Épisode L'expédition (1/2) S04E08 - Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman Saison 4

"Expedition - Part I"



Written by
Sara Davidson
&
Andrew Lipsitz



Directed by
Chuck Bowman



CBS ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTIONS Prod. #2244-0409
in association with PRODUCTION DRAFT
THE SULLIVAN COMPANY August 22, 1995
(C) MCMXC Rev. Blue, August 25, 1995
CBS Inc. Rev. Pink, August 28, 1995
All Rights Reserved Rev. Yellow, August 29, 1995
Rev. Green, August 30, 1995
Rev. Goldenrod, October 18, 1995
Rev. Salmon, October 20, 1995
Rev. Buff, October 20, 1995
Second White, October 24, 1995

CBS INC. IS THE AUTHOR OF THIS PROGRAM
FOR THE PURPOSE OF COPYRIGHT AND OTHER LAWS

No portion of this material may be copied or distributed without the prior consent of CBS Inc.


DR. QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN

"Expedition - Part I"

Cast List


MICHAELA QUINN
SULLY

MATTHEW
COLLEEN
BRIAN

LOREN
DOROTHY

JAKE
HANK

HORACE
MYRA
SAMANTHA

GRACE
ROBERT E

PRESTON
REVEREND

BOUNTY HUNTER *


BACKGROUND: TOWNSFOLK
CUSTOMERS


TEASER


FADE IN:


EXT. CAFE - ESTABLISHING - DAY ONE 1

A full house. GRACE serves coffee and clears plates. In the CROWD are MIKE, SULLY, MATTHEW, COLLEEN, and BRIAN at one table, with PRESTON and JAKE seated at the other end of the cafe. (In the b.g., ROBERT E cleans tools at the livery). We HEAR the train whistle blow, and six customers begin the process of leaving: paying their bills and gathering their bags before heading toward the train station.


+ON PRESTON AND JAKE 2

Preston loses his appetite as he watches the people leave, but Jake keeps right on eating.

PRESTON
Look at that.

Jake stops eating long enough to look around the cafe.

JAKE
The train's leavin'.

PRESTON
Yes, and it's taking all these people with it.

JAKE
They're goin' to Denver.

PRESTON
And Colorado Springs is nothing more to them than a stop along the way; a place to stretch their legs before they get back on the train.

JAKE
That ain't true. I seen plenty a folks eatin' lunch here, and buyin' things from Loren.

PRESTON
But there's so much more they could be doing in our town; visiting the hot springs, hiking in the woods, or exploring local businesses.

(CONTINUED)

2.


CONTINUED: 2

JAKE
Where d'you plan on puttin' folks while they're doin' all that?

PRESTON
In a hotel... which is exactly what we should have here.
(a beat to think)
No. Not just a hotel. What we need is a resort.

JAKE
A resort?

PRESTON
In France, there's a place called Monte Carlo, that draws men from around the world. Fine hotels, floor shows with exotic, yet discreet women, gambling casinos with high stakes games...

JAKE
You can forget 'bout that part of it.

PRESTON
Why?

JAKE
Last election, we had to make a deal with the women: no new gamblin' houses without a vote by the town council.

PRESTON
But, perhaps the mayor could convince the council to vote for a resort... especially if he was involved in the project.

JAKE
Involved?

PRESTON
As a partner, perhaps.

JAKE
(getting on board)
If the mayor was a partner, he'd vote for it.

PRESTON
And he might be able to convince other council members to vote along with him.

(CONTINUED)

3.


CONTINUED: (2) 2

JAKE
Like Loren.

PRESTON
And perhaps Horace, or maybe the Reverend, or even...

JAKE
(back to reality)
Even if we convince Horace or the Reverend to go along, Dr. Mike'll just un-convince 'em at the meetin', like always. I don't think there's ever gonna be any Monte Carlo in Colorado Springs.

Preston looks out at the cafe as Jake returns to his meal.


+NEXT TO THE LIVERY 2A

A BOUNTY HUNTER talks with TWO MEN as they saddle their horses.


+ON THE LIVERY 2A

Robert E continues to clean his rip saw. The men are close enough so he can hear their conversation.


+ON THE BOUNTY HUNTER 2B

BOUNTY HUNTER
You seen this negro?
(shows the flyer)
Killed his owner right 'fore the war ended.


+ON ROBERT E 2C

He freezes; then looks over at the bounty hunter.


+HIS POV 2D

He sees the flyer. It's a "Wanted" poster, with the face of a middle-aged, angular black man on it. There's a four hundred dollar reward, dead or alive. The other two men shake their heads.


+ON ROBERT E 2E

The tension slides out of his face, giving way to concern.


4.


+HIS POV 2F

The men get on their horses.

BOUNTY HUNTER
If you spot him, come find me, I'll know what to do.

The men ride off.


+ON THE LIVERY 2G

Robert E walks away, leaving the rip saw behind.


+OMITTED (3) 2H


+OMITTED (4) 2I


+ON THE FAMILY 5

They've finished eating. Colleen holds up two lanterns, showing them to Mike.

COLLEEN
Aren't they beautiful? We ordered a dozen more. Mr. Bray promised they'd be here for your birthday next week.

GRACE
(coming up)
And I got the meal all planned. How many folks are ya expectin'?

BRIAN
The whole town!

Everyone is getting caught up in the excitement, except for Mike, who looks uneasy.

MATTHEW
How're they all gonna fit in the homestead?

COLLEEN
We're havin' it outdoors. We're gonna spread blankets on the grass.

SULLY
(to Mike)
Sure ya want a big party?

(CONTINUED)

5.


CONTINUED: 5

MIKE
Well, actually....

BRIAN
We're havin' music, too, and dancin'...

MIKE
That sounds lovely, but... do you think Mr. Bray would take the lanterns back?

COLLEEN
Why? Don't ya like 'em?

MIKE
Yes, and I appreciate all the thought you've put into this. But... I'm just not sure I want to have a party this year.

COLLEEN
You liked the last birthday party we had for you.

MIKE
That's true, but this year feels... different.

BRIAN
How come?

MIKE
I've been thinking... I'd like to do something I've never done before.

COLLEEN
But why do you have to do it on your birthday?

MIKE
I... have my reasons.

The kids don't get it.

MIKE
I hope you can understand.

There's a look between Sully and the children; they'll respect her privacy.

SULLY
What're ya thinkin' a doin'?

(CONTINUED)

6.


CONTINUED: (2) 5

MIKE
Well, something that's a challenge.

COLLEEN
(perplexed)
A challenge?

Mike takes a breath.

MIKE
I'm going to climb to the top of Pike's Peak.

Stunned silence. Mike looks better for having told them, but she knows this is only the beginning of the conversation.

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER




7.


ACT ONE


FADE IN:


INT. BARN - DAY ONE 6

Mike, Sully, Colleen and Brian are doing chores; brushing down the horses, cleaning the stalls.

BRIAN
But you could get hurt, Ma.

MIKE
There's a foot path.

SULLY
Only goes so far.

MIKE
Sam made it to the top of several mountains, and she was much older than I am.
(off Brian's look)
I walked halfway up the mountain with her last year, remember?

COLLEEN
That was different. You were tryin' to look out for her 'cause she was so sick.

MIKE
That's true... but I made a promise to Sam before she died -- that I'd come back and climb to the top. And this seems like the perfect time.

BRIAN
But... don't ya wanna be with us on your birthday?

MIKE
Of course I do. We can celebrate when I get back.

COLLEEN
But then it won't be your birthday anymore.

(CONTINUED)

8.


CONTINUED: 6

MIKE
I don't know how to explain this, but... I'd like to reach the peak on that day.

SULLY
(to kids)
Guess your Ma oughta spend her birthday the way she wants, don't ya think?

Mike gives him a grateful look.

BRIAN
(shrugs)
I guess so.

MIKE
(to Brian)
Why don't you help Colleen get supper started?

Colleen and Brian leave. Sully comes up close by Mike.

MIKE
Thank you -- for understanding.

SULLY
Don't care much for big parties myself. It'll be better this way; just the two of us up there.

MIKE
I'd love that, except, this time, I'd like to do it on my own. I mean, when you're with me, I tend to rely on you.

SULLY
So?

MIKE
I want to do it by myself; use all the things I've learned -- all the things you've taught me.

(CONTINUED)

9.


CONTINUED: (2) 6

SULLY
You're just gonna rush off by yourself?

MIKE
I'm not rushing.
(off his look)
You just went away for a whole month. And I'm sure that mining camp was more dangerous than where I want to go.

SULLY
I went 'cause my friend needed me.

MIKE
And I'm going because I need to do this. Now.

SULLY
Why?

MIKE
To prove I can.

There's a beat. Acknowledgement.

SULLY
You'll stick to the foot path?
(off her nod)
I guess now ain't such a bad time for it.

He puts his arms around her and they hug. He speaks with tenderness.

SULLY
'Cause once we have a baby, it won't be easy to go off.

MIKE
Yes, that's true. Once we have a baby...

Mike looks a little concerned, but Sully doesn't see this. She keeps it to herself.


INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY TWO 7

LOREN, standing with the help of a cane (Note: Loren has his cane with him at all times, unless otherwise indicated), stacks items for Mike. DOROTHY is helping Grace and MYRA look at fabric.

(CONTINUED)

10.


CONTINUED: 7

LOREN
Two pounds a beef jerky, and a box a matches. Anythin' else?

MIKE
I'll need a sack of red beans.

LOREN
Dorothy! Would you get that sack on the top shelf?

Loren walks to the shelf, with his cane, and Dorothy comes up and moves the ladder to where Loren wants to reach.

DOROTHY
I think you can climb that ladder by yourself now.

LOREN
No, I need you to do it.

She climbs up the ladder and hands him down the sack of beans, giving him a look.

Loren puts the sack on the counter. Preston walks in the door, tips his hat to the ladies and stops at the counter, waiting his turn.

GRACE
(comes up to Mike)
You really gonna make this trip?

MYRA
Ain't it dangerous?

LOREN
Course it's dangerous.

MIKE
According to Sam, it's strenuous, but anyone in good health should be able to reach the peak.

Dorothy listens intently, but is strangely quiet.

PRESTON
I think it's a wonderful idea, Michaela.

(CONTINUED)

11.


CONTINUED: (2) 7

Everyone turns to him, surprised. Especially Mike.

MIKE
You do?

PRESTON
Yes. When you stay in one place, you can't help but fall into a routine. But when you go out exploring, you're bombarded with fresh things to look at. Your senses come alive.

MIKE
(he's got a point)
That's true, isn't it.

LOREN
Aww, sounds like a lot of foolishness to me.

MIKE
Loren, why don't I leave you my list. I'll stop by later to pick everything up.

She leaves her list on the counter and walks out, followed by Myra and Grace, as Preston holds the door for them.


+ANGLE 8

After they leave, Dorothy finally speaks up.

DOROTHY
I don't think it sounds foolish.

LOREN
Oh, there's no end to the crazy things that woman gets in her head.

DOROTHY
I got half a mind to try it myself.

LOREN
What? At your age! You wouldn't make it halfway up that mountain.

Loren laughs, as he goes back to his business.

(CONTINUED)

12.


CONTINUED: 8

Dorothy stares at him. She doesn't find it funny.


INT. BARBER SHOP - DAY TWO 9

Jake sits in his chair, reading the Gazette, as Preston bursts in.

PRESTON
Did you hear the news? Michaela is climbing to the top of Pike's Peak.

Preston looks at Jake expectantly, but Jake just shrugs, missing the point.

JAKE
Don't worry, after a while, nothin' she does'll seem strange.

PRESTON
Jake, she's climbing a mountain, and to the best of my knowledge, there are no newspapers up there, no telegraph wires...

Preston pauses, Jake looks up from the Gazette, gets it.

JAKE
No way for anybody to get in touch with her.

PRESTON
Exactly. And she'll be gone for at least a week.

JAKE
You sure 'bout that?

PRESTON
Absolutely.

JAKE
(slowly smiles)
Then I think we oughta call a town council meetin' next week.

Preston gives Jake an enthusiastic slap on the back.


EXT. HOMESTEAD - DAY TWO 10

Mike sits in front, attempting to start a fire by rubbing two sticks together, as Sully walks up.

(CONTINUED)

13.


CONTINUED: 10

SULLY
Looks good.

MIKE
I've got most of my supplies together. I think I'm almost ready to go.

Mike puts the sticks down.

MIKE
How long do you think it will take me to reach the top?

SULLY
Three days. Maybe four.

Sully takes a map from his pocket.

SULLY
Let's look at the map. Ya' know what the first day's like, but make sure ya don't push yourself. You'll be gettin' used to the altitude. The second day, you'll hit long, windin' trails, and then things'll get real narrow.

MIKE
(points to map)
Right there?

SULLY
Yeah. Then the trail gets steep.
(a beat)
The last part ain't on the map, and it's no place to go explorin'. If you don't see a clear way up...

MIKE
I'll be close enough to the top to find my way.

There's a beat as they look at each other, and then their attention is drawn to Dorothy, who stops her horse in front of them and dismounts.

DOROTHY
Afternoon. Hope I'm not disturbin' ya.

MIKE
No. We're just talking about the climb.

(CONTINUED)

14.


CONTINUED: (2) 10

DOROTHY
That's what I come to see ya about.

MIKE
I hope you're not intending to dissuade me...

DOROTHY
What would you think about takin' somebody along?

MIKE
Don't worry. I'll be fine by myself.

DOROTHY
I mean, me.

MIKE
I beg your pardon?

DOROTHY
I know I've never done anything like this before, but I want to try.

MIKE
Why?

DOROTHY
I wanna prove I can... while I'm still young.

Mike considers the offer.

SULLY
(to Mike)
Thought ya wanted to do this by yourself.

MIKE
I want to do it without relying on anyone.

DOROTHY
Well, ya certainly won't be relyin' on me. Course, if you'd rather go alone, I understand.

MIKE
It would be different than I had planned.
(to Dorothy)
And it wouldn't be easy.

(CONTINUED)

15.


CONTINUED: (3) 10

DOROTHY
I know.

A beat.

MIKE
I'm leaving in three days.

DOROTHY
I could be ready.

Mike gives it a last thought.

MIKE
Then we should talk about what you'll need to bring.

The two women look at each other, pleased, as we

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE




16.


ACT TWO


FADE IN:


EXT. CAFE - DAY THREE 11

Much less crowded than before. Mike, Dorothy, and Loren sit at one table, with Grace and Robert E at the next. Loren picks at his food, watching glumly as Mike and Dorothy draw up a list of supplies. Grace watches with interest.

MIKE
Necessities. That's all we can bring.

Grace moves over to get a closer look at the list.

GRACE
How long you plannin' on bein' away?

MIKE
About a week.

LOREN
(to Dorothy)
A week? What'll I do with you gone from the store all that time?

DOROTHY
You'll be able to take care of things.

MIKE
Dorothy's right, Loren. You've come along very well since your... illness. A month ago, I'd never have thought you'd recover so quickly.

LOREN
But my exercises.
(to Dorothy)
You always help me with 'em.

MIKE
I can have Colleen do that. And I've arranged for a doctor from Denver to come here if anyone needs him.

(CONTINUED)

17.


CONTINUED: 11

LOREN
(shakes head)
Dorothy, listen to me. You shouldn't be goin' up that mountain.

ROBERT E
I agree with that.

Grace shoots him a look.

ROBERT E
Women got no business climbin' mountains. They don't have the strength. Or the know how.

GRACE
That's why they wanna go. Sometimes, ya gotta try somethin' ya never did before. Somethin' that nobody else thinks ya oughta do. Somethin' you ain't even sure you can do.

ROBERT E
Sounds good down here, but first sign a steep climbin', you'd be headin' right back home.

GRACE
You don't think I could make it to the top?

There's a beat; no way out of this for Robert E.

GRACE
Well, we'll see...
(turns to Mike and Dorothy)
'Cause I'm goin', too, if ya'll take me.

Mike and Dorothy smile. Grace is on the team.


18.


INT. SALOON - DAY THREE 12

A few MEN drink at the bar. HANK keeps a close eye on Jake and Preston, who sit at a table in the corner, with a rough architectural sketch in front of them.

PRESTON
I trust we're ready to move forward.

JAKE
When Dr. Mike leaves, I'm appointin' you to the council.

PRESTON
Call the meeting as soon as possible. I want our plans firmly entrenched by the time Michaela gets back.

JAKE
(re: the plans)
This what it's gonna look like?

PRESTON
Roughly.
(points to the plans)
We'll put the stage here, next door to the casino, so the men can relax a little after losing their money to the house.

Hank approaches with a bottle of whiskey, and his eyes are all over the plan, which Preston immediately rolls up.

HANK
Thought you two could use another round.

PRESTON
Thank you, Hank, that's most considerate of you.

Hank puts the bottle down, pulls up a chair. Preston and Jake stop talking.

HANK
Don't let me interrupt ya.

Jake looks to Preston. How do we proceed?

PRESTON
Not at all, Hank. Jake and I are just catching up...

HANK
(re: the sketch)
Doin' a little drawin'?

(CONTINUED)

19.


CONTINUED: 12

PRESTON
Looking over plans for an addition to my house.

HANK
(to Jake)
Never knew you were so interested in house plans.

PRESTON
Our mayor is a man of many interests.

HANK
I bet he is.

PRESTON
Well, much as I would love to stay and discuss architectural theory, I must return to work.

Preston and Jake get up and head for the door. Hank gives them a look that tells them he's going to keep an eye out for them. At the door, safely out of Hank's earshot, Jake stops Preston.

JAKE
You think of anythin' else we need to talk 'bout 'fore the meetin', let me know.

PRESTON
I will.

Jake extends his hand to Preston.

JAKE
Partner?

PRESTON
Partner.

They shake hands, sealing the deal. Hank watches them intently, very much on the outside looking in.


EXT. TELEGRAPH OFFICE - DAY FOUR 13

Myra stands looking into the telegraph office with the baby carriage by her side.

MYRA
No one's comin'.

Mike, Dorothy, and Grace come out of the telegraph office wearing pants with their skirts hiked up.

(CONTINUED)

20.


CONTINUED: 13

MYRA
Do they fit?

GRACE
They're awful big.

MIKE
That's because they're made for men. You can use these.

Mike distributes the suspenders to the women.

DOROTHY
I like 'em. They make ya' feel free.

The others practice taking large, swinging steps.

GRACE
You can really step out.

As the women laugh and move about, testing out their pants, Myra watches wistfully.

MYRA
I wish I was goin' with ya.

MIKE
Why don't you come?

MYRA
I can't. I got Samantha...

GRACE
Horace can look after her. It'll be good for him.

DOROTHY
Ya got a right to a little... adventure.

Horace walks up. He startles at the sight of the women in their trousers under their skirts.

HORACE
Ladies...

MIKE
We're just trying these on... for the expedition.
(an awkward beat)
We'll be on our way now.

(CONTINUED)

21.


CONTINUED: (2) 13

DOROTHY
(to Myra, meaningful)
See ya soon.

The ladies leave.

MYRA
Horace?

HORACE
Yeah.

MYRA
Could I go with 'em? To Pike's Peak?

HORACE
You jokin'?

MYRA
No...

HORACE
You can't run off and do somethin' like that.

MYRA
Why not? You could watch Samantha...

HORACE
It's dangerous. You'd be riskin' your life.

MYRA
I don't think so.

HORACE
'Sides, you're afraid a heights.

MYRA
Well...

HORACE
I'd feel awful if somethin' ever happened to ya up there. And Samantha -- she wouldn't have a ma.

MYRA
I didn't think about it that way.

HORACE
Ya gotta think about your family now, Myra.

(CONTINUED)

22.


CONTINUED: (3) 13

MYRA
(a beat)
You're right.

Resigned, she straightens up the packages.


EXT. TOWN - DAY FOUR 14

Sully, Colleen, and Brian walk toward the store.

SULLY
It ain't gonna be that bad.

BRIAN
It ain't gonna be much fun, either.

SULLY
Maybe there's somethin' we can do to make it fun.

COLLEEN
Like what?

BRIAN
Could we go fishin'?

SULLY
Every day. Right after School.

COLLEEN
Could we make cookies an' pie?

SULLY
Sure.

BRIAN
And stay up real late, readin' stories?

COLLEEN
Eatin' in bed.

SULLY
And not cleanin' your room for a whole week.

BRIAN
Sounds like fun.

SULLY
And before you know it, your Ma'll be back.

(CONTINUED)

23.


CONTINUED: 14

They turn the corner, in more of an upbeat mood. As they head towards school, they pass Horace, walking in the opposite direction, towards the store. We follow him as he approaches the group of men gathered on the porch of the store: Loren, Robert E, Preston, Jake, and Hank.

PRESTON
As soon as the ladies are gone, I invite all of you to join me in a celebratory game of poker.

All VOICE their enthusiasm for the idea, but Horace remains silent, very much on the outside of the group.

PRESTON
I'll make sure we save you a seat, Horace.

HANK
What for?

JAKE
'Cause we can't have a poker game without Horace.

Hank and Loren look at Jake.

LOREN
Why not?

PRESTON
Because I've never met a telegraph operator who didn't know his way around a poker table.

HORACE
That's all right, Preston, I can't make it, anyway.

ROBERT E
Why not?

HORACE
I gotta stay home with Myra and Samantha.

PRESTON
I'm disappointed, Horace.

JAKE
So'm I. You sure there's no way you could make it out for a hand or two?

(CONTINUED)

24.


CONTINUED: (2) 14

This is killing Horace, and leaving Loren, Hank, and Robert E mystified by Preston and Jake's behavior.

HORACE
It wouldn't be right.

PRESTON
Well, that's a shame. We'll miss you.
(turns to Jake)
I suppose we'll just have to make do without him.

Horace sees a rare opportunity to be one of the guys slipping away. The other men close their circle as they continue to discuss their plans.


INT. STORE - DAY FOUR 15

Mike, Dorothy and Grace are stuffing their packs with all their supplies. Myra (with the carriage by her) is buying things for her family. Grace tries to lift her pack from the counter and can't -- it falls to the floor.

GRACE
I can't carry this.

MIKE
Of course you can.

Mike tries to lift it, but can't.

MIKE
What do you have in it?

It takes all three ladies to get it up on the counter again.

GRACE
Necessities, just like you said.

Mike opens it, pulls out an iron skillet, coffee pot, a full set of metal plates and cups.

MIKE
We don't need all this -- we can make do with just one pot.

DOROTHY
I can't make do without my coffee.

GRACE
Me, neither.

(CONTINUED)

25.


CONTINUED: 15

MIKE
We'll make it in the pot; just add the grounds to the boiling water.

DOROTHY
Let's see what you got in yours, Michaela.

She opens Mike's pack, and takes out a book, looks at Mike, questioning.

MIKE
That's Emerson. Sam gave it to me. This is essential.

Door opens and Horace walks in.

HORACE
Myra.

He motions for her to come to the side of the store.

HORACE
I been thinkin'... It might not be so bad... I mean, it'd be good for you to get away, long as you're real careful. And I'll take care a Samantha...

MYRA
What are you sayin'?

HORACE
(blurts it)
You can go.

MYRA
Oh, Horace, thank you!

She flings her arms around him and they hug. Then she turns to the other women, who look delighted.

MIKE
Let's get you some clothes and a pack.


INT. BANK - DAY FOUR 15A

Preston and Jake talk by the counter as Horace walks in.

HORACE
You still got room for one more in that poker game?

(CONTINUED)

25A.


CONTINUED: 15A

PRESTON
Of course, Horace. We weren't looking for just anybody. We wanted you.

HORACE
Well, count me in.

JAKE
Thought you had to stay home.

HORACE
Not any more. Myra's goin' to Pike's Peak, too.

Preston and Jake exchange a smile.

PRESTON
Then we'll see you tomorrow, at the saloon.

HORACE
I'll be there.

Horace leaves.

JAKE
Looks like we just got ourselves one more vote for the hotel.

Jake gives Preston a confident look and then leaves as Preston walks to his desk.


EXT. STORE - DAY FIVE 16

It's dawn on E-Day - the start of the expedition. The women are meeting at the clinic with their packs. A group of townsfolk begin to gather to see them off. Group will include: Sully, Colleen, Brian, Matthew, Horace, Robert E, Hank, Preston, Jake, Loren and the REVEREND.


26.


+CLOSE ON THE WOMEN 17

Doing a final pack check,

MIKE
Beans?

MYRA
Got 'em.

DOROTHY
Flour?

MIKE
I have the flour. Who has the matches?

MYRA
Me. And I got the coffee, too.

MIKE
I think that does it. We're ready.


+ANGLE - MYRA, HORACE, AND SAMANTHA 18

Myra turns to Horace, holding Samantha.

MYRA
(to baby)
Bye, sweetheart. Mama's comin' back real soon.

Preston walks up, takes Horace's arm and starts pulling him off to join -- Hank and Jake.

PRESTON
Horace, won't you join us?

HORACE
Uh, sure.
(to Myra)
Be careful. We love you.

MYRA
Me, too.


+ANGLE - GRACE AND ROBERT E 19

Slightly awkward with each other.

ROBERT E
Promise me, Grace, ya won't take no chances.

(CONTINUED)

27.


CONTINUED: 19

GRACE
Don't you worry. I'll be fine.


+ANGLE - DOROTHY 20

Loren comes over as Dorothy puts on a hat to protect her from the sun.

LOREN
You ain't really goin' through with this, are you?

Dorothy sighs, and tries to reassure herself as well as Loren.

DOROTHY
Everythin's gonna be all right. I'll be back 'fore ya know it. And don't forget to do your exercises, mornin' and night.
(off Loren's look)
We won't be gone long.

Hank calls over.

HANK
Yeah, I got a dollar that says they'll be back 'fore sundown.

Dorothy shoots a look at Hank and moves off.


+ANGLE - MIKE, WITH BRIAN, COLLEEN, MATTHEW AND SULLY 21

She's saying goodbye, hugging Colleen, then Matthew. She turns to Brian, who hands her a card he made in the shape of a large heart with a poem inside, "Happy Birthday Ma."

BRIAN
I made this for ya.


+ON THE CARD 22

It's red; cut in the shape of a heart.

MIKE (O.S.)
(touched)
It's beautiful.


28.


+BACK TO SCENE 23

BRIAN
Will ya take it with you? Then, when it's your birthday, you can open it up and think of us.

MIKE
I'll be thinking of you every day.


+OMITTED (24) 24


+OMITTED (25) 25


+ON SULLY AND MIKE 26

SULLY
Michaela, you don't have to go all the way to the top. Whatever ya do, I'll be proud of you.

MIKE
I love you.

SULLY
(kisses her)
I love you too.

MIKE
(turns to her group)
Let's go!

Mike joins the women, and they start walking out of town, four abreast.


+ANGLE - THE CROWD 27

Excitement builds. Horace (holding Samantha) stands between Preston, Jake, Hank and Loren. Robert E stands with the Reverend.

Brian, Colleen and Matthew raise a home-made banner: "Pike's Peak or Bust!" People WHISTLE and cheer.

PRESTON
Let's have a cheer, for the first all female mountaineering expedition from Colorado Springs. Hip hip hurrah!

CROWD/PRESTON
Hip hip hurrah! Hip hip hurrah!


29.


+CRANE SHOT 28

As the women walk away, they turn their heads back and wave. Then they set their eyes straight ahead.

Most of the men, led by Preston and Jake, are CHEERING. Robert E and Loren watch quietly. The three kids wave their banner, as the women walk out of town.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO




30.


ACT THREE


FADE IN:


EXT. TRAIL - DAY FIVE 29

Mike, Dorothy, Myra and Grace are walking in more casual formation now. It's a gorgeous day, and we HEAR a running stream in b.g. They traverse the flat ground, enjoying the peacefulness and beauty of the countryside.

Mike is in the lead, with Grace and Myra close behind. Dorothy seems captivated by the scenery, and stops to pick a wild flower or watch a bird.

GRACE
The air smells so good.

MIKE
It's sage. And pine.
(looks up)
Dorothy, look at that redtail hawk.


+THEIR POV - STOCK 29A

A hawk in flight.


+BACK TO SCENE 29B

MIKE
Dorothy?

Dorothy has stopped walking, and is staring out at the view. Mike and the others turn back to join her.

DOROTHY
I'm just tryin' to take it all in. Everywhere ya look, it's beautiful.

MIKE
Yes, it is.

Mike opens her canteen. She takes a long swallow, then Grace and Myra drink from their respective canteens.

GRACE
I'm so glad we're doin' this.

MIKE
So am I.

(CONTINUED)

31.


CONTINUED: 29B

Dorothy is still captivated by the surroundings, so she doesn't drink from her canteen.

MIKE
And it gets even more beautiful the higher you climb.

Mike starts to walk, and the women follow.


EXT. SALOON - ESTABLISHING - DAY FIVE 29C

THREE of Hank's GIRLS watch over the baby carriage. Horace peers over the saloon door, making sure all is well, and then he turns back inside.


INT. SALOON - DAY FIVE 30

The mood is raucous. Horace takes his seat as Hank, Preston, Jake, Loren and Robert E play poker. Each man has a cigar and a drink by his side. Preston deals, and the others consider their cards.

LOREN
I'm hungry.

JAKE
Me, too. Hank, what've you got to eat?

HANK
I'd think an expert on house plans like you'd know I ain't got a kitchen.

PRESTON
Perhaps you might have some hors d'oeuvres.

Everyone stops, looks at Preston.

PRESTON
Snacks.

HANK
Those, I got. Pickled eggs. Pigs feet. Jerky.

LOREN
Pass the feet.

PRESTON
And another round of drinks.

(CONTINUED)

32.


CONTINUED: 30

HANK
You got it.
(takes dollar from Horace's pile)
On the big winner.

Horace GRUMBLES a bit, but the other men voice their approval.

ROBERT E
How come we never done this before?

JAKE
'Cause we ain't ever had the women outta town.

HANK
(raises his glass)
Then here's to the women bein' outta town.

Everyone raises their glass and shares in the toast.

HORACE
What're we gonna do tomorrow?

ROBERT E
Another poker game?

LOREN
How 'bout goin' to Denver. They got a burle-que (burlesque) there, with girls who take off their clothes.

PRESTON
What do you think, Jake?

JAKE
(takes his cue)
I think the first thing we oughta do tomorrow is have a town council meetin'.

Silence. They stop the game; look at Jake.

HANK
What for?

Jake looks to Preston.

PRESTON
To insure that we can have good times like this more often.

(CONTINUED)

33.


CONTINUED: (2) 30

There's a CHEER for more good times, and then the game continues.


EXT. TRAIL - DAY FIVE 31

The four women come around a bend, Mike still leading. Dorothy is lagging behind.


+CLOSE ON DOROTHY 32

She's short of breath, winded, but tries not to let on.


+BACK TO SCENE 33

The other women stop. They open their canteens and drink water, looking at the views as Dorothy catches up with them.

DOROTHY
(covers her breathlessness)
This looks like a lovely spot to rest.

Mike looks at the map with single-minded focus.

MIKE
I don't think we should stop just yet. It's best if we can cover as much ground as possible early in the day.

Dorothy takes a breath, prepares to carry on as they walk again.

MYRA
Snake!

GRACE
Where?

MYRA
By that rock.

DOROTHY
I don't see anything.

MYRA
Sometimes they lie so still, you can't see 'em. They look like a tree branch.

(CONTINUED)

34.


CONTINUED: 33

Mike comes over to look.

MYRA
Don't go near it.

MIKE
It probably was a tree branch, Myra. I wouldn't worry.

As they continue walking, in silence, Myra looks around, concerned.

GRACE
I thought this was gonna be tough. We ain't even goin' up yet.

MIKE
We will.

GRACE
I think we missed a turn somewhere.

MYRA
We're lost?

MIKE
We are not lost.

Grace shakes her head, dubious. Myra looks worried. Mike forges ahead, and Dorothy trudges on, breathing hard.


EXT. LIVERY - DAY FIVE 34

Robert E shoes a horse as the same bounty hunter we saw earlier (now looking dusty and tired), walks up. Robert E glances at the bounty hunter, and then returns to his work. (Note: the three horses tied up in front.)

BOUNTY HUNTER
You know where a man can get cleaned up around here?

ROBERT E
Barber's 'cross the street.

BOUNTY HUNTER
I don't need a haircut. I need a room.

ROBERT E
Can't help you there.

The bounty hunter takes a beat, looking over one of the horses.

(CONTINUED)

35.


CONTINUED: 34

BOUNTY HUNTER
How much for this one?

ROBERT E
I'm boardin' her. She ain't for sale.

BOUNTY HUNTER
How about the other two?
(off Robert E, shaking his head)
You know where I might find one that is for sale?

ROBERT E
No, I don't.

The bounty hunter walks over to face Robert E, who keeps on working.

BOUNTY HUNTER
The town blacksmith doesn't know where a man can buy a horse?

ROBERT E
Most folks passin' through now don't need a horse. They just take the train.

BOUNTY HUNTER
There's a lot of territory out here the train doesn't cover. I need a horse.

Robert E stands to face him. They eyeball each other.

ROBERT E
Like I said, I can't help ya.

A tense beat, and then the bounty hunter leaves, as Robert E stares after him.


EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY FIVE 34A

([The previous scene 34 will be moved to ealier in script (TBA). This is not a direct cut.)]

Robert E fixes a wheel on the handcar as the bounty hunter walks past. He looks over at Robert E, keeps walking, then stops.

Robert E turns slightly, aware of his presence.

(CONTINUED)

35A.


CONTINUED: 34A

BOUNTY HUNTER
By the way, I found somebody in this town who does have a horse for sale.

Robert E works harder, trying to ignore him, but the bounty hunter steps closer.

BOUNTY HUNTER
And he thought it was awful strange I couldn't buy one from the town blacksmith.

Robert E turns to him.

ROBERT E
If you got a horse, you got no more business with me.

BOUNTY HUNTER
I didn't come to Colorado to find a horse. I came here to find a negro.
(takes out the flyer)
And right now I'm wonderin' if the reason you wouldn't sell me a horse is 'cause you know this negro... Maybe you even know where he is.

ROBERT E
(re: the flyer)
I never seen that man.

BOUNTY HUNTER
You better be real sure 'bout that, 'cause it's a crime to...

ROBERT E
I know 'bout the laws 'a this territory.

BOUNTY HUNTER
(holds up the flyer)
This negro knew the laws back where he come from, but that don't mean he followed 'em.

Robert E does his best to control himself.

ROBERT E
I never seen that man.

(CONTINUED)

35B.


CONTINUED: (2) 34A

BOUNTY HUNTER
I better not find out any different, 'cause if I do, the next negro I come lookin' for's gonna be you.

The bounty hunter leaves. Robert E watches him go.


EXT. STORE - DAY FIVE 35

Preston talks to Horace (holding a fidgety Samantha). In the b.g., Matthew, Colleen, and Brian shop through the bins.

PRESTON
I'm going to need you to conduct some research.

HORACE
What kinda research?

(CONTINUED)

36.


CONTINUED: 35

PRESTON
Important research. I'll want you to contact operators in other cities...

Samantha starts to cry.

HORACE
It may be kinda hard with Myra gone.

PRESTON
By all means, you have to take care of Samantha.
(a beat)
I'm sure I'll find another way to procure the information I need.

HORACE
No. No. I'll do it. I'm givin' her to somebody to watch right now, and goin' back to the station.

PRESTON
Excellent. I'll be there in five minutes.

Preston walks in the store, and Horace desperately searches around, spots Matthew.

HORACE
Matthew, you gotta watch Samantha.

MATTHEW
What?

HORACE
Please, just for five minutes.

MATTHEW
Horace, I gotta...

HORACE
Thanks.

He hands Samantha to Matthew and hurries in the store. Matthew turns to Colleen; hands Samantha to her.

MATTHEW
Here.

COLLEEN
Matthew.

(CONTINUED)

37.


CONTINUED: (2) 35

MATTHEW
You're always sayin' you want Dr. Mike and Sully to have a baby, so this'll be like practicin' for you.

Robert E walks by them, and we follow him...


+INSIDE THE STORE