Posted on February 5, 2014 at 9:03 pm

The Picture Show

FRANKIE EPPS
Well, hey sunshine!

MARY PHAGAN
Sunshine? Looks like rain to me.

FRANKIE
(pulling on her hair ribbon)
Not in here, it don’t.

MARY
Why, Frankie Epps! Quit that, you hear?

FRANKIE
What? I ain’t doin’ anything!
I’m gonna go to the picture show
There’s a movie I’ve got to see.
You know the one called “The Silver Gun” –
Well, I been watching since Chapter Three!
I can’t wait – It’s at eight,
And I was wondering: if you’re free…

MARY
Go on, go on, go on, go on,
You know my mama’d never let me till I turn sixteen.
Go on, go on, go on, go on,
Besides, I only go to pictures that I haven’t seen.

FRANKIE
When do you turn sixteen?

MARY
Two years from next June.

FRANKIE
Too bad about your Mama.

MARY
Too bad for you.

FRANKIE
I know a spot near McConnach’s lot
Where you can see the parade real clear.
I got a book – wanna take a look? –
Called “The Thief and the Brigadier.”
I got gum – you want some?

MARY
I haven’t chewed gum for a year.

FRANKIE
Go on, go on, go on, go on,
I bet your mama’d let me take you to the picture show.

MARY
Go on, go on, go on, go on,
I guess you weren’t really listenin’ when I said “No!”
Why not ask Iola Stover?
Her mama lets her do whatever she wants.

FRANKIE
I was hopin’ I could go with you.

MARY
Go on, ask Iola Stover –
Her mama lets her see whoever she wants.

FRANKIE
Well, maybe I will.

MARY
I hope you do.

FRANKIE
Where you goin’?

MARY
To the factory. I didn’t get my pay this week.

FRANKIE
Okay. I’ll see you at the parade.

MARY
Or at the picture show.

FRANKIE
What? I thought your Mama wouldn’t let you.

MARY
She will with Essie and Betty Jean. Just not with you!

FRANKIE
Bye, Sunshine!
Go on, go on, go on, go on…

He spots someone in the crowd.

Why, Iola!  You goin’ to the pictures tonight?