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#515 : Récital d'adieux

L'histoire : Michaela a la suprise de revoir son oncle Théodore qui arrive en visite, en ville. Il prétend que sa nièce ne saurait pas assumer la charge d'une famille.

En revanche il est pianiste et il a une bonne opinion de Brian, dont il apprécie les dons musicaux. Il lui suggère de venir avec lui à Boston pour devenir un véritable musicien, ce qui n'est pas du tout du goût de ses parents.

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4 - 4 votes

Titre VO
Farewell Appearance

Titre VF
Récital d'adieux

Première diffusion
25.01.1997

Première diffusion en France
21.10.1997

Plus de détails

TEASER


FADE IN:

INT. HOMESTEAD - DAY ONE 1

CLOSE ON KATIE -- fidgeting in her high chair. MIKE's hands come into frame and lift Katie --

MIKE
It's time to go, little one.

BRIAN enters from outside. He's rather subdued, watches her fussing over Katie.

BRIAN
Got the wagon hitched.

Mike gives him a quick, nervous smile, slips into her coat, picks up Katie.

BRIAN
It'll be good to have Sully home.

MIKE
Yes, it will.

Mike gathers her resolve and they head out the door.


EXT. TOWN STREET - DAY ONE 2

Mike drives the wagon into town, with Brian next to her holding Katie, and WOLF (in the back). They drive past the station where passengers disembark from the train. Mike reins for LOREN, helping the REVEREND cross the street (with his stick).

MIKE
Good morning, Reverend. It's wonderful to see you moving about.

The Reverend waves a hand in greeting. Mike is about to drive on when she hears:

MAN'S VOICE (O.S.)
Michaela -- ?

She turns, off-guard. The voice is vaguely familiar, but...

MIKE
(disbelieving)
Uncle Teddy -- ?

Slowly recognizing him...a smile breaking over her face...



2.


OMITTED (3) 3


+MIKE'S POV (LOOKING TOWARD STATION) 4

A dapper, distinguished gentleman in cutaway and beaver top hat approaches, a suitcase in each hand. He is THEODORE QUINN, late 50's, her paternal uncle.

MIKE (O.S.)
(overjoyed)
Uncle Teddy!


+RESUME 4A

Mike hands the reins to Brian and jumps down, flying toward Theodore as he sets down his suitcases and sweeps her into a warm bear-hug:

THEODORE
My dear Michaela.

When he releases her, they take a beat to fondly feast on the sight of each other.

MIKE
What a wonderful surprise!...why didn't you tell me -- ?

THEODORE
(beaming broadly)
I didn't know myself. I was on my way to San Francisco, and when I saw how near I was to Colorado Springs, I had to see you --
(turns toward wagon)
-- and meet this family of yours. This must be...

MIKE
(taking Katie from Brian)
Yes, this is Katie...

THEODORE
(perfunctory)
Sweet baby, yes -- and...

-- as he moves to the wagon and peers directly up at Brian, who is holding the reins.

THEODORE
...Brian. I couldn't wait to meet you after all the wonderful things your mother has written about you.

(CONTINUED)


2A.


CONTINUED: 4A

BRIAN
(pleased)
She has?

(CONTINUED)


3.


CONTINUED: (2) 4A

THEODORE
(glowing)
She has indeed.
(turns to Mike)
Now where is this Sully?

MIKE
We were just on our way to meet him.

THEODORE
Then I'll join you -- may I?

MIKE
(caught off-guard)
Why -- why yes, of course. We can leave the wagon at the livery.

Theodore puts his suitcases into the back of the wagon. Brian guides the horses toward the livery.

Mike (carrying Katie) and Theodore stroll slowly ahead.

MIKE
Now that you're here, you will stay awhile?

THEODORE
For a few days. I'm about to begin a concert tour.

BRIAN
(catching up)
Did ya really play for the King of Norway, Uncle Teddy?

MIKE
(correcting him)
Uncle Theodore. I'm the only one allowed to call him 'Uncle Teddy'.

THEODORE
(with a twinkle)
Well, perhaps I can make an exception in this case, what do you say, Michaela?

Mike smiles affectionately at him, nods. Her uncle brings out the girl in her, in a way we haven't seen before.

BRIAN
Did ya know I'm taking piano lessons?

(CONTINUED)


4.


CONTINUED: (3) 4A

THEODORE
(impressed)
Piano lessons? Here? Well, you must play for me.

BRIAN
Maybe you could give me a few lessons.

Theodore beams benevolently, lays a hand on Brian's shoulder. They have come to a stop in front of:


EXT. JAIL - DAY ONE 4B

Mike looks distractedly toward the jailhouse door.

MIKE
(thinking fast)
Brian, perhaps you would like to take Uncle Teddy to Grace's...

BRIAN
But what about meetin' Sully?

MIKE
I'll bring him over to Grace's.

THEODORE
(confused)
Where is Sully?

BRIAN
Right in here -- c'mon, I'll show ya.

MIKE
But, I think...

Too late. Brian eagerly pushes open the door --


OMITTED (5) 5


INT. JAIL - DAY ONE 6

-- to reveal Sully, behind bars. Matthew picks up his keys, nods to Brian, Mike with Katie, and Theodore in the doorway.

MATTHEW
Mornin'.

MIKE
Matthew, this is my Uncle Theodore.

(CONTINUED)


4A.


CONTINUED: 6

MATTHEW
Glad to meetcha.

But Theodore's attention is on Sully in the cell. Matthew fits a key into the lock as Theodore looks to Mike, bewildered --

(CONTINUED)


5.


CONTINUED: (2) 6

MIKE
Sully was incarcerated for an action he took as a matter of principle.

THEODORE
(approvingly)
Ah, civil disobedience? Good man. I'm a pacifist myself.

The key turns. The door swings open. Sully and Matthew exchange an awkward look.

SULLY
That ain't why I'm in jail. I'm no pacifist.

Theodore glances uncertainly at Mike.

MATTHEW
You're free to go.

Sully steps out of the cell. The door CLANKS shut.

SULLY
Be seein' ya, Matthew...

MATTHEW
Oh, uh, don't forget this...

He picks up -- Sully's TOMAHAWK. Sully takes it, slips it securely into his belt as Brian flings himself into Sully's arms.

BRIAN
I missed ya, Pa.

SULLY
(choked up)
Missed you, too.
(gazes at Mike)
All of you.

Theodore watches the reunion of father and son, vaguely uneasy. Wishing she'd had time to prepare her uncle, Mike strives for an air of proper gentility to put him at ease:

MIKE
Uncle Teddy, may I present my husband, Byron Sully. Sully, this is my godfather, Theodore Quinn.

SULLY
Pleased to meetcha.

(CONTINUED)


6.


CONTINUED: (3) 6

THEODORE
No, the pleasure is all mine.

As they shake hands. Mike clasps their hands in both her own, anxious to put the awkward circumstances behind them:

MIKE
I've looked forward to this moment for so long -- I know you're going to be great friends.

She smiles eagerly from one to the other as we

FADE OUT.


OMITTED (7-10) 10

END OF TEASER





7.


ACT ONE


FADE IN:


EXT. GRACE'S CAFE - DAY ONE. 11

Mike, Sully, Brian, and Uncle Theodore (Katie in her carriage) linger over lunch. (HANK and HORACE at the next table.) Theodore regales Sully and Brian with a story of Mike as a little girl.

THEODORE
She'd be sitting with a book in her lap at the top of the stairs above the parlor, pretending to read. But all the while she was listening to us grownups talk about the immorality of slavery. Every night, she sat one step lower, until finally, there she was in the parlor with us.

Mike suppresses a grin as Sully looks at her, amused.

SULLY
Not too shy 'bout expressin' her opinion?

HANK (O.S.)
I'll say!

Theodore turns to see


+ANGLE ON NEXT TABLE 12

Hank and Horace, eavesdropping and now butting in:

HANK
Did Michaela ever get in trouble?


+RESUME 13

MIKE
Now wait just a minute...

THEODORE
Well, there was one time...

BRIAN
Really -- ?

MIKE
(protesting)
Uncle Teddy -- !

(CONTINUED)


8.


CONTINUED: 13

THEODORE
(playing the drama)
...when she was abducted by slave traders.

Mike looks at him, mystified.

BRIAN
Ya mean, kidnapped?

THEODORE
That's what we all thought. She vanished. All of Beacon Hill was in an uproar. Her poor mother even called out the fire brigade. And do you know where they found her?

BRIAN
(enjoying this)
Where?

MIKE
(laughing)
I don't remember any of this.

THEODORE
At the hospital where her father was head of surgery, sitting in the front row of the operating theatre with the medical students. Can you guess what she said when they found her?

BRIAN
(knows his Ma)
That she was gonna be a doctor when she grew up?

THEODORE
You are very perceptive, young man.

MIKE
(to Brian)
Don't listen to a word of this. He'd have you think I was rude and forward and disrespectful.

They all laugh.

MIKE
It was Carleton who put me up to things. Do you remember the time you found us tuning your piano?

(CONTINUED)


9.


CONTINUED: (2) 13

Theodore, uncomfortable, suddenly quiets.

BRIAN
Who's Carleton?

MIKE
My cousin, Uncle Teddy's son. He was the handsomest boy in all of Boston and...

THEODORE
(interrupting)
Now, now, I think we've bored them long enough with our 'remember when' talk.

MIKE
...and I had a hopeless crush on him. You were to give a recital for the Governor, remember, Uncle Teddy? -- and Carleton...

THEODORE
(abruptly rising)
Speaking of recitals - I will require a place to practice while I'm here.

Mike and Sully exchange a look of surprise at his abrupt turn. As they get to their feet:

THEODORE
You do have a piano at home?

MIKE
Well, no...

From the next table, Hank speaks up.

HANK
Got a real nice one at the Gold Nugget. What can ya play?

THEODORE
Well -- everything. Chopin, Mendelssohn, Beethoven....


+HORACE AND HANK 14

draw a blank. Never heard of 'em.

MIKE
I'm sure the Reverend won't mind if we use the church piano.



10.


EXT. CHURCH - DAY ONE 15

The Reverend comes out of the church carrying a valise, gingerly feeling his way with his walking stick. Loren follows with a heavy box of books. They load them into a wagon next to the Reverend's other personal belongings and a few pieces of furniture. The Reverend runs his hands lovingly over the books.

LOREN
Sure ya wanna take all those?

REVEREND
Havin' 'em with me'll be a comfort. Did you get the clock from the bureau?

LOREN
Already got one at the store.

REVEREND
Please -- I'd like my clock.

LOREN
Aw, all right.

He heads back into the church. Not realizing he's gone, the Reverend goes on to explain:

REVEREND
It belonged to my mother. I remember as a child, waking in the night and hearing the chimes....

MIKE (O.S.)
Reverend -- ?

REVEREND
(turning in direction of her voice)
Michaela?

Mike walks up with Brian and Theodore. She looks around, puzzled.

BRIAN
Hey, Reverend.

REVEREND
Brian.

MIKE
Are you -- alone?

(CONTINUED)


11.


CONTINUED: 15

REVEREND
Loren's here --
(vague wave of hand)
-- somewhere.

MIKE
I've brought my uncle, Theodore Quinn.

THEODORE
Pleased to meet you.

MIKE
He needs a piano on which to practice while he's in town, and I wondered if he might use the one in the church.

REVEREND
Why, of course, that would be fine. Nice to know it's gettin' some use.

BRIAN
(re: loaded wagon)
You movin'?

REVEREND
Just takin' some a my personal belongin's over to Loren's for the time bein'. I'm stayin' in Dorothy's old room for now.

Loren approaches, carrying the clock.

MIKE
(to Theodore)
And this is Mr. Bray. He owns the general mercantile. Loren, my Uncle Theodore.

THEODORE
How do you do.

LOREN
Oh, Elizabeth's brother?

MIKE
No, my father's.

LOREN
(disappointed)
Oh.

BRIAN
Piano's this way --

(CONTINUED)


12.


CONTINUED: (2) 15

Brian leads the way to the church as we hear PRELAP of virtuoso PIANO MUSIC, OVER -- taking us to --


INT. CHURCH - DAY ONE 16

Theodore sits at the piano, finishing a showy Chopin Ballade, with a flourish. Mike and Brian listen raptly. As the last note dies away, they both applaud. He nods slightly, then pulls another chair to the piano.

THEODORE
(patting chair)
Come, Michaela.

He plays some introductory chords, and a wave of nostalgia hits Mike.

THEODORE
(eyes twinkling)
For old time's sake.

MIKE
(hesitating)
It's been awhile...

He pats the chair again, indulgently. Obedient, smiling, she takes her place and together they begin to play a simple but charming duet. She's a little rusty.

MIKE
(to Brian, as she plays)
This was the first piece Uncle Teddy taught me to play.

Brian is enchanted. He comes to stand at the piano, watching their hands. When they finish --

BRIAN
(to Theodore)
Will ya teach me that?

THEODORE
From what I hear, your playing is already well beyond this.

OFF Brian, basking in Theodore's praise --


INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY ONE 17

Loren enters with the clock and the box of books, and carries them through the store toward the stairs...



13.


INT. DOROTHY'S ROOM - DAY ONE (CONTINUOUS) 18

...and into the room, which will now be the Reverend's. The Reverend is trying to unpack, but having a hard time of it. A couple stray socks drop from a stack of clothes he's moving from the valise to the dresser.

Loren sets the box on the bed, quickly bends to pick up the socks. He puts them back on the pile as another pair falls. Loren picks them up, too.

The Reverend dumps the clothes into a drawer in an untidy mess. Loren looks around for a place to put the clock.

LOREN
Want your clock on the dresser?

REVEREND
(blankly)
Uh, sure, that will be fine.

Loren puts down the clock and watches, feeling helpless.

LOREN
If ya need anything...

REVEREND
(determined to make the best of it)
No, I'm fine.


EXT. CLINIC - DAY ONE 19

Sully gets on his horse to leave when Matthew stops him.

MATTHEW (O.S.)
Hey, Sully -- !

Sully turns to see Matthew approaching with a telegram.

MATTHEW
Horace was lookin' for ya. This just come in.

Sully takes the telegram, unfolds it, reads it. It's not good news.

MATTHEW
Who's it from?

SULLY
Welland Smith.

MATTHEW
That the guy that wanted ya for the Yellowstone job?

(CONTINUED)


14.


CONTINUED: 19

Sully nods, reading the brief message again. Matthew, very curious, tries to sneak a sideways glance at it.

MATTHEW
What's he want?

SULLY
The railroad bought right-a-way through the Red Rocks land.

MATTHEW
(frowning)
What's he plannin' to do 'bout it?

SULLY
Nothin'.

Matthew gives him a strange look, waits for Sully to go on. But Sully's said all he means to, at least to Matthew.

MATTHEW
What're you plannin' to do 'bout it?

Sully folds the telegram carefully and puts it in his pocket, gives Matthew a look, and rides off -- leaving Matthew looking after him, uncomfortable with the new realities of their relationship.


INT. HOMESTEAD - COLLEEN'S ROOM - DAY ONE. 20

Theodore is unpacking. There's a TAP on the door and Mike enters, holding an early photograph.

MIKE
I knew I had a photograph of Carleton somewhere. It was tucked into a book.

She holds it out. He glances at it, quickly turns away.

THEODORE
What a beautiful home you created here on the frontier.

MIKE
Sully built it with his own hands.

THEODORE
He's a fine craftsman. And your special touch makes it a home.

(CONTINUED)


15.


CONTINUED: 20

He takes a jacket from the suitcase, hangs it up. Mike sets the photograph on a table by the bed.

MIKE
I'll let you finish. Supper will be ready soon.

She exits, pulling the door closed. Theodore picks up the photograph, sinks down on the bed to gaze at it.


+INSERT OF PHOTO 20A

-- a boy of perhaps 15, innocent, smooth-faced, winsome. Something about him reminds us of Brian.


+RESUME 20B

Theodore stares at it a long time, lost in memory and despair.

Suddenly a loud THWACK! from outside startles him. He looks out the window...


+VIEW THROUGH UPSTAIRS WINDOW - DAY ONE 21

Looking down on Brian and Sully as they approach a tree ring target where Sully's tomahawk is stuck very near the center.

BRIAN
Gonna be hard to beat that...

Sully pulls the tomahawk free, hands it to Brian.

SULLY
Bet you can do it.


EXT. HOMESTEAD - DAY ONE 22

Theodore comes out, with Mike, holding Katie, right behind. Brian takes aim at the target, glances at him.

BRIAN
Watch this, Uncle Teddy.

He lets fly the tomahawk...

...which hits close to the bulls' eye. Sully and Mike smile.

BRIAN
(pleased)
How 'bout that?!

(CONTINUED)


16.


CONTINUED: 22

THEODORE
Yes, well....

SULLY
(teasing Brian)
Tryin' to show me up in front a your great-uncle?

Brian laughs, retrieves the tomahawk and holds it out to Theodore.

BRIAN
Here -- wanna try?

THEODORE
My hands have never held a weapon, and they never shall.

MIKE
Pacifists believe all violence is wrong, Brian.

Sully takes the tomahawk from Brian.

SULLY
(good-naturedly)
This ain't violence. It's just a friendly contest.

THEODORE
(mildly)
Yes, but to what end?

Sully falls silent, glances at Mike. Seeing Sully's reaction, Theodore quickly backpedals:

THEODORE
Do forgive me. I'm afraid musicians can be absurdly protective about our hands.


INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT ONE 23

We come in on Mike, Sully, Brian, and Theodore finishing dinner. (Katie upstairs asleep). Conversation isn't coming easy.

BRIAN
Can I be excused? I gots lots a' homework.

MIKE
Of course.

(CONTINUED)


17.


CONTINUED: 23

He takes his plate into the kitchen and goes upstairs. There's an awkward lull -- which Mike attempts to fill.

MIKE
(to Sully)
Matthew mentioned you got a telegram from Welland Smith.

SULLY
Bad news. The railroad's plannin' a spur line right through the middle of the Red Rocks.

MIKE
(sympathetic)
Oh, Sully.

SULLY
Fixin' to sell land, open it up for homesteadin'.

MIKE
That will ruin it.

THEODORE
Ruin what?

MIKE
A valley with beautiful rock formations, outside of town. Sully has been working to secure the area as a national park.

THEODORE
It is very beautiful country around here.

SULLY
Pretty country that won't be pretty for long 'less we do somethin' to save it.

THEODORE
How do you propose to do that?

SULLY
Stop the railroad.

THEODORE
(surprised)
I thought the railroad was improving life on the frontier.

SULLY
Depends on how ya look at it.

(CONTINUED)


18.


CONTINUED: (2) 23

THEODORE
Surely progress is inevitable.

SULLY
Inevitable ain't necessarily good.

Seeing the conversation veering onto a precarious course, Mike tries gently to steer it back on track.

MIKE
I'm sure you'd agree, Uncle Teddy, it's also important to preserve the natural beauty of the land for future generations.

THEODORE
Of course, the glories of nature, I do agree. But what of the glories of civilization -- art, literature, music? Take a young man like Brian. Any father would want those opportunities for his son.

Tension fills the air as Sully steadily eyes him, falls silent.

MIKE
(quickly, rising)
I'll get dessert.

Mike removes the supper plates and disappears into the kitchen. After an uncomfortable beat, Theodore clears his throat, tries to put it diplomatically:

THEODORE
I see you're a man of principle, and I respect that.

SULLY
I'd say the same 'bout you.


INT. KITCHEN 23A

On Mike, spooning out cobbler, overhearing --

THEODORE (O.S.)
I suppose what it amounts to is...



19.


+RESUME SULLY AND THEODORE 23B

THEODORE (CONT.)
...which offers more promise for the future of a young man like Brian -- protecting a lovely bit of wilderness, or making way for museums and concert halls?

Sully remains silent. He knows what he'd say, but he isn't sure about Mike.

SULLY
Guess that's for Brian to decide.

A beat.

THEODORE
(pointedly)
Yes. It is.

Their eyes lock.


INT. KITCHEN 23C

CLOSE ON MIKE -- a frown on her face as she listens to the two men she loves so much struggling to get along.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE





20.


ACT TWO


FADE IN:


EXT. HOMESTEAD - DAY TWO 24

Sully is hitching up the wagon. Mike has been filling him in on Theodore.

SULLY
And so -- your uncle moved away from Boston?

MIKE
Yes, after Carleton died.
(remembering)
The Boston abolitionists needed recruits, and Carleton signed up -- against his father's wishes. He left the next day.

She grows quiet, remembering the cousin she loved.

MIKE
He was killed the second day at Gettysburg. Uncle Teddy went down by train, walked the battlefield for hours, searching until he found his body.

She pauses, imagining the horror of that experience.

SULLY
S'enough to make anybody into a pacifist.

MIKE
Oh, he was already a pacifist as far back as I can remember.

SULLY
S'pose he wonders what you're doin' in a place like this.

MIKE
On the contrary -- he loves the homestead. He told me so himself.

SULLY
I meant, what he said 'bout Brian -- an' about art an' music.

Mike quiets, sensing Sully's hurt.

(CONTINUED)


21.


CONTINUED: 24

MIKE
Be patient with him, Sully. I know his ideas are different, but that's because he comes from a different world. It's just that he cares so very much.

Sully isn't so sure -- but he'll do it for her.


INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY TWO. 25

The Reverend walks tentatively across the store, from wall to counter, his stick held out in front of him. He is counting steps.

REVEREND
Nine, ten, eleven, twelve...

Loren watches anxiously as he finishes sweeping the floor. He's a bundle of nerves.

REVEREND
Thirteen, fourteen.
(touching counter for security)
Fourteen steps across.

LOREN
(setting broom down)
Whadya know? - same as before.
(kindly)
Why don't ya take a rest?

REVEREND
I've got to practice gettin' around on my own.

MIKE (O.S.)
Good morning -- !

The Reverend swings around toward the sound of her voice --

LOREN
Watch it -- !

-- but as the Reverend turns, the cane catches a glass jar filled with candy and sends it crashing to the floor.

REVEREND
Oh, I'm sorry...

Loren grimaces, silently counts to ten as Mike and Theodore step into the shot. The Reverend looks around helplessly, distressed over the accident. Mike reaches for the broom.

(CONTINUED)


22.


CONTINUED: 25

MIKE
Here, let me help...

LOREN
No, no, I'll do it.
(glances at Reverend)
I hear Grace is servin' rhubarb pie today. Maybe you and your uncle would like to take the Reverend over to have a piece.

REVEREND
(confidence shaken)
I -- I'd rather not just now, thanks.

MIKE
Actually, I'm here to walk you over for your appointment to examine your optic nerve. I want to see if the swelling has gone down.

LOREN
Good idea.

Loren stoops to clean up the candy and broken glass. Meanwhile Theodore has turned to examining the eclectic assortment of goods on the shelves.

MIKE
Are you coming with us, Uncle?

THEODORE
If you don't mind, I'll stay and look around a bit.

Mike leads the Reverend out. Theodore sidles closer to where Loren is cleaning up.

LOREN
(glancing up)
If there's anythin' I can help you with, just holler.

THEODORE
Thank you.

LOREN
She's somethin', that niece a yours.

THEODORE
Yes, isn't she? And her husband, Sully -- do you know him well?

(CONTINUED)


23.


CONTINUED: (2) 25

LOREN
He use ta be married to my daughter Abigail.

THEODORE
I didn't know that.

An unspoken question in the air.

LOREN
She passed away.

Theodore softens -- sharing the pain of another bereaved father.

THEODORE
I'm sorry. How tragic for you.

LOREN
(sorry he got into it)
Yeah.

Loren goes back to his cleaning up. Theodore pretends to be interested in a box of cigars on the counter.

THEODORE
(beat)
Sully is an interesting character. Rather unconventional, wouldn't you say?

LOREN
(this explains everything)
Lived with Indians, y'see.

THEODORE
(he didn't know)
Ah. I believe Michaela wrote he's an Indian agent?

LOREN
He was. There was -- trouble. It's a long story.

THEODORE
When I arrived, he was just getting out of jail -- ?

LOREN
Oh yeah, that was somethin' else. Somethin' 'bout a dam.

THEODORE
A dam -- ?

(CONTINUED)


24.


CONTINUED: (3) 25

LOREN
Yeah. Tryin' to hijack dynamite.

THEODORE
Dynamite?!

But Loren has already turned to a customer who has entered --

LOREN
Ah, Miz Hathaway -- I got some new calico in....

OFF Theodore's look of concern --


EXT. MEADOW - DAY TWO 26

School is letting out. Brian spots Theodore waiting for him, hurries over.

BRIAN
Uncle Teddy -- !

THEODORE
I was thinking this might be a good time for a piano lesson.

BRIAN
Sure, as long as we're done by four o'clock. Me an' Sully are...

THEODORE
(gently correcting)
Sully and I.
(apologetic)
Forgive me for interrupting, but the way we speak reflects our breeding. As gentlemen, we would say 'Sully and I'. That way no one will think us crude or illiterate.

Brian reflects on it for a moment.

BRIAN
Like I was sayin', Sully and I are goin' out to the reservation at four o'clock.

THEODORE
The Indian reservation?

BRIAN
Yeah, ya see, Sully can't go inside.

(CONTINUED)


25.


CONTINUED: 26

THEODORE
Why not?

BRIAN
He had some trouble with the army and they won't let him in. So I gotta go in for him to take in stuff for Cloud Dancin'.

THEODORE
He sends you in there, with Indians and soldiers? All by yourself?

BRIAN
(proudly)
Yeah.

OFF Theodore, his concern escalating another notch --


INT. CHURCH - DAY TWO 27

Brian is at the piano, playing. Theodore stands behind him, his concerns momentarily swept away by Clementi. As the sonatina comes to an end --

THEODORE
(eyes glowing)
You have a gift.

BRIAN
(shy)
Thanks.

THEODORE
(genuinely excited)
Brian, I'm very serious. You play the inner music. That's not to say your technique is anywhere near what it could be. But one can learn that.

He's already imagining Brian's career as a concert artist.

THEODORE
I have an idea. Why don't you and I give a recital? Here, in the church, before I leave for San Franciso. A surprise for your mother.

BRIAN
A recital?

(CONTINUED)


26.


CONTINUED: 27

THEODORE
Why not?

Brian grins, delighted.

BRIAN
Can we play that duet you and Ma were playin'?

THEODORE
(disarmed, charmed)
If you like.

He sits down, plays a few bars, his mind still racing ahead.

THEODORE
A shame, really, that you can't fully appreciate the richness of the harmony on this tired old instrument.

BRIAN
I got an idea....

SMASH CUT TO:


EXT. GOLD NUGGET - DAY TWO 28

Theodore and Brian outside the saloon door.

THEODORE
(skeptical)
The 'Gold Nugget' - ?

BRIAN
(pushing toward door)
Yeah, they just opened. They got a brand new piano.


INT. GOLD NUGGET - DAY TWO 29

(Note: This will be our first look at the newly-refurbished saloon.)

Theodore and Brian enter. Taking a moment to look around...


+REVEAL OF THE GOLD NUGGET - THEIR POV 30

MOVING SHOT over the posh drapes, new wallpaper, brass lamps, Hank grinning behind the gleaming bar...the saloon girls, a trifle upgraded and their customers...Horace, dejected and alone, drowning his misery...ending on the softly oiled piano.



27.


+BRIAN AND THEODORE 31

exchange a conspiratorial look.

THEODORE
(whispers to Brian)
Perhaps we won't mention this to your mother.

Brian nods solemnly.


+WIDER ANGLE 32

HANK
Help ya, gentl'men?

BRIAN
(speaking like one)
My Uncle Teddy and I --
(proud smile)
-- wondered if we could play your piano?

HANK
(hesitating)
Well...
(to Brian)
...I don't think his music's quite in line with my customers' taste.

Theodore drifts over to the piano, lifts the cover, brushes a loving hand over the softly gleaming keys.

HORACE
(looking around)
I don't see anybody else waitin' to play.

HANK
Nah, I don't think so.

BRIAN
(not giving up)
He played for kings and queens all over the world, and you don't wanna hear him?

HORACE
Let him play.

Hank shrugs.



28.


+ON THEODORE 33

Already seated at the piano. His hands float up, poised in mid-air over the keys. An expectant hush --


+REACTION SHOTS 34

Saloon girls and customers roll their eyes, waiting. Brian, not sure what to expect, slightly nervous --


+THEODORE 35

CLOSE ON HANDS, attacking the keys, launching into a spirited, rollicking dance-hall tune.


+CROWD 36

comes to life, grinning, clapping hands in time to music, feet stomping on the floor. One of the girls gets up to dance, grabs Horace and spins him around the floor. Brian, beaming proudly, looks up as Hank approaches.

HANK
Hey, he's not bad.

The door opens and Sully steps inside beside Brian.

SULLY
(over music)
Brian -- ?

Brian turns, sees Sully. The music abruptly stops, as Theodore rises to stand behind Brian.

SULLY
I been waitin'. Thought me and you had plans.

BRIAN
Sorry, Sully -- I forgot.

THEODORE
It's my fault. We became swept up in the music and lost track of the time.

SULLY
(nods)
Ya ready? Let's go.

Brian and Sully leave. Theodore frowns as his embarrassment is replaced by misgiving.



29.


EXT. GENERAL STORE - DAY TWO 37

Loren moves the last boxes of vegetables into the store. He closes the door, flips the sign to "CLOSED".


INT. REVEREND'S ROOM - DAY TWO 38

Through the half-open door we see Loren pass by, notice something inside, and stop. He pushes the door wider --


+VIEW INTO REVEREND'S ROOM (LOREN'S POV) 39

The Reverend, standing at the dresser, obviously frustrated, is fumbling over the clock.


+CLOSE ON REVEREND'S HANDS 40

holding a small key. Trying to fit the key into the little hole of the winding mechanism. Like threading a needle in the dark.

LOREN (O.S.)
Reverend - ?


+WIDER ANGLE 41

The Reverend stares straight ahead, his face twisted in concentration and helpless rage.

REVEREND
(agitated)
Why do they have to make it - so - impossible?!

Loren hurries over, tries to take the key from his hands.

LOREN
Here, lemme do it for ya.

But the Reverend angrily pulls the key away. Loren looks at him, surprised, a little hurt.

LOREN
(grumbling)
I was only tryin' to help.

REVEREND
(irritably)
I don't want help.

The Reverend immediately regrets his ill-tempered remark -- but can't say so. He half-turns toward Loren. The clock begins to CHIME. The Reverend listens carefully, as it chimes five times.

(CONTINUED)


30.


CONTINUED: 41

REVEREND
Five o'clock.

Loren suddenly gets it - that's why he wanted his clock, so he could hear what time it is. He softens, glances at his own pocket-watch.

LOREN
Time for supper. Ya comin'?

REVEREND
No.

Loren starts out, turns, looks back sympathethically.

LOREN
I'll bring ya back some meatloaf.


INT. CLINIC - DAY TWO 42

Mike is mixing medicinal compounds when Theodore opens the door a crack.

THEODORE
May I interrupt?

MIKE
Of course, any time.

THEODORE
Brian said he was going out to the reservation.

MIKE
Yes, he often goes with Sully.

THEODORE
But - the Indians and the army - isn't it a dangerous situation?

MIKE
I would say difficult, not dangerous. Our closest friend lives there.

She begins to collect her things, repacking her doctor's bag. Theodore watches her a moment, not at all reassured.

THEODORE
Michaela, dear, I don't doubt Sully is well-intentioned, but I wonder if he isn't rather impulsive at times, misguided, even.
(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


31.


CONTINUED: 42

THEODORE (CONT'D)
I haven't wanted to pry about exactly why he was in jail -- but it does cause me some anxiety with regard to Brian.

MIKE
(surprised)
You're not suggesting Sully would do anything to endanger Brian?

THEODORE
(caught, backing off)
I assure you I didn't mean to imply that.

But he did, and they both know it. Mike decides to let it pass.

MIKE
(warmly)
It's wonderful that you take such an interest in Brian. In many ways he reminds me of Carleton.

THEODORE
Yes. Talented. Bright. Confident.

He turns toward the window, trying to hide emotions suddenly near the surface. His vulnerability surprises her.

MIKE
(softly)
I suppose one never stops grieving for a child.

He stares out, haunted by memory.

THEODORE
Not a day goes by that I don't miss him.

A beat. She moves to him, slips her arm through his.


EXT. CLINIC - DAY TWO. 43

Sully and Brian [arrive on horseback, with Wolf at their heels, and dismount.

BRIAN
I'll be over at the general store.

(CONTINUED)


31A.


CONTINUED: 43

SULLY
Meetcha there.

Brian starts away. Sully enters the clinic.


INT. CLINIC - DAY TWO 43A

Mike and Theodore look up as Sully enters.

SULLY
I figured out a way to save the Red Rocks.
(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


32.


CONTINUED: 43A

SULLY (CONT'D)
If I can find another route for the spur line, a better one, maybe I can talk the railroad into goin' another way.

MIKE
Is there a better route?

SULLY
Cloud Dancin' and the other Indians wondered 'bout Possum Valley - just north of Cripple Creek road? Might be a little longer but it's flat, an' prob'ly cheaper to build.

MIKE
That sounds like a wonderful solution.

SULLY
I'm goin' out there tomorrow to scout it and draw a map. Told Brian he could come 'long an' help.

THEODORE
You're taking Brian out there?
(at a look from Sully)
What about his piano lesson?

Sully exchanges a look with Mike. This man tries his patience. A beat.

SULLY
S'pose we could wait a day.
(he starts for door)
Got some gettin' ready to do.

Sully exits. Theodore] turns to Mike, dismayed.

THEODORE
Surely you won't let him go?

MIKE
I don't see why not.

Theodore grows agitated and increasingly insistent.

(CONTINUED)


33.


CONTINUED: (2) 43A

THEODORE
(shocked)
Out into a wilderness valley? Into a confrontation with the railroad?

MIKE
I assure you, Sully would never do anything that put Brian in danger.

THEODORE
(insisting)
Michaela, please, you must reconsider.

MIKE
(taken aback)
Uncle Teddy --

THEODORE
(vehement)
I will not allow it!

Mike looks at him, astonished. He's never spoken to her like this, and she resents his irrational demand.

MIKE
Brian is our son, not yours.

She turns her back and hurries into the clinic as we:

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO





34.


ACT THREE


FADE IN:


OMITTED (44-46) 46


EXT. GAZETTE - CLOSE ON NEWSPAPER IN WINDOW - DAY THREE 47

Headline reads: "DAM DYNAMITING COMPLETED".


+ANOTHER ANGLE 48

Theodore stands at the window, reading the article.

HANK (O.S.)
Mornin', Maestro.

Theodore turns to see Hank and Jake walking by.

THEODORE
Ah, good morning. I was just wondering -- is this the same dam that Sully was involved with?

JAKE
Yeah. He went up there to try an' 'persuade' the company to change their mind.

Hank and Jake laugh.

THEODORE
How is it Sully ended up in jail?

HANK
Things kinda got outa hand.

JAKE
Wasn't Sully's fault, though. Th'other guys started the shootin'.

THEODORE
The shooting - ?

JAKE
Yeah, big shoot-out.

OFF Theodore, now deeply alarmed --



35.


INT. CHURCH - DAY THREE 49

At the piano, Brian is playing a Bach invention. He's doing surprisingly well -- until he hits a wrong note and stops.

THEODORE
It's all in the fingering, here --
(pointing to music)
five, one, two, one, three. Try it again.

Brian plays the passage again -- correctly.

THEODORE
That's right -- exactly.

Theodore stops Brian.

THEODORE
There's a brilliant career waiting for you.

BRIAN
Ya mean - like you?

THEODORE
If you want it.

BRIAN
Playin' music? Makin' people feel what you feel?

THEODORE
Yes, that's right. But you can't get it here. You would need the proper training. In New York.

BRIAN
(awed)
New York! But -- who would teach me?

THEODORE
I would. I'd be happy to.

BRIAN
But, where would I live?

THEODORE
You can stay with me. Of course, you'd have to work very hard. But we'd go to the theater, and to the museum, and in summer we can have picnics in Washington Square...

Brian's eyes sparkle just imagining such a life. Theodore waits, watching approvingly, as it sinks in.

(CONTINUED)


36.


CONTINUED: 49

THEODORE
But you have to want it, more than anything. You must commit your life to music.

Brian isn't sure what this means.

BRIAN
What about Ma and Sully and Katie?

THEODORE
You can come back and visit them.
(a beat)
Think about it. We can talk more at tomorrow's lesson.

BRIAN
I won't be here. We're leavin' for Possum Valley in the mornin'.

Theodore smiles patiently.

THEODORE
But the recital is the following day. If you miss the final rehearsal, you won't be ready.

BRIAN
Maybe we could have the recital the day after.

THEODORE
I'm afraid I'll be gone by then.

BRIAN
I already told Sully I'd go with him.

THEODORE
This is what I mean by a commitment. You have to make a choice. You can go to Possum Valley any time. But the recital - this is a step toward your future.

OFF Brian, troubled and confused --


INT. GENERAL STORE - REVEREND'S ROOM - NIGHT THREE 50

The Reverend is sitting on the bed, taking off his shoes. Loren enters with tea on a tray, sets it next to the bed.

(CONTINUED)


37.


CONTINUED: 50

LOREN
Here we are...

He puts a cup of tea in the Reverend's hands. Stirs sugar into his own cup.

LOREN
Old habit I picked up from Dorothy. Had to have her cup a tea 'fore turnin' in.

Loren starts to put sugar in the Reverend's cup but stops himself. He puts the sugar bowl back down on the tray.

LOREN
If you want sugar, it's here.

The Reverend feels for the tray, finds the sugar bowl, takes a spoonful and steers it toward his cup, spilling about half alon

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