Mr. Smith Goes To Washington Page #9

Strong applause--people get to their feet--a band blares a

salute. Hubert motions Jeff to get to his feet. Dry-mouthed,

Jeff rises. The noise dies out. They wait.

JEFFERSON:

(simply--slowly)

Well--uh--thank you. I--I sort of

have a feeling there's been a big

mistake--I mean--

(as gentle laughter

greets him)

--I--I can't think of a greater honor.

It isn't just mine. It belongs to

all my boys.

(Turning to Paine)

Sitting with a man like Senator Paine--

I can't tell you how much greater

that makes the honor. He and my father

were very dear friends.

PAINE, startled, is seen looking up at Jeff.

JEFFERSON'S VOICE

My father used to tell me that Joseph

Paine was the finest man he ever

knew.

The applause startles Paine. He looks down, two places

removed, to MA, who is leaning over, smiling at him. Her

mouth forms the words: "Hello, Joseph."

We again see the banquet hall in full view, as the applause

stops.

JEFFERSON:

I don't think I'll be much help to

you, Senator Paine.

(Laughter from the

audience)

But I *can* promise you this--I'll

uphold the honor with all my might--

I'll do nothing to disgrace the name

of--Senator of the United States.

(He sits down amid a

storm of applause)

TAYLOR AND MCGANN are seen applauding mechanically.

MCGANN:

Who'd ever think I'd be back in Sunday

School?

The applause continues in the banquet hall. Then, suddenly,

a band starts to play off scene. All heads turn to the rear

of the hall. The BIG DOORS are pushed open and the Boy's

Club Band--followed by more of Jeff's boys--comes marching

in. The boys range in size from tiny fellows in front--

building back up, row by row, to the larger fellows in rear.

They march into the middle of the table formation. The band

plays a march. The banqueters cheer. JEFFERSON'S eyes are

alight. The boys come to a stop, marking time, until the

band stops. A little fellow--Jackie Hopper--steps to the

front. He is carrying something wrapped up. HUBERT AND EMMA

are seen watching this.

EMMA:

(proudly)

Jackie!

TAYLOR AND MCGANN are also watching.

MCGANN:

So help me--it's Snow White and a

thousand dwarfs!

There is a silence in the hall as Jackie wets his lips and

addresses Jeff.

JACKIE:

(stumbling and nervous

with a memorized

speech)

Senator Jefferson Smith--we are very

proud on this great occas--the Boy

Rangers take this oppor--uh--

(lifts the package)

--in token of their--uh--in token of

this--

(breaking off, ad

libbing)

--It's a briefcase, Jeff! All the

kids pitched in! It's for to carry

your laws when you get there!

He rushes forward and pushes the gift into Jeff's hands. The

banqueters then applaud vigorously. Jeff, speechless and

touched, stands holding the briefcase. The band strikes up

"Auld Lang Syne." Everyone stands up, and joins the song.

Paine moves from his place over to Ma.

Ma is seen singing--as Paine comes to her side. She stops

singing. They shake hands warmly. Then Paine, looking at

Jeff, pantomimes: "Is that the little shaver I knew when he

was this high?" Ma nods. She starts to sign again, and we

get another full view of the hall. The song is sung earnestly

by the boys, the banqueters joining it.

JEFFERSON has opened the BRIEFCASE and is staring at it. It

is seen to be inscribed:

SENATOR JEFFERSON SMITH

OUR BEST RANGER--OUR BEST PAL

JEFF is looking off at the boys--his eyes a little dim; this

is the most wonderful moment of his life.

This dissolves to a Washington-bound TRAIN, on which we see

Jefferson and Senator Paine. Jefferson is fishing out of his

briefcase a copy of "Boy Stuff."

JEFFERSON:

Well, it isn't much, but if you

insist, here's this week's.

(He hands it over)

PAINE:

(examining it)

"Boy Stuff." Why, printer's ink runs

in your veins, Jeff. You're just

like your father.

JEFFERSON:

Thank you, sir.

PAINE:

Even to the hat. Same old dreamer,

too. One look at you and I can see

him, back of his old roll top desk,

hat and all, getting out his paper.

Always kept his hat on his head so

as to be ready to do battle. Clayton

Smith, editor and publisher, and

champion of lost causes.

Rate this script:4.5 / 2 votes