Mr. Smith Goes To Washington Page #30

SAUNDERS:

(suddenly--sharply)

On either side of--*what*?

Jefferson pauses--a little astonished at her sharp question.

JEFFERSON:

(seen with SAUNDERS

again)

Uh--Willet Creek. It's just a little

stream--

SAUNDERS:

In Terry Canyon?

JEFFERSON:

You--don't know it, do you?

SAUNDERS:

(quickly)

No--

JEFFERSON:

You couldn't. You've never been out

there, you said.

SAUNDERS:

(quickly again)

No, I haven't. I guess I thought the

name was familiar.

(Then)

By the way, you discussed with Senator

Paine where the camp was to be

situated and everything?

JEFFERSON:

Well--no. I didn't. Why?

SAUNDERS:

Nothing. I just wondered. No *reason*

to take it up with him.

(Reading from pad)

"--about a quarter of a mile on either

side of Willet Creek--"

JEFFERSON:

(picking up again)

Yeah. This land to be bought by

contributions from the boys. You

have that. Money to be--

Saunders, writing, looks up at Jefferson from under her brows

with growing interest.

The scene dissolves to the SENATE CHAMBER, with the Senate

in session and the President speaking:

PRESIDENT:

--the chair lays before the Senate a

communication from the Secretary of

State, in response to Senate

resolution 343.

The communication is handed to the clerk, who begins to read.

In the PRESS GALLERY we see SAUNDERS with DIZ, Saunders

smiling down on the floor as the clerk's voice is heard.

SAUNDERS:

Sit tight, Diz. The show commences

in just a minute.

DIZ:

What show? Would you mind telling me

what's coming off here?

SAUNDERS:

Certainly.

(Pointing down to the

floor)

Now there's the principal actor in

our little play.

In the SENATE CHAMBER, JEFFERSON is grasping the bill tightly

in his hand--nervously, perspiringly waiting. He smiles up

at Saunders and waves the bill. The Clerk's voice is heard.

In the PRESS GALLERY, Saunders smiles back at Jeff.

SAUNDERS:

(to Diz)

Don Quixote--with bill.

Diz doesn't make anything of this. Saunders glances off--and

points.

SAUNDERS:

Ah. One of the supporting characters.

DIZ:

Who?

In the VISITOR'S GALLERY MCGANN is seen listening to the

proceedings.

In the PRESS GALLERY:

SAUNDERS:

That gorilla in Man's clothing--

McGann.

DIZ:

Oh, you mean--Puss in Boots.

SAUNDERS:

Yes. Mostly "Puss."

(Pointing to the floor

again)

Oh, the *other* prominent character

in the play.

In the CHAMBER, PAINE is seen listening to the clerk.

In the PRESS GALLERY:

SAUNDERS:

The Silver Knight. Soul of Honor--on

a tight-rope.

DIZ:

What do I play?

SAUNDERS:

You play--left field.

DIZ:

Frankly, kid--are you goofy?

SAUNDERS:

Diz--Don Quixote with bill is going

to get to his feet in a minute and

speak two important words--*Willet

Creek*. When that happens--if my

hunch is right--the Silver Knight

will fall off his tightrope and Puss

will jump out of his boots.

In the CHAMBER, the Clerk finishes what he has been reading.

A SENATOR:

Mr. President--I ask that the

communication be referred to Committee

on Foreign Relations and printed.

PRESIDENT:

It is so ordered.

(Then)

Introduction of bills--

JEFFERSON is seen in close view, his head jerking up.

PRESIDENT'S VOICE

--and joint resolutions.

JEFFERSON:

(leaping to his feet,

and yelling loudly)

Mr. President!

The PRESIDENT is startled by the yell and a GROUP OF SENATORS

is seen turning around, also startled. In a portion of the

VISITOR'S GALLERY, people begin to titter--then laugh. The

gavel raps for order.

JEFFERSON, aware that he has caused a stir by his shout, is

embarrassed as the gavel continues rapping. PAINE is mildly

amused. But in the VISITOR'S GALLERY, MCGANN, tight-lipped,

is shaking his head. He doesn't like this.

Rate this script:4.5 / 2 votes