THE FIRST DAY
and
Other Plays for Radio and Television
by
Frank W. Walsh
Summer Awards in Drama
1959
First Prize
$50
"THE FIRST DAY", a Play for Television
SPEAKING CAST.
MR. JACKSON, About 22, a recent college graduate.
This is his first experience in the business world. He
wants to shed all his training in sociology, psychology,
philosophy, and literature and look at the world through
eyes that see dollars and cents. He is clean cut, neatly
dressed and very eager to create good impressions and do
a good job.
THE MANAGER
In his fifty's, and an old hand at dealing with person-
alities. His hair is greying to white now. Believes in
directness in everything, says what he means and expects
others to do likewise. His idea of helping people is
teaching them to help themselves.
MRS. CORY
In her late thirties. A person with a smooth, apple-round
face and pulled-back hair. Her eyes can be very blank
when she is thinking. She is the mother hen with her
wings spread over her brood.
HENRY CORY
His face and hands are wrinkled from many hours of hard
work and hard thinkin'. Henry is as direct in his way as
the manger is in his. He has two sets of values: he is a
firm believer in the principles of justice, honesty, and
work ••• and he knows that they will triumph in the end.
The complex society of civilization with its radios and
televisions and cars and payment plans and checking in
and out of plants are more than Henry can comprehend.
He moves through it all in a passive way. He trusts ev-
eryone in a childlike way ••• there isn't a bone of greed
in his body. But, like a domesticated animal, he would
rather be cooped up and fed than hunted.
OPENING SHOTS: OFFICE FADE IN ON WALL CLOCK WHICH SHOWS
8:45 PAN TO CU’S OF SIGNS READING "LET US CONSOLIDATE YOUR
BILLS, BUDGET HEALER FINANCE CO.," "LET US SOLVE YOUR VA-
CATION WORRIES," "PAY IN ONE PLACE, IT'S CHEAPER AND
EASIER," "WHEN IT'S TIME FOR SANTA TO COME, IT'S TIME
TO SEE US," "LET OUR FINANCIAL DOCTORS HEAL YOUR BUDGET."
SOUND: PHONE RINGS FOUR OR FIVE TIMES
ASSISTANT MGR (OFF MIKE): Budget Healer Finance Company,
Good Morning ••• yes ••• oh, yes, Mrs. Murphy ••• um hum
••• which Mrs. Murphy is this? •• on Third Street? ••
just a minute while I locate your card ••• (FOOTSTEPS
HE WHISTLES A LITTLE TUNE) Oh, yes, Mrs. John and
Georgia Murphy on Third Street ••• your payment was
due last Thursday ••• but Why didn't you call up or
come down to see me? . . . your mother's still living
with you, isn't she?. . . well, Why can't she watch
the kids? ••• I can't set this over any further •••
you and your husband will have to come down to see
me about it, what time can I expect you?~ •• no, it'll
have to be today ••• now wait a minute, he signed the
papers, didn't he? ... Your account's delinquent, isn't
it? ••• well, then, it seems to me that the business-
like thing to do would be for both of you to come down
and talk this thing over so that we can get it worked
out ••• No, no, no! The office closes at five ••• O.K.
then, I'll expect you, thanks for calling ••• good bye. (HANGS UP PHONE)
George Murphy's stalling again ••• says she'll have the old man down after work.
DISSOLVE TO CU OF MAN FILLING PEN (DESK TYPE)
MANAGER: How long's he been on the job?
ASST.: Fifteen years ••• balance is down to two-sixty-five.
MGR.: What seems to be the trouble?
ASST.: Claims he had a short week at the shop ••• one of the boys says he saw a new
TV set goin' in the house a month or so ago •• that's probably it.
MGR.: Better get that on the mortgage ••• maybe we can sell them enough to take it over ••• Are you about through with those pens, Mr. Jackson? DOLLY BACK TO
COVER OF NEAT LOOKING YOUNG MAN WIPING OFF PEN POINT
JACKSON: Yes, sir ••• finishing the last one now.
MGR.: Come on in here then ••• I have a route ready for you.
JACKSON (PUTS PEN IN HOLDER, WALKS TO DEAL ROOM, SITS DOWN)
FOLLOW TO DOOR OF DEAL ROOM - MGR. SITS BEHIND DESK COVERED
WITH CARDS AND LETTERS.
MGR: First you can stop by the Court House and have these mortgages recorded ••• that's at the County Clerk's office ••• then call on the Yorks ••• she'll try to stall you but keep after her till you get something definite ••• try to get them both down to the office ••• they're always slow unless you keep right after them •• Then you can go over to the Corey's •••
JACKSON: What does the blue card mean?
MGR: That means it's a bad debt ••• these people are hillbillies came up here to
work in the plants during the war ••• had a loan with this company down in Ken-
tucky ••• they finally found them here •• they'll give you a long song and dance
but keep after them till you get em in here ••• check around first and find out where he's working.
MGR: We'll see how you do on these ••• phone me after each call and then we'll talk
about them.
(JACKSON PICKS UP CARDS, PUTS THEM INTO FOLDER, BUTTONS UP SUIT
JACKET, WAVES GOODBYE AND STARTS OUT OF OFFICE
CUT TO CU OF MGR WHO STARTS FROWN, CLEARS THROAT AND
MGR: Oh, Mr. Jackson, we want to be business-like about this, don't we?
JACKSON: Why, yes, sir.
MGR: (FORCES SMILE) Then don't forget your hat ••• it's very
important to give a business-like appearance.
(JACKSQN GOES BACK, PICKS UP HAT AND PUTS IT ON •• IT IS
NOT THE RIGHT SHAPE FOR HIM AND LOOKS SILLY) CAM FOLLOWS
HIM TO SIGN AND HOLDS WHILE HE LEAVES AND CLOSES DOOR)
MUSIC: BRIDGE DISSOLVE TO CLOCK WHICH READS 9:35 HOLD ON CLOCK
SOUND: TELEPHONE RINGS TWICE
OFC GIRL: Budget Healer Finance Company, Good morning ••• oh,
yes, Mr. Jackson ••• he'll be with you in a minute •••
CUT TO BACK OF GIRL
OFC GIRL: Mr. Jackson is on the phone Mr. Hatch.
GIRL MOVES OUT OF SHOT SHOWING MGR BEHIND DESK
MGR: Thank you ••• (PICKS UP PHONE) Yes, Mr. Jackson ••••••
(CLEARS THROAT) Just a minute, Mr. Jackson; did you record those mortgages? •• Let's do one thing at a time, where are you now? •.• And what have you been able to work out with Mrs. York? How do you know she isn't home?.. Did you try the back door? •• What do the neighbors have to say? . . . Well, Why didn't you? Mr. Jackson, time
is money. We have to exhaust every possibility when we make these calls or else we are making twice as much work for ourselves. Now you go back and find something definite ••• good-bye. (HANGS UP AND GOES BACK TO PAPERS ON DESK
DISSOLVE TO CLOCK WHICH SHOWS 10:05)
MUSIC: BRIDGE
SOUND: PHONE RINGS TWICE
OFC GIRL: Budget Healer Finance Company, Good morning ••• yes, this is Budget Hea1er ••• Oh, yes, Mr. Jackson ••• just a minute •••
CUT TO BACK OF GIRL AS BEFORE
OFC GIRL: Mr. Jackson is on the phone, Mr. Hatch.
GIRL MOVES OUT OF SHOT AS BEFORE
MGR: (PICKS UP PHONE) Thank you ••• Yes, Mr. Jackson ••• yes ••• yes ••• does her mother have a phone? •• Why didn't you ask? . . . go on back and ask the neighbor where her mother lives and see if you can reach her by phone ••• Well, if you can, make arrangements for her and her husband to come down to see me today ••• find out what time he gets out of work ••• then check back with me at five o'clock to see if they came in. •• if they didn’t, go back tonight . . . if you can't get them then make it at seven-thirty tomorrow morning ••• see what you can work out with her then go out to the Cory's ••• a1l right, good-bye, Mr. Jackson. (HANGS UP) Miss Kennedy, will you bring your pad in please ••• I have a few letters to go out.
FADE IN ON CORY HOUSE; IT IS JUST ABOUT AS RUNDOWN AS IT CAN GET. THERE ARE KNOTHOLES AND SPLITS IN THE WOOD THAT HAVE BEEN FILLED WITH OLD RAGS. THERE IS TARPAPER OVER SOME OF IT. CHILDREN'S TOYS, OLD TIRES AND OIL CANS, WINE BOTTLES LITTER THE GROUND. A WINDOW NEAR THE DOOR IS COVERED WITH CARDBOARD. WHEN JACKSON KNOCKS A CORNER OF THE CARDBOARD IS PULLED AWAY. CU OF EYE LOOKING OUT, THERE IS
A GIGANTIC TV ANTENNA(JACKSON WALKS INTO COVER. HE IS STALLING. HE EXAMINES THE HOUSE
AND THE ARTICLES STREWN ABOUT THE YARD.) MUSIC: HILLBILLY MUSIC IN BACKGROUND
JACKSON'S VOICE: Out, go back, out, go back, see the neighbors ... do what you can to pry into the little privacy that anyone has anymore ••• I can't help it if she's gone away ••• is she supposed to tell the neighbors where she’s goin’ every minute (PICKS UP WINE BOTTLE) 68 proof and fifty-nine cents (WALKS TO SIDE OF HOUSE OUT OF VIEW FROM WINDOW OR DOOR. SITS ON STUMP AND TAKES OUT CARD FROM WALLET) Hmmm, Cory, Henry B. and Belle ••• thirty-seven years old •••
six-seven-eight children ••• balance fifty-nine, thirty-two ••• last payment two and a half months ago••• two dollars ••• looks like a rough one all right •••
(STARTS TO DOOR, CU OF EYE LOOKING OUT) ••• guess
I'd better be tough with them ••• you can't get anywhere being nice to people like this. (RAPS ON DOOR)
MUSIC: WHEN DOOR OPENS MUSIC SHOULD BLAST SO THAT
WE CAN HARDLY GET THE CONVERSATION
DOOR OPENS AND MRS. CORY STANDS THERE WITH A COMPLETELY BLANK EXPRESSION.
JACKSON: Good morning, Mrs. Cory ••• you are Mrs. Cory, Mrs.
James B. Corey? (SHE LOOKS AT HIM OR RATHER THROUGH HIM DOES NOT
REACT AT ALL) Well, Mrs. Corey, I'm Mr. Jackson of the BHFC •••
that's Budget Healer Finance Company (NO REACTION) Will you turn
that radio down please! (SHE SHRUGS HER SHOULDERS AND PADS OFF.
HE STARTS TO FOLLOW HER INTO THE HOUSE BUT RUNS INTO A WAVE OF HEAT AND ODOR THAT STOPS HIM DEAD IN HIS TRACKS. HE BACKS OUT.MUSIC FROM RADIO FADES TO BACKGROUND AND STAYS . . . SHE DOES NOT RETURN. JACKSON PULLS OUT KEY CHAIN AND TWIRLS IT ••• MOVES
FROM ONE FOOT TO THE OTHER ••• GLANCES AT WATCH ••• TRIES WHISTLING ••. GLANCES AT WATCH AGAIN ••• BANGS ON DOOR AGAIN . . DOOR OPENS ••• MRS. CORY STANDS WITH A LOOK OF MILD SURPRISE.
JACKSON: Mrs. Corey!
MRS. CORY: You still here?
JACKSON: Yes ••• I came to see you and Mr. Cory •••
MRS. CORY: Oh I thot you was one a th fellas from the reel
astate company wantin' us 'uns to tarn daoun the raddio.
JACKSON: No, no Mrs. Corey (SMILES) I am Mr. Jackson,
I represent the B.H.F.C ••• that's the Budget Healer
Finance Company •.•
MRS. COREY: Oh, you must be a new boy ••• you have more new
boys wukin'fur that compinee ••• don't they pay you
boys very much?
JACKSON: Mrs. Cory, I came here to discuss your account •••
not my salary ••• the fact is that the account is all
due and has been for some time .•• now, how do you
intend to take care of it?
MRS. CORY: Well~ now I reckon you’ll have ta see Henery
'bout thet. I just has th' kids and cooks th'
meals and warshes th’ clothes ••• you’ll have to
see Henery.
JACKSON: Where is Henery ••• (CATCHES HIMSELF) I mean, Mr.
Corey?
MRS. CORY: Weel naow, a couldn't raht’ly say ••• howsomever
he had uh fishin'pole with um when he left this
mo'nin' •
JACKSON: What time does he have to go to work?
MRS. CORY: Weel, naow, Henery, he hain't been a-feelin'
too well of late so he's kinder restin' up his
internals so's thet he'll be able to do an honust
day's wuk when he gits callud back •••
JACKSON: Called back! How long’s he been out of work?
MRS. CORY: Oh, it were sevrul,weeks ago when th' garnishee-
munts started comin' in on the pay ••• like Henery
say, we appreciates all th credit that everybody
gives us and we is goin-a pay it all back, every
cent ••• but it jist haint right fur a man ta wuk
all week and thin have some big company snatch-
grab his pay check so's thet he kint feed his fam-
uly. So Henery caun't see no sense in wukin all
week foah some big company to git richer while
he's all tard out an' don't have'nothin' ta show
fur it ••• an' his internals haint been too good •••
JACKSON: But the money has to be paid one way or another •••
the quicker it's paid ••• the sooner you'll be free
of the responsibility •••
MRS. CORY: Weel, naow, thet is true enuf but somebody takin' I
hain't like you givin' ••• it's kinder sneaky fur
em ta ketch ya unawares, like thet ... it just hain't
right!
JACKSON: It isn't right for you to ignore your obligations
either ••• after all, you just can't take on respon-
sibi1ities and then forget about them.
MRS. CORY: Oh no! Mistur Baxtur -
JACKSON: Jackson
MRS. CORY: Hain't thet turribu1 ••• I jest kaint remember
names any good at all no more ••. but Henery, he kin
reco11eck th' names of all thu naybors ev'ry place
where we 1ived .•• 'n all the kinfolk way back on
all sides ••• he really got a wonderful memory.
JACKSON: Then why didn't he remember his promise to be in the
office 1ast week?
MRS CORY: What day were thet?
JACKSON: Monday (SHE STARTS TO GIGGLE) What's so funny?
MRS. COREY: Ah thot everyone knew thet Monday was 'our day
to see Mister Monday •• hain't thet on your 1itt1e
card?
JACKSON: Who's Mr. Monday?
MRS. COREY: Why, don't you know Mr. Monday? You is new
hain't you?.he's the county man for the ree1eef ••
JACKSON: So you're on relief!
MRS. COREY: Oh, yes, sur th' county's very good to us
whilst Henery's a-waitin' fur ta git called back ta work ••
JACKSON: How much do you get a week?
MRS. CORY: Oh we don't git no money ••• we gits a check fur
groceries.
JACKSON: When do you pick up 'your check?
MRS. CORY: Why, all us poor folk goes down to see Mr. Monday
on Monday mornin' ••• you hain't been around much,
has you son? (LAUGHS)
JACKSON: Now, Mrs. Cory, I've made a trip out here so that
you and could work out a business-like arrange-
ment to settle ,this account ••• when will you be up
to the office to see Mr. Hatch?
MRS. CORY: Hain’t much sense in me sayin no time 'cause
we hain’t got no money ••• but any time you folks
wants to set and chatter a while, why you jist come
on out here ‘n Henery'll be glad to set and
chatter.
JACKSON: Now, Mrs. Cory, those arrangements won't be satis-
factory at all ••• where is the nearest phone?
MRS CORY: There be one daown thu road ‘bout eighty rod or
so •• at the groceries store ••. I'm sorry Mister Nixon
but I’s gotta steer up thu stew •••
JACKSON: But I’d like you to come with me so that you can
give Mr. Hatch an accurate description of your situation.
MRS. CORY: No need fur thet ••• I trusts you to tell him the
honest truth ••• you got a nice, honest face, Mr.
Bixon ••• Good-bye now ••• {SHE TURNS QUICKLY INTO THE
HOUSE, CLOSES DOOR QUICKLY BUT GENTLY •• AND BOLTS IT • •••
HILLBILLY MUSIC UP.)
JACKSON: Mrs. Cory! (BANGS ON DOOR) These arrangements
are not satisfactory at all •.• Mrs. Cory! (HE PUTS
ON HIS HAT, PULLS OUT HIS HANDKERCHIEF, WIPES HIS BROW,
AND WALKS OUT OF THE SET. MUSIC COMES UP HARD.) FADE OUT.
OPENING SHOTS ON WALL CLOCK AS BEFORE TIME: ______________
PHONE RINGS TWICE AS PAN IS MADE TO OTHER SIGNS
GIRL: B.H.F.C., Good afternoon, oh, hello Mr. Jackson ••• yes,
He’s just coming in from lunch. (OPEN ON MGR’s
DESK. HE WALKS INTO SHOT ON CUE) (SHE CALLS) Oh, Mr. Hatch, Mr.
Jackson is on two •••
(OFF MIKE AND OFF CAM) Thank you.
GIRL: He’s hanging his coat up ••• how do you like the job?
••• aw, that’s what they all say when they first
start ••• you don't wanta let it geccha down tho (MGR WALKS INTO
SHOT, SITS AT DESK AND PICKS UP PHONE) Talk to ya later.
MGR: Yes, Mr. Jackson, this is Mr. Hatch ••• um hum •••
(CAM ON CU OF PHONE SHOWING WELL MANICURED FINGERS ••• CUFF
LINKS, PANS ACROSS DESK, CIGARETTE LIGHTER, UP WALL TO COMPANY
CALENDAR OVER MOTTO "HE WHO HESITATES IS LOST” ETC.) well, when
did he lose this job? Who guarnasheed him? Did you ask? •• don't
you think that's important information to have? •• Now, Mister
Jackson which is it? did he quit or was he laid off or fired or
what? •• they wouldn't call him back if he quit would they? •.
how do you know he's not working now? •• how sincere do you
think she is? •• Now, Mr. Jackson, look over the
record ••• if we could depend on that woman's word
you wouldn't have to be out there now •.. she's just
pulling the wool over your eyes ••• now, you hang up and get
your facts straight ••• then work out a def-
inite solution and phone me back •.• She' there with you now,
isn't she? .•did you tell her that I would like to speak to
her? •• well, it dosen’t seem that she is displaying
much evidence of good faith by not having the courtosey to come
to the phone and confirm the arrangements ••• go on back now and
remember, “if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.”
••• good-bye.
(DISSOLVE TO CORY HOUSE. MUSIC LOUD AS BEFORE, JACKSON'S HAT IS
PUSHED BACK ON HIS HEAD, HIS COAT IS OFF AND HELD IN HIS ARM •••
HE STARTS FOR THE DOOR, HESITATES, PULLS UP HIS PANTS AND WALKS
UP STIFFLY.)
JACKSON: Mrs. Cory! (KNOCKS POLITELY ••• NO ANSWER ••. KNOCKS
HARDER AND HARDER SHOUTS. HENRY ENTERS FROM BEHIND
CAM.)
HENRY: Good aft'noon sir, kin I be of service to yew?
(JACKSON TURNS TO FACE HIM ••. DOOR OPENS IMMEDIATELY AND
MRS. CORY WITH BEAMING SMILE SPEAKS)
MRS. CORY: Hello Henery ••• this young feller'S been a-waitin'
fur to see yew ••• he's Mista Bixby from some fi-nance
company.
HENRY (WALKS UP TO JACKSON WITH GREAT DIGNITY, EXTENDS HAND):
Mighty proud to make your ackquaintinship, Mister
Bixby •.• but we folks hain't in much of a position to be
indebtin ourselves right now ••• times are
gittin' right hard and it's bad enough makin' both
ends meet.
JACKSON: The name's Jackson ••• but I don't think you under-
stand the situation Mister Cory •••
HENRY (PUTS HAND ON JACKSON'S SHOULDER): Ah know how it
be son, you probably have to make a livin' too •••
are you married?
JACKSON: Well yes - but -
HENRY: Shore wish ah could help you out •.. what are yew
sellin'? Books? baby pichers? brushes? •• Maw, kin we use
any brushes?
MRS. CORY: I don't reckon so paw.
HENRY: Well then, ah don't guess there be anything we need
but you're welcome to share some lunch with us ...
whacha got in the kettle, maw?
MRS. COREY: Stew from thu rabbit what Percy caught.
HENRY: Would some rabbit stew fill the empty spot in your
innards son?
JACKSON: Yes •• I mean no .. I mean ••• I don't think you under-
stand who I am or why I'm here.
HENRY: That's all right son, but we hain't got no rugs sos
we wunt have no use fur no vacumey cleaner. Have
some rabbit stew anyway.
JACKSON: I don't want to sell you anything .•• I've come to see
you about your account with the Budget Healer Finance Co.
HENRY: Maw, what fi nance man is this? I doan rec'1eck
makin' any purchases from no Healer company.
CORY: Beats me, paw.
JACKSON: (TAKES OUT A CIGARETTE STARTS TO PUT BACK IN HIS
POCKET, STOPS, OFFERS ONE TO HENRY) Cigarette?
HENRY: No, thank you son ••• never could git uster machine
made uns ••• kaint affort 'em neither (TAKES OUT SACK
OF TOBACCO AND ROLLS HIS OWN) yew know, in times
like these a feller has ta consarve everyplace where
he kin jist t'git by. JACKSON: I appreciate your fine grasp of economics, Mr. Cory,
but I'm here to adjust your delinquent account with my
company ••• First, I'll have to get my information up to
date. Where are you now employed?
HENRY: Maw, dint jew tell this here feller bout be gittin laid
offen'?
CORY: Sure ah did, Henery, but he's lak th' kids 'n th' fayree
stories, wants fur ta heer em ova and ova.
JACKSON: I don't believe that we definitely ascertained the
reason for your being out of work.
HENRY: Like Maw says ••• I git laid offn.
JACKSON: Why?
HENRY: A man kint wuk fur nutin.
JACKSON: Weren't you getting paid?
HENRY: Not much after the garnisheemunts started.
JACKSON: Who garnisheed you?
HENRY: The television man.
JACKSON: Why didn't you pay him?
HENRY: One thu kids threw a horseshoe at it and the dang
thing blew up ••• now, Mista Jackson ••• thet jur name?
JACKSON: Ya.
HENRY: Now, Mista Jackson, yew be a sensible man ••• yew
wunt want I should pay fur a daid horse, would yew?
••• the thing just lies there starin' at us with a
great hole in it's head.
JACKSON: You bought the machine ••. you'll have to pay for it
••• did you discuss the matter with the man you bought it
from?
HENRY: Sure .•• but he wunt fix it without I pay him sixty-
five dollars more so he let us have the raddio instead.
Thet be as much or more relaxin' thin was th' tee vee.
JACKSON: Did you quit or were you laid off?
HENRY: Aha doan know ••• yew wunt wuk fur nutin wouldja Mr.
Jackson?
JACKSON: Are you trying to find work now, Mr. Cory?
HENRY: Yew bet I am ••• Ah aims ta git me a job where ah kin
make a little money an git back on ma feet ••. thin
ah kin start up all ma paymints again. A man's gotta
have uhn settlin' down spell ever now and thin sos he
kin think things out and plot his path sos thit he's
givin his old woman her due and th' kids what they
needs, 'n this he's got all th' business folk who've
been good enuf to lend him some credit ••• all these
things take some thinkin' out ••• but ah aims to give
everybody their jist due.
JACKSON: I'm glad to hear you talk like that, sir ••• I be-
lieve you and I think you are sincere. I know that
you want to settle this thing as much as we do. All
that we are asking for is that we make some arrange-
ment that we can depend upon you to keep.
HENRY: That's fine with me ••• anything you say ••• ah want ta
do th' right thing.
JACKSON: Are you serious enough to come down to the office
with me to see Mr. Hatch? HENRY: Oh, so you're Mista Hatches new feller ••• well, now, ah like yew much betta thin the last one ••• He' dint
have no respeck fur 'is elders •• no sir, dint like
him attall ••• Mista Hatch is a mighty fine feller tho
•.• a just man ••• shore would like to drap in an' say
hello but the stew's bout ready now.
JACKSON: Ask 'when it'll be ready.
HENRY: When'll the stew be ready maw?
MRS. CORY: Bout twenny five, thirty minutes.
HENRY: See, we cun't never make it daown n back in time ••.
reckon I'll jist have to make it some other tome.
JACKSON: (GRABS'HIM BY THE ARM AND PULLS) I'll get you
back in time. (HENRY PROTESTS AD LIB BUT GOES ALONG
AS SOUND AND PICTURE FADE OUT.)
FADE IN ON OFFICE CLOCK PAN OVER WALL SIGNS AS BEFORE. WE CAN
HEAR THE SOUND OF JACKSON AND HATCH COMING IN OFFICE AND TALKING
TO GIRL AT COUNTER.
GIRL: Hello, Mr. Jackson.
JACKSON: Hello, Mr. Cory is here to see Mr. Hatch.
GIRL: He'll be right with you, just have a seat in room 1,
Mr. Cory.
HENRY: Thank yew kindly, mam.
JACKSON ENTERS MGR’S OFC ••• MGR WAS RISING AS HE ENTERS. COMES
AROUND DESK AND SITS ON CORNER OF DESK.
MGR: I see you brought Mr. Corey in.
JACKSON: (PROUDLY) Yes, sir! It wasn't an easy job but he
finally decided to cooperate •..
MGR: Uh, huh ••• what's his attitude?
JACKSON: Well, he seems honest ••• but he sure doesn't take
care of his obligations very well .•• I don't know,
I can't follow his reasoning very well ... he seems
logical but won't get definite •••
MGR: Did you ask him to be definite?
JACKSON: Sure, but we always seem to get off on a tangent •••
MGR: How much is he going to pay today?
JACKSON: (ASTONISHED) Why, he can't pay anything!
MGR: Why can't he?
JACKSON: He's got no income!
MGR: How do you know?
JACKSON: That's what they said •••
MGR: Do they have a refrigerator?
JACKSON: I don't know.
MGR: Didn't you look?
JACKSON: I didn't get inside the house.
MGR: You can't expect to see these things unless you look •••
was there an aerial on the roof?
JACKSON: Well, yes .••
MGR: Do you suppose that set would still be there if they
wern't paying for it?
JACKSON: Well, I don't know •••
MGR: Does he smoke?
JACKSON: Well, yes •.• he rolls his own.
MGR: Does tobacco cost money?
JACKSON: Sure •• but •••
MGR.: Where does he get the money for his tobacco?
JACKSON: I •.• I •.• that is •••
MGR: Did you ask him?
JACKSON: No.
MGR.: Did you see any bottles around the house or yard •.•
wine, whiskey, beer?
JACKSON: I think so ••• can't be sure .•• for heaven's sake!
the poor people are on re1ief ••. they've got to have
a few pleasures out of life ..• we can't take everything
away from them •..
MGR: Mister Jackson, I don't want to take anything away from
them ..• I don't want to take anything away from any-
one •.• all I want is for these people to respect their
obligations and try to do the best they can .••
do you think Cory's doing the best he can?
JACKSON: Yes ••
MGR: Then why wasn't he here to see me as he promised?
JACKSON: I'm all confused ••• I don't know •••
MGR: (DREAMILY) Do you know what season this is, Mr. Jackson?
JACKSON: It's Fall if that's what you mean.
MGR: That's right ••• and Fall means harvest time .•• and har-
vest time means wheat and corn and beets and pickles .•
Henry Cory is a farmer •• always has been and always
will be unless there's another war and the plants
start payin' again ••• last year and the year before
Henry worked for the pickle factory .•. I made a phone
call a few minutes ago ••• come on, we'll talk to him ••.
DISSOLVE TO DEAL ROOM ••• HENRY SITS WHERE JACKSON SAT EARLIER
IN THE DAY ••. HE HAS A WORN CAP IN HIS HAND ••• HE SMOOTHS HIS
HAIR DOWN WITH HIS GNARLED HAND •.• HE WETS HIS LIPS, WHEN MGR.
ENTERS HE HALF RISES TO SHAKE HANDS.
MRG: Hello again, Mr. Cory ••• how are you today?
HENRY: Jist fine, sir, thankew •••
MGR: How much are you going to pay today?
HENRY: Times haint been good, Mr. Hatch •••
MGR: I know, Henry .•. times are getting worse every day.
How much are you going to pay today?
HENRY: I haint got no .••
MGR: (LOOKS HIM STRAIGHT IN THE EYE) How long have you been
at the pickle factory?
HENRY: (UNPERTURBED .• ALMOST RELIEVED) Two weeks.
MGR: (VERY SOFTLY) Why didn't you come down to see me so we can
get this thing cleared up?
HENRY: I figgired ••• as soon as ah could see ma way clear
•.. ah haint tryin ta dodge yew, Mr. Hatch.
MGR. You were taking an awful chance ••• with that judgement we
have and all ••• all I have to do is pick up that
phone and you'll have to go down to the city hall
for what's left of your check •.•
HENRY: I know ..•
MGR: Have I ever garnasheed you?
HENRY: No, sir.
MGR: And I don't want to either ••• but I've got to have the
money.
HENRY: Yes, sir.
MGR: How much do you make a week?
HENRY: About fifty-seven dollars and thirty cents.
MGR: How much of that can you give me?
HENRY: (HOPEFULLY) Two dollars?
MGR: (SHOCKED) Two dollars! The least I ought to demand
is ten a week!
HENRY: Oh, I don't figgur ah can see my way clear to that •••
MGR.: All right .•• tell you what I'11 do ••• You can certainly
pay five a week ••• right?
HENRY: I guess so •••
MGR.: Oh, just a minute. (CALLS) May I have that Cory wage
assignment, please? (AS HE LEAVES) (HENRY AND JACKSON ARE LEFT ALONE IN THE OFFICE FOR A MINUTE •••
CORY TAKES OUT HIS SACK OF TOBACCO AND ASKS JACKSON IF HE WANTS
TO TRY IT ••. JACKSON NODS “NO” ••. THEY DON'T LOOK AT
EACH OTHER.)
MGR: Now, Mr. Cory, I'm going to make things really easy
for you ••• I know that you get mighty tired working
those long hours and you don't always feel like
making the hike down town to make your payment ev-
ery week ••• now, this paper will authorize your em-
ployer to deduct the sum of five dollars from your wages
each week and he'll mail it to us for you •••
HENRY: I reckon me or maw or one of the kids could git down here
every week •. ah klnda like to take care
of these here bizniss matters maself without involv-
in no third parties like the boss ••.
25.
MGR: I think you'll find that this is a much better ar-
rangement ••• just sign here and here please •••
HENRY: I don't know ••• but if yew say so Mista Hatch ••• ah'll
take youa word fur it. (HE SIGNS)
MGR: Thank you, and give my regards to your wife and family.
HENRY: Yes sir, good bye sir.
JACKSON: (TO MGR) I told him I'd take him home.
MGR: OK go ahead and take him ••• but all you're supposed to do
is get them down ••• the company can't afford a
taxie service.
JACKSON: I'll be right with you, Mr. Cory ••• just as soon
as I get my hat.
HENRY: Never mind, son, I'd as soon walk ••• (CAM BACKS OUT
OF DOOR OF CUT TO EXTERIOR OF OFC. DOOR. HENRY
COMES THRU, PAUSES, PUTS CAP ON, RELIGHTS CIGARETTE
AND MUSES) ••• it's too bad •.• ah kinder liked thet job
at th pickle factory .•• (SHRUGS SLIGHTLY AND WALKS AWAY).
PRESIDENT BURTON OF MICHIGAN
A Biographical Documentary for Radio
This play was produced and tape-recorded for the
This Our World series by the University of Michigan Department
of Speech. The bells indicated in the script were recorded from the
Baird Carillon of the M. L. Burton Memorial Tower on the campus of the
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
CAST
NARRATOR BILL GENERAL MANAGER JOE
MARION LEROY BURTON HARRY
NINA BURTON REPRESENTATIVE I
ENGLISHMAN REPRESENTATIVE II SENATOR (OF MINN.) PROFESSOR
REPORTER SENATOR BOHN PRSIDENT HUTCHINS SENATOR CONDON S. SMITH MAJOR DUFF EDITOR VOICE (FILTER)
REPORTER I POLICEMAN REPORTER II
SOUND EFFECTS
KNOCK ON DOOR, OPENS, FOOTSTEPS BRUSH ON SHOE ••• YAWN ••. CLOTH SLAPPING SHOE
CROWD OF 100 TALKING OFFICE SOUNDS, TYPEWRITERS, PHONES
SMALL CROWD MURMUR THUNDER, RAIN, FOOTSTEPS OF SMALL GROUP SLOPPING THRU RAIN
FOOTSTEPS OF SMALL GROUP UP STAIRS DOOR OPENS
SMALL GROUP WALKS IN ON WOOD FLOOR
DOOR CLOSES KNOCK ON DOOR DOOR OPENS RAIN FOOTSTEPS SLOPPING THRU MUD
PHONE RINGS, RECEIVER PICKER UP
RIOT NOISE OF 300
MUSIC: BELLS IN FULL, THEN UNDER
NARR: We are listening to a sound familiar to anyone who has
visited the campus of the University of Michigan within
the last twenty years ••• the bells of the Burton Memorial
Tower, one of the largest carillons in the world.
MUSIC: BELLS UP AND UNDER
NARR: Now we bring you the story of the man whose life inspired
these bells, a man whose spirit is as alive today as it was
when he served as President of the University of Michigan,
a man whose ideals are the inspiration and the heritage of
this our world. This is the story of a teacher, a preacher,
a builder and a great human being, Marion LeRoy Burton.
MUSIC: UP, FADE UNDER AND OUT
NARR: Our story begins in Minneapolis, Minn., the year, 1882.
Marion Burton's father had just died and the eight year old
Took every odd job he could find to help support the
family. He piled wood, circulated handbills, and sold
newspapers. When he was fifteen years old, after one year
of high school, expenses were so high and income was so low
that he left school and took a full time job at Gardiner's
Homeopathic Pharmacy on Hennepin Avenue. He enjoyed his
work. Because he loved it, he spent many extra hours
reading everything he could find relating to pharmacy. These extra hours
of study paid off for he passed the examination for
pharmacists. One day, in the summer of 1893 he was called
into the general manager's office •••
SOUND: KNOCK ON DOOR, OPENS, FOOTSTEPS
GEN. MAN.: Hello, Burton, sit down, boy.
BURTON: Thank you, sir.
GEN. MAN.: I have some great news for you boy, I've been keeping
a pretty close eye on you and I've noticed that you've made
a habit of doing more work than you've had to. I like that!
Most of the young men I hire aren't worth half what I pay
them.
BURTON: Thank you sir, but ••.
MAN.: Don't interrupt me, boy, I'm not through yet •••
Harrummph ••• what I mean is ••• I'm going to make you a
supervisor for all the stores in the chain. You'll report
directly to me.
BURTON: But sir, didn't you get my letter?
GEN. MAN.: What letter?
BURTON: My resignation.
GEN. MAN.: What are you talking about?
BURTON: My notice, sir. I sent it to you last week. I've been
accepted by Carleton Academy. I start in the fall.
GEN. MAN.: You can't quite! I just made you a supervisor!
BURTON: Thank you very much ••. but, I'm sorry.
GEN. MAN.: How old are you?
BURTON: Nineteen.
GEN. MAN.: You must be crazy ••• nineteen years old and going
back to high school '(FADE) ••• with a great future
here •••
NARR.: Yes, maybe Marion Burton was crazy to give up this
opportunity for immediate success. Certainly, not many
other boys would have done it. But he finished high school
and enrolled at Carleton College. He was a brilliant
student, played clarinet in the college band, and was the
best first baseman Carleton ever had. At the age of 26 he
graduated and went to Windon Institute at Montevideo, Minn.
As teacher and principal. Three years later, Yale Divinity
School. He stayed and taught a while at Yale when he was
offered the pulpit at the Church of Pilgrims at Brooklyn,
New York. Then came his first college presidency, Smith
College at Northampton, Mass. At thirty-four years of age,
he was the youngest college president in the United States.
After seven years of excellent work he was elected president of the University of Minnesota. The Burtons had just moved into the president's home on Fifth Street South East. They were trying to get used to their new surroundings. A group of distinguished Englishmen were visiting American Universities and had stopped at the University of Minnesota. They were invited to stay at the president's house. The guests had all retired when the president went down the hall for a drink of water...
BURTON: Psssst, Nina, come here.
NINA: What is it?
BURTON: Look, down the hall, in front of all the guest rooms •••
NINA: Why, they've all put their shoes out to be polished •••
and we don't have anyone to do it.
BURTON: Ah, well, we can't disappoint our guests.
NINA: Where are you going?
BURTON: I've got a little job to do, you go on to bed.
NINA: You come too, it's late and you have a big day tomor-
row.
BURTON: I'll be there in just a minute.
MUSIC: UP, UNDER AND OUT
NARR: It wouldn't be right for the visiting Englishmen
not to receive the same service they would at home so the President of the University gathered up all their shoes, took them to the basement, and shined them till they glistened. The next day, as the British group was leaving, their leader came to President Burton.
ENGLISHMAN: (CONFIDENTIALLY) You know, I've looked all over for your valet. He did such an excellent job on our shoes last night that I'd like to give him a bit of a tip, you know.
BURTON: I'm glad he did a satisfactory job, but he ••• uh ••• had to leave early this morning to visit his sick grandmother.
ENGLISHMAN: Oh, I am sorry ••• but would you give him this envelope when he returns?
MUSIC: BRIDGE
NARR: Even at shining shoes, the president did a better job than anyone else. - He was everywhere on the campus ••• talking with teachers, students, and legislators. When he was introduced to the legislature - notoriously conservative where the University was concerned - he made such an instant hit that one of the senators remarked:
SOUND: CROWD OF 100 TALKING IN BACKGROUND
SENATOR: That man will cost the state of Minnesota millions
of dollars!
REPORTER: What do you mean, sir?
SENATOR: Every time he comes down here and asks for anything all the members of the legislature tumble over each other in their efforts to give him what he wants.
SOUND: CROWD OUT
NARR: Two years later they appropriated 5 million dollars to start a ten-year building program.
MUSIC: BRIDGE
NARR: In the meantime, Dr. Angell had finished his long
service as President of the University of Michigan.
Upon his death, the Dean of the Law School, Dr. Hut-
chins, was elected President. The first World War came
and the campus became a training ground for the Student Army Corps. President Hutchins was busy day and night acting as go-between for the army and the University. When he reached the retirement age, his resignation was refused by the Board of Regents. He was looking for someone to take his place. He wanted someone who would make the changes necessary to accommodate the great influx of students and give the University the new, post-war look. President Burton's fame had spread and Dr. Hutchins thought he would be the man to take his place. Offers had been made but Burton had a job to finish. Finally, his work at Minnesota was nearing completion. A representative of the University of Michigan saw him again. He reported back to Hutchins. That afternoon, Shirley Smith, the Secre-
tary of the University, walked into President Hutchins' office •••
HUTCHINS: Shirley, come here. (RATTLES PAPER)
SMITH: What is it?
HUTCHINS: We've got him on the line and this time he's
coming into the boat!
MUSIC: STAB
NARR: Yes, Marion Burton came into the Michigan boat ••. and the people of Michigan were excited. In the editorial office
of a large Detroit newspaper this was said •••
SOUND: OFFICE SOUNDS, TYPEWRITERS, PHONES, ETC. FADE UNDER
EDITOR: I want you fellows to play this Burton up big ••• he's a natural for the human interest •• freckled faced kid becomes college president stuff •• the common man touch ••• and push this business of him having to leave high school to peddle papers ... (FADING) don't pay too much attention to the academic side ••• push the human interest •.•
NARR: And push the human interest they did. Most men would have loved it but Marion Burton was more interested in
talking about the job that was ahead of him. At a news conference, the new president made his position very clear. A person's background made little difference to him ••• it is what a person does that is the important thing ••• a reporter kept after the point that the president had been poor ••• that he was a "common man" who had made good ••• that he pulled himself up by his
own bootstraps •••
SOUND: LOW MURMER OF SMALL CROWD FADE TO
REPORTER I: Mr. President, your story is one of the most
inspiring we have ever heard ••• would you tell us about
your childhood ••• how you got your education?
REPORTER II: Yes, we’d like to hear about when you peddled papers •.•
BURTON: Now, just a minute, let's talk about the job ahead.
After all, a man can't let his entire life be governed by the fact that he was once a newsboy in Minneapolis.
MUSIC BRIDGE
NARR: And so Marion LeRoy Burton was persuaded to come to Ann Arbor and was installed as president of the University of Michigan. His service at Minnesota had been characterized by a 10 million dollar building campaign. When asked why he had decided to give up his Minnesota position and come to Michigan he replied that one of the main reasons was that he was tired of building and wanted to concentrate his efforts upon educating. He said:
BURTON: I want to devote the greater part of my capacity to
educational work, not building. I don’t want to
be a chief clerk, I should have to spend most of my time
signing vouchers for bags of cement and kegs of
nails.
NARR: But 69% of the University’s physical plant was added
during his short, four-year administration. How did this happen? He soon found that to do the job of educating the right way he had to have the facilities. The state legislature was careful with the state’s money. The main plank in the campaign of the previous election had been economy in state funds. Burton asked the legislature for nearly nine million dollars. The reaction was not favorable. In a Lansing barber shop this was heard .••
BILL: Did you hear what this guy from Ann Arbor wants for his school?
JOE: Nearly nine million dollars!
HARRY: Those college presidents must think we're made of money.
BILL: The state is spending too much already! We've got
to start cutting expenses and this is the place to do it!
HARRY: I got all the education I need in a one-room-school ••• that's good enough for me.
JOE: Next thing you know they'll want new baseball fields and football fields and polo fields •••
ALL: GENERAL LIGHT LAUGHTER
HARRY: And then a fund to bring in polo players from the East so's they can use their fields •••
GENERAL LAUGHTER
BILL: If he thinks he's going to get nine million bucks out of this legislature he's got another think coming!
JOE: He'll never get it!
MUSIC IN AND FADE UNDER AND OUT
NARR: No, they said he'd never get it. The Banker's Club
of Detroit invited President Burton to a luncheon. Some expected to see him beg for money. In a talk after the luncheon he said:
BURTON: Gentlemen, nine million dollars was a skimpy little
apportion anyway - and would only take care of the obvious
necessities of the University - what we really
need is a thumping big appropriation of 19 million
dollars!
MUSIC: BRIDGE
NARR: To make a long story short, he got what he asked for. But the legislature was careful where it gave the state's money. The president invited a group of the lawmakers to visit the campus and see the construction work first hand. The fine spring day chosen for the visit turned out to be one of the wettest in the history of Ann Arbor. As a sidelight the group went through some of the old buildings where classes were being held •••
SOUND: THUNDER, RAIN, FOOTSTEPS OF SMALL GROUP SLOPPING THRU MUD
BURTON: I'm sorry the day turned out so badly - perhaps you'd like to come back some other time.
REPRESENTATIVE I: No thank you, sir, we're much too busy at the capital for that ••• (SNEEZES) What's that building?
BURTON: That's known as the Old West Hall •. Would you care to visit some of the classes?
REPRESENTATIVE II: At least we'd get out of the rain.
FOOTSTEPS UP STEPS, DOOR OPENS, WALK IN, DOOR CLOSES, FOOTSTEPS ON WOOD FLOOR
BURTON: This is Professor Thompson’s class.
SOUND: KNOCK ON DOOR, OPENS
BURTON: Professor Thompson, these are some gentlemen from the
legislature ••• we're having a tour of the campus.
REPRESENTATIVE I: How do you do ..• if this rain keeps up
we'll need barges to get back to the train.
PROF.: We're happy to have you. I wish you could join us
but as you can see, there isn't a spare seat in the
room - Wait - Mr. Miller - all you boys in the row,
stand up here and give these gentlemen your seats.
REPRESENTATIVE I: No, thank you, Professor, we'll have to be moving along.
PROF.: You’re very welcome. I wish you could stay.
REPRESENTATIVE II: I do too but I'm afraid we'd have to knock out the wall to fit in.
LIGHT LAUGHTER
SHORT TRAVEL
REP. II: That isn't much of a building.
BURTON: I know - years ago the Ann Arbor school board condemnedit as unfit for the city'S grade students so it's been used as a university classroom ever since.
REP.I: Harrummmph!
NARR: The group then saw the shell of the new university
hospital.
SOUND: RAIN
REP. II: This will be a fine looking place.
BURTON: You can't really tell too much now - wait till it's
all built.
BOHN: Doctor •••
BURTON: Yes, Senator Bohn?
BOHN: I’d like to see the hospital you're using now.
BURTON: Certainly, over this way.
FOOTSTEPS IN MUD
MUSIC, TIME BRIDGE
BURTON: Well, Senator Condon, what do you think of our old
hospital?
CONDON: Why, if, you ever had a fire, it would be impossible
to rescue the patients!
BOHN: Dr. Burton, I'm a physicial and I've been in some
pretty bad places, but we up north would not use that
building to house our cattle!
MUSIC: UP AND UNDER
NARR: The gentlemen of the legislature had quite a day, but that
evening they were treated to a fine dinner at the Men's
Union. The President made a speech in which he outlined the
university's educational objectives. The Governor's private
secretary, Major Rolf Duff, commented the next day on the
speech:
DUFF: You know, if the vote could have been taken last night as
to whether the university should be granted the seven
million dollars, President Burton would have been granted
seventeen million!
MUSIC: STAB
NARR: President Burton had a way with legislators. His way was Simple, honest and direct. He saw into the future and proposed definite plans. He felt that democracy has the duty to give every man, woman, and child the opportunity to make the most of their possibilities. He was convinced that the state university comes closer to meeting the various problems of democracy than any other form of college organization. The constitution of the State of Michigan has these words in it .••
VOICE: FILTER OR OFF MIKE) Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.
NARR: The president agreed. He insisted that the business
of the university was not only to produce educated citizens, but also men and women of morality and character.
By his words the 1awmakers saw that the state university was indeed an important place and voted him the money he needed. Although much of his time was taken up with his building program, President Burton had time for his students too. One evening about 10:30 the telephone rang . . .
PHONE RING; RECEIVER PICKED UP
BURTON: Hello.
POLICE (ON FILTER THROUGHOUT) Is this President Burton's
home?
BURTON: Yes, this is Mr. Burton.
POLICE: Sir, I hate to bother you at this time of night •••
this is the police department ••• there's some trouble
at the Whitney Theatre.
BURTON: What kind of trouble?
POLICE: Some of your students are tearing the place apart •••
We aren’t able to control them . . .we don’t want a lot of
Trouble. Could you come down and see what you can do with
them?
BURTON: I’ll be right there •• That's the Whitney Theatre?
16
NARR: The president took off his slippers, put on his shoes,
and coat and hurried to the Whitney Theatre in downtown
Ann Arbor.
SOUND: RIOT NOISE OF 300 UNDER NARR.
NARR: He went in by the back door ••. the police led him unto
the stage behind the curtain. He threw open the curtain and
stood in the center of the stage. The spotlight was on him.
He stood for a moment. One person saw him. Then another. A
hush fell over the theatre.
SOUND: DOWN AND OUT
NARR: The president took off his coat as he began to speak.
BURTON: Fellows, it's very important that we have some fun
here at Michigan ••• Right?
CROWD: Right!
BURTON: Then let's give them the old locomotive yell!
(BURTON LEADS YELL . . . ALL JOIN IN)
BURTON: That's the spirit! That's the spirit of a wonderful
university. Always remember that men . . . we must never
do anything to make Michigan ashamed of us ••• it's getting
late and I'm getting sleepy ••• but we've got time
for a chorus of The Victors before we go home •••
(BURTON LEADS, ALL JOIN IN THE VICTORS)
17
NARR: No one who was in the Whitney Theatre that night will
forget President Burton's words. He knew his students
because he knew people. He was more interested in others
than himself. His flair for getting along with people
caught the eye of some of the politicians of the state.
They wanted him to run for political office but he never
did. In 1924 an old friend from the Massachusetts days
asked him to make a speech. President Burton went to
Cleveland for the National Convention of the Republican
party. In a magnificent speech which was broadcast by
radio, he nominated Calvin Coolidge for the presidency of the United States. When he returned to Ann Arbor he went to a Rotary luncheon and discussed civic affairs, as important to him as nominating a president. Although the doctors had warned him that his heart was weak, Marion Burton looked the picture of health. He continued to work eighteen hours a day. One night he collapsed and was taken home. No one could believe that he was seriously sick ••• invitations for him to attend dinners and conferences continued to pour in. On February 18, 1925 he died. On a table next to his bed was a picture of the bell tower at the University of California. He had often spoken of how how he wished that the University of Michigan had chimes too.
MUSIC: BELLS IN SOFT AND SAD NARR: President and Mrs. Coolidge sent a telegram to the family immediately. President Burton's many friends in high places and low were stunned by the news of his death. Governor Alex J. Grossbeck, who had been so helpful when President Burton was trying to win over the legislature, got out of a sickbed to bid a last farewell to his old friend. But the spirit of a man like Marion Burton does not die. His friend, Charles Baird, contributed the money to purchase the bells that Burton had dreamed of ••• former students and the people of Ann Arbor gave the money to erect the Marion LeRoy Burton Memorial Tower .•• each time these bells ring out, we of Michigan are reminded of a great president!
MUSIC: BELLS UP HARD
SUNRISE ON CAMPUS, A Play for Television
(OPEN ON BILL LYING ON-COT IN BEDROOM, CLOTHES AND BOOKS
AND PAPERS ARE EVERYWHERE, HE IS READING A NEWSPAPER. CU
OF HEADLINES “SENIOR DANCE TONITE” THERE IS WHISTLING AND
SLOSHING OF WATER IN BACKGROUND.)
HARRY: (ALWAYS OFF CAMERA) When ya gonna git some new
razor blades?
BILL: When you?
HARRY: These things are about to tear my face apart.
BILL: Don't use 'em then.
HARRY: (WHISTLES AND SLOSHES A WHILE) ‘Ya try Agnes?
BILL: Yup.
HARRY: Well?
BILL: Busy ••• old man and old lady's in town ••• formal's shipped home ••• "Why'd ya wait'll the last minute,” she says. “I'da loved'a gone with ya," she says ••• "But Mom and Pop have the evening planned now,” she says. Hay! Use your own lotion!
HARRY: Too late now ••• besides yours smells better ••• Betty's smelt my stuff every nite since Christmas.
BILL: She gave it to ya dint she?
HARRY: So?
BILL: She shunt a given it to ya if she dint like the smell.
HARRY: Aw, get off it, will ya? Hay, I know whatcha can do!
BILL: (LOOKS UP WITH INTEREST) Whazzat?
HARRY: Ya know them gooks up stairs, (BILL GOES BACK TO HIS READING) ••• maybe one of them knows some Japanese broad would go wicha •••
BILL: Never mind.
HARRY: Why doncha ask 'em?
BILL: Never mind!
HARRY: Why didja wait'll the last minute anyway?
BILL: (IGNORES THE QUESTION, THROWS PAPER ON FLOOR, AND ROLLS OVER)
HARRY: I'm all set ••• OK if I use your silver cuff links? They go better with a tuxedo than gold, doncha think?
BILL: (INTO PILLOW) Ya ••• so long.
HARRY: So Long . . .don’t wait up for me tonite, dad, I won’t be in 'till dawn. (SLAMS DOOR, FOOTSTEPS HURRY DOWN HALL AND
FADE)
BILL: (TURNS OVER AND LOOKS AT CEILING, PROPS SELF UP, HUNTS FOR
CIGARETTE, FINDS IT, LIGHTS IT, WATCHES SMOKE.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN: (BILL STANDS BEFORE A DOOR IN THE ATTIC OF THE HOUSE. HE SCRATCHES HIS HEAD AND KNOCKS. SATO ANSWERS. AT FIRST HE STANDS IN THE DOOR TILL HE REALIZES HE HAS A VISITOR. HE IS THEN VERY POLITE AND HAPPY TO RECEIVE THE GUEST.)
SATO: Yes?
BILL: I'm one of the guys that lives down stairs ••• thought I'd drop up and say hello •••
SATO: Oh, yes, please come in ••• I am Mr. Sato and this is Mr. Suzurki •••
BILL: (THEY ALL SHAKE HANDS) I'm Bill Marshall.
SUZUKI: We have seen you occasionally by the bathroom ••• you live downstairs?
BILL: Ya, I guess we should have gotten together sooner ••• but we've been kinda busy you know.
SUZUKI: Yes, we too have been busy.
BILL: I suppose it's pretty hard for you fellows to get by ••• not knowing the language or anything.
SUZUKI: Yes, of course we study English in Japan ••• in fact "we teach English in High School but still, you know, we study from the book, and the book and the talk do not always agree ••• also, in Japan the lecturers talk more slowly but here it is hard to make the pen fly with the speed of instructor's words.
BILL: Yea ••• I_suppose it's kinda hard •••
SATO: And then too, translation must be made before meaning can be comprehended •••
BILL: Yea ••• say, one of the reasons why I came up was it's my last night here ••• and, well .•• the senior dance's tonight and my date got all fouled up (USES HANDS) and I thought I'd like to go down and have a few beers and I was wonderin' if you guys weren't doin' anything if you'd like to go down and hoist a few ••• you know.
(THE TWO LOOK AT EACH OTHER)
SATO: We, too, have many things to do ••
BILL: (STARTS TO TURN AROUND) Yeah ••• well that's ,O.K. (WHEELS
AND LEAVES QUICKLY) (FADE TO BLACK)
FADE IN ON OPENING SCENE. BILL WALKS INTO SHOT, SITS ON CIT, TAKES OFF SOCKS, LOOKS ABOUND FOR ANOTHER PAIR IN LITTER ON AND AROUND BED, FINDS PAIR HE WAS LOOKING FOR, PUTS THEM ON ••• SECOND SOCK HAS A HOLE IN THE TOE, TAKES THEM OFF AND TOSSES THEM TO THE OTHER SIDE OF ROOM ••• PUTS FIRST PAIR BACK ON.
BILL’S VOICE: That was a stupid thing to do ••• of course
they'd be busy ••• everyone's busy. They probably don't
drink anyway. I'm sure not going to sit around and
talk linguistics. If they have such a rough time
why'd they come over here anyway? Nobody made 'em
come ••• pussy-footin' around here so you don't even
know if theY're here or not •.• nuts (RAP ON DOOR) come
on in - it ain't locked . . .
SUZUKI: We thought, perhaps, if you had not yet gone that
we would be happy to drink some beer with you ••• our
work can be done later or in the morning.
BILL (FACE LIGHTS UP AS HE IS HAPPY TO SEE ANYONE) Oh, it's you ••• yea, sure, •.• just a minute ••• I'll be with ya in a minute ••• wanta sit down?
SUZUKI: Thank you but I shall tell Mr. Sato ••• the air is chill
tonight ••• I think we should get jackets.
BILL: O.K. Holler when you're ready.
SUZUKI: Yes, we shall .••
(DOOR CLOSES AND BILL FINISHES WITH SHOES ••• HUMS A POP TUNE)
FADE OUT
FADE IN ON THE THREE BY STREETLIGHT IN LIMBO. THEY HAVE STOPPED WALKING ••• ARE NOW DOWN TOWN AND ARE DECIDING ON A PLACE TO GO. BILL IS FULL OF GOOD SPIRITS, HE IS BEING THE GRACIOUS HOST. AS HE GROWS MORE EXPANSIVE THE OTHER TWO GROW SMALLER AND MORE INSIGNIFICANT.
BILL: Well, now, here we are .•• where would you fellas like to go? We can go this way ••• we can go that way ••• wherever you want!
SATO: I have never been to any of these places ••• where would
you like to go, Mr. Suzuki?
SUZUKI: One night, after meeting of International Club, some of us went to the ••. Stein Club? BILL: Ya, that's down this way ••• ya wanta go there?
SUZUKI: There were a great many students ••• they sang.
many of the songs we knew ••• but perhaps we could go
somewhere where it is more quiet ••• and perhaps later to
the Stein Club.
BILL: Suits me ••• I know, we'll go to Harry's ••• I go there
a lot and the beer's cheaper ••• O.K.?
HARRY’S IS AN OLD FASHIONED' BAR WITH WOODEN TABLES AND WIRE CHAIRS. MOST OF THE BEER IS SERVED FROM PITCHERS. IT IS A DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD BAR WHERE IN THE OLD DAYS BEFORE KEFAUVER THE BOOKIES WOULD CALL HOME. IT IS NOT SHARP ENOUGH FOR THE YOUNG CROWD. THERE IS AN ATMOSPHERE OF FAMILIARITY, RAUCOUS HUMOUR, AND GREAT THINGS SPOKEN BUT UNIDONE. OUR ONLY CONCERN IS WITH ONE TABLE AND THE END OF THE BAR. THE THREE ENTER AND SEAT THEMSELVES AT THE TABLE (AT SOME DISTANCE FROM THE BAR. THEY GO THROUGH A PANTOMINE OF WHO WILL SIT WHERE,TAKING OFF JACKETS ETC. THEY MAKE A PROJECT OF IT. GLADYS, THE
WAITRESS IS AT THE BAR.
BILL: Well, whaddya think of it ••• not too bad, ay?
SUZUKI: Oh, very nice .•• yes.
BILL: (SHOUTS) Hay Gladys •• bring us a pitcher will ya.
GLADYS: (SHOUTS) Come here.
BILL: (QUIETLY) Maybe I owe her some money ••• just a minute.
(HE GETS UP AND WALKS TO BAR CLOSE TO GLADYS.)
BILL” What’s the trouble?
GLADYS: Whattaya tryin' to pull?
BILL: Whaddya mean, whaddm I tryin' to pull?
GLADYS: Those guys with wicha ••• what are they? We don't wanta
get the sugar-beet and pickle crowd in here.
BILL: They're friends of mine ... (GETTING HIS DANDER UP) You
tellin' me who can be my friends and who can't?
GLADYS: Take it easy ••• calm down ••• I just gotta know who I'm servin'. We can't have no trouble here.
BILL: Did I ever cause you trouble?
GLADYS: That ain't the point ••• I just don't want none. Once these birds get out of hand you're shot ••• remember what happened at Ginzer's last fall ••. when that bunch started cuttin' each other up? •• Remember? That started nice and simple too ••. with just a friendly beer or two ••• and then somebody says somethin' somebody else didn't like and before ya know it the knives were out ••. well,we don't want none o’ that stuff in here •••
BILL: These guys ain't knife pullers and they didn't come from the fields and I don't know what difference it would make if they were ••• You've had a lot of business
from me and I like your crumby joint but there are lots of other crumby joints around here I can go to. (STARTS TO TURN)
GLADYS: (GRABS HIS ARM) Now, just a minute ••• all I wanta
know is what's the pitch? Is that askin' too much?
BILL: O.K., O.K .•• They’re from Japan .•.
GLADYS: Oh. . .
BILL: They room up where I room ••• we just want a couple beers
Is that O.K. with you or isn’t it?
GLADYS: Well, I don't want no trouble .••
BILL: (SUPERIOR AND REASSURING) We just want a couple beers •••
is that O.K. with you or isn't it?
GLADYS: Well, we ain't never had no Japs here before, but I suppose if they room where you room it’s O.K. They students?
BILL, Yes, they're students ••• now, can we have a pitcher of beer?
GLADY: Well, I suppose so ••• but keep the noise down; (BILL GIVES HER A DISGUSTED LOOK) ••• O.K., O.K. sit down ••I'll be right with ya .... (BILL GOES BACK TO TABLE) SATO: (SMILES) Was it a matter of money?
BILL: Ya, I got some cigarettes last week and didn't pay
for them. we got it all straightened out •.• (TAKES OUT CIGARETTES) Here, have one. (THEY ALL LIGHT UP. THE TWO HOLD THE CIGARETTE IN PURSED LIPS AND PUFF RAPIDLY TO LIGHT IT. THEY HOLD THE CIGARETTE IN THEIR THUMB AND FIRST TWO FINGERS. BILL THROWS MONEY ON THE TABLE ••• THE BEER COMES. GLADYS COUNTS OUT CHANGE AND EYES THE TWO OUT OF THE CORNER OF HER EYE. NOTHING IS SPOKEN WHILE SHE IS THERE. THEY DRINK RAPIDLY AND REFILL THE GLASSES. BILL BREATHES DEEPLY AND STRETCHES.)
BILL: Well, that tastes good •••
SATO: This is the first beer I have had since coming to the states ••• it is very good ••• it was generous of you to ask us to come down with you •••
BILL: I suppose we shoulda done this sooner but I never see you fellas ••• whadda ya do all the time?
SUZUKI: As I mentioned, we have so much work to do, , , for relaxation we go to the International Club and to the movies ••. that is a fine way to learn American ways you
know, although we see many American movies in Japan it is interesting to hear the comments of American students. In Japan we are very quiet at the theatre.
BILL: I see what you mean ••• we're not always so quiet here.
SUZUKI: Yes, in fact, sometimes, the voices of the students overpower the voices of the actor when the students do not like what the actor is saying.
BILL: But, why did you come over here ••• what are you studying?
SATO: We are students and teachers of English. We wish to
learn the American spoken tongue as well as the written.
We are here through out schools. You see, after the
war a great change came over Japan. From all sides we
had propaganda. We were a beaten people. We had to accept Western thought ••• but we wish to find rather the
life of Americans; are the movies true ••• are the class
rooms here as depicted in movies? Is everyone rich or
very poor? We wish to examine the democracy that is
preached through the agencies of propoganda.
BILL: Well, what do you think?
SUZUKI: I am afraid we still are in no position to know •••
BILL: Well, why not? You've been here a long time •••
SUZUKI: Yes, but we Japanese live with other Japanese ••• when we go to class we are with mostly other foreign students. Our social life is with foreign students ••• with them we have much in common as we are all in a strange land.
BILL: I didn't realize that ••• I thought arrangements had been
made for you fellas to do the same things everyone else does.
SATO: Yes, we go to the football games and the basketball games and the pep rallies which are much the same as in Japan •••but being like 'we are tonight ••• talking and
discussing we do not do so much ••• which is why we are
so honored that you asked us to join you.
BILL: We better get some more beer ••• hay, Gladys! Another
pitcher!
SATO: Thank you ••• the beer is very good (TAKES OUT CHANGE AND PUTS IT ON TABLE) Allow us to pay, please.
BILL: Sure, go ahead •.• what is the feeling in Japan about the Americans?
SUZUKI: No nation likes to be defeated •.• especially for the first time ••• we are a proud people •.• and now we are uneasy but we are building up from great destruction •••
BILL: I guess there was quite a mess after the bombs hit •••
SUZUKI: Please?
BILL: The bombs ••• '
SUZUKI: Yes ••• it was terrible ••• it has been said that the
Americans would never forgive Japan for Pearl Harbor
and that Japan would never forgive the United States
for the atom bomb •• but I think that is wrong ••• what will happen if we live in the past and keep hatred in
our hearts?
BILL: I don't know ••• I remember ••• at the beginning and during the war we were taught to hate so that we could fight better . . . I guess you have to hate to fight ••• I
suppose you had your reasons too ••• but I've never heard
what they were •••
SATO: It was very complicated ••• there was a matter of too many people and too little space and food ••• and there was the politics .•• and the military. Bad mistakes were made that should never happen again. Sometimes the bad boy can only be taught by a stern whipping. We had that.
BILL: Yea, say, how’d we get on this war business? This is a Heck of a way to spend a night on the town! Let's fill again.
SUZUKI: We have learned many songs here. First, of course the Star Spangled Banner which has a beautiful melody but gets somewhat high for my low voice ••• and then the school songs for the football game ••. and •••
SATO: You Are My Sunshine •••
SUZUKI: Ah, yes ••• (STARTS TO HUM "YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE")
SATO: Mr. Suzuki likes that very much .•• do you never hear him
singing it when he is studying?
BILL: I don't think so ••• I'm not in too much ••• maybe I
thought it was the radio •••
SATO: You hear that, Mr. Suzuki. •• you sing like the ra-
dio ••• you should get a job singing on the radio "You Are My Sunshine."
SUZUKI: You think I would make a good Bing Crosby?
BILL: Well, your hair has to fall out a lot more.
SUZUKI: If I pulled out the hair I could sing on the radio?
SATO: If you don't get your report done for Professor Lake he may save you the operation.
SUZUKI: Oh, don't talk about that, please .•• If I think of the report, again I will not sleep!
BILL: Now, don't tell me you have professor trouble too!
SUZUKI: That is the same the world over.
BILL: Don't let'm snow ya .••
SATO: Please?
BILL: Don't let 'em get you down ••. you know,. worry you too
much.
SUZUKI: Worry now is much better than explaining lack of worry to mister Principal at home .••
BILL: You have been engaged in a very intensive sociological study of American recreation.
SATO: We should have thought of that •••
SUZUKI: But still, we would have to turn in “Report on Sociological Investigation of American Recreation."
BILL: You could make a collection of bottle caps and napkins and football programs and ticket stubs ••• and even lipstick smeared handkerchiefs ••. that would be a very important project.
SATO: We should write to the committee to see if they would be so disposed as to honor such a project ••• how long should it take?
SUZUKI: That would depend on how long they would honor it.
SATO: I think my principal would prefer, if such investigation
were in order, to conduct it himself •••
BILL: Well, it was a good idea and we've got a good start.
SUZUKI: You are my sunshine, my only sunshine •••
(ALL JOIN IN, GLADYS BRINGS MORE BEER)
GLADYS: Keep it low, boys.
BILL: Sure thing .•• say, you know, when I was a kid, I had
an aunt that was a piano teacher ••• and she had a book with all kinds of songs in it ••• you know, folk songs and Swannee River and Loch Lomund and stuff like that.
It had all the national anthems ••• I remember how God Save the King sounded like America ••• you know, My Country 'Tiz of Thee ••.
SATO: Yes . . .
BILL: And it had the national anthem of Japan ••• I used to
pick it out on the piano but I don't remember now how it went ••• sing that for me, will ya?
SUZUKI: (LOOKS AROUND A LITTLE EMBARRASED) I don't know •••if here . . .
BILL: Oh, go ahead ••• Sato, you back him up ... (THE TWO LOOK
AT EACH OTHER AND BEGIN TO SING VERY SOFT AND LOW. THEY LOOK STRAIGHT AT BILL (DIRECTOR, THIS IS THE DRAMATIC CLIMAX OF THE PLAY - SUCCESS OR FAILURE WILL DEPEND UPON HOW WELL YOU CAPTURE THE PANTOMIME “MOMENT OF UNDERSTANDING.”) BILL STARTS TO TAKE HIS GLASS UP BUT STOPS. ANOTHER PUFF ON HIS CIGARETTE BUT BUTTS IT INSTEAD.
WHEN THE SONG IS FINISHED ALL IS SILENT. THEY FUMBLE FOR CIGARETTES, FINISH THEIR DRINKS. GLADYS CALLS.)
GLADYS: Ya want another picher?
BILL: No, thanks ••• it's getting late ••. we gotta lot of work to do yet.
(BILL SCRAPES UP HIS CHANGE, THEY PUT ON THEIR COATS AND WALK
OUT OF THE SHOT. AS THE DOOR SWINGS CLOSED WE HEAR
“YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE ••• FIRST ONE VOICE, THEN TWO, THEN THREE
AS THEY TRAIL OFF DOWN THE STREET) FADE OUT
FADE IN.
SAME AS OPENING SHOT. TWO SUITCASES ARE ON THE FLOOR BY BILL'S
COT. HE IS STUFFING BOOKS, CLOTHES, AND PAPERS INTO THEM. HE
CLOSES ONE AND IS TRYING TO FORCE THE LOCK SHUT WHEN HARRY IS
HEARD COMING UP THE STAIRS ••. HE SLAMS THE DOOR.
HARRY: You still up?
BILL: Ya
HARRY: Ja pitch one?
BILL: Naw. . . you’re home early ••• the sun ain't up yet.
HARRY: some guy goofed Betty up ••• spiked her drink •• she had
a ball for about a half an hour ••• then, bang! I hadda take her home.
BILL: Put those cuff links back where ya got ‘em.
HARRY: Don’t worry. . . what jew do tonite? Get lined up with a jap brood?
BILL: No . . .had a couple beers with the boys though. . .
HARRY: That musta been peachy . . .
BILL: It was.
HARRY: They teach you the intricacies of Hari-Kari?
BILL: No, do you want to learn 'em? .•• Put the links in
the box! (SLIPS INTO BED)
HARRY: You better get your dates lined up in plenty o'time after this ...
BILL: Ya. (TURNS HEAD TOWARD WALL) Goodnite •••
HARRY: Goodnite. (LIGHTS FADE OUT)
