TEASER
FADE IN:
OMITTED (1) 1
EXT. HOMESTEAD - DAY ONE 2
In a LONG SHOT we see Robert E and Grace driving up to the
homestead. There is a large trunk in the back of their wagon.
+CLOSER ON THE HOMESTEAD 2A
As the wagon arrives, MIKE, carrying KATIE, SULLY and BRIAN
come out of the house. They are excited. By their attitudes
we can tell they are a family on a mission.
MIKE
I'm glad we're getting an early
start.
SULLY
Wanna be there when the train
arrives.
BRIAN
(excited)
Look. Robert E. and Miss Grace.
He hurries off the porch to greet Robert E and Grace. Sully,
Mike and Katie are right behind him.
ROBERT E
Mornin', folks.
SULLY
Robert E.
Brian and Sully help Grace out of the wagon.
ROBERT E
You won't believe what it's like
in town.
GRACE
People comin' in from everywhere
to see that Gilda St. Clair. I
had no idea she was gonna draw
such a crowd.
MIKE
(a smile)
She is a very popular entertainer.
(CONTINUED)
2.
CONTINUED: 2A
GRACE
It'll be good for my business. I
just feel bad she's on the same
train as Colleen. It's gonna be
packed at the station.
BRIAN
(looking at the cake)
Colleen's birthday cake?
GRACE
Chocolate -- with raspberry
fillin'.
BRIAN
I'll take it inside.
GRACE
Thank you, Brian.
He takes the cake and and goes inside.
+ANGLE - SULLY AND ROBERT E 3
are taking the trunk out of the wagon. Mike and Grace move
over to them. The trunk is is a beautifully constructed wood
and leather one with a metal latch. It has the initials "C C"
burned into the wooden strip on the front of the trunk.
SULLY
The initials look good.
MIKE
Yes. Thank you, Robert E.
ROBERT E
You all did a fine job puttin' it
together. Glad I could add my
part.
SULLY
Let's put it in the barn where she
won't see it.
Robert E and Sully head toward the barn with the trunk.
GRACE
(to Mike)
Doesn't hardly seem possible, does
it? One day they're this size,
the next day...
MIKE
(quietly)
They're turning seventeen.
(CONTINUED)
3.
CONTINUED: 3
GRACE
You nervous 'bout your grown up
girl comin' home from school for
the first time? It's been a
month.
MIKE
Nervous? No. Excited. Happy.
Curious.
(admitting it with a
smile)
Perhaps a little nervous.
OMITTED (4) 4
EXT. TRAIN DEPOT - DAY ONE 5
START CLOSE on banner welcoming Gilda St. Clair ("Colorado
Springs Welcomes Gilda St. Clair") CAMERA PULLS BACK to [see:
OMITTED (5A) 5A
+WIDE] ANGLE ON THE DEPOT 5B
There is a festive feeling in the air. We OVERHEAR snatches of
conversation as PEOPLE wait, excitedly, for the arrival of
Gilda St. Clair. PRESTON is glad-handing the crowd. He passes
by:
4.
+ANGLE - JAKE 5C
JAKE is holding an oversized Key to The City and practicing a
speech.
JAKE
"Colorado Springs welcomes you to
our beautiful town."
(beat)
"Colorado Springs welcomes you to
our Rocky Mountain town."
Preston passes by him and moves on to:
+ANGLE - LOREN AND HANK 5D
LOREN
I saw Miss St. Clair sing once.
Ten years ago. I said "Hello" to
her as she passed me. Wonder if
she'll remember.
HANK
("fat chance")
Sure.
Preston reaches:
+ANGLE - DOROTHY 6
DOROTHY is writing notes on her pad. PRESTON gives her further
instructions:
PRESTON
Don't forget to mention the
concert -- there are still tickets
available.
The SOUND of the train is closer. The adrenalin level in the
crowd goes up.
+ANGLE [STREET - DAY 6A
Sully, Mike and family are arriving in town hurrying to beat
the train. We see MATTHEW and EMMA meet their wagon, help them
out and hurry over to the train depot.]
OMITTED (7-8) 8
+THE TRAIN 9
comes into the station. The "GILDA ST. CLAIR" car is painted
and decorated as befits a touring star.
(CONTINUED)
4A.
CONTINUED: 9
DOROTHY
Her own car?
(to Preston)
Look at that, she has her own car.
(CONTINUED)
5.
CONTINUED: (2) 9
He shrugs as if it's no big deal to him. Dorothy writes notes
about it on her pad. The train slows to a stop, steam blows.
+MIKE AND SULLY 10
scan the emerging passengers for Colleen.
+ANGLE ON THE SPECIAL CAR 11
Just before Gilda steps off:
JAKE
(still practicing)
"Colorado Springs welcomes you to
our rapidly growing town."
(he's not happy with
that one either)
GILDA ST. CLAIR steps off the train. Extraordinarily
charismatic, Gilda is beautiful, gracious, and charming. The
crowd CHEERS as she steps out of her car and waves.
Jake delivers the speech he's been practicing.
JAKE
"Miss St. Clair, Colorado Springs
welcomes you to our -- town."
He hands her the oversized Key. She takes it, touched by the
gesture, close to tears:
GILDA
This is the most wonderful
reception anyone has ever given
me. I will treasure this key --
and majestic Colorado Springs --
forever.
JAKE
(to himself, "why
didn't I think of
that?")
Majestic -- .
The crowd CHEERS again, and Gilda holds out her hand to Jake.
He's not quite sure at first what to do, then realizes what's
expected of him. He takes the hand and gently kisses it.
Another CHEER from the crowd. Jake helps her down.
+MIKE AND SULLY 12
are moving through the crowd looking for Colleen. Mike is
beginning to be worried.
(CONTINUED)
6.
CONTINUED: 12
MIKE
Perhaps she didn't make the train.
SULLY
Over there.
Mike looks where Sully is indicating.
+COLLEEN 13
is stepping out of Gilda's car. Dressed in a fashionable,
sophisticated dress, her hair in a stylistic figure eight knot
caught at the back -- this is not the COLLEEN we've seen
before.
Colleen sees her family. Her face lights up. She waves.
COLLEEN
Ma! Sully!
+ON MIKE AND SULLY 14
wondering what happened to the Colleen who went away.
MIKE
Colleen -- ?
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. TRAIN DEPOT - DAY ONE 15
Dorothy, Preston, Loren, Emma, and Colleen's family are all
still at the train station. Colleen has joined her family.
She's holding Katie, admiring her. Hank and Jake are still
there also.
COLLEEN
Oh, Katie! You've gotten so big!
She turns to Mike and Sully.
COLLEEN
She's changed so much already.
SULLY
She's not the only one.
MIKE
Where did you get that beautiful
dress?
COLLEEN
Isn't it wonderful? Gilda gave it
to me.
MIKE
"Gilda?"
COLLEEN
She taught me how to do my hair
like this, too. Come on! I want
you to meet her.
MATTHEW
I'll get your bags. Brian? Wanna
help?
Brian grins and nods and hurries after Matthew. Emma stays
behind as Colleen, still carrying Katie, leads Mike and Sully
toward Gilda.
+ANGLE - AT GILDA ST. CLAIR 16
Jake leans in to have a confidential chat with Miss St. Clair.
JAKE
As Mayor, I was wonderin' if I
could take you to dinner tonight?
(CONTINUED)
7A.
CONTINUED: 16
GILDA
I'd be honored.
(CONTINUED)
8.
CONTINUED: (2) 16
JAKE
You would?
GILDA
Shall we say, seven?
JAKE
Seven? Sure. Seven.
Colleen arrives with Mike, Sully and Katie in tow.
COLLEEN
Miss St. Clair --
GILDA
("scolding")
Colleen! "Gilda," please.
COLLEEN
(shyly pleased)
Gilda. This is my ma -- Dr. Mike,
I was tellin' you about, and my
pa, Sully. And this is my baby
sister, Katie.
GILDA
She's even more beautiful than you
said.
COLLEEN
(to Mike)
I told Gilda you'd take a look at
her throat. She's been havin'
some trouble with it.
MIKE
Yes, certainly.
Before Colleen can answer, Preston approaches, full of himself.
PRESTON
Miss St. Clair? Preston A. Lodge,
III.
She looks at him blankly; who is this rude man interrupting her
conversation with Colleen and her family? Preston is irritated
that he has to remind her:
PRESTON
I'm the man responsible for
bringing you to Colorado Springs.
GILDA
Oh, yes. You want to see my
manager, Max Henderson.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
9.
CONTINUED: (3) 16
GILDA (CONT'D)
He'll sign the contract.
(turning back to
Mike)
Colleen promised me a tour of your
fine clinic.
Preston tries to mask his embarrassment as Gilda St. Clair
literally turns her back on him in front of a crowd of people.
As Gilda, Mike, Colleen (carrying Katie) walk off:
MIKE
(smiling)
I'm afraid there's not enough
clinic to warrant a tour. But I'd
be happy to show it to you.
Preston scans the crowd. He sees a man he presumes to be the
manager.
+PRESTON'S POINT OF VIEW 16A
A cigar chomping, bowler hat and suit wearing man is ordering
some people about as they unload Gilda's luggage.
+PRESTON 17
walks over to him.
PRESTON
Mr. Henderson?
MAX HENDERSON turns to look at Preston.
PRESTON
Preston A. Lodge, III.
Max seems to have no idea who he is, either. Preston is
getting really irritated.
PRESTON
We've been corresponding for three
months.
MAX
Oh, yes. Yes, yes, of course.
"Lodge," you said?
PRESTON
Preston A. Lodge, III.
MAX
Max.
(CONTINUED)
10.
CONTINUED: 17
PRESTON
I believe we have contracts to
sign.
MAX
Right you are. Well, where can a
man get a drink in this town?
PRESTON
(it's not what he had
in mind, but:)
No reason not to mix business and
pleasure, I suppose.
He gestures the way for them to go. As they start to leave:
MAX
"Lodge," eh? Good name. Solid.
I like it.
They walk toward the saloon.
INT. CLINIC - DAY ONE 18
Mike has just completed examining Gilda St. Clair's throat.
She has a tongue depressor in her hand. Colleen comes in from
the side door.
COLLEEN
Katie's asleep.
MIKE
Thank you Colleen.
(back to Gilda)
Your throat is inflamed and a bit
irritated.
(to Gilda)
How long has it been like this?
GILDA
The night in Denver is the first I
recall. Colleen recommended a
hot, salt water gargle --
MIKE
(surprised and
pleased)
Colleen -- ?
GILDA
-- and the tree thing, what was
that, again?
(CONTINUED)
11.
CONTINUED: 18
COLLEEN
Willow Bark tea, but I didn't have
any with me and it's hard to find
in Denver, did you know that, Ma?
MIKE
Yes, I know, but -- how did you
two meet?
COLLEEN
(a happy memory)
I went to the Lyric Opera House
with some friends, to see Miss St.
Clair's concert --
GILDA
Just before curtain, a searing
pain began radiating from my heart
up through my throat. It was
excruciating. I could barely
talk, I knew I couldn't sing.
COLLEEN
Max came out front and asked if
there was a doctor in the house.
MIKE
Max -- ?
GILDA
My manager. Colleen's friends
pressed her into service, the hot
salt water gargle did the trick
and... the show went on.
COLLEEN
I could hardly believe it was
happenin'.
MIKE
It all sounds very exciting,
Colleen.
GILDA
I insisted she come back the next
two nights, to make certain I had
the correct proportion of salt to
water for my gargle.
COLLEEN
When I found out Gilda was comin'
to Colorado Springs I told her she
just had to see you.
(CONTINUED)
12.
CONTINUED: (2) 18
GILDA
And here I am.
COLLEEN
It's nothin' serious, is it?
MIKE
Well, if there's no history of
inflammation or pain --
Gilda shakes her head.
MIKE
-- then it would appear to be
nothing more than strain. Rest
and Willow Bark tea are the best
remedies.
Gilda relaxes. We see a bit more vulnerability and innocence
in her for the next few lines:
GILDA
Colleen said I would like you.
She was right.
More to Colleen than Gilda, though directed at Gilda:
MIKE
Well, thank you.
As Mike puts together some Willow Bark tea for Gilda:
COLLEEN
(to Gilda)
Do you have any plans for tonight?
GILDA
No, I'm free as a bird.
COLLEEN
Maybe you'd like to come out to
our place, help us celebrate my
birthday.
GILDA
I'd be honored. Shall we say
seven?
COLLEEN
Ma?
MIKE
Seven would be fine.
(CONTINUED)
13.
CONTINUED: (3) 18
Mike is a little disappointed that it's not going to be just
family, but she doesn't let that show. It is, after all,
Colleen's birthday and it should be just how she wants it.
INT. SALOON - DAY ONE 19
Max and Preston are negotiating. Hank, drying glasses, watches
the two men in amusement.
MAX
Twenty percent! We agreed to
thirty!
PRESTON
We didn't agree to anything. I
wrote to you that I was willing to
go as high as twenty percent. You
wired back that we would work out
the final details when you
arrived.
MAX
I must've been distracted. I
don't usually let things like
percentages get away from me.
PRESTON
Twenty percent is what I offered,
twenty percent is where I stand.
MAX
Oh, hell, I don't want to fight
with you, Mr. Lodge, but Gilda
will have my head if she finds out
I settled for twenty percent.
Isn't there something we can work
out?
PRESTON
Such as?
MAX
Maybe you could pay the
transportation costs --
PRESTON
("no way")
Transportation -- !
MAX
Or her expenses while she's here.
You know, lunches, dinners --
(CONTINUED)
14.
CONTINUED: 19
HANK
Jake said he's takin' her to
dinner.
MAX
He did? So, why don't I take
expenses and --
PRESTON
(interrupting)
No. I'll take expenses.
MAX
(a sigh)
-- leaving me with transportation.
Preston picks up the pen, hands it to Max to sign. Max does,
hands it back to Preston, then, looking at the stuffed bear, to
Hank:
MAX
Say, where could I get me one of
those?
Hank grins, and we go to:
INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT ONE 20
Brian is entertaining Katie (who is in her cradle) with her
favorite bunny toy in a corner of the room. There are eight
place settings of the "company" dishes set on the table.
Colleen is getting out the candles for the table as Mike
finishes preparations on the ham dinner.
COLLEEN
... and when Gilda was in Chicago,
guess who offered his services to
her, free of charge? Allan
Pinkerton.
BRIAN
Who's Allan Pinkerton?
MIKE
He's a clever man who's captured
several bank robbers.
Sully comes inside.
COLLEEN
(to Sully)
Any sign of them?
(CONTINUED)
14A.
CONTINUED: 20
SULLY
Not yet.
(CONTINUED)
15.
CONTINUED: (2) 20
COLLEEN
Oh, Ma, the best part! Gilda
actually met Ralph Waldo Emerson.
MIKE
Colleen, this is all fascinating,
but what about you? How is
school?
Colleen's high energy sags a bit, though she tries to keep up
the appearance, at least, of enthusiasm.
COLLEEN
(beat)
It's fine.
SULLY
You keepin' up with your studies
all right?
COLLEEN
Yes.
But she doesn't sound so sure. She is saved from any further
interrogation by the SOUND of the wagon arriving.
COLLEEN
She's here! Oh, my gosh. Does
everythin' look all right?
MIKE
Everything is fine, Colleen.
Sully walks over to open the door. Gilda and Max enter.
GILDA
We're late and it's entirely my
fault. Please tell me I haven't
spoiled dinner. I'll throw myself
off a cliff if I've caused you any
inconvenience.
COLLEEN
Oh, no. Not at all.
GILDA
What a charming home you have. It
reminds me of Crown Prince
Rudolph's hunting lodge at
Meyerling.
(CONTINUED)
16.
CONTINUED: (3) 20
COLLEEN
(thrilled)
It does?
MIKE
Well, if you would all be seated,
Colleen can help me serve dinner.
They all sit at the table as Mike and Colleen start to serve up
dinner:
GILDA
Rudolph was the dearest man. I
met him in London, actually, when
I was there on my first European
tour...
EXT. GRACE'S - NIGHT ONE 21
There is no one in the cafe at this hour, except Jake who is
sitting at a small table, a nice sized bouquet of wildflowers
in hand, still waiting for Gilda. Grace comes over; in spite
of herself, she feels sorry for him.
GRACE
I'll be closin' up soon, Jake.
JAKE
'nother five minutes, she'll be
here.
GRACE
(gently, with
kindness)
You said that half an hour ago.
Loren and Hank wander by, see Jake sitting there alone.
LOREN
Don't tell me you got stood up,
Jake.
JAKE
'course not. She's a little late,
is all.
HANK
Fall is a little late; Gilda St.
Clair ain't comin'.
Hank and Loren walk off, chortling over Jake's discomfort. The
minute they are out of sight, Jake stands up, hands the flowers
to Grace and walks off. Grace is surprised by his
uncharacteristic gesture.
17.
INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT ONE 22
Gilda is still holding court, although the party has moved from
the table to the fireplace. Gilda has a cup of tea. Sully and
Max are not there, but Mike, Colleen and Brian sit in rapt
attention. The table has been cleared. The birthday cake is
on the table, candles in it, not lit.
GILDA
...there we were, snowed in at St.
Moritz, me with a command
performance to give for King
William II of Wurttemberg, and no
possible way of getting to
Stuttgart on time.
COLLEEN
What'd you do?
GILDA
What could I do? I broke open the
caviar and champagne.
She laughs at her own joke, but her audience, aware of but
unaccustomed to the champagne life style, just look at her.
Mike steps in to save face for Gilda:
MIKE
You've led such an interesting
life.
BRIAN
Think I could interview you? For
the Gazette?
Colleen doesn't want her little brother to impose.
COLLEEN
Brian, Miss St. Clair is gonna be
very busy --
GILDA
No, no, never too busy for the
press.
Brian runs for his "cub reporter" pad before she has a chance
to change her mind.
GILDA
I always say, 'Love the press --
She starts to cough, tries to talk through it:
GILDA
-- and the press --
She's coughing hard enough that she cannot keep speaking.
(CONTINUED)
17A.
CONTINUED: 22
COLLEEN
Are you all right?
(CONTINUED)
18.
CONTINUED: (2) 22
Gilda waves her off, even as she's coughing.
MIKE
(to Colleen)
Perhaps you could make some more
tea.
Colleen runs to do just that, but Gilda recovers before she's
even out of the room.
GILDA
I'm fine. I'm fine. Now, where
was I?
EXT. BARN - NIGHT ONE 23
Sully is bringing the trunk from the barn to the house. It has
a brightly colored ribbon around it. Max meets him.
MAX
Ah, Mr. Sully, let me give you a
hand with that.
As he helps Sully carry the trunk.
MAX
I understand you're the man to see
about bagging a bear.
SULLY
'Baggin' a bear?'
MAX
I'd like to have one of those
stuffed brutes for my office in
New York City. All the better if
I shot it myself. How much would
you charge to find me one?
SULLY
Not my line of work.
MAX
Come, come, Mr. Sully. Every man
has his price. Why don't you just
tell me what yours is and save us
some time.
SULLY
I don't have a price.
They exit toward the house.
19.
INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT ONE 24
Gilda is sipping from her new cup of tea. Colleen urges her to
tell another story. Brian is poised, pen in hand, to write
everything down.
COLLEEN
Tell Ma about the time you met
Ralph Waldo Emerson. He's her
favorite writer.
But Sully and Max come in and interrupt the moment.
SULLY
Happy birthday, Colleen.
Colleen looks up at the trunk as Sully puts it down in front of
her. Colleen is in awe of it.
COLLEEN
Oh, my gosh, it's beautiful.
BRIAN
Sully and Matthew built it. I
sanded and oiled the wood. Ma did
the linin'. Then Robert E burned
your initials in.
Colleen is touched by this gift of love from her family.
BRIAN
Look inside.
Colleen feels the lining and then sees an envelope sitting in
the top tray. She takes it out, opens it up. We can see
several bills (money) inside the envelope.
COLLEEN
(impressed)
Twenty-five dollars?
MIKE
It's from your Grandmother. She
thought it might help with school
expenses... and a little something
left over for a birthday gift.
SULLY
There's something else -- under
the tray.
Colleen lifts the tray and sees a beautiful dress. She takes
it out.
MIKE
Emma made it.
(CONTINUED)
20.
CONTINUED: 24
COLLEEN
It's beautiful. Thank you,
everybody. This is the best
birthday ever.
Gilda's voice cuts through the warm, loving feeling in the
room.
GILDA
I'm mortified.
The attention shifts back to Gilda.
GILDA
I didn't bring you a present and
I'm absolutely appalled with
myself.
COLLEEN
That's all right. There's no need
--
A solution pops into Gilda's head. She raises her arm to
silence Colleen. Then, dramatically, silently, she unclasps
the necklace she is wearing.
GILDA
Please accept this necklace as my
gift.
She hands the necklace to Colleen. It is too expensive and
completely inappropriate for a college girl.
GILDA
The Prince of Wales gave it to me
the day I was presented at court
and I would love for you to have
it.
Which gets a big reaction from everyone there.
COLLEEN
(stunned)
I couldn't take --
MIKE
No, that's far too --
GILDA
I insist. I want you to wear it
every birthday and remember me.
Colleen holds the necklace. It is breathtaking. She wants it
desperately, yet knows it isn't right to accept. Colleen looks
to Mike, who relents and nods, slightly. Colleen puts the
necklace on.
(CONTINUED)
20A.
CONTINUED: (2) 24
She stands up and turns a little so everyone can see it.
(CONTINUED)
21.
CONTINUED: (3) 24
She's as proud of her dazzling jewels as anyone could be.
COLLEEN
(to Mike)
What do you think?
GILDA
It's you!
Colleen feels like a Princess in a fairy tale.
Sully and Mike exchange a look and then: MOVE IN ON MIKE, who
is particularly concerned, and:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
22.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
OMITTED (25) 25
EXT. HOMESTEAD - DAY TWO 26
Colleen is sitting on the porch, her school books with her.
She's trying to do a trigonometry problem. She struggles with
it, puts her pencil down, looks up and sighs. Mike comes up
from her garden, finishing putting some herbs in a bag.
Colleen sees (or hears) her and starts working the problem
again, pretending there's nothing wrong.
MIKE
(surprised)
Colleen! I didn't hear you come
out.
COLLEEN
I thought I'd catch up on some
school work.
Mike moves over by her to see what it is.
MIKE
Trigonometry. How are you doing
with it?
COLLEEN
(evasive)
All right, I guess. Some of the
other girls already had it so it's
easier for them.
MIKE
I'd be happy to go through it with
you, if you'd like.
Colleen doesn't want Mike to know just how adrift she is on the
subject.
COLLEEN
Maybe later.
(changing the
subject)
I didn't see Andrew in town
yesterday. Where is he?
(CONTINUED)
23.
CONTINUED: 26
MIKE
He went back to Boston.
COLLEEN
(upset)
He went back?
From Colleen's reaction, Mike realizes that she hasn't given
her daughter enough information. With a smile:
MIKE
To tell his Uncle he won't be
working for him. He's decided to
settle in Colorado Springs.
Colleen can't stop the pleasure from showing all over her face.
COLLEEN
He is?
MIKE
As a matter of fact, I'm going out
today to see a patient he operated
on before he left. Why don't you
come with me, we can talk about
school and all your new friends --
COLLEEN
-- I told Becky I'd come out to
see her this morning.
MIKE
Oh. All right.
COLLEEN
But if you need me -- for anything
--
MIKE
No, no. This is your free time.
I want you to enjoy yourself.
Brian comes out of the house. Colleen feels she's let Mike
down. Mike notices and lets Colleen off the hook.
MIKE
You could deliver this bag of
herbs to Mrs. Nelson for her
arthritis, if you like. It's on
the way to Becky's.
COLLEEN
I'd be happy to.
(CONTINUED)
24.
CONTINUED: (2) 26
BRIAN
Race ya to town!
Colleen leaps to the challenge. She takes the herbs from Mike
and runs after him. Mike smiles, happy to see her children
being children.
OMITTED (27-28) 28
EXT. THE GAZETTE - DAY TWO 29
Gilda St. Clair is looking over the program Dorothy has just
printed up for the concert. Dorothy notices the parasol Gilda
is carrying.
DOROTHY
That's a beautiful parasol.
GILDA
(smiling at her)
Isn't it sweet? These parasols
are de rigeur on the continent.
Dorothy isn't a hundred percent sure of all the words, but the
meaning comes through to her. She wants to show that she knows
about such things.
DOROTHY
I believe Michaela's sisters were
talkin' about that when they were
here. Said the parasol protected
the skin, kept it soft.
GILDA
I'm never without one. You know,
I have my own personal line of
parasols at your Mercantile. You
might want to take a look at them.
DOROTHY
I will.
Gilda turns her attention back to the program.
GILDA
Now, the programs.
DOROTHY
Yes?
(CONTINUED)
25.
CONTINUED: 29
GILDA
They are stunning. As nice as any
I've ever seen.
DOROTHY
(flattered, but also
genuinely pleased)
Thank you.
GILDA
There is just one minor, little
detail I wonder if you would be so
good as to change for me.
DOROTHY
Certainly.
GILDA
The order of the songs.
Dorothy looks over the program, aghast. Did she get it wrong?
No:
DOROTHY
That's the order your manager gave
me.
GILDA
I know. Poor Max. He tries, but
he doesn't always think of what's
best for my voice. I need certain
songs to warm up, others to
stretch the chords, and so forth
and so on. You understand.
DOROTHY
The only thing is -- I already
printed up the whole batch. I'd
have to throw all these out, start
over --
GILDA
(understanding)
And that could be expensive.
DOROTHY
(hates to admit it,
but it is:)
Well --
GILDA
Don't you worry one iota about the
money. Just bill it to me.
She picks up the program and looks at it again.
(CONTINUED)
26.
CONTINUED: (2) 29
GILDA
We should start with "Ah, Leave Me
Not To Pine", then segue to...
She is interrupted by Jake, who joins them.
JAKE
Miss St. Clair --
GILDA
Mr. Mayor!
(suddenly
remembering)
Oh -- no -- ! Dinner. At seven.
JAKE
(giving her an out)
I figured something must've come
up.
GILDA
(not taking it)
No. I forgot. And I'm absolutely
appalled with myself. You must
let me make it up to you. Lunch?
Today?
JAKE
You don't hafta --
GILDA
I insist. Shall we say noon?
(on his hesitation)
-- just the two of us?
JAKE
All right. Sure.
It's sounding better and better to Jake. Behind him we see:
+ANGLE - COLLEEN AND BRIAN 30
riding into town.
+ANGLE - TO INCLUDE GILDA, JAKE AND DOROTHY 31
GILDA
Colleen!
She turns back to Dorothy, hands her the sheet.
GILDA
We can go over this later.
Gilda starts off, calling back to Jake, on the run:
(CONTINUED)
27.
CONTINUED: 31
GILDA
Don't forget! Noon!
She hurries off to catch up with Colleen, who is dismounting.
Brian rides on to the General Store.
+ON GILDA AND COLLEEN 32
GILDA
I'm so glad I ran into you. You
must come with me.
COLLEEN
I have to make a delivery for Dr.
Mike --
GILDA
This won't take five minutes. I
need your advice. It's terribly
important.
We can see that Colleen is being swayed...
INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY TWO 33
At the GILDA ST. CLAIR merchandise display, Loren is writing up
a sale of Gilda's soap while he gives Brian a quote. Emma is
in the corner of the store doing some needlework.
LOREN
I remember it like it was
yesterday. Miss St. Clair looked
at me as she passed by. Our eyes
locked. Time stopped. I said
"Hello." She smiled. I could
tell she wanted to say somethin'
to me, but then she forced herself
to move on -- and in an instant,
she was gone.
Brian writes it all down.
OMITTED (34) 34
+ANGLE - COLLEEN AND GILDA 34A
come into the store. Loren almost goes into shock. "She" is
in his store. Gilda doesn't even see him. Colleen speaks
loudly enough for everyone to hear.
(CONTINUED)
28.
CONTINUED: 34A
COLLEEN
Emma! Miss St. Clair wants to
talk to you!
EMMA
What?
Other people in the store turn around at the news, also. Gilda
St. Clair? Talk to Emma? Whatever about? (PROD. NOTE: The
townswomen, up to now, have been very condescending to Emma,
refusing to buy from her even though Michaela has given her
business. It's important to see their attitude change over the
course of the script.)
GILDA
The dress you made for Colleen was
so soigne. How long would it take
you to make a gown for me. For
the concert.
The women in the store are astonished at Gilda's choice of
Emma.
EMMA
(stunned)
For the concert -- ?
GILDA
I realize it's short notice. If
you have to work around the clock,
I'll pay whatever it costs.
EMMA
I'll need to take your
measurements.
GILDA
We can do that in my room at the
boarding house.
As Emma collects her tape measure, paper and pencil, Gilda
launches into an explanation.
GILDA
I walked over to the meadow today
and I was appalled. Behind the
stage -- nothing but green. Green
hills, green trees -- green,
green, green.
Emma looks at Colleen. She doesn't understand Gilda's point.
(CONTINUED)
29.
CONTINUED: (2) 34A
GILDA
The gown I brought to wear for the
concert is green. I'll simply
disappear.
Colleen laughs.
COLLEEN
I don't see how you could ever
disappear.
Emma's ready. Gilda talks as they exit.
GILDA
No? It happened to me once
already. My Mediterranean Tour.
Come with us, while Emma takes my
measurements. I'll show you my
scrapbook.
As they pass Loren. By now he has steeled himself for his
second "conversation" with Gilda St. Clair.
LOREN
(to Gilda, for the
second time in his
life)
Hello.
She looks at him curiously (why is he saying hello to her?),
flashes her "star" smile at him, then sweeps past him and
exits.
+ANGLE ON BRIAN 34B
watching Loren watch Gilda St. Clair.
INT. GILDA'S ROOM - DAY TWO 35
Colleen is looking at the scrap book, Emma is finishing up
taking measurements.
COLLEEN
(looking at a
postcard in the
scrapbook)
It's so beautiful.
GILDA
Greece? The temple of Athena is -
- majestic. She was the Goddess
of Wisdom, you know. And a patron
of the arts.
(CONTINUED)
30.
CONTINUED: 35
COLLEEN
I wish I could go to some of the
places you've been.
GILDA
But you can.
Colleen looks up at her.
GILDA
I've been giving this some
thought. I need someone to travel
with me, answer my correspondence,
help me with my wardrobe. You
would get to see the world, and I
would have the benefit of your
delightful companionship.
Colleen is flabbergasted. Emma looks at Colleen, wide-eyed.
EMMA
Colleen -- !
GILDA
What do you say?
COLLEEN
I don't know -- I --
GILDA
You don't have to decide right
this minute. I don't need to know
until after the concert.
Colleen is in a daze, thinking about this life-changing
decision she needs to make by day after tomorrow.
EXT. LIVERY - DAY 36
Robert E and Max are in front of the livery. Sully is riding
into town from the direction of the railroad. At the
Mercantile, CLOUD DANCING is loading supplies into a wagon.
Max and Robert E walk toward the railroad.
MAX
-- fella by the name of "Pullman."
He takes railroad cars and gussies
them all up inside, like a regular
hotel room. Fancy pull-down bed
and everything.
ROBERT E
I'm sure I could do it, but it'll
run you a lot of money.
(CONTINUED)
31.
CONTINUED: 36
MAX
You let me worry about the
expense. You just do what it
takes to make her happy.
As they meet Sully:
MAX
Ah! Mr. Sully!
Sully stops to talk to them.
MAX
I found me a guide. The gentleman
who owns the Saloon...
SULLY
Hank?
MAX
We leave at dawn tomorrow to track
down my bear.
Sully is not happy to hear that news.
MAX
(to Robert E)
Let's take a look at the car.
I'll show you what I mean.
Sully watches them as they walk off. He rides over to Cloud
Dancing, dismounts.
SULLY
(annoyed)
Man wants to shoot a bear so he
can put it in his office.
Cloud Dancing takes in the information.
CLOUD DANCING
It would be best if you went with
him.
SULLY
Already told him I wasn't
interested. Hank's takin' 'im.
CLOUD DANCING
With Hank, he will find and kill a
bear.
(beat)
It would be best if you went with
him.
(CONTINUED)
32.
CONTINUED: (2) 36
Sully nods, understanding what Cloud Dancing's talking about,
but not yet convinced he should do it. Cloud Dancing gets up
onto the wagon and starts out of town.
EXT. GRACE'S - DAY TWO - CLOSE ON JAKE AND GILDA 37
Gilda, in high spirits again, is telling Jake stories about her
life. He doesn't look like he's having a good time.
CAMERA starts to pull out to eventually reveal Colleen, Brian,
Dorothy, Matthew, Emma, Hank and some of his girls. Everyone
is having a lively, good time, except, of course, poor Jake.
Brian is scribbling notes as Gilda talks.
GILDA
There I was, in the middle of a
rebellion. Max had disappeared on
some wild-eyed quest. These
terrifying men with rifles were
yelling at me in Cantonese...
COLLEEN
(awed)
You speak Cantonese?
GILDA
(a laugh; "silly me")
No.
(back to her story)
Well, I didn't know whether I
should break into song or run for
my life.
She laughs; they all laugh. All except Jake. Grace brings a
bill over and hands it to him. He looks at it and nearly
faints. They have a whispered conversation about it:
JAKE
(sotto voce)
I ain't payin' this.
GRACE
(sotto voce)
You told me you were buyin' lunch.
JAKE
(sotto voce)
That's when it was just me and
her.
GILDA
Oh, Grace, is that the bill? Just
send it to me. I'll take care of
it.
(CONTINUED)
33.
CONTINUED: 37
HANK
You gonna let a woman pay for your
lunch, Jake?
JAKE
She's the one who invited all
these people.
As Grace walks off with the bill, Colleen notices a wagon
coming into town.
+COLLEEN'S POINT OF VIEW 37A
An ELDERLY LADY and her grown SON are coming into town.
+RESUME ANGLE 37B
Colleen is surprised. Brian turns to her:
BRIAN
Ain't that the Nelson's wagon?
Colleen suddenly remembers, everything. She stands up
abruptly.
COLLEEN
Mrs. Nelson's arthritis! I
forgot!
She starts running after the wagon. Gilda calls after her.
GILDA
Colleen! I was just getting to
the best part!
Colleen doesn't respond, she just keeps going.
EXT. CLINIC - DAY 37C
As Colleen comes running up to the Clinic, Mrs. Nelson's son is
helping his mother through the door. Mike is outside, behind
him. She turns and looks at Colleen, concerned, a bit upset.
MIKE
Colleen -- what happened?
COLLEEN
(miserable)
I forgot. I'm sorry, Ma, I
forgot.
(CONTINUED)
34.
CONTINUED: 37C
She hands the herbs to Mike who takes them and without further
conversation goes inside and shuts the door. Colleen stands
outside the clinic, alone, feeling terrible about her mistake.
OMITTED (38) 38
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
35.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
OMITTED (39) 39
EXT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT TWO - ESTABLISHING 39A
INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT TWO 40
Colleen is finishing up putting away the dinner dishes. Sully
and Brian are out doing evening chores. Mike comes down the
stairs. There is still obvious tension between the two.
It's obvious Colleen wants to talk, but doesn't know how to
start.
COLLEEN
(a beat)
I feel bad Mrs. Nelson was in pain
'cause of me. I'm sorry, Ma.
Mike doesn't want to be hard on her, she knows Colleen is
usually much more responsible that her recent behavior would
indicate, but she is nevertheless a bit disturbed by it.
MIKE
I know. And sorry is fine, but it
doesn't change what happened.
(beat)
You seem to have a lot of things
on your mind right now. Is there
something going on at school you
haven't told me about?
Colleen reacts a little too quickly.
COLLEEN
No. No. It's just --
MIKE
What?
COLLEEN
It's just different at college,
that's all. The other girls are
so much smarter than I am.
MIKE
I can't believe that.
(CONTINUED)
36.
CONTINUED: 40
COLLEEN
They know trigonometry already.
They don't have to stay up all
night studying. I -- I just don't
fit in.
Mike knows what it feels like. She's been there a time or two
in her life.
MIKE
I know college can be daunting at
first. But it won't take you long
to sort it all out. I'm willing
to bet that before this term is
even over, you'll be writing home,
excited about the classes you'll
be taking next term.
COLLEEN
(quietly)
I'm not even sure I want to go
back.
MIKE
What?
Colleen quietly tests the waters:
COLLEEN
Gilda asked me to travel with her.
MIKE
("Travel with her?!")
What did you say?
COLLEEN
Nothin'. I'm still thinkin' about
it.
MIKE
Well, you can't just give up
college.
COLLEEN
Why not?
MIKE
Because it's your dream. You've
worked so hard for it. Ever since
I've known you, that's all you've
wanted to be: a doctor.
(CONTINUED)
37.
CONTINUED: (2) 40
COLLEEN
Maybe I shouldn't be. Maybe I'm
not smart enough.
MIKE
Of course you are. You're just
feeling a little overwhelmed right
now. Becoming a doctor isn't
easy, but --
COLLEEN
Ma, I don't want to talk about it.
She gets up and starts to walk toward the stairs.
MIKE
Colleen...
COLLEEN
I can't talk about it right now!
Please! Just leave me alone.
She runs up the stairs to her room. Mike doesn't follow,
giving Colleen her privacy.
OMITTED (41) 41
EXT. COLORADO SPRINGS - DAY THREE 42
It's early morning. The streets are nearly deserted. Sully
comes riding into town. Wolf is with him. Sully rides up to
the...
+LIVERY 43
where Max and Hank are saddling up. Hank is surprised to see
him.
SULLY
(to Max)
Changed my mind. I'll take you on
that bear hunt.
MAX
Aha! The man has a price after
all. Well, Mr. Sully, what is it?
What is your price?
SULLY
Nothin'.
Max turns to Hank, with a look of surprise:
(CONTINUED)
38.
CONTINUED: 43
MAX
You've just been under bid.
Hank looks at Sully, then back at Max. With a grin, to Max:
HANK
'Course, ya get what ya pay for.
Hank starts unsaddling his horse as Max mounts up and rides off
with Sully.
EXT. ROAD - DAY 43A
As Sully and Max start out of town. The horses are only
walking at this point. Wolf trots along beside them.
SULLY
Ever hunt before?
MAX
Beg pardon?
SULLY
Some men, first time out, freeze
up. How much experience you got?
MAX
-- None.
Sully nods. Max looks worried and they ride out of town, Wolf
loping along behind them.
INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY THREE 44
Dorothy is trying out various parasols in the Gilda St. Clair
display. She finds one she likes and takes it over to Loren.
+ANGLE - AT LOREN 45
Dorothy hands him the parasol and a bar of soap.
LOREN
(re: the parasol)
Very stylish, Dorothy.
DOROTHY
The ladies use them to keep the
sun off their skin.
He quickly adds the prices, gives her the total.
(CONTINUED)
39.
CONTINUED: 45
LOREN
Ah. That'll be a dollar ninety-
five.
DOROTHY
(very surprised)
A dollar ninety-five?
LOREN
Parasol's a dollar seventy.
Soap's a quarter.
DOROTHY
I can understand the parasol, but
-- twenty-five cents for a bar of
soap?
LOREN
Ain't just any bar of soap. It's
Gilda St. Clair soap. Makes it
special.
DOROTHY
Why?
LOREN
(it's obvious to him)
Her name's on it.
Dorothy pushes the soap away.
DOROTHY
I'll take the parasol. You can
keep the soap.
She smiles graciously at Loren and exits the store, brushing
past Matthew who is entering.
+ANGLE - EMMA 46
Emma is sitting, anxiously, on a chair in front of a screen.
Matthew comes over to her.
MATTHEW
(whispering)
How's it goin'? Is it done?
Emma nods.
EMMA
(whispering)
She's tryin' it on.
Gilda steps out from behind the screen. Emma leaps to her
feet, holding her breath.
(CONTINUED)
40.
CONTINUED: 46
GILDA
Emma --
All of the women in the store stop talking and look at her,
waiting to see what she's going to say. Gilda looks at the
dress in a full length mirror, front and back, moves in it a
little to see how it falls. The anticipation is killing Emma.
GILDA
Emma, Emma, Emma.
(turning to look Emma
in the eyes)
It's perfect.
All of the women in the store start talking to each other. A
triumph, it's a veritable triumph. Emma sinks back to her
chair, relieved and exhausted, near tears.
EMMA
Thank you.
GILDA
But I wonder if you could make one
or two tiny, tiny adjustments?
She flashes her million dollar smile at Emma.
EXT. WOODED AREA - DAY THREE 47
Sully and Max, riding. Sully reins in his horse, dismounts.
Wolf is still with them.
MAX
(confused)
What -- ?
SULLY
We walk from here.
Max dismounts. Sully tethers the horses.
MAX
What about the horses?
SULLY
They'll wait.
Max takes the rifle he's brought along. He carries it barrel
up. Sully repositions it so that it's barrel down.
SULLY
Barrel down, case it goes off
accidental.
(CONTINUED)
41.
CONTINUED: 47
Max looks at the rifle, suddenly realizing what an amateur he
really is. Sully starts walking ahead. Max hurries to catch
up with him. Wolf pads along behind Max.
EXT. COLORADO SPRINGS - DAY THREE 48
As the wagon comes into town, passing the livery. Colleen is
carrying Katie. Mike drives. She tries to make peace between
them.
MIKE
Dorothy suggested Brian send a
telegram to the theatre in Chicago
where Miss St. Clair performed
last month.
Colleen is distracted and doesn't respond.
MIKE
He's going to try to get a quote
for his article.
COLLEEN
(distracted)
That's nice.
EMMA (V.O.)
Dr. Mike!
Mike and Colleen turn to see a distraught Emma running out of
the General Store.
EMMA
It's Miss St. Clair! Quick!
Colleen, carrying Katie, has no option but to stand and watch
as Matthew and Loren come out of the General Store helping a
very unsteady Gilda St. Clair walk across the street. (Note:
Gilda has changed out of her concert gown.) The same women who
were in the store with her earlier come out.
Mike hurries to meet them between the General Store and the
Clinic.
MATTHEW
She started coughin' and couldn't
stop. She musta got short of
breath, 'cause she fainted.
GILDA
(barely audible,
putting up a brave
front)
I'm fine -- it passes. I just
need to lie down --
(CONTINUED)
42.
CONTINUED: 48
But she faints again. Matthew and Loren pick her up and carry
her to the Clinic.
EXT. WOODS - DAY THREE 49
Max, aware of every sound, his every sense heightened, is both
terrified and thrilled.
MAX
Many bears out here?
SULLY
Not as many as there used to be.
MAX
That's good.
Sully looks at him. Max feels compelled to explain:
MAX
They destroy crops and attack and
kill innocent children.
SULLY
They won't attack you 'less you've
got 'em cornered -- or you've got
their cub.
Max looks at him skeptically. He HEARS a sound. He whirls and
aims the rifle at what he presumes must be a predatory animal
of some kind.
MAX
What was that?
SULLY
(without looking)
Squirrels.
Sully finds a rock to sit on, takes out some provisions. Max
looks around for a place to sit. Not much in the way of luxury
out here. Sully is comfortable, relaxed, as he eats and talks.
Wolf sits at his feet.
SULLY
When I first came to these
mountains, there was a bear lived
real close to me. Had a couple of
cubs.
He offers Max some of whatever it is he's eating. Max takes
it, starts eating.
(CONTINUED)
43.
CONTINUED: 49
SULLY
Folks from a travelin' circus took
one of the cubs with 'em when they
left. The mother bear looked for
that cub every day for a year.
Max is really enjoying whatever it is Sully gave him.
MAX
(re: the food)
What is this?
SULLY
Dried snake.
Max immediately spits it out and tries to clean off his tongue
with his hands. Sully doesn't comment, just goes on with his
story.
SULLY
Then one day, the cub just showed
up again. Found its way back all
the way from Denver.
MAX
That's preposterous. How could it
do that?
SULLY
Most people think when a grizzly's
rubbin' her back up against a
tree, it's 'cause she's got an
itch.
MAX
Not true?
SULLY
She's leavin' her scent so her
cubs can find her if they get
lost.
Max takes in the information.
EXT. CLINIC - DAY THREE 50
Loren, Colleen, Emma, and Matthew are outside the clinic,
waiting for Mike to finish her examination. Emma's holding
Katie. Brian comes running up to them, winded.
(CONTINUED)
44.
CONTINUED: 50
BRIAN
(between deep
breaths)
I got a telegram back -- from the
man in Chicago. Said Miss St.
Clair cancelled two concerts
there.
LOREN
What're you talkin' about?
Colleen takes the telegram and looks at it. Brian tells
Matthew what she's reading:
BRIAN
"Due to illness," the man said.
MIKE (V.O.)
She has a polyp in her throat.
They turn to see that Mike has come out of the clinic.
MIKE
When it's irritated, it closes off
the larynx. I couldn't see it at
first because it's on the vocal
chords. I have suggested she
cancel her concert tomorrow.
COLLEEN
Cancel?
LOREN
Is she gonna be all right?
MIKE
Yes, if I operate she'll be fine.
But even so, she needs to take at
least a year off to recuperate.
COLLEEN
A year? She can't go a whole year
without performing.
MIKE
It's important for her to rest so
the polyp doesn't grow back.
COLLEEN
(disbelieving)
A whole year?
MIKE
Better to err on the side of
safety.
(CONTINUED)
45.
CONTINUED: (2) 50
COLLEN
You just don't want her to sing so
I won't go with her.
MIKE
Colleen, that's not true.
Colleen is on a roll, talking from her scared and hurt feelings
instead of from her brain.
COLLEEN
You don't even care about what I
want to do. You want me to be a
doctor. You can't imagine
anything else. You're just like
Grandma.
MIKE
What are you talking about? My
mother didn't even want me to
become a doctor.
COLLEEN
Exactly. She wanted you to become
what she wanted.
Colleen runs off in the direction of the Meadow. Mike watches
her go, unsettled by what Colleen has just said.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
46.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. MEADOW - DAY THREE 51
Colleen sits alone on the stage where the concert is to be
held. We see Mike walking towards her.
+CLOSER ANGLE 52
As Mike moves up and sits on the stage next to Colleen.
Neither of them speaks for a moment, respecting the silence
between them.
MIKE
(quietly)
I've given her some sodium
chlorate. The swelling has gone
down and she's breathing
comfortably.
COLLEEN
Good.
Mike nods.
MIKE
Colleen, I've been thinking. What
you said about me being like my
mother --
COLLEEN
I'm sorry, Ma. It was wrong of me
to say.
MIKE
No, you were right.
She smiles at Colleen to let her know that that is okay with
her.
MIKE
I've always known what a fine
doctor you would be, how capable
you are and how caring. And
you've always been so enthusiastic
about the idea yourself, it never
occurred to me that you might want
to explore other possibilities.
(CONTINUED)
47.
CONTINUED: 52
COLLEEN
(quietly)
I don't know what to think right
now.
MIKE
Well, whatever it is you decide to
do, that's fine.
(beat)
I will always love you for who you
are, not what you do.
Colleen falls into Mike's arms; the two hold each other tight
for a moment.
+STREET OUTSIDE MEADOW 53
As Colleen and Mike walk together from the meadow back to town.
They're walking slowly, contemplatively.
COLLEEN
What if you don't operate on
Gilda?
MIKE
The polyp will eventually close
over her windpipe and she will
suffocate.
Colleen reacts. She hadn't really considered that this could
be life and death. She starts for the boarding house.
INT. GILDA'S ROOM - DAY THREE 54
Gilda is resting, but not asleep. There is a KNOCK on the
door, then Colleen comes in quietly. Gilda stirs, looks at
her.
COLLEEN
Ma told me about the polyp.
GILDA
It's a little flap of skin, it's
nothing. I'm fine.
COLLEEN
She knows an awful lot and she
wouldn't tell you not to sing
unless she thought it was very
dangerous.
Gilda shrugs it off again, this time with a little annoyance.
(CONTINUED)
48.
CONTINUED: 54
COLLEEN
I know this concert is important,
but it's not worth risking your
life for.
GILDA
I'm a singer, Colleen. If I
didn't sing, who would I be?
COLLEEN
You'd be Gilda St. Clair.
Beautiful and interesting and --
alive.
GILDA
Alive? To do what? Marry some
farmer and live in a backwoods
town? I'm not a dowdy little
peahen, Colleen, content to
scratch in the dirt for food all
day. I'm a glorious, golden bird.
I'm meant to fly.
Colleen looks at her, maybe, really, for the first time.
EXT. WOODS - DAY THREE 55
Sully stops walking, puts his arm out to stop Max. He speaks
very quietly to him.
SULLY
There.
Max looks. We see, as he does:
+A BEAR - STOCK 56
scratching its back on the tree.
+SULLY AND MAX 57
The moment of truth has arrived for Max. His mouth goes dry.
His knees feel weak. He raises his rifle to aim. He holds the
aim for a long moment. Sully watches Max, not knowing whether
anything he's said to Max will make a difference.
Max lowers the rifle, looks at Sully, then turns back, pulls
his resolve together, aims carefully.
+MAX'S AIM (STOCK) 58
is dead on the bear.
49.
+RESUME MAX AND SULLY 59
Sully is beginning to think Max is going to actually shoot the
bear. Max takes a deep breath, aims the rifle one more time,
then lowers the rifle and looks back at Sully.
MAX
I can't get a clear shot.
The two men's eyes meet. For an instant there's an
acknowledgment that Max is saving face, not wanting to shoot
the bear. But the moment is very, very brief. Sully nods,
turns to pick up their saddle bags.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. [MEADOW - DAY FOUR 59A
Gilda St. Clair is on stage singing. Everyone from town is
there to see her including Preston, Dorothy, Loren, Hank (with
a couple of his Girls), Sully, Mike, Brian, Matthew, Colleen,
Emma, Jake and Max. As Gilda sings, we pick up various
reaction shots from the crowd: everyone loves her. Mike and
Colleen are very worried for her but also happy for her
obviously successful concert.
End of Montage sequence coincides with the end of Gilda's song
and we:
DISSOLVE TO:
50.
OMITTED (60) 60
+CLOSE] SHOT OF GILDA 61
She does an emotionally charged finish to the song and the
place erupts in APPLAUSE. She takes a deep bow and then, as
she's starting to stand up, she collapses.
+WIDE SHOT 62
There is a collective GASP from the audience as most people
rise to their feet.
INT. CLINIC - DAY FOUR 63
Mike bursts through the door and starts preparing for emergency
surgery. She gets out her laryngoscope with the head band,
forceps and scissors, tongue depressors.
Colleen, Sully and Max are right behind Mike. As Sully and Max
put Gilda on the operating table:
MIKE
Colleen, get a towel, roll it up
and place it under her neck to
hyperextend the head.
(to Sully)
Sully, the lamp please.
Sully picks up a lamp and places it on a table next to the
operating table.
(CONTINUED)
51.
CONTINUED: 63
The lamp will reflect off the mirror on her laryngoscope which
in turn will shine the light into the dark recesses of Gilda's
throat. Sully quietly steps out of the Clinic. Colleen
applies the chloroform as Mike moves over to the table to begin
the operation.
MIKE
(to Colleen)
Press the tongue down firmly so it
doesn't fall back and block the
larynx. Keep her neck back and
her jaw up.
Colleen picks up a tongue depressor and does as she's told.
Mike picks up the forceps and scissors (this is one,
multipurpose instrument) and starts to go into the throat.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CLINIC - DAY FOUR 64
Mike comes outside. Everyone is waiting in silence: Hank,
Loren, Dorothy, Jake, Matthew, Emma, Preston, and Max at the
front of the crowd. Max takes another step toward Mike. She
answers his unasked question:
MIKE
She's fine.
The crowd erupts in CHEERS. Sully and Mike exchange a happy
look. When the crowd QUIETS down a bit, she tells them:
MIKE
Miss St. Clair is not talking just
yet, but in time she should
completely recover the use of her
vocal chords.
As the crowd reacts, we:
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY FIVE 65
Colleen is pushing Gilda, who is in an old-fashioned, wooden
wheel chair, down the platform toward her car. Sully, Mike
(carrying Katie) and Max are walking alongside them.
MAX
Wait'll you see what I had them do
to your car. It's a jim-dandy.
Cost a fortune.
(CONTINUED)
52.
CONTINUED: 65
Gilda smiles up at him, pleased. (NOTE: GILDA WHISPERS
THROUGH THIS ENTIRE SCENE.)
GILDA
(barely audible)
Did you get your bear?
MAX
What bear?
GILDA
(barely audible)
You said you were going bear
hunting.
MAX
Why would I do that?
Max sees Preston and changes the subject.
MAX
Mr. Lodge! Just the man I wanted
to see.
Mike hands Gilda a small vial of laudanum.
MIKE
The laudanum will help with pain
and be sure to see a physician
when you get to San Francisco to
make certain it's healing
properly.
GILDA
(whispering)
Thank you, for everything.
Mike smiles at her and moves off a bit to give Colleen some
privacy to say "Good-bye." Colleen kneels down to look at
Gilda.
GILDA
(whispering)
It's not too late to change your
mind. You could still come with
me.
Colleen smiles a bit sadly and shakes her head 'no.'
COLLEEN
I'll never forget you.
GILDA
(whispering; with a
theatrical flourish)
Nor I you.
(CONTINUED)
53.
CONTINUED: (2) 65
But as Jake approaches, it's obvious that Gilda has almost
already forgotten about Colleen.
GILDA
(whispering)
Mr. Mayor! I was hoping you'd be
here. Help me up.
Gilda gives her arm to Jake and he helps her out of the
wheelchair and up the steps to her car.
GILDA
(still whispering)
You know, I think it was kismet
brought me to Colorado Springs.
Your lovely doctor solved my
throat problem and now my career
will be bigger than ever.
JAKE
Don't suppose you'll be comin'
back to Colorado Springs.
GILDA
I'd be honored to come back. And
then you and I can have that
private dinner -- in my very own
customized car.
Jake knows he shouldn't believe a word she says, but it's so
tempting. Gilda leans over kisses him on the cheek. He nearly
faints. She goes into her car, leaving him flabbergasted.
+MAX AND PRESTON 66
Max is shaking hands with Preston.
MAX
It was a pleasure doing business
with you, Mr. Lodge.
PRESTON
Likewise. I hope Miss St. Clair
will grace us with another concert
when her throat is better.
MAX
Yes, well, we'll certainly check
her calendar.
We hear the "ALL ABOARD."
MAX
Good bye.
(CONTINUED)
54.
CONTINUED: 66
He turns and starts to walk off, and then, as if just now
remembering:
MAX
Oh, I almost forgot. The
expenses.
PRESTON
(he has forgotten)
Expenses?
MAX
Lunch, dinner, etc., etc. You
remember our deal. I had all the
bills sent to me, all you have to
do is pay them.
He hands Preston a stack of bills. Preston starts going
through them as Max slips away.
PRESTON
"Grace's Cafe, twenty-five
dollars... Robert E, one hundred
dollars labor and material...
fabric for a new gown, medical
expenses..."
Max scurries up onto the train as it starts to pull out.
PRESTON
Henderson! I never agreed to
this!
But the train is well underway by now. Nothing Preston can do
to stop it. Gilda waves from her car as the train pulls out of
the station.
+ANGLE ON LOREN 67
as he comes hurrying to the depot to get Emma who's there with
Matthew, seeing Gilda off.
LOREN
What are you doing here? You've
got women lined up all the way out
the door.
EMMA
I do?
LOREN
You must have fifteen orders
waitin' to be taken.
(CONTINUED)
55.
CONTINUED: 67
EMMA
I do?
LOREN
Looks like every woman in this
town wants a dress made by the
seamstress who sews for Gilda St.
Clair.
MATTHEW
(this is great)
They do?
Emma stands stock still for one second, then she whoops for
joy, throws her arms around Matthew, kisses him, then lifts her
skirt a bit and runs for the General Store. Matthew watches
her, tickled about her high spirits, happy about her success.
+CLOSE ON COLLEEN 68
watching the train as it disappears from sight.
INT. HOMESTEAD - DAY FIVE 69
Colleen and Mike are packing her trunk for the trip back to
school.
MIKE
You know, any time you want to
come home for a few days, or if
you'd like me to come to Denver --
we're only a telegram away.
COLLEEN
Thanks, Ma.
She picks up the necklace Gilda gave to her, starts to put it
in the suitcase, changes her mind, lays it back down.
MIKE
You might have an occasion for it
at school.
Colleen shakes her head and smiles.
COLLEEN
It's not me.
She hands it back to Mike. Mike looks at it, looks at Colleen.
They both smile and happily return to their packing, as we:
FADE OUT