Dead Poets Society Page #3

Todd struggles. He looks like he is trying to speak but

nothing is coming out of his mouth.

NOLAN (CONT'D)

Speak up, Mr. Anderson.

TODD:

(barely audible)

I would prefer rowing sir.

It is apparent that Todd's fear of speaking is overwhelming.

Nolan looks at him.

NOLAN:

Rowing? Did he say rowing? It says here

you played soccer at Balincrest.

TODD:

(again barely audible)

I...did...but...

Sweat breaks out on Todd's brow. He clinches his hands,

turning his knuckles white. He looks like he is going to

burst into tears. The other boys look at him.

NOLAN:

You'll like soccer here, Anderson.

Dismissed.

The boys stand and exit. Todd looks absolutely miserable.

The teacher at the door calls out more names.

9 EXT. WELTON CAMPUS - DAY 9

The Welton students walk toward their dorms. Neil Perry

approaches Todd Anderson who walks alone. Neil offers his

handshake.

NEIL:

I hear we're going to be roommates.

Neil Perry.

TODD:

(softly)

Todd Anderson.

Todd keeps walking. There is an awkward silence.

NEIL:

Why'd you leave Balincrest?

TODD:

(overlap)

My brother went here.

NEIL:

Oh, so you're that Anderson.

10 INT. THE JUNIOR DORM LOBBY - CONTINUOUS 10

Neil and Todd have walked into the dorm lobby.

TODD:

My parents wanted me here all along but

my grades weren't good enough. I had to

go to Balincrest to pull them up.

NEIL:

Well, you've won the booby prize. Don't

expect to like it here.

TODD:

I don't.

11 INT. THE WELTON JUNIOR CLASS DORMITORY ROOM - DAY 11

Each small room contains two single beds, two closets, and

two desks. Suitcases sit on the floor. Neil enters. Richard

Cameron sticks in his head.

CAMERON:

Heard you got the new boy. He's a hell

of a speaker, huh? Oops.

Todd Anderson walks in. Cameron ducks out. Todd has heard

Cameron s comment, but he ignores it. He puts his suitcase on

his bed and begins unpacking.

NEIL:

Don't mind Cameron. He's an a**hole.

There is a knock on the door. Knox Overstress, Charlie

Dalton, and Steven Meeks enter. Charlie speaks to Neil.

CHARLIE:

Hey, I heard you went to summer school?

NEIL:

Yeah, chemistry. My father thought I

should get ahead.

CHARLIE:

Well, Meeks aced Latin and I didn't

quite flunk English so if you want, we've

got our study group.

NEIL:

Sure, but Cameron asked me too. Anybody

mind including him?

CHARLIE:

What's his specialty, brown-nosing?

Some chuckles.

NEIL:

Hey, he's your roommate.

CHARLIE:

That's not my fault.

Nobody is excited about Cameron but no one objects.

MEEKS:

(to Todd)

I don't think we've met. I'm Steven

Meeks.

TODD:

(shyly extending his hand)

Todd. Anderson.

Knox and Charlie offer Todd handshakes.

CHARLIE:

Charlie Dalton.

KNOX:

Knox Overstreet.

Todd shakes their hands.

NEIL:

Todd's brother is Jeffrey Anderson.

CHARLIE:

Oh yeah. Sure. Valedictorian, National

Merit Scholar

Todd nods affirmative.

MEEKS:

Well, welcome to "Hell"ton.

CHARLIE:

It's every bit as hard as they say.

Unless you're a genius like Meeks.

MEEKS:

He flatters me so I'll help him with

Latin.

CHARLIE:

And English, and trig

Meeks smiles. There is a knock on the door.

NEIL:

It's open.

Neil's father enters. Neil is surprised.

NEIL (CONT'D)

Father. I thought you'd... gone.

All the boys stand.

MEEKS, CHARLIE, KNOX

Mr. Perry.

MR. PERRY

Keep your seats, boys. How's it going?

THE BOYS:

Fine, sir. Thank you.

MR. PERRY

Neil, I've decided that you're taking

too many extracurricular activities.

I've spoken to Mr. Nolan about it and you

can work on the school annual next year.

NEIL:

But father, I'm assistant editor.

MR. PERRY

I'm sorry, Neil.

NEIL:

But father, it's not fair.

MR. PERRY

Fellows, would you excuse us a minute?

Mr. Perry walks into the hall, Neil follows.

12 INT. THE JUNIOR DORMITORY HALLWAY - SAME 12

MR. PERRY

I will not be disputed in public, do you

understand me?

NEIL:

Father, I wasn't disputing you.

MR. PERRY

When you've finished medical school and

you're on your own, you can do as you

please. Until then, you will listen to

me.

NEIL:

Yes sir. I'm sorry.

MR. PERRY

You know what this means to your mother,

don't you?

NEIL:

Yes sir.

Using the pressures of guilt and punishment, Mr. Perry is the

most subtle of bullies. Neil's resolve crumbles in front of

his authoritarian father. Neil fills the pause.

NEIL (CONT'D)

You know me, always taking on too much.

MR. PERRY

Good boy. Call us if you need anything.

He turns and walks off.

13 INT. NEIL'S ROOM 13

The others wait in silence. A chastened Neil enters.

CHARLIE:

Why doesn't he let you do what you want?

KNOX:

Yeah! Tell him off! It couldn't get

any worse.

NEIL:

Oh that's rich. Like you tell your

parents off, Mr. Future Lawyer and Mr.

Future Banker!

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