30. The Coffee Table Book

Generated on: Feb 27, 2025

OPENING MONOLOGUE - (INT. COMEDY CLUB - NIGHT)

JERRY:
What's the deal with coffee tables? They're just tables...for coffee. But you put anything else on them, and suddenly it's a statement. A stack of mail? You're disorganized. A coaster? You're civilized. A coffee table book about coffee tables? You're Kramer.

SCENE 1: INT. MONK'S DINER - DAY

[Jerry, Elaine, and George are sitting in a booth.]
JERRY: So, I saw this coffee table the other day... ELAINE: Oh, please. Not another coffee table bit. JERRY: No, no, this one was different. It had a built-in coaster. Like, the coaster was part of the table. GEORGE: A built-in coaster? What's next, a built-in cup holder? Where does it end? JERRY: I don't know, George. Maybe it ends with a built-in George, permanently affixed to the couch. [Kramer slides into the booth.]
KRAMER: A coffee table book! About coffee tables!

SCENE 2: INT. JERRY'S APARTMENT - DAY

[Jerry is on the phone, pacing.]
JERRY: No, no, it's not a joke. It's a coffee table book...about coffee tables. Yes, with pictures. Of coffee tables. [Kramer enters, carrying a small wooden coffee table.]
KRAMER: This is the prototype! See? Built-in coaster. JERRY: Kramer, I'm on the phone with a publisher! KRAMER: Tell them about the coaster! JERRY: (Into phone) Yes, it also has a built-in...coaster.

SCENE 3: INT. ELAINE'S OFFICE - DAY

[Elaine is at her desk, looking exasperated.]
MR. LIPPMAN: So, Elaine, what's this I hear about a coffee table book? ELAINE: Oh, that. It's just something Kramer... MR. LIPPMAN: Kramer? The coffee table guy? Brilliant! We need to get him in here. ELAINE: But, Mr. Lippman, it's ridiculous. It's a book...about coffee tables. MR. LIPPMAN: Elaine, sometimes the most ridiculous ideas are the best ideas. Think outside the box! Now, where can I find this Kramer?

SCENE 4: INT. JERRY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

[Jerry and George are watching TV.]
JERRY: So, Kramer's book is actually happening. GEORGE: A coffee table book about coffee tables? It's insane. JERRY: I know! And Elaine is furious. Lippman wants to publish it. GEORGE: You know, this could be my in. I could be Kramer's coffee table consultant. [Kramer enters, beaming, carrying a large advance check.]
KRAMER: Giddyup! The coffee table book is a go!

CLOSING MONOLOGUE - (INT. COMEDY CLUB - NIGHT)

JERRY:
So, a coffee table book about coffee tables. Who knew? I guess the next big thing will be a lampshade book about lampshades. Or maybe a doorknob book about doorknobs. Actually, I kind of like that one...