourself comfortable.

Take your coat off.

Oh.

- - So what's your roommate like?

You know what? I don't know.

Well, we never see each other.

- She's a flight attendant. -

We communicate through notes on the fridge.

Oh, just like the ones at work.

Yeah. Yeah, can I fix you a drink?

- Yeah, sure. - Why don't you go sit down,

and I'll be your hostess.

I got that from a hotel I was staying at.

A little souvenir, you know?

- Yeah. - It's cute, right?

Yeah.

Oh.

You know, I like your apartment.

- Really? - Yeah.

Mm.

You know, this is the closest I've come to living by myself.

I was--growing up, I had to share everything

with my sisters.

Perfect sisters, hm.

You know, who would have thought getting a crummy job

would be so hard?

You know, the last place I was at,

I was there for three years.

The place was so big, there were temps

filling in in for temps.

I don't think anyone even knew I was there, really.

Why'd you leave?

Oh, I didn't leave. I got canned.

Yeah, I was fired. Ya know.

Guy hired some relative over me.

Permanent.

And I can sit there and do nothing

as good as anyone's nephew, you know?

Three years, zip, nothing.

Not even a recommendation.

I think Mr. Lasky is really starting to depend on you.

I think you, you know, if you asked,

he'd give you a recommendation.

I hope you're right.

I need that recommendation.

To the recommendation.

Mm.

To the recommendation.

Hmm.

I can't believe you got one of these, wasn't it expensive?

Oh yeah, please don't make fun of me today.

My parents are in town.

- Good morning. - Hi.

How are you today?

You look great.

No, no, no, no, no.

My mom and dad are in town.

Oh, look at you.

Hey, how was the audition?

Oh, it went okay.

I got a small part.

- Oh. - I can't wait to see

you act professionally.

It's too bad that last show fell through.

- Yeah. - When's this one coming up?

Um, I'm not sure yet,

but when I know, I'll let you know, okay?

You know what? I gotta get in.

- All right. - So, all right.

- Hi. - Lasky needs these

by five. He's been checking on me every 30 freaking seconds.

I'm gonna lose my--

Look, it's finished, it's all done.

I really can't deal with this now, I'm incredibly late,

so if my wife calls, would you tell her that

I left 15 minutes ago,

but there's just a lot of traffic?

And Ellen? Ellen, your hair is so beautiful.

I mean, it looks great with that little thing in it.

Do you think you could find out

what kind of perfume she wears?

- Mm-hm? - Would that be possible?

- Yeah. - And also

if it's her birthday coming up?

No machine can replace me until it learns how to drink.

Want some?

No, I shouldn't.

Mm.

Gettin' a head start on tonight.

My mom and dad are taking me out to dinner

to hear the big loser speech while

- I eat my free chow mein. -

You're not a loser.

I can just hear my dad now, yeah.

Why can't you be more like your sisters?

Is it that hard to find permanence?

Yeah. Yeah it is.

You could tell him how hard you've been working here.

I mean, that's something.

Yeah, you're right.

You know what, that's a good idea.

I think they'll understand.

I'm gonna go smoke.

So will you be taking this bus to your rehearsals too?

I--I guess so.

You know, when they start, I mean, right?

I'll tell you, that Jack guy better call me soon.

I left him two messages.

I suppose he thinks I'm just, you know,

going to sit around and wait.

Well, I tell you, I got better things

to do with my time, right?

- Yeah? -

Don't worry. He'll call.

I'm not worried.

- - Iris?

Oh, my dad's here.

Hey, you want to come meet him?

He could give you a ride.

Well, I'll tell you, the bus will be here soon.

I'll wait.

You sure?

Yeah, I'm fine. Go ahead.

- Okay. - Go ahead.

- Hi. - Hi.

Wow. Small world, huh?

- Yeah. -

I had to pick up something from the mall,

so I thought I'd swing by here and, you know,

- see if I could catch ya. - Yeah, thanks.

Look in the backseat.

I had it on layaway.

Dad, it looks expensive.

I don't really need it.

They don't care what I wear at this job.

Oh, don't be silly.

You're going to need it, all right,

for that big interview.

It's what's known as a power suit.

I'm sure you'll hear something really soon.

Yeah, I guess.

I mean, they've had your letter for a while now.

Morning, Iris.

- Hi. - Oh, my God,

it's so bright in here.

I feel like I'm inside a Xerox machine.

I got so wasted last night I told my dad

I got a real job here.

Executive assistant.

Please.

Like she needs a briefcase.

You know, in one ear and out the other, lady.

How much you wanna bet

it's about another sudden disappearance?

What's going on?

Lasky's dead.

He had a heart attack last night.

You're lucky you latched onto MacNamee.

He really appreciates you.

Not to mention he's alive.

Try getting a recommendation out of a dead guy.

Can I have one of those?

Hm.

You see that old lady over there?

That's me in a couple of years.

What are you lookin' at?

What are you lookin' at? Get out of here.

Do you ever feel like you're... like you're floating?

Like you're...you're not connected to anything

or anybody?

Yeah. Sometimes.

I feel like I can vanish and no one would even notice,

not for weeks.

Where's Jane?

Oh, she's still getting ready.

Hope you're all ready to play some games.

Hey you know, Jane's sister's an actress too,

just like you.

What?

- Really? - Mm-hm.

Has she been in anything?

Oh, I don't know. I think she takes classes.

Oh she does take class? Oh.

You think she's pretty?

Yeah, of course she is. She's beautiful.

She's Jane's sister.

But what's with these games she wants us to play?

Stand up and give advice to the bride?

I mean, ugh.

What do you mean? Like in front of everyone?

Like a speech?

Oh, yeah.

What are you going to say?

Oh, she won't wanna hear my advice, believe you me.

I'm going to have to leave soon before that starts.

And what advice would that be exactly, huh?

I suppose you have something against Derek?

What was that?

What was that? What is it?

Tell me.

Margaret, what is it going on?

What is it, that you were looking at each other?

It's um, I just think she's uh,

she's too good for him.

That's your big secret?

That's it?

Okay. Okay.

Mm. You want to know the real reason?

Yes.

It's got nothing to do with Derek, it's Jane.

Have you noticed? She's a freak.

Have you seen her?

Have you looked at her in the office?

She's like this fluffy stuffed animal

with these big, dead eyes

just going through the motions, you know?

That's what she's doing with this wedding.

She's getting married just to get married.

Like that's her only option.

Like that's what she's supposed to do, you know?

All right, first of all, Margaret,

that is what most people do do, okay?

Our Jane has found herself a fella

who gives her things, okay?

And he's got good taste, too.

No, he gives her candy and flowers and jewelry--

Oh, well that's a whole hell of a lot.

That's a lot.

You notice it's right after he's blown her off?

Derek forgot to pick me up today.

Bing, she gets a necklace.

A cheap necklace at that.

All right, no, you know what?

You have to lighten up because we're at a party, all right?

Excuse me.

Here, honey.

Just when I was hoping things would settle down,

Louise showed up.

Hi.

It wasn't her fault, but she was a permanent,

and so I moved.

Items began to vanish again.

There were new rules put into effect.

Routine socializing was frowned upon,

locks appeared on the kitchen cupboards.

We did our best to pretend we were busy.

We played our parts.

And we wondered what lay ahead

just around the corner, waiting for us.

It's so creepy here now, you know?

I feel like I'm up to something, right?

Hm.

I'm thinking about asking the agency for a transfer.

Yeah, even if it's only for two months, I don't care.

Don't bother, I already tried.

'Cause of my rehearsal schedule, you know?

Anyway, the agency said that there's no work right now.

It's just, it's really slow.

I--I gotta keep on working.

I mean, I owe money on a wedding

I haven't even had yet.

If we leave now, we'll never know how things turn out

with all this stealing.

Don't you want to know how it ends?

Yeah, and if we leave now,

I bet that sneaky little bitch would stop her thievery,

and what's that gonna look like?

Like we're guilty.

That's right.

I'm not leaving. Not without a recommendation.

I was here first. I'm staying right where I am.

Iris, I just figured something out.

I think I know what her next move is gonna be.

I was thinking to myself, what would I do

if I were the one stealing?

I'd say something of mine was missing

to deflect attention like I was a victim.

I mean, I'm no phony fortune teller,

but I can tell you one thing, whoever's doing the stealing,

is gonna say something of theirs has disappeared.

It's gonna be a sure sign of their guilt.

- What are you looking at? - Nothing.

Attention.

No unauthorized personnel

allowed on this floor after five.

See, Iris look, didn't I tell you? Guilty.

Guilty as charged.

My scarf is missing.

You know, the one you were all admiring.

So if any of you happen to see it, let me know.

Why was she looking at us like that?

She thinks it's one of us.

I never said anything about her stupid scarf.

Hey, it doesn't matter. To her we're interchangeable.

She always sees us together. She doesn't know who's who.

But why would she think it's one of us?

'Cause we're temps.

I mean, you heard what Kilmer said at that meeting.

That crap about us all being a family?

Well guess what? We're not part of their office family

and I don't want to be anyway.

I mean we're like, temps are like,

we're like corporate orphans.

We're like corporate call girls.

We don't belong and that's what makes us suspects, okay?

Those are our desks.

Huh.

What a coincidence.

The only temps on this floor.

Shove us together where they can keep an eye on us.

Could stare at us all day through these glass walls

for their own sick amusement.

We're in a goddamn fish bowl.

Ooh, the staple isn't horizontal.

Let's try to keep it neat.

These are going to important clients.

Paula, do you have a pen?

Mine just ran out.

Cut it out, will ya?

Someone might see us talking.

Credit.

Could you hand me a pen please?

You know what? I'm all out.

Mine keep disappearing.

I can't even find my Jack Shoberg.

Here, you can take mine.

It's not very sharp, but you can have it.

No that's all right, Iris. You need it.

Just take a look at the desk in front of you, please, Paula.

I am not about to go picking through

somebody else's desk, uh-uh.

No one is sitting there.

Somebody might see me.

Well you're the one who always wanted an audience.

You know what?

Just 'cause you're loud doesn't mean people have to listen.

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing. Nothing.

It's just that...

I'm not the one who's always trying to stir things up

around here, okay?

I haven't done anything wrong.

Oh, really?

copy machine.

Please be quiet.

All right?

You're gonna get us all in trouble.

I wouldn't point fingers if I were you, okay?

You're the one who is always making personal calls.

You're just saying that

because you guys don't like Derek.

One of you took my chair.

Can I have something to write with?

But I gave you a number two pencil yesterday.

Art, please.

I'm in no mood, okay?

Oh, come on, five or six. I'm on a big project.

Oh, damn this music.

They're trying to mess with our heads.

I'm going to lunch.

Is anyone coming?

I'm on a diet.

Guess I'll cancel our reservations for four then

down at the cafeteria, Paula.

I'm going on a lunch date with Derek.

- Bye. - Bye.

Hey, Louise, it's lunch time.

You wanna smoke some pot?

Are you all right?

No.

I'm pregnant, I think.

Well, have you been to a doctor?

You should really see a doctor.

Yeah. I have an appointment tomorrow.

I cleared it with Barbara.

So, believe me,

this is the last thing I can afford right now.

Well if you need any money, I have some saved.

Um, I got it covered.

Thanks.

Um, you know what?

Just forget I even said anything.

Probably shouldn't have even told anybody.

Uh, Paula?

Kilmer's wallet was stolen.

He noticed last night.

There was a lot of money in it, too.

You see those guards in there?

They're starting to interview people.

They took a statement from me.

They want us to rat on each other.

You get it? It's the old divide and conquer.

They're trying to split us apart.

Where's Paula? She get her stupid transfer?

Maybe she has a rehearsal.

Iris.

There's no rehearsal, don't you get it?

It's all in that sad, little head of hers.

You'll see when you try to go to the show,

and she'll mysteriously disappear, just like last time.

I wonder what else Camille's been lying about.

Hm.

Oh, shit.

71, 72...

73, 74, 75, 76...

77, 78, 79, 80...

81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87...

Paula.

Hey.

Did you get my message the other night?

Yeah. Ooh, thank you.

My whole life is here.

Why didn't you call?

I was worried, and then when you didn't show up yesterday.

Shh, shh, yeah.

Um, I just, I got a lot going on right now, remember?

- Yeah. - You know?

- Rehearsals and... - Yeah.

Everything.

You want some?

Oh no, thanks.

Why are you looking at me funny?

No, I'm not, I'm not, I'm not looking.

I get it.

My mother knows someone in cosmetics.

- No, I-- - Okay?

Sometimes she gives me free samples.

I mean, it's--it's fucking perfume, anyway, right?

Nice flowers.

What are you so depressed about?

You have a boyfriend, you're getting married.

At least you have a way out of this place.

Iris, I'm scared.

I think I was here late

the night Kilmer's wallet was stolen, I don't know.

I can't remember.

I--maybe I blacked out or something, but,

I think I'm the guilty one.

I think I did it.

- Don't say that. - I've been looking.

I've been looking for that wallet like all over the place,

you know, and I can't find it anywhere.

God, I don't know, I don't know anything anymore.

How do you know something?

How do you know anything for sure?

I don't know.

I don't know.

It's funny how doubt hides itself.

It follows behind you.

It waits in every corner.

You never see it coming, but you feel it on the inside.

Maybe it was just that office,

or maybe it was bigger than that.

It was all around, a million eyes watching, judging.

The whole wide world, even.

You feel so small.

Could you come with me, please?

We have a certain standard of grooming

we expect our employees to adhere to

and your skirt hem is hanging.

I hope this isn't going to be a problem.

I really--I hate to have to replace people.

Yes ma'am.

Hey, Iris.

What'd she tell you?

Okay, don't tell me.

Just write it down in that little notebook of yours.

That's fine.

Do you know anybody here

that might have a financial need?

No.

How about a grievance?

You hear any complaints about the working environment

or other personnel?

Anybody that's unhappy?

how well do you know your coworkers?

Because a situation like this,

your perpetrator could be anybody.

It could be somebody you know very little about

or it might be somebody you think you know very well.

Um, listen.

That problem I told you about before,

it was a false alarm.

I thought you should know.

Oh no.

Oh, I forgot something.

You can't go up there.

I left my notebook up there.

It's after five o'clock, ma'am.

You'll have to come back in the morning.

Floor's closed.

That ought to be worth another meeting.

What the hell?

What?

Did you see a notebook in there?

If you'd like to report it missing,

we can add to the list.

Excuse me, sir.

Those are someone's personal belongings.

What are you doing?

Routine desk service, lady.

Oh routine, my butt.

Yeah. Why'd you pick these desks to search?

You know, why not that one over there?

Cleo's desk, Cleo with a C, a big gold C.

Why is she above suspicion, huh?

And you know what they're doin'.

Trying to make us feel guilty so they can control us.

The just want us to feel crappy about ourselves.

Yeah.

Yeah, and doubt everything we do.

That's it, I'm sick of it.

I'm sick of being treated like a criminal.

I mean that plan we had,

I think it's time we follow through with it.

Let's not show up tomorrow.

See what happens then.

- Is everyone in? - Yeah, sure.

- Mm-hm. - Yeah.

Sir, please don't touch those.

Oh, look, my finger puppet.

Incriminating evidence.

Just a bunch of toys.

As a group, we could really make a big statement.

It's a risk, but you gotta take a risk to be noticed.

They can't treat us this way

and they can't crush us down into silence.

Barbara's coming.

Oh, tomorrow, we strike.

Hm, I uh, got scared.

I've never missed a day before.

I changed my mind.

You know what, I don't know about you guys,

but I need this job, you know?

It's the little I've got.

Besides, do you know what I was thinking?

Maybe it's not her, you know?

Maybe that's just what somebody wants us to think.

You know what that cop told me?

He said the guilty one

is always the first one to point fingers.

Now maybe people will stop looking

at me all the time, you know?

Where's the other one?

Um, I don't know.

Hm, that's not very professional.

She knows company policy.

You're supposed to call in if you're absent or late.

I think she's done this before.

I wish I could tell you I never doubted a friend.

I wish I could say that place

hadn't gotten the better of us,

but that's not the way it happened.

Sometimes it hits you

how quickly the present fades into the past,

and you question everything around you.

You wonder if anything you'd ever do would matter,

or if you could just disappear without a trace.

Hey.

I thought about this crazy place all day yesterday.

I can't wait to hear what happened.

They had to have noticed, right?

They noticed.

Did you chicken out or something?

Paula, what happened?

Look, if I were you, I would keep my voice down, okay?

'Cause you are in a shitload of trouble.

What happened?

I guess ...m just not like you.

You know, it's sad, isn't it?

How people always end up betraying each other?

And for what?

You can read this while you're waiting.

Excuse me.

You're in my seat.

There's a vacancy over there, though.

Um, we won't be needing you here anymore.

Oh.

I was really sick yesterday, Barbara, but I'm better now.

Okay, okay.

Let's not have a scene.

You aren't needed.

You're firing me?

How can you fire me?

You don't even know my name.

Go on, now, do as the lady says.

Take your stuff and leave.

Oh, I get it.

Oh, you think I'm your little office thief.

Oh, well you got me.

You finally got me.

- Yeah. - Come on, you got 15 seconds.

- Let's go. - Stop it!

- Come on now. - Would you just let go?

Can't you see I'm trying to get my stuff?

Can I get my stuff?

Thank you.

I have things, you know?

Is anyone gonna say anything?

You know I'm not a thief.

Is anyone gonna say anything?

Is anyone gonna say anything?

Isn't anyone gonna stick up for me?

Is anyone gonna speak?

I have a name, you know.

It's Margaret

Margaret with an M. Take a memo, Barbara.

I often wished I had that moment to live over.

I wish I had said something.

Soon afterward, Jane left.

The wedding was beautiful.

I read about it in the newspaper.

Paula got transferred to the accounting department.

Once in a while, they let her out to photocopy.

I like to imagine she kept up her singing.

I had to change desks a few more times.

It was easier to forget where I was that way.

And there was something else, the stealing stopped.

I was almost beginning to think none of it had happened.

Sometimes I thought about what Margaret said,

about how a person can just drift through life,

like they're not connected to anyone or anything.

You look around.

All those characters trying to kill time,

going around in circles.

Even if a person wanted to break free,

they could find out they've got nowhere else to go.

Listen, I'm going to be in a meeting shortly,

so when you're done just pop 'em in the office.

Thanks.

We never talked about it.

We didn't have to.

There was nothing to say.

What she took from us

was more than she could put in her pocket.

It was like she owed me something.

Could you make me 10 copies of this, please?

Mm-hm.

Thanks.

That girl Cleo,

she wasn't so different from the rest of us.

She just wanted to be noticed.

She wanted to be somebody.

You have to make your mark.

Excuse me.

Uh, this is my last day here,

and I was wondering if you could give me a recommendation?

I'd be glad to.

Oh, well actually I've already written something,

if you could just sign it?

Well, you've certainly been a big help here.

Good luck to you, Margaret.

Everything is temporary.

Everything begins and ends,

and sometimes begins again.

When I look ahead,

I imagine infinite possible futures

repeated like countless photocopies,

a thousand blank pages.

And in each one I see myself,

never hiding,

never sitting silently,

and never just waiting and waiting,

and watching the world go by.