Mr. Smith Goes To Washington Page #14

In JEFF'S OUTER OFFICE:

SAUNDERS:

(into the phone)

All right--then another half hour.

Just *one* half hour, Senator.

Goodbye.

She hangs up angrily and storms away.

SAUNDERS:

Why don't I quit? Why don't I pick

up and walk out of here?

She passes Diz, grabbing the dollar bill which he holds up

like a torch--and goes right on talking.

SAUNDERS:

Tell me why!

DIZ:

(looking at his empty

hand)

Well, because you're doing all right

at the minute.

SAUNDERS:

When Foley died, why didn't I clear

out? How many times, did you hear me

say I was fed up on politics and--?

But *no*--I let 'em talk me into

staying. Secretary to a leader of

little squirts. Why? Because I need

the job and a new suit of clothes.

DIZ:

Would you settle for a husband?

SAUNDERS:

(absently--walking)

What's this, Diz?

DIZ:

That old standing offer from Diz

Moore--Poet of Washington

Correspondents.

SAUNDERS:

(absently)

Huh?

DIZ:

You know--Mrs. Diz Moore.

She is walking furiously, her mind only half on what Diz is

saying.

SAUNDERS:

Oh--that again. Yeah.

DIZ:

(flatly)

I would cherish you--and stay sober.

SAUNDERS:

Diz, you're a swell playmate--but--.

Maybe if I saw you once with your

hair combed, or something--or--no,

no--I don't think even that would do

it--

DIZ:

(resigned)

Well, if you're sure it wouldn't--no

use combing my hair for nothing.

SAUNDERS:

No--don't do it. I'm sure. The truth

is, Diz--there's no man I've seen

yet or--must be something wrong with

me. I've been feeling low for weeks.

DIZ:

You got worms.

SAUNDERS:

What! Who?

DIZ:

You know--little worms--ambition.

SAUNDERS:

Yeah. Should have seen me seven years

ago--when I came to this town. *Now*

what am I?--chambermaid to the Pied

Piper of Jackson City; *Honorary*

appointment! Scratch this thing an

you'll find they wanted a dope here

for two months.

There is a knock on the door.

SAUNDERS:

(yelling angrily)

Yes!

The door doesn't open at once.

SAUNDERS:

Yes!

The door opens slowly and Jefferson's head pokes in.

SAUNDERS:

What is it?

JEFFERSON:

Office of--Senator Smith?

SAUNDERS:

*No*!

JEFFERSON:

(looks at number on

door)

The man downstairs said number--

SAUNDERS:

No!

Startled and scared, Jeff backs out, closing the door.

SAUNDERS:

(to Diz, picking up

where she left off)

Yup--they must have picked the prize

dummy--

(Then, struck by

lightning--pointing

at the door)

*Wait* a minute! That wouldn't be--

*Daniel Boone*!

She makes a beeline for the door, yanking it open.

In the CORRIDOR, Jeff is gazing around at the door numbers

bewilderedly--when Saunders appears.

SAUNDERS:

(excitedly)

What's your name?

JEFFERSON:

J-Jefferson Smith.

She makes a run and a grab for him.

SAUNDERS:

Oh--oh! Come right in! Yes, indeed.

Right this way--

She pulls him into the office, Jeff alarmed and speechless.

In the OFFICE, Saunders is seen dragging him in, her movements

very excited.

SAUNDERS:

Now, hold it, Senator. Stay right

where you are. Don't go 'way--

And she rushes for the phone. Diz' feet come off the sofa

with a thud.

SAUNDERS:

(into the phone,

excitedly)

Hello--hello. Helen! Get the Shoreham--

Paine's apartment. Hurry, will you!

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