Sadie and Clint argue over the saloon, Clint wants to buy a ranch, marry Sadie, and
settle down to raise a large family. Sadie wants to marry Clint and settle down on
the ranch after Clint buys it and raise a large family. The problem is the Saloon.
Sadie promised her late father she would never sell it to Dirk, and Dirk is the only
one who is interested in buying it. Clint thinks that Sally can take it over, but Sadie
doesn't think Sadie can handle it until she gets some education. Sally never has had
time to go to school because their parents died when she was very young and she had
to help Sadie at the saloon to make ends meet.
Script Excerpt
Clint. "Well, think about it. You know that you're the
only one in the world for me and that I will stand beside you through thick or thin."
Sadie. "I know, Clint. And you're the only one in the world for me.
(They kiss, lightly.) Well, as my dear sainted mother always said,
things always get better. You just have to be patient."
Clint. "I know. And I'm a patient man."
Sadie. "I know. (Aside.) Boy do I know."
Clint. "Well, so long, Sadie."
Sadie. "So long, Clint.
(They kiss again. Clint exits, Sadie starts cleaning glasses again.)
Sadie. Oh what to do, what to do. It hasn't been easy, running this place all
alone! It was bad enough when poor mother died of consumption during the blizzard
of '88, but losing father two years later was almost too much! Sally has been
such a comfort! And Clint..and Jake..and everybody in town,,,except those two
meddling temperance women! I remember dad's last words as if he said them only
yesterday. He said "Mind your manners, mind your business, mind the saloon and
whatever you do, don't sell out to Devious. I cannot go against dad's dying
wish, can I? But Clint wants me to marry him and move out to the old Jackson
place. Oh what to do, what to do!"
Soon Jake returns and has another drink of his "special Sarsparilla", complaining
about the heat. He is worried about the ladies of the Temperance Committee. They have
complained to the Mayor, who's wife is a good friend of Hazel and Prudence. Jake
has received some questions from the Mayor and is afraid he will order Jake to
close down the Saloon. Sadie isn't too worried because the Mayor is a good customer.
Script Excerpt
Sadie. "It will die down, Jake. It always does. Have another drink. On the house.
It will soothe your nerves."
Jake. "Thanks, but two is my limit. Getting back to the Temperance Committee,
I sure wish those two mangy old bats would follow the stage line to Mud Junction."
That's the perfect place for them.
Sadie. "Well, things will get better Jake."
Jake. "They couldn't get much worse."
(The sound of a drum is heard in the distance.)
Jake. "Wrong again. Things just got worse."
The ladies of the Temperance Committee make an appearance at the saloon. The want to give
Sadie one more chance to close down the saloon before they carry out their latest
plan. They intend to hold a town meeting and preach about the evils of demon
rum. They hope to create a mob and burn the saloon down. Sadie claims all of the
noise they are making has given her a headache so she leaves to lie down for a nap.
Jake realizes he is alone with Prudence and Hazel and beats a hasty retreat,
leaving the ladies alone. They are about to leave when Dirk enters.
Script Excerpt
Dirk. "Afternoon ladies, care for a little card game.
We could play some "Old Maid".
Hazel. "You scoundrel!"
Prudence. "How dare you!"
Hazel. "It's people like you that we are getting rid of!"
Prudence. "It's people like you that need getting rid of. And good riddance to
you, I say!"
(Hazel and Prudence exit.)
Dirk. "Does that mean you aren't interested in a
card game? What a pair to draw to! They ought to join a nosey old busy body
club! Where's everybody at? Ah! A self-serve bar. (He helps himself to a drink
from behind the bar.) Nothing tastes as good as a free drink! I need to keep
up the pressure and force those two foolish girls to sell this place to me!
They don't know it, but the reason that the stage line moved out is because the
Hallam, Hickman and Holland Railroad is moving in! This Saloon will be worth twice
as much with all of those thirsty railroad workers in town on Saturday nights!
I must, I shall have it for my own."
(He laughs evilly as the lights come down.)
End of Act I
|
Shootout
At Sadie's Saloon