DISCLAIMER: The characters herein are not mine and belong to Trilogy and MGM.
This is provided at no profit for fans of the television show,
"The Magnificent Seven."
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THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
"Outrageous Fortune"
by
KATHY B.
October 23, 1999
Episode 7
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THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
"Outrageous Fortune"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. A SMALL RANCH - DAY
INSIDE
An elderly woman, LIDDY, is in her nightgown, sitting up in bed. NETTIE fluffs her
pillows.
LIDDY
This is awfully good of you, Nettie, coming all
the way out here to help me.
NETTIE
Nonsense. What are friends for? Casey can manage
on her own for a few days.
LIDDY
Could you do me a small favor? Could you straighten
that picture? I just couldn't get well if I have to
look at that picture all crooked.
Nettie gets on a stool to adjust the picture. The stool rocks ominously...She
reaches up to straighten the picture...
We see the outside of the ranch house and hear a CRASH followed by a GROAN.
LIDDY(v.o.)
Oh, that stool wobbles, dear.
EXT. STREET - MORNING
NATHAN passes CASEY in front of the hotel. She's waiting for the stage.
NATHAN
Hey, Casey. How's Nettie's back?
CASEY
Gonna be staying with Liddy for awhile. She sent
for my aunt to stay with me.
NATHAN
That who you're waitin' for?
CASEY
(nodding)
I ain't seen her since I was little. She's on my
ma's side. Nettie wants me to mind her while
she's here.
The stage pulls up and passengers disembark. AUNT ADELAIDE steps out. She’s a
stern-looking, imperious widow, dressed in black. Her expression clearly shows her
impression of the town and its people, none of it good.
CASEY
Aunt Adelaide?
AUNT
Casey? Casey! Well!...My! Look at you!...
She studies her like a bug under a magnifying glass.
Do you always dress like that? Well, never mind
that now. I have a surprise for you.
A handsome young man, obviously comfortably well-off, gets off the stage. He grins
warmly at Casey. Casey stares back.
CASEY
Caleb?
AUNT
I know you haven't seen each other since you were
children, but you remember Caleb Barnes?
CALEB
Hello, Casey.
END OF TEASER
ACT 1
FADE IN:
EXT. STREET - MORNING
Casey, Aunt Adelaide and Caleb Barnes are standing in front of the stagecoach. Aunt
Adelaide and Caleb Barnes have just arrived in town.
AUNT
When Caleb heard I was coming all this way to see
you, he simply insisted on coming along. Isn't that
nice?
CASEY
(echoing)
Nice.
CALEB
I wouldn't hear of your aunt travelling all this
way out here unescorted.
AUNT
(to Caleb)
Why don't you get settled in at the hotel? You can
see Casey later when she's at her beautiful best.
CALEB
She looks beautiful now.
AUNT
(dryly)
Indeed...Come along Casey. I assume you have a
carriage nearby...
CUT TO:
INT. - NETTIE's - DAY
Aunt Adelaide is settling in for a lengthy stay as she puts away her own clothes in the
closet. She begins searching through Casey's wardrobe, as if on a mission.
AUNT
(rummaging through the closet)
Don't you have any dresses at all?
CASEY
(pointing)
Sure. It's right there.
AUNT
"It?" That's all?
CASEY
What would I do with a bunch of dresses?
AUNT
Where's your everyday dress, your traveling
clothes, your party dress...? All young ladies
have dresses.
CASEY
I guess I ain't much of a lady, then.
AUNT
We'll soon fix that. It's a good thing I'm here.
I can't imagine what Nettie was thinking, letting
you run around like that.
She studies the dress before handing it to Casey.
This will have to do until we get others. Get
undressed.
Off Casey, who has a look of dread at what may be in store for her.
CUT TO:
INT. SALOON - EVENING
EZRA takes a seat beside BUCK, a flyer in his hand.
EZRA
Have you seen this?
BUCK
(reading)
Talent contest. Fifty dollar prize.
EZRA
The paper and the Ladies League put up the money.
They believe that introducing culture to this
burgeoning metropolis will lure and retain the
proper element.
BUCK
(grinning)
What're you gonna do? Sing? Dance?
EZRA
I was thinking of a recitation of Shakespeare. And
I wasn't thinking of me. I was thinking of you.
BUCK
Me? I ain't no actor!
EZRA
I am aware of that. That is why I am fully prepared
to coach you in your prize-winning theatrical debut.
BUCK
For a fee.
EZRA
Naturally, for a share of the prize money.
Say, sixty-forty?
Buck glares.
Oh, all right. Forty-sixty.
BUCK
Why me?
EZRA
Perhaps you didn't read it carefully.
"Judged by members of the Ladies'League?"
All ladies love an actor. And you're in exceptional
standing with most of the women in this town.
BUCK
Except the Bartholomew twins. Ooooh, that was
unpleasant. You know, you can't tell 'em
apart lest they're together–
EZRA
Be that as it may, do we have a deal?
BUCK
An actor, eh? Like John Wilkes Booth...
EZRA
I think you mean Edwin Booth.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - DAY
Casey and her aunt leave the dressmaker's nearby. Both are carrying boxes. Vin and
Nathan are standing outside the hotel. They both straighten as the sight of Casey in a
dress gets their attention.
VIN
Will you look at that!
NATHAN
Casey lookin' like a girl for a change. Wonder
what JD'll think of that?
VIN
(nodding)
Won't take long to find out.
JD has spotted Casey from across the street and approaches her in his usual, cheery
manner.
JD
(teasing)
Casey, hi! What's with the dress? Run outta
clothes?
CASEY
Aunt Adelaide, this is JD–er, John Dunne.
This my aunt, Adelaide Caldwell–.
AUNT
How do you do, Mr. Dunne.
She looks at him and glances at the boxes in her hands. JD quickly takes them from her.
CASEY
JD helps keep the peace in town.
At that moment, THREE ROWDY COWBOYS ride through, hell for leather, whoopin' and
hollerin', and kickin' up dust.
AUNT
(dryly)
Indeed...
She brightens immediately as she spots Caleb Barnes approaching.
Good afternoon, Caleb! Why don't you join Casey
and me for dinner tonight for a nice, home-cooked
meal?
CALEB
I'd be delighted. That dress really becomes
you, Casey.
AUNT
Wonderful! We'll see you tonight then. Good day,
Mr. Dunne.
Caleb takes the boxes from JD with a triumphant smirk only JD sees. JD watches them
walk away. Vin and Nathan move to stand beside him.
VIN
C'mon, JD. It ain't so bad. He'll be gone afore
you know it.
JD
Yeah?
NATHAN
Sure. You've tasted Casey's cookin'.
They leave JD standing there, alone, as he watches Casey disappear down the street.
CUT TO:
INT. NETTIE's - AFTERNOON
Casey sets the table as Aunt Adelaide tries to put on a shine on the silverware.
CASEY
Aunt Adelaide, why is Caleb here?
AUNT
I told you. He offered to come. In fact, he
insisted. I welcomed the company, being as I
am now, a widow travelling alone. And he was
very anxious to see you again.
CASEY
How long is he staying?
AUNT
Sit down for a moment, dear. I think we should talk.
Casey joins Aunt Adelaide at the table.
AUNT (cont'd)
Your Aunt Nettie is getting on in years. Now
with this accident, you must start to consider
her health.
CASEY
She'll be fine.
AUNT
But for how long? It's time you started thinking
about your future. Wouldn't it be a wonderful
surprise for her to come home and find you're
provided for?
CASEY
I suppose...
AUNT
She's done a great deal for you, you know, taking
you in after your mother passed away. Goodness
knows, if we'd you were living in the wilds like
this, we'd have taken you in ourselves. Now with
your uncle gone, it's too late.
CASEY
>Well, me and JD–
AUNT
That Mr. Dunne? what kind of work did he say he
does? No, my dear. Now, what about someone like
Caleb Barnes?
CASEY
I barely know him!
AUNT
You can get to know him at dinner tonight and for
as long as he's here. I barely knew your Uncle
Frank when I married him.
CASEY
You mean you want me to...marry Caleb Barnes?
AUNT
Casey, dear, I'm just asking you to consider your
prospects, not marry Caleb. He hasn't asked
you...yet.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILLS - EVENING
Casey and Caleb are taking a walk after dinner.
CALEB
Dinner was wonderful. Thank you.
CASEY
Aunt Adelaide did most of the cooking.
CALEB
Well, I’m sure your cooking is even better.
Did I surprise you, coming here?
CASEY
>Yeah, you did.
CALEB
After you left and came to stay out here for good,
things were just never the same.
CASEY
I only saw you whenever I was staying with Aunt
Adelaide and Uncle Frank. That was years ago.
He stops and turns to her, getting very close. He touches her hair, tracing her cheek
with his hand.
CALEB
(softly)
It was a lifetime. I've missed you so much, Casey.
I always knew I'd see you again. I always felt
we belonged together. You used to say that, don't
you remember? I want us to be together always.
(suddenly embarrassed)
You probably think I sound foolish–
CASEY
Oh, no! No one's ever said things like that to
me before.
He takes her hands in his.
CALEB
Then I'll say more. It's as if I'm dreaming you
now. I'm so afraid I'll wake up...
CASEY
(teasing)
Want me to pinch you to make sure?
CALEB
(suddenly)
Remember that big old apple tree we used to climb?
CASEY
I remember climbing higher than you so I could
chuck apples at you.
CALEB
We carved our initials in it. It's gone now, you
know. Lightening.
He glances around for a moment.
C'mon.
He leads her by the hand to a large, sturdy tree and takes out a pocketknife.
CASEY
Oh, Caleb, don't. That's for children.
He studies her a moment then pulls her to him.
CALEB
And this is for grown people.
He puts arms around her and gives her a long, lingering kiss. She stiffens at
first, resisting, then slowly melts against him.
CUT TO:
INT. STORE - MORNING
The CLERK is behind the counter. Caleb walks in.
CALEB
I'm interested in that music box you have in
the window.
The clerk retrieves it from the window and makes the sale.
CLERK
Yes, sir. An expensive model, but it's made by
skilled craftsmen way over in Europe. Do you
collect fine music boxes?
CALEB
It's a gift. For Miss Wells. Can you wrap it?
CLERK
(smiling)
Certainly. "Miss Wells?" That'd be
Casey Wells? Ah, she's a sweet girl but a bit
of a hellion, eh? Almost like a boy at times.
In a flash of rage, Caleb reaches over the counter, grabbing the clerk with both hands.
CALEB
Miss Wells is soon to be my fiancee. And as such,
she's a lady. I expect you to show her
some respect.
CLERK
Yes, sir! I didn't mean anything by it! Like I said,
Casey-er-Miss Wells is a sweet g–lady!
Barely satisfied by this, Caleb releases the clerk. His whole body is stiff with rage
as he picks up his package and leaves. The clerk watches him go, adjusting his collar
and glad to still be alive.
OUTSIDE
Caleb bumps into JD, of all people.
JD
Excuse me.
CALEB
Ah, Mr. Dobbs, isn't it? I'm glad I bumped into you.
I wanted to ask you a question.
JD
Dunne. JD Dunne. What do you want?
CALEB
(showing him the music box)
What do you think of this?
JD looks at it, knowing it's something he couldn't afford on a dollar a day. As much
as he doesn't like Caleb, he tries to be cordial.
JD
Looks expensive.
CALEB
It is.
JD
(shrugs)
It's nice, I guess.
CALEB
Glad you like it. I hope Casey does. I think she
will, don't you?
JD looks almost as if he's been slapped.
(with a triumphant smile)
Good day.
Caleb walks away. JD watches him go, then heads for the jail.
CUT TO:
EXT. JAIL - DAY
BUCK and CHRIS are out front. JD walks up, looking very unhappy and perhaps a bit
lost.
BUCK
Now, Chris, have you ever seen a fella look so
low? You look like your best girl ran off and took
your best horse with her.
JD
Sorta.
CHRIS
(amused)
What?
JD
I mean that Caleb Barnes. Casey's been seein' him
since he got here. Now he's bought her this real
expensive present.
BUCK
What do you aim to do about it?
JD
What can I do? Even her aunt likes him. And she
sure doesn't like me.
CHRIS
(warningly)
Buck...
BUCK
Well, stake your claim! Casey's your girl,
ain't she? You seen her first.
JD
Not quite. He's known her since-
BUCK
You can't let another man jump your claim. You
gott fight for what's yours. It ain't right–
CHRIS
Buck, will you shut up?
BUCK
(to Chris)
Now just hold on. This is about romance. My domain.
(to JD)
You gotta be a man about this. You can't let
him just sashay on in here and steal your girl.
JD
No?
BUCK
No sir! It's...it's downright un-American is
what it is!
JD
(his ire rising)
You know, you're right. And I'm gonna do somethin'
about it–
JD starts down the street with determined strides. Buck smiles. He's rallied the troops.
BUCK
There ya go. Whoops! Gotta go. Rehearsal, y'know.
Chris looks at Buck in surprise as Buck leaves.
CHRIS
(echoing)
Rehearsal?
CUT TO:
EXT. STORE - DAY
JD is just coming out of the door. He spots Josiah coming down the boardwalk.
JD
Josiah! Am I glad to see you. Would you come in
here for a minute?
Josiah nods and quickens his step a little.
INSIDE
JD
Look, I hate to ask, but can you loan me some
money? I wanna buy Casey that bracelet there.
JOSIAH
For Casey? JD, does this have anything to do
with Mr. Barnes?
JD
Can't a guy buy his girl a present if he wants to?
JOSIAH
JD, you can't buy the affections of a girl like
Casey.
JD
I'm not tryin' to!
JOSIAH
Then what are you doin'?
JD
I told you. I'm just buyin' her a present.
JOSIAH
Uh-huh. To show up that Barnes fella. JD, you
know Casey better than that.
(giving him a pat on the shoulder)
She'll make the right choice.
Josiah leaves.
JD
(to himself)
That's what I'm afraid of.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - DAY
Casey is walking down the street. Just as she passes an alley, we see an arm
suddenly reach out and pull her into the alley, out of sight.
She starts to fight but immediately stops when she sees who it is.
CASEY
JD! What are you doin', grabbin' a person like
that?
JD
I wanted to talk to you.
CASEY
Well, why didn't you just say so?
JD
I didn't want anyone to see us.
CASEY
You mean my aunt.
JD
She doesn't like me, Casey, and you know it. She
likes Caleb Barnes...How do you feel about him?
Casey studies him. We can see she knows this is a rare opportunity to make
JD jealous.
CASEY
Actually, I think he's kinda sweet.
JD
You do?
CASEY
Mm-hmm. Kinda handsome, too. And he pays a lot
of attention to me. Not always hangin' around
with Buck...
JD
Now, Casey, that ain't fair.
CASEY
He's charming, too, and polite.
JD
(getting angry)
Really! Is he now! Well, maybe he's a better man
for you than I am!
This is not the reaction she'd hoped to get.
CASEY
JD!
JD
Maybe you oughta hang on to this one! Another one
like him make not come along!
CASEY
(getting angry herself)
Are you sayin' he's my only chance? That I couldn't
get another good man if I wanted?
JD
I'm sayin' I think you oughta marry this one!
CASEY
Maybe I will!
She turns back toward the street.
STREET - Aunt's POV.
We see Casey storm out of the alley and continue down the street. JD
emerges moments later, angry and looking even more miserable than before,
if that's possible.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
FADE IN:
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Buck is greeted by Ezra as he enters the sanctuary.
EZRA
Mr. Wilmington. At last. I have carefully selected
your recitation for you. Right here.
BUCK
(reading)
'But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the East, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
who is already sick and pale with grief–'
You call this romance?
EZRA
I assure you it is one of the most romantic and
famous speeches in the history of theatre.
BUCK
'Kill the moon? Sick and pale with grief?'
This'll make 'em stampede for the door.
EZRA
Mr. Wilmington...Buck...Romeo here is comparing
the love of his life, Juliet, to the heavens.
BUCK
Just tell me this. He doesn't get the girl, does he.
EZRA
He does. Then he dies.
BUCK
(snorting derisively)
Figgers. With words like that. She kill 'im?
EZRA
(fighting for control)
No! She kills herself.
BUCK
Figgers.
EZRA
Would you please just study the speech for now?
We'll work on it again later. And I can see we
have a lot of work ahead of us.
CUT TO:
INT. JAIL - DAY
Chris is cleaning his Colt as Aunt Adelaide enters.
AUNT
Are you Mr. Larabee? I'm Adelaide Caldwell,
Casey Wells's aunt.
CHRIS
Ma'am.
AUNT
I understand that Mr. Dunne works for you.
CHRIS
No, ma'am. He doesn't. He works for the town.
AUNT
I'll come straight to the point. I've heard you
have some influence on him. I'm asking you to
discourage him from trying to court Casey.
CHRIS
Seems to me that should be up to Casey.
AUNT
Casey is too young and impressionable to know
what's best for her. I found her here practically
living like a savage.
She finally notices he's cleaning a gun.
AUNT (cont'd)
If it isn't too personal, Mr. Larabee, do you
have a family?
CHRIS
Yes, ma'am, it is. And no, I don't... They're dead.
AUNT
I'm sorry...Then you understand my position on
this matter. A man who makes his living by a gun
is better off unmarried.
CHRIS
We may agree on that, but it seems to me this is
between Casey and JD.
AUNT
Casey is seeing Mr. Barnes now, a proper young
man for her, and I expect to formally announce
their engagement very soon. So you can see that
Mr. Dunne's persistence is at least...inappropriate.
CHRIS
I'll tell him.
AUNT
Do I have your word you'll discourage him then?
CHRIS
You have my word I'll tell him.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE HILLS - AFTERNOON
Casey and Caleb have taken a buggy to a remote spot in the hills for a picnic
together. Caleb helps her out of the carriage.
CALEB
I have a little surprise for you.
He presents her with the music box, unwrapping it for her.
Like it?
CASEY
(looking slightly puzzled)
A music box?
CALEB
What's wrong?
CASEY
Nothing. It's beautiful, but...what would I do with it?
There is a pause. Suddenly, Caleb turns and hurls the music box against some rocks,
smashing it to pieces. Casey stands there in stunned silence.
CALEB
(calmly)
Nothing now.
His temper is gone as abruptly as it came. He sees her reaction and takes a step
closer to smooth things over.
CALEB
(softly)
Casey... I love you so much. I only want the
best for you, don't you know that? If you don't
like something the least little bit, then as far
as I'm concerned, it's not worthy of you. And
it'll always be that way, my love.
He takes her hands in his to kiss them. Afraid to meet his eyes, Casey stares
past him at the broken music box on the ground.
CUT TO:
INT. SALOON - EVENING
EZRA is dealing cards to JD, NATHAN, BUCK, and VIN as CHRIS walks past them to
the bar. Moments later he returns with a bottle of whiskey, sits next to JD, pours
a drink and pushes it in front of JD.
CHRIS
Here. You may want that.
BUCK
Must be real bad news.
CHRIS
(to JD)
Just saw Casey's aunt. Told me I should keep
you away from Casey.
JD
What'd you tell her?
CHRIS
There's more. She told me Casey's marryin'
Caleb Barnes.
This gets the attention of everyone.
VIN
You sure about that? Maybe you heard wrong.
NATHAN
What does Casey want?
EZRA
Does it matter? We've all seen Aunt Adelaide.
Trust me, gentlemen, that matronly widow will
have her way.
JD bypasses the glass, takes the bottle and tosses back a big swig.
CUT TO:
EXT. NETTIE'S - DAWN
We see JD approaching the house, trying to keep from making any noise...
too late. The door opens and Casey steps out onto the porch.
CASEY
JD! What're you doin' here? If my aunt sees you
here-
JD
I don't care! I had to come here. Is it true?
You're gonna marry that Barnes fella?
Casey hesitates. It's enough.
JD (cont'd)
It's true, isn't it! Casey, you can't. It's not
right. It's un-American, is what it is!
CASEY
What? What are you talking about?
JD
Never mind. We have an understanding, you and me.
Don't we?
CASEY
Do we?
JD
Well, of course we do!
CASEY
But, well, my aunt...Caleb...they're making all
these plans. And Caleb loves me... It's for the
best... For Nettie.
JD
Nettie? Look, I don't know the best way to put
it into words, but Casey, I...I don't wanna lose
you.
CASEY
You don't?
JD
(impulsively)
Marry me instead...I mean...Marry me. Right now.
Today.
CASEY
Marry–?
JD
(swallowing hard)
Yeah...Casey, would you marry me?
CASEY
Oh, JD-!
She puts her arms around him and they kiss. It's a long, lingering kiss as if
they could stay that way all night, perhaps forever.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOTEL - DAY
Vin is outside the hotel leaning against a post as JD and Casey approach.
JD
Vin, have you seen Josiah? We went over to the
church and he wasn't there.
VIN
He left out at first light. He's gonna try to
borrow a costume from a fella he knows in Vista
City for Buck to use in the talent contest.
JD
Great. That's just great. Do you know when he's
comin' back?
VIN
A day or two, maybe. Somethin' important?
CASEY
JD?
JD
(to Casey)
We'll just have to wait till he gets back. A couple
of days all right with you?
CASEY
But Caleb–
JD
Well, without a preacher here, he can't marry you
any sooner than I can. And Judge Travis ain't due
through here for weeks.
VIN
Married?
JD
Don't say nothin' to anyone yet, please, Vin?
Casey, promise me, as soon as Josiah gets back–
CASEY
All right.
JD
C'mon. We'd better get you home before your aunt
notices you've gone.
CUT TO:
EXT. NETTIE'S - DAY
Through the curtains inside Nettie's, we see JD and Casey walking towards the
house, hand in hand. They share one last kiss before JD leaves. Casey walks slowly
toward the house. We see a curtain drop into place and Aunt Adelaide turning away
from the window. She does not look pleased.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
FADE IN:
EXT. SALOON - DAY
Buck, Vin, Ezra, and Nathan are outside the saloon. JD walks up to them with a huge grin on
his face.
JD
Guys, next round's on me!
BUCK
Now why's that?
JD
Well, Buck, I'm finally gonna do something you
never have.
BUCK
Now, kid, that ain't possible.
JD
Wanna bet?
VIN
Easy, Buckley.
EZRA
Mr. Tanner is right. First rule of gambling,
Mr. Wilmington: Never make a bet until you've seen
your cards first.
(with a long look at Vin)
You know something, Mr. Tanner.
VIN
(to JD)
Tell 'em.
JD
I'm gettin' married.
BUCK
Gettin'–You?..Casey? Oh, this definitely calls
for a round. This one's on me, kid.
The guys go into the saloon. Chris enters a few moments later.
BUCK
Chris! JD's marryin' Casey!
Chris doesn't react.
CHRIS
(to JD)
You plannin' on hangin' up your guns, too?
JD
(with a laugh)
Of course not!
He moves closer to Chris, still within earshot of the other guys.
JD (cont'd)
I'd...I'd like it if you'd be my best man. I-that is-
we'd be honored.
CHRIS
No, thanks.
Chris turns to leave.
JD
But–
CHRIS
Forget it, JD!
Chris strides out of the saloon. Buck follows Chris, and JD follows Buck.
JD, afraid he may have insulted Buck by choosing Chris, tries to smooth things
over with him.
JD
Buck, you understand. I didn't mean that you–
BUCK
(warmly)
It's all right, kid, I know how you feel. If it was
me, he'd have been my first choice, too. If you want,
I'll be your best man until Chris changes his mind.
JD
Thanks, Buck.
Buck leaves to catch up to Chris.
OUTSIDE
BUCK
Chris! Wait up! What's wrong with you back there?
Casey's a nice girl.
CHRIS
It's because she's a nice girl.
BUCK
I don't follow.
CHRIS
This line of work - it makes widows, not wives.
BUCK
Maybe you oughta put a little more faith in the
boy.
CHRIS
What if she gets hurt or killed because of him?
Because of what he does?
BUCK
Now you're talkin' about you and Sarah.
CHRIS
I'm talkin' about buryin' someone you love. Neither
of them should have to go through that.
BUCK
That ain't up to you. He just wants you to be happy
for them. It matters to him.
CHRIS
Well, I can't.
Buck watches as Chris walks away, then turns and continues in the opposite
direction.
CUT TO:
INT. CHRUCH - DAY
Ezra is walking around impatiently. He appears to be alone.
EZRA
Come along, Mr. Wilmington!
BUCK (O.S.)
No! I'm not wearin' this. Josiah can just take it
back to whoever he got it from.
EZRA
Let us at least take a look at it.
Buck emerges from Josiah's room dressed in a long-sleeve shirt covered by a tunic
that reaches past his hips. He's wearing a scabbard for a dagger and...slightly
baggy tights. Overall, it's not a pretty picture.
BUCK
Aw, Ezra...how can I romance the ladies when
I'm dressed like one of 'em?
EZRA
Never mind that. Let's just hear the lines.
BUCK
"Hark! What's that light in yonder window
there? Why, it is Juliet, looking like the
sun-"
Ezra is nearly aploplectic. For a moment, his mouth moves but no words come out.
EZRA
Wh-what was that? You re-wrote the lines of one
of the greatest English writers of all time?
Enough is enough. Buck is out of patience.
BUCK
(almost shouting)
Don't talk to me about English. I know
English. I speak English! That
ain't English! How're all these ladies supposed
to understand what I’m sayin'?
EZRA
All right, all right! We'll compromise. Do the
lines as written and I'll do something about
the...accoutrements.
BUCK
And the tights.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOTEL - EVENING
Chris is sitting outside. Vin joins him, characteristically leaning against a post.
VIN
Buck says he'll be JD's best man...lest you
change yer mind.
CHRIS
Not likely.
VIN
He looks up to you. In some ways, he's like you.
Stubborn. I seem to recall you tellin' me-or maybe
it was Buck-how Hank was opposed to you marryin'
Sarah.
CHRIS
Yeah...he was. But we were young and in love
and you couldn't tell us nothin'.
VIN
Any regrets?
CHRIS
No. I'd do it all over again. We knew right, even
if Hank didn't.
Chris knows what Vin is getting at. Vin gets up to leave.
CHRIS (cont'd)
Vin?...I'll think about it.
Vin nods and leaves.
CUT TO:
INT. SALOON - DAY
JD, Ezra, Vin, and Nathan are at a table in the saloon when Buck pops his head in.
BUCK
JD! You know Josiah's back? You ready?
JD
I'll find Casey and meet you at the church.
(looking at the others)
You comin'?
They all get up to follow. Buck grins at them as they begin to file past him,
out the door.
BUCK
Might as well come along. Maybe you all can
be bridesmaids.
EZRA
I won't settle for anything less than maid of
honor.
CUT TO:
EXT. NETTIE'S - DAY
We see Casey leaving the barn, leading a horse, a small travelling bag attached. Aunt
Adelaide sees her from inside and starts out the door, but stops when she sees...
Casey mount up, ride a short distance from the barn, and join JD, already on horseback.
He leans over and they kiss before riding off.
Aunt Adelaide disappears inside the house, and returns immediately, putting on her
shawl as she heads for the carriage.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - DAY
Aunt Adelaide stops her carriage at the hotel, frantically looking for Caleb. He comes
out the door just as she's rushing in, breathing hard. Caleb takes her by the shoulders.
CALEB
What's wrong? Are you all right? Where's Casey?
Is Casey all right?
AUNT
Caleb, I'm afraid Casey may be on her way to do
something foolish!
CALEB
(shaking her, his panic rising)
What's happened? For God's sake, tell me!
AUNT
I think she's running off to marry that JD fellow!
All our plans–
Caleb releases her shoulders abruptly and she sinks into a chair. As he bolts out of the
hotel, he pulls out a gun and checks it.
END ACT 3
ACT 4
FADE IN:
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Buck, Vin, Nathan, and Ezra are already there, as JD and Casey join them. Both are
trying unsuccessfully to hide their nervousness.
JOSIAH
The boys tell me you've decided to get married.
You sure you're ready to do this? "Married in
haste, we may repent at leisure."
JD
Josiah, we know all that. We're ready.
CASEY
Please, Josiah...
JOSIAH
All right. But I couldn't let you get married
without at least trying to counsel you first, but
if you're sure this is what you want...
JD
We're sure.
JOSIAH
Boys, you want to step up here?
Ezra stands next to Casey, Vin next to Ezra. Buck stands next to JD. Nathan stands
next to Buck.
JOSIAH (cont'd)
Friends, we are gathered here in the sight of God
to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.
JD, do you take Casey to have and to hold from this
day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and
health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death
us do part?
JD
Yes, I do.
JOSIAH
Casey, do you take JD to have and to hold from
this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness
and health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till
death us do part?
There is a pause. Ezra nudges Casey gently.
EZRA
(stage whisper)
You're supposed to say 'yes.'
Vin elbows Ezra. There is a long, heavy silence.
CASEY
(suddenly fighting back tears)
JD, I can't.
JD
Casey, what–?
JOSIAH
I think we need to leave them alone for awhile.
Everyone but Casey and JD quietly leave so the two can talk.
JD
Casey? What's wrong? I thought we'd decided.
CASEY
JD, it's not you.
She sits in a pew. JD sits beside her, watching her anxiously.
CASEY
I want to JD, I really do, but not like this.
Nto to get away from Caleb and not to spite my
aunt. This is forever, JD. And I want it to be
right. I want it to be the right thing for the
right reasons.
(touching his face)
Can you understand?
JD
(squeezing her hand gently)
Yeah...yeah, I understand. Casey, will you promise
me one thing?
(a pause)
When it is right, and it's for the right reasons,
we'll try this again, you and me?
CASEY
Oh, JD...
They hold each other for a long time, comfortable with a new understanding between
them.
As JD and Casey come out of the church, Caleb appears. He stops in front of Casey and
JD, looking at them in a cold fury. Chris also appears to witness this exchange from
across the street.
CALEB
You've done it, haven't you? You've married him!
He suddenly slaps Casey and, as JD attempts to intervene, he punches JD, knocking
him to the ground.
The Seven, including Chris and Josiah, start towards them, but Caleb grabs Casey, his arm around her
upper body. Caleb holds her tightly against him, her back pressed against his chest.
He pulls out a gun and points the barrel against her temple.
The guys have slowly fanned out in a wide semi-circle around Caleb and Casey.
CALEB
(to the guys)
Just stop right there!!
Everyone freezes.
CASEY
Caleb, please!
CALEB
(in a low, threatening voice)
Do you have any idea how long I waited for you?
Years! We belong together, you and me! Isn't that
what you said? Isn't it?!
CASEY
Caleb, we were children!
CALEB
I don't care! I never forgot! You said we belonged
together! You promised!
Josiah takes a step toward them.
JOSIAH
Son, if you really love her–
CALEB
Get back! Don't you understand? She's mine!
She always was mine! She promised! And she's
gonna keep that promise!
Aunt Adelaide arrives just in time to watch helplessly from across the street.
CALEB (cont'd)
I'll kill her before I let anyone else have her.
Everybody just stay where you are. We're gonna
leave now...
BUCK
Can't let you do that.
Caleb fires at Buck. Buck grabs at his thigh and falls.
CALEB
Anyone else?
Casey sinks her teeth into Caleb's arm. He angrily shoves her to the ground and turns
the gun on her, his arm outstretched. He pauses only an instant, preparing to shoot the
only woman he's ever loved when...
JD lunges at him and he and Caleb struggle. The gun goes off, winging JD. JD drops to
his knees. Caleb points the gun at him when...
Chris shoots Caleb, mortally wounding him.
CALEB
Casey...?
He dies. Casey runs to JD. They hold each other tightly as if they were the only two
people in the world. There is an obvious bond there everyone can see, especially Chris
and Aunt Adelaide.
CUT TO:
INT. NATHAN'S - DAY
Buck is on a cot. Nathan is propping up Buck's bandaged leg.
NATHAN
That's a nasty wound. You lost a lotta blood.
You're gonna have to rest up a few days.
BUCK
But the contest is tomorrow!
NATHAN
Guess you're just gonna have to miss it. You gotta
give your body time to heal, Buck.
Buck starts to get up, but Nathan grabs his shoulders and pushes him back down.
BUCK
But the ladies'll be disappointed! And they've all
been lookin' forward to it. I can't let 'em down.
Somebody'll have to go on in my place. How about
you go?
NATHAN
Me! I can't get up in front of a bunch of people.
Look, I'll try to find you someone, all right?
BUCK
(settling back against the pillow)
Long as it ain't Ezra. I swear, that man has no
sense of romance. You shoulda seen what he wanted
me to say...
Buck closes his eyes to drift off to sleep.
CUT TO:
INT. MEETING HALL - DAY
We see a meeting hall crammed with people, slightly more females than males. Every seat
is filled. Even the standing room is filled. There is a low buzz of voices. A Ladies
League MATRON is on the small stage.
MATRON
Now, everyone, for our last contestant. We had
a last-minute entry when one of our contestants
became...indisposed yesterday. Introducing...
Mr. Nathan Jackson.
Nathan quietly steps onto the stage. He produces a small paper from his pocket
NATHAN
Mr. Wilmington told me you might like to hear some
Shakespeare, so I picked out this poem. I didn't
have time to memorize it, but I hope y'all like it.
(reading)
'As an unperfect actor on the stage,
Who with his fear is put besides his part,
Or some fierce thing replete with too much rage,
Whose strength's abundance weakens his own heart;
So I, for fear of trust, forget to say
The perfect ceremony of love's rite,
And in my own love's strength seems to decay,
O'ercharged with burden of mine own love's might.
Oh, let my books be then the eloquence
And dumb presagers of my speaking breast,
Who plead for love and look for recompense,
More than that tongue that more hath more expressed.
Oh, learn to read what silent love hath writ:
To hear with eyes belongs to love's fine wit.'
The room is dead silent, spellbound by his very moving reading. Suddenly there
is thunderous applause. Nathan smiles.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOTEL - DAY
Aunt Adelaide and Casey are standing in front of the hotel just as the stage
arrives. Aunt Adelaide is dressed for travel, her luggage by her side.
AUNT
Well, Casey, I'm glad Nettie is coming home,
though I must say that was fast.
CASEY
I got the wire here if you want to see it again.
AUNT
No, dear. Are you going to be all right alone for
a few days?
CASEY
Yes ma'am. I've got JD to look out for me. And
his friends.
AUNT
Yes, you do. I'm sure you'll be in good hands.
At least until you're married...
There is a long pause. We can see Aunt Adelaide has something on her mind.
Casey, I'm...sorry about Caleb Barnes...I just want
the best for my niece.
CASEY
I know.
Casey suddenly gives her aunt a quick hug, the first time since Aunt
Adelaide's arrival.
AUNT
Is that Mr. Dunne a prospect?
CASEY
(smiling, with a shrug)
Could be.
Aunt Adelaide is the last one to board the stage. It's time to go. She looks out the window.
AUNT
That will be nice.
(calling, as the stage pulls away)
Be sure to invite me to the wedding! Good-by, Casey!
CASEY
Good-bye, Aunt Adelaide!
Casey waves, watching the stagecoach until it's out of the sight. The moment it
is, she turns and waves to the TELEGRAPH OFFICE CLERK. He waves back, then
disappears inside.
Casey turns into the nearest alley and rips off her dress. Underneath we see
she's wearing the familiar jeans and shirt. She shoves the torn dress into a
barrel and walks away, smiling.
CUT TO:
EXT. SALOON - DAY
Chris, Vin, and Ezra are sitting or standing outside. Buck is sitting, his
leg propped up. JD approaches, a huge grin across his face.
VIN
That smile can only mean one thing. Dear Aunt
Adelaide left town?
JD
Sure has! Stagecoach just left.
Josiah and Nathan join them, also grinning.
EZRA
Gentlemen. Where's my money?
VIN
Your money?
EZRA
My share of the prize money, of course. I arranged
and recruited for that performance slot.
BUCK
Now, Ezra, you said that was a coaching fee.
VIN
And you didn't give Nathan no coaching.
JOSIAH
Nathan did fine on his own.
NATHAN
Thank you, Josiah. Buck, ain't you supposed
to be resting?
BUCK
I am. Right here.
Buck grins. Nathan just shakes his head.
EZRA
Now look here. I had plans for that money.
NATHAN
So do I. Half of it goes toward a new clinic. And
since Josiah here did the coaching, helping me
pick out this poem, the other half goes to him.
JOSIAH
And that half is going toward the church. How about
a drink, Brother Jackson?
NATHAN
I'd like that, Brother Sanchez. Nice try, Ezra.
Nathan and Josiah go into the saloon, followed by Ezra.
EZRA
Could you at least name the clinic after me?
Chris, Buck and JD lag behind.
CHRIS
JD...you asked me somethin' awhile back...
BUCK
Before ya say anythin'–Kid, I'm surrenderin' my
title as best man. Heck, we all know I am, so it
ain't necessary to advertise.
Buck grins and limps into the saloon.
CHRIS
If you still want to do this thing with you and Casey,
I'd be willin'. That is, if you still want me to.
JD wears a grin that takes over his whole face.
JD
Thanks, Chris. And someday I'd really like that.
Not now. But definitely someday.
Chris smiles as the two of them join the others in the saloon.
FADE OUT:
THE END