"MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON"
Screenplay by
Sidney Buchman
Story by
Lewis R. Foster
The CAPITOL DOME at Washington fades in. It is night, and
the dome is flooded in light.
This view dissolves to the exterior of a Newspaper Office
WINDOW, seen at night. The letters on the window, illuminated
by a street light, are picked out with increasing
distinctness. They read: WASHINGTON POST-DISPATCH. This
dissolves into the NIGHT CITY EDITOR'S OFFICE, where a
lethargic, eyeshaded man behind a desk reaches for the
telephone which is ringing.
EDITOR
(mechanically)
Desk--
(Then, perking up)
What?
Inside a PHONE BOOTH in a Hospital Corridor, where a nurse
seated at the corridor desk is visible through the glass
doors of the booth, a man is telephoning:
REPORTER
Senator Samuel Foley--dead. Died a
minute ago--here at St. Vincent's.
At the bedside was state political
sidekick, Senator Joseph Paine--
And we see the HOSPITAL OFFICE where Senator Joseph Paine, a
trim, rather dignified man of fifty-eight, occupying the
desk of the nurse who stands by, is talking rapidly and
agitatedly into a phone.
PAINE
(into the phone)
Long distance? Senator Joseph Paine
speaking. I want the Governor's
residence at Jackson City--Governor
Hubert Hopper. Hurry--
The scene dissolves into a skimming view of TELEPHONE WIRES
strung over a vast distance--and then into the BEDROOM of
Governor and Mrs. Hopper, where the Governor and his wife
are found in their twin beds, the room darkened. The buzzer
is sounding. Mrs. Emma Hopper, wife of the Governor, sits
bolt upright in the dark.
EMMA
(a shrew)
I knew it! I knew a night's rest
wasn't possible in this house!
(As the buzzer is
heard again)
Hubert!
HUBERT
(waking with a start,
bewildered)
Wha--? Yes, sweetheart-- Wha--?
EMMA
That infernal phone!
HUBERT
Yes, yes--phone, phone--
(Fumbling for the
light)
A--an outrage, pet--an outrage--I'll
look into this--
(Seizing the phone)
Hello--Joe!--What!--No! Not really!
Terrible!
EMMA
What is it?
In the HOSPITAL ROOM, we see Paine on the phone.
PAINE
It couldn't have come at a worse
time. Call Jim Taylor. Tell him I'm
taking a plane tonight for home.
In GOVERNOR HOPPER'S BEDROOM:
HUBERT
(on the phone)
Yes, Joe, yes--right away.
(He hangs up--then
lifts the receiver
again and begins to
dial)
EMMA
What is it?
HUBERT
Sam Foley--dead!
EMMA
Great saints!
HUBERT
Of all the times! Of all the times!
Two months to the end of his term--
and Foley has to go and die on us--
EMMA
Whom are you calling--in the dead of
night?
HUBERT
Taylor, my dear.
EMMA
Can't that wait, Hubert?
HUBERT
No, no--believe me, pet--this is
*most* urgent--
(Into the phone)
Hello, hello. Is Taylor there?--
Governor Hopper. Quickly, please--
EMMA
This isn't a home, it's the crossroads
of the world!
HUBERT
Now, now, Emma, dear--you mustn't
forget we have been chosen by the
people of this commonwealth to--
EMMA
(sharply)
Save that for the laying of
cornerstones, Hubert!
(Groaning)
Oh, that morning you looked in the
mirror and saw a statesman!
HUBERT
Now, pet--
(Then, excitedly into
the phone)
Jim!
In political boss TAYLOR'S ROOM, we see JIM TAYLOR, a hard-
bitten, taciturn, impressive man in his fifties. At the
moment, he stands at a phone, in vest and rolled up sleeves,
a cigar between his fingers. Behind him, in a smoke-filled
room, man are seated at a card table from which Taylor
evidently has just risen.
TAYLOR
What's up, Happy?
In HOPPER'S BEDROOM:
HUBERT
Sam Foley--died tonight in Washington.
Joe just called. Can you imagine
anything more--?
In TAYLOR'S ROOM:
TAYLOR
Died, huh? Well, take it easy, Happy.
Is Paine coming?--Good. Keep your
shirt on--and your mouth shut. No
statements.
In HOPPER'S BEDROOM:
HUBERT
(into the phone)
Y-yes, Jim--Yes--
And now flashing on the screen are NEWSPAPER HEADLINES of
the following morning--announcing Foley's death--and finally
such headlines as:
SUCCESSOR TO FOLEY
TO BE NAMED BY GOVERNOR
APPOINTEE WILL FILL OUT
UNEXPIRED TERM OF TWO MONTHS
HOPPER'S CHOICE
FOR VACANT SENATE CHAIR
EAGERLY AWAITED
The scene dissolves into the GOVERNOR'S OUTER OFFICE, in the
morning. The office is full of people--newspapermen--dignified
citizens--women--all waiting to see the Governor. A group is
collected around the male secretary's desk. Two other desks
are seen with secretaries at them. There is an undertone of
talk.
REPORTER
If His Excellency's statement is
going to make the noon edition--
SECRETARY
Governor Hopper said you would have
it any minute--
An austere gent named Edwards pushes toward the desk.
EDWARDS
(firmly)
Will you please remind the Governor
again--
SECRETARY
He know your committee is waiting,
Mr. Edwards.
(Raising his voice
over the room)
The Governor will see *all* committees
at the first opportunity.
In the GOVERNOR'S PRIVATE OFFICE we see Hubert Hopper and
McGann, the former on the dictagraph, while McGann lounges
in a chair.
HUBERT
(into the dictagraph)
Yes, yes--tell them I'll see them
immediately--immediately!
(Snapping up the
dictagraph, turning
wildly on McGann)
I can't hold them off! They want
something to say about this
appointment. Ten to one they've got
a man.
MCGANN
Relax, Happy. Jim said to wait.
HUBERT
I *can't* wait, McGann! You go into
that room and tell Jim Taylor and
Joe Paine that I give them *one more
minute*--
MCGANN
(quietly)
*You* tell Jim Taylor.
HUBERT
(walking--fuming)
Washington! Always discussing the
problems of Washington. Nobody ever
thinks of the State--and my problems!
(With sudden
determination)
I *will* tell Jim Taylor. It's high
*time* I told him a thing or two!
(He pushes the door
to a small ante room)
In the ANTE-ROOM, Joe Paine and Jim Taylor are on their feet,
as Happy insert his head.
HUBERT
(angrily)
Look here, Jim--if you and Joe are
going to gab about this appointment
*any* longer, I'm going ahead and
see those committees!
TAYLOR
(sharply)
You'll see those committees when
we're finished!
HUBERT
(meekly)
Yes, Jim.
Hubert retires, closing the door. Jim Taylor turns back to
Paine.
TAYLOR
That Happy Hopper is tougher to handle
than a prima-donna.
PAINE
--in other words, Jim--with this
Willet Creek Dam on the fire--the
man who goes to the Senate now in
Sam Foley's place can't ask any
questions or talk out of turn. We
must be absolutely sure of him.
TAYLOR
That's why I say Miller--Horace
Miller. He jumped through hoops for
the machine before we moved him up
to the bench. He'll take orders.
PAINE
Jim--suppose we didn't try to go
through with this Willet Creek Dam--
suppose we postpone it until the
next session of Congress--or drop it
altogether--
TAYLOR
That'd be a crime--after all this
work--getting it buried in this
Deficiency Bill as nice as you please--
approved--all ready to roll--
PAINE
How much does the Willet Dam mean to
you, Jim?
TAYLOR
Joe--I've got a lot of people to
take care of in this State.
PAINE
I know, but is it worth the risk of
a scandal now that a new man is going
to the Senate?
TAYLOR
Joe--what's the matter with you--
where you're concerned, I wouldn't
take the slightest risk--'specially
now after the great reputation you've
made in the Senate. Why, look at
this campaign I've started for you
in all my papers. You're the logical
man from the West on the National
ticket--at the convention, anything
can happen--
There is a pause while Joe looks at a newspaper.
TAYLOR
Joe, that's coming a long way in
twenty years since I met you
practising law down there in Main
Street.
PAINE
Jim--if what you say about the future
is remotely possible--why not do as
I say--drop things like this dam?
TAYLOR
We can't drop it now, Joe. We bought
the land around this Dam and we're
holding it in dummy names. If we
drop it or delay it--we are going to
bring about investigations, and
investigations will show that we own
that land and are trying to sell it
to the State under phoney names. No,
Joe, in my judgment the only thing
to do is push this Dam through--and
get it over with.
PAINE
Well, then appoint Miller--if you're
sure he'll take orders.
TAYLOR
Don't worry about Horace--he'll take
orders. Come on--
He goes to the door quickly, followed by Paine.
In the GOVERNOR'S PRIVATE OFFICE, as Taylor and Paine barge
in, Happy Hubert throws his hands up.
HUBERT
Well! Thank Heaven!
The dictagraph buzzes.
HUBERT
(shouting into it)
One minute! Just one minute!
TAYLOR
Happy, we've got the man. Horace
Miller!
HUBERT
Horace Mill--!
MCGANN
(leaping up)
Terrific! A born stooge! Horace'll
perform like a trained seal.
HUBERT
Jim--if I fling a party man like
Horace in the face of those angry
committees--
TAYLOR
Happy, for reasons there isn't time
to go into--it's got to be Miller!
We've given you the man. Now write
the ticket.
(Moving to the door)
Come on, Joe. Come on, Chick.
HUBERT
(following them)
Now, wait fellows--great Heavens.
I've got to see those angry committees
first--feel them out a little--work
for harmony--harmony.
MCGANN
Harmony--and Horace Miller.
The scene dissolves to the GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, full of
committee people, arranged in rows of chairs, closely packed
together. Hubert, at his desk, is addressing them.
HUBERT
(spreading the old
oil)
Gentlemen--in considering the
candidates who might answer to the
high qualifications of United States
Senator--there was one name that
shone out like a beacon--one I'm
sure you will enthusiastically approve--
the Honorable *Horace Miller*.
A minor bedlam breaks loose. Excited men rise and shout.
VOICES
Miller!
Not Horace Miller!
A Taylor Man!
The Veterans will have no part of
him!
A party man! One of Taylor's tools!
Give us a clean man for a change!
The New Citizen's Committee won't
stand for Miller!
HUBERT
(smiling sickly,
wincing)
--please--
The scene dissolves to the GOVERNOR'S LIBRARY in the HOPPER
HOME, at night. Hubert stands troubledly while Taylor, hat
in hand, is tearing into him and McGann just listens.
TAYLOR
They put up *their* candidate? Who?
HUBERT
(swallowing)
Henry Hill.
TAYLOR
*Henry Hill?* That crackpot? That
long-haired--! Why, you should have
killed that so fast--!
HUBERT
I--I couldn't, Jim. Those men were--
TAYLOR
We can't help *what* they were! Forget
'em!
HUBERT
Jim, that bunch is out for blood. If
I throw Horace in their teeth now--
TAYLOR
I said forget 'em! Horace Miller
goes to the Senate--and that settles
it!
HUBERT
I *won't* send Horace Miller!
TAYLOR
*You won't?*
HUBERT
I *won't* let you stand there
callously and perhaps wreck my whole
political future!
TAYLOR
*Your* political future! I bought it
for you and made you a present. And
I can grab it back so fast it'll
make your head spin. You got a nerve
to stand there and worry about just
*your future* when we're in this
spot!
(Starting for the
door)
The man is--*Miller*.
MCGANN
(following Taylor;
adds dryly)
M-i-double l-e-r.
The two are gone, leaving Happy very unhappy. He stands for
a baleful instant. The butler appears.
BUTLER
Mr. Edwards of the Citizen's Committee
on the phone, sir.
HUBERT
(groaning)
No! I'm out. I'm sick. I--I--
(Collapsing)
I'll talk.
He picks up the phone.
HUBERT
(brightening his manner)
*Good* evening, Mr. Edwards... Why,
I have the matter under advisement
this very moment. Now it isn't a
question of my *objecting* to Henry
Hill--
BY A PHONE, Edwards is seen to be in considerable heat.
EDWARDS
(into the phone)
Hill is the man every decent element
wants--and *expects!* It's Henry
Hill, Mr. Governor--or else!
In the GOVERNOR'S LIBRARY, Hubert is seen wincing.
HUBERT
(swallowing)
Yes, Mr. Edwards. Certainly. I shall
bear that in mind. Good night.
He hangs up, a picture of deepening misery, as Emma appears
at the door.
EMMA
Dinner, Hubert.
HUBERT
(absently)
I'll bear that in mind... What? Oh.
Dinner. Pet--my stomach couldn't
hold a bird seed.
EMMA
(leaving)
We're waiting, Hubert.
The scene dissolves to the DINING ROOM. The Hopper family is
seated at dinner. Six children are around the table--four
boys ranging from nine to sixteen, and a couple of in-between
girls. The butler is placing the soup before them.
HUBERT
Really, my dear--I don't feel like a
thing.
EMMA
(over-riding him)
Nonsense.
PETER
("Number Two" son)
What's the matter, Dad? Is it getting
you down?
HUBERT
Is *what* getting me down?
JIMMIE
("Number One" son)
You're in a deuce of a pickle, aren't
you, Pop?
OTIS
("Number Three" son)
Looks like Henry Hill--huh, Pop?
PETER
Naw--it's Horace Miller--or else!
Hubert chokes on his soup.
JIMMIE
Gee, I wouldn't appoint an old twerp
like Horace Miller--Taylor or no
Taylor!
HUBERT
Taylor! May I ask what *Taylor* has
to do with it?
JIMMIE
Well, he's still running the show,
ain't he, Dad?
HUBERT
Emma! I will not have conversations
of this sort carried on by the
children at dinner!
EMMA
Nonsense. Why don't you listen to
your children for a change? You might
actually learn something?
HUBERT
(with sarcasm)
For instance, how to run the affairs
of government? No doubt my children
could make this appointment *for* me--
with the greatest ease!
JIMMIE
That's easy. Jefferson Smith.
HUBERT
I beg your pardon?
PETER
Jeff Smith. He's the only Senator to
have.
OTIS
Sure. He ought to be President.
LITTLE JACKIE
("Number Four" son)
I like Jeff Smith.
HUBERT
You, too! Fine. Fine. That's everybody
heard from. Forgive my abysmal
ignorance--but I don't know Jefferson
Smith from a--
PETER
Gosh, Pop--head of the Boy Rangers!
HUBERT
Oh, a *boy*!
JIMMY
No, *no*, Pop--Jeff's a *man*! Jeff
Smith! Biggest expert we got on wild
game--and animals--and rocks.
PETER
Yes, and right now he's the greatest
hero we ever had. It's all over the
headlines--
JIMMY
Sure. Didn't you see about the
terrific forest fire all around
Sweetwater?
HUBERT
I did. What about it?
PETER
Well, Jeff put that out himself.
HUBERT
Himself!
JIMMIE
Well--Jeff and the Rangers. He was
out camping with 'em--and they saved
hundreds of people and millions of
dollars--
OTIS
And not one boy even scratched!
JIMMIE
Now, if you really want a Senator--
HUBERT
I do *not* want a Senator. And I do
*not* want any more of this nonsense!
Emma!
EMMA
Why, I think it's very sweet of the
children--
OTIS
He's the greatest *American* we got,
too, Dad. Can tell what George
Washington said--by heart. An' "Boy
Stuff's" got the swellest stuff in
it.
HUBERT
What stuff?
PETER
"Boy Stuff." That's the name of Jeff's
magazine. He prints it.
(Pulling one out of
his pocket excitedly)
Look--here's one--oh, it's great--
*everybody* reads it--all the kids
in the State--a million of 'em. Look,
Pop--let me read you a--
HUBERT
Peter, I'm in no mood to hear childish
prattle!
JIMMY
Prattle!
PETER
You're all wet, Pop! Listen to this:
(Flipping back to a
page)
"What makes a man humane to man--to
give and not to take--to serve and
not to rule--ideals and not deals--
creed and not greed--." How about
*that*?
OTIS
No, *sir*! You couldn't do better,
Dad.
HUBERT
Than what?
OTIS
Jeff for Senator.
HUBERT
(his anger rising)
Emma! Will you *please*--?
PETER
(leaping in on the
attack)
Want to get out of a pickle, don't
you?
OTIS
(leaping right in,
too)
Always looking out for votes, aren't
you?
PETER
Yeah--an' here's fifty thousand kids
with two folks apiece--and *they
vote*!
JIMMIE
(attacking too)
If you want to do yourself some good
in this State, Dad--
OTIS
If you're ever going to stand up
like a man some day and tell Taylor
to go to--
EMMA
Otis!
HUBERT
(rising frantically)
That settles it! I will not be
attacked and belittled by my own
children in my own home! My nerves
are strained to the breaking point!
He throws his serviette down and rushes from the dining-room.
EMMA
Hubert!
LITTLE JANE
Papa's mad, Mama.
The scene dissolves to Hubert Hopper's STUDY, at night. Hubert
is pacing miserably as Emma enters, carrying his dinner on a
plate and setting it down on his desk.
HUBERT
(in quiet, heart-
breaking appeal)
Emma! I'm a man at the end of his
rope.
EMMA
No wonder--without your dinner.
HUBERT
Emma, which is it--Horace Miller or
Henry Hill?
EMMA
(starting out)
Well, your children are very bright--
and *they* say Jefferson Smith.
And Emma, without pausing, passes on out. Hubert is beside
himself, and begins to pace again.
HUBERT
(to himself,
distractedly)
Henry Hill--Horace Miller--Henry
Miller--Horace Hi--uh--Henry--
Then on a desperate impulse, he takes a coin from his pocket
and gets ready to flip.
HUBERT
Heads--Hill. Tails--Miller.
He shuts his eyes and flips. The coin falls on the library
table. He rushes to it. His eyes pop.
The COIN is seen standing on edge, leaned against a small
stack of magazines and papers.
HUBERT is at his wit's end. Then his eyes travel over to the
paper on top of the pile. We see the NEWSPAPER HEADLINE:
GRATEFUL CITIZENS POUR GRATITUDE
ON HERO JEFF SMITH
Hubert stares at this headline, then suddenly, wildly, dashes
for the door.
The scene dissolves to a STREET, at night: a row of simple,
white-frame houses with neatly kept front years and white
picket fences. Street lamps illumine the scene. A limousine
has come to a stop before one HOUSE, JEFFERSON SMITH'S, and
Governor Hubert Hopper is alighting. He pauses to look at
the house, is uncertain for an instant as to whether to go
in or not; then makes up his mind, pushes through the gate
and goes up the walk.
At the DOOR, Hubert pauses again before knocking, but finally
does so. As his knuckles rap on the door, a terrific blast
of band music, blaring instruments badly played. lets go
from inside the house. Hubert, startled out of his wits,
turns to run for his life and makes two steps when the door
is opened; and there stands a smallish, somewhat gray, sweet-
faced little lady (Jeff's Ma). The music goes on, so that
both have to raise their voices above it.
MA
I *thought* I heard... Yes?
HUBERT
Uh--Jefferson Smith's residence?
MA
Yes. Come in.
HUBERT
Is--uh--Jefferson Smith at home?
MA
Certainly. Step right in.
In the SITTING ROOM of the Smith Home, a neat, cozy room,
there are about twenty kids, ranging from nine to fifteen,
imitating a band. An older boy is leading them. They are of
all descriptions of dress; some in poor clothes--one with
his leg in a brace. Hubert edges into the room dumbfounded.
MA
(loudly above the
music)
I'll call Jeff. He's back in the
shop--
She starts across the room. Hubert remains, disconcerted by
the music. Suddenly, he looks off into the adjoining room
with curious interest--and also to escape the music, he moves
toward it.
The adjoining room the Hubert enters is an OFFICE. It contains
everything from a roll-top desk crammed with mail, to a small
power printing press--to short-wave radio equipment. It is a
beehive of activity, with some eight or ten boys working
like the seven dwarfs--printing cards on the press--tying
copies of "Boy Stuff" into bundles--tinkering with the short-
wave set. Hubert is set back on his heels by this unexpected
sight. He notes the little placards framed on the wall,
bearing the words of great men, and such admonitions as:
"When there's an edge--give it to the other fellow." "When a
man dies he clutches in his hands only that which he has
given away during his lifetime--" --Jean Jacques Rousseau.
"No man is good enough to govern another."--Abraham Lincoln.
"You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your
grandfather was." He notes the boys working at the radio--
others working at the desk--while all the time, the little
power press goes on. Suddenly Ma returns, followed by
Jefferson Smith--fine looking, rangy, youthful--at the moment
wiping some white substance from his right hand.
JEFFERSON
Good evening, sir. I was just making
some--
(Then, astoundedly)
Governor Hopper!
MA
Well--I'll go to Halifax!
Suddenly great excitement ensues.
JEFFERSON
Boys! Attention! Governor Hopper!
The little fellows drop what they are doing and come to
attention while Jeff dives for a chair and whips it around.
HUBERT
Now--now--please--that's quite all
right. Relax, boys--
JEFFERSON
(at attention)
This--this is a great honor, sir. I--
I--
HUBERT
Not at all. I've come to pay you a
personal and official--and I might
say--a *tardy* tribute, Mr. Smith,
for your recent heroic conduct.
JEFFERSON
Oh, now, I'm afraid that's been
exaggerated some--
HUBERT
No. No. A signal service to the State.
Yes, indeed. And not only that but--
uh--I've heard of your excellent
work in leading and guiding our youth--
JEFFERSON
Well--that's not work, sir--that's
fun.
HUBERT
No doubt. No doubt. And this fine
little paper--"Boy Stuff"--with, I
dare say, an *enormous* circulation
in the State.
MA
Well--it started with a little
mimeograph sheet--and it's just grown
out of all sense and reason--
HUBERT
Excellent! Excellent! My boy, I'm
convinced our State has a great debt
of gratitude to you--
JEFFERSON
Oh, now--
MA
Jefferson--
JEFFERSON
Yes, Ma?
MA
Excuse me for interrupting, Governor,
but--
(To Jeff)
--that plaster's gonna harden any
second, son.
JEFFERSON
(on edge)
Gosh! You see sir--I was fixing some
plaster for a cast on Amos' leg--
he's always chewing 'em off. I'll
only be a minute--if you'll excuse
me, sir--
HUBERT
By all means--by all means.
Jeff exits hurriedly.
MA
Maybe you'd like to come along and
watch, Governor? Jefferson's done a
wonderful job with that leg.
HUBERT
Why, of course.
Ma starts out after Jeff--Hubert follows. He descends the
few steps after her.
The PET SHOP, which Ma and Hubert enter, is a crudely built
room, another addition to the house proper. The instant they
set foot inside, the damnedest furore breaks loose--dogs
bark--parrots scream, until Hubert is about to lose his mind.
Jeff is placing his plaster on the center table and is
stepping to one of the cages.
JEFFERSON
(calling)
Jerry! Blackie! Queenie! Let's have
it quiet, fellows!
MA
(calling)
Now, now, now!
(To Hubert)
It's all right, Governor.
She moves toward the table--Hubert following.
HUBERT
A pet shop?
MA
Well, it sort of got to be--from
Jeff just pullin' splinters and things--
Jeff pulls down from a cage Amos, a Siamese monkey, and sets
him on the TABLE. Amos is fighting fiercely. The cast on his
leg hangs down in shreds. Hubert, approaching, is amazed and
startled. Jefferson starts to pull the old cast from Amos'
leg.
JEFFERSON
(to Ma)
Here, Skinny, give me a hand. Hold
Amos' tail down so he can't get it
around my waist.
Ma holds the monkey's tail as directed--or tries to.
JEFFERSON
(to Amos)
Now, now, now--that isn't going to
get you any place. Get a firm grip,
Ma!
MA
Satan's in this little fella tonight!
JEFFERSON
(at work)
Sorry about this, Governor. But it
won't take a minute. You were saying
something in the other room, sir--
HUBERT
Well--yes--I was saying--the State
should reward you--
JEFFERSON
Aw--
HUBERT
--And it is in my power to confer a
very signal honor upon you. In my
official capacity, therefore, I--
JEFFERSON
Ma! Hold him!
MA
I just can't, son--not the head and
tail both!
HUBERT
Uh--could--could I help--?
JEFFERSON
Thanks, Governor--*yes*! Do you mind?
His head--Ma'll take the tail.
HUBERT
The--head?
JEFFERSON
Just get one hand against each ear
there--keep his face straight up.
Hubert timidly does as directed. Amos yells--Hubert almost
lets go.
JEFFERSON
Amos!
(To Governor)
Hold 'im, Governor. That's right.
Cinch him down. Fine--fine--
Jeff starts to put the plaster on.
JEFFERSON
What were you saying, Governor? Sorry.
HUBERT
(determinedly--once
and for all)
I said, sir--in my official capacity--
as an honorary gesture--I appoint
you to the United States Senate!
It does not penetrate to Jeff that instant.
JEFFERSON
Now, Amos, now--
(Then, as Hubert's
words hit)
What?
MA
What?
At this instant, Amos wriggles his head and sinks his teeth
into the soft, white thumb of Governor Hopper.
HUBERT
(yelling)
Ow! He bit me!
He lets go of Amos, who wriggles and is nearly off the table.
Jeff and Ma make a dive for him.
JEFFERSON
(yelling)
Amos! Amos!
And, added to everything else, the pet shop goes up in a
roar.
The scene dissolves to NEWSPAPER HEADLINES, a flaring, eight-
column head reads:
GOVERNOR HOPPER IN SURPRISE APPOINTMENT
And another headline (with picture of Jefferson Smith):
HERO JEFFERSON SMITH
IS GOVERNOR'S SENATE CHOICE
The scene dissolves to the GOVERNOR'S LIBRARY, in the morning.
Taylor, McGann, Hubert and Paine are present.
TAYLOR
(pounding a newspaper
in his hand, yelling
at Happy)
--a *boy ranger* a squirrel chaser--
to the United States Senate!
HUBERT
Jim--the answer to a prayer--manna
from heaven--the man *we want*--and
the votes *we need*--
MCGANN
He's batty!
HUBERT
Listen--the simpleton of all time--a
big-eyed patriot--knows Washington
and Lincoln by heart--stood at
attention in the Governor's presence--
collects stray boys and cats--
TAYLOR
What!
HUBERT
Joe--*you* know what I'm talking
about. The perfect man. Never in
politics in his life. Wouldn't find
out what it's all about in two
*years*, lets alone two months. But
the important thing--and this was
the genius of the stroke--*it means
votes*!
MCGANN
Oh--oh.
HUBERT
He's the hero of fifty thousand boys
and a hundred thousand parents. Look
at these congratulations pouring in!
I tell you, gentlemen, by this one
statesman-like act, I have--
TAYLOR
(deadly)
But you went ahead and made this
appointment without asking me--
HUBERT
Jim--when the lightning hit, I--I
just--
TAYLOR
*But you never asked me*!
HUBERT
(petulantly)
Oh--Jim!
PAINE
Wait a minute, boys. Happy may have
hit on something tremendous here.
Rather than let Miller or anyone
else in at this stage, we simply put
blinders on this simple son of nature--
and turn him loose on monuments.
He's completely out of the way in
Washington, and as Happy says, you
make political capital out of it at
home.
TAYLOR
Joe--do you mean to say--do you think
you can actually *handle* this--this
whatever-you-call-it in Washington?
PAINE
(quietly)
A young patriot?--Who recites
Jefferson and Lincoln?--turned loose
in our nation's capital? I think I
can.
TAYLOR
(after a pause)
Chick--turn the ballyhoo boys loose
on this right away. Greatest
appointment ever made. A banquet--
declare a holiday.
MCGANN
Wow! A star-spangled banquet--and
one of Happy's windy spiels--music--
little kids--the flag--a tear-jerker
from way back--!
The scene dissolves to a MONTAGE, a series of headlines
screaming approval of Happy's choice--pictures of Happy with
Smith--of Happy shaking hands with person after person in
his office--of Jeff Smith surrounded by boys in his home,
cheering him, clustered around--and adults shaking his hand--
of telegrams coming to him in stacks--of, finally at night,
the Boy's Club band in the street, marching to a martial
air, banners at their head reading: "OUR OWN SENATOR JEFFERSON
SMITH."
This dissolves to a BANQUET HALL, in which HOPPER, seen at
close range, in white tie--beaming--on his feet at the banquet
table--is addressing an assemblage.
HUBERT
--in the hands of your Governor lay
the power to confer a great honor--
to raise a man to the high office of
United States Senator. And how did
your Governor confer that honor?
The scene then reveals a great, horseshoe banquet table,
crowded with leading citizens. At Hubert's left and right
sit Jefferson and Ma, Mrs. Hopper and Paine. MA is seen
beaming, while JEFFERSON looks dazed and nervous.
HUBERT'S VOICE
Did he give it to some wealthy or
influential citizen merely to curry
favor? No!
(As Paine is seen
looking down at Jeff)
Did he give it to some unworthy
political hireling? No!
TAYLOR AND MCGANN are seen seated at one of the wing tables--
to be out of sight. McGann raised his eyes to heaven for
relief.
HUBERT'S VOICE
What *did* he do? True to our party's
tradition--
EDWARDS is seen listening skeptically.
HUBERT'S VOICE
--he went down among the people--
(warming to a climax,
the banquet now in
full view)
--and there found--a nugget! A hero!!
That was the spirit your Governor
acted in. And in that spirit we have
come together tonight to acclaim and
bid Godspeed to--Senator Jefferson
Smith.
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.
JEFFERSON
Yeah, Dad always used to say the
only causes worth fighting for were
lost causes.
PAINE
You don't have to tell me Jeff. We
were a team, the two of us, a
struggling editor and a struggling
lawyer. The twin champions of lost
causes, they used to call us.
JEFFERSON
Ma's told me about it a thousand
times.
PAINE
His last fight was his best, Jeff.
He and his little four-page paper
against that mining syndicate and
all to defend the right of one small
miner who stuck to his claim. You
know, they tried everything, bribery,
intimidation, then--well--
JEFFERSON
Yes, Ma found him slumped over his
desk that morning...
PAINE
Shot in the back. I was there. I can
see him at that old roll top desk,
still with his hat on... still with
his hat on...
JEFFERSON
I know. I suppose, Mr. Paine, when a
fellow bucks up against a big
organization like that, one man by
himself can't get very far, can he?
PAINE
No.
The scene fades out.
In the TRAIN SHED (Washington D.C.), we see McGann, Paine,
Jefferson, Porters and bags.
JEFFERSON
Washington!
MCGANN
Yeah, for the fifth time, Senator--
Washington.
JEFFERSON
My pigeons--I better see about my
pigeons.
MCGANN
The porter's got them. They're coming.
JEFFERSON
(running out)
Just a minute, I better make sure.
MCGANN
(to Paine)
Boy! My head's like a balloon--for
two whole days. I never knew there
was so much American history.
PAINE
(kidding)
You can't find it in racing forms,
Chick.
MCGANN
Fine thing Jim Taylor wished on me--
show him the monuments--I need this
job like I need ten pounds.
Jeff comes back carrying the pigeons.
JEFFERSON
Here they are--I got them. They are
all right.
MCGANN
Well, that ends that crisis. This
way, Senator.
They exit.
At the STATION: Jeff, McGann, Paine and Porters walk in.
Susan Paine and three other girls rush in and kiss Paine and
Jeff. The girls carry little cans or boxes with milk fund
ribbons on them--in which they collect money.
GIRLS
Hello, Father.
I saw him first.
He's mine---
Jeff is utterly confused by the four girls trying to kiss
him.
PAINE
Here, here, Susan--this is Jeff Smith--
our new Senator.
SUSAN
I don't care to meet anybody until I
get paid--come on--come on. One dollar
each, please, for the Milk Fund.
ANOTHER GIRL
If you don't pay quickly you'll get
kissed again.
JEFFERSON
(confused and searching
in his pockets)
A dollar--four dollars. Gosh! You
wouldn't settle for some keys, would
you?
PAINE
Here, Jeff, I'll advance it for you.--
Fine introduction to the nation's
capital!
MCGANN
(pulling out a roll)
Here, I'll take a dozen of those
things. Miss Paine.
SUSAN
(taking money)
Thank you, Mister McGann, you have a
very kind heart.
McGann "burns" at not being kissed.
PAINE
This is my daughter, Susan, and her
friends--Senator Jefferson Smith.
GIRLS
How do you do?
Meet the new Senator.
I thought he'd be a Ranger with a
big hat.
SUSAN
(pointing at the
pigeons)
What have you got there, Senator?
MCGANN
Pigeons--to carry messages back to
Ma.
JEFFERSON
Just for the fun of it.--You see the
one that makes it back home in the
fastest time, I am going to enter in
the nationals.
SUSAN
Wonderful!
ANOTHER GIRL
There's romance in him.
SUSAN
Imagine having love notes delivered
to you by a pigeon.
At this instant two middle-aged men, slightly hard-faced,
named Cook and Griffith, descend on the party.
COOK
Joe!
GRIFFITH
Hello, Chick.
MCGANN
H'ya, Carl--h'ya, Bill!
PAINE
Jeff--meet Mr. Cook and Mr. Griffith--
members of our State headquarters
here.
Cook and Griffiths fall on Jeff, wringing his hand and again
Jeff can't get a word in. He has put his pigeons down.
COOK
Great pleasure, Senator! Yes *sir*.
Great appointment! You'll do the old
State proud!
GRIFFITH
Welcome, Senator. This wild life
around here is a little different
from what you're used to. They wear
high heels! Hah! Hah!
PAINE
Well, let's get started. Bill--you've
made reservations at the hotel for
the Senator and Chick--
COOK
All fixed. Same floor with you, Joe.
SUSAN
(with lifted eyebrows)
How nice.
PAINE
All right, we'll take Jeff with us--
SUSAN
I'm afraid we won't have room in the
car, Father. Senator Smith can follow
with Mr. McGann and the pigeons.
JEFFERSON
Sure.
SUSAN
Well, we *must* see a lot of you,
Senator. Come, Father.
Paine is being pulled away by Susan. The girls, waving good-
bye to Jeff, follow. Griffith walks along a bit with Paine.
PAINE
(calling back--
cautioning)
Chick--
MCGANN
I've got 'im, Joe. Be right along.
PAINE AND GRIFFITH are now seen together.
PAINE
Are you ready for him, Bill?
GRIFFITH
All set. Foley's rooms in the Senate
office building--nice, big clean
desk--lot of Senator stationery to
write his little boys on--and Foley's
secretary, Saunders, to make it look
like the real thing--
PAINE
Good. Are the newspaper men at the
hotel?
GRIFFITH
Yup--Sweeney, Flood, Farrell--waiting
for you--
PAINE
Fine. The first thing to do is--
present Mr. Smith to the press--in
the *right* way. Hurry him along,
Bill.
GRIFFITH
How do you feel, champ?
PAINE
All right, why?
GRIFFITH
Your name's spreading like wild-fire
out here--you are the winterbook
favorite to get on the National
ticket.
PAINE
Oh! Go away.
Newsmen come up with cameras to photograph Paine.
JEFFERSON, MCGANN AND COOK are seen together.
MCGANN
All right, Senator--let's get these
bags and the livestock together--
JEFFERSON
(suddenly pointing)
Look! There it is!
MCGANN
What? Who?
We see what Jeff is pointing at--the CAPITOL DOME, up on
"The Hill"--framed in one of the station portals.
JEFFERSON'S VOICE
The Capitol Dome!
The GROUP looks at Jeff dryly.
COOK
Yes, sir--big as life. Been there
some time now.
MCGANN
Yes, sir.
(Busily, to porters)
All right, boys--let's go.
Jeff has taken a few steps in the direction of the Dome.
Griffith joins them, and McGann, Cook and Griffith start off
with porters.
MCGANN
This way, Senator.
McGann, Cook and Griffith are seen moving on, not conscious
that Jeff isn't following.
GRIFFITH
Say, we thought--maybe we ought to
meet him in short pants--you know--
with hatchets.
Cook points to the pigeons a porter carriers.
COOK
What's he bringing pigeons for?
MCGANN
(sour and sore)
What for? Why, suppose there's a
storm--all lines are down--how you
gonna get a message to Ma?
Cook and Griffith give McGann alarmed looks.
JEFF is seen, with his eyes fixed ahead, through the portals,
on the Dome; he is drawn unconsciously in that directions.
MCGANN, COOK AND GRIFFITH are approaching the door to the
outside.
MCGANN
(looks back)
Okay, Senator--right through here--
They all stop dead.
MCGANN
Where is he? Hey, Senator! What's
the matter with that cookie? I *told*
him to--. Come on, let's find him.
Hey, Smith!
The three start back into the station.
The scene dissolves to the STATION, where McGann, Cook and
Griffith are coming together.
COOK
Positively not in the station! Gone!
MCGANN
I'll brain that guy! Well--call Paine--
call Saunders--
Carl rushes off.
MCGANN
(yelling through cupped
hands)
Hey--*ranger*!
The scene dissolves to a PHONE BOOTH, in which Carl Cook is
telephoning.
COOK
--Saunders! Smith hasn't showed up
at his office there, has he?... No?...
What do you mean 'the slip'?... What's
so funny?
In JEFF SMITH'S OUTER OFFICE (SENATE OFFICE BUILDING) SAUNDERS
is on the phone. She is a girl in her late twenties--pretty--
and a shrewd, keen, abrupt creature--who, at the moment laughs
mirthlessly.
SAUNDERS
Nothing. Have you tried a butterfly
net?
In the PHONE BOOTH:
CARL
Lay off, Saunders. If your feet felt
like mine... Listen--if he shows up
there--Paine's waiting at the hotel
with newspaper men--let him know
right away--understand?
In JEFF'S OUTER OFFICE, Saunders, on the phone, is regarding
Diz Moore--a fairly young, disheveled, freckle-faced Irishman,
at the moment stretched out on the sofa.
SAUNDERS
Sure. Sure. I'll hang a light in the
steeple. One if by land--two if by
sea!... Okay!
(Hanging up)
Diz--you won't believe it. Daniel
Boone's *lost*!
DIZ
No!
The door bursts open and a reporter called Nosey sticks his
head in.
NOSEY
(a fast talker)
Is this new guy Smith here yet? I
want a little interview. How about
it? Arrived yet--?
SAUNDERS AND DIZ
(together)
No! Scram! Blow!
Nosey slams out.
SAUNDERS
How do you *like* this! You don't
suppose that ranger met up with some
kids--and took 'em for a hike!
DIZ
That--or he's out blazing trails.
He'll show up.
SAUNDERS
Sure--sure. He must have a compass
with him.
The scene dissolves to the STATION, where McGann, Cook and
Griffith are very tired men.
MCGANN
(mopping his brow)
--that dummy wandered off and got
hit by a taxi! Bill--call the
hospitals--hurry up--!
Bill runs off, McGann yelling after him.
MCGANN
And while you're at it, get me a
bed!
COOK
Let's send out a pigeon!
MCGANN
Blow a bugle!
The exterior of the CAPITOL BUILDING is seen, in the view
from the Library of Congress side, showing both wings of
House and Senate with the steps leading up to the massive
columns.
SPIELER'S VOICE
--and there you have it, folks--the
Capitol of the United States--the
home of Congress--
IN FRONT OF THE CAPITOL, people in a bus are craning their
necks out--*and we find Jeff among them*! A spieler is
standing in front near the driver, speaking through a small
megaphone.
SPIELER
Yes, *sir*! You are looking at the
building where your law-makers have
sat since the time of Washington--
In the BUS, Jeff looks at the Spieler suddenly.
JEFFERSON
Since the time of Adams--not
Washington.
SPIELER
How's that, buddy?
JEFFERSON
I said--I mean--Washington didn't
live to see it finished. Congress
didn't move here from Philadelphia
till eighteen hundred.
SPIELER
(trying to scare him
out of his facts)
Oh--you're *sure* of that now?
JEFFERSON
Yes. Washington laid the cornerstone
though--wearing an apron for the
ceremony that was embroidered by
Madame Lafayette--
SPIELER
(interrupting)
Yes, *sir*.
(Quickly to driver)
Let's *go* Henry.
The driver throws the bus into gear as the spieler gives
Jefferson a dirty look.
SPIELER
Now, on your right, folks--you see
the Library of Congress--
All heads turn to look out of the right side of the bus, and
the exterior of the CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY is seen as the bus
moves along.
SPIELER'S VOICE
--greatest library in the world.
Five million books and two and a
half-million maps, charts, and musical
compositions--
In the BUS, JEFFERSON, seen closely, is looking at the
building in an awed manner.
JEFFERSON
You left out the most important thing!
That's where you see the Constitution
and the Declaration of Independence!
The SPIELER is seen getting pretty sore at this kind of thing.
SPIELER
As the gentleman says--without anybody
asking him--that's where you see
those original, priceless documents--
the Constitution and Declaration of
Independence.
(To Jeff, sarcastically)
Much obliged, my friend. You're a
great help to me. Let's *go*, Henry!
The scene dissolves to a series of views (a TRAVEL MONTAGE)
of the Washington monuments as Jeff sees them--his amazement
and reverence on seeing the Supreme Court Building, the White
House, the Washington Monuments, Constitution Avenue, and so
on.
Then the LINCOLN MEMORIAL comes to view and JEFF is seen
walking up the steps--eyes fixed ahead wonderingly. Soon he
approaches the top steps and now his is on the floor of the
shrine. Suddenly he stops dead, and the full figure of LINCOLN
comes to view--the huge, overpowering figure, seated in that
great armchair. It is an almost breathing sculpture of the
great, humane man, looking out.
JEFFERSON, seen closely, is over-awed and reverent, looking
up at the face. With mechanical steps he comes forward,
against a background of enormous columns which shed a powerful
solemnity upon the scene. He comes forward slowly and stops,
and the words on the statue appear:
IN THIS TEMPLE
AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE
FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION
THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM
LINCOLN
IS ENSHRINED FOREVER
JEFFERSON has his heart in his mouth. His head turns slowly
to the left.
On the LEFT WALL, the Second Inaugural Address of Lincoln,
carved in the stone, appears, and JEFFERSON'S head turns
back to Lincoln. He quotes in a half-voice--looking up as
though he heard Lincoln say it:
JEFFERSON
(softly)
'--with malice toward none, with
charity for all--with firmness in
the right as God gives us to see the
right...'
He breaks off and turns his head to the right.
Then at the RIGHT WALL, the Gettysburg Address, carved in
stone, appears, and JEFFERSON, turning back to the figure of
Lincoln, again recites:
JEFFERSON
(softly)
'--that these dead shall not have
died in vain--that this nation, under
God, shall--'
LINCOLN'S FIGURE is seen at close range as Jefferson's voice
comes over.
JEFFERSON'S VOICE
'--have a new birth of freedom--and
that Government of the people, by
the people, for the people--shall
not perish from the earth...'
While Jefferson says these words and while we hold on the
face of the man who uttered them the scene dissolves slowly.
JEFF'S SENATE OUTER OFFICE is seen at dusk; the light is
murky. Saunders is pacing a groove in the carpet; Diz Moore
is still reclining on the sofa.
DIZ
Getting on to dinner, isn't it, pal?
SAUNDERS
(grimly)
I give that Trail Blazer five more
minutes to show up--
(turning on the desk
lamp viciously)
--*five more minutes*!
The phone rings.
SAUNDERS
(indicating the ringing
phone)
Well--who d'you take this time--Paine,
Bill, Carl--or McGann?
DIZ
Hey--you're into me for a buck
already. I say--McGann. Shoot the
whole dollar.
SAUNDERS
Okay. For the dollar, I give you
McGann *and* Bill and Carl. I got
Paine.
(Picking up the phone)
Hello... Oh, yes.
Saunders does a 'gimme' gesture at Diz.
SAUNDERS
No, not yet, Senator Paine--not hide
nor hair of the man. You mean to say
the boys haven't--?
DIZ
Eight to five Little Boy Blue is
plastered.
SAUNDERS
(into the phone)
Well, why don't they try the police--
get some blood hounds--or Indian
guides--
In a CORNER OF THE PAINE HOTEL APARTMENT, Paine is on the
telephone, and is smiling.
PAINE
As a last resort, maybe... Now wait,
Saunders--you *can't* leave there!
The one place he knows in this city--
is the Senate office--and you stay
there and wait... it isn't *that*
late--
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!
She holds the phone.
JEFFERSON
Is--is something the matter?
SAUNDERS
Oh, no--no!
(Then with heavy
sarcasm)
My dear *Senator*--it may be customary
out on the prairie to take French
leave of people and not be heard of
again for five hours--
JEFFERSON
Gee--I'm sorry about that, Miss--you
*are* Miss Saunders, aren't you?
SAUNDERS
Yes, I'm Saunders--and this is Mr.
Moore--a member of the press. Meet
the *Senator*, Mr. Moore.
JEFFERSON
(seizing Diz' hand)
Pleased to meet you, sir.
DIZ
(wincing under the
handshake)
How do you do, Senator? I see you
made it.
JEFFERSON
Made it? Oh! Yes. Silly of me--you
see, what happened was--
SAUNDERS
(suddenly into the
phone, with heavy
sarcasm)
Hello... Yes, Senator Paine. Yes.
Right here. Just came in--under his
own power... Yes--he's sober--that's
the very next thing on the schedule...
Yes, sir, I'll have him right over.
She hangs up, and comes forward to Jefferson.
JEFFERSON
Gee, I'm sorry. You see, it wasn't
until I was fairly well along in the
bus that I realized--
SAUNDERS
Did you say--bus?
JEFFERSON
One of those sightseers--you know.
You see, I--gosh, I've never been
called absent-minded or... but there
it was all of a sudden--looking right
at me through one of the station
doors--
SAUNDERS
There *what* was?
JEFFERSON
The Dome--the Capitol Dome--
Saunders just looks at Diz with wide eyes.
JEFFERSON
--big as life--sparkling away there
under the sun. I--I started walking
toward it--and there was a bus outside--
and--well--I--I just naturally got
aboard--
SAUNDERS
Most natural thing in the world!
JEFFERSON
I don't believe I've been so thrilled
in my--oh, and that Lincoln Memorial!
Gee! There he is--Mr. Lincoln--looking
right at you as you come up the steps--
sitting there like he was waiting
for someone to come along--
SAUNDERS
Well--he's got nothing on me.
She turns away and starts for her hat and coat.
SAUNDERS
Now, if you're ready, Senator, we
can start for the hotel. I'll *see*
that you get there.
JEFFERSON
(with a laugh)
Yes--I think maybe you'd better.
The scene dissolves to the interior of the TAXICAB with
JEFFERSON AND SAUNDERS, Jefferson looking out of the windows,
seeing what he can see, even though it's night; Saunders
giving him an impatient, martyred look.
JEFFERSON
(pointing out)
Whose statue is that?
SAUNDERS
I wouldn't know in the *day time*.
Suddenly he leans over Saunders and points excitedly out her
side of the cab.
JEFFERSON
The Capitol Dome! Lighted up!
SAUNDERS
(gently pushing him
off)
You--uh--you better relax, Senator.
You'll be plumb wore out.
JEFFERSON
Tell me, Miss Saunders--what time
does the Senate--uh--what do they
call it?
SAUNDERS
Convene?
JEFFERSON
Convene--that's it--yes. I got to
pick up some of those parliamentary
words. I imagine a fellow can get
pretty lost in the Senate without
'em--
SAUNDERS
(more or less under
her breath)
With or without 'em.
(Quickly)
Twelve--noon. The Senate convenes at
twelve o'clock.
JEFFERSON
(breaking in--full of
the idea)
Gosh--that'll be something! You know
what I better do in the morning?
SAUNDERS
(wearily)
No. What had you better--?
JEFFERSON
Go out to Mount Vernon. It'd be a
sort of fine thing to do--see
Washington's home just before walking
into the Senate for the first time--
don't you think?
SAUNDERS
(hollowly)
Oh--a wonderful thing--yes. Get you
right in the mood--yes--yes.
Just then, the cab pulls over toward the curb and Saunders
perks up.
SAUNDERS
Oh--and *here* we are, Senator! Well,
well, well! At last!
The cab stops and a uniformed doorman opens the cab door on
Jefferson's side.
Now we see the HOTEL CURB, THE CAB, THE FOOTMAN, and JEFF
looking out of the cab. Coming out of the hotel is a party
in evening dress--white mufflered, top-hatted man--and women
in furs.
SAUNDERS
(impatiently)
After you. Do you mind?
Jeff stares at the party, at the footman--then up at the
fifteen-story hotel.
SAUNDERS
(very impatiently)
This is *it*, Senator!
In the CAB:
JEFFERSON
No, gee--I couldn't stay here--
SAUNDERS
(amazed)
You *couldn't*?
JEFFERSON
I mean--gosh--I wouldn't be
comfortable in a--I--I haven't got
clothes and things like that--and--I
couldn't keep pigeons *there*--No--I--
I just--just wouldn't be--
And he pulls the cab door closed.
DRIVER
Where to, Mister?
JEFFERSON
Where to, Miss Saunders?
SAUNDERS
(at the end of her
patience)
Where? Why, the wide open spaces!
The scene dissolves to a PHONE BOOTH, with SAUNDERS
telephoning.
SAUNDERS
(with emphasis)
--all I know is, he refused to go
into your hotel, Senator Paine--and
not having my lasso with me, I didn't
know how to *make* him.
In PAINE'S HOTEL APARTMENT, Paine is on the phone, with McGann
in the background.
PAINE
What did you do? Where did he go?
In the PHONE BOOTH:
SAUNDERS
Well--finally--after a substantial
tour of the city, he saw a sort of
boarding house, built nice and close
to the ground. That's what he wanted--
and that's where you're to send his
bags--Eleven B Street, Northeast. Oh--
and don't forget the pigeons!
In PAINE'S HOTEL APARTMENT:
PAINE
And that's where you *left* him?
In the PHONE BOOTH:
SAUNDERS
(with weary sarcasm)
...Oh, he's perfectly all right.
Going to stay in and write to Ma
tonight... Ma. Ma. Don't you know
Ma? And then he'll take his swig of
Castoria and go to sleep... I'd rather
not think about the morning right
now, if you don't mind. Goodnight,
Senator!
(She hangs up)
In PAINE'S HOTEL APARTMENT, Paine hangs up the phone.
PAINE
Eleven B Street, Northeast. Take his
bags and your own right over--and
get yourself a room in the same place--
MCGANN
Listen, Joe--at least--after a day
like this--I got one good bust coming
before I start showing him monuments--
He is interrupted by Susan, who comes dashing in excitedly,
all dressed to go out.
SUSAN
For heaven's sake--will someone please
get those pigeons out of this
apartment! They're smelling up the
place something--
MCGANN
Pigeons!
The scene dissolves to a RESTAURANT BAR, with Saunders and
Diz hopped up on stools. Saunders is grimly and angrily
holding forth.
SAUNDERS
I'm still asking myself--what is he--
animal, vegetable, or mineral? A
Senator! A United States Senator! I
thought I'd seen everything but--
why, he doesn't know what time it
is, Diz! When I think of myself
sitting around--playing straight for
all that phoney, patriotic chatter--
*me*, carrying bibs for an infant
with little flags in his fists--no,
I can't take it, Diz--I'm through--I
quit!
DIZ
Sure--sure--wait a minute now--simmer
down--
NOSEY, at this point, saunters up to the bar, his back to
Saunders.
SAUNDERS
(breaking out again)
Why--do you know what he's going to
do before taking that Senate seat
tomorrow? He's going to Mount Vernon--
to get into the mood--a *warm up*!
Nosey swings around in a flash and pushes his face right in.
NOSEY
Who? Who? Your boss! A nut, huh? A
nut! Wow! There's a *story* in this
guy--! I smelled it!
SAUNDERS
(impatient)
Go away, Nosey.
NOSEY
Saunders--it's meat and drink--lemme
at 'im! Five minutes--! I'll make it
right with you!
DIZ
Will you go chase an ambulance!
SAUNDERS
Whadaya mean--*right*?
NOSEY
What do I *mean*, huh? Uh--*I'll*
tell ya--World's Series--a pass! In
a month it's worth fifteen bucks!
SAUNDERS
Well, well!
DIZ
(to Saunders)
Hey--you're not *talking* to this
guy!
NOSEY
Whadaya say?
DIZ
Nothin'! Beat it!
SAUNDERS
Look, Nosey--your pals would like to
get in on this, wouldn't they?
NOSEY
Hey--I wanna *scoop*!
SAUNDERS
Well, that's out. Either it's *lots*
of reporters and *lots* of tickets
or--. Now will you go and call 'em
before I change my mind about the
whole thing!
NOSEY
Okay. See you here.
He charges off. Saunders clambers down off the stool. Diz
grabs her arm.
DIZ
Kid--wait--what do you think you're
going to do?
SAUNDERS
Get my *whole* fall outfit--and quit
this job in style!
DIZ
Now, you've got more sense than to
put Nosey onto this guy--!
SAUNDERS
(thinking hard)
Wait--wait. Let's see--watchdog McGann--
he's bound to move right in--get him
out of the way first--
(Then)
Pardon me, friend--I've got some
telephoning to do--!
(And she rushes off)
The scene dissolves to a PHONE BOOTH, with SAUNDERS on the
phone.
SAUNDERS
(laying on a Southern
accent)
Mr. McGann?... This is Miss Lulu
Love.
In MCGANN'S ROOM, MCGANN is on the phone; behind him, his
suitcases are open.
MCGANN
Who?
In the PHONE BOOTH:
SAUNDERS
Oh, you don't know *me*, Mr. McGann--
but I've seen *you* in Washington
before--and I think you're awfully
cute. Mr. Griffith told me you got
in and maybe you were a little lonely--
In MCGANN'S ROOM:
MCGANN
(taking it big)
Did, huh? Well, now, he's not wrong
at all... Tonight? Sister, that's
just what the doctor ordered... Whoa,
wait a minute--
He looks off, and through a partly opened door leading into
Jeff's room. Jeff appears standing at the window with one of
his pigeons, while McGann is heard on the phone.
MCGANN'S VOICE
I'm not sure I can make that, Lulu.
Hold on a second, will you?
(He puts his hand
over the mouthpiece,
and calls out)
Say--Senator! How're you fixed--I
mean--uh--you're gonna stay in and
write to Ma and the boys, like you
said, huh?
In JEFF'S ROOM, JEFF is inserting a small roll of paper in a
little metal container on the pigeon's leg.
JEFFERSON
(without turning)
Uh-huh.
MCGANN'S VOICE
Not going out or anything?
JEFFERSON
No. Why?
In MCGANN'S ROOM:
MCGANN
(yelling to Jeff)
Atta boy. Right into bed for a nice
long sleep. Me, too.
(Then--softly, into
phone)
Okay, Toots! When and where?
In the PHONE BOOTH, Saunders is still speaking.
SAUNDERS
(into the phone)
Now isn't that nice! Let's say the
Mayflower lobby, Mr. McGann--in a
half hour... What I *look* like?
Well, I got red hair and--oh, that's
all right--I know what *you* look
like--you cute thing. Goodbye.
(She hangs up)
In MCGANN'S ROOM, McGann hangs up, tiptoes over quickly and
closes the door to Jeff's room, then makes a dash for his
coat.
MCGANN
Boy, oh, boy! Red Hair! McGann--you
fell into something!
The scene dissolves to the HOTEL LOBBY at night, and MCGANN
is seen watching for his date, but in JEFFERSON'S BOARDING
HOUSE SITTING ROOM there is a startling tableau: Jeff is
standing in the center of this rather homely, anciently
appointed sitting room, surrounded by ten or a dozen newspaper
men, three or four of whom have cameras. A woman reporter is
present. Nosey is leading the circus as the main interrogator
and master of ceremonies. Cameras are flashing, while
Jefferson is posing, pleased and happy and proud.
VOICES
That's it. Right like that. Chin up
a little, Senator--please. Hold it!
Then the cameras relax and questions pop.
VOICES
Tell us about yourself, Senator!
Hear you got a Boy's Club back home!
Any ideas? Going to make things hum
in the Senate, huh?
JEFFERSON
(holding his hands
up, laughing)
Hold on, fellows--I'm not used to
more then one question at a time--
NOSEY
One moment, friends, let's give the
Senator a break.
(To Jeff)
Now, where'd you say you studied
law?
JEFFERSON
Well--I haven't needed much law so
far--what I'd like to get first is a
little common sense--
NOSEY
Swell!
REPORTER
What did he say?
NOSEY
(calling back)
You don't need law--you need *common*
sense!
Reporters make rapid notes.
REPORTER
What are you going to do while you're
here, Senator?
NOSEY
Any special ax to grind?
JEFFERSON
Ax?
NOSEY
A pet idea--you know--pension bill--
save the buffalo--you've got *one*
notion you think would be good for
this country, haven't you?
JEFFERSON
Well--I have got *one* idea--
VOICES
Ah! That's more like it! What?
JEFFERSON
Well--for a couple of years now--I--
I've thought it would be a wonderful
thing to have a National Boys' Camp
out in our State--
VOICES
A camp! Well!
JEFFERSON
You see--if we could take the poor
kids off the streets--out of cities--
a few months in the summer--learn
something about Nature and American
ideals--
NOSEY
Marvelous! And what would this camp
set the Government back?
JEFFERSON
Oh--nothing--nothing. My idea is--
for the Government to lend us the
money--and the boys'll pay it back--
sending in a penny or a nickel--no
more than a dime--no, gosh--the
Government's got enough on its hands
without--
NOSEY
Great!
(Calls back)
The Government's putting dough in
too many places *now*!
VOICES
(as they make notes)
You don't say! Well, well!
WOMAN REPORTER
What do you think of the girls in
our town, Senator?
JEFFERSON
Well--I haven't seen many--oh--well--
Miss Susan Paine--she's about the
prettiest girl I--I *ever* saw--
REPORTER
How about some more pictures, Senator?
NOSEY
Yeah! How about it? You're a nature
lover. Do you handle any of that
sign language?
JEFFERSON
Well--I can *manage*--
ANOTHER REPORTER
What about bird calls! Know any?
JEFFERSON
Well--a few--
VOICES
Swell! Well! Come right ahead! Let
'em fly, Senator!
As Jeff laughs, preparing to do his stuff--and as the cameras
are made ready--
The scene dissolves to the HOTEL LOBBY. McGann, looking at
his watch, is sore as a boil by this time. Glaring off, his
attention is arrested. He starts forward. At the SWINGING
DOOR, a cute little girl has just come through and stands.
McGann marches up to her.
MCGANN
Well! About time, toots! Redhead or
no readhead--keeping a guy waiting
two hours is no--
(Looking her over,
relaxing, and grabbing
her arm)
Good thing you're as cute as you
are, or I'd--
THE GIRL
(struggling)
Wally!
A big six-footer, with football shoulders, comes swinging
in. The girl leaps to his side. McGann at once realizes a
hideous mistake has been made somewhere--and it's too late.
Wally fixes him with a deadly stare and advances to do murder.
McGann starts backing away in alarm as the scene dissolves
amid a dash of music.
A NEWSPAPER FRONT PAGE come to view. It reveals a full-length
picture of Jeff, and then the caption:
SENATOR (RANGER) SMITH
Demands More Common Sense--
Less Law In Government
This dissolves to ANOTHER HEADLINE:
SMITH ATTACKS
GOVERNMENT SPENDING
No Money Left for Boy's Camp
In SAUNDER'S ROOM, Saunders is drinking her morning coffee--
looking at the morning papers. She nearly chokes as she stares
at the paper.
This scene dissolves to MCGANN'S ROOM, with McGann, half-
dressed, one eye bandaged, staring at a paper. A NEWS PICTURE
comes to view, showing Jeff kneeling over a little fire of
sticks. The caption reads