Mr. Deeds Goes to Town Page #44

305. MED. SHOT FRONT OF COURTROOM

VON HOLLER STILL CONTINUES:

VON HOLLER:

Oh, the man is verrukt. Your Honor,

this is decidedly a case of a manic

depressive.

CEDAR:

Thank you, Dr. Von Holler.

Dr. Von Holler returns to his seat.

CEDAR:

Your Honor, we rest.

FULL SHOT - COURTROOM

There is a shifting of bodies, and a renewed interest, as

they wait for the next move. The Judge and his own two

experts go into an inaudible huddle.

307. CLOSE SHOT - COBB AND LONGFELLOW

Longfellow is slumped in his seat, head down.

COBB:

Come on, what're you going to do?

Let them get away with it? They

got you cooked.

Longfellow does not budge.

There is an expectant stir in the courtroom among the

spectators and rows of reporters.

308. MED. CLOSE SHOT - THE JUDGE AND HIS EXHIBITS

Judge comes out of his huddle and glances at Longfellow.

JUDGE:

(leaning forward)

Mr. Deeds, before the court arrives

at a decision, isn't there anything

you wish to say?

309. CLOSE SHOT - LONGFELLOW AND COBB

Longfellow shakes his head slightly.

COBB:

(whispering)

Come on - don't be a sap!

CONTINUATION SCENE 308

The Judge watches him a few moments, hesitatingly, and

then turns to his experts.

310. MED. SHOT - NEWSPAPER REPORTERS

A REPORTER:

He's sunk.

311. CLOSE SHOT - CEDAR AND HIS CLIENTS, ASSISTANTS ETC.

They smirk confidently.

CLOSE SHOT - BABE AND MAC

She stares, panic-stricken.

313. MED. SHOT

Of the Swede, the farmer, and others. Their faces show

their resentment.

314. MED. SHOT FRONT OF COURTROOM

JUDGE:

(to the two experts)

You both concur?

EXPERTS:

(ad-lib)

Oh, positively.

The Judge emerges from his consultation with his experts

and addresses Longfellow.

JUDGE:

Mr. Deeds, in view of the extensive

testimony and your continued silence

and upon recommendation of the

doctors, the Court considers it

advisable for your own safety that

you be committed to an institution

as prescribed by law. You need

medical attention, Mr. Deeds.

(shrugs)

Perhaps in a little while—

Suddenly the air is rent with the shrill voice of Babe.

BABE:

No! No! No! Wait a minute!

All are startled and look up. Babe runs right to the Judge.

BABE:

You can't do it! You've got to

make him talk.

CEDAR'S VOICE

Your Honor, I object!

She turns directly to Longfellow - leaning over close to

him.

315. CLOSE SHOT - BABE AND LONGFELLOW

BABE:

(pleading softly)

Oh, darling, please. I know

everything I've done. I know how

horrible I've been. No matter what

happens, if you never see me again,

do this for me.

JUDGE'S VOICE

Miss Bennett, please!

BABE:

(frantically)

You said I could speak! You said I

could have my say if I were

rational. I'm rational. Please,

let me take the witness chair.

316. WIDER ANGLE

BABE:

He must be made to defend himself

before you arrive at a decision.

JUDGE:

Very well. Take the stand.

Babe goes up to the witness stand and sits down.

BABE:

Oh, thank you!

CEDAR:

(shouting)

Your Honor, what she is saying has

no bearing on the case. I object.

JUDGE:

Let her speak.

BABE:

I know why he won't defend himself!

That has a bearing on the case,

hasn't it? He's been hurt! He's

been hurt by everybody's he met

since he came here, principally by

me. He's been the victim of every

conniving crook in town. The

newspapers pounced on him - made

him a target for their feeble humor.

CLOSE SHOT - BABE

BABE:

I was smarter than the rest of

them! I got closer to him so I

could laugh louder. Why shouldn't

he keep quiet? Every time he said

anything it was twisted around to

sound imbecilic.

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