Don't Say Yes Until I Finish Talking is an original song first featured in Understudy, the tenth episode of the first season of Smash. Being an original song, it was written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The version released as a single features Christian Borle (Tom Levitt) on lead vocals.
In the context of Bombshell, the number finds film producer Darryl F. Zanuck complaining to his studio executives about Marilyn Monroe's lack of professionalism. The male executives are all wearing nothing but towels, true to Zanuck's actual studio executives. It was written by Tom Levitt and Julia Houston. It was first performed in rehearsals for the Boston previews, with Tom Levitt subbing for the actor playing Darryl F. Zanuck. Marc Kudisch later portrays Darryl F. Zanuck in the Boston previews.
Lyrics[]
Studio Executives:
A studio executive has no beliefs
That's the way of a studio system
We've bowed to every rear of all the studio chiefs
And you can bet your ass we've kissed 'em
Even the birds in the Hollywood hills
Know the secret to our success
It's those magical words that pay the bills
Yes, yes, yes, and yes!
Darryl F. Zanuck:
(spoken) Gentlemen! Take a memo.
Darryl F. Zanuck:
Today the trades are all aglow
With grosses for our Miss Monroe
The things those vermin mustn't know
Is what she puts us through
She makes directors wait all day
One line per hour's all she'll say
And still, she thinks we're gonna pay
She needs a talking to
Tomatoes like her must be put in their place
If she don't shape up soon, she'll soon be walking
'Cause the buck stops with me
Studio Executives:
Yes, you're right, we agree!
Darryl F. Zanuck:
Uh, don't say yes until I finish talking
She's got them all tied up in knots
Makes each producer faint and plotz
She thinks she's queen and calls the shots
As she sits on her throne
She needs to learn she's only skin
The next girl's waiting for a spin
I made a star of Rin Tin Tin
And paid him with a bone!
Tomatoes like her, well, they're easy to find
We throw them out as soon as they start squawking
So, get me some younger dish
Studio Executives:
We concur, as you wish!
Darryl F. Zanuck:
Hey! Don't say yes until I finish talking!
And while you've got me on a roll
Let's find a role for Nat King Cole
Tell Mankiewicz his script is trite
A little lower, to the right
I think that Brando is miscast
That television just won't last
That I'm the king of Hollywood
Studio Executives:
All hail the king!
Darryl F. Zanuck:
Ooh, that feels good
Which brings me back to that dumb blonde
To her demands, I now respond
Some buy your act, but I'm not conned
You better fall in line
You're two bazooms and nuts to boot
I'll keep you in a bathing suit
When you stop bringing in the loot
We'll go back to the vine
Tomatoes like you, they all whither and die
My powers, though, will never be diminished
So don't bring me to my boiling point
You're just a broad, I own the joint
I'm in control, you're just a face
Allow me to cut to the chase
I'll make another movie star
Can someone light my damn cigar?
And then say "yes"
'Cause yes, men
I'm finished
Studio Executives:
Yes!
Later Reprisals[]
- Marc Kudisch as Darryl F. Zanuck (Previews)
Videos[]
Smash - Don't Say Yes Until I Finish Talking HD Full Studio