Mr. Smith Goes To Washington Page #41

JEFFERSON:

(tense and pale)

Yes, sir--

In the VISITOR'S GALLERY, Taylor's eyes are darting fire in

the direction of Paine.

TAYLOR:

(viciously--under his

breath)

Joe!

PRESIDENT'S VOICE

You may proceed.

In the CHAMBER, Paine is seen holding the corners of his

desk tensely.

JEFFERSON'S VOICE

Mr. President--this section of the

bill--this dam on Willet Creek is

nothing but a--

PAINE:

Mr. President!

Paine is on his feet. Jeff, puzzled, looks toward Paine and

stops.

PRESIDENT:

(to Jeff)

Does Senator Smith yield to his

colleague Senator Paine?

JEFFERSON, his eyes wonderingly on Paine, doesn't know what

to do for an instant.

JEFFERSON:

(hesitantly)

Y-yes.

PAINE:

(with difficulty--

while Jeff remains

standing)

Mr. President--gentlemen--I--I have

risen to a painful duty--to say that,

out of evidence that has come to my

attention, I consider Senator Smith

unworthy to address this body!

Senators turn around to look at Paine--on such an amazing

statement. A hum from the gallery. The gavel pounds.

JEFFERSON, seen closely, has his head turned to Paine in

frank wonderment.

PAINE'S VOICE

I--I have hesitated to speak--but,

in all conscience--

TAYLOR AND MCGANN are now tense but relieved.

PAINE'S VOICE

--I must.

PAINE, seen at close view, is under great strain, looking

away from Jeff and toward the chair.

PAINE:

It is a charge as grave and--and as

infamous--as has ever been made from

the floor against a fellow member--

In the PRESS GALLERY, the Press Men are leaning forward

alertly--mouths open to catch the next word.

PAINE'S VOICE

I refer to the bill he has introduced

in this chamber to create a National

Boy's Camp. He named a portion of

land to be dedicated for that purpose--

(Hurling his charge

with desperate

strength)

and to be bought by contributions

from boys all over America.

(Gritting his teeth

to go on)

Senators--I have conclusive evidence

to prove that my colleague *owns*

the very land he described in his

bill! He bought it the day following

his appointment to the Senate! And

is holding it--using this body and

his privileged office--to legalize

an outrageous profit for himself--

out of the purchase of that land

through the nickels and dimes scraped

together by the boys of this country--

!

A close view reveals JEFFERSON, struck dumb and cold--as an

uproar goes up around him. And a close view shows TAYLOR AND

MCGANN satisfied, relieved, amid the shouting.

In the PRESS GALLERY, the reporters pile up the narrow aisle

stairs to the press room behind them, as the uproar in the

Senate is heard. In the SENATE PRESS ROOM (behind the Press

Gallery), the press boys come rushing in and dive for the

telegraphic services of the various newspaper men shouting:

--a near riot! Ranger Smith branded from the floor by--

--Paine hurls sensational graft charge at--

--nothing like it in fifty years! Paine charges Smith using

office to--

Senate orders immediate hearings--before committee on

Privileges and Elections--! Most terrific accusation in the

history of--

The scene dissolves to the SMITH SITTING ROOM in Jackson

City. It is evening and Ma is surrounded by kids--all staring

at headlines.

A BOY:

Jeff--doing anything like that!

ANOTHER:

They--they're crazy!

Thereupon, in the HOPPER STUDY at night, Hubert, stricken

numb, is being attacked by his children who have papers in

their hands.

PETER:

*Jeff*--take money from *kids*!

JIMMIE:

It's a *frame*!

OTIS:

A dirty frame!

HUBERT:

(calling for help)

Emma!

The scene dissolves to DOORS in the Senate Building on which

are printed the words COMMITTEE ON PRIVILEGES AND ELECTIONS;

and to the COMMITTEE ROOM, with the Committee in session--a

closed hearing. Kenneth Allen is on the stand.

CHAIRMAN:

How long have you known Senator Smith,

Mr. Allen?

ALLEN:

Oh--a good many years. He used to

use my land up around Willet Creek

every summer for his scout camps.

Seemed like a mighty nice fellow.

And when he can to me with this

proposition--

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