Mr. Deeds Goes to Town Page #10

LONGFELLOW:

If she was his wife, she should

have all the money. That's only

fair. I don't want a penny of it.

He yanks his trousers off and hands them to the tailor.

CEDAR:

Don't make any rash promises—

As the tailors exit, Cobb returns.

COBB:

You'd better get right down there.

That opera mob is about to break

into the Mad Song from "Lucia."[2]

LONGFELLOW:

(to Hallor)

Oh, I don't want to keep them

waiting any longer. They're

important people.

(to Cobb)

I wish you'd go along with me,

Cobb. They're all strangers to me.

HALLOR:

Well, what about it, Mr. Deeds?

LONGFELLOW:

(getting into robe -

to Hallor)

You'll excuse me, won't you? I'll

be right back.

He exits with Cobb.

INT. CORRIDOR

MED. TRUCKING SHOT

As Longfellow and Cobb come out and start down corridor.

LONGFELLOW:

Gee, I'm busy. Did the opera people

always come here for their meetings?

COBB:

Uh-huh.

LONGFELLOW:

That's funny. Why is that?

COBB:

(wisely)

Why do mice go where there's

cheese?[3]

INT. BOARD ROOM

54. FULL SHOT

A group of eight distinguished-looking men sit around a

long table, awaiting Longfellow's arrival. At the head of

the table is a Mr. Douglas.

DOUGLAS:

From what I'm led to believe, the

young man's quite childish. I don't

think we'll have any difficulty in

getting him to put up the entire

amount. After all, it's only a

matter of $180,000.

CHORUS OF VOICES

A drop in the bucket for him.

An excellent idea!

Why not? . . .

DOUGLAS:

(slyly)

You know, gentlemen, we're really

very fortunate the young man is so

sympathetic toward music.

(winking)

He plays the tuba in the town band.

MAN:

(who has been

watching at door)

Here he comes.

DOUGLAS:

Good.

There is a shuffle of preparation.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. DIRECTOR'S ROOM

55. SAME SCENE

With Longfellow and Cobb present. Longfellow looks around,

completely awed.

DOUGLAS:

Now, gentlemen, the first order of

business will be the election of a

new Chairman of the Board.

A MAN:

(rising)

As a sentimental gesture toward

the best friend opera ever had,

the late Mr. Semple, I think it

only fitting that his nephew, Mr.

Longfellow Deeds, should be made

our next Chairman. I therefore

nominate him.

A VOICE:

Second.

DOUGLAS:

All those in favor . . .

EVERYBODY:

Aye.

DOUGLAS:

Carried.

(rises)

My congratulations, Mr. Deeds.

56. CLOSER SHOT

Featuring Longfellow.

LONGFELLOW:

(self-consciously)

I'm Chairman?

DOUGLAS:

(humoring a child)

Oh Yes, of course - you've just

been elected.

LONGFELLOW:

(to Cobb)

I'm Chairman.

COBB:

(dryly)

Happy voyage.

DOUGLAS:

Right here, Mr. Deeds.

57. WIDER ANGLE

As Longfellow is led to the president's chair. Douglas

sits next to him.

DOUGLAS:

Now, the next order of business is

the reading of the Secretary's

minutes . . .

A VOICE:

Move we dispense with it.

ANOTHER VOICE:

Second.

DOUGLAS:

All in favor?

CHORUS OF VOICES

Aye!

Longfellow looks his surprise.

DOUGLAS:

I think they can be dispensed with.

We're ready now for the reading of

the Treasurer's report.

A VOICE:

Move we dispense with it.

ANOTHER VOICE:

Second.

DOUGLAS:

All in favor?

CHORUS OF VOICES

Aye!

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