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screenplay: "Reefer Madness" 1936 movie script
Scenes
- Credits
- Intro
- Int. - Classroom - Night
- Int. - Mae's Apartment - Day
- Ext. - School Crossing On Main Street - Day
- Int. - Malt Shop - Day
- Ext. - Mary Lane's House - Day
- Int. - Bill Harper's House - Night
- Ext. - In Town, On Main Street - Day
- Int. - The Malt Shop - Day
- Int. - Mae's Apartment - Day
- Ext. - In Front Of Boss's Office - Day
- Int. - Inside Boss's Office - Day
- Ext. - In Front Of Boss's Office - Day
- Int. - Breakfast At Mary Lane's House - Day
- Int. - Government Office - Day
- Int. - Principal's Office - Day
- Ext. - Tennis Court - Day
- Int. - Mae's Apartment - Day
- Ext. - Mary Lane's House - Day
- Int. - Malt Shop - Day
- Int. - Mae's Apartment - Day
- Int. - Malt Shop - Day
- Int. - Courtroom - Day
- Int. - Apartment 32 - Day
- Int. - Boss's Office - Day
- Int. - Courtroom - Day
- Int. - Jury Room - Day
- Int. - Courtroom - Day
- Int. - Apartment 32 - Night
- Int. - Police Interrogation Room - Night
- Int. - Judge's Chamber - Day
- Int. - Courtroom, Judge's Bench - Day
- Int. - Classroom - Night
Stage direction, illustration selection (C)2008 Doug Snead
Screenplay dialog transcription and script reconstruction, Doug
Snead. Original content (C)2008 Doug Snead, as applicable
1. CREDITS
"Reefer Madness"
 | | Reefer Madness |
Formerly "TELL YOUR CHILDREN"
A G and H PRODUCTION
Copyrighted
|
The movie itself has long since passed into the public domain.
|
Original Story: Lawrence Meade
 | | Reefer Madness |
Screenplay: Authur Hoerl
Additional Dialogue: Paul Franklin
Directed by: Louis Gasnier
Associate Producer: Sam Siege
Chief Cameraman ... Jack
Greerhalgh, A.S.C.
Assistant Director ... Ray Nazzaro
Sound Director ... Hans Weeren
Musical Director ... Abe Meyer
Editor: Carl Pierson
Art Director: Robert Priestley
Properties: Lois Diege
Cast:
Dorothy Short as Mary
Kenneth Craig " Bill
Lillian Miles " Blanche
Dave O'Brien " Ralph
Thelma White " Mae
Carleton Young " Jack
Warren McCullom " Jimmy
Pat Royale " Agnes
Josef Forte " Dr. Carroll
Produced by George A. Hirliman
[TIME STAMP: 1:01]
2. INTRO
Scrolling text.
THE INCIDENTS AND CHARACTERS
PORTRAYED IN THIS MOTION PICTURE
ARE PURELY FICTIONAL AND ANY
SIMILARITY TO ACTUAL OCCURRENCES
AND LIVING OR DECEASED PERSONS IS
COINCIDENTAL.
FORWARD: The motion picture you are
about to witness may startle you .
It would not have been possible
otherwise, to sufficiently
emphasize the frightful toll of the
new drug menace which is destroying
the youth of America in alarmingly
increasing numbers. Marihuana is
that drug -- a violent narcotic --
an unspeakable scourge -- The Real
Public Enemy Number One !
Its first effect is sudden violent,
uncontrollable laughter, then come
dangerous hallucinations -- space
expands -- time slows down, almost
stands still.... fixed ideas come
next, conjuring up monstrous
extravagances
-- followed by emotional
disturbances, the total inability
to direct thoughts, the loss of all
power to resist physical emotions
leading finally to acts of shocking
violence ... ending often in
incurable insanity.
In picturing its soul- destroying
effects no attempt was made to
equivocate. The scenes and
incidents, while fictionized for
the purposes of this story, are
based upon actual research into the
results of Marihuana addiction. If
their stark reality will make you
think, will make you aware that
something must be done to wipe out
this ghastly menace, then the
picture will not have failed in its
purpose.
Because the dread Marihuana may be
reaching forth next for your son or
daughter ...or yours ... or YOURS!
[TIME STAMP: 2:56]
Fade in to big, important-looking newspaper presses, cranking
away a stream of newspapers.
[TIME STAMP: 3:03]
Montage of newspaper front-pages headlines screaming dope
(marihuana) is the enemy.
 | | note the slogan 'drug war' |
DOPE PEDDLERS CAUGHT IN HIGH
SCHOOL... POLICE RAID MARIHUANA
FLAT... FEDERALS AID POLICE IN DRUG
WAR . . . POLICE SMASH DRUG RING...
SCHOOL-PARENT ORGANIZATIONS JOIN
DOPE FIGHT...
[TIME STAMP: 3:19]
Fade in to newspaper classified ad.
"Come! Hear! Learn! MEETING TONIGHT
8:30 P.M. School-Parents
Association TRUMAN HIGH SCHOOL
AUDITORIUM DR. ALFRED CARROLL
Subject ... TELL YOUR CHILDREN
[TIME STAMP: 3:39]
3. INT. - CLASSROOM - NIGHT
Dr. Carroll is addressing a group of concerned parents.
DR. CARROLL
It must be stopped.
 | | expert/official/authority uses fear to get obedience |
You, and all the parent-school
groups about the country.
And you must stand united on this,
and stamp out this frightful
assassin of our youth!
You can do it by bringing about
compulsory education, on the
subject of narcotics in general;
(thumps desk)
The dread marihuana in particular.
That is the purpose of this meeting
ladies and gentlemen. To lay the
foundation for a nationwide
campaign by you,
(thumps desk)
To demand by law, such compulsory
education. Because it is only
through enlightenment, that this
scourge can be wiped out.
Out of the trafficking in these
drugs, a lawlessness that we can
scarcely estimate is grown and is
now flourishing.
It exists in almost every city and
hamlet in the country.
It might be interesting and
important for you to know some of
the methods used in bringing these
drugs into the country and the work
of the forces of law and order
which are daily combating the
traffic, always at the risk of life
by their agents.
This ceaseless fight against the
drug traffic is directed by the
Department of Narcotics,
Washington.
 | | Dr Carroll - he has the real facts |
(pause, rustles letter)
I have received a letter of vital
importance from a member of the
Narcotics Bureau. I'm going to read
this message to you.
(rustles letter, reading)
My dear Dr. Carroll, the
suppression of the use of marihuana
and of the forces lurking behind it
are the most important jobs this
department is now engaged in. At
the outset of this letter, there is
one vital fact I would like to
submit. There is a powerful agency:
I speak of the School-Parent
Association of this country. It can
be invaluable in stamping out this
scourge. Their help, their eternal
vigilance, could be the deciding
factor in our fight against it.
 | | Kids in school are in danger from reefer. The Army too. |
The weed marihuana is grown in
every state in the union. Recently
in the city of Brooklyn, New York,
a field of marihuana was found
behind a tenement court. The weed
was here being cultivated,
regularly stripped and dried and
sold in schools and at government
army posts, in and around New York.
The dried leaves and berries are
ground up and made into cigarettes,
by a simple hand machine.
The deadly narcotic is thus quickly
and easily prepared for the market.
The sale of marihuana is even more
difficult to detect and halt than
the traffic in drugs such as opium,
morphine and heroin. They are
hidden in fake jewelry cases, in
the heels of shoes, women's shoes
especially, because the drugs can
be secreted in false heels.
Hollow shaving brushes are another
means, books with false centers are
often used; watch cases make
convenient hiding places. The value
of drugs thus seized is enormous.
 | | huge supply of heroin was taken |
Recently a huge supply of heroin
was taken. It was concealed in an
apparently harmless shipment of
thirty-five barrels of olive oil.
The deadly drug was burned in the
incinerator of the Bureau of
Engraving and Printing.
(voice rising, with emphasis)
And more vicious, more deadly even
than these soul-destroying drugs,
is the menace of marihuana!
 | | propaganda theme link |
No doubt, many of you do not
believe that these things do
happen, that they cannot happen to
you. You may also believe that the
facts have been exaggerated.
Let me tell you of something that
happened right here, in our own
city. You probably read about it in
the papers; however I'll give you
the real facts, behind the case.
There was an apartment near one of
our high schools. It was run by a
woman known as Mae Coleman...
[TIME STAMP: 7:46]
4. INT. - MAE'S APARTMENT - DAY
Fade in to Mae's apartment, the bedroom. Jack enters. Mae is
asleep in bed. The bedroom is slightly messy.
JACK
Hey! Come on Mae, get up!
MAE
What's time is it?
JACK
Time to get up and give this place
a going-over. It looks like the
Marines have landed.
MAE
Well, that bunch last night was
high enough was to take over the
Marines and the Navy.
JACK
You better get on the job. Some of
the kids may be over this
afternoon.
MAE
Oh Jack, we can get along without
dragging those young kids up here.
JACK
Oh, why don't you button up your
lip? You're always squawking about
something. You got more static than
the radio.
Mae dresses in the bedroom, attaching her stockings; Jack starts
to fetch something from the kitchen cabinet, but is interrupted
by the door buzzer. Eddie and Gwen are at the door.
JACK
Ah, greetings!
EDDIE
Well hello Jack, how are you?
JACK
Fine, come in. Glad to see you.
Eddie and Gwen enter.
EDDIE
Is, uh, Mae in?
JACK
She'll be right in. Just sit down
and make yourselves comfortable.
GWEN
What kind of a joint is this,
Eddie?
EDDIE
Oh, its all right Gwen. They
probably had a party last night.
GWEN
(nodding, chuckling)
Oh...
Jack enters bedroom.
JACK
A couple of your customers, Mae.
MAE
Yeah? They're old enough to know
what they're doing. Not like those
young kids you bring up here.
JACK
(soothing)
All right. All right.
Look, I'm going to blow.
MAE
Where you going?
JACK
I've got to make some deliveries
and then I'll probably drop by
Joe's place and bring back a couple
of the kids.
MAE
Oh, I wish you'd lay off those
kids!
JACK
Oh, why don't you get over that
"mother" complex.
[TIME STAMP: 10:31]
5. EXT. - SCHOOL CROSSING ON MAIN STREET - DAY
A sign reads: "STOP SCHOOL CROSSING" held by a policeman. Teddy,
Kenny, and Ralph are walking down Main Street, chatting as they
walk.
 | | stop marijuana, before it kills kids |
TEDDY
Oh by the way Ralph, I'm sort of
giving a little party Friday
afternoon at my grandmother's. You
know the place with the swimming
pool? Would you like to come?
RALPH
Thanks Teddy, maybe I will.
TEDDY
I'd sure like to have you.
RALPH
Yeah, I'll probably drop over.
TEDDY
So long, Ralph.
RALPH
See you later.
Ralph and Teddy shake hands. Teddy and Kenny keep walking. Jack
enters, and stops to talk with Ralph.
JACK
Hey Ralph!
RALPH
How ya been?
JACK
Fine. And you?
RALPH
Great.
JACK
Where ya headed?
RALPH
Oh...
They spot Mary, down the street a little way.
RALPH
(admiring Mary)
Hey how do you like that? That's
the one I was telling you about.
JACK
Ve-ry nice!
A short distance away, Teddy and Kenny.
KENNY
I don't know why you want to make
such a fuss over that Ralph Wiley.
TEDDY
Aw, he's a swell swimmer. He made
the freshman team that year he went
to college. What's the matter?
KENNY
My dad knows his family. Father and
mother just got a divorce in Paris.
TEDDY
Yeah?
KENNY
You know, Ralph hangs around pretty
much on his own. He's been in a
couple of jams.
TEDDY
Yeah, well I only try to say hello
to him, I don't go around with him.
KENNY
Yeah, you better not, he's a little
too old for us, that's what my dad
says.
TEDDY
Hmmm.
[TIME STAMP: 12:01]
Down the street a bit, at Mary Lane's car, which is an open
convertible. The car is stopped and Mary is at the wheel. Bill,
who is standing, is talking to Mary. Jimmy Lane is in the back
seat. Ralph and Jack approach.
RALPH
Hello Mary! Hi Bill.
BILL
Hiya Ralph!
MARY
Oh, hello Ralph!
You know my brother Jimmy, don't
you?
RALPH
How are you?
JIMMY
Swell!
RALPH
I'd like you to meet a friend of
mine: Jack Perry. Mary, Bill.
BILL
Good to know you.
MARY
Hello!
JACK
(slyly)
Glad to know you.
We're going over to Joe's place,
why don't you come along?
BILL
We have a date to play a set of
doubles.
RALPH
Oh, you can play anytime. Come on!
We'll have some laughs.
MARY
Oh not today Ralph, maybe some
other time.
JIMMY
Can I go out with you? Sis, I'll be
back by dinner time.
RALPH
Sure!
MARY
(starts car)
Don't be late Jimmy!
JIMMY
(hops out of car)
I won't.
They walk to off to the malt-shop.
[TIME STAMP: 12:44]
6. INT. - MALT SHOP - DAY
Piano playing, kids dancing. Jack, Jimmy and Ralph enter. Joe,
the soda-jerk, is cleaning glasses.
JACK
Hello Joe!
JOE
Hi Jack!
AGNES
Jimmy! Jimmy!
JIMMY
(to Agnes)
Hi darlin'!
(listens to piano)
Hey, he ain't no paper man!
AGNES
Why don't you know him? That's
Hot-Fingers Pirelli!
JIMMY
He really swings out with a mess of
jive! Wanna dance?
AGNES
(smiles)
Sure!
At table with Ralph, Jack and Blanche.
JACK
Mae's expecting us at the apartment
a little later.
(to Blanche)
Any new prospects?
BLANCHE
Maybe.
She glances over at Jimmy and Agnes, who are dancing.
 | | Hot-Fingers Pirelli sneaks a reefer to play 'hot' music |
The piano player finishes, and Jimmy sits down and begins to
play. The piano player sneaks off to a closet, where he smokes a
marihuana cigarette with maniacal enjoyment. Jimmy finishes
playing.
AGNES
Oh Jimmy, you're wonderful!
JIMMY
You're just finding that out?
Agnes and Jimmy approach Jack and Blanche's table.
JACK
Why can't we go now?
BLANCHE
Sure. Say kids, we're having a
little party at my girlfriend's
apartment. Wouldn't you like to
come?
AGNES
I'd love to! You wanna come, don't
you Jimmy?
[TIME STAMP: 15:14]
JIMMY
Aw, sure! Anything with you!
BLANCHE
Well come on! We can all go in my
car.
RALPH
See ya later Joe.
JOE
So long.
They exit.
7. EXT. - MARY LANE'S HOUSE - DAY
Bill and Mary are walking together, behind Mary Lane's house.
Bill holds schoolbooks, Mary holds two tennis rackets. Bill
accidentally drops books, picks them up.
MARY
It's good of you to help me, Bill.
BILL
Well I'll try anything except
domestic sewing!
MARY
Why, Bill, don't you want to learn
something about running your own
home?
BILL
(laughs)
The answer is no!
You know, after that session we had
yesterday, I went home and told
mother that the trouble with her
pot-roast gravy was she hadn't
added three heaping teaspoons full
of olive oil!
They giggle.
MARY
What did she say?
BILL
She didn't say anything. She just
threw me out of the kitchen!
MARY
Well, I don't wonder!
Mrs. Lane enters.
MRS. LANE
Hello children!
MARY
Hello Mother.
BILL
Hello Mrs. Lane.
Mrs. Lane puts down a platter with hot chocolate and cookies in
front of the kids.
MARY
That was sweet of you Mother!
BILL
Gosh! Hot chocolate! Thanks Mrs.
Lane!
MRS. LANE
I know you can't study on empty
stomachs. Now enjoy yourselves.
MARY
We will!
BILL
We will too Mrs. Lane.
(to Mary, with affected
manners)
May I?
 | | wholesome fun (not using marihuana) |
MARY
(playing along)
Oh thank you kind sir!
You're so very, very kind!
They giggle.
BILL
Look at this, its swell!
MARY
Romeo and Juliet?
BILL
Don't you like it?
MARY
Uh huh.
BILL
You know, when I study this, I
kinda think of you. I read it as
though you're there, beside me.
Listen.
BILL
(reads dramatically)
It is my soul that calls upon thy
name, how silver sweet sound lovers
tongue by night. Like softest music
to attending ears.
MARY
Romeo!
BILL
My dear!
 | | Mrs. Lane, happy her kid is drug-free |
Mrs. Lane is about to come out, but sees the kids, and smiles
wholesomely.
MARY
What O'clock tomorrow shall I send
for thee?
BILL
By the hour of nine!
MARY
I will not fail. 'Tis twenty years
'til then.
They kiss, but Mrs. Lane arrives and interrupts them. Bill jumps
up, embarrassed.
BILL
(walks out, backwards)
Well, Uh ha. I'll see you tonight,
Mary! Goodbye Mrs. Lane. Ha ha. So
long!
Walking backwards, Bill pratfalls into a small pool, soaking the
seat of his pants.
 | | no marihuana needed |
BILL
Ow!
MARY
Oh Bill!
BILL
Uh, ha ha. I'm all right. Uh. Bye.
Bye!
[TIME STAMP: 17:27]
8. INT. - BILL HARPER'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Mr. and Mrs. Harper, Bill and Junior are at home.
JUNIOR
(runs to Mr Harper)
Hey daddy! daddy! Hey dad, got
anything for me?
MRS HARPER
Don't bother your father every
night!
JUNIOR
Aw, have ya?
Mr Harper hands Junior some candy. Bill enters.
MR HARPER
There you are
MRS HARPER
(to Bill)
What made you so late, Bill? I was
getting worried!
BILL
Aw, I had to study, Ma.
JUNIOR
He was not, I saw him out walking
with his girl!
JUNIOR
(taunting)
Bill's got a girl! Bill's got a
girlfriend!
BILL
Mom, make him cut it out!
MRS HARPER
Junior!
JUNIOR
Well Bill HAS got a girl.
MRS HARPER
Quiet! And put that candy away
until after dinner. Henry, you
shouldn't have given it to him.
JUNIOR
Well he has got a girlfriend and
her name is Mary!
BILL
I'll shut you up!
Bill chases Junior around the table.
MRS HARPER
Bill! Junior! Quit that carrying
on! Junior!
MR HARPER
Aw, let them alone. They're all
right. They're young.
JUNIOR
Bill's got a girl!
Bill catches Junior.
JUNIOR
I didn't mean it Bill, honest I
didn't!
BILL
Aw. Well, what I'm burnt up about
is that you didn't say that Bill
had a swell girl!
JUNIOR
Gee! It must be love! She HAS to be
swell for you to like her!
BILL
Uh Huh. Sounds like you want
something. Come on, what is it?
JUNIOR
Well, it's my model airplane. It
won't work. Gosh, Bill, you can fix
it. You can fix anything!
BILL
(laughs)
Ok, I'll fix it!
[TIME STAMP: 18:55]
9. EXT. - IN TOWN, ON MAIN STREET - DAY
Bill is standing in front of a store. Jimmy Lane, driving his
sister's convertible, pulls over.
JIMMY
Hey Bill!
Car rolls to a stop.
BILL
Oh hello Jimmy!
JIMMY
Mary told me to wait and tell you
she had to go home, 'cause her
mother wanted her to go to the
dress maker with her.
BILL
Oh thanks, Jimmy. Mmmm, must be
getting grown-up, I see Mary let
you have the car.
JIMMY
(proudly)
Yeah! Can I take you anyplace?
BILL
Hmmm, I wasn't going any place in
particular.
JIMMY
Well then, how about driving me
over to the, Joe's place with me?
I'll buy you a soda.
BILL
(laughing)
I never drink the stuff.
JIMMY
Well, gee, I'll buy you something
else.
BILL
Ok, you're on the hook for one
root-beer!
JIMMY
Swell!
Bill gets in the car with Jimmy, Jimmy starts it up.
[TIME STAMP: 19:30]
10. INT. - THE MALT SHOP - DAY
JOE
Hi Bill! Hi Jimmy.
BILL
Hi Joe!
JACK
Hey Jimmy!
BLANCHE
Hi Jimmy. Hello Bill. Come on!
Slide in.
BILL
Hello Blanche.
JIMMY
Hello Ralph. How ya been, Ralph?
RALPH
Oh hello Jimmy.
Waitress comes to table.
JIMMY
(to waitress)
Two sodas. Oh, I mean, one float
and one root beer.
(to Blanche)
How's Mae?
BLANCHE
Oh, she's fine. We're going up to
her apartment later.
JIMMY
Can Bill come along?
BLANCHE
Uh huh.
(To Bill)
Want to come?
BILL
Well--
JIMMY
Oh come on Bill, you'll get a kick
out of it.
BILL
(reluctantly)
Thanks just the same.
BLANCHE
Aw, come on Bill! Mary won't be
jealous!
JIMMY
Why sure, Bill! All the kids will
be there, its keen!
BILL
Well I don't know, I really
shouldn't... Well, ok.
[TIME STAMP: 20:17]
 | | Hot-Fingers Pirelli: reefer-crazed musician |
The malt shop piano player, "Hot-Fingers Pirelli" improvises in a
popular piano style of the day, and smiles maniacally.
[TIME STAMP: 20:28]
11. INT. - MAE'S APARTMENT - DAY
Music blaring, and high-school kids - boys in suits, girls in
knee-hemmed dresses - jitterbugging enthusiastically to jazz. The
sound of "crazy" laughter is heard in the background. Jack heads
to the door. The door buzzer sounds as Jack continues to the
door. Ralph, Jimmy, Blanche and Bill are there.
JACK
Hiya kids!
RALPH
Hello Jack, what do you say?
JACK
Yeah, come on in.
Jimmy joins Agnes on the couch with an embrace and kiss. Blanche
looks at Bill, who is beholding the scene in the room.
BLANCHE
Come on Bill, don't stand there!
Bill walks over to and sits by Blanche.
Mae enters.
BLANCHE
Mae! He's Bill Harper. He's ok.
BILL
(nervously)
Hello!
MAE
(warily)
Well, if you say so, it's all right
with me.
(shakes his hand)
I'll be back in a minute.
Mae leaves party in den, and enters the kitchen.
MAE
(to Jack)
There's a new one in today.
JACK
Yeah, Bill Harper. He's all right.
Blanche has got herself quite a yen
for him.
MAE
Not bad. I didn't think she had
that much taste.
JACK
She knows what she's doing. She's
got Ralph nuts about her, and now
she's got her hooked up with this
new kid.
MAE
(sees empty reefer box from
cabinet)
Hey, we haven't any more smokes.
You better run over and get some.
JACK
Why couldn't you find that out when
I was here this morning? Now I've
got my car at the shop.
MAE
Well, what of it? That kid out
there, Jimmy. He's got a car.
(hands Jack his jacket)
He'll take you.
JACK
(stands)
Oh, all right.
Jack dons jacket and leaves kitchen, enters den. There kids are
smooching; one pair scurry to the record player to put on another
record. Jimmy is making out with Agnes on a couch.
JACK
Hey Jimmy:
JIMMY
(standing)
Yeah?
JACK
I need to go over to Cedar Avenue
for a minute. You've got a car
haven't you?
JIMMY
Why yeah, its my sister's.
JACK
Mind giving me a lift?
JIMMY
Why, sure! Come on!
JACK
O. K.
"Satanic" jazz music (according to Anslinger, Hearst etc.) starts
to play - a seemingly happy tune.
[TIME STAMP: 22:25]
Jack and Jimmy exit. Blanche and a nervous Bill are seated
together, Ralph across the room. Another couple passionately
kisses and hugs on a couch across the room, as jazz music plays.
Bill looks nervously at the make-out scene on the couch. He
offers an ordinary tobacco cigarette to Blanche, seated next to
him.
BLANCHE
(uninterested)
No thank you.
Bill lights the tobacco cigarette.
Mae enters into living room with tray of ready-rolled reefers.
MAE
Well, here they are.
BLANCHE
(perks)
Oh, thanks!
Blanche enthusiastically reaches for a reefer across Bill's
bewildered face.
RALPH
(seated across the room)
Oh Mae, don't forget me!
MAE
(sourly)
I never forget you.
Mae hands Ralph a reefer.
Bill puffs on an ordinary tobacco cigarette.
BLANCHE
(taking Bill's cigarette,
handing him a reefer)
Oh dear, if you want a good smoke,
try one of these!
 | | just wanted a 'good' smoke |
Agnes puffs on her reefer, and smiles as if greatly enjoying it.
BLANCHE
(to Bill, who isn't smoking a
reefer)
I thought you were a sport!
(strikes a match, lights her
reefer)
Of course, if you're afraid...
Bill warily eyes the marihuana cigarette, and - as if to prove he
isn't afraid - puts it in his mouth.
 | | succumbing to peer pressure |
BLANCHE
(happily)
That's better! That's more like it!
(lights Bill's reefer)
I know you'll like it, really you
will. Just take a puff of it.
Bill takes a puff as Ralph laughs maniacally, reefer in hand.
12. EXT. - IN FRONT OF BOSS'S OFFICE - DAY
Boss's office is on a city street. Mary's car - a convertible
with the top down - driven by Jimmy pulls up, and Jack gets out.
JACK
Just be a minute, kid.
JIMMY
(anxiously)
Hey Jack, give me a cigarette
before you go, will you?
Jack warily gives him a reefer. Jimmy lights up while Jack enters
the boss's office.
[TIME STAMP: 24:15]
13. INT. - INSIDE BOSS'S OFFICE - DAY
 | | gangster Boss |
Boss is totaling something on a large and noisy hand-cranked
adding machine.
BOSS
Hello Jack.
JACK
Hi Boss.
BOSS
How's business?
JACK
Getting better every day. Those
kids sure go for it.
BOSS
Swell.
JACK
(counts money)
Had to run over for couple more
cartons. Ran short today.
BOSS
Uh huh.
Jack places some money on Boss's desk.
BOSS
(on the intercom)
Johnny - that's ten gross for Jack
Perry. Who? Pete Daley? All right,
send him in.
(to Jack)
It's all right, stay where you are.
Jack opens door for Pete, who enters.
PETE
(to Boss)
I want to talk to you.
BOSS
(nods)
All right, go ahead. Jack's OK.
What's the beef?
PETE
Listen, you never heard no beef
when I had to sell that rotten gin.
BOSS
(putting away the money)
You're after the dough aren't ya?
PETE
Yeah, well I don't need dough that
bad.
(disgusted)
Taking two-bit pieces from kids!
BOSS
There are millions of two-bit
pieces just beggin' to be taken.
Don't be a dope.
PETE
I'm just DOPE enough to draw the
line selling hop to kids!
BOSS
(in mock-conciliation)
All right, Pete. You know what my
policy has always been. If you boys
are not satisfied, I'm always glad
to have 'em retire... Retire,
"permanently".
So long.
Pete slowly leaves, but at the door, turns to Boss.
 | | pushers like corrupting kids |
PETE
I only wish you had a couple of
kids, so I could--
BOSS
Get out!
(to Jack)
All right Jack, pick up your stuff
and get out of here, it ought to be
ready by now.
JACK
Ok, Boss.
Boss resumes cranking his adding machine as Jack leaves.
14. EXT. - IN FRONT OF BOSS'S OFFICE - DAY
Jimmy, in the driver's seat, starts the car as Jack approaches.
Jimmy drunkenly tosses his lit marihuana cigarette butt to the
street.
JIMMY
(exhaling reefer smoke,
slurring words)
Let's go Jack, I'm red hot!
 | | reefer reckless |
JACK
Better be careful how you drive, or
the first thing you know, you'll be
ice cold.
Jimmy appears to pooh pooh the idea. The car starts back to Mae's
apartment, speeding through a 1930's Los Angeles.
JACK
Take it easy, kid!
JACK
Slow down - you'll kill somebody!
 | | proof marihuana kills |
Jimmy speeds on, running through a stop signal, striking down an
upright citizen of the town. Jimmy doesn't slow down or stop for
the elderly man who is left lying in the street. Concerned
onlookers gather around the critically injured man, as the
hit-and-run drivers keep going.
[TIME STAMP: 26:46]
15. INT. - BREAKFAST AT MARY LANE'S HOUSE - DAY
Mary eats her breakfast alone. Mrs. Lane enters the room with a
plate of toast.
MRS. LANE
Mary, you're not eating your
breakfast again. Bill Harper hasn't
been around lately. Anything wrong
between you two?
MARY
(crossly)
Why SHOULD there be anything wrong?
MRS. LANE
(soothing)
There shouldn't be I'm sure. And
what ever it is, it isn't serious,
I know.
MARY
I'm sorry Mother, for snapping at
you like that.
MRS. LANE
Don't worry about it, dear. Why
don't you speak frankly to Bill?
He'll be honest, whatever the
trouble is. I'm sure Bill Harper
never lied about anything.
MARY
Yes, that's right. Bill's mother
says he never lies.
MRS. LANE
There, you see?
MARY
You think it would be all right, if
I speak to him about it?
MRS. LANE
Why, of course!
Jimmy enters room, looking guilty.
MRS. LANE
Oh Jimmy.
(kissing him)
JIMMY
Hello mom.
MRS. LANE
Sit down, darling, and I'll have
your breakfast for you in a moment.
Jimmy sits at table. Mrs. Lane leaves room.
|
the movie appears to be broken and missing a few seconds here
|
MARY
... Jimmy!
 | | what, me worry? |
JIMMY
What have I got to worry about?
MARY
Why don't you tell me?
JIMMY
Oh for Pete's sake, don't start to
cross examine me, will ya? I'm all
right.
MARY
Jimmy! Don't let Mother see you
like this!
Mrs. Lane enters room with Jimmy's breakfast, Jimmy straightens
up. Mrs. Lane serves Jimmy breakfast.
16. INT. - GOVERNMENT OFFICE - DAY
A big, important-looking, Government building.
Fade in to office door, plaque reading, FEDERAL OFFICES, Bureau
Of Investigation. Fade in to inside of office where Dr. Carroll
is sitting in front of a G-man, who is seated at a 1930's
government desk.
DR. CARROLL
There is no doubt, that there is an
organized gang, distributing the
narcotic, to students. Not only in
my school, but all over the city.
You government men have got to find
some way to put an end to it!
 | | marihuana = DOPE |
MR. WYATT
Of course I agree with you, Dr.
Carroll, but do you realize that
marihuana is not like other forms
of DOPE? You see it grows wild in
almost every state of the union.
Therefore, there is practically no
interstate commerce in the drug. As
a result, the government's hands
are tied. And frankly, the only
sure cure, is a widespread campaign
in education.
DR. CARROLL
Oh, its all right to talk about
education Mr Wyatt, but we
educators can't do anything until
the public is sufficiently aroused.
MR. WYATT
Let me show you something. In 1930,
the records on marihuana in the
Washington office, narcotics
division, scarcely filled a small
folder like this. Today, they fill
cabinets.
 | | marihuana causes much mayhem |
Walks over to some filing cabinets.
MR. WYATT
All these, devoted to marihuana
records.
Taking a folder, Mr Wyatt walks back to the desk with Dr.
Carroll.
MR. WYATT
Here is an example. A sixteen
year-old lad, apprehended in the
act of staging a holdup. Sixteen
years old, and a marihuana addict.
Here is a most tragic case.
DR. CARROLL
Yes, I remember. Just a young boy.
Under the influence of the drug, he
killed his entire family with an
axe.
MR. WYATT
Then there is the most vicious kind
of case. Here.
He hands Dr. Carroll a clipping.
MR. WYATT
In Michigan, a young girl,
seventeen years old - a reefer
smoker - taken in a raid in the
company of five young men.
Dr. Carroll frowns.
MR. WYATT
Here is a particularly flagrant
case.
DR. CARROLL
Yes, I remember the newspapers made
quite a play of it. In West
Virginia, wasn't it?
MR. WYATT
Yes, and there are hundreds of them
coming up, new ones every day.
DR. CARROLL
I'd like to take these records, if
I may. I feel they would be of
invaluable assistance to me, in
combating the evil in my school.
MR. WYATT
You're very welcome, Dr. Carroll.
DR. CARROLL
Thank you.
[TIME STAMP: 30:20]
17. INT. - PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
Bill enters. Dr. Carroll is seated at his desk.
DR. CARROLL
Sit down, Bill.
Bill sits.
 | | Are you on drugs, Bill? |
DR. CARROLL
There seems to be something wrong.
What is it? You were always a fine
student. You always had excellent
grades.
BILL
Oh I guess the work is getting a
little harder, Doctor Carroll.
DR. CARROLL
No. No, it isn't that. Bill, I'd
like to help you. But of course I
can't unless you let me. You're
undermining your health.
BILL
No, there's nothing Doctor Carroll,
really there isn't. I'll study
harder, honest!
DR. CARROLL
Honest? If you were being honest
with me and honest with yourself,
I'm afraid you'd tell me an
entirely different story. Bill,
I'm, I'm going to ask you a
straightforward question, and I'd
like to have a straightforward
answer.
 | | Bill looks guilty |
Bill avoids eye contact, looks away nervously.
BILL
Yes sir.
DR. CARROLL
Isn't it true that you have -
perhaps unwillingly - acquired a
certain harmful habit, through
association with certain
undesirable people?
Bill looks away, frowns, and wrings his hands.
DR. CARROLL
Well?
BILL
Oh, no sir, I haven't Doctor
Carroll. Well, that is, you see,
I'm worried about something at
home.
 | | if you ever want to confide in me, no one will ever be the wiser |
DR. CARROLL
All right my boy, we'll just have
to let it go at that. But remember,
if you ever want to confide in me,
no one will ever be the wiser.
BILL
Thank you, Doctor Carroll.
[TIME STAMP: 31:49]
18. EXT. - TENNIS COURT - DAY
 | | I'm waiting for someone |
Mary is dressed for tennis with racket in hand, waiting. Kenny,
also dressed for tennis and with racket, enters.
KENNY
Hello, Mary. You wanna play a set?
MARY
Thanks Kenny, but I'm waiting for
someone.
KENNY
Well if you're waiting for Bill, he
hasn't been here in weeks.
Mary, upset, quickly turns and stomps off.
[TIME STAMP: 32:02]
19. INT. - MAE'S APARTMENT - DAY
Blanche, obviously high on reefer, dances in a drunken manner.
Ralph and other kids are sitting. A stoned Bill is standing on
the other side of the room, facing Blanche and smiling.
BLANCHE
Come on Jimmy, play something hot!
Jimmy walks to piano with Agnes in tow and begins to play.
Blanche dances and starts to shed clothing.
 | | Come on Billy |
BLANCHE
Come on Billy, dance with me! Ah,
ha ha ha!
An intoxicated Bill begins to dance with Blanche. They dance
towards the bedroom.
In the kitchen, Mae fixes a drink. Jack enters, but peeks back at
the scene in the living room.
JACK
Didn't take that new kid long to
catch on.
MAE
(pouring drink)
Don't take any of 'em long.
Jack walks to the refrigerator and pulls out some food.
MAE
Say, don't you ever get fed?
JACK
You're feeding me, can't you see?
(Sits at table to eat)
Get me a knife and fork, will ya?
MAE
Get it yourself.
Back in the living room, Bill dances an intoxicated Blanche back
to the bedroom, as she laughs and doffs clothing. Ralph, watching
the couple dance from the living room, remains seated, and smokes
from his reefer, laughing madly.
 | | Come on, Bill! |
BLANCHE
Come on, Bill! Come on! Come on!
In the bedroom, Blanche embraces Bill, and closes the door with
her foot behind her. As the piano dins in the background, the
couple giggle and remove articles of Blanche's clothing.
She lays down on a divan, pulling Bill down with her.
BLANCHE
Come on! Come on...
Bill lays with her, embracing her. Bill's hand innocently goes
around her, but Blanche places Bill's hand down there; just below
where we can see.
Back in the living room, Jimmy is attempting to play the piano,
while Agnes distracts him by kissing him. Ralph continues to
smoke his reefer, ogling couples making out, cackling maniacally.
[TIME STAMP: 34:24]
20. EXT. - MARY LANE'S HOUSE - DAY
Fade in to Mary Lane's front door, where two police investigators
want to ask Mary some questions.
INVESTIGATOR
Morning, miss. We're from the
Police Department.
MARY
Good morning.
INVESTIGATOR
We're tracing a hit and run driver.
Someone caught the license number
at the place of the accident but
didn't get it quite right. And
we're checking all numbers like it,
and yours was one of them.
MARY
Well I'll try to help you.
INVESTIGATOR
Do you remember what you did on the
29th of last month?
MARY
Oh, that was the day before
Mother's birthday.
Oh yes I remember that because I
left school and went directly to
the dress-maker's with Mother. I
was there all afternoon.
INVESTIGATOR
Did you happen to loan your car to
a couple of men?
MARY
(nervously)
No. No, I had the car all afternoon
myself.
INVESTIGATOR
Well, thanks Miss, sorry to have
troubled you.
MARY
Tell me, er, did they, was the
person, killed?
INVESTIGATOR
Fortunately he wasn't, but that's
still no excuse for hit and run
driving.
They leave, and Mary, pensively, closes the door.
[TIME STAMP: 35:36]
21. INT. - MALT SHOP - DAY
Fade in to Mary, entering the empty Malt shop. She approaches the
soda-jerk, Joe, who is cleaning glasses.
MARY
Had Jimmy Lane been here today?
JOE
(eyes Mary suspiciously)
He was in. He went over to Mae's
place. You know where that is.
MARY
Well... he was going to wait for me
here... So, he didn't, give me
Mae's address. Are you sure Jimmy
didn't leave any message for me -
Mary?
JOE
No he didn't.
(eyes Mary)
But I guess you're OK. I'll write
it down for you.
Joe jots down Mae's address for a nervous Mary.
[TIME STAMP: 36:00]
22. INT. - MAE'S APARTMENT - DAY
The door-buzzer sounds. Ralph answers, and it is Mary.
RALPH
Mary!
He shakes her hand, pulling her in the apartment at the same
time.
RALPH
Come right in!
MARY
Is Jimmy here?
RALPH
He's around somewhere, I, I think
he went out to take Agnes home.
He'll be right back. Come in and
sit down Mary. And let me take your
coat.
Fade in to kitchen, Jack and Mae are there.
MAE
Who's the new kid who just came in?
JACK
Oh it's that gal that Ralph has
gone overboard for. It's funny, he
hasn't been able to get her up here
before.
Back in the living room with Ralph and Mary, Mary is looking
around for the first time. Ralph whispers to passed-out couple on
the couch.
RALPH
(whispering to groggy couple)
Hey! Hey! Scram, will ya?
The sleepy make-out couple obediently leaves. Ralph joins Mary
who is sitting on the couch.
[TIME STAMP: 37:00]
Ralph slyly takes a reefer - disguised as an ordinary smoke, and
lights it. He exhales a cloud of smoke which passes in front of
Mary's face. He hands her a reefer. Mary is pensively staring off
in the distance.
RALPH
Smoke, Mary?
MARY
Thanks.
 | | Mary smokes marihuana |
Ralph carefully observes Mary as she taps the cigarette on the
back of her hand, as if it were an ordinary tobacco one.
MARY
(looking away, distracted)
Are you sure Jimmy will be back
soon?
RALPH
(striking a match)
Sure, any minute.
Mary lights her smoke, and inhales, seemingly not noticing that
this is a dread marihuana reefer, and not a tobacco-filled
cigarette. She puffs a few times. Ralph watches Mary, waiting for
the drug to take effect. Mary puffs away, distracted.
Back in the bedroom, Blanche is wakening from a post-romp
slumber. A remorseful Bill stares out the window, away from
Blanche. Both look like they have fallen asleep with their
clothes on. Blanche stretches, revealing she's down to her slip,
Bill's bow-tie is undone. Bill looks at Blanche and puts his head
in his hands.
Back to the living room, where Mary is now giggling from the
marihuana. She tosses her reefer, and giggles. Ralph hands her
his and she giggles again.
Meanwhile, into the kitchen with Mae and Jack. Jack pours Mae a
bit from a bottle of booze. Mae has a lit cigarette.
MAE
(eyeing the puny shot)
Say, what's the matter, an orphan?
RALPH
(filling the glass)
Where do you put it, you got a
hollow leg?
MAE
(tipsily)
Thank you.
Mary (with Ralph in the living room), puts out the reefer she's
holding, and holds her head.
RALPH
(taking her arm)
How do you feel, Mary?
He puts his arm around her. Mary pushes him away.
RALPH
(persistently)
Oh Mary.
He forces himself on her, but she struggles.
MARY
(trying to get away)
No. No! No, stop it! Stop! Stop!
Ralph is practically on top of her, holding her down.
MARY
(trying harder to get away)
No! Leave me alone! Leave me alone!
She struggles, but Ralph won't stop.
Back to the bedroom, a groggy and stoned Bill stumbles to the
door.
In the living room.
MARY
(struggling)
No! Leave me alone!
RALPH
(forcing her)
It's all right, Mary!
Ralph continues to forcefully hold Mary as she struggles. He
begins to unzip her dress.
MARY
(screams)
Aaaa!
Bill stumbles out of the bedroom and sees the two struggling.
Fade in to scene in Bill's imagination. In Bill's blurry
imagination, Mary is unzipping her dress and happily submitting
to Ralph. Bill goes in and out of focus as he imagines Mary is
stripping for Ralph. Bill (due to the marihuana) somehow can't
see that Ralph is forcing himself on poor Mary, who is screaming
and violently struggling to get free.
Bill stumbles over and grabs Ralph, and Ralph and Bill begin to
fight.
From the kitchen, Jack hears the commotion, grabs his pistol from
his jacket, and enters the fracas in the living room. Jack grabs
Bill. As Bill and Jack wrestle, the gun goes off.
Mary has been fatally wounded and lies dead, a neat bullet hole
in her back (coincidentally where her dress was unzipped and
pulled down by Ralph): the bullet has pierced Mary's heart.
Bill and Jack continue to struggle until Jack pistol-whips Bill
and knocks Bill out. Blanche and Mae look on.
BLANCHE
(looking at Mary)
Ralph, Ralph! Look!
RALPH
Jack, is she all right?
JACK
(examines Mary's body, then
pauses)
She's dead.
Mae and Blanche visibly recoil from the news.
JACK
(thinking)
Mae, get me some water.
Mae exits.
 | | marihuana killed Mary |
JACK
(to Ralph and Blanche)
Now listen you two, I want you to
get out of here. Get out of here
and forget you were ever in here
today. I'll handle this. Now get
going!
Blanche and Ralph exit.
Jack takes his pistol, wipes it with his handkerchief, and -
kneeling next to a still knocked-out Bill - places the gun in
Bill's hand. Mae arrives with the water.
JACK
(taking the pitcher of water)
Give it to me.
Jack sprinkles some water on Bill's face, and Bill starts to
awaken.
JACK
Here.
Jack gives the pitcher back to Mae, and helps a groggy Bill back
to his feet. Bill is holding the gun now, but doesn't know it.
Jack points Bill at Mary's lifeless body.
BILL
Mary!
Bill looks down at his hand, which is holding the gun. He drops
the gun in bewilderment and crouches next to Mary's body.
BILL
(gently shakes her)
Mary!
BILL
(to Jack)
What happened?
JACK
You killed her.
Bill breaks down and begins to weep over Mary. Jack and Mae step
back as Bill cries.
JACK
(To Mae)
Look. After I scram, you call the
cops. And this is your story,
remember it. These two kids came up
here for a couple of beers. You
were out in the kitchen, you heard
the shot. When you got in here,
that's what you found. Just stick
to that story.
BILL
(cradling Mary's lifeless
head)
Mary! Mary... speak to me! Mary!
[TIME STAMP: 42:49]
23. INT. - MALT SHOP - DAY
A somber piano piece piano piece is playing. Jack enters, looks
around, and heads for Jimmy's booth where Jimmy is with some
cheerful kids. Jack taps Jimmy on the shoulder. Jimmy startles
when he sees Jack. Jack signals Jimmy, and they move to a private
booth.
JIMMY
(looking around nervously)
Hello, Jack.
JACK
I was just talking to a friend of
mine. A cop. A sergeant on the
homicide squad. That guy you hit
that day, died.
 | | just talking to a friend |
Jack looks at a worried Jimmy.
JIMMY
Died? You - I mean, you didn't--
JACK
No. I didn't crack, and I'm not
going to. Nobody will ever know you
were driving that car.
JIMMY
Thanks Jack--
JACK
Just as long as you keep your mouth
shut you were ever at Mae's
apartment.
JIMMY
Why sure Jack, sure.
JACK
O. K.
[TIME STAMP: 44:02]
Fade in newspaper headline: HARPER MARIHUANA SLAYING TRIAL OPENS.
24. INT. - COURTROOM - DAY
Fade in to courtroom.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Your Honor, I'd like to recall
Doctor Alfred Carroll to the stand.
JUDGE
Call Doctor Alfred Carroll to the
stand.
Dr. Carroll sits in the witness booth.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Doctor Carroll, as Principal of the
Lakeside High School, did you,
during the last three months,
notice any changes in the demeanor
and attitude of your student,
William Harper?
 | | errors in time and space |
DR. CARROLL
Yes, in a number of things. For
example, at times, dissociation of
ideas. In uh, another instance, I
happened to attend the recent
interscholastic tennis matches. And
while Bill Harper, had been
considered an exceedingly good
player, I saw him miss the ball by
as much as three or four feet. This
I understand could be attributed to
the use of marihuana. It causes
errors in time and space.
PROSECUTOR
Objection your honor! The witness
isn't qualified to express opinions
upon the effects of narcotics.
JUDGE
Sustained. Doctor Carroll has been
called merely as a character
witness.
DEFENSE
Well then, although you didn't know
with your own knowledge that the
defendant was using marihuana, did
you notice any changes that wold
lead you to believe (as an
educator) that he was under some
severe mental strain might might
possibly have be induced by some
drug?
DR. CARROLL
Yes, I recall distinctly a few
weeks ago. It was during a class of
English Literature. There was a
serious discussion of Shakespeare's
Romeo and Juliet, when he suddenly
burst into an uncontrollable fit of
hysterical laughter.
Bill's parents watch the proceedings apprehensively.
DEFENSE
By the way, Doctor Carroll. Six
months ago, what would have been
your opinion regarding the
character of my client?
DR. CARROLL
He was a fine upstanding American
boy: a good scholar; a good
athlete, and representative of the
caliber of young men we are proud
to graduate from our school.
[TIME STAMP: 46:10]
25. INT. - APARTMENT 32 - DAY
In a new, smaller "hide-out" -type apartment, Ralph sits
nervously smoking a reefer and talking to Blanche.
BLANCHE
(to Ralph)
Oh, snap out of it, will ya?
(thinking out loud)
Not our fault. Why'd I ever bring
him up there, anyway? He's just a
kid. Can't hang him.
 | | Shut up, shut up! |
RALPH
(exhaling smoke, with maniacal
look)
Shut up, shut up!
BLANCHE
Why don't you let yourself go?
Talk! Go off your nut, and have me
that way too. It was his own fault,
wasn't it?
RALPH
(exhaling smoke, with crazed
look)
Shut up! They've got us hidden out,
haven't they? The cops can't find
us.
Mae looks and listens from the next room. Jack is stretched out
on a cot reading a paper.
MAE
(hushed, to Jack)
Jack! Jack, I want to get out of
here.
JACK
You're gonna stay here just as long
as we have to keep those two under
cover. 'Til the trial's over - or
the boss gets a better idea.
MAE
But they're getting on my nerves!
JACK
It can't last much longer. I'm not
worried about her. We gotta keep
him gagged.
MAE
Oh, he's about ready to crack.
JACK
All you gotta do is keep him from
having too many reefers.
MAE
Any day now that punk'll get hot.
He'll probably spill and tell all
he knows if he gets a chance.
JACK
(rising to his feet)
I don't think he'll get it.
(donning jacket)
I'll see you later.
MAE
Where are you going?
JACK
I'm gonna see the boss.
Jack exits as Mae primps in a mirror.
[TIME STAMP: 47:49]
26. INT. - BOSS'S OFFICE - DAY
Boss is seated. Jack enters.
BOSS
Hello Jack.
JACK
Hello Boss.
Jack sits in a chair in front of boss's desk.
JACK
What are we gonna do about that
Wiley guy?
BOSS
Still jittery, huh?
JACK
I don't know what the punk's gonna
do.
BOSS
Keep feeding him those hop sticks.
JACK
That's what Mae's been doing.
That's no good. I've gotta hunch
he's due to crack when that Harper
verdict comes in. If he's on the
tea, he's liable to take a powder
on us, and blow his top to the D.A.
BOSS
You mean we'd all be better off if
he never, uh, heard the verdict?
Jack nods.
BOSS
Well, what are you waiting for?
Jack makes an O.K. sign, and winks.
[TIME STAMP: 48:36]
Newspaper headline, "HARPER VERDICT EXPECTED TONIGHT".
27. INT. - COURTROOM - DAY
Fade in to courtroom, where the prosecutor is making his final
summation to the jury.
 | | prosecutor |
PROSECUTOR
You ladies and gentlemen of the
jury, have a duty to perform; a
duty to yourselves, and to our
community. Mary Lane is dead.
The jury recoils at the word "dead".
PROSECUTOR
The evidence you've heard at this
trial, could not have failed to
convince you of the guilt of the
defendant.
(pointing at Bill)
By his own admission, he pressed
the trigger of the weapon that sent
lovely and innocent Mary Lane to a
tragic and untimely death.
A grieving Mrs. Lane is in the courtroom, sobbing into a
handkerchief.
 | | Mrs. Lane |
PROSECUTOR
We are not so much concerned about
the motives behind the deed, as to
the deed itself. While the
defendant has told you that he saw
someone attacking Mary Lane, and
that his mind went blank from that
moment on, the defense has been
unable to produce one witness to
substantiate that statement. Now
ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
you've heard able men testify at
this trial. Men who were proud to
bring out the fact that the
defendant might have become
momentarily insane when he fired
the shot that killed Mary Lane. But
the defense has been unable to
prove that he was insane. William
Harper was sane when he visited the
apartment where the tragedy
occurred. He was in the habit of
visiting the place. He was sane
when he went to bed with another
young women.
Bill attempts to hide his face. His lawyer gently pulls him up to
face the prosecutor.
PROSECUTOR
You've all heard what went on in
that room. You heard it from the
defendant's own lips. Involved, as
he was, in a tawdry love affair,
Mary Lane was in the way. She had
found him out. In a moment of
anger, he deliberately and
willfully, killed her. If such
deeds are permitted to go
unpunished, this community would
cease to be a decent and safe place
for us or our children to live. I
do not believe I need to plead, or
even demand, that you bring in a
verdict to punish the defendant for
the crime he has committed against
society. You are upright citizens.
That is why you were chosen to
judge another. And as honest,
upright citizens, there is only one
verdict which you could find. And
that is, a verdict of guilty!
CLERK
(not seen)
And this court will be adjourned
until the jury's verdict is
reached.
[TIME STAMP: 51:09]
28. INT. - JURY ROOM - DAY
Jurors are seated about a table.
JUROR1
I suppose you all feel the same
about this case.
JUROR2
But he might have been insane when
he did it--
JUROR3
No he wasn't.
JUROR1
He knew what he was doing.
JUROR2
But, supposing he was insane?
JUROR1
You'll never get me to believe it
nor anybody else. We'll take a
first vote.
 | | swinging hypnotic pendulum |
Jurors write something on small sheets of paper, hand them to
Juror1.
JUROR1
(opens, examines sheets of
paper)
Eleven for conviction, one for
acquittal.
JUROR2
But there's a reasonable doubt
about the boy's sanity. We can't--
A cord for a pull cord lamp situated over the table swings
pendulously.
JUROR1
No doubt about the fact that he
murdered her. He admitted it
himself. That wasn't the first time
he was there.
 | | pendulum, noose |
Juror1 stares in the direction of the swinging cord, a portrait
of George Washington off to the right. The (hypnotically)
swinging cord fades into a swinging hangman's noose.
[TIME STAMP: 52:15]
JUROR1
We gotta make an example, before
boys like that contaminate all of
our children. We can't have every
murderer hiding behind the guise
that he's insane.
Two upright lady jurors nod in agreement.
One lady writes "guilty" - dotting the "i" and crossing the "t"
of the word.
JUROR1
Sure they see red before they kill
somebody. But who's fault is it?
29. INT. - COURTROOM - DAY
The reading of the verdict. The jurors file in the jury box.
JUDGE
Have you reached a verdict?
JUROR1
We have.
JUDGE
The defendant will rise.
Bill stands.
JUDGE
What is your verdict?
JUROR1
We find the defendant guilty as
charged.
MRS. HARPER
No!
(sobs)
In the courtroom, Mae is in attendance.
[TIME STAMP: 54:18]
30. INT. - APARTMENT 32 - NIGHT
A somewhat disheveled Ralph - darkened eyes - is pacing
nervously, Blanche is playing a stormy piano piece.
RALPH
Stop that racket. Stop it!
BLANCHE
What's the matter with you? You
give me the creeps.
Ralph, looking crazy, laughs a demented laugh, notices the empty
box of reefers.
RALPH
Mae. Mae!
Mae enters.
MAE
What do you want?
RALPH
(madly)
Bring me some reefers!
Mae reluctantly leaves to get some. Blanche resumes playing, as
Ralph paces nervously.
RALPH
They're going to hang him.
(almost crying)
Blanche, they're going to hang him!
BLANCHE
Aw come on, get a hold of yourself.
Mae enters with the reefers.
MAE
Here ya are.
Ralph's attention focused on box of reefers, he grabs one,
laughing maniacally. He lights it.
MAE
Now quit that crazy laughing!
RALPH
Where's Jack? I want to get out of
here.
MAE
They'll pick you up and hang you,
if you don't pipe down.
RALPH
I wanna see Jack. Jack. I wanna see
Jack. Jack...
MAE
(to Blanche)
You better quiet him.
BLANCHE
I can't do anything with him.
Ralph sits and puffs the reefer, laughing in a crazy manner.
RALPH
(thinking)
I've gotta see Jack. We can't let
that kid hang.
(begins to weep)
MAE
He'll be here, don't worry, he'll
be here in a little while.
RALPH
I've got to see him. I've got to
see him.
Mae walks over to Blanche, and motions for Blanche to begin
playing the piano again. She begins a stormy, dramatic piece.
Ralph looks distressed and sobs.
RALPH
(sobbing)
Oh!
Blanche stops playing and goes over to Ralph.
BLANCHE
Don't worry darling, everything
will be over soon.
She kisses him on the cheek.
BLANCHE
You want me to play something for
you?
RALPH
Yeah. Yeah, that's it. Play
something.
BLANCHE
All right. Come on.
Blanche leads Ralph to the piano and begins to play, as Ralph
smokes a reefer.
BLANCHE
Honey, give me a smoke, will ya?
He lights another reefer and hands it to her. She inhales and
kisses him. She begins to play again, as he smokes.
RALPH
(maniacal look)
Faster. Faster!
She begins to bring up the tempo.
 | | play it faster |
RALPH
(maniacally)
Play it faster! Faster! Play it
faster.
RALPH
(fingers twitching)
Faster.
Blanche, with wild look, and reefer in mouth, plays it faster.
Ralph, smoking, seems to be maniacally enraptured with the music.
Tossing his (lit) reefer (on the carpet) he holds his head with
his hands, thinking. Ralph hears Jack enter the apartment.
Blanche stops playing as Jack enters.
RALPH
(standing, facing Jack)
I know what you want. You want to
kill me.
JACK
You're crazy. Take it easy kid. I
just want to talk to you.
 | | he knows what they want |
Jack begins to pull a pistol out of his jacket. But Ralph is
ready with a fireplace poker, and proceeds to bash Jack over the
head. Jack falls, but Ralph continues to beat him with the
fireplace poker, over and over. Blanche crazily cries. Mae
enters, and screams. Blanche screams and crazily cries/laughs.
Ralph madly continues to beat a now thoroughly-dead Jack.
Downstairs, the apartment manager lady calls the police.
MANAGER LADY
Hurry! Hurry! There's a terrible
fight going on! Yes, yes. Apartment
thirty two.
Back upstairs, Blanche comforts a deranged Ralph, who is still
holding the fireplace poker. Police enter the apartment. Blanche
tries to run, but Ralph just sits, holding the fireplace poker,
staring. The police grab Blanche.
BLANCHE
Stop it! Stop it! Get off of me!
Get your hands off of me! Stop it!
Take your hands off me! Stop it!
Cops exit with Blanche, Ralph, and Mae.
[TIME STAMP: 59:36]
31. INT. - POLICE INTERROGATION ROOM - NIGHT
The police interrogation room is dark, except for a single lamp.
Mae is under the lamp, getting the third degree from two
cigar-smoking cops. Montage of clips of Mae getting the third
degree, with voice-overs of cops.
 | | Mae gets the third degree |
MAE
Give me a glass of water.
TOUGH COP
Who's behind you?
MAE
No, no, no!
TOUGH COP
You'll hang if you don't talk. Who
is Jack Perry? Are you ready to
tell what you know?
MAE
Yes! I'll talk.
Cops allow Mae some water.
[TIME STAMP: 59:55]
 | | police grab Boss |
A short "calling all cars" 1920's montage of a police dispatcher
talking into some big, important-looking 1920's style radio
equipment. Wailing sirens follow. Clips of 1920's police
motorcycles and 1920's police cars are shown. Appears to be stock
footage thrown together.
A policeman slowly breaks down door with an axe. Boss is inside.
Boss reaches (slowly) for a gun, but police grab Boss and take
him without violence. On go the handcuffs.
[TIME STAMP: 1:00:36]
Newspaper headline: "HARPER CASE GANG LEADERS CAPTURED - All
Higher-ups Of Gang Behind Scenes In Harper Case Taken Into
Custody - SWIFT ACTION PROMISED".
Fade in to door plaque reading: "JUDGE'S CHAMBER".
[TIME STAMP: 1:00:44]
32. INT. - JUDGE'S CHAMBER - DAY
The judge, Blanche, and some lawyers are seated around a table.
LAWYER
If we can gain some measure of
leniency for my client, she is
prepared to enter a plea of guilty,
and, in addition, turn state's
evidence in the case of William
Harper.
JUDGE
I regret that this court is not
prepared, to bargain with justice.
BLANCHE
(rises to her feet,
determined)
I'll tell anyway. I was there. I
saw it. I know who killed Mary. And
I'll tell you who killed Mary Lane.
It wasn't Bill. It was Jack. Jack
Perry. He shot Mary then he put the
gun in Bill's hand. We were all up
at the apartment one afternoon, and
Mary came in looking for her
brother. Bill and I, we'd been in
another room. And Bill came in, he
caught Ralph with Mary so he
started to fight. But it was Jack
who had the gun. He was gonna hit
Bill over the head with it to make
him stop. And then, then the gun
went off.
(emotional, almost weeping)
I saw it. I can see it now! It was
horrible! And, before we knew it,
Mary was, Mary was, dead!
(sits)
But you see, Judge, Bill didn't
know that he hadn't killed Mary. He
was so doped up they made him think
he had. Ralph wanted to tell you
too.
(weeping)
Oh, if they'd only let him! But
this is the truth, Judge. I'm
telling you the truth. After Jack
saw that Mary was dead, he put the
gun in Bill's hand! It was Jack's
fault. And it was my fault too. I
got all of 'em to come up to the
apartment. I'm just as much to
blame. I am.
(really blubbering now)
I am!
JUDGE
Do I understand you wish to plead
guilty to a charge of fostering
moral delinquency in the case of
William Harper?
BLANCHE
(loudly blubbering)
Yes, yes, I'm guilty, I am!
[TIME STAMP: 1:02:52]
JUDGE
(to clerk)
Prepare a statement for signature,
and also an order, setting aside
the verdict in the case of The
People versus William Harper.
(to Blanche and her lawyer)
In the interests of justice, I
shall direct a verdict of not
guilty.
Clerk types, hands papers to Judge, who hands papers to Blanche.
JUDGE
Sign here, please.
Blanche rises and signs the papers.
JUDGE
You shall be brought into court on
Thursday, the seventeenth when
sentence will be pronounced.
Meanwhile, you will be held as a
material witness in the case of The
People versus Ralph Wiley.
Blanche is led out of the room by a prison matron. Taking Blanche
by the arm, the prison matron and Blanche slowly make their way
down the hall. But seeing a window at the end of the hall,
Blanche escapes the prison matron, and hurls herself through the
window to her death. Blanche's body lies on the sidewalk.
PRISON MATRON
(looks out the window,
screams)
Aaaa!
[TIME STAMP: 1:05:14]
33. INT. - COURTROOM, JUDGE'S BENCH - DAY
The judge is seated at his bench. Bill, his defense attorney, and
the Prosecutor are present.
 | | the vicious pitfalls of Marihuana |
JUDGE
We have come in the hearings before
this court today, to what I hope
will be the final actions revolving
about an unhappy and unfortunate
case, one who's horrible tragedy
will forever remain with me.
I am happy to have been enabled,
before it was too late, to order
the verdict of the jury, in the
case of The People versus William
Harper, to be set aside. But, young
man, although this court is
convinced that to declare you
guilty would have been a gross
miscarriage of justice, we cannot
condone your acts. And we can
express only the hope your
experiences may not only keep you
but thousands of others from the
vicious pitfalls of marihuana. Thus
I am ordering you to remain in this
court during the next case, so that
you will be obliged to witness what
you yourself so narrowly escaped.
Call the case of The People versus
Ralph Wiley.
Bill's mother and father embrace him. Mrs Lane and Jimmy look on.
[TIME STAMP: 1:06:32]
An extremely deranged-looking Ralph is led in by two policemen,
and marched to the bench.
PROSECUTOR
Your honor, in this case the State
waives trial of the defendant Ralph
Wiley. It is convinced that he is
hopelessly and incurably insane,
 | | insane by marihuana |
A series of very quick, up-close looks at Ralph's (?)
marihuana-maddened face, complete with crazy eyes.
PROSECUTOR
A condition caused by the drug
marihuana to which he was addicted.
It is recommended your honor, that
the defendant be placed in an
institution for the criminally
insane for the rest of his natural
life. Defendant's council joins the
State in this request.
JUDGE
Since Council for the defense, as
well as council for the State seem
to agree on this, I see no reason
why the request should not be
granted.
[TIME STAMP: 1:07:20]
34. INT. - CLASSROOM - NIGHT
Dr. Carroll addresses the concerned parents.
 | | or YOURS! |
DR. CARROLL
Yes, that happened right here, to
your neighbors. It is not too much
to say that in your hands lies the
possibility of averting other
tragedies like it. We must work
untiringly, so that our children
are obliged to learn the truth.
Because it is only through
knowledge that we can safely
protect them. Failing this, the
next tragedy may be that of your
daughter. Or your son.
(pointing at us)
Or yours. Or Yours. Or YOURS!
Music, text overlay.
 | | TELL YOUR CHILDREN |
TELL YOUR CHILDREN
The End
[TIME STAMP: 1:08:17]
A G&H RRODUCTION
Stage direction, illustration selection (C)2008 Doug Snead.
Screenplay dialog transcription and script reconstruction, Doug Snead. Original content (C)2008 Doug Snead, as applicable.
Tue Feb 24 16:34:34 PST 2009
more about "Reefer Madness" the 1936 movie
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