Mickey Horton (John Clarke) and
Laura Spencer (Susan Flannery) on their wedding day.
Episode # 543
Airdate: December 29,
1967
x
ACT
ONE:
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Alice and Kitty are
in the Horton house getting the preparations ready for the wedding. The florist
calls Alice for the time of the wedding, which is 6:30. Sandy’s helping too by
getting the special tablecloth for after the wedding. She gets the wrong one and
Alice asks Kitty to help her out. Marie and Laura come in the front
door:
(Alice hangs up. The
front door opens as Marie and Laura enter carrying her bridal gown which is in
plastic or a garment bag, veil, and perhaps in another garment bag, Laura’s
going- away outfit)
x
Marie:
(half-singing)
Here comes the
bride…
Alice: Laura, darling…
Laura: Hello, Mrs.
Horton. Or is it time I started calling you Mother
Horton?
Alice: I can’t think
of a better time.
(There’s a very warm
embrace)
Alice: Laura, I don’t know when I’ve been so happy—or excited.
(beat) Your bridal gown. (As she touches the garment
bag)
Laura: Um-hmm..
Alice: I’m so anxious
to see it.
Marie: It may need a little last minute pressing here and there,
Mom. When it’s all ready, we’ll call you.
Laura: Remember now,
you promised to help me dress later on.
Alice: Oh, I haven’t forgotten, dear.
Marie: Mom, I left Laura’s suitcase in the car for one of the
men.
Alice: They’re not
here yet but I’m sure they will be soon. I’ll have one of them bring it inside.
(To Laura) I thought you
could use Tom’s and my room.
Laura: Thank you. I
think I’ll go right on up.
Alice: Would you like
some coffee?
Laura: Hmm, I think I
could use a cup about now.
Marie: Two,
Mom.
Alice: I’ll send Sandy up with them.
x
(During the last few
lines, Laura and Marie have started to make their way upstairs—although Laura
will stop and turn when addressing Alice. Bring Kitty out of the
kitchen.)
x
Kitty: Well, I see the bride is here.
Laura: Hello,
Kitty.
Kitty: Is it all right
if I poke my head in after we have things straightened away down
here?
Laura: Yes, of course. See you shortly.
x
(By now Marie is up
the stairs and Laura follows. Alice pokes her head into the kitchen. Sandy is
out of the picture, don’t bring her to the entrance)
x
Alice: Sandra, would you please bring some coffee to Marie and
Laura up in our room? And maybe put a few cookies on a
dish.
Sandy: (off)
Alll right, Grandma.
Kitty:
(To
Alice who turns back into the hallway) The dining room is all set
up.
Alice: The champagne
and cake?
Kitty: The champagne
arrived a few minutes ago and the cake will be here within the hour. Can you
think of any more loose ends?
Alice:
(Beat as she thinks for a
moment) No, I don’t believe
so.
Kitty: The maybe we
should think about getting dressed.
x
(At which point the
door opens, Mickey, carrying his tails in a garment bag,
enters)
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Mickey: Well, I see
the groom has a reception committee waiting for him. How are you,
Mom?
Alice: I’ve never been
better dear.
(There’s a warm
embrace between mother and son)
Mickey: For a mother
who’s about to lose a son—you’re much too happy.
Alice: I’m not losing
a son, I’m gaining a daughter.
Mickey: Hello, Kitty.
Kitty: Can I take that
for you, Mickey?
Mickey: Thanks.
(Hands her the garment bag) Mom, where do you have the groom and his best
man?
Alice: You and your
father will be using Bill’s old room.
Kitty: I’ll go on up with this. (Kitty exits up the
stairs.)
Mickey: What about
your room?
Alice: That’s where the bride will be dressing. Laura just got here
a few minutes ago. By the way, weren’t you suppose to bring her
father?
Mickey: The good doctor went back to his hotel room. He’ll be
taking a cab over later. Dad here yet?
Alice: He’s picking up
Susan. They should be here now most any time. Oh, and before I forget, Laura’s
suitcase is in Marie’s car.
Mickey: Yeah, I’ve got
one outside, too. I’ll bring them both in later. (Beat) Well, Mom, it’s
really happening , isn’t it?
Alice: Yes, dear, it
is.
Mickey:
(He looks at his mother, beat, then he
tenderly takes her by the shoulders) How do I—Mom, how do I go
about thanking you for everything.
Alice: (Finding his deep felt mood)
There really hasn’t been all
that much to do, dear. And Kitty, Sandy and your sister have been such a big
help.
Mickey: I’m not
talking about—just today. I’m talking about all the—days of my life. How do I
thank you—for being you? How do I tell you how deeply grateful I am that—that I
was lucky enough to have you as my mother.
Alice:
(tears, but no sobbing)
I—I think you already have.
x
(Another warm
embrace as we cut to…)
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Tom and Alice’s
bedroom…
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(To Marie as she
hangs the wedding gown on a door, in clear view)
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Marie: Oh Laura it—it’s so beautiful.
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(Take Laura as she
goes over, looks at it, with happiness, with a near reverence.
Hold.)
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ACT
TWO:
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(This is several
hours later. Mickey is virtually dressed, Tom is adjusting his tie, his coat
still off. Needless to say both men are dressed in tails. For this act, we can
possibly get by with just a portion of Bill’s old
room)
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Mickey: Dad, you’d
better get a move on. We should have been on our way five minutes
ago.
Tom: I trust they
won’t start without us. And anyway, we’re not even sure the bride is
ready.
Mickey: Well, with all the help she has in there, I would guess she
is. But from what I heard, Laura’s not budging from that room until you and I
are out of this house.
Tom: If you want to be of some help, you might put on my
boutineer.
Mickey: Isn’t it the
other way around? Isn’t the best man supposed to be helping the
groom?
Tom: Help is given
where help is needed. Now get with it, will you?
Mickey: (he smiles)
Yes, sir.
Tom: I must say you
seem to be holding up well.
Mickey: Just make certain you bring the phenobarb. Beneath all this
bravado is a guy whose nervous system is crawling the
walls.
Tom: (Tom smiles, then a beat)
It
seems to me as your father I should be making a speech of some sort about now.
But it’s a little late for anything about the birds and the bees. (Mickey
smiles, then holds the coat for his dad as Tom slips into it) I suppose I
could also lecture you on the responsibilities of a husband. But since you’re
both an attorney and in you mid-thirties, it seems a little late for that, too.
(Then he turns to Mickey) Son, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you—you’re
marrying a very wonderful, a very special young woman. Make sure you take good
care of her—or you’ll answer to me.
Mickey: I’ll remember that.
Tom: Just bring the same sense of values to your marriage that
you’ve brought to your life so far—and I know that you and Laura will have a
happy and rewarding life together.
Mickey: Thanks,
Dad.
Tom: (beat, then:)
Well, I think I’m about
ready if you are.
Mickey: Yes, I—I’m very ready. (Mickey opens the door, as Tom
follows) I think I’ll shake up the girls a little before we
leave.
x
(He goes over to his
parents’ bedroom door. Knocks, starts jiggling
handle.)
x
Mickey: I’ve got to
come in there a minute to—
x
(Then Kitty, Alice,
Sandy and Laura all shout in unison, “Don’t you dare… “Stay out of here,” etc…
Mickey smiles, then projecting)
x
Mickey: Darling? I’ll see you at the
church.
Laura: All right,
dear.
x
(Then let there be a
little laughter, whatever, behind the closed door as Tom and Mickey walk toward
the stairs)
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Cut to: Horton
Living Room
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(Where we see Susan
dressed in her gown, sitting—with Laura’s father nearby, in
tails)
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Susan: I don’t you think you can know, Dr. Spencer, how grateful
I’ll always be to your daughter. If it wasn’t for what Laura was able to do
during the trial—well, I don’t know what would have happened to me. Laura
and Mickey. And here I am a few short months later—a part of their
wedding, Laura’s Maid of Honor.
John: May I say, Susan, that I don’t think my daughter could have
found a more wonderful young woman to be her Maid of
Honor.
Susan: You hardly know
me.
John: But I’ve heard
Laura speak of you so often. Yes, I feel I know you very well.
x
(Bring Tom and
Mickey down the stairs)
x
Mickey: Well, we’re on
our way. Dr. Spencer, you and Susan getting along all right down
here?
John: We’re doing just
fine, Mickey.
Susan: Well, don’t the two of you look
handsome.
Tom: Thank you, Susan. Can I get either of you anything before we
leave?
Mickey: Dad, will you
forget about being the host and give a little thought to being the best
man.
Tom: What he’s trying to tell me is that we’re running a few
minutes behind schedule. We’ll see you both at the
church.
Susan: You run along,
we’re just fine, as Dr. Spencer said.
Mickey: See you both
shortly.
x
(At which point Tom
and Mickey leave. Bring Sandy and Kitty down the stairs, dressed very lovely for
the wedding. All the ladies are wearing their corsages, Dr. Spencer, his
boutineer. Remember, although we didn’t play it on stage, all these people,
including Dr. Spencer, have met before)
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John:
(Rising if he’s not already
up) Well, I’m really being
surrounded by beautiful ladies this evening.
Kitty: But, Doctor,
wait until you see the bride. Your daughter looks—well, breath-taking is the
only word.
Susan: I’m so anxious
to see her.
Kitty: You should have
come up, Susan.
Susan: Well—Dr. Horton
doesn’t want me climbing any stairs.
Kitty: Oh, I’m sorry!
That was a little thoughtless of me.
Susan: No, it’s all
right, Kitty.
Alice:
(After a beat, here Alice
off:) Are you all down
there?
Susan: Yes, Mrs.
Horton
x
(And anticipating
the bride, they all go to the landing, the foot of the stairs. Now please take
time here. Build the suspense for the audience, make Laura’s entrance very
moving and dramatic. The drama, of course, is in the gown, in the evening. Let
Alice come down the stairs, alone, get to the bottom stair, then look back. Take
reactions, then let Laura slowly come into view and down the stairs, looking
radiant. Take Laura, then get reactions, back to
Laura)
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Susan: You were right,
Kitty—breathtaking is the only word.
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ACT
THREE:
x
The Church of
Salem
x
(Take the church, in
the BG let the chimes be sounding the hour of seven. We do a job of
pictures here. Alice, Kitty, Sandy, and Marie are already in their places in the
front pew. We’re going to need a very small anteroom where Tom, Mickey and the
Reverend will be waiting to go out. In the back of the church, an area for
Laura, Susan and Dr. John Spencer. But only take the four people in the pew now.
Establish the church, near the back the organist and the soloist. Wait, then let
the soloist start singing “Because.” If you need time, then let him do another
appropriate selection. It is only after he begins his song that we cut to the
various other groupings for solemn reactions. Certainly we should see the
emotion of all the words and meaning of this piece. Let no one fight tears here.
When the number is completed {or numbers, as the case may be}—then cut to the
waiting room with Tom, Mickey and the Reverend, and have them begin their
movement to the altar. Once there, Mickey and Tom turn, as you know, and all
face the back of the church. Let us then hear “ The Wedding March.” First,
Susan—slowly—then followed by Laura and her father. Take many and long reactions
here – but certainly favor Mickey, Laura, Tom and Alice at this point. Then as
Laura comes to Mickey, he takes her hand, and give us a very magic moment here
as they stop, look into one another’s eyes, then as they start to face the
Reverend:)
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ACT
FOUR:
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Church of
Salem
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(Everyone having
assumed his or her proper position, the good Reverend opens his book and:)
x
Minister: Dearly
beloved. We are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of these
witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is
an honorable estate, instituted by God. It is therefore not to be entered into
unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy
estate these two persons come now to be joined. I require and charge you both,
as you stand in the presence of God, to remember that love and loyalty alone
will avail as a foundation of a happy and enduring home. No other human ties are
more tender, no other vows are more sacred that those you now assume. If these
solemn vows be kept inviolate, and if steadfastly you endeavor to do the will of
your heavenly Father, your life will be full of joy, and the home which you are
establishing will abide in peace. (Beat)
Michael Horton, wilt
thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate
of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness,
and in health; and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her, so long as ye
both shall live?
Mickey: I will.
Minister: Laura Spencer, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded
husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him,
comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health; and forsaking all
others keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall
live?
Laura: I will.
Minister: Who giveth this woman to be married to this
man?
John: I do.
x
(Then the minister
shall cause the man with his right hand to take the woman by her right hand and
say after him:)
x
Minister: I, Michael, take thee, Laura, to be my wedded wife, to
have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for
poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part
according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my
troth.
x
(Mickey has repeated
these words. Then they loose their hands and the woman, with her right hand
taking the man by his right hand, shall say after the minister:)
x
Minister: I, Laura, take thee, Michael, to be my wedded husband, to
have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for
poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do
part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my
troth.
x
(Which Laura
repeats. They shall again loose their hands; and then the two rings are brought
forward)
x
Minister: These rings an outward and visible sign of an inward and
spiritual grace, signifying unto all the uniting of this man and this woman in
holy matrimony. (Beat) Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, the giving of this
ring, that he who gives it and she who wears it may abide forever in Thy peace,
and continue in Thy favor. Also that she who gives it and he who wears it may
abide forever in Thy peace, and continue in Thy
favor.
x
(The minister shall
then deliver the ring to the man to put on the third finger of the woman’s left
hand. {Laura does not wear her engagement ring.} The man, holding the ring
there, shall say after the minister:)
x
Minister: In token and pledge of the vow between us made, with this
ring I thee wed.
x
(The procedure is
repeated for Laura as she holds Mickey’s ring)
x
Laura: In token and pledge of the vow between us made, with this
ring I thee wed.
x
(Pause, then the
Minister joins their right hands together and with his hand on their united
hands says:)
x
Minister: Foreasmuch as Michael and Laura have consented together
in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and
thereto have pledged their troth each to the other, and have declared the same
by joining hands—and by giving and receiving a ring: I now pronounce that they
are husband and wife together. And what God has joined together, let no man put
asunder. Amen.
God the Father,
bless, preserve and keep you: The Lord graciously with His favor look upon you,
and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and love that you may so live
together in this life—that in the world to come you may have life
everlasting.
x
(Laura turns to Mickey, Mickey to Laura; Laura puts her veil back—an embrace and very, very tender and loving kiss. And with the organ music up… The others gathering around…fade to black)