Blue Denim Scenes 1-6

Recently I took the liberty in rewriting the hit 1958 play Blue Denim. This is Scenes 1-6

Scene 1:Arthur:I just don’t get it dadMajor:Son its for your own goodArthur:Dad, I’m 15 years old I can handle things like these, I’m a practical adult, its not like I’m fiveMajor:I’m just concerned Arthur about your emotionsArthur:Why’d you kill him?Major:He had to go Arthur and your mother and I felt that if we do it while your away it wouldn’t affect you as muchArthur:You just don’t get it dad do ya?Major:Arthur, I understand fine now just go upstairs and do your homework, I’d like for you to keep your grades and morale high(Arthur goes up stairs and sits at his desk and does his homework, his sister walks in)Lillian:You shouldn’t feel bad, Art, they’re just doing whats best for youArthur:The put him to sleep sis, I’ve had that dog for 12 years thats close to my whole life.*sigh* They just don’t seem to get itLillian:Arthur, I wish you’d see it from there prospective, they just want to protect youArthur:I can accept that Hector is gone but I can’t accept what they didLillian:Well you can’t be mad at mom and dad forever, just give it time, maybe you’ll feel better in the morningArthur:Yeah, it couldn’t get no worse sis(Lillian leaves the room)(End Scene 1)Scene 2(We see Ernie and Arthur walking in the street)Ernie:And they didn’t tell youArthur:Not til about 7Ernie:Jesus Art, are your parents stupid or somethin?Arthur:No its just they don’t understand meErnie:Well who does, Art, I mean look at ya. You’re 15 years old, you’ve never had a girlfriend, you sit at home on the weekends and read. Your a square Art, a square.
Arthur:Well its just I’d like to live a calm casual life.
Ernie:That’s your whole problem Art, your not willing to take risks, you’re afraid to one day you’ll be up for President of the United States and they’ll find something on your record that’ll snub the campaign.
Arthur:Ernie, I’m not afraid of anything. I think I’m sociable I’m capable of anything
Ernie:Why don’t me and you hit up two babes on Saturday night you can take Julie or something like that and I can get your sister.
Arthur:Julie Oglebee? Ah I don’t know Ernie, Julie just doesn’t seem like my type and heaven knows Lillian doesn’t like you that much
Ernie:You kiddin me Art, your sister was lookin me up all over the room this morning. She’s got the hots for me ya know?
Arthur:Ah come on Ernie, Lillian is a good girl she’s not like Julie
Ernie:Eh, I can make any girl bad. ’member Angie. Before I met her, Church Girl, the rev’s daughter. After I met her, a little devil.
Arthur(brief laugh):Ah Ernie I don’t know what I’m goin to do with you
Ernie:I know what you can do
(He pulls out a pack of cigarettes)
Ernie:Take one and smoke and we can make school by Gym.
Arthur:Oh come on Ernie, put them away
Ernie:Jeez Art just take one, whats the worst that can happen? Maggardy sees us? That fat hog couldn’t spot us from 20 feet by his waist line.
Arthur:This is a bad idea Ernie. Lets just get to class.
Ernie:Fine but you gotta do it sometime Art, no ones perfect.
(The bell rings)
End Scene 2
Scene 3
(We enter in the lunch room where Arthur is talking with Janet and Ernie)
Janet:So they didn’t tell you?
Arthur:Yup went behind my back yet again
Janet:Don’t feel bad Art, Norma always tells me to let things slide and make peace with everyone else
Arthur:I guess she’s right I mean they’re my parents I wouldn’t want to hurt them
Ernie:Janet, you goin to the dance this weekend?
Janet:Why would I not?
Ernie:Beautiful, Art, here’s your date
Arthur:Wh-what?
(He blushes and walks away, Ernie follows)
Ernie:Where you goin? Hey!
(They walk into the bathroom)
Arthur:Ah jeez Ernie what are you doing?
Ernie:Settin you up Art, come on its time you step out of your shell and do something with your life. The first step is here, you take Janet, you dance and go for the home run
Arthur:She’s not that kind of girl, Ernie. Besides I’ve known her all my life and my parents know her parents. I mean heck Lillian and Norma graduated together
Ernie:o what its perfect two families united through love between one’s son and the other’s daughter
Arthur:I don’t know about this, Ern
Ernie:Trust me Art, if you don’t ask her now you’ll never besides how long to some other fella comes along and takes her
Arthur:*sigh* I guess I can do it
Ernie:That’s what I like to here
(Ernie and Arthur walk back to the table)
Janet(laughing a little):What was that about?
Ernie:Nature came callin, he almost peed himself
Arthur:That is not true
Janet:Oh Ernie cut it out
Arthur::So what time do you want to meet?
Janet:5pm
Athur:My place?
Janet:It’s a date
Arthur:Alright then
End Scene 3
Scene 4
(We find Janet walking with Arthur after school)
Janet:Can you believe Ernie?
Arthur:Not really, he’s always getting himself into trouble
Janet:Do you think they’re going to allow him to go to the dance?
Arthur:Probably not but he’ll find a way in, he always does.
Janet:Yeah--why did you walk away earlier when Ernie told me to go with you to the dance?
Arthur:Um well...I didn’t really expect him to do it there and then. Really I wanted to ask you myself but I was kinda waiting for the right time
Janet:I understand you gotta be more self confident Arthur.
Arthur:Its not that its just I wanted a good timing like...now or maybe over the phone
Janet:Over the phone? Who asks someone out over the phone. Arthur I’ve known you for 13 years; I know why you walked away. You didn’t want to ask me because you weren’t going.
Arthur:Oh come on Janet thats not true
Janet:Arthur I can read you like a book its obvious. Its alright though if your not willing to go. I can find another date
Arthur:No, I’m going I’m going. Heh, why would I not go. I mean come on, my first and probably only chance to take a fine girl like you on a date.
Scene 4
(We find Janet walking with Arthur after school)
Janet:Can you believe Ernie?
Arthur:Not really, he’s always getting himself into trouble
Janet:Do you think they’re going to allow him to go to the dance?
Arthur:Probably not but he’ll find a way in, he always does.
Janet:Yeah--why did you walk away earlier when Ernie told me to go with you to the dance?
Arthur:Um well...I didn’t really expect him to do it there and then. Really I wanted to ask you myself but I was kinda waiting for the right time
Janet:I understand you gotta be more self confident Arthur.
Arthur:Its not that its just I wanted a good timing like...now or maybe over the phone
Janet:Over the phone? Who asks someone out over the phone. Arthur I’ve known you for 13 years; I know why you walked away. You didn’t want to ask me because you weren’t going.
Arthur:Oh come on Janet thats not true
Janet:Arthur I can read you like a book its obvious. Its alright though if your not willing to go. I can find another date
Arthur:No, I’m going I’m going. Heh, why would I not go. I mean come on, my first and probably only chance to take a fine girl like you on a date.
Janet:I appreciate the comment Arthur but somehow I doubt your sincerity
Arthur:Whaddya mean?
Janet:I know you better than yourself, Art
Arthur:Look I want to go with ya
Janet:Of course you do
Arthur:I’m being serious Janet!
Janet(laughing):I know you are Arthur, chill out I’m kidding. Of course I’ll go to the dance with you
Arthur:Alright then…(mummering)but theres a bit of a problem
Janet:Whats that?
Arthur:I can’t dance
Janet:Is that all? I can teach you to dance Arthur
Arthur:You can?
Janet:Yeah just come over tonight
Arthur:Alright, well here’s my stop. I’ll see what time?
Janet:7pm, if your parents allow you out
Arthur:I’m sure they will
(He walks into the house and she continues walking looking back as he enters his home)
(We go inside Arthur’s home)
Major:Bout time you got here son
Arthur:Glad to be home, dad
Jessie:Art, your dinners getting cold. Sit down here and talk with me and your father
(He sits down)
Major:So sport how was school today
Arthur:It was fine I suppose
Major:That’s good to here, you hangin around with that Lacey boy?
Arthur:Yes dad
Major:Son how many times do I got to tell you, that boy is a menace. One day he’s going to be sitting in Alcatraz rotting with other punks
Arthur:He’s not a bad person dad, he’s just misunderstood
Major:He gets in trouble every day, a guy like that is just screaming Bad Company
Jessie:Oh Major, you were young once to
Major:But I never got in trouble the way this boy does
Jessie:If I remember correctly, you were always fighting Johnny Doyle
Major:That’s because he made a move for ya I had to do something
Jessie:Still, you got in trouble yourself plenty of times
Major:Yes but Art shouldn’t repeat my actions. Fighting isn’t worth it, Art, a clean life is the way to go. Hell 5 years from now you’ll be in a big school like Yale or even Harvard and Ernie will be rotting away in a jail cell far away.
Arthur:I wish you wouldn’t think that way dad, Ernie has a bright future ahead of him like me.
Major:Yeah when they install lights in the prison
(Lillian walks down stairs)
Lillian:Yeah and he should also stop asking me out
Major:That boy giving you trouble, Lil?
Lillian:He’s got a practical crush on me he’s always calling and courting me
Major:I should pick up that phone and give him a piece of my mind
Lillian:Nah, besides I think its kind of cute
Major:Lillian there isn’t nothing cute about Ernie Lacey he’s just a punk.
Lillian:I just tend to believe theres good in everyone…and what kind of dress is Janet wearing Saturday, Art?
(Arthur nearly chokes on a chicken wing)
Arthur:Um well she hasn’t really told me yet
Major:Janet? Dress? You taken her out on a date, Art?
Arthur:Well yeah, we’re supposed to(mumbling)go to the dance Saturday
Jessie:Oh how wonderful Art
Lillian:Yeah, Ernie told me Art
Arthur(sarcastically):Good ole Ernie
Jessie:I think its great, you two have been best friends for a long time, its time for you two to finally start dating.
Arthur:We’re not really dating per se its just a date
Lillian:So you’re dating?
Arthur:No we’re just going out on a fine dance thing
Lillian:So you’re dating?
Arthur:Look its not that at all I mean heck, we might not go to another dance again after this
Jessie:You should give her a chance, Arthur, she is a such a nice girl
Arthur:Look I don’t want to rush things. I mean dating can hurt a friendship sometimes
Major:Arthur, if you need some advice ask me, I was the king of queens back in High School
Arthur:Dad, I don’t need any help its just a dance
Lillian:You sure about that?
Arthur:I am a 100 percent sure. Now if you excuse me I got to have a little talk with Ernie
(He goes up stairs)
(We go to Janet’s house hours later)
Janet:It’s about time you got here, Art
Arthur:Wheres your folks at?
Janet:Oh they went out to the movies
Arthur:Ah, wheres Norma?
Janet:She’s got work tonight so we got the whole house to ourselves.
Arthur:That’s swell
Janet(giggle):I know, right?
(They go into her basement)
Janet:We might want to make this fast, my parents don’t like when I have boys over they might think something of it.
Arthur:Well they know me its not like they’re going to freak out or anything
Janet:Oh you’d be surprised…now lets get this started. Do you know how to do the Madison?
Arthur:Not really
Janet:Well you do this. Step left forward, Place right beside left and clap, Step back on right, Move left foot back and across the right, Move left foot to the left, Move left foot back and across the right. Now you do it
(He does but fails)
Janet:Try it again
(He tries again but this time moves the wrong way and knocks over Janet but catches her before she falls to the ground)
Arthur:Oh look I’m very sorry
Janet:Its ok, the Madison just isn’t your dance. Trust me I have problems with dances too. Why don’t we try to slow dance.
Arthur:Ok I guess I can try that
(They slow dance and he steps on her toes)
Janet:Ow
Arthur:Sorry
(He continues doing so by accident. He soon lets go and decides to leave but on his way out, Janet stops him)
Janet:Wait. where are you going?
Arthur:Forget it, I’m no good at that stuff
Janet:Oh come on, Art, its your first night you got plenty of time to get ready for it
Arthur:Its hopeless, your better off taking Ernie to the dance.
Janet:Just try, Art, try
Arthur:I’m doing the best I can. Face it I’ll never be as good as him. He’s always out there going to dances, real ones, downtown
Janet:You shouldn’t so down on yourself, Art
Arthur:I can’t help it Janet, I just feel like I’m some kind of failure. Face it I’m going nowhere. In 38 years they’ll be giving out awards for the 20th Century and dub me as the biggest failure. Its like Ernie says I’m just some 15 year old square who reads books on the weekends. I’ll never be anything.
Janet:You won’t be with that attitude. You just need some confidence.
Arthur:*sigh* Theres that word again. Face it I’m nothing
Janet(putting her hand on his shoulder):Arthur, you’re not nothing. Your bound to be something. You’d think I’d be friends with you if I didn’t believe you can be something great?
Arthur:What do you mean?
Janet:I have faith in you Art, I have faith that maybe one day you’re going to come out of your little shell and be something. That’s why we’re really good friends
Arthur:I guess we are better friends then anyone else. I mean heck you’re the only one that understands me. You know me better than my own parents.
Janet:I feel something when I’m around you, Art
Arthur:What do you feel exactly?
Janet:I feel that you can be the ideal guy for me. I feel that I…love you
Arthur:You love me?
Janet:Yeah I love you
Arthur(sarcastic Woody Allen-esqe laugh):You’re kidding right?
Janet:I’m not
Arthur:I can tell you are, don’t lie to me
Janet:Arthur, I’ve never lied to you. You just don’t get it
(As she walks away he follows her and stops her)
Arthur:Wait, I understand how you feel when did you hit you
Janet:I’ve always had something for you Art, I just didn’t want to admit it was love because I feel it could hurt our great friendship. Then theres people who’ll laugh and point at us when we walk by. Norma tells me never to let anyone know how you feel about certain guys.
Arthur:Norma isn’t always right
Janet:I guess I should’ve never told you because now I just feel awkward
Arthur:Don’t, I understand what you mean. I mean I feel the same way but not in love with you type of manner just as friends
Janet:Well can you give it some thought?
Arthur:I will
Janet:Thank you because you really mean a lot to me
(They embrace each other in an "awkward" feeling)
End Scene 4
Scene 5

(We find Arthur with Ernie and Lillian in the kitchen the next day)

Arthur:They allowing you to go?

Ernie:Pfft…no but I’m going anyways

Arthur:How are you getting in?
Ernie:Easy, my cousin is the ticket vender and besides Maggardy doesn’t go to these things and if he does he’ll be at the buffet anyways

Arthur:Clever Ern, clever

Ernie(looking at Lillian):You goin to the dance sweetcheeks?

Lillian:I’m 19, your 16, do the math

Ernie:Age is just a number baby. My uncle is 42 and my aunt is 24.

Arthur:I thought your aunt was 41?

Ernie:That was my old aunt….this is my new one and she was a actress. Uncle Bill hit a home run with this dame

Arthur:You got a weird family Ernie

Ernie:Tell me about it, my mom was a factory worker and my dad was a maid. Except he called it a Stewart. My brother can bench press over 250 yet he’s a writer. Bunch of whack jobs if you ask me.

Lillian:So how did it go, yesterday, Arthur?

Arthur:Oh, it was ok I guess.

Ernie:Where’d he go yesterday?

Lillian:Over to Janet’s

Ernie:Ooo Artie’s already rounding 3rd

Arthur:Come on Ernie, I told you Janet is not that type of girl and besides we’re just friends. We’re not dating, we’re just going out to a dance

Ernie:So you’re dating?

Arthur:No, we are not dating we’re just going out on a date

Ernie:So…you’re…dating?

Arthur:You two are so much alike you should date

Lillian:No, simply put, no

Ernie:We do got a lot in common baby

Lillian:No we do not. We totally don’t

Ernie:You have dark hair, I have dark hair

Lillian:For the record, I am naturally a blonde. I dyed my hair

Ernie:Pfft…so was I

Lillian(slight laugh):No you weren’t

Ernie:Yes I was, there is no way in proving me wrong.

Lillian:Don’t lie to me like that

Ernie:Why you afraid it might affect our relationship?

Lillian:There is no relationship, Ernie just me and you

Ernie:We can take nothing and make it something

Lillian:Let me think…no

Ernie:What are you scared of, baby?

Lillian(arms crossed):Nothing

(He leans into to her with his arms wrapping around her)

Ernie:Chill baby, take it slowly…slowly

Arthur:Can you do this somewhere else, I’m trying to eat my cereal here

Lillian:Get off of me

(She pushes him off)

Ernie:Chill baby, tame the wild beast

(He puts his hand on his shoulder and it starts to go down her back before it can get any lower, she pushes him again leans up on the counter and grabs a butter knife)

Lillian:Ernie Lacey, I swear any close to me or any part of me. I will stab you in the little heart of yours

(He swipes the knife from her and puts it on the table. She runs away and he chases after her. They run through the kitchen, into the living room, and upstairs as she gets up the steps he slaps her in the buttocks(yes I actually wrote that) and he jumps back down stairs)

Lillian(after he smacks her):Ahh! Ernie!

Ernie:Lets get out of here

(He runs outside and Arthur follows behind we see Lillian sitting on the steps with her arms folded giving the prissy school girl look)

End Scene 5

Scene 6

(We find Ernie and Arthur sitting at the lunch table)

Ernie:I swear if we get homework again I will kiss Haggardy

Arthur:What is up with you today?

Ernie:What do ya mean?

Arthur:You’re acting a little out there today or something

Ernie:I think it might be that stuff my cousin gave me

Arthur:What was it?

Ernie:Its like some kind of drug

Arthur:Are we talking medicine or something?
Ernie:No he said it was called speed or something

Arthur:Speed? Gosh Ernie, first cigarettes now this? How am I ever going to get my father to respect you if you’re on drugs and stuff.

Ernie:I haven’t taken that much. My cousin does it all the type for track and stuff it makes you more hyperactive. I love it you should try it.

Arthur:Ernie I’m not going to do drugs, this is insane. I’m starting to think you’ve lost your mind

Ernie:I’ve lost a lot in my life but my mind is not one of them…so what happened yesterday?

Arthur:What do you mean?

Ernie:At Janet’s

Arthur:Nothing, I just came and we just talked?

Ernie:That’s it? Jeez Art make a move or something

Arthur:She’s no…

Ernie:She’s not that kind of girl. Whopee doo, Art. It’s the same thing with you. You got no confidence and you don’t think she’s that kind of girl. She was pregnant once.

Arthur:Ernie don’t lie to me like that. Janet’s a nice clean girl she has never been pregnant.

Ernie:How would you know that?

Arthur:Oh come on, Ern you sound like some crazy lunatic. I’ve known Janet for 15 years. She has never been pregnant.

Ernie:Like I said, there is no way in knowing that.

Arthur:There is plenty of ways.

Ernie:Such as?

Arthur:I’ve never heard this story

Ernie:I’ll tell you why, it was a cover up.

Arthur:Now you’re being redicolous

Ernie:You see Arthur, back in the 8th grade, Janet went to Summer Camp and she was abducted by aliens, and one of the aliens impregnated her.

Arthur:Ernie, you need to seriously lay off the drugs and cigarettes…and Science Fiction movies.

Ernie:Haha, Art I’m just kidding. Your hostile you need to calm down

Arthur:I am perfectly calm

Ernie:Its only a joke

Arthur:Well I didn’t find it funny

Ernie:That’s because you have no sense of humour. You’d rather watch Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca then listen to Lenny Bruce.

Arthur:What do you see in that guy

Ernie:He’s spot on. He tells it like it is. Hollywood is just too fake. Bruce knows what he’s talking about.

Arthur:I just think he’s a hack

Ernie:Well who do you think is funny?

Arthur:Jack Benny

Ernie:Jack Benny? You mean the square on TV?

Arthur:He’s not a nerd, he just wears glasses for his vision

Ernie:You’d know Art

Arthur:Look you are really starting to tick me off

Ernie:Because I hate that my best friend is some kind of square. There’s a reason why I don’t bring you around Ace and the boys over at the Lumber Yard.
Arthur:Well gee, Ernie I guess the last 11 years don’t really mean a thing to you
(Arthur gets up and leaves)
Ernie:Eh come back here, Art, I’m only kidding!
End Scene 6