Ladies and Gentlemen Miss Liberty Belle
a musical play
By
© Dan Joyce ©2018
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Character List
in order of appearance
Belle O’Brien - Liberty Belle
Narrator
Worker - hospital psychtech
patient - patient in hospital
voices - auditory hallucinations heard by Belle
Sharon Johnson - patient Belle fights with
speaker - loud speaker in hospital
Dennis Hood - social worker
Karen Hope - Belle’s case manager
Dr. Marco - Belle’s psychiatrist
Prosecuting attorney - attorney in Belle’s conservatorship hearing
Public Defender - Belle’s lawyer
Judge Channey - the judge
Bailiff
Monkey - a hallucination of a monkey with a British accent
Juror - member of the jury appointed to represent the jury
Pops - owner and manager of Belle’s group home
Cindy - Belle’s roommate
Woody Black - folk singer
stranger - one line in pub
girl - same as above
Red - owner of Red’s Pub where Woody and Belle sing
Johnny Cash - famous singer who discovers Belle
agent - Johnny Cash’s agent
producer - TV producer for Christmas show
announcer at concert
Opening Song Life Without Soul
(sung by narrator)
Chords:
Verses: D Em G E
Chorus: Am C G D
Just today I lost a song inside my shattered mind
Jesus prayed to Father, Father why you so unkind
and then a fool asked me straight, “Did Jesus really die?”
I told him point blank, “I don’t really know.”
its Life without soul
Love spoken cold
like meat rotten old
Life without soul
The other day she said no words, but looked me in the eye
I puffed my smoke and then I wondered why
and so unkind I lost my mind four days into hell
The guards all said, “You play the role so well.”
its Life without soul
Love spoken cold
Like meat rotten old
Life without soul
And now I see I’ve got to be a spirits mystery
‘cause when they try you know they lie inside
Just today I lost a song inside my shattered mind
Jesus prayed to Father, Father why you so unkind?
The first scene opens showing a large city showing the common views of the buildings from above, to the businesses, to the back alleys where people are shooting dice, cars driving by, homeless people and finally leading to the front gate of an institution reading, “California State Mental Hospital”. The camera follows the patients through the hallways to the cafeteria where Belle sits waiting to eat.
Narrator:This is the hospital, California State Mental Hospital. As you can see it isn’t a very pretty place. Over one-hundred patients room here. Some stay a short while, get better and leave to new places. Others, well... never seem to make it and the hospital becomes a way of life for them, a very sad, frightening and lonely way of life. It is the home of Miss Belle O’Brien, a beautiful young woman lost to a world she doesn’t know. This is the story of how a bit of care and a bit of hope can change her world forever.
(Belle is talking to herself in a conversation with nobody there.)
Belle: You’re not my mother! Oh yeah! Well phooey.(she laughs)
Worker:Belle keep it down!
Patient:Belle is so lost. Sometimes her voices get so loud she can’t even hear a real person speaking to her.
(The worker passes out trays of food.)
Worker:Tate, Johnson, O’Brien...
(The patients get their food. Belle remains seated laughing.)
Worker: Belle O’Brien! You better get up here now or you’re not going to eat!
(Belle continues laughing as she gets her food)
Voice: Its not chicken! Its a marshmallow cookie!
(Belle laughs)
Belle: How do you know?
(Sharon Johnson sits across the table and glares)
Belle: I’m not your sister! She’s dead!
Sharon: Stop talking to me like that fool!
Belle: I’m talking to the angels. Not you.
(They begin to eat. Belle looks up at Sharon.)
Sharon: What are you looking at witch?
(Sharon throws up the table and hits Belle repeatedly. Belle wrestles her down and starts pulling her hair.)
Speaker: Code red in the dining room. Code red in the dining room.
(Three workers pull the two apart as Belle scratches Sharon and pulls her hair.
Two social workers appear at the scene.)
Dennis: Belle again! You’re going into seclusion this time O’Brien!
(Belle struggles with the workers as they drag her into a room and lock her in.)
Belle:I didn’t do anything wrong! She started it! You’re the crazy ones! You belong in here, not me! I was kidnapped. I want to call the police right now!
(The door slams shut in a room with one small window. Belle hits the door and kicks the wall until she is tired. She calms down and begins to sing.)
Lonely
acapella
Lonely
is just another word
not said by those I’ve heard
have families and kids to play
lovers to love day by day
in their lives so far away
from me
Crazy
is just a state of mind
that happens to be mine.
Insanity and vanity
Voices that just talk to me
Can’t someone
ever reach me
And life plays silly little games
and so they call them sane
But who’s to say
they’re less insane than me
Lonely
is such a horrid word
in such a frightening world.
Can’t anyone see
Can anyone be
a simple friend
to me.
(two social workers talk about Belle after the incident)
Dennis: She’s so far gone, I doubt she’ll ever get out of here.
Karen: Where’s she from?
Dennis:We don’t know. She says she’s from Disneyland. We have no background records of a family, a home or anything.
Karen: How did she end up here?
Dennis: She was homeless and delusional living in LA inside of a cardboard box. The police picked her up harassing people for money and food. At first they thought she was drunk or on drugs, but she tested clean.
Karen: Paranoid Schizophrenia. How long has she been here?
Dennis: She’s been in this facility for six years. Prior to that she was in an adolescent ward.
Karen: Does she have any friends?
Dennis: She stays to herself. In fact I don’t think she’s had a visitor since she’s been here. We have very little information about her at all.
Karen: Does she ever call anyone?
Dennis: When she first came, she kept calling 911 saying she was kidnapped. We have to keep taking her phone privileges away.
Karen: Has she made any friends here?
Dennis: Like I said, she stays to herself speaking and listening to auditory hallucinations, sometimes she even sings to them. She says their angels. Those are the good ones, but when she hears the bad ones its horrifying. She screams in torment. I can’t imagine what she goes through. We have to put her in the holding room constantly. She really is fisty and quick to get into a fight, like you just saw.
Karen: Schizophrenia alright! Put her on my case load.
Dennis: No problem! ...and you are?
Karen: Karen, Karen Hope. I’m the new case manager. I’d like to work with Belle.
Dennis: Glad to have you Karen. I’m Dennis Hood.
In the next scene Karen sits behind a desk in a small office writing charts on her patients. She hears a shuffle outside the room and opens the door. Belle stands outside the room twitching her head, moving her eyes rapidly and mumbling to herself.
Karen: Belle! I’ve been waiting for you. Come in!
(Belle stares whispering nonsense. Karen takes her hand, but Belle jerks it away.)
Karen: Have a seat Belle! Its O.K.
(Belle stares at Karen oddly.)
Karen: Its safe, really!
(Belle enters the room and takes a seat.)
Karen: Would you like the door open or closed?
(Belle mumbles twitching her jaw and head.)
Karen: Do you know how old you are?
(Belle murmurs to voices)
Karen: Do you know when you were born? You’re birthday?
(Belle remains silent and moves her eyes around Karen’s face.)
Belle: Whoare you?
Karen: My name is Karen Hope. I’m going to be working on your case. You can call me Karen. Now then, do you know why you’re here?
(Belle moves her lips in a talking motion. She shakes her head around playing with her hair and fidgets in her seat.)
Karen: Belle! Belle!
(Belle looks at Karen intensely)
Belle: You’re beautiful.
Karen: Thank you Belle.
Belle: I’m God Blessed. Do you know what it means to be God Blessed?
Karen: No, tell me.
Belle: God talks to me and the angels, all of them.
Karen:Those are voices Belle, hallucinations. They’re not real.
Belle: NO! I’m not crazy! They talk to me, lots of them and I know movie stars and famous people and even the pope. I’m God Blessed.
Karen: Do you know where you’re from Belle?
Belle: I was born in the city of Disneyland.
Karen: Belle,(pause)Disneyland isn’t a city.
Belle: No! I’m from the city of Disneyland and my mother had to give me away because she was sick and had a brain disease. So she gave me away to the people and I went to school in the city of Disneyland and the angels came to talk to me, but the people got mad and I ran away and...
Karen: Who are the people?
Belle: The people in the city of Disneyland where I lived
Karen: That’s fantasy Belle.
Belle: No its not! Its true!
(Karen pauses)
Karen: Belle do you know your times tables?
Belle: I think so
Karen: What is 2 X 5?
Belle: 10
Karen: What’s 6 X 6?
Belle: 36
Karen: 9 X 7?
Belle: 63
Karen: What is the square root of 169?
Belle: uh...13
Karen: If X-5=9 what is the value of X
Belle: 14
Karen:Who was John Stienbeck?
Belle: a writer
Karen: Sigmund Freud?
Belle: a psychiatrist
Karen: Scott Joplin?
Belle: a piano player, ragtime
Karen: Pablo Picasso
Belle: abstract artist
Karen:Ulysses S. Grant
Belle: General of the Civil War and later a president.
Karen: Why do Arabs where white clothing in the sun?
Belle: Because black and dark colors would absorb the desert heat whereas white reflects the light.
Karen: What is the Big Bang Theory?
Belle: a theory about the evolution of the beginning of the universe
Karen: In music, what are the Bass and Treble Clefs?
Belle: Treble are the high notes and Bass are the low notes
Karen:Why was the Civil War fought?
Belle: To free the slaves
Karen: Belle you’re brilliant! How did you know all that without a formal education?
Belle: I like to read books and do crossword puzzles. Oh, and I like to watch Jeopardy
Karen: Amazing! I’d like to help you Belle, but you’re going to have to co-operate with me. This is going to have to be a team effort, both working together. I’ve been reviewing your chart. We have a lot to work on: poor social skills, listening to voices, non-med. compliant, uncontrollable and violent anger, and your depression. I want to help you. I care and I don’t think you’ve ever really had a chance. Do you want to get better Belle?
Belle: Alright
(Belle giggles to herself)
Karen: What’s funny?
Belle: Whitney Houston put a tuba in her nose and then she sneezed and it went THOOM!
(Belle laughs and leaves the room.
Karen places her pencil against her cheek.)
Karen: Hmm, God Blessed.
In the next scene, Karen is in an office meeting with Dennis Hood and the facility psychiatrist Dr. Marco.
Dennis:Sharon Johnson consistently acts out in group, starts fights and makes gestures to harm herself. I don’t think she’s ready for another hearing. I’d give her six more months at least.
Dr. Marco: I agree. Six months it is.
Dennis: What about Belle? She’s still a babbling idiot.
Karen: Belle is a lovely and brilliant young lady. I’d like to request extra time to work with her.
Dr. Marco: We can’t afford that.
Karen: But she has so much potential. If you only knew...
Dennis: Karen, you’re very new at this. The first rule of therapy is not to become attached to the patient. We’ve all noticed how much interest you’ve shown in Belle. They’re not like regular people. She’s mentally ill, sick, and should be treated as such. We have to keep them in line.
Karen:You speak of her as if she’s not even human. Belle is a frightened and lonely girl. She needs the extra effort.
Dr. Marco: Dennis is right Karen. We’ve all been noticing how you’ve become far too attached to this patient. Its not safe.
Karen: If I can help just one client, if I can save just one life, then I will know that I am right for this job. Belle is flesh and blood woman. She just needs that one person to believe in her. (Karen begins to sing)
Somebody to be their Someone
Chords: C C G F G F
Bridge: Am G F G F G Am
Everybody has to have a somebody to be their someone
and when its all done
What do they say?
Don’t nobody want to have a nobody to be their no one
‘cause when its all done
Its not the same
Time plays a fool
Only way to keep it cool
and nobody will ever lose
in the game
When a somebody has nobody to be their no one
Then they’re a lone one
And that’s a shame
But when a nobody finds somebody to be their someone
That’s the real fun
When its that way
Life is a rose
That nobody will care to know
Plant your seeds along
and watch them grow
Everybody has to have a somebody to be their someone
And she needs someone
in these days.
(As Karen sings, scenes flash of Karen educating Belle with books, socials, groups and individual therapy)
Dr. Marco: Alright Karen. You can have this one, but be careful!
In the next scene Karen and Belle are in the patients lounge talking.
Belle: The voices are real.
Karen: No! You suffer from an illness called schizophrenia. It makes your mind act like its on drugs. You hallucinate, hear things, think that people are out to get you...
Belle: But I’m not on drugs. I don’t do drugs. I never have.
Karen: For some reason your brain is producing an abnormal chemical imbalance. It reacts in you like a drug. That’s what causes it.
Belle:But the voices, they’re so real. I actually hear them.
Karen: That’s hallucination. You think its real, but its not.
Belle: How do I make them stop?
Karen: One way is to take your medicines like you’re supposed to and not cheeking them and spitting them out in the toilet.
Belle: How did you know about that?
Karen: Its the oldest trick in the book Belle.
Belle: But what if I take the medicines and still hear the voices?
Karen: Ignore them! If you don’t listen to them, you can’t really hear them, now can you?
Belle: I’ve got something to show you.
Karen: What?
(Belle leads Karen over to the piano)
Belle: I’ve been practicing the piano. Listen!
(Belle sits down and plays an instrumental solo on the piano)
song: Love Knot
piano instrumental
[
Narrator: As time passed, Belle became more of a young lady. She walked away from fights reporting incidents of violence to the staff. She became more assertive, polite and clear spoken. She struggled with the voices, but remembered Karen’s words, “Take the medicines and try to ignore them.”
In the next scene Karen, Dennis and Dr. Marco are in an office meeting.
Dr. Marco: You want to what?
Karen: I’d like to help Belle take her case to court. I think she’s ready for the real world.
Dennis: No! Absolutely not! I’m going to fight you on this one Karen. That girl has a history of antics miles long. I won’t let you do it!
Karen: All she needs is a chance. She’s developed adequate skills. Give her a break!
Dennis: Can she cook? Shop? Handle money? No! It just won’t work!
Karen: We could set her up in a group home, a half-way house where she could learn these things.
Dr. Marco: True. She’s up for a hearing anyway. I’ll call the public defender’s office and set a court date.
(Karen leaves the office and walks into Belle’s room where Belle is sitting on her bed.)
Karen: Belle, how would you like to be free?
(Belle’s eyes light up)
Belle:Do you think you can do it?
In the next scene, Belle is in a small court room. The bailiff announce the case. Judge Channey watches Belle as she looks around the room and sees herself on a TV in the court room.
Prosecuting Attorney: The prosecution states that the Public Guardian’s Office and case worker Dennis Hood insist that the defendant Miss Belle O’Brien remain in a locked facility for at least one year. The prosecution calls to the stand case worker Dennis Hood.
Bailiff: Mr. Hood, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
Dennis: So help me God.
Attorney: Mr. Hood, you have been observing Belle in the care of the state hospital for approximately six years. Is this true?
Dennis: Yes, it is.
Attorney: And during this time, how would you describe Belle’s character?
Dennis: Psychotic, usually in no contact with reality, hallucinations both audio and visual, violent temperament, rude, disgusting, no respect for anyone, non-med. compliant and extremely dangerous.
Attorney: Would you consider Miss O’Brien a harm to others
Dennis: yes
Attorney: Is she a possible harm to herself?
Dennis: yes
Attorney: Would you consider her gravely disabled?
Dennis: definitely
Attorney: The prosecution rests. The defense is open for questioning the witness.
Public Defender: Mr. Hood have you noticed any significant progress in Belle’s behavior within the past six months
Dennis: Some, but too mild. Just a few months ago we had to seclude her for a fight she got into in the cafeteria. She was scratching the girl with her fingernails and trying to pull out her hair.
Public Defender: How would you describe her behavior now?
Dennis: As I stated, some progress, but not significant enough for standard society. She needs more structure than that.
Public Defender: Thank you, Mr. Hood. The defense calls to the witness stand Miss Belle O’Brien.
Bailiff: Miss O’Brien do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Belle: I do
Public Defender: Belle, if you are to be set free, what plan of action do you have to take care of yourself?
Belle: I would buy a house and live in it and cook and clean and play the piano.
Prosecuting Attorney: How do you plan to pay for this house?
Belle: I would use my check from the state.
Attorney: Do you know how much housing costs these days Belle?
Belle: no
Attorney: Do you know how to cook?
Belle: a little
Attorney: What’s a little?
Belle: sandwiches and stuff.
Attorney: Thank you, Belle.
Narrative: Belle was asked to leave the court room. She was then transported back to the hospital where she stayed in her room talking to herself for two days.
In the next scene Karen and Dennis argue in the hallway.
Karen: How could you? What gives you the right? You’ve completely demolished everything I’ve worked for in the past four months.
Dennis: I told you, they’re not regular people. They’re crazy! Don’t become attached!
(Karen slaps him with her purse.)
Karen: You jerk!
(Karen walks into Belle’s room and finds her talking to herself.)
Belle: Did we win? Am I free?
Karen:no
Belle: I’ve spent half my life in institutions and hospitals. Why are they doing this to me? I deserve a chance. Its not my fault I’m crazy and I don’t know how much a house costs or how to cook or anything.
Karen: You’re not crazy Belle. You have an illness that can be treated.
Belle: The voices are getting so loud. (Belle starts crying) They say I’ll never get out or have a family or friends or a job or anything. I can’t stop them!(Belle bursts into tears)
Karen: I’m sorry Belle. I didn’t mean to let you down like that. Things will get better. They always do. Don’t give up hope!
(Karen hugs her and leaves the room. Belle remains there crying as voices shout through her head. A hallucination of a large monkey appears on her bed.)
Monkey: Hello, love.
Belle: What do you want?
Monkey: Well it don’t sound like you’re having too much fun around here. I’m going to take you to the Prom.
Belle: What’s a prom?
Monkey: Oh its loads of fun. Its a special thing. We all dress up and go out for dinner and dance and get our pictures taken.
Belle: Dance? Who will I dance with?
Monkey: But me, of course.
(Belle laughs)
Belle: But you’re a monkey...
Monkey: No problem. Its all just a big daydream anyway. Now then, come along...
song Daydream Believer (Monkey)
(The camera shows scenes of Belle and the monkey dressing up, having a big fancy dinner, dancing and finally having their photos taken. The scenes end with a photo of Belle and the monkey that reads “Class of Never”.)
In the next scene Karen is working with Belle in Belle’s room to regain her spirit.
Karen: Are you sure you don’t know where you come from?
Belle: I told you, I’m from the city of Disneyland.
Karen: Belle, Disneyland isn’t a city.
Belle: Wait! It has another name. I remember now, Ana
Karen: Ana?
Belle: Yes, Ana something.
Karen: Ana... Ana... Anaheim?
Belle: That’s it, Anaheim!
Karen: Anaheim! Of course, Anaheim is the city where Disneyland is and you went to school in Anaheim. Anaheim, the city of Disneyland.
Belle: Yes! That’s right!
Karen: Do you know how you got here?
Belle: The voices came and they came after me to put me away and I ran away.
Karen: Who are they?
Belle: The people
Karen: What people?
Belle: The people that I lived with. They told me I wasn’t really their daughter and how my mother had a brain disease and... (Belle starts to cry)
Karen: That’s enough Belle.(she pauses until Belle stops crying)
Karen:Belle? If you could be anybody in the world, who would you be?
Belle: I would be me. I don’t think I would know how to be anyone else. I wouldn’t be me anymore.
Karen: Let me rephrase that. If you could do anything in the world. What would you do?
Belle: You’re going to be angry with me.
Karen: Why? What have you done?
(Belle pulls a book out from under her bed and then an acoustic guitar)
Karen: Oh Belle! You can’t have that, its contraband. Where did you get it?
Belle: I sneaked it out of the recreation therapy room. I’m sorry.
Karen: That’s alright! We’ll just have to return it.
Belle: Wait! I’ve been teaching myself how to play from this book. Its by a man named Woody Guthrie. I’ve been writing my own songs. Listen!
(Karen frowns. Belle starts to play the guitar and sing.)
song Lonely Lover Boy Belle
Chords: A A7 D A A7 D C D G D
Bridge: E Am E Am
(scenes flash of the lonely lover boy illustrating the story)
Look at the lonely lover boy watering his garden once more
Watch the morning girl pass by wondering who the flowers are for
She’s a beautiful girl you see
Just as she was meant to be
In a tale as old as time
Who is gonna make her mine?
Look at the lonely lover boy buying chocolates at the store
Watch the pretty sales girl help him wondering who the candy is for
Its a beautiful picture you see
To fall for someone you meet
In a tale as old as time
Who is gonna make her mine
Look at the lonely lover boy picking out a brand new shirt
Listen to the pretty seamstress girl make a little effort to flirt
She’s a casual girl you see
just the way she likes to be
In a tale as old as time
Who is gonna make her mine
Lonely lover boy
Lonely boy
Lonely lover boy
Lonely boy
Look at the lonely lover boy
Walk right up to her front door
Tells her all the things that he’s wanted to say
Gets a case of heartache once more
He’s a solitary boy you see
Just the way he’s chosen to be
In a tale as old as time
Who is gonna make her mine
He’s a solitary boy you see
Just the way he’s chosen to be
Karen: That’s beautiful! You learned that all by yourself? What a talent. Wait! I just thought of something.
(Karen rushes to her office and makes a phone call)
Karen: Yes, Public Defender’s Office...Hello, Bob? ... This is Karen Hope case manager... I’d like to testify on Belle’s behalf... No, she’s entitled to a jury trial. She has that right... Yes... Yes... O.K., but this time we’ll use a slightly different defense...Alright... Thanks Bob.
In the next scene Dennis Hood is testifying against Belle in a court hearing.
Dennis: ...Yes. As I have stated before Belle is simply not capable of handling or caring for herself in standard society.
Prosecuting Attorney: Thank you, Mr. Hood. No further questions your honor.
Public Defender: No further questions your honor. The defense calls to the witness stand Miss Karen Hope.
(Karen approaches the stand and is sworn in)
Public Defender: Miss Hope, how long have you been treating you’re client Belle O’Brien?
Karen: For approximately six months now.
Public Defender: And in those six months, have you noticed any significant progress in Belle’s behavior?
Karen: Yes. True, when I first met her, she was violent and delusional, but Belle has always had an exceptionally brilliant mind: creative, insightful and enlightening. I took her case personally and worked with her myself. Since then, she has become medicine compliant, far less agitated, she’s learned how to deal with her voices and is showing signs of taking direction in her life. She’s really become quite a young lady. In fact, I think her musical talents could prove an asset to any community. Otherwise, we could be throwing away a Beethoven.
Public Defender: Does Belle have a place to go?
Karen: Yes, I’ve made arrangements with Pop’s Guest Home in the LA county area. Dr. Marco has agreed to continue treatment with her there.
Public Defender: No further questions you’re honor.
Prosecuting Attorney: Miss Hope, musicians are a dime a dozen. Don’t you think Belle is being a little delusional to think she could be a singer?
Public Defender: Objection your honor. Karen has already established that Belle will be cared for. A line of occupation would be secondary.
Judge Channey: Objection sustained.
Karen: There has often been the argument, what if we aborted an Einstein, a Di Vinci...
Attorney: Objection your honor. This is completely off the issue.
Judge: Objection sustained.
Karen: As I was saying, it may very well be that we are hiding a great talent from our society and that, your honor, would be a big tragedy.
Attorney: But there are hundreds of musicians starving to make ends meat.
Karen: Not like Belle.
Attorney: No further questions your honor.
Public Defender: It seems as though somehow Belle’s talent has become quite an issue in this case. The defense would like to call to the stand Miss Belle O’Brien.
I would like to present as evidence to the judge and jury Belle and her guitar.
Attorney: Objection your honor. This is completely unruly. I don’t see how this will lead us anywhere.
Judge: Objection overruled. I’d like to hear the girl sing.
Public Defender: Belle, would you like to play us a song.
Belle: Yes sir.
(Belle begins to play her guitar and sing)
song The Cinnamon Tree(Belle)
Chords: D C G
Little bird, little bird
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
Little bird
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
Little bird, little bird
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
Do you remember?
Marlon Brando, Pocahontas and me?
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
Little bird, little bird
In the cinnamon tree
in the cinnamon tree
in the cinnamon tree
Little bird
In the cinnamon tree
in the cinnamon tree
in the cinnamon tree
Under the boardwalk
Walking down Venice Beach
He took my hand, held me and he kissed me
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
Do you remember
Kennedy, Roosevelt and me
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
Malcolm X, Miss Jane Pittman, Martin Luther King
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
Do you remember
Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and me
Jimi Hendrix, John Belushi, Janis Joplin and me
In the cinnamon tree
God bless America
God bless American me
Do you remember?
Andy Koffman, Lenny Bruceand me
In the cinnamon tree
God bless America
God bless American me
In the cinnamon tree
God bless America
God bless American me
In the cinnamon tree
God bless America
Land of the free
Little bird, little bird
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
Little bird
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
In the cinnamon tree
(Belle wins the hearts of the judge and jury)
Judge: Has the jury reached a verdict
Juror: The jury has reached a verdict. The people of California declare Bell O’Brien legally free.
Judge: Is this what you want Belle?
Belle: Yessiree!
(Belle excited runs over and hugs Karen.)
Karen: I’ve found placement for you here in LA county. You can go now and pack your bags. You can take the guitar with you. I’ll arrange for a taxi to take you home. Goodbye Belle. Have a good life.
Belle: But won’t I see you again?
Karen: You’re on your own now kid. Remember what you’ve learned and use it well. Don’t forget to take your medicines! Oh and Dr. Marco will still be treating you.
Belle: This is goodbye?
Karen: Yes Belle.
Belle: But you’re my friend.
Karen: I’ve done what I can to help you. What’s a friend for?
(Karen begins to sing)
song What a Friend is For(Karen)
(scenes flash of Belle packing her bags and moving into her new home.)
Chords: D Am C G
Bridge: C G Am C G
Every time I see you smile
Every time I hear you cry
When whispers dance in time
With glitter in your eyes
I’ve walked for endless years
With laughter and soft tears
Waiting only just to hear
Your voice speaking gently near
And tell me, tell me Lord
Won’t you tell me, tell me Lord
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
At first there was the word
and the word became flesh
But dear lady have you heard
The Christ child loves you best
And all the heavens told
of angels lay at rest
My heart in you bestows
In my soul you are my guest
And tell me, tell me Lord
Won’t you tell me, tell me Lord
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
And time it passes by
For those who must rely
I can see it in your eyes
Young lady hear my cry
And tell me, tell me Lord
Won’t you tell me, tell me Lord
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
What a friend is for
In the next scene, Belle is introduced to her new room at Pop’s guest home.
Pops: Hello, welcome to the guest home. Your name is Belle?
Belle: Yes sir
Pops: Oh, I see you have a guitar. We have a musician in the house now.
Belle: When do I get to see Karen?
Pops: Miss Hope? She only works through the hospital, but Dr. Marco comes here. He’ll be checking up on you. Here, this is you’re room. That’s Cindy on the other bed. She’ll be you’re new roommate.
Belle: Hi Cindy!
(Cindy looks at Belle and says nothing.)
Pops: O.K. stay tidy. Dinner is a 4:30 p.m.
(Pops leaves the room)
Narrator: Belle moved into Pop’s Guest Home, but she took the loss of her friend hard. Her voices came back louder and louder. She began panhandling and begging for money again, walking the streets aimlessly, riding the bus frequently often not knowing or caring where she was going like the crazy old lady who just got on the bus and rode and rode and rode...
voice: She tricked you! She doesn’t care about you! Look at you now! Lost! You can’t handle it and you know it tramp.
voice 2: You’re lost! You’re lost and you know it! You’re crazy and you’re lost and I’m gonna get you my little pretty. Hee Hee Hee
voice 3: You can’t play! You can’t sing and I’m gonna kick your butt forever!
(Belle screams)
Belle: No!!!
(Pops opens the door.)
Pops: Is something wrong? I heard screaming.
Belle: no sir.
song Where do all the Lonely Go?
(scenes of Belle wandering the streets, riding the bus, pan handling and coming home late at night)
You said that you would be the one
You only lead to heartache
I thought that you were number one
such a foolish mistake
Now I’m all alone
I don’t have a home
Walking like a stranger in a danger zone
And all I want to know
is where do all the lonely go?
Got tickets to the show
Only tales of heartache
Only the lonely know
living in a world of sadness
how far it has to go
before it turns to madness
Its a fight till the end
I’m never gonna win
‘cause your love stops where mine begins
And all I want to know
is where do all the lonely go?
Got tickets to the show
Only tales of heartache
In the next scene, Dr. Marco is discussing Belle’s case with Pops in Pops’ office.
Pops: She seems like a sweet girl to me. She just has problems like everybody else.
Dr. Marco: She’s digressing and getting worse. She walks the streets at night all by herself. This is LA, that’s dangerous for her and the bus driver says she just gets on and rides all day not caring about where she’s going. I don’t think its working out for her here.
Pops: You’re not saying...
Dr. Marco: I think we should send her back.
Pops: Let’s at least give her one more chance, some time to settle in. She’ll do better. I know she will.
Dr. Marco: Alright, but one more chance.
In the next scene Belle standing outside of a club where she hears folk music playing. She walks in. On the stage is a tall dark haired man with a black hat on singing.
song Sweet Marie(Woody Black)
(Belles eyes glitter as she watches him sing)
Chords: D G
Chorus: Em G D G D
Well I seen her walkin’ through the park one day
I tried to walk near her, but she walked away
So I gathered up my thoughts of what I was going to say
She said to save it for another day
And I’m waitin’ around
for Sweet Marie
Sweet Maria, Sweet Marie
Sweet Maria, Sweet Marie
I followed her home. She said that was fine
We laid in her bed and we drank some wine
I said, “Maria someday I’d like to make you mine”
She said, “Woody oh Woody, I ain’t got the time”
And I’m waitin’ around for Sweet Marie
Sweet Maria, Sweet Marie
Sweet Maria, Sweet Marie
Well I seen her prayin’ at the church one day
And as I looked at her my dreams just flew away
She’s like an angel of heaven’s grace
And I am the mortal, out of place
And I’m waitin’ around for Sweet Marie
Sweet Maria, Sweet Marie
Sweet Maria, Sweet Marie
And I’m waitin’ around
for Sweet Marie.
(Belle huddles through the crowd to get a closer look)
Belle:Who is he?
Stranger: That’s Woody Black up there.
girl: He’s the best.
Woody: Night y’all
(Red, the owner of the pub, starts screaming at Woody)
Red: What is this? Eight songs only? Get back up there now! I want a full set.
Woody: But I don’t have anymore rehearsed.
Red: Get back up there now!
Woody: Sorry Red, I already played.
Red: No pay!
(a timid voice comes from within the silent crowd.)
Belle: I can do it.
(Woody walks over to Belle)
Woody: What’s your name girl?
Belle: Belle
Woody: How many songs do you have?
Belle: over 50
(Woody hands Belle his guitar and takes the microphone)
Woody: ladies and gentlemen Miss Liberty Belle.
(Belle looks around the crowd nervously and stares.)
Woody: Go on girl!
(Belle sings)
song Johnny B. Good Are You Gonna Take Me Out Tonight? (Belle)
Chords: G C D
Chorus: C G D
I’m sitting at home and I’m waiting for the phone to ring
Cause love is just a feeling and feelings are special things
And I love to get that feeling that I get when Johnny sings
So Johnny B. Good are you gonna take me out tonight?
Cause love is just a feeling and I know that this is feeling right
Johnny B. Good are you gonna take me out tonight?
And hold me in your arms, come on Johnny hold me tight
Johnny B. Good are you gonna take me out tonight?
Beneath the evening stars shining out a starry light
Johnny’s at the club and he’s hustling and shooting pool
And all the girls around him think he’s so very cool
But he’s a good soul cause he follows the golden rule
So Johnny B. Good are you gonna take me out tonight?
Cause love is just a feeling and I know that this is feeling right
Johnny B. Good are you gonna take me out tonight?
And hold me in your arms, come on Johnny hold me tight
Johnny B. Good are you gonna take me out tonight?
Beneath the evening stars shining out a starry light
Its eight p.m. and the time keeps passing by
I’m gonna love you Johnny, gonna love you till the day I die
And if you don’t call, I’m gonna break down and cry.
So Johnny B. Good are you gonna take me out tonight?
Cause love is just a feeling and I know that this is feeling right
Johnny B. Good are you gonna take me out tonight?
And hold me in your arms, come on Johnny hold me tight
Johnny B. Good are you gonna take me out tonight?
Beneath the evening stars shining out a starry light
Johnny be good to me tonight
Johnny be good to me tonight
Johnny be, Johnny be, Johnny be good tonight
Johnny be, Johnny be, Johnny be good tonight
Johnny be good to me tonight
Johnny be good to me tonight
(Improve and fade)
(The crowd cheers. Belle finishes the set for Woody and hands him back his guitar. The pub closes up for the night. Woody and Belle are talking outside the pub.)
Belle: Liberty Bell?
Woody: That was all I could think of at the moment. Besides you have that all American apple pie look to you anyway.
voice: If he only knew
Woody: Say, you looking for work?
Belle:Doing what?
Woody: Singing and playing of course Belle: Where? When?
Woody: Meet me at McClanahan’s tomorrow night. From now on you’ll be my opening act. You get 40% of what we make
Belle: How much is that?
Woody: A little less than half. Lets just say it pays better than McDonald’s.
Belle: Is Woody you’re real name?
Woody: No, actually its Howard, but I didn’t think that anyone would want to hear Howard Levewitz play folk music.
Belle: How did you come up with the name Woody Black?
Woody: Well, for one thing I always where a black hat.
Belle: What about the name Woody?
Woody: I took the name from my favorite song writer, Woody Guthrie.
Belle:I learned to play guitar from a Woody Guthrie song book.
Woody: Hey, we have a lot in common.
(Belle smiles.)
Belle: Yeah
Woody: Oh well, I guess its time to say goodnight.
Belle: Yeah
Woody: Bye
Belle: Yeah... Bye
(Woody walks away)
(Belle walks home in the moonlight alone.)
song Every Time You Say Goodbye(Belle)
Chords: Am D G F G Am F G C Am F G Am
Bridge: F G C F G Am F G D Am F G Am
End: F G F E D C
Every time I look away from you
I feel the scars of my heart begin to bloom
Its like a sudden inspiration that makes me wonder why
Every time you say goodbye
Somehow I can’t see it all come true
From the way that I love you like I do
Its just a subtle inclination that tells me not to try
Every time you say goodbye
And love to me is fairytale
Told by those who know
Tell me just once you love me too
before you have to go
Every time I’m standing next to you
I feel afraid of what I’m about to do
Its just a certain situation that makes me want to cry
Every time you say goodbye
Every time you say goodbye
Narrative: Belle went to work for Woody and they made a fine pair of performers, Belle opening the show cheering the crowd on and Woody as the main act as they slowly made a growing name as Woody Black and Liberty Belle.
song Jambalaya (on the Bayou) (Woody)
copyright Fred Rose Music
Chords: C G
Goodbye Joe, me got to go, me oh my oh
Me gotta pole the pig-rogue on the bayou
My Yvonne, sweetest one, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
Cause tonight I’m gonna see my cher amio
Pick guitar, full fruit jar and be gayo
Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou
Thibodaux fountain deux, the place is buzzin
Dress in style and go hog-wild, me oh my oh
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
Cause tonight I’m gonna see my cher amio
Pick guitar, full fruit jar and be gayo
Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou
Settle down from the town, get me a pig-rogue
And I’ll catch all the fish on the bayou
Swap my mom to buy Yvonne
What she need-o
Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
Cause tonight I’m gonna see my cher amio
Pick guitar, full fruit jar and be gayo
Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou
(Scenery of Woody and Belle going from club to club in the city singing, dancing and performing live shows.)
(As the song ends, The scene shows Belle on stage in Red’s Pub dressed as Charlie Chaplin.)
Woody: Ladies and Gentlemen Miss Liberty Belle.
song King of the Road(Belle)
copyright Tree Publishing Co, inc.
Chords: C F G
Trailer for sail or rent, rooms to let fifty cent
No phone, no pool, no pets
I ain’t got no cigarettes
But two hours of pushing broom
Buys an eight by ten four bit room
I’m a man of means by no means
King of the road
I know every engineer on every train
All of the children and all of their names
Every hand out in every town
And every lock that ain’t locked when no ones around
I sing
Third boxcar midnight train, destination Banglor Maine
Old worn out suit and shoes. I don’t pay no union dues.
I smoke old stogies I have found, short but not to big around.
I’m a man of means by no means
King of the road
I know every engineer on every train
All of the children and all of their names
Every hand out in every town
And every lock that ain’t locked when no ones around
I sing
Trailer for sail or rent, rooms to let fifty cent
No phone, no pool, no pets
I ain’t got no cigarettes
But two hours of pushing broom
Buys an eight by ten four bit room
I’m a man of means by no means
King of the road
(as the scene ends the crowd cheers Belle)
In the next scene, Dr. Marco and Pops are discussing Belle’s activities in the office at the group home.
Dr. Marco:She’s out all night in bars! Doing what?
Pops: She’s working.
Dr. Marco: What is she doing? Selling beer?
Pops: No, she’s singing.
Dr. Marco: We can’t have her out all night in bars! That’s a completely unhealthy environment for her. First of all, if she’s drinking...
Pops: She doesn’t drink, she sings and plays guitar. She’s really quite good.
Dr. Marco: And out all night?
Pops: But Dr. she’s so happy. Give her a chance. Let her enjoy herself a little. She’s been in that institution for so long.
Dr. Marco: No! Absolutely not! This is just the kind of behavior I was afraid of. I should have never listened to Karen in the first place. Get Belle now!
(Belle enters the room)
Pops: Oh, she’s right here.
Dr. Marco: What is this I hear about these late night escapades young lady?
Belle: I sing at night in the clubs. I’m not doing anything wrong. Me and Woody...
Dr. Marco: Do you realize how unhealthy this is for you, the bars, lack of sleep, what about your medications?
Belle: I take my medicines. You don’t understand...
Dr. Marco: Belle we simply can’t have this. Starting this evening we are going to enforce a curfew. You are to be in the house by 7 p.m. daily.
Belle: But I...
Dr. Marco: But nothing. You are to be in the house by seven or I will write the order for you to return to the state facility.
Belle: That’s not fair! I didn’t do anything wrong!
Dr. Marco: Young lady, are you not hearing a word I say. Its simply unhealthy behavior.
Belle: No! I’m just working with Woody!
Dr. Marco: You tell this Woody character that you are no longer working in bars all night. If you wish to work, there’s plenty of work to be done around here!
Belle: No, that’s not right!
Dr. Marco: Do you want to go back to the hospital?
Belle: No, that’s not fair! I have the right to...
Dr. Marco: To what? Run around all night in bars with your boyfriend?
(Belle starts to cry)
Belle: I’m just singing. I’m not hurting anybody.
Dr. Marco: You’ve heard your options. What is your choice? Do you want to go back?
Belle: no
Dr. Marco: Alright then, you go tell your boyfriend that you are not going to be running around in bars with him any more.
Belle: Its not like that.
Dr. Marco: Good day Belle!
(Belle leave the room in tears. She walks down to Red’s Pub trying to dry her eyes. As she enters the Pub, Red greets her with a dozen red roses and sits her at a table.)
Red: Woody’s been waiting for you.
Belle: Why?
Red: For a special performance of Mr. Woody Black for Miss Liberty Belle.
(Woody comes from the back room with a guitar and sings for Belle.)
song All of my Love (Woody)
Chords: D Am C D
All of my love
All of my soul
All of my waiting mends me whole
All that I am
All that I feel
All that I ever wish to be
Listen as I sing to you
Girl I love the way you do
You know I love you
I know this is true
All that I want
All that I need
All that I ever hope to see
Now I play my song for you
A gift of love from me to you
The things that I could never say or do
All of my dreams
All the night’s stars
When nature sings I know who she sings for
Listen as I sing to you
Girl I love the way you do
You know I love you
I know this is true
Now I play my song for you
A gift of love from me to you
The things that I could never say or do
All that I love
All we can be
All that I wish for us to be
Belle: That’s beautiful, but I have something to tell you.
Woody: I do too and I just can’t hold it in any longer. Belle I love you and I want to marry you. (Woody hands her a ring.) Belle O’Brien will you marry me?
Belle: No! I can’t!
Woody: I see.
Belle: Its not that Woody.
Woody: I understand. I guess, I should have told you sooner.
Belle: No Woody, you see I...
Woody: Then why?
song I Belong Alone(Belle)
]
Chords: G Em Am C
Don’t ever get me wrong
Love is like a song
Love is just a feeling
And I
I belong alone
feelings are so strong
It is just the way of things
And you
You will just go on
Love is just a song
Love is just an empty dream
Don’t get me wrong
Its just a song
Its just the words I sing
I will go on singing my song
(faster and louder)
Love isn’t everything
So
Don’t ever get me wrong
Love is like a song
Love is just a feeling
And I
I belong alone
feelings are so strong
It is just the way of things
And you
You will just go on
Love is just a song
Love is just an empty dream
Don’t get me wrong
Its just a song
Its just the words I sing
I will go on singing my song
(slower and softer)
Love isn’t everything
So don’t
ever get me wrong
I belong alone
Love is just a feeling
for you.
Belle: Goodbye Woody.
Woody: Goodbye Belle.
Red: That’s one heck of a girl you have there Woody.
Woody: She is.
Red: Why so sad?
Woody: She said no, Red.
Red: What did you say to her?
Woody: I said goodbye.
song I Said Goodbye (Woody)
Chords: D Am C G
Chorus C G D
At times she’s like a gentle thing that pieces out like rain
In the whole of a fresh made music
And then I cry a lullaby before I go insane
Does it matter that I’ve already seen it?
I said goodbye and she’s walking out the door
The memories of chastity beneath the summer stars
Inhibition, but we could never free it
And drift away into a place so close so far apart
We could be lovers, but we’ll never see it
I said goodbye and she’s walking out the door
And love at times is like a crime that steals a good man’s heart
Its a music, but I don’t want to hear it
The destined fate of love and hate that seems like we’re at war
That may be your thing, but I don’t want to feel it
I said goodbye and she’s walking out the door
I said goodbye and she’s walking out the door
I said goodbye and she’s walking out the door
Woody: What do you got for a cowboy who’s tired of singing the blues?
(Red sighs and shakes his head)
Red: Don’t be that way Woody.
Woody: But... I really feel for her red
Red: I know, we’ve all been there
Woody: You too?
Red: Let me see your guitar.
Woody: You play Red?
Red:I have had my days on the stage
Woody:Why didn’t you ever tell me
Red:Things happened, I don’t like to talk much about thats
Woody:A woman?
Red: Shh! Listen!
Love as Love Comes(Red)
Chords: C G F G
Bridge: C G Am G
End: C G F G F G F G F G C
When I kissed her I felt majesty delight
What is wrong and what is right
So I told her in a simple poem song
How we longed to share the night
Then I called her on a public telephone
I heard her say, “I’m not home”
As a cowboy sings a sad love song
What its like to be alone
Listen to my story, listen closely son
Don’t be fooled by the wrong
Girlfriends come as girlfriends go along
Love as love comes
When I met her she was but a homeless girl
Lost to the world
And so I gave her that I wished to give a lot
And our love was like a knot
Tied and bonded strong withheld by our God
Was the nature of our love
Then she said she loved me, how she loved me so
And then she left me alone
Listen to my story, listen closely son
Don’t be fooled by the wrong
Girlfriends come as girlfriends go along
Love as love comes
And so I found the secret to my sad sad song
What it means to get along
The Good Lord tells us we must love everyone
As if they were our very own
So listen to my story, listen closely son
Don’t be fooled by the wrong
Life comes and life passes along
But love as love comes
Yes love as love comes
Yes love as love comes
Yes love as love comes
Narrative: Time passed and Belle and Woody just about seemed to forget each other.
(Scenery of the seasons, Spring, Summer, Fall and finally Winter.)Belle worked hard around the guest home mopping, washing dishes, cooking and doing laundry. But when memories came, they were both heart broken.
song In the Heat of a Troubled Heart (Woody)
Chords: A D A E
He said,
She’s gone to your head
and I don’t want to hear it anymore
I know that she had to go
But I can’t seem to make it to the door
In the heat of a troubled heart
There’s a sunshine smiling my way
and the rain washes me clean
Says tomorrow’s gonna be sunny day
I said, I want to be wed
and I just want to love you till the end
She said, You’re lost in your head
And I don’t think that we can still be friends
In the heat of a troubled heart
There’s a sunshine smiling my way
and the rain washes me clean
Says tomorrow’s gonna be sunny day
I see I’ve got to be free
to be the man that I was meant to be
I know that she had to go
and heartache is the key to freedom’s door
In the heat of a troubled heart
There’s a sunshine smiling my way
and the rain washes me clean
Says tomorrow’s gonna be sunny day
In the heat of a troubled heart
There’s a sunshine smiling my way
and the rain washes me clean
Says tomorrow’s gonna be sunny day
Narrative: Then one night, Belle just got plain fed up.
(Belle throws down her mop, runs to her room, and appears in Red’s Pub dressed as a cowgirl. Woody is on stage tuning his guitar and preparing for his act. Johnny Cash is in the pub hidden in the crowd, speaking to his agent.)
Agent: We’ll call it the Johnny Cash All American Christmas Carol Live at the Grand Old Opry. They’ll love it. I even think we can get Garthe Brooks.
Johnny Cash: Wait a minute now! Why get such a big name performer?
Agent: Because it sells.
Johnny Cash: But this should be about Christmas, not money.
Agent: Well we could get Kenny Rogers or Willie Nelson.
Johnny Cash: Why don’t try someone less known, an up and coming singer, someone that represent good old fashioned American values.
(Woody spots Belle in the audience and becomes ecstatic. He motions for her to come to the stage. Belle enthusiastically runs up. Red notices and takes the microphone.)
Red: We have a special treat for you tonight, Woody Black and ladies and gentlemen Miss Liberty Belle.
(The crowd cheers.)
song California Boys Don’t Go Chasin’ On Cowgirls(duet)
Chords: E Am E E Am Bm
Chorus: E A Bm E A Bm7
(Woody)
Honky tonk town down on southern ground
Sally
Blonde and creamy hair, she was dancin there smooth
Walked up to the bar, bought a soda pop friendly
Sally start to swing her hair singin the Louisiana blues
(Belle)
California boys don’t go chasin on cowgirls
You ain’t dancin cause you ain’ t movin your feet
California boys don’t belong at a hodown
You’d be better off walkin on down the beach
(Woody)
Sally was serious, made me delirious, crazy
Didn’t have boots, just my worn out tennis shoes
She kept singin on. I was feelin down, lazy
Couldn’t take my eyes off her country style baby blues
(Belle)
California boys don’t go chasin on cowgirls
You ain’t dancin cause you ain’ t movin your feet
California boys don’t belong at a hodown
You’d be better off walkin on down the beach
(Woody)
Had to take a chance so I tried to dance
Sally
Sally hung low and then she broke the news
(Belle)
California boys don’t go chasin on cowgirls
You ain’t dancin cause you ain’ t movin your feet
California boys don’t belong at a hodown
You’d be better off walkin on down the beach
No, California boys don’t go chasin on cowgirls
You’d be better off walkin on down the beach
Ain’t no southern crowd like no beach boys no how
I got six brothers so you’d better start movin your feet.
Johnny Cash: Are you thinking what I’m thinking
Agent: What?
Johnny Cash: Get that girl!
(Its late in the evening and Woody and Belle are putting away their instruments. Johnny Cash and his agent walk up to Belle.)
Johnny Cash: Hello Belle
Belle: Hello sir
Johnny Cash: Do you know who I am?
Belle: No sir.
Woody: Oh my gosh! Belle, that’s Johnny Cash, he’s one of the biggest country singers of all time.
Belle: You guys are teasing me.
Agent: I’m afraid not. Your boyfriend there’s right. That there’s Johnny Cash.
Belle: Oh. Why do you want to talk to me?
Johnny Cash: Well Miss Liberty Belle...
Belle: You can call me Belle...
Johnny Cash: Alright then. Belle, How would you like to in a concert on TV for the whole country?
Belle: Really, I’d love to, but... I don’t know.
Johnny Cash: Do you believe in the American dream?
Belle: What do you mean?
Johnny Cash: That this is a land of freedom, to be whatever you want to be, wherever you want to be. Miss Belle, you have a great talent that can share with people and I want to give that chance in your country, the land of opportunity.
Belle: I want to, but I think I should ask my doctor?
Johnny Cash: Your doctor?
Belle: I’m schizophrenic, God blessed.
Johnny Cash: Well we all have our problems Belle. Listen, you ask your doctor and I’ll leave my number. You can think about it, give me a call and tell me what you come up with.
Belle: Alright Johnny Cash
(Johnny Cash and his agent leave the pub. Belle starts talking to herself and crying.)
Woody: What’s wrong Belle?
Belle: I’m schizophrenic, crazy. I come from bad places.
Woody: Don’t worry about it. Its like Johnny Cash said, we all have our problems. In a way we’re all a little crazy or as you put it “God blessed.”
Belle: I don’t know if I can do it.
Woody: I know and I know you can.
Belle: But the crowd, the cameras, the TV
Woody: Belle you’re getting a chance that most musicians only dream of. I don’t think I’ve told you enough that you are in my heart with love. I want to be in yours. Try to think of me when you’re up there singing in that concert and maybe our love will keep you strong. I can’t make this decision for you, but I think you should do it.
(Belle goes to the phone and calls him.)
Belle: I’ll do it Johnny.
Christmas Eve
Bell is in her dressing room, screaming, laughing, talking to herself and going berserk. She begins to have crying spells followed by delirium. She continues talking to somebody, but no one is in the room, then crawls into the corner and sits in the fetal position crying. Outside the agent and producer are talking to Johnny Cash.
Agent: We can’t send her out like that Johnny. She’s too far gone. You’re just going to have to do the show solo.
Producer: He’s right Johnny. She can’t hack it. She’s falling apart. It would be better for our sake and for hers if we just leave her alone
Agent: I thought it was a bad idea to begin with.
(Johnny Cash remains calm, raises his hand and walks to the dressing room. He opens the door. Belle is rapidly moving her head around the room.)
Johnny Cash: Miss Belle, I know you’re afraid and I ain’t to good at speeches or nothin, but I thought this might help.
(Johnny Cash motions outside the room and in walks Karen Hope. Bell shouts with joy.)
Belle: Karen!
(She runs to her and the two embrace.)
Johnny Cash: Talk to her mam.
(Johnny Cash leaves the room)
Belle: Karen take me home! Take me back to the hospital place. Its too scary here and everybody’s strange and Woody wants to marry me and that man wants me to sing in a concert. Take me home Karen. Karen, I’m scared!
Karen: Belle, I know you’re afraid. You always have been. Its a very big world and its everything you dreamt it would be and you are everything you dreamt and wanted to be. You can go back to that hospital and hide away forever, but would that make you happy? Or you can go out there and sing like you’ve never sung before and show to the world that a woman with your kind of problems can be somebody. Show them Belle O’Brien. Show them Liberty Belle. Remember Belle, you’re God blessed.
(outside the room Johnny Cash talks to his agent and producer.)
Johnny Cash: She’ll do fine.
Announcer: Welcome the Johnny Cash All American Christmas Carol Live from the Grand Ol’ Opry. Ladies and Gentlemen Johnny Cash.
(Johnny Cash walks to the center stage.)
Johnny Cash: Hello everybody
(the crowd applauds)
Johnny Cash: Tonight I have a special Christmas present for America, someone we can all listen to and learn from and I’ll be darned if she ain’t the prettiest thing this side of the Mississippi.
(Johnny Cash looks to the left of the stage, then nods)
Johnny Cash: Laidies and gentlemen Miss Liberty Belle.
(Belle slowly walks to the center stage with her guitar wearing a fringe white jacket and shiny blue pants. The crowd becomes silent. She sits down on a chair, plays with the microphone and tunes a string on her guitar. As she looks at the people and the cameras, she breathes heavy and rapidly moves her head and lips. The crowd becomes restless and chatters. Karen and Woody stand to the left of the curtain worrying.)
Karen: Come on Belle! Belle!
Woody: This doesn’t look good!
(Belle turns to her right and starts speaking as if someone is there.)
Woody: Oh no!
Karen: Belle! No!
(Belle is on stage talk to a voice. The crowd becomes upset.)
Belle: Who are you?
voice: I’m the first angel
Belle: What’s you’re name?
(The crowd is stunned, wondering what she’s doing)
voice: I don’t have a name, the first angels didn’t have names.
Belle: What do you want with me?
voice: I want you to sing
(Johnny Cash begins to walk on stage and the producers motion the cameras)
Belle: Sing what?
voice: Christmas comes and the goose gets fat.
(Belle strums her guitar and starts to sing to the microphone. Slowly the crowd silences and listens.)
song Bells a Rattlin’ (Belle)
Chords: A D A E
Christmas comes and the goose gets fat
and the poor man need a nickel in his hat
On the street is the Santa Clause
Collectin money for the Sally
He says its cause
There’ll be
Bells a rattlin, things a jinglin
songs to sing along, children playin on
Bells a rattlin, things a jinglin
songs to sing along, children playin on
When you give the gift of love
Its the mistletoe from the child of God
And the blessings go the ones who love
God bless us all, bless us everyone
With the
Bells a rattlin, things a jinglin
songs to sing along, children playin on
Bells a rattlin, things a jinglin
songs to sing along, children playin on
Bells a rattlin, things a jinglin
songs to sing along, children playin on
(The crowds cheers Belle.)
Woody: Yeah!
(Belle looks at Karen and smiles. Then starts to play again as she plays Johnny Cash walks onto the stage and joins her.)
song This Land is Your Land (Belle and Johnny Cash)
copyright Ludlow Music, Inc, NY, NY
Chords: G D A D
This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the red-wood forest to the gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me
As I was walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless sky way
I saw below me that golden valley
This land was made for you and me
I’ve roamed and rambled and followed my footsteps
to the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
and all around me a voice was sounding
This land was made for you and me
This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the red-wood forest to the gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me
(The crowd claps along and gives a standing ovasion)
Johnny Cash: Merry Christmas America!
Narrative: Woody and Belle got married and their careers flourish, making folk music, videos and concert performances. They bought a ranch in Northern California and lived happily ever after with frequent visits from their good friend Karen Hope.
(The closing scene shows a large concert hall with Belle on stage.)
Speaker: Ladies and gentlemen Miss Liberty Belle
(credits)
closing song Do You Still Believe in Love (Belle)
Chords: F C G
Bridge: F G C
Chorus: G C G F G C G C
Watch the young man with the broken heart walking all alone
Takes a twenty to the psychic’s house asks her what she knows
Walks away with pleasant smile and a gentle touch of hope
Tell me young man with your heart of stone and your gypsy fortune told
Do you still believe in love?
Yes I do, Yes I do
Do you still believe in love?
Yes I do
Watch the poor man with the beggar’s hat sitting on a stone
Takes a dollar to the market place gambles on his own
Walks away with a pleasant smile and a gentle touch of hope
Tell me poor man without a home and your daily pick of Lotto
Do you still believe in love?
Yes I do, Yes I do
Do you still believe in love?
Yes I do
Watch the rich man on the traffic street waiting to get home
Makes a call to the stock broker. Which way did his stock go?
Drives along with a pleasant smile and a gentle touch of hope
Tell me rich man with your fancy car and your cellular telephone
Do you still believe in love?
Yes I do, Yes I do
Do you still believe in love?
Yes I do
And I ask with the good Lord’s grace and the smile on your handsome face
Do I still believe in love?
Yes I do, Yes I do
Do I still believe in love?
Yes I do, Yes I do
Do you still believe in love?
Yes I do
The End.
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